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Gangsters of New York #3
Mercenary
I had something to live for.
The moment I saw him, I knew.
His eyes would hypnotize.
His lips would speak the most beautiful promises.
His body? Made for pleasure.
But if Corrado Capitani thought that he could fool me into thinking he was a good man, he was wrong.
The moment I saw him, I knew the truth.
Those eyes hid his poisonous heart.
Those lips were vessels of deception.
That body? Made for inflicting pain.
He wasn’t sent from heaven. He was sent to drag me back to hell.
I had something to die for.
Alcina Parisi had a price on her head, and she’d eluded the best. She thought no one would ever find her, but I did. Everyone in our world called me Scorpio—the man who never let the enemy go. But she was a weapon, not an adversary, and I’d claimed her as mine.
The moment I saw him, I knew.
His eyes would hypnotize.
His lips would speak the most beautiful promises.
His body? Made for pleasure.
But if Corrado Capitani thought that he could fool me into thinking he was a good man, he was wrong.
The moment I saw him, I knew the truth.
Those eyes hid his poisonous heart.
Those lips were vessels of deception.
That body? Made for inflicting pain.
He wasn’t sent from heaven. He was sent to drag me back to hell.
I had something to die for.
Alcina Parisi had a price on her head, and she’d eluded the best. She thought no one would ever find her, but I did. Everyone in our world called me Scorpio—the man who never let the enemy go. But she was a weapon, not an adversary, and I’d claimed her as mine.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2020
About the author
Bella Di Corte
23 books928 followersBella 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 15, 2020
2 ‘what the fuck is going on stars’
Like, seriously. I got to 50% and I just don’t know what’s going on. I loved the authors first book but these last two feel like a completely different author wrote it. I kept reading thinking “am I missing something here???” Because the writing is all over the place.
1. There’s wayyyy too many characters, and they all have similar sounding Italian names
2. I have no idea what the main characters objectives are or any reason to find them interesting
3. Little to no sexual chemistry. Very short interactions and really confusing dialogue.
4. Writing is overly poetic and doesn’t make a lick of sense. Her writing doesn’t use contractions so everything sounds choppy and robotic.
5. And OF COURSE the heroine is a goddam 25 year old virgin and she’s never had an orgasm in her entire life. BRUHHHHHHHHH MASSIVE EYE ROLL.
Maybe this author isn’t for me. Which is a shame because the first book was one of my favorites of the year.
Like, seriously. I got to 50% and I just don’t know what’s going on. I loved the authors first book but these last two feel like a completely different author wrote it. I kept reading thinking “am I missing something here???” Because the writing is all over the place.
1. There’s wayyyy too many characters, and they all have similar sounding Italian names
2. I have no idea what the main characters objectives are or any reason to find them interesting
3. Little to no sexual chemistry. Very short interactions and really confusing dialogue.
4. Writing is overly poetic and doesn’t make a lick of sense. Her writing doesn’t use contractions so everything sounds choppy and robotic.
5. And OF COURSE the heroine is a goddam 25 year old virgin and she’s never had an orgasm in her entire life. BRUHHHHHHHHH MASSIVE EYE ROLL.
Maybe this author isn’t for me. Which is a shame because the first book was one of my favorites of the year.
February 17, 2021
4 ❤️🦂❤️🌕❤️🦂❤️ 🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
The third and last Gangster of New York made a great exodus regarding this amazing series!!
Corrado had only vengeance in his mind and heart. He never expected to meet Alcina and fall hard for her!!
“The day we got married was not the day her life belonged to me. It had always belonged to me. It was just sealed that day.” Corrado
Strong characters, full with determination and tenacity, they love hard, passionately and once only!
The writing was amazing, having the right balance of mafia and romance, engaging and intriguing.
The plethora of supportive characters and the insta love between the main couple didn’t quite thrill me.
I am really sad this series reached the end but I have faith in the author’s next work.
The third and last Gangster of New York made a great exodus regarding this amazing series!!
Corrado had only vengeance in his mind and heart. He never expected to meet Alcina and fall hard for her!!
“The day we got married was not the day her life belonged to me. It had always belonged to me. It was just sealed that day.” Corrado
Strong characters, full with determination and tenacity, they love hard, passionately and once only!
The writing was amazing, having the right balance of mafia and romance, engaging and intriguing.
The plethora of supportive characters and the insta love between the main couple didn’t quite thrill me.
I am really sad this series reached the end but I have faith in the author’s next work.
June 21, 2021
Mercenary is the finale for the Gangsters of New York trilogy. I am not sure at first who these characters are and what are their connection to the previous two books. It was latter revealed in the story which I find clever.
Corrado Capitani and Alcina Parisi are great characters. Their relationship is an insta-love -- which is a trope I am not a fan of -- but they had time to know each other's imperfection. The romance in this book is intense and hot. However, it simmered down on the last 40% mark of the book. Honestly, it dragged on and I forced myself to finish it.
Fairly, we got a closure and I'm entertained on the confrontation between the mafia men and their wives. That is so popcorn-worthy. I just wish there are less characters here because it's hard to keep track on them and connect the dots.
Gonna trust my instinct and rate it 3.5 🌟 I still recommend the series because it's so good.
Corrado Capitani and Alcina Parisi are great characters. Their relationship is an insta-love -- which is a trope I am not a fan of -- but they had time to know each other's imperfection. The romance in this book is intense and hot. However, it simmered down on the last 40% mark of the book. Honestly, it dragged on and I forced myself to finish it.
Fairly, we got a closure and I'm entertained on the confrontation between the mafia men and their wives. That is so popcorn-worthy. I just wish there are less characters here because it's hard to keep track on them and connect the dots.
Gonna trust my instinct and rate it 3.5 🌟 I still recommend the series because it's so good.
November 4, 2020
All the stars ..all the praise and applause for Mercenary!!!
I discovered the tremendous talent that is Bella Di Corte when I first read Machiavellian. That book spoke to my soul..hands down the best mafia I’ve read in a long time. Now that I finished Mercenary... it’s fighting Machiavellian for that #1 spot.
Being an insane fan of The Godfather movies I absolutely loved all the inspiration this book drew from it. Mercenary has such an old world vibe to it..even though it’s set in present time it really feels like it’s set in the past. I’ve never been to Sicily but somehow I can picture everything this author describes. This book is so incredibly romantic and I think that’s my favorite thing..sometimes with mafia romances the hero is so busy being a hard head..an asshole that the romance gets pushed to the side. It’s so good and so sexy to read about a man that lives and breathes for the woman he loves.
Mercenary is definitely one of my top favorites for 2020!!
I strongly suggest if you want to read Mercenary that you read Machiavellian first. These two books go hand in hand.
Thank you so much to the author for generously providing me with an Arc.
I discovered the tremendous talent that is Bella Di Corte when I first read Machiavellian. That book spoke to my soul..hands down the best mafia I’ve read in a long time. Now that I finished Mercenary... it’s fighting Machiavellian for that #1 spot.
Being an insane fan of The Godfather movies I absolutely loved all the inspiration this book drew from it. Mercenary has such an old world vibe to it..even though it’s set in present time it really feels like it’s set in the past. I’ve never been to Sicily but somehow I can picture everything this author describes. This book is so incredibly romantic and I think that’s my favorite thing..sometimes with mafia romances the hero is so busy being a hard head..an asshole that the romance gets pushed to the side. It’s so good and so sexy to read about a man that lives and breathes for the woman he loves.
Mercenary is definitely one of my top favorites for 2020!!
I strongly suggest if you want to read Mercenary that you read Machiavellian first. These two books go hand in hand.
Thank you so much to the author for generously providing me with an Arc.
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November 30, 2020
✰ 3 stars ✰
it's disappointing how this couldn't keep my attention the way the first two books had. :( it was just okay for me and I'm personally not a fan of the tropes (ofc it still depends on how they're executed, but it didn't work here for me either). I liked some parts tho so I'm still giving it three stars but, overall, it's not my favorite.
it's disappointing how this couldn't keep my attention the way the first two books had. :( it was just okay for me and I'm personally not a fan of the tropes (ofc it still depends on how they're executed, but it didn't work here for me either). I liked some parts tho so I'm still giving it three stars but, overall, it's not my favorite.
December 9, 2020
If you’ve been following my review of Gangsters of New York series by Bella Di Corte, you know that I LOVED the first two books.
Machiavellian was love at first sight ❤️
Marauder made me green with envy because Cash is 😍
Now I’m going to be honest here and say that it took a while for me to get into the book (I blame myself for that) but one I decided to shut the world out and get immersed into this book, it was divine!
You want suspense? Drama? Sizzling hot chemistry? Mercenary delivers!
What I LOVVVVEEEDDD most was Alcina and Corrado. Their love story isn’t just ‘romantic’..it sort of consumes you and it’s just so damn good. In a world like theirs where everything feels ruthless and dangerous , their love is breathtakingly good….it’s intense, wild, unyielding and I LOVED every bit of it!
I loved Mercenary by Bella Di Corte. It’s the perfect balance of all the things I love in a mafia romance.
December 21, 2020
This three book series / journey / trilogy but not really has been an epic ride! Each book added a level of thrill and suspense that has blown my mind because I am wondering how any of you sat back and just waited for each of these books to publish! I mean WOW was I lucky I got to binge them all at once!
Corrado and Alcina were a blazing fire in all the ways! Their story is a perfect blend of sexy and suspense; neither overshadowed the other. Like I said, fire in all the ways! What this author is writing is bigger than just this book, you’re going to have to trust me on that. This world that she has created is a maze of enthralling proportions and it just doesn’t stop! The relationship between Corrado and Alcina is both passionate and sweet; a perfect blend of both. I’m sad to see the end of these gangsters, but I do not think this is the end of this world We shall see…
Corrado and Alcina were a blazing fire in all the ways! Their story is a perfect blend of sexy and suspense; neither overshadowed the other. Like I said, fire in all the ways! What this author is writing is bigger than just this book, you’re going to have to trust me on that. This world that she has created is a maze of enthralling proportions and it just doesn’t stop! The relationship between Corrado and Alcina is both passionate and sweet; a perfect blend of both. I’m sad to see the end of these gangsters, but I do not think this is the end of this world We shall see…
November 15, 2020
Mafia romances surely is one of my weakness!!! 🇮🇹❤️🇮🇹❤️
It was a spectacular read!!! It was a captivating, powerful love story!!
Their love was breathtaking!!
Bravo Mrs. Bella Di Corte!!
You rocked my world with this one .....I loved it as much as Mac's and Mariposa's story!!
It had everything that a mafia book needs to have... A must read for sure!!! 🖤🖤🖤
It was a spectacular read!!! It was a captivating, powerful love story!!
Their love was breathtaking!!
Bravo Mrs. Bella Di Corte!!
You rocked my world with this one .....I loved it as much as Mac's and Mariposa's story!!
It had everything that a mafia book needs to have... A must read for sure!!! 🖤🖤🖤
December 15, 2020
I enjoyed my first and second journey into in the world of the Gangsters of New York, and so I revisited it by picking up the last book in the series, Mercenary. It did not disappoint. Carrado and Alcina’s story took me on a journey filled with danger and romance. I also had a good time revisiting that world and re-connecting with characters from the previous books.
I would recommend reading the first book in the series, prior to reading Mercenary, as there is a connection between the two. I will try to be vague as possible with my review to avoid the risk of spoilers.
I got a brief introduction to Carrado in Book 2 and I wondered about his story. It was there I learnt of his quest for revenge. Mercenary provided insights into the events which fuelled his thirst for revenge. Revenge has the power to consume and destroy if one is not willing to let go of the past, especially if one has no control over the events and this is the story of Carrado’s life. He grew up in the world of the mafia and was being groomed to take over as the head of Capitani family. He had no interest in getting married, however, before he could take over from his grandfather, he would need to take a bride. Enters the beautiful Alcina who had her own share of troubles.
When I hear the term spitfire, Alcina comes to mind. Her fiery nature, tenacity and intelligence made her the perfect match for Carrado. Together they made an explosive pair. He would die for her and she for him. However, his thirst for revenge may be the catalyst which would destroy what he found with Alcina. I worried about the impact it would have and I kept wondering how it would work out. I have to say, though the method used in this situation took me by surprise. Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Amid the danger which surrounded the characters at every turn, the author provided humour along with some precious family moments. I had a good time with this story. I love how the relationship between the principal characters developed. Despite it being a love at first sight situation, their love for each other resonated throughout the story.
Mercenary proved to be an entertaining read and a fitting end to the series. If you enjoy romance stories set in the world of the mafia, then I would definitely recommend this series.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I would recommend reading the first book in the series, prior to reading Mercenary, as there is a connection between the two. I will try to be vague as possible with my review to avoid the risk of spoilers.
I got a brief introduction to Carrado in Book 2 and I wondered about his story. It was there I learnt of his quest for revenge. Mercenary provided insights into the events which fuelled his thirst for revenge. Revenge has the power to consume and destroy if one is not willing to let go of the past, especially if one has no control over the events and this is the story of Carrado’s life. He grew up in the world of the mafia and was being groomed to take over as the head of Capitani family. He had no interest in getting married, however, before he could take over from his grandfather, he would need to take a bride. Enters the beautiful Alcina who had her own share of troubles.
When I hear the term spitfire, Alcina comes to mind. Her fiery nature, tenacity and intelligence made her the perfect match for Carrado. Together they made an explosive pair. He would die for her and she for him. However, his thirst for revenge may be the catalyst which would destroy what he found with Alcina. I worried about the impact it would have and I kept wondering how it would work out. I have to say, though the method used in this situation took me by surprise. Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Amid the danger which surrounded the characters at every turn, the author provided humour along with some precious family moments. I had a good time with this story. I love how the relationship between the principal characters developed. Despite it being a love at first sight situation, their love for each other resonated throughout the story.
Mercenary proved to be an entertaining read and a fitting end to the series. If you enjoy romance stories set in the world of the mafia, then I would definitely recommend this series.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 30, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: MERCENARY.
GENRE:CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:BELLA DO CORTE.
TYPE: BOOK #3 OF THE GANGSTER OF NEW YORK.
POV: DUAL PROSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 "EXPCEPTIONALLY WRITTEN" STARS.
Corrado was a man of his words...When he finds out he was being lied to his whole life,Vengeance flows threw his vein and nothing can come in his path of revenge.He was the Handsome dangerous Crown prince of the Italian Mafia Famiglia, searching for a ghost, a person already dead, to kill him again. But one visit to Italy changes the course of his life when it turns into his encounter with the most beautiful, smart, wild yet suffisticated charismatic woman.
Nothing is new for Alcina when she is living in small town of Italy, hiding in plain sight from some men who threatened her and her family. But when she meets her eyes with the new man in town, She knew he was trouble...with his wicked eyes amd Scorpion tattoo...But resisting him turns out to be impossible.
No doubt, He loves her a lot...but will it be enough to stray him from his path of revenge? Or will that thirst cost him his everything in the end?
GET READY FOR YOUR TIME IN ITALY...ITS UNLIKE ANYTHING...
Its not the first time I have been spellbounded by Bella's books. My first read
Machiavellian has introduced me to this dangerous yet thrilling world of soul mates who have to through painful times to be reunited again.
The main characters we come to know in all the three books are so much connected yet worlds apart from each other.
I absolutely adored this book, like I never wanted this to end...savoured every word beautifully written. A compelling and mesmerizing read.
Its really very hard to surprise by a story in MAFIA ROMANCE genre but this book was highly original and a breathe of fresh air for me. The perfect mix of pure Love in the world of Cruel, merciless unpredictable world of mobster.
Many times I tear up reading some scenes...Who am I kidding? I was full on sobbing...
And multiple times I was gasping out loud from the shock.
I adored Alcina from the very beginning...she was different yet so much similar to Corrado, A perfect match made in heaven. Her strong belief, sacrificing nature and kind soul is what drew him to her. And her italian background was so enticing and exotic.
I loved the way the characters expressed their love for each other...the conversation they share proves the passion they share for each other. Italy is truly a very romantic and beautiful country and the author has taken full advantage of that, showing us the beautiful scenery, field of pistachios, big family celebrations.
I am so sad to say goodbye to this series but the author has introduced some really amazing new characters which I hope to see more of in the future. One of the top read of 2020...This whole series...
GENRE:CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:BELLA DO CORTE.
TYPE: BOOK #3 OF THE GANGSTER OF NEW YORK.
POV: DUAL PROSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 "EXPCEPTIONALLY WRITTEN" STARS.
Corrado was a man of his words...When he finds out he was being lied to his whole life,Vengeance flows threw his vein and nothing can come in his path of revenge.He was the Handsome dangerous Crown prince of the Italian Mafia Famiglia, searching for a ghost, a person already dead, to kill him again. But one visit to Italy changes the course of his life when it turns into his encounter with the most beautiful, smart, wild yet suffisticated charismatic woman.
Nothing is new for Alcina when she is living in small town of Italy, hiding in plain sight from some men who threatened her and her family. But when she meets her eyes with the new man in town, She knew he was trouble...with his wicked eyes amd Scorpion tattoo...But resisting him turns out to be impossible.
No doubt, He loves her a lot...but will it be enough to stray him from his path of revenge? Or will that thirst cost him his everything in the end?
GET READY FOR YOUR TIME IN ITALY...ITS UNLIKE ANYTHING...
Its not the first time I have been spellbounded by Bella's books. My first read
Machiavellian has introduced me to this dangerous yet thrilling world of soul mates who have to through painful times to be reunited again.
The main characters we come to know in all the three books are so much connected yet worlds apart from each other.
I absolutely adored this book, like I never wanted this to end...savoured every word beautifully written. A compelling and mesmerizing read.
Its really very hard to surprise by a story in MAFIA ROMANCE genre but this book was highly original and a breathe of fresh air for me. The perfect mix of pure Love in the world of Cruel, merciless unpredictable world of mobster.
Many times I tear up reading some scenes...Who am I kidding? I was full on sobbing...
And multiple times I was gasping out loud from the shock.
I adored Alcina from the very beginning...she was different yet so much similar to Corrado, A perfect match made in heaven. Her strong belief, sacrificing nature and kind soul is what drew him to her. And her italian background was so enticing and exotic.
I loved the way the characters expressed their love for each other...the conversation they share proves the passion they share for each other. Italy is truly a very romantic and beautiful country and the author has taken full advantage of that, showing us the beautiful scenery, field of pistachios, big family celebrations.
I am so sad to say goodbye to this series but the author has introduced some really amazing new characters which I hope to see more of in the future. One of the top read of 2020...This whole series...
November 13, 2020
TOP READ OF 2020, alert! This genre is soooo, so hard to pull a 5 star read out of me, because I feel I’ve read some of the very best mafia romances ever. This, hands down, ranks among those novels. Mercenary was authentic-romantic-and just encompassed everything not only about Italian culture, but also made men in a word that presents itself as constantly dangerous.
I loved how much took place in Italy. I love love LOVED how dedicated this author was to depicting Alcina and her family to the Italian way of life-and the italian-American way when they came back stateside. I thought we were going to get a playboy’s story from the first chapters, but I’m so happy the insta-love was weaved into such a creative plot twist. Corrado transformed into this incredibly romantic, bedazzled dangerous man and I felt myself swooning over and over again. Everything about these two
Main characters was perfect-and I felt the revenge seeping through my pores right along with Corrado. This was truly, truly a top read of the year, and perhaps one of my favorite books ever. A MUST read!
I loved how much took place in Italy. I love love LOVED how dedicated this author was to depicting Alcina and her family to the Italian way of life-and the italian-American way when they came back stateside. I thought we were going to get a playboy’s story from the first chapters, but I’m so happy the insta-love was weaved into such a creative plot twist. Corrado transformed into this incredibly romantic, bedazzled dangerous man and I felt myself swooning over and over again. Everything about these two
Main characters was perfect-and I felt the revenge seeping through my pores right along with Corrado. This was truly, truly a top read of the year, and perhaps one of my favorite books ever. A MUST read!
October 31, 2021
3+, drażnił mnie facet z tą swoją zemstą :P baby to jednak wiedzą jak ustawić do pionu swoich facetów i + za to ;)
November 3, 2020
I was right, I love Mercenary just the way I love Machiavellian and Marauder.
Corrado and Alcina's story made me burn, their chemistry is explosive!!! In this book I adored Alcina more than Corrado, she's a true Italian woman, with fire in her eyes but mostly in her heart. She is like a volcano when it reaches the boiling point, her passion burns everything in her path. Not even Corrado's turmoils, his demons, his ghosts can stand in her way.
And Corrado..oh God, with his intensity and his possessiveness, just like a Scorpio he eat himself out and burns himself up. His love for Alcina is everything!
Again I loved the words, the details Bella di Corte gives in her stories, she makes you a part in the story, she makes you see the places, feel what characters feel and to live with them all the same.
Although I'm sad that this series came to an end, I'm happy for what it gave to me: love stories to dream about and an author that I appreciate with all my heart!
I'll forever hold these stories in my heart!
Corrado and Alcina's story made me burn, their chemistry is explosive!!! In this book I adored Alcina more than Corrado, she's a true Italian woman, with fire in her eyes but mostly in her heart. She is like a volcano when it reaches the boiling point, her passion burns everything in her path. Not even Corrado's turmoils, his demons, his ghosts can stand in her way.
And Corrado..oh God, with his intensity and his possessiveness, just like a Scorpio he eat himself out and burns himself up. His love for Alcina is everything!
Again I loved the words, the details Bella di Corte gives in her stories, she makes you a part in the story, she makes you see the places, feel what characters feel and to live with them all the same.
Although I'm sad that this series came to an end, I'm happy for what it gave to me: love stories to dream about and an author that I appreciate with all my heart!
I'll forever hold these stories in my heart!
November 15, 2020
How I loved the first book
It was great catching up with Mari and Capo
I wish this H was as naturally committed to the h as Capo is to Mari
He does love her but its more of a physical kind of love as opposed to the soul-reaching one that Mari and Capo share
He comes across as distracted; his other interests always come first
Even at the end he's restless and not present
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2021
Pure perfection
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way. This author has made me fall in love with mafia romance, and has set the bar so high, in my opinion. The plotline, character development, drama, and angst built into her book world is perfection.
I love this couples feisty beginning when they were fighting against the chemistry embedded within them. These two were undoubtedly made for each other, and this author writes their coupling so beautifully. How else can a ruthlessly driven Mafia man love? Only with power and passion, and that's exactly what Alcina got.
This book was probably the most romantic of the three. Corrado looks upon Alcina with such reverence that I swooned so hard. Alcina, though initially hesitant, finds herself unable to deny the pull between them.
When I say this book is angsty, I'm talking about the second half. Oh my God, my heart broke left and right with the subtle way this author wrote these characters. She writes of their longing for intimacy, their thirst for vengeance, and even of their desire to be the family that they want to be, deep down in their hearts. Corrado fights against what he know he must do as the head of his mafia famiglia, and what his heart and mind are begging him to do with his own family.
I'm so hungover from this book, from this series, really. This author writes love stories beautifully, and takes care to create a book world that you can take your time enjoying. Now I'm off to read about the Faustis!
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way. This author has made me fall in love with mafia romance, and has set the bar so high, in my opinion. The plotline, character development, drama, and angst built into her book world is perfection.
I love this couples feisty beginning when they were fighting against the chemistry embedded within them. These two were undoubtedly made for each other, and this author writes their coupling so beautifully. How else can a ruthlessly driven Mafia man love? Only with power and passion, and that's exactly what Alcina got.
This book was probably the most romantic of the three. Corrado looks upon Alcina with such reverence that I swooned so hard. Alcina, though initially hesitant, finds herself unable to deny the pull between them.
When I say this book is angsty, I'm talking about the second half. Oh my God, my heart broke left and right with the subtle way this author wrote these characters. She writes of their longing for intimacy, their thirst for vengeance, and even of their desire to be the family that they want to be, deep down in their hearts. Corrado fights against what he know he must do as the head of his mafia famiglia, and what his heart and mind are begging him to do with his own family.
I'm so hungover from this book, from this series, really. This author writes love stories beautifully, and takes care to create a book world that you can take your time enjoying. Now I'm off to read about the Faustis!
November 13, 2020
“l know you have come to drag me back to hell, and you probably will, but I do not mind the thought of going with you. Because when you kiss me, when you touch me, you take me to heaven, too.”
Mac and Mari gave us a beautiful love. Cash and Keely showed us such an intense love. But Alcina and Corrado showed up and showed out. What they had cannot be named. Their love was flat out all consuming. It tore through everything like a fiery inferno and devoured anything in it’s path. I literally sat on certain scenes and just reveled in it. Covered myself in it and let is consume every waking moment.
And that freaking conclusion? Holy crap. Mind blown. Game changer. Seriously. Holy. Effin. Crap. My girls Mari & Alcina are savage. And that’s all I am saying about it. Because this whole last part of the book needs to be read. Then read again. Then you need to give a freaking slow clap of respect to these two women for the amazing Queens they are.
With each book, Di Corte is giving her absolute all. The books get better. The men more fervent. The ladies more fierce. Or maybe it just seems that way with how consumed I am with the story and these characters and their lives.
Di Corte is one of the best at giving us mafia romances. If she writes it, I will be reading it. All the stars!!
Mac and Mari gave us a beautiful love. Cash and Keely showed us such an intense love. But Alcina and Corrado showed up and showed out. What they had cannot be named. Their love was flat out all consuming. It tore through everything like a fiery inferno and devoured anything in it’s path. I literally sat on certain scenes and just reveled in it. Covered myself in it and let is consume every waking moment.
And that freaking conclusion? Holy crap. Mind blown. Game changer. Seriously. Holy. Effin. Crap. My girls Mari & Alcina are savage. And that’s all I am saying about it. Because this whole last part of the book needs to be read. Then read again. Then you need to give a freaking slow clap of respect to these two women for the amazing Queens they are.
With each book, Di Corte is giving her absolute all. The books get better. The men more fervent. The ladies more fierce. Or maybe it just seems that way with how consumed I am with the story and these characters and their lives.
Di Corte is one of the best at giving us mafia romances. If she writes it, I will be reading it. All the stars!!
November 13, 2020
This series has been mafia romance PERFECTION. I loved Machiavellian and Marauder, and Mercenary was no different. This story is just beautiful! The settings and the world that Bella has created is just so awesome to read and EXPERIENCE. It felt like I was there, existing in this world with these characters.
Isn’t it interesting how a reader’s mood has an impact on how we react to a book? I had found myself feeling down lately and I’m not ashamed to admit, I sobbed through a lot of this book. It’s just so beautiful! Corrado is the most romantic bad guy EV-ER. Mercenary was exactly the book I needed and I am sad to leave this world! I didn’t want this book to end.
If you like mafia romance, these books are a MUST! All three are standalones, however they would be best read in order, as the plot continues throughout the series.
Isn’t it interesting how a reader’s mood has an impact on how we react to a book? I had found myself feeling down lately and I’m not ashamed to admit, I sobbed through a lot of this book. It’s just so beautiful! Corrado is the most romantic bad guy EV-ER. Mercenary was exactly the book I needed and I am sad to leave this world! I didn’t want this book to end.
If you like mafia romance, these books are a MUST! All three are standalones, however they would be best read in order, as the plot continues throughout the series.
November 16, 2020
dnf @ 10%, LOVED the first two books of the series. I just couldn't get into this one.
November 13, 2020
Their love is swift and passionate. Their time together is volatile and precious. Their life is challenged by the past.
The power and emotion between Corrado and Alcina are so fierce and wild. Their strong personalities are compatible with the world they share. A world of life or death. A world of business versus family. Alcina wants to change what Corrado was raised for and convince him that he can share the business with his family. But Corrado has revenge on his mind and nothing can change it when it is made up.
This is my second book of the series which reintroduces Capo and Mari from Machiavellian. Finally seeing the culmination of these two stories is bittersweet. The hatred Corrado has for a past wrong is taking over his life when everyone is telling him to forget about the past, and the build-up to the standoff is shocking and so worth the wait.
I love Alcina's spunk and tenacity which is who Corrado needs by his side as Don Capitani. I mean, who would challenge a woman who once cut some man's balls off? She's wild and a force to be reckoned with. And the handsome and powerful Corrado claims her for his own from the first minute he meets her. The many ways they express their love for each other is poetic and extremely romantic.
There are also a number of supporting characters including Alcina's family, Corrado's grandmother, and Corrado's mob family, who are essential to understanding the dynamics of the main characters.
Again, Ms. Di Corte creates an intensely beautiful love story within a cruel and dangerous profession. The characters are hot-blooded and thrilling and the settings are lovely. If you enjoy mafia romances with exceptional writing and intriguing characters, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Di Corte for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
The power and emotion between Corrado and Alcina are so fierce and wild. Their strong personalities are compatible with the world they share. A world of life or death. A world of business versus family. Alcina wants to change what Corrado was raised for and convince him that he can share the business with his family. But Corrado has revenge on his mind and nothing can change it when it is made up.
This is my second book of the series which reintroduces Capo and Mari from Machiavellian. Finally seeing the culmination of these two stories is bittersweet. The hatred Corrado has for a past wrong is taking over his life when everyone is telling him to forget about the past, and the build-up to the standoff is shocking and so worth the wait.
I love Alcina's spunk and tenacity which is who Corrado needs by his side as Don Capitani. I mean, who would challenge a woman who once cut some man's balls off? She's wild and a force to be reckoned with. And the handsome and powerful Corrado claims her for his own from the first minute he meets her. The many ways they express their love for each other is poetic and extremely romantic.
There are also a number of supporting characters including Alcina's family, Corrado's grandmother, and Corrado's mob family, who are essential to understanding the dynamics of the main characters.
Again, Ms. Di Corte creates an intensely beautiful love story within a cruel and dangerous profession. The characters are hot-blooded and thrilling and the settings are lovely. If you enjoy mafia romances with exceptional writing and intriguing characters, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Di Corte for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
January 10, 2021
“Mercenary” by Bella Di Corte
Trope: mafia romance
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
POV: Dual
📖 Book Score: 4.5
_____________________________
Note: While it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading book 1 “Machiavellian” first as it would provide a lot of context.
Book Review
“All of a sudden, this woman was both the center of my world and the bane of my existence.”
What a perfect ending to the Gangsters of New York series. I’m actually sad it ended. Bella’s writing is very poetic and it makes this book stand out even more. Unlike the other two books in the series, I feel like Mercenary had more of this traditional Italian mafia feel to it which is different from other dark mafia series I’ve read lately. I enjoyed that a lot.
Corrado and Alcina were both such strong characters. Full of fire, passion and love. The story was great mixture of romance, mafia, intrigue. It also had a good dose of angst especially when Corrado’s revenge quest becomes obsession, through which his marriage starts to suffer. My heart hurt for Alcina. I honestly was starting to worry how it would end and if it would destroy their relationship. Whew! I was not ready for a heartbreak.
Secondary characters are all well thought out with a lot of intricate details. I really enjoyed that we get to see Mac and Mari again for quite a bit if the book. They are the main characters in Machiavellian.
“But I’m not your fucking puppet, Alcina. I’m your husband. Your mind, body, soul, wants are mine. You get hungry. I feed you. You get thirsty. I pour the wine down your fucking throat. You need to get off. I fuck you. Every inch of you belongs to me.”
Trope: mafia romance
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
POV: Dual
📖 Book Score: 4.5
_____________________________
Note: While it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading book 1 “Machiavellian” first as it would provide a lot of context.
Book Review
“All of a sudden, this woman was both the center of my world and the bane of my existence.”
What a perfect ending to the Gangsters of New York series. I’m actually sad it ended. Bella’s writing is very poetic and it makes this book stand out even more. Unlike the other two books in the series, I feel like Mercenary had more of this traditional Italian mafia feel to it which is different from other dark mafia series I’ve read lately. I enjoyed that a lot.
Corrado and Alcina were both such strong characters. Full of fire, passion and love. The story was great mixture of romance, mafia, intrigue. It also had a good dose of angst especially when Corrado’s revenge quest becomes obsession, through which his marriage starts to suffer. My heart hurt for Alcina. I honestly was starting to worry how it would end and if it would destroy their relationship. Whew! I was not ready for a heartbreak.
Secondary characters are all well thought out with a lot of intricate details. I really enjoyed that we get to see Mac and Mari again for quite a bit if the book. They are the main characters in Machiavellian.
“But I’m not your fucking puppet, Alcina. I’m your husband. Your mind, body, soul, wants are mine. You get hungry. I feed you. You get thirsty. I pour the wine down your fucking throat. You need to get off. I fuck you. Every inch of you belongs to me.”
December 20, 2020
Yes !!! Mercenary was the perfect ending of the book serries !
Strong characters and beautiful story.
Strong characters and beautiful story.
February 9, 2021
I liked the first two novels of this series, but this one is leaving me flat.
First of all, I think the first third of the novel is too loosely cobbled together and had some continuity issues. The major problem for me was how the main male anti-hero, “Corrado,” and his grandfather suddenly knew information that the author stated had been kept secret from both of them. Also, I was confused about the relationship between the main female protagonist, “Alcina,” and a secondary character, “Junior.” Granted, later in the novel, this was clarified, but it would have helped alleviate some of my confusion if I had been able to understand their relationship sooner.
Secondly, I had a tough time engaging with Corrado; to me, he seemed like an entitled ass who possessed no real redeeming personality traits. I was especially turned off by the wedding night scene (and by Alcina’s acceptance of Corrado’s behavior, especially after her interactions with Junior had been revealed earlier).
Thirdly, there are a number of misplaced modifiers throughout the novel. These are very confusing and it takes time for the reader to tease out what the author is trying to say. An example from early in the novel is: “My grandfather was more of a father to me, and after he heard the way her husband had been treating me when I was a kid from an older cousin…” The “from an older cousin” is the misplaced modifier in this case. I had to re-read the sentence in order to work out that an older cousin had informed the grandfather of the way Corrado was being treated by a woman’s husband. These kinds of speed bumps in a novel really do diminish a reader’s enjoyment of the story. And, it’s a double shame here because this author had used such an enchanting, lyrical narrative style in her previous two novels in this series.
Finally, there are transitions that leave me wondering where I am in the story. One issue was the author’s tendency to lead the reader to believe a new scene is beginning, going so far as to introduce totally new information, but, no… it’s not a new scene… it’s a continuation of the previous scene. And, the other transition issue is when the author moves far ahead in the story without providing adequate clues as to where the reader is in time and space.
Anyway, I struggled with whether to return the novel as “DNF.” I managed to stick with it to the end, but I never wavered in my opinion that this novel was a confusing, disjointed mish-mash of ideas (not plot and sub-plots) and not-too-appealing personalities (not characters) that never gelled into a coherently pleasant reading experience – my perception and my opinion.
I’m not going to write off this author (pun intended) because she entranced me with the first two books in this series, but I can’t really give this one a glowing recommendation.
First of all, I think the first third of the novel is too loosely cobbled together and had some continuity issues. The major problem for me was how the main male anti-hero, “Corrado,” and his grandfather suddenly knew information that the author stated had been kept secret from both of them. Also, I was confused about the relationship between the main female protagonist, “Alcina,” and a secondary character, “Junior.” Granted, later in the novel, this was clarified, but it would have helped alleviate some of my confusion if I had been able to understand their relationship sooner.
Secondly, I had a tough time engaging with Corrado; to me, he seemed like an entitled ass who possessed no real redeeming personality traits. I was especially turned off by the wedding night scene (and by Alcina’s acceptance of Corrado’s behavior, especially after her interactions with Junior had been revealed earlier).
Thirdly, there are a number of misplaced modifiers throughout the novel. These are very confusing and it takes time for the reader to tease out what the author is trying to say. An example from early in the novel is: “My grandfather was more of a father to me, and after he heard the way her husband had been treating me when I was a kid from an older cousin…” The “from an older cousin” is the misplaced modifier in this case. I had to re-read the sentence in order to work out that an older cousin had informed the grandfather of the way Corrado was being treated by a woman’s husband. These kinds of speed bumps in a novel really do diminish a reader’s enjoyment of the story. And, it’s a double shame here because this author had used such an enchanting, lyrical narrative style in her previous two novels in this series.
Finally, there are transitions that leave me wondering where I am in the story. One issue was the author’s tendency to lead the reader to believe a new scene is beginning, going so far as to introduce totally new information, but, no… it’s not a new scene… it’s a continuation of the previous scene. And, the other transition issue is when the author moves far ahead in the story without providing adequate clues as to where the reader is in time and space.
Anyway, I struggled with whether to return the novel as “DNF.” I managed to stick with it to the end, but I never wavered in my opinion that this novel was a confusing, disjointed mish-mash of ideas (not plot and sub-plots) and not-too-appealing personalities (not characters) that never gelled into a coherently pleasant reading experience – my perception and my opinion.
I’m not going to write off this author (pun intended) because she entranced me with the first two books in this series, but I can’t really give this one a glowing recommendation.
April 11, 2021
These Made Men are just spell bounding. I loved this book so much that I stayed up all night reading it. Alicnia and Scorpio are just made for each other. Their love story was absolutely beautiful.
April 8, 2022
Love anything Bella Writes, Her Books NEVER disappoint! and this one had Mac in it!❤❤❤
To say I love Bella Di Corte's books would be a big understatement. This book is no different! Mercenary is the 3rd and final book in The Gangsters of New York series and it is the story of Corridor Capitani (Corridor Palermo jr) and Alcina (pronounced Al-CHEE-nah) Parisi. Their story ties into Mac and Mari and thus brings us back full cicle to Machiavellian, the first book in the series.
Corrado Capitani is the illegitimate son of Corrado Palermo. He was raised by his grandfather, Don Emilio Capitani and given the Capitani last name. He is in line to take over as Don from his grandfather some day, but not without opposition. There is jealousy in the Capitani famly. Corrado has a vendetta against the Scarpones who were responsible for killing the woman he believed was his mother as well as the father he never met.
Alcina Parisi was sought after by a made man known as the Bul who is son to Silvio Capitani, Don Emilio's brother). The Bull not only tried to force her to marry him, but when she refused, he beat her and tried to force himself on her. Shefought back and castrated him. She has been in hiding ever since and he has sent numerous people to find her.
Corrado is sent to Italy for safety reasons and his cousin the Bull sets him to search for her. But things don't quite work out as expected. With a little help from Tito Sala, who was charged with the task of arranging a marriage for Corrado, these to hook up. But this union is frought with trouble. Corridor is cousin to the Bull who wants Alcina dead. Alcina is cousin to Amadeo, aka Mac Machiavello and the formerly Vittore Scarpone, the last of the Scarpones who Corrado wants to kill. Unbeknownst to Corrado, the man he is searching for is married to the half sister he never new and believed dead. You can see how twisted this is. Add in an Uncle and his former under boss who want the position of Don and you have a fascinating and engaging stor.
Ultimately, this is a story about a man learning to let go of vengeance for love and family. And no one can tell a story of such a profound and redeeming love with all the intrigue include like Bella can.
Bella doesn't just write mafia romances, she writes beautiful love stories. She writes about love between two people that is so intense, so profound, that it's felt down to the bone and in the soul. And she will make you feel every bit of it.
To say I love Bella Di Corte's books would be a big understatement. This book is no different! Mercenary is the 3rd and final book in The Gangsters of New York series and it is the story of Corridor Capitani (Corridor Palermo jr) and Alcina (pronounced Al-CHEE-nah) Parisi. Their story ties into Mac and Mari and thus brings us back full cicle to Machiavellian, the first book in the series.
Corrado Capitani is the illegitimate son of Corrado Palermo. He was raised by his grandfather, Don Emilio Capitani and given the Capitani last name. He is in line to take over as Don from his grandfather some day, but not without opposition. There is jealousy in the Capitani famly. Corrado has a vendetta against the Scarpones who were responsible for killing the woman he believed was his mother as well as the father he never met.
Alcina Parisi was sought after by a made man known as the Bul who is son to Silvio Capitani, Don Emilio's brother). The Bull not only tried to force her to marry him, but when she refused, he beat her and tried to force himself on her. Shefought back and castrated him. She has been in hiding ever since and he has sent numerous people to find her.
Corrado is sent to Italy for safety reasons and his cousin the Bull sets him to search for her. But things don't quite work out as expected. With a little help from Tito Sala, who was charged with the task of arranging a marriage for Corrado, these to hook up. But this union is frought with trouble. Corridor is cousin to the Bull who wants Alcina dead. Alcina is cousin to Amadeo, aka Mac Machiavello and the formerly Vittore Scarpone, the last of the Scarpones who Corrado wants to kill. Unbeknownst to Corrado, the man he is searching for is married to the half sister he never new and believed dead. You can see how twisted this is. Add in an Uncle and his former under boss who want the position of Don and you have a fascinating and engaging stor.
Ultimately, this is a story about a man learning to let go of vengeance for love and family. And no one can tell a story of such a profound and redeeming love with all the intrigue include like Bella can.
Bella doesn't just write mafia romances, she writes beautiful love stories. She writes about love between two people that is so intense, so profound, that it's felt down to the bone and in the soul. And she will make you feel every bit of it.
October 28, 2021
"Corrado" Belli di Corte to trzeci i ostatni tom Gangsterów Nowego Jorku. Lubiłam poprzednie części, ale ta zdecydowanie jest moją ulubioną. Wiem, że autorka ma więcej serii z tego uniwersum, więc będę starała się teraz nadrobić tamte.
Corrado to historia o zemście, miłości, duchach przeszłości i tęsknocie. Książka świetnie pokazuje jak czasochłonne i obsesyjne potrafi być gonienie za duchami, oraz co można przez to utracić.
Polubiłam głównych bohaterów. Alcina to sycylijska kobieta, która doskonale wie czego chce i jak powinna to osiągnąć. Zdaje sobie sprawę, że życie przy boku mężczyzny mafii nie będzie idealne, ale nie podda się bez walki, by je do tego zbliżyć. Corrado był wyjątkowo realny. Cieszył się swoim prywatnym życiem i chciał brać w nim większy udział, ale nie potrafił zbalansować z nim pracy, ani porzucić chęci zemsty.
Mniej więcej w połowie książki odkrywamy bardzo interesujące powiązania z bohaterami poprzednich tomów. Świetnie było trochę o nich poczytać. Uwielbiam, gdy autorzy dają nam takie smaczki.
Książkę czyta się bardzo szybko, jest wyjątkowo przyjemna. Jedyne co troszeczkę mi przeszkadzało to tempo rozwoju związku Corrado i Alciny. Ta myśl przyszła mi do głowy już podczas czytania, przewróciłam na następną stronę, a tam taki cytat:
" - Miłość nie pojawia się ot tak, po prostu!
- Sì! A właśnie, że tak. Ludzie zakochują się co sekundę, codziennie, każdy w swoim tempie. Czasami miłość pojawia się jak grom z jasnego nieba. A niekiedy rozkwita w rytmie leniwego, letniego wiatru. Nieważne, czy wydarza się w okamgnieniu, czy powoli. Liczy się tylko to, że jest".
Od tego momentu ten wątek przestał mi przeszkadzać.
Jeśli lubicie mafijne romanse, bohaterki twardo stąpające po ziemi oraz mężczyzn, którzy nie oszukują danych siebie w kwestii uczuć, to zdecydowanie powinniście sięgnąć po "Corrado"!
Za książkę dziękuję wydawnictwu♥️
Corrado to historia o zemście, miłości, duchach przeszłości i tęsknocie. Książka świetnie pokazuje jak czasochłonne i obsesyjne potrafi być gonienie za duchami, oraz co można przez to utracić.
Polubiłam głównych bohaterów. Alcina to sycylijska kobieta, która doskonale wie czego chce i jak powinna to osiągnąć. Zdaje sobie sprawę, że życie przy boku mężczyzny mafii nie będzie idealne, ale nie podda się bez walki, by je do tego zbliżyć. Corrado był wyjątkowo realny. Cieszył się swoim prywatnym życiem i chciał brać w nim większy udział, ale nie potrafił zbalansować z nim pracy, ani porzucić chęci zemsty.
Mniej więcej w połowie książki odkrywamy bardzo interesujące powiązania z bohaterami poprzednich tomów. Świetnie było trochę o nich poczytać. Uwielbiam, gdy autorzy dają nam takie smaczki.
Książkę czyta się bardzo szybko, jest wyjątkowo przyjemna. Jedyne co troszeczkę mi przeszkadzało to tempo rozwoju związku Corrado i Alciny. Ta myśl przyszła mi do głowy już podczas czytania, przewróciłam na następną stronę, a tam taki cytat:
" - Miłość nie pojawia się ot tak, po prostu!
- Sì! A właśnie, że tak. Ludzie zakochują się co sekundę, codziennie, każdy w swoim tempie. Czasami miłość pojawia się jak grom z jasnego nieba. A niekiedy rozkwita w rytmie leniwego, letniego wiatru. Nieważne, czy wydarza się w okamgnieniu, czy powoli. Liczy się tylko to, że jest".
Od tego momentu ten wątek przestał mi przeszkadzać.
Jeśli lubicie mafijne romanse, bohaterki twardo stąpające po ziemi oraz mężczyzn, którzy nie oszukują danych siebie w kwestii uczuć, to zdecydowanie powinniście sięgnąć po "Corrado"!
Za książkę dziękuję wydawnictwu♥️
November 3, 2020
There is no Mafia series like it.
Bella' s words melt my heart. She is the most incredible writer. I've said it before in my reviews, her writing style is so different to anything I've ever read before. Her passion for love shows through her writing and in mercenary she has outdone herself. I loved Mac and Cash but Corrado outshines them. From the moment this cover came out I knew I would feel this way. Bella got the cover so spot on, I felt more connected to Corrado because of the cover. It has to be my favourite ever.
Corrado is perfection and Alcina is just so pure hearted. I don't know how to put it into words, he loves her, he loves her hard. Together they are explosive. The passion they both have you feel it all the way through this book.
I have to say Alcina was not what I was expecting , she is a true lady, she takes no shit, and Corroda throws shit at her and omg she gives as good as she gets. She is fierce.
A little about the book.
Corrado gets themself in a little trouble and his grand father send him to Italy to lay low and to stay of trouble for a while, there he meets Alcina while working on a pistachio field.
That all I'm giving away, this book is a true love story, it is heavy with passion, with hate, with revenge, it has ghosts that you don't want to cross, there are some twist, but good twist. You see Mac and Cash in this book and a little of how there life is now.
It does say this book can be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend reading it that way. There are many characters in each book and they are connected in one way or another. So I really recommend reading all 3. They are all 5 star reads.
I am a bit sad its over but I can't wait to see what Bella write next.
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
Bella' s words melt my heart. She is the most incredible writer. I've said it before in my reviews, her writing style is so different to anything I've ever read before. Her passion for love shows through her writing and in mercenary she has outdone herself. I loved Mac and Cash but Corrado outshines them. From the moment this cover came out I knew I would feel this way. Bella got the cover so spot on, I felt more connected to Corrado because of the cover. It has to be my favourite ever.
Corrado is perfection and Alcina is just so pure hearted. I don't know how to put it into words, he loves her, he loves her hard. Together they are explosive. The passion they both have you feel it all the way through this book.
I have to say Alcina was not what I was expecting , she is a true lady, she takes no shit, and Corroda throws shit at her and omg she gives as good as she gets. She is fierce.
A little about the book.
Corrado gets themself in a little trouble and his grand father send him to Italy to lay low and to stay of trouble for a while, there he meets Alcina while working on a pistachio field.
That all I'm giving away, this book is a true love story, it is heavy with passion, with hate, with revenge, it has ghosts that you don't want to cross, there are some twist, but good twist. You see Mac and Cash in this book and a little of how there life is now.
It does say this book can be read as a stand alone, I don't recommend reading it that way. There are many characters in each book and they are connected in one way or another. So I really recommend reading all 3. They are all 5 star reads.
I am a bit sad its over but I can't wait to see what Bella write next.
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
June 29, 2021
•I'm in my feelings right now! •
Okay, first of all, I love love love this Gangster of New York series! Mac will always have a special place in my heart. He proved over and over in this series how Alpha male he truly is!
That being said, I also loved the way Corrado Jr. and Alcina love each other. Their first meet-cute id too cute and romantic. Their getting to know you stage is so swoony. I fell in love hard and fast with Corrado. However, as the story progresses, I'm starting to get irritated by some of his actions. I'm starting to channel Alcina'ss feelings, —which is a good indication of the author's writing, btw— knowing that the hero was going down under his hateful thoughts and revengeful ideas. I do not understand the grudge he was holding on (same as Alcina cannot understand it). I, however, love that he's got that flaw though. It was a realistic take on his character. He stayed true to being a made man. I don't know if that is a good thing or not but he is what he is and I respect that about his character.
It's just that while I was reading this, I feel like he loves Alcina so much but who he is in the family eill always come first. Understandable and again, staying true to his character but it killed my fantasy about him. Maybe I just want a hero who will give up everything for their heroine(?). I was expecting more from him because out of the 3 heroes in the Gangster series, Corrado is the most romantic one.
Anyways, overall, I truly enjoyed reading this world. The characters have all human flaws and they stay true to their characters all throughout and the background plot is heavy with very thrilking, edge-on-your-seat actions that I was absolutely entertained until the last page!
I highly recommend this series!
Okay, first of all, I love love love this Gangster of New York series! Mac will always have a special place in my heart. He proved over and over in this series how Alpha male he truly is!
That being said, I also loved the way Corrado Jr. and Alcina love each other. Their first meet-cute id too cute and romantic. Their getting to know you stage is so swoony. I fell in love hard and fast with Corrado. However, as the story progresses, I'm starting to get irritated by some of his actions. I'm starting to channel Alcina'ss feelings, —which is a good indication of the author's writing, btw— knowing that the hero was going down under his hateful thoughts and revengeful ideas. I do not understand the grudge he was holding on (same as Alcina cannot understand it). I, however, love that he's got that flaw though. It was a realistic take on his character. He stayed true to being a made man. I don't know if that is a good thing or not but he is what he is and I respect that about his character.
It's just that while I was reading this, I feel like he loves Alcina so much but who he is in the family eill always come first. Understandable and again, staying true to his character but it killed my fantasy about him. Maybe I just want a hero who will give up everything for their heroine(?). I was expecting more from him because out of the 3 heroes in the Gangster series, Corrado is the most romantic one.
Anyways, overall, I truly enjoyed reading this world. The characters have all human flaws and they stay true to their characters all throughout and the background plot is heavy with very thrilking, edge-on-your-seat actions that I was absolutely entertained until the last page!
I highly recommend this series!
November 10, 2020
*I Received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion.
I don't want this to end!!!!!! Please tell me that there's more to this series? I'm completely obsessed and can feel myself slipping in to an ugly cry because it's over (Wehhhhhhh). I guess I'll just keep re-reading them.
What a way to conclude a series! I have to admit that at first, I was actually upset with the story line. I mean, my OG series boyfriend's life was at stake! But alas, this author knew exactly what she was doing, even reminding us woman (and teaching a few men) of our power.
Corrado has a bone to pick. Ok, it's more like vengeance which quickly becomes an unhealthy obsession. Turns out that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. But is he willing to sacrifice his family for vindication? Will love concur all? Or is obsession a one way ticket to hell?
Alcina has been hiding for a while. Why? Let's just say Lorraina Bobbitt and her can be "friends". After escaping the "lifestyle", returning to it was the last thing on her mind. Until she's found in a small village and falls for the type of man she should be running from. But now that she's returned to the world and her family, sacrifices may need to be made in order to restore what she cherishes most.
Have I already asked if this was the end? Gosh, I hope not. I'm seriously crossing my fingers for at least "another" spin off....LOL. There are so many things happening in this story. Everything we've learned from the first two books comes to a major climax that will bring you to your knees. This book is about so many things: vengeance, determination, lust, love, family and power. But above all, the biggest lesson learned is that WOMAN RULE THE WORLD!!!!!!
I don't want this to end!!!!!! Please tell me that there's more to this series? I'm completely obsessed and can feel myself slipping in to an ugly cry because it's over (Wehhhhhhh). I guess I'll just keep re-reading them.
What a way to conclude a series! I have to admit that at first, I was actually upset with the story line. I mean, my OG series boyfriend's life was at stake! But alas, this author knew exactly what she was doing, even reminding us woman (and teaching a few men) of our power.
Corrado has a bone to pick. Ok, it's more like vengeance which quickly becomes an unhealthy obsession. Turns out that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. But is he willing to sacrifice his family for vindication? Will love concur all? Or is obsession a one way ticket to hell?
Alcina has been hiding for a while. Why? Let's just say Lorraina Bobbitt and her can be "friends". After escaping the "lifestyle", returning to it was the last thing on her mind. Until she's found in a small village and falls for the type of man she should be running from. But now that she's returned to the world and her family, sacrifices may need to be made in order to restore what she cherishes most.
Have I already asked if this was the end? Gosh, I hope not. I'm seriously crossing my fingers for at least "another" spin off....LOL. There are so many things happening in this story. Everything we've learned from the first two books comes to a major climax that will bring you to your knees. This book is about so many things: vengeance, determination, lust, love, family and power. But above all, the biggest lesson learned is that WOMAN RULE THE WORLD!!!!!!
November 13, 2020
Mercenary
(Gangsters of New York #3)
Written by: Bella Di Corte
5 Stars is not enough for this book
This book, this man, this woman, and this writer – This story takes you by the heart, wraps up all you wanted to know and leaves you wondering how you will go on without these people in your reading life.
Mercenary is the perfect ending to the Gangsters of New York Trilogy.
Readers of this series are aware of Corrado, but not Corrado Capitani…this is the first time we have heard of him, what does the name Corrado mean to you?
Alicina Parisi is related to someone Bella Di Corte’s readers hold dear and here she is, hiding in Italy. She knows “they” are looking for her. She covers her tracks well. She shouldn’t have done what she did, but she had no choice. Now in an exchange of information Corrado Capitani is looking for Alicina, to return her for punishment, but when he finds her punishment is the last thing on his mind.
In this the last book of the Gangsters of New York, author Bella Di Corte opens up the world and the history of two men. These are men who kill in vengeance and who love only once in their lifetime.
Through the Vegas desert, Sicily's pistachio groves, honeymoons and finally New York City readers get to live with these characters. Characters who love with heat and passion, fight to the death and want vengeance for wrongs they believe done to them.
She gives readers the history that is needed to give closure to one and to give the other a history and a family to the person he loves. So much history, so many misconceptions and someone may die because of all of this.
Let’s not forget the Fausti’s, damn, they have their fingers everywhere and some of them can be SO! MUCH! TROUBLE!
As a reader/reviewer of this three part series, it was not what I expected, it was amazing, and it was crazy! There were deaths; there were surprises and Never Ever doubt the love these men and women share. In fact, Never, Ever forget these women are forces to be reckoned with.
This series will be one that is reread time and time again.
(Gangsters of New York #3)
Written by: Bella Di Corte
5 Stars is not enough for this book
This book, this man, this woman, and this writer – This story takes you by the heart, wraps up all you wanted to know and leaves you wondering how you will go on without these people in your reading life.
Mercenary is the perfect ending to the Gangsters of New York Trilogy.
Readers of this series are aware of Corrado, but not Corrado Capitani…this is the first time we have heard of him, what does the name Corrado mean to you?
Alicina Parisi is related to someone Bella Di Corte’s readers hold dear and here she is, hiding in Italy. She knows “they” are looking for her. She covers her tracks well. She shouldn’t have done what she did, but she had no choice. Now in an exchange of information Corrado Capitani is looking for Alicina, to return her for punishment, but when he finds her punishment is the last thing on his mind.
In this the last book of the Gangsters of New York, author Bella Di Corte opens up the world and the history of two men. These are men who kill in vengeance and who love only once in their lifetime.
Through the Vegas desert, Sicily's pistachio groves, honeymoons and finally New York City readers get to live with these characters. Characters who love with heat and passion, fight to the death and want vengeance for wrongs they believe done to them.
She gives readers the history that is needed to give closure to one and to give the other a history and a family to the person he loves. So much history, so many misconceptions and someone may die because of all of this.
Let’s not forget the Fausti’s, damn, they have their fingers everywhere and some of them can be SO! MUCH! TROUBLE!
As a reader/reviewer of this three part series, it was not what I expected, it was amazing, and it was crazy! There were deaths; there were surprises and Never Ever doubt the love these men and women share. In fact, Never, Ever forget these women are forces to be reckoned with.
This series will be one that is reread time and time again.
November 22, 2020
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and is Corrado and Alcina’s story. Corrado is the prince of the Italian Mafia, who finds out that everything he thought he knew his whole life is a lie, which sends him on a mission of vengeance. Alcina is hiding in plain sights from some dangerous men that are threatening her and her family, and from the moment she comes across the new man in town she knows that resisting him is futile. No spoilers: this is one of those stories that needs to be read, as you will not be disappointed. This is a well written story which is filled with vengeance, danger, suspense, emotions, passion, and is an engaging and intriguing story. I was hooked throughout, and I recommend for all.
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