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The Best of Winter Renshaw - An 8 Book Collection
From Wall Street Journal best selling author Winter Renshaw comes a limited-edition collection of bestsellers and fan favorites! Included in this box set are the following full-length, standalone romance novels:
1. Royal
2. PS I Hate You
3. Cold Hearted
4. The Cruelest Stranger
5. The Perfect Illusion
6. Heartless
7. Pricked
8. Love and Other Lies
These contemporary romances are full of Winter's signature angst, steam, drama, twists, and happily-ever-afters and can be read in any order. Enjoy!
1. Royal
2. PS I Hate You
3. Cold Hearted
4. The Cruelest Stranger
5. The Perfect Illusion
6. Heartless
7. Pricked
8. Love and Other Lies
These contemporary romances are full of Winter's signature angst, steam, drama, twists, and happily-ever-afters and can be read in any order. Enjoy!
1865 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2020
304 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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December 15, 2020
Winter Renshaw At Her Steamy Best! Complex Plots That Keep You On Your Toes. A Great Value.
This is a fabulous collection with eight angsty novels. Each is a standalone, though many are part of a series of standalones.
The set includes:
1. Royal
2. P.S. I Hate You
3. Cold Hearted
4. The Cruelest Stranger
5. The Perfect Illusion
6. Heartless
7. Pricked
8. Love and Other Lies
IN ROYAL (BOOK ONE OF THE RIXTON FALLS SERIES):
Royal & Demi’s Childhood Animosity Turns Into Steamy Teenage Love Until One Horrible Night Rips Royal Away From The Life He Always Wanted! Seven Years Later He Reenters Demi’s Life, Hoping For The Best But Expecting The Worst. Their Angsty Story Is About Trust, Redemption, & Second Chances.
Demi Rosewood, twenty-five, was raised in a perfect family. Her parents are happily married. Her father is an attorney, so she and her siblings – older brother Derek and her younger sisters, twins Delilah and Daphne – grew up in a nice home. And now she is engaged to Brooks Abbott, whom she has dated since their senior year at Hargrove College. Demi is now a kindergarten teacher, and Brooks is quite the catch as a financial planner and an Abbott. The Abbotts are a very prominent and wealthy local family. For Brooks, appearances are important. Demi is happy, even if her love for Brooks will never match the love she had for Royal Lockhart, a name that had been banned from her family home seven years ago.
Perhaps that is why when Brooks calls off the engagement suddenly, the feeling of abandonment doesn’t cut quite as deeply as she had expected. But when Brooks ends up in an accident and is placed under a medically-induced coma immediately after walking out on her, Demi is placed in the impossible situation of trying to be sensitive to loved ones and public perception alike by keeping the breakup to herself for the time being and playing the role of grieving fiancée.
Royal Lockhart, twenty-six, had at one time been an honorary Rosewood. He was eleven when his best friend Derek first brought him home, and though Royal had been moved from foster home to foster home, the Rosewood family was the most constant thing in his childhood. He credits the family for the bright future he once had. He had been good at sports and popular with the girls at school, who eagerly hoped to be his flavor of the week. He and Derek had plans to attend law school together and join his father’s law practice. Derek did go that route, but today Royal considers himself lucky to be employed as a mechanic in a rundown town nearby.
Just one year younger than he and Derek, Demi had attracted his interest since they met. She was stubborn, girly, and prickly. He had wanted to date her for years. It wasn’t until his graduation approached that he finally knew he needed to ask her out – before he and Derek left for school. The next year and a half were the best in his life. But one call changed everything. He never saw her again, or any of the Rosewoods for that matter. He would never be over Demi, but he made himself a promise. He would remain at a distance so long as Demi is happy. So when Brooks ends up in the hospital, he can no longer stay on the sidelines. After almost five years of watching, he finally decides to knock on her door.
Royal and Demi’s childhood animosity turns into steamy teenage love until one horrible night rips Royal away from the life he always wanted. Seven years later he reenters Demi’s life, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Their angsty story is about trust, redemption, and second chances. It is well-written and plot-driven. The characters are wonderfully developed. It is easy to connect to both Royal and Demi. Royal’s fall feels real and devastating. It is easy to sympathize with his plight. Young and so alone, raised in the system, it is so easy to envision how easily he fell through the cracks. Demi, too, is a victim – of the circumstances surrounding what happened seven years ago as well as of recent developments. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Royal and Demi. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN P.S. I HATE YOU (BOOK ONE IN THE PS SERIES):
Isaiah & Mariska's Enemies To Lovers Romance Is A Steamy Slow Burn With A Feel-Good Ending! There Are A Few Tears. It Is About Taking Chances And Finding Purpose.
Mariska Claiborne, twenty-four, is the granddaughter of one of Hollywood’s classic movie stars and pinup models. She lives in Brentwood in her famous grandmother’s guesthouse along with her cousin and best friend Melrose, but money and fame don’t insulate Claibornes from earning their keep. She is expected to pay Gram rent. It was a lesson Gram learned in her earlier years and passed along to the next generation. Mariska works as a waitress at Brentwood Pancake and Coffee, well-known for their famous pancakes and the one pancake per customer policy. She had finished her sophomore year at UC Berkeley, but her father now refuses to pay for school until she chooses a useful major – one that he approves. The problem is that Mariska still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. Her cousin wants to follow in their grandmother’s footsteps, but that doesn’t excite her at all. She is taking a year off of dating to focus on herself and hopefully find a way forward.
Isaiah Torres, twenty-seven, is a loner and prefers it that way. Sure, he has befriended fellow soldiers during his ten years in the Army, but life is easier without attachments. He learned that lesson the hard way ten years ago, and his whole family won’t let him live down what happened to his father. So much of the last decade has been spent on deployment, and he feels a little disconnected from his two brothers and three sisters when he heads home to his mother’s apartment in South-Central LA during his time off. People tend to love him or hate him, and it doesn’t much matter which to him. His poor communication skills don’t help matters, and neither do his stubborn streak and sometimes rash behavior. He spends his down time at sports bars, enjoying beer and women. He isn’t boyfriend material and doesn’t pretend otherwise. He has a one-and-done rule that he usually sticks to.
When Isaiah sits down at one of Mariska’s tables, he pushes her buttons like no other. His rude manners are shocking, and his insistence on having her break the strict one pancake policy has her putting her job on the line for him. When she literally bumps in to him later, neither can believe their luck. Despite their heated exchanges and Isaiah’s rudeness, they have a connection of sorts. Mariska’s bubbly personality cannot be tamped down, and even though nice with a big personality is totally not his type, Isaiah finds himself giving up control to a woman for the first time in ten years. Neither is interested in dating, and Isaiah deploys to Afghanistan again in one week. So Mariska proposes they spend the week together – a week of Saturdays – doing the kind of fun things that Saturdays are for. Strictly as friends, of course. No lies and no romance allowed.
Isaiah and Mariska’s enemies to lovers romance is a steamy slow burn with a feel-good ending. There are a few tears. It mixes Hollywood and military service. It is about taking chances and finding purpose. The story is well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. The characters are nicely developed. Isaiah’s unravels slowly, as he is a private person. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Isaiah and Mariska. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN COLD HEARTED:
Rhett & Ayla’s Story Is A Dark Dive Into Deceit Twisted With Grief! Ayla Hopes To Learn About A Half-Brother That Hated Her, But Learns There Is More To The Story Than She Had First Known. Rhett Turns Into A Crude And Cold-Hearted Monster As His Personal Life Crumbles.
Ayla Coldwell, twenty-five, never had a chance to meet her half-brother before the accident that took his life. At twenty-six, Bryce Renner was living the high life in New York. He was supposedly very popular with the ladies. His contract to play hockey for the New York Spartans had earned him a lavish lifestyle. As his only surviving family member, Ayla leaves her Los Angeles home and heads to New York to help settle her brother’s estate. She hopes to learn more about Bryce from his teammates. She had desperately wanted to establish a relationship with him since she had first learned of his existence twelve years ago, but Bryce had adamantly refused all attempts she made to contact him. He had hated her. He probably resented her existence, given that her mother nearly destroyed his parents’ marriage. But his mother had succumbed to a brain tumor years ago, and still he refused her. His father – the father that Ayla had never met – died more recently. So Ayla finds herself living in the apartment of a brother she has never met as she settles his affairs, trying to understand who Bryce was.
Rhett Carson, probably late twenties, likes his privacy and has no interest in PR stunts. That is why he chose to keep his engagement to Damiana Westwood – Victoria’s Secret Angel and highly sought after supermodel – out of the press. It was not common knowledge. Like so many of his teammates, Rhett had played the field when he first got his NHL contract, but he soon tired of it and sought something steady. He loved Damiana and looked forward to their future together. Bryce had been his best friend and his death hit Rhett hard. Bryce was the only person that really understood him, so his death left Rhett ungrounded. But the news that really sent him in a tailspin was the fact that Damiana had been in an accident, too. Lost and all alone in a world of pain, he vows never to get caught up in feelings again. He turns cold-hearted.
Rhett and Ayla’s story is deep and dark. It is about loss and detachment. Rhett spirals into darkness as his personal life crumbles. He turns into a crude and cold-hearted monster. But his loss is real, and his reaction might be wrong but it is heartfelt. His plight is sympathetic, and his behavior is a misguided reaction that serves to humanize his dark side. Ayla senses that he needs love, but there is a real underlying connection that ties them together. But Ayla will eventually need to return home to LA, and the truth has a way of coming out. What is already an unstable relationship built on a shallow foundation is destined to fail when tested. They each have to analyze their lives and work through their pain, and their road is full of challenges.
Rhett and Ayla’s story is a dark dive into deceit twisted with grief. Ayla hopes to learn about a brother that hated her, but learns there is more to the story than she had first known. Their story is nicely written. The plot sucks you in as the truth is gradually revealed. The characters’ journey through grief is complex. Pairing it with a new relationship only adds fuel to the fire. Their story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Rhett and Ayla. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN THE CRUELEST STRANGER:
Bennett And Alistaire's Beautiful And Angsty Journey Is About Two Very Lonely Souls. The Banter Is Fabulous!
Alistaire Carraro, twenty-six, cannot say no to anything or anyone, so she finds herself on a blind date in a suburban Chicago bar despite the fact that she isn't ready to move on. One year ago exactly, her fiance Trevor was killed in an accident, and she just isn't ready think about what comes next. Tragedy and hardship has followed her for her entire life. Nevertheless, she always looks for the positive in people and situations, so despite her reservations she puts on her happy face.
Growing up, Alistaire never knew her father and had a mother that gave her up to the state. By the time she was fourteen, she had been in thirteen foster homes. The best thing that happened to her was Linda, who adopted and saved her. Linda showed her what love and family mean. She taught Alistaire that the past doesn't dictate the future and gave her the tools she needed to be successful in life. But Linda died several years later, during Alistaire's freshman year at Indiana State.
Fortunately she had met Trevor by then, the love of her life. His unending kindness and compassion made him perfectly compatible with her bright and optimistic personality. They both became teachers and moved to Worthington Heights, Illinois. Alistaire's job as a kindergarten teacher suits her perfectly, but without Trevor she is both alone and lonely. She craves affection as a result of her rough childhood.
Bennett Schoenbach, thirty, is a practical man. He doesn't care about much because caring leads to weakness, and weakness leads to self-destruction. Any sign of softness in the Schoenbach family is like suicide. The Schoenbach name is like royalty in Chicago. Bennett's mother thrives on her social standing; she cares more about that than she ever did about being a mother. His sister Larissa never stood a chance.
Some call Bennett cruel, arrogant, heartless - but he doesn't care. He assumed ownership of the Schoenbach Corporation when his father died five years ago. It hasn't escaped him that half his employees despise him. He doesn't care, but he isn't a monster. He helps out occasionally with college money, mortgages, new cars, etc. - but he only does it anonymously. He doesn't need thanks.
Bennett loves Greek philosophy, which may play a part in why he finds it so entertaining to rile people up and watch them squirm. He always gets the last word in, and nothing is more thrilling than an angry romp. He doesn't do relationships and doesn't believe in marriage. It is one and done for him.
Anger brews and insults fly when Bennett and Alistaire meet at Ophelia's, a local bar. Yet underneath their frustration, an instant attraction draws them to one another. They are opposites, so they have a difficult journey. Miscommunication and misunderstanding threaten every step forward. Despite their very different backgrounds, both Bennett and Alistaire suffer from childhood neglect. Their responses are entirely opposite, though. Bennett internalizes his darkness which explodes from time to time, while Alistaire maintains an angelic outlook that helps her through tough times. Coincidence play a role in this story, and several matters arise that test the new couple's strength. They eventually earn a beautiful HEA.
Bennett and Alistaire's beautiful and angsty journey is about two very lonely souls finding solace in one another despite their very different personalities. It is a story about childhood neglect and refining family. It is very well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. The characters are well-defined and feel real. The banter between Bennett and Alistaire is fabulous! The POV alternates between Bennett and Alistaire. I rate this book five stars.
This is a fabulous collection with eight angsty novels. Each is a standalone, though many are part of a series of standalones.
The set includes:
1. Royal
2. P.S. I Hate You
3. Cold Hearted
4. The Cruelest Stranger
5. The Perfect Illusion
6. Heartless
7. Pricked
8. Love and Other Lies
IN ROYAL (BOOK ONE OF THE RIXTON FALLS SERIES):
Royal & Demi’s Childhood Animosity Turns Into Steamy Teenage Love Until One Horrible Night Rips Royal Away From The Life He Always Wanted! Seven Years Later He Reenters Demi’s Life, Hoping For The Best But Expecting The Worst. Their Angsty Story Is About Trust, Redemption, & Second Chances.
Demi Rosewood, twenty-five, was raised in a perfect family. Her parents are happily married. Her father is an attorney, so she and her siblings – older brother Derek and her younger sisters, twins Delilah and Daphne – grew up in a nice home. And now she is engaged to Brooks Abbott, whom she has dated since their senior year at Hargrove College. Demi is now a kindergarten teacher, and Brooks is quite the catch as a financial planner and an Abbott. The Abbotts are a very prominent and wealthy local family. For Brooks, appearances are important. Demi is happy, even if her love for Brooks will never match the love she had for Royal Lockhart, a name that had been banned from her family home seven years ago.
Perhaps that is why when Brooks calls off the engagement suddenly, the feeling of abandonment doesn’t cut quite as deeply as she had expected. But when Brooks ends up in an accident and is placed under a medically-induced coma immediately after walking out on her, Demi is placed in the impossible situation of trying to be sensitive to loved ones and public perception alike by keeping the breakup to herself for the time being and playing the role of grieving fiancée.
Royal Lockhart, twenty-six, had at one time been an honorary Rosewood. He was eleven when his best friend Derek first brought him home, and though Royal had been moved from foster home to foster home, the Rosewood family was the most constant thing in his childhood. He credits the family for the bright future he once had. He had been good at sports and popular with the girls at school, who eagerly hoped to be his flavor of the week. He and Derek had plans to attend law school together and join his father’s law practice. Derek did go that route, but today Royal considers himself lucky to be employed as a mechanic in a rundown town nearby.
Just one year younger than he and Derek, Demi had attracted his interest since they met. She was stubborn, girly, and prickly. He had wanted to date her for years. It wasn’t until his graduation approached that he finally knew he needed to ask her out – before he and Derek left for school. The next year and a half were the best in his life. But one call changed everything. He never saw her again, or any of the Rosewoods for that matter. He would never be over Demi, but he made himself a promise. He would remain at a distance so long as Demi is happy. So when Brooks ends up in the hospital, he can no longer stay on the sidelines. After almost five years of watching, he finally decides to knock on her door.
Royal and Demi’s childhood animosity turns into steamy teenage love until one horrible night rips Royal away from the life he always wanted. Seven years later he reenters Demi’s life, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Their angsty story is about trust, redemption, and second chances. It is well-written and plot-driven. The characters are wonderfully developed. It is easy to connect to both Royal and Demi. Royal’s fall feels real and devastating. It is easy to sympathize with his plight. Young and so alone, raised in the system, it is so easy to envision how easily he fell through the cracks. Demi, too, is a victim – of the circumstances surrounding what happened seven years ago as well as of recent developments. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Royal and Demi. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN P.S. I HATE YOU (BOOK ONE IN THE PS SERIES):
Isaiah & Mariska's Enemies To Lovers Romance Is A Steamy Slow Burn With A Feel-Good Ending! There Are A Few Tears. It Is About Taking Chances And Finding Purpose.
Mariska Claiborne, twenty-four, is the granddaughter of one of Hollywood’s classic movie stars and pinup models. She lives in Brentwood in her famous grandmother’s guesthouse along with her cousin and best friend Melrose, but money and fame don’t insulate Claibornes from earning their keep. She is expected to pay Gram rent. It was a lesson Gram learned in her earlier years and passed along to the next generation. Mariska works as a waitress at Brentwood Pancake and Coffee, well-known for their famous pancakes and the one pancake per customer policy. She had finished her sophomore year at UC Berkeley, but her father now refuses to pay for school until she chooses a useful major – one that he approves. The problem is that Mariska still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. Her cousin wants to follow in their grandmother’s footsteps, but that doesn’t excite her at all. She is taking a year off of dating to focus on herself and hopefully find a way forward.
Isaiah Torres, twenty-seven, is a loner and prefers it that way. Sure, he has befriended fellow soldiers during his ten years in the Army, but life is easier without attachments. He learned that lesson the hard way ten years ago, and his whole family won’t let him live down what happened to his father. So much of the last decade has been spent on deployment, and he feels a little disconnected from his two brothers and three sisters when he heads home to his mother’s apartment in South-Central LA during his time off. People tend to love him or hate him, and it doesn’t much matter which to him. His poor communication skills don’t help matters, and neither do his stubborn streak and sometimes rash behavior. He spends his down time at sports bars, enjoying beer and women. He isn’t boyfriend material and doesn’t pretend otherwise. He has a one-and-done rule that he usually sticks to.
When Isaiah sits down at one of Mariska’s tables, he pushes her buttons like no other. His rude manners are shocking, and his insistence on having her break the strict one pancake policy has her putting her job on the line for him. When she literally bumps in to him later, neither can believe their luck. Despite their heated exchanges and Isaiah’s rudeness, they have a connection of sorts. Mariska’s bubbly personality cannot be tamped down, and even though nice with a big personality is totally not his type, Isaiah finds himself giving up control to a woman for the first time in ten years. Neither is interested in dating, and Isaiah deploys to Afghanistan again in one week. So Mariska proposes they spend the week together – a week of Saturdays – doing the kind of fun things that Saturdays are for. Strictly as friends, of course. No lies and no romance allowed.
Isaiah and Mariska’s enemies to lovers romance is a steamy slow burn with a feel-good ending. There are a few tears. It mixes Hollywood and military service. It is about taking chances and finding purpose. The story is well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. The characters are nicely developed. Isaiah’s unravels slowly, as he is a private person. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Isaiah and Mariska. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN COLD HEARTED:
Rhett & Ayla’s Story Is A Dark Dive Into Deceit Twisted With Grief! Ayla Hopes To Learn About A Half-Brother That Hated Her, But Learns There Is More To The Story Than She Had First Known. Rhett Turns Into A Crude And Cold-Hearted Monster As His Personal Life Crumbles.
Ayla Coldwell, twenty-five, never had a chance to meet her half-brother before the accident that took his life. At twenty-six, Bryce Renner was living the high life in New York. He was supposedly very popular with the ladies. His contract to play hockey for the New York Spartans had earned him a lavish lifestyle. As his only surviving family member, Ayla leaves her Los Angeles home and heads to New York to help settle her brother’s estate. She hopes to learn more about Bryce from his teammates. She had desperately wanted to establish a relationship with him since she had first learned of his existence twelve years ago, but Bryce had adamantly refused all attempts she made to contact him. He had hated her. He probably resented her existence, given that her mother nearly destroyed his parents’ marriage. But his mother had succumbed to a brain tumor years ago, and still he refused her. His father – the father that Ayla had never met – died more recently. So Ayla finds herself living in the apartment of a brother she has never met as she settles his affairs, trying to understand who Bryce was.
Rhett Carson, probably late twenties, likes his privacy and has no interest in PR stunts. That is why he chose to keep his engagement to Damiana Westwood – Victoria’s Secret Angel and highly sought after supermodel – out of the press. It was not common knowledge. Like so many of his teammates, Rhett had played the field when he first got his NHL contract, but he soon tired of it and sought something steady. He loved Damiana and looked forward to their future together. Bryce had been his best friend and his death hit Rhett hard. Bryce was the only person that really understood him, so his death left Rhett ungrounded. But the news that really sent him in a tailspin was the fact that Damiana had been in an accident, too. Lost and all alone in a world of pain, he vows never to get caught up in feelings again. He turns cold-hearted.
Rhett and Ayla’s story is deep and dark. It is about loss and detachment. Rhett spirals into darkness as his personal life crumbles. He turns into a crude and cold-hearted monster. But his loss is real, and his reaction might be wrong but it is heartfelt. His plight is sympathetic, and his behavior is a misguided reaction that serves to humanize his dark side. Ayla senses that he needs love, but there is a real underlying connection that ties them together. But Ayla will eventually need to return home to LA, and the truth has a way of coming out. What is already an unstable relationship built on a shallow foundation is destined to fail when tested. They each have to analyze their lives and work through their pain, and their road is full of challenges.
Rhett and Ayla’s story is a dark dive into deceit twisted with grief. Ayla hopes to learn about a brother that hated her, but learns there is more to the story than she had first known. Their story is nicely written. The plot sucks you in as the truth is gradually revealed. The characters’ journey through grief is complex. Pairing it with a new relationship only adds fuel to the fire. Their story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Rhett and Ayla. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN THE CRUELEST STRANGER:
Bennett And Alistaire's Beautiful And Angsty Journey Is About Two Very Lonely Souls. The Banter Is Fabulous!
Alistaire Carraro, twenty-six, cannot say no to anything or anyone, so she finds herself on a blind date in a suburban Chicago bar despite the fact that she isn't ready to move on. One year ago exactly, her fiance Trevor was killed in an accident, and she just isn't ready think about what comes next. Tragedy and hardship has followed her for her entire life. Nevertheless, she always looks for the positive in people and situations, so despite her reservations she puts on her happy face.
Growing up, Alistaire never knew her father and had a mother that gave her up to the state. By the time she was fourteen, she had been in thirteen foster homes. The best thing that happened to her was Linda, who adopted and saved her. Linda showed her what love and family mean. She taught Alistaire that the past doesn't dictate the future and gave her the tools she needed to be successful in life. But Linda died several years later, during Alistaire's freshman year at Indiana State.
Fortunately she had met Trevor by then, the love of her life. His unending kindness and compassion made him perfectly compatible with her bright and optimistic personality. They both became teachers and moved to Worthington Heights, Illinois. Alistaire's job as a kindergarten teacher suits her perfectly, but without Trevor she is both alone and lonely. She craves affection as a result of her rough childhood.
Bennett Schoenbach, thirty, is a practical man. He doesn't care about much because caring leads to weakness, and weakness leads to self-destruction. Any sign of softness in the Schoenbach family is like suicide. The Schoenbach name is like royalty in Chicago. Bennett's mother thrives on her social standing; she cares more about that than she ever did about being a mother. His sister Larissa never stood a chance.
Some call Bennett cruel, arrogant, heartless - but he doesn't care. He assumed ownership of the Schoenbach Corporation when his father died five years ago. It hasn't escaped him that half his employees despise him. He doesn't care, but he isn't a monster. He helps out occasionally with college money, mortgages, new cars, etc. - but he only does it anonymously. He doesn't need thanks.
Bennett loves Greek philosophy, which may play a part in why he finds it so entertaining to rile people up and watch them squirm. He always gets the last word in, and nothing is more thrilling than an angry romp. He doesn't do relationships and doesn't believe in marriage. It is one and done for him.
Anger brews and insults fly when Bennett and Alistaire meet at Ophelia's, a local bar. Yet underneath their frustration, an instant attraction draws them to one another. They are opposites, so they have a difficult journey. Miscommunication and misunderstanding threaten every step forward. Despite their very different backgrounds, both Bennett and Alistaire suffer from childhood neglect. Their responses are entirely opposite, though. Bennett internalizes his darkness which explodes from time to time, while Alistaire maintains an angelic outlook that helps her through tough times. Coincidence play a role in this story, and several matters arise that test the new couple's strength. They eventually earn a beautiful HEA.
Bennett and Alistaire's beautiful and angsty journey is about two very lonely souls finding solace in one another despite their very different personalities. It is a story about childhood neglect and refining family. It is very well-written. The plot is somewhat complex. The characters are well-defined and feel real. The banter between Bennett and Alistaire is fabulous! The POV alternates between Bennett and Alistaire. I rate this book five stars.
December 17, 2020
Royal
5 Stars
This is a book about second chances and forgiveness, and doing the right thing, even if it is painful. With all of that in mind, the characters were richly developed, and unafraid of putting loved ones' welfare and happiness above self. In that regard alone, this book stands out. There are probably a million books out there with the "gimme, gimme, I want it" theme flowing through them, but when an author makes the choice to write characters that self-suffer because they love someone and want that someone to be happy, that elevates the whole book.
I won't give you a synopsis of the story; too many other reviewers have already done that. I will say that I have enjoyed every book that Ms. Renshaw has written, and I love the way she isn't afraid to tackle tough issues in a realistic manner. There were times in this story that I was afraid there wouldn't be an HEA ending, but I can assure you, it does occur!
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I had a hard time putting it down, and only did so because I had to get some sleep. Nevertheless, I woke up at 4:15 am to finish it before my 5:50 am alarm! Ms. Winter, I am a FAN!
PS I Hate You
4 Stars
Isaiah is a jerk when Maritza first meets him. His behavior is jerk-like throughout the first part of the book. I’m not sure why Maritza was so set on spending his last week before deployment with him. For some reason, she was drawn to him, and he let it happen, even though he had no illusions that it would last.
So they spend this week together and we see hints that there is more to Isaiah... The way he cares for his mom and sister are strong hints. I don’t want to say anymore for fear of spoiling things.
Nonetheless, there are trials ahead for these two. Somehow, things do get better and the story reflects that. It builds slowly, then finished strongly. Well done, Ms. Renshaw! I have enjoyed every single book by this author.
Cold Hearted
4 Stars
Rhett was betrayed by his fiancé and his best friend, Bryce. It turns out Bryce had a half sister, Ayla, that he had never even met, but was working on finding his way to accepting when he died with Rhett’s fiancé. Ayla shows up for Bryce’s funeral, which Rhett decided to skip. A few days later, Rhett meets Ayla, but she never discloses her ‘relationship’ with Bryce. She tries, but gets shut down every time. When Rhett finally learns the truth, he feels this new betrayal even more deeply, because of the wounds that still haven’t healed from the first betrayal.
There is a lot of angst and anger in Rhett. He can be a decent guy, but he lets his pride take over and it influences his actions. His motives are clear, even if this reader doesn’t always agree with his actions. And Ayla has clear motives as well, but her actions aren’t always the best for her peace of mind. They finally figure it out.
This book has a steady pace through most of the story, with a couple of time breaks. The story holds the readers interest throughout.
The Cruelest Stranger
5 Stars
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!
The Perfect Illusion
5 Stars
Hudson is a total jerk. He behaves badly, acts entitled to whatever he wants, and treats women as objects and with disrespect. And Mari is awesome! She's sweet and authentic and she isn't afraid to let her boss know he's being an insensitive clod.
I love the way she influences his behavior not by trying to change him, but by being herself. She calls him on his jerk-like behavior, but she doesn't scream at him or complain. She just states it like she sees it. She is an awesome character!
It took me a while to warm up to Hudson, but he grows on you. There are a couple of snap judgements that lead to some misunderstandings, and there is one particular character who is easy to dislike. However, all-in-all, this is a fun and delicious read with a significant twist in it.
It has a wonderful ending--come to think of it, it has a wonderful middle and beginning as well! And it was well-edited, also. Enjoy!
Heartless
5 Stars
Another great read by Winter Renshaw! Her books always have heart, and they always dig below the surface to get to the important stuff. There is usually a twist of some sort that surprises the reader, and that was definitely true in this story. It is very loosely tied to her Rixton Falls series, in that a weekend is spent there, but there are no interactions with prior characters from that series, unfortunately. And that is my only complaint. I would have loved to touch base with some of those earlier characters from Rixton Falls.
I really enjoyed the growth that these two characters undergo throughout the story. I did not like Ace at all when he was first introduced. But as we get to know him better, he becomes more likable and we can see the reasons for his anti-social behaviors. The story is unpredictable and fun. I highly recommend this book and author!
Pricked
5 Stars
Brighton is a privileged 22-year-old who has been raised in wealthy circumstances with parents who have protected her for much of her life. Her life is mapped out for her by her parents and she’s starting to rebel. Her first rebellious foray is getting a tattoo at Madd Inkk, where she meets Madden, the shop owner. They are very different from each other, but each is intrigued by the other.
Brighton volunteers to be a big sister to a potentially troubled teen, who turns out to be Madden’s little sister, Devanie. Brighton and Devanie get to know each other and start spending time together and become friends a few weeks before she realizes that Madden and Devanie are related. Madden and Brighton start spending time together and start hooking up.
This story has several twists that the reader won’t be expecting! It was a true delight to delve into this book and discover the motivations driving each protagonist. It was fascinating to read these unexpected twists in this story, and to see how it all shakes out. The pacing is tight and this story pulls the reader back in as soon as possible after having to stop reading for whatever reason.
There is a lot of unexpected beauty in this book. The characters are quirky, yet likable and Devanie adds some interesting tension at times to the story flow. This author never fails to impress!
Love and Other Lies (formerly War and Love)
5 Stars
The main characters in this book are Jude Warner and Love Aldridge. This book had an amazing beginning and the ending was just as wonderful! The story is incredible and one you will enjoy. It’s very unique in the development of the main characters and the way they are set up to meet. The challenges that they face are also very interesting. This book held my interest and the plot kept me glued to it.
Jude’s job is to make Love fall in love with him, and he’s been primed to do just that. Then he is supposed to leave her hanging. He will earn a lot of money when he succeeds, and be able to help out his sister and her family. Let’s just say that things get complicated...
No spoilers here, but things get very interesting. I enjoyed this book mostly because it was unique and so well-done. The protagonists are both very likeable and you will most likely root for them through most of the book. I was sad to see it end, but was thrilled with the way the beginning and end echoed each other.
5 Stars
This is a book about second chances and forgiveness, and doing the right thing, even if it is painful. With all of that in mind, the characters were richly developed, and unafraid of putting loved ones' welfare and happiness above self. In that regard alone, this book stands out. There are probably a million books out there with the "gimme, gimme, I want it" theme flowing through them, but when an author makes the choice to write characters that self-suffer because they love someone and want that someone to be happy, that elevates the whole book.
I won't give you a synopsis of the story; too many other reviewers have already done that. I will say that I have enjoyed every book that Ms. Renshaw has written, and I love the way she isn't afraid to tackle tough issues in a realistic manner. There were times in this story that I was afraid there wouldn't be an HEA ending, but I can assure you, it does occur!
I would definitely recommend this book to others. I had a hard time putting it down, and only did so because I had to get some sleep. Nevertheless, I woke up at 4:15 am to finish it before my 5:50 am alarm! Ms. Winter, I am a FAN!
PS I Hate You
4 Stars
Isaiah is a jerk when Maritza first meets him. His behavior is jerk-like throughout the first part of the book. I’m not sure why Maritza was so set on spending his last week before deployment with him. For some reason, she was drawn to him, and he let it happen, even though he had no illusions that it would last.
So they spend this week together and we see hints that there is more to Isaiah... The way he cares for his mom and sister are strong hints. I don’t want to say anymore for fear of spoiling things.
Nonetheless, there are trials ahead for these two. Somehow, things do get better and the story reflects that. It builds slowly, then finished strongly. Well done, Ms. Renshaw! I have enjoyed every single book by this author.
Cold Hearted
4 Stars
Rhett was betrayed by his fiancé and his best friend, Bryce. It turns out Bryce had a half sister, Ayla, that he had never even met, but was working on finding his way to accepting when he died with Rhett’s fiancé. Ayla shows up for Bryce’s funeral, which Rhett decided to skip. A few days later, Rhett meets Ayla, but she never discloses her ‘relationship’ with Bryce. She tries, but gets shut down every time. When Rhett finally learns the truth, he feels this new betrayal even more deeply, because of the wounds that still haven’t healed from the first betrayal.
There is a lot of angst and anger in Rhett. He can be a decent guy, but he lets his pride take over and it influences his actions. His motives are clear, even if this reader doesn’t always agree with his actions. And Ayla has clear motives as well, but her actions aren’t always the best for her peace of mind. They finally figure it out.
This book has a steady pace through most of the story, with a couple of time breaks. The story holds the readers interest throughout.
The Cruelest Stranger
5 Stars
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!
The Perfect Illusion
5 Stars
Hudson is a total jerk. He behaves badly, acts entitled to whatever he wants, and treats women as objects and with disrespect. And Mari is awesome! She's sweet and authentic and she isn't afraid to let her boss know he's being an insensitive clod.
I love the way she influences his behavior not by trying to change him, but by being herself. She calls him on his jerk-like behavior, but she doesn't scream at him or complain. She just states it like she sees it. She is an awesome character!
It took me a while to warm up to Hudson, but he grows on you. There are a couple of snap judgements that lead to some misunderstandings, and there is one particular character who is easy to dislike. However, all-in-all, this is a fun and delicious read with a significant twist in it.
It has a wonderful ending--come to think of it, it has a wonderful middle and beginning as well! And it was well-edited, also. Enjoy!
Heartless
5 Stars
Another great read by Winter Renshaw! Her books always have heart, and they always dig below the surface to get to the important stuff. There is usually a twist of some sort that surprises the reader, and that was definitely true in this story. It is very loosely tied to her Rixton Falls series, in that a weekend is spent there, but there are no interactions with prior characters from that series, unfortunately. And that is my only complaint. I would have loved to touch base with some of those earlier characters from Rixton Falls.
I really enjoyed the growth that these two characters undergo throughout the story. I did not like Ace at all when he was first introduced. But as we get to know him better, he becomes more likable and we can see the reasons for his anti-social behaviors. The story is unpredictable and fun. I highly recommend this book and author!
Pricked
5 Stars
Brighton is a privileged 22-year-old who has been raised in wealthy circumstances with parents who have protected her for much of her life. Her life is mapped out for her by her parents and she’s starting to rebel. Her first rebellious foray is getting a tattoo at Madd Inkk, where she meets Madden, the shop owner. They are very different from each other, but each is intrigued by the other.
Brighton volunteers to be a big sister to a potentially troubled teen, who turns out to be Madden’s little sister, Devanie. Brighton and Devanie get to know each other and start spending time together and become friends a few weeks before she realizes that Madden and Devanie are related. Madden and Brighton start spending time together and start hooking up.
This story has several twists that the reader won’t be expecting! It was a true delight to delve into this book and discover the motivations driving each protagonist. It was fascinating to read these unexpected twists in this story, and to see how it all shakes out. The pacing is tight and this story pulls the reader back in as soon as possible after having to stop reading for whatever reason.
There is a lot of unexpected beauty in this book. The characters are quirky, yet likable and Devanie adds some interesting tension at times to the story flow. This author never fails to impress!
Love and Other Lies (formerly War and Love)
5 Stars
The main characters in this book are Jude Warner and Love Aldridge. This book had an amazing beginning and the ending was just as wonderful! The story is incredible and one you will enjoy. It’s very unique in the development of the main characters and the way they are set up to meet. The challenges that they face are also very interesting. This book held my interest and the plot kept me glued to it.
Jude’s job is to make Love fall in love with him, and he’s been primed to do just that. Then he is supposed to leave her hanging. He will earn a lot of money when he succeeds, and be able to help out his sister and her family. Let’s just say that things get complicated...
No spoilers here, but things get very interesting. I enjoyed this book mostly because it was unique and so well-done. The protagonists are both very likeable and you will most likely root for them through most of the book. I was sad to see it end, but was thrilled with the way the beginning and end echoed each other.
December 16, 2020
P.S. I Hate You
P.S. I Hate You is the story of how Maritza and Isaiah meet and develop a friendship before he leaves on deployment. I loved this book because of these two characters and how their friendship developed. Their week of Saturdays was the best idea ever. And with Maritza being the fun, care free person she is, made everything seem so easy going when maybe that wasn't the case. And of course Isaiah being the broody guy that he is, always made for interesting interactions with Maritza. Their slow burn of a relationship is fun to watch and makes the story go by too quick but worth the read. And then the twist at the end just adds that much more to the book.
Cold Hearted
Winter Renshaw has delivered another great read with Cold Hearted. Rhett and Ayla meet by chance in a bar. Rhett is trying to come to terms with his fiancé cheating on him with his best friend who happens to be Ayla's half- brother who she has never met. If that isn't enough to get you reading....this book has all the angst and heartache that can be delivered and it is wonderful! These two have sparks flying whenever they are together that they are burning up the pages!
The Cruelest Stranger
This may be my favorite Winter Renshaw book to date. Bennett is a broody business man and Astaire is a sweet teacher that believes in the good of everything. And when these two get together they have a fiery chemistry that includes tension and attraction and protection of themselves and others. Since this is a book written by Ms. Renshaw, expect the unexpected, the twists that come about in this book will throw you for a loop but always come back to the important message of family and love. I devoured this read and couldn't put it down once I started.
The Perfect Illusion
This book is fun with its twists and turns and I couldn't put it down until I was finished! Maribel is a very likable and believable heroine that can't pass up the once in a lifetime offer from her boss Hudson Rutherford. I don't want to given anything away but there are secrets and many players so go read this book now!!!
Heartless
This is a wonderful addition to Winter Renshaw's booklist. The story follows Ace and Aidy and their relationship to love story. And has its own little twist!
Pricked
Everything about Pricked is just wonderful, from the broken characters of Brighton and Madden, to the self discovery journey they both take during this story, to the overall theme of love and that yes, you can be and deserve to be loved by another! There is also the twists and turns that the story takes from beginning to end that will keep you turning page after page until you reach the end. Well done.
P.S. I Hate You is the story of how Maritza and Isaiah meet and develop a friendship before he leaves on deployment. I loved this book because of these two characters and how their friendship developed. Their week of Saturdays was the best idea ever. And with Maritza being the fun, care free person she is, made everything seem so easy going when maybe that wasn't the case. And of course Isaiah being the broody guy that he is, always made for interesting interactions with Maritza. Their slow burn of a relationship is fun to watch and makes the story go by too quick but worth the read. And then the twist at the end just adds that much more to the book.
Cold Hearted
Winter Renshaw has delivered another great read with Cold Hearted. Rhett and Ayla meet by chance in a bar. Rhett is trying to come to terms with his fiancé cheating on him with his best friend who happens to be Ayla's half- brother who she has never met. If that isn't enough to get you reading....this book has all the angst and heartache that can be delivered and it is wonderful! These two have sparks flying whenever they are together that they are burning up the pages!
The Cruelest Stranger
This may be my favorite Winter Renshaw book to date. Bennett is a broody business man and Astaire is a sweet teacher that believes in the good of everything. And when these two get together they have a fiery chemistry that includes tension and attraction and protection of themselves and others. Since this is a book written by Ms. Renshaw, expect the unexpected, the twists that come about in this book will throw you for a loop but always come back to the important message of family and love. I devoured this read and couldn't put it down once I started.
The Perfect Illusion
This book is fun with its twists and turns and I couldn't put it down until I was finished! Maribel is a very likable and believable heroine that can't pass up the once in a lifetime offer from her boss Hudson Rutherford. I don't want to given anything away but there are secrets and many players so go read this book now!!!
Heartless
This is a wonderful addition to Winter Renshaw's booklist. The story follows Ace and Aidy and their relationship to love story. And has its own little twist!
Pricked
Everything about Pricked is just wonderful, from the broken characters of Brighton and Madden, to the self discovery journey they both take during this story, to the overall theme of love and that yes, you can be and deserve to be loved by another! There is also the twists and turns that the story takes from beginning to end that will keep you turning page after page until you reach the end. Well done.
May 13, 2021
An easy read
I alternate from many genres & occasionally like an easy romance. I found Ms Renshaw to be an entertaining writer with likable characters. I’m not sure if I will read any more of her work as the story remained the same with a few character changes.
I alternate from many genres & occasionally like an easy romance. I found Ms Renshaw to be an entertaining writer with likable characters. I’m not sure if I will read any more of her work as the story remained the same with a few character changes.
December 14, 2020
Wow! What exceptional value for money this boxed set is. Each standalone book has an exciting storyline with hot and sexy characters to keep you entertained for hours. I highly recommend!
February 5, 2021
Good story
I would have enjoyed the story much more if I didn't have to fast forward through the explicit sexual descriptions.
I would have enjoyed the story much more if I didn't have to fast forward through the explicit sexual descriptions.
February 14, 2021
Great books
Great books. Enjoyed everyone of them. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read more from this author. Well written. Short and sweet storyline. Love the characters.
Great books. Enjoyed everyone of them. Highly recommended. Can't wait to read more from this author. Well written. Short and sweet storyline. Love the characters.
June 6, 2021
I read the first story but wasn't interested enough to continue.
April 14, 2023
Love Winter Renshaw’s writing! Even if some of the stories start to seem a little redundant, I can look past it because she’s an engaging writer. Great collection of books.
June 1, 2025
Loved this series of books. And, of course I love the author
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