The Highs and Lows of Grumpy Darling by Jodie Slaughter: A Personal Reflection
When I first picked up Grumpy Darling, the second installment in Jodie Slaughter’s The Darling Devils series, I was excited. Having read the first book, Rival Darling, I had high hopes for a charming romcom featuring the classic high school tropes I love—friends to lovers, a grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and a sprinkle of hockey drama. The promise of diving deeper into the lives of Paige and Grayson was irresistible. However, as I turned the pages, my initial excitement fizzled into disappointment.
At the heart of the story is Paige, a bright-eyed, sunshine character who is navigating her uncertain future. In pursuit of clarity, she makes a list of activities, one of which brings her back to her longtime friend, Grayson Darling. Grayson, who has been smitten with Paige for what seems like forever, seizes the chance to prove himself as more than just a friend. Yet, as their journey unfolds, it feels less like an enchanting ride and more like a bumpy road trip without a map.
From the outset, I was hopeful for the nostalgic warmth of high school romance, but I quickly found myself frustrated with the execution. Paige’s internal struggles felt repetitive and didn’t resonate. Her character felt like a shadow of what I had anticipated after her portrayal in Rival Darling, leading to a reading experience akin to a cliché Wattpad story. Lines like, “she was the girl I wanted in my life forever, and even if that was only as a friend, it would have to be enough for me,” hinted at deeper emotions, yet they often got lost amid the muddled narrative.
Grayson had all the elements of a classic grumpy hero, yet his “broody” nature came off as more of a tedious trope than an engaging character trait. It was hard not to roll my eyes at lines like, “love wasn’t just blind, it also had no sense of taste,” when they felt more like filler than genuine emotion. The dialogue often leaned into the painfully predictable, making it hard to fully connect with either character.
Yet, despite its shortcomings, there were moments that shimmered with promise. The found family trope was sweet, but it lacked the depth I had hoped for. The supporting characters were fun and added color to the story, but I yearned for more moments of connection among the group, particularly between Paige and Grayson. The pacing felt uneven, as if the romantic tension built up only to dissolve in a whirlwind of missed opportunities.
For fans who enjoy easy reads and are comfortable with low-stakes drama, Grumpy Darling might still provide some entertainment. If you’re one for light-hearted love stories without high expectations, you might find solace in its easier moments. However, if you’re seeking the depth and intricate storytelling that Slaughter’s previous book delivered, you might find this one lacking.
In closing, Grumpy Darling left me feeling a bit bittersweet. The high school setting and familiar themes pulled me in, but the execution ultimately fell flat. While it’s clear Jodie Slaughter has a deft hand at capturing teenage angst, I’m left yearning for her characters to match the heart and soul I know she’s capable of delivering. So, if you dive into this story, perhaps lower your expectations and just have fun—because sometimes, even the grumpiest of characters need a little sunshine.
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