WORLD OF BOOKS 65

If he explosive first instalment in her brand-new Content Advisory series. And if this book is anything to go by, we’re in for another unforgettable ride.

Just when I thought I’d recovered from the emotional rollercoaster that was the Semyonov Bratva series, Lani Lynn Vale strikes again — this time with Grumpy Sunshine, the explosive first instalment in her brand-new Content Advisory series. And if this book is anything to go by, we’re in for another unforgettable ride.

Fans of the Bratva series may remember the mysterious and gruff Chevy Clayborne, who made a brief but impactful appearance when a couple of his siblings found their HEAs. But nothing could have prepared me for the full force of Chevy in his own story. A hot, grumpy anesthesiologist who also happens to be in an MC? Be still my heart. I was already weak at “tattooed doctor,” but the moment he pulled on that motorcycle club jacket, I practically swooned into next week.

And then there’s Aelle — oh, Aelle. A nurse technician with a spine of steel and a heart that still stutters around Chevy, even after two years of working side by side. Watching her navigate the minefield of suppressed attraction, family trauma, and growing danger was absolutely captivating. She’s resilient, vulnerable, and so deeply real that you can’t help but root for her. Her bond with her sister adds another layer of emotional depth — tender, fierce, and unforgettable.

Ms Vale is known for weaving raw, gut-wrenching emotion into her stories, and Grumpy Sunshine is no exception. There were scenes toward the end that had me outright sobbing — ugly-cry, can’t-see-the-page kind of sobbing. The duality of Chevy — soft and soothing in the hospital, rough-edged and commanding in the MC — is portrayed with such precision, it’s no wonder Ms. Vale cheekily refers to him as “Mr. Jerkly and Mr. Hyde.” The way she balances both sides of him is masterful, making him one of her most compelling heroes to date.

Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension? Delicious. The secrets and danger lurking in the background? Perfectly paced and deeply satisfying. Add in a toxic family past, some shocking reveals, and the kind of emotional payoff that only Ms Vale can deliver, and you’ve got romance reader gold.

In short, Grumpy Sunshine isn’t just a brilliant start to a new series — it’s a shining example of why Lani Lynn Vale continues to be a queen of the genre. I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. And I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the Content Advisory series.