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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Yet another stunning and AHHMAZING read by Staci Freaking Hart! Coming Up Roses by was definitely not what I was expecting! There’s a different flare to it than her norm to me! This read has PLENTY of laughs and swoon but Tess and Luke has this aura about them. Maybe it was the family love or the love they tried to hide form one another. I’m not sure. But this unseen second chance romance is one of the best I’ve read in a while!
Overall Rating: ++
“‘I’m yours,’ I said against her lips before taking them. Forever was written in that kiss.”
Staci Hart is new to me. This is only the second book from her that I have read, the first being Well-Suited, the fourth book of her Red Lipstick Coalition series. With that book, I appreciated her story and loved the characters, but there was something missing for me. Part of it was its voice. It lacked some level of flow for me. However, in the end, I realized how much I appreciated and respected Hart’s storytelling.
When I read the blurb for Hart’s newest book, Coming Up Roses, I was drawn to three things: the enemies-to-lovers trope (LOVE IT!), a playboy-level, seemingly irresponsible hero, and an “inspired by Jane Austen” level story. I was all in after reading those qualities. Add to that a beautiful cover, and this book had to be mine.
And Coming Up Roses did not disappoint in the least. To begin, the voice of this book changed from Well-Suited. From the outset, the words and sentiments on the page flowed, so much so that I could not put this book down. In fact, I read it from front to back in one sitting. It captured me, clobbered me over the head with its humor and sweet story.
It is a bit deceiving in the realm of enemies-to-lovers. There are two main characters, Tess and Luke. Tess sees Luke as an enemy due to a moment in their past. From the outset, Luke recognizes Tess’s virtues, and he’s puzzled by her animosity towards him. As far as he’s concerned, he has never affronted her. We, the readers, know the issue, but Luke is clueless. This story isn’t like a true enemies-to-lovers story wherein the hero and heroine both hold disdain for each other. In this case, it is very one-sided, and it makes for some good story-telling as the “playboy” learns Tess’s truth. It also offers some sweet sensitive moments.
Hart has constructed Luke to be more than just a playboy. This is seemingly so at first glance, but Luke is much more layered in his development. Yes, he loves women, and he connects with them in the way that most men like. However, he is sensitive, thoughtful, caring, and sacrificial. We see this from the start in that he leaves California to come home to care for his family’s business. While there is more to the decision, it still shows that he is more than just a playboy out to bed women. He cares deeply for those he loves. Luke, very quickly in the story, moves from being a lothario to emotionally intelligent. I loved his evolution, and as a reader, fell deeply in love with Hart’s rendering of him.
“He was kind and giving to measures of absolute certainty. He sacrificed himself for others, even when it cost him dearly. He shouldered responsibility for things that were not his to be responsible for. He was steady and sure in ways I never thought he could be, in ways that had brought Wendy across the country strictly to seek safety in him…Even now, even having endured what she’d put him through, I believe he would try to help her, do what he could to ensure her security. And if I gave him the chance, he would do the same for me. More, if I let him. I wanted to let him. And I wanted to give him everything he had given to me.”
Conversely, Tess is your typical cerebral heroine. She thinks before she acts. Her head rules her heart, and she can be annoying to the reader because her internal struggle keeps her away from the hero. However, Tess is any woman who has ever feared jumping first, thinking later. While she is more cerebral than some heroines, her chest holds a deep and caring heart. In fact, she chooses the happiness and care of others over her own. Through Tess, Hart shows her readers the necessity for self-care and living one’s life, not just simply existing in it. Much like reading Luke’s evolution, there is something deeply satisfying in Tess’s changes.
Together, Luke and Tess make a whole. He pushes her towards adventure and spontaneity, while Tess grounds Luke more than even his family. It’s this wholeness that makes this story a beautiful read. There is some angst in the book, but really Luke and Tess’s story is more beautiful than destructive. As they work together to make the flower shop successful, I looked forward to each new change. In each new change, their relationship moved from the physical to the emotional and there inlaid the beauty of the story.
“We went up like a torch in a twist, a tangle of arms, our bodies locked and seeking the other. There was no space — the flame had devoured the distance, the air, her and me. Consumed.”
I think Staci Hart won me over even more with Coming Up Roses, the first in a new series. From the other family members who made me laugh out loud and love them for the ways they loved each other to Tess and Luke’s coupling, this book brought a light to my day. Having read some heavy, angsty romances lately, Staci Hart’s newest book breathed fresh air into my day and my heart.
“But looking at my parents, looking at what I had with Tess, I realized love was more than that. It was equality. Respect. Trust.”
I don’t want to be your fling. I want to be your everything.
Well known as a player and a major flirt, Luke Bennett comes back home from LA to help out at the family flower shop, along with his siblings. Coming out of a rough relationship, coming home is just what he needs. Plus helping his parents bring life and business back to the shop is a bonus. He never wanted to work at the shop and or put much effort into it before, but on arriving in town, he sneaks up on a girl in the back of the shop thinking it’s his old fling from way back when, but instead he finds the stunning Tess. Who just so happens to be besties with his old fling. What he also doesn’t expect is for her to have so much dislike towards him.
Tess has worked at the Longbourne flower shop for years, and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. She loves working there and creating beautiful things. But her mood dampens when Luke Bennet walks in the door. Even though she can’t miss how how and muscular he is, she still has a chip on her shoulder from several years ago, when he kissed her and told her he wanted her to be his, but then forgot about it all by the next morning. Tess thinks that she is moved on from it all but even her bestie can tell it’s still in there somewhere.
When Luke has the perfect idea to bring life and business back to the shop, he and Tess are forced to work together to help make magic happen, though He hoped, she never thought it would happen, but the magical sparks between them seem to strike with life as does the shop. Luke just has to prove to her he’s in it for the long run and not just a fling. But when his past comes walking in the door, Tess’s faith and trust falters, which only makes Luke want to prove it to her even more that she is everything is needs.
Coming Up Roses was such a sweet and laugh out loud read. From the very beginning you are just drawn to both characters and can’t help but fall for Luke’s charm and Tess’s wittiness.
This was my first ever Staci Hart read and I already love her writing. I love how she took Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and made a retelling where it’s a guy the mother is trying to marry off. I can only hope to get more stories from Staci for Luke’s siblings as well!
Staci Hart is my one click author. And it seems she never disappoints! Luke and Tess was swoon worthy and super adorable together. Fun, funny and perfect read for the summer!
4.5 ‘Let Her Be Wild’ Stars!
ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
I seriously am becoming addicted to all things Staci Hart! Ever since I read her Red Lipstick Coalition series, I just fell in love with her writing and her characters. Yes, I did see that Coming Up Roses is a spin-off of another series and yes, I still haven’t read those books but I always get so giddy when a beloved author releases something new and I wanted to read it so badly. Thankfully, I did not need to read Staci’s Austen series to enjoy reading this novel (though I will surely read those in the future!). Now, focusing on this upcoming release, let’s just say I’ve already fallen in love with these new crew of characters.
So, Coming Up Roses looks like it will be a new standalone novel in a new series by the brilliant Staci Hart. This novel releases in less than two weeks and trust me, if you are a fan of Staci’s work, you don’t want to miss it. This is an enemies-to-lovers romance (kind of) with a second-chance feel to it. Tess Monroe is loving her life and especially her job as a florist in the Bennet’s flower shop. She loves everything about it, especially the Bennet family. Well, besides one person: Luke Bennet. Luke comes back to Longbourne to save the family business and he is surprised to find a Tess that seems to hate him. Does she really? Well, read the book and find out!
He had been designed to entice and did so at his leisure. As easily as he lured you in, so easily would you be consumed.
And I had no desire to be consumed.
The first words that come to my mind when I think about Coming Up Roses are sweet and funny. The novel is extremely focused in the interactions between its couple and the Bennet family, who are obviously based on Austen’s characters. The back and forth and the strong connection between all the members in the Bennet family surely melted my heart. I love family dynamics in romance and this one was simply amazing!
Never before had I been so unsure of where I stood with a woman. And never had I been so certain of where I wanted to stand.
Beside Tess.
But now let’s focus on our main characters: Tess and Luke. This couple! GAH! Their instant connection after many years of not seeing each other surprises them both, especially Luke. Tess had a huuuuge crush on him back in the day and she is actually pissed that Luke does not remember kissing her one time during a very difficult moment. The woman definitely makes him pay! But Luke is such a good man that it takes him no time to win Tess back. The chemistry between these two was on point and I thoroughly enjoyed all their moments together.
It was as if she were composed of flowers. Roses, red and thorny, delicate and dangerous. And somehow, I’d eased my way through the brambles to lose myself in the velvety beauty of her.
So, I am rating Coming Up Roses with 4.5 STARS because Staci already has easily worked to get these characters in my heart. I loved Luke, Tess, the Bennet family, Tess’ father.. everyone! I loved the whole family and I do hope Staci writes more about them because they are a fantastic crew: loving and super hilarious! And of course her couples are so good and sweet and I want more! Highly recommend reading this one!
COMING UP ROSES by Staci Hart is the story of Luke Bennet and Tess Monroe.
Tess works at the Longbourne Flower Shop and close to the Bennet family. Actually Tess and Luke used to be friends when they were younger but he did something that hurt Tess. Now she dislikes him but he has returned home after being gone for years to help his mother. So they are back working closely together to help the flow shop.
I enjoyed their story.
What’s sugar, spice, and everything F-U-N? This book.
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC for review, and let me tell you, this book had me laughing, smiling, and bingeing all the way through. My Kindle was, essentially, surgically fused to my hand.
So I have a soft spot for florists. It’s a career I wish I was gifted in because I would love to be surrounded by all that beauty every day. Therefore, when I learned this book was going to center around a florist, I got very pumped. And this isn’t just any florist novel… this is a family dynamics novel, frenemies-to-lovers novel, and a second chance novel wrapped up in a pretty rom-com package. And. I. Loved. It.
Let’s talk characters. First, Tess, because I love her. I love her fiery side and her passion about floristry. I love how determined she was to please, and I related to her militant need for comfort and stability. She was witty, smart, and pretty even-headed for most of it. I know what it’s like to cling on to nostalgia like she did throughout this novel, and it sorta punched me in the heart a little bit. I have a feeling we are the same type on the Enneagram because so much of what she said, I could relate to, so it was like looking through a funhouse mirror if I was good at floristry and had a super hot pile of man wanting to de-flower (ha, get it?) me. Which brings me to…
…Luke. Lucas. Youngest of 5, Mr. Lucas Carefree Bennet. So, if you wander on over to Staci’s Pinterest board for this book, you will see the model she was envisioning for Luke, and let me tell you. Mmmm. I adored Luke. He was SO funny, his ideas were borderline brilliant, and his heart was so, SO much bigger than most people gave him credit for. He really is the embodiment of the manwhore exterior, teddy bear interior guy. His love for Tess beat through his heart in such loud ways before he ever uttered a word, and that’s my favorite thing ever. Could he have been a little better at communicating? Can’t we all… But I just adored him, his love for his family, and OMG the way that he was able to get a little more serious because of Tess? Yes.
So this warrants its own paragraph, because this is one of my MOST FAVE THINGS EVER in real life or in books: when two people balance each other out while highlighting their best traits. Luke is transient, carefree, non-committal, and Tess is the opposite – straight-laced, committed, devoted. Luke teaches her to open up a little more, to enjoy life for the day by day, and Tess teaches him how much joy there is in sticking with something to the end. BUT, and here is the big but, they still are wholly themselves, and they bring out the best qualities in each other. Now THAT is a healthy relationship, folks, and we stan that. Hardcore.
The family. Family dynamic novels are some of my absolute favorites. (Looking at you, Landry Family Series…) Since I myself do not have a big family, it’s always fun for me to step into one and see all the fun interactions. The Bennet family is SO precious, especially Mr. & Mrs. Bennet, and the siblings were a RIOT! 🙂 I feel like Staci is going to make this into a series with each of them getting their own books. If so, I’m not exactly opposed. *wink wink*
And Tess’ dad, how adorable was he? I loved how DAD he was, y’know? Like sage moments of wisdom with a whole lot of goof thrown in. I highlighted several things he said, especially when he was talking to Tess at the beginning about adventure. Yes, sir, we love you.
Ivy is a kickass best friend. There’s not a lot I can say about her other than I really like her and think she’s a solid chick, good for Tess and the shop.
The pacing was great! I have been reading several slow burn romances lately, so while this wasn’t instalove, it felt QUICK because I’ve just been so immersed in books where it feels like they hardly breathe on each other until like page 400. So I loved having a good portion of the book where they are together and working through the hiccups of being newly in love.
And that COVER! I LURVE IT. It’s not a kissy-cover, it’s not that 2D hand-drawn graphic trend that’s really in right now for romance novels (I’m just tired of it)… It’s sooo cute! Perfect for the story, with the flowers (obviously) and the turquoise… I see what you did there, Staci. I see you.
There is one thing that happens in this book which I am not super sold on. As I read it, I was literally screaming “no, no, absolutely not!”, but now that I have let it sit and marinade for a minute, I don’t hate it as violently, but I still don’t think it was the… shall we say… RIGHT move. *minor spoiler at very bottom*
So, Coming Up Roses. A wonderful book, a beautiful story, and overall just a refreshing read. I adore Staci’s novels, and this is no different. If an ADORABLE frenemies-to-lovers romance is up your alley, scoop this up quick.
– – – –
***minor spoiler: [ Of course, I am referring to the fact that the family hired Wendy at the shop at the end of the book. I am all for tough love for certain people and instances, and that sack of mess has received anything but tough love from Luke. Characters from the family even SAY this to Luke multiple times throughout – Wendy has to learn how to swim, on her OWN. Them hiring her teaches her the OPPOSITE, that Luke (and/or his family) will always be there as a safety net, no matter what, even after getting caught trying to lie her way into trapping Luke! She will never learn to take care of herself, be independent, and the family will never have Wendy out of their hair if they continue to enable her over and over. The reason I said I didn’t hate it AS much after I let it sit for a minute is because I can see how the Bennets wanted to do the right thing (they have hearts of gold, after all), and they needed the help anyway. But I really don’t like a hypocrite, and I really, REALLY don’t like enabling someone’s actual problem, especially if you are aware they need help, so yeah. I’m not really on board with the whole Wendy-at-Longbourne situation. It doesn’t give closure to Tess, it enables Wendy… yeesh. Not good, tbh. ]
*4.5 Stars*
First of all, this cover is so beautiful and the story inside does it justice. I love the way this author can completely immerse you in the settings of her books. You feel like you’re right there with the characters but the descriptions are not overwhelming.
Lucas Bennet and Tess Monroe are complete opposites in personality but they both have to find a way to come together to save The Bennet family’s florist business. Tess has harbored feelings for Luke since they were just teenagers but after he forgets a passionate kiss they shared, her feelings change to anger and hate. When he comes home to help save the family business, they must both confront their changing feelings for each other. Their road is not smooth and they have to navigate many bumps in the road but I love their story!
For me, family is everything. I love when the characters I read about, and fall in love with, feel the same way. I fell head over heels for all of the characters in this story. The Bennet family is precious, Tess’s dad is a hero, and Ivy is the best friend we all want.
I really hope that this is the first book in a series of standalones about the entire Bennet family. I fell in love with the whole brood and want to see each of their journeys to happily ever after.
This story was perfect parts angst, steam, drama, romance, and adventure. I loved getting lost in these characters.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Coming Up Roses by Staci Hart is her first book the Bennet brother series and as Staci’s style this book is so good!! the perfect romantic comedy that will have you read it the whole book in one day.
This is Luke and Tess story, who meet when they were young, and then something happened that of course Luke doesnt remember thats why Tess has hateful feeling for him, but after 5 years of not seen each other, Luke is back to help her mom, and Tess find herself working with Luke to help the shop. But not everything is easy, Luke has an ex that is a bit dramatic that will cause so much trouble for the couple, but if you want to read what happen and how they find their HEA, you NEED to read this book as soon as is available!!
You meet some amazing secondary characters, that i can’t wait to know more!! I’m hoping we are going to have books for the other Bennets!!!
With this book Staci confirm that she is the queen of romantic comedy, because this is her best genre!!! Im so excited for her next works!!
Cute as a bouquet of pink roses. And perfumed with fun and romance just the way I like it.
This feel-good comedy is a dreamy homage to Pride and Prejudice where the Bennet siblings are actually four brothers and one sister. The family dynamics are humorous, loving and supportive, and one of the things I enjoyed the most about this story. The siblings rally to help the family’s flower shop out of ruin, showing a commitment born of unity and love that permeates the whole book.
The romance lies on Luke, the flirty and adventurous brother, and Tess, the expert at floral arrangements. At first, I didn’t trust Luke because he seemed too shallow and a player (hence the homage to Austen).
However, he changed my mind along with that of Tess as he was bursting with energy for the saving of the shop, with projects and with ideas to implement, and with physical prowess to put them into motion. He’s a force to be reckoned with. And Tess puts up a big fight to resist his plentiful charms because she’s holding a grudge from a time in her youth she was vulnerable and their moment together seemed to evaporate in thin air.
Reality and feelings shift as they work, create and dream together. And I loved it! I loved the plans and designs for flower bouquets and decorations and all pertaining to the flower shop. It’s so energetic and stimulating and creative that I wanted to be part of it 😀
The relationship grows like a well-tended garden with cute banter, emotional realizations and a beautiful intimacy that’s both hot and heart-opening.
The last part includes an unsavoury plot twist which I personally dislike, though it users in a bountiful of life lessons, emotional turmoil and painful sacrifice that really move the heart. I loved how their true feelings survived the test and how the flower shop played a beautiful role in their reconciliation. This family blooms with emotions and love. And I’m so curious about the next story if it ever comes out. There are so many Bennets after all 😉
Ms. Hart brings the angst, the heat, the heart and the humor in this newest story! It’s a fabulous new, fresh twist to the classic Jane Austen story.
This is the story of the youngest sibling in the Bennet family Lucas. Everyone thinks he is the wild child, living for adventure, never taking anything seriously and the complete opposite of the lovely Tess Monroe.
But there is more to Luke than meets the eye, he is controlled chaos, he is the port in the storm for those who need it.
Tess has known Luke her whole life, but has she really known his true self? She is steady and lives for order and predicability. She is nursing an old wound that Luke unknowingly gave her.
The chemistry between Luke and Tess is amazing, and when Luke decides he wants everything with Tess, he gives it his all.
It’s not all sunshine and roses for Tess and Luke though, there are some thorns in that snag and cling to them that need to be pruned. The angst in this story made me weep! This story gives you all the feels!
And the rest of the Bennet clan!! Oh I loved every one of them and I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that Ms. Hart will deem us mere readers worthy of more stories from this family!
*4,5 stars*
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a funny, heartwarming story that will pull on your heartstrings.
Tess has been working in the flower shop for years now and has been very happy with her job, she has loved every minute of it. With all the new developments in the neighborhood, it hasn’t been great for small businesses. But with the family being back home, they’re trying to do whatever they can to get it all back on track and make some changes. With Luke being back, she never thought she’d see him again and with something that happened years ago, she doesn’t know how to feel about him working in the shop. But Luke is not the same who he was years ago and when they get to know each other even more, feelings start to grow but when Luke’s past comes back into town, it’ll be harder for them to get back to where they were…. Will they get a happy ending?…
THIS JUST BECAME MY FAVORITE BOOK FROM STACI HART!!!!
Guys, Luke and Tess are EVERYTHING!!!! When I wasn’t smiling I was swooning, when I wasn’t swooning I was crying, when I wasn’t crying I was back to smiling. This book had that funny romantic vibe. Tess was someone who was so sweet and… I just loved her. Having Luke back in her life isn’t what she planned, but it is something that will change her life.
Luke is back and ready to start over, he’s the guy everything loves…. everyone except Tess. These two are amazing, I loved how Luke was determine to make Tess like him. This is a must read guys, ASAP!!!! This book will become one of your favorites of the year.
Staci Hart’s writing can melt your heart and pierce it painfully at the same time. Her stories are unique. The characters are ideally not so ideal with quirks and weird awesomeness. Coming Up Roses was the same. She combined sharp wit, angsty emotions and sweetest feelings to create this swoonworthy love story.
Staci Hart can make each book an adventure, a learning experience and a treat for my soul. Like this book. I want to learn all about Floristry now! Set in a historical florist run by the Bennetts for generations now, Coming Up Roses is about first love, second chance and HEA. Tess, the florist and basically manager of The Longbourne, lives a predictable and boring life of safety and routines. But Luke Bennett lives life like a thrilling adventure. He doesn’t settle, doesn’t committ and doesn’t plan. For a planner like Tess, working with him is a nightmare. Well other than the forgotten kiss that has been breaking her heart forever. Luke is back to help his mom and she has to endure him. And somewhere down the line while working as a team to restore the glory of the Longbourne, they realise that they have been wrong about each other. And right at that moment, the past strikes. Can they move on from the wreck?
The book has three lead characters. Luke, Tess and the flower shop. I am in love with Luke. I am in love with his free soul with deeply rooted care and kindness. He is actually very protective, helping and caring behind the easy going , wild and unpredictable facade. And Tess is the beautiful, soft and creative soul who craves some stability in life due to her early life. She soothes the wander lust and restlessness in Luke. She is home for him and makes him want to build a life around her. And Luke makes her alive and adventurous and fills her life with bright colours. The chemistry was amazing. And it was so incredible to read how the flower shop brought them together. The slow burn romance with the heartbreak at right place was brilliant. They complete each other and even though the challenges exposed their vulnerabilities, they found their way back to each other. I loved the Bennett family with their unique personality and now I need a book for each of them!
In Coming Up Roses, Staci Hart mixed witty sarcasm with intense emotions. She put family love right along with friends-to-lovers romance. The writing was heartwarming and enticing. It was an all out feel good romance with just the right amount of heartache and angst to give it the extra edge. There is absolutely nothing that I did not love about this story!
Received ARC for Honest Review
After reading my first Staci Hart book a couple of months ago, I remember thinking she might be a new go-to author for myself. After reading Coming Up Roses, I am confident of that. Rom-com usually is not my genre of choice, but something about Staci’s witty writing style pulls me into every word.
Coming Up Roses is funny and smart with plenty of emotion-filled moments. Luke and Tess were the perfect yin and yang couple. Their banter would put me in the fit of laughter one minute and swooning the next.
If you are looking for a light-hearted and well-written read, then this is the book for you.
“All the feels, 5 stars”
Hart takes us on a journey with Luke and Tess. They are opposites in the best kind of way. He loves adventure and winging it where Tess likes her schedule and the known. Two people who shouldn’t work but with Hart’s witchcraft they do. I laughed, I swooned, and at times I wanted to gibs smack a character or two. One thing is for sure I cannot wait to see where Hart takes the rest of the Bennett’s on their journeys to love.
Luke loves learning a little bit of everything and has never had the desire to stay in one place or job for long. Now he’s back home in NYC after a couple years in LA. He’s home to save the flower shop that’s been in his family for generations. What he didn’t expect was Tess. Well that’s a lie, he knew Tess would be there but he didn’t expect to click with her. To want her. Will he be able to convince her to take a chance on him?
Tess has worked for the Bennett’s for years and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She has her routine and is happy with her life. But is she really happy or just content? When Luke comes home, she can’t help but let the old hate flare. You know what they say though, there’s a fine line between love and hate. Which side of the line will Tess land on?
“He disarmed me, stole my grenades, took down my walls brick by brick, left me defenseless.”
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
Ever since I laid eyes on the cover of Coming Up Roses, I have been dying to get my hands on it. The colors just popped and drew my eyes to it. I know they say you should never judge a book by its cover, but not only is this cover fantastic, the story inside is pretty amazing as well.
Coming Up Roses is the perfect summer read. It’s sweet and swoon-worthy with just the right amount of angst. The story is flawlessly written and completely captivating. The characters are real and easy to connect with. I loved the chemistry between Luke and Tess. They had an incredible pull and I just loved their banter. They totally nailed the enemies to lovers vibe. Although, I’m gonna be honest, it is so hard to hate on Luke. Sure, he isn’t perfect, but his heart is totally in the right place and you can tell that he’s trying to make up for his past mistakes. And Tess….well, she is just great. She’s got a fiery attitude and isn’t one to easily let go of grudges. She’s an amazing creator and is terrific at her job. And when she loves, this girl totally loves hard.
Coming Up Roses was just the story I was hoping it would be. I loved getting swept up in Tess and Luke’s story. The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for them. There was definitely a few bumps along the way. But, in the end, I found myself hopelessly addicted to these two and couldn’t help but root for them to fight for their happily ever after.
Coming Up Roses was a terrific read to spend my day getting lost in. I loved the story-line and I enjoyed getting to know these characters. This story had just the right amount of angst, drama, steam and romance. All in all, another fantastic read from author Staci Hart.
So this book sets up with the premise of being a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but Mrs. Bennett actually has sons (and one daughter). To be honest, aside from the names, I couldn’t see too much of the whole Pride and Prejudice parts in there, no more than many “holding a grudge against a guy who shows up again” books also tell.
This is a book you can race through somewhat, and it will leave you with a smile on your face. I however somewhat struggled with both main characters and some loose ends of side plots that didn’t really add much merit in my eyes.
Staci Hart writes beautifully as always, creating a rich world, which you want to jump into headfirst. I would love to visit that flower shop and hang with all the Bennett siblings all day long! But Tess and Luke, didn’t really intrigue me as much. Playboy gone serious and wallflower feeling scorned (rightfully so), slowly getting over the past, and then jumping into something rather uncharacteristic. It all was a bit out of nowhere for me, and I was missing a bit more cohesion between it all.
Nothing dramatic, still enjoyable, but I was hoping for more, since I love the author’s work.
It has taken me a minute to write this review. I haven’t been able to find the right words, and this hot mess of a review shows that. I’m sorry.
Coming up Roses kind of snuck up on me. I was quite annoyed in the beginning with Tess’ stubborness and Luke’s “happy go lucky” attitude, but as the story unfolded and the characters started to reveal their inner struggles more and more, I got it. I got it so bad, that I could not put this book down.
As is classic Staci Hart, this book is full of wonderful side characters, that makes the book come alive on your minds big screen. It is full of fun banter, snappy comebacks, and loving teasing, and I friggin’ loved it.
However, you don’t get a Staci Hart book without a side of heavy. I would be laughing one moment only to be crying the next.
All in all funny, sad, and just plain beautiful.
Another Staci Hart romcom that was fun, cute, entertaining, full of wonderful characters (how about that Bennet family?) and a story of opposites attract.
Luke Bennet has returned home along with his siblings to help his mom resurrect their family business, Longbourne. It’s a floral shop that has been in the family for generations, but with businesses changing with the times, how can a mom and pop shop survive it? That’s where the Bennet brothers (and one sister) come in. Along with Tess and Ivy, this crew of characters is going to turn this floral shop on it’s head and within that time a romance is going to bloom between two characters that have a bit of history.
Tess and Luke were complete opposites and I liked seeing them compliment one another. The carefree and wild Luke that can’t be tied down and Tess who likes steady and plans. How could their attraction possibly work? Tess has ambition, but she has responsibilities she holds high. One of those being her father. And boy does her father give some sound advice for someone that had a life completely altered by life.
“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.”
This book had the feels but was also very visual. I could see the floral shop and the changes that were being made. It was colorful and full of life. It added to the story so vividly that I couldn’t help but love the setting about as much as the characters. It brought everything to life and tied all the tidbits together. The floral shop was at the center of everyone’s life and I loved that. It completed the book. But the characters were also so strong and unique in their own ways. We got to see them grow during the story. We got the wild and free. The predictability. The responsibility. The family. It was a full out family romance that I devoured quickly. And can we talk about Luke Bennet? He is total swoon-worthy and grows in a way that I find endearing.
For a heartwarming romance that would be a perfect beach read, I would recommend this for your summer reading. It’s a well paced and fleshed out story that left you feeling good. Told in dual POV from Tess and Luke, this is one for Hart addicts as well as new readers. And don’t forget to check out the chapter titles. They always make me laugh and are spot on for their corresponding chapters. Enjoy this 4.5 star book!