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New Hope, Old Grudges
Everyone’s rock bottom is different.
For Willow Watson, it’s moving back to New Hope, Colorado.
The town she promised herself she’d never set foot in again. The place she’s forced to go back to when she has nothing left.
Nothing but the family she abandoned.
And now she’s back.
But hitting rock bottom isn’t just about losing everything and being forced back to the small town rife with mountains, rugged beauty and awful memories.
No, rock bottom includes entering town limits and realizing that the man she’s hated for years, Brody Adams, her high school bully, is now the sheriff.
And he doesn’t remember her.
Willow is making sure she steers clear of Brody Adams. Until the night he rescues her in a snowstorm and she’s trapped with him, her memories and the realization that she doesn’t just hate Brody Adams.
She wants him too.
For Willow Watson, it’s moving back to New Hope, Colorado.
The town she promised herself she’d never set foot in again. The place she’s forced to go back to when she has nothing left.
Nothing but the family she abandoned.
And now she’s back.
But hitting rock bottom isn’t just about losing everything and being forced back to the small town rife with mountains, rugged beauty and awful memories.
No, rock bottom includes entering town limits and realizing that the man she’s hated for years, Brody Adams, her high school bully, is now the sheriff.
And he doesn’t remember her.
Willow is making sure she steers clear of Brody Adams. Until the night he rescues her in a snowstorm and she’s trapped with him, her memories and the realization that she doesn’t just hate Brody Adams.
She wants him too.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2023
264 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
56 books3,934 followersAnne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
January 2, 2025
5 From This Moment On Stars ⭐
~Second Read. Best way to start a NY with old faves!~
New Hope, Old Grudges was my favourite festive story for the year. From the first chapter where I felt choked up and very emotional yet hopeful, I knew I was going to love this. After all, tis the season for forgiveness and happiness.
Never was a funny thing.
It happened more often than you thought. Right about the same time as rock bottom.
It wasn't an original story but it was a damn good one. Willow is returning to her small town of New Hope, Colorado after swearing to never return. But since her career and life have gone to pot, lack of money doesn't leave many options.
Willow has a valid reason for not returning. Scars of her youth have never gone away and home is the place of tormentors. So immediately discovering that one of her bullies Brody Adams is now sheriff; it only ignites a fire in her belly since she's no longer Weird Willow.
“I can do whatever the fuck I want. That’s my prerogative as a grown-ass woman with agency and rights, so I’ll go on hating you until, I don’t know, the end of time.”
This was not a dark romance. It really was a story of healing and second chances. A gut wrenching one of regrets and learning that home is where the heart is. You will immediately fall in love with Brody while trying to understand how he ever was a bully.
“I told you, I’m going to atone for being the reason I lost years when you could’ve been mine.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “Gonna make it up to you for the rest of my life. If you’ll have me.”
Where Willow was broken and prickly, her mother was an exceptional human and her biggest champion. With this unconditional love and Brody's determination to fix past wrongs, it was perfect. And it was hot and sexy!!! 💚💚
~Second Read. Best way to start a NY with old faves!~
New Hope, Old Grudges was my favourite festive story for the year. From the first chapter where I felt choked up and very emotional yet hopeful, I knew I was going to love this. After all, tis the season for forgiveness and happiness.
Never was a funny thing.
It happened more often than you thought. Right about the same time as rock bottom.
It wasn't an original story but it was a damn good one. Willow is returning to her small town of New Hope, Colorado after swearing to never return. But since her career and life have gone to pot, lack of money doesn't leave many options.
Willow has a valid reason for not returning. Scars of her youth have never gone away and home is the place of tormentors. So immediately discovering that one of her bullies Brody Adams is now sheriff; it only ignites a fire in her belly since she's no longer Weird Willow.
“I can do whatever the fuck I want. That’s my prerogative as a grown-ass woman with agency and rights, so I’ll go on hating you until, I don’t know, the end of time.”
This was not a dark romance. It really was a story of healing and second chances. A gut wrenching one of regrets and learning that home is where the heart is. You will immediately fall in love with Brody while trying to understand how he ever was a bully.
“I told you, I’m going to atone for being the reason I lost years when you could’ve been mine.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “Gonna make it up to you for the rest of my life. If you’ll have me.”
Where Willow was broken and prickly, her mother was an exceptional human and her biggest champion. With this unconditional love and Brody's determination to fix past wrongs, it was perfect. And it was hot and sexy!!! 💚💚
December 25, 2023
Reading is an escape that helps heal all wounds. Especially if it’s got some hot sex in it.
This book was like sipping hot chocolate on a cold day. It was hallmark-ish in that had a homecoming after 18 years, a small town, and childhood bully (turned sexy sheriff). Sweet, low drama, and excellent chemistry between the characters.
High school bully
The ugly duckling
Artist/jewelry designer
Former military/sheriff
Smokin hot intimate scenes
HEA
This story features one of the best book moms ever.
“The moment I brought you into this world, I understood that there was no such thing as being selfish in motherhood. Your needs, your wants, everything that you are will always come before what I need. No matter what.”
This book was like sipping hot chocolate on a cold day. It was hallmark-ish in that had a homecoming after 18 years, a small town, and childhood bully (turned sexy sheriff). Sweet, low drama, and excellent chemistry between the characters.
High school bully
The ugly duckling
Artist/jewelry designer
Former military/sheriff
Smokin hot intimate scenes
HEA
This story features one of the best book moms ever.
“The moment I brought you into this world, I understood that there was no such thing as being selfish in motherhood. Your needs, your wants, everything that you are will always come before what I need. No matter what.”
December 25, 2023
What a beautiful story! It’s safe and cozy.
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
January 1, 2025
2-2.5 stars?
I sooo wanted to love this book.
And I was soooo freaking excited for it.
Buuuut...
Things happened.
And I can't ignore them no matter how much I try.
To paint you you the picture of what this book is about: it's about a girl who used to be an ugly duckling and was bullied a lot at school by a group of jocks. One of them is the hero of the story.
After high school she left her small town and moved to LA where she was a very successful jewellery designer, had a lot of money and fame. Sadly, it turned out that her then boyfriend (who was in charge of her business) embazzled a lot of money and as a result she lost everything.
So with her tail between her legs, she finally comes back home, a place she promised to never set her foot in again.
With no money, and no better prospects, she comes back to her family house to live and work in her mom's shop.
Also, worth mentioning is the fact that her dad, who was her hero and she was the apple of his eye, had died 2 years prior. And she didn't come to his funeral. So she is guilt stricken and full of remorse because of that.
So, as you can see, the premise is absolutely gorgeous. And like i said, i was sold from the get-go.
And it started off really well.
However, I quickly realised that this girl is very superficial and very self-centred.
The fact that she didn't come to her dad's funeral was already a lot. She explained that she was too brokenhearted to face the reality without him in it.
And I truly understood that.
But the fact that she completely neglected her entire family, and refused to visit her home town only because she was bullied as a high school kid?
Bitch, are you for real here??
She didn't even show up when her niece was born. Not fucking once did she try to contact her brother (who as she claimed was her best friend half her life) because what, kids were mean to her?
Talk about holding grudges and being an immature asshole.
Also, i need to add that one of the reasons she was bullied is the fact that her mom is a bit of an odd duck: she is like a free spirit, very into occultism or some stuff like that, doesn't really follow the social norms and she owns an occult shop.
And the heroine secretly hated her mother for who she is and was really mean to her on numerous occasions. And i honestly couldn't get past that indifferently. And i think it was one of the reasons why i started disliking her character more and more with each page.
But come on. How could i not?
Another disappointment turned out to be the romance itself.
It was insta lust in the pants from the hero.
And it took the dumb heroine 2 chapters to join the hero on the insta crap festival.
Their attaction to one another was based entirely on their looks and nothing else.
And if there's anything I hate more than insta lust/love, it must be the betraying body syndrome on the heroine's part.
Because he did bully her (although he couldn't remember any of it lol) and she did hate him for that. And yet that didn't stop her from wanting to fuck him in a public restroom in a pub full of people.
On their second encounter!!!
Like, come the fuck on.
Are you stupid or something??
And i kept reading thinking to myself: huh? wtf r u doing?
She of course forgave him very quickly and then they started fucking like rabbits.
End of story.
And the actual romance was just non existent.
Because from hating him, she did a one-eighty and they are suddenly together and life is good again for our pathetic heroine.
And once again, i was like:
Another thing that bugged the hell out of me was the fact that there's absolutely zero depth into this story.
And that was such a damn shame. Because with the hero/ bullying, the ugly duckling turned swan situation, the death of her father, the unresolved childhood issues, her secret resentment of her mother... it just screamed for some great self-discovery for the heroine.
The story just begged for a moment of self reflection on the heroine's part.
And what i got was the absolute zero.
Zilch.
Nada.
I got the impression that good looks and a pretty face was everything for the heroine and nothing else mattered as much.
Ok, maybe her business was her other priority.
But her friends?
Family?
Yeah, they existed only whenever she needed something from them.
And i do admit, that by the very end she makes some small changes but for me that was already a little too late for that.
I detested her character tbh.
And I have a little food for thought for her from my fave JJ:
Ok, imma end this rant because i am tired and i wanna read sth else today.
This was my first read from this author.
I am giving it 2 stars because it had a lot of potential.
And I kinda liked the hero. He was hot and cute and really likeable.
But.
The fact that the heroine was such an annoying brat, i can't give it more.
Plus, the whole writing style was really weird at times. The wording was odd to say the least and tbh it made me scratch my head quite a few times.
Kinda wattpaddy and weird.
I do have a few other books from this author which i wanna try.
Maybe this book just was a little accident at work that i will choose to ignore in the future.
I really hope that.
But only time will tell.
And with that said, I'm off to my next read.
I sooo wanted to love this book.
And I was soooo freaking excited for it.
Buuuut...
Things happened.
And I can't ignore them no matter how much I try.
To paint you you the picture of what this book is about: it's about a girl who used to be an ugly duckling and was bullied a lot at school by a group of jocks. One of them is the hero of the story.
After high school she left her small town and moved to LA where she was a very successful jewellery designer, had a lot of money and fame. Sadly, it turned out that her then boyfriend (who was in charge of her business) embazzled a lot of money and as a result she lost everything.
So with her tail between her legs, she finally comes back home, a place she promised to never set her foot in again.
With no money, and no better prospects, she comes back to her family house to live and work in her mom's shop.
Also, worth mentioning is the fact that her dad, who was her hero and she was the apple of his eye, had died 2 years prior. And she didn't come to his funeral. So she is guilt stricken and full of remorse because of that.
So, as you can see, the premise is absolutely gorgeous. And like i said, i was sold from the get-go.
And it started off really well.
However, I quickly realised that this girl is very superficial and very self-centred.
The fact that she didn't come to her dad's funeral was already a lot. She explained that she was too brokenhearted to face the reality without him in it.
And I truly understood that.
But the fact that she completely neglected her entire family, and refused to visit her home town only because she was bullied as a high school kid?
Bitch, are you for real here??
She didn't even show up when her niece was born. Not fucking once did she try to contact her brother (who as she claimed was her best friend half her life) because what, kids were mean to her?
Talk about holding grudges and being an immature asshole.
Also, i need to add that one of the reasons she was bullied is the fact that her mom is a bit of an odd duck: she is like a free spirit, very into occultism or some stuff like that, doesn't really follow the social norms and she owns an occult shop.
And the heroine secretly hated her mother for who she is and was really mean to her on numerous occasions. And i honestly couldn't get past that indifferently. And i think it was one of the reasons why i started disliking her character more and more with each page.
But come on. How could i not?
Another disappointment turned out to be the romance itself.
It was insta lust in the pants from the hero.
And it took the dumb heroine 2 chapters to join the hero on the insta crap festival.
Their attaction to one another was based entirely on their looks and nothing else.
And if there's anything I hate more than insta lust/love, it must be the betraying body syndrome on the heroine's part.
Because he did bully her (although he couldn't remember any of it lol) and she did hate him for that. And yet that didn't stop her from wanting to fuck him in a public restroom in a pub full of people.
On their second encounter!!!
Like, come the fuck on.
Are you stupid or something??
And i kept reading thinking to myself: huh? wtf r u doing?
She of course forgave him very quickly and then they started fucking like rabbits.
End of story.
And the actual romance was just non existent.
Because from hating him, she did a one-eighty and they are suddenly together and life is good again for our pathetic heroine.
And once again, i was like:
Another thing that bugged the hell out of me was the fact that there's absolutely zero depth into this story.
And that was such a damn shame. Because with the hero/ bullying, the ugly duckling turned swan situation, the death of her father, the unresolved childhood issues, her secret resentment of her mother... it just screamed for some great self-discovery for the heroine.
The story just begged for a moment of self reflection on the heroine's part.
And what i got was the absolute zero.
Zilch.
Nada.
I got the impression that good looks and a pretty face was everything for the heroine and nothing else mattered as much.
Ok, maybe her business was her other priority.
But her friends?
Family?
Yeah, they existed only whenever she needed something from them.
And i do admit, that by the very end she makes some small changes but for me that was already a little too late for that.
I detested her character tbh.
And I have a little food for thought for her from my fave JJ:
Ok, imma end this rant because i am tired and i wanna read sth else today.
This was my first read from this author.
I am giving it 2 stars because it had a lot of potential.
And I kinda liked the hero. He was hot and cute and really likeable.
But.
The fact that the heroine was such an annoying brat, i can't give it more.
Plus, the whole writing style was really weird at times. The wording was odd to say the least and tbh it made me scratch my head quite a few times.
Kinda wattpaddy and weird.
I do have a few other books from this author which i wanna try.
Maybe this book just was a little accident at work that i will choose to ignore in the future.
I really hope that.
But only time will tell.
And with that said, I'm off to my next read.
December 23, 2023
Hallmark movie time but in Anne Malcom style. That's how I describe New Hope, Old Grudges. It's no secret that Anne Malcom writes the most epic alpha heroes who leave me breathless and give me goosebumps everytime they talk in that delicious possessive sexy way..and Brody is just too much to handle for my heart. Willow has transformed herself into this bada&& fierce boss babe but she still has the old scars and vulnerabilities those just resurfaced when she had to go back to her hometown. She definitely didn't expect her high school bully having his own transformation too and becoming this swoony sexy specimen of a perfect man. The snow filled days and holiday vibes, the larger than my heart feels and the sizzling hot chemistry...I cannot be a happier reader.
Willow was bullied and ridiculed by her peers because she is a nerd and her mother is unique in her hippie ways. She left the town after graduation, got a glow up, established a successful jewelry business in LA, lost everything by a brutal betrayal and now has to come back to her small town around Christmas. And who stops her for a broken taillight? Her tormentor and now town sheriff, Brody. He wants to get her forgiveness but will Willow believe his changed personality?
This is a typical small town setting. Some people are amazing. Some people are awesome. Some people are narrow minded and gossiping. Some people change for better and some stay the same. Brody has a turbulent relationship with his father who took out his grief of losing his wife to childbirth on Brody. In high school, he was lost and angry. But his time in military has centered him and matured him a lot. Now he is the most amazing man with strong will and morals and who is going to sweep Willow off his feet. Willow has a lot of bad memories in this town. She is struggling with lots of hurt and grief and bitterness. And Brody was an easy outlet. But she realised soon that this man is no longer the bully. He is a possessive, protective, ridiculously sexy and utterly charming small town hero. Brody has his sights set on her. Together, they have a lot of monsters to slay and demons to put to sleep. The chemistry was nuclear hot. The emotions were overflowing. It was full of holiday time vibes with forgiveness, kindness, redemption and new beginning. The enemies to lovers tension was perfection but no one can stay mad at Brody for long. It was heartwarming and sweet and spicy and everything beautiful coming of Anne Malcom's brilliant pen.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Willow was bullied and ridiculed by her peers because she is a nerd and her mother is unique in her hippie ways. She left the town after graduation, got a glow up, established a successful jewelry business in LA, lost everything by a brutal betrayal and now has to come back to her small town around Christmas. And who stops her for a broken taillight? Her tormentor and now town sheriff, Brody. He wants to get her forgiveness but will Willow believe his changed personality?
This is a typical small town setting. Some people are amazing. Some people are awesome. Some people are narrow minded and gossiping. Some people change for better and some stay the same. Brody has a turbulent relationship with his father who took out his grief of losing his wife to childbirth on Brody. In high school, he was lost and angry. But his time in military has centered him and matured him a lot. Now he is the most amazing man with strong will and morals and who is going to sweep Willow off his feet. Willow has a lot of bad memories in this town. She is struggling with lots of hurt and grief and bitterness. And Brody was an easy outlet. But she realised soon that this man is no longer the bully. He is a possessive, protective, ridiculously sexy and utterly charming small town hero. Brody has his sights set on her. Together, they have a lot of monsters to slay and demons to put to sleep. The chemistry was nuclear hot. The emotions were overflowing. It was full of holiday time vibes with forgiveness, kindness, redemption and new beginning. The enemies to lovers tension was perfection but no one can stay mad at Brody for long. It was heartwarming and sweet and spicy and everything beautiful coming of Anne Malcom's brilliant pen.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
March 18, 2024
4.5⭐ / 2.5🌶️
— vibezz
🚔 small town
💍 second chance
🚔 enemies to lovers
💍 dealing with the past
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After her business takes a wrong turn, Willow finds herself having to stay again at her childhood home, in her childhood small town, a place she vowed to never set foot again since after she went off to college. To welcome her, to make it even worse, there's Brody, her high school bully, now war veteran and new town sheriff that doesn't even remember making her younger years a living nightmare.
//
This was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump, my only complaint is that the book was too short.
— vibezz
🚔 small town
💍 second chance
🚔 enemies to lovers
💍 dealing with the past
mini blurb — ✍🏻
After her business takes a wrong turn, Willow finds herself having to stay again at her childhood home, in her childhood small town, a place she vowed to never set foot again since after she went off to college. To welcome her, to make it even worse, there's Brody, her high school bully, now war veteran and new town sheriff that doesn't even remember making her younger years a living nightmare.
//
This was the perfect book to get me out of my reading slump, my only complaint is that the book was too short.
December 24, 2023
I saw Isabella review this and thought to myself, I need this book like yesterday. So I gave it a try and I’m now in my room sobbing to Lana Del Rey. What a wonderful story.
December 26, 2024
This was dookey out the butt
December 22, 2023
This was quite cute. It needed a good edit – there were typos and phrasing, word choices et cetera that didn’t quite make sense to me, but generally the writing was good and flowed well. It was easy to read and very engaging. The plot itself was quite simple and I thought the romance was quite good. The chemistry between Willow and Brody was good and the love scenes were steamy.
Unfortunately I found Willow a bit of an annoying character – there was a ‘not like other girls’ element to her personality I found grating; and Brody was a bit of a flat character, I didn’t really get as big a sense of his personality.
However, this was a quick novella and I had fun reading it – I finished it in one sitting. It was cute and just what it needed to be.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, small town, forced proximity, seasonal.
Warnings:
Other: .
Unfortunately I found Willow a bit of an annoying character – there was a ‘not like other girls’ element to her personality I found grating; and Brody was a bit of a flat character, I didn’t really get as big a sense of his personality.
However, this was a quick novella and I had fun reading it – I finished it in one sitting. It was cute and just what it needed to be.
Content Notes: Hate-to-love, small town, forced proximity, seasonal.
Warnings:
Other: .
December 7, 2024
he should have hated himself more but it was fun
December 16, 2024
Came for the cover, and stayed for the love story!
It would be a disservice for me to talk about this book without mentioning this gorgeous cover! I was scrolling KU and it instantly caught my eye, followed by a blurb packed with all of my favorite tropes.
.
This book was everything and more for a short novella. At just under 200 pages, this felt like a full-length novel and packed a fantastic love story into a quick read. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer because I loved it so much and could’ve read these storylines for twice as many pages. I would’ve loved to see he relationship with her brother resolved, but I’m hoping that open plotline leaves more for the future!
.
A small town, second chance romance packed with angsty family feuds, unresolved feelings, and steamy chemistry between old enemies all with the holidays looming... this book is a must-read for the season. The male main character was in full grovel mode and we love to see character growth! I was rooting for him the entire time. These two have instant chemistry and the banter was too good. The female main character was witty and sassy and made the mmc work for it!
.
Definitely one to add to your list!
It would be a disservice for me to talk about this book without mentioning this gorgeous cover! I was scrolling KU and it instantly caught my eye, followed by a blurb packed with all of my favorite tropes.
.
This book was everything and more for a short novella. At just under 200 pages, this felt like a full-length novel and packed a fantastic love story into a quick read. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer because I loved it so much and could’ve read these storylines for twice as many pages. I would’ve loved to see he relationship with her brother resolved, but I’m hoping that open plotline leaves more for the future!
.
A small town, second chance romance packed with angsty family feuds, unresolved feelings, and steamy chemistry between old enemies all with the holidays looming... this book is a must-read for the season. The male main character was in full grovel mode and we love to see character growth! I was rooting for him the entire time. These two have instant chemistry and the banter was too good. The female main character was witty and sassy and made the mmc work for it!
.
Definitely one to add to your list!
January 5, 2024
I liked this more than I was expecting. Bully romances aren’t usually my thing, but this one was surprisingly good.
The H was what made this book. I loved him. Now in high school he was an asshole. He didn’t have a good home life. And he sorta took that out on other people. The bullying of the h by the H wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. Which I’m actually glad about. I hate bullying. It was believable and I thought it was handled well. And I actually felt that the H was sorry for his actions as a teen.
The h was likable too. She was the ugly duckling in high school and some of the football team made fun of her. She was a late bloomer and now she’s pretty. And I liked her mom. She was a little odd, but it gave her some character.
Safety
Safe. No OW/OM drama. Neither are virgins. H only has eyes for h. Same with her.
The H was what made this book. I loved him. Now in high school he was an asshole. He didn’t have a good home life. And he sorta took that out on other people. The bullying of the h by the H wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. Which I’m actually glad about. I hate bullying. It was believable and I thought it was handled well. And I actually felt that the H was sorry for his actions as a teen.
The h was likable too. She was the ugly duckling in high school and some of the football team made fun of her. She was a late bloomer and now she’s pretty. And I liked her mom. She was a little odd, but it gave her some character.
Safety
Safe. No OW/OM drama. Neither are virgins. H only has eyes for h. Same with her.
December 1, 2024
4 stars⭐️
I am not really into bully romances, but I liked this one. I loved MMC and how much he changed from high school. I wish we got more chapters from his pov and an epilogue to see them happy a couple of years later.
✨️novella
✨️he is her bully from HS
✨️he falls first
✨️spicy:🌶🌶
✨️dual pov, written in 1st person
✨️standalone
I am not really into bully romances, but I liked this one. I loved MMC and how much he changed from high school. I wish we got more chapters from his pov and an epilogue to see them happy a couple of years later.
✨️novella
✨️he is her bully from HS
✨️he falls first
✨️spicy:🌶🌶
✨️dual pov, written in 1st person
✨️standalone
December 20, 2025
cute little holiday novella
I enjoyed this one. I love the enemies to lovers trope. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t remember at first but he did seem to have such growth in his journey.
I enjoyed this one. I love the enemies to lovers trope. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t remember at first but he did seem to have such growth in his journey.
December 26, 2024
cute 🤧
February 4, 2024
I loved loved this book. It was a pretty perfect holiday novella that was cozy and emotional and had darker themes of grief, violence, and bullying.
I enjoyed Willow’s character and how her circumstances forced her to return home and allowed her to finally heal the trauma around her childhood, the town she left behind, and the loss of her father. Her mother’s unconditional love was heartwarming and was one of the best book moms I’ve ever read.
I also loved Brody’s persistence and determination to apologize and fight for Willow’s forgiveness.
The scene at the bar where Willow follows Brody to the bathroom didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t understand what her plan was and it felt like she showed Brody her hand too soon when there could have been even more build-up.
I know the book is a novella but I do wish it was a little longer. I would have loved to see Willow and her brother heal their relationship, what their first Christmas dinner looked like, or an epilogue to see what the future has in store for them. Basically, I wasn’t ready to be done with this book and wanted more.
New Hope Old Grudges is a great enemy to lovers, cozy small-town romance! This is the third book I’ve read of Anne’s and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ high school bully
✨ small town
✨ holiday novella
✨ dual pov
I enjoyed Willow’s character and how her circumstances forced her to return home and allowed her to finally heal the trauma around her childhood, the town she left behind, and the loss of her father. Her mother’s unconditional love was heartwarming and was one of the best book moms I’ve ever read.
I also loved Brody’s persistence and determination to apologize and fight for Willow’s forgiveness.
The scene at the bar where Willow follows Brody to the bathroom didn’t make sense to me. I didn’t understand what her plan was and it felt like she showed Brody her hand too soon when there could have been even more build-up.
I know the book is a novella but I do wish it was a little longer. I would have loved to see Willow and her brother heal their relationship, what their first Christmas dinner looked like, or an epilogue to see what the future has in store for them. Basically, I wasn’t ready to be done with this book and wanted more.
New Hope Old Grudges is a great enemy to lovers, cozy small-town romance! This is the third book I’ve read of Anne’s and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ high school bully
✨ small town
✨ holiday novella
✨ dual pov
January 20, 2024
Loved this different read from Anne! Willow had a tough childhood in her hometown being the ugly duckling and after graduating she vowed to make it in a career and never return. Years later, she’s returning to town with her tail between her legs, a failed career and business and unsure what is to come next. Coming into town, the first person she runs in to is none other than the main tormenter in her life, Brody, who is the town’s sheriff. Brody doesn’t initially recognize Willow because of how much she’s changed, and he’s surprised that he’s so attracted to her. But he starts to realize exactly why she wasn’t happy to see him as he finds out more about his past than he remembers, and he decides to change her mind about him. I love that these two started things for very different reasons, yet once they get together, they both flourish and are perfect for each other and are exactly what the other needs. I was so happy these two got the HEA they deserved, and they both got to heal from their pasts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 21, 2023
Sooooooooo the author has officially become my comfort read.
Coz what the fuck, I teared up midway.
The story was so painful, usually bully stories are, yet the details weren’t overwhelming. I understood how everything unfolded without an endless amount of flashback which is awesome.
I lost my dad last year and reading about a dad loss in the books always makes me cry, especially if characters always had something they wanted to say to them but couldn’t. Coz same. I love that bit, it was so painful to read.
The dynamic between Brody and Willow is so cute, though the author made sure to emphasize the pain the FMC was in seeing the sheriff and I felt literally EVERYTHING. Seeing your high school bully isn’t easy, hell, if I see mine I might punch him and make a scene.
The grovel? BOY did that man GROVELED. It was PERFECT. I loved it. He redeemed himself pretty well, ate *wink* and left no crumbs.
Did I mention how much I loved her mom and I think she’s me when I’m older? Instantly I started visualizing what she looked like, what kind of placements she has in her chart and just OMG how much I loved her mom!
Overall, cute Christmas read. I love Anne. She writes them good.
Coz what the fuck, I teared up midway.
The story was so painful, usually bully stories are, yet the details weren’t overwhelming. I understood how everything unfolded without an endless amount of flashback which is awesome.
I lost my dad last year and reading about a dad loss in the books always makes me cry, especially if characters always had something they wanted to say to them but couldn’t. Coz same. I love that bit, it was so painful to read.
The dynamic between Brody and Willow is so cute, though the author made sure to emphasize the pain the FMC was in seeing the sheriff and I felt literally EVERYTHING. Seeing your high school bully isn’t easy, hell, if I see mine I might punch him and make a scene.
The grovel? BOY did that man GROVELED. It was PERFECT. I loved it. He redeemed himself pretty well, ate *wink* and left no crumbs.
Did I mention how much I loved her mom and I think she’s me when I’m older? Instantly I started visualizing what she looked like, what kind of placements she has in her chart and just OMG how much I loved her mom!
Overall, cute Christmas read. I love Anne. She writes them good.
December 29, 2023
Review of New Hope, Old Grudges by Anne Malcom
Released on 12-19-23
By @reynereadsalot
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
Craving a quick Hallmarkesque Holiday Romance with yummy sexy times? New Hope, Old Grudges will hit the spot and then some! Sheriff Brody and feisty Willow give you plenty of give and take, and just enough angst to satisfy. And I loved reading about the quant little town of New Hope and it's quirky characters. The only gripe I have is that it needs to be longer! I would have loved to read more in the back third of the book. If you love to read Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers/Bully, Small Town, Holiday, or steamy reads, grab this one, and settle in! 4 Stars!
Released on 12-19-23
By @reynereadsalot
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2
Craving a quick Hallmarkesque Holiday Romance with yummy sexy times? New Hope, Old Grudges will hit the spot and then some! Sheriff Brody and feisty Willow give you plenty of give and take, and just enough angst to satisfy. And I loved reading about the quant little town of New Hope and it's quirky characters. The only gripe I have is that it needs to be longer! I would have loved to read more in the back third of the book. If you love to read Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers/Bully, Small Town, Holiday, or steamy reads, grab this one, and settle in! 4 Stars!
December 30, 2023
New Hope, Old Grudges
This was a novella, but it fit a whole romance.
Willow has come back to town after everything has fallen apart. Her work, fiance, everything is gone, and she has nowhere to go. The first person she meets? The bully who made her life hell in school. Who doesn't remember her at all.
But Brody is smitten with this woman who seems to hate him. Willow, though, remembers what he put her through. And she's got enough on her plate with trying to start over and reconnect with her mom and brother, who's mad she's never came back in all these years.
I enjoyed it! Willow was strong and reflective. Both of them were repentive of the way they'd behaved.
This was a novella, but it fit a whole romance.
Willow has come back to town after everything has fallen apart. Her work, fiance, everything is gone, and she has nowhere to go. The first person she meets? The bully who made her life hell in school. Who doesn't remember her at all.
But Brody is smitten with this woman who seems to hate him. Willow, though, remembers what he put her through. And she's got enough on her plate with trying to start over and reconnect with her mom and brother, who's mad she's never came back in all these years.
I enjoyed it! Willow was strong and reflective. Both of them were repentive of the way they'd behaved.
December 24, 2024
3.5🌟
What a cute holiday read! I’ve been thinking about reading some of Anne’s books and this was one of the most perfect introductions into her writing. Cannot wait to get more stuck into her books 🫶🏼
What a cute holiday read! I’ve been thinking about reading some of Anne’s books and this was one of the most perfect introductions into her writing. Cannot wait to get more stuck into her books 🫶🏼
December 29, 2023
4.5⭐️ ~ Perfect little enemies to lovers story
Brody Adams will melt any girls heart ❤️🔥
Brody Adams will melt any girls heart ❤️🔥
December 30, 2024
This was just the outline for the actual book…. right??
February 3, 2025
zero chemistry, mmc was obnoxious, insta love
February 2, 2025
no buildup. went from hating each other to being in love in like 15 pages
December 27, 2024
Veel te kort
December 21, 2023
New Hope, Old Grudges❤️🩹
Absolutely loved this small, mountain town holiday story❣️
Willow returns home after her life in LA falls apart, only to be stopped en route into town by the gorgeous sheriff, who is also her teenage crush and bully, Brody😳 However, reconnecting with Brody, her family and the town she longed to escape, life takes a turn she didn’t expect😍
I’m genuinely hoping for more stories set in this little town of New Hope but if not, I’m happy I got to read their story as it had all the feels⛄️ I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️
Absolutely loved this small, mountain town holiday story❣️
Willow returns home after her life in LA falls apart, only to be stopped en route into town by the gorgeous sheriff, who is also her teenage crush and bully, Brody😳 However, reconnecting with Brody, her family and the town she longed to escape, life takes a turn she didn’t expect😍
I’m genuinely hoping for more stories set in this little town of New Hope but if not, I’m happy I got to read their story as it had all the feels⛄️ I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️
November 30, 2024
Sorry. This isn't the worst thing I've ever read, but it's pretty problematic.
Take Willow. She doesn't coincidentally grow up to be hot after learning to love herself -- she crafted herself into someone who is carefully designed to be attractive and still thinks shitty things about her past self. Her behavior is weird at best the entire book.
Or take Brody. He didn't grow up to be a good person after he got out of his abusive home environment -- he grew up to be a military bro and a fucking cop and is only now, literally at this very moment, realizing how shitty he's been. He realizes in the scope of the book, in his 30s, that bullying now-hot Willow was bad. He realizes his best friend isn't a great person and decides to stop hanging out with him after doing so in the present day (and only after the guy says rude things about now-hot Willow). He realizes that thinking someone is "soft" and gay because he cares about his family and doesn't play football is stupid now, halfway through the book (and only after he realizes he cares about his sister, now-hot-and-missing Willow). And then there's the way he thinks a LOT about his deputy's body and she opts not to investigate claims he assaulted someone. This man is not a good person, he's just bored and horny for Willow!! Jfc!! And somehow the lesson in all of this is that he needs to forgive himself
Take Willow. She doesn't coincidentally grow up to be hot after learning to love herself -- she crafted herself into someone who is carefully designed to be attractive and still thinks shitty things about her past self. Her behavior is weird at best the entire book.
Or take Brody. He didn't grow up to be a good person after he got out of his abusive home environment -- he grew up to be a military bro and a fucking cop and is only now, literally at this very moment, realizing how shitty he's been. He realizes in the scope of the book, in his 30s, that bullying now-hot Willow was bad. He realizes his best friend isn't a great person and decides to stop hanging out with him after doing so in the present day (and only after the guy says rude things about now-hot Willow). He realizes that thinking someone is "soft" and gay because he cares about his family and doesn't play football is stupid now, halfway through the book (and only after he realizes he cares about his sister, now-hot-and-missing Willow). And then there's the way he thinks a LOT about his deputy's body and she opts not to investigate claims he assaulted someone. This man is not a good person, he's just bored and horny for Willow!! Jfc!! And somehow the lesson in all of this is that he needs to forgive himself
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