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Rituals #1
The Eclipse Ritual
This was not supposed to happen.
This couldn't be the Allfather's will.
I knew what I had seen.
I hadn't seen righteousness. Or religious devotion.
I had seen hunger.
And he was going to consume me.
Obedience, daughter of the Prophet Jonas, has led a blessed life as one of the Chosen Ones. But her faith is tested on the day of the long-awaited Eclipse Ritual, when she gets bound for life to a man she never expected, a man with a dark and obsessive need to possess her.
She begins to learn the truth about her idyllic community, but will her husband be her savior or her damnation? Find out in this dark and depraved cult romance.
This couldn't be the Allfather's will.
I knew what I had seen.
I hadn't seen righteousness. Or religious devotion.
I had seen hunger.
And he was going to consume me.
Obedience, daughter of the Prophet Jonas, has led a blessed life as one of the Chosen Ones. But her faith is tested on the day of the long-awaited Eclipse Ritual, when she gets bound for life to a man she never expected, a man with a dark and obsessive need to possess her.
She begins to learn the truth about her idyllic community, but will her husband be her savior or her damnation? Find out in this dark and depraved cult romance.
236 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2024
146 people are currently reading
2228 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rivenhall
13 books264 followersI write dark horror about women escaping abusive cults and other dystopian stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
April 10, 2024
My absolute favorite kind of trash.
March 6, 2024
Know what I like most in a taboo story? When the taboo is meaningful, purposeful, thoughtful. Did Kate Rivenhall set out possibly just wanting to write a sibling taboo story? Maybe. But the choices she made to bring the story to life add up to something profound and psychologically insightful.
From this point forward, there will be a steadily decreasing regard for potential spoilers.
A smart young man grows up in genuine horror, surrounded by systematic abuse and violent misogyny. This kid has a sister he loves. He knows that by the rules of their society, she will suffer. There is no way out and no way to change the rules. His only chance to ever reach a level of power that would make it possible to improve things is to prove his absolute devotion to the religion and the culture. Most importantly, the only way he can conceive of to protect his beloved sister is to marry her himself.
It makes sense that an emotional commitment like that, formed early in life, would develop into a sexual obsession. This doesn’t read to me as a story about a guy who wants to bang his sister, it plays as a story about how love and devotion can warp into something else under the right (very wrong) conditions.
Obedience, by contrast, has been sheltered from some of the brutal knowledge available to the men. She has no reason to doubt her bright future in their culture or to fear the men her brother knows she must be protected from. It takes her a lot longer to accept the taboo relationship that’s been thrust upon her. Ronan wins her over as she loses her illusions about their religion and traditions. As all the rules of her life are repudiated by the horrors she now sees clearly, the “no, this is wrong” response becomes just another old notion that can gradually fade away. If everything else I’ve ever believed is a lie, if everyone around me is a liar, a fool, or a monster, if this man will fight so fiercely for me, then what can be wrong about being with him?
Really interesting premise, incredibly creepy cult, and wonderfully written characters.
From this point forward, there will be a steadily decreasing regard for potential spoilers.
A smart young man grows up in genuine horror, surrounded by systematic abuse and violent misogyny. This kid has a sister he loves. He knows that by the rules of their society, she will suffer. There is no way out and no way to change the rules. His only chance to ever reach a level of power that would make it possible to improve things is to prove his absolute devotion to the religion and the culture. Most importantly, the only way he can conceive of to protect his beloved sister is to marry her himself.
It makes sense that an emotional commitment like that, formed early in life, would develop into a sexual obsession. This doesn’t read to me as a story about a guy who wants to bang his sister, it plays as a story about how love and devotion can warp into something else under the right (very wrong) conditions.
Obedience, by contrast, has been sheltered from some of the brutal knowledge available to the men. She has no reason to doubt her bright future in their culture or to fear the men her brother knows she must be protected from. It takes her a lot longer to accept the taboo relationship that’s been thrust upon her. Ronan wins her over as she loses her illusions about their religion and traditions. As all the rules of her life are repudiated by the horrors she now sees clearly, the “no, this is wrong” response becomes just another old notion that can gradually fade away. If everything else I’ve ever believed is a lie, if everyone around me is a liar, a fool, or a monster, if this man will fight so fiercely for me, then what can be wrong about being with him?
Really interesting premise, incredibly creepy cult, and wonderfully written characters.
March 2, 2024
Ummm...it was great. I dived into the deeper end of taboo with this one, and once again for the people in the back...it was great. I adore Ronan, he can do no wrong, and the book is worth a read for him alone. The cult side of the story was very interesting, and rather well developed on the side of the romance between the two leads. I look forward to reading more in Bloodmoon Ritual. Honestly, I'll dive into anything that this author puts out. Let's all sin together.
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February 21, 2024thought the taboo was the cult.....
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 25, 2024
Amused by how many of my GR friends have shelved this one... we are clearly GR friends for a reason!
This is an (actually) taboo dystopian romance set in some alternate version of the US which is basically overrun by Congregations, little groups of religious cults each centred around a prophet. 25-year-old Obedience is the daughter of one such prophet, and her 32-year-old brother Ronan is the group's lead enforcer.
It's time for her to be married, and her husband will be determined by a competitive ritual that she herself will be blindfolded for. When she takes the blindfold off, she's rather surprised to see who's won her...
Rivenhall is a good technical writer, and with this book she moves away from the shortish erotica-only novellas that characterise her earlier output, to a more concretely plotted novel that actually has some interesting worldbuilding. I liked her deft addition of detail to flesh the world out - e.g. how women only have names of virtues, while men have normal names - and although Ronan's characterisation is basic at times, Obedience is likeable and the overall romance decent.
This is an (actually) taboo dystopian romance set in some alternate version of the US which is basically overrun by Congregations, little groups of religious cults each centred around a prophet. 25-year-old Obedience is the daughter of one such prophet, and her 32-year-old brother Ronan is the group's lead enforcer.
It's time for her to be married, and her husband will be determined by a competitive ritual that she herself will be blindfolded for. When she takes the blindfold off, she's rather surprised to see who's won her...
Rivenhall is a good technical writer, and with this book she moves away from the shortish erotica-only novellas that characterise her earlier output, to a more concretely plotted novel that actually has some interesting worldbuilding. I liked her deft addition of detail to flesh the world out - e.g. how women only have names of virtues, while men have normal names - and although Ronan's characterisation is basic at times, Obedience is likeable and the overall romance decent.
May 5, 2024
UPDATE: Read the bonus chapter from Ronan's POV and loved it. Normally I don't care for "his perspective" additions, they feel pretty unnecessary, but this just worked. There is enough Bee does not see/know, that the bonus Ronan chapter actually adds value. And not only does it fit perfectly with the rest of the book, but we get more lore.
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The way this book had me gasping aloud 🫢🫢🫢
When I think of really good (scary) horror, it's the kind where nothing is off limits; it crosses lines you didn't even know were there. This is that kind of book.
This was a really well-executed taboo romance and just an all-around good religious cult/dystopia story.
Kate Rivenhall's books are addictive and once you start reading them you can't stop. Will pretty much read anything she writes.
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"The Eclipse Ritual was built on a lie. The entire ceremony had been built on a lie. The Allfather hadn’t watched over me at all. It had been my brother. What else was a lie?"
The way this book had me gasping aloud 🫢🫢🫢
When I think of really good (scary) horror, it's the kind where nothing is off limits; it crosses lines you didn't even know were there. This is that kind of book.
“How did you do that?” I cried.
“Never test my obsession,” he bit out at me. “It’s deeper, broader, wider even than you think.”
This was a really well-executed taboo romance and just an all-around good religious cult/dystopia story.
"If the pearly gates had opened right in front of me, I would have still turned away and run to my brother, always to choose the cold, endless land of the afterlife with him instead of heaven without him."
Kate Rivenhall's books are addictive and once you start reading them you can't stop. Will pretty much read anything she writes.
August 23, 2025
4.5 stars
Loved it!!!! This is one of those books that I don’t think anyone is supposed to enjoy, morally speaking(so f’n taboo) but I found myself inhaling this book faster than the speed of light.
I don’t think I’ve read a cult book like this book before. I loved the characters, the cult setting and the drama. The FMC tested my patience constantly with her saviour complex and lack of self preservation but other than that I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
Loved it!!!! This is one of those books that I don’t think anyone is supposed to enjoy, morally speaking(so f’n taboo) but I found myself inhaling this book faster than the speed of light.
I don’t think I’ve read a cult book like this book before. I loved the characters, the cult setting and the drama. The FMC tested my patience constantly with her saviour complex and lack of self preservation but other than that I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
April 7, 2024
3,5.
It’s delicious reading, but not for everyone. 😬
It’s worth reading
It’s delicious reading, but not for everyone. 😬
It’s worth reading
April 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
I devoured this book in one sitting.
It’s filled with toxicity, misogyny (not from the MMC) like only a cult book can do, and so much taboo smut you’ll be choking on c*m.
This is the story of Obedience, her brother Ronan, and the cult they were raised in. Every seven years during an eclipse, the eligible bachelors compete/fight to get a girl of age to become his wife/slave.
Ronan has waited, bided his time to get his sister and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her. And even though Obedience is entirely disturbed by this we discover that bro was doing her a favor. Men she thought sweet, charming showed their true colors and there lies the crux.
Will Obedience find happiness with her brother? What happens to the other girls when they’re all second choices?
If you wanna find out and you’re cool with crossing a shit ton of boundaries, snatch this one up.
🔥🔥🔥
I devoured this book in one sitting.
It’s filled with toxicity, misogyny (not from the MMC) like only a cult book can do, and so much taboo smut you’ll be choking on c*m.
This is the story of Obedience, her brother Ronan, and the cult they were raised in. Every seven years during an eclipse, the eligible bachelors compete/fight to get a girl of age to become his wife/slave.
Ronan has waited, bided his time to get his sister and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her. And even though Obedience is entirely disturbed by this we discover that bro was doing her a favor. Men she thought sweet, charming showed their true colors and there lies the crux.
Will Obedience find happiness with her brother? What happens to the other girls when they’re all second choices?
If you wanna find out and you’re cool with crossing a shit ton of boundaries, snatch this one up.
March 23, 2024
Even if you took away the incest…
I read this with my friend and to say it was the worst book I’ve ever read by a long shot and I’ve read EVERYTHING. The spelling errors are really bad. You’ve got run-on sentences everywhere and terms like ‘my c*nt* mentioned 2x in what seemed like every other sentence. Originally, I grabbed this because I’ve never read anything with a cult aspect and was hoping that there would be some type of twist. This book is maybe 20% about the cult and 80% about the brother’s obsession with his sister. The term ‘my brother’s c*ck’ is also used multiple times in a single sentence and in every r*pe scene (which it’s 100% of the book). I was hoping the FMC would escape and there was some kind of twist at the end but NOPE. I’ve never given anything 1* before (and I read EVERYTHING), but this goes down as the worst book I’ve ever read.
I read this with my friend and to say it was the worst book I’ve ever read by a long shot and I’ve read EVERYTHING. The spelling errors are really bad. You’ve got run-on sentences everywhere and terms like ‘my c*nt* mentioned 2x in what seemed like every other sentence. Originally, I grabbed this because I’ve never read anything with a cult aspect and was hoping that there would be some type of twist. This book is maybe 20% about the cult and 80% about the brother’s obsession with his sister. The term ‘my brother’s c*ck’ is also used multiple times in a single sentence and in every r*pe scene (which it’s 100% of the book). I was hoping the FMC would escape and there was some kind of twist at the end but NOPE. I’ve never given anything 1* before (and I read EVERYTHING), but this goes down as the worst book I’ve ever read.
October 17, 2024
Reread 10/17/224
Original Review 3/29/24
The Eclipse Ritual was so out of my comfort zone, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't usually read books with this type of taboo, and I still can't believe I read it. At times it was a brutal read and like other times I've read books with cults I just can't believe people actually believe the nonsense they are told. Now while I enjoyed this book like many other reviewers have already stated I wish we had more of a back story into why Ronan was so obsessed with Bee. They constantly talk about his obsession but not the why was frustrating. I'm really glad I read this book and plan to read more books by this author.
Original Review 3/29/24
The Eclipse Ritual was so out of my comfort zone, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I don't usually read books with this type of taboo, and I still can't believe I read it. At times it was a brutal read and like other times I've read books with cults I just can't believe people actually believe the nonsense they are told. Now while I enjoyed this book like many other reviewers have already stated I wish we had more of a back story into why Ronan was so obsessed with Bee. They constantly talk about his obsession but not the why was frustrating. I'm really glad I read this book and plan to read more books by this author.
March 30, 2024
This is a taboo cult incest book. Incest is not my thing, but I’ve seen hype for this, and I have to admit: the hot cartoon man on the cover drew me in. So, I tried it anyway.
This is about Obedience (25) and her brother Ronan (32), who are in a cult, and have been for their whole lives. It’s heroine only POV. I think it would have benefited from some hero POV, too, because we keep getting told how Ronan has been obsessed with her for his entire life, but I didn’t really feel that for a while. Yeah, he does something unhinged towards the beginning when he claims her as his wife – but after that, this book is “slow burn unhinged hero.” It takes a while for Ronan to not feel like a distant figure who is commanding, but otherwise doesn’t seem to have a lot of depth of feeling (or, a lot of flavor as an obsessive / possessive dark hero).
I needed a bit more from their relationship before they’re suddenly married. I didn’t necessarily need flashbacks to their childhood, but I needed a little more than what this book gave. We’re just dropped into the story and meant to take their word for it that they were close, even though they barely interact before their sudden marriage. His "obsessive / possessive" hero spark does ignite after a while, but it felt slow burn. He felt inscrutable for too long.
This book isn't super plotty -but, that mostly worked for it. It's a lot of steam, a lot of "daily life" stuff in the cult, and showing us stuff like what happens when you get punished.
Ronan had the vibes of a Sam Mariano hero, a bit, taking what he wants with no "This is wrong!" moral struggle about it. Obedience is a very pious and naive heroine, and she IS very "This is wrong!!" about it. Although, she is into it before long, she just doesn’t want to want him.
The cult stuff was pretty standard “women must obey men.” But the worldbuilding was good, like the word "cult" wasn't used because Obedience doesn't think she's in a cult. But it's obvious to us (and it's in the title), and not every term is explained, like "Allfather" for their deity, but the terms' meanings are clear in context. Obedience’s journey from being a zealot to realizing “Hey, is this cult…maybe....bad?!” also felt too, “No shit, Sherlock!” I don’t mind a naïve heroine who learns and grows. But her journey felt a little too obvious, and clumsily done. She had too many stupid moments, where she violated their rules and got herself in trouble.
It did have some steamy moments during rituals – like a moment where they’re surrounded by everyone else during a religious ritual, and since it’s dark, nobody knows what they’re doing. So if you’re into that kind of scene, you’ll find it here. I tried to pretend they were step siblings, but this had SO MANY references to them being brother and sister – but, I can't complain, that's on me, since I read this book knowing that it has a trope (incest) that is Not My Thing. So if that's your kink, you're in luck, you’ll also find it here.
The ending was deliciously dark in a way that I like – But, that end fit the story, and sometimes I enjoy a twisted dark ending like that.
This wasn't bad, but it could have been better - more fleshed out, and with a bit more depth to their characters and relationship. I may pick up book 2 when it comes out - the blurb make it look like that's about a new couple. I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting for it, though.
This is about Obedience (25) and her brother Ronan (32), who are in a cult, and have been for their whole lives. It’s heroine only POV. I think it would have benefited from some hero POV, too, because we keep getting told how Ronan has been obsessed with her for his entire life, but I didn’t really feel that for a while. Yeah, he does something unhinged towards the beginning when he claims her as his wife – but after that, this book is “slow burn unhinged hero.” It takes a while for Ronan to not feel like a distant figure who is commanding, but otherwise doesn’t seem to have a lot of depth of feeling (or, a lot of flavor as an obsessive / possessive dark hero).
I needed a bit more from their relationship before they’re suddenly married. I didn’t necessarily need flashbacks to their childhood, but I needed a little more than what this book gave. We’re just dropped into the story and meant to take their word for it that they were close, even though they barely interact before their sudden marriage. His "obsessive / possessive" hero spark does ignite after a while, but it felt slow burn. He felt inscrutable for too long.
This book isn't super plotty -but, that mostly worked for it. It's a lot of steam, a lot of "daily life" stuff in the cult, and showing us stuff like what happens when you get punished.
Ronan had the vibes of a Sam Mariano hero, a bit, taking what he wants with no "This is wrong!" moral struggle about it. Obedience is a very pious and naive heroine, and she IS very "This is wrong!!" about it. Although, she is into it before long, she just doesn’t want to want him.
The cult stuff was pretty standard “women must obey men.” But the worldbuilding was good, like the word "cult" wasn't used because Obedience doesn't think she's in a cult. But it's obvious to us (and it's in the title), and not every term is explained, like "Allfather" for their deity, but the terms' meanings are clear in context. Obedience’s journey from being a zealot to realizing “Hey, is this cult…maybe....bad?!” also felt too, “No shit, Sherlock!” I don’t mind a naïve heroine who learns and grows. But her journey felt a little too obvious, and clumsily done. She had too many stupid moments, where she violated their rules and got herself in trouble.
It did have some steamy moments during rituals – like a moment where they’re surrounded by everyone else during a religious ritual, and since it’s dark, nobody knows what they’re doing. So if you’re into that kind of scene, you’ll find it here. I tried to pretend they were step siblings, but this had SO MANY references to them being brother and sister – but, I can't complain, that's on me, since I read this book knowing that it has a trope (incest) that is Not My Thing. So if that's your kink, you're in luck, you’ll also find it here.
The ending was deliciously dark in a way that I like – But, that end fit the story, and sometimes I enjoy a twisted dark ending like that.
This wasn't bad, but it could have been better - more fleshed out, and with a bit more depth to their characters and relationship. I may pick up book 2 when it comes out - the blurb make it look like that's about a new couple. I'm not on the edge of my seat waiting for it, though.
July 20, 2025
Okay so first…you didn’t see me read this.
And second…this book was EFFED up!!!! Omg. And you know what? The messed up part isn’t even the incest. Ronan being down BAD for his little sis was probably the most normal part of this book. Man was OBSESSED. He’s literally been planning on making her his for years. Everything else about this book is the messed up part. I can’t even explain how I felt reading this. It went from curious, to confused, to Intrigued, to disgusted, to angry, I even swooned a little bit cause like I said Ronan is one obsessed man. But yeah this cult congregation is wild!!! And all the people in it are horrible aside from a few of the girls. The guys suck big time with the exception of Ronan and I’m glad they got what was coming to them. I was hoping for a little bit of a different ending but whatevs. Also this was like 80% sex but the plot was engaging.
-NO CHEATING (Ronan has only ever had eyes for his Bee)
-LOTS OF OM DRAMA (cause everyone and their dad wants Obedience and yes that’s her name)
-NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
-DUAL VIRGINS (not stated but she definitely is and he says he never even felt attraction toward anyone ever besides her and in their society you don’t go around sleeping with people)
-INCEST BRO/SIS
-LOTS OF NON-CON THAT TURNED INTO DUB-CON THAT ENDED UP DEFINITELY CON
-CULT (idc what anyone says this was a damn cult)
-DV (against FMC and other girls. The MMC has to punish her publicly but he doesn’t let himself go unpunished either)
-MURDER (rightfully so)
-HEA ( I guess? No epilogue but they are married)
And second…this book was EFFED up!!!! Omg. And you know what? The messed up part isn’t even the incest. Ronan being down BAD for his little sis was probably the most normal part of this book. Man was OBSESSED. He’s literally been planning on making her his for years. Everything else about this book is the messed up part. I can’t even explain how I felt reading this. It went from curious, to confused, to Intrigued, to disgusted, to angry, I even swooned a little bit cause like I said Ronan is one obsessed man. But yeah this cult congregation is wild!!! And all the people in it are horrible aside from a few of the girls. The guys suck big time with the exception of Ronan and I’m glad they got what was coming to them. I was hoping for a little bit of a different ending but whatevs. Also this was like 80% sex but the plot was engaging.
-NO CHEATING (Ronan has only ever had eyes for his Bee)
-LOTS OF OM DRAMA (cause everyone and their dad wants Obedience and yes that’s her name)
-NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
-DUAL VIRGINS (not stated but she definitely is and he says he never even felt attraction toward anyone ever besides her and in their society you don’t go around sleeping with people)
-INCEST BRO/SIS
-LOTS OF NON-CON THAT TURNED INTO DUB-CON THAT ENDED UP DEFINITELY CON
-CULT (idc what anyone says this was a damn cult)
-DV (against FMC and other girls. The MMC has to punish her publicly but he doesn’t let himself go unpunished either)
-MURDER (rightfully so)
-HEA ( I guess? No epilogue but they are married)
August 1, 2025
Ronan for sure LOVED to throw the word sister around 🤭
i had no expectations going into this book. i was in the mood for some taboo and i got FED hehehehe at the beginning i was like “wtf is this?” but then the story started to develop more and i found myself weirdly enjoying it! just know that if you decide to read this, you have to throw your feminism out the window lol
this book follows Obedience and Ronan, and they’re blood-related siblings. and yes, that’s her name. there’s also Patience, Charity, Joy, Diligence… anyway, let’s talk about the things i liked:
- Obedience (fmc) - she annoyed me sometimes, but i liked her. she was very innocent but there’s a reason behind that. i could understand the reasoning behind her actions most of the time.
- Ronan (mmc) - SWEET BABY JESUS 😩 i think i might add him to my book boyfriends list. if you know me, you know that i love me some blasphemous things, and Ronan said BET! 🫦 dude had an unnatural refractory period lol i really, really liked his character.
- the smut hehehehe LISTEN ☝️ it was good smut, alright? lol
- the communion scene 🧎♀️
- the exorcism scene 🧎♀️
(i will not be explaining these further 😭)
things i didn’t like:
- i guess i found it a little weird that the fmc only started to question things after the mmc showed her differently. i mean, she grew up around people who behaved the exact same way, but she only developed a conscience when it affected her directly?
- i don’t like the whole “you have to read in between the lines” thing. it strongly hints that the mmc was a virgin, but i’d like the words to be actually written. i want THAT type of confirmation. i’m choosing to believe that he was.
- i wanted more context on the whole dystopian storyline - wanted more backstory on things.
- i liked the ending, i just feel like this book should’ve been a little bit longer or had a bonus epilogue or novella or something. it ended a bit abruptly, imo.
i know i wouldn’t survive a day in this cult-like group lol i’d question every single thing. they’d burn me alive or toss me out 🧙♀️
all in all, i def recommend this book for the people that like taboo! i will for sure read the next one.
other info (possible spoilers): 1st person/fmc’s pov only virgin fmc/virgin mmc (?)
no condoms no sharing no owd omd no cheating no 3rd act breakup
hfn
the author said the TWs were on her facebook page, but i couldn’t find them. TWs should always be at the beginning of the book, and if it’s a link, make sure it actually works.
i had no expectations going into this book. i was in the mood for some taboo and i got FED hehehehe at the beginning i was like “wtf is this?” but then the story started to develop more and i found myself weirdly enjoying it! just know that if you decide to read this, you have to throw your feminism out the window lol
this book follows Obedience and Ronan, and they’re blood-related siblings. and yes, that’s her name. there’s also Patience, Charity, Joy, Diligence… anyway, let’s talk about the things i liked:
- Obedience (fmc) - she annoyed me sometimes, but i liked her. she was very innocent but there’s a reason behind that. i could understand the reasoning behind her actions most of the time.
- Ronan (mmc) - SWEET BABY JESUS 😩 i think i might add him to my book boyfriends list. if you know me, you know that i love me some blasphemous things, and Ronan said BET! 🫦 dude had an unnatural refractory period lol i really, really liked his character.
- the smut hehehehe LISTEN ☝️ it was good smut, alright? lol
- the communion scene 🧎♀️
- the exorcism scene 🧎♀️
(i will not be explaining these further 😭)
things i didn’t like:
- i guess i found it a little weird that the fmc only started to question things after the mmc showed her differently. i mean, she grew up around people who behaved the exact same way, but she only developed a conscience when it affected her directly?
- i don’t like the whole “you have to read in between the lines” thing. it strongly hints that the mmc was a virgin, but i’d like the words to be actually written. i want THAT type of confirmation. i’m choosing to believe that he was.
- i wanted more context on the whole dystopian storyline - wanted more backstory on things.
- i liked the ending, i just feel like this book should’ve been a little bit longer or had a bonus epilogue or novella or something. it ended a bit abruptly, imo.
i know i wouldn’t survive a day in this cult-like group lol i’d question every single thing. they’d burn me alive or toss me out 🧙♀️
all in all, i def recommend this book for the people that like taboo! i will for sure read the next one.
other info (possible spoilers): 1st person/fmc’s pov only virgin fmc/virgin mmc (?)
no condoms no sharing no owd omd no cheating no 3rd act breakup
hfn
the author said the TWs were on her facebook page, but i couldn’t find them. TWs should always be at the beginning of the book, and if it’s a link, make sure it actually works.
January 3, 2025
OMFG 😍😍😍😮💨😮💨😮💨
Review to come.
~
TLDR: This cult has more in common with a BDSM club than a church. Bring on the smart and completely taboo, problematic, and spectacular smut!
Shame on me for judging this book by its cover. I remember a few GR mutuals were raving about this but I absolutely detest illustrated covers. They're pretty but generic. I saw this and thought small town shifter romance, maybe motorcycle club romance? No thanks.
Pure smut and I love it. Not only was the smut constant, but there was a plot that kept increasing the stakes, with an overarching narrative of the heroine realizing her faith lied to her.
The politics are not fully developed, however, and I mean that the heroine dgaf about "liberating" herself from the cult or asking deeper questions. She's more of a reformer, silent velvet glove (her husband literally rules this cult town). As long as she can live her life, she's happy. Don't expect a revolution here. However, the author understands everyday sexism and her portrayals of men like Edmund was perfect (how he spoke about Diligence or his reason for not beating up helpmeets).
I've read perhaps less than 5 romances with a cult setting. Honestly, I haven't been interested in them and the ones I have read don't entice me to read more. The Eclipse Ritual was such a special unique cult, that felt almost like Amish or Mormon, but super sexual. The town was living without technology and also had the most traditional gender roles/beliefs/faith with the most BDSM rituals. Brilliant.
Review to come.
~
TLDR: This cult has more in common with a BDSM club than a church. Bring on the smart and completely taboo, problematic, and spectacular smut!
Shame on me for judging this book by its cover. I remember a few GR mutuals were raving about this but I absolutely detest illustrated covers. They're pretty but generic. I saw this and thought small town shifter romance, maybe motorcycle club romance? No thanks.
Pure smut and I love it. Not only was the smut constant, but there was a plot that kept increasing the stakes, with an overarching narrative of the heroine realizing her faith lied to her.
The politics are not fully developed, however, and I mean that the heroine dgaf about "liberating" herself from the cult or asking deeper questions. She's more of a reformer, silent velvet glove (her husband literally rules this cult town). As long as she can live her life, she's happy. Don't expect a revolution here. However, the author understands everyday sexism and her portrayals of men like Edmund was perfect (how he spoke about Diligence or his reason for not beating up helpmeets).
I've read perhaps less than 5 romances with a cult setting. Honestly, I haven't been interested in them and the ones I have read don't entice me to read more. The Eclipse Ritual was such a special unique cult, that felt almost like Amish or Mormon, but super sexual. The town was living without technology and also had the most traditional gender roles/beliefs/faith with the most BDSM rituals. Brilliant.
April 4, 2024
Mixed feelings
I enjoyed the story, I really did! It just wasn't my cup of tea. I have a brother and we are close so reading this obviously made me want to vomit. 🤮 The incest vibe just isn't for me and if it's your jam more power to you. 🤪I tried to picture the MMC not being the FMC’s brother, but every time they used the word “sister” or “brother” when addressing each other, it just ruined it for me.
I enjoyed the story, I really did! It just wasn't my cup of tea. I have a brother and we are close so reading this obviously made me want to vomit. 🤮 The incest vibe just isn't for me and if it's your jam more power to you. 🤪I tried to picture the MMC not being the FMC’s brother, but every time they used the word “sister” or “brother” when addressing each other, it just ruined it for me.
May 17, 2024
Our h pissed me off a few times but it was still filthy good!!
November 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Esta autora no deja de sorprenderme. Amo su contenido y ame este libro. Obviamente es taboo y no para todo el mundo.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Esta autora no deja de sorprenderme. Amo su contenido y ame este libro. Obviamente es taboo y no para todo el mundo.
September 10, 2024
Need to stop pretending that just because a dark romance looks cool that it will anything other than a vehicle for cringy porn. That's a "me" problem.
November 26, 2024
3 stars
I feel like the story lacked the necessary depth and background for me to believe the romance between the leads.
I did like how possessive the mmc was of the fmc 🥰
I will read future books in this series, as the world is interesting and there are few dark cult romance books out there. I need more stories like DeathsDolls The Community to fill the void. If you know, you know 🙃.
I feel like the story lacked the necessary depth and background for me to believe the romance between the leads.
I did like how possessive the mmc was of the fmc 🥰
I will read future books in this series, as the world is interesting and there are few dark cult romance books out there. I need more stories like DeathsDolls The Community to fill the void. If you know, you know 🙃.
Want to read
February 20, 2024I'm worried that I want to read this...
April 13, 2024
Surprisingly no shame and no regrets and I’m actually looking forward to reading Book 2 while I wait my turn for therapy.
March 30, 2024
3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up)
Format: eBook (KU)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (maybe more)
Check the TW ⚠️
Tropes:
✔️ Taboo
✔️ Cults
✔️ Grumpy Sunshine
✔️ Dark Obsession/ Romance
This is by far the only book I’ve ever read that was almost too much for me. I LOVE dark books, especially when you throw in a side of obsession and mental health, those are what I crave. Getting lost in a fictional world of fucked-up-ness, per se. Is there such a thing as too much taboo? Too much naughty? 😈
I literally got the ick (a few times) when I first started this one. Not going to lie, I was drawn in very quickly with the cult like world and I was interested in where the author was going to take us with the world building and before I knew what was happening… I was stuck in a ‘What the actual, fucking hell is going on? OMG! What?! Why? That’s so wrong on so many levels, and weird and, and…’ loss for words.
As I was totally freaked out about the events that took place (The Eclipse Ritual), I found myself questioning my own sanity. At this point, we now know all the characters in this cult are screwed up and insane. Am I like them? Because now I needed to know more. What happened next? Then at some strange turn, I actually started to like Ronan, the enforcer, the brother. WHAT?!?! I truly believe that Ronan loved Bee (Obedience). All the things he did for her; even the bad things, they were for a specific reason. Everything was for her.
Do i recommend? All I can say is, read it. Go in blind. If you can handle taboo… and dark themed books, you may enjoy this read.
Now I know there’s going to be a book 2… I’m definitely going to read it. I will add, I do have questions that I don’t feel were answered. I will wait for the release of book 2 and see if they are answered.
Format: eBook (KU)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (maybe more)
Check the TW ⚠️
Tropes:
✔️ Taboo
✔️ Cults
✔️ Grumpy Sunshine
✔️ Dark Obsession/ Romance
This is by far the only book I’ve ever read that was almost too much for me. I LOVE dark books, especially when you throw in a side of obsession and mental health, those are what I crave. Getting lost in a fictional world of fucked-up-ness, per se. Is there such a thing as too much taboo? Too much naughty? 😈
I literally got the ick (a few times) when I first started this one. Not going to lie, I was drawn in very quickly with the cult like world and I was interested in where the author was going to take us with the world building and before I knew what was happening… I was stuck in a ‘What the actual, fucking hell is going on? OMG! What?! Why? That’s so wrong on so many levels, and weird and, and…’ loss for words.
As I was totally freaked out about the events that took place (The Eclipse Ritual), I found myself questioning my own sanity. At this point, we now know all the characters in this cult are screwed up and insane. Am I like them? Because now I needed to know more. What happened next? Then at some strange turn, I actually started to like Ronan, the enforcer, the brother. WHAT?!?! I truly believe that Ronan loved Bee (Obedience). All the things he did for her; even the bad things, they were for a specific reason. Everything was for her.
Do i recommend? All I can say is, read it. Go in blind. If you can handle taboo… and dark themed books, you may enjoy this read.
Now I know there’s going to be a book 2… I’m definitely going to read it. I will add, I do have questions that I don’t feel were answered. I will wait for the release of book 2 and see if they are answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
please heed warning/check reviews. It has a whole host of triggers!!! 🖤
Some themes incl: Obsession, fanaticism, DV, violence, murder, ritualistic, cesty.
So if you're not a fan of Taboo fiction, then this book is definitely not for you.
I liked the story, it was original. Heroines naivety was a tad annoying throughout, but otherwise a good read.
Some themes incl: Obsession, fanaticism, DV, violence, murder, ritualistic, cesty.
So if you're not a fan of Taboo fiction, then this book is definitely not for you.
I liked the story, it was original. Heroines naivety was a tad annoying throughout, but otherwise a good read.
March 21, 2024
HO-LY HELL THIS WAS HOT AF
April 4, 2024
Well. Ok then.
Thanks to Isabella for finding this gem of taboo goodness set within a cult.
Obedience has grown up the daughter of a cult leader (well, their branch of it anyway). She trips about in their compound, Disney-princess style, longing, just longing for the upcoming eclipse so she will have a husband. I swear I thought this girl was going to be talking to the woodland critters any second😂
As the ceremony draws near, we see her perspectives on the eligible males within the compound and she sees nothing but good in all of them that might 'climb' for her during the ceremony. She can see no fault with any of them. Those rose coloured glasses fall away soon enough once the ceremony is over and she finds herself wedded to her own brother who has climbed for her and won. (The climbing makes sense once you read the story - its up a hill).
Horrified, and this is where this story diverges from a number of taboo books because, Obedience wants NO part of a forbidden marriage to her own sibling. Often we see that there has been forbidden longing on both parts but in this instance, its all Ronan. He has considered Obedience his since he first laid eyes on her and despite their being absolutely no impropriety beforehand, Ronan makes no bones about the fact that 'Bee' is his.
Whilst Bee was SO naive, having no idea what is really going on within their cult, after the marriage, she sees everything in a different light. And she is angry. So furious at what she starts to see around her. The author's indictment (not subtle) on the role of women in this society (and generally broader too if you choose to extrapolate) show the blatant hypocrisy present in their subordination.
Despite this, and some level of discomfort with the initially NC sex, this was 🔥, dirty taboo goodness and I was here for every second of it. I adored Ronan's unapologetic possession of Bee. How he had positioned himself to be able to do what he needed to to protect her always. And his unwavering, obsessive red flag waving love and devotion to her.
This will apparently have a 2nd book coming out but there's a HFN and I can't wait for the next one!
Thanks to Isabella for finding this gem of taboo goodness set within a cult.
Obedience has grown up the daughter of a cult leader (well, their branch of it anyway). She trips about in their compound, Disney-princess style, longing, just longing for the upcoming eclipse so she will have a husband. I swear I thought this girl was going to be talking to the woodland critters any second😂
As the ceremony draws near, we see her perspectives on the eligible males within the compound and she sees nothing but good in all of them that might 'climb' for her during the ceremony. She can see no fault with any of them. Those rose coloured glasses fall away soon enough once the ceremony is over and she finds herself wedded to her own brother who has climbed for her and won. (The climbing makes sense once you read the story - its up a hill).
Horrified, and this is where this story diverges from a number of taboo books because, Obedience wants NO part of a forbidden marriage to her own sibling. Often we see that there has been forbidden longing on both parts but in this instance, its all Ronan. He has considered Obedience his since he first laid eyes on her and despite their being absolutely no impropriety beforehand, Ronan makes no bones about the fact that 'Bee' is his.
Whilst Bee was SO naive, having no idea what is really going on within their cult, after the marriage, she sees everything in a different light. And she is angry. So furious at what she starts to see around her. The author's indictment (not subtle) on the role of women in this society (and generally broader too if you choose to extrapolate) show the blatant hypocrisy present in their subordination.
Despite this, and some level of discomfort with the initially NC sex, this was 🔥, dirty taboo goodness and I was here for every second of it. I adored Ronan's unapologetic possession of Bee. How he had positioned himself to be able to do what he needed to to protect her always. And his unwavering, obsessive red flag waving love and devotion to her.
This will apparently have a 2nd book coming out but there's a HFN and I can't wait for the next one!
April 17, 2025
Why is no one in the reviews for this book talking about how the romance is incest……brother and sister
“Taboo” this and “taboo” that and “dark romance”, no bitch this is nasty
I went into this book so hopeful and eager because I’m in a reading slump and the blurb sounded nice but trust me it was deceiving
The trigger warning in this book was NOT SUFFICIENT AT ALL. There was no mention of the incest (she just put “taboo”… like what) and she said “There are triggers in this book surrounding consent”…. There is no consent at all until the last 2 or 3 chapters. If she had said it was CNC or NON-CON then I would’ve been like maybe she just doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but no this is just pure rape on a page.
Was going going to DNF a couple of chapters in but decided to push through to see what happened
Books like this are making me want to take a step back from the dark romance genre because what is wrong with these authors
Just a hot mess
“Taboo” this and “taboo” that and “dark romance”, no bitch this is nasty
I went into this book so hopeful and eager because I’m in a reading slump and the blurb sounded nice but trust me it was deceiving
The trigger warning in this book was NOT SUFFICIENT AT ALL. There was no mention of the incest (she just put “taboo”… like what) and she said “There are triggers in this book surrounding consent”…. There is no consent at all until the last 2 or 3 chapters. If she had said it was CNC or NON-CON then I would’ve been like maybe she just doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but no this is just pure rape on a page.
Was going going to DNF a couple of chapters in but decided to push through to see what happened
Books like this are making me want to take a step back from the dark romance genre because what is wrong with these authors
Just a hot mess
March 30, 2024
4 ⭐️
This was so fun!
cult + rituals + incestuous relationship but so good.
The abuse scenes were a bit much but still I'm flabbergasted how good this was
edit - 5 ⭐️
I can't stop thinking about this book
This was so fun!
cult + rituals + incestuous relationship but so good.
The abuse scenes were a bit much but still I'm flabbergasted how good this was
edit - 5 ⭐️
I can't stop thinking about this book
Read
February 20, 2024Ummm. Ummm. Ummm. Hmmm. welp.
March 30, 2024
Let’s start off by saying, as the title on Amazon indicates, this is a taboo cult romance. So much like dark romance, it isn’t for everyone. It is disturbing. Of that there is no doubt.
But by god it was addicting, compelling even. It was horrid and uncomfortable at times. Yet also oddly hopeful as well? Like you couldn’t help hoping they manage to escape or change this horrid environment they were forced to grow up in. Think Flowers in the Attic.
Twisted as it was, you could truly see and understand Ronan’s undying devotion to Bee. He is obsessive not only in his need to have her but to protect her at all costs. Because unlike the Bee’s own sheltered upbringing under their father, Ronan has seen the truth: the horrors the women in their congregation have faced and the twisted lies that have long kept their so-called Prophets in power.
It’s a messed up situation I’m not going to lie. Nothing about this is normal and at no point does the author try to convince us it is. Even the characters themselves acknowledge to an extent how f*cked everything is. Nevertheless, people are the product of their environment and when you grow up in a messed up place like this you’re bound to come out a little warped.
Anyway, this might be the longest review I’ve written in a while so I guess you can consider that a testament to how engrossing this book was. I’ll definitely be checking out more of this author’s work, and she already stated at the end of this book that she has two other books set to release this year.
But by god it was addicting, compelling even. It was horrid and uncomfortable at times. Yet also oddly hopeful as well? Like you couldn’t help hoping they manage to escape or change this horrid environment they were forced to grow up in. Think Flowers in the Attic.
Twisted as it was, you could truly see and understand Ronan’s undying devotion to Bee. He is obsessive not only in his need to have her but to protect her at all costs. Because unlike the Bee’s own sheltered upbringing under their father, Ronan has seen the truth: the horrors the women in their congregation have faced and the twisted lies that have long kept their so-called Prophets in power.
It’s a messed up situation I’m not going to lie. Nothing about this is normal and at no point does the author try to convince us it is. Even the characters themselves acknowledge to an extent how f*cked everything is. Nevertheless, people are the product of their environment and when you grow up in a messed up place like this you’re bound to come out a little warped.
Anyway, this might be the longest review I’ve written in a while so I guess you can consider that a testament to how engrossing this book was. I’ll definitely be checking out more of this author’s work, and she already stated at the end of this book that she has two other books set to release this year.
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