Dangerous Strokes (The Sanctum Syndicate, #1) (2024)

★4.75 bewitching stars★

A bewitching story Lilith truly put a spell on me while capturing me in her alluring world.

~𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜~

After reading Reckless Covenant I was so invested into this crime universe and its wicked characters, that when I heard Lilith was going to give us more I was there for the ride. It felt good to go back into the Sanctum, learn the background story, see how the organisation was born and shaped. Needless to say I can’t wait for more!

~𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙉𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚~

I easily connected to both Ronan and Annika, they are awesome together, even if their bond was instant it felt right, I was easily sold into their relationship, not to mention how the author doesn’t spare us with some extra hot steamy moments. These two have a chemistry that will burn you alive, good luck trying to bring down the temperature in the room after they rise it to extreme levels.

~𝙄’𝙢 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙛𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜~

The story is told in dual POV, the writing is agile and it flows pleasantly, keeping a fast paced narrative alive and spicy. Emotional and heavy moments aren’t amiss, Lilith doesn’t spare the reader from experiencing the hardship she submits her characters through. Painting the ugly crying moments with heart wrenching episodes, her strokes of ghastly are as spellbinding as the rest of the events.

~𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙗𝙮𝙨𝙨 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚~

Her characters both female and male are beautifully portrayed, what I love the most about her men is how she makes them act rather than talk. Her descriptions aren’t dotted with useless frills, her men don’t need to say “𝖨'𝗆 𝖻𝖺𝖽”, “𝖨'𝗆 𝖽𝖺𝗆𝖺𝗀𝖾𝖽”, insert any other cliché so common nowadays in 𝕓𝕒𝕕 𝕓𝕠𝕪 𝕣𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤, they simply are. Their actions, attitude, complex personas do the talking. Similarly, they don’t need to fit a mould, each of them is his own kind, no need of definitions just to abide to the laws of marketing. I love this refreshing approach, I can easily connect to the characters, they become alive, they have their own defined personalities.

Albeit I’m giddy with excitement to learn about each character’s story Ekaterina too! Pretty please Lilith 🥺
My deviant mind and dark heart can’t help but bleed for Carter’s turn, I’m so intrigued by him and I know he will destroy me beautifully.

⚠️𝐓𝐖
____________
Author’s Note: Dangerous Strokes is Book 1 in The Sanctum Syndicate series of interconnected standalones. It is a dark romance where sensitive and violent situations that could be triggering for some are depicted. There is no cheating and it has a HEA. Please go to the author’s website for the full list of triggers.

Lilith captured my heart yet again with her storytelling, I felt like this was a fresh take on a Mafia story which I really enjoyed.
It flowed beautifully and made it such an easy book to get absorbed into.

One of the things I loved the most that despite Annika looking so delicate and being quite shy, she’s a force to be reckoned with. The job her and her best friend Hanna do is illegal and quite brilliant. Pulling the wool over peoples eyes and taking them for millions of pounds.

Ronan and Annika are drawn to each other Instantly, with Ronan calling her ‘Little Witch’ because he’s half convinced she’s weaved a spell on him as he’s so enthralled by her. Their connection and chemistry is unwavering, Annika taunting him with games, living on the thrill of the chase. Ronan being so possessive with the need to claim her 🤌🏻

A past job comes back to bite Annika and Hanna in the arse and honestly this portion of the book broke me, it’s emotional and dark. I didn’t see it coming and I had to take a little breather so make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in. Lilith wrote it with such grace, especially the after scenes and dealing with what had happened.

There’s so many scenes I just loved. Lilith is a queen at writing chase scenes and she knows how much I love them and there may be more than one in this book 👀 🏃‍♀️ so my primal girlies be ready! Think chasing, through a forest, in the rain AND it’s muddy 🫠 I was a goner, well and truly gone.

Also if you’ve read Reckless Covenant by Lilith which was part of a Twisted Legends Collection, you’ll have already met some characters 👀 Dangerous Strokes takes place before RC. It was really interesting meeting the rest of the Syndicate years in advance and I’m claiming dibs on Carter now!!! He’s mine for sure and definitely my type on paper 😮‍💨 also Maddox !!! All I got was spicy flashbacks from a spicy DP scene from RC. So bloody hot.

Anyway, I loved this book. Read it!

» overview «

TWs/Kinks: (in the story and potentially mentioned in this review): graphic violence, kidnapping, sexual assault, rape, torture, murder, loss, grief, dubious consent, unplanned pregnancy, human trafficking, obsession.

stars: ★★★★★
plot: ★★★★☆
vibes/feels: ★★★★★
readability: ★★★★★
characters: ★★★★☆
writing: ★★★★☆
recommend: oh, yes.
POV: Dual, first
ending: HEA

» liked «
- the amount of feels that this story gave me. It was easy to feel all the feelings that our FMC, Annika, also felt.
- we stan a possessive “touch her and die” MMC, and Ronan is the epitome of this. Ronan also enjoys a bit of primal/prey, and honestly, what else do you need to know? How about the fact that while I was reading the primal/prey scene, the fire alarm went off in my hotel, and I had to evacuate… Coincidence? I think not.
- I also love that Annika finds her way and turns into this stronger and bold version of herself through her storyline but also weaves in a strong relationship with Ronan.

» “disliked” «
- this is going to make me go back and reread Reckless Covenant so I can go back to Queenscove!

» overall «
I am (as usual) a huge fan of Roman’s writing. She manages to convey emotions in a dark romance that can sometimes be lost or overlooked. I managed to giggle, blush, and cry during this book, and I love a story that can break me into tiny pieces and put me back together. Roman does that in this story, and I couldn’t get enough!

If you enjoy dark mafia romance, primal/prey, he falls first, and a black market deal gone wrong (where she is the dealer), I think Dangerous Strokes is the hot and spicy read for you.

Special thanks to Lilith Roman for providing me with the eARC for a review with my honest opinions. Congrats on another incredible release, babe!🖤

*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-PoV
*Mafia
*Art Crime
*Dark Themes
*Revenge
*Insta-Love
*fast/mid burn
*standalone
Something a little different!
Although this has clear common tropes (which we love!) such as the Mafia baddy falling head over heels for his girl and goes all protective when she’s in danger there are different elements to this 😃 for instance our FMC is a forger making her way in the world alongside her best friend, conning people out of money for famous fakes 🙈
Their last con puts them on the eye of the Syndicate and Annika in the sights of Roman and boy oh boy do those sparks fly 🔥 even when he realises what she’s done…it gets even better 😝yet their previous cons may just come back to haunt them 😬😬
The book takes a darkkk twist about halfway through 😲😲 and it totally breaks you! 😢 but honestly the way Roman supports her through the aftermath 🥰🥰
This is also not your typical HEA, but definitely gets you in the emotions though 🥲

"𝙄’𝙢 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙬𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙛𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜"

Dangerous Strokes is the first book in the The Sanctum Syndicate series. This is a dark, contemporary, standalone romance and does contain subject matter that are not suitable for everyone.

Also, if you’ve read Reckless Covenant, which was featured in the Twisted Legends Collection, you’ll have already met some familiar faces who appear in this book.

This was absolutely captivating and beautifully written. Ronan and Annika's story was so emotionally driven and I was hooked from the very beginning. and COULD NOT STOP! I have a feeling that Ronan and Annika are gonna live rent free in my mind for a while!! I'm a little late to the party, but if you haven't already read this, YOU NEED TO DO SO NOW!!

3,75 stars
I confess… When I started this book, I wasn't excited. It’s a common read: typical mafia/ crime boss who sees the girl and starts to hunt her. They quickly fall for each other. Yeah, she was a little criminal too (I liked), but the first ⅓ of the book didn’t glow. BUT (yeah, there's a one ‘but’) after the happy moments, things started to go down really quickly and some events happened and I really didn’t expect. Thereafter I dive into this story and there are some plots after plots that I liked. Now I’m wondering about the other brothers and more about the mess with the villain of this story.

P.S.: I love the way Ronan cares for Annika...it's really beautiful

Omg! This book was so damn good. Ronan and Annika’s story was everything I needed! It made me feel all the emotions. It has the action, the plot, the suspense, the family, the spice, and so much more! It’s a must read. Thank you so much for the ARC! Make sure you get your copy on July 21st.

As I type, I have no idea whether this will be a review or a Lilith Roman appreciation post. It honestly could go either way

Dangerous Strokes is book one in The Sanctum Series, however, book two Reckless Covenant, was actually released last year as part of the Twisted Legends Collection and oh how I loved being back in Queenscove and seeing the Sanctum Men years prior to The Serpents story

Every time I pick up a book by Lilith, I find myself reading it with a lump in my throat. Not because they're sad but because her writing not only speaks to my dark heart, it also speaks directly to my soul. Her writing is poetic and casts a hypnotic spell over me every time, which is why she has quickly cemented herself as one of my favourite authors of all time

Annika and Ronans' story was intense. It was spicy, dangerous, and laced with brutal, gut-wrenching sadness at times. Their passion, their tension, and their game captured my heart. This fresh take on the Mafia world is utterly bewitching, and I loved every second

Check your triggers because this book is dark, portions of it truly broke me, but in true Lilith style, these parts are written with such care and attention to detail, so you know you're going to be ok (eventually). Annika and Ronans' chemistry and connection are unwavering. The primal scenes 😘🤌

I've never wanted to gatekeep an author as much as I do Lilith but at the same time I truly want all the amazing things for her and her stories because she deserves them

3.5 RTC

I don't know where to start, I think I am still so emotional.
First of all read the trigger-warnings as there is a lot and some parts are so hard to read.
Every time I read Lilith's books I am always pulled in fully and an emotional mess and then I'm left smiling with the perfect epilogue.
This was definitely different and soo good.
Annika and her Friend Hanna love the thrill of life. They’re experts at selling unique art. This is how Annika meets Ronan. Oh Ronan the perfect Alpha Mafia and gives the 'look at her and I will unalive you' vibes throughout.
Their chemistry and attraction was so instant and it was all written so well.
Before Annika and her friend retire, she wanted one last chase. But when the Mafia finds out they have been cheated will they chase and spare their life? Or will it be more? It was very entertaining, it was proper cat and mouse chase, I loved it!!! This was definitely a primal kink.
A lot happens. I don't want to write too much as you really need to experience it while reading.
So much happiness and Love.
Unfortunately Annika and Hanna crossed a very bad man in the past and that comes back haunting them.
There are scenes which are very very hard to read. I cried so much during this time with them all. All experience different kind of pain. I honestly had to put book down and take a breather. My heart broke with Annika and another character which I will ot name. You will find out..
I didn't think I would get over this loss, but as Lilith writes so amazingly, I healed along with Annika. It was actually surreal how I felt. I felt like I was experiencing it all in reality.
Despite this really sad part I was left smile. I just hope this certain character finds happiness one day because I really liked them.
Lilith broke me to pieces and then put me back together again.
Go and get yourself a copy. This is a dark romance with hot steamy scenes.

Can't wait for the next book in this series.

Favourite Quotes:
“One more word about my woman and I’ll slice off your tongue and shove it down his throat.”

"This is my future. This man who goes down on his knees to give me what I want. This man who runs headfirst into danger to save me. This man who will give everything up… for us. He’s my future."

"You wanted excitement , little witch… let’s see how much of it you can take."

“Sometimes I look at you and us and I think I’m gonna blink and you’ll go away. Like it was a beautiful dream, because this sort of happiness feels impossible.”

"I want to fuel this obsession. Nurture it into a new life. / I want to play her game. I want to sink into this spell of hers."

Watching the story of Annika and Ronan unfold was like watching two shades of watercolour paint meet, dancing and swirling around each other, taunting and mesmerising, before finally merging into a beautiful new hue.

I adore dual POV books with MMC/FMC chapters, but sometimes it can be more difficult to write one POV or the other. Lilith does an absolutely impeccable job writing the POVs from both the M and F characters' perspectives. The tone and diction read and feel authentic and flow smoothly, with each character having their own perfected, distinct 'voice' - even the side characters. Notably, the internal monologue feels wholly unique and genuine to Annika and Ronan...as if you're in their heads and not simply reading an author's words.

These characters know what they want from the start, and play their cards to achieve it...until they're not in control of their cards anymore. Lilith's writing style and skill has been unmatched from the very first book I read by her and this is no different. She writes enticing men and strong women, and intricately paints every visceral emotion and painful touch, all tied up in an atmospheric bow. This book and this writing brought tears to my eyes...the trauma, the pain that felt like a knife pressing into my heart, and the healing...an impressive feat.

*I know there's something wrong with me, but I am addicted to Carter.

Even if you think "mafia romance isn't for me" or "insta-lust isn't for me", this one might be. I thoroughly loved it from the very first page. This story is full of unique characters, settings, and concepts - not your standard "big bad mafia guy finds innocent lamb mafia princess to make his own in an urban setting". The instant attraction is functional and their early experiences together serve a purpose to set up the rest of the story.

P.S. I loveee the idea of Midnight and want an irl version.

P.P.S. The whole time, the name Annika made me think of Anakin and I was like 🥹🥰🥲.

dangerous strokes by lilith roman

1.5/5⭐
1/5 🌶️

💭 Tropes l

- con artists
- mafia
- insta-love

📖 My Thoughts

I really enjoyed my kind of monster by this author…so I don’t know what happened with story. this story starts off as if there were several chapters missing prior to this. it seemed like this book was a sequel but it’s not.

I do not like when authors start stories basically like the equivalent of having a thought and then randomly following up with a sentence out loud. Zero context, just talkin. I was just completely lost and it didn’t seem to get better as the story went on.

while I was warned this would be insta-lust, it was like more than that. it felt like there was a relationship beyond what was on page and we were missing something. because of that the relationship fell flat for me. which led to a domino of series of feelings.

this led to the characters being so flat. I felt absolutely zero ties to any of the characters. I couldn’t even feel any emotions when a catastrophic event occurs…ans because of that the ended just felt garbled. emotions, words, consequences of actions not matching the previous actions. and the actual ending? I honestly didn’t think it fit given the previous chapters…it gave me emotional whiplash.

however, I see that many people liked this story so far(at the time of writing this, it’s in the arc stage) so I may not have been the audience, I like my books DARK, no triggers, pure villains.

⚠️ Triggers

murder…I’m sure there are more but I have no triggers so wasn’t necessarily keeping track of them.

🏳️‍🌈 Representation
N/A

🌶️ Spice

sex is had. but given the context of those first few chapters, I cannot be convinced that they were anything but fwb.

📝 Special Notes

I did receive an arc in exchange for my honest review. for me, this was just a bad book. I know part of what took me out of the story was the formatting. I hope it’s fixed upon release. It’s a nitpicky thing but I know many readers who won’t read a story if it’s formatted in a bad way. but do with this info what you want, another book in my GR burn book 😮‍💨

🔗 Link to Book

this book is on ku.

Dangerous Strokes: a Dark Mafia Romance (The Sanctum Syndicate Book 1) https://a.co/d/edfQzAk

**3.75 stars**
This is my first read by Ms. Roman. The blurb of the book had me intrigued.
I love mafia stories. Especially when the female character also leans on the gray side of the law.
So for me the book is divided into thirds.
The first part was soft and on the lighter side.
Ronan and Annika meeting and getting to know each other.
The second part took a very dark turn.
Where the hunter catches his prey.
And the final third we are back to the lighter side.
Where Ronan and Anni get their HEA.
None of the above mentioned is a spoiler due to it being already stated in the blurb.
I really liked how the author divided the chapters. She gives the reader Anni’s pov and the other half in Ronan’s pov.
Both Ronan and Annika in one way or another have ties with or deal with the underworld.
Both their “jobs” are dangerous and with deadly consequences.
I liked Anni and Ronan. While it was instalust/love there was a definite connection.
Their feelings and their bodies reactions to each other do come to life.
I loved how they both felt the need to protect and shield each other.
As far as the plot goes I still have some unanswered questions.
I was left wondering how they would feel safe and secure when they themselves don’t know the outcome of their situation.
What Ronan does towards the end of the story kind of left me stunned and wondering. I understand he wants to keep Anni safe. But I didn’t expect a decision like that from a man of his position. I thought maybe there could have been a compromise and another alternative?
But since this is bk one of an interconnected series the answers are coming in the future.
Good start to the series all the main players are introduced with a bit of background info on them.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the men’s books.

Dangerous Strokes is a high octane, hit the ground running kind of dark romance. The plot is fast, the romance burns quickly, and the danger is next level.
Annika learned at an early age that she was great at recreating famous paintings and what better way to get rich quick than to create forgeries of missing and highly sought after pieces. And with the help of her friend that’s exactly what she does. She just doesn’t expect this instant attraction to her last client but she makes sure he will chase after her.

Ronan is a hard man who runs the criminal organization with the help of his brother and friends. He is immediately under Annika’s spell and while a part of him wants to fight it the other part likes being so entranced by her. Once he finds out he had paid millions for a fake painting, he goes hunting. Turns out, he loves chasing her.

It takes a lot for me to get creeped out or scared by a character and Lilith Roman succeeded in the form of a side character named Bartiste. This guy made my skin crawl. I was definitely feeling stressed whenever he was on the page, and I may have cried on and off for a good couple of chapters when dealing with the aftermath he created.

And as much as I enjoyed this first book, I can’t wait to read book two. I have been intrigued by Vin’s character this entire time and I just need more of him.

4.5⭐️
3.5🔥

What to expect:
-She creates and sells forged art pieces
-He spends millions thinking it’s the real deal
-Instalust
-Fast burn
-Primal
-Stranded together on a private island during a storm
-Someone dangerous is hunting the FMC

TW/CW: the FMC & her friend are kidnapped/beaten/tortured/sexually assaulted (not by the MMC or any of his friends/men), on page rape of a side character, murder/death of a loved one, grief, survivor’s guilt, pregnancy, stabbing, blood, graphic torture scenes of side characters

OK, I’ll admit, I’m not usually a fan of insta love but with Ronan and Annika, it was never going to be any other way. The undeniable connection from the moment they meet and the delicious game of cat and mouse that followed had me captivated from the start and I became so invested in their story. I loved how Annika is portrayed as this quiet timid female when really, she’s a a fierce, smart badass who goes after what she wants and protects those she loves no matter the cost. And Ronan Hennessey- well I’ll be damned! He can call me Little Witch and tell me to ‘run’ any day of the week! The way he loved and protected Annika had me swooning!
I loved the introduction of the other characters and can’t wait to read more of their story.. especially Carter. I loved his cool calm collected nature! I have a feeling he will be an absolute devil in disguise!
I don’t want to say too much about the story itself because it’s best going in blind but keep in mind this is a dark romance, and some aspects will rip your heart out so make sure you read the trigger warnings and have your tissues at the ready. The ending did leave me with some unanswered questions however, given this is book 1 in a series, I’m hoping they are answered in the books to follow.

Favourite Quotes:

“It would be impossible not to see you in the shadows. You don’t blend, Annika, you f*cking shine.”

Because I knew from the way he watched me, like he wanted to devour me whole, that he would be my end and my new beginning.

I’m drawn in like a moth to a flame, and even though I know I’m going to burn, I can’t choose to stop flying.

Tropes:
Instalust
Cat and mouse
Forced proximity
Primal play
Revenge
Black market deal gone bad
Timid heroine

Storytelling at its finest. If the mafia genre is your thing, then you will not be disappointed. The story free flowed, and it made it effortlessly to fall into not only the characters but their world too.

Whilst Annika wears the appearance of a delicate wallflower under the facade she is not, because she is a force to be reckoned with. And her and her best friend have no qualms lining their pockets with the spoils they acquire.

Roman and Annika’s connection is instant. They are drawn to each other like a moth is to a flame, their chemistry is undeniable. Despite the taunting and games on Annika’s part, she enjoys the thrill of the chase. However, not so much Roman’s need to possess and claim her.

And with every story, comes the roller coaster, when the past collides with the present, it opens the readers up to things that they may not expect, but the author wrote it in such a way, with grace and respect, showing empathy and understanding in dealing with what happened.

If you have not read this author before, now’s the time. Because this story had all the feels. The story flowed pleasantly, keeping the readers engaged. Ronan was nothing if not possessive. Annika becomes a better yet bolder version of herself, finding her way to becoming stronger, allowing her to build a better relationship with Ronan.

If you love dark mafia romance, primal play, he falls first, a deal gone wrong and hot and spicy scenes this book is definitely worth reading, along with their happily ever after.

Highly recommend both the author and the book.

I received an ARC. Therefore, I'm am voluntarily leaving a review.

It’s the first book I read from the author and I am very impressed with the writing style. She didn’t shy away from the hard topics and addressed them in a very elegant way. But I will say that I am still sad about the things that happened. The story is definitely a roller coaster ride that bought so many new emotions and thrills for both Annika and Ronan.

A CON that was supposed to be the last for Annika and Hanna but turned out to be so much more than the business deal happening. Every moment was so priceless to read and I thoroughly enjoyed everything till the point where the threat came knocking on their doors.

It was all so unexpected and hurting and the results left me heartbroken. My heart goes to Annika and it’s commendable how strong she is and how well she gathered herself and came back stronger. She is smart and beautiful and has friends who love her more than her own life and I really wanted more things for her true friend.

Ronan is the pillar for everyone around him and the strength he shows in everything going on is hats off. The best endearment from him for her is “little witch”. He is a goner for Annika and is so adorable. I really loved the bonding between brothers and I want to see all of their journeys and getting the HEA. They deserve that.

The story is so much more than a mafia romance read. It’s about friendship, decisions gone wrong, happy moments, sad moments, bitterness, insecurities, and how to overcome heartbreak and live life as it is supposed to be. Life waits for no one—if it’s meant to be, it’s going to be.

It’s a 4.5⭐️ for me.

Dangerous Strokes is a mafia romance featuring Ingrid Thorp (aka Annika Backstrom) and Ronan Hennessey.

Annika is a very talented artist who partnered with Erika Brand (aka Hanna) and painted replicas of long lost paintings. The Lady in White was supposed to be their last con. The painting was being purchased by Ronan. He, along with Finnigan Hennessey (brother), Vincent Sinclair (The Serpent), Maddox Severin and Carter Pierce, run a mafia organization out of Queenscove. They are dangerous men who you don't cross.

When Annika saw Ronan's photo, something snapped for her and she set something in motion without sharing with her friend Hanna. Annika intentionally made an error in the painting, hoping Ronan would notice, and chase her. And he does. Ronan isn't sure whether to punish her, or claim her for himself.

While Ronan chases Annika, falling for her more and more, another former buyer became aware that his painting was a forgery, and he wants his pound of flesh. He is evil and soulless and Annika doesn't stand a chance against him.

This is a VERY dark and intense book with a lot of violence. Please read the trigger warnings before delving in. If you know you won't be triggered, then dive in. Annika and Ronan's story is compelling and spicy. He calls her "Little Witch" believing she has spelled him since he has never felt this way before. She loves how he makes her feel, and keeps him on his toes. The two have a lot of chemistry!

I was excited to learn that this is the first book in The Sanctum Syndicate series. I'm keen to read the next release.

A mafia syndicate read with a twist - Ronan is the eldest of the mafia gang, who ends up being duped by Annika, who along with her best friend, Hanna, have come up with a really clever way to earn millions, as long as nobody notices of course!

Annika is a painter, who has perfected her craft so well so copies masterpieces that are missing and sells them as the recovered original, earning millions in the process. No one has ever found out that they are fake..... yet.

Ronan and his mafia brothers bought a painting off them, but whilst in the meeting to do that they have that insta-love/lust connection going on, throwing both of them completely off their game. It was supposed to be Annika's last job before they retired, but she finds she wants the chase, off Ronan in particular.

I enjoyed this mafia read with a different, I loved the painting con! Quite a dark and emotional read at times with the events taking place that surround Hanna. Ronan and Annika cannot shake their connection, he calls her 'little witch' as he is convinced she has worked some type of magic on him to have him so wrapped up in her!

I loved the way he was around Annika, how supportive and caring he was when she needed it, not pushing.

Of course he is an alpha male, very jealous and possessive of his girl, and when things get hot and steamy you certainly know about it! Whew!!

Lots of different plot twists and suspense/drama in the later stages as a previous buyer finds one of the paintings is a forgery and he is a trafficker and is out for revenge on the girls.

Well, I have to say this has been an intriguingly different book that has me hooked from the first page. Ronan and Annika have a little cat and mouse game their playing and it has been so fascinating to watch. Lilith hooks you with her words and you can't help but keep turning the page. Writing flowed so nicely and these characters draw you in. Like you sit forward in your seat a little more in the hopes to know more about them.
Ronan and the guys in his circle are dark and mysterious, they're dangerous but Ronan has a different side with Annika.
Annika and her friend get themselves into a little trouble with what they do for a living so Ronan, his brother and the rest of the guys are doing what they can to keep them safe. There's plenty of action and things feel like they're moving fast, you're kept on the edge of your seat and the emotions from here is palpable. There's pain and outrage, anger and heartbreak and all Ronan wants to do is fix it but he doesn't know how. It's like you can feel everything.
I really enjoyed how this story ended and how we got to see a little more of how the characters acted in the aftermath of certain things. It gave us insight a little more into each one. It actually didn’t end the way I expected and I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it, not in a bad way of course, it was just different.
This was my first Lilith Roman novel and it was very well done! Thank you

Well, I have to say this has been an intriguingly different book that has me hooked from the first page. Ronan and Annika have a little cat and mouse game their playing and it has been so fascinating to watch. Lilith hooks you with her words and you can't help but keep turning the page. Writing flowed so nicely and these characters draw you in. Like you sit forward in your seat a little more in the hopes to know more about them.
Ronan and the guys in his circle are dark and mysterious, they're dangerous but Ronan has a different side with Annika.
Annika and her friend get themselves into a little trouble with what they do for a living so Ronan, his brother and the rest of the guys are doing what they can to keep them safe. There's plenty of action and things feel like they're moving fast, you're kept on the edge of your seat and the emotions from here is palpable. There's pain and outrage, anger and heartbreak and all Ronan wants to do is fix it but he doesn't know how. It's like you can feel everything.
I really enjoyed how this story ended and how we got to see a little more of how the characters acted in the aftermath of certain things. It gave us insight a little more into each one. It actually didn’t end the way I expected and I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it, not in a bad way of course, it was just different.
This was my first Lilith Roman novel and it was very well done! Thank you

I forgot how much I love Lilith's writing. It's so beautiful and easy to get lost in. It's almost poetic with such a gorgeous rhythm to it allowing you to understand and empathise with her characters.

Annika and Ronan's love story is fast and dramatic and so very sexy. There were moments that had me panting and others that had me ugly crying. I'm talking shoulders going, sobbing (iykyk). This book is beautiful and heartbreaking and written with such care and maturity.

Dangerous Strokes has a particular trope that I don't love (I won't mention it but it is in the TW at the beginning) but here it's pertinent to the story, it's significant, it's relevant and, for this, I actually found myself not minding it. It's when it's written into books without any real purpose that I find myself disengaging but here, it has purpose and it's done well.

Now a trope I DO love is found family and I'm chomping at the bit to learn more about the rest of these men. Carter is especially intriguing - it's going to take a special species of person to melt that man. I'm also so excited to see what Lilith has done with Vincent and Morrigan's story since it was the OG Reckless Covenant that first introduced me to her books. Morrigan holds a dear place in my heart and I'm really looking forward to revisting her and The Serpent.

Dangerous Strokes is the first book I’ve ever read by Lilith and she’s ensured i’m going to be coming back for more.

tropes:
- mafia
- revenge
- insta-love
- dark themes
- primal/prey chase
- posessive “touch her and die” mmc
- strong fmc
- standalone

Lilith’s writing flows beautifully and it was so incredibly easy to feel exactly what our FMC, Annika, was feeling. Annika and Ronan were absolutely perfect together and their chemistry was off the charts, like raise the temperature in the room kind of off-the-charts. They were drawn to each other from the get go (my favorite) and Ronan calling her “Little Witch” made me wish I had someone to call me Little Witch. Possessive MMCs are my weak spot and Ronan was literally the embodiment of everything I want in a man.

One of my favorite things about the book was that although Annika portrayed a shy front, she was an extremely badass character that no one could mess with and she could hold her own. Everyone who knows me knows I can’t handle a doormat fmc and Annika was anything but. Everything about this book was absolutely perfect and I was hooked from the very first page. Lilith knows how to write a story and characters that you just don’t want to let go of. It’s got the romance, the intriguing plot, the action, the spice and everything else you could possibly want in a romance book.

Plot: 4/5 ⭐️
Development: 4/5 ⭐️
World Building: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶
Interest: 5/5 ⭐️
Overall: 4,5/5⭐️
This was my first read by Lilith Roman and I wasn’t disappointed! The blurb of the book had me intrigued but I must confess that when I started it, I wasn't excited. It looked like a typical mafia/crime boss who sees the girl and starts to hunt her and they quickly fall for each other, but then it’s not! It’s a twist on the mafia world and not your typical head of the family world.
This book was very beautiful but also heartbreaking but was written with care and maturity. The thing I loved the most was that despite Annika looking so delicate and being quite shy (can relate), she’s a force to be reckoned with, and I just love when the FMC is also kinda shady and morally grey!
I loved their romance and how they fight through the darkness and get to something they both never thought they could have. And the pet name! Ronan calling her ‘Little Witch’ was just perfect!
The only reason that this is four stars rather than five is because I did struggle to get into the book initially. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the men’s books.
Thank you, Peachy Keen and the author Lilith Roman for the e-ARC in exchange for a spoiler-free and honest review!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Ronan is a drop dead gorgeous, dangerous and powerful man. He is one of the leaders of the underworld. Annika was hooked the very first time she saw him. This girl is a force to be reckoned with but you would think she was very shy. She and her best friend use that to their advantage and have been about to make a lot of money by pulling the wool over people's eyes and stealing it basically. Ronan might now be so easily fooled as he called her Little Witch the first time they met. But he also has never been so taken with anyone in his life and is half convinced that she has put a spell on him. But the girl does love her games and she is going to go to great lengths to have Ronan chase her. I don't really want to ruin anything for anyone and talk too much about the plot. This book will keep you on your toes with the twists and turns. I will warn you that part of this book will about break your heart out so try to be ready for that. But I can't really say why as I think you need to be as shocked as I was when I got to that part. This was a great book. There is no way y'all won't love it.

I want...no I NEED more

Wow! I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. Annika and Ronan are truly amazing characters. The instant connection they had was powerful. It was more insta-lust that turned to obsession, then love. They were magnets, or gravity. They were pulled to one another.

This story starts off light and gives us a glimpse into "the sydicate" and the men involved. Ronan meets Annika through an art deal. She's the forger and he does black market art dealings. This is what jump starts their connection and the story takes off from there.

I can't say much more because it will involve too many spoilers. I will say this, the suspense in this made me anxious. Then it made my stomach twist and my heart hurt. I cried. My heart aches for our lead characters as well as one of our supporting characters.

I can't wait to read more about Vin, Carter, Maddox...and most importantly, Finn. Ohhhh Finnegan...my heart bleeds for you. I truly hope we will get glimpses of Ronan and his Little Witch throughout the rest of the series. Well done Lilith Roman! You created something so wonderful and I'm anxious for more!

Happy reading!

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬 by Lilith Roman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

"𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐜*𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜*𝐧𝐭, 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐟*𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮."

📖: First off, picking quotes to share from this book was HARD! There were SO many good ones!
Mafia is always a good go-to read for me & Dangerous Strokes did NOT disappoint!! Lilith's writing is so different but in the BEST way!
The story line is so cool & out of the box and it has me super excited for books 2 & 3!
Ronan & Annika's story kept me on my toes & is definitely worth the read! And if my review sounds "short" or "vague" I apologize, but I really don't wanna give anything in this book away! It's definitely one you need to read & experience for yourself!! So if you're a Mafia Girl like me then The Sanctum Syndicate is for you!

Lilith I cannot wait to see more of Ronan & Annika in the coming books! I fell for them so hard 🥹🖤

"𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝑅𝑜𝓃𝒶𝓃. �� 𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓌 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹𝓃'𝓉 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓊𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝓁𝓊𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒𝒹. 𝐼 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉... 𝒸𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒹. 𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝐼 𝓂𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓂𝓅𝑜𝓈𝓈𝒾𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓅 𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓉- 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊."

3.5⭐️

**HONEST REVIEW**
This was gifted to me by the author and their literary publishing/PR team! I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it. I liked it and enjoyed it for the most part. Once it hit about 60% I got a little bored and didn’t feel invested in the couple. I thought that the plot was well done and full of action, intensity and reminded me of the movie Taken with kidnapping and othe triggering SA items. There were some very heavy, graphically described SA scenes and death. It lost me a little as I felt that this felt so sudden and awful and then the last 30% was slow but full of dialogue and healing of the FMC with a quick happy ending and a few more sprinkles of spice. I am one to enjoy primal play scenes and chasing but this just felt random
to me with this couple, it seemed unlike them and who they would be realistically. I also felt their insta lust/ insta love just wasn’t enough either. I needed more and felt mostly that this was a good debut novel for the author!

I’m not sure if I will continue the series or not.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this and for gifting me a copy!!

Annika is a forger of priceless paintings that have either gone missing or were destroyed. She and her partner, Hanna, resell forged paintings to unsuspecting collectors for millions of dollars. Hanna makes all the important connections to unload the forgeries. Their final job before retirement is to be sold to the Hennessey brothers. This time, after picking their mark, Annika is drawn to a picture of Ronan Hennessey and cannot quit thinking and even dreaming about him. She intentionally changes the eyes in the painting, and when Ronan notices it's a forgery, he and his brother track them down.

When Ronan and his brother catch up to Annika and Hanna, sparks fly and something special develops between them, until Annika and Hanna's past comes back to haunt them. Ronan and his brother will go to any lengths to keep Annika and Hanna safe from their past, but will it be enough to save them, or were they doomed from the start.

This story pulls on all of your emotions and Ronan and Annika's chemistry is off the charts. This is my first story by Lilith Roman, but it definitely won't be my last. Dangerous Strokes is the first book in The Sanctum Syndicate series and can be read as a standalone. Lilith is a great storyteller and I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed and might even find a new author to follow. I know that I did.

OMG LILITH!!! What a masterpiece you’ve written!! I need more Ronan and Annika like now!!! So this story literally takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions!! I couldn’t put this book down and was so sad when it ended. If you like Mafia books, Dangerous Strokes is for you! Annika is an underworld art dealer who has made a business deal with Ronan, however he doesn’t realize how much his world is going to be flipped upside down by this deal. Annika is hoping for one last deal, but finds herself drawn to Ronan and not sure how she’ll be able to walk away from the thrill her job gives her. Luckily for her, Ronan is about to give her the thrill of her life when he catches her selling a fake painting!! But is Ronan the only member of the Mafia looking for Annika? You’ll just have to read to find out.
The push and pull these characters have is addicting and I loved the spice and attraction they had for each other. The spice is off the charts and you’ll find yourself craving more time with Ronan ;) Now, if only I knew where I could find one in real life?