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.
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I was not expecting all the emotions in this enemies-to-lovers book. I was captivated Astaire and Bennett’s story from the beginning, and it held my attention to the very last page. This story had a wonderful mix of characters-the good, the bad, the in-between-were all well-developed and memorable. I loved that the storyline was hopeful, even in the bleakest, uncertain parts, and that just like in real life, some things will forever be unknown. The connections between people and events was magical, and multiple facets of love were highlighted in this story. This author has shown her amazing story-telling brilliance once again.
I received a copy of this book. My review is voluntarily provided.
Beautiful story of arrogant rich boy, Bennett, and down to earth normal girl, Astaire. I love how Astaire stood up to him in her first interactions with him. She never cared how rich or powerful he was, she just told him the truths he needed to hear. Bennett was definitely a good character. His journey from a lonely existence to a married man with kids was so far off his radar when he met Astaire. But she changed him. She showed him he had a beautiful heart of gold. Another must read for Winter Renshaw!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bennett Schoenbach is the heir apparent of Schoenbach Corporation. After his adopted sister, Larissa, dies, he discovers that she had a daughter and she has left that daughter in his keeping. Bennett meets Astaire in a bar where has stopped briefly, in order to fortify himself before going to the funeral home to plan Larissa’s funeral. Astaire Carraro is a kindergarten teacher. One year ago, her fiancé and the love of her life was killed by a drunk driver in an auto accident. She is nearly ready to start dating again, when one of her fellow teachers sets her up with one of her nephews. Astaire mistakenly thinks that Bennett is that man. He is not, and he sends her off in the rudest way possible. They definitely start off on the wrong foot!
Astaire wants to know Bennett’s story, because she believes that people who are that rude have to be hurting. Since she knows all about hurt, she sends him an email, which he answers rudely, once again. Through a series of emails, Bennett and Astaire begin to know a little bit about each other. They both have baggage, and they somehow figure out how to navigate through most of it. There are some great examples of toxic relationships in this book, as well as characters who are more concerned with how something ‘looks’ than with having any sort of compassion toward another. Ms. Renshaw makes these characters believable in both bad and good ways.
This story is classic Winter Renshaw. She always surprises and delights with her writing. The underlying ‘why’ is often so compelling that the reader is ready to forgive rude or bad behavior, and think the best of her protagonists, in spite of overwhelming odds to the contrary. The story arc, as well as the progressive growth in the strength of these characters, are so fun to read, making this book difficult to put down! The pace is compelling and filled with unexpected twists and turns. This is an awesome story!
This book is…. pretty fantastic. I always enjoy Winter Renshaw’s writing but this is without a doubt the best I’ve read from her. The first half of the book is a tension-filled mix of contrasts, punctuated by the most effective use of dual perspective I can remember. u202c
u202aBennett is cold, cruel, pessimistic, engages in countless casual affairs, and has the kind of life many would envy. Astaire is warm, kind, optimistic, grieving the loss of her fiancé, and brought herself up from nothing. Together they make absolutely no sense, but a chance encounter causes their lives to intersect, entwine, and become so entangled there’s no going back. u202c
u202aI won’t be sharing any details about the plot on this one, but I will say that you really shouldn’t start it before bed. I started this after dinner, found my eyes still glued to the screen at 2 in the morning, and reluctantly forced myself to finish after some sleep. I won’t say that it’s a flawless read but there was definitely VERY little that I didn’t like about the book. I basically devoured it from page one. So, well done, Winter, well done. Can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (then purchased it for my collection) and am voluntarily leaving a review of this engrossing, emotional read.u202c
I love this book so much! Astaire and Bennett definitely have my heart. The storyline is brilliant and with all the twists and turns, there’s never a dull moment. It’s wonderful read that I’ll definitely enjoy again and again. I highly recommend it.
**4.5 kismet meets synchronicity stars**
Every book by Winter Renshaw feels fresh and original, and The Cruelest Stranger has taken that to a new level in this captivating enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract charmer. Bennett and Astaire are polar opposites in every way but can’t seem to stay away from each other after their most-unusal first meeting. Aside from being one of the best boys you love to hate, cruel Bennett isn’t remotely prepared for the sweetness and light that is Astaire, as they constantly cross paths and she keeps killing his cruelty with kindness. It’s warm and witty and angsty and so many revelations and surprises that you can only appreciate fully by going into the story totally blind! Bennett excels as a cruel, mean hero, but simple acts of kindess can crack even the hardest exterior to find the soft center inside a man who doesn’t think he has one.
Love Astaire and Bennett’s story. Love the characters and how they interact with each other. Love how the story pulls you in from the first words till the last.
This book has a little of everything. Enemies (kinda sort) to lovers. A little mystery. Some sweet endearing moments. Some frustrating moments. Some heartbreaking moments as well. While it takes awhile to really appreciate the characters (or his character anyways,) eventually he does worm his way into your heart. The two are pretty much opposite in every way possible. He comes from wealth, she comes from foster care. He is cold and arrogant, she’s like a walking tooth ache. No matter their differences and opposing attitudes, they both have an odd fascination with the other… and that’s before they even know who the other is. While he may not have given the best first impression, can he redeem himself or was everything he’s said and done all one big conniving hoax to get what he wants? This story keeps you captivated from the beginning. There are ups and downs along the way. It’s easy to read. Alternates POVs. There is sexual content and some sensitive subject matters, suitable for mature readers. Yes there are evil forces at play to keep things interesting, but over all it’s a wonderful story with a good ‘heart’ at it’s core.
*I received an ARC of this book.
A real gem that held me captive from the first chapter. I loved the storyline and the characters. Loved the chemistry between Bennett and Astair. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Cruelest Stranger
By Winter Renshaw
Main Characters: Bennett and Astaire
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Ms. Renshaw knows how to write a great story. I sure hated Bennett at the beginning of this book and I loved Astaire. Bennett started off right from the get-go being an arrogant, butthole when the two of them first met in a bar. This story has its ups and downs. Astaire, however, was a loving, kind gentle soul and hopefully, some of it rubbed off on Bennett. Towards the end of the book, the Jekyll and Hyde character changed altogether. To me, this book was an enemy to lover’s book and Astaire’s character was the brightest light while Bennett was the darkest. There were a few surprises that I never saw coming and that helps make the book for me. Sometimes I wanted to smack both characters because Astaire was too forgiving and Bennett well he was just Bennett. I always look forward to Ns. Renshaw’s books as I have never been disappointed. Highly recommend.
I’m really in love with this story, I couldn’t stop reading until the word “END” came out and even after that I wanted to know more (although the story has a closed ending) is one of those books that you love more and more with each chapter that you’re leaving behind.
One of the things I like most about this author is the names of the characters in the story, so rare, which, to me, automatically becomes a point in favor.
On this time we get the story of Bennett and Astaire, two people as different as night and day, but both with similar scars. The lack of a “family” has marked them in different ways. For things of destiny (and that destiny intervenes a lot) they meet each other, and from there everything changes.
Unlike the last stories of Renshaw, which within the main story had several arcs, this follows the same line, which is the relationship between Bennett and Astaire, and the past of both, little by little unraveling every aspect about them and what they complement each other, in a very strange and particular way.
I think giving 5 stars to this story isn’t fair enough, in short, the best I’ve read by Renshaw (although I loved P.S. I Hate You, especially Isaiah’s character, this story is… simply… wow!)
And although I didn’t like heroine’s personality so much, I feel that the interaction between the two main characters was great, I think that it had to be that way so the connection between them could feel real.
This is a story full of coincidences, which will make you believe that everything has a reason for being and will happen, makes you believe in second chances, but above all it encourages you to never stop giving up.
Very nicely serendipitous unfolding of events
—>>> I was not prepared for how deep this story was going to pull me in. The dual POVs really lent a lot to the storytelling, not only to contrast what their immediate thoughts after an encounter but also to highlight just how quickly Astaire and Bennett were pulled towards each other. It was a very nicely serendipitous unfolding of events, with real angst and tension created by several of the Schoenbach family members beginning with a death in the family creating ripples no one was ready for and an angel with a heart of gold who refuses to give up what is really important and earns herself a second chance at love.
I may be a cruel bastard, but I’m no monster. And there’s a difference. – Bennett Schoenbach
On a stormy night, one year to the day after her worst heartbreak, Astaire Carraro, a kind, thoughtful and sweet kindergarten teacher, has a verbal run in with the absolute worst human on the planet in the neighborhood bar where she’s late to meet her blind date. Yeah, he’s beautiful on the outside but cold as ice, nasty and a condescending a-hole without an ounce of guilt about it on the inside. Clearly, he must be having a very bad day to hand her the most callous dressing down she’s ever experienced in her life. Curiosity gets the best of her, she needs to know what has made him treat her this way, tonight of all nights.
It turns out, as her amateur sleuthing reveals, that there is no excuse for Bennett Shoengard’s behavior except he’s a wealthy, handsome, privileged CEO who treats everyone this way, so she calls him out anonymously on his actions. Oh boy, I was hooked from page one and this just sealed the deal for me. Don’t you just love it when the bad boy gets ‘schooled’ by the the loveliest woman around? I enjoy watching the mighty crumble every now and then!
The witty, cutting back and forth remarks were contained to emails until the clues become so obvious that hiding is no longer an option for Astaire, who was just curious at first but is now completley fascinated and obsessed by what makes Bennett tick.
As much as he hates to admit it, and maybe he won’t, that woman is getting under his skin. He finds himself thinking about her constantly and looks for ways to be near her…what’s wrong with him? How can she be so ‘happy’ all the time? Maybe he needs to get her out of his system but time and togetherness show there is more to each of them than the other would ever be able to surmise from the outside image they present to the rest of the world. Your heart may do some melting here and there, just saying! So much to discover under the surface of these characters.
Coincidences, fateful, crazy and plentiful keep piling up, making it impossible for them to avoid each other. Will the positive, beautiful and persistent Astaire finally be the one to break through Bennett’s iron clad armour? He’s been polishing it for most of his life, after all!!! There are many obstacles in this twisty climb to happiness and some shocked, inhaled breaths taken, but that makes the ending all the sweeter to me.
Angsty, deliciously slow burning, with dual POV’s and the steamy moments I was hoping for, Winter has done what she does best and given this reader another reason to love her all the more. With each new story, she keeps her place as a go to author who always leaves me with the ending I was hoping for and an unforgettable journey while getting there. This might be one of my favorites of hers to date and that’s saying something! I’m going to highly recommend The Cruelest Stranger, he won’t be a stranger for long!
My thanks to the author for giving me an early, complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review of it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I love these story. I couldn’t put the book down. The story flowed effortlessly with a few twists and turns that weren’t predictable. Great characters that pull you into their story and will pull at your heartstrings. Bennett and Astaire have great chemistry. Bennett and Astaire couldn’t be more different, yet they are perfect for each other. Both characters have things from their past that make them the people they become.
I was immediately drawn to this book based on the description, but I have to say it far exceeded my expectations! I was so sucked into this book I honestly couldn’t focus on anything until I finished it. Astaire is both a lovable and strong, I found myself rooting for her right from the very beginning. Bennett takes a bit more time to warm up to, but once you do there’s no turning back! Once he realizes what love is all about he is absolutely the ultimate book boyfriend! I can’t say enough great things about this book I’m so happy I had the chance to read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After having read just the first few pages, I was completely hooked. I stayed up all night to finish this novel – because I just couldn’t put it down. A heartwarming story wherein characters were believable and flawed and wonderful.
Astaire a pre-school teacher who grew up in a not so ideal environment but it didn’t make her hard or jaded. She has this positive attitude and chooses to see the good in people. So, meeting Bennett is really a challenge to her personality.
Bennett the arrogant, dark and brooding businessman. His attitude comes from how he was brought up by his so-called family. I really didn’t like Bennett very much he’s just so mean to Astaire. But as the author expertly added depth and dimension to his character, Bennett really grew on me.
I thoroughly enjoy how it all started with Astaire and Bennett. Scenes are funny, sweet, romantic, sexy and infuriating when they are together. As the story progresses, there’s a twist that will make the plot more captivating. The Cruelest Stranger is everything I want in an enemy to lovers trope. Ms. Renshaw nailed this book, in my opinion. A must read.
I have loved every book by Winter and this was another homerun. Enemies to lovers book. Bennett is a jerk but, I love him anyway. The characters were amazing and really made this book.
Another outstanding book from this author! A chance encounter between Bennett and Astaire leads them down a path to true happiness. You will not regret reading this one.
Kindergarten teacher Astaire Carraro meets the impossibly handsome Bennett Schoenbach when she mistakes him for her blind date. Bennett is cruel, heartless and lacking in basic human decency. Good thing Astaire never has to see Bennett again, but fate has other plans.
The Cruelest Stranger is an emotional, angsty and steamy story full of twists and turns you won’t be able to put down
Is Bennett is the cruelest stranger or the most adept at protecting his heart. Astaire is a kindergarten teacher raised in the foster system, adopted as a teen by a woman who taught her to look below the surface and see the best in people. Bennett may have seemed cruel but growing up with riches taught him it doesn’t equate love and rich people often use their riches to cover up cruelty and depravity, only the strong survive. Bennett and Astaire my seem like they don’t match but they grow to love and understand each other, they become family. I don’t have the words to express how much the book touched me, the writing is superb. Can I give it 10 stars? It was a stroke of genius to use a heart transplant in this story where the hero really did have his emotional heart transplanted by love and acceptance.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.