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.

3.5/5 stars
Okay! I enjoyed this one for what it was. I had hoped that by reading this, I'd be able to form my own opinion on the author since I had heard of the drama in the past. The writing and story were good--they didn't blow me out of the water, but I was able to finish, so if you're into the New Adult/early adult age romance (some parts still in school, series wise, which is a HUGE no-no for me. I just can't handle reading about 18/19/20 year olds and everything being so taboo all the time), then I would give it a go.

From the first part of the book, I was hooked! I’ve heard of L.J. Shen but haven’t read any of the books. This book definitely set a precedent, and now I want to read everyone of their books.

I haven't read an L.J. Shen book in a while so it was nice to read some of her writing again. I loved Bane, give me a bad boy with a soft side any day. Jesse was so freaking strong. I admire her so much.

This was definitely a little bit darker than I expected. I would definitely advise checking TWs. I loved the twist that definitely had me dropping my jaw.

When this comes out in physical form, I’m buying one and giving it to every friend. Bane and Jessie are THE couple.

What I loved about both Bane and Jesse was the fact that she saw past his reputation and track record and he saw past her tragedy. They were very similar in that they were both running away and hiding parts of themselves they weren't ready to face. But they were each other's respective catalyst to move out of the shadows. He was in fact the first person to see her, to want to fix her and heal her. He was her protector and the man that stood in front of her while she faced the world. He became the first deep breath she took after not living for a long time and her compass bringing her back to the land of the living.

Dark, intense, emotional, and quite the rollercoaster ride as two broken people somehow come together. Secrets within secrets, multiple agendas, and affluent privilege all weave together. Many surprises in store, and a satisfying conclusion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve loved everything I’ve read from L.J. and Bane was no exception.
Although this is book 4 in the Sinners of Saints series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Bane is the ideal bad boy book boyfriend 🥵
Jesse has been through unimaginable things and has since shut out the world ❤️‍🩹

During a business deal with Jesse’s step dad, Bane is told to befriend Jesse & get her back out in the world. There’s one rule. She’s forbidden to him romantically. Honestly he can have any woman he wants, so this should be easy 😏

There were so many shocking twists and turns in this book, I literally had no idea what direction it was heading at times.
There is so much growth and character development, you can’t help but feel attached to them individually and as a couple.

I have read about every book by LJ shen starting with the kissing thief. Her books are fast pace and tend to move a speed that is believable and wanting more. Love LJ Shane and will read anything she writes.

Title: Bane

Author: L.J. Shen

Rating: ★★★★

Hold onto your surfboards and prepare for a wild ride with Bane by L.J. Shen!

This book introduces us to Bane, a naked surfer, habitual pothead, and all-around bad boy. Known for extorting the rich and seducing their wives, he's the last person you'd expect to show up humbled at your doorstep. But that's exactly what happens, and he’s seeking friendship, services, and maybe something more from our heroine.

Enter Jesse Carter: hot as hell, cold as ice. She’s tough, elusive, and completely unaware of Bane’s existence until she becomes collateral in a shady deal with her oil tycoon stepdad. Bane sees her as a tough nut to crack, and he’s got just the teeth for it.

From the first page, Bane dives into dark and traumatic themes, so a trigger warning check is definitely recommended.

However, if you're up for the challenge, you'll find a story filled with some of the best romance tropes: age gap, forced proximity, friends to lovers, and forbidden romance. The twists and turns kept me hooked, and the chemistry between Bane and Jesse is off the charts!

This book isn’t for everyone, but for those who love a dark, twisty romance with intense characters and an unputdownable plot, Bane is a must-read. Get ready to fall, crash, and drown in Bane’s sweet, perfect lies!

Thank you to The Publisher SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books, the author L.J. Shen & Netgalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

5 stars for everything but four stars because jesse dislikes taylor aka my fave artist (yes, i'm a swiftie)
the writing of this is phenomenal. It's so rare to see romance with elegant writing.
Again, everything about this book is perfect except the mention of dislike of my queen

4.5 stars

I really didn’t know what to expect with this book- I had not read the previous ones in the series but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the characters and finished the book in a day!