Books by Trope: 9 Best Grumpy/Sunshine Romance
My favorite Romance trope has to be Grumpy/Sunshine. It has all the appeal of enemies/rivals to lovers without the competition or forced hatred. It’s the ELITE trope. And maybe I like it because my relationship is definitely grumpy/shine lol. I’ve read some of these and a few are on my TBR but I simply love this trope so I plan to put together more of these lists!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Two writers challenge each other to write within the other’s chosen genre. A lakeside setting in Michigan and sparks fly! I feel like everyone has read this book already but, in case you haven’t and needed some convincing!
The Simple Wild by KA Tucker
I think Jonah is my favorite grumpy book boyfriend. I’ve been recommending this book for years but it seems to have had a little resurgence on the Book-ternet lately so here is my reminder that this is one of my favorite books of all time. It takes place in Alaska and it’s swoony, stunning, heartbreaking and just the right amount of sexy.
The Worst Guy by Kate Canterbary
On my TBR but one of my friends loves this author! This is from the author’s note: “Author’s Note: Grumpy/recovering people-pleaser sunshine. Introverts attract. Enemies-to-lovers in the workplace. Banter, bicker, and button-pushing foreplay. Don’t tell the friend group, get jealous when the friend group tries to fix her up.” 👀
The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn
Meghan Quinn is a fan favorite romance author and this book sounds perfect for fans of Outlander. An American woman escapes to Scotland and encounters a grumpy, brooding Scottish handyman.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
This was a huge BookTok book over the summer. People love Lucy Score’s small town vibe!
A Deal with the Devil by Elizabeth O’Rourke
My friend Ashley LOVED this book in 2022. And that cover is tempting so it’s going on my 2023 TBR! A workplace grumpy/sunshine.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Another book that I feel like so many people have already read thanks to BookTok, but it really is the blueprint for Grumpy/Sunshine. It’s got a little bit of Schitt’s Creek inspiration and Tessa Bailey’s sparkling (and colorful) dialogue. It’s quite steamy and a little cheesy, but still so good.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
The way that I love the Brown Sisters trilogy…is unmatched. You MUST read this whole series (because I love it) but this is the third and final and it’s a fabulous Grumpy/Sunshine. Plus the cover is my favorite color so it gets all the bonus points from me.
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
Another cover that is showing off how stunning it is and a little YA! YA does this trope so well. An ambitious DJ meets an ambitious writer with both their futures on the line.
