Gone Guy

Sand & Fog #5

by Susan Ward

What would you do if the perfect guy entered your life three times and each time you didn’t know it?

Willow…

The first time the man of my dreams entered my life he was a sexy Brit stranded in Seattle by his friends, who promised me everything and then broke my heart.

The second time he entered my life he was a sweet and tender street musician who woke up my broken heart and made my blood boil, but he left me yet again.

And the third time, he was a billionaire…

Eric…

I’m no Prince Charming. In fact, I used to be the love ’em and leave ’em type, and I’m pretty sure I’m exactly the kind of guy I wouldn't want my sisters to date.

But I’m trying to be a better man, and that means finding Willow. The girl I left behind and can’t forget.

A lot’s changed in the seven years since I broke her heart in an unspeakable way.

My life is about making amends to the people I’ve wronged. She’s the last one on my list.

If only I could tell her I was sorry and I wasn’t the same jerk I’d been. I’ve changed.

But not so much that I can’t see she’s a drop-dead gorgeous, sexy kitten I want as badly as I did the first time I saw her.

This isn’t what I planned. It’s complicated. I’m the guy who broke her heart seven years ago.

But make no mistake.

This time I’m making her mine…

Genres: Second Chance, Romance

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Award-Winning author Susan Ward is a #1 bestselling author of Rock Star Romance and New Adult Fiction. Known for complex, gritty, and unpredictable emotional reads, to the delight of her readers she is always expanding her fictional universe.

She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.

She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.

For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...

Reviews

[Susan Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello!

Well, all you readers crazy about the Parkers, demanding to know when Eric’s book Gone Guy will release have certainly upped the excitement for me to the point I couldn’t resist sharing Eric & Willow’s Prequel. (Free Download>BookHip.com/LQPLNK )Now this is just a sneak peek, a taste of my hottest book couple yet to hold you over until Gone Guy releases February 12, 2018. HAPPY DANCE!!! And while I probably shouldn’t say it, you’re going to love it as much as I loved writing it.

That Eric is a naughty bad boy, but in the sweetest way. How could he not be? He’s Alan’s son and we all love Alan!

Willow is just the match for him.

And these two. They are hot and fun. And since I’m writing over the holiday season Gone Guy is filled with heart-stopping romance, heart-warming feel good moments, a little bit of over-the-top because really this time of year we don’t need TOO MUCH of the real, plenty of laughs and steamy sex scenes, and, yes, because I’m still me, a large side of angst before we finish the road to HEA. And yes, Gone Guy, my book releasing February 12th will be a standalone with a HEA guaranteed to make you smile from ear to ear.

If you're one of my amazing readers who reads every book about the Parkers, please make sure you Preorder Gone Guy now! For a limited time it’ll be 99cents, but I’m going to raise it to $2.99 after New Year’s and $3.99 shortly after release. This book won’t be in KU—sorry dears, I love KU, too—but there’s some kind of issue with KU and until it’s resolved I’m taking a pause in adding my new titles to KU.

I hope you love the sneak peek into Willow and Eric available through book funnel.

Peace, love, and happy reading,

Susan

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so it’s rare that any book I read gets less than 5 stars and I really am giving this book more like 4 and 3/4 ⭐️. Firstly I was so confused by the prequel I read months back and then started this book. I would have rather just had it all together. I fucking despise Tara! I hope she takes a long jump off a very short pier!
In true Manzone form Eric is completely absorbed with himself and almost thinks he’s invincible. He is rude, arrogant and a real prick until he meets precious Willow. I loved her! My only problem with her is that she is slightly weak. I want her to stand up to the douchebags that have done her wrong. Seeing the interaction between the Manzone clan is such a joy because I’m a total Alan and Chrissie fan! They are a strong family and I feel like when Eric does get his shit together he is gonna be a fantastic man just like Alan and jack. I want to see Willow thrive and stop letting Jade walk all over her! I didn’t like Jade or Ivy...the latter had redeemed herself..jade not so much! I’m about to dive I to book 2 and I’m quite excited!!! I think Susan is an amazing author and I did love this book all in all.

[K Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrissie and Alan started my rockstar romance addiction. I can say without a doubt in my mind when starting anything by Susan Ward that I will not be disappointed and I wasn’t. She can craft a story that captures the heartbreak, highs, lows, and complex emotional angst of her characters. Eric is real and breaks our heart and works to piece it together with his own. Willow is beautiful and rich in emotional depth. Her turmoil is our own. I never want to leave the world of the Parker/Manzone family and you won’t either. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I definitely recommend this book and the whole series.

I requested and received an arc copy of this book. This is my voluntary, true, and honest opinion.

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start to Eric's story and how he met Willow. Quick read, it tells how they met the first time. The chemistry is strong from the beginning. Eric is in Seattle with his band trying to find a drummer to replace his twin Ethan. Not hearing anything he likes, he and the band head back to California when they stop at a bar. When sees Willow, he decides to pretend he is a British national. Willow falls for him right away but her sister and her best friend see right through his act and try to convince her to stay away. When his band leaves him behind, he realizes he doesn't have any money or any form of ID. The book ends leaving me wondering what happened to where he breaks her heart.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A STORY THAT YOU'LL READ AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!
A well written, easy to follow plot that will capture your attention from the beginning till the very last word. This read will keep you frozen to your seat because you won't be able to put it down. Some steamy scenes, with such enticing detail that you'll feel your witnessing it first hand. Susan did a remarkable job bringing this tale to life.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars - Susan Ward's continuation of the Manzone clan with son Eric has everything her books are known for. I love watching Eric's journey from a cocky "my dad is Alan Manzone" egotistical little shit to the cliched mess of a rock super star trying desperately right so many wrongs. Unfortunately one must wait for book 2 to see how it all turns out, good thing the wait is not long.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Parker/Manzone series is one of my favorites to re-read and Gone Guy is a perfect addition. So far, this is definitely my favorite in the series. I loved reading Eric and Willow's journey...even though Eric frustrated me at times. I can't wait for the next one!

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord why do you have to have a cliff hanger!!!! I can't wait to see the change that is coming! I love everything about these books!!!

[Ana Oh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sand and Fog

I am a hard-core Susan Ward fan. Unfortunately, this book doesn't capture my emotional interest as well as some of her past books. If the book was longer, I could have become more emotionally invested. The meticulous detail to setting wasn't really there, either. I am still really looking forward to the next book in the series. Maybe it will tie some things together.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Manzone is rock royalty and a recovering addict who's been in Seattle for 9 months after composing an amends list in rehab. Eric plays his guitar on the street because of Willow, the girl whose heart he broke 7 years ago. Willow Birch was working at her father's tavern Mel's when she met the hot but down on his luck Eric and started dating him. Willow thought Eric was the one but was devastated to learn the secret Eric had been hiding from her. Eric's life is a mess thanks to bad decisions but he wants to fix things. Eric loved Willow 7 years ago and now that he's seeing Willow every day, he's fallen in love with her again. Eric wants to tell Willow who he is and apologize, but it's obvious that Willow doesn't trust men after being hurt by Eric. How will Willow react when she finds out that the handsome guitarist she's been flirting with is the boy who lied to her and broke her heart 7 years ago? Note: This story ends on a cliff-hanger.

Susan Ward delivers an angsty, drama-filled and steamy story that will have you turning the pages non-stop until you reach the end. I can't wait to read Return to Us, the next book in the Sand & For series, to find out what happens to Eric and Willow.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

To borrow from the Bard, the course of true love never did run smooth. Such is the case for our latest Sand & Fog couple, Willow and Eric. I absolutely fell in love with these two. Willow is sweet, smart, sassy and kind, emphasis on kind. Too often, heroines are either bitchy to a fault or just plain doormats, but Willow is no push over. She sees the flaws in others, but chooses to concentrate on the good in them, instead. Eric definitely has his flaws, but there is a good heart and soul buried under that wannabe rock star/bad boy persona he has worked so hard to perfect. When the two meet, the chemistry is undeniable. As a reader, you want to see them come together and work things out, but there is so much standing in their way. Eric's got baggage, and it isn't just the carryon size. He's toting a steamer trunk full of stuff. His connection to Willow makes him want to be a better man, but can he finally rise to the occasion and be the man she has seen in him, all along?

I LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next installment in Willow and Eric's story.

I received an advance copy for my honest review.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Just one step at a time...until you are back again

I received an Advance Reader Copy for GONE GUY (Sand & Fog Series, Book #5) written by Susan Ward and voluntarily reviewed this book. Willow Birch was a girl who was pure of heart and little avarice, who certainly didn’t deserve the fallout wrought by her brief time with Eric Manzone. But at the same time, Eric had a mountain of issues left to work out back home in LA involving his famed family and band, which he was ill-equipped to solve, especially on his own. It was all just too much for him to handle, as much as Eric had meant well, but he was disillusioned in some actions and disgustingly well-informed in others, so he ends up making mistakes that may be deemed unforgivable. Eric saw what he could really have by spending time with Willow, without the mess of his family name muddying the waters and situation. But first, he had to get himself out of being ditched by his own band, and that meant leaving Willow as well as his secrets behind…

Looking forward to the second book in this miniseries and waiting for him to finish going through his self-imposed help program.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Susan Ward for my HONEST review.

Heart-wrenchingly Tragic! Can’t wait to see how their story ends

Having read Ethan’s story and thinking what a jerk Eric is to then get his side of the story and see that he was only doing what he thought was right to protect his family is just heartbreaking. Then there’s sweet Willow who loves those around her so much that she gives more then she gets, until Eric where we think maybe she has meet her prince. But knowing until the truth comes out about Eric there can be no happily ever after.

I kept reading each page waiting for the other shoe to drop and everything to go to hell. Susan did not disappoint! Having read the entire series with Allen & Chrissie, Jack & Linda and all their kids, I have loved getting to know them all and seeing how Eric is so much like his parents and the messed up/complicated ways they try to fix things and take care of those they love. They are truly human. I am dying to read the conclusion to Eric & Willow’s story...March 26th can’t come soon enough!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my first book of the Sand & Fog series. It does seem logical to have read the others to make this book make more sense. However, after reading a bit I got on track with what was going on and who each of the characters were. At first I did not care for Eric's ways but later he grew on me. He did not always make the right choices but deep down I think he knew better. Willow is an intelligent, capable person who cares deeply and gives people the benefit of the doubt. That makes her special. Eric's road was tumultuous as he had a lot of baggage. When Willow would interact with Eric she inevitably grew as a person. This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride. It takes you on the ups and downs of Eric's existence and through Willows self development. Can't wait for the next book to find out what happens to Willow and Eric. An excellent read. Highly recommend.

[Sharon Moehlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This is a continuing story of the Parker/Manzone families. This is about the other twin Ethan. He also follows in his dad’s footsteps in being in a band, messed up in drugs, too many women, etc. While dealing with stuff he tells no one about including his family he meets Willow & does something he never thought he’d be capable of doing - falling in love. However the lies back home catch up with him to her in Seattle & she shits him out of his life. Now 7 years later he stops at nothing to try to find her again to make it right. At least one of her friends from that time when they met that didn’t like him now understands what happened because they meet up in the same support group. She tries to tell him his best way to win her back. Can’t wait for the rest of the story to come out to see what happens.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Sand & Fog series. It is the first of two books with Eric and Willow's story. There is Eric, who is rock royalty and a recovering addict, he has been in Seattle for the last nine month's working through his list of those he needs to make amends that he created in rehab. Then there is Willow, who dated Eric seven year's before but had her heart broken by him. Due to the bad decisions Eric made, his life is a mess but he loved Willow seven year's ago and is falling in love with her again. Will the secret he has been keeping from her, destroy Willow again? Great start to this duet. The book ends in a cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next one. Good drama and character development. Book keeps you reading and waiting to learn what will happen.

I voluntarily wrote this review from an advanced reader's copy of this book.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Eric and Willow's story. Eric is a jerk at first that I was not rooting for, but as his story unravelled, I loved him. He has a great heart and just blocks it from every one. Slowly, Willow breaks through those barriers with her faith in him, and her open, no-nonsense, caring nature. Willow has been screwed over a lot, but she still holds on to her belief in love and good in people. These two have been through a lot and find hope in each other.

I loved the side characters. Every one of them had such great detail. I felt like I knew all of them and each different personality.

This book had a lot of love, heartache, loss, and secrets. I definitely recommend it. I can't wait to read the next installment. Will they find their way to a happy ending? I am rooting for them!

I recieved an ARC for my honest review

[Terrib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I received an ARC and I am giving a review voluntarily. Imagine a bit guy and his friends walk into your dad's bar. You have no idea who he is or who he is about to become. It starts off with Eric wanting to have a one night stand with Willow. No one ever says no to him but she isn't quite as easy! He is good with telling stories that she doesn't believe. What she doesn't know is due to circumstances Eric finds himself in that there is truth mixed in with the lies. He is stranded and she helps him figure out how to get home! They end up in a "relationship" where he promises to come back to her. He has finally met someone he wants to be with for more than sex. Unfortunately his past and real life change everything! For the next 7 years they live separate lives until he decides to try and get her back! I am excited to read the next book and I think you will be too!

[Ann Meemken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric is trying to become a better man. He is on his way, by working the steps of the program. He needs to make amends to those he has hurt in the past. It won't be easy and some will be complicated.

Willow is the woman that captured his heart and he can not forget about her. He broke her heart seven years ago but wants to make up for it now. Will she be able to forgive him and give him a second chance?

Willow is kind, loving and likes to see the good in people. Eric's character has grown so much throughout this story. He went from arrogant bad boy. He is now more relaxed and loving man. I loved reading about how they met and their history. It gives you some insight into how it affects the both of them. I am excited to read the conclusion of Eric and Willow's story. I must know how it will end!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book once I got into it. When I first started reading it, I thought what a jerk Eric is. Once I got into book, I felt like Willow and could see there was more to Eric than he showed the world. I felt that the way his father treated him as a child had something to do with how he acted. I felt so bad for him when he was trying to protect his twin brother and it blew up in his face and really messed up his life. Willow was such a good influence on Eric. I loved her character and wanted to tell her sister and best friend to lay off her and support her. I couldn’t stand Tara and what a manipulative witch she was. I am upset I have to wait for the next book to see how it ends. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Andrea (mrsaubergine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ethan’s book, his twin brother, Eric, was nothing but trouble – a drugged-out rock diva whom the family is forced to smuggle off to rehab. But this book shows Eric is far from the bad guy we might have believed. Gone Guy tells the story of his life seven years before the events in Ethan, just when his band is hitting the big time. He finds himself stranded in Seattle, and meets and falls in love with kind-hearted Willow, who takes him in. Things go horribly wrong and I felt so sorry for Eric by the end. It’s clear how his path to self-destruction came about, and there is a terrible villain in this book who I hope gets their comeuppance in the sequel.

[Scrap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this is the first book by this author I have read. But WOW, when I first started reading this story I truly could not stand Eric but the more I read the more I fell for him, his and Willow's story just shattered me. Yes this is a duet and I cannot wait to see if Eric will win back the love of his life. Willow was shattered by Eric and in those seven years apart things for her were not good at all but she is trying to heal. Will the homeless musician be the one to make that happen? I am so anxious to find out how Eric will make amends and if he and Ethan reconnect or not. This was a can't put down until the end book LOVED it

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC reader. This book was Awesome and Fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to each the Superbowl but, I got the ARC to read. I choose to read this book, I been waiting to read. I wasn't disappointed. There a part two to this book. But, after I read this book, I understand why. Willow and Eric are my second favorite couple. Number one is Alan and Christy. She couldn't put everything in one book to understand him. Eric is not a bad guy, like we thought in Ethan book. After you read this book you will see why. Susan Ward your books get better and better.T This is a Must Read. You will not be disappointed. You just want More

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC reader. This book was Awesome and Fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to each the Superbowl but, I got the ARC to read. I choose to read this book, I been waiting to read. I wasn't disappointed. There a part two to this book. But, after I read this book, I understand why. Willow and Eric are my second favorite couple. Number one is Alan and Christy. She couldn't put everything in one book to understand him. Eric is not a bad guy, like we thought in Ethan book. After you read this book you will see why. Susan Ward your books get better and better.T This is a Must Read. You will not be disappointed. You just want More

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always nice to take a chance at a new author and am glad that I got to read Gone Guy as it is a heart wrenching story of a misunderstood young man who believes his actions are for the greater good but the recipients of his actions do not believe the same and he is on a journey to make amends to all those that he messed up and the ultimate quest to win back his true love.

Susan takes us on a journey of Eric’s misadventures and you will not want to put down the book/kindle until you get to the end.

Very surprised to learn it’s a part of series as reading it I did not feel like I was missing any information. Brilliant read and cant wait for the next book in the series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Susan Ward for my HONEST review.

I love the Sand and Fog series. Eric and Willie's story is complicated. Eric is a complicated individual. We see Eric throughout the Parker series. You get the impression that he has a troubled soul that loved his family. He is conflicted and often misguided. Willow is like the light at the end of the tunnel for Eric. This book is like the back story of how Eric and Willie met. It answers question left over from Ethan. I cannot wait until the next book.

[Stephanie Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to say that this entire series is one of my favorites. That being said, I loved this book! This Parker/Manzone family saga book is about Eric and his journey. The story tells of what happened from Erics point of view with his family and how he met Willow. Susan Ward did an awesome job of telling this tale. In previous books, I didn't really like his character, but the way she told his story changed my mind!
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I can't wait until the next book comes out to see how his story ends!
I received a ARC of this book for my HONEST review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this series, I have read all of them and Susan doesn’t disappoint with the latest story. This is about Eric and his story.
I fell into the story from page 1 and was routing for Eric and felt his desperation. Can Willow be his savior, you will have to read on and see what happens. This is a story where emotions are experienced and I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. This is pure genius writing. Susan Ward knows how to keep you gripped from beginning to end. Warning the story ends and leaves you hanging and wanting more.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have read, but I wish it hadn't been. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story of Willow and Eric very much. I just think having the backstories of what happened previously could have helped me enjoy it even more. That’s on me though. Overall, I thought this was well written and held my interest. I am looking forward to reading the continuation in Return to Us.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great angst filled story in the continuation of the Manzone family saga. This book follows Eric, one of the twins. He is cocky and arrogant like his father, and his privileged lifestyle is causing him to repeat history. Great story that will keep you gripping your e-reader and hoping for a HEA. However, it's story doesn't end here. It's a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the rest!!! Luckily, it will be released soon!!