Pursuing Liam

Almost Perfect #4

by Lisa Lanay

She wants a baby, and she’ll get one—with or without a man…

Taryn has given up on the dating scene. Her veterinarian practice is successful, her biological clock is ticking, and it’s time to start a family. Enter Liam McGregor, hunky Chicago Firefighter and part-time mural artist. He’ll give her the baby she wants, no strings attached. It’s the perfect arrangement, until Taryn starts realizing she wants more than a baby: she wants Liam, too.

Between the two passions of his job and his art, Liam’s life is full and he knows exactly what he wants…until he offers to help the gorgeous, Taryn Williams. She’s nothing like he expected and everything he didn’t know he needed. Besides, it couldn’t hurt to have a sexy friends-with-benefits waiting for him at the end of a shift. Because that’s all Liam wants. That’s all he needs.

Isn’t it?
.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Romantic Comedy, Rom Com, Firefighters

Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2020

About the author

Lisa Lanay fell in love with romance novels in high school and after years of writing stories in her head, she decided to turn on the computer and bring them to life! Lisa loves to travel, has a passion for rescue dogs and preserving our beaches, and enjoys a great glass of white wine. Today, Lisa enjoys writing the Almost Perfect Series with lots of humor and of course handsome Heroes & strong, attractive Heroines, oh yeah, and a rescue dog or two! She is currently working on Book #6 Enticing Luke. To learn more about Lisa and her books, visit lisalanay.com

Reviews

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book. Taryn wants a baby badly. Things were set up but then fell through. Now Liam is willing to help. I was disappointed by the way Taryn acted towards the end. There was no need to be so petty towards Liam. Thankfully everything worked between them and they got their happy ending.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it was provided by the Hidden Gems ARC program. I enjoyed the story and characters and it might make me read other books by this author or in this series. This is a fun romantic comedy that had a good “meet-cute” and just went on from there. Liam and Taryn meet when she has looked for someone to paint a mural in her baby’s nursery, but when they meet Liam notices that she is not exactly showing. Turns out that Taryn is sick of waiting for the right man and has decided to adopt a baby.
When that does not work out, Liam offers to move from friend with benefits to sperm donor. Although Taryn hopes it could be more than that, Liam is set on having his freedom and not being tied down with a child. He is a firefighter and has been trying to move into mural artist full-time. As their relationship progresses, Liam begins to question his philosophy about freedom. We also meet his brothers and friends that make an interesting dynamic and other stories that might be of interest.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong people tend to have goals that fuel their drive to achieve the fullest expression of their dreams and aspirations. These goals spring from the heart. However, sometimes even the strongest discover what they believed they desired isn't what they truly need.

Taryn Williams is a strong woman and veterinarian with an ambition to become mom. A relationship is not in the cards, so marriage is currently not an option, and she's convinced that adoption is the answer to her goal. Liam McGregor, has Invicta Libertas, Latin translating to "Invincible Freedom", tattooed on his bicep as his motto for living life. He has the soul of an artist (which he is part-time), the courage of a hero (he's a fireman), and the fear that any deviation from his path will lead to the loss of his goal to become a full time artist. They meet and life will never be the same for either of them.

Laugh out loud funny, this book was a delight.

I received an advance copy, but the honest evaluation is my own.

[Lisa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book well enough. The book blurb intrigued me, because I have never read a storyline similar to this before.
Taryn is a 30 something veterinarian wanting a baby, and Liam is a firefighter/artist forever bachelor.
I was a little confused by Liam’s attitude throughout the book with a fear of commitment, but yet he was committed to Taryn.
And I didn’t particularly care for Taryn’s manipulation of Liam to admit his feelings.
It felt like they chased each other for many, many pages but there was no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a HEA, so I cannot give less than 4 stars. Plus, I do like this author’s writing style, so I will definitely give another of her books a try with a different storyline.

I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has some of my favourite things. A meet cute, dogs, humour, great supporting secondary characters, an alpha male who’s a little late to the love story and strong female character.

Taryn was in the process of adopting when the birth mother changed her mind. Heartbreaking for her, her new friend, Liam, offers to help. Liam is a firefighter and part time mural painter, offers to be her sperm doner. But do it the old fashion way, not with doctors and IFV. Liam is a classic male afraid of commitment and Taryn is fine with him not being apart of the baby’s life. However, she finds herself falling in love with him.

I’m so glad I was able to get an ARC from the author for my honest review.

This was a great novella. All the characters were so likeable. This book is apart of series but can be read as a stand-alone. I plan on going back and reading the other 3.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the sweetest love stories I have read all year! It was definitely what my heart needed right now!!

This book sailed to the top of my Rom Com list of favorites! Lisa Lanay has created magic with these characters, writing a light wonderful read that is sure to put a smile on your face. Another winner for Lisa Lanay! Her books are always so lush and full of fun and humour and deliciousness--this one is no different. A perfect light hearted read that we all need right now. This book definitely gave me all the feels! One of the sweetest love stories I have read all year! It was definitely what my heart needed right now! So go grab your copy today. Happy reading everyone!!

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Great characters & story. Light humor. Steamy sexual tension build-up.

This one was okay. To be honest, it lost me as the story took a turn concerning Taryn having a child.
But it was a sweet ending so i recovered my disappointment.
Liam & Taryn have great chemistry. I also like the way the writer gives her animals (ie. the pets/dogs) individual personalities so they become charming characters in the stories.
Loved the return of the "Mattress Mavens". Total hoots!!!! I would follow them on social media.
I thought that Taryn & her stress about her clothes was very relatable.

I'm enjoying this series so look forward to the next story.

Thank you to Hidden Gems & Lisa Lanay for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Liam and Taryn that had me laughing out loud in parts. Taryn is getting ready to adopt a baby and contacts Liam to paint a mural for the baby’s room. When the adoption falls through, Liam suggests that he can get her pregnant. Liam is a no commitment type of guy and suggests they can be friends with benefits. I’m not going to leave any spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. We also get to read about the Mattress Mavens again and they will crack you up. #mattressgymnastics anyone? I hope we’ll get to read Colin’s story in the future.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining read! Taryn is ready to be a mother, she's readying a nursery for the baby she's about to adopt, in steps Liam firefighter and painter, he's going to paint her baby's room. But when things fall through with the baby mama, Taryn knows she lost her chance to be a mother, again in steps Liam, he's a no commitment kind of guy, she wants a baby he's willing to provide assistance and walk away with no responsibilities...yeah right like that's so easy! Lots of LOL situations, along with emotions and feels this is a great read, love the banter, Liam's cockiness will draw you in and the wonderful quirky characters will have you grinning! This is a read you don't want to miss!

[Tracie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryn wants nothing more than to be a mother so she is adopting. Shes even commissioned Liam to paint a mural in the nursery. Liam is a firefighter and an artist. Hes just adopted 2 dogs and has agreed to do the mural for Taryn. Through lots of funny moments and heart ache for Taryn that the adoption wont go through. Liam agrees to be her "sperm donor". Now the fun begins and can Taryn stop herself from falling for a guy who does not do commitment? Can Liam stop and figure out hes actually in love with Taryn? This books is so good you wont be disappointed.
I am leaving my honest review for a ARC I received from HiddenGems.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story with some comic relief. Taryn & Liam do have chemistry. Liam is true to form, not that I agree with it but he's obviously a ladies man and Taryn is well aware of that. I don't really consider this as a friends with benefits though because they were never really friends, either way this is pretty good in spite of the predictability. Taryn seemed to have her life together, great career, goals set, so I was a little disappointed in her actions to pursue Liam because it muddied the waters of the very clear decisions they'd made and her main goal got lost. New to me author and series. 3 1/2* I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great firefighter romance

I really enjoyed this story. Original and very easy to read, the characters had great chemistry and were very relatable.
I loved Liam thought he wanted to be single for life when it was clear his feelings for Taryn were growing into love.
He offered to be the daddy to her baby as he couldn't hate the thought of her with another man, yet he thought his emotions weren't involved.
The realisation he wanted love and commitment took a while but it made the story relatable and humerous and we'll worth reading.
I'll now look to see if it's a series as his brothers need their own book.
I highly recommend this book.

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful
Taryn is a 34-year-old veterinarian who wants a baby, but adoption has failed her. When she meets Liam, a hunky fireman as well as part-time mural artist it seems her dream may come true. On the other hand, Liam is convinced that he can only become a full-time artist if he remains single. How their relationship grows and they adjust their lives makes for a thoughtful treatment of love and relationships and a wonderful read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
The blurb of the book had me intrigued. I must say Taryn being a veterinarian drew me to read this book. I love books with animals in them. It's a good story that gave me all the feels. Plus the humor in this book was awesome. It took me a bit to get into this one, but once I did I ate up the pages. I liked Liam and Taryn. Their banter was one of my favorite things about the book. This is a nice feel good story with an epilogue that will have your heart swoon.

[Lady M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was just okay for me. Predictable. I skimmed through parts of it. I thought it was going to be clean because the first sex scene was closed door, but there ended up being one later in the book. Not graphic, but still there. There were some cute moments in there too, but I don't think this will be an author I pick up again.

[Ann Tosti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed these characters and I loved the ending. But there were a lot of moments that seemed to move too fast without thinking it through. If you want a good steamy read, this is not it. Even though the premise is to get pregnant, the sex scenes are almost non-existent.
**I received this book as an ARC and am now leaving an honest and voluntary review.

[Shh I'm reading! · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 70 pages

I despise games and that's all Taryn seems to be good at. I should have known better when the book is called Pursuing anyone, but I love a good baby romance and the dogs seemed really cute. Only she focused on ways to dress up, make him jealous, and lied about a friend because of her own insecurities. It was hard to read after that, so I stopped.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taryn wants to be a mother. Can she and Liam be friends with benefits and not fall in love? Liam is against relationships but can Taryn get pregnant and Liam not get involved in her life? A sweet love story

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read from start to finish. This is a well written story with dynamic characters. It’s hilarious and will have you laughing out loud. Looking forward to reading more from Lisa Lanay. Highly recommend.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Liam is a stubborn one for sure! But It makes you love him all the more! I loved this book and can’t wait to read more! I was cracking up, crying and mad throughout the book! Defiantly recommend reading!

[Linda Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam

I love romantic comedies and this one was excellent! I love the way the characters interact and as always the ending was great. I'm sure lovers of romantic comedies are going to love it too.

[Debbie Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

I loved the banter in this book between men, ladies, and males and females. But can one believe that Liam is so unknowledgable about love and yet can predict when, what sex and how many babies are born in one pregnancy? Fun read.

[Sandra Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great characters and fast paced. Lots of potential for additional stories from supporting characters.

[Shuvai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet love story with great characters

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Liam & Taryn's book. It was an entertaining, fun read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read.

[Sharon L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Lamar's stories are great fun.

I am really enjoying this whole series on kindle unlimited. Unique storyline elements in each one. Will certainly keep reading.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

CUTE & SWEET! ;D

[Sacha Fortuné · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis and was in the mood for a light-hearted romance.

The Premise
Taryn is hitting the ripe old age of mid-thirties and decides she needs a baby ASAP since no man is forthcoming, so she decides to adopt and raise a baby as a single mother. She meets Liam, fireman and artist extraordinaire, when she hires him to paint a mural for the baby’s room. Though there is immediate attraction on both parts, he sniffs her impending baggage a mile away, knowing he should steer clear because he values his freedom.

When the adoption inevitably falls through, the two have the idea to use Liam in sperm-donor fashion — they’ll be friends with benefits, plus a baby that Taryn will raise on her own. But she soon realises that she wants the whole nine yards — if only she can convince Liam that he wants it too.

The Pros
This was an amusing, quick romance read. The characters came alive with the dialogue, even the naughty dogs! One of the best scenes is when Liam’s brothers push all his buttons by pretending that his brother Colin will serve as a shoo-in for the role Liam is too dumb to accept. I also loved Taryn’s friend Angelica, who was hilarious and supportive to the point of wanting to physically harm anyone who dared to hurt her friend. The sexy scenes are also tasteful without being too overdone, and I actually appreciated that some were even skimmed/skipped to reduce unnecessary details. The focus was on the humour, even when her neighbours and others in the community enjoyed their views (literally) and insight into the couple.

The Cons
While I enjoyed the book overall and read it through quickly, there were a few areas where I was wondering why they were included at all — e.g. despite a life-or-death emergency, there was a mother trying to play matchmaker, and an amiable discussion about the hazards of parking. Beyond those questionable choices, I also had some major concerns with parts of the plot.

The sperm-donor-friends-with-benefits agreement was far too much of a quick sell for two intelligent adults — which Liam clearly was not, but I was hoping at least that Taryn was! Far too much mention was made of Liam being a clunkhead, to the point where I genuinely believed (as his brothers often teased) that he had brain damage. I also thought it was a bit questionable that she was even “pursuing” Liam and seemingly “tricking” him into realising he loved her. Luckily he actually did, but her actions could have been interpreted a lot differently: she convinced a man to impregnate her (no strings attached), and then a moment later he’s on the hook for child support and visitation?

Overall, they both behaved like much younger people — early 20s, rather than mid-30s — and even if the original adoption had gone as planned, I couldn’t imagine the kind of life Taryn had planned for a newborn baby. She was eager to get cracking on baby-making with little preamble, and beyond that she was wrapped up in her job, so apart from the actual baby room there didn’t seem to be enough forethought for the gravity of what she was embarking upon. At one point I thought, she deserves so much better than Liam, and then I eventually decided: y’know, these two clunkheads deserve each other.

Conclusion
Despite my personal qualms about the plot, and wishful thinking about having more intelligent, mature characters, this was still an enjoyable and funny read. The writer’s talent at comedy really shines through, and I really appreciated the fully-fleshed, relatable, and hilarious side characters (even though the main ones left me wanting). I would recommend it to other readers, but perhaps younger women. Still, I really enjoyed the writer’s style and wit, and I am looking forward to reading other books in the series or anything else she has written. I just hope the main characters aren’t quite so infuriating the next time around!

___________
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[Ashleigh Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam lives his life by a simple code: invincible freedom. Freedom to spend time with women, friends, and his art. Taryn cannot wait to become a mother. When her adoption falls through, Liam offers her the perfect solution. But, can their friendship endure?

This is one of the first books in a while that I have read where the author has done a great job with the internals. Despite being a third-person narrative, I really felt like I knew what the characters were thinking and feeling. Unfortunately, however, we spend so much time in the characters heads, the dialogue and action can be a little jarring. By the time a character responds to a question, I have already forgotten what the other person was asking.

It took me a little while to get into the story, but eventually I reached that point where I was invested and wanted to know more about the characters. Overall, I liked the story and found it an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more in the Almost Perfect series.