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 forbidden romance.Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.My mother has summoned me home to take my place at Bower Bouquets, and as the heiress, I’m expected to do as I’m told. I’m … do as I’m told. I’m expected to sit by her side as she does her best to decimate the Bennet family and their flower shop, Longbourne. I’m expected to play by her rules, or she’ll ruin me too.
But the day I crash into Marcus Bennet changes everything.
And the kiss seals the deal.
If my mother finds out, I’ll lose everything—my family, my life, my security. Worse, she’ll make sure the Bennets pay for my mistakes.
Falling in love with a Bennet is not an option.
But I might not have a choice.
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Oh my gosh! The Bennet Brothers series gets better with every book!
Marcus and Maisie were so cute together! I couldn’t get enough of them. They started out a bit rocky but came out strong in the end. Can’t wait to read more stories connected to this family!
I have always had a thing for “Jane Austen Inspired” stories and this one did not disappoint! Not that I would expect to get anything less than perfection from Staci Hart!
Staci is one of my favourite authors and no matter what new book she comes out with, I automatically buy it! You cannot go wrong with one of her books and I HIGHLY recommend you get this story as well as the other Bennet books!
10 out of 10 rating!
5 A Kiss Seals the Deal Stars!!
AAAHHHH I LOVED this book so much!!! I’ve actually loved all the books in this series but Marcus and Maisie are my absolute favorite!! I loved their banter, I loved the connection that neither one can seem to deny even though their romance just cannot happen…but love always wins the day even if it’s an uphill battle to get there!!
The Bennet’s and the Bower’s are enemies in the flower world and for two of their kids to even contemplate getting together is GASP!!! But when Maisie and Marcus decide they can’t deny what’s right in front of them, they forge ahead with exploring their love for each other.
This book has everything I look for in a romance… characters I can connect to and a story that is beautiful and full of love and feelings. There’s a delicious slow burn in this book too which strengthens their relationship even more. The family battle is quite ugly at times, but the strength that Marcus showes in his determination to make Maisie his and happier than she’s ever been totally made my heart swoon!
I’m somewhat sad to see this is the end of the series. Ms. Hart has done such a wonderful job of bringing elements of Pride and Prejudice back into my life as Jane Austen has always been one of my favorites of Classic Literature. I’m truly hoping we’ll get to visit with the Bennet’s again in the future!
What can I say about Mum’s the Word? Well Staci Hart saved the most epic for last! I mean this whole series is absolutely stellar… but with Mum’s the Word, I was utterly blown away. I fell in love more with Marcus as he fights to save his family’s legacy. You have Maisie who wants nothing to do with hers. But the instant connection of these two was beyond spell binding. My heart melted and shattered for these two. With everything going on, the strain that these two are experiencing absolutely kills you. But their connection is something so passionate and one of a kind. As this story flows, your mind is beyond blown away as things play out. The twists and the omg moments had my jaw on the floor. But that ending… oh my stars! It was stunning!
Overall, this book was a great ending to these Bennett boys. I loved every word. Every moment. Every twist. Hart has a way with words that will wrap you up into her world and have you begging for more. If you haven’t started this series, you need to. Because they are all amazing in their own way!
I read Mum’s the Word as a stand-alone story. I had not yet read the other two books in the series. This was a great adaptation of the enemies to lovers trope, but if we are really honest they were not truly enemies. The family business of Longbourne, has something magical about it and is very important to the Bennet family. I do like the family feud and history portion of the story. The Bennet family has made so many sacrifices for the flower shop and they were at risk with losing it all because of a contract that should have never been signed and a silly feud between two women.
Learning why the Bowers and the Bennets disliked one another add another layer to the story. Of course, it was ridiculous, but you must read the story to figure it out. Reading about the Longbourne from a different perspective made the story its own. This story was a great way to end the Bennet brother’s series tying up lots of loose ends and making a great and truly unique read.
Marcus is much quieter and more reserved than his siblings. He doesn’t easily show his emotions, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care or doesn’t feel as much as others. He just tends to be much better at controlling/concealing what he feels. He’s the middle child of five siblings. I like that Marcus is a caregiver. He loves his family unconditionally. They may not always understand one another, but the Bennet’s are fiercely loyal. It’s admirable that when Marcus found out Longbourne was in trouble, he bought the place from his parents with the goal of turning it around. He grew up in that flower shop and he realizes the value it holds for his family. It is the tie that binds.
Maisie Bower’s character was utterly charming. I liked that Maisie is the exact opposite of her mother. She truly cares about helping people. Money and ruining other people’s lives is not her motivation. Her personality is the opposites of her mother. Her father is truly a gentleman. I loved the relationship between Maisie and her Father. Maisie learned to love and the value of love from her father. Maisie finally got a backbone and stood up to her mother. Maisie allowed her mother to push her around and make her feel terrible for far too long. Maisie is an extraordinary character.
Marcus and Maisie together is totally swoon worthy. I’m a huge fan of instant love. The romance does move very quickly. Creating a few story line pacing issues. Hart did cram a lot into a short amount of time.
Overall, I rate this story a 3.7/5. It truly was a sweet and romantic story. Pacing issues makes it difficult to get a genuine feel for the romance. While I haven’t read the two previous books, I will be going back to read them. I like Hart’s writing style. She creates multi layered characters that are both enjoyable and leave you wanting more.
This is the 3rd book in this fascinating series and is Marcus and Maisie’s story. Marcus is the protector in his family, and he steps up to the plate when the families flower shop is struggling. Maisie’s mother is determined to destroy the Bennet’s by any means possible. This is a well written story which is a fun, sweet, humorous and steamy read, which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I highly recommend for all.
Oh Staci you’ve done it again. This Bennet family gives me the warm and fuzzies and that is just what we all need right now. Well, all the time, really. There’s been an air of mystery to Marcus Bennet up to this point, though there was no doubt in my mind he would have my heart. Maisie Bower is the light to open his eyes to something much more than he had ever imagined and I am totally smitten with them both.
This is so much more than a light-hearted romcom, as Staci tends to exemplify each and every new book. I loved Marcus and Maisie’s meet cute so so SO much! Their connection was instantaneous and real. Yeah, there was some slight shyness from Maisie, but I cheered when they both decided to try this thing out, two complete strangers in a chance meeting in the rain. It didn’t feel forced because it was set up so well. And then of course my heart broke when they realized who each other was…with their family histories it seemed impossible. That first goodbye was one of the most touching things I’ve read in some time.
Family rivals be damned, they can’t stop thinking of each other. Marcus’s complete adoration of Maisie from the instant they meet makes me so damn happy. His total strength and protection for his family takes his book boyfriend status to the next level! And Maisie’s good, pure heart and quiet strength, eventually morphing into something fierce, is wholly satisfying.
The hurdles these two MCs must overcome are not small. At least Marcus has the Bennet brood behind him. Most of the interactions Maisie has with her mother are hard and absolutely gut wrenching, and they will make you want to throw your kindle. She does have her dad though, and she has the future hope of being welcomed into a family she has always yearned for.
Staci always adds such depth to her characters that they demand your heart and full attention. And the details and turns in Mum’s the Word are so well plotted and written. Just the perfect amount of tension and drama to make our HEA that much more fist-pumpingly amazing! 5 big beautiful enchanting stars for Mum’s the Word!
4.5 stars
Staci Hart is a brilliant writer. I can’t say it any other way. With Mum’s the Word she brings another fascinating story of one of the Bennet Brothers into this world.
Maisie is a strong heroine, one that will surprise you as much as she surprised Marcus. You might think she’s her mother’s tool but she’ll prove you all wrong. I love how she fights for what she wants and her way of showing her heart of gold. She’s Marcus’s significant missing puzzle piece.
Marcus is exactly like I imagined him. Reserved and structured and with both feet on the ground he represents exactly what Maisie need to thrive. Whereas Maisie gives Marcus the spirit – the inspiration – to discover the bright side of life.
These two people are perfectly complementing each other and help another to grow while solving their obstacles.
Mum’s the Word is a beautiful book that will steal your heart in a beat.
Why did I wait so long to read this series, lol
Marcus is the more responsible Bennett brother and thrives on order and schedules and systems whereas his family is the total opposite. He worked on Wall street and wasn’t part of the family business, the flower shop.
Now he is home and bought a house down the road from his parents, there to help the shop. He thought everything was fine and the shop was a success, until his mother told him the truth. The shop was in financial crisis. So he did the responsible thing, called everyone home and try to bring the shop back to life. But that wasn’t the end. His mother signed a contract with their opposition to help the shop, now things are about to get interesting. So running into a Bower (the opposition) was not on his planned life. But also he can’t help feeling things he hasn’t felt in a long long time. Both of them not knowing who the other is and feeling all these feelings wanting to explore it more, decide to meet up later as they are both late for a meeting.
But once they get to the meeting who is on the opposite side of the table facing off with each other….
As you can imagine, this is a supposedly hate love romance. And even though Marcus Bennett and Margaret Bower knows they are not allowed to be together, the heart wants what the heart wants. But its not that easy, I mean seriously with a mother like Mrs Bowers I would have run the other way Marcus. This story kept me captured from the start as I wanted to see how this would turn it. I mean sometimes you think oh wow, evil will win, so you keep reading and hold your breath that the happily ever after will come through. I definitely recommend this book
Does heartfelt rom-com get better than Staci Hart? I don’t think so and Mum’s the Word is a perfect example. It was sweet and funny. Sexy and a touch scandalous. And I hung on every single word.
I adored Marcus and Maisie. Both strong and intelligent. Fiercely loyal to the things that matter the most to them. But from the moment they ran into each other everything changed. The attraction was instantaneous. More than that, they connected. They saw each other. Felt something new and wonderful. And in the next minute, the bubble burst.
If you’ve been reading this series from the start, then you know what Marcus and his family are up against. Everything was on the line for them. But there was something about Maisie that he couldn’t get out of his head. He knew he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t, wouldn’t walk away. Maisie couldn’t either.
Even with everything they both had going on they found a way to put that all aside and focus on them. Cue the flutters…The longing. The romance. The clandestine meetings. The dreams. The love. I could feel it in every touch, every word, every promise of more…And then the bottom fell out.
Secrets were revealed, half truths unearthed and no one was left unscathed. My heart shattered for Maisie and Marcus. For all they had hoped. All they had yearned for. But in true Staci Hart fashion, there was an answer to all the strife. And in this case it was unity. It took a lot of maneuvering, but Maisie, with the help of the whole Bennet brood, was able to set the wheels in motion. Now all she had to do was get Marcus on board… Rich with family and legacy, Mum’s the Word was the perfect way to say farewell to Longbourne and the Bennet’s.
Marcus and Maisie wrap up the Bennet Brothers series perfectly! We have seen the brothers band together to save their family’s flower shop. I liked the uniqueness of the business and getting to know each of the brothers over the course of the series.
Marcus is the last to find love, and, surprisingly, he finds it with the daughter of his family’s main competition. He is serious, responsible, and business minded. I liked getting his perspective and learning more about him after glimpses of him in the first couple books.
Maisie also had a lot of growth over the course of the story and she was an interesting heroine. I loved seeing how they fall in love despite all the obstacles in their way.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Marcus and Maisies story is my favorite of the Bennet brothers. After there first meeting they knew there was a spark like they’ve never experienced but it’s stopped a complete halt when they learn there families are enemies but they know they can’t forget about each other. Maisie is very passive and a people pleaser but Marcus becomes her backbone and I loved seeing her not faltering to what she wants for someone else any longer. I love the spin Staci Hart puts on classic Jane Austen.
4 stars!
Mum’s the Word is the third book in the Bennet Brothers series and features Marcus, the middle Bennet brother who came back to town to save Longbourne, the family flower shop. On the way to a meeting dealing with a lawsuit filed against Longbourne, Marcus meets Maisie in a coffee shop. There is an immediate spark, a connection they can’t explain but it gives them the feeling of hope. They part ways filled with excitement for their date that evening; then thirty minutes later, they both discover they are children of enemies, ripping from their hearts all they could be.
“It was unbearable, being so close to him, my senses on fire as I mourned what would never be. I grieved the impossible future of his company, of his kiss.”
I adore Marcus and Maisie and loved Mum’s the Word. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my faves and this one is so well done. It’s not what you expect and I loved that it went in unpredictable directions. I was drawn into the story and could not put it down.
“I hate this. It’s not often I want something I can’t have.”
“Because you don’t often want?”
“Because what I want, I get.”
“And you can’t have me,” she said, finishing the thought.
“And I can’t have you,” I echoed.
Marcus is back to save Longbourne but he has a hard road ahead of him. Not only is he fighting against the huge floral company, Bower Bouquets, on a breach of contract but now he learns he has no chance with his dream girl. It’s frustrating and disheartening, and I couldn’t wait to see where the story would go.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolds. I loved how we learned about the feud between their mothers and the shock I felt when the truth was revealed. We get an even deeper reason why Maisie and Marcus shouldn’t be together and it’s heartbreaking. However, Marcus and Maisie are meant to be and I loved watching them find a way to make it work between them.
Marcus is such a great guy. He cares deeply for his family and is genuinely a good person. Maisie is such a sweet girl. She has a huge heart and she is refreshing, especially because she i nothing like you might have imagined as the “enemy.” I loved seeing her grow and realize what she wants in life. Marcus and Maisie are fantastic individually but they are even better together. They never failed to put a smile on my face and I loved that!
I could tell from their first meeting that there is something special between Marcus and Maisie. Their connection feels real and is well written.
“I’d only just realized my general disinterest in relationships had nothing to do with my inability to care and everything to do with the girls I’d considered for the job. I’d been waiting my whole life for a thunderbolt.
When I met Maisie, I saw lightning.
But it was the kiss that struck me down to the ground.”
The chemistry is electric and the forbidden aspect only makes the sexual tension skyrocket. Together, they have the perfect mix of sweet and swoony moments as well as steamy ones.
“And then we were alone.
The relief was instant, the separation from the world beyond that door tangible. Because here, we could just be Maisie and Marcus, not a Bower and a Bennet.”
The emotions Marcus and Maisie go through starting with their first interaction to finally being together are real. I felt all of the hope, excitement, frustration, surprise, heartache, and healing. And mostly, I felt the love.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bennet family and am sad to see the series come to an end. However, my heart is full and happy with this story. Mum’s the Word is a unique twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope and a gorgeous romance. I love Marcus and Maisie and I love this story!
My favorite Bennet brother is here!
When I started seeing blurbs and info about this book, I kept seeing Staci telling us “your favorite Bennet brother is almost here”. Now I had a hunch she was probably right about that from what I already knew, but BOY was she right!! I’d tell her to get out of my head, but…ha, no I wouldn’t 😉 Marcus is absolute perfection. Smart, logical, honest, and loyal to a fault with passion burning hot just beneath the surface (at least for the right woman), he’s everything I’ve been hoping for – plus a little more!
I really, REALLY loved this book (yes, really)! Since I read the series slightly out of order, I can absolutely tell you that all three of these books are stand-alones (I know some people worry about that, and I get it!). Although I feel that you get the most richness from the overall community story threads if you read them in order. I promise you; it’s not necessary – particularly here. If this is your first foray into the world of the Bennet family, you’ll find nothing lacking, and will not be disappointed.
So – why did I love Mum’s the Word? Well, the reasons are many, but the overarching theme is the relatability and richness of both the characters and the story. Staci Hart has SUCH a way with words – and an amazing attention to detail that brings her stories instantly to life. You’ll be hooked from the first word – just be warned.
We pick up with the Bennet family reaching the peak of their messy, unpleasant lawsuit with the wicked witch Evelyn Bower of Bower Bouquets. Bower will sacrifice anything and everything to take down the Bennets and their family flower business, Longbourne. Marcus Bennet has invested everything he owns and everything he is into saving his family’s legacy. He’s en route to a meeting on this very subject when he’s bowled over (literally) by Maisie, an adorable woman with whom he feels a deep and instant connection. After making dinner plans for that night, they go their separate ways. A more perfect meet-cute there never was! Alas, we are soon to find out that Maisie is Margaret Bower, Evelyn’s daughter. Though Marcus knows from that initial encounter that she is nothing like her mother, they both know that a relationship between them is asking for all sorts of familial trouble.
Although technically Marcus and Maisie were not themselves enemies, I think this is a most excellent spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope. The family histories and intertwined relationships going back generations are given to us at such well-timed moments to truly enhance their place in the story. The emotion of all the characters in this tale came through with every page – including the secondary characters – making this book simply unputdownable. The boisterous cast of Bennet siblings are such a fun range of personalities, and I just loved Maisie’s amazing dad.
Mum’s the Word is a true winner, classically combining “forbidden” romance, exceptional character depth, witty dialogue, and sexy fun. What a perfect read! I’m sad that the Longbourne setting has come to a close, but I’m SUPER excited that there are still two Bennet siblings waiting in the wings to share their stories!
My general rating rationale:
3 – Perfectly fine story, perhaps some minor editorial errors. Entertaining. Typically with this rating I feel like there could have been MORE – be it believably/relatability, character development, internal dialogue, explanations or depth, richness to the overall storyline, etc. May lose a bit of engagement here and there but always finish reading.
4 – A very good book. Engaging, with well-developed characters, a great plot, relatable scenarios; keeps you invested to the last page. Would recommend to reader friends.
5 – Can’t say enough amazing things, loved the characters, fabulously detailed plot, a quick hook, intense investment in both story and characters (including supporting characters) throughout the book. Will tell anyone who will listen that they should read it.
Marcus carries the weight of the family business on his shoulders. He is the responsible one in the Bennet family, always seems the most serious. A chance encounter in the rain has him a little rattled when he meets Maisie. For Marcus, wishing he could skip his meeting to make plans with Maisie is so against his persona. But when he walks into the meeting, the one woman he never expects to see is Maisie, the daughter of her families arch-enemy. Maisie has endured a lot over the years from an over-bearing and angry mother. Mrs. Bower lives to destroy the Bennet family which Maisie just doesn’t understand. After a few years working overseas, she is back to learn the ropes from her mother to takeover Bower Boutiques. Even though her mother will hate it, Maisie pursues a relationship with Marcus. While their families are at odds, will they find a forever love? This was a fabulous romance. The family rivalry is intense and it was wonderful to finally understand the root of all the troubles. Another fantastic escape with the Bennet Brothers. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
**4.5 stars**
Mum’s the Word is the third and final book in the Bennet Brothers series, and what a fantastic series it was! This is still a standalone, and yes, only 3 of 5 family members have had books in this series. But, don’t worry, the twins are getting their own books in The Austen series, so we aren’t totally done with these siblings! This third one was Marcus’ book, and focused on his forbidden relationship with the daughter of his family’s nemesis. Maisie and Marcus meet in a pretty adorably meet cute way with a crash in the rain. They have an instant connection and agree to a date, exchanging only their first names. Imagine their surprise, when they find out their last names; this is literally the last person on earth that they can have a relationship with. I have to say Hart maybe managed to cast the absolute worst mother character in the entire world, as Maisie’s mother. I mean, wow, she was truly awful, like had no redeeming qualities at all! The Bennets were their trademark selves, infusing humor in otherwise serious situations. They meddled and I was here for all of it! This one was my favorite in the entire series. There was just so much to love. I cannot wait for the twins’ books in the Austen series!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Bennet Brothers series is one of my favorite series from this author. Not only is this series retelling one of my favorite Jane Austen stories but she does it in a way that makes you love the story all the more.
We have a love at first sight story with two feuding families and two characters that want more than what is expected of them. Meet Marcus Bennet and Maisie Bower. You feel the instant connection with these two and the story that unfolds from this author is one of love, trust, hurt, anger and a realization that names aren’t everything! From the very start we are pulled into this wonderful world of the Bennet family with Marcus, the strong one that wants to fix everything, and are taken on a journey with him as he meets Maisie and they develop their relationship. So be ready for an emotional ride of ups and downs while they navigate each other and their family. I love this world and this family and their flower shop. I hope this is not the last of the Bennet family and all of their lovable quirks.
Mum’s the word is Marcus Bennett’s story. Marcus is the most reserved of the Bennett siblings, so it was interesting to see him let go a little and fall for someone. Maisie is set to inherit her family’s business, but she doesn’t want to run it the way her mother has been running it. Maisie’s family is the total opposite of the Bennett’s. I felt bad for her in the beginning. Her mother has always treated her poorly. But as the story went on I started to feel proud of her. She found her strength and became the woman she always wanted to be. Marcus was a great guy always doing what was best for his family. The Bennett family is awesome! I love the way they all interact and the siblings are a lot of fun. Staci Hart painted such a beautiful, heartwarming story with her words. She truly has a gift for writing. I definitely recommend this book and the others in the series to everyone who enjoys beautifully written love stories.
I never wanted to be a Bennet before. I love Pride and Prejudice. I love the book. I have a favorite movie version I have watched so many times even my teenage daughter is hooked. However, it wasn’t until Mum’s the Word that I ever wanted to be a Bennet. This warm, loud, and in your business family is just what everyone needs. With siblings who get you, annoy you, and would do anything for you, it’s hard not to be taken in. Then there’s the mildly meddlesome matriarch looking out for your love life and her future grandkids… Yes, I’d totally willingly become a Bennet. (Hey, Jett!)
Mum’s the Word has a fun meet cute and a bunpy ride towards Happily Ever After land. Don’t worry they get there but not without getting in their own way. Don’t forget humanity is riddled with flaws and these two are nothing if not human.
With three down that leaves two left…these Bennets are falling hard and fast. I look forward to watching Laney and Jett fight with everything they have. Will the twins go down together? It will be interesting to see.
Mum’s the Word completely captured my soul and filled it with so much joy. I completely fell in love with Marcus and Maisie and more in love with the rest of the Bennet family.
Marcus is quiet, he is the protector of the family. He is always making sure things are taken care of. I love how supportive he is of Maisie, as a person, in her career and pretty much every other aspect of her life. He sees her for who she is, the real Maisie. Maisie, I loved the woman. I could relate to her when it came to her relationship with her mother. She seemed weak at times, but as the story progressed, she grew, she became stronger and did what she wanted for herself, not what was expected of her.
Marcus and Maisie had AMAZING chemistry from the very first run in. I loved their entire meet cute. You could feel their connection coming right off the pages throughout the story. You could feel their emotions, the highs and the lows. I loved the interactions between all the Bennet siblings. I love the family bond and the love they all have for each other.
I am sad this is the end of a series, but happy it isn’t the last we will see of the Bennet family. Mum’s the Word is a MUST READ!
I could not stop devouring this book, it was that good. I loved Maisie and Marcus. I liked the whole Bennet family and Maisie’s dad. I did not, absolutely did not, like Evelyn Bower. She was mean, a horrible person, and the biggest bully to her own daughter. My heart broke on a regular basis for Maisie. I was so glad that she found Marcus. She needed his light. She needed the good that he brought out in her. He helped give her strength. Marcus was an amazing man. He was so stiff and ridged yet he cared deeply for his family and would do anything he could to help them. I absolutely adored getting to know these two and falling in love with them. I am a huge Pride and Prejudice fan and this spin off was just so wonderful to read. It made me happy, mad, sad and then happy all over again. This isn’t my first Staci Hart book and it definitely won’t be my last. However, this is the first book in this series I have read. I may need to go back and read the first two. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*