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Dear Death
Opal just wanted a spooky video for her paranormal channel, not a grim reaper bound to her by blood magic and bad Latin. Now Death himself, a sharp-tongued, vape-smoking punk with a centuries-old grudge against everything living, is stuck within a hundred feet of her, and he's pissed.
Cain…yes, that Cain, has spent eternity alone, reaping souls and avoiding attachment, but Opal is more than just a mortal girl with pink hair and a haunted aesthetic; she’s the first thing in ages to make him feel alive. As the bond between them deepens, so does the danger. Something ancient is stirring; the balance between life and death begins to crack.
To save the world, Death may have to break the one rule he's never dared to bend.
Because in the end, Cain will have to decide what he’s willing to the balance between life and death, or the girl who gave him back his heart.
Cain…yes, that Cain, has spent eternity alone, reaping souls and avoiding attachment, but Opal is more than just a mortal girl with pink hair and a haunted aesthetic; she’s the first thing in ages to make him feel alive. As the bond between them deepens, so does the danger. Something ancient is stirring; the balance between life and death begins to crack.
To save the world, Death may have to break the one rule he's never dared to bend.
Because in the end, Cain will have to decide what he’s willing to the balance between life and death, or the girl who gave him back his heart.
- GenresDark Romance
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
18 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 28, 2025
Dear Death — Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment Death appeared in Devil by Rumor, I knew I needed his story. There was just something about his presence—a pull I couldn’t ignore. If you’ve already read Dear Death you’ll know why my choice of words is so on point. So let me start by saying: read that book first. This one continues that world and fills the emotional gaps we were desperate for.
While Devil by Rumor was a delicious slow burn, Dear Death moves with a faster, more addictive pace. I was immediately invested—not just because Death is such an intriguing character, but because this story gives him layers. He’s sarcastic, sharp, brutally honest, and he absolutely does not sugarcoat anything. His perspective? Hilarious and endearing. His banter with Opal is perfection. They challenge each other, they frustrate each other, and they make each other laugh. I was grinning through so many of their conversations.
Opal, our closeted dark girly queen, hides the parts of herself she fears others won’t understand—the curiosity for the macabre, her fascination with what comes after death. But Death refuses to let her shrink herself. He calls out her fake friends, the false persona she tries to maintain, and her ex-boyfriend—who I clocked from the beginning as shady. Death sees her fully and encourages her to open her eyes to the life she actually deserves.
This becomes a forced proximity story that leads to fierce emotional intimacy. Their bond isn’t just metaphorical—it becomes physical in a supernatural sense. Death remembers what it’s like to taste, to touch, to feel. Opal experiences the power of immortality. They awaken things in each other neither expected—humanity for him, freedom and authenticity for her. They don’t change who they are, but they become more themselves than ever.
Of course, with powerful bonds come powerful heartbreak. There’s a doomed lovers energy woven through the story that made my chest ache. You’re rooting desperately for them to find a way to stay connected, even as the toll of their bond pushes them toward emotional & physical devastation. I definitely wiped a tear or two.
We also get familiar faces from the first book, including one character whose future role has me suspicious, intrigued, a bit nervous, but very excited for the next installment. This world continues to expand in compelling ways, and I am fully along for the ride.
Opal becomes the color (pink to be exact) in Death’s grayscale eternity—and he becomes a reminder that she deserves to be seen, loved, and accepted without hiding the shadows that make her who she is. Their banter, their honesty, and their growing reliance on one another make this story both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
As for spice:
It’s present, meaningful, and beautifully paced. Not excessive, not depraved—just the right amount of intimacy for a slow burn rooted in emotional awakening. Anything more would have felt out of touch with where they are in their connection.
This book is about:
✅ Slow-burn romance with actual tension
✅ Banter that made me laugh out loud
✅ Emotional vulnerability and acceptance
✅ Forced proximity done right
✅ Death becoming the ultimate book boyfriend 😈
✅ The courage to be unapologetically yourself
I loved every chapter.
Five stars. Highly recommend.
And I cannot wait to see where this universe takes us next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From the moment Death appeared in Devil by Rumor, I knew I needed his story. There was just something about his presence—a pull I couldn’t ignore. If you’ve already read Dear Death you’ll know why my choice of words is so on point. So let me start by saying: read that book first. This one continues that world and fills the emotional gaps we were desperate for.
While Devil by Rumor was a delicious slow burn, Dear Death moves with a faster, more addictive pace. I was immediately invested—not just because Death is such an intriguing character, but because this story gives him layers. He’s sarcastic, sharp, brutally honest, and he absolutely does not sugarcoat anything. His perspective? Hilarious and endearing. His banter with Opal is perfection. They challenge each other, they frustrate each other, and they make each other laugh. I was grinning through so many of their conversations.
Opal, our closeted dark girly queen, hides the parts of herself she fears others won’t understand—the curiosity for the macabre, her fascination with what comes after death. But Death refuses to let her shrink herself. He calls out her fake friends, the false persona she tries to maintain, and her ex-boyfriend—who I clocked from the beginning as shady. Death sees her fully and encourages her to open her eyes to the life she actually deserves.
This becomes a forced proximity story that leads to fierce emotional intimacy. Their bond isn’t just metaphorical—it becomes physical in a supernatural sense. Death remembers what it’s like to taste, to touch, to feel. Opal experiences the power of immortality. They awaken things in each other neither expected—humanity for him, freedom and authenticity for her. They don’t change who they are, but they become more themselves than ever.
Of course, with powerful bonds come powerful heartbreak. There’s a doomed lovers energy woven through the story that made my chest ache. You’re rooting desperately for them to find a way to stay connected, even as the toll of their bond pushes them toward emotional & physical devastation. I definitely wiped a tear or two.
We also get familiar faces from the first book, including one character whose future role has me suspicious, intrigued, a bit nervous, but very excited for the next installment. This world continues to expand in compelling ways, and I am fully along for the ride.
Opal becomes the color (pink to be exact) in Death’s grayscale eternity—and he becomes a reminder that she deserves to be seen, loved, and accepted without hiding the shadows that make her who she is. Their banter, their honesty, and their growing reliance on one another make this story both heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
As for spice:
It’s present, meaningful, and beautifully paced. Not excessive, not depraved—just the right amount of intimacy for a slow burn rooted in emotional awakening. Anything more would have felt out of touch with where they are in their connection.
This book is about:
✅ Slow-burn romance with actual tension
✅ Banter that made me laugh out loud
✅ Emotional vulnerability and acceptance
✅ Forced proximity done right
✅ Death becoming the ultimate book boyfriend 😈
✅ The courage to be unapologetically yourself
I loved every chapter.
Five stars. Highly recommend.
And I cannot wait to see where this universe takes us next.
October 28, 2025
really good
So I’m going to need to go read book 1 because wow this was really good!
There was always something good and I love the story and the idea the growth in this one alone
Also that ending?! That can’t be the end?! Ummm Ariel I have questions and need answers
So I’m going to need to go read book 1 because wow this was really good!
There was always something good and I love the story and the idea the growth in this one alone
Also that ending?! That can’t be the end?! Ummm Ariel I have questions and need answers
December 4, 2025
🥀ARC Review🥀
📚Title: Dear Death
📚Author: Ariel Brouillette
📆Release Date: October 28th, 2025
📝Favorite Quote(s):
-Somehow, I was stuck babysitting the human equivalent of a glitter bomb. Fan- fucking- tastic.
-“Did you just try to kill me?” I asked, voice a little too steady. “Again?”
-“Wow. You are softening.” “Watch it,” I said, eyes narrowing. “I’ll shove you in a mausoleum.”
-If you want me, need me, say my name and I’ll come.” “Like a dog?” “Like a gun,” he said, almost gentle. “Loaded and pointed wherever you want.”
-Death was on the road, and tonight, Death was angry.
-“So, you want me to be fake loyal to our fake relationship?”...“Only if you want dead boyfriends,” he said. “And I don’t mean like me.” His voice dropped. “Dead- dead.”
-“Anyone touches you,”...“they don’t get to live long enough to regret it.”
-“If anyone looks at you wrong—” “They’ll die?” she finished. “No. I’ll get jealous. Then they’ll die.”
Im OBSESSED!!!! THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! OMG I LOVE CAIN!!!! His sass and protectiveness is amazing 😝 like EXCUSE meeeeee YES PLEASE!!!!
Opal has such AMAZING character growth and I love herrrr 🤭
I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3!!!! EEEEEKKK!!!! 🙌🌶🔥📚👻
📚BLURB📚
Opal just wanted a spooky video for her paranormal channel, not a grim reaper bound to her by blood magic and bad Latin. Now Death himself, a sharp-tongued, vape-smoking punk with a centuries-old grudge against everything living, is stuck within a hundred feet of her, and he's pissed.
Cain…yes, that Cain, has spent eternity alone, reaping souls and avoiding attachment, but Opal is more than just a mortal girl with pink hair and a haunted aesthetic; she’s the first thing in ages to make him feel alive. As the bond between them deepens, so does the danger. Something ancient is stirring; the balance between life and death begins to crack.
To save the world, Death may have to break the one rule he's never dared to bend.
Because in the end, Cain will have to decide what he’s willing to the balance between life and death, or the girl who gave him back his heart.
📚Title: Dear Death
📚Author: Ariel Brouillette
📆Release Date: October 28th, 2025
📝Favorite Quote(s):
-Somehow, I was stuck babysitting the human equivalent of a glitter bomb. Fan- fucking- tastic.
-“Did you just try to kill me?” I asked, voice a little too steady. “Again?”
-“Wow. You are softening.” “Watch it,” I said, eyes narrowing. “I’ll shove you in a mausoleum.”
-If you want me, need me, say my name and I’ll come.” “Like a dog?” “Like a gun,” he said, almost gentle. “Loaded and pointed wherever you want.”
-Death was on the road, and tonight, Death was angry.
-“So, you want me to be fake loyal to our fake relationship?”...“Only if you want dead boyfriends,” he said. “And I don’t mean like me.” His voice dropped. “Dead- dead.”
-“Anyone touches you,”...“they don’t get to live long enough to regret it.”
-“If anyone looks at you wrong—” “They’ll die?” she finished. “No. I’ll get jealous. Then they’ll die.”
Im OBSESSED!!!! THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! OMG I LOVE CAIN!!!! His sass and protectiveness is amazing 😝 like EXCUSE meeeeee YES PLEASE!!!!
Opal has such AMAZING character growth and I love herrrr 🤭
I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 3!!!! EEEEEKKK!!!! 🙌🌶🔥📚👻
📚BLURB📚
Opal just wanted a spooky video for her paranormal channel, not a grim reaper bound to her by blood magic and bad Latin. Now Death himself, a sharp-tongued, vape-smoking punk with a centuries-old grudge against everything living, is stuck within a hundred feet of her, and he's pissed.
Cain…yes, that Cain, has spent eternity alone, reaping souls and avoiding attachment, but Opal is more than just a mortal girl with pink hair and a haunted aesthetic; she’s the first thing in ages to make him feel alive. As the bond between them deepens, so does the danger. Something ancient is stirring; the balance between life and death begins to crack.
To save the world, Death may have to break the one rule he's never dared to bend.
Because in the end, Cain will have to decide what he’s willing to the balance between life and death, or the girl who gave him back his heart.
November 11, 2025
A YouTuber, a graveyard, some random Latin and a bit of blood…what could possibly go wrong? Find out in Dear Death!
Opal is in a bit of a predicament. She was abandoned by her “friends” after their live-streaming from a graveyard went wrong. After reading something in Latin, Opal accidentally summoned…*something*…and it is not impressed.
Death - Cain - is not happy. He was rudely interrupted and summoned by the human equivalent of a glitter bomb, so he’s not overly inclined to be merciful. But there’s a slight problem…his touch is not ending Opal’s life…and he can’t seem to get away from her. So that’s a problem. Then she learns his true name and the fun really starts.
This dark romance was so much fun to read. It frequently had me laughing out loud and highlighting completely unhinged turns of phrase. The way the author uses language brought so much fun to the story - like ‘gravity remembered its manners’ and ‘that sounded like consent under the influence of pillow’.
There are some favourite tropes - like forced proximity, fake dating and Death in Hello Kitty pajamas. The story is the second in a series but you can definitely read it as a stand alone. I highly recommend reading book one as well because you’ll be missing out on so much fun.
The book does deal with deeper issues - Opal has for the longest time hidden her true self and shrunk to fit others’ expectations of her. In Cain, she finds not just acceptance but enthusiasm for who she truly is.
This is a slow burn, open door romance. There are themes of abandonment, loneliness, control and ex-BF issues. There is a scene where the FMC’s drink is spiked (she is okay).
All up, this is a fabulous read that I heartily recommend for fans of PNR and choosing the guy with the *right* sort of red flags.
Opal is in a bit of a predicament. She was abandoned by her “friends” after their live-streaming from a graveyard went wrong. After reading something in Latin, Opal accidentally summoned…*something*…and it is not impressed.
Death - Cain - is not happy. He was rudely interrupted and summoned by the human equivalent of a glitter bomb, so he’s not overly inclined to be merciful. But there’s a slight problem…his touch is not ending Opal’s life…and he can’t seem to get away from her. So that’s a problem. Then she learns his true name and the fun really starts.
This dark romance was so much fun to read. It frequently had me laughing out loud and highlighting completely unhinged turns of phrase. The way the author uses language brought so much fun to the story - like ‘gravity remembered its manners’ and ‘that sounded like consent under the influence of pillow’.
There are some favourite tropes - like forced proximity, fake dating and Death in Hello Kitty pajamas. The story is the second in a series but you can definitely read it as a stand alone. I highly recommend reading book one as well because you’ll be missing out on so much fun.
The book does deal with deeper issues - Opal has for the longest time hidden her true self and shrunk to fit others’ expectations of her. In Cain, she finds not just acceptance but enthusiasm for who she truly is.
This is a slow burn, open door romance. There are themes of abandonment, loneliness, control and ex-BF issues. There is a scene where the FMC’s drink is spiked (she is okay).
All up, this is a fabulous read that I heartily recommend for fans of PNR and choosing the guy with the *right* sort of red flags.
November 8, 2025
Omg this book was so good!! I got to read this as an ARC read, not realizing that there is a book 1, now I am obsessed with this world, so now I’m gonna go binge book 1 and beg for book 3 to release!!
Who knew death could be so damn sexy, even while wearing fluffy Hello Kitty pajama pants & a pink vape?!? If Death really is like Cain, sign me up for the next botched ritual! I’d bind myself to this guy any day!! Absolutely loved the snarky banter and attitude of the characters, the plot was so good and that slow-burn ignites into an inferno!
Opal accidentally summons Death and magically binds herself to him, now she ends up with a cocky, smug, sexy house guest who is trying to kill her! In order to fool her ex and her crappy friends why Cain is suddenly hanging around and not leaving her side, she’s now got herself with a fake boyfriend! Too bad for her, Death is just what she needs to survive!
Cain finds himself stuck in his own personal Hell with a girl whose favorite color is pink and loves all things spooky and dead. After a couple botched attempts to kill Opal, he realizes that he can actually touch her without her dying(which might not be so bad) but it infuriates him like no other to now be a “dog on a leash” though! The problem with all of this is that Opal is having a weird effect on him and he’s not sure if he wants to break the binding or keep her around!
I can’t recommend this book enough!! It was so funny and I loved it so much!! 100% recommend getting this one on your TBR!!
Who knew death could be so damn sexy, even while wearing fluffy Hello Kitty pajama pants & a pink vape?!? If Death really is like Cain, sign me up for the next botched ritual! I’d bind myself to this guy any day!! Absolutely loved the snarky banter and attitude of the characters, the plot was so good and that slow-burn ignites into an inferno!
Opal accidentally summons Death and magically binds herself to him, now she ends up with a cocky, smug, sexy house guest who is trying to kill her! In order to fool her ex and her crappy friends why Cain is suddenly hanging around and not leaving her side, she’s now got herself with a fake boyfriend! Too bad for her, Death is just what she needs to survive!
Cain finds himself stuck in his own personal Hell with a girl whose favorite color is pink and loves all things spooky and dead. After a couple botched attempts to kill Opal, he realizes that he can actually touch her without her dying(which might not be so bad) but it infuriates him like no other to now be a “dog on a leash” though! The problem with all of this is that Opal is having a weird effect on him and he’s not sure if he wants to break the binding or keep her around!
I can’t recommend this book enough!! It was so funny and I loved it so much!! 100% recommend getting this one on your TBR!!
October 24, 2025
⛓️🖤 "𝕀𝕗 𝕀 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕," 𝕀 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕, "𝕪𝕠𝕦'𝕕 𝕒𝕝𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪 𝕓𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕪 𝕔𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤." 🖤⛓️
💀🩷 "ℍ𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕖 𝕤𝕔𝕦𝕝𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕓𝕒𝕕 𝕕𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤, 𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕘𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥 - 𝕤𝕠, 𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕪𝕡𝕖." 🩷💀
I couldn't wait to read this, and it ABSOLUTELY lived up to everything. This is one of my favorite reads this October. From the moment I started, I didn't want to put it down. It was an intoxicating, magnetic story that had me gasping and giggling in the same sentence. I found myself relating deeply to Opal. Seeing her find the courage to taste the Shadows within herself, and reclaim her power was Beautiful.
Opal and Cain? *Squeels* OBSESSED!! 😍🖤 And their Story? Absolutely LOVED IT 😭 Plus, who wouldn't want a dangerously hot grumpy, vape smoking sharp tongued punk reaper who also knows how to rock Hello Kitty PJ's bound to you? 🔥 A slow burn that had me living for every page. This is a spellbinding, wildly addictive read that will haunt you in the best possible way 😈🩷✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
💀🩷 "ℍ𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕖 𝕤𝕔𝕦𝕝𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕓𝕒𝕕 𝕕𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤, 𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕘𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕥 - 𝕤𝕠, 𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕪𝕡𝕖." 🩷💀
I couldn't wait to read this, and it ABSOLUTELY lived up to everything. This is one of my favorite reads this October. From the moment I started, I didn't want to put it down. It was an intoxicating, magnetic story that had me gasping and giggling in the same sentence. I found myself relating deeply to Opal. Seeing her find the courage to taste the Shadows within herself, and reclaim her power was Beautiful.
Opal and Cain? *Squeels* OBSESSED!! 😍🖤 And their Story? Absolutely LOVED IT 😭 Plus, who wouldn't want a dangerously hot grumpy, vape smoking sharp tongued punk reaper who also knows how to rock Hello Kitty PJ's bound to you? 🔥 A slow burn that had me living for every page. This is a spellbinding, wildly addictive read that will haunt you in the best possible way 😈🩷✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
October 30, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
"I stepped between her and death. Me. The one who was death. What the hell was that?"
I was so excited for this book after reading Devil By Rumor and Ariel you FREAKING DELIVERED! 🙌🏻
I was hooked from the very start! The vibes were right up my alley. The story had me in a chokehold the entire time. 🔥 The characters - amazing! Opal and Cain are definitely new favourites! Loved them both so much! 😍
The number of times I had to remind myself to breathe during those final chapters was crazy. I WAS NOT OK! 😭
💀 Cain, if you are death, I will happily let you take me, I won't fight the inevitable. Make me your final girl. 🧎🏻♀️ The way his character was portrayed was perfect, like I can't imagine death being anyone or anything else. 🤌🏻
Side note - First impressions of Abel have made me so keen for the next book. He has already made me chuckle so much, and I am dying to know what's going to happen in his story. 👀
Thankyou @ariel.brouillette.author for this ARC opportunity. I am absolutely obsessed with this series, and your writing is just so damn captivating! 🫶🏻
"I stepped between her and death. Me. The one who was death. What the hell was that?"
I was so excited for this book after reading Devil By Rumor and Ariel you FREAKING DELIVERED! 🙌🏻
I was hooked from the very start! The vibes were right up my alley. The story had me in a chokehold the entire time. 🔥 The characters - amazing! Opal and Cain are definitely new favourites! Loved them both so much! 😍
The number of times I had to remind myself to breathe during those final chapters was crazy. I WAS NOT OK! 😭
💀 Cain, if you are death, I will happily let you take me, I won't fight the inevitable. Make me your final girl. 🧎🏻♀️ The way his character was portrayed was perfect, like I can't imagine death being anyone or anything else. 🤌🏻
Side note - First impressions of Abel have made me so keen for the next book. He has already made me chuckle so much, and I am dying to know what's going to happen in his story. 👀
Thankyou @ariel.brouillette.author for this ARC opportunity. I am absolutely obsessed with this series, and your writing is just so damn captivating! 🫶🏻
November 7, 2025
Disclaimer: this review contains spoilers
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Favourite Quote:
“He ran the knife down the hollow of my neck and to my breasts. He was a predator, high off the kill, and I was his prey, cornered, trembling, and fucking ready.”
I first fell in love with Death when he appeared in Devil by Rumor and I knew that I would love him even more in Dear Death.
Cain a.k.a Death is full of banter, a take no bullshit attitude and a love for all black. What better than for him to land himself bonded to a 100m radius to a pink haired paranormal YouTuber, Opal who has an extreme love for bones, dead things and a room full of pink.
Not only did this book cover banter, humour, and damn amazing tension filled romance. But it also followed Opals journey to self love and acceptance of her true self and I loved every second of it 🥹 She became the true embodiment of Lady Death.
My only thing I was holding out for in the book was spicy scene where the shadows were involved. Even if it was after Opal became lady death. The only scene that got close was towards the start there was the scene where the shadows ran up Opals legs and that was to die for! Maybe I missed the detail in a lady scene but had hoped for more shadows in the spice.
Thank you to Ariel for the opportunity to read Dear Death as an ARC review. This book was received as an ARC in return for a honest review.
4.5 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Favourite Quote:
“He ran the knife down the hollow of my neck and to my breasts. He was a predator, high off the kill, and I was his prey, cornered, trembling, and fucking ready.”
I first fell in love with Death when he appeared in Devil by Rumor and I knew that I would love him even more in Dear Death.
Cain a.k.a Death is full of banter, a take no bullshit attitude and a love for all black. What better than for him to land himself bonded to a 100m radius to a pink haired paranormal YouTuber, Opal who has an extreme love for bones, dead things and a room full of pink.
Not only did this book cover banter, humour, and damn amazing tension filled romance. But it also followed Opals journey to self love and acceptance of her true self and I loved every second of it 🥹 She became the true embodiment of Lady Death.
My only thing I was holding out for in the book was spicy scene where the shadows were involved. Even if it was after Opal became lady death. The only scene that got close was towards the start there was the scene where the shadows ran up Opals legs and that was to die for! Maybe I missed the detail in a lady scene but had hoped for more shadows in the spice.
Thank you to Ariel for the opportunity to read Dear Death as an ARC review. This book was received as an ARC in return for a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
I was hooked from chapter one — so much so that I found myself sneaking in pages at work whenever I got the chance (no regrets). The chemistry and tension between the two main characters are absolutely addictive. I adore Opal — her name fits her perfectly, this radiant force of goodness against Cain’s darker edge — and their dynamic had me grinning, gasping, and fully invested the entire time.
There were moments that actually had me teary-eyed — and I don’t tear up easily — because I was genuinely cheering for them. And don’t even get me started on Cain’s obsession with her… I was kicking my feet, giggling, and completely gone.
That extra chapter at the end? Had me going, excuse me, where’s the rest?! I need more — seriously hoping for a third book (wink wink).
If you want a story that hits you right in the feels, keeps you up way too late, and leaves you begging for more, this is it. Highly recommend!
There were moments that actually had me teary-eyed — and I don’t tear up easily — because I was genuinely cheering for them. And don’t even get me started on Cain’s obsession with her… I was kicking my feet, giggling, and completely gone.
That extra chapter at the end? Had me going, excuse me, where’s the rest?! I need more — seriously hoping for a third book (wink wink).
If you want a story that hits you right in the feels, keeps you up way too late, and leaves you begging for more, this is it. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2025
ARC review 🤓📖
Dear Death is a gothic tinged, dark humor funny paranormal romance that drags you right through the veil and refuses to let go. It’s eerie, endearing, and steeped in haunting charm Where Death isn’t the scariest thing to fall for, but losing what makes you human might be.
Between bone collections, ghost channels, and an accidental summoning that binds a pink haired ghost talker to Death himself, this story balances heartbreak, humor, and haunting beauty in every page. Opal and Cain burn slow and strange. Tension boiling as a tug between light and shadow, chaos and eternity. It’s utterly addictive to watch them unravel each other.
Overall it’s Haunting, hilarious, and heartbreakingly human, Dear Death delivers ghosts, grim reapers, forbidden touches, and emotional wreckage that lingers. Easily one of those reads that feels like a curse you want to keep. (Lol iykyk about the last line 🥸 )
Dear Death is a gothic tinged, dark humor funny paranormal romance that drags you right through the veil and refuses to let go. It’s eerie, endearing, and steeped in haunting charm Where Death isn’t the scariest thing to fall for, but losing what makes you human might be.
Between bone collections, ghost channels, and an accidental summoning that binds a pink haired ghost talker to Death himself, this story balances heartbreak, humor, and haunting beauty in every page. Opal and Cain burn slow and strange. Tension boiling as a tug between light and shadow, chaos and eternity. It’s utterly addictive to watch them unravel each other.
Overall it’s Haunting, hilarious, and heartbreakingly human, Dear Death delivers ghosts, grim reapers, forbidden touches, and emotional wreckage that lingers. Easily one of those reads that feels like a curse you want to keep. (Lol iykyk about the last line 🥸 )
October 28, 2025
This book has me on an emotional rollercoaster; I laughed, cried, had my heart ripped out & sewn back together.
Opal is a cutesy but creepy girl, she loves her pink but also loves her skulls and her paranormal investigating YouTube channel. When her boyfriend brings a mysterious grimoire, she doesn’t even realized who she not only summoned, but who bound to her. But what she didn’t realize was how this would change her life completely, and how far she would fall for him.
Cain is Death. He can’t touch anyone without killing them, that is until he’s bound with her. She makes him feel so alive, makes him feel again and everything that was dark now has color. He will do anything to protect her, even if it means burning everything to the ground.
I devoured this book, characters I thought I was going to continue hating I ended up loving. These two were the perfect match, dark and cute and still creepy and everything they needed in each other. I cannot wait for the next book! 🖤
Opal is a cutesy but creepy girl, she loves her pink but also loves her skulls and her paranormal investigating YouTube channel. When her boyfriend brings a mysterious grimoire, she doesn’t even realized who she not only summoned, but who bound to her. But what she didn’t realize was how this would change her life completely, and how far she would fall for him.
Cain is Death. He can’t touch anyone without killing them, that is until he’s bound with her. She makes him feel so alive, makes him feel again and everything that was dark now has color. He will do anything to protect her, even if it means burning everything to the ground.
I devoured this book, characters I thought I was going to continue hating I ended up loving. These two were the perfect match, dark and cute and still creepy and everything they needed in each other. I cannot wait for the next book! 🖤
October 24, 2025
👻ARC REVIEW👻
THIS BOOK WAS SO GREAT!!!
Cain & Opal were perfect 👌🏽 Their banter was hilarious and special.
Opal was obsessed with death and all dark scary creepy things, she was fun, smart, cheeky and so goofy, I loved her. She was not afraid of Cain at all 😅
Cain 🫠 that god of a man was wicked good. He was swoony and his love of vapes was hilarious and cute.
Their relationship was intense and sweet and everything good and hot. They had so much chemistry and sexual tension!!! The fall was 🤭🥵
I liked Crow so much. Loved the wedding and Damon 🤩 I hated Alistair in the first book but I loved Abel, I really hope he doesn't betray Cain, I need his story next!!!
I loved this book so freaking much, I laughed out loud repeatedly and I swooned over Cain and giggled, kicked my feet and blushed like crazy!!
THIS BOOK WAS SO GREAT!!!
Cain & Opal were perfect 👌🏽 Their banter was hilarious and special.
Opal was obsessed with death and all dark scary creepy things, she was fun, smart, cheeky and so goofy, I loved her. She was not afraid of Cain at all 😅
Cain 🫠 that god of a man was wicked good. He was swoony and his love of vapes was hilarious and cute.
Their relationship was intense and sweet and everything good and hot. They had so much chemistry and sexual tension!!! The fall was 🤭🥵
I liked Crow so much. Loved the wedding and Damon 🤩 I hated Alistair in the first book but I loved Abel, I really hope he doesn't betray Cain, I need his story next!!!
I loved this book so freaking much, I laughed out loud repeatedly and I swooned over Cain and giggled, kicked my feet and blushed like crazy!!
October 23, 2025
I am so grateful for the chance to have had this as an Arc
This is absolutely brilliant, it's about Opal (fmc) and Death (mmc) she's quirky, pink, glittery, and no idea how brilliant she is,
Death hates everything his way of life humans basically the whole world until he meets a silly little human girl,
she is a ghost hunting influencer who has tried to fit into boxes that weren't made for her, when she makes a mistake and ends up meeting death she realises she doesn't have to fit into the safe little costume everyone wants her to be she can be her chaotic self and he's the only one who actually see's who she should be,
I absolutely loved this book its a journey of self acceptance, banter and love
This is absolutely brilliant, it's about Opal (fmc) and Death (mmc) she's quirky, pink, glittery, and no idea how brilliant she is,
Death hates everything his way of life humans basically the whole world until he meets a silly little human girl,
she is a ghost hunting influencer who has tried to fit into boxes that weren't made for her, when she makes a mistake and ends up meeting death she realises she doesn't have to fit into the safe little costume everyone wants her to be she can be her chaotic self and he's the only one who actually see's who she should be,
I absolutely loved this book its a journey of self acceptance, banter and love
October 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From start to finish, I was completely captivated and intrigued by Opal and Cain’s story. The world-building is unique and thrilling, and the dynamic between Opal and Death—sharp-tongued, vape-smoking Cain—is electric. I was hooked by their chemistry, the tension, and the way the stakes kept escalating with every page.
The writing kept me fully invested the entire time, balancing humor, romance, and danger flawlessly. Opal is witty and relatable, while Cain is dark, brooding, and surprisingly tender—together, they make an unforgettable pair. The story is clever, intense, and full of heart, with twists that kept me guessing until the very end. Five stars for a book that completely held my attention and left me wanting more!
The writing kept me fully invested the entire time, balancing humor, romance, and danger flawlessly. Opal is witty and relatable, while Cain is dark, brooding, and surprisingly tender—together, they make an unforgettable pair. The story is clever, intense, and full of heart, with twists that kept me guessing until the very end. Five stars for a book that completely held my attention and left me wanting more!
October 26, 2025
Wish you could leash Death?…literally 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
————————
If you’re looking for a fun spooky vibe filled book, look no further! I just finished Dear Death by
and when I say a time was HAD. Our main girl Opal’s a bit obsessed with death and the “other side” till one night things go further than expected, and it truly tests just how much. As well as if she can handle everything Death comes with. Then there’s out tortured dark and brooding hot main guy Cain, who doesn’t know how handle the sudden situation he’s thrusted in which entails lots of bones,glitter, and…pink hello kitty pants?
This book had me hooked, not wanting to put it down, giggling and kicking my feet, blushing, and needing more with each page!
Highly recommend giving this a read this spooky season! 🖤 releases
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
————————
If you’re looking for a fun spooky vibe filled book, look no further! I just finished Dear Death by
and when I say a time was HAD. Our main girl Opal’s a bit obsessed with death and the “other side” till one night things go further than expected, and it truly tests just how much. As well as if she can handle everything Death comes with. Then there’s out tortured dark and brooding hot main guy Cain, who doesn’t know how handle the sudden situation he’s thrusted in which entails lots of bones,glitter, and…pink hello kitty pants?
This book had me hooked, not wanting to put it down, giggling and kicking my feet, blushing, and needing more with each page!
Highly recommend giving this a read this spooky season! 🖤 releases
October 31, 2025
This was a fun, dark, sexy, spooky season read.
I mean do we really need a reason for a spooky read? No. Did it feel appropriate for Halloween week? Yes. Did I love it? Also, YES.
In this book we have the literal God of Death Cain, yes that Cain. And Opal. Sweet, pink, Opal with some serious morbid curiosities. When a summoning goes wrong, and Opal and Cain are magically bound together. And Cain hates her… or does he?
Touch her and ☠️, He can literally only touch her, fake dating, ghostly vibes, hello kitty pjs, he falls first, curse breaking, truth telling, banter and nicknames for DAYSSSSS, tragically beautiful HEA.
Let me say it again.
This ending wrecked me. This had a beautifully tragic happy ending. I loved it. But was also emotionally damaged. 🖤
🖤Don’t forget to live🖤
I mean do we really need a reason for a spooky read? No. Did it feel appropriate for Halloween week? Yes. Did I love it? Also, YES.
In this book we have the literal God of Death Cain, yes that Cain. And Opal. Sweet, pink, Opal with some serious morbid curiosities. When a summoning goes wrong, and Opal and Cain are magically bound together. And Cain hates her… or does he?
Touch her and ☠️, He can literally only touch her, fake dating, ghostly vibes, hello kitty pjs, he falls first, curse breaking, truth telling, banter and nicknames for DAYSSSSS, tragically beautiful HEA.
Let me say it again.
This ending wrecked me. This had a beautifully tragic happy ending. I loved it. But was also emotionally damaged. 🖤
🖤Don’t forget to live🖤
November 12, 2025
The BEST book I've read all year
This book was PHENOMENAL, I was a little iffy at first but after I got to about 1/3 of the way I was hooked. I don't do spoiler reviews but this book has everything you want, real reapers, real d3ath, incredible world building that's not too much. I wish it was longer, Opal and Deaths love story is SO incredibly beautiful. I tuned the world out for this book, I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages and that meant something to me. It's hard for me to find books that capture my attention the way this story did. Bravo. I hope to hear more about this couple one day. For now I can't wait to read the 3rd book. 100/5 ⭐️. 3/5 🌶️ but the plot does all the work and there is LOTS of tension, good tension. The kind that makes you feel things without needing the spice. PLEASE read this book!
This book was PHENOMENAL, I was a little iffy at first but after I got to about 1/3 of the way I was hooked. I don't do spoiler reviews but this book has everything you want, real reapers, real d3ath, incredible world building that's not too much. I wish it was longer, Opal and Deaths love story is SO incredibly beautiful. I tuned the world out for this book, I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages and that meant something to me. It's hard for me to find books that capture my attention the way this story did. Bravo. I hope to hear more about this couple one day. For now I can't wait to read the 3rd book. 100/5 ⭐️. 3/5 🌶️ but the plot does all the work and there is LOTS of tension, good tension. The kind that makes you feel things without needing the spice. PLEASE read this book!
November 3, 2025
4.5 stars
This dark paranormal romance was fantastic! It’s got humor, violence, and a chase scene. If you want to fall in love with Death, check it out.
What happens when a human accidentally binds herself to Death? He tries to kill her, of course. Uh-oh, he can’t. Now what? What follows is a banter-filled tale where Death is a not-so-nice guy, though he does want to save the world. If only so the snarky woman he’s tied to can keep living in it.
This started out crazy good, and it didn’t let up. It was such a thoroughly entertaining read. It’s a medium burn; they are quite antagonistic to each other at the start, but there’s definitely heat coming from both sides. Their first kiss was just about perfect, there’s a tiny issue, but it gets sorted right away. Their second kiss? That one? It was incredible. Honestly, probably one of the top three best kisses I’ve read.
I was also impressed with the balance of darkness and humor in this story, and it kind of reminded me of the 'Into Darkness' and 'Ruinous Love' series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author for this eARC.
This dark paranormal romance was fantastic! It’s got humor, violence, and a chase scene. If you want to fall in love with Death, check it out.
What happens when a human accidentally binds herself to Death? He tries to kill her, of course. Uh-oh, he can’t. Now what? What follows is a banter-filled tale where Death is a not-so-nice guy, though he does want to save the world. If only so the snarky woman he’s tied to can keep living in it.
This started out crazy good, and it didn’t let up. It was such a thoroughly entertaining read. It’s a medium burn; they are quite antagonistic to each other at the start, but there’s definitely heat coming from both sides. Their first kiss was just about perfect, there’s a tiny issue, but it gets sorted right away. Their second kiss? That one? It was incredible. Honestly, probably one of the top three best kisses I’ve read.
I was also impressed with the balance of darkness and humor in this story, and it kind of reminded me of the 'Into Darkness' and 'Ruinous Love' series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author for this eARC.
October 25, 2025
Omg I was so excited to read death's book! After that cliffhanger hanger from Devil by Rumor book 1 of this series, I was thrilled to get this as an ARC read
Cain is the end of all things, that with 1 touch ends anything living... then comes a girl, who binds him and her together
Opal is very curious about death a paranormal ghost hunter who got alot more than she bargined for
With the end of the world nigh big decisions and sacrafices have to be made
I really enjoyed this world book 1 and 2 have been awesome and cant wait for book 3 in the series to find out what is to become of Abel
Cain is the end of all things, that with 1 touch ends anything living... then comes a girl, who binds him and her together
Opal is very curious about death a paranormal ghost hunter who got alot more than she bargined for
With the end of the world nigh big decisions and sacrafices have to be made
I really enjoyed this world book 1 and 2 have been awesome and cant wait for book 3 in the series to find out what is to become of Abel
October 23, 2025
Bittersweet in the best way. This was such a lovely, haunting little gem. As someone who’s constantly grappling with my own mortality and drawn to the spooky and macabre, this story felt like a balm. It’s tender, eerie, and full of heart. The writing style pulled me in immediately, and the slowburn romance? Chef’s kiss. Not overly spicy, but when it was—it hit just right.
Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. <3
Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. <3
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Opal’s attempt to film a spooky video accidentally binds her to a furious vape-smoking grim reaper with a very long list of grudges. Cain, yes that Cain, has spent eternity avoiding any kind of attachment, but Opal is the first spark of life he has felt in ages. As their bond deepens, something ancient wakes up and the balance between life and death starts to crack apart. In the end, Cain has to decide whether to save the world he is sworn to protect or the girl who somehow made him feel alive again.
I tore through this book the second I picked it up, especially because I was already obsessed with Cain from the moment he appeared in book one. He is the grumpiest of grumps, and pairing him with Opal a sunshine-leaning chaos gremlin who is secretly loving every second of being magically tethered to him was honestly perfection. Of course, their bond is not all fun and flirting because Cain slowly starts to feel alive again, but that awakening comes at a real cost to Opal, which adds this constant emotional tension beneath all the banter.
Opal herself is such a standout heroine. Watching her step out of the mold she has been squeezing herself into for years and fully embrace who she actually is felt so satisfying. Cain does not fix her, but he does help her crack open the parts of herself she has always kept hidden, and it is impossible not to root for her.
And Cain oh he is unexpectedly lovable beneath all that grumbling. Even when he pretends to be irritated by Opal, you can see the shift the moment he starts remembering what it feels like to be alive. That is when you know he is completely done for because there is no version of the future where he willingly lets Opal go. She becomes his whether he admits it or not, and you can tell he would scorch the earth before losing her.
Honestly, I ended up liking this book even more than the first. You can easily read it as a standalone since the context from book one is helpful but not essential. It is fast, fun, surprisingly emotional, and absolutely worth diving into.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Dirty Talk
✅ Age Gap (I mean...he is immortal...soooo)
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ OM drama (no cheating, just a crazy ex)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ He falls first
✅ Fake Dating
✅ 🔥 Slow Burn 🔥
✅ Hate-to-Love (well he hates her)
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine (she is a literal pink ball of fun)
✅ MINE
✅ HEA
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Opal’s attempt to film a spooky video accidentally binds her to a furious vape-smoking grim reaper with a very long list of grudges. Cain, yes that Cain, has spent eternity avoiding any kind of attachment, but Opal is the first spark of life he has felt in ages. As their bond deepens, something ancient wakes up and the balance between life and death starts to crack apart. In the end, Cain has to decide whether to save the world he is sworn to protect or the girl who somehow made him feel alive again.
I tore through this book the second I picked it up, especially because I was already obsessed with Cain from the moment he appeared in book one. He is the grumpiest of grumps, and pairing him with Opal a sunshine-leaning chaos gremlin who is secretly loving every second of being magically tethered to him was honestly perfection. Of course, their bond is not all fun and flirting because Cain slowly starts to feel alive again, but that awakening comes at a real cost to Opal, which adds this constant emotional tension beneath all the banter.
Opal herself is such a standout heroine. Watching her step out of the mold she has been squeezing herself into for years and fully embrace who she actually is felt so satisfying. Cain does not fix her, but he does help her crack open the parts of herself she has always kept hidden, and it is impossible not to root for her.
And Cain oh he is unexpectedly lovable beneath all that grumbling. Even when he pretends to be irritated by Opal, you can see the shift the moment he starts remembering what it feels like to be alive. That is when you know he is completely done for because there is no version of the future where he willingly lets Opal go. She becomes his whether he admits it or not, and you can tell he would scorch the earth before losing her.
Honestly, I ended up liking this book even more than the first. You can easily read it as a standalone since the context from book one is helpful but not essential. It is fast, fun, surprisingly emotional, and absolutely worth diving into.
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Dirty Talk
✅ Age Gap (I mean...he is immortal...soooo)
✅ Dual POV’s (first person)
✅ OM drama (no cheating, just a crazy ex)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ He falls first
✅ Fake Dating
✅ 🔥 Slow Burn 🔥
✅ Hate-to-Love (well he hates her)
✅ Grumpy/Sunshine (she is a literal pink ball of fun)
✅ MINE
✅ HEA
‼️‼️‼️Trigger Warning‼️‼️‼️
I don’t have any specific triggers and was okay reading it without any warnings, but always take care of your mental health before diving in, since this book definitely has triggers.
December 31, 2025
🧜♀️ARC Review🧜♀️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Have you ever wondered what happens when a human accidentally binds themselves to Death, and Death is Cain? What follows is a sharp, 🥵banter-heavy story featuring a filthy mouthed Death who, inconveniently, wants to save the world if only so the snarky woman he’s bound to can keep living in it. This spin on Cain and Abel started off wildly strong and had me till the very end! Where’s book 3 I need to know what’s next for Abel?!
#
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Have you ever wondered what happens when a human accidentally binds themselves to Death, and Death is Cain? What follows is a sharp, 🥵banter-heavy story featuring a filthy mouthed Death who, inconveniently, wants to save the world if only so the snarky woman he’s bound to can keep living in it. This spin on Cain and Abel started off wildly strong and had me till the very end! Where’s book 3 I need to know what’s next for Abel?!
#
October 24, 2025
I was completely hooked from the first chapter! This book was so much fun to read, Death was such a dramatic dude it was hilarious 😆
The burn between him and Opal was so hot, then BAM 🥵
These two worked so well together, he helped Opal realise who is she and to not hide herself for the sake of others and she bought out his humanity
Highly recommend this book!
The burn between him and Opal was so hot, then BAM 🥵
These two worked so well together, he helped Opal realise who is she and to not hide herself for the sake of others and she bought out his humanity
Highly recommend this book!
October 28, 2025
What a great and funny and heart reanching read. I loved this book even if it made me want to throw my kindle. I mean death in bright pink sweats vaping yes please. Death and Opal are soooooo cute together I absolutely loved them and his love for her.
Touch her and die
Halloween
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Hates everyone but her
He falls first
Touch her and die
Halloween
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Hates everyone but her
He falls first
November 11, 2025
Dnf @45%. Book moved too slow and nothing really happened. The writing was also choppy. For example, one sentence she was standing in front of him looking at a book but then the next, she was sitting on her bed with the book in her lap. It didn’t show how that happened. It happened a lot throughout the book.
November 18, 2025
This one was really good. I loved the character arcs, writing style, storyline, super enjoyable!
Read it as a stand alone or as book 2 after reading Devil by Rumour - I suggest the latter because it's a great story on its own and I liked getting some foresight into what Death was like before he meets Opal
Read it as a stand alone or as book 2 after reading Devil by Rumour - I suggest the latter because it's a great story on its own and I liked getting some foresight into what Death was like before he meets Opal
November 26, 2025
well 🤔
I like led this book. DID NOT like most of the characters though. Cain and Opal were great and super funny and honestly so was Abel, but the rest were definitely NOT great. I absolutely loathed them. Good story line though. One thing could have been better, how naive Opal was.
I like led this book. DID NOT like most of the characters though. Cain and Opal were great and super funny and honestly so was Abel, but the rest were definitely NOT great. I absolutely loathed them. Good story line though. One thing could have been better, how naive Opal was.
December 22, 2025
“It wasn’t fear that rooted her in place, no… It was fascination.”
Cain and Opel are the best. The sarcasm, the spice, the moody and broody attitude! Great twist on the story of Cain and Abel, and the origins of the reaper. Great cast of characters, excited for Abel’s story next.
Cain and Opel are the best. The sarcasm, the spice, the moody and broody attitude! Great twist on the story of Cain and Abel, and the origins of the reaper. Great cast of characters, excited for Abel’s story next.
November 2, 2025
Loved this book. Loved. The story was just so good. And the ending. Can we talk about that ending. Need more. Can we get more books please.
November 25, 2025
Ahhh I loved this one so much. I went in not really knowing what to expect, but it totally caught me off guard. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading. Who would’ve thought Death could actually be adorable? The forced proximity between Opal and Cain had me grinning and blushing! Their chemistry just worked. It had a good mix of tension, humor, and chaos. Now I definitely need to go back and read book one, because I loved this.
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