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Miss Devine
The book that brought Wall Street to its knees… literally.
A voice-driven, darkly funny, and often polarizing novel about identity, judgment, and the cost of wanting to be wanted.
Cara Devine is a walking cotton-candy explosion, wildly out of place on the loser floor of a Manhattan finance firm, and hopelessly obsessed with her boss. Cara’s loud pink exterior hides a chronically insecure girl. Jokes are her armor. Attention is proof she matters.
Not exactly the girl you’d expect to accidentally become a dominatrix.
Then one spectacular public implosion changes everything.
She slapped a billionaire.
He sent Louboutins.
Now she's drawn into his world, dazzled by the glamour and absolutely not ready for the fine print.
Used by her boss. Manipulated by the billionaire. When Cara finally figures out just how badly she's been played, no one sees what's coming.
This isn't a romance. It's a reckoning.
A voice-driven, darkly funny, and often polarizing novel about identity, judgment, and the cost of wanting to be wanted.
Cara Devine is a walking cotton-candy explosion, wildly out of place on the loser floor of a Manhattan finance firm, and hopelessly obsessed with her boss. Cara’s loud pink exterior hides a chronically insecure girl. Jokes are her armor. Attention is proof she matters.
Not exactly the girl you’d expect to accidentally become a dominatrix.
Then one spectacular public implosion changes everything.
She slapped a billionaire.
He sent Louboutins.
Now she's drawn into his world, dazzled by the glamour and absolutely not ready for the fine print.
Used by her boss. Manipulated by the billionaire. When Cara finally figures out just how badly she's been played, no one sees what's coming.
This isn't a romance. It's a reckoning.
350 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 27, 2026
Probably one of the realest books I’ve ever read 😅 this is NOT a traditional “omgggg they fall in love and live happily ever after”. This is a woman’s awakening. This is her finding out who she is by trying new things, failing miserably, questioning herself, and landing in a space where she realizes the power she holds and is DONE taking 💩 from those around her. She is tired of being controlled and manipulated and she handles it in such an iconic way. The internal monologue had me cackling.
If you see me making a skit about it, there will 100% be a blow up sheep, I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻♀️
If you see me making a skit about it, there will 100% be a blow up sheep, I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻♀️
April 22, 2026
*paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫 (4.5/5) 🥵🥵🥵🥵
“These weren’t shoes. They were a flex in leather.” 👠
“Apparently, Elliott had no firewall – they were all auto rejected, never reached his sprain.”
“Oh, shit. My balls just dropped.”
Thanks so much to @miss_devine_books for my gifted copy of this book…it wasn’t one that was on my radar so I’m so glad it fell into my lap. It was a sexy good time. Holy shit.
Picture it…pining for your boss who treats you as less than. Then making another dude jealous…said dude is a billionaire, who just so happens to be your bosses boss but you don’t realize that and end up slapping him across the face BUT no worries, even though he’s the big boss…he gets off on you slapping the shit out of him. Then BOOM, next thing you know you’re a BDSM Mistress. I don’t make the rules…I’m just here flipping the pages in rapid succession 😂😂😂😂
This book so was much fun. I loved Cara, her bestie and Simone. In fact, I think I just loved the entire cast of characters in this one.
I loved how Cara did some sexy soul searching and took matters into her own hands.
If you’re into spicy dark romance then this is the book for you. Def check it out, I highly recommend.
This one is described as DARK, FUNNY, FILTHY and i wholeheartedly agree with that. I’d also say it’s a genre bending very witty dark revenge romance with a badass FMC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫 (4.5/5) 🥵🥵🥵🥵
“These weren’t shoes. They were a flex in leather.” 👠
“Apparently, Elliott had no firewall – they were all auto rejected, never reached his sprain.”
“Oh, shit. My balls just dropped.”
Thanks so much to @miss_devine_books for my gifted copy of this book…it wasn’t one that was on my radar so I’m so glad it fell into my lap. It was a sexy good time. Holy shit.
Picture it…pining for your boss who treats you as less than. Then making another dude jealous…said dude is a billionaire, who just so happens to be your bosses boss but you don’t realize that and end up slapping him across the face BUT no worries, even though he’s the big boss…he gets off on you slapping the shit out of him. Then BOOM, next thing you know you’re a BDSM Mistress. I don’t make the rules…I’m just here flipping the pages in rapid succession 😂😂😂😂
This book so was much fun. I loved Cara, her bestie and Simone. In fact, I think I just loved the entire cast of characters in this one.
I loved how Cara did some sexy soul searching and took matters into her own hands.
If you’re into spicy dark romance then this is the book for you. Def check it out, I highly recommend.
This one is described as DARK, FUNNY, FILTHY and i wholeheartedly agree with that. I’d also say it’s a genre bending very witty dark revenge romance with a badass FMC.
April 7, 2026
This story had me pulled in right away, Cara is such a funny character and I loved seeing her crazy life unfold. Imagine accidentally becoming a BDSM Dominant to a billionaire with… certain tastes. She had some quotes that seriously cracked me up! There was so much growth and learning for Cara and it’s interesting to see what choices she made. I love her!
May 19, 2026
Cara Devine, an insecure but bold young woman working at a Manhattan finance firm, impulsively slaps a billionaire and is unexpectedly pulled into his glamorous, manipulative world. As she becomes entangled with powerful men who use and underestimate her, Cara uncovers the truth about their schemes and transforms from a naïve outsider into someone far more dangerous than anyone expected.
This book is not a romance it is about revenge. A very different kind of book from what I normally read and I don't really know how I feel about it. At times it was uncomfortable to read but I was trying to keep an open mind. I am not sure that this genre is for me but it absolutely kept me entertained.
This book is not a romance it is about revenge. A very different kind of book from what I normally read and I don't really know how I feel about it. At times it was uncomfortable to read but I was trying to keep an open mind. I am not sure that this genre is for me but it absolutely kept me entertained.
May 7, 2026
I received this book as an E-ARC. This fast-paced book is about Cara Devine, an office girly who becomes a billionaire’s domme after slapping him at a bar. Meanwhile your girl was just trying to just get her work crush to notice her. In the end we end up asking ourselves who deserves our attention and I couldn’t be happier with Cara’s decision. I swear on everything pink it was worth it to finish. Her messy inner dialogue grows on you and you start to love it. This book is SPICY. This is not your average rom com or dark romance. If you’re looking for messy female rage and revenge, self-love, and a lot of BDSM this is your book. Now, order yourself a caramel macchiato and devour this *devine* masterpiece in one sitting. The ending will have you understanding why she truly was the best in the room.
June 28, 2026
This was incredibly entertaining, but I also don’t know that I fully understand/enjoyed where it went. If I had to try to classify it, I guess I would say maybe dark erotica comedy? And like the antithesis of billionaire romance.
Cara makes it very clear multiple times that she does not find Elliot attractive. At all. And then there’s Cara’s boss Luke who she is into, but is also super shady? And absolutely everything takes place within the realm of/related to Cara’s job, so it’s basically a long saga of sexual harassment.
However, Cara, despite her more than occasional idiocy and poor decision making skills, is absolutely hilarious and that made this worth the read and makes MK Rivers and author whose work I will keep an eye out for.
Thank you to NetGalley and MK Rivers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Cara makes it very clear multiple times that she does not find Elliot attractive. At all. And then there’s Cara’s boss Luke who she is into, but is also super shady? And absolutely everything takes place within the realm of/related to Cara’s job, so it’s basically a long saga of sexual harassment.
However, Cara, despite her more than occasional idiocy and poor decision making skills, is absolutely hilarious and that made this worth the read and makes MK Rivers and author whose work I will keep an eye out for.
Thank you to NetGalley and MK Rivers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2026
Dark, funny, and an unhinged wild ride.
This is not your usual rom-com, but its witty humor and boss lady attitude was super entertaining, and the spice was scortching pure filth, I couldn't get enough. This book had me laughing and relating with the FMC on so many levels. It's the type of story that makes you experience something totally different and gain a new perspective while leaving a lingering thoughtfulness.
Cara is a hot mess in the best way. She is absolutely underestimated, and her story is one of revenge, and it is so sweet. She found and realized her worth and took charge of her own destiny. It's not your typical HEA, but it still gives you a happy feeling in the end! I loved this and was thoroughly entertained.
This is not your usual rom-com, but its witty humor and boss lady attitude was super entertaining, and the spice was scortching pure filth, I couldn't get enough. This book had me laughing and relating with the FMC on so many levels. It's the type of story that makes you experience something totally different and gain a new perspective while leaving a lingering thoughtfulness.
Cara is a hot mess in the best way. She is absolutely underestimated, and her story is one of revenge, and it is so sweet. She found and realized her worth and took charge of her own destiny. It's not your typical HEA, but it still gives you a happy feeling in the end! I loved this and was thoroughly entertained.
April 25, 2026
Could not put it down!
I read this book in one sitting! Literally couldn't put it down until the last page!
Ms. Rivers, you knocked it out of the ballpark. The characters, the storyline, the city, I stayed on for the whole ride. I loved the ending! Go, Cara!
This is the first book of yours that I read, it definitely won't be the last. Keep them coming! Pun intended 😆
I read this book in one sitting! Literally couldn't put it down until the last page!
Ms. Rivers, you knocked it out of the ballpark. The characters, the storyline, the city, I stayed on for the whole ride. I loved the ending! Go, Cara!
This is the first book of yours that I read, it definitely won't be the last. Keep them coming! Pun intended 😆
May 28, 2026
This is not a traditional romance where two people fall in love and live happily ever after. It’s a chaotic, hilarious, emotionally brutal book about validation, obsession, power, and choosing yourself.
Cara Devine is messy, insecure, funny, and so unhinged. Watching her go from a hopelessly obsessed assistant to a billionaire’s dominatrix to finally choosing herself over male validation? INSANE.
This book is filthy, funny, uncomfortable, and weirdly empowering all at once.
And the ending was not what I expected. No fairytale. No magical fix. Just a woman finally realizing she doesn’t need to be chosen to matter. And I LOVED it.
Cara Devine is messy, insecure, funny, and so unhinged. Watching her go from a hopelessly obsessed assistant to a billionaire’s dominatrix to finally choosing herself over male validation? INSANE.
This book is filthy, funny, uncomfortable, and weirdly empowering all at once.
And the ending was not what I expected. No fairytale. No magical fix. Just a woman finally realizing she doesn’t need to be chosen to matter. And I LOVED it.
May 1, 2026
Okay, this book delivered. If you were reading my comments along the way, you'd know that I wasn't sure if it was going to. Which tells you something, right? I was invested enough that I was beginning to get worried. It may seem like a classic love triangle, but nobody is worthy and some of the characters were short enough on character development that I was beginning to get nervous.
The book is amusing. The main character has a way with words. It's the "relatable, everygirl, hot mess finds herself in situations of her own making but aren't really her fault" trope which, frankly, is not one of my favorite tropes at all. But her sass and humor and hilariousness compensated for it. And her friendship with her best friend.
Her journey of self discovery and character development was sufficient. It's a combination of situational ridiculousness mixed with real growth. It passes my 4 star rating test: When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about it and looking forward to getting back to it. I laughed out loud at a lot of the lines. She's very expressive. And even when she irked me, I hoped she would get it together.
I read BDSM and there is a lot of discussion (think 50 Shades) about how some stories bungle the BDSM. Something I learned from the book Different Loving by Brame that bdsm helps people be *more* communicative, not less. More direct, not less. More able to control themselves in the world outside of Play because they have more self knowledge and are being explicit, not less. More able to get their psychological needs met safely, sanely, and consensually without dragging unconsenting people into it, not less.
That is not this book. This book is more like the movie The Secretary. It's messy, she doesn't know what the hell she's doing, nobody is explaining it properly (even though FFS we have INTERNET and there are multiple people in the story who could give actual guidance and one literally handed her a book that she is proud of not reading. See above "trope: hot mess every woman that pisses me off"). So this is more the messy exploration and doing it without knowing what the hell you're doing and getting bad advice and poor guidance.
But it's a fun read. And she handles it. Maybe that's the fantasy.
The book is amusing. The main character has a way with words. It's the "relatable, everygirl, hot mess finds herself in situations of her own making but aren't really her fault" trope which, frankly, is not one of my favorite tropes at all. But her sass and humor and hilariousness compensated for it. And her friendship with her best friend.
Her journey of self discovery and character development was sufficient. It's a combination of situational ridiculousness mixed with real growth. It passes my 4 star rating test: When I'm not reading, I'm thinking about it and looking forward to getting back to it. I laughed out loud at a lot of the lines. She's very expressive. And even when she irked me, I hoped she would get it together.
I read BDSM and there is a lot of discussion (think 50 Shades) about how some stories bungle the BDSM. Something I learned from the book Different Loving by Brame that bdsm helps people be *more* communicative, not less. More direct, not less. More able to control themselves in the world outside of Play because they have more self knowledge and are being explicit, not less. More able to get their psychological needs met safely, sanely, and consensually without dragging unconsenting people into it, not less.
That is not this book. This book is more like the movie The Secretary. It's messy, she doesn't know what the hell she's doing, nobody is explaining it properly (even though FFS we have INTERNET and there are multiple people in the story who could give actual guidance and one literally handed her a book that she is proud of not reading. See above "trope: hot mess every woman that pisses me off"). So this is more the messy exploration and doing it without knowing what the hell you're doing and getting bad advice and poor guidance.
But it's a fun read. And she handles it. Maybe that's the fantasy.
April 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Let me begin with the only truth that matters: I devoured this wicked little delight.
I tore through these pages like a woman with alibis to destroy and names to cross off a velvet list. Give me a revenge plot wrapped in silk gloves and sharpened with comedy, and I am immediately sat. 👏
Then this story had the audacity to add mortifyingly hilarious moments, delicious chaos, and an FMC (Cara) whose transformation was nothing short of iconic? Obsessed.
Our girl does not simply rise—she ascends. She steps into her corset, her designer heels, and her own terrifying power with the confidence of someone who has finally realized she could ruin lives beautifully. Watching her evolution was SO satisfying, especially alongside the bond she shares with her bestie Charli. We love loyal side characters with front-row seats to vengeance.
What I adored most was how none of the romantic entanglements unfold the way genre tradition tries to train us to expect. Every relationship, every almost-relationship, every questionable man-shaped complication zigzags into something smarter.
And the true happy ending centers Cara first and foremost. As it should. TBH, I need more stories where a woman’s greatest love affair is with reclaiming herself.
My only grievance? I wanted the fallout. BECAUSE OUR GIRL IS SO MESSYYYYY! 😂👏
I needed to witness the smoke after the match was dropped. I wanted to see how the two MMCs handled the wreckage, and how that one skank(whose name shall remain buried for spoiler-related reasons) fared once the dust settled. Denying me the aftermath felt deliciously cruel.
All in all, this was a wildly entertaining ride. Sharp, funny, vindictive, and gloriously messy. I was laughing so hard during the inflatable sheep scene I nearly lost composure entirely.
And if this book accidentally convinced me I could thrive with a side hustle as a Dom? Well. That is between me and the shadows.
Let me begin with the only truth that matters: I devoured this wicked little delight.
I tore through these pages like a woman with alibis to destroy and names to cross off a velvet list. Give me a revenge plot wrapped in silk gloves and sharpened with comedy, and I am immediately sat. 👏
Then this story had the audacity to add mortifyingly hilarious moments, delicious chaos, and an FMC (Cara) whose transformation was nothing short of iconic? Obsessed.
Our girl does not simply rise—she ascends. She steps into her corset, her designer heels, and her own terrifying power with the confidence of someone who has finally realized she could ruin lives beautifully. Watching her evolution was SO satisfying, especially alongside the bond she shares with her bestie Charli. We love loyal side characters with front-row seats to vengeance.
What I adored most was how none of the romantic entanglements unfold the way genre tradition tries to train us to expect. Every relationship, every almost-relationship, every questionable man-shaped complication zigzags into something smarter.
And the true happy ending centers Cara first and foremost. As it should. TBH, I need more stories where a woman’s greatest love affair is with reclaiming herself.
My only grievance? I wanted the fallout. BECAUSE OUR GIRL IS SO MESSYYYYY! 😂👏
I needed to witness the smoke after the match was dropped. I wanted to see how the two MMCs handled the wreckage, and how that one skank(whose name shall remain buried for spoiler-related reasons) fared once the dust settled. Denying me the aftermath felt deliciously cruel.
All in all, this was a wildly entertaining ride. Sharp, funny, vindictive, and gloriously messy. I was laughing so hard during the inflatable sheep scene I nearly lost composure entirely.
And if this book accidentally convinced me I could thrive with a side hustle as a Dom? Well. That is between me and the shadows.
July 4, 2026
This book is hard to review without giving spoilers, but I'll try. Cara Devine is a personal assistant who has an infatuation with her boss. While running an errand for him, she has an inappropriate interaction with a very rich man (Elliott) that leads to her publicly slapping him in the face. We never know what he said that was inappropriate or how rich he is, so don't expect those details to come later in the book. There are also some other missing details that just create unanswered questions.
After the slap, Cara storms out embarrassed and Elliott watches her aroused. What ensues is odd. I'm no expert at BDSM (nor did I fully know that is what the book would be about when I started reading it), but it feels less like a BDSM book and more like a book about self-realization and revenge. The only character fully developed via narrative was Cara, and maybe her boss. The rest of the characters had plot holes that left me a bit confused and back stories that felt forced. For example, I understood that Elliott had fetishes, but the explanations of why were vague at best. The counselor's work history also made no sense.
I liked the rawness of Cara, however. She was admittedly immature in ways that remind you that people are human. Her evolution into a more confident person makes you want to cheer for her. I am also all for female empowerment and taking back power. However, I'm just not sure unprotected sex gets you there, nor any of the things that happened at the end. The end devolved into some sort of weird, chaotic revenge that left me wondering whether Cara actually changed at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for tmy advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
After the slap, Cara storms out embarrassed and Elliott watches her aroused. What ensues is odd. I'm no expert at BDSM (nor did I fully know that is what the book would be about when I started reading it), but it feels less like a BDSM book and more like a book about self-realization and revenge. The only character fully developed via narrative was Cara, and maybe her boss. The rest of the characters had plot holes that left me a bit confused and back stories that felt forced. For example, I understood that Elliott had fetishes, but the explanations of why were vague at best. The counselor's work history also made no sense.
I liked the rawness of Cara, however. She was admittedly immature in ways that remind you that people are human. Her evolution into a more confident person makes you want to cheer for her. I am also all for female empowerment and taking back power. However, I'm just not sure unprotected sex gets you there, nor any of the things that happened at the end. The end devolved into some sort of weird, chaotic revenge that left me wondering whether Cara actually changed at all.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for tmy advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 30, 2026
A witty, filthy, and empowering masterpiece! 🌶️👑
Miss Devine was such a pleasant surprise. Coming from a background of heavy dark romance, I didn’t think a dark rom-com could be such a relentless page-turner, but I was wrong. I devoured this in a single day, probably looking like a total maniac because I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time.
Cara is the chaotic, spontaneous FMC I never knew I needed. I’ve never identified with a character so much! She is hilarious and so relatable that you’ll fall for her instantly. But the real "breath of fresh air" was the female friendships, seeing women genuinely empower and support each other was beautiful to read.
The writing is witty and sharp; I was literally choking on my own laughter at times. "Also my uterus blinked" is officially part of my vocabulary now!
As for the men? If you’re like me and love a "kneel for you," whimpering type of man... welcome to your new favorite book. The spice is top-tier: filthy, kinky, and showcasing a side of BDSM that feels authentic and fresh.
The ending was perfection. Open enough to leave me desperate for more.
MK Rivers, please tell me you're writing the sequel right now or we might have a problem! This is a genre-bending, dark revenge romance with a badass FMC that you cannot miss.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤
Miss Devine was such a pleasant surprise. Coming from a background of heavy dark romance, I didn’t think a dark rom-com could be such a relentless page-turner, but I was wrong. I devoured this in a single day, probably looking like a total maniac because I was grinning from ear to ear the entire time.
Cara is the chaotic, spontaneous FMC I never knew I needed. I’ve never identified with a character so much! She is hilarious and so relatable that you’ll fall for her instantly. But the real "breath of fresh air" was the female friendships, seeing women genuinely empower and support each other was beautiful to read.
The writing is witty and sharp; I was literally choking on my own laughter at times. "Also my uterus blinked" is officially part of my vocabulary now!
As for the men? If you’re like me and love a "kneel for you," whimpering type of man... welcome to your new favorite book. The spice is top-tier: filthy, kinky, and showcasing a side of BDSM that feels authentic and fresh.
The ending was perfection. Open enough to leave me desperate for more.
MK Rivers, please tell me you're writing the sequel right now or we might have a problem! This is a genre-bending, dark revenge romance with a badass FMC that you cannot miss.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤
May 19, 2026
This is a very spicy book featuring an FMC who accidentally becomes a billionaire’s domme after slapping him at a restaurant for being rude to her. Meanwhile, all she really wanted was to be there for her workplace crush, who does not see her in that light because everyone assumes she is too immature and does not experiment with bold styles in her outfits or overall presentation.
What I liked most about this book is how fast-paced it was. There was no dragging subplot or unnecessary filler. The author had a clear direction and committed to it fully without slowing the story down. The writing was also solid and easy to stay engaged with, even though I feel like it’s empty sometimes and needs to be more words (if that makes sense).
I also enjoyed the ending, especially Cara’s journey of self-discovery and growth. It did not follow the typical route you expect from this kind of story, and that made it more satisfying. I appreciated how she handled both men in her life. They were both quite offensive and very dismissive in different ways, and I liked that she ultimately stopped being used and reclaimed her power.
If everything I have written so far sounds interesting to you, then this book will likely be a good fit. Just make sure you enjoy dark humor and check the trigger warnings before going in.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
What I liked most about this book is how fast-paced it was. There was no dragging subplot or unnecessary filler. The author had a clear direction and committed to it fully without slowing the story down. The writing was also solid and easy to stay engaged with, even though I feel like it’s empty sometimes and needs to be more words (if that makes sense).
I also enjoyed the ending, especially Cara’s journey of self-discovery and growth. It did not follow the typical route you expect from this kind of story, and that made it more satisfying. I appreciated how she handled both men in her life. They were both quite offensive and very dismissive in different ways, and I liked that she ultimately stopped being used and reclaimed her power.
If everything I have written so far sounds interesting to you, then this book will likely be a good fit. Just make sure you enjoy dark humor and check the trigger warnings before going in.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
July 5, 2026
When I tell you, I was screaming and kicking my feet during this one.
This is not a romance. I just want to start there. Sexy and filthy? Yes. Kinky and hot? Also yes. But the men in this book are little shits, and Cara knows she deserves better. Good for her.
I did not think I would like Cara as much as I did, but she is so real. Hopeless office crush? Utterly lost in her corporate drone existence? Daily iced caramel macchiato? One (1) best friend away from jumping off the deep end? Yeah. Been there.
The sex scenes were excellent. I don’t have any negative notes. Some were uncomfortable, yes, and had me twisting in my seat, but I could not stop reading.
When I say I devoured this book in two sittings, sacrificing sleep during a work week for this, I’m not exaggerating. I feel like I’ve been looking for this book ever since I started delving into dark romance. Turns out, I didn’t need any of the romance. Absolutely obsessed.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
This is not a romance. I just want to start there. Sexy and filthy? Yes. Kinky and hot? Also yes. But the men in this book are little shits, and Cara knows she deserves better. Good for her.
I did not think I would like Cara as much as I did, but she is so real. Hopeless office crush? Utterly lost in her corporate drone existence? Daily iced caramel macchiato? One (1) best friend away from jumping off the deep end? Yeah. Been there.
The sex scenes were excellent. I don’t have any negative notes. Some were uncomfortable, yes, and had me twisting in my seat, but I could not stop reading.
When I say I devoured this book in two sittings, sacrificing sleep during a work week for this, I’m not exaggerating. I feel like I’ve been looking for this book ever since I started delving into dark romance. Turns out, I didn’t need any of the romance. Absolutely obsessed.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
May 17, 2026
Miss Devine by M K Rivers
Received an advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery
This is the first book that i have read by M K Rivers and its not going to be my last one either. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. This was a really funny read. Had some laugh out loud moments in this book. Cara's quotes, hilarious. The journey that Cara goes through of self discovery is chaotic, hilarious and amazing and I could relate with the FMC on so many levels with finding her worth and figuring out her path in life. If you're into Spicey dark romance then this book is for you, definitely recommend!
Thank you for the ARC!
Received an advanced Reader Copy from NetGallery
This is the first book that i have read by M K Rivers and its not going to be my last one either. This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. This was a really funny read. Had some laugh out loud moments in this book. Cara's quotes, hilarious. The journey that Cara goes through of self discovery is chaotic, hilarious and amazing and I could relate with the FMC on so many levels with finding her worth and figuring out her path in life. If you're into Spicey dark romance then this book is for you, definitely recommend!
Thank you for the ARC!
April 22, 2026
I read this in one sitting. It was so addicting I could not put it down!
This is a hilarious and messy rom com with darker edges. Our FMC starts off by slapping a billionaire and ends up getting caught up in the BDSM world, while trying to succeed at work. She's also obsessed with her boss.
There is great banter + spice, and important messages surrounding friendship, mental health and taking back your own power.
Let's just say the characters do not see our FMC coming in the end. It's not your traditional HEA and it sets up perfectly for a possible book 2.
This is a hilarious and messy rom com with darker edges. Our FMC starts off by slapping a billionaire and ends up getting caught up in the BDSM world, while trying to succeed at work. She's also obsessed with her boss.
There is great banter + spice, and important messages surrounding friendship, mental health and taking back your own power.
Let's just say the characters do not see our FMC coming in the end. It's not your traditional HEA and it sets up perfectly for a possible book 2.
May 18, 2026
Pink Isn’t A Bad Word
A story that shows how all men are trash.
Tropes
- Inner Growth
- Cheating
- BDSM
- Financial Dynamics
At first I thought this was a romance. Turns out it to be revenge. Wow oh wow are all the men in the book awful. Excellent writing to truly make me hate them with zero to little empathy for their characters. The real friendship between the FMC and her roommate was fantastic. Fully fleshed out an incredibly realistic. I can’t decide though on who was the worst person. Which is fun for a hater like myself.
3.5/5 ✨
3.75/5 🌶️
A story that shows how all men are trash.
Tropes
- Inner Growth
- Cheating
- BDSM
- Financial Dynamics
At first I thought this was a romance. Turns out it to be revenge. Wow oh wow are all the men in the book awful. Excellent writing to truly make me hate them with zero to little empathy for their characters. The real friendship between the FMC and her roommate was fantastic. Fully fleshed out an incredibly realistic. I can’t decide though on who was the worst person. Which is fun for a hater like myself.
3.5/5 ✨
3.75/5 🌶️
July 22, 2026
3.5 rounded down
The first 75% of this had me CACKLING I was LIVING for Cara’s one liners and thoughts. The last 25% kinda lost me. Though I get the performance, I’m not really sure how THAT was her getting like revenge? It felt just lacklustre and weird? Would have been better if there was some sort of “make both men fall and fight for you” rather then fuck one and done everything but fuck
The other ? Like you kinda already been doing that home
Girl.
The first 75% of this had me CACKLING I was LIVING for Cara’s one liners and thoughts. The last 25% kinda lost me. Though I get the performance, I’m not really sure how THAT was her getting like revenge? It felt just lacklustre and weird? Would have been better if there was some sort of “make both men fall and fight for you” rather then fuck one and done everything but fuck
The other ? Like you kinda already been doing that home
Girl.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2026
Her life is going to change when she slapped him across the face. He will pull her into his billionaire life which is great to start with but life will change for her. When she has had enough of the treatment she is getting from him. Beware as she is going to get you no matter what so see just what is going to happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a wonderful read
April 28, 2026
Highly recommend if you're looking for a dark and spicy comedy.
What you can expect:
🔥 BDSM
🔥 Domme FMC
🔥 Sub MMC
🔥 Feminine Rage
🔥 Morally Grey
🔥 Witty Banter
🔥 Self Discovery
I really loved the fact that this book is more about our FMC, Cara, and her journey with self discovery. Loads of witty and steamy moments, but I still wouldn't classify this as a true romance and more of a dark/erotic comedy. The focus is more so on a woman's journey in learning to love herself without a relationship than it focuses on a traditional HEA. She also likes a bit of revenge and man handling! Cara aka "Miss Devine" in her domme form will constantly keep you guessing and begging for more 😏
What you can expect:
🔥 BDSM
🔥 Domme FMC
🔥 Sub MMC
🔥 Feminine Rage
🔥 Morally Grey
🔥 Witty Banter
🔥 Self Discovery
I really loved the fact that this book is more about our FMC, Cara, and her journey with self discovery. Loads of witty and steamy moments, but I still wouldn't classify this as a true romance and more of a dark/erotic comedy. The focus is more so on a woman's journey in learning to love herself without a relationship than it focuses on a traditional HEA. She also likes a bit of revenge and man handling! Cara aka "Miss Devine" in her domme form will constantly keep you guessing and begging for more 😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
This is a dark k!nky romcom. I loved the MFC, Cara. She is fierce and not to be crossed. This story is fun, flirty and I adored how Cara took control of her life. She knew exactly who she was and wasn’t apologizing to anyone for it. Great story and Ioved the spice!
May 11, 2026
I really enjoyed Miss Divine, especially because of Cara’s character development. She starts off warm, bubbly, and eager for validation, but as the story progresses and Elliot enters the picture, the tone becomes much darker and more psychologically layered.
What I liked most is that the book feels less like a traditional romance and more like a story about transformation, power, and self-awareness. Watching Cara slowly recognize the influence the men around her have on her and eventually choose herself made her journey feel believable and emotionally satisfying.
The writing kept me engaged throughout, from the beginning to the end. I loved it! And I think readers who enjoy flawed characters, complicated relationships, and darker character-driven stories will really connect with this one. I'd definitely rate it a 5 ⭐
What I liked most is that the book feels less like a traditional romance and more like a story about transformation, power, and self-awareness. Watching Cara slowly recognize the influence the men around her have on her and eventually choose herself made her journey feel believable and emotionally satisfying.
The writing kept me engaged throughout, from the beginning to the end. I loved it! And I think readers who enjoy flawed characters, complicated relationships, and darker character-driven stories will really connect with this one. I'd definitely rate it a 5 ⭐
May 25, 2026
😳
Seeking validation from people who don’t even like us……
What the hell did I just read?
I have never experienced a story line like this before.
I don’t even know how to categorize it.
“Running PR for lives we don’t even live.”
Seeking validation from people who don’t even like us……
What the hell did I just read?
I have never experienced a story line like this before.
I don’t even know how to categorize it.
“Running PR for lives we don’t even live.”
May 13, 2026
Empowering. Thought provoking. Fun. Great read. Thanks for such great characters. 100% recommend.
June 19, 2026
DNF @35%
A kinky read if you're into that and I usually do like to go there, I think the exploration of humans desires are very interesting. I however couldn't bring myself to enjoy this book as the writing was off-putting and at times made no sense with some of the similes we had going on.
Thank you to Netgalley and M K Rivers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A kinky read if you're into that and I usually do like to go there, I think the exploration of humans desires are very interesting. I however couldn't bring myself to enjoy this book as the writing was off-putting and at times made no sense with some of the similes we had going on.
Thank you to Netgalley and M K Rivers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2026
I love that this is not your typical romance novel where the main character has to end up with someone (and not just because her options are so abysmal). Cara ends up choosing herself, which is not always easy, but definitely worth it. And the revenge arc? Amazing! Yes to a queen who doesn’t let people walk over her and treat her as a pawn without retaliating.
Let’s start with the star of the show – Cara. She is extremely relatable in that she is not polished or unwaveringly confident. She’s funny, charming, sometimes strange, and doesn’t always have to be strong. At the start of the novel, it did sometimes feel like every sentence contained a joke or witty remark, which slightly watered down the power of the humour. However, this evened out well by the middle of the novel, so that the reader could enjoy her snort-worthy comments as a side dish to the main meal that is the crazy events of her life.
Cara felt real, with a believable journey of self-discovery and growth – a journey that many people her age have to embark upon. What’s more, she’s memorable because her story does not end with your typical happily ever after with the handsome guy. The fact that all of her problems (such as her employment status and rocky relationship with her mother) are not neatly tied up is realistic. Also, her final words, “Pink is mine, bitch”, are iconic and so fitting. She reclaims pink as her signature despite Eleanor’s observations that this is a way for her to hide and perform the role of a soft girl she believes to be worthy of a man’s love. Her excitement in the Chanel store over the pink bag was precious, and I appreciate how unapologetic she was about her reaction.
One man whose approval she begrudgingly wants is, of course, Elliott. It really struck me how the way that one character perceives another colours their whole interaction. Cara’s situation with Elliott could easily have followed in the footsteps of Pretty Woman – he’s rich, successful and handsome(?), while she’s just some “nobody” – but it doesn’t. We don’t get a male character whose questionable actions are miraculously rewritten as acceptable just because the female main character likes him. (We need more of this!) Cara sees him for the spoiled, entitled and controlling man he is. To her, he’s neither handsome nor desirable, which makes it harder to read some of their interactions but contributes to her journey of growth and makes the revenge that much sweeter.
Admittedly, I am not used to reading about the “D” in BDSM, so this was a new experience for me. Thank goodness I could learn alongside Cara instead of being thrown into the deep end without warning! Vanessa was a great character to learn through as well (we’ll get to the other female characters later). I found some of the scenes uncomfortable to read, especially the one with the sheep, but I understand that this is part of Elliott’s humiliation kink and don’t judge.
Regarding Luke, once again, it would have been easy to have him play the role of hero he so loves. Ending up with the handsome, “caring” boss who remembers the little details? Classic trope. But the fact that Cara’s fantasy falls flat after her moment under Luke’s desk is so realistic. And as the author indicated in their note, this is another male for whom Cara performs, but the performance has to end, and after the curtain closes, she’s left feeling empty. And thank goodness she sees through his breadcrumbing and handsome exterior to the “cockbroach” (amazing term!) beneath. I will admit that I found their intimate scene at the end of the novel quite satisfying – why not have fun while you destroy a man who used you to further his (sad) career?
But enough of the men! The author created lovely female characters to help Cara discover herself. The friendship between Cara and Charli is beautiful (I especially loved the cartoon wall – so unique). My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of Charli! At one point, I was afraid that she would remain in South Korea for the rest of the novel, but I’m glad she came back and could continue being a source of platonic love and support.
But there were more marvellous instances of women supporting women, which is truly needed. With Vanessa’s support and Simone’s concern, Cara was able to learn more about the world of domination and herself. Also, let’s not look past the lingerie shop assistant who enjoys the power dynamic between Cara and Elliott.
Non-character related aspects I enjoyed: The titles of the different chapters were spot on, and it was satisfying to figure out what the title meant as I read the chapter. I was especially a fan of Chapter 24’s title, “Devine Intervention”. The author also has a knack for describing situations and making observations in a fresh, relatable way. Here are some of my favourite, iconic quotes:
“I wasn’t sure if I was walking into therapy or an Apple Store. Same difference – hand over your broken system, they poke around, then tell you the repair will cost as much as a new one.”
“Half the time I feel like a screensaver in heels – nice to look at, but nobody’s convinced I actually do anything.”
“Duty of care? More like Call of Duty: Cara Warfare. Respawning over and over in Elliott’s depraved world.”
“Trading bros with Ctrl + V haircuts and protein shakes. Women trying so hard to fit in, they’d forgotten they ever stood out.”
“That’s not therapy, that’s sabotage.”
Let’s start with the star of the show – Cara. She is extremely relatable in that she is not polished or unwaveringly confident. She’s funny, charming, sometimes strange, and doesn’t always have to be strong. At the start of the novel, it did sometimes feel like every sentence contained a joke or witty remark, which slightly watered down the power of the humour. However, this evened out well by the middle of the novel, so that the reader could enjoy her snort-worthy comments as a side dish to the main meal that is the crazy events of her life.
Cara felt real, with a believable journey of self-discovery and growth – a journey that many people her age have to embark upon. What’s more, she’s memorable because her story does not end with your typical happily ever after with the handsome guy. The fact that all of her problems (such as her employment status and rocky relationship with her mother) are not neatly tied up is realistic. Also, her final words, “Pink is mine, bitch”, are iconic and so fitting. She reclaims pink as her signature despite Eleanor’s observations that this is a way for her to hide and perform the role of a soft girl she believes to be worthy of a man’s love. Her excitement in the Chanel store over the pink bag was precious, and I appreciate how unapologetic she was about her reaction.
One man whose approval she begrudgingly wants is, of course, Elliott. It really struck me how the way that one character perceives another colours their whole interaction. Cara’s situation with Elliott could easily have followed in the footsteps of Pretty Woman – he’s rich, successful and handsome(?), while she’s just some “nobody” – but it doesn’t. We don’t get a male character whose questionable actions are miraculously rewritten as acceptable just because the female main character likes him. (We need more of this!) Cara sees him for the spoiled, entitled and controlling man he is. To her, he’s neither handsome nor desirable, which makes it harder to read some of their interactions but contributes to her journey of growth and makes the revenge that much sweeter.
Admittedly, I am not used to reading about the “D” in BDSM, so this was a new experience for me. Thank goodness I could learn alongside Cara instead of being thrown into the deep end without warning! Vanessa was a great character to learn through as well (we’ll get to the other female characters later). I found some of the scenes uncomfortable to read, especially the one with the sheep, but I understand that this is part of Elliott’s humiliation kink and don’t judge.
Regarding Luke, once again, it would have been easy to have him play the role of hero he so loves. Ending up with the handsome, “caring” boss who remembers the little details? Classic trope. But the fact that Cara’s fantasy falls flat after her moment under Luke’s desk is so realistic. And as the author indicated in their note, this is another male for whom Cara performs, but the performance has to end, and after the curtain closes, she’s left feeling empty. And thank goodness she sees through his breadcrumbing and handsome exterior to the “cockbroach” (amazing term!) beneath. I will admit that I found their intimate scene at the end of the novel quite satisfying – why not have fun while you destroy a man who used you to further his (sad) career?
But enough of the men! The author created lovely female characters to help Cara discover herself. The friendship between Cara and Charli is beautiful (I especially loved the cartoon wall – so unique). My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of Charli! At one point, I was afraid that she would remain in South Korea for the rest of the novel, but I’m glad she came back and could continue being a source of platonic love and support.
But there were more marvellous instances of women supporting women, which is truly needed. With Vanessa’s support and Simone’s concern, Cara was able to learn more about the world of domination and herself. Also, let’s not look past the lingerie shop assistant who enjoys the power dynamic between Cara and Elliott.
Non-character related aspects I enjoyed: The titles of the different chapters were spot on, and it was satisfying to figure out what the title meant as I read the chapter. I was especially a fan of Chapter 24’s title, “Devine Intervention”. The author also has a knack for describing situations and making observations in a fresh, relatable way. Here are some of my favourite, iconic quotes:
“I wasn’t sure if I was walking into therapy or an Apple Store. Same difference – hand over your broken system, they poke around, then tell you the repair will cost as much as a new one.”
“Half the time I feel like a screensaver in heels – nice to look at, but nobody’s convinced I actually do anything.”
“Duty of care? More like Call of Duty: Cara Warfare. Respawning over and over in Elliott’s depraved world.”
“Trading bros with Ctrl + V haircuts and protein shakes. Women trying so hard to fit in, they’d forgotten they ever stood out.”
“That’s not therapy, that’s sabotage.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
I love a woman who stands up and takes charge of her life and Cara Devine is a woman who does that...eventually.
Cara is a walking disaster on her best day and didn't seek her life goal to become Miss Devine. At least that was not on her bingo card for her life plans. So much of how her life pans out is happenstance and chance, but once she's in some legitimately crazy situations, she does make the most of them. I will give her that. What I had a hard time with is her critical thinking skills. She had a way of jumping before thinking and I'll give a person a pass for doing something idiotic once, but Cara not only did something once, but sh'd turn around and do the same exact thing again, and again, and again. It was this repeated pattern of poor judgement that eventually wore my "you go girl" down to a "not again, Cara."
This is not your typical spicy romance or even your average BDSM type of book. Cara is a woman who spends her days crushing on her clueless boss, normally in a lust filled fog, yet somehow got her work accomplished all while working on Wall Street. That is the true fiction of this book. I'm absolutely positive about it. 😂 Then one night she slaps a billionaire and suddenly he's fascinated by her and then Cara is swept up in a whirlwind of pretending to be a dominatrix when she literally knows nothing about the world, or topping, or what the heck she's doing. She's faking everything, even having a boyfriend since the thought seems to turn this billionaire on. As much as Cara wants to walk away, every single time, she's kind of fascinated by what transpires, but also creeped out, it's a weird combination, and she can't seem to help herself no matter what she tries to do.
I can't say I was thrilled each time she kept going back to the billionaire, but I also wasn't thrilled that she kept lusting after her boss either. I wanted the world for Cara and for her to wake up and get herself together and especially to stop with both of these men, but It's weirdly fascinating, as much as it was frustrating. If this helps, Cara's life choices were somewhat anxiety inducing and I had to set this story aside a few times, but each time I'd constantly think about this book...then come back and hope Cara made better life choices.....but alas...Cara's choices were still there. You get me. 😏
This book started as a solid 4, but by the end became a 3.5. Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for the book and all opinions are my own.
Cara is a walking disaster on her best day and didn't seek her life goal to become Miss Devine. At least that was not on her bingo card for her life plans. So much of how her life pans out is happenstance and chance, but once she's in some legitimately crazy situations, she does make the most of them. I will give her that. What I had a hard time with is her critical thinking skills. She had a way of jumping before thinking and I'll give a person a pass for doing something idiotic once, but Cara not only did something once, but sh'd turn around and do the same exact thing again, and again, and again. It was this repeated pattern of poor judgement that eventually wore my "you go girl" down to a "not again, Cara."
This is not your typical spicy romance or even your average BDSM type of book. Cara is a woman who spends her days crushing on her clueless boss, normally in a lust filled fog, yet somehow got her work accomplished all while working on Wall Street. That is the true fiction of this book. I'm absolutely positive about it. 😂 Then one night she slaps a billionaire and suddenly he's fascinated by her and then Cara is swept up in a whirlwind of pretending to be a dominatrix when she literally knows nothing about the world, or topping, or what the heck she's doing. She's faking everything, even having a boyfriend since the thought seems to turn this billionaire on. As much as Cara wants to walk away, every single time, she's kind of fascinated by what transpires, but also creeped out, it's a weird combination, and she can't seem to help herself no matter what she tries to do.
I can't say I was thrilled each time she kept going back to the billionaire, but I also wasn't thrilled that she kept lusting after her boss either. I wanted the world for Cara and for her to wake up and get herself together and especially to stop with both of these men, but It's weirdly fascinating, as much as it was frustrating. If this helps, Cara's life choices were somewhat anxiety inducing and I had to set this story aside a few times, but each time I'd constantly think about this book...then come back and hope Cara made better life choices.....but alas...Cara's choices were still there. You get me. 😏
This book started as a solid 4, but by the end became a 3.5. Thank you to the publisher & Netgalley for the book and all opinions are my own.
May 21, 2026
Miss Devine is one of those books that starts feeling like a messy office drama and slowly turns into something more tangled, more personal, and a bit harder to pin down.
At the beginning, you’re basically inside Cara Devine’s work life. A finance office that feels cold and status obsessed, where she’s the assistant nobody really notices unless she messes up. She’s loud, over the top at times, and clearly trying to be seen in a place that doesn’t care about personality. Her obsession with her boss feels less like romance and more like her clinging to the nearest “important” person in the room.
Then the story flips after her encounter with a billionaire. That’s where things get more chaotic. The tone shifts from workplace realism into power, control, attention, and a kind of emotional push and pull that isn’t always clean. Some parts of this section are interesting, especially if you like stories about blurred boundaries and messy attraction dynamics. Other parts feel a bit rushed, like the story is moving faster than Cara’s emotions can fully catch up.
Cara is still the main reason to read it. She’s frustrating in a very human way. You can see what she wants even when she’s making choices that don’t fully make sense. But the book doesn’t always slow down enough to fully explore those choices, especially in the middle.
By the end, it’s not really a neat romance or a clear moral story. It’s more like watching someone slowly realize they’ve been chasing attention and mistaking it for control.
If you like clean love stories, this probably won’t be your thing. If you like messy characters, blurred intentions, and relationships that don’t behave properly… this will probably hold your attention.
At the beginning, you’re basically inside Cara Devine’s work life. A finance office that feels cold and status obsessed, where she’s the assistant nobody really notices unless she messes up. She’s loud, over the top at times, and clearly trying to be seen in a place that doesn’t care about personality. Her obsession with her boss feels less like romance and more like her clinging to the nearest “important” person in the room.
Then the story flips after her encounter with a billionaire. That’s where things get more chaotic. The tone shifts from workplace realism into power, control, attention, and a kind of emotional push and pull that isn’t always clean. Some parts of this section are interesting, especially if you like stories about blurred boundaries and messy attraction dynamics. Other parts feel a bit rushed, like the story is moving faster than Cara’s emotions can fully catch up.
Cara is still the main reason to read it. She’s frustrating in a very human way. You can see what she wants even when she’s making choices that don’t fully make sense. But the book doesn’t always slow down enough to fully explore those choices, especially in the middle.
By the end, it’s not really a neat romance or a clear moral story. It’s more like watching someone slowly realize they’ve been chasing attention and mistaking it for control.
If you like clean love stories, this probably won’t be your thing. If you like messy characters, blurred intentions, and relationships that don’t behave properly… this will probably hold your attention.
June 27, 2026
This is not my typical type of book, and some of the subject matter did not sit the best with me. That said, the writer absolutely knows how to tell a story. Character discovery is at the heart of this book. It is not only revelatory for the reader but for the main character as well. I can honestly say it introduced me to a world I would have never sought out on my own.
The story follows a woman named Cara who has not fully stepped into herself. She sees herself as nondescript, more of a worker bee. At one point she even compares herself to a screensaver, nice to look at but otherwise pretty useless.
Her crush on her superior Luke is what sets everything in motion. Her desire to get into his good graces and hopefully catch his attention becomes a life-altering turning point. After an emotional outburst, she finds herself in a position she never could have imagined, evolving into someone she never thought she could be. Over time, the experience pulls something out of her, an awakening of a power that had long been buried beneath the surface.
We follow her as she navigates this new role and version of herself, stepping into a side she did not even know existed. It is fascinating to watch how much can surface when someone is placed in an unfamiliar situation and forced to find their footing.
There is a strong erotic tone throughout the book. However, it serves a purpose. It drives both the character and the story forward. I stayed curious about what would happen next, even if I had to look away a time or two.
For readers who enjoy unconventional stories, appreciate deep character exploration, and do not mind blushing a little along the way, Miss Devine may be worth checking out.
The story follows a woman named Cara who has not fully stepped into herself. She sees herself as nondescript, more of a worker bee. At one point she even compares herself to a screensaver, nice to look at but otherwise pretty useless.
Her crush on her superior Luke is what sets everything in motion. Her desire to get into his good graces and hopefully catch his attention becomes a life-altering turning point. After an emotional outburst, she finds herself in a position she never could have imagined, evolving into someone she never thought she could be. Over time, the experience pulls something out of her, an awakening of a power that had long been buried beneath the surface.
We follow her as she navigates this new role and version of herself, stepping into a side she did not even know existed. It is fascinating to watch how much can surface when someone is placed in an unfamiliar situation and forced to find their footing.
There is a strong erotic tone throughout the book. However, it serves a purpose. It drives both the character and the story forward. I stayed curious about what would happen next, even if I had to look away a time or two.
For readers who enjoy unconventional stories, appreciate deep character exploration, and do not mind blushing a little along the way, Miss Devine may be worth checking out.
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