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Brooklyn Sinners #2.5

Save Me, Sinner

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With his lover in danger, Pablo sets out to do what he does best...damage.

Shane Ruskin and Pablo Castillo are building a life together. A rough start gives way to smooth sailing, but before the men can settle into newfound bliss, Shane is sent undercover on a former case. What should’ve been a quick assignment quickly spins out of control and, once again, Shane’s life hangs in the balance.

Pablo refuses to sit on the sidelines and watch his lover put himself in harm’s way. Their relationship is a secret, but when Shane doesn’t check in like he’s supposed to, Pablo might have to out them in order to save his lover’s life. And when Shane finally calls him, using only their one-word code for trouble, Pablo sets out to do what he does best. Damage.

Please note: Save Me, Sinner is not a standalone. It is a continuation of Pablo and Shane’s story which began in Sinner, Savior (Brooklyn Sinners #2). Save Me, Sinner features the usual Avril Ashton faves: explicit sex, violence, and men who don’t hide from their emotions. TW for non-con drug use. HEA guaranteed.

*Originally published as a free read on the author’s website. Includes no new content.

96 pages, ebook

First published September 25, 2013

35 people are currently reading
333 people want to read

About the author

Avril Ashton

78 books1,675 followers
A Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother

Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.

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5 stars
292 (43%)
4 stars
260 (38%)
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95 (14%)
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25 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Exina.
1,275 reviews417 followers
October 18, 2021
“What I feel for you, love is too fucking tame a word.” His voice got rougher, harsher. “This thing between us, pretty boy, this fire we make, nothing can touch it. Nothing comes close. Nothing.”

If you didn’t get enough of Pablo and Shane in Sinner, Savior, Save Me, Sinner is a must read. It’s satisfyingly lengthy, engaging and exciting.

Shane Ruskin and Pablo Castillo are building a life together. A rough start gives way to smooth sailing, but before the men could settle into their lives, one of Shane’s former cases comes back to bite him in the ass. Things quickly get out of control and once again, Shane’s life hangs in the balance.



It was amazing to see how open and committed Pablo has become. And it is heartbreaking how scared and lost he is of the possibility of losing Shane.
The possibility had been real. Losing Shane, he’d come a hair’s breadth away and it ate at him, that fear. It froze him up, fucked with his breathing, with his stomach. That fear. It took him places. Took away his sense of reason. That fear. He never wanted feel it again.

He is unstoppable and more ruthless than ever, when it comes to the safety of his lover.
“You don’t fuck with me and mine, and not expect to bend over and get yours in return. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I’m in a committed relationship.” Pablo winked.



Save Me, Sinner is a perfect addition to the story of Pablo and Shane. Don’t miss it!
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
March 14, 2016
Holy moly folks if you haven't read this one make sure you read Sinner Savior or even better start at the beginning of the series and when you get here hang on to your heart. Ok that's it I'm off to the next book. Happy reading!!!
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
May 24, 2018
3.0 Stars

I think it's been too long since I read the original story this was tied to because I wasn't all that invested in it. It read as WAY OTT and a bit more than just unbelievable (especially the hospital scene where JP goes after the bad guy). And I just about tossed the Kindle when they have unprotected sex (after a dirty needle injection) before the confirmatory test results are in. That's SO irresponsible of an author to go there...and it was written in a way that made me think the character chose to expose himself because if his partner got infected then he wanted to be as well. Romance is one thing, that's sheer stupidity along the lines of Romeo & Juliet (which was a tragedy, not a romance).

Also, when you shoot up meth, you don't get sluggish, lethargic and sleepy; that's heroin. A meth OD will probably cause a heart-attack, yes, but the person would be crawling the walls, excitable, etc. if the drugs don't immediately shut their circulatory system down. Research is your friend.

Plus, what was with being so cruel to Jack? JFC. Earlier in the story Shane was livid in regards to JP's affection for Angelo (that wasn't reciprocated); you'd think a little compassion by JP for basically the same thing coming from another character would be warranted. IDK.

So, yeah. Meh.
Profile Image for Stacey Morrison.
57 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2013
Avril Ashton how I love thee let me count the ways......DAMN!
I have read thousands of books, I don't like to dis authors of books that I dislike or don't finish because each to his own that's why the books I have rated or have taken the time to write a review about were so worth reading. I just cant express how much I enjoy her books, in this .5 book she has written so much emotion and passion and her characters are so bad ass she just puts so many others to shame. Oh and to top it off this was a free read what a Goddess,
I am eagerly waiting the next book in the series :)
xoxo
Profile Image for Amy.
1,030 reviews100 followers
February 27, 2015
I just love these two! The story was a bit over the top and it desperately needed editing, but I couldn't bring myself to care. I was just glad to get more of J.P. and his pretty boy <3
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,448 reviews
March 24, 2018
4.74 stars

Want are the lengths that you would go to your loved one? Just ask Juan Pablo Castillo because hot damn he gave the perfect example in this short Brooklyn Sinners novella.

Profile Image for Tina.
1,782 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2014


Aww… more of J.P. and his ‘Pretty Boy’ Shane. Their past isn’t finished with them yet, and Shane has to go under cover one last time. Oh boy... what they have to get through is… again… a ride to hell and back.

Overall, Save Me Sinner is a great addition to the series. It was gripping, thrilling and heartbreaking. But finally... finally those two got their well deserved HEA. Nothing else matters, right?
Profile Image for Taya:).
499 reviews46 followers
October 7, 2013
There really needs to be full sequel for Pablo and yeah Shane can be there too.
Profile Image for Samantha.
230 reviews5 followers
Read
September 14, 2024
I know he will have his own book, but Jack should’ve been thrown from Coney Island the first time he showed his face to Pablo. No way in hell he would’ve gotten a 2nd chance to do what he did 😒

these books are like a guilty pleasure that I can’t put down.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,946 reviews135 followers
August 18, 2017
I never rated these freebies or left reviews for them before. I need to.

This is a FANTASTIC addition to Sinner, Savior! LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Profile Image for Santy.
1,258 reviews76 followers
May 26, 2022
OK I get it now...

Wonder of all wonders, this book actually made me like Pablo and I can say I finally see what Shane sees.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,141 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2021
another great book

I just know I’m going to enjoy Ms Ashton books. She’s so good at the bad tough guys. Pablo and Shane were meant to be but the last time they met was not the right time. Now when Pablo is ready to be with Shane, he is called away on a last undercover assignment. There are a few twists and turns to add drama to the story but at the end their love proves to be strong enough to weather anything. Really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for D.
1,085 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2022
I initially skipped this one as I gave Sinner, Savior only 3 stars. But then I read gwo other novellas in the series, which I really liked, so I gave this a shot and in have no regrets. It's a nice continuation of the original book. There's ANOTHER book after this one hidden somewhere on payhip... it's hidden so well, it's not even on goodreads. As there isn't much information about it I'll skip it for know (plus I prefer it when a couple's story comes to a satisfying conclusion, two add ons is too much for my tastes).
Profile Image for Denise.
7,492 reviews136 followers
October 3, 2016
Picking up after book two, this novella shows the beginning of Pablo and Shane building their life together - as one might expect, not without some difficulties. A new undercover op takes Shane away from his lover for months, and when the op goes wrong and his handler loses contact with Shane, Pablo takes matters into his own hands, raining down all kinds of hell on those who dared lay a finger on his partner.

A great follow-up to Sinner, Savior. Pablo meeting Shane's family was pure gold, loved seeing them interact. Of course, every story in this series seems to require a bout of overblown drama and ridiculous jealous crap, but I've pretty much gotten used to that. Pablo comes across as mighty hypocritical when he's essentially telling Jack "He chose me over you, get over it already." after all the time he himself has spent moping about Angel choosing someone else, which along with Shane's "Boohoo, you were in love with someone else who has very much moved on before you ever knew I existed, clearly this means you can't love me anywhere near as much as you did the other guy, whine whine whine..." tantrum annoyed me mightily at the time, but I enjoyed the rest of the story enough to ignore that for the most part.
Profile Image for La*La.
1,912 reviews42 followers
October 12, 2014
It seems I was too hasty in being relieved while reading Sinner, Savior. The toned-down drama escalated full force in this sequel novella to Pablo&Shane's story. Mantears, near break-ups, near-death situation, jealousy, insecurities...this short read had it all. Thankfully, it also had a bit of action, so reading this was at least entertaining.

And I think I like Pablo. He is not as sentimental as Angelo, Gabe or Shane, so yay for that! I much prefer a cold-blooded killer than a sobbing man.
Profile Image for Marinieves.
1,165 reviews
January 2, 2014
Shane and Pablo love story is explosive ... The anguish of the separation and the rescue is definitely what made them finally realize that the way they saved each other was the only way they knew. It was through passion and love , sincere love. The way the words came ... It makes you feel what the author intends ... It makes you feel that you are one of them.
Profile Image for Ezi Chinny.
2,687 reviews539 followers
October 6, 2014
This novella takes place after Juan Pablo Castillo goes after his love Shane Ruskin. He meets Shane's family and gets to experience life with DEA Agent Ruskin. This novella was the ending of Jack's obsession and possibly Shane's career. But it was also the beginning of new family ties and JP's future with Shane.
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,311 reviews42 followers
June 10, 2015
Next chapter of Shane and Pablo’s relationship. Includes plans for a wedding and babies. I gotta say, much as I love these stories, I do think the characters fall into the cliche about m/m romance: chick with dicks.

Freebie from Ms. Ashton's website.
Profile Image for Janie.
1,702 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2014
OMG I truly love Shane and JP together, they make a great couple. Finally a book in this series that I didn't cry while reading, but it was close a few times.
Profile Image for Shaztwirl.
3,309 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2016
Terrific series. Super hot, filthy mouthed characters and plenty of exciting gangster action!
Profile Image for Calleigh.
453 reviews30 followers
June 22, 2025
juan pablo "J.P." castillo + shane "pretty boy" ruskin
novella | MM | dark | HEA
📍NYC + Missouri
▪️3rd POV
▪️former gang leader x undercover DEA agent
▪️shane is dev!
▪️second chance
▪️forced proximity
▪️ex drama w/ jack wellington
▪️baby talk
▪️undercover rescue mission
▪️finger kisses + forehead touches galore
▪️caretaking; shane shaves pablo's head

"Only you can make me and break me so completely. Only you can turn me to this."

notes/highlights:
⚝ "Where do I fit?" Shane asked. "You couldn't have him, so you settled for me instead?" -shane
⚝ "This thing between us, this fire we make, nothing can touch it. Nothing comes close. Nothing." - pablo
⚝ For a second he'd allowed himself to be taken over by jealousy, but he knew better. If ever there was a competition, he came out the winner every time. He had Juan Pablo Castillo in his arms. Shane-and nobody else-was in Pablo's heart.
⚝ "As if my guns will be doing anything else but blaze." -pablo
⚝ He had to fight, and he would, because the alternative would be to give up and give in, and he could never do that to the man waiting for him to come back home. They'd been through too much." -shane
⚝ "That's where love comes in. And sacrifice. Because you being here, still breathing, is a sacrifice I make. For Shane." He started at Jack, at the stubborn way he gazed back at Pablo. "Jack, it's time to move on." -pablo
⚝ Brooklyn

⚠️Every reader is different. Please take care of yourself and check content warnings or trigger warnings before starting a new book. Only you know your limits. Be a responsible reader. 🖤

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Profile Image for Zee.
82 reviews
Read
October 24, 2025
6 ⭐️ Amazing chemistry. Avril Ashton can write in a different fucking language and I would still read her shit. This book is intense in its emotions. Intense love, anger, angst… it leaved a mark that’s for sure. I loved it on all accounts. Honestly I didn’t want to give it 5 ⭐️ at the end because I felt like Pablo didn’t give as much as Shane (Dev) did, but when I read “Save me, sinner (Brooklyn Sinners # 2.5)” I couldn’t not give it 5 ⭐️ Their love, their loyalty, their intensity, arghhh it was everything 😩😩😩 Pablo (JP) and Shane (Dev) were everything 🥺❤️‍🔥 and the heat? Listen, most of the books I read include some type of smut, it’s not a necessity, but it’s there. And let me tell, I HAVENT READ SMUT LIKE AVRIL ASHTON WRITES. That shit is actually amazing. It’s passionate, it’s raw, and full of emotion, it’s almost like it’s happening right in front of me (don’t we all wish, y’all are a bunch of perves 😈). Anyway, I love it so much, it’s the perfect balance of deep and lovely to me. 10/10 recommend.
P.S.: I will have the same review for the novella as its original book.
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
497 reviews8 followers
November 3, 2021
I've read this book before but never gave a review. I've read almost all of Avril Ashton's books and I just love the way she portraits her MC's. They're rough, violent and once they admit their love they would die for them. And it was no different in this one. My favorite by Ms Ashton is her Staniel series, nothing tops those for me.

This is a follow up from Shane and Pablo's book, the second one in the Brooklyn Sinners series. They are trying to build a life together and they are succeeding quite well, up until Shane gets called to go back undercover for an old case. When he fails to check in with his handler, shit hits the fan. Pablo is out for vengeance, and oh my god, does he deliver!! No mercy, his total focus is on getting Shane back. If he has to kill for it, no problem.

Reading an Avril Ashton book is just such a delight. I'm of to re-reading Sinner like Me now.

Highly highly recommended
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,287 reviews44 followers
February 16, 2023
Wonderful

Pablo and Shane get their crap together. That should have been the title of this one. lol I love these guys. I love the lengths Pablo is willing to go to for Shane. I love that he is willing to burn it all down for Shane.

These two have such a push and pull to their relationship. It’s mired in all these complications and the simple fact remains: they love each one and want to be together. Getting there is the tricky part.

I wish Pablo had given Jack a better lesson in the end, but I’ll deal with it. (Jack gets his redemption in What You Need and it’s wonderful) Shane and Pablo are fantastic and I don’t care how much they hurt each other, I will always be rooting for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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