Bane by L.J. Shen (Paperback)

Jesse Carter has learned to keep her distance from men who bring chaos into her life. After everything she has been through, she has made a clear decision to avoid relationships and protect herself from further damage. That resolve is tested when Roman “Bane” Protsenko arrives unexpectedly, disrupting the carefully controlled world she has built.

Bane carries a reputation that precedes him. A surfer with a reckless lifestyle and a history of cons and questionable choices, he is not someone Jesse should trust. Yet there is something different about the way he presents himself now. Behind the confidence and charm, there are hints of vulnerability that do not match the image she expected.

Their connection begins under complicated circumstances tied to a deal involving Jesse’s family. What starts as an arrangement with hidden motives quickly develops into something far more personal. Jesse finds herself drawn to someone she should avoid, while also questioning his true intentions and the role she plays in his plans.

As their paths continue to cross, boundaries blur and emotions deepen. Jesse must confront her guarded instincts, while Bane faces the challenge of proving whether his feelings are genuine or part of a larger agenda. The tension between trust and deception grows stronger, making every interaction feel uncertain and charged with meaning.

Set within a world of emotional conflict, hidden agendas, and intense attraction, this story explores how two people shaped by different forms of pain navigate trust, control, and connection.

Perfect for readers who enjoy dark contemporary romance, enemies to lovers dynamics, morally grey heroes, forced proximity, and emotionally intense relationships.