Title: Beard Science ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #3
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 don’t know what it is, but even in the rearead of the Winston Brothers, Cletus and Jenn are still my favourite couple. Probably because they are actually the most insanely manipulative and sneaky. I mean, all of the Winston Brothers have their talents, but these two are intelligent and absolute experts at sliding under the radar. They also have a hilarious love story – starting with blackmail and scheming, but ending in a happily ever after. There’s just something about them that I adore, and even if this was my (I think), third read through, I still absolutely adored them as a couple and completely inhaled the book, almost cover to cover.

Although I love Cletus, I love that Jenn has this incredible backbone that is kind of unexpected. I love that she pulls Cletus in from his slightly evil shenanigans, but not for himself. She does it to make him a happier person, there are so many moments throughout this where Jenn shows her strong moral compass. But, I love that she doesn’t actually put the pressure on Cletus to follow her moral compass. Rather, she encourages him to listen to his conscience and follow that, her influence be damned. She encourages Cletus to be a better person, but not for herself – for his own sense of wellbeing and self.

The big part of this journey, beyond Cletus being a better person, and, not you know, destroying the whole world on a whim, is all about Jenn leaving her abusive family. When you say the word abuse, most people will think of yelling and hitting and really overt abusive acts. But the insidiousness of how her parents treat Jenn made me physically ill at points. It’s easy to see how an “offhand comment” here and there can build and build and build until the reality is so damn horrible. Yet, I love that, even when she manages to escape the toxicity of her family, she is open and willing to be forgiving. The genuineness of her heart and the kindness that she shows is beautiful, and is probably why I love her so much.

As funny and light-hearted as this read feels on the surface, the histories of both Cletus and Jenn definitely stir something deeper. Yes, you could definitely read this as a light hearted, sweet contemporary romance with a bit of angst thrown in. But, for me, it’s a testament to how love can help people rebuild and overcome some of the horribleness of your past. Plus, it just goes to show how talented Reid is – she takes abusive, horrible childhoods (and adulthoods), and talks about them. But then, she is also able to make you smile and laugh throughout as you join in the love and insanity of the Winston Family.

Image source: Daisy Knox

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.

Image source: Amazon