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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
Beautiful, sexy, ruthless, broken Wolfe Keaton with a big heart.
❤️
The Kiss Thief is definitely an addictive, original love story.
I really love it. Can't wait to read more from L.J. Shen. 😊
Beautiful, sexy, ruthless, broken Wolfe Keaton with a big heart.
❤️
The Kiss Thief is definitely an addictive, original love story.
I really love it. Can't wait to read more from L.J. Shen. 😊
I truly don’t understand where the hype is coming from. How can there be 5 star ratings? I gave it 3 stars which is rounded up since I gave it a 2.5.
I kinda liked the character development from Wolfe but it was so predictable. I also didn’t like most of the dramatic scenes since they were a bit cringeworthy. I didn’t have to force myself to continue at some points.
While reading I knew what would happen next and that took away the excitement in reading it. I hate when stories are predictable, I want to be shocked and excited to read further.
I kinda liked the character development from Wolfe but it was so predictable. I also didn’t like most of the dramatic scenes since they were a bit cringeworthy. I didn’t have to force myself to continue at some points.
While reading I knew what would happen next and that took away the excitement in reading it. I hate when stories are predictable, I want to be shocked and excited to read further.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so many wrong things w this book idek where to start
I did not know this was a mafia romance (I got it for free, and the title seemed cute). Honestly, I had never been interested in reading one before. But it was great! There was def some heavier spice the further in, but the story was sweet and riveting and infuriating all at the same time. I still don’t think mafia romances are my thing, but this was a fun read!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The Kissing Thief by LJ Shen is only the second book by her i have read but OMG was this book good! When i seen it was labeled as an arranged marriage i was unsure of how i was going to feel about it because they can be a hit or miss when it comes to pulling off an amazing arranged marriage love story but BOY did she, LJ Shen is a master! I kept seeing this book mentioned on Tiktok and everyone raved about it so I knew i had to give it a go and I am so glad i did. I love a morally gray MMC just like everyone else and Wolfe didnt disappoint.
This story follows Wolfe and Francesca and they are such complex characters from the jump, it brought all emotions tenfold; you are forced to feel all emotions at once and you jump from one to the other so quickly it keeps you on your toes the entire time. The plot was next level, there are LIES (lots), some mystery, a CRAP TON of passion between both the FMC & MMC but also a few others are in the mix, the depth and growth they walk (chefs kiss), the banter (HYSTERICAL) but they also have to learn to trust and forgive each other more than once throughout the book but it only makes their love story so much stronger.
Francesca aka Nemesis (by Wolfe) was so unprepared for what her life was going to be. She was always expected to follow suit with the life her parents envisioned for her and of course like the submissive daughter she was she always listened. When we first meet her, she falls flat as if she has no life goals for herself because she is resigned to live out the life her parents had already set out for her. I was unsure how i was going to feel about her and I HOPED her storyline got better and did it! We see very quickly on she was promised to Angelo and thankfully for her she was in love with him already so it wasnt going to be a hard sale on the arranged marriage part. They were childhood friends and they fell in love with each other in the process. Growing up she was taught about her future box, a box that has held predictions for her future; on night Francesca tempted fate by opening her box (which she wasnt supposed to do) and read one of her predictions unbeknownst to her this set into play a future she NEVER saw coming and she had as no control over.
Enter Wolfe Keaton the kiss thief. Like his name this man was definitely the Big Bad Wolf in Francesca's story. He was painfully honest and didnt forgive easily if ever. As the story progessed we got to see different parts to Wolfe that he had always held under lock and key. Wolfe had always felt abandoned throughout his life so it was easier to keep everyone around him at arms length. if he never allowed anyone in there was no way he could get hurt.
One stolen kiss is all it takes to change everything forever for both of them. For Francesca, she was not expecting nor prepared for Wolfe to come and stake his claim on her and even moreso when her parents agree to marry her off to him. The plan had always been Angela so when she finds out there is change of plans and now she would become Mrs. Keaton she was beyond hurt and didnt understand. Unfortunately for Wolfe, he was expecting the doormat, weak wife they had promised but Francesca proved she was neither of those this and he had met his match aka HIS NEMESIS.
It doesnt take long to realize Francesca was chosen by Wolfe for a reason; initially she was meant to be a means to and end for Wolfe he wanted revenge and he was willing to used to get it against her father. What Wolfe didnt anticipate was that he would end up falling for his nemesis.
Wolfe may have started as the thief but ultimately he was the one who gave her the freedom she always wanted but never knew she could have. Little by little Wolfe started to trust her and with that she was given the space to discover who she truly was and who she wanted to be as his wife. They may have started as broken pieces and more bumpy road than anything else they created a way of life that worked for them and lead them to an amazing life neither one ever saw coming.
By far my FAVORITE line from the entire book -- "We were no longer two strangers sharing a roof. 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"... This line was sooo true throughout the book, you were pulled in and it was as if you watched this live as you flipped through the pages. No matter what happened these two couldnt be pulled apart no matter who tried.
This story follows Wolfe and Francesca and they are such complex characters from the jump, it brought all emotions tenfold; you are forced to feel all emotions at once and you jump from one to the other so quickly it keeps you on your toes the entire time. The plot was next level, there are LIES (lots), some mystery, a CRAP TON of passion between both the FMC & MMC but also a few others are in the mix, the depth and growth they walk (chefs kiss), the banter (HYSTERICAL) but they also have to learn to trust and forgive each other more than once throughout the book but it only makes their love story so much stronger.
Francesca aka Nemesis (by Wolfe) was so unprepared for what her life was going to be. She was always expected to follow suit with the life her parents envisioned for her and of course like the submissive daughter she was she always listened. When we first meet her, she falls flat as if she has no life goals for herself because she is resigned to live out the life her parents had already set out for her. I was unsure how i was going to feel about her and I HOPED her storyline got better and did it! We see very quickly on she was promised to Angelo and thankfully for her she was in love with him already so it wasnt going to be a hard sale on the arranged marriage part. They were childhood friends and they fell in love with each other in the process. Growing up she was taught about her future box, a box that has held predictions for her future; on night Francesca tempted fate by opening her box (which she wasnt supposed to do) and read one of her predictions unbeknownst to her this set into play a future she NEVER saw coming and she had as no control over.
Enter Wolfe Keaton the kiss thief. Like his name this man was definitely the Big Bad Wolf in Francesca's story. He was painfully honest and didnt forgive easily if ever. As the story progessed we got to see different parts to Wolfe that he had always held under lock and key. Wolfe had always felt abandoned throughout his life so it was easier to keep everyone around him at arms length. if he never allowed anyone in there was no way he could get hurt.
One stolen kiss is all it takes to change everything forever for both of them. For Francesca, she was not expecting nor prepared for Wolfe to come and stake his claim on her and even moreso when her parents agree to marry her off to him. The plan had always been Angela so when she finds out there is change of plans and now she would become Mrs. Keaton she was beyond hurt and didnt understand. Unfortunately for Wolfe, he was expecting the doormat, weak wife they had promised but Francesca proved she was neither of those this and he had met his match aka HIS NEMESIS.
It doesnt take long to realize Francesca was chosen by Wolfe for a reason; initially she was meant to be a means to and end for Wolfe he wanted revenge and he was willing to used to get it against her father. What Wolfe didnt anticipate was that he would end up falling for his nemesis.
Wolfe may have started as the thief but ultimately he was the one who gave her the freedom she always wanted but never knew she could have. Little by little Wolfe started to trust her and with that she was given the space to discover who she truly was and who she wanted to be as his wife. They may have started as broken pieces and more bumpy road than anything else they created a way of life that worked for them and lead them to an amazing life neither one ever saw coming.
By far my FAVORITE line from the entire book -- "We were no longer two strangers sharing a roof. 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"... This line was sooo true throughout the book, you were pulled in and it was as if you watched this live as you flipped through the pages. No matter what happened these two couldnt be pulled apart no matter who tried.
«Il fallimento non era un'opzione contemplata.»
È partito col botto...e poi si è arenato.
Comincio col dire che, prima di leggere questo libro, ho lasciato la mia morale fuori per poterlo gustare meglio (converrete con me che, per leggere un libro simile e magari apprezzarlo, è meglio non fare caso a tutte le cose illegali presenti). Inoltre, specifico già che nessuno dei personaggi mi è piaciuto e che, per nessuno di loro ho provato simpatia.
La storia è super incasinata e, per evitare di fare spoiler, ve la riassumo così: il protagonista maschile vuole vendicarsi del padre della protagonista femminile e quindi decide di ricattarlo e di sposare lei per farlo soffrire.
Francesca, il personaggio femminile, è cresciuta nella bambagia e, sebbene l'autrice cerchi di farla sembrare una donna forte e intelligente, sfortunatamente così non è. Ve lo dico senza giri di parole: è una piccola adolescente deficiente.
Wolfe, invece, è un personaggio super irreale. Mi spiego meglio: posso capire che uno, dopo tanta sofferenza, diventi stronzo; ma non sta ne in cielo e ne in terra che un uomo, per il mero scopo di vendicarsi, compia tutte quelle cose orribili nei confronti di una ragazzina. Se fossi stata in Francesca altro che perdonarlo, gli avrei tagliato un braccio.
Nonostante tutto ciò però il libro mi stava piacendo molto perchè le storie di vendetta sono le mie preferite e questa sembrava molto valida.
Sfortunatamente però, nel giro di qualche capitolo, il grosso lupo cattivo Wolfe si è rammollito, mandando a puttane la propria vendetta per l'amore.
Ora, io capisco che questo sia un romance, però che cacchio non è che per dimostrare il proprio amore uno debba rinunciare alla propria vendetta. Si possono benissimo fare entrambe le cose!
Ok che alla fine le cose sono andate per il meglio e tutti vissero per sempre felici e contenti, ma da un libro che mi promette un personaggio mostruoso io mi aspetto che mantenga la promessa. Non mi stravolgere completamente il carattere del personaggio, perchè non è affatto credibile.
Quello di Wolfe non era un character development, semplicemente un cambiamento totale.
Quella che avrei voluto vedere veramente cambiata era Francesca che, purtroppo, è rimasta scema fino alla fine.
Questo libro poteva dare molto di più, da una storia senza moralità io mi aspetto che rimanga così fino alla fine e non mi aspetto di certo l'epilogo più dolce dell'universo. Non siamo in un cazzo di film Disney, gesù cristo.
È partito col botto...e poi si è arenato.
Comincio col dire che, prima di leggere questo libro, ho lasciato la mia morale fuori per poterlo gustare meglio (converrete con me che, per leggere un libro simile e magari apprezzarlo, è meglio non fare caso a tutte le cose illegali presenti). Inoltre, specifico già che nessuno dei personaggi mi è piaciuto e che, per nessuno di loro ho provato simpatia.
La storia è super incasinata e, per evitare di fare spoiler, ve la riassumo così: il protagonista maschile vuole vendicarsi del padre della protagonista femminile e quindi decide di ricattarlo e di sposare lei per farlo soffrire.
Francesca, il personaggio femminile, è cresciuta nella bambagia e, sebbene l'autrice cerchi di farla sembrare una donna forte e intelligente, sfortunatamente così non è. Ve lo dico senza giri di parole: è una piccola adolescente deficiente.
Wolfe, invece, è un personaggio super irreale. Mi spiego meglio: posso capire che uno, dopo tanta sofferenza, diventi stronzo; ma non sta ne in cielo e ne in terra che un uomo, per il mero scopo di vendicarsi, compia tutte quelle cose orribili nei confronti di una ragazzina. Se fossi stata in Francesca altro che perdonarlo, gli avrei tagliato un braccio.
Nonostante tutto ciò però il libro mi stava piacendo molto perchè le storie di vendetta sono le mie preferite e questa sembrava molto valida.
Sfortunatamente però, nel giro di qualche capitolo, il grosso lupo cattivo Wolfe si è rammollito, mandando a puttane la propria vendetta per l'amore.
Ora, io capisco che questo sia un romance, però che cacchio non è che per dimostrare il proprio amore uno debba rinunciare alla propria vendetta. Si possono benissimo fare entrambe le cose!
Ok che alla fine le cose sono andate per il meglio e tutti vissero per sempre felici e contenti, ma da un libro che mi promette un personaggio mostruoso io mi aspetto che mantenga la promessa. Non mi stravolgere completamente il carattere del personaggio, perchè non è affatto credibile.
Quello di Wolfe non era un character development, semplicemente un cambiamento totale.
Quella che avrei voluto vedere veramente cambiata era Francesca che, purtroppo, è rimasta scema fino alla fine.
Questo libro poteva dare molto di più, da una storia senza moralità io mi aspetto che rimanga così fino alla fine e non mi aspetto di certo l'epilogo più dolce dell'universo. Non siamo in un cazzo di film Disney, gesù cristo.
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
„…staring at me as thoughI just mauled a baby. In a sense, that was exactly what I had done“ - the MMC about him and the FMC
This quote alone should make reconsider reading this book. While I usually do not mind an age gap, 19 and 30 is questionable. Him constantly referring to her as a teenager made matters much worse.
Besides this, the relationship was lacking in every single aspects. There wasn’t a slow shift from hate to love, that shift happens within one page at around 35%, Followed by ,what felt like hundreds of pages back, going back and forth between hate and lust/love for the pettiest and dumbest reasons you could imagine.
Also, there is a scene between the Main characters that could be considered r*pe. At the very least it is dubious consent.
Over all a hot contender for my worst read 2023
This quote alone should make reconsider reading this book. While I usually do not mind an age gap, 19 and 30 is questionable. Him constantly referring to her as a teenager made matters much worse.
Besides this, the relationship was lacking in every single aspects. There wasn’t a slow shift from hate to love, that shift happens within one page at around 35%, Followed by ,what felt like hundreds of pages back, going back and forth between hate and lust/love for the pettiest and dumbest reasons you could imagine.
Also, there is a scene between the Main characters that could be considered r*pe. At the very least it is dubious consent.
Over all a hot contender for my worst read 2023
This book was such a rollercoaster and i loved every second of it