Opposites & Grumpy: A Sweet Small Town Opposites Attract Romance

by Charlotte Mae

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2026

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weston Smith was Ivy Master’s best friend Elise’s older brother, upon whom Ivy had had a crush when she was sixteen. Now she is a nearly thirty year old middle school art teacher and he is a working artist residing in New York…both of whom were entered into the First Redbud Ridge Mural Invitational, a mural painting contest being held in their hometown of Redbud Ridge, Oklahoma. A total of six artists were invited to compete for a $10,000 prize. Sage and Jared Garrett, the wealthy organizers of the competiton, set up numerous events which required teams of two, and, of course, Ivy found herself paired with Weston. Weston, who had left town in his youth and never looked back, gave off a sullen and anti-social vibe. Ivy, on the other hand, was sweet, shy, compassionate and a tad insecure about her artwork. As the story progresses, and sabotage becomes apparent, Ivy and Weston begin to form a bond based on truth and understanding. You will find community involvement, betrayal, resolved misunderstandings, small town events, uplifting scenes, honest emotion, ah-ha moments and a ‘light vs dark’ theme. The characters are diverse and easily imaginable, including influencer wannabes, an ex-boyfriend, an artistic legend, and a billionaire couple. Elise provides both comic relief and unconditional support as her brother and best friend embark on a promising future. This is a well written tale told in the first person by Ivy and Weston. It will grab you attention, engage your heart and leave you feeling victorious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I didn’t have to post a review I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it.

Charlotte has written a book about second chances but it originally means something different from what one would normally expect.

In this case it’s a chance to be seen and accepted for who you are and the vision you see when a mural painting contest is opened up and a local art teacher at the middle school enters it along with a person who left the town and comes back when he receives an invitation to participate.

They have a history though it’s really one sided as Ivy had a crush on Weston, her best friend’s older brother but he left town. But it changes when Ivy hears unkind remarks about her from others and then she is targeted with sabotage and having her sketchbook stolen and her mural vandalized!

Weston steps in to assure her she belongs there regardless of what others say. Working and spending time together feels natural and her outlook changes Weston’s perspective on how he views life in general.

Ivy’s outlook and passion influences Weston when the winner of the contest is announced and the final
mural takes on a whole new perspective no one anticipated.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it as one I think everyone will enjoy reading. Seeing others see you as you don’t see yourself shows us we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves and take a step back to really consider what we do and how others do see ourselves! We are our own worst critics after all!

[Karen "Kay" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Charlotte Mae in the Grumpy/Sunshine, small town love story trope in the Redbud Ridge romance series. The two main characters, Ivy and Weston, grew up together, but he left town after his graduation, and became an artist in New York City. Ivy has entered an art competition but is nervous and afraid people will not take her seriously as she is the “art” teacher. She is surprised when Weston walks in as one of the contestants at the competition (she had crushed on him, through High School).
She was going to have to see him every day for the next six weeks of the competition. Though it sounds like a rom-com, there is very little comedy, but it is a great slow burn romance. Someone is sabotaging Ivy (vandalism and theft). Then Weston’s art is also vandalized. They team up to solve the mystery.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that brim with hope and this one overflows. It had enough hope to make my eyes water (with joy and love) multiple times. The storyline of artists in a mural competition and the effect on a small town is one I didn’t know I needed to read, but I truly did and I am better for it. I have always enjoyed seeing murals in towns that I travel to. I frequently take pictures of ones that speak to me. This story has given me so much more depth in my appreciation of the work, purpose and art of murals. The characters are wonderful, flawed, and realistic. The town of Redbud Ridge is a true delight, and you will want to visit. Humor and heart are the foundations of this story, and I will definitely add it to my reread list. Thank you, Charlotte Mae.

I gratefully received an ARC copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, it deserves more stars!! I love books surrounding art and this one was sooooo good, its hard to put into words. Weston and Ivy have by far been 2 of my fav characters. I loved how each saw art and the world and how they helped shape each other's perspectives. I was so fully invested on these two. The emotion both characters brought out in my was deep and touching. I could imagine their murals and the emotions behind each part. I was drug into this book and it wouldn't let go until the last brush stroke.... not even then 😊! This book is one that will stay with you. I know it has me!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has 25 chapters and an Epilogue. I also like how each chapter is told from the alternating characters POV.

This story is about two opposites realizing that they aren’t competing - they are complimenting. About how many came together to create something bigger, brighter, and more real than an individual working alone.

I do wish there had been a little more romance. I agree it was a HEA ending but not in the traditional sense that I’m used to. I do also wish there had been more closure about The “who” in NY. There’s not a definitive answer ask to whether the “who” was the original that followed from NY or just a copycat.

4 stars

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title, OPPOSITES & GRUMPY, sounds like a rom-com; it’s not.  There is little to no comedy, but there is a lovely slow burn romance. The two main characters (artists at a competition) work their way through completely different emotional troubles on their way to a beautiful happily ever after.
   Charlotte Mae always delivers more than you’re expecting!
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.