Dolls Kill - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99

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.
Read with our free app
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 out of 5 stars 105,170 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Organized Crime Thrillers
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)
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 6
    The Lords
  2. Print length
    606 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 19, 2021
  6. File size
    3.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. 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 over
Previous page
  7. Den of VipersBest of #BookTok
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  12. Credence#1 Best SellerErotica
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  13. THAT SIK LUVBest of #BookTok
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  28. Where's MollyBest of #BookTok
    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 28,968 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 27,734 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 20,732 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
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 606 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The Lords
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 105,170 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
105,170 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book highly engaging, with great plot twists and scenes that keep them hooked from start to finish. The writing is compelling, and the characters are well-developed, with one customer noting how the author reveals their vulnerabilities. Customers describe the book as deliciously dark with lots of dark elements, and they appreciate the steamy scenes that are hot and good. The emotional content is intense, with one customer mentioning being left shocked by the end.

Select to learn more

StorylineReadabilitySpice levelWriting qualityCharacter developmentDark contentEmotional contentSteamy content
1,739 customers mention "Storyline"1,484 positive255 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, praising its great plot twists and intense, unpredictable narrative filled with drama and jaw-dropping turns.

"...Tessier crafts a narrative so immersive that you can practically feel the weight of their traditions and the undercurrent of threat that permeates..." Read more

"...complexity, and raw emotion sets this series apart as a standout in the dark romance genre; one that will haunt readers long after the final page." Read more

"...Incredible story, intense plot twists, steamy romance, and banter for days definitely kept me begging for more and clinging to the edge of my seat..." Read more

"4.5⭐️ 5🌶️ Holy dark romance. This one was insane...." Read more

1,620 customers mention "Readability"1,591 positive29 negative

Customers find the book highly entertaining, describing it as a quick and fun read.

"...dangerous and undeniably alluring, leaving you breathless and utterly enthralled...." Read more

"...or perhaps because of-its darkness, the Lords series is undeniably compelling...." Read more

"...Incredible story, intense plot twists, steamy romance, and banter for days definitely kept me begging for more and clinging to the edge of my seat..." Read more

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

507 customers mention "Spice level"465 positive42 negative

Customers enjoy the spice level of the book, describing it as delicious and spicy with twists.

"...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

"...Allllll the spice, the story was brilliant and I loved the plot overall. A lot was going on but I really enjoyed all of it...." Read more

"...This has good amount of Spicy and Romance." Read more

"...recommend to anyone who hasn't read them to read if they love dark, spicy, twisted romance" Read more

409 customers mention "Writing quality"306 positive103 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book, with one noting how it grips readers with every scene, while another mentions how effectively the depth and nuances are conveyed.

"...This book is the very definition of steamy, delivering the level of explicit content that many dark romance readers actively seek. "..." Read more

"...This isn't to say it was a bad book, because it well written and a decent book...." Read more

"...You're given enough information to proceed but you don't know everything. The character and society development work well and are perfectly written...." Read more

"...There is also very little chemistry written between the main characters, other than the physical attraction, obsession level, but there is no..." Read more

374 customers mention "Character development"319 positive55 negative

Customers praise the well-developed characters in the book, finding them easy to fall in love with, with one customer highlighting the dynamic relationship between Ryant and Blakely.

"...delivers precisely what this readership craves: a possessive, morally grey alpha hero who commands attention, a seemingly inescapable world shrouded..." Read more

"...The book was easily a 5⭐️ read for me. The characters were intensely made, the banter was priceless, the romance was steamy, and the plot was..." 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

"...Shantel builds the story of the society and her main characters without making it feel rushed...." Read more

346 customers mention "Dark content"252 positive94 negative

Customers enjoy the dark content of the book, describing it as deliciously dark with lots of dark things happening, and one customer mentions it's perfect for their dark twisted self.

"...However, for those who crave a thrilling descent into darkness, led by a captivating alpha and a compelling heroine, this book is an absolute must-..." Read more

"...This book was probably the darkest I’ve read to date and I’ve read some dark books...." Read more

"...Why did I wait so long to read this? It was intense, dark, kinky…it was a wild ride and I loved every second!..." Read more

"...It gets pretty dark and the smut is SMUTTY 🌶️ but the characters are so well developed and plot is so intricately put together that it all just..." Read more

264 customers mention "Emotional content"199 positive65 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as an intense and roller-coaster ride that captures the characters' feelings, with one customer noting how it left them shocked by the end.

"...seemingly inescapable world shrouded in secrets and danger, and a level of intense, explicit romance that sets the pages ablaze...." Read more

"...🖤Dark Romance Why did I wait so long to read this? It was intense, dark, kinky…it was a wild ride and I loved every second!..." Read more

"...Ryat is a man who says what he means and means what he says. He’s brutal, calculated, and fierce. But I had two issues with him...." Read more

"...Tessier’s writing does not merely titillate; it confronts and unsettles, forcing readers to grapple with the darkness at the core of her characters..." Read more

194 customers mention "Steamy content"184 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy content of the book, describing it as hot with good scenes and high heat factor.

"...This book is the very definition of steamy, delivering the level of explicit content that many dark romance readers actively seek. "..." Read more

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

"...The spice was undeniably hot, and consistent through the entire book (which is always appreciated)...." Read more

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

Dark romance
5 out of 5 stars
Dark romance
I enjoy her writing style. I hate most main character at least a little but I tolerated Blakely pretty well. The storeline is good and she keeps it interesting.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Loves2Read
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Descent into Delicious Darkness
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Shantel Tessier's "The Ritual" isn't just a book; it's an experience tailor-made for dark romance devotees. From the very first page, Tessier expertly delivers precisely what this readership craves: a possessive, morally grey alpha hero who commands attention, a seemingly inescapable world shrouded in secrets and danger, and a level of intense, explicit romance that sets the pages ablaze.

    The ominous and exclusive atmosphere of Barrington University, with the clandestine activities of the powerful secret society known as the Lords, immediately grips you. Tessier crafts a narrative so immersive that you can practically feel the weight of their traditions and the undercurrent of threat that permeates every interaction.

    At the heart of this intoxicating darkness is Ryat Alexander Archer. He isn't just an alpha male; he's the definition of morally grey. His dominance is undeniable, yet there's a captivating allure beneath the surface that makes him utterly irresistible. For those who appreciate a hero who walks the razor's edge of right and wrong, Ryat will burrow his way into your thoughts long after you turn the final page.

    Then there's Blakely Anderson, a character who resonates deeply. What begins as a game of power and possession soon evolves into a gripping fight for survival, and Blakely's journey through this treacherous landscape is utterly compelling. Her strength, resilience, and perhaps even her own descent into the shadows make her a truly engaging protagonist.

    But let's be clear: "The Ritual" lives up to its reputation for spice. The chemistry between Ryat and Blakely is electric, and their intimate moments are depicted with a fiery intensity that leaves no room for doubt. This book is the very definition of steamy, delivering the level of explicit content that many dark romance readers actively seek.

    "The Ritual" isn't for the faint of heart. It delves into themes of power dynamics and morally ambiguous situations. However, for those who crave a thrilling descent into darkness, led by a captivating alpha and a compelling heroine, this book is an absolute must-read. It's a testament to Tessier's ability to craft a world that is both dangerous and undeniably alluring, leaving you breathless and utterly enthralled. If you're looking for a dark romance that delivers on its promises and leaves a lasting impression, prepare to be consumed by "The Ritual."
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Theresa Martin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Dark and exciting ride!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The Lords series by Shantel Tessier (The Ritual, The Sinner, The Sacrifice, Sabotage, Carnage, and Madness) is a relentless descent into the shadows of power, privilege, and psychological torment at Barrington University.

    At the heart of the series is the Lords, a secret society that operates with a chilling code: loyalty is absolute, and betrayal is punishable by death. Initiation rites are brutal, often requiring acts of violence or even murder as a blood oath for entry. These rituals are not only tests of strength and devotion, but also serve as psychological crucibles, stripping away innocence and binding members to a life of secrecy and moral compromise. The darkness of the series is most apparent in its unflinching exploration of abuse and manipulation. Tessier does not shy away from depicting graphic violence, sexual coercion, and the psychological games that define the Lords’ world. Characters are frequently forced into situations where their agency is stripped away, and survival depends on their ability to navigate a web of lies, blackmail, and shifting alliances.

    Relationships in the Lords series are fraught with toxicity and blurred boundaries. The books explore forbidden desires, possessive love, and the fine line between devotion and obsession. While some characters are portrayed as morally grey, acting out of love or past trauma, others are depicted as irredeemably toxic, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable even within the dark romance genre. The psychological toll on both characters and readers is significant. The series is replete with trigger warnings for graphic violence, sexual content, and themes of non-consent, bondage, and even rape. Many readers have noted the need to pause due to the overwhelming intensity and degrading scenarios depicted, particularly in the earlier books. Tessier’s writing does not merely titillate; it confronts and unsettles, forcing readers to grapple with the darkness at the core of her characters and their world. Despite, or perhaps because of-its darkness, the Lords series is undeniably compelling. Tessier balances the brutality with moments of humanity, making readers root for characters who are deeply flawed, sometimes even monstrous. The series is filled with plot twists, betrayals, and high-stakes confrontations, ensuring that the tension never lets up. Even as the characters are dragged through hell, there are glimmers of loyalty, sacrifice, and love that provide a measure of hope amidst the depravity.

    The Lords series is not for the faint of heart. It is a journey through the darkest corridors of privilege, power, and desire, where every victory comes at a steep price, and redemption is always uncertain. Tessier’s ability to weave together violence, psychological complexity, and raw emotion sets this series apart as a standout in the dark romance genre; one that will haunt readers long after the final page.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Felicia M Gibson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Holy smokes! This one was DARK but so so good!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is a ritual I’d like to perform every day!

    Just kidddiiinngggggg!

    So let’s talk statistics first,

    The book was easily a 5⭐️ read for me. The characters were intensely made, the banter was priceless, the romance was steamy, and the plot was incredible. This one kept you coming back for more. The plot twists at the end of the chapters the author throws at you makes you eager to read the next one. I found myself having a hard time putting it down. I have always loved a good Dark Romance novel, but this one? This one took the freaking cake.

    I will say the spice on this was waaaaaay spicer than I thought it was going to get. A definite check your trigger warnings first kinda thing. But the open door romance it describes was HOT! 🥵 I would read this book all over again just to get the touch her and ☠️ vibes Ryat gives off throughout the entire thing!

    I honestly did not expect myself to come to this conclusion but I must say, this book is a series I could easily see myself reading over and over again. And I can already see it climbing the ranks as one of my all time favorite dark romance novels yet. Incredible story, intense plot twists, steamy romance, and banter for days definitely kept me begging for more and clinging to the edge of my seat wondering what comes next. If The ritual was this good, I’m eager to see what The Sinner holds in store for us.

    Until the next one y’all,

    Muah 💋
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Mr F.J.Patel..
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Must Read
    Reviewed in India on May 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Soooo worth itt!!!
    Report
  • hidayah
    1.0 out of 5 stars Sides were damaged
    Reviewed in Singapore on June 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The side was damaged. The packaging and delivery was fine. im annoyed cause it was a birthday present for a friend and its damaged. Maybe in the future, use more bubble wrap for a book that is thick and has some weight?
    Customer image
    hidayah
    1.0 out of 5 stars
    Sides were damaged

    Reviewed in Singapore on June 26, 2023
    The side was damaged. The packaging and delivery was fine. im annoyed cause it was a birthday present for a friend and its damaged. Maybe in the future, use more bubble wrap for a book that is thick and has some weight?
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Report
  • Daniela Díaz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente entrega
    Reviewed in Mexico on April 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Leí esto por primera vez en mi Kindle, compré el físico porque de verdad me enamoré de la saga completa, el libro llegó en excelente estado y sin daños. Definitivamente vale la pena.
    Report
  • Kasia
    1.0 out of 5 stars Low quality binding - loose pages
    Reviewed in Poland on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Seems as if the glue binding the pages completely gave out. Highly irritating during reading. Won't say anything about the plot, because I'm not finished with the book yet
    Report
  • Sel 📚
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars read!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on January 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ryat Archer will always have my heart! I love this book so much. It was one of my first ever dark romance books and I am still obsessed with it. This was such a rollercoaster and I will never get over the last few chapters of the book. I was a mess. Literally. This is one of my favourite books in the series.
    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