In the realm of contemporary romance literature, Shantel Tessier has carved a niche with her gripping and emotionally charged dark college romance series. With a unique blend of passion, suspense, and complex characters, Tessier’s books have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. In this article, we delve into the intriguing world she has crafted, focusing on her captivating series that explores the lives of the enigmatic Lords of Barrington University and the intense relationships that unfold within their secret society. Join us on a journey through “The Ritual,” “The Sinner,” “The Sacrifice,” and the thrilling spin-off “Sabotage,” as we unravel the twists and turns of love, obsession, and sacrifice in this dark and enthralling literary universe. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to Tessier’s work, prepare to be immersed in a world where passion knows no bounds and where the line between love and darkness blurs.
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About The Author
Shantel Tessier, a Texas-born girl, now calls Tulsa, Oklahoma, home, where she resides with her high school sweetheart, who is not only a wonderful husband but also an unwavering source of support, and their delightful three-year-old little princess. As a devoted wife and mother, Shantel considers herself incredibly fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom, cherishing precious moments with her family.
When she’s not immersed in the world of storytelling, Shantel enjoys the simple pleasures of life, often found cuddled up on the couch with a good book. Her interests span beyond the pages of her novels; she’s an avid concertgoer and movie enthusiast. Interestingly, Shantel has an aversion to coffee but an affinity for wine, adding a touch of sophistication to her downtime.
Her household is a haven for football aficionados, both college and NFL, as she and her husband share an unbridled passion for the sport. Moreover, Shantel’s high heel addiction is undeniable, and she indulges in her penchant for shoes with weekly shopping escapades.
Above all, while her passion for writing is undeniable, Shantel Tessier holds her family closest to her heart. Evenings spent at home with her husband, daughter, their loyal cat, and faithful dog are cherished moments that provide her with the inspiration to craft stories that resonate deeply with her readers. Her ability to infuse warmth, love, and authenticity into her narratives makes her a beloved figure in the world of contemporary fiction and romance.
Exploring the Dark College Romance Series: About The Books
Shantel Tessier’s dark college romance series takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, weaving intricate tales of love, obsession, and intrigue. Let’s dive into the key books that form the heart of this captivating literary universe:
1. The Ritual
The Ritual introduces readers to Barrington University, home to the enigmatic Lords, a secret society bound by blood and power. During their senior year, these young men are offered a “chosen one.” The story revolves around a young woman who seizes the opportunity for freedom when Ryat Alexander Archer enters her life. However, what seems like a chance for a better life soon becomes a dangerous game of survival within the dark and twisted world of the Lords. The Ritual sets the stage for the intense and thrilling journey that follows.
2. The Sinner
In The Sinner, readers are introduced to Easton Bradley Sinnett, known as Sin, a Lord who uses his power for his own pleasure. The story unfolds through the lens of a character who grew up obsessed with Sin, only to realize that he is not who she thought he was. Despite the darkness that surrounds their relationship, she falls for him even harder. The book delves deep into themes of obsession, possession, and the darker side of love, making it a gripping and intense read.
3. The Sacrifice
The Sacrifice takes readers into the world of arranged marriages within the secret society. A young woman is forced into wedlock with a ruthless Lord, Tyson Riley Crawford, as part of a revenge plot. Determined to break her vows, she underestimates her husband’s determination to punish her. The story explores the consequences of choices made under duress and the lengths one will go to escape an oppressive situation.
4. Sabotage
Sabotage is a captivating spin-off set in the same world as the Lords series. It revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Colton Remington Knox and Raylee Lexington Adams, stepsiblings whose passionate entanglement is marked by obsession and power dynamics. The story showcases a game of manipulation, possession, and revenge, making it a thrilling addition to Tessier’s dark romance offerings.
These books, characterized by their dark themes, possessive heroes, and over-the-top storytelling, provide readers with an unforgettable reading experience. While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, they are interconnected, offering a broader understanding of the intricate world Tessier has created. With their dual perspectives and trigger warnings for sensitive content, these novels are not for the faint of heart but promise an emotionally charged journey into the depths of love and obsession.
The Books In Shantel Tessier’s Dark College Romance Series
Each book is a standalone title, therefore they can be read in any order, but here are the books in timeline order:
The Ritual
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier
THE CHOSEN ONE
Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all—the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.
I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.
People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it’s not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had—freedom.
I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.
After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.
Things to know about The Ritual
It is MF
TW (Please see the author’s note on the inside)
J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero
OTT (over the top) Hero
This is a 152K word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
The Sinner
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier
LITTLE DEMON
I was raised in a world where money and power are at your fingertips. My father is a LORD, a very respected member of a secret society that knows no bounds. When tragedy struck my family, we discovered we weren’t untouchable. Just when I thought life couldn’t get any worse, I was shown what hell is really like. Then he came and saved me. The devil disguised as my personal hero. But of course, nothing is for free. Not when a soul is up for grabs.
I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.
Easton Bradley Sinnett—Sin—uses his power for his own sick pleasure. Like a typical Lord, he never thought about the consequences of his actions. I grew up with him, obsessed over him, craved him. He was who I pictured when I imagined doing things my body shouldn’t want.
One day, I realized he was not who I thought he was. It didn’t change anything, though, because I was already too far gone. If anything, I fell for him harder.
Every now and then, someone enters your life who flips it upside down. Sin wrecked me in the worst way, and I thanked him for it by serving on my knees.
As they say, nothing lasts forever. Men like him never stay with a woman like me. I’m what they use, not keep. So when he threw me away, I shouldn’t have been all that surprised.
My body had always craved the darker side of love. The kind that left bruises and scars. I was what most would call unholy. And when the devil whispered in my ear that he loved me, I was more than determined to show him just how devoted I could be.
Things to know about The Sinner
Stalker
Secret society
MF (no sharing the h)
J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero
OTT (over the top) Hero
Can be read as a standalone
Told in dual POV
TWs listed inside the book
This is a 159K word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
The Sacrifice
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier
HIS LADY
A Lord is to marry after he graduates from Barrington University, an elite college for the rich. A Lady’s job is to help him fit into a world unaware of his secret society. The Lord does not get to choose who he spends the rest of his life with. But there is always an exception to the rule. And I just so happen to be his.
I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.
I was to wed a Lord of my parents’ choosing. Wealth can’t buy you everything, or I would have had freedom years ago. Instead, my strict parents made sure I lived a dull life in a mansion resembling a prison.
But on my wedding day, I was handed over to another man—an even more ruthless Lord that my family hated.
Tyson Riley Crawford only wanted me for his revenge. I’m nothing more than a debt to be paid. I didn’t have a say in the matter. So when I said my vows before the congregation, I knew I’d break them. Consequences be damned.
Too bad I underestimated my husband and didn’t realize he was more determined to punish me than I was to succeed at escaping. He’ll make me choke on those words I used to bind myself to him.
Yet even he couldn’t have seen what our future held. Ultimately, we’re all just pawns in a game that none of us can win unless you’re willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice … and even that may not be enough.
Things to know about The Sacrifice
Secret society
MF (no sharing the h)
J/P (jealous/possessive) Hero
OTT (over the top) Hero
Complete standalone
Told in dual POV
TWs listed inside the book
This is a 156K word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
Sabotage
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier.
COLTON
Raylee Lexington Adams is my stepsister and the one woman in the world who can make my blood boil.
She’s vindictive, a lot of crazy, and absolutely stunning.
I hate everything about her except for when she’s on her knees begging me to use her as my own personal toy.
We’ve been playing a game of cat and mouse for far too long. We have used each other for our own sick pleasure.
I’ve ruined every relationship my little princess has ever had. A sure way that she’ll come crawling back to me, begging me for what only I can give her when another man fails her.
But I’m tired of watching others get a piece of what is mine. So, I did what any rational man would do—I staked my claim, showed the world that she belonged to me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make her believe it too.
RAYLEE
Colton Remington Knox is a man I despise but can’t say no to.
He’s what any girl would call a walking red flag. But I’ve never claimed to be a smart woman when it comes to men. Why should he be any different?
I’ve always managed to hold my own against him. But this time, he’s gone too far. Posting a video of me on my knees for him, for what? To brag? Embarrass me? He’s acting like he doesn’t know me very well.
Colt wants to play a game? I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I win. No matter what it costs me.
People already think I have no dignity, so why let them down now?
Things to know about Sabotage
A dark college/stepbrother romance
TW (Please see author’s note at the beginning of the book. If you have no triggers and want to go in blind, please skip to the prologue.)
J/P (jealous/possessive) H
OTT (over the top) H
Told in multiple POVs
Carnage (Spin Off)
Release date: October 31 2023
An all-new dark standalone romance from the USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Shantel Tessier. Carnage is based in the Lords’ world and can be read as a standalone.
The Spade brothers are coming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ritual book have a sequel?
Yes, there is a sequel to The Ritual book, it is called The Sinner but both titles can be read as standalones.
Is the ritual book a series?
Yes The Ritual book is part of a series. The series is called the Lords but all the books in the series can be read as standalones.
Do I read the sinner or the sacrifice first?
As both The Sinner and The Sacrifice are standalone titles within the Lords series then they can be read in any order.
Should I read the sinner or The Ritual first?
As both The Sinner and The Ritual are standalone titles within the Lords series then they can be read in any order.
Is The Ritual a standalone book?
Yes, The Ritual is a standalone book. It is part of the Lords series but all titles in the series can be read as standalones.
We hope you have found some new great reads with the Shantel Tessier Dark College Romance series!
If you are looking for some more dark romance reads, then you may like our Mafia Romance Books or Dark Romance Books posts.
