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Meet, Play, Love
Italy was supposed to be an uncomplicated trip with the girls. But that was before a rainstorm, a washed-out road, and a forced overnight stay at a Sicilian vineyard. Before Gian DeLuca. My already broken heart does not need an American marketing executive playing pool boy at Locanda del Mare for the summer. An arrogant commitment-phobe who wants to drink his way through Sicily. He was never the right man for the Eat Pray Love quest his sister sent him on, and I’m not right for him. Besides, I’m here to sort out my future, not to get stuck in a tiny villa overnight with Gian and definitely not to help him add to his long list of Italian conquests. So much for uncomplicated.
216 pages, Paperback
Published February 19, 2023
128 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Bella Michaels
18 books456 followersCissy Mecca is the real-life nickname of the author behind steamy small-town romance novels. When she’s not writing historical romance as Cecelia Mecca or crafting romantasy as C.L. Mecca, she enjoys dreaming up captivating escapes for readers. Cissy lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 18, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟐.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲, 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓:
✿ Forced-Proximity
✿ Reformed playboy
✿ Afraid of Committment MMC x Ready for Committment FMC
The meet-cute was unique, who wouldn't want to meet an attractive pool boy in Italy ? However, the relationship itself happened very quickly. One minute they were meeting each other, and the next, they were utterly enamored and wanted more. It's not bad, but I hoped there had been a gradual development between meeting each other in Italy and returning home. Gian is known to have commitment issues, and Mazzie is the complete opposite; therefore, their interactions sometimes contradict their character. The two instantly forged a connection and understood on a deeper level, yet the book's pacing was off. I wish Mazzie had stuck to her word and maintained a friendship with Giani before initiating something with him. The two were expecting more than they were willing to give. It was a cute story, but the relationship was not compelling because their personality and commitment levels changed overnight.
. *. ⋆O͢V͢E͢R͢A͢L͢L͢
Despite the instant attraction, there will be heartfelt moments in the book. This book gives off the perfect summer vibes; realistically, anyone would want to be in a situation like this. Falling for someone who speaks Italian? Sign me up. This might be the book for you if you’re looking for a quick read to get out of a slump. It’s fast-paced, so if you’re not looking for a slow burn and want to get straight to the point, Giani and Mazzie are the ones that will win you over. This book was a clear case of “when you know, you know,” and it’s something special to read about.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲, 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳
𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓:
✿ Forced-Proximity
✿ Reformed playboy
✿ Afraid of Committment MMC x Ready for Committment FMC
The meet-cute was unique, who wouldn't want to meet an attractive pool boy in Italy ? However, the relationship itself happened very quickly. One minute they were meeting each other, and the next, they were utterly enamored and wanted more. It's not bad, but I hoped there had been a gradual development between meeting each other in Italy and returning home. Gian is known to have commitment issues, and Mazzie is the complete opposite; therefore, their interactions sometimes contradict their character. The two instantly forged a connection and understood on a deeper level, yet the book's pacing was off. I wish Mazzie had stuck to her word and maintained a friendship with Giani before initiating something with him. The two were expecting more than they were willing to give. It was a cute story, but the relationship was not compelling because their personality and commitment levels changed overnight.
. *. ⋆O͢V͢E͢R͢A͢L͢L͢
Despite the instant attraction, there will be heartfelt moments in the book. This book gives off the perfect summer vibes; realistically, anyone would want to be in a situation like this. Falling for someone who speaks Italian? Sign me up. This might be the book for you if you’re looking for a quick read to get out of a slump. It’s fast-paced, so if you’re not looking for a slow burn and want to get straight to the point, Giani and Mazzie are the ones that will win you over. This book was a clear case of “when you know, you know,” and it’s something special to read about.
February 24, 2023
MEET, PLAY, LOVE
Release Date: 02/22/22
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Bella Michaels
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Mazzie & Gian
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: one bedroom; forced proximity; vacation
Review:
After losing her father, Mazzie goes on a trip to an idyllic Italian villa with her three friends to have some fun and peace. There she meets Gian, who is spending the summer working in the villa. Mazzie wants to have a relationship, Gian doesn’t even want to hear about it. Even though wanting very different things they start to get closer and things get a little complicated.
But don’t worry, this is not an angsty story, it’s one you may want to read to have a nice time and imagine yourself in Italy on vacation meeting someone special or just enjoying the view.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
Release Date: 02/22/22
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Bella Michaels
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Mazzie & Gian
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: one bedroom; forced proximity; vacation
Review:
After losing her father, Mazzie goes on a trip to an idyllic Italian villa with her three friends to have some fun and peace. There she meets Gian, who is spending the summer working in the villa. Mazzie wants to have a relationship, Gian doesn’t even want to hear about it. Even though wanting very different things they start to get closer and things get a little complicated.
But don’t worry, this is not an angsty story, it’s one you may want to read to have a nice time and imagine yourself in Italy on vacation meeting someone special or just enjoying the view.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
February 17, 2023
Meet, Play, Love by Bella Michaels is an entertaining forced proximity/vacation romance featuring Mazzie and Gian, who are both in need of recharging and some soul-searching. While it is definitely an opposites attract situation at first with Gian being a committed playboy and Mazzie looking for a solid relationship, they are inexplicably drawn to each other when they meet at the resort in Italy. Can they overcome their insecurities and different perspectives on relationships in order to find common ground before it’s too late?
One of my favorite things about this book was the world building and the intricate details employed to describe the scenes in Italy, as well as the character interactions. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, and I definitely want to go back and read more about Gian’s brothers. I do wish we would have seen more with Gian and Enzo together addressing that competitive dynamic Gian had created in his mind. I liked the way that Mazzie and Gian would support each other when discussing things that were emotional. Gian does the supportive boyfriend thing really well, but both of them needed lessons in communicating feelings. People cannot read minds!🤦🏼♀️ As for as the chemistry, the had that in spades, even during the slow burn period!🔥 The sparks were flying! Overall, it was a fun, low angst, spicy read with great characters.
4.5 Stars
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of my favorite things about this book was the world building and the intricate details employed to describe the scenes in Italy, as well as the character interactions. This is only the second book I’ve read by this author, and I definitely want to go back and read more about Gian’s brothers. I do wish we would have seen more with Gian and Enzo together addressing that competitive dynamic Gian had created in his mind. I liked the way that Mazzie and Gian would support each other when discussing things that were emotional. Gian does the supportive boyfriend thing really well, but both of them needed lessons in communicating feelings. People cannot read minds!🤦🏼♀️ As for as the chemistry, the had that in spades, even during the slow burn period!🔥 The sparks were flying! Overall, it was a fun, low angst, spicy read with great characters.
4.5 Stars
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 22, 2023
A beautiful trip to Italy, a life changing trip to Italy. Mazzie has had a lot of loss in her life lately, when her friend talks her into a trip of a lifetime…she takes the trip. While on vacation she meets Gian. Gian is handsome, charming and comes from a great family. But does Mazzie need a vacation fling or a happily ever after?! I really enjoyed Mazzie and Gian. They definitely had an instant connection and page turning chemistry. What I really Liked about them is how open and honest they were with each other and how supportive they were. Mazzie had some emotional baggage to unpack and her future to think about. Where Gian learned how to be more confident with his feelings, they did that for each other. This was a very entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 22, 2023
This was a beautiful book that I enjoyed very much. Mazzie and Gian were wonderful characters and I loved reading about them and their journey but I also loved the detailed descriptions of the scenes in Sicily. The details allowed me to envision the scenes as they were playing out. I have not read any of the other books in this series but I will definitely take the time to read them and get to know more about the DeLuca family. I had lots of fun with the characters and I found myself wanting to keep reading with every turn of the page. My first book by Bella Michaels but it most certainly will not be my last. Looking forward to getting to know the DeLuca brothers and reading about their journeys to love.
I received an arc copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 17, 2023
When two people are at a crossroads in their life and they meet. . . in romantic Italy.
First off, I think a fan should come with the purchase of this book because meeting Gian will bring the temperature up in any room. Very handsome ladies man, sure of himself, suave, and only one weakness: Mazzie.
On a girls' getaway trip to Italy, Mazzie's reason for being there was to get away from life's hard knocks in Scotsdale, AZ. To say Gian captured her attention is an understatement. This is the type of man that kidnaps your attention and leaves you with lingering thoughts later on in the day.
These two meet in Italy, both happy to enjoy one another. . . until it becomes so much more. I was offered an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts on this story.
First off, I think a fan should come with the purchase of this book because meeting Gian will bring the temperature up in any room. Very handsome ladies man, sure of himself, suave, and only one weakness: Mazzie.
On a girls' getaway trip to Italy, Mazzie's reason for being there was to get away from life's hard knocks in Scotsdale, AZ. To say Gian captured her attention is an understatement. This is the type of man that kidnaps your attention and leaves you with lingering thoughts later on in the day.
These two meet in Italy, both happy to enjoy one another. . . until it becomes so much more. I was offered an ARC and wanted to post my thoughts on this story.
February 22, 2023
This holiday/vacation romance kept me up all night as I was curious to know how things would unravel. I loved Bella's writing and the world she has created. The descriptions were so vivid that I could imagine every bit of the narrative without any effort.
Gian and Mazzie had me engrossed in there story from the first page. I was super excited as I wanted to know how they would get together as one was a commitment phobic and other has a lot going on. As they say, things happens when you least expect it.
I had heart eye's through the read. I loved the bond they shared and there chemistry was smoking hot. Though, it's a short read I enjoyed it. I cannot wait for the next book. Thanks to Bella for the advanced copy
Gian and Mazzie had me engrossed in there story from the first page. I was super excited as I wanted to know how they would get together as one was a commitment phobic and other has a lot going on. As they say, things happens when you least expect it.
I had heart eye's through the read. I loved the bond they shared and there chemistry was smoking hot. Though, it's a short read I enjoyed it. I cannot wait for the next book. Thanks to Bella for the advanced copy
February 25, 2023
Mazzie is a character who has experienced a recent loss and is in a transitional phase when she heads to Sicily with friends. There she meets the gorgeous Gian, a man with model good looks and an allergy to commitment. Even though she isn’t usually his type, he finds himself drawn to Mazzie. Their love story is fairly conventional, but in these winter days, I found the vision of beautiful Sicily irresistible. I gave an extra star for the location.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2023
What a great story of Gian and Mazzie. Traveling to Italy on vacation and finding Gian is not what Mazzie had planned for her life but what an amazing adventure she found.
I loved this story full of amazing details of Sicily and amore. Another chapter in the life of the Deluca and Grado families brought to us by Bella Michaels. Nothing better than to get lost in the words that let is live another life with this book.
I loved this story full of amazing details of Sicily and amore. Another chapter in the life of the Deluca and Grado families brought to us by Bella Michaels. Nothing better than to get lost in the words that let is live another life with this book.
February 17, 2023
I had a fun time with this but the writing was a bit clunky. Gian and Mazzie were super cute and I loved seeing him fall in love for the first time. I think it could be improved if the author stayed in the scenes more. I think it jumped to the next day sometimes when it should have stayed there if that makes sense.
I received an arc through grey's promotion.
I received an arc through grey's promotion.
February 19, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
One of the most touching books I’ve read!
Gian stole my breath, he was so precious and loving, and Mazie was a total sweetheart.
This is one of those books you know you’re going to refer to as a marker for all other romance books.
Just plain brilliant! I loved it!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
One of the most touching books I’ve read!
Gian stole my breath, he was so precious and loving, and Mazie was a total sweetheart.
This is one of those books you know you’re going to refer to as a marker for all other romance books.
Just plain brilliant! I loved it!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
February 22, 2023
Amazon
Mazzie's come on vacation to escape her normal life. Then she meets gorgeous Gian, and she's wondering if a fling is in order. But could this be a fling turned more? Is she really up for the possibility of having her heart broken by this man who's obviously a playboy?
Gian's been around beautiful women all his life, but none have ever captured his interest the way Mazzie has. This commitment phobe may have just met his match, and now he has to decide what's more valuable - his playboy lifestyle or the possibility of the kind of love his family has been finding.
Gian and Mazzie practically lit up my Kindle with their chemistry. It was obvious from their first encounter that there was something in the offing there, they just had to take that leap and grab it with both hands. I always love reading as playboys are brought to their knees by love, and boy was Gian reformed by Mazzie, and I was cheering her on the whole way.
ARC provided by for an honest review.
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February 24, 2023
Meet, Play, Love by Bella Michaels
I absolutely loved that the author took us to Italy in this book. This is Mazzie and Gian’s story and it is one you can feel as you read word for word. Mazzie and her friends are traveling for a girls trip to non other than the beautiful Italy. In this vacation she meets Gian. Now Gian is not looking for a relationship or anything resembling one. However when he meets Mazzie something about her just pulls him to her. Their chemistry was palpable and of the charts. I love that this author helps us feel like we are a part of the story and your actually friends with the characters you are reading on the pages of the book. I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend. It was a fun a bit emotional but sweet romance you won’t want to miss.
I absolutely loved that the author took us to Italy in this book. This is Mazzie and Gian’s story and it is one you can feel as you read word for word. Mazzie and her friends are traveling for a girls trip to non other than the beautiful Italy. In this vacation she meets Gian. Now Gian is not looking for a relationship or anything resembling one. However when he meets Mazzie something about her just pulls him to her. Their chemistry was palpable and of the charts. I love that this author helps us feel like we are a part of the story and your actually friends with the characters you are reading on the pages of the book. I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend. It was a fun a bit emotional but sweet romance you won’t want to miss.
February 23, 2023
Mazzie and Gian
I loved the way Bella Michael's wrote this book. The story of Mazzie and Gian; how they became a couple.. one of the biggest characters in the book was the beautiful descriptions of different areas of Italy. Truly, she made me feel as though I was standing on the beach watching the sunset, feeling the heat, and tasting the wine.
I am really excited for the new series set in Kitchi Falls where not only the familiar characters will be involved, but we're going to be introduced to a whole new cast.
I loved the way Bella Michael's wrote this book. The story of Mazzie and Gian; how they became a couple.. one of the biggest characters in the book was the beautiful descriptions of different areas of Italy. Truly, she made me feel as though I was standing on the beach watching the sunset, feeling the heat, and tasting the wine.
I am really excited for the new series set in Kitchi Falls where not only the familiar characters will be involved, but we're going to be introduced to a whole new cast.
May 29, 2023
This was so good!
Bella Michael’s is a new favorite of mine. The first book I read was Entry Level. Then, I went back to the Grado family and then the Boys of Bridgewater. Her writing is so descriptive. I have not been to Sicily but was on the Amalfi coast and I could picture her locations so perfectly. I loved Gian and Mazzie together. I loved how he found what he was missing. I loved how Mazzie called him out and how she healed while in Italy. I loved the segue into her new book and am going to grab it next!
Bella Michael’s is a new favorite of mine. The first book I read was Entry Level. Then, I went back to the Grado family and then the Boys of Bridgewater. Her writing is so descriptive. I have not been to Sicily but was on the Amalfi coast and I could picture her locations so perfectly. I loved Gian and Mazzie together. I loved how he found what he was missing. I loved how Mazzie called him out and how she healed while in Italy. I loved the segue into her new book and am going to grab it next!
March 11, 2024
Mazzie and Gian sigh! Not looking for commitment , Gian is a player. Mazzie, still raw from on the heel of her father's death, longs for commitment and a husband. Neither is ready for the big attraction to each other in a foreign country and then thousands of miles away in the US. Beware of what you want. The attraction is strong and really heavy. So many things to work out so much to discover about each other. Such a good book.
July 11, 2025
Loved this sweet and spicy romance!
I loved this sweet and spicy romance with a beautiful setting. I felt like I was in the Italian countryside. Mazzie and Gian are opposite as can be but exactly what the other needs. I also loved that Gian’s family was from both Pennsylvania and the Finger Lakes region. I live in Pa and visit Keuka Lake regularly.
I highly recommend this quick read for an Italian romance escape!
I loved this sweet and spicy romance with a beautiful setting. I felt like I was in the Italian countryside. Mazzie and Gian are opposite as can be but exactly what the other needs. I also loved that Gian’s family was from both Pennsylvania and the Finger Lakes region. I live in Pa and visit Keuka Lake regularly.
I highly recommend this quick read for an Italian romance escape!
February 23, 2023
Meet, Play, Love by Bella Michaels is the story of Mazzie and Gian. Mazzie and her friends feels she needs a break. So they go on a girls trip to Italy. This is where she meets Gian. Gian doesn't do commitment but there is something about Mazzie that draws him in. I enjoyed their story and I hope to read more from this author.
February 22, 2023
Lo Amo
Lo Amo, yes loved it! Beautiful story and beautifully written. It’s easy to fall right in the story. Even though this mentions other known characters, this truly is a stand alone.
Lo Amo, yes loved it! Beautiful story and beautifully written. It’s easy to fall right in the story. Even though this mentions other known characters, this truly is a stand alone.
March 6, 2023
Super great story
This was a great story, couldn’t put it down. You must read this you won’t be disappointed. This is the first time reading Bella Michaels books and I definitely was not disappointed.
This was a great story, couldn’t put it down. You must read this you won’t be disappointed. This is the first time reading Bella Michaels books and I definitely was not disappointed.
March 12, 2023
Easy read
Great book that was easy to read. I flew through it as we learned about each character. Gian and Mazzie certainly have chemistry and it was fun watching their story unfold. Will read more from this author!
Great book that was easy to read. I flew through it as we learned about each character. Gian and Mazzie certainly have chemistry and it was fun watching their story unfold. Will read more from this author!
February 22, 2023
I want to go to Italy!!
Love love love this story... We all should be able to find that one person Nd throw caution to the wind or better yet buy a ticket to Italy ! Great story
Love love love this story... We all should be able to find that one person Nd throw caution to the wind or better yet buy a ticket to Italy ! Great story
February 25, 2023
I absolutely loved Gian and Mazzie’s story. Being Italian, it was so much fun reading about them in Italy. Looking forward to Mazzie’s Neighbor, Lucas and his story too.
March 12, 2023
Love this SO much, I had to go back and read ALL the others!!💕💕💕
October 2, 2023
So Sweet!
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know all of the characters! In addition, I now want to travel to all of the amazing towns in Italy too!!!
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know all of the characters! In addition, I now want to travel to all of the amazing towns in Italy too!!!
January 13, 2024
Just enough grammatical errors to make this the perfect little hallmark movie book
January 15, 2024
Struggled to read this book. Didn’t have much substance.
February 11, 2024
really cute, the whole “commitment phobe” thing wasn’t really convincing
August 14, 2024
I enjoyed reading about Mazzie and Gian.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews