A Silver Fox, Love Transformation!
Love in a Pickle
Green Valley Library (Book 9)
Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Later in Life Romance
Smartypants Romance
October 14, 2021
ebook, paperback
443
inds she’s more than a little trouble and possibly a whole lot of heart.
Scotia Simmons. The name says it all—ornery, judgmental, mean—but underneath a woman like that is typically a shattered heart. Locked within her secrets, this fried pickle princess has used her unkindness as a shield of protection against the loneliness. However, menopause and a one-night stand can change a woman’s perspective on things. Who knew it would take a man the likes of him to push her strong will to its limits?
Chester Chesterfield. The name has more than one meaning—generous, quiet, private—but within one man is a multitude of personas. The gruff oil mogul has a wounded heart (and a big secret) that holds him hostage from the man he’s meant to be. His past defined him, or so he thought. He never imagined it’d take a woman like her to push him over his carefully constructed edges and show him love has no boundaries.
When you’re in a pickle, it’s time to relish what—or rather who—stands before you and accept that even over forty, a second chance at love can be a big dill (every pun intended).
'Love in a Pickle' is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #9 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
“I don’t wish to share. I want someone who belongs to me.”
Love in a Pickle by LB Dunbar is the highly anticipated new release in the Smartypants Romance Universe in which Scotia Simmons finally gets to tell her story—vinegar and all.
Scotia Simmons is notorious in the Penny Reid world of Green Valley. She’s the cantankerous lady who would sooner bite back rather than play nice…and that makes her one of the most enigmatic characters that I’ve come across in the SPRU. What makes Scotia special is that behind all that vinegar is hiding a heart of gold and a whole bunch of tender feelings. Those prickles in her personality are solely for her protection. Getting to know her character was something really special. It was her interactions with other characters that truly brought out her genuine personality. Seeing how Scotia’s relationship with her sisters has changed over the previous stories really made an impact in how Scotia was viewed. Also learning that Scotia volunteers in a foster home as Mrs. Pickle to read to the kids is yet another facet to a woman who will surprise even the most skeptical reader.
“He kisses me as though he can’t get close enough. Our mouths nip and suck, devouring one another, reminding me how I’ve never been thoroughly kissed before. Never like this.”
And who could win the heart of Mrs. Pickle? Chester Chesterfield, that’s who. I’ll be honest, I’m still not entirely sold that Chet, aka Chester Chesterfield, aka Big Poppy is the right man for Scotia. But I’ll be the first to admit that when the heart wants someone it’s not up to others to weigh in on it. Chet and Scotia have an oil and water kind of relationship. Neither of them feels like they should trust the other, but they both can’t seem to stay away from each other. I did enjoy how if either Chet or Scotia got themselves in a pickle, the other one always had the other’s back eventually. Once Chet and Scotia got their act together and finally found a way to set aside their differences—each of them bloomed into the best version of themselves.
I loved the storyline with the foster kids, how Scotia was able to embrace the love of those around her and finally give out some love as well. Even though I’m still skeptical on Chet, Scotia seems pretty determined about him and I’m not one to argue with Mrs. Pickle. If you’re like me and love to see the Winters sisters, then Love in a Pickle will be another delightful look into these wonderful ladies of Green Valley.
Out today in Kindle Unlimited, Love in a Pickle is the silver fox, small town romance that will have you feeling the full spectrum of emotions. Congrats on the latest release, LB Dunbar!
Jes is a self-proclaimed bookworm, who recently moved from the PNW back to the Midwest. When her nose isn’t in a book, she’s spending time with her husband, two kids, and her three fur babies, or exploring the globe. She also firmly believes that you should start the day with coffee, and end the day in bed with a good book.
