Return by Sea

Glacier Adventure #3

by Tracey Jerald

I lost my heart to a man who walked away without looking back. Over the years, I dealt with the hand life dealt me, slowly shutting down my soul. My heart, carefully protected by soft blankets, has been safely packed away.

Until now.

For twenty years, I’ve loved MMA fighter Nicholas Cain. He may be back but neither of us are the same people we were then. We’ve been polished, punished by life’s harshest seas.

My heart is torn between what was and what could be, but I can’t turn away. And despite everything, the choice to love him both thrills and terrifies me.

Just like my brother predicted it would years before it actually happened.

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2023

About the author

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Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” 
After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. 
When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. 
To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like angst? So much angst that you want to strangle the author and throw your kindle? Then Return by Sea is the book for you!! Nick and Maris have a long and complicated history. Their story will rake your emotions over the coals. Grab your box of Kleenex and settle in to devour this book. It is well worth it. I loved it.

[Danny Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely started out of order as this was marked as a standalone, but I wish I had read the previous books in the series. Definitely a sad story of miscommunication and stubbornness. Book starts out with a angsty prologue. Although not together they're very much in love. h and her older brother fly to Vegas on an invitation from H Nick. They meet after his MMA fight after he's just f***** a random in the locker room. The h being completely broken hearted flees. For 16 years! But there's a lot going on so I'd recommend to start from the first book. We fast forward to the present and her brother Jed is dead. In an apparent car accident along with his husband Dean. We the start with revelations and truths from the journals the h Maris finds of her brother Jed's and reads. It was sad... Knowing Jed and Dean have their own book, but are passed away here in the last book of the series. 😭 Definitely don't do what I did. Each book is a different couple, but the other characters will be mentioned throughout. New author to me and I'm not disappointed.

I wanted to mention maybe some might not like the H Nick. Not just from the prologue, but throughout. Though he is a strong ex MMA champion, on the inside he's very weak. Honestly, the saddest part of this book is knowing he's basically missed 16 year's of his friend's highs and lows. Not being fully present ever until the very end. I did struggle with him. Though I also struggled with Jed's memories knowing what he knew and could have made his friend's lives better, but didn't... But I guess it worked out in the end

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew going in I was in for a hell of a ride, and woah this one packed a punch. Tracey I'm still picking up the pieces of my pulverised heart. Yet again you have left me in a sea of emotions. I'm completely drained of all my tears and my soul is a wreck. Nick and Maris, two broken souls whose love shone bright in the darkness of the night needed each other to breathe. I thought I could handle anything after Return By Air and Return by Land but oh how very wrong I was. This was just Wow!!
Loved it, loved it loved it.
Another masterpiece of epic proportions.

[Dawn Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutted.... What did Author Tracey Jerald just do to me!?!
Tracey Jerald is the QUEEN of ugly snot crying books. I thought wow, she didn't get to me so badly with this one.... Until the ending...
I could NOT stop the tears through the last few chapters( epilogs) of this heartwarming book! So many tears though the letters and the event they appeared at- the kids I was watching( doing their virtual schooling) were like "Dawn are you okay?"
Seriously, I just knew Maris and Nick were going to have this story that was deep and raw and all consuming, their history and the path their lives took was not as I had expected- but not completely a surprise either. I just knew something in their past had brought the tension between them in the past couple books but I didn't expect it to be what it was.
I ABSOLUTELY loved their journey, their growth as individuals, and as a couple, and how they just fit!
I had so much excitement with the addition of both an amaryllis series character mentioned( briefly) and the huge roll of the other characters of this series! I am a HUGE fan of interconnecting secondary characters and Tracey does such an amazing job of telling the story of the current books hero and heroine while having so much interaction and story on the other characters! Being able to see the growth of characters stories already told is such a gift and almost necessary( for the reader's love of those characters). In this book those characters were just as involved as Maris and Nick, they all played huge rolls in making this story happen!
This book is definatly one of my top 5 reads this year!!!

[Tracey Jerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now LIVE!

Return by Sea:
🥊 a sports,
🥊 enemies to lovers,
🥊 emotionally-charged,
🥊 brother's best friend,
🥊 second chance romance.

One Click or read FREE in KU! https://geni.us/ReturnSea

[CK · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all- there wasn’t enough tissues for this incredible book! The story of maris and nick is epic- it sucks you in from the very start and talk about the cacophony of emotions! This is a masterpiece. Both in the telling of a lost family member but just with every poignant piece of their souls - as a reader I can literally see and feel each and every emotion- every giggle, angst and tears. Take your time with this book - you will want to savor every page of it!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this might be my favorite of the three in the series. Maris has been to hell and back throughout her life and in love with Nick for just as long. Tracey always does an amazing job of making the reader feel the emotions of her characters so grab your tissues with this one because oof, it packs a wallop. Getting to know more about Jed and Dean just cements their need for a novella (come on Tracey, you know you want to) and adds richness and depth to the back story for these characters.

The epilogue was much needed after I had a couple of unanswered questions from the story itself. Plus I always love a good look at the future of characters I've grown to love so much.

Family, especially found family, is written well as always by the author. Also, I love a good plot line where the alpha male realizes he may have been a dick and grovels. Love a good grovel. Sad to see the trilogy end but ready for the next adventure.

[zen_s · Rating 2 out of 5]

[1.5 star] book was okay but long-winded as usual... things that i was expecting more explanation wasn't there, like when the heroine was yelling at this guy in her bar that he attacked her and left her to die, like what's the story there? i was a little lost to be honest.

[Angie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so amazing about Tracey's writing. While describing it to my boyfriend I finally realized why. In a literary stance, her writing is so beautiful. It takes on such a deeper stance than what you think of as a romance novel. This particular series, there are so many parts that hit you in the gut too. From emotions to drama, it's the best kind of roller coaster. Tracey really knows how to play ball with your emotions and the amount of layers that these stories take on is magnificent.

I was not fully ready for this story. I could not wait to see where Maris and Nick took us, but I knew that would mean so much of Jed. Jed is someone who I wish I knew, AND HE ISN'T EVEN REAL! I cried many times throughout this book and for so many reasons. The emotional journey we are taken on really gives us ALLLLLL of the feels. There were equal parts happy, sappy and angry moments. I cried at every one. AND every moment that deeply involved Jed, I cried. What can I say, I'm a sap!

We learned so much about everyone in this book! Maris uncovers something special about Jed and learns so much. Finding these things out and seeing how things play out reallllly took us to a new level. Between Maris's past, the secrets between the friends and all of the other drama there were so many shell shock moments. And I love that we got to experience them now. I think that having read the previous two books, we really got to treasure everything in this book. There was the perfect amount of finality given to us in this book too. We know that these couples are living their best lives. Their best lives that Jed had hoped and wished for them.

Now back to Maris and Nick. Wooohhooooo these two!! They were spicy, hot hot hot hot!!! But in more ways than just sexy. I loved the banter between these two and the banter about them involving the friends. We got so many awesome moments from the Jack's ladies in this book, way more than before, and of course we got the perfect amount of the Jack's. I loved seeing them all come together to band together and help Maris and Nick. Mostly, Maris, but in the end they really pulled it in for Nick too. These two, just like the others, have so much history. But, these two, a little more than the others, truly needed their time apart. Both Maris and Nick had a lot of growing up to do and a lot of soul searching. For so long neither of them knew who each other was. That isn't a great way to start a relationship.

Before I say to much, I 100% want you to read this book. To read everything Tracey has ever written. I sat down to read this book and DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT WAS DONE! It was so captivating and so perfect. I couldn't have asked for more!

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracey Jerald is truly a one of a kind author that slays the Romance World with her one of a kind talent and that continued on and into Return By Sea. I know I say this every single time I leave a review for one of her books, but her books are so life-like, so through and through, that they are guaranteed to leave an imprint on you some where.

Jerald thoroughly plotted out Return By Sea with an in-depth look into not only one life, but many more. This whole entire series is based on a group of people so tightly woven together, and I love how this author showcases each of them in every new book released in this series. These people, these characters (past and present), are bound by an eternity of love and loss.

Return By Sea evolved with the critical thinking of inside and outside the box. The emotions, and the harsh realities of life were so relatable. I found myself with tears streaming down my face because again, this authors storytelling is on a whole new level. I felt Nick and Maris' emotions as if they were my own. I felt, and I felt, and I felt, until I felt like I couldn't feel no more. This author wrecked me, and then patched me up, as a doctor would.

Tracey Jerald is a huge reason why I continue to read, and read, and read. Through her words I have learned to value life more than I had. There is so many things that I have taken for granted, and this author shows me EVERY DANG TIME that it's the littlest things that make life what it is.

For anyone that needs a reality check, this series is your reality check. For anyone that needs a book that kicks you in the feels, Return By Sea is it. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!

[Jennifer Kreinbring · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Tracey can do no wrong with pulling on my heartstrings and making me feel ALL the feels with her stories! She sure stepped into the ring with this one and delivered one hell of a punch! From the snippets we got from Nick in RBA an RBL, it was no doubt we were in for a rollercoaster with Mr. Cain! Nick is a man with nothing yet, everything to lose. He has fought lots of battles but the one he needs to pull everything out for seems to be the one that's taking him down. We embark on his journey back to Maris, where secrets are revealed, cards laid on the table and limits are tested. But who will pay the ultimate price? Maris treads the waters after tragedy, heartbreak and finding her way back to true love. But the question remains, what type of love is she seeking to heal her wounded soul? she teeters on the edge of how to move on, who to forgive, how to seek forgiveness and how to make Nick see he's worth more than the man he sees himself as. With words of wisdom, heartache and love from her brother Maris and Nick clash together in a furious explosion and wade through the rubble back to each other. But will they come out unscathed? This story had me in tears, laughter and swooning for them to make it out. This is a stand alone but I recommend reading the first 2 installments of the series to really get the full force effect of these characters. Wonderful, heartfelt, raw and real writing bled onto the pages of this amazing story. It sucked me in from start to finish!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just so original when it comes to Tracey Jerald, and this series has been top notch. She intricately penned a series about a tight group of friends, and each story has a new couple but our secondaries play a prominent role. The angst levels are hard core as it's not just about not having your feelings reciprocated (though there's some of that in Return by Sea) but full on heartbreak & life's hits. Maris has had a thing for her brother's friend Nick, and would do anything for him. After promising not to lose touch with her, Nick has her come to a big fight of his but he shoots himself in the foot (and while I understand demons from the past, he still was so very stupid I could have throat punched him big time), and that's it for them talking for many years. By the time he comes face to face with her again & his other friends, it's been a long time and things that have changed so much. And every mention of Jed nearly brought me to my knees but the story just wouldn't' have been the same without his voice. I don't want to give anything else away, so to find out if these two finally figured out that they're perfect for each other, you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[AmyLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready with a full box of tissues for this one, because like all the rest of Tracey's books she will tear your heart out and make you bleed in the best ways of course, before mending it back together. I was sucked in from page one and could not put this book down till it was finished. Tracey's descriptions and attention to detail is so vivid and realistic you physically feel every single emotion and can picture the exact scene in your mind. I absolutely loved Maris and Nick's story. This was a story I was desperately waiting to get my hands on. I couldn't help but giggle at certain parts, then I was balling my eyes out at others. The angst and chemistry with these characters is off the charts hot. It kept me so captivated I didn't want their story to end. I absolutely adore the friendships all the characters of this series shared and I loved getting a little peak into all their lives. And the little snippets of Jed and Dean! My heart can't handle it. This was a perfect ending to a perfect series. I didn't want this book to end. I need more of my Nicky. This is a book you want to pick up and immerse yourself in.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return by Sea is finally Maris and Nick’s story. Like the first two books in this series we have another emotional second chance love story where they are separated for years. Both Nick and Maris had been in love with each other 20 years ago but after a devastating reunion Nick broke Maris’ heart. Now in the present, Nick is back where it all started and realizations are made on how much he has missed in everyone’s lives. Even though he has achieved so much in his life as a fighter, his feelings of unworthiness from his childhood definitely derailed a happily ever after with Maris. As for Maris, she has endured hit after hit but she still sees possibilities of gaining some form of happiness. She was reluctant to open her heart for Nick again, but the love they have for each other could not be denied.

Maris and Nick’s story was another wonderful read, my heart ached for everything they both went through. Maris’ brother, Jed’s death continues to touch everyones lives. I absolutely loved how his presence is felt throughout their story. Once again their road to a happily ever after is very bumpy but when they finally let themselves love and be loved, it was beautiful.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many hopes and dreams within grasp and then pulled away as if it is the ebb and flow of the waters edge. Nick and Maris have been on the slow burner for a long time but their time is now. Nick, the last Jack to get his happiness is the Jack of Hearts, but he has to find his worth before he can give his heart to Maris. Maris, so strong but is waiting for someone to share her dreams. With the support of the Jacks and their wives, both Nick and Maris find the strength within and with each other, to fight for their love.
This emotional journey gives us readers more Jed and Dean and insight into the Jacks and the sisterhood of the women and makes even the most battered heart swoon at the love beaming from this story. Tracey Jerald has once again written a story that tugs at my heart.

"Like the sea, you crashed into my life and me heart. When you leave, you'll drag my soul with you."~Maris.

"I will never stop trying to erase the years between us. Every Day. Every Minute."~ Nick

[Lilsizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Maris

First, wow! I've cried alot with these two. Getting to hear Maris talk about Jed and Dean, only solidifies - we need a story about Jed and Dean! On a different note. Nick and Maris endured alot of heartaches. Maris not be able to have what she wants. Nick, such a badass fighter, doesn't know how to fight for what he wants! Ugh - can I hopped the upside the head! They are both stubborn but softies. Their love is a love that can't be handled - it's too hot. They go thru so much with and without each other. Maris was so close to getting David - a big reminder of Jed. Broke her heart. This story and the ones before had me on the edge of my seat. Such beautiful memories of all of them together, including Jed and Dean. Even from beyond Jed still had a way of bringing them all together. ❤️ Thanks Tracey for keeping this interesting, intriguing and passionate.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return by Sea, the third book in Tracey Jerald’s Glacier Adventure Series, we finally get Maris and Nick’s story...and what a story it is! These two have been through the wringer both individually and as a couple. There’s no shortage of family, love, laughs, steam and of course, Tracey Jerald induced tears. This lady seriously needs to start her own tissue company so she can start selling tissues with her books...either that, or I need to invest in a waterproof case for my iPad.

The thing I love most about Tracey’s writing is that she always puts a bit of herself and her worldly adventures into her books. In doing that, she is able to draw a vivid picture for us, the readers, of the places she’s been that she is inserting into her fictional worlds. Way to go Tracey!! RbS is a K.O. for sure!!

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow. I knew this book was going to be wonderful and emotional and Tracey certainly delivered big time. I sat on this book for a couple of days as I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I wasn’t wrong. Maris and Nick were some kind of special. My heart broke many times for Maris but they are perfect for each other despite all heartache they both have experienced in life. This book will have you hooked from the start and oh my did I need time to process it afterwards as at times I couldn’t see the words because of the tears. I adore Tracey’s books but this one was extra special. I wish I could give her more than five stars. I received this book as an arc for my honest opinion but seriously you not only need to read this book but you need to read the entire series.

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, their friendships are so beautiful. I love how protective all of their friends are with Maris. Nick and Maris's story is not quite the second chance because even if they love each other, this is the first chance for them to act on their feelings. And Jed's meddling happens to success just when Maris gives up her hope and moves on to love someone else. I don't like what Nick did to Maris in the past even if they were not a couple back then but I think it made her becoming stronger. Their story has a lot of angst on Nick's past and it is emotional on Maris's part. I would say it is perfect but I sometime feel like I am missing something or how Maris can forgive Nick so easily... so even if I am glad that they all have their own happy ending, I decide to give it 4 stars.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return by Sea is book three in T. Jerald's Glacier Adventure Series.
Every book is about another couple and can easily be read as a stand-alone. For bets reading experience, yes - there are a few cross-overs, I recommend to read the books in order.
This is Maris and Nick's story. The Alaska bound bar owner and the MMA Champion who likes having wind under his wings..
Both share a past and their future is in the clouds. She holds a grudge against him, and he doesn't know how to act around her. A match made in heaven - not. But Jed, Maris's brother has a way to reunite his friends and family.
Return by Sea is a highly emotional read and I cried my fair amount of tears through the book.
It's an emotional slow burn, second chances romance that I greatly enjoyed reading.
5 Stars.

[Amy Judkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this is my first time reading Author Tracey Jerald, and I can promise it will not be the last! It actually gave me so many feels that my husband and son were laughing at me as I read it! I was talking back to the characters, crying, and the yelling at the Author! You want the feels? Are you bored with the "same old romance"? Then Return by Sea is the book for you!! Nick and Maris have a long and complicated history which I was concerned I might not be able to follow because I started here with #3 but that is not true at all. Totally worth it, and now I must go back and read the others because I loved this one so much. Make sure that you have your box of Kleenex and time to read uninterrupted because you will not want to put this one down!

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you have tissues, chocolate and maybe a wine or two as this book is going to take you on one heck of a rollercoaster ride with laughter, loss, anger, family bonds whether by blood or not, angst, a love that last through years of denial and two people who deserve to be loved they way they are meant to. This one hits you so much more than the others as we get to know Jed so very much more and you mourn the loss of him along with Maris all over again, while she finally starts to put her life together and then there is Nick who is like a tortured soul who doesn't think he deserves to be happy. I flove this series soo much and it is definitely one I will read again!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely conclusion to this series. Maris and Nick, tortured souls in different ways. Both searching for what they lost, what they need to feel complete. When all along, they just needed each other.. Brought together by Jed, her brother by blood, his by choice. Devastated by his death. And with the support of the Jacks and the women they love, they find everything they need.
This book had my heart hurting from the prologue. But as this author does, she told their story perfectly and managed to ease that hurt along the way.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5⭐️ read
Nick and Maris have a complicated history full of angst and heartbreak.
Nick believes he isn’t good enough to deserve Maris.
Maris just needing to know Nick loves her as much as she loves him.
Prepare the tissues. Jed being the coercive tissue between these two and having his journal entries preface the chapters was enough to pull on the heart strings.
This book was beautifully written and full of a cast of such strong characters we already know and love. (If you have read the rest of the series).
A definite must read.
I was given an ARC but voluntarily chose to review

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return by Sea is a beautifully written book by a talented storyteller. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Have you ever met someone early in life but things don’t work out at that time, come to find out you can’t get them off your mind? I must confess I have a secret crush on Nick now after reading this book. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys romance, steam and a bit of sadness.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story in this series.
Nick and Maris made me laugh and cry. And cry some more!
A book with two people in love with each other for years, and an overprotective brother who only wants the best for his baby sister.
This book was so well written and has strong characters.
Definitely recommend this series.

[Melanie Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp! As usual this author did not disappoint! I loved Nick and Maris's story. Now i will say this while you dont need to read the other books i feel like i should say the other characters and everything will make wayyyyy more sense if you read Return by Air and by Land before diving into Return by Sea. 😏 Also, you will possibly need tissues as well. I loved the niblets we got from Jed and about him and Dean. It was great. Of course i loved seeing past couples and the continuation of their stories thru Nick and Maris's book. I was so happy to see that they got their happy ending. It was truly perfect. I cried but it was so worth the tears.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this series. Want to start me crying, just mention Jedediah Smith's name. Talk about a main character who influenced the entire series from the grave, that was Jed. Maris and Nick's road to a HEA was angtsy, sexy, and sometimes very frustrating. Each had to learn to compromise, the hard way.

[Christina Rybka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Nick and Maris

Nick and Maris have secretly loved each other but both thought they weren’t good enough. Through the years they both have grown and matured and they meet back up. Can they be together and be a family ? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Love Nick and Maris and the whole crew. What a perfect ending.

[LaBlue]

NOTE TO SELF

20yr separation

I do not own this book.
I have not read this book

In my FB Betrayal book group recommended it for the MMC leaving the FMC for his career and returning after 20yrs.

I’m not interested in a couple with even five yr separation so this is not for me.

NO RATING - just avoiding it.