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The Beard
My name is Poppy Kramer and I am in a rut of epic proportions...
I used to pride myself on being the epitome of an accomplished, independent woman. I had a thriving business, a handsome fiancé and the delusional belief that everything was picture perfect. Happily ever after was on the horizon and my horse was saddled up and ready to go.
Fast forward approximately 365 days later and my seemingly perfect existence has morphed into a state of severe self-pity, sprinkled with the bitter dust of apathy and an assortment of processed snack foods.
Cue "the proposition"....My friend Kyle needs a girlfriend. I need to hit the restart button and end my self-imposed exile into craptown. An all-expense paid trip to Hawaii seems like a good way to start.
And that's when things begin to get just a tad complicated....
The Beard is a contemporary standalone romantic comedy. This is not an erotic romance but contains adult content and language and is recommended for 18+. Included in The Beard are two short stories, The Book and The Bet.
I used to pride myself on being the epitome of an accomplished, independent woman. I had a thriving business, a handsome fiancé and the delusional belief that everything was picture perfect. Happily ever after was on the horizon and my horse was saddled up and ready to go.
Fast forward approximately 365 days later and my seemingly perfect existence has morphed into a state of severe self-pity, sprinkled with the bitter dust of apathy and an assortment of processed snack foods.
Cue "the proposition"....My friend Kyle needs a girlfriend. I need to hit the restart button and end my self-imposed exile into craptown. An all-expense paid trip to Hawaii seems like a good way to start.
And that's when things begin to get just a tad complicated....
The Beard is a contemporary standalone romantic comedy. This is not an erotic romance but contains adult content and language and is recommended for 18+. Included in The Beard are two short stories, The Book and The Bet.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2017
14 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Stella James
12 books111 followersStella James is a Canadian indie author of the romance variety. She enjoys reading, yoga and fitness, a good rosé and the occasional beer (because, Canada). She currently resides on a small acreage with her husband and three young daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 10, 2017
5 Beards fly first class stars!
Poppy is in a rut. She was so close to having her happily ever after, but it didn't end up being in her cards. She's moping around and just stuck in the suckage of her past. That is until her closeted friend Kyle needs her to come on a family trip to pose as his girlfriend. She's reluctant but all it takes is the offer of a free tip and a swift kick in the butt from her sisters Tully and Bell, and she is off to Maui to help a friend and to meet someone she isn't quite expecting.
Oh my goodness. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this romcom from Stella James. I've read her Blue Falls series, which was pretty heavy and had some super heated naughty bits. I knew this author was funny, because of her novellas in the Blue Falls series, but I didn't know she was the effortlessly and naturally funny that is required in a light romcom! She honestly blew me away with how much I enjoyed this story. I knew I would enjoy it. I had no idea I would LOVE IT!
The Beard was everything a contemporary romcom NEEDS to be. The story of Poppy and her life rut was so funny and so sweet. While some moments I was nodding my head in mopey solidarity, I was also chiming in with her sisters telling Poppy to get her butt in gear and start living. The relationship with her sisters Tully and Bell is so natural and real. I swear the banter between the three girls felt like conversations I'd have with my sisters. Quick, funny, self-deprecating at times. So so good.
The actual story itself is a fun ride, and really shows what kind of character Poppy is. She's funny and fun, and that all really comes out as the story progresses. The love interest is unexpected. Their attraction builds quickly, and then it builds slowly if that makes any sense at all. While The Beard is intentionally light on the down and dirty details you STILL get that hot and bothered vibe from the couple and their connection during their naughty bits!
Sigh. This was such an amazing read. I feel like I could read Poppy's conversations and antics with her sisters over and over, and still find them moderately relatable and funny! My only complaint is that it's over. *insert sad emoji*
If you like romcoms with satisfying HFN endings, and sweet, funny, and heartfelt moments weaved throughout then this is the book for you. Read it. Read it now!
Poppy is in a rut. She was so close to having her happily ever after, but it didn't end up being in her cards. She's moping around and just stuck in the suckage of her past. That is until her closeted friend Kyle needs her to come on a family trip to pose as his girlfriend. She's reluctant but all it takes is the offer of a free tip and a swift kick in the butt from her sisters Tully and Bell, and she is off to Maui to help a friend and to meet someone she isn't quite expecting.
Oh my goodness. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this romcom from Stella James. I've read her Blue Falls series, which was pretty heavy and had some super heated naughty bits. I knew this author was funny, because of her novellas in the Blue Falls series, but I didn't know she was the effortlessly and naturally funny that is required in a light romcom! She honestly blew me away with how much I enjoyed this story. I knew I would enjoy it. I had no idea I would LOVE IT!
The Beard was everything a contemporary romcom NEEDS to be. The story of Poppy and her life rut was so funny and so sweet. While some moments I was nodding my head in mopey solidarity, I was also chiming in with her sisters telling Poppy to get her butt in gear and start living. The relationship with her sisters Tully and Bell is so natural and real. I swear the banter between the three girls felt like conversations I'd have with my sisters. Quick, funny, self-deprecating at times. So so good.
The actual story itself is a fun ride, and really shows what kind of character Poppy is. She's funny and fun, and that all really comes out as the story progresses. The love interest is unexpected. Their attraction builds quickly, and then it builds slowly if that makes any sense at all. While The Beard is intentionally light on the down and dirty details you STILL get that hot and bothered vibe from the couple and their connection during their naughty bits!
Sigh. This was such an amazing read. I feel like I could read Poppy's conversations and antics with her sisters over and over, and still find them moderately relatable and funny! My only complaint is that it's over. *insert sad emoji*
If you like romcoms with satisfying HFN endings, and sweet, funny, and heartfelt moments weaved throughout then this is the book for you. Read it. Read it now!
July 17, 2017
5 Stars to The Beard by Stella James.
This book was a delightful surprise. Meaning, I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did. There were some outrageous and fun moments that even gave me secondhand embarrassment which I absolutely loved. It was commented by my daughter that I had a goofy grin on my face when I was reading. This book was so much fun to read. The characters were lovable, relatable, real and had absolutely NO filters when they opened their mouths to speak.
As you know from reading the blurb, Poppy has been living in self-pity thanks to an a-hole ex fiancé. She just exists daily in a routine of work, then self-pity (ice cream and her sofa). Poppy's elf-esteem took a hit and she didn't know how to pick herself back up.
But with the help of an amazing cast of characters, encouragement, and determination to find herself again, Poppy will find a new perspective. And perhaps a new love.
What follows can only be described as an amazing story, well-written with real life situations. There is a bit of angst but a whole lot of fun. I just want to say how much I loved Poppy and her sisters. The majority of the secondary characters were charming and likable and in no way perfect. But they were real. Oh, I have to mention the scene descriptions. They were well described causing me to want to hop on a plane to Hawaii.
An aspect of this story that I really enjoyed was my connection to Poppy. She was honest and relatable. Sadly I don't have all the characters aspects that Poppy does, especially the fact that she loves cleaning, lol, but there were many things she said and did that I totally would have done the same way.
The Beard is short and pretty clean as far as descriptive sex goes. However there was good tension. Truthfully I was so entertained by the story, that my focus was engaged on Poppy and her circumstances rather than whether or not she was having sex. I truly hope Stella James writes more Romantic Comedies in the future. I would love to read more!
I recommend this short, sweet, fun and engaging read. You won't be disappointed. Add this to your TBRs.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This book was a delightful surprise. Meaning, I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did. There were some outrageous and fun moments that even gave me secondhand embarrassment which I absolutely loved. It was commented by my daughter that I had a goofy grin on my face when I was reading. This book was so much fun to read. The characters were lovable, relatable, real and had absolutely NO filters when they opened their mouths to speak.
As you know from reading the blurb, Poppy has been living in self-pity thanks to an a-hole ex fiancé. She just exists daily in a routine of work, then self-pity (ice cream and her sofa). Poppy's elf-esteem took a hit and she didn't know how to pick herself back up.
But with the help of an amazing cast of characters, encouragement, and determination to find herself again, Poppy will find a new perspective. And perhaps a new love.
What follows can only be described as an amazing story, well-written with real life situations. There is a bit of angst but a whole lot of fun. I just want to say how much I loved Poppy and her sisters. The majority of the secondary characters were charming and likable and in no way perfect. But they were real. Oh, I have to mention the scene descriptions. They were well described causing me to want to hop on a plane to Hawaii.
An aspect of this story that I really enjoyed was my connection to Poppy. She was honest and relatable. Sadly I don't have all the characters aspects that Poppy does, especially the fact that she loves cleaning, lol, but there were many things she said and did that I totally would have done the same way.
The Beard is short and pretty clean as far as descriptive sex goes. However there was good tension. Truthfully I was so entertained by the story, that my focus was engaged on Poppy and her circumstances rather than whether or not she was having sex. I truly hope Stella James writes more Romantic Comedies in the future. I would love to read more!
I recommend this short, sweet, fun and engaging read. You won't be disappointed. Add this to your TBRs.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 17, 2017
From start to finish this book will have you laughing until your sides ache. I LOVED Poppy and her crazy family!
July 21, 2017
I feel like I say this every time, but this book is Stella's best! The story is hot, funny AF, a dash of drama, and everything I love about Ms. James writing and sense of humor. Bravo friend!
July 14, 2017
It's no secret I am a lover of all things Stella James, so the fact I'm adding The Beard and Poppy Kramer to the list will hardly be shocking, but here's the (shortened) list of reasons why anyway:
Firstly, this book is a pure joy to read. It's the kind of novel that burrows straight into your heart because the story itself comes from a place of truth and the reality of being a human. And a woman. And in a rut.
Secondly the characters are extremely relatable & instantly likeable. I know Poppy. I know her sisters and her family. I know most of the Edwards' too. Pieces of their personalities, traits & mannerisms belong to people I know & love in my real life, so this bunch of diamonds felt like my family too. Well, all except the characters we're not meant to love.
(Yes, #ToddTheFucker, I'm looking at you...)
Third, the humour in the story was purely organic & completely effortless. No convoluted set-ups, no over-the-top situations, just humour based on the reality of living life. Coz let's face it, sometimes that shit is funny and all you can do is laugh.
And lastly, humor was far from the only emotion woven into this story. Sure, I giggled, I chuckled and more than once, I out right laughed until a little bit of pee shot out, but I was also jabbed in many other feels. From bubbling lust to boiling anger, SJ cleverly plucks at them all.
So, bottom line, if you're looking for a book that will not only speak to your inner dork, but remind it that things will all be ok in the end, then "The Beard" is your bible my friend. Add it to your TBR now. Oh, and join Pinterest. Just trust me, there's a recipe in the book you'll absolutely want to look up.
I did. #BombsAway
*I was provided an ARC of this book, with no expectation on the part of the author that they would receive a positive review in exchange. My review reflects my genuine opinion of this book.*
Firstly, this book is a pure joy to read. It's the kind of novel that burrows straight into your heart because the story itself comes from a place of truth and the reality of being a human. And a woman. And in a rut.
Secondly the characters are extremely relatable & instantly likeable. I know Poppy. I know her sisters and her family. I know most of the Edwards' too. Pieces of their personalities, traits & mannerisms belong to people I know & love in my real life, so this bunch of diamonds felt like my family too. Well, all except the characters we're not meant to love.
(Yes, #ToddTheFucker, I'm looking at you...)
Third, the humour in the story was purely organic & completely effortless. No convoluted set-ups, no over-the-top situations, just humour based on the reality of living life. Coz let's face it, sometimes that shit is funny and all you can do is laugh.
And lastly, humor was far from the only emotion woven into this story. Sure, I giggled, I chuckled and more than once, I out right laughed until a little bit of pee shot out, but I was also jabbed in many other feels. From bubbling lust to boiling anger, SJ cleverly plucks at them all.
So, bottom line, if you're looking for a book that will not only speak to your inner dork, but remind it that things will all be ok in the end, then "The Beard" is your bible my friend. Add it to your TBR now. Oh, and join Pinterest. Just trust me, there's a recipe in the book you'll absolutely want to look up.
I did. #BombsAway
*I was provided an ARC of this book, with no expectation on the part of the author that they would receive a positive review in exchange. My review reflects my genuine opinion of this book.*
July 25, 2017
The Beard is super sweet and super silly and I mean that in the best way possible. It's all things Stella James, wrapped into pages of wonderful writing. It's light and airy and the perfect romantic, comedic, summer read. You'll fall for the characters immediately and flip through the pages just as quickly. I stayed up way past my bedtime just so I could finish this read and it was totally worth the bags under my eyes the next day. You don't want to miss out on this one!
September 26, 2017
Funny and charming are the best description for this story and the characters. The characters are especially well done - each one seemed familiar, as if I recognized them from my life. Poppy especially so; I saw quite a bit of myself in her, though I wish I had her passion for cleaning.
Buy and read this right away, though be warned: you will laugh out loud. Be careful when reading in public.
Buy and read this right away, though be warned: you will laugh out loud. Be careful when reading in public.
July 23, 2017
Loved this book!!! I'm usually a "must have erotic romance" kind of reader so even though I knew Stella wouldn't do me wrong I was...curious...about the non-erotic disclaimer. Have no fear, ladies. Will is hot and there's so much tension you don't even need erotic. Loved Poppy and Will and all the supporting characters. I can't wait for more!!!!!!!!!
July 12, 2017
The perfect amount of comedy.
The perfect amount of seriousness.
This was just what I needed right now. Stella James brings us a great story that in so many ways are realistic and I could see myself in most of the situations.
The perfect amount of seriousness.
This was just what I needed right now. Stella James brings us a great story that in so many ways are realistic and I could see myself in most of the situations.
August 12, 2017
This was my first book by the author and it was fantastic! The writing was witty and endearing with a good dose of realism that made you relate to Poppy on so many levels. I even found myself laughing out loud! Read it!
July 26, 2017
Stella James delivers another 5 ☆ novel.
The Beard is full of life and laughter as well as some happily ever after.
The Beard is full of life and laughter as well as some happily ever after.
August 2, 2017
Lovely Characters and cute story, it was more about self grow than romance but it was very very HOT
November 8, 2017
Such a fun read, just wish it were longer
September 5, 2017
I abso-bloody-lutly love this book...I love POPPY, I loved the humour in the book, I think Poppy's family is nuts and so adorable at the same time, it was nice how she helped a friend out...how it can all change from a week away, I could of read more of her story
I give this book 5 abso-bloody-lutly amazing stars *****
I give this book 5 abso-bloody-lutly amazing stars *****
August 11, 2017
4.5stars! Loved this awesome read, had plenty of humor, lots of banter and funny moments! Love these sisters, and Poppy l just love her, she was a hoot!
July 29, 2017
Poppy Kramer is so fun. I was dying laughing throughout the book. This is a girl I want to be my bestie! There were so many hilarious quotes that there is no way I can pick a favorite. Every character was well thought out, down to the very minor supporting characters. I could easily picture each one in my head. My favorite by far is Rose. The little old grandma who knows everything, does whatever the hell she wants and tells it like it is. I want to be that old lady is fifty years!
I love that the story was focused on Poppy getting her life back and not just the love interest. She's a strong woman that needed to put her past behind her and be happy, and I feel like she would've done that with or without Will.
Great job Stella!!! I will recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted rom/com.
I love that the story was focused on Poppy getting her life back and not just the love interest. She's a strong woman that needed to put her past behind her and be happy, and I feel like she would've done that with or without Will.
Great job Stella!!! I will recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted rom/com.
July 25, 2017
As always, Stella James does not disappoint her readers!
I loved her Blue Falls series, with it's sweet, romantic and steamy tales and complex characters. This time around, we meet an even more complex character in Poppy, who I think is impossible not to love. Her ups and downs, ins and outs made for a wonderful journey. There were plenty of laughs to be had and a little heat, but what I loved most, oddly enough, is that it WASN'T a mere boy-meets-girl scenario. There was more depth to the story than a simple summer romp and I loved that about it.
Trust me, you will like the characters, their adventures and the way Stella brings it all together. I also enjoyed the mini-books after the story ended, featuring Poppy's sisters. Bonus!
I loved her Blue Falls series, with it's sweet, romantic and steamy tales and complex characters. This time around, we meet an even more complex character in Poppy, who I think is impossible not to love. Her ups and downs, ins and outs made for a wonderful journey. There were plenty of laughs to be had and a little heat, but what I loved most, oddly enough, is that it WASN'T a mere boy-meets-girl scenario. There was more depth to the story than a simple summer romp and I loved that about it.
Trust me, you will like the characters, their adventures and the way Stella brings it all together. I also enjoyed the mini-books after the story ended, featuring Poppy's sisters. Bonus!
July 26, 2017
First off, I love Poppy! She is hilariously funny and honest. Poppy was such a lovable character. I found her to be very relatable. She’s someone who likes to speak her mind and has no filter, which made for such a fun and entertaining read. I loved Poppy’s relationship with her family, more specifically the relationship that she has with her sisters. Poppy’s relationships with her sisters depicts what it’s like to be best friends with your sisters perfectly. From the laugh out loud moments to the hot moments, I was thoroughly entertained and smiling throughout the entire book. I would recommend this if you are looking for a fun, romantic comedy.
July 26, 2017
So I feel like I say this everytime that I read a book by Stella, but damn, she is killing it!
The Beard is a perfect balance between comedy and romance that constantly keeps you on your toes. You never know what you are going to read and that makes it all the more fun. The Kramer sisters are just brilliant and if I had sisters, I would want them to be like Poppy, Tully and Bell. Once again I was not disappointed and look forward to the next book by Stella.
The Beard is a perfect balance between comedy and romance that constantly keeps you on your toes. You never know what you are going to read and that makes it all the more fun. The Kramer sisters are just brilliant and if I had sisters, I would want them to be like Poppy, Tully and Bell. Once again I was not disappointed and look forward to the next book by Stella.
August 13, 2017
I have to be honest, I hadn't heard of the term 'beard' before and went into this book expecting a guy to have a big bushy beard lol. So, needless to say, I learnt something new and along the way, I had a great experience reading this fabulous book.
It was a quick, funny read and I loved the addition of the two extra stories at the end.
Well worth the read.
It was a quick, funny read and I loved the addition of the two extra stories at the end.
Well worth the read.
July 30, 2017
This book made me smile
I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself smiling a lot while reading. Really enjoyed it and it was a nice break from the sexually charged books I read.
I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself smiling a lot while reading. Really enjoyed it and it was a nice break from the sexually charged books I read.
July 25, 2017
5 Stars for this amazing incredible hilarious Rom-Com Novel by Stella James.
Stella sent me a ARC in exchange for my honest review. I've just recently have read Stella's books, and feel in love with her writing, so this book was a no brainier.
This story is laugh out loud, almost pee your pants funny because Poppy is like your crazy best friend. She's so personable that you fall in love with her and only want her to find love.
I loved every second of this book. I read it in one sitting because it was that good!
Another Must Read!
Stella sent me a ARC in exchange for my honest review. I've just recently have read Stella's books, and feel in love with her writing, so this book was a no brainier.
This story is laugh out loud, almost pee your pants funny because Poppy is like your crazy best friend. She's so personable that you fall in love with her and only want her to find love.
I loved every second of this book. I read it in one sitting because it was that good!
Another Must Read!
September 18, 2017
What a fun read. I was cracking up right from the beginning and it kept me thoroughly entertained throughout. Loved the narration of the heroine, I feel like we could be besties! Enough humour and relationship drama to keep even my smut-loving heart happy without the erotic element. And then the PS stories of the other sisters at the end was very cute.
I was one of those annoying fuckwads who pranced around and behaved as though everything around them was coated in magical fairy dust.
I was one of those annoying fuckwads who pranced around and behaved as though everything around them was coated in magical fairy dust.
August 23, 2019
A quick funny and sexy read.
September 6, 2017
Loved it!!! Queen of the Camel Toe 😂
Another great one from Stella, she never disappoints. I absolutely loved the story of Poppy and Will.. After a heartbreak Poppy finally opens up and meets Will. A hilarious romantic comedy and you won't regret the read. Great touch adding the two bonus chapters for the equally funny sisters .
Another great one from Stella, she never disappoints. I absolutely loved the story of Poppy and Will.. After a heartbreak Poppy finally opens up and meets Will. A hilarious romantic comedy and you won't regret the read. Great touch adding the two bonus chapters for the equally funny sisters .
August 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't read romantic comedy's very often because most never really make me laugh, but this one did. At some points Poppy had me laughing out loud.
Poppy is a character I've never come across before, she is different from all the other women in books. I loved reading from her point of view.
This book is quirky, unique and so much fun! I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars.
There needs to be more books like this! I want more!
Poppy is a character I've never come across before, she is different from all the other women in books. I loved reading from her point of view.
This book is quirky, unique and so much fun! I wish I could rate it more than 5 stars.
There needs to be more books like this! I want more!
August 24, 2017
The Beard
The Beard is a quick and super fun read. Poppy Kramer is freaking hilarious. I loved her and all of her crazy antics. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters. Such a fun read!
The Beard is a quick and super fun read. Poppy Kramer is freaking hilarious. I loved her and all of her crazy antics. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters. Such a fun read!
August 3, 2017
Loved this book!!
I started reading it in a waiting room...which had me trying to hold back a laugh and grinning like crazy. LOL!!
I adore Poppy and her sisters and pretty much everyone in this book...except Todd! LOL...love the scene toward the end.
This was such a fun book. I was just immersed in Poppy's circumstances and her life. Her sisters were absolutely awesome! Her parents were freakin adorable and Kyle's family were precious as well.
I don't want to share too many details as I went into this book with no knowledge at all. Just that this is totally enjoyable with relatable situations, adorable family, and sexy tension.
Dive right into this one if your looking for a fun read!!
I started reading it in a waiting room...which had me trying to hold back a laugh and grinning like crazy. LOL!!
I adore Poppy and her sisters and pretty much everyone in this book...except Todd! LOL...love the scene toward the end.
This was such a fun book. I was just immersed in Poppy's circumstances and her life. Her sisters were absolutely awesome! Her parents were freakin adorable and Kyle's family were precious as well.
I don't want to share too many details as I went into this book with no knowledge at all. Just that this is totally enjoyable with relatable situations, adorable family, and sexy tension.
Dive right into this one if your looking for a fun read!!
August 6, 2017
So....
So I fell in love with Poppy's personality! Her sisters too! But I wanted more. Ughh. I feel like it just left you hanging. I enjoyed the emails back and forth. And really enjoyed Poppy's humor! 3 stars from me because i wanted more
So I fell in love with Poppy's personality! Her sisters too! But I wanted more. Ughh. I feel like it just left you hanging. I enjoyed the emails back and forth. And really enjoyed Poppy's humor! 3 stars from me because i wanted more
April 23, 2020
I know people say "this book literally made me laugh out loud" without actually meaning it, but this book LITERALLY made me laugh out loud. If you're going to read it (and I highly recommend that you do!) make sure to do so somewhere you won't embarrass yourself by cackling at your Kindle screen like a crazy person. Or do, and then tell everyone what book you're laughing at, because word of Stella's genius deserves to be spread! 'The Beard' is full of hilarity and heart, and Poppy's entire persona is infectious and sure to win you over within just a few paragraphs. If you're looking for a book that captures the trials and triumphs of modern life with a healthy dose of witty comments along the way, stop right here. You have found it. Do yourself a favour and read 'The Beard' today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews