Title: Grin and Beard It ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016
I’ve been on a pretty major ReRead kick lately – probably because I have a whole lot of stuff going on, and a reread is like a warm hug. Which meant that when I was looking at what series / books I need to get my warm hugs from, the idea of reading Jethro and Sienna’s story again definitely ticked all of my boxes. I mean, they are just so damn cute, a whole lot of fun. And, ultimately, I love that Sienna doesn’t have to give anything up to be with the man of her dreams (not something that I often read, even in many of the romances that I enjoy). I particularly love that Jethro is the character who really just wants to put down roots and build a life and future. It gives Sienna space to be career driven, and the support that is needed to make their unique circumstances work.
Jethro is all about accepting Sienna as she is – I love that there romance is based upon the idea that Sienna just wants to be. Rather than being all about her fame and the spotlight, her relationship with Jethro is founded on how they are around each other. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, when all of the pomp and circumstances of our titles and place in the world has been stripped, love is all about accepting one another as they are. Sienna’s comfort in just being with Jethro and his lack of expectations are absolutely adorable. I really enjoyed reading about a couple that have a bit of a gender swap in their expectations, and that, ultimately, they have a relationship built upon sincerity and being genuine, rather than the public personas they both project.
It felt physically painful at points throughout this story when Sienna’s sister is so very obviously not prioritising Sienna’s needs. I love the moment in which Sienna is able to gently remind her sister of why they are pursuing this career path. Her reminder that, although she is a role model for minorities, she has to be prioritised as a person first. It might take her sister a little while to jump on board, but this ability of Sienna’s to stand up for herself and remind those she loves most that she is a person above all else is admirable. Probably something that I, myself, should work on a little bit more in my own life.
Then, to add to the conflict throughout this story is Tom. He is a whole lot that I find detestable about the patriarchy and privilege of fool men. Particularly his willingness to comment on Sienna’s body. Repeatedly, and with gusto. Scarily, it doesn’t even feel like it’s that targeted and planned, just a lens of being that is so inherently self-centred and entitled that you can’t breathe. But, I love how Sienna is able to low key embarrass him and start to call him on his nonsense. The contrast with Jethro sitting on his front porch, offering the paparazzi a lemonade is just adorable, and one of my favourite parts of this whole romance. Now I can’t wait to dive into Beard Science, the next thoroughly enjoyable part of my reread of the Winston Brothers.
| <- Truth or Beard ReRead | Beard Science ReRead -> |
Earth and Skye 