The Devil is in the details . . .Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries). His future mother-in-law has other plans, plans his intended has been willing to indulge, much to Cletus’s chagrin. … chagrin. Therefore, so must he. To a point. But truth be told, he wouldn’t mind if the meddlesome matriarch disappeared, at least until the nuptials are over.On the night of Cletus and Jenn’s long-awaited engagement party, just when the surly schemer is of a mind to take matters into his own hands, a shocking event upends everyone’s best laid plans and sends the small hamlet of Green Valley into complete disarray. The final months leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s matrimonial bliss are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. Will Cletus and Jenn finally make it to the altar? Or will murder and mayhem derail their happily-ever-after?And most importantly, who done it? ‘Marriage and Murder’ is the second book in the cozy mystery series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. It is best read after Winston Brothers #3, ‘Beard Science’ (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1, ‘Engagement and Espionage.’
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Before Penny Reid I had never heard of cosy mysteries and I definitely had no intention of reading one. And then she said Cletus and Jenn were the main characters and I couldn’t get a hold of them fast enough.
Everything about the Winston family has been epic. Every single one of them and their significant others has brought so much, not just to their own books but to the series as a whole. So, when we got to puppet master, Cletus’s book at the end of the series I really didn’t want to let them go. Then this spin off popped up and I love it.
It has all of the Winston’s, along with all of Cletus’s shenanigans and Jenn’s quiet calm with a side of mystery and drama. And aside from keeping me guessing from the first page it also has so much romance and heat. Seriously the way Cletus loves Jenn is swoon worthy. But the fact that Jenn is so besotted with him umm ….. sausage had me giggling and fanning my face.
I have loved watching their relationship continue to develop while enjoying the mystery of the moment. I really can’t wait to get my hands on the next one and see if some of these loose ends get tied up because there are still so many questions, I want answers to that I just know Penny is loving dangling there for us to obsess over while we impatiently wait for the next instalment.
– 4.25 stars
SONG:
Better – ZAYN
Penny Reid has written some of my comfort books, because it meant coming back to one of my favorite fictional families: the Winstons.
PLOT
It’s Cletus and Jennifer’s engagement day. Everyone around Green Valley is gathered to celebrate Cletus and Jenn’s love. Out of nowhere Kip, Jenn’s father, arrives uninvited and creates a lot of drama with his mistress Elena. They are asked to leave. After some time, while taking a moment for themselves, Jenn and Cletus hear gunshots and discover that Jenn’s father got murdered in the parking lot in his car. Now the police tries to find the murderer, even Jenn is a suspect in the investigation.
ALL THE STARS FOR
Cletus and Jenn. I’m in love with their love. It’s the way Jenn and Cletus think the other can walk on air. There is so much love, adoration, devotion and being in their heads makes me smile every time. I just want someone to think about me how Cletus thinks about Jenn when he sees her.
To me, she existed as a multi-dimensional angel and devil, owner of my heart, my joy and my pain, light-years beyond beautiful, or celestial, or exquisite.
“No Jenn. Not the dress. You.” Cletus gave me a soft kiss, ending it by gently nipping my bottom lip. “You are my miracle.”
“I love you so completely, with every cell in my body. I wonder sometimes if I’d cease to exist– just evaporate or disappear– if anything ever happened to you.”
What frustrated me a lot in the previous book is how Jenn and Cletus got interrupted all the time when they finally had some time alone. Thank god in this book they could do the dirty, before they were interrupted. I also love how Jenn and Cletus’ kinky side is slowly showing… compared to the bigger picture what they do in their bedroom is by no mean really kinky, but it’s for them and i’m here fore it.
Cletus mind. You know there are thousands of alpha a-hole characters out there and so many of them are replacable. Not just alpha heroes, it’s beta heroes, omega heroes, name me any hero and I could probably name another hero that has similar traits, but Cletus Byron Winston. There is only one Cletus. Still to this day, he is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever read about and I’m going to say this in every Cletus book until the day I find another character that comes close to Cletus uniqueness. I love reading Cletus’ POV. I love being in his mind. It’s such a breath of fresh air, cause no one is doing it like Cletus Winston.
all the Winston family moments. The Winstons and all their significant others are such a tight knitted group and constantly in each other businesses and it’s the best thing ever. They love and support each other so much that every single member is taking part in the planning of Jenn and Cletus’ engagement. These family scenes just make me super happy. What is there not to love about a family that is there through thick and thin? The Winston is one weird family and I want them to adopt me!!!
“Does this mean I get to plan your bachelor party?”
“Never mind, I rescind the offer.”
Billy chuckled, finally walking towards his car. “Too late. I have Jenn as a witness. What’s done is done.”
Cletus turned as Billy brushed past. “This shall not stand!”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. I believe your stripper friend–George, right? I believe he rappels from the ceiling, if memory serves. No standing involved.”
the character growth. Looking back at Beard Science and now reading Marriage and Murder, it’s eye-opening, cause Jenn and Cletus grow so much. Jenn already had a great character development in Beard Science and the story itself was wrapped up nicely, but seeing how these characters continue to grow makes me so proud. I love how Jenn learned in this book to be more sex positive, because that’s something she was never taught. Cletus stand on revenge and people around him has also changed so much since he meet Jenn. His attitude towards his father by the end of Beard Science and by the end of Marriage and Murder– already words apart. His feelings towards Jackson James by the end of Beard Science and Marriage and Murder– I sense the next best bromance without being really a bromance LOL. Jenn and Cletus went through so much healing together and it shows and I love it.
It was, he was, I was, life was perfection.
WHO CARES
I knew the whole concept of this new Cletus/Jenn spin off is based on mysteries that they are trying to solve together, but honestly I don’t care about that at all. I’m only reading for the new Winston content and domestic Cletus & Jenn scenes. All the things about who murders who.. who the hell cares. Not this gurl here. So those chapters when Cletus and Jenn were trying to investigate the murder were not really that interesting to me, since I thought it was pretty obvious from the start who was behind everything. But that’s just a me thing to not care about all the murder mystery stuff.
All in all, Marriage and Murder is a great addition to Jenn and Cletus story. I know that this whole spin off is not really necessary for their story, cause everything was wrapped up in Beard Science, but for Jenn and Cletus fans and Winston family lovers it’s a nice bonus. I like that the relationships that were left shaky after BS are getting more explored in this series.
Now normally I don’t really read a lot of cozy mysteries. But pretty much anything that Penny Reid writes I will read, and probably love. Of course I loved the first book in this series, Engagement and Espionage, so I was extremely eager for this second book. One thing that I know is different, I think, from most cozy mysteries, is that we still have the romance aspect with Jenn and Cletus, and I mean the sexy romance aspect, like we get in Reid’s romance stories.
What’s perfect is how we get the recap of the first book and it’s not really an info dump, instead it works out naturally through a conversation with characters that might not have been much in the first book and characters who were there. And because I adore Cletus so much, having more books from his and Jenn’s point of view make me happy. What was a little unusual for Cletus in this book was how he didn’t know a lot of things. It seems his time with Jenn is maybe keeping him from some of his “nefarious” activities that kept him abreast of all things going on in his town. Not that he was completely out of the loop or anything, he just had some blind spots.
The murder in this one was a tough one for the main characters to deal with. Because while it might have been someone that we all loved to hate, they still had direct emotional ties to Jenn and her family. But we got to hate some other people even more than we had before. And I have to say that I’m really irritated that the police/FBI whoever it was didn’t accept who the real murderer was at the end, causing at least one character’s life to have to change.
Then we had Jenn’s mom who really got a chance to live and find some happiness in some way in this story. I also loved when Jenn was doing her own sleuthing or figuring things out and caught Cletus unaware that she knew more than she was letting on.
It’s hard to say much about the story without giving things away, so I’m going to stop here with anything specific to this story. Instead I’m going to talk about how I really really can’t wait for Jackson James story now, and I’d also like Jenn’s brother Isaac’s story too! Now to sit and wait for the next book in this series. Another whole year?
4.25 stars–MARRIAGE AND MURDER is the second instalment in Penny Reid’s contemporary, adult SOLVING FOR PIE: CLETUS AND JENN MYSTERIES romantic, suspense series focusing on engaged couple Cletus Winston, and Jenn Donner-Sylvester. MARRIAGE AND MURDER can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE as the events in book two are as of a direct result from the events in book one. The Solving For Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries is a spin off from the author’s Winston Brothers series. Cletus Winston and Jenn Sylvester’s original story can be found in book three of the Winston Brothers series BEARD SCIENCE.
NOTE: Although the series is categorized as a ‘cozy mystery’-meaning no $ex, violence or swearing on the pages- there is $ex, violence and foul language, so in actuality I would not say, by definition, this is a true cozy mystery series.
SOME BACKSTORY: In book one ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE Jenn’s father Kip Sylvester scammed a number of people in the small town of Green Valley, and in the wake of these scams left several townsfolk looking for payback and revenge, targeting Jenn, and her mother in the process.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Jenn and Cletus) MARRIAGE AND MURDER follows in the aftermath of Jenn and Cletus’ almost engagement party but gun shots, murder and a missing mother in law-to be finds Cletus and Jenn on the short list of suspects in the wake of secrets and the revelation that Jenn is about to inherit everything and more. As Cletus begins to unravel a series of clues leading to the who, what and how, Jenn’s role as suspect turns victim with potentially deadly consequences. What ensues is the ongoing relationship and romance between Jenn and Cletus, and the fall-out of sins from the past are about to destroy our story line couple.
The relationship between Jenn and Cletus continues to grow as Jenn’s attachment and need for Cletus begins to take on a life of its’ own. The $ex scenes are passionate, seductive and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar characters including most of Cletus’ siblings and their significant others- Congressman Billy Winston, Drew and Ashley, Jethro and Sienna, Beau and Shelly, Roscoe; Deputy Jackson James; Jenn’s mother Diane Donner, her father Kip Sylvester, and Kip’s lady friend Elena Wilkerson; Jenn’s brother Isaac aka Twilight; Wraith’s MC treasurer Jason aka Repo; and farmer Kenneth Miller. The requisite evil has many faces.
MARRIAGE AND MURDER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; greed and jealousy; love and forever. The premise is intriguing, suspenseful and intense; the romance is captivating; the characters are animated, dynamic and edgy.
Wow, this book was a fabulous mix of mystery, romance, and family dynamics. I loved getting to revisit Cletus, Jenn, the whole Winston family, and Green Valley.
I really liked the first book, Engagement and Espionage, but I feel like this one just hit its stride more with story, mystery, and character building. It might be because the first book had to introduce and establish everything with regard to the mystery and update the status of Cletus and Jenn’s relationship. In Marriage and Murder a lot of that is kind of a given and already things were in place and moving.
There is a lot happening leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s wedding and I could not put the book down. I had to find out what happened next as they attempt to figure out whodunnit. They are my favorite couple from the Winston Brothers series and their characters felt true to how they were in previous books. There is definitely growth individually and within their relationship here which I also appreciated.
As always this book lives up to the Smart Romance that Penny Reid is known for writing, and I cannot wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I didn’t think it was possible to love Cletus more than I already did, but I was wrong! I adore this fictional man! Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid is the second book in Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries featuring my favorite Winston brother and his girl. It’s been a year since the two were engaged, and Cletus is anxious to make Jenn his forever. However those plans are derailed the night of their engagement party when an unwanted guest winds up murdered. Now it is up to Cletus and Jenn to find the killer and clear their names.
Why Cletus Winston, are you getting a little anxious? This book starts with Cletus and his feelings about his upcoming nuptials. I do believe our boy is getting slightly cold feet. Not about Jenn, never about her, but over the ceremony itself. It has grown out of his control, and this man does not like feeling out of control. He’s angry with himself for losing some of his “omniscient” powers, however he refuses to give up any of his Jenn-time so it’s something he decides he will have to learn to live with. I love how Reid shows us a new side of Cletus. We see him vulnerable in a way we haven’t before. It humanizes him and made me fall in love with him more.
Jenn has changed so much from the pie queen we met in Beard Science. She is confident in her own choices and actions and resolved to do what she feels is right. I do believe Cletus is rubbing off on her. She is just as conniving as he is at times and ready to follow through on any plan he has. Nothing affects her more than her family being threatened, and with the events that occur, we see a new side of Jenn, one who is ready to fight and go down swinging if she must.
Overall I loved Marriage and Murder. This is a fun, cozy read that made me laugh and cry and feel all the emotion. Penny Reid is my most recent go-to author to help me laugh and escape reality if only for a little while. This one kept me guessing right to the end! I highly recommend this one for anyone that enjoys cozy mystery with a bit of steamy romance.
WELL. Many thanks to Penny Reid for another installment of my beloved Cletus Byron Winston and his bride-to-be Jennifer Sylvester. What an utter delight Marriage and Murder was! I never used the highlight feature on my Kindle as much as I do when I get to get in Cletus’s head.
“Who says I expect you to think straight? Let’s think crooked.”
“But then a short woman baker blackmailed me, distracted me, and changed my life and my heart forever with a dark chocolate confection she’d called compassion cake.”
“No mentally healthy person would be able to chitchat with a pair of cold, hard man nipples at their eye level.”
“Wearing coveralls meant I could ask them to do messy deeds. What good were groomsmen if they couldn’t do messy deeds?”
And the best, most swoon-worthy….
“Every day, I want you to know that I would marry you, that I love and adore you no less but always more than the day before.”
I adore Cletus and all his plotting and his dubious morals, although we’ve seen such character growth from Cletus since we met him in Beard Science. I love seeing what Jenn does to him- what having her in his life means. He’s a much more settled and rational Cletus, although still insanely intelligent and intuitive. I adore seeing how much Jenn has grown away from her controlling parents and the effect the entire Winston family has had on her. She’s simply delightful and SO FLIPPING STRONG! And we are certainly treated to some steam in this installment- thank goodness Cletus and Jenn finally got some alone time!
I am a big fan of suspense being rolled in to my romance, and Marriage and Murder certainly checked that box. It was twisty and turny and, although I hate to say this about murder….. fun. Solving for Pie is such a great series and I can’t wait for the next book!
I can never write anything that does any justice to Penny Reid’s books. Her mastery bringing characters to life, the ability to make you laugh while she’s ripping your heart out in the next scene, the world creation, the chemistry between the couples, and how she weaves everything within a murder while they are preparing a wedding. And even more, how she makes you spend years hating a character, only to redeem them before you’ve even noticed.
But most of all, she’s created Cletus Winston. One of the most interesting characters I’ve ever read about. Devilishly smart, devious, loyal to a fault, cunning, funny, extravagant and unforgettable, I can never get enough of him.
You know that moment when you’re so into a book you want to devour it, but at the same time you want to savour every word to make it last longer? That’s this book. I loved it so much that I started it over again as soon as I finished it, because I’m sure I missed details, and those little things that make them my favourite fictional family.n more
Freaking amazing!!! (No spoilers ahead)
Standing ovation!!! This book has all the the spark we loved so much for Winston Brothers and Green Valley. If you’re familiar with the series I can tell you right away, it‘s totally worth it.
As you may know, Marriage and murder is the second book in a spin off series from Winston Brothers universe called Solving for Pie. It’s about this brilliant, cute and singular couple form by Jenn Sylvester and Cletus Winston, a love story with a mystery twist.
While they’re in the middle of their wedding preparations there’s a murder and as the team they form, they’ll work together to find who did it. It’s imperative to know, a priority because too many things are at risk. The good news is that if you familiar with this author you can guarantee a HEA an a hell of a story.
The plot is more than believable, captivating funny and entertain. You know the suspects but can’t be sure until all the facts and secrets are exposed, little by little of course, while you’re making your bets, laughing and shedding a tear or two. You can read how complex the characters are, how they grow as a couple, how they rediscover changes in their personalities, some they question and others they embrace. I LOVE ALL OF IT.
Buy it, give it away and share it to the world because it’s truly wonderful.
Penny Reid is a one-click author for me and this book is a reflection of why. Penny started she wrote the book she wanted to write, it was sexy, interesting, and a whole lot of Winstons. It always feels like I’m going home to visit when I read a Green Valley book. I enjoyed the step away from reality and just enjoyed the ride.
These books are so fun! I’m really enjoying this series. The Winstons are ALWAYS fun to visit. Cletus’ sharp wit and intellect make these ‘who done it’ books a particular kind of fun.
As always, Penny Reid’s writing is unparalleled. I keep a list of quotes that head chapters when reading any new Penny Reid book. I’ve discovered some wonderful new literary works this way. I love quotes. Penny Reid has a particular way with picking poignant quotes that encapsulate the mood of the chapter. The quotes are honestly one of my favorite parts of any of her books.
This book has the benefit of being about well loved characters who need no introduction. The setting is as familiar to me as my own back yard. This story is excellent. If cozy mysteries are your thing, you will find this book (along with it’s predecessor) a fabulous way to spend a weekend.
I love a good murder mystery especially when there is romance woven into the plot. This book was brilliant from the beginning and kept me on the edge until the end. Throughout the book I kept making speculations and when I thought I finally had it all figured out Penny would throw in another layer to add to the depth of the characters and world she created. Planning a wedding in and of itself is a task, but throw in solving a murder? Only Penny Reid could weave this story together effortlessly and give the readers exactly what they didn’t know they needed. Truly another masterpiece to add to her collection.
Well, this is the second book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries, and this romantic suspense had me hooked, Cletus and Jenn’s story is full of mystery, murder, marriage, and secrets you want to uncover. The Sherlock Holmes vibe really got to me, such a refreshing read it had me laughing and intrigued at the same time. Definitely one you need to read and one I would love to hear on audiobook in the future.
Penny has done it again! If you’re looking for a spicy yet sweet romance with a touch of murder & deceit then look no further than Marriage and Murder.
Cletus & Jenn have been characters that I’ve just grown so attached to. They’re the type of characters that feel more like friends than fictional people. I loved getting to go back and be part of their wedding festivities…and their search for a killer.
I was hooked from the first page. Penny created a story that had marvelous twists and kept me guessing until the end. This was a great way to spend time with one of my favorite families. I’m definitely looking forward to their next adventure!!
3.75-4 stars. This was a good book. Marriage and Murder is the second book in the Solving for Pie: Clletus and Jen cozy mysteries series. I really enjoyed book one and this one was no different. I don’t want to give away the mystery so I won’t say to much about the plot. But I will say, this book takes place in the middle of Jenn and Cletus’s wedding festivities and planning. A person close to them is murdered, which definitely puts a huge damper on everything. The two of them stick together through it all, though, and come out together stronger in the end.
Book One in this series was a light, quirky, fun book, but this book was a bit heavier and more emotional. There is a murder and it is someone close to the couple, but not someone they had a positive relationship with. This made the death much harder to swallow and there were a lot of complicated feelings. Add in to that the murderer is a mystery and no one is safe from the authorities’ scrutiny, including Jenn, Cletus and their family members. Also, there is a wedding, showers and other festivities going on, to make things even more complicated. But throughout all that, Jenn and Cletus never doubt that they love each other so much and want to be married. I was totally sucked into the mystery throughout the story. I did find the first half of the book to be lighter, while the second half was darker and a little on the depressing side. I understood why it was sadder, but I did wish for a few more happy moments. But, for a cozy mystery, this book had plenty of romance and sexy times in general. I was actually surprised at how hot Cletus was in this book and how smoking the couple were together. I never doubted their love and commitment.
Overall, this book had a great blend of romance and mystery. Jenn and Cletus had some very swoonworthy moments and managed to make it through their hardships to the altar. I was happy to see them happy in the end and I look forward to more of their adventures in this fun series!
Ok, so complete honesty here. I own every Winston Brother book Penny Reid has written, along with a bunch of other books she’s written. Met her a few times, totally love her!! But I have not read a full book by her in all this time. Bonus scenes (silly I know), and things like that, but had not been able to read the full book yet. Then this literally fell in my lap (or email lol). And I could not say no. Or put it down. I know I should not have read this first, and I know I will most definitely have to go back & read or listen to all the Winstons. And there was an order to this I saw to read. But I couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad I didn’t resist! COMPLETELY in love with this!! And Cletus?! Oh my goodness, I love him. I love how his mind works. And how much he loves her And Jenn is so sweet and so good and just is perfect for him. And a murder mystery? Well, I completely dig that too. Totally ecstatic with it all. I was actually yelling in my classroom during my break at one point, it pulls you in that much. This is a must!! And I cannot wait to read all the rest!!
Wow – just wow. A must read for all Winston fans as Cletus realizes that occasionally he is fallible and no longer omniscient. There were so many laugh out loud moments that my husband had to come and see what was so funny. There were so many touching, heartfelt and romantic moments that were truly sighworthy, that I had to grab tissues several times for sentimental sniffles. It was a brilliant look at negotiating relationships, an interesting mystery that may not yet be completely solved, and so many tantalizing hints at potential future books. This story has gone to the top of my 2021 Favourite Reads list, and it has stuck with me for the last 24 hours so I need to go back and savour reading it again. Absolutely loved it – would give more than 5 stars if I could. Thank you Penny Reid for being such a wonderful author who can write dialogue, characters and family that speak to our hearts and souls.
***5 Stars***
My love of the Winston clan is not secret, so getting my hands on this baby was necessary and as soon as I read the opening quote for the first chapter, I knew I was going to LOVE this book because that quote was absolutely perfect for a plethora of reasons. And then the story began and I was taken on one hell of a ride. From many, many WTF’s?!? To swooning to growling in frustration to those “Oh…I get it now…that makes perfect sense” moments…this book gave me all the goodness I wanted and needed.
While I would love to dissect the murder and all the crazy, chaotic fallout that happens after…I can’t, 1) this review is absolutely spoiler free and 2) I wasn’t expecting THAT at all. But what I will comment on is how much I loved seeing how deep the connection between Jenn and Cletus had gotten. They made my heart all kinds of twitterpatted anytime they were together. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Winston clan coming together and simply being there for each other. It was so much fun and they really took this book to the next level for me. As for the other inhabitants of Green Valley, II now actually have a soft spot for Jackson James and Diane and Boone and cannot wait to spend more time with all of them!
~ Copy provided by SBPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
This is a well-crafted complex mystery with well-crafter, complex characters. I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This novel as a whole is much denser than a typical cozy mystery because of all the caring attention paid to character development, and connections to all the characters in town. It isn’t about skipping from one step to the next in solving the mystery though if I was a misogynist in Green Valley, I know I would be reassessing my treatment of women. Green Valley is a living town and the people in it are living their lives beyond helping Jenn and Cletus solve the mystery.
I loved getting see the Winston clan popping in and being a caring family “in character”. Each of them has a different relationship to Cletus and Jenn, and it was a treat to see those relationships grow. For Jenn & Cletus’s sake, I was glad the two of them got to have a lot more “together” time than in Engagement and Espionage, which happened about a year ago in the story. It was very cool to see the people who were pulled into the story once Jenn and her mother, Diane, got into trouble.
Overall Grade:
I stand in my truth: Billy Winston is still my favorite Winston brother. It’s just an undeniable truth. If you had told me in Engagement and Espionage that I would grow to like Cletus Winston, well, I would have chuckled, patted you on the back, and said, “okay…sure”, a comment that would drip with hints of sarcasm. I mean, I don’t have anything against Cletus. It’s just…he’s not my cup of Winston Brother tea. It’s that need for revenge at any cost, the reality that if there was an award for Most Petty Winston Brother, he would win, that oftentimes makes me roll my eyes and turn the page without a care for Cletus. But now, Penny Reid went ahead and ruined my mild disdain for her hero. In Marriage and Murder, her newest book, she wrote a Cletus that feels like the other Winston brothers, a hero who takes his treasuring of his fiancee to a whole other level. I mean, it’s easy to do with a heroine such as Jennifer Sylvester. The wide-eyed, seemingly innocent, Banana Cake Queen really comes into her own in this book. But, for me, it’s Cletus’s mild evolution from Petty Betty to protective hero that won my heart. Now, add to that a caper that twists and turns and (sometimes) loses you a bit, along with that strong familial sense that you find in any Winston siblings book, and you cannot possibly put down Penny Reid’s newest book to her booklist. In this book, Cletus finally transcends the minutiae of revenge to fall more madly in love with his soulmate, the ever-sweet Jennifer.
I loved…that Jennifer recognizes her $ex kitten ways. In this book, Jennifer questions her almost oppressive Christian ideas about $ex and embraces the truth that she loves it, especially with Cletus. The fire between Cletus and Jennifer burns HOT in Marriage and Murder.
I loved…that, through the Winston family, Jennifer finally gets the sibling relationships that she needs since her brother Isaac has turned his back on her. There is a very sweet moment between Jennifer and Billy that pops a tear.
I loved…that Penny keeps you guessing with the suspense of the story. There are Papa and Mama Sylvester in this story, and the fore-knowledge we have about their storylines finds development in this book.
I loved…that I would really love more Solving for Pie stories. Cletus and Jennifer’s story does feel wrapped up in the end, but it also feels like there is more tomfoolery in Cletus and Jennifer’s lives.
I loved…that I can never get enough of the Winston siblings. Penny brings them “all to the yard” in this book, and it continues to remind me why I adore their series and the subsequent Smartypants Romance books. Penny Reid’s stories just feel like family. As a reader, you belong. I want to live in Green Valley, Tennessee with all of these interesting, quirky characters because I feel like I might have a spot there.
If you haven’t read Penny Reid yet, what are you waiting for? Entwined in all the qualities I’ve listed above are ideas about life, about how we treat each other, about how we live. There is a humanity in Penny Reid’s “smart romance.” And she has clearly done it again with Cletus and Jennifer’s Marriage and Murder. There is always room for Penny Reid on your TBR…and you won’t regret it.