The Ritual (Unabridged)
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4.4 • 387 Ratings
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- $21.99
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- $21.99
Publisher Description
NOW AN AMAZON TOP 50 BESTSELLER
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier
THE CHOSEN ONE
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.
I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.
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." Check authors website for TWs. shanteltessier.com
Customer Reviews
🤌🏼
LOVED ALL OF IT 🤌🏼 chefs kiss
"Into the Dark Society: Navigating Twists and Turns in 'The Ritual' by Shantel Tessier"
"The Ritual" by Shantel Tessier is a riveting dark romance that immediately seized my attention and refused to let go. After a short stint with holiday romances, diving back into the world of dark romance (my go to genre) was a thrilling change of pace, and Tessier's book was the perfect reentry into the genre I adore.
This novel masterfully combines all the elements that make for an enthralling dark romance: secret societies, a morally grey male main character, taboo themes, kinks, and a labyrinth of twists and turns. From the very first sentence, Tessier hooks the reader, weaving a story that is as suspenseful as it is seductive.
Set in the elite world of Barrington University in Pennsylvania and its dominating secret society, "The Lords," the story follows the intense and complex relationship between Ryat Archer and Blakely. The dynamics of power, control, and eventual emotional evolution between Ryat and Blakely are compelling and well-developed.
Ryat, as a character, is fascinating. His journey from a rigid, love-averse individual to someone who begins to embrace a softer side is portrayed with a delicate balance of intensity and vulnerability. Blakely, in contrast, grows stronger and more resilient, a transformation that is both empowering and satisfying to witness.
The spice level in this book is off the charts, perfectly complementing the dark themes and suspenseful plot. Tessier does not shy away from pushing boundaries, making this a read for those who appreciate the darker side of romance.
What truly makes "The Ritual" stand out for me is the plot! Beyond the vast amount of dark and steamy scenes, the story is gripping and well-crafted, with a suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tessier's skill in weaving a dark romance with an engaging narrative is remarkable, ensuring that the reader is invested in both the romance and the overarching story.
In summary, "The Ritual" is a standout dark romance that offers everything a fan of the genre could ask for. Its blend of suspense, emotional depth, (and spicy scenes)makes it a must-read. I am eagerly anticipating diving into the next book in the series, and it's clear what my next Audible credit will be used for. Tessier has crafted a world that is dark, seductive, and utterly captivating, making "The Ritual" a book that is hard to put down and impossible to forget.
Awful
This is probably some of the worst writing I have suffered through in a long, long time. The storyline is horrendous, the characters- zero development. I tried to suffer through longer than I should’ve, I have never rolled my eyes at a book, but can now say it’s possible. If I could rate 0 stars I honestly would.