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Chestnut Ranch #6
A Cowboy and his Fake Marriage
She needs a husband to keep her ranch...can she convince the cowboy next-door to marry her?Darren Dumond has been working at Chestnut Ranch since he sold his place after the death of his first wife. But he starts to see the woman who owns the ranch just north of where he works over the summer, and he thinks his heart can handle a new relationship.His heart was wrong.He ends things with Sarena, but he's oh-so-lonely.And Sarena Adams is desperate. Her father died a few months ago, and she only has six months to get married or she and her sisters lose the ranch to their greedy uncle.He'll never get Foxhill, she vows.And if that means she has to swallow her pride and go back to the only man who's made her heart beat faster—and who's broken that heart—she will.Perhaps Darren could redo the marriage thing if it wasn't real...Can Darren and Sarena make their fake marriage work? Or will the feelings get too real and leave them both broken-hearted for a second time?
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
1063 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 7, 2021
The Adams sisters series crosses over to the Johnson brothers series. The five Johnson brothers are married no so we are moving on to the ranch hands. All happy.
May 20, 2021
It's Darren and Serena's turn to have adventures and fall in love
Serena has a will hanging over her head that says she has to get married within 3 months and or her uncle will get the ranch that she's worked so hard on all her life. She doesn't want her Uncle Dale to get the ranch so she approaches Darren who she's been seeing to see if he can help her with her challenge. In the meantime Uncle Dale has been harassing Serena about the ranch and Serena has been mean back claiming she'll burn everything down and sell everything before he get a chance to have the ranch. Darren has to think about this prospect of marrying again so soon even though it's been 5 years since his wife has died. He finally agrees and Janelle the lawyer who was also an ordained minister marries them they filed the proper paperwork and everything within the proper time work not telling anyone they're married except for her sisters. They want to keep it low-key and secretive for now so they can enjoy getting to know each other better. But Serena's Aunt Scotty and her cousins come over claiming they already know about the marriage and want to know what's going on. So Darren decides to tell Griffin and get all the Johnson Brothers together to let them know before they find out through the grapevine. They both jumped through hurdles to let the people know that they're important to them first. They even plan a honeymoon to Washington DC as they both have never been. They get to Washington DC and it turns out it's much colder than they both expected so Darren has to buy them coats gloves and hats and scarves in order to even keep warm as they tour the city. When they come back from Washington DC Griffin and Darren moved Darren into Fox Willow ranch and move his stuff into Serana's room. When Griffin leaves Serena and Darren decide to go ahead and room together and Serena's room and get to know each other better so they unpacked Darren's things and get everything organized. They settle into a routine where Darren gets up goes to work and Serena gets up and does her work and Koda his dog stays with Serena for the morning and she brings them at lunch time to meet Darren at the fence. All goes well until Thanksgiving dinner until his parents arrived to meet her and Sorelle her sister accidentally Burns yourself a little with the gravy that falls off the stove. Darren freaks out and runs taking his parents out to dinner and leaves Serena behind and Koda his dog.
Serena has a will hanging over her head that says she has to get married within 3 months and or her uncle will get the ranch that she's worked so hard on all her life. She doesn't want her Uncle Dale to get the ranch so she approaches Darren who she's been seeing to see if he can help her with her challenge. In the meantime Uncle Dale has been harassing Serena about the ranch and Serena has been mean back claiming she'll burn everything down and sell everything before he get a chance to have the ranch. Darren has to think about this prospect of marrying again so soon even though it's been 5 years since his wife has died. He finally agrees and Janelle the lawyer who was also an ordained minister marries them they filed the proper paperwork and everything within the proper time work not telling anyone they're married except for her sisters. They want to keep it low-key and secretive for now so they can enjoy getting to know each other better. But Serena's Aunt Scotty and her cousins come over claiming they already know about the marriage and want to know what's going on. So Darren decides to tell Griffin and get all the Johnson Brothers together to let them know before they find out through the grapevine. They both jumped through hurdles to let the people know that they're important to them first. They even plan a honeymoon to Washington DC as they both have never been. They get to Washington DC and it turns out it's much colder than they both expected so Darren has to buy them coats gloves and hats and scarves in order to even keep warm as they tour the city. When they come back from Washington DC Griffin and Darren moved Darren into Fox Willow ranch and move his stuff into Serana's room. When Griffin leaves Serena and Darren decide to go ahead and room together and Serena's room and get to know each other better so they unpacked Darren's things and get everything organized. They settle into a routine where Darren gets up goes to work and Serena gets up and does her work and Koda his dog stays with Serena for the morning and she brings them at lunch time to meet Darren at the fence. All goes well until Thanksgiving dinner until his parents arrived to meet her and Sorelle her sister accidentally Burns yourself a little with the gravy that falls off the stove. Darren freaks out and runs taking his parents out to dinner and leaves Serena behind and Koda his dog.
March 25, 2020
I was willing to accept Darren's hesitation about getting involved with Serena because of his ex-wife's death. But he seemed to suddenly get over it and start dating Serena again.
I thought Darren and Serena were close to 40, if not in their 40's. I didn't understand why Serena felt so strongly about keeping their marriage a secret AFTER they had gotten married. Especially, why keep it secret from her uncle. I really thought Darren might be more forceful in their relationship. He just seemed to be along for the ride.
Then, I really didn't understand why as a grown man, he didn't tell his parents or family that he was married. If his survivors guilt was that strong, maybe the point was that he came to terms with it through his faith. There was no sense of chemistry between Darren and Serena. He certainly did not have a forceful personality.
When I think about it, what was wrong with ALL of these, supposed mature, ADULT people that held onto so many secrets?
Darren and Serena got their HEA, but the behaviors in this book left me with unanswered questions. It was a sweet romance, but kind of blah, and I was glad that they truly fell for each other in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy received from Booksprout.
I thought Darren and Serena were close to 40, if not in their 40's. I didn't understand why Serena felt so strongly about keeping their marriage a secret AFTER they had gotten married. Especially, why keep it secret from her uncle. I really thought Darren might be more forceful in their relationship. He just seemed to be along for the ride.
Then, I really didn't understand why as a grown man, he didn't tell his parents or family that he was married. If his survivors guilt was that strong, maybe the point was that he came to terms with it through his faith. There was no sense of chemistry between Darren and Serena. He certainly did not have a forceful personality.
When I think about it, what was wrong with ALL of these, supposed mature, ADULT people that held onto so many secrets?
Darren and Serena got their HEA, but the behaviors in this book left me with unanswered questions. It was a sweet romance, but kind of blah, and I was glad that they truly fell for each other in the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy received from Booksprout.
March 25, 2020
Darren is a ranch hand at Chestnut Ranch. He and Sarena dated for a while, and they had a good time together, but he broke it off when it felt like he was cheating on his deceased wife. Sarena needs a husband - fast! - or the ranch will go to her Uncle Dale, according to the terms of her father's will. Darren doesn't want to lose her completely, so he agrees to help her out. They try keeping the marriage a secret, but you know small towns... They both admit that they'd like to see if they can turn the fake marriage into a real one in time. This is such a great addition to the series. Both characters are struggling to overcome deaths of a loved one - his wife and her father. She has the added burden of finding out other family secrets. Darren and Sarena are real and flawed, and people I'd like to know in real life. Her sisters are a hoot - his friends and employers are like family to him. And I'm looking forward to the next book, where I hope that Seren will let Brian kiss her.
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.
March 25, 2020
At the reading of their father's Will, Sarena Adams and her two sisters are told that one of them has to get married to inherit the ranch – otherwise their greedy Uncle Dale will get it! Sarena agrees that she will be the one to marry, but now she has to convince Darren Dumond, a cowboy working at a neighboring ranch and who had dated her previously, to help her pull this off.
Darren has cut himself off from love since his wife died. But he is very lonely and may be ready to try again. When Sarena talks to him about her situation which must be resolved within 6 months, Darren agrees to help her with a fake marriage. When their feelings start to come into it, will they decide to make the marriage a real one? Or will they walk away once everything is finalized?
This story line is getting a bit overworked, but the author did a good job with. Grab your copy and see if the ranch is saved and if a more permanent arrangement is ultimately made between Darren and Sarena.
Darren has cut himself off from love since his wife died. But he is very lonely and may be ready to try again. When Sarena talks to him about her situation which must be resolved within 6 months, Darren agrees to help her with a fake marriage. When their feelings start to come into it, will they decide to make the marriage a real one? Or will they walk away once everything is finalized?
This story line is getting a bit overworked, but the author did a good job with. Grab your copy and see if the ranch is saved and if a more permanent arrangement is ultimately made between Darren and Sarena.
April 5, 2020
I loved this story.. Due to Serena’s father’s Will, she or one of her sisters had to marry by Dec 23 or they would lose the ranch to their Uncle Dale. There was a huge conflict between Dale and their father. Darren Dumond, a ranch hand at the Chestnut Ranch found Serena crying near the fence line of the two ranches. He gave her comfort and soon they began a friendship and started dating. Then Just as suddenly he broke it off with her. He lost his wife 5 years prior and he felt guilty that he was developing feelings for another woman. He was prone to panic attacks and had a serious guilt complex to deal with. He finally agreed to marry her so save her ranch, but without any true commitment. Could something starting out as fake become real? A good storyline and wonderful, captivating characters. Another good addition to this series.
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.
March 25, 2020
Sarena needs a husband to fulfill her father's will or she will loss the ranch she grew up on and works it everyday. She had dated Darren for a few weeks and really liked him but he suddenly broke things off with her. Darren never told Sarena about his wife Diana that died five years ago and he tried dating her and liked her but he felt that he was cheating on Diana. She finally tells him she has to marry soon and why but he does not think he is ready but after a few days comes back and agrees to marry but they will not live together has husband and wife. Loved this book and wanted to slap Darren a few times because he was just too closed off to move on after five years and felt sorry for Sarena for having to put up with his constantly changing moods but she stuck it out and in the end all was well.
March 25, 2020
Ever since Darren and Sarena and their relationship was discussed in the last book I’ve been looking forward to reading their story. They were both broken, he by the loss of his wife and some post traumatic stress over it and she by the loss of her foot and her father and the stipulations in his will that she or one of her sister have to married to inherit the ranch. Darren and Sarena were attracted to each other, so even though their marriage was on paper only it had the potential to one day be real. Darren shied away from Serena at times afraid that his feelings for her would mean he’d gotten over the loss of his wife. She seemed like she was afraid to risk her heart also, putting up a front at times. But they were both willing to fight for their marriage. I loved his puppy Koda and her sisters Serenity and Sorrell were a riot. I’m looking forward to reading their romances.
May 18, 2020
Sarena and Darren
This was a good story for the most part, especially with the intrigue of the mysterious will. I like Sarena, except for the time she told Theo she merely "liked" Darren and that she wasn't sure the marriage would last. And her reasoning for saying that just didn't sit right with me. I'm glad, however, that she decided to fight for Darren.
Darren was likable, except he was so wishy washy at times. He should have sought counseling after losing Diana.
Two major goofs in the book - when Darren first started meeting Sarena at the fence, he had told her about his siblings and parents. Then, while on their honeymoon, he casually mentioned his mom and she asked about his family. So he proceeded to tell her. Again.
Also, the circumstances of Diana's death changed.
This was a good story for the most part, especially with the intrigue of the mysterious will. I like Sarena, except for the time she told Theo she merely "liked" Darren and that she wasn't sure the marriage would last. And her reasoning for saying that just didn't sit right with me. I'm glad, however, that she decided to fight for Darren.
Darren was likable, except he was so wishy washy at times. He should have sought counseling after losing Diana.
Two major goofs in the book - when Darren first started meeting Sarena at the fence, he had told her about his siblings and parents. Then, while on their honeymoon, he casually mentioned his mom and she asked about his family. So he proceeded to tell her. Again.
Also, the circumstances of Diana's death changed.
March 22, 2020
Another great book from the Chestnut Ranch Billionaire series. This time focusing on cowboy Darren Dumond. He’s sold his ranch and left his old life behind when his wife died. He’s only been existing since then and refuses to allow himself to live and love again. Sarena Adams needs him to save her ranch after her father’s will stated that one of his daughters must marry before Christmas or the ranch went to their hated Uncle Dale. Can she give up her single status and persuade Darren to marry her? Can Darren allow himself to marry, even a marriage of convenience?
This is a lovely story, a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a lovely story, a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2020
At the reading of their father's will, they discover a strange clause requiring one of the 3 sisters must marry in order to inherit the ranch or it goes to their uncle. Unwilling for that to happen Sarena agrees that she'll marry but who will she marry. There is the cowboy who works on the adjoining ranch and she enjoys his company but she doesn't really know him. Darren has no desire to get married and just agreeing to this scheme is a big deal. Secrets, schemes, and confrontations make for a great read. And when feeling begin to develop can either of them fight their heart with their head?
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.
March 24, 2020
I liked the book but…
Darren and Sarena had a thing going then it was off now Sarena needs help so she turns to Darren. You will notice that both of these characters really need to talk to each other because there are a few misunderstandings due to problems in communication. Where I enjoyed the book I do agree with one reviewer that the author has made Darren rather weak and wishy-washy. I am not sure why authors are so bent on de-masculine male characters. It is ok to have both strong and weak combined because that is what is real. I am interested to see what else Ms. Eugene writes. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Darren and Sarena had a thing going then it was off now Sarena needs help so she turns to Darren. You will notice that both of these characters really need to talk to each other because there are a few misunderstandings due to problems in communication. Where I enjoyed the book I do agree with one reviewer that the author has made Darren rather weak and wishy-washy. I am not sure why authors are so bent on de-masculine male characters. It is ok to have both strong and weak combined because that is what is real. I am interested to see what else Ms. Eugene writes. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 25, 2020
This was a very sweet story with several emotional ups and downs, along with a bit of a mystery and a plot twist or two. I really enjoyed the way this book shows finding love again after a loss, and that it shows the whole process sometimes isn’t as simple as just deciding that you’re ready. I also appreciated that Darren and Sarena show us that relationships take work. That it’s more than love at first sight, fated mates, overwhelming chemistry, or any other trope in the genre. I’m looking forward to seeing what the other has in store for the other Adams sisters.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
March 14, 2020
Emmy Eugene follow a lot of other writers with the fake marriage theme with Sarena needing to be married to save her ranch. Darren, a widow and sure he’ll love again, agrees to help her.
I have mixed thoughts about Darrens character lack of backbone and waffling. Seems like a lot of authors like to got for what they consider strong women and make the men almost weak and wishy washy to go along with them.
Overall it was a good read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have mixed thoughts about Darrens character lack of backbone and waffling. Seems like a lot of authors like to got for what they consider strong women and make the men almost weak and wishy washy to go along with them.
Overall it was a good read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 25, 2020
Darren and Sarena were a well-matched couple as we get to realize when their fake relationship turns very emotionally real indeed. This type of storyline is becoming quite common amongst authors lately but not all of those authors have the ability to pull it off with as much success as Ms. Eugene does. Her books become better with each one that I read. I am looking forward to what she has planned next for us in this wonderful series!
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.
February 6, 2022
Darren and sarena
Now all the Johnson's are married off (well last wedding in this book) we move onto the ranch hands and neighbouring ranch Adam sisters.this storyline is not new but then non are original but this one has been in allot of series just like the unknown child.so it's a played out storyline and you would of thought she would of had some worrys yes there was no competition the women's dead but still his heart needs to put her in first place not is EX wife who he still calls wife when he has remarried.he could say first wife would be more respectful to all
Now all the Johnson's are married off (well last wedding in this book) we move onto the ranch hands and neighbouring ranch Adam sisters.this storyline is not new but then non are original but this one has been in allot of series just like the unknown child.so it's a played out storyline and you would of thought she would of had some worrys yes there was no competition the women's dead but still his heart needs to put her in first place not is EX wife who he still calls wife when he has remarried.he could say first wife would be more respectful to all
March 22, 2020
This book kept my interest from the beginning to the end. I loved how the characters were interwoven from other stories in this series. Darren and Serena have such a wonderful need and love for each other against all odds, but you will have to read the book to find out if they acted on their feelings. Already looking forward to Brian and Serendipity’s story.
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.
March 24, 2020
Secrets. A complication in their father’s will that makes no sense. A marriage requirement in order to inherit the family ranch. One prospect to fulfill the will, and he’s a widower who’s struggled to move forward. Will Sarena and Darren’s fake marriage survive the truth as it’s uncovered? This book covers a roller coaster of emotions as the plot unfolds in a heart wrenching and realistic manner.
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.
March 25, 2020
This story is quite fine. Cowboy story through and through. It felt a bit drawn out and a bit too long but nothing that is easy to point a finger at. The beginning of the story was quite longish I felt and the real deal started somehow a bit late. But it is well written and the characters were well written. So overall it was quite a fine story and I am glad to be able to give it four fantastic stars.
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.
March 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book although at times I struggled with Darren’s character. Yes fake marriage would be hard to grapple with but he didn’t seem to commit in any way for a good part of the book. And I did find it weird that he had so much money and yet didn’t organise any form of prenup. Serena had a strength that saw them through and she was quite impressive. Overall another good book by this author.
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.
March 29, 2020
It was enjoyable book with good storyline.
I enjoy reading about Adams sisters, even it was more Sarena story then other.
The story had some unexpected turns what makes characters a little bit off for me.
This mature women act sometimes very immature. The secrets between them, hiding when going out....
Has some mixed feelings but still enjoy reading
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy reading about Adams sisters, even it was more Sarena story then other.
The story had some unexpected turns what makes characters a little bit off for me.
This mature women act sometimes very immature. The secrets between them, hiding when going out....
Has some mixed feelings but still enjoy reading
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2020
Sarena and Darren had been dancing around dating each other for a while and discovered that they liked each other. Darren discovers he is afraid of hurting Sarena because he is still in love with his late wife Diana. Sarena approaches Darren with a last ditch plea, help her keep the ranch by marrying her. Both struggle with their feelings as they walk through this unorthodox marriage. Interesting read.
April 17, 2020
An absolutely amazing second chance romance. It is emotionally deep, beautiful, funny, and sweet with some drama, secrets, twists and turns, and ups and downs. The characters are likeable, well developed, and amazing together. Beautifully written, this story is very interesting and will hold your interest from start to finish. Strongly recommended.
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.
March 16, 2020
I don't know about real cowboy romances, but I don't think you can have a bad book one. Good writing and characters who are a little bit prickly. If you are working at home, this is a quick read and it will put a little joy in your day.
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.
March 19, 2020
I could not find a good page to truly sink myself into, during the beginning stages of this novel. I like to imagine it in my mind as a movie as the pages turn; however, I never could find footing to actually get that started here with this story. I would possibly like to try again later, hopefully it might be a better fit.
March 20, 2020
Sarena went out with Darren for a while but he broke up because he felt that he was two timing his dead wife. Then he meets her again at a singles event. They marry quickly and quietly to overcome the conditions of her father's will.
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.
March 24, 2020
An emotional story about a cowboy who wants to help his neighbour and friend. Darren marries Sarena and he tries to make the marriage real but some left over emotions from his past take control of him. Sarena and her sisters learn things about their parents marriage that they never would have suspected. Surprises, lots of emotion keep you turning the pages.
March 24, 2020
Darren is a widower and thinks he is ready to start again. Serena is I need of a husband so that she can keep her ranch. Will they be able to build on a fake marriage? The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flows smoothly from beginning to the end.
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.
March 24, 2020
I liked this marriage of convenience romance. Even though we have departed from the Johnson brothers and moved onto a hired hand and sisters on a neighboring ranch, it was still really good. All of the new characters are really great and I am eager for the next books.
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.
March 24, 2020
Another delightful story in this series. A lonely widower and a young woman compelled to marry to save her ranch. Already attracted to each other it was an easy logical deduction that they should "fake" marry. But in reality they both wanted the real thing. Lots of baggage to overcome and emotional interaction on the way to the HEA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews