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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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.
: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2018/12/across-horizon-was-incredibly-well.html
Aly Martinez
Aly Martinez, you keep getting better and better with each book! I keep thinking the last book was my favorite! But now I have a new favorite! Tanner is so swoon worthy! He has stolen my heart! When Rita and Tanner meet, it is too soon for both of them, but Tanner knows that Rita is worth the wait. Well, once he determines she is not a psycho fan of his cooking show. This book will make you laugh and cry, so get ready for the feels! From alligators to Ninja Warrior, you will fall in love with these two as well as getting to see Porter and Charlotte again. I loved this book hard! Make sure to grab a copy today and if you have not read The Darkest Sunrise and The Brightest Sunset, what are you waiting for?!?! 5 amazing stars
I didn’t even put two and two together that this was a spin-off from The Darkest Sunrise duet until I read a few reviews about this one. And it has been a while since I read that duet, but I remember all the feels that story gave me. So I was rather thankful that this story didn’t take that route because I’m not so sure my heart would have handled that. Even though I enjoyed this story, it didn’t quite hit the mark as it did with previous Aly Martinez books that I have read.
Everything between Rita and Tanner was hot and fast, and I was so darn nervous about everything that could go wrong. With Rita dealing with a heartbreaking divorce from a man who was having an affair, being broken and angry are one of the few things running through her mind. And in swoops Tanner to completely alter each other’s lives in a way they didn’t expect. Their connection is intense and undeniable and just happens so quickly. It’s so evident that they’re perfect for each other, but the timing causes some doubt in Rita’s mind wondering if Tanner is a rebound guy.
But my goodness, you’ll never meet a man so certain about someone. He was such a goner as soon as he met Rita and his mind was made up. He knew that he wanted her and there wasn’t anything that would stop him. There’s nothing easy about their story, we have Rita’s idiotic and very much an asshole ex who just thinks he can get her back. And Tanner has a secret of his own that he should have been open about from the very beginning. It seemed a little bit unnecessary for him to hold it in for that long. I understood his reasons, but it was drama that they didn’t need to add to their already crazy situation.
Overall, a good love story that so many will enjoy, but there were things here and there that kept me from loving it!
**I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
3.5 stars. This was a pretty good book. Across the Horizon is Tanner’s (brother of Porter in the Darkest Sunrise duet) and Rita’s book. Tanner is a very famous, hot chef with his own cooking show on tv. He is getting tired of the fame, crazy exes, and women only wanting him for his money and celebrity. Rita, who is friends with Charlotte who is dating Porter, just found out her doctor husband cheated on her and is in the midst of a big breakup. She meets Tanner at a charity function she helped plan for work that he is helping cater. The sparks fly between them. But it is terrible timing for a new relationship for them both. Still, Tanner is determined to pursue her,because he sees that Rita treats him like a normal guy and he loves it. Things get very complicated because of drama from their exes and their own insecurities and fears, but they manage to work it all out and fall in love.
I really liked Tanner and Rita, but their timing really sucked for both of them. This book started off more light, sweet and funny, despite the circumstances, but as it went along it got more depressing and the characters more bogged down with insecurities. There is a separation that stopped the momentum and relationship progression and I never felt like it got it back or felt the love again. Still, I did like the book. The story is interesting and pretty dramatic. I liked the couple, as well as the side characters, and felt they were a good match.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, even if it is not my favorite by Ms. Martinez. I look forward to what she comes up with next!
4.5 stars for – Across The Horizon – by Aly Martinez. This book’s main characters were from the heartbreakingly beautiful Darkest Sunrise duet and while this one was a much lighter read it still had Aly’s signature style of romance and wit. Though it is not at all necessary to read the Darkest Sunrise duet first I highly recommend doing so as it is a fantastic read and one of my favorites of 2017.
Rita is a newly single, soon to be divorced woman who devoted her entire life to a husband that took her for granted. Her soon to be ex-husband ended up cheating on her with a nurse in his busy office and with her being the office manager it’s crazy how he thought he wouldn’t get caught. Rita refuses any attempts he’s made at reconciliation wanting literally nothing to do with him so when a gorgeous man walking towards her intervenes on her behalf when her ex won’t take no for an answer she asks him to play along to make him realize it’s over for good. The last thing Rita expected was to make a new friend in this handsome savior.
Tanner Reese has always loved to cook and spent his time in the kitchen perfecting recipes with his mom instead of out fishing with his dad and brother. While others may find that strange it turned in to a full fledged career for him the day he took his shirt off while filming a cooking segment while on television. Now a superstar with cookbooks and his own cooking show Tanner is famous beyond his wildest dreams but can’t seem to find anyone real in his life until he rescues an unsuspecting trophy wife from the clutches of her soon to ex. This beautiful woman has no idea who he is but she is genuine and sincere – two things he hasn’t seen in a very long time.
“ . . ’ . ’ .”
A sexy and sweet love story laced with passion, angst, and emotion! In typical Aly Martinez fashion, she reels you in with excellent writing, unforgettable characters, and an addicting storyline that will stay with you long after the last page has turned. With quite the memorable and steamy meet cute, Rita and Tanner will steal your heart from the very beginning! I laughed. I cried. I never wanted it to end and I just know that you will end up feeling the same exact way. is another romance that can be added to the never ending MUST READ ROMANCES in Ms. Martinez’s arsenal of greatness.
After devouring Aly Martinez’s emotionally captivating Darkest Sunrise Duet last year I knew that I wanted Tanner Reese and Rita Laughlin (Hartley) to get their own story. When the author finally announced that it was happening, I was so freaking excited and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it as soon as possible. Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long after the initial announcement…thank goodness for that!
Across the Horizon was a sweet, sassy and hilarious tale that captivate my heart right from the very beginning. I really liked Tanner when I first met his character back in the duet, but now I absolutely love and adore everything about him. There is so much more to him than what meets the eye’ and I quickly found myself wanting to know every part of him, both inside and out. His character development in this story really made it easy to connect with him on a much deeper level. He is now one of my top Aly Martinez book boyfriends for sure, although no one can replace Porter because he owns the number one spot – #sorrynotsorry. Now sweet, sweet Rita. My chest hurt because of the pain and heartache she experienced thanks to her no good cheating soon to be ex-husband. She deserved so much better than what she go. Tanner was so perfect for her and I loved everything about their undeniable connection. I couldn’t stop swooning while inhaling this extraordinary story.
Please note that although this story is connected to the Darkest Sunrise Duet, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Although I do suggest reading those books too (before or after) because they are BEYOND incredible and EVERYONE should experience them firsthand.
NO SPOILERS!
Across the Horizon was a fun, sweet, sexy, and entertaining standalone contemporary romance from Aly Martinez, and I absolutely loved it! The storyline and characters were phenomenal, and I loved the author’s writing style.
Aly Martinez never fails to blow me away, and I absolutely loved everything she created in Across the Horizon. I fell in love with Tanner, Rita, and their amazing story, and was hooked from beginning to end. Their journey was far from easy, and there were some obstacles to overcome, but all of it was completely worth it in the end. Tanner and Rita have been one of my favorite couples from Ms. Martinez so far, and I was very happy with the conclusion to their story.
Across the Horizon was a fun, sexy, and entertaining standalone contemporary romance, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Aly Martinez did a fantastic job with Tanner and Rita’s story, and I can’t wait to devour more of her unique and addicting romances!
After meeting Tanner, Porter’s brother, and Rita, Charlotte’s best friend, in Aly Martinez’s The Darkest Sunrise duet, I had hoped that Martinez would give readers this imperfectly perfect couple their own story, and in her newest release, Across the Horizon, we finally get to read how everything played out between Tanner and Rita as the people they love most went through hell and back, and while these two never expected to fall so quickly or feel so deeply for each other, that’s exactly what happens, but that also means that the complications of their lives – Tanner’s fame and celebrity status and Rita’s messy divorce with her cheating ex – have the power to harm as well as heal.
It’s easy to see just how well these two fit together and how much happiness Tanner and Rita bring to each other, and I was completely behind this relationship from the beginning, even if it was too quick and they were in the midst of their own individual maelstroms. What they share, though, is definitely not a straight shot to a happily ever after because there are two many variables still at play and a few pieces of information that still need to be exposed and discussed before Tanner and Rita will have a true chance at forever.
Tanner’s relationship with his mother and brother are quite something. It’s easy to see just how close Tanner is to his mom, and the scene where she first meets Rita and then the subsequent conversation Tanner and his mom have more than prove how important his mom’s opinion is to Tanner, but he also holds his ground as a grown man when something means everything to him and while his mom backs down, it’s also clear that she won’t let things get out of hand again…at least if she can help it. I loved the antagonistic relationship that Tanner and Porter share; it all was in good fun, at least most of it was, and I truly believe that Tanner was Porter’s lifeline through Tanner’s darkest times. They definitely keep each other on their toes, which also keeps them, especially Porter living instead of merely existing.
Tanner and Rita’s story isn’t all snark, sex, and good times…because as much as these two love to talk, love to meddle, and love to get the upper hand in all situations, there are some that they just can’t control and it’s in those moments that Aly Martinez shows her readers who her hero and her heroine are and what they’re made of and that’s what I enjoyed most about Across the Horizon because Tanner and Rita can only hope that when they reach the horizon, they’ll experience everything they’ve ever wanted, together.
4.5 Poison Apples
Tanner has here lately lucky with women. They love him for his fame and looks, now he is on a mission to change for the good. His love of his morning cigarette and hammock has given him warmth.
Rita just ended a loveless marriage. A marriage she thought there was love, she thought she was enough for her husband. Now she is starting over and has to face her now ex-husband, just happens to stumble into Tanner’s arms.
This couple’s easy chemistry and quick wit draws you in and praying for more. Tanner finally finds someone more willing to just hang at home and watch tv then going out to be seen with him. He finds someone that will cook him a tuna noodle casserole over a juicy steak. He finally has something worth keeping. Rita finally has the sense of security to wear and do what makes her feel right, instead of constantly impressing others. Rita just has to know overcome her emotions of betrayal to see that Tanner will do anything for her.
See more of my review on below link.
https://youtu.be/q0OfVId1coY
Newest book by Aly Martinez is a standalone but not the first in the series. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading the first book yet, but I will.
This wonderfully romantic story is a tale of two people down and out in their personal lives!! Both have baggage, loss of trust and moments of despair. When they first meet you think oh man this will never work, they are completely opposites and both smartasses. As the story goes on you really see just how perfect they are together and how opposites attract in this situation.
I enjoyed the quirky, sweet, fun loving story. It has parts that you feel strongly for what they are going through and it has a very realistic feel. A total must read.
Across the Horizon by Aly Martinez was a story about second chances when you least expect it. It is a standalone and can be read as such but is also a spin off from The Darkest Sunrise duet. This book highlights characters from the duet and I loved it!
Rita is going through a rough time. Getting a divorce after finding her husband cheating. Now she is trying to find her place in her new normal, but that is not as easy as it sounds. Tanner Reese stole my heart! He was sexy and sweet. As a celebrity chef he would seem to have it all, but lately he has been missing something. Until Rita enters his life. Though Rita and Tanner had instant chemistry, they both had a lot to work through.
I truly enjoyed reading Across the Horizon by Aly Martinez. It was a nice surprised compared to some of her other books. It was sweet and funny, but also emotional. I loved the characters and their journey and highly recommend this book!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
This is Tanner and Rita’s story it is a standalone that follows the same timeline as The Darkest Sunrise Duet. This is such an incredible book but I’m not surprised Aly Martinez is one of my must-read authors!!
It is a fairly light romantic comedy but it is not without some emotional bits. I loved the very first chapter it let me know that I was in for an amazing ride and I was not wrong.
Tanner was so swoon worthy and did not know the meaning of “take it slow” and Rita was a very strong sassy heroine that had a snarky reply for everything!! I loved all the sarcasm and witty banter between the two of them. Tanner and Rita had amazing sexual chemistry like it was a character in itself their hot make out session woozer!! But there was just something between them was like they were made for each other!!
Highly recommend this book! This author is the queen of duets so do yourself a favor and read the The Darkest Sunrise Series which is Porter and Charlotte’s story.
And the epilogue is was PERFECTION not other way to say it!!
WOW!!! If you have read the author’s The Darkest Sunrise duet or not, this book should not be missed.
ACROSS THE HORIZON was an incredibly well written romance, sweet and swoony, exactly how I like them. And best of all, it can be read as a standalone. Just pick it up and enjoy this fantastic novel, that left me all kinds of dreamy for my own Tanner Reese.
Reading ACROSS THE HORIZON reminded me why I adored the above mentioned duet so much. The author’s signature wit and banter was tangible on every page. The characters were incredibly likable, funny, smart and witty, and their chemistry as palpable as the sizzle of lightning after a storm. Tanner and Rita had a spark that couldn’t be extinguished.
The author wrote a truly sweet and swoony story about two people falling in love that might have been polar opposites but under the surface they completed each other seamlessly.
I don’t want to go into detail, but let me just say that Tanner and Rita were characters that were easy to like and root for. They both had complications in their lives that threatened to end their happiness, but neither was ready to give up on each other. Happily Ever After is never easy, it takes work, commitment, trust and more work.
And that’s when Tanner truly became my champion.
He rallied when needed, knew that Rita was IT for him and by being patient, charming, and tenacious – he was exactly what Rita needed. Rita wasn’t the only one thinking that he was too good to be true – lol! Unfortunately Rita had a long way to go. The betrayal by her husband hurt in the worst way – her self confidence was shattered and finding herself was her number one priority.
I expected the novel to be almost like a companion novel to the duet but that was not the case. It was a true standalone novel, that can be read by anyone, without worry of spoilers. The author kept Porter and Charlotte’s relationship as spoiler free and neutral as possible.
Sometimes love happens when you least expect it so does heartbreak. Sometimes out of heartbreak you find the love that you never knew you were missing.
I absolutely fell in love with Tanner and Rita. Their story will make you laugh, cry and maybe want to physically hurt someone. But in the end you will love these two as much as I do.
When you loved Charlotte and Porter’s heart wrenching story in The Darkest Sunrise and The Brightest Sunset, you’ll gonna love Across the Horizon,Tanner and Rita’s story .
Tanner Reese is the younger brother of Porter. He’s a celebrity star chef with his own TV show and together with his brother he owns several restaurants. His life is busy and he’s on top of the world, a free spirited bachelor. But he’s lonely, something’s missing and he longs – and when a sarcastic whirlwind comes into his life it’s like he can breathe for the first time.
Rita Laughlin is Charlotte Mills best friend, employed in Charlotte and her husbands practice. Her happy life bubble bursts when she discovers that her husband is cheating on her. She’s a 30year old woman who has to start over. When she runs into Tanner they’re like firework. Both not broken , but are battered.
But sometimes love isn’t enough. They’re on different places in their lives. There’s one who’s ready to settle down with a white picked fence and the whole nine yards, and the other one wants to find himself first and foremost.
I read and loved Charlotte and Porter’s books and couldn’t wait to get my hands on Tanner and Rita’s story. And what can I say, I loved, loved. loved the book. But I’m torn. Don’t get me wrong, Across the Horizon is one of my favorite reads of the year and I highly recommend this book, but while I was glad I could read their story in one sitting, I didn’t wanted the book to end. I’m calling dibs on Tanner Reese. He’s a dreamer, a wild child, has a bit of a one track mind – loves his calling – cooking , is the uncle of Travis and Hannah and I loved meeting characters from the previous books in Across the Horizon – . His character is my favorite in this book. Rita is great and I loved her character, but I connected with Tanner’s very easily and that doesn’t happens very often.
Across the Horizon gave me all the feels. The book made me laugh, it made me cry, made me swoon and just like the previous books, gave me a major book hangover. I can’t get Rita and Tanner’s story out of my head and it made me re-read the first two books too. I highly, highly recommend Across the Horizon and wish I could give 7 stars.
What an amazing book! I pulled an all-nighter just to finished it; I couldn’t put it down!! This was my first book from the author and I love love love it!!! The synopsis really spiked my interest and I was so curious to see how Rita and Tanner’s story would be.
Rita is not in the best place right now. Her husband has been cheating on her the last 6 months with a woman they both work with. She’s not that much heartbroken, just angry and frustrated with herself for not realizing sooner what had been going on. I didn’t like her soon-to-be ex-husband from the first page. He is rude, sleazy and egoistic.
Tanner is something else. He might be my most favorite book boyfriend of the year! He’s considerate and comes to her rescue even before actually knew who she was. While reading Tanner’s chapters, you get to see that being successful and having money doesn’t necessary mean that you are happy; he isn’t. He hates the path his life have taken but everything changes when he meets Rita.
I loved their relationship. It was hilarious to see these two interacting with each other. Rita kept him on his toes through the whole book and gave back as good as she got! I really liked his mom and the relationship he has with her and I can understand why she was like that the first time she met Rita.
The story gave me all the feels. Especially at the end I felt both their agony and heartbreak. It’s really amazing how a book can make you feel like that. This book is truly amazing and I definitely recommend to give it a try, you won’t regret it!!!
*4,5 stars*
Every time I read a book by this author I’m reminded of how much I love her books and writing! I really enjoyed the story and how it progressed from beginning until end. A story that definitely will get to your heartstrings.
Rita has been trying to move on with her life after she found out her husband was cheating on her but he’s not making it easy for her. When she first meets Tanner, there’s something about him that lures her to him but with everything she’s dealing with it’s hard to trust again.
Tanner is quite a ladiesman that’s trying to deal with everything happening in his life and when Rita comes barreling into his life like a whirlwind, he doesn’t know what has hit him. The more time they spend together, the more feelings start to show. But Tanner’s hiding a secret that could come in between them… Will Rita finally be able to move on from her past and will Tanner find a way to tell the truth?…
Aly Martinez has become a one click and read author for me, I don’t need to read the synopsis. She has a way with her characters and her plot that just pulls me in. I enjoyed that little extra humor and sarcasm in this book, making it a fun read about a not so fun topic.
Rita has just learned that her husband of seven years has cheated on her. She is struggling to move on but it is hard when you still see that person everyday. She works for her husband and his partner at their doctors office. Rita is looking for her true self feeling like she was molded by her cheating ex over the years. She is more blindsided than heartbroken by this loss and that is something she needs to truly sort out. When she meets Tanner there is an instant connection and though she is not certain she is ready for anything just yet, his company is comforting, his words are uplifting and help her feel like she still has worth. But heartache comes in many forms and scared of a repeat she pushes Tanner away.
Tanner was living his life. It is a good life but there was something missing, some things he wished he could change but not exactly sure how. Hiding in his large house, or the kitchens of their restaurants. When this beautiful blonde crosses his path at a charity function, and clearly comes to him for him and not his public persona, he is drawn to her. He know she isn’t ready for any kind of relationship with him but he enjoys her company. He soon sees what he has been missing and thinks maybe he can find that in Rita, willing to take things slowly for her while she heals. His heart may have different ideas.
Is Rita truly ready to start over? Can Tanner be more than her rebound? Is this woman the woman that will settle down Tanner Reese? Will Tanner’s secrets come to light?
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
Tanner and Rita may not meet in the best circumstances to Rita but Tanner just goes with the flow. What’s not to love about a gorgeous woman hugging on you?
Tanner is a laid back guy who is so freaking sweet but really sucks at going slow. He knows what he wants when he starts to get to know Rita and there’s nothing holding him back except Rita herself.
Loved this book that shows Tanner is one of the really good guys and will make his woman’s dreams come true if she’ll let him. Love the hand holding, sitting on the couch watching a series and just everyday things that Tanner hasn’t done in a long time. Even having serious discussions through closed doors was sweet to me.
I absolutely loved this book!!! It’s funny, sweet, romantic and Tanner is definitely swoon worthy.