I want to start of by saying how fast I read through this book. The Ritual introduces you into the world of the L.O.R.D.S. A secret college society. Except it doesn’t stop there. Is this book spicy? Heck yeah. Does it have a plot? Definitely and that plot is full of twist and turns. I loved learning about the ritual to becoming a lord as well as what it takes to be a choosen. These are two main points the book is based about. You will follow Ryat Archer as he get initiated into this secrete society. Everyone knows a lord. But they don’t know everything that happens behind close doors. You learn that in order to be a lord you basically have to already have family involved within the society itself. And it’s not just for anyone. But the most elite, powerful and wealthy people. You will also follow Blakely on her path on discovering who she is, who she wants to be and all the chaos that is Matt whom you will probably dislike as much as I did. You will learn what a chosen has to do. And follow her on her path to discovering a whole other world she didn’t know existed. I can say with all of my being that these books are worth buying and reading. I own all 3 physical, audio and also own the kindle edition of her books. It’s hard to not dive in with the way that Shantel Tessier writes. It’s so easy to get lost in the book and finish it all in one day without realizing it. You want smut? Oh baby it’s all over the pages. I would say please please. Do read Trigger warnings. Do not go in blindly. I loved the way she writes her characters. Some people see Ryat as this alpha male. But I see him as someone who protects the person he cares about haha. It might take a minute to see it that way, or not. But I’m here for it. . Her books have also given me so much closure. The character development was so good. And with every page I hated Matt a little more. I won’t throw out any spoilers but I will say this. I know not everyone will enjoy this as much as I did/do. But it really is worth trying it out and reading it. Specially if you already indulge in dark romance. This was the first for me as well as the first book I read of Shantel’s. And since then I have bought almost all her books. Her writing as I mention is just fantastic. So what do you say? Take the journey!!!

Re-reading as audible I read this book in 2023 and am now listening to the audio. Am so happy i did. It was a duet, and it brought out a lot more emotions. I read up to book 4 in the lords series, and this is still my favorite. This book felt more grounded and almost had more realism compared to others in the series. It questions things about being a chosen, a lord and what it entails especially epilogue, when the f m c questioned her daughter and her son's position in the world of the lords and she did not like it at all. The beginning Ryat- he was so sexy. It did annoy me that he never actually wanted Blakely. I thought he was going to be harsh and revengeful, knowing that's his ex best friend girlfriend. But he kind of sweet, yet so rough. And there weren't any bullying, thank god. Ryat is still brutal. He behaves so adult, like I forget he's still in college. He's like twenty, but to be honest, I feel more like he's forty-one. His internal dialogue was so unhinged, but he was a little romantic.  Blakely- After reading the rest of the series , I realized she is the best FMC. She is strong and demanding when she needs to be but still very freaky. She is very, very freaky for a virgin. Comparing this to other books, i felt like she had the best father figure in this environment. The L.O.R.D world is brutal for all women. They are considered nothing more than playthings, even the parents, especially men in the family. It created an uneasy atmosphere when there are dialogues or situations involving the Fmc. I get so nervous. She also mentioned a few things about the workings of the lords and it got me thinking about the chosen.The fact that the parents let their daughters become chosen for other lords, which can be so sadistic.It's just hurt my heart. Ending - not gonna lie. There is so much smut. The plot was still very strong only towards the end of the book. I was so intrigued around the rules and regulations of being the lords that I wish the book explained more in detail. It comes off as a cult organization but a very sophisticated version that includes billionaires,political people, and criminals, with strong sexist beliefs.  People were being murdered without a care in the world. And the ending was so good. The epilogue was also great. After reading the legacy of god series, I now want a book of the kids Pronto. P.s. Why does it seem that the second book was supposed to be Tyson's own? Because there were so many Easter eggs for his own book whenever he had a scene with the couple.

I enjoyed this book! The characters were written well and their character development was done JUST RIGHT! I despised Matt. When I say despised, I mean HATED him with every fiber of my entire being. He just gave me the ick from the very beginning. Ryat was my second favorite character in the book. Oddly enough, my favorite people were Gunner and Ty. Lol, they were the most consistent in how they handled things and I loved that Gunner had Ryat's back whenever wherever for however long. Anyway, getting back to Ryat. Top tier Zaddy vibes. He was stern, rough, but so sweet to Blake when she needed it. It wasn't always aggression, angst, etc. He was broody, calculating, and commanding. Yet, he seemed to constantly get usurped by Matt and honestly it was pissin me off. He was a badass, but also not? I dunno it was interesting. Blake was cute, but also annoying. She didn't seem to know who she was, which was understandable, seeing as how almost every aspect of her life was controlled by someone else. I hated that she gave concessions for Ryat when it came to Lords business. Yet, she had no understanding for her mother's situation when she learned of it. Like excuse me? How are you just gonna act like that? That part super annoyed me. Blake was a good character she just had moments where I wanted to Spartan kick her. 😤 Overall, this was a FANTASTIC read. The spice was spicin and the plot was plottin. I was enthralled from start to finish.

I’m just starting to get into reading dark romance and this book was amazing! It was spicy but also had a good plot! Can’t wait to read more from this series!