The growly, angsty, spicy hot romance that you didn't know you needed! The main characters are loaded with baggage and history both alone and with one another, yet woven and twisted throughout the story with entertaining angst. I'm not typically into the angsty will they, won't they, almost there and snatched away story lines, but this is the one I couldn't put down. The audiobook was bizarrely engrossing. I absolutely couldn't stop listening until I hit the end. While these characters are in their 20's the male narrator could easily be curmudgeonly elderly man with his growly voice, yet it ended up working. This is my first audiobook from this author and I'll definitely be looking forward to more!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an ARC of "The Grump Who Stole Summer' by Ella Fields.

This narration describes Alice, a spoiled rich young adult (she's 20) who is forced to come back home and spend her summer and upcoming senior year of college at a different school so that her mother and father can keep a close eye on her. She has repeatedly made poor life choices and now must "suffer the consequences of her actions" - especially after having a picture of her "assets" displayed in multiple different magazines and having a video of a threesome floating around from the summer before, to name a few instances.

Charles "Smith" used to "hang out" with Alice back in the day, when they were teenagers in high school, but that all changed abruptly when she found him kissing her sister Talia one day. And now her parents are making her do volunteer work over the summer in his half-owned bookstore. Smith has been "through some shit" and does not seem capable of opening up or being personable, even civil at best. His nickname for Alice is "Wonderland". By the end of the story, we find out why Smith is so messed up in the head, don't worry. They don't leave you hanging.

Overall, I rated this story a 2.5/5 stars. This is because half of the novel feels like straight porn. This is also because if a man spoke to me the way that Smith spoke to Alice, he certainly would be getting what Alice was simply giving away to him. For me, sex and anger just don't mix. It's not hot. It doesn't mesh well.

3.75 stars, rounded up.

I really enjoyed this somewhat spicy romcom which takes place IN A BOOKSTORE. The MMC was the epitome of the small town recluse of a grump. However, there are definitely times when it is clear that he is not just a grump but a real asshole. The FMC, while she doesn't fit perfectly into the sunshine roll, she still brings some sunshine into his world. I enjoyed this character and her sex positive attitude.

The main drawback for this one is the nonlinear timeline that occurs during the first half of the book. This felt too disorienting and didn't add anything to the plot by being told in this manner. The story likely would have read better if all of the early plotline occurred first and then there was a time jump in the story. Also, as a heads up to those who hate it, the miscommunication trope is all over the place in this book...everywhere...seriously.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Kelsey-Ann O'Dowd and Brian Meslar, via NetGalley. An advanced reader's copy of this audiobook was provided to me via NetGalley by OrangeSky Audio in exchange for an honest review.

Quick Summary: The Grump Who Stole Summer was truly a diamond in the rough love story. 💎

My Review: This book was an incredible surprise. I really liked Smith and Ella. The way that they met and the way that they connected was rather unconventional. Still, whatever that sarcastic charge was that existed between them was, it worked. Unfortunately, before they could explore the depths of their newfound relationship, a seeming betrayal tore them apart. Would the truth bring them back together?

When Smith and Ella finally meet again, their unresolved issues and intense attraction are still evident. No matter how much they try to deny what they feel for each other, it soon becomes obvious that what they share together is special. Can they move past the hauntings of what broke them apart before?

My Final Say: These two scarred souls both had a history of life-altering heartbreak that shaped them. The dramatic events were so profound that they caused Smith and Ella to hide in plain sight. All I know is that love can be a healing balm if both people in a relationship want it to be.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA to A

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own opinions and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

* A Goodreads review has been posted.

When I saw that one of the main characters was a grumpy bookstore owner I immediately requested it. This was my first book by Ella Fields and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun STEAMY enemies to love, & second chances. The perfect grumpy/sunshine trope. I enjoyed the audio and the dual POV chapters made for a quick listen!

I just couldn't get into this grumpy/sunshine summer romance - not even with a bookstore-centric plot. Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me but I'm sure those looking for a light-hearted summer read might still enjoy it. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early listening copy in exchange for my honest review!

* Received a copy fir review.*.
I love a grump so I couldn’t wait to read this book. I know this author often writes difficult back stories and angst. However. I was not prepared for this story. I honestly cannot say whether I liked any of the characters. I’m not sure I Liked the story. It just did not work for me.h

The year is 2009, I only listen to All Time Low, Cobra Starship and Panic! At the Disco. I do not wear yoga pants because or Uggs because they are "mainstream." I cannot bend my knee because my jeans are so tight. No one understands me and never will. This is absolutely not a phase. The angst is incredibly high, but not quite as high as the angst in this book.

The Grump Who Stole Summer is probably the angstiest book I have ever read and honestly, it was a bit much for me. That said, if you need angst in your romances, then you should definitely pick this one up. I think this would be a great read for fans of NA romances like The Ravenhood trilogy by Kate Stewart, it just wasn't quite for me.

I found both characters to be quite... frustrating. The insta-love was incredibly intense and the reason for the falling out was...underwhelming at best. Overall, I just didn't vibe with these two characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I love the premise of this book, but I can't read it via audiobook. I find the male narrator's voice terrible, I can't take the character seriously. It is a DNF.

I will wait for a copy of the written book.

Thanks, NetGalley and Orange Sky Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you Net Galley for an audio ARC of The Grump Who Stole Summer by Ella Fields. I love this author. She is one of my favorite romance authors. This one is a second chance romance. I would have to say, this didn't work for me as well as her others I have read. But I'm still giving it 4 stars.

Grumpy/Sunshine - Enemies to Lovers with a side of traumatic past & mystery. This is my first book by Ella Fields and I really enjoyed the writing style and fast paced storyline. I will be checking out other books by the author for sure!

Side note: check TW before reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!