Return To Us

Sand & Fog #6

by Susan Ward

Willow…

I’ve pretty much sworn off love and men. You would, too, if you had my lousy track record.
Before I started college, I fell in love with a sexy Brit. Only he forgot to tell me that he was a lying cheater and married. Got my heart broken good by him.
Then I tried marriage. He was a lying cheater as well, and now I’m divorced.
That’s proof enough I shouldn’t date.
So imagine my surprise when a gorgeous street musician shows up in front of the bar I own and I’m serenaded ten hours a day by a voice that makes my pulse race.
The next thing I know, I’m falling in love with him…
Eric…
I looked up Willow to make amends to her, and I fell fast and hard for her like I did the first time I met her.
The deeper I go with her, the harder it is to explain who I am and why I’m here.
This isn’t what I planned. But I can’t shut it down. I don’t want to.
Then family tragedy causes me to leave her unexpectedly again.
But make no mistake.
This time I'm not letting her go…

Willow & Eric’s story is a two-book miniseries. The books must be read in order to understand the
Part 1: Gone Guy Part 2: Return to Us

Genres: Romance

522 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 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

[Heidi (MinxyD14) · Rating 3 out of 5]

And I am out! Nothing left to give this motley crew of fools.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I did not think I could love one of Alan's kids more than I did him, but I was wrong. I loved Ethan so much and I felt like the family had done an injustice to him. After reading Eric's books, I feel even worse for him. Always the screw up, always the one to cause problems, but in real time, he was just messed up.

I loved how the story picked up while he was in recovery. Yes, I know it was wrong for him to be away from his child for so long, but he had to do this to be better for her and himself.
My only complaint would be that he should have come clean with Willow before he went any further with the relationship. Other than that, this book had all the feels to make anyone love Eric!! He was super swoon worthy. He changed so much, as did all the relationships with his family. I loved seeing the growth that he made and how close he and Ethan are. That twin bond is so good!!!

Now, I have to address the fact that I was completely devastated in this book. My heart broke into a million pieces. I am not doing spoilers, so if you are reading this, be prepared. This was another one of those moments that you know is inevitable, but it still does not make it any easier.

This epic series could go on forever and I would read everything again and again. Ms. Ward has done it again with another epic book. The kind of book that you don't want to read to fast, but can't help but devour!!!!! Excellent!!!

[Ana Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bawling

I am in love with Susan Ward's writing. I love all her interconnected books, from when Chrissie was a teen to now.

Eric... what a romantic. And Jack's letter! I've been crying for an hour straight.

**sigh**

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as slow as I could because I didn’t want it to end😩This second book gets +5 stars from me!!
Eric...could I be more in love with clean sober trying to make amends Eric....OMG I don’t know if I could, I fell passionately in love with him this book. Don’t get me wrong, I did like him in the first book, he was cocky arrogant charismatic and he really drew you in BUT in this book we get to see the real him, the one that is not dependent on drugs and not using his wealth to get him where he needs to be in the world! The contrast was brilliant to read! I love the love he found for his family, not that he didn’t always love them but I think things just became so much clearer to him during his recovery. His relationship with Jack was so sweet and I thought from the beginning he reminded more of Jack than he did Alan, even though he does have a lot of his dads traits, he was so much like his grandpa.
Willow...FINALLY got some balls and was a bit stronger in this book and Gaaaaaah was it good to see! She was so precious!!! Ivy totally redeemed herself in my eyes and so did Jade! Loved them!
This book was one of my favorites out of this series. It really showed how forgiveness is so hard and love is so hard but you can’t waste your time thinking things aren’t gonna work out! You have to go for it! It’s a hard but anything worth having is hard right!
Excellent job on this book! Loved it!!!!!

[Joanne Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series completely envelops my soul!

What can I say other than this whole connected series is absolutely my Favorite of all time! I love this family as if they were mine. Eric's story truly captured my heart. I think he might be the favorite of the kids! If you haven't treated yourself to this series,you are doing yourself a true injustice! Love, completely raw and real, storylines that are believable, characters that steal your heart! It has EVERYTHING you could possibly want in a story! So well written and each book is a piece of their story! I can't wait for Khloe's story!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in and kept me entranced till the end. The feelings of love, hate, and pain coming out in waves making you want to cry while you read. This was such a beautiful book! I loved the characters' wholesomeness!

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional

This book made me happy, and very sad. I cried when Jack died. I have become emotionally attached to this family. I have enjoyed all the books but this one had so many layers. Definitely worth the read!

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuation in Willow and Eric's story, seven years after he walked away from her. Eric is out of rehab and is trying to make amends to those he hurt, with Willow being on the list. He has disguised with the hopes she can get to know him again before he tells her everything. Willow feels a strong attraction towards EJ and can't understand why. She has also started having having realistic dreams about Eric again and can't understand why. She thinks she leading on a homeless man, not knowing that it's really Eric. Eric's friend Hank keeps cautioning Eric about getting into a relationship before his year is up. A few days shy of his year, Eric gives in, thinking nothing can go wrong and starts a relationship without being completely honest with Willow. When she finds out the truth, she kicks him out. Eric is distraught but before he can really fix things, tragedy strikes his family and leaves. Torn between her life in Seattle and wanting to be in California with Eric, she makes a decision that will change her life forever. I really liked this book but the story didn't really go into what happened between Willow and her dad and what happened the first time Eric and Willow were together. These were the only things that I was disappointed about with this book.
I feel that there could be more to their story

[Susan Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello!

I'm blown away by all the love my newest book couple, Willow & Eric, are getting, and how so many are eager to know what happens next for these amazing star-crossed lovers. My excitement over my next release, Return To Us, is to the point I couldn’t resist sharing a sneak peek into their future. I've put up Eric & Willow’s Prequel for Return To Us. (Free Download>BookHip.com/HLFCNR )Now this is just a sneak peek, a taste of my hottest book couple yet to hold you over until Return to Us Releasing March 16th. And while I probably shouldn’t say it, you’re going to love Eric trying to win back Willow 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.

If you're one of my amazing readers who reads every book about the Parkers, please make sure you Preorder Return To Us now! For a limited time it’ll be 99cents, but I’m going to raise it to $2.99 March 1st. This book won’t be in KU—sorry lovelies, I love KU, too—but I’m taking a pause in adding my new titles to KU.

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

Peace, love, and happy reading,

Susan

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read Gone Guy first to fully understand this book as the story of Willow and Eric continues. Willow is struggling to keep the bar her dad left her afloat, but is determined. EJ sits outside her bar every day playing his guitar, singing, and taking donations. He is homeless and sleeps in a park with Hank who was in AA with him. EJ is Eric James and part of his recovery is to make amends to everyone he hurt while he was drinking and doing drugs. Willow and his brother are the last two people he needs to apologize to. He has never stopped loving Willow. He hasn’t figured how to go about apologizing to her. Especially as he still loves her and wants her back.

This book was so good! There are people who become supporters of EJ that you would never think it would happen. There is laughter and tears. Most of all there is so much love in this book, it made me feel good. I loved how Willow knew that EJ was Eric, but didn’t admit it until she was faced with that fact he was Eric. I can’t begin to explain how well written this book is and the emotions I went through reading it. The Manzone family is fascinating and a close knit family that I wish I was a part of. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[K Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s just like coming home!!!

I’m not sure I have the words to explain how much I loved this book. It had a different kind of angst and it was just right for where Willow and Eric are in their relationship. This is the perfect way to conclude many stories. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I side-eyed, but most importantly I was contented. Never have I felt more at peace with the Parker/Manzone’s while still begging for the beautiful Khloe’s story. Gosh, nobody does it quite like Susan Ward. Her writing is flawless and stories wrap you up in a web you don’t want to escape. I’ve been all in since the first book and will seriously morn after the last. These characters become so real and rich you never want to let them go. Kudos Ms. Ward on another truly amazing book.
I requested and received an arc copy of this book. I also purchased as I enjoyed it so much. This is my voluntary, true, and honest opinion.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! What can I say about this book. This book let me Speechless!! A MUST READ Book. I got that as an ARC. I Love this Book. This book left me Speechless on how to describe it. It was Great, Awesome, FANTASTIC and A MUST READ. I couldn't put it down. The first part( part1) was Great. But, this book (Part2) was Awesome and Fantastic. It, really left me Speechless on how to describe it.I Love it. I couldn't put it down. I was hurting so much, but I had to finish it. And I still wanted more. Eric and Willow is my second favorite couple in this series. Can't wait for his sister story. This series should in the movies. Ms. Ward you did it again. To me, this time you went over the top. Please keep it up. Please READ this BOOK. You will fall in Love with Susan Ward Work and this series. A MUST READ

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is EJ, or Eric, who Eric is a "has been rocker" who has spent the last 8-9 months travelling the Northwest since he got out of rehab. He ends up in Seattle where he has one of his biggest amends to do for Willow. She was the love of his life that he left over seven years ago. There is lots going on in this book, very emotional. It is the second of a duet for the fifth and sixth books of the San & Fog series. Eric has lots to make up for but he is willing to do the work. Will Willow be able to trust him? When she learns who he really is, will she be able to deal with the differences? She was devastated the last time he left her and doesn't think she could survive if it happens again. Will she take the risk? I enjoyed this book. Great characters and a storyline that keeps you reading. Enjoy!!

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pub owner Willow Birch isn't interested in dating due to her bad experiences with men but there's something about the sweet and gorgeous EJ that makes her melt. Singer Eric James Manzone is a recovering addict who ruined Willow's life 7 years ago. Eric has never stopped thinking about Willow and wants her back in his life. When Willow first met Eric, he had black hair and a sexy British accent. Willow doesn't recognise Eric now that his hair is its true golden blond shade, he has a beard and speaks with an American accent. Willow is fascinated with EJ and wants him in the worst possible way but happens when Willow finds out that EJ is really Eric, the bad boy who broke her heart 7 years ago?

Susan Ward delivers a sweet, angsty and steamy story that's an emotional rollercoaster

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Dorothy Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read! an emotional read for sure! Eric is back to make " amends " (#5 on hist list) to Willow! at times its hard to not yell at the book and Willow " how can you not see whats in front of eyes" LOL! but she has grown up since "Gone Guy" ! divorced and still trying to keep the bar(now hers) open! and Eric in recovery making his amends to everyone, is finally the man his father and family want him to be! I was on the "Edge of my seat" the whole time waiting for the " Big reveal"!this is a first for me, in that i never read books out of order! I've only read Books 5 & 6! though these 2 can be read together, there is 4 books before that I will definitely read to catch up with the rest of the family!before I move on to book #7!

[Terrib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and I am writing this review voluntarily! This is the continuation of Eric & Willow's love story! When we last read their story it was 7 years ago. They have been apart but they've never forgotten the time they shared. They are both divorced and Eric or EJ as Willow calls him, has gotten clean and sober. He has been in Seattle trying to get ready to make amends and tell Willow the whole truth. She sees him playing his guitar in front of her diner every morning. She has no idea who he is because he now looks like a vagrant! He starts befriending her and dating her before he finally lets her know that he is there for her and loves her. It is a great story and is much better if you read "Gone Guy" first! I look forward to the next chapter featuring his sister Khloe!

[Ann Meemken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had an amazing conclusion. I loved how Eric's journey made him a better man and helped make his relationships with his family stronger. Eric wants to be the man Willow deserves. I think that gave him the push he needed to make a better life for himself and his daughter.

Willow has went through a lot over the years but she must decide if Eric is worth the risk?

This story did have one quirk that gutted me. I totally understand the reason behind it but o my the tears gushed. I was totally not expecting that twist. It does help guide a few character's to the next phase of there life and for the next book. Khloe's story is next in this incredible series. I am excited to see what it has in store for us.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Susan Ward with the promise of an honest review.

I have loved the whole Sand and Fog series. I have been really looking forward to Eric and Willow's story. It was a good story with a strong storyline; however, I thought it was would be more emotional with Willow forgiving Eric as well as Eric constant struggle with addiction. I was looking for a bigger explanation of why Eric chose not to return to Santa Barbara after rehab. I was expecting more drama from Tara, Eric's ex-wife as well as from Willow's ex-husband. I loved Eric and Willow's story but I feel there could have been more depth to emotions.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful entry into a solid series, this story of love, overcoming difficulty and redemption is a true tearjerker. Eric and Willow are well worth it. We see their struggle, and bless Willow for her resilient heart and Eric for his determination. We go through some ups and downs for sure, but it's totally worth it. The author does a great job of drawing us in, even if this is being read as a standalone. I have to say that my experience was even richer thanks to having the other books as context support. Alone or together, these are romances not to be missed. A+++ This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part two of Willow and Eric’s story and I do recommending reading them in order. Willow is doing her best to keep the bar her father left her running. EJ is homeless and playing his guitar working his AA steps. He plays outside Willow’s bar and wants to make amends to Willow and her brother but doesn’t know how to do it, doesn’t even know if she realizes he is Eric. Will she forgive him and give him another chance or is it to late? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. The story is emotional and will tug at your heartstrings. I really liked it.

[annette k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic!!!

I was given this ARC as an honest read for an honest review. This is the final installment of the story of Eric and Willow. There love is epic!!
These two complex characters have been through emotional ups and downs, secrets, lies, love, and most of all forgiveness. You root for Eric and Willow. The story takes you back to Seattle where it all started and ends with i can't give that away! Read now to see if these two can find each other again, choose forgiveness and move on together.

[Ashley N Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Epic Parker/Manzone Love Story

Susan ward takes us on an amazing journey back to the world of Parker/Manzone! This book had all the feels! Eric is the rocker brother we had come to love to hate, but in this book you get to experience the redemption of Eric and the amazing man he is under all the layers. While I loved Eric and Willow together , Willow drove me crazy because she was so stubborn. Ultimately, I loved their love story back to them!

[Eurice (Boricuagal) Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a roller coaster of emotions. Eric was a complex but totally lovable, redeemable and sexy as hell man. His journey was beautifully draining. Willow went through so much in the years following the prior book but her heart is still so forgiving. I was enthralled from the first page and so excited they got their HEA.

“I Voluntarily Received and Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book”

[Sharon Moehlmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! Susan Ward has done an outstanding job with continuing this family’s story. This is the 2nd part to Eric & Willow’s story. The love, hate, anger, amends made. You will laugh, cry and get angry all at the same time. But to read about this family & each of the kids as they grow with their struggles & relationships is so fantastic. You won’t want to miss reading this. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Although I will be reading the others to get the full story. But this one is very emotional, heartbreaking, exciting, and so much more. Her life hasn't been all roses and wine. To be let down that much in love. And her first one finding out he was married. What a blow. Then to have him show up later in life. And to have so much happen while the second chance is going on. I recommend it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably fantastic second half to this duet. I loved the way it all came together, the ever present love and fear to lose someone you love so completely. I loved the characters, and seeing the other characters from the earlier books that I fell in love with also. Eric and Willow's story will stick with you. It's beautiful and touching. I can't wait to read the next book!! This series has been so amazing.

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

Fantastic conclusion to Eric and Willow's story which began in Gone Guy. I think Eric might be my second-favourite Manzone now, after his father. So many scenes made me smile, perhaps one of the best being when he takes Dean down a peg or two. A chapter near the end caused me to shed a tear, because this family and Ward's writing just own me. The teaser for Khloe's book looks a doozy - I cannot wait!

[Nancy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!!

I have read and loved every book in this series. This author has a unique ability to make a reader feel the emotions of her characters.
Having said all that, I do have one issue with this book. The author's use of the phrase "lift my nose" multiple times was very annoying. I think she just meant the character raised their head or face.

[Andrea Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing instalment in this fab series of books.
this is the second part of willow and Erics story.
I don't want to leave any spoilers, but yet another epic love story. ups and downs along the way.

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.