Review: Dear Reader -Tate James

Review: Dear Reader - Book #1 The Devil's Backbone Series - Tate James - May 2025

Tate James has long been one of my go-to authors when I need a dark, addictive escape—and Dear Reader absolutely delivered. Her reverse harems and edgy New Adult romances are just so easy to devour, and while some of her characters are total heartthrobs, others are unapologetic jerks (and somehow, I still love them). This series caught my eye with its intriguing title and the promise of a secret society—and wow, did it deliver the drama.

We meet Ashley just as her life takes a sharp turn—her mum marries a billionaire, and suddenly she’s off to a prestigious university on a scholarship. Ashley’s not fussed about popularity; she’s there to study and keep her head down. But of course, her stepbrother Nate’s friends have other plans. Cue Heath, Carter, and Royce—each bringing their own brand of chaos and chemistry. Heath feels like true love, Carter brings the heat, and Royce has those protective, brotherly vibes that make your heart ache a little whilst Nate is the evil Stepbrother who wants to make her life awful.

Things take a darker turn when Ashley discovers a hidden diary from a former student who supposedly died by suicide. But the diary hints at something far more sinister—a string of deaths among scholarship students, all linked to a secret society called The Devil’s Backbone. Ashley’s pulled into the mystery against her will, and the tension ramps up as she starts receiving texts from the dead girl’s phone. Chills.

The cliffhanger at the end? Absolutely brutal. I was left screaming (and maybe throwing a cushion across the room). If Tate follows through with that ending, I’ll be heartbroken—but also wildly impressed. It’s been a while since a book left me this emotionally wrecked and desperate for the sequel.

Dear Reader reminded me of the early days of Bullymance and college dark romance—those gritty, addictive reads that kept me up way past bedtime. If you’re craving something edgy, mysterious, and packed with swoon-worthy tension, the Devil’s Backbone series is your next obsession.

Now excuse me while I clear my schedule to binge Book #2.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4m9MwyN