A banter filled grumpy meets sunshine audiobook. The premise set it up to be a great audiobook but I just struggled listening to it. Although it started great I felt there was almost too much banter. I loved the characters and they too were set to make the book very good but the audiobook did not live up to its potential. I did not enjoy the miscommunication but I often do not like miscommunication trope books.

I did enjoy the slow burn between Mabel and Alfie it was done relatively well, and I’m a sucker for enemy to lovers. I could not connect with the audiobook due to the narration. May try reading the book and see how I find that.

Thank you for the arc

Alfie needs help to write his autobiography, this help will come in the sign of a ghostwriter. But when the paparazzi get the wrong idea, it might be good for them to just play along. But soon sparks will fly and something they thought was just a game will turn into something very real.

This book fell a little bit flat for me, I just couldn't take to the characters or believe them. I understand that this is non-fiction but I just wanted to be able to connect with them and I really couldn't. The things that I really liked about this book, were the quick one-liners. However, I did feel that the banter was unbelievable as well as a bit too much.

There is a huge miscommunication within this novel which I completely understand but if there was so much chemistry between the two characters as well as a lot of intimacy, I was surprised that nothing more was said.

Overall this was an okay novel, but not one I would try again, however, I would give the author another go.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
I had a love/hate relationship with this book! One minute I loved it and couldn’t put it down, and then the banter would continue and I’d get bored. I loved the way the narrator brought the characters to life.

The story starts with Mabel and Alfie getting off on the wrong foot when they meet. Mabel agrees to ghostwrite Alfie’s autobiography and as they get to know each other she discovers the man underneath the grumpy footballer facade.

There’s lots of banter which is fun at first but tends to go on a bit. It also ruined the spicy scenes for me.

I liked the premise of the story and the characters’ personalities with their difficult backgrounds which shaped them into the adults they are. Some elements just didn’t work for me, but it was still an enjoyable read.

If you’re not a fan of miscommunication romances then I’d steer clear of this book.

*Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

Embark on a charmingly humorous journey through Charlotte Stein’s beautifully-narrated "When Grumpy Met Sunshine" by. Starting from the backdrop of a grumpy retired footballer reluctantly penning his memoirs, this rom-com unfolds with delightful banter and unexpected chemistry.

The audio version immerses listeners into the heart of the story, capturing the essence of the characters and the quirky dynamics between them. The dual point-of-view narrative, skillfully brought to life, adds depth and humour to the tale, making it an enjoyable experience from start to finish. Mabel, the bubbly and vivacious ghostwriter, perfectly contrasts Alfie, the retired footballer known for his grumpiness. Their interactions, filled with witty repartee and genuine affection, form the backbone of the narrative, keeping listeners engaged throughout.

While the storyline offers plenty of laughs and steamy moments, some aspects of the plot tend to seem rushed, particularly towards the end. Yet, this minor point is overshadowed by the overall charm and humour of the story.

Despite its flaws, "When Grumpy Met Sunshine" remains a delightful rom-com, blending humour, romance, and character growth in equal measure. Fans of Olivia Dade and those who enjoy banter-filled romances will find much to enjoy in this audiobook rendition.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan UK Audio, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review. If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #WhenGrumpyMetSunshine #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

Cute story!
Not the most memorable, but still really cute and good narration.
I loved how sunshiney the main character was and her sense of style etc.

I had so much hope for this book, I wanted to love it. Unfortunately, despite its wonderful potential, it just didn't do it for me.
I listened to the audio version, I did not expect so much swearing, and as broad-minded as I am, using the derogatory c-word that begins with c, ends in t and is not coconut, was just too much.

Oh me oh my these two are cute! I really enjoyed this audiobook and am grateful to be allowed to read it. I've also given my partner some of Alfie's love declarations so he can learn a bit. Alfie and Mabel have great chemistry and while I wish Mabel wasn't so oblivious sometimes, I get it. I was that girl and sometimes still am, so I this book really helped me feel seen. Charlotte Stein did a great job relaying and dealing with fatphobia and this was a refreshing read.

This one’s a banter-filled, exceptionally entertaining romcom that had me giggling and swooning throughout!

The story follows Mabel, a sunshiney, plus size ghost writer who is onboarded to ghostwrite famously grumpy, ex-football legend Alfie’s upcoming memoir. Their relationship starts off bumpy but soon takes a turn after Mabel gets papped leaving Alfie’s house. I absolutely adored Mabel’s character, she’s very real and relatable which makes her so much more interesting, and Alfie is yet another book boyfriend that now has my heart!

There are many hilarious moments like accidental stalking and pepper spraying, and the whole fake dating plot I so fun. The writing is engaging and the narrator has done a fab job with keeping the listeners hooked! The characters are witty and quite likeable, and it’s a fun, laugh out loud romance that you’re bound to enjoy.

Overall this audiobook left me thoroughly entertained and hopeful as I rooted for these two. If you’re a fan of grumpy x sunshine or opposites attract, this one needs to go on your list stat!

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan UK Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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 is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

My Opinion

Alfie hates revealing anything about himself so when he is forced to write a memoir Mabel is picked to be his ghost writer. I listened to this as an audiobook and for me it worked well. There is a lot of laugh out loud moments and this has been written in such a fun way. The reviews on this seem mixed, but for me this was an entertaining read.

Rating 4/5

Wow I was not expecting to fall completely in love with these characters and find a new favourite romance writer!!! This was such a quick and spicy read, but also so tender and sweet. I was completely invested in Mabel and Alfie’s love story and was rooting for them all the way. I also love how Stein embraced Alfie’s tender and caring masculinity and he wasn’t your typical heteronormative man. It made him extra special and even more loveable. I can not wait to read more from this author !!!!

I really liked the audiobook version of this romcom. I fell for the narrator's voice and the accents.

The chapter headlines were funny and interesting, they made me continue listening to the book although I had planned to not devour the book in one go.

Most of the story was good, but could have benefited from cutting down on some of the repetitive banter. I was thinking of giving the book 4 stars until we got to the third act and the seemingly unavoidable break-up. Here based on excessive mis-/non-communication; so unnecessary. Just like good banter, I like a bit of miscommunication in a romance novel, but this felt over the top and quite frankly a bit out of character for both MCs. There is, of course, a reconciliation, but it felt off to me. 3 stars.

A cute fast paced romcom, a retired footballer and ghost writer fall in love whilst writing a memoir. Felt like the female main character sometimes was too insecure about herself and that no one could ever fall in love with her which got frustrating at times but a cute story!!

The fact that I found a (sports?) romance set in Leeds is incredible, the crossover I never knew I needed. I had gotten so used to American Romance settings that it was a breath of fresh air to read a proper, English setting in a well written romance novel.

Charlotte Stein radiates Yorkshire humour throughout this banter filled rom-com.
I have not laughed and squealed so hard while reading a book for a very long time.

The narrator of this audiobook had my full attention from the first word uttered, she embodied the characters and made it incredibly easy to visualise the characters. This is something I find rare in a narrator and I can only hope they do more.

I would recommend this to anyone who fancies a humour filled read with the perfect amount of pining and chemistry.

If you like your romance infused with humor and sweetness, When Grumpy Met Sunshine may be just the book for you. This opposites-attract tale pairs a perpetually grumpy hero with an irrepressibly sunny heroine in a fake dating scenario that allows sparks to fly. The slow-burn relationship develops at a tantalizing pace, with just enough steam to satisfy. While this lighthearted romp may not merit a perfect score, it's a solid 3.46-star read for anyone craving a fun, feel-good love story.

Such a heartwarming story! I have enjoyed this book so much! It just shows that we should never judge people as you never know what they have gone through. I really enjoyed the characters in this book Alfie and Mabel it was really interesting getting to know them. I just loved this so much!

I would highly recommend this book! Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book early!

3.25

I did not realise the publisher was St Martin's press when I saw this book on NetGalley so I will not be posting a full review due to the boycott and all of those affected.

Grumpy meets sunshine.
So when grumpy ex-football Alfie (imagine Roy Kent from Ted lasso) needs a ghost writer to write his autobiography, he meets a gorgeous curvy and bubbly Mabel.
After a bumpy start (including an incident involving pepper spray) they start to develop a friendship. Which the media has taken for a Romance, they decide to fake date. Which leads to more and more chemistry brewing between these two.
These two characters can’t help blurring the lines between business and pleasure, which leads to very confused feelings.

At times this book had me wanting to shout at them for their inability for communicating their true feelings. This book has some very spicy moments using a c world a lot so if that is not your thing this may not be for you, however it felt right for these characters. I loved that fact the characters are in their thirties because makes them so much more relatable as I am also in my thirties.
I definitely wanted a epilogue because I love to see what happens afterwards. This is my first Charlotte Stein book and it won’t be my last.
I was kindly gifted a copy of the audiobook; I loved narrator voice
4 stars
All the views are my own.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine follows Alfie, a retired footballer, and Mabel, the ghostwriter hired to write his memoir (despite Alfie being insistent that a ghostwriter wasn't required). My Roy Kent fangirl heart was so ready for this banter-filled book.

Tropes:
↠ Characters aged 30+
↠ Celebrity Romance
↠ Mutual Pining
↠ Fake Dating
↠ Grumpy x Sunshine
↠ Opposites Attract
↠ Plus Sized FMC

This was a lot of fun! I loved the characters and the idea behind the book, but it was difficult to follow in places. We went from 0 to 100 and back again many times, and the dialogue was difficult to follow. It just didn't feel refined. and the third-act breakup followed by the time jump felt rushed and unnecessary. With a bit more editing, this book could have jumped up to be one of my favourite reads of the year so far. Regardless of that, I will definitely look for more books written by Charlotte Stein because the premise was there, I was just left a little underwhelmed in that final 15%.

Thanks to NetGalley an audio ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

This romance was just what I needed! Alfie is an ex footballer looking for a ghost writer to write his memoir. Mabel is the ghost writer he picks. This is a quirky fun romance.

Many thanks to Net Galley and MacMillan UK Audio for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I had the chance to read this book through ARC with Net Galley, and while there were some elements I usually do not like in books, I found this book entertaining and funny.

The dynamics between the two main characters seem a bit forced at the beginning until you realize they are just two massive dorks with communication issues, yet somehow really work together throughout the book. Mabel is insecure and "scarred" from previous relationships/situationships, Alfie has no clue how to communicate his feelings and is clueless about his surroundings, which leads to a series of incidents, such as trying to hack into the Norwegian Government by mistake.

The story overall has funny and light-hearted moments, the two characters have a lot of banter together and I found myself laughing at times and tearing up towards the end. This is perfect if you are looking for a romance novel without too much of a plot (it seems like, for most of the book, the actual plot goes on a secondary level to make space for the other dynamic (Spoiler:this book starts as a ghost-writer/celebrity plot but the main part will actually be fake dating), yet I liked how things developed).

Now for the part I did not like (Spoiler alert): I am really not a fan of the miscommunication trope. I find it annoying and, while Mabel had somehow a reason for not saying her feelings out loud, everything could have been solved with a simple adult conversation. This would have avoided the third act break up, which is also something I generally don't like in a book since it is clear that the two main characters are ending up together at the end

TL/DR:
I recommend this book if: you are someone who is looking for a light-hearted romantic novel and a good plus-size representation
I do not recommend this book if: you do not like miscommunications