“Instantly Have You Addicted” – Oprah Magazine#1 Contemporary Romance#1 New Adult Romance#2 Most sold book on Amazon#2 Most sold Fiction book on Washington PostTop 2 book in the entire Amazon Kindle store“My absolute favorite L.J. Shen to date. Indulgent and addictive.” – USA Today Bestselling author RS Grey“This book will ruin you for all other books in 2019” – Bestselling author BB Easton From … will ruin you for all other books in 2019” – Bestselling author BB Easton
From USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author L.J. Shen comes an enemies-to-lovers romance with a twist…
They say your first kiss should be earned.
Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky.
They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred.
Mine were broken before we left church.
They say your heart only beats for one man.
Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end.
I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit.
Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage.
They say that all great love stories have a happy ending.
I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.
One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Entwined together.
And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.
more
Loved this book so much!
**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**
LJ Shen’s writing was good in The Kiss Thief. The story was interesting enough to pull me in, despite loads of over-the-top drama, and I especially liked the middle portion of the book where Wolfe started stepping up for Francesca and she started realizing her parents were awful people. But neither the storyline nor the characters were developed enough to give real weight to the emotions here. Adding more of Francesca’s background (maybe flashbacks to her childhood?) would’ve made the split with her father and with Angelo more gut-wrenching for the reader and given context to some of her behavior. The same with Wolfe – we find out near the end of the book WHY he’s built his entire life on a revenge plot, but learning some of it earlier (or even just vignettes of his time with Romeo and the Keatons) would’ve made his character so much more compelling. I also found the interactions with “The Outfit” a bit stereotypical and silly, and part of that is because everything is surface-level.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time
It’s really hard to write a review of this book, because it’s made me feel more things in one reading experience than I have in longer than I can remember…. Or maybe ever!
This story was so strong and scary and sexy and oh my god was I crying… SOBBING, like a baby at the end. It made me cringe and smile and fucking swoon because Jesus Christ, Wolfe is a sexy stubborn asshole and that is so my thing.
When I read the description of the book, I was unsure about how I would enjoy it, because it seemed like more of a love triangle than it actually is. Sure, Francesca is always defaulting to Angelo because it’s what she thinks she wants, but honestly, I feel like she’s being torn more between Wolfe and her father than Wolfe and Angelo. Not in a creepy gross way, obviously. But I just knew that from Francesca and Wolfe’s first stolen kiss that Angelo didn’t stand a chance. Which is sort of sad because he seemed like a sweet boy.
Still, I love that this is a fairy tale where the Villain becomes the hero, because there’s nothing better in the world than an alpha male breaking all his rules for the woman of his dreams. That’s what had me crying so ugly at the end, lol. That they broke each other down and fell so hard, it was perfect. And that for a brief, terrifying moment of panic, I thought it might not have a happy ending! Gah!
Amazing, truly stunning story. Bravo, Ms. Shen!
Arranged marriage, angst, passion, family, betrayal, the mob and so much more. Francesca Rossi and Senator Wolfe Keaton are powerful characters that just blew my mind. She was young, delicate, and obedient to her family, but underneath there was so much more than anyone knew. She was strong, resilient, and totally underestimated by everyone in her life. He was damaged and determined to get revenge. So powerful, rich and used to everyone kneeling to his orders. A rude awakening was coming. Don’t miss out on this story. So well written and ready to take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride. I won an ARC of this book and voluntarily posted my review.
Amazing emotionally charged story. Gloriously frustrating at times!
The Kiss Thief was an amazing story. Francesca & Wolfe were so stubborn. Their were times when I was so frustrated with Wolfe, honestly Francesca too, I wanted to dislike him but then he’d do something redeeming and I was conflicted. This was an emotional roller coaster and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it.
Francesca is the sheltered daughter of a mob boss. She thinks her life is all mapped out but when she meets Senator Wolfe Keaton her world is turned upside down. Wolfe has a justified vendetta with Francesca’s father and he plans to use her in his plan to ruin him. But there’s a saying “The best laid plans…often go awry.” An emotionally charged story that pulled me in through to the end.
Outstanding story and characters!
I don’t know why but this was the first book by LJ Shen that I read. Huh!? Why, I asked myself have I not read something by this author before. I loved the dynamics between Francesca and Wolfe. You think Francesca is going to be a pushover because she always obeyed her father but she isn’t a pushover at all. She takes the bull by his horns, literally, and brings him down. Wolfe thinks he has malleable piece of female putty in his hands and he is going to make her do everything he wants and nothing and no one is going to touch him. Uh, Uh Senator Keaton you have met your match and then some in Francesca Rossi! You will laugh, you will cry, you will want to hit several someones, and you will probably want to throw your kindle! What you will also want to do is love this storyline. The main and secondary characters are well developed. The storyline keeps your attention and is a page turner! One of the best books I have read this year! I recommend you one-click it!
I definitely had mixed feelings about this story. I was angered and saddened by the Thief’s ugly actions. I do not condone his behavior in any way. That being said I also felt for him. He’s a terribly broken and angry man in need of someone to show him love.
Francesca is quite young. Although I didn’t agree with some of her actions or thinking I still found her intelligent and strong. I liked how she didn’t let her situation break her and how she faced things head on.
This one seemed to be the one everyone was praising, so I figured I’d give it a read. Basically, I think Francesca was the star of this show. Life wasn’t perfect by any means, but she showed she had more heart and nerve than basically anyone gave her credit for. Wolfe definitely lived up to his name, but there were so many twists, turns and surprises that it kept me enchanted from start to finish.
Mafia princess and heir Francesca Rossi can’t wait for the masquerade ball because she’s finally going to kiss the dazzlingly handsome Angelo, her childhood crush. According to Rossi family tradition, the last Rossi girl to marry writes 3 notes that will predict the next Rossi bride’s love. Wanting to rush fate, Francesca had stolen one of the notes and it predicted that tonight she was going to be kissed by the love of her life. When the lights go out at the masquerade ball, the arrogant but stunningly handsome Senator Wolfe Keaton steals a kiss from Francesca and afterwards, blackmails her father into handing her over as his bride. Angelo is heartbroken when he finds out and when Francesca tells him “Maybe in the life life”, Angelo tells her “No, goddess, definitely in this one.” Who will Francesca end up with?
The Kiss Thief is a gut wrenching, emotional, action-packed, suspenseful and steamy story full of twists and turns that will suck you in
The Kiss Thief is told in dual pov with a guaranteed happily ever after. I absolutely love the cover & title of this romance. The narrative is fabulous. I absolutely love love love this audiobook. A definite relisten.
Narators Savannah Peachwood & Stephen Dexter’s performance was flawless & impeccable. Pace & Tone flows through smoothly. I’m a huge fan of Stephen Dexter’s work. Savannah Peachwood is new to me and I look forward to listening to other books narated by her.
My favourite audiobook of 2019.
Wow. That about sums up my experience reading this book. It took me an embarrassing amount of time to read — no fault of anything but life. This book was so, so good. When I did have time to sit and read, I wanted to devour each and every word. Wolfe Keaton was something else. He angered me so much one minute and made me swoon the next.
This was my first LJ Shen book, but I can promise you it won’t be my last.
This book was SCANDALOUS and often not in a titillating fashion. In fact, at the very beginning when I came across a few of the more colorful dialogue lines spoken by our Hero, (like the ones below), I was SURE I hated Senator Wolfe Keaton with every fiber of my being. I mean who wouldn’t have reservations about a man who says…
“The notion that you can touch me or what’s mine in any way, other than sucking my cock whenever I’m generous enough to allow it, amuses me.”
And yet, I couldn’t put the book down. I devoured it in one sitting. Somewhere along the way my desperation to find the positive qualities of this alpha asshole was rewarded. I wish I could elaborate on the exact moment when I discovered he was redeemable, but I can’t.
This is the BRILLIANCE of L.J. Shen.
Perhaps she made me a fan when the BIG Bad Wolfe showed his fangs while physically roughing-up a despicable side character while uttering statements like…
“Get anywhere near her again, and I shall consider it an act of war. A war I am more than equipped to finish, and in record time.”
Maybe it’s the fact that I myself have been known to write an alpha asshole, but whatever the reason, I really enjoyed this book.
Absolutely loved this book. It’s hooked me from the first page until the last. I never wanted it to end. This book is now one of my all time favorite books and completely different than any book I’ve ever read. Seriously couldn’t put it down until I finished. I wish there was more to this story because I loved these two so much.
The Kiss Thief is the first L.J. Shen book that I have read, but definitely won’t be my last. I had heard a lot of buzz about this book, so I was happy to finally get the opportunity to read it.
This story was well developed and crafted in such a way that you were constantly unveiling layers and there were surprises lurking behind every turn. You had a nemesis and a villain going head to head and you never knew who was going to end up having the upper hand because just when you thought you knew, something else would be brought to light.
Wolfe Keaton is one of those heroes you love to hate. He’s alpha to the core, he’s cunning, intelligent, calculated and ruthless. He’s the type of man that makes other men scared and makes women weak in the knees. He doesn’t like to show emotion an he always wants to be in control. That is the one thing he doesn’t ever want to lose.
Francesca Rossi is a strong woman regardless of her upbringing. While certain things were expected of her, there was a lot more to the woman than anyone could have ever imagined. She thinks things in her life are destined to go one way, but one never knows what life will throw your way and that was the case for Francesca.
There were times in this book I wanted to throw it and pull my hair out and then there were times that I wanted to melt into a puddle of goo. You truly felt all the emotions while reading this book. I don’t dare give away the story, that’s something you need to experience all for yourself. You won’t be sorry you did.
Not your typical hearts and flowers romance
This author definitely has cornered the market on writing barely-redeemable male lead characters who dance right up to the line where power morphs into cruelty. Wolfe and Francesca have a difficult enmity-based relationship, one that rearranges the usual order of romantic arcs yet still manages to peel away their protective layers until they find the truth in their hearts. There is plenty of angst here, some questionable consent issues, and plenty of power plays by all the players. But there’s also a sweet and satisfying HEA that’s well worth the journey.
This book is extremely well-written, if just a little reminiscent of the author’s early book, Sparrow. These are characters you will come to care about, even if you don’t always agree with their choices. It’s quite dark at times, so be forewarned. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this book! It was my first mafia/mob type book and my second LJ Shen book. She has such a way of sucking you in! I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened. And the ANGST. Good Lord! Y’all know I love my angst and Shen did it right in this one. I loved the crazy chemistry between the characters, the enemies to lovers, and oh man… the first time they have sex… I DIED. It was the most powerful scene I think I’ve ever read! So intense! I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a slightly dark and angsty romance.
I’ve always thought that LJ Shen has a way with words. They have the power to make you swoon or break you apart. The Kiss Thief was no exception. And what makes it more special is the story how and why this novel was written.
Her plot always dances between reality and fiction. The story line or plots makes you want to live in a make believe world and think that this too can happen in real life. She knows what to say to touch her reader’s hearts and minds. Although something felt off with the timeline and the fast pacing of how the story went, it is something entirely negligible seeing as the depth of the plot will make you over look a minor set back. The twist may not be as heart wrenching as I wanted it to be but it was there nonetheless. Something that will still make you push for one more chapter. Something that will make you want to read more even past your bedtime. The story intrigues me and how the plot will play out. I may have predicted what the ending would’ve been, but how the story unfolds is still entertaining at best.
Shen always know how to create the perfect alpha male. Just enough to make me swoon and set super high standards for a man for me. Although I know for a fact that this is fiction and unless I can be as strong and witty as the heroine, I’d never land someone like that for myself in real life. I’m not really a heroine fan on most of my novels for some reasons, but Shen can make me love the girls. They were made with fierceness and strength and you can’t just help but love and admire them. They are never a push over, not for the love of their lives. They’re not even martyrs. They know how to take care of themselves and fight for their right without really over powering the patriarchy. But the alpha doesn’t even use their power over the heroines which make them for a great lover.
Overall, this lands a 4 out of 5 stars. The characters are just as lovely as they could get and their love story wasn’t really a fairy tale but a witch tale, which makes them even more endearing.
Disappointing
As soon as I read the first chapter, I was so excited! I loved it so much! I even picked out my favourite guy already. I know you shouldn’t pick sides straight away but I decided then and there which team I was on. Angelo and Wolfe are basically complete opposites: light and dark. The hero and anti-hero. But are they really? Maybe I’ve prejudged them before I really know them. But I do know that I’m Team Wolfe. Claimed him. He’s mine. No question about it 😉
I feel like LJ Shen slipped into my mind, gathered up my thoughts and fantasies, and poured them out into a story I always wanted. I devoured this book, utterly devoured it and all I kept thinking was, slow down, you’ll get to the end soon and then you’ll be so upset it’s over! Tensions are mounting and some characters are spiraling out of control. Not to mention secrets are slipping out and truths become known. Francesca is a great character despite her youth. She is strong and resilient. She learns some hard facts of life and my heart squeezes for her. But then I was screaming, What are you doing!!!
Wolfe certainly lives up to his name but he isn’t just a big, bad wolf. He’s more complex and deep than you expect. He’s suffered and you understand why his nature changed over time. He seems unyielding and tough as steel:
“Besides,” he hissed only for me to hear, his warm, minty breath tickling the side of my neck, “if my bride knew me even a little, she’s know I never kneel.”
This isn’t your typical love story and yet it was the greatest thing I’ve read. I’d give it more than five stars if I could. I won’t go into too many details because the joy of reading is experiencing all the feels for yourself. What I will say is that LJ Shen has set the standard and the books that I read now will have to pull all the stops to win my heart. #TeamWolfe
I adore L.J. Shen’s writing.