Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

1 review

ladylothlorien's review against another edition

emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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!). 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Cursing

Both characters have trauma from being bullied when they were children. And both are people-pleasers, but in different ways. The heroine is plus-sized and generally comfortable in her own skin, but she experiences fatphobia from others, particularly from the hero's fans when they start fake dating.