The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

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Synopsis

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.

Goodreads

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Review

I absolutely adored the Ritual. Not only was it a fabulous dark romance, but it was sex-positive and refreshing, and I just can’t say enough good things about it.

The characters were terrific. I loved how we were able to see Blakely grow throughout the book. She started out so sheltered, and then as she spent more time with Ryat, not only did she get more sure of herself, but she got feisty and strong. I just loved watching her grow throughout the book. Ryat was A-mazing. He knew exactly what he wanted and went after it. He is the quintessential dark romance hero, tough as hell but soft when his woman needs him to be.

If I have one minor complaint, it would be that I felt like the story dragged on a bit too long. I loved the twists and turns, but the last couple I thought was a tad unnecessary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story, and I loved the secret society angle. I thought the details surrounding the society and all of the pomp and circumstance and all the rules that had to be followed were so well thought out.

I really loved this book so much, and I can’t wait to read more by Shantel Tessier!

Available on Kindle Unlimited