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Blame It on the Pain

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My name is Jackson Reid. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with Alyssa Tanner. The second is—I'm a murderer.

Blame It on the Pain is a Full-length standalone. No cliffhanger.

Pain. It hurts us. It pushes us. It punishes us.
Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us.
I'm not a good person.
There are no redeeming qualities about me...not anymore.
Any that I had, I'd given to the devil on the night that changed everything.
The night my baby sister died.
The night I murdered her killer.
Yes, I've taken a life...and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
And I would never, ever, have an ounce of regret for being who I am.
Until her.

My name is Jackson Reid. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with Alyssa Tanner. The second—is that I'm a murderer.


My name is Alyssa Tanner, but you probably know me as the whore who caused her step-father to lose the election for New York City Mayor.
And you would be right- because the day the world branded me a slut I decided to become one.
You think you know all there is to know about me because you've seen what I look like naked.
Believe me, you haven't even cracked the surface.
What you don't know—is my past, because I've been forced to keep it a secret to ensure my safety.
What you don't know is my pain.
Because if you did—you'd be dead.

I bet you think you know how this story will unfold...but trust me, you really have no idea.


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.

This is a full-length, novel. (100,000+ words.)

ebook

First published May 23, 2016

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3172 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Jade

50Ìýbooks9,426Ìýfollowers
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5 stars
1,487 (46%)
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3 stars
451 (14%)
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75 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
Profile Image for Nilufer Ozmekik.
2,960 reviews57.8k followers
January 24, 2019
5 billion stars! I love well written ,WTF books and mind bending , dark romances. This book was soooo freaking good. Especially last parts were so captivating, I’m nailless right now, I ate all of them, thanks to the writer. I’m also intrigued about Lou Lou and Ricardo’s spin-off trilogy but I’m not sure it’ll have same emotional turmoil and flawed but brave characters.
This final words hit me hard ;
“Without pain, you wouldn’t know the happiness. If you let the pain take over, you miss out on the good things, the things that really matter... like love and family.
If you don’t find a way to make through the pain,you miss out the best parts of your life.�
Jackson was one of the best heroes I’ve ever read.
I loved the chemistry between characters. I loved their tainted, rough but never ending love story. This is great book! Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,547 reviews1,660 followers
February 6, 2019


Solid 5 stars!

I loved this book. It has every kind of emotion in it. It will make you sad, happy, angry, nervous, irritated, disgusted, devastated, scared and all.

You will see how cruel life can get for some people and you will wish the bad guys are punished and the good guys have their happy end.

It is one hell of a ride. But in the end, it is worth it all.

Don't let the title discourage you, it is not as depressing as it sounds. On the contrary, the way it develops and ends sort of makes you happy and hopeful for the existence of the good guys :)

This book is mainly about Alyssa and Jackson.

Both are broken people. They have suffered through their own tragedies. And they still are in deep pain because of the life they are living.



Alyssa once makes a mistake and life beats the shit out of her. Now, she is living a life she doesn’t deserve at all.

Think of one of the most horrible nightmares that can happen to you... And, Alyssa is living in it.
How is she coping?
Badly, of course.

After making my way out to the hallway, I reached up and felt for my necklace. With shaky hands, I tugged on it until it ripped free and fell. It was then that I realized. There are a thousand ways to break a girl...but it only takes one to kill her.

***

I didn't think I could feel any worse about the situation. I didn't think there was any more hurt left to experience in my lifetime. I was wrong. He's disgusted by me. And why wouldn't he be? He just witnessed who and what I am first hand.


Jackson did something bad in the past, as well. Now, he is paying for it. Most people would normally call it an “unforgivable deed� but it is one of those situations where everything is not black and white but there are shades of grey.

“My name is Jackson Reid. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with Alyssa Tanner. The second—is that I'm a murderer .�

***

“Judge not, lest you be judged is all I'm sayin'.�


The roads of these two suffering souls cross each other one day. Then, their mutual story begins.



Alyssa is a dropout from university and Jackson is an underground MMA fighter. Neither of them are in this situation by choice.

When they get to know each other, it turns out that they are connected in an unexpected and twisted way. No matter how attracted they are to one another, there are far many obstacles on their way.





There are side characters that contribute a lot to the story. The next book in the series will be about another couple who appear here as side characters.

This book is romance with a dark touch in it. It is emotional and it is hot. It is sometimes bitter and dark.

But that’s not all.

This book is also a thriller; there is mystery, suspense and a lot of action in it.

I believe that book would make a kick-ass movie. I would definitely watch it breathless.



The writing and the pacing is good, the tension is gradually built and especially the second part of the book is full of angst. I enjoyed my time reading it and I highly recommend it.

SAFETY: There is no cheating, no rape... There are other painful situations but it ends with a HEA.

Some moments from the book...

EMOTIONAL

There are moments in your life that you'll never forget. Some good, some bad, some life-changing. However, I never thought it was possible to fall in love with a single moment. Especially a moment with a person who's caused you so much pain. Especially when the moment puts you in your place for being a monumental asshole. But this moment right here? I love this moment.

***

He pauses right before he leaves. “I'm not who you think I am. But for the very first time...I wish I was.�

***

I almost let myself love her. I was right there...on the fucking cliff...already falling...about to land. I just never knew I was headed for a crash landing.

***

"I want you to be mine, because as far as I'm concerned...I'm already yours.�

HOT

It's not a soft and gentle kiss. It's a kiss that ravages me, consumes me. It's a kiss that claims me...effectively ruining me for anyone else, threatening to haunt me if my lips dare to ever touch another's.

***

He slams me against the door to my apartment and his teeth nip at my neck while his hands dig into my ass. “Hope you have another t-shirt,� he growls. I'm about to ask why, but I soon find out when he shreds the material right down the middle and buries himself between my breasts.

SAD

"Let me tell you something about the broken people... If you hurt us...we hurt deeper than others. If you hurt us...you drudge up every past hurt that we've ever experienced and send us into a tailspin right back down the rabbit hole...
Whether you mean to hurt us or not. It doesn't matter, because once we're in that tailspin...how do you think we cope? What do you think our go-to is? It's a vicious cycle and we end up taking down a lot of good people with us."

DARK & PAINFUL

“My deal,� he grits through his teeth. “Is that there should be no one in your life more important than me, do you understand me? You are mine. My goddamn whore, you hear me? Not his!�

And then he slaps me. Hard. Right across my left cheek. And then I'm crying. Because the truth fucking hurts. All of it hurts. I want to go numb.

“Goddammit,� he screams. “See what you made me do?�
“I'm s-sorry.�
Profile Image for TJ *Book Twins Reviews*.
1,157 reviews2,585 followers
February 10, 2017
OMG!! My mind is blown! Seriously, this was me reading this f*cking book�



It almost gave me a damn heart attack.



I was lying in bed asking my husband, of all people, what the hell else could happen to these poor characters. Of course I was talking about them like they’re real people and he was clueless as usual, LOL

Anyways, back to the book. Ashley Jade has a sick, twisted mind. And guess what, I love her for it. I’m not going to give any details away. I'll only tell you that the blurb is 100% correct. You think you know how the story will unfold, but you have no idea!

The main characters, Jackson and Alyssa are both broken and attempting to deal with seriously traumatic pasts. Both of them have been severely wounded by people closest to them. No surprise, they end up in seriously dire situations at one point or another. What was impressive about this novel is how hopeful it is, although mired in darkness. I was cringing most of the time, but I never stopped rooting for Jackson and Alyssa to get their crap together and figure out a way to move forward. I’m not going to lie, I did get a little fed up with a couple of the miscommunications and half-truths, but it was very short lived. Those very minor annoyances were completely forgotten once the plot twists kicked in.

The secondary characters were vibrant and larger than life. The family dynamic was unconventional and very impressive. This motley crew of individuals create their own perfect family. Each of my favored secondary characters - Momma, Tyrone, Lou-Lou, and Ricardo play an important role in Jackson and Alyssa’s lives and relationship development. I particularly enjoyed Tyrone and Ricardo. Ooh Ricardo! I can’t wait for more of him.

The author, Ashley Jade is an impressive story weaver. This book is very well-written with complex characters and an ambitious plot! It’s dark and full of drama, so obviously not for everyone, but it worked for me. The best way I can think to describe this book is that it reads like a Psychological Thriller, Contemporary/Sport romance, Police Procedural and Mafia Drama all rolled into one. I cannot believe I’ve never read A.J. before. I’ll pay my penance for that when reading the next book, I’m sure. I know she has wicked things in store for Ricardo that will likely split my heart in two. I started out loving Ashley Jade for her sassy attitude, but now I love her for her sheer talent.

If you’re not afraid of the dark side then strap in for this roller coaster ride, folks!



Here's what I absolutely loved: The main characters, twisted plot and storyline, amazing secondary characters, and the unpredictability.

Overall, this was one helluva wild ride that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s dark, but still full of hope.



I cannot wait for a repeat performance with the next book in series, Blame It On The Shame.

For more about Ashley Jade, check her out on Facebook:

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Profile Image for Jos.
1,781 reviews137 followers
September 10, 2016
5 PLUS Stars....Absolutely Brilliant!!!!!!

Wow, I devoured this story all day today and I am almost speechless in a very good way. This was one of those books you devour like a fine wine but then again you want to gulp it all down in one shot because you are hanging on every single sentence:) I was so nervous, I didn't know what to expect out of a new author for me and boy oh boy did she PLEASE me all the while nailing this story!

This is my first read by this extremely talented author and let me say this.... I am HOOKED!!!!! She will be on my go-to list of future reads, rather, future MUST reads!

The storyline was written absolutely brilliantly, it was a tale weaved masterfully. The writing was fantastic, the storyline was simply mind-blowing, the characters and I mean the main as well as the secondary characters were written PERFECTLY! The relationship between Alyssa and Jackson was just a beautiful slow-build up, it was crafted perfectly and slowly and when these two came together solidly, they were a force to be reckoned with. The love between these 2 damaged souls was beyond beautiful, I mean there are no words to describe it, but let me tell you that I could FEEL their love, their connection and it was pure magical bliss! When they come together....FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!

I really don't have enough words right at this moment to even begin to describe this book except that it's a MUST read for anyone who loves a true love story, one filled with suspense, mystery, angst and drama done just right...enough to have you on the edge of your seat BUT yet not enough that has un-necessary angst too. I tell you I LOVED every word, every sentence, every chapter and I was glued to this story until I finished!

Remarkable, Author Ashley Jade, this story was a GRAND SLAM for me and I cannot wait to start the next book on Riccardo and Lou-Lou's story! I am fan for life:) Congrats and please never stop writing!
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,072 reviews1,292 followers
February 8, 2019


YASSSS! Finally I'm back. :P After a couple of average books finally this story lighted up my fire again. ;)

I absolutely adored Jackson and Dilek, my sweet friend. Thank you so much for recommending this book to me. :)

Ps. You can read her amazing book review with this link.
/review/show...
Profile Image for Bella -.
124 reviews139 followers
February 24, 2021


Pain. It hurts us. It pushes us. It punishes us.

The Spin-Off to Blame it on the Shame Series
It can be read as a Standalone.

This book contains heavy/dark materials and sensitive issues. NOT suitable for everyone!

This book takes place around the same time as . SO basically, I only read to not to miss any easter eggs.

“My name is Jackson Reid. There are two things you need to know about me. The first—is that I'm in love with Alyssa Tanner. The second—is that I'm a murderer.� With my heart completely in her hands, I walk away.

I liked both Jackson and Alyssa and them as a couple! They were people who had been through a lot. Especially, Alyssa, there was a reason why/who she was at the beginning. Life (the Evil) brought them together, and they clicked immediately. Afterward, they started to heal together. LOVELY COUPLE!

I also liked the story, but I was quite mad because my main concern was Lou-Lou and Ricardo, and this book kind of delayed their story for me because, of course, I had to read it, I couldn't miss any details! And only because we see it on their POVs makes it even sadder for Lou-Lou and creates big misjudgments about her. WHY did I read this book after Part 1 BEFORE Part 2 of Blame it on the Shame. It was HARD for me to get through! I couldn't wait.
I found it, later on, that actually the Shame series was the spin-off of this one.

-The main Subject in this Story is Whether a Killer can be Justified or Not?-

Well, IMO he had his reason, but he still killed a person ya know?! I am against that no matter what. (Except self-defense) But because this is fiction, I am closing my eyes and say 'Kay. I can't lie I also truly wanted a happy ending. It was kind of funny how the issue was portrayed with such a SHINY HOLLYWOOD EFFECT tho! Seriously that court scene was exactly that, so yeah.

I'm flawed. I'm human. I lead with my heart. And that's okay, because I have a good one.

OVERALL

I loved this story, but I must also add, it's overdramatic, which I adore, but dark sensitive topics and neverending drama may be bothersome for some readers.

Finally, off I go to LOU-LOU and Ricardo!

It's then that I realize. Without pain, you wouldn't know happiness. If you let the pain take over, you miss out on the good things, the things that really matter...like love and family. If you don't find a way to make it through the pain...you miss out on the best parts of your life.
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,148 reviews95 followers
dnf
February 6, 2019
Dnfed @20%

I wanted to choke someone when I was reading this shit and I only read 42 pages of this crap. Nothing pisses me off than slut shaming. I’m not in the fucking mood for everyone and their fucking mother to call the heroine a slut, a worthless whore. I’m not going to make myself read this book just because the hero is a good man or appears to be one. Who killed his sister murderer, shit I probably would have done the same thing. And let me clarify that I don’t have a problem with the heroine having sex with many men and she even tries to have sex after meeting the hero. My problem is the constant slut shaming. So fuck this. I’m out!


“Yeah, you like that, you slut?� he says as he continues to plow into me from behind. His words reverberate through my head and I fight back the tears. Nope. Not even a little bit. “Yeah,� I say, hoping it will all be over soon. “Who's a little slut?� he asks before I feel his entire body spasm against me. “I am,�

“A few more slut shaming insults and a loud grunt later... my penance is over.�

“You may not be charging me for sex, sweetie. But we both know what a slut you really are. I knew you looked real familiar. Let's just say that I've seen you before,�

“Whore's like her don't deserve to be free,�

“I know a slut when I see one. Not my fault you fell for the trap and showed your true colors.�

"Do you have any idea what it's like to have millions of people think of you as nothing but a slut, Jackson.�


This was just a dose of the slut shaming happening in this book.

17 times the word slut is used.
34 times the word whore is used in this book.
The author hated her heroine. So fuck you author for slut shaming women!
Even the heroine’s mother called her a whore and a slut.





Profile Image for Malene.
1,311 reviews743 followers
March 18, 2019
***4.5 stars***
Blame it on the Pain was so damn good. Alyssa is one fucked up woman but who can blame her after was she experienced at ten years old. Death and deceit from the people she trusted the most. The way she punishes herself is sad but thankfully Jackson enters her life and shows her what she’s worth. Jackson. Omg how I love that man. Yes, he’s a murderer but that doesn’t define him. He’s such a good man and sees the real Alyssa and wants her to know that she’s a fighter. A survivor. They click and sparks fly immediately. When they finally give in it’s an explosion of heat, lust and love. Admiration for each other.
The secondary characters were fantastic too. Tyrone and his momma was hilarious. Ricardo and Lou-Lou broke my heart. I’m definitely reading their story cause the way BIOTP ended their story arc I have too. Jackson and Alyssa got their HEA and it was amazing.

4.5 Damsel Stars
Profile Image for Wobilba.
791 reviews115 followers
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars

I did enjoy this book till that last 20% which felt very unrealistic to me. There was also a lot of trust issues with the MCs, miscommunication and a whole lot of jumping into conclusions which seriously got on my nerves.
Aside from these, I did like both Alyssa and Jackson very much and did enjoy the overall plot of the book.
Profile Image for Carla Bulian.
1,582 reviews492 followers
March 19, 2017
Primeiro livro dessa autora que leio. Gostei muito. Ela conseguiu fazer uma trama bem feita, com muita tensão e surpresas. Os personagens são apaixonantes.
Com certeza vou ler mais livros dela.
Profile Image for Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews.
1,096 reviews217 followers
March 9, 2019
5 Angst-Filled, Beautifully Written Stars!

"Pain. It hurts us. It pushes us. It punishes us. Or, for the few poor souls out there like me...it defines us."

This is my first book by Ashley Jade. What have I been missing? This roller-coaster was built for me. I would've devoured this book in one sitting if I had the chance, every free moment I was craving the pages. This story has dark elements, the feeling behind them was the winning shot for me. I loved, loved, loved the depth the author went to make me feel every emotion. The characters were embedded within me. I read tough, dark subjects with almost every book I pick up... However, it takes talented author to make me feel it. The angst, the build-up solidified my 5 Star rating. I need tension, want, the unwavering need between the main characters, this book delivers a fifty foot buffet of it.

I closed this book with tears running down my face and the need to click every book by Ashley Jade. A MUST read for suspense, angst, romance readers. I promise you, you'll feel something from these words.
Profile Image for EpicRomanceReviews.
759 reviews142 followers
July 11, 2016
"When you love someone, you realize that every bit of pain you ever endured is worth it because you found the person who's the very best part of your life.�

There are certain books you read for pleasure and others you live and breathe. And holy wow...BLAME IT ON THE PAIN definitely falls into the latter category! Ashley Jade is a new author to me and I picked up this novel based on a book bestie's glowing rec, and let me say Best Book Rec Ever!!

BLAME IT ON THE PAIN is, to put it simply, a bonafide masterpiece! It had my heart in a vice grip from page one and never let up! This story consumed my thoughts, branded my soul, fueled my excitement, and stirred my fiery passions!

There are so many spine tingling twists and turns in this story that to avoid spoilers, I am not going to delve into nitty gritty plot specifics other than to say from the moment uber sexy underground fighter Jackson Reid locks eyes with sassy spitfire Alyssa Tanner when she is hired as a ring girl at DeLuca's fight club, both their lives are changed in powerful, profound and breath-sealing ways! As the riveting, brilliantly crafted plot unfolds we come to see that these two damaged, broken characters destinies are irrevocably intertwined in ways you Never. Saw. Coming.

"Jack the Ripper" and his "Damsel" have both endured unspeakable tragedies that forever shaped their lives and set them on eerily parallel. self destructive paths. Rather than trying to numb the pain, they use it as a touchstone for how they live their lives...it fuels their anger, their desires, their very futures. They have let their bottled up rage, recrimination and regret to fester over the years and it is essentially their reason for being, serving as a brutal reminder to never forget their life-altering choices that cannot be undone. But something shifts once these two kindred spirits finally surrender to the irresistible magnetic pull between them.

"I want to give him every single part of me... even the broken parts."

Fair warning...prepare to swoon--big time!--when Jackson and Alyssa melt into their first electrifying kiss. The moment is so combustible you can FEEL that spark of hope and beauty, love and passion that illuminates the suffocating darkness and despair that up till now has threatened to swallow them whole! But as it turns out, there is a razor sharp line between pleasure and pain.

"I recognize the pain in her soul...because I live with it every day."

Could their shot at happiness just be an illusion? Will their long dormant secrets and shattering revelations, once unveiled, bind them together forever or cause them to crash and burn?

This book is virtually flawless in execution and literally has EVERYTHING this discerning reader craves in a satisfying romance! First and foremost, a wildly addictive, blazing hot love story featuring a dark, tortured, fiercely possessive alpha male who has made a deal with the devil for his very survival. But all bets are off when he vows to move heaven and earth to protect the scrappy yet endearingly vulnerable heroine who blows into his life like a beautiful, chaotic storm.

"I can see the real her now. I can feel her opening herself up to me little by little. And I want every single part of it. I want to be the person she smiles at. I want to take this burden she carries on her shoulders away for good. I want her to see herself the way I see her...see how amazing she is...and realize that the horrible past she has doesn't determine her future."

Jackson and Alyssa's angsty, INTENSELY passionate, slow burning romance is the driving force of a thrilling mafia warfare/fight club suspense plot that is teeming with mystery, intrigue, peril and heartbreaking twists and turns. All building toward an jaw dropping plot crescendo that left me gasping for breath, reeling in shock and quivering in gutwrenching feels!

The author's narrative is spellbinding, brimming with palpable tension and blistering emotion throughout. I was particularly riveted by the multi-faceted, achingly real characterizations (Especially Jackson's dialect which was gritty and raw and very authentic. His mannerisms and dialogue actually sounded like something a macho underground fighter would do and say!) The central love story is complimented by a colorful cast of supporting players (friends and foes alike) that broadens the scope and gives this book a complex, full bodied feel.

The instant, visceral connection between Jackson and Alyssa is the kind all of us hopeless romantics dream about! Fiery, sweet, volatile, exquisitely tender and utterly intoxicating! I was powerfully drawn to those two lost souls who yearn to find absolution from the pain in each other's arms. There is a lot of tumultuous push/pull friction between them throughout and you ache for this duo to exorcise their demons, break down each other's emotional barriers and overcome all adversity.

"I want him to fix me, make me whole again. I want him to erase the past with his purity and kindness."

Even though their romantic journey is arduous and riddled with So Much Pain, it is also brimming with lust, love, hope, trust, unflinching courage and healing too! Jackson and Alyssa are one of those book couples that are just MEANT. TO. BE. And by book's end, these beloved characters more then earned their HEA!!! Only quibble? I grew so attached to these characters and dreaded having to say goodbye. Alyssa and Jackson's love story is just so permanently ingrained in my heart and soul that now that I have finished reading the very last page, I am nursing a nasty book hangover! In fact, I will go on the record and say that I would love a followup novella seeing them embarking on the next chapter of their lives. This couple was so fascinating to me that I definitely think there is more story to tell!!

In closing, I could gush endlessly about this mesmerizing book, exalt ad nauseum about how Jackson is the PERFECT book boyfriend who sets the bar very high for all future romance heroes. But I will simply leave it here.

Just. Read. This. Amazing. Book!

BLAME IT ON THE PAIN will blow you away, twist you inside out, break your heart and then miraculously put it back together again. This phenomenal romantic suspense tale from the mega talented rising book star Ashley Jade is absolutely not to be missed!!

10 Brilliantly Damaged Stars!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Ros (Rosie) 🦋.
455 reviews41 followers
June 10, 2019
4 “without pain we wouldn’t know happiness� stars!

I read this one last week, and wanted to review it earlier but life got in the way. I mean, how dare my friends actually expect me to socialise? ;-)

This one has everything packed in; it’s really very good!

The first few chapters did had me doubting the high reviews for a hot minute but it didn’t take long for me to become hooked.

I really don’t want to give any spoilers away because I went in blind and I think that this is one of the reasons I enjoyed this one so much. The author packs in suspense and tension and the plot has some brilliant twists along the way.

I will say though that Jackson Reid’s fucking delicious. He’s had a shit start in life and doesn’t believe he has much to look forward to. He meets Alyssa Tanner, who, like him, is broken. They instantly connect but their path towards happiness isn’t smooth sailing in the slightest.

This story shows how cruel life can be; how others have the power to manipulate and control your destiny, often without you even realising. It also demonstrates the danger of believing everything you see and not giving someone a chance to explain when you think they’ve hurt you.

But what I liked the most is how it showed how much your life can change when someone decides to take a chance and just believe in you. Jackson and Alyssa saw each other; they saw the real person hiding amongst all the bullshit, and helped each other to overcome their dark pasts.

The secondary characters in this are larger than life too, which is always a bonus. I wasn’t too taken with Lou-Lou, yet I am still excited to read all about her and Ricardo.

The cherry on the top? Ashley Jade is a new author to me, so I have a big catalogue of books to choose from.
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,884 reviews391 followers
February 17, 2017

A little dark, a little suspense, a little bit hot & steamy...

Jackson is an MMA fighter who has gotten into some deep deep trouble in his past. Some shady people get him out of that trouble, but of course it comes at a steep cost. The next ten years of his life, and his life if he doesn't take the help.

Alyssa had the perfect life for ten years, then it turned to crap in the matter of one horrible day. Years down the road things are looking too much better. She's down on herself and feels like trash, so she tends to act and treat herself that way. She finally gets a job as a ring girl and things are looking up. Until the fighter she's supposed to be helping turns out to be Jackson, and there's just something different about him. Yeah that's pretty much how their story starts.

The relationship between these two starts out kind of slowly even though there is an instant attraction. Both of the main characters are so messed up and have more important priorities than starting a relationship. Sometimes you can't fight your feelings, which leads these two on an interesting ride. Little do they know that their lives already intersect in so many ways. I don't want to spoil anything so that's all I'm really going to say.

This is the first Ashley Jade book I've read and it absolutely will NOT be the last. This book was for sure a romance that had a little bit of dark, it had a little bit of twisty suspense, and it had a little bit of hot & steamy times. I'm pretty sure it's considered a sports romance, but other than Jackson being an MMA fighter the story didn't really revolve around that. To me this felt like a new adult sports/mafia romance. Does that make any sense? If not, oh well. Highly recommend to anyone who likes a dark new adult kind of sports romance.
Profile Image for Harris Danielle.
875 reviews
December 2, 2016
You have to read this amazing series

Ashley Jade is the one author I will one click buy. I'm so darn smitten by Jackson talk about sexy! Jackson has it hard. He looses someone really close to him then gets into a really bad situation. Couple years later he meets Alyssa who also had it pretty rough and still suffers on what happened to her in the past. I love all of these characters love the steamy scenes, and all the above. Highly recommend this series to everyone.
Profile Image for _book_topia_.
714 reviews84 followers
July 16, 2021
Sometimes when you read romance books, the cute happily ever afters are the ones that get you. Life’s all sweetness and light and everything is good in the world. But every now and then along comes a gritty, hard hitting romance that has you begging on your knees for there to be a happy ever after. Because life is sometimes full of the nightmares that haunt your sleep. It has hurt and hate and things that are dark and too horrible to contemplate. This book is just that.

Ashley Jade knows how to write a book. And I’m so glad I found her through readings a small snippet of “The Words� in an anthology of stories I bought recently.

Jackson and Alyssa’s story will have you without a shadow of a doubt heartbroken at every turn. Let’s start with Jackson, he’s a 21 year old newly recruited MMA fighter who has raised his sister Lily since their addict mother didn’t. His best friend Mikey is also trying to go pro as a fighter and life is looking up for them. And then tragedy strikes in the worst possible way. And overnight Jackson is looking at spending the rest of his life in a jail cell. Until Bruno DeLuca offers him a deal. 10 years of fighting for his freedom.

Then there’s Alyssa who has suffered many nightmares in her life. From a harrowing incident on her 10th birthday to being used and abused by every man that is in her life after that moment. Until she meets Jackson and his patchwork family.

There are times when you read a book and things resonate, this one was it for me. I connected with Alyssa so much. She was so damaged from something that was never her fault. I loved how Jackson protected her from the first time he met her. He was the bad guy hero with the biggest heart that we all want to find.

The side characters, every single one, were well rounded and developed perfectly. From Tyrone, Momma and Ricardo to Lou-Lou and Ford. They all had their own stories to tell. There was one character I thoroughly despised but I won’t tell you who I’ll let you make your own mind up!

Another bonus to this is that there were so many twists and turns, some I had an inkling for and others came out of left field.

I might read Ricardo’s book, he intrigued me. And I think as I usually do with the side characters, I will fall for him more than Jackson. I have a thing for those side characters don’t I!? It’s just I’m not a fan of Lou Lou at all.
Profile Image for Halime   Yazıcı Mimaroğlu .
741 reviews54 followers
February 9, 2017
You're too busy destroying yourself, Alyssa. How could anyone else?

..Because sometimes in life, sweetheart. The bad guys win...
This story showed perfectly how a book can be as cruel as real life.....There is not fairy tale or prince charming. Sometimes we need to be realistic for life or our desicions. I mean not living up in the clouds...... This story was beyond being perfect. Not only I felt but also I lived every detailed things from this book. Pain..hope....love....helplesness..recklessnes....trying to bein cruel for save your own heart......
As three bookslover friends when we started to read this, naturally our expectations and hopes were really high and Thank God, this book didn't disappointed us.... Mybe I can put here a little bit complain for epilogue being so short...... Otherwise story, characters, storyline, plot... everything were perfect and fitted...
description

Jackson comes from painful childhood. Before he was born his fate writed with painful ink. His family were into drugs. His precious sister Lily was his everything. Lily was the reason for breathing or trying to live in this cruel world... But one day all promises his unseperable friend gave him break and he find himself in hell. His sister murdered by his best friend and Lily's own boyfriend........ every struggle and every hope shattered in that moment...... He has to kill.... he has to take vengeance of innocent life whose life took from her unjustly.....
In this part I really could not able to bear pain Jackson suffered.. I cried.. I cried desperately and lost my heart somewhere betwen those lines/ words....

After taking life of his sister's murderer he has no chance other than making a deal with devil... Deluca.... Because in real life sometimes it is bad guys win not good ones.....

Alyssa, with a beautiful face but painful past..... she can be seen like a whore... but when you started to read chapters from her point of view.. Let alone saying the word loudly, You will even regret that thinking it....... WHY......
When she was so young she has a family lots of people envy to have.. happy, caring and full of love... But one day someone make a deal with a devil and Alyssa and her family has to pay price.. When she was ten years old she witnesses her father killed by one of the most scaring person in torturous ways..... in this part.. I also felt my heart in my throat..... I can not even imagine how Asley Jade put this words on page.....
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After that unfortune incident her world turns upside down.... her relationship with her mother.. Her mother's desicions like choosing a man who will destroy Allyssa's life..... ( I really wanted to see her mother suffer because she turned her back her own daughter whe she need her in her life really badly.)
Alyssa does painful things and pays the price in very harsh ways.....
When Jackson meet with Alyssa both of them knows that if they have to cope with their past, demons and enemies they have to be together and teach their hearts to love one another without unterestimating their past and pains....

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I just want to speak about my feelings and mood while I m reading this... I was like a cat on hot bricks... after reaching next page.. I was fearful about what will happen now.. What will I learn.. with every chapter writer surprised me and throw me a curve..... Jackson really was strong despite his past and Alyssa, atta girl you were amazing..... specially thruough to end...what a wit... what a girl on a mission..... If a girl loves a man deeply you never imagine what she is capable of....
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Jackson was really man of his word... Because he behaved Alyssa differently specially after learning her painful past... Moreover when it comes to Deluca and Ford They were incredible and unstoppable....

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Before starting this review I was sure that whatever I write down here it wont be nice or beautiful .. Because book was really wonderful and made my brain froze and emotions inexplicable ..
I wish I were as good as with words like this author. But here I m. I just can say that this book wont you disappoint.... You will feel every word and live .... WILL SURVIVE TOO
Profile Image for Just Let Me Read ~ Kathy.
55 reviews16 followers
October 13, 2016
Review for Blame It On The Pain by Ashley Jade


Every now and then you come across a book that you love so much that you know the story is going to stay with you forever. This book is one of those books. I read it a week ago and I still get chills thinking about it. It engages the reader like no other book I’ve ever read and I have been an avid reader for 3 years. It pulled me in from the first sentence and held me captive until the very last word and even then I did not want it to end because I felt like I was leaving friends. Yes, that’s what this author’s writing does to you. That’s how well her characters and the plot is developed. You feel everything. You feel like you are part of the story. You. Feel. EVERYTHING.

I’m not going into a lot of detail because if I let myself go, this review will never end. I loved everything about this book. Since reading this I’ve already devoured 4 other books by this author and I just started another. I’m truly addicted and if you one click you will totally understand. Do you love twists and turns? One click now. Do you like humor? One click now. I laughed so hard in spots that I had tears and my stomach hurt. It’s also angsty and gritty. There is so much suspense, I found myself holding my breath. And here’s the thing. All of that and more is in the same book and its perfect. And yeah, the hot and steamy scenes will have you panting.

The author uses a dual POV that is clear, concise and allows you to get to know the characters. It does go back in time but it is necessary and does not affect the flow, which flows effortless even with the twists and turns. The dialogue is perfect and the balance between it, action and reflection is just right. There is no filler so forget skimming any part of this book. The author uses everything later in a way that will leave your jaw unhinged and your mouth hanging open. Speaking of the ending� You will not see it coming and I’m not giving anything so buckle up, hold on to something and get ready.

I definitely recommend this book that includes twists and turns, suspense, blindsides, action, mystery, humor, and that’s in addition to an epic love story that takes you on a roller coaster ride of all your emotions with the hot steamy scenes thrown in as a bonus. I’ve already started devouring this author’s other books so I can definitely the author and everything she writes.

Thanks for reading,
Just Let Me Read ~ Kathy
Profile Image for sara j.
201 reviews48 followers
March 12, 2017
4 stars....

I like the book.....it's a Goodread with a fast paced and it's very twisting story....
there are dark elements in it too ,showing real life events alot......

in beginning till to middle this story captured my attention but in the end I lost my connection.....

overall I enjoyed it.....but will I reread it second time.....

No I am not .....

because it's not that kind of book which captured your heart for soooooo long and distrub your sleep,seeing the book like a film in your dreams.......
Profile Image for Dusti Hanrahan.
298 reviews96 followers
March 22, 2017
3.5 "i have no idea what all the fuss is about" stars

This was just ok. It had a lot of good possibilities but it fell short for me. I skimmed often because I just couldn't connect w Jackson and Alyssa.
Profile Image for Merve Well.
106 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2019
Damn it! Ashley Jade really knows how to write. I'll read whatever this woman writes and hope that I won't die of respiratory failure.
Profile Image for Vee the Bookworm .
113 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2016
5+ stars (first time I've ever added a +, lol)

I don't even know where to begin, guys.

Get ready for my in-depth review because this book deserves it.
First, it's no secret, I'm an Ashley Jade fan. (Heck I even supported her in the very beginning through the barrage of editing issues in her first few books, because her stories are just that damn good and so different from anything else out there.) Don't worry there are no glaring editing issues in this book, it's all good.

Anyway this book?
This book is effin' phenomenal. Hands down the best book that not only has she ever written but top 5 books that I've ever read. (And we all know I'm a picky, picky, picky reader.)

I don't know what kind of writing hole she locked herself up in since January (when she first posted on her fb about starting this) Or what happened to her in this magic hole, all I know is that wherever her writing hole is, she needs to stay there and give me more stories like this!

To put it frankly- This is everything a book should be, especially for this genre.

Now on to my actual review: (there will be some slight spoilers and quotes.)

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- Even though this book is told in dual pov. The prologue (only done in Jackson's pov) gripped me from the start. I mean, holy hell. It's all right there in the blurb, but reading about it adds another layer of depth and I couldn't help but feel for him.

- Now, while Jackson's prologue gripped me right away, the first chapter (done in Alyssa's pov) made my mouth hang open. Let's just say that I was not expecting that to be the opening line in Chapter 1.

And to be honest, I had no idea how what to think about Alyssa's character at first. She was kind of an enigma to me for the first 5 or 6 chapters, but as the story unfolds, all I can say is WOW. Both her and Jackson's stories broke my heart.

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“The catch is that I figured out that the devil doesn't offer you deal's, Alyssa. He only offers you an arrangement with a steep pay off. And he prefers his payment in blood.�


Oh, and the character development is insane. Not to mention, the leading cast of characters will melt your heart as well as help build the story.

You wouldn't think that a single book could tackle all of the issues that this book takes on (media, slut shaming, murder, mob, friends, sexuality, family, etc) , but trust me, it does and it delivers and still builds the suspense like crazy.

The romance between Jackson and Alyssa is intense. It is not "insta-love" by any means, but there is an insta connection and I love the way it plays out and how the connection sizzles and the romance builds.
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Jackson is an alpha, and he's the very best kind of alpha.

I loved Jackson's internal monolouge.

"I have this urge to just want to take care of her, and be there for her.
But most of all...I recognize the pain in her soul...because I live with it every day."


Can I just say again how much I love Jackson?


In terms of sex....I'd say it's a wee bit on the "slow burn" But then boom, between the build up and when it happens....holy smokes.

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Jackson is hands down the hottest dirty talker I've ever read (imho) And there are definitely some intense sparks.

Before I know it, he's dragging me until we're stopped in front of the mirrors and he's directly in back of me.
He lifts my shirt up and his fingers trail down my abdomen before he flicks open the button of my jeans.
I'm about to close my eyes, but he shakes his head and whispers, “Watch,� deep and low in my ear.


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Sorry, that's all you're getting from me...too hot for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ!


Moving on- like I said as the story unfolds the romance builds to epic proportions, the sex is erotic, the character development is amazing, the secondary cast of characters are my favorite and well-developed, and the twists and turns will have you gasping for your next breath! There were some times, I thought I had it all figured out, but NOPE.

In fact, for the first time ever I'm moved enough to hit that "recommend" button, because I seriously think this book needs to be read just for the story alone.


I'll end this review with one of my favorite passages:

He looks up at me and my heart flutters. “I want to grow old with you,� he whispers. “I want to let you win at bingo, I want you to help me find my dentures, and I want to spend the evening watching the sunset with you every night from our two rocking chairs.�
He rests his head on my heart and my eyes fill with tears. “And when I die, you'll be my last thought. When my life flashes before my eyes, I'll see nothing but you. Because you already are the very best part of my life.�
“You're mine,� I whisper. “Finding you made all the pain I've ever endured worth living through ."


Overall, I would definitely recommend this a million times over; my only gripe would be: (There better be a Ricardo and Lou-Lou book next, because I need it!)

Oh, what the heck I'll just leave one more of my favorite quotes lol.
You're welcome ;)

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235 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2019
Si legge ma è troppo confuso e incasinato, cambiano idea ogni due secondi e ne succede una dietro l’altra...
Profile Image for The Reading's Love Blog.
1,339 reviews236 followers
January 2, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI:

4.5 STELLE

description
A volte ci imbattiamo in libri che contengono storie d’amore dolci, altre adatte per trascorrere ore di spensieratezza. Ma ci sono alcune storie forti che ti tengono con il fiato in sospeso dall’inizio fino alla fine, storie che parlano di dolore, di come affrontarlo, di donne e uomini spezzati da un passato ingiusto, da circostanze sbagliate. Alyssa e Jackson in questo romanzo ci raccontano la loro storia, mettono a nudo la loro vita, il loro passato, tutto ciò che hanno dovuto sopportare e il dolore che hanno vissuto sulla loro pelle. Sono personaggi spezzati che tentano di venire a patti con il passato, di affrontare di essere stati feriti dalle persone più vicine. Jackson entrerà da subito nei vostri cuori, vi renderà partecipi della sua lotta quotidiana contro i ricordi che lo tormentano, contro gli sbagli che sente di aver commesso. Questo grande uomo dall’aspetto possente dimostra di avere un grande cuore che desidera solo essere amato e amare incondizionatamente. Jackson è un lottatore di arti marziali miste, è l’invincibile, colui che vince sempre, che non perde mai, ma nella sua vita ha pagato fin troppo, ha perso tutto ciò che per cui ha sempre vissuto e nel presente ne paga le conseguenze. Alyssa è la protagonista più intricata tra i due, nel corso della storia assistiamo al suo lento rivelarsi, scopriremo i suoi segreti, ciò e chi la tormenta, scopriremo il suo passato attraverso dei capitoli interi dedicati ai flashback. Alyssa ha avuto una vita perfetta che poi improvvisamente si è trasformata un giorno nel peggior incubo. E ora, nel presente, si sente morta dentro, sente di non aver bisogno di aiuto, rifiuta l’aiuto di Jackson che cerca di aiutarla costantemente in tutti i modi, ma lei vuole salvarsi da sola. È una protagonista esuberante, divertente e senza freni, mi è piaciuto il suo essere sempre determinata e forte, non c’� un momento che si arrende, che smette di lottare. Ma nel profondo la vediamo soffrire, nel suo cuore ha accumulato così tanta sofferenza che non c’� più posto per altre delusioni. Ho adorato il lento innamoramento tra i due protagonisti, il loro combattere contro i sentimenti che sentono, anche se fin dall’inizio c’� un’attrazione istantanea. Anche se questo romanzo parla di tenebre, l’autrice lascia al lettore un messaggio di speranza molto forte: quello di trovare sempre un modo per andare avanti, di combattere nonostante le difficoltà, gli impedimenti o la voglia di mollare. I personaggi secondari rendono ancora più speciale questa storia, sono come una famiglia anticonvenzionale che si proteggono e si aiutano nelle difficoltà. Una menzione speciale va fatta a Mommy, Tyrone, Ricardo e in fondo anche a Lou-Lou che inizialmente odierete ma pian piano capirete il perché del suo carattere, anche lei dimostra di avere un passato e dei demoni da combattere. La sua storia la leggeremo presto nella serie dedicata a lei e Ricardo. Ashley Jade ha creato una storia intricata, ha intrecciato più generi come lo sport romance, il mafia romance, la suspense e un pizzico di thriller psicologico, dando al tutto un tocco di drammaticità. La scrittura e il ritmo sono ben costruiti, la tensione cresce gradualmente, specialmente nella seconda parte quando scopriremo tutto di questi due personaggi tormentati. In questa storia vediamo che la vita può essere crudele con alcune persone e vi schiererete subito dalla parte dei protagonisti, vorreste che i cattivi venissero puniti e che il bene possa vincere sul male. Pain. Colpa del dolore è una di quelle storie in cui tutto non è bianco o nero, non c’� una netta distinzione tra questi due colori, né tra scelte giuste e sbagliate, ma ci sono sfumature di grigio, scelte che quotidianamente noi compiamo e che riteniamo giuste o sbagliate per quel momento�

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
Profile Image for Get Your Book On.
212 reviews17 followers
August 7, 2016
Where do I even begin with this review? Well, for starters I have never heard of Ashley Jade until my book buddy recommended her work to me. And honestly, she has amazing taste so I knew that if she loved this book, I would without a doubt also feel the same way. I WAS NOT WRONG!

Jackson and Alyssa have both suffered tragic life altering experiences that have left them broken beyond repair, or so they think. But when their damaged paths cross, they're helpless in fighting the magnetic pull.

And the chemistry between these two characters was explosive. Like crazy hot, leave you breathless and your body tingling, hot. But yet as dirty talking and dominant as Jackson was, he still managed to have this soft protective side where he'd do anything to shield Alyssa from any more pain. He'd endure it himself to prevent it from reaching her again.

But like with any good, no make that fantastic story, it's not an easy relationship. Outside forces and inner demons keep them from being with each other.

I will let you in on a secret...halfway through the book I wasn't sure how I felt about the heroine Alyssa, and I voiced my concerns to my buddy and the author. I didn't dislike her, but I definitely wasn't loving her either. Yes, I know she'd experienced some tragic events that ruined her life, but she was like a doormat, and let people manipulate her. But thankfully, she finally broke out of her shell and when she did it was freaking phenomenal!!! In the end, I absolutely adored her!

I've read my fair share of books with villians, but this author's brand of bad guy was unbelievable. It's a love/hate thing. I love to hate them.

Ashley Jade hooks you at the very beginning, and doesn't let go. And if you're anything like me, you'll have heart palpitations when the story reaches its climactic peak, which by the way I never saw coming. It was crazy intense. Wickedly good.

This book has it all, love, heartache, drama, scorching hot sex scenes, beautifully broken characters, secondary characters that will also manage to snag a piece of your heart, suspense, and the ending...well you'll just have to read it to find out.
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