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Layers of Veronica #1
Napoleon
Being the first book in the series, NAPOLEON begins the story of a modern day 35-year-old divorcee with looks, brains, children and designer shoes. As Veronica goes from day to day, the Universe gladly deals her one situation after another... and she takes the opportunities. If you're looking for a "'second chance," guy meets girl, and though there are many hurdles, they overcome and live happily ever after' kind of a romance -- don't read this book. This one... is about life. Welcome to Veronica's World.... If you're willing to accept that there is more than just "the one" for everyone, and if you believe in Angels and their Divine intervention in your daily life, come meet Veronica. What are you waiting for?
(Adult content)
(Adult content)
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2013
About the author
Emilia I. Rutigliano
26 books12 followersNothing surprises Emilia more than the fact that she is an author. (Except the antics of her children; those surprise her on a daily basis.)
Emilia is a lawyer, and she is neither retired nor hating her life. She likes litigation, which she does on a daily basis in the benevolent kingdom of New York City.
Three years ago, after quite a few drinks, a girlfriend dared her to write a book. So Emilia 'wrote' a book. It got passed around in Word format by email, and friends continued to ask for more. Thus, Veronica got a fanbase.
Layers of Veronica has seven books. a septology.
Then Emilia retired from writing, and wound up at GNO (at another bar) where 'the girls', who are all fans of Veronica, declared that her retirement was unacceptable and sent her back to the computer, and also took her to London for a writing trip. Not to be outdone, her husband took her to Asia for more writing information, and then to Hawaii so that she would be appropriately-versed.
And so Alexandra is really a beloved product of a lot of people. Alexandra's Order has four books, they are available on all e-readers and in paperback.
Emilia has now retired from writing once again, and thus her new books are coming out on a regular basis.
Emilia was born in what is currently Russia, but grew up in Forest Hills, New York and practices law in Brooklyn. As such, she is most proud of her accent. She is currently forty-six years old, and loves saying forty-without the 't' in forty which she finds superfluous.
She is happily married to the crazy Italian she's been with since college, who still suffers from a severe addiction to travel (in very acute form). Emilia is also blessed with three precious darlings who are now teenagers. They occasionally acknowledge her existence when the internet malfunctions and when they need money.
Emilia's books, not unlike Emilia, don't belong in any proper category. The books are for a mature audience, but they aren't quite romance or erotica. Both series are literary sagas, and are geared toward readers who enjoy a full story about multi-dimensional characters.
Because LAYERS and ORDER take place in many locations with many different cultures, Emilia doesn't write it unless she visits each location and meets the people who speak, think and act the same way as the characters in the book.
It's a tough life, but she perseveres... and she is very active on FACEBOOK.
Please join us...
We LIKE you there...
Go back Save biography
Emilia is a lawyer, and she is neither retired nor hating her life. She likes litigation, which she does on a daily basis in the benevolent kingdom of New York City.
Three years ago, after quite a few drinks, a girlfriend dared her to write a book. So Emilia 'wrote' a book. It got passed around in Word format by email, and friends continued to ask for more. Thus, Veronica got a fanbase.
Layers of Veronica has seven books. a septology.
Then Emilia retired from writing, and wound up at GNO (at another bar) where 'the girls', who are all fans of Veronica, declared that her retirement was unacceptable and sent her back to the computer, and also took her to London for a writing trip. Not to be outdone, her husband took her to Asia for more writing information, and then to Hawaii so that she would be appropriately-versed.
And so Alexandra is really a beloved product of a lot of people. Alexandra's Order has four books, they are available on all e-readers and in paperback.
Emilia has now retired from writing once again, and thus her new books are coming out on a regular basis.
Emilia was born in what is currently Russia, but grew up in Forest Hills, New York and practices law in Brooklyn. As such, she is most proud of her accent. She is currently forty-six years old, and loves saying forty-without the 't' in forty which she finds superfluous.
She is happily married to the crazy Italian she's been with since college, who still suffers from a severe addiction to travel (in very acute form). Emilia is also blessed with three precious darlings who are now teenagers. They occasionally acknowledge her existence when the internet malfunctions and when they need money.
Emilia's books, not unlike Emilia, don't belong in any proper category. The books are for a mature audience, but they aren't quite romance or erotica. Both series are literary sagas, and are geared toward readers who enjoy a full story about multi-dimensional characters.
Because LAYERS and ORDER take place in many locations with many different cultures, Emilia doesn't write it unless she visits each location and meets the people who speak, think and act the same way as the characters in the book.
It's a tough life, but she perseveres... and she is very active on FACEBOOK.
Please join us...
We LIKE you there...
Go back Save biography
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 23, 2013
If you've had enough of all the happy go lucky heroines and are looking for some reality, this book is just for you.
You're not going to find a Prince Charming for a mistress in distress, more likely you're going to end up with a 'Big Bad Wolf' in sheeps clothing. Pardon the digression ;)
The main female character - Veronica is an immigrant from Russia, divorcee living her own version of the American dream.
This is not a romance story, at least not the type we're all used to.
Veronica is a warrior that goes through life focusing on work, earning respect in her social circle.
She's a modern woman with goals in her life, she knows what she wants, how to get her way. Self-assured with a workaholic streak, a shark in court and a warrior, better yet the Napoleon fighting her wars.
Veronica definitely knows how to get a man to notice and get interest in her. Her rendezvous with married men are another trait when usually it's the other way around. I'm not into cheating or any kind of "open" relationships but I'm not going to judge her for the need to feel the thrill also.
"I don't know if it's a fetish, but I do love the way their shirts smell like them"
Poor men can't seem to not fall in love with her though...
"Get over yoursefl beatiful. You're not my first, and I don't play the demure maiden...not my game."
The last man she finds is some other story but we'll see about it.
The are many other POVs with a lot of side stories to keep you entertained.
All in all Napoleon is a well written story.
You're not going to find a Prince Charming for a mistress in distress, more likely you're going to end up with a 'Big Bad Wolf' in sheeps clothing. Pardon the digression ;)
The main female character - Veronica is an immigrant from Russia, divorcee living her own version of the American dream.
This is not a romance story, at least not the type we're all used to.
Veronica is a warrior that goes through life focusing on work, earning respect in her social circle.
She's a modern woman with goals in her life, she knows what she wants, how to get her way. Self-assured with a workaholic streak, a shark in court and a warrior, better yet the Napoleon fighting her wars.
Veronica definitely knows how to get a man to notice and get interest in her. Her rendezvous with married men are another trait when usually it's the other way around. I'm not into cheating or any kind of "open" relationships but I'm not going to judge her for the need to feel the thrill also.
"I don't know if it's a fetish, but I do love the way their shirts smell like them"
Poor men can't seem to not fall in love with her though...
"Get over yoursefl beatiful. You're not my first, and I don't play the demure maiden...not my game."
The last man she finds is some other story but we'll see about it.
The are many other POVs with a lot of side stories to keep you entertained.
All in all Napoleon is a well written story.
October 31, 2013
Napoleon is a fun read. You will laugh at Veronica’s antics and there will be some crying to but laughing is the main thing you will do.
Veronica is a funny, independent, head strong stubborn woman who the book goes through her days of. She is successful and has some great friends. She doesn’t believe in HEA or that she wants a man in her daily life and yet misses having one to be with at night and to talk to about things. She also doesn’t think she is deserving of some things. This is where Jeremy comes into the picture. She has a ex that frankly deserves his whiny arrogant selfish new wife for what he did was wrong and this quirky but womanizing friend NIck who you will love.
Jeremy: Love him. He shows Veronica his world and wants to give her the confidence in herself to feel she belongs. He feels that she is a complex woman with many layers and it is these layers that she needs to embrace and learn. He’s married unfortunately.
Kd- too sweet and precious for words. He is as broken as Veronica and at first comes off as a womanizer but he really is just a sweet guy who loves his children. Nothing happens between him and veronica except for wonderful conversation and him hoping she will give him a chance once he has his life in order. I do hope things work out for him.
Ben: did not like him at first. He was arrogant and he is married. I started to like him after what he did at the hospital for Veronica and her neighbor’s granddaughter. That made me turn to the dark side for the cookies. He is kind but emotional sad over events in his life. This sadness needs someone who will comfort him and listen and Veronica does this. He also shows he cares for veronica and wants to be with her but he is married.
A fun book that will have you laughing and crying and rooting for Veronica in all aspects. I am quietly rooting for Jeremy shhh… Look forward to the next set of adventures of Veronica.
Veronica is a funny, independent, head strong stubborn woman who the book goes through her days of. She is successful and has some great friends. She doesn’t believe in HEA or that she wants a man in her daily life and yet misses having one to be with at night and to talk to about things. She also doesn’t think she is deserving of some things. This is where Jeremy comes into the picture. She has a ex that frankly deserves his whiny arrogant selfish new wife for what he did was wrong and this quirky but womanizing friend NIck who you will love.
Jeremy: Love him. He shows Veronica his world and wants to give her the confidence in herself to feel she belongs. He feels that she is a complex woman with many layers and it is these layers that she needs to embrace and learn. He’s married unfortunately.
Kd- too sweet and precious for words. He is as broken as Veronica and at first comes off as a womanizer but he really is just a sweet guy who loves his children. Nothing happens between him and veronica except for wonderful conversation and him hoping she will give him a chance once he has his life in order. I do hope things work out for him.
Ben: did not like him at first. He was arrogant and he is married. I started to like him after what he did at the hospital for Veronica and her neighbor’s granddaughter. That made me turn to the dark side for the cookies. He is kind but emotional sad over events in his life. This sadness needs someone who will comfort him and listen and Veronica does this. He also shows he cares for veronica and wants to be with her but he is married.
A fun book that will have you laughing and crying and rooting for Veronica in all aspects. I am quietly rooting for Jeremy shhh… Look forward to the next set of adventures of Veronica.
October 28, 2013
Rutigliano uses some very in depth descriptions to paint a picture of New York. I found that the phrasing in this novel became awkward at times, which detracted from the overall feel of the novel. The author works a multiplicity of catch phrases into this novel in a variety of different languages, but also makes sure to translate them for the reader in a manner that doesn’t break the flow of the novel too much. This novel also felt rather meandering at times while jumping all over at others. It made this novel very difficult to fully immerse yourself in.
Rutigliano is very in depth with her character development. These characters are very well developed, sometimes to extremes. Rutigliano gives you so much information about some of the characters that the important details get lost in the wayside. That said, some of the supporting cast could have used a bit more development. They weren’t bare bones characters but they weren’t very developed either. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the characters.
Overall this was an intriguing novel riddled with some very controversial relationships. Parts were extremely captivating and others were rather hard to get into.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rutigliano is very in depth with her character development. These characters are very well developed, sometimes to extremes. Rutigliano gives you so much information about some of the characters that the important details get lost in the wayside. That said, some of the supporting cast could have used a bit more development. They weren’t bare bones characters but they weren’t very developed either. It was a stark contrast to the rest of the characters.
Overall this was an intriguing novel riddled with some very controversial relationships. Parts were extremely captivating and others were rather hard to get into.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2014
review was originally written 2/28/14
I confess, I calendared this review incorrectly, and wasn’t finished reading the book as of last night. Fortunately, I had to be on a plane at 7 this morning, and really, there’s no better place to read than a comfy first class plane flight. Especially when it comes with a cheese omelet and fruit.
Veronica, I think, would have approved the setting. I can tell you that I completely approved of her. What a fantastic character – smart, funny, feisty, great at her job, and a wonderful mother. What a lovely blend of grown-up romance and a dash of “chick-lit” (I know, I know, we don’t USE that term any more) this novel was.
The scenes in the world of courtrooms and conference rooms had all the wit and drama of any tv series – actually reminding me of vintage LA LAW episodes. The courtyard aunties were hilarious – I think we all know old women like that. And the romance…well, it didn’t disappoint either.
Napoleon was the first of a series, but I’m looking forward to reading the rest. Emilia Rutigliana has an effervescent writing voice, and I really enjoyed this read.
Goes well with champagne and a cheese omelet.
I confess, I calendared this review incorrectly, and wasn’t finished reading the book as of last night. Fortunately, I had to be on a plane at 7 this morning, and really, there’s no better place to read than a comfy first class plane flight. Especially when it comes with a cheese omelet and fruit.
Veronica, I think, would have approved the setting. I can tell you that I completely approved of her. What a fantastic character – smart, funny, feisty, great at her job, and a wonderful mother. What a lovely blend of grown-up romance and a dash of “chick-lit” (I know, I know, we don’t USE that term any more) this novel was.
The scenes in the world of courtrooms and conference rooms had all the wit and drama of any tv series – actually reminding me of vintage LA LAW episodes. The courtyard aunties were hilarious – I think we all know old women like that. And the romance…well, it didn’t disappoint either.
Napoleon was the first of a series, but I’m looking forward to reading the rest. Emilia Rutigliana has an effervescent writing voice, and I really enjoyed this read.
Goes well with champagne and a cheese omelet.
October 19, 2013
This one took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did. Wow! This was such a great story. I liked that Veronica didn't NEED a man, but chose one when she wanted. I also like that she wasn't ashamed of her sleeping with different guys. She's single, why not? Women have needs too. I think it's crap that women get labeled a whore if they sleep with different men, but if a man does it, it's perfectly acceptable. It's no different to me. I really liked the concept of the book, that there are layers to society, and boy are there. The men in Veronica's life took some getting used to, but they are all interesting in different ways. I'm looking very much forward to reading the next book whenever it comes out and finding out more about Ben, Jeremy, Anthony and KD. This was a great read with great characters, and it just flowed. Couldn't stop turning the pages once I got into it.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2013
It is not often that I read the first book in a series and, when done, say out loud, "Where's the rest?!?" Yes, that happened in a restaurant this afternoon (the poor waitress thought I meant my order, lol). I love the dry wit and repartee between the characters, their rich cultural background, and the fact that I wanted so much more. I cannot wait for more of this series. Well done, Ms. Ruigliano, well done!
September 20, 2014
This book is mature with characters that have lived life but still have a lot to learn. As a 'forty something' woman, it was refreshing that the characters were relatable in many ways even if I didn't always agree with their decisions or life choices. Veronica is confident, sexy, and free sexually, which is not often depicted in romance or erotica. Definitely entertaining and hot. Great read.
February 1, 2015
Veronica is not for the faint of heart. Nor should you be. She knows who she is and what she wants. If you want an entertaining romp in the mind of an alpha female, read on. Veronica is hell on heels and she will take you for a wild ride. Her evolution is a revolution to the genre, put down 50 shades and pick up this.
March 15, 2014
I love, love love this hook. The main characters are amazing and I can't wait to read the next book xx
March 18, 2015
this was my first read for this author and IM SOLD! loved V! (and really did love that its a book some women could relate to) thats MY opinion..take a chance on this series a try.
April 14, 2015
Five stars from me .I enjoyed this book .I found veronica to be a funny independent woman. not relying on any one man no spoilers just a great read.
April 4, 2014
Veronica is a great mother, friend, and lawyer. Her ex-husband is having a baby with his new wife, which is fine with Veronica as long as the new wife treats her kids well, and she does. Veronica has a lot of self confidence in the courtroom and in the bedroom. She sleeps around with no strings attached and that’s the way she likes it to be. But Veronica starts to meet certain men and develops stronger feelings for them. Will she meet that special someone who she can’t live without, or will she continue to live her life the way she does because after all she is happy, isn’t she?
It’s hard to like a book when you don’t like the morals that you’re presented with. I really did like Veronica. She’s a great mom, and an awesome friend. She’s there for everyone when needed. As a lawyer, she also excels. She’s been a lawyer for years so it comes naturally at this point in her life. And the fact that she sleeps around, I couldn’t care less. The only thing that bothers me is that she prefers married men so there are no strings attached. Her husband cheated on her and got another woman pregnant. Veronica doesn’t act hurt by it, but I’m sure she was/is. Doesn’t she realize that she is doing the same thing to someone else’s wife? It’s obviously the men’s fault as well; they’re not getting off the hook here. It’s just that she doesn’t seem to feel bad for the men’s wives in the least. That’s what bothers me.
Anyways, the book itself was well written and fast moving. I did get a little confused when she met Jeremy, a successful and married man, and he tries to explain to her about different levels and layers of her life. I just didn’t understand what was going on. He was trying to give her an education on how to get more out of life and more money I believe. I don’t know, I just didn’t get it.
There was a rape, not really scene cause it wasn’t, we, the readers, just know that it happened. Anyways, it was horrible but during the after effects of the rape there were some significant spelling errors. Semen was spelled ‘seamen’ a few times. Now honestly, I was glad for the error because it made me laugh and I needed that laugh during that scene to take me back to reality.
The ending didn’t give me closure at all. In fact, I made a note in my kindle saying, “what??????” I know that this is the first book in a series but I just feel that some sort of closure would have been nice.
Looking at what I wrote it sounds like I’m ripping apart this book, but I’m really not trying too. Again, it was for the most part a fast moving enjoyable read. All and all, definitely a good book.
My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
~Pam
*****I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book in exchange for an honest review.*****
It’s hard to like a book when you don’t like the morals that you’re presented with. I really did like Veronica. She’s a great mom, and an awesome friend. She’s there for everyone when needed. As a lawyer, she also excels. She’s been a lawyer for years so it comes naturally at this point in her life. And the fact that she sleeps around, I couldn’t care less. The only thing that bothers me is that she prefers married men so there are no strings attached. Her husband cheated on her and got another woman pregnant. Veronica doesn’t act hurt by it, but I’m sure she was/is. Doesn’t she realize that she is doing the same thing to someone else’s wife? It’s obviously the men’s fault as well; they’re not getting off the hook here. It’s just that she doesn’t seem to feel bad for the men’s wives in the least. That’s what bothers me.
Anyways, the book itself was well written and fast moving. I did get a little confused when she met Jeremy, a successful and married man, and he tries to explain to her about different levels and layers of her life. I just didn’t understand what was going on. He was trying to give her an education on how to get more out of life and more money I believe. I don’t know, I just didn’t get it.
There was a rape, not really scene cause it wasn’t, we, the readers, just know that it happened. Anyways, it was horrible but during the after effects of the rape there were some significant spelling errors. Semen was spelled ‘seamen’ a few times. Now honestly, I was glad for the error because it made me laugh and I needed that laugh during that scene to take me back to reality.
The ending didn’t give me closure at all. In fact, I made a note in my kindle saying, “what??????” I know that this is the first book in a series but I just feel that some sort of closure would have been nice.
Looking at what I wrote it sounds like I’m ripping apart this book, but I’m really not trying too. Again, it was for the most part a fast moving enjoyable read. All and all, definitely a good book.
My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
~Pam
*****I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book in exchange for an honest review.*****
February 5, 2014
The book seemed slow for the first half and I wasn't quite sure where the plot was going. However it started picking up when Veronica met Jeremy and he wanted to teach her how to gain what he had in life. There was also a good chapter where Veronica steps in to help an old family friend's daughter stay out of jail. The book does end on something of a cliffhanger because I know it left me wondering what was going to happen next with Veronica.
This book seemed like a cross between 50 Shades (but without the S&M) and Pretty Woman.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book seemed like a cross between 50 Shades (but without the S&M) and Pretty Woman.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 15, 2017
The story was good. The editing in this and all installments is dreadful.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews