Date published: August 28th, 2014
Publisher: Caped Publishing
Synopsis: This is a full-length novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the fourth book in the 'Knitting in the City' series.
There are three things you need to know about Ashley Winston: 1) She has six brothers and they all have beards, 2) She is a reader, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Former beauty queen, Ashley Winston’s preferred coping strategy is escapism. She escaped her Tennessee small town, loathsome father, and six brothers eight years ago. Now she escapes life daily via her Amazon kindle one-click addiction. However, when a family tragedy forces her to return home, Ashley can’t escape the notice of Drew Runous— local Game Warden, bear wrestler, philosopher, and everyone’s favorite guy. Drew’s irksome philosophizing in particular makes Ashley want to run for the skyscrapers, especially since he can’t seem to keep his exasperating opinions— or his soulful poetry, steadfast support, and delightful hands— to himself. Pretty soon the girl who wanted nothing more than the escape of the big city finds she’s lost her heart in small town Tennessee.
What I Thought:
It's finally here! If you don't already know, I love this series and the author, Penny Reid. Her books are funny, sweet, smart, emotional, and just amazing. I like to try to wait and hold off until the last minute to read her books, just because I know there won't be a new one waiting when I'm finished, but that usually doesn't last too long. I end up scarfing down the book and before I know it I'm finished and still hungry for more. I read Beauty and the Mustache in just under 3 hours. I just could not put it down.
I honestly don't know what I was expecting with Ashley's story. I was aware of the disclaimers that this book was slightly different from the others in the series, especially in regards to seriousness, but I knew however Penny wrote it it'd be done well, and I was right. There is some heavy stuff. Enough to make me cry with sadness multiple times and with joy at least once. The humor is still there, and it's often. It's REALLY hard to stop laugh at some of the things her "hillbilly" brothers do and even some of Ashley's own actions especially when she's face to face with Drew. I'd say this book is the perfect balance of humor and "life really sucks sometimes."
I've got to say whatever I thought or had heard about Beauty and the Mustache, everything was better. I already loved Ashley but it was her coming home that led me to get to know her better, fall in love with Drew, and with her brothers too. This novel is all about the ties we make, especially those with family and friends. I kind of liked Ashley came home to find out many things had changed in her absence, especially the brothers she's run from. Boy were they MEAN! They're lucky she didn't kill one of them, I probably would have if I was in her shoes, but they redeemed themselves and then some. Don't even get me started on her father. That man is definitely something nasty!
In all honesty, I'm still struggling to find the words to try and tell you everything I want to about this book. I didn't want this book to end. I'm hoping and I've got my fingers crossed, Penny Reid might give all the brothers their own books. Yes I said it. If you've read the book, chances are you're thinking it too. I need more of those handsome, talented, bearded men in my life. It also means I'll get to see more Ashley and Drew. I'd definitely like to see more Drew. I'd love to get into his head some more. Any man who writes poetry the way he does is a keeper. I've still not managed to do justice to Beauty and the Mustache. It's got Nietzsche. You may either love or hate him, but you'll love this book. I can't wait to get it in paperback for my bookshelf! Now it's time to start the countdown for Happily Ever Ninja, the next book in the series!
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About the Author
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).
By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.
* The author provided a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for them in any manner. I will be purchasing this copy in paperback for my shelves once it becomes available.*
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