The Claiming Ritual

by Ella Jacobs

I thought I was playing with one man.
Turns out, I was being prepared for another.
After leaving my cheating fiancé, I move North, where the winters are frosty, the summers bright, and all men look like Vikings—at least at the BDSM club I join.

But one in particular catches my attention. Or I’m caught in his... Ulf, the leader of the group, is always at the club, watching whenever I play with his close friend Asbjörn.

As an outsider, I’m not supposed to talk to Ulf. But words seem superfluous as he slowly draws me in, dominating me from a quiet distance, watching, and finding out what makes me tick.

Little do I know that I’m being prepared for a secret ritual. The claiming ritual.

This book is primarily written in the FMC’s POV, with a few MMC chapters. It has explicit content, including BDSM play, fear play, CNC, and exhibitionism/voyeurism.

Genres: Dark Romance, BDSM

ebook

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

Ella Jacobs writes dark and kinky romance. Her books all center around Dom/sub dynamics, ranging from BDSM relationships with light dub con to pitch-black captor/captive stories with Stockholm syndrome and heavy non con.

What all her stories have in common is the emotional depth that makes them feel very raw and real. They will pull at all your heartstrings, maybe gut you and shock you, and take you through the emotional wringer.

Ella lives in Northern Europe, where she has been part of the BDSM community for many years. She lives her own age-gap romance with a stern, loving Dominant, who is always ready for some character analysis and rarely gets jealous when she falls in love with her fictional men.

Besides writing, Ella loves to play music and travel.

Reviews

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Ella Jacobs! I’m going to read anything she writes 🥰

Elina, moves to a new town after her 10 year relationship ends. Joining a 🐝DSM club, hoping to learn more, to delve into her submissive side, she is taken under Asbjörn’s wing. His teachings, his dominant stance, is leading her into herself, to seek what she feels inside, to let it free, to accept parts of her she didn’t know existed. However, it is also to lead her to her rightful Master, who has been in her shadow all along…

IПƬIMIDΛƬIПG ΛƧ ƬΉIƧ PᄂΛᄃΣ ΛПD ƬΉΣ PΣӨPᄂΣ ΉΣЯΣ ΛЯΣ, IƬ'Ƨ ΛᄂƧӨ FЯIΣПDᄂY ΛПD ƧЦЯPЯIƧIПGᄂY ӨPΣП.

Soo, as intense a story as this is, Ella takes you through each part with care, showing us how deep a submissive can fall with the right dominant to guide through the heightened senses it can cause. Her ability to pull you in, create the right atmospheric prowess within her words means you feel like you are a part of the story, she creates such effective visuals with her writing that I personally felt I was there with every step Elina took. I loved the nod towards a Viking esq. situation, the beards and the runes 😉 Though I did feel for Asbjörn and I hope he gets his own story but it does work well in the story either way.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

before we start, triggers! Please check them! Yes most of this book is safeish and consensual BDSM practice, but it does get really dark later on and feels very dub/non-con and severely manipulated. Moving on from that, damn was this book amazing. Like honestly this may be one of my favourites from Ella Jacob’s, and that’s saying a lot because I absolutely adore all of her work (however Heal Me is still my favourite). I love a little Viking sort of romance, like he’s this big gruff guy who’s dominant but can also be so caring and protective. Honestly I want this book to be a MFM but I’m still so happy with how it turned out. Obviously it was packed with intense and hot smut scenes but the whole storyline of the sort of cult and their traditions were also so interesting (and a little scary too). I loved both Asbjørn and Ulf and I really hope there will be more to come from this world!! They’re dominant in the best way and also so fiercely protective. I love how Ulf is a man of few words but the amount of times he growls “mine” had me so feral for him. Honestly we don’t know a lot about our fmc truly personality wise but she was a fun character! Overall this book was fun spicy read and I give it a 5/5

[Anna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! I could not put it down.

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After explicitly learning her fiancé is cheating on her, Elina moves near the peaceful mountains to find herself back. She discovers a kinky club where she will find more than what she is seeking, opening her up to the scary unknown.

I always come back to Ella Jacobs when I want to read a BD$M book, the dynamics are always, always so good and she just never lets me down. I will say that this one is significantly lighter than the books I’ve previously read from her; the setup isn’t as dark or taboo. The intensity is definitely there though. It’s still a sub/d0m dynamic with a delightful penchant for describing acutely the subspace. Because the author lives the life herself, it shows in her writing and how she approaches and describes the scenes and it’s something I look forward to every time.

The Claiming Ritual is Viking inspired, so spirituality is at the rendez-vous. I don’t know, it was something different coming from Ella that is still inherently her style and it was a nice little change of pace.

I’m so glad I discovered that author a couple of years ago. I don’t think I’ll ever skip a book from her ever. They’re like a journey, sometimes. A journey of the self.

Thank you so much to Ella for the arc.

★ ★ ★ ★☆

Keywords: Vikings, bd$m, self discovery, nature, sub/d0m, rituals, fear play.

[Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a BDSM romance, but it is significantly lighter than the author’s other works. The beginning does a great job of exploring BDSM in a realistic, consensual, and respectful way, which I really appreciated. As the story progresses, it touches on heavier themes such as CNC, fear play, mild knife play, and hints of dubious consent—but these elements are handled in a way that still feels approachable rather than overwhelming.
If you’re newer to dark romance or curious about exploring darker themes without diving straight into something intense, this would be a great starting point. It offers a safe introduction to these dynamics while maintaining clear boundaries and consent, making it accessible for readers easing into the genre.
I ultimately rated this book 3 stars, not because it lacked quality, but because I’m further along in my dark romance journey and personally prefer darker, more intense stories. That said, I would still definitely recommend this book to readers who want a lighter BDSM romance or are just beginning to explore darker themes.

[Meg Wake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hot, hot, hot!

True to form, and what I've come to expect and love from Ella Jacobs, this book is raw and real. It hits you hard right from the beginning and is a beautiful story of personal discovery and community. The mystery of our beloved chieftain paired with Asbjörn's caring nature and Elina's natural submission and vulnerability creates a beautiful story from start to finish. The slow burn really burns, but makes it all the brighter when we reach the end. And that ending hit me HARD. It was worth the wait and felt almost surreal, like a fever dream I didn't want to wake up from. With gorgeous writing, stunning descriptions, and a storyline that had me utterly swooning, The Claiming Ritual was five stars through and through.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Jacobs wrote The Claiming Ritual. It is a standalone novel and was given to me as an ARC. This is the first book of Ella’s that I have read. The first Vikings setting in a book. I genuinely enjoyed it. This book takes a much deeper look into the BD$M universe. If you are interested in diving into that or looking for an author that does more than touch on the community, then read this book. Please check the trigger warnings before you open this book. There are a few scenes that may be triggering.

The Claiming Ritual was my first book like this, so all I could picture in my head was the movie Braveheart! Both men in this story are intense, strong, dominant, and protective; all in the most delicious way possible. The whole book gave cult vibes mixed in with nature and centuries full of Vikings traditions. Ulf is the leader of this group and unbeknownst to Elina, he has enlisted his second in command (Asbjorn) to “prepare” her to be claimed by him. I was really hoping for a MFM scenario, but that is not how it plays out.

I give Asbjorn major points! He is so dependable, trustworthy, and loyal to Ulf and the community they have built. Elina is introduced into this lifestyle when she enters a members only club, where she meets Asbjorn and then eventually is drawn to Ulf. She throws herself into researching and learning the traditions and culture. Asbjorn opens up Elina in ways that she was not expecting. Once she was caught in Ulf’s orbit, she was a goner though. The task given to Asbjorn creates a bond between the two that was beautiful to watch develop. He enters into this friendship/partnership knowing that he cannot have her, and she is meant to be with Ulf. Even when it is clear that feelings have developed Asbjorn stays the course and proves his loyalty to Ulf and the clan.

I could go on and on about the dynamics in this story. I hope that there will be more in the future for these characters. I especially want to see Asbjorn find someone worthy of his devotion.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Ella Jacobs and her team for the opportunity to ARC read The Claiming Ritual! 💕

I sit here, stumped; trying to find a way to put into words what reading this book was like. I'll be honest. I've never read a single thing like it, in all of the hundreds of books I've read. Completely out of left field, in the best way. @ellajacobs.author will reel you in from the first chapter and leave you wanting so much more. And let me tell you all that the MMC, Ulf, will have you on your knees. 😜

Book: The Claiming Ritual
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Song: Chokehold by Sleep Token
Release date: Jan 29, 2026

⚠️: this book contains dark themes and elements that may be triggering, please check triggers on the authors website.

[Chris Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elina is new to the town, where everyone looks like a Viking. Visiting a BDSM club, her eyes land on Ulf, the Chieftain .

The life of BDSM is beautifully shown in this story from the gentle training to claiming. Ella did a remarkable job keeping the story focused where it needed to be and still showing there are still feelings and sensuality with this type of lifestyle.

I encourage everyone to read any warnings and understand what this lifestyle means. It's not for everyone. I loved it!

[Bridget Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's written really well - and that's what I give the 2 stars for. Ella has a beautiful way with words. But it's too short for the story that it is. I felt zero chemistry between the characters. I personally have had weekend flings with more depth and substance then the Hero and heroine in the story. 😂
Also there was actually very little interaction between them throughout.
If it was a full length book, I think it would have been perfect, to really develop their relationship and add more depth.

[Holly Birchall-Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

This is the first book I have read from Ella and my first ARC read. It's safe to say I will be adding the rest of Ella's works to my TBR immediately! Despite it not being as dark/spicy as I thought it would be (but I think thats just cause im fxxd and I love the scarily dark stuff 😅) the plot was amazing and I really hope there's going go be a second book that explores more of Asbjörns story. He's the sweetest softest Dom and he deserves the world. 🥺
I really love how Ella describes the BD//M scenes and focuses on the trust built between the characters, allowing them to fully dive into each other and let go. It was a comforting read and a real "just one more chapter book"!

Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity Ella.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Claiming Ritual is a seductive, slow-burn romance wrapped in power, mystery, and the quiet thrill of being chosen long before you realize it’s happening. What begins as a fresh start after heartbreak quickly turns into something far more intentional—and far more dangerous.

A move north feels symbolic: cold air, clean slates, and a hunger for control she didn’t know she needed. The BDSM club setting adds an intriguing backdrop, but the real tension comes from what isn’t said. Ulf doesn’t chase or demand—he watches. He waits. He dominates from the shadows, learning her tells, her limits, and her desires while she thinks she’s only playing one game. That quiet authority makes him endlessly compelling.

The dynamic between freedom and fate is where this story shines. The idea that every interaction is part of a larger, secret tradition gives the romance an almost mythic, old-world feel—like something inevitable rather than accidental. The slow realization that she’s being prepared, not pursued, adds delicious suspense and keeps the pages turning.

If you enjoy dominant heroes, ritualistic undertones, and romances that feel deliberate, immersive, and just a little dangerous, The Claiming Ritual delivers an enticing read that lingers like a promise whispered in the dark. ❄️🖤

[Book_it_to_me_baby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I read a book by Ella I didn't love? No, and The Claiming Ritual just reinforced that! I also never thought I would tear up reading a line about chapstick. 

Elina is starting over after leaving her cheating fiance. She moves to a new town that fits her need for a slower paced life that the bigger city couldn't offer. While learning about her own needs at a BDSM club with Asborn, his friend Ulf is always watching. 

I DEVOURED this book. Everything just clicked for me, the flow, the story, and the emotional aspects were all so amazing. The spice is amazing and Ella just brings so much emotional depth to those scenes that take it up a level. The tension, build up, and release of them have me holding my breath at times! 

Of course I love anything to do with mythology and then add in everything else, this was a no brainier 5⭐ read and definitely going in the re-read stack!

[Ramona Strijkers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this I thought it would be darker, but also, going into this I didn't know a thing about BD//SM.

"Possession and submission, control and surrender. A connection deeper than any words can forge."

This was a journey, a journey of letting go of everything you know and a journey of finding the person you were always meant to be.

"I let him claim my body, my soul, and the very essence of my being."

I loved the writing style, the editing was flawless and oh my god don't get me started on the whole Viking aesthetic!
A burly, broody man with long braided hair and a beard, I'm game!

And who knew that underneath all that masculine energy there was softness, respect and craving 🖤

“Will you be mine, Elina? My sub, my girl, my companion— the end of my journey.”

I do really hope there will be a next book with Ashbjörn's story, he deserves his happy ending!

[Ashley Fretwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I stay up well past my bedtime to finish this book? Yes, Did I devour this book? Also, yes. Is this one of the TOP books for me? YES! I need more. Ella Jacobs painted a world that I want to be a part of. The dominance, the trust, the satisfaction. I want it all. I truly hope there is going to be a sequel to this. I would love to hear Asbjorn’s story. I loved all of the characters, especially the FMC. Her story was so relatable and I found myself tearing up during one of her vulnerable moments. If you like BDSM, vikings, and a story of growing through your weaknesses, this is your book. Definitely the best read of the year for me so far!

[Lollysb00ks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So honored to have ARC read this delicious book. I’ve read all of Ella’s books at this point and have loved them all. This one is no different. I easily finished this in one sitting.

It was easy to quickly love the FMC Elina. Elina is finding her way after a recent betrayal from an ex, yet still holds this light feminine kind, innocence. She goes to this “club” to help further discover her interests…
Asbjörn is a bartender who she connects with there. I LOVED Asbjörn and how much he genuinely cared for her. I really hope we get to see more of him one day and hear his story 🥹

But ULF. The Chieftain of this mysterious group in the club…Oh Ulf. Where to even begin. I’m fucking in love with this man. I’m blushing just thinking about his intensity.
What I find so insane in how little he verbally interacts with FMC, yet it feels like you KNOW him. Pure masculine power. I swear, the scenes where he’s simply looking at her, making eye contact, gave me full body chills and I was just like 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️
There’s also something so tangible about his power. Even just how he holds himself. And with that delicious power, he also holds an immense feeling of safety and protection.

In general I fucking loved this entire Viking vibe!!!! And listening to the playlist/Wardruna feels like an absolute NECESSITY. It really really adds to the intensity of the scenes. Love this ritualistic vibe too. Between the beautiful, tangible way Ella writes about submission and the music.. I swear I could’ve entered sub space just reading this LOL.

[Caffeinated.Booktrovert.Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was even better than I thought it would be! Going into it, I already knew I was going to enjoy it. The way Ella writes her dark books, the characters, how these men only soften for their woman, the dynamic that they share, the raw emotions, and the BĐŞM play - I have loved every book that I have read from her. Then you add in the viking vibes, yes please! I would highly suggest listening to the playlist she created, because it enhances the vibes of the book.

I really like Elina's character. Even though she is weary and scared at times, she pushes through and leans on the strength that they provide for her as she trusts herself to let go. You can really feel her emotions in the different play scenes. They feel raw and unfiltered in such a unique and beautiful way.

I have always been a huge fan of eye contact between characters, and this book definitely delivered on this! The way Ulf watches Elina as he demands her eyes and full submission without saying a single word was enough to make anyone's knees go weak.

Asbjörn is another favourite character in this story. I liked the relationship he shared with Elina. You can feel the strong relationship that she shares with Ulf.

I could not put this book down, I wanted more. More of Ulf. More of the play. More of their dynamic. Just more of everything. And yes, more of Asbjörn. :)

If you've read any of Ella's previous books, then you will definitely enjoy this book! * Read as an early copy. 🖤

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many things that I liked about this book - but that main was the evolution of the steam and spice level. This book really starts with Elina beginning to explore different play and it carefully handles the elements of consent and the plot dipped its toes into the darker themes. Then as the plot developed the darkness became more intense and mind games between Elina, Ulf, and Asbjörn amped up, which just increased those darker elements. Beyond some excellent steam, I loved that there was character development and some fun plot twists. Overall this was a great read and love that there was a HEA.

[Tara Malta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, if Ella Jacobs writes it, sign me up!

This was a quick read at a little less than 200 pages. It follows our FMC, Elina, on her journey of discovering herself after catching her fiancé cheating on her. She finds an establishment to explore some curiosities and immediately catches the eye of the leader of the group. He helps her overcome things from afar and claims her when the time is right.

Check your triggers on this one as there are dark themes.

Thank you, as always, to Ella for to early copy to read and review!

[Chayna Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster of emotions! This book is sooo good. I felt all of the emotions of Elina in my soul. It is absolute page turner and keeps you hooked from the very first page to the last. I had an incredibly hard time putting it down. (Sorry to my husband, kids, work, and sleep schedule!) I was left wanting more, not because the story was lacking (this story was not lacking in the slightest!) but because I was not ready for my time with Ulf and Elina to come to an end. I have yet to find a book of Ella’s that I haven’t loved and devoured. Definitely recommend reading this book, even if it’s not your normal read, it’s THAT good!

[daddysbabygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. 🤯 that was a good read, spicy, thrilling and a page turner. It explains a females journey through bd$m with a captivating story. It’s definitely a keep you on the edge of your seat book !

Please check trigger warnings before heading into this book. It’s definitely lighter than her other books but touches a few topics that some could be sensitive to. I loved the amazing explanation of the subspace that many just don’t understand.

[Melissa Lamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This gives the reader a look into the mind of a sub I think. I’ve never understood the dynamic but this gives a good idea. It gives a great look into BDSM and how satisfying it can be for all parties. While this is a little less dark than what she usually writes, I would still recommend reading the TW if needed. I’m hoping maybe we get a book for Asbjörn at some point. I really did grow attached to him.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit I loved this. To be fair, if Ella writes it, I'm going to read it. But this was amazing. I loved the characters. I really hope Asbjörn gets his own book. He needs love too. I loved the concept of a viking/Norse pagan bdsm community. I wasn't sure about Ulf at the beginning but I quickly grew to understand why he did what he did. Amazing read.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was some read. Love the chemistry Ulf and Elina have. And I love how Ulf with just his looks can make Elina feel so many emotions that she doesn’t even know what’s going on with her until she experience the full power of Ulf dominance and protection. Love reading their story and I hope there is more of this Viking theme.

[Daisy Magnolia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this with little to no knowledge felt like an experience 🫣

Asbjörn already had me hooked… The way Ella wrote him, I already had him fully formed in my head 🙈

But then Ulf walked in, and—oh.
Yeah... 🥵
Ulf is just... Ulf.
The presence.
The mystery.
The dominance ⛓️
Sir, please🧎‍♀️

A 4.5☆ read. This book might awaken things you didn't know were there 😏

[Haley Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a choke hold! It did have spice in it but I found myself continuing to read for the plot because I got INVESTED in it! Don’t get me wrong, the spice was good. But the plot was better! I really hope there’s a second book for Asbjörn eventually!

8/10 ⭐️ & 4/5🌶️

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was delicious.

The amount of tension in this book. Leading up to that final part had me on edge (like Elina a few times).

Elina runs away from a cheating finance (men ew). She finds a certain type of club to follow some of her desires.

Asbjörn is Ulfs second in command with a task to train Elina as Ulf has his eyes firmly set on her.

Asbjörn is a total dream and I hope he finds his perfect sub.

The slow build up to the finale was nerve wracking and suspenseful. But very fufilling.

I really enjoyed this 😍

[Megan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enchanting book introducing the dom/sub bdsm lifestyle while also introducing Vikings and spice.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read an Ella Jacobs book it makes me want to drop everything and find a BDSM club! Her writing and knowledge makes these stories feel so pure.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. I don't read trigger warnings or menus as I prefer the suprise, but it may pay to check those out if you don't like surprises/ have triggers.
It's not as dark as some of Ella's work that I have read, but just as compelling. I was pulled into the story straight away, and believe me when I say this is going to leave me in a slump. I really hope there is more. The entire concept is incredible, and the character dynamics gripping. Prepare not to sleep or put this down at all.