In the mood for some dark romance? The Ritual is one of the most popular dark romance books! Some tropes this book has are marriage of convenience and who did this to you? vibes.
Synopsis
In this story, we’re following Blakely and Ryat. Both are students at Barrington University- a school full of rich kids. Here there’s a secret society called L.O.R.D. that Ryat and many other men are a part of.
Even though Ryat and Blakely have never spoken to each other, Blakley has been picked to be Ryat’s chosen. But she doesn’t know that. As Ryat follows his plan to make Blakely his, some conflicts arise.
Ryat has many enemies being the best in the society, and his plan to conquer Blakely may evolve into more than just a mission.
My Thoughts
I personally really liked this book! It was dark, it was high stakes, and I was invested in the romance. It gave mafia vibes as well where the men in the society are seen as super powerful and they can do whatever they want to their chosen. So if you don’t like that it might not be for you.
But for me, Ryat gave alpha male energy and Blakely was willing to be his chosen so I can see why this is listed as one of the popular dark romance books. There are trigger warnings so please look over those if you need to.
Snippet
I want to be terrified, but I’m not. Ryat Archer is possessive, controlling and extremely jealous. He’s fucking toxic. But I can’t lay all the blame on him. Maybe I’m the cause of his toxicity. Maybe it’s my bad habits that bring out his worst. Hell, maybe I’m wrong, and they are his best qualities.
I want his hands around my throat. I want his body pinning mine down, and I want him to crave me the same way I need him.
– the ritual by shanel tessier
