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, … 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.
Machiavellian is the first of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series.
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I love mafia romance books, they definitely have a sweet spot in my heart. Machiavellian ended up to be my favorite of all times favorites: it has everything I love such as super mysterious reclusive hero, desperate girl trying to survive her life and unbelievably addictive narration. Arranged marriage trope was one of benefits for me as well, but Bella Di Corte managed to create one of most unique story with this particular trope. This book has some important,soul touching threads which are masterfully stitched in a story, Bella isn’t just a super talented author, she’s a wise woman who believes in true love, family and loyalty.
Machiavellian is your next favorite read, make sure to read it as soon as possible, you will be wonderfully surprised, it’s a slow burn romance with atmospheric background. Go and read and make sure to spread the word about this book!!!
Machiavellian (Gangsters of New York, #1)– Bella Di Corte
Bella Di Corte had me with the first sentence in the Prologue.
“We were once the rulers of the world.”
Machiavellian is a book about the New York Mafia, deception, redemption, revenge with love sprinkled throughout.
It’s not a normal Mafia story, it’s so much deeper. The Scarpone family is like the pan that holds the batter in, but the story in the pan, the deceptions that originally puts Mac’s life in danger, the reason for his deception of Arturo Scarpone when a life was concerned, the revenge he is not only entitled to but could end his life plays out through the story. The love that Mac and Mari eventually come to realize is the sugar that adds to this story that is so captivating.
We start off in New York, where Mac and Mari meet. Even though Mari believes it is for the first time we, the readers eventually find out that this love has been so one sided for a very long time; but when they connect the feelings that run deep between them allows for Di Corte to open up the hidden reasons why Mari is so precious to Mac. Why he would die to keep her safe. Why his outside help can hopefully keep both of them alive.
From New York we travel to Italy, where there are so many joyous occasions for Mac and Mari, but it is also when they are in Italy that it becomes evident that Mac and she must return to New York, where their lives could change at any moment.
This is a page turner, a just one more chapter, a sit on the edge of your seat book. The kind of book you will reread time and time again. One of the best Mafia/love stories I have ever read.
Goosebumps and a heart that was left full! Debra @ Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog
My first book by Bella Di Corte was by no means a disappointment. I enjoyed every page and word. It was so intriguing and left me in no doubts where our couple as well as other characters stood with themselves or with each other.
I was sucked in immediately by our leading couples story and how they came to be together. I would say that our Capo was lost the minute he met Mari in a way he never expected. She was his from that moment on only she would not come to know until later after she takes a risk of her own.
They say love works in mysterious ways and puts people in each others paths more when they are needed then when they may be wanted. This is so very true of our couple and their lives in different moments. First they must both go through many things before they can come together to be what they were always meant to be alone and together.
We have many moments of sad, happy, bright and dark. It will all come together with the wonderful story telling talent of our author!
I absolutely LOVED this debut novel from Bella Di Courte! Wow, I was blown away by this book. Machiavellian is mafia romance at its best. It’s not a dark read, but it’s gritty, angsty, and sexy. I was swooning so hard for Capo. I just LOVE a broken alpha baddie. Gah! His unknown love for Mariposa had me dyyyying! There’s a deep connection between the main characters and I was loving every minute of their growth as a couple.
This book is also packing the feels. I cried like a baby! I’m a big fan of the family vibes. That shit will do me in every time!
Machiavellian has this slow-burn suspense building throughout the book that explodes into quite a fantastic climax of the story. I loved every page! I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy mafia romance!
Machiavellian: Gangsters of New York, Book one by Bella Di Corte is phenomenal!
This was the first time I’ve read this author, and to say I was completely hooked is an understatement.
Ms Di Corte weaves a storyline so full of twist that you’ll be second guessing yourself at every turn.
And have mercy, Capo & Mariposa are off the charts!
I love the way they challenge each other and the way their characters have so much depth and layers.
This is truly one book you will not want to put down.
“How kind and good the world seemed when the devil stumbled and fell over your heels instead of being on them.”
“It’s nice to have a friend who … doesn’t mind three stillness, no matter how loud the silence.”
“He had taken a dagger to his throat. For me. I took one to the heart. For him.”
5 Haunting Stars
When I started reading I couldn’t put it down.Bella Di Corte is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.
OMG, where do i start this is a gift, in as much each page reveals more and more of a romance you dont even see as a romance, this is the story of an arrangement between Mac or Capo and Mari, yes their names have been changed and when you read this amazing book you’ll know why. I absolutely loved it. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
The wolf and the butterfly. Capo and Mariposa. It sounds like a twisted fairytale. This tale had it all. A ruthless Prince, an innocent young girl, evil king and a HEA with a lesson in the middle. well written and engaging. He was the slated to be the next King of New York. Ruthless, cold and a killing machine. One innocent girl changed his life and gets. He gave his life for hers. He had many names Vittorio, Mac, Amadeus but to Mari, he was Capo. her boss, her lover, her heart. He wanted loyalty before love. Love could get you killed. Loyalty would last a lifetime if it was given by the right person. She wanted to be safe and not have to fight to survive. Capo was alpha to the core. He took care of her every need. Was very possessive. there were some intense jealous moments. Mari also had a possessive streak. They strike a deal that would alter both their lives. Their connection was almost mystic. There was so much to love about this book. Great character, good storyline and a great HEA.
Capo (known by many names by different people) is a mafia king. Mariposa has been on her own since her teenage years. The connection between the two goes back further than she realizes and the attraction between them is scorching hot. Capo is a strong alpha male that has done things he’s had to survive. He wants Mariposa as his wife. Mariposa is his butterfly and he will protect her. This was a good read that I enjoyed and recommend.
I have read everything that this author has penned so far, but this is absolute best thing she has written to date!!
The female main character is Mariposa who is really down on her luck in all aspects of her life. She gets an opportunity that looks promising and even though she has no idea what’s she’s getting into, she takes it. Capo is out for revenge based on something that happened in the past that will slowly unravel as the story unfolds.
These two characters were wonderful together. Mari, Capo’s butterfly, was a strong woman. and she was so good with Capo. This book was both romantic and suspenseful. Machiavellian was a tremendously great story! I look forward to the next book in the Gangsters of New York series.
“The first time I saw you, you tangled me up, Strings. They’re still wrapped around my heart….”
Machiavellian by Bella Di Corte. WOW- This is nothing less than STUNNING! I am so full of words and speechless at the same time, I knew I needed to sit down and write this review as soon as I finished this amazingly beautiful book. OMG! Okay to start off, Capo is everything your dark knight should be (smart, charming, ruthless, passionate, and handsome) and Mariposa was amazing (beautiful, sassy, bent but not broken, and utterly who I could only dream to be like). She has back-bone, integrity, and street-smarts. This story had me enraptured from the start, I absolutely loved it. Full of mafia related drama, action, suspense, passion, and heart. Bella Di Corte did an incredible job creating a wonderfully dark and dangerous story with a lot of heartfelt and tender moments 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.
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.
This was a new to me author and one I’ll definitely be reading more of in the future.
Although it started out slowish I understood why, there are so many different pieces to this complex story.
You’ll find yourself maniacally turning pages trying to get the pieces to fit along with the family tree’s. I haven’t quite decided if it’s a good or a bad thing that they weren’t clicking into place too quickly but it certainly kept me reading… and once they do, prepare for your mind to be blown. Yes some answers might be semi obvious, but the why’s and the how’s, that will be what sends you spiraling on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Because of the many different aspects to this book not much more can be said without ruining the story, but definitely a fantastic start to a series. A must read as long as you’re prepared to be hit with a tonne of information at all angles.
WOW!!!! I loved and hated this book all at the same time and in the best way possible. I love the characters including a few from another series, the writing was phenomenal, I hated how it made my heart skip a beat a few times and I feared turning the page for what was to come. This was a wonderful start to the Gangsters of New York Series and I am so looking forward to seeing what comes next. Capo and Mariposa’s story starts early on in her life and so many truths are found as their loves grows and you really see what someone is willing to do for love. I loved how strong Mariposa was despite all she had been through in her young life and how she fought for what she believed in and didn’t back down to anyone. Capo is a tall dark and extremely handsome wolf of a man who just might not be exactly what he seems.. I was provided a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
Machiavellian By Bella Di Corte is the First book in the Gangsters of New York Series. This is the story of Mariposa Flores and Capo Macchiavello.
Mariposa has not had a easy time of it at all. Mariposa has had to fight for everything that she has had which sadly isn’t much. Mariposa learned the hard way from a foster home nothing is free nor do you want to be indebted to anyone. Mariposa had lived in a bad apartment but she even lost that when her ‘landlord’ tried to take rent out in flesh. Mariposa happens to be dreaming of food while looking into a restaurant this leads to her to spot Capo who is the owner of the restaurant. But, we learn that Capo is so much more than that. Capo is working his way to revenge those that tried to take him down. This leads him to live a mysterious reclusive life but one that is still powerful. Capo ends up offering Mariposa a deal that she can’t turn away but he keeps secrets from her that have life changing affects. This is the first book from this author is my understand. I feel this author made a ‘home run’ with this book. It has the hot alpha male that is possessives of his women, but also has the strong independent women who doesn’t give in to easily. There is a on going mystery that you can’t wait to learn more about. In addition she gave us the much desire Epilogue that always puts a ‘Cherry on Top’ of a great read. This book does have a few chapters of Capo’s point of view which I always love getting the leading man’s point of view…so more the better I say. I would recommend this book and this author.
Capo & Mari
Whoever said When you reach the bottom thins will start to get better. She had no money because she had no job. She had no home because her scuzzy landlord kicked her out when she missed the rent and refused to find “other ways” to pay him. Isn’t homeless and broke the bottom?
She’d never taken chances in the past. She never owed anyone. If she was given something she paid in some way, never with her body. When a chance came this time she took it. (the circumstances would be a spoiler) The man she’d seen twice before happens to be the man offering a way out. Was she ready for an arranged marriage?
I have to admit I am not usually a Mafia Genre fan. I love the author’s work so took a chance and really enjoyed the story. It is emotionally charged, steamy, with interesting characters and family love and hate. I strongly recommend the book to fans and others who enjoy a good romance and much more.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
I fell in love all over again. While this book has the Fausti clan woven throughout the story, it is a story of untold passion and endless love. Sacrifice without knowing the ending. The hope of a brighter future. This story is intricate in its relationships and so tantalizing and tempting with Italian men. Ohhhhh. Mariposa, while unlucky in her childhood, is so blessed with her future with her Il Mio Capo. I didn’t want to put the book down for fear of missing something or losing the passion and momentum by putting it aside. Capo was a wet dream with his Vivo o muni provando motto. I live or die trying.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I started and some names that were popping up, I seen before. I said to myself “huh maybe this author and that author did a cross over” so me being me I kept reading. Yeah I had to message a friend and ask a few questions. Things all fit into place then.
Great book, lots of drama, action and it’s steamy hot. I have to say I like Capo! At first I thought he was arrogant and controlling. I felt sorry for Mariposa. She lived with the hand she was dealt with. She tried her best at least. When a few things fell threw and she ended up at her best friends door, she was a little hesitant on where to go from there. She took a chance and that chance changed her life forever.
Very detailed, you knew who the characters were because you were given a brief glimpse of who they were, who they were related to. It took me a few minutes to connect all the dots to who was related to who, who did what to whom! Thought I was going bonkers LOL!
It’s a great book, if you love mafia books,this book is for you! I don’t want to give to much away because then you won’t want to read the book! Go, go pick it up, read it, you won’t regret it all!!
I don’t even know where to start with this review. I LOVED this book. This is my first read from this author and 100% will not be the last. Mariposa and her Capo, two lost souls, both lonely, both needing something else in their life. This book gave me all the feels, I shed a few tears and laughed out loud at Mariposa’s quirkiness. 5 plus star read.
If you love mafia books, you are going to be over the moon for Machiavellian. We also get visits from some of the Fausti family from The Beautiful Years series. I love the two stories kind of link together.
We start the book with the Scarpone family. The father, Atruo Lupo Scarpone, is the King of New York and is very ruthless. He has two sons. Vittorio and Achille. Vittorio is the Prince of New York and Achille is well, a little dumb, mean and dumb.
Some things go down (I don’t want to spoil the book for you) and Vittorio is no longer in the picture. Flash forward 18 years and we meet Mariposa (I will refer to her as Mari) This poor kid. She has been dealt with one of the worse lives anyone could imagine. She is always hungry, always wearing clothes/shoes that are too small or thread bear.
She is standing outside a 5-star restaurant looking in and seeing all the rich people eating the most delicious steaks and pasta. Thinking to herself that she would give a kidney to have one of those steaks. The manager comes out to give her the bums rush and a car pulls up with the most handsome man that Mari has ever seen. She walks off and yells very loudly that she would never eat there and the steak isn’t worth the kidney. I love that she is kind of kookie.
She gets locked out of her apartment because she missed her rent. Merv the perv wants to trade rent for sex. She takes a beating but doesn’t get herself down. She is always fighting. Fighting to stay alive, fighting for food, just always having to fight to survive.
I don’t want to spoil any of the book. She meets the owner of the restaurant and his name is Capo. He starts to watch out for her.
There is very much more that happens, but I have to stop here or I am just going to spill all the secrets. There are a lot of twists and turns. Some heartbreak and sorrow. But always a happily ever after ending.