My Second Chance Grump

by Nellie Holloday

Before Drew Miller was my enemy, he was my high school sweetheart.

The man of my dreams. I was happy.

That was before he tried to ruin my life.

Now I despise him!


Wanting a fresh start I move to a small town far away.

Guess who buys the house next door… Grumpy Drew.

He is like a bad dream…. One that won’t go away.


The thrill of living nearby stirs something deep inside me.

I see a different side of Drew.

Maybe he has changed for the better.

Should I tell him how I feel.

That I am falling in love with him?

The problem is I don’t know if I can risk loving him again.

I survived Drew leaving me once. But this time…. I’m not sure my heart will recover.




My Second Chance Grump is a heart warming enemies to lovers, small town sweet romance with an unusual twist and a stand alone happy ending.

47 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2024

Reviews

[Maven Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of My Second Chance Grump by Nellie Holloday

My Second Chance Grump by Nellie Holloday is a cozy, small‑town romance about two neighbors with prickly first impressions who are nudged toward warmth, understanding, and unexpected love as they confront old wounds and rediscover hope together. This sweet story blends the grumpy‑meets‑soft‑hearted trope with gentle emotional growth and plenty of community charm, making it a perfect escape for fans of slow‑burn romantic comedies where hearts thaw in the most delightful ways.

The plot centers on a heroine whose life in a small town is shaken when she reconnects with a grumpy neighbor whose rough exterior masks deeper vulnerability and a capacity for kindness readers can’t help but fall for. The “grump” label here feels evocative of someone who has perhaps been burned by life before, and I loved how this setup invites both characters to learn from one another with sincerity, humor, and gradual emotional depth. The core of the book rests on the charm of everyday interactions and those tiny, genuine moments where irritation shifts into curiosity and then affection, a shift that feels profoundly human and satisfying.

I would rate My Second Chance Grump 4 out of 5 because it serves up that cozy, feel‑good romance with earnest characters whose internal growth and softening hearts make the story memorable.

For readers who adore sweet contemporary romances where grumpy personalities meet sunshine warmth, and where second chances arrive in gentle, hopeful waves, this one feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Unlikely Matchmaker -
Even though Emma was still in love with her ex-husband, she was upset she had to share custody of the dog, which made her do something that was meant to frustrate him. Drew’s love for Emma was still strong, so instead of reporting Emma for breaking the custody agreement, he decided to change his living arrangements. As Emma wasn’t happy to see Drew again, she tried everything possible to create problems for him, but he didn’t get angry and this only strengthened her feelings for him.

As luck would have it, the more time Emma and Drew spent together made them realise they were meant to be together, so they finally acknowledged their love for each other and worked towards a fulfilling life. I really didn’t think I would enjoy reading this book as much as I did, but watching a loving couple get a second chance at love just by putting the work into their relationship, made this a worthwhile reading experience. This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be reading more in the future.

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

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is still madly in love with her ex-husband. Their dog Chestnut has been helping her with her panic attacks, but when there divorce is finalized, the judge determines that they should share the dog each having Chestnut for a week at a time. This leads to Emma breaking the custody agreement and moving with their dog. Drew is still in love with Emma so he follows her to be near her and Chestnut, even going so far as to move in next door. Emma wasn't happy about this, of course, and tries to thwart him. As they spend time together, they realize they still love each other. I think if they had tried to talk things out earlier, they wouldn't have ended up divorced, but I liked seeing them work through their problems together. Great ending. I received a copy of the copy free and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Andrea Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really feel good short story. I thought it was going to be something of a boring read at first, but it did get more interesting.
I thought that when he moved in next door, he was going to try to make Emma jealous or be bitter toward her. It was refreshing to know that Drew did it out of his love for her.
Although it did take me a while to read was just me not reading for a while, then coming back to it. I hope to read more from this author

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and sweet romance with a funny beginning, face-palm-worthy revenge/"I'm not over you" plots between exes, and relatable characters. I also loved the highlight on anxiety.

This story would make for a great TV rom-com! It was very enjoyable.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A divorced couple in court is hardly a new topic, but in court for a custody battle over a dog?! That was a new twist. Even though I wasn't surprised at how the book proceeded, it was fun and sweet to read. I appreciated the honesty of the main characters, and the loyalty of a family member.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous novella ably a dog who brings a divorced couple back together again. Enjoyed this one.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a safe, light read about a couple who were once in love with each other, but who have now become enemies. It provides good escape at the end of a stressful day.