A review by elyssam
Meet the Benedettos: A Novel by Katie Cotugno

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Meet the Benedettos, like any Katie Cotugno book, is a good read. It follows the Benedetto family, a set of parents and their five adult daughters, who used to be reality tv stars and are now on the brink of foreclosure. When action star Charlie Bingley moves to the neighborhood with a roommate, Will Darcy, the Benedettos spend the next several months making headlines. Lilly, the second sister, can’t help but feel a magnet pulling her toward Will despite their reservations about one another. In Meet the Benedettos, we explore what the tabloids don’t mention or, more often than not, get wrong through multiple points of view. 

This modern Pride and Prejudice retelling was solidly structured. Honestly, with how well the characters fit the 2020s, it was not easy to pinpoint the classics inspiration. The glaringly obvious names and plot points were a big hint though, haha. I liked the intricacies of the family. Will’s backstory was heartbreaking and created a well-rounded character. His dynamic with Lilly, given her backstory, was messy in the best way possible. I always believe that two romantic characters need a good balance of similarities and differences, and these two reflected that. 

I would have loved more form these characters. The ending, though satisfying, felt abrupt and I was sad to have finished their story. 

Loved the Benedettos, loved Lilly and Will. Can’t wait to read more from Katie Cotugno.