Fallen Foe

Cruel Castaways

By: L.J. Shen

Narrated by: Joe Arden, Savannah Peachwood

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?

©2023 L.J. Shen (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

LJ Shen in the Best Way

I felt so many emotions or the H and h. I cringed laughed hoped cried and so many feels. Loved this book!

Great

Loved, great story and the performance was wonderful. LJ Shen is a great writer. Love her

An unusual love story

I liked this book. It had twists that made it stand out and it was very entertaining. I loved the characters.

Great story line

I really liked the story line quite unusual and mixed with some mystery.
Overall great chemistry, would have loved more “ meat” to the live scenes.
Overall 5 stars

A Unique Story!

I loved how much time was spent on the previous relationships of the protagonists. It made their coupling so much more special. This book will stay with me for a long time. Truly excellent!

Great story

First, the narrators were perfection. Second, I loved that this wasn’t your typical they meet, fall in love and live happily ever after romance. Even though there is loss, hurt and betrayal these characters grow and get through it.

Great Narrators

Loved the story I like how you add humor to your books, and the narration is so important and both were great

LJ I loved this one!

The reviews almost made me miss it. This story was an absolute pleasure. Mind you it's different from LJ's usual content she gives more back story in this one. And the male character is not a complete alpha hole. But none the less she gave several twist and turns along with little surprises that made me laugh and smile along the way. The only complaint I have is the ending. With all the back story that was given and all that our couple had to endure you would think she would of given more on our happily ever after. I was disappointed about that. All in all a good story.

nothing really stood out.

immature plot and love story. Aren't we all victims of our childhood. And damaged goods take a good while to be fixed.

4 stars

Fallen Foe by L.J. Shen is a captivating read! It begins with just enough edge to challenge societal norms while remaining alluring. I appreciate not reading the summary beforehand, as the catalyst that unites Arsène and Winnie occurs around 30% into the book. This element of surprise was genuinely startling. If I had known earlier, the anticipation might have been frustrating.

I did find Winnie to be a tad too perfect (multiple characters called her an angel), which isn't my preference with main characters. I need to see flaws and growth to believe in them, which I struggled to do. This is why I deducted a star.

Joe Arden as Arsène and Savannah Peachwood as Winnifred component each other well.