Thank You

  I can't believe this is book number eleven and the start of my third series, The Antihero Syndicate. Elias Kent’s story is finally here, and I hope it is everything you were hoping for.

  For those new to my world, Elias Kent first appeared off-page in The Coldest Passion, which is the second book of my debut series, LA Hearts. Then, he appeared on-page in When Hearts Ignite, the first book of The Orchid series. So, he's been living in my mind for a long time. And considering the many emails and messages I've received from you about him every time he's appeared (which is every single book in The Orchid series), I think it's safe to say he's captivated you as much as he captivated me.

  Back when I first had the idea for his story—and for the ultimate bad guys, The Association—the world felt a little less chaotic. These days, I find myself craving heroes who, despite their antihero tendencies, have a strong moral backbone. They know right from wrong. They go after the monsters, no matter the odds.

  I hope you enjoy seeing Elias, and later on his crew, kick ass.

  As always, thank you to everyone who has supported me, in no particular order:

  My family: I love you all so, so much. Without you, nothing I do has meaning.

  My editors: Theresa Leigh and Amy Briggs, thank you for making me a better writer.

  My proofreader: Thank you to Virginia Tesi Carey for being so flexible with my chaotic timelines and for being so diligent in your work.

  My PAs: Thank you to Nikki Johnson, Christina, and Bre for keeping me on track. I know I'd be lost without you all.

  My cover designer: LK Farlow of Y’All That Graphic, you always bring my visions to life. Thank you.

  Ren Saliba: That cover photo. Whew! It's Elias come alive.

  My beta readers: My huge beta team for Sworn in Deceit (Briana, Elsa, Brittni, Jessica, June, Malia, Jenn C., Sarah, Jess, Erin, Denny, and Alicia), and my beta team for the Sworn in Deceit Prequel Short Story (June, Jenn S., Angela, Kyla, Sherrece, and Jennifer)—thank you so much for beta reading, providing your insights, and being there to answer my follow up questions (which I always have many haha). Elias's book became even better because of you. I love you guys.

  My ilLUMinati girls, ARC team, and street team: I'm eternally grateful for your friendship, support, and for all the fun messages, DMs, comments, and shares. Thank you for spreading the word about my stories. And Nesta the calico cat, thank you for being the inspiration for Cece. I'm requesting a paw print autograph, please.

  My agent: Nikki Groom, thank you for reading the pages and loving them. I’m so glad I found you through Elias’s story!

  My fellow authors: Writing books is like raising children. It takes a tribe, and I'm glad to have so many of you in my corner.

  PR firms: Thank you to The Author Agency, Lunar Literary Management, and Smuthood PR for your promotional efforts and for helping me get the word out!

  My fellow readers: I love you all. Thank you for reading my stories and being on this wild journey with me. I appreciate each and every one of you.

  With love,

  Victoria

  Also by Victoria Lum

  Catch up on Victoria’s backlist! Don’t miss these swoony, romantic stories with all the sizzling spice and angst. All stories are standalones and can be read out of order.

  LA Hearts:

  The Sweetest Agony (James and Jess)

  The Coldest Passion (Parker and Liz)

  The Harshest Hope (Adrian and Emily)

  The Brightest Spark (Jack and Sarah)

  The Orchid:

  When Hearts Ignite (Steven and Grace)

  When Hearts Collide (Ryland and Millie)

  When Hearts Surrender (Maxwell and Belle)

  When Hearts Awaken (Charles and Taylor)

  When Hearts Remember (Ethan and Alexis)

  When Hearts Unravel (Rex and Olivia)

  The Antihero Syndicate:

  Sworn in Deceit (Elias and Lana)

  Guarded in Darkness (Ren and Aria)

  About the Author

  Victoria Lum writes angsty, emotional romances that dive deep into the complexities of love and the human heart. She’s the author of The Antihero Syndicate, The Orchid, and the LA Hearts series, which follow characters through love’s twists and turns, secrets, and second chances. A true romantic at heart, Victoria loves crafting stories that resonate with readers who crave a mix of passion, tension, and genuine connection. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a caramel latte and a good book or spending time with her family in sunny California.

  Keep in touch!

  Sign up for her newsletter below:

  Newsletter

  Follow Victoria on social media:

  Victoria Lum's Luminaries Facebook Group

  Facebook Page

  Instagram

  Tiktok

  Bookbub

  Amazon

  Goodreads

  Scan the QR code below for all the links!

 

 

  Victoria Lum, Sworn in Deceit (The Antihero Syndicate)

 

 

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