Review of Grumpy Darling (The Darling Devils, #2) by Tessa Bailey
When I first picked up Grumpy Darling, I was wrapped up in a whirlwind of high school nostalgia and sparked by the promise of a friends-to-lovers hockey romance. Tessa Bailey has a knack for writing stories that blend humor, warmth, and a touch of vulnerability, leading me to believe this sequel would be just as deliciously engaging as its predecessor, Rival Darling. Unfortunately, while the premise had me excited, the reality fell flat—landing at a modest 2.5 stars for your truly.
At the heart of this story is Paige, our sunshine-y protagonist, who is trying to navigate her future with the help of a checklist—a concept that resonates with anyone who’s felt the overwhelming pressure of choices looming ahead. Enter Grayson, the infamous Darling devil who’s been firmly entrenched in the friend zone, harboring feelings for Paige that he believes are hopeless. The classic tropes of grumpy vs. sunshine and forced proximity set the stage for their dynamic, but I found myself longing for more depth and less cliched dialogue.
The writing felt uneven, often resembling the kind of unsophisticated narratives you’d find on Wattpad—relying too heavily on stereotypes: the broody male and the overly self-doubting girl. Paige, initially a vibrant character in Rival Darling, became a repetitive echo of her insecurities, filled with inner monologue that felt more tiresome than relatable. It felt like she was grappling with her thoughts in a loop, lacking the charm I had admired in her earlier portrayal. Meanwhile, Grayson had the potential to be a compelling character but instead was boxed into the stereotype of being "soft only for her," which didn’t add much intrigue.
A couple of quotes stood out to me, crystallizing moments of humor and sweetness: “I’d happily put up with terrible cooking every night for the rest of my life if it meant I could be with Paige.” This embodied the essential yearning for connection—something we all crave in our relationships. Another witty line, “probably because dinner was spicier than mom’s dirty books,” was a delightful reminder of the playful banter that can sometimes redeem lackluster plots. Yet they couldn’t overshadow the overall feeling of disappointment in the narrative’s execution.
What I truly wanted was the heartfelt exploration of their friendship growing into something more, but it felt rushed and contrived. The stakes didn’t feel high enough for me to invest emotionally, leaving significant moments lost in a clutter of “meh” prose.
If you’re a fan of classic high school romances and can overlook the weaker elements—maybe you’re a seasoned Wattpad reader or just love a good hockey backdrop—you might still find moments of joy within Grumpy Darling. However, for those expecting something more polished and coherent following Rival Darling, I’d suggest tempering your expectations.
In essence, while reading Grumpy Darling didn’t resonate with me like I hoped, it encouraged a reflection on how we perceive narratives in YA romances. Perhaps we need to remember that not every story can strike the right chord, and sometimes, even a grumpy darling leaves us wishing for more. Happy reading!
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