R. Nassor may spend more time with books, tea, and ceramic mugs than recommended by professionals but it hasn’t failed her so far. Nassor has a MA in English Literature from Georgetown University, where she looked at the way medieval and early modern literature reappear in fantasy books today. She’s been writing about romance, fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture for quite a while, starting at Book Riot in 2020. She’s also written for Tor.com. You can follow her on Tiktok and contact her through her website.
Who doesn’t love a sincere curmudgeon? In these grumpy/grumpy romances, we have not one but two cranky, love-sick fools ready for their happily ever after.
Much like grumpy/sunshine or black/cat golden retriever romances, grumpy/grumpy romance trope describes the characters’ dynamic and public persona in a romance. In this case, both characters in the relationship are certified grumps. More birds of a feather than opposites attract, grumpy/grumpy romances prove that sometimes similar personalities create the strongest partnerships.
I always love a good grumpy personality with all its high emotional walls, directness, and a heartfelt resting “no thank you.” Plus, a grumpy/grumpy romance explores the origins of the protective instinct to default to grouchiness. It’s a fun, emotional bonding moment, and I, for one, will never turn down a good opportunity to witness that empathetic magic in the making.
When it came to collecting my favorite grumpy/grumpy romances, I gathered a wide range of romances with the iconic trope. I hope you have fun with this group of ill-tempered lovers.
The Most Lovable Grumps
All Access members, read on for eight recommendations of grumpy/grumpy romance novels.
R. Nassor may spend more time with books, tea, and ceramic mugs than recommended by professionals but it hasn’t failed her so far. Nassor has a MA in English Literature from Georgetown University, where she looked at the way medieval and early modern literature reappear in fantasy books today. She’s been writing about romance, fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture for quite a while, starting at Book Riot in 2020. She’s also written for Tor.com. You can follow her on Tiktok and contact her through her website.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Before Sera Swan resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine with the help of a talking fox, she was the most powerful young witch in Britain. Now, exiled from magical society with depleted magic, she runs her beloved magical inn with an eccentric found family and a scowl. But when Sera finds Luke Larsen, a grumpy magic historian who can translate a restoration spell for her, she’s hopeful. Although Luke and his autistic sister came to Sera’s inn looking for a temporary place to stay, they may have stumbled into the first home to accept them both. In a legacy-laden magical world, two grumpy outsiders find a caring path forward.
The Hate Project by Kris Ripper
Although Oscar and Jack are grouches in the same friend group, no one’s ever seen them get along. After all, when they hooked up, it was a one-time no-strings deal. But when Jack needs help cleaning out his grandmother’s home, Oscar is more than willing to lend a hand. Oscar has plenty of time on his hands after his recent firing to put his organizational talents to good use. All this close proximity might just boil their tart banter into something oh so sweet.
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
The Much Ado About Nothing-inspired rom-com follows the grumpy duo, Bobbi Kaur and Benjamin “Bunty” Padda, teaming up to save their best friends’ wedding. Bobbi is set to take over her family’s event planning business after she successfully manages her friends’ wedding. So, she is willing to reach out to Bunty, the most egotistical chef she knows, for help crafting the perfect wedding menu. Working together, they quickly notice someone is trying to sabotage the event before it even starts. Pulling off the perfect wedding might just be the key to falling in love.
Give Me a Shot by Gia de Cadenet
Two grumps find an unexpected connection volunteering for a Renaissance festival. As an award-winning blacksmith, autobody shop owner, and divorced father, Mo Sarda prefers the kind of peace that settles his neurodivergent brain. But when Professor Jessica Anderson comes to town, grief-stricken with her crossbow in tow, Mo begins to rethink his quiet routine to include her, too. Jessica is processing her sister’s death, and Mo hates crowds, but they are willing to staff a Renaissance fair that could save the center they love. They might even strike up a romance that could help heal them both.
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee
Jo and her husband own a London bookshop, and, in 1885, their lavender marriage is Jo’s shield. Typically, this arrangement would preclude the need for a midwife, but her husband’s paramour is pregnant. Only someone like Dr. Emily Clarke is qualified and willing to take her on. Looking to continue practicing medicine as a woman after her father leaves the hospital employing her, Emily needs clients, even scandalous ones. Plus, Emily is compelled to say yes to the grumpy, handsome woman asking her for help.
A Scandalous Deal by Joanna Shupe
Lady Unlucky may have three dead fiancés, but she won’t let her unfortunate nickname stop her from building the greatest luxury hotel Gilded Age New York City has ever seen. Phillip Mansfield hired Lady Eva Hyde’s father, not her, but he lets her oversee the project with the understanding that Eva is her father’s proxy. Just one problem: her father’s been sick for months, and the beautiful, stubborn woman right in front of Phillip is his real architect. It will be difficult to keep things strictly professional with secrets and chemistry that are this explosive.
Second Chance Romance by Olivia Dade (November 25, 2025)
A grumpy audiobook narrator and a grumpier baker have a second chance at love when an accidental obituary runs in the local paper. When Molly moved away after high school, a misunderstanding ruined her friendship with Karl, and they stopped speaking. Karl bought a bakery in Maryland. Molly got married and divorced in California. But, heartbroken to read Karl’s obituary, Molly returns, only to find her ex-best friend alive and well and looking to reconnect. Through sheer persistence, Karl convinces Molly to give him another chance. Now he has a month to prove he is trustworthy enough to love.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
When Isabel Luna Valdés realizes her position as the London ton’s wallflower will allow her to collect intelligence for Mexico during the French Occupation, she starts working to save her home. Even roguish covert agents for the British Home Office like Captain Sirius Dawson cannot match her talent and thwart her plans. Isabel and Sirus have a growing attraction, but their work for their respective governments may endanger their lives before they can follow their hearts.
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These grumpy/grumpy romances are wonderfully sincere because characters with grumpy exteriors and gooey interiors are so easy to love. If you want even more romance, try picking up these grumpy/sunshine romances, black cat/golden retriever romances, and romances that don’t feature grumpy alpha males.
English (US) · 