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Gangsters of New York #1
Machiavellian
I hungered to be seen. There were three things I knew about Capo was gorgeous.He was reclusive.He was considered one of New York’s most savage animals.And he wanted me as his wife. A simple arrangement – you do for me, I do for you. Nothing owed, no expectations. Except for never leave.Life was never that simple, though. By the age of twenty-one, I was parentless, jobless, and homeless, and I had come to learn the hard way that nothing was ever free. Even kindness comes with strings.Capo might’ve been the only man to ever see me, but I had made a vow to I would never owe anyone anything. Most of all, the man I called boss.I killed to stay hidden. Mariposa Flores thought she owed nothing to no one, but she owed everything…to me, the ghost the world had once called The Machiavellian Prince of New York.Machiavellian is the first of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
2761 people are currently reading
6180 people want to read
About the author
Bella Di Corte
32 books1,004 followersBella Di Corte writes criminal romance that will steal your heart. She brings to life stories of men who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the women who force them to feel. She’s known for her rich world building and strong characters. She’s also an International Bestselling Author.
Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, family, and four dogs. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook recipes that were passed down to her, and take photographs.
Bella was born and raised in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.
Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, family, and four dogs. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook recipes that were passed down to her, and take photographs.
Bella was born and raised in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 819 reviews
dnf
October 11, 2020DNF @ 36%
I’ve tried reading this twice now and it’s just not gonna happen.
The story...the characters...their inner thoughts and monologues...they are all over the place and seemingly baseless at times, with nothing rooting them to the ground of the story.
Next.
I’ve tried reading this twice now and it’s just not gonna happen.
The story...the characters...their inner thoughts and monologues...they are all over the place and seemingly baseless at times, with nothing rooting them to the ground of the story.
Next.
November 19, 2020
3.5
I've been hearing great things about Machiavellian and its author since its release. All of that praise made me incredibly curious. The cover alone had the cover whore in me salivating, and the fact that it's a mafia romance intrigued me even more so. I've been wanting a good one for a while now.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. It was nice to get a taste of the author's writing. The story is interesting, and I love the hero and the heroine. Bella Di Corte certainly has my attention. I won't hesitate to pick up any of her work in the future.
I just I wish I would have read it at a different time. I'm in a huge book slump, and I feel like it affected my overall reading experience. Like I said though, I still enjoyed it, so if it peaks your interest, I recommend you give it a try!
Mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
I've been hearing great things about Machiavellian and its author since its release. All of that praise made me incredibly curious. The cover alone had the cover whore in me salivating, and the fact that it's a mafia romance intrigued me even more so. I've been wanting a good one for a while now.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. It was nice to get a taste of the author's writing. The story is interesting, and I love the hero and the heroine. Bella Di Corte certainly has my attention. I won't hesitate to pick up any of her work in the future.
I just I wish I would have read it at a different time. I'm in a huge book slump, and I feel like it affected my overall reading experience. Like I said though, I still enjoyed it, so if it peaks your interest, I recommend you give it a try!
Mafia romance fans, this one's for you!
Read
May 17, 2020Boring.
Why the hell does the heroine say “FUCKA ME” its FUCK ME! Who says fucka me? Unsure if thats the reason I stopped reading 😆
Why the hell does the heroine say “FUCKA ME” its FUCK ME! Who says fucka me? Unsure if thats the reason I stopped reading 😆
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October 23, 2020
✰ 5 stars ✰
yes, I’m in love.
diving into a new author is such a scary yet exciting feeling but, once you’re hooked — there’s no going back and that’s how I feel about Bella Di Corte. I loved her writing style and this mafia universe she created, in a world where I fell in love with not only the H and h, but also the people surrounding them.
“Your family jeweler probably hates me because I didn’t think of it until we got here, and he had to rush the order again. I thought…I thought you’d like to carry a piece of your mom on…our wedding day. This felt like a clever way to do it. You have so many of them at home.”
Mariposa (h):
first of all, she has such a beautiful name!! I loved Mari so much. She’s my favorite kind of h to read about in mafia romances: someone who’s kind, but strong. Understands the tragedy of life, but still tries her best to stand tall and survive. The way she was able to be on equal footing with Capo, especially in the beginning of their relationship, had me impressed tbh. She went off and I was cheering for her on the sidelines. 😌✨
“I don’t bend. I don’t fucking break. I kneel for no mere man on this earth. Except for you, Mariposa. You can bend me. You can break me. You are the only woman who has the power to bring me to my knees. I need your mercy.”
Capo/Mac (H):
he was the typical cold, ruthless H in these mafia romances we all love and, honestly, I fell hard (it’s not a surprise at this point tho 😭). I loved his honesty and how he doesn’t beat around the bush, the way he would always show how he felt through his actions rather than words (even tho, yes, he definitely had his swoon worthy lines as well). 👏🏼 I kinda expected because of that mysterious vibe in the beginning, but I loved the whole vengeance aspect of this. It was so satisfying once certain people were killed off. :’)
romance:
the pacing of their romance felt so natural, the way they slowly began from being in an arranged marriage to developing real feelings for one another. ❤️
side characters:
✧ Faustis family. They remind me of the Falcone brothers (Cora Reilly’s mafia universe) because of how they’re the most feared out of the families in this universe and I’m excited to meet them (especially after having a glimpse of some of them on here)! 🥺
✧ Cash/Keely. I’ve read the synopsis for book two so I know it’s their story and I’m interested to see how their dynamic will be. I adored Keely and Mari’s friendship!
✧ Ryan brothers (Keely’s siblings). I’m interested to see a spin off or something about Keely’s siblings, especially hoping for something to happen between Harry and Gigi. 👀
yes, I’m in love.
diving into a new author is such a scary yet exciting feeling but, once you’re hooked — there’s no going back and that’s how I feel about Bella Di Corte. I loved her writing style and this mafia universe she created, in a world where I fell in love with not only the H and h, but also the people surrounding them.
“Your family jeweler probably hates me because I didn’t think of it until we got here, and he had to rush the order again. I thought…I thought you’d like to carry a piece of your mom on…our wedding day. This felt like a clever way to do it. You have so many of them at home.”
Mariposa (h):
first of all, she has such a beautiful name!! I loved Mari so much. She’s my favorite kind of h to read about in mafia romances: someone who’s kind, but strong. Understands the tragedy of life, but still tries her best to stand tall and survive. The way she was able to be on equal footing with Capo, especially in the beginning of their relationship, had me impressed tbh. She went off and I was cheering for her on the sidelines. 😌✨
“I don’t bend. I don’t fucking break. I kneel for no mere man on this earth. Except for you, Mariposa. You can bend me. You can break me. You are the only woman who has the power to bring me to my knees. I need your mercy.”
Capo/Mac (H):
he was the typical cold, ruthless H in these mafia romances we all love and, honestly, I fell hard (it’s not a surprise at this point tho 😭). I loved his honesty and how he doesn’t beat around the bush, the way he would always show how he felt through his actions rather than words (even tho, yes, he definitely had his swoon worthy lines as well). 👏🏼 I kinda expected because of that mysterious vibe in the beginning, but I loved the whole vengeance aspect of this. It was so satisfying once certain people were killed off. :’)
romance:
the pacing of their romance felt so natural, the way they slowly began from being in an arranged marriage to developing real feelings for one another. ❤️
side characters:
✧ Faustis family. They remind me of the Falcone brothers (Cora Reilly’s mafia universe) because of how they’re the most feared out of the families in this universe and I’m excited to meet them (especially after having a glimpse of some of them on here)! 🥺
✧ Cash/Keely. I’ve read the synopsis for book two so I know it’s their story and I’m interested to see how their dynamic will be. I adored Keely and Mari’s friendship!
✧ Ryan brothers (Keely’s siblings). I’m interested to see a spin off or something about Keely’s siblings, especially hoping for something to happen between Harry and Gigi. 👀
July 9, 2020
4 when you know, you know stars**
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it one so much!
Mafia books are a weakness of mine there’s just something about them I love, and this one was no exception. “Machiavellian” is book one of the “Gangsters in New York” series. I really liked the plot of the story. The connection between Capo and Mariposa and how they meet was intriguing. Loved both
Capo/Mariposa they balanced each other well. I had a special spot for Mari I found her refreshing she was an equal to Capo and despite her background she fit well in his world.
The story was well paced, especially, the relationship between the MC’s, though there were some parts where it slow down a bit. Still, it was an emotional, and passionate story. My favorite part was when the story took place in Italy. The description sounded so beautiful and Capo speaking Italian swoon! Lol! Definitely checking out the next book which will be Cash and Keely book. ❤️
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it one so much!
Mafia books are a weakness of mine there’s just something about them I love, and this one was no exception. “Machiavellian” is book one of the “Gangsters in New York” series. I really liked the plot of the story. The connection between Capo and Mariposa and how they meet was intriguing. Loved both
Capo/Mariposa they balanced each other well. I had a special spot for Mari I found her refreshing she was an equal to Capo and despite her background she fit well in his world.
The story was well paced, especially, the relationship between the MC’s, though there were some parts where it slow down a bit. Still, it was an emotional, and passionate story. My favorite part was when the story took place in Italy. The description sounded so beautiful and Capo speaking Italian swoon! Lol! Definitely checking out the next book which will be Cash and Keely book. ❤️
May 23, 2022
4,5 ❤️🐺❤️ ❤️ 🦋 ❤️ 💥💥💥💥🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
This is a story about an alpha wolf and a homeless butterfly.
When everything was viciously stolen from this wolf and was blatantly betrayed, he went out for vengeance. Loyalty and honour should be reclaimed!
He sacrificed his life as to save a small and young butterfly, and his journey was full of scars.
“Scars don’t bother me. They only mean I’ve earned my place in this world.” Capo
The butterfly grew up and when they met again, everything went up in flames!
“Something moved between us, and I wasn’t sure what it was... It consumed me like the most beautiful ocean, and then wrote his initials on my soul.” Mariposa
This mafia romance read had captivating characters, arresting plot, with deep development and was exceptionally written. Fast paced, full of variety of emotions, twists and turns, suspense, passion and romance❣️
It was amazingly planned and executed!!!
This is a story about an alpha wolf and a homeless butterfly.
When everything was viciously stolen from this wolf and was blatantly betrayed, he went out for vengeance. Loyalty and honour should be reclaimed!
He sacrificed his life as to save a small and young butterfly, and his journey was full of scars.
“Scars don’t bother me. They only mean I’ve earned my place in this world.” Capo
The butterfly grew up and when they met again, everything went up in flames!
“Something moved between us, and I wasn’t sure what it was... It consumed me like the most beautiful ocean, and then wrote his initials on my soul.” Mariposa
This mafia romance read had captivating characters, arresting plot, with deep development and was exceptionally written. Fast paced, full of variety of emotions, twists and turns, suspense, passion and romance❣️
It was amazingly planned and executed!!!
June 27, 2020
5 Stars!!!!!!
So if you follow my reviews, you would know that I try to stay away from vulnerable inexperienced virgin heroines paired with powerful experienced hero's. But reading this book made me realize something... I do actually like this premise WHEN IT'S WRITTEN WELL. This book was...
::Chef's Kiss:: ...
perfect in every way. From start to finish it had my complete undivided attention. One of the most romantic books I've ever ever e v e r read. Highly recommend to anyone that wants to write a typical may/december mafia romance trope but actually wants some SUBSTANCE behind it. Both the hero and heroine were phenomenal in every way. The chemistry is off the charts. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Safety:
-No cheating
-No OW drama
-Slight OM drama- family friend of h tells her that hes in love with her but they never do anything.
-Heroine is a virgin. 22 years old.
-Hero is not a manwhore and we dont know any past sexual history, just the way I like it. 39 years old so pretty significant age difference.
-H had a previous fiancé that he did not love. She was killed when the family found out she betrayed them.
-H is 10000% completely and utterly devoted to the h. Very possessive and jealous when any man comes near but not in a toxic way.
-Some violence.
-Epilogue. 10 years in the future with 4 kids.
So if you follow my reviews, you would know that I try to stay away from vulnerable inexperienced virgin heroines paired with powerful experienced hero's. But reading this book made me realize something... I do actually like this premise WHEN IT'S WRITTEN WELL. This book was...
::Chef's Kiss:: ...
perfect in every way. From start to finish it had my complete undivided attention. One of the most romantic books I've ever ever e v e r read. Highly recommend to anyone that wants to write a typical may/december mafia romance trope but actually wants some SUBSTANCE behind it. Both the hero and heroine were phenomenal in every way. The chemistry is off the charts. I cannot wait for the next book!!!
Safety:
-No cheating
-No OW drama
-Slight OM drama- family friend of h tells her that hes in love with her but they never do anything.
-Heroine is a virgin. 22 years old.
-Hero is not a manwhore and we dont know any past sexual history, just the way I like it. 39 years old so pretty significant age difference.
-H had a previous fiancé that he did not love. She was killed when the family found out she betrayed them.
-H is 10000% completely and utterly devoted to the h. Very possessive and jealous when any man comes near but not in a toxic way.
-Some violence.
-Epilogue. 10 years in the future with 4 kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2020
A mafia romance...need I say more? Actually yes...not all mafia romances are worth reading...this is.
Read
May 17, 2020DNF.
Yay! I'm the odd duck in all the raving reviews!
I didn't want to be one but, I really had no, none, zilch and nada interest or likey likes for the heroine. Tone of voice in characters are important to me as a reader, because it gives the first good/bad impression before transcending into getting to know that persona. It's like meeting a stranger and then it goes from there if you can click and become friends.
Well, me and Mariposa? We ain't friends.
Why?
I know she's desperate. She's broke, hungry and well...frankly it's not like she doesn't have friends. But she's proud and doesn't want to owe anyone their kindness. Okaayyyy. I'm not saying to take advantage, but sometimes asking for help doesn't kill.
Anyways, I hated how she just assumed her dead friend's identity within minutes of getting the news that Sierra has been killed. Mariposa went through her things and snooped around, finding an invitation she had no business going to and I found that really annoying. Sure, Sierra's dead. Let's dig through her things and see if there's anything I can take home since she's DEAD and doesn't need it anymore. Oh yeah, let's try her cream. Oooh smells good. Let's try on her shoes that are two sizes too big. Oh wait! Is that a fancy invitation to a fancy club? Wait. Sierra's Dead! I can take her place and earn the big bucks she's making from it. Mariposa's destitute, but her lack of respect and compassion for her friend just....makes me look at her in a bad light. I've always disliked characters who TAKE ADVANTAGE of situations...so yeah...
Secondly, I ABSOLUTELY HATED HOW THE AUTHOR ALWAYS MADE MARIPOSA SAY 'FUCKA ME'. It's annoying! It's FUCK ME. Not FUCKA ME. Who the fuck even adds an A after FUCK? Don't know why, but when I read that sentence, it's like I can hear Mariposa's voice in my head, and it irks me like nobody's business because it sounds like she's trying TOO HARD to just BE....
OVERALL the heroine's desperation reeked and I couldn't accept it after 12 chapters.
Anyway, it's probably HALF-BAKED of me to just judge the heroine based on these but when you really don't like someone...you JUST DON'T. So I'm not going to waste my Sunday morning reading something that just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe the next book will be better for me.
Yay! I'm the odd duck in all the raving reviews!
I didn't want to be one but, I really had no, none, zilch and nada interest or likey likes for the heroine. Tone of voice in characters are important to me as a reader, because it gives the first good/bad impression before transcending into getting to know that persona. It's like meeting a stranger and then it goes from there if you can click and become friends.
Well, me and Mariposa? We ain't friends.
Why?
I know she's desperate. She's broke, hungry and well...frankly it's not like she doesn't have friends. But she's proud and doesn't want to owe anyone their kindness. Okaayyyy. I'm not saying to take advantage, but sometimes asking for help doesn't kill.
Anyways, I hated how she just assumed her dead friend's identity within minutes of getting the news that Sierra has been killed. Mariposa went through her things and snooped around, finding an invitation she had no business going to and I found that really annoying. Sure, Sierra's dead. Let's dig through her things and see if there's anything I can take home since she's DEAD and doesn't need it anymore. Oh yeah, let's try her cream. Oooh smells good. Let's try on her shoes that are two sizes too big. Oh wait! Is that a fancy invitation to a fancy club? Wait. Sierra's Dead! I can take her place and earn the big bucks she's making from it. Mariposa's destitute, but her lack of respect and compassion for her friend just....makes me look at her in a bad light. I've always disliked characters who TAKE ADVANTAGE of situations...so yeah...
Secondly, I ABSOLUTELY HATED HOW THE AUTHOR ALWAYS MADE MARIPOSA SAY 'FUCKA ME'. It's annoying! It's FUCK ME. Not FUCKA ME. Who the fuck even adds an A after FUCK? Don't know why, but when I read that sentence, it's like I can hear Mariposa's voice in my head, and it irks me like nobody's business because it sounds like she's trying TOO HARD to just BE....
OVERALL the heroine's desperation reeked and I couldn't accept it after 12 chapters.
Anyway, it's probably HALF-BAKED of me to just judge the heroine based on these but when you really don't like someone...you JUST DON'T. So I'm not going to waste my Sunday morning reading something that just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe the next book will be better for me.
April 23, 2020
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Machiavellian is the debut novel of Bella Di Corte, and I enjoyed this mafia romance a LOT! The more I read of a (sub)genre/trope the pickier I get. The littlest things can annoy and make me give up on a book, so a good strong start is very important. The first few pages are important in dragging the reader in and intriguing them enough to continue. For me this is even more the case when I am reader a book by a new author. The first thing that draw me in was the cover of this book. I am going to be honest and say that I don't care about a cover if the book is by an author I am familiar with, but the cover is the first thing that needs to attract me when it is a new author. Bella Di Corte did a great job in making me notice her debut novel. After that, I read the blurb, and decided to give this book a chance. I just have a weakness for the arranged marriage trope, and especially if it is a mafia romance.
Enough general stuff, let's get into the story. The heroine Mariposa is practically homeless and is just on the edge of giving up, when a mysterious opportunity opens up. I thought she was crazy at first, because she has no idea what she is getting herself into, but after the life she lived, I can't really blame her. Capo is a ghost (not literally), and has vengeance on his mind. I the connection between these two was strong from the start, and even though there is a 18 year age-gap I didn't really feel it. This is mostly the case because of the hard life Mari has lived, so she had to grow up pretty fast. She still has some of her innocence that she holds on to, which appeals to Capo, who lives in a dark and dirty world. What starts as an arranged marriage, where I have to say that Mari spoke her mind and negotiated pretty well, develops into a beautiful marriage.
I thought these two made a great match, and I saw a lot of growth in both characters. Mari was strong and fierce from the start, and I thought she made a great partner. This book was romantic, suspenseful, and emotional at times. Machiavellian was a well paced plot-driven story with very likable characters. The author gave me more than enough time to connect to the story and characters. I look forward to the next book in the Gangsters of New York series.
Machiavellian is the debut novel of Bella Di Corte, and I enjoyed this mafia romance a LOT! The more I read of a (sub)genre/trope the pickier I get. The littlest things can annoy and make me give up on a book, so a good strong start is very important. The first few pages are important in dragging the reader in and intriguing them enough to continue. For me this is even more the case when I am reader a book by a new author. The first thing that draw me in was the cover of this book. I am going to be honest and say that I don't care about a cover if the book is by an author I am familiar with, but the cover is the first thing that needs to attract me when it is a new author. Bella Di Corte did a great job in making me notice her debut novel. After that, I read the blurb, and decided to give this book a chance. I just have a weakness for the arranged marriage trope, and especially if it is a mafia romance.
Enough general stuff, let's get into the story. The heroine Mariposa is practically homeless and is just on the edge of giving up, when a mysterious opportunity opens up. I thought she was crazy at first, because she has no idea what she is getting herself into, but after the life she lived, I can't really blame her. Capo is a ghost (not literally), and has vengeance on his mind. I the connection between these two was strong from the start, and even though there is a 18 year age-gap I didn't really feel it. This is mostly the case because of the hard life Mari has lived, so she had to grow up pretty fast. She still has some of her innocence that she holds on to, which appeals to Capo, who lives in a dark and dirty world. What starts as an arranged marriage, where I have to say that Mari spoke her mind and negotiated pretty well, develops into a beautiful marriage.
I thought these two made a great match, and I saw a lot of growth in both characters. Mari was strong and fierce from the start, and I thought she made a great partner. This book was romantic, suspenseful, and emotional at times. Machiavellian was a well paced plot-driven story with very likable characters. The author gave me more than enough time to connect to the story and characters. I look forward to the next book in the Gangsters of New York series.
Read
May 10, 2020I will not rate this. I couldn’t connect to the characters. The only mafia author I like is Cora Reilly.
August 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
''You still do something to me that has no word to define it''
Safety warnings:
- H 39 / h 21
- Slight OM drama
- Meaningless OW drama
- No cheating
- Loss of loved ones
- Violence/d*ath
- Mention of r*pe
- Mention of s*xual assault of a minor
- Attempted s*xual assault
- Mention of su*cide
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
My first book by this author. I've had this book on my TBR for ages and for some reason never picked it up, but it is safe to say I instantly regret that decision as this was such an emotional rollercoaster. I was feeling everything under the sun.
I first thought it would end up being pretty much the same setup as most mafia books and do not get me wrong, I LOVE mafia books. My favorite trope and I will never get tired of them, so this was not a dig but more of my expectation. Oh boy was I proved wrong; this was an intense story with each layer being even more impactful than the next.
I will not give an entire recap of everything that happened but the parts that mattered to me. If you want to know the bits and pieces beyond their relationship in this book, then it won’t be found so I advise you to read the book to truly fully understand everything that happens.
I should also mention that I called him Mac throughout the entire review and not his birth name Vittorio or the first name he uses Capo.
We meet Mac and Mari who are both struggling with different issues that have plagues their life. Mac was only 23 when his arranged fiancée revealed she was pregnant but also sleeping with his brother (his kid not Mac's) and basically betrayed him with secrets/info. His brother Achille is known as the Joker as he is unstable and insane in his own right, orders Angelina to be r*ped and brutally killed right in front of Mac and then have Mac's throat slashed later dumped into the Hudson.
Why? Well, it all comes down to multiple layers that we each find out throughout the books.
1) Achille was insanely jealous of his brother
2) They are half-brothers and Mac's mother was the first wife who was brutally abused and later committed suicide
3) Achille wanted the throne to the empire but knew Mac being alive would never allow him to have it
4) This is found out AT THE END of the book - Achille plotted to have his father killed to take over but needed to get Mac's death approved by his father as well so he planted seeds
You see Mac's downfall was a beautiful precious butterfly who happened to be a 5-year-old little girl, Mac was tasked to kill her parents and kill her too but he never could do it and saved her instead, hiding her, changing her name and sending her to another family. He did it because her innocence was worth more to him than anything else and he gladly would have died for her.
This book is so complex that only reading it will truly show you the impact of all of his actions and how he truly sees her. She was the light he never knew he could have and when they met again by sheer chance 16 years later it only made him more understanding that what he did to save her was always going to be the right choice.
He saves her again when he marries her to give her security and a better life. They make an agreement concerning many different aspects of their marriage, but we also find out at the end it was all for HER, he never truly needed arrangements as she was his love and he had loved her for so long, when at first it was nothing romantic about it but once they meet again when she is an adult does his love for her grow into something more.
I loved them. I loved how every piece of information we uncover. I loved how he was dedicated to her and only her, and I appreciated how he never once tried to influence how she felt when she found the truth and accepted the fact, she would leave him.
This was more than him seeking revenge against his family and their arranged marriage. To me this was about two people who were always meant for each other, it was such a deep connection that only the two of them could ever decipher.
I cannot even begin to explain everything that occurred but just know that once the truths come to light and not about his plots and his past but the connection between them then you'll know the true meaning of love. He never said the words to her ''I love you'' but he said them in hundreds of ways more, though he did have them engraved into her ring.
A while before the final plot to destroy his father and brother (plus their empire) we find out that Mari is pregnant - they find out it's going to be a boy.
He enacted his vengeance with the ultimate end game but despite it, he walks away from the throne he could have taken and spends the rest of his life living a normal (as normal as he can life) with his wife and children.
These two had a lot of hiccups along the way and many misunderstandings but in the end it was them against the world all along.
We get a nice glimpse of them into the future. Mari went back to school and became a lawyer (yay for her). They had 4 children.
The last page of the book reveals everything Mac feels for her, and I loved the last threat he gives out lol
There are a few reasons why I did not give the book 5 stars was because it dragged a bit in the middle, and I was not a fan of the fact he was looking for a wife amongst other women in the beginning but luckily found Mari and married her instead. I would have liked it more if he looked for her all along and married her and that whole process, he was going through never existed. We also do not get a lot of info about his life in the last 16 years (OW and sexual past is missing too).
Slight OM drama: She has a best friend (book 2 will be about her) and the best friends older brother loves Mari, confesses his feelings, and causes a bit of jealousy to Mac. Mari sees him as a brother, and nothing ever happens.
Misunderstood OW drama: When they go to Italy to prepare for their wedding, she sees a girl Gigi who is overly close to Mac and she misunderstands their relationship thinking its love and he should be with when he reveals she is his first cousin lol he enjoyed her being jealous even for a little but it was never anything as its incest and NOPE.
Quotes I loved in this book:
''She was my innocence, la mia farfala, but she had matured''
''Fools will go where even angels dare not to tread''
'' You named me, Mariposa, just like I named you''
''Her absence in my life felt like death''
''She'd be in heaven. I'd be in hell.''
''My stained glass, my mosaic''
''You still do something to me that has no word to define it''
Safety warnings:
- H 39 / h 21
- Slight OM drama
- Meaningless OW drama
- No cheating
- Loss of loved ones
- Violence/d*ath
- Mention of r*pe
- Mention of s*xual assault of a minor
- Attempted s*xual assault
- Mention of su*cide
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
My first book by this author. I've had this book on my TBR for ages and for some reason never picked it up, but it is safe to say I instantly regret that decision as this was such an emotional rollercoaster. I was feeling everything under the sun.
I first thought it would end up being pretty much the same setup as most mafia books and do not get me wrong, I LOVE mafia books. My favorite trope and I will never get tired of them, so this was not a dig but more of my expectation. Oh boy was I proved wrong; this was an intense story with each layer being even more impactful than the next.
I will not give an entire recap of everything that happened but the parts that mattered to me. If you want to know the bits and pieces beyond their relationship in this book, then it won’t be found so I advise you to read the book to truly fully understand everything that happens.
I should also mention that I called him Mac throughout the entire review and not his birth name Vittorio or the first name he uses Capo.
We meet Mac and Mari who are both struggling with different issues that have plagues their life. Mac was only 23 when his arranged fiancée revealed she was pregnant but also sleeping with his brother (his kid not Mac's) and basically betrayed him with secrets/info. His brother Achille is known as the Joker as he is unstable and insane in his own right, orders Angelina to be r*ped and brutally killed right in front of Mac and then have Mac's throat slashed later dumped into the Hudson.
Why? Well, it all comes down to multiple layers that we each find out throughout the books.
1) Achille was insanely jealous of his brother
2) They are half-brothers and Mac's mother was the first wife who was brutally abused and later committed suicide
3) Achille wanted the throne to the empire but knew Mac being alive would never allow him to have it
4) This is found out AT THE END of the book - Achille plotted to have his father killed to take over but needed to get Mac's death approved by his father as well so he planted seeds
You see Mac's downfall was a beautiful precious butterfly who happened to be a 5-year-old little girl, Mac was tasked to kill her parents and kill her too but he never could do it and saved her instead, hiding her, changing her name and sending her to another family. He did it because her innocence was worth more to him than anything else and he gladly would have died for her.
This book is so complex that only reading it will truly show you the impact of all of his actions and how he truly sees her. She was the light he never knew he could have and when they met again by sheer chance 16 years later it only made him more understanding that what he did to save her was always going to be the right choice.
He saves her again when he marries her to give her security and a better life. They make an agreement concerning many different aspects of their marriage, but we also find out at the end it was all for HER, he never truly needed arrangements as she was his love and he had loved her for so long, when at first it was nothing romantic about it but once they meet again when she is an adult does his love for her grow into something more.
I loved them. I loved how every piece of information we uncover. I loved how he was dedicated to her and only her, and I appreciated how he never once tried to influence how she felt when she found the truth and accepted the fact, she would leave him.
This was more than him seeking revenge against his family and their arranged marriage. To me this was about two people who were always meant for each other, it was such a deep connection that only the two of them could ever decipher.
I cannot even begin to explain everything that occurred but just know that once the truths come to light and not about his plots and his past but the connection between them then you'll know the true meaning of love. He never said the words to her ''I love you'' but he said them in hundreds of ways more, though he did have them engraved into her ring.
A while before the final plot to destroy his father and brother (plus their empire) we find out that Mari is pregnant - they find out it's going to be a boy.
He enacted his vengeance with the ultimate end game but despite it, he walks away from the throne he could have taken and spends the rest of his life living a normal (as normal as he can life) with his wife and children.
These two had a lot of hiccups along the way and many misunderstandings but in the end it was them against the world all along.
We get a nice glimpse of them into the future. Mari went back to school and became a lawyer (yay for her). They had 4 children.
The last page of the book reveals everything Mac feels for her, and I loved the last threat he gives out lol
There are a few reasons why I did not give the book 5 stars was because it dragged a bit in the middle, and I was not a fan of the fact he was looking for a wife amongst other women in the beginning but luckily found Mari and married her instead. I would have liked it more if he looked for her all along and married her and that whole process, he was going through never existed. We also do not get a lot of info about his life in the last 16 years (OW and sexual past is missing too).
Slight OM drama: She has a best friend (book 2 will be about her) and the best friends older brother loves Mari, confesses his feelings, and causes a bit of jealousy to Mac. Mari sees him as a brother, and nothing ever happens.
Misunderstood OW drama: When they go to Italy to prepare for their wedding, she sees a girl Gigi who is overly close to Mac and she misunderstands their relationship thinking its love and he should be with when he reveals she is his first cousin lol he enjoyed her being jealous even for a little but it was never anything as its incest and NOPE.
Quotes I loved in this book:
''She was my innocence, la mia farfala, but she had matured''
''Fools will go where even angels dare not to tread''
'' You named me, Mariposa, just like I named you''
''Her absence in my life felt like death''
''She'd be in heaven. I'd be in hell.''
''My stained glass, my mosaic''
May 14, 2020
Tutto suo. Tutto mio. Per sempre🦋🦋🦋
New author for me …. I am so fucking happy that I picked this book to read!!!
Mafia books are my weakness… I love reading them… and “Machiavellian” definitely it didn’t disappoint me!!!!
Contrariwise this one was an exceptional read! I has hooked from the first chapter…. certainly I didn’t want it to end!!! It was fast paced and the writing was amazing!!!!
What can I say… Capo he was a perfectly written character! I loved him because he was a loyal, honourable, passionate, ruthless Italian Alpha male!!! There was so much to love about this book…
Capo and Mariposa, a lonely wolf and his boo(blue) butterfly!! Mariposa…. The innocent girl who changed his life! It was a book full of twists, it had a lot of suspense, betrayal, emotions, angst!! Their love it was breathtaking…..💗❤️💗❤️💗❤️
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Cash & Keely’s story!
A must read for sure!
New author for me …. I am so fucking happy that I picked this book to read!!!
Mafia books are my weakness… I love reading them… and “Machiavellian” definitely it didn’t disappoint me!!!!
Contrariwise this one was an exceptional read! I has hooked from the first chapter…. certainly I didn’t want it to end!!! It was fast paced and the writing was amazing!!!!
What can I say… Capo he was a perfectly written character! I loved him because he was a loyal, honourable, passionate, ruthless Italian Alpha male!!! There was so much to love about this book…
Capo and Mariposa, a lonely wolf and his boo(blue) butterfly!! Mariposa…. The innocent girl who changed his life! It was a book full of twists, it had a lot of suspense, betrayal, emotions, angst!! Their love it was breathtaking…..💗❤️💗❤️💗❤️
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Cash & Keely’s story!
A must read for sure!
June 13, 2020
Am I the odd one out?
Heck yes, I am the odd one out.
Fell prey to the raging hype again and ended up with a headache, not the good kind, and yes there is a good kind when it comes to reading.
So many things happening but it was all just a jumble of unsorted and unexplained situations and emotions.
Was so excited when I started the story because wow the build up was grand, but then...
Heck yes, I am the odd one out.
Fell prey to the raging hype again and ended up with a headache, not the good kind, and yes there is a good kind when it comes to reading.
So many things happening but it was all just a jumble of unsorted and unexplained situations and emotions.
Was so excited when I started the story because wow the build up was grand, but then...
November 14, 2020
It’s finally happened: a hero has hung the moon for his heroine.
He’s fractured in so many many ways and I should have serious reservations about adoring a hero who is as damaged as this one. But I’ll make no excuses for my admiration for him. HE doesn’t make excuses for himself. I’m in awe of him. He’s focus is overwhelming. Not once does he divert from his course and cause.
And he’s gorgeous:
Rawly sophisticated: is there such a thing? Elegantly brutal? Beautiful to behold. Resolute. Unwavering. Enigmatic. Capo is the epitome of power, precision and persistence. He hates from within his core. Never brutish. ALWAYS refined? Remote. Such a damn clichéd phrase I hesitate to attribute to him but he IS beautifully broken. UGH! All my waxing lyrics are clichés because I don’t have the words.
And he loves with his whole self.
Unwavering in his dedication to those he considers his family.
And he adores his Mariposa. His worthy heroine.
Ahhh, she’s perfect. Strong and mischievous. Vulnerable and kickass.
Everything he needs in a heroine. My best kind of heroine.
I’ll use his words because mine are inadequate:
“There wasn’t a price I wouldn’t have paid to have her. No term that I wouldn’t have agreed to.”
“Being close to her again felt like living to me. Her absence in my life felt like death.”
“...fell to my knees on the steps. “I don’t bend. I don’t fucking break. I kneel for no mere man on this earth.” I didn’t look at her, so I used my fingers to guide me. I took her hips in my hands and rested my forehead against her stomach. “Except for you, Mariposa. You can bend me. You can break me. You are the only woman who has the power to bring me to my knees. I need your mercy.”
Bella Di Corte, my hat is off and I’m taking a bow.
He’s fractured in so many many ways and I should have serious reservations about adoring a hero who is as damaged as this one. But I’ll make no excuses for my admiration for him. HE doesn’t make excuses for himself. I’m in awe of him. He’s focus is overwhelming. Not once does he divert from his course and cause.
And he’s gorgeous:
Rawly sophisticated: is there such a thing? Elegantly brutal? Beautiful to behold. Resolute. Unwavering. Enigmatic. Capo is the epitome of power, precision and persistence. He hates from within his core. Never brutish. ALWAYS refined? Remote. Such a damn clichéd phrase I hesitate to attribute to him but he IS beautifully broken. UGH! All my waxing lyrics are clichés because I don’t have the words.
And he loves with his whole self.
Unwavering in his dedication to those he considers his family.
And he adores his Mariposa. His worthy heroine.
Ahhh, she’s perfect. Strong and mischievous. Vulnerable and kickass.
Everything he needs in a heroine. My best kind of heroine.
I’ll use his words because mine are inadequate:
“There wasn’t a price I wouldn’t have paid to have her. No term that I wouldn’t have agreed to.”
“Being close to her again felt like living to me. Her absence in my life felt like death.”
“...fell to my knees on the steps. “I don’t bend. I don’t fucking break. I kneel for no mere man on this earth.” I didn’t look at her, so I used my fingers to guide me. I took her hips in my hands and rested my forehead against her stomach. “Except for you, Mariposa. You can bend me. You can break me. You are the only woman who has the power to bring me to my knees. I need your mercy.”
Bella Di Corte, my hat is off and I’m taking a bow.
June 18, 2024
Reread
I liked it more than I did the first time
That cover 😍
I loved both MCs esp Mariposa though she had 2 TSTL moments 🙄
I still didn't like the club setup business
Still way too wordy
I cannot remember my reasons for disliking Keely but I can't say. I disliked her on this reread
In the end rating stands as is
Original review
Spoilers ahead
Homeless, broke and desperate Mariposa seized on an unexpected opportunity to finally make a better life for herself......she hoped. The last thing she expected was to fall into an arranged marriage with the powerful man who'd seen her at her lowest. Having struggled all her life just to survive Mariposa agreed to marriage and entered a world she wasn't related for, with war looming, secrets being exposed and the past coming full circle Mari's fight for survival only grows stronger because this time she's fighting for more than her own life.
Mac/Capo is a man determined to marry for the sake of his dying grandfather, he's spent years putting plans in place for his revenge and his focus should be on decimating the Scapones but seeing Mari again changed his long term plans. As his enemies close in Capo fights no longer as a lone wolf but as a man with everything to lose
********"
The positives
1) Mari!!!! I absolutely adored her, I've got a special place in my heart for women down on their luck who'd do anything to survive. a marine survival instincts after all she'd been through was strong as hell. Seeing her with Nonno just endeared her to me more. She was strong but held an air of innocence that just worked well together. Her one TSTL moment irritated me but it propelled the plot into action finally so it served it's purpose
2)The relationship, now I had some issues(the age gap!) But I loved the way Capo loved her. There were some frustrating moments where they'd say they didn't need words to communicate but then I'd be lost in what they were actually trying to say. Nevertheless I love me a J/P Alpha type so it worked for me
3)The last maybe10-15% were just what I needed.
4)Epilogue10 years out! Yes ma'am!!!! I likey!
The negatives
1)Way too wordy man!!! Ugh at times the words were so many yet told me nothing! I was actually confused a couple of times and considered quitting but the mcs kept me going
2)Slow as Heck at times especially before the mcs met
3)The steps that led to her being in that room didn't really work for me
4)Not so good sexy times
5)Too many names to keep track of
6)I rear didn't like Capo as his name
7) he took forever to say the magic words
All in all I enjoyed this one enough to go high on the rating, I can almost guarantee that in a reread I'd lower my rating however. I'm interested in trying more from this author but I didn't like Keely so the next book may have to wait
No cheating
18 year age gap
Slight OW drama that I wanted cleared up immediately but it took a couple chapters before I was put out of my misery
OM drama from a man who wanted the h but whom she viewed as a brother
h is kidnapped and almost killed
I liked it more than I did the first time
That cover 😍
I loved both MCs esp Mariposa though she had 2 TSTL moments 🙄
I still didn't like the club setup business
Still way too wordy
I cannot remember my reasons for disliking Keely but I can't say. I disliked her on this reread
In the end rating stands as is
Original review
Spoilers ahead
Homeless, broke and desperate Mariposa seized on an unexpected opportunity to finally make a better life for herself......she hoped. The last thing she expected was to fall into an arranged marriage with the powerful man who'd seen her at her lowest. Having struggled all her life just to survive Mariposa agreed to marriage and entered a world she wasn't related for, with war looming, secrets being exposed and the past coming full circle Mari's fight for survival only grows stronger because this time she's fighting for more than her own life.
Mac/Capo is a man determined to marry for the sake of his dying grandfather, he's spent years putting plans in place for his revenge and his focus should be on decimating the Scapones but seeing Mari again changed his long term plans. As his enemies close in Capo fights no longer as a lone wolf but as a man with everything to lose
********"
The positives
1) Mari!!!! I absolutely adored her, I've got a special place in my heart for women down on their luck who'd do anything to survive. a marine survival instincts after all she'd been through was strong as hell. Seeing her with Nonno just endeared her to me more. She was strong but held an air of innocence that just worked well together. Her one TSTL moment irritated me but it propelled the plot into action finally so it served it's purpose
2)The relationship, now I had some issues(the age gap!) But I loved the way Capo loved her. There were some frustrating moments where they'd say they didn't need words to communicate but then I'd be lost in what they were actually trying to say. Nevertheless I love me a J/P Alpha type so it worked for me
3)The last maybe10-15% were just what I needed.
4)Epilogue10 years out! Yes ma'am!!!! I likey!
The negatives
1)Way too wordy man!!! Ugh at times the words were so many yet told me nothing! I was actually confused a couple of times and considered quitting but the mcs kept me going
2)Slow as Heck at times especially before the mcs met
3)The steps that led to her being in that room didn't really work for me
4)Not so good sexy times
5)Too many names to keep track of
6)I rear didn't like Capo as his name
7) he took forever to say the magic words
All in all I enjoyed this one enough to go high on the rating, I can almost guarantee that in a reread I'd lower my rating however. I'm interested in trying more from this author but I didn't like Keely so the next book may have to wait
No cheating
18 year age gap
Slight OW drama that I wanted cleared up immediately but it took a couple chapters before I was put out of my misery
OM drama from a man who wanted the h but whom she viewed as a brother
h is kidnapped and almost killed
September 23, 2020
I was excited to listen to this book because I love mafia romances. This story didn't feel like a mafia romance, more of a suspenseful thriller mafia story with side of romance. Kae Denino and Armen Taylor, new narrators to me, did a great job with the accents especially the Italian words.
This was a very layered story that reminds me that it isn't how you started but how you finish that matters. Mariposa Flores, a destitute young girl, worked hard to stay above water while never being certain of food to eat or a roof over her head. But this girl was survivor. In an astonishing twist of events, she met a mysterious boss named Capo Macchiavello who offered her a deal that would change the rest of her life. It is best that the reader goes in blind in order to get the full effect of the storytelling.
I love heroine's name Mariposa because it was apropos of the journey both she and Capo undertook. You have to pay attention because so many events and people in the story were connected even in ways they weren't aware of. I finished this audiobook in two days because I was hooked to see where the author was going. It was a nicely paced story with a good amount of twists sprinkled throughout. I can totally see this book as a movie because it had all the juicy elements of a mafia story. It has family drama, betrayal, murder, love and some gangsters. This story was like a watching the process of an unattractive larva slowly grow to reveal something new and pretty. The beginning was so gritty but at the end, I was smiling and felt satisfied.
*Special Thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very layered story that reminds me that it isn't how you started but how you finish that matters. Mariposa Flores, a destitute young girl, worked hard to stay above water while never being certain of food to eat or a roof over her head. But this girl was survivor. In an astonishing twist of events, she met a mysterious boss named Capo Macchiavello who offered her a deal that would change the rest of her life. It is best that the reader goes in blind in order to get the full effect of the storytelling.
I love heroine's name Mariposa because it was apropos of the journey both she and Capo undertook. You have to pay attention because so many events and people in the story were connected even in ways they weren't aware of. I finished this audiobook in two days because I was hooked to see where the author was going. It was a nicely paced story with a good amount of twists sprinkled throughout. I can totally see this book as a movie because it had all the juicy elements of a mafia story. It has family drama, betrayal, murder, love and some gangsters. This story was like a watching the process of an unattractive larva slowly grow to reveal something new and pretty. The beginning was so gritty but at the end, I was smiling and felt satisfied.
*Special Thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
Machiavellian by Bella by Bella Di Corte proved to be a delicious treat. I am a huge fan of Mafia romances and I love reading about this world. The fight for territory, the consequences for betrayal, and the thirst for vengeance. In reality, I would not want to live in such a world, but on paper and in my fantasy it’s all good and as long as it remains that way.
Now that being said, this story hit all the right spots for me. I will not be going into what the story is about as I believe readers need to go into it as blind as possible. However, I will say this much Machiavellian is a story of revenge, redemption, forgiveness, healing, love and reinvention.
Mariposa and Capo Macchiavello both captured my heart. He with his wounded and fractured soul and she with her brave, proud and selfless persona. He was the wolf who had his heart set on vengeance and she the pretty and homeless butterfly who had suffered at the hands of those meant to protect her. His thirst for revenge took him on the road destined for destruction but her love and loyalty led him on the path to life. They brought out the best in each other and in the process discovered the power and beauty of love.
This was my first experience with the author, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed her writing, which I found engaging. This was one of those books which can be read in one sitting if you have nothing pressing to do. I had a wonderful time in the world the author created. The world may not have been unique but I enjoyed the way she portrayed her characters, her vivid descriptions which made it easy to visualise every occasion and reactions. There were some tense and suspenseful moments, which had me anxious about the characters.
The story evoked an array of emotions. It broke my heart to see the hell Mariposa went through from such an early age. Despite being considered the Pretty Boy Prince in the mafia world he would taste the bitter pill of betrayal from those closest to him. The story had its share of sadness, which was balanced out with feel good moments. It ended on a fitting note and left me contented and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Machiavellian was a wonderful start to Gangs of New York series. A satisfying read and one I would recommend to fans of Mafia romance.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 10, 2020
STUNNING!!!!!
GOD I can't believe this book is this author's debut !?
This book is about Mafia and Life
The story of a wolf ( Capo ,king,boss,Amadeo ,Vittorio or pretty boy prince as his (horrible father and brother) call him ( because he is a very good looking man 😊 yes girls he is pretty and has many names !
And a butterfly ! (Mariposa or Marietta) this woman 🤔 where to begin ? She will make you frown, smile , angry, cry( I cried) and sorry !
This book has it all ,great cover , great characters and side characters, great story, the writing was so good 👍 and the ending was so heartwarming ❤
This author is already one of my favorite authors 👍
Can't wait for the next book in the series (the rose Gazette) Cash & Kelly's story
So Excited
GOD I can't believe this book is this author's debut !?
This book is about Mafia and Life
The story of a wolf ( Capo ,king,boss,Amadeo ,Vittorio or pretty boy prince as his (horrible father and brother) call him ( because he is a very good looking man 😊 yes girls he is pretty and has many names !
And a butterfly ! (Mariposa or Marietta) this woman 🤔 where to begin ? She will make you frown, smile , angry, cry( I cried) and sorry !
This book has it all ,great cover , great characters and side characters, great story, the writing was so good 👍 and the ending was so heartwarming ❤
This author is already one of my favorite authors 👍
Can't wait for the next book in the series (the rose Gazette) Cash & Kelly's story
So Excited
February 7, 2021
I love when there is character development.
I love when there is slow-burn romance.
However, I think with this one things should have moved faster. Some things you just had to skim because they were repeated two or three times!!!
This book was a let down. All the build up no then just nothing. Big disappointed!
The heroine was down on her luck, homeless. I love those stories!!! However, I did not feel the connection. It is written in dual POVs, but I still did not care why the hero helped the heroine. YAWN!!
Great premise, poor execution! This book was all talk.
The writing did not work for me. A lot of unnecessary words. No one needs to know everyone’s every thought!
DNF. Reading is subjective.
I love when there is slow-burn romance.
However, I think with this one things should have moved faster. Some things you just had to skim because they were repeated two or three times!!!
This book was a let down. All the build up no then just nothing. Big disappointed!
The heroine was down on her luck, homeless. I love those stories!!! However, I did not feel the connection. It is written in dual POVs, but I still did not care why the hero helped the heroine. YAWN!!
Great premise, poor execution! This book was all talk.
The writing did not work for me. A lot of unnecessary words. No one needs to know everyone’s every thought!
DNF. Reading is subjective.
June 10, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי - https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/מקיא...
September 4, 2020
I hungered to be seen.
There were three things I knew about Capo Macchiavello:
He was gorgeous.
He was reclusive.
He was considered one of New York’s most savage animals.
And he wanted me as his wife. A simple arrangement – you do for me, I do for you. Nothing owed, no expectations. Except for one: never leave.
Life was never that simple, though. By the age of twenty-one, I was parentless, jobless, and homeless, and I had come to learn the hard way that nothing was ever free. Even kindness comes with strings.
Capo might’ve been the only man to ever see me, but I had made a vow to myself: I would never owe anyone anything. Most of all, the man I called boss.
I killed to stay hidden.
Mariposa Flores thought she owed nothing to no one, but she owed everything…to me, the ghost the world had once called The Machiavellian Prince of New York.
I don't know what it is about mob romance stories but they always hook me in right from the beginning. She was his butterfly and he was her boss. She knows he is in the wrong business but he also owns the restaurant she has always stared through the windows. When they get married in Italy to meet his family she is in for a shock to how much she loves them. Especially his grandfather. They share a bond over his garden. I can not wait for more books for this series although they are about different characters but I am hoping that they still will include these 2.
There were three things I knew about Capo Macchiavello:
He was gorgeous.
He was reclusive.
He was considered one of New York’s most savage animals.
And he wanted me as his wife. A simple arrangement – you do for me, I do for you. Nothing owed, no expectations. Except for one: never leave.
Life was never that simple, though. By the age of twenty-one, I was parentless, jobless, and homeless, and I had come to learn the hard way that nothing was ever free. Even kindness comes with strings.
Capo might’ve been the only man to ever see me, but I had made a vow to myself: I would never owe anyone anything. Most of all, the man I called boss.
I killed to stay hidden.
Mariposa Flores thought she owed nothing to no one, but she owed everything…to me, the ghost the world had once called The Machiavellian Prince of New York.
I don't know what it is about mob romance stories but they always hook me in right from the beginning. She was his butterfly and he was her boss. She knows he is in the wrong business but he also owns the restaurant she has always stared through the windows. When they get married in Italy to meet his family she is in for a shock to how much she loves them. Especially his grandfather. They share a bond over his garden. I can not wait for more books for this series although they are about different characters but I am hoping that they still will include these 2.
June 19, 2020
Started off really great but then had a bit of a pacing issue. Some parts of the book were really detailed and others we were just told about things and it's those bits that kind of let the story as a whole down. Plus their time in Italy just seemed to take up way too many pages. Yet their honeymoon which went for over a month got no pages. I felt like at the beginning we saw a spark between them but then it kind of fizzled.
It wasn't a bad first book for a series but some things bothered me:
- The constant "fucka me" line drove me crazy
- Having to read the word "oonie" for vagina was the least sexy thing ever and it was used a lot. Mood killer.
- The sex was pretty boring, not much steam and not that creative. A lot of telling about it after the fact which is...meh.
- Overused plot devices to put the h in danger
Overall I liked both characters but I felt like something was missing with their chemistry.
For a mafia book this was pretty lite, yes there was violence but overall it was pretty tame and I didn't really get big bad scary wolf vibes from the H despite being told he was.
It wasn't a bad first book for a series but some things bothered me:
- The constant "fucka me" line drove me crazy
- Having to read the word "oonie" for vagina was the least sexy thing ever and it was used a lot. Mood killer.
- The sex was pretty boring, not much steam and not that creative. A lot of telling about it after the fact which is...meh.
- Overused plot devices to put the h in danger
Overall I liked both characters but I felt like something was missing with their chemistry.
For a mafia book this was pretty lite, yes there was violence but overall it was pretty tame and I didn't really get big bad scary wolf vibes from the H despite being told he was.
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May 17, 2020This wasn't for me.
It's confusing and a bit messy.
The idea is good but I found the heroine very annoying.
She says "Fucka me" all the time for a start.
There were so many people and names.
The author gives a chart at the start to the book to see who is who and explain terms that are used.
I nearly gave up then, I just wanted to read the book and although it can be confusing without a chart it felt the book was never going to start.
It seems to jump all over the place and my pet peeve, internal monologue from the heroine at times.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine but at the start the Hero is with his fiance and a few things are mentioned about their sex life.
It's confusing and a bit messy.
The idea is good but I found the heroine very annoying.
She says "Fucka me" all the time for a start.
There were so many people and names.
The author gives a chart at the start to the book to see who is who and explain terms that are used.
I nearly gave up then, I just wanted to read the book and although it can be confusing without a chart it felt the book was never going to start.
It seems to jump all over the place and my pet peeve, internal monologue from the heroine at times.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine but at the start the Hero is with his fiance and a few things are mentioned about their sex life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 2, 2020DNF at 22%. It’s not bad, I’m just not feeling it.
February 15, 2024
"Scars don't bother me. They only mean I've earned my place in this world."
i-rather-throw-myself-over-a-cliff
June 27, 2020As per reviews.. she’s a poor, down on her luck, damsel in distress and annoying heroine who says “fucka me” a lot.. (yea, not a typo) 😑
This trope, trend or whatever you want to call it needs to die and be buried.. why the heck a woman can’t have her life together and be a successful career woman? Why do authors have the need to degrade women in their books. Why is always the hero who has money and has to buy the heroine? Why can’t he be the poor, down on his luck for once?
Oh and she’s a V too. 🤦🏻♀️
So tired of this.
This trope, trend or whatever you want to call it needs to die and be buried.. why the heck a woman can’t have her life together and be a successful career woman? Why do authors have the need to degrade women in their books. Why is always the hero who has money and has to buy the heroine? Why can’t he be the poor, down on his luck for once?
Oh and she’s a V too. 🤦🏻♀️
So tired of this.
August 30, 2022
"If anyone deserved loyalty, it was me from her. She just didn’t know it yet. She couldn’t have remembered. She was only five."
I loved this story! There were some revealtions that shocked the hell out of me. Mariposa & Capo's story was very beautifully crafted. The mystery surrounding Mac and his backstory was very intriguing and once it became clear how he knew Mari, I was way too invested in the story. Mari was sweet, kind, vulnerable yet so sassy, witty and nurturing. She understood how Mac's world worked, mixed well with his family and was the perfect match for him because she bought out his softer side. Mac on the other hand was an enigma to me. The man was too damn smart and powerful. I loved how he was always two steps forward from the people who wished him and Mari harm. Overall, there was joy, humour, laughter, a well written plot and a great chemistry between Mari & Mac in this book and I'm certainly looking forward to read the next books in this series!
I loved this story! There were some revealtions that shocked the hell out of me. Mariposa & Capo's story was very beautifully crafted. The mystery surrounding Mac and his backstory was very intriguing and once it became clear how he knew Mari, I was way too invested in the story. Mari was sweet, kind, vulnerable yet so sassy, witty and nurturing. She understood how Mac's world worked, mixed well with his family and was the perfect match for him because she bought out his softer side. Mac on the other hand was an enigma to me. The man was too damn smart and powerful. I loved how he was always two steps forward from the people who wished him and Mari harm. Overall, there was joy, humour, laughter, a well written plot and a great chemistry between Mari & Mac in this book and I'm certainly looking forward to read the next books in this series!
February 3, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Although it started really slow and I was kind of bored, once the H and h officially met, the book took off and I adored it! I loved the way the the h and H loved each other, although I wish the H had actually said the words long before he did which is my only gripe. I also adored Mari, she had something I really love in an h because she was so sweet and the way she was with the H’s nonno was just🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
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