ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.

3.75/5
L.J. Shen did it again! Another really easy read with a good story line and a sprinkle of spice.
I really liked the dual POV and timeline which added really well to the story and the character development of this book. Arya was badass and I love that about her 👏🏽.
This book centred well from a plot POV and it was one of my favourite tropes - enemies to lovers. With a sprinkle of revenge in there!

I wasn’t super obsessed with this book and that’s maybe because I couldn’t fully connect with the characters and that’s why my rating is at 3.75 instead of a little higher. I tend to rate books higher when I’m in love with the characters too.

This is a book I flew through and if you’re looking for something easy to read this is one I’d recommend. I’d also recommend looking up trigger warnings too.

I’m having kind of conflicted feelings here. I just checked and I’ve read 18 books from this authors, some have been glowing 5 stars reads for me and some others … clearly not.
This one is somewhere in the middle in my opinion.
I also have to say I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot more than the second.

Arya is a character we have often seen in this type of childhood love-enemies-second chance romance. She’s the daddy’s girl who was just perfectly perfect and grew up to be exactly what her daddy wanted.
She has wit and is successful in her career but other than that she didn’t strike me as much else.

Nikolai/Christian isn’t much more original to me. The guy had his life upended by his first love dad and decided to become the powerful, successful, rich version of himself he now is.
Appear a cold man but really isn’t.
No matter that he thought she’d been at fault too he still loved the girl.

Really nothing in this book stands out to me. I feel like I’ve read a lot of books like this one with the same characters just a different name.
Reading it wasn’t unpleasant but I’m a bit disappointed still in the end by the blandness of it.
Once again, it’s my PERSONAL opinion, two people can’t read the same book and have the same experience, that’s the beauty of reading.

This book switches from one characters POV to the other every chapter or so, which I like because it gives you more insight to each characters thoughts. Things you wouldn’t get if it was only one POV.
If you love second chance stories and characters that snark at each other only because they can’t bear the tension between them ? This book is for you.
It’s an HEA kind of story, that just took years to come to the ever after part.

This was classic LJ! I love the connections to Atonement which alone will tell you how amazing this story is! I loved Christian so much!!! I think he may have even beat Wolfe... and I struggle to say that.

Christian loved Arya so fully, he would do anything for her and she loved him at his worst when he didn't believe he was good enough. It was pure and innocent in a way that only your first love can be. It drove me crazy how she couldn't recognize him even after all the signs! I was yelling at her through the book. The relationship development with her mother was so rewarding, seeing her find her own way at the end and finally being there for Arya when she needed her most.

L. J. Shen always delivers the perfect combination of heart-aching angst and heartfelt swoon! I devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down. This is definitely a read all in one sitting kind of book. My eyes couldn’t move over the words fast enough.
I really liked the side characters too and am happy that the series seems to be continuing to explore their stories so can't wait to read them when they come out.

This was yet another amazing book by LJ.

I absolutely fell in love with the characters as soon as I started reading the book. From a young age, you could tell just how perfect the two of them were for each other and I loved seeing a glimpse of what went between them each summer they were in each other’s lives.

It was so sad what all went down that prevented the two of them from being a part of each other’s lives but seeing their story of coming back together and discovering more about who the other had become was such a beautiful experience.

I found myself wanting to knock some sense into Christian while I was reading because he was being so stupid with some of his thoughts.

Ruthless Rival was such an amazing story and I loved how it all ended. I fell in love with them as individuals in the beginning and fell even more in love with them as a couple by the end of the book.

I cannot wait to read more from this world.

This was a incredible storyline, with intriguing characters that took you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This story was filled with heartbreak, drama, shame, abuse, tension, ruthlessness, suspense, chemistry, passion and love. This journey unfolded over past and present and gave you everything you wanted from this world. An enthralling read.

Arya and Christian's story completely sucked me in. It was an intriguing and angsty page turner with Christian trying to escape and avenge his past, with Arya caught in the middle. The bad people in this book could be more complex, their actions seemed to happen more of a narrative convenience than consistency with who they were. Even so, it was a highly entertaining book and I am looking forward to Briggs' and Arsène's stories.

I couldn’t get past 20%
I used to love her books and read them all but somehow I just can’t get myself to finish this one. We can’t love them all unfortunately

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

I really liked this- kind of a second chance, enemies to lovers story? Arya knew Christian when they were preteens, and from 2 different worlds. It was made clear to him to keep his hands off her back then, and now years later they are back in each other's lives. But a lot happened in between. And he's out for revenge on her family.

I like the way the story unfolded, going from past to present and back again. I like seeing glimpses of the tender heart under Christian's ruthless businessman ways. But their story also made me sad, in a big part for the way their parents let them down. I also liked how Arya was not a pushover- she stood up for herself and stood her ground more than once.

Another thing I liked is the possibility for future books in this world. I'd totally read about the side characters.

4.5/5 STARS


What a beautiful love story…

A rich little girl, a poor little boy… We could think they have nothing in common, but they share the same emptiness in a world where the adults who are supposed to care for them are too selfish and cold to do so.

But solitude doesn’t care about money.
Family isn’t always the safest place to grow up, and it isn’t always about blood either.

And friendship… Friendship is a treasure.


I love everything about this book. Forbidden love, heartache, betrayals, friendships. The pace, the dialogues, the chemistry…

Arya and Christian’s love story is heartbreaking and beautiful, of course, but I also loved the supporting characters.


You’ll enjoy this forbidden love to enemies-to-lovers story, and one of my favorite aspects of the book it’s how it leaves you wanting for more.

I can’t wait for the next books in the Series, and see what LJ Shen has in store for those characters: I really loved two of them from the beginning, and each one is really, really promising!

The worst part? The wait!!!

Ruthless Rival is the story of two childhood friends from very different backgrounds whose friendship is obliterated following one unfortunate day and a series of lies and manipulations.

Christian is now a high power attorney, and the chance to get revenge on the man who caused him so much pain while growing up just walked into his office. He will also be able to get revenge on his old friend who betrayed him, which has its own merits.

Arya is a publicist with her own business. She is working overtime trying to help her father with his court case and the attorney working against her father seems to also have it out for her.

Though revenge seems to be the plan, things aren't always as they seem. Arya and Christian's connection is tangible, whether it is clouded by tension or more obvious in the sweeter moments they shared when they each let their guard down a little.

Ruthless Rival was an interesting and engaging read and I highly enjoyed the ending.

If you're a fan of LJ Shen, this book will not disappoint! It has all of the angst and chemistry that I've come to count on in one of her books.

In this spicy, enemies to lovers romance, we have Arya and Christian. Christian has just taken a career making case involving prosecuting Arya's father for the sexual harrasment of a woman in his employ. Christian has long had a beef with Arya and her father for the ways he was treated by them in his youth. Once he and Arya were best friends, but that all ended the day they had their first kiss as teenagers. Now he has his chance to make both of them pay.

After Arya lost her friend in her teens, her father has been her only confidant. She can't imagine that the man she loves and looks up to could possibly be the man he is being made out to be by this harrassment case. Neither her father, nor she recognize Christian from their past, and he quickly becomes enemy number one.

Watching the slow burn of Arya's and Christian's relationship is everything I love in romance. The two characters feeling the pull of their attraction despite the fact that they should hate each other, is my happy place, and LJ Shen does it like nobody's business. This book is told in dual POVs and goes back and forth between the present and the past, giving us a look into exactly what transpired in their past, and giving a mysterious aspect to the book that kept me on the edge of my seat, reading it in one sitting.

I haven't found a book yet by this author that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed, and this book continues that trend!

Thanks to Montlake Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Ruthless Rival by L J Shen is a phenomenal tale. Torn apart by forbidden love in their teens, Arya and Nicky grow up in different worlds, but they never forgot the love they shared. It scarred them both. It’s astounding what some people will do when they feel they are above everyone else. They will take advantage of others, ruin lives and feel they can act with impunity. But karma has a way of settling scores. Shen is a masterful story teller who weaves together an intriguing tale of betrayal, vengeance, redemption, and love. The characters have depth and substance, they will captivate you and keep you turning pages.

If you loved Sinners of Saint you will die for Ruthless Rival!
This book is a beautiful love story that reached the depths of my being! I feel moved beyond words; my feelings are all about the place. These new characters left me with the book hangover of the century! The storyline is impressive, the intricacies of the plot had me gasping for air, it is the perfect combination of emotion, suspense and slow born romance all wrapped up in a good dose of sexy scenes.

The characters are different, complex and interesting. I love Christian, he is so sexy, so focused, with a riveting personality, and love Arya, her fierce determination to help those she loves is everything. I love the suspense, and the electrifying chemistry between them, wow, but I didn't expect it any other way. LJ IS THE QUEEN OF THE BANTER They are so perfect for each other!!

This book is passionate, steamy, intriguing and emotional, and above all is about love and friendship. Thanks to the author for giving us such emotional stories that inspire and allow us to dream and at the same time remind us to embrace our loved ones and that love is the force that always sustains us and leads us to be the best version of ourselves.

Christian Miller has been given a strict rule not to touch anything but after two years of being contented with unnoticeable items to steal from the Roth's, he touched the most valuable thing, Arya Roth.

Years passed from the moment that changed their lives. Christian met Arya again, but under the circumstances of a trial that either puts Christian's name on his firm's wall, or will cost him everything.

Arya Roth a pampered socialite builds her own name with the assistance of her doting father, only to she discover what her dad has done all these years, including about her childhood crush.

Ruthless Rival by is about childhood sweethearts, and enemies to lovers, all in one mixed!

Both characters are scarred by what happened in their past. With Christian I understand his desire for revenge, especially after what he's been through. Arya's trust issues are within reason after learning the truth of things. I like how they bicker and are in denial with their feelings, which makes it an exciting read. I love the friendship each character has.

This is my first book by L.J. Shen
and it so happens it is an ARC for her new work🤭 I meant to read her books but got sidetracked by ARCs, so when I saw her name in new releases on netgalley I couldn't resist and got a copy. I'm happy I did😍

This book is a true testament to the strength and power of true first love and the effects it has on one’s life. Arya and Christian are two intriguing characters that bring this book to life. Highly recommend this moving story!!

Ruthless revival is an other book by this Author touched me deeply while reading because it showed me all the Coulors of really intense feelings. Even if luckily I never had been put in any of the positions in that this characters where put I was able to get their feelings and thoughts.
The way in wich this story handled the serious themes it brought to us in way that was realistic to me. My heart aches for the hero and the heroine because I freaking fight tears 😭 only thinking about that book.
I’m unable to put in words with what all of this roller coaster 🎢 ride this book put me trough.
I feel like miss Shen tried something new in this book and it totally cought me. Even if I never laughed while reading because everything was so freaking serious and it.
The way this characters are acting.
The feeling of growing together with them from page to was amazing . It’s a bit like finding new friends in first few weeks of the relationship you try to get to know them and as closer as you get you learn to love every side of them.
Very often while reading I got the urge to either hug the characters or tell them that they can Combe to me if need someone to listen.
Ayra seems like Daddy’s perfect daughter first but in the process of getting to know her you see that she works hard and isn’t shying back from changing her point of view she also is person who does a lot for her family and trusts persons and his great heart.
Our dearest mister Christian Miller has a sence for justice. But he also advices them who are important to him. He works hard but am from time to time he lives.
To conclude you can say that this book will have me caught for a long time after reading. A masterpiece itself with characters that develop and get there chance to shine in their own ways. 10 of five stars for this reading experience from me

Another vibrant and intriguing story from L.J. Shen. I was really into the plot of this one and how well it was executed from beginning to end. The narrative toggles from past to present while switching from hero and heroine and this style worked so well for their hate-to-love story. This is a story of redemption buried in lies, mistruths, and betrayals. As more and more details slowly unveil their vulnerability shines through their masks of mystery and allure. They are smart, cunning, and needy in the best and most unexpected of ways. Shen consistently knows how to adapt her characters to new worlds and journeys while keeping them interesting. Both of these mains captivated me and the ease in which their romance completely unravels is a real testament to the story telling. There's something inherently good about these two even when they're being oh-so-bad. And the charm they both effuse, the banter and wit, and the struggle all mesh together to bring a great story. Excellent romance story. Great writing. Great characters. It took me less than a day to read it. I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more from this "Cruel Castaway" world in the future. What more could you ask for?

If you're into LJ. Shen books then you must be a fan of banter, heat, and angst. And if you're not familiar with her work, then know that that's what your in for!

Here we have Arya and Christian, childhood best friends and each others first loves, tragically forced apart. Years later, they coincidentally cross paths again, and we get to see how their second chance unfolds.

I feel like Ruthless Rival hits a little different than Shen's other books. I enjoyed the storyline, the pacing, and the characters. I don't think I've ever rooted for a hero of hers as much as I did for Christian.

Thank you NetGally and Montlake for this ARC!

Such a delicious, addictive, smart, slow burn romance, a fabulous example of enemies to lovers trope!

Christian Miller: vivid combination of Keanu Reeves from Devil’s Advocate and Suits’ younger version of Harvey Specter raised from his ashes of his old life: a housekeeper’s young son Nicholai who is told not to touch anything at Roth Household. But he doesn’t only touch the most precious thing belonged to the family, he just sealed with a kiss! He kissed young Arya and his actions brought out unpleasant consequences which changed his life.

He changed his identity, recreating himself as a reckless, vicious, competitive lawyer who likes to see blood in the courtyard! And now he’s after the man and the girl who ruined his life to ruin their family reputations that means he has to deal with tough, smart Arya who looks more beautiful and attractive!

L. J. Shen is queen of smartest banters that I get addicted of! Christian and Arya’s long banters, explosive chemistry tempted me!

This was great second chance met enemies-friends to lovers trope!

Only thing hold me back giving five stars was extra slow burn pace! It was a little too long! But at least the characterization was good and they don’t make me scream with their obtuse manners!

I absolutely recommend it to L. J. Shen fans and admirers of great written enemies to lovers trope!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.