A Review: 'The Kiss Thief' by L.J. Shen
The Rating
★★★⯪☆
(3.5 Star Rating)
The Review
I enjoyed this book and found the plot so intriguing, especially with the ups and downs between the main characters. I felt like I was constantly hanging off the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. The main characters had a good connection and it was shown well towards the middle to the end of the book -- but not without some drama in between.
Despite this, being someone who enjoys the thrill of a good 'will they won't they end up together' chase, I felt like the crescendo of the two main characters ending up together felt a bit rushed or rather happened too quickly for my taste. The chase was compelling but lacked the tension when they truly got together to make it all more impactful. I also enjoy the giddy feeling that should come when something fluffy makes itself present in a romance novel, yet I didn't get that with this book. Adding a certain Bandini in the mix made it hard for me to fully latch on to the male main character. And because of this, I found it hard to truly invest in the male main character and the overarching romance.
It often felt as though their relationship had needed constant external intervention to fully bloom, shadowing what was present in their organic connection. While a few pushes in the right direction make sense it felt as though they had no real understanding of each other and thus needed constant guidance to eventually see the love they could hold for each other.
My heart lies with a certain unrequited fellow whose only crime was being a bit too slow. I felt too bad for this person to fully devote myself to the main characters.
Despite these critiques, there were aspects I enjoyed, particularly the portrayal of Francesca's hobbies and character. The way she was written and conveyed showed the possibility of vulnerability without being void of strength as she defied people she cared about to set herself free from what she believed to be right or rather chose not to speak up about before. This made her quite the interesting and amusing narrator.
Favourite Quotes
"With [insert name], I felt as if I was on fire. As though he could end me at any given moment, and all I could do was beg for his mercy. I felt safe, but not secure. Desired, but unwanted. Admired, but unloved."
The more I read romance novels the more I realise we wish to be loved and seen. This is a line said by the main character in comparing him to someone she was previously in love with at the start of an intimate scene.
"My father hated lawyers and cops more than he hated child molesters and atheists."
Odd, humorous, and slightly unsettling, this quote raised my eyebrows. This comes from retaliation on Francessca's part towards her father and shows the beginning of her blossoming further into herself.
Who should read this book?
If you particularly like:
- a subtle love triangle
- mafia
- deep passion
- fast-paced passion
- intense intimacy
- lighter emotional depth
These are some of the numerous themes throughout the book, and (spoiler!) happy endings are so much nicer than sad ones. You won't be disappointed to read this one! But I would not recommend it if you're seeking a more deeply emotional and long-lasting romantic thrill.
Note there are some heavy topics explored within this book, so it would be wise to remember this when deciding whether or not to read it. Otherwise, enjoy.
Buy the book:
Takealot: https://www.takealot.com/the-kiss-thief/PLID53572099
Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/fqO3oeo
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Thank you for reading, note this is my opinion and based on my perspective. Feel free to browse the website for more tidbits to read or just to kill some boredom. Have a lovely day and I hope you get an ice cream!
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