The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a dark, twisted, and extremely steamy college romance that has taken BookTok by storm. Set in a world of secret societies, forbidden rituals, and power games, this book follows the intense relationship between Ryat Alexander Archer and Blake Beaumont at Barrington University. If you're curious about the hype or want to know where to read it for free, you've come to the right place!
Story Summary
The Ritual is a dark, twisted, and extremely steamy college romance set in a world of secret societies, forbidden rituals, and power games. It follows Ryat Alexander Archer, a brooding, dominant member of the elite "Lords" at Barrington University, and Blake Beaumont, a rebellious student who's pulled into his dangerous world when she's chosen as his "chosen one" for an ancient ritual.
Every generation, members of the Lords must claim a woman — not out of love, but as part of a brutal initiation meant to test loyalty, lust, and control. Blake thinks she's in over her head, but Ryat is different. Dark. Obsessive. Protective in ways that both terrify and thrill her.
As their relationship crosses every line imaginable, what starts as an arrangement turns into something real — even if their love could cost them everything. The Ritual is equal parts secret society thriller and dark erotic romance, full of possessive obsession, shocking twists, and heat that borders on dangerous.
Main Characters
Ryat Alexander Archer
- • Age: 25
- • Ethnicity: Caucasian-American
- • Hair Color: Dark brown
- • Eye Color: Green
- • Identity: Lord of Barrington University / Member of the Brotherhood
A cold, calculated man raised in violence and secrecy. Ryat hides his pain behind dominance and control, but when he meets Blake, he finds someone who matches his chaos and gives him a reason to fight back.
Blake Beaumont
- • Age: 21
- • Ethnicity: Caucasian-American
- • Hair Color: Blonde
- • Eye Color: Blue
- • Identity: College student / Lord's chosen one
Smart, sarcastic, and headstrong, Blake doesn't bow to anyone — until she meets Ryat. Her world is flipped upside down when she's pulled into the Lords' dark games, but she proves she's more than capable of surviving in their world.
Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
If you've seen The Ritual on BookTok, you already know — this book is dark, filthy, and completely unhinged. It's not your average college romance. Every spicy scene is part of the story's twisted power dynamic: lust, control, and loyalty wrapped in sin.
Ryat isn't a typical book boyfriend — he's dominant, dangerous, and absolutely obsessed with Blake. And Blake? She's not just a victim; she learns to take control right back. Their chemistry is explosive, and every encounter turns into a battle of who'll give in first.
Chapter 10 – The Claim
Blake gets picked during the Brotherhood ceremony, an intense ritual where each Lord claims a woman. As soon as Ryat chooses her, everything shifts: she's scared, curious, and pulled in by him. The next part is public and meant to prove ownership, but Ryat is completely focused on her. It's rough and unexpectedly steamy, and you can sense the danger of the world she's entered.
"From the moment I claimed you, you were mine — body, soul, and every secret in between."
Chapter 15 – The Obedience Test
Ryat takes Blake to the underground chambers for her "obedience test." It's not just about pleasure but power. He blindfolds her, teases her, and makes her confront her fear of submission while testing her trust. The room is dark, the atmosphere is tense, and Blake's reactions shift everything.
"She thought it was a ritual, but for me, it was a revelation."
Chapter 22 – The Masked Ball
At a secret masquerade by the Brotherhood, everyone's masked and free from rules. Ryat can't look away from Blake across the ballroom, and he finally pulls her into a quiet room. They let go of the tension between them—passionate and risky. Every touch declares she's his, despite the onlookers. There's an electric vibe, but underneath, it's something real.
"No one else gets to see this side of you. Only me."
Chapter 29 – The Confession
After weeks of avoiding the issue, Blake finally reveals her feelings, leaving Ryat shattered. He worships her—each touch feels like an apology, and every breath is a confession he can't say out loud.
"He worshiped me like I was both his punishment and his peace."
Chapter 36 – The Revenge
After a betrayal in the Brotherhood, Ryat loses control. When he finds Blake again, things get intense. He needs to claim her, not as part of a ritual, but to show they've survived. It's rough and fueled by raw emotions, and Blake fights back, proving she's not the same girl she used to be.
"He didn't just want control — he wanted to own my fear and turn it into desire."
Chapter 42 – The Ritual Completed
The last spicy scene is similar to the first, with the ritual, candles, and tension, but this time it's all their choice. Ryat and Blake do it again, reclaiming it for themselves. It's passionate, emotional, and surprisingly sweet. Ryat isn't the monster from Chapter 10, and Blake isn't scared anymore. They've become equals, completely wrapped up in each other.
"This time, it wasn't about the ritual. It was about us."
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Goodreads Reader Reactions
Readers either love or fear this book — there's no in-between. Fans call it "fifty shades meets secret society thriller" and praise its dark atmosphere and intense characters.
Positive Reactions:
Readers loved Ryat's obsessive devotion and the morally gray tension between pain and pleasure. The dark academia setting and "chosen one" plotline give it a cult-like, taboo thrill.
"Ryat Archer has no right being this hot. I need a Lord of my own."
"It's unhinged, filthy, and addictive — exactly what I came for."
"This book made me gasp, cringe, blush, and keep reading anyway."
Critical Reactions:
Some readers found the dark themes too extreme or the power play uncomfortable. The book's explicit content and morally gray moments make it divisive — but unforgettable.
Where to Buy or Read The Ritual
- Amazon: Paperback, Kindle eBook, and audiobook (narrated by Teddy Hamilton & Michelle Sparks).
- Barnes & Noble: Paperback and Nook eBook editions.
- Apple Books & Kobo: Digital versions available worldwide.
- Libraries: Often stocked through Libby or Hoopla for dark romance readers.
Related Books & Series
If you loved The Ritual, you'll want to keep going — because the Brotherhood's world doesn't end there.
The Sins (Book 2)
Continues the dark college universe with new characters, secrets, and even darker rituals.
Other Recommendations:
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Dark stalker romance featuring intense themes and Gothic atmosphere. Perfect for fans of extreme romance and morally gray heroes.
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
College-aged revenge story with psychological torment and undeniable attraction. Features bullying that turns into obsession.
The Words by Ashley Jade
Heavy on darkness, obsession, and taboo romance elements that will appeal to fans of The Ritual's intense dynamics.
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