The Kiss Thief
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The Kiss Thief

L.J. Shen2019

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Reviews

Photo of kels
kels@kelseysoderberg
1 star
Jul 30, 2024

last time i trust a tiktok recommendation

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Megan Helberg Keiser@mehelberg
1 star
Jul 15, 2024

honestly unbearable and i can’t believe i finished it lol

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Emma Kamer@emmakamer
4 stars
Dec 31, 2023

I’m sad its a short book, it was a great story

+2
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Jodie Reads@jodie2812
4.5 stars
Nov 15, 2023

Sometimes it was pretty annoying, but overall a very good read.

Photo of Faith Kitowski
Faith Kitowski@faithkitowski
1 star
Mar 20, 2023

** spoiler alert ** 1.5/5. okay not only did he say he doesn’t want kids and then she gets pregnant, AN ACCIDENTAL PREGNANCY MIGHT I ADD, but she also cheats on him and then HE IS THE ONE THAT GROVELS?!?! i’m all about girl power but make it make sense. at least the quotes were good

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🧸@lamiaa
2 stars
Feb 1, 2023

there are so many things wrong in this book and I really dont have the mood to list them up. it's not really worth reading it.

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Trish@concerningnovelas
2 stars
Jan 4, 2023

Can you tell I’m binge reading romance novels to pad my Goodreads challenge numbers?? lol It’s going just as expected.

Photo of Kathleen Tom
Kathleen Tom@kateee
5 stars
Jan 2, 2023

5 Stars! "Falling in Love was so tragic. No wonder people are so sad." Hi BookLovers, You know what? Screw younger man, I want older man. I was so angry and frustrated at the beginning of the book when there's so many cheating scene, angry at how childish Wolfe and Frankie handle their problem but the deeper I get to the book the more I understand and love how the story really goes. With complicated storyline and hardheaded character this is one hell of a ride and I'm grateful to finally read this book after few times of stopping before I even get to chapter three haha.. It was my L.J Shen week and three books down in days! The sleepless night is damn worth it. Highly Recommended! :) xoxo.

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Lover of Romance @addictedtoromance
4 stars
Jan 1, 2023

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance The Kiss Thief is my first book that I have read by this author and what a book!!! Now I won’t say its as amazing as I was expecting, and I think that is partly because this is my first book by Shen and I haven’t read a book this angsty in a very long time and it took a while to adapt to the angst levels, you definitely need to be in the right mood for this type of story. I truly enjoyed the epic feel to this story though. The Kiss Thief involves two characters that do NOT like each other at all. Our heroine, Francesca, grew up in a home where her father runs a crime mob. But she has always been sheltered and she has always known that she won’t have much choice in who she marries, but there is one man that she wants….Angelo. But at a official dinner, she meets with Angelo and she knows that she does care for him and is thrilled to begin her life with him. But then she meets Wolfe, a senator, one who is gorgeous but rude and views her as a spoiled rich girl. But then she finds herself engaged to him after that night when he stole a kiss from her. Her father has made an agreement with Wolfe and even though she hates him, she doesn’t know what to do. She has always been so sheltered and being Wolfe’s wife will offer many advantages even if she doesn’t like him much although she finds the sexual response to be overpowering whenever she is near him. But there is more to their marriage than Francesca realizes and that there is a man she can love once she gets beneath Wolfe’s tough exterior. This is one of the best enemies to lovers romances I have read in a very long time. In this book, I found the angst to be very overpowering at times. Now about half way through, is where it really takes a back seat for the most part and we see some great development in their relationship. I really liked both of these characters, they both have explosive personalities so that brings some powerful fireworks that erupt between these two. We see how driven Francesca is, that she wants to go to college (which her father refused to let her do) and to make something of herself and does have a kind and sweet personality when you don’t rile her too much. Wolfe, however, is full of anger and hate. He despises her father, and is out for revenge. But he never thought that he would love Francesca, the daughter of the man that destroyed his family. But Wolfe is driven to succeed and plans to eventually become President of the United States. So he has dreams to serve his country and help others. But what I loved most was seeing the softer side to his personality, he can be so rough around the edges so seeing more depth to his character was so rewarding as a reader. Seeing his hopes and dreams for life and that he has so much to give in a relationship. Now I have to say that after reading my frst LJ Shen novel I will definitely be picking her up again for sure. The angst level is high (which I am assuming is what she has in most of her books) so fair warning, and the heroine does smoke in this book (so if that bothers you, fair waring on that---it’s not my favorite thing to see in a romance since its a turn off for me personally, but I was alright with it in this book). Overall I found the Kiss Thief to be a stunning portrayal of angsty romance that makes you laugh and cry and the delivery of such empowering emotions is shown in such a unique and dynamic way that stuns the reader delightfully!

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Paola Marie@marie_p
3 stars
Sep 19, 2022

A good read, at least in my opinion. The book description is a little misleading and doesn't really captures what the book is about.

It's packed with drama, and I love drama, however it would've been better with less drama with more details. I think the author tried to cover too much stuff and couldn't put it all together in a cohesive way.

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Bhaavya Mishra@itsbhaavyanotbhavya
1 star
Sep 11, 2022

If you’re planning to read this book , DONT cause wtf was up with this one? Its so problematic i can’t begin to explain. spoilers- he forced himself on her ( “not in eye of law” , yes exact words of our mmc ) then he felt sorry for not believing our fmc but then it was okay cause he did something sweet that he has never done to the half of the Chicago population he went through but then she learns the truth and cheats on him so our mmc “tries” to cheat on her but then our fmc is pregnant and suddenly our mmc is in love? Also the way he talks about fmc and women in general*puking* a 31 year old MAN TALKING ABOUT A 19yo like THAT

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Habiba Herisha@habiba_herisha98
3 stars
Sep 5, 2022

I was very excited to read this books, but got disappointed.

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Payton elizabeth fetner @1payton_reads_alot1
4 stars
Sep 2, 2022

This was one of the first books I read when trying to get back into reading and I can just say I made a good choice. I finished it in a day. It’s very fast moving and keeps you on edge of what’s going to happen next. between her love hate relationship of the senitor or her constant want of her supposed love ther was no part that I didn’t love, or I di not think DIDNT contribute to the plot.

Photo of Megan Lowe
Megan Lowe@booksandbubbletea
4 stars
Aug 21, 2022

4.5 stars. First off, mafia books aren’t really my thing but this one intrigued me. There’s shades of Sierra Simone’s American Camelot trilogy here (in terms of political overtones, not threesomes) but I would’ve like a little more. I also think the blurb is slightly misleading. It leads to much more of a love triangle than I think there really was. That said, I really enjoyed the transformation of both Wolfe and Francesca, even if at times Francesca’s immaturity did grate at me. I also felt like the book moved in fits and starts. The timeline would all of a sudden shoot forward days or weeks, when previously nothing much had happened. There’s also a few writing style things that bothered me, but I think they’re mostly overcome by the story. I really did love the transformation of Wolfe and Francesca and that did redeem the book for me. Give it a go!

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Sheena@yoshina
3 stars
Aug 13, 2022

I've finally picked this novel up months after the initial hype and needless to say I'm slightly disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I actually thought L.J Shen's concept was rather refreshing with a good blend of characters but the dysfunctional relationship between Francesca and Wolfe was a turn off and to be completely honest, rubbed me the wrong way. I didn't find the heroine charming nor was she the strong independent lead character I tend to find myself leading more towards and furthermore, despite loving alpha males, Wolfe was just too ruthless and demeaning towards the young bride for me to even be charmed by his wild ways. Overall this romance novel was still a decent read and no one should defer from checking out "The Kiss Thief" if you're a fan of the author in spite of this not suiting my tastes.

Photo of Navya
Navya @nico1195
1 star
Aug 12, 2022

** spoiler alert ** I dont fucking care if the hero didnt love her You dont fucking cheat . 'A moment of weaknesses '? Bitch u dont frickin cheat.and if i cant hate her even more she belives notes frm a dumb bitch who wrote them. Oh my freakin god i hate her . She starts berating the hero bcuz he is taking someone else as his date after she cheated on him.no matter wht happens u dont frickin cheat not bcuz ur husband is an asshole but u should be loyal to urself and not cheat ur principles.

Photo of sophie <3
sophie <3@chatnoirreads
2 stars
Jul 25, 2022

2.5 stars Tbh the pregnancy trope was a bit too much for me thanks

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

This book had quite a bit of potential and it didn’t live up to it…

Beware, if you plan on reading this, it contains infidelity. I personally got so triggered by it?? The couple was happy and then we were slapped with that.

It ruined the book for me.

Wolfe was a great character who had pretty good character development. He was still iffy in certain situations but I’d say he did very well for his character’s limited development arc.

Francesca was not it. She had so much potential but she ruined it in that one scene. I hated her after that.

So in general, this wouldn’t be on my recommended list. There are definitely better books out there.

+1
Photo of Rebeca
Rebeca @rebeca_readss
5 stars
Apr 29, 2022

I chose it spontaneously. I wanted to read a romance book just for THAT feeling. I didn’t knew the plot. I just knew that this book is based on romance. And what a book! The storyline was incredible. I think this is my first book with some sort of mafia. Francesca and Wolfe had such an interesting relationship, from not knowing each other to some sort of rivals, forced marriage to husband and wife to having some fights and then to lovers. Angelo. I hate him. He was the third wheel. I’m so glad that Francesca ended up with Wolfe and not with Angelo. While reading I thought that Angelo would have a bigger part in this story. That he wouldn’t be a side character. But, in the and they all got their happy ending. And THEIR ending was the most beautiful one.

This review contains a spoiler
+5
Photo of Mariam Mohsen
Mariam Mohsen@mariammohsen
4 stars
Mar 18, 2022

Wow, really wow, I didn't read any books from this author before, but it was so wonderful, the author has focused on the feelings more than any thing else, the progress in the story was pretty good and so real, I really enjoyed it so much, the book has been totally worth reading...

Photo of Aime Barcenas
Aime Barcenas @aimebarcenas
5 stars
Feb 26, 2022

Loved it so much, couldn’t put it down!

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joy cooper@joyycoop
5 stars
Feb 20, 2022

5 ⭐️

Photo of Adrianne
Adrianne@adriannesbookcave
4 stars
Dec 20, 2021

This book was my choice for Muggle Studies for the OWLs readathon, and it was free on Kindle Unlimited. Mafia romances are one of my favourites, and this one is right up there with the best of them. Kind of reminded me of Cora Reilly’s ‘Born in Blood’ series, which I loved. It’s an enemies to lovers Italian mafia story with lots of family drama and a slow burning love story with a bit of a violent start.

Photo of Katie Holem
Katie Holem@katieskozybookcorner
5 stars
Dec 9, 2021

4.5 stars

Highlights

Photo of Levi-Mae
Levi-Mae @leebilou20

“He is halfway in love, Francesca.”

“He is in hate with my father and in lust with me.”

Page 197
This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Linsey Mombert
Linsey Mombert@linsey

“You’re as graceful as rain.”

Photo of Linsey Mombert
Linsey Mombert@linsey

Real men don’t shit bricks when their wives gain higher education and the basic power to survive without them, pardon my language.”

Photo of Linsey Mombert
Linsey Mombert@linsey

They say the devil you know is better than the one that you don’t

Photo of Linsey Mombert
Linsey Mombert@linsey

“It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.”

—Leo Tolstoy

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

I cheated on my husband, Wolfe Keaton. The end.

Page 255

I hate you. The end.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“Stop doing that, Wolfe. I told you. It makes me feel like a kid.” He stood up, completely naked, and hoisted me over his shoulder, careful not to touch my ribs, then carried me to the master bedroom, planting a teasing slap on my butt cheek, before biting on it softly. “What are you doing?” I laughed breathlessly. “Some very grown-up things to you.”

Page 223

🥹🥹

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“That’s why I refrain from the feeling,” he said. “But it also felt good when it was requited.” He turned around to face me. “No love is fully requited. No love is equal. No love is fair. There is always one side that loves more. And you better not be that side—because it suffers.” Silence stretched until we parked the car outside of the so-called cabin. “But you”—he turned to me, smirking—“you’re smarter than to yield to your love.” I don’t love Angelo anymore, you fool, I wanted to scream. I love you. “Which is why I respect you,” he added. “You respect me?” He got out, rounded the car, and opened my door for me. “If you’re into milking things, I’d love for it to be my cock and not simply for compliments. You know I respect you, Nem.”

Page 222

PRRRROGRRRRESSSS.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

When I woke up the next day, the clock hit seven. I tried to stir myself awake, but felt massive weight pressing against my body. God. How badly was I hurt? I could barely move an inch. When I tried to wiggle my right arm, reaching to the alarm clock to slam the button and stop its chirp, I realized that it wasn’t soreness that stopped me from moving. My husband was sleeping behind me, his stomach pressed against my back. Still in his suit, his breaths were deep and silent. I could feel his penis digging into my butt through our clothes. He had morning wood. I felt myself blushing, biting down a smile. He returned to my room. He spent the night in my bed. I asked for something—something he had told me explicitly would never happen—and he gave it to me.

Page 210

I LOVE THIS.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

When he came back to the bedroom to kiss me good night before he left, his cheeks were always tinted pink.

Page 177

The plot twist is about to be interesting.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“Villain?” “Yes, Nemesis?” “Do you think Smithy might be able to teach me how to drive?” She wanted her wings back. She had every right to them. I knew since I wanted her protected from everyone around her. Including me. “Fuck Smithy, Nem. I’ll teach you.”

Page 176

PRRRROGRRRRESSSS

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“Have you had enough of your father for the week, Nem?” I took a shuddering breath. “I think I’ve had my fill for the year.” “Good. Because I’m beginning to think I haven’t had enough of my fiancée, and I’d like to rectify that.”

Page 124

🥹🥹🦋🤭

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“Ask your daughter. She’s in charge of her school schedule. And her womb.”

Page 119

Yum.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

I found my bride sitting in front of her vanity mirror, wearing a tight black velvet dress—it looked like we coordinated something other than trying to stab each other—a lit cigarette dangling from the corner of her luscious lips. She was shoving mud into a pot, gardening in the middle of her bedroom, in a Chanel evening dress. She was crazy. And she was my crazy.

Page 84

Lmao.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“I don’t have any wants!” “We all have wants.” “What’s yours?” I was stalling. “Serving my country. Seeking justice and punishing those who deserve to be brought to justice. You do, too. Think back to the masquerade.” “College!” I yelled, finally cracking. “I want to go to college. They’d never let me get a higher education and make something of myself.” It surprised me that Wolfe caught the fraction of the moment in which I had to school my face from being both embarrassed and disappointed when Bishop asked me about college. My grades were great, and my SAT scores were glorious. But my parents thought I was wasting my energy when I should be focusing on getting married, planning a wedding, and continuing the Rossi legacy by producing heirs. He stopped his stride. “It’s yours.”

Page 78

Hell yes.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“Care to tell us how Senator Keaton popped the question? I have to say, he never struck me as the over-romantic type,” he chortled, stroking his beard like a Harry Potter character. I didn’t even have it in me to taunt Wolfe. I was too caught up in the fact that my life was officially over, and Angelo was going to marry Emily, therefore fulfilling my worst nightmare. “Yeah, of course. He…he…proposed to me on the…” “Staircase to the museum,” Wolfe clipped, chucking my chin in faux affection that made my skin crawl. “I don’t know what I did to deserve her passionate kiss. You stole my breath.” He turned to me, his grays on my blues, two pools of beautiful lies. People gasped around us, enchanted by the magnetic power of his expression as he stared at me. “I stole your heart.” You stole my first kiss. Then my happiness. And finally, my life.

Page 59

She keeps repeating those words.

This highlight contains a spoiler
Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“It was worth the hassle.” He grinned down at me, pulling me so close to him, I thought his body was going to swallow mine whole. “Besides,” he hissed only for me to hear, his warm, minty breath tickling the side of my neck, “if my bride knew me even a little, she’d know I never kneel.”

Page 56

This is about to blow up in his face.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“You will also have your engagement ring on at all times.” “Or what?” I challenged, my voice shaking. “Or I’m taking you to elope in Vegas, setting off a chain reaction of pregnancy rumors that will not do your family any good.” 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.

Page 54

This is so dramatic lol.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

I pushed the note back into place, rearranging the pillows in the same, messy heap I’d found them. I cared more about fucking with Francesca Rossi’s head than I did her body. Now that was my idea of foreplay.

Page 49

Let’s go. This is the kind of man I want 🤭

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

I’d texted him that same night as my date unzipped my dress pants in the limo, getting ready to suck my cock.

Page 42

I don’t like him anymore 🖕

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

Unfortunately for me, my bride-to-be was also a spoiled, naïve, overpampered kid with an ego the size of Connecticut and zero desire to do anything that did not include horseback riding, sulking, and—this one’s a wild, albeit educated, guess—popping out fair-eyed, just-as-entitled kids. Fortunately for her, my bride-to-be was going to get exactly the kind of cushioned life she’d been designed to lead by her parents. Right after the wedding, I intended to shove her into a glitzy mansion on the other side of town, pad her wallet with credit cards and cash, and check in on her only when I’d need her to attend a public function with me or when I needed to tug on her father’s leash. Offspring were out of the question, although, depending on her level of cooperation, which, right now, could use much improvement, she was welcome to have some through a sperm donor. Not me.

Page 41

I really like him lol.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

FUCK. Shit. Cocksucker. Asshole. Clusterfuck. Nutsackdouchebagbuttfuck. Those were just some of the words I could no longer allow myself to utter, in public or otherwise, as a senator representing the state of Illinois. Serving my state—my country —was my only real passion. The problem was, my real upbringing was quite different from the one portrayed in the media. In my mind, I cussed. A lot. And I especially wanted to swear right now when my bride had exasperated me to no end.

Page 40

I like him.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

Wolfe Keaton was a kiss thief.

Page 26

I like him.

Photo of Keira 💫
Keira 💫@dirtyhandssidechick

“It was the summer you turned sixteen. I was twenty. Cradle snatcher.” He laughed.

Page 19

So she was basically groomed to love him. While he thought she was hot at this age. Tf is this book?