Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers, #4)

by Penny Reid

[stacey_is_sassy]

It’s easy to judge on face value

I probably shouldn’t talk about my family as much as I do in my reviews, but I can’t help compare when I’m reading. Beard in Mind made me think about my son. Not just because I’m his mother (well not only because of it), I can honestly say that my son is strikingly good looking. Has been from the day he was born. He has big green eyes, long eyelashes, full and pouty lips, tan skin and a long and lean swimmers body (not a swimmer, just looks like one). All his life, he has had people comment on his looks. Strangers have walked up to us and made mention of it. He could easily become a model, and we’ve contemplated getting photos of him for a folio. Except, there’s one small problem…he doesn’t like attention focused on him. I’d even say, that he’s not overly confident.

I am the first person (very guiltily mind you) to think…OMG!! You’re so good looking. Why aren’t you the most popular boy at school? Why don’t you smirk at all the pretty girls?

Well, plain and simple, he just doesn’t care about those things. My beautiful son is a…duh…duh…duhhh…GAMER NERD. Sit him in a room by himself with an Xbox, and he’s one happy 14-year-old.

Anyways, I know, with first-hand knowledge, that people can easily judge by looks alone. People expect my son to be confident and outgoing. Don't get me wrong, he's polite and sweet, but he won't initiate a conversation with a stranger EVER.

Shelly Sullivan is one of the most beautiful women around. Then…she opens her mouth. With no filter whatsoever, she will tell you exactly what she’s thinking and those hits can hurt like all buggery. If you didn’t know any better, you could easily mistake her for one of the meanest people in existence. Lucky for her, one of the nicest people in existence looks below the surface.

Beau Winston is absolutely gobsmacked by the beauty of Shelly. At first, like everyone else, he attempts to get to “know” her better. This, unfortunately, does not go well and he crashes and burns. The best way for him to handle the situation is by completely avoiding interaction with her. This isn’t as easy as it seems seeing as they work together and she offends most of their customers. Absolutely frustrated, he starts looking at Shelly a little closer and notices "things".

Shelly has OCD and has struggled for many years with it. She has moved away from family so that she can be treated by a doctor so she can “fix” herself. I’ll be honest with you here, Shelly is one of my favourite characters that Penny Reid has ever created. I have a huge soft spot for characters like Shelly, who struggle with their need for perfection. Shelly wants to be normal and interact with people like normal people do. It’s not an easy fix, like when you have a toothache and go to the dentist to fix it. With time and patience, Shelly learns to deal with some of her issues. It definitely helps when Beau reaches out to help and his touch soothes her worries.

I absolutely loved Beard in Mind. From the very first page, I was enthralled. Besides getting to see Shelly and Beau’s beautiful connection, we get to catch up with the Winston’s. Beau is struggling with Duane leaving with Jess soon. Cletus is being his usual nutty self. Billy’s on the sidelines, observing, mentoring and protecting. We also get a glimpse of Shelly brother, Quinn Sullivan and his wife Janie. There is a new development that comes to light with the Winston’s connection to the Wraiths motorcycle club. I really hope that Cletus “deals” with those buggers soon. I’m guessing that things may get resolved when Billy gets his story. I REALLY WANT BILLY’S STORY!!

This series is my craic. I think I have a soft spot for these bearded fellows because I have a bearded fellow myself. I love their differences in character but their unfailing support of each other as well. I cannot get enough…I WANT BILLY’S STORY!! Not impatient at all. 😉

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.