Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

112 reviews

caroline_bel's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Rape, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Violence, Sexual content, Murder, Sexual assault, Cursing, Torture, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Death, Blood, Misogyny, Death of parent, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Addiction, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship

sauger's review against another edition

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

It’s dark but doesn’t really push any interesting boundaries. I found it very repetitive, and think it could’ve been about 200 pages shorter. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Blood, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Abortion, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence

leanneod1's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Death, Torture, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Rape, Sexism, Pregnancy, Cursing, Kidnapping, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Murder, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Violence, Physical abuse, Drug use, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Blood, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence

tasianicole74's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

If you like the rough and raunchy sex books this is for you!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, Body shaming, and Rape

tearsofgold's review against another edition

I can’t handle the noncon. It wasn’t even dubious noncon she was drugged. Not my cup of tea that’s for sure. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Murder

Moderate: Stalking, Violence, Drug use, and Sexual content

shadowedbookshelf's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Rape, Torture, Stalking, Violence, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Death, Cursing, and Blood

missus_rabbit's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pregnancy, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Confinement, Murder, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Stalking

ga_bby4's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Violence, Torture, Kidnapping, Sexual content, Vomit, Rape, and Stalking

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Pregnancy

heather_dowell's review against another edition

Problematic. SA and control seen as romantic, and MC admits to being willing to rape her to get what he wants and loves seeing her in tears.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Stalking, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Murder, Sexual content, Torture, Emotional abuse, Rape, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexism

annikenr's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Drug use, Blood, Violence, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence

Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Torture, Vomit, Abandonment, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, and Stalking