Mafia Chic

by Erica Orloff

As the only granddaughter among seventeen grandsons of one of New York's reputed Mafia dons, Teddi Gallo has been surrounded by overprotective men all her life...not to mention those FBI agents tailing her family. But now, determined to live her own life, she has decamped to Manhattan with dreams of making it in the brutal restaurant business.

Soon, however, she is finding her dinner plate is more than full as she juggles an old-money, news-anchor boyfriend, a devastatingly handsome FBI agent trailing her 24/7, a nervous accountant concerned her business is failing and her cousin Tony acting as her bodyguard. Toss in bringing her new beau home for Sunday dinner and trying to explain the hundred pairs of stolen Jimmy Choos in her Uncle Vito's living room...and Teddi Gallo's already-chaotic life is made all the more messy. Maybe a few well-hatched plans, a bit of matchmaking and a dose of Mafia Chic will get her out of this jam.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, New York

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

"Erica Orloff is a native New Yorker, novelist, blogger, mother of four, chronic insomniac, alt-rock loving, voracious reader (and prolific writer) who has written over twenty novels across a number of genres and pen names. She currently lives in Virginia where she rarely sleeps, roots for the Yankees and the NY Giants, knits in her almost-never free time, herds worms with her six-year-old Pirate Boy, and tries to hold onto what little sanity she has left." (http://www.ericaorloff.com/about.html)

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoy this novel. It is funny. The chemistry between Teddi (our heroine) and FBI agent Mark is just wonderful. The book for me has that warm, sweet, cozy feel of a Hallmark movie. The secondary characters were fantastic. Her best friend Di loved that character to pieces!. The world building was also lovely. I learned a little about Italian , (not necessarily mafia). I'll have to keep an eye out for other books by Erica Orloff

[Tye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was funny, believable, and romantic.

It appealed to my mafia wanna-be side and my hopeless romantic.

I hope to find more good books like this.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vooral amusant

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Als je dit leest na mijn status update: ik had de naam van de schrijfster verkeerd geschreven en heb hem inderdaad toch gevonden. Excuus, ik klaagde te snel)

Oké dus, veel van de boeken die ik nu lees komen van mijn locale bibliotheek vandaan, van die goede ouwe tijd dat je nog een tasje vol afgeschreven boeken kon vullen voor echt twee euro of iets. En ja, ik kom er nu pas achter hoe slecht het merendeel is.

Als de “als ik een euro kreeg voor iedere keer dat” situaties echt bestonden, dan had ik graag een euro gewild voor iedere keer dat er iets werd gezegd over het feit dat Teddi uit een maffiagezin komt.

Want dat is zo goed als elke bladzijde.

Élke

Freaking

Bladzijde.

Als je nog een leuk drankspelletje zoekt doe het dan met dit boek, want na een kwart van dit verhaal garandeer ik je al volledige dronkenschap.

Lady Di en Teddi vond ik leuke karakters. Gewoon lekkere eigenzinnige meiden die duidelijk genieten van hun leven als jongvolwassenen. Natuurlijk herinnert Teddi ons elke bladzijde over dat ze uit een maffiagezin komt, maar als je gelooft in tweede kansen zie je dat ze best een leuke meid is. En ze kan goed koken en de passie die ze ervoor heeft is wel heel aandoenlijk om te lezen. Lady Di heeft een goeie smaak qua kleding en tja, heb ik nu eenmaal wel een zwak voor.

Maar dan komen we op de twee liefdesinteresses en mijn God, pak de drankfles weer uit de kast. Die Robert is vanaf het begin al een creep, en dat blijkt vooral uit de telefoontjes waarbij telkens wordt gevraagd wat Teddi op dat moment draagt. Kijk, ik ben geen heilige meer en ik weet hoeveel jongens dit oprecht vragen, als grapje of serieus. Maar als je dat doet terwijl je iemand net kent en het gesprek ook niet echt heel flirterig verloopt, serieus? En het ergste is dat ik niet eens weet of dat dit een rode vlag geval was, of dat de schrijfster echt denkt dat alleen zo mannen communiceren.

Ik hoop het eerste,

Ik vrees het laatste.

Daarnaast is het zo’n verschrikkelijke slijmbal en praat zo verschrikkelijk graag over zichzelf en wilt zo duidelijk alleen met haar naar bed, dat ik echt enorm cringe iedere keer als het over hem ging. Ik weet dat dit soort mannen echt bestaan en misschien is dat nog wel het ergste, maar ik hoefde niet bepaald over dat soort mannen te lezen in een soort romcom.

En dan hebben we het nog niet over Mark gehad. Hij komt amper in het boek voor, en toch moeten we als lezer geloven dat ze beiden direct door de bliksem zijn geraakt. Begrijp me niet verkeerd, ik geloof echt in liefde op het eerste gezicht, maar hoe kan je echt voor elkaar vallen als je elkaar amper meemaakt? Dit voelde een beetje als oogcontact maken met een extreem knap iemand in de metro, beide lachen naar elkaar, daar nog maanden over denken terwijl je elkaar niet meer ziet en elkaar dan na drie maanden weer zien en direct een relatie starten, gebaseerd op die ene blik. Sorry, maar lijkt me niet erg realistisch. En hoe kan hij heel zijn baan op het spel zetten voor iemand die hij amper kent? Enige positieve was wel dat hij veel minder als een slijmbal en creep werd neergezet dan de ander, dus ik vond hem gelijk leuker.

Maar nee sorry, dit boek was hem echt helemaal niet. En ik voel me heel gemeen zo erover te praten - want iemand heeft er wel tijd en moeite in gestopt - maar ik snap echt niet waarom zoiets als dit wel wordt uitgegeven en zoveel schrijfsters met unieke, diepgaande verhalen niet.

Enige reden dat het twee sterren heeft is omdat het op zich nog redelijk makkelijk weg leest en de manier waarop het familie en koken heeft neergezet wel echt snoezig is.

[Ali Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books!! I re-read it every few months when I feel like reading something that will make me smile. I've seen some reviews saying it's a predictable story (and it is just a little bit). It follows the typical rom com recipe but the story never fails to pull me in. I know zero about the Mafia world so I don't know how accurate everything in this story is but is sounded pretty on point and I eat it up every time.
My favorite part of this book, hands down, are the characters. I thought Teddi was a great main character. I immediately liked that, even though she has her overprotective family trailing her at all times, she's determined to be independent and make sure her restaurant is both legit and a success. Her BFF Diana was also hilarious. The conversations between those two are always some of my favorite parts to read. I also love reading about Teddi's family. They are such a colorful cast of characters and the conversations and backstories we get to read about make the story seem so real. Poppy is the typical overprotective grandfather that will do anything to keep his granddaughter safe and happy. and the same goes for Teddi's parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tony was a particular favorite of mine and his relationship with Teddi and Diana is the cutest thing. Quinn is another amazing character; hot, hilarious and sweet is always a good combination.
The romance in this book is also pretty great. Teddy is stuck between choosing a man who she wants to the right choice (even if her family didn't approve right away) and a man who is totally the enemy but she had an undeniable attraction to. The romance was totally believable and super super sweet. Like I said, this is my go-to book when I want a light hearted and happy read. I definitely recommend!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. And I really wished there was more to the book because I really liked the characters. After reading this, I had a strange craving for some good Italian food too.

This review is also posted on the LibraryThing website.

[Rebekkila · Rating 1 out of 5]

cliche.

[Laura del Aguila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, a bit predictable towards the end. I liked that the main character is a 'strong independent woman' of sorts. I didn't really get the 'chic' element, other than a few references to designer brands thrown in there. Would have been cool if some of Teddi's recipes were actually included in the book, I think it would have made it more original! As in Like Water for Chocolate.

[Patricia DePasquale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So damn cute...love my Italians.

[Miriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute and fun.

[Jessica Packard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A precious romantic comedy. Very quick read (literally read it in a day) but it was mostly cuz I loved Teddi so much.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Stereotypical and kind of boring. At least it was well written 🤷‍♀️

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would happily read more about Diana and Teddi. And Teddy’s family. The men are half bonus and half distraction. Thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one.

[ShyAnn64 · Rating 3 out of 5]

s the only granddaughter among seventeen grandsons of one of New York's reputed Mafia dons, Teddi Gallo has been surrounded by overprotective men all her life...not to mention those FBI agents tailing her family. But now, determined to live her own life, she has decamped to Manhattan with dreams of making it in the brutal restaurant business.

Soon, however, she is finding her dinner plate is more than full as she juggles an old-money, news-anchor boyfriend, a devastatingly handsome FBI agent trailing her 24/7, a nervous accountant concerned her business is failing and her cousin Tony acting as her bodyguard. Toss in bringing her new beau home for Sunday dinner and trying to explain the hundred pairs of stolen Jimmy Choos in her Uncle Vito's living room...and Teddi Gallo's already-chaotic life is made all the more messy. Maybe a few well-hatched plans, a bit of matchmaking and a dose of Mafia Chic will get her out of this jam.

[Carmen8094 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theresa Marie "Teddi" è l'unica femmina dei diciotto nipoti di "Poppi" Marcello, "padrino" italo-americano, e in quanto tale è trattata alla stregua di una principessina, viziata, coccolata, e sorvegliata dai vari membri della famiglia.
Che però la vorrebbero felicemente -e finalmente- "maritata", possibilmente con un cattolico, italiano, non appartenente alla mafia.
Così Teddi comincia una relazione con un noto giornalista televisivo, ma il suo "colpo di fulmine" è un italo-americano con cui si è scontrata mentre lui la pedinava con un grosso furgone... dell'FBI.
Naturalmente, da italiana, la solita equazione: italiano=mafioso dà non poco fastidio, ma questo libro in pratica si regge su stereotipi riguardanti chi ha origini nel Bel Paese.
Accantonati i temi profondi velati d'ironia e le storie interessanti di Diario di una signora del blues e Tequila a colazione, Erica Orloff ci consegna un libro la cui prevedibilità è davvero l'ultima delle sue pecche.
Le famiglie di Teddi, entrambe italiane ed entrambe mafiose, naturalmente, si incontrano ogni domenica per pranzi luculliani a cui nessuno può dire di no, ed in cui il piatto preferito da tutti, e menzionato fino alla nausea, sono le teste d'agnello (teste d'agnello con tanto d'occhi sulle tavole italiane?? Mah...); le donne sono assiepate in cucina, gli uomini davanti alla tv, con i petti villosi coperti da canottiere di materiale scadente, le ragazze in salotto scelgono le scarpe Jimmy Choo "cadute accidentalmente da un camion".
Ma tanto per stemperare il tutto, ogni membro della famiglia ha un cuore grande così, nessuno traffica in droga (oh, no, per amor del Cielo!), la prostituzione non viene nemmeno menzionata, e nell'aria si respira il desiderio di una vita onesta e normale, che probabilmente si realizzerà una volta che la nuova generazione avrà soppiantato la vecchia.
Colpo di... fulmine è un libro leggero, che si legge in fretta, e che, forse, può risultare divertente. Fuori dall'Italia.
Ed è proprio questo il problema.

http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/

[Leonel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a throwback read: "Mafia Chic," by Erica Orloff, from Red Dress Ink, ca: 1994. (This book is almost ten years old, but to its credit, doesn't read dated at all ) I loved all the books from the Red Dress imprint, and this one sort of escaped me. It's about Teddi, whose family is in the mob. Yes, even mobster's daughters need love too. I was expecting a quirky, craze cast of characters and I got that in small bits, but I thought the main character was just a bit too tame to be interesting. Or perhaps I just did not connect with her? She starts dating a television journalist but starts really connecting with another man, who is an FBI agent assigned to do surveillance for her family. I don't think I need to tell you how this one ends, right? I am just thinking maybe I am not really into this milieu, as I am not really into mob-inspired things. (I never saw an episode of 'The Sopranos') This book is pleasant enough, but maybe just a bit bland.

http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2013...

[Hermioneginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teddi sarebbe una donna normale, con un ristorante e una coinquilina/migliore amica, se non fosse l'unica nipote femmina di un boss della mafia di New York, sempre coccolata e controllata a vista dagli uomini non solo della sua famiglia, ma anche delle forze dell'ordine. Avere un appuntamento può essere un problema...

L'ho letto in un pomeriggio, perchè ero curiosa di sapere come sarebbe finito (nell'unico modo prevedibile per un chick-lit). Pieno zeppo di stereotipi su un'idea degli italiani che l'autrice si è fatta chissà dove: bella famiglia numerosa, vogliamoci tutti bene, codice d'onore, pasti luculliani... a base di testa e occhi di pecora!!! Diciamo che facendo finta di non essere italiana mentre lo si legge può anche risultare simpatico. Io dovevo liberarmi dall'ansia di un colloquio di lavoro imminente e ha fatto il suo sporco lavoro, tranquillizzandomi per una manciata di ore.

[Janae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little book about family, the thunderbolt(Lovestruck as the Italians of this book like to say), guys, and finding your own way. This book was so cute and it was funny, smooth for an adult most are kind of choppy this one wasn't. It was good, about nosy family and how sometimes they seem how they are bad for us but they are always there for you when you need them, despite all that. Teddi is a business owner, an Italian, and the only grandaughter of Angelo Marcello entitles security and tons of protection. This book is a great read and I had a hard time putting it down because I liked it so much. I don't reread books but this one I would because I loved it.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had all the elements of chick lit that I love (lovable female protagonist who struggles realistically with relationships, quirky friends, family members who mean well, but cause problems, etc.) without having all the elements I don't like (whiny main character, totally unrealistic situations, cardboard flat supporting characters). I really couldn't put this book down. It was a great look at how family, while meaning very well, can certainly put a damper on our pursuit of happiness!

[Leilani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick, fun read and exactly what I needed after a stressful month at work. I liked that Teddi felt real, unlike the usual chick lit tropes (super clumsy or quirky or rigid, etc. etc.). The focus is strictly on her life as outside the family business, and not on the mafia life at all. It's more about being part of a big Italian family.

[Kainda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a very cute book. It's not a book with much content of course, but I really liked the description of the mafia family. Only the end was a bit bungled and also very predictable, which wouldn't have been the problem if the author would have taken a little bit more time to write the end.

[Marcio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic because it had all the elements that I look for when buying a novel: heart, romance and a generous dose of humour. It was fascinating to see New York city through the eyes of an Italian mafia princess. Throw on top of that some irresistible Italian cuisine and you have a 5 star recipe. Loved it. Belissima!

[Reba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, funny, but predictable. Still an enjoyable plane read, perfect for vacation. I think it would be cute with a sequel or as a series, there were a lot of great supporting characters. Caution-don't read when hungry!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book a snagged at a book exchange party (Kyle and Ginny are so cool!) and it was a fun easy read. I enjoyed the story and had a little trouble putting it down. Needless to say I zoomed through it and am not searching for another good fun story.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my FAVORITES! A cute story about a girl who is the only granddaughter of a mafia king. She owns an italian restaurant and has a great italian family that reminds me of some of my italian friends. :-)

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably one of my favourite books of all time. The main character is witty, and doesn't back down from a challenge. Definitely worth reading. You will finish the book in an afternoon. It's impossible to put down!

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teddi is a mafia princess who falls in love (er...gets struck by the 'thunderbolt') with an FBI agent. She wonders if their worlds could ever mesh. A fast read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy, fun read. I liked the storyline and the characters and found the book to be quite entertaining. Highly recommend this one!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Totally predictable, but still a fun, light, quick read. If you've ever been in the midst of a "true Italian family" you'll be able to relate to a lot of the family dinner descriptions.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid chick lit - a nice break for me after reading a lot about healthcare lately.