Audiobook Review: Beard in Mind by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Narrator: Angela Dawe, Chris Brinkley
Title: Beard in Mind

Series: Winston Brothers #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 31, 2017

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

All is fair in love and auto maintenance.

Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.

Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.

She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words. Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.

The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

Review:

I've liked Beau since book 1. He is very sweet and genuine with his sweetness. Nicest guy in town! I was excited to finally get his book. 

Here we follow Shelly and Beau. Beau is charming and nice and overall sweet to everyone. However, Shelly is not nice and never accommodating. Ever. Beau wants her gone. She is bad for business, but she is an amazing mechanic so his brothers won't listen to him. However, he will soon discover that Shelly wears a coat of spikes for a very good reason. He will also learn that being nice and accommodating ALL the time could mean losing what matters most. 

For this one you def need to read book 1 and book 2. You could skip book 3 since we see and hear a lot of the actions of the last one here just in Beau's or Shelly's POV. I get WHY but it was......boring. We could've skipped that or had it condensed. 

Awww Shelly. Awww Beau. They are so opposite but they have a good heart and are meant for each other. 

I'm so glad the author really dived into the mental disorder of OCD and anxiety. It wasn't just brushed aside or instantly cured by true love. It will be something Shelly will have to deal with forever and I'm glad the author was inclusive and did a good job with weaving it into the story. It's really nice seeing this from someone who has anxiety and slight OCD tendencies to see a character like Shelly. 

I can excuse the rehashing of book 3 here, but I could NOT excuse how limited we got to see Shelly's POV. She needed more of the limelight. I wanted to see and hear more from her. I'm kind of bummed.  It felt like 75% Beau and 25% Shelly. The split wasn't great. We needed more time in Shelly's head. 

The ending has me wanting more though. We have two cans that have been exploded open. I NEED MORE!!!!!

Oh! Nearly forgot...the narration was wonderful as per normal. Wish we got to hear more from our female voice....mmm.

All-in-all I enjoyed it. I wanted more of Shelly though. I feel like she barely had any time to shine. I love her and Beau so much. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #41 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Beard Science by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Narrator: Joy Nash, Chris Brinkley
Title: Beard Science

Series: Winston Brothers #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 11, 2016

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So... what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

Review:

Been meaning to continue with the series. I enjoyed the first two, but you know how it goes....life and book lists get busy. 

Here we follow the next sibling of the Winstons. Cletus has always been a mystery. Always been the smartest and weirdest. Enter Jennifer who is much more than her costume and social media personality called the Banana Cake Queen. She is buckling under the pressure her parents' are putting on her. She just wants to find love and be happy. Desperate times call for Cletus. She will extort him to help her. Little do they know that extortion will lead to true love.

Please note; I suggest reading the first two before this one. There are loads of references and some of the events here are because of the events of the other two. 

I was a little nervous, tbh, with this one especially when I first started. I didn't see how these two people could find chemistry and lust and love. Yes, yes, opposites attract, but I was worried. Good thing Jennifer decided to blackmail him into helping her out because their orbits are so far apart that I do not think they would've ever had a meet-cute. They knew of each other but he wouldn't have given her the time of day. 

I felt SO bad for Jennifer. Her parents suck. Her mom has built this image of the Banana Cake Queen and won't let it go. Her father is just plain mean and controlling. Poor girl is in her 20s and she doesn't have a thing that is her own. No wonder Jennifer is buckling under the weight and needs to find freedom. 

Then there is Cletus. I'll be honest...I struggled to like him at first. He is vengeful and rude. I do love that he'd do anything for his family. But the games he plays? The secrets he finds and if he needs to.... use it against that person? Eeeee. 

He DOES get a taste of his own medicine when Jennifer comes knocking on his door. Good. I think Jennifer really opens his eyes and he becomes a better man because of her. Good!!!!! By the end, I did end up really liking him. Sure he did a bone-headed thing but I get WHY. I'm glad Jennifer didn't hold it against him for too long. Just enough to make him sweat and show him the error of his ways. Nodders.

The ending had me cheering. It was a wonderful way to end things. I won't spoil anything, but a character does end up getting what they deserve..........

The narration was flawless again. I love their voices. Perfect for their own character and then the rest of the characters. I hope they continue with the series. 

In the end, this had a shaky start for me, but eventually, these two characters warmed my heart and made me love them. This was fun. You will def need to read book 1 and 2 before this one. Onto the next! I'll give this one 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):

- #39 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Songbird by Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway

Author: Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway

Title: Songbird

Series: Rugby #4.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 130

Published: December 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

After finishing another long shift at her dead-end job, Ophelia is left with the bleak prospect of spending Christmas alone for the very first time. Not wanting to return to the house she rents with far too many strangers, she wanders the streets of Dublin taking in the festive cheer. Then, in the cozy confines of a small, quiet pub she graces the patrons with a song, snagging the attention of a tall, handsome American stranger.

Review:

Didn't realize this was technically book 4.5 in a series until after I went to type this review. Oops. But at least it didn't feel like I was missing references from the others SO that is a plus...it can be a standalone story. 

Here we follow Ophelia who is left with the bleak prospect of spending the holidays alone for the first time. Not wanting to return to her house that she rents with far too many strangers...she decides to wander the streets of Dublin. In a small, quiet pub she sings for the patrons. This snags the attention of a handsome American stranger.

This was a short one and I feel like it was a teaser for more. It ended abruptly and not very HEA. Hopefully, there is more because I would like to see them fall in love and start their life together. There will be drama for sure. They will have a lot of stuff to work through...you can already tell...

But yes, super duper short and an ending that will leave you wanting more. I am bummed it was so cliffhanger-ish BUT it did leave me wanting more so if that was the intent......that worked LOL. 

Short and sweet. Probably my last Xmas story until December. Sighs. 

3 stars from me. 

Book Review: Totally Folked by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Title: Totally Folked

Series: Good Folk Modern Folktales #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 444

Published: July 20, 2021

Where I Got It: Amazon

Summary: 

Jackson James follows the rules. He has to. He’s a sheriff’s deputy in a super small town with a super big personality. However, strict adherence to the law during the day has been enjoyably balanced by rakish rules at night. Jackson, typically happy to protect and serve (and serve, and serve), starts questioning the value of wayward evenings when getting laid starts to feel more like being waylaid. Could it be that Green Valley’s most eligible—and notorious—bachelor longs for something (and someone) real?

Mega movie star Raquel Ezra follows only one rule: always leave them wanting more. Studio execs, reporters, audiences, fans, lovers—no one can get enough of the smart, savvy, and sexy bombshell. But when “generous offers” begin to feel more like excessive demands, years of always leaving has the elusive starlet longing for something (and perhaps someone) lasting.

When Raquel abruptly returns to the quirky Tennessee hamlet, her path crosses with the delectable deputy with whom she spent one unforgettable night. Unfortunately, scandal and intrigue soon follow. Raquel and Jackson must decide which is more important: following their rules? Or, at long last, finding something real.

Review:

I've read a couple by this author and I saw this one come out. Looks like it is a spin-off from the Winston Brother series. I've read 2 or 3 from that series and I like it so far so why not try this one? 

Here we follow Raquel Ezra and Jackson James. Raquel is a movie star and she has one rule....always leave them wanting more. No one can get enough of this smart, savvy, and sexy bombshell. However, she is starting to burn out from the excessive demands. She is tired of always leaving and not having a relationship last. That includes Jackson James. He was a deputy from a small town where she spent one unforgettable night. She decides to return to that small and quirky town. However, scandal and intrigue will soon follow too. 

This seems to do okay as a standalone. There are a few references to the other series and a few characters show up. I think I did okay with only reading 2 or 3 of the original series. I'm sure there are characters or references I would've cared more about if I had finished the other series first. Oh well ;) 

Jackson was a hunk and nice. Raquel? Mmmmm...there is more to her pretty face but she was a rough character to really connect to. Don't get me wrong...I did like her, but she is a tough nut to crack. 

I did have a hard time really seeing the attraction and chemistry at first. It took a while for me to want to root for them. I personally think they didn't fit well. Closer to the end something in my head and heart did click for them and I could see it, but it took a LONG time for me. 

Minus that issue with the romance element...I enjoyed the story. I liked this as a people story and the intrigue was very intriguing. I had to know what was going to happen next/how everything was going to be fixed. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed the story even though I had some big issues with the romance piece. I do want to head back to the original series and finish that up before I continue with this one. So many books....so little time! I'll give this 3 stars.

Audiobook Review: Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Narrator: Chris Brinkley, Cielo Camargo

Title: Grin and Beard It

(Winston Brothers #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published:  March 21st 2016

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Sienna Diaz is everyone’s favorite “fat” funny lady. The movie studio executives can’t explain it, but her films are out-grossing all the fit and trim headliners and Hollywood’s most beautiful elite. The simple truth is, everyone loves plus-sized Sienna.

But she has a problem, she can’t read maps and her sense of direction is almost as bad as her comedic timing is stellar. Therefore, when Sienna’s latest starring role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park she finds herself continually lost while trying to navigate the backroads of Green Valley, Tennessee. Much to her consternation, Sienna’s most frequent savior is a ridiculously handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston.

Sienna is accustomed to high levels of man-handsome, so it’s not Jethro’s chiseled features or his perfect physique that make Sienna stutter. It’s his southern charm. And gentlemanly manners. And habit of looking at her too long and too often.

Sienna has successfully navigated the labyrinth of Hollywood heart-throbs. But can she traverse the tenuous trails of Tennessee without losing her head? Or worse, her heart?

Review:

Book 2! I was excited for this one. One...this fits into a couple of my reading challenges. Two...I was curious to see Jethro grow up and man up. He has a lot of making up to do and getting his crap in order. 

Here we follow Sienna and Jethro. Sienna has made a name for herself in Hollywood. She is America's sweetheart. She is everyone's favorite "fat" funny lady. She is funny, sweet, sassy, beautiful...everything you could want. However, she can't read maps and her sense of directions are left to be desired. When her newest role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, she finds herself lost and nearly out of gas. She is saved by the handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston who has no idea who she is. Perfect. 

This was just sooo soooo soooooooo sweet. I actually fell in love Jethro. I love Sienna too. Why can't she be real? I would be her biggest fan!!! I would want to become her bestie in real life. She is funny and sassy and just plain adorable. Psssh. I hate Hollywood. A size 14 is considered "fat". Idiots. That is literally the average size for women. >_> 

But yessss these two deserved each other. They were perfect for each other and I could tell from the first moment they talked to each other! The friendship and lust was there right off the bat. The love and getting together took a minute. Lots of communication issues, but they worked it out pretty quickly. I loved that there wasn't any crazy drama that kept them apart. Just the "normal" stuff. Especially because Jethro DOES have a past and he worries about ruining Sienna's career. But they eventually talk it out and strive to make it work. I simply loved it. 

There is some drama in his family too. But...they talk it out. Jethro finally clears the air with one of the brothers. Things aren't perfect yet, but I feel like the family is finally getting over the past and what Jethro had done. Which makes me happy! Forgiveness and love!

I wanted to slap some damned sense into Sienna's sister/manager...especially after that stunt she pulled near the end. Grrrrr. I get you worry for your sister/client, but F off.

Honestly, I do wish we got to see more from Jethro's POV. I felt like 65% of the book was Sienna's. WHICH don't get me wrong...I loveee her, but I would've like it to be more balanced. 

The narrators were fantastic of course!!! They had the same male voice and that made me happy. He is always good. They changed the female narrator to fit better into Sienna's character. That worked for me. She did amazing. 

In the end, I really liked this one. I for sure liked this more than book 1. Don't get me wrong, book 1 was good, but this was better. I loved our mains. I loved the drama and how they resolved the drama. The narrators were on point. My only issue was that the POV was a little off balanced. I would've loved more Jethro parts. Other than that...no issues. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #10 for Audiobook challenge

- #9 for Romance Reading Challenge - Actor/Actress

Audiobook Review: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Narrator: Joy Nash , Chris Brinkley

Title: Truth or Beard

(Winston Brothers #1)

Genre: Romance, Humor, Contemporary 

Format: Audiobook

Published: July 21st 2015 

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level-headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.

Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Review:

I feel like this book has been haunting me. I see it everywhere. This one and the others in the series. I've been interested, just never went out of my way to read it. When it appeared as an Audible recommendation, I decided it was time to give it a listen. 

We follow Jessica and Duane. The two have been at each other's throats since they were kids. At the same time Jessica has been head over heels in love with Duane's twin Beau. Even after going to college and coming back years later, she still nearly faints at the sight of Beau. But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive complex bubble of feelings. 

Going in I thought this was going to be a feel good, Hallmark-y romance. Oh boy was I wrong. YES there is humor and feel good moments....but this was much more complex and more layered then I thought. Which made me like this even more. Yayy!! I love me some complex characters. 

I did want to smack Duane and Jessica occasionally. They are so pig-headed. The solution was simple, but they were stuck inside their own flaws to realize it. Can't blame them...esp Duane. He doesn't want to step on her dreams like his jerk dad did to his mom. Pretty much trapped her. He wants Jessica happy. And Jessica doesn't want to pull Duane away from him family because she has wanderlust and wants to see the world. 

Easy solution for sure BUT it took them a while to get out of their own heads. 

I will say...Duane lost a lot of points from me after a certain scene. IDK. It really burned me how he treated her. He does...kinda to make it up to her, but I feel like Jess should've made him sweat a moment and really earn her. He was a super, duper asshat. 

On top of their stuff, there are some external dramas. Like Jess finding out a family secret and Duane having to save his idiot older brother. Tsk. 

I liked the brothers except for the oldest one. He is a hooligan. I know he'll get his shit together eventually (I believe he has a book coming up), but omg. I'm glad the brothers didn't let him off easy. He owes them for saving his butt.

We had two narrators here and it worked well. I've heard the male voice multiple times. He is a good one! I do not recall the female voice....but I liked her. She did good. No issues here. :) Good team up!

In the end, I did enjoy this quite a bit. This is a lot more complex then the summary and cover let on. Which was a pleasant surprise. My only issue is that Duane did take it too far at a certain point and I feel like Jess too easily forgave him. Besides that this was a good listen. I am curious about the next books. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #77 for Audiobook challenge