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Chestnut Ranch #3
The Cowboy Billionaire's Christmas Crush
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07X7HYHQ3
He's the foreman for the family ranch. She's broken up with him once already. Can their mutual love of rescuing dogs bring them back together? Maybe cowboys never get a second chance...
Russ Johnson has the degree and the experience to run a ranch successfully. Not that it really matters if he doesn't, because this cowboy billionaire's bank account can take a hit.
Too bad his heart can't.
When his ex-girlfriend, Janelle Stokes, shows up at Chestnut Ranch with another dog that needs rescuing, they start seeing each other again. She was worried about how her two girls would do with Russ in their lives, so she broke up with him, her lawyerly mind taking the reins from her heart.
But as they work together to expand the dog rescue facilities at the ranch, Russ involves Janelle's kids in such a seamless way that she thinks she might just give him her whole heart for Christmas.
Yay, Russ!
Except her ex-husband is back in Chestnut Springs for the holidays, and everything gets complicated when he says he wants to try to rebuild the family Janelle once had with him and their children.
Oh, boy.
Will Russ's Christmas crush have to stay that way? Or will he and Janelle get their second chance and find a way to build a new brand of family?
He's the foreman for the family ranch. She's broken up with him once already. Can their mutual love of rescuing dogs bring them back together? Maybe cowboys never get a second chance...
Russ Johnson has the degree and the experience to run a ranch successfully. Not that it really matters if he doesn't, because this cowboy billionaire's bank account can take a hit.
Too bad his heart can't.
When his ex-girlfriend, Janelle Stokes, shows up at Chestnut Ranch with another dog that needs rescuing, they start seeing each other again. She was worried about how her two girls would do with Russ in their lives, so she broke up with him, her lawyerly mind taking the reins from her heart.
But as they work together to expand the dog rescue facilities at the ranch, Russ involves Janelle's kids in such a seamless way that she thinks she might just give him her whole heart for Christmas.
Yay, Russ!
Except her ex-husband is back in Chestnut Springs for the holidays, and everything gets complicated when he says he wants to try to rebuild the family Janelle once had with him and their children.
Oh, boy.
Will Russ's Christmas crush have to stay that way? Or will he and Janelle get their second chance and find a way to build a new brand of family?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
1098 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 11, 2020
This was okay. I just never connected with either of the main characters. Both Russ and Janelle seemed to spend way too much time worrying about how their actions would be perceived and not enough time figuring out how to actually talk to one another. I do like this series so I am hoping the rest of the books will be more like the first two were.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2021
I love stories about big families and how they manage their lives. The Johnson brothers and family fill the bill.
May 18, 2021
Russ and Jannel have their own up and down and in and out of their relationship
While Seth is gone on his honeymoon, the other Johnson Brothers work on a surprise for him in building and additional pen for the dogs in his rescue program. People are dropping off dogs everyday it seems like and they have no room for them. Janelle comes over to see Russ and offers to take at least seven of the dogs including King which her daughter really loves Kelly loves King. Plus king likes to sleep on Janelle's bed and she appreciates the extra warmth and company. Janelle and Kelly and Kadence clean up their stables and get them ready for the new dogs that are coming. They work on it for 2 days and then go out to the ranch to let the johnsons know that they're ready for the dogs. Russ said he'd bring them over at night after chores we're done and so that's what they do and get the dogs situated. But stubborn window won't open in the stables so Russ has to fix that and get that open for air for the dogs. He does and he and Janelle sit on a swing outside and eat cookies when they're done. Russ still hasn't met her daughters but they're coming on Saturday to help work on the new dog pen. When Kadence and Kelly and Janelle get to the ranch on Saturday they dive right in and learn how to hammer in children's size hammering. While they're doing that Molly in the meanwhile is taking care of the goats and chickens and doing her part on the ranch. It makes for a festive day. Then Janelle asked Russ if he would like to go to a bell choir concert. He says yes and they scheduled that at the community center for the next night. It turns into somewhat of a disaster because there is a hot chocolate tasting contest that is crowded with all kinds of people that Russ doesn't know and it feels claustrophobic as he gets separated from Janelle. So he manages to leave the room roam around the community center and ends up back outside the door to the hot chocolate tasting contest waiting for Janelle. In the meantime a random batch of girls come in more than 10 years younger than them and say they're on a scavenger hunt and one of them lays a kiss on Russ and takes a picture at the same time that Janelle comes out of the hot chocolate tasting room to see it. Russ is really upset about it and so is Janelle she's not so sure she believes him that it was nothing to do with them and he didn't kiss the girl but the girl kissed him and he didn't like it. This spoils the bell choir concert for them so they leave and get to his truck and try to talk it out. Russ takes her home and her mom is waiting on the doorstep with the cat she kept texting Janelle about that was missing. Russ is disappointed he doesn't get to kiss Janelle good night but there's no way he's going to do it in front of her mother. They continue to have their ups and downs as Janelle's ex is in the picture trying to get closer to the girls, his daughters. Henry is a lying cheater that just causes problems continually and does stuff that is questionable. He's up on charges anyway for harassing and ex-girlfriend so much so that she calls the cops on him. So he is on leave from his law firm until the trial date of December 27th. This causes all kinds of conflict in Janelle as she doesn't really like him around her girls when he has this hanging over his head. But she doesn't have a choice because he is their father. Henry may be a lying cheat but he's good with the girls. In the meantime Russ has put on the back burner as he has so much to try to get done before Seth gets home from his honeymoon. So they try to text everyday to keep in touch.
While Seth is gone on his honeymoon, the other Johnson Brothers work on a surprise for him in building and additional pen for the dogs in his rescue program. People are dropping off dogs everyday it seems like and they have no room for them. Janelle comes over to see Russ and offers to take at least seven of the dogs including King which her daughter really loves Kelly loves King. Plus king likes to sleep on Janelle's bed and she appreciates the extra warmth and company. Janelle and Kelly and Kadence clean up their stables and get them ready for the new dogs that are coming. They work on it for 2 days and then go out to the ranch to let the johnsons know that they're ready for the dogs. Russ said he'd bring them over at night after chores we're done and so that's what they do and get the dogs situated. But stubborn window won't open in the stables so Russ has to fix that and get that open for air for the dogs. He does and he and Janelle sit on a swing outside and eat cookies when they're done. Russ still hasn't met her daughters but they're coming on Saturday to help work on the new dog pen. When Kadence and Kelly and Janelle get to the ranch on Saturday they dive right in and learn how to hammer in children's size hammering. While they're doing that Molly in the meanwhile is taking care of the goats and chickens and doing her part on the ranch. It makes for a festive day. Then Janelle asked Russ if he would like to go to a bell choir concert. He says yes and they scheduled that at the community center for the next night. It turns into somewhat of a disaster because there is a hot chocolate tasting contest that is crowded with all kinds of people that Russ doesn't know and it feels claustrophobic as he gets separated from Janelle. So he manages to leave the room roam around the community center and ends up back outside the door to the hot chocolate tasting contest waiting for Janelle. In the meantime a random batch of girls come in more than 10 years younger than them and say they're on a scavenger hunt and one of them lays a kiss on Russ and takes a picture at the same time that Janelle comes out of the hot chocolate tasting room to see it. Russ is really upset about it and so is Janelle she's not so sure she believes him that it was nothing to do with them and he didn't kiss the girl but the girl kissed him and he didn't like it. This spoils the bell choir concert for them so they leave and get to his truck and try to talk it out. Russ takes her home and her mom is waiting on the doorstep with the cat she kept texting Janelle about that was missing. Russ is disappointed he doesn't get to kiss Janelle good night but there's no way he's going to do it in front of her mother. They continue to have their ups and downs as Janelle's ex is in the picture trying to get closer to the girls, his daughters. Henry is a lying cheater that just causes problems continually and does stuff that is questionable. He's up on charges anyway for harassing and ex-girlfriend so much so that she calls the cops on him. So he is on leave from his law firm until the trial date of December 27th. This causes all kinds of conflict in Janelle as she doesn't really like him around her girls when he has this hanging over his head. But she doesn't have a choice because he is their father. Henry may be a lying cheat but he's good with the girls. In the meantime Russ has put on the back burner as he has so much to try to get done before Seth gets home from his honeymoon. So they try to text everyday to keep in touch.
May 15, 2020
Sorry for the low rating, but...
Janelle...for an educated lawyer who has dealt with a cheating, conniving ex-husband and now specializes in representing spouses who have been in her shoes...she's about as dumb as a box of rocks! Ugh!! I was really loving this book until she apparently left her brain in Kadence's Easy Bake Oven! Seriously. How could she even contemplate letting Henry back.
Russ...he was so sweet, and caring and loving and thoughtful! He cared about everyone's feelings and needs. He was always there for poor Travis. He went out of his way to help his family and loves on Janelle's girls. Janelle practically ravished Russ and begged for his kisses...yet she had no problem with putting his heart through the shredder. Russ and Travis are my favorite brothers so far.
I know this is fiction, but I seriously doubt a normal man would have so quickly, and so easily forgiven Janelle after what she did. I literally wanted to shake her and say "Snap out of it!!!"
Sorry, Emmy but this is my least favorite so far. I really do hate giving bad reviews, and generally avoid doing so, but this was just too much.
Hoping the next book will be better.
Janelle...for an educated lawyer who has dealt with a cheating, conniving ex-husband and now specializes in representing spouses who have been in her shoes...she's about as dumb as a box of rocks! Ugh!! I was really loving this book until she apparently left her brain in Kadence's Easy Bake Oven! Seriously. How could she even contemplate letting Henry back.
Russ...he was so sweet, and caring and loving and thoughtful! He cared about everyone's feelings and needs. He was always there for poor Travis. He went out of his way to help his family and loves on Janelle's girls. Janelle practically ravished Russ and begged for his kisses...yet she had no problem with putting his heart through the shredder. Russ and Travis are my favorite brothers so far.
I know this is fiction, but I seriously doubt a normal man would have so quickly, and so easily forgiven Janelle after what she did. I literally wanted to shake her and say "Snap out of it!!!"
Sorry, Emmy but this is my least favorite so far. I really do hate giving bad reviews, and generally avoid doing so, but this was just too much.
Hoping the next book will be better.
May 15, 2021
I am still reading the series but I do like that each book does use the same timelines and events so you get everyone's view of the same event. I do not like that some of the girls do really come off as being slightly dumb about things that make them appear fake. These guys are slow on the uptake of their emotions so if the author was trying to convey doubt she did by destroying the women's self worth images. I gave it the five stars because it read well, and the concept of the timelines was really good. Most series books don't do that. I believe all authors learn with each book they write how to relate to all the different personalities of the readers so I think this series does that.
February 3, 2022
Poor Russ
This book was a rewind it goes back to Seth's wedding and when Millie dances with Travis. but we are in Russ head now not Travis.I did not enjoy it not sure why think it's because I was not a fan of her.he was her ex for 3 years.he cheats on her every minute.she comes across stupid and poor Russ.then she gets burned again and rushes to Russ.not to mention the court case of Henry's what does that say. He Is So Not Into You.think he just wanted her single that's why he shows up now and then pushing buttons.
This book was a rewind it goes back to Seth's wedding and when Millie dances with Travis. but we are in Russ head now not Travis.I did not enjoy it not sure why think it's because I was not a fan of her.he was her ex for 3 years.he cheats on her every minute.she comes across stupid and poor Russ.then she gets burned again and rushes to Russ.not to mention the court case of Henry's what does that say. He Is So Not Into You.think he just wanted her single that's why he shows up now and then pushing buttons.
October 11, 2022
STUPID WOMAN
It's really not about her daughters, but about her ex husband. She has a man who treats her with love and respect and includes her daughters. Her ex-husband was a dud as a husband and not much better as a father and she knows it. So will she overlook the affairs he had when they were married and the three times she took him back? Or will she stand strong for a man who truly loves her and her children? I love reading a book I can put myself in it and this is one of those. I definitely recommend it to anyone around 16 and older.
It's really not about her daughters, but about her ex husband. She has a man who treats her with love and respect and includes her daughters. Her ex-husband was a dud as a husband and not much better as a father and she knows it. So will she overlook the affairs he had when they were married and the three times she took him back? Or will she stand strong for a man who truly loves her and her children? I love reading a book I can put myself in it and this is one of those. I definitely recommend it to anyone around 16 and older.
March 5, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Russ Johnson runs Chestnut Creek Ranch and would like to get back together with his ex-girlfriend, Janelle Stokes. When she shows up at the ranch with another rescue dog, she agrees to allow them to house a few of the dogs in her vacant stable. Her problem is that she finds it hard to say no to her cheating ex-husband and father of her two girls. An interesting book about making decisions and sticking with them.
December 26, 2025
Sweet, contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, cowboy/ranch; series but stand alone read
Janelle and Russ’s story was a back and forth, complicated by Janelle’s daughters, and ex husband.
Russ’s patience, abiding deep feelings for her make all the difference as Janelle tries to figure out what’s best for her and her girls. Russ’s character, kindness and patience along with his love for her make all the difference.
Romance, sweet, cowboy/ranch; series but stand alone read
Janelle and Russ’s story was a back and forth, complicated by Janelle’s daughters, and ex husband.
Russ’s patience, abiding deep feelings for her make all the difference as Janelle tries to figure out what’s best for her and her girls. Russ’s character, kindness and patience along with his love for her make all the difference.
July 1, 2021
Seeking a home for a battered heart
He's a rancher and she's a lawyer. He's never been married and she has two little girls and a divorce from her serial cheating husband. Why has her ex suddenly shown back up in the little town he couldn't wait to get out of?
What do the the rancher and lawyer have in common? A combustible attraction.
A tangled, good read.
He's a rancher and she's a lawyer. He's never been married and she has two little girls and a divorce from her serial cheating husband. Why has her ex suddenly shown back up in the little town he couldn't wait to get out of?
What do the the rancher and lawyer have in common? A combustible attraction.
A tangled, good read.
January 15, 2022
Loved Russ and Janelle. Russ was so patient and waited as he knew Janelle was worth the wait.
Janelle a single mom was torm between the happiness with Russ and her ex husband wanting the be a family again.
Janelle realized that her ex knly wants what he wants and that he is not what makes her happy..its Russ. Ranchlife and her girls.
Janelle a single mom was torm between the happiness with Russ and her ex husband wanting the be a family again.
Janelle realized that her ex knly wants what he wants and that he is not what makes her happy..its Russ. Ranchlife and her girls.
December 31, 2019
WOW!!!! What else is there to say. This was a really HOT story, and you will be missing out if you do not read it. I could not put it down it was that good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2020
Avery good read
I like the way the different stories of the brothers take place on the same timeline but each story is still unique but with an event or two that remind you of the other story. This is a lovely book to read on a cold rainy afternoon! It sure warmed my heart.
I like the way the different stories of the brothers take place on the same timeline but each story is still unique but with an event or two that remind you of the other story. This is a lovely book to read on a cold rainy afternoon! It sure warmed my heart.
January 28, 2020
Russ and Janelle
This story had me routing for them, Russ is such a good man. She is a single mom with two girls. Her x comes back in town and she can't figure out what's right for her girls. This will make you laugh and cry.
This story had me routing for them, Russ is such a good man. She is a single mom with two girls. Her x comes back in town and she can't figure out what's right for her girls. This will make you laugh and cry.
February 22, 2020
Rollercoaster Romance
This was definitely a rollercoaster ride type of romance with adorably sweet and charming characters that will have you at the edge of your seat til see how their journey towards unconditional love will end.
This was definitely a rollercoaster ride type of romance with adorably sweet and charming characters that will have you at the edge of your seat til see how their journey towards unconditional love will end.
May 2, 2020
So so
Janelle is supposed to be smart. But she keeps pushing Russ away and he keeps going back. You wish you could smack them upside the hesd. P.S. These books need better editing.
Janelle is supposed to be smart. But she keeps pushing Russ away and he keeps going back. You wish you could smack them upside the hesd. P.S. These books need better editing.
March 21, 2021
Not for me
Sorry, Janelle got on my last nerve. How can one woman be so wet and indecisive? I lost my patience with her long before the end of the book and simply skimmed the last half just so I could say finished.
Sorry, Janelle got on my last nerve. How can one woman be so wet and indecisive? I lost my patience with her long before the end of the book and simply skimmed the last half just so I could say finished.
June 23, 2021
Great story.
This is a very exciting and suspenseful story. Janella is a divorced lady raising two young girls. She is attracted to Russ Johnson, but has problems with her ex. This is a must read to see the outcome.
This is a very exciting and suspenseful story. Janella is a divorced lady raising two young girls. She is attracted to Russ Johnson, but has problems with her ex. This is a must read to see the outcome.
January 5, 2022
Such A Sweet Story
This brother seems to love twice as hard as the previous two brothers I read about. Maybe three times as hard since he fell in love with a woman and her two children.
This brother seems to love twice as hard as the previous two brothers I read about. Maybe three times as hard since he fell in love with a woman and her two children.
January 23, 2022
Great story!
Quick and easy read. Enjoy the whole series! Close family of ranchers who all find love and so far at their brother's wedding even though they usually knew the ladies previously.
Quick and easy read. Enjoy the whole series! Close family of ranchers who all find love and so far at their brother's wedding even though they usually knew the ladies previously.
May 3, 2022
Really Great Series
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. I love Russ and Janelle's story. These two are so good for each other and those two little girls really add to the story. A captivating read.
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know all the characters. I love Russ and Janelle's story. These two are so good for each other and those two little girls really add to the story. A captivating read.
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June 19, 2022I love this family
The Johnson family is the type of family I would want. They very close brothers helping one another. They so great concern. The book would be good for middle aged women.
The Johnson family is the type of family I would want. They very close brothers helping one another. They so great concern. The book would be good for middle aged women.
June 12, 2023
Great Love - No Sex
I read books for many reasons. Depending on my mood. This
was a great change from my usual more sexually descriptive read. Nice to just calmly float along reading it.
I read books for many reasons. Depending on my mood. This
was a great change from my usual more sexually descriptive read. Nice to just calmly float along reading it.
December 30, 2019
Janelle and Russ are developing a relationship when her ex comes back starting trouble and wanting her back. But he has not changed, she is trying to figure out what to do.
February 27, 2020
Patience Is A Virtue
Russ has fallen for a single mother with two daughters. He patiently awaits as Janelle struggles with what is right for her and her girls
Russ has fallen for a single mother with two daughters. He patiently awaits as Janelle struggles with what is right for her and her girls
May 2, 2020
Refreshing to read what seem right (horse before the cart).
August 10, 2020
Wonderful
Loved this couple and their struggles to find their HEA. Recently found this author and really enjoy reading her books!
Loved this couple and their struggles to find their HEA. Recently found this author and really enjoy reading her books!
April 16, 2021
A Cowboy and his Christmas Wish
It was really a cute story. Janelle knew how to be a Lawyer but she didn't know how to be a girlfriend. It was funny. Kit Ryan
It was really a cute story. Janelle knew how to be a Lawyer but she didn't know how to be a girlfriend. It was funny. Kit Ryan
May 3, 2021
Great book!
May 5, 2021
It was good a little disappointed at the start of book but ended better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews