Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 2 million titles. Learn more
Read Now
OR
$7.40

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.

Price includes tax, if applicable
Sold by: Amazon Australia Services, Inc..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order 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
4.2 out of 5 stars 103,864 ratings
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
    19 November 2021
  6. File size
    3.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Top-rated books in Kindle Unlimited
Find your next great read. Browse this month's selection.

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.
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

Product description

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


About the Author

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 and their two daughters. 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. She hates coffee, but loves wine. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughters, watching Netflix.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09H7Q4B74
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 19 November 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:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 103,864 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

4.2 out of 5 stars
103,864 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this dark romance book engaging with its many twists and turns, beautifully developed characters, and well-spiced scenes. The relationship between the main characters is pure magic, and customers appreciate the book's sinfully dark tone and emotional depth.

Select to learn more

ReadabilityPlotCharacter developmentSpice contentRomanceInterestDark toneEmotion level
69 customers mention ‘Readability’64 positive5 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable, with one mentioning its gut-wrenching elements.

"...It’s captivating, thrilling, and leaves you wanting more. I’m so excited for "Madness" and can't wait to see where the story goes next!..." Read more

"I love how strong this lady is!!! Great read! Dark, but not tooooo crazy I don’t believe, but please read any trigger warnings are there are some “..." Read more

"...Unbelievable, Unforgettable, and everything in between. Dark, Gritty, twisted, and an alphahole that will have you swoon in all the ways...." Read more

"Some spoilers ahead: I’ve got to admit, I highly enjoyed reading this book! Yes, it wasn’t perfect. But my god! It was so damn close...." Read more

48 customers mention ‘Plot’41 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, which features many twists and turns that make it worth reading, with one customer noting how the drama kept them turning the pages.

"...The plot is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put down...." Read more

"...Dark, Gritty, twisted, and an alphahole that will have you swoon in all the ways. This is definitely my type of book and why I love Dark Romance...." Read more

"We all love a bit of spice, but spice with a great story line, character development and well spice!! Sign me up. Worth the read!" Read more

"...The book was amazing with murder, kidnapping, a great twist and spice… lots of spice. 🌶️..." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Character development’19 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, describing them as beautifully developed and gritty.

"I love how strong this lady is!!! Great read!..." Read more

"...Dark, Gritty, twisted, and an alphahole that will have you swoon in all the ways. This is definitely my type of book and why I love Dark Romance...." Read more

"We all love a bit of spice, but spice with a great story line, character development and well spice!! Sign me up. Worth the read!" Read more

"...Blakely is such a strong & bada** fmc, I loved her character so much...." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Spice content’21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the spice content of the book, describing it as delicious, with one customer particularly appreciating the dom/sub dynamic between Ryat and Blakely.

"...spice, but spice with a great story line, character development and well spice!! Sign me up. Worth the read!" Read more

"...The book was amazing with murder, kidnapping, a great twist and spice… lots of spice. 🌶️..." Read more

"...I was here for it allllll. This book had the perfect balance of plenty of spice and plot!..." Read more

"...It’s dark and gritty, with spice…and I mean so spicy Christian Grey would blush! 💯 recommend!!!!..." Read more

16 customers mention ‘Romance’16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as pure magic and appreciating the relationship between the characters.

"...Ryat can take me any day! ❤️ And Blakely has my heart. Their romance is pure magic (chef’s kiss)...." Read more

"...The way they explored and worked out their dynamic and relationship was great...." Read more

"Possession, cnc, love, murder... this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend. 10/10 wish it was longer" Read more

"...⚠️ This was dark, twisted, messed up, OTT, hot, and oh so good 🥵🔥. I didn't realise I needed this in my life!..." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Interest’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one review noting its intriguing society and world functions, while another mentions how it leaves readers wanting more.

"...It’s captivating, thrilling, and leaves you wanting more. I’m so excited for "Madness" and can't wait to see where the story goes next!..." Read more

"...There’s still so much we can explore with this world also. The world develop was great and I hope we get to see more of it and expand in the future..." Read more

"...Heed the TWs because there are ALOT. Interesting society and world functions. The enemies to lovers trope was *chefs kiss*, done well...." Read more

"A dark romance that easily captures your interest" Read more

12 customers mention ‘Dark tone’12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book, describing it as sinfully dark.

"I love how strong this lady is!!! Great read! Dark, but not tooooo crazy I don’t believe, but please read any trigger warnings are there are some “..." Read more

"...Unbelievable, Unforgettable, and everything in between. Dark, Gritty, twisted, and an alphahole that will have you swoon in all the ways...." Read more

"...This was dark, it was kinky AF every chapter brought a new twist and turn and I ate this up in a day...." Read more

"...It’s dark and gritty, with spice…and I mean so spicy Christian Grey would blush! 💯 recommend!!!!..." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Emotion level’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one mentioning its perfect balance of obsessive and possessive elements, while another notes how it maintains interest throughout.

"...is phenomenal, drawing you into a world of dark secrets and intense emotions...." Read more

"...check triggers before reading 🩷 This book had me feeling ALLLLL the emotions. No such things as a perfect book husband?!..." Read more

"...I loved Ryatt’s character. Perfect amount of obsessive/possessiveness 😂..." Read more

"This story was full of twists and turns. It definitely kept interest the whole way through...." Read more

Dark and spicy, this book does not disappointed 😍
5 out of 5 stars
Dark and spicy, this book does not disappointed 😍
Only recently discovered this author and this book kept my interest at every page and chapter, it was well written and the dark romance was just the right amount 👌 absolutely love the mmc Ryat Cannot wait to read the rest of the series and hopefully its every bit as juicy as this one was 😈😍
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from Australia

  • Chloe wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shantel can surely write MMCs
    Reviewed in Australia on 2 January 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this book so much that I’m reading it for the second time, gearing up for "Madness" when it comes out on August 31st! 😍 Let me just say, this is a dark romance, so beware—please read the warnings beforehand. But OMG, I devoured "The Ritual" just like I did the first time.

    Ryat can take me any day! ❤️ And Blakely has my heart. Their romance is pure magic (chef’s kiss). The intensity and passion between them is off the charts.

    The plot is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it impossible to put down. Shantel Tessier’s writing is phenomenal, drawing you into a world of dark secrets and intense emotions. The twists and turns are perfectly executed, keeping you guessing until the very end.

    If you're a fan of dark romance, this book is a must-read. It’s captivating, thrilling, and leaves you wanting more. I’m so excited for "Madness" and can't wait to see where the story goes next!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kylee Harris
    4.0 out of 5 stars start of something interesting ???
    Reviewed in Australia on 11 May 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love how strong this lady is!!! Great read! Dark, but not tooooo crazy I don’t believe, but please read any trigger warnings are there are some “out of the ordinary” situations!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tess
    3.0 out of 5 stars Hot and spicy my Lord
    Reviewed in Australia on 5 August 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    🔐 “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.“ 🔐

    🔐 This book had a lot going on but also a whole lot of nothing 🫠 I am not sure how I feel about the two main characters 😶 For a secret society, The LORDs are definitely known around Barrington University however, I wish there was more focus on the Lords ⁉️ For a society that demands celibacy and a branding, they all seem to play games with each other and spend a lot of time hunting each other down 🔫 With the amount of happy fun times that I did love how Ryat from day one never shamed Blakely of her kinks 😁 I do wish they had more conversations about their dub-non con activities. I liked how protective and covetous Ryat became about Blakely and their relationship 💪 For this book, I do flip back and forth on my rating of this book between 3 and 4 stars, as the plot felt half thought through with the main focus being the shock factor of the amorous activities 🤔
    Customer image
    Tess
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Hot and spicy my Lord

    Reviewed in Australia on 5 August 2024
    🔐 “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.“ 🔐

    🔐 This book had a lot going on but also a whole lot of nothing 🫠 I am not sure how I feel about the two main characters 😶 For a secret society, The LORDs are definitely known around Barrington University however, I wish there was more focus on the Lords ⁉️ For a society that demands celibacy and a branding, they all seem to play games with each other and spend a lot of time hunting each other down 🔫 With the amount of happy fun times that I did love how Ryat from day one never shamed Blakely of her kinks 😁 I do wish they had more conversations about their dub-non con activities. I liked how protective and covetous Ryat became about Blakely and their relationship 💪 For this book, I do flip back and forth on my rating of this book between 3 and 4 stars, as the plot felt half thought through with the main focus being the shock factor of the amorous activities 🤔
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bookiechick Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars chefs kiss
    Reviewed in Australia on 22 November 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Officially one of my favorite books by Shantell Tessier.

    Unbelievable, Unforgettable, and everything in between.

    Dark, Gritty, twisted, and an alphahole that will have you swoon in all the ways. This is definitely my type of book and why I love Dark Romance. Probably one of my favorite reads of the year hands down. I loved everything from the characters to the world building, to all the drama, highs, and lows. It was unpredictable, kept me on the edge of my seat and had me hot under the collar. It has everything, and by everything I truly mean it. This is also a good time for me to remind you to check your TW before diving in because its not for the faint hearted.

    Amazing chemistry between the characters. It was palpable from the second they met and was explosive throughout. The way they explored and worked out their dynamic and relationship was great. Both were molded into the perfect counter shaped for each other and completed the picture or puzzle piece if you will. It was great watching the sparks fly and the tension build. Tessiers writing style made it easy to read and you truly lose yourself in their story it was amazing.

    There’s still so much we can explore with this world also. The world develop was great and I hope we get to see more of it and expand in the future if Tessier ever revisits. Truly blown away buy this book and I need more. Amazing job Tessier.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • crystal
    4.0 out of 5 stars solid 4 stars!!!
    Reviewed in Australia on 28 February 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Some spoilers ahead:
    I’ve got to admit, I highly enjoyed reading this book! Yes, it wasn’t perfect. But my god! It was so damn close. Ryat was the closest thing to perfect for a morally grey MMC I’ve read. He the right amount of ‘don’t f with me vibes’ that it had me questioning my own sanity for falling in love with his character. Blake’s character was give or take. Some moments I loved her, some moments she had me yelling into oblivion about her character flaws. Overall, 90% of the time I was tickled pink with excitement and didn’t want to put this book down.

    This may not be a shared opinion but I was a little disappointed with the last chapters. I waited so damn long to watch Ryat have his revenge on Matt just to be completely and utterly let down by that scene. Blake’s mom didn’t need to be introduced the way she did, I was fine thinking she was dead. It was a twist that really didn’t need to be added and really made no sense as to why she would stay ‘undercover’ for 20 years!! Plus, she was a total B and had ‘power’ over the lords after everything I just read, yeah nah. Not believable to me. I also could of gone without reading what music was playing in the back ground of a scene or what song it changed too, I honestly didn’t care.

    Keep up the good work!! ❤️
    Helpful
     Report
  • shar
    5.0 out of 5 stars read it!
    Reviewed in Australia on 21 March 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    We all love a bit of spice, but spice with a great story line, character development and well spice!! Sign me up. Worth the read!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Hayley Nielsen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in Australia on 4 February 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was an addictive book. Even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking of it. First book I’ve read by Shantel Tessier and now I’m going to read all her books. The book was amazing with murder, kidnapping, a great twist and spice… lots of spice. 🌶️
    Helpful
     Report
  • Paris Davies
    4.0 out of 5 stars Epitome of dark romance
    Reviewed in Australia on 26 January 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Epitome of dark romance. Heed the TWs because there are ALOT. Interesting society and world functions. The enemies to lovers trope was *chefs kiss*, done well. I am keen to read more by this authour.

    I do think Ryat was a bit predatory at times though, some scenes were VERY MUCH on the VERY FINE LINE that is dubcon.
    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 7 May 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Soooo worth itt!!!
    Report
  • hidayah
    1.0 out of 5 stars Sides were damaged
    Reviewed in Singapore on 26 June 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified 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 26 June 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 24 April 2025
    Format: KindleVerified 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 1 November 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified 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 2 January 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified 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