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The Devil's Outlaws #1

Only The Strong

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When I went out with my friends, I never thought I would run into a member of The Devil's Outlaws MC and practically beg him to take me home with him. I also never thought that I would gain a stalker as well. When my newfound stalker assaults the handsy man from the night before; the Outlaws take me in like a lost puppy. Unfortunately for me, Callum is hard to resist, so we make some rules. Catch my stalker, keep me from being un-alived, and don't catch any feelings.

I guess we'll see which rule falls through first.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2022

75 people are currently reading
812 people want to read

About the author

Bethany Dawn

10 books44 followers
Bethany Dawn is a wife and mother to two beautiful girls, one furry and the other human. She loves food, finding beautiful places wherever she goes, and reading. She's always had a vivid imagination and loved to create things, so she finally took the plunge to start writing. She hopes you stick around for the journey.

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5 stars
124 (42%)
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110 (37%)
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43 (14%)
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12 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Bondedtobooks.
369 reviews56 followers
September 29, 2023
3⭐️
3🌶
▪️MC Romance
▪️MF Romance
▪️Stalker
I don't know why but I thought Reese was FBI the whole time. I was actually disappointed with who the stalker was and the ending. I was hoping for more twists and turns. Overall I still enjoyed this and didn't DNF it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for What.Nikki.Reads.
947 reviews69 followers
September 4, 2022
I received an arc of Only the Strong by Bethany Dawn

Boy this book, you guys!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Please review triggers and warnings before reading (she has a blurb in the beginning for you). This is about a motorcycle club so there are some graphic scenes.
Also this is *kinda* a happy ending. She calls it a happy for now. They are happy then the last second there is a twist for book 2 that is coming in January.

Reese is at a club when Callum see's a guy getting handsy with her and not getting the hint. Callum can't just sit by and watch. After saving the night Reese decides to let Callum give her a ride home on the back of his bike. A few days later Reese discovers she has a very serious stalker. Callum and The Devil's Outlaws decide it's their responsibility to watch over Reese. But can Callum protect her, catch her stalker and not get feelings for Reese?

I LOVED this book, both characters are extremely likeable, as well as many side characters. I was highlighting sooo many parts of this book. While it is definitely a romance there was also a thrill aspect with trying to catch and figure out who Reese's stalker is. Morally grey men are 🤤 and Callum definitely lives up to the hype. Go read this book
94 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars - and that’s being generous)

Spoilers ahead – read at your own risk.

Only the Strong by Bethany Dawn was predictable from the start. The story centers on an FMC who quickly falls into an "insta-lust" relationship with a biker dude clearly involved in criminal activity—he literally works for a gang supplying bullets to the mafia. Subtle, right?
What kept me reading was the mystery of the stalker… but even that payoff was underwhelming. It wasn’t a shock, and the tension around it barely held the book together.
What confused me more was the bizarre lack of emotional weight or connection to the ongoing background plot—women being kidnapped and killed. It’s barely acknowledged. A body literally shows up on a fridge (?!), and no one seems too concerned. There’s vague mention of a senator’s wife, so maybe these threads will continue in the next book, but here, the plot felt like an afterthought.
The writing could also use serious editing. Lines like “I buttoned my buttons,” “I nodded my head,” and the unforgettable “the week was long and it drug out” really took me out of the story. The prose just felt lazy and repetitive.
I gave it 2 stars only because the stalker plot, as thin as it was, at least intrigued me enough to finish the book. But I won’t be rushing to read the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emi Janisch.
47 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2022
This book was the most addictive thing I’ve read in forever. My first MC romance and I now want to make it my entire personality. This book has everything: witty banter, humor, relatable and realistic dialogue, relatable characters, mystery, fantastic spice, danger, protectiveness, everything.

I flew through this book. The writing was amazing and easy to follow. I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since I read it and I am so excited for the next one.

If you like spice, romance, badass guys and strong and sexy women, this is for you. It even has some stalker mystery vibes that keep the story so entertaining. I highly recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,366 reviews209 followers
January 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, it was so freaking good, way more than I thought it would be. Reese was such a bad*ss,she didn't let anyone boss her around and she went toe with toe with the guys if she needed to. She had guts and was so strong, she was willing to sacrifice her happiness just for the possibility that Callum would be safe, that shows how much she loved him. Callum was an amazing character, he appeared all gruff but was such a sweetheart to her, anything could happen to him but as long as he had Reese, he would be ok. These two loved each other so much and it was beautiful to watch. I hope all of the guys have books, I can't wait to read more about this world
Profile Image for ReadwithEmm.
99 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2022
I loved this read! I went into this read thinking it was just the usual romance read, but this was like a mystery romance and it was amazing! It was my first motorbike club read and I devoured it! I LOVED the male MC, he had me weak at the knees, the spice was perfect, not to much and written amazingly!
I plot twists continuously throughout kept me on my toes throughout. That ending left me wanting more and I NEED book 2 like yesterday!
Profile Image for Heather Douglas.
463 reviews19 followers
June 10, 2023
Can I become a Devil Outlaw because this MC sounds fantastic. I've read a few MC Romance novels and this one is different in the best way. Bethany does an amazing job showing the brotherhood behind motorcycle clubs and what it means to them. They are not always "criminals" but they will do anything for each other and will always have their back with awesome bikes of course.

Reese is just your average girl that's still broken from her ex. When she goes out with her friends, it was only to have a good time. But when a devilish man steps in to help her from someone who wouldn't take no for an answer, she throws all rules out the window. What was only meant to be a ride home turns into a one-night stand with everlasting memories.

Callum may look scary on the outside just because he's part of the Devil's Outlaws but in reality, he's golden retriever in my mind. After he dropped Reese home, he couldn't get her off his mind. No girl has had this effect on him since his ex. But when Reese ends up getting a pyscho stalker the Devil's Outlaws are right there to protect her with Callum leading the team. He was only meant to watch and protect her, but he forgot to protect his heart with her.

Their story was protective, sweet, sexy and spicy. Callum really is the perfect guy. He tried to be just friends with benefits with her but let's be honest, does that work out for anyone. They both kept denying their feelings for one another and when they finally admitted it, it was explosive. I loved how protective he was over Reese and how everyone could see what was going on but them. She really was his perfect pair, fitting in with the club and being able to handle everything thrown at her. They even helped each other heal from their past.

Thank you, Bethany Dawn & Twisted Fiction PR, for a copy of Only the Strong. You had me hooked right from the start and I can't wait to read the rest of the series now. I want more from the Outlaws and to be one of course. I'm still not over the heartache/scare you gave me and the cliffhanger, but the next book will help.
Profile Image for Vanessa Cavanaugh.
30 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2022
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Well, honestly... wow, wow, wow.

Bethany Dawn showed up to her debut with all the bells and whistles, let me tell you! First and foremost, I absolutely loved that Dawn was sure to include trigger warnings in the beginning of the book; this is something that I've seen happening recently, and I was grateful that they were included with this book. While I myself do not have any triggers, there were definitely some parts in the book that made these warnings necessary.

Another things that was so unique was the provided playlist at the beginning of the book. The tracks provided fit the story beautifully.

Now, onto the actual story: this book feels like Son's of Anarchy meets Noah and Allie in love meets all the spice your heart could wish for. Spice on spice on spice. The main female character, Reese, finds herself in a scary situation and ends up needing protection from a Motorcycle club where, you guessed it, she meets Calum aka Cale aka my newest book boyfriend.

Throughout the book you get the pleasure of following along on their journey, as well as learning about Callum's brotherhood with the motorcycle club and are introduced to some great characters along the way. Each character was described perfectly without being too in detail so that the reader can easily picture exactly what they look like, their mannerisms, their personality etc. There truly were moments of sadness, moments of laughter and moments of shock and yet none of it felt overwhelming or like it was too much.

This was a solid read, and I cannot wait for the next in the series!
Profile Image for Kylee.
109 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2023
📖Only The Strong By @bethanydawnauthor 📖
Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶

My Thoughts~ very enjoyable read this was actually my first ever book with the motorcycle club experience tied in and I feel like it was done really well, I love the story between these too, Reese was very set in her ways gave the sassy bad bish energy, someone that didn't put up with anyone telling her what she can an can't do and Callum was tender and protective, definitely morally grey but a scrumptious character. I loved the surrounding charters as well from the other club members to there woman, they were soo good.

Blurb
When I went out with my friends, I never thought I would run into a member of The Devil's Outlaws MC and practically beg him to take me home with him. I also never thought that I would gain a stalker as well. When my newfound stalker assaults the handsy man from the night before; the Outlaws take me in like a lost puppy. Unfortunately for me, Callum is hard to resist, so we make some rules. Catch my stalker, keep me from being un-alived, and don't catch any feelings.

I guess we'll see which rule falls through first.
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Thank you to @twistedfictionpr as well for a copy of the book 🖤
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🏷
#bookreader #bookpictures #bookseries #booksofinstagram #bookiesupport #booksbooksbooks #bookphotos #booklovers #booknerd #bookaholic📚 #bookpics #booktok #bookstagramfollowers #bookishfriendsunite #bookshelf #bookcomedy #bookrelease #bookreviewers #bookreviews
Profile Image for Are Vazquez.
101 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2023
DANGEROUS BUSINESS AFFAIRS,SECOND CHANCES, BIKER LOVE 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first I was not sure what I was diving into. Right of the back it was the cliche girl who had a cheating boyfriend and met a bad boy. But MAN WAS I WRONG!!! My first biker book and I instantly fell in love. Talk about SOA into a book 🥵. Reese is a young woman trying to live her life as best as she can after a crappy break-up. She goes and pushes her limits one night and does something she is not accustomed to. That same night she meets our bad boy hero Callum. He is part of a notorious biker group who are know for their illegal activities and feared for their ruthless reckless behavior. Their lives become intwined when a threat shows up to go after Reese. The club protects their own, and Reese’s friend is under their protection which also extends to Reese. Callum gets protective over a girl he just met, whom he had a fun time with and enjoyed…maybe a little too much? He gets involved closely with this protection job on Reese, he ends up spilling into his own personal job affairs. Will this threat bring Reese&Callum closer? Also threaten their club? Can Callum or Reese ever feel for another person and give love another chance?…Come find out in this nail bitting, page turning story!
dnf
July 30, 2023
dnf at 29%

i was pretty excited to read this book bc i was intrigued to see how they would do a MC book in washington. but it quickly became apparent the author had either never been to seattle or washington or didn’t do any research. I LOLed when the author described seattle as the “bay area of seattle” bc no one would describe seattle like that. they also described the water as the “bay”. its like they took whatever they knew about san francisco and just copy and pasted.

also the connection between Reese and Callum was so unbelievable to me. i felt no tension or desire from Reese towards Callum. her telling him to take her back to his place to hook up i felt came out of nowhere bc i didn’t seem like she was into him at all. the rest of the scenes felt the same.

and then Callum taking to her seattle and her sitting in on that meeting was so unbelievable. there is no way they would let an outsider listen to a meeting about club business. especially a woman who wasn’t an old lady.

Allie also helping out on cases for The Outlaws while she’s in the first year of law school also didn’t make sense.

it was like the author wrote this book without doing any actual research about anything.
Profile Image for kortnee.
113 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2022
I want to begin by say thing thank you to Bethany for allowing me the chance to read the ARC and for never giving up on your dreams! You go girl!

Now onto the book!
Where do I even start!

Reese is just minding her own business, working and doing her thing when someone starts to cause problems, notes and messages haunt her. Allie ( Reese’s best friend ) call for help…. The Devils outlaws. This leads into trying to find a stalker and finding love? A fling? Naw it’s just sex!

The character of the book are amazing and very strong! I love how Reese was so “shy” and seeing her blossom throughout the book! How can you not love her!

Callum is just wow, that mouth of his…. ( enough said)

This book over all is really good, I love the action/drama part to it… the spice was just right - not to much and not to little ( that dirty talk though, makes me blush!) the way the brother hood developed in the book and so on just made me hooked… I want more!

Thank you again Bethany and keep writing these books are going to make a amazing series !
Profile Image for Inessa_Akin.
265 reviews18 followers
December 20, 2022
I’m pleasantly surprised by this book! I got this sent to me by the author along with an arc for the next book in this series

(all this is my own opinion)

Firstly please check triggers for this book, I’m not triggered by pretty much nothing in books so this was completely easy for me to read, but I know some won’t be able to, so plead be warned!

I really loved this! Reese and Callum were majorly giving me soulmate vibes! From the very beginning they just clicked, I really enjoyed watching them fall in love 😭gah so cute.

She quickly finds out she has a stalker though…so what happens as a one night stand with Mr bad boy in a motorcycle club turns into him protecting her from danger and them growing close, this book was pretty fast paced, which I loved, and kept me interested the whole way through!

Do be warned this is a happy for now ending (with a cliffhanger)

So odd I go to the arc for the second book because I need more!!
Profile Image for Megan Yerg.
164 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2023
I'm pretty new to the MC romance world. I enjoyed Only The Strong very much. Bethany has a way of writing that makes reading very easy for the reader to keep up with. The world building and descriptions were amazing, I almost felt as if I was watching an episode of SOA - minus the mistreatment of women and shady dealings.

I loved that even though the MC group has an intimidating, and violent, reputation the one thing they didn't stand for was a woman being mistreated.

Callum and Reese's relationship was absolutely adorable. They're two broken and jaded people who learn to love and trust again. I appreciate that even though they were falling fast for each other, despite themselves, they didn't freak out and run because they told themselves they'd never love again. I personally hate when that happens.

I loved Finn and Huntley as well, their banter was comical. Look at these bad to the bone cinnamon roll bikers finding their old ladies. *Swoon*
Profile Image for Brittney.
438 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2023
I freaking loved this book!!! Please everyone I highly recommend this one!

Reese is the ultimate FMC. She doesn’t take crap from anyone. She’s fiesty and sassy and I’m here for it.
Callum is the Sergeant in Arms with The Devils Outlaws. Despite being gruff and tattooed he’s such a sweetheart and he has such a loyal heart. He’s also super crushworthy.

When Reese is at the club with her friend she finds herself in an uncomfortable situation and Callum steps in and saves her. After a one night stand they think they will never see each other again. But when a stalker starts leaving messages for Reese, Callum and other members of The Devils Outlaws step in to protect her. Sparks fly and tension runs high between these two.

The chemistry was off the charts. I was so impressed and captivated by this book. Phenomenal!! Thank you to Twisted Fiction and Bethany Dawn for sending me a copy for review.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
833 reviews32 followers
June 8, 2023
Only The Strong by Bethany Dawn is book one in The Devil's Outlaws Series. It’s also the first book I’ve read by this author but after this one it won’t be the last. I was addicted from the very first chapter and flew through the book until I reached the last page. The amount of times I gripped my kindle, I actually feel bad for it. As always I recommend that you check your trigger warnings bc you never know! Better to be safe than sorry.

I loved reading about Callum and Reese, their banter was on point and the chemistry felt like it leapt off the page. Not to mention the spice was fire!!! I also enjoyed how the MC club made Resse feel so welcome. But the cliffhanger! Why!?! I need to read the next book pronto. Bethany Dawn was able to suck me into this world that she created, I was easily able to picture everything I was reading. The characters were great and I can’t wait to read more and I hope you all do too!

Final review:

4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Serena.
236 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2023
When I started this book, I didn’t think I was going to like it as much as I did. Typically for me, biker gang isn’t my thing. But I really liked this book!

I think what hooked me the most is the chemistry between the two main characters. There’s a connection there and their refusal to accept it and the suspense around that really makes you crave it.

There is sexual tension, danger, good side characters, stalking, injury and risk. There are just a lot of fun elements that make this book a fun and spicy read.

I’ll post some of my favorite quotes: (spoilers in them)

“I rest my head in my hand; I’m begging the woman I swore not to fall in love with to please open the door and tell me she loves me.”

“So for better or worse. With or without you. I wanted to remember the way you looked out over the mountains and a reminder that there's real beauty and peace in this world.”
Profile Image for Kimberly Sanchez.
49 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2022
I received this book as an ARC

Spicy, Dark Romance, MC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

“Be selfish, Reese. I am. I’m choosing to love you over anything else because you’re the most important thing in my life.”

I love this book so much. Callum is a hero everybody needs to meet, he’s so hot he doesn’t even have to try. The way he protects Reese will make you swoon and Reese is amazing I enjoyed how she’s not a typical character that purposely is trying to get in trouble. She’s a true “Lady in the streets but Freakkk in the sheets” shy but full of confidence. Top tier spice and a fantastic read. I can’t wait for book 2

Please check content warning

Thank you Bethany for providing me with an Arc on such a great story 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Mel.
222 reviews13 followers
September 4, 2022
Oh. My. Goodness.
I absolutely adore this book!
I’ve been lucky to be chosen to read the arc of Only the Strong by @bethanydawnauthor and it didn’t disappoint!!!
This is my first motorcycle romance style book and I really enjoyed it. I could put a picture to the characters from the descriptions in the story, I love Reese and Callum, Finn and all the other guys. It really makes me feel they are one big family watching after one another and they’ve got each other’s backs. There was one part where it made me gasp and then a few pages later I let out a sigh of relief. Want to know which part? You’ll have to get this book!
Profile Image for Faye Revika.
20 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2023
This debut (I think?) is really strong. I’m glad I had a chance to read it as part of the ARC team for Will Survive. I have read some MC novels in the past, so the concept wasn’t new to me. The story was well done, and I think Bethany Dawn will grow in to a really good writer. Is the story concept brand new? No, but it still held my attention. I think sometimes we need novels that have familiar concepts and themes, they are comfortable and safe in a way. Plus there is just the simple fact that people like what they like! If you like MC romance with some darker themes, you’ll like this series.
Profile Image for Kristen Reads.
948 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2023
Reading the first few chapters of this book I thought it was going to be relatively basic. A quick read (which it was) but also simple text and descriptives.

I wasn’t wrong, but the story was solid and it moved at a good pace. I liked both MC’s. She was not a brat but a strong woman who knew when to lean on her man. He was a strong man but knew when to be weak with her. I liked how they were friends with benefits first and a gradual move to love.

I haven’t read a stalker trope in an MC romance before so it was nice to have that point of difference. It was done well and twisted into a good plot. My first time reading this author and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kolleen.
375 reviews18 followers
November 8, 2022
FMC: Reese
MMC: Callum

MC Dark Romance
unaliving
insta love vibes
stalker (not in a good way)
Spice 🌶🌶🌶

FMC and MMC have not had much luck in the relationship department. Both have been deeply hurt. they both agree to a 1 night stand that turns into much more.
This story has great plot with twists and turns.

I love MC dark romances and this story had me hooked right away, I couldn't put it down. this author did an amazing job and can't wait for the next book in the series.

these books do not need to be read in order but are intertwined.
Profile Image for Ilena.
74 reviews
October 26, 2023
Aight soooo lets get into it…. Idk if it’s because I’ve been reading books that are 500+ pages long but this felt so short obvi! I loved the story of Callum and Reese <33 such cayuuuuties imo. The sex scenes were a bit vanilla to me but that’s cuz I’ve gone to hell and back reading other smut books ya know what im sayin???? Overall it was a great short read, I don’t think I’ll be reading the second part sorry :/ I’m happy with the happily ever after that both characters got before the huge plot twist at the end… ooop🫢
Toodles!
Profile Image for Shay.
214 reviews116 followers
September 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Romance
MC Romance
Romantic Suspense
(Includes Kidnapping, stalking, death, violence)

Reese and Callum’s chemistry is ELECTRIC. I devoured this book. I could not put it down! It’s a dark sexy romance unlike any other! I don’t want to give to much away and spoil it. It’s so much better going in without any spoilers or expectations. Make sure you have water and a fan bc this book is steamy! 🌶🥵🫶🏼

Thank you Bethany for such an ahhmazing book! I can’t wait to read the next one! 💕
Profile Image for Bridget.
162 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2022
I freaking LOVED this book! I am totally obsessed now and can not wait to read the next book. Callum and Reese are so good together - and they have tons of chemistry. Plus it had all the action and suspense I want out of an MC book. I am pretty sure my heart literally stopped more then once - not to mention ugly crying at one point. This book literally had me feeling every feeling there is - a complete rollercoaster ride! You definitely want to read this one!
Profile Image for L. Shauntel.
Author 1 book23 followers
January 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️5/5

Miss Bethany Dawn is a new to me author. And I’m so glad I came across her on TikTok. Even though she’s probably the reason my blood pressure is high.

Ok. So let’s get into this book. First. Please read trigger warnings. Second be ready to be in your feelings. And thirdly be ready for fight the author for emotional Damage.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this. This isn’t a typical romance book. Yes there’s a love story. But there’s also a thriller aspect to it as well.

And let’s not forget that cliffhanger.

Im excited to see what book -#2 has in store. Because. How you gone leave us hanging like that.
Profile Image for Tasia.
46 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2023
1%er Motorcycle Club
Spicy

Cale and Reese's love is one of those that randomly pops up and hits you in the face when you're least expecting it.

Neither was looking for their other half, but sometimes life surprises you at who it brings. He's a tough biker, she's an apartment manager with a love that is consuming even with a stalker on the loose trying to keep them apart.

I enjoyed how Bethany didn't make their story rushed or fanciful. Sometimes one night stands really do turn into forever.
Profile Image for Victoria Shelton.
1,039 reviews14 followers
June 26, 2023
This author is new to me and this is the first book I’ve read. I was sucked in right away and couldnt put this story down because the insta lust that rolls off these pages is fantastic.

While the story’s main focus is Callum and Reese, there are so many other characters that you fall in love with. The banter between them was too funny. You can tell the MC is tight knit. And they welcome Reese with open arms.

Well, we all need a man like Callum now!! Already downloaded book 2.
Profile Image for Talitha de Vries.
58 reviews
September 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️

For a relatively short read, this one packs in plenty of detail and a surprisingly solid storyline. I was hooked from the start… with a couple of eyebrow-raise moments along the way.

The FMC’s reason for leaving Callum? Let’s just say there are at least two characters who could have cleared that up with some events they have witnessed and some logical thinking but then we wouldn’t have a book, right? As for the stalker subplot (not the MMC, for a change), the reveal and motive landed a little “Oh… okay” for me. I would’ve liked a bit more depth behind that level of obsession.

Still, it’s a fun, addictive read with the right balance of romance and tension. I only skipped the special edition because the price was a bit high and then add the US shipping costs….. Plus, I wasn’t sure if the rest of the series would also get a SE. But if you want something bingeable with plot and spice, this one’s worth grabbing.
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