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Devil's Backbone #1
Dear Reader
The first in an all-new spicy and suspenseful "why choose" romance series from TikTok sensation Tate James.
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.
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.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2025
6372 people are currently reading
34058 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,565 reviews
July 30, 2025
holy shit
May 22, 2025
i finished this book and now I'm going to file an emotional class lawsuit for damages suffered.
This is just a bunch of rich kids doing dumb shit and having mid sex. Sometimes there's murder but even that was mid.
Red flags:
Croquet with literal dinosaur bones... ??!!
A turd left on a Ducati. Um, what?
A girl that sleeps with literally the most boring men on the planet and they barely like her.
One star because technically, words were written
One star because this could be a me problem. I think I've read too many filthy dark romances and now I will accept nothing less than absolutely unhinged, depraved sex. Like, was that an orgasm or an exorcism? Can't tell.
=
2 stars
August 1, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
WTF WAS THAT ENDING - I’m hooked now omg
WTF WAS THAT ENDING - I’m hooked now omg
August 11, 2025
Did Tate James put crack cocaine in this? BECAUSE I AM ADDICTED.
May 21, 2025
That ENDING!!!! I gasped. Literally gasped out loud!
Enemies to lovers
Secret society
College setting
New step brother
Mystery/suspense
A dead girls diary
Why choose/ reverse harem
Ashley finds a dead girls diary in her new dorm room where she details all the awful things that happened to her and what she saw while in the secret society before she died.
Ashley gets swept up in the secret society, while being taunted by her step brother who hates her (cue bully romance) and his friends (cue why choose romance)
You guys, I ate this up! The full cast of narrators was amazing. Yet again, Tate James reminded me why I love her books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers
Secret society
College setting
New step brother
Mystery/suspense
A dead girls diary
Why choose/ reverse harem
Ashley finds a dead girls diary in her new dorm room where she details all the awful things that happened to her and what she saw while in the secret society before she died.
Ashley gets swept up in the secret society, while being taunted by her step brother who hates her (cue bully romance) and his friends (cue why choose romance)
You guys, I ate this up! The full cast of narrators was amazing. Yet again, Tate James reminded me why I love her books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 4, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
Sooooooooo ……… I am well aware I can’t say anything about this book so it’s not a spoiler but I LOVED IT SO MUCH !!!!!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤
The only reason it’s not a 5⭐️ is because it’s a RH and I am not a fan of this trope, even though I love all the guys I still have a favorite and I’ll say in the next review
Sooooooooo ……… I am well aware I can’t say anything about this book so it’s not a spoiler but I LOVED IT SO MUCH !!!!!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤
The only reason it’s not a 5⭐️ is because it’s a RH and I am not a fan of this trope, even though I love all the guys I still have a favorite and I’ll say in the next review
December 11, 2024
Dare I say…this is Tate’s BEST book yet?
”You look like you’d be a screamer.”
A dark college romance where one girl gets swept up in a dangerous secret society and tempted by the four rich men who rule her school.
Not only do we get FOUR HOT guys who are each delicious in their own right (someone for everyone), but Tate brings back her signature dark suspense twists and turns that leave you wondering who to trust while getting swept up in a spicy romance…
I adore Tate’s “take no sh**” heroines, and Ashley is no different in the way she puts the guys in their place and does whatever she wants.
Also, Tate will never admit her books are hilarious, but they are - the sarcasm is always on fire.
Can’t give much else away but…
Devil’s Backbone is SO fun. If you were a fan of the MK series, this will scratch that itch you’ve been missing.
My current MMC crush… Royce (love him. He is such a shit-stirrer) w/ Heath as a close second (he has Gumdrop vibes). Carter is a spicy badboy all-rounder. Although…from experience…i know Nate is gonna end up my fave by the end of the series (the step-bro always ends up on top…he..hehe)
~also that was suuuch a Cliffhanger
*manuscript read*
”You look like you’d be a screamer.”
A dark college romance where one girl gets swept up in a dangerous secret society and tempted by the four rich men who rule her school.
Not only do we get FOUR HOT guys who are each delicious in their own right (someone for everyone), but Tate brings back her signature dark suspense twists and turns that leave you wondering who to trust while getting swept up in a spicy romance…
I adore Tate’s “take no sh**” heroines, and Ashley is no different in the way she puts the guys in their place and does whatever she wants.
Also, Tate will never admit her books are hilarious, but they are - the sarcasm is always on fire.
Can’t give much else away but…
Devil’s Backbone is SO fun. If you were a fan of the MK series, this will scratch that itch you’ve been missing.
My current MMC crush… Royce (love him. He is such a shit-stirrer) w/ Heath as a close second (he has Gumdrop vibes). Carter is a spicy badboy all-rounder. Although…from experience…i know Nate is gonna end up my fave by the end of the series (the step-bro always ends up on top…he..hehe)
~also that was suuuch a Cliffhanger
*manuscript read*
August 23, 2025
I can’t decide if I loved this book or hated it. One moment I was hooked, the next I was ready to launch my Kindle across the room 😒 I spent the entire time ping-ponging between frustration, disbelief, and sheer shock at some plot twists.
Starting with the negatives…the heroine doesn’t sound like she’s in her twenties. She’s supposed to be 21 and middle-class, but her dialogue sounds stiff, robotic and decades older than she is. Am I crazy, or do I just not know how young wealthy Americans actually talk? Rich Americans you have been summoned, please confirm. If this is meant to be Gossip Girl–coded, Serena definitely didn’t sound like this.
Examples to prove I’m not crazy :
"It's one thing to call Carly nasty names in class when you're supposed to be learning, but threats of physical harm are a step too far. Mind your business, Jade."
Threats of physical harm …who is this girl?
"How pathetic of you all that you need to try and pay a woman for that sort of attention...and how embarrassing that you got turned down.
That sort of attention…just say ‘happy ending’
“But bullies don't learn from their mistakes if we just roll over and show our bellies.”
It’s a dog pun…For context, a girl trashed her room and left a dog, but this sentence wasn’t needed.
Don’t get me wrong, she didn’t always sound like an elderly Catholic school teacher (speaking from experience). For the first 20% of the book, I honestly had no idea who this woman was, but after that point, her voice shifted and she started sounding normal. Once the characters grew more familiar with each other, the dialogue finally levelled out.
Another annoyance was the constant “I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid” line. We get it, you’re a bit thick. I support women, but I was questioning this one. It got old fast. She trusted these guys way too quickly, and they repeatedly let her down. The miscommunication with Heath was exhausting (though he was a simple man). Carter constantly disappointed her, yet she kept giving him chances. Nate’s insults, for a supposed PhD student, were painfully unoriginal. We get it, she’s a “whore,” but come up with something new. Royce was perfect, equal parts chaotic and comic relief. He lightened every mood and reminded me how often sadness hides behind a smile.
One more negative. I also didn’t really get the Paige storyline. She barely spoke. Her only line was “get out”, and Royce’s involvement with her felt out of character. For someone portrayed as part of a brotherhood, it didn’t make sense. Maybe it’ll be explained in the next book.
Okay, the positives! Once the speech settled, I actually liked the FMC. Her choices were questionable and she didn’t always learn from mistakes, but she was headstrong and vocal, not a meek wallflower, which I appreciated. Also, despite their flaws, the heroes did each have distinct personalities and kept me guessing.
The constant plot twists kept me hooked, and the secret society angle felt fresh. Also, that cliffhanger was wild.
This is tough because I really liked the ending, but the beginning and the repetitive choices were frustrating. It started as unique, but lost its shine after the plot kept repeating. So it’s a 3.5, but realistically a 3. I complained too much for it to be a 4. That said, I’ll definitely pick up the next book.
I rambled way longer than I thought I would.
Starting with the negatives…the heroine doesn’t sound like she’s in her twenties. She’s supposed to be 21 and middle-class, but her dialogue sounds stiff, robotic and decades older than she is. Am I crazy, or do I just not know how young wealthy Americans actually talk? Rich Americans you have been summoned, please confirm. If this is meant to be Gossip Girl–coded, Serena definitely didn’t sound like this.
Examples to prove I’m not crazy :
"It's one thing to call Carly nasty names in class when you're supposed to be learning, but threats of physical harm are a step too far. Mind your business, Jade."
Threats of physical harm …who is this girl?
"How pathetic of you all that you need to try and pay a woman for that sort of attention...and how embarrassing that you got turned down.
That sort of attention…just say ‘happy ending’
“But bullies don't learn from their mistakes if we just roll over and show our bellies.”
It’s a dog pun…For context, a girl trashed her room and left a dog, but this sentence wasn’t needed.
Don’t get me wrong, she didn’t always sound like an elderly Catholic school teacher (speaking from experience). For the first 20% of the book, I honestly had no idea who this woman was, but after that point, her voice shifted and she started sounding normal. Once the characters grew more familiar with each other, the dialogue finally levelled out.
Another annoyance was the constant “I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid” line. We get it, you’re a bit thick. I support women, but I was questioning this one. It got old fast. She trusted these guys way too quickly, and they repeatedly let her down. The miscommunication with Heath was exhausting (though he was a simple man). Carter constantly disappointed her, yet she kept giving him chances. Nate’s insults, for a supposed PhD student, were painfully unoriginal. We get it, she’s a “whore,” but come up with something new. Royce was perfect, equal parts chaotic and comic relief. He lightened every mood and reminded me how often sadness hides behind a smile.
One more negative. I also didn’t really get the Paige storyline. She barely spoke. Her only line was “get out”, and Royce’s involvement with her felt out of character. For someone portrayed as part of a brotherhood, it didn’t make sense. Maybe it’ll be explained in the next book.
Okay, the positives! Once the speech settled, I actually liked the FMC. Her choices were questionable and she didn’t always learn from mistakes, but she was headstrong and vocal, not a meek wallflower, which I appreciated. Also, despite their flaws, the heroes did each have distinct personalities and kept me guessing.
The constant plot twists kept me hooked, and the secret society angle felt fresh. Also, that cliffhanger was wild.
This is tough because I really liked the ending, but the beginning and the repetitive choices were frustrating. It started as unique, but lost its shine after the plot kept repeating. So it’s a 3.5, but realistically a 3. I complained too much for it to be a 4. That said, I’ll definitely pick up the next book.
I rambled way longer than I thought I would.
November 8, 2025
fun!! messy and toxic!!! the mmcs made this book fun. loved their banter with each other. the fmc on the other hand....... i don't hate her, she's just.... nothing special. i feel like for a contemporary RH to be good and believable, there's just gotta be something SUPER special about the girl/guy you're sharing. you just can't make me believe 4 dudes are willing to go to war for someone with a cardboard personality.
but it was still a really fun read and very very addicting
but it was still a really fun read and very very addicting
October 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
варто звернути увагу, якщо вам подобається читати про студентське життя розбещеної заможної молоді, таємне товариство зі своїми посвятами, гала-вечорами, на яких відбуваються азартні ігри із завданнями. плюс випробування, де героїню накачають наркотою й залишать в спідньому посеред лісу вночі, аби вона знайшла дорогу додому. чисто багаті розважаються як можуть, ну або не вони 🌚
✍️"це така собі основна ідея товариства. знуджені багаті діти роблять непристойні надмірні речі просто тому, що можуть."
і це все приправлено невеликим розслідуванням смерті дівчини з цього товариства, щоденник якої знайшла гг - ешлі.
а на десерт - 4 хлопця: нейт (зведений брат), картер (британський акцент), хіт (тривожний пиріжечок) та ройс (психолог). які, звичайно, усі хочуть ешлі, хоч і дехто намагається це приховати 😏
більшість часу вони боролися за місце, хто бісить мене менше за все. поки що найадекватніший - ройс, що не дивно ☺️
в загальному, усі ці хлопці на тестостероні мене трохи втомили 🤪 але я пробачаю їм цю дурку в голові по відношенню до ешлі і сподіваюсь далі вони виправляться 🤞
від вчинків ешлі і її постійних закоханостей я часто закочувала очі. якщо це метод вибудови майбутніх стосунків в оберненому гаремі, який обрала авторка, - то мені однозначно не подобається, що для цього потрібно було зробити еш наївною ідіоткою, яка закохується в будь-кого, хто приділить їй хоч тиждень уваги 🥴🤦♀️
незважаючи на бісячих персонажів (не перше моє родео в подібних серіях, далі вони можуть змінитись), книга досить швидко та динамічно читається і сам сюжет та саспенс мені сподобалися. а наскільки тут смачний та інтригуючий кліф у фіналі 😮💨 однозначно хочеться продовжити, аби зрозуміти, що взагалі відбувається 😈
варто звернути увагу, якщо вам подобається читати про студентське життя розбещеної заможної молоді, таємне товариство зі своїми посвятами, гала-вечорами, на яких відбуваються азартні ігри із завданнями. плюс випробування, де героїню накачають наркотою й залишать в спідньому посеред лісу вночі, аби вона знайшла дорогу додому. чисто багаті розважаються як можуть, ну або не вони 🌚
✍️"це така собі основна ідея товариства. знуджені багаті діти роблять непристойні надмірні речі просто тому, що можуть."
і це все приправлено невеликим розслідуванням смерті дівчини з цього товариства, щоденник якої знайшла гг - ешлі.
а на десерт - 4 хлопця: нейт (зведений брат), картер (британський акцент), хіт (тривожний пиріжечок) та ройс (психолог). які, звичайно, усі хочуть ешлі, хоч і дехто намагається це приховати 😏
більшість часу вони боролися за місце, хто бісить мене менше за все. поки що найадекватніший - ройс, що не дивно ☺️
в загальному, усі ці хлопці на тестостероні мене трохи втомили 🤪 але я пробачаю їм цю дурку в голові по відношенню до ешлі і сподіваюсь далі вони виправляться 🤞
від вчинків ешлі і її постійних закоханостей я часто закочувала очі. якщо це метод вибудови майбутніх стосунків в оберненому гаремі, який обрала авторка, - то мені однозначно не подобається, що для цього потрібно було зробити еш наївною ідіоткою, яка закохується в будь-кого, хто приділить їй хоч тиждень уваги 🥴🤦♀️
незважаючи на бісячих персонажів (не перше моє родео в подібних серіях, далі вони можуть змінитись), книга досить швидко та динамічно читається і сам сюжет та саспенс мені сподобалися. а наскільки тут смачний та інтригуючий кліф у фіналі 😮💨 однозначно хочеться продовжити, аби зрозуміти, що взагалі відбувається 😈
October 29, 2025
2 YA, Pick me⭐️⭐️
I did this to myself and I am clearly the wrong target for this book.
Ashleys’s Mother is to marry her boss and lover of 8 years, her biological father all but abandoned Ashley for most of her life, and on the night before the mother’s nuptials, she is given a mysterious scholarship to grad school, by her step dad. With no hesitation she accepts and moves to campus.
Now she has a new step brother and he has three friends.😬
They all belong to a secret society. ( yawn).
One stormy night, Ashley finds a diary about the secret society, and the author of said diary, has been killed. You would think that was an opening to do more than the usual college secret society thing, but alas, it was a mere subplot. At least at 60%, where the book completely went down a middleschool path and I had to jump ship.
I don’t normally judge, especially not a fictional character, bad decisions by a character can support the plot right? Ok but this fmc needs to go to CB’s horny jail.
She came across very promiscuous, and I hate reading about that, and I did not find her relationships with any of these guys charming or romantic. They call her a whore, and she is still lusting for them🤦♀️ not in a way that supports the plot, but just to be steamy or whatever.
Okay so I didn’t know this was “why choose”, my mistake, it was however done terribly. The spice was cringy and cheap, and the fmc had way too little self esteem to pull it off.
I read Credence by Penelope Douglass, a book you either love or hate and it’s controversial but the “why choose “ had a point. There was a deeper meaning with her decisions because it was about her growth and finding herself after a lifetime of neglect.
Ashley however came across vulgar and gross. I know that is harsh, I referenced Credence because I want to show that I can accept RH if it’s done well, this was written to placate horny, young women everywhere😂. Good for you, but if it doesn’t support the plot it’s kind of a lot. Had she been my friend we would have had a conversation about diseases and self worth.
The subplot had potential but it’s all so juvenile I can’t endure another minute.
It’s definitely heavily inspired by Rina Kent and Shantel Tessier, but it does not measure up to their knee caps and that is saying a lot.😂 They at least make it pretty dark grey. This was YA with the vulgar undertones. If it was a color it would be neon pick. The fmc had a strong “pick me” vibe🤦♀️
Should you read it? No don’t do it.
P.S. booktok made me do it.😂
I did this to myself and I am clearly the wrong target for this book.
Ashleys’s Mother is to marry her boss and lover of 8 years, her biological father all but abandoned Ashley for most of her life, and on the night before the mother’s nuptials, she is given a mysterious scholarship to grad school, by her step dad. With no hesitation she accepts and moves to campus.
Now she has a new step brother and he has three friends.😬
They all belong to a secret society. ( yawn).
One stormy night, Ashley finds a diary about the secret society, and the author of said diary, has been killed. You would think that was an opening to do more than the usual college secret society thing, but alas, it was a mere subplot. At least at 60%, where the book completely went down a middleschool path and I had to jump ship.
I don’t normally judge, especially not a fictional character, bad decisions by a character can support the plot right? Ok but this fmc needs to go to CB’s horny jail.
She came across very promiscuous, and I hate reading about that, and I did not find her relationships with any of these guys charming or romantic. They call her a whore, and she is still lusting for them🤦♀️ not in a way that supports the plot, but just to be steamy or whatever.
Okay so I didn’t know this was “why choose”, my mistake, it was however done terribly. The spice was cringy and cheap, and the fmc had way too little self esteem to pull it off.
I read Credence by Penelope Douglass, a book you either love or hate and it’s controversial but the “why choose “ had a point. There was a deeper meaning with her decisions because it was about her growth and finding herself after a lifetime of neglect.
Ashley however came across vulgar and gross. I know that is harsh, I referenced Credence because I want to show that I can accept RH if it’s done well, this was written to placate horny, young women everywhere😂. Good for you, but if it doesn’t support the plot it’s kind of a lot. Had she been my friend we would have had a conversation about diseases and self worth.
The subplot had potential but it’s all so juvenile I can’t endure another minute.
It’s definitely heavily inspired by Rina Kent and Shantel Tessier, but it does not measure up to their knee caps and that is saying a lot.😂 They at least make it pretty dark grey. This was YA with the vulgar undertones. If it was a color it would be neon pick. The fmc had a strong “pick me” vibe🤦♀️
Should you read it? No don’t do it.
P.S. booktok made me do it.😂
August 14, 2025
First Tate James book, and it didn't disappoint. I think I would've liked it even more on audio, but reading it myself was also nice.
The secret society aspect was the most interesting, especially with those developments at the end...what's really going on??? I need to know.
I have a theory about that whole thing, could it be ? Food for thought.
Then again, what if it's ?
I may or may not have a favourite, and it's Carter. I thought it'd be Heath based on his introduction, but we never got THAT Heath back, he was really tame the rest of the book which is fine, but it felt like a character switch.
Then Royce who's really funny when he wants to be, then Heath and then Nate at the very bottom, just because he started the whole smear campaign against Ashley.
Ashley did okay as a main character, though personally I think she should've .
But yeah I had fun, and I'm glad I don't have to wait for book two after that cliffhanger.
3.5
The secret society aspect was the most interesting, especially with those developments at the end...what's really going on??? I need to know.
I have a theory about that whole thing, could it be ? Food for thought.
Then again, what if it's ?
I may or may not have a favourite, and it's Carter. I thought it'd be Heath based on his introduction, but we never got THAT Heath back, he was really tame the rest of the book which is fine, but it felt like a character switch.
Then Royce who's really funny when he wants to be, then Heath and then Nate at the very bottom, just because he started the whole smear campaign against Ashley.
Ashley did okay as a main character, though personally I think she should've .
But yeah I had fun, and I'm glad I don't have to wait for book two after that cliffhanger.
3.5
May 22, 2025
My heart 💔
So freaking good. That's it, that's my review.
So freaking good. That's it, that's my review.
July 2, 2025
DNF @ 197/384
I was fully expecting Dear Reader to be the best guilty pleasure read. Unfortunately, James missed the mark with this one.
Dear Reader follows Ashley as she attends a prestigious school on a scholarship fund. Unfortunately for her, her step brother and his friends are out to get her. There’s also a murder mystery thrown in so that the book has some semblance of a plot.
I’m always down for a reverse harem. I read James’ Madison Kate series and enjoyed it, so I added Dear Reader to the TBR immediately. Unfortunately, Dear Reader is just plain boring.
The FMC is an airhead who is distracted by a pretty face and a hard dick (excuse me for being crass, but that’s also what this book is).
The mystery plot was uninteresting and not engaging.
The MMCs were cruel and walked all over the FMC as she said thank you.
Overall, Dear Reader was not it. I read someone’s review that said this was just rich kids doing stupid shit and having mid sex and that is the most accurate depiction of the novel.
I was fully expecting Dear Reader to be the best guilty pleasure read. Unfortunately, James missed the mark with this one.
Dear Reader follows Ashley as she attends a prestigious school on a scholarship fund. Unfortunately for her, her step brother and his friends are out to get her. There’s also a murder mystery thrown in so that the book has some semblance of a plot.
I’m always down for a reverse harem. I read James’ Madison Kate series and enjoyed it, so I added Dear Reader to the TBR immediately. Unfortunately, Dear Reader is just plain boring.
The FMC is an airhead who is distracted by a pretty face and a hard dick (excuse me for being crass, but that’s also what this book is).
The mystery plot was uninteresting and not engaging.
The MMCs were cruel and walked all over the FMC as she said thank you.
Overall, Dear Reader was not it. I read someone’s review that said this was just rich kids doing stupid shit and having mid sex and that is the most accurate depiction of the novel.
August 8, 2025
I didn't love this the way I'd hoped I would in the Tate James can do no wrong sense. I have loved every other Tate James book that I've read so it pains me to write this wasn't a I'll accept no criticism on. It was still good. The ending of this book will have you with your mouth open so be ready to jump into Thr next!!
May 28, 2025
TATE FREAKING JAMES!! THAT ENDING SHOULD BE A CRIME. Why must you always obliterate me with your massive cliff hangers? How am I supposed to make it until July before finding out what happens next?? Dear Reader had me hooked from page one, as every Tate James books does. I loved how dark and twisty this book was with a spooky secret society and a little bit of a murder mystery. I loved how independent and take no crap Ashley is. I'm also of course obsessed with all her men, especially her grumpy step brother. I'm sucker for the step brother trope. The whole book is perfection and so wildly entertaining. I flew through it in 1.5 days and I seriously almost threw my kindle across the room at the ending. Tate, I love you dearly, but these cliff hangers get me every time. I'll be here at the edge of my seat until book two in July.
May 14, 2025
HOLY SHIT?! This was my first book by this author and I’m truly at a loss for words…this book was truly incredible!
I went into this book thinking it was just going to be another why choose romance and BOY WAS I WRONG! Not only was the tension between characters fantastic but the thriller/mystery part of the storyline pushed this to a 5 star read for me!
And that ending?! ARE YOU KIDDING? I screamed and now I desperately need book 2!! Please please PLEASE read this book!
I went into this book thinking it was just going to be another why choose romance and BOY WAS I WRONG! Not only was the tension between characters fantastic but the thriller/mystery part of the storyline pushed this to a 5 star read for me!
And that ending?! ARE YOU KIDDING? I screamed and now I desperately need book 2!! Please please PLEASE read this book!
May 27, 2025
new fav Tate James book/series
Grad college - secret society - murderrrrr - conspiracy - enemies to lovers - step bro and his besties.
Say less.
Does end on cliffy but it’s worth it
Grad college - secret society - murderrrrr - conspiracy - enemies to lovers - step bro and his besties.
Say less.
Does end on cliffy but it’s worth it
May 27, 2025
4⭐️ I haven’t read a book where my ass cheeks were CLENCHED in a while… and baby.. this book??? That ending??? CHEEKS CLENCHED.. WTFFFF.. I actually inhaled this book because the plot was PLOTTING.. Why choose, secret society, diary entries, rich people doing ???? Rich things ??? Idk, .. tbh this gave why choose thriller and i ate it up. Im actually on EDGE because of that ending and idk what to do now😭
July 19, 2025
Dear Reader was exactly what I needed! It was so easy to fall into, and I never got bored even once. In fact, I literally could not put it down. I finished the whole thing in one sitting, and that cliffhanger?! I'll be reading the next book asap!
August 15, 2025
3.5⭐️
Was it good?! No?!🧍♀️ but I actually couldn’t put it down so there’s that!
Was it good?! No?!🧍♀️ but I actually couldn’t put it down so there’s that!
May 5, 2025
That ending was diabolical!!! 😭😭 I’m sobbing !!!! Tate whyyyyyyyy?!?!???
This book is thriller dark romance for sure!!!!
Tropes:
-why choose
-step brother
-enemies to lovers
- secret society
- Fake dating
- Four hot rich men
- Mysterious deaths
- Lots of close proximity 🔥
-spicy scenes 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ashley gets a scholarship to this prestigious university after her mom gets remarried to a wealthy businessman. So now she is stuck with a step brother( who hates her with a passion) and his three incredibly hot and rich friends.
One day Ashley finds a mysterious diary that was hidden in a secret compartment in her dorm room. “Dear reader, if you’ve found this diary, then I must be dead.”
She is then thrusted into the world of the Devil’s Backbone, a secret society. She can’t trust ANYONE even tho her feelings for these men are starting to complicate things. Will she unearth the secrets the society is hiding ? Or will she be another victim?
When I say I am obsessed.. I AM OBSESSED!!!🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️
As a dark romance reader I ate it up!! The Plot had me hooked and I could not for the life of me, put this book down! The thriller aspect of it just made it even more addictive!!
The romance and spicy scenes were electric and the “OMG 🔪😱” scenes were so unexpected and brutal but i absolutely loved it !!!
Highly HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you’re into dark romance or thrillers !!♥️♥️♥️
This book is thriller dark romance for sure!!!!
Tropes:
-why choose
-step brother
-enemies to lovers
- secret society
- Fake dating
- Four hot rich men
- Mysterious deaths
- Lots of close proximity 🔥
-spicy scenes 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ashley gets a scholarship to this prestigious university after her mom gets remarried to a wealthy businessman. So now she is stuck with a step brother( who hates her with a passion) and his three incredibly hot and rich friends.
One day Ashley finds a mysterious diary that was hidden in a secret compartment in her dorm room. “Dear reader, if you’ve found this diary, then I must be dead.”
She is then thrusted into the world of the Devil’s Backbone, a secret society. She can’t trust ANYONE even tho her feelings for these men are starting to complicate things. Will she unearth the secrets the society is hiding ? Or will she be another victim?
When I say I am obsessed.. I AM OBSESSED!!!🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️🧎🏽♀️
As a dark romance reader I ate it up!! The Plot had me hooked and I could not for the life of me, put this book down! The thriller aspect of it just made it even more addictive!!
The romance and spicy scenes were electric and the “OMG 🔪😱” scenes were so unexpected and brutal but i absolutely loved it !!!
Highly HIGHLY recommend reading this book if you’re into dark romance or thrillers !!♥️♥️♥️
September 8, 2025
4★
«Dear Reader, if you’ve found this diary, then I must be dead…»
Сподобалась книга. У ній вдало поєдналися таємничість, інтрига, гумор і напруга у стосунках між головними героями.
Сюжет вийшов динамічним та захопливим. Уже сама ідея зі зведеним братом, його трьома найкращими друзями й тропом “why choose” робить історію цікавою 😏.
А коли до цього додається таємне товариство, щоденник, у якому описаний темний бік організації, викрадення, напади на героїню та безліч непередбачуваних поворотів 😱 — читати стає справді захопливо. Неможливо здогадатися, що станеться далі і кому можна довіряти, і це постійно тримає в напрузі 🔥.
А фінал… суцільний шо�� 🤯 Питань залишилось навіть більше, ніж відповідей.
«Dear Reader, if you’ve found this diary, then I must be dead…»
Сподобалась книга. У ній вдало поєдналися таємничість, інтрига, гумор і напруга у стосунках між головними героями.
Сюжет вийшов динамічним та захопливим. Уже сама ідея зі зведеним братом, його трьома найкращими друзями й тропом “why choose” робить історію цікавою 😏.
А коли до цього додається таємне товариство, щоденник, у якому описаний темний бік організації, викрадення, напади на героїню та безліч непередбачуваних поворотів 😱 — читати стає справді захопливо. Неможливо здогадатися, що станеться далі і кому можна довіряти, і це постійно тримає в напрузі 🔥.
А фінал… суцільний шо�� 🤯 Питань залишилось навіть більше, ніж відповідей.
August 30, 2025
Заінтригувала. Цікаво, що буде далі 🤗
September 5, 2025
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I’ll say one thing: this book is absolutely worth all the hype around it 😈
Ashley is my girl ❤️ A strong-willed heroine who stands up for herself and isn’t afraid to fight back, even if she’s shaking on the inside. Nate… I wanted to strangle him most of the time, but by the end, he somewhat redeemed himself.
Heath? My poor heart 💔
Carter and those wild adventures in Paris—so hot and totally unexpected 🤍
And Royce! Oh my god, this man is literally a dream—I’d argue with him and drink coffee with him every day 🤌
The plot is impossible to put down after the first third. Intrigue, secrets, suspense—all dialed up to the max ❤️
And the ending… it left me with so many questions, and on that note, I’m diving into the second book soon 🌚
Ashley is my girl ❤️ A strong-willed heroine who stands up for herself and isn’t afraid to fight back, even if she’s shaking on the inside. Nate… I wanted to strangle him most of the time, but by the end, he somewhat redeemed himself.
Heath? My poor heart 💔
Carter and those wild adventures in Paris—so hot and totally unexpected 🤍
And Royce! Oh my god, this man is literally a dream—I’d argue with him and drink coffee with him every day 🤌
The plot is impossible to put down after the first third. Intrigue, secrets, suspense—all dialed up to the max ❤️
And the ending… it left me with so many questions, and on that note, I’m diving into the second book soon 🌚
August 7, 2025
Well damn! That ending has me tempted to read book #2
August 10, 2025
Ok, wait, WHAT JUST HAPPENED??!!
Read
September 5, 20253.5 stars.
This was really entertaining. I liked Ashley and I found all of the guys interesting. I definitely need to start book 2 after that cliffhanger. RTC.
This was really entertaining. I liked Ashley and I found all of the guys interesting. I definitely need to start book 2 after that cliffhanger. RTC.
October 31, 2025
ALO? QUE ES ESE FINAL DIABÓLICO?
May 20, 2025
5+⭐️
Tate is the queen of dark why choose romance. I said what I said. I absolutely devoured this and am completely feral for the next book.
Our main character Ashley gets a scholarship to attend a prestigious university that happens to be the same one her new step brother is attending. Naturally him and his friends have it out for her from day one but she has won’t take their shit without a fight. When she finds a mysterious diary in her room describing a secret society and all the nefarious things its members have done, she becomes wrapped up in the mystery and may end up with more trouble than she bargained for.
Tate James always has amazing audiobooks and this one was no different. It has a full cast of characters and I loved all of the voice actors!
I was invested in the story and the characters from the first page. The romance between Ashley and the guys is shaping up so nicely and I love it when they’re all a little jealous of each other, I won’t lie. The cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical and I need book two like I need my next breath.
Why Choose
Romantic Suspense
Secret Society
Enemies to Lovers
Step Brother
Full Cast Audiobook🎧
Book 1 in a Trilogy
Tate is the queen of dark why choose romance. I said what I said. I absolutely devoured this and am completely feral for the next book.
Our main character Ashley gets a scholarship to attend a prestigious university that happens to be the same one her new step brother is attending. Naturally him and his friends have it out for her from day one but she has won’t take their shit without a fight. When she finds a mysterious diary in her room describing a secret society and all the nefarious things its members have done, she becomes wrapped up in the mystery and may end up with more trouble than she bargained for.
Tate James always has amazing audiobooks and this one was no different. It has a full cast of characters and I loved all of the voice actors!
I was invested in the story and the characters from the first page. The romance between Ashley and the guys is shaping up so nicely and I love it when they’re all a little jealous of each other, I won’t lie. The cliffhanger was absolutely diabolical and I need book two like I need my next breath.
Why Choose
Romantic Suspense
Secret Society
Enemies to Lovers
Step Brother
Full Cast Audiobook🎧
Book 1 in a Trilogy
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