Grumpy Sunshine

Author: grumpysunshine

  • Book Review: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

    Binding 13 is a deep, emotional YA romance set in Ballylaggin, Ireland in 2005. It’s intense, romantic, and occasionally funny (thanks, Gibsie <3), but definitely not your light-and-fluffy read.

    The story follows Shannon Lynch, a sweet, quiet girl who’s been through a lot and is trying to start over at a private school where she can finally feel safe. Then she meets Johnny Kavanagh—rugby star, local legend, and literal walking heartthrob. Their worlds are nothing alike, but somehow, they start to fit into each other’s lives in the most unexpected (and adorable) way.

    This book totally pulled me in. The characters are so different, but when you put them together, they make the story even better. I loved the banter (especially the supportive and hilarious moments), and the way the book shows both Shannon’s and Johnny’s perspectives. Chloe Walsh does a great job showing two very different lives—rich vs poor, popular vs invisible—in a way that feels super real.

    But just a heads-up: this book gets heavy. It deals with some seriously tough stuff like abuse, alcoholism, drug use, fights, and a lot of swearing (including f-bombs and Irish insults). It made some parts hard to read, especially because Shannon is dealing with trauma the entire book. So if you’re not in the right headspace, you might want to wait before diving in.

    🔞 Recommended for 15+ because of mature themes, intense language, and sensitive topics like abuse and addiction. This isn’t a fluffy romance—it’s emotional and raw.

    ⭐ My rating: 4/5. I loved the writing style, the characters, the chapter lengths (not too long!), and even the playlists at the end! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the heavy stuff sometimes made it hard to fully enjoy the story—but that’s also what makes it powerful.

    📚 If you like friends-to-lovers, dual POV, and emotional romances with real-world problems, this one might be for you.

    Similar authors:

    • Becka Mack (Consider Me) – romance with mature themes
    • Laura Nowlin (If He Had Been with Me, If Only I Had Told Her) – emotional, heavy topics, but a beautiful story
    • Jennifer Gold (On the Spectrum) – teen romance, eating disorders
    • Carley Fortune (Meet Me at the Lake) – dealing with grief, includes smoking

    Also by Chloe Walsh:

    There is more to the Tommen Boys series including Taming 7 and Releasing 10

  •  Book Review: Betting On You by Lynn Painter

    Betting On You is the perfect light and funny teen romance—full of sarcasm, summer vibes, and just the right amount of slow-burn feelings.

    Bailey is a super relatable, slightly cynical teen who doesn’t believe in love (thanks to her mom’s messy relationship history). She’s planning a chill summer working at a fancy resort with her best friend… until she finds out she has to work with him—Charlie, the charmingly annoying guy she sat next to on a flight two years ago and hoped to never see again. Obviously, she doesn’t like him. Right?

    The best part of this book is how the story is told from both Bailey and Charlie’s points of view. You get both sides of the tension, the banter, and the feelings they’re both trying to deny. Lynn Painter does what she does best—writing characters with amazing chemistry, hilarious personalities, and dialogue that snaps.

    I honestly loved every second of it. There’s nothing I would change. It’s the kind of story that makes you smile while reading and maybe even giggle out loud.

    🔞 Recommended for ages 14+ (or mature 13+ readers) for mild topics like divorce, a little underage drinking, and kissing—but overall, it’s a clean and super cute intro to romance.

    ⭐ My rating: 5/5. I loved the characters, the banter, and how naturally their story came together.

    📚 If you love dual POVs, slow-burn romances, and flirty back-and-forth, this one’s for you! Similar authors you might like: Carley Fortune (author of Every Summer After) and C.W. Farnsworth (author of Kiss Now, Lie Later)

    Also by Lynn Painter:

  • Book Review: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    If you’re into mysterious mansions, mind-blowing puzzles, smart girls, and flirty boys with secrets—The Inheritance Games is a total must-read.

    Avery Grambs is super smart, totally broke, and just trying to survive high school and maybe snag a scholarship. Then—plot twist—she inherits billions from a complete stranger. Sounds amazing, right? Except there’s a catch: she has to move into a creepy (but also super cool) mansion filled with puzzles, riddles… and four Hawthorne brothers who definitely aren’t thrilled she just stole their future.

    Let the games begin. 😏

    This book is soooo fun and totally addictive. Even though the whole “randomly-inherited-billions-at-17” thing feels unreal, the story actually makes sense. The clues and twists are really well thought out, and the plot keeps you guessing. I loved that the chapters are short (like 2–10 pages), so it’s fast-paced and never drags.

    The characters—especially the Hawthorne brothers—are all mysterious and charming in different ways. There’s drama, clever banter, and just enough flirting to keep things interesting without it taking over the story.

    🔞 Recommended for ages 12+ — there’s a little bit of talk about death and family stuff (like abandonment or emotional abuse), but it’s not graphic or too heavy. No swearing, no steam, just one or two sweet kisses

    ⭐ My rating: 5/5 stars. I loved everything—puzzle solving, plot twists, clever writing, and fun character dynamics. It kept me hooked from the very beginning.

    📚 If you like mystery with a side of romance and brainy main characters, you’ll totally love this. Similar authors: Holly Jackson (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Karen McManus (One of Us Is Lying), and Lynn Painter (Better Than the Movies) — if you want more romance with smart girls!

    Also by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:

    Book 2 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 3 of the Inheritance Games series

    Book 4 of the Inheritance Games series