Bestselling author Staci Hart is back with a brand new romantic comedy and clever spin on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Meet the Bennet brothers, get to know Longbourne, and fall in love in this steamy enemies to lovers romcom.Everyone hates parts of their job.Maybe it’s the paperwork. Maybe it’s the day-to-day grind. Maybe it’s that client who never knows what they want, or the guy who … the guy who always cooks fish in the microwave.
But not me. I love every corner of the Longbourne Flower Shop, every flower, every petal, every stem. I love the greenhouse, and I love Mrs. Bennet, my boss. I love creating, and I love being a florist. I don’t hate anything at all.
Except for Luke Bennet.
The Bennet brothers have come home to help their mom save the flower shop, and Luke is at the helm. His smile tells a tale of lust, loose and easy. He moves with the grace of a predator, feral and wild. A thing unbridled, without rules or constraint. When he comes home to save Longbourne, I almost can’t be mad at him. Almost.
He doesn’t remember that night I’ll never forget. That kiss, touched with whiskey and fire. It branded me like a red-hot iron. But it meant nothing to him.
Everyone hates part of their job, and I hate Luke Bennet.
Because if I don’t, I’ll fall in love with him.
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Luke and Tess’ story has its ups and downs, laughter and tears and everything you could ask for. An easy read I didn’t want to end and I fell in love with the whole family and their flower shop. I do hope for more Bennet family books!
Coming Up Roses is an enemies to lovers or friends to lovers Romance with angst, funny moments, hotness, swoon- worthy moments and a whole bunch of sweetness.
The story begins when all the Bennet family siblings returning home to help their mother save the family business, the family business has gone from a chain of flower shops down to just the one which has been in their family for generations. Each family member puts in their own skills and the mission is on to save the business and bring it up to date, with the times and back on it’s feet.
Tess has worked for Mrs Bennet for years, from when she was at school, she was also once the best friend of Luke Benet the youngest sibling in the Bennett family until Luke broke her heart and hurt her feelings.
Tess had always liked Luke, they were best friends and even worked with each other in the shop when they were younger. A night of whiskey in the greenhouse has Luke and Tess’s friendship taking a drastic turn.
Tess after years of crushing on Luke finally gets a kiss from him, she thinks she is finally getting her man but things aren’t quite as she imagined them to be when next morning Luke in his hungover state has forgotten all about the kiss and whispered promises the night before and he just goes straight back into friend mode with Tess.
Tess is hurt, does she tell him, how can he forget a night she will remember forever?? the icing on the cake is when he starts dating other girls, one being her best friend. .
Tess is no doormat and backs off, her hurt turns to anger and over the years hate, so when Luke waltzes in the door years later after living away from home and she discovers he will be working alongside her at the shop and also tries to pick up their friendship, Tess is anything but happy, Luke Bennett is nothing but a thorn in her side.
Luke and Tess have chemistry, they were definitely meant to be together but had a lot to work through before they got to that point, they had a lot of misconceptions about each other.
“When I kissed her once more, I felt her give herself over completely, felt her yield, felt the fight in her heart abandon her. And I took the chance to fill that space in her with me. I’d convince her I could be what she wanted, what she didn’t think I was. I could be that man. I would be that man”
I liked Tess she is a fiery character, definitely likable. Luke, however, well, I had my reservations about him, especially following some of his actions with his ex but he did make me swoon, he was 50/50 so not a bbf for me.
In summary; Coming Up Roses is an enjoyable read, I loved how the Bennet family all came together to save the business, there was a bit of drama and angst but Tess and Luke’s story does finally lead to a heartwarming ending. Told in first person dual pov.
This is the first book in a new series.
4.5 STARS
NO SPOILERS!
Coming Up Roses was a sweet, sexy, funny, and delightful standalone romantic comedy from Staci Hart, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and characters she created!
The storyline and characters were wonderful. I loved that Staci Hart decided to do a retelling of the Bennet family from Pride & Prejudice (my favorite classic) with the Bennet Brothers series, but in a fresh, unique way. The plot for Coming Up Roses was entertaining, and while I really enjoyed it, there were a few things I didn’t like, and just a little something was missing for me to make it a five-star read. The characters did not disappoint, however. Luke, Tess, and the entire Bennet family were phenomenal, and I adored each and every one of them to pieces. I fell head over heels in love with this family, and can’t wait to devour more stories of the Bennet brothers in the romantic comedies to come!
Coming Up Roses was a fun, sexy, delightful, and entertaining start to the Bennet Brothers series, and I would definitely recommend Tess and Luke’s story! Staci Hart did a fantastic job with the first standalone in the Bennet Brothers series, and I’m so excited to read more!
Staci Hart knows her way around the heart. No pun intended. She was truly honest and deep in this emotional novel about a man who wants to come home to save his family’s legacy and get the girl, yet. He has baggage. And that baggage alone could hurt his future with his family and the girl.
Tess didn’t think Lunk would come home. Yet he did and regardless of the animosity and pain she still has over a forgotten moment. She still has lingering feelings and Luke doesn’t make it any easier with all his hotness and determination to see Tess smile and have her forget this time that she “hates” him.
Hopefully, he can do his best to help his family and get the girl with no speed bumps or complications.
Staci Hart writes beautiful and emotional stories that leave you longing for more and this one was no different.
5 STARS
Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart is a standalone contemporary romance with comedy that sits in the world of her Austen series. A modern day twist and retelling of Pride & Prejudice. Told in dual POV between Tess and Luke, this book is funny but also romantic and a little bit sad in spots. The Bennett family is raucous and fun, the flower shop is a beautiful setting for this story, and Tess is a serious and complicated character. Luke comes across as fun-loving and easy going and one who flitters from one thing to the next, but learning who he is at his core and seeing how his best characteristics come out when his family’s legacy and the love of Tess are at stake was heart warming and quite very beautiful! Staci Hart is a must-read author for me and this was no exception. Enjoy!
I’m very picky about my five star reads but this one deserves every single one of them. It was a bit of an interesting start to their story to say the least but in the end, I fell for Luke and Tess.
I tend to think that I don’t fall in love with a character per so, but with what their story is. And it definitely hit home with me in this book.
Luke is basically a nomad with huge family ties— not something you see very often. But underneath, I could see it, I could sense his need for stability, for comfort. And he found that in Tess.
Tess is the opposite of Luke in that she has been a steady feature of his family’s flower shop for years. She likes the stability, she likes the routine. But Luke comes in and shows her that life can be fun, even if you stay in the same place.
That’s what I loved most. It showed that even if you stay in the same spot, the same job, or you move home to be with family, your life isn’t over. It doesn’t have to be boring or dull or lack adventure as long as you have that person by you side.
It’s rare that a story shows that side of things, but Hart wrote it out so beautifully. Her words never cease to amaze me.
*i received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You know those type of books that you wish it was real? Well, this is one of them.
This was my first book of Staci and I know that it won’t be the last.
Such a beautiful story is written in a way that it was funny, hilarious but at the same time she manages to give you angst and to understand what the characters are going through.
Tess, the girl from the neighborhood who never takes risks and has this passion for flowers that give her life; and Luke the rebel boy who ran away from home, and now is back in the city trying to save his family’s business and at the same time trying to figure out what he really want to do in life.
He meets again with Tess, after years of not seeing each other. They used to be friends, now they were barely acquaintances. But when Luke arrives, something changes. He starts to feel different around her and so does her. Is it possible that she could be falling for the guy who ruined her in Highschool?
The passion, attraction, feelings for each other were written in a way that, ugh, I don’t know how to explain it but Staci did a fantastic job developing this story. It’s a page-turner, one that you can’t stop reading and makes you crave for more!
I kindly received an ARC from the authorStaci Hart
Somehow I have never read Staci Hart’s books before! I have paper books on my shelf. I have several on my Kindle and not once have I cracked the pages, literally or figuratively
Until now…
And Coming Up Roses was the perfect introduction!
The lost memory of their brief time together a bitterness that tainted every aspect of their lifelong friendship until Tess could barely stand the sight of him.
As they eased toward taking their second chance the sweetness was just… delicious!
If you’re a fan of lost chances and second chances with just enough unexpected twists, this is a read for you. The writing is quick paced, witty and totall engaging! a must read!
.5/5
Coming Up Roses
August 2019
4 Stars
This book had everything I’ve come to love and expect from a Staci Hart book. Two very loveable characters, her touch of funny, and some steamy sexiness to burn up the pages. Luke and Tess were childhood friends, but now for the life of him, Luke can’t figure out why Tess hates his guts. I love the fact that Tess made him work for trust and heart again. Their journey is one you don’t want to miss out on. Another great story from Staci Hart.
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Another new series from Staci Hart to fall in love with and what a sweet, heartwarming, funny one it was. Filled with so much emotions you will love every word,
Tess and Luke Bennett were childhood friends until one night caused a rift in that friendship. Now Tess is working in the Bennett flowershop, she loves it but that’s all about to be turned upside down with all the Bennett siblings coming back to try to hep the shop get back in the black. Faced with Luke again can she get passed her pain and hurt, giving their friendship a second chance.
I loved Luke, he is a whirlwind that blows in and tips everything on its axis. He’s the complete opposite of Tess, she loves organisation, shes reliable and steady. Despite this the chemistry between them is OFF THE CHARTS. Now Luke has decided he wants Tess he gives it his all.
I loved the secondary characters in the Bennett clan, so much that I am hoping Staci will give us more from them.
Every Staci Hart book that I have ever read (I’ve read them all) has been an absolute masterpiece. It will shock absolutely no one that I loved this book, it has all of my favorite things. Jane Austen references: Check. Adorable heroine who wears vans and holey jeans instead of heels and dresses: Check. Big hearted hero who will do anything to woo the lady of his dreams: Check, Check, Check! *sigh* Grab a cup of tea, lets talk about it.
This series, it appears, will center around the Bennet family, a large, boisterous family who are close as can be. Of course, the scenes with the whole family in the house together remind me of my own huge, boisterous, super close family. I loved it. My mom always gushes over having “all of our babies under our roof!” Just as Mrs. Bennet did. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet kept me chuckling throughout the whole story. The siblings’ not so gentle teasing also put me in mind of my own siblings, and had me laughing out loud. I already love this family. I am 100% here for this series. I’m so excited!
As ever, the characters are realistic and thoroughly developed. I adored Luke and Tess! It was immediately evident that they are each other’s perfect compliment. The steamy parts were steamy, the swoony parts were swoony. The shocking plot twist actually shocked me (which doesn’t happen that often these days). The resolution made me release a long and fully satisfied sigh.
Of course, my favorite part of almost every Staci Hart story is the side characters. I always feel that side characters can get a little two dimensional in romance books, all of the focus often goes to the main couple (No surprise, and not necessarily a bad thing.), but I never feel that way with a SH story. Tess’ father was my favorite side character, tied with him are Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. He is a disabled combat veteran, and gives some of the best Andy Griffith level dad talks. I love him. I feel that I have spent a few hours in their world, and gotten to know and love all of these people. Staci Hart always manages to create a whole world, even if it is only about a the size of one city block.
This is the kind of book that I know I will be back to revisit.
Coming up Roses is a sweet Jane Austen-esque, frenemies-to-lovers, contemporary romance set against the backdrop of a struggling flower shop in NYC.
The Bennets are a loud, joyful, loving brood, and they have all come home to help save their legacy, The Longbourne Flower Shop.
This is a fiercely loyal family, and the way they pull together to support their mother and ensure their legacy survives is commendable and heart-warming.
This is also the story of steady, reliable, living life inside the lines, Tess Monroe, a long time florist and right hand to Mrs. Bennet; and the adventurous, wandering, not so stable Luke Bennet. Though these two are complete opposites in every way, they manage to balance each other out.
I did have some trouble getting into this one, based on the first few chapters, mostly because I found both Tess and Luke to be fairly immature in their thoughts and actions. But my enjoyment of the supporting characters (plus the nod to Austen) pushed me to read on. I’m so glad I did. There is so much sweetness in this story that reading it became a breath of fresh air. And I found myself highlighting lines that really resonated with me, such as this one:
“May we be immortalized by the deeds we do and the love we give.”
I very much enjoyed the focus on family dynamics, sometimes more than the budding relationship between Tess and Luke. Don’t get me wrong, I adore these two together. But the underlying themes of family, hope, realizing your value and self-worth, and doing right by those you love and who love you are what really drew me in!
One of the most important lessons I took away from this story:
“Be wild. Because life is lived in the moments you don’t see coming. Not in the comfort of predictability, but in the thrill of the unknown.”
4.5 Stars
Coming Up Roses is the first book in what I hope will be a new series by the fabulous Staci Hart! It’s chockful of delightful bits of tropes and genres that include: RomCom, SlowBurn, Enemies-To-Lovers and a pseudo Second Chance; all in a lighthearted Standalone inspired by Jane Austen, with a modern day spin! With just a smidgen of angst to make us squirm in our seats this is one HEA that had me happy sighing at the end. And with all these Bennett siblings, as secondary characters, they have stories I can’t wait to read more about.
“To Longbourne and all the people who love and care for her. May she bloom eternal.”
Tess Monroe has worked at the Longbourne Flower Shop, the family business owned by the Bennet’s for generations, since she was a teenager. At twenty-six, she’s still living at home and taking care of her father. After losing her mother in high school Mrs. Bennet took her under her wing, both as a surrogate and as her employer. Mrs. Bennet taught Tess everything she knew about flower arranging and soon she surpassed the master, taking over for her. Due to her rheumatoid arthritis Mrs. Bennet has had to retire, and Tess was the one keeping the business from going under. But it’s been a struggle to keep the shop open, with so much competition coming from big chain operations, so now all the Bennet siblings have decided to help out and rescue the shop before it goes under. Including Luke, a jack-of-all-trades, who moved to California ten years ago. And Tess had a crush on when she was a teen and considered a good friend, once. Until he broke her heart, so many years ago.
“Can you forgive me for my fear if I promise to always have faith?”
Luke Bennet has been around the block a few times. He’s done a little of this, and a little of that, but didn’t hesitate when he was called home to help keep Longbourne’s from closing. It would devastate his parents to lose the business, and he’s happy to help out. Especially after finding out that Tess is still working there. What he never expected was the animosity she has towards him. They used to be friends, and now he can’t figure out why she hates him so much. As far as he can remember, he’s never done anything to deserve so much hostility. And that is exactly the problem, he can’t remember…
When these two are forced to work together they begin to get closer and soon they can’t deny the mutual attraction they feel. But of course something, or someone, has to come between them.
“I don’t want to be your fling. I want to be your everything.”
“Luke lived by laws that offended the very foundation of what I believed in. He spoke of adventure like it was nirvana. My nirvana was security. And security was not found in risk, but in consistency.”
Tess likes routine and safety. Losing her mother so young and taking responsibility for taking care of the house and her father, left a deeper mark than she thinks. Always tied to routine, with no time for fun or for herself, she clings to her lists, her traditions and sameness, to keep moving on. The only passion in her life are the flowers she works with. Or so it was, until Luke Bennet returned to town.
Luke is a free spirit. His passion for life, always in search of the next adventure, the next novelty, the next learning, left him with an unreliable reputation. Added to this his success with women and his endless list of suitors, and he’s a walking danger. But behind the whole exterior facade is a Luke that few knows.
With the family flower shop about to go bankrupt, willing to save what is left of their business, the Bennet clan returns home, willing to help their parents. And with that, the most indomitable of the brothers finds himself back to his roots, in a place that seems to have not changed over the years. Except maybe for Tess, who is definitely not as he remembered.
With the business plan outlined, Luke and Tess end up spending a lot of time together. But if Luke gets everything he wants with his smile, he will find that Tess is immune to his charm. Well …. not so much.
A young woman who seeks stability. A popular guy. A unique moment in the past. And the forgetfulness the next day. Tess hates Luke. Luke has no idea why. And between heated clashes, hard work, and a lot of flowers, Tess’s well-erected wall begins to crumble. And Luke can reach her.
With a family inspired by Pride and Prejudice, a matriarch willing to marry her children, an ex-wife whose shadow still looms, a lot of confusion and beautiful flower arrangements, this light yet with a bit of drama romance, shows two completely opposite people but that are so certain to each other. And that is the great hit of the book. Impossible not to cling to the madness of this family and not to cheer for the couple. All packed by the aroma of flowers, which runs through the book and reaches the reader.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
OHMIGOSH! This book was absolute PERFECTION!! Pride & Prejudice is one of my all time favorite books, and I absolutely loved this retelling! Tess & Lucas were the perfect Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy! I loved that they didn’t want to fall for each other but there was no stopping their attraction! Mrs.Bennet was one of my favorite characters. Staci has always captured me with her words and this book didn’t disappoint!
I have loved Jane Austen since I was a younger and there’s nothing I love more than a retelling of my favorite classics! Staci hart time and time again shows her brilliance with each book she writes and she has now solidified herself in my book as one of the best! She took a classic story and put a modern twist on it that just brings all the joy Jane Austen’s novels brought when I was younger!
Lucas and Tess couldn’t be more opposite and yet they find themselves wanting to be around the other more and more! When truths come to light Tess finds herself wondering if falling is worth the risk!?
Amazing story and another amazing family for me to love! I can’t wait to see what comes next and who adventure I get to read about!
As we grow, hopefully we all have learned that family is not limited by blood. Staci Hart brings that rule to light in Coming Up Roses. We discover that time can heal many wounds, but some take longer.
Luke has always been the apple of momma’s eye, and apparently the eye of many other women also. A free spirit, his travels have allowed him to grow into a well rounded man with skills abound. That growth will definitely come in handy with what is needed when he returns home.
Tess is the woman that had to grow up too soon, but never let it deter her from her dreams and wants. Established in her ways and independent she takes on each day with trained understanding. Little does she know her planned days are about to be challenged, stretched, and bent out of shape. But maybe that is just what she needs.
Discovering the challenges with these two people kept me glued to the pages, but this is also a story about family struggles and family successes. It is a story about not seeing the light for the trees and learning what it means to trim those trees back so we have that better vision. It is a coming together story of old binding to rebuild what is close to failing. It is a story of redemption and forgiveness; a story of recognition, realization, and love.
Don’t think this is only a story of two people growing together after so many years, because it is so much more. You will be left with that warm feeling deep within as you discover the ending.
Staci Hart, you have penned a wonderful story with passion abound and I happily give it all the stars.
Coming Up Roses is one of those books that will hit you hard with the feels but also gives you something light hearted. This enemies to lovers story takes you on a roller coaster ride of passion, family values and finding your way in life, your purpose. I adored Tess even though she needed to break free from the past. She is so passionate about the flower shop and the Bennett family. Luke is a free spirit. Never really finding his place but always keeping busy regardless of what it was. Him crashing back into Tess’s life was not what she wanted but totally what she needed. These two have insane chemistry. Their banter is amazing but the way they work together to save the shop too was utterly amazing. They just mesh.
Overall, I adored the concept of this story and everything about it. It was fluid and great to get immersed into the world that Hart created. It has everything you need in it plus some little twists to keep you on your toes. It is a must read of 2019!
Coming Up Roses is a heartwarming, feel-good book that had me laughing out loud. In the end I was wishing I was a part of the Bennet family! This book is filled with characters I grew to love and has now made me wish for more books surrounding this family.
Besides the amazing romance in Coming Up Roses, this book is very family focused. All of the Bennets come home to help their parents save the flower shop. I loved how close this family was and how everyone dropped everything to make this happen. They made this story complete. Everyone should have a family like this!
We meet Tessa who has been working at the Bennet’s flower shop for quite awhile and she loves her job. This store and family has become her own and she can’t imagine her life without it! Tessa lost her mother at a young age and this store and Mrs. Bennet has become a safe place. I really loved this character. She’s really creative and so passionate for her work.
Luke is a Bennet and someone Tessa’s had a crush on for quite awhile. He’s a free spirit. Luke may seem like a guy who sleeps with tons of women and who doesn’t care about the aftermath. That is definitely not true. In many ways Luke cares too much. He may not know where he wants to settle down or the job he wants forever, but his heart is always in the right place.
I loved seeing Luke and Tessa connect again. Tessa didn’t want anything to do with him, but you slowly saw her realizing he wasn’t anything like she thought he was. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments between these two and some really loving ones. Without even realizing it, they both needed each other to learn how to live, feel and maybe even go for what they’ve been dreaming of.
Coming Up Roses does have a character that causes some drama and in my opinion, I think this story would’ve been better without her. The way Tessa and Luke were communicating, made this character unnecessary. The journey of them saving the shop and making the new displays filled this book with enough struggles.
All in all, Cominug Up Roses was an amazing story and I loved the characters. I really hope the author visits this family again, because I need more!
So, I wasn’t too sure when I went into this book if it would be for me, and as usual, I was totally wrong… I loved it. It was a light read, yet it wasn’t at the same time. It held angst that’s for sure, with a lot of heat and humor. It certainly was not what I expected, but in a good way. It was good to another side to Staci and her writing. It was a sweet read. Some would say hearts and flowers? It was like a re-telling of Jane Austin, and something I usually wouldn’t lean towards reading but I am glad I gave this a chance. The characters were amazing, and the story and chemistry between them both perfection. It flowed easily and I got caught up in the story within a few pages and managed to read it within one sitting.
Tess is one of a kind, I loved everything about her. Her biggest quirk was that she was so predictable, and lived a life of order, whereas Luke was the complete opposite, and them together you would think would be a tangled mess, but it wasn’t. They were perfect for each other. But nothing is ever that simple, and there are things that get uncovered which make Tess question herself and her feelings for Luke.
This book was a great read. Highly recommend it.
5 stars!