jesus christ i’ll tell you right now that if you jerk off in front of each other that is not a platonic relationship. if most of your conversations are around how horny you feel around each other, it’s not platonic. i hate stupidity.

This was a cute read. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Alfie and Mabel and watching their relationship grow, and the banter between them was laugh out loud funny at times. My only complaints about this book is 1. This is a book set in London and some of the slang, terminology felt a little forced at times. and 2. that alfie is originally portrayed as incredibly awkward and shy, and not really in touch with societal norms, however there were parts of the book that felt like I was reading a completely different character, and the continuity of his character development was a little off. Over all I really enjoyed the story and I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope and a HEA

There were some really funny parts to this story, but found the characters very hard to connect to. There was very little attention paid to the purpose of her work and once they started their sexual relationship that was pretty much the entire story. A lot of oh he can never like me and vice versa. I did appreciate a curvy main character, but wish she wasn't so insecure about everything.

I was so excited to read this book, but unfortunately I did not finish it at the 20% mark. I had a really hard time with the dialogue and the love interest was really insufferable to me.

I am bummed because I really wanted to love the book.

Mabel + Alfie … Mabel is ghostwriting Alfie’s memoir, which is not a role for the weak. The former footballer is famous for his lack of sharing detailed or personal information. Definitely a cute story with a rewarding slow burn (that means heavy spice in the second half). 🔥 I had a little trouble reading some parts due to the heavy UK English or not knowing references.

4/5 for content
3.5/5 for spice (3 first half, 4 second half)

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own.

The premise of this book really intrigued me and I was so looking forward to it! Unfortunately it was a little difficult for me to get into.

I was annoyed by Alfie in the beginning and while some of the banter was really funny a lot of it felt forced. I’m usually a slow burn fan but the start of this book moved at a snails pace and it made it that much harder to get invested. I found the conflict and ending to be rushed.

I did really like the plus size representation, how Alfie and Mable were actually able to bond despite some pretty major differences and the authors spicy scenes packed a punch.

The book was not bad overall and if you like all of the tropes it might be for you! Just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

It started out like it’ll be strong but it quickly turned into a repetitive banter fest and weird compliments that weren’t as flattering or swoon worthy at all. It took a lot to get through, I liked the plot of the story but that’s about it unfortunately.

3.5-4 stars

Mabel is an accomplished ghost-writer and has received her new assignment, to help a former football star, Alfie, write his memoirs. When their first meeting goes off the rails, the two must find a way to work together while dealing with their past selves.

Cute story with the grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity tropes, but a pretty quick read. There is a TON of dialogue between the two MCs so be prepared for that. Like a lot of dialogue in the chapters. Between the banter and the short chapters, it can feel a bit disjointed at time. But cute. Id read it again.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot express just how funny, cheery, and lovely "When Grumpy Met Sunshine" is. I finished it in one go and had to do a re-read because I was still so in love with the main characters.

Mabel a quick-witted ghostwriter is tasked with ghostwriting retired football player, Alfie Harding's, memoir. From their first official meeting, they knew it wouldn't be an easy feat especially when pepper spray gets involved. But slowly this seemingly enemies-to-lovers (spoiler its not) unwinds to friends-to-lovers. Alfie and Mabel share their experiences with each other realizing they have more in common than they thought. What's that saying about school assemblies? Crushed me - in the absolute best way.

The banter? Tier one. The smut? Had me in a chokehold.

Give it a read. You absolutely will not regret it.

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.