Daddy's Firm Hands

by Mae Malone

𓃗 Daddy’s Firm Hands is a semi-dark MM cowboy/mafia story in the Saddle Up shared world. Saddle Up is a MM Daddy cowboy multi-author collaboration where you'll find heart, heat, and a good time!


Will secrets lasso their love before it can start? Milo

𐚁 I’ve always been a f*ckup, but this time I’ve done something unforgivable. I flee the most ruthless mafia on the east coast, driving west until my car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.



𐚁 A silver fox cowboy picks me up, offering me a job on his ranch in Montana. I thought it would be the perfect place to hide…



𐚁 The problem is, I can’t hide my secrets from Stone. He sees the deepest, darkest parts of myself I can’t face alone.



𐚁 His firm hands are the only remedy that can heal me. He makes me want to be a better, braver man. But I can only outrun my past for so long…It’s only a matter of time before the mafia finds me, and I f*ck this up too.



Stone

℧ Maybe Milo reminds me too much of my younger self, or I’m a sucker for a handsome face. From the minute I meet him, I’m obsessed with peeling back his tough guy exterior layer by layer until only the rawest secrets remain.

℧ I know I shouldn’t indulge—I’m too old for him, and I have my own secrets I’ll take with me to the grave.

℧ But he’s hurting. He needs a firm hand to help him become the man he’s meant to be. Will our secrets lasso us before we can even start?


Daddy's Firm Hands is a stand alone MM romance with dark themes. Stone and Milo will get their HEA.

Genres: M M Romance, Gay, Westerns

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Daddy's Firm Hand by Mae Malone 41/2 stars

I hadn't read this author until I came across this story. I devoured this book in one sitting. I am addicted to Mafia books, but when you add in Daddy and Mafia, I'm so there. What Milo has gone through over the years is hard. The way he blames himself for his mother's death made my heart cry. His family can be a-holes, that's for sure. Being raised in the mafia was his life for years. Being a part of the Nueva Notte mafia is a death sentence if you leave; Milo knows that as he runs because he doesn't see any other way out. When he meets the yummy silver fox Stone, who owns the ranch that has been in his family for years. The two men have some in common; their dads could be a-holes lol. I loved the way that Stone has an obsessive side that just wants him to take Milo into his arms and not let him go. When Stone sees the bruises on Milo's face and body, he just wants to hold him and tell him he is safe now.

I can't say enough about this story. I will be keeping a lookout for the next story she writes.

Nicole Harvey
Received an ARC for an honest review.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a mafia Western romance before. It was an interesting combination. I really liked the age gap angle to this romance. Stone and Milo were so cute, although at times it felt like the conflict was overdone. I haven't read anything else by this author, so am not sure if the pacing contributed to that. I would read another book to see if the pacing/conflict resolution landed better with me.

[Seraphina Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy's Firm Hand
Saddle up Series
Mae Malone

Milo & Stone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Dark Cowboy / Mafia
Rope play
Secrets
Who hurt you
Spanking
Power dynamic play
Mayhem
Dirty talk
Organized crime

This was a quick novella in the Saddle up series.

This was great. It starts out with Milo in a tense situation with his family. We can clearly tell they are mixed up in something bad.

We come to find out they are part of the Nueve Notte.

Milo goes on the run after believing it's his only choice.

While on the run he ends up meeting Stone, a rugged manly cowboy.

“He is a silver- fox- cowboy- daddy who can have anyone he wants. Every woman and even some of the men in town gave him heart eyes. All he’d have to do is tip his hat and say ‘good morning’ and they’d drop to their knees in the middle of Main Street like a small town orgy.”

Stone takes a liking to him, Stone can see Milo is running from something and wants to protect him.

I think Stone, being a dark and possessive man want to also “keep” Milo lol

“There's darkness in me. Once I touch you, I won’t be able to stop. I’ll obsess over you and want everything from you, Milo. You’ll be mine.”

These two were hot together

I also liked the found family vibes of the ranch hands as well.

We get some action at the end and a little stand off of sorts.

“So you’re gonna fight for me, cowboy?” I ask him. “Milo, I’d burn the entire world for you, ranch and all.”

This book leaves you wanting more. I'm interested to see what occurs moving forward.

Thankfully we got another book coming with Lucky's next time.

So thankful for this arc

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy's Firm Hands by Mae Malone is part of the Saddle Up series by multiple authors. Daddy's Firm Hands is the story of Milo and Stone. I really liked their story. Their story was sweet, sexy, with a bit of danger and well written.

[Jordyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had such a good plot but I was so let down by the ending it just felt so abrupt and rushed

[That One Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review* Thank you to Mae Malone for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Milo, a mafia enforcer on the run and Stone, a cowboy ranch owner.

Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Nicknames
-Secrets
-Mafia/Cowboy
-Obsessive MMC
-Spanking/Dirty Talk
-He cooks for him
-Red flags where? My eyes are closed
-Age Gap (43/24)
-Daddy/Brat
-Instalove + Undeniable Connection
-HEA


Likes:
-The banter is funny and they have running jokes
-I really like the side characters and how it feels like a community
-The opening scene draws you in right from the first sentence
-Protective and possessive MMC, he's seriously obsessed
-Jealousy trope, but not overly jealous where it would ruin it
-The bratty antics and sass
-The drama at the event and afterwards was entertaining
-Lucky is such a good friend


Neutrals/Criticisms:
-The ending seemed anti-climatic and seemed resolved fairly quickly and easily. For a mafia story, it should have been more difficult, but it wasn't a bad ending.
-This story is really short, which isn't bad. I just wish it was longer so we could get to know the characters more deeply.
-Some of the phrases are repeated a lot and that gets annoying

Quotes I liked:
-"I'm sorry we had to experience being raised by bad men"

-"I feel as if I'm floating in nothingness. A place where no one can chase me and my failures can't haunt me"

-"He knows how to time his brattiest bullshit right around meals so I get food-ma-tized and let it slide"

I liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a short read involving any of the above. The scenes between characters, main and side, were fun and kept my attention. I feel like the book could be fleshed out a little more in regards to how characters speak, but overall it was entertaining.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - This is a strange combo with dark mafia and cowboy romance, but I love a good mafia theme and who doesn’t love a hot cowboy daddy? I have not read anything by this author or any of the other Saddle Up stories, but it was easy to get the idea on both areas with the one. Milo is part of the mafia family who has had a plethora of negative issues in his past. He is now on the run to escape the family after a series of events put him in the crosshairs. Stone finds Milo broken down on the side of the road and picks him up, offers him a job and a second chance on his ranch.

Milo is a contradiction. He is a bit injured at the moment but while he comes across as a victim, he quickly shows he has skills to hold his own. Stone, on the other hand, is an obsessive dominant cowboy who admittedly lost his previous relationship for those very reasons. It doesn’t really stop him from pursuing Milo after it becomes clear Milo is looking for just those qualities. He is keeping big secrets though justifying same as a means to keep Stone safe from his past.

Things happen pretty quickly in this short story, especially once the past catches up to Milo. The end result seemed to come out of left field to me, and while it worked with the overall story, it just didn’t feel right. I loved the side characters involved with the ranch, i.e. Lucky and Doc, et al. The story ends with crumbs about Lucky finding his HEA with either Sunny, Doc or maybe both. I was hoping this story was a bit more fleshed out, so I would definitely be up to reading more about these guys in another installment. If you love obsessive, possessive types and men who crave that as well, this might just be the book for you.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[rxlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5


What to Expect:

🐎 Milo x Stone
💻 age gap
🐎 mafia boy x cowboy
💻 Daddyyyy
🐎 insta-attraction/love
💻 employer x employee
🐎 found family
💻 first person, dual narration


Review:

Oh boy did I not know what to expect going into this one. I saw cowboys and Daddy kink and jumped in head first. I was not disappointed!! This novella grabbed your attention from the start and kept you entertained the whole time. I don’t typically read mafia books as I’m not a dark romance girlie and mafia tends to lean that way however, this one has a very good amount of mafia. It wasn’t the main focus of the book, but being that it is Milo’s past and what made him who he is today, it plays an important role.

Milo is on the run. Self-sufficient and ready to do whatever it takes to survive on his own until the mafia he’s running from eventually catches up to him. So naturally he runs straight into the brick wall that is Stone, a Daddy and ranch owner full of “misfits” who have found a home there. Their connection begins a low simmer the moment they meet until it explodes with Milo living and working on the ranch under Stone’s obsessive - and sexy - gaze.

My absolute favorite part of this book was watching these two tough as nails guys get a wee bit softer for each other. And by a wee bit I mean just a wee bit. These two are rough around the edges inside and out but that’s what makes them so perfect together! They match each other’s freak and become a safe haven for each other. They find the safe piece of home they need in the other’s heart.

Not only did Milo and Stone have an amazing connection together, but the found family Stone has put together on his ranch nearly stole the show. Lucky and Milo’s friendship is the kind of pure, raw friendship everyone deserves. It didn’t feel forced or faked. I cannot WAIT to see Lucky find his special someone and see home much trouble Sunny can bring to the ranch. 👀


Honestly my least favorite thing about this novella is a common problem for me with novellas: the couple didn’t have enough time in the getting to know you stage. Yes, I do realize this is a novella WITH an insta-attraction/love vibe. However, I still feel a couple extra scenes - maybe a page or two long - with them getting to know each other would have really strengthened this book.

Did I still enjoy it? Absolutely! Will I check out the rest of the series? Of course I will. I simply always want more. 😆

[Chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

TL/DR: Overall a great book, definitely re-reading

I was so excited to get the email for the download of this book! Devoured it in a day, and here are my thoughts.

The story was really good! Milo makes a deadly mistake during a mission for Nueva Notte, the gang he works for. He goes on the run and meets Stone, a cowboy who owns a ranch in Montana. Stone can tell Milo has a secret, and Milo can see that Stone has a dark side. Despite that, they form a relationship.

The instalove trope is not usually my favorite, but this book did it really well. It was more lust at first sight that evolved into real love super quickly. Their relationship blossoms and Milo gets close with the other people on the ranch. The underlying tension because of Stone and Milo’s secrets threatens their love, but Stone’s possessiveness is too strong to let Milo go. I personally love an obsessed MMC.

This is an age-gap romance, but I really like that it didn’t rule the plot. Milo and Stone accepted the age difference early on and the third act breakup (which I’m personally not a fan of 🫣) was not over their ages, something I find rare in age-gap romances.

I would read an entire series of this specific couple, but I’m really excited to see the next stories we’re getting!

[Emilyrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start of the book where we jumped straight in with Milo and his mafia world at the time where everything was going wrong. I was gripped and really felt for him so it was a great way to develop his character quickly and have me hoping for his HEA. Despite things clearly not adding up, I also liked how Stone met him and the way things moved quite quickly to life on the ranch. Some of the secondary characters were really interesting to learn about but the bit that didn't fully gel for me was Stone and Milo's actual relationship. Yes, they had chemistry and yes, I could see their potential. It just all seemed to revolve around the secret Milo was keeping (that they both knew he was keeping and couldn't either share or let go of). I also didn't really agree with how the problem was solved at the end of the story. It was far too fast as a resolution and it essentially made Stone throw his whole operation in an entirely different direction. I'm glad they got their HEA together and Lucky is a great guy to next get his story. Overall though, it didn't fully sit right with me, of course I'm sure many others will be fine with it.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

Daddy’s Firm Hands is part of a shared world that revolves around the Saddle Up rodeo, but it’s not necessary to read any other books in the collection. It’s also a spin-off from the author’s other series about a mafia family, but the story works just fine without that previous knowledge as well. This is the start of a new series, which Malone states will continue when the shared world collaboration winds down.

This book is full of obsession and possession and the author does a pretty good job framing it in a way that works for the fantasy of romance.

All in all, this was a decent start to a new series, and I’m interested in what comes next. This book didn’t have a whole lot to do with the Saddle Up rodeo, and I’m not sure what the other books in the series have in store. But if you like obsessive cowboys and MCs who deserve a second chance, consider giving this one a try.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, Thank you Mae Malone.

Daddy’s Firm Hands is part of a shared world set around the Saddle Up rodeo, It is a spin-off from Maes Malones other series about a mafia family, as this is the first book of hers that I have read I can confirm that you don't need to have read any of the other for it to make sense.

This is a very quick and easy read, it is a Novella featuring Milo the Brat, a hapless kind of beat down mafia lackey who is always finding trouble and Stone the Daddy, the Stoic, possessive older Cowboy.
The love affair happens quickly (well, it is a novella!), but is hot & spicy and a little bit kinky (smacking). There is mafia action, hot and heavy passion, miscommunication, hurt and anger and possibly a deal with the devil!

In my opinion, mostly due to the fact it is only a novella, I felt there was an impact on the character and storyline development, it was all a little bit quick and easy to solve the major issue (no spoilers) which would have benefited from a longer book but all in all it is a good quick, spicy read. I would give this 3.5 stars and would read the next in the series.

[Michelle Exploringwithchapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy's Firm Hands is a 147 page novella in the Saddle Up Series. This is book two and continues to layer in characters with a mafia / cowboy MM romance. It can be read as a standalone. This was the first book I had read, and was drawn into the world quickly. I am excited to read more! This story features Stone, our Daddy and Milo, our brat. It is an insta-love age gap with the the "he's mine vibe" woven through it. I loved the spice, coming in at around a rating of 4 chilis and includes spanking and some other fun butt things. For being a novella, the character connection was realistic and occurred quickly. The conclusion walked right up to the edge of a third act break up scene with a sprinkle of miscommunication trope which is not my favorite, but I understood the need to move the plot along and stay within the page count. I would have preferred a longer story to smooth out the conclusion but the rest of the book had all my favorite tropes doing really well, so it made up for it in the end. This seems like it will be a really spicy fun series to read!

[laura cabezas · Rating 3 out of 5]

milo & stone - 3.5/3.75? 🩶 i’m kind of debating between that rating. there was lots i did enjoy about this one but some things not as much. i loved our characters, and also didn’t mind the insta love trope because it worked for this (it’s a novella so you can’t fit as much in) although it was more like insta lust that quickly developed into love. i loved the premise of being on the run from the mafia and having the love of your life rescue you so points for that. the main thing i didn’t like as much was sometimes felt the story didn’t flow well between scenes, like we just jumped between scenes too abruptly. i also would’ve wanted a bit more development but again, i think its the novella length that doesn’t allow it so i can’t be too harsh about it. i did enjoy the romance and the sex was fire so. also i’m def intrigued enough to wanna read lucky’s book whenever that comes. and i want to go back and read rocco’s book too :)

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review :)

[Heather Duff · Rating 3 out of 5]

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A great premise for a book. A guy on the run from his mafia family and winds up taking refuge on a ranch.

Mile and Stone are cute together, and it’s fun to see how easily they fit together. Not just in terms of their kink but also with Milo bringing his business skill sets to the table and Stone finding some okay with his obsessive traits.

There’s also a great cast of characters around them on the ranch.

There were a few things that drew me out, particularly Milo keeping the mafia a secret, even when the mafia shows up, and then Stone being at fault for calling Milo out for keeping the secret. It felt like contrived drama.

But overall, it was an enjoyable and quick read.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC in exchange of this honest review.

Cowboy AND mafia romance AND daddy kink makes for an interesting combination that's for sure. It's the reason I picked this up honestly. And because of such different themes (? tropes?) the book didn't really seem sure of what it was trying to provide. It didn't really delve deep into anything.

Even the romance felt a bit lacklustre at the end of the day.

We didn't get much of farming, we got some daddy kink, even if it felt more like a sexual kink than a lifestyle. And we got a bit of mafia drama (it was the premise of the book after all) but the resolve of the conflict at the end was VERY anticlimactic. Disappointingly so. Malone, I hope in the next book you will commit to the dangerous plot.

With these being said... I still rate this book 4⭐ LOL. It definitely isn't a perfect book, but it's the perfect book to read on plane rides lol.

Tbh I'm quite intrigued about Lucky's book, even tho I don't like love triangles 😬 will probably wait a bit to see it's gonna be worth it.

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me a mafia man and a cowboy so this was a nice combination.

I took me a few extra days to read this as I decided I wanted to read The taker first since Milo is a side character in that. Having done that I don't think it's unnecessary it can be read as a stand-alone it only really help in explaining his roll in the mafia.

I did really like the instant connection between Milo and Stone but I also really liked the friendship that Milo made with Lucky and even Stew. Not so sure about a harden Mafia enforcer making cucumber sandwiches and scones but good for him.

Sometime I think that daddy thing can be a little cringy but I actually like it in this one. I think because we already know that Milo has daddy issues.

I do get why Stone get a little mad at Milo at the rodeo but I also get that Milo is trying to protect him.

All in I really liked this one and I'm looking forward to Lucky book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure I've ever read a mafia romance before, though I've read several cowboy romances. This was definitely different and interesting for me. Milo is a young man who was brought up in the mafia and he runs from New York after a drug deal gone bad and his brother getting shot. He is lucky enough to be picked up by Stone, a handsome ranch owner who wants to take care of him, and it's instalust that is sort of instalove as well. Given the length of the book, this works well. The story is mostly about how Stone and Milo click in almost every way, with some delicious warm scenes (iykyk) a bit of danger given Milo's background and an eventual happy ending which sets up the next book in the series - I suspect it will be Lucky's who is an adorable supporting character and I do plan on reading it.

I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my full and unbiased opinion on this book.

[Arcturus170 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
2.4*
This book didn’t work for me on a practical or romantic level. Stone picks up a stranger off the side of the road and hands over financial management of his large, successful business in about one day, no background checks, no nothing. That’s the point I should’ve DNF’ed. A variety of impractical plot points follow, but this first one tainted the whole story for me.

I also found the romance to be rushed. Three days to live together in the same room and then a three week time jump to call each other partners. It’s head-spinning. Instalove needs some suspension of disbelief, but that’s difficult when so many other things are hard to believe, also. Then, the T-A-B (third act b…) feels soapy and over the top.

I always want to like a book when it catches my interest. This book has good ideas, but, from my perspective, needs a fair bit of story editing and polish.

[Caroline Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and spicy novella by Mae Malone which can be read as a standalone but if you are a fan of sexy Mafia stories, you'll want to get caught up starting with The Taker. But Milo and his Cowboy Daddy are more than enough to satisfy. Milo finds himself on the run after a tricky situation and Stone aka the Cowboy Daddy happens upon him on his journey. Stone feels an immediate draw to the young man and after some restraint on his end they combust with lust, dirty words and even dirtier promises. However mafia life is not easy to escape and it may produce a chasm for these lovers. When NY catches up to Montana, crazy men recognize one another by observing the one they love and Milo gets the family that he has always wanted. I cannot wait to read more of this world and its motley crew of characters.

I received a free advanced copy from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Louise Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and overall I enjoyed it. Milo and Stone worked well together and they had a nice little meet-cute, even if the car involved with stolen which is not so cute I guess. Milo is running from the mob after a big mess-up and runs right into Stone's arms and never wants to leave. Both MCs are kinda red flags with Milo's secrecy and Stone's possessiveness. I found Stone a little overbearing, even for a Daddy, he was a bit much but Milo liked it so each to their own!

Once the mafia caught up to Milo, things were resolved pretty quickly and easily, which is nice that nobody had to die or get injured but a lil more action would'nt've gone amiss. Despite this, it was a good resolution to the issue that made sense, mostly. I do feel like Stone walking willingly into the mafia is a pretty strong move but he's a little unhinged so okay, I can see it.

[Sasha [latenightswithabook] · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way I clicked on this soo fast when I saw the tropes - a cowboy daddy/mafia romance? Yes, please.

There was definitely a lot to like about this - Stone and Milo are sweet together and the cast of characters on the ranch were all very intriguing, I’d definitely be interested in reading their books. The spicy scenes were well written and thoroughly enjoyable.

Unfortunately, I felt like this was trying to do too much too quickly. The mafia/cowboy tropes are already a lot to flesh out and then it somehow manages to include a third act breakup even though the book is well under 200 pages. It felt a little like too much angst for not enough pay-off.

Despite that, I do think this might hit the spot for anyone looking for a quick, spicy, daddy-kink novella. I’ll definitely be checking out some of this author’s other work.

⭐ 3.25/5
🌶️ 2.5/5

[Annette✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 stars⭐️

This is my first book by this author. But when i saw the tropes, a cowboy Daddy and mafia dark romance? Count me in! Or saddle up in this case, lmao.

I gobbled this story up like my life depended on it. I’m a sucker for a good Daddy story. It did feel a bit fast paced, but that’s okay. I highly enjoyed it and the spice in this book was spicing 🥵

Stone is a silver fox cowboy Daddy who sees a stranded Milo, who’s running from his life in the mafia after an accident, near the road. After offering him a job and place to stay, the two of them hit it off right away. Stone doesn’t give into his desire at first, because of him being older and all that. But their chemistry is hard to resist. Stone is described as being a obsessed stalker, but I didn’t really got those vibes from him. Sure, he’s obsessed, but in a good way. It does not feel dark.

Overall I highly enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to Lucky’s story!

TROPES
Mafia
Cowboy Daddy
Age Gap
Light BDSM
Spank!ng

[Skwurl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such a fun surprise! I loved the snarky banter between the main guys, the kind that makes you grin because you can feel the chemistry underneath every sarcastic line. The side characters brought a ton of personality too, giving it that lived-in, small-town (or small ranch lol) cowboy feel I love.

It’s definitely insta-love, but that's ok. This book is 180 pages and wastes no time, it's fast, hot, and full of that “can’t stay away even if I tried” energy. And the dominant cowboy? Yeah, he owned every scene he was in. Confident, steady, and bossy, exactly the kind of MMC that I want dominating me, and it makes a book like this addictive.

Mae Malone keeps the heat high but still gives you plenty of heart. It’s steamy, funny, and surprisingly sweet under all that grit.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st person POV Dual
Plot 4/5
Spice 3.5/5
Daddy cowboy/Mafia runaway
insta obsessed/ love
strict role

Daddy's firm hands indeed!🥵 safe to say there was some spanking involved! anyways! I loved that this book tied into The Taker! it made it that much better! Stone is really a walking carnival of red flags, but Milo is either color blind or just likes the color because he couldn't get enough of Stones obessessive behavior and Daddy dom energy! There was a bit of a 3rd act break up but it didn't last long!

Also please please please tell me Lucky is going to get a book! And I'm praying to the smut god of slut land that it's MMM because Lucky seems like a lot to handle and I need both Sunny and Doc!!

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy’s Firm Hands was such a fun, fast-paced read! I love a good Mafia-meets-cowboy story, and this one definitely delivered. Milo’s been through hell...guilt, betrayal, and a dangerous family and when he runs from the Nueva Notte mafia, the last thing he expects is to find safety (and heat!) with rugged silver fox rancher, Stone.

The chemistry between them is instant and steamy. Stone’s protective, possessive Daddy energy paired with Milo’s bruised vulnerability worked so well. It’s got a dash of danger, a touch of kink (spanking, power play), and just enough heart to make you root for them.

It’s a quick novella, so things move fast, but it’s a hot, satisfying bite of cowboy-meets-mafia chaos. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Mae Malone.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Ugh. What kind of loser am I, waiting here hoping Stone texts me back? I wish it was physically possible to bitchslap myself, because I’m acting like a little whiny bitch right now.'

I really enjoyed this book. Mafia and cowboys? Never read that before, but I was excited to dive in! Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Stone and Milo. The chemistry between them sizzled and I liked their dynamic and the way their relationship developed. Milo needed a fresh start- if he doesn't mess it up or get tracked down- and meeting and falling for Stone was completely unexpected. This story was a fun adventure. I also really liked the supporting characters. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 4 stars

[caffeinated.crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished up DADDY'S FIRM HANDS by Mae Malone this afternoon. If you're looking for a novella with instalove, daddy, obsessive love, an MC being on the run from the mafia, or a possessive ranch owner, LOOK NO FURTHER.

My only real issue with this story is that it had to be instalove because the book is short. Stone & Milo did have chemistry, but it evolved so quickly. This story is set in a larger mafia world that I think would be best enjoyed together.

BUT, I did enjoy the story. Milo is a B-R-A-T, and Stone is all too happy to take him in hand.

DADDY'S FIRM HANDS comes out tomorrow, so if you're looking to wile away an hour or two, this should keep you entertained.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading a book by this author but will not be my last as I loved this book. Milo and Stone, the main characters, are broken, insecure and both dealing with secrets and past issues. It warmed my heart to see them move from being broken to find their HEA. If you like daddy kink books, with some bdsm, but lots of heart, this book is for you. I could put it down as I was drawn to the story, the dialogue (great dirty talk), and the story of redemption I know the abstract sounds dark, but the book is not really that dark, but it is a great age gap romance I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Shianne Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was quick, juicy, and exactly the kind of escape read I love. Stone and Milo completely stole my heart. Milo is a scared kid just trying to survive, while Stone is steady, protective, and determined to shield him from everything that goes bump in the night. Their dynamic had me hooked from page one.

Mae Malone’s writing has that magic touch that makes you instantly fall for her characters and root for their happiness. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and I already can’t wait to see what else she has planned for this world.

Also. . . Lucky. Absolute scene stealer. I’m really hoping he gets his own happily ever after because he deserves it!