Are you even on #BookTok if you haven’t heard of the Grumpy/Sunshine Romance trope? If you haven’t, here is a little explainer!
This trope involves one of the protagonists having a really positive disposition (read: sunny) while the other is negative, stoic, or a little less heart on your sleeve type (read: grumpy). When these two collide – sparks fly and funny situations usually occur.
There are some incredible romance books that feature this trope, so if you love or want to see what all the fuss is about – check out our recommendations!
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
You must be living under a rock if you haven’t read this fantastic rom-com!
When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.
Ali Hazelwood’s other novel, Love On The Brain is also a great Grumpy / Sunshine romance.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek -inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who’s cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy Hutton, baker-of-cakes, exemplary assistant and professional ‘nice girl’, is waging war. She’s got the whole office on her side – except for tall, dark and charmless Joshua Templeman. He’s been nothing but hostile since the moment they met and now it feels like nothing matters as much as taking him down.
This workplace romance has all the spicy tension you need, and it’s written by an Aussie author!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime . . .
Forced to play loving newlyweds, she and her nemesis Ethan find themselves in closer proximity than they ever expected. Soon, Olive finds that maybe she doesn’t mind pretending. In fact, she’s beginning to feel kind of . . . lucky.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Runaway bride, Virginia setting and a grumpy male protagonist? Sign us up!
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
In USA Today bestselling author Talia Hibbert’s newest romcom, the flightiest Brown sister crashes into the life of an uptight B&B owner and has him falling hard – literally. Perfect for fans of Helen Hoang, Sally Thorne and Alisha Rai.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
A clever and steamy queer romantic comedy about taking chances and accepting love – with all its complications. Perfect for fans of Alexandria Bellefleur, Casey McQuiston and Rosie Danan.
Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
It’s one hex of an attraction in this romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jessica Clare.
Reggie Johnson applies for a job in a newspaper ad, which ends up a job acting as a familiar to a real-life witch! The new job has a few perks – great room and board, excellent pay, and she’s apprenticing to a powerful witch. Sure, the witch is a bit eccentric.
And sure, there was that issue with the black cat Reggie would prefer to forget about. The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer’s nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell. Or is he?
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.
The Spanish Love Deception is an enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating, SLOW-BURN romance. Perfect for those looking for a steamy slow-burn with the sweetest Happily Ever After.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Two writers, one holiday. A romcom waiting to happen.
He doesn’t believe in happy endings. She’s lost her faith that they exist. But could they find one together?
A classic contemporary rom-com that everyone should add to their #TBR.
Want more book recommendations? Listen to our podcast, Tell Me What To Read!
Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Ultimate Guide to Books (May 15, Edition) – Tell Me What To Read
- Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Ultimate Guide to Books (May 15, Edition)
- Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Ultimate Guide to Books (April 17, Edition)
- Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Weekly Guide to Books (March 13, Edition)
- Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Weekly Guide to Books (March 6, Edition)
- Tell Me What To Read – Australia's Weekly Guide to Books (February 28, Edition)
About the Contributor
Kassidy Fisher
Kass is Booktopia's resident Comms and Social Media Specialist. She spends her day scrolling TikTok, picking up the latest trends, and posting content. When she isn't on social media, you can find her on BookTok, reading the latest contemporary romance, or playing with her dog, Leia.
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