Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Counterpoints #1

Full Throttle

Rate this book
"I am afraid to take a step forward and...miss the ground beneath my feet. You know, that awful feeling that you are going to hit the floor hard""Who says you will miss the ground?" she could hear him smile."What If I do though?""You'd fall down and then get back up again"When Isabella lands the job of her dreams, she knows her life won't be the same again, especially when her task is to travel the world with a car race team.Leaving behind her family and loved ones, she embarks on a journey across continents, during which she'll meet new friends, learn more about herself and about the people she can really trust, but most of all Isabella will fall for a man who is totally wrong for her.Book 1 of 3Join Isabella and Christopher on the ride of her life.Follow the story on facebook @laurarossiauthorLaura Rossi is young italian mother of two toddlers. After completing her studies abroad, she now lives near the beach with her family and owns a shop in small town in Italy. When she is not busy taking care of her kids and working in the shop, Laura likes to read and write exciting new stories.Full Throttle is her first novel.

390 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2019

26 people are currently reading
118 people want to read

About the author

Laura Rossi

72 books179 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
25 (36%)
4 stars
31 (44%)
3 stars
10 (14%)
2 stars
3 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews141 followers
July 22, 2017
I struggled with this book, mostly because Rossi seemed at a loss on how to pace the story. Sad really since the premise is solid and unusual.
Profile Image for Talia.
615 reviews131 followers
July 12, 2017
4 Twatasaurous Stars (I think this may be my new favorite word)

ARC kindly offered by the author in exchange for an honest review

Dear Christopher,
I kinda wanna strangle you, but also have your babies...

Now, after this bold declaration, let's talk about the book.

This is the first instalment in a trilogy that has as main characters Christopher Taylor, First Category racer, and Isabella Bresciani, a sassy Italian who just snagged the job of her life: assistant press manager for the MB team (Chrstopher's team). In order to do that, she'll have to uproot and move all the way to London. But, something I adored, the book isn't just set in one, single city. No. Since the races are held all over the world, they visit so many countries and it kept the setting always fresh and interesting.

Another thing that ended in my "loved it" list is the very low level of angst. I know some of you want to feel your insides turn and churn during the whole reading experience. I don't. What I LOVE is to see the characters interact, not just clash. I love to see the MC build a relationship. Date, discover always new facets of the other's personality, dig deep into their feelings, open up. I love the domestic part of it. I love the little things, the little details of a relationship, the every-day dynamics. This book delivered 100% on this front.

Here he was, famous Christopher Taylor, speaking to her, Isabella, a nobody, in a room full of people, full of somebodies.

Isabella and Christopher take it slow, get to know each other, go out on dates, dance together and do so other many heart-warming and swoon-worthy things together that at the end, when it was clear they were in 'couple territory', it didn't feel rushed, but natural.

Anyway, it wasn't all roses, unicorns, rainbows and fluffy kittens. We know from day 1 that Christopher has a reputation as a ladies' man. Now, since the book is told from a third person perspective, but we still get insight in what's going on in our hero and heroine's minds, we know that what Christopher is feelings for Isabella is something unprecedented for him. Yet, Isabella is of course wary of him, of his intentions. And hell, I'd be too. She's not his usual type and he never denied his previous, very casual, relations.

So, because of her caution and her fear of inadvertently getting hurt by him, we have the slow-burn that, IMO, was perfect to build their relationship.

Kudos also for the secondary characters. They're not just there as props. Practically each one of them has something going on in their lives. Everyone is dealing with some issues, which I will not mention not to spoil anything. This added complexity to the book and held my interest even in those parts in which the two MCs weren't together.

The overall writing style is definitely good, especially considering it's a debut novel. I highly appreciated the realistic dialogues, which is something I'm very peculiar about. Not all new authors manage to handle them and they end up feeling 'fake' or weird, like the characters are acting, or aren't real people from this very planet. Well, it wasn't an issue in Counterpoints. Each character had his or her own voice and sure, the book would have benefitted from some polishing when it comes to typos and such, but it never took away from the story and in the end, it was a pleasant, romantic read.

I love Rome. Every year I come to Italy for the race and I stop a few nights in Rome. The city center is amazing, the food extraordinary and the people are funny. I don't understand them of course, but they speak funny (yes, we do, apparently. Also, I loved seeing a true Italian heroine for once!)

I related a lot to the main character. She's ambitious and isn't afraid to chase her dreams even though it means leaving everything she's ever known behind her. Also, she's very careful when it comes to trusting people and opening up her heart. I felt her struggles and her doubts regarding Christopher and how their story could ever have a happy ending.

As far as the heath level is concerned, this book tends more to the "clean" side of romance. There's nothing really graphic and usually there's a fade to black, but let me tell you, the sexual tension was palpable.

I loved the banter and the flirting between the two of them. Even though Isabella isn't the most extrovert person in the world, when she's with Christopher, their dialogues consist of constant teasing, joking, pushing each other boundaries to see where the limit is. I adored it and was always looking forward to their next exchange.

"I'm suffering from a very serious mental disease," he had said to her, while shaking her hand and kissing her cheeks.
"Which is?" she smiled amused.
"I keep seeing you everywhere. Why is that?"
"I don't know, maybe because I AM everywhere lately. I am your shadow. Have you spoken to someone about it?" she teased.
"Yes, a beautiful woman from Italy, but she seems not to take me seriously." He gave her the slyest of smiles and moved a little closer. Isabella turned her head elsewhere, as he spoke next to her ear. "So since I already see you everywhere, can I take you out? For real this time and not in my head."


Christopher himself also ended on the "loved it" list. If you've read some of my other reviews, you know that I'm not anymore into overly tortured heroes, or alpha possessive guys, or broody dudes. I like nice, easy going guys, the ones you can laugh with, the ones that are positive, romantic, flirty. And Christopher was all of the above. Also, he was the chaser throughout the book and you know I have a weakness for guys who know what they want and aren't afraid to get it. That being said, his own past has some shadows, his father's death giving his character depth and preventing him from being just a carefree happy-go-lucky person.

"Hey, relax." His han touched her chin and he grinned at her, making Isabella shake a little. "You like safety, remember? You are safe with me."

Then why the four stars? I promised at the beginning of this year I'd award the five stars only to books beyond amazing, those books of which I wouldn't even change a comma. And here I have to say, I wasn't blown away by the ending. I predicted what the final issue was gonna be long before it actually happened and even though I liked the pace of the story and am not an angst lover, I would have liked it to be a little less smooth-sailing and have a couple more climaxes throughout the story and not just at the ending.

Say yes, Signorina Bresciani, or I swear I'll kiss those cherry lips of yours right here, right now and I'll give the press something new, something real to write about, instead of the same old bullocks."

Overall, it was a great read, with relatable and likable characters, a swoony romance and a new world to be discovered. I had no idea of what happened behind the scenes of auto racing, and it was interesting to learn new things and dig a little deeper into that aspect, too.

Anyway, I'm already reading book two and noticing an even higher level or writing maturity. I'm also quite thrilled to be able to read them back to back because the ending left me positively fuming at a certain handsome racer, hence why the strangling.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
June 24, 2017
This was the story of Isabella and Christopher. She was a successful Italian journalist and he was a champion race car driver. Their passion for each other was fiery, explosive, and explored in secret. It made for some pretty hot tension, let me tell ya.

There were many elements that I liked such as the well-developed characters, the travel and destination information, and the pronounced connection between Christopher and Isabella. However, I found this book to be bogged down with far too many obscure details. It made for a difficult and choppy read that caused me to skim through quite a bit. Aside from that, the author has piqued my interest enough to continue this series and see how this story further develops in book two.

Release Date: February 27, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Heat: 2 out of 5
Type: Book 1 of the series
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,308 reviews29 followers
June 20, 2019
I'm giving this story a 3.7 and bringing up to a 4. The story revolves around racing which is a new one for me but I was interested in giving it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with the story, Isabella starts working for a PR firm and instantly shows an interest in one of their main racers Christopher. Throughout the story we can see there is chemistry between them and more often then not I just want to scream at both of them to move forward. I was a bit lost for a few seconds here and there with who was speaking at the moment, it is nice to get both point of views but would take a few lines to figure it out. Over all I enjoyed their story and I don't mind at all that we're left with a cliffhanger, I'm actually really curious as to what happens next. For this being a debut novel from this author I think this was a wonderful story and I would absolutely recommend to fellow readers. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Profile Image for StinaA.
707 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2017
It's my first book by this author, and I am experiencing different feelings about the book.
She writes in an different style than I'm used to, so I felt it hard to get into the book. Used longer time to read it, than I'm usually do.
But after sometime, about 25-30% into the book, I managed to get a better feeling of the book.

I got the feeling Rossi sometimes forgot what her characters was doing, because in one minute they were sitting and suddenly they were doing something completely different, without a description on how they got from sitting to doing something else...
And one more thing ; if you have ever used boxing gloves, you know you can't suddenly start tie your hair with them on... ;)

I really liked the characters Isabella Bresciani and Christopher Taylor. They were so realistic. Rossi's understanding of the human mind is beautifully accurate!
I thank the author for providing a copy to voluntarily review!

-Stina, Book Haven Book Blog.
Profile Image for Juli.
1,587 reviews24 followers
March 27, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...

2.5 stars

CLIFFHANGER! This is book 1 in the trilogy.

I really wanted to like the story, but the progression was very very slow and it was very hard to get into the book. I did not connect with the story or the characters and to be honest I skimmed most of the book. The switch between the different POVs is not clear and was confusing as to who was currently speaking.

I think there was supposed to be insta-love connection between Christopher and Isabella, but the relationship seemed very childish. Isabella never trusted Christopher and kept second guessing their relationship throughout the entire book. In my opinion, there were too many side conversations that didn't add to the book which made it seem like the story was dragging on.

With that being said I did find the story line intriguing and I will be reading the next book in the series to see how the story continues to unfold.
Profile Image for Bookshelf Productions.
401 reviews147 followers
March 28, 2017
Isabella starts working at a PR firm for a racing conglomerate where their top racer is a cocky driver who is used to not only winning, but has a revolving door of women at his beck and call.

Christopher has everything. Fame, a career he loves and as many one night stands as he wants....until he meets her.

The chemistry is instant, but will they be able to sustain it, or will one of them end up walking away...

I loved this debut novel by Ms. Rossi. I thought the character development was great and with only a few hiccups, thought it was very well written as well. I'm not normally one for cliffhanger's, but I thought this one was well done and I can't wait to read book2!
Profile Image for Alison.
483 reviews27 followers
May 11, 2018
5 Sweet, Charming, Romantic Stars!!!

Isabella has her dream job, and nothing is going to stop her from succeeding. The one thing she hadn’t planned on, was falling in love. Is love worth the risk? Or will she get burned along the way?

Laura Rossi has blown me away, once I started Counterpoints, I could not put this book down. I was thrown into this adventure, and I felt like I was living the dream with Isabella, experiencing the world with her, meeting new friends, discovering who Isabella was and the many talents she had. It was almost as if I too, was falling in love with this beautiful, charming, caring, talented man, and like her, I wondered, was it all too good, to be true?

This story is beautiful, captivating, charming, and I had this giddy kind of feeling as I read it, I can’t truly explain why, other than I just absolutely loved these characters, I honestly felt like they were my friends, and I was so excited, watching their relationship unfold.

Counterpoints #1 is the first book Laura Rossi wrote, and I have already read one of her other books, Skins, which is a newer release; so, I already feel, she is a wonderful, talented writer. Having now started this series, I can see how far she has progressed in her writing, since she first wrote the Counterpoint series. This book had a few minor elements, that I feel needed slight improvement. However, this did not draw away from the story, which is why I have given it 5 stars. The storyline, and the character development, are all there and I feel this book is the start of what will be a fantastic series.

Laura Rossi leaves us with a cliff hanger with his book, I love how she builds the anticipation, the want, and the need, for more from these enchanting characters. I cannot wait to delve into book #2.

If you love contemporary romance, with added humour, suspense, magical moments, and a few hot drivers thrown in, this book is for you!
Profile Image for M L.
525 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2017
This is my first read by Laura Rossi and I really enjoyed it. This is the story of Isabella and Christopher. Isabella takes a job as a PR assistant for MB Racing. Christopher is a top driver. Isabella knows she should keep her professional life separate from her private life but she is drawn to Christopher. Christopher is drawn to her also. She isn't like the other girls who are always after money or fame. This story unfolds as racing season begins. Isabella lets her guard down only to be hurt by what Christopher says is a misunderstanding. Will their love be enough to make things right? Can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Gloria Nuckols.
484 reviews
August 24, 2017
A beautifully written story set in the fast paced racing world. Christopher and Isabella had a strong pull to each other from the start. A sweet secret romance until....now I must read book 2 to see what happens next. Did she misunderstand, did he cheat, will they get caught, will it all work out? I'm dying to know. Fantastic job Laura Rossi.
Profile Image for Janice Kidd.
353 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2017
This is a story about love, friendship, and family that centers around the racing world. It leaves you begging for the second book to see what happens.
Great read!!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews257 followers
February 22, 2017
This is a debut novel by this author, and I must admit is very well written, and the storyline had me hooked and intrigued throughout. When Isabella lands her dream job and travels the world in the life of auto sports, this makes for interesting reading. This is an unpredictable love story, which is sweet, about love, friendship, family, and ends in a cliffy. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Gem.
136 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2017
Feel Good Tale

This is the first time I've read this author and I must say I enjoyed reading this book. The characters worked well together and had great chemistry...... well done
Profile Image for Amy.
1,293 reviews34 followers
August 31, 2017
I will admit I had a hard time with this book and would skim. There was an overload of details sometimes that were unnecessary. I did like the story, once I skimmed through all the other stuff. I loved the interaction between the two main characters. The traveling and jet setting was great too.

This is a cliff hanger!!!

Isabella is very insecure with her relationship with Christopher. With good reason. He's a super star and she's, well she's not. At some point you'd think she'd understand that he is with her and so be it.

I'll be moving onto book 2 because it can only get better from here.
Profile Image for Teka.
96 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2016
Be aware!

It's a great sweet story. It would fit Harlequin perfectly. This is not an erotica book or even a book with some "hot sexual tension". It ends in cliffhanger that I m afraid was not mentioned in the blurb when I got it because otherwise I would not have downloaded. In same parts you don't know who is "talking/thinking" and it is so annoying but the writing overall is not bad. Am I going get second book? No way. It is just "flat" even though it had potential
Profile Image for Laura Rossi.
Author 72 books179 followers
March 16, 2017
This is my first book, so I consider it a part of me, my baby :P I absolutely loved coming up with the story, day dreaming about the characters and writing it all down. There are many parts of me in this book, dreams and hopes too.
I know I am not a native english speaker, I know I have a lot to learn, but to me Counterpoints is the beginning of a new life.
5 reviews
February 10, 2017
I read this book in a week. I loved the characters and the love story itself. Totally had me hooked. There's love, friendship, family, excitement. I am giving it a four stars just because of the editing. other than that, it's great if you are looking for an exciting love story. thumbs up!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Richey.
1,992 reviews
July 31, 2017
Wow on my toes

This story kept me on my toes!!! I was glued from the Begining I recieved a copy for my honest opinion and wow it blew me away and I will be reading more!
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
July 10, 2017
Counterpoints (book 1)
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 girls who love books.
Counterpoints is the debut novel by Laura Rossi and it took me a while to decide on what to give this book as a star rating. It’s not because I disliked it – motor sport stories are amongst some of my favourites to read but I found it a little disjointed at times. I was often confused about whose ‘voice’ I was reading - was I reading from Isabella’s POV? or was I reading from Christopher’s? – It wasn’t a smooth, easy read but I did like the storyline and I definitely liked the characters – hence why I gave it 4 rather than 3 stars.
I think (as a huge motorsport fan) that one of the things that the author did really well was how the story felt real. Everything that happened in this book I could easily imagine happening. I found myself drawing many similarities from actual motor sporting events and racing drivers. The settings for the races were well described.
I liked the main characters – there was a great chemistry between Isabella and Christopher. The development of the characters was good. I really liked Christopher (but that’s not really a surprise with my f1 driver obsessions!) there is clearly a lot more to come with regards to his story. This book does end on a small cliff-hanger so I am looking forward to reading about more in the next book to see what happens.
33 reviews
May 20, 2018
Love it!

I love the way it draws you in from the beggining. I couldn't put it down. It's very easy to identify yourself with the MC Isabella. She is down to earth and with a kind heart. Falls for the bad boys just like any of us do and finds herself in the predicted heartache that we all eventually encounter with this types of guys. Love her witty and funny personality that makes her feel more real. Now, as of Christipher, gotta say that there is more to him than just being a bad boy. Yes, he is hot. Yes, he is a ladies man. And yes, he does break a lot of hearts as he goes. Unfortunately the story ended too quickly for me to make judgement to his character and not be as emotional as the MC (LOL). But the story line was great. And I can't finish this review fast enough to start the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Chasidy.
698 reviews20 followers
June 7, 2017
Great Read!!
Counterpoints if my first read by Laura Rossi and I really liked it.
Isabella is offered the job of a lifetime working as a PR assistant fold MB Racing. I love how driven Isabella is. What happens when she becomes the focus of one of the top drivers?
Christopher is a top driver and a ladies man and is happy being a bachelor. What happens when he meets Isabella? She is nothing like the girls he is used to being with. Will he learn to trust her?
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. It took me just a bit to get hooked, but once I was, I couldn't wait to finish the story. I loved watching the characters and storyline develop throughout the book. The ending left me wanting more and I can't wait to see what happens next!!!!!
Profile Image for B.D. Harrison.
Author 1 book7 followers
July 8, 2017
Would recommend!

This was the first Laura Rossi book that I have read. The story centres around Isabella an Italian PR agent who works for a racing team and falls for one of the drivers Christopher. There are many characters in this book which was hard sometimes to keep up with, maybe that's just me?

There are a few dramas along the course of their story which gave it an angsty edge, but finished with more apparent dramas to come in book 2.

There were a few spelling mistakes which I feel I must point out, but they didn't bother me too much and knowing that this author is Italian, highly commend her for writing a book in English.

Gifted copy received for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,618 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2018
This is the first book by this author I have read and I won it on a giveaway from Laura Rossi. This is a very mellow book but was still a good read and it does end in a cliffhanger. I liked the two characters. Christopher is a race car driver and Isabella just got hired on a PR firm for his racing team. The two characters have chemistry the minute they meet. The story is a little slow paced and sometimes something would be happening and you turn the page and it's the next chapter and a totally different thing happening. So at times it was confusing to read and you didn't find out some of the things you wanted answers to or more detail. If you are looking for a book without all the hot sex scenes this is a book for you.
Profile Image for K.M. Lowe.
Author 40 books609 followers
August 3, 2017
3.5 stars - 4 stars

This is book 1 of this series, and the first book that I've read by this author. I love reading racing car stories because of their fast paced stories. This was a little different because it was a slow burner right up until about 70% into the story. I liked Isabella and Christopher. They were the perfect characters fro this book. I was always hoping for some big fireworks to explode with them, but it never happened. The story was soft and sweet all the way through. It does end on a kind of cliff because it leaves us wondering what is going to happen between Isabella and Christopher.
Profile Image for Toya Richardson.
Author 33 books207 followers
May 14, 2018
Isabella lands her dream job as part of the PR team for a motor racing team. She doesn’t expect to be attracted to Christopher Taylor, one of the drivers. The sexual tension between the two is really hot. A slow-burning attraction which threatens to boil over. She tries to fight it, but it’s a losing battle. It’s also hard to keep their attraction secret from everyone. Her dreams are shattered when Christopher deceives her, leaving her heartbroken.
Loved the first book in this series and looking forward to book 2 in the series. Laura certainly knows her stuff when it comes to the motor racing too.
Profile Image for Ann Batty.
79 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2018
This is a story about Isabella, who lands her dream job touring the world with a category one racing team. She’s the assistant to a wonderful woman who between them will promote the drivers and team on social media.
Chris is the hot racing driver and as soon as they lay eyes on each other there is an instant attraction. She wants to keep their affair secret which leads to a bit of frustration at times. I just wanted them to give in to the attraction more.
Saying that though it’s a great story with great characters. It ends on a cliffhanger but that just leaves me wanting more
Profile Image for K.
333 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2018
Counterpoints 1 is the second book I’ve read from Rossi. Unlike Skins, which I adored, I liked this one a little less, but only because of some of the jumping about that occurred in the book. Smoother transitions would have helped this story remarkably and distinct scene break identifiers.

The characters were likeable and I enjoyed the slow burn secret relationship between Isabella and Christopher. I will certainly be continuing with the series and unlike others, I ENJOY a good cliffhanger. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Vera Fowler.
184 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2017
Wow what a read!!

This is the first book I have read from laura rossi and it definitely won't be the last. I was gripped from start to finish the characters the story it was all fantastic. I'm keeping this review short as the book finished on a cliff hanger my heart is in my throat and I need to read the second book to find out what happens next. Excellent read and highly recommend 😊😊
Profile Image for Helene Book Hoarder.
148 reviews5 followers
August 13, 2017
This is a great book debut. Laura has an amazing story to tell and as you get further into the story you will see her grow as writer.

Her character's chemistry leaves you wanting more. A cocky race car driver who is used to women throwing themselves at his feet meets a conservative woman whose first priority at the moment is her career.

Book One ends with a cliffhanger but don't worry because the series is complete and available. Give Laura a chance, she will win you over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.