The Book of Dion: A Novel

by Ebonie Ledbetter

A charismatic relationship influencer is exposed as a master manipulator—bringing together all the women he's lied to and strung along—in this razor-sharp debut that interrogates intimacy, power, and the stories we tell to appear perfect.

Dion Watkins is a relationship podcaster and influencer revered for his insight into modern love. But behind the scenes, he is messily entangled with a network of Eve, his introverted wife; Victoria, who is pregnant with his child; Sierra, his college girlfriend who's never recovered from their time together. And they are only a few of the women caught in Dion’s orbit.

When a bombshell news report exposes Dion's infidelity just weeks before the relationship conference he has organized to cement his brand, his carefully balanced world collapses. In response, all the women who have loved, trusted, dated, or barely escaped Dion must decide how to pick up the pieces of their lives, each reckoning with the fallout of Dion's insatiable ambition and deception.

Fresh, funny, and empowering, The Book of Dion is a fierce debut set in the heart of Atlanta's vibrant social scene and celebrating what happens when women step forward from behind men's shadows.

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 2, 2027

Reviews

[KiKi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a solid debut with some engaging characters on the canvas. The writing made it easy to jump into the plot headfirst as it mirrored black culture and relationship dynamics- especially the social media aspect. Good dialogue although the pacing had its ups and downs. I wish some characters were more fleshed out for a stronger resolution. Overall an entertaining read.

[B K178 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Dion* is Ebonie Ledbetter’s debut novel that explores relationships and their complexities, including those with an intimate partner, family, and friends. Ledbetter also examines the masks people wear to appear perfect, whether to peers or the public.

The story centers around Dion, a charismatic and manipulative relationship podcaster, author, and influencer whose public persona as a guru of modern love is shattered by a news report exposing his infidelity. The novel is told through the multiple POVs of the women he has deceived, including his wife Eve, and his pregnant girlfriend Victoria, among others.

*The Book of Dion* is funny and engaging. It felt like it could be a limited television series. The viral nature and double life made me think of RF Kuang’s *Yellowface*. While I did have a few issues with pacing in some of the characters’ plots, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.