Omg. I juts binged through this entire series. The whole series is amazing. Every book revolves around a different couple, but is also in some ways intertwined.

Bane is technically a spinoff of the original series, but still has ties to the original series. I loved watching all of the men in these books find themselves and the love of their lives. Each man and woman are all broken in their own ways, but have beautiful stories.

Banes story, as with the others, shows so much growth and has a heartbreaking story. This story revoles more around the the female that steals his heart ans Bane becoming the man she needs, but because he wants to be that for her.

I loved all the support Bane gives to Jesse. He never made her feel small or unworthy. He always lifted her up and showed her she was worth so much more than the shitty hand she was dealt.

Jesse is such a great character. Her story is heartbreaking and fucked up. I loved watching her grow into herself and re-find her confidence and worth. Her character was really given room to breathe and the story to unfold. And wow.... Her story might be my favorite of the series. Though they are all so so so good.

What a twisted story of redemption, revenge and self discovery!

Pretty early on, I was ready to war for my girl Jesse. She went through things that made you want to burn the world in her name. That leads us to Bane, the hot bad boy who takes Jesse on to fix her, only to remind her of who she was all along and even tackle his own issues in the process. I have so much respect for the fact that this could have easily been a story of the bad boy falling in love and fixing the girl but instead he gave her the tools to fix her own life, make her own way and become her own person with the appropriate support at each level. I felt really proud of them as characters in the end, their growth and development individually could literally be miles long in comparison to who they started as. But it also felt natural and paced right. They became friends first, lovers next and unstoppable in the end!

One note about the writing style, it was overly detailed sometimes. I know this book is so emotional so the inner dialogue is heavy on both sides and I know that led to me believing in their growth but sometimes, you would forget what the last action or outside dialogue was because the inner was so heavy and detailed. It didn't deter my reading experience at all but I do think it could have been lightened some with the same end result!

Considering this is my first L.J. Shen read, I am now going to fall into a rabbit hole!
Thank you to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adore the Sinners of Saint series - LJ Shen writes those moody hotholes so well. I was never very sure about reading BANE because for me, the series ended with Trent....however, I should never have doubted LJ. This is a complete standalone and is a spinoff from the SoS series, and let me tell you, I absolutely loved Bane and Jesse. Their story was so much more than I had imagined and is probably now my favourite alongside Vicious. It was a delicious slow-burn, full of angst and steam, and I loved every minute.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒕?"
"𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒆𝒙𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓."
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 "𝑶𝒉, 𝑮𝒐𝒅."
"𝒀𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕, 𝒕𝒐𝒐."

LJ Shen books never miss. I loved Roman aka Bane and Jesse's story so much. Please do check your tw though before diving in. I wouldn't call this a dark romance but, Jesse's history/past is not a pleasant one. She had some dark things done to her by people she trusted and she was silenced and scared to live for years afterwards until she meets Roman.

Roman is a male escort, thief, pothead and liar but, he's trying to make his mark in this Socal surf town and needs money to open up a surf mall - Jesse's stepfather is willing to invest if Roman agrees to help his stepdaughter learn to live again after being assaulted 2 years ago. She's scared to be around men, she has no friends, rarely leaves the house and is a shell of herself. Only clause is that he cannot tell her about their deal and he can't touch her. Needless to say, Roman does bring Jesse out of her shell buuuutt the man who has never had a relationship before and never loved anyone other than his mother falls in love with our girl. There is angst and their relationship is not an easy one but, it was beautiful.

I loved Roman's character. He never saw her as this broken thing, he knew she was strong, fierce and had so much life in her - she just needed someone to see her and give her a reason to crawl out of the dirt people left her in. I adored how he was with her, how loving her came so easily to him that he didn't even realize it was happening. All he wanted was to make her smile, make her happy and help her find her light and strength again and Jesse..girl went through SO much and my heart hurt so much for young Jesse and what she went through and how everyone failed her in her life until Roman. Under it all she was just a bright light that had been dimmed for too long and just needed someone to clear the fog again for her. She was sassy, she was a spitfire and she was so damn brave and strong. She deserved the World and I'm so happy she got her HEA.

Ratings:
✨️: 4/5
🌶: 3/5

Forget morally grey, Roman "Bane" Protsenko is flat out morally black. And I'm here for it. I love the whole changing only for her vibe, and seeing a bad boy melt to a softer side. And our poor multiply broken Jesse. The strength and growth she shows throughout the story is amazing. I loved watching her come out of her shell and own her past and then conquer it.

Shen is the queen of dark romance and this is book is no exception. She expertly weaves dark heavy topics that keep you emotionally invested, paired with some great spice. Our heroes never really fit a specific mould and are unapologetically themselves. We get so many delicious layers.

If you're looking for dark, twisty, and full of angst, then I recommend picking up Bane. Being cautious of course of content warnings listed below.

TW: childhood sexual assault, gang rape, assault, death of a parent, body mutilation, marijuana use, infidelity, toxic parents

This book was just not for me. From the beginning I didn’t like the MMC, at all. I tried to give it a chance and keep reading but I ended up hating him all the same by the end 🤣 this book wasn’t for me but I’d be open to reading more by this author! Book was fast paced and easy to read. I think I’d like other story lines by her!

He is the bane of her existence...

Bane is not a hero. He's a pothead, naked surfer, a grifter, who made a deal with the devil (Jesse's stepfather) and he's totally down to use Jesse for kicks. She truly is collateral damage and Bane is going to cause a whole lot of damage and there will be no groveling. Ambivalent.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. Bane is the fourth book in the Sinners of Saint series. This book follows the story of Jesse and Bain. We got a glimpse of Bane in book three and in this one we get to learn a whole lot more. This book does deal with some sensitive topics. This takes you on a journey with Jesse and Bain (Roman) as both of them have some very personal growth. This has been my favorite book in the series. This book doesn't have as much spice as previous books in the series but still is fairly spicy and the plot of this book was great. You can read this book as a stand alone without being confused. I highly recommend reading this book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down.

I fell in love with this series when it was vicious and Millie, and this one, once again didn’t disappoint. Babe was perfection in a MMC and I couldn’t get enough.

This is a must read from Shen, and a hit out of the park!

The final book in the Sinners series, Bane, is a remarkable conclusion that stands out as the best of the entire series. Bane emerges as a compelling anti-hero, and his complex moral journey captivates from the start. Jesse, with his enigmatic past and solitary nature, reveals a more compassionate side of Bane, adding depth to his character.

The story unfolds with a gripping mix of emotional twists and unpredictable action, each development feeling natural and heightening the suspense. This masterful and intricate finale wraps up the series on a high note, leaving readers satisfied and eager for more.

First, I'm not sure I've every loved a FMC as much as I love Jesse, she is one of a kind. I felt ever emotion I could for her and was rooting for her the entire time.
Bane is the perfect annoying bad boy who you couldn't help but fall for.
This book captivated me and I could not put it down.
This book has Banter
This book has Angst
This book has Drama (and heartache from a woman's POV)
This book has sex but more importantly this book has a Knight in shinning armor (even if its unconventional)

Definitely a MUST READ!

"My Whole Life Has Been Pledged to This Meeting with You"

Bane is book #4 in the Sinners of Saint series but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. There is so much to say about this story! Raw & gritty are the two words that kept floating in my head. This is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are so many layers to this story! It will grip your heart then make you laugh.

Roman “Bane” Protsenko does things his way. He is a naked surfer. Habitual pothead. A con, a liar, a thief and a fraud. He is a mover and a shaker. He has a lot of irons in the fire. He is also feared. He does what needs to be done. Survival is key. Bane is the ultimate anti-hero. But there is so much more to him….

I didn’t see the point in making an effort to look like them. I wasn’t them. I was me. I was an outsider, with no lineage, no fancy last name, or historic legacy.

His quest to secure financing to build a surf park leads him to oil tycoon Darren Morgansen. Part of the deal to secure the financing is to befriend his stepdaughter Jesse, give her a job, and help to bring her out of her shell. She is a self-imposed shut in. Only leaving the house when absolutely necessary. The prologue was devastating as we learn why Jesse doesn’t want to leave the house. Her story is told bit by bit.

The combination of Bane & Jesse is amazing. Two halves that make a whole. They have crazy chemistry. Jesse sees Bane for who he is, not the outcast that he is portrayed as. Likewise, Bane connects with Jesse and sees through her issues. He embraces them. They challenge each other on many different levels.

The story unfolds and the layers are peeled away like an onion. There are so many back stories. There are so many emotional parts but funny parts as well. I loved watching the evolution of both Bane and Jesse. It is a long fight to overcome their fears and really open up to one another. And let’s talk about sex! Whooo! Bane is not shy or simple. Hot hot stuff! I also love the way Bane encouraged Jesse to be herself and heal herself – not wait to be “saved.”

“You don’t need a prince, princess. You need a sword.”

Strap yourself in and get ready for the ride! Bane will have you flying around on a roller coaster! Just when you think the ride is over, you hit another huge drop. Ruckus move over, you have been replaced.

“I wanted to see for myself.”
“See what?”
“What my successor looks like.”

My first L.J. Shen book and the chemistry between Bane and Jesse is freakin’ hot! Both are scarred and trying to overcome their grief from traumatic experiences in their own way end up finding healing through each other! As they say, like calls to like. So, so, so good! On my way to get other books in the Sinners of Saint series. This is one I’ve already started telling everyone about!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

So much more to this book than romance. The twists and turns were a nice surprise. Intensely emotional.

In the grand finale of the Sinners series, the story reaches its apex with what is arguably the best book of the whole series. The novel brilliantly showcases Bane as an anti-hero, a character whose complex moral compass had me captivated from the beginning. His transformation is both surprising and satisfying, largely thanks to Jesse, who stands out as a recluse with an enigmatic past.

Jesse’s character brings out a previously unseen heroism in Bane, unraveling his anti-hero tendencies and revealing a deeper, more compassionate side. The interplay between their characters drives the narrative forward, adding layers of emotional depth and intrigue.
The story itself is a twisted web of emotions and unpredictable action. Each twist feels organic, adding to the tension and excitement. This intricate and gripping conclusion is the perfect way to end the series on a high note, leaving readers both fulfilled and eager for more.

“Bane” by L.J. Shen is a provocative and intense contemporary romance that explores the tumultuous relationship between Jesse Carter and Roman “Bane” Protsenko. Jesse, scarred by her past and determined to keep her heart guarded, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Bane, a notorious and enigmatic figure known for his reckless lifestyle and manipulative ways.

The story unfolds with Jesse wary of Bane’s sudden appearance in her life, especially knowing his reputation for exploiting others for personal gain. However, as they navigate their complex connection, Jesse discovers layers to Bane beyond his facade of indifference and ambition. Despite her initial resistance, Jesse begins to unravel under Bane’s charm, leading to a passionate and tumultuous romance filled with tension and undeniable chemistry.

Shen skillfully develops the characters of Jesse and Bane, imbuing them with depth and complexity. Jesse’s resilience and inner strength contrast sharply with Bane’s vulnerabilities and inner turmoil, creating a dynamic and compelling relationship dynamic. As their bond deepens, both characters confront their past traumas and insecurities, challenging each other to confront their true selves.

The narrative is driven by Shen’s evocative prose, which captures the intensity of their emotional journey while exploring themes of trust, redemption, and the healing power of love. The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep readers engaged and invested in the outcome of Jesse and Bane’s relationship.

Overall, “Bane” is a gripping and passionate romance novel that delves into the complexities of love and forgiveness amidst personal and external conflicts. L.J. Shen’s storytelling prowess shines through in this compelling tale of two individuals navigating their way through past scars and present desires, making it a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance with a touch of suspense and redemption.

4.5☆

Trigger warning:
s*xual assault victim

Tropes:
Forbidden love
Dual POV
Asshole alpha MMC
Strong FMC

"They can't hurt you if you don't give them permission to."
"The princess saves herself in this fairytale"

So I have actually read this book before, 3-4 years ago and this is my first reread since. I am a big fan of LJ Shen's books and this one is no different. This story follows Bane, the new big bad bully of Todos Santos, the city of the richest people in the country, who is supposed to be taking over Vicious' mantle and is trying to expand his business. He takes on a business deal involving Jesse Carter, a girl out of touch with society after she was betrayed by people she trusted.

Phew can I just say, that first chapter was emotionally heavy. There were many times when my heart broke for Jesse because she didn't deserve the shit she went through., no one does. She begins the story as this meek girl who can't stand even being touched to being the person to save herself out of the situation she was in. Jesse was such a commendable FMC, like she is by far one of the strongest I have read about.

Bane? Dear God, somebody get me one PLS. What I liked about him was that he continued to treat Jesse normally, without kid gloves or without the judgment the city has given her. They were both outcasts in a city that hated them but they grew to having each other. Oh AND???? He just simply did not give a damn about anybody's money and will fuck anybody up for Jesse. We love overly obsessed alphas!!!

This was the last installment of LJ Shen's Sinners of Saint Book, and I highlyyyyyyyy recommend it. It was a great ending to the story, and while I reread Dean's and Rosie's stories frequently, looks like I'll be reading Bane's and Jesse's too.

Thank you NetGalley, Bloombooks and LJ Shen for this ARC Copy!!!!

Roman is freaking 🔥

He was my favorite part of the book

Snowflake - I thought it was odd that she wasn't turned off by the nickname considering all the things snowflakes were linked to.
Her character was good also, although the child rape turned me off for sure.


The story line was good, I was happy to see the ending turn out how it did.
There were definitely a lot of twists I did not see coming.

being on a boys ban is rough but when if he is all man? and attractive? but then she's only there to pass his time...

This is now my favorite book in this series. I loved Bane and Jesse. I loved how they were both broken and were able to heal each other despite their circumstances. I felt their connection and rooted for them through the whole book.

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.