Back to Willow

by Mel Veran

At twenty-two, raising a child while working and studying is no joke, but I’m managing to keep my head above water—only just. There’s no other option for a young, single mother like me. While life hasn’t been perfect for quite some time, it has improved drastically since we moved here, with the help of my grandmother. It was meant to be a new beginning. A new city and new people to help me build a new life. I hoped this would help me move on and keep all those demons where they belong—in the past. But fate is hellbent on showing me otherwise. Not only have I stumbled right into my first—and only—ex-boyfriend, but I’ve also opened deep wounds that live in my heart. The two secrets I have been trying my hardest to keep locked down are now under threat of being uncovered. With his insistent demands for answers and closure, I have no choice but to face my past, and I’m now faced with the life-changing do I run away again, or will I be able to reveal truths that are too painful to be said out loud?

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Love, College Romance

386 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2023

About the author

On the edge of reaching the "Big Thirties" (just two years away from now), the author is Portuguese and works as a certified Tourist Guide. Not only that, she is also a history and music addict and loves to travel around the world. She is happily committed her job, her fiancé and her four-pawed child, her twelve year old dog. Writing is a recent passion that has turned her world upside down and has given her the opportunity of publishing this book, her debut. Hopefully reading the book will make you as happy as it made her while writing it.

Reviews

[Anvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of the best books I've read this year. I mean, this book got me out of a 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨𝙡𝙪𝙢𝙥! If that doesn't say how amazing of a book this is, I don't know what would. Lemme start from the start:

I didn't know if I'd end up liking Liam or not when I read the first chapter, cause my heart stilled for his pain, but also made me apprehensive about what he'd do to get over his pain. Can't really divulge into much because it would give away a lot of info about the book, but his character really did become one of my forever favourites.

And Willow... Just three words for her..

𝘖𝘩. 𝘔𝘺. 𝘎𝘰𝘥.

Her pain! Her emotions, the absolute tragedy that she had to live through... It broke me in pieces. I admired her character, and her strength so so much... She genuinely touched my heart.

And the main character of this book... Dylan. God, someone please pinch his cheeks for me 😭 That dude is more intelligent that grown up human beings and I'm living for it! 😭😭😭 He really was the sunshine in the life of her mother... So cherished and loved... 🥺 I am in love with him ❤

Overall, this book is definitely one of my favorites this year. The way in which Mel Veran wrote the scenes, the tragedies, the pain, the suffering, the good and the bad... It is so beautiful! It took me days to be able to talk about this book, and still I don't think I've done justice to this beauty! Love love love love love it from the bottom of my heart ❤

Thank you so so much for the ARC, Mel! I appreciate it so much! ❤

[Βαλ Αμ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have words good enough to review this gorgeous book. Probably the best read of 2023. I'm not typically a romance reader but this had me hooked from the start.
Sounds like it could be a cliché story but it's anything but. It's realistic. It's raw. It's painful and beautiful. Insightful and truly respectful of the tough matters that are mentioned. Read the first unpolished version before it was published and in this one, the emotions are even more intensified.
Mel's beautiful writing makes you connect to the characters so easily. Helps you understand their side and see through their eyes. The plot and the characters, each one individually are so well thought about. The author has paid attention to the littlest details and it shows. And her sense of humour is very evident to balance out the heaviness of some parts of the book.
Willow is a combination of both the vulnerable and powerful/ strong heroins we all love. She's a rock, a single mother raising her son, while studying and working and having a past she hasn't dealt with yet and having this softness in her even when the world has tried to take away from her. Each character is so unique but I feel she stands out more than any.
This stunning book will break your heart and heal it within those same pages. It will make you cry and sympathise and by the end, you'll feel how much your soul needed to connect to that. Absolutely loved every sentence of it. And it now holds a special place in my heart ❤️

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes love is strong enough to overlook all of that and forgive.”

If you’re looking for a second chance romance with childhood friends and a secret baby, Back to Willow by Mel Veran is the perfect book for you! Readers will find themselves going through a roller coaster of emotions as the characters reconnect and heal from their pasts.

Back to Willow has amazing characters that bring the story to life. Willow is an extremely brave young woman who goes through so much trauma in her life. Despite her struggles, she strives to be the best mother for her son, Dylan (who’s absolutely the cutest character ever). Throughout the story, readers can connect with her character as she experiences an abundance of different emotions. Liam is such a great example of good character growth. In the beginning of the story, he holds so much anger and resentment towards Willow for the past. However, as he spends more time with her and understands the entire situation, he is able to learn and grow. In addition to the amazing main characters, the side characters are just as perfect.

Willow and Liam go through a lot to make their relationship work. However through many conversations and patience with each other, they are able to rekindle their love. Readers are able to see the chemistry and love between the two characters.

Back to Willow is an amazing book about reconnecting, family, and healing from past trauma. Mel Veran did a wonderful job with this book! It’s definitely worth the read!!

[Delilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There wasn't a dull moment in this book. What a rollercoaster! The main characters had to go through a lot, but the emotional develepments were very well written. If you love reading single mom, second chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romances I definitely recommend Back to Willow.

[Shrishti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most emotional books I had ever read

[Saniya Padwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow n liam are so close to my heart.
I started reading this book when it was on wattpad n seeing the recognition it is getting rn i'm so happy. I cry every time I read this book and it makes me remember my childhood crush 😭. I really love the chemistry of all the characters. Dylan is the cutesttt💕.
u won't regret reading this book for sure.I hope this gem reaches and get the fame it deserves.🥺

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Back to Willow" dives headfirst into the whirlwind life of Willow, a determined young single mother balancing work, studies, and unexpected reunions. Moving to a new city for a fresh start with her son Dylan, she never expected to collide with her first love, Liam, reopening old wounds and buried secrets.

I'm a sucker for second chances and childhood friends romance, and "Back to Willow" delivers with a slow-burn that sizzles. It's a rollercoaster of drama, angst, and heartache that keeps you flipping pages. Dylan, Willow's son, adds a delightful spark to the story, while Liam's steadfast devotion to Willow brings a spunky, passionate energy.

Though a tad predictable at times, the plot is gripping, driven by the characters' hidden truths and quest for closure. And while a few loose ends left me wondering, it hints at possible future adventures for these compelling characters.

"Back to Willow" is a fun, spirited ride that blends heartfelt moments with captivating storytelling and a dash of irresistible charm.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc for this book

Spoilers ahead

Liam may have started off wanting nothing to do with his ex and thought she deserved nothing from him. But when he finally started to find out everything you could tell that all he wanted to do was be there for her. And i loved that he knew there was a chance that Dylan wasn’t his and didn’t care he was going to be his father no matter what. And when he found out what his brother had done and that his parents had covered for him he still stood by her because although he may not be able to always help her through her panic attacks he’ll always be there for her. I loved that he changed his whole mindset after finding out and fought for what he wanted. This book had me on the edge of my seat and when i started it i could not put it down. I needed to know what happened and as it’s hard for me to focus it made me love the book even more. I love everything that she did with this book and that you could actually feel willows pain.
thank you Mel for letting me be an arc

[Simran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of my fastest reads of 2024.
I came across this book recently and even though second chance romance is not my usual reads, I really loved this book.
The best part being how we can’t help but love the side characters especially Dylan and Arthur. I really thought I might hate Arthur because he was giving me second lead syndrome and I didn’t wanna get attach to him or ship him with Willow but he was such a ray of sunshine behind his broody personality that I can’t help but love.
I just wanna give Liam and Willow big tight hug. Willow’s past broke me, even though it was a big predictable to me but I still teared up while reading about it.
I wanna get more of the side characters, waiting for Jake / Dylan and Arthur’s book ❤️
4⭐️
1.5 🌶

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mention of abortion, loss of a loved one, discussions of suicide, multiple instances/discussions of rape including details, drug use/addiction, mentions of rehab and therapy

Heavy. So heavy. But it was so beautifully done, that the heavy was just…I mean it was beautiful. This one hits close to home in a lot of ways. So my opinions of these characters is different from someone who maybe can’t relate. That definitely made a difference in my experience with the book. While I always rate a book based on the joy a book brings me, my rating on this one is based on the book itself. And this debut deserves these stars! Willow has been THROUGH IT. And poor sweet Liam has suffered because of it, because of the lack of knowing. This was a roller coaster! And while there were times I wanted to hop off, I NEVER wanted to stop reading! I was on edge the entire time. Trying to piece everything together. Trying to figure out how Willow and Liam were going to get through this. There’s a LOT of pain between Willow and Liam. Pain that you can’t ever forget. But in realizing they can move forward together, they find the healing they’ve both been craving.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “If I can’t hate you after all of these years…I could never.”
• “Whatever it is, it won’t change the fact that I’m all in.”
• “He’s ours.”
• “I didn’t miss anything as much as I missed you.”
• “Every time we’re together, all I want to do is touch you, hold onto you, and never let go. Every time I go, I’m afraid you won’t be here when I come back.”
• “Nothing. I just love having you around.”
• “Fuck it! I can’t wait anymore.”
• “I can’t get enough of you.”
• “I just want to be close to you.”
• “You’re too pretty to cry.”
• “You are in my life; that’s all that matters.”
• “You’re not to cover yourself from me. Not ever. You’re beautiful.”
• “I want you to be in control.”
• “I am honored you chose me.”
• “There’s no life for me without you in it.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
8/10 Friends to Lovers
10/10 Second Chance
8/10 Single Parent
9/10 Tearjerker

[carmie voracious reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I don’t think he had realised the extent of my trauma until now. People always say beautiful words and claim to understand. But, how could they understand if they haven’t been through it?  They’re not the ones who cry themselves to sleep and wake up yelling from nightmares. They’re not the ones who break mirrors after taking a look at their reflection or scrub their skin until it bleeds with fake hopes of getting rid of that feeling of being dirty. They’re not the ones who blame themselves for letting it happen. This is a constant cycle, just like a snowball that keeps on rolling and growing. The true pain goes way beyond the physical one. It’s like ivy. It sticks to your bones and essence, the same way ivy sticks to a wall, turning into part of the structure. The pain becomes part of us, and it never goes away. The helplessness. The despair. It’s incapacitating at times—and it takes the little control we manage to have over our bodies, over our lives.”

[threadedinfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝𝘿𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬❞

ty to the author for the arc — i loved this book, the main characters were adorable and i love second chance romances and this was done perfectly.

willow!! i loved her character so so much! she was such a strong character and i loved the way she was portrayed throughout the book. she was such an amazing mum and seeing her character grow from the start and overcome her past was so amazing to read. although i disliked his character at certain times throughout the book, he definitely grew on me and seeing how is relationship with dylan and willow develops, especially from the start, and how much he loves them and cares about them was so sweet. his character development was amazing to see, as always, and i loved how much his perspective had changed since meeting willow again. i love them sm <3

tropes;
- second chance
- single parent
- childhood best friends to strangers
- “it’s always been you”

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly was amazing!! The book shows amazing character development between the main characters, which was beautifully written. I would sacrifice the world for Dylan. He is such a momma's boy but in a good way.

The tension between Willow and Liam was amazing. Willow was beautifully written, her pain and just her actions truly made me feel pain. I think everything was perfectly captured dealing with the emotions of the characters. She truly is a strong-feminine written character.

This book got me out of a bookslump! It was a pretty fast-paced book, it truly did touch my heart. This book has a special place in my heart and easily became one of my all-time favorites.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

such an emotional book, but make sure to check TW!

Mel has a way of writing that just drew me right in, it’s the kind of book that pull you out of a slump ! (at least it did got me)
The characters are beautifully written, as well as their development, I found the pace of the book perfect.
Dylan was the cutest !
Willow’s story is truly heartbreaking :( she’s such a strong woman and such a good mom.
And I don’t wanna spoil anything on accident lol I loved how understanding and supporting Liam was, he went through a lot too.


thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this🫶🏼

[Renee Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story will tear your heart apart and then put it all back together again. Liam and Willow have suffered enormous traumas that would leave anyone willing to just give up, but following Liam and Willow’s resiliency, you will believe that the fight is worth it. Brave and captivating, I loved these characters. The storytelling was beautiful. I’m extremely impressed with Mel Verna’s debut novel. Definitely, a talented writer to watch! Brilliant!

[bron · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was so worried going into this when i realised how angsty it would be because i’ve dropped off that trope so much the past few weeks but mel just has a way of writing it in a way that drew me right in. the slow burn felt a little bit dragged on at some points but i honestly think the characters were written so well that it really saves it and makes it a minimal issue !!

i need wayyyy more secret baby book recs to read now bc i’m kinda obsessed now 🥲🥲

thank u mel for giving me the opportunity to read this arc! <3

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh my goodness, this book and Liam, Willow, and Dylan... 😭

I am normally not big on the ghosting trope or surprise children, but this was so well done and your heart hurts for both the MMC and FMC—especially Willow. Not only is she still coping with past trauma, but she is also a single mom, a first-year college student, and has a job. The way she and Dylan loved one another was the absolute sweetest, and I also loved watching Dylan form a bond with Liam.

I enjoyed how the flashbacks were written into the chapters versus going back and forth from past to present. I think it made them feel a bit more genuine and really brought the angst in certain situations. The book felt the slightest bit rushed at the end, but it also meant there wasn't a third-act breakup (which my heart wouldn't have been able to handle). There *is* late drama, but the MCs are safe.

Tropes:
Second Chance
Single Mom
Childhood Best Friends
Found Family(ish)
Dual POV
Slow Burn

Trigger Warnings:
Anxiety/Panic Attacks
SA/Rape
PTSD
Substance Abuse

[Sydnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an emotional read🥺 I was hooked from the very beginning

If you are looking for something to tear your heart out & emotionally wreck you, try this (just be sure to check the TWs)

I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything lol, but Liam is a pretty amazing MMC. He is struggling to understand why she had to leave him & that moment when all of the pieces fell into place was so so tense & tear jerking.

Willow is a character that my heart breaks for. She’s so strong & such a good mom. I really loved that this book also focused a good bit on Dylan & his relationship with Willow. Sometimes with single parent books the child gets glossed over but I think this was very well done🫶🏼

[Jessie Vereecken · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TROPES
↬ Second chance
↬ Childhood friends
↬ Single mom
↬ Really angsty
↬ Past trauma

“Every time we’re together, all I want to do is touch you, hold onto you, and never let go. Every time I go, I’m afraid you won’t be here when I come back.”

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster. I have to start with giving some major love to Mel Veran for writing such an emotional book with so much angst. The childhood best friends to strangers is always heartbreaking but learning the reason made it worse. I just wanted to give both Willow and Liam a big hug because they deserve it.🥺

When they eventually meet again it was so sad. You could feel that there was still some love left and they definitely felt like soulmates who found their way back to each other, but at the same time there was so much to talk about.

I would definitely recommend this book, but be sure to check trigger warning because there is mention of abortion, anxiety, depression, loss of a loved one, discussions of suicide, discussions of rape, and addiction.

A massive congrats to Mel Ervan for writing such an amazing debut novel. 🤍

[Kelley wellmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not crying, you’re crying! Omg what an amazing and emotional rollercoaster of a novel! The struggle and strength willow has endured and overcome is such a beautiful story! The fight willow must endure to make her way back to Liam is like no other. Overcoming and surviving SA and finding her voice again. Creating friendships and second chance romance! This is a must read! Slow burn, low spice. Check your TW! I received this book as an arc for an honest review

[Rusul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book
I enjoyed reading it alot

[Fizza Bukhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book with lots and lots of emotions . Such a sensitive ride . It gave me goosebumps all over again though I have read it before on wattpad and Inkitt but reading it again felt like home . I love every character and sensitivity of every character. I love how Liam is soooooo supportive and so loving . In love with this book

[almeida; · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m not crying oKaY??? THISSS THISSS BOOK AAAAAAAAA 5 stars? NOOO 10? NO 1,000 stars!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's was a lot of pain like my anxiety levels were higher than the sky. Poor Willow and hay una cosa que me gustaría que la autora hubiera dicho de una forma más clara y lo de la prueba de paternidad. Apart from that I like it and Dylan is super witty and cute

[Nicole Hupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re wanting an emotional heartfelt second chance, then this is a book you may really like. It is not very steamy but with the plot, it doesn’t and shouldn’t be overly steamy.

Willow at the age of 16 was dating and very much in love with her best friend Liam, who loved her right back . They were soulmates. Then one day Willow just up and disappeared. She left cause she had gotten r@ped. So a trigger is this past trauma. It is not discriptive and doesn’t go into detail. But we know enough to know where and who.

The reasons she left are extremely heartbreaking. Liam didn’t know why, just that the love of his life vanished into thin air. 7 years later he finds himself living and working in the same city Willow and her 6 year old son live.

I loved the way Mel wrote a realistic portrayal of a young woman who was a victim. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine. People make mistakes and do things. But for me what is important is if the character learns and grows. I feel both Willow and especially Liam did this. Willow grew stronger even with the odds stacked against her with her fears and triggers. Liam went from being scorned by the girl who left him at a time he needed her, to learning and dealing with learning why she left. He has guilt for being angry at her and for not being there for her. The happy ending will melt your heart


I read this book when it was on Wattpad and liked it. I wanted to re read it published and I just have to say the published re written version was so much better. The few things I would say I struggled with in tbe og version were changed for the better. There was a lot more added depth to the story and plot.

[cc23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

That hurt so much

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

she was cute. sad but cute

[Sara.Hopeful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Willow by Mel Veran is a Second Chance romance. FMC Willow had to grow up fast and learn to persevere no matter what life threw at her. After surviving a traumatic event in high school, she goes to live with her grandmother. Six years later, she has moved to a new town, is starting a new job and going back to school to get her college degree to be a teacher all while raising her son Dylan. Willow has finally started to get a routine down, when someone from her past appears and turns her life upside down. MMC Liam, didn't have the greatest family growing up. His older brother Mason hated his parents' expectations and was hell bent on proving he would find his own path without his family's money. The tension in the house was high and the only bright spot for Liam was Willow, until randomly one day in high school she didn't show up and dropped out of his life. His world fell apart that day, but somehow he managed to keep moving forward. Present day he is in medical school and is finally ready to try and open his heart to someone new, until he bumps into the last person he ever expects to see, Willow. There is so much Liam doesn't know and just the thought of trying to say the words out loud send Willow into a panic attack. Liam can't walk away this time until he knows what happened 6 years ago, especially once he sees Dylan. Can Willow overcome her fear and finally let Liam in and tell him everything? Will Liam be able to make Willow feel safe enough to confide in him so they can have a future? This second chance romance will have you feeling every emotion, while crying, laughing and loving (spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️) with these characters as you live their story with them. This is a definite must read to add to your reading list.

[Mimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes love is strong enough to overlook all of that and forgive.”

Thank you for providing an ARC of this wonderful book.

This was an incredibly sweet and enjoyable read. Fantastic job, Mel! It's the kind of book that can pull you out of a slump!

Willow is portrayed with such beauty, and her strength and resilience are truly astonishing. The emotional rollercoaster throughout the story felt authentic. The relationship between the female main character and male main character is incredibly well-crafted and written with depth. If you're a fan of second-chance romances, this is a must-read.

The book evokes deep emotions and presents a raw and beautiful narrative. However, before diving in, I recommend checking the trigger warnings as they mention: anxiety, panic attacks, mention of abortion, depression, loss of a loved one, discussions of suicide, discussions of rape, and addiction.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to read and review this captivating story.

[Dimitra e-reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Possible spoilers ahead"

“You’re too pretty to cry.”

This is how everything started. They where childhood best friends but "life" got in the way.

Liam was heartbroken because she left without even a goodbye (a reason). He was angry but never opened his heart to someone new but just when he decided to give himself a chance to move on, the past came back full force.

Once they meet again Willow & Liam try so hard not to remember their old feelings each one for their own reasons. But when fate "Moirai" have decided everything will fall to place like puzzle pieces.

I loved the characters so much. I loved how Mel shows their inner thoughts and struggling. This book has pain (check TW) but it also has so much love.

I adored little Dylan who is Willow's safe place/haven.

This book is so amazing!!!
(Can't wait for Dylan's!!!)


ARC - Honest review