Beard Science (Winston Brothers Book 3)

I loved Duane and Jessica. I adored Jethro and Sienna. I think I'm in love with Cletus and Jennifer.

Their intelligence, oddities, then Jenn's thoughtfulness and kindness, and Cletus's tendency toward lists and revenge... just perfect.

I appreciated that they developed a friendship (through blackmail) and then that their attraction snuck up on each of them without either giving consent. My favorite Winston Brothers story thus far!

Good story! Cletus Winston has proven to be one of my favorite Penny Reid characters. Just hope he doesn't mellow out too much now that he's found someone who loves and understands him. One caveat I have, even with books written for intelligent women (Reid's forte)...why do all the men have to be handsome hunks and the women gorgeous? It would be nice if once in a while neither the man nor the woman were gorgeous, just ordinary people who've found someone who sees them as beautiful. If anyone could pull off a story like that and do it in a smart, funny way, it would be Penny Reid.

Swoon...
I was a little apprehensive I'll admit. Since Cletus is such an odd duck I wasn't sure how him as a leading man would go (sometimes the best side characters need to remain side characters), but it was fabulous! He had the sense of humor, sneakery, and smarts everyone has loved from the first books as well as some flaws and insecurities that in my opinion made him even more endearing. I think what I love most about Cletus is once he's reached a decision he goes for it. There wasn't annoying back and forth with his own decisions for Cletus. Jennifer was also great. She was sweet and endearing as well and made such a great match for Cletus. Her home life was heart wrenching and it was frustrating at times. This is so far my favorite in the series (although Beauty and the Mustache is still overall my fav PR book). Honestly I'm a little scared for Billy & Claire's book, I don't know if my heart will be able to handle it!

Penny Reid has a gift of creating curious, likable characters. Even as I was finishing this story I was growing more fond of the people in this book. I have not read others in the series, so I don't know if her gift is evident there, but this book was a lot of fun. Some of the conclusions were expected, but the way they unfolded was believable and well told. Some parts of the story were more graphic than I expected, but even those sections were within the context of the bigger story and were carefully written. I'd read this again, and may explore other books from Penny Reid.

This series is truly enjoyable. This author has an easy going style that is so relatable that has some series moments, but mostly just pure joy; she is a true story teller. Cletus and Jennifer are adorable together, and their journey to love is entertaining. I also love that we get to see our previous couples happy and content, and the scene is being set for future stories. I can't wait to see more of the back story for Billy and Claire, and it seems as though Beau has his eye on a gorgeous mechanic. Looking forward to the next adventure.

All of Penny Reid's characters are well developed and easy to visualize which makes for smooth reading. However she does utilize common tropes like crossed wires and mistaken identity - which leads to an 'oh God here we go again' feeling. At least Ms. Reid doesn't let them drag on or hang the whole story on them.
In contrast the plots of all the 'Beard' books are the tried and true: Cinderella rescued by the unlikely prince, etc. All well worked and not totally improbable with neatly tied off ends.
A good entertaining read with lots of meaty Appalachian-isms.

Penny Reid is a very enjoyable writer, her dialogue flows and can make you chuckle aloud. She celebrates the good qualities that all people have, while still making her heroes and heroines stand out. I enjoy that each character is not a cookie cutter replica, but a unique personality with their own set of flaws and virtues. And she celebrates the non-"normals", just as much (or more) as the "normals". She shows family bonds, but is true to reality when not all people end up 100% repentant or redeemed. I appreciate the occasional fairy tale ending of course, but believable happy ending is even better.

Cletus is the most unique, brilliant and endearing romantic book hero I have ever met. Jennifer is one of the most unexpected, perceptive and transformed heroines I've read. The third book in this series, I've enjoyed all three. However, this third book presents lead characters so eccentric and captivating I'm reading it again. The story is well developed, the community of characters is fascinating. But Cletus and his own variety of genius matched with a woman finding her own strength and determination is nothing less than astounding.

Penny Reid has become my favorite author through the years! I feel like she is a literary friend- who has a real understanding of human nature- with all it's peaks and valleys. Beard Science, reverberated with me in particular, because I wasn't nurtured as a kid to find myself ; wasn't always allowed to form my own opinions. Even when she takes on the hiccups of humanity-Penny manages to lift my mood and make me happy with her own brand of quirky, smart characters and plot lines. She has painted with humor and so much heart a real place I love to visit and the off beat wonderful Winston family who I want to be my tribe!

This book will warm your heart. Its a perfect book to read while on vacation or while its raining and storming outside. It didn't make me ball my eyes out but it had some serious feels. Serious feels. On top of the beautiful writing you'll see some great character development. I adored this book. It's going into my Christmas vacation re-read pile because of the awesomely great feels. Just a lovely romantic, good-feeling, slow-burn tease of a book.

LOVED this book! Penny Reid writes exciting, interesting books with intelligent and caring characters. I love how Penny writes about her secondary characters---you can't wait to hear their stories! You will fall in love with the Winston brothers and want to live in TN too! After reading so many of Penny's book I feel like the Winston brothers are part of my family now! This book specifically tore at my heart. Jenn was a smart woman who was verbally abused by her own father and had a mother who was running her life. It broke my heart at times to see Jenn take that abuse....but loved how Cletus helped her gain her confidence back! You will love this book and series!!!

Amazaballs. This story was wonderful. I knew it would be wonderful. I've read all of Penny's work and The Winston Brothers series is flat out stellar. Cletus is in a class by himself. Writing from his point of view was a tall order and Penny delivered it perfectly. What surprised me in this book was Jennifer.The journey she took to become her own person. She's darling and strong in a way that is rarely celebrated in fiction. A strength that isn't brash, but steady and sure and as yet undiscovered. Walking beside her on the journey to discover her "backbone" is a treasure. This story is charming, sexy, fun, and moves you without trying. Penny Reid is now my favorite author of Contemporary Romance. Well Done. Penny.

Cletus did not disappoint. From the beginning I knew there had to be more to Cletus than meets the eye and he would need a woman who could see through his facade. Penny Reid created that and more. I had anticipated more humor in the story, as I have grown to love that aspect of Penny's writing, but I see the need in not using as much so the average reader can understand the depth of him.
Jennifer, my heart broke for her over and over again. She needed Cletus in her life and thank goodness Penny gave him to her!

LOVED this book! Penny Reid writes exciting, interesting books with intelligent and caring characters. I love how Penny writes about her secondary characters---you can't wait to hear their stories! You will fall in love with the Winston brothers and want to live in TN too! After reading so many of Penny's book I feel like the Winston brothers are part of my family now! This book specifically tore at my heart. Jenn was a smart woman who was verbally abused by her own father and had a mother who was running her life. It broke my heart at times to see Jenn take that abuse....but loved how Cletus helped her gain her confidence back! You will love this book and series!!!

Amazaballs. This story was wonderful. I knew it would be wonderful. I've read all of Penny's work and The Winston Brothers series is flat out stellar. Cletus is in a class by himself. Writing from his point of view was a tall order and Penny delivered it perfectly. What surprised me in this book was Jennifer.The journey she took to become her own person. She's darling and strong in a way that is rarely celebrated in fiction. A strength that isn't brash, but steady and sure and as yet undiscovered. Walking beside her on the journey to discover her "backbone" is a treasure. This story is charming, sexy, fun, and moves you without trying. Penny Reid is now my favorite author of Contemporary Romance. Well Done. Penny.

Cletus did not disappoint. From the beginning I knew there had to be more to Cletus than meets the eye and he would need a woman who could see through his facade. Penny Reid created that and more. I had anticipated more humor in the story, as I have grown to love that aspect of Penny's writing, but I see the need in not using as much so the average reader can understand the depth of him.
Jennifer, my heart broke for her over and over again. She needed Cletus in her life and thank goodness Penny gave him to her!

Loved this one. Love Cletus, loved Jennifer. Wonderful story. Am so looking forward to the audible story. I am never disappointed when reading this author but this one is outstanding. Seeing Cletus being surprised and then falling in love was so joyful. Seeing Jennifer grow as a person was wonderful. Wish had another Winston brother to read. I know when I purchase a Reid book I will be reading and rereading. If you enjoy humor paired with beautiful love story invest in this author, she never disappoints.

This book is just as wonderful and delightful as her other 11 books! I love all of her books and all of her characters and all of her story's. Great book about the Winston brothers. I adore Cletus, he may do wrong but he means well. He is funny and honest and loves his family and will protect them no matter the cost. I love how we are lead to believe something else was meant to happen. Enjoy Jennifer and how strong she is she just needed a little help. Loved this book, love,love.

This book was everything! Cletus was amazing, with his fierce loyalty to his family and over-the-top retaliation skills. Jennifer was so much more than just a pretty face. The shenanigans were crazy and outrageous from the beginning, but what else could be expected...this was Cletus after all.
I just love these Winstons!

I enjoyed this book. I loved how Cletus loved Jenn - when he finally realized he was in love with her. This book is refreshing take on all the same old romances out there today. I have read the first book in the series (Dewayne's story) and it is very good as well. There is no over the top drama, but there are some very good scenes. I enjoyed watching Jenn come into herself little by little. The Winston brothers were obviously raised right. Solid 4 - 4.5 stars.

I wouldn't want to pick a favorite Winston brother, but I suspect it would be Cletus. His and Jennifer's story is probably my favorite. He's the sneaky smart brother who is easily overlooked and she's the dutiful shining daughter who wishes she weren't always on display. How they help each other is a story that's hard to put down!

Yet another absolutely wonderful read by Penny Reid! Neither character is a "normal," instead both are different in their own way and extraordinary together. I love how Jenn breaks the mold of a stereotypical beauty queen, and shows herself to be not only stunning, but brilliant, talented, and kind. I love how the whole time Cletus is attempting to help her and protect her, but in the end, it is Jenn who fixes her own problems.

I definitely recommend this one...Cletus is darling, but Jenn steals the whole book with her strength and heart.

This book's Hero was Cletus, the mastermind of the family and it was very interesting and entertaining. I really enjoyed Cletus at how kind and yet devious he was in the first two books. I will always recommend Penny's books because they are so hilarious, and who doesn't need to laugh?! Ok if they had just had abdominal surgery I would recommend they hold off on Penny's books, but that's it. Oh and I wanted to beat the heroine's father with a hot poker, but alas that may come in the next book. ( you may use my idea, Penny ) lol

CLETUS! Ever since we met Cletus in Beauty and the Mustache, he has always been my favorite. I have been dying for this book for what seems like forever, and Penny did not in any way disappoint. More than that, I loved Jennifer. Her position and difficulty with going against her parents hit a chord with me. Her self-consciousness and inadequacies felt palpable, and every time she felt rejected or insulted my heart twisted for her. Fabulous book!

After reading most of the Knitting in Chicago series, I started on the Winston Brothers series. I could not wait for Cletus' story. I love his odd ball sense of humor. This book made him seem like so much more than the odd brother. I seriously, love Cletus. Jennifer was a great character, really finding herself and standing up for what she wanted. I loved their book and I am dying for the next adventure the Winston's take me on.

I fell in love with the Winston Brothers series. They're hilarious, sweet, perfectly written and my favorite series. EVER. Cletus and Jennifer are by far my favorite. I loved Duane and Jethro's stories but Cletus was different. I have laughed the whole time reading this book. Cletus.... gah, his thinking and mindset is so unique and I love it. It's not a generic romantic comedy and you know what's going to happen next. The author carefully orchestrated the book into perfection. I will definitely buy more of her books and will read this book again!!!

Beard Science was everything I expected when I preordered it. I didn't want to
sleep until I finished this book. Ever since I read the Philosopher and The Moustache, I have been intrigued with Cletus. Jennifer didn't disappoint, neither, constantly keeping Cletus on his toes. Together these characters really complemented each other.
Highly recommend this book. I can't wait for the next Winston Brothers installment!

Having read about Cletus in 3 previous books, I had an idea of what to expect from him, but I had no idea what to expect from Jennifer. She was such a revelation! She comes of age in a lovely and surprising way while forcing Cletus to face up to some truths. They are two people hiding behind masks for most of the world, but they can't hide from one another. It is an intense ride, and it ends in sausage pie. How perfect is that?

I love this series and was so excited for Cletus' story. It did not disappoint and exceeded my expectations. Cletus is a gem of a character! He has literally every great quality of hero, sensitive, hilarious, alpha, smart, witty and delightfully quirky! And man, I was happily surprised with the Banana Queen. She was a funny caricature of a woman mentioned in previous books, and I found her to be such a sweet character I sympathized for but she showed what a strong woman she is and really blossomed. Read this book!

Beard Science is the 3rd of the Winston Brothers series (4th if you count their sister Ashley who was featured in Beauty and The Moustache), and previously introduced characters are featured so I would highly suggest you read the previous books before diving into this wonderland of Cletusness...
I love this book!! I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. Yes, it deserves an all caps shout out. It's clever and funny, yet at the same time heartbreaking. This is a story that sucks you in and when the ride is finally over you can't wait to do it again.

Like the first 2 books of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The characters are just so entertaining. And the way they grow and develop in this book is a lot of fun to read. I’m still dying to know more about Billy and Claire, but Cletus and jenn made me very very happy.

I've been anxiously awaiting Cletus's book since I read the first book in this series. I love him fiercely. I couldn't wait to get inside his head and learn more about him. What I wasn't anticipating was a shock. I had no idea who Cletus was, not really. Not deep down in his soul. Now? I love him even more. He's one of the best characters I've ever read.

Where to begin with this book? If you follow Penny Reid you know this has been one of her most anticipated books. The opportunity to get inside Cletus's mastermind head? Please! I've been wanting to dive into that mysterious brain since Beauty and the Mustache.

And Jennifer, the least likely candidate for anyone's love interest with her extreme awkward and her plastic exterior. Who knew what she is thinking behind those beautiful eyes?

This story unfolded in the most unexpected way. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns of this story in the best way possible. I was so worried the build up of this story might leave me a little bit disappointed. I was so wrong to worry. This story was everything I could imagine it to be and so much more.

These two folks are odd, without a doubt, but that is only what part of what makes the story so interesting. It is crafted so well, with intricate details that will make a fan squeal with glee and also keep a first time reader giggling like a fool.

I have yet to find another writer that has such unique, yet authentic characters, characters without pretense, who can design a narrative like Penny Read. Her books make me think in the most enjoyable ways.

Somehow Penny Reid writes contemporary romances which are just that bit more. They are funny with interesting characters and, even though not much seems to happen, I can't put her books down. This is another great example, Cletus' long awaited book. A simple romance trope of helping someone find their love but reimagined in an original and entertaining way. 3.5 stars or 4.5 stars for romance readers.

Like the first 2 books of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The characters are just so entertaining. And the way they grow and develop in this book is a lot of fun to read. I’m still dying to know more about Billy and Claire, but Cletus and jenn made me very very happy.

I've been anxiously awaiting Cletus's book since I read the first book in this series. I love him fiercely. I couldn't wait to get inside his head and learn more about him. What I wasn't anticipating was a shock. I had no idea who Cletus was, not really. Not deep down in his soul. Now? I love him even more. He's one of the best characters I've ever read.

Where to begin with this book? If you follow Penny Reid you know this has been one of her most anticipated books. The opportunity to get inside Cletus's mastermind head? Please! I've been wanting to dive into that mysterious brain since Beauty and the Mustache.

And Jennifer, the least likely candidate for anyone's love interest with her extreme awkward and her plastic exterior. Who knew what she is thinking behind those beautiful eyes?

This story unfolded in the most unexpected way. I was constantly surprised by the twists and turns of this story in the best way possible. I was so worried the build up of this story might leave me a little bit disappointed. I was so wrong to worry. This story was everything I could imagine it to be and so much more.

These two folks are odd, without a doubt, but that is only what part of what makes the story so interesting. It is crafted so well, with intricate details that will make a fan squeal with glee and also keep a first time reader giggling like a fool.

I have yet to find another writer that has such unique, yet authentic characters, characters without pretense, who can design a narrative like Penny Read. Her books make me think in the most enjoyable ways.

Somehow Penny Reid writes contemporary romances which are just that bit more. They are funny with interesting characters and, even though not much seems to happen, I can't put her books down. This is another great example, Cletus' long awaited book. A simple romance trope of helping someone find their love but reimagined in an original and entertaining way. 3.5 stars or 4.5 stars for romance readers.

Cletus was the conniving, manipulating one of the Winston brothers. Always in control until he comes up against the Banana Cake Queen. Now she is in control, and blackmailing him! I loved learning more of Cletus's back story and seeing him fall in love when it wasn't part of his plans for the future was great. I also loved how well matched he was with Jennifer and so happy he found love at last.

I was tempted to stop reading halfway through and give it a 5-star review....it's just that good. Her characters are so endearing and the family interactions are moving. Then there's the comedic aspects. This series is like a really good piece of cake....it's so good you want to devour it, but you also want to save some for later to prolong the joy. Penny Reid is the bomb. End of story.

Oh, Cletus...your book is the best yet. I definitely felt the heart and soul Penny put in this book. It is delightful and insightful, makes you think. Cletus may be a schemer, but his actions are from a man of good intentions. I highlighted so many times, because of the sweetness of Cletus and Jennifer's love story. I adored Jennifer and the way she finds herself lifted my spirits. So beautifully done. The Winston bros series continues to entertain and mature.

We love you Cletus!!!! There is nothing better than the Winston Brothers series. Who's my favorite Winston brother? So far Duane, Jethro, and Cletus!
If you haven't read anything from Penny Reid please do so now, she is a super smart, talented author. I have never been disappointed with anything that I have read from this author.
Can't wait to see what PR has for us next!

Penny Reid is one of my favorite writers. I wait on the next release and this is the best book of the Winston Brothers series (IMHO). You can't go wrong with a Penny Reid book. She knows the southern american culture and the narrators do justice to the accent. There isn't much that irritates me more than a poor southern accent in an audio book.

Favorite Winston, by far! I did not want this one to end.... Thank you Penny Reid for writing Cletus and Jenn's story, can you write another? Lol! Simple Clever Cletus Winston and shy Jennifer Sylvester, the story just wraps you up. But now I'm bummed having to wait for the next Winston, but secretly wishing it will be a book 2 of Cletus and Jenn.

I love this series mainly because the brothers are just too loveable themselves. Each brother has his own personality so none of the books so far have been boring. Yes there are parts that you just know the H and h are going to fall for each other, but the journey was adorable and wonderful. If you like a fun, lighthearted and cutesy love story then buy this book!

This book is brilliant. Love the prose, the romance and more than anything, the characters. Cletus is such a complex and yet understandable character, and Jennifer is a perfect foil for him. And the premise of the story, and the beauty of Tennessee, it just feels so real and warm.

I think I will remember and reread this one for a long time.

What a delightfully awesome book. Both main characters are so full of surprises and development that it is an immense pleasure to follow them on their way to finding each other. You think one person will behave this way and do this when they constantly surprise you by doing the opposite - and making it feel real!