The Enchanting Eclipse

by K. L. Leadingham

In "The Enchanting Eclipse," we follow the journey of Eclipse, a young woman whose childhood was toxic, with a new home life of constant struggles. Feeling trapped in her small-town existence and longing for a better life, she boldly decides to pursue exotic dancing to escape. As she plunges into this new world, Eclipse not only grapples with the profession's challenges but also faces the emotional weight of her past. Her surprise love interest and new friendships become both a source of support and a reminder of the dangers of her past.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Aura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Enchanting Eclipse is one of those stories that manages to shine a light on subjects that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Leadingham portrays exotic dancers not through the lens of stigma but with empathy and admiration, showing their artistry, resilience, and humanity in a way that feels both refreshing and necessary. It is clear the author wanted to honor the people behind the profession, and that care comes through beautifully.

The book also does not shy away from heavier topics like alcoholism. Instead of painting the struggle as hopeless, it offers a narrative of perseverance, healing, and redemption. Watching characters wrestle with their demons and still carve a path forward makes the story deeply inspiring.

At its core, this novel is about connection, the strange and unpredictable ways two lives can intertwine. The love story blooms in unexpected places, proving that you really can find the love of your life in the most unlikely moments. Leadingham even weaves in the invisible string theory, reminding readers that perhaps we are all tied to the people we are meant to meet, no matter how winding the journey.

What makes this book even more impressive is that it is K.L. Leadingham’s debut and her first self-published work. For a new author, she delivers with heart and confidence, crafting a story that feels both intimate and universal.

[Selena Worl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen a lot of negative reviews about this book, and I think it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is their own. Many of the harsher critiques seem to come from people who personally know the author, yet overlook the fact that—while this is a work of fiction—it’s deeply inspired by her real-life experiences.

This story reflects the author’s struggles, victories, and fears. It’s more than just a book—it’s a piece of her. Unfortunately, some of the criticism appears to stem from personal connections to individuals who played a painful role in her life. And that, to me, is disheartening.

It’s especially disappointing to see family—cousins, aunts, uncles, even parents—reject something so raw and personal. We lived this. And whether they choose to acknowledge it or not, these pages carry truth.

To those hesitant to read because of the reviews: I encourage you to look beyond the noise. This book is a brave, vulnerable offering. It’s the heart and soul of someone who turned pain into something powerful. And that deserves to be seen.

[Aleks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the trials and tribulations of the FMC, Krisha/Eclipse. It is a beautifully haunting tale of her battle with self-worth, addiction, and the stigmas that surround sex work. Despite a few editing flaws- one being the transition from first person to third person (I am unsure if this was intentional)- I could not put this book down at all. I stayed up all night to finish it and took any moment I could to read even a single chapter. Leadingham bares her soul in this work, sharing some of the deepest and darkest emotions someone can struggle with. It is heartbreaking to know that this is a tale that people can relate to, but also a beautiful way for people to heal from their own traumas. I absolutely loved this book and can not wait to see what else Leadingham comes out with.

[Ashley Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is captivating. The woman who emerges through the ashes of her childhood has learned that happiness is a journey. This book gives such credit to how hard exciting dancers work and the lives they're striving to have. It needs a little bit of editing on the points of view and how that is broken up. Knowing this is a first book from this author and the enchanting story she unravels allows me to look past that, to the struggles and triumphs. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who struggles with generational trauma and the guilt that comes with healing from it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT put this book down. The story of Eclipse was captivating and each page left me eager to discover what would happen next. A story full of emotion and characters that truly draw you in. The author created real connection between the reader and the characters adding the the book’s allure. I highly recommend this book as your next read!