ARC Review: Beard Science by Penny Reid

Title: Beard Science
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brohers #3
Genre: contemporary romance,

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So... what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

'Beard Science' is the third book in the Winston Brothers series, is a full-length romantic comedy novel, and can be read as a standalone.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

FLO'S REVIEW

Beard Science by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 **just perfect** STARS

“You’ll know one day, Cletus. You’ll discover what it’s like to find the other part of yourself. You’ll know it’s her, only her, always her. Maybe not right away, but eventually you’ll know. She’ll be your beginning, middle, and end. And your intentions won’t matter. Love brings its own intentions, and all other plans, hopes, and dreams fade to insignificance in the face of love.”

There really is no excuse for how late I am to write and post this review. I went through my favourite reads for 2016 to prepare a post for the blog when I noticed I never posted my review. Mea culpa. I hope you can forgive me, because Beard Science and Penny Reid deserve all the praise in the world. I loved, loved, loved this book.

She has done it again. For people who follow my reviews it probably won't come as a surprise when I love yet another Penny Reid book, but this one is special. This is Cletus. And we were all holding out for his story. It just had to be right. He was one of those characters who came into our lives as a side-note, a brother of a main character in a previous book and ever since he has been a fan favourite--and a big personal favourite of mine. I seriously don't envy authors who have the task of getting that right. Fabulous one liners don't always translate into a full novel, but Cletus did and Penny killed it. Not only with the Winston brother, but also with his love interest. An all around win.

So yes, AWESOME book!

Let's talk a little about the story...

Jennifer Sylvester, also known as the Banana Cake Queen is a perfect cliche created by her parents. Dressed like a 60s housewife, slaving at the bakery, making cake and behaving just the way her parents want her to. With no way out. Until one day she witnesses something that gives her the perfect knowledge to make some changes in her life.

“Cletus Winston was the sneakiest, most manipulative, most powerful, and—as far as I was concerned—the most dangerous man in East Tennessee. Problem was, virtually no else seemed to realize it. Everyone in town thought he was odd, but mostly harmless. Meanwhile he blackmailed them into doing what he wanted, all the while tricking people into thinking it was their idea.”

Cletus Winston is used to be in control. Mostly silent and underestimated by those around him, he uses knowledge, and sometimes even blackmail to stay on top, and to move things in his favour. Quite often using his powers for good--occasionally for evil, when it suits him. Until the Banana Queen comes into his live and turns the tables on him. Interesting things ensue.

“No one person person should be allowed to be that pathologically intelligent and oppressively handsome.”

I simply loved everything about this story. The quirky characters, the engaging storyline. A kick-ass heroine, who is more than a match for the often mysterious Cletus. It was simply a joy to read. There really isn't much more I can say...except...READ THE BOOK if you haven't already, IT WAS...FUCKING AWESOME!!

Thank you, Penny, for writing the book Cletus deserved and for giving him a heroine who could measure up to his level of awesomesauce. After months of finishing I still think about them ever so often. Pure heaven in a book.


**ARC very kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.