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Sophia Soames
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Open Water (Scandinavian comfort Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Sophia Soames (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 131 ratings
Meet Lukas Myrtengren, Mentor Teacher in Biology and Maths at Östra Real Senior School in Stockholm. This isn't how his life is supposed to turn out. In your late thirties you are supposed to have your life figured out, right? Somehow, Lukas has lost his compass, his life spinning aimlessly out of control. He still gets up in the morning and goes to work every day without fail, making sure his students pass his classes and that his schedule is right on track. His love life is a shambles, his head is a mess, but he is trying to sort it all out. Honestly. He can't keep living like this.

Meet Tom Andersson. Emergency room doctor and single dad. He has no idea how he has managed to mess up parenthood this bad. He tries too hard, has no patience and can't even hold a normal conversation with the seventeen-year-old son he loves to the point of insanity. Tom knows that he is drifting out to sea without a paddle, he just doesn't know how to stop it.

Meet me, Max Andersson. Seventeen. Gay AF. An emotional wreck with no future, no skills and no clue. All I know is that I am in love. Helplessly. Desperately. And, unrequited, of course. What else can you expect from a loser like myself? It's not like my life is going to get better. The truth is, I'm just another disaster waiting to happen. A ticking time-bomb full of stupidity. That's just the way it is.

Welcome to Open Water.
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  1. Book 2 of 3
    Scandinavian comfort
  2. Print length
    340 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 20, 2019
  6. File size
    3.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07TTD94JB
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 20, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 340 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Scandinavian comfort
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 131 ratings

About the author

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Sophia Soames

Sophia Soames

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Sophia Soames is a UK based M/M romance writer, originally from Scandinavia. She writes quirky stories of imperfect love, always with real people, real families and real fairy tales.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
131 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • SheltieMum
    5.0 out of 5 stars All the Feels
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I fell in love with Sophia Soaked when I read In thus Bed if Snowflakes We Lie. I thought it couldn't get any better than that. Then I read Open Water and knew I'd found a truly masterful teller of stories. This gorgeous book delves into the complex world of family, of self, of sexuality and growing up at every life stage Tom, Max Mattel and Lukas are people I will cherish for my life. .Thank you, Sophia, for the deep beauty you create.
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  • Roger Grossklaus
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mixed anxieties, managed trauma
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Love and sex are parts of the cure as riddled people learn to be in each other’s company. By redefining family and expectations, a group of misfits fit just fine.
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  • Becca
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5*
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2020
    Whew. I swear this story reminds me so much of my kid and I, it’s ridiculous. Being a single parent myself, I get where Tom is coming from. You look your kid in that sweet little face and just know you’re going to love them forever. Not that there aren’t days you don’t want to knock their block off (and don’t, but still), but you still love them with all you are. Somehow, they complete you. And just like in Tom’s case, my kid saved me too.
    We also have our issues like Tom and Max. We both deal with depression and anxiety, but her anxiety is much worse. Like Max’s. Not quite as bad, but pretty close. So this book was deeply personal for me. We cuss each other out like they do and everything else. Meds are involved and therapy. But like Tom, I know what it feels like to have the weight of the world on your shoulders. There’s always that what if I had done this different, and what did I do to make this situation the way it is? Why am I not a better parent and so on. No matter how much love is involved, we’re human and make mistakes. We just have to learn from it and go forward.
    Max has known he’s different at an early age. Having meltdowns and panic attacks with pools of water or other things. He’s had to change schools. He quit getting invited to things. It was just him and his dad and lately things don’t seem to be going well with them or with him himself. And now his dad has to meet with his mentor from school because he’s failing classes. But that blows up as something has happened between his dad and his teacher years ago. They end up getting through the next session, but with a mediator and still things are bad. Until the boy of his dreams walks into his life and begs him to come back to drama class and things just move forward from there. Max’s life takes on a different meaning now, because he has someone else who knows how to deal with his anxiety and all that comes with it and on top of it, he’s interested in Max. Little by little, their relationship blooms and things seem to get better. But his dad, Tom, is trying to work things out with his teacher and it finally seems to work. Until too many changes are causing Max’s anxiety to go through the roof. And between himself and Matteo, his boyfriend, Max knows things need to change. Because as strong as Matteo is, he has severe issues of his own he’s trying to deal with. And now, with all of them, they need to learn, one step at a time, and get through each day minute to minute, step by step, knowing they have each other’s backs and are loved. All four of them.
    Like I said earlier, I seriously relate to this story. It really is the male versions of me and my kid. It’s good though, because it’s a reminder to me, that even through all the crap of day to day life, I still remember that little face for the first time and fell in love. Doesn’t mean there aren’t some very bad days, because just like you will read, there are VERY bad ones. Doesn’t mean the love isn’t there. Just sometimes we get on different wavelengths. Kids and adults don’t often think alike. And it throws us off. Plus not being able to be in your kid’s shoes, you never really know what is going through their heads. Even when they are telling you things, there’s still stuff left out. So I totally empathized with both Max and Tom. Tom had his own crap he was dealing with and I get what he was going through. I wasn’t on Tom’s side of things, I was on Lukas’s, to a point. And it still leaves you with scars and things to work through. But one thing in this book that I loved, regardless of what was happening, is there was always a small sliver of hope and a will to never give up. Even at the lowest points. Something kept them moving. And that’s what we all have to remember. And let me tell you, it’s a HARD, HARD thing to do. But you have to keep fighting and moving forward.
    This is a very intense book. It has such a wide range of emotions it will take you through. You will need tissues and maybe even need to punch something, who knows. But it’s worth it. The ending alone makes it all worth it. Because it’s a reminder, face your fears, keep moving, don’t give up and most important, one step at a time.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Hoppie
    5.0 out of 5 stars It’s a great story of reconnecting and a story of a fathers love and young love.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2019
    I have to say I just really love this author. She just has a way to bring you into the stories she writes. I was very happy have been selected to receive and arc copy and read the book early and write a review. So here goes…

    Open Water to me is really 3 love stories in one. Its about Tom and Lukas. Its about Max and Matteo. And its about FAMILY. All have their own issues. Tom and Lukas have an unpleasant past from when they were in high school and meet again b/c Lukas is Max’s teacher and they have to have a parent/ teacher meeting. Max has some really really big issues w/ anxiety to where he acts out b/c of those issues. If you struggle w/ anxiety like I do you know it can be crippling at times. And that’s how it is for Max. My heart hurts for him w/ how bad they get. I don’t know how to give Matteo justice. B/c hes just him. He’s Max’s crush. Which you’ll see. He’s got his own issues that will just really make you mad for him and want to hurt those who did wrong by him. He is a precious soul. I formed a big ol soft spot for him. He just makes me smile. I love him.

    So the story is of all of them really just falling in love and their journey to get their happy. There are some bumps of course but theres no real big angst which i really like. Its just a tale. Its told in 3 point of views, Tom, Max, and Lukas. I’d have loved it even more to hear more of Matteos voice. But Ms. Soames does a wonderful job of him still being a strong voice.

    Tom to me I think stood out more than anything else. He struggles so hard w/ trying to be a great dad of a teenager w/ extreme anxieties. He loves love loves his kid. But at the same time hates him b/c lets face it …teenagers are the devil. Ha ha ha! He even says he hates him but he ALWAYS ALWAYS says how much he loves his wonderful son. I like that. It makes him more real to me especially since I’ve had a teenager. LOL. I really enjoyed seeing his and Max’s relationship go through its up and downs and just come together as only a father and son can. Their interactions with each other will make you sad but also make you laugh. It was very real and raw at times. It makes the story for me. Toms heart is so huge! How goes through trying to get Lukas’s attention is just funny. The man cracks me up. When he goes all in he goes all in. So get ready to laugh. And he takes Matteo in and gives him a chance. And he shows him love and just welcomes him w/ open arms. They had a one on one scene on the porch that had me in tears. I loved Tom. Max is a typical teen but not. I don’t know really else to describe him. Hes funny, hes crass, hes in your face, he troubled. And just wants love and approval and to survive. Once he and Matteo connect boy Max comes out and just grows and evolves. Its really a beautiful thing and a funny thing. Lukas I liked but I’ll be honest I didn’t feel as much of a connection to him as I did the others. He’s a major character but felt more like a side character. Hes well developed and everything but he just didn’t seem as powerful as the other 3 characters. But regardless he’s a sweetie and he loves hard and will go to bat for what he loves just as much as the others. That’s the important part.

    So you’ve got their journeys. Their up and downs. Their come togethers, some sexy times, a bunch of tears. These are some crying folks I will say that. But I get it. And you’ve got their happily ever after. The Epilogue was just perfect and put a gigantic smile on my face.

    I loved all of it. I hope you’ll give it a chance and enjoy it as much as I did. I cant wait to read the next story the author comes up with.
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  • Jen Valencia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartrending but hopeful! 5+ stars!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2019
    Three books in and Sophia Soames has further entrenched herself in my list of go-to authors because her storytelling is in a class all its own. With Open Water, the second in her Scandinavian Comfort series, doesn't disappoint, giving readers a story they can take their time with while not only getting to know the cast of characters and becoming immersed in the tale they have to tell, but also becoming invested in their lives and loves.

    Soames's main characters are, as usual, multi-layered and with such depth, flaws and all. I loved how these two couples--Tom and Lukas and Max and Matteo--were so different yet shared similarities as well, proving that developing and nurturing a relationship has very little to do with how old the people in the relationship are (Tom and Lukas are in their thirties and Max and Matteo are teenagers). This was a beautifully written love story about finding forgiveness, falling in love, and that family is more than about blood. Five-plus stars for Open Water! ♥
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kelly Tyrrell
    5.0 out of 5 stars You have 5 ‘yesses’!
    Reviewed in Australia on July 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A brilliant meld of 2 generations n 2 couples, that anyone human can relate to. No mega-money escapism. Just honesty n love!
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  • Edga
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This lady is fast becoming one of my go to authors. She wrotes beautiful, emotional stories, with real characters. There's usually some angst, but this is overcome by the love the characters have for one another.

    There's heartbreak, there's joy, there are parts where you want to cry--and it's very high quality writing. Lukas, Tom, Max and Matteus were wonderfully written. All had suffered in various ways, their individual stories were to different degrees heartbreaking, but together they became stronger.

    It's basically a story about friendship, hope, and how we can help each other get through the tough times in our lives, it totally grabbed me from the start. Lovely ending. Highly recommended.
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  • Laora
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book that draws you in
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on July 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book draws you in; it is so well written that you can't help to see the four main characters as 'real' persons; with there complex characters, quirks and always love. In different stages of the book you want to comfort, hug, scream or support them, real character development. This book is about life and it ups and downs, an unconditional love between a father for his son - how trying it sometimes is, the love between a young couple and the strength they give each other and of course the love between the second change couple after so many years - I love the antics Tom gets up to. So all said and done, I recommend you give this book a go.
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  • cc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best. Story. Ever.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Lukas, Tom, Max, Matteo.
    Four complex characters, struggling through their daily lives, are the focus of Ms. Soames’ compelling tale of life, love, and a desperate yearning for acceptance. There were many times I laughed right out loud and just as many times my heart broke for what these men had endured. The ending was everything for which I had hoped.
    In the MM genre so popular today, many with two dimensional characters cranked out by authors who seemingly just don’t care, this story is a beautiful tribute to personal tenacity, achieving your dreams, and love. Oh yes, most of all, love. It is the best story I’ve read in a long time.
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  • DM
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and Heart-Warming, But...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Too many children! Bit of a spoiler there, so only read on if you want to know what's being referred to. This is the first of Soames' books that I've read and I will undoubtedly read more (DL'd other samples), as it was well-written with an emotional pull. Interestingly it was written from the perspective of three MCs and there could quite easily have been a fourth in Matteo, with those three characters entwined in each other's lives but not as a throuple, but rather father, son, teacher and father's lover.

    This would have been a 5 star without question, if it hadn't have been for the epilogue: slight spoiler ahead - the children. Whilst I could see and understand (to an extent) Tom's need to spread his love and give and even Lukas' for a family, I didn't get the need for so many, nor for Matteo and Max to have their own so young. It didn't give time for the reader to see Lukas and Tom as a couple, nor for them to have time with just each other. Plus for me, children often are a bit of dampner in a story! However, it was an enjoyable read and interesting from both the Scandinavian setting (lovely Stockholm) and the perspective of mental health.
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