A Reality Family Is Forced to Face Reality

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Modern-Day Pride and Prejudice Adaptation, Mature Audience

THE PREMISE: The Benedettos are a household name, but not the good kind – famous for being famous – and long remembered for the drama, partying, and antics of their family reality show – Meet the Benedettos. But lately their lives are falling apart and it feels like there is nothing Lilly can do to help. Do their new neighbors – two up and coming actors – create happy diversions for the sisters, or will they only add to their dilemmas…?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Fun & Feisty: Pop culture stars, McMansions, lavish parties, celebrity run-ins – it was great fun to check out the lifestyles of rich and famous in this story. The Benedettos are a brash and boisterous bunch – definitely an act first, think later types. I love how they are themselves – no pretense, no gloss, no public vs. private persona. Even though they appear to be “silly and ignorant,” there is more to them than people expect. I would love to be friends with this family, or better yet – I’d love to be in this family.
• Prejudgments and Parallels: With their fortune coming from a successful Italian restaurant franchise and their fame coming from reality TV show, it is easy to make assumptions about all the Benedettos and believe they fit all the stereotypes – whether it be “trashy” celebrities, wild party girls, or hot-headed, impulsive Italians. And as several characters learn – you shouldn’t prejudge, you shouldn’t assume you know everything about a person just because the “world”knows them. It was a terrific way to parallel the themes of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and bring it some more modern-day connection. I appreciated all the clever and creative ways Katie Cotugno structured her story to include some familiar broad strokes and events from P&P but at the same time incorporating her own plot points, relationships, and themes.

• Real and Relatable: I loved that this story portrayed characters with real struggles that modern-day readers can relate to, such as depression, drug-use, untimely deaths of loved ones, financial downturns, and unhealthy body images to name a few. Many of these struggles are ones readers can easily relate to – whether first or secondhand. We have moments where we question our worth, where we doubt our talents, or where we feel like we should give up. I enjoyed the character development and depth that came along with these hardships. And I appreciated feeling the challenges, the vulnerability, and the healing that these characters experienced.

• Reality Checks: This felt like an inside look – like the “reality” of the reality world. And the old adage proves true – all that glitters is not gold. I appreciated how Ms. Cotugno incorporated this theme and illustrated many different versions of these characters “facing reality.” Whether it be the reality of loss, the reality of change, or the reality of persevering.

• Lilly and Will: It was easy to like and feel emotionally invested in both these characters. I appreciated their individual struggles, the demons each were facing, and I loved all their heated interactions – whether they be the sort with undeniable attraction or verbal swordplay. I loved the teasing banter they engaged in as much as I loved the poignant scenes of open vulnerability and candidness. I thought the difficult pasts and internal struggles each character dealt with were thoughtful surprises.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:

• Small Quibbles: The ending wrapped up at warp speed. While I am happy with all the outcomes, I wish we had more time for them to develop – it almost felt unfinished. Maybe a sequel is in the works? 🤞🏼  Also, the chemistry that felt so magnetic and tenacious between Lilly and Will in the beginning of the novel did not seem to extend to their romantic interludes at the end of the novel – it felt a bit mechanical.

NOTE: Because of the frequent use of strong language and the inclusion of a few brief intimate scenes, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences

FINAL THOUGHTS:

📺  I love the idea of the Bennets being a reality TV family. Move over Kardashians, this is the reality show Austen fans want to see!

👁  Intimate, vulnerable, and real – don’t let the glitter and glam fool you, this book has more depth than meets the eye.

🤪  The Benedettos put the FUN in dysfunctional family, but what was truly wonderful to witness was their fierce loyalty, supportive camaraderie, and unconditional love for each other.

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