Reviews - The Belle and the Beard

302 reviews for:

The Belle and the Beard

Kate Canterbary

3.87 AVERAGE

ginasayshihello's review against another edition

5.0

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

katieervin19's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous funny fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

adanna_h's review against another edition

4.0

Jasper and Linden are far from the typical couple in a romance book. They are older and have quirky personalities. Neither has ever been in love nor has a desire to be. It may take a minute to warm to them, but once you do, there's so much to like about both of them. Quiet, grumbly, and growly, Linden is intense and imperious but knows how to support Jasper without taking over, and he consistently delivers on his promises. “I can do it myself” Jasper is in quicksand trying to find her way out and is prone to gifting (sometimes toxic) baked goods to thank people when they help her. I loved this couple’s banter, and the tension between them is beyond hot!

Any book about any of the Santillian triplets wouldn't be complete without the family matriarch. Diana Santillian is strongly urging (who am I kidding?!? she’s demanding) that Linden find someone that he truly cares about and let that person care about him. It's time for Linden to find someone to settle down with. While Linden cringes about having this conversation with his mom, I loved her support of Linden finding love in whatever form it takes; love is love. Diana can be too much -- well-intentioned but somewhat overbearing with her meddling to give gentle “pushes” to her kids. But, mama does know best!

I loved that all of the Santillians are featured in this book. It was great to get updates on Magnolia, Rob, Zelda, and Ash! I'm a big fan of this loving, messy, often inappropriate family.

“Nothing blooms in every season. You shouldn't expect that of yourself when it doesn't occur in nature.”

The Belle And The Beard is about giving yourself permission to start over. This theme resonated with me. Jasper is holding on to a job that she hates. She’s given her life to it, and it is her source of pride and confidence. Losing her job means losing everything she knows about herself. She's forced to figure out what she wants. Linden is there encouraging her to find her passion; all else be damned. Currently living this struggle and doing this hard work, I felt seen!

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful romance about a hell-in-heels campaign strategist and her growly, solitude-loving neighbor who embark on a temporary fling that turns permanent!

aylacourtney's review against another edition

3.75

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This really fit the grumpy/grumpy trope and I devoured it.

lowkeyreader's review against another edition

4.0

This is the first book I've read by the author and I really liked the premise of it. I liked Linden and his family a lot and I think that's the reason I powered through reading this one. I had a hard time relating to Jasper. I don't know why she's so self-deprecating about herself. Her way of thinking is just too complicated to comprehend. I liked some parts of the story, some of it less because of Jasper's character. But the whole story was quite enjoyable, but not great.