The Sacrifice: A Dark Revenge Romance

The Sacrifice has easily become my favorite book in Shantel Tessier’s Lords series so far. From the moment Tyson Crawford first appeared in The Ritual, I was hoping we’d eventually get his story and when I found out The Sacrifice was his book, I couldn’t start it fast enough. Tyson always had that mysterious, dangerous edge that made me wonder what was really going on beneath the surface. This book delivers all of that and more. When we first meet Lake, she’s preparing to marry a man she clearly doesn’t want to marry. Right from the start, her desperation and fear pull you in. Then Tyson crashes into her life, literally, and everything spirals from there. Their connection is tangled up in pain, betrayal, and a dark history that links Tyson to Lake’s late sister. From that moment, you just know this story is going to hurt in the best way possible. Tyson’s character completely blew me away. He’s still the intense, commanding man we glimpsed before, but Tessier peels back layers we never saw coming. Beneath the arrogance and dominance, he’s fiercely protective of what he considers his, especially when it comes to Lake. His distrust of her family runs deep, and it fuels his need to shield her. Even if his methods are dark and twisted. But it’s not just about control with Tyson; it’s about reclaiming something broken inside him, too. And Lake, she might start off naive, but her transformation throughout the book is phenomenal. By the end, she’s one of the strongest heroines in the entire series. You watch her go from someone terrified and trapped by circumstances she didn’t choose, to someone who stands tall even against Tyson himself. That strength makes their relationship feel so powerful and earned. Their chemistry? Off the charts. There’s one line in particular (when Tyson says he’ll make her crawl to him) that had my cheeks burning. Tessier knows how to balance the dark with the desire perfectly. Every heated moment between them feels charged with emotion, not just lust. It’s that blend of danger, trust, and vulnerability that makes their bond stand out from the rest. What I loved most, though, was how their connection grows into something so genuine and trusting. In a genre that thrives on chaos and control, The Sacrifice gives you a love that’s built on acceptance and healing. Tyson and Lake’s relationship evolves from a collision of past wounds into a bond rooted in understanding. Watching that unfold was unexpectedly beautiful and a big reason this book became my favorite. Shantel Tessier just keeps raising the bar with every installment, but The Sacrifice truly hit me on a different level. It’s dark, sexy, emotional, and surprisingly full of heart. Tyson and Lake’s story is the perfect reminder that even in the darkest corners, love can still find a way to shine. If you thought The Ritual and The Sinner were intense, get ready. The Sacrifice will consume you.

This one was disturbing in the best possible way and I devoured it. You can tell within the first few chapters that Tyson is different from the rest. He has almost zero empathy for anyone else and he is nothing if not CREATIVE. Shantel's imagination is absolutely unhinged in the best way. I have mixed feelings about the FMC, she came off a little whiny at times for me, but Tyson? Absolute perfection. 🥵🔥 That restaurant bathroom scene had me needing a cold shower. And Lake's dad made me want to throat punch someone. Instant hate. No spoilers, but Tyson's creativity just keeps escalating as the book goes on and it gets better and better. The anticipation leading up to the ending was so good. I was on the edge of my seat and could not put it down, I had to know what happened. Overall it was dark, disturbing, spicy, and I loved the whodunit aspect that kept me guessing the whole time. So, so good

Just screaming my head off and kicking my feet I’m so completely gone for The Sacrifice. It’s everything I was hoping for and everything that I needed it to be. In short, it’s a work of perfection 😘. Phew. Where do I even begin y’all? Let’s see. One: I love me an obsessed Hero. But you know what I love just as much? An obsessed Heroine!!! I was like YES!!! You claim your man!!! Sink your fangs in girl! Get it!!! Two: all the dirty hawt things Tyson did to his wifey. Yep!!! So good. Three: so much revenge. Blood soaking through the pages there was nothing left on the bones kind of revenge. I’m still shaking. Four: I love that all the main characters from this series (Ritual, Sinner and Sabotage) are still very much central and present in this story. Like, oh hey, the whole gangs here! Strap up! I never know what to expect with a Shantel Tessier novel. Just that it’s gonna be dark. It’s going to take me to very uncomfortable places and make me question if I even know what boundaries are anymore. It’s going to make me root for the sinners who work on the fringes of this society because they’re the only ones who know what loyalty is. But please do you and the author a favor and check out her TWs. Her stories are not intended for everyone. But if you can stomach pain,torture, and everything else that comes with a Shantel Tessier book you’ll be greatly rewarded with an epic story. She balances everything out. Gah!!! It’s intense. It was so dang twisty. And even tho the author gives you plenty of breadcrumbs for you to “try” to come up with your own theories, you’re still going to doubt yourself and just hang on to the edge of your seat. Until the very end. I kid you not! Tyson and Lake start out as a means for an end for Tyson’s long awaited revenge on Lake’s family. They did something to him. They took something from him. It changed him. And he has waited three long years for the moment he can say “I do” and ruin them. Poor Lake. She’s so sheltered. So very very innocent and really has no one on her side. No one! She truly believes that Tyson is the devil himself. The villain that shattered her and her family’s life. But what no one knows is that she’s obsessed with her new husband. Always has been. And is now fighting with herself for feeling all the feelings for this wicked man and trying to remain loyal to her family. What’s a girl to do? Hmmm? Do whatever your husband tells you to do because he’s what dreams are made of!!!! Duh!! She’s a smart one, so she’s pretty quick on the uptake. I liked her. She and Tyson were fire!! Oh me, oh my, Tyson Crawford is the King!!! I’ve loved him from the first time he graced us with his presence in The Ritual and he is truly the antihero to end all. He’s ummm,yeah, he’s perfect!!! The amount of women who have gone insane over him should be way higher in my opinion lol!!! He’s delicious. Absolutely mouthwatering. I loved that we get so many chapters of his POV. He’s funny. He’s loyal. He’s deadly. He doesn’t give a F. He will go to the ends of the earth for his little darling wifey and I was done. I love a hero that can only see one woman once he has her. That all consuming OTT need to own. To possess. To protect. I was actually swooning!!!! And it’s totally needed here imo because of the slight ick factor of who he used to be with so his utter devotion for Lake just cinched it for me that these two were endgame. I can’t even try to give away what takes place because it’s a doozy. Just know that this is probably Shantel Tessier’s tightest plot ever. Meaning not a single plot hole. Her writing is top notch here. She delivered and then delivered some more. Do yourself a favor and take your time reading this one so you don’t miss a single detail. Everything is there for a reason. This story is so immersive. I had to take a few breaks in the past 72 hours just to wrap my head around all the crazy going on. It’s good crazy. Like this is addicting and I have real life stuff to do!!!! Also, I’m so ready for Carnage. Like bring me to the brink and just destroy me!!!! And I really love how each three of these connective novels all have similar secondary epilogues dealing with their kids. Like we all know what your kids were up to last night ;) lmao!!!

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Tyson had me completely hooked from the beginning. He’s absolutely unhinged, but every piece of his story made me understand why he became the man he is. The more his past unraveled, the harder it was for me to put this book down. I loved that nothing was as simple as it seemed. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, BOOM, another secret came out. Laikyn really grew on me, because at first I wasn’t vibing too hard with her. By the end, i absolutely loved her. The twists actually surprised me, and somehow the series gets more addictive. I’m enjoying every page of these books.

5/5⭐ 5/5🌶 The sacrifice is book number three in The L.O.R.D.S series. I have to say I have been looking forward to this book from the beginning when Tyson was first introduced in the ritual. His character caught my attention and never left it. All his Cameo appearances in both books the ritual and The Sinner I just couldn't get enough of Tyson. Now his book is here and it's my favorite of the whole series. Tyson gave up everything that he was born for. When the L.O.R.D.S failed him and his chosen he made a deal and he never looked back. His life has been somewhat of a mystery to all of us until now. Him owning and running blackout and conducting the underground business that he does and having the connections that he does makes Tyson a very dangerous man to cross. So when the time comes for him to seek his revenge on the people who wronged him the most Tyson isn't pulling any punches and he's absolutely ruthless with his revenge plan, however even though something starts as Revenge doesn't mean it doesn't end with happiness. Being the daughter of a L.O.R.D Laikin knew what to expect. She knew her life was already planed and there was nothing she could do about it. Even in this day and age with this secret society that they are a part of she knew that her life was not hers to control. She knew she had to marry someone who her father chose and it wasn't going to be someone she would choose for herself. As a daughter she was just a form of transaction between two powerful families nothing more. After tragically losing her sister 3 years prior Laikin has been a bit broken herself. But nothing can break a woman more than finding out moments before her wedding is to begin that she is not to marry the person that she was promised to 3 years ago. Now she has to marry a man that she despises more than anyone on the planet. The man who killed her sister... Tyson made a deal when he lost everything and now it's time to collect. It's time for his revenge, and it's time to right the wrongs that he can. Laikin and Tyson are Polar Opposites. As we go through this book we find our emotions fly all over the place. The absolute betrayal that Laikin goes through by the people who are supposed to love her the most is heart-wrenching and the demanding, cruel to a point, and Sinister side of Tyson brings out very conflicting feelings as well. You can't help but feel fo Laikin and what she's going through. I was blown away by how much more I enjoyed this book even through the walls that both Tyson and Laikin built up there was just too much to love about both characters. The sacrifice has all of the worst kinds of betrayal that someone could go through. The trigger warnings are on point with this story so be warned and tread carefully. However if you can get through your personal triggers and read this story you will be absolutely Blown Away by the plot twists, the action, and the way both characters overcome their own personal demons. I have to say the sacrifice is my absolute favorite book of this series so far and Tyson and Laikin are a power couple and a force to be reckoned with. The narrators are absolutely phenomenal! 5 Glorious stars!

I love a dark romance novel. Especially when it’s by Shantel Tessier. The Ritual & The Sinner were by my definition the epitome of dark romance, boarding on the line of questioning mortality. Tyson was an active character more-so in The Ritual than The Sinner, but nevertheless, his character was always intriguing to me in those two books. However, now that he’s got his own book with his little darling Laikyn, I feel like something was missing in this third book. I’d say you’re left guessing and pretty confused for about 90% of the book. Laikyn is a strong willed female, but fell short of standing her ground when it came to the men in her life. I’ve almost wanted to DNF this book like 3 times but because of the raving reviews, I powered on and read it straight through to get the full picture. This might just be my taste but I do not like having to wait until the last 30 pages of the book, let alone a book over 600 pages to find out what the heck is going on and how everything connects together. Shantel definitely plays mind games with this book, I thought I’d go crazy if I didn’t figure out the entire story and why Tyson was so set on lying through his teeth throughout the entire novel. I get it…in the grand scheme of things…Tyson lied to protect Lake, but even the several flashbacks we get in this dual POV story, don’t provide a full, comprehensive picture. One thing I will say though, I love how Ryat and Sin made an appearance with their wives…I’d just hoped that Lake and Tyson’s story in the end/epilogue was a tad different than The Ritual and The Sinner…it would’ve alluded more to the belief that Tyson doesn’t bow down to anyone and he makes his own rules without caring about the consequences. I think that’s what really set the tone about his Alpha Male character for me, he talked the talk and walked the walk. Sin & Ryat did as well…but Tyson was more unhinged and truly did whatever the heck he wanted. I also don’t like how I have so many unanswered questions that I feel like should have been answered within those 600 pages. The Ritual & The Sinner storylines were nice and complete, wrapped in a shiny bow. The Sacrifice…incomplete, but still has potential. This book tested my beliefs and values as a woman and I really wanted to chuck my iPad across the room multiple times for different unreasonable reasons throughout the story. The spice in this novel does not disappoint, however be warned- it is more depriving than the last two. This book is like dipping your foot into BDSM but still not knowing a lot about it. That being said, it’s not for the faint hearted and some spicy scenes that were supposed to make me hot and bothered, made me feel uncomfortable and honestly grossed out. But that is my preference and I know I can still handle some deprivation of some sorts. All in all, 3/5 for overall, spiciness- we’re gonna go with a mix of ghost pepper and habanero spice…still super super steamy and hot..but not the hottest. Anyways, onto reading The Sabotage…hopefully that can redeem some disappointment I have from this book.

Having had glimpses of Tyson (Blackout) in the previous two books, I’m so glad he finally got his own story. The Sacrifice delivers not just on spice and plot, but also brings in a strong mystery element. You’re constantly trying to piece things together, and while some of the twists aren’t necessarily shocking, the way they’re revealed to the main characters is satisfying and well done. Lake is forced into a marriage with Tyson—a man she believes killed her sister and considers enemy number one. Tyson, on the other hand, is driven by revenge after losing everything and plans to use Lake to get it… in every way possible. This starts off as a revenge/bully dynamic, but tell me why Lake is immediately into it—even when she knows she shouldn’t be?! We also get more of the Spade Brothers in this book, and I’m starting to understand why so many readers are obsessed with them. Plus, Ryat and Sin make appearances, which was such a great addition. Lake’s story is one of being forced into a life she never wanted—married to a man she hates and pulled into a world she wanted no part of. She quickly learns that the people she thought were good can’t be trusted, and the ones she thought were evil might be the ones who save her. I loved seeing Tyson as a full MMC instead of a side character. His depth and complexity absolutely deserved his own story, and this one is filled with betrayal, deception, and plenty of spice. The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is the spice pacing. There’s a lot of it (similar to book one), but many of the scenes felt quick—I actually had to go back to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Book two gave me the longer, more detailed scenes I personally prefer. Overall, this was a strong addition to the series and a must-read if you’ve been waiting for Tyson’s story. Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Panty meter: 💦💦💦💦 Emotional damage: 💔💔💔💔

💥📖 𝑅𝐸𝒱𝐼𝐸𝒲 📖💥 💀 The Sacrifice – Shantel Tessier💀 ⭐️ Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ First off—WOW. I have read this series several times now…and every time I read it, I find something more to love about it. I had been anticipating Tyson’s story since The Ritual and it does not disappoint! This series is a chokehold I will never escape and I cannot recommend the L.O.R.D.S. series enough. Every installment has been somehow a little more dark, addictive, and deliciously twisted—but The Sacrifice may just be the sharpest dagger yet. Tyson Riley Crawford. 🫠 Completely u~n~h~i~n~g~e~d—morally gray, possessive, obsessive, twisted, brilliant, and hotter than sin itself. He plays the long game better than anyone I’ve ever seen, and the way Tessier builds his character arc is PHENOMENAL. She takes the mysterious, borderline villain—cocky, entitled, and cruel at first—and slowly, masterfully transforms him into a compelling, layered antihero that you can’t look away from. I wanted to punch him in the throat for half the book and then, holy hell…he delivers the goods in the end! The suspense and plotting here? NEXT LEVEL. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—BAM—another secret explodes onto the page. The revenge storyline can sometimes be predictable. But this one? Not even close. It’s layered, shocking, and so twisty I was gasping, frustrated, yelling at the characters, and sprinting through chapters to see what would unravel next. Shantel Tessier really tightened the screws on this plot, and it shows—this is her most airtight, twist-heavy book yet. And I LOVE that all my faves from earlier books are still central—Ryat, Sin, Ellie, the Spade brothers—it feels like a reunion of chaos. The gang’s all here, which grounds the madness and keeps the LORDS universe growing and evolving. The romance between Tyson and Laikyn is fire and fury. What begins as calculated revenge morphs into something raw, messy, and consuming. Their dynamic is angst-filled, toxic, and utterly magnetic. Tyson may have started out using Lake, but once his obsession with her takes root? Game over. He is loyal, deadly, protective, and ALL-IN on his girl. I adore an obsessed hero—but an obsessed heroine too? YES. Laikyn claiming Tyson right back was everything. 🌶️ And the SPICE?! Tessier doesn’t hold back on this one. 🥵 This book is filthy hot from start to finish. Dark kinks, explicit creativity, and so much steam it fogs up your Kindle. There were definitely a few moments where I questioned what I was reading—but that’s part of the fun with Tessier. She drags you to the edge of your comfort zone, makes you squirm, then rewards you with smut that is imaginative, raw, and ridiculously hot. Overall, this is a wild, spicy, delicious rollercoaster. The blood-soaked revenge, the unraveling secrets, the obsessive romance, the nonstop suspense—The Sacrifice is a ride you won’t recover from. And the epilogue? Perfection. Just like the others in this series, it teases the next generation in a way that makes me crave even more. Final thoughts: Tyson Crawford is THE antihero to end all antiheroes. The plot is Shantel’s twistiest and most airtight in the series thus far. The spice? Off the charts. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ The revenge? Brutal, bloody, and oh-so-satisfying. The obsession? Mutual. All-consuming. Delicious. This series owns me. Shantel Tessier is an automatic one-click for me, and I am SO READY for Carnage. Destroy me, please! 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 💀dark romance 💀enemies to lovers 💀revenge romance 💀secret society 💀arranged marriage 💀jealous/possessive MMC 💀OTT MMC

Phenomenal book every book she writes is an absolute masterpiece!!

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖆𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝕽𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌:5 𝕾𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊: 5/5 +Possessive MMC +innocent FMC +Lots of kinks +Secret Society +Revenge plot +Forced Marriage ok ok.. let me put down my fan! I admit I struggled to love Tyson at the start due to his way with Lake but I got over it and started to love him. Their love story isn't a fairytale, it is dark and disturbing. This book had everything, plot, spice and a man who will do anything for his wife. The book had so many twists and turns I'm surprised I didn't get whiplash from it. There was a small apart I had predicted nearer the end but another twist made it far more interesting than I had imagined. The spice in this book is top shelf, you get so many different forms and kinks.I have no words. Both characters, Lake and Tyson I loved. You really seen their character development throughout the book. There were times I felt so emotional for both due to struggles they both experienced. Shantel Tessier is really a genius, the level of detail she puts into her books whether its the plot or spice is amazing. I loved how previous book characters were included as well as The Spade brothers. Their involvement in the story makes me SO EXCITED for Carnage. (Coming out 31st Oct) Highly recommend this book and series. IT's not for the faint of heart so check those trigger warnings. This book is for the dark romance girlies & guys who love some lovey goodness.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 This is my third rendezvous with Shantel Tessier's work, and once again, she has left me breathless. "The Sinner" (L.O.R.D.S. #3) is an intense rollercoaster of emotions that I never saw coming. This book has officially claimed its spot among my favorites. Right from the start, Tessier warns readers with significant trigger warnings, urging them to tread carefully into the dark and suspenseful world she's crafted. And let me tell you, it's a world you won't easily forget. The narrative delves deep into BDSM and other intense themes, creating an atmosphere that's both thrilling and heart-wrenching. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Tessier throws curveballs that will make you question everything. I found myself riding the waves of frustration, tears, and even yelling at the characters – a testament to the author's ability to engage and surprise her readers. The suspense in this series is masterfully executed. Each chapter introduces new twists, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the next revelation. Tessier's storytelling prowess shines as she weaves a complex narrative that explores the boundaries of love, revenge, and sacrifice. Despite the challenging themes, the characters are compelling, and their development is nothing short of captivating. "The Sinner" introduces Tyson Riley Crawford, a ruthless Lord seeking revenge, and the Lady who becomes an unwitting pawn in his game. Their dynamic is intense, filled with passion, turmoil, and unexpected turns that will leave you hooked until the very end. This book isn't for the faint of heart, but for those willing to brave its storm, the reward is an unforgettable reading experience. Shantel Tessier has once again proven herself as a maestro of suspense and emotion. I'm eagerly anticipating more from this author in the future, ready to be swept away by her words once again.

Good book for my GF!

Rereading "The Sacrifice" by Shantel Tessier in preparation for "Madness" coming out at the end of the month, and I’m falling in love with it all over again! 😍 The plot is captivating, and Tyson will always be my favorite Lord of all time. The struggles he endures and his distinct perspective set him apart from the other Lords, making him a truly compelling character. The female character’s journey from a timid, sheltered girl to someone who finds her confidence and strength is inspiring. Her transformation as she’s introduced to a whole new world is beautifully written and adds so much depth to the story. I didn't realize the first time around, but there are so many hints for the next books scattered throughout the plot that blew me away during this reread. Shantel Tessier's storytelling is masterful, and the way she weaves these subtle connections is impressive. The plot is intense and thrilling. Tyson’s assertiveness and the way he takes what he wants adds an exciting edge to the story. His complexity and depth make him a standout character, and his interactions with the other Lords and the female lead are gripping. If you’re into dark romance with strong, unforgettable characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, "The Sacrifice" is a must-read. Dive into this world and get ready to be blown away by the twists and turns. Highly recommend this book, especially if you're gearing up for "Madness" like I am! 🌑✨