Bridging the Gap

Larchdown Valley #2

by Jem Wendel

Cole

I like my life the way it is—my job, having my family close, my animals—and contrary to what my brother thinks, I don't need to find love. I've never needed to find someone before, so I don't know why he thinks I'm missing out now. But when he brings Johan to help out at the family farm, I discover I just might have some things in common with the Swedish man. This realisation causes me to wonder if my brother was right after all as Johan quickly becomes the first person to ever make me want . . . more.

Johan

Going to England was my chance to bury memories of my cheating ex while following one simple no dating. Despite my best efforts, that rule goes out the window the second I lay eyes on Cole, the gorgeous, smart-as-hell vet of Larchdown Valley. My time in the charming town is limited, so there's no way I can start anything with anyone, let alone someone who shows no interest in me or anyone else for that matter.

Though when we start working together to nurse a dog back to health, I realise it's too late—I'm falling more for him each day, yet time is running out before I have to return to Sweden.

Will I only get my heart broken again? Or will Cole find he does want to share his life with someone, and that someone could be me?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, M M Romance, Slow Burn

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2023

Reviews

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vet and the Viking ❤️🔥💥

Another gentle, warm story from Jem Wendel.

Johan’s boyfriend for the past 6 years Erik, has been cheating on him, there’s just no going back as far as Johan is concerned. He decides never again to get into a relationship. Needing to get away from all the reminders he decides to leave Sweden for a few months, and go visit his half brother Ben who lives in Larchdown Valley in the UK.

Arriving in the lovely village of Larchdown, Johan is welcomed into the friendly community when his brother Ben and his husband Keith, invite him to attend the engagement party of Luca and Jackson, held in local pub.(These 4 guys featured in book 1 (‘Putting Down Roots’).

It is here that Ben introduces him to Cole, the local Vet and reclusive grumpy brother of Tom, a local farmer. Looking at Cole, Johan has to remind himself that he is avoiding any involvement or dating, and drags his eyes away from the dark and brooding handsome Cole.

Cole hates crowded, noisy places and is only here due to pressure from his brother Tom. He notices Johan, the massive Viking with longish blond hair and buries himself in his phone to avoid staring at him.

Fate has these two sorted out, it’s just going to take a lot of hard work to get a Demi-sexual guy to come out of his shell, and his family to stop being so protective and nosey, and the distrustful guy to see that not everyone is deceitful.

They need to get a move on before Johan’s visitors visa runs out and he has to return to Sweden.

********************************
It was so good to be back in Larchdown Valley with all the familiar characters from Book 1. This time it focuses on the lifestyle of farmers and Veterinarians daily work and their animals, oh and two lovely dogs, one of whom is instrumental in getting this MM romances on the right track.

I’m hoping Jem Wendel will write some more books centred in Larchdown Valley.

[Feebeejane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful read, this book was my first from this author. I have to say I will be making them a one click. Their writing style is just brilliant, clear well written and the prose is definitely on the top scale. I enjoy being able to “see” where the characters are and this was done so well. The farmhouse the paddocks, just describing everything clearly. What a relief!

So I am not going into the story it’s there in the blurb and such a good story too! Just down to earth and could be your friends or family. In saying that I kinda didn’t like a few of the female characters whom came across as just gossipy and a little harsh. Being the sister in law and a friend.

The two Main characters were exceptionally special, Cole is just so often a person you may know, I now understand my son better from Cole. He isn’t neurodivergent but has these qualities that people don’t take the time to understand or try to push their or the mainstream on them. A square peg in a round hole.
Johan sees this, understands this and works with it. It takes a special person to be able to delve into this type of relationship and get such a harmonious flow in the writing of it.

I would also like to say it’s nice to have a writer who actually knows about the animals they are writing about and not have me getting cranky about a behaviour of an animal that is like out of an 80s bodice ripper, and so not correct. Always jangles my reading to the point I will not want to finish it. Especially horses in books as a person who has had them all her life understand the liberty being discussed in this book. It was just so fresh.

So a great read, and I think a new author I will follow nd read quite happily!

[Rebecca Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was so excited to read BTG, since finishing book one (Putting Down Roots) a couple of months ago, and this story didn’t disappoint!
I loved both the characters, but there was something special about Cole.
He enjoys looking after his animals and seeing his family for weekly dinners, his life was simple and he was happy (enough).
Until Johan came into his life and turned things upside down, but not in a bad, in a way that was filled with new feelings and excitement.

I love reading about characters who aren’t stereotypically perfect, and while Cole is neurodivergent, he’s amazing as he is.
I enjoyed reading about a Demi-Sexual character and I will definitely be looking for more books that represent that in the future.

Amazing work, Jem. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I loved this story! Johan and Cole are amazing characters: Cole is a vet who's got a simple life, taking care of the animals, having dinners with his family, reading; he doesn't have a lot of friends and he dislikes social gatherings and new people. Johan is more extroverted, but he's been cheated by his live-in boyfriend, so he leaves Sweden to visit his brother Ben (the baker) in UK. He doesn't want to date again but he's undeniably attracted to Cole.
The two men bond over horse training and after rescuing a poor abandoned puppy, Johan starts spending a lot more time with Cole, who's find himself more and more comfortable with Johan.
I really loved Cole, how he let himself be open with Johan, how brave and honest he was asking for what he wanted. Their first times together are a new experience for him (he's a virgin and demisexual) and the author described his feelings and emotions very well (Cole is also neurodivergent).
I also loved the setting and atmosphere of this story, the country surrounding, the simple life of a small town. I honestly didn't like very much Tom and his wife, I don't think they supported Cole the right way, always pushing him to do things that made him uncomfortable.

I'm waiting for the author to write Ben and Keith's story, they're really interesting and I want to know more about them.

Recommended.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. From the scenery of a farm to the polar opposites of mcs. As a mom of a son who has be very similar issues as Cole I understood him on a different level. Johan was so realistic to me as the author described him for the reader. Johan knew there was a connection with cole but Cole had zero experience because of his differences. But Johan took his time and taught Cole how to feel and love. When distance separated them because they were from two different countries Cole realized what those feelings really meant. He realized that he could love someone and he wanted Johan for his life.
This was a sweet romantic read with a lot of holiday feelings. I personally learned a lot about terms like demisexual as the author was great at writing the characters realistically. I hope you enjoy this beautiful story as much as I did.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN AMAZING SECOND BOOK!

This story about Bens half brother and Toms brother was so beautiful captivating and sweet with a tiny drop of angst just to sweeten the pot!

Cole Walker is a unique character who is special and cute in his own neurodivergent way and that is what captivates the Viking Johan Anderson when he visits his brother Ben to mend his broken heart…

It was so sweet and endearing how they became friends and had so much interests in common and their strong connection was made even more stronger by Cole’s gift to Johan…

Oh the feels with this book was so sweet and special depicting a Demi sexual innocent and his big gorgeous blonde Viking!

I loved how Luca and Jackson made cameo appearances but did not divert from the story.

I look forward to so much more from this amazing author!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[T Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Book 2 after finishing the first was perfect. Returning characters, ones that you grew fond of, is always a boost. This story has a warmth about it that carries off the pages. Johan and Cole find themselves friends and that’s the best way to begin a romance. Their story isn’t loud and out there, no, it’s quiet, it’s warm and it has a specialness to it that fills you up. I found myself, once again, captivated by this reading. It’s as if my dear friends have invited me into their lives and I have a place there. It’s quite lovely. As before, a job well done! I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Oh my goodness I loved this book! Johan and Cole were such lovely characters and I was rooting for them the whole time. I didn’t *love* the first book in the series but this one was wonderful.

Cole was too fucking precious for this world and having a neurodivergent/demisexual MC meant a lot to me. I loved seeing Johan become a great partner to him, the love,understanding, patience and then figuring out he doesn’t always need to protect Cole was just *mwah* And the sessy times 🥵🥵 Innocently flirty Cole was my favorite 🔥

I’m hoping there will be more books in this series! There’s still handsome single men in Larchdown who need their HEAs 😉

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is very happy with his life as he has everything he needs but his brother believes he needs love in his life. Why? He has never wanted it before and so he is shocked when a new man arrives to help him on the ranch. How will it all go? Will a love bloom? Will he realize he does need love in his life? See how it will all go

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Putting down roots and Bridging the gap just as well, with a pleasant small town vibe and vulnerable, sweet characters.
Cole is a very interesting character, I found his mind fascinating, he lives in his own world and that makes him special, genuine and pure. He's also demi and Johan makes him open up a new part of himself. Most of all, Cole trusts Johan and he's himself with him.
In the same way, Cole is such a special person that he makes Johan open his heart again after the pain of a bad break up. And it's really well deserved because Johan is such a sweet person.

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

I liked the characters. While nobody says Cole is autistic, he's portrayed that way. While some of it seems right, I don't think autistic people are divorced from their own emotions. My sister in law, who has three autistic boys, says they feel too much.

While I enjoyed the story, in my opinion, it didn't have enough conflict. Johan wasn't ready for a relationship, but dived in anyway. Cole took a minute, then was all in. The only problem left was geographic incompatibility.

I did find Johan less fleshed out than I would've liked as well. He had the focus and determination to win strong man competitions, but all we know of his job history is he was briefly a logger.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit nervous to start Bridging the Gap because I loved the first book so much. But from the very first paragraph, I was swept away, once again reveling in the charm of Larchdown Valley.
Johan is in England, crashing with his brother and his husband. He’s sworn off relationships, and is using his six-month tourist visa to mend his broken heart. Then he meets the smart as hell vet who shares his love of fantasy novels and animals.
Cole, the gorgeous loner no one has been able to pin down, has always felt different. He’s always preferred animals to people, and being neurodivergent, never felt the need for a relationship - no matter how much his family pushes. Then he finds himself drawn to Johan, wanting his friendship. And then something more. Even if he’s not quite sure what that would be…
Johan may look like Thor, but oh my heart this gentle giant was just so tender with Cole, always making sure he was comfortable with what they were doing, and knowing that he was in control and they would stop any time he wanted. How damn sexy is that? This is a slow burn, but each touch, every kiss is so sensual. Once they commit to a physical relationship they are off the charts levels of heat.
Cole’s inability to lie can lead to some pretty amusing situations, like inadvertently letting the village gossip network know he and Johan are a thing. And Jo’s protectiveness was so endearing.
Honestly, you’re going to love both these men, and knowing the clock is ticking on Johan’s return to Sweden makes their time together bittersweet.
Their relationship is full of so many lovely moments: belly laughs, nerding out over the Marvel-verse, caring together for an abandoned dog, and Cole teasing Jo to distraction on New Year’s Eve. Then their sad parting, and oh the pining… Cole makes a romantic gesture I don’t think he’d believe himself capable, and gives them a beautifully rendered HEA.
There’s some about the way Jem writes that I absolutely adore.
Do yourself a favor and give this a read. The village, its colorful inhabitants, and the men who live and love there are so worth a visit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book set in the English town of Larchdown, with many previous characters showing up again. This time, Cole is the Larchdown Valley vet. He is great with animals ,but not so much with people, seeming quiet and withdrawn. Johan is visiting his brother Ben, the town’s baker, having arrived from Sweden to recover from a breakup. When he first sees Cole at the pub, he is immediately drawn to him, until he remembers he has sworn off love and relationships. Cole has noticed Johan, too, but is too shy and unsure of himself, so withdraws from talking to him.
One day, Johan is at Cole’s parents farm and he is entranced watching Cole training his horse, aware of his excellence as a vet, so when he finds an injured dog at the side of the road, he immediately takes the dog to Cole. Over the next few days Johan and Cole spend more time together, Cole drawn to Johan by the concern and caring he shows for the injured dog. More time equals more attraction which leads to more between the two, even though Johan’s visa will be expiring soon. Can their relationship survive distance of time and location. Only time and commitment can tell.
I loved revisiting the area and people of Larchdown, and the characters of Johan and Cole drew me in right away. Two men, both trying to avoid connection and commitment, but drawn together by animals and an instant pull toward each other. Johan is so caring and careful with Cole’s newness with relationships, moving at Cole’s pace and letting him lead how the relationship progresses, with Cole gaining more confidence and realizing that with this man, he can ask for what he wants. A fairly short read but a satisfying one. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second I’ve read in this series and I hope this series lasts for a long time. I love these stories, they are so heartfelt. Each character is so real and has such possible situations that I feel they are people I easily could know.
In this story Cole is somewhat that person who just doesn’t fit into the social things. He is such a lovable character and so big hearted that people around him get frustrated trying to fix him with situations and people they hope he will connect with.
Johan is trying to get his life back on track after a breakup that shocked his whole belief system. He didn’t see the cheating and breakup until it happened. He had planned for a future with the guy so he is really planning on not getting into any relationships again.
When they meet there is just an attraction that neither plan on. The way that the fumbling into friends and then… is entertaining. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much an awwwwe, story. Cole, is under the impression that he enjoys being alone without companionship. He is the town Vet who enjoys his animals and his company. His brother is constantly trying to convince him that he needs a partner. Johan, is in town visiting family trying to recover from a cheating ex. The author does a satisfying job gently drawing us through Cole's and Johan's getting to know each other and taking a slow stroll of getting acquainted, finding things in commmon and working together to comfort an abandoned stray. Caring for an animal can teach one a lot about the character and soul of another. What happens when it's time to return home? Good story, very lovely guys. You just want to hug them and not let go. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about two men who don’t want a relationship for very strong and valid reasons, who end up finding what they need in each other. I thought the progression from acquaintances to friends to lovers was really well done. Johan realised very early on that he had to be quite literal with Cole, since Cole’s understanding of social nuance was limited - and he didn't judge Cole for this. I liked that both guys communicated to resolve any misunderstandings, the relationship developing very slowly which was the only way it could, particularly for someone like Cole. Cole’s confusion when he caught ‘feelings’ was quite endearing. I couldn’t see how this was going to resolve, but it was the perfect ending.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely heartwarming and romantic story. I get such a down to earth hometown feel with this lovely farm setting. Cole is a loner because he has never really felt a bond strong enough with anyone. He only enjoys being in small groups of family and friends. I can totally relate to his more introverted ways. I felt like I was genuinely experiencing all his first feelings of trust and attraction as he was so drawn to get to know Johan. Johan was a big gentle Cinnamon roll and his affection and care for Cole was everything. This was a very intimate, sensual and comforting relationship and you will have to read to see if Cole can open up and keep his Johan forever.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this was such a delightful story that warmed me from the inside out!

I have fallen in love with Larchdown Valley and even though I have loved all of the books in the series this one is now my favorite. Cole just wrapped himself around my heart and I love how Johan was protective and caring. They are so perfect for each other.

Oh and let's not forget all the wonderful animals.

If there was any problem it would be that I didn't want it to end and wanted more! Although there is a wonderful bonus chapter on Jem's Patreon page at the time of this review that I highly recommend you read :)

Thanks so much Jem for this beautiful story!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the series and again it is another great read, this is a new author and this is the second book in their debut series, I really like the writing style and the village setting, I really liked Johan and it was really good to see Cole open up and experience so many different things and again I really appreciated the way the author is sympathetic towards anxiety disorders, I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series and I really hope Harlen gets a Hea. Really enjoyable read.

[Enirehtak Melas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story had potential, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in it due to the lack of overall chemistry between the main characters. While the premise was intriguing, the execution fell short in hitting home a connection to the story as a whole, for me at least. Despite the author's attempt to create an engaging plot, the absence of a deeper emotional appeal hurt the book's overall enjoyment; the missing chemistry ultimately resulted in a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

ARC provided, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

[Hinsel Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so freaking in love with Johan!! It's easy to fall in love with him honestly. He's a lovable giant who can't want to fall in love less but the second he sees Cole, the attraction is too much for him to ignore, even with a broken heart.
Cole is neurodiverse and demisexual and it was lovely to read the way Jem showed his feelings and his growth. Seriously perfect for each other, these two.
Another great read and another book in the series that makes me want to move to Larchdown Valley😍

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johan goes to England in order to try to get over his ex, & there he meets Cole, while trying to nurse a dog back to health. Neither wants to fall for the other, but sometimes life & love just... happens...

This was a great story, with a nice slow build as Cole thinks differently, & had no experience, & Johan was very sweet & patient with him.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[rosdoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet and beautiful story. The care and patience that Johan exhibits to really get to know Cole is heartwarming. It was wonderful to see Cole experience new things and discover love and passion. Johan deserved an honest, loving, and faithful partner. Cole was perfectly just that.

It was nice to revisit this town and some of the characters that I met in the first book. This was a great follow-up to Luca and Jackson’s story.

[Mandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet slow burn for this second in the Larchdown series. Johan flees to get away from a cheating ex and mend his broken heart. While there he meets Cole, who has zero interest in sex or dating, shows little interest in Johan. The two bond, however, and it seems that Cole is just different in the way that he develops feelings. I loved the demi representation, as well as how Cole’s anxiety was portrayed.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope Jem Wendel intends to tell us more great stories about the people in Larchdown Valley. The first book was a winner and this one is just as good. Cole and Johan are both convinced they don't need a relationship, but when this vet and temporary visitor to England start working together on the farm and working with the animals in both sickness and health they develop a bond that grows deeper throughout the book. Wonderful characters and a chance to learn more about the Valley.

[ReadsALotOfMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this book was honestly so cute. I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is the first thing I've picked up from this author... but I'm going to be going back now to check out #1 of this series.

I adored the demi and neurodivergent rep, since you really don't see that enough in novels. I also loved how opposite Cole and Johan were, and yet how well they worked together. Sometimes opposites attract as a trope has me quirking a brow, but these two just fit. I loved it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure, tender love blossoms between Cole, the local vet, and Johan, the visiting Viking. Cole's character traits, his innocence, and his love of animals are a perfect match for Johan's caring heart and cherishing spirit. This is a sweet slow-burn, second-chance romance between a man inexperienced in the ways of love and a man deeply wounded by the fallout from a lost love.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole & Johan

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Cole and Johan's story. I fell in love with them both. I couldn't help but want all the best them for them and I really appreciated their happily ever after.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Stormy Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johan and Cole

As someone who is demi and autistic I adored this book. Johan and Cole are great together, and their relationship progression was adorable to watch. Though I admit I was really, really hoping for karma to hit Johan's ex.

[Susi June · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into it but after a while I really enjoyed it. I didn't want to pause the book and just keep reading it. It was a sweet cozy story! Johan and Cole were an amazing couple plus cute dogs, it was really so great!