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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This was a really good read! The writing flowed well, and I thought Luke and Tess were good together. It took me a while to warm up to Tess though. I felt like she was holding on to something, that in the grand scheme of things, wasn’t that significant. I get it, I would be pissed if someone forgot me too, but it was 10 years ago. It took her longer than I would have liked to let that go. Luke was a great guy in pretty much everything, except when it came to his ex. The manipulation was ridiculous, and I was happy when he was called on it. Wendy was her own responsibility. The ending was SUPER sweet, and I loved that these two got their HEA. I can’t WAIT to read about the rest of this family!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Coming Up Roses was a sweet and heartwarming read that had me taking turns between having the biggest grin on my face and swooning after Luke Bennet.
Tess Monroe was loving life and creating masterpieces one bouquet at a time at Longbourne’s flower shop. That was until Luke Bennet swept back into her life and shook up her calm and orderly life. I simply adored these two together. Watching as Tess realized there was so much more to Luke than meets the eye had me falling right along with them. Their fiery attraction, witty banter and amazing connection made for one irresistible read. These two stole my heart as their love blossomed one moment at a time.
The brilliant descriptions of the Bennet family and their family flower shop have me excited about what I’m hoping is a series about this lovable and zany family. If you want a read full of love, laughter, and all the swoon worthy feels that will leave you with a smile on your face then Coming Up Roses is a must read.
Staci Hart is an insta-buy for me. Especially her Austen related stuff. Who doesn’t love a good rom com? This particular book almost had a Hallmark feel to it. Maybe it was the flowers. Or maybe it was the importance of family. I didn’t really like Luke in the beginning of this story. I’m not sure you’re supposed to. He did grow me on a little by the end. We’re introduced to a lot of characters that I know will eventually have their own books. I cannot wait to step back into this world.
I absolutely love this cover! Staci Hart is one of my favorite authors and she always writes books that are all consuming.
This was a fun heartwarming story full of sweet moments. Luke has just returned home to help run the family business. Tess works for the Bennet family and loves her job. When Luke returns Tess is not sure what to think of him being back. These two have chemistry after years of not seeing each other. Will they be able to work together?
I loved this book and the characters. It was a fun quick read with lots of feels and I highly recommend it!
Coming Up Roses is the latest from Staci Hart and kicks off her newest series, The Bennet Brothers.
Luke Bennet has come home with his siblings to try and save the family flower shop, determined to prove he isn’t as much of a flake as everyone seems to think he is. The first person he needs to convince – Tess Monroe, his one-time friend who wrote him off and now seems to hate him. If only he could figure out why!
Tess has grown up at Longbourne, and she loves it just as much as the family it belongs to. So when the shop needs help she’s the first to jump at the chance to save it, even if it means working with Luke. Too bad he’s not the same unpredictable guy she once knew and continuing to hate him is tougher than she thought.
Fun and flirty, Coming Up Roses is a sweet story with a huge emphasis on family. The love they all have for each other is highlighted throughout, the bonds unbreakable and unwavering. I loved how there was so much history between all the characters, and how it was explored and strengthened the bonds between Tessa, Ivy and all the Bennet’s.
If you’re looking for a fun, easy read full of love and family values, this is definitely it!
I loved the feel of this book…the family bond, the old fashioned vibe from the family matriarch.
Tess and Luke were once friends, but one night turned them into enemies…for one of them anyway. Tess remembered everything about that night, Luke nothing. When Luke comes home to help save the family flower store where Tess works, they manage to become friends again, and then more. Luke is a notorious playboy, so Tess is guarding her heart. But once they’re in, they’re all in! Of course, the past has to come knocking at Luke’s door and threaten their chance at happiness. “Life is lived in the moments you don’t see coming. Not in the comfort of predictability, but in the thrill of the unknown.” Can they survive the unknown?
Between laughing out loud and then despairing because of the angst, my emotions were everywhere!
This family is a lot of fun to read, so I’m sure hoping we get to see the rest of them get their happily ever afters!
4 “Be Wild” stars!
“I don’t want to be your fling. I want to be your everything.”
Coming Up Roses is an entertaining and emotional enemies-to-lovers rom com. Both sexy and sweet, it gives us a wonderful slow burn romance that will make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love.
Luke Bennet’s family owns the flower shop that Tess has been working at since high school. Luke and Tess were friends from the start but something happened that torn them apart and only Tess knows the truth. She hasn’t seen Luke in years and hasn’t really thought of the past; however, when Luke comes waltzing back in to help the family, all the hurt of what went down comes rushing back. Her hate still festers even though she is still wildly attracted to him. Luke has no idea what made their friendship fail or why Tess seems to despise him now but he is determined to find out. Their lives get flipped upside down when truths are revealed and second chances are explored.
“She’d looked up during my speech, her eyes soft and rich, stirring something in my chest. A familiarity, like a memory I couldn’t grasp, like a dream that had slipped away when I woke. But then it was gone.”
It’s clear that Tess and Luke are attracted to each other but Tess isn’t ready to forgive the heartbreak Luke caused. I felt the pain and humiliation. When she thinks they can finally be friends again, things start heating up and I loved it!
These two are so different but they couldn’t be better for each other. With Tess’ desire for stability and Luke’s desire for adventure, they shouldn’t work but they do. They bring out the best in each other and they meet in the middle. I loved watching them finally take a chance. Soon things are right on track…until they aren’t.
A turn of events really knocks them down and it’s emotional. Though the pain is understandable, it still hurts so bad, and I found myself upset and heartbroken. I am not sure what I would do in that situation but I thought that Luke and Tess’ actions were believable and true to their characters. Tess shows her strength and Luke gives us his heart. There is so much more depth to these characters than meets the eye, and I couldn’t help but fall for them as they fell for each other.
Tess and Luke’s story is one of friendship, forgiveness, family, and love, and I enjoyed every moment of their journey, heartache and all.
Coming Up Roses is the first in the Bennet Brothers series and already I am hooked on the this family. I adored Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and I loved watching all of the siblings come together. You could tell they are very close, and they are fun and loving while still being honest with each other. They are an entertaining bunch and I can’t wait for more!!
Coming Up Roses is such a fun, beautiful story. It is such a good and easy read. But honestly what Staci Hart book isn’t!?! Luke and Tess had so much chemistry but yet it wasn’t easy for them. I love enemies to lovers books and Luke and Tess didn’t disappoint! I can’t wait for the next in the series.
As an English teacher, I adore modern retellings of literary classics, and Pride and Prejudice is one of my absolute favorites, especially when Staci Hart works her magic and crafts her own contemporary version of a beloved story.
What I find most intriguing about Tess and Luke’s love/hate relationship at the onset of the story is the fact that Luke has no idea why Tess garners such disdain for him, but it’s all about first impressions with Tess and she can’t see past the arrogant, irresponsible, and trouble-making guy who broke her heart all those years ago. But thankfully, Luke proves Tess wrong, coming through in big ways for his family’s floral shop and taking the time to get to know who Tess is and just how perfect a match they really are.
Both Tess and Luke are dynamic characters whose past, in a lot of ways, dictate their present. Tess doesn’t trust easily, doesn’t take risks, and doesn’t step outside of her comfort zone because she’s afraid to get hurt; it’s her fear and her inability to live in the present that holds her back, but when Luke reenters her life, a new Tess emerges – one who is happy living in the moment with him and taking a chance of a man who she judged wrongly due to one interaction that he didn’t remember.
I love how Luke is perceived to be the under achiever…to be unreliable and unstable because he proves that notion wrong and then some. Because Hart provides readers with Luke’s perspective, we’re able to get inside his head to hear his internal musings about Tess and the reasons behind his actions when it comes to his ex. This firsthand insight is valuable for readers to truly see just how incredible he is.
The Bennets are a rowdy bunch and that’s what makes them such an endearing family. When their family floral business needed all hands on deck, that’s exactly what the Bennet siblings do, which is how Luke storms back into Tess’ life, throwing her off-balance and unearthing an array of dormant feelings about a shared encounter that Luke doesn’t remember. The way this family comes together and the love that shines through even when they’re arguing makes me more than a little excited to read about the other members of the Bennet family!
4.5 Poison Apples
I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!!
I am a huge Staci Hart fan, but this might be one of my favorites! It was such a great story and I still haven’t stopped thinking about these characters. I just want more! And I’m going to scream from the rooftop about it! I cannot wait to have this book permanently on my shelf.
Pride and Prejudice like you’ve never seen it before!! What an amazing rollercoaster ride. I absolutely adored everything about this book. I am a massive P&P fan, so was willing to give it a shot but it blew my expectations right out of the water. It’s a super fun read with just enough angst to keep it interesting. I will most definitely be recommending this in the future.
Love Staci’s writing and ability to tell a story. Coming Up Roses was no different.
I felt like I was in the flower shop the entire time, smelling the freshness, seeing the lush flower arrangements and most importantly- living the story within the shop.
The dialogue and storyline grabbed my attention immediately, the chemistry made me stay. I can tell that this will be a highly enjoyable series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
When I heard Staci Hart was going to write another Jane Austen retelling I was really excited. I’ve loved every single one of her books based on Jane Austen’s classics. The way she manages to create a modern twist on those books is incredible. And I can’t get enough of it.
“Coming Up Roses” is the first book in a spin-off series based on “Pride And Prejudice” called the Bennet Brothers.”Pride And Prejudice” tells the story of Lizzie Bennet and her 4 sisters. Staci Hart gave a twist on it and created 4 brothers and 1 sister instead.
The first book tells the story of the youngest brother, Luke Bennet (Lydia Bennet in P&P).
Most of the story takes place in the flower shop owned by the Bennet family. Tess Monroe has worked there for most of her live. She absolutely loves her job, except for one reason: Luke Bennet. She hates everything about him and thinks he can do no good.
I love the tension that it creates between her and Luke, but what I even love more is what that tension can become when they give in to each other. Luckily you won’t have to wait long to find out.
I also really love the side characters. Luckily there will be 2 more books to enjoy in the spin-off series. On top of that there will be a duet telling the story of the oldest two siblings. So much good stuff to look forward too. I can’t wait!
4 stars for Staci Hart’s newest book!
This book is a slow burn, sweet romance with alllll the feels.
I love how Staci’s writing is so effortless and lyrical, it makes the book flow like music!
I love everything that Staci writes and this is no exception.
Luke and Tess- another great story written by Staci Hart!! This book will make you laugh and cry and feel. Luke and Tess are childhood friends who have a connection yet Luke hurts Tess but he doesn’t know why.
As they reconnect- Luke wants to be more than friends and the story unfolds, you are not only connected to Luke and Tess but the entire Bennett family.
Staci Hart writes so beautifully- I cannot wait for more of the Bennett family!
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is such a delightful and lovely story with so many important themes sprinkled throughout. An opposites attract story that embodies finding yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone once in a while, and learning to let go of the past.
The characters in this story are so genuine and so likable. This includes the secondary characters as well. I really fell in love with all of them. I absolutely adored the Bennet family. Their love and devotion to each other was so wonderful to see. I honestly cannot wait to read more of these characters in future books. These characters truly captured a little piece of my heart. The main characters were so easy to identify with. Tess so relatable and her character growth was fantastic in this book. Luke was completely swoon-worthy. He was a free spirit that showed how big his heart was with his actions towards those that he cares about. The way that Luke went out of his way all the time to do things to make Tess smile was so beautiful.
The romance in this story was genuinely a pleasure to read. It’s a strange mixture of enemies to lovers and second chances, but softer on the enemies to lovers part. Tess certainly had no love for Luke when he got back into town after being gone for five years. Luke had to work hard to break down her defenses. The second chance comes into play after Tess and Luke had a falling out in high school. Tess is holding a grudge over something that Luke did when inebriated that he doesn’t even remember. I loved the fact that they were childhood friends, even if only since high school because it added so much emotion to their love story. Their history made their romance so much more impactful. Their chemistry together was phenomenal. You can really see how perfect they are for each other with their dialogues and actions in the story. I also liked that their differences complemented the other so perfectly. They are such a well-matched pair and it is obvious as you read the story.
The plot in this book isn’t overly serious, even though some serious issues are touched upon in the background. The conflicts in the story seemed a little lightweight, but the story flowed nicely and the plot kept me reading and interested.
I felt that the world-building was great in this book. Especially the scenes in the flower shop. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was right there in the shop.
Overall, this is a book that I couldn’t put down. This story grabbed my attention from the first page and dazzled me again and again. If you are looking for a feel-good read with lovable characters that keeps your attention and makes you swoon then pick this book up immediately!
4.5 Stars
Tess Monroe loves everything about her job as a Longbourne Flower Shop florist, and working for the Bennet family is a dream… except for that one pesky family member whom she absolutely despises. Luke Bennet is everything she hates about men who don’t take life seriously… and are irresistible with their shirts off…
Luke Bennet has returned home to help bring the family business back from the brink of failure. Luke has always been the carefree, comic relief in his family… but now that the stakes are so high, he will need to prove just what an asset he can be… all while trying to thaw out Tess in the process…
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Coming Up Roses was a sweet, enemies to lovers story filled with impressive flower design creativity. Set in the most fascinating floral shop in existence, it also features many highly entertaining employees, with stories all their own. Tess and Luke went from friends, to enemies, to reluctant co-workers, but with an attraction that won’t quit, once these two share their eye for artistry and their endless work saturated nights, it’s only a matter of time before the sexual tension wins…
Tess is a woman who thrives in her quiet, predictable life. Having worked at Longbournes for the past ten years, she could never imagine wanting to be anywhere else. She is a caregiver, a creature of habit, and unapologetic about her life’s lack of adventure. Her hatred for Luke has been simmering since he moved away, but now that he is back, it has returned, stronger than ever.
Luke has never held a job for longer than it takes for him to grow bored. A jack of all trades, but an expert at none, he comes off as a man who can’t commit to anything. But Luke’s return home is very different this time. Armed with some fantastic ideas and the skills to execute them… all he needs is a talented florist to help him breathe some life into his vision… what he needs is Tess.
This story had such a fascinating setting, and the visual representation of the flower shop was so incredibly well done, that I am dying to see something like it in real life. From the window settings, to the gorgeous floral arrangements, each description brought the flower shop and it’s employees to life. Tess and Luke’s love story was sweet and hopeful, and while they have their drama to work through, it all took a backseat to the magic they created together for the sake of the shop… and their undeniable chemistry in it’s midst.
I loved the Bennet family so much, and with a whole lot more single siblings living back under the same roof, I am oh-so-desperately hoping for many more stories from the Longbourne Flower Shop world!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Overall I thought Coming Up Roses was a cute and sweet story. There were several things throughout the story that I truly loved and some that just wasn’t for me. When it comes to supporting characters, Staci definitely writes some of the best ones. And I’m constantly looking out for whose book is next, but don’t you worry. It’s the Bennet Brother’s series and we’ve just begun!
I’ve been a huge fan of Staci’s writing for years, she has definitely written a few of my favorites. Some of them coming from her Austen series and now we have the Bennet’s! When we’re first introduced to Lucas, we quickly get the the kind of character he is. Despite his playboyish ways, I absolutely loved his loyalty and utmost compassion when it comes to his family. And that he never wants to disappoint his mother even if she’s trying to marry all of them off. And there’s no one like Tessa to throw his world off it’s axis a bit.
I kind of had a love/hate relationship with Tessa. We have a bit of an unrequited love story since she had a crush on Lucas since they were young. Although, I understood why she was upset with him for so long about something that happened between them, they were still also kids. However, there were other personal things going on in Tessa’s life, it was a painful memory that was attached to a hard time. That’s definitely tough to get past. And she carried that for several years and it blinded her a bit of truly knowing how genuine of a guy Lucas can be.
There was some drama-rama that I was hoping wouldn’t manifest into something more, but it did and kind of wished that it just wasn’t there. And it played the epilogue a bit that I wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about it.
I didn’t love this one as much as her previous work (bahhhhhh, I don’t even like giving Staci’s book a low rating because I just love her to pieces), but I’m super pumped for this series because I love EVERYTHING Austen. Plus, STACI, she’s just awesome! And the glimpses we got of the Bennet’s, I just know we have so much to look forward to!
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM THE AUTHOR IN CONSIDERATION FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. **
Oh I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book so much! I stayed up way too late savoring each word. Tess and Lucas are just so lovely together. This book is a rom com but so much more than that. I laughed, cried, swooned and fell in love with all of them! Staci Hart writes beautifully and you can feel this story come to life.
4 1/2 stars!
Staci’s world building ability is amazing and every time I start a new series of hers, it doesn’t take long for me to fall in love with the characters. This time we are given the wonderful Bennet family. They own a flower shop that has been the family business for YEARS, but newer stores in the area have caused their business to struggle. So the whole Benet clan has come home to try to figure out how to save the family business.
Tess has worked at Longbourne Flower Shop for years and can’t imagine working anywhere else. So when a plan is hatched to save the shop, she is totally on board. Even if that means working with her nemesis, Luke Bennet. Tess has built this image of Luke in head since she was a teenager and has no desire to think anything else. Then Tess and Luke start to work together and all that changes. Turns out he is nothing like she thought and it becomes harder and harder to resist the Bennet charm. So much swoon inducing charm! Seriously y’all….Luke is amazing book boyfriend material.
I love the fact that the majority of this book takes place in a flower shop. I love flowers and I don’t think I’ve read a book in this setting. It allowed the author to paint these wonderful pictures that I wanted to see in real life! Now when I walk by a flower shop I can’t help but think “Eh. That window display could be better.”
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! We are introduced to the rest of the Bennet clan in this book and I am so intrigued by them all. They all couldn’t be more different and I’m sure their stories will be just as entertaining as Luke’s. And there is also a secondary character in this book that, thanks to how things played out, I know will be around in future books. But I have to wonder if that character will become an even more important character in the future. Only time will tell!