Prose Supplements - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 80 percent savings
Print List Price: $24.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $21.83

Save: $18.72 (86%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Shantel Tessier
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Ritual: A Dark College Romance Kindle Edition

by Shantel Tessier (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 98,718 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Romantic Suspense
NOW AN AMAZON TOP 10 BESTSELLER

An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier

THE CHOSEN ONE

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.

I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.

People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it’s not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had—freedom.

I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.

After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.

Things to know about The Ritual
It is MF
TW (Please see the author's note on the inside)
J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero
OTT (over the top) Hero
This is a 152K word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.

This book can be read as a standalone but the timeline of the Lords books is as follows:
The Ritual
The Sinner
The Sacrifice
Sabotage (the H isn't a Lord but he works for a Lord)
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 6
    The Lords
  2. Print length
    606 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 19, 2021
  5. File size
    3.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  3. Corrupt (Devil's Night Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  5. Den of Vipers
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  11. The Perfect Fit
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  13. Flock (The Ravenhood Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $8.54
  14. Where's Molly
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  15. Pen Pal
    Kindle Edition
    $12.99
  18. Toxic: A Dark Romance
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  22. Twisted Love
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  28. The Risk (Mindf*ck Series #1)
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  29. Satan's Affair
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
Next page
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. “You were mine yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” He gently kisses my forehead. The tenderness a contradiction to his threatening words. “And you will continue to be mine forever.”
    Highlighted by 26,853 Kindle readers
  2. “I’ve always been a selfish person, Blake. Willing to do whatever it takes to get where I want to be. And out of all the things I’ve done, you are by far the greatest reward for my selfishness.”
    Highlighted by 25,714 Kindle readers
  3. “Don’t be ashamed, Blake,” he whispers in my ear. “You’re my chosen one. Be proud. I know I am.”
    Highlighted by 19,210 Kindle readers
Next page

From the Publisher

cover model of the ritual
you vow
we vow

Editorial Reviews

Review

  • "Oh. Em. Gee. That was flipping insane, and I got to tell you, I loved every second of it!" Behind Closed Door Book Review
  • "First word amazing, The Ritual has to be one of my favorite reads of 2021." Elizabeth Clinton. Goodreads reviewer
  • "Unpredictable. Original. Thrilling. Steamy. Mind blowing. Shantel is a genius and continues to shine with The Ritual." The Lushy Reader
  • "This book is Shantel Tessier at her best! I promise you once you start, you won't want to put this book down!" Rita. Goodreads reviewer
  • "The Ritual is unlike anything I have read this year and easily, quite possibly, my favorite of 2021. Shantel outdoes herself again!!!!" Beth Kazmierczak. Goodreads reviewer
  • "Crazy intense. Insanely addictive. Dark and twisted. Everything I freaking love with some boundary pushing triggers in a dark college romance." The Smutbrarians

From the Author

The Lords Series
#1 The Ritual
#2 The Sinner
#3 The Sacrifice
#4 Sabotage (the H isn't a Lord but he works for a Lord)
#5 Carnage

The Dark Kingdom Series
#1 Code of Silence
#2 Titan
#3 Grave
#4 Cross
#5 Bones

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09H7Q4B74
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 19, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 606 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 8777213475
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 98,718 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Shantel Tessier

Shantel Tessier

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Shantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. Who lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

She considers herself extremely lucky to get to do what she loves while wearing pajamas. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her family, watching Netflix.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
98,718 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy the suspenseful and addictive storyline with its many twists and turns. They find the book easy to read and riveting from beginning to end. The spice level is described as sweet and on an absolute level. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written and easy to follow. They feel connected to the well-developed characters, including those they love to hate. Overall, customers describe the book as dark and intense.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

StorylineReadabilitySpice levelWriting qualityCharacter developmentDarknessEmotional contentSteamy content
1,684 customers mention "Storyline"1,438 positive246 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful and engaging storyline. They find the scenes purposeful and the twists and turns keep them hooked. The book explores complex themes and keeps readers hooked on dark romance. It's interesting to see the world being built and customers can't wait to continue the series.

"...I finished this series over six months ago, and it’s still vivid in my mind - the characters, the drama, the chaos, and all the feelings...." Read more

"This book started out really strong and then got weaker. The plot was good, but it got repetitive...." Read more

"...The twists and turns are jaw-dropping and so cleverly laid out and woven together that they’ll keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat the..." Read more

"...Thank you, Chantelle Tessier for introducing me to this amazing Lord’s world that I keep seeing everywhere and now I can join in and understand what..." Read more

1,548 customers mention "Readability"1,524 positive24 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it engaging from start to finish, with riveting moments and entertaining moments. The story lived up to the hype and was worth the wait.

"...They’re brutal, raw, dark, and addictive. Each romance is its own brand of chaos - spicy, emotional, and dangerous in the best way 🔥..." Read more

"...It was an entertaining book with a likable power couple. *This book is rated X. There is strong language often...." Read more

"...𝐘𝐞𝐬.“ This is one of those books that sucks you in from the very first page and keeps its hands wrapped around your neck until the very..." Read more

"...I have no idea why I waited on this one either. It was definitely worth the wait...." Read more

492 customers mention "Spice level"451 positive41 negative

Customers enjoy the book's spicy content. They find it enjoyable and say the characters are well-developed.

"...Each romance is its own brand of chaos - spicy, emotional, and dangerous in the best way 🔥..." Read more

"...The spice is the absolute spiciest and just adds to the deeply twisted goodness that is this book. “..." Read more

"...Speaking of heat… this book was so full of spice and n@ughtiness. I almost didn’t know what to do with myself!..." Read more

"...I really liked the progression of Ryat and Blake’s love story, the spice was SPICY, the banter was there, and there was a good amount of action and..." Read more

401 customers mention "Writing quality"296 positive105 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality. They find the character development and emotional depth conveyed effectively. The writing is descriptive and makes you feel like you're right there. The storyline is well-thought-out and put together. The author skillfully plants subtle details that pay off in unexpected ways, keeping you gripped with every scene. The dialogue keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. Overall, customers describe the book as a great read.

"...The writing pulls you in, and the characters? To die for...." Read more

"...The Ritual is a dark, steamy, complex, phenomenally good time!..." Read more

"...The plot was good, but it got repetitive. The character would think something, then say it, and then do it. All three times were described in detail...." Read more

"...The writing grips you with every scene, pulling you deeper into a world where loyalty is tested, freedom is an illusion, and love is as dangerous as..." Read more

361 customers mention "Character development"306 positive55 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters and intricate plot. They find it easy to connect with them and fall in love with them. The female character, Blakely, is honest and unapologetic about her desires.

"...series over six months ago, and it’s still vivid in my mind - the characters, the drama, the chaos, and all the feelings...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters, the danger, the darkness. It was an entertaining book with a likable power couple. *..." Read more

"...I had a hard time putting this book down as he was literally the perfect bad guy. Then we have Blakely...." Read more

"...The forced proximity, CNC, and bully hero vibes hit hard, while the morally corrupt power plays and forbidden love keep you hooked...." Read more

339 customers mention "Darkness"248 positive91 negative

Customers enjoy the book's dark and twisty story. They find it engaging with a lot of dark events and characters.

"...These love stories are not for the faint of heart. They’re brutal, raw, dark, and addictive...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters, the danger, the darkness. It was an entertaining book with a likable power couple. *..." Read more

"...The Ritual is a dark, steamy, complex, phenomenally good time!..." Read more

"...I powered through this book because I was so captivated. Yes it’s dark but damn it was worth every single page. I’m now started The Sinner...." Read more

243 customers mention "Emotional content"213 positive30 negative

Customers find the book's emotional content intense, with the right amount of angst and twists. They describe the connection as passionate and mesmerizing. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a heartfelt story.

"...Each romance is its own brand of chaos - spicy, emotional, and dangerous in the best way 🔥..." Read more

"...It’s raw, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s so addictive you’ll be thinking about it long after the final page...." Read more

"...about her desires, fully owning her sexuality in a way that’s both empowering and captivating. Together, their chemistry is absolutely explosive...." Read more

"...Shantel’s writing style completely pulls the reader in. She balances moody descriptions with tension and dialogue that compels us to keep turning..." Read more

191 customers mention "Steamy content"181 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the book's steamy content. They find the scenes intense and enjoyable.

"...The Ritual is a dark, steamy, complex, phenomenally good time!..." Read more

"Omg. This book was hot. This was the first I read from this author, definitely not the last...." Read more

"...The dynamic between Ryat and his “chosen one” is explosive—dark, steamy, and full of unrelenting tension...." Read more

"...Shantel Tessier crafts a story that is equal parts steamy, suspenseful, and addictive, hooking you from the first page and refusing to let go...." Read more

A Dark and Steamy Tale of Secrets and Sacrifice
4 out of 5 stars
A Dark and Steamy Tale of Secrets and Sacrifice
The striking cover of The Ritual immediately drew me in, and the intriguing blurb sealed the deal. This dark fantasy set at Barrington University introduces readers to The Lords, a secret society with a grueling three-year initiation process. The recruits face escalating challenges, with the ultimate reward in their senior year—a chosen one meant to serve them.The story centers on Ryat, a senior who has completed his initiation, and Blakely, his chosen one. Their connection pulls her into a dangerous and mysterious world that she wasn’t prepared for but seems destined to navigate. The plot is intense and boundary-pushing, filled with steamy moments and twists that keep readers engaged.Ryat is a fiercely possessive alpha male who will stop at nothing to protect what’s his. Blakely, though thrust into an unfamiliar and perilous environment, demonstrates surprising strength and resilience. Their chemistry is undeniable, though I would have appreciated more development in their emotional connection beyond the physical.This book is a captivating blend of suspense, romance, and dark fantasy. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from exploring complex and challenging themes, making it a unique and compelling read.Favorite Quote:“I can’t guarantee that I’ll grow old with her, but I will spend every second of every day that I’m alive proving to her that she comes first no matter what.”Note: Readers should review the author’s trigger warnings before diving into this story.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • DarkBedroomBooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars 📚 A Dark Ride with #EmotionalDamage 😈
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Full Series Review (Spoiler-Free):
    I finished this series over six months ago, and it’s still vivid in my mind - the characters, the drama, the chaos, and all the feelings. In my world, that’s proof Shantel Tessier did an incredible job 👏🌷
    The writing pulls you in, and the characters? To die for.
    Each book focuses on a different LORD, but they all exist within one twisted universe - connected by a dark, secretive society where power and danger rule. Their paths cross, alliances are formed.
    Looking for your next book boyfriend? You might just find him here 🥵
    These love stories are not for the faint of heart. They’re brutal, raw, dark, and addictive. Each romance is its own brand of chaos - spicy, emotional, and dangerous in the best way 🔥
    While there are some patterns that repeat across the series, every story stands out in its own unique way.
    The only reason this series didn’t snag a perfect 5 stars? Book 4. It felt more like a spice-fest than a full story (not that I’m complaining too much 🤭).
    Still, these books completely surprised me. I didn’t expect to love them as much as I did, but those boys? They’re unforgettable 💞
    So, buckle up, hold on tight, and dive into this deliciously dark world 🚀

    ⭐️ 4.5/5
    🌶️ 4.5/5

    🖤Dark Romance
    🖤Enemies to Lovers
    🖤Forced Marriage
    🖤Secret Society
    🖤Revenge
    🖤First-Person POV
    🖤(!) Trigger Warnings
    Helpful
     Report
  • MommieJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars Rated X
    Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book started out really strong and then got weaker. The plot was good, but it got repetitive. The character would think something, then say it, and then do it. All three times were described in detail. It made the story bog down a bit and seem repetitive. Also, almost every woman would turn their head so fast that their hair slapped their face.......a lot, like every chapter. The mom part at the end was unnecessary and really didn't feel like it fit.
    I enjoyed the characters, the danger, the darkness. It was an entertaining book with a likable power couple.
    *This book is rated X. There is strong language often. The violence and torture are bloody and graphic. The spice scenes/thoughts make up more than 50% of the plot. They are on page and explicitly detailed
    13 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jules
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Dark Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    “𝐌𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬.“

    Wow!! I could NOT love this book more!! Ryat Archer is controlling, possessive, and unapologetically unhinged and I adore him beyond reason!! Blakey Anderson may be a little innocent and sweet but once she meets Ryat she learns so much about who she is and what she wants in her life and she’s not afraid to go after it all. The tension and chemistry between these two is off-the-charts and it’s so fun to watch their relationship evolve.

    “𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐞?“
    “𝐘𝐞𝐬.“

    This is one of those books that sucks you in from the very first page and keeps its hands wrapped around your neck until the very end! The twists and turns are jaw-dropping and so cleverly laid out and woven together that they’ll keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat the entire time! The spice is the absolute spiciest and just adds to the deeply twisted goodness that is this book.

    “𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐌𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.“

    The Ritual is a dark, steamy, complex, phenomenally good time! I was completely consumed while I was reading it and I’m still thinking about it days later. I absolutely can’t wait to dive back into this world and continue this series!!

    “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰.“
    “𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.“
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alexciz
    5.0 out of 5 stars SO very worth the wait!! A rare 5 star read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Wow! I haven’t had a lot of five star reviews recently, but this one gets a 5 without question. This is another series that has been popping up in my feed for months and months and I finally started reading it. I have no idea why I waited on this one either. It was definitely worth the wait. What a great way to start 2025 with an amazing series.
    Riot is my kind of morally gray “hero.” he checked every single red flag box super possessive, crazy, touch her and un alive traits, and no efforts to give. He was your consummate alpha mail and I was here for every single second of it. I had a hard time putting this book down as he was literally the perfect bad guy.
    Then we have Blakely. At first, I thought she was just gonna be kind of a doormat to submissive and a yes, sir kind of girl nope! That was not the case at all whatsoever with her. Just comes to find out that her initial boyfriend did everything he could just snuff out her light. This girl had some serious backbone buried under there, and I loved the growth and us getting to turn page by page and see that strength. She was a forced to be reckoned with and stronger than she knew. I absolutely loved Blakely.
    Her and Ryan are one of my new favorite power couples, hands down. From beginning to end, I fell in love with them, and their chemistry felt real, not forced or rushed, but real. You can actually feel the electricity in the air where they were concerned I love that kind of heat. Speaking of heat… this book was so full of spice and n@ughtiness. I almost didn’t know what to do with myself! I’m always down for some serious smüt and this story served it in spades. I mean some of these scenes, heck, most of these scenes were super hot AF 😮‍💨🥵🤤💦! Absolutely melted the pages of my Kindle and listening to the audio version of it too? I had to be sure to turn my radio way down at any stoplight as Aiden Snow & Meg Sylvan really brought this to a whole nother level. Megan is a new narrator to me, but I’ve always loved Aiden snow and he continued to deliver. It took me a moment to get used to her voice, but as I got to learn Blakely, it fit perfectly for her character.
    All in all, I’m so happy. I finally picked up this book. Come to find out. I had read a book halfway through the series a couple years ago so we’re gonna have to go back and reread sabotage. But I can’t wait to start this now that I know how it began to see what happens next I really can’t wait to get to Ty’s story. Thank you, Chantelle Tessier for introducing me to this amazing Lord’s world that I keep seeing everywhere and now I can join in and understand what people are talking about when I hear about Barrington University and IV YV WV.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Diana Tottene
    5.0 out of 5 stars WTF!!!
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    O Plot twist do final… eeee the spice!!
    E o Ryat e o Tyson (ainda bem que tem o livro dele!) 🖤🖤🖤🖤
    Report
  • amayrany castro
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book has everything you can ask for, plot twist, suspension, romance, etc. I highly recommend! You will not regret it
    Report
  • Courtney
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Ritual
    Reviewed in Canada on January 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a dark and DELICIOUS romance. The MMC Ryatt Archer is broody, bad boy type of guy who really puts you through the wringer to get to his core. Did me make me fall in love with him? Absolutely. The Chemistry between Ryatt and Blakey is undeniable from the get go and I loved watching their characters grow together. The spice was just Perfection.

    Shantel Tessier knows how to capture a reader for the long haul. The ritual was captivating and held my interest from beginning to end and left me wanting more.

    “I’ve always been a selfish person, Blake. Willing to do whatever it takes to get where I want to be. And out of all the things I’ve done, you are by far the greatest reward for my selfishness.”

    SWOON! What I would give to be a L.O.R.D.S. Lady.
    Report
  • nicolette van duijn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still in shock
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on January 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is about everything. Im still in shock really. There heavy things in there. But i liked it somehow. Its a great story and i couldn’t but it away
    Report
  • Kethy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arrivée vite et en état
    Reviewed in France on January 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Merci
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report