Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Haven, Texas #6

Mastered by Malone

Rate this book
She’d seen one dead body too many…

Mia Alcott was in a whole crap load of trouble. The only witness to a horrific crime, she’s on the run, trying to figure out who she can trust and who is out to get her.
In come the Malones. They’re loud. They’re violent. They’re rude. And right now, they’re her only shot at survival.
Of course, she has to survive living with them. She also has to resist her attraction to Alec Malone. It should be easy, considering he’s an arrogant, bossy ass.
But oh, what an ass he has…

He never should have agreed to take her in…

Alec Malone didn’t know what he was thinking. He wasn’t looking for a damsel in distress to protect. He had enough going on just keeping his brothers from killing each other.
She was cute. She was sweet. She was everything the Dom wasn’t attracted to.
So then why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

Warning: Contains one wild, crazy family, a sweet and fiery sub and an arrogant Dom about to break all the rules.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2019

373 people are currently reading
230 people want to read

About the author

Laylah Roberts

136 books1,798 followers
Laylah loves reading, but she particularly loves a good romance with some seriously alpha men. Protective, possessive men with large hearts. Writing has become her passion and she hopes her readers enjoy her stories as much as she does writing them.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,068 (62%)
4 stars
419 (24%)
3 stars
168 (9%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,972 reviews219 followers
January 3, 2023
Re-Read: 12/15/21
4.4 stars.
This was so good. The Malones have to be my favorite from this series. They’re all a bunch of feral, playful men. So fun.
And Alec. Whew. Totally an alphahole. I love it.
This was fun, but also super emotional. I definitely made a mess of myself crying from all the shit Mia thinks and went through.
But the dominance was so sexy and beautifully written.

I do wish we got more of his darker side, though.
I was particularly looking forward to the bit of pet play that he mentions, but unfortunately we didn’t get to see that, since he was holding himself back for most of the book.

Still.
I love this group of wild men.
And I love how they all claim her as theirs in their own way.

Can’t wait to see more of them in the next book. God, I could just high five myself for thinking to reread these books. I’m a genius.😂
It’s been a fucking blast.

Re-Read: 04/06/22
4.4 stars.
Yep. Yep yep. Ditto to me.
I feel exactly the same way I did last time.
1. Love the Malones✔️
2. Cried like a baby and made a complete mess of my face✔️
3. Wish we got to see Alec’s darker side and some pet play✔️
And still absolutely loved the book and will be reading it again sometime, I’m sure.✔️✔️

Re-Read: 01/03/23
4.6 stars.
Maybe I was just in the right mood this time around.
But I loved it just a tiny bit more this time?
I feel like all the emotions it gave me before were stronger.
I hated the thought of Alec playing at the club with other subs, even more.
I loved the Malone brothers and how they really accepted Mia into the family, even more.
Just.
Yeah. I needed this in my life right now I guess.
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,460 reviews287 followers
February 21, 2020
The most notorious family to live in Haven,Texas has to be the Malone family.
And meeting them in How West was Won,i wanted to hear more.
Lucky for me,Alec has his own story to tell,and i knew i’d get another healthy dose of all those crazy brothers as a bonus.

Mia is in a world of trouble after witnessing a mob boss killing the people she worked with.
On the run with her cousin Mike,she knows it’s a matter of time before they finally finish the job,and kill her too....
Enter Alec and his brothers,they have the perfect place for her to hide,the Lone Star Ranch.
All she has to do,is follow his rules.....
But the habit of trying to please people is hard to squench,and soon she is cooking and cleaning.
The younger brothers like her,and she even manages to get them to behave indoors.....a little.
Alec,meanwhile,is doing his best to keep a distance.
Because she is tóó sweet,tóó innocent for his darker desires,or is she?

When he finally takes notice,he isn’t pleased to find she lost weight and has a lot of issues,built up in the years living with her aunt.
She pleads with him to deliver on his promise to teach her how to be a good submissive.
What was he thinking when he did,damnit....he can’t allow her to see that side of him,or can he?
But she needs help,if only with the anxiety attacks she has thinking about those people being killed....
His history is a dark one,a history he is reluctant to share with her,in fear of her pulling away.
So,while she opens up,he keeps his distance.....

With danger catching up to her,will he change his mind?
Can he take that chance and let her in?
How will she feel about him when he does?

Another great story in that most delicious town of Haven,a story of a family i’d love to hear more of!
2,794 reviews40 followers
September 7, 2019
Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas, #6) by Laylah Roberts Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas Book 6) By: Laylah Roberts
She Came For Safety, But She Found Sooo MUCH MORE By Being "Mastered by Malone!"
After witnessing a Crime...
She's on the RUN, Running straight to Their Ranch,
One Gal surrounded by Seven Brothers!
Once THERE, She'll soon be "Mastered by Malone,"
As soon as EveryThing has been Explained, Terms are set, & Contacts are Negotiated & Signed,
Cuz EveryThing has to be Safe, Sane, & Consensual...
Otherwise, it's NOT happening with Her HARD @.$.$. Dom!
Will being "Mastered by Malone" HELP Her DEAL with Her Issues~
PTSD, Anxiety Attacks, Eating Issues, & such!
Will She turn OUT to be the First Bride for ONE of these Seven Brothers...
or will She the Past come for HER & take Away Her Choice...
Find OUT what happens in "Mastered by Malone" by One-Clicking TODAY!
This book contains BDSM elements & is intended for readers over 18; NOW, if that's not your type of Reading Genre, please don't dip your toes into this book, as you won't enjoy IT. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to the author. That said, you know what to Expect... Sooo, if this is your JAM, GO Ahead & One-Click!
I was granted an ARC of Laylah Roberts' "Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas Book 6)" via B00|{$P®0UT. I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Alex.
146 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2022
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this installment of the series, but there are many I love, and it makes sense that not all are going to hit for me.

I think it was a mix of me thinking Mia's situation and PTSD was cast off or dismissed in a way. I know the Malone's have a reputation for being crazy and while they were fun at times, the vast majority of the time I found them insensitive and annoying. But The main reason for my dislike was the hero.

Alec did not endear himself to me. I found him immature and selfish. His constant back and forth led to hurting Mia several times which would not bother me as much if she wasn't relying on his protection and stuck at his house.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
797 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2019
Donna L
5.0 out of 5 starsWild Ride
August 23, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
Ms Roberts never fails to deliver a showstopper.This book stole my
heart and it tugged at my emotions as i was pulled further into Mia
and Alec's story.Take one dangerous Dom and a young woman with the
the weight of the world on her shoulders and you have one explosive
situation.

Mia Alcott was in grave danger after witnessing a mob crime and now
she has a hit out on her.She is whisked away to Loney Horse Ranch and
is under the care of Alec Malone and his many brothers.Alec is less than
pleased when Mia arrives on his doorstep, he will protect her but she
must obey him or face the consequences.Alec's protective instincts to
nurture Mia took over his needs to punish her for disobeying him.Their
relationship grew naturally and at no time was it hurried .Alec was an
alpha male personified, while Mia,was able to explore her submissive
nature.The inclusion of the Malone brothers added humour, but when
danger lurked,they worked seamlessly to protect Mia.

What a ride this book was,i plowed through it despite my desire to savour
each page.The ending left me wanting more and the plot was strong and
and moved quickly.The pivotal moment was when the trust between Mia
141 reviews
August 24, 2019
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I pretty much never give 5 stars but it really impressed me.
This is the story of Mia and Alec. Mia is a bit of a mess. Most recently she's witnessed a mob hit at her work and while in hiding the mob found her but killed the wrong woman because she was wearing Mia's coat. Mia is desperately looking for a safe place to stay until the trial. This is where Alec comes in. He is very reclusive and doesn't like people but because he feels he owes a family debt to Mia's cousin he agrees to protect her. Alec is very dominant and controlling whereas Mia was verbally and mentally abused growing up and feels she has to earn her way and is a people pleaser. When Mia arrives Alec sets rules and threatens to kick her out if she doesn't follow them then pretty much ignores her. Also important to the storyline are Alec's 6 brothers, all of whom are wild, reckless and have little regard for authority except for Alec's.
This story involves D/s behavior and BD.
Alec lives in the town of haven which is kind of a sanctuary for those who live alternative lifestyles. Including LGBT, bdsm, menage etc. The most important rule in town is to protect the women and all males are supposed to do so whether they have a relationship with the female or not. It is a condition of living there. Alec is a very strong dominant in all parts of his life. The relationship between Alec and mia is interesting. Alec has done bad things in his past to protect his brothers. He'll do anything for them but otherwise blocks out all other relationships because they are a way to get hurt. He also feels guilty for his past actions and so isolates himself forcing him to be lonely and empty as a form of self punishment. Back to Mia. Mia spends the first 2 days in her room then feeling both bored and that she needs to earn her keep. Because of her past she has no sense of self worth and feels the only way to have value is to do for others. She starts by cooking for the brothers then because they have no sense of manners cleans up their messes which can have the place looking like a pig sty. During all this Alec is ignoring her while the brothers are coming to adore her, but her biggest problem is she's an emotional mess having anxiety and panic attacks and trying to hide it all. One day Alec witnesses a panic attack and gets involved feeling that protecting her includes in all ways. For once he is nice to her, helps her through it then asks questions and tries to determine what she needs. Being dominant he makes more rules about her taking care of yourself like making her eat etc. Mia knows that he is into the D/s lifestyle and that she will be punished for breaking rules. Alec also brings in a therapist for Mia. She really doesn't want to talk mostly just wanting her meds refilled but while the Dr is there she brings up the thought that Mia is a natural Sub and might want to test the waters of the lifestyle noting that it can be cathartic. Mia is somewhat intrigued but doesn't feel she could do it. Then one day Mia breaks an important rule and Alec is determined to punish her. They have a disagreement and Mia gets some time but Alec also points out that she is a Sub and that it might be good for her. After 2 days of her hiding Alec decides enough is enough and goes to her. That's the point where she says yes to being his sub. It's only supposed to last as long as she's there. Next is where the story earned the 5 stars. Instead of just jumping into the relationship and giving her her punishment Alec sits down and talks to her. He explains what it is about, what's expected of them both, tells her her rights and about safewords. Everything is consensual, both parties agree to the terms and even sign a contract. There may be punishment but there is no force here. It is a beautiful thing. Of course they both heal from their pasts and achieve a HEA. There is tension, drama, family, danger, healing, growing and lots of passion. One of the things I liked best was the book wasn't all about sex. There was plot and emotion. Everybody has learned something by the end of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Anne Baker.
756 reviews4 followers
August 22, 2019
Fabulous Intriguing Storyline

I absolutely love Laylah Roberts Haven Texas Series with its BDSM elements. Mastered by Malone book 6 was an amazing read! Ms Roberts sense of humour shines through her suspenseful reads. Great storylines with likeable characters.
Alec and Mia’s story was perfect with the storyline of panic attacks and their frightening realism coming through in the book! Who is Mia running from after seeing her neighbour Angel shot dead in an alleyway, who was also wearing Mia’s Stolen raincoat? I fell about with laughter, with all the shenanigans Alec Malones 5 brothers got up to at the ranch, oh how I adored each and everyone of them! The safest place for Mia has to be the ranch Alec owns in Haven Texas where women are revered and protected! Can Alec keep her safe and bring down the mob leader? Is Mia putting the 6 Malone brothers in danger too? Alec is dark, cold, Curt and brooding and says it as it is! Can Alec continue keeping Mia at a distance, he is certainly drawn to her. Mia is totally off limits to them all, if only she could remember all Alec’s darn rules that are added to daily! Will and can Alec guide Mia out of her depression and dark despair in her panic attacks? Why does Alec live in the dark shadows letting no one in?
I recommend this superb read as a one-click must read.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,230 reviews99 followers
January 2, 2022
Her Master

Mia is THE perfect female head of the Malone clan. She garners love and respect from all of the guys...and she holds her own and stands her ground with them. Perfect addition to the Malone clan.

Stoic Alec finally let's down his guard, even if only for her. I totally swooned. Those closed off dominate types are my favorite...watching them crumble for The One? Even better!
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews216 followers
September 24, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,845 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2019
This was an intense book in all the best ways. Intrigue, passion, love. Oh, yeah. I LOVED it. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
Profile Image for Hazel Gower.
Author 51 books934 followers
January 21, 2025
He cheated

I hate cheaters. I don’t care if they weren’t technically together he still goes to the club after they slept in the same bed and kissed and was with another woman. This is big no, for me. Mia deserved better.
7,813 reviews65 followers
August 31, 2019
This was a great book with lots of chemistry and the characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,681 reviews112 followers
September 7, 2021
The couple: Alec and Mia

Romance genre: bdsm
Series: Haven, Texas
Length: 278 pages

Plot: Mia is on the run after witnessing a mob hit. Her cousin is a friend of Jardin's and asks for his help, so he decides that stashing Mia at the ranch with his cousins would be the best hiding place. Alec, the eldest Malone, isn't sure. In fact, he downright hates the idea. Jardin talks him into it though, and he grudgingly agrees to let her stay, with, of course, a lot of rules. Mia isn't use to being taken care of (not that any of the Malone boys are really doing that) without giving back, though. She's spent her whole life being told she is a burden. The two of them together is a hard fit, but they start to make it work. But there's still that mob boss out there...

Commentary: Ooh Alec made me so mad! He was such a jerk! Of course he came around in the end, but he was as stubborn as any hero I've read. Honestly, there were a couple of times I thought he might actually kick her out like he threatened. I kinda wanted her to call his bluff and leave. He would have gone after her, I think, but maybe he would also learned a lesson. Probably not. He would have just spanked her.

Next book in the series: How West Was Won
22 reviews
September 16, 2020
This is one of the stories, in this genre, that I felt that had a very interesting and different premise. I felt that the main, female character actually had personality and substance. Mia actually had a career, a decent job and a good life before witnessing the horrific event that brings her to the Malone ranch.
There are a few things that stretch credulity, such as why this was the particular location where Mia could be safe and that very easy way in which the mobsters seem to find her. That last point needs further development and explanation. I am providing this feedback in hopes that authors might consider this going forward.
The reason that I like reading books, in this genre, is the escapism and, sometimes, great sex scenes. Fortunately, Laylah Roberts knows how to write arousing sex scenes. The only aspect that I do not like is when these books fall into what I call more extreme and almost violent spanking scenes. However, that is a personal opinion and I will tend to find books that are on the less violent side.
The fireworks between Alec, the oldest Malone brother, and Mia, are fun to read about. It seems that Mia falls into the bondage scene very quickly. The reasons for this are explained as: Mia is exhausted and has reached a point where she doesn't want to think about how to protect herself anymore and wants, at least temporarily, to let Alec do her thinking for her.
As a very independent thinking woman, that is where these type of relationships fall outside of my own comfort zone and belief system.
Most people want a safe and satisfying sex life. Some of these books provide great escapism and we can read about men that know how to make love to a woman in ways that causes her toes to curl.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,146 reviews
May 3, 2020
I don't know if this was the first book introducing the Malone brothers, but it was interesting and had its humorous moments.

This book is specifically about Alec and Mia. Mia had a hell of a lot of trauma to deal with that was mostly untreated. I guess people were too busy trying to keep her alive to notice she had issues.

Alec had a dark past. I thought it was one thing, so I was really surprised when I found out the details of what he and some of the brothers had endured.

Then I was surprised at the unexpected action toward the end. It was over pretty quickly, but I didn't expect it to happen at all.

I am really interested in reading the other brothers books. I read the book about Saxon, and I don't remember them being in that one.

If BDSM, spanking, or detailed sex scenes are offensive to you, steer clear of this book. I do have to say I encountered some editing issues in this book. Extra words wrong words, etc. Still understandable, but mildly irritating.
92 reviews
April 28, 2025
Yeah... I'm not sure pushing someone into a dom/sub relationship is a recognized treatment for PTSD.

Also starting a scene, stopping suddenly and not checking on your sub afterwards is bad BDSM etiquette.

"the idea of dominating her in order to get her out of the closet felt wrong so on many levels."
Really? THAT'S where you draw the line?

Alec is on the side of just too forceful for it to be fully enjoyable, sadly.

But it was nice to see how their relationship happened, seeing as they're important parts of the other books.
Profile Image for Blue Moon-Shepherd.
105 reviews
September 10, 2019
Great. Loved it.

Really liked this book. Don't even know if Laylah's done a series. If not, she should, and if so, then I need to go find the others!
The wild and crazy Malone's! Love them all!
Good writing, as usual from this author. Highly recommend
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
August 25, 2019
Laylah Roberts has once again written a riveting and thrilling romance that you won't be able to put down. This story revolves around Alec Malone, a rancher who is more than he seems, and Mia, a girl who is in need of protection. Their story is full of heartbreaking fear, burning passion, and a HEA that brought tears to my eyes. I read it much too fast and stayed up much too late to finish it, but it was totally worth it.

Alec is protective, strong, sexy, and oh so perfectly dominant. Queue my love of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - he is also the oldest of the 7 Malone boys, although, I wouldn't really classify him as a boy. The other siblings, with a couple of exceptions, might act like very large 6 year old children, but Alec is the oldest and he takes that responsibility seriously. Maybe even to seriously.

Mia is desperately in need of someone like Alec in her life. She is in some serious trouble ans suffering from PTSD. I'm going to be honest and say that I related to her character a little too much. As someone who understands that uncontrollable and paralyzing fear, I was actually brought to tears while reading about some of her experiences. They are written in a bare-faced honest way that feels all to real. She is resilient, courageous, giving, and trying to hold herself together.

Both of these characters were easy for me to become invested in. I particularly loved the interactions between Mia and the other Malone brothers because they didn't treat her like she was fragile. They silently gave her comfort, support, and made her feel "normal". This was a beautiful contrast to the protective, passionate, tender yet strict way Alec approached her. He gave her his support by not letting her hide behind her fears, whereas the brothers gave her support by acting like she was just one of the family.

I highly recommend reading all of the Haven, Texas series. They don't have to be read in any particular order, even though I always recommend that. I know that once you do, you will fall in love with these Alpha men and the women they cherish.
1,228 reviews14 followers
August 8, 2024
First half Alec avoided her and didn’t speak to her, second half is really good.

When Mia witnesses the mafia kill her co-workers at the restaurant she works at, they put a hit out on her. Her cousin who is a detective calls in a favour and Mia is taken to the Malones ranch to hide out. I have to say that the author painted such an awful picture of the Malone brothers I thought I’d never read their books. I’m so glad that they changed and grew up with Mia being there. I did laugh when it names Alec’s brothers and there’s EIGHT. As in previous books it’s been six, then seven brothers. I was getting confused which it was. Then at the beginning of this one when they first meet Mia, she asks how many brothers and Alec says FIVE His cousin says
SIX AND ITS SEVEN!!! There’s SEVEN BROTHERS! How can the author get it wrong so many times? 🤦‍♀️

While I really really enjoyed the second half of the book, the first 53% Alex is avoiding Mia, as he wants her and doesn’t like it. When I say avoiding her, I mean AVOIDING HER, and I almost gave up on the book as I hated him. Alec can see Mia is struggling, sees she’s lonely, depressed and has ptsd and he avoids her, doesn’t eat her food, stays in his office and is generally horrid to her. He treats her like he really doesn’t want her there. Even when he agrees to train her as a sub they have sex after playing, in his office and she goes to bed alone. Till she snaps and has enough. Then all of a sudden it’s really good in the last quarter of the book.

I really wish it had been as good all the way through. As Alec’s silent treatment of Mia made me cry as she was so depressed. It was awful.

I’ll definitely read the brothers books as they grew on me. I love the relationship that they had with Mia. It was so sweet.
1,240 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2019
Mastered by Malone is the sixth book in the Haven, Texas series, but reads well as a stand alone. Mia is the only witness to her coworkers’ murders, but with a hitman after her, she knows she’s not safe. Alec has his own dark past, his own troubles now, but reluctantly allows Mia to stay at his place to keep her safe. As their attraction draws them closer together, will Alec stay focused enough and push his own emotions aside to keep Mia safe?

Ms. Roberts has done it again! She has captured my attention, emotions, and my heart fully, taken me on a wild rollercoaster ride of highs and lows with twists or drama and sharp turns of danger and I loved every single minute I spent reading this book! I didn’t want to put it down. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted so much more from Alec and Mia, yet this book had so much connection and healing and love that it just felt perfect! Alec is cold and harsh, demanding and in control, but I loved when we saw those flashes of vulnerability and protectiveness, the sweetness he felt for Mia. He was the perfect Dom for her, and I loved so much his fierceness to keep those he loved safe. Mia was this beautiful dichotomy between being so strong and scared, sweet and almost like a protective tiger, loyal and just wanting to feel loved. Her story broke my heart just as much as Alec’s, but I loved most of all the healing they found in each other’s arms. Also, seriously, Alec’s brothers are ALL AMAZING and I loved their different personalities, their ways of showing love, their banter, and their protectiveness, too! This series is definitely one of my favorites, this book may be my favorite so far, and I can not wait for more book from Ms. Roberts!
Profile Image for Joanne Carr.
754 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2019
I am voluntarily writing this review for this book I received through Booksprouts arc.

Death seemed to be following her since the death of her next door neighbor. She seemed to think they were after her sincere neighbor was wearing her yellow slickerwhich she stole from Mia’s apartment. The killer thought they got Mia what would she do if the killer realized it wasn’t Mia. She had to get away quickly she didn’t take anything except her handbag and the clothes on her back. Alec Malone lived on a ranch outside of the town of Haven were everyone protected each other. Jardin his brother from New Orleans ask that he would do him a favor by taking in his from Mike’s cousin. Alec was taken back but Jardin reminded him that Mike found their sister who had been kidnapped. Alec comes to find out the woman that they would be guarding is wanted by Frankie Angelo for witnessing a murder. Alec wasn’t been nice to her just the opposite
he was cold even after he gave her his three rules. The brothers were told they are to stay away from Mia. Mia decided she was going to be the cook and they wound up loving her food. Alec meanwhile can not stop thinking about her. Alec was known for his proclivity of BDSM so he knew nothing would every happen between them. He only sees sub at the club
and they knew that he didn’t do relationships. Meanwhile he is finding out more about Mia and her life. The two finally get together but not in the way you think. Twists, turns, kidnapping, attempted murder and murder make this an exciting read.
Profile Image for Jane Burrelli.
Author 10 books334 followers
October 4, 2019
Where do I start?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the chemistry between the H&h is absolutely sizzling.
Alec is an intense and a little intimidating Dom. He's in control - period. He's unapologetic about who he is and in short, if you don't like him then, 'there's the door don't let it hit you on the way out.' However that being said, he is loyal and despite his cold exterior, if you are someone he cares about, he will have your back, no matter what. He tempers his need to control by having a protective instinct a mild wide.

Mia, is on the run from witnessing a mob hit and has a target on her back. She's been through the wringer but despite everything, she has been through, she has a core of steel, hidden deep, deep down. And I love how that little flash of fire will utterly wrong foot the confident and self-assured Alec.

Not only that, she braves the notorious Malone boys and bit by bit civilise them ... a little, with a little dessert bribery. I love her interaction with the Malone clan, would have loved to see more of the brothers actually, they were wild and crazy and eventually adopt Mia as one of their own. And everyone knows, you don't mess with the Malones.

I could continue on, one small thing I would have liked to seen Mia and Alec interacting on more of a boyfriend/girlfriend dynamic and to see Mia slipping slowly into his everyday life or Mia push her boundaries a little more with Alec before it was wrapped up at the end.

I LOVED it!

Now I just pray there will be more stories following the Malone family!
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews219 followers
October 20, 2021
This is an entry in the author's "Haven, Texas" series. Often these books feature ménage; since that's not my kink, I've only read the books that don't.

This is the first book (I think) about the Malones, a nearly all-male family of dominant brothers and cousins located in Texas and New Orleans. (I assume that we'll find out more about them in subsequent books since the author leaves many details vague.) Here, we get Alec, the head of the clan, and Mia, the witness to a brutal mob killing he agrees to protect. He tells himself that she's off-limits to him, but soon finds himself breaking that particular "rule..."

I found this difficult to rate and not for the first time wished that GR allowed 1/2 stars. On one hand, I liked the initial slow burn of the romance (I'm not a fan of insta-love); Mia's inner strength and her developing friendships with the rest of the brothers; the naturalistic dialogue; the comparatively realistic depiction of PTSD (BDSM, thank heaven, is presented as a coping mechanism, not a cure), and Ms. Roberts' SSC. On the other, Mia's character was so different in the second half of the book that I found her nearly incoherent (somehow she's a klutz everywhere but the kitchen; she goes from 0 to 180 on the BDSM-0-Meter with nary a hitch); she and Alec don't spend enough time together in the first half to justify the intense feelings they display later on; the pace is too slow at the beginning and too fast at the end; and editing and continuity issues exist (though they aren't overwhelming).

3 1/2 stars. I do recommend this.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,456 reviews28 followers
August 23, 2019
Laylah Roberts has hit the nail on the head yet again.I just love reading this womens stories she never fails in my opinion to deliver a great story. And i have to say that after reading this story i am excited to see if the other men get their HEA. I loved Mia's character, i really did. I felt sorry for her at first for all she went through but it was satisfying to see that once taken in hand she was starting to blossom. And the way she handled the men in the family, well and exceptional job well done.

Mia has witnessed a murder she wasnt surposed to see, and then her neighbour was murdered as well, as she was wearing Mia's coat. Mistaken identity, but they know that the bullet was meant for her. Now her cousin is trying to keep her safe, and the only person who can do that is Alec Marlone and his family. But Alec has one condition on her staying at the Ranch and that is that she sign a contract stating that she will follow all the rules he lays out or she will get a spanking. Agreeing to this Mia slowly settles into the Ranch but her condition is worsening, her panic attacks are getting more often and she is not eating. Alec sees that she is loosing weight and finally decides to take matters into his hands, but as time goes on, they both fall in love but Alec dosnt really want to acknowlegde that at all .

A really great read, and it is my pleasure to give this a 5 + star rating.
Profile Image for Tracey.
1,301 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2019
A spicy romance. 💞❤️️🤠💞

Mia is in hiding for the federal government waiting to testify because she witnessed a mob hit but they aren't having much luck in keeping her safe. Finally, her cousin, Mike, asks for help outside of the box. He has a friend who has family that can hopefully keep Mia safe... if they can just get to them. Alec agrees to help as payment for a favor to his cousin... but he doesn't like it. What he really doesn't like is his reaction to Mia when he sees her for the first time. Mia knows she has to stick it out here but she's a mess and she knows it. Alec tries to avoid her but he finally realizes he might just be the only one who can help her through the trauma of her life. And that's by making her his sub. The question is... will either one survive the relationship?💗🔥💦💕

This is the sixth book in the Haven, Texas series and as with all the books in this series, it deals with the BDSM lifestyle and it's many, many variations so if that's not for you, don't read this book. 😉💖

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,295 reviews70 followers
September 7, 2019
Mia is in danger because of something she saw and now she was on the run until the people after her could be dealt with. Alec is a rancher with a dark past and isn't thrilled to have to watch Mia but is doing so for a friend. Mia wants to feel like she is contributing something while she stays with the Malones so she starts cooking meal and cleaning up. However Alec just wants her to do nothing while she's there. Sparks fly between them but Alec doesn't think she is his type of woman because he is into BDSM. Mia is intrigued by Alec after learning more about his private life and wants to explore the BDSM herself. Will Alec see that Mia could be his perfect woman? Will the people after Mia succeed in getting to her?

This is an amazing story that will have you on the edge of your seat until you're at the end. The chemistry between them is sizzling hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise .
931 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2021
3.5 stars

“Mastered by Malone” started off a little slower than I expected but when it kicks into gear it gets wild! Mia has been brought to the Malone family ranch to hide her until she has to testify in court about the mob killings she witnessed. Alec, eldest of the Malone brothers, agrees to hide her but he is less than thrilled about it. He’s very attracted to her so he hides from her as much as he can because he knows he isn’t worthy of the goodness he recognizes in her. Mia is struggling with more than the brutal killings she saw – she is also coping with a lifetime of tragedy. Alec and Mia certainly deserve their HEA.

The last third of the book or contains some D/s interactions between Alec and Mia, and solid emotional depth. Alec actually reveals a startling amount of information all at once at just about the end of the book, and thereby shed a lot of information about himself and his family. The interactions with and between the Malone brothers are very funny, and each of them is a distinctly interesting character.
799 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2019
Laylah Roberts has, I think, taken the idea of a dysfunctional family of adult boys (I use the word advisedly!) and run wild with it, and it makes for a book that never gets too serious, despite the gravity of the situation facing Mia. The Malones give Mia sanctuary against the mob boss hunting her, but the sanctuary comes with an out-of-control crowd of men. The Malone brothers all have their own stories, but it’s Alec that falls in love with Mia, although their relationship isn’t an immediate one. Ms Roberts has written a great character in Mia; she has enormous strength of character, she is tough enough to stand up to the Malone men, and she is aware of what she needs from Alec, even though it may not be enjoyable. The closing scene is a new favorite of mine, and I hope we’re going to see more of the Malone brothers in future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
44 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2019
Nothing fancy. Still satisfying.

Ms. Roberts returns to Haven, TX and while there are some appearances from previously introduced characters, this one is about a whole new set of residents. The Malone brothers. And we get to meet every delightful one of them. We start ro learn about their screwed up history and will undoubtedly learn more as each one of them gets his own book. Right, Laylah?

Alec and Mia are the heart of this one. She's in a dangerous situation and he agrees to provide protection. She's feisty and he's broody. He orders and demands. She wants to be loved. What happens is what you would expect. But the dialogue is clever and full of warmth. Mia begins to tame this rowdy bunch and every one of them succumbs. One last burst of resistance and there goes Alec.

Some light BDSM, some sexytimes, some bickering. All in, this was a very pleasant read. And as each Malone book is published, I will continue to enjoy this family and this town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.