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Jupiter Tides #3
The Anchor Holds
Calliope Derrick is in trouble.
Not that she’ll admit it.
She’d sooner go to her grave than ask for help—especially from a man.
Wall Street’s wolf in heels, Calliope built an empire, shattered egos, and earned a reputation as the woman who made grown men cry in their private jets. But after a betrayal that threatens everything she’s worked for, she trades skyscrapers for lighthouses and flees to Jupiter, Maine.
She tells her family it’s just a break. A vacation. A reset.
She’s lying.
She’s here to plot revenge.
Not to fall in love.
And definitely not with a charming fisherman like Elliot Shaw.
He’s not her type—too easygoing, too noble, too sincere.
Or so she thinks… until she discovers the depths beneath his quiet strength.
Until he begins to unravel the cold, calculated woman she spent years becoming.
The carefree fisherman reveals a side of herself she never dared explore.
And the more tangled up she gets, the more she realizes Elliot isn’t just a temptation—
he might be a lifeline.
An anchor. To a better life.
It may be too late to guard her heart, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her family—and Elliot—even if it’s from herself.
Because Calliope knows one thing for sure, she doesn’t deserve an easy life with a good man.
Not that she’ll admit it.
She’d sooner go to her grave than ask for help—especially from a man.
Wall Street’s wolf in heels, Calliope built an empire, shattered egos, and earned a reputation as the woman who made grown men cry in their private jets. But after a betrayal that threatens everything she’s worked for, she trades skyscrapers for lighthouses and flees to Jupiter, Maine.
She tells her family it’s just a break. A vacation. A reset.
She’s lying.
She’s here to plot revenge.
Not to fall in love.
And definitely not with a charming fisherman like Elliot Shaw.
He’s not her type—too easygoing, too noble, too sincere.
Or so she thinks… until she discovers the depths beneath his quiet strength.
Until he begins to unravel the cold, calculated woman she spent years becoming.
The carefree fisherman reveals a side of herself she never dared explore.
And the more tangled up she gets, the more she realizes Elliot isn’t just a temptation—
he might be a lifeline.
An anchor. To a better life.
It may be too late to guard her heart, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her family—and Elliot—even if it’s from herself.
Because Calliope knows one thing for sure, she doesn’t deserve an easy life with a good man.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
151 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Anne Malcom
55 books3,932 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 63 reviews
July 2, 2025
It’s an emotional story about acceptance and survival.
My thoughts about the characters are controversial because the change in Calliope can be short and in a long run she will regret. Elliot is amazing and his life doesn’t match with his partner.
The Jasper’s death is a shame because his story will be amazing thinking about redemption. I really like his character.
It’s worth reading.
My thoughts about the characters are controversial because the change in Calliope can be short and in a long run she will regret. Elliot is amazing and his life doesn’t match with his partner.
The Jasper’s death is a shame because his story will be amazing thinking about redemption. I really like his character.
It’s worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
1.75 stars
I recommend checking Trigger Warnings as there is some darker subject matter in this.
I recommend checking Trigger Warnings as there is some darker subject matter in this.
dnf
October 25, 2025Jasper seems sexy, he deserves better so I stopped reading after chapter 1. Jasper isn’t the mmc by the way.
June 19, 2025
4 ⭐️
Wow this was an intense story and golly did I experience the full range of emotions with it. Calliope was so strong, fearless and sadly resigned in her belief she was the villain. Elliot was absolutely amazing - never once falters in his feelings for Calliope. The only thing that bugged me was the description of his shoes: Birkenstocks. I really wish they hadn’t been described because it absolutely ruined the image I had of him in my head. So yes a full star deducted for the Birkenstocks.
Wow this was an intense story and golly did I experience the full range of emotions with it. Calliope was so strong, fearless and sadly resigned in her belief she was the villain. Elliot was absolutely amazing - never once falters in his feelings for Calliope. The only thing that bugged me was the description of his shoes: Birkenstocks. I really wish they hadn’t been described because it absolutely ruined the image I had of him in my head. So yes a full star deducted for the Birkenstocks.
June 24, 2025
Another good read, hit the spot after a reading hiatus. Always will read a book by her, nice to see a kiwi author write good stories that aren't NZ based. Honestly not sure why Anne's books aren't more of a smash hit, plot, spice and good characters. Give it a whirl!
June 13, 2025
HOLY. FORKING. SHIRTBALLS.
I've read every book in the Jupiter Tides (and related novel) series to-date and let me just tell you.. this is the absolute BEST book of the series, hands down. And I have loved every single one of these books. Thank you, Anne, for the copy of this before release - this review is given freely and all opinions are my own.
The dedication of Anne's books always let you know where she's going with her story and this one was no different. I felt SO connected to Calliope - sans the involvement with the super-sketchy and ridiculously dangerous life she's connected herself to, of course. But Calliope's bone-deep need to find something *more* than the life in her sleepy small town has laid out for her? The feeling that she wants to swim upstream because that's where she can truly 'embrace herself' lies.. if you're an oldest child, identifies as a daughter, and saw yourself as wanting adventure in the great wide-somewhere (to quote my favorite princess), THIS BOOK IS FOR US.
Please note: there are darker elements to this story. At the time of this review I did not see a list of content warnings so I will leave some of my own following this..
Wearing designer clothing, using her words as weapons, and being one of the most personally-identifiable-feminist-coded characters I've read (ever, tbh) she has made sure, with insurance, that she doesn't need a man and will happily eviscerate any of that gender that dares to challenge her. I'm sure there's a case study in my current life perspective here but OH MY-LANTA when she finds her literal match in the smiling sunshine-y fisherman she meets by chance????? Besties.. PLEASE READ THIS, I BEG.
Elliot Shaw has ENTERED THE MF CHAT. I read the blurb to see if what I'm about to say may count as a spoiler and it could so I'm flagging it as such.. but just know that Elliot is going to surprise you just like he surprised me and Calliope in the very BEST way possible. The way he SEES HER, y'all - and not just in a way that appreciates what she presents on the outside in her tough-as-nails exterior but the person she is on the inside, needing and wanting but refusing to make herself vulnerable by asking for help..
This book is the most epic example of if a man wants to, he will. And just because a woman is strong enough to conquer the world on her own, it doesn't mean she should have to do it alone.
If you like:
- FMCs who proudly embrace their position on the idea that women do NOT need a man, in any capacity, and anything worth doing is worth doing on her own
- .. those same FMCs being presented again and again with the concept that while a man knows he isn't needed to help her achieve her goals, he still wants to be there by her side so she doesn't have to do it alone
- grumpy x sunshine dynamics where the grumpy never un-grumpies and the sunshine has a complimentary un-sunshine-y side ;)
- romance stories that bring an understanding of constantly needing to tell yourself that you, too, are worthy of good things (thanks to the constant encouragement of the partner in your life)..
.. this is a book for you. You do NOT need to read the preceding stories to fall in love with these characters, but you'll enjoy reading them all the same.
I've read every book in the Jupiter Tides (and related novel) series to-date and let me just tell you.. this is the absolute BEST book of the series, hands down. And I have loved every single one of these books. Thank you, Anne, for the copy of this before release - this review is given freely and all opinions are my own.
The dedication of Anne's books always let you know where she's going with her story and this one was no different. I felt SO connected to Calliope - sans the involvement with the super-sketchy and ridiculously dangerous life she's connected herself to, of course. But Calliope's bone-deep need to find something *more* than the life in her sleepy small town has laid out for her? The feeling that she wants to swim upstream because that's where she can truly 'embrace herself' lies.. if you're an oldest child, identifies as a daughter, and saw yourself as wanting adventure in the great wide-somewhere (to quote my favorite princess), THIS BOOK IS FOR US.
Please note: there are darker elements to this story. At the time of this review I did not see a list of content warnings so I will leave some of my own following this..
Wearing designer clothing, using her words as weapons, and being one of the most personally-identifiable-feminist-coded characters I've read (ever, tbh) she has made sure, with insurance, that she doesn't need a man and will happily eviscerate any of that gender that dares to challenge her. I'm sure there's a case study in my current life perspective here but OH MY-LANTA when she finds her literal match in the smiling sunshine-y fisherman she meets by chance????? Besties.. PLEASE READ THIS, I BEG.
Elliot Shaw has ENTERED THE MF CHAT. I read the blurb to see if what I'm about to say may count as a spoiler and it could so I'm flagging it as such.. but just know that Elliot is going to surprise you just like he surprised me and Calliope in the very BEST way possible. The way he SEES HER, y'all - and not just in a way that appreciates what she presents on the outside in her tough-as-nails exterior but the person she is on the inside, needing and wanting but refusing to make herself vulnerable by asking for help..
This book is the most epic example of if a man wants to, he will. And just because a woman is strong enough to conquer the world on her own, it doesn't mean she should have to do it alone.
If you like:
- FMCs who proudly embrace their position on the idea that women do NOT need a man, in any capacity, and anything worth doing is worth doing on her own
- .. those same FMCs being presented again and again with the concept that while a man knows he isn't needed to help her achieve her goals, he still wants to be there by her side so she doesn't have to do it alone
- grumpy x sunshine dynamics where the grumpy never un-grumpies and the sunshine has a complimentary un-sunshine-y side ;)
- romance stories that bring an understanding of constantly needing to tell yourself that you, too, are worthy of good things (thanks to the constant encouragement of the partner in your life)..
.. this is a book for you. You do NOT need to read the preceding stories to fall in love with these characters, but you'll enjoy reading them all the same.
June 19, 2025
We were lucky enough to get an ARC for The Anchor Holds by Anne Malcom. This is the third book in the Jupiter Tides series and we finally get to read Calliope’s story. Calliope forged her own path and built an empire in New York where she was known for bringing powerful men to their knees while wearing heels. The strong independent woman leaves the city to visit her family in Jupiter, Maine (her brother being Rowan from the first book Recipe for Love) after an event made her revaluate her life and leave everything behind in order to plot her next move. Insert Elliot the golden retriever fisherman she should have never fallen for. And just like he learns different sides of Calliope we learn different sides of Elliot. And although she tries to fight it, Elliot becomes her anchor.
*Side note the books in this series can technically be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading all of them!
I knew I absolutely loved Calliope when introduced in Recipe for Love and was so excited when she made an appearance in Method for Matrimony. I had hoped that she would get her own book and was thrilled when I found out she was the MMC. We already got to see her as the confident independent icon she is as the side character in both of those stories, but in The Anchor Holds we got to take a deep dive into who she is and learn her complexities. I also love how Anne keeps the theme of powerful women and feminism while also highlighting a softer side. Calliope is perceived as cold and scary yet she has this side when she is an aunt and a sister, she is both fierce and soft. Seeing her POV we can see her vulnerable side and although she tries to fight against it we get to see her embrace her softer/feminine side. Elliot helps her with this. He gives her a safe place where she can let down her defenses.
I knew I was going to love Elliot within the first page of meeting him. I have loved both MMCs from this series Rowan and Kip. They were the definition of overprotective alphas who are grumpy and have that darker side. To be honest going into The Anchor Holds I felt a little bummed to have to adjust to the golden retriever MMC. But Anne Malcom did not disappoint! She gave us a cinnamon roll with a dark side, and I was here for it! In the book Calliope described him as sunshine and shadow all in one and it describes him perfectly. Elliot is the perfect match for Calliope. I love an MMC who is patient and loves the FMC exactly how she is. Elliot left space for Calliope to be herself while also knowing when to take control and let her just be. She was able to trust him enough to let her guards down and know that he would take care of her.
I love Anne Malcom’s books, she gives us so many of my favorite tropes: grumpy sunshine, overprotective MMC, small town vibes, drama, suspense, but most of all found family. Elliot with his niece Clara was so good…but Calliope with Clara was everything. I also enjoyed Calliope’s relationship with Beau I wish there was more (I can’t tell you how much I need Beau’s book!). In addition to new faces we got to see familiar faces. Again seeing characters from other books or series is one of my favorites (That’s Jean and them! #IYKYK). Jupiter, Maine is one of my favorite fictional places to visit. There is the small town and beach vibe with a little suspense. There is always a blend of funny antidotes and banter with the emotional topics and drama.
As always please check trigger warnings, prioritize your mental health. But I will say that Anne Malcom writes difficult topics with great care and I feel like it is always well done.
*Side note the books in this series can technically be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading all of them!
I knew I absolutely loved Calliope when introduced in Recipe for Love and was so excited when she made an appearance in Method for Matrimony. I had hoped that she would get her own book and was thrilled when I found out she was the MMC. We already got to see her as the confident independent icon she is as the side character in both of those stories, but in The Anchor Holds we got to take a deep dive into who she is and learn her complexities. I also love how Anne keeps the theme of powerful women and feminism while also highlighting a softer side. Calliope is perceived as cold and scary yet she has this side when she is an aunt and a sister, she is both fierce and soft. Seeing her POV we can see her vulnerable side and although she tries to fight against it we get to see her embrace her softer/feminine side. Elliot helps her with this. He gives her a safe place where she can let down her defenses.
I knew I was going to love Elliot within the first page of meeting him. I have loved both MMCs from this series Rowan and Kip. They were the definition of overprotective alphas who are grumpy and have that darker side. To be honest going into The Anchor Holds I felt a little bummed to have to adjust to the golden retriever MMC. But Anne Malcom did not disappoint! She gave us a cinnamon roll with a dark side, and I was here for it! In the book Calliope described him as sunshine and shadow all in one and it describes him perfectly. Elliot is the perfect match for Calliope. I love an MMC who is patient and loves the FMC exactly how she is. Elliot left space for Calliope to be herself while also knowing when to take control and let her just be. She was able to trust him enough to let her guards down and know that he would take care of her.
I love Anne Malcom’s books, she gives us so many of my favorite tropes: grumpy sunshine, overprotective MMC, small town vibes, drama, suspense, but most of all found family. Elliot with his niece Clara was so good…but Calliope with Clara was everything. I also enjoyed Calliope’s relationship with Beau I wish there was more (I can’t tell you how much I need Beau’s book!). In addition to new faces we got to see familiar faces. Again seeing characters from other books or series is one of my favorites (That’s Jean and them! #IYKYK). Jupiter, Maine is one of my favorite fictional places to visit. There is the small town and beach vibe with a little suspense. There is always a blend of funny antidotes and banter with the emotional topics and drama.
As always please check trigger warnings, prioritize your mental health. But I will say that Anne Malcom writes difficult topics with great care and I feel like it is always well done.
June 22, 2025
5 stars
When I discover an upcoming new book by this author, I immediately add it to my TBR. It doesn't even have to have a blurb because I know that this author is going to craft a story that will give me characters that leap from the pages amidst a storyline that will have me in a chokehold. That was the case with this book. I have been a fan of hers for almost ten years, and seeing the progression of her writing is boggling.
There is something to be said about a secondary character getting a story that not only lives up to the expectations but exceeds them. Calliope has lived rent-free in my head since she was first introduced. There was something about her that made me want to dig deep to find out what was behind the mask. I thought I was prepared. I was not. Not in the slightest. My heart hurt seeing how she had just accepted "who" she was in life. It mirrored how many women do that in this life and the endless barrage of guilt they take on or own. Made a bad decision? Not enough time in the day to get everything done? Failed at parenting, wife, and or laborer? The baggage is real, and it is heavy. This author showcased how those "failures" make us the villain in our own story. Were some of her reasons valid? Yes. However, she was trapped, and it tainted all the good that she did do in life.
Elliot seemed like the perfect golden retriever man. Yet, there was a layer to him that was also unexpected. These two shouldn't work, but by saying that, they end up working better than just your typical romance pairing. His mouth. Some of the things he would say would have me fanning myself. These moments often shocked me because he seemed like such a cinnamon roll guy. His resolve and desire to make Calliope see herself the way that he sees her were beautiful.
This book was complex, with characters that leapt from the pages. The steam was fantastic, but not there as the mainstay, with the plot being filler. it enhanced the story, which was important because this story was special. Caliope and Elliot are special. This book is even more so. Highly recommend.
When I discover an upcoming new book by this author, I immediately add it to my TBR. It doesn't even have to have a blurb because I know that this author is going to craft a story that will give me characters that leap from the pages amidst a storyline that will have me in a chokehold. That was the case with this book. I have been a fan of hers for almost ten years, and seeing the progression of her writing is boggling.
There is something to be said about a secondary character getting a story that not only lives up to the expectations but exceeds them. Calliope has lived rent-free in my head since she was first introduced. There was something about her that made me want to dig deep to find out what was behind the mask. I thought I was prepared. I was not. Not in the slightest. My heart hurt seeing how she had just accepted "who" she was in life. It mirrored how many women do that in this life and the endless barrage of guilt they take on or own. Made a bad decision? Not enough time in the day to get everything done? Failed at parenting, wife, and or laborer? The baggage is real, and it is heavy. This author showcased how those "failures" make us the villain in our own story. Were some of her reasons valid? Yes. However, she was trapped, and it tainted all the good that she did do in life.
Elliot seemed like the perfect golden retriever man. Yet, there was a layer to him that was also unexpected. These two shouldn't work, but by saying that, they end up working better than just your typical romance pairing. His mouth. Some of the things he would say would have me fanning myself. These moments often shocked me because he seemed like such a cinnamon roll guy. His resolve and desire to make Calliope see herself the way that he sees her were beautiful.
This book was complex, with characters that leapt from the pages. The steam was fantastic, but not there as the mainstay, with the plot being filler. it enhanced the story, which was important because this story was special. Caliope and Elliot are special. This book is even more so. Highly recommend.
June 21, 2025
***5 ‘The Pain Meant I Was Still Alive’ Stars***
I’ve been staring at this doc for awhile in an attempt to come up with a great opening for this review, but it’s not happening, so we’re just going to go with me typing whatever comes to mind and pray it makes sense and I won’t have to edit too much later…
I’ve been looking forward to Calliope’s HEA for AGES…like, ever since first meeting her. I wanted to dig beneath the facade and find out who she really is and lemme tell you…I was NOT expecting all THAT but finding out what lay behind all those sharp edges was everything. She is complex and unique, but not complicated ~ or at least not as complicated as I thought she’d be ~ she truly owns all that she is, even when she finds herself at odds with what she’s always claimed to have wanted.
Elliot ~ now, talk about another complex and unique human and totally book boyfriend material. He surprised me ~ pleasantly so ~ but still surprised me because, like Calliope, what you see is not even close to what you get. And I find that he is battling it out with Knox as just who should be top tier when it comes to this world.
As for Calliope and Elliot’s journey to their HEA…On the surface they don’t work, they don’t BUT experiencing them together and how the got to see that which no one else did of each other…well they are a perfectly imperfect match and though the road was rough…oh so rough…it was worth it all in the end.
This baby was intense. I mean, the other books in this world were as well, IYKYK, but this baby…triggers. There are triggers. There is darkness ~ not so much between Elliot and Calliope, but darkness seeps in, so reader beware. And as for the rest of the Jupiter crew. I loved how they rallied around Elliot and Calliope and I just enjoyed catching up with all of them and their babies. Now to wait for Beau’s book…
Note: once I got going, things flowed so no major editing was required :)
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’ve been staring at this doc for awhile in an attempt to come up with a great opening for this review, but it’s not happening, so we’re just going to go with me typing whatever comes to mind and pray it makes sense and I won’t have to edit too much later…
I’ve been looking forward to Calliope’s HEA for AGES…like, ever since first meeting her. I wanted to dig beneath the facade and find out who she really is and lemme tell you…I was NOT expecting all THAT but finding out what lay behind all those sharp edges was everything. She is complex and unique, but not complicated ~ or at least not as complicated as I thought she’d be ~ she truly owns all that she is, even when she finds herself at odds with what she’s always claimed to have wanted.
Elliot ~ now, talk about another complex and unique human and totally book boyfriend material. He surprised me ~ pleasantly so ~ but still surprised me because, like Calliope, what you see is not even close to what you get. And I find that he is battling it out with Knox as just who should be top tier when it comes to this world.
As for Calliope and Elliot’s journey to their HEA…On the surface they don’t work, they don’t BUT experiencing them together and how the got to see that which no one else did of each other…well they are a perfectly imperfect match and though the road was rough…oh so rough…it was worth it all in the end.
This baby was intense. I mean, the other books in this world were as well, IYKYK, but this baby…triggers. There are triggers. There is darkness ~ not so much between Elliot and Calliope, but darkness seeps in, so reader beware. And as for the rest of the Jupiter crew. I loved how they rallied around Elliot and Calliope and I just enjoyed catching up with all of them and their babies. Now to wait for Beau’s book…
Note: once I got going, things flowed so no major editing was required :)
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
June 18, 2025
What an immensely beautiful, intense and haunting story! I loved every single second of it. I laughed, I cried, I kicked my feet, I wanted to throw things. We covered a lot of emotional territory and I adored it all.
Calliope is a woman in finance who has escaped to a small oceanside town after fleeing New York and some very bad people.
Elliot is a fisherman, volunteer firefighter and devoted uncle who lives in his hometown helping run the family businesses.
They meet when she tries to collect payment of an outstanding account on behalf of her brother (that said brother told her not to collect). He is completely enraptured by her at first sight. She is completely irritated & wildly attracted but unwilling to admit it at first sight. Delightful! Their story is filled with sweet moments, family funnies & worries, steamy grown up times, and some pretty intense danger when her past refuses to stay away.
Calliope. Oh my heart. She is breathtakingly beautiful & complex. She will break your heart with how she sees herself and what she believes she deserves. How she talks about herself was tough. Her journey is a difficult one. And the more you love her, the more difficult it is.
Elliot is stunning. His love for his family & community is next level but his love for Calliope? His love for her fierceness, her strength, her softness, her soul? It is overwhelming in the best way. The way he fights for her & refuses for her to accept less than the best is incredible. He is a good man.
The writing is so strong, clever & interesting. My brain loves how the stories flow, characters interact and information is presented. It builds the suspense and emotion perfectly.
I received this as an ARC and am beyond grateful. My review is not influenced by this in any way and is based entirely on my thoughts & feelings of the story.
This book covers some tough topics, so make sure you are okay with them before reading.
Cannot recommend highly enough!!
Calliope is a woman in finance who has escaped to a small oceanside town after fleeing New York and some very bad people.
Elliot is a fisherman, volunteer firefighter and devoted uncle who lives in his hometown helping run the family businesses.
They meet when she tries to collect payment of an outstanding account on behalf of her brother (that said brother told her not to collect). He is completely enraptured by her at first sight. She is completely irritated & wildly attracted but unwilling to admit it at first sight. Delightful! Their story is filled with sweet moments, family funnies & worries, steamy grown up times, and some pretty intense danger when her past refuses to stay away.
Calliope. Oh my heart. She is breathtakingly beautiful & complex. She will break your heart with how she sees herself and what she believes she deserves. How she talks about herself was tough. Her journey is a difficult one. And the more you love her, the more difficult it is.
Elliot is stunning. His love for his family & community is next level but his love for Calliope? His love for her fierceness, her strength, her softness, her soul? It is overwhelming in the best way. The way he fights for her & refuses for her to accept less than the best is incredible. He is a good man.
The writing is so strong, clever & interesting. My brain loves how the stories flow, characters interact and information is presented. It builds the suspense and emotion perfectly.
I received this as an ARC and am beyond grateful. My review is not influenced by this in any way and is based entirely on my thoughts & feelings of the story.
This book covers some tough topics, so make sure you are okay with them before reading.
Cannot recommend highly enough!!
June 20, 2025
The third book in the Jupiter Tides series is outstanding with its amazing characters such as Calliope, We were teased by this incredible character from the first book, Recipe For Love and now get to know her on a more intimate level. ♥️ Elliot is another wonderful character who has many facets to him, as do we all, but as Calliope says, “he goes from sunshine to shadow”’ yes please.
In this story, Calliope goes back to her family in Jupiter Maine, a small town and the complete opposite of her life in the bustling city of New York. Some would say she tucked her tail between her legs and ran home but the truth is Calliope is too strong a woman to really do that. She’s plotting her revenge or is she? Calliope is such a strong-willed, independent woman who could and did eat weak business people for breakfast—in her city life. Yet now, in this small town, she goes through such a difficult growth period.
Elliot, a simple fisherman, is not the person Calliope sees as the person she could fall in love with, because she doesn’t deserve him because of her complex emotions she has to sort through. He is definitely deeper than she first thought. He is also her stalwart ’anchor’ and that she needs desperately.
This is definitely dark and I found even despairing at times. My heart seemed to stall a time or two, but then, as this author always does, the ties are there pulling you closer and you absolutely must know what happens in the story. A true sign of brilliant writing in my opinion.
In this story, Calliope goes back to her family in Jupiter Maine, a small town and the complete opposite of her life in the bustling city of New York. Some would say she tucked her tail between her legs and ran home but the truth is Calliope is too strong a woman to really do that. She’s plotting her revenge or is she? Calliope is such a strong-willed, independent woman who could and did eat weak business people for breakfast—in her city life. Yet now, in this small town, she goes through such a difficult growth period.
Elliot, a simple fisherman, is not the person Calliope sees as the person she could fall in love with, because she doesn’t deserve him because of her complex emotions she has to sort through. He is definitely deeper than she first thought. He is also her stalwart ’anchor’ and that she needs desperately.
This is definitely dark and I found even despairing at times. My heart seemed to stall a time or two, but then, as this author always does, the ties are there pulling you closer and you absolutely must know what happens in the story. A true sign of brilliant writing in my opinion.
June 21, 2025
I am sat 🧎♀️➡️for Anne Malcolm's The Anchor Holds! I have not read a book with such an eloquent description of the feeling of the fight between two people to fall in love in a long time y'all! Anne Malcom is one of the very best reasons to read Dark Romance out there, she has such a way with her words and her character arcs, I just get locked in to the book and cannot find my way out for days!
Calliope Derrick is not from a bad family, she did not suffer a bad childhood, as she says, "No one set impossible standards for us. And yet I came out setting them for myself. Constantly pushing myself, knowing that I was going somewhere different.” She just asked so much of herself that when she ran out of arrogant road to roam she thought she'd do something different, and as a result she now has a big problem. Elliot knows she has a problem, anyone really can see her running in place. Calliope's exhausted and that might be the real reason she finally decides to submit to one man, but however it happens her submission is a beautiful, peaceful thing - no matter how much she continues to fight it.
Elliot Shaw is in Jupiter, Maine at the perfect time for Calliope. Where else would he be? As she says, he's a simple man, she's not saying it evilly, but that he doesn't have a lot of complex, angry feelings to deal with before they can have a successful relationship.
"And no woman has made me feel like you do. Not a feeling that I think comes around often, so I think I’ll follow my bliss for a while.” The grin widened. “Fight for my bliss, if need be." - Every time Calliope tries to push Elliot off, explaining how bad she is for him or that she doesn't work in Jupiter, Elliot makes some off the cuff, wholly beautiful statement like the one above that just rips my heart out and sits it alongside me for the rest of the book.
There are so many places that I was in tears, not because they are not good together, but because of the harsh amount of work Calliope is going through in this season of her life. My heart broke for her over and over. This is not a fun book, there is emotional damage, but you will not be able to look away, you will be glued to the edge of your seat, especially near the end wondering what is going to happen next.
If you've read Anne's other books, Calliope reminds me of Rosie, I was thrilled and at the same time saddened to be back there, wondering what kind of growth Calliope would be forced through and what kind of danger Elliot would have to go through to be worthy of her. Elliot is ABSOLUTELY The Anchor that Holds Calliope in place, and Anne could not have come up with a better title for this five star book that I'll be re-reading at least once a year!!
CW: There is discussion of rape that happens off-page, death that happens on-page, miscarriage that happens off-page, please check your triggers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Calliope Derrick is not from a bad family, she did not suffer a bad childhood, as she says, "No one set impossible standards for us. And yet I came out setting them for myself. Constantly pushing myself, knowing that I was going somewhere different.” She just asked so much of herself that when she ran out of arrogant road to roam she thought she'd do something different, and as a result she now has a big problem. Elliot knows she has a problem, anyone really can see her running in place. Calliope's exhausted and that might be the real reason she finally decides to submit to one man, but however it happens her submission is a beautiful, peaceful thing - no matter how much she continues to fight it.
Elliot Shaw is in Jupiter, Maine at the perfect time for Calliope. Where else would he be? As she says, he's a simple man, she's not saying it evilly, but that he doesn't have a lot of complex, angry feelings to deal with before they can have a successful relationship.
"And no woman has made me feel like you do. Not a feeling that I think comes around often, so I think I’ll follow my bliss for a while.” The grin widened. “Fight for my bliss, if need be." - Every time Calliope tries to push Elliot off, explaining how bad she is for him or that she doesn't work in Jupiter, Elliot makes some off the cuff, wholly beautiful statement like the one above that just rips my heart out and sits it alongside me for the rest of the book.
There are so many places that I was in tears, not because they are not good together, but because of the harsh amount of work Calliope is going through in this season of her life. My heart broke for her over and over. This is not a fun book, there is emotional damage, but you will not be able to look away, you will be glued to the edge of your seat, especially near the end wondering what is going to happen next.
If you've read Anne's other books, Calliope reminds me of Rosie, I was thrilled and at the same time saddened to be back there, wondering what kind of growth Calliope would be forced through and what kind of danger Elliot would have to go through to be worthy of her. Elliot is ABSOLUTELY The Anchor that Holds Calliope in place, and Anne could not have come up with a better title for this five star book that I'll be re-reading at least once a year!!
CW: There is discussion of rape that happens off-page, death that happens on-page, miscarriage that happens off-page, please check your triggers.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
June 23, 2025
WOWZERS!! Another gem from Anne Malcom!! I never tire of her books as they are written with an amazing FMC, and this one follows right along with the others in the Jupiter Tides books. Calliope is one bad Azz lady, and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She has gone through a lot and did some bad things, but she always protects those she loves. Elliot is just a small-town guy who goes with the flow and is liked by everyone. He was not on her Bingo card ever as being the man to tame her.
Sometimes you need that polar opposite who gets you and is able to break the ice in someone's heart to make you hope for a possible HEA. I mean Calliope is not that type but that is one thing Elliot loves about her. Her past does come back to haunt her, but she is a FAFO kind of person and does back down from a challenge.
Loved getting back to the other couples in Jupiter Tides and reading how they are getting along since we last read their stories. This does have some hard subject matter and may trigger some so please take head. I enjoy this authors stories and can't wait for the next one in this small-town series. Also, I am sooo ready myself for some small-town living.
Sometimes you need that polar opposite who gets you and is able to break the ice in someone's heart to make you hope for a possible HEA. I mean Calliope is not that type but that is one thing Elliot loves about her. Her past does come back to haunt her, but she is a FAFO kind of person and does back down from a challenge.
Loved getting back to the other couples in Jupiter Tides and reading how they are getting along since we last read their stories. This does have some hard subject matter and may trigger some so please take head. I enjoy this authors stories and can't wait for the next one in this small-town series. Also, I am sooo ready myself for some small-town living.
June 26, 2025
The latest in the Jupiter Tides series was another intense drama filled but beautifully written story that I could not put down. I already knew I was going to go through a gambit of emotions reading Calliope and Elliot’s journey, and boy was I right!
Calliope is seen as the ice queen, tough as nails and she had to be to earn the reputation that she did in New York. Now Calliope is back where her family is, living in her brother’s old house (Rowen from book 1, Recipe for Love), trying to convince everyone that everything is all right but not really convincing anyone. She is in fact running from something, protecting herself and then those she loves. The issue is she has a little problem with asking for help so she does it on her own.
Elliot Shaw is the complete opposite, he is the sunshine to Calliope’s dark side. He smiles at her snark and snarls, I loved that about him. But get him behind closed bedroom doors, he is a very different man, I absolutely love that about him!! He immediately sees she has secrets and wanted to whatever he could to help her, but also knew when to hold back and let her be who she was and had to be.
There were so many moments that hurt and warrants trigger warnings but the journey was absolutely breath taking. As always the writing was beautiful, the complexity of emotions and pain was done the only way this author can. I really can’t explain it, I just know I keep coming back for more. An absolute must read.
Calliope is seen as the ice queen, tough as nails and she had to be to earn the reputation that she did in New York. Now Calliope is back where her family is, living in her brother’s old house (Rowen from book 1, Recipe for Love), trying to convince everyone that everything is all right but not really convincing anyone. She is in fact running from something, protecting herself and then those she loves. The issue is she has a little problem with asking for help so she does it on her own.
Elliot Shaw is the complete opposite, he is the sunshine to Calliope’s dark side. He smiles at her snark and snarls, I loved that about him. But get him behind closed bedroom doors, he is a very different man, I absolutely love that about him!! He immediately sees she has secrets and wanted to whatever he could to help her, but also knew when to hold back and let her be who she was and had to be.
There were so many moments that hurt and warrants trigger warnings but the journey was absolutely breath taking. As always the writing was beautiful, the complexity of emotions and pain was done the only way this author can. I really can’t explain it, I just know I keep coming back for more. An absolute must read.
June 18, 2025
If i could give a book 6 stars I would immediately, The Anchor Holds is now on my list of god tier books
Calliope was such a real and raw, badass FMC, it was so refreshing to see a FMC be the morally grey character and watch her make the tougher and darker decisions throughout the book and tackle the consequences of those decisions
Elliot was one of the best MMCs I’ve seen in a minute i absolutely loved him and am obsessed with everything about him, the fact he wasn’t intimidated by Calliope being the force she is and how secure in his masculinity throughout the book is SO attractive, add in the fact that he refused to let Calliope push him away
Calliope and Elliot are for sure one of my favorite book couples they were so perfect for each other from day one
The Anchor Holds is now my favorite Anne Malcom book💙
Calliope was such a real and raw, badass FMC, it was so refreshing to see a FMC be the morally grey character and watch her make the tougher and darker decisions throughout the book and tackle the consequences of those decisions
Elliot was one of the best MMCs I’ve seen in a minute i absolutely loved him and am obsessed with everything about him, the fact he wasn’t intimidated by Calliope being the force she is and how secure in his masculinity throughout the book is SO attractive, add in the fact that he refused to let Calliope push him away
Calliope and Elliot are for sure one of my favorite book couples they were so perfect for each other from day one
The Anchor Holds is now my favorite Anne Malcom book💙
June 19, 2025
This woman's strength was inspiring. She had her soft touches too, especially when she meets and eventually falls in love with Elliot.
He is everything any woman would want in a man; kind, hard working, loves his family - not to mention 'easy on the eyes'.
On the other hand, Calliope is also 'hard' working - she is beautiful, overprotective of those she is close with, and those she loves, her family and friends are her world.
When she comes to Jupiter, and her city life follows her, she will do anything to protect them - even if it means leaving them all behind, to deal with her past once and for all. Once that is taken care of, danger from an unknown party takes a stand, and all is almost lost - the enemy is closer than they think - hiding in plain sight, the group lets their guard down - and there are consequences.
He is everything any woman would want in a man; kind, hard working, loves his family - not to mention 'easy on the eyes'.
On the other hand, Calliope is also 'hard' working - she is beautiful, overprotective of those she is close with, and those she loves, her family and friends are her world.
When she comes to Jupiter, and her city life follows her, she will do anything to protect them - even if it means leaving them all behind, to deal with her past once and for all. Once that is taken care of, danger from an unknown party takes a stand, and all is almost lost - the enemy is closer than they think - hiding in plain sight, the group lets their guard down - and there are consequences.
June 20, 2025
I loved this intense 5 star story very much. What a ride this was.
Calliope is in a lot of trouble. She ends up in the town where her family lives. She’s an ice queen, that takes no bullshit. But she loves her family and takes care of their kids. She meets Elliot, he’s everything she vowed to stay away from. Sparks will fly.
I enjoyed immensely this story. Calliope is a bad ass but underneath all that she has a heart and loves her family. Elliot is good for her. It was an highly entertaining and addicting story. It was suspenseful and intriguing. The twists and turns left me speechless. High five for this story and the author. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
Although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Told in mostly Calliope’s POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Calliope is in a lot of trouble. She ends up in the town where her family lives. She’s an ice queen, that takes no bullshit. But she loves her family and takes care of their kids. She meets Elliot, he’s everything she vowed to stay away from. Sparks will fly.
I enjoyed immensely this story. Calliope is a bad ass but underneath all that she has a heart and loves her family. Elliot is good for her. It was an highly entertaining and addicting story. It was suspenseful and intriguing. The twists and turns left me speechless. High five for this story and the author. Beautifully written with a seamless plot. Bottomline this is a must read.
Although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Told in mostly Calliope’s POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
June 20, 2025
Beautiful emotional read
Calliope is the epitome of a woman who wears her designer clothes and cold countenance like armour. Elliot has hidden depths. Both of them are amazing together even if the journey is so emotional to read. Again, this author has hit it out of the park with the beautiful emotional journey she takes us on with these characters. From the darkest depths of human experience to the light of love. This author always manages to make me feel the emotions right along with the characters. The plot is wonderfully paced to grip you into the story, making it a very difficult to put down book. Honestly, this is one of my favourite books I've read this year so far. I really recommend it if you love big, beautifully written emotional journeys with compelling characters and plot.
Calliope is the epitome of a woman who wears her designer clothes and cold countenance like armour. Elliot has hidden depths. Both of them are amazing together even if the journey is so emotional to read. Again, this author has hit it out of the park with the beautiful emotional journey she takes us on with these characters. From the darkest depths of human experience to the light of love. This author always manages to make me feel the emotions right along with the characters. The plot is wonderfully paced to grip you into the story, making it a very difficult to put down book. Honestly, this is one of my favourite books I've read this year so far. I really recommend it if you love big, beautifully written emotional journeys with compelling characters and plot.
June 22, 2025
Intense
Calliope Derrick is an enigma, she's back in the small town where her brother lives, indeed living in his old house. She's a refugee from New York. She obviously has money and is an oddity that Elliot would like to examine but she has secrets, many of them.
This book has so many twists and turns. It's a fabulous read and as always you cannot predict what's going to happen. I think Anne Malcom's work are always slow burners to start and then they gradually build into a tense thriller romance.
Years ago I remember reading her very first book (she changed the cover, I loved the original) and her writing has gone from strength to strength. She always has great characters and an excellent storyline and the required changes are always subtle but there.
A really good read
Calliope Derrick is an enigma, she's back in the small town where her brother lives, indeed living in his old house. She's a refugee from New York. She obviously has money and is an oddity that Elliot would like to examine but she has secrets, many of them.
This book has so many twists and turns. It's a fabulous read and as always you cannot predict what's going to happen. I think Anne Malcom's work are always slow burners to start and then they gradually build into a tense thriller romance.
Years ago I remember reading her very first book (she changed the cover, I loved the original) and her writing has gone from strength to strength. She always has great characters and an excellent storyline and the required changes are always subtle but there.
A really good read
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September 6, 2025The Anchor Holds by Anne Malcom
“And there was no greater power but me, my will and my ability to survive this. Survive him.”
I knew Anne Malcom would deliver something emotional, but The Anchor Holds went deeper than I expected. It’s raw and unflinching, the kind of story that grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go.
These characters aren’t perfect—they’re messy, broken, and so achingly human. But that’s what made their journey feel real. I felt every ounce of their pain, their healing, and their love. It’s not a soft, easy romance—it’s one that digs into the dark and still finds beauty.
This isn’t just a book you read—it’s one you feel. It wrecked me, and I loved every second of it.
🌊✨ If you’re looking for a romance that’s as heavy as it is hopeful, this is the one.
“And there was no greater power but me, my will and my ability to survive this. Survive him.”
I knew Anne Malcom would deliver something emotional, but The Anchor Holds went deeper than I expected. It’s raw and unflinching, the kind of story that grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go.
These characters aren’t perfect—they’re messy, broken, and so achingly human. But that’s what made their journey feel real. I felt every ounce of their pain, their healing, and their love. It’s not a soft, easy romance—it’s one that digs into the dark and still finds beauty.
This isn’t just a book you read—it’s one you feel. It wrecked me, and I loved every second of it.
🌊✨ If you’re looking for a romance that’s as heavy as it is hopeful, this is the one.
June 21, 2025
5 Stars for this intense and emotional story. First of all watch your triggers with this one. The warnings are listed.
Hello emotions. What a beautiful heart-wrenching story. I was engrossed.
Calliope is on the run from some bad people and a bad situation. She meets Elliot when she goes to him to collect payment for a debt, and immediately, he's smitten. Our FMC feels an attraction too but she resists, and so begins the push and pull that AM does so well.
As always, beautiful writing and a beautifully crafted story that flows well. The author is so good at putting the reader through the wringer and this one didn't disappoint. My heart had been wrecked and put back together by the end and I was there for for every word.
Go read it! It won't disappoint.
Hello emotions. What a beautiful heart-wrenching story. I was engrossed.
Calliope is on the run from some bad people and a bad situation. She meets Elliot when she goes to him to collect payment for a debt, and immediately, he's smitten. Our FMC feels an attraction too but she resists, and so begins the push and pull that AM does so well.
As always, beautiful writing and a beautifully crafted story that flows well. The author is so good at putting the reader through the wringer and this one didn't disappoint. My heart had been wrecked and put back together by the end and I was there for for every word.
Go read it! It won't disappoint.
July 16, 2025
DNF at 20%. I liked the other books in the series well enough but I just couldn’t do this one.
Calliope is a “pick-me” bitch. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but her attitude is very much “not like other women” and her inner monologue is pretentious and annoying. “I don’t like fruity drinks and kitschy restaurants, give me a dark cigar bar and a glass of scotch.”
Elliot wears Birkenstocks. The author literally writes that he has “attractive toes.” The Birkenstocks make more than one appearance in 7 chapters.
At one point our protagonists kiss but I feel no chemistry? The author is telling me there’s chemistry but it feels very lackluster to me.
I put the book down when I read the phrase “His wrinkled shirt was wrinkled.” I just couldn’t take it anymore.
Calliope is a “pick-me” bitch. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but her attitude is very much “not like other women” and her inner monologue is pretentious and annoying. “I don’t like fruity drinks and kitschy restaurants, give me a dark cigar bar and a glass of scotch.”
Elliot wears Birkenstocks. The author literally writes that he has “attractive toes.” The Birkenstocks make more than one appearance in 7 chapters.
At one point our protagonists kiss but I feel no chemistry? The author is telling me there’s chemistry but it feels very lackluster to me.
I put the book down when I read the phrase “His wrinkled shirt was wrinkled.” I just couldn’t take it anymore.
June 8, 2025
Obsessed would be an understatement. There wasn’t a thing I didn’t love about it. If you love a golden retriever MMC & a strong independent morally grey FMC this book is for you. This is the third book in the Jupiter tides series and I was lucky enough to get this as an arc read. I became so engrossed in this book I had to force myself to put it down instead of staying up all night to finish. If you love small town romance with some spice as well as a totally carefree hero and a morally grey heroine with a “good girl” praise kink make sure to get youself a copy when this releases on June 19th!!! Can’t recommend this book enough.
June 22, 2025
Calliope Derrick bows for no one. Headstrong, intelligent, fierce and loyal. That is until a fisherman who never gave up and found her fierceness attractive. To the world, Calliope is this neither black or white and questionalbly gray but behind closed doors, she liked to be controlled by no other than Elliott Shaw who was the very opposite of toxic masculinity. She knew his control was not to possess but rather to worship. When Calliope's past threathens to engiulf her back to the mon mess, she endeavoured to slay her own dragon (one of them being Jacob - childhood sweetheart turned toxic partner in crime) and carved our a small town life for herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
Another Jupiter Tides book that is intense and oh so good! I just could not stop reading, I needed to know what happened next.
Calliope and Elliot's wild ride had me all over the place.
Calliope, I know she had to be hard, tough queen, who does not ask for help. I really kinda of related to her, and how she did things.
Elliot is her opposite. Light to dark, he is exactly what she needs.
This journey was hard at times, as well as low, but one thing is for sure Anne's writing is spot on in what ever she is working on. She has this gift to tell these amazing stories that stick with you for a long time.
Calliope and Elliot's wild ride had me all over the place.
Calliope, I know she had to be hard, tough queen, who does not ask for help. I really kinda of related to her, and how she did things.
Elliot is her opposite. Light to dark, he is exactly what she needs.
This journey was hard at times, as well as low, but one thing is for sure Anne's writing is spot on in what ever she is working on. She has this gift to tell these amazing stories that stick with you for a long time.
June 10, 2025
I can now add Calliope to my list of favorite females from Anne’s books, she will now join Rosie and Isla. She thought she has the closed off strong act down to a science until Elliot Shaw came into her life and blew it up, you could feel the moment that she let go and fully submitted to him, the moment she decided he made her happy and fell in love with him.
Elliot will make you melt with the dominant yet delicate way he handles Calliope. He was made just for her and I am so glad that she was able to find her person.
if you are a fan of Anne's strong FMCs you need to read this!!!
Elliot will make you melt with the dominant yet delicate way he handles Calliope. He was made just for her and I am so glad that she was able to find her person.
if you are a fan of Anne's strong FMCs you need to read this!!!
June 22, 2025
This book was everything.
I couldn't get enough and didn't want it to end.
I love how the author is back to dabbling in the dark and suspenseful as I find that's when she's at her best.
This book was no different hence it being on my top reads list.
It did take me a bit to warm up to/understand the female main character, and to figure out who the male main character is, but trust me, you'll be pleasantly surprised on both fronts.
Definitely recommend and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I couldn't get enough and didn't want it to end.
I love how the author is back to dabbling in the dark and suspenseful as I find that's when she's at her best.
This book was no different hence it being on my top reads list.
It did take me a bit to warm up to/understand the female main character, and to figure out who the male main character is, but trust me, you'll be pleasantly surprised on both fronts.
Definitely recommend and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 6, 2025
i have issues with inconsistent POV switching and chapters being interrupted by the opposite character interjecting, however, this is malcom’s style. and i can set it aside because this was a great read.
loved the darkness following calliope and that she was the grump. she is fierce and has a bite to her that is normally not shone in romance. she only will fold for elliot, and only when he is bossing her around in bed.
elliot is the man, gosh! he is soo sunshine and rainbows but DOMINANT in the bedroom. i loved that he accepted that she wasn’t his to own, calliope had ownership of herself and he was along for the journey.
loved the darkness following calliope and that she was the grump. she is fierce and has a bite to her that is normally not shone in romance. she only will fold for elliot, and only when he is bossing her around in bed.
elliot is the man, gosh! he is soo sunshine and rainbows but DOMINANT in the bedroom. i loved that he accepted that she wasn’t his to own, calliope had ownership of herself and he was along for the journey.
August 4, 2025
Good spice. I get annoyed after awhile with the stereotypical "I'm a strong woman, you can't tell me what to do" FMC. It gets a little old. I liked the main guy. The plot was a little meh. Not like the last two books at all. She had to kill the head of the mafia and her first love to escape her bad decisions once and for all. And then in the end, a crazy jealous 20 year old almost took her out because she wanted her man. That was an odd thing to add in at the very end of the book. Definitely not as good as the last two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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