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The Kiss Thief

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love steamy, angsty romance with a dash of mafia drama and unforgettable anti-heroes, you’re in for a treat! "The Kiss Thief" offers a spicy arranged marriage set-up, enemies-to-lovers tension, and all the forbidden romance vibes you could crave. Francesca and Wolfe’s intense push-pull dynamic will keep you turning the pages, especially if you like your love stories messy, beautifully flawed, and emotionally charged. Fans of dark romance, morally gray heroes, and strong heroine growth arcs will find this a juicy and addictive read.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This isn’t the book for everyone. Sensitive readers may be put off by the age gap, consent concerns, and moments of power imbalance between the leads. If you dislike love triangles, OM/OW drama, or get frustrated with immature or toxic character behaviors, this might not be your cup of tea. Some found the mafia backdrop a little over the top and struggled with how certain heavy themes were handled. Additionally, if you're looking for a light, sweet romance, this one gets pretty dark and gritty.

A deliciously messy, dark romance packed with angst, drama, and complicated characters - riveting for fans of the genre, but definitely not for the faint of heart!

About:

'The Kiss Thief' by L.J. Shen is a contemporary romance novel set in modern-day Chicago revolving around the Italian mob and a powerful senator seeking revenge. The story follows the arranged marriage between Francesca, a mafia princess, and Senator Wolfe Keaton, who harbors a vendetta against her father. As their relationship unfolds, secrets are revealed, love blossoms, and both characters undergo significant growth. The dual point of view narration allows readers to delve into the complexities of their personalities, creating a rich and captivating storyline that blends elements of romance, drama, and intrigue.

Characters:

The characters are intricately developed, showcasing contrasting personalities and how their interactions contribute to their growth and the overarching romance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is compelling and emotionally charged, employing dual perspectives to enhance character development and tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a complicated love triangle involving revenge and emotional turmoil, where the protagonist must navigate her feelings for two very different suitors while dealing with familial pressures.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary Chicago, characterized by its ties to organized crime and a richly textured backdrop that enhances the story's dramatic elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally well-regarded, with a smooth flow that keeps the reader captivated, despite some long chapters.
Angelo kissed the back of my hand at the doors to the Art Institute of Chicago. My heart sank before I pushed the silly disappointment aside. He was only baiting me. Besides, he looked so dazzlingly h...

Notes:

The protagonist, Francesca Rossi, is a mafia princess who anticipated marrying her childhood friend, Angelo Bandini.
The main male character, Wolfe Keaton, is a jaded senator with a vendetta against Francesca's father.
Francesca's family places a strong emphasis on her purity, leading to tension in her romantic life.
The story is written in dual POV, allowing insights into both Francesca and Wolfe's perspectives.
The plot features a love triangle, although it's more evident who Francesca favors early on.
The book is filled with themes of revenge, deception, and the complexity of love in difficult circumstances.
Wolfe is initially cruel and misunderstands Francesca's innocence, believing she's not a virgin due to her background.
The characters encounter significant personal growth as the story progresses, with Francesca discovering her inner strength.
The emotional intensity and angst in the narrative are noted as captivating by readers, even amidst its problematic elements.
The book is described as having dark romance elements, with some readers feeling uncomfortable with Wolfe's behavior and the treatment of the heroine.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content warnings for themes of consent issues, emotional abuse, and dark romance elements.

Has Romance?

The romance in The Kiss Thief is significant and central to the plot.

From The Publisher:

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

January 2019
321 pages

Ratings (122)

Incredible (19)
Loved It (47)
Liked It (29)
It Was OK (18)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (5)

Reader Stats (245):

Read It (137)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (74)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (30)

2 comment(s)

It Was OK
12 months

Era da tempo che non leggevo un romanzo sul tipico miliardario che sceglie di sposare con un matrimonio di convenienza la figlia del proprio nemico in modo da attuare la sua personale vendetta.

Se state cercando un romance di questo tipo, LEGGETE PRIMA I TRIGGER WARNING!

 
Liked It
1 year

The first time i saw l.j. shen i was like there is no way a person with this name can write nonsense so i started reading her books and i wasn't dissapointed

 
 
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