“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.
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It was my first time reading this author, and what a surprise! The story is intense and addictive. While reading from Francesca’s POV you hate Wolfe, but slowly you start to feel things as intense as the hate and the anger. The book was so beautifully written that I couldn’t put it down. Now I have the worst case of book hangover that I’ve experienced in a long, long time.
Where do I even begin with The Kiss Thief?! It is the most magical, fantastic, amazing, slow burning, heart wrenching, and by far the best book I’ve read by LJ Shen and in 2019! (And btw, we’re only about how many days INTO 2019?!?)
LJ Shen slayed me, absolutely slayed me! The Kiss Thief exceeded all and EVERY. SINGLE. expectation I had of it, believe in the hype for this book because IT’S REAL! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before! It’s historical, but told with a modern twist! Shen is the QUEEN!
I didn’t want it to end, so I tried to read it slowly and take in everything that I could, cherish every line written, but I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages, quickly devouring each and every word! It was THAT good!
The Kiss Thief is NOT you’re typical romance read.
“Our story is not a love story.”
It’s a story between two people, a villain and a nemesis.
One full of revenge and one who is innocent to it all.
A story of two people full of anger and hate. Pain and heartache and misunderstandings and assumptions.
A story of two people intertwined much more deeper than they could have ever imagined.
“A story of a Nemesis and Villain with no chance of a happy ending.
Where the prince doesn’t save the princess.
He tortures her.
And the beauty doesn’t sleep.
She’s stuck.
In a nightmare.”
A story about so much more than these two imagined after the night of the masquerade.
Wolfe Keaton has taken full reign for the TOP book boyfriend spot! He’s cold, powerful, calculating, closed-off, lethal, confident, untouchable, prideful, calculating, detached, and the hottest of all the hotholes I’ve ever read! His actions matched his words! I loved his cold exterior, but more so, I fell deeper with the way he took care of his heroine. It only proved that with how detached he is, he is capable of love, no matter how much he buries it behind his many layers.
From the moment he stole that kiss, he stole my heart.
“You tasted like ash. Liked betrayal. You, Senator Keaton, taste bitter and cold, like poison. You taste like a villain.”
Francesca Rossi is the most fierce, strong, brave, and entertaining innocent heroine ever with a backbone! My most favorite heroine of all time! Even at the young age of 19, she showed so much compassion and heart. She expressed her emotions without a care in the world of who’d see, and that’s takes a lot of bravery, strength, and acceptance of yourself. She stood her ground even when she felt defeated. She didn’t cower down to Wolfe or her father or to the deceit and lies. She kept on fighting.
“I am the wind. Strong and evasive and everywhere. He can’t touch me.”
Layer by layer, Francesca was able to break through Wolfe’s unbearably tough, steel walls with her fierceness, her loyalty, her compassion, and her love. The goodness in her shined through, Wolfe didn’t stand a chance.
“We were intwined and entangled, connected with invisible strings, each of us trying to pull away, only to create more knots that made us closer.”
The Kiss Thief is two words: MUST. READ.
Trust me, you won’t regret it! It will keep you up at night, it will keep you turning the pages! It’s seductive, angsty, hauntingly beautiful, and so damn soul gripping!
It has everything you want and more with the perfect backdrop: The mob, the corruption of the Chicago police department, and the masterminding of politicking. Her characters will capture your interest and keep hold of it until the very end!
LJ Shen has proven why this is one of the most highly anticipated reads of 2019 and why it’s become one of my TOP reads this year! It ripped my heart out of my chest only to be glued back together piece by piece! Shen knows how to tell a damn good story, and it’s no wonder why her books are always highly recommended and top sellers!
I cannot wait to see what she has in store for 2019 because I’m there for ALL of it!
“Wretchedly gorgeous. Wickedly innocent. Irrevocably mine.”
First, he stole her kiss. Then he stole her last name. Finally, he stole her heart.
Five villainous, dreamy stars:
“He took the power. My power. I yanked the note out of my corset and threw it against the stair, stomping over it like a tantrum-prone kid. Wolfe Keaton was a kiss thief.”
The Kiss Thief was SOOOOO worth the wait! I LOVED this book so hard. This was my first book by L.J Shen and it most definitely wont be my last one. This story keeps you captivated from the very first page, to the very last page. I just could not devour it quick enough. It was a emotional roller coaster ride I never wanted to get off of. This book book tests every emotion you could possibly feel all at one time. It’s frustrating, maddening and utterly enticing. Each page brought you closer and closer to the edge of ruin. Only to make you love every second of it. So many times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room, only to be left swooning the very next page. I love a good enemies to lovers and this is hands down the best one I have read to date. This isn’t your usual love story. Its messy, vicious, and complicated. Everything about The Kiss Theif is unique and very well written. Francesca, Wolfe, and Angelo make for a powerful love triangle that you just can’t get enough of. The chemistry between the characters was explosive, and red HOT! Many times I found myself reaching for some ice water to cool down the fire this book ignites. I was sad to see the story and but ciuld not have imagined a mire perfect ending. This book truly was EVERYTHING!!
““You’re as graceful as rain.” “Beautiful as the starless Chicago sky on a sad, masquerade night.” “You feel so good, Nemesis. I would drown in you and die if you don’t stop me.”
Francesca was one if those heroines that was easy to love. She pulled at your heart strings. While leaving you to admire her strength. She could give as good as she got and I loved that about her character. Francesca was as witty, as she was smart. She had a sharp tongue, with the sassy attitude to match. Was she naive at times, yes. Was she entitled and spoiled sometimes, yes. But honestly I couldn’t have pictured her character any other way. Her quirky, unique ways was just what this story needed to keep these alphas on their toes.
“Our eyes locked. We were so close, I could see the unique, silvery shade of his irises. Pale and frightening like the planet Mercury, with icy, blue speckles inside the craters.”
Wolfe Keaton is one of the most complicated alphas I have ever read. I loved to hate him so much. So many times I wanted to punch him in the face. While slapping myself at the same time for completely loving him. I wanted to hate him so bad, but yet couldn’t find it in my heart to do so. Everything about him screamed cold, calculated power. He commanded your attention, while dominating your heart. Not only is Wolfe Keaton a kiss theif, but he’s a heart theif. He blows in like a summer storm, ruining your heart for all book boyfriends to come!
“The woman was delicious and ripe. And mine. And mine. And mine. If I repeated these words in my head enough times, I could make it true.”
*5 STARS*
Well earned for a story that continues to haunt your mind long after its pages end. I honestly wish I could give this book 10 stars it deserves it and more. This is definitely going into my best reads if 2019 folder.
The Kiss Thief by Author LJ Shen was an extremely intense, gripping, suspenseful romance. The premise was good and I loved how growly the Hero Wolfe or as I referred to him as, Mr. Growly Pants was but he was not a nice man at all. Some of the things he did were unforgivable but I powered through it regardless because I had high hopes he would redeem himself. He was hell bent on revenge and his upbringing made him mean and detached. In between his rage, he protected the heroine but there was something lacking and his morals took a back seat and I was left hating him for most of the book.
The heroine, Francesca was put through the wringer. I really felt very sorry for her and her circumstances. Some things that were done to her by Wolfe, not to mention her father were downright deplorable and go against everything I believe in. I really liked her but for a good portion of the book she just hated him and rightfully so but then all of a sudden with no explanation, she loved him. Just wasn’t believable to me.
Wolfe’s anger and trust issues fueled his need for revenge over and over and just got old for me.
I will say the suspense factor was off the charts and is what kept me going. The supporting characters were brilliantly written. Angelo stole my heart and I wanted to marry him. He was truly something special. Very swoon-worthy character in my opinion. Francesca’s parents tested my limits. Most of which was because of her father. He was such a hostile, heartless prick who I just loved to hate. Her mother was better but spineless but there’s reasons for that.
One of my favorite characters was Ms. Sterling. She started off a bit cranky but throughout the story, she developed a loving and protective relationship with the heroine. I loved how she stood up to Wolfe and I loved her twist at the end of the story. All of these supporting characters are what drove the story and kept me reading.
Did I root for this couple and their HEA? Yes I did, but my lord, they sure did fight a hell of a lot. Too much for me. It was missing the excitement, the oomph, the build up and chemistry. It lacked for me in this story. That’s my favorite part of a romance. I’m glad I stuck with this book because I absolutely loved the ending and the epilogue was done so well. When I ended the book I felt all my questions were answered and then some. That was the best part of the book for me.
If I were to rate this book I would give 3 stars for the romance and 4 stars for the way the supporting characters played a part in this story and the sub plots. There were some really great parts but those didn’t come until the end and it was just too late for me at that point. Overall I give this book a 3.5 stars.
Francesca Rossi, Italian mob princess, always dreamed of marrying Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. She had everything planned. But the night she met Senator Wolfe Keaton and he stole her first kiss changed everything.
I loved The Kiss Thief! Frankie and Wolfe’s story took me in a rollercoaster ride of emotions with all the drama, laughter, twists, surprises and sexy scenes. I adored the banter and chemistry between them and how their connection developed.
Francesca Rossi is a strong young woman, with a backbone to match all the Made Men in the Chicago Outfit. Even though she’s dealt a difficult hand and finds herself in an impossible situation, not knowing whom to trust, Frankie still shines and still sees the good in the world.
Wolfe Keaton is a mysterious and ruthless man. He planned his whole life to take down the Chicago Outfit, but meeting Francesca Rossi changed him and his plans. He can be a jerk, but he also has a vulnerable side that he only shows to his Nemesis.
This is my first book by L.J. Shen and I loved every single page of it! Her writing style pulled me in from the first page and I couldn’t put my Kindle down until I reached the end of this phenomenal book. I can’t wait to read more!
The highly anticipated The Kiss Thief was worth the wait. This was a tale for the ages. A story that set your heart and soul aflame that burned until
the very last word.
Francesca, groomed from birth to be the perfect mafia princess. Her heart’s desire a childhood friend set to be her destiny. When the dark deeds of a mob boss comes home to roost, the collateral damage falls on his only daughter.
Wolfe, a playboy with power, his steely exterior his armor to fight off the evils of Chicago. He does not suffer fools and exacting revenge on the man who wronged him so long ago may be the one thing to bring him to his knees.
A thief in the night, stolen kisses, traditions altered, fire and ice forced together. Francesca a fierce warrior, poised to fight the situation with her vibrant spirit. Wolfe, he is the anti-hero, iron facade with a pliant heart that has only just met his match.
A brilliant page turner with all the feels. This book tore me apart and put me back together in stunning fashion.
THE KISS THIEF by L.J. Shen is already a top contender for BEST BOOK of 2019. And 2019 just started.
Have you read a book that you knew that words would not be enough to describe what you felt after reading? That’s me after reading “The Kiss Thief”. I am trying to find the words to express what I just read- Wowza!!! I’m a basket case of emotions. This story is beyond brilliant, emotionally stunning and passionately delicious. OMG, I loved every moment of every page , from start to finish. I don’t want to give any spoilers away but the plot and the characters just hooked me, had me obsessed and entranced; this is an emotional and pretty harrowing romance that bordered on dark, raw and at times, gritty. Full of hatred, love, passion,heartbreak ,fierceness, obsession, violence, power, anger, and pain that kept me on the edge of my seat, with all these rollercoaster emotions and moments- twists and turns that were written with such a deft hand and one who weld it quite well.
Let me say- Wolfe Keaton is beyond despicable! He is cruel and yes ,he has no mercy for anyone but he is quite handsome and so delicious and sexy. His bad boy made me want to tame him good. Which is why i hated when he did what he did to
Francesca. She is just a young woman of 19 who finds herself caught in the world of The Outfit, which is the Italian-American mafia, and treated as nothing more than pawn/chattel. Now it’s her time to show the world that she’s more than just that. Francesca is a beautiful young woman who was born into a life not of her choosing. Wolfe and Francesca started off as enemies who were pushed into something not of their making but its out of that does the story twist and turn. This was such a gripping emotional experience that makes Ms. Shen the go to author of our times.
My Rating: 5.0 *****
The Kiss Thief was one of my most anticipated reads, and like so many, I’ve been dying to read it for months. Well, L.J. Shen has met, and then proceeded to crashed through every single expectation I had for this book.
Shen’s prose throughout the entire book was flawless; I personally believe it’s her most beautiful work yet. The story–although intense and gritty–was enchanting and addictive. I was completely consumed by this world and the characters she created. A modern day romance entwined with the perfect amount of historical aspects. A big reason I found myself so enchanted by it.
“Wolfe Keaton was a kiss thief, but it wasn’t only a kiss that he stole. He stole my heart, too. Ripped it from my chest and put it in his pocket.”
Senator Wolfe Keaton may be the most haunting antihero Shen has created. He was arrogant, broody, complex — someone not to be messed with. A complete and utter mystery. At times, I didn’t think I could look past his cruelty to even like him, let alone grow to love him. But let’s face it, no one makes me fall for an antihero of this caliber like this author.
Francesca Rossi is the epitome of sweet, innocent, elegance. Thrown into an unimaginable situation like an arranged marriage catapults a girl into a strong-willed, capable woman. I admired her growth on every aspect. Then she slowly began to chip away at the armor shielding Wolfe’s heart. And once that armor was removed, I was completely captive to the love that blossomed between them. The looks, touches, rules that became nonexistent turned me into a swooning mess.
“We were no longer two strangers sharing a roof. We were entwined and entangled, connected with invisible strings, each of us trying to pull away, only to create more knots that made us closer.”
The Kiss Thief is captivating, brilliant, sheer perfection that left me completely spellbound. Angsty and full of twists that had me fixated to every page. Simply a book I couldn’t get enough of, and L.J. Shen’s BEST YET! One I’ll be thinking of for a long time to come.
I thought it was well written and a great story line. This had so much potential to be a great book. I just didn’t care for the characters and felt it was a bit over the top with unnecessary drama.
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it. It is just breathtaking. And let me tell you, what was inside matched the outside. The Kiss Thief had me captivated from the very start. A story of a true anti-hero who crawled his way deep into my heart and his pursuit of a strong, innocent woman (much to his surprise). This was a steamy, unputdownable read.
I loved it!! I had heard so many people raving about this book that I had to satisfy my curiosity and see for myself if it was as good as other readers were saying. It was all true! What a page turner.
Could I fall for the big bad Wolfe? Oh yes…. absolutely. I am certain there are many readers who also love a bad guy….. but is he?
Wolfe Keaton – this man intrigued me from the very first moment I met him in the book. Dark, powerful, mysterious and not frightened to use his power to get what he wants in life.
Francesca Rossi – what an amazing young lady she is. I adored everything about her character, I felt the author wrote her extremely well.
I loved the way the story started and the unique reasons why events unfolded as they did. There are lots of goings on in the story to have you wanting to know what happens next and a few surprises along the way…. who doesn’t love those!
I agree with my fellow readers in saying that this is a must read!
OMG this book is EVERYTHING!! TKT is my first book by LJ Shen and it’s certainly not my last. I’m awestruck by the story of The Kiss Thief!!
I’m not a dark, suspense, angst romance reader, but I couldn’t escape the hype, the blurb and the cover of TKT (OMG that cover!!). I’m telling you EVERY SINGLE PAGE lived up to my excitement. The journey, the growth, the evolution of these characters bloom like my favorite flower. To watch them in my mind, Francesca and Wolfe are mesmerizing!!
The range of emotions that I went through reading TKT, is like a rollercoaster. Every scene is explosive, colorful and dynamic. I can’t even explain it – THIS BOOK IS RIDICULOUSLY FANTASTIC! It’s sexy, and dangerous, and silky smooth. Embracing old world traditions with a modern twist, this book will take you by STORM!!
TKT will absolutely be a top read of 2019. Let yourself fall in love with LJ Shen and The Kiss Thief. THIS IS A MUST READ!
I have read this book three times already. In three days. It is that good.
This book will be kept as one of my favorite rereads of all times. I really don’t want to say a lot about the story cause you deserve to read and enjoy this book without any forethought or preconceived ideas. The author is a master story teller and this time she has outdone herself. You get it all plus things you didn’t dream of. It will break your heart, lift you up, leave you speechless and breathless. You’ll weep, and cheer, feel sorry for some but most of all you’ll hope! This book put me through the wringer and I would gladly go through it again. I thought about this book for days. I’m still thinking about this book. It’s one of the best hangovers I’ve ever had but it makes me sad for the next book I pick up. It won’t be fair. I’ve read a lot of books and this goes on my favorite list. Do yourself a favor and read this book. WARNING: Prepare your heart and get some drops for your tired eyes because you won’t want to put it down. Bravo, to the author.
This book deserves more than 5 stars and is going to be one of my favorites of 2019.
Nemesis and Villian’s relationship isn’t easy from the get go. Nemesis has lead such a sheltered life while the Villian had a rough childhood, but they both have parts of their lives that they don’t want to share with the other. Your heart will be torn in two for them both and you find yourself flipping the pages to see what happens next. Such a great story and I know that this review don’t do their story justice, so you just need to read it yourself…. don’t miss out on the The Kiss Thief!
This is the best book by L.J. Shen so far!! This book has all the feels! Love, Hate, Sexual Tension, and Heartbreak. My emotions were all over the place! Definitely Enemie to Lovers!! Grab this book…Read it… you won’t regret it.
The Kiss Thief is my first Leigh Shen book – yea, yea – I’ve been living under a rock before now. LOL
TKT is written both POVs from both Francesca and Wolfe, which really helped drive the story. The story was more enjoyable being able to understand things from both sides and both POVs and not just a one-sided story.
Francesca (Nemesis) was raised in very strict and dominating family – nothing she saw wrong with. Her father is the leader of The Outfit and their are traditions in their family that, while they seem dated, are followed impeccably by all.
Senator Wolfe Keaton (Villain) has a hard-on for bringing down Francesca’s father and his business. He is willing to stop at nothing to bring it all down. However, he has a few other things up his sleeve first.
I won’t go into the plot or details of this book because it’s just best to figure it out all on your own. Nemesis and Villain don’t have the best first meeting, nor do the following altercations get any better. However, it’s the back and forth, their banter that keeps thing lively and entertaining.
Shen wrote some very unique characters and added some nice surprises along the way too. I have to admit that the mafia parts of this book were tough for me as I am a huge stickler with the accuracy of mafia stories and keeping everything very realistic in any and all aspects of that world. For me I had to let go and let the author’s imagination go on how things played out in those aspects (because they truly would not play out the way they did); this is where fiction comes in to play and not letting reality get in the way of true fictional story.
The story line and the characters kept me glued to the pages and had me vested in their outcome. Surprisingly, I truly loved Wolfe more than Francesca. She was tad annoying to me with how naïve she was along with the indecisiveness not only in her thoughts, but some of her actions. I understand that she is going to question herself a lot giving the circumstances, but damn. Sometimes that back and forth was a bit ridiculous at times.
As for Wolfe, he surprised me most. The man hides himself very well. He comes across as a lion in all aspects of his life, for good reason. But damn if he did not win me over in the end – even before the end if I must be honest. He might be an overbearing asshole, but he has his reasons.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this story and the characters. I know from above it doesn’t sound like it, but I truly did. Those were the only two things that bothered me, but it did not deter from me reading or continuing on with the story. And those things did not hurt the majority of the story.
The Kiss Thief is one I would still highly recommend to others and has made me want to go and read more of Shen’s writing.
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Emotional read that will keep you on the edge of your seat…
This book is not just a book – it’s an experience! One that everyone should take a chance on and read.
Francesca had been groomed from an early age to be a well-mannered wife to someone that would benefit her family and her father’s business. But imagine if one single night changed your whole life…and the life you’d dreamed of was shattered and stripped away.
Wolfe Is totally an alpha you’ll want to hate but he creeps under your skin and into your heart as the story unfolds! And I absolutely love him!!
This is a story of discovery and growth – finding your own way and taking chances you never dreamed possible. And in the end, you’re left with a breathtaking story that will simply leave you elated and in love with this pair!
‘This Kiss Thief’ has been the best romance book I’ve read so far this year. It is raw, brutal, passionate and tense. I was unable to tear myself away from the plot and the rollercoaster of a journey this book took me on.
Francesca believes in love and has a very careful plan to kiss her childhood sweetheart Angelo Bandini at the night of her masquerade and introduction to society. She believes in a legend her family have made, a tradition that stipulates that her first kiss will be ‘to the man she is destined to marry’. Francesca is determined for it to be Angelo, after all, he has been the only man for her, their electric chemistry and stored memories the fuel that has kept her going throughout her school years and into adulthood. But when her first kiss is stolen, all Francesca’s dreams turn into a nightmare.
Wolfe Keaton is a monster, a selfish and angry brute who is fuelled on revenge and spite. Francesca is not the only one with a plan, Keaton’s however involves destruction and heartache with Francesca being a vital pawn.
After an unfortunate turn of events, Francesca is forced into a betrothal to Keaton, and finds herself left feeling more like a prisoner than a person.
Beyond Keaton’s harshness and vulgarity lies a softness, a weakness that Francesca is able to start to pick at and fray, eventually becoming his undoing. Their love is violent, turbulent but above all passionate and in the end you can’t deny that love lies beneath it. An honest and powerful love that sets their worlds on an axis.
I absolutely adored this book, the character depictions were believable and even when you wanted to hate Wolfe, you found yourself secretly loving him. When you began to feel sorry for Francesca you also wanted to scream at her. It was a book that gave me all the feels and emotional and had been desperately wanting to know how it would all end. It was incredibly written and had a lot of layers within it’s story and characters.
I would recommend to all romance lovers and anyone who loves beautiful powerful love stories.
I loved Shen’s 2018 releases; MIDNIGHT BLUE and DIRTY HEADLINES were some of my top reads last year, but THE KISS THIEF has fallen woefully short of my expectations.
Apart from a few instances where Shen’s writing shines in a manner I know she is capable of, I found little to like about this book.
The Kiss Thief just felt wrong. There were holes in storylines, character credibility was just about non-existent, character behaviour was inconsistent, language often swerved into purple prose territory and there was always this niggling feeling in the back of my mind that this book would play out much better if it was set hundreds of years in the past.
I think a reread of one of Shen’s titles that I enjoy is in order for me to regain my equilibrium.
5 KISS THIEF STARS!! THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!! I know this book will be in my Top 10 Books of 2019. Wow, Wolfe and Francesca were two of the best characters I have ever read. Their story was full of all the feels you could ever want. These two had lots of obstacles to go through and you will be wondering if it will be love or hate that will win. This author’s writing is phenomenal and keeps you flipping pages. This is a must read book.