The Ritual - Shantel Tessier

The Ritual is so much more than a romance - it’s intense, seductive, and layered with secrets, loyalty, and obsession.

Ryat is the definition of a morally gray hero: commanding, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. From the moment he enters the story, he controls every page he’s on. What surprised me most was how complex he is — beneath the dominance and secrecy, there’s loyalty, purpose, and even moments of vulnerability that make him unforgettable.

Blake, on the other hand, starts caught between fear and fascination. I loved watching her evolve from unsure about her place in the LORDS world and ending as a strong and confident person.

Ryat's protectiveness of Blake is desirable. He watches over Blake like she’s his greatest secret and his biggest weakness. Every time danger gets close, his instinct to protect her takes over, and you can feel it in every word and action

Their chemistry is explosive - every scene between them drips with tension and unspoken emotion. The balance of dominance and trust between them is addictive — it makes every interaction feel charged and intimate, like the world disappears when they’re together. And the spice... ya it's that good.

"You think I'd kill for you but not die for you?"

He shakes his gently. "Silly girl."