Bella Vita: Can Living in the Moment Lead to a Beautiful Life?

by Mary Belle

Fate brought them together. Will real life keep them apart?

Mia and Gennaro met by chance in Italy, with a not-so-one-night stand that tested their ability to live presently. While they learned to enjoy life’s simple pleasures a bit more and question the endgame a little less, they fell quickly and deeply for one another.

With five thousand miles separating them, the odds are not in their favor, and love at first sight could prove too good to be true.

But while Mia is physically back in the States, helping her best friend navigate her own marital struggles, she quickly realizes her heart is embedded in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Gennaro feels the pull of it all as he’s left to pick up the pieces of an ailing parent and their business, which now hangs in the balance. He’s always been loyal to his family, doing what’s expected of him–until now.

Can living in the moment, and staying true to their wants and desires lead them to a beautiful life together?

Strong family bonds and friendships are tested, as Mia and Gennaro determine if their whirlwind romance was temporary or meant to last forever.

Vivi il Momento must be read before Bella Vita, as the books' storylines are chronological in Mary Belle’s Italia Series.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2024

About the author

For the lovers of love...

I'm an indie author who writes relatable romance stories with equal parts steamy spice and laugh out loud dialogue and banter.

An advocate of gentlemen seasoned generally with spice, women with a lot to say who don't shy away from their emotions, and find their most confident self along the way, as well as hilarious supporting characters that connect all of the dots.

My debut, Vivi il Momento, is based on an 2015 vacation to Italy and the sequel, Bella Vita, is coming soon!

Reviews

[Charmy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4.5⭐️. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel good, lovey dovey romance (especially in between heavier books) this is definitely the book for you. This books starts where book 1 left off and takes you on the journey to Mia and Gennaro’s happily ever after. Romantic dates, grand gestures, and the sweetest MMC 🥰 (at least when it comes to his lady…weird exes not included lol).

I loved the banter between Mia and her Inner Critic in this book. All the things you think an inner critic would say in a relationship that moves so fast…hers was definitely on top of it! It was also a nice change of pace to not yell at a book “why would you do that!?” When there was conflict the characters approached it with quick communication or action. In some books the over exaggerated drama drives the plot but the quick resolutions in Bella Vita just strengthened how good of a match the two MCs were together.

Without giving away plot details…I’m glad Allie and Pesca got their chance at happiness, too. Pesca was one of my favorites in the first book and she deserved happiness. Poor Allie struggled a bit during this book and definitely earned her happiness. Rooting for her and 🤫 (you gotta read it to find out). I was a little sad about the epilogue but it made sense with how things were going. Solid romance read ♥️

[Devin Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with both books in this series. I even bought an extra copy of each so I don’t have to share and can keep re-reading them. My only hope is that this is not the end. Would love to see them grow with a family and to see what happens to their loved ones.

[Lisa Landivar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia and Gennaro’s story continues.. and it is a beautiful ride! Mary Belle has done it again! Her writing style puts you right into it as if you are part of the family! It gives us hope that soul mates exist. That true love does not always come in a perfect package, but once unwrapped it is such a beautiful existence.
If you have not read Vivi il Momento yet, I suggest you grab both books together, as you will not want to take a break from the greatest love story of this Decade!!

Every character has a place in my heart! Papa reminds me so much of my grandpa. Pesca reminds me of my Aunt Ro.. always there when needed and straight to the point!! I will miss them all!

[L. Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

The amazing conclusion to the Italia duology! Love this duology so much!

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PLEASE NOTE: If you’ve not read Vivi Il Momento, there may be *light* spoilers to that book in this review. Please read book 1 before reading this review. If you’ve read both books, there are not spoilers.

—

Gennaro and Mia have realized they have something special, but at the end of book 1 we know that something serious has happened at the villa. I’m gonna be honest! I thought it had to do with Gennaro’s ex. I was wrong! (Also very wrong if you read on— no spoilers.)

Once everything is sorted as much as it can be, Gennaro heads to the states and this is where the love story picks up. This book was beautiful as Gennaro and Mia navigate toward a life together and what that would look like.

This book was less spice and more steam than book one, but the love shone through.

This is an amazing duology and I highly recommend it! Support indie by escaping to Italy in this fun, steamy, and all together beautiful romance!

[Donna Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues from book one with Mia’s and Gennaro’s happily ever after. Will they be able to achieve this happily ever after with all the turmoil in the family. The ex-wife to be ,the baby issue, Papa’s issues?? Mary continues to be extremely descriptive with the views from their home and the aromas from the kitchen of freshly made breads and pastas and sauces. You can feel the sun on your face, the sun in your eyes, the reflection off the pool waters as if you are right there. Is there a possibility of more Romances going on with Allie and the family friend Pesca ? Well I won’t tell you !!! You’ll have to read it to find out. I will say the ending made me reach for a tissue, but it actually makes sense. Great characters . Strong women but still vulnerable A really wonderful love story !! Grab hold of this one you’ll definitely enjoy it !!!

[Roseann Bellettieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivio il Momento leads you to a Bella Vita

When I read a book and just don’t want it to end, that iswhen I write a review. When I read a book and feel I am part of the story and fall in love with the characters, that is when I write a review. When I read a book and I smile and cry happy tears, that is when I write a review. When I read a book and live in Italy with a real family, that is when I write a review. When I read a book and want everyone to know that they will be treating themselves to hours of pure joy and a little spice of course, that is when I write a review. So for all these reasons and lots more. I have written my review. So proud of you Mary😰🥰

[Franceaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this second book in a day-and-into-the-wee-morning-hours kind of read. Working from home was a blessing with this second book. If you need to believe in love, this book will do it for you. If you want to be transported to Tuscany, this book will take you there. You will fall in love with the characters and all of their flaws. Everything about this duet was beautiful. Everything. I know I will always return to this duet when I need to keep believing in love.

[Brenna Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING

She does it again!! This book is so great! Displaying all things romance. Another great by MBB. Showing women how they deserve to be treated by falling in love with the characters! I was so excited to read the second this dropped. Like the first, I could not put it down. Highly recommend. makes me wanna to book my trip to Italy asap. Great work, Mare- can’t wait for the next one!

[Craig Bockelken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read timeless romance.

Mary Belle had me envisioning that I was right there in Italy. Each time I picked up the book I felt like I was escaping to Italy. I throughly enjoyed both of the books in this series and highly recommend!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried, I laughed, I was totally connected and captivated and couldn’t put it down. Bella Vita’s Mia & Gennaro prove romance and true love are back and I absolutely loved it !!!!

[Fran Andino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down after I finished reading the first book “ Vivi il Momento” loved how the story continued and how it ended I laughed and cried and smiled and couldn’t put it down!! TAKE ME TO ITALY!!!

[Becky (Baker) Bova · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful love story!!!! I loved this series! So well written, I was wrapped up in it and never wanted to stop reading! I would give it 1000 stars if I could!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another fantastic read! I couldn't get enough of this book. It really had all of the feels, and the ending gave so much closure. Besides it being such a fantastic story to escape into, it's also relatable!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great conclusion!

Absolutely loved the way this all ended up, except for the epilogue. Ugh! Those tears! 🩷 Definitely take the time to read this!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Bella Vita and seeing more of Mia and Gennaro’s story. Two day beach read! Really couldn’t put it down!

[LILIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to Vivi il Momento. In Bella Vita we follow Mia and Gennaro trying to make long distance work. Not only do they have five thousand miles in between them but they are also struggling with a stubborn patriarch. These obstacles are not an easy feat and we see the relationship flourish with understanding and communication that is not easily seen. I personally loved seeing how each interaction with each other made their relationship so much stronger. Bella Vita taught us the importance of having a support system. From Mia’s immediate family, to her best friend Allie ( who I loved) to Gennaro’s family and friends, it allowed us to see that it takes a village in order to make a relationship work but more importantly how communication is key. Mary Belle tied Mia and Gennaro’s love story together with a perfect bow.

[Jessi Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and again I could NOT put it down!
Please please please tell me Allie & Vincenzo get their own book next?!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful finish to the first book!

This little duo set of books was amazing and a super fun ride to read heh. Puns. As a Jersey girl who married an (American) Italian man this book was so fun to read. It reminded me of when I visited Italy so perfectly and the conclusion to the story was just what the first book needed. Loved it and can’t wait to see what else the author will maybe write in the future!!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My vacation in Italy came to an end when I finished this book! I enjoyed this more than the first book. The love story between Gennaro and Mia was beautiful and makes you think your person is out there. Once you know you know. I hope the author makes a 3rd book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to read the next chapter about Mia and Gennaro. I enjoyed Bella Vita immensely. Every couple should have such a wonderful romance.

[Samantha Orta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my emotions all over the place, it’s sad, happy, funny, steamy, sexy, everything you could ever ask for. The ending is not what I expected and had me in tears so make sure you have some tissues. It’s truly a beautiful love story. 🥰

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Belle does it again!
When readers like particular book characters, they often become intertwined in their lives. I can easily get on board with character personalities and sometimes they gel with mine and others I'm waiting to get to the last page...but here, in Mary Belle's Italia series, Mia and Gennaro have been part of my literary SOUL since Vivi Il Momento came out last year. I literally was biding the time until Bella Vita was available to read. And once again, Mary Belle DID. NOT. DISSAPOINT.

I was both consuming each page with such urgency while also trying to slow down and savor the moments because I knew this was going to be the end of their story. But I couldn't help myself. Mia and Gennaro (and Pesca! Can't forget about that gem of a lady!) brought me into their worlds and I felt like I truly knew them. I mean, I would talk about these characters on a first name basis with my friends and family (some of whom had no idea who I was talking about and thought these people were real humans in my life!). It was nice to have a book to fall so effortlessly in love with that could transport me from the stressors that life was throwing out and feel a warm happiness that didn't leave me cringing or wishing for more.

Bella Vita is the missing piece of your Italian contemporary romance heart that you didn't even know you needed.

[Shannon Sabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crawling out from under my post book depression to write this review… UGH. Why did it have to end?! 😭 This was the absolute brain break of a duology that I needed after some recent heavier reads. Heavy on the spice 🌶️ and felt like I was transported to Italy while reading. I loved the first book in this duo (Vivi il Momento) and did not anticipate this one to top it, but dare I say…it did! I purposely only allowed myself to read a few chapters a day to try and make it last longer, knowing this was only a 2 book series, and it still went too fast! Obviously you need to know what you’re getting yourself into… which is a pretty cheesy (in the best way possible) romance book with very low probability of happening in real life scenarios, but again, a brain break book. I wasn’t looking for real life and these 2 books nailed it. Very pleased with the ending and so happy with the development of Allie’s situation (IYKYK) and feel like there could be 3rd book potential with that storyline! 😉🤞🏻

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy! Empowering! Binge-worthy! Laugh-out-loud funny! All the things you didn’t even know you wanted in a novel.

Mia and Gennaro’s love story is wrapped up beautifully in this follow-up novel to Vivi il Momento. We follow them as they navigate a long-distance love and family drama (don’t we all have a bit of that?) to the Italian Villa landscape we can only dream of. The heat was turned a bit this go around and it doesn’t disappoint, but there’s so much more to this novel than that. Life lessons, a “family is the most important” mindset from our lead characters, funny yet charming supporting characters and witty banter left me wanting more from this author.

“All we could ask was to be perfectly imperfect with the person who was perfect for us.” - Mary Belle “Bella Vita”

[Alexandria Wermer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought this love story couldn’t get any better! 😍

Gennaro and Mia will really have you considering to pack your backs and fly off to another country to search for the love of your life. (If I didn’t already have mine, I’d do it 🤪)

This book picked up right where book 1 (ViVi il Momento) left off.

Mary Belle’s style of writing keeps you intrigued with the storyline every step of the way. The dialogue was perfect (even with her inner critic, whom I loved!) and had you acting out facial expressions while reading along. 🤣

If you want to laugh, get angry, and cry all in one book… this is it!

I’ll miss these characters so so much, but I perfect ending to their love story was worth it. 🥹🖤

[Alissa Salerno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even express to you how good this series is. I was really tired and wanted to relax one night so I picked up the book and started reading. I was up until 2AM with my book light and my husband wanted to kill me. That didn’t last long because the book is fun and full of lusty and intricately detailed intimacy that it made us have even more fun LOL (TMI) sorry. But the story line and the characters I literally can picture them and wish I could meet them that’s how into this series I am. I almost done with this book (Bella Vita) but trying to take my time because I do not want it to end. Please come out with more soon.

[Donna Mouser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the events of the first book, Bella Vita follows Mia and Gennaro as they figure out how to live following their whirlwind romance during Mia’s Italian vacation. What I liked about this book was how positive it is - if you’ve ever read a book and wished you could just have a second book where they’re just happy, in love, and figuring out life together then this is that book! My favorite character, as always, is the Inner Critic.

[Leah (dark&twistedromancemama) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Vita is like a movie in words. This story continues with Gennaro and Mia’s whirlwind love story. Their chemistry is fire and Mary couldn’t have written their continuation better! Family, friends, Tuscan countryside, family drama, Roman rooftops, Gennaro’s exquisite planning, Venetian canals, long distance calls, ex drama, and best friends finding love… all that and more is the love story of these two love struck characters. I couldn’t put it down!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏🏼👏🏼Bravo!! What an incredible finish to this two book series! I fell in love with Mia, Gennaro and their amazing group of family and friends. I laughed, I cried, I blushed 🌶️🥵 and loved every moment. The ending.. oh my goodness. 😭

Cannot wait to see what’s next Mary Belle!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10!!! This book definitely tugged at all my heart strings!! It’s a must read! & make sure you have a box of tissues next to you!!