*The deluxe edition features a special black cover, gold foil, and a designed edge*The next in a 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.Dear Reader, Just when you think it can't get any worse, the universe seems to take that as a personal challenge. The Devil's Backbone Society has their fingers everywhere. It's more than a secret society--it's a leash and a prison sentence. The elders insist it's about making connections that will help you for the rest of your life, but what they don't tell you is how long--or, in this case, short--your life might be.The society has already cost me--cost us. Blood. Sweat. Tears.Lives.Now, it may take more than what I have to give. A part of me wants to be here, wants to see this through to the end. But the rest of me?The rest of me worries that even if I watch my back, it won't be enough. How do I protect them? How do I protect these handsome, crazy, over-the-top men that I'm falling for?How do I save them from the society and themselves? And more importantly, how do I save myself?Delicious tropes: Dark academia vibesWhy choose/reverse haremEnemies to loversSecret societyTaboo romanceMorally gray love interestsParties, power games, and twists galoreReaders are devouring Devil's Backbone: "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"This might end up being my favorite Tate James series. I devoured this book as soon as I got it."-- ★★★★★ Goodreads review"I don't know if I've ever been THIS invested in fictional characters. Ashley and her guys are giving me so much life, and I am loving all the why-choose deliciousness."-- ★★★★★ Amazon review