He stole my heart out of revenge. There was one thing I always thought was mine to give: my heart. I never imagined a marauder would steal it out of vengeance—vengeance that had nothing to do with me. His greatest enemy happened to be the man in love with me, and somehow I became nothing but a pawn. I was no damsel in distress, though. More like an archer, ready to battle. And my target? The … ready to battle.
And my target? The marauder himself.
Cashel “Cash” Kelly.
Kelly might have been as gorgeous as he was ruthless, but he had no idea what I’d do to steal it back. Or better yet, get even.
She was determined to keep what was mine.
They say hearts can’t be stolen unless they’re willing to be. Tell that to the man everyone on the streets called “the marauder.”
Me.
Because by the time I was through, Keely Ryan’s heart would be mine. And my enemy’s? As good as broken. Trouble was, the archer was precise with her aim, and her arrow was pointed at my heart.
Marauder is the second of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are all based in the same world.
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A Brilliantly Gripping Story & Audible Listen
Marauder
Gangsters of New York, Book 2
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Vivian Bradford, Richard Sawyer
Bella Di Corte continues to wow me with another outstanding novel set in her “Gangsters of New York” series, I loved the first book “Machiavellian” and I was wondering how she was going to top that or even keep up the same momentum, not only did she deliver another masterpiece of a story I think she even outdone herself with it. The character development and world building is phenomenal in this series, this book features another organized crime family in New York, Cashel “Cash” Kelly is a free man after being released from jail, his plans include taking back control of Hells Kitchen and getting revenge on the one who put him in jail and because he is the Marauder his taking back means stealing it back and his revenge will include the same, he will steal something that is near and dear to that person, his heart. He quickly puts his pieces in place to get his plan in motion and then sets out to get his revenge. Keely Ryan is an aspiring actor, she is also a trained archer, she has been dating Scott Stone, a police detective who loves her and proposes marriage, Keely said yes because it was the next logical step in their relationship. And then Cash comes into her life and turns it upside down, holding things over her head she is forced to be his new fiancé but that does not mean she is going to make it easy for him. I loved the complexity of these characters and learning more about them as their layers were unpeeled. I also loved how everything played out in mafia romance, the story is brilliantly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, action, thrilling suspense, heartfelt emotions and some hot romance. Bella Di Corte, thank you for another captivating story.
And for the fabulous narration, Bella Di Corte cast the perfect narrators to bring her story and characters to life. Vivian Bradford and Richard Sawyer are talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that fit their character’s persona to a tee, accent and all, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Vivian Bradford played Keely’s role with perfection, badassery and all, Richard Sawyer did the same for Cash’s role. Both nailed the roles of the secondary characters as well. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and projected them into their performance. These two are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen.
Thank you Spectrum Productions!
This story sooo much more involved than I originally thought. I really thought it was just about revenge..which it is but not for the reason I thought. This really delves deep into these characters lives. I loved their growth! Each of these main characters really shined! They each have a wonderful, distinct personality than shows more and more as the story moves along.
This is a dark mafia story. Yes there is romance but this also shows some of the seedier side. There are quite a few times I was riveted to my ear buds because of what was happening. Holding my breath..hoping for the best! I really came to love the story and the characters.
I did listen to this on audio. The narration is good.
Marauder
Gangsters of New York, Book 2
By: Bella Di Corte
Narrated by: Vivian Bradford, Richard Sawyer
Bella Di Corte captured my attention again with the second book in her Gangsters of New York series. This enemies to lovers story has so many twists and turns I was on edge during the story and the love that builds is one that filled my heart. Cash is freshly out of jail, and ready to seek his revenge. He will get back what was tken from him, Hell’s Kitchen and something of value to the one who took it all from him. After all, he is the Marauder for the organization. Keely seems to be fair game. Fiancé to the arresting police officer, Cash takes her and makes her his fiancé. And our story truly begins. This mafia romantic suspense has all the qualities I love. Fantastic, gritty characters, danger, a build of feelings and an outcome that just explodes! Cash, though raw and savage, he has a heart when it comes to Keely. It takes a while, but he shows i. Keely is incredibly independent and stubborn. I love her sass, her spunk and her loyalty. This is just as good as the firs book in the series, and I can’t wait to hear what she has in store next for us!
Narrated by the talented team of Vivian Bradford and Richard Sawyer, we are treated to a performance that truly enhances the story. Bradford gives all the attitude and sassiness to Keely, keeping her strong and vibrant. Sawyer is gritty and raw, giving that hint of danger to Cash. With an array of others as well, these two give each character a separate voice and keep the story captivating. I loved it!
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It definitely did not disappoint! While I had a little trouble getting into this one in the beginning (that may have had more to do with outside disruptions and distractions than the story itself); it wasn’t long before I was so engrossed that nothing could distract me. Not even the hubby trying to talk to me. (He’s used to being ignored when I’m reading. Lol!)
This book centered on Keely’s and Cashel (Cash) Kelly’s story; though we get to revisit some of our favorite characters from Machiavellian (#1 in the series) like Mac (Capo) and Mariposa (Mari), Tito Salas, Rocco Fausti, etc. We learn a lot more about Keely’s and Cash’s backgrounds as we read their story. Some of the events in this book are events that occurred in book one as it’s pretty much the same time-line. The only difference is we st Keely’s or Cash’s perspective rather than Mari or Macs.
There’s a lot more to Keely than we knew from “Machiavellian”. She’s not just a girl trying to make ends meet while working to get her big break on broadway. Oh no…she has a lot more she’s been dealing with her whole life. And her “Mam”? That woman did something not very nice to Mari when they were all in Italy for Mac and Mari’s wedding (book #1); but you find out something in this book that makes you realize the term “not very nice” was really understating it. And the way she is with her own daughter…. Heartless! Poor Keely. But don’t fret, Keely is a strong, fiery, warrior woman and she gives as good as she gets and fights for those she loves.
Cash on the other hand, has been living with a lie he was told, and believed, his whole life. He has known loss and fought to get where he is. He has his scars, physical and emotional. His initial interest in Keely is solely to use her for revenge against someone. Keely is backed into a corner to play along. But there is attraction there and both fight it…until they can’t. Eventually, each helps the other as truths about themselves and their lives are revealed and they become who they really are, rather than who others wanted them to be. All this while dealing with bad guys, double crosses, attempts on their lives and harassment from a detective who’s in love with Keely and has had a long-standing vendetta against Cash. (He goes off the deep-end when Cash and Keely hook up.) Oh…and 2 orphans. Yep…lots going on! You won’t be bored, I promise.
I am loving this series so much! Though have to admit Mari and Mac remain my favorite characters; which is why I am so looking forward to “Mercenary”, 3rd in the series . That one will be about Corrado Scorpio and I suspect Mari and Mac will be featured very prominently in this one. Won’t tell you why in case you haven’t read book #1 yet!
•This series gets better and better! •
My jaw just drop from reading the last part of this book. This author just shooketh my world!
Anyways, on to my review: I didn’t expect to fall in love with all of the characters in this series (and even from the Faustis and I haven’t even read them yet!). Reading them and seeing how the plot finally piece itself together one by one makes my head spin and my jaw drop and for me to actually internally scream because this author blew my mind from every page turn!
It’s official now. She’s on my radar and one of my faves now (I hardly make faves!).
I also love how when I’m reading her book, there’s something I can take away and digest. She offered a lot of life lessons for me to think about. She wrote this series, these characters with hearts in them. She just didn’t write for you to be excited or thrilled – she wrote the words for you to feel. And I love that. Very much so.
Read this book. This series. Why? Because it is grand. Just grand.
This is the 2nd book of the Gangsters of New York series but could potentially be read as a stand-alone.
Cash Kelly, after spending ten years in jail, is out and ready to take his revenge on the people who harmed his family. Through a series of events, Cash meets Keely. He is immediately drawn to her and has to have her however, she is already dating the detective that is leading the case against him. Keely’s brother, Harrison, is Cash’s lead attorney and Cash uses this connection and Keely’s loyalty to trap her into marrying him. But Cash doesn’t just want Keely in his life, he wants her everything. He is a marauder of her heart and soul. But Keely isn’t so willing to give either of those up to him. She is fierce, protective and loyal to her friends & family and Cash keeps poking that hornets’ nest. Cash may be a little slow on how to gain Keely’s love but there is no question on the level of intense love and devotion he has for her.
Cash is the perfect anti-hero and Keely is his perfect anti-princess.
Bella’s writing style always evokes intense emotions as I read her books. I can feel the profound love that Cash has for Keely just through her literary prose. Definitely a special gift; there are very few authors that can trigger this type of acute response in me.
What a beast!
Cash comes at you charging full speed and you just have hope you can hang on. The connection is hot, the action and mystery keep you guessing and the oh the love!!!
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This book is awesome!! It starts with Cash being released from prison determined to take his territory back and get revenge. His plan is to take the woman the detective loves from him and man does he get what he wants. With no prior discussions he tells Keely that she will be his wife. To save her brother she agrees though she plans to make him regret it. The marriage starts with a bang becoming a stream roller from there that will keep you wondering what will happen next. A fantastic romance you won’t want to put down. A must read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
First things first, this book is not a standalone. The characters and the timeline are interconnected to each other in this world that Bella has created so it is my opinion that if you want the best reading experience, you start with Machiavellian (book 1) and move forward from there. If you note the release dates for the three books thus far you will see how they’re not that far apart from each other and should give you yet another reason to read them in order.
I was blown away when I read Machiavellian and the author continued upping her game with Marauder. I mean the world she created was already suspenseful and dark and ridiculously alluring and yet she managed to make it even more. Honestly, it’s a bit shellshocking LOL There is never a moment of peace, if you will. The story just goes, goes, goes! It’s fantastic because not only is it written well, but you believe what is happening. I am seriously impressed with this author and this world and I am super stoked to see how she keeps upping her game in the future!
I don’t know what I expected from Cash Kelly, but it wasn’t this. He was so much deeper than I expected, so much more when it came to Keely than I expected. It’s freaking hard to write this review without spoilers because I want to share all the endearing parts of Cash that made me fall in love with him. This author has a gift for turning hardened, vengeful men into cherished men who will steal your heart. I am so in love with this series. Bella Di Corte is my new obsession!
Even though it might feel repetitive to some (for obvious reasons), I enjoyed that this book was written real-time with Machiavellian. There are moments between Keely and Mari in the first book that give hints to things going on secretly in Keely’s life, but they aren’t enough that you truly know what’s happening until you read Marauder. You are able to connect some dots you were curious about and some you didn’t even know needed connecting. It was like finding the missing puzzle pieces needed to complete the picture.
Cash claims he doesn’t have a heart, but it’s SO. EFFING. BIG! It’s beautiful! And fast-forward to ending and that heart necklace! GAH! This reader was dead!
Marauder was filled with danger, angst, twists you didn’t see coming, and hard love – everything you want and love in a mafia romance. Watch out for melting panties and melting hearts!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A very gritty read, lots of action, danger, and death. Keely was in the middle of it, and I loved how strong she was. There were moments where her past weakened her, but she was still ready to face up to all. Cash was definitely a hard man. He had his goals and went for them. They were an interesting couple. I enjoyed the story.
I received a copy of this story through Xpresso, and this is my unsolicited review.
Marauder by Bella Di Corte is bone chilling good.
I like the way Bella gives us men who are the toughest of the tough, but at the heart of it, they are men you would want at you side.
And her heroines are strung women, who make us proud.
I loved Keely’s wit and strength.
She saw that Cash was “…as beautiful as he was threatening.”
There are so many moments in this book that will take your breathe away.
4.5 Stars
I received an ARC from Buoni Amici Press
Cash who is a stealer of hearts and Keeley the archer who put an arrow into Cash’s heart.
You get a glimpse of these two in Machiavellian. When I first met them I had wondered what their story was. Now we know.
Both from a broken home, learned to survive the best way they knew how. Their chemistry with each other is hawt!
Like a good story there is drama, blood, and love.
Love Connelly, bless her little heart.
Cash and Keeley they knew from the start they were for each other, yet she faught it! Took a minute for her to realize Cash was for her and her sister knew this (you’ll understand when you read the book).
I can say Bella knows how to pull you heartstrings one minute and gasp in fear the next.
Wonder what’s in store next.
The foreword alone had me by the balls. Like wow…I knew it was about to get crazy…crazy good.
Where do I start with my current book boyfriend?
Marauder was everything I didn’t know I needed right now. An Irish Gangster who looks at world with angst, feels with depth, and moves with lethal grace.
Someone how, all that made me fall hard and fast even in times of his cunning games. Yep, he definitely raided my heart.
It’s fair to say it was destiny that a woman like Kelly, a pigheaded brazen woman would be the one to bring down his walls, steal back what he stole from her, and all the while leaving in awe of how perfectly matched she was for my Marauder.
This book is the whole damn perfect recipe. Full of intensity, action, emotions and the whole nine yards.
If you’re looking for an imperfect, unruly and carefree gangster book boyfriend, then look no further that my Marauder.
I don’t mind sharing him, since he’s mine after all.
I can’t tell you how addicted I am to the Gangsters of New York series. Mafia Romances have always been one of my absolute favourite tropes, and this series embodies everything a good mafia romance is. Each book containing an alpha asshole of epic proportions and a female feisty enough to go head to head with them.
Cash Kelly was a downright to read about. His ruthlessness, strength and animalistic tendencies drove me insane. And watching Kelly match him and complement him in every way was magical. Keely was just as ruthless, cunning and lethal with a bow and arrow. Gave me major Brave vibes. And while the beginning of their relationship wasn’t normal, it was just as explosive as they were in the end.
I can’t wait for the next book! November seems so far away!
4.5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog
Holy. Batman. Bella Di Corte is becoming one of my favorite authors to read when it comes to Organized Crime books. She has left me with yet another book hangover.
If you read the first book in this series, Machiavellian, then you already know Cash and Keely. If you have not read it, no worries, Marauder can be read as a standalone but I always recommend you start at the beginning to get a feel for interconnected stories.
Cash is out for revenge and to take back what is rightfully his. Cash is not your typical guy as he is a cold-blooded killer but will make you weak in the knees with his swagger. Insert Keely, someone not on Cash’s radar, and you have all the makings for a book that will sweep you off your feet.
I have to say that Mac was my absolute favorite but Cash is pretty darn close. I have a thing for reading bad boy romances and Cash is most definitely a bad freaking boy. Scratch that. Bad man. Whew. Hot. Anywho, Cash is not looking for anyone when Keely enters his life. Keely is a challenge for him because she is fiercely independent and not at all what he expected.
I have to say that I cannot wait to read what Bella Di Corte has in store for us next. She is brilliant and leaves her readers with the best of book hangovers. I can for sure tell you that I will be rereading this series many times because it is just that amazing.
Twins who need them! This book is just as good if not better than the first book I would recommend reading book 1 so that you truly can enjoy the story. Our Leading lady is strong and independent she doesn’t need a man and that’s what I love about her. Our Alpha is over the top which I also love. Great story can’t wait for the next
“I loved this book? YES!!! Cash and Keely were a mix of heaven and hell and every moment between them was absolutely and fantastic great. There was action that had me on the edge guessing what was going to happen next and the steamy scenes were just great plus the chemistry was explosive. Bella created a great world that I highly recommend you.”
He wants to steal her heart and keep if for himself, but only because he will be hurting his enemy. Little does he know that stealing a heart can backfire on him. Cash Kelly is finally able to breathe fresh air again. He has a lot to get done and to regain after the death of his father and the abandonment of his twin brother. They are now on different paths and Cash is determined to regain his father’s territory, Hell’s Kitchen.
She lost her twin years ago and feels as if she lost a huge part of herself at that time. She hasn’t felt whole since she was a little girl and very few understand her. She found a new best friend, but she only fills a small part of that hole and she’s not always around. Keely Ryan is a struggling actress that is barely making ends meet. She’s strong willed, independent, and caring. She’s protective of those she loves. Her life is about to be turned upside down and there is nothing she will be able to do about it.
Whew, Cash Kelly is a force to be reckoned with and he is determined to get what he wants, even if he has to steal it. He always gets what he wants, no matter what obstacles are in his way. Cash is a sexy man and this book was an awesome read! This story is full of danger, cocky gangsters, and some twists that you would never expect coming. I loved every bit of the book and hated to come to the end. If you like Mafia stories, stories with awesome characters, sassy, strong women, sexy as sin men, and danger filled pages, you will love this book and series. I stayed up way past my bedtime to read and finish this book. I give this book a 5-star review. I love the Gangsters of New York, and I can’t wait for the next one to come out
OMG!!!!
I have been waiting for this book since I finished Machiavellian. I wondered what was going on between Keely and Cash. I have to say Bella Di Corte did not disappointment.
Keely and Cash are two lost souls who find themselves connecting when they meet at the cemetery. Keely lost her twin sister when she was 5 years old. Every since she has been looking for someone to replace her. When Cash comes into her life, he becomes someone who sees her. The only problem is that Keely is dating Scott Stone. Cash wants to take Scott’s heart away from him and forces Keely to marry him. The only problem is that Keely makes Cash feel things he didnt know he could.
This story had me hooked from the very beginning. I think i slept very little to finish the book. The book is worth reading over and over again.