I was surprised by how much I loved Bane!
589651
When I read Scandalous (Sinners of Saint, #3), I was so focused on Trent and Edie that Bane wasn't really on my radar. I knew he wasn't necessarily a good guy, but he also wasn't a bad one. I did not expect him to be who he was in Bane for some reason. Yes, he was that bad guy with a good side. He was more, though. His back story was not what I expected. It was deeper and darker. I didn't always love Bane, but the way he took care of Jesse made me root for him. The surprising sweetness in his actions combined with his shameless cruelty made him a surprising savior.

Jesse was a new and deeply troubled character. She was in a constant state of pain. Jesse had every reason to be the way she was. I ached for her. Theres no other way to describe how I felt about her. L.J. Shen did an amazing job of making me feel her pain.

I loved every part of Bane and Jesses unconventional romance. Nothing was easy. Bane wanted to help Jesse for both the wrong and right reasons. She didn't want anything to do with him, yet he was the only one who soothed her ache. It was messy and raw and thoroughly spellbinding to read. I loved every minute of it. If you're a fan of darker, angst filled romances you won't want to miss this book.
612014
I am pleasantly surprised with how much I really enjoyed my experience reading the sequel to Shatter Me! Although I've read the trilogy before, ,I remember very little about the events. I enjoyed the first one, but not as much as I enjoyed it's sequel.

I like that the characters are fleshed out and they are all very distinct in their personalities. I really loved Juliette's perspective. She can sometimes be a bit over dramatic at times, but for someone who has gone through what she has I don't feel bad for giving her some slack. Kenji is still one of my favorite (if not my favorite) character in this trilogy. He's hilarious but he's not only the comic relief class clown character. He has moments of seriousness in this book that I really loved because it made him more of a realistic person. Adam kind of drives me insane. It's not that I hate him, I just find him a bit annoying. I don't like how he thinks he has this weird possession over Juliette and his anger issues can be a bit much. Warner is such a complex character and although in my Shatter Me review I said I wasn't sure if he'd ever warm up to me, he is definitely warming up to me. I would like to see more of the other characters, and get to know more about them. Characters like Castle, Sara, Sonya, James, etc.

The action in this book comes and goes throughout. Some areas were slow but I was never bored with the story. I really liked all the character development and new information that is discovered in this sequel. I think a lot of YA sequels in trilogies can be weaker than the first book but I think Unravel Me is stronger than Shatter Me. Although it's sometimes slow, the fast action packed scenes gave me a bit of whiplash. I was genuinely shocked in moments. There is one scene with Juliette, Anderson, and Warner that I audibly gasped at because things happen really quickly. Tahereh Mafi is obviously really talented at writing action scenes, but then also slowing down the story and letting the reader get to know the characters. Which I appreciated. I think Mafi's writing style is super unique and poetic. She writes amazing dialogue between the characters, the romance scenes are always gripping, and the narrative is so engaging.

Overall, I really recommend this second book. If you read Shatter Me and liked it (or even if you were iffy or meh about it) I recommend picking up Unravel Me. I think the story and writing improves. I definitely plan on reading Ignite Me as soon as possible because I want to be prepared for the release of the new book, Restore Me!
2920626
This definitely exceeded my expectations; not that my expectations were low I hasten to add, but I was much more absorbed in this than I thought I was going to be.

Jenny was a character that I latched onto pretty quickly. She really stood out from all the other characters and I really felt her grief almost as if it was my own. Theresa wrote these scenes so powerfully, they just felt so real. I could completely understand her wanting to keep some part of Gabe. Their love for each other was so strong and I think if I had been her situation I would have wanted to do the same. And it seems like things might get better for Jenny, until Gabe's controlling Uncle finds out that Jenny is going to try to have Gabe's baby and he takes her to court to prevent her from doing so. George was a really loathsome character but I like how his part of the story unfolds.

The different viewpoints from the characters also added to the brilliance of this book and particularly Steve's, who I felt really sorry for as he didn't seem to have a lot of luck. So although Jenny's story took precedence, I was always thinking about Steve.

I loved the court scenes! "Objection your honour", "Sustained", "Court dismissed". I think these were my favourite scenes in the whole book and what really made this stand out from other books I have read. I got so involved and could feel my blood boiling at times when the opposition was asking awkward questions and making Jenny out to look bad.

This was such a great concept for a story and unlike anything I have come across before, which is probably part of the reason it exceeded my expectations. Theresa is a fabulous writer and definitely one to watch.

I am now really looking forward to Theresa's next book The Lives Between Us which is out this autumn.
2170848
Loved it. I love stories of long-time friends.

Loved Clara.  She's a kind woman who isn't afraid to get to the tough grit.  Loved Daniel, whose on the rough side, but let's his soft spot for Clara smooth him out.

I read this one after "Against the Tide" and I'm glad I did.  I probably would have disliked Bane more if I had read his history in this one.  He's a bit unbelievable as a crime lord for someone so young, small and pretty looking.  And yet...that oddness about him almost makes you disgusted with him even more.  I liked seeing his transformation, if a bit abrupt.  But Daniel's change was more important in this story.
4869241
When I first bought this book, I didn't start reading it right away. Oh no, I knew I needed courage to read this book, and I didn't have that at the moment. Thinking about the book on my kindle for a couple of days I finally couldn't contain my inner fangirl anymore, and I started reading!

The first thing that hit my eyes when I started, it was a note from the author, Natasha. It said that Dominic was one of the hardest characters for her ever to write and as a great Natasha Knight fan I then knew what to expect! All the heroes I know from Natasha Knight are dark, dark heroes and if Dominic was even darker, this was going to be a rough ride. And it was! It had me jumping around in my chair, as I read it and I could almost smell all the different smells and hear all the sounds. She led me into a universe so dark and yet so beautiful that it was impossible for me to put the book down.

Dominic is the second book in the Benedetti Brothers series and perhaps it can be read as a Standalone, but I would not try to do it. If you haven't read Salvatore you should do that, and as a side note, Salvatore is one of my favorite Natasha Knight heroes, and you're in for a treat. Well, back to Dominic! Dominic is the brother of Salvatore, and he has been living underground for the last seven years. He lost his entire world in the previous book, and hes doing everything he can to punish himself. Into his world, he suddenly finds light in his darkness, in the shape of Gia, a young woman, whose training he is responsible for.

The plot has a lot of twists and turns, and its brilliant, but I don't think I will talk more about it, that way I don't reveal something I shouldnt.

Dominic is filled with amazing characters, and even though I had mixed feelings about Dominic as a hero, in the beginning, I knew Gia would love him, and he would find love in all his darkness. And with all the darkness in him, I knew he would love hard when he finally found love. He is a super sexy villain that I find impossible not to love.

Natasha Knight is the queen of dark emotions, violence, and angry sex. She serves it to me on a plate of devastating handsome men, beautiful women who all have the heart to save the wounded men. She can give me a beating that leaves me wanting more; she can break me down, but I know that shell always build me back up again.

Dominic is rough, and its tough, but there is a beautiful love story inside all the darkness, and Im so glad that Natasha had the courage to let Dominic come out and show us his true color.
1199878
I started reading this author and series in the end of July. Just couldn't put it down!!!. English is not my first language and I felt so engaged with the writting, because I can realize what a good writting and editing is. I loved all books and can't choose one of them as my favorite. Loved the social and psychological aspects of the series: age diferences, special needs, demons, power relations, cronic health conditions, negligence, struggles (internal and external), backgrounds and social status. In my opinion, these aspects made it all very much believable and realistic. In words: THE PERFECTION OF IMPERFECTION!
I must say that Bane sparked my interest and knowing Dean has sisters...I'm wishing for a spin-off somehow. Keep going Ms. Shen!
1923714
What a way to finish an absolutely stellar series! I knew Bane was going to blow my mind because I mean come on you cant have that name and give out anything less. But Leigh blew all of my expectations out of the water with Bane! My main man is still Vicious but Bane definitely earned the title of being his successor. The storyline alone shocked me when I read the prologue and then everything after was simply amazing. Jesse and Bane are one of my favorite book couples without a doubt. I cant even begin to think of the words to describe their relationship properly. No words would do this book justice. Leigh once again proves just how talented she is when it comes to writing romance that will stick with you days, weeks, months later. These characters are beautifully damaged and as always, relatable. It has been one hell of a ride!
1358388
3.5 STARS
Full of suspense, action & heartache, I could not put BANE down until it was finished!!

BANE has seen & experienced more devastation and evilness than any normal man his age. After many years in the super elite and secret Black Division, BANE finally decides he's had enough and wants to settle down with the woman he loves and start a family. When his dreams are shattered he seeks revenge on those who have taken away his chance at happiness and vows to stop at nothing until they are all dead.

Once he's claimed his revenge he uses his skills as a civilian as security for hire. He never stays put for long and never forms any real emotional attachments to anyone as he can't risk his past coming back and haunting him. When a chance encounter with Maren makes him feel things that have been dead inside him for years he knows he should stay away for her sake but he can't fight the attraction simmering between them.

When it looks like his past is back to pay him a visit he risks everything to keep Maren safe and vows she won't end up like his first love. On the run, Maren & BANE must decide if they will give into their attraction for one another or whether they will risk it all for a chance at love.

With a HEA, lots of twists and an ending that gives BANE the chance to have what he never thought was possible this book left me hopeful and satisfied.
1443854
I had no idea what to expect going into this, and it absolutely blew my mind.  I loved it, and I can say that as soon as my bank account allows it, I'll be buying up the whole series at once and binge reading.
I debated whether I should offer a description of this title, but decided not to. Not know what to expect made the whole thing so much better.  I had a vague idea of what Hellboy looked like, and knew it was a movie, but didn't know any plot or premise.  I picked it up because it was on sale on the kindle store (a while ago, actually; it's been sitting on my kindle for way to long) and my dad had mentioned it.

Everything from the art to the story to the dialogue was smooth, fast-paced, and unexpected.  It's such an ingenious story and captured my interest completely.  All three major characters, Hellboy, Liz, and Abe, were unique and fully three-dimensional.  The story filled in enough backstory to give a good idea of who and what each was, while still leaving it open enough for a good mystery.

I absolutely loved the art, as well.  It came right off the page and into my imagination.  It's one of my favorite art styles that I've seen and I'd read the books just for it.  The fact that it's so full of vibrant colors definitely helped.

I do want to watch the Hellboy movie at some point (it's on Netflix now) but I can't decide if I want to read some more of the graphic novels first.  If you haven't read this series, I really recommend it to everyone, particularly those fond of fantasy and urban fantasy.
2434110
I try to read as widely as possible but until this book the only superhero stuff I had ever really been into was Superman. I initially wondered what I would make of a collection of stories about normal people (albeit sometimes a little bit gross) with superhuman powers. Well, I can tell you, I would definitely do it again, and I am planning on doing just that! Having read this book I am going to go back to the beginning and have another go, because I am sure there will be things I have managed to miss along the way.

There are many depths to this book and I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that I felt hooked by. It could be the fact that in places it's almost poetic in its descriptions, but then there's also the obscure and varied powers that the characters posses. I loved the ease with which I could pick it up and dive in and the entertainment value that could be gained in such a short sitting. It may even be that, for me, this book feels much more than fantasy superhero stuff - it feels more like the writer's view of the world and the people that occupy it, explored through the medium of bizarre individuals with often grotesque powers. You could simply read it at face value and be entirely happy, but I couldn't help but see something deeper in almost everything that was written - I found that quite fascinating. The stories made me stop and think, smile, laugh, almost cry and shudder in places.

The superpowers were brilliant and mind blowingly creative, but I think the characters and themes could stand just as well on their own, and I think that is quite rare and clever. Take Superman for example: without the phone box, space flying, world spinning stuff he does, he's just a guy in an office who fancies a woman who hasn't even noticed him. So plain and underwhelming is he that when he puts on a pair of red pants and takes his glasses off she STILL doesn't notice who he is! J. J. Anderson's characters are already quite bizarre and interesting. They have personality, odd lives, quirky styles and varying wants, needs and desires. I'd so love to see what he could do with Superman!

Trailer Park Juggernauts is a thoroughly entertaining read and I would recommend it not just to people who like sci-fi and fantasy but to anyone who has an interest in society, psychology and the fascinating and often strange phenomenon that is people and human behaviour!
2031838
Lucian Bane, what can I say? Great book! I wasn't so sure I would like it going in... But I was sucked into the Dom wars immediately. The chemistry was crazy even though you simply didn't know what would happen. Great read, now I'm on to buy the next one!
4158490
Cant even find tbe words for this one..lucian Bane is an amazing author and has you hooked from the beginning, ruin is  a sexy , scary, amazing man. THANK YOU LUCIAN! For bringing him to life!
3576929
I loved it! I'm not even sure how to explain how much I loved this the drama and action picked up a lot In the second book! Packed full of surprises in almost every chapter! I can't wait until the next one comes out I'm excited to find out what happens next
967587
I loved this book! Just to start off saying it. I never thought it would be something this amazing! Bane was an amazing story, unlike that f anything I have read, or even seen a story line for.

After the big 'OMG Vamps!', fiasco with Twilight, my since birth love of them started to fade a bit. They were just not the things you grew up with, but this made me fall in love all over again! Original vampires, but twisted, weak, and running out of time to find a blood source.

I loved how the world just isn't there anymore, it's an ice age! I mean, honestly! How cool is that! Since that wiped out most of mankind, vampires rounded them up into farms, and well, we all know how that is never good. So, the humans became anemic, oh, what a twist! The vampires are weaker now from the weakened blood, but still horrifyingly terrific at the same time!

I love how, you had the Bane, or the halves, which was pretty cool. Then Kahli, (love her name) and Will, just the suspense and a new twist around every corner! I can't wait for more!
3678448
My mind is on overload. Bane has a gift of crafting mind blowing books. Just when I thought Reginald was the one I really liked, well Bones shows a different side and I think ok yeah Bones is ok. Winter is determined to help both of them, until X comes along. Hell, X freaked me out at times with his twisted ways. As the plot thickens, Winter discovers more about all of their complex personalities.

This story was so intense, emotional and a few times I was laughing. I loved every sick twisted word of this book. As usual Bane always provides the reader with a wow ending. Jump on this crazy journey, hang on tight for the ride of your life and look forward to the next book. I promise you will not regret it. Five fantastic stars for an amazing story. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you Mr. Bane for providing the reader a wonderful escape.
3856905
I did not know what to expect as I knew this connected to the series, bit didn't know the name of Maggie!  Iw was pleasantly surprised that Andrew got his own book and really came to like him. I live it that he could have become a character that everyone hated and caused problems for the Wilders, but instead was embraced and loved my them. And as my dogs are so important to me, I loved that the dog was an important part of the story.
2729916
I love Ruby and Bane together. The way they met was great and got better from there. And I also fell in love with Francesca, such a sweetie! But the thing I love most about Helena Hunting's books is the humor. Every book a smile on my face and this didn't disappoint!