Step into the charming world of the Winston Brothers, where bearded heartthrobs, small-town mischief, and swoon-worthy romance collide in Green Valley, Tennessee! Penned by best-selling author Penny Reid, this contemporary romance series follows the six Winston brothers—each with their own irresistible charm—as they navigate love, family, and the quirks of rural life. With humor, heart, and a touch of steam, the Winston Brothers series has captured the hearts of romance fans worldwide, offering stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.
From the rolling hills of Tennessee to the tight-knit Winston family, this series is a love letter to quirky characters and unexpected connections. Whether you’re a romance veteran or new to the genre, the Winston Brothers promise a delightful escape into a world where love conquers all.
How Winston Brothers Began
Penny Reid, a former biomedical researcher turned New York Times best-selling author, crafted the Winston Brothers series as a spin-off from her Knitting in the City series. Introduced in Beauty and the Mustache, the Winston family’s charm inspired Reid to give each brother his own story. Set in the fictional Green Valley, Tennessee, the series draws on Reid’s knack for blending witty banter, intelligent heroines, and rugged heroes. Launched in 2015 with Truth or Beard, the series quickly gained a cult following for its fresh take on romance and small-town dynamics.
The Heart of Winston Brothers
The Winston Brothers series spans eight books, each a standalone romantic comedy centered on one of the six brothers—Jethro, Cletus, Billy, Beau, Duane, Roscoe—and their sister Ashley. Key titles include Truth or Beard, where Duane Winston clashes and connects with Jessica James in a frenemies-to-lovers tale; Grin and Beard It, featuring park ranger Jethro Winston and Hollywood star Sienna Diaz in a charming opposites-attract story; Beard Science, where the cunning Cletus Winston is outwitted by the Banana Cake Queen, Jennifer Sylvester; and Beard Necessities, a poignant second-chance romance for Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire.
The series shines through its themes of family, redemption, and self-acceptance. Green Valley’s vibrant setting—complete with auto shops, biker gangs, and cozy bakeries—grounds the stories in a vivid, lived-in world. Reid tackles tough topics like emotional abuse, racial issues, and grief with sensitivity, balancing them with laugh-out-loud humor and steamy chemistry. Fans adore the brothers’ distinct personalities, from Cletus’s mischievous scheming to Billy’s stoic heroism, making each book a unique emotional journey.
Why Winston Brothers Resonates
The Winston Brothers series has left a lasting mark on contemporary romance, inspiring a dedicated fanbase and even a TV adaptation deal with Tomorrow Studios in 2022. Reid’s Smartypants Romance imprint, launched to expand the Green Valley universe, allows other authors to pen stories in this beloved world, cementing its cultural impact. The series’ blend of humor, heart, and inclusivity—featuring diverse characters like Latina actress Sienna and Black heroine Simone Payton—challenges romance stereotypes and celebrates love in all its forms.
Readers return to Green Valley for its relatable characters and Reid’s ability to weave complex emotions into feel-good stories. The Winston Brothers remind us that love, like a good beard, is worth the effort—and always grows stronger with time.
- First Book: Truth or Beard (2015)
- Number of Books: 8, plus novellas and spin-offs
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Best Romance (Grin and Beard It)
- Setting: Green Valley, Tennessee
Grab Truth or Beard and dive into the Winston Brothers’ world of romance, laughter, and Tennessee charm! Whether you’re rooting for Cletus’s schemes or swooning over Jethro’s southern manners, Green Valley is waiting to steal your heart.