Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

52 reviews

wanderingpages0718's review against another edition

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? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Sexual violence, Stalking, Murder, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Death, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Vomit

Minor: Child death

mykindamagical's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

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

2.0

Read the triggers. It borderlined non consent in many chapters (aside from fantasy play). You either like the guy or you don't. He was meh. Just did too much because he "could". 
Id recommend for a fun yet cringy laugh out loud "dark romance" with A LOT of spice. It's almost so over the top it's not exciting. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Murder, and Sexism

Moderate: Violence, Sexual violence, Bullying, and Stalking

corrupted_taco's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Blood, Gun violence, Stalking, Torture, Murder, Emotional abuse, Death, Death of parent, and Alcohol

kaileet's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

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

2.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Rape, Cursing, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Violence, Death, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Abortion and Vomit

theresa_grant's review against another edition

dark funny tense fast-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Stalking, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual violence, Infidelity, and Gaslighting

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

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

l_piller's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Stalking, Torture, Violence, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Rape, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault

mirandamess139's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Literally no plot at all. Just a good old sex slavery book😂 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual harassment, Murder, Gore, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse

booklloveer101's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Addiction, Gun violence, Bullying, Drug use, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Gaslighting, Blood, Deadnaming, Kidnapping, and Mental illness