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Fallen Foe (Cruel Castaways) Kindle Edition
From USA Today bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a breathtaking installment in the Cruel Castaways series about finding love in the wake of tragedy and betrayal.
Arsène Corbin does not intend to marry for love. His fiancée has always been a means to an end, a woman he wants to conquer. But when she dies suddenly in an accident, Arsène’s grand plan unravels.
Still reeling from his fiancée’s death, he meets Winnifred Ashcroft, a struggling actress who lands a coveted role in a play at his theater…and knows things about his late fiancée no one else does. The only problem? They can’t stand each other.
Backstage at Arsène’s theater, Winnie begins to let down her guard around the tempestuous billionaire. She appreciates his wit and quirky affection for astronomy. And Arsène, jaded as he is, respects Winnie’s headstrong personality.
Tragedy and betrayal bring them together, but will their painful pasts hold them back—or fuel their desire?
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherMontlake
- Publication dateMay 9, 2023
- File size4.9 MB
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- “I am Mars, and there might be life on it. There could be. Thanks to you. I burn for you, Winnifred. And I’m tired of living in the cold. Come back to New York. Make the place livable. For both of us. Please.”Highlighted by 466 Kindle readers
From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews
About the Author
L.J. Shen is a USA Today, Washington Post, and Amazon number one bestselling author of contemporary, new adult, and YA romance titles. She likes to write about unapologetic alpha males and the women who bring them to their knees. Her books have been sold in twenty countries and have appeared on some of their bestseller lists. She lives in Florida with her husband, three sons, pets, and eccentric fashion choices and enjoys good wine, bad reality TV shows, and catching sunrays with her lazy cat.
Product details
- ASIN : B0B9WV9LCZ
- Publisher : Montlake (May 9, 2023)
- Publication date : May 9, 2023
- Language : English
- File size : 4.9 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 356 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1542036356
- Best Sellers Rank: #5,830 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #69 in Alpha Male Romance
- #153 in Contemporary Women's Fiction
- #339 in Women's Romance Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

L.J. Shen is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of contemporary and NA romance. Best known for her angsty, dark books and barely redeemable alpha heroes, she writes fairytales with teeth and claws.
She lives in a picturesque beach town with her family, pets and inner demons, and enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with her grumpy cat.
Connect with her on Instagram (@authorljshen).
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers love this book's beautiful story filled with angst and appreciate its compelling characters, particularly Arsené and Winnie. The book is deeply emotional, with hilarious banter and perfect amount of spice. Customers praise the writing style, with one noting how the author uses Southern idioms correctly. The pacing receives mixed reactions.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story of the book, praising its great plot and delightful reading experience. One customer describes it as a roller coaster ride.
"...It is a beautiful story, raw and heartbreaking, about two broken and lost characters who found their place together and within each other...." Read more
"...I still loved the book, but I was expecting a twist at the end...." Read more
"...I think that is possibly my favorite part of their story is seeing how they open up parts of themselves and begin to put their trust in each other..." Read more
"...I truly love their HEA. They battled a lot of hurdles to get to it. And I honestly wished I could get more of them. As a couple, they are everything...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly Arsené and Winnie's relationship, with one customer noting Winnie's sassy personality and another describing Arsené as a master puppeteer of heartstrings.
"...I loved her way of being, how she acted and cared for those around her, how she good she was with everyone, even when they didn’t deserve it...." Read more
"...course, as always, I love LJ Shens writing, her witty humor, and lovable characters!..." Read more
"...I appreciated the character development, the story line, the romance, sooo good! Can't wait to read Rigg's story!..." Read more
"...She was such a horrible disgusting person. Not that Paul is much better. She was worse than Arsène and he was pretty horrible...." Read more
Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, with one customer noting its passionate love story.
"...It is a beautiful story, raw and heartbreaking, about two broken and lost characters who found their place together and within each other...." Read more
"...the banter was witty, the sexual tension was HOT and their love was passionate. I truly love their HEA. They battled a lot of hurdles to get to it...." Read more
"...She’s generous of spirit and has set goals, albeit an innocent archetype flung into the deep end of betrayal alongside Arsène...." Read more
"...This book was more mature and less ridiculous. I can't wait for the next addition to this series. Three stars or four stars...." Read more
Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly appreciating the dry sense of Arsene and Winifred's banter.
"Of course, as always, I love LJ Shens writing, her witty humor, and lovable characters!..." Read more
"...While I do love his sarcasm and the amazing banter they have back and forth (which let’s face it LJ is a Queen when it comes to banter) Arsène with..." Read more
"...In true Lj fashion the banter was witty, the sexual tension was HOT and their love was passionate. I truly love their HEA...." Read more
"...astrology facts, meeting up with his mates, and witty banter with sides of sarcasm were perfect, too. Not forgetting, of course, the steaminess!..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's beauty, describing it as alluring and sweet, with one customer noting how the elements complement each other well.
"...She is so pure, innocent and good, beautiful and charismatic with not a mean bone in her body...." Read more
"...As a couple, they are everything. And compliment one another very well. Yin & Yang. Soft & Hard. And Perfect together. “..." Read more
"...When these two finally clicked it was beautiful and easy to enjoy. This was also excellent on audio imo 🤍 . . . . ...." Read more
"...The way Winifred grows through it all is beautiful if not a little bittersweet to watch, but so gratifiying when she really came in to her own...." Read more
Customers praise the writing style of the book, noting its beauty and great dialogue, with one customer highlighting the author's use of Southern idioms correctly.
"...Cause this country “bumpkin” as he likes to remind her, is packed full of wit and sass making her unafraid to verbally spar with him...." Read more
"...Winnie and Arsène make a dynamic couple. They eventually develop a great mindset, drawing closer to one another despite hurt feelings and resentment...." Read more
"...Liked the first and loved the second. I’ve fallen for the authors style and the way she wrote this one in 2 parts (same book)!..." Read more
"...Winnie is smart, sassy, and stunning...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's sweetness, describing it as unbridled and juicy with just the right amount of spice.
"...that is gonna give you all the feels, and is filled with the perfect amount of spice, passion and angst, that this book is definitely the one for you!..." Read more
"...She has the sweetness in her that Arsène needs so much in his life...." Read more
"...She of unbridled sweetness combined with a Tennessee southern accent and twang hit the suave, debonair, billionaire to describe her as a ‘Country..." Read more
"...Utterly delicious! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ burning stars" Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.
"...It is a beautiful story, raw and heartbreaking, about two broken and lost characters who found their place together and within each other...." Read more
"...And compliment one another very well. Yin & Yang. Soft & Hard. And Perfect together. “..." Read more
"...this book ( possible spoil alert) is that it took a little bit too long for Arsene to express or act on his feelings for Winnie." Read more
"...Arsene is truly a real piece of work, but I loved that Winnie gave it right back to him...." Read more
Reviews with images

L.J.Shen at her finest!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023“𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆.”
The second book from the Cruel Castaways series is here, and it’s ready to turn your world upside-down.
This book was everything I needed in my life. It was the perfect escape and the right book to get me out of my reading slump.
Every time a read a new L J Shen book I say that this is her best work, and every time she writes another one, I am completely blown away by her talent and writing. And this time, she did it again. Once I got my hands on this book, there was no turning around, I was fascinated by the story and I finished the book in only a few hours, only taking a break when it was absolutely necessary.
This book is the perfect example of “when two imperfect make a perfect”. It is a beautiful story, raw and heartbreaking, about two broken and lost characters who found their place together and within each other.
I can’t remember the last time a book made me feel like this, so frustrated with the characters, angry at them, and at the same time so sad for them. For sure it is a book that gives you all kind of feels, leaving you wanting for more at the end.
Arsène Corbin, my beautiful, broken and toxic Chandler from Friends, was a surprise for me. For the better part of the book I only wanted to hit him, hard and with no mercy, but as I learned more about his past and his scars, somehow he grow on me. He is not bad, or the devil reincarnated as he wants to be, he is just a man who know no love. A man who grow up in a broken home, surrounded by toxic and cruel people. He didn’t knew what love was, and because of this
he confused love with obsession.
Winnifred was an absolute angel. I loved her with all my heart, and cried with her and for her when she couldn't do it. She is so pure, innocent and good, beautiful and charismatic with not a mean bone in her body. She was exactly what Arsène needed in his life, even when he was to stubborn to admit it.
I loved her way of being, how she acted and cared for those around her, how she good she was with everyone, even when they didn’t deserve it. How she didn’t let herself be intimidated by the wealth of those surrounding her, and how she showed interest with Arsène passion for astrology.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝘼𝙧𝙨è𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙣. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
I absolutely loved seeing these two communicate, they were constant fighting and finding new ways to make the life of the other a complete hell, but at the same time they were constantly challenging one another to change, grow up and become a better person.
Hands down to the amazing and extremely talented L. J. Shen. This queen did it again, she delivered another masterpiece. If you want a book that is gonna give you all the feels, and is filled with the perfect amount of spice, passion and angst, that this book is definitely the one for you!
5.0 out of 5 stars“𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝑾𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆.”L.J.Shen at her finest!
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023
The second book from the Cruel Castaways series is here, and it’s ready to turn your world upside-down.
This book was everything I needed in my life. It was the perfect escape and the right book to get me out of my reading slump.
Every time a read a new L J Shen book I say that this is her best work, and every time she writes another one, I am completely blown away by her talent and writing. And this time, she did it again. Once I got my hands on this book, there was no turning around, I was fascinated by the story and I finished the book in only a few hours, only taking a break when it was absolutely necessary.
This book is the perfect example of “when two imperfect make a perfect”. It is a beautiful story, raw and heartbreaking, about two broken and lost characters who found their place together and within each other.
I can’t remember the last time a book made me feel like this, so frustrated with the characters, angry at them, and at the same time so sad for them. For sure it is a book that gives you all kind of feels, leaving you wanting for more at the end.
Arsène Corbin, my beautiful, broken and toxic Chandler from Friends, was a surprise for me. For the better part of the book I only wanted to hit him, hard and with no mercy, but as I learned more about his past and his scars, somehow he grow on me. He is not bad, or the devil reincarnated as he wants to be, he is just a man who know no love. A man who grow up in a broken home, surrounded by toxic and cruel people. He didn’t knew what love was, and because of this
he confused love with obsession.
Winnifred was an absolute angel. I loved her with all my heart, and cried with her and for her when she couldn't do it. She is so pure, innocent and good, beautiful and charismatic with not a mean bone in her body. She was exactly what Arsène needed in his life, even when he was to stubborn to admit it.
I loved her way of being, how she acted and cared for those around her, how she good she was with everyone, even when they didn’t deserve it. How she didn’t let herself be intimidated by the wealth of those surrounding her, and how she showed interest with Arsène passion for astrology.
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝘼𝙧𝙨è𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙣. 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
I absolutely loved seeing these two communicate, they were constant fighting and finding new ways to make the life of the other a complete hell, but at the same time they were constantly challenging one another to change, grow up and become a better person.
Hands down to the amazing and extremely talented L. J. Shen. This queen did it again, she delivered another masterpiece. If you want a book that is gonna give you all the feels, and is filled with the perfect amount of spice, passion and angst, that this book is definitely the one for you!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025Of course, as always, I love LJ Shens writing, her witty humor, and lovable characters! The only thing I desperately wanted was for Arsene to be able to reject his ex Grace and Winnie to get the chance to tell Paul off!! I feel like if they had tried to fake their deaths (Grace and Paul) it would have made the story 1 point higher!! I still loved the book, but I was expecting a twist at the end. If they faked their deaths for whatever reason but then came running back when it didn't work out, it would have given me so much pleasure to have Winnie and Arsene tell them they never loved them...of course I always love a good plot twist!! I still recommend reading their story as it's epic as always!🥰
- Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 20231st person/dual pov
Spice: 3.5/5
Oh, how I’ve waited for this book! I just knew from the bits and pieces we saw of Arsène in Ruthless Rival that his book would be full of snark and humor. I did not however see Winnie coming! I seriously couldn’t have asked for a better woman for this man! She has the sweetness in her that Arsène needs so much in his life. Someone to show him real love and that caring for another person doesn’t always end in tragedy or disappointment. Someone who sees him for himself and not what he can offer them. Someone who can stand toe to toe with him as his equal while still feeling like home. Winnie is that person and then some. Cause this country “bumpkin” as he likes to remind her, is packed full of wit and sass making her unafraid to verbally spar with him. Which I’ll be honest is basically his favorite form of foreplay. 😆
As far as Winnie goes I think Arsène is good for her. He pushes her out of her comfort zone and his mission (outside of their mutual exchange of information that is) has been to get her to put her wants and needs first for a change. Winnie is so used to trying to do the right thing or making everyone happy that she hardly ever does anything for herself. Little by little she begins to put herself first though. All the while opening up more and more to Arsène who opens up to her in return more than he ever thought possible.
Somewhere along the way, their enemy status takes a shift into a reluctant companionship. It’s there that Arsène realizes Winnie is not who he originally thought she was and Winnie begins to see a softer side to Arsène that no one else does. I think that is possibly my favorite part of their story is seeing how they open up parts of themselves and begin to put their trust in each other without even realizing it, especially Arsène. For someone who doesn’t “do feelings,” it’s positively adorable to see him wanting to comfort and care for this woman he claims he loathes. It’s so blatantly obvious to everyone around him while he’s living in some serious denial lol.
Speaking of loathing can I just say that I loathe both of their significant others at the beginning of the book? Like they don’t even realize how awful their partners are. Well, Arsène does for the most part but even he has some blinders on when it comes to Grace. The more the secrets unfold and they discover all these new things about the lives they thought there were living the more my heart ached for both of them.
They had quite a bumpy road to get to their happy ending but let me tell you that once they did I was a blubbering mess! Arsène walked in and snatched my heart from my chest in a way I didn’t expect. While I do love his sarcasm and the amazing banter they have back and forth (which let’s face it LJ is a Queen when it comes to banter) Arsène with feelings is a dangerous man. Because once he starts allowing himself to feel them the level of swooning he provokes is officially life threatening lol!
I do believe Arsène and Winnie have secured their spot as the top couple from this series now. I love Christian and Arya don’t get me wrong but these two are just on a whole other level. I can’t wait to see what Riggs’ book will bring and what kind of growth his character will go through in the process.
Top reviews from other countries
- SaraReviewed in Spain on May 16, 2023
3.0 out of 5 stars Not much romance
I don't like stories that travel between past and present every few chapters. But leaving that aside, i don't think this is a "romance" book, I would say this is a story about two people who had their own romance going on with other people untill a tragedy hit, now they befriend eachother to deal with the grief and betrayal of the situation and uncover every secret. I was confused because It seems more his love story with grace than with winnie, by 70% of the book he still thought no other woman would compare to Grace, even though he feels attraction to Winnie, he makes it clear she was it for him.
So, do they end up together? Yes, is there any love story happening between them? Not really. Which is a shame, the last 15% of the book was fantastic, wish I could have read more than a few chapters in which they love eachother the characters were really charming and clicked well together.
- SwiftReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! Great read
One of my favourite authors, because regardless of the number of books I read of her I never feel like I’m reading the same story over and over again. As a Kindle reader it is easy to find a whole series of books by the same author to fill the whole story board, but I do find the stories can be repetitive with the same story base just different characters. This never happens with this author. Definitely recommend any book by LJ Shen, great story, great writing, great characters, emotionally stimulating, who could ask for anything more to escape into?
- Happy ReaderReviewed in France on May 27, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars A slow delight
After reading the psychotic My Dark Romeo, I was a bit reticent to read this one. The beginning of the story was not promising … but just the beginning. After a couple of chapters I was enthralled and could not put down the book. True L. J. Shen style. Loved it! Thank you for the good time.
- MeaganReviewed in Canada on May 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars What a Roller-coaster!!
Okay, so this book started off odd. Lol, however, if you're looking for spice, not much here, but the storyline was amazing, heartache, and chaos but ends so beautifully!!
- Emma palmerReviewed in the Netherlands on February 9, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
Really great story, different but in a good way. I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it