Best Grumpy / Sunshine Audiobooks

The highest-rated audiobooks featuring the Grumpy / Sunshine trope, ranked by listeners and readers. Browse 50 titles across Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi.

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Grumpy/Sunshine thrives on contrast and transformation. One character is closed-off, sarcastic, or emotionally guarded—the other is relentlessly positive, genuine, or open-hearted. The magic happens when the grumpy character realizes their defenses aren't protection; they're just loneliness dressed up as indifference. There's genuine tension here because the sunshine character has to be strong enough not to dim themselves down, while the grumpy one has to risk being hurt by letting someone in. It's deeply satisfying because both characters change each other in meaningful ways.

You'll find this dynamic across contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and historical romance. Some grumpy characters are alpha types with commitment issues; others are traumatized, neurodivergent, or simply weathered by life. The sunshine character might be naive or simply unafraid of emotional authenticity. Expect banter that cuts, moments where the grumpy character's walls visibly crack, and the particular joy of watching someone realize they're happier when they stop pushing people away.

  1. 1
    Heartless cover

    Heartless

    Chestnut Springs • Book 2

    by Elsie Silver

    Narrated by Stephen Dexter, Vanessa Edwin

    4.65 ABR Score (589.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.36 Goodreads (585.5K) ★ 4.75 Audible (3.5K)
    More about this pick

    Dexter and Edwin capture the electric tension perfectly, especially when the gruff rancher finally reveals the tenderness beneath all that armor.

  2. 2
    A Court of Silver Flames (Part 1 of 2) cover

    A Court of Silver Flames (Part 1 of 2)

    A Court of Thorns and Roses [Dramatized Adaptation] #4, Part 1 • Book 5

    by Sarah J. Maas, Colleen Delany, Natalie Van Sistine, Jon Vertullo, Aure Nash, Anthony Palmini, Melody Muze, Renee Dorian, Shawn K. Jain

    Narrated by Colleen Delany, Shawn K. Jain, Wyn Delano, Natalie Van Sistine, Jon Vertullo, Aure Nash, Renee Dorian, Anthony Palmini, Melody Muze, Nora Achrati, Matthew Bassett

    4.57 ABR Score (13.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.66 Goodreads (11.6K) ★ 4.85 Audible (1.4K)
    More about this pick

    Nesta's post-trauma journey toward healing and power gets the full dramatized treatment with multiple voice actors. The ensemble cast captures the emotional complexity of her relationships with family and friends.

  3. 3
    Shadows of You cover

    Shadows of You

    Lost & Found • Book 4

    by Catherine Cowles

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Zachary Webber

    4.48 ABR Score (32.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.34 Goodreads (31.9K) ★ 4.79 Audible (658)
    More about this pick

    A single mom flees to a mountain town seeking safety, only to find herself drawn to the gruff local who helped rescue an injured deer. Maxine Mitchell and Zachary Webber capture the fragile hope and protective instincts perfectly.

  4. 4
    The Mane Squeeze cover

    The Mane Squeeze

    Pride • Book 4

    by Shelly Laurenston

    Narrated by Charlotte Kane

    4.48 ABR Score (16.7K ratings)
    ★ 4.35 Goodreads (14.9K) ★ 4.72 Audible (1.8K)
  5. 5
    Bear Meets Girl cover

    Bear Meets Girl

    Pride • Book 7

    by Shelly Laurenston

    Narrated by Charlotte Kane

    4.46 ABR Score (15.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.32 Goodreads (13.6K) ★ 4.73 Audible (1.6K)
    More about this pick

    A mellow bear and a fierce tiger whose friction sparks genuine chemistry. Charlotte Kane captures the humor and heat beneath their constant sparring with perfect timing.

  6. 6
    Ugly Love cover

    Ugly Love

    by Colleen Hoover

    Narrated by Deacon Lee, Grace Grant

    4.46 ABR Score (2.4M ratings)
    ★ 3.99 Goodreads (2.3M) ★ 4.58 Audible (32.3K)
    More about this pick

    Tate and Miles agree to a no-strings arrangement, but his traumatic past threatens to destroy even their carefully controlled relationship. Dual narration reveals both perspectives on love's messier realities.

  7. 7
    Kulti cover

    Kulti

    by Mariana Zapata

    Narrated by Kyla Garcia, PJ Ochlan

    4.44 ABR Score (159.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.23 Goodreads (158.6K) ★ 4.79 Audible (483)
    More about this pick

    Kyla Garcia nails Sal's stubborn pride, and the 17-hour slow burn pays off with one of the most earned romances in the genre.

  8. 8
    Mother Faker cover

    Mother Faker

    The Momcoms • Book 1

    by Brittanee Nicole

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Joe Arden

    4.43 ABR Score (26.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.16 Goodreads (24.5K) ★ 4.76 Audible (1.6K)
    More about this pick

    Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden's dual narration doesn't just tell a grumpy-sunshine romance, it performs one with real, crackling chemistry.

  9. 9
    Pucked Love cover

    Pucked Love

    Pucked • Book 6

    by Helena Hunting

    Narrated by Sebastian York, Stella Bloom

    4.37 ABR Score (18.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.2 Goodreads (15.1K) ★ 4.65 Audible (2.9K)
    More about this pick

    York and Bloom's narration captures Hunting at her best: a romance about choosing someone repeatedly, where vulnerability isn't weakness but the whole point.

  10. 10
    By a Thread cover

    By a Thread

    by Lucy Score

    Narrated by Erin Mallon, Sebastian York

    4.36 ABR Score (183.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.07 Goodreads (179.2K) ★ 4.62 Audible (3.7K)
    More about this pick

    Erin Mallon and Sebastian York perform like they're actually in love. The chemistry is effortless, the banter lands sharp, and the slow-burn payoff feels earned.

  11. 11
    Stray cover

    Stray

    Rowe Ranch • Book 1

    by D.J. Krimmer

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Sean Masters

    4.35 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.59 Goodreads (1.2K) ★ 4.86 Audible (300)
    More about this pick

    Dual narration captures every beat of the tension: Mitchell and Masters trade off so seamlessly you forget you're listening.

  12. 12
    Great Big Beautiful Life cover

    Great Big Beautiful Life

    by Emily Henry

    Narrated by Julia Whelan

    4.35 ABR Score (763.4K ratings)
    ★ 3.96 Goodreads (748.2K) ★ 4.55 Audible (15.2K)
    More about this pick

    Two rival writers—eternal optimist Alice and thundercloud Pulitzer winner Hayden—compete to interview a reclusive heiress on a tropical island. Whelan navigates their clash with perfect comedic timing.

  13. 13
    The Wall of Winnipeg and Me cover

    The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

    by Mariana Zapata

    Narrated by Stephen Dexter, Emma Wilder

    4.34 ABR Score (309.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.15 Goodreads (308.3K) ★ 4.62 Audible (1.0K)
    More about this pick

    Zapata's signature slow burn at its best, and the dual narration makes 18 hours feel like a guilty-pleasure binge you won't want to end.

  14. 14
    The Fall Risk cover

    The Fall Risk

    Valentine's Day • Book 2

    by Abby Jimenez

    Narrated by Julia Whelan, Connor Crais

    4.34 ABR Score (199.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.06 Goodreads (195.2K) ★ 4.59 Audible (4.4K)
    More about this pick

    Julia Whelan and Connor Crais transform this snappy neighbors-trapped story into pure chemistry—their banter crackles so well you'll forget it's only 1 hour 48 minutes.

  15. 15
    Full Measures cover

    Full Measures

    Flight & Glory • Book 1

    by Rebecca Yarros

    Narrated by Carly Robins

    4.33 ABR Score (100.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.14 Goodreads (97.6K) ★ 4.59 Audible (2.5K)
    More about this pick

    New Adult romance with real stakes: grief, caregiving, and love earned instead of given. Robins captures Ember's exhaustion and hope with equal weight.

  16. 16
    The Rosie Project cover

    The Rosie Project

    Don Tillman • Book 1

    by Graeme Simsion

    Narrated by Dan O'Grady

    4.33 ABR Score (614.3K ratings)
    ★ 4.01 Goodreads (598.6K) ★ 4.51 Audible (15.6K)
    More about this pick

    O'Grady nails the earnest, literal voice of a genetics professor who doesn't realize he's falling in love. Warm, funny, and impossible not to root for.

  17. 17
    Finding Mayhem cover

    Finding Mayhem

    Court of Mayhem • Book 2

    by Layla Frost

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Troy Duran

    4.29 ABR Score (4.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.36 Goodreads (4.3K) ★ 4.83 Audible (193)
    More about this pick

    Pregnant woman seeks fresh start but gets complicated by a grumpy neighbor who cooks for her. Mitchell and Duran capture the domestic intimacy beautifully.

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    All the Way cover

    All the Way

    Hot Jocks • Book 2

    by Kendall Ryan

    Narrated by Jason Clarke, Erin Mallon

    4.28 ABR Score (16.1K ratings)
    ★ 3.92 Goodreads (14.2K) ★ 4.71 Audible (1.9K)
    More about this pick

    Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon's dual narration carries this protective romance with chemistry that earns its weight through genuine emotional depth.

  19. 19
    Archer's Voice cover

    Archer's Voice

    Where love meets destiny • Book 1

    by Mia Sheridan

    Narrated by Kris Koscheski, Emily Durante

    4.27 ABR Score (693.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.16 Goodreads (687.5K) ★ 4.42 Audible (6.4K)
    More about this pick

    Dual narration captures every ache of this quiet, devastating romance. The silences hit different when you're listening.

  20. 20
    The Cornerstone cover

    The Cornerstone

    The Walshes • Book 4

    by Kate Canterbary

    Narrated by Christian Fox, Lucy Rivers

    4.25 ABR Score (6.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.31 Goodreads (5.9K) ★ 4.77 Audible (182)
    More about this pick

    Navy SEAL meets demanding businesswoman in a hotel room encounter that redefines both their expectations. Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers capture the sexual tension and emotional vulnerability beneath the power struggle.

  21. 21
    Just for the Cameras cover

    Just for the Cameras

    Bay Area Players • Book 1

    by Meghan Quinn

    Narrated by Emma Wilder, Connor Crais, Stella Hunter, Samantha Brentmoor, Teddy Hamilton, J.F. Harding

    4.25 ABR Score (27.9K ratings)
    ★ 4.07 Goodreads (26.4K) ★ 4.61 Audible (1.4K)
    More about this pick

    The ensemble narration turns this grumpy-sunshine romance into pure audio theater—six distinct voices make the banter snap and the slow-burn chemistry actually sizzle.

  22. 22
    To Sir Phillip, With Love cover

    To Sir Phillip, With Love

    Bridgertons • Book 5

    by Julia Quinn

    Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

    4.25 ABR Score (320.4K ratings)
    ★ 3.69 Goodreads (312.3K) ★ 4.63 Audible (8.1K)
    More about this pick

    Landor brings real warmth to Eloise's sharp wit, and the slow-burn chemistry between two people who aren't what the other expected is genuinely satisfying.

  23. 23
    The Brawl cover

    The Brawl

    Calamity Montana • Book 5

    by Willa Nash, Devney Perry

    Narrated by Ava Erickson, Teddy Hamilton

    4.23 ABR Score (18.1K ratings)
    ★ 4.1 Goodreads (17.7K) ★ 4.7 Audible (365)
    More about this pick

    Small-town Montana romance heats up when an overconfident newcomer meets his match in the local sweetheart who's sworn off dating entirely.

  24. 24
    Perfect Wreckage cover

    Perfect Wreckage

    Wrecked • Book 2

    by Catherine Cowles

    Narrated by Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

    4.23 ABR Score (11.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.27 Goodreads (11.3K) ★ 4.77 Audible (124)
    More about this pick

    The dual narration is perfectly cast to capture a chemistry that's real enough to justify the risk, while Cowles keeps the stakes terrifyingly high.

  25. 25
    When You're Mine cover

    When You're Mine

    The Gallaghers • Book 2

    by Layla Hagen

    Narrated by Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

    4.22 ABR Score (2.0K ratings)
    ★ 4.4 Goodreads (1.8K) ★ 4.79 Audible (183)
  26. 26
    The Unhoneymooners cover

    The Unhoneymooners

    Unhoneymooners • Book 1

    by Christina Lauren

    Narrated by Cynthia Farrell

    4.21 ABR Score (1.2M ratings)
    ★ 3.89 Goodreads (1.1M) ★ 4.45 Audible (10.6K)
    More about this pick

    Cynthia Farrell nails the bickering chemistry that makes enemies-to-lovers work, turning a Hawaiian honeymoon mix-up into pure comedic warmth.

  27. 27
    Just One Kiss cover

    Just One Kiss

    Very Irresistible Bachelors • Book 2

    by Layla Hagen

    Narrated by Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

    4.20 ABR Score (3.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.24 Goodreads (3.1K) ★ 4.69 Audible (323)
    More about this pick

    Dual narration from Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell makes this feel like eavesdropping on two people actually falling for each other in real time.

  28. 28
    Your Christmas Love cover

    Your Christmas Love

    The Bennett Family • Book 10

    by Layla Hagen

    Narrated by Joe Arden, Maxine Mitchell

    4.20 ABR Score (3.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.31 Goodreads (3.2K) ★ 4.62 Audible (391)
  29. 29
    Detonate cover

    Detonate

    Beneath the Mask • Book 2

    by Luna Mason

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Robert Hatchet

    4.19 ABR Score (27.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.08 Goodreads (27.4K) ★ 4.66 Audible (282)
    More about this pick

    A former special forces operator turned boxing trainer and hitman finds his carefully constructed double life shattered by one kiss. Mitchell and Hatchet's dual narration captures both the dangerous attraction and the violence that threatens to consume them.

  30. 30
    Truth or Beard cover

    Truth or Beard

    Winston Brothers • Book 1

    by Penny Reid

    Narrated by Joy Nash, Chris Brinkley

    4.19 ABR Score (63.2K ratings)
    ★ 3.86 Goodreads (58.7K) ★ 4.56 Audible (4.5K)
  31. 31
    Boss in the Bedsheets cover

    Boss in the Bedsheets

    The Santillian Triplets • Book 2

    by Kate Canterbary

    Narrated by Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder

    4.17 ABR Score (9.3K ratings)
    ★ 3.96 Goodreads (7.7K) ★ 4.6 Audible (1.7K)
    More about this pick

    Clarke and Wilder's dual narration turns every sharp, flirty exchange into something electric. The banter alone is worth the ten hours.

  32. 32
    Sunshine and Sammy cover

    Sunshine and Sammy

    Vested Interest: ABC Corp • Book 5

    by Melanie Moreland

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, John Lane

    4.17 ABR Score (1.2K ratings)
    ★ 4.52 Goodreads (1.1K) ★ 4.85 Audible (92)
    More about this pick

    Maxine Mitchell and John Lane capture the sparks between rancher Luke and force-of-nature Samantha when she arrives to help develop his guest ranch business.

  33. 33
    Lyon's Den cover

    Lyon's Den

    by Gerri Hill

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    4.13 ABR Score (724 ratings)
    ★ 4.26 Goodreads (370) ★ 4.77 Audible (354)
    More about this pick

    Outdoor-hating journalist Joni gets trapped at a month-long women's retreat with her phone confiscated and wine banned. Abby Craden perfectly captures her mounting frustration and gradual transformation.

  34. 34
    Wrecking Ball cover

    Wrecking Ball

    Hard to Love • Book 1

    by P. Dangelico

    Narrated by Amelie Griffin, Nelson Hobbs

    4.13 ABR Score (18.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.03 Goodreads (18.1K) ★ 4.59 Audible (369)
  35. 35
    Mile High cover

    Mile High

    Windy City • Book 1

    by Liz Tomforde

    Narrated by Winston James, Mari

    4.12 ABR Score (575.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.02 Goodreads (573.7K) ★ 4.39 Audible (1.9K)
    More about this pick

    The dual narration between Winston James and Mari crackles with such chemistry that this hockey romance feels less like banter and more like foreplay.

  36. 36
    The Play cover

    The Play

    Briar U • Book 3

    by Elle Kennedy

    Narrated by Ana Osorio, Teddy Hamilton

    4.12 ABR Score (169.6K ratings)
    ★ 4 Goodreads (168.0K) ★ 4.44 Audible (1.6K)
  37. 37
    Nero cover

    Nero

    Alliance • Book 1

    by S.J. Tilly

    Narrated by Jack Calihan, Chloe Ryan

    4.11 ABR Score (98.4K ratings)
    ★ 3.81 Goodreads (93.1K) ★ 4.5 Audible (5.3K)
    More about this pick

    After a decade of hiding from her past, Payton's quiet life shatters when dangerous Nero walks through her door claiming she belongs to him. Jack Calihan and Chloe Ryan's dual narration captures both the menace and magnetic attraction of this dark romance.

  38. 38
    Faking Cinderella cover

    Faking Cinderella

    Small Town Sisterhood • Book 3

    by Pippa Grant

    Narrated by Ryan West, Maxine Mitchell

    4.11 ABR Score (1.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.52 Goodreads (1.5K) ★ 4.73 Audible (52)
    More about this pick

    Ryan West and Maxine Mitchell's voices crackle with chemistry as Grant's sharp banter unfolds; a slow-burn romance made for audio.

  39. 39
    Tongue: A Ruthless Underworld Novel: Ruthless Kings MC cover

    Tongue: A Ruthless Underworld Novel: Ruthless Kings MC

    Ruthless Kings MC: Las Vegas • Book 8

    by K.L. Savage

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell, Joe Arden

    4.10 ABR Score (3.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.28 Goodreads (3.2K) ★ 4.56 Audible (168)
    More about this pick

    Dark biker believes he's too damaged for an innocent woman's light — dual narrators capture both the darkness and hope.

  40. 40
    The Alpha Won't Be Denied cover

    The Alpha Won't Be Denied

    Timber Valley Pack • Book 6

    by Georgette St. Clair

    Narrated by Maxine Mitchell

    4.10 ABR Score (2.0K ratings)
    ★ 3.95 Goodreads (1.3K) ★ 4.66 Audible (695)
    More about this pick

    Virginia Battle wants nothing to do with alphas after growing up surrounded by overprotective brothers, but Carver Lawrence keeps sabotaging her dates without making his own move. Maxine Mitchell captures Virginia's exasperation perfectly.

  41. 41
    Consider Me cover

    Consider Me

    Playing for Keeps • Book 1

    by Becka Mack

    Narrated by Kasha Kensington, Alex Kydd

    4.08 ABR Score (242.8K ratings)
    ★ 3.83 Goodreads (238.5K) ★ 4.43 Audible (4.3K)
    More about this pick

    Kasha Kensington and Alex Kydd nail the banter: the dual narration turns the sexual tension into something you feel rather than read.

  42. 42
    Nightshade / Night Smoke cover

    Nightshade / Night Smoke

    Night Tales #3-4 • Book 4

    by Nora Roberts

    Narrated by Kate Rudd

    4.08 ABR Score (7.0K ratings)
    ★ 4 Goodreads (6.4K) ★ 4.54 Audible (663)
    More about this pick

    Two Night Tales novellas pair opposite-attract cops with by-the-book detectives and firefighters with arson investigators. Kate Rudd handles Roberts' signature romantic tension across both connected stories.

  43. 43
    Lion and the Falcon cover

    Lion and the Falcon

    Furry United Coalition • Book 4

    by Eve Langlais

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    4.08 ABR Score (2.8K ratings)
    ★ 4.08 Goodreads (2.4K) ★ 4.61 Audible (323)
    More about this pick

    A pampered lion doctor partners with a fierce falcon operative to track escaped psycho patients in this paranormal romance romp.

  44. 44
    Croc and the Fox cover

    Croc and the Fox

    Furry United Coalition • Book 3

    by Eve Langlais

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    4.05 ABR Score (4.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.07 Goodreads (4.0K) ★ 4.53 Audible (375)
    More about this pick

    Military croc Viktor meets his match in persistent fox Renee after a lab raid goes sideways. Abby Craden brings just the right mix of humor and heat to this shifter romance.

  45. 45
    Rev It Up cover

    Rev It Up

    Black Knights Inc. • Book 3

    by Julie Ann Walker

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    4.05 ABR Score (8.5K ratings)
    ★ 4.11 Goodreads (8.4K) ★ 4.49 Audible (156)
    More about this pick

    Jake broke Michelle's heart four years ago to protect her from his dangerous life—now he wants her back. Craden captures the emotional reunion and high-stakes action with equal intensity.

  46. 46
    On a Wild Night cover

    On a Wild Night

    Cynster • Book 8

    by Stephanie Laurens

    Narrated by Simon Prebble

    4.04 ABR Score (9.6K ratings)
    ★ 4.16 Goodreads (8.6K) ★ 4.37 Audible (1.0K)
    More about this pick

    Bored by London's bland suitors, Amanda Cynster ventures into disreputable territory to find excitement but discovers real danger instead. Prebble's narration handles both the ballroom banter and romantic tension of this Regency adventure with practiced ease.

  47. 47
    Ostrich and the 'Roo cover

    Ostrich and the 'Roo

    Furry United Coalition • Book 6

    by Eve Langlais

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    4.03 ABR Score (1.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.13 Goodreads (1.1K) ★ 4.57 Audible (291)
    More about this pick

    Abby Craden brings playful energy to this shifter romance as ranger Jaxon investigates reports of a giant ostrich terrorizing suburbia and finds beautiful, sleeping Mari instead.

  48. 48
    The Man in the Black Suit cover

    The Man in the Black Suit

    by Sylvain Reynard

    Narrated by Robertson Dean

    4.02 ABR Score (4.4K ratings)
    ★ 4.12 Goodreads (4.0K) ★ 4.45 Audible (389)
    More about this pick

    Robertson Dean's smoky narration transforms this Paris-set thriller into pure atmospheric tension, making every power play between Acacia and Nicholas feel dangerously intimate.

  49. 49
    Rescued Heart cover

    Rescued Heart

    Puppy Love Romance • Book 1

    by Georgia Beers

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    3.99 ABR Score (2.9K ratings)
    ★ 3.88 Goodreads (1.4K) ★ 4.5 Audible (1.5K)
    More about this pick

    Lisa runs intake at Junebug Farms animal shelter, using emotional control learned from her painful past to excel at her job. When romance threatens her carefully built walls, she must decide whether healing is worth the risk.

  50. 50
    Swan and the Bear cover

    Swan and the Bear

    Furry United Coalition • Book 2

    by Eve Langlais

    Narrated by Abby Craden

    3.96 ABR Score (4.2K ratings)
    ★ 3.92 Goodreads (3.8K) ★ 4.48 Audible (423)
    More about this pick

    Bear shifter Mason must guard FUC's curvy tech wizard Jessie, who has zero patience for his constant flirting despite his undeniable appeal, in Abby Craden's playful narration.

How We Rank Audiobooks

Rankings are driven by listener ratings and review counts from Audible and Goodreads. Books with high ratings across a large number of listeners rank higher — a 4.5 with 50,000 ratings says more than a 4.8 with 200.

Unlike most book lists, we weight audiobook-specific factors: narrator performance, production quality, and how well a story translates to audio. A great book with a poor narration isn't a great audiobook.

We don't accept paid placements or prioritize new releases. These rankings reflect what listeners actually enjoy, not what's being promoted.

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