Book Review: Grumpy Darling (The Darling Devils, #2) by A.J. Pritchard
I picked up Grumpy Darling with high hopes, especially after enjoying the first installment in The Darling Devils series. A.J. Pritchard’s knack for weaving emotional narratives drew me in, and I was eager to see how the dynamic between Paige and Grayson would unfold. However, as I flipped through the pages, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings about the story’s execution.
At its core, Grumpy Darling plays with several tropes that have become beloved in young adult romances: friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, and found family. However, while these elements have potential to create tension and heartfelt moments, they fell a bit flat for me in this instance. Paige, a bright-eyed student trying to figure out her future, is overshadowed by her own insecurities. Grayson, the quintessential grumpy guy, harbors feelings for her that feel painfully trapped in the friend zone. Their chemistry, laden with decades of friendship and unexpressed emotions, should have set the stage for an exhilarating ride. Instead, it often felt more like a hesitant shuffle.
While I appreciated the premise—a dating coach who doubles as Grayson’s means to not only help Paige but also get closer to her—there was an awkward lack of depth in the character development. Paige’s character, initially teeming with potential, came across as frustratingly one-dimensional at times. Instead of the layered persona I hoped for, she felt more like a collection of YA romance clichés, leaving me wishing for a more nuanced portrayal.
Grayson, on the other hand, is your typical brooding hero, embodying that familiar trope of "soft on the inside." Yet, the potential wasn’t fully realized. His inner monologues were endearing at points but also drifted into the realm of cliché. The expected "I’ll only let her see my soft side" moments felt repetitive and a little tired, especially given the palpable tension they should have shared.
One of the most memorable quotes for me encapsulated this mix of affection and exasperation: “All I could think was that I’d happily put up with terrible cooking every night for the rest of my life if it meant I could be with Paige.” It was a bittersweet reminder of the potential for humor and warmth that is so crucial in a romance—yet the lack of build-up made moments like this feel less impactful.
Despite these critiques, there are gems sprinkled throughout the narrative. The humor, especially the playful banter surrounding Paige’s “crappy muffins,” did manage to elicit a few genuine laughs. However, the pacing felt uneven, swinging between awkward encounters and heartfelt confessions without a satisfying rhythm.
In conclusion, while Grumpy Darling does not quite hit the mark I hoped for, it holds appeal for those who enjoy lighthearted teen romances laden with charm. If you’re a reader who finds joy in stereotypical portrayals and rom-com antics, you might just enjoy the ride. That said, fans of more intricate storytelling might feel let down, especially after the promise of its predecessor, Rival Darling. As for me, I’m left reflecting on the potential within these pages and hoping for a brighter, more compelling sequel down the road.
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