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Skins #2.5

Filomena

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"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."

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).


118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2019

9 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Laura Rossi

74 books180 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,282 reviews732 followers
August 27, 2021
4 💔💔🖤🖤🌟s❣️

Filomena De La Crux, mother of Alejandro and Ramirez, was introduced to Skins and had a key role in the Scars parts.
She had a very cold and strict stance, was emotionally detached, compassion and humanity didn’t seem familiar with her.

When I read her journey, I was stunned.
She was manipulated by her own father and future husband to marriage.
She thought she would live the fairytale but she went through hell instead!
However, Donna Filomena lived to tell her story.

And her story was heartbreaking, dark, filled with torture, deceit, secrets and passion.
Only if you read her story, you can realise what she endured and how she managed to become the strong Mafia Donna Filomena.

Light was shed to Alejandro’s and Filomena’s characters, as well as to their actions.

I have to admit, some things shocked me and slightly put me out of my comfort zone, but that was Donna Filomena’s story.
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,965 reviews995 followers
November 21, 2019
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!!

description

"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.

description

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.

description

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
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Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
November 5, 2019
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 badass 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 whould 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
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,308 reviews29 followers
October 30, 2019
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.
324 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2019
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!!
Profile Image for Written In Red Book Blog.
72 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2019
The past becomes more confronting and real when its put in front of you, sometimes it takes a moment, just a small moment for you to realise that the past cant be re-written, choices made cant be undone but maybe...just maybe you can stop history repeating itself.

This is Donna Filomena's story, and how she become Filomena De la Cruz, the Matriarch of the Mafiosi!!

A compelling Novella that is heartbreaking, brutal, dark and raw...

Rossi has written this Novella through the eyes of Filomena herself, it gives the reader a greater understanding of the woman we have come to know in Rossi's previous works, Skins and Scars.
The story is entwined with secrets, pain, angst, heartbreak and HOT as hell moments, but expect the unexpected.
A great fast paced read that I couldn't put down, highly recommended!!
Waiting anxiously for Crux: The sequel to Scars to be released

*Please note - in order to fully understand key elements in Filomena: A Scars Novella, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning.
Skins followed by Scars
279 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2019
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 ......
Profile Image for Leanne.
537 reviews47 followers
October 24, 2019
Now this is more like it!
My reviews for both Skins and Scars said I wanted to see more of the characters and Laura definitely delivered!
I absolutely adored getting to find out about how the ballsy matriarch we met previously became the woman she has.
This is a tale of love lost and broken hearts but with a dark edge.
It's a quick, punchy read and I absolutely cannot wait for Crux!
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books610 followers
February 18, 2020
Good!

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.
Profile Image for Lou.
329 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2019
Filomena gives us a whole new perspective on the cruel, twisted world of the De La Crux Mafiosi. Filomena is told from the point of view of Donna Filomena. Donna Filomena started off as the daughter of The Duke Antonio Del Monte. Little did Donna Filomena know that she had been offered to Alonso De La Crux as part of a deal, a deal made between her father and his. Now Alonso was there to collect his prize!
This book tells us of Donna Filomena’s life, it begins when she is introduced to Alonso and continues as they are married and begin a family. It takes us deep into the depths of her relationship with Alonso and shows the struggles she endures, and faces being married to such a powerful man.
When Filomena becomes a mother her outlook changes somewhat, as she realises that she needs to protect Alejandro from this dark and cruel side of Alonso. She tries so hard to keep Alonso’s darkness and cruelty away from her son. There’s only so much she can do when she’s completely alone though.
Filomena’s story is filled with emotions and her deepest secrets, ones that no-one else knows. It gives an outstanding insight into a character that; up until now; I thought was a cold hard woman. Now I can see why she has behaved the way she has.
Filomena is a dark, cruel, twisted emotional novella that fits this series perfectly.
Laura Rossi’s writing style is as amazing as ever. She shows a real talent for writing darkly twisted stories. Her words are like fishing hooks that sink into your brain and pull you further into the world that she has created. The more words you read, the further the hook burrows and the more you want to read.
I’ve got to say Filomena was a captivating read, I have loved every page. I can not wait to see just what is in store for us in Crux!!
If you haven’t read this book yet, you really should. BUT you need to read Skins and Scars(in that order) first!
Profile Image for hopelesslyinlovewith_books.
817 reviews19 followers
December 18, 2019
This book slayed me!!!

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!
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,188 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2019
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!
Profile Image for Eileen (Bangor Belles) Robinson.
1,164 reviews30 followers
October 28, 2019
oh wow!! I may just have to rant a little bit!!
Filomena De La Crux the mother of Alejandro Del La Crux, the vile, Monster of a Man we met in Skins and Scars: Sequel to Skins. I really didn't like Filomena in either of these books, how could a mother stand by a son, A demon unless she was just as bad as him or just a plain cold hearted witch that enjoyed her position of the Mafia Matriarch !!!
I love a book that grips me, lures me, and throws my mind into a tailspin, do i want to hate this character or am i seeing the person she really is?
GAHHH Laura Rossi gives us this woman's beginning, from a forced marriage to a man she thought she could love but finding out he was the worst of bad seeds!! Her endurance of anguish and torment, her fear. The life she had no choice but to lead in the hopes of protecting the only things that give her the will to live ... Her Sons. Filomena a woman who could have fled and had the perfect life with a man who adored her, who choose to endure and gladly sacrificed herself to protect those she loved.
My thoughts and position of this woman changed and i may at times both Loved and Hated this author.
She made me think, she made me feel pain, she made me feel heartache, but then she made me feel compassion, had me gain empathy for a fellow woman living in circumstances we can't nor want to imagine.
So we know how things turned out in Skins and Scars, and i can honestly say, I can't freaking wait for Crux because this author attacks from all side hitting you in both heart and mind!!!!
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
November 12, 2019
"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!!
Profile Image for Louise.
434 reviews16 followers
November 17, 2019
Another amazing story from this author!

Always adore this authors books and Filomena is one that will stick with me. Love this universe that she has created. So dark & twisted but enthralling.

Can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Sabrina Frontschek.
86 reviews
November 13, 2019
This book was absolutely brilliant. It took us through the life of Filomena and her daily living with a corrupt, money/power hungry mafioso. Between all the lies, and deceit, Filomena had to keep up with publicly being the perfect wife, all while trying to protect herself and her children. I Loved Skins and Scars - but this book is on a whole different level of love. I could feel Filomena's emotions, and I was routing with her the whole time. Thank you for this delightful read (also thank you for Father Roberto)! Looking forward to Crux!
Profile Image for Sheri Lemay.
245 reviews9 followers
November 17, 2019
A must-read

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.
Profile Image for Laura Lee.
957 reviews174 followers
October 28, 2019
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."
Profile Image for Gail.
1,339 reviews24 followers
November 6, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews258 followers
November 4, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Angela.
29 reviews
November 14, 2019
I can’t believe that this story has been my favorite above all the story of the other characters!!! Filomena is Really amazing and a strong woman, I went to hate her to Love her in a second .
If you want a stir they blow your mind this is the right one!!
Thank you Laura Rossi you are amazing

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Clayr Catherall.
1,634 reviews98 followers
May 6, 2024
I read FILOMENA before SKINS and SCARS. So I knew everything this lady had been through in her life. Her backstory really pulls at the heartstrings, and gives you better understanding of why she is the way she is.

Reading this book again was just as captivating as the first time, if not more with reading about her in the two other books.
Profile Image for Denise.
192 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2019
I read this in one evening. This story sheds a lot of light on why Alejandro and Ramirez turned out they way they did. Filomena has led a hard and heartbreaking life to try and save her sons. This is an eye opening addition to this series and you definitely don’t want to miss it!
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,426 reviews63 followers
November 2, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
March 7, 2023
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/13/2020)! 🎁
8 reviews
July 15, 2024
Titolo: “Filomena”
Autrice: ”Laura Rossi”

Terzo libro della saga mafia romance “De la Crux famiglia”, prima di lui Skins e Scars.
Possiamo definirlo uno spin off della storia principale.
Viene raccontata la vita di Filomena, la mamma di Alejandro, terribile capo mafia.

Filomena, quando penso ad una persona con questo nome, la immagino testarda, convinta delle sue idee, forse anche un po’ rude, una specie di carro armato che non guarda in faccia a nessuno pur di farsi valere.
La protagonista rispecchia il suo nome, all’inizio accecata dall’amore e dalla fama di potere e ricchezza che Alonso, temibile boss mafioso, può darle; poco dopo però sbatte il viso davanti alla dura realtà di un mondo che di brillante e scintillante ha ben poco, ma farà di tutto per salvare i propri figli dalle grinfie della mafia.

La scrittura di Laura Rossi è precisa, dettagliata, riporta tutti i pensieri della protagonista e ti ritrovi a parteggiare per lei, a saltare le righe per vedere come andrà a finire.
Leggete la saga della “De la Crux famiglia” se volete una storia che vi tenga incollati dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Consigliatissimo!
Profile Image for Little monster.
711 reviews19 followers
July 17, 2023
This is a follow-on in the De La Crux series......all books can be read as standalones but I do recommend reading them from the beginning.

Filomena De La Crux is mother to Alejandro and Ramirez and we get introduced to her in Skins and then she plays a pivotal role in the next book Scars. She is a cold woman and doesn't show any emotions at all but when you read her backstory you kinda understand why.........she was not loved by her own father, she was manipulated by him into marriage and the future husband played a part in that too. This woman went through hell and back, it was sad to read to be honest but she clawed her way back and lived to tell her story.

Honestly this has been the best in the series yet!! Such a powerful woman who's past is filled with torture, lies, secrets passion and fire!!!! If you get to read one story read Filomena's !!!!
Profile Image for Laura.
388 reviews24 followers
April 17, 2020
But I wasn’t going to allow anyone to use me without getting something back-without using them too.

The lady of the De La Crux mafia Donna Filomena…

With her hardened exterior with hidden scars and calculated resourceful mind Filomena is not a woman to be taken lightly.

But how did a girl who was seeking an escape fall so far into a sinister trap?

“I’ll make you my queen; I’ll give you everything your heart desires, mia bella Filomena. We can rule the world together, what do you say?”

Alonso De la Crux has his eyes set on Filomena. After one dance he captures her, promising to take care of her every need, show her what Filomena has been missing out on and once that ring is her finger Filomena has sealed her fate...oblivious to how dark her twisted husband really is.

In the few years that pass Filomena is learning the harsh truth of Alonso De la Crux and faces her new reality of what will happen when she doesn’t fall into line. Her children are turning into strangers… worse...into their father and there’s not a thing she can do about it.

Or could there be something she can do?

Can she sacrifice her soul to be damned?

But then, she’s already on the road to hell...so why not go out in style?

He’d destroyed me, like a broken doll, and I’d seen someone I hadn’t recognize. The ghost of me.

A dark beautiful twisted tale, of losing yourself in a fairytale and wondering who is the real villain in this never ending hellish world that is now Filomena life.

As terrified as I am, I love being in this backstabbing world that Laura Rossi has created and to uncover the bruised layers that are Filomena. To step into her high heels and really understand what Filomena has done will leave you shaken to the core, of a mother’s love to protect her children with the darkness growing inside of them.

Will they truly be saved?

I’d lied because lies had been my only chance, to the only weapon that would help me fight the battle.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
January 10, 2020
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.
Profile Image for FireSerene Reads.
1,053 reviews28 followers
July 14, 2023
She didn't want Andrea to become like her. A sinner and a murderer. Andrea as a mother is a wake up call for me to love and protect your children, to make sure that they have a proper guidance. And Donna Filomena saw that determination, that's why she help her. The lessons I learned from this is to stay away from temptations and let go of people who can deeply hurt you.
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