From USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez comes a sizzling standalone contemporary romance.“Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.” That was what my husband’s mistress told me the day I found out about their affair. I didn’t believe it until five minutes later when mouth-watering celebrity chef Tanner Reese walked up, tossed his arm around my shoulders, and told my cheating husband … shoulders, and told my cheating husband to take a hike.
Tanner and I couldn’t have been more different. He spent his weekends at clubs, rubbing elbows with fellow A-listers. I spent mine in yoga pants with cheese boards and a glass of wine—or six.
Our relationship shouldn’t have worked, but it did. That is until Tanner proved to me that even though love happens when you least expect it…
So does heartbreak.
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I was late to the game when it comes to Aly Martinez. My first story by her I read in 2016 (I think lol). And then I couldn’t stop ….. You guys, this woman can deliver! I haven’t had the chance to go back and read every word she has published, but I haven’t missed a release since! Because, again, this woman can deliver!
Across the Horizon was a little different than most of the stories I’ve read by this author. I’m used to a high anxiety/tension types of journeys and this wasn’t. It wasn’t as heavy as I’m used to reading, but exceptional nonetheless! My heart was full throughout this story, but it wasn’t heavy. There was a sort of levity to the journey, but I wouldn’t consider it a rom-com at all. It was easy.
One thing that gave me pause is I kept having this déjà vu feeling while reading. So many scenes made me pause and think, have I read this already? It was too damn weird LOL That never happens with me. Some of you might be thinking it’s because if you read as much as me, tropes and themes run together or repeat but that wasn’t it. It was the details in the scenes that had me pausing. I dunno, but it was hell-a freaky-weird LOL
I am such a huge fan of Aly Martinez and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Not only was this story amazing the narrators were perfect and really brought the story to life. If you are audio fan I highly recommend listening this book, you will not be disappointed.
Tanner is a chef but lately has been doing more cooking on a show instead of in a kitchen. He has a booming career but is not where he wants to be in his life. Everything changes when he meets Rita. She is everything he wasn’t looking for.
Rita has just recently found out her husband was cheating on her and filed for divorce. She has a lot on her plate and is not looking to start anything new. Love happens when you least expect it.
I loved Tanner and Rita’s story. They had chemistry that was off the charts. I loved that Charlotte and Porter were in this book. If you haven’t read the duet about them you should. If you love a good second chance romance you will love this Across the Horizon.
Both the story and the narrators was worth the 5 stars overall.
This was fun, soul searching and steamy. I’m definitely going to buy a lot from this author.
The writing style is easy and fun but also has some deeper meaning. Rita’s journey to her inner self is absolutely entertaining and I can relate to her in so many ways.Tanner is persistent but is that enough????
I love the storyline
Well written characters and the banter between them was hilarious.
Steamy hot scenes that had me fanning myself
Narrators is excellent, pronunciation is clear and they read with feelings.
I truly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!
Across the Horizon is a hot contemporary romance with a bit of humor from Aly Martinez, author of several of my favorite romance novels. Featuring a handsome chef and a beautiful divorcee, neither seeking a relationship by the way, Across the Horizon follows the fast paced love that blossoms between two people who aren’t even looking for it. Tanner Reese is famous for his abs that feature prominently on his popular cooking show, what he really wants to be doing though is cooking. Rita is just recognizing her ex had shaped her into a trophy wife; she doesn’t know what she’s going to do next, but she knows she won’t be standing beside her cheating husband. Caught off-guard by her husband’s mistress, Rita grabs the first man she sees to prove she’s moving on just fine. The two have instant chemistry, furthered by Rita’s inability to recognize him at first and Tanner’s willingness to play the part of a new lover. A chance for simple, no-strings attached romance pulls the two together and soon love is on the table, but each has complications that could ruin their chance at simple happiness.
Oh my word, this book was sweet, sexy, and surprisingly realistic. Both Tanner and Rita are compassionate individuals with personal life problems that any reader can relate to. The romance they strike up unassuming, much of their time spent together is spent sharing, giving each other the most honest version of themselves. Of course, there’d be no romance between the two if there wasn’t drama and the two have plenty of it. Rita’s ex-husband doesn’t want to let her go, Tanner has an ex-girlfriend desperate for recognition, and both have trust issues they don’t know how to recover from. The two are easy to love though and readers will find themselves rooting for the easy relationship that brings them so much happiness. Tanner was the most swoon-worthy hero, he fights for the girl regardless of what is thrown at them, proving the ladies man really has been holding out for the one. Rita is like all of us, a scorned lover who can’t escape the past, but Tanner whittles away at her armor and as the book progresses further we get to know her on a deeper level.
Across the Horizon does feature characters from Aly Martinez’ duet The Darkest Sunrise, but can easily be read as a standalone. It’s a classic contemporary romance with heaping spoonful of sweet love, smutty passion, and just the right amount of angsty drama. It was an entertaining read that had me laughing and swooning from beginning to end.
ARC provided.
Aly Martinez is such an amazing author! I devour everything she writes and Across the Horizon was no different!! The Darkest Sunrise series was one of my favorite duets of 2017, so I was so excited to see this spin-off happen!! Amazing characters and an amazing story – FIVE STARS!!
Across the Horizon by Aly Martinez was exactly what I was hoping the novel would be! This novel was certainly a captivating read, that constantly left me with my eyes glued to my kindle screen.
Rita and Tanner are the most unlikely of couples. They are so dramatically different. They have virtually nothing in common, and are certainly a mismatched pair. Yet, this combination is the perfect blend for the novel. Yes, they are different; however, they are also absolutely perfect for one another. They are there for each other in their times of need, and complimented each others strengths and weaknesses.
Aly Martinez constantly amazes me!! Every single novel she writes is done to absolute perfection!
5/5 Stars!
Ahhhh this book captured my soul. I just loved everything about these characters, their struggles, chemistry, fears, humor, healing….the unknown of how their past would meet the present. Aly Martinez did it again. I’m a big fan of her writing!
5 Tanner Filled Stars!!!
I have wanted both Tanner and Rita from Aly Martinez’s Darkest Sunrise Duet. I was stoked to find out they were getting a book. The storyline follows the duet. But, it doesn’t give anything up instead it gives you a few laughs on Tanner’s POV.
Rita’s given everything to her husband. She never went to medical school, she’s changed her looks for what he prefers and she manages his office. She’s your typical trophy wife, the wife of a Dr. When Rita finds out her husband has been cheating on her with a college she’s blindsided, crushed and lost.
Rita’s not sure who she is anymore. Doesn’t know the real her. While at their annual BBQ their job has Rita is confronted by both her ex and his girlfriend. Rita can’t get away. Then a knight comes in to her rescue. Rita didn’t know who this beautiful man was but was grateful for stepping in and then playing along with her. Rita was shocked to learn to was Tanner Reese, celebrity chef.
Tanner Reese has always loved cooking. He spent most of his childhood in the kitchen with his mom instead outside playing sports.
Recently most of his days he’s filming his cooking show instead of in the kitchen doing what he loves. His ex-girlfriend has done nothing but make his life miserable. Bc of her he’s afraid he could loose his show, reputation and who knows what else. His mom and lawyer have advised him to stay away from women.
When Tanner saw Rita being attacked by that guy he can’t help but step in. Tanner was shocked when the beauty looked at him she had no idea who he was. He was just Tanner and not a celebrity chef spending his days cooking without a shirt.
Tanner can see she’s newly single and neither of them are ready for something serious. But, they want to spend time together. What’s wrong with being friends. They can’t help themselves. With a soon to be ex-husband, an ex-girlfriend and his mom in the way these two might be doomed before they begin.
Once I started this I couldn’t put it down. I was petrified that Tanner was going to be Rita’s rebound and I liked him too much to get hurt again. Their story was fast and perfect. It was shocking to see a different side of Momma Reese lol but it was a great read.
I just wish we saw more from Porter and his adorable children. Other then that I liked this.
4 1/2 stars. I was so glad to have Tanners story. Getting his point of view made him so much MORE. I could really identify with Rita’s struggle to find out who she really was deep down. Douche bag Greg really tossed what she thought was real out the window. It was a real pleasure to read about Tanner falling fast and having to work for it.
YES! Thank you Aly Martinez. Let me just tell you Tanner and Rita are everything. I didn’t remember how much I wanted this book until I started reading it (Rita and Tanner appear in the periphery of The Darkest Sunrise Duet- which you don’t have to read to enjoy this). Across the Horizon was a non-stop joyride from the start- even when the opening made my chest hurt.
For as much as I liked Tanner and his laid-back yet somehow in your face personality, it was Rita who stole the show. She was fearless even as her world was imploding around her. From their first meeting there was no denying the attraction but Rita had a few things to work through and out first. Tanner’s patience surprised himself as much as it did me. And it made it impossible not to root for him. But when they finally gave into the attraction that had been simmering all along, it was delightfully dirty. Tanner and that mouth- whewwee!
That being said, it was Rita taking a long, hard look at her heart that was the biggest change. She learned who she was. What she liked. What she didn’t. What she wanted to do. What she would and wouldn’t stand for in a relationship. And that a-ha moment had me saying “YES! FINALLY!!”.
From family and hammocks to forgiveness and peas (yes peas), Across the Horizon was a true delight to read. There was humor and steam and just enough drama to keep things from being too easy. Tanner and Rita’s journey proves that when it’s right it’s right. Two weeks, seven months or fifteen years, time doesn’t matter. The love does. And those two had it in spades.
I loved Across the Horizon and found myself smiling quite a bit throughout this sweet, angsty and emotional read.
Sometimes things have to fall apart to make way for better things as Rita finds out when life throws her an unexpected twist. Fortunately Tanner is in the right place at the right time. From the beginning there’s an instant spark between them and they both quickly drew me into their story. Tanner was charming,sexy and absolutely swoonworthy and the perfect match to Rita’s sassy yet slightly broken personality.
I laughed out loud at their witty exchanges and became emotionally invested in both of these amazing characters. These two pulled at my heartstrings and kept me riveted until the very last page. Across the Horizon is an emotionally gripping and heartwarming must read!
Great characters with plenty of humor
A new-to-me author who has been on my TBR for way too long, this book takes place at least party in parallel to The Darkest Sunrise Duet. It not only worked extremely well for me as a standalone, but in addition, I felt the author did a great job in avoiding major spoilers for the earlier books.
The impression that I’d had from blurbs and reviews I’ve seen was that this author’s books were great but maybe just a little too angsty for my taste, so I was surprised by how much humor there was here, and at how quickly I was sucked into the story. I had intended to just read a couple of chapters to get a feel for the writing style and seven chapters later I was trying to decide how much sleep I REALLY needed to be able to function the next day.
Rita is exactly the kind of smarta$$ heroine I adore, and I loved the back and forth she had with Tanner. I loved Tanner, too, as he’s sexy and sweet, and just a really good guy who’s not afraid to laugh at himself. Together, Tanner and Rita are a brilliant pairing as while they have plenty of heat together, they both have some things they have to work through first.
There were great secondary characters here as well. Among them were Tanner’s brother, Porter, and Rita’s bestie, Charlotte, who are both featured in the previously mentioned duet—and the first book is already waiting for me on my kindle.
Great characters with wonderful chemistry both in and out of the bedroom, plus a sweet story with plenty of humor that yes, also included a little angst, added up to a great read for me, and one of my favorite books for the year. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
Excellent Plot, Characters, and Execution
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the premise – it was fresh and original. Tanner and Rita both have baggage, but fate throws them together and their journey was a pleasure to watch. It is not all sunshine and rainbows. I felt their emotions and it made me want to forget everything else and just read. Don’t miss out on this book!
I only hope Porter and Charlotte are next!
4.5 stars
It’s been a really long time since I’ve read an Aly Martinez book but I am so glad I decided to read this one. Across the Horizon is a captivating and heartbreaking story about hope, new beginnings and love. About finding your real soulmate when your life is in tatters. About seeing the light at the end of the tunnel even when you don’t think there will be an end to the betrayal and heartbreak.
I was intrigued by the story from the very first page. And I simply couldn’t get enough of Tanner and Rita. Their sexy and fun banter got me laughing so many times that I simply stopped counting. And their chemistry was so scorching that it left me breathless on more than one occasion. But there was also so much heartbreak in both their pasts. They were both being harassed by their exes in so many ways that it was not a surprise that both Tanner and Rita had doubts on whether they can have a successful relationship again. But the strength of their feelings simply couldn’t be ignored. And with every step of the way, the broken pieces of their hearts were put together and slowly healed.
I don’t think I can say any more without actually spilling the beans on the story, so I will just stop here. But in my personal opinion this is a beautiful story about love, hope and new beginnings. About learning how to laugh and love again. So don’t waste any time and pick up your copy asap 🙂
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Across The Horizon by Aly Martinez is a standalone romance told in the same universe as her Darkest Sunrise duet. This book can be read before or after reading the duet and this book contains zero spoilers for the intricate plot contained in that duet. That being said, I absolutely LOVED hearing about Tanner and Rita and still seeing just a little bit of Porter and Charlotte from the other side of the story. Well-paced and well-written, this book was a little angsty, a lot sweet, a little sexy and very uplifting to read. I loved how laid back Tanner was while also being a little bit manic and a little bit of a maniac. His interactions with his brother, Porter, their ninja warrior race course built to settle disputes between them, his exuberant chase of the Rita and unwillingness to let her overthink things between them. Everything about this story was wonderful. Enjoy!
Rita Laughlin is shocked to discover that her husband, Greg, has been cheating on her with someone they work with and immediately Rita knows she wants a divorce. But Greg is not going to give up on her that easily, even with a revelation from his mistress Tammy. When Rita is saved by a handsome stranger she uses the situation to her advantafe.
Tanner Reese is used to women using him but when he comes to Rita’s rescue he is more than happy to play along with her in making Greg jealous. But Tanner isn’t ready to let Rita go right away and convinces her to go on one date with him. Tanner is fed up with his current life and busy schedule and wants to figure out who he is and Rita seems to appreciate him for just being him.
But both Tanner and Rita have pasts and will their pasts affect their possibilities for the future? Will Rita be ready to move on after everything she has just gone through with Greg?
I loved this book!!!
This book had me laughing in so many parts and then left my heart breaking in others.
I was so happy with Rita for asking for a divorce as soon as she learned what Greg had done!! It was so interesting watching her come into her own as she got her independence and began to find herself again.
I absolutely loved Tanner and understood why he was confused about what he wanted out of his own life. His ex Shana was about to destroy his life with a book she was writing and I hated that she could write as many lies as she wanted.
Tanner and Rita together were so awesome as they shared so many laughs and really got along well. It made me so happy to have the two of them together. But I knew both had to find themselves and although Tanner was able to be find strength in Rita she was still struggling about finding herself.
I was so mad at some of the things that happened in this book, especially for the things that involved Greg or Shana!! I hated how much impact they each had on the happiness of Rita and Tanner.
I hated watching Tanner fall apart yet I loved how he began to find his passion again! I was so happy that he wasn’t giving up on Rita but I was so mad at her for pushing him away!
There was so much drama at the end and I loved how far Tanner went to protect Rita even though she has distanced herself from him.
The very end was so awesome and I am so happy!!!
I love that Ms. Martinez gave us Tanner’s story (Porter’s brother). Now, I absolutely loved that series and was immensely happy that we were getting Tanner’s story next.
This was a book that totally had my undivided attention. I don’t think I even blinked as I read word for word, chapter for chapter, page for page. It’s one of those stories that will suck you in and won’t let you breath until you’re done with a satisfied smile on your face.
Tanner is the famous chef who all the women go gaga over. He’s never cared for the women who were “hard to get” so he pretty much settled for the women that were easy and seriously, come on, we’re talking about Tanner freaking Reese here! What woman would give a man like this a hard time!!
Well Rita was the girl who didn’t care for his money or fame. She actually didn’t even know who he was when she first met him and that’s the one quality that drew Tanner to her, the fact that she wasn’t after his fame and fortune.
Rita may have still been married when she ran into Tanner and faked a relationship, but from that encounter, they formed a bond and skyrocketed from there.
The chemistry was undeniably off the charts and I absolutely loved these two together. They were a match made in heaven.
Ms. Martinez sure gave us one absolutely breathtaking story with these two.
5 Best First Date EVER Stars!!!
To say I’ve been hoping and wishing for Tanner Reese to get his own book after I read The Darkest Sunrise Duet would be putting mildly. There was something about him that I just knew when I got to read his story would have me smiling ear to ear because he’s snarky SOB!!
Well, I was 100% right… Tanner Reese is tall, handsome, sexy as all get out and wicked funny and he’s met his match in Rita! She’s a woman that’s going through a transition in her life that changes everything she thinks she knew. But don’t let it be said that the attention of a sexy and swoony man won’t solve some of you problems because he can!!!
“Tanner was definitely hot. No mistaking that. But he was also pretty. Like movie-star pretty.”
Tanner and Rita meet at her medical practice’s annual charity fair/cookout that raises money each year. You’ll remember this from The Darkest Sunrise, but we get to see Rita and Tanner’s story while Porter and Charlotte are living their story in the background.
Tanner is a chef known around the world that is being objectified because of his good looks and those abs…but what’s fabulous about Rita is she has no idea who he is when he helps her out of a sticky situation with her slime of an almost Ex. And to say their chemistry is on fire is an understatement. They have it in spades and they laugh together unlike they’ve ever laughed before.
While they agree to take things slow….they both suck at slow and things move forward, in almost every aspect except for taking that final step in a new relationship. They did however spend a lot of time kissing…
“His lips swept mine before pressing in deep. It wasn’t a wild and frenzied kiss killed with scorching passion. His head didn’t slant. His mouth didn’t open. It was soft, simple, yet overflowing with complexities. Slow and gentle. Painfully brilliant. And, I was learning, it was pure Tanner.”
I devoured this book in 24 hours. I was captured by their ease and banter. The physical draw to each other was palpable. But most importantly, they saw beyond the outside and looked deep into who they each were as individuals and allowing them to see themselves as others see them. This to me was really the key point in the story. And given that Rita’s ex really made her question some things that Tanner worked so hard to make her see what he sees and he doesn’t give up easily.
It wasn’t a slam dunk for our H/h either and I really appreciated that about this book. I mean he’s “two named” Tanner and he can have any woman he wants…but she’s who he wants…
“She was Rita. Beautiful, kind, generous, smarta$$ extraordinaire. I hadn’t stood a chance after meeting that woman.”
This is a book that I really needed right now. I laughed out loud so many times that I lost count. I know for a fact that I’ll be re-reading this one again when I need a great rom-com with some next level heat!!!
***4.5 Can’t Stop Smiling Stars***
I’m going to be honest, I generally associate an Aly Martinez book with angst and heartache, but, let me tell you, ACROSS THE HORIZON is a whole different animal. A contemporary romance filled with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and seriously sexy scenes, this book quickly became one of my favorites of 2018.
I’m a picky reader, and an unabashed DNFer, should the situation arise. I’ll give a book my best effort, but, if it’s not doing it for me, well, my TBR is long, and there are deadlines to meet. This book, though, this absolutely delicious book, had me from the first scene. I mean, I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry and just absolute rightness between Tanner and Rita is instantaneous and non-stop. If there are two people that shouldn’t be together, but unquestionably must be, this is the couple. They just work. They get each other, and reading their story put me in a great mood that didn’t let up.
I love angsty reads as much as the next person, and, yes, there are are some somber moments for Tanner and Rita, but I am over the moon to be wrapping up my reading year with a book like ACROSS THE HORIZON. It’s a definite must-read if you’ve read the books in the Darkest Sunrise duet (I have not, but am totally jonesing for more Porter and Charlotte, now that I’ve met them in ACROSS THE HORIZON), or if you’re just looking for a feel-good read that will have you making a fool of yourself for laughing out loud in public. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your reading list, because it is not to be missed.
You meet this two in the first book about Porter. I absolutely loved the little bit I got about Rita and Tanner. I do needed more. I was so excited to get the chance to read this one. I absolutely love Rita and Tanner. I love their chemistry banter and slowness. You can definitely see the sparks between them. This was such a great Book. Enjoyable from beginning to end. You can’t not cheer Rita on with everything that she is dealing with. Highly recommend.