What do you think?
Rate this book
Blame It on the Shame #1
Blame It on the Shame Part 1
I never wanted anything of his...until her.
Shame. It wounds us. It damages us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm the son of the devil himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived.
I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
I hate him...and I never wanted to become him.
And I sure as hell never wanted anything of his.
Until her.
My name is Ricardo DeLuca. There are two things you need to know about me. The first is—I'm in love with the girl who belongs to my father. The second is—it turns out I am my father's son after all.
My name is Lou-Lou, and you probably think I'm a bitch.
You would be right—because I am.
You think you know all there is to know about me because of the man I belong to.
What you don't know—is my past, because I'll never tell you.
What you don't know is my shame.
Because if you did—you'd be worse off than dead.
You'd be broken.
There are two sides to every story...this is ours.
Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning: This series contains elements of emotional, sexual, and physical cruelty. Any readers with sensitivity to the above topics should proceed with caution, and at their own risk.
Author's Note: This is part one of a three book series. (Blame It on the Shame: Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story.)
However, in order to truly enjoy Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, it is advised you read 'Blame It on the Pain' first.
*Please be advised that Part 1 in this series (featuring a different couple) take place before any of the events in 'Blame It on the Pain' do. It is considered a 'prequel'. *
This is a full-length novel: 67,000 + words.
Shame. It wounds us. It damages us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm the son of the devil himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived.
I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
I hate him...and I never wanted to become him.
And I sure as hell never wanted anything of his.
Until her.
My name is Ricardo DeLuca. There are two things you need to know about me. The first is—I'm in love with the girl who belongs to my father. The second is—it turns out I am my father's son after all.
My name is Lou-Lou, and you probably think I'm a bitch.
You would be right—because I am.
You think you know all there is to know about me because of the man I belong to.
What you don't know—is my past, because I'll never tell you.
What you don't know is my shame.
Because if you did—you'd be worse off than dead.
You'd be broken.
There are two sides to every story...this is ours.
Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning: This series contains elements of emotional, sexual, and physical cruelty. Any readers with sensitivity to the above topics should proceed with caution, and at their own risk.
Author's Note: This is part one of a three book series. (Blame It on the Shame: Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story.)
However, in order to truly enjoy Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, it is advised you read 'Blame It on the Pain' first.
*Please be advised that Part 1 in this series (featuring a different couple) take place before any of the events in 'Blame It on the Pain' do. It is considered a 'prequel'. *
This is a full-length novel: 67,000 + words.
249 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2016
250 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Jade
52 books9,590 followersLink to my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Jade-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
Read
February 6, 2019Book 1 (Blame it on the Pain) by Ashley Jade was awesome and I loved it despite the pain in it. It was bearable and I really recommend it.
But this second book, BLAME IT ON THE SHAME, which is written in 3 parts is something else. It is full of so many triggers.
It includes various kinds of abuse, torture, violence, rape, incest and shame.
I did manage to finish Part 1 of Blame it on the Shame and started Part 2 but seeing that it gets harder and harder to tolerate, I have decided that neither my heart nor my stomach will take two more books like that so I won't continue this 3-part series.
The book is well-written so I don't want to rate it low just because it is too torturous for me.
Normally, I manage to read about violence, murder, abuse or rape in books if they take a minor portion of the book (something in their past) but here the majority of the 3-part series focus on all the torturous things the heroine goes through both in the past and present and I really do not want to read all of that awful stuff just to see her happy end - whatever happiness it will be is also a mystery to me...
Recommended for only readers who can bear its contents.
The writing is successful. Dual point of view gives insight to the minds and hearts of both characters.
But this second book, BLAME IT ON THE SHAME, which is written in 3 parts is something else. It is full of so many triggers.
It includes various kinds of abuse, torture, violence, rape, incest and shame.
I did manage to finish Part 1 of Blame it on the Shame and started Part 2 but seeing that it gets harder and harder to tolerate, I have decided that neither my heart nor my stomach will take two more books like that so I won't continue this 3-part series.
The book is well-written so I don't want to rate it low just because it is too torturous for me.
Normally, I manage to read about violence, murder, abuse or rape in books if they take a minor portion of the book (something in their past) but here the majority of the 3-part series focus on all the torturous things the heroine goes through both in the past and present and I really do not want to read all of that awful stuff just to see her happy end - whatever happiness it will be is also a mystery to me...
Recommended for only readers who can bear its contents.
The writing is successful. Dual point of view gives insight to the minds and hearts of both characters.
February 25, 2021
Blame It On The Shame is a full-length book that ends on a cliffhanger. I suggest you read Blame It On The Pain first to have a better experience of the book. You will have a better grasp of events. But if you don’t, it won’t take away from the book.
I can tell from book one that this series is going to be heartbreaking, ahead to the trigger warning. On my dark scale, it’s medium Gray.
Lou Lou and Ricardo have one thing in common Ricardo's mob boss father. His father took Lou Lou in when she was 15 years of age. You figure these two would have met on point in their life, but no, not until nine years later. Lou Lou. A fighter but so naive, which the father took advantage of. Ricardo is the bastard son his father tried to groom to be just like him. The father is a cold, cruel, Calculated man. That is putting it nicely.
Lou Lou should be off-limits, and lines shouldn’t be crossed. Both with demons that have made them who they are today. It’s messy, and expect them for who they are. I just love them both. Lou Lou is full of sass and a fighter; that girl had me laughing a few times. Ricardo is a wet dream. Handsome, protective of those he loves. I was afraid the cliffhanger would be anti-climatic; it was far from it. I love how The author bought in the Italian superstitions aspect. I have never seen it in a book before and welcome it.
I can tell from book one that this series is going to be heartbreaking, ahead to the trigger warning. On my dark scale, it’s medium Gray.
Lou Lou and Ricardo have one thing in common Ricardo's mob boss father. His father took Lou Lou in when she was 15 years of age. You figure these two would have met on point in their life, but no, not until nine years later. Lou Lou. A fighter but so naive, which the father took advantage of. Ricardo is the bastard son his father tried to groom to be just like him. The father is a cold, cruel, Calculated man. That is putting it nicely.
Lou Lou should be off-limits, and lines shouldn’t be crossed. Both with demons that have made them who they are today. It’s messy, and expect them for who they are. I just love them both. Lou Lou is full of sass and a fighter; that girl had me laughing a few times. Ricardo is a wet dream. Handsome, protective of those he loves. I was afraid the cliffhanger would be anti-climatic; it was far from it. I love how The author bought in the Italian superstitions aspect. I have never seen it in a book before and welcome it.
September 17, 2016
There are some authors who pen provocative tales that not only break boundaries but steamroll over them. And as a faithful reader, you just have to be willing to go along for the wild, intense, adrenaline rush of a ride and hope against hope that in the end your poor heart will survive!! Well, Ashley Jade tops my go-to list of brazenly daring authors who make you sit up and take notice!!!
The first book I ever read from her, BLAME IT ON THE PAIN, blew me away and this connected novel, BLAME IT ON THE SHAME (part one of a new three book trilogy), is equally enthralling, if not more so. It is dark. Intense. Twisted. Visceral. Heartbreaking. And so spellbinding it left me gasping for breath.
The hero of this story is Ricardo DeLuca…the hot, hard bodied, deliciously tatted “”half breed” son of ruthless mobster Bruno DeLuca. There is something about this dark, tortured, LETHALLY SEXY Alpha Male that just captured my heart!!! He may be a badass in the boxing ring and a force to be reckoned with when those near and dear to him are threatened, but there was such an underlying sweetness and nobility to him that he just made me swoon! But Ricardo was far from your typical Prince Charming. He was besieged with a tainted family curse that had him constantly waging an internal battle between dark and light.
"I'm the son of the devil, himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived. I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath. I hate him—but I have his blood pumping through my veins, feeding the darkness within me.”
Although Ricardo loathes his daddy, a small, perverse part of him craves his "Babbo's" love. Yet unlike his evil papa, he channels his anger and aggression in positive ways--in the boxing ring. And he is now a respected trainer/mentor to his “brothers” Jackson and Tyrone (first introduced in BLAME IT ON THE PAIN), who are also under DeLuca’s iron thumb. Ricardo would rather die than follow in his father’s footsteps but throughout his life he has had unbearably hard lessons drilled into him about family loyalty and cannot live with any more blood on his hands.
And our beleaguered heroine is Lucianna Travine AKA “Lou-Lou.” The stunningly beautiful "five foot nothing firecracker with big brown eyes and a spitfire personality" is Ricardo's weak spot...his ultimate undoing. Lou-Lou is a heroine unlike any I have encountered before! She is bitchy, in your face, volatile, impulsive, infuriating, screams a LOT....and is so sad and emotionally fragile she will break your heart over and over again. You want to hate her for her outrageous antics and hot and cold personality, but you can't. She is a paradox...both beguiling fallen angel and devil's mistress. A saucy vixen who loves to make a scene AND the girl who is scared of the dark and still dreams of making wishes on dandelions. She has led a tragic life, suffered unspeakable pain and loss, and is shrouded in so much shame she feels utterly worthless.
“Girls like me don’t get the fairytales. Because the white knights never want the dirty, damaged girls.”
Well one man does. Ricardo. Her dark savior who wants to save her from herself. But there is a deviously taboo twist to this love story. Lucianna belongs to Ricardo's father. Which means she is forbidden fruit. So that means HANDS OFF!!!
"F*king her would be like taking a big ol' bite out of Eve's apple—and I'm fully aware DeLuca's the serpent.”
For reasons I will not go into depth on to avoid spoilers, their two worlds collide, thanks to Daddy DeLuca. When Bruno entrusts his precious ward in his son’s care for nefarious purposes, neither are happy about it…at least not at first. Ricardo and Lou-Lou get under each other’s skin, and drive each other CRAZY!! Throughout the book, there is constant fiction between them and we never quite know where these two stand. “Ricky” and “Lou-Lou” are truly the definition of an impassioned duo and in the blink of an eye, they go from enemies to lovers and then back to enemies again. Their feelings for each other are messy and complicated and gloriously intense. One minute they are engaged in passionate screaming match, the next, Ricardo is snuggling Lulu on his lap, gently rocking her in his arms and chasing her demons away.
Although she hides behind her venomous words and her outrageous behavior to cover up her fortress of pain and shame that's plagued her all her life, Ricardo sees through her defenses. She shows him the ugly and dirty parts of her and he sees the beauty within. Night after night they seek solace in each other’s arms and lock the rest of the world away, even though they are living on borrowed time.
"I think this is what people mean when they talk about finding their missing puzzle piece. Ricardo's mine. He's inside me, filling me, fixing all the cracks. He's making me brand new instead of damaged.”
If only DeLuca wasn't the common denominator between them, the tie that binds them together, but DeLuca has eyes and ears everywhere and relishes pitting them against one another, testing their loyalty, forcing secret alliances, and pushing them to the brink of madness with their forbidden lust for each other! But to surrender to their passion could have dire consequences indeed!!
The taboo, torturous love that flares between these forbidden lovers is so achingly beautiful and heartbreaking it slays my soul. And although this is a SLOW burning romance with many stops and starts along a way, it's only a matter of time before their carnal hunger is finally unleashed. and HOLY SMOKES…was it worth the wait! Let me say this with 100% certainty—their liplock is officially the #MostExplosiveFirstKissEver!
A kiss to end all kisses. The culmination of so much pent up passion and aching tenderness it set off fireworks and literally made me weep with joy.
"I want him to be my first kiss, my last kiss, and every single kiss in between for the rest of my life."
Although BLAME IT ON THE SHAME, Part 1 does indeed end on a cliffhanger, it was not one of those "scream your head off and want to send ANGRY emoticon PMs to the author" kinds of endings. I actually found it HIGHLY satisfying, breathlessly romantic and it left me with so many warm, fluttery feels I am still basking in euphoria!!
In closing, I was transfixed from start to finish by this dark, gritty, uber dramatic tale about love trumping hate and finding hope in the dark, against ALL ODDS. You simply MUST experience this awesome book for yourself! Ashley Jade truly raised the bar with magnificently crafted tale…and she is definitely an author to watch. I applaud her for taking us on a WILD, INTENSE rollercoaster ride that you may never want to come off of.
5 tantalizingly taboo stars!
The first book I ever read from her, BLAME IT ON THE PAIN, blew me away and this connected novel, BLAME IT ON THE SHAME (part one of a new three book trilogy), is equally enthralling, if not more so. It is dark. Intense. Twisted. Visceral. Heartbreaking. And so spellbinding it left me gasping for breath.
The hero of this story is Ricardo DeLuca…the hot, hard bodied, deliciously tatted “”half breed” son of ruthless mobster Bruno DeLuca. There is something about this dark, tortured, LETHALLY SEXY Alpha Male that just captured my heart!!! He may be a badass in the boxing ring and a force to be reckoned with when those near and dear to him are threatened, but there was such an underlying sweetness and nobility to him that he just made me swoon! But Ricardo was far from your typical Prince Charming. He was besieged with a tainted family curse that had him constantly waging an internal battle between dark and light.
"I'm the son of the devil, himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived. I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath. I hate him—but I have his blood pumping through my veins, feeding the darkness within me.”
Although Ricardo loathes his daddy, a small, perverse part of him craves his "Babbo's" love. Yet unlike his evil papa, he channels his anger and aggression in positive ways--in the boxing ring. And he is now a respected trainer/mentor to his “brothers” Jackson and Tyrone (first introduced in BLAME IT ON THE PAIN), who are also under DeLuca’s iron thumb. Ricardo would rather die than follow in his father’s footsteps but throughout his life he has had unbearably hard lessons drilled into him about family loyalty and cannot live with any more blood on his hands.
And our beleaguered heroine is Lucianna Travine AKA “Lou-Lou.” The stunningly beautiful "five foot nothing firecracker with big brown eyes and a spitfire personality" is Ricardo's weak spot...his ultimate undoing. Lou-Lou is a heroine unlike any I have encountered before! She is bitchy, in your face, volatile, impulsive, infuriating, screams a LOT....and is so sad and emotionally fragile she will break your heart over and over again. You want to hate her for her outrageous antics and hot and cold personality, but you can't. She is a paradox...both beguiling fallen angel and devil's mistress. A saucy vixen who loves to make a scene AND the girl who is scared of the dark and still dreams of making wishes on dandelions. She has led a tragic life, suffered unspeakable pain and loss, and is shrouded in so much shame she feels utterly worthless.
“Girls like me don’t get the fairytales. Because the white knights never want the dirty, damaged girls.”
Well one man does. Ricardo. Her dark savior who wants to save her from herself. But there is a deviously taboo twist to this love story. Lucianna belongs to Ricardo's father. Which means she is forbidden fruit. So that means HANDS OFF!!!
"F*king her would be like taking a big ol' bite out of Eve's apple—and I'm fully aware DeLuca's the serpent.”
For reasons I will not go into depth on to avoid spoilers, their two worlds collide, thanks to Daddy DeLuca. When Bruno entrusts his precious ward in his son’s care for nefarious purposes, neither are happy about it…at least not at first. Ricardo and Lou-Lou get under each other’s skin, and drive each other CRAZY!! Throughout the book, there is constant fiction between them and we never quite know where these two stand. “Ricky” and “Lou-Lou” are truly the definition of an impassioned duo and in the blink of an eye, they go from enemies to lovers and then back to enemies again. Their feelings for each other are messy and complicated and gloriously intense. One minute they are engaged in passionate screaming match, the next, Ricardo is snuggling Lulu on his lap, gently rocking her in his arms and chasing her demons away.
Although she hides behind her venomous words and her outrageous behavior to cover up her fortress of pain and shame that's plagued her all her life, Ricardo sees through her defenses. She shows him the ugly and dirty parts of her and he sees the beauty within. Night after night they seek solace in each other’s arms and lock the rest of the world away, even though they are living on borrowed time.
"I think this is what people mean when they talk about finding their missing puzzle piece. Ricardo's mine. He's inside me, filling me, fixing all the cracks. He's making me brand new instead of damaged.”
If only DeLuca wasn't the common denominator between them, the tie that binds them together, but DeLuca has eyes and ears everywhere and relishes pitting them against one another, testing their loyalty, forcing secret alliances, and pushing them to the brink of madness with their forbidden lust for each other! But to surrender to their passion could have dire consequences indeed!!
The taboo, torturous love that flares between these forbidden lovers is so achingly beautiful and heartbreaking it slays my soul. And although this is a SLOW burning romance with many stops and starts along a way, it's only a matter of time before their carnal hunger is finally unleashed. and HOLY SMOKES…was it worth the wait! Let me say this with 100% certainty—their liplock is officially the #MostExplosiveFirstKissEver!
A kiss to end all kisses. The culmination of so much pent up passion and aching tenderness it set off fireworks and literally made me weep with joy.
"I want him to be my first kiss, my last kiss, and every single kiss in between for the rest of my life."
Although BLAME IT ON THE SHAME, Part 1 does indeed end on a cliffhanger, it was not one of those "scream your head off and want to send ANGRY emoticon PMs to the author" kinds of endings. I actually found it HIGHLY satisfying, breathlessly romantic and it left me with so many warm, fluttery feels I am still basking in euphoria!!
In closing, I was transfixed from start to finish by this dark, gritty, uber dramatic tale about love trumping hate and finding hope in the dark, against ALL ODDS. You simply MUST experience this awesome book for yourself! Ashley Jade truly raised the bar with magnificently crafted tale…and she is definitely an author to watch. I applaud her for taking us on a WILD, INTENSE rollercoaster ride that you may never want to come off of.
5 tantalizingly taboo stars!
February 7, 2017
“Sometimes there is absolutely no difference at all between salvation and damnation.”
Blame it on the Shame is provocative, gritty, thought-provoking, raw and emotionally stimulating. It's heartbreaking and captivating. I couldn't put it down. This book took me into the darkness and I became its willing captive. It's risqué and contains taboo elements, so fair warning.
“That's the thing about forbidden fruit. It always tastes the sweetest.”
I can't wait to see what happens next. On to Book 2. Full review coming.
Safety disclaimer: Although I enjoyed this immensely, it's definitely not for everyone. If you have any triggers, this book is not for you.
Blame it on the Shame is provocative, gritty, thought-provoking, raw and emotionally stimulating. It's heartbreaking and captivating. I couldn't put it down. This book took me into the darkness and I became its willing captive. It's risqué and contains taboo elements, so fair warning.
“That's the thing about forbidden fruit. It always tastes the sweetest.”
I can't wait to see what happens next. On to Book 2. Full review coming.
Safety disclaimer: Although I enjoyed this immensely, it's definitely not for everyone. If you have any triggers, this book is not for you.
March 5, 2017
First and foremost you have to start this serie as soon as possible. You wont regret it.. But I have to warn you This is not ordinary love story.. There is dark side will hiding deep down of book and will hunt you.. But in the end You will proud of yourself and Lou-lou& Ricardo...
Ricardo Deluca....... His destiny determined by his cruel fucked up Father Deluca.. He was the monster hiding in the shadows... feeding his power others blood and tears......
Ricardo was different from him. Despite carrying his father Deluca blood his heartbeats was singing different kind of song.....Love. Sacrifice... and friendship.... these were his family values.....Jackson and Tyrone were his family..
Ricardo...he was fierce... strong....... temper......
For him his friends- family comes first...
He is fighter........
One day Deluca invite his son dinner and..... Luiciana... his so young woman( for deluca all women are whore.. she is same but alo she is his weak spot...) surprised Ricardo.......
She was beyond beautiful.....innocent ...but how a girl like her live with a man Like Deluca......
But she hasher reasons.... she had no choice for her own life... her demons were much bigger than her power and so near to her.....
After spending time together both realize that their love for each other more powerful than their hate...But there is an obstacle -Deluca-... Deluca has also other plans for his son and Lou-lou....
Jackson ad Alyysa's story was really fantastic but when I started to read this.. I was shocked... because it was like story was written again and I was surprised.. almost everything had different side from Lou-lou's perpective..... it made this priceless......
KEEP READING.. YOU WILL LOVE IT
Ricardo Deluca....... His destiny determined by his cruel fucked up Father Deluca.. He was the monster hiding in the shadows... feeding his power others blood and tears......
Ricardo was different from him. Despite carrying his father Deluca blood his heartbeats was singing different kind of song.....Love. Sacrifice... and friendship.... these were his family values.....Jackson and Tyrone were his family..
Ricardo...he was fierce... strong....... temper......
For him his friends- family comes first...
He is fighter........
One day Deluca invite his son dinner and..... Luiciana... his so young woman( for deluca all women are whore.. she is same but alo she is his weak spot...) surprised Ricardo.......
She was beyond beautiful.....innocent ...but how a girl like her live with a man Like Deluca......
But she hasher reasons.... she had no choice for her own life... her demons were much bigger than her power and so near to her.....
After spending time together both realize that their love for each other more powerful than their hate...But there is an obstacle -Deluca-... Deluca has also other plans for his son and Lou-lou....
Jackson ad Alyysa's story was really fantastic but when I started to read this.. I was shocked... because it was like story was written again and I was surprised.. almost everything had different side from Lou-lou's perpective..... it made this priceless......
KEEP READING.. YOU WILL LOVE IT
February 19, 2017
Great set up for the next part...
This is Ricardo and Lucianna's story. This is a story that details how they came to the place that we saw them in Blame It on the Pain. If you haven't read Blame it on the Pain I highly suggest that you do because there are so many links and connections between this book and that one. It makes it a more enjoyable reading experience.
I think that this book was an amazing build up to what is to come. In blame it on the pain you see Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story from the outside and really have no clue what's actually going on there. I had all these dark twisted things in my head of what was going on, but it wasn't even close to what was actually going on. So good.
Lucianna's past was pretty awful, and her present isn't a whole hell of a lot better, but it's better than it was. She has accepted the way she's being treated and honestly it's heartbreaking, but then things change a bit.
Ricardo's life has also been pretty crappy, especially once he went to live with his father DeLuca. He's never lived up to his expectations and really doesn't want to, but for some reason he craves his father's approval. The thing is his dad is awful, and once he realizes that he's out, but it's not long before he's drawn back into the entire web Bruno DeLuca weaves.
All in all this is a great mafia-ish romance with some sports thrown in. The romance is slow-burn and intense, and there are so many things in this story that could be considered triggers.
Can't wait to read part two.
March 20, 2017
4,5. Que livro! Muito bom! A autora conseguiu escrever uma trama tão intrigante que não consegui parar de ler!!!!!
March 13, 2017
Love can be Beautiful, love can be ugly, and some times love isn't enough
All Lucianna wanted in her short 15 years of life was to be free, little did she know the person who she thought was her savior was really her monster.
Ricardo, the son of a mob man. He never wanted to be his father, and he never wanted anything his father had until Lucianna "Lou-Lou."
Wow this book had my heart racing and my blood pumping. When I say I had to put it down for a few to get myself under control is the absolute truth.
My heart broke for Lou-Lou in so many ways and I can't believe what a fighter she is. Ricardo stole my heart in so many ways and I loved him.
I don't want to give too much away, but I swear please read this book it was a 5+ star read and I can't wait to read part two.
~Alison
All Lucianna wanted in her short 15 years of life was to be free, little did she know the person who she thought was her savior was really her monster.
Ricardo, the son of a mob man. He never wanted to be his father, and he never wanted anything his father had until Lucianna "Lou-Lou."
Wow this book had my heart racing and my blood pumping. When I say I had to put it down for a few to get myself under control is the absolute truth.
My heart broke for Lou-Lou in so many ways and I can't believe what a fighter she is. Ricardo stole my heart in so many ways and I loved him.
I don't want to give too much away, but I swear please read this book it was a 5+ star read and I can't wait to read part two.
~Alison
August 18, 2016
"Shame. It wounds us. It damages us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me... it defines us."
Wow, this book. I have no words. No words at all because Blame it on the Shame Part 1 was just so beautiful. It was just a book but it was the book of all books. Written by Ashley Jade who has become one of my favourite authors, Blame it on the Shame Part 1 is an amazing story of pain, emotion, action and danger. Not only is it amazing but it is a gorgeous masterpiece that truly touched my heart
"The heart is the most peculiar and complex structure in the world."
Blame it on the Shame Part 1 is the story of Ricardo and Lou-Lou who we first meet in Blame it on the Pain. Note that you must read Blame it on the Pain first. In Blame it on the Shame Part 1, we get to understand and get to know Ricardo and Lou-Lou's story more. It is one of the most of the heartbreaking books and I was such an emotional story. It had me crying a lot. Ashley Jade truly wrote a story that was so memorable that I am still thinking about it after I finished it. Blame it on the Shame Part 1 was raw. So raw that it crippled me to the point of no return. It was so touching and all the emotions bleed out at the seams. This book was not a fairytale nor talks about rainbows and unicorns. If you are looking for a book like that, then this is not your book. This book was gritty. It was suspenseful. Ashley Jade did a spectacular job on weaving a story that brought out all the drama. It was so captivating. She also gave us a well written story that was both engrossing and had my eyes glued on the book. I was simp0ly in awe. Ashley Jade was able to weave magic into my heart through her powerful and touching story that oozed angst throughout the pages. I loved that it was centered, focused and detailed on Ricardo and Lou-Lou's life stories.
"He's past the point of washboard abs —his tall and lean body is absolutely ripped. He's fucking shredded, every single muscle molded and crafted to perfection."
Ricardo. Ricardo. Sweet baby, that man is just perfection. Son of one of the most vile and hated man, Bruno. Yep, I hate Bruno. Anyway this about my 'man' Ricardo. Yes he is my 'man' so hands off lol. Ricardo was amazing and I was so happy to find out more about him. I got to know his character more and I was truly amazed by it. He is amazing. So protective and loyal to his friends. So alpha. He is the epitome of perfection and I was just wowed by it lol. Even the quote above clearly describes his perfection. Not only did he have amazing traits but he had pain that cut deep to my soul. He had darkness in him that called out to me. All I wanted to do was to hug him. It tore me shreds but gave him an edge that I loved,.
"Last night I held a fallen angel in my arms while she wept. But this morning? This morning it's like I woke up with the devil. Or rather... the devil's mistress."
Now Lou-Lou was a different story. At first I hated her. I loved her more because I was able to understand her a lot. Her vulnerable nature was so painful. I found myself relating to her a lot. That's the beautiful thing. Being able to relate to a character thus making the book look realistic. I gravitate to things like that. I loved that Lou-Lou had so much pain but she was strong and badass. She was not a wilting flower but she had a past that brought tears to my eyes. Her story was a beacon to me. There was a balance to her. I loved that Ashley Jade was able to make me understand Lou-Lou a lot more and also make me feel for her once I knew her story. Both Ricardo and Lou-Lou were amazing together and had amazing chemistry that could explode. Together they were an undeniable force of nature and touched my soul.
Overall Blame it on the Shame was a fantastic, touching an emotional story that gripped me and made my heart flutter with emotions and angst. I loved every page, scene and dialogue of this book and has become one of my favourite books of 2016.
ARC provided by author Ashley Jade in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this book. I have no words. No words at all because Blame it on the Shame Part 1 was just so beautiful. It was just a book but it was the book of all books. Written by Ashley Jade who has become one of my favourite authors, Blame it on the Shame Part 1 is an amazing story of pain, emotion, action and danger. Not only is it amazing but it is a gorgeous masterpiece that truly touched my heart
"The heart is the most peculiar and complex structure in the world."
Blame it on the Shame Part 1 is the story of Ricardo and Lou-Lou who we first meet in Blame it on the Pain. Note that you must read Blame it on the Pain first. In Blame it on the Shame Part 1, we get to understand and get to know Ricardo and Lou-Lou's story more. It is one of the most of the heartbreaking books and I was such an emotional story. It had me crying a lot. Ashley Jade truly wrote a story that was so memorable that I am still thinking about it after I finished it. Blame it on the Shame Part 1 was raw. So raw that it crippled me to the point of no return. It was so touching and all the emotions bleed out at the seams. This book was not a fairytale nor talks about rainbows and unicorns. If you are looking for a book like that, then this is not your book. This book was gritty. It was suspenseful. Ashley Jade did a spectacular job on weaving a story that brought out all the drama. It was so captivating. She also gave us a well written story that was both engrossing and had my eyes glued on the book. I was simp0ly in awe. Ashley Jade was able to weave magic into my heart through her powerful and touching story that oozed angst throughout the pages. I loved that it was centered, focused and detailed on Ricardo and Lou-Lou's life stories.
"He's past the point of washboard abs —his tall and lean body is absolutely ripped. He's fucking shredded, every single muscle molded and crafted to perfection."
Ricardo. Ricardo. Sweet baby, that man is just perfection. Son of one of the most vile and hated man, Bruno. Yep, I hate Bruno. Anyway this about my 'man' Ricardo. Yes he is my 'man' so hands off lol. Ricardo was amazing and I was so happy to find out more about him. I got to know his character more and I was truly amazed by it. He is amazing. So protective and loyal to his friends. So alpha. He is the epitome of perfection and I was just wowed by it lol. Even the quote above clearly describes his perfection. Not only did he have amazing traits but he had pain that cut deep to my soul. He had darkness in him that called out to me. All I wanted to do was to hug him. It tore me shreds but gave him an edge that I loved,.
"Last night I held a fallen angel in my arms while she wept. But this morning? This morning it's like I woke up with the devil. Or rather... the devil's mistress."
Now Lou-Lou was a different story. At first I hated her. I loved her more because I was able to understand her a lot. Her vulnerable nature was so painful. I found myself relating to her a lot. That's the beautiful thing. Being able to relate to a character thus making the book look realistic. I gravitate to things like that. I loved that Lou-Lou had so much pain but she was strong and badass. She was not a wilting flower but she had a past that brought tears to my eyes. Her story was a beacon to me. There was a balance to her. I loved that Ashley Jade was able to make me understand Lou-Lou a lot more and also make me feel for her once I knew her story. Both Ricardo and Lou-Lou were amazing together and had amazing chemistry that could explode. Together they were an undeniable force of nature and touched my soul.
Overall Blame it on the Shame was a fantastic, touching an emotional story that gripped me and made my heart flutter with emotions and angst. I loved every page, scene and dialogue of this book and has become one of my favourite books of 2016.
ARC provided by author Ashley Jade in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2016
Wow!!! What can I say here besides Bruno DeLuca is a man who thrives on violence whether it be family or not... He has zero feelings....
Lou-Lou had a story to be told and this was a heartbreaking story. One that started out as a young girl and hasnt stopped yet... There is a reason she is always showing 'attitude' with everyone...it's her defense mechanism... How else can you survive for 24 years and not come up with some plan...
Ricardo-Ricky...Hello!!! 100% all man and knows how to treat a woman...unlike his father. He has sold his life to him for 10 yrs again...this time things are going to go differently *fingers crossed* But when you are dealing with Bruno DeLuca, nothing surprises me!!!
This is a fabulous story that till the last page, you wanted to shank someone!!! For that reason, its worthy of a 5 star rating from me!! Held me all the way to the end... Cant wait for the next one.
Love these Ricardo sayings:
Toughen up, sport, Always prepare for the unexpected!
The only thing I can compare it to is what happens when magnets flip and find one another <3
Lou-Lou had a story to be told and this was a heartbreaking story. One that started out as a young girl and hasnt stopped yet... There is a reason she is always showing 'attitude' with everyone...it's her defense mechanism... How else can you survive for 24 years and not come up with some plan...
Ricardo-Ricky...Hello!!! 100% all man and knows how to treat a woman...unlike his father. He has sold his life to him for 10 yrs again...this time things are going to go differently *fingers crossed* But when you are dealing with Bruno DeLuca, nothing surprises me!!!
This is a fabulous story that till the last page, you wanted to shank someone!!! For that reason, its worthy of a 5 star rating from me!! Held me all the way to the end... Cant wait for the next one.
Love these Ricardo sayings:
Toughen up, sport, Always prepare for the unexpected!
The only thing I can compare it to is what happens when magnets flip and find one another <3
March 15, 2019
WARNING: this series should be read after BLAME IT ON THE PAIN or you will first be introduced to the main characters.
**Review of the audiobook**
STORY
I am really happy that I was told to read BLAME IT ON THE PAIN before starting these. The only negative is that I read them back to back and wish I had waited some time in between.... At 57% in, I became extremely frustrated by the repetition since scenes are literally repeated verbatim from BLAME IT ON THE PAIN, this time told from Ricardo’s perspective instead of Jackson’s. I would not have minded this yet it often happened with non-important scenes that had absolutely no impact on BLAME IT ON THE PAIN or SHAME so it was truly a complete waste of time, listening to those scenes twice. Aside from the repetition, it’s a great book! It was awesome to finally understand why Ricardo and Lou Lou acted the way they did in BLAME IT ON THE PAIN!!!
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Dorian Bane. Initially, I was concerned, wondering how Bane, with such a strong, masculine voice, would be able to adequately and believably perform the female pars yet he did an incredible job with all of the voices!!! He is a very, very talented man!!!
**Review of the audiobook**
STORY
I am really happy that I was told to read BLAME IT ON THE PAIN before starting these. The only negative is that I read them back to back and wish I had waited some time in between.... At 57% in, I became extremely frustrated by the repetition since scenes are literally repeated verbatim from BLAME IT ON THE PAIN, this time told from Ricardo’s perspective instead of Jackson’s. I would not have minded this yet it often happened with non-important scenes that had absolutely no impact on BLAME IT ON THE PAIN or SHAME so it was truly a complete waste of time, listening to those scenes twice. Aside from the repetition, it’s a great book! It was awesome to finally understand why Ricardo and Lou Lou acted the way they did in BLAME IT ON THE PAIN!!!
PERFORMANCE
I listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Dorian Bane. Initially, I was concerned, wondering how Bane, with such a strong, masculine voice, would be able to adequately and believably perform the female pars yet he did an incredible job with all of the voices!!! He is a very, very talented man!!!
February 6, 2017
He's making my ugly beautiful.
Another brilliant and gripping read by Ashley Jade.
Two captivating, damaged and intriguing characters.
Ricardo: I'm the son of the devil himself, the most feared mob boss who ever lived, I was the cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
Ricardo is DeLuca's son they aren't close, Ricardo is a victim like all people to his father's control. His job is to train the underground fighters.
Lucianna (Lou-Lou) she is rescued from her abusive father, from the clutches of one evil to another at the age of 15. DeLuca, a man who never shows feelings seems to be captivated by Lucianna with her sass,courage and strength, they begin an odd relationship were although Luciana was rescued she is by no means free. Luciana is a possession.
Now in her early 20's Lucianna is finally given freedom from the mansion were she has been confined but it comes with conditions of spying,deceipt and being the inside source DeLuca - Ricardo's father needs to keep control.
DeLuca believes in only three things, Money,control and power.
Blame it on the Shame is part one of Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, you are taken through the backstory and up to present lives of both characters with and all its intensities, hotness and suspense.
Extended characters include Jackson featured in Blame it on the Shame and Tyrone,Three friends who are like brothers and of course Mamma who holds the glue for the boys with her words of wisdom, she's a great character.
Ricardo and Lou-Lou are two people who simply didn’t have a choice in the families they were born into making them the characters they are and I'm hoping and looking forward to their hea because they definitely deserve one.
Another book by Ashley Jade I couldn't put down and I'm looking forward to book two.
This is wrong...so fucking wrong. It's so wrong they haven't invented enough languages to convey just how wrong this is.
I can't be attracted to him.
He's my boyfriend’s...son.
#FREE with Kindle Unlimited
'Blame It on the Shame' (part 1) links:
Amazon:
US: http://buff.ly/2hB4A4A
UK: http://buff.ly/2hB1u0B
Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Another brilliant and gripping read by Ashley Jade.
Two captivating, damaged and intriguing characters.
Ricardo: I'm the son of the devil himself, the most feared mob boss who ever lived, I was the cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
Ricardo is DeLuca's son they aren't close, Ricardo is a victim like all people to his father's control. His job is to train the underground fighters.
Lucianna (Lou-Lou) she is rescued from her abusive father, from the clutches of one evil to another at the age of 15. DeLuca, a man who never shows feelings seems to be captivated by Lucianna with her sass,courage and strength, they begin an odd relationship were although Luciana was rescued she is by no means free. Luciana is a possession.
Now in her early 20's Lucianna is finally given freedom from the mansion were she has been confined but it comes with conditions of spying,deceipt and being the inside source DeLuca - Ricardo's father needs to keep control.
DeLuca believes in only three things, Money,control and power.
Blame it on the Shame is part one of Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, you are taken through the backstory and up to present lives of both characters with and all its intensities, hotness and suspense.
Extended characters include Jackson featured in Blame it on the Shame and Tyrone,Three friends who are like brothers and of course Mamma who holds the glue for the boys with her words of wisdom, she's a great character.
Ricardo and Lou-Lou are two people who simply didn’t have a choice in the families they were born into making them the characters they are and I'm hoping and looking forward to their hea because they definitely deserve one.
Another book by Ashley Jade I couldn't put down and I'm looking forward to book two.
This is wrong...so fucking wrong. It's so wrong they haven't invented enough languages to convey just how wrong this is.
I can't be attracted to him.
He's my boyfriend’s...son.
#FREE with Kindle Unlimited
'Blame It on the Shame' (part 1) links:
Amazon:
US: http://buff.ly/2hB4A4A
UK: http://buff.ly/2hB1u0B
Arc gratefully received for review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Want to read
January 11, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Shame. It wounds us. It damages us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm the son of the devil, himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived.
I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
I hate him...and I never wanted to become him.
And I sure as hell never, ever, wanted anything of his.
Until her.
My name is Ricardo DeLuca. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with the girl who belongs to my father. The second—is that it turns out I am my father's son after all.
My name is Lou-Lou, and you probably think I'm a bitch.
You would be right—because I am.
You think you know all there is to know about me because of the man I belong to.
What you don't know—is my past, because I'll never tell you.
What you don't know is my shame.
Because if you did—you'd be worse off than dead.
You'd be broken.
There are two sides to every story...this is ours.
Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning: This series contains elements of emotional, sexual, and physical cruelty. Any readers with sensitivity to the above topics should proceed with caution, and at their own risk.
Author's Note: This is part one of a three book series. (Blame It on the Shame: Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story.)
However, in order to truly enjoy Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, it is advised you read 'Blame It on the Pain' first.
Blurb:
Shame. It wounds us. It damages us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm the son of the devil, himself—the most feared mob boss who ever lived.
I was cursed from the moment I took my first breath.
I hate him...and I never wanted to become him.
And I sure as hell never, ever, wanted anything of his.
Until her.
My name is Ricardo DeLuca. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with the girl who belongs to my father. The second—is that it turns out I am my father's son after all.
My name is Lou-Lou, and you probably think I'm a bitch.
You would be right—because I am.
You think you know all there is to know about me because of the man I belong to.
What you don't know—is my past, because I'll never tell you.
What you don't know is my shame.
Because if you did—you'd be worse off than dead.
You'd be broken.
There are two sides to every story...this is ours.
Warning: Due to strong language, some violence, explicit sexual content, and some dark elements, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning: This series contains elements of emotional, sexual, and physical cruelty. Any readers with sensitivity to the above topics should proceed with caution, and at their own risk.
Author's Note: This is part one of a three book series. (Blame It on the Shame: Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story.)
However, in order to truly enjoy Lou-Lou and Ricardo's story, it is advised you read 'Blame It on the Pain' first.
August 16, 2016
Ricardo and Lou-Lou's story is a tough read. Tough but brilliantly written! Kudos to Ashley! The emotion, the pain, the hopelessness Ricardo and Lou experience....just wow! The level of abuse and neglect the two experienced during their childhood and early adulthood, would destroy the average person. As a reader, you're left raw and exposed. This story is brilliant and offer a completely different, almost unheard of insight into the life of a mobster and his only child.
Bruno, Ricardo's father and Lou's warden, is a soulless mobster not above using his only biological son to get his way. His decayed soul and lack of conscience contribute to his unspeakable acts, including using Lou to spy on his son. His evil plan backfires and things become too hot to handle! This is Ricardo and Lou's story and how they climbed out of the pit of hell to grasp some semblance of happiness. Although they've experienced some light, how long will it last with a man like Bruno in their lives? The plan is the only thing keeping them together and alive. What will happen once Bruno discovers he's been played? Of course nothing with Bruno is ever what it seems....he has plans for those two. Very bad plans.....
This journey is not for the faint of heart. BiotS is brilliant but tough to digest and therefore should be considered a dark Mafia read. I absolutely love this story and I appreciate the insight into the darker side of the father and son relationship. The drama is never ending between the key players. It's a crazy ride.....are you bold enough co-sign on the DeLuca crazy??!!
Five stars for this fantastic story!
Bruno, Ricardo's father and Lou's warden, is a soulless mobster not above using his only biological son to get his way. His decayed soul and lack of conscience contribute to his unspeakable acts, including using Lou to spy on his son. His evil plan backfires and things become too hot to handle! This is Ricardo and Lou's story and how they climbed out of the pit of hell to grasp some semblance of happiness. Although they've experienced some light, how long will it last with a man like Bruno in their lives? The plan is the only thing keeping them together and alive. What will happen once Bruno discovers he's been played? Of course nothing with Bruno is ever what it seems....he has plans for those two. Very bad plans.....
This journey is not for the faint of heart. BiotS is brilliant but tough to digest and therefore should be considered a dark Mafia read. I absolutely love this story and I appreciate the insight into the darker side of the father and son relationship. The drama is never ending between the key players. It's a crazy ride.....are you bold enough co-sign on the DeLuca crazy??!!
Five stars for this fantastic story!
September 14, 2018
Here are some teasers and links. <3
'Blame It on the Shame' (part 1) links:
Coming out- August 23rd, 2016!
Pre-Order Links for Blame It on the Shame:
Amazon:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGI09U6#...
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KGI09U6
'Blame It on the Shame' (part 1) links:
Coming out- August 23rd, 2016!
Pre-Order Links for Blame It on the Shame:
Amazon:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGI09U6#...
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KGI09U6
December 23, 2016
4.5 STARS!
WOW!!! What an angst-filled, suspenseful, game of twisted chess! I literally ate this book and then licked my fingers with a satisfied smirk on my face.
So, you meet Lou-Lou and Ricardo in Blame It On Pain. I recommend reading that one, not that you won't love this one, it's just, that book was the groundwork for this one. Plus it's amazeballs and a MUST read. Anyway, I was a bit interested in their story, but I had no idea what awaited me. This book had me on pins and needles from start to finish. I opened this book with thoughts of reading a few chapters... I was completely and utterly consumed. I think Lou-Lou was short changed in Blame It On The Pain. You will need to prepare yourself for a darkly addictive game. The emotions fire on all cylinders. I felt like I had my hand in the cookie jar, I felt panicked, I felt an uncontrollable need to run. My chest was feeling heavy. My heart was exploding. I love when an author makes you work for fireworks. The show is tantalizingly slow, but the final is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Angst. Angst pulled my hair. And I love every single moment.
WOW!!! What an angst-filled, suspenseful, game of twisted chess! I literally ate this book and then licked my fingers with a satisfied smirk on my face.
So, you meet Lou-Lou and Ricardo in Blame It On Pain. I recommend reading that one, not that you won't love this one, it's just, that book was the groundwork for this one. Plus it's amazeballs and a MUST read. Anyway, I was a bit interested in their story, but I had no idea what awaited me. This book had me on pins and needles from start to finish. I opened this book with thoughts of reading a few chapters... I was completely and utterly consumed. I think Lou-Lou was short changed in Blame It On The Pain. You will need to prepare yourself for a darkly addictive game. The emotions fire on all cylinders. I felt like I had my hand in the cookie jar, I felt panicked, I felt an uncontrollable need to run. My chest was feeling heavy. My heart was exploding. I love when an author makes you work for fireworks. The show is tantalizingly slow, but the final is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Angst. Angst pulled my hair. And I love every single moment.
August 14, 2016
Mio Piccolo Superstite
From the frying pan, into the Fire.
The heat doesn't stop burning Lucianna. She's being hurt in her own home, at the hands of her protectors. In steps Bruno DeLuca. He's a Wolf In Sheep's Clothing. Pretending to rescue her and slaying her Dragon, when in fact he's killing two birds with one stone. He successfully manages to end the Mayor but captures the daughter to negate his screwed up DeLuca Curse.
But he didn't provision for love seeping in. Lucianna suffers unending, ,untold damage at Bruno hands but when she becomes Lou-Lou, she finds her true saviour. Her forbidden Love.
Alas! Bruno is a brilliant chessmaster and they're mere pawns on his Bloody chessboard.
Ricardo, Jackson, Tyrone, scarlet, Marlene, Momma .......and his Bambino Lucianna .
Can NOT wait to read the next book
From the frying pan, into the Fire.
The heat doesn't stop burning Lucianna. She's being hurt in her own home, at the hands of her protectors. In steps Bruno DeLuca. He's a Wolf In Sheep's Clothing. Pretending to rescue her and slaying her Dragon, when in fact he's killing two birds with one stone. He successfully manages to end the Mayor but captures the daughter to negate his screwed up DeLuca Curse.
But he didn't provision for love seeping in. Lucianna suffers unending, ,untold damage at Bruno hands but when she becomes Lou-Lou, she finds her true saviour. Her forbidden Love.
Alas! Bruno is a brilliant chessmaster and they're mere pawns on his Bloody chessboard.
Ricardo, Jackson, Tyrone, scarlet, Marlene, Momma .......and his Bambino Lucianna .
Can NOT wait to read the next book
December 20, 2021
for full review:
for my instegram: https://www.instagram.com/oritty_book...
for my blog לסקירה בעברית : https://www.facebook.com/orittybooks/
for my instegram: https://www.instagram.com/oritty_book...
for my blog לסקירה בעברית : https://www.facebook.com/orittybooks/
July 25, 2016
Blame it on the Shame, Part 1 is a dark, gritty, and deeply emotional story that completely consumed me and left me wanting more. This book tells the story of Ricardo and Lou Lou, two people tied together by a ruthless and dangerous man, who fight a forbidden attraction that can have deadly consequences. The writing was powerful, the dialogue was engaging, and the plot was so well-crafted and intriguing, I found myself unable to put this book down.
"Girls like me don't get the fairy tales. Because the white knights never want the dirty, damaged girls."
Through dual prologues, the author gives us a look into Ricardo and Lou Lou's past, showing the reader what led them to where they are today. It takes a truly talented author to sway my opinion on a character, and Jade did that with an effortless ease. Lou Lou wasn't someone I could see myself liking while reading Blame it on the Pain, but I soon learned that there was so much more to her than what we were shown. I felt such an deep sympathy for her and what she was forced to endure. How I could go from irritation to compassion so quickly truly is a testament to this author's writing abilities. She creates characters that you cant help but fall in love with and root for. I wanted the forces who caused Lou Lou pain to pay for their actions. I wanted those who misunderstood her to open their eyes and see more than what was on the surface. And most of all I wanted someone to break through her barriers and give her the life she deserved, free from pain and imprisonment.
"That's the thing about forbidden fruit. It always tastes the sweetest."
The storyline of this book was richly developed, and written in a way that connects the reader to the characters and their experiences in a personal way. Ricardo's past was a heartbreaking one, and he has led a difficult life under the rule of his tyrannical and unyielding father. When he and Lou Lou interacted, the scenes were always brimming with tension, and I loved the chemistry that existed between them. The forbidden aspect of their relationship made for some interesting scenes, and it was so much more than the typical push-pull dynamic with these two characters. These were two people whose pasts are filled with pain and shame that they still lived with to an extent, something that the author showcased flawlessly. I was rooting so hard for the two of them to come together and find some semblance of happiness, something they both deserved.
"Sometimes you have to break in order to be fixed. And if you trust me enough to fall apart, I swear, I'll put you back together again."
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. There is still so much that stands in the path of Ricardo and Lou Lou's happiness, and knowing that way this author writes, I am sure we are in for one hell of a ride with the upcoming books. What she delivered so far in Book 1 was incredible and I am so excited for what is coming next.
"Girls like me don't get the fairy tales. Because the white knights never want the dirty, damaged girls."
Through dual prologues, the author gives us a look into Ricardo and Lou Lou's past, showing the reader what led them to where they are today. It takes a truly talented author to sway my opinion on a character, and Jade did that with an effortless ease. Lou Lou wasn't someone I could see myself liking while reading Blame it on the Pain, but I soon learned that there was so much more to her than what we were shown. I felt such an deep sympathy for her and what she was forced to endure. How I could go from irritation to compassion so quickly truly is a testament to this author's writing abilities. She creates characters that you cant help but fall in love with and root for. I wanted the forces who caused Lou Lou pain to pay for their actions. I wanted those who misunderstood her to open their eyes and see more than what was on the surface. And most of all I wanted someone to break through her barriers and give her the life she deserved, free from pain and imprisonment.
"That's the thing about forbidden fruit. It always tastes the sweetest."
The storyline of this book was richly developed, and written in a way that connects the reader to the characters and their experiences in a personal way. Ricardo's past was a heartbreaking one, and he has led a difficult life under the rule of his tyrannical and unyielding father. When he and Lou Lou interacted, the scenes were always brimming with tension, and I loved the chemistry that existed between them. The forbidden aspect of their relationship made for some interesting scenes, and it was so much more than the typical push-pull dynamic with these two characters. These were two people whose pasts are filled with pain and shame that they still lived with to an extent, something that the author showcased flawlessly. I was rooting so hard for the two of them to come together and find some semblance of happiness, something they both deserved.
"Sometimes you have to break in order to be fixed. And if you trust me enough to fall apart, I swear, I'll put you back together again."
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. There is still so much that stands in the path of Ricardo and Lou Lou's happiness, and knowing that way this author writes, I am sure we are in for one hell of a ride with the upcoming books. What she delivered so far in Book 1 was incredible and I am so excited for what is coming next.
January 21, 2021
“Sometimes there is absolutely no difference at all between salvation and damnation.”
DARK ...Abuse │Rape │ Incest │Violence... TORMENT
Ricardo: Dark eyes, dark hair, crooked nose, 31
Lucianna: Brown eyes, dark hair, tiny and very skinny, 24
“My favorite flower is a dandelion—but only after it's gone to seed,”...
“I only made one wish. The same wish over and over again.”...
“I wished for freedom.”
They are both grey characters; Life wasn't fair with them. Blame it on their worst kind of fathers!!! Their characters reflect their lives, they both have good hearts, but they have their own masks that they wear to shield themselves from the outside world. I love both of them with their flaws and everything.
Now that they found each other, they need one another to SURVIVE and LIVE properly. And I need a HAPPY ENDING for them. NEED not Want. I am absolutely bounded with this couple.
Good god in heaven do I want him to kiss me. I want him to be my first kiss, my last kiss, and every single kiss in between for the rest of my life.
“I dare you to tell me you want him and not me again, Lou-Lou. I fucking dare you.”
“You bombed DeLuca's house just to kiss me?”
His mouth curves into a sideways smile. “It was a damn good kiss...”
STORY
Ricardo is the bastard of the worst/most powerful Mob Monster. Lou Lou is the girlfriend of this same horrible man, not by her first choice; she just ended up with this monster while running away from another.
Fucking her would be like taking a big ol' bite out of Eve's apple—and I'm fully aware DeLuca's the serpent.
“Lock the rest of the world out—never let them in...I don't care.” I tilt her chin up to look at me. “But don't do it to me. Let me be the one person you let in.” I gesture around the apartment. “Let this be your safe place.”
OVERALL
*I LOVE Lou-Lou and Ricardo, I sincerely connected with these two messy-grey characters. They were born to this chaos, and life shaped them into who they are today. I wish them nothing but the best!
*Thanks to the book, I know what Apadravya is, and I love it.
*This book is HOT, I enjoyed the sexual intercourses very much. (Between the MCs ofc!)
*I love love love this story even with the killings, blood, and many more triggers.
*I truly enjoyed one of my least favorite trope - mafia romance, I am not even sorry.
This book is OVERDRAMATIC and SO ROMANTIC. How can I not love this?
Ashley Jade, you don't know it, but you just got yourself a new BFF!
“I love you,” he whispers as I ride the final wave of my orgasm. I almost want to cry but I can't because all I feel is happiness. I realize that this right here is my miracle. This is everything I have ever wished for.
August 23, 2016
I just discovered Ashley Jade a little over a week ago, and I have very quickly become a HUGE fan of hers. She wowed me with Blame It On The Pain, and after reading it I wanted 'Lou Lou' and 'Ricky's' story. So bad! And I knew without a doubt that it would be epic. And it sooooo was! It was everything I expected to be and more.
Luciana and Ricardo both endured horrific and scarring experiences at the hands of the men that were meant to love and protect them, but did neither.
The pair have so many similarities. Both have trouble sleeping during the nights. Neither trust easily. And both despise and fear the monster that has transformed their lives into hell on earth. In saying that, they're also so screwed up mentally that they also crave his love and affection, and want to please him.
Sometimes my stomach would twist with dread, or my heart would race with excitement, my eyes would well up with tears, and every now and then the author also had me laughing. That wine scene...so funny. Sorry, not sorry, Marlene. How she managed to sneak those moments in there and make it all work is beyond me, but she nailed it.
If you're looking for a book that has insta-love and lots of sex scenes, You won't find it here. Lou Lou and Ricardo hate each other at first, yet they can't help but be attracted to one another. There's definite sexual tension throughout the story, but things happen and they end up at odds again. And truthfully, I think that if they'd gotten together too quickly it just wouldn't have worked. It would've felt forced. They had to work through some issues first, and when they finally did get together, it was sexy as hell.
Of course this is part one of a three part series, so I'm not going to lie...it ends in a cliffhanger. Thanks for that, Ashley. I despise cliffhangers. But the way this one ended left me covered in goose bumps. In a very evil, but ridiculously fantastic way.
I can't wait to read the second part of this dark, twisted and beautiful story. If you're reading this review Ashley...get back to writing. NOW! LOL
Luciana and Ricardo both endured horrific and scarring experiences at the hands of the men that were meant to love and protect them, but did neither.
The pair have so many similarities. Both have trouble sleeping during the nights. Neither trust easily. And both despise and fear the monster that has transformed their lives into hell on earth. In saying that, they're also so screwed up mentally that they also crave his love and affection, and want to please him.
Sometimes my stomach would twist with dread, or my heart would race with excitement, my eyes would well up with tears, and every now and then the author also had me laughing. That wine scene...so funny. Sorry, not sorry, Marlene. How she managed to sneak those moments in there and make it all work is beyond me, but she nailed it.
If you're looking for a book that has insta-love and lots of sex scenes, You won't find it here. Lou Lou and Ricardo hate each other at first, yet they can't help but be attracted to one another. There's definite sexual tension throughout the story, but things happen and they end up at odds again. And truthfully, I think that if they'd gotten together too quickly it just wouldn't have worked. It would've felt forced. They had to work through some issues first, and when they finally did get together, it was sexy as hell.
Of course this is part one of a three part series, so I'm not going to lie...it ends in a cliffhanger. Thanks for that, Ashley. I despise cliffhangers. But the way this one ended left me covered in goose bumps. In a very evil, but ridiculously fantastic way.
I can't wait to read the second part of this dark, twisted and beautiful story. If you're reading this review Ashley...get back to writing. NOW! LOL
November 8, 2016
5 HAWT stars!
Ricardo DeLuca..... He's no Jackson Reid BUT he's just as bad ass. AND PIERCED!! There is no SHAME
**sigh**
Lou-Lou's (Luciana) story is heartbreaking and explains her relationship with that asshole, Bruno DeLuca (Ricardo's father). That man is more twisted than I thought.
I will admit, I was a little disappointed that I weren't able to see Ricardo's & Lou-Lou's POV from the final scene in Blame it on the Pain. Alyssa Tanner's name was never mentioned in this book (all though we knew it was her Ricardo was referring to when talking about her father's death). *This should not be read as a standalone*
Ricardo DeLuca..... He's no Jackson Reid BUT he's just as bad ass. AND PIERCED!! There is no SHAME
**sigh**
Lou-Lou's (Luciana) story is heartbreaking and explains her relationship with that asshole, Bruno DeLuca (Ricardo's father). That man is more twisted than I thought.
I will admit, I was a little disappointed that I weren't able to see Ricardo's & Lou-Lou's POV from the final scene in Blame it on the Pain. Alyssa Tanner's name was never mentioned in this book (all though we knew it was her Ricardo was referring to when talking about her father's death). *This should not be read as a standalone*
November 1, 2016
Wow what a fantastic story
It had me gripped from the start I couldn’t put it down.
This was an amazing story.
I really Like Ricardo he might be the mob boss son but he is nothing like his father,
Lou Lou, I really like her character she is feisty and she don’t back down to anyone not if she doesn’t have too anyway.even after everything she has been through
I didn’t like Bruno DeLuca,
Ricardo’s Father Bruno he helps Lou Lou get away from her Abusive Father, when she is 15..But is her life any better with him… You have to read to find out
This is a dark, intense and emotional Roller coaster of a ride..
This is only the second Book I have read by this Author I can’t wait for more.
It had me gripped from the start I couldn’t put it down.
This was an amazing story.
I really Like Ricardo he might be the mob boss son but he is nothing like his father,
Lou Lou, I really like her character she is feisty and she don’t back down to anyone not if she doesn’t have too anyway.even after everything she has been through
I didn’t like Bruno DeLuca,
Ricardo’s Father Bruno he helps Lou Lou get away from her Abusive Father, when she is 15..But is her life any better with him… You have to read to find out
This is a dark, intense and emotional Roller coaster of a ride..
This is only the second Book I have read by this Author I can’t wait for more.
November 16, 2016
Let's just say right from the beginning, I didn't expect to really like this book. I was looking through Amazon and happened to come across it. While I had nothing else to read I figured this one sounded ok. I wasn't impressed with the cover all that much but I figured I would give it a go. I'm I ever glad I did! This is a new to me author and I absolutely loved her writing. This book kept my attention. I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen. I'm Italian so I usually stay as far away from any Mafia books or mob related books as I can. They always seam so unreal to me. But this one was spot on. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see what happens next!
November 8, 2016
This is a new author to me and I have to say I will be reading more by her. The story of Ricardo and Lou Lou (and Bruno) is a very twisted one. The storyline is well thought out and the characters very realistic. I was definitely rooting for Ricardo and Lou Lou to find a way to make it work and with book 2 coming soon I'm sure there will be more twists in their relationship. All in all a good quick read.
November 7, 2016
OMG OMG I loved this book - I started the series with blame it on the pain and loved Jackson. Lou Lou and Ricardo were in the first book and I couldn't stand Lou Lou. However after reading this (Lou Lou and Ricardo story) I feel different towards her. Ashley certainly knows how to drag you as the reader into the story - cannot wait until the next book - fab series ❤️
July 20, 2017
Holy crap. My first book by this author and I am already obsessed! I can't get enough. I already know Ashley Jade and I are going to have a very close relationship, and by that I mean I'm going to stalk the crap outta her. Holy damn, I asked for an asshole alpha and that's what I got! I'm so in love with this series!
September 19, 2016
Another fantastic book from this author
Ricardo had it rough growing up with is father. This book has some dark elements so this is definitely not for the faint of heart. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Ricardo had it rough growing up with is father. This book has some dark elements so this is definitely not for the faint of heart. I can't wait to read more from this author.
March 20, 2017
5 Little Survivor Stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews