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Pine Cove #4
Bright Horizon
Ben Turner is besotted with the handsome older man who’s always in his bakery. They have nothing in common…until one day Ben discovers he’s an overnight millionaire, and his customer could become his protector. But they hardly know each other. He’d be crazy to accept his help, right?
Lawyer Elias Solomon knows his crush on the beautiful young baker is ridiculous, but when he suspects Ben is being taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. Elias’s upcoming fortieth birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he’d accompany Ben all the way to England.
Ben has never even heard of Great Aunt Nancy, his corrupt and bitter English family, their enormous home and orchard grounds, or the business they run from it. All of which he now apparently owns. It’s up to Ben to save the estate with Elias’s help, but does he want the responsibility? All he really wants is to fall into Elias’s bed and never leave, and soon the chemistry is too much to ignore. Elias can’t see how they’ll make it work when they’re from different generations. But when old rivalries take a dangerous turn, he soon realizes he’ll do anything to keep Ben safe from harm…and in his arms.
Book Four of Pine Cove. Bright Horizon is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.
Lawyer Elias Solomon knows his crush on the beautiful young baker is ridiculous, but when he suspects Ben is being taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. Elias’s upcoming fortieth birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he’d accompany Ben all the way to England.
Ben has never even heard of Great Aunt Nancy, his corrupt and bitter English family, their enormous home and orchard grounds, or the business they run from it. All of which he now apparently owns. It’s up to Ben to save the estate with Elias’s help, but does he want the responsibility? All he really wants is to fall into Elias’s bed and never leave, and soon the chemistry is too much to ignore. Elias can’t see how they’ll make it work when they’re from different generations. But when old rivalries take a dangerous turn, he soon realizes he’ll do anything to keep Ben safe from harm…and in his arms.
Book Four of Pine Cove. Bright Horizon is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 6, 2019
74 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Welch
41 books290 followersHJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 3, 2020
Reviewed: 05-02-20
Melodramatic. Slow Burn. Sweet.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 3.5stars
Nick J. Russo narration was engaging and vivid. He is at the top of his game.
This audiobook make you feel a carousel of emotions. Round and round you go, from contempt to sadness , to joy , to anger , empathy to disappointment, then to hope, love , gratitude, and everything else in between. Then, the merry go round do it's thing again.
Even though Bright Horizon, is book 4 , in the Pine Cove series, it completely stands alone. I haven't listen to the other books in the series. Yet, never felt lost or/and was missing important background and it didn't affect me enjoying this tale.
Bright Horizon
Pine Cove, Book 4
By: HJ Welch
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
#Audible #ListenedOn2020 #BrightHorizon #GRR #KindleFire
Melodramatic. Slow Burn. Sweet.
Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 3.5stars
Nick J. Russo narration was engaging and vivid. He is at the top of his game.
This audiobook make you feel a carousel of emotions. Round and round you go, from contempt to sadness , to joy , to anger , empathy to disappointment, then to hope, love , gratitude, and everything else in between. Then, the merry go round do it's thing again.
Even though Bright Horizon, is book 4 , in the Pine Cove series, it completely stands alone. I haven't listen to the other books in the series. Yet, never felt lost or/and was missing important background and it didn't affect me enjoying this tale.
Bright Horizon
Pine Cove, Book 4
By: HJ Welch
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
#Audible #ListenedOn2020 #BrightHorizon #GRR #KindleFire
March 16, 2021
Incredibly sweet age-gap romance with tons of great family drama, Bright Horizon has an extensive cast of quirky characters, and was a pleasure from beginning to end.
This is only the second book in H.J. Welch's Pine Cove series which I've read (both times in audio narrated by the wonderful Nick J. Russo), and I'm looking forward to the rest of them. This is absolutely a standalone series, so you can pick them up in any order and enjoy them.
I received an audio edition of Bright Horizon for the purpose of my review, all opinions are my own
This is only the second book in H.J. Welch's Pine Cove series which I've read (both times in audio narrated by the wonderful Nick J. Russo), and I'm looking forward to the rest of them. This is absolutely a standalone series, so you can pick them up in any order and enjoy them.
I received an audio edition of Bright Horizon for the purpose of my review, all opinions are my own
August 20, 2021
Już nawet nie liczę, która to dzisiaj (20.08.2021) uzupełniana książka.... 10? 11?
* * * * * * *
Może to była w sumie i bajka, ale bohaterowie mnie nie denerwowali, dobrze się czytało, nie dłużyło się, choć to najdłuższa część w tej serii. Było słodko, było trochę dramatycznie, był zły charakter, było żyli długo i szczęśliwie 😁
* * * * * * *
Może to była w sumie i bajka, ale bohaterowie mnie nie denerwowali, dobrze się czytało, nie dłużyło się, choć to najdłuższa część w tej serii. Było słodko, było trochę dramatycznie, był zły charakter, było żyli długo i szczęśliwie 😁
March 28, 2021
2.5 stars
Having 2 super insecure characters was not it. And I love an age gap romance but when the MCs continue to harp about said age gap it gets to be pretty repetitive snd exhausting. And I’ll say this without trying to add any spoilers but Ben is pretty reckless....
5/10 wouldn’t recommend
Having 2 super insecure characters was not it. And I love an age gap romance but when the MCs continue to harp about said age gap it gets to be pretty repetitive snd exhausting. And I’ll say this without trying to add any spoilers but Ben is pretty reckless....
5/10 wouldn’t recommend
November 29, 2021
The fling between Ben and Elias is so sweet, just like Ben's cakes.
It was my first book from Pine Cove but I'm gonna read the other books
The secondary characters are great even the evil ones and there's several evil characters
I received an ARC (thank you) to give an honest review
It was my first book from Pine Cove but I'm gonna read the other books
The secondary characters are great even the evil ones and there's several evil characters
I received an ARC (thank you) to give an honest review
March 20, 2023
It was well narrated but the writing was bad. I missed nuance in the wording, all the emotions were too much 'in your face' . Add to that over the top villains, stereotypical secundairy characters and some tstl moments.
December 11, 2020
Bissi aufgerundet auf 4 Sterne.
Darum geht's:
Ben liebt seinen Job als Bäcker und schwärmt heimlich für den Stammkunden Elias, mit dem er bisher aber noch kaum ein Wort gewechselt hat. Bens Welt wird auf den Kopf gestellt, als ein arroganter englischer Anwalt in der Bäckerei auftaucht und Ben eröffnet, dass eine entfernte Verwandte, von deren Existenz Ben nichts wusste, ihm ein Vermögen vererbt hat. Elias kommt dem überforderten Ben zu Hilfe und begleitet ihn auch nach Großbritannien. Nicht nur, um ihm gegen die geldgierige englische Verwandtschaft zu helfen, sondern auch, weil zwischen ihnen inzwischen die Herzchen fliegen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Darum geht's:
Ben liebt seinen Job als Bäcker und schwärmt heimlich für den Stammkunden Elias, mit dem er bisher aber noch kaum ein Wort gewechselt hat. Bens Welt wird auf den Kopf gestellt, als ein arroganter englischer Anwalt in der Bäckerei auftaucht und Ben eröffnet, dass eine entfernte Verwandte, von deren Existenz Ben nichts wusste, ihm ein Vermögen vererbt hat. Elias kommt dem überforderten Ben zu Hilfe und begleitet ihn auch nach Großbritannien. Nicht nur, um ihm gegen die geldgierige englische Verwandtschaft zu helfen, sondern auch, weil zwischen ihnen inzwischen die Herzchen fliegen.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
February 22, 2025
This was another fun one in this series! This time we left Pine Cove and travelled across the world to deal with some crazy family and it was fun. Had some miscommunication which isn’t always my favourite but thankfully a forgetful MC made it not last too long!
Ben and Elias were super cute and I really liked how they had both admired each other from afar! They had a great HEA!
This one was different than the other ones in the series as it’s in a different country and also we don’t see many of the characters we know from previous books and the two MCs aren’t part of the main families in the series but I actually really liked that. I like variety in my series’!
Overall I would recommend and look forward to continuing the series! I listened to the audio and the narrator was great!
Ben and Elias were super cute and I really liked how they had both admired each other from afar! They had a great HEA!
This one was different than the other ones in the series as it’s in a different country and also we don’t see many of the characters we know from previous books and the two MCs aren’t part of the main families in the series but I actually really liked that. I like variety in my series’!
Overall I would recommend and look forward to continuing the series! I listened to the audio and the narrator was great!
November 8, 2020
I have only three words. Nick. J. Russo. Well, not all of them are words strictly speaking.. but the thing is, I'm ready to listen whatever crap that guy reads, no matter how bad it is. Well.. except for that omega stuff, that's something even he wouldn't make bearable. I'm a sucker for Russo's narrating, you see, hence spending almost 11 hours listening to the book I wouldn't read with my eyes rolled inside my head most of the time. It's not too badly written, no. It's just I don't like such sweet stories, where one of the guys is basically a woman, if you know what I mean. And all those facepalming moments. It's just too far from real life, too much of a Cinderella story.. But if you like such stuff, you should go for it, because it's not awfully written.
March 19, 2021
I don't think I've fallen for a character so quickly before as I did with Elias. I loved his relationship with Ben. I loved their love story.
Elias was so kind and endearing. At the right place and right time, he found himself helping Ben with an issue pertaining to a familial will. Taking two weeks to accompany Ben to England, it was a slow burn romance that kept simmering throughout the story. It was just lovely.
So many highs and lows, I never wanted to put it down. This is the first I've listened to in this series and I'm hooked.
Nick J. Russo was brilliant, as usual. This is definitely an audiobook to listen to!
Elias was so kind and endearing. At the right place and right time, he found himself helping Ben with an issue pertaining to a familial will. Taking two weeks to accompany Ben to England, it was a slow burn romance that kept simmering throughout the story. It was just lovely.
So many highs and lows, I never wanted to put it down. This is the first I've listened to in this series and I'm hooked.
Nick J. Russo was brilliant, as usual. This is definitely an audiobook to listen to!
December 9, 2019
Awww
I love our sweet and adorable Ben. I also love how even though Elias is almost 40, he portrays that even as we get older we still don't have our stuff together and can still have issues.
I love our sweet and adorable Ben. I also love how even though Elias is almost 40, he portrays that even as we get older we still don't have our stuff together and can still have issues.
March 21, 2021
From Pine Cove to an English Adventure (an audio review)
“It was a Tuesday morning when Ben Turner burned his favorite spiced apple muffins. It was also the day he’d become a millionaire, but the muffin thing annoyed him first.”
For the record, HJ Welch has the best opening lines.
Okay, on to the review.
I’ve enjoyed all my visits to Pine Cove and this one was no exception. Except pretty soon the baker and his lawyer were leaving the small town in the Pacific Northwest and heading to a great estate in England. And a pile of unknown distant relatives.
But before that happens, there’s the meet-cute. Or the slow meet-cute. Ben works at a bakery and every morning this gorgeous older man comes to purchase a coffee and a treat. The men exchange few words, but Ben knows he really likes the man. With the age gap and Ben’s lack of perceived standing, what chance does he have? Unbeknownst to him, Elias has noted him. And although he’s physically attracted, he’s way too old for Ben. Plus he has a secret that keeps him away from temptation. He just can’t take the risk.
When he sees Ben about to be taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. And if that means accompanying Ben to England to figure out the inheritance, then so be it. But they’re just going as lawyer and client. Or perhaps as friends. Or whatever this relationship means. But they’re not going to end up in bed together.
Right?
I enjoy age-gap romances. Both men have baggage of different kinds and when their values collide, it’s hard to see how things work out. Plus Elias has scruples – necessary for someone in his position. This is an enjoyable book, especially the furry characters who added to the enjoyment. And I liked that Elias let Ben come into his own by being supportive and not overbearing.
There were some secondary characters I liked and some I disliked – as intended. The villain felt a little over the top at times, but a good foil to the earnest and honest Ben and his protector Elias.
As with all the books in the series, Nick J. Russo narrated the story and I felt he did well with the plethora of accents. It’ll be interesting to see if there are any more visits to the sleepy little town of Pine Cove. There’s at least one character I would like to see get a happy ending of his own.
“It was a Tuesday morning when Ben Turner burned his favorite spiced apple muffins. It was also the day he’d become a millionaire, but the muffin thing annoyed him first.”
For the record, HJ Welch has the best opening lines.
Okay, on to the review.
I’ve enjoyed all my visits to Pine Cove and this one was no exception. Except pretty soon the baker and his lawyer were leaving the small town in the Pacific Northwest and heading to a great estate in England. And a pile of unknown distant relatives.
But before that happens, there’s the meet-cute. Or the slow meet-cute. Ben works at a bakery and every morning this gorgeous older man comes to purchase a coffee and a treat. The men exchange few words, but Ben knows he really likes the man. With the age gap and Ben’s lack of perceived standing, what chance does he have? Unbeknownst to him, Elias has noted him. And although he’s physically attracted, he’s way too old for Ben. Plus he has a secret that keeps him away from temptation. He just can’t take the risk.
When he sees Ben about to be taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. And if that means accompanying Ben to England to figure out the inheritance, then so be it. But they’re just going as lawyer and client. Or perhaps as friends. Or whatever this relationship means. But they’re not going to end up in bed together.
Right?
I enjoy age-gap romances. Both men have baggage of different kinds and when their values collide, it’s hard to see how things work out. Plus Elias has scruples – necessary for someone in his position. This is an enjoyable book, especially the furry characters who added to the enjoyment. And I liked that Elias let Ben come into his own by being supportive and not overbearing.
There were some secondary characters I liked and some I disliked – as intended. The villain felt a little over the top at times, but a good foil to the earnest and honest Ben and his protector Elias.
As with all the books in the series, Nick J. Russo narrated the story and I felt he did well with the plethora of accents. It’ll be interesting to see if there are any more visits to the sleepy little town of Pine Cove. There’s at least one character I would like to see get a happy ending of his own.
December 30, 2019
I was so excited for the premise of the story. An adventure, a sassy and cute baker, a caring older man, a mystery inheritance announcement delivered via threat...there was a lot here to work with. While I did like some aspects of the characters and the romance, I often felt bogged down in their individual inner turmoil and the lost backbone on Ben's part. The promises given in the beginning fizzled in the middle while eventually working out in the end.
Ben began as an overwhelmed and slightly frazzled cutie working in a beloved bakery. There were moments of steel in his spine and I was incredibly interested in his progress and growth. He lost sight of himself at so many moments. He also fell victim to over-thinking and doubting his feelings and Elias' more often than I cared to read about. There were some common sense things and glaring inconsistencies in what many of the "villains" would say that I was sure he'd catch it out and find the fight inside himself to stand up and declare what was right and best. Unfortunately, that only came after a dramatic moment organized by Elias and their new-found friends.
That dramatic moment was suitably awesome and sweet, but I wish the vehicle getting us there to that point wasn't so weighed down under all the miscommunications, making unilateral and unvoiced decisions for others, and so much self-doubt.
With only one clear "villain", there were many chances for others to set themselves up either for or against Ben and Elias. I liked that almost no one else was as clear-cut in their side of the fence because it was a bit of mystery that kept me invested in the story.
The romance itself was a bit slow to start with so much hesitation that I grew bored. There were big issues that were tackled with tenderness and tact and for that I was truly grateful. It's clear that Ben and Elias were good for one another, it was just all the contrived angst that was over the top and decreased my enjoyment. Their outcome was pretty wonderful though, and it was a great ending that suited the men, the situation, and the family they wanted so much to help.
Ben began as an overwhelmed and slightly frazzled cutie working in a beloved bakery. There were moments of steel in his spine and I was incredibly interested in his progress and growth. He lost sight of himself at so many moments. He also fell victim to over-thinking and doubting his feelings and Elias' more often than I cared to read about. There were some common sense things and glaring inconsistencies in what many of the "villains" would say that I was sure he'd catch it out and find the fight inside himself to stand up and declare what was right and best. Unfortunately, that only came after a dramatic moment organized by Elias and their new-found friends.
That dramatic moment was suitably awesome and sweet, but I wish the vehicle getting us there to that point wasn't so weighed down under all the miscommunications, making unilateral and unvoiced decisions for others, and so much self-doubt.
With only one clear "villain", there were many chances for others to set themselves up either for or against Ben and Elias. I liked that almost no one else was as clear-cut in their side of the fence because it was a bit of mystery that kept me invested in the story.
The romance itself was a bit slow to start with so much hesitation that I grew bored. There were big issues that were tackled with tenderness and tact and for that I was truly grateful. It's clear that Ben and Elias were good for one another, it was just all the contrived angst that was over the top and decreased my enjoyment. Their outcome was pretty wonderful though, and it was a great ending that suited the men, the situation, and the family they wanted so much to help.
December 18, 2019
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and have to say did not expect the direction (or destination) that book 4 took us.
Whilst I did miss the Pine Cove setting we've become familiar with in the rest of the series, I did enjoy the pure British-ness of the book, from its somewhat ubiquitous aristocratic secondary characters that form the bulk of Ben's family through to the manor and the cottage, secondary characters within themselves.
Ben and Elias' relationship is quite uneven at times. I thought the initiating premise was a little stretched (eh, it's romance, that's allowed) but the age gap/position of (implied) power card was played well and I actually like how the dynamic would change in terms of give/take comfort, etc.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, was quite satisfied in the resolution of the "big bad" and especially loved the four-legged personalities that almost stole the show.
4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whilst I did miss the Pine Cove setting we've become familiar with in the rest of the series, I did enjoy the pure British-ness of the book, from its somewhat ubiquitous aristocratic secondary characters that form the bulk of Ben's family through to the manor and the cottage, secondary characters within themselves.
Ben and Elias' relationship is quite uneven at times. I thought the initiating premise was a little stretched (eh, it's romance, that's allowed) but the age gap/position of (implied) power card was played well and I actually like how the dynamic would change in terms of give/take comfort, etc.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, was quite satisfied in the resolution of the "big bad" and especially loved the four-legged personalities that almost stole the show.
4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 19, 2019
For the most part I liked this book. I liked how well Ben and Elias complimented one another and what can I say? I love me some age-gap.
This was my first book by this author AND in this series — and the outcome left me wanting to go back and read this series from the start even though this can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion.
I think my only problem was how long it took me to get through it...while the characters worked well together and I liked the plot — I just felt it was dragged out a bit.
Overall though I really did enjoy this book. I am a fan of slow burn and this book showed just why I love it so much — Ben and Elias developing a friendship and then it turn a relationship was perfect.
3 stars
This was my first book by this author AND in this series — and the outcome left me wanting to go back and read this series from the start even though this can be read as a stand-alone without any confusion.
I think my only problem was how long it took me to get through it...while the characters worked well together and I liked the plot — I just felt it was dragged out a bit.
Overall though I really did enjoy this book. I am a fan of slow burn and this book showed just why I love it so much — Ben and Elias developing a friendship and then it turn a relationship was perfect.
3 stars
April 21, 2020
SPOILER ALERT!
I can’t even try to explain the roller coaster of emotions I experienced while reading this beautiful book. This is one book I never wanted to end. Because when it finished even though I was so happy for Elias and Ben, the main characters, it left me feeling bereft with missing them. You end up falling completely in love with the characters and you end up getting so invested in them that every time they hurt, you hurt. The story was written so beautifully. The angst made you hurt in the best way possible.
What I love most though was how inclusive the author is when choosing their characters. When I started reading and I realised that Elias was living with HIV my heart broke. But through this story the author show us that everyone can have a chance at love and happiness. I loved that the author told a story that showed that a HIV+ man was capable of living a normal full life, with love and happiness. Also how far along we have come in finding treatment for HIV, so much so that a HIVpositive man can be completely undetectable.
This story has come to be so close to my heart because this author gave Elias a chance at love and he really really deserved it. I loved the character of Elias, he’s strong and kind and responsible but also so so vulnerable and insecure. He really captured my heart. I loved sweet Ben too, who was beautiful and determined and completely nonjudgemental. They make a perfect pair and balance each other beautifully. The initial UST between them was really sizzling. They had such great chemistry and I can’t believe both of them were so oblivious of the others feelings. I understand why the age difference means nothing to Ben cos he loves a mature responsible guy, while Elias is completely psyching himself over the age gap. I love how pure hearted Ben is, connecting with his long last family was more attractive to him than the money or estate. I really don’t blame Elias for falling in love with Such a selfless guy. But Elias on his part was so generous and kind when he offered to buy plane tickets for them both ( not to mention business class). Ben’s reaction to being on a flight in business class was so adorable.
It hurt my heart when all of Ben’s family were so hostile. Kenneth was so horrid. But I’m glad they had Anika and Raj on their side. I didn’t trust Noah right from the first meet. Treacle didn’t like him and my first thought was to how Kenneth had kicked Treacle and how he’d recoiled, so to me it felt like Noah was someone who might have treated treacle the same way. Treacle, I must say is one of the sweetest dogs ever. Coping so well after his mummas passing. OMG I love the little cottage and I love how they make it their haven. It’s sweet how Ben gives Elias the bigger room. I laughed so much at the part where Elias had neatly unpacked all his stuff but Ben’s stuff had just “exploded” all over the room. It was sweet how when Ben was lost during his walk he just sat there and Elias came to find him. It’s sweet how Elias always has Ben’s back. How he makes sure he always takes his passport and how he was such a solid support when Kenneth was being nasty. When they went on the date and both of them didn’t know if it was a date but hoped it was, it just made my heart melt. I loved that Elias opened up and took Ben into confidence and told him his story. Elias’s story broke my heart. I felt such rage in my heart towards the parents who deserted their child when he was ill. There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour. I can’t imagine Elias all alone in this world. But he made it. So I understand why Ben felt so much admiration and respect towards Elias. I loved Ben who didn’t even bat an eye, who just listened and felt fury of his own. How he held Elias’s hand and clung on. It broke my heart that Elias thought the kiss was a pity kiss and that Ben regretted it and Ben thought it was Ill timed and that he was taking advantage of Elias when he was vulnerable. When Elias finds Ben stress baking and they both realize that they both really did not want that kiss to end, it was a eureka moment. It was glorious that kiss and how they clung on to each other. Though, Ben saying he didn’t want to rush into a relationship and just wanted to take things as it is and see how it goes made Elias question Ben’s motives and I thought to myself ‘stupid Ben you’re giving Elias the wrong idea’. I’m glad it all worked out in the end though. Even though Noah with his lies put unwanted doubts in Ben’s mind. My blood boiled when Kenneth called Elias his ‘plague ridden friend’ and when he threatened to cut of his insurance. Poor Ben my heart hurt for him when he had to leave. But Anika, Raj and Elias are such super heroes. I love how they save the day. Omg Kwen that airport lady is such a boss, I love how she handles the whole passport situation and then when Elias comes she actually sits back and enjoys the reunion and has the audacity to keep the queue waiting. Really enjoyed her character. Omg Mrs Hollis decorating their room as a surprise when they come back was too cool and so naughty of her.
I loved that Ben defies Kenneth and was able to get most of the relatives on his side. Thank God for Aunt Elizabeth who cleared grandpa Tom’s name. I’m so glad that everyone turned against Kenneth when they realised he was a lying bigoted homophobe. This was such a beautiful story. Elias and Ben stole my heart. I love that they get their happily ever after because Elias more than anybody else deserves it and I think only Ben is awesome enough to give him his happily ever after. The proposal was so beautiful.. I’m so sad the book is over. I want to just keep reading more and more of their story.
I can’t even try to explain the roller coaster of emotions I experienced while reading this beautiful book. This is one book I never wanted to end. Because when it finished even though I was so happy for Elias and Ben, the main characters, it left me feeling bereft with missing them. You end up falling completely in love with the characters and you end up getting so invested in them that every time they hurt, you hurt. The story was written so beautifully. The angst made you hurt in the best way possible.
What I love most though was how inclusive the author is when choosing their characters. When I started reading and I realised that Elias was living with HIV my heart broke. But through this story the author show us that everyone can have a chance at love and happiness. I loved that the author told a story that showed that a HIV+ man was capable of living a normal full life, with love and happiness. Also how far along we have come in finding treatment for HIV, so much so that a HIVpositive man can be completely undetectable.
This story has come to be so close to my heart because this author gave Elias a chance at love and he really really deserved it. I loved the character of Elias, he’s strong and kind and responsible but also so so vulnerable and insecure. He really captured my heart. I loved sweet Ben too, who was beautiful and determined and completely nonjudgemental. They make a perfect pair and balance each other beautifully. The initial UST between them was really sizzling. They had such great chemistry and I can’t believe both of them were so oblivious of the others feelings. I understand why the age difference means nothing to Ben cos he loves a mature responsible guy, while Elias is completely psyching himself over the age gap. I love how pure hearted Ben is, connecting with his long last family was more attractive to him than the money or estate. I really don’t blame Elias for falling in love with Such a selfless guy. But Elias on his part was so generous and kind when he offered to buy plane tickets for them both ( not to mention business class). Ben’s reaction to being on a flight in business class was so adorable.
It hurt my heart when all of Ben’s family were so hostile. Kenneth was so horrid. But I’m glad they had Anika and Raj on their side. I didn’t trust Noah right from the first meet. Treacle didn’t like him and my first thought was to how Kenneth had kicked Treacle and how he’d recoiled, so to me it felt like Noah was someone who might have treated treacle the same way. Treacle, I must say is one of the sweetest dogs ever. Coping so well after his mummas passing. OMG I love the little cottage and I love how they make it their haven. It’s sweet how Ben gives Elias the bigger room. I laughed so much at the part where Elias had neatly unpacked all his stuff but Ben’s stuff had just “exploded” all over the room. It was sweet how when Ben was lost during his walk he just sat there and Elias came to find him. It’s sweet how Elias always has Ben’s back. How he makes sure he always takes his passport and how he was such a solid support when Kenneth was being nasty. When they went on the date and both of them didn’t know if it was a date but hoped it was, it just made my heart melt. I loved that Elias opened up and took Ben into confidence and told him his story. Elias’s story broke my heart. I felt such rage in my heart towards the parents who deserted their child when he was ill. There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour. I can’t imagine Elias all alone in this world. But he made it. So I understand why Ben felt so much admiration and respect towards Elias. I loved Ben who didn’t even bat an eye, who just listened and felt fury of his own. How he held Elias’s hand and clung on. It broke my heart that Elias thought the kiss was a pity kiss and that Ben regretted it and Ben thought it was Ill timed and that he was taking advantage of Elias when he was vulnerable. When Elias finds Ben stress baking and they both realize that they both really did not want that kiss to end, it was a eureka moment. It was glorious that kiss and how they clung on to each other. Though, Ben saying he didn’t want to rush into a relationship and just wanted to take things as it is and see how it goes made Elias question Ben’s motives and I thought to myself ‘stupid Ben you’re giving Elias the wrong idea’. I’m glad it all worked out in the end though. Even though Noah with his lies put unwanted doubts in Ben’s mind. My blood boiled when Kenneth called Elias his ‘plague ridden friend’ and when he threatened to cut of his insurance. Poor Ben my heart hurt for him when he had to leave. But Anika, Raj and Elias are such super heroes. I love how they save the day. Omg Kwen that airport lady is such a boss, I love how she handles the whole passport situation and then when Elias comes she actually sits back and enjoys the reunion and has the audacity to keep the queue waiting. Really enjoyed her character. Omg Mrs Hollis decorating their room as a surprise when they come back was too cool and so naughty of her.
I loved that Ben defies Kenneth and was able to get most of the relatives on his side. Thank God for Aunt Elizabeth who cleared grandpa Tom’s name. I’m so glad that everyone turned against Kenneth when they realised he was a lying bigoted homophobe. This was such a beautiful story. Elias and Ben stole my heart. I love that they get their happily ever after because Elias more than anybody else deserves it and I think only Ben is awesome enough to give him his happily ever after. The proposal was so beautiful.. I’m so sad the book is over. I want to just keep reading more and more of their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2019
Bright Horizon was my first story by HJ Welch and I loved it. The writing is very good and I loved the story. Elias and Ben are amazing together.
November 5, 2024
An amusing but sassy story, back in the witty style of the author from book #1 Safe Harbour, with its inimitable writing. It also has its own epilogue in book #4.5 Crossed Paths.
If one looks at my reviews for book #2, Troubled Waters, and book #3 Homeward Bound, it is obvious that I wasn't particularly enamoured of them. They just lacked the great zingers and laugh-out-loud humour of Safe Harbour.
Book #4 Bright Horizon lifts two more secondary characters into MCs, and although not quite as long as some previous books (something that Troubled Waters and Homeward Bound would have benefited greatly from), it is still long enough to flesh out Ben's and his older partner Elias's characters as they fall in love.
The MCs in book #4.5 Crossed Paths are secondary characters from Bright Horizon, themselves elevated to their own MC status. It too fleshes out the characters of Raj from "the big house" and Antoni, the menial stable hand/handy man/gardener/jack of all trades. This relationship is unheard of, given the huge societal gulf between the two men, in upper-class gentry (long-standing generations of landowning families, but lacking a family title).
In days gone by, having sufficient wealth (earned from farms that they own) to cover the costs of running a large household and the latest fashions for the women of the house, and at least two hundred or more years living in the same manor or mansion, made them acceptable to socialise with the aristocracy. Being involved in trade of any kind (except as a stock broker, the clergy, or Member of Parliament) would mean instant social death.
In book#4, Ben inherits the mansion (big house), fortune, and cider brewery, and being an American, he couldn't care two hoots for the archaic British rules. It is certainly best to read Bright Horizon before Crossed Paths to get the best from both books.
If one looks at my reviews for book #2, Troubled Waters, and book #3 Homeward Bound, it is obvious that I wasn't particularly enamoured of them. They just lacked the great zingers and laugh-out-loud humour of Safe Harbour.
Book #4 Bright Horizon lifts two more secondary characters into MCs, and although not quite as long as some previous books (something that Troubled Waters and Homeward Bound would have benefited greatly from), it is still long enough to flesh out Ben's and his older partner Elias's characters as they fall in love.
The MCs in book #4.5 Crossed Paths are secondary characters from Bright Horizon, themselves elevated to their own MC status. It too fleshes out the characters of Raj from "the big house" and Antoni, the menial stable hand/handy man/gardener/jack of all trades. This relationship is unheard of, given the huge societal gulf between the two men, in upper-class gentry (long-standing generations of landowning families, but lacking a family title).
In days gone by, having sufficient wealth (earned from farms that they own) to cover the costs of running a large household and the latest fashions for the women of the house, and at least two hundred or more years living in the same manor or mansion, made them acceptable to socialise with the aristocracy. Being involved in trade of any kind (except as a stock broker, the clergy, or Member of Parliament) would mean instant social death.
In book#4, Ben inherits the mansion (big house), fortune, and cider brewery, and being an American, he couldn't care two hoots for the archaic British rules. It is certainly best to read Bright Horizon before Crossed Paths to get the best from both books.
March 20, 2021
Bright Horizon is the fourth book in the Pine Cove series, a sweet contemporary romance series located in the small town of Pine Cove. Bright Horizons, although it has some of the same characters from the previous books in the series, it can be read as a standalone. In fact, Bright Horizons takes place mostly in England with a host of new characters. I still think the previous books in the series should be read because they help give more peripheral depth to the plot’s setting.
There was a lot that I liked about this book – I loved how Elias’ medical condition was treated with respect, I loved the protectiveness between the characters, and I thought the development of their relationship was sweet. The plot was interesting and there was some remarkable family drama and intrigue, with a lovely ending. The writing was well done and flowed nicely. The only thing that I was not a big fan of was the melodramatic internal dialogue of Ben and Elias—especially Ben. Ben felt more like an angsty teenager at times then a grown 23 year old man, and it got on my nerves a little – to the point where I had no sympathy for Ben and thought he was very immature. I think I might just be sensitive to people acting irrationally emotional so please take my annoyance with a grain of salt – a lot of other people really liked Ben-- besides that I thought the characters were nicely developed and sweet.
The audiobook was narrated by Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job with the audiobook. I enjoyed his performance and thought the characters were voiced just right. There was a lot of melodrama, and Nick was able to navigate through that without overdoing the performances. The audiobook production was also well done.
There was a lot that I liked about this book – I loved how Elias’ medical condition was treated with respect, I loved the protectiveness between the characters, and I thought the development of their relationship was sweet. The plot was interesting and there was some remarkable family drama and intrigue, with a lovely ending. The writing was well done and flowed nicely. The only thing that I was not a big fan of was the melodramatic internal dialogue of Ben and Elias—especially Ben. Ben felt more like an angsty teenager at times then a grown 23 year old man, and it got on my nerves a little – to the point where I had no sympathy for Ben and thought he was very immature. I think I might just be sensitive to people acting irrationally emotional so please take my annoyance with a grain of salt – a lot of other people really liked Ben-- besides that I thought the characters were nicely developed and sweet.
The audiobook was narrated by Nick J. Russo did a fantastic job with the audiobook. I enjoyed his performance and thought the characters were voiced just right. There was a lot of melodrama, and Nick was able to navigate through that without overdoing the performances. The audiobook production was also well done.
March 21, 2021
I'd give this 3.5 stars. I enjoyed some parts of it quite a bit and laughed out loud more than once. It's very romantic. It also required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, as I'm pretty sure that most of it is fairly unrealistic. I could be wrong of course, but it did seem a bit unrealistic to me. But fiction is fiction, so I'd say that if you're willing to be in on the fairy tale of it, you can go for it.
So far as the lead characters, I did feel like Elias was portrayed as being older than he really was and that was a tad distracting for me. He was only 39 and by my math from various references in the book, he was born in 1980, right at the cusp between Gen-X and the Millennials, but he read more like someone born about 10 years earlier in some ways. On the opposite side though, I didn't mind Ben's immaturity for the most part, because he was still living with his parents and had been pretty sheltered. He also observed at one point that he might end up being a mess still at 40. As someone who is still a mess in her 40s, I sympathize with him. Both he and Elias spent a lot of energy internally debating ridiculous doubts, and I don't know if people really do that much ruminating, but maybe they do, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed the "good guys" of the story, even though I found the "bad guys" so terrible as to be probably unrealistic, but at least they were fun to dislike.
For the audiobook version, the narration was quite enjoyable. As an American, I don't know if the narrator got the British accents right, but I liked them perfectly well.
So far as the lead characters, I did feel like Elias was portrayed as being older than he really was and that was a tad distracting for me. He was only 39 and by my math from various references in the book, he was born in 1980, right at the cusp between Gen-X and the Millennials, but he read more like someone born about 10 years earlier in some ways. On the opposite side though, I didn't mind Ben's immaturity for the most part, because he was still living with his parents and had been pretty sheltered. He also observed at one point that he might end up being a mess still at 40. As someone who is still a mess in her 40s, I sympathize with him. Both he and Elias spent a lot of energy internally debating ridiculous doubts, and I don't know if people really do that much ruminating, but maybe they do, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. I enjoyed the "good guys" of the story, even though I found the "bad guys" so terrible as to be probably unrealistic, but at least they were fun to dislike.
For the audiobook version, the narration was quite enjoyable. As an American, I don't know if the narrator got the British accents right, but I liked them perfectly well.
March 17, 2021
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
Narrator 5 stars. Kept a good pace, pleasant voice that suited the characters, expressed emotions and did all the different voice. Fabulous performance.
This is book 4 but can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books. I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and entertaining with some drama. It kept my interest and I wanted to keep listening from start to finish. The characters were great. Though Ben frustrated me a few times for being too gullible. Though I loved how when Elias was with him he took care of him. 😍 They had fantastic chemistry. This book was on the longer side but didn't feel draggy at all. There's little angst and little heat. It was well written and had interesting plot. One of the characters is HIV positive which I know nothing about but some things said had me questioning medical confidentiality and I tried to look it up but couldn't get an answer. So that still has me wondering. Also, I would have handled the entire situation with the family differently. It didn't feel believable, so that's the only reason why I kept my rating at 4. Though I suppose there wouldn't have been a book if things were handled in a more believable manner. So while it was a little far fetched, it was a great read. I would definitely recommend it and I look forward to reading more from this author. It was my first time reading them.
Narrator 5 stars. Kept a good pace, pleasant voice that suited the characters, expressed emotions and did all the different voice. Fabulous performance.
This is book 4 but can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books. I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and entertaining with some drama. It kept my interest and I wanted to keep listening from start to finish. The characters were great. Though Ben frustrated me a few times for being too gullible. Though I loved how when Elias was with him he took care of him. 😍 They had fantastic chemistry. This book was on the longer side but didn't feel draggy at all. There's little angst and little heat. It was well written and had interesting plot. One of the characters is HIV positive which I know nothing about but some things said had me questioning medical confidentiality and I tried to look it up but couldn't get an answer. So that still has me wondering. Also, I would have handled the entire situation with the family differently. It didn't feel believable, so that's the only reason why I kept my rating at 4. Though I suppose there wouldn't have been a book if things were handled in a more believable manner. So while it was a little far fetched, it was a great read. I would definitely recommend it and I look forward to reading more from this author. It was my first time reading them.
October 30, 2024
story of Ben and Elias
This is a secret crush to more romance, featuring Ben and Elias, and is book four in the Pine Cove series.
Ben and Elias have had mutual secret crushes on each other for months. It’s not until a snooty English lawyer arrives at Ben’s bakery, announcing Ben has an estranged relative leaving him a large inheritance, that things snowball and we see Elias stepping in and flexing his lawyer muscle and then offering to accompany Ben to the UK to help navigate all of the legal drama and claim his inheritance.
Wow, what drama! This was a brilliant book and I absolutely loved Elias and Ben having the courage to express their feelings and eventually fall in love. It’s a bit of a slow burn at the beginning but then it kind of takes off. Once Elias gets his confidence back in the bedroom, the dirty talk escalates. I loved that the age gap was not an issue at all.
There are some great second characters and there is a short story you can download that gives you more info on Raj and Antoni relationship.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
4th book in series
Lawyer x Baker
Age gap (39/23)
Size difference
Both crushing hard
Travelling overseas
Hurt / Comfort
Slow burn
Estranged family drama
Bit of spice & dirty talk
Both fall fast
All in
Swoony HEA
This is a secret crush to more romance, featuring Ben and Elias, and is book four in the Pine Cove series.
Ben and Elias have had mutual secret crushes on each other for months. It’s not until a snooty English lawyer arrives at Ben’s bakery, announcing Ben has an estranged relative leaving him a large inheritance, that things snowball and we see Elias stepping in and flexing his lawyer muscle and then offering to accompany Ben to the UK to help navigate all of the legal drama and claim his inheritance.
Wow, what drama! This was a brilliant book and I absolutely loved Elias and Ben having the courage to express their feelings and eventually fall in love. It’s a bit of a slow burn at the beginning but then it kind of takes off. Once Elias gets his confidence back in the bedroom, the dirty talk escalates. I loved that the age gap was not an issue at all.
There are some great second characters and there is a short story you can download that gives you more info on Raj and Antoni relationship.
Things to expect in this MM romance are:
4th book in series
Lawyer x Baker
Age gap (39/23)
Size difference
Both crushing hard
Travelling overseas
Hurt / Comfort
Slow burn
Estranged family drama
Bit of spice & dirty talk
Both fall fast
All in
Swoony HEA
July 21, 2023
I'm enjoying listening to this series, principally due to Nick J. Russo's narration. This particular story was not only too unrealistic to believe but also was set in England for 99% of the time. Neither MC is part of the two main families previously featured in Pine Cove so it felt like the author had run out of small town material and decided to throw in an adventure in England. Reminded me of the old "one of these things is not like the other" song on a popular children's show. :D
What was most annoying, however, was the author's use of questions to show doubt and anxiety -- for both characters and for ridiculously lengthy passages in the story. The character would make an action or decision and then the next page was all questioning like: Did they do the right thing? What would so and so think? How will I feel when I'm rejected? And on and on and on and... You get the picture. I should likely give the story only 2 stars as I never wanted to hear a question again and nearly pulled my hair out. However, I liked the MCs, Ben and Elias, and was happy with their fairy tale ending. But please lose the question marks from your keyboard, HJ Welch. I'm almost afraid to keep going in the series.
What was most annoying, however, was the author's use of questions to show doubt and anxiety -- for both characters and for ridiculously lengthy passages in the story. The character would make an action or decision and then the next page was all questioning like: Did they do the right thing? What would so and so think? How will I feel when I'm rejected? And on and on and on and... You get the picture. I should likely give the story only 2 stars as I never wanted to hear a question again and nearly pulled my hair out. However, I liked the MCs, Ben and Elias, and was happy with their fairy tale ending. But please lose the question marks from your keyboard, HJ Welch. I'm almost afraid to keep going in the series.
March 25, 2021
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
Eleven hours of listening to narrator Nick J. Russo is time well spent, and the British accents were a bonus. His performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story, and I especially love how you can practically hear the smile in his voice when characters are happy - it's delightful.
The age gap between Ben (23) and Elias (39) is delicious, even if it gives Elias too much pause (you'd think he was much older given all his angst about it), and the millionaire inheritance premise is of course far-fetched but that's all part of the fun. Their sweet and soppy romance is a slow-burn, with some rather caring and intimate steamy times, and their getting to know each other and the wider cast of characters amid all the family drama is entertaining.
I've read this author's other works but this was my first in the Pine Cove series and it didn't seem like I missed much by jumping in here, perhaps because much of this book doesn't actually take place in the town. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Story: 4 Stars
Eleven hours of listening to narrator Nick J. Russo is time well spent, and the British accents were a bonus. His performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story, and I especially love how you can practically hear the smile in his voice when characters are happy - it's delightful.
The age gap between Ben (23) and Elias (39) is delicious, even if it gives Elias too much pause (you'd think he was much older given all his angst about it), and the millionaire inheritance premise is of course far-fetched but that's all part of the fun. Their sweet and soppy romance is a slow-burn, with some rather caring and intimate steamy times, and their getting to know each other and the wider cast of characters amid all the family drama is entertaining.
I've read this author's other works but this was my first in the Pine Cove series and it didn't seem like I missed much by jumping in here, perhaps because much of this book doesn't actually take place in the town. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
May 7, 2025
Book four of the Pine Cove series, Bright Horizons, was a yikes. This so far has been my least favorite, and I really didn’t care for book two. Honestly this book felt more like a standalone or spinoff to the Pine Cove series. The two characters were not really tied to the original Pine Cove characters, more like mentioned in the first three books briefly. The book itself was not even based in Pine Cove. It starts in Pine Cove and then they go to London for the entirety of the book. Because of the two characters not really having ties to the rest, it didn’t connect well with the series. The storyline was okay, Ben inherits a giant amount of money and estate in the UK and somehow has a lawyer regular at his coffee shop that’s willing to up and leave his job for two weeks with no notice to go to Britain…(laughable, you can tell the author isn’t American, because realistically we can’t just do that.) Ben isn’t really a strong character and is easy to run over so he has issues coping with his new family and power. The character development between him and the lawyer, Elias, is pretty much nonexistent…Welch can leave these two in Britain behind. I hope book 5 goes back to Pine Cove….
March 7, 2021
I am sad to say this book that takes place in England did not work for me at all.
Number 1: The characters annoyed me and I didn't feel that they could ever be real people. It was always AGE GAP AGE GAP AGE GAP. Enough! If it works why does it matter? Stop bringing it up. Also if you feel like he's such a grown up and you're a kid STOP ACTING LIKE A KID.
Number 2: The plot made me angry because although farfetched plots can be very enjoyable this one just felt stale. Inheritance from a foreign unknown family member leading to fighting an entire aristocratic family in England... Too much for me it appears.
Number 3: The romance was just off for me. I skimmed scenes towards the end where the intimacy was extremely important because it felt untrue to the characters who the characters were supposed to be (at least in my opinion).
Everything about this book was just too much for me. I am going to read the next because it returns to Pine Cove which will most likely return it to the nice small town romance that I've come to expect from this series.
Number 1: The characters annoyed me and I didn't feel that they could ever be real people. It was always AGE GAP AGE GAP AGE GAP. Enough! If it works why does it matter? Stop bringing it up. Also if you feel like he's such a grown up and you're a kid STOP ACTING LIKE A KID.
Number 2: The plot made me angry because although farfetched plots can be very enjoyable this one just felt stale. Inheritance from a foreign unknown family member leading to fighting an entire aristocratic family in England... Too much for me it appears.
Number 3: The romance was just off for me. I skimmed scenes towards the end where the intimacy was extremely important because it felt untrue to the characters who the characters were supposed to be (at least in my opinion).
Everything about this book was just too much for me. I am going to read the next because it returns to Pine Cove which will most likely return it to the nice small town romance that I've come to expect from this series.
March 16, 2021
Wow, I loved it
What can I say? This book has both English charm and American love.
Pine Cove bakery, where the charming but shy Ben works, he has his eye on this older man who comes in often, not even knowing his name, he is besotted with the man, fantasying away.
Elias, a local lawyer, living in Pine Cove and frequenting the bakery, mainly because he gets to see his beautiful Ben if only Ben knew about him.
This book has everything you need for a beautiful love story, two men meet over fresh baked goods but fell in love in England.
Love, kindness, Age Gap, hate, families, lies, a coup, HIV and so much more. This book touches on many subjects, but it is a beautiful read. I would highly recommend it. Loved it....
Great narration though I did speed up the audible to 1.50.
Bright Horizon
Pine Cove, Book 4
By: HJ Welch
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Series: Pine Cove Series, Book 4
Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚
Story
Read at 1.50 speed on Audible
What can I say? This book has both English charm and American love.
Pine Cove bakery, where the charming but shy Ben works, he has his eye on this older man who comes in often, not even knowing his name, he is besotted with the man, fantasying away.
Elias, a local lawyer, living in Pine Cove and frequenting the bakery, mainly because he gets to see his beautiful Ben if only Ben knew about him.
This book has everything you need for a beautiful love story, two men meet over fresh baked goods but fell in love in England.
Love, kindness, Age Gap, hate, families, lies, a coup, HIV and so much more. This book touches on many subjects, but it is a beautiful read. I would highly recommend it. Loved it....
Great narration though I did speed up the audible to 1.50.
Bright Horizon
Pine Cove, Book 4
By: HJ Welch
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
Series: Pine Cove Series, Book 4
Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins
❤❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚📚
Story
Read at 1.50 speed on Audible
April 30, 2020
Ben is a cute little twink of a baker. Elias is an older smoother businessman who comes to the bakery each day. They have an attraction to each other that is unknown to both of them. One day a lawyer buds aggressively in line at the bakeshop and tells Ben that he has received an inheritance from a grandmother in England, he's never met but to not bother even trying to claim it. The lawyer threatens him and says the real family of the grandmother is going to overturn the will and its just a formality him even being informed about it. Well it happens that Elias is also a lawyer and he steps in to help Ben out with the difficult confrontation. He encourages Ben to go to England and meet the family and see about his inheritance in person which he does along with Elias to lend a helping hand. Along the way they fall in love. It's a very sweet book and both mc's are so cute together. It's not an angsty book at all and of course all ends happily.
August 19, 2020
Synopsis: Ben Turner is besotted with the handsome older man who’s always in his bakery. They have nothing in common until one day Ben discovers he’s an overnight millionaire, and his customer could become his protector. But they hardly know each other. He’d be crazy to accept his help, right? Lawyer Elias Solomon knows his crush on the beautiful young baker is ridiculous, but when he suspects Ben is being taken advantage of, he can’t help but step in. Elias’s upcoming fortieth birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he’d accompany Ben all the way to England.
Review: Nice story. Ben has never had a relationship and Elias has been shut off. They have looked at each other for a while, but neither has done anything. Fate steps in and allows them to discover that they are each stronger than they think, but are better together. The writing and pacing of the story are good.
Review: Nice story. Ben has never had a relationship and Elias has been shut off. They have looked at each other for a while, but neither has done anything. Fate steps in and allows them to discover that they are each stronger than they think, but are better together. The writing and pacing of the story are good.
August 29, 2021
This had huge potential to be amazing. I loved each story of this series more and more but this one lost me. There was a lot of miss communication and jumping to assumptions. The characters internal monologue was very repetitive too, which bugged me. I felt there was a little too much tell and not enough show as well which isn’t something I felt in the other books. I don’t know if the author had trouble writing this one or tries something new but yeah, it wasn’t my favourite of the series. I’m still going to read the next one because I’m interested to find out who it is. I did love Elias and Ben as characters and a couple. They really did complete each other. I’m very much like Ben, unorganised and messy and could work do with finding my own Elias.
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