“You will be loved many times by many men. But you will only ever love one man. And that man will be your destruction.”
Wren Whitney lives a beautiful life. She is a child of Beverly Hills, growing up in boarding schools, on private jets—a life of extreme wealth and privilege.
Wren Whitney lives for adventure. She is afraid of nothing. She says no to nothing. Her existence is a blur of international incidents, outrageous stories and the many men that love her.
Wren Whitney has never been in love. She has said the words many times but has never meant them. I love you is the only lie she’s ever told. Except when she says the words to her girlfriends, the people she most adores. But to a man? No. She would never mean those three words. Because it would be the end of the life she holds so dear.
Wren Whitney knows the second she meets him that he will destroy her. That she will love him with everything that she is. Until her dying day. She tries to fight it, feebly. Because she is a woman who isn’t afraid of anything.
Not even him.
“He will be your sun. Your stars. Your moon. Even though this man is darkness itself. Midnight personified.”
Wren Whitney does not trouble herself by thinking of the consequences of her actions. What events she put in motion by letting him into her life. She never could have imagined what would happen to her. To them. How utterly ruined they would both be by their love.
Anne 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.
Anne Malcom is probably one of the most honest authors I have ever read. She stays true to the story and the characters even if it means she has to take to the deepest part of emotional hell. What Grows Dies Here was just like that. A soul shredding, gut wrenching, heartbreaking and unforgettable romance. A unique take on grief, loss and love. It was vibrant and angsty. Wren and Karson's epic love story cannot be missed. One of my top 2022 read and probably, the best work of Anne Malcom till date.
Wren Whitney is a remarkable woman. She may belong to the rich and elite side but that's not what defines her. She is beautiful, fearless and has the biggest heart. Any man would fall at her feet. But not Karson. He is the right hand man of Jay Helmick, the dark hero ruling a major part of LA. Their paths cross when her best friend Stella gets involved with Jay. And she instantly understands that Karson is unlike any other man. They are explosive. Reckless. Wren never wanted to commit but Karson wants all in. But they will soon face a loss so deep and devastating that their love will turn toxic. Can they survive it?
Please read the author note betore you start the story as there is a trigger that is the core of the story. The trauma redefined Wren and Karson. And that journey is the true beauty of the story. Grief is a monster that can devour the brightest soul and it engulfed Wren as whole. This story goes from the sensual, passion filled and intoxicating days to the dark dark days. You get to experience the high when the chemistry would send electric sensation through your soul and body and you will feel drunk from Wren and Karson's swoony vibrant love. And then you will be snatched from the glorious days to the deepest despair and heartbreak. It was all consuming. I think I could hear my heart breaking over and over again. It was almost too unbearable. I stopped and closed the book and dealt with the waves of pain and started again. I did cry. I think I cried harder when Wren fought and came back. Karson is the true alpha hero. He is not whole or nice or perfect. He is real, raw, flawed and just brilliant. He is the definition of loyal and protective and possessive alpha hero. He is unreal and he will forever stay in my heart. Wren is one of the strongest heroine. She has this sparkling wit, bold beauty and impulsive emotional personality. So her battle was harder. And harder for Karson too. I really don't think I can explain how amazing this story is. Inspiring and riveting and something that will haunt me a long time.
If you met her in the Klutch Duet, you’re eager for Wren’s Whitney’s story! Who wouldn’t want to read about a rich, gorgeous, bada$$ woman who parties around the world?
In WGDH, you will experience one of her parties and even get to meet a prince she dates, but I was surprised that those were only tiny aspects of her story, just itty bitty speed bumps in the this roller coaster of a book! Anne Malcom takes us DEEP (and I mean deeeeeep) into Wren’s life. If you are a crier, have tissues nearby!! The emotions you will feel… I truly don’t have words to describe them! All I can say is that they were palpable, they were frequent, and there are many, so be ready!
Bravo on writing another moving, impactful, entertaining, touching story, Anne!!!
after avoiding reading this cause i knew it was going to be good, i finally finished it. i’m gonna start of my saying this review is FULL of spoilers. but if you don’t want the spoilers, basically just know i would recommend it, and it’s a iffy four stars (maybe 3.75) and definitely had some things that i hated.
❌SPOILER WARNING ❌
i was highly anticipating this one, just cause it sounded so good but mainly cause i’m addicted to the nice guy bitchy heroine trope. addicteddddd. just wanna say, this embodied it very well.
let’s start off with the things i hated: -plot jumps. i love time gaps but NOT plot gaps. she got a tat of his name? didn’t even see it. he’s totally obsessed with her and won’t leave her alone even when she’s pushing him away? didn’t see any of it. -the fade to black scenes that aren’t fade to black. like last about a paragraph. like brooooo what?! -the way that almost every chapter was something we had already seen in the Klutch duet. like it was literally copy paste change POV.
those things infuriated me. how can anyone enjoy that omg but i will say this book had its kicking screaming blushing moments ya know. not tons, but some.
contrary to what a lot of people will be complaining about, i kinda enjoyed the miscarriage aspect. i love when authors add a real life thing that they are going through, cause it makes the story real and raw. so yeah, actually liked that part a lot.
overall maybe my hopes were too high, but this book definitely let me down. ALSO!! the formatting of this book was total shit. read it in paperback, literally the chapters from Wrens POV said Karson at the beginning. girl what? didn’t deduce stars for that but i should have. i think that’s an author thing, but it’s an amazon thing though. also a few spelling mistakes.
so yeah, disappointing. oh well. did enjoy it especially with the bitchy heroine trope.
This book is in my Top 10 books I’ve ever read easily. I will argue anyone who says other wise ☺️
Please read the authors notes before jumping into this one. I did. Then I read the prologue… The words written provoked emotion I didn’t think I had… by reading the notes you are able to understand more of what Wren and Karson are going through during there love story and as they go through loss and grief. Also gives your perspective of what the author went through before and while writing this story…
“I fell in love with a murderer, got impregnated by him, let myself hope for some kind of warped future, and then got it all shattered, literally, by a bullet tearing through my body, killing my baby,”
I know!
BUT Don’t worry folks you still get your 3 D’s -dark, dirty and delicious with Wren and Karsons story! I was captivated and immediately fell in love with both of them! I want to be there besties please, where do I sign??
My word this book did not disappoint!!! Team Wren and Karson! Heck Team Stella and Jay too!
I’m not someone who gets deep easily (it’s an uncomfortable feeling for me) but this book left me speechless and… it’s a truly incredible read.
A few basic words that no where near begins to describe this story.
And you get all of those from the Author warning and prologue at the beginning of the story.
Take the time to read the Klutch Duet first if you can. A scene or couple of sentences in WGHD doesn’t begin to explain the Jay/Stella story and you will have a much better knowledge of Wren and Karson having read Klutch.
This was a hard story to read. All sassy and sexy and then Boom, the darkness spreads and you can see how hard it must’ve been for Anne Malcolm to write this.
My only request is we get to see them again. I want a “12 months from now” scene just to see how their HEA worked out. Because by George do they deserve an HEA after that!
It's so difficult for me to put into words just how much this book made me feel. It feels impossible to explain when the connection to these characters, their journey and this author's raw, real, courageous vulnerability is so strong. I understood going in, that this would be a thought provoking story. One that would hurt a whole lot. I knew it wouldn't be pretty and it definitely wasn't going to be your story book fairytale. I just didn't expect it to hit so real and hurt so hard.
Wren is a fierce character. She loyal, she strong and she knows herself better than anything else. This independent woman lives the life of luxury but she's not selfish with her power and she's most definitely not stupid with her smarts. Despite her not believing in herself as much as those who love her believe in her, she is a one woman powerhouse with a lot to give.
Karson is the ultimate book husband. He's the steadfast strong hold. The man who doesn't let go even when pushed passed most limits. He's a constant in hard times, the anchor in a shitstrom. Not once did this man waver. Not through his own grief and desperation. Not when he could of been selfish for his own self preservation. Not when she pushed so hard it's a wonder he didn't break. This man TOOK.IT.ALL. Lord I loved him.
These two are fire and ice. Their relationship is all consuming burning hotter than hell and brutal in its delivery. Their beginning is the perfect mix of sin and seduction. Both pushing boundaries, teasing, touching and playing. It's fiery, it had me chuckling so hard at times with their banter and bickering. They're intoxicating. They had me hopeful...and then they crushed me into tiny pieces only to put me back together a whole different human. The darkness hits brutally and leaves you exposed to everything. I was unprepared for it and therefore exposed to every harsh hit that comes with their life. This isn't a fairy tale. It real life with perfectly flawed humans navigating life through soul crushing heartbreak and grief. It's not pretty but it is them in all their glory.
I did laugh in this story and I did swoon at them hardcore. I also cried so hard and tried to breathe through the pain of sobbing in the midst of having covid. It was a struggle both emotionally and literally painful. This is a hard book to read and perhaps not for everyone. There is a trigger warning for loss and believe me when I tell you that this story is going to hurt .. all the way up to the end for many reasons. But it's also one of the best books I've read and it's one that I won't ever forget.
I'd be doing this author a disservice if I didn't thank her for laying her heart out on these pages and being so brave for sharing something so personal and painful to her and her husband. It takes courage to do that. This journey is heartfelt and heart wrenching but what a fucking story it was and what an ending for these phenomenal characters. I'm mind blown and in awe.
I wasn't sure I'd be able to write a review. I know this doesn't do it justice. But it's all I've got. Just know I'm a hot mess of emotions even after hours of finishing it.
5 FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR STARS!! OMG....My heart and soul are barely alive after reading this heart wrenching story. Karson and Wren destroyed me....my heart has been crushed and my tears have been flowing. This is why Anne Malcom is MY FAVORITE AUTHOR.... she engraves her words on my heart. Thank you for this book.
Wow what an emotional ride, I think I felt like I was working through the stages of grief. I wasn't in the right frame of mind to read this really, I'm still suffering a loss (All be it a very close friend) and this just broke me in two.
The author has a fore note working at the beginning of the book and I recommend anyone reads this before delving in as there will definitely be triggers. Wow, get a box of tissues read and be prepared. a Solid 3.5 stars, I agree with most this is a 4 star book but I needed to be in the right mind to appreciate it like that. Available on kindle unlimited, so free read if you subscribe to the service.
4.75⭐️ I’m at a loss for words… This. was. outstanding. Absolutely phenomenal And so fucking heartbreaking This did not disappoint. Not. one. bit.
It’s literally impossible to not love Wren I loved her sooo damn much. She was a one of a kind woman. An inspiring one at that. Queen queen queen Everything that she said…🙌🙌🙌 Bad ass bitch I loved seeing her journey. I’m gonna cry just thinking about it:(
And Karson… This man🥺 Beautiful. Just beautiful. God, the way he loved her. I’m gonna fucking cry. This man exceeded everything. Saying I love him is a severe understatement.
I just wished there was a grand epilogue to this universe (basically the Klutch duet). And I obviously wanted to see more of my favorite couples 🥺
Heavily skimmed This was just a case of “wrong situation and mood
Finally a hero who doesn’t make a decision for both and ends up breaking off with her, just because he is “apparently” too dangerous and he is sweet like that.
And bdw Karson, welcome to the family of unrealistic expectations..
I have rarely read such an emotional book. The connection between Wren and Karson is otherworldly and the idea that he loves her despite all the pain, the many bad words and even his own grief is almost too good to be true.
The book deals with very sensitive issues and I would advise anyone to think twice before reading it. Wren's raw emotions are intense and often brought tears to my eyes.
All in all a beautiful book. Full of love that I can only wish for everyone.
I love the feminist influences and even if Wren herself speaks very reflectively about her privileges - most rich people don't do that and most people who experience these heavy blows of fate don't have double, triple, quadruple bottom.
“Believe in us,” he demanded, emotion making his voice rough. “You don’t need to search for a higher power, a fucking god. Because what we have is something more than that. It’s tangible. It’s real. It’s right fuckin’ here. I’m right fuckin’ here. I’m not going anywhere. I will follow you wherever you go. I will worship at your altar.”
Wren was so annoying and no she wasn’t a badass FMC. The book had no plot or maybe it did but I didn’t feel like there was. I wanted Karson to just leave her already. She would ghost him for MONTHS. Please, The romance was so mild. Didn’t connect with wren at all surprise surprise. I liked karson it’s just that he deserved someone better than that bratty FMC. This is a sign for me to stop picking up good looking covers. All they do is disappoint 🙃
When I first read about Wren in the Klutch series, I was drawn to her. I mean, what was there not to like she was bubbly, a great friend, and charismatic. Her life seemed like a dream as she was flitting around from party to party, dating prominent men, and getting to enjoy her time with her friends. So, when I first heard that this book was going to be about her, I was excited. I knew something traumatic had happened in Stella and Jay's book but nothing prepared me for this book. NOTHING.
This book hurt. I am talking almost a literal physical type of hurt. This author made me feel everything in such a tangible way that it was almost soul-crushing. The pain flew off the pages. It hurt my heart so much to know that this was so personal for the author and for so many other women in the world. It didn't just hurt for Wren but also for Karson. The way that this author depicted this from both points of view showed how devastating this is. Personally, it is not something that I have had to experience and after reading this I am ever so glad because the strength that this must take is not only admirable but is extraordinary.
While this story definitely hurt and went deep, like the middle of the earth deep, that is not to say that it didn't have moments of levity. I loved these characters. Watching them fall in love and the depth of that connection is why I read romance, especially, this author's work. I loved watching the moments between friends and seeing some of the personal one-on-one moments between them was beautiful to see. The way that Karson lays it all out on the line, each and every time, of his feelings... dear god, swoon. He is not a typical good man, but he is so far from the villain where Wren is concerned. There is a certain moment that, although shouldn't have been funny, was so funny because it was so on par with where the character was coming from (Karson issuing an ultimatum to a doctor) that I had to laugh while simultaneously holding back tears. That takes serious SKILL.
This was a bumpy road and shows how much work it takes to have love, be in love, and get that happily ever after. However, it is also a reminder that if it is meant to be, nothing can stop it from being worth it, especially, when Hope is involved. One of my favorites from this author. I never thought that I would say this but I think Heath and Polly (Greenstone Security book 3) have been replaced as my favorite couple from this author.
After reading the Klutch duet, well, after just the first book in the duet, I was all about Karson ~ sorry Jay, but it’s true ~ and I loved Stella’s girl crew and I had my toes crossed that Karson and Wren would get their own HEA because the chemistry between them was off the charts was intense even then. So, you can imagine how excited I was when this book was announced (well, after sorting through all the bookish things in my head in order to remember WHO they were) and the author did not disappoint. This baby may get intense in a brutal heart wrenching way, but it gave me all the things I was hoping for them, and few I really wished hadn’t happened to them, and had me really wishing there were more words to read because I didn’t want to say goodbye.
Karson and Wren. I adored these two. Karson is morally gray, but his sense of honor is undeniable. His cold, intimidating exterior isn’t a shield, it is just who he is, but the heart beneath it burns red hot for those he calls his own. Wren is a force. Sassy, protective, fierce. She isn’t afraid to experience much in this world, but does have a huge kevlar wall around her heart.
Their journey to their HEA is a rough one. It’s one of those that you can’t help but get lost in, even when the going gets tough ~ and boy, does it get tough. But I loved them together and couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out for them in the end.
This was an intense one. I know that’s general, but it’s fact. There are triggers and situations that may be hard for some, but it’s the journey both Karson and Wren needed to take to become more. As for the rest of the crew. It was fun to see Jay and Stella’s journey from another POV, but hanging out with Yasmine & Zoe was awesome and I do hope that these two get their own HEA’s at some point in the future.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Wren and Karson’s story is here and as you can imagine it’s raw and gritty with a side of heartbreak❤️🩹 After reading Stella and Jay, Karson and Wren piqued my interest and stood out for me as a couple I wanted to get know in greater depth. My perception of Karson was admittedly skewed and not at all how he is portrayed in the story but he was certainly the anti-hero I was expecting and pushed the bar higher than I thought possible❣️
Miscarriage is one of those natural occurrences that is not spoken of in general, but like I found when I had my first miscarriage more people reveal that they’ve had one themselves when you talk about it. I was lucky enough to fall pregnant not long after I lost my first child and it lives with you indefinitely and definitely shapes the person you are. Some heartbreaking moments in this story but a lovely, well-deserved ending😍
I’m hoping we get a story for Zoe and Yasmine in the future as I’m definitely intrigued to find out more about these characters😁 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
What Grows Dies Here tells the story of Wren. Growing up in Beverly Hills, she has a life of wealth and privilege. But she's never been in love. She knows when she finds the man she loves, he will destroy her. But when she meets him, she doesn't think of the consequences. Or all that will be lost by their love.
This was such a good read. Moving. Addicting. Dark. There are two parts. The first is slower, full of heat and seduction. The second is faster paced, with so much angst and emotion. I really wasn't completely sure how this was going to end. These two has so much chemistry and banter though. But the feels too, my gosh. I didn't always love Wren, but I felt for her. Karson though, my gosh I just fu*king loved him.
There was a little repetition throughout, but overall a really great story I recommend reading!
NOTE: I would recommend reading the Klutch Duet prior to this, if you plan to read that too, as this book will give away the plot of the duet.
*Also, I want to mention the Author's Note. If you want to go into this story blind DO NOT read the author's note at the start of the book. If you do need TW's, you can find them there. Knowing them spoiled the anticipation a little for me. But to be clear, it was my fault for mistakenly reading it, and I'm 100% okay with having my read spoiled for lack of a better word, if it means someone else wasn't triggered. Just wanted to give others a heads up.
What Grows Dies Here is an emotional journey that documents loss, grief, destruction and then healing. Be aware this deals very specifically with pregnancy loss. I know for some this can be a trigger, so it's best to know this going in. Having firsthand experience, there was quite a bit here I could relate to, either from my own experience or those close to me. Wren and Karson's story is known to readers who read The Klutch Duet, but here we get to more closely follow the journey completely from beginning to end. Wren is not my favorite- she is wealthy and has no hesitation in going for whatever it is she wants, and is privileged and shows it. Karson however is a perfect alpha male hero and I very much loved getting more of him in this story.
Got damn. I usually don’t write reviews but this book has me sitting and staring at my wall at 4 am wondering if I need a shot, cigarette, box of Kleenex or all three.
Even though I knew what was going to happen since I read the Klutch duet, it did NOT prepare me for what I was about to feel all the way to the last page. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and repeated the cycle. I love Jay but Karson is my new book boyfriend. If he ran me over, I’d thank him.
Wren is one of my favorite female characters of all time. Anne did such an amazing job with this book and I can’t wait to read more of what she’s written. There’s so much more I could say but I’m in awe at the moment!
P.S. I’ve never cried so hard over a damn closet in my life… lol
This book fucking broke me. There is no other author that touches me like Anne Malcom. She describes feelings and pain and all the numbness inbetween like no other, and she makes it all so relatable. She put her soul into this book, I could feel it, and I am sending her all the love and strength for what she is going through. This book was magnificent, there is no one else who can explain so perfectly what it feels like to be broken in so many different ways as Anne Malcom, in this book as well is in many of her others, and I am in awe. Anne Malcom is the author that speaks to me like nobody else and she will forever be my favorite. She does not sugarcoat the truth, does not create happy endings and keeps it all real, ugly and honest. And this makes it so fucking amazing and so fucking heartbreaking at the same time. Magnificent book.
Wren & Karson's journey is one I will NEVER forget!!
Anne has once again brought readers a story with characters and life situations that we can relate to and this is why I immediately one-click her new releases and have even been known to set aside what I’m reading to dive into her novels.
This story is heartbreakingly raw, real and emotionally and mentally exhausting. It will rip you apart and you will feel every tear, but you’ll be glad you went on this journey with Wren and Karson.
What Grows Dies Here is a story I will not soon forget, will actually never forget, and it’s just one amazing example of the fabulous talent Anne Malcom has for writing stories and characters that suck in the reader and have them experiencing EVERYTHING with them.
If you have not yet introduced yourself to Anne’s novels, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? They are a MUST read!!!
Wow… there are no words to describe the absolute brilliance of this book. You really do need to read The Klutch duet first to truly understand what happened before this book. This book will put you through an emotional ringer, so prepare yourself and really read the warning at the beginning. I adored Karson before this book, but utterly love him now. This book helped you understand Wren more. And had you rooting for them. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. This is truly one of my favorite books.
This book deserves 10 stars....minimum!! I'm not even sure how I'm supposed to put my feelings about this into actual words.
This story was absolutely heartbreaking but at the same time it was so beautiful. I had to stop several times to dry my tears and compose myself before I could continue.
This was hands down the best book I've read in a very long time.
*3.5* I really had high hopes for this book, mostly because of the ratings and the blurb which intrigued me - unfortunately I was a little disappointed. I tried my hardest to relate and feel for Wren and Karson, but it felt so detached and unemotional. I mean yes, there were a few tragic and sad moments but they didn't penetrate as much as I hoped.
Bad ass women write bad ass stories. They share with you their pain, their love, weaknesses and strengths in the stories they write. Anne Malcom, once again, gripped our hearts, ravaged our minds by creating this love story about how a hard alpha criminal found the one woman that was strong enough to be his fate. You will bleed with their pain, its raw, gritty and heartbreakingly real. You will cry, feel hopeless and for those of you who have experienced a heartbreak, you will still revel in their love, strength, and pure desire to be with each other. They are worlds apart but their hearts found each other and if you have experienced a life altering loss, this story will remind you that even though we can experience the very worst heartbreak; sometimes that pain can give us a Rebirth.
Where you find yourself healed in a different way. From darkness there will come light by pure strength of will.
Another intense and emotional read from Anne Malcom! Phew.... my heart is still in my throat and with these characters. Do not take the TW's lightly. This book is about living life to the fullest, love and loss. It is dark, and yet the heroine shines so brightly at times. The hero will surprise you in the best of ways, and there is steam a plenty! Well done once again A Malcom!
We previously met Wren and Karson in The Kluth Duet. I was so excited to read Wren’s story. We get a great insight into her life, and how she handles these feelings she can’t fight for Karson. These two go through a lot. Some of the drama is unnecessary, but it happens due to how Wren chooses to approach Karson. Wren thinks she doesn’t need anyone to lean on, but has to be there for everyone else. She has to learn that she deserves the love she’s given, and figure out how overcome the walls she’s built around herself.
What Grows Dies Here is such a heart wrenching, bittersweet book, that it is hard to read in places. But it is so good. It is entertaining, emotional, and difficult. It's also intelligent, loving, and redeeming. Anne Malcom always writes the best heroines, and Wren is no exception. She is strong, vivacious, and her love is all encompassing. And Karsen is dark, intriguing, and so present. This is one of those books that hurts, but it also gives you all of the complexity that real life relationships are, while also giving you an excellent story.
*Please read the Klutch Duet before this one, if you haven't yet. You will do yourself a disservice if you don't get to know Jay and Stella, before Karsen and Wren. Also be aware of the major trigger that is mentioned in the front matter if you have trigger sensitivities. Get to know this author's work if you haven't because you are truly missing out if you don't! ~ Reyne