Loving Liam

Reason to Ruin #3

by Anna Brooks

I might have been the woman he loved, but music was my husband’s mistress, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t compete. The beautiful bitch always won, and I was sick of losing.

With him back on the road, I once again had to share him with the world. In my loneliness, I realized that the wounds of our past had never fully healed, and they likely never would. And when those scars were ripped wide open, Liam wasn’t there to put me back together… but somebody else was.

Genres: Romance

281 pages, ebook

First published January 21, 2021

About the author

Be sure to follow me on Bookbub for sales and new release alerts! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...



The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.

Reviews

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I said this before that I am not so much a rocker romance fan, but I really enjoyed this one.

Liam is the Drummer for Reason to Ruin and he and Meara were childhood sweethearts and now they are married and have a little girl. Liam has been home for the last couple of years but now he has been asked to go on tour with the band. And this is not an easy decision cause now he is married and he has a family. But Meara also knows how much he loves music and she knows she cant force him to stay it’s a decision he will have to make on his own. But will what they have be able to overcome life on the road, will they still have their family together or will Liam be lured back to being on the road with his band?

As this was the first book I read, it wasn’t too bad to pick up what happened before, but I also feel like I want to go back and see how they started out. Definitely lots of ups and downs in this one. And I was really anxious as I actually didn’t know what was going to happen, but definitely good that I want to go read the previous stories ♥😊

Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everlasting Love?!

Is that even something you can have when it comes to rock stars…everlasting love? In Liam and Meara’s world they have been together since they were kids and they never veered from one another. They also have a beautiful little girl Melody to show for it. After being away from his band for five years it’s time for the drummer to go back out on the road but with the understanding that it would be for short periods of time. Now when Liam leaves he leaves behind his wife but also this daddy’s little girl.

Liam has also dealt with so much more in his life from drug and alcohol addiction to losing a baby due to a miscarriage. Just how strong is Liam and will he be able to keep his stuff together so that he doesn’t lose what’s most important to him. Meara knows that Liam was made for the rock star world he loves so all she can do is support him and keep things running at home.

This book was full of angst, love and heart wrenching heartbreak. For me this was a book that I couldn’t put down and one that I felt fully invested in. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series. I have just found myself a new rock star romance author.

[lovelyq_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn’t really enjoy this book
definitely not the best one out of the series

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited for the continuation of this series! After reading the first two books in this series I definitely got attached to this band and the members that make the group up, and while Liam and Meara were already an established couple, you could definitely tell there was a lot to their past and even more when Liam left the band. Years later, Liam realizes that while he’s happy with the life he’s built with Meara and their daughter, he also yearns to return to the stage and decides he wants to take the chance to return to the band. We start to see where the cracks return in their relationship and find that although they thought they had moved past all that, the same problems and feelings remain from before. Meara really struggles with the transition and life at home alone with their daughter, and we even see their daughter act out as a way to cope with the change as well. I found myself really guessing throughout the entire book on if Liam and Meara would continue to stay married or if they would break up, and the ending of this book had me pleasantly surprised. One note for this book is that I would definitely go back and read Liam and Meara’s first/original book where readers not only get to know the characters but also experience what they had went through in the past. It is something that I did not do and while this can be read without reading I believe it would make the reading experience better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Three Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by Lisa Kane

I loved Liam and Meara in Prove Me Right and Loving Liam does not disappoint! Back on the road after 5 years, it's not just Meara Liam is leaving behind, it's his little girl Melody (love that name!)
The strain on both of them may prove to be too much for their marriage.

Meara is running Kelly's pub, her business and she pours every ounce of her sweat and tears into keeping it a success. Being a single mom when Liam is on the road is tough as Melody is having tantrums due to Liam's absence. Liam loves performing with his band mates, but the every day gruel and isolation is bringing him down. If you've read Prove Me Right you will remember he is a full blown recovering addict and is alway one shot away from falling off the wagon.

Loving Liam has lots of steam, but there are lots of heartbreaking moments. Throw in a single, gorgeous bodyguard who may be a little sweet on Meara and the jealousy factor is off the charts. Marriage is hard and nothing comes easy. That's the beauty of this story-it's real and messy and the reader is always reminded that riding off into the sunset without a care in the world is not realistic.

I loved revisited with Liam and Meara-there first book was an angst fest, and this is a great follow up!

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was the first book from this author that I have read... I am a sucker for Rockstar books.. they are one of my faves!! I absolutely LOVED Liam and Meara!!
Liam is the Drummer for Reason to Ruin.. and he and Meara have been in love since they were just teens.. now I do need to go back and read the first book that Liam and Meara are in.. or the begining of there story.. This picks up after Liam has been home for the last 5 or so years.. helping to raise there beautiful little girl Melody.. Liam has been asked if he would like to go back on tour with the band.. but things would be different.. he would be able to be home more often.. she knows music is his love.. and knowing what the touring caused last time.. with as much as she wants him to say she knows she cant force him to stay..
This book is packed full of emotions.. the twist and turns.. the ups and downs of the Rockstar life..
Will Liam come home to Meara and Melody in one piece or the music take the man she loves.. again

Since this was my first book in this series I read.. I had to go out and get the first two in the series.. and I need to go get Liam and Meara's first book..

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam gave up his first love for his lifetime love and never had any regrets... that is until now. With an opening in the band he left a few years ago it's as if the road is calling his name again, and he can't seem to quiet it's voice. He knows leaving his family to play in the band again is going to disrupt the peaceful life they have built, but he also knows he doesn't want to let his band family down. He misses the shows, playing music, and doing what he was born to do. But it's tearing him up inside at the thought of leaving his girls behind. But Meara insists they will be fine, they will adjust to his absence, and be waiting for him to come back home.

But just as he settles into his new normal he starts to feel as though the choice he made wasn't the right one, things just aren't the same as before. The distance between him and his wife is ever growing and his daughter is struggling with his absence, everything is falling apart. And is he isn't so sure he can fix what he has broke this time around...

Loving Liam is an emotionally charged story about a couple that finds that absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder... it literally wrecks you! Liam's leaving only proves that what they had for the last few years wasn't as perfect as they thought. They put Band-Aids over gapping holes in their past and hoped it would fix the problems, and all it did is hold them together momentarily. As the divide grows between these two it's easy to see that they overlooked things in the past and jumped into a future they weren't quite ready for. They never gave themselves time to forgive and deal with the pain of the past. And now it is all coming to a head, not to mention pushing them farther apart. They thought they could handle this change to their lives, but it's clear to see it wasn't the best decision after all.

Watching these two struggle to find their way broke my heart, the past was smothering what was important and reeking havoc on their already fragile relationship. I often wondered if this would be it for them, if they could possibly recover from this, and truly be happy. It was a tall order for them, but they handled it the best they knew how, and survived... but not unscathed. After reading the synopsis I knew this one was going to be an emotional one, but I don't think I was as prepared as I thought... they had my heart in my throat and the tears welling more than a few times. This one really got to me, it rattled me to my core! I have truly loved meeting the characters in this series, they have given me many memorable literary moments to cherish, and I look forward to seeing more of them on the pages of the next installment. I highly recommend you get your hands on this series, it's characters and their beautifully penned stories will leave a mark on your heart!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 On the Road Again Stars!!! Sweet and passionate romance with so much heart!

Liam and Meara are childhood sweethearts and have been through a lot over the years. But through the tough patches, they have a beautiful little girl to show for it. Liam is the drummer for the band Reason to Ruin and he's been on hiatus for five years. But now it's time to head back out on the road. His life is different now and he's not sure if he's ready to leave his girls and spend life on the road again. Meara knows how much he loves his band, but she also knows this is his decision to make. While on the road in the past he battled drugs and alcohol, amongst other things and he wants to make sure he doesn't fall down those paths again.

This book is full of heat, heart, and angst. It's so beautifully put together and so well told. I love that this story starts out with the couple already together and not a huge build-up of them trying to be together. It was a breath of fresh air and I loved it! This is a great series, but this one has got to be my favorite of the series!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’ve really liked this series and I liked Liam and Meara all along. But what happens when the HEA isn’t so....happy? Or even ever after? Life has moved on, they appear happy, but so much is just waiting to tear them down and tear them apart. First, it’s the little things, which become bigger things, which then blow up as the BIG thing. And then what? Well, then they have to figure out how to move...forward, on, back, apart. Do they work ok their issues solo or as a team? Do they even have anything worth working out or trying to salvage. What’s the right path?

I adored this read because we saw the good, bad, and ugly of a marriage. It felt real. Any mother can tell you that she feels invisible and unloved or unwanted, so Meara was like looking in a mirror at some points. And Liam was like the husband who isn’t catching the clues, even when they’re written in Hollywood sign sized neon lights. This book proves that it’s not always about the fade-to-black HEA that we think we want. Sometimes, it’s about the gritty, raw emotions of how to KEEP that HEA or figure out how it can evolve over the years that we didn’t even know we need. And boy, did this book deliver spectacularly on that need.

[Bana · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me was good but not great, I mean Liam & Meara were childhood sweethearts and they got married, they have a daughter & he is a drummer in a rock band but he left the band to be with his wife and daughter, after 5 years he is back to be in the band again, which is his right because he loves music and Meara knows that but tries to make him stay, for me she was selfish in this situation because she would him stay to be with her but she wouldn’t let go working in the bar who she damn knows well her husband was a n addicted and alcoholic survivor! I mean yes it was hard he goes on the road and be surrounded by women fans but still she chose her job for not going on the road with him even for some times just to see what he is doing. And Liam blaming himself for being the reason Meara lost a baby before they have their daughter! Come on man what happened is in the past happened you need to let it go, he was afraid to turn to his own father, just this make a strong man collapses in fear. I saw the deep love between these two however there was so many holes in their relationship that let them to get to the point to get a part.
I just realized that Liam tried his best to be there for his family & be strong to protect them.
At the end It was good read and enjoyable.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam & Meara are married now, and they've been enjoying being together raising their 5 year old daughter when Liam gets the call to go on the road. See, he's a musician so it takes a portion of his heart, so he & Meara make a deal that he'll be home more often. However, things start to unravel as they kind of put a bandaid on things that needed healing so the marriage may or may not have been ready for him to go on the road but she loves him enough to not keep him from his other love. Communication starts taking a hit, so misunderstandings start chipping away at what foundation they do have so all of a sudden they need to decide if they're going to do the work or not. Loving Liam was an intense angst filled read that really had my emotions running amok because it just hit differently. It's very realistic because it takes work to keep a marriage going even for those who are home together all the time so I can't imagine how hard it would be to have a husband who is a rock star on the road. So buckle up & hit those one click buttons for an emotional ride! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[DaLynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOOOOOOOW JUST WOW!

This is my first read by Anna Brooks and holy shit do I have to go buy every other book of hers! I love an author who Intertwines the stories and the characters!

Ok. Hear me out. As a wife, I felt all the sides of this book! I felt the weight of what Meara was carrying and how she yearned for her husband to simply just be there. I feel the literal battle of Liam between his passion, his love and his addiction on a constant! They were two perfectly fitting puzzle pieces that had some wear and tear over the years and they just needed to find their way back. Meara did frustrate me a little caUe girl...how you don’t understand the way your husband feels about another man doing what he should be there to do AND with a pet name (whether it was a big deal or not).
To me? this book really was the perfect love story like, I ugly cried when they broke up and then my heart broke in crumbles of pieces when he relapsed and then pushed her away NO MATTER HOW GOOD HIS INTENTIONS WERE! Gah and then the s— just fo read it!!!!


Thank you Anna Brooks for thiiiiiiisssss

PS I HOPE I GET SOME OAKLEY AND LINCOLN CAUSE I NEED THAT LIKE YESTERDAY!

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG How much did I LOVE this latest in the Reason To Ruin series of stand alones?!? This was a love story not about falling in love and getting married, but STAYING in love WHILE you are married, and it was so real and refreshing and full of ALL the feels! The story doesn't always end after the wedding, love takes conscious effort, and Liam and Meara have to figure out if they still want what they thought they wanted and feel what they thought they felt even after changing and growing in different ways. Its a story that truly pulls at your heartstrings and the challenges these two have faced are enough for anyone to question the status quo. There is plenty of sizzle (Liam and Meara have never had a problem with their chemistry) and a lot of humor to break up the heavy parts with a lot of cuteness from Melody thrown in! Just so much is outstanding about this book, one of my top reads thus far this year, this author never disappoints but she hit it out of the park with this one, do yourself a favor and pick it up!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really taken by surprise while reading this book, and in a good way. It’s my first read by this author, and, when I volunteered to read it, I was under the impression that it’d be book one in a new series. Well, I guess I hadn’t been paying attention because not only it is book 3 in a series, but it is also book 2 for a couple in a different series by this author. So to say I was apprehensive about it is putting it mildly, especially seeing the warning at the beginning that said it is a stand-alone but to get the full experience you should read their first book first. I decided to risk it and just jump into this one just so I’d have something to complain about later haha But wow I was so wrong! Meara and Liam blew me away!!! I cannot vouch for their first book, but I can tell you that this one is just so perfectly written, I was so into it that I didn’t want it to end. It had such an intensity to it that I could not put it down. They got their HEA in their previous book, but life came back at them in this book, and it was such a treat witnessing all their struggles and tribulations, but, above all, their true love, the purest kind. Don’t be on the fence about it, read it 🖤

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading Loving Liam, I read Prove Me Right, which left this couple in a good place. Loving Liam begins about five years later. Liam is going back on the road with his band, Reason to Ruin. It isn't long before it begins to take a toll on Liam and Meara's marriage leaving both of them stressed, hurt, and angry. They are finally facing some unpleasant truths that neither wanted to admit to in the past. Angst and soul searching are in abundance in this book with both Liam and Meara contributing to the turmoil in their relationship.

This deeply emotional story made me want to weep for both of them. Their love for each other is never in question but their pain is heart-wrenching. Whether they can overcome their issues sometimes seems doubtful. I cared a lot about these characters and their story is very moving. The book can be read as a standalone but it is really only half the story. I highly recommend reading Prove Me Right first for a deeper understanding of these characters and their relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meghan901 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Loving Liam by Anna Brooks is the third book in the Reason to Ruin series and was so freakin’ amazing! I am so loving this series but I have to say that this story took me on one crazy emotional ride! The writing was fabulous as always and the characters stole my heart from the very first page. While Loving Liam can be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the others in the series as well.

Liam and Meara have been together forever. Meara has always had to share him with his fans, but for the past five years he’s been home. An opportunity arises for him to go back on the road and Meara hopes she can handle it once again. Will their marriage be able to withstand all that goes with being in a famous band?

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. My heart seriously broke for Meara and all that she had to endure. This story is not only about love-it’s about what it takes to stay in love. Highly recommend reading it!

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Liam is book 3 in the Reason to Ruin series, this one I was looking forward to but dreading at the same time, I knew what Liam and Meara had gone through in her book and just wanted them to be finally happy!

After being home for 5 years, Liam got the chance to go back on tour with the band, it was the hardest decision he had to make but Meara told him that if its what he wanted and needed to do it, she had done it before waiting for him, the only problem this time is their Daughter Melody.

There are so many emotions in this book, the heartache, loneliness, fear and joy, as the weeks go by its harder to cope for both of them, will it split them up or will their love be strong enough?

I love this series just need the last one now, once again Anna has written an amazing story!

[Lisa White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love stories like this one. What happens after the Happy Ever After!! I highly recommend you reading Prove Me Right in the It’s Kinda Personal Series, first if you didn’t already. But stress about this being book 3 of the Reason to Ruin series, this can be read as a standalone but you won’t want to, you’ll end up going back to read them all!!

This story picks up 5 years later for Liam and Meara. Life is good. But when Liam has the chance to go back in the road with his band, old wounds resurface and things start to fall apart.

This is life, up and down, communicating, love, family and friendships. And all that in between stuff that makes life interesting.

Brilliantly written. Moves at a nice pace. Dual point of views.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meara has loved Liam since she was a teenager and they have overcome some serious challenges in the past. She is happy with the life they have created with their daughter Melody however when he has the opportunity to return to the band, she knows that it is what he wants, and she will make it work at home.

Touring with the band in the past didn’t always have the best results but with a few modifications he believes that he and Meara can make it work. What neither of them had counted on was how difficult being apart would be or that the demons that played a part in the past could resurface.

This story takes us on an emotional journey as these compelling characters will have you empathizing with what they were both going through and determining if what they have if worth fighting for.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Meara’s story is not finished and now they may be facing their greatest challenge yet. Liam took time away from his band but years later a wife and child later he has decided it’s time to go back to doing what he loves. While they have a strong marriage, and a happy life can things stay the same or will they disintegrate under the pressures they are facing? While Liam is out touring with the band Meara is at home working and taking care of their daughter Melody, underneath all this she is trying hard to accept things the way they are but deep down she knows things are changing again. Can Meara handle all the pressure and can Liam handle being away from those he loves most? A very emotional and angsty read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam and Meara, where do I start. A love long to last, sacrifices were made, promises were made, the house, marriage, kids, all of it with no regrets. Meara didn’t want Liam to make choices for her, he had to be certain that he wanted the same thing she did, a life together. Five years later that life is evolving again, with Liam going back on the road, leaving Meara to raise their daughter and run her bar, all the old wounds are being ripped open again. Each struggling with how their lives are changing and not for the better at times, can these two find that magic spell to make everything right as rain again? Amazing read, this author really brought it this time with their story and knocked it out of the park.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and Liam who is the drummer for the band “Reason to Ruin” has been staying at home for the past 5-years, and when he gets the chance to tour with the band, he has to make a tough decision. Meara and Liam were childhood sweethearts who are now married with a little girl, and Meara supports Liam as she knows he misses the band, and she will keep their home running smoothly while he is away. Will the challenges they need to overcome be the end of their marriage? This is a beautifully written tale which is an emotional roller coaster throughout, as well as being a heartwrenching, and with angst, twists, and love. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did love Liam. I wasn't fond of Meara. It's been so long ago that I read their earlier book on their beginning but with this alone it was hard to love her for me. She's perfect for Liam and the book is pretty real with his addiction struggles. I guess I didn't like her owning a bar when he had alcohol issues. He was supportive of her independence but it must of been hard. My son bought a bar and his godfather couldn't come see it because he was recovering alcoholic. So pretty real.

So it's a long book that I skimmed through the chapters of Meara bs.

Not sure I liked Lincoln. He was a shit stirer.
He'll probably get his own book with as much as he was featured...and he was a hero.

Good read overall. Best in series.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional book. This chapter takes place five years after Liam and Meara have been married and as a rock star, Liam is going back on the road, leaving Meara and his fiver year old daughter behind. I loved the line where Liam compared their love to "the roots to our tree weren't planted as deeply as I thought, and like a dead branch amid a storm, we snapped". Lots of emotions when reading, each partner is trying to help the other cope by not telling them important information and that backfires all the time. Loved the tidbits for Lincoln, hope he gets his own story. Definitely recommend this story and series.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two were exhausting and emotionally draining, but I loved loved loved them! I have not read Liam and Meara's first book before this one and did not feel lost at all. I definitely want to go back and read though. Reading the first two books in this series had me already so curious about these two I wanted to get right to it. These two were sexy and hot and so frustrating!! They always seemed to be on the same page but weren't. They went in circles. The past haunted them both and new revelations uncovered. Once they finally got this stuff together I didnt want their story to end! I love all these characters and super excited for Dallas' book!!

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Liam is a continuation of the journey of Liam and Meara. This story at times had my heart lodged firmly in my throat as the cracks in what was supposed to be forever start to appear. Old issues start to rise to the surface causing drama and chaos to not only their hearts but to the stability of their relationship. Hard choices will be made and fears will need to be faced to have this couple either move forward together or apart. A truly captivating story in this series that had me on an emotional roller coaster and biting my nails unsure if this would give the HEA I needed and craved for Lee and Meara.

[Raelyn Tweedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Meera already get to share their story in Prove Me Right. When I was looking up the next book in the series I was devastated that they were getting another book which means that their HEA has a speed bump in it and it honestly devastated me to the point where I wanted to write the author and ask her why she would do such a thing... but you honestly just have to trust the process and just like in real life just because you get the guy doesn't mean that you get your HEA without some pain. Im happy to see that Meera is done hiding and will stand up for her feelings and is more looking at the big picture at then end. Such an amazing end to their story

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a roller coaster! Getting to read more about Liam and Meara was awesome. The story takes place 5 years after Liam decides to leave the band and stay home to help raise his daughter Melody. It's been a great 5 years, but Liam decides to go back on tour with the band. And that leaves Meara at home with their daughter. The story explores what happens to Liam when he's back on the road again and how Meara copes with her home life, Liam on the road and running her bar. Such a good story!

[Kim Brewing · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 3.75 stars
This book is about after they ride off into the sunset. Not everything is sunshine and unicorns. There is absolutely no doubt that these two love each others but they seem to have lost their way. They aren't sharing their thoughts, struggles and feelings.

I struggles to get into the story. I kept waiting for something big to happen. We all change as we grow and this is what happens to our couple. Are they still aligned or are they meant to go in different directions? Overall a good read, just not a favorite

[Lori Caprio Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching, soul spilling and angst ridden story of Liam and Maerda that will hold you hostage as you see if these two can hold onto their happily ever after or if sometimes they just are not meant to be together. Loved how much emotion Anna Brooks always puts into her books and this one is no different. She writes a story that I could not stop reading and I fell in love with the characters all over again. Five stars does not fit this book but it is as high as they will let me go.