Villa Fortuna - A Romantic Comedy in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Dec 21, 2015 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen-austenesque, contemporary-romance, holiday-romances

Mio Dio! I haven't had such a good time reading a book in a long while. Or a need to dash out to the local Italian bakery, or shove in one of my Dean Martin CDs, or run to the other side of the country and be surrounded by my plethora of Sicilian American family. Oh yes, this was a romance wrapped up in so much culture and family that it draws the reader right into its big-hearted Italian bosom for a marinara-scented hug.

While this story has strong affiliations to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice Mio Dio! I haven't had such a good time reading a book in a long while. Or a need to dash out to the local Italian bakery, or shove in one of my Dean Martin CDs, or run to the other side of the country and be surrounded by my plethora of Sicilian American family. Oh yes, this was a romance wrapped up in so much culture and family that it draws the reader right into its big-hearted Italian bosom for a marinara-scented hug.

While this story has strong affiliations to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice in themes, characters, and situation, it is very much its own story. In fact, anyone not particularly familiar with Pride & Prejudice would probably not even guess that it is a modern adaption of the old story. In other words, no prior familiarity or liking for P&P necessary to dive in and learn to adore this colorful, dazzling Italian-American Romance set during the holiday season in NYC-Bronx and environs. But many Austen lovers will be tickled by it for sure.

The story opens with Dr. Elizabeth Fairchild returning home to New York from California for the reading of her great-aunt's will. Elizabeth has distanced herself from her roots in the Bronx Little Italy community and in so doing distanced herself from family. This return is an eye-opener on many levels. She begins to see that she is lonely and living out a cold-hearted existence. By denying part of herself- the Lizzy Clemente, one of the three Clemente sisters- she isn't happy.

So it is with no little amount of anxiety that she learns that she and her sisters have inherited the Villa Fortuna. There are stipulations in the will. Elizabeth knows this is Gina's big chance after the failure of her marriage. The old beautiful Italian style building in an upscale community is just the place for Gina to open her hair salon. The wild sister, Nicki is on board and they both want Elizabeth to help. Elizabeth promises short-term help to get them started. The opposition is in the form of Stella Russo, a rival of their deceased great-aunt, who has a claim on Villa Fortuna and to the upscale salon down the street.

By chance, while she is attending a medical conference in the city, Elizabeth meets a handsome plastic surgeon, Michael Garin, and they begin seeing each other. Neither realize their other connection through Villa Fortuna and their shared NYC Italian roots in that Elizabeth is the Lizzy Clemente helping her sisters with the hair salon and Mike is the grandson of Stella and he wants to buy the building. Mike is in the dark because Elizabeth lies to him about anything personal and family related and on Mike's part, the specifics don't come up because he doesn't know there is the connection.

Michael Garin is disappointed by each date that doesn't work out, his work that is his father's dream and not his own, his father checking out of him and his sister's life, and the pressure from his grandmother to help her against the new owners of Villa Fortuna. Women objectify him for his good looks, family wealth and connections, and because of his work. He wants to find love and actually do work that makes a difference which is why meeting Elizabeth is the start of something special.

Mayhem ensues as the truth comes out in this sassy, zany Romantic Comedy set against the backdrop of Little Italy and the Christmas season.

Some books are strong because of the characters or the relationship. This book does have a good romance and the characters are well-developed, but truthfully, its strengths are on the tone, atmosphere, larger cast of characters as a whole, and the setting. It's not in the parts, but the whole that the story can be truly appreciated. It is a feast for the senses and the reader is embraced by the culture of the story even as the dominant theme is the angst of a flawed heroine who has to work through her issues to find happiness.

The humor is beyond the beyond. I chuckled, snorted, and mused happily through the antics going on in the story. This is not meant to be a serious story and can slip into the mad cap often. Stella is unbelievable most of the time. Nicki can bring down the house with her trash-talking and flirting. She was an unapologetic minx. Or the surrounding array of quirky neighbors and family putting in opinions and doing their thing (bathtub wine making, cross-dressing receptionist, mob ties, a threatening electric drill, best open house evah).

I do have to say that the romance was a tough one for me. I'm not one who enjoys reading about a character who can't be honest with themselves or anyone else. Elizabeth lies to Mike the whole time and then jumps to some harsh conclusions due to her prejudices. He jumps to conclusions too, but I give him some latitude b/c he was also being lied to. I wanted to smack her particularly in the beginning when she wasn't a likeable person the way she was treating her sisters and acting.
But, she does grow, and even if I didn't like the lying, I liked her so I stuck with it because her ex did a number on her to cause this. The author convinced me that they were a good romantic pair and the chemistry was definitely there. The several dates and conversations helped develop their relationship for me and I loved all the romantic feelings that grew. Mike comes through as a shining hero.

And on a side note, the food, activities, and music were a fun inclusion. A few Italian recipes are slipped in between the chapters (cute chapter titles by the by) and I know for a fact these are delicious as my own family has made these goods.

All in all, it was la dolce vita. Austen lovers and contemporary romance fans should definitely give this hot-blooded, loud, quirky Italian-American Romantic Comedy a go.
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Nov 27, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

This story was so effing magnifico!!! I received a copy of this book from the author TODAY (no strings attached) and starting a little before noon read it through until just now ~ 11 PM. I did have a few breaks in there but my face is still smiling and my cheeks starting to ache as I can't quit. It is a book which I predict you will find difficult to put down.

Be warned that there are many sexual innuendos in this story and the language is not for younger ears, although there are not descriptive This story was so effing magnifico!!! I received a copy of this book from the author TODAY (no strings attached) and starting a little before noon read it through until just now ~ 11 PM. I did have a few breaks in there but my face is still smiling and my cheeks starting to ache as I can't quit. It is a book which I predict you will find difficult to put down.

Be warned that there are many sexual innuendos in this story and the language is not for younger ears, although there are not descriptive scenes of the sex act repeated over and over again as in some MA books. Frequently it is more about where the language can lead your mind/what is left up to your imagination. And even here gossip comes more into play until the end of the book when true behaviors are revealed. Remember all you have been told about not judging a book by its cover. The language was, to say the least, very colorful. But I am not Italian so just maybe that is to be expected within a culture known as "passionate".

Erika gives you a good review of the story line in her review…three sisters, inheriting a building, which is also considered to be the property of another family and the interplay between those families, their friends and acquaintances. I was able to identify the majority of the characters fairly quickly. In fact I had written Cat that Stella Russo de Luca reminded me of Lady C. (The author having sent me a Villa Fortuna novella with some a short excerpt taken from the story several months ago.) However, I was totally taken by surprise at the revelation about Stella’s companion at the end of the book – well done, Cat. You had me there, delightfully. What inventiveness! The “Jane” character has much more outspokenness than Jane in canon. And the “Lydia” actually has some brains.

Rather than Pride and Prejudice I am thinking that this story is more about shame and prejudice. (And I can totally relate to it.) Elizabeth Clemente Fairchild wants nothing to do with her roots, her “home”, her family. She hides behind the name she assumed upon the event of her later failed marriage and early in her dating has “Michaelangelo” drop her off NOT at her sisters’ apartment above Messina’s pastry shop in an Italian and Albanian neighborhood but at a friend’s. Lizzy is visiting her sisters for a short time when she comes home from LA for the reading of their great Aunt Maria’s will. With the death of AuntMaria/Prozia Elizabeth is only expecting to receive a rosary at best and almost bolts when the video of the reading of her will by “Prozia” (92 year old Maria Clemente Dixon) is being played in the lawyer’s office (Mr. Salvatore Carpo) and Prozia starts to list all the girls’ faults. Speaking of lawyers (& others) I do have to emphasize here that Cat’s descriptions of some of these male characters down to their “sausages” can cause you to either blush or drool. “The man/lawyer was a forty-year old Roman god and Gina and Elizabeth instantly became worshipers at his altar of overworked lonely women badly in need of a hot, uncomplicated booty call.”

The Clemente sisters have those 3 requirements to keep this bequest and it is in fulfilling the one condition that “lightening strikes”…while in church. The inheriting of Villa Fortuna has a history and two families have a history…with the Mafioso. As our ladies turn an empty storefront into their salon, Pal•Hair•Mo, we learn of all the exciting ways that Gina and Nicki come up with to bring in business: many a salon could take a hint.

While Elizabeth has reasons for not wanting to live in Belmont in the Bronx she also has a list of reasons just why she has sworn off ever dating an Italian man again…a list man by man and how he has done her wrong. But strangely several of these same men show up and hit on her, not just once, and those events come back to haunt her.

I did love the turnabout from usual stories in that it was more the female moving in on the man than he trying to get her into bed a.s.a.p. But it also backfires due to a history of stalkers trying to get his hands on their bodies…in more than one way. Stella, Stella, Stella, what have you done?

Prejudice comes into this story from the relationship Elizabeth had with her first husband: he was pure WASP and denigrated her background (shades of Darcy). Secrets are held and identities hidden by both main characters. The supporting cast is so endearing: Toni/Tony, Rusty Channing, Joey Falco, Amelia/Mia, all of the inhabitants of the apartment bldg. on Arthur Avenue, and then the opposition: Blair, Rebecca, Danny, Ralph, etc.

This was a romp. Many Italian traditions were shared as well as recipes, which are referred to in the story. The Mafia is just taken for granted it seems in this story. Everyone knows who they are and just accepts their place in the neighborhood…or so it seemed to me. The author does include a glossary of Italian words or terms in the back of the book. I truly delighted being immersed in this culture.

Be sure to check out the music on Spotify and the Pinterest Board to go with this story. ...more

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Feb 03, 2016 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen, pride-and-prejudice

Sisters and Stereotypes

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice-Inspired, Modern-day Adaptation, Mature Audiences Only

SETTING: Modern-day Belmont, Bronx, New York

MAIN CHARACTERS:

- Dr. Elizabeth Fairchild/Lizzy Clemente/Doc Hollywood: Middle sister, is off in LA working as a podiatrist to celebrity clientele. Has some hang-ups about her family and their Italian-American stereotypical behaviors.
- Regina “Gina” Clemente: Oldest sister, works as a hairstylist, is very sweet, but don’t underest ...more

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Oct 19, 2015 Erika rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen

A romantic modern Austenesque retelling of P&P

~~~I received an ARC of Villa Fortuna from Cat Gardiner for an honest review!~~~

Cat Gardiner is a master of modern day P&P!!! She is an excellent story teller who gives you enough detail to allow you to imagine what is happening as if you're right there in the story, but she doe not overload you with detail that is distracts you from the actual scene. The story was well written (even for an ARC) and flowing. It has great comedic timing and many times A romantic modern Austenesque retelling of P&P

~~~I received an ARC of Villa Fortuna from Cat Gardiner for an honest review!~~~

Cat Gardiner is a master of modern day P&P!!! She is an excellent story teller who gives you enough detail to allow you to imagine what is happening as if you're right there in the story, but she doe not overload you with detail that is distracts you from the actual scene. The story was well written (even for an ARC) and flowing. It has great comedic timing and many times I found myself giggling at all the antics of the sisters.

Villa Fortuna is a modernized P&P-esque story that initially I found it was a bit hard to get into because all the main characters from P&P had different names, except Elizabeth. Though as I continued to read, and descriptions of each character was uncovered, I was able to match the new names to the characters I love. I was also able to read more easily and really get into the story.

This story starts out with Elizabeth coming “home” to Little Italy in the Bronx from where she resides in L.A. Because of her past relationships and experiences with men (especially American-Italian men) she has totally thrown over her American-Sicilian roots to make a new life for herself. She is a up-and-coming Podiatrist to the stars. She is home because her great-aunt (prozia) has died and the reading of her last will and testament states that she and her sisters (Regina and Nichole) have inherited Villa Fortuna. This property has been at the fore-front of a battle of ownership between two Italian mob families for 80 yrs. In the years that Elizabeth has been away and “running” from her roots, she has become a bit jaded and prejudiced to the point that she looks at everything with a critical eye when she is “home”.

Dr Michael Garin is brilliant cosmetic surgeon, though has followed in the footsteps his father layed out and taken over the Manhattan Aesthetic Associates group that has prompted a “body fan club” for him on Facebook (some women are CRAZY!!). His grandmother Stella Russo De Luca (Lady Catherine incarnation) is leading the vendetta against the Clemente sisters to “regain” Villa Fortuna. She pushes Dr Garin hard to be a silent investor to purchase Villa Fortuna from the Clemente sisters.

The Clemente sisters have several stipulations to complete in order to inherit Villa Fortuna: 1. No selling Villa Fortuna, 2. Go to confession and repent their sins, 3. Take occupancy after attending Holy Mass once a month for 3 consecutive months!!!! It is attending to #1 that Elizabeth and Dr Garin have a “Meet Cute,” though it is not until 3 months later when they actually meet each other. This sets off a whirlwind romance while she is again visiting her sisters for the holidays. Because Elizabeth still goes by her married name neither suspect who the other actually is. Oh boy, though when the truth, and some manipulated secrets, comes out so do the Italian claws!!!! I will not spoil the fun of what happens when the Italian claws come out!!!

I adored the character growth that was demonstrated by several characters throughout the book. It was so refreshing to see how far they came over the course of the book. I loved the interaction between Elizabeth and Dr Garin, how nothing mattered except what they felt for each other, and how rapidly emotions can emerge when the relationship is not based fully on the physical.

This story was amazing, very gripping once I was able to sort the who's who of characters out. I had several late sleepless nights because I couldn't put it down!!!! While talking to a reading group friend, we both agreed that the books only fault was that it was too short!!! We also agreed that “it needs a sequel to cover an engagement, moving in together, and the wedding!!! Oh and maybe first child!!!” Not to put any pressure on our dear Cat Gardiner!!!!

I would highly recommend this to all JAFFers, though I would give it a mature rating only because of some of Nichole’s antics and because of all the innuendo!!!! Again Cat, I will automatically say that you have a fan in me for life!! Thank you for the stories that keep me distracted and sleepless!!!! I look forward to more from you in the future. ...more

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Oct 18, 2015 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: just-jane-1813-moderns

Source: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

When I started reading JAFF last December, I was very hesitant to read a modern variation, believing that I would not enjoy the modern day setting and obstacles encountered within these stories. Last summer, I finally gave into my curiosity after reading so many glowing reviews on Goodreads, as I picked up Cat Gardiner's book, "Lucky 13." For me, this was a lucky thing indeed, because it opened my heart

Source: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

When I started reading JAFF last December, I was very hesitant to read a modern variation, believing that I would not enjoy the modern day setting and obstacles encountered within these stories. Last summer, I finally gave into my curiosity after reading so many glowing reviews on Goodreads, as I picked up Cat Gardiner's book, "Lucky 13." For me, this was a lucky thing indeed, because it opened my heart and my mind to enjoying all types of modern JAFF! After reading "Villa Fortuna," I believe that Cat Gardiner has created another fabulous read that will appeal to a wide range of readers!

"Villa Fortuna," is not only the title of this story, it's also the building located in posh Westchester County, NY, which has been at the root of a long-time dispute between two Italian-American families, whose former ties to the mafia dating back to the 1930s, has left a shroud of mystery concerning the ownership of the building. Fast forward to 2015, where Villa Fortuna has just been inherited by the three Clemente sisters, who learn from their prozia's (great-aunt) suave Italian attorney, that they must all comply with their deceased prozia's wishes, to finalize their inheritance of this lucrative building. Naturally, their prozia's wishes involve requests that the sisters would be less likely to fulfill if there wasn't such a promising reward.

On the one side of "town," with that part of "town" being the Bronx, NY, we meet the Clemente sisters, Gina, Elizabeth and Nicki, aka Jane, Elizabeth, and Lydia, if you're keeping track of the Bennet sisters. The sisters share strong ties as Italian-American ladies, who acknowledge a wide range of feelings over their Italian heritage, as well as their regard for Italian-American men. It seems the sisters have had their share of heartache due to their past relationships with Italian-American men and each sister has her own remedy for handling these painful memories.

Currently single, the three sisters join their talents together to change their fates and put their inheritance to good use. Dr. Elizabeth Fairchild, nee Clemente, has just flown in from California, where her dreams of becoming a successful podiatrist are fading, as she continues to face several obstacles in her male-dominated field. Ashamed of her Italian heritage and looking to leave that part of herself behind, she briefly returns to NY to help get Gina and Nicki's plans for Villa Fortuna in motion.

On the other side of town, known also as Manhattan, NY, we meet Dr. Michael Garin, aka, Fitzwilliam Darcy, for those of us who like a little Darcy in our romances. Dr. Garin is a highly sought after plastic surgeon at Manhattan Aesthetic Associates (MAA) with a dismal dating history, who has just enlisted the help of online dating sites to find himself a love match. Even though he's relentlessly pursued by numerous single women, some who are former surgical patients, such as Blair Channing, (think Caroline Bingley here) Dr. Garin is hoping to find the one woman who loves him for who he is and not only for what he can do with his hands to help a woman achieve her "personal" best.

Yet, it's his duty to his family that he hears about, day in and day out from his grandmother, Stella Russo De Luca, aka Aunt Catherine. From her earliest memories, Stella has been driven by the old Russo and Clemente family feud, dating back to her mobster father's days, with one sole purpose in mind; take back ownership of Villa Fortuna and set her family's future onto the right track. So, when Stella hears that the Clemente sisters are going to inherit Villa Fortuna and turn it into a hair salon, right across the street from the well-established, upper crust Halo Salon, she enlists every ally she can find, in her attempt to derail the Clemente sister's salon.

But how do you compete with a chic new salon that not only pays tribute to old time Italian traditions, such as delectable Italian baked goods and homemade vino, and that also serves up fancy updos and stylish haircuts, courtesy of the Clemente sisters and friends? As events unfold, and plans begin to go awry, both families find themselves immersed in a battle of love and war, Italian style. Will the old family feud ever reach an end, or are these two long-time Italian families bound to battle each other for many years to come?

As a proud Italian-American, I caught myself laughing out loud throughout this entire story! Cat Gardiner's execution of delivering to readers an Italian-American Christmas JAFF, with a twist of sexy on the side, is brilliant. Readers will love the Clemente sisters, chin hairs and all. They are determined, and loyal, as they search for love and happiness in their part of the Big Apple. The supporting cast of characters, recognized by JAFF fans for the "Pride and Prejudice" characters that they are based on, offer plenty of moments of humor, romance and just plain, good old fun. I enjoyed how Cat cleverly brought them to life in this modern day Italian-American NYC setting, where misunderstandings and mayhem rule the day.

Dr. Garin and Dr. Fairchild certainly make one hot and adorable couple. I loved watching how they came to terms with themselves, as well as with each other, as they each had their own Elizabeth Bennet moments, where they pondered whether or not they had really ever known themselves in their quests for happiness and acceptance. To be true to one's self is a struggle that many of us can empathize with, as we search to bring from our past what will move us towards our own future happiness. At one point, I wanted to comfort Elizabeth Fairchild by reminding her, "Don't fret so much over this whole Italian thing. Even Colin Firth is happily married to a hot-blooded Italian girl!"

With recipes for scrumptious Italian baked goods at the back of each chapter, and a holiday playlist to set the mood, why not grab a copy of "Villa Fortuna," and celebrate some juicy, hot romance, Italian style?
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Oct 19, 2015 Tina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book is Pride and Prejudice Italian style. The characters are exactly how I would imagine them if the families were Italian. The author's idea of using her heritage in this book made for a spectacular novel. It was nice to see some of the Italian-American culture in this book. I especially enjoyed the recipes spread out throughout the novel. I plan on trying some of them out. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good novel.
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Dec 26, 2015 Teresita added it · review of another edition

Wonderful story!

The setting, the characters, the colorful plot are some of the most romantic and picturesque I've found. I really enjoyed learning about Italian traditions and way of life.

But beware!!! Between the descriptions, the eating, the drinking, the cooking and the recipes, paired with your imagination, make cause you to gain some weight.

If you are looking for a lovely and fun story, this is for you. ...more

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Feb 04, 2016 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: jane-austen-related

It was really fun to read this modern-day
version of Pride & Prejudice. It is set in
an Italian enclave in the Bronx and gives
us the story of three sisters, just as different
as the Bennet sisters. This is a light and lively look at the importance of family, which was not really not so much Austen's theme in P&P. ...more

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Jun 21, 2017 Dung rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-inspried, favorite-austen-inspired

Such a fun and entertaining modern adaptation of P&P with an Italian-American twist. You'll love trying to figure out what roles the characters are from cannon. Definitely a cleaver and charming story that will pull you in and relatable.

Cat Gardiner has a wonderful way of telling a story and adds her own unique touches by including recipes after each chapter, a playlist of songs, and a glossary for Italian slang. ...more

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