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Across the Ocean #1
Across the Ocean
Brooke has spent the last four years dreaming of visiting Iceland. When everything in her life seems to fall apart, she takes it as a sign that now is the time to go. She heads to the land where the sun doesn’t set, the mountains are fierce, and the hot pools are divine.
Ari is the handsome Viking that Brooke has fallen for over the years through the internet. Now that she finally gets to meet him in person, she’s unprepared for how steamy things are between them. Only Ari isn’t available. He’s involved with a woman whose jealousy brings nothing but torment between Brooke and Ari. Will Ari choose Brooke? Or will she be forced to leave all of her dreams behind?
This book is for mature audiences only, due to sexual content, language, and difficult scenarios.
Ari is the handsome Viking that Brooke has fallen for over the years through the internet. Now that she finally gets to meet him in person, she’s unprepared for how steamy things are between them. Only Ari isn’t available. He’s involved with a woman whose jealousy brings nothing but torment between Brooke and Ari. Will Ari choose Brooke? Or will she be forced to leave all of her dreams behind?
This book is for mature audiences only, due to sexual content, language, and difficult scenarios.
348 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2013
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212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 29, 2014
*I had the pleasure of being a beta reader, in exchange for an honest review*
For a freshman effort, Ms. Sosbee knocked it out of the park. Across the Ocean was very well-written, the storyline flowed naturally and it was a quick and easy read.
The part of the story that was narrated by Brooke could be a little distracting at times, and I say that in a good way...Brooke is a young 20 something so some of the things she says are very immature at times, and Ms. Sosbee hit the nail on the head conveying those feelings.
The sex was HAWT, but you could also feel the love between Brooke and Ari. You could understand the elements of a relationship that have developed over time, over thousands of miles of ocean. There was definitely a depth to their commitment and character.
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development between Brooke and Ari, especially with their online past, you could tell the history was there, and it was meaningful, I just liked seeing their MSN online exchanges, it gives you a real glimpse into them. A lot of times we find it easier to type than verbalize, so the emotion can be more honest...of course that is something that could easily be explored in subsequent books. I also would have liked to know a little more about the relationship of the core group of girl friends, Lara, Emilia, etc.
I am definitely excited to read more about Brooke's exploits in Iceland, and if I correctly picked up on Ms. Sosbee's foreshadowing, there's going to be a major plot twist coming up for us. Four and a half stars and I'll be one-clicking the next volume!
For a freshman effort, Ms. Sosbee knocked it out of the park. Across the Ocean was very well-written, the storyline flowed naturally and it was a quick and easy read.
The part of the story that was narrated by Brooke could be a little distracting at times, and I say that in a good way...Brooke is a young 20 something so some of the things she says are very immature at times, and Ms. Sosbee hit the nail on the head conveying those feelings.
The sex was HAWT, but you could also feel the love between Brooke and Ari. You could understand the elements of a relationship that have developed over time, over thousands of miles of ocean. There was definitely a depth to their commitment and character.
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development between Brooke and Ari, especially with their online past, you could tell the history was there, and it was meaningful, I just liked seeing their MSN online exchanges, it gives you a real glimpse into them. A lot of times we find it easier to type than verbalize, so the emotion can be more honest...of course that is something that could easily be explored in subsequent books. I also would have liked to know a little more about the relationship of the core group of girl friends, Lara, Emilia, etc.
I am definitely excited to read more about Brooke's exploits in Iceland, and if I correctly picked up on Ms. Sosbee's foreshadowing, there's going to be a major plot twist coming up for us. Four and a half stars and I'll be one-clicking the next volume!
October 23, 2013
I was asked to be a beta reader for this book by the author Heather Sosbee. I loved this book from the start the author's descriptions of Iceland were amazing and you felt as if you were there. The characters were full of life and so funny. The story follows Brooke and Ari who have had an online romance for a few years. They never thought they would ever meet until Brooke decides to visit her friend. The first time Brooke and Ari meet sparks fly but nothing is ever straight forward in Brooke's life as she finds out that Ari is already in a long term relationship. Things hot up quickly between the two of them although they try hard not to hurt anyone or themselves. Lines are crossed mistakes are made and confusion reigns. Will Brooke get the happy ever after she longs for.....This is a super HOT read and one I highly recommend.
November 2, 2013
it's been a long time since a book rocked me like this. Seriously, pre-order this NOW.
January 20, 2014
2.5 stars. Unfortunately didn't feel this one at all.
July 3, 2017
Just not good...
February 21, 2014
I never reread books. Confession: I one-clicked 845 books last year... I have too many books to read BUT I read this one again. Why, because it is hot! And sweet and I felt like this scenario (in a world of cyber love) very believable. The heroine was cute and sexy and made no apologies for her attraction to the hero. Our hero is a beautiful conflicted Viking of a man. The sex scenes are scorching that alone is worth a second read.
January 5, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I really enjoyed Brooke and Ari's long distance long term friendship/relationship. I really felt their love for each other. My only complaint was that I would have liked to seen more of their online interactions!! This was a great first outing for the author. I will definitely read other offerings from her!
January 5, 2014
This book was HOT. It was different and it had a beautiful setting in Iceland. Brooke and Ari story was beautiful and I was rooting for their love. Great secondary characters too. Looking forward to read her other books.
February 24, 2014
I'm not sure why this book doesn't have a higher rating. I really enjoyed all of it. It was just the right length, with just the right amount of angst and sex. It was sweet, sexy and fun. Can't wait for the next one.
August 15, 2014
If guys like this do exist, I so WANT to MOVE to ICELAND ASAP. LOVE Ari!! The chemistry between Brooke and Ari was Delicious. Thank you Heather Sosbee! Can't wait to read Sophie and Gunnar's story in Across the Music.
April 20, 2014
Am I the only one who read this with google images at the ready? Like everyone else, I need to visit Iceland now.
I liked it. I liked the story. It was very simple and to the point. Sometimes I felt the author would try to inject more substance, but it would fall short.
I liked it. I liked the story. It was very simple and to the point. Sometimes I felt the author would try to inject more substance, but it would fall short.
October 22, 2013
Review to Follow....
December 29, 2013
Review to come
December 4, 2013
I really want to visit Iceland now! And try one of those hot dogs
April 28, 2015
I picked this up and could not put it down. It made me wish that I had an online connection with some hot guy somewhere else. I loved this book and can not wait to read more from this author!
December 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book...it's funny, exciting & sexy!! Can't wait for Gunners story!!
January 4, 2014
this book is so good with really hot moments i want to move to iceland :)
January 10, 2014
Can't wait to fall in love with Gunnar and Sophie like I did with Brooke and Ari!!!!!!!
October 21, 2014
My heart is melted!
January 21, 2014
4.5 stars. Excellent read!
April 9, 2016
Basically, this is about taking an online relationship to the next level and meeting in person. Brooke's friend, Emilia is from Iceland. When Emilia moves from the US back to Iceland, Brooke starts to chat with Em online and Em introduces Brooke to Ari a cute Icelandic boy. They chat for YEARS and become good friends (and then some), but assuming they'll never meet, they each pursue different relationships in their respective countries. Brooke finally gets the opportunity to go to Iceland to see Em again and meet Ari for the first time. Drama ensues and I'll try not to spoil it.
I wanted the author to have handled things so much differently here. [Note that I met my husband online and chatted with him for weeks before agreeing to meet him, so I know of which I speak]. It's dramatic enough to meet the person you've been chatting and developed a relationship with online so I'm not sure what the heck this author was thinking.
I wanted the issues I had with the plot points in this book to go away.
I wanted to understand why the author would create a female character that had such a tragic past...bad parental relationships, relationships generally and, note for those of you with triggers, there's a gang rape scene in this book that's disturbing and it's poorly handled. I'm not really sure why the author would choose to include this when there doesn't seem to be a reason for any of it later on the book. Brooke seems to think she's been able to move past this and her character isn't written in a way to suggest she still has major psychological effects from this.
I wanted this to be a single POV rather than switching between Brooke and Ari every chapter. One POV would have made for more suspense with out all the tragic crap that happens to Brooke.
I wanted the scene at the end to be much classier than it really was.
I wanted this to be a better book. It had so much more potential.
I wanted the author to have handled things so much differently here. [Note that I met my husband online and chatted with him for weeks before agreeing to meet him, so I know of which I speak]. It's dramatic enough to meet the person you've been chatting and developed a relationship with online so I'm not sure what the heck this author was thinking.
I wanted the issues I had with the plot points in this book to go away.
I wanted to understand why the author would create a female character that had such a tragic past...bad parental relationships, relationships generally and, note for those of you with triggers, there's a gang rape scene in this book that's disturbing and it's poorly handled. I'm not really sure why the author would choose to include this when there doesn't seem to be a reason for any of it later on the book. Brooke seems to think she's been able to move past this and her character isn't written in a way to suggest she still has major psychological effects from this.
I wanted this to be a single POV rather than switching between Brooke and Ari every chapter. One POV would have made for more suspense with out all the tragic crap that happens to Brooke.
I wanted the scene at the end to be much classier than it really was.
I wanted this to be a better book. It had so much more potential.
December 1, 2013
** I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review**
First I should say that this is an 18+ book done to the sex scenes near the end of the book.
Brooke has finished a disastrous relationship with her boyfriend and has decided to take a trip to Iceland to visit her friend Emilia and 'very' close friend Ari.
Ari and Brooke have been in contact via the internet and video message for the last four years. They have been there for each other when they needed it and have even gone as far as touch themselves in front of each other. But Ari currently has a girlfriend, Lara.
On the whole I found Brooke whined quite a lot. Her internal monologue was slightly annoying at times and considering the things she has been though in her short life, I would have though her to be more grown up than she acted, even at her age.
The tension between Ari and Brooke was good. You could really see the stubble between them, knowing that he was with Lara, but knowing something would happen before they actually broke up. The whole 'almost' scenes were just plain naughty and you could cut the tension between them.
Lara was a complete a-hole. The woman really showed her true colours and it wasn't pretty. Gunnar was amazing and so was Emilia. They both had a hand in helping Ari and Brooke get together to have their happy ending.
I can't wait to read Gunnar's story.
First I should say that this is an 18+ book done to the sex scenes near the end of the book.
Brooke has finished a disastrous relationship with her boyfriend and has decided to take a trip to Iceland to visit her friend Emilia and 'very' close friend Ari.
Ari and Brooke have been in contact via the internet and video message for the last four years. They have been there for each other when they needed it and have even gone as far as touch themselves in front of each other. But Ari currently has a girlfriend, Lara.
On the whole I found Brooke whined quite a lot. Her internal monologue was slightly annoying at times and considering the things she has been though in her short life, I would have though her to be more grown up than she acted, even at her age.
The tension between Ari and Brooke was good. You could really see the stubble between them, knowing that he was with Lara, but knowing something would happen before they actually broke up. The whole 'almost' scenes were just plain naughty and you could cut the tension between them.
Lara was a complete a-hole. The woman really showed her true colours and it wasn't pretty. Gunnar was amazing and so was Emilia. They both had a hand in helping Ari and Brooke get together to have their happy ending.
I can't wait to read Gunnar's story.
November 24, 2013
A HUGE thank you to Heather for providing me with an ARC copy of this book to read and review for this tour :)
I was so excited to read this I finished within one sitting :D
I loved the characters, Lara was a bitch, BUT you can understand where she was coming from.
Brooke has been through so much throughout her young life, being only 22. She comes from a dysfunctional family, and has had some of the worst experience in the "relationship" department.
After everything she has been through she has come out stronger, a better person.
The author gave you a beautiful description of Iceland, therefore making you WANT, no NEED to visit the beautiful island.
After speaking with her friend Emilia Brooke makes the final decision and takes the big LEAP, she books a ticket to Iceland.
Did a little persuasion called Ari have anything to do with this?
Hmmmm my answer would of been YES, if I was in Brooke's shoes.
Everything happens for a reason I say, so when these two lost souls met 4 years ago over the internet, it was destiny for them to finally meet face to face......BUT.....yes there's a HUGE but, Ari is in a relationship and has been for almost a year now!
The sexual that is evident between these two soon start to hot up.
Can they resist their urges?
Will they take another leap in their relationship?
This was a beautifully written book and you get perspective's from many POV's, it did get a bit confusing, but that didn't matter.
Definitely worth the read!
I was so excited to read this I finished within one sitting :D
I loved the characters, Lara was a bitch, BUT you can understand where she was coming from.
Brooke has been through so much throughout her young life, being only 22. She comes from a dysfunctional family, and has had some of the worst experience in the "relationship" department.
After everything she has been through she has come out stronger, a better person.
The author gave you a beautiful description of Iceland, therefore making you WANT, no NEED to visit the beautiful island.
After speaking with her friend Emilia Brooke makes the final decision and takes the big LEAP, she books a ticket to Iceland.
Did a little persuasion called Ari have anything to do with this?
Hmmmm my answer would of been YES, if I was in Brooke's shoes.
Everything happens for a reason I say, so when these two lost souls met 4 years ago over the internet, it was destiny for them to finally meet face to face......BUT.....yes there's a HUGE but, Ari is in a relationship and has been for almost a year now!
The sexual that is evident between these two soon start to hot up.
Can they resist their urges?
Will they take another leap in their relationship?
This was a beautifully written book and you get perspective's from many POV's, it did get a bit confusing, but that didn't matter.
Definitely worth the read!
December 1, 2013
WARNING!!! Reading this book will totally make you want to move to Iceland. Brooke and Ari are friends who have formed a relationship thru internet and video chats. Brooke finally gets to visit her friends in Iceland, including Ari, but he has a girlfriend and is off limits. But Brooke and Ari can't seem to fight the attraction that has been building over time.
This book was HOT, HOT, HOT. The chemistry between Brooke and Ari comes through the pages. They don't even have to touch each other and the sparks fly. When they finally get together it's like an explosion of sexual frustration.
The descriptions os Iceland are perfect. I've never been there but could totally picture it. The gorgeous mountains and landscapes, the picturesque villages, and did I mention the hot pools?
What a wonderful debut novel by Heather Sosbee. I'm looking forward to Across the Music, the next in the series.
This book was HOT, HOT, HOT. The chemistry between Brooke and Ari comes through the pages. They don't even have to touch each other and the sparks fly. When they finally get together it's like an explosion of sexual frustration.
The descriptions os Iceland are perfect. I've never been there but could totally picture it. The gorgeous mountains and landscapes, the picturesque villages, and did I mention the hot pools?
What a wonderful debut novel by Heather Sosbee. I'm looking forward to Across the Music, the next in the series.
January 15, 2014
First let me say that Brooke has a friend that moved to Iceland and they keep in touch. Well Brooke has been talking to this guy named Ari and they been doing this now for a couple of years he lives in Iceland and is also friends with her friend. Brooke's relationship with her boyfriend has finally ended and she figures she will go to Iceland to see her frien that she hasn't seen in years they only talk by Internet . And also that hot guy named Ari lives there as well which she is finally gonna meet. It gets complicated you see Emilia Brooke's friend has a friend named Lara and she is dating Ari but Brooke is determined not to make waves and tries to be nothing but friendly. But she is so attracted to Ari and he is to her that its impossible for them not to crash into each other and when they do sparks will fly. But you have to read the book to see what actually happens I just know I'm not disappointed and would like to see more from Ari and Brooke and her friend Emilia.
December 30, 2013
3.5 STARS FROM ME. 1st Person POV mainly the h, Brooke, also 1st Person POV from H, Ari. Reads a lot like a journal or a diary. Beautiful scenery- Brooke travels to Iceland. There are flashbacks to when Brooke & Ari started relationship- on line chat for about 3 years prior to meeting. The writing was a little stiff at times, but again seemed like Brooke's journal being read. A fast read, I enjoyed this story. For a new author, I liked how she didn't get caught up in minute details. There was a lot Brooke & Ari's inner dialogue though. I would like to read more from this author. The sequel is about another couple in the book (Gunnar- Ari's best friend & Sophie- a minor character in this book.) Across the Ocean is a standalone & there's an HEA.
February 28, 2014
I was thinking about giving a 2.5 but here I'm going with a 3 stars.
The story was interesting and a wholesome good but the character, to be specific Brooke's was a bit childish but she was young 22. Anyway when I came to think about this, childish but in the end I was pretty okay because it felt real. 22 is not like she was full of experiences or saw everything.
The character also expressed that and I found her being someone very cautious even when she was involved with Ari but could I blamed them. it was 2 ways and with so many years behind them.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book and it was quite fresh.
The story was interesting and a wholesome good but the character, to be specific Brooke's was a bit childish but she was young 22. Anyway when I came to think about this, childish but in the end I was pretty okay because it felt real. 22 is not like she was full of experiences or saw everything.
The character also expressed that and I found her being someone very cautious even when she was involved with Ari but could I blamed them. it was 2 ways and with so many years behind them.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book and it was quite fresh.
December 30, 2013
Loved the concept of this book, the descriptions of the cities made me picture them as if I was really in Iceland. I want to visit all the places mentioned. Watching the 2 main characters fight for each other, especially with Brook knowing she shouldn't break up Ari's relationship if he loves her. The romance and leading up to the actual sex act was hot, every little foreplay between the 2 main characters, was years in the making.Can't wait for the 2nd book about Gunnar, because he was such a great friend to Ari, I kind of want to find a friend like that, too.
November 11, 2013
Across the Ocean....... First off I will say this is a 18+ book. The story is sorta hard to grasp and the lead character goes back and forth way to much. Brooke is going to Iceland to see her friend and a guy she met over the internet. Ari has always been in love with Brooke but now he is in a relationship with Lara. Since Brooke is coming to his part of the world will he be able to keep his cool or will he ruin everything? Will Brooke be able to handle all the pressure? I just couldn't get a good hold on the characters. The story is pretty good though. I will give this book a 4 star review.
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