“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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The classic case of”Its not you, its me” with this one. There is a fine line with me in books with bully to complete a-hole. I found zero appeal to any character.
Makes me sad I couldn’t get into it because I hear fantastic things about the author.
Can I just say that The Kiss Thief is literally a masterpiece? This book gives me a sense of emotion and excitement that I will often get whenever I read an amazing and breathtaking book. Therefore, I can officially say that The Kiss Thief is literally the best book that I have ever read from L.J Shen.
First of all, everything about this book is amazing and an ultimate *chef kiss*. Like seriously, this book is unlike any other book that I’ve read, and I was captivated from the first page till the last. Not only that, I’m a sucker for most tropes that were contained in this book so it was an absolute win for me. Also, I can’t even express the emotional roller coaster ride that I was experiencing while reading this book because the angst is just heartwrenching. There are multiple times where I was screaming and felt so frustrated throughout the entire story because there were so many things that happened. However, I can’t deny that those things are the reasons that made this book so brilliant and why I ended up loving it so much.
On the other hand, I have to say that Wolfe Keaton stole my heart because he’s extremely sexy and cunning. Even so, he’s also a major A-hole that you will find very hard to hate. If you’re expecting a gentleman, then you will be greatly disappointed. There are times where I felt like smacking his head for being so ruthless but it was understandable why he acted that way. Whereas for Francesca, I adore her so much because even tho she was raised in a very wealthy family, she didn’t end up becoming a spoiled princess. In fact, she’s very sophisticated, sweet, and also strong which made her character so likable. Moreover, the relationship between Wolfe and Francesca is indescribable because their relationship is not easy and there were so many things that they were facing that literally broke my heart several times. Even so, I still loved them especially the development that LJ brought for both of these characters.
Overall this book will forever be my ultimate favourite. It was extremely memorable and I enjoyed it so much that I always end up rereading this book whenever I was in the mood. I don’t think that I could ever grow bored from it because Wolfe and Francesca owned my entire heart and soul. LJ once again was able to deliver another fascinating story that could steal the heart of her readers. I seriously recommend everyone to read this book because it’s absolutely worth it.
Who doesn’t love a sexy thief?
So what…he stole…but he stole a kiss!!!
Book was great.
I listened to this via Audible Escapes and really enjoyed the story and the narration.
I’m struggling to find the right words to describe how much I loved Francesca Rossi and senator Wolfe Keaton! I feel like whatever I say about them will not do this couple justice. Jumping into this book I thought it would be a love triangle type of romance, but now that I’ve read it, I can say without doubt that there never was a race to Francesca’s heart. Wolfe owned it completely from the moment they set eyes on each othee —even if she didn’t realize it at first.
Arranging a marriage between him and the woman who has Arthur Rossi’s —the one man Wolfe absolutely hates and would love nothing more than to tear to shreds— blood in her veins might seem like a romantic move from Wolfe’s part , a man who falls hopelessly and completely in love with the woman he shouldn’t, so much he can’t imagine his life without her.But that couldn’t be further from the truth. This marriage is nothing but a game for revenge for him, a move to bring the boss of The Outfit to his knees. Or at least that was the initial plan.
Francesca always thought her friend and a man she thought she loved, Angelo, would be the man she would spend the rest of her life with, the one she would give all her firsts to. Little did she know Wolfe was about to turn her world upside down, starting with a stolen kiss. Just a kiss; Not the end of the world, some might say. But for Francesca, it was just the beginning. The beginning of her new life, as soon-to-be Mrs. Keaton. Because, as she is about to find out, she is to be wed to this ruthless and enigmatic man whose motives are yet to be revealed.
An arranged marriage with Francesca Rossi might have seemed like a good plan at first, but as Wolfe is about to find out— it’s the exact opposite. A weakness. But also the best choice he ever made —for him, for her. For both of them.
Sometimes love is found in the most unexpected places, and that’s what happens in the case of Francesca (aka Nemesis) and Wolfe (aka Villain).
Francesca was such a strong and sensitive character whose beauty was not only visible on the outside, but on the inside as well. She was constantly underestimated by her soon to be husband in the beginning of their relationship, but boy did she prove him wrong. Wolfe made many stupid mistakes when it came to Francesca but, thankfully for him, his fianceé is a forgiving soul.
I particularly loved the last few chapters where we got to see how much Wolfe had changed for the better, and how he finally accepted the depth of his feelings for Francesca. I just swooned with how in love he was and how he was not afraid to show it to her.
There were many steamy moments between these two and many, many, many misunderstandings —strong enough to create tension and feelings of anger but not powerful enough to destroy their bond.
I’ll just never get tired of reading L. J. Shen’s books. Her characters are all so different but equally perfect in my eyes.
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“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 Keaton is out to destroy the mobster that killed his brother and his parents. Francesca is the daughter of the man head of the Outfit as it is called in Chicago. Her father has sold her to the Senator. This is their story and the love-hate relationship it is a long road to trust. This is a very interesting storyline as well as great characters. I was given a copy as a gift from Bookfunnel without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
This book!!! I’ve recommended it to ever single on of my friends. Even though I love ALL of her books, I think this is my most favorite LJ Shen book. I loved the angst and the build up to Francesca and Wolfe’s romance. It delivered! I started off hating Wolfe and then fell head over heels for him. So good!!
Francesca and Wolfe were quite the story. I have heard so much about this book and it did not disappoint.
Francesca believed herself to be in love with another but things changed in an instant when she found herself forced into marriage to Wolfe. Wolfe is a total brute that just needed Francesca’s spitfire touch. She was such an innocent young girl and he had walls so thick it seemed impossible to crack. Francesca was betrayed every time she turned around and Wolfe became her safe space for as gruff as he was, he was honest. As Wolfe falls he will totally make you swoon and the development of each of their characters was so good! This arranged marriage story is one you will want to know.
So I am starting to understand that other fans of L.J. Shen feel when they read her books. Oh now L.J. Shen is my another Dark-Alpha- Romance favorite author. I love how she can bring two complete opposite people as couple together and that too with happily ever after. Though I am late to this party but still loved this book and also Francesca and Wolfe. I can’t wait to read more from L.J. Shen. Thank you for writing an amazing love story.
LJ Shen is the Queen of angst! I am a sucker for Alpha anti-hero’s, mafia romances and arranged marriages. Stop what you are doing right now and get this book! One of my favorites!
4.5 stars
I’ve been hesitant to read this book because in the description, it seemed like the story will have love triangles which is my least favorite troupe, but after seeing many readers raving about it, I gave in and I do not regret reading it at all!!!! The beginning was a bit slow to build up the plot but then it picks up its pace.
Now, the description is misleading. Although it says that it is a love triangle, it is NOT REALLY (emphasis on the NOT REALLY) a love triangle. And I can’t say more without spoiling it so I’ll leave it to you to discover for yourself.
I loved the lush and atmospheric setting that was described in the book and it would make a gorgeous movie to watch. From the balls to the charity events to nature and all that good stuff.
The romance between our main couple is electric. It’s not only an arranged marriage but also an enemies to lovers romance and those two combined is what I’m here for!!!! I love the incorporation of Greek mythology that describes our main hero and heroine and how fitting it is to both of them. It just made it feel our couple more atmospheric (if that makes any sense).
Francesca (Frankie in short), our main heroine, is an interesting character. She got some 19th century trait which makes it interesting to read from her perspective in the 21st century. She has some quirkinesses inside of her which I don’t want to spoil it to you so I’ll stop there and let you figure it out.
Wolfe, our main alpha asshole hero, is not what I had expected. He is unlike any of Leigh’s other male leads in terms of “what makes an asshole.” He doesn’t smoke, drink and any of that ish which I usually read in Leigh’s books which was a breath of fresh air. YES TO HEALTHY ASSHOLES!!!!!
As always with Leigh’s books, there is always some kind of mystery element in which you want to know what happens and in this one, in my opinion it was a fifty fifty for me. While some revelations were shocking, some were predictable and some I wished it was more shocking I guess.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I hope Leigh will write crossovers because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet!!!!
Another Fantastic Book by LJ Shen
Great Banter between Wolfe Keaton and the Francesca Rossi . Couldn’t stop reading as I need to know how this Arrangement of Marriage was going to end. Hot and steamy and heart wrenching moments.
Cannot wait to read more books by LJ Shen
Neith
Name: Johnathan, Missouri Donald
Alias:
So:23280
Dob:09/15/1983
Black-male
Weight:208
Height:6’4″
Address: Ramsey State Central
8502 E. F.M. G 208 BTM
LONDON, TEXAS 85672
05/17/2001
Public Safety Department
Europe County Department
56817. CPF/POSS MARIJ CS 3PG;20MG. 306 DC HSC. 28.28. 3,500.00. Rel-conv
UNAU USE OF HABITAT -2 YRS PROBATION. LHSC.
19.19. Rel-conv
08/07/2005
6566. SODOMY ANIMAL CHILD -5 YRS TDC CFTS. U.S. DC
Rel-conv
06/18/2011
Camp Safety Department
11-0002119. BLUE WARRANT (s) ADUDICATION PROB. LHCTC. Rel-conv
02/15/2018
18-0008272. BURGLARY OF VEHICLEVE32M.
Release To State Jail
BF/ UNAU USE HABITAT , 199 GR
17.09. Release To State Jail
LARENCY W>$3,500-2,500 PROP
28.18. 1,000.00. Surety Bond
BW/VOP/SODOMY ANIMAL ASSAULT. 307
01.19. Release To Other Agency
NO TRESPASSING LICENCES 19.09. CCL1
2,500.00. Release To Other Agency
05/18/2020
Longview Police Department
20-0008372. CPF/UNAU USE HABITAT VEHICLE. LPD
28.28. 5,200.00. Attorney Bond
CAPIAS/POCS CAN 5MG PILL 1G 8MG. JP1.
18.09. LOJ
DWI U INFLU INTOX HABITAT. 108
09.00. 2,867.06. Payment Plan
06/11/2020
11-0002128. BW/ SPOUSE SEX ASSAULT-92 YRS PEN VOP. CRTCC
18.09. Release To Other Agency
OS/ MARSHALL DETAINER.
Release To Other Agency
WALKING CROSSWALK.O VEHICLE. CCL1
Release To Other Agency
LARENCY W>$3,500-2,500 PROP. CCL1.
Release To Safe Place
I’ve heard many good things about this book, and I was not disappointed! I devoured it. L.J. Shen has become one of my favorite authors and she always hooks me in with her words, stories, and everything about her writing. This is the first arranged marriage novel I’ve ever read (I read Sparrow by Shen and that’s kind of one too?). It’s an enemies to lovers romance that was so, so angsty, a little bit dark, and Shen sure made you feel everything the characters were feeling! Heartache, sadness, anger, happiness, hope. All of them. I highly recommend this book! The cover is gorgeous too, so make sure you get the physical copy!
Francesca is such a sweet and strong character. She’s young and innocent and doesn’t have much real world experience because her parents prevented her from it. She’s bred to become a wife and a mother. But she has dreams of her own and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and wants in life. I thought her love for gardening was really cute and how it was an escape for her when things got tough.
Wolfe is a handsome, strong and powerful senator. He has no interest in loving Francesca; she’s simply a pawn in his plan to ruin her father, but you do see him letting down his guard a few times as his relationship with Francesca grows. Despite how he treated her in certain parts of the book, it’s hard not to fall for this alphahole. He’s had a troubled past and holds in many secrets that come to light throughout this book, and when you learn about them, you definitely feel for him.
I wish goodreads gave us half stars.
This is more a 3.5.
I give LJ the upmost props she can write her ass off. It has been a long time since I’ve consumed a book in one sitting and I pretty much absorbed this book in one go, only to stop to eat lol.
The beginning and writing style of this story is a breath of fresh air. I loved the old world Sicily views mixed into a modern day Chicago and I even loved Keaton.
What didn’t worked for me was the heroine’s virtue (but it was expected considering the trope) and about the last quarter of the book. The little blimp that happens while I see why it happened, it kind of made me roll my eyes to the point of annoyance and wrecks the story in the way that makes it too clean of a neat ending.
I feel in love with Wolfe Keaton!!! An alpha-male that is falling in love without realizing that he is!!
I loved TKT! This book left me both satisfied and wanting more, much like good sex. Seriously, it is a great book and a beautiful world that LJ built.
The Kiss Thief is the best of best novels! I was utterly enchanted from the first page. L.J. Shen definitely delivered and slayed the genre of dark romance.
The plot is intricately weaved like a beautiful tapestry. It’s complicated and intriguing. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely has unexpected twists and turns.
Wolfe Keaton is a sexy motherf**cker! Who exuberates pure sex appeal and power. A perfect Alpha specimen. If you enjoy a dirty and alphahole male character, YOU WILL BE RUINED by Senator Keaton. Reader beware.
L.J. Shen is one of my TOP FAVORITE authors! She has an impeccable ability for writing and storytelling, which makes her a queen among authors. She definitely delivers each and every time.
Crime, passion, hate, drama, and love is what you get with this arranged marriage book. Surprises and twists along the way kept me saying “just one more page.” Suspense and romance make for an engaging read.
Being raised by a crime boss was strange to say the least. However, Francesca always felt loved by her family and safe. From an early age she knew she’d been promised to marry Angelo, a boy she grew up with from another crime family. She knew exactly what her life was going to look like. Then it all changed. Everything she thought she knew some how no longer was. She finds herself promised to someone new, a senator no less. Life changes for her over night and she has zero control over any of it. Can she find a way back to where she thought her life was headed, or is this new path something she may learn to accept and crave as well?
I loved this book. More than that, I loved the feel of this book. The expectations and gender roles felt old-timey, but it was in a Goodfellas mob meet cute sort of way. It’s enemies-to-lovers, angsty, and sweet all wrapped up into one.
First of all, the narrattion. WOW Savannah Peachwood and Stephen Dexter were beyond amazing, their performances truly magnificent. The way they express all the characters emotions, the tone and paced of their voices was simply great throughout the entire Audiobook.
I cannot express how much I loved this book, it was perfect from beginning to end, it’s raw, emotional, with so much angst that will draw you nuts and won’t be able to think of anything else but this story.
It is so amazingly well written, it’s the right mix of a perfect historical book, but set into the modern world, that only L.J Shen knows how to deliver it with so much perfection.
Wolfe Keaton and Francesca Rossi were amazing characters, with their complete different personalities, but they complemented each other so well. Their story wasn’t easy, the pad to achieve their HEA full of many connflicts that teared them apart and many knots that tied them together. And you are left with no other choice but to suffer along the way with them, and be drowned in a pool of many emotions while trying to figure everything out.
*”Wolfe Keaton was a kiss thief, but it wasn’t only a kiss that he stole. He stole my heart, too…”*