Romance is a genre that has been around for centuries and continues to captivate readers of all ages. One of the most popular tropes in the romance genre is the “grumpy and sunshine” trope, which features two characters who are complete opposites in terms of their personalities. The “grumpy” character is usually someone who is moody, brooding, and closed off, while the “sunshine” character is cheerful, optimistic, and outgoing. This trope has been used in many romance novels over the years, and in this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best romance book recommendations that feature the grumpy and sunshine trope:
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game is a delightful romantic comedy that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Lucy Hutton, who works as an executive assistant at a publishing company, and her nemesis Joshua Templeman, who works as an executive assistant at the same company. The two of them are constantly bickering and playing pranks on each other, but as they work together on a project, they start to realize that they have feelings for each other. This book is a must-read for fans of the grumpy and sunshine trope.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read is a heartwarming romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows January Andrews, a bestselling romance author who is struggling with writer’s block, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction writer who is also struggling with writer’s block. The two of them are forced to spend the summer together in neighboring beach houses, and as they get to know each other, they start to realize that they may be more than just friends. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good beach read.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
The Bromance Book Club is a hilarious and charming romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Gavin Scott, a professional baseball player who is struggling in his marriage, and his wife Thea, who is tired of feeling unappreciated. Gavin’s friends introduce him to the Bromance Book Club, a secret society of men who read romance novels to learn how to be better partners. As Gavin starts to read the books and implement their lessons, he and Thea start to fall in love all over again. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good romance novel with a unique twist.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient is a steamy romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Stella Lane, a successful econometrician who has trouble with intimacy, and Michael Phan, a Vietnamese-Swedish escort who Stella hires to teach her how to be better in bed. As they spend time together, they start to fall in love, but they must navigate their cultural differences and the challenges that come with being in an unconventional relationship. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a steamy and emotional romance.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White & Royal Blue is a delightful romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the President of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. The two of them start off as rivals but eventually become friends, and as they spend more time together, they start to develop romantic feelings for each other. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The Unhoneymooners is a fun and witty romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Olive Torres, who reluctantly goes on her twin sister’s honeymoon after the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, and Ethan Thomas, the groom’s brother and Olive’s nemesis. As they spend time together in Maui, they start to realize that they may have misjudged each other and that they may be more than just enemies. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a charming and diverse romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Chloe Brown, a chronically ill web designer who is trying to get her life back on track, and Red Morgan, a grumpy and tattooed handyman who works in Chloe’s building. As they start to spend more time together, they start to realize that they have more in common than they thought and that they may be perfect for each other. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a romance novel with diverse characters and real-life issues.
The Roommate by Rosie Danan
The Roommate is a steamy and emotional romance novel that features the grumpy and sunshine trope. The story follows Clara Wheaton, a wealthy socialite who moves to LA to start a new job, and Josh Darling, her grumpy and reclusive roommate. As they start to get to know each other, they realize that they have an undeniable chemistry, but they must navigate their different lifestyles and personal issues to make their relationship work. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a steamy and emotional romance with complex characters.
The grumpy and sunshine trope is a beloved and timeless trope in the romance genre, and these eight books are some of the best examples of it in recent years. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, a steamy romance, or a diverse romance with real-life issues, there’s a book on this list for everyone. So, pick up one of these books and prepare to fall in love with the grumpy and sunshine trope all over again.
