Folk Around and Find Out by Penny Reid Blog Tour

He needs to get her out of his system. Just once…

Hank Weller doesn’t help people. He leaves that do-gooder nonsense to his best friend, Beau Winston. Hank does what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants—and Hank does not want to hire Charlotte Mitchell to be an exotic dancer at his club, The Pink Pony. Sure, he can’t help noticing the dips and curves of her, how shrewd, smart, and funny she is, the fire in her hazel eyes. He’s always noticed. She’d probably draw a crowd and entice the regulars. But after Charlotte’s messy, public divorce made Hank’s club out to be the culprit—and made her the single mother of four kids—he doesn’t need or want any additional bad press courtesy of Charlotte Mitchell. Or the distraction. Unfortunately for him, the town’s prettiest charity case doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the words nope, no, and never.

Charlotte Mitchell doesn’t much like Hank Weller. Once upon a time, she used to. Years ago, she liked him a whole heckofalot despite other folks in town labeling him as “eccentric” and “nonconformist,” which were polite southern alternatives to “filthy rich” and “self-centered douchebag.” Her opinion of him changed dramatically after he volunteered to be her date to junior prom and then promptly stood her up. They haven’t so much as acknowledged each other in over a decade. But a sudden family emergency means Charlotte needs access to Hank’s club ASAP. Unfortunately for her, the narcissistic fancy-pants doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the words help, generosity, and compassion.

But he’s about to find himself schooled. Charlotte is going to teach Hank a lesson once and for all about basic human decency, whether he likes it or not.

Spoiler alert... he likes it. 😉

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Good Folk: Modern Folktales series!
For book one, Totally Folked, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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The next time I awoke, it was to morning sunlight streaming in through the windows and to me on top of a real-life Hank-Weller-body pillow.

My sluggish brain only required a few seconds to recall why he was in my bed and how I’d bawled all over him before summarily passing out. I didn’t feel embarrassed by the memory. I felt curious, slightly numb, and an erect penis through a layer of his jeans and my pajamas, pressing against the inside of my thigh.

“Are you awake?” he whispered hoarsely. “Please say you’re awake.”

I swallowed and closed my eyes, not willing to yield my position on top of and next to him. This was a surprise. I’d never enjoyed sleeping in the same bed with anyone. I’d never co-slept with my kids. In my youth, I couldn’t sleep at camp or other situations where sharing a bed had been required. With my ex, I’d tiptoe out of the room once he was snoring and spent most of our marriage slumbering on the couch.

But this? Waking up with my leg curled over Hank’s groin, my arm flung over his chest, and my ear resting over his heart? I could get used to this.

“I’m awake,” I said haltingly. “But unless the kids are up, I’m not ready to move, if that’s okay with you.”

His hand moved on my bare back. I realized belatedly that he’d slipped it under my shirt at some point, tugging me closer until my entire torso pressed more fully against him.

“You’re still sick,” came his rumbly voice, giving me the sense the words were more for his benefit than for mine. “You will be sick for a while. I should keep my hands to myself until you are well... unless you ask me not to.”

My head was still a bit cottony, my throat a little dry, but I didn’t think I had a fever and my ears no longer ached. I felt almost normal. It’s amazing what hydration, rest, and the presence of a sexy boyfriend can do for a person.

“I don’t feel very sick,” I said, my mouth curving with giddy pleasure before I could prevent it. He must’ve felt the movement against his chest because he chuckled.

“Oh no. Don’t smile,” he groaned, sounding pained. “I can’t resist your smiles.”

“You find my smiles irresistible?”

“You know I do. Smile at me and I’m yours to command.”

Oh my goodness. I liked the sound of that. Warmth unfurled in my chest and I ducked my head.

He shifted at my silence, his hand sliding from the center of my back to my bottom, resting above the fabric of my pajamas. “Charlotte Mitchell, are you feeling shy?”

“A little,” I admitted. I did feel shy. I also felt many other things, all of which were too large and unwieldy to contemplate or share at present.

Hank kissed the top of my head. “Then, you be shy. I’ll stay right here, ready to be of service, just in case you start feeling bold.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this fun read. It is one of those lovely books with delightfully unexpected characters, who really don't let you down at all and who find they have more depth than they even expected!

Hank is a man who grew up in a family who constantly criticised him – so, disinterested in trying to please his rich parents, he develops a devil may care persona. Never one to consider settling down, and most definitely lacking interest in children, he is very frustrated when single mum Charlotte presses all his buttons.

He cannot resist her, and so offers her a job at his strip joint as a bookkeeper, so averting her plans to be a stripper. Whilst Charlotte's reasons for taking the job are unknown to him, she does an amazing job of sorting out his books – I have to admit as a trained accountant, I found her zeal at sorting out all the payroll issues really fun, and even if that is not your thing, it is a clear indicator of both her and his nature when it comes to doing what is right. Wait till you find out about the fact he discusses interest rates and the Federal reserves with her son!

Utterly enchanting and completely satisfying from start to finish, I have just changed my 4.5 stars to 5 stars because really, there wasn't anything which could have made it better. There are fun, but caring and wonderful children (even if they need to learn to blow their noses), who take on Hank, just as much as he takes them on. Charlotte is surrounded by good friends who support her as she navigates her single life and has to rethink her plan to concentrate only on her children.

My advice, get a copy and enjoy a lovely read from cover to cover.

 

 

PENNY REID is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator/publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.

Connect with Penny Reid

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sharks of Awesome  ~  Patreon

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Folk Around and Find Out (Good Folk: Modern Folktales #2) by Penny Reid to read and review.

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid Blog Tour

Winnifred Gobaldi and Byron Visser are not best friends.

Yes, they’ve known each other for years, but they’re not even friendly. Winnie considers them more like casual, distant acquaintances who find each other barely tolerable, especially when he's being condescending (which is all the time).

The truth is, they have nothing in common. She’s a public school science teacher with stars in her eyes, and he’s a pretentious, joyless double PhD turned world-famous bestselling fiction author. She loves sharing her passion for promulgating women in STEM careers and building community via social media, and he eschews all socialization, virtual or otherwise. She’s looking for a side hustle to help pay down a mountain of student debt, and his financial portfolio is the stuff of fiduciary wet dreams. So why are they faking a #bestfriend relationship for millions of online spectators?

When a simple case of tit-for-tat trends between nonfriends leads to a wholly unexpected kind of pretend, nothing is simple. Sometimes, it takes a public audience to reveal the truth of private feelings, and rarely—very rarely—you should believe what you see online.

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend is a full-length, complete standalone, adult contemporary romantic comedy.

 

 

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

 

 

“This is the video from yesterday.” My stomach did a weird thing at the sight of him, and the sight of me crawling on all fours toward him, and what came after. I blinked away from the replay, before the part where I’d forgotten we were being filmed. “Why would I be mad at you about this? I knew you were filming.”

“Look harder.”

My forehead wrinkled, giving my attention back to her phone. I didn’t know what she wanted me to see, but now the video was repeating and—

“OH MY GOD!” I grabbed the phone. “This—this is—”

“Shh! Yes.” Now Amelia looked around, presumably to make certain none of the Seattleites surrounding us felt a disturbance in the politeness force. “Yes. I recorded it live. I’m so, so, so sorry.”

I leaned forward. “So that means it’s been—”

“Posted since last night. That’s right.” She covered her face again, groaning. “I’m so sorry.”

My eyes caught on the number of views, and I stood from the table, my chair scraping noisily on the linoleum. “ONE MILLION VIEWS?”

“Sorry!” she whispered loudly to someone at a nearby table. “We’ll just—we’re leaving.” Amelia grabbed my laptop and notebook and tilted her head toward the exit. “Time to go, and it was one point three the last time I checked. Now get your bag.”

Numbly, I lowered her phone and grabbed for my backpack and coat, fumbling with the strap. My fingers didn’t seem to work. She walked around the table and placed a hand on my back, helping to usher me out of the quiet area and waiting until we were standing in the hall to say, “I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”

“I can’t...” I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak. One point three million views. What must Byron think? “Oh crap,” I whispered, my gaze swinging around the interior of the library, unable to settle. “What about Byron? Does he know? How is he going to feel about this?”

“I don’t know if he knows. I’ve been trying to call him all morning. He won’t pick up his phone, and I’m frankly a little scared to leave a voice mail. Since he’s not on social media, he might not know.” Stuffing my laptop and notebook into my backpack, Amelia put the strap on my shoulder and took her cell phone from where I still gripped it.

I immediately covered my face like I could hide from this. My cheeks were hot. As much time as I’d spent this morning coming to terms with Jeff’s decisions last night, I’d spent ZERO seconds thinking about my ridiculous reaction to Byron’s performance. I wouldn’t allow myself to think about it. What was the point? He’d been pretending, acting, playing a part, and—as per usual—I’d left the interaction feeling like a fool.

“We have to delete it,” I rasped, my mouth dry, my brain on fire. “Before he sees it and finds out, we have to delete it.”

“No! No. Don’t do that.” She pressed the phone to her chest.

“What? Why not?”

“Think for a second.” She pushed me toward the elevator. “If you delete it, it might become a whole thing. He’s a famous guy who millions of people are starving to know more about. He has no social media and suddenly he’s on TikTok with you? And this isn’t like your lab video from Friday, this is you two together, acting like you’re close friends crushing on each other. We need to call him—together—and tell him. But first we need him to answer his damn phone.” Amelia nodded at her own assertion while stabbing the elevator call button with her index finger.

“Call him? You want to call him together?” Oh God. I didn’t want to call him. I never wanted to talk to him again. “You don’t think he’ll want us to take it down ASAP? Like you said, millions of people want to know about him. Don’t you think he’ll view this as an invasion of privacy?”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?” I flinched back. “I think you mean, most certainly yes.”

“No.” She pulled me by the arm into the elevator and pressed all the right buttons. “We should call him, leave a voice mail together where we tell him exactly what happened, and ask what he wants to do about it. If you take it down, it might create more difficulty for him than if you left it up and let it run its course.”

I covered my face again, leaning against the wall for support. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Hey, on the bright side, you have over ten thousand new followers. That’s... something.”

I groaned. I would’ve given up every single one of my new followers if it would’ve somehow undone the posting of that video. What a nightmare.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I really enjoyed this book – I am not convinced that the title really gave me a good idea of what it was about, as it is so much richer and deeper than it infers.

Winnie (often called Fred by Byron) is a science teacher who does 'women in STEM' videos to encourage girls into science careers. Her best friend from college and housemate, Allie, suggests that she branches out a bit to get extra followers and increase her reach before an interview. They also agree she could do a ten-part challenge – and Byron ends up volunteering to help. Now this is the crux of the story... Byron is extremely awkward when around Winnie, and she finds him to be overbearing and critical. His behaviour is, in fact, because he has always thought she was his perfect woman, and loved her since they first met in college, but cannot express himself in a way she understands.

Winnie doesn't really get why Allie is such good friends with Byron, but she finds his criticisms very difficult to take as they remind her of her awful uncle who made her childhood truly appalling. But she cannot deny that Byron is incredibly handsome, successful, and intelligent. Now he is paying her attention, and she cannot work out whether it is real or just sympathy. The level of misunderstanding between them is out of all proportion and can get a bit wearing! Once she works it out, things make much more sense.

I was really invested in the situation being resolved, and certainly was delighted when they finally realised what they meant to each other, even if they still had a lot to sort out from their pasts to be happy in their futures. There was maybe a little too much to get to that point, but it was entirely in character.

A very cute and ultimately passionate story about two people who were unexpectedly absolutely perfect for each other.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
My favorite thing about Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend is the chemistry between Winnie and Byron. Even in the beginning when they don't really know each other well, there are great sparks between them. Winne doesn’t like Byron and thinks he doesn’t like her either. This hooked me in straight away and I sped through the first half of the book, enjoying them getting to know each other as their obvious attraction grows. I really enjoyed how different Winnie’s personality is from Byron and I found the first half of this story tantalizing and fun.

Once the story got past the halfway mark the story started to slow down. As the couple's connection gets deeper and they learn even more about each other, insecurities arise and things are a little more serious. At times, the issues are dealt with in a really sensible adult way and other times, immaturity reins and the inexperience of the couple makes it feel like we are dealing with teenagers instead of two intelligent adults.

Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend had a great start, but the story is far too long. It focuses almost entirely on the relationship between Byron and Winnie, and by the time I was three quarters of the way through it was getting tedious and I was starting to lose interest. I really had to force myself to finish the story which I will say, does wrap up very nicely. Three stars from me.

 

 

PENNY REID is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator/publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.

Connect with Penny Reid

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sharks of Awesome

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ten Trends to Seduce Your Bestfriend by Penny Reid to read and review.

Totally Folked by Penny Reid Blog Tour

One unforgettable night leads to an unlikely shared connection, and unlikely connections never go unnoticed by the good folks in Green Valley, Tennessee...

Jackson James follows the rules. He has to. He’s a sheriff’s deputy in a super small town with a super big personality. However, strict adherence to the law during the day has been enjoyably balanced by rakish rules at night. Jackson, typically happy to protect and serve (and serve, and serve), starts questioning the value of wayward evenings when getting laid starts to feel more like being waylaid. Could it be that Green Valley’s most eligible—and notorious—bachelor longs for something (and someone) real?

Mega movie star Raquel Ezra follows only one rule: always leave them wanting more. Studio execs, reporters, audiences, fans, lovers—no one can get enough of the smart, savvy, and sexy bombshell. But when “generous offers” begin to feel more like excessive demands, years of always leaving has the elusive starlet longing for something (and perhaps someone) lasting.

When Raquel abruptly returns to the quirky Tennessee hamlet, her path crosses with the delectable deputy with whom she spent one unforgettable night. Unfortunately, scandal and intrigue soon follow. Raquel and Jackson must decide which is more important: following their rules? Or, at long last, finding something real.

Totally Folked is a standalone, contemporary romantic comedy novel and book #1 in the Good Folk: Modern Folktales series.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)

 

 

“Rae. It’s late.”

“I know, but—”

“Rae,” he ground out, using my hold on his hand to bring us back to a stop. I faced him, my stomach erupting in uncertainty butterflies as I encountered the stern line of his jaw and the glittering, frustrated spark behind his eyes. “We need everyone to believe we’re just friends, right? And if we go inside the house, I don’t think I’m a good enough actor to pull that off.”

My mouth formed an O, and I released him, folding my arms over my chest while I wrestled with a strange combination of disappointment and pleasure at his words. I wanted to spend time with him, talk to him, get to know this mystery of a man so I could understand my feelings better.

But... I conceded his point.

We couldn’t seem to be around each other without kissing. Bringing him inside a dark, empty house in the middle of the night was something better left to my fantasies.

For now.

Oh really, inner voice? Now you’re impudent? Now?

He exhaled a short breath, it also sounded frustrated, but his tone was soft as he said, “Hey.”

I placed a tight smile on my face, it was the best I could manage. “Hey.”

Jackson seemed to be considering me, debating what to do next. He didn’t take too long. “Do you want to go for a drive?”

“Yes,” I said immediately. “Yes, I do. Let me grab a jacket.”

“Okay. I’ll wait here.” He shifted his weight to his back foot and hooked his thumbs in his jeans pockets.

I wanted to take a picture of him like this, all handsome reluctance and sexy self-control. This man, he just did something to me. I couldn’t explain it.

But maybe if we took this drive and spent some time together talking—just talking—I’d start to figure it out.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Totally Folked is a book I read without even looking at what the story was about. Knowing it was written by Penny Reid and a spin-off from the Winston Brothers was enough information for me. But I confess it took me a while to get into this story, probably because I tend to steer away from books with movie stars as main characters and books with fake relationships.

So what kept me reading early on? Jackson. I was intrigued by his behaviour and his need to always do the right thing. He has an inability to ask for what he wants or needs, and the more we delve into why, the more my heart broke. And while I did have a good cry during part of this book, it is very much a rom com.

Rae (Raquel) is a good woman even if she is a bit of a mess. I don’t blame her for escaping to Green Valley to get away from it all to get herself together. I really liked that the longer she stayed the more realised what she wanted, and what she didn't.

Rae and Jackson are a fun and sexy couple, but it isn’t all smooth sailing. I loved that their friends in Green Valley kept interfering to help the couple get together. Cletus Winston’s meddling, in particular, was just brilliant.

Jackson and Rae’s romance left me with all the warm and fuzzies. But the thing that really stayed with me was how much I enjoyed seeing Rae find a home in Green Valley, not just with Jackson, the love of her life, but with new friends and good people, which is just what I want from a small-town romance. This gets a solid four stars from me.

 

 

PENNY REID is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full-time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Sharks of Awesome

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Totally Folked (Good Folk: Modern Folktales #1) by Penny Reid to read and review for this tour.

Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid Blog Tour

The Devil is in the details...

Cletus Byron Winston wishes to marry Jennifer Anne Donner-Sylvester (aka The Banana Cake Queen) posthaste! He’s spent the last year wanting nothing more than for the celebrations to be brief, libations flowing, and BYOB (bring your own blueberries). His future mother-in-law has other plans, plans his intended has been willing to indulge, much to Cletus’s chagrin. Therefore, so must he. To a point. But truth be told, he wouldn’t mind if the meddlesome matriarch disappeared, at least until the nuptials are over.

On the night of Cletus and Jenn’s long-awaited engagement party, just when the surly schemer is of a mind to take matters into his own hands, a shocking event upends everyone’s best laid plans and sends the small hamlet of Green Valley into complete disarray. The final months leading up to Cletus and Jenn’s matrimonial bliss are plagued with chaos and uncertainty. Will Cletus and Jenn finally make it to the altar? Or will murder and mayhem derail their happily-ever-after?
And most importantly, who done it?

Marriage and Murder is the second book in the cozy mystery series Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries. It is best read after Winston Brothers #3, Beard Science (which can be read as a standalone) and Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1, Engagement and Espionage.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries!
For book one, Engagement and Espionage, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

 

 

“Here.” Cletus suddenly appeared, looking devilishly handsome in the dim light and seemingly all put back together—like we’d been in here holding hands instead of... ANYWAY.

He held out my underwear. His eyes were bright even in shadow, and I could see they were half-lidded as they lazily trailed over me. He looked at me like he was hungry, and I was dinner. Despite all the encore orgasms I’d just had, the effect hit me right between my legs.

I wondered what he was thinking, watching as he licked his bottom lip and drew it into his mouth. Was he just as insatiable for me? And if so, was he okay with that?

Tearing my eyes away, I pulled on the lace and fixed my skirt, telling my body to settle down. We were getting married for hootenanny’s sake!

Cletus cocked his head to the side while I smoothed my hands down the red fabric, working to get a hold of all this raging want always coursing through my veins whenever he was near. Maybe it was because he was my first, and I guess, my only. Was that why I felt so crazed for him all the time?

“Miraculous,” he said.

I surmised he meant the dress. “Right? The wrinkles are hidden, if there are any. It’s ‘cause they ruched the outer fabric at the seams, see?” I turned to the side to show him the seam, and he stepped forward as though he were going to investigate.

Instead, his hands cupped my face and tilted my chin back. He stared at me with a vibrant intensity I felt all the way to my fingertips. “No, Jenn. Not the dress. You.” Cletus gave me a soft kiss, ending it by gently nipping my bottom lip. “You are my miracle.”

I sighed. And I smiled. And I felt like I was walking on a cloud instead of in four-inch heels, which was also probably something of a miracle. “You say the sweetest things.”

“I think you mean, I say the truest things.”

I laughed, and he kissed my forehead. He held me there, in the dark with his lips pressed to my forehead. “I love you so completely, with every cell in my body. I wonder sometimes if I’d cease to exist—just evaporate or disappear—if anything ever happened to you.”

“No.” I anchored my hands to his wrists and squeezed. “Don’t think like that. We’ve got our whole lives in front of us. There’s nothing anyone can—”

Three bangs in quick succession pierced the quiet moment, and not a second later Cletus had me on the ground beneath him, covering my back with his body.

“Gunshots,” he whispered in my ear. “From the parking lot. Don’t move.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Cletus’ reaction to his own engagement party had me grinning. Cletus left the organisation of the party to Jenn, Jenn’s mum, and his sister, Ash, and didn’t get the party he was expecting. Cletus is all about making Jenn happy and there is an amazing scene where he describes what Jenn is to him and means to him and it totally melted my heart.

Unfortunately for Jenn and Cletus, their engagement party is interrupted with a murder and Cletus, Jenn, and Jenn’s mother are among the suspects. Cletus is usually the guy who knows everything that is going on, but he is out of the loop as his priority is taking care of Jenn and we see Cletus flustered and not as on top of his game as usual.

On the way to solving the murder, a secret relationship is revealed, an unexpected arrest, blackmail, a kidnapping, and more. There is also a beautiful and sometimes very hot romance with Cletus and Jenn, who are so in sync with each other, they are just perfect. I love them.

We also get to spend time with the members of the Winston family who we already know and love. It isn’t all murder and mayhem. There is plenty of love and family mixed in with the murder mystery.

There is never a dull moment in Marriage and Murder. It was a fun mystery and such a wonderful romance between two soulmates which totally melted my heart. I cannot wait to read the next book and spend more time with Cletus and Jenn and see what trouble they end up in next. A solid four stars from me.

 

 

PENNY REID is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full-time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Marriage and Murder (Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #2) by Penny Reid to read and review for this tour.

Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid Blog Tour

Jennifer Sylvester made her deal with the devil... and now they’re engaged!

But all is not well in Green Valley. A chicken choker is on the loose, 61 dead birds most "fowl" need plucking, and no time remains for Jennifer and her devilish fiancé. Desperate to find a spare moment together, Jenn and Cletus’s attempts to reconnect are thwarted by one seemingly coincidental disaster after another. It’s not long before Cletus and Jenn see a pattern emerge and the truth becomes clear.
Sabotage!

Will an undercover mission unmask the culprit? Or are these love-birds totally plucked?

Engagement and Espionage is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series, is a full-length cozy mystery, and is a spin-off of Penny Reid's Winston Brothers series. This novel is best read after Beard Science, Winston Brothers #3.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

“Don’t stop.” She reached for my belt again, this time completely undoing it, the button of my pants, and my zipper at world-record speed.

Her phone buzzed. Then it chimed. Then it buzzed and chimed two more times. Then it rang again. Reba.

Cursing, Jenn pulled the phone from her pocket, once again her face illuminated, murderous rage in her eyes. Her finger moved to the power off button. She blinked, hesitating. Her eyes widened, her body stiffened, and she gasped.

“Cletus!”

Something about her tone, like she was horrified, and maybe a little afraid, cut through the heavy haze of lust inertia, and my hands stilled. Shaking myself, it took me a few moments to realize she was showing me the phone screen, and another few to bring the content of the text messages into focus.

Momma: Jennifer Anne Sylvester, pick up your phone. If you’re with Cletus, I need his help. Please.
Momma: ALL THE CHICKENS AND ROOSTERS ARE DEAD! PICK UP YOUR DAMN PHONE!
Momma: I’m calling you in a second, pick up the phone. Mr. Badcock’s chickens are dead. All of them. I got here and he’s running around, deranged, yelling about his dead chickens! I called the police and they’re on their way. Please, please, please pick up the phone!

At some point, I must’ve taken the phone from Jenn and stepped away, because I glanced up upon reading the messages for the third time, finding the phone in my hand and Jenn fixing her skirt.

“This is nuts.” Her big eyes searched mine imploringly. “Who could have done this?”

I shook my head, having not yet managed to fully shift head gears—you know, from that head to the one on my neck—and my gaze dropped to the wet patch on the front of her dress just visible in the swath of light. My erection throbbed.

So we’re... not having sex?

“Why? Why would they do it? And WHO?” She snatched her phone back, her tone bewildered, distracted, and distraught. She was distraught because of the dead chickens, like any normal person would be.

I was distraught also, but my distress had nothing to do with farm animals.

“We have to go.” Jenn grabbed my hand and began walking toward the direction of the hall. Meanwhile, it took me until her hand found the door handle to realize my zipper and belt were still undone.

“This is crazy.” She paused as I zipped up, her tone halting and distracted. “Poor Mr. Badcock. And those poor chickens.” A sound of distress escaped her throat. “This is terrible.”

It was terrible.

And I was going to hell.

Because all I could think was, Talk about a cock block.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Jenn is distraught when the farmer who supplies the eggs she uses in her mother’s bakery, refuses to give her eggs. I was smiling and hooked from the very first scene. Jenn is a good, honest woman with a big heart. When Jenn finds out what has happened to the farmer’s chickens, Cletus steps in to help deal with the situation.

As more suppliers to the bakery suddenly won’t or can’t provide supplies, the mystery deepens. While all this is going on, Jenn and Cletus are dealing with relationship issues. They are engaged, but Jenn introduces Cletus as her boyfriend and he is yet to give her a ring. There were many entertaining scenes that had me grinning, including plucking chickens, a cow auction, a naked bottom, and a difficult future mother-in-law. But the emergency lasagna versus lasagna emergency was my favorite.

I loved the storyline and the fun mystery, but Cletus and Jenn are the stars of Engagement and Espionage. Quirky, lovable, and insanely clever, they are a formidable team and the kind of people you’d want to be friends with because life with them around would never be boring. I had a blast reading this story and I’m looking forward to more mysteries from this fabulous couple.

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full-time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Engagement and Espionage (Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries #1) by Penny Reid to read and review for this tour.

Beard Necessities by Penny Reid Blog Tour

Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do.

No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated.

But you know who's tired of their separation and stubbornness? Everyone. Especially Billy Winston’s family. And now they're going to do something about it.

Well-meaning interference means the star-crossed lovers can’t stop tripping over each other in the hills of Tuscany, the catacombs of Rome, and the waterways of Venice. Billy and Claire find themselves thrown together and at the mercy of the Winston siblings’ shenanigans.

But will their forced proximity bring them together? Or push them even further apart?

This second-chance romance brings back the entire Winston gang, playing cupid in one last story of love, hi-jinks, and family collusion.

Beard Necessities is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s probably best read after books 0.5, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the Winston Brothers series.

Book 7
Buy Links

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Strolling to the desk, I set down the milk and cookies, crossed my arms and turned to face my brother. “You’re pointing out that Scarlet and I will see each other during various family functions.”

“Correct.”

“And, therefore,” I continued reasonably, “I need to be nice to her.” I knew that already, and tonight—after watching her face crumple and feeling a part of my soul shrivel at the sight—I’d finally accepted it. I would be nice. I would be so damn nice. I’d be a saint.

But then Cletus said, “No, Billy. Not nice. Nice is for tea parties and doctor’s visits. You need to woo her.”

I blinked once. “Woo her.”

“That’s right. You need to woo the pants off her, hopefully literally, and then make that woman yours. Permanently. Once and for all. Put a ring on it. Woo is where it’s at. Jenn still has the centerpieces from our wedding if you’d like to borrow them.” During this enlightening monologue, he’d moseyed over and picked up the glass of milk and a cookie, dunked the cookie into the milk, and then took a bite just as he’d finished his listings of delusions.

“That’s never going to happen.”

“Why not? Those centerpieces are lovely. You don’t know your color scheme yet. Ask Scarlet before you decide.”

I ground my teeth. “Scarlet and I are never going to happen, Cletus.”

He shook his head firmly. “I’m disappointed in your lack of ambition, Billy. I thought we’d be on the same page. But I see now, I’m going to have to take a tough love approach.”

“Cletus—”

“I’m going to give you one chance,” he said, then pushed the rest of the cookie in his mouth and spoke around it as he continued, “One more chance is all you get. I’ve waited long enough for this and you know my feelings on delayed gratification.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s overrated.” He took a gulp of milk and picked up another cookie.

“No, Cletus. One chance on what?”

“I’m giving you one chance. One.” He pointed the cookie at me. “Tomorrow, you’re going to go find her, apologize to her for whatever that kerflufflefuck was I walked in on. Tell her you were suffering from temporary insanity, hopped up on illicit drugs, abducted by asshole probing aliens, whatever. I’m giving you one chance to make this right, and if you don’t take it, you are not going to like what happens next.”

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Billy and Claire’s love story started when they were just teenagers, but circumstances kept them apart. Billy and Claire’s past is an important part of the story and I like that the author is able to tell us about it without lots of long flashback scenes.

I have to say Billy Winston broke my heart. What he gave up for Claire and how much he loves her just killed me. Not far into the book, I found myself reading on my morning train commute desperately trying not to ugly cry. While I was loving Billy, I struggled to connect with Claire early on. I think it was because I was annoyed with her knowing the pain Billy had gone through for her. The further into the book I went, the more I warmed up to Claire, but Billy is definitely the hero of this romance for me.

Beard Necessities is the final instalment in the Winston Brothers series and we see plenty of the rest of the Winston clan we already know and love. Their meddling to push Billy and Claire to get their romantic act together is hilarious.

Beard Necessities was wonderful. I laughed and cried, and the epilogue wrapped up the series up beautifully.

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers #7) by Penny Reid to read and review for this tour.