Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: More than Life
AUTHOR: Mary Calmes
NARRATOR: Greg Boudreaux
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 9 hours and 15 minutes
RELEASE DATE: April 22, 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:
Hart Jarrett has owned the Ironwood ranch for almost six year – signed over to him by his abusive ex-boyfriend. Said abusive ex-boyfriend’s father had signed it over to him before that, deciding to leave for Hawaii after tiring of trying to make a go of the ranch. When Hart got it, it was deeply in the red. But Hart had plans and with the help of his foreman, Morgan Brace, and his manger, Wes and a crew of men who operate more as a family, he has turned the ranch around. It’s a high-end wedding destination, profitable ranching business and makes money all year round. There is even a candle and honey business venture going. However, there has also been a suspicious death on the ranch. One that is hanging over everyone.
While Hart is content with his lot in life now, he still wishes he could have the one thing that seems out of his reach and that’s Morgan. He’s loved the man for years, but Morgan has had a hard life and Hart assumes that he is straight. In his attempts to keep Morgan on the ranch, Hart has tried to set up him up numerable times. He figures if Morgan starts a family on the ranch, at least that way he’ll never leave.
As the team is preparing for a wedding, Hart runs into trouble – first in the form of the brother of the man who died on his ranch. While they figure out a way forward, he learns that his ex and his ex’s father are hell-bent on returning to the ranch and demanding it back. However, Hart if certain that this would be a long shot – according to his lawyer. And he’s also given half the ranch to Morgan – although Morgan has yet to accept it. But you know where violent exes are involved, not good can come. While the ex, Lee, doesn’t physically attack Hart, he does his best to gaslight him and the rest of the ranch crew is not taking any of this lying down. They are a family and they will protect what’s theirs.
When danger is afoot, Morgan finally admits to Hart that he wants him and Hart is overjoyed. He’s tried to date and settle for Morgan’s friendship, but this is literally his fantasy come true. Morgan is very protective of Hart and it’s a good thing, because Hart does seem to have a way of getting into trouble when he goes off on his own. Of course there is the mystery of the death to be solved as well as the future of the ranch at stake, so the whole gang works together to make sure things end up set to rights.
I really enjoyed this audio. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to a Mary Calmes book and I remember now how much I love her characters. Hart and Morgan are opposites in so many ways, but they care fiercely for each other. There are a lot of supporting characters in this story as well – so hats off to Greg Boudreaux on all the various character voices. I really liked all his choices. In the end this is a lovely story of right triumphing, overcoming a difficult past and making a life worth living. I loved that Morgan was able to face his past and his demons with Hart supporting him all they way. My only wish was that Lee, the evil ex, got more of what was coming to him. But honestly, I think he’s a lost cause and somebody will take exception to him someday and give him what he deserves 😀 I love friends to lovers and this one is highly recommended for those who also enjoy this trope!
RATING: 
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