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9 Grumpy x Sunshine Must-Reads in the ThriftBooks TropeTrove™

By Likewise and ThriftBooks | Jun 16, 2025Discover your next beach read! The Grumpy x Sunshine trope has captivated readers for ages, showcasing the yin & yang magic. Whether it’s the brooding hero thawing under the warmth of his sunny counterpart, or the carefree romantic breaking down walls, this genre offers tales filled with humor, heart, and transformation. Let's dive into these must-reads curated from the ThriftBooks TropeTrove™!

It Happened One Summer

It Happened One Summer Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

The BookTok famous rom-com from Tessa Bailey introduces the glamorous Piper Bellinger, who is being sent to a small beach town to learn responsibility after a wild night ends her luxurious lifestyle. There, she meets the grumpy sea captain, Brendan, and the sparks fly! Their conflicting personalities create a whirlwind of attraction that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Can Piper prove she’s more than just a pretty face while falling for a man as grumpy as the tide? Peek into their journey here.

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Now a major motion picture, this critically acclaimed novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz dives deep into the exploration of identity, friendship, and love. Aristotle, a boy harboring anger and grief, meets the more optimistic Dante at a swimming pool. Their contrasting personalities help each other find a path toward self-understanding and acceptance, ultimately leading to a unique love story that redefines their views on life. Explore their profound friendship here.

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Café Con Lychee

Café Con Lychee Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

This sweet and scrumptious rom-com delivers a story of rivals turned partners. Theo and Gabi, whose families own competing businesses, must join forces to save their parents’ dreams from a new fusion café. As they navigate their distinct backgrounds, their chemistry builds into something delicious! This story combines culture with romance, and readers will be left craving more. Check it out here.

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Beach Read

Beach Read Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

The Emily Henry novel that started it all follows two authors, January Andrews and Augustus Everett, who couldn’t be more different yet find themselves living next to each other for the summer. With writer’s block looming, they devise a challenge: each must step outside their genre to write something new! This fun rivalry leads to unexpected discoveries about love and creativity. Discover the heat between these star-crossed authors here.

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Act Your Age, Eve Brown

Act Your Age, Eve Brown Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

This romantic comedy from Talia Hibbert follows the chaotic life of Eve Brown, who disrupts the orderly life of Jacob Wayne, a B&B owner, after an unfortunate accident. Contrasting characters lead to hilarious situations while gradually discovering a budding romance. With humor and heartfelt moments, this story perfectly illustrates how opposites can indeed attract! Dive into their engaging tale here.

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Icebreaker

Icebreaker Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Dive into the life of Anastasia, a determined figure skater, and Nathan, a focused hockey player who finds themselves involuntarily paired. As they share the ice, their distinct goals and personalities clash but ultimately lead to unexpected romance. Packed with sports passion and character growth, this book is sure to keep readers enthralled. Get a glimpse of their captivating relationship here.

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Love Radio

Love Radio Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Prince Jones, a teen love expert with a radio show, faces a unique challenge when he meets Dani, who is distinctly uninterested in romance. In this heartwarming story, readers join them on a journey where Prince must convince Dani that love is worth embracing—all in just three dates. The engaging dialogue and engaging characters make this an irresistible read. Uncover their romance here.

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The Singles Table

The Singles Table Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

In this charming romantic comedy, Zara Patel, a lawyer, vows not to fall for any more grooms at weddings, especially when paired with Jay Dayal, a grumpy bachelor. Their unlikely partnership leads to hilarious attempts at matchmaking and deepening connections. Packed with humor and heart, this book is a delightful read on how love can be found in unexpected places. Discover their hilarious journey here.

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Twice Shy

Twice Shy Cover
© Photo: Provided by Likewise.

Maybell Parish has always lived in her dreams. After inheriting a house from her Great-Aunt, everything changes when she must share it with the grumpy groundskeeper, Wesley. Can the whimsical dreamer and the practical grouch navigate their contrasting visions and find love—or will the house tear them apart? With engaging character dynamics, this story captures the essence of unexpected relationships. Explore their journey here.

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