Bright Horizon

Pine Cove, Book 4

By: HJ Welch

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

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' upcoming 40th birthday has made him adventurous, but he never imagined he'd accompany Ben all the way to England. 

Ben has never even heard of his great-grandmother 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' help, but does he want the responsibility? All he really wants is to fall into Elias' 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.

©2019 HJ Welch (P)2020 HJ Welch

A sweet opposites attract

This was a sweet opposites attract, contemporary romance.

The characters were likeable and well fleshed out and the writing style was engaging and compelling.

The storyline was interesting and narration was enjoyable and appealed to me.

Bring the patience

I really liked the idea of this story, but the characters brought it down for me. Elias and especially Ben irritated me for a good portion of the book. In different ways, they both suffered from severe self esteem issues and initially a severe lack of communication. Fortunately, it ended on a much better note so I’m glad I finished listening. Narration by Nick J. Russo was a high note for me.

Too much of a slow burn

I have read the other titles in this series and have to say this is my least favorite one. I typically like a good MM age gap romance however this is not a good one. The author was not kidding with this slow burn, it is waaaaayyyy too slow.

There is such a thing as too descriptive. As a reader, yes we want to become part of the story, but not at the expense of the plot itself. There just wasn't enough going on here. Too much fluff and not enough substance. The sex scenes were good and I liked how they were not all about anal only. But the angst was just too much. I kept wanting to yell at them just do it already. I couldn't keep listening and had to skip to the end just to move the story along. It was tiresome.
Nick J Russo does a great job as usual, but even his narration sometimes got a little boring. On occasion it was hard to distinguish some of the characters and his accents were not great but it didn't take away from the story itself. Overall I would say that it is definitely not one I would reach for again. The books before this one in the series and so much better and entertaining.

Just ok

I don’t have much to say To praise this story. The romance was just ….let’s say there wasn’t any. Yes the two main characters got together but I felt no longing (kinda slam bam thank you maam). The whole story was just boring and not believable. I just wouldn’t spend my hard earned money on this book I’m sorry.

Such a feel good story

I really enjoyed this book, it was fun and feel good. It was also so good to hear Ben’s story as he’d been such a sweetheart in previous books and I was hoping he’d get his own story. Ben unexpectedly comes into a huge inheritance from an English relative he’s never met, but with it comes a threat that the inheritance would be contested. With the help of his crush, Elias, they head off to England to find out what exactly was going on. I enjoyed watching Ben blossom in self-confidence as he started tackling the resistance he was getting from some of his new family members, and I also loved how he helped Elias restore his self-confidence with his complete love and acceptance of Elias’s diagnosis. The men are supportive and caring of not only each other, but also those around them too. Really lovely book.

It’s been far too long since I listened to an audiobook narrated by Nick J Russo - the way he brings characters to life is perfect.

Fun and interesting story for these two. A diversion from the family that this book starts with.

This is one of the first books where the whole book pretty much take a week by the time you get to the last couple of chapters. These two were adorable together. How long it took them to get together. The age difference and the self doubt.

a sweet story

I enjoyed this sweet tale,it could have been a little longer. Hopefully there will be a follow up to this sweet quirky tale.

Absolutely Love this Series

I received an ARC of this audio for my honest review. The fling between Ben and Elias is very sweet, just like Ben’s cakes. The secondary characters are great even the evil ones. There are so many highs and lows in this story. The characters were well written. Nick Russo is a great narrator.

A Sweet & Soppy Slow-Burn Romance w/Family Drama

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.

Elias and Ben Find Love in the English Countryside

‘Bright Horizon’ is the fourth book of HJ Welch’s ‘Pine Cove’ series. I started my dive into this series with this book. The summary is correct; it's a stand-alone, with a self-contained and complete story. While there are mentions of other couples from the series in this book, it's not necessary to know their stories beforehand. I’m definitely curious to go back and read those couples’ stories, though.

Ben and Elias have mutual crushes for one another. Elias’ secret about himself has held him back from relationships. Besides, he sees himself as too old for Ben. Ben doesn’t think Elias’ age as a hindrance, but he does believe he won’t offer a man as accomplished as Elias any reason to want him. Ben learns he has many previously unknown relatives and an inheritance that is being challenged. Elias, as a lawyer, takes it upon himself to be Ben’s legal advisor. Cue a romantic English cottage where they get to know each other and find love together.

There’s angst, but Welch doesn’t get heavy and overwrought with it. The angst makes for a slow-burn. Welch writes it exactly how I prefer--clueless men who don’t realize they’ve been dating the entire time. Because of Elias’ past, when the sexy times start, Welch writes these scenes with incredible sensitivity and sweetness. Add in some rom-com vibes and this book makes a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I love Nick J Russo as narrator. Every book that I’ve listened to with his narration has been superbly performed. With this book, he perfectly conveys the emotions and personalities of Ben and Elias. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job with Welch’s excellent story.

This voluntary review follows my request and receipt of a free review copy of this audiobook.

Highly recommended.

Sweet story, horrible accents

I've loved all the books in this series and this one is just as good. Unfortunately the narrator's English accents are appalling, I'm not sure if he's ever heard a cockney accent but whatever he's doing most definitely isn't it. If you can get past that, this is a very sweet May/December romance that touches on some serious issues in a sensitive, non-judgmental way.

Really great

I really enjoyed this story! It was cute and sweet! I really liked the narration !! I’m looking forward tomore in this series and from this narrator!!

Heading out of Pine Cove

Although part of the Pine Cove series this is set for the most part in England. As such it can be read/listened to as a standalone story.
A sweet age gap relationship develops during the course of Ben's family drama. It's a slow burn relationship that really his the spot.
The narrator is one of my favourites and does an excellent job with the story and characters, breathing life into both.

Ben’s destiny!

Ben is a young baker who crushes on an older customer. Said customer, Elias is an elegant man who saves the day when an British visit comes barreling in for Ben. I loved that this story is set in England. With the crazy rich family Ben just met and how terrible they treat after he is given all his grandmother’s assets. The romance blooms there. Nick Russo did a great job narrating, this crazy journey.

Great

HJ Welch is amazing at making sure the feels hit you with the story. Was a lovely journey with Ben and Elias, characters had that real feel to them. Nick J Russo did a super job with the narration, one of the narrators to keep an eye open for new releases.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

From Pine Cove to an English Adventure

“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.

Secrets From the Past

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.

Loved this!

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!

An unexpected past

Ben is at work as per usual when an arrogant man informs him he's been left something in the will of someone he's never heard of, sure that its all a mistake he doesn't know what to do. Regular customer Lukas overhears and offers to help him. Nick J. Russo narrates the book wonderfully.
MM romance, Agegap,

Wow, loved it

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