Promising Little Poppy

Littles of Rawhide Ranch #4

by Amity Malcom

Poppy Miller is lying to everyone around her.

On the outside, she’s the kind of person everyone loves to be around. Bright, happy, and full of fun.

But on the inside, she’s an anxious mess, just one small inconvenience away from a complete meltdown.

Until she meets the one woman who promises to change everything.

CJ is exactly what Poppy never knew she needed. Gentle and kind, she gives Poppy the space she needs to be Little when the world seems too big and scary.

It seems like Rawhide and Master Derek have worked their magic again, until a misunderstanding sends Poppy spiraling.

Now, she’ll have to trust not only her new Daddy, but herself to stand by the promises they made.

Promises that could last forever… if they’re brave enough to keep them.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Erotica

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2024

About the author

Amity Malcom writes books about people, sex, and people having sex. Her books are full of humor and heat that she only wishes she possessed in real life the way her characters do on page.

When she isn’t procrastinating on her next manuscript by devouring romance books at an unhealthy pace, you can find her exploring Washington DC alongside her wife, planning extravagant vacations she’ll never be able to afford, and trying with haste to pet every animal on the planet.

Only four awards away from winning an EGOT, Amity is proud to be a champion of underrepresented relationships and loves to celebrate queer joy in all its various forms.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rawhide Ranch Sapphic Romance!

Well done! I literally just did a nice big happy sigh after reading the ending.

Starting out as a platonic Daddy/little dynamic, CJ showed Poppy how to slow down and listen and question with so much open communication about how their dynamic would be most beneficial and healthy and safe for both of them. As with most short stories and bdsm lifestyle relationships, this book only takes place over less than three weeks. It is intense and beautiful. The author was able to weave a full story into a shorter book and time frame creating honest feelings and emotions. Well done!

[Leann McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making oneself vulnerable is very hard to do. Especially when you have been burned before. This is a sweet and spicy story of a journey to love in an unexpected way. A fantastic addition to the RR series!

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. So cute! I really enjoyed this. Poppy and CJ were perfect for each other. Poppy is adorable and sweet and riddled with anxiety. CJ is charming as hell, laidback but knows how to be the perfect Daddy for Poppy. Daddy kink in sapphic romances hell fucking yes! I always love it when I come across it and this was damn good. This was such a cozy little read and I absolutely adored it and would read it again.

[Rara Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt inclusive story

Promising Little Poppy by Amity Malcom is the newest addition to the Littles of Rawhide Ranch series, and it definitely lives up to the rest. This book dives deep into the experiences of someone dealing with anxiety, giving readers an authentic view into what it’s like to live with it. While I don’t personally have anxiety, Ms. Malcom's writing made it much easier for me to understand how overwhelming it can feel. Her descriptions of Poppy's panic attacks and anxious thoughts really pulled me into Poppy's world, and I felt a lot of sympathy for her.

One of the things I really loved about Promising Little Poppy was the way CJ and Poppy’s relationship was portrayed. Even though CJ is female, Poppy calls her "Daddy," which breaks the traditional gender expectations and shows that being a “Daddy” is more about a feeling and a way of caring than it is about gender. This choice added a lot of inclusivity and diversity to the story, which I’m always happy to see in books.

CJ was such a standout character because of her patience and understanding. She really made an effort to support Poppy and her anxiety in ways that felt real and effective. Instead of trying to “cure” Poppy’s anxiety, CJ helped her find ways to adapt and work through it. So many books gloss over anxiety or treat it like something that can be fixed overnight, but this one got it right by showing how complex it can be.

Promising Little Poppy isn’t just a romance story; it’s also a reminder of the importance of acceptance and empathy. This book did an amazing job with these themes, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt, inclusive stories with a lot of emotional depth.

[Paris Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Amity Malcom, both as an author and a human, and this book really felt as though she poured her heart and soul into it.
First off, I loved Poppy. She was such a great portrayal of debilitating anxiety, and she starts off feeling so hopeless and like she has nowhere to go. I really felt for her, especially with the hints to what she'd been through in the past.
Amity then gave us an absolute masterclass in how kink can be healing and powerful, and that it doesn't always have to have a sexual dimension. Caregiver/ little is not a dynamic I'm overly familiar with but I thought it was portrayed thoughtfully, and addressed a lot of the misconceptions that commonly accompany age play.
I loved how the relationship between Poppy and CJ grew, from a little initial spark into mutual respect and adoration. I also liked that Poppy gets the tools she needs to help her in life, and though she's guided by CJ she isn't entirely reliant on her. When they finally give in to the true extent of their feelings, the spice is both incredibly hot but so very tender at the same time. It's a relationship where they choose one another, not one where Poppy NEEDS CJ, which would have been an easy trap to fall into.
Amity's sapphic stories continue to scratch my brain just right, and I'm so happy she took the leap to start writing them.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is so full and I feel all warm and fuzzy after reading this delightful story! What a great addition to the Rawhide Ranch series. Poppy is a breath of fresh air and has lived at the Ranch for a few years and has yet to meet the right person for her. She suffers from anxiety and this author told her story with grace and dignity. I definitely have a better idea how someone deals with anxiety, and my heart hurt for Poppy. She is so sweet and caring, but hasn’t had an easy life. So when CJ comes along to visit the Ranch, she is instantly enamored with Poppy. The attraction is like no other. As in usual fashion with Master Derek, he knows they should be together, but will Poppy accept a Caregiver who is a woman? I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this unique journey and all that it entailed. The love and kindness that CJ gives Poppy made my heart completely melt. If ever there was a story to read in this series, this is definitely it!

[Joe Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read. 
I love the character dynamics and the rich and vibrant stage. Rawhide Ranch is an open and inclusive world I wish we could all live in. 
Poppy had been at Rawhide Ranch three years and feels at a loss for what she should do next. Her university course is about to finish. What will this mean to her. Her summons to Master Derek's office is not a good sign. 
CJ is on vacation, an accident in the cafeteria has her covered in lettuce and finding a new focus for her immediate future. 
Both Poppy and CJ live very different lives. Bringing them together sets a path unexpected to both of them. 
I was captivated by these characters and the story woven around them. The plot is beautiful detailed and heart-felt, full of emotion and wide ranges of passion.
I highly recommend this book and author

[ZJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to Rawhide Ranch.

This book kept me interested, with the different dynamics discussed, negotiated and put into practice. As always, the fundamentals are subject to revisions as Rawhide Ranch works it's magic once again.

The concept of Daddy is well portrayed, just not your typical DDlg. As the relationship progressed, I found it didn't matter. Daddy is the embodiment of caring, listening, guiding, nurturing and loving, gender identification is inconsequential.

I empathized with Poppy, she carried a lot of baggage to the Ranch with her, not really dealing with it until she met the right person to quell the insecurities and quiet her mind. A happy ending was just the right reward for her.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this addition to the Ranch Series.
I really felt for Poppy. I love how accurate the feelings of anxiety and worry from emotional trauma were. Having been through such things myself I really related to her. I just wanted to squeeze her tight to say she's not alone.
This is first book I've read where a woman was called daddy. I have to say I enjoyed seeing that. It just goes to show anyone can have any title if it feels right to both parties.
CJ was perfect daddy for Poppy. I would love to have known a little more about her past where she was hurt and what type of hurt. Aside from that, I loved how patient and respectful she was with Poppy.
There were even some good coping skills given in the story.
I hope we get to see more of these two in future stories.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the newest edition to the Little of Rawhide Ranch Series. This is my first read by Amity Malcom. It’s the story of Poppy who lives on the ranch but struggles in her day to day life with anxiety. She meets CJ who becomes a caregiver to Poppy. Poppy and CJ have a DDlg relationship even though Poppy doesn’t claim to be a little. Even though CJ is a woman, Poppy and CJ are comfortable with CJ being called Daddy. This author’s writing breaks the stereotypical mold of only males being a daddy. She also gives us great insight into Poppy’s world in living with anxiety. CJ and Poppy’s story is beautiful to witness as it unfolds throughout the book.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting addition to the Littles of Rawhide Ranch series. Once I got into the rhythm of the book, I enjoyed it. Poppy has suffered a lot of trauma in her life. She suffers from crippling anxiety, the kind where she agonizes over decisions. Master Derek matches her with CJ to help build her confidence. CJ helps to guide Poppy in a calm, nurturing way. She helps Poppy to take control of her life. The two share an attraction that builds throughout the book.

The story was lovely. I enjoyed reading it, and I enjoyed how the two came together. This is my first book from this author, but I have searched for more. I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the books in the Rawhide Ranch series because we get characters who have the same issues are people in real life. Poppy has really bad anxiety, you can feel it at times.........which tells you the story is on point for helping a reader understand how it feels. I loved how patient and kind CJ is with Poppy, helping her along and doing what she can to make Poppy feel better. It was a pleasure to read this story, and I loved that Poppy called CJ, "Daddy", even though she is a woman. Such a good story and I would highly recommend this to anyone!!!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Wow, another awesome book for Rawhide Ranch and master match making again and as usual he got it right again with Poppy, needing extra care with her illness after a traumatic incident. CJ has been working on the Ranch when Master Derek talk to her about a little coming to the Ranch and needs a little TLC, and shown that everything is OK, and being in little space is what she needs. The chemistry between them was sweet, caring, beautiful and romantic. So Worth Reading.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ff

I'm very disappointed with this book.
I read the description of this book and thought it would be something I would enjoy. As I started reading it I was getting Ff vibes so I went back and re-read the description. It definitely said "Daddy". Come to find out the "CJ" the description talks about is female. Also, the "Daddy" the description talks about is the same female, who identifies as female in all ways.
This is not a genre i would choose as it just doesn't appeal to me. I feel like I was purposely mislead by the description hence the low rating

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Little on the Ranch story - Poppy is a mess, has been on the Ranch for a couple of years. CJ spots her when she arrives. While there is a light mutual attraction it is a bit of a slower and calmer growth of a relationship than the usual. It is satisfying to see how CJ takes control in a gentle way and guides Poppy into taking control of her life. Some of the usual residents appear but are not central to the story.

I received an ARC and freely offer this review.

[Princess TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All they Need is Love! Poppy has suffered a lot of trauma in her 27 years. She is lost after more than two years as a student at Rawhide University. Fortunately, CJ finds her way to the Rawhide Ranch. Master Derek encourages both women to develop a DDlg caregiver dynamic that blooms. This is my first read by Amity Malcom and it won’t be my last. This was a quick read that wound its way around my heart!

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit skeptical of a female "Daddy" but this author has changed my mind. CJ is assigned by Master Derek to Poppy, who lives at the Ranch and struggles with her anxiety. Poppy says she isn't little, but CJ acts as her caregiver, helping her with anxiety. But CJ is only at the Ranch for a limited time and Poppy worries about their time ending. The author did a great job portraying their developing relationship. This was a great addition to the Rawhide series.

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf @ 50%, mainly because I didnt feel it was ever adressed what CJ, Poppy's caregiver, wanted to be called. CJ is referred to as a woman, and a bit tomboyish and androgynous, but it was never discussed between her and Poppy if she wanted Poppy to call her Daddy, Mommy or something else. I didn't feel this topic was handled well, and it just seemed odd that without a conversation about it first that Poppy would call her Daddy?

[Maria G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Poppy and CJ. They start off with a caregiver relationship but it changes to so much more. I loved that CJ was Poppy's Daddy. Their dynamic was everything they each needed and I loved them together. I definitely enjoyed this read.

I read an ARC and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciation

Poppy is so alone even around others because of her past.
CJ is looking to rejuvenate herself and did not plan on what happens.
Master Derek is definitely a match maker.
You can feel the love and concern that both Poppy and CJ feel for each other.
They definitely compliment each other.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman with crippling anxiety pursues her first Caregiver/Little dynamic in this sweet ff novella.

This was simply adorable and some people might not understand how an age play romance could be incredibly wholesome, but it is.

I love seeing Amity broaden her writing horizons and I’m excited to see what comes next.

Slow burn with spanking.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual 3rd Past

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

poppy and CJ

This is the first book I read by this author and I absolutely love so far the Rawhide Ranch books. Poppy thought she was a big mess and was also a screw up. CJ was escaping her life for 2 weeks at Rawhide. When Master Derek recommended trying to have a caregiver to poppy. Poppy doesn’t know what to expect. CJ is what poppy definitely needed.

[Pat Brune · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poppy and CJ's story

Poppy is a little but doesn't realize it. CJ comes to Rawhide ranch to regroup after yet another breakup. She is a photographer. Poppy has panic attacks and low self esteem. Derek pairs the two together for the weeks that CJ is at the ranch as her caregiver. CJ sets rules and timelines that help Poppy. But Poppy has never been with another woman before. Loved how they came to love each other. Highly recommend all Rawhide ranch stories.

[Toi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Read

Cute cute cute read - you'll fall in love with both these characters as they explore what each other really needs, and once again Master Derek was right on his match making skills.

[The Bookish Owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Poppy

I love this book. It has a lot of good information about the lifestyle. The writing style seamlessly weaves it into the story. I always enjoy reading stories about people with unique perspectives.

[Felicity Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect then unexpected at Rawhide. When uncertainty and anxiety take over where do you find help. CJ came to the ranch to relax and have some alone time. But the ranch has other plans. When CJ is asked to help Poppy she can't say no. Will CJ and Poppy help each other?

[mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promising Little Poppy

This is my first book by Amity Malcom. It was excellent, A true examination of how the feeling of being wanted and loved can solve all problems. Rawhide Ranch strikes again!

[velvetlikesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this short story. I had never read a book with this type of kink before and I enjoyed learning more about it. Malcom was able to make the characters very loveable in such a short amount of pages.

[Ms. Malcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Poppy’s story and LOVED that rawhide got a female daddy! It’s nice to be represented in a story, finally.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable

Two lost souls find themselves naturally gravitating towards each other... or is that Master Derek's legendary matchmaking skills at work again.