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Winston Brothers #4.5
Beard in Hiding
Diane Donner—recently divorced pillar of polite society—is craving danger. She’s tired of playing it safe and she knows just the sexy criminal motorcycle man to proposition for a good time. Problem is, she doesn’t actually know his name.
Jason “Repo” Doe never takes risks. So when the queen of local commerce walks into his club, looking to get risky and frisky, Jason knows the smartest thing to do is save himself a headache while saving the new divorcee from her worst impulses.
But then one thing leads to another, and the memory of just-one-night doesn’t feel like enough.
Theirs is a story with no future, because how can a dangerous criminal win (and keep) a queen?
‘Beard In Hiding’ is book #4.5 in the Winston Brothers series, is a full length contemporary romantic comedy about two lost souls in their 40s, and is a companion novel to the Winston Brothers and Solving for Pie series.
If you want to get the full immersive Green Valley world experience, I recommend reading ‘Truth or Beard,’ ‘Beard Science,’ ‘Engagement and Espionage,’ and ‘Marriage and Murder’ beforehand. ‘Beard In Hiding’ contains spoilers for these four books (in specific).
Jason “Repo” Doe never takes risks. So when the queen of local commerce walks into his club, looking to get risky and frisky, Jason knows the smartest thing to do is save himself a headache while saving the new divorcee from her worst impulses.
But then one thing leads to another, and the memory of just-one-night doesn’t feel like enough.
Theirs is a story with no future, because how can a dangerous criminal win (and keep) a queen?
‘Beard In Hiding’ is book #4.5 in the Winston Brothers series, is a full length contemporary romantic comedy about two lost souls in their 40s, and is a companion novel to the Winston Brothers and Solving for Pie series.
If you want to get the full immersive Green Valley world experience, I recommend reading ‘Truth or Beard,’ ‘Beard Science,’ ‘Engagement and Espionage,’ and ‘Marriage and Murder’ beforehand. ‘Beard In Hiding’ contains spoilers for these four books (in specific).
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
304 people are currently reading
3906 people want to read
About the author
Penny Reid
91 books22.4k followersSign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
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June 29, 2022
**FREE** for a limited time! Ten full-length novels from some of your favorite bestselling romance authors.
Grab your Beach Reads Box Set, Volume 2, for FREE for just a short while on all platforms! This special bundle features stories perfect for fun in the sun. A gift to our readers and a great way to introduce you to new authors to love, grab this beach bundle before it's gone!
TEN BOOKS INCLUDE:
BEARD IN HIDING by Penny Reid
MR. MAYFAIR by Louise Bay
DEAR SEXY EX-BOYFRIEND by Lauren Blakely
THE YEAR WE FELL DOWN by Sarina Bowen
BIG BEN by Nana Malone
BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN PIECES by Catherine Cowles
RETURN TO US by Corinne Michaels
TATTERED by Devney Perry
REPEAT by Kylie Scott
SECURING PIPER by Susan Stoker
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★ ★ NOW LIVE ★ ★
Today is the day! Beard in Hiding, the funny and heartfelt companion novel to the Winston Brothers and Solving for Pie series, is now ALIVE all across the interwebs! I hope you're ready for Diane and Repo, but that's okay if you're not. I wasn't really ready for them either. They barged their way into existence.
★ ★ Grab your copy Today! ★ ★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3BOg7YH
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3BOa1Y9
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Audiobook: Coming this winter!
** BLURB **
Diane Donner—recently divorced pillar of polite society—is craving danger. She’s tired of playing it safe and she knows just the sexy criminal motorcycle man to proposition for a good time. Problem is, she doesn’t actually know his name.
Jason “Repo” Doe never takes risks. So when the queen of local commerce walks into his club, looking to get risky and frisky, Jason knows the smartest thing to do is save himself a headache while saving the new divorcee from her worst impulses.
But then one thing leads to another, and the memory of just-one-night doesn’t feel like enough.
Theirs is a story with no future, because how can a dangerous criminal win (and keep) a queen?
‘Beard In Hiding’ is book #4.5 in the Winston Brothers series, is a full length contemporary romantic comedy about two lost souls in their 40s, and is a companion novel to the Winston Brothers and Solving for Pie series.
If you want to get the full immersive Green Valley world experience, I recommend reading ‘Truth or Beard,’ ‘Beard Science,’ ‘Engagement and Espionage,’ and ‘Marriage and Murder’ beforehand. ‘Beard In Hiding’ contains spoilers for these four books (in specific).
December 7, 2021
I truly appreciated this story...
I feel guilty admitting that I'm surprised how much I LOVED Beard in Hiding. I locked and loaded this little gem not realising how much of a gem it would end up being. I was so convinced that a bad mother and a criminal's love story, would not be something I'd want to see play out. Why would I want them to find love and happiness? They're not good people. I don't like them. I only want good people to find their perfect happy ever after.
I should have trusted Penny Reid. I'm a twit to even doubt that Penny Reid would deliver the goods. I kept putting off starting, thinking that there was no way the characters could be reformed to a status that would meet my overly high expectations. Well, fellow readers, I love how wrong I ended up being.
Diane and Jason are PERFECT together but you would never guess on face value. Diane is stylish and poised while Jason is rough and rugged. I understood their physical attraction, but it was what they stood for that ended up being the main attraction. Diane had realised that everything she had previously stood for was wrong and that a reassessment was needed. Jason realised that he was sick of fixing problems that were not his own, and protecting the wrong people. I loved seeing this older couple grow and set their priorities straight.
Even though I absolutely loved Beard in Hiding, now that I'm writing this review, I'm faced with considering something that drives me a wee bit bonkers. I HATE that the truth doesn't win. Why is it that the police, lawyers and government officials get away with manipulating crimes to suit their needs? Sure, Jason is far from perfect, but I can't help but feel frustrated that he didn't get the chance to be PERFECT.
I'm so happy that I finally started Beard in Hiding and enjoyed it as much as I did. The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable and the love story played out perfectly. This was a very sexy story and it was great to get a realistic older couple story where passion doesn't override reasoning. This couple actually use their brains and common sense which was very refreshing. I have read all of the inter-connecting stories and I'm glad to 'see' this part play out.
If you're a fan of Penny Reid but hesitant because of preconceived ideas about Jason "Repo" and Diane Donner, don't hesitate to give it a chance. Ms Reid, I want more mature, sensible and sexy older couples...please and thank you. 😉
I feel guilty admitting that I'm surprised how much I LOVED Beard in Hiding. I locked and loaded this little gem not realising how much of a gem it would end up being. I was so convinced that a bad mother and a criminal's love story, would not be something I'd want to see play out. Why would I want them to find love and happiness? They're not good people. I don't like them. I only want good people to find their perfect happy ever after.
I should have trusted Penny Reid. I'm a twit to even doubt that Penny Reid would deliver the goods. I kept putting off starting, thinking that there was no way the characters could be reformed to a status that would meet my overly high expectations. Well, fellow readers, I love how wrong I ended up being.
Diane and Jason are PERFECT together but you would never guess on face value. Diane is stylish and poised while Jason is rough and rugged. I understood their physical attraction, but it was what they stood for that ended up being the main attraction. Diane had realised that everything she had previously stood for was wrong and that a reassessment was needed. Jason realised that he was sick of fixing problems that were not his own, and protecting the wrong people. I loved seeing this older couple grow and set their priorities straight.
Even though I absolutely loved Beard in Hiding, now that I'm writing this review, I'm faced with considering something that drives me a wee bit bonkers. I HATE that the truth doesn't win. Why is it that the police, lawyers and government officials get away with manipulating crimes to suit their needs? Sure, Jason is far from perfect, but I can't help but feel frustrated that he didn't get the chance to be PERFECT.
I'm so happy that I finally started Beard in Hiding and enjoyed it as much as I did. The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable and the love story played out perfectly. This was a very sexy story and it was great to get a realistic older couple story where passion doesn't override reasoning. This couple actually use their brains and common sense which was very refreshing. I have read all of the inter-connecting stories and I'm glad to 'see' this part play out.
If you're a fan of Penny Reid but hesitant because of preconceived ideas about Jason "Repo" and Diane Donner, don't hesitate to give it a chance. Ms Reid, I want more mature, sensible and sexy older couples...please and thank you. 😉
November 17, 2021
4 stars
When I heard Diane Donner was getting her own book I had mixed feelings. There was a time where I truly disliked this character, but what I loved about Diane is she knew certain things she did and how she treated people was wrong and she changed. I can appreciate that. I ended up loving her in this book!
Diane is Jenn's (Cletus Winston's woman) mother and this story is a story about her finding herself and getting a second chance at love. Her love interest isn't clean cut and is a good guy who doesn't always do good things. Jason 'Repo' is part of the Wraiths and isn't someone I could have ever seen with Diane, but they work.
I loved these two together and I loved that they were a little older and at a different place in their lives compared to Penny's other characters. This was fun, suspenseful, and well written. I'm not sure if I was crazy about the ending personally, but I'm hoping we get an Isaac book soon and get more of this couple!
"Just when we think our path is set and we're cruising along toward the inevitable tomorrow, the good Lord sees fit to throw a sexy, sweet motorcycle man in my path to shake everything up."
When I heard Diane Donner was getting her own book I had mixed feelings. There was a time where I truly disliked this character, but what I loved about Diane is she knew certain things she did and how she treated people was wrong and she changed. I can appreciate that. I ended up loving her in this book!
Diane is Jenn's (Cletus Winston's woman) mother and this story is a story about her finding herself and getting a second chance at love. Her love interest isn't clean cut and is a good guy who doesn't always do good things. Jason 'Repo' is part of the Wraiths and isn't someone I could have ever seen with Diane, but they work.
I loved these two together and I loved that they were a little older and at a different place in their lives compared to Penny's other characters. This was fun, suspenseful, and well written. I'm not sure if I was crazy about the ending personally, but I'm hoping we get an Isaac book soon and get more of this couple!
December 2, 2021
Penny Reid has written a lot of my favorite books. I love her uniqueness, her writing style and eagerly wait for each of her novels. And yet, Beard in Hiding totally caught me off guard in the best possible way. I loved this older couple’s seemingly impossible romance.
Successful business woman Diane Donner is checking off her post-divorce to do list. Among other things she wants to buy perfume, scented soaps and to have a one-night stand. She has the perfect man in mind: Jason “Repo” Doe, head money man of the Wraiths MC.
Jason knows Diane is trouble with a capital “T” yet the smart, sexy woman is too perfect to ignore, even after their incredible night. But how can a criminal like him have a future with a woman like her?
Having read the entire Winston Brothers series and Solving for Pie series, I had some preconceptions about Diane and Repo which were blown right out of the water. I loved them individually and as a couple. And actually wish we could have gotten more background about Repo. He’s a fascinating man… errrrr character!
Even though they came from different backgrounds the fit perfectly. They’re both smart, thoughtful and loving. Their banter was flirty and their chemistry was smoldering hot right from the start but I also loved how their relationship evolved. I laughed, smiled and was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation.
Beard in Hiding is book #4.5 from the Winston Brothers series by author Penny Reid. It is a rom-com told from both points of view with a happy ending. Subgenres: small town romance| forbidden romance | 40+ couple | opposites attract | bad boy-good girl
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
Amazon US -> https://amzn.to/3njwbfR
★ Check out all my book edits on my Insta ★
Successful business woman Diane Donner is checking off her post-divorce to do list. Among other things she wants to buy perfume, scented soaps and to have a one-night stand. She has the perfect man in mind: Jason “Repo” Doe, head money man of the Wraiths MC.
Jason knows Diane is trouble with a capital “T” yet the smart, sexy woman is too perfect to ignore, even after their incredible night. But how can a criminal like him have a future with a woman like her?
Having read the entire Winston Brothers series and Solving for Pie series, I had some preconceptions about Diane and Repo which were blown right out of the water. I loved them individually and as a couple. And actually wish we could have gotten more background about Repo. He’s a fascinating man… errrrr character!
Even though they came from different backgrounds the fit perfectly. They’re both smart, thoughtful and loving. Their banter was flirty and their chemistry was smoldering hot right from the start but I also loved how their relationship evolved. I laughed, smiled and was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation.
Beard in Hiding is book #4.5 from the Winston Brothers series by author Penny Reid. It is a rom-com told from both points of view with a happy ending. Subgenres: small town romance| forbidden romance | 40+ couple | opposites attract | bad boy-good girl
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. ★
Amazon US -> https://amzn.to/3njwbfR
★ Check out all my book edits on my Insta ★
December 9, 2021
A – M – A – Z – I – N – G !!!!!
Penny Reid es una de mis autoras favoritas, tiene un estilo muy peculiar, nos da historias con una trama profunda, pero de una manera ligera, es como un bálsamo para el alma y te deja una sonrisa en la boca (al menos en esta serie).
Y finally tenemos el libro de Dianne y Repo ERA JUSTO Y NECESARIO, su historia necesitaba ser contada.
Dianne no era un personaje tan carismático y querido, al contario me desagradaba la manera de controlar a su hija, pero en este libro tiene una evolución increíble, empatizas con ella y le deseas su happy ending porque se lo merece.
A pesar de que no es una historia dramática, al contrario, trata temas como el abuso y el maltrato psicológico y en este caso es del marido de Dianne hacia ella y sus hijos, un hombre machista y misógino y muy desagradable.
Nos cuenta como Dianne tuvo que pasar por todo eso en su matrimonio por casi 26 años controlada, sin amor e insatisfecha sexualmente NUNCA TUVO UN ORGASMO I mean.. WTF?!!!
Pero su historia no se centra en su trágica vida de casada > sino después de su divorcio como enfrentó la vida, su superación personal, tomar el control de su vida, hacer lo que a ella le hace feliz y su segunda oportunidad de amar de verdad.
Dianne es un mujer fuerte, valiente, empoderada, jamás pensé decir esto, pero es de mis protagonistas favoritas.
En cuanto a su relación amorosa, es prohibida y riesgosa, Dianne se permite sentirse amada y satisfecha con un hombre que es un criminal, es el encargado de las finanzas del club de bikers más temido y perseguido por las autoridades pero Jason “Repo” Doe a pesar de su trabajo es un buen hombre que al igual que Dianne tiene su pasado tormentoso y triste y tiene una segunda oportunidad de ser feliz.
Si bien ya me sabía el final de esta historia no deja de ser agridulce y espero que en los siguientes libros de Cletus y Jenn (esperado por el tercer libro) nos digan cómo se resuelve todo ese lío.
Porque si les digo que este libro no se puede leer como standalone primero tienes que leer el libro 3 de esta serie y después los dos primeros de spin off de Cletus y Jenn.
Me encantó este libro, es uno de los mejores que he leído de la autora en cuanto a desarrollo de personajes y la profundad de la historia.
Larga vida para Penny y que por favor ya no mueva y atrase sus fechas de estreno.
Penny Reid es una de mis autoras favoritas, tiene un estilo muy peculiar, nos da historias con una trama profunda, pero de una manera ligera, es como un bálsamo para el alma y te deja una sonrisa en la boca (al menos en esta serie).
Y finally tenemos el libro de Dianne y Repo ERA JUSTO Y NECESARIO, su historia necesitaba ser contada.
Dianne no era un personaje tan carismático y querido, al contario me desagradaba la manera de controlar a su hija, pero en este libro tiene una evolución increíble, empatizas con ella y le deseas su happy ending porque se lo merece.
A pesar de que no es una historia dramática, al contrario, trata temas como el abuso y el maltrato psicológico y en este caso es del marido de Dianne hacia ella y sus hijos, un hombre machista y misógino y muy desagradable.
Nos cuenta como Dianne tuvo que pasar por todo eso en su matrimonio por casi 26 años controlada, sin amor e insatisfecha sexualmente NUNCA TUVO UN ORGASMO I mean.. WTF?!!!
Pero su historia no se centra en su trágica vida de casada > sino después de su divorcio como enfrentó la vida, su superación personal, tomar el control de su vida, hacer lo que a ella le hace feliz y su segunda oportunidad de amar de verdad.
Dianne es un mujer fuerte, valiente, empoderada, jamás pensé decir esto, pero es de mis protagonistas favoritas.
En cuanto a su relación amorosa, es prohibida y riesgosa, Dianne se permite sentirse amada y satisfecha con un hombre que es un criminal, es el encargado de las finanzas del club de bikers más temido y perseguido por las autoridades pero Jason “Repo” Doe a pesar de su trabajo es un buen hombre que al igual que Dianne tiene su pasado tormentoso y triste y tiene una segunda oportunidad de ser feliz.
Si bien ya me sabía el final de esta historia no deja de ser agridulce y espero que en los siguientes libros de Cletus y Jenn (esperado por el tercer libro) nos digan cómo se resuelve todo ese lío.
Porque si les digo que este libro no se puede leer como standalone primero tienes que leer el libro 3 de esta serie y después los dos primeros de spin off de Cletus y Jenn.
Me encantó este libro, es uno de los mejores que he leído de la autora en cuanto a desarrollo de personajes y la profundad de la historia.
Larga vida para Penny y que por favor ya no mueva y atrase sus fechas de estreno.
July 12, 2022
It always surprises me when I find one of my top reads of the year in late November.
Beard in Hiding is not a casual book that you just pick up when you want something good to read. You need to be invested to get here, you need to know Penny Reid as an author, you need to be quite familiar with the Winston Brothers, and you must have read Engagement & Espionage and Marriage & Murder. But, let me tell you something right now - it's worth it, oh boy, it's so worth it. I'd read one thousand books if it meant getting here, to the very unlikely story of Jason (Repo) and Diane.
Beard in Hiding accomplishes one very rare thing - the perfect equilibrium between sweet, forbidden, longing, desire, paired with a mature couple that has no time or patience for games, and the most amazing pacing. It skyrocketed to one of my favourite Winton's book of all time, and it's not even about one of the brothers.
Diane grew so much as a character and her bossy attitude was simply delightful. But, Jason, wow, I was not expecting this complicated man to sweep me off my feet. I want to know so much more about him. I hope Penny writes them until they are old and grey and full of even more wisdom.
So, if you haven't already, go pick this book up right now. It's so delightful I feel at a loss for words in how to describe how happy Beard in Hiding made me. I wish I could give this six stars, 10 stars, all of the Goodreads stars.
But of course, I couldn't end this review without joining the chorus and saying, Penny, we can't wait to read Isaac's story.
Thank you so much, Penny Reid and Brooke Nowiski for sending me this AMAZING ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Beard in Hiding is not a casual book that you just pick up when you want something good to read. You need to be invested to get here, you need to know Penny Reid as an author, you need to be quite familiar with the Winston Brothers, and you must have read Engagement & Espionage and Marriage & Murder. But, let me tell you something right now - it's worth it, oh boy, it's so worth it. I'd read one thousand books if it meant getting here, to the very unlikely story of Jason (Repo) and Diane.
Beard in Hiding accomplishes one very rare thing - the perfect equilibrium between sweet, forbidden, longing, desire, paired with a mature couple that has no time or patience for games, and the most amazing pacing. It skyrocketed to one of my favourite Winton's book of all time, and it's not even about one of the brothers.
Diane grew so much as a character and her bossy attitude was simply delightful. But, Jason, wow, I was not expecting this complicated man to sweep me off my feet. I want to know so much more about him. I hope Penny writes them until they are old and grey and full of even more wisdom.
So, if you haven't already, go pick this book up right now. It's so delightful I feel at a loss for words in how to describe how happy Beard in Hiding made me. I wish I could give this six stars, 10 stars, all of the Goodreads stars.
But of course, I couldn't end this review without joining the chorus and saying, Penny, we can't wait to read Isaac's story.
Thank you so much, Penny Reid and Brooke Nowiski for sending me this AMAZING ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2021
5 A Sense Of Belonging Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Love Letter To Ms. Reid
As my above statement says, this will probably be more an appreciation of the mind and heart of Ms, Reid than anything else. You have been warned... :DDD
I have been reading Penny Reid for years now, like many of you. I was first struck by the smarts and fun in her crafting but also by the layering of serious subjects and how she infused them in her works. There was always something that would touch deeply, it could be the complexity of the relationships between the main characters, or the insight into the dilemma of the situation presented, or a glance at what the society had deemed important and truly wasn't. It was this way of educating by storytelling that truly made me a devotee.
As I read her books, I found many that just warmed me to my core and gave me magical moments. But it was the introduction to the Winston Brothers in the book, Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City4/Winston Brothers, #0.5) when Ms. Reid took me to another level of intensity, appreciation, and personal calling.
In this book, she touched on parental death as well as family dynamics, a universal subject. She gave us a woman who had loved her children, gave of herself under very difficult circumstances, and was a warrior until the end. This part of the tale gripped me with two hands and wouldn't let go. I was incredibly moved. She also partnered this with writings from our male love interest that would take my breath away. Combining all of these elements, to this day it has been one of my favorite books of the series.
With Beard in Hiding (Winston Brothers, #4.5), I once again have had incredible touching moments. These characters on their own could be people we wouldn't gravitate to, but together after them having all the life lessons they have had to endure, this odd couple is truly perfect for each other.
And oh, the way Ms. Reid does this is perfection. I cannot express enough how taken I was with this pairing. We have a woman who thought she was sentenced to a life that was miserable. Diane Donner had gone from her father's house to her husband's at 18. Raised to believe that she was to obey her husband in everything, and not knowing that what was being dictated to her was not the way of the world and there were other options, she led a life of pain, distrust, and worked hard to have a place in it. Through it all, she has been an internal warrior.
It was only after years did she finally see what she had missed and took responsibility for the pain she inadvertently inflicted on her children. After a series of events, she divorced her husband, took to enlightening herself, and decided to not only make amends to others but also empower herself to feel, to try new things, and be open to the possibilities.
It is this new woman we meet, who has taken upon herself to just Go For It...and her target is a man she has seen over the years, a man she has heard about, a man like no other. He is part of the MC Club that has had impacted this town where she lives. She is the "top of the food chain" and goes to the bar/clubhouse looking to find this man she has watched for years. It is part of her agenda, it is part of her healing, and she is determined.
The counterpoint of this couple is Jason “Repo” Doe. He has been a loner for many years. His history is not pretty and his place in this club at this point of his life is such that he pretty much does what he wants. He has been entrusted with all the finances and has seen over the years how the club has changed, not for the better. He has been thinking about leaving many times but there are reasons for his staying in this town, reasons that he keeps to himself. So he lives this life, juggling with the demon club president who is seriously dangerous, dealing with recruits who need
training to not go off the deep end, and just living.
When Diane Donner comes into this club, dressed for action, and focused on Repo, he is first worried about the reason as to why she was there. This could only mean trouble for the club, nothing good could come with this society woman here at the bar dressed the way she was...
It was shocking, showing her toned legs, in a tank, and with heels that made Repo want to see her with only them on. This was not good. Repo knew if he didn't get rid of her soon and out of his bar, the other club members would be more than happy to take advantage of what they saw sitting there.
Repo and Diane begin this verbal dance, first him wanting to just get rid of her, with her pushing back and showing her determined stubborn side. This was a woman on a mission and when she told him what it was, he knew immediately he would have to handle this himself.
What we experience from this point forward is the coming together of these two, first due to determination and challenge. Then because of the connection that took place, an undercurrent of real feelings neither of them had ever had before, a slow discovery of what could be possible. There is so much more but that is all I will share.
What I will say is this touches so deeply for those of us who may be older. It is emotionally moving and so swoon-worthy. The rediscovery of sweet intense feelings of touches, long-drawn-out kissing, the rush of first intense coupling, and then the times of surprise and cuddling. Damn this just made my heart sing.
Yes, this had all of the layerings of plot, with some parts kind of left dangling...maybe addressed in another book... maybe not. But what it had was so encompassing, so rewarding, my endorphins flowed nonstop.
So, as I warned you, my love of Penny Reid's work has not abated instead it has increased. Thank you, Ms. Reid.
Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City4/
Winston Brothers, #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Grin and Beard It (Winston Brothers #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard Science (Winston Brothers #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard in Hiding (Winston Brothers, #4.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dr. Strange Beard (Winston Brothers, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard with Me (Winston Brothers, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And the series that started it all:
Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Neanderthal Marries Human (Knitting in the City #1.5)
Friends Without Benefits (Knitting in the City #2)
Love Hacked (Knitting in the City, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City, #4; Winston Brothers, #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Happily Ever Ninja (Knitting in the City, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dating-ish (Knitting in the City, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
October 11, 2021
As a long-time reader and lover of Penny Reid and the series she puts forth...Any little thing she decides to share with us is a win-win with me. She shared the following with her newsletter readers and I am sharing it with you:
This is scheduled to release November 16, 2021. Cannot Wait!
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free-A Love Letter To Ms. Reid
As my above statement says, this will probably be more an appreciation of the mind and heart of Ms, Reid than anything else. You have been warned... :DDD
I have been reading Penny Reid for years now, like many of you. I was first struck by the smarts and fun in her crafting but also by the layering of serious subjects and how she infused them in her works. There was always something that would touch deeply, it could be the complexity of the relationships between the main characters, or the insight into the dilemma of the situation presented, or a glance at what the society had deemed important and truly wasn't. It was this way of educating by storytelling that truly made me a devotee.
As I read her books, I found many that just warmed me to my core and gave me magical moments. But it was the introduction to the Winston Brothers in the book, Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City4/Winston Brothers, #0.5) when Ms. Reid took me to another level of intensity, appreciation, and personal calling.
In this book, she touched on parental death as well as family dynamics, a universal subject. She gave us a woman who had loved her children, gave of herself under very difficult circumstances, and was a warrior until the end. This part of the tale gripped me with two hands and wouldn't let go. I was incredibly moved. She also partnered this with writings from our male love interest that would take my breath away. Combining all of these elements, to this day it has been one of my favorite books of the series.
With Beard in Hiding (Winston Brothers, #4.5), I once again have had incredible touching moments. These characters on their own could be people we wouldn't gravitate to, but together after them having all the life lessons they have had to endure, this odd couple is truly perfect for each other.
And oh, the way Ms. Reid does this is perfection. I cannot express enough how taken I was with this pairing. We have a woman who thought she was sentenced to a life that was miserable. Diane Donner had gone from her father's house to her husband's at 18. Raised to believe that she was to obey her husband in everything, and not knowing that what was being dictated to her was not the way of the world and there were other options, she led a life of pain, distrust, and worked hard to have a place in it. Through it all, she has been an internal warrior.
It was only after years did she finally see what she had missed and took responsibility for the pain she inadvertently inflicted on her children. After a series of events, she divorced her husband, took to enlightening herself, and decided to not only make amends to others but also empower herself to feel, to try new things, and be open to the possibilities.
It is this new woman we meet, who has taken upon herself to just Go For It...and her target is a man she has seen over the years, a man she has heard about, a man like no other. He is part of the MC Club that has had impacted this town where she lives. She is the "top of the food chain" and goes to the bar/clubhouse looking to find this man she has watched for years. It is part of her agenda, it is part of her healing, and she is determined.
The counterpoint of this couple is Jason “Repo” Doe. He has been a loner for many years. His history is not pretty and his place in this club at this point of his life is such that he pretty much does what he wants. He has been entrusted with all the finances and has seen over the years how the club has changed, not for the better. He has been thinking about leaving many times but there are reasons for his staying in this town, reasons that he keeps to himself. So he lives this life, juggling with the demon club president who is seriously dangerous, dealing with recruits who need
training to not go off the deep end, and just living.
When Diane Donner comes into this club, dressed for action, and focused on Repo, he is first worried about the reason as to why she was there. This could only mean trouble for the club, nothing good could come with this society woman here at the bar dressed the way she was...
It was shocking, showing her toned legs, in a tank, and with heels that made Repo want to see her with only them on. This was not good. Repo knew if he didn't get rid of her soon and out of his bar, the other club members would be more than happy to take advantage of what they saw sitting there.
Repo and Diane begin this verbal dance, first him wanting to just get rid of her, with her pushing back and showing her determined stubborn side. This was a woman on a mission and when she told him what it was, he knew immediately he would have to handle this himself.
What we experience from this point forward is the coming together of these two, first due to determination and challenge. Then because of the connection that took place, an undercurrent of real feelings neither of them had ever had before, a slow discovery of what could be possible. There is so much more but that is all I will share.
What I will say is this touches so deeply for those of us who may be older. It is emotionally moving and so swoon-worthy. The rediscovery of sweet intense feelings of touches, long-drawn-out kissing, the rush of first intense coupling, and then the times of surprise and cuddling. Damn this just made my heart sing.
Yes, this had all of the layerings of plot, with some parts kind of left dangling...maybe addressed in another book... maybe not. But what it had was so encompassing, so rewarding, my endorphins flowed nonstop.
So, as I warned you, my love of Penny Reid's work has not abated instead it has increased. Thank you, Ms. Reid.
Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City4/Winston Brothers, #0.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Grin and Beard It (Winston Brothers #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard Science (Winston Brothers #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard in Hiding (Winston Brothers, #4.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dr. Strange Beard (Winston Brothers, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard with Me (Winston Brothers, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And the series that started it all:
Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Neanderthal Marries Human (Knitting in the City #1.5) Friends Without Benefits (Knitting in the City #2) Love Hacked (Knitting in the City, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City, #4; Winston Brothers, #0.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Happily Ever Ninja (Knitting in the City, #5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dating-ish (Knitting in the City, #6) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City #7) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
October 11, 2021
As a long-time reader and lover of Penny Reid and the series she puts forth...Any little thing she decides to share with us is a win-win with me. She shared the following with her newsletter readers and I am sharing it with you:
"‘Beard In Hiding’ is book #4.5 in the Winston Brothers series, is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy about two lost souls in their 40s, and can be read as a complete standalone (I promise). (Diane Donner and Jason “Repo” Doe)
THAT SAID, if you want to get the full immersive Green Valley world experience, maybe read ‘Truth or Beard,’ ‘Beard Science,’ ‘Engagement and Espionage,’ and ‘Marriage and Murder’ first."
This is scheduled to release November 16, 2021. Cannot Wait!
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 2, 2021
I get now why Diane Donner demanded to share her side of the story. Diane and Jason—Mr. Repo—have a romance that hits all the right cues in a great love story: the meet cute, the blazing chemistry, the reluctant hero, the headstrong heroine, and the plot line that thrusts their futures together whether they are ready or not.
My full review will come soon, but for now know that this might be my new favorite Penny Reid book because Diane knows the sisterhood and explains why it’s so important in a way that touched my heart so deeply that I felt it echo in my bones. Plus Jason is one of the best male characters she’s written…at least in my opinion.
A perfect one night stand that leads to something more trope, wrapped in a mature romance, and set within a small town that I desperately wish Penny Reid would make real.
Find my full review here: https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/11/be...
My full review will come soon, but for now know that this might be my new favorite Penny Reid book because Diane knows the sisterhood and explains why it’s so important in a way that touched my heart so deeply that I felt it echo in my bones. Plus Jason is one of the best male characters she’s written…at least in my opinion.
A perfect one night stand that leads to something more trope, wrapped in a mature romance, and set within a small town that I desperately wish Penny Reid would make real.
Find my full review here: https://www.thelitbuzz.com/2021/11/be...
December 6, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Ashley was a reader and she’d given me a list of the best sexy books to read during my alone time. Suffice it to say, Ashley Winston-Runous was now one of my favorite people on the planet.
If you feel the need to be a criminal, that’s your business. And if I feel the need to be a vain glutton, spending a ridiculous amount of money on shoes I don’t need instead of giving the money to charity where it’ll help folks and do some good, then that’s my business. You know how many people are food insecure in this country? And I have over one hundred pairs of designer shoes. See? We’re both sinful in our own way. So what? We’ll go to hell together with smiles on our faces.
Staying in a marriage like that isn’t noble, it’s spiritual suicide. And I don’t think Saint Peter would take kindly to me knocking on the pearly gates without my spirit.
Kip said my name as though it tasted like farts and spoiled milk.
My Review:
This is one of my favorite Penny Reid books. I had despised the character of Diane Donner in previous installments in the series, as she was odious. I loved seeing Diane’s highly entertaining journey of discovery and personal growth into a likable creature, she certainly took a direct route. As always, Ms. Reid’s writing provided a fun read that sparkled with clever wit, crisp and irreverent humor, heart-scalding insights, volcanic sensual heat, and oddly beguiling yet uncommonly quirky characters. I am completely enamored with her skills and adore her fresh and saucy style!
Ashley was a reader and she’d given me a list of the best sexy books to read during my alone time. Suffice it to say, Ashley Winston-Runous was now one of my favorite people on the planet.
If you feel the need to be a criminal, that’s your business. And if I feel the need to be a vain glutton, spending a ridiculous amount of money on shoes I don’t need instead of giving the money to charity where it’ll help folks and do some good, then that’s my business. You know how many people are food insecure in this country? And I have over one hundred pairs of designer shoes. See? We’re both sinful in our own way. So what? We’ll go to hell together with smiles on our faces.
Staying in a marriage like that isn’t noble, it’s spiritual suicide. And I don’t think Saint Peter would take kindly to me knocking on the pearly gates without my spirit.
Kip said my name as though it tasted like farts and spoiled milk.
My Review:
This is one of my favorite Penny Reid books. I had despised the character of Diane Donner in previous installments in the series, as she was odious. I loved seeing Diane’s highly entertaining journey of discovery and personal growth into a likable creature, she certainly took a direct route. As always, Ms. Reid’s writing provided a fun read that sparkled with clever wit, crisp and irreverent humor, heart-scalding insights, volcanic sensual heat, and oddly beguiling yet uncommonly quirky characters. I am completely enamored with her skills and adore her fresh and saucy style!
November 16, 2021
Penny, Penny, Penny… what have you done to me ! 😍😍😍
I thought for a short second of trying to play it cool and be like “oh yeah it was a good book you know” but who am I kidding ?! There’s no way I’m not shouting from the roof to everyone and their cat’s to give those characters a chance.
**Also, I have to preface this review by saying that I have not read all of the Winston Brothers books so I didn’t have the influence of past actions from either Diane or Repo while I was reading even if I know enough.**
And what I read, I just loved. From the first chapter I was hooked and started developing a minor (okay it’s actually quite big at this point) crush on Repo. He had always been this grey characters for me. I couldn’t figure him out or understand his motivations. And now… now I know so much more and everything I know I love. Plus his flirting skills are seriously on point : 10 out of 10 !
And Diane was so endearing to me in her will to change and finally be herself. I loved her evolution and growth, especially because no matter how old you are, it’s never to late to become the better version of yourself. And she showed me that.
Together they made a hot, sweet and seriously entertaining couple and I shipped their story from start to finish. They are imperfect but they still want to find that person who will accept them as they are. And I’m glad they could find that in each other.
Reading this book, I found myself smiling without knowing, chuckling, holding my breath and every other emotion you get from a great, memorable story.
So for the skeptics out there, forget what you know of Diane and Repo and give them a chance to show you who they really are. You won’t regret it ! And now I need to rest after all the feels I got from this book 🤣 Congrats on a job extremely well done Mrs Reid 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I received an ARC of this book and all thoughts are my own
I thought for a short second of trying to play it cool and be like “oh yeah it was a good book you know” but who am I kidding ?! There’s no way I’m not shouting from the roof to everyone and their cat’s to give those characters a chance.
**Also, I have to preface this review by saying that I have not read all of the Winston Brothers books so I didn’t have the influence of past actions from either Diane or Repo while I was reading even if I know enough.**
And what I read, I just loved. From the first chapter I was hooked and started developing a minor (okay it’s actually quite big at this point) crush on Repo. He had always been this grey characters for me. I couldn’t figure him out or understand his motivations. And now… now I know so much more and everything I know I love. Plus his flirting skills are seriously on point : 10 out of 10 !
And Diane was so endearing to me in her will to change and finally be herself. I loved her evolution and growth, especially because no matter how old you are, it’s never to late to become the better version of yourself. And she showed me that.
Together they made a hot, sweet and seriously entertaining couple and I shipped their story from start to finish. They are imperfect but they still want to find that person who will accept them as they are. And I’m glad they could find that in each other.
Reading this book, I found myself smiling without knowing, chuckling, holding my breath and every other emotion you get from a great, memorable story.
So for the skeptics out there, forget what you know of Diane and Repo and give them a chance to show you who they really are. You won’t regret it ! And now I need to rest after all the feels I got from this book 🤣 Congrats on a job extremely well done Mrs Reid 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I received an ARC of this book and all thoughts are my own
November 14, 2021
My favorite Green Valley spin off books are all by L.B Dunbar, I love her stories about mature women finding love. Just like L.Bs Winter Sisters Series, Beard in Hiding features a middle aged woman getting her groove back, specifically with a member of the infamous Iron Wraiths.
Diane has always been a hilarious, fiery background character but in this book she truly shines and Repo, my god Repo was the quintessential sexy silver fox! He wasn't the most verbally demonstrative partner but he was ride or die for Diane forreal. He is the kind of hero who you know would out his life on the line for his woman no questions asked. When he did finally share his feelings it was so very sweet, this line literally made me swoon.
“And you’re a better person than me, because I would not be okay with sending you on your way. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. Always.”
Word of advice, even though it's listed as 4.5 in the Winston Brother series I suggest you have read all the Winston Brothers and the Jen & Cletus spin-off mystery series before you jump into this one. This book has only feuled my Isaac obsession. I'm DYING for his book now. Seriously I NEED it ASAP.
I thank @smartypantsromance for the advanced reader copy. It made my weekend 4.5⭐
Diane has always been a hilarious, fiery background character but in this book she truly shines and Repo, my god Repo was the quintessential sexy silver fox! He wasn't the most verbally demonstrative partner but he was ride or die for Diane forreal. He is the kind of hero who you know would out his life on the line for his woman no questions asked. When he did finally share his feelings it was so very sweet, this line literally made me swoon.
“And you’re a better person than me, because I would not be okay with sending you on your way. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. Always.”
Word of advice, even though it's listed as 4.5 in the Winston Brother series I suggest you have read all the Winston Brothers and the Jen & Cletus spin-off mystery series before you jump into this one. This book has only feuled my Isaac obsession. I'm DYING for his book now. Seriously I NEED it ASAP.
I thank @smartypantsromance for the advanced reader copy. It made my weekend 4.5⭐
December 3, 2021
Penny Reid is an amazing writer and this book just proved again why she is one of my favorite authors.
Diane is a character I never thought I would like. Over time, though, she has grown and changed from the person we met in Beard Science. After getting to see more of her in the Solving for Pie series I was excited to see her experiences and romance with Repo/Jason. The two of them are unexpected but find the chemistry between them is undeniable.
It was interesting getting inside their heads and understanding their motivations, fears, and hopes. The story moves at a good pace and had me hooked from the beginning. I don't think I was alone in hoping we'd get more details about their relationship, especially after reading Marriage and Murder. Even knowing how some events played out around them, I ended up enjoying everything about this story so much.
I definitely recommend heeding Penny's warning about which books you should read before this one so you don't get spoiled.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXCQhBzhg3J/
Diane is a character I never thought I would like. Over time, though, she has grown and changed from the person we met in Beard Science. After getting to see more of her in the Solving for Pie series I was excited to see her experiences and romance with Repo/Jason. The two of them are unexpected but find the chemistry between them is undeniable.
It was interesting getting inside their heads and understanding their motivations, fears, and hopes. The story moves at a good pace and had me hooked from the beginning. I don't think I was alone in hoping we'd get more details about their relationship, especially after reading Marriage and Murder. Even knowing how some events played out around them, I ended up enjoying everything about this story so much.
I definitely recommend heeding Penny's warning about which books you should read before this one so you don't get spoiled.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
.
.
Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXCQhBzhg3J/
November 18, 2021
I've been waiting for Diane's story for a long time. She's been a supporting character in her daughter
Jennifer's stories- Beard Science (Cletus Winston & Jennifer) & the Solving for Pie spin off books,
( Engagement and Espionage & Marriage and Murder also Jenn & Cletus)
Diane & Repo (Jason). OMG!
Please note, the author recommends reading the previous books first. I agree.
They are all great. This book parallels- time line for the Solving for Pie books
Ok, now for Diane and Repo !! OMG. Hold on - the first couple of chapters. There is a majorly hot
"meet cute".
Diane's ex-husband Kip is a major reason for Diane's troubles and her reputation as being emotional, controlling and erratic behavior. Grr Kip What he does to Diane & Jennifer!
I really liked Repo from the beginning. I just knew he was more than his reputation. This is also an opposites attract.. Like polar opposites.
There are great supporting characters. A couple of Winston Bros and "others". I hate to spoil the link that Repo (Jason) has to a key supporting character.
I was kept riveted . How can they get out of this? Oh, and Isaac-Diane's son. We need more of his story!
I loved reading this, but I do want to listen to the audio asap.
I loved the ending, but OMG. I think that they need to make another appearance in the Solving for Pie series.
Jennifer's stories- Beard Science (Cletus Winston & Jennifer) & the Solving for Pie spin off books,
( Engagement and Espionage & Marriage and Murder also Jenn & Cletus)
Diane & Repo (Jason). OMG!
Please note, the author recommends reading the previous books first. I agree.
They are all great. This book parallels- time line for the Solving for Pie books
Ok, now for Diane and Repo !! OMG. Hold on - the first couple of chapters. There is a majorly hot
"meet cute".
Diane's ex-husband Kip is a major reason for Diane's troubles and her reputation as being emotional, controlling and erratic behavior. Grr Kip What he does to Diane & Jennifer!
I really liked Repo from the beginning. I just knew he was more than his reputation. This is also an opposites attract.. Like polar opposites.
There are great supporting characters. A couple of Winston Bros and "others". I hate to spoil the link that Repo (Jason) has to a key supporting character.
I was kept riveted . How can they get out of this? Oh, and Isaac-Diane's son. We need more of his story!
I loved reading this, but I do want to listen to the audio asap.
I loved the ending, but OMG. I think that they need to make another appearance in the Solving for Pie series.
January 9, 2023
I want more!!!
I love this story of Diane and Jason! I read this after reading the story of Jennifer (Diane's daughter) and Cletus Winston, which was party of the Winston Brothers series, and also the Jen and Cletus Mysteries. In those books the same events were seen though Jennifer and Cletus's perspective, and in this one it was though Diane and Jason's perspective.
I can't wait to read the next book, or if there will be a spin-off with a story about Issac, Diane's son and Jennifer's brother. In this book, what I did suspect about Isaac was actually true, so I'm hoping that he will get his story and that we see Diane and Jason again.
I love this story of Diane and Jason! I read this after reading the story of Jennifer (Diane's daughter) and Cletus Winston, which was party of the Winston Brothers series, and also the Jen and Cletus Mysteries. In those books the same events were seen though Jennifer and Cletus's perspective, and in this one it was though Diane and Jason's perspective.
I can't wait to read the next book, or if there will be a spin-off with a story about Issac, Diane's son and Jennifer's brother. In this book, what I did suspect about Isaac was actually true, so I'm hoping that he will get his story and that we see Diane and Jason again.
November 17, 2021
Penny Reid is capable of anything, even making the impossible possible. When we read her series on the Winston brothers, we can hardly imagine appreciating the characters of Repo and Diane. Repo is part of a gang of bikers who commit a lot of crimes, his life is not that of an honest man. As for Diane, I hadn't liked the way she treated her daughter in Beard Science at all. She exploited her, she made her have a special look and just be pretty. In short, making us love these two characters seemed like an impossible mission.
But Penny Reid is a talented author capable of giving depth to her characters, capable of making us see beyond appearances.
We discover Diane in a new light. We learn more about her childhood but also about her marriage to the horrible Kip. Eventually, she too was a victim of her husband's meanness and narrow-mindedness. It didn't make me forget what she put Jennifer (her daughter) through, but I understood her reasoning and motivations. She moved me. She is a very strong woman with specific ideas of what she wants. She is an older woman than the heroines we are used to so her romantic expectations are a little different from a younger woman even if deep down, she dreams of being courted and loved like all of us.
I really enjoyed having a more mature heroine, more of my age. A heroine who has succeeded professionally and who knows how to stand up to men. I loved knowing how she feels for her children, what she is ready to do for them. I liked that she loves and accepts Jason (Mr Repo) despite everything that separates them. But what I liked the most is that she realizes her past mistakes, that she feels guilty and that she tries by all means to redeem herself with her children. The evolution of this character is particularly impressive and very well explained.
Jason works for a heinous gang we know well. He assumes his life, his choices. He's honest with Diane and makes it clear to her that he doesn't want someone to change him. Even if Diane will change his life. I had a lot of questions about this character. He seemed more respectful and humane than his fellow bikers so how did he fall into this gang? How does he support Razor and Romeo? How involved is he in illegal activities? How far did he go in the violence? Penny Reid explains where he comes from, why he made certain choices. Her work on Jason's character is very clever. He never apologizes for what he is, what he has done. He explains his point of view but without despair. Its reasons are logical. As a reader, I do not excuse him for working with such cruel characters, but I understand that he chose these men for "family". Even though they are criminals, they are criminals who take responsibility for their dark side and their crimes. Because yes, among good people, there are hypocritical and hidden criminals.
I loved that this man was honest but also protective and reassuring. I loved his priorities which ultimately are the ones everyone should have: protecting the people we love. I liked his character, his desire to stay himself, his way of loving Diane despite her faults. I loved that he was even smarter and more sensitive than we imagined. I liked that he doesn't speak to say nothing, that he takes responsibility for his decisions and behaves like a mature man.
Diane and Jason are two different characters from each other but also very different from the characters we are used to. More mature, with "adult" flaws, with different concerns but still a man and a woman who want to be loved and take care of their loved ones. The author surprises us with her choices but as always everything is very well done, intelligently explained and told. We find Jennifer with pleasure and above all, I want to read the book on "Twilight". Beard in Hiding is a smart romance that cannot be ignored. I loved it!
But Penny Reid is a talented author capable of giving depth to her characters, capable of making us see beyond appearances.
We discover Diane in a new light. We learn more about her childhood but also about her marriage to the horrible Kip. Eventually, she too was a victim of her husband's meanness and narrow-mindedness. It didn't make me forget what she put Jennifer (her daughter) through, but I understood her reasoning and motivations. She moved me. She is a very strong woman with specific ideas of what she wants. She is an older woman than the heroines we are used to so her romantic expectations are a little different from a younger woman even if deep down, she dreams of being courted and loved like all of us.
I really enjoyed having a more mature heroine, more of my age. A heroine who has succeeded professionally and who knows how to stand up to men. I loved knowing how she feels for her children, what she is ready to do for them. I liked that she loves and accepts Jason (Mr Repo) despite everything that separates them. But what I liked the most is that she realizes her past mistakes, that she feels guilty and that she tries by all means to redeem herself with her children. The evolution of this character is particularly impressive and very well explained.
Jason works for a heinous gang we know well. He assumes his life, his choices. He's honest with Diane and makes it clear to her that he doesn't want someone to change him. Even if Diane will change his life. I had a lot of questions about this character. He seemed more respectful and humane than his fellow bikers so how did he fall into this gang? How does he support Razor and Romeo? How involved is he in illegal activities? How far did he go in the violence? Penny Reid explains where he comes from, why he made certain choices. Her work on Jason's character is very clever. He never apologizes for what he is, what he has done. He explains his point of view but without despair. Its reasons are logical. As a reader, I do not excuse him for working with such cruel characters, but I understand that he chose these men for "family". Even though they are criminals, they are criminals who take responsibility for their dark side and their crimes. Because yes, among good people, there are hypocritical and hidden criminals.
I loved that this man was honest but also protective and reassuring. I loved his priorities which ultimately are the ones everyone should have: protecting the people we love. I liked his character, his desire to stay himself, his way of loving Diane despite her faults. I loved that he was even smarter and more sensitive than we imagined. I liked that he doesn't speak to say nothing, that he takes responsibility for his decisions and behaves like a mature man.
Diane and Jason are two different characters from each other but also very different from the characters we are used to. More mature, with "adult" flaws, with different concerns but still a man and a woman who want to be loved and take care of their loved ones. The author surprises us with her choices but as always everything is very well done, intelligently explained and told. We find Jennifer with pleasure and above all, I want to read the book on "Twilight". Beard in Hiding is a smart romance that cannot be ignored. I loved it!
January 9, 2022
God this was so good. SO. GOOD.
First off let me say that you have to read all of the Winston Brothers series and the first 2 books of Cletus and Jenn Mysteries before reading this. No exceptions.
This was a redemption story and a love story I had no idea that I needed in my life, but I do. And what’s rare about it is it’s the redemption of a female character. I’ve read many romances where a male villain gets redeemed in a subsequent book, and oftentimes I would find that they become my favorite heroes. For some reason I haven’t read many stories where a female character gets redeemed to the point where she becomes a favorite. In most cases, I can’t get past what made her so horrible to begin with. I’m not sure if it’s a double standard or what, whether I’m being extra harsh and unforgiving to female characters, idk. All I know is that this book was a game changer. Diane Donner has been redeemed. And now she is up there in the faves category.
Penny Reid’s writing is gorgeous. I love the way her mind works. This story has so much heart, without once being cheesy or making me roll my eyes.
And I love Repo/Jason. I’m so happy he got this story. This whole thing just made me feel good.
*******I’m starting to suspect that whether or not I like a book depends completely on my mood and that I am unable to be objective. Maybe I should stop reviewing books*********
First off let me say that you have to read all of the Winston Brothers series and the first 2 books of Cletus and Jenn Mysteries before reading this. No exceptions.
This was a redemption story and a love story I had no idea that I needed in my life, but I do. And what’s rare about it is it’s the redemption of a female character. I’ve read many romances where a male villain gets redeemed in a subsequent book, and oftentimes I would find that they become my favorite heroes. For some reason I haven’t read many stories where a female character gets redeemed to the point where she becomes a favorite. In most cases, I can’t get past what made her so horrible to begin with. I’m not sure if it’s a double standard or what, whether I’m being extra harsh and unforgiving to female characters, idk. All I know is that this book was a game changer. Diane Donner has been redeemed. And now she is up there in the faves category.
Penny Reid’s writing is gorgeous. I love the way her mind works. This story has so much heart, without once being cheesy or making me roll my eyes.
And I love Repo/Jason. I’m so happy he got this story. This whole thing just made me feel good.
*******I’m starting to suspect that whether or not I like a book depends completely on my mood and that I am unable to be objective. Maybe I should stop reviewing books*********
January 23, 2023
Another fun addition to the bearded brothers. Don't miss it
November 15, 2021
“Certainly, neither of us were perfect. And perhaps that made us perfect for each other.”
This book was such a treat for fans of ether Winston Brothers and the Solving for Pie series. That being said, you must read the books in order, there are huge spoilers in this book if you have not read the previous books!
Having read the other books and series, you would definitely go into this book knowing the general outcome, but you get so much from Diane and Jason’s story. Penny really tugged on my heart with this one. I especially loved getting to know Jason more, and seeing more of Isaac.
I went into this book curious about Diane, and I had a lot of empathy from the previous peaks we’ve gotten of her. I loved her, and how much she loved her kids. This book really hit me emotionally, Penny’s writing was impeccable.
“Just when we think our path is set and we’re cruising along toward the inevitable tomorrow, the good Lord sees fit to throw a sexy, sweet motorcycle man in my path to shake everything up.”
This book was such a treat for fans of ether Winston Brothers and the Solving for Pie series. That being said, you must read the books in order, there are huge spoilers in this book if you have not read the previous books!
Having read the other books and series, you would definitely go into this book knowing the general outcome, but you get so much from Diane and Jason’s story. Penny really tugged on my heart with this one. I especially loved getting to know Jason more, and seeing more of Isaac.
I went into this book curious about Diane, and I had a lot of empathy from the previous peaks we’ve gotten of her. I loved her, and how much she loved her kids. This book really hit me emotionally, Penny’s writing was impeccable.
“Just when we think our path is set and we’re cruising along toward the inevitable tomorrow, the good Lord sees fit to throw a sexy, sweet motorcycle man in my path to shake everything up.”
December 2, 2021
Oh.My.Heart. I had no idea how much I would be rooting for Jason and Diane to find their happiness. I mean, the money man for the Iron Wraiths and the upstanding Diane Donner do NOT seem like they'd be a solid match, but BOY did they make it work.
For the record, I'd forgotten some of the dangerous drama Diane (and Jennifer) had been involved in after the separation and divorce from Kip. From late night confrontations at the Piggly Wiggly to being left for dead near boxes of bees to the murrrrder that took place. THINGS HAPPENED and ohmygoodness I had forgotten that poor Diane kept being put in the middle of things.
But it's not all drama and dangerous hijinks. There's the whole thing blossoming between Jason and Diane. It starts with a one night stand (Diane knows what she wants and the sexy, brooding Repo is it) and goes from there. Jason's utter bewilderment that Diane wanted him even though she knows he was a criminal and had done bad things before was...well, it was sweet. He was trying to keep her safe by keeping his distance and she just gave him all her wants and feelings in one fell swoop and he completely didn't know what to do about it.
Familiar faces, dangerous situations, a sweet, sometimes complicated relationship, a woman trying to find herself after a rough divorce, and a man who loves hard in the hidden parts of his heart. I genuinely adore spending time in Green Valley (and with those Winstons) and loved loved loved watching the money man and the upstanding lady find their happy place.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
For the record, I'd forgotten some of the dangerous drama Diane (and Jennifer) had been involved in after the separation and divorce from Kip. From late night confrontations at the Piggly Wiggly to being left for dead near boxes of bees to the murrrrder that took place. THINGS HAPPENED and ohmygoodness I had forgotten that poor Diane kept being put in the middle of things.
But it's not all drama and dangerous hijinks. There's the whole thing blossoming between Jason and Diane. It starts with a one night stand (Diane knows what she wants and the sexy, brooding Repo is it) and goes from there. Jason's utter bewilderment that Diane wanted him even though she knows he was a criminal and had done bad things before was...well, it was sweet. He was trying to keep her safe by keeping his distance and she just gave him all her wants and feelings in one fell swoop and he completely didn't know what to do about it.
Familiar faces, dangerous situations, a sweet, sometimes complicated relationship, a woman trying to find herself after a rough divorce, and a man who loves hard in the hidden parts of his heart. I genuinely adore spending time in Green Valley (and with those Winstons) and loved loved loved watching the money man and the upstanding lady find their happy place.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 23, 2021
Beard In Hiding by Penny Reid
‘“No.” Diane inched closer, her tone quieter. “Do you want to belong to someone?”
Rearing back, I turned completely from the sink, and watched the scowl on her gorgeous face morph into something soft and searching.
“Because-” She lifted her hands like she might grab me for a hug, but then stopped herself, folding her twisting fingers under chin. “ Because I’d like you. I’d like you to be mine. Very much.”’
This is the one and only book that I’ve managed to read in about a month. Or, just slightly less than a month. My mind, heart and soul are all so used to being fed a consistent diet of love stories, but a few things happened in my personal life over the last while that caused me to stumble, to step back, to lose that anticipatory feeling of falling in love with new characters. I was scared to open a new book. I couldn’t look at my bookshelves. I buried my kindle in a drawer. My reading room lay abandoned, everything collecting dust. I started to use it as a storage room for Christmas decorations. I knew my review was due in for Beard in Hiding and still my body was fighting severe anxiety but one day last week, the kids were at school, the house was quiet and so I unearthed my kindle and I figured that I would just open this one book and read the first chapter, that way I would have started it at the very least.
I managed to read the whole story in a day.
I giggle-snorted my way through most of it. I sobbed through some. I felt joy and hope and sadness and elation - I felt everything. The magic in a great story should never be underestimated. Once again, author Penny Reid, with her extraordinary way with words, her innate ability to see to the heart of people, her passion tearing up each page and just her awe-inspiring ability to create breathtaking and profound romance stories, saved a piece of me. A very large piece of me.
Beard In Hiding isn’t just a unique love story about forty-something year olds, it goes much deeper than that. You can feel it in the way Diane is introspective and honest about who she was in the past and who she hopes to become in the future. You can see it in how Repo is so much more than just a bad boy (man) biker with the Iron Wraiths. He’s good, even when he would tell you he’s a bad man, he’s innately decent.
Diane and Repo are complex characters, layered, raw and very real. Life didn’t give them a great start, each character having gone through a tumult of difficulties, of hurt and dashed expectations but still they find hope in each other, in their children.
They have a connection right from the start, unorthodox, unexpected but sizzling with intense passion. Something that sparks and ignites with Penny Reid’s scintillating way of choreographing her more sensual scenes. They are intensely passionate, powerful and liberating, particularly for Diane. I loved how she was striving to reclaim the woman she was underneath the shell of the pod person her husband shaped her to be. This story humanised her. She wasn’t simply Jenn’s caustic mother from Beard Science. She was a woman battling her own inner turmoil, guilt, heartbreak and fear.
I’ve waffled on long enough I think so I better wrap it up quickly. Beard In Hiding is an exciting, thought-provoking, sensual and remarkable love story between two people from opposite sides of the spectrum. It’s sexy, sweet and a blatant reminder that life is only beginning in your forties. If I’ve taken anything from this beautiful book, it’s this: Travel, take chances, fall in love, forgive yourself for past mistakes and most important of all - find someone that makes you orgasm before they do.
‘“No.” Diane inched closer, her tone quieter. “Do you want to belong to someone?”
Rearing back, I turned completely from the sink, and watched the scowl on her gorgeous face morph into something soft and searching.
“Because-” She lifted her hands like she might grab me for a hug, but then stopped herself, folding her twisting fingers under chin. “ Because I’d like you. I’d like you to be mine. Very much.”’
This is the one and only book that I’ve managed to read in about a month. Or, just slightly less than a month. My mind, heart and soul are all so used to being fed a consistent diet of love stories, but a few things happened in my personal life over the last while that caused me to stumble, to step back, to lose that anticipatory feeling of falling in love with new characters. I was scared to open a new book. I couldn’t look at my bookshelves. I buried my kindle in a drawer. My reading room lay abandoned, everything collecting dust. I started to use it as a storage room for Christmas decorations. I knew my review was due in for Beard in Hiding and still my body was fighting severe anxiety but one day last week, the kids were at school, the house was quiet and so I unearthed my kindle and I figured that I would just open this one book and read the first chapter, that way I would have started it at the very least.
I managed to read the whole story in a day.
I giggle-snorted my way through most of it. I sobbed through some. I felt joy and hope and sadness and elation - I felt everything. The magic in a great story should never be underestimated. Once again, author Penny Reid, with her extraordinary way with words, her innate ability to see to the heart of people, her passion tearing up each page and just her awe-inspiring ability to create breathtaking and profound romance stories, saved a piece of me. A very large piece of me.
Beard In Hiding isn’t just a unique love story about forty-something year olds, it goes much deeper than that. You can feel it in the way Diane is introspective and honest about who she was in the past and who she hopes to become in the future. You can see it in how Repo is so much more than just a bad boy (man) biker with the Iron Wraiths. He’s good, even when he would tell you he’s a bad man, he’s innately decent.
Diane and Repo are complex characters, layered, raw and very real. Life didn’t give them a great start, each character having gone through a tumult of difficulties, of hurt and dashed expectations but still they find hope in each other, in their children.
They have a connection right from the start, unorthodox, unexpected but sizzling with intense passion. Something that sparks and ignites with Penny Reid’s scintillating way of choreographing her more sensual scenes. They are intensely passionate, powerful and liberating, particularly for Diane. I loved how she was striving to reclaim the woman she was underneath the shell of the pod person her husband shaped her to be. This story humanised her. She wasn’t simply Jenn’s caustic mother from Beard Science. She was a woman battling her own inner turmoil, guilt, heartbreak and fear.
I’ve waffled on long enough I think so I better wrap it up quickly. Beard In Hiding is an exciting, thought-provoking, sensual and remarkable love story between two people from opposite sides of the spectrum. It’s sexy, sweet and a blatant reminder that life is only beginning in your forties. If I’ve taken anything from this beautiful book, it’s this: Travel, take chances, fall in love, forgive yourself for past mistakes and most important of all - find someone that makes you orgasm before they do.
November 16, 2021
I was so excited to get this story, since it mostly happens on the fringes of the other books we’ve read, and I wanted all the details! And because of all the back story and fill in details from other books we kind of get, that brought this up to a 5 star read for me. I’d downgrade to a 4.9 stars, because I’m 49 and sometimes it is hard for me to read about people being “older” when they’re in their 40s. I mean, I know I’m old, but as a never married, childless 49 year old, sometimes reading those things bothers me.
BUT, I love these characters and I wanted so much more to know about them! I only wish maybe we’d gotten a little bit more on Repo’s (Jason’s) background. We got a lot, don’t get me wrong, but I’d love to know more about his military days. And we heard about Diane’s past, but again, maybe there was a little more we could have learned about her. But, yeah, another but, that’s okay, because I loved this story of the two of them connecting. More than that I love, love, loved getting Diane’s story for during the time period that her ex-husband played such a big part in the Solving for Pie series. It filled in perfectly with the books that this one is set in between. I can’t say much more about some of it, because it would be spoilery if you haven’t read those books yet, which you should, and you can read my reviews for all of them at the links below this review.
The author left it with a “ride off into the sunset” type of ending. Which normally might annoy me, but since I know that Reid does a lot of extra stories all the time, I’ll hope for some of Diane and Jason’s travel experiences in those future little tidbits.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
BUT, I love these characters and I wanted so much more to know about them! I only wish maybe we’d gotten a little bit more on Repo’s (Jason’s) background. We got a lot, don’t get me wrong, but I’d love to know more about his military days. And we heard about Diane’s past, but again, maybe there was a little more we could have learned about her. But, yeah, another but, that’s okay, because I loved this story of the two of them connecting. More than that I love, love, loved getting Diane’s story for during the time period that her ex-husband played such a big part in the Solving for Pie series. It filled in perfectly with the books that this one is set in between. I can’t say much more about some of it, because it would be spoilery if you haven’t read those books yet, which you should, and you can read my reviews for all of them at the links below this review.
The author left it with a “ride off into the sunset” type of ending. Which normally might annoy me, but since I know that Reid does a lot of extra stories all the time, I’ll hope for some of Diane and Jason’s travel experiences in those future little tidbits.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
December 4, 2021
This will be a Future Fan Favorite 💕
This is a story for Penny Reid fans!! It’s been a long time since I’ve anticipated a book’s release, but I was waiting for this one. I would have stood in line at midnight for it,LOL! I first read about Diane and Repo in a Beardy Bonus last Christmas season. The short story was my favorite and I found myself going back to it again and again. I think I was shocked at the pairing, it was just so unexpected. You need to read Cletus’ And Duane’s Winston Brothers’ books as well as the Mystery series that’s out to fully understand the dynamic. Dianne and Repo (Jason) finally get their shine. They are side characters we’ve seen in previous reads. They are far from perfect, but their authenticity makes them interesting. Also, these are middle aged people, not the 20-30 something year old characters 99% of romantic comedies showcase, which was refreshing. This was a masterpiece. Her writing, with fun and spice folded in, showcases an unparalleled depth of insight into the human mind. I’ve read the Knitting in the City Series, the other books in the Winston Brothers series and the Folking Around series too. This is her best work In my opinion. I rarely give 5 stars, let alone write a review, but this is worth it. Go get it and read it already!
This is a story for Penny Reid fans!! It’s been a long time since I’ve anticipated a book’s release, but I was waiting for this one. I would have stood in line at midnight for it,LOL! I first read about Diane and Repo in a Beardy Bonus last Christmas season. The short story was my favorite and I found myself going back to it again and again. I think I was shocked at the pairing, it was just so unexpected. You need to read Cletus’ And Duane’s Winston Brothers’ books as well as the Mystery series that’s out to fully understand the dynamic. Dianne and Repo (Jason) finally get their shine. They are side characters we’ve seen in previous reads. They are far from perfect, but their authenticity makes them interesting. Also, these are middle aged people, not the 20-30 something year old characters 99% of romantic comedies showcase, which was refreshing. This was a masterpiece. Her writing, with fun and spice folded in, showcases an unparalleled depth of insight into the human mind. I’ve read the Knitting in the City Series, the other books in the Winston Brothers series and the Folking Around series too. This is her best work In my opinion. I rarely give 5 stars, let alone write a review, but this is worth it. Go get it and read it already!
September 8, 2022
Me ha parecido original porque la pareja protagonista tiene entre 45 y 50 años, más bien cincuenta.
Además, no pueden ser más diferentes, ella es la típica mujer que aparenta tener mucho éxito, ser muy feliz, tiene dinero, dos hijos... recién divorciada, decide que quiere algo más; interiormente su vida es una m***** y no ha sido nunca feliz; con un padre alcohólico, de casa a los 18 con un imbecil...
Él también ha tenido una vida triste, sobre toda la infancia, pero exteriormente tiene la pinta de un tío duro, motero, pero con corazoncito; no es para nada lo que aparenta ser.
La pareja protagonista tiene su final feliz, pero algo agridulce... otras tramas quedan como abiertas y eso no permite su pfinal 100%. Imagino que al ser una saga de libros se resuelven esyos conflictos pendientes en otros libros, pero eso me ha sorprendido no precisamente para bien...
Además, no pueden ser más diferentes, ella es la típica mujer que aparenta tener mucho éxito, ser muy feliz, tiene dinero, dos hijos... recién divorciada, decide que quiere algo más; interiormente su vida es una m***** y no ha sido nunca feliz; con un padre alcohólico, de casa a los 18 con un imbecil...
Él también ha tenido una vida triste, sobre toda la infancia, pero exteriormente tiene la pinta de un tío duro, motero, pero con corazoncito; no es para nada lo que aparenta ser.
La pareja protagonista tiene su final feliz, pero algo agridulce... otras tramas quedan como abiertas y eso no permite su pfinal 100%. Imagino que al ser una saga de libros se resuelven esyos conflictos pendientes en otros libros, pero eso me ha sorprendido no precisamente para bien...
November 16, 2021
This book fills in on Diane and Jason story and it so was fun especially seeing Jenn.
December 6, 2021
Penny Reid did it again. I have a weakness for confident, badass women and men who love it. Diane owned her mistakes and changed it, her story, and her character growth was beautiful to read. I started loving Jason in Beard in Waiting and wanted more of these characters and I completely loved it. It is hard to give anything by Penny Reid especially the Winston brother series under 5 stars!!
Also Is there a book for Isaac? I'm very curious about his version of the story.
Also Is there a book for Isaac? I'm very curious about his version of the story.
November 19, 2021
This was a book I didn’t know I needed, but it was terrific! I loved seeing events from other books played out from a different perspective.
Having said that, this is not the Penny Reid book you want to start with. I recommend starting with Beauty and the Mustache. There are way too many spoilers in this book to start here!
The romance between Repo (Jason) and Diane (snooty mom) is an unlikely one to say the least. And honestly, we shouldn’t have a very favorable opinion of either of these characters. Repo is the “money guy” for a very bad gang of motorcycle dudes and Diane was introduced to us an uber-controlling mom who forced her daughter into being a character rather than her authentic self.
There were scenes in the story that made me laugh out loud. Diane chanting orgasm to an embarrassed Repo was so awesome and out of character. And the romantic scenes between these two were spicy and wonderful. Yay for Diane getting her feminine power back!
I so enjoyed getting to know them better and understanding their motivations and backstories. You develop a lot of compassion and empathy for them while reading this book. I really, really, really want to read the outtake of Repo talking with his daughter.
Once you know all the facts, you cannot help but root for these two. Because everyone deserves to have a full heart and even though they found each other later in life, they have finally found their person.
Loved it!
Having said that, this is not the Penny Reid book you want to start with. I recommend starting with Beauty and the Mustache. There are way too many spoilers in this book to start here!
The romance between Repo (Jason) and Diane (snooty mom) is an unlikely one to say the least. And honestly, we shouldn’t have a very favorable opinion of either of these characters. Repo is the “money guy” for a very bad gang of motorcycle dudes and Diane was introduced to us an uber-controlling mom who forced her daughter into being a character rather than her authentic self.
There were scenes in the story that made me laugh out loud. Diane chanting orgasm to an embarrassed Repo was so awesome and out of character. And the romantic scenes between these two were spicy and wonderful. Yay for Diane getting her feminine power back!
I so enjoyed getting to know them better and understanding their motivations and backstories. You develop a lot of compassion and empathy for them while reading this book. I really, really, really want to read the outtake of Repo talking with his daughter.
Once you know all the facts, you cannot help but root for these two. Because everyone deserves to have a full heart and even though they found each other later in life, they have finally found their person.
Loved it!
May 14, 2022
well there is that I guess..
in the hindsight, I shouldn't even this book
do not like Diane and have read all of Jenn and Cletus's books so I knew what happens here
whatever...
in the hindsight, I shouldn't even this book
do not like Diane and have read all of Jenn and Cletus's books so I knew what happens here
whatever...
Read
August 20, 2021I haven't read this yet, but does anyone know if it will it be out in audio book, and if yes, will it be narrated by the WONDERFUL Chris Brinkley? I love this series and find myself listening over and over to Beard with Me and Beard Necessities. I LOVE Beard With Me.... it is so innocent and deep and really sets the ground for their great love for each other.
November 20, 2021
4.5 “I want to belong to you” stars
I never thought I’d want a Diane Donner book. Honestly, I never really liked her but I am so glad I took a chance on it because I ended up loving it. Beard in Hiding is just what I needed to make me feel something for Diane and I really enjoyed getting her story and the love she finds with Repo/Jason.
You never know exactly what you’re going to get when you open a Penny Reid book, just that it will be complex, well developed, entertaining, smart, and amazing. Beard in Hiding brings us Diane and Repo and their unexpected and forbidden romance, and it had everything I have come to love from this author’s writing. It is thoughtful, funny, steamy, and has a whole lot of heart. There is suspense and surprises, and we get so much more than I could have hoped for.
The reason Diane first goes to see Repo isn’t something I saw coming. I liked how she ended up laying it all out there and loved Repo's reaction. They share an amazing night together but Diane is gone in the morning.
A year later they are brought back together and things escalate from there. I loved the progression of their relationship and I thought the forbidden aspects were well written. I loved their maturity and honesty. There wasn’t drama when it came to what and who they wanted. They were straightforward and really great together. Diane and Repo shouldn’t click but they do. They trust each other and I felt it. Their love and their fear are very real, and I love the self-awareness and growth they go through as they are given a second chance at finding love.
I loved how Diane owned her past. She wasn’t a great mother and she wants to make things right. Her regret and the drive to be better was strong and believable. I felt her love for her children. We get a whole new side to Repo and I really fell for him. He’s not considered a “good” man but he is not the bad guy everyone, including himself, thinks he is. He proves time and time again that he really is a good guy when it matters most.
I really enjoyed the book and though I loved the ending, I actually wanted more. How Penny Reid can take characters who are not the most likable and leave us loving them and wanting more proves she has an amazing ability to bring her characters to life and make them memorable. I appreciated this story so much more than I thought I could and I am glad she took a chance on Diane.
I have to add that I love that we revisit scenes from previous books and seeing some of my favorite Winston Brothers characters put a smile on my face!
*ARC generously provided but the author*
I never thought I’d want a Diane Donner book. Honestly, I never really liked her but I am so glad I took a chance on it because I ended up loving it. Beard in Hiding is just what I needed to make me feel something for Diane and I really enjoyed getting her story and the love she finds with Repo/Jason.
You never know exactly what you’re going to get when you open a Penny Reid book, just that it will be complex, well developed, entertaining, smart, and amazing. Beard in Hiding brings us Diane and Repo and their unexpected and forbidden romance, and it had everything I have come to love from this author’s writing. It is thoughtful, funny, steamy, and has a whole lot of heart. There is suspense and surprises, and we get so much more than I could have hoped for.
The reason Diane first goes to see Repo isn’t something I saw coming. I liked how she ended up laying it all out there and loved Repo's reaction. They share an amazing night together but Diane is gone in the morning.
A year later they are brought back together and things escalate from there. I loved the progression of their relationship and I thought the forbidden aspects were well written. I loved their maturity and honesty. There wasn’t drama when it came to what and who they wanted. They were straightforward and really great together. Diane and Repo shouldn’t click but they do. They trust each other and I felt it. Their love and their fear are very real, and I love the self-awareness and growth they go through as they are given a second chance at finding love.
I loved how Diane owned her past. She wasn’t a great mother and she wants to make things right. Her regret and the drive to be better was strong and believable. I felt her love for her children. We get a whole new side to Repo and I really fell for him. He’s not considered a “good” man but he is not the bad guy everyone, including himself, thinks he is. He proves time and time again that he really is a good guy when it matters most.
I really enjoyed the book and though I loved the ending, I actually wanted more. How Penny Reid can take characters who are not the most likable and leave us loving them and wanting more proves she has an amazing ability to bring her characters to life and make them memorable. I appreciated this story so much more than I thought I could and I am glad she took a chance on Diane.
Certainly, neither of us were perfect. And perhaps that made us perfect for each other.
I have to add that I love that we revisit scenes from previous books and seeing some of my favorite Winston Brothers characters put a smile on my face!
*ARC generously provided but the author*
November 17, 2021
I struggle with how I feel about this book, and therefore how to rate it.
I'd like to try a metaphor. It's like a hot chocolate that is slightly too sweet, after you've already had one, and really only needed one. It's sweet. Maybe a bit too much. You already had what you wanted, and now went for a bit more than was needed. Which makes it not as enjoyable, because the one hot chocolate you wanted to enjoy was already done, and it's no longer just a one-off treat. But then, it's a hot chococlate, and it gives you a nice warm hug and you really can't argue with that.
Okay, all of that to say... I love Repo and Diane. Repo is not a good man, but he is a good man. At heart, truly. In his convictions, he does have his priorities straight and looks at the world with a right head on his shoulders.
Then Diane.. gosh, how I hated her in Beard Science, Worst Mom of the Decade award? Easily. And she doesn't just get off easy for it from me, and she doesn't even do it herself, which is good to see, some selfawareness.
After Beard in Waiting, the short story from Penny out of nowhere, I was invested. I wanted these two that in no way fit together. I wanted more. So we got more, in the Winstons, and in the mystery books. Glimpses here, details there, explanations to follow. And now their own story. I loved it and enjoyed it...... buuut. Their chemistry comes across well on the page, it sparks, it flies, I love their banter, their back and forth, and I really root for them. But. I felt like I had either already read 25% of it, known about the content of another 50% and been able to imagine how the other 25% went. It was the proper lighting on a decorated house I'd already seen - yes more nonsensical metaphors. Nice. Very cute, sweet, even a bit steamy, but in the end, really only their take on events with some (very nice, arguably) character and relationship development in the middle. But events we already had known about or actually seen play out from someone else's POV.
In a way, you have to have read the other books in order to understand and not spoil yourself.. but then it is a bit repetetive for my taste. BUT THEN I STILL ENJOYED DIANE AND REPO.. the magic of Penny's writing. 3.5 stars
I'd like to try a metaphor. It's like a hot chocolate that is slightly too sweet, after you've already had one, and really only needed one. It's sweet. Maybe a bit too much. You already had what you wanted, and now went for a bit more than was needed. Which makes it not as enjoyable, because the one hot chocolate you wanted to enjoy was already done, and it's no longer just a one-off treat. But then, it's a hot chococlate, and it gives you a nice warm hug and you really can't argue with that.
Okay, all of that to say... I love Repo and Diane. Repo is not a good man, but he is a good man. At heart, truly. In his convictions, he does have his priorities straight and looks at the world with a right head on his shoulders.
Then Diane.. gosh, how I hated her in Beard Science, Worst Mom of the Decade award? Easily. And she doesn't just get off easy for it from me, and she doesn't even do it herself, which is good to see, some selfawareness.
After Beard in Waiting, the short story from Penny out of nowhere, I was invested. I wanted these two that in no way fit together. I wanted more. So we got more, in the Winstons, and in the mystery books. Glimpses here, details there, explanations to follow. And now their own story. I loved it and enjoyed it...... buuut. Their chemistry comes across well on the page, it sparks, it flies, I love their banter, their back and forth, and I really root for them. But. I felt like I had either already read 25% of it, known about the content of another 50% and been able to imagine how the other 25% went. It was the proper lighting on a decorated house I'd already seen - yes more nonsensical metaphors. Nice. Very cute, sweet, even a bit steamy, but in the end, really only their take on events with some (very nice, arguably) character and relationship development in the middle. But events we already had known about or actually seen play out from someone else's POV.
In a way, you have to have read the other books in order to understand and not spoil yourself.. but then it is a bit repetetive for my taste. BUT THEN I STILL ENJOYED DIANE AND REPO.. the magic of Penny's writing. 3.5 stars
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