Tabatha Rihani
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- helpful votes
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- ratings
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Dead and Kicking
- Harry Russo Diaries Series, Book 1
- By: Lisa Emme
- Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg
- Length: 6 hrs
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 111
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 94
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Story4 out of 5 stars 95
Angharad "Harry" Russo is just your ordinary 20-something, with one exception - she's a witch with an out-of-the-ordinary gift. When her blind date goes sideways and she ends up face-to-face with a dead body, her life starts to go sideways too. Harry soon finds herself right in the middle of the mayhem, dealing with Cian Nash, a homicide detective that is as aggravating as he is sexy.
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4 out of 5 stars
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More to go
- By Elizabeth Brown Bovet on 09-24-16
- Dead and Kicking
- Harry Russo Diaries Series, Book 1
- By: Lisa Emme
- Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg
Almost Good
Reviewed: 03-13-25
The writer attempts to make the main female character strong, naïve, and vulnerable at the same time, but the execution falls flat. Instead of creating a compelling, multi-dimensional protagonist, they make her obnoxious, annoying, and outright foolish. The result is a character so frustrating that it becomes difficult to stay engaged with the book.
Her naïveté is excessive to the point where you almost want her to suffer the consequences of her own bad decisions. Rather than portraying genuine internal conflict, the way she fights her own emotions feels forced and unnatural. Instead of coming across as both strong and vulnerable, she just seems dishonest and, frankly, unintelligent.
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Guarding the Billionaire
- A Lesbian Paranormal Romantic Comedy
- By: Reba Bale
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
- Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 24
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Performance3.5 out of 5 stars 24
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 24
She’s waited her whole life to find her fated mate, but this has to be a mistake! Teresa For years I’ve dreamed about finding my fated mate. She’d be a vampire like me, or at least a shifter. She’d be strong and adventurous and down to Earth. But the universe must have a weird sense of humor, because I’ve finally found my mate – and she’s nothing like I expected. First, she’s human, and a billionaire to boot. Second, she’s more worried about breaking a nail than she is about the attempts on her life. And she’s the girliest femme I’ve ever met. Flora I admit it, I’ve ...
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4 out of 5 stars
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It was okay
- By Nataleigh on 03-27-25
- Guarding the Billionaire
- A Lesbian Paranormal Romantic Comedy
- By: Reba Bale
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
Really Good Read
Reviewed: 01-17-25
It was not easy to pick out the culprit throughout the book until the end. The ending was nice with the introduction of new family. AR reading was not bad, but did take away from the story.
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The Ritual
- By: Shantel Tessier
- Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Meg Sylvan
- Length: 16 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 8,533
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 8,143
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 8,140
Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all—the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.
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1 out of 5 stars
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Waste of a credit!!
- By delsea on 05-18-23
- The Ritual
- By: Shantel Tessier
- Narrated by: Aiden Snow, Meg Sylvan
Review of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
Reviewed: 11-24-24
Shantel Tessier’s The Ritual is a gripping and provocative dark romance that masterfully captures the intensity of desire, power, and control. The writing is undeniably compelling, drawing readers into a world dominated by secret societies, morally ambiguous characters, and high-stakes emotional entanglements. However, the novel’s allure lies as much in its well-crafted prose as in its exploration of the darker corners of human behavior.
Set against the backdrop of Barrington University and the enigmatic Lords society, the story centers on Ryat Alexander Archer and his “chosen,” Blakely Anderson. Their tumultuous relationship is marked by passion, manipulation, and the constant blurring of consent. Tessier’s ability to craft complex, layered characters is commendable, as readers are drawn to both their vulnerabilities and their flaws. Ryat, in particular, is written as the archetypal antihero, both captivating and deeply troubling.
The novel goes beyond being “just dark.” It dives headfirst into themes of dominance, submission, and moral ambiguity, offering a narrative that is as unsettling as it is addictive. However, this unflinching portrayal of harmful power dynamics raises questions about the ethical boundaries of storytelling. While the story is undeniably fictional, its lack of accountability for certain actions can feel like tacit permission for bad behavior, particularly when those actions are romanticized.
The Ritual excels in creating an immersive atmosphere and delivering on the promises of its genre. The tension, stakes, and chemistry between the characters are palpable, making it difficult to put down. Yet, it is also a story that pushes boundaries to the point of discomfort, forcing readers to grapple with their own perceptions of right and wrong.
For fans of dark romance who are prepared to navigate morally complex narratives, The Ritual is a standout example of the genre. However, it’s not for everyone. Readers should approach it with an awareness of its intense themes, as it may cross into territory that feels more like justification than critique of harmful behavior.
Verdict:
A beautifully written and unapologetically dark story that will polarize readers. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring the shadows of human desire but may leave others questioning the fine line between fantasy and permission. 3/5 stars for its engaging prose, character depth, and thought-provoking themes, but with a cautionary note on its ethical implications.
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