My name is Sebastian, but they call me the Killer. I have never lost a fight; never let anyone touch me without regretting it. I am a fighter, that’s how I survive in the gutter that is The Market, a neighborhood in the outskirts of Rome.Rome, the city of eternal beauty. But also the city of lost souls. When gangster Alejandro de la Crux wanted to have a word with me, I had no idea what was … was coming. He wanted me- the Killer- to protect his ex-wife and his son, while he went into hiding. Someone wanted him dead, wanted all of them dead. I had no idea it was Andrea, the woman I had met years before, the woman I had lost my head for.
It was her. She needed help. And I wasn’t going to let anyone touch her, not even her ex-husband Alejandro de la Crux.
Excerpt:
“He’s going to kill us if he finds out” she told me. “I am going to hell anyway” I whispered in her ear, before moving down to kiss her again. “I am coming with you” she murmured against my mouth.
Author Bio:
My name is Laura and I am dreamer, the kind that walks around all day and likes to go back and forth, from the real world to her own little world.
I have two kids and a fantastic partner. We work together in our little shop in Italy, near the beach.
When I am not busy working or being a mommy, I like to fantasize about new characters and new stories I’d like to write.
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/…/e/B01M7O2JHZ/ref=srnttsrchlnk1…
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2381552.Laura_Rossi
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OMG!
I have read Laura Rossi’s other books and I didn’t expect this story. I am kind of lost for words right now. Sebastian ‘the killer’ is a dark character. His life has been in big dark ride. He fight, he wins, he moves on…until he meets Andrea. Now Andrea is just as dark as Sebastian. She has her own set of demons, her own issues, and she needs Sebastian to help her. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
The ending…i didn’t see that coming. I sensed there was more to Sebastian, but never that.
Laura has come on leaps and bounds since her first book and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
This was my first book by Laura Rossi and I have to say I really liked it. I was in a readers slump before I snagged this up. I’m a lover of Mafia romance and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. Sebastian and Andrea’s story was heartbreaking. And I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns coming! I’m so glad they got their HEA! They both definitely deserved it!
Holy Mafia on roller skates!!
This story doesn’t just happen… It races at breakneck speed!!
Things don’t just occur……..they crash into the wall
Such is the explosive impact of the book. From first scene, where Sebastian The Killer throws the first punch, to the last scene where there’s people dead and Sebastian is running..I couldn’t find a single moment to take a breath or the characters could catch a break.
Set in The ghetto- Market and posh Hillside in Roma, Italy the story meanders around Sebastian and Andrea Szerov.
“I was a man and I was a fighter. And I was ready to take anyone down, no matter how.”
Caged bird Andrea had met the Fighter clandestinely once three years ago and she vanished thereafter like an apparition. He’s been chasing his ghostly love ever since in his dreams & nightmares.
“Forget about me. Don’t look for me. I was never here.”
When they meet again after years, by accident of fate, EVERYTHING has changed. There’s danger nipping at their heels and sometimes breaks in their home too.
Laura has a rapidity of writing style. She keeps the story train chugging constantly. I Like that style a lot. The impending doom adds thrill to the story, while explosions of passions are happening in small gaps where they find elbow room.
Fantastic thing I noticed was that Laura didn’t let the tight leash go, she had full control of the story from beginning to end. Your gaze never strays from the main plot dominated by Alejandro De La Crux, whose demonic presence is either front and center or lurking in the shadows.
HE IS THERE!
His name itself elicits fear
His hands are wrapped around their necks whether from a mile or hundred
He is the ultimate puppetmaster and Rossi doesn’t let us forget it!!
That’s commendable.
Now I’m jumping in next book while you guys binge read this great Mafia series, available on Kindle Unlimited
4.5 stars for Velvet Touch & Iron Fist
I’m speechless after just finishing his story, I’m absolutely blown away and literally couldn’t put this book down. We start off with Sebastian and learning how he’s received his status as “The Killer” I was intrigued with this alone and then when he has all his attention on Andrea “Sad Eyes” I was hanging on every word. There’s so much mystery to both of them and my mind was going wild with ideas of what their secrets could be. We’re given breadcrumbs to a mind blowing reveal that personally had me gasping and getting goosebumps. I don’t want to give anything away but I will say that I was filled with tears and smiles when I finished. This story is filled with action, suspense and romance and is a MUST READ! Just when I think I’ve found my top reads of the year another has just been added to my favorites of 2018 list. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
4.5 Stars
This is one of those books that you scratch your head and wonder why didn’t you read this one sooner!
We were beautiful tormented souls, both trapped in our harsh lives, tricked by the enchantments of the flesh.
Andrea has had the flowers, the chocolate, the dinner dates. She fell for it. One generous offer after another. She vows though, to never make that mistake again.
Sebastian – The Killer, has made a living fighting in the ring. At a young age, he quickly learned to survive the streets. Fight, Drink and Women that’s the ending to every night when he is in the club.
Until Sad Eyes walks into the club one night.
Forever their lives change.
Alejandro de la Crux is not a nice man. He vowed the day his wife told him she was leaving and wanted a divorce, he would kill her.
What a good book! This new to me author sure did catch my attention with this one. Moving right along to Scars, as I need more.
#BookBistroBlogApproved
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I went in blind I liked the cover and never read the blurb as per usual (I like a surprise) and I am so glad I read it. The book is a complete page turner that drags you into the world of the underground with twists, turns and surprises along the way.
I love this book there’s sadness, mental & physical abuse, hatred, lies, lust, passion and a love that will be put to the test mentally & physically.
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD
Sebastian (The Killer) fights for a living never losing a fight and always looking for a woman after. After one fight he spends the night with with Andrea she was beautiful she has the sadest eyes he’s ever seen they send not even the whole night together, she won’t say what her problems are all he knows is her first name.
3 years later he doesn’t even know if she’s still alive. But every woman he’s been with since her doesn’t come close in comparison to how he felt or still feels about her. He’s asked to take on a job to protect the ex-wife and child of a mafia boss. That ex-wife turns out to be His Andrea and he will fight to the death for her and her son. Her ex doesn’t need her she’s of no use to him, he just wants his bloodline and he fights dirty eliminating anyone that he considers a threat or no longer needed.
So Sebastian does the only thing he can do to keep them safe. He sets them free.
Will Andrea ever be free and happy?
Will Sebastian ever see them again?
Will there be an HEA?
Fabulous!!
I loved this book! It kept me constantly on edge, I’m sure I forgot to breath sometimes! Love at first sight, mixed in with danger and suspense until the end and a whole lot of other emotions and excitement in between. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended!!
This book had me turning the pages, dying to know more. Sebastian is cold and un-attached, he’s a fighter in the underground fight scene, he’s deadly and runs by the name of ‘killer’. Andrea is married to Crime Boss Alejandro De La Cruz, she hates her life and feels dead inside, trapped and controlled by the deadly Crime Boss. One night while out, Andrea meets Sebastian and they both feel a connection. They spend a few hours together, after Andrea sneaks out from under the watchful eyes of Alejandro’s men. That’s the last time Sebastian see’s Andrea until 3 years later. This story pulls you in, I can’t wait for Scars book 2.
Skins, by Laura Rossi. To be honest, Skins was not as I expected. The way Rossi has described the characters thoughts and feelings..It is so beautifully written, it was like reading poetry.
“Welcome to The Market, the neighbourhood of lost souls, the abandoned part of Rome.” Skins is dark and gritty. A fast paced story, about being captured and finding hope, lost and loved.
“Never show anyone emotions or happiness. They can’t take away, what they don’t know what’s yours. That is the first rule you learn, living and getting beaten up on the streets. You learn to be invisible and modest.”
She has grown as an author since her Counterpoints series. But I feel that something is missing in this story…maybe because it’s so short and fast paced. Other than that, I liked it!,
“She eyed me, sucking in a deep breath, but I stared ahead, ignoring her, not giving away what I was feeling. Breathless, I was feeling breathless.”
-Stina, Book Haven Book Blog.
Fighting for love. Fighting for freedom.
I loved the darkness of this book. This book was a gritty, emotional read that I didn’t want to end. I loved Sebastian and Andrea’s characters. The storyline was well written and I caught myself putting the book down only so it would last longer. So I could savor the words and feelings on every page.
This was a fighter read with mafia undertones. It was fast paced and I loved all the twists and turns.
Although Sebastian and Andrea came from different backgrounds, they were perfect for each other. Their chemistry palpable and love for one another deep you couldn’t help, with all their obstacles to be together, to be pulling for their happily-ever-after.
And OMG! The twisted journey this book took me on. This author knows how to weave her words until you are completely consumed in the story.
This whole book was intriguing until the very end. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.
Skins by Laura Rossi is a dark romance. Sebastian is a fighter in more ways than one. He fights for his life every day and he has never lost a fight. He is sent to protect a women and her son that’s lives are in danger. He had no idea that women would be Andrea. The one women from his past that can bring him to his knees. This book is dark, twisty and gritty! There are so many twists and turns that you will never see coming. This book will leave you utterly speechless and your head spinning. This was my first Laura Rossi book and it went be the last.
A dark romance that is full of angst. A perfect 5 star story.
This is a story that takes place in Rome and Naples. The darkness of the cities. A mafia Lord who wants what’s his and will do anything to get it. Andrea and Sebastian struggle to be together but Alejandro wants to destroy them.
A great story that had me reading it rather quickly. Once I started I couldn’t put it down. Well done.
This part could be read as a standalone but Scars is the second part and is a continuation. Told in a dual POV with an HEA of some sort.
5 WELL-DESERVED STARS!!!
Laura Rossi is incredible. She takes you on quite the journey in this one. I was glued to my Kindle. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The emotions this story brought out…WOW! Tissues are definitely recommended. Laura tells a great story. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
One of the great things about having a Facebook page for this blog, is 1) posting funny and slightly inappropriate things and 2) telling people what I’m currently reading and asking them to share what’s on their eReaders too. I absolutely adore learning about new authors and books that way. So, when I was told to read Skins by Laura Rossi, I immediately looked it up, saw it was most definitely my cup of tea, and moved it to the top of the list.
Story Line: Dirty mob, underground fighting, manipulation, secret baby, you name it. This dark romance literally has it all. Andrea is married to a very powerful and extremely evil mobster. One night, she escapes her security detail and has a night of freedom and hot, forbidden laundry with a guy she saw at a bar. That guy? Well, they call him Killer because he’s an undefeated fighter. Fastforward years later, and fate puts them back together. Except her soon to be ex-husband is in hiding. And Andrea and her son Eddy have a big target on their heads.
It’s Killer (Sebastian) and Andrea versus the world it seems. They are constantly on the run and in hiding, yet somehow make the impossible, possible but giving sweet Eddy a chance to be a little boy and play every chance they get. Seriously, melt my heart. I mean, this story is dark, don’t get me wrong, but I love, love, loved that this innocent boy was able to still be a kid and play at playgrounds all the while Sebastian and Andrea are doing everything in their power to keep him safe. And it’s a heart stopping race to the end of this book, let me tell you. Once the running began, I don’t think I actually took a deep breath until the final page. SO GOOD.
Interaction: Andrea initially comes off as an incredibly broken and damaged woman. She’s quiet, withdrawn and has the saddest eyes Sebastian has ever seen. But as the story goes on, and we see her interact with her son, she pulls the broken pieces together and becomes much stronger than I honestly thought possible. Sebastian is a driving force for her. He doesn’t bully her or go all alpha he-man on her either. He just encourages and supports.
Laundry: So, the very first time Andrea and Sebastian meet/have laundry, it’s incredibly classy and tastefully written about – to the point that it’s almost “fade to black”. Now, please don’t read too much into this. All of the laundry in this book is written beautifully and with the utmost class. But it’s not all fade to black. Oh no. It’s steamy – oh is it steamy. Trust me on this one, you’re going to want to read the deliciousness that is Sebastian and Andrea.
Depth: I think it goes without saying that this book isn’t just a bunch of naughty laundry with a little story line thrown in. There’s quite a bit of meat to sink your teeth into. Having mob involvement alone makes for a very unpredictable story. Because with the mob- all bets are off and everything is on the table. You’re not going to be able to tell the future for our love birds, that’s for sure.
Andrea and Sebastian grew into a serious power couple. They are so strong and independent at the same time. I loved them more and more with each passing chapter. I cannot wait for the next installment!
“Some people walk into your life to destroy it, some leave you in the moment of need. And then there are people like Sebastian that walk into your life and change you, change the entire course of your existence. I know now, he was my guide through hell.”
Sebastian and Andrea’s chance meeting sets in motion an unlikely, surprising, and heart twisting set of events that I never saw coming. I enjoyed the many amazing quotables throughout the book, highlighting quote, after quote. Dark, gritty, emotional…this couple has to fight numerous obstacles to be together, and those are always my favorite. Each one damaged by their own pasts, each desperate for freedom. The end made my heart warm, and almost got a few tears out of me, so all in all, it was a great read!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
First book by this author and I will be reading more.
Sebastian and Andrea meet by chance at the fight club, where Sebastian fights, after an amazing few hours though, Andrea tells Sebastian to forget about her.
Sebastian never forgot Andrea, she was always on his mind and the one woman he never forgot. While Andrea did, everything she could to forget Sebastian, worried that if her ex-husband ever found out he would kill him.
Years later when Andrea’s ex-husband, hires Sebastian as her bodyguard, he knows the feelings they had are still there. I loved the ending with the twist I didn’t see coming.
“Do we really see the light without living the darkness first?”
This was my first book by Laura Rossi, and for sure it will not be the last! I love a dark romance and this one did not disappoint. Danger, betrayal, secrets, lies, and a heartbreaking love story are woven through every page .
Andrea Szerov is living in a prison. One created by bad choices and a blind belief in the man that is destroying her. A chance meeting with a local fighter, makes her crave for her freedom – even if it’s just for one night with him. Giving in to temptation, she risks it all, knowing it could mean her end.
She never expected to see her fighter again. When her ruthless ex-husband hires a bodyguard to protect her, he turns out to be the last person she thought would ever cross her path again. Can she hold back her feelings for him, knowing that it could put him in danger? Will he be able to protect her when her ex-husband looks to make good on his promise to her? Will her freedom cost her….everything?
Sebastian “The Killer” Esposito is a brutal fighter. He’s never lost a fight, but he knows he’s not invincible. One of these days, he’ll be brought to his knees. He just didn’t realize a girl with sad eyes would be his undoing. Sharing a couple of amazing hours with her was never going to be enough. She’s gone from his life, but never from his heart or mind. A dangerous and deadly situation puts her back in his life. He can’t let her go again. But, secrets between them make a happily-ever-after impossible. He’s sworn to keep her and her son safe. He’ll do what he has to, even if it means losing her forever.
I don’t want to give too much away but there are a few twists in here that I didn’t see coming! I love that!! I loved this story. I felt the fear, the worry, the love, and the heartbreak. I’d highly recommend this one!