Review ~ More Than This by Jay McLean

Title: More Than This

Author: Jay McLean

Series: More #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: August 1st 2013 (first published July 10th 2013)

*Mikayla*
In one night my fairytale ended. Or it may have begun. This is my story of friendship and love, heartbreak and desire, and the strength to show weakness.

*Jake*
One night I met a girl. A sad and broken girl, but one more beautiful than any other. She laughed through her sadness, while I loved through her heartbreak.

*This is our story of a maybe ever after.*

He was right. It made no difference whether it was 6 months or 6 years.
I couldn’t undo what had been done. I couldn’t change the future.
I couldn’t even predict it.
It was one night.
One night when everything changed.
It was so much more than just the betrayal.
It was the Tragedy.
The Deaths.
The Murders.
But it was also that feeling.
The feeling of falling.

I enjoyed the way More Than This started, although finding out that your boyfriend and best friend are cheating just before prom, is not an ideal start, but watching Makayla make new relationships with Jake and his friends was sweet. In one night she formed bonds with some people that she will keep for life. But none of this could prepare Makayla for what was to come.

I can't imagine anyone having to deal with what Makayla did and without the support of her closest friends (due to their betrayal). Jake decides to step up for Makayla and he turns out to be her rock. Seeing their relationship strengthen was just beautiful to watch. Jake, with the Aussie accent was always going to be attractive (biased Aussie writing the review!). He is such a kind soul and he was drawn to Mikayla immediately. I was hopeful that they were able to work through these tough times and get a HEA.

All Jake's friends are great side characters and I know I say it often, but they gave great depth to this story. They are all unique in their own way and right from that first night are willing to do anything for Makayla. They supported her in her dark times and managed to take her mind off things, even if it was just for a little while. One character in particular, Lucy I loved! She has similar interests to Mikayla, always has her head in her eReader (like me too), but get a few drinks in her and she cracked me up!! And Logan, comes across as a jerk, but I was able to see some sweet moments with him and I am keen to see more!!

There were numerous times that I shed tears in this book. It is such an emotional journey for Makayla. But there are plenty of happy moments that had me giggling and lots of times where Jake made me swoon. The alternating POV allowed me to see what both characters were thinking and the turmoils they faced.

Jay McLean has written a truly beautiful book and I loved watching Makayla and Jakes story unravel. Their bond formed early and it was exciting to see how they dealt with their feelings. More Than This showed me that even though you may feel like something is missing in your life, you may be able to find it in someone else. Give this Australian authors work a try… you won’t be disappointed!!