I will start this by saying I have read all of the books by this author. More so I read the books previous to this one. While it wouldn’t be required, I would absolutely recommend it so that you can get the most out of the characters and feel.

Just like with the previous books this one is dark, bastardly and worth devouring.

Read if you like: emotionally unavailable fmc, blackmail, secrets, alpha-hole MMC, traumatised fmc, forbidden romance, nightmares

3.5 ⭐️
Bane has a horrible reputation of being a liar, con, thief and manwhore. He thrives on gaining power and thinks that people are a game.
Jesse has gone through traumatic situations and she’s now a shell of a human. Learning her story horrified me and broke my heart.

Ngl I didn’t like Bane at first at all. I really thought he was a terrible MMC. But then he won me over the first time he protected Jesse 😂 I am WEAK for a man who will physically protect the FMC

Not bane firing someone just to give her a job 😫😭
I loved them together. I hated how the town cast them out, called them names, and judged them. But I’m glad that they could be outliers together.
I would’ve loved to see more romance, and I still have a few unanswered qs
The random ending to do with his mum I was questioning too 😭

Ever since I read "The Monster" by L.J Shen any of her books are an auto read for me and "Bane" did not disappoint. The banter it top notch. At one point Bane tells Jesse thanks for an invite to her pity party but he's busy tonight.

Roman "Bane" Protsenko is a bad man/ paid escort who is trying to open a surf mall. To get the money he needs to edge out Baron "Vicious" Spencer he makes a deal with Darren, a dowdy businessman who has some conditions. For 6 months Bane needs to befriend Darren's stepdaughter Jesse Carter. And drag her out of hiding from the world after an incident. However, if Bane touches Jesse or lets her know about the deal, its off. Jesse is a tough person to befriend as Bane learns and keeping his hands off her is even harder.

The only thing I did not like about this book is how you are kind of beat over the head with the fact Bane is a bad person. At one point Bane even says, "I f*** women I shouldn't be f****** to get away with f*****-up s*** I shouldn't be doing". Like they want us to know he is such a bad person, but it gets to the point where it's not realistic. Like how he's always smoking. Or he turns around and says like "oh the next person who gawks at me is out. How about them apples?", like no one says that I got to admit I did laugh at that one thou.

“Falling in love is when you lose yourself slowly, piece by piece.
Infatuation is when you lose yourself all at once.
Love is like ivy. It wraps around you, chokes every part of you quietly. It is not patient, or kind, or gentle. It is needy, cunning, and suffocating.” — Bane by LJ Shen

I really loved this story. Jesse has been through hell and back and just wants to fade into the background and pretend she doesn’t exist. Her stepfather wants her to come back to life and so he hires Bane, the town baddie, to help him do it. The only rule? Leave Jesse untouched. Bane isn’t worried, the money he can gain is far more important to him than a quick hookup.

But as Bane and Jesse get closer and he starts to unravel her tough exterior, he realizes his own walls aren’t nearly as tough as he once thought and things just got a whole lot more complicated.

This story has some very heavy subjects so I highly recommend checking triggers but overall, it’s a great story of overcoming some really awful things.

I adore a fast paced book! And this one was no exception. We get right into the action and even though the topics throughout were very heavy, I could not put this one down. Bane is a charmer for sure and the way he calls Jesse snowflake melted my heart. Jesse is a strong, bad ass woman. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series 😍

I'm a huge fan of LJ Shen. She never disappoints. I loved Bane and Jesse's story. Sad to see the series end. What a great conclusion.

LJ can be a hit or miss author for me. She has her brand locked down though. Bane was actually a decent read and I enjoyed the story. It has some darker moments (as most of LJs books do) but I think they were handled well. One of her better works in my opinion!

Bane is a dual POV darker contemporary romance. Roman/“Bane” is a thief, a conman, and a paid escort who is trying to find funding for a surf mall he wants to open up. He finds a business partner in Darren, a man willing to fund Surf City in exchange for Bane spending the next six months befriending his step-daughter, Jesse. Jesse was the victim of a brutal sexual assault two years ago and had retreated from the world as a result. The deal’s catch… Bane cannot sleep with Jesse

This was a much darker romance than I normally read, with a lot of trauma. The story is well written and Jesse is an admirable character but it might not be for everyone just due to the subject matter. I loved how perfectly imperfect Bane and Jesse were together and I’m definitely glad I read this one!

Read dates: 07/12/2024- 07/17/2024
Goodreads review: 07/17/2024
Instagram review: 07/18/2024
Blog review: 07/30/2024

I adore LJ Shen she really knows how to bring a story to life. I loved the story between Bane and Jesse. This was one of her darker more emotional works and completed her series Sinners of Saint. I went through all the emotions , this story will stick with me.

Thank you Sourcebooks, Bloom books & netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Every single LJ Shen book I have read, I have LOVEEED!!! I stumbled upon her books randomly, I never read her series in order for some reason (idk how that happened) but I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them (Angry God is literally one of my fave books of all time), This book was no different. I have read all of the All Saints High series so it was interesting going backwards in time and reading Bane. It made me really miss this universe and want to read the beginning of the series to learn more about the parents!! Roman and Jesse 🥺🥺 it was literally love at first sight. I enjoyed the journey of growth and recovery in this book.

If you're looking for a book slightly on the darker side, with lots of tension and drama, I would highly recommend checking this book out!!

Bane: ★★★★☆ (4)

*Romance*Excitment*Bane
I absolutely loved this book. The character development was wonderful. It was such a beautiful story and I loved how it ended. “Bane” is such a loving character and so is Jesse. Definitely a great read for the summer.

Well, the blurb fell very short with the description of this book. It is much rawer, more heartbreaking and have the strongest characters in the series
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Bane appears in the third book of the series and once he appears you want to continue reading about him. But when you open this book you will be left with your mouth open and without knowing it you will fall in love with it. del con artist, the liar and for a good price the best lover. At twenty-five years old, Bane built a business network that did not make him a millionaire at all, but did make him one of the most powerful people in Todos los Santos.
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But even looking for serious investors for your businesses can be very difficult. So when a nouveau riche comes to town and offers him the money he needs without any ifs or buts. No buts but with one favor in exchange and one condition, which involves his stepdaughter.
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Jesse has been locked in her room for the last two years, only leaving to go to her therapist, visit her older next-door neighbor, or go for a late-night run with her dog.
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And when the infamous Bane Protsenko approaches her, Jesse hesitates. But with the so big wounds she carries and her life so secluded and solitary, she lets him in little by little, and without realizing it her life begins to change
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You may think that there is chemistry and they are going to become much more, which happens at some point, but what you don't expect is to read such broken characters, trying to be strong and showing their wounds, their truth for first time with such precious vulnerability and intimacy full of a powerful energy between them that comes out of the pages to you. You don't expect such a painful and cruel story to give rise to such a passionate love story.
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This is where I should warn about the trigger warnings, although it does not happen on the page, the story reviews Jesse's memories as a victim of violent situations and rape, family neglecting and abuse, depression and mental health struggles , and if you have read any book by L J Shen you know that she writes in a way in which It is so easy to slip into the skin of the characters and feel alongside them every part of their story so take care if is something that can be a trigger for you
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The story has a beautiful ending and a closure that marks the beginning of another life for the characters, one that makes you long for more pages and epilogues.
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So yes, I enjoyed it a lot, even the parts where I felt pain for Jesse and all the people who went through a similar situation, I loved that Bane was the one who brought her back and she rose from the ashes that they turned her into, I loved seeing the girl with the Pushkin tattoo stronger than ever changing Bane and turning him in the person of her happy ending
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Thanks to L J Shen and SourceBooks Bloom for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.

This line right freaking here was a constant throughout the book and I have to say its becoming my favorite book quote of all time. 👇🏼

“My Whole Life Has Been Pledged to This Meeting with You” - Pushkin

It’s the theme of the whole book. And this book, like the quote, is honestly my all time favorite read this year. Its raw and beautiful and tragic all at the same time.

Jesse Carter is a shell of a person she used to be and Bane is tasked with bringing her back to life, for a price. Both has demons that need to be slayed throughout the book and slayed they were. My god I cannot say this enough but a book where the heroine is a badass and takes no prisoners is the ultimate book for female empowerment.

“The princess’s sword was bloody. But she refused to sheathe it. She wanted to leave a trail of their misery behind her”

This book touches on some very sensitive issues so please read the trigger warnings. That being said, I would highly recommend it.

I liked this one! It’s my first book by the author. Definitely full of drama and suspense and heartache and romance. I enjoyed it overall.

I love Roman. Bane. Whatever you want to refer to him as...I would like to be his friend in real like. Maybe a barista for him? :P
He is crass, he is stubborn, he is stuck in his ways, and he often does the wrong thing because he feels like it...until it comes to doing the right thing for Jesse. The trauma bond between these two is unlike others I have read, and because it is so genuine and supportive, it definitely hit me in the feels!
I have not read the rest of the series, but being that it is a standalone within the series, I don't think I missed any major points in reading this! There are names and instances referenced that I am sure I would have had some additional insight on, but nothing took away from this book.
I do think I will go back and read the others, though! I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Thank you Netgalley, the Author and publisher for the ARC of this re-release.

This is my second book by Lj Shen.

Bane is a tragic story about Roman, our MMC and Jesse, our female lead. The story delves into darker topics, such as rape and torture.

Both characters were likable and for me personally, the story picked up after the second half of the book
I also want to appreciate the fact that it was written from a first person pov and therefore it hit differently.

The chemistry between the two were okay. I didn't really click with them as a couple.

Overall my rating is 2.5 Stars.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: "Bane" by LJ Shen

"Bane" by LJ Shen is a captivating tale that delves deep into the dark and twisted lives of Roman 'Bane' Protsenko and Jesse Carter. Shen's signature style of weaving intense, emotionally charged narratives shines brightly in this book, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

Characters and Chemistry:
Roman 'Bane' Protsenko is the epitome of a complex anti-hero. A naked surfer and habitual pothead, Bane's character is initially introduced as a con, liar, thief, and fraud. However, there's more to him than meets the eye. His unexpected humility and earnestness in seeking friendship and services hint at a deeper, more vulnerable side. Bane's character arc is both intriguing and satisfying, as readers are taken on a journey from his dubious past to his quest for redemption.

Jesse Carter, on the other hand, is a strong, enigmatic heroine. Described as hot as hell and cold as ice, Jesse's icy exterior is a protective shield against a world that has wronged her. Her resilience and strength make her a formidable match for Bane. The chemistry between Bane and Jesse is electric, with their interactions oscillating between fiery confrontations and tender, vulnerable moments. Shen masterfully builds their relationship, layer by layer, making their eventual connection feel both inevitable and deeply satisfying.

Plot and Pacing:
The plot of "Bane" is intricately woven, with each twist and turn revealing more about the characters and their motivations. Bane's initial plan to use Jesse as collateral for a deal with her stepdad adds a layer of suspense and tension to the narrative. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of intense passion, heart-wrenching vulnerability, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Themes and Writing Style:
"Bane" explores themes of redemption, trust, and the power of love to heal deep wounds. Shen's writing is evocative and immersive, pulling readers into the dark, gritty world of her characters. Her ability to create multifaceted characters with real, relatable emotions is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

Conclusion:
In "Bane," LJ Shen delivers a powerful, emotionally charged romance that will leave readers breathless. With its complex characters, sizzling chemistry, and masterful storytelling, "Bane" is a must-read for fans of dark romance. Bane and Jesse's journey from mistrust and manipulation to love and redemption is a compelling testament to the transformative power of love.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I think this was first LJ Shen book but it definitely won’t be my last. It did start off a little slow for me and was a bit hard for me to get into. However once it got going I couldn’t put it down.

In this book you have Bane (Roman) who is a Liar, Thief and a con man who would do anything to rise to the top. So when he’s propositioned to help a girl (Jesse) come out of her shell after a traumatic event for 6 million dollars he thinks it’s easy money! Only one problem he’s not allowed to touch her or fall for her.

I over all enjoyed this book but there are some elements I wish was left out. Such as the graphic detail in which Jesse’s memory came back…that was an especially hard scene to read.

I would give this a solid 3.5 stars and I would definitely read more of her books.

Great love story, but let me warn you it will break your heart in pieces. This book is full of twists and secrets that will keep you on the edge the whole time you’re reading it. It was so easy to fall in love with Roman, he will have my heart forever.!

In this gritty tale, we meet Bane, a naked surfer, habitual pothead, and all-around bad boy. He's a con artist, a liar, and a thief—someone you'd expect to extort the rich and seduce their wives. But when he unexpectedly shows up at Jesse Carter's doorstep, seeking friendship and redemption, everything changes. Jesse, hot as hell yet cold as ice, becomes the tough nut Bane is determined to crack. Their chemistry is electric, their pasts haunting, and their journey together both heart-wrenching and exhilarating.

L.J. Shen masterfully crafts a story that delves into trauma, resilience, and the power of love. Bane's raw vulnerability and Jesse's strength make them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. Shen's lyrical prose draws you in, and her exploration of the darkest corners of the human experience leaves a lasting impact. Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions, despicable villains, and a romance that transcends the ordinary.

So, if you're ready to be swept away by passion, redemption, and unexpected connections, grab a copy of Bane. It's not your typical fairy tale; it's a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the kind of love that saves you—even when you're your own worst enemy.