Synopsis

Ever say something that isn’t exactly true… but feels truer than anything else?

A grumpy-sunshine fake engagement. Two billionaires hiding from themselves. A small-town romance about truth, second chances, and found family.
A love story that proves: Your power is in your truth.

Max Donovan walked away from the high-stakes world of business to raise his kids and grow organic food in peace. But that peace is disrupted the night he trades quips—and blackout coffee—with Elle Sinclair, the sharp-witted, beautiful editor of the Willow Gazette.

When Max and Elle are “volunteered” to plan the town’s open mic night, sparks fly. But everything changes when a cosplay-obsessed fan crashes their not-date and Max claims Elle as his fiancée to protect her. In a town full of talkers, the lie spreads fast—and neither of them is ready to tell the truth.

As they find the truth in their lie, real feelings begin to surface—and the line between pretending and falling in love blurs.Then Max’s son falls in love for the first time—and Max and Elle must decide if they’re ready to honor the truth of their own relationship, too.

Sunshine Wakes Up Grumpy is a witty, heartfelt small-town romance with open-door heat, a touch of fantasy-world charm, and a full-bodied emotional finish.

For readers who love romance with soul, sass, and a happily-ever-after that’s earned.

Amazon

Review

Max and Elle both have secrets, but are they willing to open up to one another and find the connection beneath the surface?

This was a fun read, full of humor and witty banter. It kept me on my toes. There are also serious and touching moments as they forge a relationship, reveal truths, and navigate teenage hormones! There are also moments when they learn that maybe they don’t have to do it all on their own.

While I enjoyed the book, I do feel like there were missed opportunities, plot holes, and other instances where questions went unanswered. It just left me wondering, but that is my normal curious mind.

We give it 4 paws up.

About the Author

Sable Burns writes romantic comedies with heart, humor, and a dash of metaphysical mischief. Her stories blend emotional truth with witty banter and explore what it means to love deeply while living authentically.

A lifelong storyteller, Sable grew up in a household where the sacred and the practical met at the dinner table—her mother was a Unity minister and her father a wisecracking mechanic. That balance of spirit and grounded wisdom shapes every page she writes.

Her novels often feature unexpected romance, healing journeys, and characters who don’t just fall in love—they grow into it. Whether it’s a single dad firefighter, a reclusive billionaire, or a scientist with a vision board, Sable’s characters wrestle with truth, legacy, and the occasional swoon-worthy surprise.

Sable is the creator of the Truth & Treasure Romance series—stories where prosperity meets purpose, and where relationships transform not just lives, but legacies.

She currently lives wherever the Wi-Fi works, writing stories for readers who want their love stories layered, life-affirming, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Instagram * Facebook * TikTok * BlueSky * Goodreads * BookBub * Amazon