“Don’t feel bad for me, I’m a sinner. I wear the cross not because I’m worthy, but because I need it more than anyone else, more than any faithful, pure heart. I need it like any other sinner, as a shield, to help me not fall into the vortex of sin.”Are you ready for Donna Filomena – The Lady of the Mafia? Are you ready for her deepest secrets, her lies, her sacrifices?“The Secret dies with me.”… Secret dies with me.”
This is a dark novella, following the novel Scars, based on the character of Donna Filomena, Alejandro De la Crux’s mother.
Reading sequence: Skins, Scars, Filomena: a Scars novella and Crux (coming soon).
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Ah, another dark read from Bella Rossi. Going back in time reading about Filomena’s life, why Alejandro turned out the way he did, why filomena helped Andrea, and why their lives aren’t so very different makes Filomena a good edition to the Scars series.
In this book we get to really see who Filomena is and what she has lived through and done. The author has done a wonderful job drawing me in as a reader into this story and really feeling the heartache that Filomena experienced. It’s a wonderful read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! Just when I felt things couldn’t get anymore emotional than what I felt reading Scars I’m hit with this book! Just when I thought Alejandro was the Devil, his father was even worse! It totally explains so much about Alejandro and what made him who he was in Scars. I’m so glad Filomena had stood up for herself. I’m so glad she did what she did. I totally and completely understood her. Being a mother, you’ll do anything for your children. This books was so good! The writing, the emotion, just everything about it. I’m on to read Crux now! I’m really looking forward to it!
Brilliant!
This fast paced quick read was gripping, intense and captivating !
Now I have to confess I had not read the prior books in this series Skins and Scars. While I was at a slight disadvantage understanding some events, I had NO problems enjoying this read.
This is Filomena’s story. She is the mother of Alejandro de la Crux. Told in her POV.
Holy mother of dragons does she have a story to tell. She’s fierce and unapologetic for the decisions she’s made. Her character was flawlessly developed!
We get a back story for her actions which is where I was a little lost since I didn’t read the prior books.
Nonetheless, the writing was strong, smart just drew me in!
This is the story of survival and what a mother is willing to do for her family!
Now to read Skins and Scars!
Cherry popper Filomena by Rossi is so tragically beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes.
The whole plot IS ONE BIG LIE and it’s all been meted out to Filomena Del Monte. She is the proverbial Lamb led to the slaughter by her keeper himself, albeit reluctantly, but what does it matter to teh lamb on its way to mincemeat!!
“It had been a trade. I’d been part of the bargain—nothing but a product, an investment, a bridge between the two families.”
From day one poor Filomena has been lied to, restricted, virtually imprisoned. First by her father then by her cruel husband- Alonso De La Crux, a rising star in crime underworld.
He eliminates competition in any form and silences his opposes ruthlessly
Filomena endures emotional, mental and physical abuse because he’s holding her son at ransom
Money makes men cheaters, liars, untrustworthy… What could have been better than a marriage of convenience to strengthen the alliance between two families?
The plot twist was marvelous turn of events.
I LOVED the writing, it flowed so smoothly. Characters were so clear and defined, plot was taut and precise
I’m off to read the next book- Crux now, meanwhile you pick this book. It’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited
5 stars for L’Inferno di bugis
I absolutely love Laura Rossi’s books. She is definitely on my list of must buy authors. This series of books has kept me in the edge of my emotions and once I start reading, I can’t put it down. Filomena was no different. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“How can you fight evil with kindness when that dark force is killing you?”
I absolutely loved getting a glimpse in to the life of this woman. You meet her in Skins, and in Scars, both of which you should read before you read this one. You didn’t get to know too much about her before, but now, after reading this, and learning how she started out living the dream she always imagined, only to have it turn in to her biggest nightmare, my heart aches for her!
She was deceived by those who were supposed to have loved her the most, used as a pawn to further corruption and darkness, had the best things in her life taken from her and thrown in to the den of evil, and endured more pain and heartache than any one person should have to endure. Yet, through all of it, she was strong. Strong enough to take a chance for love, and strong enough to sacrifice everything for her sons.
She’s an amazing woman and I’m so glad Ms. Rossi graced us with her story!!
What a compelling and deep look into the life of a woman who grew up to be the mother of two sons; one who became a monster like her husband. Filomena’s life as a young woman was one of affluence and secrecy. She knew her father was involved in questionable business practices, but she never realized how far he would go to make the deal of a lifetime. Her father thought she was innocent and pure, but unlike her sisters, Filomena wanted to experience life and feel what it would be like to be desired and cherished. She should have known better than to want too much, because it always ended in heartache.
I found myself hoping she would escape the trappings of her marriage and find someone to love her as she deserved to be loved. Laura Rossi has written a psychological profile of a happy, young woman who became a trouble and scared wife and mother, who wanted desperately to raise her sons to be good men. But it didn’t happen that way. I was surprised and intrigued by some of the events in the book, and I am looking forward to reading Ms. Rossi’s next book, “Crux”, which features Filomena’s younger son, Ramirez.
Wow!! This book was so good.. very different from what I usually read.. it was a super fast read as well.. it flowed perfectly. Thus is the first book I’ve read from thus author but I guess not the first in the set. I didn’t feel like I missed anything.. I feel this could be read as a stand alone and have no worries… now I need to find the others in this set..
I just loved Roberto.. I hope that some time we will get to hear from or get a book for the other son… now off to find Alejandro’s book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella is based on Filomena, she’s the mother of Alejandro De La Crux from Skins and Scars, Which I strongly recommend you read first.
This is Donna Filomena’s POV and man does she has a lot to say.
The truth comes to light, people may not like it, but it is what it is.
Her reasons for marrying Alonso— a monster, a wolf in sheeps clothing —and becoming Filomena De la Cruz all those years ago.
The reasons behind, why she is the hard-faced fierce lady she is today and stares death in the eye and asks questions later.
Why she done what done in Scars with Andrea.
And would she do all the wrongs again?
Hell yeah, but maybe she should skip marrying Alonso De la Crux and go for a good guy. But if she had we wouldn’t have this amazing book series Scars.
Bring on Cruz
CRUZ Pre-order: https://books2read.com/u/4j1MZo
The last time we dealt with her she was finally doing something she had only dreamed of but hated doing. Now we get to find out how she got into the mess her life turned out to be. It isn’t peaches and roses, it’s the tale of a child with blinders who was only as useful as a bargaining chip. The glitz and glamour may have been what lured her but it’s hardly what made her stay. A mother’s sacrifice is never enough and although her chance at love was complicated her choices were hers to own. It’s a beautifully sad story that will pull on your emotions and heart strings as you feel the things she felt and the length she had to go to get things done. Loves this novella which makes the series complete and answers questions left floating. It also gives us another look at a character that was underappreciated. Loved the Scars series and if you haven’t read it you don’t know what you’re missing.
This story is told from Donna’s point of view and gives a glimpse into what her live was like, and why she made the decisions she did to go against her son. This is a beautifully written story which is heartbreaking, dark, and emotional, twisted, with secrets, and is a steamy read. I am in awe of this gifted author, and the attention to detail she gives to her characters and intricate plots. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend her work for all.
What did I just read?! WOW! I was hooked reading Scars and now hearing Donna Filomena’s story I am absolutely blown away. This can undoubtedly be read as a standalone and either before or after Scars but I will tell you now that it is a MUST read novella what will have you gasping and squeezing your ebook device so tight as you’re taken down memory lane with Filomena and her boys. My heart breaks for Roberto, that man is caring, welcoming and just embraced all of your sides. Learning how Alonso treated his family in a more detailed timeline makes Alejandro’s personally more clear, we did hear it from him directly in his story but from a Mother’s perspective, it’s even more eye opening. I am itching to hear Ramirez’ story next in Crux, I’ll be counting down until I’m holding that book in my hands.
Beautifully descriptive. This author has a wonderful writing style and the story carries itself beautifully. This book truly captured me right from the very start.
Brilliant!!
Oh I loved this book so much!!!
I absolutely love Laura’s writing style, which has been displayed beautifully here, giving us Filomena’s life story so far.
And what an amazing woman Filomena is! Yes, she made some controversial choices, but when she loved……boy did she love!!!!
This story was heartbreaking at times; smoking hot and sexy at others!! It is the perfect continuation of Scars and I just can’t wait to get my hands on Crux! Highly recommended!!
I will be completely honest and say that I HATED this character in Scars, but this novella opened my eyes, my heart, and my soul to her story. Written beautifully, it captured me and didn’t let me go. My heart broke for Filomena, her sacrifices, her impossible situation, the dark, gritty happenings that she persevered with strength, grace, and fierceness that had me cheering and identifying with her completely. Her bada**ery gave me chills!! I loved it!!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review and cannot wait for more!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Filomena: A Scars Novella needs to be read after you devour both Skins and Scars. Trust me on this one, you will want to know how a mother who gave birth to 2 sons made the choices that she did.
Donna Filomena is a strong woman. One who lived through it all. Being the wife to Alonso De la Crux, she listened, she learned, she watched. She became the person she had to in order to survive. She became the strongest woman, one who would do anything to protect her children.
This is her story. Its a unveiling of sorts to let us see what a woman, a mother would do if given the chance. I knew going into this story, that it would need to be a heart-stopping, truly written in a way that the reader would accept what a mother would do. This story nailed it! Never again will I second guess what an author puts us through! The background history and devastation that a person muddles through until they reach their breaking point!
“Forgive me father, for I have sinned.”
Just WOW!!!! Laura has smashed it out of the park again, with this Scars Novella, as we are taken deep into the intricate world of the Mafiosi through Donna Filomena’s eyes. So addictive are her words as we read about a Mothers anguish as she tries to keep her children safe and a Wife’s struggle as she comes to terms with her lot in life. I can not wait for the next book… CRUX…. soooo good