Dr. Strange Beard (Winston Brothers, #5)

by Penny Reid

[stacey_is_sassy]

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Penny Reid’s words move me…

***4.5 Stars***

I’ve met Penny Reid and she is a bright and bubbly person who was a pleasure to talk to. I’ve read Penny’s words outside of her books and I like the way her mind works. I’ve been immersed in Penny’s worlds through her books…and her words move me. She has a voice that I wish was mine. Her ideas, beliefs and feeling shine through in her characters. The strength in their thoughts and words makes Penny Reid someone I admire.

I found myself marking pages as I read Dr Strange Beard. I collected those pages because they touched me. They were words that I’m sometimes too scared to say out loud. I even marked a page to show my boys when they get older…*How to dress for a date* (my words, not Penny’s). Penny’s words make my heart…stutter…spasm…do that little fluttery thing. Her words move me.

It's obvious to me that Penny does her research and due-diligence when creating characters and giving them thoughts, opinions, careers and issues. By creating Simone, Penny has given me a new insight into an issue that is a world-wide problem. Sometimes it's better to ask the person facing a drama or issue how they want it handled instead of fixing the problem for them. I also found the titbit at the end of the story explaining the extent of a person having a "good memory" interesting. Then again, all Penny's titbits are interesting.

I don’t always love Penny’s characters. For instance, Roscoe as a 16-year-old needed a good kick to the behind. OK, maybe I can understand his 16-year-old brain fart…BUT A 10 YEAR LONG BRAIN FART!!! How on earth everyone just accepted that they were friends no longer is beyond me. Especially considering those Winston’s, it’s not like they know how to keep out of each others business. So many years wasted.

I may also have a wee bit of a problem when a character I love goes undercover. Sure, they’re doing good deeds and all, but geez I hate the deception and when the truth comes out, someone always gets hurt. That would be one of the hardest jobs in the world and I imagine that it would be almost impossible to have a serious relationship while doing undercover work. Cudos to those good men and women sacrificing for us.

Honestly, I was getting a bit nervous up to the halfway point that Dr Strange Beard wasn’t going to work for me. I know, I know, it’s romance and it has to all work out. BUT…these two just weren’t communicating, getting together or connecting the way I wanted them to. O ye, of little faith (rolling my eyes at myself). I just needed to be patient and wait for the right time.

I think Dr Strange Beard was one of Penny’s steamiest books. Holy Shamoly, I was getting all kinds of hot and flustered reading this one. A lot of readers are going to LOVE this one and it has a lot to do with Roscoe…and his words…and his touch…OMG!!

Loved catching up with all the Winston’s and I am DESPERATE for Billy to find his happy place. I need him to add some laugh lines to his frown lines. There’s a certain redhead I’m hoping will be his happy place.

Simone’s parents Daisy and Trevor were amazing and I loved getting to know them and seeing the wonderful example they set for their kids. Daisy’s welcome home party…of the scary kind, is something I can relate to. My mother never meant to scare the bejeezus out of me, it just happened and I think she got a wee bit of pleasure out of it.

Plenty of laughs, a few tears and some big old sighs as well. Dr Strange Beard was a fantastic read and I will be sad when this series is over.

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.