Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

48 reviews

bookwxrmvictoria's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.5

2.5 stars because I was promised plot with spice and this was spice with minimal plot. If this was marketed correctly, wouldn’t have been so difficult to get through

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder

dontcallmemi's review against another edition

dark 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment

kenziescoggin's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol

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, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Murder, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Bullying, Sexual violence, Violence, and Stalking

tessaturnspages's review against another edition

challenging 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? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, and Kidnapping

Moderate: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Stalking, and Pregnancy

Minor: Vomit

heyyyyitskatelyn's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder

Moderate: Rape and Kidnapping

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

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

babeinbookland's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Kidnapping, and Alcohol

Moderate: Drug abuse and Murder

suebug's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, and Alcohol