The third and final installment of the “Cruel Castaways” series, “Cold Hearted Casanova” is a romantic drama-com with a tiny hint of politics which gives the story an edgy feel. The story centers on Daphne Markham, a British national on a work visa in the U.S. She works for Gretchen, a TV anchor who just happened to be recently hired for a job at the White House. And with Gretchen leaving the station, Daphne will lose her work visa, that is until Murphy’s Law rears its head.
A boss from hell, Gretchen abuses her power and asks Daphne to run errands for her which is way beyond the purview of a Personal Assistant’s job, (she has 6 but Daphne gets the brunt of it). So, during one of those errands, Daphne accidentally caught Gretchen who is married, and having an affair.
Enter Riggs Bates, a highly in-demand photographer and incognito billionaire, who happened to be the other consenting adult in the affair. Gretchen was scared to be in a scandal because she would lose her new job at the White House. So, Daphne took advantage of the situation and blackmailed Riggs to marry her so that she can get a green card.
Easy peasy, right? No, it’s not. This tactic had been done so many times that the USCIS is very aware of it. So, Riggs and Daphne had to cohabitate. And in her tiny New York apartment, their forced proximity ended into Riggs and Daphne consummating their marriage.
Well, this looks like your HEA, right? But wait, we are not even halfway through the book yet. Fans of L.J. Shen know that she does not make it easy for the hero and heroine. Like the first two books in the “Cruel Castaways” series, “Cold Hearted Casanova” is not only a romance. It is also a journey of finding oneself and learning to love yourself. Riggs and Daphne took that journey together and separately. They pull at your heartstrings every step of the way, even during the comedic moments. And though I enjoyed the first two books immensely, I can also honestly say that Riggs and Daphne are my two favorite characters in the series.
It’s a great read. Still, I will suggest that you also listen to the audiobook. Daphne was voiced by Heather Long while Riggs Bates was voiced by Tor Thom. They were cast perfect for the book. That said, it would have been better than perfect if it was recorded as a duet.
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Summary
Cold Hearted Casanova” is a romantic drama-com with a tiny hint of politics which gives the story an edgy feel
