My new favorite from Shen!! I was drawn in from the start and I didn’t want to put it down! Ruthless Rivals was the first book in her new Cruel Castaways series. It was filled with angst, swoon, and all the emotions!

Arya had always wondered what happened to her first kiss. They had been best of friends but he disappeared from her life way too soon. Years later when her dad was in legal trouble, she met Christian, an attorney ready to destroy her dad. Even though she should hate him, there was something familiar about him that she couldn’t quite place. The more she was around him, the more she found herself wanting him but when his past comes to light, could she see past it?

Oh my goodness! I loved watching their story unfold. Christian may have been looking for revenge but he found so much more. These two had such a sweet story under all the heartache! I wanted this book to keep on going, I didn’t want to say goodbye!

I have been waiting for Ruthless Rival for a long, long, long time. The thing with expecting something for so long is that you end up expecting too much from it and then end up disappointed. Ruthless Rival, though, was, indeed, everything I was expecting, looking for, and craving. A delicious enemies-to-lovers that will hit you in all the right places. A slow-burn, high on angst, romance, that will leave you wanting more, more, more.
The story was everything a reader should expect from the author. LJ Shen has a unique talent for bringing to life stories that make our hearts pang with sorrow and pain, and Christian and Arya's story is no exception to that. The characters suffered through almost 20 years of heartache even though they looked every bit their successful and poised selves. Christian and Arya went through hell and back before their broken hearts were mended, and the author grants us front-row tickets to their heart-crushing romance story.
A real page-turner, I applaud the author for remaining true to her characteristic style, which is what I am looking for in every book of hers I read.

To be honest, I didn't expect that I would like this book so much. I didn't like the last few books by L. J. Shen, but I know for sure that L. J. Shen can write different stories, I hoped that I would like this one. And that's what happened: everything I love so much in books is here.

This book will definitely appeal to those who love "second chance", "friends to enemies to lovers", "slow burn". The story unfolds, showing the past and the present, as the story of Niko and Aria begins in childhood and continues into adulthood.

The chemistry between the characters was incredible. I liked that even though Arya didn't understand that Christian was Nikolai, she still felt something close and familiar about him. The characters are different, complex and interesting, they grow throughout the book, struggling with their problems and demons.

I can't wait to read books about Nikolai's friends. I am so excited to continue with this new world that L. J. Shen has created and can’t wait for Arsene and Riggs’ stories!

What a book! This is a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story that was full of drama and deception - and I enjoyed reading every minute of it.

This one flicks between the past and the present, which I’m not often a fan of. BUT, LJ Shen has done it brilliantly in telling this story. I loved the little glimpses into what makes both Christian and Arya tick that we got to see in the chapters set in the past and how it impacts how everything plays out in the present day.

Ruthless Rival is the first book in the Cruel Castaway series. It follows the story of Arya Roth and Christian Miller who have known each other since childhood. They first meet at a cemetery where both end up liking each other's company. Years go by and with Christian's mother being a maid at Arya's house, Arya and Chrisitan's friendship grows.

However, in the midst of conflicted feelings and the harsh reality of the difference between Arya and Chrisitan's wealth, they end up being separated by a misunderstanding. Lies are said and betrayal takes place in their friendship, ultimately ruining their relationship. Fast forward a decade, with Arya being the co-founder of a PR agency and Christian being a reowned lawyer, they both come face to face due to fated circumstances. And that's how their story begins again.

TROPES
- Lawyer Romance
- Rich Girl/Poor Boy
- Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
- Second chance romance

The storyline revolves around the case of Arya's father being charged with sexual harassment and Christian Miller being the lawyer of the plaintiff. Arya having loved her father for years is obviously on his side not believing that her father could commit such an act. Since the very first meeting of Chrisitan and Arya in a business environment, the chemistry between them oozes off. Going against each other in the court, they are forced face to face and soon flashes from the past resubmerge. It is no doubt that they hold so much tension and I loved their forbidden meetings.

As for the writing of this book, I've got to say LJ's writing is always my comfort. She always manages to indulge me in her writing even when I’m not in the reading mood. Her way of storytelling is always an easy read for me and Ruthless Rival was just that. Reading this book went smoothly and I enjoyed the pacing of the storyline.

Without giving much away, I would just say that the plot and characters have so many layers that are so amazing for a reader to uncover. The book is packed with so many emotions and feelings. I loved every interaction Chrisitan and Arya had from their flirting to their constant bantering, to finally coming together. This book was certainly a one-sitting read and I was fully indulged in it right from page 1. If you enjoy an easy page-turner book packed with a satisfying plotline then you've got to get this book!

I feel like this book is what happens when you put friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, revenge plot, secret identity, and 2nd chance romance in a blender with some spice. I really liked the flashback chapters, I feel like if we had all of the information at the beginning we would not have been able to sympathize with Arya's blind faith in her father for as long as she had it. Once things really started to come to light she was able to look back with fresh eyes. I loved that the revenge plot was kind of a happy accident, Christian had no plans to take down the Roth patriarch until Andrea walked into his office.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, I really liked how it wove the themes and some of the circumstances of Atonement into the plot without being a direct adaptation. Ultimately though, the catalyst for the separation of Nicky and Arya was not a naive child who did not know better but a grown man trying to control every aspect of his family life.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Word of advice from a "friend," do not start RUTHLESS RIVAL at bedtime, lying to yourself about reading a chapter or three, or you'll see light casting in your windows at six in the morning as you read the last page. My "friend" is a walking zombie this morning. Definitely recommend you have time for a cover-to-cover read. Please excuse any incoherence in this review, my "friend" is rather tired today.

Told in two points of view (Arya’s and Christian’s), set in two different eras, past (ages 12-14) and the present. Not in a linear timeline, not quite flashbacks. When the scene fits, L.J. Shen thrusts the reader in the past to get an understanding on the dynamic between the entire cast of characters.

Arya is the daughter of a wealthy, influential man, his most precious possession. Christian is the son of their housekeeper, who tags along to work with his mother when school is not in session. During several summers in a row, on the cusp of puberty, Christian and Arya form a bond, a friendship, and a budding crush. This was back when Arya knew Christian as "Nicky," when the world was innocent and the kids could be kids together, but that all came crashing down.

In the present, Christian is an up-and-coming attorney looking to make partner, needing a high-profile case that sees the inside of a courtroom. In walks the perfect case involving an influential man sexually harassing his ex-employee. That creep happens to be the man who destroyed his life – Arya's father.

This case draws Christian and Arya back into each other's orbits. Christian is holding grudge and this is the perfect opportunity to seek vengeance. Arya is a stressed-out woman trying to defend her father, the only person on the planet who has had her back, always seeing the good in her, being there when she needed him most.

Arya is drawn to Christian in a way she hasn't felt since she was a girl, this instant connection as if her soul recognizes this other person. Only his name is no longer Nicky, a boy she assumed is dead, and he's now a ruthless grown man. While her soul recognizes Christian is Nicky, her mind struggles to link the connection.

Sparks fly. The connection ignites. Christian and Arya cannot seem to stay away from each other, which could result in career-ending consequences on both their parts, as well as putting her father's fate at risk. But they cannot seem to stay away, using the excuse of cat and mouse games, where in one instance they are the cat, and in the next they are the mouse.

That one chapter at bedtime ended up being the wee hours of the morning as I finished the book in one sitting. The tension and angst, both from the past and the present, along with the court case, created an addictive read that couldn't be put down. I had to know what happened next.

RUTHLESS RIVAL is the perfect setup for a new series, featuring Christian and Arya's friends. They were an engaging cast of unique characters, intriguing me to see how their stories would play out. I hope to hear more from this cast of characters. Highly recommend to contemporary romance readers who are entertained by the love interests being combative while ignoring their true emotions for one another.

Take my advice, carve out time before opening this novel.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first book in a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for future episodes – but not sure how they will be able to rival this fantastic read! Without a doubt, this is a book which once picked up will not want to leave your hands. It is intense enough that you need the next page now!

I am not always a fan of books which slip backwards and forwards in time, but this was done so seamlessly, and made the story and the anticipation much higher. Getting to see both Arya and Christian's perspectives and understanding of then and now was both tantalisingly hopeful and also madly frustrating. The fact that we know who he is, and how important they were to each other, but she has no clue, helps us second guess every turn, and then be amazed at the direction that the author draws us. That he cannot help but care in spite of his well-planned revenge; that his view as an adult has to be adjusted for what he did not see as a child; that his heart still wants Arya... these change the man. For her too, the truth that she has chosen to ignore about her father requires some soul searching.

Passionate, complex, intense, and highly readable, I most definitely recommend this book to you – ideally on a day you can devote to reading it non-stop!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
This is the story of rich girl Arya and poor boy Christian. It took me a while to get into this story because as 14-year-olds, I didn’t find either Anya or NIcky as particularly likable. As adults, their story was far more interesting and the chemistry between them was great and their fighting was good fun. I also really enjoyed the few trips we took back to the past to learn more about Christian and how he met his two best mates, who I’m hoping will get their own stories soon.

In the present day, this story is full of drama, and knowing that Christian was keeping his identity from Arya meant an ongoing tension. But when everything came to a head, where I knew I should have been a mess and crying, I didn’t shed a single tear. This is the first time I’ve read an L.J. Shen book that didn’t leave me in tears at some point. I realised I was enjoying the story, but I wasn’t as emotionally connected to Christian and Arya as I would have liked to have been.

Overall, Ruthless Rival was a good read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

I know that I say that every book of Shen’s is my favorite. Every H/h is my new favorite. Ruthless Rival is beyond words. I had to read it twice back to back I loved it so much. I read books multiple times, but I don’t immediately start over as soon as I finish. I like for what I read to percolate and absorb into my mind. I just couldn’t do that with Ruthless Rivals. I immediately wanted more of Nicky/Christian and Arya.

The bond that these two shared was immediate. It is like their souls talked to each other on a separate level. They were from two different worlds, but they saw beyond those differences and craved the other. I loved their competitiveness throughout the story. It was funny and fascinating to see how this was their nature. It pushed them, but never broke them. The most alluring thing was how they read to each other when young. This love of books carried through their journey. It made me want to stop and read Atonement just so I would have a deeper understanding of the story and characters.

With all books there has to be a villain and this story produces one like no other in Arya’s father. His despicable actions are what drove the two apart and then back together and everything in between. I understood Arya’s conflicted emotions. In the end I’m happy that she parted ways with him, got her mother back and her HEA. This was an incredible story that embodies so much that no review can do it justice. This definitely is one of my top 5 reads of 2022! You don’t want to miss the incredible journey that Shen takes us on.

Good slow burn romance. Very slow burn pace I would have liked it to be a little quicker. Was a good read though and excited to read more from this author

📚 RUTHLESS RIVAL 📚 Is the first full length romance book in L.J. Shen's (Cruel Castaway's) series. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.' Get ready to meet Arya Roth & Christian Miller which flits from past to present smoothly.

Predictably good, I knew going into this that I’d enjoy it and that was proven time and time again when I couldn’t put it down. The synopsis and the author combined ticked my boxes accordingly, ensnared in her trap as I fell head first for our hero, and the heroine that never forgot him.
All the feels which this slow burn evoked, this was executed so well, instilling yet again why I love this author as much as I do.

This had so many layers to it, childhood friends, they bonded over their love of books, meeting in a cemetery and exploring their summers together whilst his mother cleaned her parents mansion, with a clear message not to put his dirty hands on anything in the Roth's family's penthouse, which especially included the girl, Arya. These two were worlds apart in social standing, she was rich, he was poor, until he was banished away like trash.

Nothing was ever the same again...

Until he rose up like a phoenix and reinvented himself with vengeance in his blood to take down the family which wronged him.

A whirlwind romance that will keep you on your toes!

Christian and Arya’s story was a delicious treat I binged throughly.

There were many downs in their love story, like all Shen books, the angst did not miss.

The spice level was a bit more of a slow burn in the beginning but once it hit, it took no prisoners.

I enjoyed seeing childhood sweethearts who were torn apart hey they HEA.

YES MAAM! Ruthless Rival will be at the top of my list of 2022 reads. For the fans of childhood friends to lover, enemies to lovers, and second chance romance, this one covers all the bases. Predictably good (I LOVE me some LJ Shen), I knew going into this that I’d enjoy it and that was proven time and time again when I couldn’t put it down. I read the whole thing in one day. Thank you for the arc in exchange for my opinion. Five stars all day long!

“My soul … it feels calm when it’s next to yours.”
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
LJ Shen has etched another emotional masterpiece! With writing full of fire, desire and depth, strong and compelling characters, and a soul-slashing second-chance storyline, Ruthless Rival is a must read romance. A sparkling supernova of a story that bursts with heart and heat. This love story lured me in from line one and never let go until the end.

A heart-pounding love story laced with The Atonement, Ruthless Rival is an enemies-to-lovers saga of soulmates and second chances. The hero and heroine are full of fire with a story so heady, so harrowing, so hopeful, and so heartfelt. Christian is that insanely god-like alpha, the make you weak-in-the knees hero who detonates with a single smolder. Oh did I smolder! Arya is Christian’s match in every way: smart, spirited and stunning. This heroine may have been more alpha than the dominating hero. I loved her!

I was destined to fall in love with Ruthless Rival, a dazzling diamond that shines in the dark. This second-chance romance is filled with heart-racing moments and revelations. I felt everything: the butterflies and burning impact of first and forever love, the pain and pleasure, and the determination of soulmates to fight for that fated love that never died. I reveled in this book that burns like a fire-breathing dragon with a force felt everywhere. My kryptonite.

💋💋💋💋💋 red-hot, ruthless kisses

A book by LJ shen is always a good book to read.

This was a addictive, entertaining, slow burn romance that is enemies to lovers.
The characters were childhood friends who bonded over their love of books ….what could go wrong with that?! Things did though. The characters were worlds apart. She was rich and he was poor. So that causes a lot of issues.
The characters and story took over my heart and had me reading non stop. I loved their chemistry and how consuming the whole story was.

Another Shen masterpiece!

This is book 1 of a 3 book trilogy.
Loved it just as I have loved all of this authors books. They really do stand out above the rest!

Mr Miller was written off as poor and a pathetic part of society from a very young age. He was treated poorly and never given a chance. This only fuelled his goal for success.

Miss Roth was a rich princess who had been ignored and rejected by her mother. She is the apple of her fathers eye. Her dad has been accused of some awful things but they couldn’t possibly be true- could they?

So many memories and heartache. Can they both get what they want?

Ruthless Rival by author LJ Shen is the first book in her new Cruel Castaway series. It is a childhood friends to enemies to lovers second chance romance. It is a tension-filled, slow burn with unexpected twists and turns only author LJ Shen could deliver. Ruthless Rival had me hooked and Christian Miller may be my new favorite Shen hero!

I loved the storyline. The alternating POV and flashbacks to the past let me get inside the characters. I loved getting to know Christian and Arya. He is like a modern day Heathcliff with a soul. He’s had a hard life through no fault of his own. Arya is smart and sassy.

The tension between them is palpable. The banter is witty, engaging and sarcastic filled with innuendo. The heat between them is smoldering. I was completely invested in their journey.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Riggs and Arsené, Christian’s best friends. Their rapport and bond is endearing. I look forward to reading their stories.

Author LJ Shen delivers another hit with Ruthless Rival, proving once again her writing is versatile, creative with an addictive style of storytelling.

Here lately Shen's books are becoming hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, this one was a miss. I tried to connect with the characters but they were snooty, childish, and it all just seemed unnecessary. I did not like how we jumped from the past to present. There was no need to have all these chapters of the past and that alone is what almost made me give up on the book. By the time we get to the present and the rival begins, I was literally over it. The whole enemies situation could have been solved if he would have just told her what her dad did when they were younger. It's immature for these grown adults to be this petty throughout the book.

Ohh this was a juicy one! Really, really enjoyed this book. Love L J Shen's works and Ruthless Rivals did NOT disappoint! Would definitely recommend!

SO FREAKING GOOD OH MY GOD.

I don't know why I waited so long to read this one but WOW. It blew me away. This was my first L.J. Shen book, but definitely not my last.

I loved that this story was told between alternating timelines. You learn sooooo much about the characters, and it makes the ending THAT much better.

The enemies to Lovers vibe HIT SO GOOD, and I loved it. Wow.

I really enjoyed this book.
I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat most of my day today while reading it.

The banter, the Love/Hate. Even the lies it was Fantastic!

A must read for sure!