Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Best Romance *Amazon Top 10 Romances of 2016AAR Top 10 Romances of All Time*From the NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, & USA TODAY bestselling series.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 … 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 book #1 in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series and Book #3 in the WInston Brothers series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the romantic exploits and adventures of one of the six Winston Brothers.
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I really love this author, the story and the protagonists are so well developed and unique, funny and entertain, you just can’t stop reading until the end. You could be surprise by the family values and brotherhood reading between lines, even after all they lived, they stil have love for others. All the books are subtly connected, you can read them separately, but this is definitely my favorite from all the Wintons Brothers Series and waiting for next one… Billy’s story.
A fast, entertaining read with wonderful characters
Jennifer Sylvester really wants to have a family of her and get away from her controlling mother. In fact, when she accidentally records Cletus Winston, not-so-evil mastermind, stealing evidence from the sheriff to use for his own purposes, she decides to blackmail him into helping her find a husband. Cletus is used to using his intelligence to manipulate people into doing what he wants, so he’s surprised when “the Banana Cake Queen” (someone who really hasn’t made much of an impression on him) out maneuvers him.
I really enjoyed both of these characters; it was easy for me to relate to them both and I liked seeing their character growth over the course of the story. I loved seeing the master manipulator at work, and being manipulated in turn and Jennifer learning to be her true self. There was some nice chemistry between the the two, and plenty of secondary characters to enjoy as well.
The third book in the series, this was my first book by this author, so I did have a little trouble at first keeping the characters straight, but not enough to detract from the story. I’d say it works fine as a standalone but would be better read as part of the series. A relatively long book, this was still a fast, entertaining read, and with wonderful characters, plus lots of laughs balanced by some touching moments. Edited: Note that without all the background from the past books, I gave this 4.5 stars. Now that I have the background, this one is one of my favorite books, and it gets 5 full stars
B2B Kelly
Beard Science by Penny Reid (Audiobook)
Narrated by: Joy Nash & Chris Brinkley
Series: Winston Brothers #3
5 OMG!! Stars. I LOVED THIS BOOK! It has one of my favourite plot types: the man helping to find a husband for the girl, but falls for the girl he’s helping! Ugh, Love it! And to have that man be Cletus Winston, man oh man, Jennifer is one lucky lady! He is funny, sweet, caring, a bad boy when needed, gentlemanly, hard working and just about any other ideal a woman could want in a guy!
Now, I liked Cletus in the other books, but he really shined in this one! I also loved how Jennifer just kinda showed up, was all of a sudden in his life – which I think took him by surprise, and we know how Cletus feels about “all the girls coming to his yard…” haha!
Jennifer was a bit of a pushover at the beginning of the story – but I loved watching her blossom into her true self. She was genuine and a hard worker. At first, I thought she was an unlikely match for Cletus, but then you get them together and the sparks FLY! At times I would just be standing in the middle of the room, staring off into nothingness, listening to their interactions..(and burning my lunch till it was unrecognizable – setting off the smoke detector…twice. Darn that Cletus!) So worth it though!!
Honestly, I am sure this book would be great a read in any form, but these narrators: Joy Nash, and Chris Brinkley, really brought this book to life! Their voices were performances were perfection! I am already planning a reread soon! If you haven’t picked up this series, YOU SHOULD! I highly Recommend it!
~Paragraphs and Petticoats~
Holding the title of the ‘Banana Cake Queen’ should be a pleasant accolade for someone that loves to cook. For Jennifer Sylvester – it’s a thorn in her side. A reminder that she doesn’t have control over her own life. With an overbearing mother dictating what she should wear, how to present herself, and every other facet of her life – Jennifer looks upon this endearment as a cage. Keeping her in the role that her mother has so meticulously crafted from an early age. Trying to shed this façade has been impossible …until now.
Cletus Winston is no stranger to the folks in this Tennessee town. The quiet but intelligent Winston sibling tends to stick to the shadows when trailing around town. However – don’t let the mellow demeanor blind you. Cletus is far more ‘ahead of the game’ than your average resident. Always 10 steps ahead of folks, Cletus is just about to meet his match in the guise of a very ’yellow’ adversary.
Cletus and his famous sausage are here!!!!
I have impatiently wanted to get my hands on Cletus’ book for so long!! Let me say…..this story was well worth the wait! The banjo wielding, long beard wearing, master manipulator did not disappoint. Every nuance of this book was beyond what I could have expected. I laughed so hard at times, and could not put it down even for a moment!!
Penny Reid has captured a writing style that is engaging, funny, and so absolutely unique. I cannot get enough!! Beard Science will certainly charm your pants off, make you laugh out loud, and leave you realizing you will never think of sausage the same way again!! This is one series you do not want to miss!!
My favorite of the Winston brothers.
I cannot get enough of this series! I have fallen in love with each of the books I have read along with the characters!
Cletus and Jennifer I could not get enough of! I was not so sure of Jennifer at the beginning when she wanted to just find a husband, but overtime she grew on me the more she let Cletus in to help her with getting out of her parents grasp so she could become her own person and woman.
The characters grew together, which I loved. Cletus, instead of worrying about revenge on the Iron Wraiths and not trusting anyone because of his past, finally starting letting Jennifer along with his family into his life more. He asked his brothers and sister about what he should do with the evidence he has against the Wraiths as a whole before he made any rash decisions, because being with Jennifer has opened his eyes and made him realize that his actions affect not only him but everyone around him that he cares for and that care for him.
Jennifer grew because of Cletus and Cletus grew because of Jennifer. Jennifer was pretty much a sheltered child, her parents were always telling her what to do, what to wear, etc. at 22 years old. She loved her parents, but when Cletus came around, he helped her blossom into a young independent woman, who moved out of her parents house and started renting a place and was not also getting paid to bake at the bakery, which never happened before.
I just could not get enough of this book and the characters! It was great and I cannot wait to read the next book!
I love all things Cletus because come on, its Cletus. But Jennifer, that girl is hands down the bee’s knees! Ahhhhhh these two are just so perfect for each other! I love them both so, so much.
This book had it all for me. I love it mega tons and I hope whoever reads it feels the same way too. It blew me away and gave me all the feels. So yeah, I don’t know what else to say. Read it, love it and enjoy it.
This. —-> “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.”
Yes!! Great words to live by. Find your tribe, people and treat them well.
I’m a little sad that I read Beard Science first, instead of reading Penny Reid’s wonderful Winston Brothers series in order. But I’m also thrilled that I read it first, because wow what an introduction! Cletus is the most amazing character and I am in awe of Penny’s writing ability. How did she make me fall in love with such a supreme weirdo? How did she take me from scoffing to swooning? She’s magic, that’s the only explanation. Beard Science is a roller coaster of funny quirks and full bore, heart swelling emotion. I flat-out love it and plan on reading it again and again, preferably with a cool drink in my hand, my toes in the sand, and a piece of banana cake waiting for me back at the cabana.
After reading 4 consecutive Winston Brothers novels, I’ve come to a conclusion about author Penny Reid. She really likes giving blowjobs. Like a lot. Every heroine has had a strong love of giving their man a blowjob. I’ve never read so many consecutive heroine’s who love giving blowjobs.
Anyway, moving on!
I love Cletus and Jenn! I was kinda worried about how I’d react to Cletus’s odd personality after my first impression of him in the novels about his brothers. But Ms. Reid wrote him very well and gave all of the chapters from his perspective good detail about how his mind worked and why he was the way he was. Clever and diabolical does’t even begin to describe that man’s mind! But he’s also loving, gentle, fiercely loyal, and protective. I could totally fall for a man just like him.
Jenn was surprisingly, a great heroine! She was the complete opposite of the previous book’s heroine. Invisible and pushover were words used to describe her. My impression of her from the other books was less than stellar. Fortunately for us, Penny Reid knew what she was doing!!! Once inside Jenn’s head, I could see who she was and I understood her. And once she was paired with Cletus, oh man! He brought out all the best in her! And vice versa. That’s what a couple should do for each other. Make each other the best versions of themselves.
I think that the mall scene is probably now one of my all time favorite book scenes ever! I love it when a big, strong man comes to the defense of his woman. It was brilliant!
When the big climax of the story happened, I was thankful that it wasn’t drug out for a super long time. I liked that when Cletus made a decision about something, he was ready to admit his feelings, accept them, do what he needed to do and move on. It really moved the story along at a nice pace.
Side note, I’m really enjoying the progression of the other Winston brothers as well. Billy was my least favorite brother when I started the series and now I can’t wait to read his book! It sucks that it won’t come out until next year. Beau’s book is next and his woman was introduced in this book, so I can’t wait! I still don’t know much about Roscoe, the youngest brother, but I’m sure it’ll be as good as the rest of the books!
5 Big Stars for Beard Science!!!!
*5 Stars*
Clearly I have been on a Penny Reid binge as of late. This is partly because I got to meet the lovely Penny at SAE earlier this month, and pick up signed copies of her books from her.
So finally, finally I have been able to continue the Winston Brothers series. I have been looking forward to reading Cletus’ book ever since I read Duane’s way back when. When I read Grin and Beard It the other day, my curiosity and love for Cletus only got piqued more, and now that I have finally read his book, let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
We know Cletus loves to meddle, and in this book we get glimpses of all his different faces. Jennifer, the main lead character is the perfect match for Cletus. She’s a people watcher and so she has noticed so many different things about him over the years. All of the layers that he has and uses as different masks per se.
When she comes up with a plan to give Cletus some of his own medicine, so she can get him to help her, what ensues is a tale of hilarity, strength and love.
I really enjoyed getting to see Cletus and his brothers help Jenn. Mainly it was Cletus doing everything with her of course, and helping her to bring out her true personality, but we get many glimpses of the rest of the family as well.
And while all this is happening, Cletus and Jenn are giving themselves over to each other, without even realising it. She doesn’t put up with this crap, she matches him when he tries to play games/meddle, yet they’re both extremely caring and soft individuals.
I also adored the roles that the rest of the family have in this book, and my interest is still piqued for Billy and his story later on.
This book had me reading and turning the pages as fast as I could because I was hooked on the story, and the clever antics involved. Not to mention the hidden lessons of being true to ones self and being strong and owning who you are, no matter what other people think.
Cletus is my fave Winston Brother so far, and I cannot wait to read more of this series!
Beard Science had all the fixins’ for this perfect banquet of words with those “weirds,” the Winstons. Cletus and Jennifer’s trials and tribulations made their happy epilogue all the more fulfilling. It wasn’t all work and no play, though. There was ample humor, cleverness, delicious dialogue, and romantic realizations. What a momentous way to close out my reading year. This “lunatic vegan” is very grateful reader.
I wasn’t sure what to expect for Cletus Winston’s tale of romance, and I have to say that I found this story true to the two main characters as they grew into honest versions of themselves, and it wasn’t tied to a particular romantic formula. Both of them were used to being seen as caricatures within their town, and as the story progressed they got to be humans. Their stories as individuals and a couple felt earnest and free of fake reasons to keep them apart.
All the Winstons and their loves continue to be unique people who don’t blend into the background once their singular story is told. This story in particular really highlighted what is so great about the Winstons as a family — they all have great chemistry. It’s clear why their partners all integrate so well with the siblings, but everyone is also unique beyond their beards or their hair & eye color.
I look forward to the next installment — but I feel like this book in the series will be hard to top.
Favorite Quotes:
I tried my best to pretend unkind words were actually just erroneously expressed compliments, as it just made everything nicer for everybody… This habit of purposefully misunderstanding insults has served me well over the course of my life, around town, and at home.
A small number of plagues would befall the sheriff’s Deputy over the coming weeks. I’d considered leprosy via an armadillo infestation, but decided against it. Maybe next time.
We argued every time I came to his shop. I told him my hair needed weight, otherwise it stood straight up and out, and my head – which was larger than average already, likely to accommodate my massive brain – resembled a cantaloupe on a toothpick, with cantaloupes being the least esteemed of all fruit.
I should have given him leprosy back in September. It would have kept him occupied through Christmas.
The people who call you simple are the simple ones. You should put castor oil in their banana cake frosting and weld their toilet shut.
I love her! I swear Cletus, if you don’t marry her then I will talk to Jethro about making her my sister-wife.
My Review:
Beard Science is my favorite Penny Reid masterpiece to date. It was densely populated with delightfully odd characters; busy with amusing “capering;” and loaded with wry and overtly humorous insights as well as sneaky heart squeezing observations. Cletus and Jennifer were both beyond quirky but not quite bizarre, and while they originally appeared to be near opposites, they both were crafty, complex, and highly intelligent – yet not seen as such by anyone else. Cletus – being possibly the most fascinating character ever brought to life – was a devious genius with a wide and far-reaching agenda, but all for good reasons, and had more clandestine plans and escapades in play than the NSA, CIA, FBI, and GOP combined. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Jennifer as the hard working Banana Cake Queen initially presented as an inauthentic person – a mousy and spineless caricature offering no resistance to the iron fist of her repellent and demanding parents. However, these endearingly peculiar characters – who were thrown together by blackmail – provoked profound changes in each other, while providing an unfailingly engaging and supremely entertaining tale in the process. I wore a near-constant smirk while reading this massive tome and barked aloud more than few times. Penny Reid is a truly gifted wordsmith and on my permanent list of favorites to shadow.
I absolutely loved Beard Science!!!!
Cletus is my guy! I’ve loved him and his awkwardness from the beginning, and after getting to know him more, I am completely and totally in love with the man!
Cletus and Jennifer are perfect together. I saw Jennifer as a frightened dove, and she just needed to find her wings, and Cletus helped her find them. They didn’t know it at first, but they are a lot alike. Sneaky, intelligent, honest, and caring.
I’m so glad Jennifer and Cletus found each other! I’m hoping to see more of them in the rest of the Winston brothers stories!
Ashley