Kristie J’s review of Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City, Book 4) by Penny Reid
Contemporary Romance published by Cape Publishing 28 Aug 14

By as much as I enjoyed Beard Science, that’s how much I did NOT enjoy Beauty and the Mustache. I was so taken with the first three books in the Winston Brothers series, and since Ash, their sister, and Drew, her fella, and Jethro’s boss play such a large part, I wanted to go back to the beginning where we first meet this family.  Big mistake

If I had read this book first, I NEVER would have continued on.  Brief outline: Ashley Winston, who has had a good and successful life in Chicago for the past number of years, comes home to Tennessee when she realizes her mother is very sick. Indeed, she’s in the final stages of end-stage ovarian cancer.  She hasn’t seen her six brothers in years and has some pretty harsh memories of them – they loved picking on her when they were all small.  She also meets Drew, who has become a very important part of the family.  Sparks fly between the two of them, but because of the reason she has come home, as well as the fact she has a life waiting for her in Chicago, both are very reluctant to act on those sparks.

Misunderstandings abound, and I loathe books based on misunderstandings.  I don’t mind them as long as they are cleared up fairly quickly with a good talk. I can deal with that, but these two never really say what they are thinking.  Instead, they are too busy quoting some philosopher dude I’ve never heard of and who speaks in ways I never speak.  In fact, much of the book is like this, the language so overblown it’s beyond imagining.  If I had one word for this book, it would be pretentious.  Yuck.

We are told over and over what a wonderful caring, giving etc., etc., person Ash is, but since the book is told in first person, from her POV, I find that very odd.  In addition, I didn’t see any signs of this wonderful person she’s supposed to be.  I didn’t like her, not at all.  And because the entire book is told from her POV and Drew is quite mysterious and keeps a lot hidden, the only thing I can say about him is he’s a tall, good looking Viking type who quotes cynical philosophers and writes poems.  I didn’t care about him much either.  I didn’t care if they got together, I didn’t care if they drew apart.  I’m kind of surprised I even finished this book.

What I will say is I’m so glad I read the other books first, so I can go on and read more by this author. Otherwise, I would have a very bad taste in my mouth on this book alone.  I did read some reviews after finishing this one, though, and it seems I’m in the minority in my enjoyment, so keep that in mind.

Grade: C-

Summary:

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.

No excerpt available.

Other books in this series: