Publication Date: December 5, 2023
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.
It’s been fun and games with the cameras rolling, creating a marketable image for the Benedetto family. With their reality show in the past and their reputation tarnished, the family tries to keep up appearances as the money runs out.
Meet the Benedettos is the literary equivalent of the Kardashians. Author Katie Cotugno once again uses Hollywood as a rich backdrop. Full of humorous zingers, the story showcases the escapades of the five Benedetto sisters and their parents, Dominic and Cinta.
Each chapter focuses on a key character. While the primary storyline centers around the budding romance between the eldest sister and an actor new to the neighborhood, sparks fly between the second oldest sister, Lilly, and the taciturn Will Darcy.
Pride and Prejudice fans will giggle at the modernization of the beloved tale that unfolds. Pemberly Grove gets time in the spotlight, with the Benedettos ensuring the new residents are welcomed properly.
Well-developed characters, along with snappy dialog, combine for a truly enjoyable story. There’s a more serious theme that emerges, centering around Lilly’s desire to escape the past and find true happiness.
Meet the Benedettos takes reality television stars mixed with a timeless tale of romance and lets the sparks fly while showing the true bond between sisters.
Katie Cotugno is the New York Times bestselling author of Birds of California and Meet the Benedettos as well as eight novels for young adults. She is also the coauthor (with Candace Bushnell) of Rules for Being a Girl. She lives in Boston with her family.
