Sacred

Ritual Sins #0.5

by Stella Hart

They took everything from me. Now I’m going to take her… and watch her world burn

Sixteen years ago, Covenant cultists killed my mother. They thought they could escape justice. They were dead wrong.

I’ve spent years plotting my revenge, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment. The key to their destruction? Her. The daughter of the man who runs this dark, twisted cult. She’s completely unaware of me, but I’m following her every move, learning all about her.

Soon, she’ll be mine.

Taking her isn’t just a game. She’s my weapon, my leverage, and the key to dismantling the Covenant’s dark empire. The perfect pawn in my plan. When the time comes, I’ll use her to ignite the blaze that will burn their world to the ground.

For now, I’ll stay in the shadows, but she won’t be able to escape me forever.

Watch out, little Rose… I’m coming for you.


Sacred is the free short prequel to the Ritual Sins series. The other books are full-length.


What to know about the Ritual Sins
MF (no sharing or cheating)
Possessive, obsessive, OTT (over the top) hero
Dual POV
Dark romance that contains subjects/themes that may be triggering for some.

Ritual Sins reading
Sacred (free short prequel)
Sinful (Book 1)
Sacrifice (Book 2)

Genres: Dark Romance, New Adult, Dark

49 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

About the author

Stella Hart is the dark romance pen name of Alessandra Hart. She loves animals, red wine, and rainy days where she can curl up inside and plot new books instead of having to go out.

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

With having covid (which I'm now getting over) I've struggled to connect with books, having picked up and put down a few and this was the one that pulled me over that slump and opened up a whole new world which I found I enjoyed, this was a quick step into the world that will be explored in more detail with the other two books, anything surrounding Cults and I kind of gravitate towards them..

Sebastian lost his mother many years ago and the finger was always pointed towards the Covenant living in the area though nothing was ever proven, but Sebastian seems to think otherwise, with revenge running rampant within his blood he's going to take something of theirs, and that's where Rose comes into the story..

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what i thought the cover reminded me of the lords series but quick read

[Fiona · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I just read…

[Abby Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely have questions! But it was okay!

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little prequel!!

I'm ready for this story. Can't wait, this was a great little teaser. This looks like it will be a dark, twisted tale!!

[Hayley Quirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read.
Draws you in hur I am so confused lol

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperately want to read book one now…

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Sacred by Stella Hart is a dark, New Adult romance fuelled by vengeance, obsession, and the dangerous pull between two people on opposite sides of a brutal power structure. Set against the shadowy backdrop of a cult-driven world, this story blends revenge with sexual awakening, creating a tense, seductive read that keeps you constantly on edge.

At its core, Sacred is a revenge story. Sixteen years after losing his mother to the Covenant cult, the MMC has devoted his life to dismantling the empire that destroyed everything he loved. His plan is cold, calculated, and ruthless; and at the center of it all is Rose, the sheltered daughter of the cult’s leader. She isn’t just collateral damage; she’s the key, the leverage, the spark meant to burn the entire world down.

What makes this story particularly compelling is the stark class difference and imbalance of power between the characters. Rose exists inside the cult’s carefully controlled environment, unaware of the truth lurking beneath her reality, while the MMC moves in the shadows, shaped by trauma and vengeance. Their dynamic is laced with tension from the very beginning, charged by secrecy, manipulation, and an undeniable pull neither of them fully understands.

Stella Hart leans heavily into atmosphere, cultivating a dark, foreboding tone that mirrors the cult’s influence and the MMC’s obsession. The slow unraveling of innocence, trust, and control gives the story a sharp emotional edge, while the sexual awakening element adds an extra layer of intensity. Every interaction feels loaded, as though desire and danger are constantly circling one another.

The emotional impact builds steadily rather than explosively. This isn’t a book that rushes its chaos; it plants seeds, tightens tension, and lets unease simmer beneath the surface. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, the cliffhanger lands hard, leaving you unsettled, curious, and desperate to know what comes next.

If I had one critique, it’s that the story clearly functions as a setup within a shared world. While the tension and groundwork are strong, some readers may find themselves wanting more immediate payoff rather than positioning for future instalments.

I would recommend Sacred to readers who enjoy dark romance with revenge-driven plots, cult dynamics, class disparity, and morally questionable motivations. If you like stories where obsession masquerades as destiny and desire is tangled up in manipulation and control; and you don’t mind a cliffhanger then this one is absolutely worth the read.

[Mimiru Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place around the world of a cult called the Covenant. Sebastian, having lost his mother to this cult and determined to carry out his revenge, ends up setting his eyes on Rosamund (Rose) as the perfect candidate for a message. This is a prequel to the Ritual Sins series and is a great opener that captures the reader's attention in an intriguing, compelling way.

⚠️💀CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING as there may be situations not suitable for everyone.💀⚠️

✨What to expect:✨
🤍Dark Romance
💜Revenge is a dish best served 🥶
🤍Anti-hero
💜Morally Grey
🤍Dark and twisted turns
💜Thrills, chills, and 🔪🩸s
🤍Step-brother romance
💜Murder Mystery
🤍Cult Culture
💜Ends on a cliff hanger

[Spooky Bookish Bit*h · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred is the prequel to the Ritual Sins series. This quick read introduces us to our main characters, Sebastian and Rose. Stella gives us a peek in to Sebastian's past and why exactly he's got a bone to pick with the covenant and why his need for revenge is so dire. Rose desperately wants freedom from the cult she is stuck in but she may be the golden ticket to get Sebastian the revenge he so desperately craves. This is a well written, quick read that is a great introduction to the series and leaves you intrigued ready for more.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

And so the stories begins....with with a tantalizing taste to start

Sacred is the prequel to the Ritual Sins series. This book is a short introduction into a dark and twisted world with the focus on Rosamund/Rose and Sebastian. Be warned that if you are not into dark, twisty, cult, violence, deep rage, long plotted revenge, and an anti-hero then this will not be the series for you. But if you like any of that then pick up this prequel and start to get immersed in what promises to be a thrilling and dynamic series.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get caught up in a web of intrigue and revenge!
I was caught up immediately in Rose’s day to day life especially with her father being the Governor of the Covenant and her wonder of life beyond the fence. I understood Sebastian’s need for revenge for the unsolved murder of his mother by the Covenant years ago. Sebastian getting a glimpse of Rose sets the stage for his revenge and Rose has no idea what’s coming for her! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Her interesting start to a new series for me. Rose lives on the land owned by the covenant. When one day she meets the devil. He infiltrates her dreams and makes her dream of impurities. Rose will have to be careful to keep her secrets. Sebastian wants to watch the covenant burn. They all are evil. He is out to seek revenge for his mother dying or murdered. What happens next?

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little dark romance novella packs a big punch! I had zero interest in reading the Ritual Sins series, but now I must know Rose’s story. The novella highlights Roses’s first encounter with a young man whose mother was believed to be murdered by the Covenant, the secretive religious sect Rose belongs to. He is planning an eye for an eye with Rose in the center. While she has been terrified, yet intrigued by the devil at the fence.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred is the Ritual Sins prequel and introduces us to Sebastian and Rose. It gives insight into these characters before Sinful book 1 in this series.
Rose is the daughter of the Governor of the Covenant and Sebastian has a real ax to grind with this Covenant. It's going to be interesting to see how their story works out.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian is out for revenge against the the cult that took his mother's life and Rose the cult leaders daughter was his key, he stalks in the shadows but one day he will come I to the light for her to drag her I to his darkenss, well written quick intro to the series That has you craving more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covenant destroyed someone close to Sebastian, and he would destroy someone close to them in return. And he has just the person in mind ... the beautiful Rose. This prequel to the Ritual Sins series is good and left me wanting more! I can't wait to find out what happens next in Sinful, Book 1 of the Ritual Sins series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian is out to destroy the Covenant because he blames them for the death of his mother and he knows exactly how he's going to do it, he's going to use Rose. Sacred is the prequel to the Ritual Sins series and it takes the reader on some dark and twisted turns. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next.

[Jada !! · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts on Sacred by Stella Hart.
My rating: 3 ⭐️
“I once thought he was the Devil, but now I knew that couldn’t be true.”
Sacred is a dark romance novella, a prequel to the “Ritual Sins” series by Stella Hart. It was short, and gives just enough to get you wanting more. I cannot wait to jump into book one of this series.

[Kayla P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this short prequel to a duet. It seemed to give good background info on the characters. There was a month time jump that felt kind of random but the rest was enjoyable. I don’t really see it necessary so long as the books explained the background between the characters and o assume they do. But it was still entertaining nonetheless

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose lives in a commune and secretly longs for a look at the outside world.
Sebastian is looking for revenge after the murder of his mother.
Their paths cross and nothing is ever the same again!!
Loved it and can’t wait not to read book one to see how it all turns out.
Nice quick read!!

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this small taste very intriguing and am eagerly looking forward to continuing Sebastian and Rose's story with Sinful and Sacrifice. You can already feel the tension and intensity bubbling and brewing away.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Ritual Sins series and a quick read. We learn about Sebastian and why he wants revenge against the Covenant and I he plans to use Rose to do it. Looking forward to more in the series. I liked it.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing start!
I've only read one other series that involved a "cult" and it was good.
Can't wait to see what Stella does with this one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating teaser for the next book to come! I loved that we were given just enough information and plot to grab my attention and want more, i cant wait for Sinful!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing beginning. Is very short introduction to new series,it’s dark, dark captive romance, suspense, angst and drama. This steamy romance has a triggers,
be aware.
To be continued.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to set up the the first book. Interesting and looking forward to reading Sinful to learn more about the Covenant.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so excited to get into this series now. This was so short yet sucked me in right away. 👀 I do love a good witchy vibe with a skeleton faced man. He gives me Ryat Archer vibes with that makeup design that he chose and I’m living for it. ❤️

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing little short prequel.

[PikachuGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5💫