Meet New Books
Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Ritual

Book 1 in the series:L.O.R.D.S

Save:
Find on Amazon

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.

Characters:

The characters embody a toxic romance dynamic, with a possessive male lead and a female lead who evolves from naivety to strength.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward but criticized for its lack of subtlety, repetitiveness, and juvenile tone, not allowing for deeper exploration.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline revolves around the toxic dynamics of a secret society, with messy execution and an oversaturation of plot twists that can feel disjointed.

Setting:

The setting includes a prestigious university that houses a secret society, contributing to a dark and menacing backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, marked by frequent shifts in conflict and drama, often sacrificing character development for plot advancement.
I KNEEL IN the middle of the darkly lit room along with twenty other men. My hands are secured tightly behind my back with a pair of handcuffs. My shirt is torn, and blood drips from my busted lips. I...

Notes:

The book is part of a dark romance and secret society theme that includes intense and explicit situations.
Readers have mixed reactions, noting both the addictiveness of the plot and its chaotic nature.
Many scenes are filled with drama and smut, which some found repetitive and lacking in depth.
The main characters, Ryat and Blakely, experience a rapid romance that some readers perceive as unrealistic, lacking sufficient relationship development.
The writing style has been described as lacking subtlety, with critics feeling it sometimes reads like a 'fever dream' or 'juvenile'.
The book contains numerous trigger warnings including violence, forced sex, and other intense topics.
Characters do not seem to act their age, which can affect reader believability.
The male lead, Ryat, has a dominant personality, often leading others and navigating a perilous social landscape.
The plot includes elements of arranged marriages and a violent secret society requiring loyalty and performance from its members.
The side characters receive praise for their intriguing personalities, suggesting potential for their own stories.

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 (118)

Incredible (35)
Loved It (43)
Liked It (13)
It Was OK (17)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (203):

Read It (125)
Want To Read (69)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
11 months

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.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.