Book Boyfriends and Booze

At the elite and secretive Barrington University, power comes at a price—and for the Lords, that price is blood. Each year, these dangerous and influential men select a “chosen one” to serve them in a tradition steeped in secrecy, control, and manipulation. For Ryat Alexander Archer, his chosen one is Blakely, a wealthy young woman desperate to break free from her tightly controlled life. What starts as a calculated agreement quickly spirals into something darker, as Blakely becomes entangled in the Lords’ brutal world of rituals, dominance, and deadly secrets. With her freedom hanging in the balance and her life increasingly at risk, Blakely must decide whether her connection to Ryat is her salvation—or her downfall. The Ritual is a dark romance drenched in obsession, power games, and a dangerously magnetic anti-hero that will keep you questioning who’s really in control.

Dark, Twisted, and Full of Red Flags: Welcome to The Ritual

If you’re a card-carrying member of the Red Flag Book Boyfriend Club, then The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is practically your initiation manual. This book kicks off the infamous Lords series, and right out of the gate, it gives us Ryat Archer—a cold, commanding, and deeply committed man who is not here to make you feel safe… unless you’re into that kind of thing.

When “It’s Just an Assignment” Turns Into Obsession

Let’s be real: if you’re looking for a wholesome, slow-burn love story… this is not that. Our morally questionable man, Ryat, gets assigned Blakely as his “chosen one”—yes, assigned—and from there, their dynamic is anything but conventional. But while the beginning is steeped in obligation and cold detachment, things start to shift. Blakely, tired of living under everyone else’s rules, uses this opportunity to reclaim her body, her pleasure, and her voice. And Ryat? Well, he starts to fall—harder than he probably ever planned.

The Spice: Welcome to Pain, Power, and Control

Make no mistake, The Ritual is a dark romance. We’re talking pain play, intense dominance, secret societies, and rituals that are not for the faint of heart. But if you’re in the mood to dip your toes into more taboo territory without diving off the deep end, this book is a solid start. Just know going in—there are definitely moments that toe the ethical line. If that’s your jam? You’re going to devour this.

The Book Boyfriend Dilemma: Ryat vs. Reality

Ryat can clearly handle any assignment and is the kind of book boyfriend you crave in fantasy but would absolutely avoid in real life. He’s possessive, commanding, and unapologetically tied to a secret society that always seems to come first. While some readers may swoon over his eventual commitment to Blakely, others (like us) might struggle to root for someone who never quite lets go of his first love: power. If you’re the type who wants to see the MMC put the girl first—always—this one might leave you a bit conflicted.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Chaos?

Despite its wild turns and morally gray leads, The Ritual still makes for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat ride. It’s perfect for readers who want something dark, sexy, and just a little unhinged. You might not finish this book swooning, but you’ll definitely finish it entertained—and probably looking up the next Lords installment before you even catch your breath.