Sabotage book cover

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier Summary

Sabotage
Shantel Tessier
Relationship
Psychology
Thriller
Fiction
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Sabotage

Forbidden desires ignite in "Sabotage," USA Today bestselling author Shantel Tessier's polarizing dark romance where stepsiblings Raylee and Colton collide at Barrington University. What makes readers pay up to $70 for signed copies of this toxic, chemistry-fueled psychological game of seduction?

Key Takeaways from Sabotage

  1. Sabotage by Shantel Tessier explores forbidden step-sibling dark romance obsession
  2. Colton and Raylee's six-year hate fuels their consuming passion
  3. The Lords secret society controls Barrington University's dangerous power games
  4. Step-siblings become enemies-to-lovers in this morally grey standalone novel
  5. Psychological manipulation and possessiveness define Colton's toxic obsession with Raylee
  6. Multiple viewpoints reveal conflicting desires in Shantel Tessier's dark writing
  7. Raylee reclaims her agency despite years of controlling power dynamics
  8. Dark romance readers embrace explicit scenes balanced with emotional healing
  9. Colton sacrifices the Lords proving redemption through genuine transformative love
  10. Forbidden desire between step-siblings creates ultimate taboo romance conflict
  11. This L.O.R.D.S. installment proves love survives toxic beginnings
  12. Hate sex masks deeper longing in step-sibling enemies-to-lovers arc

Overview of its author - Shantel Tessier

Shantel Tessier is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Sabotage, known for her captivating dark romance novels that explore complex characters and intense emotional dynamics. As a leading voice in the dark romance genre, Tessier masterfully weaves themes of redemption, forbidden love, and morally grey characters with unpredictable plot twists that keep readers breathless.

Sabotage is the fourth installment in her acclaimed L.O.R.D.S. series, following The Ritual, The Sinner, and The Sacrifice. The Texas-born author, who now resides in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, has built a devoted following through her additional series including Dark Kingdom and Dare. Her writing is characterized by spicy, intense romance balanced with emotional depth and themes of forgiveness.

Since publishing her debut novel in 2013, Tessier has written more than two dozen works, earning her reputation as "The Dark Romance Queen" with millions of readers worldwide captivated by her ability to balance steamy scenes with raw emotional authenticity.

Common FAQs of Sabotage

What is Sabotage by Shantel Tessier about?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier follows the toxic, obsessive relationship between step-siblings Raylee Lexington Adams and Colton Remington Knox. Set against the backdrop of Barrington University, their connection is fueled by six years of hatred, desire, and psychological manipulation since their parents married when they were in high school. The dark romance explores themes of forbidden love, power dynamics, and redemption as Colton and Raylee navigate their twisted game of dominance and submission.

Who is Shantel Tessier?

Shantel Tessier is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author known for her dark romance novels. She resides in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart husband and has built a loyal following through her L.O.R.D.S. series, Dark Kingdom series, and other works. Tessier is celebrated for creating morally grey characters, unpredictable plot twists, and emotionally intense stories that explore the darker side of love while offering themes of redemption and healing.

Who should read Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier is perfect for readers who enjoy dark romance with explicit content, forbidden relationships, and enemies-to-lovers tropes. This book appeals to fans of morally grey characters, toxic power dynamics, and emotionally intense storylines that push boundaries. Readers should be comfortable with graphic content, step-sibling romance, degradation themes, and psychological manipulation. Sabotage is not recommended for those seeking lighthearted romance or readers sensitive to dark, provocative themes.

Is Sabotage by Shantel Tessier worth reading?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier is worth reading for dark romance enthusiasts seeking an intense, unputdownable story. Reviewers praise it as a "dirty, gritty, filthy, non-stop read" with five-star ratings, highlighting Tessier's ability to craft complex characters and explore forbidden themes without hesitation. The book delivers on enemies-to-lovers dynamics, steamy scenes balanced with emotional depth, and a satisfying ending that emphasizes character growth. However, readers must be prepared for explicit content and morally ambiguous situations throughout.

What are the main themes in Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier explores toxic love, obsession, and power dynamics within a forbidden relationship. The novel delves into psychological manipulation, as Colton's possessiveness clashes with Raylee's defiance, creating an explosive dynamic. Themes of redemption and transformation emerge as both characters confront their vulnerabilities and the consequences of their actions. The story also examines how hatred can mask desire, the influence of elite secret societies, and the possibility of finding love in the darkest circumstances.

What is the relationship between Raylee and Colton in Sabotage?

Raylee Adams and Colton Knox share a twisted step-sibling relationship characterized by mutual hatred and undeniable sexual chemistry. For six years since their parents married, they've engaged in a dangerous game of push and pull, using degradation and dominance to channel their obsession. Colton has been fixated on Raylee since they met, and after learning she lost her virginity to his friend, he pursued her relentlessly. Their connection represents "hate sex at its finest," blending animosity with intense passion that neither can find elsewhere.

What are the most memorable quotes from Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier features powerful quotes that capture the dark intensity of Raylee and Colton's relationship.

  • "We are hate sex at its finest" encapsulates their passionate yet volatile connection.
  • "I'm prepared to go to war with her. And I don't lose. No matter what I have to do" reveals Colton's obsessive determination and unwavering need for control.
  • "You're my fucking toy to use and pass around" exemplifies the toxic power dynamics and objectification central to their twisted dynamic, showcasing the book's dark, provocative nature.
How does Sabotage by Shantel Tessier end?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier concludes with Raylee exercising her agency by choosing Colton despite their traumatic history, demonstrating her strength and resilience. Colton undergoes significant transformation, severing ties with the Lords secret society and committing to genuine change for Raylee's sake. The ending emphasizes that love can exist in unconventional forms, even emerging from darkness, and highlights forgiveness and acceptance as essential for healing. Their resolution suggests that both characters have found redemption through their willingness to evolve and prioritize their relationship.

What is the writing style of Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier employs multiple points of view, primarily alternating between Raylee and Colton, providing intimate insight into their conflicting motivations and emotions. Tessier uses a dark, provocative tone with explicit language and graphic descriptions to create intensity and moral ambiguity. Her writing style incorporates foreshadowing and suspenseful pacing that builds tension throughout the narrative. The author masterfully balances steamy scenes with emotional depth, creating multi-dimensional characters who walk the line between good and evil while delivering unpredictable plot twists.

What are the trigger warnings for Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage by Shantel Tessier contains significant trigger warnings that readers should consider before starting.

  • The book features explicit sexual content, including degradation, dominance and submission dynamics, and objectification.
  • Other warnings include step-sibling romance, toxic relationship patterns, psychological manipulation, and morally grey behavior from both protagonists.

Reviewers consistently note that Sabotage is "not for the faint of hearts" and pushes boundaries extensively. Readers sensitive to dark romance themes, forbidden relationships, or intense power dynamics should approach this book with caution.

How does Sabotage fit into the L.O.R.D.S. series by Shantel Tessier?

Sabotage is the fourth book in Shantel Tessier's L.O.R.D.S. series, which explores the dark world of an elite secret society. While Sabotage can be read as a standalone, it's part of a larger universe that includes The Ritual, The Sinner, The Sacrifice, Carnage, and Madness. The Lords organization influences the story's setting at Barrington University and shapes Colton's character development. Each book in the series features different couples navigating forbidden relationships, morally grey characters, and the dangerous influence of the Lords, creating an interconnected world of dark romance.

What is the role of the Lords in Sabotage by Shantel Tessier?

The Lords serve as a clandestine secret society wielding significant power and influence at Barrington University in Sabotage by Shantel Tessier. This elite organization shapes the characters' actions, particularly Colton's, adding layers of danger and intrigue to the narrative. The Lords represent the dark underbelly of high society and privilege, creating an atmosphere of psychological manipulation and control. The secret society's presence adds complexity to Colton's character arc, as his eventual decision to sever ties with the Lords demonstrates his commitment to transformation and choosing Raylee over power.

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