Dear Reader (Deluxe Edition) (Devil's Backbone, 1)

*The deluxe edition features a special black cover, gold foil, and a designed edge*

The first in an all-new spicy and suspenseful "why choose" romance series from TikTok sensation Tate James, perfect for lovers of spice, suspense, dark academia, and morally gray love interests.

One elite university. Four dangerous men. Zero chance of coming out unscathed.

Dear Reader,

You want my advice? Never look a gift horse in the mouth. You don't want to see the rotten teeth.

In this case, the gift is a scholarship to attend the prestigious Neveah University. The rotten teeth? Well, they came in the form of my brand new stepbrother and his little cohort of entitled, arrogant best friends. Four dangerously handsome and stupidly wealthy men who made up their minds about me long before we met. Men who are used to getting everything they want no matter what the price.

I was a big girl, I could ignore them. Then came the secret society hazing. Kidnappings. Crazy parties. Insane stunts. Mindblowing prizes. Even so, I could handle myself... until the secret and stolen moments with men I had no business falling for. It was enough to give a girl a nightmares.

Delicious tropes:

  • Dark academia vibes
  • Why choose/reverse harem
  • Enemies to lovers
  • Secret society
  • Taboo romance
  • Morally gray love interests
  • Parties, power games, and twists galore

Readers are devouring:

"James drew me in with her words and then her storytelling skills had me devouring every page. Dear Reader was filled with mystery, angst, sizzling scenes and then that ending!! Can't wait for book 2." - USA Today Bestselling Author Leigh Rivers

"That ENDING! I gasped. Literally gasped out loud!"-- Goodreads review

"If you're into twisty, why-choose romances with a punch of psychological suspense and a narrator you can't quite figure out--Dear Reader is your next obsession."-- Amazon review

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 20, 2025

368 pages

Average rating: 8.8

10 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

Gail_71
Jul 09, 2025
8/10 stars
This book kept me on my toes; when I thought I had it figured out, the plot would twist, leaving me back at square one! It features all my favourite tropes: a secret society, forced proximity, and enemies to lovers, wrapped in a murder mystery that I couldn't put down. I liked Ashley as the heroine, especially her caring parents, though her biological dad is questionable. After the first few chapters, I expected a deeper exploration of bullying, but it was more of a hot-and-cold dynamic than outright bullying. I thought Ashley gave in to Heath too quickly; he should’ve worked harder for her affection. Every character has secrets, and I'm surprised Jade became the antagonist instead of Paige. I’m curious about Carly and Nate’s story, and I hope Carly isn’t hiding something sinister. The cliffhanger left me in shock—so much happens, yet I still want more. I can’t wait for book two!
Jennmarie15
Jul 03, 2025
10/10 stars
This book has such a good story line and left you on such a good cliffhanger!

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.