Rituals by Kiki Howell Reviewed

Rituals by Kiki Howell 

 Description from Amazon.com

After a Wiccan ritual opens her eyes to her old friend, Maddie's first week together with Ryan, goes by in a blur of knots and ropes. Creative in their endeavors, they tie each other to everything from the coffee table to the kitchen cabinets while also implementing various positions.

 

Neither the sash of her silk robe nor the curly ribbon on a present is left unused as a device of sensual torture. Together, they find the freedom they seek in bondage. But, when Maddie's controlling ex-husband returns hell-bent on taking her back, will Ryan and Maddie be bound by the past or become tied to each other?

 

Rituals Review By Doni

 4.3/5 Whips

This is a very sexually explicit book. If you are sensitive to adult material (including bondage and submission), this might not be for you.  However, If you like it hot, buy this book.

Many of us have been in bad or unhealthy relationships.  Sometimes, even long after the relationship is over, there is still "stuff" that seems to bind us to the person we are no longer involved with.  This story begins with a perhaps Wiccan or Pagan ritual of "cutting" the ties that keep us bound and often unable to move on.

 

Ryan has other ideas as well.  He has been infatuated with Maddie for some time.  They have been long time friends.  He is the one who suggests the ritual and helps Maddie cut those ties. 

 

The story in itself is wonderful.  I loved the sensuality, passion and heat.  I loved the interplay between Maddie and Ryan. Their history seemed to make the heat even steamier.  With that said, I did have a few problems.  One, the language is very formal.  I found that at times, it caused me to stumble in my reading.  Two, it was too short.  There were at least a couple of spots in the book where I would have like more detail.   The backstory for the ritual is not revealed until late in the book. An earlier explanation of characters' motivation could help the story's development.  Three, "HFN", it felt like a "happily for now" story.

I guess I am a bit of a traditionalist when I am reading a romance.  I want the hero and heroine to live happily ever after.  I was kind of left wondering, "what now?".   Do they end up together, or is there one more bondage scene and then they call it a day?

In conclusion, would I read this author again?  Hell, yes.  I enjoyed the sex play and passion.  Would I buy her books?  Hell, yes.
So with that said, here is a three part point scale:Hotness--5 out of 5; Story--4.5 out of 5; Romance--3.5 out of 5, for an average of 4.3 out of 5. 

 

Find out about Kiki Howell and her other books on her website - HERE