Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Ritual

Like everyone else who’s been late to the game, I heard a lot of mixed reviews on this book so I knew I’d either love it or hate it. Fortunately for me, I love it! I didn’t even know I had the ability to read a 600 page book in less than a week but I could not put it down.

It started off a little rough, I think a lot due to Matt being an absolute soggy biscuit of a person. But as soon as Ryat came into the picture. I was hooked.

There was so much in this book and somehow I still wanted more. I genuinely think I might need some therapy… but I loved the twisted romance, the secret society and everything in between. There were just, I mean JUST, enough plot elements to balance out the spice to make this perfect for me.

The spice in this book started early (like 16%, I think) and once it started it didn’t stop. I usually need a little more slow burn and some time to form an attachment but this one was different. I felt the chemistry right off the bat and just hoped it would get deeper. It was kinky and chaotic and I loved it.

And as crazy as he is, Ryat is top tier. 🙌🏼

Tropes/Themes:
Enemies to Lovers (vibes)
Secret Society
Possessive MMC
V*rg*n FMC
Degradation/Praise
Kn*fe/Bondage/Breath Play

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Content Warnings

nineinchsnails's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.75

I think this book would have done much better if it was about 100 pages shorter. Overall, not a bad read. Characters aren't too over or underpowered. Smut definitely overtakes the plot, but they are well written scenes.

Content Warnings

stef_hent_'s review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

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

2.5

If all of the spicy scenes were removed, it'd be a novella.

Content Warnings

beautiful_misfit98's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I absolutely loved it. It was so steamy and passionate. I quickly fell in love with Ryat. I will say, it’s kinda sexist/misogynistic but that’s part of the plot in the dark romance? I would def check triggers but 10/10 loved this book!

Content Warnings

pointtorae's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

3.75

A great book for dark spicy content, not so much for actual plot.

Content Warnings

laileth's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Heard this is the holy grail of dark spicy romance, was not disappointed! Expected this to be mainly smut, but surprised to find out the plot is so good and there's a lot of it! Love the story, love the spice, love the twists💚

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