“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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I love me an arranged marriage romance!! LJ Shen is always sure to deliver!
I love mafia. I love politicians in romance. I love enemies-to-lovers. I love age gap. I love alpha males. I love superb writing and character development. So Leigh Shen basically took the laundry list of my fave things about romance and tossed them in a blender called THE KISS THEIF and served it up delicious! I so loved Wolfe. If you loved Vicious, Wolfe will give him a run for his money. The angst was high, but there is also a certain whimsical, fairy tale (dark, of course) quality to the story Leigh crafted. This constitutes some of Leigh’s best writing yet and I was pulled in. It would not let me go, and when I DID have to go for you know…life and adulting, I still found myself thinking about Francesca and Wolfe. That’s how you know it’s good! Those characters and their next steps are as real to you as your own! Grab this rare angsty confection and devour it!
Holy WOW.. what a way to to start the 2019 reading!!
Francesca Rossi, daughter& mafia princess, has lived life In her father’s gilded cage, comforming to the life he dictates.
Senator Wolfe Keaton, a man built on vengence and revenge and it seems that with one stolen kiss, Francesca’s life as she knows it will end.
I am lost for words with this book, right from the word go the explosive intensity will grip you by the heart and throat from beginning to end!! I kid you not !! At times i couldn’t decide who was the most unlikable, the politician or her criminal father!
Wolfe isn’t a likeable villian, he’s harsh, cold and a man on a mission where failure is not an option.
I Loved Francesca, a young woman, who has to come face to face with the devil, she also has to find herself amongst the chaos, cruelty, deceit and crimes of the past. The fireworks and chemisty between this couple was off the charts, but the mistrust and loathing was also abundant. I loved and hated the hero, but as with these dark seemingly souless men i found myself falling for him, hook, line and sinker. Francesca never stood a chance! HOLD ONTO YOUR SEATS FOLKS! Because you really are gonna need a safety net with this one !! What a ride !!!
There is nothing better than start the new year with a great book and The Kiss Thief was exactly what I needed.
When I first read synopsis of this book I knew this story will be something I didn’t read before.
Then when I start to read, it sounded like fairy tale but as I further got into the book I knew that this book was far from a fairy tale.
It was like the LIGHTNING and theTHUNDER at the same time.
What would you do if everything that you were dreaming about in your whole life just turn in to ashes with one tiny second. That’s what happened to nineteen year old Francesca. Her life was truly a fairytale and she believed that some day she will marry love of her life but in one day her world collapsed by a powerful man who’s seems to has no heart and stolen her dreams.
Her current life was taken away from her and she was forced to live with the monster.
Wolfie Keaton….oh my… he was 100% arrogant, ruthless and cold-hearted person.
He was blinded by his past and he shutted his soul and feelings behind the high walls.
I felt like on emotional rollercoaster with this character. My reasonable side was telling me that he wasn’t so bad after all, because he had his own reasons to act like that but my emotional side loved him and hated him at the same time but with his confidence, protectiveness and musculine body, he just won my heart.
Francesca was everything opposite. She was sweet and full of love young girl. Even she was living her whole life in the bubble she wasn’t naive person. She knew how to act with the man like Wolfie even she was heartbroken.
Their relationship was full of anger and pain but there was also huge tension and chemistry between them. It was so hard to tell which way author will lead us with this story until the very end.
This story was just mind-blowing and was ripping apart my emotions.
Whole plot in this book was happening in modern times but you can get a vibe like it was in ancient times because of arrange marriage with older man and this whole mafia world.It was also very profound story with complex background of actions which was keeping my feelings on the edge all the time.
L .J. Shen wrote an excellent and unique story with many twist and turns of actions. This book has everything that I love in romance stories and It’s definitely one of my top favorite books.
Advance Reader Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I have been super excited to read this book ever since the beautiful cover was released. I’m so happy to report that the book is just as good as the cover.
Where do I begin with my review?
Francesca is a mobster daughter who has been groomed and bred to be nothing more than a trophy wife and kept woman. Wolfe is a Senator who kind of like a white knight but rough around the edges. Wolfe and Francesca are pretty much enemies from the very beginning.
Things between Wolfe and Francesca got interesting because they both couldn’t stand each other, had already made up their minds about one another but they were trapped.
I have to Francesca was such a spitfire! She was defiant, outspoken and I loved how she didn’t back down to Wolfe. She might have been bred to be a kept woman but she was going to forge her own path. I loved it. Wolfe was rude, closed off and had a black heart all was a good reason.
This book was a VERY intense read. My heart was constantly racing because Wolfe and Francesca were so volatile, apart and together. These two kept me on the edge of my seat the whole book. As the story progresses walks are broken down and secrets are revealed. Nothing is as black and white as it seems and things become muddled.
I have to say this book was some of L.J Shen’s best work! I haven’t had a reaction this strong since reading “Vicious” two years ago. The writing was flawless, the characters were flawed but you couldn’t help root for them. I’m sad this book is over. I found myself slowing my read down just so I didn’t have to part with the characters. Well done, L.J Shen.
Regardless of what LJ Shen writes or the style of the story, there is plenty of substance to her work and this author is a gifted storyteller. Her writing is thoroughly absorbing, electrifying, and expressive. All of her leading men are unapologetically overbearing, overwhelmingly swoon-worthy with a touch of bad boy cockiness, and Senator Wolfe Keaton is no exception.
Francesca Rossi doesn’t stand a chance against the carnivorous likes of Wolfe. Like his moniker, he possesses the predatory traits of an alpha wolf. Angelo Bandini’s love for his childhood sweetheart rivals the Senator’s status when it comes to Francesca’s affections. A dynamically complex rivalrous triangle that is nothing what I expected, but ultimately was everything I wanted in this story.
Like Wolfe Keaton stole Francesca’s first kiss, LJ Shen has stolen my first 5* Star read of the year.
I don’t even know where to begin with this book other than how much I truly loved it! Wolfe Keaton is the man you want to hate and he does a really great job at making that happen. I have no idea how he becomes so endearing but wow he is my new all time favorite alpha. Francesca is raised in a bubble by her family and all that her family (and Wolfe) put her through brings out a beautiful strength in her.
This book brought out so many raw emotions in me I am not sure I could even see straight in parts and these emotions went straight into my bones. I think this is hands down my all time favorite book by this author and definitely top five ever books
5.5 stars
“Love is, after all, a little mad. Otherwise, it is not love but merely infatuation.”
L.J. Shen’s books have been sitting on my tbr forever, and now that I have discovered her words I am ashamed it has taken me so long. The Kiss Thief was an incredible introduction to her writing and I am so excited to read more.
This book was beautifully written and totally unexpected. This is the type of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, and I’m having a hard time putting into words how much I loved it. The Kiss Thief is one of those books I wish I could experience again for the first time, and I’m so happy it was my first book of the year while simultaneously nervous that anything I read for the rest of the year won’t compare.
I don’t want to give out any details on this book to avoid spoiling it at all. I think not having any preconceived notions and just going in blind is the best way to experience this story, and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!
Ahhh…This book has absolutely stolen my heart for the new year and possible ruined me for all other books this year. I had no idea what I was going into with this book, I just knew that I had to read it because of who the author is. The Kiss Thief is a story that will make you fall in love and leave you breathless in the end. This book has left me feeling like no matter what I write in this review will even do it justice. So I am going to leave you with saying, that this is the must read of the new year that you absolutely do not want to miss.
Happy Reading Everyone!!
LJ Shen has mastered the creation of the perfect “hot hole”, and with Wolfe Keaton, he’s the most ruthless and vicious of them yet! This age-gap, enemies-to-lovers romance is a tad on the darker side… as it entwines revenge and an overwhelming tone of hate, along with the danger and cruelty that ensue as a result. Francesca is just a pawn in Wolfe’s game of vengeance, yet somehow a connection forms between them. And even through all the loathing and vindictiveness on both sides, an unexpected love story transpires. I loved how opposite Wolfe and Francesca were, and how in the end they proved to be so good for each other.
Listened to on audio: The narration on this was amazing! Stephen Dexter portrayed Wolfe as the perfect alpha-hole, totally making his “big bad wolf” persona come to life. Savannah Peachwood gave a flawless performance and portrayed both softness and strength in Francesca. Definitely a listening delight!
5 Phenomenal Stars !!
OMG!! I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book!! This book was phenomenal !! Everything I’ve read by LJ Shen is amazing but this book was just wow!! Frankie and Wolfe’s story is definitely one that is going to stick with me for awhile and the chemistry between these two , the obstacles they had to overcome to finally have their HEA , I’m left speechless . This was a unputdownable 5 star romance about a Villain and a Nemesis with no chance of happiness but love finds even the coldest of hearts and the unlikeliest of people.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book
I love every single one of LJ’s books, but there is something magical about The Kiss Thief that makes it glow brighter than the rest. It could be that Wolfe is the ultimate Alpha asshole, resplendent with power and arrogance, while Francesca is the perfect ingenue, complicated and angst filled but ultimately, filled with love and light. The chemistry between the two of them in the mafia controlled, political powder keg of Chicago is explosive for not only themselves, but their family and the Outfit. This is simply one of my favourite romances and I highly recommend it.
Fabulous story
* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *
This is a new to me author and I have no regrets so ever picking up this one
It’s a sweet, little dark, steamy and heartbreaking story that holds my attention from the first chapter.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and good dialogues
It’s a good storyline with some suspense and things will be revealed slowly
I love the writing style, it’s poetic and the characters chemistry is coming through from first meeting.
Narrators:
They read with feelings and makes the story coming alive in my head.
Clear pronunciation is a must and they deliver
I recommend this if you want a standalone, HEA and alpha male but a women that also stands up for herself.
This author is now on my list of authors I want to read more from.
Wow. So amazing!
I had my doubts when I first started this book. I felt like it was going to be basic arranged marriage stuff that seemed forced. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Francesca because her sheltered mafia princess life and naivete at age 19 made me question what time period this was set in. I hated Wolfe so damn much – he was such an arrogant young asshole Senator that was almost as crooked as the mob- that I almost wanted to stop reading. Yet there was something about the whole story that put me in a trance. Each sentence pulled me farther under and I couldn’t put it down. I forced myself to stop when I realized it was 1 a.m. I couldn’t wait to wake up to finish it!
I cried fat ugly tears for Francesca, was so angry at Wolfe that my cheeks were hot, and then wasn’t sure who to root on at times. Books that bring out so many strong emotions like this are definitely ones to remember. This is a MUST READ and the best read of the year for me so far!
Wow, wow, WOW. I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the majestical wonder that is The Kiss Thief. LJ Shen’s novels are always at the tip-top of my favorite-absolute-must-reads. But this book takes her talent to another level. I’m absolutely flipping out over how fantastic this edgy, heart-stopping romance is.
Oh, Wolfe Keaton, what did you do to my heart?
The Kiss Thief is filled with one man’s hatred and desire for vengeance. Wolfe Keaton is a monster, hellbent on ruining Arthur Rossi’s life by any means necessary. Francesca Rossi just happens to be the perfect pawn in his plan, collateral damage.
I, personally, fell in love with Wolfe. And Francesca held her own throughout the book; she gave the Senator a run for his money! I found myself cheering her on in almost every aspect of the story. I love the balance that these two characters brought.
This is definitely a book worth reading!
This books is OMG wonderful! I devoured every beautiful word. You will fall in love with Keaton and Francesca as they discover their passion and find their way to happily ever after. Highly recommend!
WOW! I heard so many positive reviews of The Kiss Thief that I just had to read it for myself. What can I say, I was not disappointed in the least. I was so swept up in the story that before I knew it, I had read the whole thing in one sitting! If you are looking for a book that will capture you and take you on an amazing ride, this is it!
“I sucked in a breath, realizing for the first time what we were. A story of a Nemesis and a Villain with no chance at 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.”
L.J. starts of the year by giving us another angsty anti-hero story of the Villain and his Nemesis.
One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Francesa Rossi, the girl is who is talked about in Chicago for her beauty, has always led a super sheltered life and has had to follow rules laid by her father and the elite group he heads The Outfit.
The one thing she has always known who she would marry and she was okay with the choice since she was in love with him.
Everything was going according to the plan until Senator Wolfe Keaton walked in with only one intent and that was to bury the Rossi patriarch and dismantle everything he made while taking away what he considered his prize possession — his daughter, Francesa.
Wolfe Keaton is powerful, dark and dangerous and with only one thing on his mind — to destroy everything and everyone that had a hand in destructing his life.
“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.”
Wolfe is the kind of character you love to hate and hate to love but little by little you fall in love with the broken man and you realize that behind that mask is a boy trying to avenge his family.
Francesa, at times, felt a bit too naive but given that she is only 18 and leading a sheltered life away from anything and everything that would have made her understand her world, you could see where her thought process came from.
Apart from all that, Francesa and Wolfe were amazing together! Their chemistry was off the charts! With its enemies-to-lovers romance and arranged marriage trope The Kiss Thief was the perfect read for me!
4 Stars!
Omg! The Kiss Thief was amazing! I’ve read some amazing books, but it’s been a while since I’ve read a book that had me sneaking pages at work.
Francesca and Keaton’s story is a book you will not be able to put down until you’re finished.
The angst, the swoon worthy moments and omg the heartbreak. L.J Shen is beyond talented, she has you glued to every single word she writes.
If I could give this book 20 stars I would and will be impatiently waiting for her next release