Ranger's Legacy

Montana Rangers #1

by Vella Munn

Determined to prove herself, archaeologist Amber Baum moves to Sweetheart, Montana to focus on her career. She has no room for mistakes and no time for love, so when she meets the handsome forest ranger, she vows to stay clear. Easier said than done... Garret Haute has dedicated his life and career to protecting the visitors to Montana’s vast wilderness and taking care of his family. He’s still haunted by a tragedy he was powerless to prevent, but after he meets Amber, suddenly he’s thinking about a lot more than doing his duty. When they become involved in a potentially dangerous project, sparks fly and Garret finds himself falling faster than he ever imagined. Can two people forget their pasts to embrace each other and their future?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2018

About the author

I had to edit my biography, changing my status from married to widow. Since I'm often asked how I'm doing, I'll put the answer here. For the most part I'm doing all right thanks to loving family and understanding friends.

I have two sons and four grandchildren. Two rescue dogs allow me to hug, walk, and feed them. In exchange they give me unconditional love and the occasional need for the carpet shampooer.

As the product of a rural upbringing, the wilderness, particularly mountains and evergreens are in my blood. I live in a small southern Oregon town which boasts four distinct seasons, an awesome river, and the ocean within a short drive. Ditto with Crater Lake.

Setting plays a big role in most of my writing as witness by two recent contemporary romance series set in Montana's awesome mountains.

Also writes as Dawn Flindt and Heather Williams.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (8/15/2018)!💝

[Books and Spoons · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has created a world in Montana wilderness that took my breath away with the wild, wide, and glorious pictures she painted in my mind with her words. Honestly, those images and the rangers were the driving forces of the tale that kept me reading.
Garret Haute is a complex character. He loves his family, his brothers of heart, and the nature that surrounds them. He is a protector, he is the alpha, he needs to keep the control, to look after those who are under his responsibility, keep the safe, secure, and defend them if necessary. There are moments in his past, like for most of us, that had molded him to be the person he is today, yet he feels he needs to hold those moments a secret, feeling the truth would change people's opinion of him.
I liked Garret, and the other rangers, he was a good man with solid character, good intentions, he was honest and straightforward with people around him.
Amber Baum ran away from her overbearing family. She felt they wanted to control her life and guide her decisions. Because of her experiences with her family, and parents especially, she is confrontational, needs to hold on to the control of everything, she has hard time to accept any help thinking people are trying to run her life, even though she most of the time does not seem to know herself what she really wants. I wasn't very fond of Amber, I didn't connect with her, and I didn't think her connection with Garret had the depth for a deeper commitment and a serious relationship. There was a lot of sexual activity, the heat and attraction were immediate and overpowering her thoughts, but there was a bit awkwardness to those moments, that needed a bit smoothing out.
Overall, I missed a natural flow of the tale, and the timeline, as well as a bit more polished dialogue. The banter wasn't quite on the mark most of the time. So that is the reason for the score I gave - because while I loved the world created, the storyline, and the rangers, there was a bit awkwardness to the story, and a rushed happy for now ending, that left me wanting more. Yes, I am definitely interested in the future stories of the series, Hunter and his destiny especially intrigued my mind.
With a high appreciation to the wild nature of Montana, the author created a world that is filled with intrigue, darkness, and awe of the creation.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranger’s Legacy is the first book in Vella Munn’s Montana Rangers series set near Flathead Lake Montana. I started this book with high hopes having read the third book in the series first. While I enjoyed this one, it just didn’t resonate with me quite as much as book three.
What I loved about the story was the infusion of Native American beliefs and relationship with the Montana wilderness and the animals that live there. I loved Garrett’s understanding of the environment and the way that Amber related to it. I loved Garrett’s relationship wth his mother and grandmother too. Garrett is clearly an honourable, caring and genuine if sometimes misguided man. I also loved Amber’s dedication to her job and her connection to the wilderness.
What didn’t quite gel with me as well as it might have was the relationship between Amber and Garrett. The sex was clearly off the charts but the emotional relationship just didn’t quite work for me as well as it could have.
I’m probably being a little picky here. I did enjoy this story. It flows well and has a reasonably satisfying end. I guess for me it just could have been a little bit better.

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by Vella Munn, and while I enjoyed the overall plot and message in the story, I found the dialogue somewhat stilted and lacking flow.

Garret’s love of the wilderness and his passion when gazing upon the miracles (both good and bad) that nature encompasses, was heart-warming, but he came across as overly stoic and closed off. Yes, I realise there was background history that was later explained, but it was too broadly emphasised and lacked real meaning.

Amber’s character was likeable enough, but she too lacked any real conviction. Will I read the next in the series? Most definitely; I feel the author is on the right track, and just needs to develop her characters better.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. I was determined to finish it — I hate not finishing a book, but did not enjoy it.
The writing style is very naive. The author over-talks many of the ideas; it is overly descriptive and too heavy on pointless imagery. There are unintentional gender stereotypes brought into play, some discriminatory, even as the heroine is trying to prove her capability and independence. Changing tenses, whilst not incorrect, did not contribute to the flow of the text. There were also too many vague inferences that left you wondering what you missed. I found the main characters to be whiney and selfish, with too much thinking by both of them of what they would do in the future when they had kids, instead of allowing the readers to focus on the now.

[Heather 123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 22%

I just couldn't get into this book. I found Amber to be incredibly annoying and difficult to relate to. She snaps at Garrett for no apparent reasons when all the guy wants to do is help her. She tries to excuse her behavior by saying her family has micromanaged her. But in no way was Garrett trying to manage her so her excuse didn't make any sense.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

There is a different feel to this opening story in the Montana Rangers series, one that I’m really not certain that I can put into words for it is truly a “feeling”. There is a reverence, a respect for the ancient history that makes up the breathtaking beauty of a natural forest. A sense that you’ve been invited to step onto holy ground to visit, not to stay but to experience and then take that sense of wonder with you into your life. It’s there in the respect and,yes, love that the rangers, Garrett, Jake and Hunter have for this land they tend and guard. It’s in the beauty of the trees, the seductive lure of the lake in moonlight. And even the danger of the forest, natural and man-made, comes across with a sharp edge. Yes, there is definite world building in Ranger’s Legacy, the kind that exposes your senses and pulls you in, gently but firmly, to another place.

Amber and Garrett have an undeniable pull toward each other. One that has no logic to it, only instinct, need and a sense of coming home. Each will fight that need as well as give in a little more with each encounter to the inevitable knowledge that they belong together no matter the vast differences in their personal worlds. Experiencing that journey was emotional and enjoyable. We’re given just enough of Jake’s and Hunter’s stories to guarantee that I’m now looking forward to learning more about these dedicated, complicated men.

As I said, there is a different feel to Ranger’s Legacy. One that may make this a slow to start story for some readers, but I’d encourage you to continue with Garrett and Amber, they have a fascinating, intriguing story to be told – one you won’t want to miss. I would definitely recommend Ranger’s Legacy to any Contemporary Romance reader who enjoys subtle touches in a story, likable characters, can enjoy the almost sacred history and feel of the national forests in their natural state of beauty, and of curse, lively secondary characters who will soon shine in the spotlight themselves.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ranger’s Legacy by Vella Munn
Montana Rangers, Book 1
Determined to prove herself, archaeologist Amber Baum moves to Sweetheart, Montana to focus on her career. She has no room for mistakes and no time for love, so when she meets the handsome forest ranger, she vows to stay clear. Easier said than done…
Garret Haute has dedicated his life and career to protecting the visitors to Montana’s vast wilderness and taking care of his family. He’s still haunted by a tragedy he was powerless to prevent, but after he meets Amber, suddenly he’s thinking about a lot more than doing his duty. When they become involved in a potentially dangerous project, sparks fly and Garret finds himself falling faster than he ever imagined.
Can two people forget their pasts to embrace each other and their future?
this is Amber Baum and Garret Haute’s story.
Instead of dismissing the unexpected thought and focusing on what had brought her to the large lodge overlooking Montana’s Flathead Lake, Amber Baum clutched the deck railing. She’d first seen Flathead Lake five days ago when she’d stopped for lunch in Sweetheart, so she should be used to the rich turquoise and how the breeze could make the surface dance. However, Flathead was constantly changing, challenging her to stay and study it through the seasons. She understood why so many people were drawn to it.
“We only have a few minutes so I better get to the point.” He released her and positioned himself so he too faced the lake. After resting his muscular forearms on the railing, he glanced her way. “I’d hoped we’d be able to have this conversation right after you got here, but I was deep in the Missions where there’s no reception.”
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Ranger’s Legacy by Vella Munn 3 star book.
Vella's Books with Tule:
Romancing the Montana Bride
Montana Lakeside
Redeeming Her Montana Love
Montana Lakeside
His Montana Rescue
Montana Lakeside
Saved by the Montana Hero
Montana Lakeside
Taming His Montana Heart
Montana Lakeside
Ranger’s Legacy
Montana Rangers

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s love for the wildlife and environment in the Montana national park shines through in this story which features Amber Baum, an archaeologist intending to discover more about the history of the cabins and buildings within that area and a local ranger, Garret Haute. Her vivid descriptions bring the beautiful landscape to life within the imagination of the reader, complete with sights, sounds and even smells at times.

Amber has moved to Sweetheart Montana hoping to make a new life for herself away from her overprotective and blinkered parents and older brothers. She wants to be independent and has no plans on falling in love or lust and certainly not with the handsome Ranger she first meets! However, fate has plans for her and Garret - but you need to read it for yourself to discover just what!

The story has well developed main characters with very different childhoods. Whilst Amber had both parents and her siblings they all tried to plot her life for her, steering her to follow courses and introducing her to the people they believe will help her succeed but never considering just what she’d like to do or demonstrating affection. Garret was largely raised by his mother and grandmother and had a significant role in helping raise his younger sisters in their loving family. Garret doesn’t like to let others lead, he needs to be in charge and look after others - even when they don’t want or need looking after. It is this over protective nature that makes the relationship between Amber and Garret difficult and it isn’t easily overcome.

This is an easy read romance in a beautiful setting and a lovely start to a new series.

[Kaylee Dolat · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly struggled through this book. At the beginning, the characters felt complex. I could relate to Amber's desire for independence. Garrett's protective nature and complexity was fascinating.

Then, it seemed to go downhill. There were places where the dialogue felt forced. The mountain scenes were well described which was a far contrast from the work Amber was having to accomplish on the cabins. Eventually, her job became more of a background point to Garrett and Amber's very physical relationship. I was hoping for more of Amber's profession to come through. For more information on her family and why she became what she did. The few glimpses we had of her parents felt like the same scene over and over. Which normally would have reiterated the point of her stifled childhood, but to me felt more like a shallow explanation for Amber's independence and reaction to Garrett.

Also, not a fan of the instant attraction reaction. If she was desperate to prove herself independent and had a stifled childhood with no friends, wouldn't it have made sense for her to be less "share my feelings" at the beginning and more "keep arms length"?

The only redeeming quality was the vibrant scene for the forest life and nature that is predominant in Montana.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranger's Legacy by Vella Munn is the first book in a new series, Montana Rangers. It highlights the national parks, the history and a little of the work to preserve it for animals and people alike. Which is how Amber Baum winds up at this particular park. Garret Haute a ranger, becomes her love interest, friend and protector.

This is their story of overcoming regrets and moving on into a new relationship with each other. The very first sentence sets the stage for this story when Amber thinks she could stay there forever. Many problems arise with their work, conflicts with the cabin owners along with their own doubts and hesitations. Interesting story with the park, and the ranger’s work as much as with the romance. The beginning with Amber’s thoughts when she first sees Garret was unexpected from what I remember reading Vella Munn’s Montana Lakeside series. So this book starts out more explicit.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based outside of Sweetheart, Montana in a National Park. It is Flathead Park and Flathead river which if you have read some of the books based in Sweetwater or even Marietta you will recognize that name. Wonderful place to go fishing and the restaurants get all the best fish to serve fresh from that lake all year long. I really loved the way our author Vella Munn writes this book. It is a bit different that most of the other books by this author but in a good way. She has chosen to mix history and romance together to give us a book that once you begin to read it is hard to put down. There are parts to the book that talk about the history and archaeological information relevant to that area of Montana. I just wish she had explain a bit more but hey that is my issues it doesn't take away from the book at all. Now to the main characters Amber and Garrett. These two show us that while two people can be different they can connect and have a Happy Ending.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, boy! Talk about a book that heats up fast! There is an immediate thrust into instant chemistry that has to slow down for a moment when the main characters begin to struggle with their own demons and that put a stop to the intense pull they feel.
Amber Baum comes from a family of domineering, successful parents that want to rule her decisions and dictate her life. Garet Houle is the opposite. He grew up in a loving home with two sisters, his mother and his grandmother. A scary incident when he was a teen has caused him to be protective (ultra protective) of the women he loves but Amber wants nothing to do with that kind of behavior. She had that her entire life! Rough waters lie ahead for the couple that they will definitely need to navigate if there is to be anything more for them than heated nights and days.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I also purchased a copy.

There were some things about Amber that struck me as different. She was so eager to become independent as her parents directed her every decision prior to moving to Montana, that she didn't heed Garret's advice. She was told to let Hunter get to know her as his background is Selish (hopefully I didn't misspell that). She didn't; she jumped right in and Hunter closed down. It wasn't really explained what Hunter's problem was either. Well hopefully that will be resolved in his story.

This two came from totally different backgrounds and had to overcome a lot. I will be truthful and didn't understand the college scene and why she was so angry that Garret hadn't shared something with her. I mean come on. They are really just at the beginning of their relationship.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was a disappointing book. I did finish it (reason for 2 stars), but there were a few places I almost threw in the towel on it. There were a whole bunch of editing/proof-reading issues. Over all, the story was just plain boring. Not much for conflict to drive the story, all so predictable. To much internal dialogue of the main characters hurt the book’s flow, as well as a bunch of vague references leaving me questioning what was going on. Amber & Garret were ok as characters, though Amber was a bit annoying. I didn't understand how she considered him to be trying to control her, it was totally obvious even to an idiot that he was protective, not controlling. The job Amber comes to Montana for quickly falls to the side of the road as soon as Garret is in the picture, which hurt my belief that Amber could be a strong main character.

[Laura D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber comes to Sweetheart Montana to work on a project to restore some of the historical cabins in the forest. Garet is a ranger and he warns he about the unhappy cabin owner who don't want her input. She grew up with parents controlling her every move. He grew up in a very loving family, he even has a grandmother who helped raise him. Garet is overly protective of his sister, mother and grandmother and over time Amber works her way into his circle. Amber does not welcome his protective nature. It goes against her will to prove herself independent. They both have some demons to overcome if they are to find their way to each other. Good read.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the story intrigued me, but as I read the story I had a hard time relating to the characters. They seemed flat, without any dimension or substance, it was difficult for me to engage with either character. The dialog fell flat, it didn’t have a flow to it...there was a disconnect to where the conversations went, they would vary into too many different directions....questions were answered with questions, to me that was quite distracting.

I will still try the next book in the series, I’m hoping that I will have a different experience.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a first read by this author. Found it really hard going at times. I found both Garret and Amber to be somewhat irritating. He wanted to help her she snapped at him and told him she had been micromanaged by her family all her life. He was suffering from guilt because his sisters got lost on a hike. All important factors for both their ability and inability to communicate and get to know one another that warranted the lust for each other flowing through them every minute of the day. I am glad Amber getting to know her 17 hour old niece had her seeing the light and Garret being asked to address a class at his old college allowed him to see the light too.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very enjoyable. One of the things I loved the most was the author's descriptive writing style which painted a vivid picture of the forest the story is set in. A little mystery and intrigue add a nice element to this sweet romance.

Amber is an archaeologist working on a project in the forest where Garret Haute is a Ranger. Both have issues from their pasts they are dealing with but while working together on this project they are able to move past the regrets that linger and focus on the future. Together!

I definitely recommend this one.

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really liked about this story line was everything Hunter’s grandfather taught him and Garret about the mountains, bears and life. Also Garret’s grandmother’s old fashion sayings, and the steadfast deep friendship of Garret, Hunter and Jake and last but not least the feel of being in the mountains this author’s writing gave.
I sure the heck hope one of the books in this series tells Hunters life story.

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is clunky

The story is fine, the characters are people adjacent (more than sketches but not that unique), the "relationship" is shallow and fast, and the reactions aren't really natural. Maybe all of that could have been fixed with better writing. It is possible to have an elemental connection where you just know, but it's hard to explain let alone express without someone being in your head. The use of third person perspective didn't help this book.

[Barbi Huhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read.
Amber is a gal who recently moved to Montana to take a job her parents don’t approve of. The job holds challenges mainly dealing with coworkers and local residents.
Garret is a forest ranger who feels somewhat protective of Amber upon meeting her.
Sparks fly immediately between them but can they learn to work together without getting in the way or distracting the other person?

[Donnajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book.

Ranger's Legacy by Vella Munn. The first book in the Montana Rangers series. Enjoyable storyline and characters. Ranger's Legacy took me awhile to get into but once I did I enjoyed the book. Look forward to more in the Montana Rangers series and more by Vella Munn

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by Vella Munn.

What I liked:
The writing style
Grandma
Part of a series: Montana Rangers
Standalone
HEA

I had a hard time staying interested in this book.
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is good, the characters left me a bit disappointed. They weren't as well developed as I am used to and just seemed to struggle to be real and believable. The descriptions of the scenery were actually the best part for me. I am willing to try another book by this author though since there is a lot of potential.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the first book I have read from Vella but it is my favorite so far. This was a really good book it was a little slow, to begin with, but once I got into Amber and Garrett's story I did not want to stop reading the attraction between these two was really strong. A well-written book and a good start to the series

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I gave this author a chance in this book one of Montana Rangers. I cannot wait to read the second and third ones. This one was about Garret and Amber and how their life made them who they are now. They both have struggles they overcome. A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start.

[Rita · Rating 1 out of 5]

These characters spend 90% of the time in their own heads. The book is so introspective that I am having to slog through it. Worse than that, they are keeping secrets from each other and the book keeps dropping these cryptic hints but never delivers on them. I have been trying to get though it for 4 days now and I just can't get invested in it at all. Giving up after about 60% read.

[Tracie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Ranger’s Legacy is a story rebuilding, letting go of regret and finding the strength to move forward. The first book in the Montana Rangers this is a good start to a new series and one I look forward to reading more about

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginnings

This is a well written story about how Amber was doing a job that would use her Master's degree but get her away from her controlling parents. Garrett was sure about her at first, but they just clicked.