Beard with Me
(Winston Brothers, #6)

by Penny Reid

 

Released – 16 September 2019

 

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Blurb

‘Beard With Me’ is the origin story of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire (aka Claire McClure) and is just the beginning of their epic love story.

No one is better at surviving than Scarlet St. Claire and making the best out of circumstances beyond her control is Scarlet’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, she’d be the last person on earth, hermitting like a pro, singing along to her CD Walkman, and dancing like no one is watching.

Scarlet is clever, Scarlet is careful, and Scarlet is smart . . . except when it comes to Billy Winston.

No one is better at fighting than Billy Winston and raging against his circumstances—because nothing is beyond his control—is Billy’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, he’d be the first person on earth to lead others to safety, overcome catastrophe, or die trying.

Billy is fearless, Billy is disciplined, and Billy is honorable . . . except when it comes to Scarlet St. Claire.

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Review

5 “Dream bigger” stars!

Beard with Me is Billy and Scarlet/Claire’s backstory and as Penny Reid states in her Authors Note, “this book is not a romance, it is a tragic love story.” And that is the truth.  I was worried when I began this story because I knew it would break me. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. It’s harsh and raw. Real and heartbreaking. Though it is gut wrenchingly painful, it is also wonderfully emotive, and I loved it!

Billy and Scarlet are two original characters who have intrigued me from the moment I met them. Their love story has been a mystery and now that we have their past, I am even more desperate for their future.

Scarlet is strong and genuine and kind. She is so unlike the other Iron Wraiths kids and she doesn’t fit in with them. But she doesn’t she fit in with the non-Iron Wraiths either. Her daddy is the president of the club and for the most part he has a hold over her and dictates her actions. The things she endures made me cry. However, she is resilient and she does not break. I couldn’t help but love her heart and her witty personality.

Billy is the Winston boy who has had to take care of his family since his oldest brother left to join the Iron Wraiths. He is so often times misunderstood but he has such a big heart. His family means everything to him and he will do anything to protect them. He is endearing even when he is blunt or comes across as rude. I found a deeper understanding of the relationships between Billy and his family. Even with all the frustrations between brothers they still care and love each other. I see why Billy makes decisions he does and where he is coming from. Some of the interactions between them were crushing, and even though I knew everything works out for the other Winston brothers, it was still hard to experience the conflicts.

Billy and Scarlet don’t hide the fact that they hate each other and when Billy finds Scarlet on their property he isn’t thrilled. His anger doesn’t stop his mother from showing her wisdom and heart, and he finds himself spending more time with Scarlett.

“My sweet boy, you need to have faith. The Lord would not have put her in our path if He didn’t want us to help. I believe that. We are being called. And when you’re called, you answer, even if it’s inconvenient, even when it’s scary. Actually, especially then.”

Over time Billy and Scarlet get to know each other and their hate takes on a different form. They understand each other and their connection grows stronger. Billy gets Scarlet to dream and hope, and they can imagine a different future from what they expect. The young love that blooms out of beautiful friendship is breathtaking and true. The more it swelled in my heart, the more devastated I knew I’d be when it all ends.

“I’d do anything—anything—to keep her safe, even let her go.”

Billy and Scarlet’s backstory made me cry. I hurt for them. It’s not fair how things went down. However, Beard with Me is just be beginning of Billy and Scarlett’s love story. Now, I need their happily-ever-after. They remain in my heart and mind and I cannot wait for more. I’m hoping Beard Necessities will finally give Billy and Scarlet a second chance to rekindle first love!

If the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts, then my soul was Scarlet.

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

 

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Winston Brothers

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About the Author

Penny Reid is the USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

 

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