The Ritual: A Dark College Romance by Shantel Tessier – Full Overview, Series Context & Latest Details

 ​ August 19, 2025 | By [Selvaranee M ]

A Dark College Romance by Shantel Tessier 

Introduction & Plot Overview

The Ritual follows Blakely Anderson, a student at Barrington University, who becomes the “Chosen One” of Ryat Alexander Archer—a powerful figure within the secret society known as the Lords. What begins as an intoxicating choice spirals into a deadly power play where survival becomes the only option. The novel is a standalone within the L.O.R.D.S. universe, packed with romance, danger, and dark secrets.

Series Placement & Latest Updates

This book is the first installment in the L.O.R.D.S. series, which includes, in publication order:

• The Ritual (Book 1, published 2021) 
• The Sinner (2022)
• Carnage (2023)
• Madness (2024) 

Section	Content Highlight
Introduction	Brief of The Ritual’s dark romance plot

Currently, there are no announced forthcoming installments in the series.

Triggers, Themes & Reader Reception

Be advised: The Ritual is intense. It features sadism, possessive and jealous behavior, non-consensual undertones, violence, and other mature elements. 

Reader reactions differ markedly:

“It’s a fun book for smut but nothing beyond that IMO. It's just not written well at all” 
“One of my margin notes dealt with … she is fingered in a field and needs help walking.” 

Others praise its tension and darkness:

“After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords... what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival.” 

Why It Resonates (For the Right Audience)

The novel excels at weaving an atmosphere of control, power, and unrelenting tension. Its compelling blend of danger, dark romance, and boundary-pushing scenarios is a signature of Tessier’s style. For readers comfortable with intense themes and looking for a provocative escape,

Conclusion :

The Ritual: A Dark College Romance by Shantel Tessier takes readers into the dangerous world of Barrington University and its secret society, the L.O.R.D.S. Chosen by Ryat Alexander Archer, heroine Blakely Anderson is forced into a dark game of desire, control, and survival. This gripping novel blends forbidden romance, power dynamics, and psychological tension. Perfect for fans of dark romance and morally gray characters, it pushes boundaries and ignites discussion. A bold first entry in the L.O.R.D.S. series, it continues to captivate readers worldwide.The Ritual delivers. 

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Call-To-Action Ideas (CTAs):

• For readers:
  Loved the dark tension in The Ritual? Dive into the rest of the L.O.R.D.S. series with [The Sinner, Sabotage, The Sacrifice, Carnage, and Madness].
• For bloggers or reviewers:
  Share a review if you’ve read The Ritual—what triggered chills, and where did it fall short?
• For new readers:
  Still juggling the triggers and the intensity? Start the series risk-free with Madness, where Tate and his secrets might just surprise you.