Books That Changed My Life... The L.O.R.D.S Series, By Shantel Tessier

Some books entertain. Some educate. And some hit you so hard, they completely wreck your worldview—in the best way possible.

This blog series is about the books that messed with my head (in the best way). The heavily under-rated gems, the under-the-radar reads, and the books I never saw coming but can’t stop thinking about.  They’ve shifted my mindset, shaped my decisions, and, in some cases, sent me spiralling into a full-blown existential crisis (fun!).

Will they change your life too? No guarantees—but hey, at least you'll get some good book recs. Let’s dive in!

This series has made the list of books that changed my life because it was my first dive into the wonderfully messed up world of dark romance. Now, people who have read this series are probably thinking something along the lines of 'my gosh this girl is nuts'. Honestly, yeah, a little, but I think what made me keep reading even when I was like 'wtaf am I reading right now' were the characters and the plot.

I mean, come on?! Secret society that secretly rules an entire college and then THE WORLD. And the way you enter you have to do whatever they tell you, including everything from espionage to unaliving people? And, the guys have to remain celibate for 3 years? The world Shantel has built is dark, dangerous, secretive, chaotic and just down right fan-bloody-tastic.

I got sucked into this world so quickly and couldn't stop reading. I had to find out every secret, solve every mystery, and basically spend as much time with Ryat as I could because I just love this man.

This series is the reason I became OBSESSED with Dark Romance. It's now my favourite genre, and don't even get me started on the sub-genres. Hockey Romance will always have my heart, but Dark Romance has my soul in a death grip and honestly? I hope it never lets go.

Please note, the L.O.R.D.S series is not for the faint of heart. Each book comes with extensive trigger warnings and I encourage you to read them all if you know you have them, and if you're not a dark romance addict like me, well… proceed with caution (and maybe a shot of something, lol).

Series Summary...

The L.O.R.D.S. series is a twisted, dark, and utterly addictive world centered around a secret society of powerful, privileged, and dangerously unhinged men who run the show at Barrington University. Each book focuses on a different member of the society and the women who challenge, change, and ultimately fall for them (or vice versa). Throughout the 6 books, Shantel Tessier takes us on a ride of lust, power, revenge, and oaths that bind for life.

This isn’t your average dark romance. This is L.O.R.D.S.—where loyalty is everything, secrets are currency, and violence is just part of the initiation.

I Vow. You Vow. We Vow.

My Favourite Books of the Series and Why...

The Ritual

Why is The Ritual my favourite of the series, one word...Ryat

This book sets the tone for the entire series, and Ryat Archer is the gold standard of what a dominant, unhinged, absolutely obsessed man should be in dark romance. From the very first scene, Ryat makes it clear that once he claims Blakely, there’s no going back. Their relationship is intense, possessive, twisted, and somehow still manages to be heartbreakingly romantic at times. Ryat doesn’t just protect Blakely, he owns her in the most messed-up, swoon-worthy way. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, and the ritualistic, secret society elements take their story to another level entirely.

Carnage

Carnage is one of my favourites because I spent the first few books dying to know more about the infamous Spade brothers, and what it's like to live in Carnage, basically its own little hellscape inside the already chaotic L.O.R.D.S. universe.

The plot is gritty, full of vengeance, manipulation, and secrets that blew my mind. The story dives deep into the twisted dynamics of Carnage and the price of being part of this world. The layers of loyalty and betrayal woven through this one? Immaculate. Carnage is not just a place; it’s a vibe, a messed up, dangerous place wrapped in black leather and blood.

My Favourite Characters (so far)...

Ryat Archer (The Ritual)

Ryat is the blueprint for the dark, dangerous, morally grey book boyfriend. He's obessessive, calculated, and terrifyingly in control. He's the kind of man who commands every room he walks into without needing to say or do a goddam thing. Ryat is the L.O.R.D.S star initiate. He excels at every 'task' he's given. He lives and breathes the rules of their world…until Blakely forces him to question every single one of them.

What makes Ryat such a standout character isn’t just the dominance (though, let’s be honest, that doesn’t hurt)—it’s his loyalty. Once he claims someone, that’s it. Game over. Ryat Archer would burn the world down to keep what’s his, and you knowhe'd do it without blinking. He's brutal, obsessive, protective, and unapologetically alpha—and that’s exactly why we love him.

Blakely Anderson (The Ritual)

Blakely starts out as someone who seems like she’s just going to be another pawn in this world, but she turns out to be anything but. She’s resiliant, smart, and knows how to hold her own in a world full of monsters. While she starts off following the rules, it doesn’t take long for her to start bending them to her will. She learns when to fight back and when to lean in. She’s not a damsel in distress in this story, she’s a woman who figures out the rules of a brutal world and then rewrites them on her terms. And I'm here for it.

Tyson Crawford (The Sacrifice)

Tyson is fury wrapped in flesh; raw, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore. He’s a walking storm of trauma, vengeance, and rage, shaped by a lifetime of pain and abandonment. On the surface, he’s all aggression and sharp edges, but beneath that volatility is a heart capable of intense loyalty and love. I think that's what hat makes him so compelling, how deeply he feels, even if he doesn’t know what to do with those feelings. He’s a walking contradiction, and I’m lowkey obsessed. We watch Tyson unravel and rebuild the world around him, piece by bloody piece.

Haidyn Reeves (Madness)

Haidyn is the mind behind the madness—quiet, controlled, and utterly brilliant. He doesn’t need to be the loudest in the room because he’s always the most dangerous one in it. Haidyn plays the long game, moving pieces on the board with surgical precision. He thrives in the shadows, keeping his thoughts close and his motives closer. But underneath his cold, calculated exterior is a man haunted by past choices and driven by something deeper than just power. In Madness, we finally get to see the cracks in the mask, the weight he’s carried for years, and the way love both breaks and saves him.

A Controversial Opinion...

So, I know most people LOVE Sin and his book (The Sinner)…yeah, that’s my least favourite of the series. 😬 I just didn't feel a connection with him or Elli. I enjoyed the plot but but I didn’t fall in love with the characters. Maybe I need to give it another go (I probably will, who am I kidding), or maybe Ryat is just superior...just saying. 😉

A Little Thought...

I had to mention this because I don't even get it myself. Let's talk about Kash for a minute. I just have a feeling that Kashton's going to end up being my favourite when we get his book, I don't know why. I just have this gut feeling that he will be. I think Haidyn choosing him as Charlotte's guardian (basically the ultimate emergency contact in the L.O.R.D.S world) is telling. And, just his relationships with everyone... Maybe, it's because he's the most psychotic out of all of them and they always seem to end up being my favourite characters. 🤣😭

Also, I can't wait for Adam's book, I am so ready to get more insight into whatever off-the-grid, secret-mission, morally grey stuff he’s up to.

I can’t wait for the next book. I mean, Chaotic? That HAS to be Kash’s. Right, Shantel?! Please say yes. I’m dying over here!!

Thanks for reading ~ Natalie x

Oh, and remember - I Vow. You Vow. We Vow. ❤️‍🔥😉