Introduction
If you crave dark college romance dripping with power plays, forbidden love, and deadly secrets, The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is your next obsession. This enemies-to-lovers standalone is set in a world where elite students rule, and rituals demand blood, control, and submission.
Now available on Kindle Unlimited, The Ritual is perfect for fans of morally gray anti-heroes, twisted romance, and dark academia vibes.
👉 Get your copy on Amazon Kindle here.
Plot Summary
The Lords rule Barrington University. They’re powerful, untouchable, and feared by everyone. When Blakely crosses paths with Ryat, a Lord with a cruel smile and darker intentions, her life spirals into the unknown.
Ryat chooses Blakely as his “chosen”—a submissive forced to obey the brutal rules of the Ritual. What begins as a game of control soon turns into a twisted, addictive connection neither of them saw coming. As secrets unravel, Blakely must decide if she can survive Ryat’s world—or if she’ll be consumed by it.
Character Dynamics
Blakely is a strong, intelligent heroine who fights every step of the way. Her resistance makes every moment of surrender to Ryat all the more impactful.
Ryat is dark, dangerous, and utterly magnetic. He’s the kind of hero who blurs every moral line—obsessive, possessive, and impossible to resist. Watching him fall, slowly and painfully, is pure dark romance gold.
Their chemistry is explosive—power, control, and emotional tension collide in every scene.
Writing Style and Themes
Shantel Tessier’s writing is addictive—fast-paced, filthy, and emotionally gripping. She weaves erotic tension with emotional depth, keeping readers hooked from page one.
Core themes explored:
- Power dynamics and forced proximity
- Secrets, betrayal, and loyalty
- Dark academia atmosphere with elite society rituals
- Obsession, control, and the fine line between pain and pleasure
Memorable Moments
Highlights include:
- The first Ritual ceremony—shocking, brutal, and unforgettable
- Ryat’s possessive moments that reveal more than he intends
- Blakely’s internal battle between survival and desire
- Emotional reveals that strip both characters bare
Each moment is designed to push the characters—and readers—right to the edge.
Reader Reactions
Readers rave about The Ritual for its dark themes, intense chemistry, and binge-worthy plot. Many call it one of the best dark college romances in recent years.
Common reactions:
- “Ryat is the ultimate dark, obsessive anti-hero.”
- “I couldn’t put it down. Dark, dirty, and addictive.”
- “The Ritual scenes were jaw-dropping. Five stars.”
Recommended For
Perfect for:
- Readers obsessed with dark, taboo college romance
- Fans of secret societies, forced proximity, and intense power plays
- Those who love alpha males with a possessive streak
- Kindle Unlimited subscribers craving a twisted, high-heat story
If you loved Haunting Adeline or Satan’s Affair, The Ritual is your next must-read.
Similar Reads You Might Enjoy
- Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
- Satan’s Affair by H.D. Carlton
- Credence by Penelope Douglas
- The Sinners’ Trilogy by Rina Kent
World-Building & Dark Academia Vibes
Barrington University is the perfect dark academia playground—secret societies, ancient rituals, and rules written in blood. Tessier creates a world where power is everything, and love is the ultimate weakness.
The setting enhances the story’s tension, making every scene feel intimate and dangerous.
Romance and Emotional Impact
Ryat and Blakely’s relationship is dark, twisted, and impossible to look away from. What starts as dominance and submission becomes something more—real emotion buried under layers of control and obsession.
The emotional payoff is massive—proving that even the darkest hearts can bleed.
Pacing and Story Structure
The pacing is relentless. Every chapter adds new tension, secrets, or heat, making it impossible to stop reading.
Alternating POVs give readers full access to both Ryat’s and Blakely’s emotional journeys, heightening the impact of every scene.
Final Verdict
The Ritual is dark romance done right—obsessive, filthy, emotional, and unforgettable. Shantel Tessier pulls no punches, delivering a story of power, submission, and love in its rawest form.
👉 Read it now on Kindle Unlimited and fall into Ryat’s world.
