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Lachlan:

I was never the good guy, but I’d once had good intentions.

The road to hell was paved with those, though, and that was where I was headed because of the trouble I was in.

Which was why I found myself rooming with my best friend’s little sister, Clara Bow Mulligan—for safety’s sake. Hers and mine. Even with my guard up, though, she went much deeper than flesh and hit bone.

Maybe she was the one who could finally turn this sinner into a saint.


Clara:

I was always the squeaky-clean one. The girl who did everything for everyone, even when no one did for me.

Even once I was a woman, not much had changed. Not until Lachlan Ryan entered my life again and reminded me of how much I’d once wanted him. But he had never wanted me. He still thought of me as the innocent Saint Clara Bow.

Those days were over.

It was time this saint was touched by a sinner.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2023

28 people are currently reading
228 people want to read

About the author

Bella Di Corte

32 books1,004 followers
Bella 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.

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5 stars
75 (57%)
4 stars
40 (30%)
3 stars
8 (6%)
2 stars
6 (4%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Bonny Read.
523 reviews19 followers
February 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Ryan brothers series. (We first met the Ryan's in the Gangsters of N.Y series.) Skin Deep was the first book and tells the story of the eldest Ryan brother, Harrison (Harry Boy) and Gigi. (She is Mac's cousin; see Machiavellian book 1 in the Gangsters series). Book #2 is Lachlan's and Clara's story.

As always, Bella manages to combine romance, mayhem and violence into one cohesive and exciting story...and this one certainly has all of it in spades. This couples road to their HEA is fraught with not one, not two or three, but six, count them, six antagonists. Six people who are out to get one or the other for their own reasons. Some working together or using the others to their own ends. When it all comes to a head (with more than just a few bumps and bruises along the way) anarchy and chaos ensue with only a few left standing when it's all over.

I loved that Lachlan was a little different from the other brothers. He fought his battles between good and evil and didn't really want a life of crime. He needed to be worthy, but his choices in trying to make a different life weren't always the right choices. I loved that Clara was his compass. She was good (Saint Clara Bow) to a fault and always helping people, but she was also strong and not someone you could walk all over.

Bella writes, in the foreword, about a twist in this story that surprised even her; something even she hadn't anticipated or known when she began writing this story, until it revealed itself. But thinking back on Lachlan, and what we know of him from previous books, it makes sense to me and I don't see how it could have been any other way. It explained a lot about Lachlan.

Strangely, there were bits and pieces of this story related to Lachlan that had a sense of deja vu to me, even though none of it was in any previous books. This probably has to do with the fact that Bella paints such vivid pictures of her characters; they are so real and lifelike. So much so that they become our best friends, our family; and like best friends and family, we almost always know how they will react in any given situation.


This one didn't make me cry, but it certainly kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. Bella never disappoints. While this can be read as a standalone, and it's certainly not necessary to read Machiavellian or Skin Deep prior to reading this one, I would highly recommend you do. The insight into the Ryan family, their history and the family dynamics that you will glean from those books will definitely enrich your read of this one so much more. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,327 reviews146 followers
February 6, 2023
This book was everything I didn't know I needed.
This was a journey that I didn't want to end.
I was texting friends after reading chapter one saying that they HAVE to read this book.
That chapter almost guaranteed it a spot on my top reads list too.
And the book just got better from there.
Honestly I'm going to shut up as this is a book that is best to go in blind with.
Definitely a must one click immediately book.
Profile Image for Beeg Panda.
1,621 reviews572 followers
Want to read
March 6, 2023
NTS: go in blind, because…Author’s notes…:

Author's Foreword excerpt:
“If you’re interested to know what I thought was going to happen, check out my letter at the end of the book. (No spoilers!)”
Afterword excerpt:
“I HAD NO CLUE LACHLAN LOVED CLARA ALL THOSE YEARS!”

H: Lachlan Ryan
Brother of Harrison Skin Deep
Has a dirty talking parrot name Newman
Loved Ivy The Awful ow, who broke his heart
“Lines were not a specialty of mine, so I didn’t mind crossing them.”

h: Clara
Married to Mickey the asshole
Sister of Lach’s friend Eddie Mulligan
Has a baby called Waylon
Skin Deep
Marauder
190 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2023
I am at a loss for words. This book was not what I was anticipating. I am obsessed with Lachlan. I had no idea where his story would lead. The love he and Clara have is so intense and passionate. The romance in this book is absolute perfection. Clara is more than meets the eye and she is Lachlan perfect match. I can't stop gushing about this couple. The Ryan brothers are taking me by surprise! I never imagined I would fall for them as hard as I am. Bella Di Corte delivers every single time. I am amazed and in awe of her books. They always make me feel so much and she always creates a magnificent and authentic story. Read any of her books, you will not regret it.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving ARC.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
February 18, 2023
Bone Deep by Bella Di Corte is book 2 in The Ryan Brothers Series. This is the story of Lachlan Ryan and Clara Bow Mulligan. I have read the previous book "Skin Deep" which did add to my enjoyment of this one. Clara has always had a crush on Lachlan. But, Clara is the ultimate good girl that looks for the good in people. Lachlan has to do dark things for his family that he feels makes him not for Clara. In this book their story starts and we get to see how it grows to bloom. I highly recommend Ms. Di Corte writing. They are always good with page turning stories. Loved it and I hope to read more.

Profile Image for Angels.
2,048 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2023
Quickly becoming a fan favorite of Ms. Di Corte's books she is such a talented author who we continue to see grow as she publishes book after book they just get better and better.
We really enjoyed this story as it took you on an emotional coaster ride ( my favorite kinds of books) that we found to be a page turner that was full of twists and turns and secrets coming to life, angst, romance and characters who loved were passionate had awesome chemistry that created a steamy tale that we absolutely loved. She has quickly become one of our favorite Mafia romance authors.

This story was full of so much heartbreak as the couple has loved each other for many many years but, the powers to be kept them apart as there has been always some sort of obstacle in their way both have secrets regarding the pasts. Can they weather the storm as these secrets come to life? Time will tell..

This was such an exciting read as the secrets come to life as we devour the pages and wonder if the rumors are true about Clara's dad. You then have Lachlan's crazy ex-wife reeking of chaos and havoc in her wake creating even more drama for this couple. Yikes! Does it ever end?

For us this story hit a home run. Books like this give you the feel's. Meaning it gives the reader everything they look for in a story. As with any love story not all them can be easy and for this couple the road they traveled to get their happily ever after was dark and violent and dangerous and had danger always lurking in the wind surrounding them but, a love like Lachlan and Clara is worth fighting for. A gripping tale that kept you on the seat of your pants and what a page turner it turned out to be. Loved it.
Profile Image for Karen_Lee_Reads.
1,301 reviews47 followers
February 7, 2023
Bone Deep
(Ryan Brothers Book 2)
By Bella Di Corte

This author never disappoints! She keeps you entrenched in her stories from beginning to end and you always know with a story by Author Bella Di Corte you are going to get one of the best mob/mafia stories you have ever read!

Bone Deep is Lachlan Ryan and Clara Bow Mulligan story and oh boy! They have one of the best stories I’ve read this year.

In Bone Deep we start off with a bang, or two, ok a lot of bangs but it’s those bangs that begin our journey with Lachlan and Clara and believe me their journey is full of truths, darkness, the Irish mob and shenanigans! Add into all of that a mob war and a bird named Newman and you have a winner of a story.

With a few old family friends (members of the Fausti Family) we get the Irish mob version of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

There is not one dull moment in this book, it flows, it keeps you glued to your seat and believe me when I say this you may just find yourself talking with a bit of an Irish lilt when you are done reading it!

Read it! Read it, laugh, cry, join in with the shenanigans and enjoy this Mob/Mafia book! If this is your first book by this author, pick up Skin Deep (Harrison Ryan’s book) and get to know him…and then circle back to the Fausti family books. She does not let you down!

Bone Deep is getting all five of my stars….
Profile Image for Karen.
1,504 reviews15 followers
May 1, 2023
Lachlan fights good and evil within constantly, but there is one person that can help him and breathe life into him, heal him, love him for who he is. He lost her once, but now that he has a second chance, he won't let the voices in his head trick him into letting her go again. He'll fight for Clara Bow and make her his, even if he has to give his own life to do it.

Clara has loved Lachlan Ryan since she first met him. He may be her brothers best friend, but she can't help it. She's in love with him, even after she marries someone else, her love for Lachlan never fades. When the truth about her husband is revealed, she may have the chance with Lachlan that she's always wanted, but will she ever be enough for him?

I loved this addition to the Ryan Brothers series. Lachlan and Clara are great characters and their love with stands a lot. The characters in this series along with the other books that intertwine with The Ryan Brothers are great. I've loved all of the stories that I've read. I hope there will be more. There some questions unanswered in this book, but it did not leave me hanging. It's a complete story, but some characters stories are left open and I'd love to read more about them. I love Bella Di Corte's books, characters and stories, so I will be watching for more.
Profile Image for Emma.
707 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2023

Bone Deep (the Ryan brothers book 2) 🤍

If you read any of Bella’s books before your know she writes the most beautiful, heartwarming mafia romances. As much as I’m finding this book be that it’s also different to anything she’s written before in my opinion. This one is a little more on the darker side. And full of suspense. Definitely a different feel to it.
Lachlan is different type of man. He’s always finding himself in trouble. He’s a little naughty.
I love him. His and Clara’s story is passionate. Clara has always liked Lanchlan and he never thought hw was good enough for her until the day that he needs her. He takes a chance.
I love that they were both married and they finally get there chance together. Don’t get me wrong even we the insta love feeling it takes a minute. Lachlan has the Craig’s after him. Clara has someone after her. So there journey is rocky one.

I’m excited to see what else is to come by Bella. I like the change in her style of plotting. Even the writing was a little bit different.

If you read Machiavellian, Marauder and Skin Deep you would of already meet some of the Bone Deep characters.

You also get to see some familiar faces 🫶 from the Fausti Family.
I do recommend reading book 1 just for a better understanding of all the characters and why Lachlan is in trouble.

*mafia world
*second chance at love
*rotten husband
*best-friends sister

Profile Image for Yvette89.
3,039 reviews44 followers
February 12, 2023
The Ryan family is close knit and love each other fiercely. They go to bat for each other and it is evident in this story as well as the previous story. This is Lachlan’s road to HEA.
Lachlan has spent his life in a battle of good versus evil. The situation determined his path. If he had to do bad things to protect his family, so be it. He would scorch the earth for those he loved. He was loyal with a big heart.
Clara was the good girl. She always tried to do good. Trying to stay positive and looking for the good in people; even the bad guys she nursed. She was self sacrificing, loving and sweet.
There is a lot to this story. It is mafia related so there is violence and death. There is also love and laughter. Newman the parrot was hilarious. Plenty of gripping action filled with twists and turns.
I loved the relationship between Lachlan and Clara. It was sweet, loving and passionate. We get plenty of the Ryans and intro to new future MMC.
Nice epilogue to see a little into the future.
1,701 reviews15 followers
February 14, 2023
Possess Her Down to the Bone... Lachlan and Clara

I love, love, love reading Lachlan Ciaran Ryan and Clara Bow Mulligan's story. Lachlan was known as Cool 😎 hand Luke, in other words a guy who stole 💕. Face gorgeous, cheekbones high with two deep dimples. He has brown wavy hair and his hair eyes are hazel and to top it off, he is over six feet tall. Then there's Clara Bow, she is his best friend, Eddie's little sister. She was married to Mikey Doyle whose mother named Erin was her mother in law. This book 📚📖 was so good. All I can is I want to tell you about it without giving away ☺️🤗 anything. There is a our favorite Doctor Tito Sala in this book 📖. Of course there's Rocco and Mac and Mari. We have all of Lachlan's brothers, Harrison, Owen and Declan and of course their sister Keely and her husband Cash. Just suffice it to say that Bella opened up a host of possibilities for more books 📚📖 to read. I highly recommend this book but I would recommend any Bella Di Corte book 📖 📚.
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
February 15, 2023
This author is one of my favorite, like ever. Her mafia stories simply can not be compared to anyone, because in my opinion she’s created her own niche of being just the most authentic, downright best romance writer out there writing mafia stories. It’s definitely beneficial to read her previous stories-start with Machevellian and work your way to this beauty, because it’ll give you background you wish you had diving into Bone deep.
This story was nothing short of romantic-yet was filled with edge of your seat violence and twists that we could have never imagined. Through all the darkness in this book, it was the love and bond between Clara and Lachlan that really solidified this book as being memorable. Their love was tested time and time again, but you could truly feel the genuine and deep rooted love that these two had for each other as well as their family. This is an absolute must read author for me, and this book, as always with this author deserves way more than five stars!
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,024 reviews20 followers
April 20, 2023
Ms. Di Corte never disappoints with her books.
She is the queen when it comes to mafia stories.
The men and the women they love.
The book starts off with one hell of an opener. And the same is continued throughout the story.
Lachlan and Clara have known each other forever. But they never acted on their feelings.
Now years later and what they feel can’t be ignored.
They go through so much to try and get there happily ever after.
But danger and violence is around every corner. It’s practically their shadow.
Theirs is a long and hard fought journey to get the happiness they deserve.
The story is romantic but filled with violence and danger.
The twists had me on the edge of my seat.
With everything going on and the darkness in their journey, it was the love and bond between Lachlan and Clara that saw them through.
With each trial and tribulation that encountered their love just solidified and grew.
Loved reading this book very much.

Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
May 1, 2023
Lachlan struggles between good & evil, but harm someone he loves and he'll burn the world down which makes him very loyal. Clara is a good girl who spends her days doing good things but she can go toe to toe with anything so she's definitely Lachlan's match but there have been things that kept them from taking that step so far. Bone Deep is their journey, and it's a wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seat, glued to the pages with heart racing as this is a mafia world, and not everyone in that world wants them together. I'm telling you, the twists were coming in hot as the road to happily ever after is filled with secrets, betrayals, and violence. And yet, there was humor in the pages especially from a supporting cast member of the bird variety who seriously kept me laughing. There's also a ton of love & a lot of heat making this story absolutely perfect in my eyes, so do NOT pass Bone Deep by as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!  
1,667 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2023
Bone Deep (The Ryan Brothers Book 1) by Bella Di Corte. OMG! What a wild and crazy journey to the much-deserved HEA (took a long time to get there). Lachlan and Clara have a history that neither acted on and both regrets. Fate puts them together one more time and for Lachlan he isn’t taking any chances in case it’s his last. So much intense drama filled with action, mystery, passion. Just when you think it’s over- something else pops up to conquer. As usual, Bella Di Corte did an incredible job creating a wonderfully dark and dangerous story with a lot of heartfelt and tender moments along with action packed drama that you do not want to miss. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for their next great romance. I was graciously given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,838 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2023
Lachlan and Clara are two complete opposites, she's the saint he's the sinner but both owned my heart in this read. What a wild ride this read was, not that I was expecting anything different at all. These two have been through some stuff together and apart. This is a read once you pick it up there is no way you want to put it down, i ignored all my adult responsibilities and kept reading, so many twists and turns, i didn't know when these two would have a moment of just calm. Absolutely loved it as all the other books from Bella Di Corte. She has the writing style that pulls you in and doesn't want to let you go b
221 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2023
Love and action!

I feel like I just read an action movie with lots of romance, and that’s fine by me! My heart broke for Clara Bow and the situation she was in at the beginning of the book, trapped with no clear way out. Her kind and healing heart is so big. And though it took a painful event to break those prison chains, Lachlan didn’t waste any time making up for past mistakes and for their souls to be united. Too bad there’s some diamonds at Clara’s house that everyone is willing to kill to get…It’s a suspenseful, bloody, chaotic ending. Whew! Like all books by Bella di Corte, it was a binge-worthy read and I’m greedy for more!
Profile Image for Nikki Cook.
84 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
From the very first sentence, the action begins! We meet Lachlan, unapologetically covered in blood, and he’s ready to shed some more. But first… a kiss with Clara Bow to seal his fate. Long hidden secrets, twisted ruses of identity, and one very naughty bird round out the adventures of a sinner and a saint. And it is grand!

Set in the same world as Gangsters of New York, in the same universe as the Fausti Family Series, Bone Deep focuses on the Ryan brothers with cameos from some of our favorite characters. Filled with humor and spice, it gives a familiar feeling of Marauder with a whole new story. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble finds the brothers next!
Profile Image for Terra Drynan-Werder.
1,068 reviews
February 14, 2023
I just loved this book. Lachlan and Clara's story is full of heartbreak and happiness and good and evil. The both have secrets from the past regarding their families and they have both loved each other forever, but can they overcome all the obstacles to be together. It was such an emotional roller coaster reading this book, full of twists and turns, familiar faces and Dr Tito Salas, my favourite secondary character in so many books by this author. I read this book in less than 24 hours and didn't want it to end. I hope to see more from the Ryan brothers and family in the future
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
April 2, 2023
This is the 2nd book in this series, and this is Lachlan and Clara’s story. Clara is Lachlan’s best friends’ little sister and is drawn to her but feels he is unworthy, while she has had a crush on him for a long time. This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with twists, challenges, angst, family, friendships, romance, secrets, passion, and love, which leads to am entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,681 reviews85 followers
February 13, 2023
Bone Deep is Clara and Lachlan’s story. Lachlan isn’t like most of the men Bella writes about, he’s sort of in the middle of good and bad regarding this crime life. He does love fiercely, his family and Clara. Clara is strong and has always loved him. And when these two let go and just be together, fireworks happen. Bone Deep kept me turning pages and entertained through the whole book.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
4,997 reviews62 followers
April 1, 2023
This is the first time I’ve read this author and it won’t be the last. I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to read her. She develops her characters well and the storyline is interesting, intriguing and entertaining. The Ryan family is a close knit bunch and they would do anything and everything for each other. This is Lachlan’s story.
Lachlan and Clara have a history together filled with regrets. They come from two completely different sides and have overcome a lot. From the first kiss their fate is sealed. Will hidden secrets and lies tear these two apart?
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,569 reviews53 followers
May 2, 2023
I'm just obsessed over everything Bella writes now and I could not miss Lachlan and Clara's story. And it did not disappoint. Just like any of Bella's books, I couldn't put this one down. I was fast-absorbed into their story and intrigued by their journey especially considering Clara was married. It is heartbreaking to see how hard it was for them. They loved each other for years but couldn't be together for so long. I loved it.
Profile Image for Thatgirlwithbooks Riya Dhaload .
25 reviews
June 20, 2023
If his brother made me believe in love, this brother made me believe in second chances. This is one of the best second chance romance I have read in a long time.
It takes a lot to be lalchan. A person who is there for everyone and never expects anything from anyone. I also absolutely loved the side characters and plot. Never had thought and anticipated that this would what it would lead to.
Absolutely recommending it !
Profile Image for Sarah.
397 reviews14 followers
February 18, 2023
Ate it up like a snack. I enjoyed this one so much more than Harrison’s book because it wasn’t so repetitive having to retell a story already told in another book. It had some pacing issues but I really liked Lachlan. There was a tad too many players involved, it may have been better if it was simpler.
Profile Image for Rein.
221 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2023
Hard to read

Of course I’m on this journey as the Fausti family is one of the greats. Unfortunately like many of the books there’s just too much filler. Repetition and unnecessary paragraphs or pages. It’s also been a while so I found it hard to make the connections from previous books with the characters.
Profile Image for Lucien Welsh.
Author 2 books25 followers
Read
February 23, 2023
I’ve said it a hundred times and I will never stop saying how Bella is a ride of die favourite author of mine and that is still true with her latest book. I was hooked from the second Bone Deep started and loved how the tone felt darker, more sinister than the previous books. But I love Lachlan and Clara is such a sweetheart. They're relationship throughout was wonderful.
Profile Image for whatjtreads.
1,221 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2023
I was waiting for more of the Ryan brothers, and Lachlan’s story was as good as his brother. I really felt for Clara in this book, as she had to suffer through a pretty bad marriage and care for her son. While Clara and Lachlan had an attraction to each other, it took them a long time to act on it. The saint and the sinner belonged together, but they had to find the hard way back.
806 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2023
Wild ride

Love, hate, murder, exes, conman and adopted parent (mom doesn't fit here), psychos, soulmates , kidnapping, and all the blurred lines inbetween. Comes down to 3 words.....right and wrong. This book was all right! Great job, but the Fausti Family is still my favorite.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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