I’ll be honest, Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody made me smile way more than I expected. BookTok kept popping up with this title, so I gave in. If you love clean, wholesome, slow-burn YA romance, you’ll probably get hooked. It fits right into the Darling Devils series, but stands alone, too.
Key Takeaways
Grumpy Darling has a sweet romance that grows slowly.
The story builds tension and feels real. The love story does not feel rushed.
The book has characters you can relate to. They are wholesome and kind.
The story feels cozy and comforting. It is great for readers who want a gentle escape.
You do not need to read the first book. This book stands alone and is easy to enjoy.
Worth Reading?
Who Will Enjoy It
I have to admit, I sometimes stay up way too late with a book like this. Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody pulled me in with its sweet, slow-burn romance and left me rooting for the characters. If you love stories that make you smile and give you that cozy, wholesome feeling, this one fits the bill.
Here’s who I think will get the most out of it:
Romance fans: If you crave clean, slow-burn love stories, you’ll probably breeze through this one.
Young adult readers: The high school setting and relatable characters make it perfect for teens and anyone who remembers those days.
Women and girls: Most romance readers are women, and this book definitely leans into that audience with its emotional focus and character-driven plot.
Anyone needing a comfort read: Sometimes you just want a book that feels like a warm hug. This is that book.
Readers from all walks of life: I’ve seen thoughtful reviews from older men and even folks in technical fields who enjoy a break from heavy nonfiction.
I found myself grinning at Paige’s awkward moments and cheering for her bucket list adventures. If you want a story that feels like a gentle escape, this one delivers.
BookTok Appeal
BookTok made me pick up Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody, and I’m glad it did. The platform has a knack for spotlighting books that hit you right in the feels. I noticed a few things that make this book a perfect fit for BookTok’s crowd:
Emotional connection: Readers on BookTok love sharing their reactions—tears, laughter, and everything in between. This book gives plenty of moments for that.
Aesthetic covers and displays: Publishers know what works on TikTok, so the cover and vibe match what’s trending.
Influencer buzz: Big BookTok creators talk about this series, which means it pops up everywhere, from my feed to bookstore tables.
Community vibes: BookTok isn’t just about reading alone. People form book clubs, join challenges, and connect over stories like this one.
Young adult and romance focus: The main audience on BookTok loves YA and romance, and this book checks both boxes.
I saw so many reaction videos paired with Taylor Swift songs and heartfelt reviews that I couldn’t resist. The BookTok community makes reading feel like a group activity, and this book fits right in.
I have to give props to how BookTok brings people together. It’s not just about trends—it’s about finding books that make you feel something and sharing that with others. Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody does exactly that.
Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody
Plot Summary
I picked up Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody because I needed something light and sweet. The story follows Paige, who wants her senior year to be unforgettable. She makes a bucket list with her best friend. Each item on the list pushes Paige out of her comfort zone. I loved watching her try new things, even when she felt awkward or scared.
Grayson, the “grumpy” guy, keeps showing up in Paige’s life. He’s not the easiest person to get along with, but their banter made me laugh. Paige and Grayson have this slow-burn friendship that turns into something more. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The romance never felt rushed. It grew with every bucket list adventure.
If you like stories about finding courage and falling for someone when you least expect it, this book will hit the spot.
Series Placement
Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody is the second book in the Darling Devils series. I worried I’d feel lost since I hadn’t read the first one, but I didn’t need to. The story stands on its own. Paige and Grayson’s journey is fresh and doesn’t rely on the previous book. The author calls it a romantic sequel to Rival Darling, but you can jump right in without missing a beat.
You get a full story with no confusing gaps.
The book appeals to fans of sweet, clean romance, whether you’ve read the first book or not.
Romance and Themes
Clean Slow-Burn Style
I’ll be honest, I have a soft spot for slow-burn romance. Grumpy Darling nails this style. The story lets Paige and Grayson’s feelings simmer for most of the book. I kept waiting for that first real spark, and it didn’t come until way past the halfway point. That’s what makes the payoff so sweet.
Modern YA slow-burns often hold off on the first kiss or big romantic moment until after 80% of the book. I noticed Grumpy Darling follows this trend, just like “Meet Me Halfway” and “Best I Never Had.”
Readers love this style because it builds tension and makes every small moment feel important.
The romance here stays clean. No swearing, no steamy scenes—just hugs, blushes, and maybe a chaste kiss. I appreciate how the author focuses on the emotional connection.
I found myself rooting for Paige and Grayson, even when it felt like nothing would ever happen. That slow build made their relationship feel real.
Wholesome Vibes
This book gave me all the wholesome feels I needed. Sometimes I just want a story that feels safe and comforting. Grumpy Darling delivers that in spades.
The characters grow together, not just as a couple but as people.
The story uses “show, don’t tell.” I could see Paige’s nerves and Grayson’s soft side through their actions, not just words.
The ending left me smiling. It’s a classic Happy-For-Now finish, which I love in a YA romance.
If you want a book that feels like a cozy blanket, this one checks all the boxes.
Characters
Paige
I connected with Paige right away. She’s the kind of girl who makes a bucket list for her senior year and actually tries to finish it. I saw myself in her awkward moments and her hope that this year would be different. Paige isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes her feel real.
She gets nervous, second-guesses herself, and sometimes stumbles through her plans. But she keeps going. I loved how she grew braver with each challenge. Her journey reminded me of how we all want to make memories before big changes.
Grayson
Grayson surprised me. At first, he seemed like your classic “grumpy” guy, but there’s so much more under the surface. He’s dealing with his own struggles and memories, which makes him complicated and interesting. I noticed how his actions spoke louder than his words.
He tries to protect himself, but you can see his softer side peek through. Readers often say Grayson lingers in their minds after the last page. I get it—he’s not just a love interest, he’s a person trying to heal.
Grayson’s journey shows:
How hard it is to let go of the past
The way forgiveness and hope can change someone
Why flawed characters feel more real
Dynamic
Paige and Grayson together? That’s where the magic happens. Their banter made me laugh, and their awkward moments felt honest. I loved how they challenged each other to grow. The slow-burn tension kept me hooked, even when I wanted to shake them and say, “Just talk already!”
Their relationship isn’t perfect, but it’s believable. I finished the book thinking about how real friendships and romance take time and patience.
If you love stories where characters push each other to be better, you’ll enjoy watching Paige and Grayson figure things out—one bucket list item at a time.
ABout Author
Alexandra Moody
I always get curious about the people behind my favorite comfort reads. Alexandra Moody writes the kind of stories that make me want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cocoa. She has a real gift for creating characters who feel like friends. I noticed her name popping up everywhere on BookTok, and now I see why. Readers love her for her sweet, slow-burn romances and her focus on clean, feel-good stories.
Alexandra Moody started out writing for fun, but her books quickly found a big audience. She connects with readers who want a break from heavy drama. I think her stories work so well because she keeps things real and relatable. Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody is a great example of her style—gentle, funny, and full of heart.
Strengths & Weaknesses
I’ll be honest, I sometimes read until my eyes hurt when a book hooks me. Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody had me sneaking in chapters during lunch breaks and before bed. But not every moment was jaw-dropping, and I think it’s only fair to lay out both sides.
What worked for me:
Relatable characters: Paige felt like someone I’d actually know. Her awkwardness and hope made me root for her.
Clean, slow-burn romance: I loved the tension. The story kept things sweet and safe, which made every small moment matter.
Wholesome themes: The focus on friendship, courage, and growth gave me that cozy, happy feeling.
Standalone story: I didn’t read the first book, but I never felt lost. That’s a big plus.
Where I wanted more:
Predictable plot: Some bucket list moments felt a bit too familiar. I guessed a few twists before they happened.
Pacing: The slow-burn style sometimes dragged. I caught myself wishing for more action or surprises in the middle.
Side characters: A few friends and family members faded into the background. I wanted to know them better.
Balanced reviews matter. I always try to see both sides, just like the UNC Writing Center suggests. I look for the author’s intent, use examples, and keep things fair. Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody shines with its heart, but it’s not perfect.
If I had to rate it, I’d give it a solid 7/10. It’s a comfort read, not a pulse-pounding thriller, and that’s okay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grumpy Darling safe for younger teens?
Absolutely! I found the romance clean and the language gentle. No mature scenes or harsh words. I’d hand it to my younger cousin without worry.
Do I need to read Rival Darling first?
Nope! I started with this one and never felt lost. Each book stands alone. You can jump right in and enjoy Paige and Grayson’s story.
Will there be more books in the Darling Devils series?
I hope so! The author hasn’t announced anything official yet. I’d love to see more stories with these sweet, relatable characters. Fingers crossed! 🤞
