Loving Liam

Cloverleaf #1

by Gloria Herrmann

Rachel Montgomery’s family doesn’t think she can change—but she’s going to prove them wrong…

What could be more out of character for overly-cautious Rachel than moving sight unseen to the small town of Birch Valley to become the principal of the town’s only elementary school? When she arrives late on her first day, she realizes no one was expecting her, leading to conflict with the staff—and particularly with one handsome, emerald-eyed fourth grade teacher.

Liam O’Brien’s life is simple and easygoing, just the way he likes it—until he shows up for school following the holiday break…

Not only is his new boss the rude woman who stole his parking spot, she’s highly motivated to switch things up in his very traditional school, and Liam is not a fan of change. His inexplicable attraction to the petite blonde complicates matters, as Rachel is adamant that she didn’t move all the way to Birch Valley to get involved in any kind of romance.

But as conflicts are resolved, family ties might draw Liam and Rachel together…

Rachel discovers Liam’s family is loving and supportive, particularly his mother Mary—unlike Rachel’s own mother. She bonds with his brothers and his sister Maggie, and it almost seems too good to be true.

Can they work through their differences and compromise enough to build a lasting relationship?

Or will Rachel be unable to let her guard down long enough to take a chance on…

Loving Liam

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Gloria Herrmann is a contemporary romance author originally from southern California who is now living in Washington with her family and pugs, Rizzo and Louie. Her stories are a reflection of the love she has for family, friends, culture, and real-life moments. Her debut novel, Loving Liam, the first book in The Cloverleaf Series was released in October of 2015, and three more titles from that series were released by Limitless Publishing. Gloria then wrote Single in Seattle, a steamy three-book contemporary series released by Totally Bound in 2017, and her first romantic suspense These Small Hours in 2021. She has several self-published titles available at amazon.com, including The Pass Through, which hit #1 in Native American Literature and Paranormal Romance. All of her books are available at amazon.com.

To find out more about her books and current projects, please visit the links below.

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/authorgloriaherrmann
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/authorgloriaherrmann
TIKTOK www.tiktok/@authorgloriaherrmann
TWITTER www.twitter.com/gloriaiswriting
AMAZON amazon.com/author/gloriaherrmann
BOOKBUB www.bookbub.com/authors/gloria-herrmann
GOODREADS www.goodreads.com/authorgloriaherrmann
LIMITLESS PUBLISHING www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/g...
TOTALLY BOUND PUBLISHING www.totallybound.com/author/gloria-he...

Reviews

[Jessica Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean romance with heart

Flirts who follow me will see a 4 *wink* read but take in mind this is a debut novel so I always take that into account when reviewing. Also, when I read the synopsis I was excited for a possible angst romance with some tug of war emotions, but this wasn't quite that. After reading the first chapter I knew I had to change my expectations and mind set.

What you do get is a super sweet, clean romance with a hallmark holiday movie feel to it. A detailed work that will paint a beautiful picture of a small town covered in snow. The characters aren't too deep. You will get a sense of who they are but not an I'm depth perception of how their minds work. In fact, I feel Rachel's mind consists mainly of her bestie Chelsea. She seems to not make a decision with out the help of her perky, promiscuous, and snarky friend from California. I think she would be a perfect fit for Daniel O'Brien, but that's getting ahead of myself. *wink* I did find myself drawn to the whole O'Brien family, especially Patrick. I claim him as a forever book boyfriend. Just sayin'

This is definitely a curl under the blanket kind of book. Get ready for some butterflies as well!! I love a blush read that just gives you those goosebumps while you involuntarily bite your lip in anticipation, and Loving Liam does just that. I can't wait for the next one!

4 *WINK* READ
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💝FREE on Amazon today (7/13/2018)!💝

[Carissa Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally read much romance, but I must admit...this book had me misty-eyed. Clean, contemporary romance with a good storyline, believable and lovable characters, and a great writing style. The author worked hard on this book and her efforts didn't go unnoticed by me. She spun the story in a way I really enjoyed and it kept me interested the whole way through. I'm excited to read the next book in the series!

[Monica P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the small town romance in books. Especially ones that seem straight out of a hallmark movie. It's books like these that make me want to move to a small town and really enjoy the connections that can be made with the community.
The characters were great, the bonds they all had were great and I can't wait to read more in this series. Reading books like these is always a nice change from the ones I usually read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Liam (Cloverleaf #1) Tales From Birch Valley is by author Gloria Herrmann.
Kindle edition: 252 pages
Published: October 1, 2015
Read: February 21, 2017
My Rating: 4
Cover: 5
Standalone with "HFN" ending; romance continues with each following book in series.
Series: Cloverleaf: #1 Loving Liam, #2 Maggie's Marriage, #3 Patrick's Promise, #4 Dating Daniel and coming soon #5 Chasing Chelsea.
POV: Told in 3rd person alternating perspectives from main and secondary characters.
Genres: Romance
*I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel via Gloria Herrmann.*

Liam and Rachel.....

This novel pulled at all my heart-strings. At the time of my writing Loving Liam's review, I admit to having just finished the series. (except for Chasing Chelsea which is coming soon) I was just so engrossed that I didn't want to stop reading until I was done with them all. That said, I realize I will have to be careful writing this review without giving too much away. You see, this book has a happy ending however Liam and Rachel's story will continue with each new book in the series. The continuation of their relationship will develop and grow over time. In fact, we will have written perspectives from several other characters as well.

Liam and Rachel's story was not a typical angsty romance with an HEA. There is more to their tale. After I reached about 25%, I realized this book was written differently than what I had expected. That is not a complaint. Liam and Rachel don't actually meet until around 30% in. Before that, we are given pictures into their current lives, the types of people they are, their families, and friends.

Liam and Rachel were opposites in many ways. And although there is chemistry and attraction between them, they did not get off to a good start. I would describe their relationship as love/hate.

Liam was a a great hero. He was family oriented, respectful, smart and morally strong. His values were impressive and we don't always read about guys like Liam. Of course he was gorgeous and sexy, too.

Rachel decided something was missing from her life so she wanted to make a change. She accepted a job as an elementary school principal in a small, picturesque Washington town. Rachel was thrilled with her new job. She wanted to make the school even better so she made some small changes. These changes didn't sit well with many of the teachers. Especially one fourth grade teacher in particular.

Liam is angry with the new principal. Who does she think she is to come in his school and try to change things? Rachel and Liam did not meet eye-to-eye and their personalities clashed repeatedly. However their shared anger only seemed to intensify and fuel the chemistry between them.

But of course as time goes by, their feelings for each other grow and change as well. But are they able to make a relationship work when there are significant issues between them? The most prominent being.....Rachel is Liam's boss.

Another factor I enjoyed in this book was Liam's family. They were perfect. Liam has two brothers, Patrick who is older and Daniel, his younger one. His sister Maggie is the youngest of the O'Brien siblings. There are nephews and a niece as well that add charm to the story. Liam's mother was the big-hearted and compassionate matriarch of the family. The entire O'Brien family was delightful and charming. I often found myself wishing I was invited to their traditional Sunday dinners..

This novel was sweet; a clean romance. I could actually see this charming family starring in their own Hallmark mini-series. You will enjoy seeing what comes next for them.

One more point I'd like to add was how picturesque the monologue was. It was very easy to tell by the attention to details given that Gloria Herrmann is a talented storyteller. I was able to see and feel and this made the story that much more enjoyable.

[Lynkon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet small town love story, be sure to pre-order this book! While you're at it, grab a cozy blanket, mug of hot chocolate and be prepared to do as the title says and start Loving Liam. The author paints such a beautiful picture of the small town Birch Valley with her exquisite details. The same passion is shown her in characters and you can't help but fall in love with Liam, his family and the new girl at work, Rachel. From California, she's not quite Liams type. With new ideas she presents at the small school he works at and a city girl flare about her, Liam still finds himself drawn to her.

Rachel, the new girl at Birch Valley Elementary, was looking to get away from the estranged relationships with her very wealthy parents back in California. First impressions aren't always what they should be, she finds Liam stubborn, stuck in his ways and incredibly sexy.

Relations form and Rachel finds herself bonding and connecting with Liam's family. But, will her family be supportive of her new small town life?

I'm already counting down the days till the second book <3

This book is open for pre-order and available as of October 13th!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a Feel Good Book. From the beginning, you are immersed in the cozy village of Birch Valley in Washington State as Rachel Montgomery, a native Californian, accepts a job as the town's elementary school principal. Rachel leaves behind a close friend but also parents who are distant and unsupportive. She also leaves behind a broken romance with a cheating doctor who her parents thought was perfect for her. Rachel's first encounters in her new home are not what she expects but when she meets fourth-grade teacher Liam O'brien, emotions she hadn't felt before begin to overwhelm her. Without giving away the rest of this sweet romance, a genre I usually don't read, I will say that the characters are delightfully portrayed and the romance is tender and touching. I also learned a lot about the scenery and wildlife of the northwest by reading this book, and it added to my enjoyment. I would highly recommend it and look forward to reading the rest of the Cloverleaf series.

[Kerry Richardson · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, no, no!!! This book has been a huge disappointment. I didn't feel any real chemistry between Liam and Rachel, they were very bland. The actual story ended up being about nothing, it went on and on and on and by the time I reached the end I was still none the wiser, all those words written and hours reading were for nothing. A complete and utter waste of time and I don't know if that was it for them or if the author plans on dragging out this non story for yet another book, if the latter is the case I will not be investing any more of my time on it. I definitely would not recommend this nor will I read this author again.

[Jessica Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I'm eager to see what book 2 holds and what a ending! This book shows that just because your background is full of elite doesn't make you too good for the regular Joe. I loved it. The push and pull and give and take was perfect. The story flowed beautifully and I really after reading that ending can't wait for the next installment!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloria is a phenomenal person and this is a reflection of her, I can tell!! Being introduced to Liam and his huge family, Rachel and her BFF Chelsea, was simply a honor! I am so glad I took this journey to meet them and follow them around so closely. I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of Liam's family a little better wile continuing this series.

[Leila Tualla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this book for awhile. And perhaps because it's been hotter than Hades outside, I particularly loved that I can escape to a dreamy winter wonderland. I've only read one other book of Gloria Herrnamm and I knew that this book would be just as descriptive and sound breathtaking. Much like her other book, it also showcases family dynamics. Rachel's family is cold, and almost calculating. Whereas, the O’Brien’s are loud, funny, supportive and very Irish. Rachel being the outsider doesn't take long to fit in with Liam's family. Or perhaps, because of her family issues, it's easy to see how she can fall just as hard for a wonderful family.
This is a perfect rainy day read. It moved the two together in a typical romantic fashion but it's not overtly cheesy and the characters were developed enough that we root for the happy ever after....and not just for these two but for the entire family.
Way to start a series, Gloria! I'm loving Liam and can't wait to see what happens next!!!!

[Lindsay Detwiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Loving Liam is about love, careers, and how sometimes the two can compete with each other. This book goes beyond your typical romance to cover themes of family, small town life, self-identity, and friendship.

Rachel is looking for a change in her life, so she leaves her big city life for small town life when she takes a new job as a principal at a small school. Liam, a fourth grade teacher there, is initially hesitant about the changes. He isn't trusting of this trendy woman from California. However, as Rachel assimilates into the town life and becomes friends with Liam's mother and sister, his views of the adorable blonde begin to change.

I really liked how the love between Liam and Rachel took a lot of time to build. It wasn't a straight, simple, cheesy path to love. The characters' hesitancy and struggles with the complexities of their situation add depth to the story line. I also loved Rachel's character. As a teacher, I felt like I could understand her character because of her career in education and the climate of the school. I really connected with her desire to find balance in her life and her courage to go after her dreams.

Liam was a very likable character. He wasn't the cliche character you typically see in a love story, which I appreciated greatly. I also loved reading about his interactions with his warm, intriguing family.

Herrmann's writing style has many strengths, adding to the story. Her ability to write realistic dialogue uplifts the themes and action in the story. I felt like I was listening in on the various conversations, and the dialogue really keeps the development of the various relationships and friendships in the novel flowing smoothly. I also though the pacing of the novel was spot on. There was a lot of development of the characters and nothing felt rushed. However, I never felt like it was moving too slowly either. It was a perfect pace and length. The ending also left me both satisfied and wanting more from the story.

The only thing I found disappointing was I would have liked to have seen more of the scenes where Rachel and Liam interact. I liked the hesitancy and confusion built into the story, but when they finally do spend time together, I wanted more of their conversations and interactions. I also thought the chapters could be more distinctively and purposefully separated. At times, I didn't feel like the chapter ending was as strong as it could have been.

Overall, Loving Liam is a sweet romance that will make you think about dreams, love, family, and how the three fit together. I look forward to reading more of Herrmann's work and more of Rachel and Liam. You will leave this book wishing you could live in Birch Valley, which I think speaks volumes about this author's talent as a writer.

[Jewel Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance to read under a blanket, with a hot tea or chocolate.
I loved how the author brings to life characters apparently perfect, but far from being that.
Rachel has a very rich family, money are not her problem. But when it comes to family relationships, her life is a complete mess. A father, a plastic surgeon, that judges people only on face-value, a mother busy to maintain high-society friendships and a brother far away building his own career. Her family does not understand why she wants to work in school and why she accepted a job opportunity as principal in the little school of Birch Valley, in a place so much different from California.
Rachel is a strong and determined woman, she knows what is valuable in her life: a good job she loves, her best friend Chelsea, find her true love. Money are not in the equation.
Liam is a teacher in the little school of Birch Valley. He is hot, sexy, sweet and he loves teaching to his little students and they adore him. Liam is a stubborn guy, with a big heart. Also his family seems to be perfect, the typical American happy family. His mother is always smiling, she’s sweet and caring. His father and grandpa are funny and wise. All that glitters ain't gold. His brother Patrick is a widower, left alone to grow up his twin boys only three years old. His sister Meggie lives in Seattle and is facing a very rough moment in her marriage.
When Rachel and Liam met, the chemistry is undeniable. What you expected to explode in a relationship is complicated by conflicts and fears. Rachel thinks too much, and sometimes it seems that there is more action and dialogue between her and her best friend Chelsea than with Liam, and that her connection with Liam’s family seems deeper than with him.
At some point I hoped to turn the page and find something more physical between Rachel and Liam. I’ve turned the pages, I’ve waited… nothing, except one brief and not much detailed encounter. And this has not disappointed me because their love affair was following the natural flow of the story. At the end I think that a romantic love story can be narrated even without sex scenes.
The author is great to describe the town, the surrounding and people, with a lot of details, without being boring or redundant. I could figure Birch Valley, like looking at a photo or a painting. I love this kind of book, it reminds me to Susan Mallery “Fools Gold” or Debbie Macomber “Cedar Cove”, where the stories are set and unfold in small, brilliant, places full of life and people.
The Epilogue has left me with the curiosity to discover what will happen in the next book.
A relaxing and sweet reading, a good debut novel.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Liam by Gloria Herrmann

This is the first book in "The Cloverleaf" Series


Her family always think her weird for wanting to move away to a small town and to become, god forbid!!! The head of the high school. What with her upbringing and money, she should be looking for more, wanting a rich husband and to constantly shop till she dropped...........

She wanted this new life for herself, wanted to become something more, she also wanted to feel like she belonged, was that so hard? Was it too much to ask for?

Then, the first day at the new school, she bumped into one man who shocked her to her core, even though she was adamant that she required no man, and wanted her career to come first, but there was something about him.

Alone,, and lonely, would she regret her decision to move away?

Would the mystery man stay in her thoughts?

Would she find the friends, family and belonging she desperately wanted?

Well, I was pleasantly surprised with this first book in the series. Filled with lots of laughs as well as love, hurt and lust.

I am a sucker for the independent female stories, especially since there is usually some underlying hurt and pain that made her that way to begin with!

I loved the other characters brought forward in this read, and can't wait to see what happens with their stories. I also love the loving mother, who has to interfere (In the best way possible as she can see the outcome already)!!

Great read, only slightly predictable in places, but does not disturb the reading. If you are a sucker for a good romance I highly recommend this series.

***** FIVE STARS *****

[Amelia Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loving Liam” is a wonderful romance story. It held my interest right from the beginning. It is about Rachel Montgomery, a teacher making a complete change in her life. She moves from a warm large beach city in California to a small town with cold snowy winters in the North West. She will be bringing her own ideas as the new principal. It is a hard sell to the other teachers of this small town. One teacher in particular, Liam O’Brien isn’t happy about the new changes. How will Rachel adjust to the new people and cold weather? I love the description of the town and the surrounding beautiful countryside. She describes everything so you can picture people, situations and surroundings. There are so many interesting people in the O’Brien family. I especially love how it is a continuing story. It reminds me when I started to read the Debbie Macomber “Cedar Cove” books. I can’t wait to read the second novel to find out what happens to the members of the O’Brien family and other characters.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you will Love Liam as much as I did. He is such a sweet guy but can be stubborn and bullheaded too. Especially when he ends up with a new boss from California by the name of Rachael. Who is beautiful and steals his parking place not once but twice. Liam doesn't like the ideas she is trying to bring to his school where he is a fourth grade teacher and she is the new Principle. Sparks fly and emotions get caught up in the play for power. She is determined to change his mind about the tests and in doing so finds herself falling for him, something she knows can never work. All of the supporting characters bring the story to life. I love the O'Brien family and Patrick sounds like my kinda guy! I think that the author did a wonderful job of fleshing out all the characters and bringing them all to life. I know that now I want to visit Birch Valley and meet everyone in person. I feel like I know them and that I would like them all.

[Kat Loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What a story!!! But the ending was not very nice. I mean seriously! The cliff hanger that I've been left with is going to bug me until I read the next book.

This is a beautifully written love story that will really capture your heart. Be prepared to add Liam to your book boyfriend list oh and possibly his two brothers as well :)

This story is about a small town boy and a big city girl who have undeniable chemistry. Being a small town, it has that small town community feel about it that is foreign to Rachel and she isn't really sure what to expect but is pleasantly surprised to discover how friendly and welcoming everyone is. She also doesn't expect the attraction she feels for Liam.

Liam is very set in his ways. He loves his job and the kids all love him. He really is a wonderful teacher and strongly dislikes change so when a new principal shows up looking to change things he is far from impressed but in order to win her heart he knows he must compromise.

[Sinful Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with this . First off this is for all 3 books. This was a wonderful , sweet, heartfelt series. I had my ugly cry a few times. And when it was all over with I felt happy yet so sad they were all over with. Book one Liam/Rachel start if there story was great, I laughed more than I think I should . B/c Rachel and her parking spots kidnapping. Then we have Maggie/Michael now they are already married. But Michael has his sights on a different prize than Maggie. I felt connected to Maggie in more way than one. Then we have Patrick/Amber. Now this one was my ugly cry book. But it was just b/c of his love for his late wife and his adorable twins.

These are sweet romance, you know the kind of they kissed and then it is the next morning. And really that was what these books needed. Because of the story behind them is so emotional, and heart warming sex isn't needed.

Congrats Gloria you have a set of real winners here!!

Reviewed by JustaBooklovinJunkie

☼ARC Review☼

[Rebecca Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me right from the start. Firstly Liam's family - they are the family everyone dreams of having around the holidays, fun, supportive and a little crazy despite the ups and downs they all go through. Mary, Liam's mother to me was one of the warmest, most down to earth meddlesome characters I've encountered in a long time and most of the book all I could think about was her banana walnut muffins!!

The rocky relationship between Liam and Rachel is fraught with angst as they struggle to balance what they believe is right and the ever increasing chemistry.

A feel good book that would go perfectly with a hot chocolate and a wet winter day... I can't wait to meet the rest of the family!

[Badass Betties · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for Loving Liam By Gloria Herrmann...
Rachael and Liam's story is a very sweet one. A elementary school principal and a fourth grade teacher. Their relationship is a struggle at first trying to learn to balance a personal as well as professional relationship. But in the end they seem to find their balance more. A solid book. I would have liked it to get a little farther in their story before ending the book. It ends very abruptly, Im not a big fan of that. Otherwise a good read. 3.5 stars

[Haley Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Liam is a pleasurable clean romance read about a small town elementary school teacher and a big city principal. Birch Valley is a place where family values are penultimate and people are always there to remind you what really counts. Liam and Rachel's chemistry is electric and you can feel the sparks flying before they even realize it themselves. The setting of the book is charming and the characters are rounded out and 3D. It moves a little slowly, but if you're cuddled up by the fireside on a cold, snowy day with nowhere to go, this is the perfect holiday read.

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam O'Brian is awesome.....I am totally crushing on him.
Rachel Montgomery could have been a real spoiled rich bitch, but she wasn't. I loved everything about her. Her parents had their noses high in the air, but not Rachel. She was so down to earth, that I could see myself being friends.
Liam is some kind of wonderful. Even with Meagan coming on o him like a tornado he was a gentleman. Even when she didn't deserve it.

[Gabriela Cabezut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book itself is absolutely great. You fall in love with the O'Brien family (and I think I gained a pound or two just by imagining all their delicious meals) and it's a great introduction book. By the end of the book, you are familiar with every character and know so much about them.
But thats it's also the downfall, too. You read so much about everyone and I would have liked to read more about Liam and Rachel.
Good thing there's a second book coming out soon!!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay for a Freebie

I'm definitely glad I didn't pay for this one. The story was okay at best. The primary characters, Rachel and Liam, were well-developed as were the supporting characters. I actually really liked the O'Brien family and would be interested in reading Maggie's story if I liked the writing better. I found it so odd that 75% of the story was the two main characters living their separate lives. Overall not necessarily a bad book, it just didn't do it for me.

[Gen Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the down to earth feel and contemporary romance. I enjoyed the O'Brien family so much especially Mary. She was so incredibly sweet and loved her family so much.

The book had a real feel to it. There wasn't anything unrealistic about the romance or family..it was all "real life'.

The writing was great and the images created in my mind made me want to visit Birch Valley!

[Pilotgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet small town romantic story. I love it because it reminds me so much of my hometown. The author paints a charming story that kept me engaged until the end. I loved the tension between characters. I can't wait for the next one.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Liam is a sweet heart warming romantic story.
Small town life, friendships and love bring this story together to make it complete loved reading Rachel and Liams story and cant wait for more from The Cloverleaf Series x

[Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Love Story. Both Liam and Rachel try to deny their attraction for one another. Even though everyone around them can sense it. Work and Love should not intermingle but when sparks fly....
Ms. Hermann really outdid herself with this story. This is first in a four part series.

[Lady Living In Bookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come ASAP!

[Wendy Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book was a lovely romance story with a few problems thrown in .Cant wait to read book 2 would highly recommend to anyone