Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  More Than Life

AUTHOR:  Mary Calmes

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  330 pages

RELEASE DATE:  March 16, 2020

BLURB:

Hart Jarrett was only supposed to be passing through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He wasn’t supposed to get involved, no emotional entanglements to tie him down. Setting down roots was never part of the plan, not until he opened himself up to love. Too bad the man he bet on bailed and left Hart holding the ranch. There were two choices after that: run away, or stay and build something real from nothing.

Nearly six years later, Hart has created a home and a life he never expected, with the help of his best friend and foreman, Morgan Brace. The ranch is thriving thanks to its loyal men and strong ties to the community. But there’s a snake in the garden, and it takes many forms. There’s a dead man on Hart’s property, a man he knows, and the questions are piling up. As if that weren’t enough, his ex has reappeared out of the blue, with plans to reclaim what he willingly gave. And, to make matters worse, it appears Morgan is finally taking his dating life seriously.

Everything Hart has built is unraveling.

The life Hart wants doesn’t work without Morgan in it. Imagining a future without Morgan, him turning elsewhere for love and coming in second to someone else in Morgan’s heart—as well as his bed—is almost unbearable. So maybe, just maybe, the answer lies in Hart confessing that he loves Morgan more than life itself. If Hart gambles and loses, will he even still want the life he’s worked so hard to build?

REVIEW:

More Than Life is an enjoyable story about the romance between Hart, a ranch owner, and his foreman, Morgan. My favorite part of the book is the inevitability of Hart and Morgan. It truly feels as though there are destined for each other. They begin the story as friends, but even then, their deep fondness and caring for each other is thick in the air. I’ve never felt that as strongly in another book before, so kudos, Ms. Calmes. There are lots of unconscious touches to an arm or thigh, or the pushing back of the other’s hair, or looks they’re not aware of but make it obvious to their friends and coworkers – and the reader – that they’re meant for each other. Once they’re romantically entwined, the abundant chemistry carries over to the sexy times, which are nicely steamy.  

As the relationship evolves, there is a parallel plot involving neighboring ranchers and some not-so-nice ghosts from Hart’s past. There is some mystery involved here which is a nice touch; both plotlines work well together with an appropriate balance of each.  

More Than Life has a truly fantastic cast of characters, starting with Wes the ranch caretaker, Crew the self-appointed assistant foreman, and the many other ranch hands. They comprise a big family, one that genuinely cares for each other and takes care of each other. It’s an all-for-one, one-for-all mentality. Sheriff Lange and neighbor Asa are also memorable, and there are one or two love-to-hate characters. 

There’s a little bit of a Jory (from Calmes’ A Matter of Time series) vibe in Hart, with the way he attracts trouble but isn’t too fazed by it. In terms of relationship dynamic, Hart and Morgan are reminiscent of Jory and Sam, too, with Morgan and Sam as the Protectors. 

I do feel world building could’ve been stronger. I got a good feel for the interiors of various buildings, but I didn’t get a good sense of place for the ranch-lands and what must be its beautiful surroundings in Wyoming. 

Overall, More Than Life is an enjoyable read, due in no small part to the strong bond, love, and caring between Hart and Morgan, and the loyalty of the ranch staff. I definitely recommend this book, particularly if you’re already a fan of Mary Calmes. If not, this would be a great opportunity to try out a new author. 

RATING: ( more like 4.25)

BUY LINK: 

Amazon