Blood Red: A Dark Stalker Romantic Comedy

by Caitlin Cherise

Thoughts and prayers won’t save them from a killer.

She’s the president’s daughter. He’s the man who wants him dead.

Daphne Fox hates being the First Daughter. Her life is a chess match of backroom deals and blackmail to serve her father’s political agenda. But when a masked man abducts her, he offers her the chance to strike back against the corrupt politicians who’ve controlled her life. His price is steep, and he wants something only she has…information. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it from her.

Tristan Sinclair has one stop a healthcare bill that will ruin millions of lives. He’s used to having blood on his hands, but this time, he needs the First Daughter’s help. To his surprise, Daphne becomes more than a pawn in his lethal game. Her sharp wit and fiery attitude ignite an obsession he can’t shake, and she’s distracting him from his work.

But Daphne has no idea her new ally is plotting to kill her father. And when an online stalker sets their sights on her, she and Tristan must decide how far they’re willing to go and what secrets they'll keep from each other in their deadly game of cat and mouse.

Daphne learns how much she’s willing to pay for her freedom. And Tristan must choose between the millions of lives at stake, or the one life of the woman he’s fallen for.

stalker romance / morally grey MMC / golden retriever MMC / touch her and die / forbidden love / secret identity / he falls first / disguises / masked man / politicians / mid-sized FMC / BDSM elements / kidnapping / booktok FMC

Genres: Romance

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Caitlin Cherise writes spicy stories that make readers swoon. She hails from Philadelphia, born and raised, before moving to Australia for true love, perfect beach weather, and Bundaberg rum. When she’s not accidentally burning something in the kitchen or strolling through her Western Sydney suburb, you can find her writing love stories or filming for her next YouTube video. Her spicy dark romances are pure escapism from the current dumpster fire we’re living in. Her first dark romcom, ‘Blood Red’ releases 28 April 2026 where the FBI’s most wanted kidnaps and falls for the President’s daughter.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blood Red is a political thriller wrapped in dark romance, obsession, and morally gray chaos and I devoured every delicious page.

Daphne Fox is not your typical First Daughter. She’s sharp, angry, and painfully aware that her entire life has been a pawn in her father’s political chess game. So when a masked vigilante kidnaps her and offers her a chance to strike back, it feels less like a nightmare and more like a dangerous invitation. And oh boy, does she take it.

Tristan Sinclair is the definition of morally gray: a man willing to spill blood to stop a bill that could destroy millions of lives. He’s ruthless, focused, and absolutely not supposed to fall for the woman he abducted. But Daphne’s fire, intelligence, and refusal to be controlled get under his skin in the best and worst way. Their dynamic is intense equal parts manipulation, tension, and reluctant trust and the chemistry is sizzling.

What really hooked me was the constant ethical tug-of-war. Tristan plotting to kill the President while falling for his daughter? Daphne learning how far she’ll go for freedom? Add in an online stalker and layers of political corruption, and you’ve got a story that feels like a dark, high-stakes game of chess where every move costs blood.

This book thrives on power plays, obsession, betrayal, and forbidden attraction, and it doesn’t shy away from morally messy choices. If you love dark romance with political intrigue, anti-hero MMCs, and an FMC who refuses to stay a pawn, Blood Red is absolutely worth the read.

It’s intense, twisted, and addictive like watching a slow-motion train wreck you can’t look away from but secretly cheering for. 🩸🖤

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ ARC REVIEW 

🩸 Stalker Romance 
🩸 Political Corruption 
🩸 Kidnapping 
🩸 Masked Man
🩸 Spicy
🩸 He Falls First 
🩸 Touch Her and 💀 
🩸 Opposites Attract 


Tristan our MMC is planning to stop a current healthcare bill that seeks to ruin millions lives. His plan ultimately involves kidnapping the daughter of the president.

Daphne our FMC is suffering in her own silence Being born into a family that shows no concern or love for her. She is a means to an end for her family's political gain. 

I absolutely loved this read! The banter between both these characters I really enjoyed.

This read hooked me from the very beginning! 

I was pleasantly surprised by the political mix in the storyline. It flowed really well and didn't overpower with everything else going on, which I was worried about in starting this read.

It was written very well and the plot had me intrigued to the end.

Whilst Tristan had other motives from the beginning, he always maintained Daphne's safety and protection. Quite the softy under the mask. Daphne did not shy away from Tristan's threats. Both creating a give and take which solidified their connection from the beginning. 

Can't wait to see more from this Author in the future. Thoroughly enjoy and would definitely would recommend!

[BookForAHeart · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts political chess match and high-stakes obsession, Blood Red is the lethal ride you’ve been waiting for. This isn't your typical damsel in distress story; it’s a dark, twisty game of chicken where the stakes are measured in millions of lives. The story centers on Daphne Fox, a mid-sized FMC who is tired of being a political pawn for her father, and Tristan Sinclair, a masked man with a touch her and die policy. Their chemistry is explosive, blending the high tension of a stalker romance with the high stakes of a national healthcare crisis. 🏛️💣

The dynamic between the leads is what truly drives the plot. Tristan is the ultimate morally grey MMC, a man who is comfortable with blood on his hands if it serves the greater good, yet he turns into a total golden retriever for Daphne. Watching him struggle as he falls first is incredibly satisfying, especially as his mission to stop a corrupt bill is derailed by his growing obsession with the First Daughter. Daphne herself is a powerhouse; her sharp wit and refusal to be a victim make her a standout BookTok favorite. She’s willing to trade her father's darkest secrets for her own freedom, leading to a spicy, BDSM-infused power struggle that keeps the pages turning. 🌶️🔥

As the plot thickens with secret identities, disguises, and a secondary online stalker, the tension reaches a fever pitch. The forbidden love aspect is dialed up to eleven because Daphne has no idea her protector is actually plotting to assassinate her father. It’s a beautifully messy, high-intensity read that forces both characters to decide what they are willing to sacrifice: their country, their secrets, or each other. If you love a hero who is protective, dangerous, and slightly unhinged, this book belongs at the top of your TBR pile. 🖤📖

[Anita D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red by Caitlin Cherise
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 – I loved it!
🔥🔥🔥🔥 - explicit open door

As is typical for dark romance, if you have triggers, you should def check the content list for this book before reading.

Tristan Sinclair is doing his damnedest to stop an awful bill from going through parliament. (Do they call it parliament in the USA? I’m sorry if not.) And he is happy to kidnap or kill people to get the message across if needed.

Daphne Fox is the First Daughter of the USA. Her dad is trying to get a bill through that will reduce the healthcare rights of average Americans. Daphne does not have a good relationship with her parents. She’s got a soft and comfy mid-sized body.

Daphne and Tristan’s meet-cute is … a kidnapping? But during the kidnapping, Tristan starts to fall for Daphne. (Also, she’s hot.)

Their relationship is a bit of a slow build with some grovelling (or just being caring) from Tristan. He feels badly about kidnapping Daphne, but not about the reason why he did it.

I enjoyed the side plot of trying to prevent the bill from being passed. Sometimes Tristan’s ability to be sneaky and to avoid the FBI felt a touch far-fetched, but this is a romance, so I wasn’t bothered by this.

The smut is well written and engaging; I didn’t find it gratuitous (as it can be in some books – glares at Icebreaker).

My only gripe with this book is that I felt that one of the subplots was wrapped up too quickly and too neatly. However, this is a romance so I do accept that it should have a HEA and sometimes to get the neat lil bow in a reasonable page count, sacrifices are made.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Caitlin Cherise for the ARC.

[Malissa Antonios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Red by Caitlin Cherise



This book was great from start to finish. I absolutely loved the characters. Daphne Fox, President of the United States' daughter. Even though she grew up in high society, and part of the 1%, she is such a relatable down to earth girl. Loves her puppy Hawkeye, good food & posting Booktok content as her alias persona. She knows who she is and what she wants. Growing up in politics, she knows just how corrupt the system and her family really is.

Tristan has that golden retriever boyfriend vibe, which is fitting considering he owns a dog rescue. He is handsome, smart and rich, however, underneath his puppy dog charm, is a killer on a mission. He is determined to stop a Bill from being signed into law that will ruin the lives of millions of Americans. What better way to do this, than kidnapping the Presidents daughter. This changes both their lives forever, but for the better.


There were so many aspects in this story I loved. Great plot, great character banter. I personally loved the political humor throughout. As a girl that struggled with weight issues growing up, it was great to read about someone who was not as thin as a rail. The love developed between these to is so genuine. Tristan is a top tier book boyfriend. 

I highly recommend this book. If Lights Out is your vibe.. you are going to love this one! Please check the Trigger Warnings before reading.


*kidnapping 

*touch her & die

*political humor 

*puppies 

*masked MMC

*murder


Thank you to Author Caitlin Cherise for providing the ARC. 

[Liis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you author and NetGalley for the ARC.

I had an incredibly fun time with this book. Don’t get me wrong, Blood Red is still a dark political thriller packed in a swoon worthy romance. But I was glad the political heaviness of the book was cut with the banter and sweetness of the growing relationship between our main characters.

Blood Red is a dual pov story told from the view of Daphne, a first daughter trapped in the political world due to her family, and Tristan, a not-so-average anti-hero ready to take action against a healthcare bill that would destroy lives.
I loved Tristan almost instantly. His golden-retriever burn-the-world-for-you energy carried the book on his shoulders (I think maybe he needs a good long vacation though). The man was focused, detailed oriented, and locked in. And he was so gone for Daphne the moment this girl opened her mouth. I ate it up for breakfast!
Daphne brought the biggest ‘I don’t want to be here’ energy to every political meeting and conversation. She was relatable with her desire to own a library, read, and have a man recognise her worth. I think as a character she really made me think about what the people who don’t choose to be in the position of spotlight could be going through.

So, Blood Red has it all: stalkers, political tension, ethical dilemmas, secret identities, and a golden-retriever boyfriend for all of us to obsess over. When you are in the mood for morally gray (and complex) characters with currently very relevant political drama this is the book for you!

[SmuttyRunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies, we now have another golden retriever book boyfriend to swoon over.

This was a really fun read. The banter made you laugh, love the characters more and evened out the levity that comes with political thrillers.

Tristan, our MMC, is out to make the world a better place, although his methods are nefarious and oh so creative. There was no holding back in describing gruesome, gory details... I love it!
During his plot he meets Daphne, our FMC, who is smart, quick witted and in desperate need of love. She's the daughter of the president, a president who's sole focus is political gain (and money), even at the expense of his family.
Their relationship has an unconventional start, but develops believably, with him falling hard and fast, even killing for her (as all book boyfriends should!). Throughout the story is an unwelcome mystery player, Tristan's siblings and Hawkeye, Daphne's ( I mean their) pup, all of which add depth, light and background to the story and MCs.
The spice is there, although not heavy. However, we all want a man willing to make our book fantasies come true, and Tristan delivers that for Daphne in delicious fashion.

This was a great first book. I definitely recommend reading if you're a fan of Lights Out or even The Ruinous Love Trilogy.

Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy. It was my pleasure to read and provide this review.

[Angel McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It got my attention immediately from the start. It held my attention all the way through the book. I liked how the book is from the president's daughter perspective and how right away there is suspense. Loved how the author made references to past presidents and how the author has the main character says what she (the main character) thinks about the past and present president's and that they have done some crooked shit. Love how the main character says that someone should have retired with a certain president did and says the name, LOL. I was laugh so hard that my husband came over and asked me what I was reading and when I showed him, he lost it and started laughing so much and so hard that he started crying. The part that made my husband and myself lose it was when the main character makes the comment about not having sexual relations with that woman. I love how the main character stands up to her parents and that the main character has someone to stand beside her when she does stand up to them. I love that this is a dark stalker romance and an enemies to lovers book as well as comedy. I give this 5 STARS and HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS BOOK!!!

Thank You for the opportunity to be a reader!
Angel McNulty
p.s. I absolutely NEED this book and will be getting one. ONE OF MY ALTIME FAVORITES!!!

[Suki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced, dark contemporary romance story between the president's daughter and a charming, mysterious stranger. Daphne Fox is an unwilling pawn in her father's corrupt agenda. As she navigates the intricate and uncomfortable duties of being the president's daughter, she faces the harsh truth that her own father is more than willing to sacrifice the lives of the people who put him in power. During an awkward date, she meets Tristian, a man with many secrets, including his desire to murder her father.

This story packs a punch of thrills and urgency as the main characters become reluctant allies in bringing down a corrupt bill. The romance has rapid pacing, perfect for readers who don't want the main characters to dance around their feelings. The main couple feels instant chemistry, and the book has high-intensity spice scenes. The plot is full of corrupt politicians, self-serving agendas, and villains that feel all too real. The book has an easy-to-read, straightforward plot that won't distract too much from the romance. Although there were scenes and interactions between the main characters that felt very similar to familiar troupes it still works for readers who knowingly expect and want it.

[chlos_booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC review✨

Firstly, thank you so much to Caitlin for sending me a copy of your book! It was such a pleasure to receive and read! And I look forward to seeing what you come out with next!

Secondly, I absolutely loved Blood Red!
It was such a joy to read, it genuinely had me hooked from the beginning! I've been really loving my Dark Romance books, and I already know that this one will be on my bookshelf the moment it goes on sale!

I loved the main characters, Daphne and Tristan, they were so well written and I could just feel the connection between them throughout the book! They were a joy to get to know, and I love a MMC that supports his woman in her interests even if that does include a little revenge 👀

Blood Red drops on April 28th, and if you're searching for your next Masked Stalker Dark Romance book, that has V for Vendetta thrown into the mix, with the FMC being a curvy queen with a strong attitude (and a super cute puppy), and the MMC being the FBI's most wanted and wanting to protect Daphne at all costs, make sure to get your pre orders in and prepare yourself for your next favourite spicy read ❤️🔥

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dedication of this book sets the whole tone for it and I am living for it. Obsessed cinnamon roll who is sweet for her and spice, what more could we all need.

I love Daphne and the fact that she is a spitfire. She should be a cowering girl but instead she is pushing at Tristan every chance she gets. Who in their right mind would be antagonizing their kidnapper?

Tristan is so sweet. He is a modern day vigilant who is working for the greater good and he gives off hard cinnamon roll vibes. He is textbook amazing Book Boyfriend. I LOVED his proposal!

I was not sure what I was going to think of the book with it so heavily political but I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing Daphne and Tristian come together as a couple.


Some of my favorite moments:

"And that connection, Daphne Fox, is why I promise that I will always find you. Because you know this feels right."

"Two months ago, I had a stalker. Somehow, he graduated to boyfriend, and you know, I'm happy about that."

" I bought a book off your wishlist for every day since we met."

[Dom’s Lit Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood Red is what happens when political corruption meets a "burn the world down for her" obsession. The story centers around Daphne, the First Daughter used to being a pawn in her father’s political schemes and Tristan, a masked vigilante.

When Tristan kidnaps Daphne, to stop a catastrophic bill that would affect the lives of millions of American people, he expects a victim. Instead, he finds his match. After spending her life being used as her father’s political currency, Daphne decides the only thing more satisfying than safety is revenge.

The relationship between Daphne and Tristan is a complex one. Obsession, corruption, and secrets set the tone with a sprinkle of a stalker looming in the digital shadows making this story a beautiful chess match.

If you’re looking for a strong willed FMC and a MMC who is morally complex, an anti-hero, and is willing to challenge the system, this story is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Caitlin Cherise for an advanced reader copy of Blood Red (publishing April 28, 2026).

[Georgina Takel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Red is has it all: a political thriller, stalker/ abduction turns romance, obsession, and morally grey MMC and a soft but powerful book girly FMC.

Daphne is aware that she isn’t the apple of her parents eye, no that was her dead sister. She had spent her entire life working hard to please her parents, yet never quite achieving it. Even her job as a political scheduler is to please her father, the President. But when a masked hitman enters her life, everything is thrown up in the air, and Daphne likes it.

Tristan your morally grey main character. There’s nothing that he wouldn’t do to stop a health bill that is going to threaten millions of lives. But his focus slips when his life tangles with the woman he abducted to make a statement, and suddenly he’d do anything to keep her safe. He’s obsessed in the best ways.

This book is a dark spicy romance, that has high stakes plays throughout. If you love dark romance Blood Red is absolutely worth the read.

[Beth Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Red by Caitlin Cherise is a dark high stakes romance which will thrill you as a reader!

The story follows Daphne Fox, a politic chesspiece for her father. Fed up with being her father’s pawn, she decides to do things her way. She meets our obssessed stalker MMC Tristan Sinclair who may or may not have a deadly plan for her father, and let me tell you the chemistry between these two is insane!

Although Tristan is your Broody MMC, who would burn the world down for her even if he has to get his hands dirty, he is an absolute softy for Daphne… which warms my heart. One of my favourite tropes is when a morally grey man has a soft spot only for her. So to see this including was an absolute win for me.

If you are looking for a story with high stakes romance, secret identities, forbidden love and betrayal this story is the story for you!

[Maggie Wunschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC on my Kindle, and I absolutely devoured this book!

Don’t let the political storyline scare you off—it was actually refreshing to read something a little different from the usual dark romances. It added a unique twist that kept things interesting without taking away from the intensity.

I loved the FMC, completely despised her family, and totally fell for the MMC. I mean… who wouldn’t love a man who buys her a book from her TBR for every single day he’s known her—and then builds her an entire library with a sliding ladder?! Swoon.

It had just the right touch of darkness and a plot that stood out from the crowd. Overall, such a great read! I’m already excited to see who the next book follows and what Caitlin has in store for us!

[Ashley Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!!!! I was fortunate to get an ARC from the author and could barely put it down. There were some kick your feet laugh out loud moments, but the characters build so well and you fall in love with both the FMC and MMC. There are definitely some darker themes and lots of politics but it doesn't overshadow the characters and their story. I was rooting for them and so happy to see a FMC who has curves and an MMC who wears his heart on his sleeve, we love a cinnamon roll! Love this and can't wait to read more from Caitlin Cherise and I hope that we get to see more of the characters established in this book, so many of my friends have already added this to their TBR's as well.

[Kerin Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a wild ride for sure! This is a perfect lightning match of tug-a-war. Hardcore thriller mixed with stalker, abduction, forbidden romance. MMC Is extremely morally gray and will stop at nothing to achieve his plans. He’s trying to stop the president from passive a bill that will hurt millions of people in healthcare. Guess who he abducts none other than the presidents daughter. Trying to get close to the president to kill him. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat thinking.. omg what’s going to happen next. The romance is next level and the tension is even hotter. Overall a great read! -Kerin Ray

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a masked man who stalks you and kills for you? I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters had great banter with one another where some of the things the MFC and The MMC made me chuckle. love the build of there connection it didn't feel rushed to me was a pretty good pace. The MMC definitely gave me Josh from Lights Out vibes. Even when the main characters would talk about there fur baby. I loved when those scenes would come up. I definitely recommend reading this book you will not regret. If your a Lights Out and a Brynn Weaver girlie like me. This book is definitely for you.
I wanna say thank you to the author for letting me be ARC Reader for your story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*arc review*

I really didn’t know what to expect with this one, HOWEVER I can honestly say without a doubt, that I absolutely loved this. I love everything about Daphne and Tristan. The plot was plotting, surprisingly I enjoyed the political theme, and I absolutely loved the fact that Daphne wasn’t your typical FMC, she is absolutely a spitfire instead of hiding and cowering, Tristan is everything you want in a cinnamon roll, even with the “hobbies” I love the banter between these two and honestly I can’t wait to see what this author does next 🥹🖤

[Chris Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought this was going to be really political, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Daphne is the daughter to the POTUS, who is trying to pass a controversial bill before re-election. Tristan is trying to squash the bill by any means necessary, including kidnapping Daphne for information.

These two together are brilliant. Daphne is first and Tristan knows how to handle her.

What I loved about this book is there was no fight or doubt that pulled these two apart. It was a great story with a golden retriever that would do anything for his woman.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great premise for a book! I like the political theme, something we really need right now considering the state of the world.

And loving the Dark Rom Com Genre, this author is brilliant! Looking forward to her next book!

Would definitely recommend to a friend, a best friend, an avid book reader, a lover, my neighbour, that weird guy at the bus stop, an alien, Beyonce and the next person I see at the supermarket.

5/5 stars

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit worried at first about the plot of this book but somehow the author managed to mix together politics, romance and murder into an enjoyable book that even made me laugh. Tristan is an amazing man and oddly super sweet considering what his hobbies are and Daphne is innocent/sweet while pretty jaded about people in general. All in all, I think being kidnapped was the best thing to ever happen to her. I loved that this book had a happy ever after.

[Lyndsay Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Politics, kidnapping, masked man, murder and sooo much more. The plot is plotting. Tristan and Daphne found each other in the most insane way and I was totally here for it.

This book did not disappoint. I will say I did think there would be more because toward the end something happened that left you thinking, wait there’s more!? However it never came.

To find out more you MUST read!

[Chelsea Drumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Red is addictive and heart-pounding, spicy and a little unhinged, but I had the best time reading it. This book is politically charged and very much has Butcher & Blackbird vibes with the premise of the book being murder of bad, bad people. And, I KNOW, murder=bad, right? But also, alright, I understand where the MMC is coming from and found myself cheering him on (I GET IT, Daphne). Definitely read trigger warnings because this gets dark. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

[Genna Zdunski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC. Being very political based, if I’m honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Let me tell you… I gave up sleep these last two days so I could read this book. I won’t give any spoilers, but I will say this book is a bookworm girl’s dream. Daphne is strong and independent, and Tristan has the whole touch her and die thing going. Plus there’s dogs! Seriously, nothing to say no to in this book!

[Chloe Woodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My ARC review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love this book once I started reading I couldn’t stop. The FMC is funny, smart,and is a booktoker. The MMC is funny, wears a mask, and stalks the FMC.
The banter in this book is so good I was laughing out loud, the MMC’s obsession with the FMC is everything you could ask for and the FMC is just as obsessed with him, and there is an HEA

[Paula K Hargis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! Don't miss out on this one. I could not put it down. This book kept me captivated from tge first page to the last and then wanting more. It is a perfect blend of thriller and romance. I was fortunate enough to ARC read this book and am grateful I did 6 STARS from me!!!! I hope there is more to come.

[Christina Scarbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will capture your attention right from the beginning! Good luck putting it down. A suspenseful and intense dark romance enemies to lovers book. This book includes some politics, which I am not normally a fan of, but they blend in well and are overshadowed by the romance. Trust, fear, attraction, and moral conflict shape the relationship between the characters.

[FROSTB1T3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cat and mouse of this book is well written. I loved seeing the FMC grow out of the shell and become who someone better. The twisted fates of life are so enjoyable throughout this read.
-and remember this is NOT based on real life. Just ironic timing.

[Lauren Esposito · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER REVEIW: This book was a very good and fast read! I didn’t want to put it down! Absolutely loved the story! I wish I had more to write but I don’t want to give anything away! This is definitely a political book but it is definitely worth the read!