'Mud & Moxie' Book Review - No Spoilers
As a freelance editor, I spend a lot of my time negotiating with authors over the importance of a single comma, but my favorite part of the job is when I get to mentor teen writers through our local creative writing club. Last Tuesday, one of my students asked me if "grumpy-sunshine" was a valid literary device or just an excuse to write about people who need more naps. I couldn’t help but laugh, because as anyone who reads romance knows, that dynamic is the absolute backbone of some of our most beloved stories. It’s that balance of sharp edges and soft hearts that makes a book truly sing. It reminded me so much of the relationship in Mud & Moxie, where the contrast between the characters is as stark as a Colorado sunrise against a snowy peak. I was hooked from the very first page.
Plot Summary
Mud & Moxie by Emily Bellford introduces us to a sunny optimist and a notoriously grumpy rancher who enter into a strategic fake dating arrangement. She needs to convince her family she’s moved on from a past relationship, while he desperately needs to fend off the well-meaning but relentless matchmakers in their small town. What starts as a purely practical arrangement quickly becomes complicated as genuine feelings begin to develop beneath the surface of their pretend romance. Set against a charming backdrop of mud, horses, and small-town gossip, they soon discover that sometimes the most authentic love stories are the ones you never saw coming. It's a delightful exploration of what happens when you let someone past your carefully constructed walls.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Emily Bellford manages to deliver all the swoon-worthy romance without needing to rely on steam, which is both refreshing and masterfully done. The grumpy-sunshine dynamic is absolutely delightful, and I found myself smiling as the heroine's persistent brightness slowly chips away at the hero's formidable walls. The slow burn is executed with such precision—every lingering touch and almost-kiss had me practically desperate for them to finally admit their true feelings to each other. The small-town ranch setting feels incredibly charming and authentic, and the closed-door approach really highlights how powerful emotional intimacy can be. It's a story that proves you don't need high heat to have electric chemistry between two characters who truly belong together.
Who Will Like This Book
If you prefer clean romance that still packs a maximum emotional punch with plenty of slow burn chemistry, then Mud & Moxie is absolutely perfect for you. It’s ideal for readers who adore fake dating tropes, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and the unique atmosphere of small-town ranching communities. If you love stories where the journey to love is built on a foundation of genuine emotional connection and mutual support rather than physical heat, you’ll find this book to be an absolute delight. It’s a wholesome yet deeply romantic read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
⚠️ Trigger warning: past relationship mentions, small town gossip, family pressure.
Tagged As
small town, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, fake dating, closed door, clean romance, forced proximity, opposites attract, HEA, contemporary romance, ranch life
Steam Level
🌶️ | Clean
This is a sweet, closed-door romance that focuses entirely on the emotional development of the relationship. The chemistry is palpable through dialogue and shared experiences, making it a perfect choice for readers who prefer their romance without explicit content. It's proof that a "clean" read can still be incredibly romantic and satisfying.
