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Kane Ridge Ranch #2
Don't Forget About Me
She’s never had a family. He thought he’d never need one.
Brooks Kane wants two things: to continue his Pa’s legacy by running Kane Ridge Ranch, and some goddamn peace and quiet. But when his ex shows up and leaves him with a baby girl he never knew existed, Brooks’s quiet life is thrown into chaos.
Desperate and in over his head, he hires a live-in nanny.
Pepper Basil has nothing tying her down and nowhere else to go. She’s not exactly qualified to care for a child, but she can’t afford to say no to the grumpy cowboy offering her a job and a place to stay.
Hiring someone like Pepper—sunshine in human form, too tempting for his own good—was never part of the plan. And Pepper didn’t set out to want a life that was never meant to be hers.
But somewhere between late nights, shared responsibilities and a baby who needs them both, lines begin to blur.
Building a family was never part of the plan…but sometimes, the best family, isn’t the one you’re given, but the one you choose.
Brooks Kane wants two things: to continue his Pa’s legacy by running Kane Ridge Ranch, and some goddamn peace and quiet. But when his ex shows up and leaves him with a baby girl he never knew existed, Brooks’s quiet life is thrown into chaos.
Desperate and in over his head, he hires a live-in nanny.
Pepper Basil has nothing tying her down and nowhere else to go. She’s not exactly qualified to care for a child, but she can’t afford to say no to the grumpy cowboy offering her a job and a place to stay.
Hiring someone like Pepper—sunshine in human form, too tempting for his own good—was never part of the plan. And Pepper didn’t set out to want a life that was never meant to be hers.
But somewhere between late nights, shared responsibilities and a baby who needs them both, lines begin to blur.
Building a family was never part of the plan…but sometimes, the best family, isn’t the one you’re given, but the one you choose.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2026
About the author
Bailey Johnson
5 books17 followersBailey Johnson has been writing stories since she learned to write. Filling composition books up front to back in high school. Now, as a stay at home Mama, she’s pursuing her dream to become a full time author. She lives on a farm in North Dakota, with her husband and son, and a boatload of animals. Getting inspiration from ranching, rodeo, and music. Infusing her characters with personal hardships, Bailey writes heartfelt romance books that will leave you wanting more.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 7, 2026
This was such an adorable and heartwarming love story, I love the Kane family and can’t wish to return to Kane River Ranch in book three!!!!!!
Thank you to Bailey and Olive Press for an early copy of this ebook❤️
Thank you to Bailey and Olive Press for an early copy of this ebook❤️
August 11, 2026
5🌟 1.5 🌶
ARC review; I'm not sure if its because its 6am, but this book had me crying at the end. I was so overcome with emotion at all the love and the happy ending🥺
What to expect?
-he falls first... and intensely. ✨️
-slow burn 🥺
-age gap
-single dad x nanny 🔥
-grumpy x sunshine🌞
-the found family in this one is felt so wholeheartedly, it really grabbed me by my heart strings.
Pepper is loyal, fiercely protective. Grew up with no family and attachment issues. She has a positive outlook on life despite everything shes been through. Pepper is the ONLY one (besides Tessa) to slip through the cracks of Brooks armour. She is maternal in nature and is naturally inquisitive. She talks a lot which is the polar opposite to Brooks. They are two ends of the spectrum, and the balance that they need. He encourages her to try new things and be adventurous. She inspires him to be and feel a little more human.
Brooks is the epitome of grumpy. His vocabulary consists of 75% grunting. He's not a big talker. He takes on the role as caregiver with such intensity, he doesn't leave any room for looking after himself. Pepper is the sunshiney chaos that was exactly what he needed. Thanks to those two girls, he opened his heart, grew warmer and started talking more. Even opened up to so much laughter. Hes the type of grump that says things at such face value, so brutally honest, that sometimes its comedic.
I loved the entire journey from start to finish learning about Pepper, Brooks and Tessa. The slow build up to them falling for eachother. The insant bond they both had with Tessa and them working through their inner turmoils because of eachother is so meaningful. I love them with my entire heart. And their relationship with their daughter🥺🖤 I feel like this family are deeply interwoven into my heart and I cannot wait for the next book🫶🏾
ARC review; I'm not sure if its because its 6am, but this book had me crying at the end. I was so overcome with emotion at all the love and the happy ending🥺
What to expect?
-he falls first... and intensely. ✨️
-slow burn 🥺
-age gap
-single dad x nanny 🔥
-grumpy x sunshine🌞
-the found family in this one is felt so wholeheartedly, it really grabbed me by my heart strings.
Pepper is loyal, fiercely protective. Grew up with no family and attachment issues. She has a positive outlook on life despite everything shes been through. Pepper is the ONLY one (besides Tessa) to slip through the cracks of Brooks armour. She is maternal in nature and is naturally inquisitive. She talks a lot which is the polar opposite to Brooks. They are two ends of the spectrum, and the balance that they need. He encourages her to try new things and be adventurous. She inspires him to be and feel a little more human.
Brooks is the epitome of grumpy. His vocabulary consists of 75% grunting. He's not a big talker. He takes on the role as caregiver with such intensity, he doesn't leave any room for looking after himself. Pepper is the sunshiney chaos that was exactly what he needed. Thanks to those two girls, he opened his heart, grew warmer and started talking more. Even opened up to so much laughter. Hes the type of grump that says things at such face value, so brutally honest, that sometimes its comedic.
I loved the entire journey from start to finish learning about Pepper, Brooks and Tessa. The slow build up to them falling for eachother. The insant bond they both had with Tessa and them working through their inner turmoils because of eachother is so meaningful. I love them with my entire heart. And their relationship with their daughter🥺🖤 I feel like this family are deeply interwoven into my heart and I cannot wait for the next book🫶🏾
August 10, 2026
Don't Forget About Me is one of those books that you go into not really knowing what to expect, but ending up being soooooo glad you picked it up and gave it a shot! Brooks is a grumpy cowboy, content to run his family's ranch and give his brothers a hard time, until his ex shows up on his doorstep and drops off a 9-month old baby and leaves. He's trying to figure out how to take care of her and wondering how he's going to balance the long days on the ranch with taking care of a baby. Pepper is one of Brooks' sister's best friends, and it just so happens that she is in between jobs for a silly reason, so he hires her as his nanny, "just for the summer," until she can find a permanent job and he can find a "real" nanny. Pepper has never had a family, so being around Brooks' large, oversharing family is a new experience, and she loves them all a little too much. She has trauma from the loss of her parents and growing up in the system and doesn't trust that good things will stay in her life, so she refuses to let her walls down. Brooks is not looking for love, he has been let down by his ex in the past and has too much on his plate, but finds himself falling for the nanny anyway. Of course, once they both start to give in to their feelings, a monkey wrench is thrown into the situation, which may spell the end before it even gets started. If you love a good emotional, slow burn, high reward romance, this one is a must-read!
August 13, 2026
This is the second book I’ve read by Bailey Johnson and I think she may be one of my “new must” read authors! “Don’t Forget about Me” focuses on the love story of Brooks and Pepper and is the 2nd book in the Kane Ridge Ranch series, but can be read as a standalone.
Brooks is a grumpy rancher who unexpectedly becomes a single father to an infant little girl. Brooks is looking for a nanny to help with her. Enters Pepper, his sister’s best friend who has teaching and childcare experience. These two immediately can’t get along, well Brooks gets along with hardly anyone, ie the grumpy one. Well after some forced proximity and all the skimpy clothes Pepper wears, she starts to take over all his waking thoughts.
Pepper and Brooks story is sweet, she heals him and he is able to return the healing. These two are made for each other. I also think the entire Kane family play a very important role in this book, with the witty brothers, the loving mama, and the sweet wives. Bailey Johnson’s writing makes you fall in love with every character you encounter, especially Adler, I cannot wait for his story, I know it’s going to be hilarious and juicy!
If you love single dads, grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, cowboys, cute nicknames, side characters that will make you literally laugh out loud, then you need to add “Don’t Forget About Me” to your TBR!
Brooks is a grumpy rancher who unexpectedly becomes a single father to an infant little girl. Brooks is looking for a nanny to help with her. Enters Pepper, his sister’s best friend who has teaching and childcare experience. These two immediately can’t get along, well Brooks gets along with hardly anyone, ie the grumpy one. Well after some forced proximity and all the skimpy clothes Pepper wears, she starts to take over all his waking thoughts.
Pepper and Brooks story is sweet, she heals him and he is able to return the healing. These two are made for each other. I also think the entire Kane family play a very important role in this book, with the witty brothers, the loving mama, and the sweet wives. Bailey Johnson’s writing makes you fall in love with every character you encounter, especially Adler, I cannot wait for his story, I know it’s going to be hilarious and juicy!
If you love single dads, grumpy/sunshine, age-gap, cowboys, cute nicknames, side characters that will make you literally laugh out loud, then you need to add “Don’t Forget About Me” to your TBR!
August 10, 2026
These characters and this world of theirs are so wholesome—something about the way their struggles are written makes them so real and entirely addictive.
I absolutely devoured book one and the novella, but I struggled a smidge more with book two. While each of these characters are “human” and humans are obviously multifaceted (and ones written well are also going to be a good representation of that) there were situations, circumstances, dynamics and behaviors that didn’t feel or read smoothly throughout the book. They almost felt unrealistic or unbelievable and I would have loved for things to have been flushed through a smidge more to iron those out because this author is so incredibly talented and those areas probably would have been easy fixes and tweaks for her.
Overall 3.5 stars because while Kane Ridge Ranch is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to be in books and Bailey Johnson is very quickly becoming a one click author for me, my point of contention mentioned above did hinder the reading experience for me.
Sad book two came to an end and greedily waiting for where these characters take us next—I’m thinking Adler and Miya. These brothers of Leni’s each have me in a chokehold and I wouldn’t want it any other way. 😏
I absolutely devoured book one and the novella, but I struggled a smidge more with book two. While each of these characters are “human” and humans are obviously multifaceted (and ones written well are also going to be a good representation of that) there were situations, circumstances, dynamics and behaviors that didn’t feel or read smoothly throughout the book. They almost felt unrealistic or unbelievable and I would have loved for things to have been flushed through a smidge more to iron those out because this author is so incredibly talented and those areas probably would have been easy fixes and tweaks for her.
Overall 3.5 stars because while Kane Ridge Ranch is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to be in books and Bailey Johnson is very quickly becoming a one click author for me, my point of contention mentioned above did hinder the reading experience for me.
Sad book two came to an end and greedily waiting for where these characters take us next—I’m thinking Adler and Miya. These brothers of Leni’s each have me in a chokehold and I wouldn’t want it any other way. 😏
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not be more in love with two characters!! Brooks and Pepper are the perfect couple without being too perfect.
The last thing on Brooks Kane’s bingo card was finding a baby on his doorstep. Pepper Basil may be a kindergarten teacher, but she does not know anything about babies. Faith throws them together and the chemistry between these two is a slow burn that bubbles at the surface until it explodes. Pepper and Brooks love story is so sweet and loving with just the right amount of spice. They are the true example of family is not always something you are born into but who you choose to love.
Don’t Forget About Me is book two in the Kane Ridge Ranch series and the first of the series that I have read. I will go back and read the first book and absolutely cannot wait to continue this series. I am so excited to see whose story we get to read next.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.
The last thing on Brooks Kane’s bingo card was finding a baby on his doorstep. Pepper Basil may be a kindergarten teacher, but she does not know anything about babies. Faith throws them together and the chemistry between these two is a slow burn that bubbles at the surface until it explodes. Pepper and Brooks love story is so sweet and loving with just the right amount of spice. They are the true example of family is not always something you are born into but who you choose to love.
Don’t Forget About Me is book two in the Kane Ridge Ranch series and the first of the series that I have read. I will go back and read the first book and absolutely cannot wait to continue this series. I am so excited to see whose story we get to read next.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This story pulled the heart strings from the very beginning. As I had not read book 1, I made sure to read it before starting book 2, and I am so glad I did. I absolutely love this series!
There are so many things I loved, starting with Brooks, how he is so kind, gentle and giving, and protective. He gives off this grumpy persona, but you can feel deep down he has high walls. Peppa is chaotic but gives so much and is such a lost soul searching for love.
Brooks and Peppa looking at them alone you wouldn’t think they would work together but they absolutely do. And the way they both take in baby girl and love her like their own is swoon worthy and absolutely beautiful.
I cant wait to read the rest of the family’s stories… have my suspicions regarding the next couple. Will be waiting!!!!
This story pulled the heart strings from the very beginning. As I had not read book 1, I made sure to read it before starting book 2, and I am so glad I did. I absolutely love this series!
There are so many things I loved, starting with Brooks, how he is so kind, gentle and giving, and protective. He gives off this grumpy persona, but you can feel deep down he has high walls. Peppa is chaotic but gives so much and is such a lost soul searching for love.
Brooks and Peppa looking at them alone you wouldn’t think they would work together but they absolutely do. And the way they both take in baby girl and love her like their own is swoon worthy and absolutely beautiful.
I cant wait to read the rest of the family’s stories… have my suspicions regarding the next couple. Will be waiting!!!!
July 19, 2026
Bailey Johnson did it again!!!
Honest ARC review.
This is the third book I’ve ARC’d for Bailey and I just love her stories. That Kane family is just the best.
Don’t Forget About Me had some similarities to Elsie Silver’s Heartless (Chestnut Springs series) in regards to single daddy, boss/nanny, and sister’s best friend, BUT the differences were a breath of fresh air. I just love Daddy Brooks’s openness (not gonna spoil it). You don’t find much of that, this day and age. Pepper Cinnamon Basil (spicy girl) was a hoot! And the text chats…. What a chuckle… love them.
I loved Brooks and Pepper’s story and that epilogue 🥹🥹🥹 (if I had tear ducts lol)…
10/10 would recommend
Honest ARC review.
This is the third book I’ve ARC’d for Bailey and I just love her stories. That Kane family is just the best.
Don’t Forget About Me had some similarities to Elsie Silver’s Heartless (Chestnut Springs series) in regards to single daddy, boss/nanny, and sister’s best friend, BUT the differences were a breath of fresh air. I just love Daddy Brooks’s openness (not gonna spoil it). You don’t find much of that, this day and age. Pepper Cinnamon Basil (spicy girl) was a hoot! And the text chats…. What a chuckle… love them.
I loved Brooks and Pepper’s story and that epilogue 🥹🥹🥹 (if I had tear ducts lol)…
10/10 would recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
What was not to love about this book!! Brooks and Pepper were everything!! Brooks and Pepper are the complete, Brooks the grumpy cowboy where Pepper is the ray of sunshine. Brooks’s ex shows up out of nowhere with the baby toe and Brooks ends up taking in the baby. My heart hurt for Tessa, but I’m so happy she has Brooks, Pepper and the Kane family. Watching Tessa shine was priceless! Brooks and Pepper are so perfect for eachother, The Kane family group chat had me cracking up and the banter oh my was it the best. If you’re looking for a cowboy single dad x nanny romance with banter and the best family then this book is for you. I cant wait to see what comes next This book is definitely a must read. Thank You Bailey for letting me be part of this arc team.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story pulled on my heart strings from the beginning. This is Brooks and Peppers story. Brooks is the grumpy single dad cowboy and Pepper his sister’s best friend who becomes his nanny. These two have their ups and downs while trying to learn to trust each other when life tries to knock them down. It is a slow burn but so worth the wait. There is some OWD, his ex who won’t stay in the past but there is no cheating. Tropes include Grumpy/Sunshine, Boss/Nanny, age gap he’s 35 she’s 25 and of course a possessive MMC.
July 16, 2026
ARC Reader Review
She did it again! I’m loving this series! I can’t wait to read the next one. I absolutely loved Brooks and Pepper. Pepper has endured so much throughout her life only to find love and a family.
Brooks was so patient with her and enjoyed her chaotic personality. She pulled him out of his shell and made him a different man. This was such a great story. All the twists and turns that popped up pushed me to read it in a day.
Can’t wait for the next on in this series. Loved it!!
She did it again! I’m loving this series! I can’t wait to read the next one. I absolutely loved Brooks and Pepper. Pepper has endured so much throughout her life only to find love and a family.
Brooks was so patient with her and enjoyed her chaotic personality. She pulled him out of his shell and made him a different man. This was such a great story. All the twists and turns that popped up pushed me to read it in a day.
Can’t wait for the next on in this series. Loved it!!
August 10, 2026
I am falling in love with Kane Family. Brookes and Pepper are opposites on paper, his grumpy to her sunshine. As we get to know them, we can see why they work. Both have reasons for their walls, and both are not looking, but they still manage to find their person.
Their story is not an easy one, your heart will get tugged on. Not at all smooth, but the two come together for Tessa, the little girl who needs them.
I am ready for the next book in this series.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Their story is not an easy one, your heart will get tugged on. Not at all smooth, but the two come together for Tessa, the little girl who needs them.
I am ready for the next book in this series.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don't Forget About Me by Bailey Johnston
Thanks to Olive Press for this ARC!
I've now read both books in the series & damn.
It is constantly an emotional rollercoaster with this books (in the best way)
I love the story, for me (and again I dunno what it is) there was just something missing - and I again cant put my finger on it to give it a full 5 starts.
I love bailey & her writing & her stories but there was just something.
I will be buying the physicals!!
Thanks to Olive Press for this ARC!
I've now read both books in the series & damn.
It is constantly an emotional rollercoaster with this books (in the best way)
I love the story, for me (and again I dunno what it is) there was just something missing - and I again cant put my finger on it to give it a full 5 starts.
I love bailey & her writing & her stories but there was just something.
I will be buying the physicals!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC: This was such a cute cowboy romance! Brooks and Pepper have great chemistry and I loved reading as their relationship grew! Overall, it was an enjoyable read with many funny and connectable characters from the Kane family, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of cowboy romances. Thanks for the opportunity to read ahead of time!
ARC: This was such a cute cowboy romance! Brooks and Pepper have great chemistry and I loved reading as their relationship grew! Overall, it was an enjoyable read with many funny and connectable characters from the Kane family, and I'd definitely recommend it to fans of cowboy romances. Thanks for the opportunity to read ahead of time!
July 25, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
I enjoyed this book so much. I think I am just a sucker for single grumpy dad romances. And not just any, this was one with a big twist where it isn't his. I really loved how Brooks just without a doubt took in that little girl.
It was a nice change to read how this story merged with the first book, since some stuff you didn't read in the first book happend here in his POV. And then Pepper stepping up for the whole family spending money she didn't have out of the kindness of her heart. And then getting her as the live-in nanny against his better judgment.
This was definitely a he falls first and harder. The only thing he wanted was a family of his own, but he didn't think he would be able to get that after getting his heart broken. And then having Pepper in his space making him open up more and eventually saying 'fuck it' and taking what he wants. I was really rooting for them from the start.
I loved the way this book was written, I just wanted to keep reading and was definitely sad that it was over. I can't wait to read more about this family.
I enjoyed this book so much. I think I am just a sucker for single grumpy dad romances. And not just any, this was one with a big twist where it isn't his. I really loved how Brooks just without a doubt took in that little girl.
It was a nice change to read how this story merged with the first book, since some stuff you didn't read in the first book happend here in his POV. And then Pepper stepping up for the whole family spending money she didn't have out of the kindness of her heart. And then getting her as the live-in nanny against his better judgment.
This was definitely a he falls first and harder. The only thing he wanted was a family of his own, but he didn't think he would be able to get that after getting his heart broken. And then having Pepper in his space making him open up more and eventually saying 'fuck it' and taking what he wants. I was really rooting for them from the start.
I loved the way this book was written, I just wanted to keep reading and was definitely sad that it was over. I can't wait to read more about this family.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC and was swooning right away! love an age gap, I love a grumpy MMC and a sassy MFC and this book does not disappoint! I do suggest reading book one first but it isn’t 100% necessary, you just get a better vibe for the awesome family dynamic and friends vibe from all of the characters. 100% Bailey Johnson, waiting for book three!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 2 in the Kane Ridge series does not disappoint!! Grumpy Brooks and Pepper Basil are two people who have been hurt in the past and don’t know how to let each other in. Their banter is top notch and you will fall in love with each of them. Not to mention the rest of the Kane bunch.
Can’t wait to see who comes next in this series!!
Can’t wait to see who comes next in this series!!
August 20, 2026
Slow burn
The slowest slow burn ever, but it is so hot. Grumpy sunshine, live-in nanny, found family. Oh so yummy. I love the family and the dynamics. Can't wait to read more about them.
The slowest slow burn ever, but it is so hot. Grumpy sunshine, live-in nanny, found family. Oh so yummy. I love the family and the dynamics. Can't wait to read more about them.
August 17, 2026
I love when the MMC is all grumpy and strong except when it comes to her...and babies! I loved this book and I am so excited to see which storyline comes next.
September 12, 2026
I enjoyed this book except the FMC name kept giving me the ick and the text threads with all the “slang” was very cringey other than that no complaints. I love a grumpy MMC melting over his woman.
September 22, 2026
I ate this up!! Read it in under 4 hours. Couldn't put it down.
July 13, 2026
Don’t Forget About Me: Kane Ridge Ranch, Book 2 by Bailey Johnson
This was definitely a single dad with a twist right from the beginning.
Pepper I immediately wanted to be her bestie, she is fun, feisty and full of abandonment or unloved concerns and wanted to hug her. She just wasn’t having Boss Daddy Brooks answer of no and was determined to be the nanny. Brooks was the grumpy cowboy who also had some left over concerns from his past relationship but can’t help falling for his nanny with her big heart.
This was a slow burn worth the wait. A nasty piece of work ex and the drama that she brings. A big family full of banter, love and acceptance and Tessa one sweet adorable baby girl that brings these two together to find all the love and healing they needed.
Single Dad x Nanny • Found Family
Cowboy Hat Rule • Sisters Best Friend • Ranch Vibes • Grumpy x Sunshine • Age Gap 36H/25h • Not His Baby • Comes in his pants
Thank you Olive Press Publishing for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
This was definitely a single dad with a twist right from the beginning.
Pepper I immediately wanted to be her bestie, she is fun, feisty and full of abandonment or unloved concerns and wanted to hug her. She just wasn’t having Boss Daddy Brooks answer of no and was determined to be the nanny. Brooks was the grumpy cowboy who also had some left over concerns from his past relationship but can’t help falling for his nanny with her big heart.
This was a slow burn worth the wait. A nasty piece of work ex and the drama that she brings. A big family full of banter, love and acceptance and Tessa one sweet adorable baby girl that brings these two together to find all the love and healing they needed.
Single Dad x Nanny • Found Family
Cowboy Hat Rule • Sisters Best Friend • Ranch Vibes • Grumpy x Sunshine • Age Gap 36H/25h • Not His Baby • Comes in his pants
Thank you Olive Press Publishing for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well this was amazing. Absolutely love everything about Kane Ranch and these wonderful characters. Brooks and Pepper are absolutely perfect for each other and their romance is top tier.
It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s hot and spicy.
I read this out of order - gonna immediately read book one and have a hangover til I get book three.
It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s hot and spicy.
I read this out of order - gonna immediately read book one and have a hangover til I get book three.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews