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Bane

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***Standalone Novel***
A fire burns.
It consumes.
It’s uncontrollable.
It’s irrational.

Rage can become just like a fire, clearing all in its path, killing anything that gets in its way. That’s what happens to a man when the woman he desires is put in harm’s way.

He doesn’t care what happens to him. He protects what is his. He doesn’t apologize for what he has to do. He strikes without hesitation.

He is Bane … and he will protect her.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 26, 2015

54 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Kristin Mayer

32 books764 followers

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5 stars
132 (46%)
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94 (33%)
3 stars
40 (14%)
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9 (3%)
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9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
771 reviews123 followers
August 19, 2015
4.5 Two Weeks Notice Stars



Ever try to quit something but you just couldn't? Maybe it was a job, a guy or just peanut M&Ms, but you kept getting dragged back into it. Yeah, Bane knows your pain.

We first met Bane in the Trust Series. He was the silent strong one. He still is. But here we get his story. Bane works for a Black Ops group. He is not afraid to fight or kill for his country. But when he finds a reason to stop, he wants to take it. He wants more than what he has.

But life isn't always fair. Bane learns that lesson the hard way. The worst way.

Maren want to take care of her brother. He is the only family she has left. She finds herself doing the unimaginable to help him.

I tried to create a safe haven in my mind...

When Bane meets Maren, something inside him wakes up. Something he thought died a long time ago.

But there are people who don't want Bane to be happy. Because a Bane who has nothing to care for has nothing to lose. Can't be manipulated. And Maren....she just wants Bane. Wants to comfort him even if it is just short term. She is willing to give him what he needs.

Though my hear wanted to heal Bane I new I couldn't change him.

Ms Mayer has given us a story of hope. A story of second chances. A story of sacrifices made for love.

History repeating itself is not an option.

Bane is afraid of the past. Afraid of his past coming back to destroy his hope for the future. Afraid that what he has done in the past will taint his chances for love. For happiness. For Maren.

Bane is a fast-paced romantic thriller. Ms Mayer takes you from spy stuff to hot stuff in 2.9 seconds. You will want her personal phone # to harass her during parts of this one. There are some definite "what was she thinking" moments. And many "how fast can she write the next one" moments.






162 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2016
OMGosh, BANE is the man!!!! I was introduced to BANE in the Trust Series but you do not have to have read that series to read BANE (although it adds more dimensions to his character). This book started out with a bang right off the bat. BANE is an alpha male/007 to the max but he has a side to him that will melt you into a swoon puddle for sure. One of my favorite things about Kristin is her ability to write not only a great romance but to add a mystery level as well that give it a certain twist factor. I was able to read this in practically one sitting so make sure you make time cause you are not going to want to put it down. Totally recommend, so what are you waiting for, #OneClickItNow #ReadOn
Profile Image for Angarad.
1,503 reviews22 followers
August 19, 2015
Not a great fan to be honest.
I didn't like Maren, how took advantage of Bane. I mean she doesn't want to be a paid escort to say it politely but she let him pay her for her time, the hotel, the car... Sorry but this didn't sit well with me at all.
I had better feeling towards Bane even if he was crazy paranoiac for sure.
The story itself went from a lot of action to nothing then back. A real roller coaster that lacked a bit of consistency in my opinion as well as a real motive behind the final and main plot.
Profile Image for Jen ❥.
267 reviews
July 31, 2017
I liked the story about Bane, but I couldn't shake the sense of melancholy that persisted throughout the whole book, so it wasn't a happy, feel-good read. I'm not sorry I read it, but it wasn't what I was expecting and not a book I'll read again. The suspense was well-done and the resolution was satisfactory, but I didn't particularly enjoy it as a romance.
Profile Image for Jac K.
2,527 reviews493 followers
August 30, 2020
We first met Bane (Damien’s Taylor/head of security) in the Trust Series, and I wanted to clarify that the story takes place years after the end of Promise Me, Bane doesn’t work for the Wales anymore, so those characters (Damien/Alli) are not really in it… if you want an update. So, it’s not really important at all to have read the other books, which might be why it’s not linked to the series.

The writing was similar to the other books, but the content is completely different. It flows pretty quickly with lots of action and sex, and has past conversations/events sprinkled throughout the book. We get dual POV’s, which was a nice change, and needed since our relationship was with him not her. The main difference is the “feel” of the book. Where the others read like 50 Shades lite; Bane is a military/action/special ops book for the most part, and IMO the “romantic relationship” takes a backseat.

Bottom Line- Totally different, but not bad. Damien’s in it a handful of times, but not enough that you’re missing anything if you haven’t read the Trust series. Also free with KU.
Profile Image for Steffy Rogers.
Author 14 books41 followers
August 22, 2015
I could not put this book down and was hook, line and sinker from page one.

When I first "met" Bane in Kristin's Trust series I was intrigued and wanted to know more. Imagine my delight when I found he was going to get his own story.
Finally able to leave his secret life, Bane wants nothing more than build a home and a family. The moment he leaves behind his old life he promises to never look back and to only concentrate on his future ahead with the love of his life, Jasmine. But then tragedy strikes and in an blink of an eye everything's taken away from him. Again.
I don't want to give too much away but Kristin once again managed to write a book with just the right amount of angst, heartache, love, hope, and happiness. There were a few times where I wanted to throw my phone against a wall and not to mention the one scene where Kristin made me cry like a little baby. Maren's and Bane's relationship starts out anything but conventional but throughout the book you learn why he does things the way he does and you finally learn all about the mystery that is Bane.
Once again, five plus stars for Kristin.
Profile Image for Laura.
458 reviews78 followers
August 16, 2015
This book did not live up to the over-the-top marketing plan set out for it, and maybe that was part of the problem. I was expecting something hot and intense - like the fire on the cover. It did not live up to those expectations - and was more of a run of the mill romance novel for me - and kind of a boring one at that. I didn't feel the chemistry, and while I felt bad for the characters, I didn't really have a lot of respect for them because of a lot of poor decisions and life choices. I finished, but was happy it was over. A lot of other people seemed to really like this book, so maybe reading the earlier book in the series helps?

Note: A copy of this book was provided in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristine Cluney.
157 reviews
December 13, 2019
What a fabulous book. I loved this book so much because I had loved Bane in the trust series. It was so great learning about him and being able to go through his crisis. It was great to see his character fall for someone and watch that developer. This book made me cry and I love it when you can become that invested in the characters. This one I know I will read again. I also love it when characters cross over in books. Lots of excitement, love and surprises.
305 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2017
Wow! Attention grabber for sure!

The story of Bane and Maren is full of ups and downs. Love and trust get them to believe in a great future? But will they be together with Bane's dark past and scary job?
It's a must read!! No spoilers here! You will love each chapter of this book!
Profile Image for Angela.
815 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2017
Bane is such a tortured soul. He has been through so much in his life and has given up deciding he'll always be alone. Then he meets Maren. She's doing everything she can to save her brother. A chance meeting changes everything. This is a great read!
Profile Image for terry westfall.
4 reviews
April 13, 2019
Exciting & Loving!

Kristin Mayer's books have a rare blend of intrique & romance, danger & fondness, peril & intimacy, precariousness & endearment... Just what's needed to capture my male mind & at the same time soften my romantic heart. Keep them coming... I LOVE them all!!💕
2 reviews
July 29, 2022
Amazing

Loved this story!! It was different and amazing. Gave me a thrill hoping for a happy ending. Would love a second part to know if they ever get to see the one's that became family to them. Overall great book.
Profile Image for Denise Anderson.
319 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2017
Well let's just say I loved this book! I read it in one day I couldn't put it down it was that good.
Profile Image for Loretta Norsworthy.
146 reviews
May 20, 2019
Loved this book

This is yet another great book by kristin Mayer she is an amazing author so much feelings it truly is an amazing book I highly recommend this book 😍
Profile Image for Ramblings of A Mad Bint.
10 reviews
August 12, 2025
Bane has severe mummy issues. Geezer falls in love at the drop of a hat and suddenly finds himself wanting to start a family and commit whilst working for a dangerous undercover military group. Mad unrealistic.

Quick easy read, massively predictable. Respectfully I wouldnt recommend.
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews125 followers
August 21, 2015
DAWN'S REVIEW
5 STARS

So I have to say to say that im a huge fan of Kristen’s work. I first fell in love with her work in the Trust series where we were all introduced to Bane. I had a lot of questions about him and where he came from and his background. I have wanted a book about him from the time he was introduced to us all. This book did not disappoint in any way.
Finally I got all the answers about him. I did not ever think that I would love this book more than I did Adam’s from Ripple effect BUT….
BANE BLEW ME AWAY!!!! There was so many different emotions that I went through with this book and so many answer’s that I finally got.
Without giving to much away you get to go on the emotional ride that Bane goes through. He is battling feelings of betrayal heartache love loss anger and finally vengeance’s. The whole time he is trying to sort through these feelings of his he is fighting the feelings he has for Meren. The women he doesn’t want but can’t stay away from. As they are starting off danger is all around them and he is forced to either protect her while facing the feelings he never wanted to have again or leave her to try and battle all the danger on her own knowing she wouldn’t make it out alive.
As they are trying to figure out who it is that is targeting them the past he thought was long dead and gone comes back to rear its ugly head. As secrets are reviled lives are forever changed. Can Bane come to grips with his past in time to save his future or will he allow the past to keep him from having one?
Find out in this truly Thrill ride that is otherwise known as BANE!!!
Profile Image for A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia .
1,589 reviews17 followers
August 24, 2015
Bane gave me the feels from the moment I started reading it, granted the first ones were confusion that turned into frustration, but then when it made sense, I felt like I was punched in the gut and my heart was being squeezed. I didn't want to tear myself away after that and I felt that all the way through. Bane turned out to be way better than I thought it was going to be and I completely fell in love with it!!

I really liked the heroine! She's strong, light, and giving. It's true that her giving, sort of innocent/naive nature does kind of land her in trouble, but she's definitely not weak or whiny and she didn't drive me crazy. In fact, I loved all that about her, she made not only me, but Bane, laugh and smile. She's the perfect heroine for Bane - she's just amazing!

Even though I loved the heroine, it was Bane who stole the show for me. From the very beginning, he broke my heart with how sweet he was and then my heart broke for him because of his pain. Bane is one of my favorite kinds of heroes - the broken-beautiful-tortured-soul kind. I fell for him fast and wanted to see him find happiness and love. I can't possibly tell you everything about him, but I can say that he's protective, loyal, caring, and fierce. Bane is a total bada*s, good guy and I know he'll make you fall for him!

Bane is a beautiful, heartbreaking read full of passion, mystery, and betrayal. It sucked me in, excited me, brought tears to my eyes, and warmed me. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it and I can't wait to read more Kristin Mayer!

Bane is a standalone, it's told from the H/h's POV, and they get a wonderful HEA!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars
Profile Image for Nice and Naughty Book Club.
240 reviews25 followers
August 20, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews54 followers
August 5, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review

“I wanted Maren. Jasmine had been my past. Maren was my future. I’d come after her if I’d had the willpower to leave in the first pace. Resisting Maren wouldn’t be possible.”

5 on the edge of my seat stars!! This book was an intense ride from beginning to end! So glad I read this book!!

A fire burns.
It consumes.
It’s uncontrollable.
It’s irrational.

Rage can become just like a fire, clearing all in its path, killing anything that gets in its way. That’s what happens to a man when the woman he desires is put in harm’s way.

He doesn’t care what happens to him. He protects what is his. He doesn’t apologize for what he has to do. He strikes without hesitation.

He is Bane … and he will protect her.

***The story of Bane from the Trust Series. This will be a stand alone novel. It will not be necessary to have read the Trust Series.***

I don’t want to give anything away with this book, but I will say this book is straight up intense from page one!! It’s a definite roller coaster ride and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Bane is such a hot alpha male and the story was insane!! Great great book!!!

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
Profile Image for Michelle Brace .
1,736 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2015
This is such a wonderful book. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole thing wondering how they were going to manage to get through all the complications that see to constantly be coming after Bane. My heart broke for Bane and I felt so bad that he had to go through everything he did. That he had to live with the fear that something may happen if he cared about anybody. Then there was Maren who is such a strong, loving person who can't seem to catch a break in life and finally when she finds someone, that person can't open himself enough and she has no idea why. She took everything in stride and continued to go on. Kristin Mayer did a wonderful job with this book and I would definitely recommend this book. I would love to read more by her if they are anything like this book. She did a great job writing this book and keeping you on the edge wondering how it would all end up and creating such amazing characters. I wasn't sure about this book but it only took me a few pages in and I couldn't put it down!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Mcaleer.
643 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2017
Bane

Love Bane! I have loved this character since he was first introduced in the Trust Me series. This book was everything I wanted and so much more. I read this book almost straight through as I couldn't put it down. Maren and Bane are the perfect couple and this book is so exciting you can't wait to see what will happen next. Bane, the serious badass who appears to be totally without emotion and Maren sweet loving but extremely lonely and totally alone, their relationship is so well written. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with this couple. A MUST read, you will not be disappointed, I loved it! Thank you Ms. Mayer for another awesome story!!!
Profile Image for Elle King .
38 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2015
If you think Bane was hot in that snip we got in the Trust Series, wait until you really meet Bane in his own book! OH WOW! He's hot, he's bossy, he's protective, he's everything you want in the perfect book boyfriend. Have I mentioned he's HOT?! I love the fighting feelings he has for Maren, he's only to protect her, and she's only to stay with him for protection, but their feelings can't be fought. Maren deserves a new start in life, Bane is there to make sure she gets it. I definitely didn't get enough, and absolutely want more. Please Kristin, PLEASE!! Give us more!!! Another FIVE STAR read from her! If you haven't read any of her books, this would be a great one to start with.
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
August 15, 2015
This was an exciting book. I had been wondering about Bane since Trust Me.
Bane's a complicated man. Running from a past that really screwed with his head and heart
Just when he thinks he has his life together Maren shows up in his life to twist around everything he thought he knew about himself and what he was capable of feeling.
Maren's dealing with her own issues, but nothing is quite what it seems
Great book, keeps moving. I definitely recommend it if you like a little suspense with your spicy read.
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2015
I want to start this review by saying Kristin Mayer is an amazing writer.
I was literally on the edge of my seat while reading this book. Then at the end I yelled my kindle. The book was fast moving and Bane was a true mystery. Letting us see bits and pieces as the story unfolded. He scared me a lot, but when he opened up his heart I softened towards him. This was one of those books that I wish I could have given more then 5 stars
Profile Image for Cara Webb.
141 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2015
Bane

Holy hotness that is Bane! I have loved all of Kristin's work so far and this one is no different for me. First I love her writing style, everything flows the way that it should. As for the book itself, I laughed and cried and swooned throughout the entire book. Bane is all alpha and is totally amazing. I loved getting to see what makes Bane, well Bane. And Maren is the perfect match for him. She is sweet and just all around what he needs.
Profile Image for Kelly Brock.
1,215 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2017
Bane at last

I've been waiting for Bane's story ever since the Trust Me Series and I was not disappointed.

Bane and Maren's story is full of suspense, intrigue, love, and of course steamy scenes (although wish they were not so quick and short).

Also great to have a few scenes with Damien and Allison.

Love this author and can't wait for more from her.
1,441 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2016
BANE AND MAREN

Intrigue, mystery, action, romance and love. This book has it all. I liked the "Promise" series, I really liked Ripple and Domino Effect, but I loved Bane. Bane was a trained government killer but was protective of those he loved and he loved Maren. It seems they will never get their happy ending, but they do.
Profile Image for Jessica Bayron.
21 reviews
August 19, 2015
As usual another great book. Bane losing his lady and baby was my undoing but when given a second chance at love with Maren I was rooting for their happily ever after. Having the twins and living a life without worry is what bane deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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