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Chestnut Ranch #4

The Cowboy Billionaire's Secret Baby

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They were married for a few months. She lost their baby...or so he thought.

Rex Johnson knows he's the loudest brother. He doesn't even try to hide it, because he has plenty of other secrets he's never told anyone. Not his parents. Not his brothers. No one.

I was only married for four months.

No one needs to know. Especially because it was five years ago, and Rex hasn't heard from Holly Roberts since she left for work one day and never came back to their apartment. She filed for divorce the next day, and Rex's whole world fell apart.

One day at a time...

He's done a decent job of putting himself back together after he returned to Chestnut Springs and the family ranch. But when he has a chance encounter with a little girl after his brother's wedding, he comes face-to-face with Holly again.

Oh no. And who is that girl?

Holly's terrified to tell Rex that the little girl is their daughter, but she does. In and out of treatment facilities, Holly's been suffering from depression and doing the best she can as a mom. She's been slowly putting her life back together one piece at a time, and when Rex tells her if she leaves Chestnut Springs, he'll call the cops, she decides to stay.

It's time to stop running anyway.

Can Holly and Rex reconcile their differences and build a family with their daughter?

298 pages, ebook

First published December 21, 2019

1306 people are currently reading
238 people want to read

About the author

Emmy Eugene

24 books67 followers

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5 stars
938 (64%)
4 stars
354 (24%)
3 stars
123 (8%)
2 stars
32 (2%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
Profile Image for Sylup.
39 reviews
September 28, 2024
I could tell after the first 40 pages that I would absolutely hate the ride (more like car crash) this book would take me on. None of these character acted and thought like actual humans. Holly‘s reasons for abandoning a marriage (even though it was short) and denying her daughter a father for over 5 years were incredibly ridiculous. And Rex forgiving her almost immediately was even worse??

„And whether we like it or not, Holly’s her mom.” He looked at Holly, hoping she didn’t think he didn’t like that.“

Like what??? This was like 2 hours after she told him why she left. It seemed like he didn’t even care about all the things she’s done to him.

At no point did I find myself actually rooting for these two. Holly was so incredibly unlikeable. The five years she spent away from Rex she lived at her moms. Now that she’s building a life with Rex, again, she doesn’t even visit her.

„And what Momma wanted was law in her house. Holly wondered how she was doing. She’d spoken to her several times over the past month that she’d been living in Chestnut Springs, but she hadn’t gone to visit once. A quick feeling of guilt moved through her, but she pushed it away. It was time for her to live her own life.“

I just found her extremely ungrateful and opportunistic. At one point in the book she even told Rex that she didn’t inform him about their daughter, after she worked out her biggest issues in therapy, because it was easier for her. All I could think about was how much harder that is for Sarah?! And Rex still has the nerve to tell Holly she was a great mother REPEATEDLY THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. She also goes behind his back, makes important decisions without him, and then gets surprised when he’s upset about it and puts all the blame on him.

And:

“For all I knew, you weren’t coming back after your third-place finish in Louisville.“

Don’t even get me started on this. He’s done nothing that would warrant her not trusting him, why is she projecting??? Yet she gets angry he is scared of trusting her after SHE GAVE HIM TRUST ISSUES. Sarah is his daughter, and he has every right to know where she is. HOLLY DIDNT EVEN TELL HIM WHERE THEY WENT AFTER THEY LEFT THE HOSPITAL SERIOUSLY WHAT IS HER ISSUE

This book was so anger inducing I got three more forehead wrinkles just while reading this, and basically all of them were Holly’s fault.

I’m a sucker for second chance romance and dads, so I was really hoping this would be up my alley… :/ sadly it wasn’t
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,567 reviews31 followers
November 6, 2021
There are five Johnson brothers and three of them are married. The big family is fun, wholesome and hardworking. It’s wonderful to see the family grow.
Profile Image for Shuvai.
605 reviews12 followers
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Its nice how Holy and Rex were upfront about the issue about their child Sarah, but what was really wonderful for me was Holy's ability to stand up for herself so that she can be heard and be an equal partner with Rex.
I also loved the fact that I could relate with Holy's character. Its beautiful to note that as much as her mother tried to manipulate her into staying with her she decided to stand up and believe in herself that she was well able to take care of herself and her daughter and to keep and hold her job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,813 reviews65 followers
December 30, 2019
I totally enjoyed this book it has well developed and engaging characters and a storyline that flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
199 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2021
Rex and Holly have a long way to go as they get back together and Rex discovered he has a daughter

Rex was so mad he just discovered he had a daughter and she was 5 years old and he missed 5 years of her life. He was so upset he didn't know what to do but he took his daughter Sarah to breakfast and had her mother Holly pack up her things and check out of the miserable hotel they were in. He then took him to a department store when he picked Holly up after breakfast and they picked out clothes for Sarah. Holly refused to buy anything for herself so Rex gave her his credit card and said by what you need when you want it. Then he took her by three houses and asked her to pick which one she wanted she was overwhelmed at this gesture but he insisted. So she picked house number two and you started the ball rolling on purchase. Holy was amazed and astounded and Sarah was ballistic with joy. They went to the grocery store for supplies and when they got back the empty house was full of furniture in every room. Beautiful furniture king size beds and all the sheets and everything that went with them. Rex David that he didn't want them living in a crappy motel and he wanted something better for his daughter. He got them settled in the house and promised to be by the next morning. And that's how it started he wasn't sure he trusted Holly but he wanted time with Sarah. Holly had run off before and not told him he even had a daughter so she wasn't sure what she would do this time. However she said she was going to look for a job for herself and thus she needed a vehicle to get to work. She also needed to go back to her mama's house to get all of her clothes and Sarah's toys and books and clothes. When she came back Griffiths and Rex helped her unload her truck and put everything in the second floor of their home until her house would be ready. That would take a couple of weeks so in the meantime she was living at Rex's and Griffith's house. While she looked for a job Rex took her to the ranch and introduced her to the dogs and the horses and the goats. Sarah had so much fun at the ranch with the dogs and the other animals and even the horseback riding lesson. Holly was pleased she got a job the first day out looking at the pizza parlor. The pizza parlor also served pasta and other things. She realized she was making good tips and she would get her lunch for half price. She was so excited she texted Rex and told him about her new job. So they arranged for Sarah to come out to the ranch every day and Jenna would watch Sarah so that Holly could go to work without fear of where Sarah would be. Everything moves smoothly along for a while but as things normally do glitches arose here and there if they had to work out between them. Rick said doubts about Holly because she had taken off before and claimed she had a miscarriage when she hadn't had one. But Holly seemed like she was going to stick around this time and she was doing a lot better with her depression and anxiety. She talked with the therapist once a week and she kept journals so that she would know and face her own fears and joys she wrote them down. Out from under her mom's negativity she grew even more positive and happy. She hadn't been so content anywhere before as she was now. Rex decided to date her as if they were starting out in the new relationship. This way they would get to know each other since it had been five years since they had seen each other. The dating worked out and they became closer and closer. Rex had bought a racehorse that was running in the Kentucky Derby and he wanted to go see his horse running which was understandable. He would be gone for several days and Holly didn't know what she would do with herself the whole time he was gone. But she continued to go to work and only took one day off for a manicure and pedicure and for herself. She ate it a restaurant that wasn't Italian that has all day breakfast and she enjoyed herself immensely before she had to pick up Sarah from Jenna's. But Rex did not keep contact with her when he was gone she texted him and asked him if he landed safely and he said yep and that's all she heard from him all those days. His horse came in third during the race and she was excited for him but she had no idea what that meant. She was at work after that and got a call that said her mother had landed in the hospital over in Bourne. So she left work picked up Sarah from Janice and dashed home to her mama's place to go to the hospital find out what was going on with her mama. Holly didn't have any idea when Rex was coming back or even if he would come back as he hadn't contacted her at all after he told her he landed safely. So she didn't think to contact him to let him know what was going on and of course that's the day he got back and found her gone and Sarah gone. Of course he thought the worst endless panicking when he got to her mama's house and couldn't find anyone home. She finally called him and Rex blew up at her saying what the hell is going on where are you where is Sarah?
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
August 28, 2020
This is an emotional, sweet and heartwarming story with an interesting storyline. Rex and Holly met in college, fell in love quickly and married. Soon after, Holly became pregnant, then told Rex that she miscarried. After 3 months of marriage Hooly left for work one day and never went home. Rex was devestated and spent months looking for her before he finally gave up and moved back to his hometown. 6 years later he was leaving his brother's wedding, and saw Holly with a child. He blew up, threatened to call the cops and told her that he would be picking his daughter up the next morning. He was so determined to make her stay, he bought her a house. They worked on co-parenting, then friendship, then finally a relationship. Rex is a caring, stubborn and confident man. Holly is a vulnerable woman with no self-esteem and phychiatric issues. Rex will melt your heart, Sarah will steal it and Holly will win it.
Profile Image for James a Schmidt.
305 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2020
“A Cowboy and his Daughter:A Johnson Brothers Novel”(Chestnut Ranch Cowboy Billionaires Book)

This book starts out with an angry cowboy,his exwife,and the little girl he didn’t know he had.But it goes up from there.Oh,there are lots of spats and a few out and out fights,but finally they call a truce for the benefit of the little girl.The problem is,he thinks he’s always right,and she knows he isn’t,so it creates a conflict of sorts that you’re not sure they can find they’re way out of.There is a lot more going on,but you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out just what it is.
I hope you like it,I sure did!
Profile Image for Tonya Stinnett.
204 reviews
May 13, 2021
Wow

I love this book. I love how Rex is just a loud men boy who is trying to figure out life or so every one thinks. But really he is just trying to get over his divorce and the loss of his child. Rex can not get Holly out of his mind. She told him she lost the baby and then just left. He looked for her but could not find her anywhere for months. Now five years later she shows up out side of his brothers wedding with a little girl who looks like she could be his. How will Rex deal with this? Can Holly and Rex get through all of the things going on?

This is a must read to see how Rex and the family does with all the new news that will be coming at them.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,845 reviews39 followers
December 27, 2025
Sweet, contemporary cowboy romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary, cowboy; series but stand alone read
Holly and Rex’s story was a second chance romance that happened by accident. Holly hiding that they had a daughter after their divorce when she ran away with medical/mental health issues. Rex alternating between anger and his feelings that have never left has to work through feelings, hopes, dreams, and his fears as they start a life close by each other so Rex can be around his daughter and his ex-wife.
Sweet romance, mistakes, but two honest hurting hearts made for a sweet fall and second chance.
1,861 reviews9 followers
April 30, 2023
Second Chance with an Addition!

A Cowboy and His Daughter: He was hurt badly when Holly left him. Rex never told his family that he had gotten married 5 years ago. Then saw a little girl who looked just like him and then saw her momma and could it was Holly after all these years. She was shocked to see Rex after all these years and after what she put him through. There was still a connection between them she just had let him in and let him get to know his daughter. It was a wonderful story!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,172 reviews25 followers
July 27, 2020
The author's description of depression and anxiety disorder was very well done. The impact of mental illness on relationships was also powerful. I appreciated the fact that her mother was using her illness and situation to meet her own needs and pleased when the h realized how manipulative her mother was being.

Important point: the cover. Wow, just wow.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story and the family relationships. It was also a story about second chances, healing, and growth. Well done.
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,908 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2022
Rex and holly

This does have a HEA but it felt very sad the storyline was good but it was depressing.I get holly was ill but still red had a right to be mad and when he jumps to the wrong thought about her leaving town he was in his right she left him the pain still hurts the trust takes time even if she was is ill.so she has no weight to get mad at him for his insecurities she made them.there was some name errors in this book Sarah was holly?
1,246 reviews10 followers
May 3, 2020
One true love

Rex had kept a huge secret from his family for five years. He had been married and even had a kid (although he didnt know that) Anyways he runs into his ex Holly as he is leaving for his brother's reception. In typical fashion, he blows it. Author still needs an editor.
Profile Image for D..
1,802 reviews
July 9, 2020
This is my first time that I have read an Emmy Eugene book and it will NOT be my last. I really loved the book and I could not put it down. It was engaging, fun and really enjoyable. I look forward to reading more from Emmy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9 reviews
June 8, 2021
Johnson brothers series by Emmy Eugene

The series about the lives and adventures of the Johnson Brothers Is very delightful reading. The characters are attractive individuals with their town strong personalities. There are many demands on their tune from a huge ranch, to being wealthy, to aging parents. It is romantic but pleasantly wholesome.
278 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2022
Love the Second Time Around!💞

I loved the characters and the reality of how people and the ways that they change and grow, the way they learn to overcome their weaknesses and grow stronger. They also recognize that love never actually dies but sometimes lays in wait to be revived, as Rex and Holly's did!!!💞🌹🌹💖💖
257 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2023
Good Book

I have mixed emotions on finishing this one. Happiness from the ending but sadness over the path to get there. The characters faced some very difficult challenges but grew as individuals in the process. Mental illness is hard to deal with but this approach was spot on. Well worth my time to read.
Profile Image for fiona.
65 reviews
April 7, 2020
Lovely series of romantic cowboy brothers

Nice characters with interesting storylines. Really enjoyable style of writing. The full series has been an unexpected joy. I was new to this author and will definitely look at their other titles. Give it a go!
Profile Image for Judy.
1,798 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2020
Holly and Rex

Sweet story about a love lost and then renewed. Holly and Rex overcame many obstacles and worked together to become the family they were meant to be. I'm glad to finally understand why Rex was the way he was in the previous books!

On to Griffin's story!
406 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2020
Marriage:

This was a real surprise on how this story came out on thoroughness brother , he kept a good part of him self. I was glad it turn out that they figured out how to make life work through there life.
66 reviews
June 18, 2020
Pam

This story was so sweet. To leave the one you love because of your mental health knowing you’re pregnant but want to get better is hard. I think she should have told him but they got together anyway. Great HEA
327 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2020
Enjoyed reading

Enjoyed reading about Rex finding out he had a 5 year old daughter. His wife left him after just 3 months. Now he needed to tell his family. He and Holly had to figure out if they could be a family
4 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2021
Growing Up

It love reading about this family. I enjoy seeing how the characters grow and interact with each other. I would recommend this series to anyone that likes to switch up reading different genres.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2021
Great book

Sometimes life is hard, mental illness is something not everyone shows in the same way and isn't always recognized but it is there and sometimes takes a lot to overcome. This book shows that.
Profile Image for Kristi A Risnes.
39 reviews
November 23, 2021
Definite must read

This book had me from page one. Actually the first paragraph. I cannot wait to download the next book. Reading goes best with a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning.
46 reviews
January 6, 2022
All about romance and how easy it is to mess up

Great characters, both men an women, how to be honest with each other, as a couple. Strong, independent, yet there for one another, when needed.
5 reviews
February 11, 2022
Great story of second chance!

Wonderful series! This brother is loud but holds feelings in. His family never knew he had a wife or child until a chance run-in. This story is how they got back together and life turned out great for all of course.
43 reviews
April 11, 2022
Cowboy and his daughter

Wonderful story but in some places the proof reader didn't catch the author miss using names, it sometimes confused me and would have to go back and reread to keep it straight! Other than that I loved the whole series.
Profile Image for Ruby Marlett.
6 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2023
A Cowboy and His Daughter

This was a really good book. There were a couple of hard-to-wade-through spots, and a few errors, but the story was great. It just needs a good proofreading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews

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