The first time I saw him was at a bar called Ophelia’s on a misty Thursday night. I was there to drown my sorrows after a trying day, he was there to escape the storm. After a brief yet incredibly cruel exchange, the handsome stranger bolted before I had a chance to tell him off. Incensed and two cocktails deep, I followed him out the door, determined to give the audacious Adonis a piece of my … mind.
Tearing after him in heels and barely able to keep up in the freezing rain, I ended my chase when I realized where he was going.
They say never to judge someone unless you know their story.
I never could have anticipated his…
And I never could have anticipated the way our paths would cross again—or that I would one day find myself falling for a man with a hollow cavity where his heart should be, a man as callous as he was beautiful, as complicated as he was mesmeric.
They say never to judge someone unless you know their story.
This one’s ours.
more
4*
Astaire meets Bennett in a bar whilst waiting for her blind date to turn up.
Thinking he could be the man she was to meet shes shocked by his rudeness.
Little does she realise they will become more linked than either realises.
Bennett is used to hiding his feelings his family is all about appearances.
Astaire is such a kind hearted soul.
I loved Honor such a sweet girl who deserves some hope and happiness.
This is a breath taking mind blowing enemies to lovers that will make you fall in love with them! It’s a must read and these two will have you laughing and tearing up in this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 do-life-with-me stars!
“I want to know his story. I’m going to know his story. One way or another. I don’t know how, but I will. And I’m sure it’ll explain everything.”
When Astaire Carraro misakes Garrett Schoenbach for her blind date, she’s completely blindsided by his rudeness and cruelty. Nonetheless, he ignites a curiosity in her that she just can’t let go of – even though it invites more scathing, cruel words from him.
“I can fight it all I want, but Astaire is a delicacy. If I let her walk out of here, I know I’d regret it for the rest of my life.”
Garrett can’t believe the nerve of the beautiful woman he can’t stop thinking about. And, when fate throws him a curveball and has them crossing paths again, he realises just how much he needs her in his life.
“I’m asking you to do life with me.”
This was a fab read! Astaire is a ray of sunshine. She has such a positive outlook on life, stemming from her sadder beginnings. I loved how she looked for the good in every situation and everybody – including Garrett. Honestly, his initial attitude would have made any other woman run a mile. Just as Astaire’s upbringing moulded her, by the same token, Garrett’s upbringing had moulded him. However, lurking under his moody, grumpy demeanour beats a heart with a massive capacity for love. When he started showing his true colours, he completely melted me! This couple had fantastic chemistry and I loved the way the story unfolded, along with the revelations. And, let’s not forget little Honor, who was freakin’ adorable! Fab, easy read with a gorgeous ending!
This is such a great book from Winter. Just like the rest of her books, it hooked me from the beginning. She does so good at drawing her readers in, and having them be consumed by the story.
This story was an enemies to lovers one with plenty of drama, angst, and so much chemistry. Bennett and Astaire were so great together. Every since their “meet cute” moment I was hooked on these two.
“Authenticity is everything. Believe people when they show you who they are and not when they tell you who they are”
The slow burn aspect, the dual POV, and especially the angst added so much that I read this all in one sitting. I love Winter’s books and this is a prime example of why. I discovered her a while ago, and when I did I binged on all of her books within the next month. She’s so good, and I recommend you checking her out.
This was okay. The writing flowed well, but my issue was with the characters. At the beginning Bennett is horrible. I don’t mean sarcastic and a jerk, I mean I don’t think I’ve ever come in contact with someone IRL that was that horrible of a person. Astaire was naive, and it was a little annoying that she felt she needed to insert herself into the situation to begin with (although I understand that was how the author was pushing them together). Bennett changes his tune fairly quickly (thankfully), but Astaire jumped to conclusions at every turn. She instantly believed the worst about Bennett whenever someone told her different, but then flipped right back over to his side when she listened to him. If she believed in him so much, why the disbelief in the first place? It was annoying and I rolled my eyes at her a lot. The ending was sweet, and although this wasn’t my favorite story, I always like seeing the characters get their HEA. I will be reading whatever is next from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
An absolutely amazing book from winter Renshaw the storyline is so intriguing and entertaining it’s difficult to put down. The writing is flawless and flows seamlessly, it has everything you want humour, passion and heat. Astaire a kindergarten teacher has had her fair share of heartache but she is determined to keep upbeat about her life until she meets Bennett who she thinks is her blind date in a bar. She soon realises her mistake with his extreme meanness and rudeness but this doesn’t deter her from chasing after him to give him his umbrella he left behind, however she is too late and watches as he enters the funeral parlour across the road. After a little research she finds herself emailing him first to offer her condolences about his loss and second to reprimand him on his attitude and manners. This then commences the start of the feud of words via email until they both realise there have been gross misunderstandings on both sides and agree to meet. It’s only as you get further into the story that the realisation in the similarity’s in there lives cross over. Bennett has to cope with ugly lies and secrets from his immediate family, Astaire is there to support him but is it enough can they see there way through the muddy waters and get a HEA. I was given this as an ARC by the author in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I am happy to leave.
What an unexpected gem! What started off as mistaken identity becomes more as Astaire and Bennett’s life connects in more ways than one. Bennett’s character will have you whiplashed as the hate/love emotions he brings with his relationship with Astaire evolved. Drama, surprises and heat brings it together in this well written romance read that doesn’t disappoint. My favorite of this author work by far.
I am honored to be on Ms. Renshaw’s ARC group. I love being able to read these gems before everyone else. I started this book in the morning and was captivated and finished by dinner time. Bennett and Astaire have a unpleasant start to their relationship.
Bennett is a cold, crude man who has meaningless flings and doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Once you meet his family, you’ll understand. Astaire has had a lot of bad in her life, but she is able to see the good in everything and everyone. They have all these chance encounters that bring them back together. Don’t get me started on the adorable Honor, she made me smile. If you want some angst, steam and a HEA that they had to work for, this is the book for you…A MUST READ! !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Astaire and Bennet do not have the best first meeting, no do they have the best second or third. These two definitely had their work cut out for them before they finally were able to allow one another in. Bennet was cold to the core and did not understand Astaire at first. She was ak enigma of sweet and salty that he could not grasp. As for Astaire, she refused to see the worst in Bennet and gave him time to for lack of better words pull his head out if his butt. When these two finally come together it was absolutely amazing and watching Bennet turn into the man Astaire always saw him as was great to read. This book was an amazing read and I did not want it to end! Fabulous job as always Ms. Renshaw.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book pulled me in from the very beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I felt for Astaire, she has been dealt a rough life but her sweet soul keeps her positive and moving forward. When she finally decides to put herself back out there and date again things do not go as planned and it turns out fate has a sense of humor.
Bennett was raised in a cold, heartless home that was all about money and portraying the perfect family picture. He wants no part of his family any longer but it seems he is continuously pulled back in for one reason or another. When the annoying woman at the bar tries to pick him up he is in no mood but when she continues to pursue him he gets curious and turns out we never know when or how we will be tied together in one way or another.
This book is full of back and forth between Astaire and Bennett and also lost love that finds it’s beating heart again. I loved everything about this book.
I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. This is a really good book, well written and full of emotions. I highly recommend it.
A heartwarming and emotional tale of two people, who learn why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! I really enjoyed this story as we got to see the depth and layers to these characters in their journey! So many feels and very well written!
I didn’t know what to think of Bennett and the way he kept treating Astaire; but I also couldn’t help but be intrigued and want to know his story. This book was so much more than I expected and I went through a range of emotions. Both characters are flawed and the way their story is written, you can’t help but be hooked. There are some twists but it’s also funny, sexy, charming, and frustrating.
They say opposites attract and you’d be struggling to find two people more opposite in almost every way than Bennett and Astaire.
In the beginning we see Bennett behaving in the most callus of ways towards pretty much everyone. He really is very arrogant and conceited and I genuinely wanted to slap him. He seems to have a very jaded view of life in general and women in particular and I was curious as to the reason why. Was he really that cruel by nature, or just lonely and misunderstood. A product of his upbringing maybe?
Astaire is a gentle woman, kind and caring but although I found her a little naïve, she certainly is no pushover. A little pushy maybe, but her heart’s in the right place and she stays true to her personality throughout. Once Bennett stopped trying to publicly humiliate her, I really enjoyed the push and pull and snarky moments between them.
The Cruelest Stranger is quite fast paced both in story arc and relationship development and, for me, a little predictable. I would’ve preferred the progress of their relationship to have been a little slower and for there to have been a touch more conflict over a longer period. Nevertheless, it’s a sweet romance, with some angst, steamy moments and a smattering of humor. It’s an interesting story overall and I enjoyed it.
All the angst I expect from a Winter book, some steam, some drama, and a HEA
On a dark, rainy night, Astaire goes to meet a blind date. She was set up by a co-worker. After a stop to make herself presentable after the rain, she sits at the bar waiting for her date. All she knows is his name, he has dark hair, and is over 6 ft. Not altogether down with this after a long day, but she tries anyway. And a case of mistaken identity leads to Bennett and Astaire’s first encounter.
And it is far from pleasant. Their chemistry sizzles.
Except Bennett is a cold, cold man. He trusts no one.
And prefers no one know he’s actually a decent guy. Although he doesn’t think so. He just secretly tries to make up for the karmic evil he feels his family has imparted upon the world.
Astaire on the other hand is a kindergarten teacher. And, despite the tragedies and experiences in her life, she still tries to be a good person. Even to a cold, rude stranger.
No one expects the twists and turns their lives take. They certainly don’t expect to discover all the things that link them to each other.
I loved this one. All the angst I expect from a Winter book, some steam, some drama, and a HEA at the end of bumpy road.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It starts with death and a funeral.
Astaire lost her fiancé and is trying to move on. Hence a blind date gone wrong, or right? She mistakes Bennett for her dare. He’s not. He’s a cold, shallow player, he’s actually kind of mean, on his way to a funeral.
Somehow, Astaire is intrigued by Bennett and thus begins their angsty affair.
Recommend.
Purchased.
An emotionally charged, beautifully written story. Bennett and Astaire are amazing ! They captivate you, connect with you from the very start. Two total strangers meet at the lowest moments in their lives and look at where their paths take them. They start off on the wrong foot and from there sparks just blaze. I loved the emotions, chemistry, little suspense, angst, twists, heat, heart, passion and that beautiful HEA ending.
Ms. Renshaw has written a engaging romance with layers and feels that will keep you on your toes. Bennett is a character who, at first, not so likeable but by the end, a sweetheart of a guy. Astaire is a sweetheart of a heroine and she paired perfectly with Bennett. Fantastic Read!!!
My Rating: 4.8 stars *******
Kindness
Astaire just might kill Bennett with her kindness, if she doesn’t kill him with his umbrella first. While this is a sweet and entertaining love story with some super HOT scenes, it also has a couple messages in it – be kind you never know what that person is going through – and – Family, it is what you make it. I really enjoyed reading this great love story about family. Winter’s books never disappoint! I received an advanced copy for my honest and voluntary review.
Overall Grade: +
Winter Renshaw is this author whose social media presence can seem quiet. Since her promotion isn’t a huge production, it is readers such as myself who work diligently to promote her upcoming books. We do this because her stories engage us, touch our souls, and take us on emotional journeys grounded in moments of big love. Her newest book, The Cruelest Stranger, is no different. The beauty of this book (and her other romances) lies in its character-heavy storyline. Each moment of this book leads us deeper and deeper into the evolution of a man shut off emotionally from his life. A strong, beautiful, wise heroine quietly influences him to embrace the truth of himself, and their budding love affair bleeds onto Renshaw’s written page. Every moment of The Cruelest Stranger attaches itself to your heart and bleeds its truth into this beautiful story.
For me, the essence of The Cruelest Story is the evolution of its hero, Bennett. As a romance reader, you know that nothing is ever as it seems deep beneath a grumpy, blustery (in this case, cruel) hero. And it’s the crumbling of the facade that gives the story its tension, its impact, and its depth. This is definitely the case with Renshaw’s book. From one moment to the next, your heart bleeds for Astaire, the heroine, as she endures his heinous personality. Yet, Renshaw develops this emotionally mature heroine who, while her feelings can be hurt at times, sees through him. She’s intuitive and wise because life has made her so. In creating the powerful, insightful Astaire, she’s able to break through the high walls of Bennett and the story’s impact becomes fully known. It’s in his brokenness that his humanity shines, and the reader finds herself in his story. Renshaw beautifully illustrates the power that a family has to harm and negatively impact a person in Bennett. Humanizing her hero is the ultimate power of The Cruelest Stranger.
This story also employs several plot twists. Each chapter reveals more of the hidden story. As the story progresses, you find yourself engrossed in Renshaw’s story, hoping that the various storylines will resolve themselves judiciously. Honestly, the tension of Astaire and Bennett’s coupling occurs earlier in the story as Bennet tries to maintain his barriers. Once Astaire sees Bennett’s reality, his truth, these two come together in a way that is mature. There is one major issue later in the story that seeks to derail them, but Bennett and Astaire quickly learn to respect each other, communicating through their troubles. I think that was one of the things I appreciated about Renshaw’s story. It’s quite often that a romance reader finds herself yelling at her Kindle as the hero and heroine deal in mixed signals and miscommunication. In The Cruelest Stranger, Astaire and Bennett act like adults. They work through the misunderstanding, finding their happy ending.
If I had any criticism of Renshaw’s book, it would be that Bennett’s admission that Astaire can understand him comes somewhat easily. I mean, this hero is not nice. Yes, he takes care of others, but his verbal abuse should have kept them apart a bit longer. At least, that is how I saw it. When he recognizes Astaire’s ability to see into his heart, Bennett falls deeply for her quickly. It’s both beautiful, but also feels a bit contrived. That being said, this is a minor thought. In the breadth of this story, it means nothing because this story is everything I love about Winter Renshaw’s romances.
Renshaw’s The Cruelest Stranger suggests that family can be built, that it doesn’t have to exist with the connection of DNA. Even more, accepting and receiving love can help us transcend the hurts of our past and the people who have injured us. We can simply be more. When you recognize your truth in the midst of the truth of Renshaw’s book, that’s where the strength of her authorship exists. When she puts her fingers to her computer and writes these beautiful character studies, as she has done for Bennett and Astaire, it makes it very easy to buy her books. Her book, The Cruelest Stranger, will easily capture a little bit of your heart.
This author is one of my favorites and I know when I get my hands on her book I will avoid anything to read it. That said I devoured this book in a day and loved every second of it.
Astaire is pure sunshine a foster child til being adopted at the age of fourteen she has endured more hardship than most. She lost her adopted mother four years later, her fiancé was killed in a car accident and she is alone in Chicago. Yet she is kind, positive and pure sunshine.
A year after the death of her fiancé she accepts a blind date that does not go as planned. She meets a cruel stranger that she mistakes as her date. He leaves after a harsh exchange and she follows him to give him his umbrella. She sees him go into a funeral home and goes back to the bar to get intel on him. Said stranger is Bennett and he is rich, dark and closed off.
She sends an anonymous email and they exchange emails back and forth until she is no longer a secret emailer. He tries to killer her with cruel words and she shines her kindness. Neither can forget the other and their many connections are more than coincidental. With a lot on the line and his evil family against them these two have angst, challenges and heartache.
Loved these characters and their story. Bennett is truly Batman and Astaire was such a beautiful character. Loved the dual POV and the epilogue that brought everything together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Simply an Outstanding Read
As I sit down to write this review, what do I say? Captivating, spellbinding, opposites attract. Beautiful gracious heroine who is kindness personified. Attractive, cruel hero who is heartless as he is handsome. Winter Renshaw had me hooked from the very first chapter.
The characters are so well developed. The plot is intricate. It is not a simple story but includes many subplots along the way. Through it all, Astaire and Bennett learn all is not what it seems, and love can conquer all. It is a truly beautiful story of two souls meant to find each other.
In all honesty, I have been a Winter Renshaw fan for years and most of the time, I buy her books without reading the description because I know that I will enjoy them. Some I really like. But this one is different. This one, without a doubt, is OUTSTANDING! This one is her best yet!
You must buy it! You will not be disappointed! Not one bit! I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of the book and here you have it. And then I had to go out and buy it too!