Reviews with content warning for Cursing - When Grumpy Met Sunshine

I absolutely loved this book! I am a fan of Charlotte Stein already, and I was a little surprised at the plot of this book when she talked about it since it's a bit different from some of her other books. That's not a bad thing at all! This is a slow-burn, "idiots-to-lovers," and fake dating story, but there are many of Stein's ultra-hot scenes sprinkled in (the one at the end was scorching!). And Stein does a great job developing the characters so it's more understandable why they keep thinking that the other doesn't really have feelings for them. This means the story does touch on sensitive topics, but it's done with care. Stein goes VERY in-depth on these two characters, which does mean that nearly all other characters are flat, but I didn't mind.

I wasn't sure about the last bit of the book, but I've sat with it for a bit and I've decided I'm okay with it.

I thought we weren't headed for that dreaded third act breakup, so I was very surprised when it happened. And then the flash forward A YEAR?! But the more I think about it, the more I realize that both Mabel and Alfie needed to move forward on their own for a bit. He needed to write his memoir and start living as his authentic self. Mabel needed to pursue writing her own book. Each was a catalyst for the growth of the other, but they needed to have that growth separately to be really ready for the relationship. I think the story could have worked okay without the separation, but with all of the character work that Stein did to show how much trauma each of them had, it needed to be Mabel and Alfie as individuals pulling themselves up out of it on their own to avoid even the appearance of co-dependence.

So highly recommended! And if you like the spiciness of this book, definitely check out Stein's other books (Sweet Agony is still my favorite, although you should read the warnings!).

Content Warnings

n_heraty's review against another edition

Go to review page

slow-paced

2.5

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6226955333

Content Warnings

natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Sizzlingly swoon-worthy, fabulously entertaining and full of northern charm—When Grumpy Met Sunshine is a banter filled (and heartfelt) Rom-Com that I loved from start to finish.

It follows Mabel a sunshiny, plus sized ghost writer who’s been brought in to ghostwrite the memoir of famously grumpy footballing Legend, Alfie Harding (who has already rejected the previous sixteen writers!) The pair clash a little at first, but after Mabel gives Alfie a piece of her mind they soon find common ground—which leads Alfie to opening up about his life, in ways he’s never done before.

But, after Mabel is papped leaving the ex-Man Utd player’s house (in an innocuous but oh soo secret writing session) rumours start to circulate about their supposedly blossoming relationship. With the need to keep up the pretence that Alfie is writing his own memoir (or risk kissing her job prospects goodbye) the pair have no choice but to fake date… at least until the book is released.

However, what started as a reluctant (but mutually beneficial) arrangement is slipping into something far more serious (and steamier) than Mabel had ever anticipated, and as her feelings for the short tempered sporting legend grow, so too does her uncertainty over what is real and what is fake.

This was such a deliciously addictive and humorous read that I (a self confessed Grumpy x Sunshine fanatic) couldn’t get enough of! The writing was incredibly engaging, and the characters all soo wonderfully witty and nuanced —especially Mabel and Alfie (though Alfie’s assistant and Mabel’s best friends were also rather entertaining.)

Mabel, our overly cheerful protagonist was an engagingly endearing character and I loved getting to explore her sensitive, yet heartwarmingly complex nature. I also loved the depth we see in her inner thought processes and feelings surrounding her struggles with self worth, which, as someone who is also plus sized felt incredibly relatable.

Though much as I loved Mabel, it was our misunderstood cinnamon roll of a love interest, Alfie that stole my heart. His adorably grumpy (and socially awkward) interactions were soo endearing—in a heartwarming, Nick Miller meets Roy Kent kind of way. Despite his own hang ups and trauma, Alfies’s unwavering support and trust in Mabel had me rooting from the start.

Though as entertaining (and swoon-worthy) as Alfie and Mabel were together, I have to warn they do curse up quite a storm—which, I know may be off putting for some readers. Personally, I thought their creative use of swears worked well in breaking the tension between them, and helped bring a sense of normalcy (and relatability) to an otherwise uncomfortable situation.

Overall, a deliciously fun, laugh out loud Rom-Com that fans of Grumpy X Sunshine or opposites attract romances are sure the enjoy.

Also, a huge thank you to Chloe at Pan MacMillan for the finished copy.

Content Warnings

bookrecsbyjess's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein. All opinions are my own.

After seeing that this book had some of my favorite romance tropes in it (grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, and slow burn romance), I was very excited to read it. That being said, I have very mixed feelings about it.

Here are the things I liked best about this book:

First, I loved both Alfie and Mabel as main characters. They were both so sweet and lovable, and it was easy to root for them. Also, Alfie was just so adorably awkward and said the sweetest things to Mabel. I also loved how technology-challenged he was because it made him even more endearing.

Second, I loved all the British-isms. While there were a lot of references to British culture that I did not understand, I still loved all the hilarious phrases they would use.

Third, I loved the banter between Mabel and Alfie. They just got along so well, and they had such great conversations and chemistry.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the whole first half of the book. The friendship that was formed, Alfie’s awkward moments, and just the cute moments together really had me loving it.

With all that in mind, here is why this book ultimately fell flat for me:

The explicitness of the sexual content, the crassness of language, and the ending really ruined this book for me.

While I expected there to be some open door romance scenes in this book, the fact that the second half of the book was just mostly smut was disappointing to me. It went from barely anything in the first half of the book to the exact opposite in the latter half. Also, the amount of crude language between Mabel and Alfie was just way too much for me, and I feel like the first half of the book did not build up well to that.

The other major issue I had was how the book ended. Without spoiling anything, there were definitely miscommunication and immaturity involved that made me angry (especially when considering the ages of these characters). It was unnecessary and could have been handled differently. I will say that Alfie’s grand gesture was so sweet and romantic and redeemed it a tiny amount.

Overall, I might recommend this book to some people, but only those who really like spice in their romance books and ones that don’t mind miscommunication.

Content Warnings

More...