Review: Beard Science by Penny Reid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Standalone - Winston Brothers #3
Release: October 11, 2016
Length: 386 pages

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.

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My Review

This book deserves all of its stars because it made me laugh, smile, grin and chuckle. It also made me cringe, shake my head in frustration, and figuratively bite my nails in anticipation.

CLETUS!!

Come on, who didn't love Cletus??? I've loved this character since the first time he was introduced in Beauty and the Mustache (Ashley and Drew's story). He was freaking awesome. He was diabolical, manipulative and amazing. I loved this character. The way he manipulated people and situations. His plans of mayhem. And how hilarious was his plan for leprosy? LOL!! It's really funny because I saw a lot of myself in his characteristics which immediately made me connect with him. Yes, I admit to bonding with a fictional character. I do it all the freaking time!!

I loved the slow build of friendship and then unexpected lust and love that developed between Cletus and Jennifer. The way he saw her and wanted her to see herself was beautiful. I did experience some frustration with the way that Jen seemed to just accept the way she was treated, but I was so glad to see all of the Winston clan step up and have her back.

Fave quotes (all from Cletus lol):

"This was our beginning.
I couldn't wait for the middle.
And I never wanted it to end."

"For the first time in my life, change was synonymous with hope and anticipation. I looked forward to it. And that was revolutionary."

"You want to know what you are to me? Fine. You're my beginning, middle, and end."

Each quote was just so damn swoon-worthy. Cletus definitely made himself at home in my heart and I'm sure he'll do the same for anyone who takes the chance to meet him!