Stone Cold Cowboy

by Maisey Yates

Genres: Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.

Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisey Yates

4.25 stars

This was a typical Maisey Yates with cowboys, an adorable small town, memorable characters, family trauma, healing, great characters, and a passionate love story.

I really enjoyed the setup of this not just this taking place on a ranch, but making the ranch into a resort. It brought Marlowe to town to run the resort while Cody was the owner ranch. It felt like such a vibe. It had so cozy and love.y feel there. I felt I wanted to be part of that community. I just fell in love with this spot (just like I did with the characters).

As for the romance for Marlowe and Cody, I felt like happened rather quick especially having not found out too long ago that her ex had cheated on her for years. Yes, there was instant attraction, which lead to a no string affair, but I needed more build up and development before I was onboard with them as a couple. Even though they did have deep conversations, a majority of their relationship was physical.

The family aspect I loved. There were really great one. It was easy to see how bonded they were and how they took care of each over the years. It was just really special. I can’t wait for their books in the future.

[Heliand · Rating 1 out of 5]

By far the very worst book Maisey Yates has ever put out. Lazy writing, zero plot, and absolutely stagnant dialogue. Mind-numbingly slow. Not a redeeming character amongst them except maybe poor Zane, who was only interesting because readers didn't have to discover how vacuous he might be due to his glossed-over appearances (but he gets book #2, apparently). I understand that Yates does formula angst, but this was not well executed. Amateur writing, and embarrassingly so. There was no background showing the characters' developing personalities and lives, just telling, and readers must've been told (but not shown) two dozen times that the MMC's mother was sexually loose and his father was an aged predator with no morals. Especially if you intend to hook readers into a series, you have to give them some meat and back-story to endear them to your characters and your world. Incredible disappointment on so very many fronts.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Cody and Marlowe have a lot of childhood trauma and abandonment issues to deal with. She married her HS sweetheart and when they decided to take new jobs he informed her he wouldn't be going and wanted a divorce. She went anyways and faced challenges that helped her find herself at 32 years old. She realized she was an enabler and learned to stand on her own two feet. Along the way she begins a relationship with her boss, Cody, and they are like fireworks. But he's always been the caregiver, of his siblings, and now the ranch they inherited from their estranged father. Together Marlowe and Cody forge a new path and future. But can they succeed?

You're going to want to read book 1 on the new Mustang River series. Now I can't wait for book 2, Cara's story.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

I really enjoy the way Maisey Yates can bring her characters to life and especially in the western settings. The way both main characters share their own perspectives in their thoughts is very nicely balanced with actual conversations between them and others. Enough angst for a good story but not drawn out past the point of my wanting it to be done already. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series

[Flo Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joyeous way of life forward

A lovely story of redemption, courage and love bringing forth a sorts of emotions in Cody and Marlowe. Both had had horrendous childhoods, but by being together would be able to navigate everything possible moving i

[Lynn (book_wine_thinker) · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it!

This romance is a great series starter! I loved Marlowe and Cody —and I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Most of the book are main characters complaining about their baggage, with some sex scenes thrown in. Not much else happens. This is a pass.

[Jess (lucky.bookclub) Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternate title: Emotional Support Mustangs. 🤠