Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of dark romance set in elite, secret society college worlds, 'The Ritual' has got your name all over it. Expect jaw-dropping twists, off-the-charts steam, and a possessive male lead who's as devoted as he is dangerous. Shantel Tessier brings dramatic flair, loads of forbidden kink, and main characters whose chemistry will absolutely heat up your reading nook. Lovers of over-the-top drama, taboo relationships, and morally grey characters will get hooked from page one.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book is not for everyone - especially if you prefer slow-burn romance, emotional relationship building, or subtle writing. Some readers found the plot too chaotic, the characters overdone and unrelatable, and the romance unrealistic with too much instant obsession. The abundance of explicit scenes (some repetitive), dark themes, and relentless twists can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the dark romance genre or sensitive to certain triggers.
About:
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a dark romance novel that delves into the tumultuous relationship between Blakely and Ryat, set in a world of power, money, and a secret society known as the Lords. The plot is described as having numerous peaks, mirroring the intense emotions and sensual encounters between the characters. The writing style is noted to be captivating, with a mix of steamy scenes, intricate plot twists, and elements of dominance and submission.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Expect high content warnings for themes of abuse, forced consent, violence, and dark themes throughout the narrative.
Has Romance?
There is a romance element that develops, but it is complicated by the dark themes and the characters' tumultuous relationship.
From The Publisher:
AN AMAZON TOP 100 BESTSELLER
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier
THE CHOSEN ONE
I vow. You vow. We vow.
Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all-the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.
People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it's not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had-freedom.
I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.
After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.
Things to know about The Ritual
It is MF
TW (Please see the author's note on the inside)
J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero
OTT (over the top) Hero
This is a 150K word standalone romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
Ratings (249)
Incredible (65) | |
Loved It (81) | |
Liked It (32) | |
It Was OK (36) | |
Did Not Like (18) | |
Hated It (17) |
Reader Stats (436):
Read It (262) | |
Currently Reading (4) | |
Want To Read (131) | |
Did Not Finish (14) | |
Not Interested (25) |
5 comment(s)
This was different, in a good way. This is definitely dark romance so check your TW if you have triggers.
This relationship is so toxic and not healthy. The world is fucked up. Why it’s partly so good because I can somewhat rationalise why our fmc isn’t more appalled. XD feminism isn’t a thing in this world.
Don’t get me wrong tho, the HEA is real and our mmc is obsessed. A lot of smut but also plot is plotting.
It’s like Hunting/Haunting Adeline but in a college setting. The smut scenes are okay and there’s not really a plot to follow other than they fall in love because they’re obsessed with eachother.
2.5⭐️
“Limits will be tested, and morals forgotten.”
The only reason this is getting anything above 1⭐️ for now is I’m just glad it’s over.
90% of the book was just smut and while it wasn’t bad it just got so boring and repetitive. The other 10% was the most disjointed “plot” I have ever read. What was that?
The characters were so inconsistent that 600 pages later and I still have no idea how they would react to the simplest things. They just didn’t have any personalities.
And while I never expect feminism from a dark romance there has to be a some limit and this book definitely crossed that. What is this?
“And she’s exactly what I fucking need. A toy to use. A body to fuck. And sweet fucking revenge.”
Or this?
“I’ll put a leash on her so fucking short, she won’t be able to breathe without my permission.”
And it gets even worse…
“The wife is our toy and also our weakness.”
Oh and this is him being protective:
“If anyone kills her, it’ll be me. I get that privilege. She’s my wife. I decide when I’m done with her, and my cock stuffed inside my jeans reminds me I’m not quite there just yet.”
Because apparently:
“You serve and obey me. I protect and own you.”
That’s one of the first things the MMC says to the FMC after he claims her with the “ritual” the book is named after.
On top of that, the writing was chaotic. Constant song titles shoved into the narration (e.g., ““I Don’t Give A …” by MISSIO”) and random exclamation points killed the mood every time.
There are so many other things that bothered me that I’m not even going into just to keep this review short. But for context: he drugs her multiple times, secretly swaps her birth control for placebos so she can’t leave him, installs spyware on her phone, and even implants a tracker in her body—all without her consent.
Sometimes I wonder how authors come up with these plots…
Crazy dark, yet wickedly kinky. Interconnected series - new couple in same world/setting. Dark college romance. Possessive hero. Feral play and BDSM. No book boyfriends here.
What can you read after
The Ritual?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
