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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Normally I start my reviews by talking about the book, then the narration. Not this time.
The narrators for this book just brought it to life for me so much so that I felt like I was watching a movie. Let me start with Armen Taylor, I am in love with this man’s voice. The moment he spoke his first word I was immediately drawn into the story. I need this man to read every book to me. He was the perfect fit for Mac, so whoever casted him you deserve a raise!! Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t the only star of the show. Kae Denino did an amazing job as Mari. I could feel every emotion Mari was feeling. BRAVO to both of these narrators.
Now, on to the book. The story was amazeballs!!! A beautiful Mafia Fairytale written exquisitely and full of emotion. I felt everything that was written, Mari’s stress at being homeless, Capo’s anxiety when Mari gives him news that feels like déjà vu, the excitement when they were in Italy visiting Nano. This is my first-time reading Bella Di Corte and I was not disappointed. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley, Bella Di Corte and Spectrum Audio for providing me with a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
This book was intense and emotional. Beautifully written and brilliantly narrated. I couldn´t wish for better narration as both narrators did an exceptionally great job. I was laughing with them, I was crying with them I felt anxiety and every single emotion in this book.
I love mafia stories and I immensely enjoyed this one.
Faith played with both main characters a game, one unpredictable, bloodthirsty game. Life for a life. Heart for a heart. But the story itself has so much to give and to think. It’s like a poem, like a saga, almost untouchable yet you feel everything.
I am sure you all will love it just as much as I did.
The first thing I noticed that I liked is the inclusion of a glossary of names and connections in the beginning of the book. That told me that the story was part of an epic and that the author didn’t want any confusion to mess it up. I Thought to myself: I’m in!
It was slow at first, but I liked the mini reveals that she drops in the beginning. You get the gist…but do you? Clearly there’s more to it all. I wasn’t sure about the pacing, until bam! It ramped up fast. Every time I said things to myself like:
But what about…
But where did he…
How do they not know…
Why would he do that…
They were all answered, thoroughly and it all made sense. Author DiCorte is telling you the reader to chill, because she’s got a plan! The prose was elegant in places, heartbreaking in others. Always important! There’s nothing throw away in this story.
“She demanded to touch life after merely surviving it for so long.”
Mariposa was a former foster child barely living when fate brought her to Mac’s doorstep. Life was about to change, but is there more to her luck?
“Pressing against me as he was, he never felt more intimidating. He was like a monster wave before it comes crashing down on someone who doesn’t know how to swim. He was made up of hard lines, and he radiated power, control, while he swept me away.”
As Mariposa gets deeper into her new life, she questions herself. Can she handle it all? Does she really know Mac? So many secrets.
“Being with Capo, I realized, felt a lot like living—and living meant taking chances.”
Poor Mari. She can’t help but fall for the man with multiple names, even after the biggest secret gets revealed to her. Just like the mafia, she’s already all in, ready to risk it all for a chance for love from the man who seems to have am aversion to it. The violence at the end was bittersweet and I was riveted until the end.
This is the first book in the Gangsters of New York Series, a Mafia Romance. This was my first Bella Di Corte’s book. Capo (Mac) and Mariposa’s story is intricate, slow paced, captivating, and suspenseful. Capo is dark, dominant, and powerful. Mariposa is a wonderful character. She is strong, determined, talkative, and funny. The storyline is intriguing. Kae Denino and Armen Taylor did an amazing job with the narration. I love their voice together. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Marauder. If you like mafia romance, this one is for you.
Machiavellian
Gangsters of New York, Book 1
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Kae Denino, Armen Taylor
If you are looking to be drawn in and captivated by a story, then this is the book for you! The first in the Gangsters of New York series, Bella DiCorte has a winner on her hands! A mafia love story, timeless, ruthless, unforgiving, scary, thrilling, exciting, passionate, she weaves a web that is easy to get tangled in. Mariposa is at the end of her line. She is broke with no home, she is desperately looking for something. When an opportunity knocks, little does she know how it will change her life. Capo has had his eye on her for a long time, and knowing her situation gives her an opportunity she can’t refuse. Now his wife, she is going to find out exactly who he is. Will she understand? Will they every fall in love? Talk about smart, complex stories. This one has an intriguing plot interweaving family and loyalty. These characters are complex, well thought out and give you an understanding of their life. It’s romance and suspense at it’s best! I can’t wait to see what else DiCorte has in store for us.
The narration for this is fantastic. Kae Denino is perfect for the role of Mariposa. She has a young voice, and with Mari being 21, she gives her a street wise sound with a little immaturity and inexperience. You can hear the toughness along with the vulnerability which is perfect! Armen Taylor is new to me, and what a voice he has! Italian accent to melt your heart, he brings Capo to life. With a sternness to run your blood cold to a warmth like melted chocolate, he has it all. This team was well cast and make the listen!
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Outstanding Story & Listen Absolutely Enthralling!
Machiavellian
Gangsters of New York, Book 1
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Kae Denino, Armen Taylor
I loved this book so much, the story is beautifully written and it captivated my attention from start to end, it also captured my heart as well. This is my first book written by Bella Di Corte, she is a gifted author, she created a masterpiece of a story here, the storylines are interesting and original, excellent character development and world building. I adored the lead female, Mariposa Flores, she did not have the easiest life yet, learned to fend for herself at a young age and despite all that there was still a naive innocence about her. Capo “Mac” Machiavellian, wow, just wow, he is one complex character, a cunning man on a mission of vengeance. I loved how the author weaved these two together, they were perfect for each other. There is a lot of story in this book, it is brilliantly plotted and told in a way that is easy to follow, the history and back story, as well as the family dynamics. There is plenty of drama, angst, action, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt and emotional moments and a wonderful romance. Bella Di Corte, thank you for this amazing story, I hope more of your books come to audio soon.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kae Denino and Armen Taylor are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an awesome job bringing the characters to life, giving each their own voice and humanizing them with their emotions. Their portrayal of the characters is spot on, they grasp their character’s personas and play the roles with perfection, sounding just as I picture them to sound. Kae Denino captured Mariposa’s innocence and youthfulness. Armen Taylor’s Capo’s was awesome as well, captured all his traits to the tee. Both are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this fantastic listen
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Vittorio lives for the family business. Our meeting him is short or is it. Mariposa can’t seem to catch a break. If you want to see someone who is at rock bottom than you will see that here. Sympathy may be your only option. Or is it? For some it may be a trigger because you have been in a similar situation. Capo is a man who sets things into motion.
Think of some of your neighbors. You can’t do anything for the character in the book but the people in your town, even those that live elsewhere in the country, is a different story. Especially during this current time where a lot of people feel helpless. It’s a part of the story where you’re mind, and maybe something else, will get involved.
I really liked how the author went about getting her story to unfold. Looking at the cover and then getting to see part of this world, you think this is his story to tell. But then she really lets the reader get to know Mariposa and then you think it’s her story. By not having her on the cover, you get to come up with what she looks like in your mind. Theirs is a world that engaged my mind. I felt as if I was standing in the background watching everything unfold. That includes Mariposa standing up for herself. I even liked how Capo seemed to have little patience since I didn’t either.
This is a story with heart. Yes, there is the word gangster in the series title but that doesn’t mean that some of them don’t let their heart get involved. Capo showed that sometimes it’s hard not to. The author does a good job at showing that happiness is possible, no matter who you are. She even found time to get me to chuckle at the end. I’m looking forward to seeing where this series is going.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Machiavellian by Bella by Bella Di Corte proved to be a delicious treat. I am a huge fan of Mafia romances and I love reading about this world. The fight for territory, the consequences for betrayal, and the thirst for vengeance. In reality, I would not want to live in such a world, but on paper and in my fantasy it’s all good and as long as it remains that way.
Now that being said, this story hit all the right spots for me. I will not be going into what the story is about as I believe readers need to go into it as blind as possible. However, I will say this much Machiavellian is a story of revenge, redemption, forgiveness, healing, love and reinvention.
Mariposa and Capo Machiavello both captured my heart. He with his wounded and fractured soul and she with her brave, proud and selfless persona. He was the wolf who had his heart set on vengeance and she the pretty and homeless butterfly who had suffered at the hands of those meant to protect her. His thirst for revenge took him on the road destined for destruction but her love and loyalty led him on the path to life. They brought out the best in each other and in the process discovered the power and beauty of love.
This was my first experience with the author, and it will not be my last. I enjoyed her writing, which I found engaging. This was one of those books which can be read in one sitting if you have nothing pressing to do. I had a wonderful time in the world the author created. The world may not have been unique but I enjoyed the way she portrayed her characters, her vivid descriptions which made it easy to visualise every occasion and reactions. There were some tense and suspenseful moments, which had me anxious about the characters.
The story evoked an array of emotions. It broke my heart to see the hell Mariposa went through from such an early age. Despite being considered the Pretty Boy Prince in the mafia world he would taste the bitter pill of betrayal from those closest to him. The story had its share of sadness, which was balanced out with feel good moments. It ended on a fitting note and left me contented and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Machiavellian was a wonderful start to Gangs of New York series. A satisfying read and one I would recommend to fans of Mafia romance.
5 Cranky Stars
This book took me by surprise, I’m not normally one to like books based off of mobs or gangs, but this one is different. This one is more about the people involved then the organization in which they are navigating. Machiavellian is a man living as a ghost, trying to save Mari’s innocents from the ugly world. What starts out as a marriage of convenience under terms they both agreed on oh, it turned into a marriage of love and happiness. Mac is trying to take back what was stolen from him in the form of revenge, while trying to keep Mari safe. This book has so many ups and downs and twists and turns, it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. There is love, happiness, betrayal, tears, grief, and awakening. Everything you ever look for in a book is here.
I saw this book in passing on my Instagram feed, and immediately I was drawn to the cover and the title. Machiavellian? *swoon* I felt shivers run down my spine just saying it out loud. And then add to the fact it was a mafia-type/arranged marriage romance, I was sold!
Right from the very first word I was addicted to this author’s writing. This book had alll the feels and showed me why I love this trope. Action, blood, sex, betrayal and loyalties tested. I couldn’t put it down. My first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series!
What the what?!?!? What have I been missing?!? I loved this book. I have to be honest- I initially bought this book because of the cover. It was a case of cover lust but the blurb sounded good. I am currently in this mafia romance bubble so I’m constantly on the search for new books and new authors. This one hit the bullseye. I read it in one day. I think I was supposed to do stuff but that didn’t happen. I went in to this story blind. I had no idea what to expect (cover lust) and was pleasantly surprised. Capo and Mari’s story is different and lovely and perfect. It’s very lite on the mafia spectrum – more on the border of the mafia. It was a win win for me. New author, great book and more books to read.
The only reason for the four stars is because this book is supposed to be a standalone but there were references to other storylines and characters that made me feel like I was a step behind or had missed something important. I’m now backtracking and reading her earlier releases. Hopefully that will help me fill in some blanks.
This is mafia romance at its finest!!!! I loved everything about this book!!!! I loved how everything tied together and despite what Mac did for Mari, it didn’t stop the love from happening. I loved watching the growth in each characters and how much they were meant to be. Mac was once the Prince of New York but after “his death”. He’s been in hiding and taking out the bad guys who wronged him. All this time though, he was keeping tabs on Mari. He knew where she was and who was taking care of her. She didn’t have the best life and had times of not finding enough food to eat or a place to sleep at night. Taking a chance one night changes her life in so many ways she never saw coming. Despite being in an arranged marriage, things shift with them. Visiting Italy and spending time with his family, makes both of them realize what is important in life. I absolutely loved every moment of this book and can’t wait to read more from this series!!!!
5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog
Holy cheese on a cracker! Can a book get any better?? I am having a serious book hangover after reading Machiavellian. I think this book is going to put me in a funk because it was so darn good to the point to where nothing will stand up to it! Where can I find more??
Bella Di Corte is a new to me author and now one of my favorite authors ever. I will be following her everywhere just so I can have more of her books. Bella is downright freaking amazing!!
Now, let’s hop to it. Machiavellian, Mac, is one ruthless mother ducker let me tell you. He has literally been through hell but boy he is back for revenge. Sweet ‘ol revenge. Revenge never smelt so sweet and looked hotter on a guy. I’m talking about the vision I have of him in my mind … holy mother of sin. Where do I sign up??
There are only two people that can cause Mac to fall to his knees, so to speak. Nonno and Mariposa. Mariposa is the one that makes him carry on. The one that makes life all that much better. Mac and Mariposa’s story is one for the books that’s for sure. This is one story I cannot talk about because if I do, I will never shut up and I will give away the entire book.
Just know this, Mariposa and Mac are the best book couple ever!! Is it possible to give this book like 50 stars? Or more?
Just take me at my word, this book is ONE click-worthy.
At first the book was a little confusing for me trying to figure out who was who.
As the book progressed I couldn’t put it down. The story of Capo and Mari goes back to when she was a child and her family died. She was supposed to die with her parents but Capo saved her. As a result, he put his life on the line. Mari holds a special places in Capo’s heart.
Now that she is all grown up things are different. He wants her to be his wife and wont allow anybody else to have her. He has loved her innocence when she was a child and now he loves all of her. Both when the devil is on your heels can you truly have a happily ever after.
All I can say is that I need a Capo in my life. This book will have you hooked from the very beginning. WORTH EVERY MOMENT.
Mariposa has had a bad life, and it just keeps getting worse she loses her job at a sports shop, loses her apartment for being behind on rent where her douchebag of a landlord tries to rape her, poor Mari just can’t catch a break until she takes a chance which wasn’t hers to take in the first place, but it all worked out for her. Capo was betrayed worse than that he was betrayed by someone he thought he could trust, but he is determined to seek his revenge. Overall the story was really good and I can’t wait for the next.
I have to say, for being the first book I have read by this author, I am blown away at the concept. The biggest for me is the attention to detail that the author gives this book and from what I can tell, the prior series. It is so in depth that you may feel a little overloaded with information but it is needed and it just adds to the deeper connection to the story that you need with the mafia world that has been created. The concept behind this story as an arranged marriage had me beyond intrigued. What we get with this story though is something much more intense between Capo and Mariposa. The history. The way things play out. I was literally mind blown as things are exposed through this book.
The fierceness of Mariposa was absolutely stunning though. How she doesn’t back down. How she gives as good as she gets even though it gets her in trouble at times. There is such a magnetic push and pull between her and Capo that will make you swoon. There will be times that Capo makes you want to rage but when you discover the reasonings, you get it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and everything that it brought to the table. It has amazing passion, epic suspense and twists and witty banter that will keep you on your toes guessing what will happen next. I am very much intrigued as to what will come next in this series and I plan on going back into the author’s backlist because her writing is amazing!
Machiavellian is a suspense, romantic novel written by Bella Di Corte. Set in NYC and Italy, it has all you want in a mafia book; suspense, romance, internal and external battles, family and secrets. This is the first novel I have read of Bella Di Corte’s and I have to say I loved it. I could not put this book down and might have missed out on some sleep!
The way Bella Di Corte describes places throughout the book takes you right to the location along with the emotions of both characters. I could feel myself in Italy and NYC, though I have never been to either place. The sights, sounds and rhythm of life poured from the pages and I felt that I was right along with the characters.
I know that some people love suspense but could live without the romance, as I do have some friends who have mentioned this to me. With equal parts suspense and romance taking place in a world of the mafioso, this is a perfect blend of genres that would draw in and keep fans of either. As I greatly enjoy both types of stories, this is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to anyone.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
4.5
Mariposa had hit a turning point of her life, in the crux beyond starved. She had run out of options. No home, job or money. She would never accept kindness or handouts because she was told it came with strings, she would owe someone it. When she met Capo, the last thing that would come to her mind was him offering her to an arranged marriage. He’s rich, a multi-millionaire who’s reclusive and standoffish. But he wanted to marry someone like her, who scraped the garbage for a little food. Little did she know, Capo was the one who saved her 18 years ago and he’s saving her again this time
Capo is on a revenge spree against the Scarpone family, the family who had made him a living ghost. No one know he’s alive, he’s just bidding his time. In the middle of planning his revenge, Mariposa was thrust back into his life, this time she was not the 5-year-old girl he had saved. If there’s one last thing he wanted to do, it would be to protect her from the devil and he’s getting rid of that devil once an for all. What he didn’t expect was for Mari to bring him down to earth and make him feel and love again.
This was my first read by this author and I absolutely loved it. This book was gripping and captivating. I love all of the family members from Italy, especially Nonno. I couldn’t recommend this enough!
This is a new author to me, and I am blown away that this is a debut novel, and this is certainly an author to look out for in the future. This is Capo Macchiavello and Mariposa’s story. Capo is a dark and sexy recluse who knows what he wants and goes after it. Mariposa is strong and fierce which she has had to be as she is homeless and at her wits end when an opportunity to offered to her. This is a well written story which has a slow start but has an intricate and in-depth plot with complex and relatable characters. This story is dark and gritty and filled with revenge, suspense, emotion, and love. I cannot wait to read more from this author, and I recommend for all arranged marriage / mafia romance lovers.
Bella Di Corte is a new to me author whose debut novel is Machiavellian. I’m not a reader for the mafia genre. However, I can say that I’m happy that I gave this book a chance. I truly enjoyed this mafia romance!
First thing first, what made me gravitate toward this novel was the cover! That cover is hot. Like the saying goes “never judge a book based on the cover”, however, when dealing with a new author, I judge based on the cover. But Bella Di Corte, made an excellent job of attracting my attention both based on the cover and blurb.
Mariposa is a homeless butterfly girl needing a break. Her big break comes in the form of Alpha male Mr. Capo. Capo is a ghost who has vengeance in his mind. Readers are able to connect with the prime characters. They are both relatable to readers.
“Scars don’t bother me. They only mean I’ve earned my place in this world.” ― Capo
Bella Di Corte created two amazing characters whose love is palpable throughout the pages. Both Mari and Capo flourished throughout the storyline.
“Something moved between us, and I wasn’t sure what it was. . .It consumed me like the most beautiful ocean, and then wrote his initials on my soul.” ― Mariposa
This book was romantic, suspenseful, and emotional at times. A well paced plot-driven story with very enjoyable characters. I look forward to the next book in the Gangsters of New York series.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions & Bella Di Corte.***