“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
riends I really wanted to five star this one. So freakin’ bad! However, I just wasn’t able to. I can honestly see myself being the minority on this one also. While I haven’t been able to jump on the L.J. Shen train completely, I have enjoyed some of her other books.
Was it the hype? Maybe. I can tell you for sure that it had to do with the protagonist (more on her later), the love triangle (I did this to myself, this is my least favorite trope), and just the amount of drama that was put into the book. You guys, most of this was my fault. It was hinted about a love triangle in here but I wanted to read it anyway. Maybe I had hopes that it would barely touch on that. Always listen to your first mind!
I can tell you now, most of my issues relied with Francesca. I found her to be immature and weak minded. She mad rash decisions and really needed a reality check. There were so many times that I wanted to shake her and maybe a slap or two as well. You guys, I don’t think I’ve been annoyed by a character more … well, maybe Rosie from Ruckus. Bottom line, don’t expect her on my list of favorite protagonist.
I can get the appeal of Wolfe. While he wasn’t my favorite asshole Shen has given us, I did like him and came to respect him. The way he was, the things he did, they all made sense once we got bits and pieces of his background. Honestly, I would have loved him but I couldn’t truly forgive him for some of the things he did.
What I can’t deny is that these two had steamy chemistry through the pages. The sexual tension between these two burned bright and their sex scenes were some of my favorite scenes in the book.
While I didn’t love this one, it was an entertaining read for the most part. This one will be good for readers who like arranged marriages and enemies to lovers.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Amazingly this is the first Leigh Shen book I have ever read, and shame on me because she is brilliant! It sure as heck won’t be the last one I read either.
I went into The Kiss Thief pretty much blind, knowing simply that it was an arranged marriage story that everyone was dying to read. I was quite simply blown away by Leigh’s captivating writing, depth of character development, emotional attachment. It was a book I simply didn’t want to put down.
The storyline is one full of despair, deception, loneliness, spite, inadequacy yet amongst all of the darkness Leigh’s writing allows the light to break through. One particular scene half way through the book was such a pivotal moment, written with such skill and elegance and was so emotionally powerful, it really stood out for me. How the scene was written in one characters POV; but still conveyed the emotionality expressed by the opposing character without them saying a word was surprisingly compelling and was a turning point in Wolfe and Francesca’s story. From here on out light begins streaming through their story, the passion, the humour, the respect, the longing and loyalty and undoubtedly the acceptance that they are where they are meant to be.
I don’t want to say to much about the plot points and storyline, so as a reader you can enjoy it like I did and be swept away with the story. The Kiss Thief stood out for so many reasons, pacing, storyline, powerful characters, the chemistry ignited when Francesca and Wolfe both despised each other and when they didn’t. The secondary characters and the world Leigh Shen built around the main protagonists was well thought out and developed. Probably one of the biggest compliments to the story is how everything about the plot line wanted to portray Francesca as a weak woman, as a female with one purpose. I loved how Leigh empowered her, the reverence shown to her as a character that gave her so much fight even in the times she broke down and doubted herself she didn’t give up and I thought that was brilliant.
Wolfe what can I say! That man *swoon* he was obnoxious, demanding, dismissive yet can love harder than most and is fiercely loyal beyond all reason. I just adore him, he was the perfectly written a**hole. He was a character that made you feel in one way or another; which I believe makes an outstanding Hero in any book.
I cannot recommend The Kiss Thief enough it just simply captivated me, blew me away and I am sure it will be a book I will be recommending throughout the year, holding it’s place as one of my favourite reads of 2019 and it is only my 2nd book of the year!!
The Nemesis & The Thief.
An arranged marriage, a young woman wise beyond her years, an arrogant powerful political figure. These two may have began this have begun this journey filled with hate, revenge and detest but with each day the layers of these complex characters begins to be told. This is not your classic cookie cutter romance this their tale. Be prepared for an emotional journey that will have you feeling every and experiencing their heartache and pain. I loved Francesca , her beauty was certainly not only skin deep. She was honest, caring, talented and loving. She was certainly a worthy sparring partner in the battle of wits that she constantly found herself in with Wolfe. Senator Wolfe yes he is damaged but he is a product of his past and environment and becoming a lawyer and then Senator was a way that he felt that he could fix his world. He knew that he shouldn’t take this young woman for her father’s sins and he should detest her but he soon realizes that she is so much more than a pretty package. She surprises him at each turn even tough she is there against her will. She is a wonderful person that deserves so much more than he can offer.
I loved it !!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Francesca Rossi is raised as a mob princess with old fashioned ideas behind it. Wolfe is a US Senator and determined to make her father pay for his past crimes against his family. This story has all the elements in it heartache, anger, betrayal, seduction, and suspense. An arranged marriage is happening between these two but the real sparks fly when they are alone. This was a wonderful story and different from other books I have read, loved it.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
6 beautiful stars.
This was my first book of 2019 and wow what a freaking book it was. It has been so hyped and I’m can proudly tell you it didn’t dissapoint for even a freaking second. I’m always afraid of hyped books but on the other hand L. J. Shen never fails to astonish me with everything she writes. I would also like to say this was possibly the best book to ring in the new year with cuz it was freaking everything!!!!!
I’m not here to spoil anything so this review will be short and vague buy y’all, you MUST MUST read this one.
If you love L. J. Shen’s words, if you love marriage for convenience, if you love a good asshole, if you love enemies to lovers, if you love angst, emotion, sexual tension, age-gaps, the royal or forbidden feel… this book has got it A-L-L! And for those fo you afraid to pick up this book because you’ve heard it’s a love triangle and you don’t read them, I’m here to tell you that it’s safe, while in theory this is one, in reality it’s really not. So pick it up, people. Just do it.
This is definitely one of those books you should read, no questions asked. Go in blind and just enjoy it for what it is – a complete and utter MASTERPIECE! I geniunly think you’re all about to meet you r new favorite asshole and book boyfriend *giggles*.
Oh and one more thing…. I want to make a bet with you all. I know that this was just my first book of the year and I do read a lot (usually + 200) but how much do you wanna bet this book will be in my 2019 top ten?
I have a feeling it will. It was THAT amazing <3
The Kiss Thief was one of my most anticipated reads for 2019 and it did not disappoint! This was such an emotionally gripping and heartwrenching book! I am always impressed by LJ Shen’s ability to weave such a masterfully layered story and how she can take readers to the highest of highs and the absolute lowest of lows.
Shen truly writes an anti-hero like no one else! Wolfe will have you wanting to slap him one minute and then swooning the next. He is callous, arrogant, and brutal when he wants to be and at times it was difficult for me to wrap my head around his hot and cold behavior. There is a chapter in the book that hurt my heart so badly that it made me cry because of its intensity, but it was such a pivotal point in the journey for our characters. Wolfe and Francesca start off as oil and water, but as the walls come down, it’s clear that they connect more than just on a physical level. Both make mistakes through the book, but I definitely admired Francesca’s fortitude. As the story unfolds, you come to understand why our characters respond and react the way that they do and the baggage that they each carry. In true LJ Shen fashion, there are some twists and turns that pull all the threads together and an epilogue that will have you grinning ear to ear. Definitely an awesome book to start off 2019!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. If there was a ten star option this book would get it. This will most likely be one of the best books I read in 2019. This book was amazing. It had everything and so real that I read it cover to cover in 4 hours. I couldn’t put it down. Wolfe and his Nem, was a crazy match. I really thought especially with Angelo in the picture that things would go differently. In true LJ fashion her H is definitely a bit dark and brooding. He flies off the handle and is a total alpha. This book had a great story line, tons of drama, tons of steaminess and a ton of alphaness. Plus I laughed out loud about 20 times- especially with the engagement stories! I would totally recommended this book!!!
”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.”
My goodness. Where do I even start? LJ Shen is a force to be reckoned with. This book, The Kiss Thief, is a refined jewel. It’s got sharp edges that’ll cut you with one swipe of a page and you come out of it feeling nothing but in awe. I am IN AWE of this author and this book.
It has EVERYTHING. Literally EVERYTHING! Rivalry, mobsters, politics (very SLIGHT politics considering I know most romance readers stay away from that sort of thing), a heroine who comes to realize her own strength, and a hero who comes to realize his own form of love. And a love story so strong and courageous, you can’t help but take it all in gulps.
This story was so beautiful and needs to be read by everyone. It may have taken days for me to read it but d*** was it worth it. This book is un-putdown-able but most importantly, this book IS a game changer. Just like LJ Shen.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
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 they 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 take by Senator Wolfe Keaton,, who held my father’s sins over his heard 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 those two men, I had to find my forever.
No doubt about it this is a must read. If you only read on book in 2019 this is the one. I know that it is early in the year but I have read enough books the past couple of years to know that L.J. Shen has written a book that will stick with me for a long long time and that I enjoyed for beginning to end. It will keep you guessing. It will break your heart, then put it all back together again only to have to rug pulled out from under you again. I loved these characters so much and even the “bad” buy stole my heart. I loved getting to know them and I really at times wanted to throat punch several of them. Especially Francesca’s dad and her spineless mom. I feel like she should have fought for her daughter tooth and nails no matter that her husband was a high powered man in Chicago. I loved the true heart of Wolfe and breaking down his wall. I love the patience it took and Francesca’s patience in doing so. This book will steal your heart and leave you with it in your throat. Get real comfortable when you start this book for your not going to want to put it down.
Without a doubt, this author is the Queen of anti-hero’s. Men you love to hate but very quickly forgive for all their faults. Her heroines are feisty and have an inner strength and backbone that allows them to deal with their Villians. The Kiss Thief entered my heart and stole it completely.
Arranged marriages maybe a thing of the past but those who live in tradition understand the ways. Francesca Rossi is sweet and innocent and knows that her life is to marry, her first and only love Angelo Bandini and have babies and support her husband. So is the way for the daughter of the leader of the Chicago Outfit, Arthur Rossi. But enter Senator Wolfe Keaton… a wolf in sheep’s clothing to the outside world but when Francesca meets him, he is all wolf and ready to eat her alive. When vendettas and secrets and lies all commingle, Francesca becomes collateral damage and is sentenced to marry The Big Bad Wolfe. And Big and Bad and Mean and Hateful are exactly what makes up Wolfe Keaton.
Francesca and Wolfe are explosive enemies……Nemesis and Narcissus/Villian….and they have a sexual chemistry that they each try to deny. The push and pull, the explosions and the banter between these two is a delicious, feisty, and perfect combination. Their path starts with vengeance and retribution but eventually detours to one of hope. But Wolfe and Francesca’s father are at war with one another and wars rarely end with both sides winning.
Francesca and Wolfe’s story also have many secondary characters that enhance this story. The plot, as well, is not simple and straightforward. The lies and secrets and vendettas come at a cost to both characters and being privy to their anguish and desires is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
I love this story. This authors writes with seemless effort. This story is passionate and fiery. It elicits all emotions. I love that the epilogue went later in life with these two. My only complaint is that they could have been a smidge longer…… but that is my own selfishness speaking.
A Must Read of 2019
I don’t know how this author does it…but each book written by LJ Shen gets better and better. This one had me biting my nails, pulling out my shanks, and sipping bourbon. It’s an emotional roller-coaster for sure!
Francesca Rossi is 19 and in love with Angelo Bandini. Growing up, these two have found every possible opportunity to see each other. Even as Francesca was shipped overseas to attend school, every visit home would mean a visit with Angelo. Young and In Love <3
The world couldn’t have been more perfect for these two.
The sacred box is over turned, the notes are not fun to read anymore.
Forced to be with a person, one who is rude, one who hates her family, one who will never love. The life she once thought was perfect, is now full of lies.
Will fate have her back and see that she deserves to be with the one she is in love with? Or will Francesca be forced to be with the one she was taken by.
As the lies unfold, the truth comes out, the plot thickens and WOW what a journey this story takes us on.
Absolutely found myself totally engrossed with this unique story-line. One that I’d not read before. What this young lady had to endure and sacrifice brought tears to my eyes. Fantastic Book!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Love and hate are just a thin line
This book was absolutely amazing!!
I fell in love with the characters as the story continued.
Francesca and Wolfe are both very stubborn. They both want the same things but are unwilling to give in to each other.
Francesca feels as though Wolfe stole her from her HEA and is keeping her prisoner in his mansion.
Wolfe thought by marrying Francesca he would execute his plan for revenge yet she made it worse.
What neither realize is that they are both falling for each other.
Will their love/hate relationship tarnish what could be or will it bring them together?
And what about Francesca’s childhood sweetheart she was destined to marry before Wolfe steeped in?
Wilk she be able to let Angelo go or will she always wish for him?
Read this book to find out!!
This is my #1 MUST read for the start of 2019!!
“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.”
What a fantastic beginning to reading in 2019!
I knew I’d fall in love with this, because it is L.J. Shen. One of, if not, my favourite author. Ever. She’s a proficient and excellent writer—her sentences are carefully and beautifully constructed into gripping scenes and concise prose—who continues to astound me with every release.
She’s mastered an ability to transform cold-hearted and callous asshole heroes, who undergo an inevitable transformation of redemption, into loveable characters we can’t hate. They’re always damaged, filled with cynicism and sarcasm and hatred towards the wrongdoer, yet loaded with vengeance and countless positive qualities that make them them.
“God, she was sweet, and she was all mine. Not just her body but also her words and her courage.”
I thought I loved Baron “Vicious” Spencer; adored Celian Laurent, but I’m unconditionally infatuated and unquestionably besotted with Wolfe Keaton—The Kiss Thief. On the surface, he appears to be nothing beyond ruthless; however, there’s an immense amount of depth, intrigue and enigma surrounding this mean anti-hero. Without doubt, he is complex and multi-faceted, someone who appears withdrawn and detached, yet beneath the tough exterior is someone able to love. And love hard. Fierce, without shame. Wild, without restraint.
” 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.”
Francesca Rossi is my newest fictional best friend. Tangent: I was almost named Francesca. Ergo, we’re best friends. I digress. Having been raised dreadfully sheltered inside a gilded cage, oftentimes Francesca appears to be docile, unsure of herself and awfully immature. Seeming complaisant, or sometimes quiet, however, doesn’t always mean being submissive or feeble-minded—she’s quick-witted and intelligent. Torn between an older life bound in tradition and a newer life promising freedom, Francesca transforms into someone more daring, challenging and outspoken.
“He turned to me, his grays on my blues, two pools of beautiful lies.”
Wolfe and Francesca are explosive. Passionate enemies who slowly and quietly transform into intimate lovers. Wrapped up in an unexpected fervid romance; embraced by an intense connection.
The Kiss Thief is an engrossing, riveting narrative of an arranged marriage set within a modern Chicago. Promises of revenge shadowed by danger is abundant—you will be turning the pages faster than expected. L.J. Shen continues to astound me with the ways she illustrates love. It is always an intense fierceness of earnest affection and vicious yearning that is wretched and heart-aching however real. To be in real love is to be free. To change. To transform into someone greater than you’ve imagined. And she’s portrayed this through Wolfe and Francesca.
The Kiss Thief was an exciting and enjoyable read.
Francesca is forced to marry a man; she doesn’t know. One who wants to destroy everything she knows. I felt a Beauty and the Beast vibe through this story. I could see how Wolfe could have been beast. All alpha and wanting everything his way.
Though I felt the story was on the slow side. I enjoyed it. I felt that as the story went along and you saw how these two grew together, it got even better. I don’t want to give a lot of the story away. Because I want others to enjoy it as well, it’s a solid story, with a lot of twists. The two didn’t get to me emotionally, but I did feel everything they felt. And I truly believed the connection between these two at the end of the story.
Overall, I have to give this Four Boundless Stars.
Francesca Rossi is determined to have her first kiss with Angelo Bandini. She lives by the tradition of the Rossi family that a Rossi bride must open their family’s chest and read three notes written to her by the last Rossi bride. And one of those notes said she was going to be kissed by the love of her life. So she’s rushing the prophecy a little and has determined the love of her life will kiss her tonight. Then a Wolfe in wolf’s clothing crashes into her life and steals that kiss from her, from Angelo. And her life is never the same after.
Now she will be young, innocent prey to her new husband, Senator Wolfe Keaton. Make no mistake, his name is no accident because Wolfe is a predator, and she is his prey. For reasons of vengeance and anger and mobster kind of things. So when the young, innocent lamb is forced to marry the older Wolfe, he of no heart, honestly I was kinda afraid that this would veer into cliched territory. I’ve been reading a lot of mafia romances lately, my favorites being by Bethany-Kris, and hers are amazing, but I really wasn’t sure if LJ Shen’s take on mafia love would be to my tastes. Not because she isn’t an amazing writer, because she is (hello, Vicious!) but because she writes vicious hot holes, and tortured rockstars, and such, but I just had a hard time imagining a mafia story by her. But, I’m ashamed of myself for doubting her because The Kiss Thief is one of those epic love stories that don’t happen very often. The only story of hers I love more is the above mentioned Vicious.
Frankie (Nemesis, Francesca, Goddess, etc.) is truly the shining star of The Kiss Thief for me. She stood head and tail above everyone else in this grand story, even above her cold-hearted, or should I say, NO-HEARTED, man. She’s bright and shining, and sweet and strong, much stronger than she had realized. Her husband underestimated her, underestimated what she would do to his heart and soul, but I always saw how amazing she was, from the very first page. I might have sorta fallen in love with Wolfe, especially after he humbled himself when he realized the depth of his feelings for her, but I always loved her from minute 1. She’s fabulous, my favorite of all LJ Shen’s heroines.
In the end, what Wolf and Frankie had was pretty damn swoon worthy and I loved every single, soul-stealing second of it. Thank you LJ, you’ve made my day with this emotional, sexy epic piece of love.
This story stole my heart within the first few chapters and I could not put it down. Francesco Rossi is a modern day mafia princess bread by her parents to be a princess. They want her to marry and produce an heir to her fathers business. But her first kiss is stolen by Senator Wolfe Keaton and are her hopes and dreams as she wrestled with two men to find love and happiness when it’s already there the taking. LJ Shen is master at developing stories and characters that break your heart. She takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and this story does not disappoint. You’ll feel everything from that first stolen kiss. Definitely a five star plus plus read. A story you won’t forget!
THE KISS THIEF
By LJ Shen3.5
First off I want to say that the cover is . I went into this book with an open mind. It’s really hard to tune out all the early reviews but that’s what I did and only had the blurb to go on I don’t rely on reviews so that wasn’t an issue. I enjoyed it very much. At one point I was gripping my phone (I read on it) so hard. It was intense and had me invested. Wolfe Keaton’s character was in typical LJ Shen fashion, alpha-hole to the max. I really liked him from the get go. Francesca was also a pleasant character although I wasn’t feeling the age difference. To each is own.
LJ Shen’s words suck you in. You feel for both the hero and heroine.
Grab this book if you are looking for an intense, on the edge of your seat type of read.
Oh my gawd!! No one does enemies-to-lovers better than this author! This was such a thrilling read!
“Tonight I was going to be kissed by the love of my life.”
Francesca Rossi is The Outfit’s equivalent of Helen of Troy in terms of her famed beauty. She’s highly coveted, but jealously guarded and sheltered by her father. At nineteen and hopelessly romantic, she’s determined to fulfil her dreams and her destiny. Unfortunately, her fate is derailed by the odious man who steals her first kiss.
“He was everything bad that’d ever happened to me.”
Wolfe Keaton is hell bent on revenge. When he realises that the Rossi princess is his enemy’s prized possession, he knows exactly how to begin his campaign to bring the father down. However, Francesca is far from the vapid, spoiled and pampered society girl that she portrays. In fact, he has possibly met his match.
“Your love story was no fairy tale. More like a witch tale. Wicked and real and painful.”
This was SUCH a brilliant, solid read! It had all the feels: innocent young love, hope, fear, anger, jealousy, betrayal, bright hot passion, and a stealthy, binding love. I was completely hooked and struggled to put this story down.
“Why did it feel like he dipped me in liquid fire every time his eyes were on me? And how could I make it stop?”
Francesca was a strong female lead. Sheltered all her life, she’s innocent in so many ways, yet she is naturally graceful, resilient, and thoughtful. She’s also pretty smart and sassy. I loved how she fought to be heard and respected, and valued for herself as a person. The bonds of duty and familial love were strong in her, so it was painful to see the scales fall from her eyes. Stubborn and defiant, she tested Wolfe’s patience to the limit, and I admired her tenacity and courage.
“Francesca had been growing on me like fingernails. Slowly, determinedly, and completely without my attention or encouragement.”
Wolfe was a man of fiery ice and beyond guarded. He was also powerful, commanding and virile. With few friends and no family, he only has one goal in mind. He was such a contradictory man – his actions belied his words. The beautiful, modest Francesca crept up on him and it was wondrous to see the chinks in his armour, as he risked so much for her.
A stunning, addictive and scorching read!
This book is freaking PHENOMENAL! If you haven’t added this to your TBR, do it NOW!
Wolfe Keaton is the ULTIMATE Alphahole. He gives the Hotholes a run for their money and has now been added to my long list of book boyfriends.
This book was utterly explosive! Wolfe is the guy you love to hate. Wolfe Keaton will make you want to destroy your Kindle with his cruelness, then make you swoon with his whispers of debauchery. He is crass, handsome beyond reason, utterly cruel, filthy rich and out for revenge.
Francesca Rossi is a strong young woman with dreams of her own. If only she wasn’t caught in the middle of a war. I love that Ms. Shen created this fiery woman that stands up for herself. One who is not afraid to put the men in her life in their place.
Expect the unexpected with this tantalizing read.
L.J. Shen. Queen of the anti-hero. Ruler of the unlikely love affair. Monarch of the deliciously tantalizing, ever-engaging love story. The Kiss Thief was excellent in it’s deviance, beautifully structured and plotted in it’s atypicality, and precisely written in Shen’s signature style of anti-hero meets his perfect rival. Literally, match to gasoline. And explosive it was.
A novel idea: take the antiquated rules and outdated traditions from historical romance novels and transpose them to a contemporary setting. Older, unsavory anti-hero. Sheltered, virginal bride. Innocent admiration. Unrequited love. Dangerous lust. Bridges burned. Vendettas set. Truths twisted. Lies revealed.
Francesca Rossi has loved Angelo Bandini since childhood. With her life sharply mapped out for her she’s ready for the next step with Angelo when a major detour darkens her path. Wolfe Keaton takes without consciously giving. Cravings for more when a battle of wits ensues become muddled in powerful emotions. Change affects everyone without remorse.
Every character in The Kiss Thief leaves a lasting impression. L.J. Shen’s storytelling never ceases to entertain. She grips you in her edgy, romantic clutches and forces you to become absorbed in her realm. From beginning to end, Shen’s newest book leaves you excited and wholly satisfied. If this is your first L.J. Shen title you’re in for a great ride. If you’re acquainted with her work, I hope you find The Kiss Thief to be an intoxicating, new Shen favorite.