“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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WOW! This book is so hot and amazing! I love this story. It was everything and more! I love the characters, the storyline, and the chemistry between the main characters. This is my all time favorite book by this author. I wasn’t able to stop reading this until I got to the end. Just mind blowing! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! This is a book I absolutely need to have in a paperback. MUST READ!
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
When I first read about this book, I was a little worried because it screamed Love Triangle, and I am uncomfortable with those kind of reads. After reading some reviews and seeing everyone raving about it I put on my – big girl- panties and started reading.
At first, even when the story is in the present (21 century) I felt a historical vibe in the story (not in a bad way) but something that helped – me- to find the story more fascinating. The writing is just perfect, something that along with the story captives you to keep reading.
When I started reading my heart was a little sad because Francesca is really young and innocent and she has her own illusions with what she thinks is the love of her life but Wolfe and her father have other plans for her.
Being the powerful public servant he is, Wolfe knows that getting involved with the mob is not good for him but his plans are stronger than that. He won’t give up until he gets what he has been looking for, no matter the damage he leaves behind.
Wolfe is a hard man, he doesn’t care about feelings, or anything for that that matter, but only to take revenge, this new arrangement he got will either ruin him or will find things he wasn’t looking for.
“” Maybe I am the monster. After all, I come out to play at night. But so do you, little one. You’re out in the darkness too””
There are lots of lies and lots of secrets that could make them fall apart and become enemies or become allies, they just need to figure out what is more important to each of them and then, who to believe in.
” That for another one of those glowing, genuine smiles, I would butt horns with my father, slay dragons, and hand him my pride on a silver platter”
After all my worries about reading TKT, I am so glad I gave this story a chance because it blew my mind, I didn’t know what to expect of the characters, I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t and how everything would turn out at the end, but it left me satisfied with each of the characters.
Wow! Wow! Wow! What great book!
Francesca is a 19 year old, sheltered Italian lady. Her father is a mobster in Chicago.
Wolfe Keaton is a senator. Cold as ice, brutal in his business, but maybe a little soft in the inside?!
Wolfe is on a mission to destroy Francesca’s father. Will he do it? Will she suffer?
What a great written book. I had a hard time putting it down, because there are so many secrets in it, you HAVE to know what’s going on. Loved that book.
I’d once read a review with the person saying that she would marry this book if it were legal (or along those lines)… and you know what? I completely agree. Especially about this book.
TKT is a sight for sore eyes, and that also applies to the very broody senator (who is currently in equal ranting with Vicious as my favourite bbf.)
This book had me chewing on my nails, swooning and melting on my sofa, and the edge of my freaking seat. I could not have found a better way to start my year off right. This author somehow has the power to make me look like a lunatic whilst reading this, and many other of her books to the people of the world. And this is what I say: #noregrets.
I loved absolutely everything about this book, from the plot to the broody senator that will not leave my head alone. Wolfe is his name. He is proud, loyal, and will fight against all odds. He is also sexy, broody… And could definitely give L.J. Shen’s most broody hothole a run for his money. I fell in love with him from the very beginning, and I don’t think I’ve quite got my fill of him.
And I absolutely ADORED Francesca! I loved her tenacity, her wit, and I loved that sensitive heart of hers which tamed the Wolfe. She and Wolfe together were an angsty dream come true, and I couldn’t get enough of their drama and their palpable attraction to one another. You could not get a more imperfectly perfect couple than Nemesis and her Villain. Incredible!
The Kiss Thief is a spectacular read! It was delicious in every single way, and will definitely consume you from the very first page. I would very much recommend you read this book. It’s a book made for the gods.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. Well this had to be one of my favorite enemy to lover books. I was a little unsure when I first started reading it. I was kind of having a hard time because in the beginning of the story I wanted Francesca to be with Angelo. I was heartbroken for them at first, but of course in the end I was pulling for her and Wolfe. I was so worried they wouldn’t get past all their (mostly his) insecurities so they could finally be honest about how they feel about each other. The last 1/4 of the book had me on edge I was praying this didn’t end in a cliffhanger because I was going to have a hard time waiting to see what happened to them! Great job as usual L.J. Shen!
He was a Thief of Her Fate
He was her thief of everything that mattered.
The wait and anticipation was worth it! I fell in love with this story over and over again! An incredible story…he was her fate.
A girl whose life was all planned out for her with none of her input. She’s about to be set free even though at first it feels like a cage.
I absolutely adored these characters and their many facets. A few twists and turns that kept me guessing and wondering. But ultimately it was an unforgettably epic, yet unconventional, love story. You will be on an emotional roller coaster of anger, frustration, heartbreak. wonder, lust, hate, forgiveness, indecision, acceptance and LOVE. And the ride is just beautiful.
So much pain, yet there is beauty in pain. When you find the one who can help lessen your burden, and heal your heart, you never let go.
Read it! You need to because you will love them as much as I do.
5 STARS BUT IF I COULD GIVE IT A BILLION, IT WOULD BE DONE
Kiss Thief has absolutely rocked me to my core. POWERFUL, RAW, AND HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL, an epic story that NO ONE will be able to rival. The Kiss Thief is a some-what dark gritty read, that has left my mind speechless. I was not very sure of this book because of the ” love triangle ” aspect. Dealing with one person in a relationship is more than enough for me, add in another person, and my head spins. BUT I am so glad that I remained open-minded, otherwise I would have missed out on, a one of a kind story that I am for sure going to remember, for the rest of my life. Let alone the fact that I will am already on book hangover from this one.This dual POV standalone is where it is at.
Francesca Rossi. Heir to Rossi business. Is not your typical mob daughter. She has the kind of beauty that can not be attained with a bottle, and not only is she beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well. She is brave, kind and more humble than words could say. She treats plants. the same as humans, with a gentle hand. More heart to give than most people have in their pinkies. This brave girl, also knows when to put people in their place.
Wolf Keaton. Senator Keaton. Confident, as he is smart. Controlling, but calm. Cruel, with no mercy. Irresistible? 100 % percent. The man that shows no emotion, with a condescending attitude will melt you into a puddle of goo.
Angelo Bandini. Heir to one of the most powerful families. A smile, that could melt Antarctica. A friendship, you would crave. A protectiveness that would makes you feel more than just safe..
With the Kiss Thief being such a dominate telling book all on its own, that is all I am giving, because you need to go in blind. That’s what makes this story what it is, because until you get to the very last page, you don’t really know which way the story is going to go.
*I WHOLE HEARTILY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
*Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
Omg no words!!!! The ultimate enemies to lovers story. L.J Shen hits this one out of the park and back again. This story was written with a modern day twist that made it charismatic and entertaining.
Wolfe Keaton was EVERYTHING!!!!! Such a jerk, gosh he took the cake for that title but I absolutely loved him in the end. His story was an unbelievable one, that when explained made you completely understand his demeanor and his actions throughout the book. He made me angry, sad and swoon all on the same page. The emotions he made you feel was undeniable. Wolfe is the kind of book boyfriend that will remain in your top 5, trust me.
Little Francesca, which she didn’t remain because she had to grow up pretty quickly and get out of that cocoon she was in and turned into a little force to be reckoned with. She grew into a strong, fierce character although a bit naive at times, she still had a presence about her that gave Wolfe a run for his money.
Their story was one of passion, love, betrayal and triumph. You will feel everything in this book. I’d highly recommend giving it a read.
“It will be a terrible inconvenience…” “…To love the wife you took in vengeance.”
This book was incredible. A heart-wrenching, slow burning, delicious read that left me feeling like I’d just gone through the wringer by the end. Francesca Rossi, is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever read in a book. She is resilient and brave with a do no harm (despite all the harm that has been done to her), but take no s*** attitude and it shines throughout the entire book. Wolfe is hot and sexy and dangerous but for me, Francesca/Nem/Frankie/Goddess, stole the freaking show. I loved her so much, my heart ached when she was in pain and smiled when she was happy. Halfway through the book, I realized I didn’t care about anything but her HEA. Of course, as we proceeded I saw who I wanted her to end up with, but I’ve never rooted for a character as hard as I rooted for her.
So often we see women in these books become victims of circumstance, and it would have been easy for her to give up and to lose the fight she had coursing through her veins. There were times, I as the reader, thought “oh my God, I would have given up.” But she fought, she persevered and she demanded the love and respect she knew she deserved even though she felt that her heart was broken and her spirit was crushed. Seeing the happily ever after unfold was everything.
Wolfe Keaton, a wolf in wolf’s clothing tbh. Watching his transformation from this hardened, at times cruel man (but mostly in response to a tragic heartbreak early on) to someone softer, humbled and “willing to kneel” for the one person who was worth his pride, was beautiful and moving and made my heart squeeze in my chest. Watching them blossom into this beautiful couple was what phenomenal love stories are made of.
LJ Shen rocked this book and I hope this won’t be the last arranged marriage tale we see from her!
The Kiss Thief – A story of a Nemesis and the Villains and their battle for their prize – Revenge or a Happy Ever After?
I shall preface this review with this – No one writes an a*sehole like L J Shen!
This book landed on my kindle 2 days ago and I dived in as soon as I could. This much anticipated book had me devouring every word and I was reluctant to put it down – I have a well-earned book hangover to prove it!
As a fan of the Hot-holes series I am familiar with L’J’s unique ability to create a villainous a*hole alpha hero that you love to hate from the off.
Having read the blurb of TKT I began reading with a little trepidation and not wanting to ruin the experience of reading I had avoided reading any spoilers and snippets so I could enjoy the full experience of this amazing story.
Let’s just say my concerns were unfounded and I was blown away by this book. I devoured it like a starved animal, hungry for the story of the Goddess and the Villains.
I knew early on I was in for the ride of my life with this book, a story of a revenge, hate and anger, passion, pain and heartache – TKT has it all. But as someone that despises spoilers I will not divulge too much.
Young Francesca Rossi, daughter of the Outfits Kingpin Arthur Rossi, has accepted her father’s boundaries and followed his rules all her life, planning herself a future to the tiniest detail that she is sure will leave her happy, content and in love with the man of her dreams Angelo Bandini, whilst still always living up to the expectations of the family.
Enter powerful playboy, revenge hungry, Wolfe Keaton and those plans collapse in an instant. Wolfe’s ruthless thirst for vengeance and lust fuelled need for Francesca shows him the perfect opportunity to seek his revenge.
Forced into an arranged marriage Francesca begins the battle of her life to find her happy ever after.
This book had me ranting to book buddies, threatening fictional characters and crying like a baby. You truly have to read the story to appreciate its beauty.
L’J Shen’s storytelling is, as always, fabulous. The creator of alphaholes and the queen of redemption did not disappoint and she has yet again left me in awe.
I am not normally a fan of love triangles, but this book was absolutely AMAZING! I have nothing but good things to say about it!
LJ Shen did a fantastic job of submerging us in this mafia world. The characters were so well written, the plot was amazing, the secrets were holy smokes, and the HEAT was scorching!
Francesca Rossi grew up basically in the mafia. Even though it is present day, it is like we have went back in time a few centuries where galas and women are basically just a placeholder. Which that being said, it was almost like the tension from Gone With the Wind with Rhett and Scarlet arguing with each other— it was just a bit more darker than that.
Senator Wolfe Keaton is definitely the big bad wolf who semi kidnaps Francesca and informs her they are getting married at the end of the month. Keep in mind that Francesca is 19 years old and Wolfe is 30, just a bit of an age gap here. Just as she is innocent as can be and he is a bit jaded, to say the least.
I do not want to go into ANY details, because the blurb so perfectly sets up the story. Please just know that this is a fabulous book and if you like it a bit dark, you will enjoy this story! <3
PS: I received this book for free as an ARC in return for my honest feedback.
Francesco thought she had her life figured out. Her dad was head of the Outfit so certain things are expected of but she’s wanted the same guy, Angelo, since she saw him. She was told she was going to an event with her family and her dance card was already full. She was hoping to see Angelo and get a kiss. She thinks a kiss will seal her fate. Who will kiss her? Will she get what she wants?
***5 ‘You’re Out in the Darkness’ Stars***
Totally #TeamNemandVillian
I knew if I dove into this book and had things to do, I’d be pissed that I had to put it down and actually adult and I was soooooo right! Once I started I only stopped reading when I needed to drink something or my cat decided he was more important than the words I was reading (Rude, but I expect nothing less). This book is all kinds of angsty, emotional goodness and two characters I couldn’t get enough of!
Wolfe. This man is all kinds of alpha asshole AF goodness. He’s intelligent, arrogant, determined and smexy but he has these bruises on his heart and soul, that even when he is being a right bastard, I couldn’t help but find him deliciously lethal.
Francesca is everything she appears to be and yet nothing like you expect her to be and I adore her. She, like Wolf, has her moments, but she came by them honestly and I loved watching her evolve into so much more than she ever thought she could be.
To say their relationship was antagonistic is an understatement but it was so much fun to watch them both fall for the other. They both had their moments and lemme tell you, there were many MANY times where I wanted to reach out and Gibbs smack some sense into both of them, but considering all they had both been through and were going through, it was inevitable and it ended up bringing them closer. The smexy was HAWT and I loved their arguing as much as their bantering. With emotions running so high from the start, there are a ton of little explosions that happen throughout their journey, so when the big One happened, it wasn’t a surprise at all, but it was necessary and I loved how it got them back together.
The Kiss Thief was a great read all around. The writing was amazing and I loved how everything worked out in the end for all the characters in the book. Sterling was a fav, but so was Angelo in his own right. This one does have triggers and things some may not be down with, but it all worked for me and I cannot wait to see what the author has on deck for us for the rest of the year, because she certainly started this one off with a bang!
~ Copy provided by Candi Kane PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Seriously! WOW! The emotions I felt while reading this cannot be summed up in words. This books is so much more than a romance…it is everything!
I loved how this book had a Beauty and the Beast/Big Bad Wolf feel to it.
Francesca has her life all planned out. She is going to marry Angelo and have the perfect life. What she didn’t realize was that she didn’t have any say in the matter.
Wolfe is out for revenge and will do anything to take over everything Rossi loves.
Both characters were experiencing emotions that they didn’t want to feel and didn’t know how to handle. Throughout these scenes you just want to throttle them and hug them at the same time.
Francesca may seem like she doesn’t have a backbone, but she is the strongest heroine I know. There are several things that happen that prove she can truly take care of and stand up for herself. There were also some scenes that proves she was just 19 and teenagers make stupid mistakes. Throughout it all, she never wavered from her true self. She knew who she was and wasn’t going to let any man compromise that.
I can already tell this is going to be one of my top reads for 2019, and I’m pretty sure I know have a new top book boyfriend.
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
Francesca is a 19 year-old sheltered daughter of a crime lord when she is forced into marriage with Wolfe (Senator Keaton). They start as Nemesis and Narcissus as Francesca was taken away from the man she loves (Angelo) who is sweet and loving while Wolfe is cold, calculated, and out for vengeance. This is a story of enemies to lovers, a story of betrayal and revenge, and a story of a broken souls finding and learning to love.
I liked Francesca. She is resilient, compassionate, and adapts quickly to her situation. She knows that her family sheltered and put restrictions on her and it was nice to see her blossom into her own strong person. She is 19 years-old and some of the time you could see that she was still very much a teenager, but at other times she was portrayed to be more mature. I can see her having to grow up quickly given her situation, but she seemed to be closer to Wolfe’s age as the book progressed.
I loved Wolfe. He is 30-years old so he is significantly older than her. His present has been shaped by a difficult past. He is a strong, alpha male who could melt the panties off a nun. He is at times both kind and cruel towards Francesca and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.
Angelo is closer to Francesca’s age and they were friends as children. Their relationship bloomed into love and it was assumed that they would marry. His character isn’t quite as developed as the other two, but I think that is appropriate for this book. While Francesca’s relationship with Wolfe blows hot and cold with explosive chemistry, Angelo’s and Francesca’s relationship is sweet, tender, and loving.
I do like the books with an older man-younger woman theme, but I didn’t like just how young Francesca was. I find it difficult to believe that someone who is 30 would be interested in a teenager. Perhaps if she was in very early 20s and he was in his early 30s I would have enjoyed it more.
I always love a good enemies-to-lovers romance and The Kissing Thief does not disappoint. This book had a great plot, moved at a good pace, and had well-developed characters which kept me entertained until the very end. If you have liked this author’s previous books, then you will enjoy The Kissing Thief. I received this book for free.
Francesca Rossi has always been a well mannered and obedient daughter. Destined to marry someone appropriate from within her community, she knows what to expect for her future. Until a callous man in a mask steals a kiss that changes everything…
Angelo Bandini comes from a long line of made men who know how important tradition and planned marriages are within their organization. Showing his interest in Francesca, by asking to date her through her father, is the only way for a man to secure a future with the highly esteemed Rossi daughter.
Senator Wolfe Keaton is determined to ruin the Rossi family by any means necessary. And his mission starts by capturing it’s one and only princess…
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The Kiss Thief was a spectacularly unputdownable story that has stayed with me long after reading it’s final pages. With a messy love triangle and the incredibly blurred lines between the good guys and the bad, the storyline simmered with drama, angst and scorching sexual tension all rolled into one unforgettable book.
Francesca may be young and unable to control her own destiny, but a simpering child she is not. While she is prepared to be courted by a man who has her father’s approval, she is also entitled to her own choice in the matter.
Stuck between two worlds, and two very different men, Angelo and Wolfe represent two very conflicting paths for her life to follow. While one man represents her childhood, filled with shared memories and endless understanding, the other has no problem showing her the disdain he has for her and her entire family. When her choice seems to be taken out of her hands, will Francesca’s lifetime of being raised as the dutiful daughter ruin her chances at true love…
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This book was so. freaking. fantastic. Fueled by secrets, dark deals and all kinds of mafia drama, this story was done so well that I found myself devouring it like I haven’t been able to do with a book in quite a long time.
Francesca was such a strong and admirable character. Never shrinking away from conflict, she grows and matures so much beyond her 19 years, that I never felt like she was as naive as (some) of the men, who loved to belittle her, made her out to be. To keep this as spoiler free as possible, let me just vaguely assert here, just how much I loved to hate one very delicious character. With a dark(ish) tone and a twisted, bumpy road for our characters, I just couldn’t get enough of this book. Sexy AF, while still providing all the feels and a fantastic storyline, I recommend you read this book ASAP.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
This book was fantastic! My first reading of 2019 and I can say that I started on the right foot with a captivating and engaging story from the first to the last page. With a fluid and engaging writing, a solid and engaging story and passionate characters L.J. Shen brought a story that I fell in love with and I could not let go until the end.
When I read the synopsis of this book I thought I knew what I was getting into when I started reading the book, but the book did not take the course I was expecting by completely surprising me and making me fall in love with the story of these characters.I will not go into the details of the story very much, but what I can say is that this book made me feel all the emotions while reading, I found myself evolving with the story, cheering for the characters and wishing the story didn’t come to an end.
Francesca was a heroine who surprised me a lot. My first impression of her was not the best, I thought she would be one of those boring and submissive heroines, but it was not long before she proved me wrong.Her growth throughout the book was one of the things I liked most about her, I loved seeing her becoming a confident, strong and courageous young woman.Wolfe, what can I say about him? I do not know at what point in the book I fell in love with him, but it happened and when I saw him he had completely won me over.
The relationship between these two was what I liked the book the most. In my opinion the author worked brilliantly on the evolution of their relationship, which began as an arranged marriage turn into a sweet, sexy and addictive romance .
The Kiss Thief is one of those books that captivate me from beginning to end with its unique and engaging writing. I loved this book from start to finish.
The Kiss Thief is a well written book. It didn’t grab me right from the beginning I’ll admit. But, I’ve enjoyed so many books from this author before, I continued.
I was more engaged in the second half of the book. I also really enjoyed the ending.
Beautifully written modern fairy tale!
Alex was my favorite hothole of Leigh’s since I read, and loved, Midnight Blue, but I can assure you Wolfe Keaton takes the crown.
He’s a stubborn jerk, self-centered, cold and full of himself, but when he opens his heart to you, all you can do is swoon.
Francesca Rossi is no better. A young woman of nineteen, but she’s so naive, sheltered and surprisingly pure even though her father is THE boss of mafia organization The Outfit. She thinks he knows what she wants out of her life, but one chance encounter, one slip of destiny changes everything for her.
These two are an emotional wreck, a rollercoaster that will take you on a ride you’ll never forget. The pushing and pulling between Wofle and Francesca are constant. They take and they hurt and they break and they destroy. They hate, they love and then they hate some more until the only thing that’s left is to surrender to their heart’s desire. The only thing left is to forget your pride and open your heart so they can maybe, maybe find happiness.
Once again, Shen creates two broken, imperfect people that through the course of the story grow so much you wonder if you’re even reading about the same people. Yes, they’ll make you mad, they’ll make you want to strangle them at times, and in some moments you’ll want to throw the book away or set it on fire, but that’s life. It’s real and it’s messy and it’s imperfect. Until two imperfect people find a way to each other, and they finally feel complete.
Gah!! You guys!! The Kiss Thief was everything we’ve come to expect from L.J. Shen and more!! Beyond Phenomenal! It was emotional, poignant and gut wrenching and filled with a brilliant story that had me glued to every page. It was so perfectly written with every intricate detail written with the utmost care. This is without a doubt the best novel this author has written!!
Without giving away any spoilers, Shen did it once again with Wolfe Keaton. He undoubtedly is the new alpha to top and that is a very tough title to win. He is dark and foreboding with an icy and unfeeling exterior. But his demeanor hides the heat and fire inside him. I absolutely floved him as he was the perfect combination of hardened and vulnerable. He was consumed with vengeance and yet allowed an encounter with his enemy’s daughter to set him on an impulsive journey filled with love, lust, revenge and obsession.
Francesca Rossi likewise was absolutely astounding. She was Wolfe’s perfect match and my favorite Shen heroine to date. She was strong and resilient. Delicate and beautiful in appearance but with a deep and unwavering core strength – choosing to write her own story with the cards she is dealt in life by unequivocally making it her own. She was completely underestimated by all the men in her life and the lasting impression she would make on all of them.
Overall, The Kiss Thief was truly phenomenal and another feather in the cap of this remarkable author. Her brilliance is apparent in every novel she puts out where each book is better than her last and her skills are only surpassed by her goals to better her craft, which she accomplishes every time. She needs to officially rename herself Slay Shen because she always kills it. Bravo! 6 stars! ~Ratula