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The Ryan Brothers #1
Skin Deep
Harrison:
Life in three steps: Go to college. Get a job. Marry the girl of my dreams.
I went to college, then got a job with one of New York’s most notorious gangsters.
The girl? I lost her to a man who didn’t deserve her.
So when one of Italy’s most famous women made me a proposition to help me win her back, I couldn’t refuse her offer.
Georgina “Gigi” Dolce wasn’t the shallow Italian principessa I took her for, though—and she was out to wreck my well-laid plans.
Gigi:
Harrison Ryan thought he had me all figured out.
Because the world called me “beautiful,” he assumed I only ran skin deep. But he had no idea who I was beneath the surface.
How I craved to be loved by someone loyal and unwavering like him. How far I would go to claim that love for my own.
And when I wanted something, I considered it mine.
I wanted him.
Life in three steps: Go to college. Get a job. Marry the girl of my dreams.
I went to college, then got a job with one of New York’s most notorious gangsters.
The girl? I lost her to a man who didn’t deserve her.
So when one of Italy’s most famous women made me a proposition to help me win her back, I couldn’t refuse her offer.
Georgina “Gigi” Dolce wasn’t the shallow Italian principessa I took her for, though—and she was out to wreck my well-laid plans.
Gigi:
Harrison Ryan thought he had me all figured out.
Because the world called me “beautiful,” he assumed I only ran skin deep. But he had no idea who I was beneath the surface.
How I craved to be loved by someone loyal and unwavering like him. How far I would go to claim that love for my own.
And when I wanted something, I considered it mine.
I wanted him.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2022
97 people are currently reading
532 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 75 reviews
August 10, 2023
3 💘🤔🤔⭐️s
This was not one of my favourite reads by Bella di Corte. I read it but I didn’t devour it as I was hoping for.
Harrison’s mind was set to share his life with Mariposa since he was a young boy
I felt so sad for him, since the girl of his dreams didn’t share the same feelings with him…
So, Gigi came to his rescue, where they arranged a fake relationship so that Mariposa would be jealous.
Gigi and Harrison had an insta connection, but the time frame where feelings evoked was too short.
Can you put aside the ultimate love you had for so many years towards a person and fall in love with another within a week??…
I wasn’t convinced tbh, and it was the main reason I couldn’t love it.
Regardless, I will definitely read the story of the next Ryan brother.
This was not one of my favourite reads by Bella di Corte. I read it but I didn’t devour it as I was hoping for.
Harrison’s mind was set to share his life with Mariposa since he was a young boy
I felt so sad for him, since the girl of his dreams didn’t share the same feelings with him…
So, Gigi came to his rescue, where they arranged a fake relationship so that Mariposa would be jealous.
Gigi and Harrison had an insta connection, but the time frame where feelings evoked was too short.
Can you put aside the ultimate love you had for so many years towards a person and fall in love with another within a week??…
I wasn’t convinced tbh, and it was the main reason I couldn’t love it.
Regardless, I will definitely read the story of the next Ryan brother.
June 26, 2022
I expected too much based on the perfection that was Mac and Mari’s story🤷♀️
That’s the thing with me and series: subsequent, long awaited, highly anticipated books never really meet my expectations; never really match the high rating of the previous/first book.
I couldn’t see how Harrison would (believably) find another love as deep as his love for Mari, but he’s just fine: he’s transferred his saviour complex and devotion to Gigi here. The nice 7 year later epilogue proves how loyal he is. He adores her so I’m okay with that.
I felt a bit disconnected from the story and the characters probably because I found the writing style somewhat reflective; like everyone was privy to insider info that I wasn’t a part of. Still, it was nice catching up with everyone and their drama.
That’s the thing with me and series: subsequent, long awaited, highly anticipated books never really meet my expectations; never really match the high rating of the previous/first book.
I couldn’t see how Harrison would (believably) find another love as deep as his love for Mari, but he’s just fine: he’s transferred his saviour complex and devotion to Gigi here. The nice 7 year later epilogue proves how loyal he is. He adores her so I’m okay with that.
I felt a bit disconnected from the story and the characters probably because I found the writing style somewhat reflective; like everyone was privy to insider info that I wasn’t a part of. Still, it was nice catching up with everyone and their drama.
June 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I love a good redemption story and I was definitely looking forward to reading Harrison and Gigi’s story. We met Harrison and Gigi in Machiavellian and let me just start out by saying that I did not like Gigi. And I still didn’t like Gigi at the beginning to Skin Deep. Harrison on the other hand? Poor guy. Felt bad for him..unrequited love and all that jazz.
As a fan of Bella Di Corte’s Gangsters of New York series, I was really looking forward to Skin Deep but unfortunately, I didn’t fall in love.
I won’t deny that Harrison and Gigi had an intense sexual chemistry but I just couldn’t get lost into the book. There’s no doubt that with each page, you end up liking the characters more and more, particularly Gigi. Gigi was the star of the book for me, which is shocking cause I was not expecting that at all.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Skin Deep. It wasn’t my favourite from the other books that i’ve read by Bella Di Corte but I am looking forward to reading her upcoming releases nonetheless.
I love a good redemption story and I was definitely looking forward to reading Harrison and Gigi’s story. We met Harrison and Gigi in Machiavellian and let me just start out by saying that I did not like Gigi. And I still didn’t like Gigi at the beginning to Skin Deep. Harrison on the other hand? Poor guy. Felt bad for him..unrequited love and all that jazz.
As a fan of Bella Di Corte’s Gangsters of New York series, I was really looking forward to Skin Deep but unfortunately, I didn’t fall in love.
I won’t deny that Harrison and Gigi had an intense sexual chemistry but I just couldn’t get lost into the book. There’s no doubt that with each page, you end up liking the characters more and more, particularly Gigi. Gigi was the star of the book for me, which is shocking cause I was not expecting that at all.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Skin Deep. It wasn’t my favourite from the other books that i’ve read by Bella Di Corte but I am looking forward to reading her upcoming releases nonetheless.
June 29, 2022
If Bella Writes it, I read it! LOVE her books! Bring the tissues for this one!
Loved it! I don't know how Bella does it! Her characters are so complex and life-like! They become your friends, your family that you want to revisit over and over again. Her are stories so amazing, so beautifully written, poetically profound and even a little philisophical! They are a work of art!
In Skin Deep, she gives us Georgina "Gigi" Dolce as the main female character. There are two faces to this woman, the face she's shown the world, and the face she sees in the mirror and both have more layers than can be seen skin deep. In addition to all those layers, we have a woman who is strong and bold and yet extremely vulnerable and in some ways weak. Yes, the two parts are very contradictory, but somehow, Bella makes it work giving us a believably realistic character.
If you've read Bella's Gangsters of New York series, you will remember Harrison Ryan, "Harry Boy," pining over his lost love Mariposa (Mari), who married Mac. Yet there is so much we didn't' know about Harry then. Not what motivated him, not the losses he suffered and how they affected him, nor how it all led to his obsession with Mari. But like Georgina, what we've seen of Harry in Machiavellian is only skin deep. You will discover the many layers of Harry in this book heretofore unknown. He will surprise you as he begins to face some truths, about himself and the obsession with Mari as well as how he sees Georgina. Some of these truths come with a little help from Nonno. Yes, Nonno!
If, like me, you fell in love with Nonno (Mac's and Georgina's grandfather) in Machiavellian, you will be happy to know part of this book takes place before Nonno died so we get to have more time with him. And as always, Nonno is profound and wise and can bring us you tears with his words:
“If she comes to me soon, I will be an angel who cries in heaven when she arrives. My beautiful granddaughter. Make her smile so I will. Take care of her for me.”
I cried when I read this. Read the book to see what it's is about!
Yes, there will be tears in this book, so thankfully, Bella spared us the details of Nonno's death in this one. (I cried big tears when Nonno died in Machiavellian.). If academy awards were given for books, Nonno would definitely be best supporting character in both Machiavellian and Skin Deep.
Besides tears, there will be laughter, joy, tense times and danger as they battle enemies. Like all Bella's stories this one is filled with emotions and you will experience them all, live them all with these characters. Bella Di Corte has another 5+++ stars with this book. But then all her books are 5+++stars for me. If she writes it, I will definitely be reading it! Love her books!
Loved it! I don't know how Bella does it! Her characters are so complex and life-like! They become your friends, your family that you want to revisit over and over again. Her are stories so amazing, so beautifully written, poetically profound and even a little philisophical! They are a work of art!
In Skin Deep, she gives us Georgina "Gigi" Dolce as the main female character. There are two faces to this woman, the face she's shown the world, and the face she sees in the mirror and both have more layers than can be seen skin deep. In addition to all those layers, we have a woman who is strong and bold and yet extremely vulnerable and in some ways weak. Yes, the two parts are very contradictory, but somehow, Bella makes it work giving us a believably realistic character.
If you've read Bella's Gangsters of New York series, you will remember Harrison Ryan, "Harry Boy," pining over his lost love Mariposa (Mari), who married Mac. Yet there is so much we didn't' know about Harry then. Not what motivated him, not the losses he suffered and how they affected him, nor how it all led to his obsession with Mari. But like Georgina, what we've seen of Harry in Machiavellian is only skin deep. You will discover the many layers of Harry in this book heretofore unknown. He will surprise you as he begins to face some truths, about himself and the obsession with Mari as well as how he sees Georgina. Some of these truths come with a little help from Nonno. Yes, Nonno!
If, like me, you fell in love with Nonno (Mac's and Georgina's grandfather) in Machiavellian, you will be happy to know part of this book takes place before Nonno died so we get to have more time with him. And as always, Nonno is profound and wise and can bring us you tears with his words:
“If she comes to me soon, I will be an angel who cries in heaven when she arrives. My beautiful granddaughter. Make her smile so I will. Take care of her for me.”
I cried when I read this. Read the book to see what it's is about!
Yes, there will be tears in this book, so thankfully, Bella spared us the details of Nonno's death in this one. (I cried big tears when Nonno died in Machiavellian.). If academy awards were given for books, Nonno would definitely be best supporting character in both Machiavellian and Skin Deep.
Besides tears, there will be laughter, joy, tense times and danger as they battle enemies. Like all Bella's stories this one is filled with emotions and you will experience them all, live them all with these characters. Bella Di Corte has another 5+++ stars with this book. But then all her books are 5+++stars for me. If she writes it, I will definitely be reading it! Love her books!
June 11, 2022
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Broken heroine
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely beautiful story. Rest of review coming.
Trope: Broken heroine
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely beautiful story. Rest of review coming.
June 10, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
FAVOURITE QUOTE - Judging a person from someone else point of view doesn’t give you the full picture, because sometimes, they can’t go any deeper than skin. (Bella Di Corte)
*Skin Deep book 1 The Ryan Brothers
Oh Harry boy you were not what I was expecting at all. I am completely taken by surprise. He’s a breath of fresh air. He isn’t the man he once was. He’s not the man I thought he was.
He is charming, so caring and when he loves he loves hard.
He has a life plan (his 3 steps), and it all revolves around one woman.
But when the last step is impossible, things fall apart a little bit. You see him in a different light. His life changes, he becomes Cash Kelly Lawyer, he becomes harder, he realises what once was important isn’t anymore.
He’s strong, confident, he’s everything he wanted to be but without her.
If you have read Machiavellian and Marauder you would have met Harrison already. He is the man who is in love with Mari. In them two books he comes across as the bad person. The guy that lost the girl. The guy who loves the girl who’s is with someone else.
Harrison is left hurt.
As you know Mari marries Capo. He decided to go to their wedding in Italy to see if Mari truly doesn’t have feelings for him.
That where he meets a woman who oozes confidence, beauty, fun and laughter. She one of the most famous woman in Italy.
Gigi, she is like Harrison, she was a breath of fresh to read. She’s someone who fights with herself. She has her own demons and her own past. They are things that bring darkness to her life.
Her feeling run deep.
As soon as Harrison meets her he’s taken back by her beauty and personality. She very different. Very outspoken. He's not used to woman like her.
Gigi set his sight on him and offers to help Harrison see if they can make Mari jealous, they decide to have some fun together but Gigi has her own intentions. When she wants something she takes it no matter what’s in the way.
She pretends to help him and they end up spending all their free time together during the wedding celebrations. To her they have the most amazing time together. Harrison finds out Gigi lied to him, she doesn’t want to be regretted so she leaves. She give him a choice and he goes after her but finds her with someone else. This is only the beginning of their story. After Italy then story continues in New York.
🌻
I loved this book. I felt like it was different to anything Bella has written before. The details I love are there but are not as heavy compared to her other books. I found this one to be so fast paced, from he beginning to the end it held my attention. The growth of both characters was amazing.
It felt like him. It felt like me. It felt like us.
Reading parts of machiavellian and marauder from another pov was so good. And having Cash and Keely in this book was just a bonus.
I have to say I though the sex in this book was off the charts. I found this book to be hotter than any of Bella’s other book. And I hope the rest are as well.
I can’t wait for the next Ryan Brothers book.
FAVOURITE QUOTE - Judging a person from someone else point of view doesn’t give you the full picture, because sometimes, they can’t go any deeper than skin. (Bella Di Corte)
*Skin Deep book 1 The Ryan Brothers
Oh Harry boy you were not what I was expecting at all. I am completely taken by surprise. He’s a breath of fresh air. He isn’t the man he once was. He’s not the man I thought he was.
He is charming, so caring and when he loves he loves hard.
He has a life plan (his 3 steps), and it all revolves around one woman.
But when the last step is impossible, things fall apart a little bit. You see him in a different light. His life changes, he becomes Cash Kelly Lawyer, he becomes harder, he realises what once was important isn’t anymore.
He’s strong, confident, he’s everything he wanted to be but without her.
If you have read Machiavellian and Marauder you would have met Harrison already. He is the man who is in love with Mari. In them two books he comes across as the bad person. The guy that lost the girl. The guy who loves the girl who’s is with someone else.
Harrison is left hurt.
As you know Mari marries Capo. He decided to go to their wedding in Italy to see if Mari truly doesn’t have feelings for him.
That where he meets a woman who oozes confidence, beauty, fun and laughter. She one of the most famous woman in Italy.
Gigi, she is like Harrison, she was a breath of fresh to read. She’s someone who fights with herself. She has her own demons and her own past. They are things that bring darkness to her life.
Her feeling run deep.
As soon as Harrison meets her he’s taken back by her beauty and personality. She very different. Very outspoken. He's not used to woman like her.
Gigi set his sight on him and offers to help Harrison see if they can make Mari jealous, they decide to have some fun together but Gigi has her own intentions. When she wants something she takes it no matter what’s in the way.
She pretends to help him and they end up spending all their free time together during the wedding celebrations. To her they have the most amazing time together. Harrison finds out Gigi lied to him, she doesn’t want to be regretted so she leaves. She give him a choice and he goes after her but finds her with someone else. This is only the beginning of their story. After Italy then story continues in New York.
🌻
I loved this book. I felt like it was different to anything Bella has written before. The details I love are there but are not as heavy compared to her other books. I found this one to be so fast paced, from he beginning to the end it held my attention. The growth of both characters was amazing.
It felt like him. It felt like me. It felt like us.
Reading parts of machiavellian and marauder from another pov was so good. And having Cash and Keely in this book was just a bonus.
I have to say I though the sex in this book was off the charts. I found this book to be hotter than any of Bella’s other book. And I hope the rest are as well.
I can’t wait for the next Ryan Brothers book.
Want to read
June 29, 2021YESSSSSS GIGI AND HARRISON'S BOOK
GIMMEEEEEE
GIMMEEEEEE
June 10, 2022
3.5 Stars!
Skin Deep follows the story of Gigi and Harrison. When we first meet up with Harrison, he’s a man with a plan. Go to college, get a job, and marry the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately for Harrison, the girl of his dreams found herself with a man that didn’t deserve her. So, when Gigi comes up with a plan to help him win his girl back, he’d be stupid to refuse….
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I was intrigued by the plot and was curious to see how it would all come together. The chemistry between Harrison and Gigi was instant and definitely steamed up the pages. All that being said, I won’t lie, it did take me a little while to really get into the story. Things just didn’t click for me as quickly as I had hoped they would, in fact, I found myself putting this book down quite a few times. However, I’m glad I stuck with it and kept reading. The more I read, the more I had to see Gigi and Harrison’s story play out. And in the end, I was happy to have kept reading.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Skin Deep follows the story of Gigi and Harrison. When we first meet up with Harrison, he’s a man with a plan. Go to college, get a job, and marry the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately for Harrison, the girl of his dreams found herself with a man that didn’t deserve her. So, when Gigi comes up with a plan to help him win his girl back, he’d be stupid to refuse….
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I was intrigued by the plot and was curious to see how it would all come together. The chemistry between Harrison and Gigi was instant and definitely steamed up the pages. All that being said, I won’t lie, it did take me a little while to really get into the story. Things just didn’t click for me as quickly as I had hoped they would, in fact, I found myself putting this book down quite a few times. However, I’m glad I stuck with it and kept reading. The more I read, the more I had to see Gigi and Harrison’s story play out. And in the end, I was happy to have kept reading.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
June 12, 2022
Well, this book was a disappointment!!!
I had some really great expectations from Bella after reading her “gangsters of New York “ series , and naturally I was really excited to read this book.
However , though the first part of the book was interesting, the later part was a bummer.
So didn’t like it much.
3 stars :)
I had some really great expectations from Bella after reading her “gangsters of New York “ series , and naturally I was really excited to read this book.
However , though the first part of the book was interesting, the later part was a bummer.
So didn’t like it much.
3 stars :)
June 20, 2022
4.5 stars
This was the perfect book to pull me from my book slump. I loved these characters in the previous books with Mari and Keely. However, finally getting to see The Ryan brothers made them even better.
Gigi and Harrison were the true example of the universe having a plan for us. What we think we want and what we actually need are two very different things. The analogy of a field of flowers and love was spot on, and made this book even more beautiful. I loved that these two were able to offer each other solace and grow together.
Even if I hadn't read Mari and Mac or Keeley and Nash's stories I still wouldn't have been lost. The author did a great job at not making certain scenes redundant, and instead gave them a fresh perspective.
I'm looking forward to Lachlan's book next. All of these brothers are special. Highly recommend.
This was the perfect book to pull me from my book slump. I loved these characters in the previous books with Mari and Keely. However, finally getting to see The Ryan brothers made them even better.
Gigi and Harrison were the true example of the universe having a plan for us. What we think we want and what we actually need are two very different things. The analogy of a field of flowers and love was spot on, and made this book even more beautiful. I loved that these two were able to offer each other solace and grow together.
Even if I hadn't read Mari and Mac or Keeley and Nash's stories I still wouldn't have been lost. The author did a great job at not making certain scenes redundant, and instead gave them a fresh perspective.
I'm looking forward to Lachlan's book next. All of these brothers are special. Highly recommend.
October 24, 2025
2.5 stars
June 3, 2022
Skin Deep by Bella Di Corte brings everything great about a romantic suspense. The twisted plot. The layered characters. The adrenaline fuelled scenes. The exquisite chemistry. Gigi and Harrison's story delivered feels, steam and suspense in the author's poetic style.
.
I don't want to call it a mafia romance as Harrison Ryan is a lawyer and Georgina 'Gigi' Dolce is a celebrity model actress in Europe
but Gigi and Harrison are both related to the mafia world. I have not read Machiavellian ( yet) so I have not met them before. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story so you don't need to worry but this one definitely makes me want to grab Machiavellian.
.
This story spreads across years. It starts when Harrison is young and is in love with his sister's best friend Mariposa and his life's only goal is to build a life with her. He and his brothers have done everything to survive and they are all somehow involved in Cash Kelly's mafia business with Harrison being his lawyer. But his love is getting married in Italy to another mafia boss and he run to Sicily. There he meets Gigi who proposes a way to make Mari jealous. Seven days of fun. But it becomes more and more and more and Harrison discovers that Gigi's beauty is not "Skin Deep."
.
I love Bella Di Corte's writing style. She has a dreamy and raw way with her words that set her books apart from usual mafia romance. I loved Gigi and Harrison both. Gigi has this outer facade of glamourous beauty that makes the world fascinated with her. But it is deceiving. She has so much hidden pain and angst and anguished emotions. Harrison took a bit of time to see the broken woman behind the gloss and light. He thought his love for Mariposa is the driving force of his life. And his heart was all over the places. And Gigi showed him that he has so much love left and his feelings for Mari were just placeholder for his real love. He is a great alpha hero who has a deeply caring and protective personality. A lot of raw aching emotions were brought here. Lots of conflict, family drama and complex dynamics. And then came the mafia war in New York. These are all connected in a brilliant way. The suspense and action kept it interesting. Gigi had to fight her way into the Ryan brothers' world and she did it with courage and grace. They are a big family where loyalty is very important and I am so excited to read more about Ryan brothers.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
.
I don't want to call it a mafia romance as Harrison Ryan is a lawyer and Georgina 'Gigi' Dolce is a celebrity model actress in Europe
but Gigi and Harrison are both related to the mafia world. I have not read Machiavellian ( yet) so I have not met them before. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story so you don't need to worry but this one definitely makes me want to grab Machiavellian.
.
This story spreads across years. It starts when Harrison is young and is in love with his sister's best friend Mariposa and his life's only goal is to build a life with her. He and his brothers have done everything to survive and they are all somehow involved in Cash Kelly's mafia business with Harrison being his lawyer. But his love is getting married in Italy to another mafia boss and he run to Sicily. There he meets Gigi who proposes a way to make Mari jealous. Seven days of fun. But it becomes more and more and more and Harrison discovers that Gigi's beauty is not "Skin Deep."
.
I love Bella Di Corte's writing style. She has a dreamy and raw way with her words that set her books apart from usual mafia romance. I loved Gigi and Harrison both. Gigi has this outer facade of glamourous beauty that makes the world fascinated with her. But it is deceiving. She has so much hidden pain and angst and anguished emotions. Harrison took a bit of time to see the broken woman behind the gloss and light. He thought his love for Mariposa is the driving force of his life. And his heart was all over the places. And Gigi showed him that he has so much love left and his feelings for Mari were just placeholder for his real love. He is a great alpha hero who has a deeply caring and protective personality. A lot of raw aching emotions were brought here. Lots of conflict, family drama and complex dynamics. And then came the mafia war in New York. These are all connected in a brilliant way. The suspense and action kept it interesting. Gigi had to fight her way into the Ryan brothers' world and she did it with courage and grace. They are a big family where loyalty is very important and I am so excited to read more about Ryan brothers.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
June 6, 2022
Skin Deep
(The Ryan Brothers, Book 1)
By Bella Di Corte
If you’ve never read one of Bella Di Corte’s mafia books then welcome to her world.
Skin Deep is the story of Harrison Ryan and Georgina (Gigi) Dolce and though not a true mafia story, these two characters are very much involved with Mafia members. Harrison is the “house” lawyer for Cash Kelly the Irish Mob leader in Hell’s Kitchen and Gigi is a cousin of Mac Macchiavello who is involved with the Fausti Family.
First, this Harrison is not the Harrison I thought I knew and I was so happy when I got this look into Harrison, his life, and his story from the beginning. This Harrison is someone who is easy to love. Now, can he find the right person to love?
Harrison Ryan has had a seven-point plan that he has spent years working towards which ends with getting the girl and living. He has worked hard there is no doubt about it, but has he worked towards a goal that was only ever a dream? His picture perfect wife is Mariposa Flores, he’s known her forever, he’s watched her grow up, he’s seen how she has struggled and when the time comes he’s realized he has lost her to a man who he believes doesn’t deserve her.
In an effort to make Mariposa (Mari) realize that she doesn’t really love her new husband, Harrison makes a deal with Georgina (Gigi) Dolce. Seven days to make Mari jealous and realize her mistake becomes seven days with one of the most beautiful women in the world. But Gigi comes with her own baggage. How will those seven days go and will Harrison get what he wants or will he find out there is someone out there who is truly made for him and him alone.
Author Bella Di Corte spins some of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read. She captures readers on the first page and takes them along with her characters. In this case Harrison and Gigi. Her stories never lack in action and they always give you a couple that readers will love and support.
In Skin Deep readers are treated to numerous events some with characters from other books, some new to this series. There is not one character that doesn’t affect this story in some way or another. This book is the kind of book that you can not put down and you soon find you’re much further into the story and yet need to continue flipping those pages to get to the end. Her epilogues tie up the future and we know everyone is living their best lives. Another 5+ Star read!
(The Ryan Brothers, Book 1)
By Bella Di Corte
If you’ve never read one of Bella Di Corte’s mafia books then welcome to her world.
Skin Deep is the story of Harrison Ryan and Georgina (Gigi) Dolce and though not a true mafia story, these two characters are very much involved with Mafia members. Harrison is the “house” lawyer for Cash Kelly the Irish Mob leader in Hell’s Kitchen and Gigi is a cousin of Mac Macchiavello who is involved with the Fausti Family.
First, this Harrison is not the Harrison I thought I knew and I was so happy when I got this look into Harrison, his life, and his story from the beginning. This Harrison is someone who is easy to love. Now, can he find the right person to love?
Harrison Ryan has had a seven-point plan that he has spent years working towards which ends with getting the girl and living. He has worked hard there is no doubt about it, but has he worked towards a goal that was only ever a dream? His picture perfect wife is Mariposa Flores, he’s known her forever, he’s watched her grow up, he’s seen how she has struggled and when the time comes he’s realized he has lost her to a man who he believes doesn’t deserve her.
In an effort to make Mariposa (Mari) realize that she doesn’t really love her new husband, Harrison makes a deal with Georgina (Gigi) Dolce. Seven days to make Mari jealous and realize her mistake becomes seven days with one of the most beautiful women in the world. But Gigi comes with her own baggage. How will those seven days go and will Harrison get what he wants or will he find out there is someone out there who is truly made for him and him alone.
Author Bella Di Corte spins some of the most beautiful love stories I’ve read. She captures readers on the first page and takes them along with her characters. In this case Harrison and Gigi. Her stories never lack in action and they always give you a couple that readers will love and support.
In Skin Deep readers are treated to numerous events some with characters from other books, some new to this series. There is not one character that doesn’t affect this story in some way or another. This book is the kind of book that you can not put down and you soon find you’re much further into the story and yet need to continue flipping those pages to get to the end. Her epilogues tie up the future and we know everyone is living their best lives. Another 5+ Star read!
June 10, 2022
Once I realized that Skin Deep was Harrison's story, I was kind of worried if I would be able to love him or not since I already met him in Machiavellian (Book 1 in the Gangsters of New York) & Marauder (Book 2 in the Gangsters of New York ) and I wasn't a fan LOL! See, he had three things he was going to achieve, and the heroine in Machiavellian was part of his three part plan. In this book, he's off to her wedding to see if she really loves the man she's going to marry or not, and while it wasn't the best plan, it turned out to be the best thing to happen to him. Gigi is a gorgeous woman who presented a plan to get his girl back, so they start spending time together. One of the best things Bella Di Corte does is creating stories that span years so the reader gets the whole picture instead of just pieces making it impossible to not imprint on the characters. Harrison never saw Gigi coming as he learned that there's more to her than her outer beauty, and it does send his world into chaos. I LOVED every minute of this story, and I believe you'll feel the same way after you hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 11, 2022
Bella is literally my favorite mafia romance writer. No one compares-and when she announced we were getting a book for Harrison and Gigi I was a little nervous because I didn’t necessarily like either character from what we had seen in her previous books. I was proved so, so wrong and I’m so happy the story was as complex as it was. I definitely recommend reading the previous books to get a feel for every character-the story transported me back to Italy, where I never wanted to leave and I was SO thankful most of this beautiful story took place here. The authenticity is just bleeding into every page-and it really shows this authors ability to write a truly fantastic story in every aspect.
I actually ended up loving both Harrison and Gigi by their first chapters-Which is something so amazing to me. This author didn’t spend a lot of time on things that happened in previous books-but some things occurred right in line with them, and I was so amazed at how well everything flowed. Everything about this book was perfection!
I actually ended up loving both Harrison and Gigi by their first chapters-Which is something so amazing to me. This author didn’t spend a lot of time on things that happened in previous books-but some things occurred right in line with them, and I was so amazed at how well everything flowed. Everything about this book was perfection!
June 10, 2022
My first Bella Di Corte book!!
I didn’t know what to expect since I hadn’t read anything from her, however it was so good!! This story is full of suspense, plot twists, scorching hot scenes 🥵 and chemistry between Gigi & Harrison.
Some characters from other books pop up, and some things were ambiguous because they are covered more deeply in their respective books, this didn’t bother me at all, it just made me want to read her other books more!
Bella’s writing style is so captivating, thats what I struggle a lot with, to connect with the story and the characters but this book had me flipping the pages because everything was so mysterious and emotionally raw for both main characters, this story covers a lot of years and I loved that because it gives more insight into the characters background and their pain, and why they are the way they are.
I loved their character development and their story overall.
ARC provided in exchange of my honest opinion
I didn’t know what to expect since I hadn’t read anything from her, however it was so good!! This story is full of suspense, plot twists, scorching hot scenes 🥵 and chemistry between Gigi & Harrison.
Some characters from other books pop up, and some things were ambiguous because they are covered more deeply in their respective books, this didn’t bother me at all, it just made me want to read her other books more!
Bella’s writing style is so captivating, thats what I struggle a lot with, to connect with the story and the characters but this book had me flipping the pages because everything was so mysterious and emotionally raw for both main characters, this story covers a lot of years and I loved that because it gives more insight into the characters background and their pain, and why they are the way they are.
I loved their character development and their story overall.
ARC provided in exchange of my honest opinion
June 7, 2022
Wow this book.
It will run you through a gamut of emotions with no holds barred and take you by complete surprise.
Honestly this book started off good, even though long time readers will want to shake some sense into Harry boy, it then moved onto great, before finally have you wondering what on earth is going on while wishing there were more pages left.
This might of been an amazing book about a certain couple but certain characters from past and future books definitely stole some of the limelight making this more of a family affair. That's what made this into a top read for me.
Special mentions to Newman, Gus and Nonno, without them this book might not of had as many moments in the sun.
After that ending I cannot wait to see what comes after.
It will run you through a gamut of emotions with no holds barred and take you by complete surprise.
Honestly this book started off good, even though long time readers will want to shake some sense into Harry boy, it then moved onto great, before finally have you wondering what on earth is going on while wishing there were more pages left.
This might of been an amazing book about a certain couple but certain characters from past and future books definitely stole some of the limelight making this more of a family affair. That's what made this into a top read for me.
Special mentions to Newman, Gus and Nonno, without them this book might not of had as many moments in the sun.
After that ending I cannot wait to see what comes after.
Want to read
January 3, 2022i'm so excited😍😍😍
June 5, 2022
RTC soon….
June 13, 2022
Harry Boy❤❤❤
June 29, 2022
Skin Deep by Bella Di Corte is the first installment in the Ryan Brothers series and this is Harrison (Harry Boy) Ryan’s story. It wasn’t until I started reading that I realised that this was a spin- off of Corte’s Gangsters of New York series. So, of course, I couldn’t wait to delve deeper into the story. Read on for my thoughts on this romance set in the mafia world.
When I realised that Skin Deep featured Harrison Ryan from the Gangsters of New York series story I wondered how his story would play out. He had a plan. A plan which went up in smoke when the woman he loved married another man. Not one to give up, he attended the wedding, hoping to convince her she made the wrong choice. Then he met Georgina ‘Gigi’ Dolce, who offered to help him win back the girl he lost, or so he thought.
Gigi knew he had no hopes of winning back the girl he lost. But she wanted him for herself. So she would do anything to get him to notice her, even letting him believe she could help him with his problem. Poor Harrison never knew what hit him.
I Liked Harrison from the moment I met him. My heart broke for him, knowing that he was in love with a woman who only thought of him like a brother. A fact which he refused to acknowledge, which led to heartbreak when she fell in love with someone else. His actions disappointed in Skin Deep. He needs to move on, but he believes he can convince her she made the wrong choice. Also, the choice of event to do that was in poor taste.
Gigi was no stranger. She also appeared in the Gangsters of New York series. I was not a fan of her then, as she appeared entitled and pretentious. However, in Skin Deep, she redeemed herself. The deeper into the story one goes, the more dynamic the characters become.
Gigi and Harrison shared an intense sexual chemistry, which burned bright from their first encounter. The more time they spent together, the brighter it burnt. Now, as much as they burnt up the pages, their romance lacked authenticity. It all happened so fast. One moment Harrison was pining after the woman he lost and the next he came to the realization that Gigi was the one for him.
Besides the romance, the story delivered suspense and action. Some of these events took place in the Gangsters of New York series, but now it was being delivered from Harrison’s perspective. The story also touched on issues relating to obsession and depression. I thought did a good job with both issues.
Despite the issues I had with the romance, Skin Deep was an intense and captivating story. A great start to the series and one I think fans of the genre would enjoy.
When I realised that Skin Deep featured Harrison Ryan from the Gangsters of New York series story I wondered how his story would play out. He had a plan. A plan which went up in smoke when the woman he loved married another man. Not one to give up, he attended the wedding, hoping to convince her she made the wrong choice. Then he met Georgina ‘Gigi’ Dolce, who offered to help him win back the girl he lost, or so he thought.
Gigi knew he had no hopes of winning back the girl he lost. But she wanted him for herself. So she would do anything to get him to notice her, even letting him believe she could help him with his problem. Poor Harrison never knew what hit him.
I Liked Harrison from the moment I met him. My heart broke for him, knowing that he was in love with a woman who only thought of him like a brother. A fact which he refused to acknowledge, which led to heartbreak when she fell in love with someone else. His actions disappointed in Skin Deep. He needs to move on, but he believes he can convince her she made the wrong choice. Also, the choice of event to do that was in poor taste.
Gigi was no stranger. She also appeared in the Gangsters of New York series. I was not a fan of her then, as she appeared entitled and pretentious. However, in Skin Deep, she redeemed herself. The deeper into the story one goes, the more dynamic the characters become.
Gigi and Harrison shared an intense sexual chemistry, which burned bright from their first encounter. The more time they spent together, the brighter it burnt. Now, as much as they burnt up the pages, their romance lacked authenticity. It all happened so fast. One moment Harrison was pining after the woman he lost and the next he came to the realization that Gigi was the one for him.
Besides the romance, the story delivered suspense and action. Some of these events took place in the Gangsters of New York series, but now it was being delivered from Harrison’s perspective. The story also touched on issues relating to obsession and depression. I thought did a good job with both issues.
Despite the issues I had with the romance, Skin Deep was an intense and captivating story. A great start to the series and one I think fans of the genre would enjoy.
June 11, 2022
LOVED THIS BOOK. Bella did it again! Literally I could read her books all day and stay in her world and just pretend I’m there. Her words, the way she describes love and how it feels to be with another person that way, I always say you can only dream of someone loving you that way.
I loved that we really got to see a different wide of Gigi and I really enjoyed hearing about something that most writers in this genre never really get to is depression. You can be the most famous person but still feel sad inside and I loved how she touched on that and Harrison just being there and doing what he could, just being there and keeping an eye on her. Oh and Nono ! I just can’t, he really left an impression on everyone. CANNOT wait for the next one!
I loved that we really got to see a different wide of Gigi and I really enjoyed hearing about something that most writers in this genre never really get to is depression. You can be the most famous person but still feel sad inside and I loved how she touched on that and Harrison just being there and doing what he could, just being there and keeping an eye on her. Oh and Nono ! I just can’t, he really left an impression on everyone. CANNOT wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2022
Book 1 is a home run!!
Harrison and Georgina’s story makes me want to find the person who looks beyond the superficial and sees me!!! Beautifully written, this story is the first in a series about the Ryan brothers. Harrison and G so deserved the happy ending they received. And the real life struggles she dealt with were handled so well. Harrison is swim worthy once he realizes what love actually looks and feels like. And Georgina is one of my favorite FMC’s ever!!! Not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to what she wants. I will be on pins and needles waiting for Bone Deep to hit my kindle.
Harrison and Georgina’s story makes me want to find the person who looks beyond the superficial and sees me!!! Beautifully written, this story is the first in a series about the Ryan brothers. Harrison and G so deserved the happy ending they received. And the real life struggles she dealt with were handled so well. Harrison is swim worthy once he realizes what love actually looks and feels like. And Georgina is one of my favorite FMC’s ever!!! Not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to what she wants. I will be on pins and needles waiting for Bone Deep to hit my kindle.
June 12, 2022
Another masterpiece!
I could not put this down, sitting up until the sun came up. Remembering Harrison's obsession with Mari, and his torment, it was a ray of light when he truly SAW Gigi.
Gigi's own demons almost got the best of her, until she understood that Harrison was HER ray of light. A story that I will read again and again. Will order the paperback as soon as it is available!
I could not put this down, sitting up until the sun came up. Remembering Harrison's obsession with Mari, and his torment, it was a ray of light when he truly SAW Gigi.
Gigi's own demons almost got the best of her, until she understood that Harrison was HER ray of light. A story that I will read again and again. Will order the paperback as soon as it is available!
June 27, 2022
4.5 rounded up
-there were several places where I had to reread a page or paragraph because I got confused as to what was being said and I hate that
Harrison and Gigi were everything. I know some of us may have been more partial to Mari and Mac and felt some type of way about Harrison but I really loved him. And Gigi's depression/SI was well written/realistic. We love mental health reps.
I def forgot that Keely had so many brothers. Looking forward for Lach, Owen, and Declan's books.
-there were several places where I had to reread a page or paragraph because I got confused as to what was being said and I hate that
Harrison and Gigi were everything. I know some of us may have been more partial to Mari and Mac and felt some type of way about Harrison but I really loved him. And Gigi's depression/SI was well written/realistic. We love mental health reps.
I def forgot that Keely had so many brothers. Looking forward for Lach, Owen, and Declan's books.
August 16, 2022
Excellent, I love anything Ms. Bella writes. I like that they are all connected and it's like reading one big continuing story. Even in Machiavellian I didn't think Harrison was as in love with Mari as he thought. He was just checking off his list. There was no way Mac was going to allow that to happen. Gina is good for him. Yes, she needs a little more self-esteem and backbone. Thankfully she got it together. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
January 17, 2024
I thought there were women who were dominant, but it turned out that only women who were depressed were far from what I imagined. And the story is too fast. Everything happened too fast, I didn't enjoy it at all. The man was too plot twist at the beginning of the story, he wanted to chase the person he loved, after meet the woman instead he immediately fell in love? And I only read half of this story. I expected a lot, but was disappointed
June 14, 2022
Liked
Side stories help complete the Fausti family's bigger picture. Family being the key. Harrison and G.G.'s story is powerful in its own way. Sometimes what,/who we think we want is not always what we need. We just have to be open to another scenario. But the Fausti Family is my favorite.
Side stories help complete the Fausti family's bigger picture. Family being the key. Harrison and G.G.'s story is powerful in its own way. Sometimes what,/who we think we want is not always what we need. We just have to be open to another scenario. But the Fausti Family is my favorite.
June 17, 2022
I loved how this book was written as I always do. I never did get the hatred between Mac and Harrison, not even in Macs book. But I did like the relationship that harry had with Gigi. All in all the book didn’t really do for me as Bella’s others did. I liked how the Fausti family came together with Mac and cash Kelly.
March 19, 2024
I Lived it!
This book was so good and very emotional. Georgina was a beautiful woman with many emotional problems, but when she met Harrison, everything changed. I love how his love for her was growing just in a week, and he finally understood what real love was.
I love Bella di Corte's writing so much
This book was so good and very emotional. Georgina was a beautiful woman with many emotional problems, but when she met Harrison, everything changed. I love how his love for her was growing just in a week, and he finally understood what real love was.
I love Bella di Corte's writing so much
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