Lightning Over Bennett Ranch

by Amber Daulton

A broken heart and an impossible list. Her white knight cowboy is only a dream.
Melody Bennett is through with love. Years earlier, the young drifter she’d fallen head over heels for left without a word of goodbyes, so she cast aside her notions of happily ever after. Working on her family’s ranch and caring for her beloved horse fills her days, but the strict criteria she’s judged all her past boyfriends by keeps her alone at night.
Then Max Fortaine returns. His stolen kisses promise forever, but regrets and secrets wedge between them. How will she ever trust the cowboy again with her heart?

-- Lightning Over Bennett Ranch is a clean western romance novella. No cheating and HEA guaranteed.
-- Second edition. Fully revised and edited.
-- Formerly part of the Montana Ranch anthology.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Short Stories, Novella

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2014

About the author

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Curious about her favorite books? Check out Arresting Mason and Arresting Jeremiah.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Lightning Over Bennett Ranch by Amber Daulton is a sweet second chance at love short story.

Will Melody forgive Max?
Melody and Max were young lovers, but an insistent father and ten years have changed the course of their lives. Or has it? Max was able to purchase a ranch outside of Bozeman, Montana, not far from the Bennett Ranch, where Melody still lives and works. The biggest question for Melody is why Max left all those years ago.

Melody is a great character. She is a fantastic horseman who cares deeply about horses, especially Lightning, her prize stud. The author gives Melody heart and feelings, but she backs them up with strength of character and stubbornness. I would definitely be friends with her.

Max is strong physically and emotionally. He uses the time away from Melody to sculpt his skills and learn as much about ranching as possible. Max is a good guy, even if he is a bit jealous.

Five Stars
My rating for Lightning Over Bennett Ranch by Amber Daulton is five stars. My only complaint is that it isn't long enough. Although, the author does a fantastic job of giving us two marvelous characters and a happy ending.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Lightning Over Bennett Ranch by Amber Daulton.

Until the next time,


This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance romance between Max and Melody. Planning to run away to get married , he disappears. Eleven years later he returns for her. The chemistry is still there but can they overcome their obstacles and find their HEA? The author does a beautiful job painting her scenes and delivers a wonderful love story. It moves quickly and smoothly and is a true page turner. I loved and would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read and review this book. This was a well-written fast short story. I enjoyed it a lot. I felt it was very real and anyone can relate to it. I liked the setting of the story and how one learns a lot of things about a different way of life values hard work and so much more. I liked how the main couple gets a second chance and fight for their love. Sweet cute sexy love romantic suspense so recommend it

[Marilyn Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and the ranch. Made me want to go there.

Melody Bennett has guarded her heart since she was seventeen. That’s when Max Fortaine, a young drifter her father hired to work on their Bennett Ranch in Willow Creek Montana, who romanced her for almost a year, abandoned her the night they planned to run away together.

Now twenty-eight, she’s since forgiven him and moved on with her life. However, with both of her brothers married and expecting children, Melody’s mother pressures her to do the same. In fact, Karen Bennett keeps pushing her daughter to take back Harvey Clausen. Melody dated him a few years before—until she found him with another woman. Her mom’s either forgotten that little fact or ignores it because of Harvey’s prosperous cattle farm.

And, although she hasn't thought about him much in years, Melody finds her thoughts turning once again to Max. When she learns that he is back in town, and that her friend Bridget has reconnected with the man who once broke her heart, their happiness gives Melody hope. She never expected to have a second chance with Max. Could it happen?

[Allyson Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this fast paced short story, it packed a punch. The characters were completely believable and the author very knowledgeable about horses and ranch work. I learned a lot about horses! I like a story where people connect and show spirit and the couple here do that, they met when young and the relationship caused problems, but now they are back and will not let others stand in their way.

[JoAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my review on Romancing-the-Book.com by clicking on the link below:

http://romancing-the-book.com/2015/07...

[Romancing the Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author

Set in Montana at the Bennett Ranch, Melody is very picky about the men she dates because her heart was broken ten years before when she was a teen.   Max was a drifter on her father's ranch and  left without her after they had plans to run away together.  As a result for all these years she's guarded her heart since no one matched up with the list she made with characteristics her love interest had to have after she was hurt.  We find out what really happened in the past little by little.  When Max and Melody unexpectedly meet up they have a second chance at love or do they?

The book was too short at only fifty one pages because it was originally part of The Montana Ranch Series anthology.  There were family and friends, ranch hands and a mother who wanted to marry Melody off to a man she had no interest in just so she could have more grandchildren.  There was heartache, tears, a fire, horses, ranches, forgiveness and love.  Although there was a beginning, a middle and an end that had a happily ever after in the offing there seemed to be a lot more story to tell  with a few loose ends still hanging.

I have not read books by this author - she has written mainly stories that are part of anthologies -  before but will give a few of her others a try since I like contemporary romances, historical romances and western romances and these are the genres she writes.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is great, and I can see it growing into a fantastic book or a series of books. Yes. this is a big hint and request to Amber Daulton!
This book is short but packed with lots of love. You can feel the steam coming off of Melody Bennett and Max Fortaine. My glasses got all fogged up! But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Years earlier Melody had fallen in love with a drifter that worked on the ranch. She was in love and was planning her entire future, that is until Max just disappeared without even saying goodbye or anything else in the middle of the night. According to her dad he has stolen a truck and just left. She has sworn off to men and just works at her dad's ranch breeding horses. Now after 10 years of being gone she heard in town that Max Fortaine is back and bought the Two-Step Ranch in Bozeman.
Why did Max come back to town? What is he planning? If he is a drifter, where did he get the money to buy a ranch? Her heart skips a beat just thinking about Max, is she still in love with him? This book holds all of the answers, and you really need to check it out. I know you will love it as much as I did. I got this book from Story Origin and I am very happy to leave a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short quick read about a cowboy's second chance to claim the woman he loves but left. Ten years ago, Max and Melody were in love but Max didn't feel like he had enough nor that he himself was enough to be of worth to Melody, so he let Melody's dad pay him and he took off. However he always had plans to return one day to claim Melody. Since Max's desertion, Melody has a list of criteria that each man she dates must meet and so far all the men, but her horse, have failed. Then she hears that Max is back and now owns a near by ranch that he plans to raise horses on. Melody decides to confront Max and put things to rest once and for all. Will Melody and Max be able to reconcile and find their HEA? Will Melody's father interfere again? Read this short book and find out.

Thanks to StoryOrigin and the author I was able to read an ARC of this story in eBook form. This is my freely given review and all thoughts expressed are strictly my own.

[Sue Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in nexchange for an honest review.
This is the first of Amber Daulton's books I've read and I was impressed. It is a lovely second chance story about Melody and Maxwho were in love ten years ago but then Max suddenly left town. now he's back. He's bought the ranch next door and makes no secret about the fact that he is still in love with Melody. But is she prepared to risk heartache all over again or will she take the risk and let down her barriers.
The story is very well written and so easy to read. I read it in one sitting and am now wanting more from this author.

[Lucia Kuhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a nice quick read. Less than an hour. The author did a great job of bringing vivid details into the description quickly to set me as the reader into the scene. The ending had me sitting on the edge of my chair. As a horse and western lover, I enjoyed the story. If I had one criticism, I felt it could have used a little more emotional depth. But that's just me.

It's a story about love. The things we do to protect the people and things we cherish and the choices we make. If you love horses, cowboys, and romance, you'll enjoy this book.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max was a cowboy who worked one summer on Melody's father's ranch. They fell hard for one another, but Max disappeared on her, without a word. She was hurt beyond belief and is never letting another man break her heart. But, now, Max has come back and he's going to find his girl to explain where he had been and what he had done. This is a short and steamy story of two soulmates who found one another and reignited their romance at just the right time. 
The narration was wonderfully done by Christy Williamson. Her clear and dynamic voice brought each character to life in a convincing way.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like giving bad reviews, but narration was just awful. She sounded nasal and a little screechy. Sing- songy and boring. I am sure I missed out on a very sweet second chance cowboy romance here.
Max and Melody make for a great couple. I was really pulling for them.
I received an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story for Lightening over Bennett Ranch was pretty good. It was very short, but it was fast moving. Unfortunately I just did not like the narrator. She really took away from the enjoyment of the story.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little romance story all about a ranch girl called Melody finding love with her former boyfriend Max. The climax at the end, in which there is a fire at the ranch and Melody's beloved horse Lightning is trapped in the barn was very dramatic. I really enjoyed it.

[Colleen C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short And Sweet...
This was a wonderful 2nd chance tale... If you like quick sweet reads, you would enjoy this one!
I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to keep reading... wished Melody and Max's story was a bit longer... it was over too soon.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the storyline it has a well developed storyline filled with characters that engaged me from the start.


I received a copy and am leaving my voluntary and honest review.

[Cricket1327_Zmob King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great quick read! Wonderful characters and storyline! I'm hoping to read more about them in a follow up book maybe!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a second chance at love comes knocking on your door – or moves next door in Melody Bennett’s case – would you answer?
Twenty-eight year old Melody Bennett has sworn off dating after realizing her expectations in men may be set too high. Expectations which had revolved around one boy she’d fallen in love with at seventeen years old; a young drifter who her father had hired as a stable-hand and who ultimately left her high and dry after promises of leaving her life behind for new adventures in the big world she’d yet to explore. Max.
When the day came to set off on their own, he mysteriously vanished.
She felt heart-wrenched. Used.
Flashing forward, Melody, now training the horses on her father’s ranch, has one love in her life, her horse Lightning. She wholeheartedly believed she’d never love anything more than this horse that brings her so much joy. Often times, she misses the companionship of other human beings but the lingering thoughts of her past heartache quickly derail that thought . . . may still be too soon to open her heart to any more risks
That is, until she overhears banter among the old men on the ranch how Max had returned.
As truth prevails and a close encounter threatens everything she learned to love, a new, yet stronger bond is made.
I absolutely loved this short, southern-sweet tale and would absolutely love to eventually see more from these two characters and this gorgeous setting! Perhaps we will get a prequel? A story set back in time when they first fell in to the day he vanished? =D
I feel like a lot of girls including myself could find a little of ourselves in Melody; for her love for her horse, for her determination and overall outlook on life. I love how she chooses not to lose herself in a strew of men, to stay focused on keeping her life on track and staying true to her feelings. That is empowering for women everywhere!
I will be recommending this to all my friends!
Thank you, Amber, for thinking of us at the Booknatics to voice our thoughts on this novella, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Robin Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lighting Over Bennett Ranch” by Amber Daulton is the first cowboy romance I’ve read, and I found it quite an enjoyable read. The lightning in this story takes on several meanings in my opinion, with the first being, the name of Melody’s horse.
Lightning, in the form of love, is also what had first come into Melody’s life at the of seventeen when she fell in love with Max[imilian] Fortaine, a drifter ranch her father had hired one summer. They had decided to run off together, however her father her naked with him under some hay in one of the paddocks on his ranch. Max disappeared without a word to Melody.

Now, eleven years later, Melody is alone. With Max’s memory still in her mind, she’s set her standards high before she’ll allow another man to enter her life. The only man who succeeded had been Harvey Clausen, but with her catching him with another woman caused Melody to eliminate him as a possibility due to his being unfaithful.

Unbeknownst to Melody, Max has returned. Will the lightning strike again? Will Melody be able to rekindle the relationship she once had with him? Will Max still love her as he did before? And what will her father say this time, should she and Max get together again? The answers to these questions are in the book.

The shortest of this story, consisting of 51 pages, doesn’t diminish amount of the emotions being generated. Gone are all the fluff and other nonessential items contained in almost every other story dealing with similar situations; which is why I’m giving it 5 STARS.

Robin Leigh Morgan is the author of “I Kissed a Ghost,” a MG/YA Paranormal romance novel.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a love that never died when in truth it really should have. Melody Bennett, 17 years old when they met, was 4th generation Bennett living and caring for the ranch. Her father Wayne Bennett was a stern and hard worker who loved his daughter. He would hire strays, one stray he hired was 20 year old Max Fortaine.
He saw her one day ride in on horseback or should I say race in, not thinking she would clear the fence safely, when all of a sudden she stopped the horse on a dime. She had utter command of that horse as well as his heart from that moment on.
That summer was a whirlwind and it all came to ahead when they were caught in the haystacks. A drifter and a good girl would never be allowed and he knew it. He let her believe that they would run away together when he knew her father would never allow that to happen and sure enough her father wanted to talk to him.
This story was short and sweet at 27 pages. It has your heart racing, emotions rearing, and saying awe…either way it has it strung up. It has all the markings you want in a love story including the selfless cowboy hero. So, saddle up girls it’s time for a short ride.
I am giving this 5 stars. I do wish it was longer though I really liked these characters and hope that they continue they had a spark that I would like to read more about. This book was provided by the author for an honest review. Find us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Carol Cassada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Bennett’s life revolves around her family’s ranch and her beloved horse, Lightning. But the hurt from losing the love of her life years ago, never went away. Melody and her lover, Max Fortaine had plans to go away and start a new life together, but he never showed up, leaving Melody heartbroken. Years later, Melody learns Max is back in town and she sets out to get answers on why he left her. Will Melody learn the truth about Max’s departure? Will Max’s dream of building his own ranch and creating a life with Melody come true?

The love story between Melody and Max was beautifully written, you could feel the hurt they both felt at being apart for so long. I liked how Melody was portrayed as a tough cowgirl, yet deep inside she was dealing with her pain. As for Max, he was like Melody in terms of toughness, but he showed his regret over leaving her.

The author did a great job with this story, everything from the setting to the plot to the characters were wonderfully written. She keeps you enthralled with the story with her twists, especially with the action and conflict towards the end.

This is a quick read, you can finish within a day, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the story turned into a full-length book.

This is the first book I read from Amber Daulton and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work, including the other books in The Ranch Collection.

[Krystle ~A Booknatic~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet, bite-sized western style romance that'll leave you with a smile on your face. Poor Melody was cheated out of the only “real” love she ever knew at the tender age of 18, then swore to herself she wouldn't love again. Working on her father's ranch , she's kept herself busy by training and breeding horses, but lately since her friends and family were marrying off and starting families of their own, she'd been thinking of him a lot. Not to mention her mother, who I'm sure meant well, was trying to set Melody up with her cheating ex-boyfriend.

I really liked how spunky and snarky Melody's character was, I would have been saying the same things she said when it came to her loser cheating ex-boyfriend! But Oooooh, I liked it even better when one of her fathers employees let slip that the love of her life Max was back in town...for good.

You could tell that the chemistry they had years ago was still stirring underneath their rough exteriors. But Max had to clear his guilt-ridden conscience once and for all before he could fully give himself back to Melody.

This book read at a very steady pace and I felt it delivered very well. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who is in the mood for a quick cowboy themed romance!

[The BookChick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this story was short and sweet, it was most enjoyable. Ms. Daulton did a great job telling a romantic tell about a woman's second chance with her first love. Melody Bennett is feisty, independent, and determined to place herself on equal footing with the men in her father's employ. But life and love haven't been too kind to Melody. Her childhood sweetheart and first love Max Fontaine stole her heart and ruined her for other men. So, imagine her devastation when he walked out on her without a backwards glance. Or so she thinks. Melody has no clue that Max had a plan. Although the results of his plan cut her to the quick, he plans to make amends with her and get back the woman he loves.

The story moves and a fairly fast pace because it is a short but it did not feel like it was missing a thing...Well, except for more words :).

If you are looking for a sweet cowboy romance that is light and sweet, then Lightning over Bennett Ranch is the story for you. You will hold your breath for the couple when an accident on the farm threatens to tear them apart. But you will most definitely sigh and smile when you read the outcome!

[Gsd1985 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite story by this author. Lightning over Bennett Ranch is Amber Daulton's most charming story to date, in my opinion. If you like homely and grounded romance, this one is a must read! The author has a writing style here that pulls you in and won't let you go until the last page.

Basically, Melody Bennett had a romance a decade ago that was for the ages. But, being a teenager, her parents put a stop to it because her love was a bad boy drifter and was not trusted by her folks. Rather than break it off however, Max Fontaine disappeared without a trace. Melody eventually cast love aside. Thinking she would never love again, she buried herself in working on the family ranch. But now, when Max returns the feelings that Melody thought were buried resurface with a vengeance. Max vows to reclaim her as she is the only woman he has ever loved. This has a very romantic and heroic ending.

The characterization is extremely strong. You will find it difficult not to fall in love with the main characters. The story has an emotional yet brisk pace that keeps you turning every page. Give this a try if you are looking for well told, charming and realistic romance fiction.

[Feisty Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A copy of this book was provided to me for an honest review.

Once again Amber Daulton wrote a complete story in very few pages. I really enjoyed Lighting over Bennett Ranch and felt that it was a great, quick, and compact read that left nothing out. I felt connected to the characters and didn’t feel like I missed anything. It takes a lot of talent to write a WHOLE story within so few pages and Amber nails it.

So, if you’re looking for something to read during your lunch break, right before bed, or just need a feel good story then this is the book for you!

I give Lighting over Bennett Ranch 5 LOVELY Stars!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lightning over Bennett Ranch" by Amber Daulton is a short cowboy romance about Melody, the owner's daughter and Max a traveling hired ranch hand. At 18 she was completely in love with Max and ready to runaway with him anywhere he lead her too, but instead of showing up at the hotel he left without saying goodbye. 10 years later she works the horses at her Dad's ranch and has a list of impossible requirements for any man to get close to her. When she finds out that Max is back she confronts him for the truth. Will he tell her or leave her without closure? And will she be able to forgive him for the truth?

I loved this sweet cowboy romance, and although it's a short story I liked Melody and Max too. I felt like the reasons were valid even though I didn't like the manipulations behind it.

I was given a couple of this by the author in return for an honest review. All of the above is purely my opinion and no one else's.

[TheWriter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I would recommended for those days that you want a nice romantic read! It was a short yet very enjoyable book. It's a western romance, and the Amber does a great job in telling you details to make you feel like you are actually there. The characters were well developed which isn't easy to do for a shorter story like this. So Bravo!!
Cons for the story were maybe there could have been a little more something between the two MC. (Can't say exactly what don't want to be a spoiler)
Now for the story this is about a girl Melody, who is a ranch hand at her family's ranch. She was in love with a boy named Max who left her. Now every guy has to live up to a certain standard. ( a unreachable standard) Then fate throws a curve ball and Max ends up back in her home town, she now has to decide if she can forgive and let go. Or send him packin.

[Tammy Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lightening Over Bennett Ranch is a sweet modern day western and is cute, touching and romantic. After Max, her childhood sweetheart, runs off without her she's devastated. Then years later she has another relationship that turns sour when she catches him cheating. Melody works on her parents horse and cattle ranch and loves her prized stallion Lightening. Now, her expectations in a man are so high, no one could ever fill the shoes.

One day she finds out Max is back in town. All she can think about is finding out why he left her and after she discovers he's bought a ranch not far away, she goes there to demand answers. It leads to reconciliation.

This was a pleasure to read and you can't help but root for them to get back together. Even despite their painful past, they've never stopped loving each other.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIGHTNING OVER BENNETT RANCH IS A WESTERN LOVE STORY WITH A REAL HOT COWBOY. IT IS A LOVE STORY ABOUT SECOND CHANCES. MAX AND MELODY MEET AND FALL IN LOVE WHEN THEY ARE TEENAGERS AND PLAN ON RUNNING AWAY TOGETHER BUT THAN MAX DISAPPEARS WITHOUT A WORD. MELODY GUARDS HER HEART AFTER THAT AND WORKS ON HER FAMILY'S RANCH. SHE DOESN'T BELIEVE IN HAPPY EVER AFTER ANYMORE. MAX RETURNS HOPING TO WIN BACK THE WOMAN HE LOVES WILL HE SUCCEED?

AMBER HAS AGAIN WROTE ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL WRITTEN LOVE STORY WITH SOME WONDERFUL CHARACTERS WHO HAVE OBSTACLES TO FACE. I LOVED MELODY AND MAX. THEY HAD SO MUCH CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR LOVE FELT SO NATURAL AND REAL. MELODY AND MAX WERE ALWAYS DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER. I REALLY LOVED AND ENJOYED THIS WONDERFUL WRITTEN STORY AND I CONTINUE TO LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE OF AMBER'S BOOKS.