I’m finishing up a non-fiction book right now where my editor and I break down ALL the “types” of romance characters that we could think of. Billionaires, Cowboys, Widows, Single Parents, Athletes, Pirates, and on and on. It’s been a super fun project (and I’m learning a lot). When we were only three weeks out from publishing the book, I called my co-author, Jessica. See, we’d had this list of chapters and characters for AGES… But I was book shopping and I noticed something…
Me: “We’re missing a character type.”
Jessica: “No way. What is it?”
Me: “We need to look at The Grump.”
Jessica: “What? Like Grumpy/Sunshine?”
Me: “It’s more than that… Go search on Amazon.”
Jessica: “Huh. I guess we need to write a chapter on The Grump.”
***
Maybe you’ve noticed them, or maybe you haven’t… But “The Grump” character is everywhere! I personally love it, and let me tell you why.
Let’s talk about what “The Grump” is, and I’ll share some of my favorite books with “Grump” main characters.
Grumpy/Sunshine has been a storyline that has been popular for a long time. There is something really fun about the “Opposites Attract” dynamic of a typically gruff and cynical character with one who is cheery and positive. Grumpy characters (even if they aren’t paired with super Sunshine-y characters!) have always been popular (umm, hello Mr. Darcy?), but I think now they are really getting their moment in the sun.
These are characters who are abrasive and rough around the edges. They may avoid interactions altogether or be a little too critical at times. So why do we love them?
Here’s what I love about The Grump.
- We all know them. (I call my husband “grumpy” all. the. time.) Even if our personal grumpy friend only has flashes of the bad attitude and rough demeanor that the character is known for — we can see it, and we still know that there is something loveable and warm under the grouchy exterior. That means we give these characters the benefit of the doubt, and we want to see what their redeeming qualities are — and oh, are they worth it!
- Unexpected sweetness. One of my favorite things about reading The Grump in books is when the grumpy character is surprisingly thoughtful… like, when he realizes that she’s scared of thunderstorms and stays up texting with her to keep her mind occupied. Even though he was complaining about how his loud neighbor kept him up all night and how important his sleep is. We see you, Grump… You’re soft and squishy under all that bristle.
- Breaking down their walls. As an author, I LOVE figuring out why my character is so determined to keep people at arm’s length. And when that character starts to let the love interest inside the fortress… *sigh*
Here are few books to check out if you like The Grump!
But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor — This book just came out from Annah Conwell. I’ve loved all her books and she writes the BEST grumpy heroes!
Blind Date with the Hero — I loved writing this book, and in it I did a fun twist by making the woman be the grumpy one! Alexis thinks that if she is tough and brash, it’ll keep people away. But Jared wheedles his way under her skin anyway.
So You Love to Hate Your Boss – Elizabeth Maddrey writes an awesome Grumpy Gal in this book as well! Stephanie has little patience for nonsense — especially from the guys she works with!
A Date for Daisy has all kinds of Grumpy/Sunshine vibes, with free-spirited Daisy and easily-irritated Lance clashing while renovating an old farmhouse into a bed-and-breakfast.
The Kiss List by Ellie Hall – romantic comedy has a great grumpy character who is getting etiquette lessons from a sunshine-all-the-time love interest.
Marrying the Rancher’s Daughter: I’m working on this one right now, but kicking off the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series (from the same authors who brought you the Heroes of Freedom Ridge), this is a marriage of convenience story with a grumpy rodeo cowboy and the boss’s daughter. It’s been a blast to write, and seeing the grumpy Jason be softened by Cassie’s love is just *chef’s kiss*. You can pre-order for $2.99 now, and the price goes up to $3.99 later this month.
What do you think? Do you like the grumpy character? Have you read any of the books I mentioned, or which ones did I miss? I love this type of story and I’ll need lots of recommendations!
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living.
I’m beginning to really love the Grump. Thanks for the list of books! I’m adding them to my TBR.
I am seeing grumpy characters a lot in books at the moment. I really enjoyed reading your Blind Date with the Hero.
I’m a big fan of a grumpy character as long as he/she isn’t just flat out rude.
To be honest this isn’t my favourite trope, I think it has to be really well balanced to make sure the Grump isn’t just plain rude, and the Sunshine character isn’t over the top cheery.
Having said that, I enjoyed ‘Blind Date With The Hero’ and ‘So You Love To Hate Your Boss’, so maybe I should give the others on your list a try! I am also really looking forward to the Christmas in Redemption Ridge books
I love the grump and their soft/sweet/cinnamon roll center. :) I loved Blind Date with the Hero (such thoughtful gifts! Loved the best-friends-to-more dynamic), and I also thought of Joined at the Hip by Liwen Ho.
I really enjoyed “Blind Date with the Hero”. I love reading about the grump, because there is always someone who can get through to him/her. So far, I haven’t read about any grumps that were outright rude.
I do love this type, and I actually just finished a great one just a minute ago!! Teapots and Tiara’s by Autumn Macarthur has Matthew as the perfect grump to Anita’s sunshine and happiness!
I like grumpy characters. I really enjoyed blind date with the hero haven’t read any of the other books u mentioned. Your new book sounds like a great book.
Hopefully all those grumps can put a smile on your face :)
They do seem to be pretty popular right now! Thanks for reading BDWTH!
Oh yes! That’s a great point… Being grouchy is no excuse to treat people terribly!
I definitely agree. The grump can’t be a jerk and the Sunshine character has to be realistic. I think you’d like But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor — the FMC isn’t even all that “sunshiney” but the dynamic is great.
Yes… all that sweetness underneath!
Thanks for the rec. I love Liwen’s books, but I haven’t read that one!
I agree — I think it’s really rewarding to see how that special person can get inside their walls!
I’m glad you liked Blind Date with the Hero… Jared’s brother is getting his story in Marrying the Rancher’s Daughter!
Ooooh, thanks for the recommendation! I’ll add it to my library right now!
I’m glad you enjoyed BDWTH. I hope you’ll try some of the others I mentioned :)
Grumpy hero/heroine isn’t my favorite trope, but I enjoy reading books featuring them. :D
Ohh I just finished “Positively Penelope” and it’s precisely this trope! the heroine is a cheerful girl, sweet lover of fairy tales and theater and the hero is an angry and grumpy boy of the polite type like Darcy.
And I think Luke, Penelope’s brother and the next hero of the next book in the series, will be a grumpy, lumberjack-type hero.
More realistically my mom and dad embody this trope she is upbeat and outgoing and my dad is the serious type with sarcastic humor.
haven’t read these
Enjoyed the Blind Date with the Hero :)
I love the grumpy hero! How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss by Jenny Proctor is a closed door romcom that was a lot of fun.
The Grump reminds me of Curmudgeon. I wrote a poem about grump old men which is what curmudgeon represents. A Grump contrasts very well with a sweet heroine. They are opposites and makes one wonder what they have in common.
I married the Grump and I love him so much, so the Grump/Sunshine trope is one of my absolute favorites! I have read a few where the female character is the grumpy one and I’m not as fond of it but if it’s done where it’s not grumpy out of bitterness then I’m good with it.
The grump is not one of my favorite character types. I cannot think of a CCR book that I have read even though I have read some out of this genre. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I like the Beauty and the Beast trope so I certainly don’t have a problem with a grumpy hero.
I married a bit of a grump, so I’m a big fan! ❤️
I am so late to the party. I saw your reel on fb with the different characters and laughed so loud at the sports hero.
I know I have read books with grumpy characters but haven’t always picked up that issue. I think there is a difference between grumps as often they have a soft heart and the negative grumps who I struggle with. If the character is negative then I am more likely to turn off than just grumpy. Look at Grumpy in snowwhite he was a grump but beneath the gruff exterior he had a heart of gold.
I don’t remember reading a book about a Grump. I still don’t think I would like it.
I have not read any of those books but I think I could like The Grump. I think most people have a good side even if they are grumpy sometimes.