Deep in the Heart of Edmund: A Rags to Romance Book

by Mallory Monroe

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

Mallory 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.

Reviews

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This story

I really enjoyed the plot and drama of this story. Mallory always gets me with her "WHO DONE IT" plots. I love Maude. She was a self-reliant, independent woman who fought against the adversities of her life starting at 6 yrs old. Dr. Edmund Keating, head of surgery at his hospital and playboy, was a whole different story. He was a grumpy, take no hostages kind of man. He was straight talking man who was determined to live life on his own terms. He was determined never to get married and would not be swayed otherwise. That is, until he saw Maudetta Drayton. His body's reaction to just her presence was unexplainable.

His sister Natasha was another character altogether. She had me totally fooled. I just knew that Ross Hampton was the cause of all the plotting. and scheming. It is always someone close to the main character who feels entitled to something they did not deserve.

This was another good book, Mallory. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.

[Brenda C Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good one.

I really liked this book because it didn’t start with a waitress or woman with nothing. Maude was self sufficient with a good job even though it didn’t last. She got to where she was with hard work. Even though I like the rags to riches books I get tired of the women being so broke down with nothing to show for themselves. This book was different in that sense and I liked it. Even though Edmund wanted Maude and she wanted him, she was not going to just hand him the key to the kingdom. He had to earn it. That’s what made this story a love story! And the suspense of who’s the culprit is always intriguing.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edmund and Maude

Edmund is man who struggles with commitment, it’s not because he doesn’t feel deeply, but because he fears the weight of choosing just one path, one person, one life. Opposite him stands a Maude who loves fiercely but refuses to shrink herself to fit into someone else’s uncertainty. She is driven, self-aware, and unwilling to abandon her dreams, even for love. I enjoyed this story and didn’t expect it to end the way it did.

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edmund and “Then There’s Maude” 🥰🥰

I really enjoyed this story. This one, by far, is my favorite in this series! I liked that Maude, although not a high career-oriented person, was still a career investigative reporter who cared about people and was always going to be herself!! I loved the way their story blossomed. I highly recommend you reading this book. Kudos to you, Mallory!! 💜

[Patricia H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a mixed up strange rollercoaster story. Talk about dysfunctional! Edmund Keating's family are the epitome of it. So many mixed up nutty family member. Dispute all the error in the story it was a good read all the way to the end . Maude was truly made foe Edmund. They're perfectly balanced for each other.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Another great instalment from one of my favourite authors. Engaging a d enjoyable storytelling with loveable engaging characters. Always a pleasure reading this author's writing.

[claudette johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

And...

Then there's Maude...mz.Mallory has done it again weaved a tale of mystery, intrigue, love, laughter and evil around an epic 70's comedy series with an iconic character and catchy theme song...the memories simply amazing bravo...5+++++ more stars...I loved it

[Cheryl Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the latest

I just love how the hardest/meanest/stubbornness men fall so hard and fast for the main female character. I'm already anxiously waiting on the next new release from Mallory Monroe!!!

[Delilah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delij75

Always like reading about new people. To be truthful at one point I thought one if his children would be working with his sister, but the brother was a good way to go. Great story.

[Charmaine Carby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story

This book had me on the edge. What a twist. Wow
I recommend this book
I really enjoyed this .book

[Irene Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.