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The Rags to Romance Series #16
Where Love Grows
“He wanted Abigail. He didn’t fly all the way to nowhere Potts, South Carolina for his health. He flew there to claim Abby as his woman. And that was exactly what he was going to do.”Billionaire industrialist Oliver Tate had never known the love of a woman a day in his life. Desired only for his money and his good looks, he gave up on even the dream of love. Instead of soulmates, women became his bedmates that traveled in and out of his life as if his heart was a revolving door. He wasn’t looking for love and love wasn’t looking for him.Restaurant manager Abby Langston was mistreated by every man she’s ever fallen in love with and wasn’t interested in any new heartbreak. Men had become such a dime a dozen to her that she found it more fruitful to ditch the man and just hold onto the dime.But when Oliver and Abby meet, sparks fly unlike they ever dreamed possible. And when these two jaded souls decide to join forces and see what the end is going to be, they soon realize that not everybody is excited about their union. And just as their budding romance is blossoming, a blast from Oliver’s past changes everything for them. But will their love be strong enough to hold on? Or will fate deal them another hard blow?Where Love Grows is the latest fiery, standalone romance novel from bestselling author Mallory Monroe.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2023
58 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Monroe
166 books331 followersMallory Monroe, a pseudonym of award-winning, bestselling literary author Teresa McClain-Watson, has well over a hundred bestselling books under her name. They include MaeBelle Marie, the Alex Drakos Romantic Suspense series, the Oz Drakos series, the Reno Gabrini (Mob Boss) series, the Mick Sinatra series, the Sal Gabrini series, the Tommy Gabrini series, the Big Daddy Sinatra series, the Trevor Reese series, the Rags to Romance series, the Teddy Sinatra series, the Boone and Charly series, the Monk Paletti series, the President's Boyfriend series, and the President's Girlfriend/Dutch and Gina series. She has also worked as an executive editor for many years and as an investigator for three. Recently widowed, she has attended Florida State University, Florida A & M. University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Mississippi at Oxford Summer Law Institute. A law school dropout, she holds a Master's degree in history and education and credits God Almighty for ALL of her success. Visit mallorymonroebooks.com or austinbrookpublishing.com for updates and more information on all of her titles. See also amazon.com/author/teresamcclainwatson.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 16, 2023
I loved this story
I stayed up until the wee hours of the night reading this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved how Oliver just went for it. He tested Abby in every way he thought he could to find out if she was real. He needed to know if she had room enough in her heart for him, the real him, not the billionaire businessman. He had enough of gold diggers who would do anything to be his girlfriend or the future Mrs. Tate. Abby was smart, down to earth, funny, hardworking, and honest with her straightforward opinions. She also had a strong moral compass which Oliver didn't know women still had. He also realized that she represented a life he had never known and desperately wanted to be a part of the real Americana life. She did not allow him to bully her. She stood her ground.
Abby had just settled on working hard and staying away from any love interest. The men in her past just used her for their selfish needs and she was tired of her heartbreaking. Oliver was so far out of her league, that she was not sure about him. He almost tore his best pair of drawers when he took one of his tests too far. When Oliver passed the Skinner test, Abby found herself falling for Oliver. She'd found her knight. He had shown her all aspects of his life and she passed each part with flying colors, even when dealing with his son and ex. Even his selfish brother couldn't put the kibosh on Oliver and Abby's love. Oliver's dad did right by giving the company to him instead of his older brother when he died. If he was that selfish, reckless, and unethical, he would be the same in handling the family business.
I loved this couple. I just love a good old-fashioned wooing and Oliver did that. I would love to see a series developed on this couple, especially with Skinner and Q in the background being their supportive friends.
This has become one of my new favorites to re-read!
I stayed up until the wee hours of the night reading this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved how Oliver just went for it. He tested Abby in every way he thought he could to find out if she was real. He needed to know if she had room enough in her heart for him, the real him, not the billionaire businessman. He had enough of gold diggers who would do anything to be his girlfriend or the future Mrs. Tate. Abby was smart, down to earth, funny, hardworking, and honest with her straightforward opinions. She also had a strong moral compass which Oliver didn't know women still had. He also realized that she represented a life he had never known and desperately wanted to be a part of the real Americana life. She did not allow him to bully her. She stood her ground.
Abby had just settled on working hard and staying away from any love interest. The men in her past just used her for their selfish needs and she was tired of her heartbreaking. Oliver was so far out of her league, that she was not sure about him. He almost tore his best pair of drawers when he took one of his tests too far. When Oliver passed the Skinner test, Abby found herself falling for Oliver. She'd found her knight. He had shown her all aspects of his life and she passed each part with flying colors, even when dealing with his son and ex. Even his selfish brother couldn't put the kibosh on Oliver and Abby's love. Oliver's dad did right by giving the company to him instead of his older brother when he died. If he was that selfish, reckless, and unethical, he would be the same in handling the family business.
I loved this couple. I just love a good old-fashioned wooing and Oliver did that. I would love to see a series developed on this couple, especially with Skinner and Q in the background being their supportive friends.
This has become one of my new favorites to re-read!
September 9, 2023
A Little Different....
This book was a little different from most of Ms Monroe's books. I liked that it wasn't filled with explicit sex scenes ( that I usually skip over). But there wasn't as much action as most other works. But I'm still a fan. Keep the good stories coming
This book was a little different from most of Ms Monroe's books. I liked that it wasn't filled with explicit sex scenes ( that I usually skip over). But there wasn't as much action as most other works. But I'm still a fan. Keep the good stories coming
September 9, 2023
Delij75
Enjoyed this story and would have been sad if Oliver would have lost the company. Can't wait for your next book Miss Mallory. Thank you!
Enjoyed this story and would have been sad if Oliver would have lost the company. Can't wait for your next book Miss Mallory. Thank you!
September 9, 2023
Great
I really loved this stand alone book. Always strong female and male characters with different backgrounds. Keep writing and I'll keep reading
I really loved this stand alone book. Always strong female and male characters with different backgrounds. Keep writing and I'll keep reading
September 8, 2023
ENJOYED IT
Where love grows is a story of two people searching for someone to truly them with a little bit of action. Ollie and Abby found that love in each other. Great storyline.
Where love grows is a story of two people searching for someone to truly them with a little bit of action. Ollie and Abby found that love in each other. Great storyline.
November 24, 2023
I really don't know what to say about this book. Did I like the general premise of the book - yes, I did. Were there some parts of the book that I definitely could identify with - big time. But the book just wasn't realistic enough for me. No one as hurt as Abby would fall in love that quickly. Just doesn't happen in real life and I need the books I read to have some real life dimension to them. Then, the language. The language bothered me. I know Abby didn't go to college, but I need subject/verb agreement. The author played up the ghetto vernacular to the hilt. As an educated African-American woman, I don't feel comfortable with this. It just adds to the stereotypes that so many of us try to escape. Plus, in some cases, I wasn't sure if it was just the vernacular or typos, which were evident throughout the story. My main pet peeve with black female self-published authors. If you are going to represent us, represent us well. Edit, edit, edit. Don't just use spell check. It's lazy and shows it. The ending was quite dramatic, a little too much, but then I learned this author is heavy into the mafia-type love stories, so I guess she felt the need to add a touch of that to this story. Finally, the heat was not very hot. To some extent I like this. Some of the romances I read, are so graphic they're filthy. I don't care for the Zane type of books. But you want a little heat, and sadly this had none. It was just intimated. In some stories this is okay, but I felt a great opportunity was lost because of the way the relationship worked up to their coupling, you wanted a little more. It would have been beautiful between these two tortured souls. So I could only in good conscience give it an average overall rating.
September 10, 2023
This is my first Mallory Monroe book and I plan to give her another opportunity to wow me, this book was a miss from me.
Jaded playboy, Oliver Tate wants a woman to want him for more than his money, but so far he's been unsuccessful. Enter Abby Langston who manages one of his chain restaurants, they have a memorable work discussion at a convention and later he asks her out to dinner.
After exiting the limo and before they enter the restaurant, she trips and falls and he doesn't try to catch her, nor help her up, instead, he says: "Pick up your pride and get on up."
Indubitably, chivalry and dare I say, compassion are shown to her by his chauffeur/bodyguard and his GM, both of whom help her to her feet. During dinner, feeling some type of way she circles back to her embarrassing moment and asks what he didn't help her up.
Oliver: "Because I don't want you to ever lose it."
Abby: "Lose what?"
Oliver: "That fight I see in you. That independence. That toughness that cloaks like it was born within you. I don't want you to ever lose who you are. That's why I didn't help you up."
His soliloquy didn't work for me, I just thought he was a jerk!
Though he tried, for me, he didn't redeem himself until the very end of the book, but I still didn't like him. This was a small-town girl meets billionaire/city guy. It seemed to be aiming for an Olivia Gaines vibe but it couldn't totally pull it off. This story is slow and stilted with fade to black love scenes and I'm NOT here for it.
This author has lots of other books to explore and I plan to do so.
Happy Reading!
Jaded playboy, Oliver Tate wants a woman to want him for more than his money, but so far he's been unsuccessful. Enter Abby Langston who manages one of his chain restaurants, they have a memorable work discussion at a convention and later he asks her out to dinner.
After exiting the limo and before they enter the restaurant, she trips and falls and he doesn't try to catch her, nor help her up, instead, he says: "Pick up your pride and get on up."
Indubitably, chivalry and dare I say, compassion are shown to her by his chauffeur/bodyguard and his GM, both of whom help her to her feet. During dinner, feeling some type of way she circles back to her embarrassing moment and asks what he didn't help her up.
Oliver: "Because I don't want you to ever lose it."
Abby: "Lose what?"
Oliver: "That fight I see in you. That independence. That toughness that cloaks like it was born within you. I don't want you to ever lose who you are. That's why I didn't help you up."
His soliloquy didn't work for me, I just thought he was a jerk!
Though he tried, for me, he didn't redeem himself until the very end of the book, but I still didn't like him. This was a small-town girl meets billionaire/city guy. It seemed to be aiming for an Olivia Gaines vibe but it couldn't totally pull it off. This story is slow and stilted with fade to black love scenes and I'm NOT here for it.
This author has lots of other books to explore and I plan to do so.
Happy Reading!
April 20, 2024
I enjoyed this couple.
This book captivated me from the first page to the last. As I delved into the story of Oliver and Abby, I found myself unable to tear myself away. Oliver's boldness and determination to truly know Abby resonated deeply with me. His tests, though unconventional, were a testament to his desire for authenticity in their connection. Abby's strength of character and refusal to be swayed by Oliver's wealth added a layer of depth to their relationship that I found refreshing. Abby's past experiences with love left her cautious, and rightfully so. But as Oliver proved himself time and again, her walls began to crumble, and their love story unfolded with a tender authenticity that warmed my heart. The dynamics between Oliver and Abby were beautifully complemented by the supporting characters, particularly Skinner and Q, whose unwavering support added richness to the narrative. And while Oliver's family dynamics added complexity to their journey, it was ultimately a testament to the strength of their love that they overcame every obstacle in their path. In all, this book was a masterfully crafted tale of love, resilience, and the power of authenticity.
This book captivated me from the first page to the last. As I delved into the story of Oliver and Abby, I found myself unable to tear myself away. Oliver's boldness and determination to truly know Abby resonated deeply with me. His tests, though unconventional, were a testament to his desire for authenticity in their connection. Abby's strength of character and refusal to be swayed by Oliver's wealth added a layer of depth to their relationship that I found refreshing. Abby's past experiences with love left her cautious, and rightfully so. But as Oliver proved himself time and again, her walls began to crumble, and their love story unfolded with a tender authenticity that warmed my heart. The dynamics between Oliver and Abby were beautifully complemented by the supporting characters, particularly Skinner and Q, whose unwavering support added richness to the narrative. And while Oliver's family dynamics added complexity to their journey, it was ultimately a testament to the strength of their love that they overcame every obstacle in their path. In all, this book was a masterfully crafted tale of love, resilience, and the power of authenticity.
September 13, 2023
No Time For Growth!
A very, very short book, almost a novella is nothing at all like other books that Mallory Monroe wrote. It's the story of a white billionaire, Oliver Tate and Abigail Langston (Abby), an African-American female. Other than the main characters, there's nothing to indicate that it was written by Ms. Monroe.
The sample of the book, which was the best part, enticed me to one-click. Oliver Tate decides he wants Abigail, who wants nothing to do with player like him. There's almost no action and "fade to black" sex between the two occurred at the very end of the book. Seventy-five percent of the book was disappointing.
His brother's attempted coup, the drive by shooting, and other simplistic actions in this book made no sense. That a billionaire couldn't find a woman and his son for 20 years was simply unbelievable. The plot was extremely thin and the characters were undeveloped with practically no backstory.
Sadly, if this is the type of book Ms. Monroe is writing, this will most likely be my last read.
A very, very short book, almost a novella is nothing at all like other books that Mallory Monroe wrote. It's the story of a white billionaire, Oliver Tate and Abigail Langston (Abby), an African-American female. Other than the main characters, there's nothing to indicate that it was written by Ms. Monroe.
The sample of the book, which was the best part, enticed me to one-click. Oliver Tate decides he wants Abigail, who wants nothing to do with player like him. There's almost no action and "fade to black" sex between the two occurred at the very end of the book. Seventy-five percent of the book was disappointing.
His brother's attempted coup, the drive by shooting, and other simplistic actions in this book made no sense. That a billionaire couldn't find a woman and his son for 20 years was simply unbelievable. The plot was extremely thin and the characters were undeveloped with practically no backstory.
Sadly, if this is the type of book Ms. Monroe is writing, this will most likely be my last read.
September 10, 2023
Sweet ending
Oliver and Abby, two lost souls that found each other. This story had slot of heart. Oliver, is the kind of my every girl dreams about. If only they were men like him out there for real😍🙏🏽. His heart is so big and his love for Abby, is so strong that he would have giving up everything for her. His crazy greedy brother Michael, got his just dessert. My heart was beating so fast when I thought the forced takeover of the company was going to go through this time. Thank goodness for his CEO Colin. What a genius he is?!!! Abby, is such a sweet kind person. And a very strong woman at that too. She's perfect for Oliver. She definitely can hold her own. After what her last boyfriend/fiance, did to her, asking her to marry him, when he was already married! What an ass?! I'm so glad that Oliver, finally found his son. This book must have another part to it. Too many open ending. I want more of their happily ever after.
Oliver and Abby, two lost souls that found each other. This story had slot of heart. Oliver, is the kind of my every girl dreams about. If only they were men like him out there for real😍🙏🏽. His heart is so big and his love for Abby, is so strong that he would have giving up everything for her. His crazy greedy brother Michael, got his just dessert. My heart was beating so fast when I thought the forced takeover of the company was going to go through this time. Thank goodness for his CEO Colin. What a genius he is?!!! Abby, is such a sweet kind person. And a very strong woman at that too. She's perfect for Oliver. She definitely can hold her own. After what her last boyfriend/fiance, did to her, asking her to marry him, when he was already married! What an ass?! I'm so glad that Oliver, finally found his son. This book must have another part to it. Too many open ending. I want more of their happily ever after.
September 2, 2024
Wow! Loved it!
I fell in love with Mallory's Mob Boss books, but got tired of the same plots and constant cliffhangers involving the Gabrini family and stopped reading her books. I came across this book and saw it was a standalone and decided to read a sample. I was hooked.
Ollie and Abby were as different as day and night as well as from worlds galaxies apart. However both were jaded by love and relationships, and had serious trust issues.
They were drawn to each other and embarked on a journey together that changed their perspectives in ways they never saw coming.
In true Mallory Monroe style, there was mayhem and gun violence, but it worked out. I'm pleased that there was a HEA. 10 out of 10 I definitely recommend.
I fell in love with Mallory's Mob Boss books, but got tired of the same plots and constant cliffhangers involving the Gabrini family and stopped reading her books. I came across this book and saw it was a standalone and decided to read a sample. I was hooked.
Ollie and Abby were as different as day and night as well as from worlds galaxies apart. However both were jaded by love and relationships, and had serious trust issues.
They were drawn to each other and embarked on a journey together that changed their perspectives in ways they never saw coming.
In true Mallory Monroe style, there was mayhem and gun violence, but it worked out. I'm pleased that there was a HEA. 10 out of 10 I definitely recommend.
September 8, 2023
Love grows when cared for
The book was choppy and a slow start. This story picks up about 2/3 of the way through. As the storylines develop, they jump and try to tie everything thing up. Oliver has his missing parts, as Abby understands how relationships develop.
I normally enjoy Ms. Monroe's books, but this just dragged out and bored me. The end seemed rushed with a few things left open. Not one of my best reads from the author.
The book was choppy and a slow start. This story picks up about 2/3 of the way through. As the storylines develop, they jump and try to tie everything thing up. Oliver has his missing parts, as Abby understands how relationships develop.
I normally enjoy Ms. Monroe's books, but this just dragged out and bored me. The end seemed rushed with a few things left open. Not one of my best reads from the author.
September 15, 2023
A very disappointing read
I am a big fan of Mallory Monroe, however this was not her best work. Are we sure she wrote this! Was this a test! Ms Monroe normally leaves me eagered to turn the page. There was no build up, no excitement, the storyline was very rushed and very disappointing. I am tempted to ask for a refund. But I'd rather you rewrite the storyline and add more substance and mystery to the plot.
I am a big fan of Mallory Monroe, however this was not her best work. Are we sure she wrote this! Was this a test! Ms Monroe normally leaves me eagered to turn the page. There was no build up, no excitement, the storyline was very rushed and very disappointing. I am tempted to ask for a refund. But I'd rather you rewrite the storyline and add more substance and mystery to the plot.
January 31, 2024
Too short
Love how Abigail developed a standard, albeit at the expense of selling herself short. Oliver take charge,no nonsense was on point. Story is too short,would have like to see Abigail take off the entire restaurant business and get rid of the low pay,poor management style. Also a few kids would have been nice ,with big brother Kyle/Michael to look out for,while helping Oliver to run the many companies under Tate industries.
Love how Abigail developed a standard, albeit at the expense of selling herself short. Oliver take charge,no nonsense was on point. Story is too short,would have like to see Abigail take off the entire restaurant business and get rid of the low pay,poor management style. Also a few kids would have been nice ,with big brother Kyle/Michael to look out for,while helping Oliver to run the many companies under Tate industries.
September 10, 2023
Romantic and Sweet
Mallory Monroe is always a instant buy for me. I love her books and her formula. But this time was different and I am here for it. A mature love story where a cool head and rational decisions dominate the story line. I like my smut but I appreciate a good slow burn fade to black book as well. This was a true delight. Hope there is another installment.
Mallory Monroe is always a instant buy for me. I love her books and her formula. But this time was different and I am here for it. A mature love story where a cool head and rational decisions dominate the story line. I like my smut but I appreciate a good slow burn fade to black book as well. This was a true delight. Hope there is another installment.
September 12, 2023
Where love grows
This book was ok, but what about the Sinatra’s and Gabrini’s, and Drako’s? Mafia stories, are you gonna write anymore of those kind of books? I miss them or new ones like them. This does not seem like your writing style! Only part that did seem like it was and I quote “ heart fell through the shoe”!
This book was ok, but what about the Sinatra’s and Gabrini’s, and Drako’s? Mafia stories, are you gonna write anymore of those kind of books? I miss them or new ones like them. This does not seem like your writing style! Only part that did seem like it was and I quote “ heart fell through the shoe”!
September 15, 2023
A player can love!
From the first paragraph you are hooked to the end. Even though you know how if Will end you want to see how get to that point. You could feel the emotion of the characters, Feel the desire to have someone see me as a person and love me not what I have , Oliver was lonely. Abby wanted to be more that sexual object someone self worth. Well written.
From the first paragraph you are hooked to the end. Even though you know how if Will end you want to see how get to that point. You could feel the emotion of the characters, Feel the desire to have someone see me as a person and love me not what I have , Oliver was lonely. Abby wanted to be more that sexual object someone self worth. Well written.
September 9, 2023
This book was written like a rush read i think the story was building then it was rush so didn't get time to really take on the characters i think there should be a continue of the story to what happen with the son that was missing fo twenty years.
September 10, 2023
Loved it
As expected another great read from one of my favourite author's. I have only one complaint, and that's that I devour all her work, leaving me to wait long periods for my next read 😍. You know I'm going to recommend 😉 you will not be disappointed.
As expected another great read from one of my favourite author's. I have only one complaint, and that's that I devour all her work, leaving me to wait long periods for my next read 😍. You know I'm going to recommend 😉 you will not be disappointed.
September 23, 2023
Not so good
The story was not well thought out, the characters were cookie cutter, and there were far too many errors and confusing sentences. I have read many of her books, and I know she can do better.
The story was not well thought out, the characters were cookie cutter, and there were far too many errors and confusing sentences. I have read many of her books, and I know she can do better.
Read
October 10, 2023Applause!
Drop the mic. What else is there to say. My girl barely disappoints except maybe the Clean novel she wrote that I refused to read. Sorry. I like not being disappointed.
Drop the mic. What else is there to say. My girl barely disappoints except maybe the Clean novel she wrote that I refused to read. Sorry. I like not being disappointed.
September 22, 2023
Who wrote this?
This was the worst book I have read from this author. Very BLAND and no substance. I want a refund!
This was the worst book I have read from this author. Very BLAND and no substance. I want a refund!
October 8, 2023
it was okay,
This ebook was pretty good, besides the typos and slow Hilda’s, it was good. I kind of expected more in the story, the grown son was different.
This ebook was pretty good, besides the typos and slow Hilda’s, it was good. I kind of expected more in the story, the grown son was different.
October 21, 2023
Great read
Short story but had me hooked from start to finish. It wasn’t Mallory’s usual spicy style but loved the chemistry of these two.
Short story but had me hooked from start to finish. It wasn’t Mallory’s usual spicy style but loved the chemistry of these two.
December 15, 2023
good book
I recommend this book. Good storyline, interesting characters and happy ending. I would enjoy a part two or epilogue about the son.
I recommend this book. Good storyline, interesting characters and happy ending. I would enjoy a part two or epilogue about the son.
February 25, 2024
Awesoke
It was so good I read it straight thru. Just couldn't put it down. Now I'm on to the next great read.
It was so good I read it straight thru. Just couldn't put it down. Now I'm on to the next great read.
October 29, 2024
A cute/sweet, insta-love, short story.
September 17, 2023
This was really good! I enjoyed the interaction between Oliver and Abby. Great read!
November 2, 2023
A sweet, fluffy interracial romance. The only objection I have is the constant switching of point of views, even to minor or irrelevant characters. The narrative structure was immensely frustrating.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews