I laughed so many times, guffawed in the silence of my car on the way to work, melted from the exceedingly steamy scenes, and tutted at the awkwardness of their interactions.

A fabulous romantic comedy starring a ghost writer and the awkward, reclusive ex footballer whose story she is contracted to tell.

Every awkward thought Mabel had, every moment of insecurity and disbelief that someone like Alfie could really be attracted to someone like her, I related to. So very badly. The honesty and bluntness this portrayed was so very real, in a way that had me gripped and urging Mabel on in my head (and aloud) to just throw caution to the wind and go for it!

A wonderful read, and a great audio experience.

This book with this narration is just perfect. I have never laughed so much in the first 2 minutes of a book. The FMC is so relatable and loveable. The voice of the narrator matches the character so well that it just felt like I was hearing her thoughts. It was so seamless that it made it easy to connect to her.
Our male lead is so adorable and endearing, like an older man trapped in a grumpy athlete's body. His innocence and lack of awareness to what is considered normal in society just make him so wholesome.
It did take me a minute to understand the layout of the chapters since in the narration it jumps straight from the story to the excerpt reading at the end of the chapter and then to the next chapter heading. I do like that the articles and tweets referenced in the main story are read out at the end of each chapter as it sets up a timeline and they are just fun to listen to.
The plot is definitely a more medium to fast paced story, but the actual relationship between the main characters never feels rushed and the anticipation adds to the tension in the later half of the book which is just pure, delightful, well written smut where both our endearing and wholesome main leads become consumed by pure lust.
This book is definitely a top recommendation, especially the audio book. Although I would have still enjoyed the book if I was reading it normally, I don't think it would have had the same affect as listening to it. I loved the narration and narrator. Just a perfect match for this book.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with the characters and found the rambling type of writing style not one that appeals to me. The MCs felt very immature for their age.
I really wanted to like it, as I'm a fan of GrumpyxSunshine trope, but I found this one a bit lacking!

This was such a fun and light-hearted read. I really enjoyed Alfie and Mable, and their banter had me giggling and kicking my feet at multiple points throughout the book.

I will not be providing an actual review until St Martin's Press takes accountability and response to the boycott that has been happening for months. As an avid reader and promoter of diversity, I wholeheartedly stand with the SMP Boycott started by Leen. There are only three simple demands but until they are met I will continue to stand in solidarity with the boycott and withhold my reviews from SMP Titles.

Address and denounce the Islamophobia/racism from their employee.

Offer tangible steps for how they're going to mitigate the harm this employee caused.

Address how, moving forward, they will support and protect their Palestinian, Muslim, and Arab readers, influencers, and authors in addition to their BIPOC readers, influencers, and authors.

This was entertaining enough to keep me reading and to finish it but overall I had some problems with it.

Being in the FMC head through it all was a lot to handle. It just seemed ridiculous at times and also showed how little her thought process changed in the book in regards to MMC wanting to be with her.

The plot also seemed to skip along quite a bit missing out on the main characters continuing to bond, the ghost writing seem to disappear for parts of the book. This meant it all felt very surface level so the ending didn’t have the emotional impact it should.

I loved the plus size rep in this and how the FMC handled being pushed into the spotlight of the Internet, but it never went too far or became triggering when dealing with fat phobia.

Having not seen Ted Lasso I can’t comment on the connection, but the MMC felt developed enough to stand separate from it.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine is a romantic novel which is more erotic fiction than romcom by way of genre.

I selected this book based on the blurb and the cutesy cover; little did I know that it was more of a spicy read than a funny romantic read. Had I known this in advance, I wouldn’t have chosen it. Not because I am offended by the content, just I prefer a romcom where sex isn’t used to sell the characters to the reader.

Mabel Willicker is a cute and curvy ghostwriter who meets Alfie Harding, a retired footballer, who is grumpy, extremely private and blunt to the point of being rude.

The worlds collide and so the opposites attract story begins. Except, the full of potential story is weighed down by heavy and lacklustre dialogue which is difficult to follow due to the constant banter between the two main characters.

The first 70% of the book is like this and would benefit from a slightly harsher editor to cut down the long dialogues which don’t add enough to the storyline. I listened to the audiobook and there was 8 minutes (!) dedicated to Alfie brushing Mabel’s hair - the hair brushing is quite weird in itself but to give 8 minutes to this section of the book was just overkill.

The next 25% was all about the development of their sexual relationship. Anyone easily offended should skip this part as it is pretty spicy!! It came as a surprise to me given the cutesy cover.

The final section of the book catches up with Mabel and Alfie a year on. I feel that this could have been developed further and felt like the ending was rushed.

This book reminded me of the Brown Sister trilogy but this was like an X rated version which didn’t quite reach its full potential.

More character and relationship development (of the non-sexual kind) would have improved this book for me.

I wouldn’t recommend this book unfortunately, but I will be more thorough when selecting books in the future!

I requested both Ebook and Audio for this book, I like having the option for both and can judge both individually. Unfortunatley I wasn't able to continue with the Ebook as the story and plot just wearn't interesting. I gave the adiobook a go to see if the narrator could change my mind, that was not the case. The story just does not interest me I'm afraid.

LAt first glance of the cover this books looks like an easy going, fun loving story you want to cute up with on a rainy day to brighten your morning up. Andy you know what, it did not disappoint! I laughed so hard from the first few chapters in and it didn’t stop.

Of course as a plus size woman myself, I felt the topic of the story everyday of my life. However, I do feel Charlotte handled them well.

The ride had its highs and lows. Giggles and laughter. With a sprinkle of the right amount of spice! Worth a read. I enjoyed it so much.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan UK Audio and Charlotte Stein for a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

-Grumpy-Sunshine
-Fake Dating
-Enemies to Lovers

This book encompasses all of these well loved tropes! Really enjoyed this one, and loved the Northern vibes - made it feel very homely!

Here we meet ghost writer Mabel and grumpy ex-footballer Alfie. After agreeing to help write his memoirs, the pair fall into a fake relationship, in this Cinderella story. Just all pretend - until there's a heat either can control.

Full of banter and fun, in this spicy little book! Very easy read, great for a cosy Sunday!

When Grumpy Meets Sunshine invites readers into the world of Mabel and Alfie, where a ghostwriter-client relationship takes an unexpected turn into a faux romance.

The narrative unfolds with Mabel wrestling with insecurities, particularly regarding her weight, a theme that feels worn and clichéd. Despite Alfie's authentic demeanor, Mabel's self-doubt becomes a central source of tension. The characters' failure to communicate, given their age, becomes a frustrating aspect of the story. It raises the question of why two adults in their 30s can't engage in a straightforward conversation.

The notable aspect of profanity in the book raises eyebrows due to its frequency. The pervasive use of the F-word may alienate certain readers, and its impact on the story's tone becomes more of a hindrance than a complement.

While the narrative has moments of humor and banter, their abundance risks overshadowing the plot. Inner monologues, coupled with repetitive phrases, further diminish the overall reading experience and become grating.

The grand gesture near the conclusion of the book offers some redemption. However, the decision to fast-forward one year into the future feels like a narrative leap too far. This temporal shift may leave readers disconnected and questioning the authenticity of the resolution.

In conclusion, When Grumpy Meets Sunshine falls short of leaving a lasting positive impression. The reliance on clichés, excessive profanity, and an overabundance of banter and inner monologue contribute to a less-than-engaging reading experience. Despite sporadic moments of humor, the novel struggles to strike a balance, leaving readers with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

The 3rd person point of view is not the one. I tried so hard to get invested but the narration didn’t help work out who was talking to who at times. I’m usually a huge fan of grumpy x sunshine but this sadly missed the mark for me.

The narrator has such a lovely voice that melts my insides.

The author has such a way with the descriptive writing and I love the way the narrator takes it away.

The Northernness of the book is very different but comforting. I just enjoy the Britishness of it.
The back and forth between the two main characters is hilarious.

I think a negative for me was there is no difference in tone between speech and description so it kind of gets a little confusing.

Mable and Alfie are really likable characters. Their back and forth was truly banterous. The grumpy Sunshine trope lived up to everything I wanted from the book.

2.5 stars

This book seemed so interesting, other than having a super cute cover, and I did enjoy some parts of it & find it pretty fun at times, but I also found it to be a bit too repetitive, and I felt like the story was somehow both dragging on and being rushed — especially with the ending.

The characters were interesting enough and I mostly liked them, if we don't consider the times I was screaming at them over their impossible lack of communication. The banter tiptoed the line in between being good and annoying all the time and it had me rolling my eyes a few times, but when it was good, it was truly, truly great. At one point it felt like the plot just stopped moving to focus on a good 30% of just smut, which just slowed everything down for seemingly nothing.

I'll say I found the tension between the characters to be very well done, and is definitely one of the stronger traits of the book for me. I genuinely do see the potential, and I think some people will definitely enjoy it way more than I did. It just truly wasn't for me I guess.

I listened to the audiobook of this and it was good! Her tone was very soothing and the pace was also great. I do think it made it easier to get through this, and I definitely would recommend it.

This was a romcom that was actually funny!
I surprisingly liked that the book was proper northern, normally any use of characters talking commonly would annoy me, but I feel like Charlotte actually pulled it off really well.
I felt the chemistry between these two characters and was rooting for them ❤️
The spice wasn’t too overbearing and was executed perfectly with a good balance between imaginary and reality 🌶️🥵
This was such a good rom com! I loved it!

I've got some mixed feelings about this book. There were bits I enjoyed, but the overall story could use more editing. The writing dragged on a bit, the plot got a tad repetitive, the ending was too rushed, and the banter between the characters kept flipping between amusing and downright annoying.

Now, let's talk characters. They felt kind of one-dimensional and definitely didn't match the grumpy sunshine theme the book was selling. The main guy wasn't as grumpy as expected; he was more on the awkward side. The FMC kept insisting she was "soooo bubbly," but let's be real, she was just your regular amount of bubbly.

It felt like the book was trying to tick off specific romance tropes (sports, grumpy/sunshine, one-bed scenario) instead of exploring a more unique story. They missed a chance here, especially considering the potential hinted at in the summary.

The book could've delved into the story of this awkward big guy with unfulfilled dreams and his ghostwriter, who's craving "more" in every aspect of life. They could've worked through their stuff while writing his memoir (which, honestly, I was pretty excited about), and of course, they'd end up falling in love in the process.

In the end, I'd say go for the audiobook if you want a chill listen. But I'm a bit hesitant to recommend the physical book—I probably would've dropped it around the 60% mark if not for the audio version.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

🎧Audio Book Review🎧

When Grumpy Met Sunshine
Charlotte Stein

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First off, I needed some time to go away and process this upon finishing.
I had just so many things rattling around my head and just couldn't verbalise them!
On popping over to see how others had reviewed this, I was totally gobsmacked by the barrage of not great reviews 😲
Once again, I find myself absolutely obsessed - to the point of being speechless - about a marmite book (it seems!) And I now think I get it!

This is your classic grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity kind of trope story (don't be put off by the title being the trope! I'm not keen usually, but stick with me....)
It's light and airy and so, so predictable - but for me, this had so much more underneath!

Renowned grumpy, famous footballer, now retired, Alfie is persuaded to write his memoir and his manager has one last ditch attempt at matching up a ghostwriter for him.
Enter bubbly Mabel.....and let the story begin.
I'm not going to give you anymore plot, as anyone can just read the blurb and go from there....

So, my reasons for loving this....
Well, they seem to be all the reasons why others hated it!
I mean, that's me, rebellious, controversial and outspoken 🤷🏻‍♀️

We follow the story first person, from Mabel's pov.
She's big, she's massively self-depricating and she adores her inner monologue!
Said monologue seems to always divide reviewers - but is the thing that absolutely makes this stand out to me.

The depth of insight we get into that character, the feelings, the thoughts, the backwards and forwards with how you want to be/feel/do sparring with those thoughts of not being worthy.
I mean Mabel is me in book form!
I instantly connected with her and could not get enough of reading this!
It's straight-talking, open and honest and conversational and as for the swearing - totally fine with it! (Maybe that's the northerner in me?)

The thing that made this even better for me was the portrayal of Alfie.
I won't say too much as it will give spoilers - but his character is absolute genius.

I loved the development of the relationship. I loved the build up of tension from the start and how things happened. I loved the twists at the end. I just loved everything about this!

I hate to say this so early on in the year, but I can feel this may just be one of my favourite reads of 2024!? 😬

*Warnings - I've read a lot of smut and dark romance and this takes those spicy scenes to the next level!! But omg! They're good!*

Overall - I feel like if you're a super confident, popular, put together person who never doubts yourself and therefore doesn't get it - then this might not be for you
But.....
This is definitely there for those of us, who may sometimes feel unworthy, self-critical and who love to internalise.
This book will make your day!



💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕

Overall this audio book was pretty good
Mable and Alfie are likeable characters the grumpy Sunshine trope lived up to its name

There were some really funny moments and a little spice

Only gripe was its in 3rd person

Thank you NetGalley for the Audiobook access in exchange for an honest review!
Alfie is an ex-footballer and nationally known grumpy hot-head, meanwhile Mabel is a ghost-writer, content with her life and of course can be described as your typical sunshine gal. When Mabel gets contracted to ghost write Alfie’s book, she has immediate concerns and even more after the first meeting which ended abruptly with her leaving.
After the initial mishaps, they eventually find out they are actually from very similar backgrounds and get on very well, it looks like this job will actually be alright for Mabel!
Until the paps start asking questions about who she is and what she’s doing hanging out with him and Alfie decides to tell them she’s the love of his life?!

Was this book full of tropes? - Yes.
Did I enjoy those tropes? - Yes!
This book is actually hilarious, I kept LOL-ing and getting weird looks from my fiancé!
The characters are really likeable - Mabel is easily relatable and isn’t extremely ‘sunshine’ that it’s annoying and Alfie is actually quite a misunderstood grump, which makes everything that happens more believable that your typical Grumpy-Sunshine books!
Overall, extremely funny, the spice: spiced! Great characters and nice storyline, i pretty much loved it and wanted to carry on listening to see what happened the whole way through!
4.5 stars! Rounding up coz I'm nice!

I was so excited to read this book. I love a cute and swoony grumpy merts sunshine trope, but this book just didn't do it for me and I am so sorry for that

I wasn't invested in the characters. I didn't like the MFC, I didn't find her likeable at all. And as for Alfie, I really think we needed to hear his POV. I so wanted to hear his thoughts.

I gave up at 25%

This just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook ARC.