Meet the Benedettos - by Katie Cotugno

About the Book

"Every family is complicated, and the Benedettos are no exception. A few years after a reality show skyrocketed them to pop culture notoriety, the five twenty-something sisters are living in their parent's crumbling McMansion, semi-famous and almost broke. The family's teetering towards rock bottom when Charlie Bingley, star of Captain Fantastic, moves into the neighborhood with his insufferable friend Will Darcy in tow. Charlie immediately falls for warm and lovely June, the oldest Benedetto sister. Though Cinta Benedetto, clueless matriarch, loves this potential match, there are plenty of people in Charlie's life who want him to steer clear of reality show has-beens. Lilly Benedetto, the second oldest sister, knows that her family is viewed as a spectacle, but she doesn't care, usually, because she has deeper sorrows to face. Will Darcy, Charlie's best friend from Julliard, left New York in a hurry, running from his own demons. Lilly finds Will to be stuck-up, arrogant, and judgmental. Will thinks Lilly is loud, brash, and defensive. And yet, they can't seem to stay away from each other... This is a story about a family that's "famous for being famous," the ways that preconceived notions can make fools of us all, and unexpected romances that bloom despite the odds. Katie Cotugno has brought a big, boisterous cast of characters to life in this deliciously sprawling Los Angeles story that is The Kardashians meets Pride and Prejudice"--

Book Synopsis

An A-list movie star moves to Los Angeles--next door to a family of five eligible sisters--in this irresistible novel where The Kardashians meets Pride and Prejudice, from the NYT bestselling author of Birds of California

Every family is complicated, and the Benedettos are no exception. A few years after a reality TV show skyrocketed them to pop-culture fame, the five twentysomething sisters are living together in their parents' crumbling McMansion, nearly broke and teetering towards rock-bottom. Lilly, the sensible second-eldest sister, is all too aware that her family is viewed as a spectacle, but she's focused on holding herself and her family together, and unlike her siblings she tends not to care what the world thinks.

The Benedettos' fortunes finally appear to be brightening when Charlie Bingley, the dashing star of Captain Fantastic, moves into their Los Angeles neighborhood with his friend Will Darcy in tow. It isn't long before Charlie falls for the warm and lovely eldest sister, June. Lilly has no such luck: the arrogant and judgmental Will Darcy, a man plagued by his own private demons, seems ready to clash with her at every turn--yet the two can't seem to stay away from each other. And while the Benedettos' matriarch sets to work encouraging a potential match between Charlie and June, there are plenty of others in the community who are determined to steer these eligible young men away from a ridiculous family of reality show has-beens...

Katie Cotugno brings a big, boisterous cast of characters to life in this deliciously sprawling LA story--a thoroughly fresh and modern tale about a family that's "famous for being famous," the ways that preconceived notions make fools of us all, and how unexpected romance can bloom despite the odds.

Review Quotes

"The perfect escapist novel: Meet the Benedettos is a funny, flashy, heartfelt story of self-discovery, a champagne-soaked romance, and a family drama, all in one. Cotugno's loveable, impetuous, sharp-witted characters find love and family bonds in the most hopeless places. These people are so vivid, I forgot they weren't real and tried to google them. Somebody make this book a movie, please." -- Meredith Goldstein, columnist for Boston Globe Love Letters and author of Things That Grow

"Meet the Benedettos is a smart, sharp, sisterly take on Pride and Prejudice. Katie Cotugno writes with such precision, giving each character a chance to shine, while still giving readers what they want - smoldering, unshakeable chemistry between Elisabetta and Darcy. It's hot and fun and modern, a must-read." -- Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask

"In this cute romp, Cotugno pulls off an unlikely mash-up ... Charming leads and roguish supporting characters alike leap off the page. ... Janeites and reality TV fans alike will devour this lively retelling." -- Publishers Weekly

"Wry, poignant, and charmingly incisive, Katie Cotugno's MEET THE BENEDETTOS is a retelling that is perfectly pitched to our pop culture moment. Cotugno's spare, careful prose is witty and warm, her characters flawed and human and so easy to root for. I loved these five sisters and all those they pulled into their orbit: MEET THE BENEDETTOS is a book that will have you thinking about love in all its iterations...and that will leave you feeling perfectly hopeful about love's impact on our very messy, very modern lives." -- Kate Clayborn, author of Georgie, All Along

It is also a commentary on reality-television programming and the Hollywood lifestyle, wrapped up in a lighthearted read....Austen fans will enjoy this new spin on what has become a franchise -- Library Journal

"The traditional Pride and Prejudice tropes are all here, this time with fun, modern twists. The chemistry between Lilly and Will (Darcy, naturally) is appropriately tense and pleasantly steamy. Cotugno is great with witty dialogue, and the famous story line lends itself surprisingly well to the standard Hollywood types. This is an enjoyable example of the classic-retelling genre. Cotugno's fans will be eager for this one." -- Booklist