Let’s Talk Romance Tropes – Grumpy Sunshine
Tropes are the building blocks of stories and characters. In Science Fiction, some tropes are The Quest and The Chosen One. In mystery there are Amateur Detective and Police Procedurals. And, in romance, there are many. Many! Let’s talk about one of my favourites: Grumpy Sunshine!
The Grumpy Sunshine Romance Trope
The Grumpy Sunshine trope is delicious fun! This one also has a few different names. Grumpy soft for Sunshine. Grumpy vs Sunshine. Even: Grumpy One, Sunshine One. No matter what you call it, in the story one character is far grumpier than the other. It’s a version of Opposites Attract, but in this case the opposite bit is all about attitude. One sees the world through a far brighter lens than the other.
Why do I love the Grumpy Sunshine Trope?
The Grumpy Sunshine trope is so much fun!
I love seeing a person who is normally more of a pessimist with a grumpy attitude slowly soften for the other character who is a ray of sunshine. Those sunshine-y people can sure wear down the grumpiness with a smile and a boatload of optimism.
In the stories I love, the grumpy character has been through some tough things. Often things that would bring most people to their knees. They’re strong characters who have built thick walls to help them cope with their heartbreak or their hurt. Or their high expectations.
What they don’t expect is to have those shields and walls broken down slowly by kindness and love.
Yes, please!
Which Jemi books feature the Grumpy Sunshine Trope?
Only a couple! While I really love this trope, so far, I’ve only written a few. I’m not a natural grump and it’s hard for me to lean into that personality type for long stretches. But, who knows. I can definitely see more in the future.
In the Bloo Moose series: Reaching For Normal. Sawyer is a former SEAL. His last mission ended in disaster, heart-breaking disaster. He’s lost a lot in his life and the grumpy protective exterior is no surprise. He’s not in the least bit prepared for Myla who has also been through a lot. But in her case, she faces challenges with a smile and she’s always searching for better.
There’s also a grumpy-sunshine trope in Reaching For Balance. In this case, the grumpy sunshine might be a bit of a stretch. Maybe it’s more opposites-attract. I’m never quite sure. But Rebecca is definitely a grump at the beginning. It’s more of a nervous grumpiness. She’s dealing with a lot that is new and difficult for her. Gage has a more of a sunshine attitude. Live and let live. Let life happen. Don’t get too deep or too involved. It’s fun to watch these two learn about the other!
In Small Town Heroes: Hmmm… Looks like there aren’t any here. Unless Flynn in Built Of Second Chances counts?? He’s more confused and angry than grumpy, but he does have a few moments. With her cautious attitude, I’m not sure Tessa counts as a sunshine-y person either.
And in No Fail Heroes: Okay, looks like there’s none here either. Maybe in the next series!
Do you like the Grumpy-Sunshine trope? Which type is your favorite ~ the grumpy one or the sunshine one?
