My The Grump Next Door Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up The Grump Next Door by Brighton Walsh because I wanted a fake-dating romance with a small-town feel and honest heat. The story centers on Sutton Sinclair, a sharp, independent woman starting over as a single mom with her teenage daughter, Laurel. She moves into a backyard cottage in the coastal town of Starlight Cove and quickly finds her gruff new landlord, Atlas, impossible to ignore.
After a night neither of them expected, Sutton and Atlas end up in a fake relationship to save face in front of family and the ever-watchful neighbors. The "fake" arrangement turns real once Sutton’s cottage floods and she moves in with Atlas. There’s forced proximity, high-voltage chemistry, and the gradual undoing of two people with emotional baggage. The whole thing makes me root for both characters—especially as their pretend-couple status is tested by real feelings and the challenges of Atlas's past as a pro football player turned coach.
This is the kickoff to the Steele Brothers of Starlight Cove series, but it feels complete on its own. The small town setting, extended families, and snarky banter from Sutton’s daughter create a world that feels lived-in and real. The writing is dual POV, flipping between Atlas and Sutton, so I always get both sides of the tension.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book gets me emotionally invested from the first chapter. The chemistry between Atlas and Sutton is wildfire—every conversation has undercurrents, and when things heat up, it’s not just the physical stuff that’s intense but the build-up, too. The banter is sharp and funny, and the constant bickering somehow makes the slow slide into real feelings believable.
The “grumpy/sunshine” dynamic comes through in every scene. Atlas is a true grump: controlled, closed-off, but deeply loyal and protective. Sutton’s energy and resilience break down his walls in ways that are both tender and steamy. I love how Sutton is determined to do right by her daughter and refuses to be anyone’s victim, especially when it comes to her controlling ex. Atlas’s emotional growth is honestly satisfying, and it’s not just about the romance—it’s about feeling worthy of happiness. Laurel, Sutton’s daughter, adds so much heart and humor, which gives extra weight to all the family moments.
The small-town backdrop isn’t just window dressing; I can feel the gossip, the nosy neighbors, and the way everyone knows everyone’s business, which makes the stakes of their fake dating feel real. Every side character adds something memorable and the town is the kind of place I wish I could visit. There’s steam here—explicit scenes that never feel forced, just natural.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like fake dating, forced proximity, and small town romance where both main characters have rich backstories, you’ll love this book. If you appreciate banter, family drama, snarky teens, and a genuine emotional arc, this one will hit the right notes. The story is honest about rough edges—Atlas’s past injuries and Sutton’s struggles as a single mom—but it never feels heavy-handed.
⚠️ For those sensitive to explicit scenes: this book is open-door and the spice level is high, including some adventurous moments. The romance has no dark triggers, but the steam is strong throughout.
Tagged As
small town, fake relationship, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, single parent, sports romance, reformed bad boy, protective hero, strong heroine, open-door romance, dual pov, series, HEA, indie romance, contemporary romance, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit
