Book Review: The Ritual By Shantel Tessier

The Ritual By Shantel Tessier

BOOK 1 IN THE L.O.R.D.S SERIES

Tropes: Morally Grey MMC, Secret, Society, Dark Collage Romance, Possessive MMC, Touch Her & Die, Dark & Twisted

Blurb:

Barrington University’s secret society, the Lords, thrives on manipulation and violence, demanding blood as their price for power. The protagonist, feeling trapped by her privileged upbringing, finds a glimmer of hope when Ryat Alexander Archer offers her freedom. However, as she becomes entangled in the dark world of the Lords, she discovers that Ryat's promises are deceitful, turning her life into a dangerous game. What starts as a quest for independence quickly becomes a fight for survival, where escape may lead to deadly consequences.

💚 LD -⁠

I still don't know exactly how I feel about this book. I read it fairly quickly and found the storyline to be intriguing and engaging. However, as a woman, I felt it was a bit degrading at times, which made the reading experience quite challenging. There were moments when I had to put the book down and take a breather because the intense kinks were a little too much for my liking. It's the first book I've read with such extreme themes, and I can confirm it was a bit overwhelming.
That being said, the last quarter of the book was fantastic! The thrilling end redeemed a lot of the discomfort I felt earlier on. The plot twists and fast-paced action kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Despite my mixed feelings, the conclusion was a satisfying and exhilarating end to the book.

“ I can’t guarantee that I’ll grow old with her, but I will spend every second of every day that I’m alive proving to her that she comes first no matter what.”

🤍 AD - ⁠

I had so many mixed feelings about this book. At the beginning, I wasn't a fan at all. It felt extremely degrading, and I didn't enjoy the cult-like aspect of the storyline. However, despite my reservations, I found myself addicted to the story. The narrative had a strange pull that kept me reading, even when I wanted to put the book down.The last 20% of the book took me completely by surprise. There were so many unexpected plot twists and shocks that I didn't see coming. There's nothing I love more than an unpredictable book, and this one delivered in that aspect. I started this book hating Blakely, but by the end, I absolutely loved her. Her growth throughout the story was impressive and admirable. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, and while it wasn't an easy read, it was definitely memorable.

“ I can’t guarantee that I’ll grow old with her, but I will spend every second of every day that I’m alive proving to her that she comes first no matter what.”

💙 AG - ⁠

This book took me by surprise in many ways. I didn't expect it to have such a strong cult-like element, but I found it to be an intriguing read nonetheless. Initially, I didn't like the characters much, and I struggled to connect with them. However, as the story progressed, I found myself becoming more invested in their journeys.

The shocks and plot twists were a highlight for me. There were so many moments that caught me off guard and kept me guessing. By the end of the book, I ended up loving the characters I initially disliked. Their development was well-written, and the narrative twists added an exciting layer to the story. While it wasn't what I expected, it was a captivating read that left a lasting impression.

 “My wife and I are a team. A Lord and a Lady”