Book Review: When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is a steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.
Fang Fiction by Kate Staymon-London
When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.
And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.
But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend—until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?
Book Review
I received an advance review copy from @stmartinspress on @netgalley for my honest review, but due to an extra long TBR I was just now able to read it and I wish I had sooner! I loved it so much that I ended up buying it in paperback for my trophy bookcase (iykyk).
“When Grumpy Met Sunshine” by Charlotte Stein is a delightful and hilarious romance that perfectly captures the magic of fake dating and opposites attract tropes. Alfie Harding, the grumpy ex-footballer (think Ted Lasso’s Roy Kent), and Mabel Willicker, the sunshine-y ghostwriter, create an irresistible dynamic. Their banter is sharp and witty, making their journey from business partners to something more utterly engaging. Stein masterfully develops their relationship, turning their laugh-out-loud bickering into undeniable chemistry that sizzles on every page. Mabel’s cheerful disposition contrasts beautifully with Alfie’s gruff exterior, revealing layers of vulnerability and depth in both characters. This book is a perfect blend of humor, heat, and heart, leaving readers rooting for Alfie and Mabel’s happily ever after. A must-read for fans of romance with a delightful twist!
Read if you like:
💚✨ Friends to Lovers
💚✨ Slow Burn
💚✨ Body Positivity
💚✨ Second Chance
