Jennifer Sylvester made her deal with the devil . . . and now they’re engaged!But all is not well in Green Valley. A chicken choker is on the loose, 61 dead birds most “fowl” need plucking, and no time remains for Jennifer and her devilish fiancé. Desperate to find a spare moment together, Jenn and Cletus’s attempts to reconnect are thwarted by one seemingly coincidental disaster after another. … disaster after another. It’s not long before Cletus and Jenn see a pattern emerge and the truth becomes clear.
Sabotage!
Will an undercover mission unmask the culprit? Or are these love-birds totally plucked?
‘Engagement and Espionage’ is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series, is a full-length cozy mystery, and is a spin-off of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers series. This novel is best read after ‘Beard Science,’ Winston Brothers #3.
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I received this ARC for an honest review. Thank you!
Engagement and Espionage is the first book in the series Solving for Pie. I recommend you read this book after you read Beard Science where you can read how Jenn and Cletus meet. Engagement and Espionage is the continuation of the love story between Cletus and Jenn.
I love her. I loved her so much. I loved her more than breathing.
In this book, Cletus and Jenn are a couple who work at their relationship and they work together as a team to solve the mystery of the dead chickens.
I liked that Jenn in this book knows her worth and she is setting boundaries with her mother and she knows that Cletus deserves to be her priority. I loved that Cletus supported her and her decisions and didn’t force her to choose between their relationship and her career. Cletus loved her for she is and he didn’t try to change her.
Make choices that allow you to sleep at night.
I really enjoyed the mystery plot and I liked how Cletus and Jenn worked as a team. I liked that Cletus because loves Jenn, helped her to find who killed the chickens. They make a great team.
I love you so much, and I miss you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, Cletus Winston.
I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, Jennifer Sylvester.
I really enjoyed reading about Jenn and Cletus as a couple and their struggles. I loved to see a Jenn stand up for herself and how she fights for justice. I loved Cletus because he was so sweet and loving with Jeen. I recommend everyone to read this book and the series Winston Brothers.
4.5 stars!
I fell in love with Cletus and Jenn in Beard Science so I was ecstatic to hear they were getting their own series. Engagement and Espionage did not disappoint! It is so good to be back in Green Valley with Cletus and Jenn and the rest of the Winston clan, and this book is a wonderful start to the new Solving for Pie series!!
I loved this book. Cletus and Jenn are as entertaining as ever and I couldn’t stop from falling for them all over again. They are quirky and fun and genuine. They are complicated and I loved once again being in their heads. They are both well written and true to their characters, and it was great to get more of them!
“She’d revealed her genius to me last fall while proving to be the most brilliant opponent I’d ever faced, by far. She’d bested me. Consequently, having no choice in the matter, I’d promptly fallen in love with her and was now besotted. Obviously.”
This book is as much about Cletus and Jenn’s relationship as it is about the mystery. I loved getting more of them as a couple. It’s not just easy breezy and they face realistic challenges. They have to work to make their love last, but they understand and love each other completely, especially the things that make them who they are. They know each other inside and out and I loved that they accepted one another unconditionally.
“My peculiarities ranged from bizarre to obsessive, and I loved that hers did too.”
The mystery is so well done. I questioned everyone and with each clue collected, I became more invested and desperately wanted to know the truth. I love how the story came together with the mystery and suspense. Just when you think it’s wrapped up another twist is thrown in the mix and it is exciting.
I love all the Winston’s and am so happy to get more of them. This book is just the beginning of the new series and it was so satisfying. I loved it and I can’t wait to see what else Cletus and Jenn get into as far as their relationship goes as well as the mysteries they solve. These two just can’t go wrong!!
“She held a part of my soul. When we spoke or touched, that piece returned home, and the rest of my soul rejoiced at the reunion.”
A new series by Penny Reid? Lets click now and ask questions later!!
Engagement and Espionage is the first story in a new cozy mystery series. The story itself is a standalone but a spin off of the Winston Brothers series. I think it helps if you’ve met Cletus and Jenn in Beard Science.
“I can’t say that he doesn’t or does have the ability to not do something such as, but not including, however similar to, should the need arise, and only under duress or not.”
“Cletus.” I rolled my eyes heavenward. “That sentence made no sense.”
The story has mystery, murder, mayhem, chickens and plenty of humor. I was worried that there wouldn’t be any romance but I had no complaints. There was lots of Swoony Cletus in there.
“… a very unladylike display of ravenous enjoyment, and moaned again.
It’s the sausage. Folks are always ravenous for my sausage.”
I am in love with this new series and can’t wait for more of these stories. And as soon as the audiobook releases I’m jumping in for a read!
-5+ Stars!-
Love Cletus and Jenn!!!
Anytime I can get more Winston Brothers I’m in. And let me tell you Penny Reid had me hooked from the first page of Engagement and Espionage. It was witty and dangerous. Flirty and full of shenanigans.
I really liked seeing this version of Jenn and Cletus. Especially as Jenn started to come into her own. Voice her opinions, wants and needs to those around her. Namely her mother where the bakery was concerned. Cue the mayhem. It seems that someone had it out for the sweet baker as all of her vendors ran into some dangerous troubles.
Enter Cletus and his special brand of sleuthing. He tried to keep Jenn from getting into the middle of it all, keep her safe but she would not be deterred. She was going to figure out who was behind all the chaos. I hated her plan to get on the inside as much he did but in the best interest of sorting out the mess, he decided to go along with it.
It was a wild and twisted and dangerous plot that Jenn unearthed. I liked that Penny Reid did something a little different with this book. Are dead chickens, and fancy cows everyone’s cup of tea? No. But this is Green Valley and the Winston’s, and even with all their quirks, they always rally when one of them needs something. And at the end of the day it’s CLETUS AND JENN! There is no way I wasn’t going to read this.
i spent a few wonderful hours thanks to Penny Reid ! This novel is a baulm for the soul and for the heart, a true antidepressant… I laughed at loud so many times, the cosy mystery part is just delicious, and thing that i didn’t know was possible… I fell even more in love with Cletus Winston ! Yep, unbelievable !
And Jenn, and the Winston family, and Green Valley… It’s like going on a vacation with your family, people you deeply love, in a place you already know by heart but you can’t stop going back because you know you will be truly happy.
Engagement AND Espionage. Everything is said in this title.
This book is a PERFECT MIX of cosy mystery and romance.
Engagement.
At the end of Beard Science Jenn accepted to be Cletus’ fiancée but… Now we have more… More of the engagement, more love, more trust, more intimacy. They’re a couple in progress. Jenn still needs to fight daily to express what SHE wants. And she wants more time with her beloved Cletus. But that’s not easy because people and events work against them, and sometimes its’… frustrating, as much for them than for us readers lol. Cletus provides, cares, protects, supports, gives again and again, he ALWAYS wants what’s best for his fiancée even if he misses her sometimes. (« That is one hundred percent my job and my role as your fiancé […] to help where and when needed. I live to service you. ») He fights daily to let her fight her own battle. That’s not in his nature but his love for her is stronger. But don’t be afraid Cletus’ cleverness and need of shenanigans are still present.
They improve each other, they’re better together. I love them!
Espionage.
Who killed Mr Badcock’s chickens ? (Mr Badcock lol). Who in Green Valley is capable of arson and theft and Machiavellian scheme ? And why ??? Cletus and his Jenn work together to solve the mystery, with a little help from Jackson James (he’s adorable in this book!) and the smart officer Boone (i hope we will see more of him in future). But ALSO with the undeniable and precious help from the whole Winston family (including Drew and badass Shelly) AND from Alex (Sandra’s husband from the KITC series). Cletus and Jenn use their superpower, their impressive cleverness to fight injustice and catch the villain. Most of people underestimate them, thinking they’re stupid but our lovely couple use this in their advantage. I loved their investigation, their dedication to help the community and to find the truth, i loved how they work as a team and i loved the author’s own cleverness, we just can admire her work when we have all the answers. It’s like watching a chess game with the different characters, the different events, all the clues scattered here and there…
Bonus.
Our lovely Winston family will make you laugh !!!! They make a lot of really good jokes. But of course, as always, they are supportive and kind and generous and… I want them to adopt me !!!!
I love, really REALLY love EVERY Winston brothers but Cletus always had a special place in my heart with his uniqueness. I thought i knew him, i thought he couldn’t be more romantic and funny and weird… I was sooo wrong !!! As always i love his singular way of talking and thinking, i love his vocabulary. I loved his discussions with Jenn’s mom. Cletus’ sausages do miracles !!! (« Yes that’s my sausage. […] Folks are always ravenous for my sausage. ») I love how he loves Jenn, simple. With passion, and respect, determination, patience, the way he loves EVERYTHING about her (and he’s right she’s amazing).
Diane (Jenn’s mother) was not one of my fav inhabitants of Green Valley but she redeems herself, she knows she has flaws, that she made mistakes. She takes time to know more her daughter’s fiancé and she finally reveals some interesting things about someone we all love.
Billy and Roscoe are as usual funny and selfless (don’t forget this story takes place before their own book). Shelly Sullivan is… a badass ! Wonderwoman !
Jenn did not only find the man of her dreams and a future with him, she has now a whole big and caring family who has her back no matter what.
Each book from Penny Reid is an unique experience, with imperfectly perfect and oh so moving characters, a fascinating plot and a writing like you’ll never see anywhere else. Even with characters we already know she writes something different, something addictive. We learn more, we fall more in love, we’ll never have enough of the family she created. I can’t wait for book 2.
«It’s a shame a person can only be murdered once. » Cletus.
« I disliked that i couldn’t fix this problem for her, save her from it, improve her past somehow. Lack of ability to time travel is frustrating. » Cletus.
4.5 stars
What a welcome diversion in these crazy times. I love the Winrton brothers and was happy to traverse back into Green Valley.
Cletus and Jenn are navigating their relationship and all that it entails: finding time together. Jenn is trying to find her voice and set boundaries with her mother. For every hurdle she clears she comes across another. And now, her dad is back and stirring up more trouble than ever. Not to mention the mysteriousness of her bakery suppliers backing out or losing their livelihood. Every time they find a smidgeon of time a new emergency pops up.
Jenn’s big heart wants to help all the folks affected and Cletus’ love for Jenn has him pinching in to help solve the mysteries.
Definitely one click this now!
Engagement and Espionage is a cozy mystery featuring many favorite characters from Green Valley. I loved the Winston Brothers series, and Jenn and Cletus in particular hold a special place in my heart. This pair are incredibly quirky, intelligent, fun, yet whilst incredibly complex, they are also flawed.
I found the plot to be fast paced, engaging and intriguing, although the mystery was not all that hard to solve.
I would recommend reading at least Beard Science prior to reading this title if you are new to the Winston Brothers. I look forward to seeing what Penny Reid will come up with next.
I was already a huge fan of Jenn and Cletus, and this book made me love them even more!!!!
This book is best understood after reading Book 3 in the series, Beard Science. I loved catching up with all the characters in Green Valley. Jenn and Cletus should be enjoying their time together, but it seems like one thing or another is keeping them apart, and not just her mother this time. It is a busy time of year, and now the couple find themselves embroiled in a mystery. It seems like weird things are happening in town, and it starts with the death of 61 chickens. Someone is sabotaging people in town, and Jenn and Cletus are determined to find the guilty party.
One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing Jenn really come into her own. She is learning to become her own person, and it was great seeing her relationship with her mother change….even Cletus’s relationship with her mother changes. The mysteries seem to have a silver lining in that sense. The two still share their electric chemistry. It was wonderful catching up with them after their HEA.
Reid has again put herself in her own genre. It’s part mystery and part romance with lots of spice added in. I am so excited for this series, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!!!
Engagement and Espionage is the continuation to Beard Science and the story of Cletus Winston and Jennifer Sylvester. If you have yet to read that book I recommend doing so before moving forward with E&E to fully grasp what is going on. I was more than ready to return to Green Valley and this book did not disappoint!! Cletus was still his witty, clever amazing self while Jenn continues to be a sweetheart looking to find balance between her work running Donner Bakery and loving Cletus. In this cozy mystery the two face real life relationship struggles while trying to figure out who is trying to sabotage Jenn and the bakery.
This book starts off a couple months after the end of Beard Science with Jenn and her mother Dianne Donner Sylvester trying to navigate their new life without Kip, the mentally abusive father and husband. After a number of Donner Bakers vendors are attacked Cletus and Jenn are on a mission to figure out who done it and why. Through all the drama the love and chemistry between Cletus and Jenn is obvious and stronger than ever.
Throughout the entire book the characters remain true to the ones you fell in love with in the Winston Brothers series. Penny Reid has the amazing ability to have you get lost in the world she creates in her books and I can’t wait for Marriage and Murder!!
P.S. If you love Shelly Sullivan you will enjoy how she kicks ass in this installment!!!
It was wonderful. I love this family and this was another great story about them. It was a great start to this new series. I definitely recommend, this book, series and author.
I’m a diehard Penny Reid fan. Her brainy, witty characters have charmed me more times than I can count, and I’m glad I can hang onto some carryovers from the Winston Brothers series. Sadly, even Cletus (one of my favorite characters) couldn’t make this book a big win for me. I guess I just expected more from the first book in this spinoff series.
You have Cletus who is frighteningly brilliant, observant, and clever. Heaven help whoever crosses his loved ones. Jenn is still in the process of discovering who she is after a lifetime of being silenced and stifled by domineering and emotionally abusive parents. The gifted baker is kind to a fault, which causes an ongoing struggle against her people-pleasing nature.
These two quirky people are desperately in love with each other and yet the nature of their relationship confused me. Even they seem unsure about whether or not they’re actually engaged. If they can solve a mystery, can’t they figure out a way to spend the night together or even go on a date? They talk a lot but have trouble effectively communicating. Clearly, though, they are enamoured by each other’s brains as well their bodies. Their sexual tension — the slowest of S.L.O.W. burn payoffs — is awesome/frustrating! The story has some whimsy going for it as well.
The whole mystery is rather silly and easy to solve. It’s the weakest part of the plot and honestly the portion I most wanted to skip over. I would have appreciated a more complicated mystery that required Cletus to put his devious plotting skills to good use.
I hope Cletus and Jenn’s relationship keeps evolving. They make an intriguing couple and I think I’ll enjoy seeing how their different strengths continue to compliment each other. I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.
If you have wanted for Cletus, and let’s admit we all do, that today is your lucky day. Penny Reid has a new fantastic series featuring Cletus and Jenn with the perfect amount of Green Valley’s residents. This is a wonderful who done it that will have you guessing until the very end. Of course with Cletus and Jennifer on the case I am sure that the will save the day. And what a day!!!!
Out all the Winston brothers my favorite always was Cletus since the first moment he appeared I wanted to read his book and when I did it Cletus and Jenn became one of my favorite couples, so obviously when I found out they were having a spin-off I was so excited and this series became one of the most anticipated for me.
The story begins right where beard science ends, Jennifer and Cletus are starting their relationship and overcoming the events of the previous book.
So I was a little scared because I thought that this was going to be filled with unnecessary drama between Cletus and Jenn, but no, even if they do have a rocky start their relationship only gets stronger and stronger from it, they relay and trust in each other showing so much growth with every chapter, honestly, if I loved them before this made me put them in a pedestal because seriously they have one of the most beautiful relationships I’ve read about, granted I wanted to smack my head against the wall a few times because they kept getting interrupted, but everything is worthy at the end.
Another thing I want to mention is Jenn and Cletus’s growth as characters, honestly, they keep surprising me because they have such a great development, especially Jenn with every chapter I got more and more proud of her for overcome what she did and becoming an amazing woman.
The mystery is actually really great too, it takes a big part of the book which doesn’t make this book feel repetitive or unnecessary and it’s fun to put everything together and figure it out who made all those bad things.
Ps: Jenn´s mother in this book is the best, im loving her development as a character, and seeing her getting out of that abusive relationship was one of my favorite things.
I must say this book was everything I was expecting. The plot is creative, funny, interesting, addictive and believable. I know it couldn’t result in anything different because this author is brilliant but I was a little afraid that it couldn’t match the first one (Beard Science) which I madly love but there is no need to be worry, it’s truly amazing … plus!! You get to see all Winston clan working together again
As always we got this window to a world located in Green Valley Tennessee were Winston family and their loved ones work and live. This time, a terrible event happens to one of Jennifer Sylvester supplier, which is a very well known and outstanding baker in the community. Her good heart and immense sense of justice makes her and his wicked boyfriend (Cletus Winston) embark on this new adventure to solve the mystery.
In this book you’ll see how Jenn still struggles between all the responsibilities related to the bakery and becoming the person she wants to be. Meanwhile, her mamma is going through a nasty divorce. Separating from an abusing husband isn’t easy for Diane, especially knowing she was a bad parent to her daughter during all those years of marriage. Now her soon to be Ex is back in Green Valley to make both her and Jennifer suffer. You’ll also see Cletus (and this is something that truly surprise me) having all these internal debates because he has a strong necessity to be a better man for her Jenn.
If you have the chance to read the whole series do it! There are addictive jewels!! All of them are standalone SMART NOVELS but if you can’t at least read Beard Science and Engagement and Espionage!! So let’s just say … Enjoy it!!
Review En Español
Este libro es increíble, como siempre Penny nunca deja de sorprendernos. La historia es interesante, divertida, adictiva, humana y totalmente creíble. Es una excelente y meritoria continuación de Beard Science. Tendrás también la oportunidad de ver a toda la familia Winston trabajando junta nuevamente, apoyándose entre sí y compartiendo aventuras
Todo empieza cuando uno de los proveedores de Jennifer Sylvester (reconocida repostera de la comunidad) sufre un episodio nefasto con los pollos de su granja. La policía en conjunto con Jennifer y su novio Cletus Winston acuden al rescate. Es de esperar que Jenn por su gran corazón y sentido de justicia se identifique completamente con la desgracia de su proveedor, es por ello que ella y Cletus terminaran investigando el misterio detrás de estos acontecimientos.
Durante la historia verás como cada personaje continúa luchando por alcanzar sus deseos personales, Jenn quiere y desea ser la persona que sueña, su madre Diane quiere ser la mamá que no fue para Jenn mientras supera su divorcio, y Cletus quiere ser el hombre que Jenn merece tener a su lado. Así que emocionalmente los personajes son ricos, complejos y divertidos.
No pierdas la oportunidad de leerlo!! Si conoces la serie esta demás decir que vale la pena comprarlo. Yo recomendaría leer primero Beard Science antes que Engagement and Espionage pero cada libro está elaborado para ser leído individualmente y sin necesidad de correlación. La serie al igual que todos los libros de esta autora son brillantes, realmente una joya, no te arrepentirás!!
Si estas buscando la típica historia del hombre alfa/dominante que solo hace lo que quiere con la heroína, porque no tiene un gramo de determinación ni confianza en sí misma, esta autora no es para tí. Quién no ha leído uno de esos?? Cero prejuicios, hay público para todo!! El universo de Penny Reid esta repleto de personajes reales, que pueden ser vulnerables, complejos, decididos, particulares, inmensamente divertidos, diversos e inclusivos… las heroínas son súper empoderadas con sueños, deseos, miedos y aspiraciones, que además superan, consiguen y materializan.
Engagement & Espionage
*Me: I will not devour this novel in one day.
Narrator: She absolutely did devour this novel in one day and regrets nothing.*
When Penny Reid said she was writing a cozy mystery, I didn’t quite know what to expect.
By the first line of Chapter 5, I had a nonstop smile on my face and a peace in my soul that felt like coming home. In a time of extreme uncertainty and overwhelm, going “back in time” to characters I adore gave me enjoyment I couldn’t fathom.
This takes place immediately after Beard Science and is a cozy mystery, yes, but for those of you like me- romance readers who rarely deviate- no worries, this is continuation of Cletus and Jenn’s love story and of their growth, both individually and as a team.
Jenn continues to grow and strengthen, and it was so lovely to watch. I just wanted to fist bump her for being bold and asking for what she needed. While Jenn’s growth continues to be more outward, Cletus’ is of the inward variety. We see him continue to set aside his desires, selfish or not, for his Lady love.
The mystery weaves throughout this novel and was enjoyable to try and flush out. I had so much fun trying to make my guesses and figure out why certain characters were acting a certain way. It was engaging and fun. At certain points, it is written like a play with Cletus speaking an aside to us as the reader, which gave it such a unique feel. I cannot imagine tiring of Penny Reid’s clever writing and this book is no exception… it is smart, funny, heartwarming and full of feels. As usual, so many truth bombs of wisdom are sprinkled throughout that I can scarcely keep up with them all (thank goodness for highlight capabilities on e-readers). She has a unique way of plopping in little nuggets of gold that make the reader laugh out loud or contemplate, and it makes for such an enjoyable read.
I have to mention, as a longtime Winston fan- I enjoyed the little insights into their families: the Winston family and trying to understand Bethany better, and also Diane Donnor. Both Cletus and Jenn’s families play such an integral part in this novel and it was simultaneously wonderful, heart breaking, and ultimately encouraging. (Like many have mentioned- Shelly Sullivan stole the show with her badassery.) Our Hero and Heroine make for a fantastic pair, and have grown so much since we first met them. I look forward to more from this cozy mystery series and the Winston family.
“But then, maybe selfishness and sacrifice can be one and the same, when they’re done in love.”
When one of your favorite authors decides to write a spin off series centered around one of her characters, who happens to be one of your favorites then you start feeling excited and happy. When it releases during a time in history that seems dark and bleak then you grab that bit of sunshine and savor it. Engagement and Espionage is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn mystery, a cozy mystery series that centers around solving small town whodunits while the main couple also navigates the next chapters in their own romantic relationship. Let me savor the feeling again that Ms. Reid is writing these books with me in mind. Cozy small town mysteries are my catnip! Engagement and Espionage follows events that happened in Beard Science and so it would be best to read that book first if you are just starting our in the Penny Reid Universe. Warning, reading one opens a whole Pandora’s box so you have been informed! To continue, Engagement and Espionage finds the couple still very much in love and very happy…. if only Jen has more time to spend with Cletus. It seems everything in her life is making sure that their romantic times are cut short and when she resolves to cut down on the time she spends at Donner Bakery, the oddest things are happening involving all her suppliers. Pretty soon, both Cletus and Jen are deep into a small town conspiracy of jealous bakers, nasty ex husbands and would be murders! Can they solve this mystery so that they can get own with their own cuddle time?
Its no secret that of all the Winston Brothers Cletus is my favorite and to see him trying to be more for Jen is really great. While his revenge and retribution behavior has also rubbed a little on Jen, cementing the fact that they are really meant foe each other. The book is quirky, adorable and fun. But like all the Winston Books, the darkness of the theme is coated in lighthearted humor but is no less impactful. I love Engagement and Espionage and I cannot wait for the next one.
I LOVE THE WINSTON’S!!!!! I was beyond elated to find out that we were going to get to come back to Green Valley and spend time with the Winston clan again and my absolute favorite Winston Cletus. This book was quirky and entertaining with a side of suspense and I loved everything about it.
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This book takes place shortly after where Beard Science left off with Cletus and Jen being a couple. I loved that it flowed seamlessly as if Penny had actually written it right after Beard Science and not years later. This book had the exact same feel and weight as the others and was wholly Cletus and Jen. I loved them the first time around, so I was more than ready to get back and see how far they’ve come since their first book.
, , . , , .
In this story you get to see how Jen is trying to break away and become her own person not who her parents were trying to make her, but who she is on the inside. Jen is one of my favorite heroines from Penny, she has gone through so much and dealt with more than most, but deep down she is still this beautifully sweet big-hearted person who just wants to be seen. I loved watching her evolution in the book to becoming the strong woman you know her to be. My heart broke and soared for her in equal measure during this story as I sat watching her deal with all the things thrown at her throughout.
, , .
Cletus is still Cletus in the best way. This man is my favorite because of his analytical mind and unwavering loyalty. He is always 10 steps ahead of everyone in his long game and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. ALL! But what I loved the most was watching the way he cared for Jen. Cletus was always the one who didn’t like emotions and chose not to have them. So, to watch as he had so many emotions and feelings throughout this story it made my heart burst with happiness for him and Jen. These two are absolutely perfect for each other and they really do bring out the best qualities in the other.
’ . .
This family and these characters will always hold a special place in my heart. You can’t help but love each and every one of them. Penny created magic when she brought this family to life and I know I love every single minute spent with them. This book is absolute perfection, I couldn’t wait to go back to Green Valley and now that I have, I don’t ever want to leave.
“We were still at the beginning, our beginning, and I’d never been as truly happy in my entire life as I lived and breathed and endured during the moments we spent together.”
Cletus and Jenn are my favorite couple, so when I found out about the spin off series I couldn’t be more happy and excited. If you read beard science where we get to see them falling in love with each other and wondered how they are after the HEA, well, Penny delivered that for us in this one.
If it was about any other couple, the story wouldn’t be this good, this book has a chaotic good energy that matches cletusjenn energy and I loved it, I have to say that before I started reading I was afraid that the plot would bored me but yeah, that couldn’t happen with these two involved, although the mistery was easy for the reader to solve, it got my attention till the end.
I can’t express enough how much I love Cletus and Jenn as couple and individually, they are so odd and definitely perfect for each other, the way cletus worships the ground Jenn walks is everything to me — I’ll never get tired of seeing how much the Winston brothers love their women —, it was so good to get more of Cletus’ plotting and Jenn finally getting to be her own person.
“[…] she held a part of my soul. When we spoke or touched, that piece returned home, and the rest of my soul rejoiced at the reunion.”
Engagement and Espionage was legitimately funny and so easy to read, in addition to more moments of my favorite couple, we still had breadcrumbs from the family, all the interactions between them gets my heart warm, the amount of love I have for them can’t be measured and I had missing them so much, I’m so happy that this book was so much more than I expect and I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books.
Great characters in the perfect blend of humor, romance and mystery
Book 1 in the Solving for Pie series, which is a spinoff of the Winston Brothers series, this takes place a few weeks after Beard Science (WB book 3), Cletus and Jenn’s book, and between Beard in Mind (WB book 4) and Dr. Strange Beard (WB book 5). While it’s recommended to read Beard Science first since this is a continuation of Cletus and Jenn’s story, you don’t need to have read the rest of the series. Though with all the brothers getting mentions and Billy, Roscoe, Beau and Shelly all having some role here, having the background of the rest of the series (especially through Beard in Mind) adds depth to the book.
I adored Cletus and Jenn in Beard Science; my favorites couple out of both the Winston Brothers and related Knitting in the City series, I was over the moon when the author announced they were getting their own series, and have been waiting less than patiently for the release ever since. I’m happy to say this book lived up to all my expectations, and then some. I think what I liked best is that we get to see Cletus and Jenn’s relationship continue to evolve, and both Jenn and Cletus continue to grow as individuals. It hasn’t all been rainbows and kittens, as lifelong patterns of behavior can’t be overcome overnight, and both Jenn and Cletus have to work at continuing the changes begun in Beard Science while outside forces add stress to their relationship. Cletus always makes me laugh with his scheming and the way he continues to be a little bewildered by Jenn, and I have to admire Jenn’s determination to be better even if she backslides a little from time to time.
Of course, I also loved the chance to revisit the rest of the family, as well as some of the breadcrumbs the author threw in to foreshadow future events. The story moved along at a good pace, with the pieces of the mystery coming together nicely. While I had some guesses about who was responsible for what, I only got a little of it completely right, and the events of the finale surprised me as much as they surprised Cletus and Jenn.
Characters I adore in a story that’s the perfect blend of humor, romance and mystery, this is a wonderful start to the new series, and a book that will be on my list of favorites for the year. Now the hard part comes: waiting for the next book, lol. 5+ stars