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 opposites attract romcom.They say there’s no such thing as perfect.But I’ve built my life to perfection—the perfect boyfriend, the perfect apartment, the perfect career planning celebrity … perfect career planning celebrity weddings. My job—my only job—is to make sure every event is absolutely and completely perfect.
What’s not perfect? Kash Bennet.
And I wish I didn’t find that so appealing.
I could have told you every perfectly imperfect thing about the gardener at Longbourne. Like his hair, lush and black and far too long. Or his nose, the flat bridge of a Greek god, bent a little like it’s been broken. Or his size. Beastly. Roped and corded with muscles, gleaming with sweat and peppered with dirt. There’s no escaping him, not if I’m going to use his family’s flower shop for my events.
But nothing is what it seems. And in the span of a heartbeat, my perfect life is turned inside out. They say the best way to get over somebody is to get under somebody new. When Kash offers his services to the cause, it sounds like the perfect plan.
What’s not part of the plan? Falling in love with the gardener.
But they were right—there’s no such thing as perfect.
And I’m the fool who finds out the hard way.
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Oh my heart, Kash Bennet is definitely my favorite Bennet brother so far. I’m such a fan of this series that surround a family and it’s even better when it’s a Jane Austen retelling. A bit of a twist on the beloved story Pride & Prejudice, when hen opposites attract , it’s always bound to be a fantastic story. And that’s exactly what we get.
Kash has my heart and soul. That man feels everything sooo deeply and will take on any pain. And his devotion to his family is everything. But when it comes to love, it’s something that he wasn’t willing to try again.
But then Lila happened, the wedding planner that has worked herself every single day for years to get where she is today. Even if she had to deal with the worst people in existence. She’s independent, strong, extremely hardworking and possesses this talent to not show her emotions when it seems necessary. And the impact of that as you get through their story is just wow.
Even if Kash and Lila’s relationship was supposed to be a rebound/friends with benefits situation. We alllll knew how that was going to go down and I was extremely nervous for the fallout.
My heart was racing the entire time because these two just worked so well together. I loved watching their journey together towards love, the adoration they have for one another was beautiful to see.
Gilded Lily is definitely my favorite so far and I absolutely cannot wait for the next Bennet Brothers read.
**A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.**
Staci Hart
Lets start by saying what a gorgeous cover this is! I love all the little details that went into it!
This is the second book in Staci Hart’s Bennett Brother’s series! Kash is the master gardener, between him and his father they grow all the flowers. Lila is the uptight sister of Ivy and a prominent event planner, who needs Longbourne’s flowers to be on point for ever event!
I really liked Lila, I liked that she was tough and a go-get-em type of girl! However, while she’s done that for her career, it’s meant that she has settled in her love life. Until her jerk of a boyfriend is caught in a very compromising position, and she realizes that he wasn’t the love of her life after all! And so decides that maybe she needs to let lose a little, enter Kash…
Kash definitely pushed Lila out of her comfort zone, he showed her what life could be like if she just relaxed a little! In turn she forced Kash to confront that labels that he had long attached to himself.
All in all another wonderful story from Staci. I will say that my two favorite part of the book are when Kash’s Dad basically tells him, that he’s an idiot and then when Ivy comes crashing in to tell him the same thing, but full of fury and insults! So good!
Thank you to Staci for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Available now!
This was a sweet, heartfelt read. Kash is such a gentle giant of a soul, and more of a catch than he gives himself credit for. Burned by love in his youth, he believes all he is good for is one night or a fling. Lila is fierce and strong and so used to wearing a mask that shes comes across as cold and unfeeling. Because of this, I had a little bit of trouble warming up to her. But the more I got to know her, the more I adored her. Lila and Kash are so perfect for one another, and I enjoyed watching them fall into something neither of them expected to find.
I got a kick out of the reality TV angle, even though it further emphasized why I don’t watch reality TV! Some of these personalities are exhausting. LOL
I really wanted to give this 5 stars, but I struggled with the last few chapters. I am tired of characters being unable to communicate with one another and then resorting to childish, wallowing in self-pity behavior. Maybe it is my age and where I am in my life?
That being said, I am very much a fan of this series and I highly recommend it, especially for the Jane Austen fan! I adore this family, and I love how each book gives us a bit more insight into their dynamic. They may have their issues, but the way they come together and refocus their energy into saving the family business is quite impressive. I can’t wait to see what Staci has in store for us with Book 3!
Gilded Lily is the perfect modern interpretation of Jane Austen’s story. The characters have so much depth and heart, which will make you fall in love with them instantly. Kash will definitely be your next book boyfriend. He is such a loveable and sexy guy and it’s easy to see why lila falls in love with him. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he is not. He is honest, funny, and supportive to Lila. Lila has no choice but to fall in love. I can’t wait to see more of the Bennet Brothers and their amazing family.
Gilded Lily is hands down my new favorite Staci Hart book. I could not put it down. Lila and Kash are EVERYTHING. I repeat, EVERYTHING. Their chemistry was in every piece of this novel. As typical of a Staci Hart masterpiece, the witty banter in this book was hands down my favorite element. I’m loving this series and can not wait for more.
THIS is Staci Hart at her absolute best! The second installment in the Bennet retelling brings us Kash, the gardener, and Lila, an event planner that wear crisp white pantsuits and has no time for…well…anything. After blessedly getting out of a relationship, Kash and Lila decide to rebound a little. And that rebound is filled with laughs, angst, and so. Many
Flowers. Filled with family secrets, a reality show family that is veritable hot mess, and wonderful side characters, Gilded Lily is the perfect book to curl up with!
And Staci does it again! She know exactly how to deliver a great love story that hasn’t been done before! I couldn’t wait for Kash and his story.
In this story it’s true what they say “opposites attract”. These toe couldn’t be more opposite but for them it works out! Are they perfect? No, but no one is! Did they both have things to work our? Yes, as does everyone!
Loved this modern twist on a traditional story line.
Can’t wait for more of the Bennett brothers!
There isn’t a book that Staci can write that I don’t find myself immensely in love with the characters.
Kash and Lila were such an interesting pair to follow. Being polar opposites and still managing to make things work out in their best interest, made their love story so relatable.
I enjoyed the sense of family and bonds that are shared amongst all in one his book. The chemistry was flawless and the development of the characters effortless.
Another great book by the amazingly talented Staci Hart’
Gilded Lily was absolutely fantastic. It is the second book in the Bennet Brothers series and I loved it every bit as much as the first one, if not more!
Kash and Lila couldn’t be more different. Kash loves working with plants – people, not so much. Lila is a go-getter wedding planner planning the wedding that could make or break her career. When her life starts to fall apart she turns to Kash as a rebound. When the rebound turns into something more and feelings get involved will they be able to make it work or are they just too different?
This is a wonderful retelling of one of my all time favorites, Pride and Prejudice. Staci has a way with telling stories that just captivates you from the beginning. I’ve been in a rut with reading lately but couldn’t put this one down! I wholeheartedly recommend this book as well as the first book in the series, Coming Up Roses.
Ya know, just when I think I can’t love a new Staci Hart book more than the others I’ve read, she goes and releases this little gem of a book and I fall even harder!
The push and pull between Kash and Lila is what book dreams are made of and the poetic flow of this story is truly captivating.
I love getting to see more of this family and the dynamics around them. And I’m sure you can guess that I’ll probably fall deeply in love with the next book too, right?!
I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I enjoyed Gilded Lily even more than Coming Up Roses, and I really loved Coming Up Roses. This “opposites attract” romance had everything I love in a romcom, and I’m giving it 5 stars.
Once again, Staci Hart delivers a heartfelt, witty, and unique story filled with dynamic characters, intriguing plot twists, and emotional romance. The story is refreshingly original, and she does an immaculate job infusing her characters with the authentic vitality and spirit of Jane Austen’s Bennets. Hart manages to stay true to the individuality and quirkiness of Austen’s original characters while also flawlessly adding maturity and modern charm to make them her own. The Bennets are so lovable and relatable that as I read Gilded Lily I actually felt like one of the family. I didn’t want it to end.
Kash Bennet is PERFECT, and I absolutely love the character depth that Staci created. I loved Luke, but I might love Kash a little more now. BUT! I think I love Lila Parker the most.
Lila is an unapologetic boss babe. She is powerful, intelligent, driven, and so very strong. She knows what she wants, takes no crap, and can face down any challenge that comes her way. I love how empowered she is, and I absolutely love how much Kash loves it, too. He’s not intimidated or turned-off by Lila’s assertiveness. In fact, it’s one if the things he likes and admires about her, and I found that so refreshing. And their chemistry is sizzling. Lila and Kash are so good together, in more ways than one, and I throughly enjoyed experiencing their love story.
Gilded Lily is a such a fun romantic comedy, and the “opposite’s attract” angle is crafted perfectly. Kash Bennet and Lila Parker are WONDERFUL, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for Marcus in book three. 5 stars for me!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Kash Bennet, & Lila are opposites who attract to one another. Their story starts as a rebound romance with rules. Rules are always meant to be broken. Of course the romance blossoms into something more.
This is a feel good romance. A Jane Austen inspired romance, much like Pride & Prejudice retelling.
I did receive a free ARC copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
I adored Coming Up Roses and Tess and Luke so much! I didn’t think I would love a couple more from this series until Kash and Lila came in the picture!
“She reminds me of you. Her hair. The curve of her nose. The gilded lily–beautiful and perfect without any adornment but adorned all the same. Almost to frivolity.”
I said this for Coming Up Roses, but I have to say it again. Staci Hart’s writing keeps blowing me away with her writing. She keeps exceeding my expectations over and over. Her prose was poetic, graceful, bewitching. She keeps outdoing herself and I just have to keep praising her! She deserves a whole lot more attention than she has.
I’ve had my eye on Kash since the first novel and was excited when I found out this was his novel! He is an enigmatic man who caught my attention immediately. It broke my heart to read how he views himself, which is so low. To him, he’ll always be the person girls just sleep with to have fun, but not to marry and start a family with. I just wanted to hug him so tight and never let go.
“For the first time in my life, I wished I was something else. Something more. Ambitious and successful and rich. Powerful. I wished I was the kind of man Lila wouldn’t just f*ck. I wished I was the kind of man she’d keep.”
I loved Lila and her ambition. She’s a wedding planner and she hopes to one day have a high position in the company she works at, or better yet, own her own business. I loved how she kept her cool among extremely irritating and tough clients. I would’ve done something to those clients, let me tell you.
I loved all the hate between Kash and Lila. The tension could be cut with a knife! The chemistry between these two was electric! But at the same time, when it came to the emotional aspect, they complimented each other so well. They each brought out the best in one another and motivated each other to keep moving forward in their business. You really can’t help but fall in love with them and the love they have for each other. I know I did!
One person who shined a lot for me was Lila’s sister, Ivy. She is SUPER hilarious! Her insults are the best I’ve ever read! My favorite one has to be, “Dumbassador.” I already introduced this word in my every day talk so Staci, kudos to you for doing this. And the list has more! You guys need to read this book and find out and get more inspo on insulting people, especially those who break your heart!
Overall, Gilded Lily is a fantastic enemies-to-lovers rom-com that will surely leave you wanting to stay bewitched for life, as long as you can keep reading the words that Staci Hart has created.
Staci has always been an automatic one click author for me, and she keeps amazing me with these Bennet men!!
I loved Kash & Lila! I loved how they started as friends and just kind of tumbled into bed and a relationship. Kash is so laid back, which makes him perfect for Lila and her tendency to be a bit high strung. This whole book was amazing and I didn’t want to put it down until I got to see how the story played out between these two!
PS- I can’t wait for Marcus’s book!
Kash and Lila… O. M. G. I absolutely loved them! Like maybe loved them even more than I loved Tess and Luke. That’s especially saying something coming from me because Tess and Luke are freaking amazing together. To keep this short and sweet I will just say this, Staci just keeps making stories that are even more incredible than their predecessors.
Staci’s writing is always phenomenal but I have to say that the Bennet Brothers Series is seriously giving Tonic and Bad Penny a run for their money in my list of top Staci Hart Series. I cannot wait to see what Staci brings with book 3, because you can rest assured that I will absolutely be getting my hands on that book as soon as I possibly can.
Love love loved this one from Staci Hart!! The chemistry is immediate and the story just sucks you in. Staci has an amazing way with words that will draw you in and never let you go. There’s definitely something special about Lila and her protective, perfectionist personality. I love that Kash is able to see through her shields and help her figure out what truly makes her happy, and find a slice of happiness for himself. Plus you get all the love and craziness of the Bennett Brood. Definitely a 5-star read for me!
*ARC provided for an honest review
Whoa! I didn’t expect Lila, this Lila, to be that tightly controlled yet so vulnerable in the right hands! She is fire and ice , but with Kash she is definitely more fire!
The chemistry between these two is undeniable..but what happens when the fun turns into more?
I love Kash with all my heart..this guy is so chill and so comfortable in himself and his role in life.
Both kash and Lila thinks they know what they want and what they can have..turns out they both need to learn the hard way!
As always, amazing story and even better characters!
I love this series and every book just gets better!! Kash and Lila are such fabulous characters and wonderful additions to this world the author is building. Staci Hart does an amazing job from this die-hard Austenite’s point of view! I cannot wait for the next one!!
Lily is a type A wedding planner. She’s hell on wheels and Kash Bennett is fascinated and intrigued by her. He seems to be able to take her uptight nature in stride. Inside, though? He wants her…does she want him back? Of course! How could she not because Kash is seriously the most adorable, sweetest guy. He’d have to be to put up with the way Lily was at first. Thank God she chilled a little as they fell deeper in with each other.
This series got off to a great start with Coming Up Roses, and just got better with Gilded Lily. Kash and Lily are a fascinating, opposites attract couple who mesh perfectly together.
Staci has done it again with her flawless and beautiful romance. She is definitely one of my go-to 1-click authors. As much as I loved the first book in this series Coming Up Roses this one stole my heart. I loved Kash Bennett so much <3
Staci's writing has such a beautiful feel to it, it draws you in from beginning to end with her quirky humour, the explosive heat and the heart and emotion she pours into it.
I am super excited to see what Staci brings us next and if she can knock Kash off the top spot in my heart.