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My name is Sebastian, but they call me the Killer.Someone wants gangster Alejandro De La Crux dead and he wants me to guard hisex-wife and son while he goes into hiding. I’m not a protector, but saying no isn’t anoption—not if I want to live.What I didn’t expect was to come face-to-face with the woman who stole my heart years ago and disappeared after one explosive, unforgettable night together.Whomever has death in their sights will have to get past me first.No one touches what’s mine. Not even Alejandro de la Cruz.Skins is a forbidden love, dark mafia romance. It is book 1 in the De La Crux Famiglia series.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2017

59 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Laura Rossi

72 books178 followers

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5 stars
91 (51%)
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56 (31%)
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16 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,264 reviews721 followers
August 23, 2021
4 ❤️❤️❤️🖤🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️❣️❗️❣️

“There is nothing ordinary about our love. Not the way we met, not the way we fall. No chocolate or flowers or dates. We were not granted that privilege. But it’s our story.” Sebastian and Andrea

And what a story that was!!!!! 😱🤩

Sebastian, a man of the streets, brought up and bred in the gutter. A fighter. “The Killer.”
The night he encountered Andrea had no idea who she was.
Because Andrea was the wife of Alejandro De La Crux, the leader of the most powerful clan in The Market (part of Rome).

Three years later, Sebastian and Andrea met again. She had divorced Alejandro but Alejandro hadn’t taken the memo...

Sebastian and Andrea were two tortured souls, yet so beautiful and perfect for each other despite their struggles.
Their connection was amazing and the only thing I wanted was to see them getting their hea.

I loved the author’s writing, the story was intriguing and absorbing filled with romance, suspense, danger, emotions and some dork moments. And my favourite dual pov!
It wasn’t flawless but I was so engrossed!!!

The characters were strong and focused. I admired Andrea’s drive, she would do and sacrifice anything for her sweet and beloved son.
There were twists and turns but the last twist was unexpected and fantastic!

Although it doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, their story continues to the next part, Scars.
Profile Image for Talia.
614 reviews131 followers
December 27, 2017
4.25 stars

Skins is definitely my favorite book by Laura Rossi. I always appreciate it when an author furthers away from the usual, trite, settings. And Rome's suburbs of illicit dealings was a first for me.

But let's get to the story and introduce the characters: Andrea is a woman from the East who, innocent and naive, got swept off her feet by a man who is now basically her captor. And with him being the boss of the mafia, all she can offer Sebastian, the illegal fighter she feels an
instant attraction towards, is one night together.

This is the premise for a second chance romance when Sebastian, years later, is hired by Andrea's husband to keep her safe. Now, we all like protective heroes and well, that's Sebastian's job. So, yeah, well. Ovaries. Went. Boom.

Aaaaanyway, to further complicate the situation, Andrea isn't the only on he has to keep safe. She has a son, who is the main reason why she wouldn't even risk escaping Alejandro (the douchebag)'s iron fist. Not being a mother is hard to relate, but little Eddy is so cute and innocent... and I loved how when things got dire, Andrea's first thoughts always went to him. She put her son first and foremost. I found it realistic because of course she is falling for Sebastian, but at the end of the day, we all know that if she had to choose she wouldn't hesitate.

As for Sebastian, his voice was my favorite (it's a double POV). He's not your cookie cutter, pleated trousers hero. He's a fighter, rough around the edges. He doesn't shy away from the grit of the world and is the first to acknowledge the impossibility of a HEA with Andrea when presented with the fact.

Welcome to The Market, the neighborhood of lost souls, the abandoned part of Rome. The side of the city no tour guide talks about, but always the first to be mentioned in the news line up.

I liked his insight into the underbelly of the city. The raw, desperate helplessness of it. The kill or be killed attitude.

Observation was my only form of learning and I didn't know if it was going to save me or not one day, all I knew was that it led me to her .

Plot-like, in the first half I would have liked a little more rapport building between the two main characters. I felt like I could understand their physical attraction, but not the lengths each would go for the other given the basis of their relationship. So yeah, I would have liked to see more dialogues between the two of them and maybe less mulling over the issue at hand, aka Andrea's unescapable situation.

It was the sort of club where well off, educated and morally correct men hung out, their hiding place for the night, where they could cut the bullshit and be what they really were. Sinners, men with fantasies and flaws. Just like any other sleaze bad on the street.

The pace definitely picked up halfway through, so the second half was undoubtedly my favorite and I would have wanted it to continue for longer because as you all know I'm a sucker for the on the run trope. I could read 500 pages of people trying to run away from someone or something and making do with what they have and still they wouldn't be enough.

This book was also hotter than the previous one, without overly graphic scenes. Still, these two have chemistry and the fact that they both have to restrain themselves because of the circumstances, made it even better.

I had received the flowers, the chocolates. I had gone through the dating, the flirting and all that falling in love sentimentalism. And it had turned out to be fake, empty, worthless. Sebastian's words were the most heartfelt 'I love you' I had ever heard and the word love had never been spoken

The ending blindsided me with a plot twist that I would have never seen coming. I personally liked it and appreciated how things resolved. It was the right kind of closure for this story.

In the end love and hate were both sins, both part of the same coin, just different sides of it.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews126 followers
Want to read
March 7, 2023
💝 FREE on Amazon today (2/10/2018)! 💝
Profile Image for Laura Lee.
957 reviews174 followers
December 31, 2019
Skins
By: Laura Rossi
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.

Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2).
970 reviews994 followers
March 5, 2020
Dnf. I tried several times to keep reading. I liked the idea of the storyline. Felt the book dragged and was all over the place.
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,941 reviews987 followers
November 24, 2019
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."

description

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.

description

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
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Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
December 6, 2019
Trapped by a man who will never let her go. Andrea has no way out. One night of freedom is the most she can indulge in.

Sebastian is a fighter. Touch and streetwise. He meets Andrea and is instantly infatuated. One night is all she gives him. Now he’s given a job he can’t refuse. Andrea’s life is threatened and she needs someone to keep her safe. The kind of men that want to kill her will stop at nothing. She’s already trusted one man who turned out to be evil, now she has to put her faith in the killer.

This book had a few twists and forbidden love. Paperback read.

This is a mafia-type read. Sebastian is a good mad with a hard past. Andrea is a woman who married the wrong man. With danger around every corner, this is the story of the bodyguard and damaged.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
November 21, 2017
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.
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
November 16, 2017
Laura is a fairly-new author to me, I haven’t yet read any of her Counterpoints series but they are on my tbr pile waiting. This book however, when I read the blurb, knew it was going to be my kind of book. It’s contemporary romance but has dark elements in it. The only thing not my typical read is the mafia undercurrent flowing throughout the book.
The book is quite fast paced and an easy read. Sometimes I hate slow burners and I think I’d have hated it here. The grittiness needed to be there from the first page and it was.
Sebastian is a hot fighter, he lives, breathes and sleeps fighting and women. His attitude is standoffish and he has this ‘keep your head down’ attitude. This helps living in ‘The Market,’ an area that’s pretty much a ghetto, where it’s all about survival. What Seb doesn’t envisage is this woman walking into his life who completely changes everything. Andrea seems sad and lost when she first claps eyes on Seb, there’s instant attraction but she isn’t free to pursue it. That is until she takes one risky move and ends up spending the best night of her life with him. However, real life gets in the way and it isn’t until three years later when they are thrust back together that they realise love is worth all the risks. Even the deadly ones.
I really enjoyed the plot, the mafia wasn’t as dark as I thought it was going to be, it was only snippets, however sometimes the hinting of things sometimes packs more of a punch than a full-on description.
The overall feel of the book though is very staccato and if this book were a person, I envisage it to be very much like Jeff Goldblum. He’s very eccentric and has a quirky way in which he communicates. The way the author communicates with her readers is very wispy, like I imagine she stood at the window watching the world go by whilst writing it.
I will most definitely read more by this author. Her writing keeps you guessing and as such I never knew what was coming, even until the very end.
Profile Image for Alison.
483 reviews27 followers
December 5, 2017
5 EPIC STARS!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

Life is never what it seems. One night changed everything, one night tied them together for eternity. Can they survive the fight? Can they ever be free?

What an amazing story! Skin's is a complete work of art. I loved every minute of this story, even as the story drew to a close I was desperate for there to be more, so much more, because I wasn't ready to let these characters go.

Laura Rossi has an amazing talent, she kept me captivated throughout. I honestly never wanted to put this book down. I found myself so invested in Sebastian and Angela's story, I felt as though I was living this nightmare along with them; fighting with them every step of the way.

This story is one that has you sat on the edge of your seat, waiting with abated breath for what's going to happen next. Laura surprised me again, and again, with this story, she puts you through one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. I very nearly threw my kindle in utter shock at what was happening before my very eyes, to then have another twist hit, finding myself loving her, and her beautiful words, all over again.

Sebastian stole my heart with this story, he was an enigma, one that you want to know more about, you want to get into his head, and when you do, you never want to leave. The passion, and strength, he had was simply beautiful.

Andrea was tough, the life she was living, was terrifying, and yet she found the strength to go on and keep fighting for her freedom; she was simply amazing.

Skins is a story I won’t ever forget, and a story that will impact me, each time I read it. This is a must read for all romantic, suspense readers, who like things on the dark side.
Profile Image for Erika P.
1,016 reviews163 followers
November 3, 2017
"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
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,303 reviews30 followers
January 20, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,800 reviews18 followers
October 21, 2017
Skins by Laura Rossi a great and surprising four-star read. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last she shows us writing that tells a tale and weaves its magic into you meaning that you read the story and see the story being told in your brain. This story was great, it has a grit and depth to it, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom, there is a great romance to the story as well. If you are after something on the dark side, with some romance and action then this is the story for you.
Profile Image for Romance Rehab.
351 reviews81 followers
January 3, 2018
All reviews originally posted on the Romance Rehab blog: http://www.romancerehab.com/

Sometimes I think Amazon just likes to mess with me. You know, like Bezos sits around with his team and says, “oh, ha, ha...watch Jennifer buy this book thinking she’s gonna love it based on the blurb and cover and great reviews, then we’ll hit her with all kinds of crap she hates. It’ll be hilarious!” So...yeah. That’s what happened here. I was lured in by an interesting blurb and great reviews, then got smacked in the face with a bunch of stuff that just didn’t sit well with me. Curse you, Bezos!!!

Here it goes:

1. Andrea is not what anyone would call a strong heroine. She needs protecting (a lot) and doesn’t really do anything to better her living situation, which is making her miserable and putting her son in danger. Any mom worth her salt would figure out a way to get that sweet little boy far away from the murdering mobster ex. I don’t really care how far the guy’s reach extends, it’s a mom’s job to protect her kid, and I didn’t really see Andrea doing anything to protect little Eddy. (Except stay within arm’s reach of a dude who even she admits plans to kill her one day.)

2. Instalove. After one night together (where they don’t really do any talking at all), these two are ruined for all others. Sebastian is willing to put his life on the line (and rearrange his whole life) for Andrea. I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I can’t abide instalove. (Unless it’s in a paranormal shifter romance, because, you know, animal attraction and all. But I digress...)

3. So, Andrea, about this big bad mobster ex who you seem sure will kill you one day...you can’t leave the city and disappear because you’re afraid of what he’ll do, but you felt comfortable divorcing him? And he let that happen? Hmmm...methinks something’s rotten in Denmark on this one. (Or Rome, as the case may be. But again, I digress…) My bullshit meter was ringing like crazy at this point in the story.

4. Holy stilted dialogue, Batman. These folks don’t talk like any normal people I’ve ever encountered. Every conversation they had sounded totally awkward and unnatural.

5. There are 2 big reveals in the story. I won’t give anything away, but I will say that the first reveal was totally a “well, duh.” Anyone who couldn’t see that one coming a mile away wasn’t paying attention. And the second big reveal at the end? Totally unnecessary. In fact, I think it did quite a bit to ruin the anti-hero vibe the author had created for Sebastian up until that point, which was really the only thing I’d enjoyed about the story. Way to steal my joy, Sebastian. Way to steal my joy.

6. I’m not and will never be a grammar and spelling Nazi. I realize that no one is perfect, and there will be errors in books (all books, be they traditionally or independently published). But when even I start noticing lots of typo-like issues...well, that’s a problem. The grammar and spelling Nazis would go crazy with this one, I’m afraid. (Lots of erroneous and odd capitalization, too)

7. And this doesn’t really have anything to do with the book itself, but if you look at the cover art at thumbnail size (like it appears on Amazon), it really looks like it says “SKINC” or even “SKING”. It doesn’t look like “SKINS” until you blow it up and look at it really close. I don’t know for sure, but that might be a problem for Amazon searches and such.

So, long-story-short, this one just wasn’t my cuppa. But given its overall rating on Amazon, I seem to be part of the unpopular opinion crew. If you’re at all curious about it, I say go ahead and give it a read. Because who knows...maybe Bezos doesn’t feel the need to mess with YOU and you’ll really enjoy it. (But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Proceed at your own risk, and may the odds be ever in your favor.)
Profile Image for Bookshelf Productions.
401 reviews148 followers
November 5, 2017
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.

Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here

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Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
717 reviews136 followers
November 16, 2017
Laura Rossi is a new author for me. I was gifted a copy of Skins as part of the Foster An Author event. What is wonderful about this event is that it matches authors and bloggers who may never have the opportunity to cross paths. Skins was an 'unknown' entity going in as I've never read any of her previous novels. It's a bad boy fighter meeting up with a girl he should never have. Circumstance doesn't allow them together but fate is fickle to give them a second chance.

What I liked: The story was gritty and dark. Neither character I felt were the boy/girl next door perfect. They were both flawed. And it was their flaws that drew them together. The book at half way point began to pick up the pace quickly that had me turning the pages to finish.

"She was an ocean of secrets that no man was allowed to sail."


The question always comes "why not 5 stars?" To be honest this happens with ARCs. Finally editing and sometime changes are made which I'm not privy at time of review. I guess I wanted a bit more of the characters themselves in the story. There was a lot of action and dialogue, but I never felt 100% in the headspace of the H/h to get a real connection.

I would recommend this read to those who love the mafia/wrong side of the tracks story and don't want any heartbreaking angst to steep in. When the action ramps up, there is no time for wrecking your heart - it's like a Jason Statham movie on the page. The question is: I adopted this author as an unknown to me, would I read her again? Yes, in a heartbeat. She kept me engaged in the story once the action picked up. With time and growth as a storyteller, I hope to see more insight into the characters she brings to the tale. 3.5 out of 5 stars for ARC version
Profile Image for Carolann Evans.
67 reviews7 followers
November 18, 2017
This is my first book I've read by this author and I can honestly say it won't be my last. I love how the author pulled me into the story. Sebastian is a well known fighter who has never lost a fight everyone calls him killer for that reason he lives at a place called the market. He has his pick of the ladies but never found one he wants. Until one night after a fight Andrea catches his eye and he can't stop looking at her. By the way her and her friends are dressed he knows they don't belong and looking for a bit of rough. But there is something different about Andrea Something in her eyes that makes him connect to her in a way he has never done before what is it about this woman with the sad eyes that has him drawn to her. He gets to spend 2 hours with this woman and all is lost when she tells him to forget about her and leaves. Three years later and their paths cross once again and he now realises why she left and told him to forget. But he never did no woman has come close to the time he spent with her. One fast moving book that keeps your gripped from the start. Can't wait to read more books by this . I've already have your others waiting 😉 I would highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
October 20, 2017
By the time I had finished the Counterpoints books, Laura Rossi had grown on me as an author and I was really looking forward to this book.
However, I kind of feel a bit like she's taken a step backwards.
Character wise, I really liked Sebastian and the little twist at the very end was genius that I never saw coming.
Everyone else though, all a bit bland and I didn't really get to see much of their actual character. I really would have loved to have seen more villainy, delved a bit deeper into the mind of Alejandro.
Most of the story was, for me, quite comfortably predictable, although the flow and pace was enough to keep me reading.
All in all, an enjoyable, short contemporary romance to keep you entertained for a few hours on a rainy day.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
October 31, 2017
I loved this story from this author. This is so different from the counterpoints series. While I did enjoy that series this book has intrigue, passion, loads of action and redemption. There are so many twist in this book you would think the author would get lost, but she doesn't. This is a beautifully crafted story with characters that pull at you heart with their sad eyes and a hero that makes you melt with his selfless actions. All I can say is well done!
324 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2020
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!!
Profile Image for Melissa.
141 reviews17 followers
October 25, 2017
This book ripped me apart, played with the pieces for awhile and then finally put everything back where it should be. Every emotion was played upon and it was amazing. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more by Laura. I've already told many friends that they must read this!
Profile Image for Laundry.
241 reviews26 followers
August 13, 2018
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!

Merged review:

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!
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,310 reviews159 followers
July 24, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💔💔💔

Cliffhanger? More a happy for now

Do I recommend it? ✅️

Tropes: dark mafia romance, forbidden romance

His name is Sebastian, but they call him the Killer. Someone wants gangster Alejandro De La Crux dead, and he wants Sebastian to guard his ex-wife and son while he goes into hiding. He is not a protector, but saying no isn’t an option, not if he wants to live. What Sebastian didn’t expect was to come face-to-face with Andrea, a woman who stole his heart years ago and disappeared after one explosive, unforgettable night together. Whomever has death in their sights will have to get past him first. No one touches what belongs to Sebastian. Not even Alejandro de la Cruz.

I've found another author that easily wove a spell around me as I entered this world for the first time. I was addicted from the beginning and struggled to put it down for any amount of time. Sebastian & Andrea were two individuals who knew struggle but seemed made for each other. The angst-filled twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I love that their story will continue in Scars! If dark mafia romance entices you as much as me, you need this book in your life. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Francesca Vallicelli.
604 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2023
Poteva essere un dignitoso 3, ma ci sono cose che sono state lanciate lì senza essere riprese e altre che invece non funzionano.
Profile Image for MRS H M WHITE.
58 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2018
Truly a wonderful read - with fall in love characters. Read the whole book in one sitting as I could not put it down. Fast paced page turner for sure. Needless to say I have now the second book to read and it's guaranteed to be mind blowing. Recommended by me.
Profile Image for Aleia L.
683 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2018
Wow!!

Wow! This was a good book! I loved Sebastian and Andrea and Eddy. Once I started reading i couldn't stop! This book has a crazy good ending that left me speechless and I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Jennifer Richey.
1,992 reviews
January 2, 2018
Wow this book!

Wow this book had some many twists and turns and so many secrets but in all and all this author did amazing I was hooked on it from Begining to end!
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
January 24, 2018
"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!
Profile Image for Jamie Ellis.
1,131 reviews15 followers
December 12, 2017
It's not as it seems!!

This book started a little slow for myself but dang once it really gets going your in for a wild ride.
This book had some twists and revelations you will not expect at all. Its well worth checking out for sure.
This was my first read by this author and won't be the last.
Thank you Jamie Nibarger Ellis
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