Beard Science
by Penny Reid
Winston Brothers #3
Publication Date: October 11, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Humor, Romance
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.
From the moment I read the first book in the Winston Brothers series, I knew Cletus Winston was the brother I wanted most to read about. There was something about Cletus, and honestly, I thought Penny would make his book last since so many of us wanted it. I’m thankful that the wait wasn’t too long and his book was third in the series. Beard Science was a fantastic addition to this series, just like I knew it would be.
We all know about Cletus Winston. He’s the sneaky brother. The one who is a mastermind and a bit of a mystery. Jennifer Sylvester AKA The Banana Cake Queen knows a lot about Cletus. She’s a watcher like he is. Jennifer is known for one thing and one thing only in Tennessee and that is being The Banana Cake Queen.
I’m the Banana Cake Queen. I make other kinds of cake, but I’m famous for my banana cake. I know this as fact because, when I’m introduced, it’s usually like this: “This is Jennifer Sylvester. You know, the Banana Cake Queen? She’s famous for her banana cake.” But I digress.
But here’s the thing… Jenn doesn’t want to be The Banana Cake Queen anymore. She’s tired of living under her parent’s thumb and living and breathing the bakery and the image she must portray. She wants to be herself. She’d like to get married and one day have children. But that will never happen with the way things are now. Jennifer is desperate and the only person she knows can help her is Cletus Winston. To get his help, she’ll need to beat him at his own game. She needs to be just as conniving as he is.
Watching Cletus try to help Jennifer and slowly but surely falling for her was a sight to behold. Cletus isn’t that man. He’s sensible. He doesn’t fall in love. Well, at least he didn’t think he did. Even though he and Jenn aren’t ‘suited’ in his opinion, she is so special he can’t help but develop feelings for her.
Clearly, my heart was a danger to itself and to me because Jennifer Sylvester and I were not suited, not at all.
I loved the way these two saw each other. Jennifer saw Cletus for who he truly was. And she saw past what everyone else did.
This series is amazing. I love all things Penny Reid, but this one holds such a special place in my heart. I love all these Winston siblings and can’t wait for more to come from the brothers we have left. They’re all different in their own ways, and that’s the very best part.
“Stay away from the normals.”
“The normals?”
“Yep.” She nodded once, the side of her mouth hitching in a way that reminded me of Cletus.
“Stay away from the normals, the small-minded people who fill their brains with small-minded pursuits, who blend in and keep up with the Joneses. Those people will tear you down and make you boring. Instead, surround yourself with the weirds. With the misfits, oddballs, and outcasts. Because the normals, bless their hearts, have no idea how to have fun.”
If you’re looking for a book (or series) that’s clever, witty, fun, sweet, sexy and smart, this is the book for you! Penny truly delivers and Cletus does not disappoint!
About Penny Reid
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
