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Sworn in Deceit
He can destroy anyone—except the woman he’s sworn to deceive.
Elias Kent is Chicago’s most dangerous fixer—a man who plays chess with human lives and always wins. Beneath St. Michael’s Cathedral, in the catacombs hidden under the city, he lives for one thing: revenge against the secret criminal empire known as The Association.
Lana Anderson was supposed to be leverage—until the enemy closes in. Elias makes an impossible bargain: an arranged marriage that will shield her old-money family…and buy him access to the inner circle.
Lana thinks Elias is the villain who betrayed her world. She vows she’ll survive his cage long enough to destroy him.
He swears he hates her—until obsession becomes an insatiable hunger he refuses to feed. Instead, he watches her. Controls the rooms she enters. Keeps distance like it’s a weapon…because the moment he touches her, she becomes his weakness—and weakness can get them killed.
Then Lana finds the clues he never meant her to see—and realizes the man she married is hiding more than secrets.
With danger closing in and the city igniting, Elias must choose: vengeance…or love.
In a city built on secrets, falling for your enemy is the deadliest vow of all.
For fans of Peaky Blinders grit, Phantom of the Opera obsession, and Ocean’s Eleven schemes—with angst, spice, and sharp twists.
Tropes in Sworn in Deceit:
Enemies to Lovers • Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience • Forced Proximity • Grumpy Sunshine • “My Wife” • Obsessed Hero • Secret Society • Mafia/Organized Crime • Morally Gray Billionaires • Found Family • Touch Her and Regret It • Secret Identities • Masked Men • Heist Crew Energy
WELCOME TO THE ANTIHERO SYNDICATE
Six men. One brotherhood. One vow: no mercy.
Each book is a standalone dark romance with an HEA and an overarching war against The Association.
Elias Kent is Chicago’s most dangerous fixer—a man who plays chess with human lives and always wins. Beneath St. Michael’s Cathedral, in the catacombs hidden under the city, he lives for one thing: revenge against the secret criminal empire known as The Association.
Lana Anderson was supposed to be leverage—until the enemy closes in. Elias makes an impossible bargain: an arranged marriage that will shield her old-money family…and buy him access to the inner circle.
Lana thinks Elias is the villain who betrayed her world. She vows she’ll survive his cage long enough to destroy him.
He swears he hates her—until obsession becomes an insatiable hunger he refuses to feed. Instead, he watches her. Controls the rooms she enters. Keeps distance like it’s a weapon…because the moment he touches her, she becomes his weakness—and weakness can get them killed.
Then Lana finds the clues he never meant her to see—and realizes the man she married is hiding more than secrets.
With danger closing in and the city igniting, Elias must choose: vengeance…or love.
In a city built on secrets, falling for your enemy is the deadliest vow of all.
For fans of Peaky Blinders grit, Phantom of the Opera obsession, and Ocean’s Eleven schemes—with angst, spice, and sharp twists.
Tropes in Sworn in Deceit:
Enemies to Lovers • Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience • Forced Proximity • Grumpy Sunshine • “My Wife” • Obsessed Hero • Secret Society • Mafia/Organized Crime • Morally Gray Billionaires • Found Family • Touch Her and Regret It • Secret Identities • Masked Men • Heist Crew Energy
WELCOME TO THE ANTIHERO SYNDICATE
Six men. One brotherhood. One vow: no mercy.
Each book is a standalone dark romance with an HEA and an overarching war against The Association.
397 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2026
73 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Lum
12 books376 followersVictoria is a lover of all things romance, including movies, books, and television shows. A hopeless romantic since childhood, she is always dreaming up stories and happily ever afters. Caramel lattes are her fuel in the morning and she can usually be found reading anything she can get her hands on. She lives with her family and a beautiful Siberian husky in sunny California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
March 9, 2026
Elias Kent has one mission: revenge. Every move, every decision is rooted in identifying and taking down everyone who had a hand in his family being massacred 20 years prior. His only weakness: Lana Elise Anderson.
When an opportunity is presented for Elias to join The Association, it sets off a chain of events that puts his first love back in his orbit far more than the 28 minutes a day he allows himself to quell his obsession.
Whew! What a start to this new series! Elias and Lana’s story was all the things: action-packed, emotional, and steamy. And all the side characters?! I can’t want to get all of their stories. This was a great read by a new-to-me author!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 😩☺️😭😳😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Opposites Attract, Organized Crime, Second Chance, Secret Society, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, He Falls First, It’s Always Been You, Pet Name (Zemër), Scarred, Secrets & Lies, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, Virgin FMC, “You Take Me So Well”
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Domination
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Death of Small Child (Off-Page), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Chicago, Illinois + New York City, New York 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Sworn in Deceit is the first book in The Antihero Syndicate series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline will continue in future books. As such, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
⚠️ Warning: This angsty and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
When an opportunity is presented for Elias to join The Association, it sets off a chain of events that puts his first love back in his orbit far more than the 28 minutes a day he allows himself to quell his obsession.
Whew! What a start to this new series! Elias and Lana’s story was all the things: action-packed, emotional, and steamy. And all the side characters?! I can’t want to get all of their stories. This was a great read by a new-to-me author!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Action, Dark, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}
Emotions: 😩☺️😭😳😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Saga, Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers, Heroine in Danger, Hidden Identity, Kidnapped/Captive, Opposites Attract, Organized Crime, Second Chance, Secret Society, Stalker
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, He Falls First, It’s Always Been You, Pet Name (Zemër), Scarred, Secrets & Lies, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, Virgin FMC, “You Take Me So Well”
🔆 Character: Illegal Enterprises, White Collar
💋 Kinks: Domination
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Dominant MMC, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying
⛔️ Safety Squad: Death of Small Child (Off-Page), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Chicago, Illinois + New York City, New York 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Sworn in Deceit is the first book in The Antihero Syndicate series of interconnected standalones. The couple gets their HEA/HFN, but the overarching storyline will continue in future books. As such, this series will be best enjoyed when read in order.
⚠️ Warning: This angsty and steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader Review
I received an advance review copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
5 /5🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Some books are worth the wait.
This one was inevitable.
After anticipating Elias Kent’s story for years, I approached this book with equal parts excitement and fear. When a character has been built up for so long—mysterious, morally grey, dangerous—the risk of disappointment is real. But what Victoria Lum delivers here is not just a romance. It is a carefully constructed, emotionally layered story of violence,obsession, destiny, guilt, and choice. And it delivers with precision.
---
Plot Brief Description
Without diving into spoilers, this story revolves around a past tragedy that silently binds Elias and Lana in ways neither fully understands at first. Forced proximity, buried history, and a web of secrets create the foundation of a romance that feels both fated and volatile. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a confrontation between past and present, between control and surrender, between darkness and devotion.
---
Atmosphere, Tone and Setting
The atmosphere of this book deserves special mention. The tone is unapologetically dark—intense, violent in places, and emotionally charged—yet it never loses its seductive softness. The setting feels cinematic: calculated power, quiet tension, and a looming sense of inevitability. Every interaction carries weight. Every revelation lands at exactly the right moment. The pacing, especially in the latter half, is razor sharp.
---
Character Analysis
Elias Kent is, quite simply, one of the strongest anti-heroes I have read in recent years. He is not dark for aesthetic value. He is not cruel for shock. He is morally grey with intention. His actions have logic. His restraint has depth. His obsession is not random—it is layered, ritualistic, and disturbingly intimate. What makes him compelling is not just his power, but the moments where he fractures. The gradual unveiling of his inner world is executed with remarkable control.
Lana Anderson, on the other hand, undergoes a progression that truly anchors the romance. While I initially questioned certain aspects of her early characterization, her growth throughout the novel is undeniable. She evolves from vulnerability into strength without losing her softness. By the final act, she stands beside Elias—not beneath him, not overshadowed, but as his equal. And that balance is what makes their dynamic work.
---
Crictical Analysis
From a critical perspective, there are small elements I would have loved to see explored further. A few additional brother-sister moments could have enriched Lana’s emotional world, even within the dark tone of the narrative. The absence of certain familiar characters (particularly from the Orchid series) was noticeable, though the introduction of Scarlett and Aria helped expand this universe in a refreshing way. These are not flaws, but rather areas where the world could have felt even more textured.
What impressed me most is that this book does not rely on the author’s usual signature emotional devices. Instead, it trusts the strength of its plot, its tension, and its character depth. The revelations are timed with care. The emotional beats feel earned. Nothing is rushed. Nothing feels convenient.
And yes—I am aware I may sound biased. But I also know when a story is structurally sound beyond personal attachment. Even without the anticipation, this would have been a five-star read for me.
---
Final Verdict:
Dark. Intense. Intimate. Destined.
Elias and Lana are not just another couple in this universe—they are its foundation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And no one can convince me otherwise.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
5 /5🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Some books are worth the wait.
This one was inevitable.
After anticipating Elias Kent’s story for years, I approached this book with equal parts excitement and fear. When a character has been built up for so long—mysterious, morally grey, dangerous—the risk of disappointment is real. But what Victoria Lum delivers here is not just a romance. It is a carefully constructed, emotionally layered story of violence,obsession, destiny, guilt, and choice. And it delivers with precision.
---
Plot Brief Description
Without diving into spoilers, this story revolves around a past tragedy that silently binds Elias and Lana in ways neither fully understands at first. Forced proximity, buried history, and a web of secrets create the foundation of a romance that feels both fated and volatile. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a confrontation between past and present, between control and surrender, between darkness and devotion.
---
Atmosphere, Tone and Setting
The atmosphere of this book deserves special mention. The tone is unapologetically dark—intense, violent in places, and emotionally charged—yet it never loses its seductive softness. The setting feels cinematic: calculated power, quiet tension, and a looming sense of inevitability. Every interaction carries weight. Every revelation lands at exactly the right moment. The pacing, especially in the latter half, is razor sharp.
---
Character Analysis
Elias Kent is, quite simply, one of the strongest anti-heroes I have read in recent years. He is not dark for aesthetic value. He is not cruel for shock. He is morally grey with intention. His actions have logic. His restraint has depth. His obsession is not random—it is layered, ritualistic, and disturbingly intimate. What makes him compelling is not just his power, but the moments where he fractures. The gradual unveiling of his inner world is executed with remarkable control.
Lana Anderson, on the other hand, undergoes a progression that truly anchors the romance. While I initially questioned certain aspects of her early characterization, her growth throughout the novel is undeniable. She evolves from vulnerability into strength without losing her softness. By the final act, she stands beside Elias—not beneath him, not overshadowed, but as his equal. And that balance is what makes their dynamic work.
---
Crictical Analysis
From a critical perspective, there are small elements I would have loved to see explored further. A few additional brother-sister moments could have enriched Lana’s emotional world, even within the dark tone of the narrative. The absence of certain familiar characters (particularly from the Orchid series) was noticeable, though the introduction of Scarlett and Aria helped expand this universe in a refreshing way. These are not flaws, but rather areas where the world could have felt even more textured.
What impressed me most is that this book does not rely on the author’s usual signature emotional devices. Instead, it trusts the strength of its plot, its tension, and its character depth. The revelations are timed with care. The emotional beats feel earned. Nothing is rushed. Nothing feels convenient.
And yes—I am aware I may sound biased. But I also know when a story is structurally sound beyond personal attachment. Even without the anticipation, this would have been a five-star read for me.
---
Final Verdict:
Dark. Intense. Intimate. Destined.
Elias and Lana are not just another couple in this universe—they are its foundation.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And no one can convince me otherwise.
March 8, 2026
5⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Mafia/Organized Crime
🔥Secret Society
🔥Morally Gray Billionaires
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Arranged Marriage
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Grumpy Sunshine
🔥“My Wife”
🔥Found Family
🔥Touch Her and Regret It
🔥Masked Men
🔥Dual First Person POV
I have found my new obsession. Victoria has created a world that will pull you in and immerse you in vivid imagery and complicated characters. This is a world I plan to return to over and over again. This Hades and Persephone inspired romance is heart breaking, heart wrenching, full of angst, tension, and pining. Elias and Lana are haunted by the past in differnet ways and their life has been shaped by their beautiful teenage love. Their journey unfolds through flashbacks that slowly and effortlessly reveal the depth of their connection. Elias, king of the underworld, keeper of secrets, has spent the last two decades hunting down the members of The Association responsible for the death of his family. Everything he has done, the wealth, power and secrets were all for revenge. Lana is the Anderson princess, always underestimated but she is strong, she has a sharp mind, and handles impossible situations with poise. Elias has spent the last two decades hating Lana, except the 28mminutes a day he allowed himself to remember. Their journey is rife with heartbreak with secrets uppon secrets. Elias has manipulated the situation as if he was moving pieces on a chess board, always several steps ahead of everyone else. Their arranged marriage starts off as a way for Elias to get into The Association and keep Lana safe, but living under the same roof proves to be more difficult that he anticipated. Between witty banter and passionate moments, Elias lets Lana in and she discovers his biggest secret. This emotionally layered romance is full of symbolism, mystery, and suspense. I loved how all the small details of their love story as teenagers were mirrored in the present. The high stakes drama is both bold and tragic. This is an addictive and unputdownable page turner, a must for any reader that loves the genre.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Victoria Lum and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“She’s mine. And God help the world if it tries to take her away from me.”
“Kian’s gone,” he whispers. “In his place is a monster. Don’t hope for anything more. You’ll be disappointed.”
“Kian… Elias… whoever you are,” I whisper, “I will always keep your heart safe. Always.”
“Some melodies,” I whisper, “you only need to listen once to remember forever.”
“Underneath the pain, there’s happiness. Because with her… I’m finally alive.”
“Safety is an illusion when you love someone like Elias. Any moment may be our last. But it’s okay. There are no guarantees in life. I’d rather have tiny moments with him than none at all.”
“I love you, my Lana Elise,” he murmurs, tipping my chin up. “You’re my melody, my ‘Für Elise’.”
“And you,” I whisper, pulling him down by his lapels, “you’re the music I’ve been searching for my entire life.”
3🌶️
🔥Mafia/Organized Crime
🔥Secret Society
🔥Morally Gray Billionaires
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Arranged Marriage
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Grumpy Sunshine
🔥“My Wife”
🔥Found Family
🔥Touch Her and Regret It
🔥Masked Men
🔥Dual First Person POV
I have found my new obsession. Victoria has created a world that will pull you in and immerse you in vivid imagery and complicated characters. This is a world I plan to return to over and over again. This Hades and Persephone inspired romance is heart breaking, heart wrenching, full of angst, tension, and pining. Elias and Lana are haunted by the past in differnet ways and their life has been shaped by their beautiful teenage love. Their journey unfolds through flashbacks that slowly and effortlessly reveal the depth of their connection. Elias, king of the underworld, keeper of secrets, has spent the last two decades hunting down the members of The Association responsible for the death of his family. Everything he has done, the wealth, power and secrets were all for revenge. Lana is the Anderson princess, always underestimated but she is strong, she has a sharp mind, and handles impossible situations with poise. Elias has spent the last two decades hating Lana, except the 28mminutes a day he allowed himself to remember. Their journey is rife with heartbreak with secrets uppon secrets. Elias has manipulated the situation as if he was moving pieces on a chess board, always several steps ahead of everyone else. Their arranged marriage starts off as a way for Elias to get into The Association and keep Lana safe, but living under the same roof proves to be more difficult that he anticipated. Between witty banter and passionate moments, Elias lets Lana in and she discovers his biggest secret. This emotionally layered romance is full of symbolism, mystery, and suspense. I loved how all the small details of their love story as teenagers were mirrored in the present. The high stakes drama is both bold and tragic. This is an addictive and unputdownable page turner, a must for any reader that loves the genre.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Victoria Lum and The Author Agency for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“She’s mine. And God help the world if it tries to take her away from me.”
“Kian’s gone,” he whispers. “In his place is a monster. Don’t hope for anything more. You’ll be disappointed.”
“Kian… Elias… whoever you are,” I whisper, “I will always keep your heart safe. Always.”
“Some melodies,” I whisper, “you only need to listen once to remember forever.”
“Underneath the pain, there’s happiness. Because with her… I’m finally alive.”
“Safety is an illusion when you love someone like Elias. Any moment may be our last. But it’s okay. There are no guarantees in life. I’d rather have tiny moments with him than none at all.”
“I love you, my Lana Elise,” he murmurs, tipping my chin up. “You’re my melody, my ‘Für Elise’.”
“And you,” I whisper, pulling him down by his lapels, “you’re the music I’ve been searching for my entire life.”
March 9, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
This was my first time reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the story pulled me in.
The book follows Elias Kent and Lana Anderson, two people bound by a tragic past and a love that never truly disappeared. Through glimpses of their teenage relationship and the present timeline, the story slowly reveals the depth of their history and the pain that shaped who they became.
Elias has spent the last two decades building power while quietly hunting the people responsible for his family’s massacre. When circumstances push Lana back into his life through an arranged marriage, old feelings collide with resentment and long buried secrets. Lana believes he betrayed her, while Elias convinces himself he hates her, even as every move he makes seems designed to keep her safe. That tension between them creates a slow burn filled with angst, mistrust, and lingering emotion.
What worked best for me was the emotional intensity and Elias as a morally gray character who walks the line between villain and protector. The story blends romance, suspense, and high stakes drama while gradually revealing the truth behind their shared past. Some parts could have been explored a little more, but the atmosphere and tension kept me fully invested.
I closed the book feeling satisfied but also wanting more from this universe.
~~~~
Special thanks to Victoria Lum & The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
This was my first time reading this author and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the story pulled me in.
The book follows Elias Kent and Lana Anderson, two people bound by a tragic past and a love that never truly disappeared. Through glimpses of their teenage relationship and the present timeline, the story slowly reveals the depth of their history and the pain that shaped who they became.
Elias has spent the last two decades building power while quietly hunting the people responsible for his family’s massacre. When circumstances push Lana back into his life through an arranged marriage, old feelings collide with resentment and long buried secrets. Lana believes he betrayed her, while Elias convinces himself he hates her, even as every move he makes seems designed to keep her safe. That tension between them creates a slow burn filled with angst, mistrust, and lingering emotion.
What worked best for me was the emotional intensity and Elias as a morally gray character who walks the line between villain and protector. The story blends romance, suspense, and high stakes drama while gradually revealing the truth behind their shared past. Some parts could have been explored a little more, but the atmosphere and tension kept me fully invested.
I closed the book feeling satisfied but also wanting more from this universe.
~~~~
Special thanks to Victoria Lum & The Smuthood for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
March 2, 2026
I’ve never believed in true love, but this book change my mind. This was the most beautiful thing I’ve read this month! There is nothing better than a childhood lovers to enemies to pining and to lovers again. Victoria Lum knows exactly how to play with the readers emotions and twist our heartstrings every single time, and I’m so here for it. This book was a true masterpiece, with the craziest plot, a angsty but full of chemistry couple and a past that haunts the present. There is nothing I love more than a man who has pined since CHILDHOOD. Elias and Lena met at 16 and 15 years old respectively, and they never knew each other’s true names but they fell in love, sweet innocent teenage love. Until tragedy struck both their homes and they were pulled apart for twenty years… or were they. Some minor stalker vibes at the start but the angst and tension were full force from the beginning. There is nothing of this book that isn’t captivating and I was fully enthralled by this book from start to finish. The plot twists just came one after another, some of them providing shocking plot perspective changing information, and all of them breaking my heart into a million pieces. Gosh the amount of times I cried in this book… I think she needs to pay a damages fee at this point, and for all the tissues I used. Because even though Elias has this Shadow King or Dark Overlord persona he is a secret romantic. He remembers every single word she ever said 20 years ago and made her dreams come true unknowingly. And all while she’s hating him… this book was built on their amazing chemistry and tragic past. Whether it’s Kian and Elise or Elias and Lena, they will forever hold a special place in my heart. I give this a 5/5
March 6, 2026
Elias and Lana’s long awaited story is here! We could tell from previous books that there was something brewing, but we were not prepared!
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤OTT obsessed MMC
This book is full of darkness, secrets, and so much more.
Elias is THE morally grey man that you do not want to cross. Because if you do, you are gone. But this man has a sweet spot and her name is Lana Anderson.
Lana is the Anderson princess, but she can most definitely hold her own! And when she is forced into the marriage that she doesn’t want with Elias, she knows that she will do anything to keep her family safe.
These two start off as so toxic. They hate each other to the core, or do they? There is an underlying attraction there that is buried so deep.
As usual with a Victoria Lum book, we get complex characters with so much depth. Elias’s character was fascinating to be because of how much we see him open up and change for HER throughout the book.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia romance
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤OTT obsessed MMC
This book is full of darkness, secrets, and so much more.
Elias is THE morally grey man that you do not want to cross. Because if you do, you are gone. But this man has a sweet spot and her name is Lana Anderson.
Lana is the Anderson princess, but she can most definitely hold her own! And when she is forced into the marriage that she doesn’t want with Elias, she knows that she will do anything to keep her family safe.
These two start off as so toxic. They hate each other to the core, or do they? There is an underlying attraction there that is buried so deep.
As usual with a Victoria Lum book, we get complex characters with so much depth. Elias’s character was fascinating to be because of how much we see him open up and change for HER throughout the book.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 24, 2026
To infiltrate the shadows that destroyed his past, he must claim the only woman who still haunts his heart. 🏛️🌑
📖 Sworn in Deceit by Victoria Lum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark Romance
Tropes
🔥 Enemies to lovers
💀 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🏫 Secret society
💍 Arranged marriage
🏘️ Forced proximity
🎭 Hidden identity
🥀 Second chance
💼 Morally grey billionaires
🔍 Mystery, action, suspense
Elias Kent, king of the underworld and keeper of secrets, has spent decades hunting for revenge against The Association—the group that massacred his family. To find the one who gave the final order, he must infiltrate the organization itself. His final initiation? Lana Anderson, the girl he’s been obsessed with for years. To Lana, Elias is a ruthless predator, and she’s determined to take him down from the inside. But living under the same roof forces her to see the man beneath the mask, uncovering secrets far more dangerous than she ever bargained for.
I COMPLETELY DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!
This is my first book by Victoria Lum, and it is simply fucking amazing. It is filled with tension, action, mystery, puzzles, and unresolved emotions that just keep bubbling through the pages. If I could rate this higher than 5 stars, I definitely would.
Lana is an incredible character. She’s loyal, strong, and snappy—an old-money princess who can absolutely hold her own. I adore her depth of compassion and how much she is willing to sacrifice for the people she loves. She’s a character you can’t help but root for.
And Elias? Man, he is officially one of my top book boyfriends. His obsession, his strategic mind, and his sheer intelligence are just panty-dropping. He’s a tormented soul who embraced the darkness and came out on top. The fact that he dedicates exactly 28 minutes every single day just to Lana is too precious for words. His love for her runs so deep, it’s drown-worthy.
The mystery really grabbed me; I couldn't stop turning the pages. The plot never felt forced or fabricated; instead, it pulled me deeper with every chapter. The tension, angst, and action are the perfect sprinkles on top that make this book better with every page.
I wish I could read this for the first time over and over again.
Thank you, Victoria Lum, for this incredible story!
📖 Sworn in Deceit by Victoria Lum
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark Romance
Tropes
🔥 Enemies to lovers
💀 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Obsessive MMC
🏫 Secret society
💍 Arranged marriage
🏘️ Forced proximity
🎭 Hidden identity
🥀 Second chance
💼 Morally grey billionaires
🔍 Mystery, action, suspense
Elias Kent, king of the underworld and keeper of secrets, has spent decades hunting for revenge against The Association—the group that massacred his family. To find the one who gave the final order, he must infiltrate the organization itself. His final initiation? Lana Anderson, the girl he’s been obsessed with for years. To Lana, Elias is a ruthless predator, and she’s determined to take him down from the inside. But living under the same roof forces her to see the man beneath the mask, uncovering secrets far more dangerous than she ever bargained for.
I COMPLETELY DEVOURED THIS BOOK!!
This is my first book by Victoria Lum, and it is simply fucking amazing. It is filled with tension, action, mystery, puzzles, and unresolved emotions that just keep bubbling through the pages. If I could rate this higher than 5 stars, I definitely would.
Lana is an incredible character. She’s loyal, strong, and snappy—an old-money princess who can absolutely hold her own. I adore her depth of compassion and how much she is willing to sacrifice for the people she loves. She’s a character you can’t help but root for.
And Elias? Man, he is officially one of my top book boyfriends. His obsession, his strategic mind, and his sheer intelligence are just panty-dropping. He’s a tormented soul who embraced the darkness and came out on top. The fact that he dedicates exactly 28 minutes every single day just to Lana is too precious for words. His love for her runs so deep, it’s drown-worthy.
The mystery really grabbed me; I couldn't stop turning the pages. The plot never felt forced or fabricated; instead, it pulled me deeper with every chapter. The tension, angst, and action are the perfect sprinkles on top that make this book better with every page.
I wish I could read this for the first time over and over again.
Thank you, Victoria Lum, for this incredible story!
March 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I received this ARC and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read it. This was my first time reading Victoria Lum, and I was completely hooked on her writing from start to finish.
The first book in the Antihero Syndicate series drops you straight into a world of secret societies, power plays, and dangerous attraction that moves between New York and Chicago. The worldbuilding was immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and it pulled me in immediately.
Elias and Lana are everything I love in an enemies-to-lovers couple. Their history unfolds through flashbacks that slowly reveal the depth of their connection, and I’m always a sucker for that kind of storytelling. Watching their past and present collide made the emotional tension even stronger.
And the tropes? Absolutely stacked.
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Grumpy x sunshine
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤Secret society
🖤Masked men
🖤An obsessed MMC
Elias is completely, utterly obsessed with Lana in the best possible way, and their chemistry jumps off the page. Even when they’re fighting each other, there’s this undeniable pull between them that makes it clear nothing and no one will ultimately come between them.
The story is full of twists, suspense, and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages. I also loved getting glimpses into the surrounding characters and family dynamics. It made the world feel bigger and left me really excited to see whose story we’ll get next in the series.
This ended up being one of my favorite ARCs I’ve read recently. After finishing a small-town romance beforehand, this darker, high-stakes world was exactly what I needed.
If you love secret societies, obsessive heroes, arranged marriage tension, and a romance that feels both dangerous and inevitable, definitely add this one to your TBR.
I’ll absolutely be continuing this series.
I received this ARC and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read it. This was my first time reading Victoria Lum, and I was completely hooked on her writing from start to finish.
The first book in the Antihero Syndicate series drops you straight into a world of secret societies, power plays, and dangerous attraction that moves between New York and Chicago. The worldbuilding was immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, and it pulled me in immediately.
Elias and Lana are everything I love in an enemies-to-lovers couple. Their history unfolds through flashbacks that slowly reveal the depth of their connection, and I’m always a sucker for that kind of storytelling. Watching their past and present collide made the emotional tension even stronger.
And the tropes? Absolutely stacked.
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Grumpy x sunshine
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🖤Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤Secret society
🖤Masked men
🖤An obsessed MMC
Elias is completely, utterly obsessed with Lana in the best possible way, and their chemistry jumps off the page. Even when they’re fighting each other, there’s this undeniable pull between them that makes it clear nothing and no one will ultimately come between them.
The story is full of twists, suspense, and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages. I also loved getting glimpses into the surrounding characters and family dynamics. It made the world feel bigger and left me really excited to see whose story we’ll get next in the series.
This ended up being one of my favorite ARCs I’ve read recently. After finishing a small-town romance beforehand, this darker, high-stakes world was exactly what I needed.
If you love secret societies, obsessive heroes, arranged marriage tension, and a romance that feels both dangerous and inevitable, definitely add this one to your TBR.
I’ll absolutely be continuing this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐ ARC REVIEW 💚 Sworn In Deceit
💚 Dark Romance
💚 Obsession
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💚 Morally Grey Billionaires
💚 Touch Her and 💀
💚 Secret Society
💚 Dark Underworld
💚 Arranged Marriage
💚 Forced Proximity
💚 Spice 🌶️
💚 Mystery / Action
I absolutely enjoyed this read so much.
Victoria is a new author read for me and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
The mystery surrounding this story was a turn pager. The secrets of a corrupted society of the dark underworld. I loved the past to present timelines throughout, creating to a mysterious plot. Action that kept you intrigued, to a beautiful love story remembered, never forgotten. A perfect amount of spice sets passionate moments between our main characters. Loyalty and bloodshed is tested, traumas to overcome. I couldn't wait to read more, so make sure you check her website after this read for more context regarding this story and download the prequel short story and bonus scene.
🖤 Thankyou to @theauthor.agency
for the ARC COPY 🖤
💚 Dark Romance
💚 Obsession
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💚 Morally Grey Billionaires
💚 Touch Her and 💀
💚 Secret Society
💚 Dark Underworld
💚 Arranged Marriage
💚 Forced Proximity
💚 Spice 🌶️
💚 Mystery / Action
I absolutely enjoyed this read so much.
Victoria is a new author read for me and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
The mystery surrounding this story was a turn pager. The secrets of a corrupted society of the dark underworld. I loved the past to present timelines throughout, creating to a mysterious plot. Action that kept you intrigued, to a beautiful love story remembered, never forgotten. A perfect amount of spice sets passionate moments between our main characters. Loyalty and bloodshed is tested, traumas to overcome. I couldn't wait to read more, so make sure you check her website after this read for more context regarding this story and download the prequel short story and bonus scene.
🖤 Thankyou to @theauthor.agency
for the ARC COPY 🖤
March 6, 2026
ARC Review
⭐ 4.25 stars
First of all, thank you to the author’s agency for sending me this direct invitation to read this book by what is definitely going to be my new auto-buy author when it comes to mafia romance.
If you love dark mafia romance, the really unhinged kind, with seriously dark characters who will do absolutely anything to avenge their family and protect the people they love, then this book is definitely for you.
When I started reading, I immediately got vibes of Emily McIntire and my all-time favorite L. J. Shen in the raw writing style, intense, and with absolutely extraordinary smut. And honestly? The book is just incredible.
The recipe is the classic one we see in a lot of dark mafia romances, but I still love it every single time. We’ve got revenge for a murdered family, a syndicate (aka the mafia/secret society), a marriage of convenience meant to protect her… which is really just a second chance for a teenage love. And damn, souls finding each other again after so many years!
I know this is part of a series (which I will obviously have to read), but even reading this one on its own, I never felt like anything was missing. The story works perfectly by itself because it’s not just a romance, it’s a carefully constructed, emotionally layered story about violence, obsession (like, truly obsessive), destiny, soulmates finding each other again, guilt, and choice. And it delivers all of that with precision, wrapped in the beautiful writing of an author who has completely won me over.
The toxicity of Lana and Elias’s relationship at the beginning is absolutely incredible, and watching the way he slowly lets himself be consumed by the love and obsession he feels for her is beautiful and really emotional.
This is a truly dark and very intense book, so I definitely recommend it to readers who are brave enough to dive into dark romances with seriously unhinged characters. 🖤
And the tropes? Absolutely stacked.
🖤 Enemies to lovers (the perfection and favorite!)
🖤 Grumpy x sunshine
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤 Secret society
🖤 Masked men
🖤 An obsessed MMC
Thank you so much Victoria Lum, for this amazing Dark Mafia Romance!
⭐ 4.25 stars
First of all, thank you to the author’s agency for sending me this direct invitation to read this book by what is definitely going to be my new auto-buy author when it comes to mafia romance.
If you love dark mafia romance, the really unhinged kind, with seriously dark characters who will do absolutely anything to avenge their family and protect the people they love, then this book is definitely for you.
When I started reading, I immediately got vibes of Emily McIntire and my all-time favorite L. J. Shen in the raw writing style, intense, and with absolutely extraordinary smut. And honestly? The book is just incredible.
The recipe is the classic one we see in a lot of dark mafia romances, but I still love it every single time. We’ve got revenge for a murdered family, a syndicate (aka the mafia/secret society), a marriage of convenience meant to protect her… which is really just a second chance for a teenage love. And damn, souls finding each other again after so many years!
I know this is part of a series (which I will obviously have to read), but even reading this one on its own, I never felt like anything was missing. The story works perfectly by itself because it’s not just a romance, it’s a carefully constructed, emotionally layered story about violence, obsession (like, truly obsessive), destiny, soulmates finding each other again, guilt, and choice. And it delivers all of that with precision, wrapped in the beautiful writing of an author who has completely won me over.
The toxicity of Lana and Elias’s relationship at the beginning is absolutely incredible, and watching the way he slowly lets himself be consumed by the love and obsession he feels for her is beautiful and really emotional.
This is a truly dark and very intense book, so I definitely recommend it to readers who are brave enough to dive into dark romances with seriously unhinged characters. 🖤
And the tropes? Absolutely stacked.
🖤 Enemies to lovers (the perfection and favorite!)
🖤 Grumpy x sunshine
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤 Secret society
🖤 Masked men
🖤 An obsessed MMC
Thank you so much Victoria Lum, for this amazing Dark Mafia Romance!
March 6, 2026
Liked it (rounded up)
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Mafia/Secret society
🖤 Masked men
🖤 Boy Obsessed
This had so much potential to be a 5-star read for me.
Childhood first loves who lost contact…and now he’s the man she’s been forced to marry to save her family from the mob?! He’s also the same man who blames her for the tragic death of nearly his entire family when they were 16?! And on top of that, he’s secretly teaming up with members of other mafia families to take down The Association and make the world a better place?!
I mean…what more could I possibly want in a book?
Apparently, just a little more.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book and I’m not disappointed that I picked it up. I love Victoria’s writing, and this is shaping up to be a great series. The setup for book two is definitely intriguing, and I loved When Hearts Surrender (Lana’s brother’s book in another series). So the issue wasn’t the writing.
I think I just wanted more from the characters.
Starting a series is tough because there’s so much world-building required on top of telling the main characters’ story. This book set up the world extremely well, but it felt like the MCs got a little lost in the process.
The way they started off genuinely hating each other? I ate that up. The strange pull between them despite all that resentment was great. Something (beyond family obligation) kept drawing Lana back to Elias.
Elias felt that same pull, but he knew why. The way he’s made Lana the center of his world for so long is classic OTT, obsessed-hero, red-flag behavior that we love to root for. Elias is the kind of tortured hero that’s always fun to watch.
But I didn’t fully believe their connection as adults.
I understood it. I rooted for it. I just didn’t quite feel it.
And Lana being an almost 35-year-old virgin? Not my cuppa.
Elias having only ever kissed Lana once when they were 16? Also not my cuppa.
Then Elias does a complete 180 near the end. He spends most of the book being hot and cold, which drove me a little crazy, and then suddenly everything is perfect.
That said, Lana at the end of the book? 100% my kind of girl. Fierce, capable, strong, and determined. I just wish we’d seen more of that version of her throughout the entire story.
Thank you to The Author Agency and Victoria Lum for the ARC.
And now…I can’t wait for Ren.
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Arranged marriage
🖤 Mafia/Secret society
🖤 Masked men
🖤 Boy Obsessed
This had so much potential to be a 5-star read for me.
Childhood first loves who lost contact…and now he’s the man she’s been forced to marry to save her family from the mob?! He’s also the same man who blames her for the tragic death of nearly his entire family when they were 16?! And on top of that, he’s secretly teaming up with members of other mafia families to take down The Association and make the world a better place?!
I mean…what more could I possibly want in a book?
Apparently, just a little more.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book and I’m not disappointed that I picked it up. I love Victoria’s writing, and this is shaping up to be a great series. The setup for book two is definitely intriguing, and I loved When Hearts Surrender (Lana’s brother’s book in another series). So the issue wasn’t the writing.
I think I just wanted more from the characters.
Starting a series is tough because there’s so much world-building required on top of telling the main characters’ story. This book set up the world extremely well, but it felt like the MCs got a little lost in the process.
The way they started off genuinely hating each other? I ate that up. The strange pull between them despite all that resentment was great. Something (beyond family obligation) kept drawing Lana back to Elias.
Elias felt that same pull, but he knew why. The way he’s made Lana the center of his world for so long is classic OTT, obsessed-hero, red-flag behavior that we love to root for. Elias is the kind of tortured hero that’s always fun to watch.
But I didn’t fully believe their connection as adults.
I understood it. I rooted for it. I just didn’t quite feel it.
And Lana being an almost 35-year-old virgin? Not my cuppa.
Elias having only ever kissed Lana once when they were 16? Also not my cuppa.
Then Elias does a complete 180 near the end. He spends most of the book being hot and cold, which drove me a little crazy, and then suddenly everything is perfect.
That said, Lana at the end of the book? 100% my kind of girl. Fierce, capable, strong, and determined. I just wish we’d seen more of that version of her throughout the entire story.
Thank you to The Author Agency and Victoria Lum for the ARC.
And now…I can’t wait for Ren.
March 6, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 6, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
secret identity
childhood lovers
forced marriage
mafia romance
touch her and die
obsessed hero
second chance
dark secret society
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Lana Anderson and Elias Kent, a cold and calculated man with secrets darker than the night. Lana believes the love of her life, Kian, died twenty years ago in a brutal massacre. What she does not know is that Elias and Kian are the same man. Elias joins a dangerous secret society to avenge his murdered family, but his biggest weakness has always been Lana. Their marriage begins as strategy and survival, but buried truths and unfinished love slowly rise back to the surface.
Now my heart is still shaking. This book consumed me completely. The tension was slow, intense, and addictive. Elias is the kind of morally gray hero who feels dangerous and protective at the same time. His obsession did not feel toxic to me. It felt tragic and loyal. The 28 minutes detail broke me softly because it showed how deeply he carried his grief and love.
Lana is not weak. She grows into strength and chooses him fully, even when the truth hurts. I loved how she was not just protected but became his partner in war. Their love felt heavy, emotional, and earned.
The reveal scene had my whole soul screaming. I adore when a dark romance still carries emotional depth and healing. The mafia politics, secret society rules, betrayal, and brotherhood inside the Syndicate added layers that made the story richer. Every twist felt purposeful. Every emotional scene felt raw.
This is the kind of dark romance that stays in my heart long after I finish. Intense. Devastating. Beautiful.
Thank you so much the author agency for the ARC.
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - March 6, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
secret identity
childhood lovers
forced marriage
mafia romance
touch her and die
obsessed hero
second chance
dark secret society
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Lana Anderson and Elias Kent, a cold and calculated man with secrets darker than the night. Lana believes the love of her life, Kian, died twenty years ago in a brutal massacre. What she does not know is that Elias and Kian are the same man. Elias joins a dangerous secret society to avenge his murdered family, but his biggest weakness has always been Lana. Their marriage begins as strategy and survival, but buried truths and unfinished love slowly rise back to the surface.
Now my heart is still shaking. This book consumed me completely. The tension was slow, intense, and addictive. Elias is the kind of morally gray hero who feels dangerous and protective at the same time. His obsession did not feel toxic to me. It felt tragic and loyal. The 28 minutes detail broke me softly because it showed how deeply he carried his grief and love.
Lana is not weak. She grows into strength and chooses him fully, even when the truth hurts. I loved how she was not just protected but became his partner in war. Their love felt heavy, emotional, and earned.
The reveal scene had my whole soul screaming. I adore when a dark romance still carries emotional depth and healing. The mafia politics, secret society rules, betrayal, and brotherhood inside the Syndicate added layers that made the story richer. Every twist felt purposeful. Every emotional scene felt raw.
This is the kind of dark romance that stays in my heart long after I finish. Intense. Devastating. Beautiful.
Thank you so much the author agency for the ARC.
March 11, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
⭐️ 5/5
📅 March 6, 2026
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Arranged Marriage
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Morally Gray Hero
❤️ Secret Society
❤️ “My Wife” Energy
I was SO excited to finally read Lana and Elias’s story and it absolutely delivered.
I loved The Orchids series, so I already had high expectations going into this one, and honestly Victoria did it again. 🥰 The way she weaves a story together is just insane.
Finding out what happened to Elias’s family broke my heart. 😭 You really start to understand why revenge has such a hold on him, even when you’re sitting there like… sir, are you SURE this is the plan?
There’s also a deeper history between Lana and Elias that slowly unfolds, and watching those pieces come together added so much to their story.
I also loved the way the story moves between flashbacks and the present timeline. It tied everything together and made their history feel even more meaningful.
And Elias limiting himself to 28 minutes a day around Lana because he knows if he lets himself get any closer he won’t be able to stop?? Are you kidding me? That is a loyal man.
The emerald necklace.
The puzzles.
This man is down so bad and trying so hard not to be.
And forcing Lana into an arranged marriage because it’s the only way he can protect her while getting closer to the people who destroyed his family? Peak morally gray behavior.
I loved these two so much. I was rooting for them the entire time.
5/5 ⭐️ ♾️
Thank you to Victoria for the ARC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this early. All thoughts are my own.
⭐️ 5/5
📅 March 6, 2026
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
❤️ Arranged Marriage
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Morally Gray Hero
❤️ Secret Society
❤️ “My Wife” Energy
I was SO excited to finally read Lana and Elias’s story and it absolutely delivered.
I loved The Orchids series, so I already had high expectations going into this one, and honestly Victoria did it again. 🥰 The way she weaves a story together is just insane.
Finding out what happened to Elias’s family broke my heart. 😭 You really start to understand why revenge has such a hold on him, even when you’re sitting there like… sir, are you SURE this is the plan?
There’s also a deeper history between Lana and Elias that slowly unfolds, and watching those pieces come together added so much to their story.
I also loved the way the story moves between flashbacks and the present timeline. It tied everything together and made their history feel even more meaningful.
And Elias limiting himself to 28 minutes a day around Lana because he knows if he lets himself get any closer he won’t be able to stop?? Are you kidding me? That is a loyal man.
The emerald necklace.
The puzzles.
This man is down so bad and trying so hard not to be.
And forcing Lana into an arranged marriage because it’s the only way he can protect her while getting closer to the people who destroyed his family? Peak morally gray behavior.
I loved these two so much. I was rooting for them the entire time.
5/5 ⭐️ ♾️
Thank you to Victoria for the ARC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this early. All thoughts are my own.
March 19, 2026
Sworn in Deceit is the first book by Victoria Lum in The Antihero Syndicate series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book has everything that I want in a Dark Romance, obsession, pining, angst, stalking, revenge, spice, a love story underneath, and of course, a secret society! There is plenty more packed into this book with never a dull moment. I loved the entire book and enjoyed the fast-paced plot. This book was added to the “binged book” shelf and not the “read in my free time” pile. It was very immersive, giving you a feeling of being right beside the character as the events played out and emotions soared.
This book weaves the lives of Elias Kent and Lana Anderson from their teenage years (16 and 15, respectively) and the tragedy that split them up, to the present where we start to see their relationship coming back together after 20 years. I loved that plot aspect of the book and how it slowly starts to reveal what happened in the past and what led to the arranged marriage and the revelations going forward. And do not even get me started on all the secrets in this book. The twists and turns will keep you immersed and trying to guess what will be up next as the book progresses.
This book includes:
Touch Her & ☠️
“My Wife”
Heist Crew Energy
Mafia/Organized Crime
Arraigned Marriage
Forced Proximity
Stalking
Found Family
Morally Gray
Secret Society
Murder
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
HEA
I would like to thank Victoria Lum and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read/review this book and enjoy in the revenge against The Association.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book has everything that I want in a Dark Romance, obsession, pining, angst, stalking, revenge, spice, a love story underneath, and of course, a secret society! There is plenty more packed into this book with never a dull moment. I loved the entire book and enjoyed the fast-paced plot. This book was added to the “binged book” shelf and not the “read in my free time” pile. It was very immersive, giving you a feeling of being right beside the character as the events played out and emotions soared.
This book weaves the lives of Elias Kent and Lana Anderson from their teenage years (16 and 15, respectively) and the tragedy that split them up, to the present where we start to see their relationship coming back together after 20 years. I loved that plot aspect of the book and how it slowly starts to reveal what happened in the past and what led to the arranged marriage and the revelations going forward. And do not even get me started on all the secrets in this book. The twists and turns will keep you immersed and trying to guess what will be up next as the book progresses.
This book includes:
Touch Her & ☠️
“My Wife”
Heist Crew Energy
Mafia/Organized Crime
Arraigned Marriage
Forced Proximity
Stalking
Found Family
Morally Gray
Secret Society
Murder
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy/Sunshine
HEA
I would like to thank Victoria Lum and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read/review this book and enjoy in the revenge against The Association.
March 6, 2026
Love for your family is the only thing you can rely on, and it will lead you to do whatever you can to protect or avenge them.
As a teenager, Elias Kent realised that the people around him were full of secrets. He had experienced this first-hand with his beloved family, who unwittingly wanted to live happily without burdening their children with knowledge of their ancestors' past.
Twenty years have passed since that traumatic event and since he lost his first love: the woman who believed in him without prejudice, but who unwittingly made a mistake that led to the passings of innocent people. It was the King of Shadows himself who placed this great burden on her shoulders, of course.
The past that intertwines the lives of Elias Kent and Lana Anderson is what leads the reader to investigate. Two people who grew up at opposite ends of society, one of whom managed to climb to the top by sacrificing pawns on an infinite chessboard.
But that was to achieve revenge, wasn't it?
Of course, more questions arise as each piece of the puzzle is revealed, creating new mysteries that plunge us into crisis.
So, ultimately, who is the victim and who is the perpetrator? These questions will only be answered as we continue reading!
And, of course, the correlation between the Tower, the King of the Underworld and secret-dealer, and Fleur Entertainment's heiress, the naïve lamb who, in order to save her family, is prepared to make a costly pact with the devil himself❤️🔥
As a teenager, Elias Kent realised that the people around him were full of secrets. He had experienced this first-hand with his beloved family, who unwittingly wanted to live happily without burdening their children with knowledge of their ancestors' past.
Twenty years have passed since that traumatic event and since he lost his first love: the woman who believed in him without prejudice, but who unwittingly made a mistake that led to the passings of innocent people. It was the King of Shadows himself who placed this great burden on her shoulders, of course.
The past that intertwines the lives of Elias Kent and Lana Anderson is what leads the reader to investigate. Two people who grew up at opposite ends of society, one of whom managed to climb to the top by sacrificing pawns on an infinite chessboard.
But that was to achieve revenge, wasn't it?
Of course, more questions arise as each piece of the puzzle is revealed, creating new mysteries that plunge us into crisis.
So, ultimately, who is the victim and who is the perpetrator? These questions will only be answered as we continue reading!
And, of course, the correlation between the Tower, the King of the Underworld and secret-dealer, and Fleur Entertainment's heiress, the naïve lamb who, in order to save her family, is prepared to make a costly pact with the devil himself❤️🔥
Review of advance copy
Thank you the Author Agency for the ARC
“Sworn in Deceit” gives us Elias and Lana’s story, and while it may seem like any other mafia romance you’ve been probably binging for the last years, Victoria Lum still surprises us with her characters. Elias is a villain who stops at nothing to achieve his vengeance, he manipulates, tortures, k!lls whoever is in his way. Lana is not innocent, she knows what her family business. She still daydreams about a boy she meet when they were teens, he was kind to her, he was the only person who saw her. So she’s stuck with a marriage to a person she fears and hates, still dreaming about the only boy who was the only who go to see her for who she was.
“Sworn in Deceit” is not about salvation, it is not about Elias becoming a better person, or Lana changing. They’re both the same people as when they begin their marriage. Lana wants to have a family, to have a life, and Elias thinks he cannot do that. He’ll always have a target on his back, so he does his best to give Lana the protection she needs while trying to stay away from her. Yet the more time he spends with her, the more he realises what an idiot he is, because even a villain can love. That does not mean that he’s always soft for Lana. At the beginning, Elias is awful to her, and their relationship is rocky. It’s a good thing Lana does not scare easily, so even married to a monster, Lana crushes the walls Elias put between them and she makes him hope that one day they could be happy.
It is a story of inner conflicts for these two characters. For Elias to battle between being the man he always was and the man he thinks he’ll be in the future, and for Lana to battle the memory of someone she can never have again while falling for someone she should never have. Elias may never be the man Lana deserves, and Lana may never find her first love ever again, so somehow they both try to learn how to love their dreams when the right person is just in front of them.
“Sworn in Deceit” gives us Elias and Lana’s story, and while it may seem like any other mafia romance you’ve been probably binging for the last years, Victoria Lum still surprises us with her characters. Elias is a villain who stops at nothing to achieve his vengeance, he manipulates, tortures, k!lls whoever is in his way. Lana is not innocent, she knows what her family business. She still daydreams about a boy she meet when they were teens, he was kind to her, he was the only person who saw her. So she’s stuck with a marriage to a person she fears and hates, still dreaming about the only boy who was the only who go to see her for who she was.
“Sworn in Deceit” is not about salvation, it is not about Elias becoming a better person, or Lana changing. They’re both the same people as when they begin their marriage. Lana wants to have a family, to have a life, and Elias thinks he cannot do that. He’ll always have a target on his back, so he does his best to give Lana the protection she needs while trying to stay away from her. Yet the more time he spends with her, the more he realises what an idiot he is, because even a villain can love. That does not mean that he’s always soft for Lana. At the beginning, Elias is awful to her, and their relationship is rocky. It’s a good thing Lana does not scare easily, so even married to a monster, Lana crushes the walls Elias put between them and she makes him hope that one day they could be happy.
It is a story of inner conflicts for these two characters. For Elias to battle between being the man he always was and the man he thinks he’ll be in the future, and for Lana to battle the memory of someone she can never have again while falling for someone she should never have. Elias may never be the man Lana deserves, and Lana may never find her first love ever again, so somehow they both try to learn how to love their dreams when the right person is just in front of them.
March 7, 2026
ARC Review
♟️Sworn In Deceit 💚
Book 1 in The Antihero Syndicate Series
Written By: @authorvictorialum
Overall: 5/5
Overall plot: 5/5
Character development: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
World building: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
First and foremost, thank you Victoria for letting me be a part of your ARC team and reading Sworn in Deceit ahead of its release day — and happy release day!
Elias Kent is Chicago’s most dangerous fixer, living beneath the city while plotting revenge against a secret criminal empire. Lana Anderson becomes the perfect pawn in his plan, leading to an arranged marriage meant to protect her family and get Elias closer to his enemies. The problem? Lana thinks he’s the villain who destroyed her world… and Elias is determined to keep his distance before she becomes his greatest weakness.
Victoria truly knows how to write angst and emotional tension, and she absolutely delivered with Lana and Elias. Elias is walking red flag energy (the kind that somehow turns green 👀), while Lana refuses to back down and keeps pushing through every wall he puts up.
The tension between them? Chef’s kiss. Their dynamic had me hooked, and once the story hits the second half, the pace ramps up and it absolutely ate and left no crumbs.
Tropes:
♟️ Enemies to Lovers
💚 Arranged Marriage
♟️ Forced Proximity
💚 Morally Gray MMC
♟️ Secret Society / Mafia
♟️Sworn In Deceit 💚
Book 1 in The Antihero Syndicate Series
Written By: @authorvictorialum
Overall: 5/5
Overall plot: 5/5
Character development: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
World building: 5/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
First and foremost, thank you Victoria for letting me be a part of your ARC team and reading Sworn in Deceit ahead of its release day — and happy release day!
Elias Kent is Chicago’s most dangerous fixer, living beneath the city while plotting revenge against a secret criminal empire. Lana Anderson becomes the perfect pawn in his plan, leading to an arranged marriage meant to protect her family and get Elias closer to his enemies. The problem? Lana thinks he’s the villain who destroyed her world… and Elias is determined to keep his distance before she becomes his greatest weakness.
Victoria truly knows how to write angst and emotional tension, and she absolutely delivered with Lana and Elias. Elias is walking red flag energy (the kind that somehow turns green 👀), while Lana refuses to back down and keeps pushing through every wall he puts up.
The tension between them? Chef’s kiss. Their dynamic had me hooked, and once the story hits the second half, the pace ramps up and it absolutely ate and left no crumbs.
Tropes:
♟️ Enemies to Lovers
💚 Arranged Marriage
♟️ Forced Proximity
💚 Morally Gray MMC
♟️ Secret Society / Mafia
March 8, 2026
Sworn in Deceit was a really good read! I’ll be honest though, I had a little trouble staying focused at times, but I’m pretty sure that was a me problem and not the book’s fault. Life brain has been doing the absolute most lately. 😅
That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and the overall storyline. Their dynamic had me hooked, and watching their emotional rollercoaster unfold was equal parts entertaining and heartbreaking. One minute I was rooting for them, the next I was like “oh no… this is going to hurt, isn’t it?”
There were so many moments that pulled at my emotions, and I definitely found myself invested in how everything was going to play out. The tension, the drama, the feelings, it all kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages.
Now I’m officially intrigued and need to know what happens next, because that ending definitely has me side-eyeing the future a little bit. I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book to see what happens next!! 👀📚
That being said, I really enjoyed the characters and the overall storyline. Their dynamic had me hooked, and watching their emotional rollercoaster unfold was equal parts entertaining and heartbreaking. One minute I was rooting for them, the next I was like “oh no… this is going to hurt, isn’t it?”
There were so many moments that pulled at my emotions, and I definitely found myself invested in how everything was going to play out. The tension, the drama, the feelings, it all kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages.
Now I’m officially intrigued and need to know what happens next, because that ending definitely has me side-eyeing the future a little bit. I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book to see what happens next!! 👀📚
March 11, 2026
Sworn in Deceit is the first book in Victoria Lum’s Antihero Syndicate series. Lana Anderson has always been the sweet, innocent one in her family, but her life takes a dark turn when she’s forced into an arranged marriage with mobster Elias Kent. As they begin navigating their new relationship, hidden secrets and dangerous truths slowly start to surface.
This dark mafia romance is told in dual POV and across a split timeline, but the story flows smoothly and never feels confusing. The pacing keeps the tension building while the author gradually ties everything together. Mafia romance isn’t usually my go-to trope, but I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Victoria Lum so far, so I decided to give this one a chance—and I’m glad I did. She pulled me right into the story, and now I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. I also loved the subtle nod to the Hades and Persephone myth woven into the story.
This dark mafia romance is told in dual POV and across a split timeline, but the story flows smoothly and never feels confusing. The pacing keeps the tension building while the author gradually ties everything together. Mafia romance isn’t usually my go-to trope, but I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by Victoria Lum so far, so I decided to give this one a chance—and I’m glad I did. She pulled me right into the story, and now I’m definitely looking forward to the next book. I also loved the subtle nod to the Hades and Persephone myth woven into the story.
March 15, 2026
Book 1 in the Antiheros Syndicate series: Elias and Lana. This is an enemies to lovers, past and present POVs, some stalking, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, possessive and obsessed MMC, billionaire, secret/hidden identity, childhood sweethearts, “my wife”, arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience, morally grey MMC, slower burn, innocent but strong FMC, MCs in their 30s, revenge plot, found family, touch her and d!e, dark mafia romance.
What a great book! I absolutely loved this story. This gave me Hades and Persephone mixed with Beauty And The Beast vibes. I absolutely loved the past and present POVs, it added so much to the emotions investment I had in the characters. This enemies to lovers trope was written so well. Seeing the mystery and plot unravel kept me locked in and wanting to know all the hidden lies and secrets. This book was really well done and I loved Elias and Lana’s story and journey. I totally recommend this book!
What a great book! I absolutely loved this story. This gave me Hades and Persephone mixed with Beauty And The Beast vibes. I absolutely loved the past and present POVs, it added so much to the emotions investment I had in the characters. This enemies to lovers trope was written so well. Seeing the mystery and plot unravel kept me locked in and wanting to know all the hidden lies and secrets. This book was really well done and I loved Elias and Lana’s story and journey. I totally recommend this book!
March 6, 2026
I was absolutely HOOKED on this book! It was dark, tragic, unhinged, and spicy! I couldn’t get enough and I need more immediately.
Elias Kent, this man is out for revenge. He will stop at nothing to get this revenge for his family. He is dangerous, mysterious, unhinged, dark, and delicious. Everything he does is for a reason though, he isn’t just unhinged for no reason. And the way he secretly stalks Lana, I was here for it.
Lana, talk about character growth. She starts out as more of a soft and meek woman. Like she knows about the darkness, but not really involved. She sees the good. But as the story goes, she really blooms, she becomes a baddie, and she is sassy!
I loved the history of these two. The beginning of them was sweet and cute, but tragedy struck and life hardened Elias and he transformed into someone possessive and obsessive. Their journey was not easy, but their hearts were meant for one another. There is a lot of tension between them and I was just waiting for the fireworks to explode. And when it did, I ATE IT UP!
Elias Kent, this man is out for revenge. He will stop at nothing to get this revenge for his family. He is dangerous, mysterious, unhinged, dark, and delicious. Everything he does is for a reason though, he isn’t just unhinged for no reason. And the way he secretly stalks Lana, I was here for it.
Lana, talk about character growth. She starts out as more of a soft and meek woman. Like she knows about the darkness, but not really involved. She sees the good. But as the story goes, she really blooms, she becomes a baddie, and she is sassy!
I loved the history of these two. The beginning of them was sweet and cute, but tragedy struck and life hardened Elias and he transformed into someone possessive and obsessive. Their journey was not easy, but their hearts were meant for one another. There is a lot of tension between them and I was just waiting for the fireworks to explode. And when it did, I ATE IT UP!
March 6, 2026
Elias is one of Chicago’s most dangerous fixers, who is fueled by revenge against a criminal organization known as “The Association,” while Lana is supposed to be leverage, until the enemy closes in, and Elias proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement to keep her safe.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with found family, friendships, emotion, tension, secrets identities, secret society, marriage of convenience, obsession, touch her and die vibes, enemies / lovers, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, morally gray, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with found family, friendships, emotion, tension, secrets identities, secret society, marriage of convenience, obsession, touch her and die vibes, enemies / lovers, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, morally gray, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 6, 2026
✍️ ARC Review
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Antihero Syndicate Series
Can be a standalone
Book #1
What to expect
Enemies to Lovers
Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
“My Wife”
Obsessed Hero
Secret Society
Mafia/Organized Crime
Morally Gray Billionaires
Found Family
Touch Her and Regret It
Secret Identities
Masked Men
Heist Crew Energy
Book Review
This book was a great read. I love when a MMC Elias (Kian) has a traumatic background that makes his character complex but also draws you in to love him. Lana FMC the sunshine brings out the human and emotional side of Elias. Through the plotting and twist a of the association this book keeps you on your toes. Highly recommend this read!
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Antihero Syndicate Series
Can be a standalone
Book #1
What to expect
Enemies to Lovers
Arranged Marriage/Marriage of Convenience
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
“My Wife”
Obsessed Hero
Secret Society
Mafia/Organized Crime
Morally Gray Billionaires
Found Family
Touch Her and Regret It
Secret Identities
Masked Men
Heist Crew Energy
Book Review
This book was a great read. I love when a MMC Elias (Kian) has a traumatic background that makes his character complex but also draws you in to love him. Lana FMC the sunshine brings out the human and emotional side of Elias. Through the plotting and twist a of the association this book keeps you on your toes. Highly recommend this read!
February 23, 2026
We all love a good morally gray man right? But one that’s been pinning for her since they were kids, really takes the cake!
He’s the keeper of secrets for a reason and one he holds close is his past. He’s had his eyes on her for ever, she’s his zemër. He won’t let her go again.
She’s the Anderson princess and to keep her family safe and alive she must do something crazy. She must marry the keeper of secrets, while her heart belongs to her first love.
Will these two make it work or will his enemies and past finally catch up to him? Will she see what he’s been hiding and who he truly is? A monster or a friend?
He’s the keeper of secrets for a reason and one he holds close is his past. He’s had his eyes on her for ever, she’s his zemër. He won’t let her go again.
She’s the Anderson princess and to keep her family safe and alive she must do something crazy. She must marry the keeper of secrets, while her heart belongs to her first love.
Will these two make it work or will his enemies and past finally catch up to him? Will she see what he’s been hiding and who he truly is? A monster or a friend?
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 💗
This book is a intense, edge of your seat ride that dives deep into the mind of a morally gray protagonist whose every decision carries weight. Through gripping scenes of violence, raw obsession and lingering guilt, the story forces both the character and the reader to confront impossible choices and their consequences. The emotional tension is relentless, pulling you into a dark and thought provoking journey where right and wrong blur in an unsettling ways. Bold, haunting and impossible to out down, this is a must read for anyone who craves complex characters and high stakes dramas.
This book is a intense, edge of your seat ride that dives deep into the mind of a morally gray protagonist whose every decision carries weight. Through gripping scenes of violence, raw obsession and lingering guilt, the story forces both the character and the reader to confront impossible choices and their consequences. The emotional tension is relentless, pulling you into a dark and thought provoking journey where right and wrong blur in an unsettling ways. Bold, haunting and impossible to out down, this is a must read for anyone who craves complex characters and high stakes dramas.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this book! This is the first book by Victoria
that I've read & I'm hooked!
Elias is cunning, mysterious, obsessive & tormented. I absolutely love Elias. He intrigued me so much. I loved that everything he did was not only to settle a score, but to also be close to Lana. Even when he didn't want to admit it.
Lana is strong, smart, loyal & sassy. I love how determined she is. She's not taking anyone's shit, especially Elias's.
I really liked seeing how their dynamic played out as things from the past came to light. The angst & yearning throughout the book was everything. I also loved all the flashbacks that showed their history.
I loved Ren, Aria & Scarlet. I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you like action, fast paced, puzzles & yearning, your going to love this book!
Thank you to Victoria Lum & The Author Agency for the gifted e-arc.
that I've read & I'm hooked!
Elias is cunning, mysterious, obsessive & tormented. I absolutely love Elias. He intrigued me so much. I loved that everything he did was not only to settle a score, but to also be close to Lana. Even when he didn't want to admit it.
Lana is strong, smart, loyal & sassy. I love how determined she is. She's not taking anyone's shit, especially Elias's.
I really liked seeing how their dynamic played out as things from the past came to light. The angst & yearning throughout the book was everything. I also loved all the flashbacks that showed their history.
I loved Ren, Aria & Scarlet. I can't wait for the next book in this series. If you like action, fast paced, puzzles & yearning, your going to love this book!
Thank you to Victoria Lum & The Author Agency for the gifted e-arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 10, 2026⭐️Arc Review⭐️
Sworn in Deceit
The Antihero Syndicate
1st person Duel POV
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥀Enemies to lovers
🖤Grumpy x sunshine
🥀Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🥀Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤Secret society
🥀Masked men
🖤An obsessed MMC
My first Victoria Lum read and I’m impressed! The beginning dragged a bit (mood reader problems), but once I hit about 30% I couldn’t put it down. The worldbuilding is immersive without feeling overwhelming.
Elias and Lana are peak enemies to lovers. Their history unfolds through flashbacks, slowly revealing their connection and I’m always a sucker for that. Elias being completely obsessed with Lana? Elite. Even when they’re fighting, the chemistry is undeniable.
Add in twists, suspense, and great side characters, and now I’m very ready for the next story in this world.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for the arc.
Sworn in Deceit
The Antihero Syndicate
1st person Duel POV
Available Now
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🥀Enemies to lovers
🖤Grumpy x sunshine
🥀Forced proximity
🖤Arranged marriage
🥀Billionaire / mafia-adjacent world
🖤Secret society
🥀Masked men
🖤An obsessed MMC
My first Victoria Lum read and I’m impressed! The beginning dragged a bit (mood reader problems), but once I hit about 30% I couldn’t put it down. The worldbuilding is immersive without feeling overwhelming.
Elias and Lana are peak enemies to lovers. Their history unfolds through flashbacks, slowly revealing their connection and I’m always a sucker for that. Elias being completely obsessed with Lana? Elite. Even when they’re fighting, the chemistry is undeniable.
Add in twists, suspense, and great side characters, and now I’m very ready for the next story in this world.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literacy for the arc.
March 7, 2026
First time reading this author and I really enjoyed it. This was a solid 4/5 for me. The mix of romance, suspense, and mystery kept me hooked.
I really liked Lana as the FMC. She’s strong and determined. At first I disliked Elias because he was so secretive, but once the truth behind his actions was revealed, I understood him more.
I loved the romance between them and how their relationship developed. The side characters were great too and I loved Cece the cat.
Now I definitely need Aria and Ren’s book next because I’m so curious about their story.
Thank you to The Author Agency & Victoria Lum for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Lana as the FMC. She’s strong and determined. At first I disliked Elias because he was so secretive, but once the truth behind his actions was revealed, I understood him more.
I loved the romance between them and how their relationship developed. The side characters were great too and I loved Cece the cat.
Now I definitely need Aria and Ren’s book next because I’m so curious about their story.
Thank you to The Author Agency & Victoria Lum for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Thanks so much for the ARC! This story had me literally on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Elias Kent… oh boy. This man is an enigma. One moment I wanted to swoon for him, the next I wanted to yell at him or maybe even strangle him 😅. He’s dangerous, clever, and completely ruthless, but there’s something beneath all that control that makes him impossible to forget.
The way he battles between vengeance,andfeelings… was honestly so intense.
And Lana ahhh, this woman! She’s seriously the queen of the underworld. I love her sharp mind, how she handles impossible situations, and that she doesn’t just survive Elias’s world she challenges it. Their dynamic had me swooning, cringing, and holding my breath all at once.
The whole arranged marriage, secret motives, and hidden city catacombs setup is just chef’s kiss for a dark mafia romance. Gritty, tense, and full of angst exactly the kind of story I love.
My only tiny issue? The whole Association storyline felt a bit drawn out at times, but it does set up the bigger picture for the series, so I get it.
I’m already intrigued by some of the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them. This is a really strong start to what I think is going to be a seriously addictive series!💚💚
Thanks so much for the ARC! This story had me literally on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Elias Kent… oh boy. This man is an enigma. One moment I wanted to swoon for him, the next I wanted to yell at him or maybe even strangle him 😅. He’s dangerous, clever, and completely ruthless, but there’s something beneath all that control that makes him impossible to forget.
The way he battles between vengeance,andfeelings… was honestly so intense.
And Lana ahhh, this woman! She’s seriously the queen of the underworld. I love her sharp mind, how she handles impossible situations, and that she doesn’t just survive Elias’s world she challenges it. Their dynamic had me swooning, cringing, and holding my breath all at once.
The whole arranged marriage, secret motives, and hidden city catacombs setup is just chef’s kiss for a dark mafia romance. Gritty, tense, and full of angst exactly the kind of story I love.
My only tiny issue? The whole Association storyline felt a bit drawn out at times, but it does set up the bigger picture for the series, so I get it.
I’m already intrigued by some of the side characters and can’t wait to read more about them. This is a really strong start to what I think is going to be a seriously addictive series!💚💚
March 12, 2026
This was such a great mafia romance story. It was dark, yet heart warming. I love how Lana and Elias were essentially fated mates. They may have had a tragic separation, but time brought them together again. What a ride this one was! Thank you so much Victoria for this great story!
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