DNF

Honestly this type of book should only be a 1-2 days read for me but it took me so long. I've listened to the audiobook that netgally provided me but the narrator didn't just help. I think it was terrible.

If I read it on ebook I think I might give this a chance but considering that I did had a glimpse of this book, I think I would still end up not liking it. Why? The characters just seemed to annoyed me so much, I can't connect to them and I couldn't care for them.

A romance novel with an intriguing mafia plot. Enjoyable because there was a good story to tell and not just a writer making a quota on how many erotic scenes they could include. Tastefully written so you could feel the moment and be captivated by the characters. I had the audiobook version and both narrators voices fit the characters very well. I will be marking them on my narrator list to follow. There were a few points of the story that didn't make sense or at least the timeline didn't add up but explaining them would include a spoiler so I can't really do that according to the guidelines. Aside from that, I enjoyed the story and I recommend both the author and the narrators.

This was an enjoyable audio book and both narrators,Kae Denino and Armen Taylor where great.

This is the first time I have come across the author Bella Di Corte and would be happy to read again.

The story itself was a bit long winded and could have done with more action towards the middle to keep me engaged but all in all a good read.

#Machiavellian #NetGalley

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.

Not having read many Mafia romances I didn't really know what to expect here but Machiavellian by Bella Di Corte proved to be a very good read.

This was a very layered story of forgiveness, revenge, redemption, smouldering romance, love and reinvention. Mariposa Flores is practically homeless and is on the edge of giving up when a mysterious opportunity presents itself in the form of Capo Macchiavello. He offers her a deal that could change the rest of her life.

Mariposa and Capo Macchiavello both captured my heart. They brought out the best in each other and in the process discovered the power and beauty of love. I really enjoyed Bella Di Corte's engaging writing and her character portrayal. The pacing was good and there were some tense and suspenseful moments, with twists sprinkled throughout. This tale of family drama, betrayal, murder, spicy love and gangsters was gritty with a great, worthwhile ending.

Listening to this story was a terrific decision. Both narrators delivered great performances but I absolutely loved Armen Taylor's voice. They were new narrators to me and did a great job with the accents, especially the Italian words, infusing the right emotions, pacing and character distinctions.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Spectrum Audio via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This book was an absolute train wreck. It is overly long and it just doesn't work from the characters to the plot. The first 4 hours of the audiobook are a complete waste of time, and the plot twists and the character's reaction is far too quick to be believable.

I am so ready for Bella's brand of mafia books, we have book 1 in her new series Gangsters of New York. And I am here for it! I don't normally read mafia romance, but if Bella writes it, I won't be able to resist.

Where do I even begin with Capo and Mari? These two are so dynamic individually and together. Capo's powerful personality was more of one that lies under the wraps until you're staring right in front of it. It sneaks up on you, you can feel his presence as soon as he enters the room. He's not one to be messed with and is always ahead of the game. He's cunning and smart and strikes when he needs to in all matters of his life. And to me, he was a character that was absolutely intriguing and will pull you in, instantly.

Pair him up with Mari, you've got a perfect match. I loved that she wasn't one to fly off the handle especially with this new life with Capo. If she needed to make a point, boy did she. Plus, when you have a man like Capo, you need a woman like Mari to bring him down to earth sometimes. The dynamic duo, that's exactly what they are.

Bella writes soo beautifully and getting everything down to details. I'm an absolute fan and I can't wait to see what else she has planned for this series.

Narrators: Phenomenal, they captured Capo and Mari perfectly. It was everything I could have imagined. Every single emotion was conveyed through the narration and I never wanted the story to end. Even though I've read the book a few times, listening to their story was a completely different experience on its own.

Machiavellian is a fantastic read. I enjoyed the characters and the drama of this mafia romance. The audio narrators were solid. Upon completion, I instantly downloaded book 2 in the series. Thanks Spectrum Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this title.

Now this is the kind of mafia romance that I love reading - a purely alpha hero butts heads with his match in Machiavellian - no over the top drama; or even cheating but pure romance; and a need for revenge that will end in a total bloodbath and if our protagonists’ are lucky, then their HEA as well!

Our heroine, Mariposa or Mari to her friends is really down in her luck, in fact she mostly on her last pennies to be very honest - but when she is assaulted by her landlord, she has no choice but to run to her best friend; even though she has an aversion to any sort of kindness.

When she takes an opportunity, that in fact wasn’t meant for her, but she knows that she has no choice but to move forward for she has this innate need to survive.

What she never expected was to come face to face, figuratively with the one man who has been responsible for turning the curve of her life.

Mac, or Capo, as Mariposa calls him has his life mapped out - with his need to make sure that his family pay for their disrespect of him. But when his paths crosses with the one woman who was responsible for the path his life took; even if she was only 5 years old at the time 1 he couldn’t resist her. At all.

This is an age gap romance - and it is narrated beautifully - I swear Mac in Italian had me swooning - but it was the way Mac and Mari’s relationship that had me adoring this book.
It was slow burn, it was still sizzling hot and absolutely delicious!

There is no “dark” themes in the book except violence; but that’s also handled quite sedately comparatively to other darker mafia romances - and no cheating, nor an other woman drama - for Mac it was Mari, ever since they connected with each other again.

Definitely recommended for those who would love to try out this genre, but are a little afraid of the what darkness they could encounter in the book!

I got an audiobook copy of this book and I really loved it.
It was really sweet mafia romance story. With strong heroine and a mobster with gentle heart who would do anything for the woman he loves. The only thing I didn't like it was that was a bit slow paced for me and that's why it felt like 4 hours too long. But over all I really really loved it. And I would totally recommend it to friends.

The narration:

I enjoyed the narrators for this book. The male narrator who does the voice of Capo definitely sounds like he older and dangerous as sin. He has a very sexy voice.

The female narrator sounds young without being too young. Exactly as I would expect Mariposa to sound.

Both did a great job at narrating the characters and making the story come alive.

The story:

This book is about Mariposa, she's homeless and hungry and takes a chance on life by meeting with Capo and they come to an agreement to embark in an arranged marriage. When a business deal eventually leads to love can they survive the ghosts of Capo's past and the danger trying to rip them apart?

This Review contains Spoilers
I loved Mariposa, she was so sweet but hardened by life which in itself was kind of sad. She's willing to do anything to survive. Capo is a mysterious man that we know almost nothing about other than the fact that he's powerful. They agree to an arranged marriage based on loyalty not love. Unfortunately for both of them they do indeed fall in love.

I was very confused about Capo's identity during the story. I was thinking to myself is he Vittorio?Eventually it was confirmed that yes this is the case but it was very confusing during the book trying to figure out he was or wasn't that man. I have to admit that i'm still confused as to who Mari is. I understand that she was the daughter of Capo's enemy that he refused to kill but I didn't understand what the connection was from her to Angelina who was Capo's fiancée who double crossed him.

I had several favorite parts in this book, I really enjoyed the visit to Italy to meet the family and get married. I liked when Mari finds out she's pregnant and then almost gets killed and Capo confesses to her that he kneels for no one but her I thought that was very sweet. The ending was very shocking! So many unexpected events happen in the last few chapters it was such a roller coaster!

I would definitely recommend this book to others if you like mafia romances. I really enjoyed that attention to detail even though sometimes I was a little lost with all the names of the very large families in this world. A very enjoyable read.

Hi there! This is Bella's PR girl and I downloaded book to make sure it was a direct approved link and to go through the app process so I could answer any issues and hopefully troubleshoot for bloggers. Thanks! Debra

It was my first mafia romantic thriller and I. AM. HOOKED.

Capo Macchiavello is a brutal New York gangster who also happens to be smoking hot. Mariposa Flores is a broke orphan willing to do nearly anything for money. So when Capo offers her to become his wife for the rest of her life as a business deal necessary for his image... the story gets complex, captivating, dangerous and steamy.

I realized I'm a total sucker for the combination of romance and thriller. I want to feel captivated, emotional and slightly on edge while reading novels, and I found that the combination of danger and desire is the absolute perfect way of achieving this.

The only thing I would change is to slighly trip this book; at over 450 pages, it is slightly lengthy for its genre. There was, however, not a point where I lost interest while listening - espeically because the narrator in this audiobook did an excellent job of conveying not just the plot, but also the emotions.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to listen to this book because I love mafia romances. This story didn't feel like a mafia romance, more of a suspenseful thriller mafia story with side of romance. Kae Denino and Armen Taylor, new narrators to me, did a great job with the accents especially the Italian words.

This was a very layered story that reminds me that it isn't how you started but how you finish that matters. Mariposa Flores, a destitute young girl, worked hard to stay above water while never being certain of food to eat or a roof over her head. But this girl was survivor. In an astonishing twist of events, she met a mysterious boss named Capo Macchiavello who offered her a deal that would change the rest of her life. It is best that the reader goes in blind in order to get the full effect of the storytelling.

I love heroine's name Mariposa because it was apropos of the journey both she and Capo undertook. You have to pay attention because so many events and people in the story were connected even in ways they weren't aware of. I finished this audiobook in two days because I was hooked to see where the author was going. It was a nicely paced story with a good amount of twists sprinkled throughout. I can totally see this book as a movie because it had all the juicy elements of a mafia story. It has family drama, betrayal, murder, love and some gangsters. This story was like a watching the process of an unattractive larva slowly grow to reveal something new and pretty. The beginning was so gritty but at the end, I was smiling and felt satisfied.

I listened to the audiobook offered through the Netgalley review platform. It was my first book by Bella Di Corte and I really loved it. I honestly don't know if I would enjoy it the same reading it but the narrators were amazing! It's one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to.

The scenes in Italy were so vivid and the interpretations so incredible! I felt like I was sitting in a corner watching all of it take place in front of me. The narrators were so real, bringing out all intense emotions.

Amazing! Just amazing!

#Machiavellian #NetGalley

I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series.

4.25 stars

This was so good!!! The narrators mixed with the story were a perfect combination. I could feel everything Mac or Mari felt. their thoughts. Their doubts and fears. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I have to admit I wanted more of Mac's revenge. I wanted to see the villains suffered more. But overall I did enjoyed the ending.
Now I can't wait to start book 2!

This mafia billionaire romance was not for me.

Mari is fiercely independent and terribly insecure, so when she finds herself homeless, instead of accepting food or a place to stay from friends or applying to any of the jobs she knows are open, she immediately agrees to "do anything" for an unknown man for an unspecified sum of money. She then breaks the cardinal rule and does not ask for a lawyer during the subsequent contract negotiations.

I was rooting for Mari, but her dismissal of kindness from friends, and then reliance on kindness from anyone who will give her money and call it employment was too much for me. I would like a heroine to be canny and make her own opportunities instead of relying on the whims of men. I wish she had some hustle instead of letting others dictate her life.

I listened to the audio version of this book. I had not listened to Kae Denino or Armen Taylor before, and both were excellent readers. Armen Taylor especially has a very smooth voice and was a pleasure to listen to.

I received a loan of this audiobook from NetGalley.

I listened to the audiobook (thank you, NetGalley), narrated by Kae Denino and Armen Taylorand and I have to say that I didn't particularly take to the narration. I felt like the female narrator overdid her voices and over exaggerated her emotions a bit. The male narrator had a beautifully smooth voice and did overall, pretty well but in general, I felt that I would have preferred to read the book.

So I did borrow the book to supplement the audiobook and the story was ok- there was a bit of intrigue and as a mobster story, there were situations that were a bit cringe worthy. I thought that there were elements that were a bit confusing- i'm guessing that there were prior books that would have been good to read to keep up with the story line itself. Overall, I thought that the book was well written, with an interesting story line (Mariposa is a down on her luck young woman who meets with Capo and marries him as part of an arrangement. She doesn't realize that actually, there is a back story as to why he wants to marry her.)

I give the narration a 3 and the book a 3.5 stars.

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 Macchiavello 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.

Narration:
I thought the narrators did a wonderful job in portraying the characters.

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.