I’ve really enjoyed CS’s previous books so was really excited to get stuck into this one. It started off a bit slow but once Mabel and Alfie started interacting more the pace picked up. I like The author’s writing style and I thought Mabel and Alfie had good chemistry and good energy between them. I think I would have liked a bit more world building as at points it felt a bit insulated being focused exclusively on their interactions and her pov. Also minor pedantic point re pepper spray, as the book is set in UK pretty sure it is illegal there so that bugged me more than it should have *my brain just latched on to that and would not let it go*. Not my favourite from this author but overall a decent read (3 ⭐️)

This book is hard to rate. At first this book was hard to get into. The problem was that I was annoyed by Alfie. The banter was a bit funny but also felt forced. It had some funny moments, but the characters felt flet. This book could have been much better.

This book started off a little rough for me but I ended up really enjoying this super cute romance! I found the beginning a little bit confusing but once things got going I couldn’t put this down. The two main characters, Alfie and Mabel, are a sweet pairing and I found myself mostly enjoying the development of their relationship. There were a couple things that kept this from being five stars for me. One, the end of each chapter ends with text messages, blog posts, etc. - I didn’t really enjoy this style and it kind of took me out of the story for the most part. Second, the whole “ghostwriter” plot was really underdeveloped and there were times I almost forgot they were supposed to be working on a book together. Aside from that though this was a quick, enjoyable read and I am excited to see what is next for this author!

Full of witty banter, funny moments, and a whole lot of spice! The story instantly had me hooked with the lovable main character Mable and her interesting ghost writing profession, quirky outfits and sunshine positive attitude. Alfie, who is her total opposite, adds a great contrast and creates an interesting character dynamic that keeps the story flowing and developing. Would recommend for those who like super spicy romance novels!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Here's the thing, this book was SO GOOD until it wasn't. I smiled, giggled and full-on laughed through at least the first half of this book. It was so wordy, almost too wordy at times, but it just had so much wit and character, I loved it!!

Things went awry for me when the author went a little too sex crazy. Don't get me wrong, I have zero issues with sexy stories. I love when the stories are well written and add to what's already happening. However, in this book they didn't add to it, in my opinion, they took away from it.

It's almost as is 8o% ('ish) of the story was by one author and the other 20% ('ish) was by someone totally different. And they didn't read what each other had written.

There was so much heart and vulnerability to make you swoon for days and then BAM, SEX enters the story and ruins the mood. I can't even identify why other than it just didn't fit.

If the sex was taken out or made to fit the characters as they're written I think this book would be fabulous. As it is though, it's only ok for me.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is a fun novel and a quick read. Alfie is a footballer who is noted for his grumpiness off the pitch. When it is decided that he should write his memoir he hires Mabel, a ghostwriter to help him. She is quite awkward with him and despite his womanizing reputation he 8s not the man she thought he was. Once she's seen witt him, they have to act as if they're a couple for social media, but is this their chance to see if they will work? A fun, sexy novel that will have you rooting for them!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was by far the most enjoyable autumn time read so far. Mabel and Alfie's love story and growth as characters was inspiring. Stein manages to move beyond the basic grumpy-sunshine trope with a combination of celebrity/normie romance and pure banter. Highly recommend.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and SMP for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: parental abuse (past), childhood poverty, parental acholicism, catphobia, internet bullying

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-grump/sunshine
-celebrity romance
-fake dating
-banter
-fat rep
-denial

I had a lot of fun reading this one. Alfie and Mabel were two sides of the same coin. Both grew up with alcoholic parents who affected their selfworth, and adapted themsleves to how the world saw them. Mabel, bright and bubbling, and never beleiving she could ever win over someone like incredibly attractive retired footballer Alfie, who has closed himself off from the world, and doesn't know how to use technology to save his life.

Somehow these two shared the deep parts of themselves, as they fell into a fake dating relationship. These two had great banter, amazing sexual tension and a lot of miscommuncation as they bumbled through trying to prove that this was just an attraction, but really it was so much more. Alfie especailly was the perfect Roy Kent-esque hero just simping away. I adored just how gone he was on Mabel, refusing ot allow any, even herself say anything negative about her or her body.

Steam: 3.25

This book was enjoyable to read, but there were some difficulties as well. The premise was intriguing, and Alfie and Mabel's chemistry was palpable. I appreciated how, despite having quite different personalities and backgrounds, they were able to bond through their love of writing. The two of them had humorous and interesting arguments, and the sensual parts were both well-written and hot.

However, I occasionally thought the novel was too formulaic and cliched. The conflict and ending were too hurried and convenient, and the false relationship cliché wasn't particularly inventive or believable. I also wanted that the characters, especially Alfie, had more nuance and growth. He was excessively harsh and surly for the majority of the novel, and his abrupt change of heart was not very convincing. I was interested in learning more about his background, his objectives, and his personal development.

Overall, this was a lighthearted and enjoyable read, but it could have been better with more creativity and complexity. If you're seeking for a quick and simple escape, I'd suggest it to enthusiasts of contemporary romance.

When i tell you that this gave me the biggest serotonin boost i mean it! I had a huge book hangover after this. I am freaking obssessed with it. It is honestly my favorite romance book of the month. I love these characters soo much, they are literally my babies. The cover is also a piece of art. I can’t wait for this to be published.
5/5

Thank you to netgalley for providing me an arc of this book.
This book follows Mabel, a quirky, soft and awkward ghost writer who is assigned to a grumpy, awkward ex footballer. At first they are so awkward with each other that it genuinely makes you cringe and gives you second and third hand embarrassment. Somewhere along the line, it becomes so incredibly charming and hilarious. I'll admit I had a rough start and genuinely didn't think I'd be able to finish it because the characters were so incredibly awkward but once I hit about the 40% mark, I was so incredibly enthralled with their love story.

Alfie is incredibly awkward and sweet. Mable reminds me a little of Penelope from Criminal minds, just without the over the top confidence. Parts of this book made me laugh out loud and others melted my heart. If you love a grumpy/sunshine relationship and can get past the initial awkward (that to be fair would be totally normal for a star struck bubbly girl who is actually shy), this book is definitely for you.

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein is a romance driven by an opposites attract trope. Alfie, a famous footballer, is under contract to write his memoir which he is totally unable to do. So he hires Mabel, a sunshiny ghostwriter.. Eventually they end up in a situation where the public believes they are a couple. As this plays out, they develop an actual (and steamy!) relationship.

For me, this book missed the mark. I had trouble relating to the characters from the beginning which then made the storyline improbable.. Although I love a good romance, I would not recommend this one…

This novel packs a punch when it comes to steam. The grumpy meets sunshine trope shines. I loved the plus size representation and I really liked the characters and their witty banter.

The author perfectly portrayed Alfie as the vulnerable type and I can appreciate that — he doesn’t come off rude. I do wish there was more plot development, however the author was a master with the spicy scenes.

Some of the banter almost becomes too much and I feel like I was left wanting with the ending. I wasn’t necessarily a fan of this novel and perhaps it just wasn’t my cup of tea personally.

I enjoy a good grumpy meets sunshine trope and this one didn’t disappoint. Mabel is sunshine and rainbows while Alfie Harding is a brooding ex footballer. Mabel is tasked as the ghost writer for Alfie’s memoir. If you are into opposites attract, fake dating, banter this is for you!

I will say the repetitiveness of “Alfie f*&@ing Harding” almost annoyed me. Also I’m NOT a fan of miscommunication tropes HOWEVER, this one did it well. Normally miscommunication tropes piss me off to no end. This one did not do that to me.

“You told me I was a cupcake”
“Because you seem so sweet i’m afraid of getting sugar poisoning just from looking at you.“

This book was 🌶️🌶️ and made me laugh.

3.75/5

I honestly had to DNF at 23%.

I personally loved the characters! (The MMC is basically Roy Kent and the FMC is the cutest!)

I thought the dialogue was very witty, almost too witty at times, and that was distracting to me while reading.

I also felt that the FMC's inner monologues were entirely too long. It felt a little too unnecessary and took away from the character dynamic between the two characters.

I hope one day I can get through this; however, today is not that day.

If you love Roy Kent but don't mind endless inner monologue ramblings about everything, you might love this.

Thank you SMP romance, Charlotte Stein, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

~when grumpy met sunshine review~
•
1/5
•
i’m a BIG grumpy/sunshine fan so this title intrigued me. and i love plus size rep in romance so i’m so excited to dive right in.
•
pros:
+content warning at the beginning!
+plus size rep woohoo!
+fast paced start
+grumpy/sunshine to the extreme
+british
•
cons:
-not dual pov
-repetitive writing
-a series of miscommunication
-slightly immature
•
okay i wanted to like this so so bad but i just couldn’t get into the writing! it was really putting me into a slump so i had to DNF.

A cute, quick read. Grumpy meets sunshine and fake dating for the win. I was hoping for a bit more character development, but overall was a nice read.

I’m a sucker for fake dating. The banter, the grouchiness, the denial of obvious feelings? Too perfect. I had a grand time reading this story; I fell in love with Alfie and Mabel from the get go. This story had it all- the humor, the grand gesture, the longing. If you like opposites attract and a good helping of steam, this is the perfect choice.

A cross between beauty and the beast and a traditional romance novel but with a twist, she thinks she’s the beast and she knows he’s the beauty. After retiring from football, Alfie becomes a movie star and is pushed to write his autobiography. However, Alfie is reluctant to share his story and doesn’t want to write his story, he will unwillingly employ a ghost writer. In walks Mabel. How does this ghost writer, Mabel Willicker and famous ex-footballer, Alfie Harding fake a relationshipto hide their real relationship, ghost writer and celebrity? And what happens when they do?
Stalked by paparazzi, stalked by fans on Instagram, follow this is a joyous romp of miscommunication and misunderstanding from beginning to end.
I guarantee that there are points at which you will laugh out loud and points at which you want to scratch your head over the levels of miscommunication.
In case you were wondering he’s grumpy she’s sunshine. He hides all his emotions and she’s just way out there and everything is almost ready to be read.
How do they get together and successfully write his life story from poverty to wealth from not knowing where he is to becoming a star. I highly recommend this wonderful light, sexy, romance novel, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

OK, this book was SO GOOD. I was a little bit worried it might be on the corny side of things but honestly it just worked for me. I loved Alfie and and Mabel so much as characters. This book literally made me laugh out loud multiple times. The ending was also perfection. It took a little bit to get some spice in there, but boy it was worth the wait. This book had it all! I am already recommending this book to my friends so that it's on their radar and they can preorder!