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The Winters Sisters #3
Love in a Pickle
When a mysterious silver fox becomes intrigued with this small town’s most disliked society woman, he finds 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.
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.
443 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2021
188 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
97 books3,280 followersL.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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September 5, 2021In this day & age Empowered women have had to fight every close minded sexist and Chauvinist to prove her worth over and over again. Sadly most of the flak comes form their own gender. And in the midst of this melee I can't tell you how refreshing it is to find a heroine who is not apologetic about her life decisions and doesn't dial down her attitude one bit to fit into the approval ratings of the society.
"In romance novels, women are always attracted to mean men. The swanky alpha. The blunt a-hole. He can insult her, punish her, even do some despicable things to her, which, for all intents and purposes, are abusive, yet he’s always forgiven. A woman, however, who makes a few comments about another person is considered a bitch, and it’s not a compliment. "
Dunbar has created and given a strong voice to one such character in this book - Scotia Simmons.
she's already my favourite. Her swift intelligence, crisp attitude and caustic tongue makes a her a force to be reckoned with.
"Fried Pickled Princess " is all salt & vinegar, bitter & brine.
She's always been a head up, mask in place kind of woman, hiding behind her snooty Armour all her life
"Mask in place, Scotia.You’ve got this. You know how to pretend nothing happened. Nothing hurts you. No one can see what’s inside you."
How ironically that having lived a monotonous, rigidly structured life in a closely stuffed closet, her one night of throwing caution to the wind brings her in close horizontal proximity of the Uber sexy & ruggedly handsome Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy
His big pickle is ripe for peppering and they "Pickle" all night😁
And then there's a scene where she has a situation and the way chet steps upto help her...Omg I swoon ed so hard for him.
Their coming together is a cog in the cosmic puzzle, a piece that fits into the entire picture that is homely and welcoming in feel,
Here's where the book surprises me the most. Dunbar widens the contrast scale to its max. Suave, haughty Scotia couldn't lower her nose enough to notice Big Poppy, the biker avatar of Chet who lives In a tiny bus home and spends his energy and resources making this world a better place, six foster kids at a time.
Yet inside both lost souls are missing and forever looking for that REAL CONNECTION, ones that sate the soul and make them worthy. It's a Pickling made in Dill Heaven!!
I particularly loved the scene where Chet & Scotia lie on the top of the bus, staring at stars, borrowing warmth from each other.
"—the biker-bar-and-motel-owning oil man with a past and the socialite pickle princess—"
The prose gets really poignant at times. The muted cries for help and yearning to love were abundantly loud in Scotia and Chet's characters. And then there were the boys. Innocently inquisitive and hilariously childlike, they provide the wholesome energy that is very complimentary to the Harper House a haven for lost souls..
I've always trusted the Outstanding storytelling which is now a trademark Dunbar style. no one writes mature romances for mature people like her. She's unparalleled and undisputed in penning these sensible love stories. I'm honored I got to read this book super early.
5 stars for second chances at first impressions
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"In romance novels, women are always attracted to mean men. The swanky alpha. The blunt a-hole. He can insult her, punish her, even do some despicable things to her, which, for all intents and purposes, are abusive, yet he’s always forgiven. A woman, however, who makes a few comments about another person is considered a bitch, and it’s not a compliment. "
Dunbar has created and given a strong voice to one such character in this book - Scotia Simmons.
she's already my favourite. Her swift intelligence, crisp attitude and caustic tongue makes a her a force to be reckoned with.
"Fried Pickled Princess " is all salt & vinegar, bitter & brine.
She's always been a head up, mask in place kind of woman, hiding behind her snooty Armour all her life
"Mask in place, Scotia.You’ve got this. You know how to pretend nothing happened. Nothing hurts you. No one can see what’s inside you."
How ironically that having lived a monotonous, rigidly structured life in a closely stuffed closet, her one night of throwing caution to the wind brings her in close horizontal proximity of the Uber sexy & ruggedly handsome Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy
His big pickle is ripe for peppering and they "Pickle" all night😁
And then there's a scene where she has a situation and the way chet steps upto help her...Omg I swoon ed so hard for him.
Their coming together is a cog in the cosmic puzzle, a piece that fits into the entire picture that is homely and welcoming in feel,
Here's where the book surprises me the most. Dunbar widens the contrast scale to its max. Suave, haughty Scotia couldn't lower her nose enough to notice Big Poppy, the biker avatar of Chet who lives In a tiny bus home and spends his energy and resources making this world a better place, six foster kids at a time.
Yet inside both lost souls are missing and forever looking for that REAL CONNECTION, ones that sate the soul and make them worthy. It's a Pickling made in Dill Heaven!!
I particularly loved the scene where Chet & Scotia lie on the top of the bus, staring at stars, borrowing warmth from each other.
"—the biker-bar-and-motel-owning oil man with a past and the socialite pickle princess—"
The prose gets really poignant at times. The muted cries for help and yearning to love were abundantly loud in Scotia and Chet's characters. And then there were the boys. Innocently inquisitive and hilariously childlike, they provide the wholesome energy that is very complimentary to the Harper House a haven for lost souls..
I've always trusted the Outstanding storytelling which is now a trademark Dunbar style. no one writes mature romances for mature people like her. She's unparalleled and undisputed in penning these sensible love stories. I'm honored I got to read this book super early.
5 stars for second chances at first impressions
Follow me on:
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November 2, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
“What a strange name. Mrs. Pickle,” I mock. The image of an elderly woman with gray hair curled tight like an old-fashioned perm, wearing a floral dress that looks like an antiquated housecoat and gnawing on a dill pickle comes to mind. In my head, she bites into it like she hates dick.
He’s locked up tighter than a Bible-thumping virgin.
Expectation is the work of the devil. When you expect something, you are sure to be disappointed
Naomi found us shirts— the Sun, the moon, and the Earth— for the three of us to wear. We can form an eclipse depending on how we stand next to one another.
My Review:
This was a massive surprise. I knew from previous outings that Ms. Dunbar could bring the heat but my mere perusal of this tale actually produced perspiration in a cool room. I may also have been gasping. Despite the couple’s subatomic sensual chemistry and age-defying stamina, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to warm to Scotia as she was actually rather vile. Scotia had a well-earned reputation, as she was short-tempered, snide, snarky, and mercurial with everyone. She was a small-town socialite and while she had finally come into her own as a businesswoman and rich widow, she had become as salty and sour as the pickle products she produced.
Scotia had married up for security and social standing, but that didn’t go as planned due to her husband’s proclivities and peccadilloes; he had repeatedly broken her heart. He had his reasons. She wasn’t his type. But when Scotia fell into an exhilarating fling with a scorching hot local entrepreneur who turn out to be quite the chameleon, she began to thaw, in all areas. Trust was hard to come by for both but their mind-blowing carnality and visceral connection was a surprise to each, as well as a source of confusion, obsession, and wonderment to them both. They became besotted. I enjoyed their insightfully and wittily penned journey and Scotia’s gradual transformation was as amusing as it was satisfying. Combined with the clever threads of intrigue woven in between the sizzling mattress Olympics and I found this an engaging read.
“What a strange name. Mrs. Pickle,” I mock. The image of an elderly woman with gray hair curled tight like an old-fashioned perm, wearing a floral dress that looks like an antiquated housecoat and gnawing on a dill pickle comes to mind. In my head, she bites into it like she hates dick.
He’s locked up tighter than a Bible-thumping virgin.
Expectation is the work of the devil. When you expect something, you are sure to be disappointed
Naomi found us shirts— the Sun, the moon, and the Earth— for the three of us to wear. We can form an eclipse depending on how we stand next to one another.
My Review:
This was a massive surprise. I knew from previous outings that Ms. Dunbar could bring the heat but my mere perusal of this tale actually produced perspiration in a cool room. I may also have been gasping. Despite the couple’s subatomic sensual chemistry and age-defying stamina, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to warm to Scotia as she was actually rather vile. Scotia had a well-earned reputation, as she was short-tempered, snide, snarky, and mercurial with everyone. She was a small-town socialite and while she had finally come into her own as a businesswoman and rich widow, she had become as salty and sour as the pickle products she produced.
Scotia had married up for security and social standing, but that didn’t go as planned due to her husband’s proclivities and peccadilloes; he had repeatedly broken her heart. He had his reasons. She wasn’t his type. But when Scotia fell into an exhilarating fling with a scorching hot local entrepreneur who turn out to be quite the chameleon, she began to thaw, in all areas. Trust was hard to come by for both but their mind-blowing carnality and visceral connection was a surprise to each, as well as a source of confusion, obsession, and wonderment to them both. They became besotted. I enjoyed their insightfully and wittily penned journey and Scotia’s gradual transformation was as amusing as it was satisfying. Combined with the clever threads of intrigue woven in between the sizzling mattress Olympics and I found this an engaging read.
October 31, 2021
Dunbar delivers once again a mature couple for a mature audience. I’m not saying you can’t be young and enjoy her work, but if you’re not young, her work will resonate with you and uplift you in ways not too many other authors can. She has done this for me time and time again and that’s why whenever I have a spare moment, it’s one of her stories I turn to first, whether I’ve read it before or not!
Love in a Pickle is a story that might surprise you, or maybe not. If you’ve read this series from the start, then you might be a bit #twitchy about Scotia, but by the end her story, you will be cheering and rooting for her! #betme The surprising part for me wasn’t Dunbar’s ability to redeem Scotia, but rather shed all her layers and unfold her just as intricately as the storyline. It was beautiful to read and experience. This story was more than just a good read for me. It was affirming and inspiring. It had layer upon layer of engaging story that I just could not get enough of.
Chet was also an incredibly layered character. I didn’t see him coming at all!! The growth of both him and Scotia as individuals and as a couple is just awe-inspiring and Dunbar just out did herself. I finished the book just a few weeks ago and already want to read it again!
Find out more in our blog post → https://wp.me/p7rQ0C-7SM
Love in a Pickle is a story that might surprise you, or maybe not. If you’ve read this series from the start, then you might be a bit #twitchy about Scotia, but by the end her story, you will be cheering and rooting for her! #betme The surprising part for me wasn’t Dunbar’s ability to redeem Scotia, but rather shed all her layers and unfold her just as intricately as the storyline. It was beautiful to read and experience. This story was more than just a good read for me. It was affirming and inspiring. It had layer upon layer of engaging story that I just could not get enough of.
Chet was also an incredibly layered character. I didn’t see him coming at all!! The growth of both him and Scotia as individuals and as a couple is just awe-inspiring and Dunbar just out did herself. I finished the book just a few weeks ago and already want to read it again!
Find out more in our blog post → https://wp.me/p7rQ0C-7SM
Want to read
October 14, 2021
★★NOW IN KU★★
The time has come! The countdown is over! You can enthusiastically grab your copy of ‘Love in a Pickle’ by L.B. Dunbar in KindleUnlimited. Go on now. What are you waiting for? 😉
Grab your copy TODAY!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2VRtcAq
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3shpCLq
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3j2eVcA
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3D07VF
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
When a mysterious silver fox becomes intrigued with this small town’s most disliked society woman, he finds 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.
October 5, 2021
L.B. Dunbar continues her Winters Sisters series with this deeply felt and sizzling romance.
Scotia Simmons’ husband died seven years ago, soon after her daughter left to save the world one patient at a time, yet the she’s been protecting herself against loneliness for far longer. Until an incredible one night stand with an oil tycoon gives her proves to be more than what she bargained for.
Chester Chesterfield is an incredibly reserved man with a generous yet broken heart. When it comes to his love life, he’s happy with the occasional hook-up rather than being betrayed a second time. But there’s something about the prickly Pickle Princess, that’s gotten under his skin.
I adore the Smartypants universe and jumped at the chance to go back, especially for a story about a couple in their 40s faced with a second chance at love.
Both Chester and Scotia were characters I liked to see interact and grow. Scotia hid behind a mean and snooty armor, but underneath was a very kind and loving woman just waiting for the right man to open up to.
The uber sexy Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy is multifaceted. He’s a billionaire who owns a biker bar and motel, fosters six boys, lives in a tiny converted school bus, and doesn’t trust easily especially not the socialite pickle princess. Yet both subconsciously crave love and they each hold the other’s missing piece.
Oh boy, there are so many great elements about this story. I loved Dunbar’s engaging writing and interesting plot that weaved humor and sizzling hot attraction. The secondary characters were incredible and I liked that this does actually read as a standalone.
Love in a Pickle is book #3 of the Winters Sisters series by L.B. Dunbar. It is part of the Penny Reid Smartypants Universe and I absolutely recommend it. Told from both points of view with a HEA. Genres: Contamporary Romance. Tropes: billionaire | small town | mature romance
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Check out all my book edits on Instagram ★ FaceBook ★ More reviews
Scotia Simmons’ husband died seven years ago, soon after her daughter left to save the world one patient at a time, yet the she’s been protecting herself against loneliness for far longer. Until an incredible one night stand with an oil tycoon gives her proves to be more than what she bargained for.
Chester Chesterfield is an incredibly reserved man with a generous yet broken heart. When it comes to his love life, he’s happy with the occasional hook-up rather than being betrayed a second time. But there’s something about the prickly Pickle Princess, that’s gotten under his skin.
I adore the Smartypants universe and jumped at the chance to go back, especially for a story about a couple in their 40s faced with a second chance at love.
Both Chester and Scotia were characters I liked to see interact and grow. Scotia hid behind a mean and snooty armor, but underneath was a very kind and loving woman just waiting for the right man to open up to.
The uber sexy Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy is multifaceted. He’s a billionaire who owns a biker bar and motel, fosters six boys, lives in a tiny converted school bus, and doesn’t trust easily especially not the socialite pickle princess. Yet both subconsciously crave love and they each hold the other’s missing piece.
Oh boy, there are so many great elements about this story. I loved Dunbar’s engaging writing and interesting plot that weaved humor and sizzling hot attraction. The secondary characters were incredible and I liked that this does actually read as a standalone.
Love in a Pickle is book #3 of the Winters Sisters series by L.B. Dunbar. It is part of the Penny Reid Smartypants Universe and I absolutely recommend it. Told from both points of view with a HEA. Genres: Contamporary Romance. Tropes: billionaire | small town | mature romance
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Check out all my book edits on Instagram ★ FaceBook ★ More reviews
October 21, 2021
Oh Scotia how I have enjoyed not liking you and look how you have turned me with your story.
Scotia Simmons is one of the Winter sisters. She is mouthy, opinionated, down right mean but we soon find out that she has a heart deep down that is loving and so giving. She lost her husband a few years ago in a violent act and now she finds herself on her own after her grown daughter has left the nest for her residency. She is finding her way as a business owner and paving her path in the pickle industry.
Chester is quite a complex man. He grew up in the foster care system and had more than his fair share of heartbreak. Now he is a successful business owner with many different and lucrative shops on his plate. He is a man of many personas and he is about to cross paths with our hoity toity Scotia.
One night, a proposition, no real names and they leave unfortunately Green Valley has a way of throwing people together.
This couple is gritty, real, have so many different layers and are sizzling when they are near.
What a emotional, heartwarming story with these characters and everyone that surrounds them!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Scotia Simmons is one of the Winter sisters. She is mouthy, opinionated, down right mean but we soon find out that she has a heart deep down that is loving and so giving. She lost her husband a few years ago in a violent act and now she finds herself on her own after her grown daughter has left the nest for her residency. She is finding her way as a business owner and paving her path in the pickle industry.
Chester is quite a complex man. He grew up in the foster care system and had more than his fair share of heartbreak. Now he is a successful business owner with many different and lucrative shops on his plate. He is a man of many personas and he is about to cross paths with our hoity toity Scotia.
One night, a proposition, no real names and they leave unfortunately Green Valley has a way of throwing people together.
This couple is gritty, real, have so many different layers and are sizzling when they are near.
What a emotional, heartwarming story with these characters and everyone that surrounds them!
~~Michele McMullen~~
September 26, 2021
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Review will be posted shortly.
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
Review will be posted shortly.
"An ARC of this book was provided by SmartyPants Romance in exchange for an honest review."
November 10, 2021
3.75 stars.
I just had to read about Scotia (!!) The nemesis of many in the town of Green Valley. Especially The Winstons!.
Scotia's softer side showed up fairly early in this book. I did have a little issue with the H, Chet.
He really harsh with her and then would be so loving with his foster sons. Chet and some great moments then he would pull back again.
This is a sweet story. There was a lot of side story with the foster sons.
Chet and Scotia are a great couple.
There's a BIG reveal about Soctia's back story . I thought that was very unexpected and an original twist. I really liked Scotia in this story. I hope that she shows up in more Smartypants books.
I just had to read about Scotia (!!) The nemesis of many in the town of Green Valley. Especially The Winstons!.
Scotia's softer side showed up fairly early in this book. I did have a little issue with the H, Chet.
He really harsh with her and then would be so loving with his foster sons. Chet and some great moments then he would pull back again.
This is a sweet story. There was a lot of side story with the foster sons.
Chet and Scotia are a great couple.
There's a BIG reveal about Soctia's back story . I thought that was very unexpected and an original twist. I really liked Scotia in this story. I hope that she shows up in more Smartypants books.
September 26, 2021
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS****
‘“I like when you’re truthful with me,” he whispers, curling his finger over my ear to brush back the loose hair near my face. “When you’re real.”
“What are we doing with each other?” I whisper. It’s an honest question. Are we just hooking up, filling a need in each other? Or could we be something more to one another?
“For now, we’re dancing.”’
I really, truly wanted to love this story, so much, but there were a few issues that were really problematic for me. As a woman and as a romance reader. It’s difficult to even discuss those issues without revealing humongous spoilers, something I never want to do in a review.
Suffice to say a certain male character, his words and his actions didn’t sit well with me for half of the book. To me, they simply weren’t the responses or reactions of someone valiant or full of compassion for someone important in his life. To say anything more in-depth would give the game away.
Scotia was a terrific character, in fact for me, she was the stand out protagonist. I loved that she stayed true to her prickly personality. She was cantankerous, gossipy and full of barbs, sarcasm and truth. But that wasn’t all she was. Scotia Simmons was a woman of many- seemingly impenetrable- defence mechanisms, high walls and deep layers, and as each one was knocked down and peeled back, slowly, reverently, readers were treated to an intense, profound and complicated heroine, one you couldn’t help but admire. She’s unapologetically herself, a little salty and mean, only she tends to hide her huge heart and empathy, mostly out of fear of rejection. She tries to be better, to be more self-aware. Experiencing her personality shift, watching her love and loyalty be exposed was just wonderful. She truly is one of my favourite characters because she is so real, so raw and complex.
‘“You’re a work in progress. That doesn’t make you awful. It means you’re tryin’. There’s a difference.”’
Chet is where I had the most issue. In the beginning, he was amazing. He obviously had so much love and understanding inside of him to accomplish the things he did. He was sweet, selfless, attentive, downright sexy and most of all, he saw deep down into Scotia. Past the prickly exterior. Past the ‘society dragon’ image she had erected. About the halfway mark though, his character changed for me. Not in a good way. He was dismissive with concerns, a little too harsh and disparaging, yet unlike Scotia, Chet’s words weren’t a deflection or barrier against something, they were aimed to hurt. Time and time again. His character became harder and harder to connect with, to love. He didn’t seem like the same man from those opening chapters. Which ultimately brought down my love of this story.
The level of angst was fine, I think for me it was the type of angst that was threaded through the story, it lasted too long without resolution, just bringing waves of unease and apprehension. I didn’t enjoy it. I wanted romance, a connection and a little bit of fun to lighten the drama. The conclusion was good. How it all came to a head and how things were settled, but ultimately for me, a love story is as much about the journey, than it is about the destination.
‘“I like when you’re truthful with me,” he whispers, curling his finger over my ear to brush back the loose hair near my face. “When you’re real.”
“What are we doing with each other?” I whisper. It’s an honest question. Are we just hooking up, filling a need in each other? Or could we be something more to one another?
“For now, we’re dancing.”’
I really, truly wanted to love this story, so much, but there were a few issues that were really problematic for me. As a woman and as a romance reader. It’s difficult to even discuss those issues without revealing humongous spoilers, something I never want to do in a review.
Suffice to say a certain male character, his words and his actions didn’t sit well with me for half of the book. To me, they simply weren’t the responses or reactions of someone valiant or full of compassion for someone important in his life. To say anything more in-depth would give the game away.
Scotia was a terrific character, in fact for me, she was the stand out protagonist. I loved that she stayed true to her prickly personality. She was cantankerous, gossipy and full of barbs, sarcasm and truth. But that wasn’t all she was. Scotia Simmons was a woman of many- seemingly impenetrable- defence mechanisms, high walls and deep layers, and as each one was knocked down and peeled back, slowly, reverently, readers were treated to an intense, profound and complicated heroine, one you couldn’t help but admire. She’s unapologetically herself, a little salty and mean, only she tends to hide her huge heart and empathy, mostly out of fear of rejection. She tries to be better, to be more self-aware. Experiencing her personality shift, watching her love and loyalty be exposed was just wonderful. She truly is one of my favourite characters because she is so real, so raw and complex.
‘“You’re a work in progress. That doesn’t make you awful. It means you’re tryin’. There’s a difference.”’
Chet is where I had the most issue. In the beginning, he was amazing. He obviously had so much love and understanding inside of him to accomplish the things he did. He was sweet, selfless, attentive, downright sexy and most of all, he saw deep down into Scotia. Past the prickly exterior. Past the ‘society dragon’ image she had erected. About the halfway mark though, his character changed for me. Not in a good way. He was dismissive with concerns, a little too harsh and disparaging, yet unlike Scotia, Chet’s words weren’t a deflection or barrier against something, they were aimed to hurt. Time and time again. His character became harder and harder to connect with, to love. He didn’t seem like the same man from those opening chapters. Which ultimately brought down my love of this story.
The level of angst was fine, I think for me it was the type of angst that was threaded through the story, it lasted too long without resolution, just bringing waves of unease and apprehension. I didn’t enjoy it. I wanted romance, a connection and a little bit of fun to lighten the drama. The conclusion was good. How it all came to a head and how things were settled, but ultimately for me, a love story is as much about the journey, than it is about the destination.
October 12, 2021
“I’m Scotia Simmons. I want to do this, and I always do what I want.”
I had absolutely no idea what to expect for a romance starring Scotia Simmons. Within the first few chapters, I came to the conclusion that Scotia is an enigma. How can someone be such an absolute jerk and also deep down be caring and giving, vulnerable and sweet? Well, LB Dunbar gave us her story, and prepare to be moved. I laughed, I swooned, I rolled my eyes, I cried buckets of tears, and I fell in love with these people who are just so real, so flawed, and ultimately so good.
A character from the Winston Brothers series that people love to despise. Scotia Simmons surprised me. But in that surprise, she stayed true to the character we know, and I really liked that. Scotia doesn’t magically become this lovely, kind-hearted person, but then again, she kind of does. I feel like I can’t explain it without giving away a *big* part of the story, and I think- it’s almost best to go in blind. We have our preconceived notions about Scotia Simmons- go, read her story, and watch her growth.
“I like you best like this.”
“Putting others down is so second nature to you, I bet you don’t even realize you’re doing it.” Such a *mic drop* moment.
I loved that she fell in love with a man who has all these different sides of himself, just like she does. Chet was a unique hero, super sexy and swoony and yet a bringer of his own type of drama. He calls her on her crap and encourages her to be better. All the while, loving her through it.
“Scotia Simmons will not be contained.”
“Love in a Pickle” is a rollercoaster of a romance, but, I think- that only makes sense.
Scotia wouldn’t make things easy. She IS drama. There had to be dramas and ups and downs and communication issues. There HAS to be a lot of growth and she did show a lot of growth. Additionally, her Hero showed a lot of growth as well which was a nice touch. They grew independently and also together.
“He hasn’t lost faith in me and being with him makes me want to be better, do better.”
I smiled and nodded at her insight on her daughter vs. Jennifer Winston and loved that they’ve reached a relational truce- that was such a nice touch early on to hopefully entice Penny Reid’s Winston fans to stay on board.
There was also a healthy dose of reality in this story. Pre menopause. Yay! It added a layer of real life which I have found I desire more and more in my romances.
There’s a big part of the story I’m leaving out in my review, because truthfully- I don’t want to spoil anything, but I do feel a content warning is needed, so please look away if you don’t care about that kind of thing.
C/W: foster care, loss of parents/friends, kidnapping, adoption
I had absolutely no idea what to expect for a romance starring Scotia Simmons. Within the first few chapters, I came to the conclusion that Scotia is an enigma. How can someone be such an absolute jerk and also deep down be caring and giving, vulnerable and sweet? Well, LB Dunbar gave us her story, and prepare to be moved. I laughed, I swooned, I rolled my eyes, I cried buckets of tears, and I fell in love with these people who are just so real, so flawed, and ultimately so good.
A character from the Winston Brothers series that people love to despise. Scotia Simmons surprised me. But in that surprise, she stayed true to the character we know, and I really liked that. Scotia doesn’t magically become this lovely, kind-hearted person, but then again, she kind of does. I feel like I can’t explain it without giving away a *big* part of the story, and I think- it’s almost best to go in blind. We have our preconceived notions about Scotia Simmons- go, read her story, and watch her growth.
“I like you best like this.”
“Putting others down is so second nature to you, I bet you don’t even realize you’re doing it.” Such a *mic drop* moment.
I loved that she fell in love with a man who has all these different sides of himself, just like she does. Chet was a unique hero, super sexy and swoony and yet a bringer of his own type of drama. He calls her on her crap and encourages her to be better. All the while, loving her through it.
“Scotia Simmons will not be contained.”
“Love in a Pickle” is a rollercoaster of a romance, but, I think- that only makes sense.
Scotia wouldn’t make things easy. She IS drama. There had to be dramas and ups and downs and communication issues. There HAS to be a lot of growth and she did show a lot of growth. Additionally, her Hero showed a lot of growth as well which was a nice touch. They grew independently and also together.
“He hasn’t lost faith in me and being with him makes me want to be better, do better.”
I smiled and nodded at her insight on her daughter vs. Jennifer Winston and loved that they’ve reached a relational truce- that was such a nice touch early on to hopefully entice Penny Reid’s Winston fans to stay on board.
There was also a healthy dose of reality in this story. Pre menopause. Yay! It added a layer of real life which I have found I desire more and more in my romances.
There’s a big part of the story I’m leaving out in my review, because truthfully- I don’t want to spoil anything, but I do feel a content warning is needed, so please look away if you don’t care about that kind of thing.
C/W: foster care, loss of parents/friends, kidnapping, adoption
October 16, 2021
“Putting others down is so second nature to you, I bet you don’t even realize you are doing it.”
Scotia Simmons is not a likeable character. She is a “mean girl”; the epitome of a person who puts others down to feel better about themself. But until now, we never knew why. Once you learn her backstory, a lot of things make sense. But that still doesn’t make her treatment of others ok. Chet is the person to call her on her behavior, and give her a reason to change.
Chet is far from perfect, though. He is hiding behind so many personas I’m not sure what name to use to describe him. He is kind of an enigma to me still. In the book he is alternatively supportive and dismissive. But I think that by having those very imperfect moments, it gives Scotia some grace to embrace her own change.
They are a great couple when they are communicating. And their most effective means of communication might be physical touch, if you know what I mean. They are scorching hot in this book. Wowza. No wonder Scotia stops being so prickly. She’s on a serotonin high.
And I love that they bond over the foster children. That is such an emotional addition to the book, and might have been my favorite part. It truly showed what a big heart Scotia had hiding under her snide remarks.
A great redemption story for Scotia!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and these are my honest opinions.
Scotia Simmons is not a likeable character. She is a “mean girl”; the epitome of a person who puts others down to feel better about themself. But until now, we never knew why. Once you learn her backstory, a lot of things make sense. But that still doesn’t make her treatment of others ok. Chet is the person to call her on her behavior, and give her a reason to change.
Chet is far from perfect, though. He is hiding behind so many personas I’m not sure what name to use to describe him. He is kind of an enigma to me still. In the book he is alternatively supportive and dismissive. But I think that by having those very imperfect moments, it gives Scotia some grace to embrace her own change.
They are a great couple when they are communicating. And their most effective means of communication might be physical touch, if you know what I mean. They are scorching hot in this book. Wowza. No wonder Scotia stops being so prickly. She’s on a serotonin high.
And I love that they bond over the foster children. That is such an emotional addition to the book, and might have been my favorite part. It truly showed what a big heart Scotia had hiding under her snide remarks.
A great redemption story for Scotia!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and these are my honest opinions.
October 17, 2021
I did not care for the hero of this book and my rating is mainly based on that.
I absolutely loved Scotia tho.
I absolutely loved Scotia tho.
January 4, 2022
5 Star Review Love In A Pickle (The Winters Sisters #3) by L B Dunbar
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
January 4, 2022
5 Star Review Love In A Pickle (The Winters Sisters #3) by L B Dunbar
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
October 28, 2021
Check out an Excerpt HERE
***5 Stars***
I figured that Scotia Simmons would take me for a ride, and believe me when I say, she was a force, but Chester gave as good as Scotia did. The push/pull whiplash from these two was so real. It was crazy, but it they also gave me all the feels and more and I was really sad to say goodbye to them because they have so much more goodness to give us.
Scotia and Chester (et al ~ you’ll understand when you read the book) are that weird mix of opposites attract and yet similar all in the same breath. They have many facets to them, but rarely ever show anyone who they truly are. And while they both have walls surrounding them that are a country mile high and wide, there hearts are a lot more golden than either would ever admit to.
Their journey to their HEA was a crazy one, but a fascinating one as well. The push/pull was intense, but neither could stay away. They did tend to be more combative than not, but when they just let things flow, they were actually perfect for each other in basically every way. In the end, I loved them together and am happy with how everything turned out.
I’m kind of sad to say goodbye to the Winter’s sisters and their men because I can see just how much more goodness can come from their lives, but it is what it is. This book definitely packed a punch. A lot goes on, and there were some moments that did my heart in, but everything was done well and there are a few characters we got to meet in here ~ Maura, Todd (just to name a few) ~ that I’d love to see get their own HEA at some point, so toes crossed we’ll see them again!
~ Copy provided by SPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
***5 Stars***
I figured that Scotia Simmons would take me for a ride, and believe me when I say, she was a force, but Chester gave as good as Scotia did. The push/pull whiplash from these two was so real. It was crazy, but it they also gave me all the feels and more and I was really sad to say goodbye to them because they have so much more goodness to give us.
Scotia and Chester (et al ~ you’ll understand when you read the book) are that weird mix of opposites attract and yet similar all in the same breath. They have many facets to them, but rarely ever show anyone who they truly are. And while they both have walls surrounding them that are a country mile high and wide, there hearts are a lot more golden than either would ever admit to.
Their journey to their HEA was a crazy one, but a fascinating one as well. The push/pull was intense, but neither could stay away. They did tend to be more combative than not, but when they just let things flow, they were actually perfect for each other in basically every way. In the end, I loved them together and am happy with how everything turned out.
I’m kind of sad to say goodbye to the Winter’s sisters and their men because I can see just how much more goodness can come from their lives, but it is what it is. This book definitely packed a punch. A lot goes on, and there were some moments that did my heart in, but everything was done well and there are a few characters we got to meet in here ~ Maura, Todd (just to name a few) ~ that I’d love to see get their own HEA at some point, so toes crossed we’ll see them again!
~ Copy provided by SPR & voluntarily reviewed ~
November 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this novel in this series. Both the main characters are delightful. Love having previous main characters from other books in this one. Some serious topics but more lighthearted than the previous 2 books.
Want to read
November 30, 2022Rec from thewellreadmermaid on IG
October 26, 2021
Scotia Simmons is an awesome heroine. She is unapologetically grouchy, cantankerous and pretty much just plain mean… and boy do I love her. Scotia is the Winters sister who readers of this series have come to love to hate. In Love in a Pickle we learn what she is hiding behind her rough exterior.
“Mask in place, Scotia. Speak before spoken about. If I reject others, they can’t reject me first.”
Chester (Chet) (Big Poppy) Chesterfield really does seem to want to find the real Scotia underneath. And for all their push and pull they can’t deny their off the charts sexual attraction.
“Is he the one not attracted to your mean streak?”…
“Don’t you worry. Your secrets are safe with me. But just so you know, I don’t think he’s un-attracted to you.”
I really enjoyed this story except for getting so frustrated with the hero’s on again/off again attitude. As much as I loved Scotia I couldn’t connect with Chet until later in the book, but really loved how things worked out!!
-4.5 Stars-
http://booksandtequila.com/2021/10/26...
“Mask in place, Scotia. Speak before spoken about. If I reject others, they can’t reject me first.”
Chester (Chet) (Big Poppy) Chesterfield really does seem to want to find the real Scotia underneath. And for all their push and pull they can’t deny their off the charts sexual attraction.
“Is he the one not attracted to your mean streak?”…
“Don’t you worry. Your secrets are safe with me. But just so you know, I don’t think he’s un-attracted to you.”
I really enjoyed this story except for getting so frustrated with the hero’s on again/off again attitude. As much as I loved Scotia I couldn’t connect with Chet until later in the book, but really loved how things worked out!!
-4.5 Stars-
http://booksandtequila.com/2021/10/26...
October 11, 2021
Oh L.B. Dunbar, you absolutely never fail to make me fall in love with the characters you write. But I was just sure there was no way you could make me like Scotia Simmons. I should’ve known better. I don’t want to give away spoilers so I’ll just say that I really loved this story of Chet and Scotia and to say that it is true, we never know what a person really has been dealt in their private lives that determine so much about how they act and how they see themselves, or what they need to do to just survive. And you are so gifted in showing us in your writing the struggles of love and getting a first, second or third chances at it, even when we are older.
October 30, 2021
It was hard to think that maybe Scotia Simms could be redeemed, but this book did a pretty good job of it! First, as a 49 year old, it was kind of hard to read some of the bits about forty-something being old, because I don’t want to think of myself as that way. On the other hand it was a really nice story to read about someone my age as well. We learned a lot about Scotia’s life and what kind of made her the way she was. It was still hard to read when she did her usual catty and mean comments about other people. But I did like when she started stopping herself and realizing what she was doing.
Spending time with her sisters that we now know from the first two books featuring their stories was a lot of fun. Seeing them from her point of view, yet knowing how we felt when we read their stories from their points of view was really interesting. That’s one thing I’m loving about the authors in this series that do family members in the subsequent books. I was a little disappointed that Chet didn’t involve Cletus in his information finding mission, but oh well, he still found out what he needed.
In the end Scotia did redeem herself, or if not redeem, she did become a better person and it gave me more empathy for her and what she’d dealt with in her life. There were also some little peeks at characters that we’d had mentioned in Penny Reid’s Green Valley books. And all of that made for such a perfectly “dill-ightful” read. See what I did there? I loved the pickle puns and all the pickle stuff that Scotia sold. I do love fried pickles. Also, I think we need some of the stuff she was selling to buy as stickers or t-shirts, etc. I’d buy it!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
Spending time with her sisters that we now know from the first two books featuring their stories was a lot of fun. Seeing them from her point of view, yet knowing how we felt when we read their stories from their points of view was really interesting. That’s one thing I’m loving about the authors in this series that do family members in the subsequent books. I was a little disappointed that Chet didn’t involve Cletus in his information finding mission, but oh well, he still found out what he needed.
In the end Scotia did redeem herself, or if not redeem, she did become a better person and it gave me more empathy for her and what she’d dealt with in her life. There were also some little peeks at characters that we’d had mentioned in Penny Reid’s Green Valley books. And all of that made for such a perfectly “dill-ightful” read. See what I did there? I loved the pickle puns and all the pickle stuff that Scotia sold. I do love fried pickles. Also, I think we need some of the stuff she was selling to buy as stickers or t-shirts, etc. I’d buy it!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
September 28, 2021
I received an ARC for this book today from Smarty Pants Romance.
I loved this love story so very much. This couple was just the best. It was everything and had everything. I can't recommend this book or this series enough. A must read.
I loved this love story so very much. This couple was just the best. It was everything and had everything. I can't recommend this book or this series enough. A must read.
October 27, 2021
Hoo-boy. It's Scotia Simmons turn to find love and...Scotia.Simmons. The lady has not always been kind (understatement) in passing to the residents of Green Valley and it was going to take A LOT to redeem her in my eyes.
As it turns out, Scotia has her reasons for being like she is. She had an upbringing that left her both as an entitled princess and wanting more for herself once she realized she perhaps wasn't as entitled as she was led to believe. She did things to become part of GV society that have her holding onto secrets and seeing how distanced she has become from everyone around her has unscored her loneliness. She values honesty to the point that she doesn't realize how cutting she's being until it's pointed out to her.
The man who does the pointing? Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy. LOL. Chet has a lot of personality rolled into his teddy bear self. He's also intrigued by the woman who uses words like knives and can still come across as vulnerable upon occasion. The deeper he digs under Scotia's haughty mask, the more he likes both her sweetness and her prickles. It just takes a while for him to get to the purely liking point.
As it turns out, however, both Scotia and Chet have a soft spot for kids. Chet's house for wayward kiddos goes a long way toward forcing them to see each other in a different light.
Disadvantaged kids, sexy times between the sheets, a woman with a secretly soft heart, and a man who would tear down the world to keep those he cares about safe. Did I expect to like Scotia as much as I did? Let's just say the lady surprised me in the best way and maybe (just maybe) Scotia Simmons isn't such a mean girl after all.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As it turns out, Scotia has her reasons for being like she is. She had an upbringing that left her both as an entitled princess and wanting more for herself once she realized she perhaps wasn't as entitled as she was led to believe. She did things to become part of GV society that have her holding onto secrets and seeing how distanced she has become from everyone around her has unscored her loneliness. She values honesty to the point that she doesn't realize how cutting she's being until it's pointed out to her.
The man who does the pointing? Chet Chester Chesterfield Big Poppy. LOL. Chet has a lot of personality rolled into his teddy bear self. He's also intrigued by the woman who uses words like knives and can still come across as vulnerable upon occasion. The deeper he digs under Scotia's haughty mask, the more he likes both her sweetness and her prickles. It just takes a while for him to get to the purely liking point.
As it turns out, however, both Scotia and Chet have a soft spot for kids. Chet's house for wayward kiddos goes a long way toward forcing them to see each other in a different light.
Disadvantaged kids, sexy times between the sheets, a woman with a secretly soft heart, and a man who would tear down the world to keep those he cares about safe. Did I expect to like Scotia as much as I did? Let's just say the lady surprised me in the best way and maybe (just maybe) Scotia Simmons isn't such a mean girl after all.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 17, 2021
Why h likes H is beyond me. He's an ahole who is always judging, mistreating and accusing her of doing to others what he's doing to her, projection much! Hate him he can be good to everyone else but her ughh
October 19, 2021
Overall Grade: 4.5 ⭐️
“She anchors me, and until this moment, I didn’t realize how untethered I’ve been.”
L.B. Dunbar’s Love in A Pickle, her newest title in the SmartyPants Romance world, is divine. Seriously divine. You might want to know why. I’m a huge fan of the redemption of a former “mean” character, and Scotia Simmons of Green Valley, Tennessee has terrorized this small-town in various Penny Reid and SmartyPants Romance stories. However, you have heard that people who “bully” others or speak ill of them do so out of insecurity or some type of pain. And the interrogation of those underlying influences makes for some of the best stories, stories such as Dunbar’s Love in A Pickle.
To believe that Scotia is purely evil is to diminish and reduce her. In the first two books of this series, Love in Due Time and Love in Deed, Dunbar teases Scotia’s humanity as she steps in to support her sisters. The Queen of Mean shows her softer side in those books, and if you’ve been following the bouncing ball of Dunbar’s stories, then you have waited for Scotia’s story.
And Dunbar’s book did not disappoint. I’ve seen other reviews, and it’s a resounding response that Dunbar deftly wrote a compelling character in Scotia that changes your perception of her. Very easily, it changes your opinion of her character.
Without giving any details, let me talk around the parts of the story that simply work to cull together a beautiful story of redemption and love:
*There are secrets in this book that should not be divulged in any review. You definitely won’t find it in this one, and it absolutely is one of the factors that turns your head towards Scotia. For me, it brought tears to my eyes. It connects directly to Scotia’s most vulnerable place.
*Her hero, Chet/Chester/Big Poppy, is a revelation, and I appreciate how much Dunbar works to craft a character who is much like Scotia while seemingly very different. Dunbar’s story plays with the idea of identities or the masks we wear for different situations. Interestingly, Dunbar also admonishes her reader with the double-standard of judgment between men and women. Chet can throw ugly at someone, and it seems more acceptable, while Scotia is judged and characterized with ugly names.
Even more, Chet is a force of change. He challenges Scotia, while he falls in love with her. However, I wrote a note in the margins of my book around the 50% mark when I noted how much I wasn’t his biggest fan. One minute, Chet is beguiled by Scotia, wanting to protect her and encourage her to be a better person. The next minute, though, he pushes her away and cuts at her soul as she becomes more vulnerable. And this is the genius of Dunbar’s storytelling. It’s in these moments, along with Scotia’s other secrets, where Dunbar humanizes Scotia. It feels so calculated and necessary in order for people to accept a love story for Scotia Simmons.
*Ultimately, the camaraderie of the Winters sisters is the backbone of Love in A Pickle. Revisiting Naomi and Beverly while they support and encourage Scotia reminds us why these stories exist. They bring us back to Penny Reid’s Green Valley, Tennessee.
I’m sad that these stories seem complete for L.B. Dunbar. Maybe we need the children of these women to have stories, something to keep us in their small circle of sisterly love. What I do know is I think Scotia’s story is my favorite of the three. To take the villain of Green Valley and turn her into a puddle of love is a testament to L.B. Dunbar’s writerly craftsmanship.
“She anchors me, and until this moment, I didn’t realize how untethered I’ve been.”
L.B. Dunbar’s Love in A Pickle, her newest title in the SmartyPants Romance world, is divine. Seriously divine. You might want to know why. I’m a huge fan of the redemption of a former “mean” character, and Scotia Simmons of Green Valley, Tennessee has terrorized this small-town in various Penny Reid and SmartyPants Romance stories. However, you have heard that people who “bully” others or speak ill of them do so out of insecurity or some type of pain. And the interrogation of those underlying influences makes for some of the best stories, stories such as Dunbar’s Love in A Pickle.
To believe that Scotia is purely evil is to diminish and reduce her. In the first two books of this series, Love in Due Time and Love in Deed, Dunbar teases Scotia’s humanity as she steps in to support her sisters. The Queen of Mean shows her softer side in those books, and if you’ve been following the bouncing ball of Dunbar’s stories, then you have waited for Scotia’s story.
And Dunbar’s book did not disappoint. I’ve seen other reviews, and it’s a resounding response that Dunbar deftly wrote a compelling character in Scotia that changes your perception of her. Very easily, it changes your opinion of her character.
Without giving any details, let me talk around the parts of the story that simply work to cull together a beautiful story of redemption and love:
*There are secrets in this book that should not be divulged in any review. You definitely won’t find it in this one, and it absolutely is one of the factors that turns your head towards Scotia. For me, it brought tears to my eyes. It connects directly to Scotia’s most vulnerable place.
*Her hero, Chet/Chester/Big Poppy, is a revelation, and I appreciate how much Dunbar works to craft a character who is much like Scotia while seemingly very different. Dunbar’s story plays with the idea of identities or the masks we wear for different situations. Interestingly, Dunbar also admonishes her reader with the double-standard of judgment between men and women. Chet can throw ugly at someone, and it seems more acceptable, while Scotia is judged and characterized with ugly names.
Even more, Chet is a force of change. He challenges Scotia, while he falls in love with her. However, I wrote a note in the margins of my book around the 50% mark when I noted how much I wasn’t his biggest fan. One minute, Chet is beguiled by Scotia, wanting to protect her and encourage her to be a better person. The next minute, though, he pushes her away and cuts at her soul as she becomes more vulnerable. And this is the genius of Dunbar’s storytelling. It’s in these moments, along with Scotia’s other secrets, where Dunbar humanizes Scotia. It feels so calculated and necessary in order for people to accept a love story for Scotia Simmons.
*Ultimately, the camaraderie of the Winters sisters is the backbone of Love in A Pickle. Revisiting Naomi and Beverly while they support and encourage Scotia reminds us why these stories exist. They bring us back to Penny Reid’s Green Valley, Tennessee.
I’m sad that these stories seem complete for L.B. Dunbar. Maybe we need the children of these women to have stories, something to keep us in their small circle of sisterly love. What I do know is I think Scotia’s story is my favorite of the three. To take the villain of Green Valley and turn her into a puddle of love is a testament to L.B. Dunbar’s writerly craftsmanship.
October 26, 2021
5 tell-me-three-things stars!
I loved this story! There was humour, a lot of heat, and some major sweetness going on!
”You have sorrowful, soulful eyes, and I wanted them to look at me, like maybe you might see me differently, see me for who I am.”
Previously, Scotia Simmons has never been painted in a favourable light but this story really peeled back the layers of this complex woman. The reader goes from hating on this salt and vinegar termagant, to feeling a whole heap of sympathy and empathy for her and her secrets. Equally complex is Chester Chesterfield AKA Big Poppy AKA Chet. He seemed jolly and easy-going on the surface, but he had a lot of hurt and self-worth issues buried under that facial hair and barrel chest. I absolutely adored him! He had a heart of solid gold and won me over pretty quickly.
”She sparks like an unlit match, crackling to life, and I want to keep feeding that flame. I want to know how brightly she’ll burn. How hot she will heat. How intense can she be.”
When the two meet at an awards evening, they make a lasting impression on one another. Their whole relationship was based on like, dislike, and whole lot of sexiness! There was a lot of push-and-pull going on between them, but I loved the honesty of their confusion over their feelings for one another. Scotia had a huge journey in this story. Years of conditioning and behaving a certain way was broken down by Chet and even by her likeable assistant, Gideon. I loved that she fought to change some of her more unattractive behaviours. Under that buttoned-up façade was a woman yearning to belong to someone and to be loved for herself. In spite of how frustrating he found Scotia, Chet was immensely drawn to her. He wanted to see the good in her and demanded better of her. The sweetness in this story was plentiful amongst some of the sharper words exchanged – from the cute kids, to the tender and playful words between Chet and Scotia, to their declaration of love. A gorgeous story!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RWLQ2MN...
I loved this story! There was humour, a lot of heat, and some major sweetness going on!
”You have sorrowful, soulful eyes, and I wanted them to look at me, like maybe you might see me differently, see me for who I am.”
Previously, Scotia Simmons has never been painted in a favourable light but this story really peeled back the layers of this complex woman. The reader goes from hating on this salt and vinegar termagant, to feeling a whole heap of sympathy and empathy for her and her secrets. Equally complex is Chester Chesterfield AKA Big Poppy AKA Chet. He seemed jolly and easy-going on the surface, but he had a lot of hurt and self-worth issues buried under that facial hair and barrel chest. I absolutely adored him! He had a heart of solid gold and won me over pretty quickly.
”She sparks like an unlit match, crackling to life, and I want to keep feeding that flame. I want to know how brightly she’ll burn. How hot she will heat. How intense can she be.”
When the two meet at an awards evening, they make a lasting impression on one another. Their whole relationship was based on like, dislike, and whole lot of sexiness! There was a lot of push-and-pull going on between them, but I loved the honesty of their confusion over their feelings for one another. Scotia had a huge journey in this story. Years of conditioning and behaving a certain way was broken down by Chet and even by her likeable assistant, Gideon. I loved that she fought to change some of her more unattractive behaviours. Under that buttoned-up façade was a woman yearning to belong to someone and to be loved for herself. In spite of how frustrating he found Scotia, Chet was immensely drawn to her. He wanted to see the good in her and demanded better of her. The sweetness in this story was plentiful amongst some of the sharper words exchanged – from the cute kids, to the tender and playful words between Chet and Scotia, to their declaration of love. A gorgeous story!
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/RWLQ2MN...
October 18, 2021
Surement la romance qui m'a le plus laissée perplexe. Je l'ai pas détesté, mais je l'ai pas aimé non plus. Je l'ai lu en étant plus détachée qu'avec d'autres, je pense que c'était plus en raison du style de l'auteur et des personnalités des héros auxquels je n'ai pas vraiment accroché.
J'ai trouvé leur histoire un poil compliquée, et plusieurs fois quand l'un fait un pas vers l'autre, l'autre fait 2 pas dans le sens opposé. Je me suis demandée si vraiment ils allaient finir ensemble parce que c'était pas gagné...
Scotia est une langue de vipère, elle n'est pas forcément la personnalité la plus aimé de Green Valley, elle commence à renouer du lien avec ses soeurs mais ce n'est pas chose facile. Clairement, elle s'est ensevelie elle-même dans une masse de "Qu'en dira-t-on ?", une façon de se comporter en société et un système de défense au cas où quelqu'un oserait lui dire quelque chose, c'est elle qui frappe la première... Les seuls moments où elle m'a touché c'est son lien avec les enfants du foyer de Chester et surtout avec le petit Malik.
Chester, tient, personnage presque schizophrène avec 3 identités en 1... Qu'on ne soit pas pareil au boulot et à la maison d'accord, mais avoir 3 versions de soi est assez perturbant, même Scotia dit à un moment ne pas savoir à qui elle a à faire : Chester, Chet ou Big Popy... D'autant que le Chester homme d'affaire, on sait pas vraiment ce qu'il fait comme boulot xD (nan mais c'est vrai).
Donc autant la romance ne m'a fait ni chaud ni froid, autant j'ai plus apprécié l'intrigue autour de Malik, ce petit garçon trouvé que personne ne cherche. Ce bouquin est extrêmement bien documenté sur le système des familles d'accueil aux USA, c'est pour moi le point le plus intéressant du livre.
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Surely the romance that left me the most perplexed. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. I was more detached than others books I read, I think it was more because of the author' style and who the characters were and I didn't really get hooked on.
I found their story a bit complicated, when one takes one step towards the other, the other takes two steps in the opposite direction. I wondered if they were really going to end up together because it was not an match made in heaven...
Scotia is a vicious gossip, she is not necessarily the most beloved woman of Green Valley, she is starting to reconnect with her sisters but it's not easy. Clearly, she has buried herself in a mass of "What will they say ?", a way of behaving in society and a defense wall and in case someone dares say something to her, it's her who strikes first... The only moments when I liked here was because her bond with the children of Chester's foster home and especially with little Malik.
Chester, by the way, an almost schizophrenic character with 3 identities in 1... If you are not the same at work and at home it's okay, but having 3 versions of yourself is quite disturbing, even Scotia said at one point that she doesn't know who she's dealing with : Chester, Chet or Big Popy... Especially since Chester is a rich businessman, we don't really know what he does for a living xD (but it's true, I 've no idea).
So as much as the romance leaves me completely indifferent, I enjoyed the intrigue around Malik, this little boy is found and no one is looking for him. This book is extremely well documented on the foster care system in the USA, it's for me the most interesting point of the book.
-Read as an ARC-
J'ai trouvé leur histoire un poil compliquée, et plusieurs fois quand l'un fait un pas vers l'autre, l'autre fait 2 pas dans le sens opposé. Je me suis demandée si vraiment ils allaient finir ensemble parce que c'était pas gagné...
Scotia est une langue de vipère, elle n'est pas forcément la personnalité la plus aimé de Green Valley, elle commence à renouer du lien avec ses soeurs mais ce n'est pas chose facile. Clairement, elle s'est ensevelie elle-même dans une masse de "Qu'en dira-t-on ?", une façon de se comporter en société et un système de défense au cas où quelqu'un oserait lui dire quelque chose, c'est elle qui frappe la première... Les seuls moments où elle m'a touché c'est son lien avec les enfants du foyer de Chester et surtout avec le petit Malik.
Chester, tient, personnage presque schizophrène avec 3 identités en 1... Qu'on ne soit pas pareil au boulot et à la maison d'accord, mais avoir 3 versions de soi est assez perturbant, même Scotia dit à un moment ne pas savoir à qui elle a à faire : Chester, Chet ou Big Popy... D'autant que le Chester homme d'affaire, on sait pas vraiment ce qu'il fait comme boulot xD (nan mais c'est vrai).
Donc autant la romance ne m'a fait ni chaud ni froid, autant j'ai plus apprécié l'intrigue autour de Malik, ce petit garçon trouvé que personne ne cherche. Ce bouquin est extrêmement bien documenté sur le système des familles d'accueil aux USA, c'est pour moi le point le plus intéressant du livre.
******************
Surely the romance that left me the most perplexed. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either. I was more detached than others books I read, I think it was more because of the author' style and who the characters were and I didn't really get hooked on.
I found their story a bit complicated, when one takes one step towards the other, the other takes two steps in the opposite direction. I wondered if they were really going to end up together because it was not an match made in heaven...
Scotia is a vicious gossip, she is not necessarily the most beloved woman of Green Valley, she is starting to reconnect with her sisters but it's not easy. Clearly, she has buried herself in a mass of "What will they say ?", a way of behaving in society and a defense wall and in case someone dares say something to her, it's her who strikes first... The only moments when I liked here was because her bond with the children of Chester's foster home and especially with little Malik.
Chester, by the way, an almost schizophrenic character with 3 identities in 1... If you are not the same at work and at home it's okay, but having 3 versions of yourself is quite disturbing, even Scotia said at one point that she doesn't know who she's dealing with : Chester, Chet or Big Popy... Especially since Chester is a rich businessman, we don't really know what he does for a living xD (but it's true, I 've no idea).
So as much as the romance leaves me completely indifferent, I enjoyed the intrigue around Malik, this little boy is found and no one is looking for him. This book is extremely well documented on the foster care system in the USA, it's for me the most interesting point of the book.
-Read as an ARC-
October 2, 2021
LB Dunbar had a steep hill to climb with this one because Scotia is one of those people who spews venom every time she opens her mouth and yet she did it. She somehow turned Scotia into a redeemable and sympathetic character that I was rooting for!
The story takes place several months after a one night stand when the two parties meet again and find out that neither is what they first seemed to be.
Scotia and Chet were total opposites and also so similar. They each used facades to guard themselves against the world and they each had these hidden depths that you really had to dig to find. Chet was a biker, a millionaire, and a regular guy but no matter which personal he wore, he had some major growing up to do. Scotia is the one that is obviously prickly but when you get to know Chet you find he also keeps people at arms length in a lot of ways not quite committing to happiness.
This story was an emotional push pull of lust and want and hurt and uncertainty with a lot of love mixed in. Scotia and Chet really deserved their happily ever after. I’m so glad that LB Dunbar looked beyond Scotia’s mean-girl facade and uncovered her softer side. I really appreciated that both characters were over 40 and that the author put some real life stuff on the page from bodily functions to themes of abandonment and loss.
I highly recommend this book. If anyone is looking for me I’ll be busy reading LB Dunbar’s backlist because I’m hooked.
The story takes place several months after a one night stand when the two parties meet again and find out that neither is what they first seemed to be.
Scotia and Chet were total opposites and also so similar. They each used facades to guard themselves against the world and they each had these hidden depths that you really had to dig to find. Chet was a biker, a millionaire, and a regular guy but no matter which personal he wore, he had some major growing up to do. Scotia is the one that is obviously prickly but when you get to know Chet you find he also keeps people at arms length in a lot of ways not quite committing to happiness.
This story was an emotional push pull of lust and want and hurt and uncertainty with a lot of love mixed in. Scotia and Chet really deserved their happily ever after. I’m so glad that LB Dunbar looked beyond Scotia’s mean-girl facade and uncovered her softer side. I really appreciated that both characters were over 40 and that the author put some real life stuff on the page from bodily functions to themes of abandonment and loss.
I highly recommend this book. If anyone is looking for me I’ll be busy reading LB Dunbar’s backlist because I’m hooked.
October 11, 2021
5 Star Review Love In A Pickle (The Winters Sisters #3) by L B Dunbar
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
This is the third and final book in the Winters Sisters story in the Green Valley Library series and this was a well written story that drew me in and kept me interested from the first chapter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about L.B.Dunbar’s stories is that the main characters are not in the typical twenties age group. They are more mature and as such they have life experience that is easier for me to relate too. Although I liked Chester (aka Big Poppy aka Chet) Chesterfield, I had a hard time relating to Scotia Simmons; there was something about her that rubbed me the wrong way.
However as the story developed and her layers were peeled back, I began to understand her more and had a better appreciation of what had made her the way she is. Chet had just as many layers and I felt that he was the only one that could draw Scotia out; he is a man who is reeling from his past and the secrets that he holds in.
Their journey was rocky but what a journey it was.
January 14, 2022
It never fails, the book in a series that I don't think I'm going to like all that much, ends up being my favorite.
Scotia Simmons. I'll be honest, I've held a lot of hatred towards this character. Every time I think of Scotia, I think about the Deli scene when she was so awful towards Jenn when Cletus steps in and stands up for her.
So honestly, I didn't think there was much hope for such a rude and snide character, but Dunbar did an amazing job giving her a unique history and wonderful, but realistic character development.
This series was just really fun and relaxing to ease into my reading challenge for 2022.
Scotia Simmons. I'll be honest, I've held a lot of hatred towards this character. Every time I think of Scotia, I think about the Deli scene when she was so awful towards Jenn when Cletus steps in and stands up for her.
So honestly, I didn't think there was much hope for such a rude and snide character, but Dunbar did an amazing job giving her a unique history and wonderful, but realistic character development.
This series was just really fun and relaxing to ease into my reading challenge for 2022.
October 15, 2021
Heartfelt story with the best characters!
Also known as the Pickle Queen, Scotia is the best part about this +40 romance. She’s perfectly imperfect as she is totally unapologetic with her snarky, sarcastic nosey and gossipy ways.
Chet has noticed her and while he pushes her boundaries, she pushes back.
As far as opposites are concerned they are totally different but they get each other. Between the push and pull, the sexual tension and the snarky humor I loved reading their story.
The obstacles they faced to get their Hea made their story unputdownable!
Also known as the Pickle Queen, Scotia is the best part about this +40 romance. She’s perfectly imperfect as she is totally unapologetic with her snarky, sarcastic nosey and gossipy ways.
Chet has noticed her and while he pushes her boundaries, she pushes back.
As far as opposites are concerned they are totally different but they get each other. Between the push and pull, the sexual tension and the snarky humor I loved reading their story.
The obstacles they faced to get their Hea made their story unputdownable!
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