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Home to Harbor Town #2
Liam's Perfect Woman
It happened one summer…The moment Liam Kavanaugh first glimpsed the exotic beauty dancing across a moonlit beach, he was smitten. But he was in for the surprise of his life when she turned out to be Natalie Reyes! The big–city cop had returned to Harbor Town to be the chief of police. Instead, he was battling an intense attraction to the woman who was forcing him to confront his past…The lone survivor of the crash that had destroyed their families, Natalie needed Liam's help to finally move past the tragedy that shattered her life. Yet the innocent beauty wasn't prepared for the passion that flared between them. And now her very future was in the hands of a man who just might be able to heal her heart with his loving touch…
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
16 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kery
188 books2,697 followersBeth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2012
This was another good story by this author and based in Harbor Town.
Liam has returned home after quitting the Chicago PD as he promised his brother and mother, to take over the new job as police chief, but before he does that he is surprised to get a call from Natalie Reyes, she was the sole survivor of the accident in which Liam's father drunk, killed himself and three other people.
He finds it weird to be talking to her in the shadows, she asks him to investigate the accident, to actually find out what made his father, a respectable man to drive when he was so wasted, Liam just walks out and later finds out that Natalie was badly injured in the accident and her scars have made her shy and a recluse and he later agrees to the plan, since he too wants to know.
The heroine is shy and Liam slowly draws her out not that she doesn't have a spine, she tries to keep it all business between them but Liam keep flirting and trying to draw her out and then the reasons behind what happened keep becoming murkier and the heroine isn't sure Liam should keep proceeding since she doesn't want him hurt or to spoil his relationship with his mother.
Things soon take a personal turn between them and I loved that, Liam made Natalie live her life more fully, her life had been stopped at eleven when she lost her mother and spent so much time in the hospital, so she was shy and people weren't so friendly, I really liked how Liam was angry on her behalf. Things between them always seemed so natural and great.
Liam was a great hero who didn't let the heroine back out and I truly enjoyed their journey together.
And the secret.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Liam has returned home after quitting the Chicago PD as he promised his brother and mother, to take over the new job as police chief, but before he does that he is surprised to get a call from Natalie Reyes, she was the sole survivor of the accident in which Liam's father drunk, killed himself and three other people.
He finds it weird to be talking to her in the shadows, she asks him to investigate the accident, to actually find out what made his father, a respectable man to drive when he was so wasted, Liam just walks out and later finds out that Natalie was badly injured in the accident and her scars have made her shy and a recluse and he later agrees to the plan, since he too wants to know.
The heroine is shy and Liam slowly draws her out not that she doesn't have a spine, she tries to keep it all business between them but Liam keep flirting and trying to draw her out and then the reasons behind what happened keep becoming murkier and the heroine isn't sure Liam should keep proceeding since she doesn't want him hurt or to spoil his relationship with his mother.
Things soon take a personal turn between them and I loved that, Liam made Natalie live her life more fully, her life had been stopped at eleven when she lost her mother and spent so much time in the hospital, so she was shy and people weren't so friendly, I really liked how Liam was angry on her behalf. Things between them always seemed so natural and great.
Liam was a great hero who didn't let the heroine back out and I truly enjoyed their journey together.
And the secret.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 21, 2011
Liam Kavanaugh is done with the high stress police force in Chicago, and has decided to return to the small town of Harbor Town, Michigan to become the police chief. And while he wants to spend a few weeks relaxing before he takes his new position, Natalie Reyes has a proposition for him.
Sixteen years ago when Liam was only 15 and Natalie even younger, Liam’s father Derry drank way too much, got behind the wheel of his car, and started driving. He crashed into a car carrying Natalie and her mom. Her mom died, as did Derry. Natalie survived, but not without scarring on her face, and extensive therapy. Since the crash, the families have had very hard feelings on both sides. Natalie has gone on to become a successful accountant, but her personal life has been difficult. Feeling very self consciousness about her scarring, and difficulty with one of her eyes, her social life is pretty non-existent.
Natalie wants to move forward and try to accept what happened in the past. But she wants to know what made a great family guy, a successful lawyer get behind the wheel with the equivalent of 20 drinks in him. She thinks there must have been a reason, and nothing has come to light in the past sixteen years.
Liam has similar thoughts. Derry was a great dad, and a well respected lawyer. What happened to him to become such a selfish person that night? Natalie knows Liam is a hard worker, and had been following his career in Chicago. So she turns to him, for a fee, to research his own dad. Liam is reluctant at first, but Natalie intrigues him. He wants to get to know her better, and he wants to put the past behind him as well.
Liam’s Perfect Woman is much darker than I expected it to be. Maybe my expectations rested on the cover, I’m not sure, but I really enjoyed this one. At first I was a little put off that Natalie would ask Liam to research his own dad’s death. Something that affected them each so profoundly. But after we start to get into the book, it starts to make more sense. Both Liam and Natalie have unresolved issues and they go on a journey together to discover if anything happened that night. And I like that it is emphasized they might not find anything. Maybe he just honestly had too much to drink. Or maybe they will find something disturbing, and how Liam will handle that is done well.
During their work, they start to fall for each other. Natalie must overcome her shyness, and her low self-esteem. She not only feels shy in front of Liam but they have external pressure, since it is widely known these two families are not friends. But Liam pushes her and Natalie slowly starts to have more confidence. I really enjoyed their relationship. Very sensual and sexy. And fit well with the darker tone of the book.
I will say it was hard to keep all the supporting characters straight. There are a lot of brothers, sisters and in-laws and it was hard to put them with the right family. But otherwise, this is a really nice read. I’m a fan of Beth Kery’s voice and look forward to more.
Rating: B
Sixteen years ago when Liam was only 15 and Natalie even younger, Liam’s father Derry drank way too much, got behind the wheel of his car, and started driving. He crashed into a car carrying Natalie and her mom. Her mom died, as did Derry. Natalie survived, but not without scarring on her face, and extensive therapy. Since the crash, the families have had very hard feelings on both sides. Natalie has gone on to become a successful accountant, but her personal life has been difficult. Feeling very self consciousness about her scarring, and difficulty with one of her eyes, her social life is pretty non-existent.
Natalie wants to move forward and try to accept what happened in the past. But she wants to know what made a great family guy, a successful lawyer get behind the wheel with the equivalent of 20 drinks in him. She thinks there must have been a reason, and nothing has come to light in the past sixteen years.
Liam has similar thoughts. Derry was a great dad, and a well respected lawyer. What happened to him to become such a selfish person that night? Natalie knows Liam is a hard worker, and had been following his career in Chicago. So she turns to him, for a fee, to research his own dad. Liam is reluctant at first, but Natalie intrigues him. He wants to get to know her better, and he wants to put the past behind him as well.
Liam’s Perfect Woman is much darker than I expected it to be. Maybe my expectations rested on the cover, I’m not sure, but I really enjoyed this one. At first I was a little put off that Natalie would ask Liam to research his own dad’s death. Something that affected them each so profoundly. But after we start to get into the book, it starts to make more sense. Both Liam and Natalie have unresolved issues and they go on a journey together to discover if anything happened that night. And I like that it is emphasized they might not find anything. Maybe he just honestly had too much to drink. Or maybe they will find something disturbing, and how Liam will handle that is done well.
During their work, they start to fall for each other. Natalie must overcome her shyness, and her low self-esteem. She not only feels shy in front of Liam but they have external pressure, since it is widely known these two families are not friends. But Liam pushes her and Natalie slowly starts to have more confidence. I really enjoyed their relationship. Very sensual and sexy. And fit well with the darker tone of the book.
I will say it was hard to keep all the supporting characters straight. There are a lot of brothers, sisters and in-laws and it was hard to put them with the right family. But otherwise, this is a really nice read. I’m a fan of Beth Kery’s voice and look forward to more.
Rating: B
July 25, 2011
Some people say you can never go home again, but in Beth Kery’s Home to Harbor Town series, going home again can be the one place you find both forgiveness and love.
Beth Kery weaves a story not only about romance but about three families that worked, played and grew up together, until one night a drunk driver ended all their hopes and dreams and changed the course of their futures forever. In one moment everything changed and childhood friends and a lifetime of loving memories transformed into regrets, and recriminations.
As an author, Beth Kery's books are always romantic, but they are also deeply layered, and this series has an interesting juxtaposition to it. While the books are initially based in tragedy they are also deeply rooted in love. They explore both survivor’s guilt and the ability to move on and love again.In Liam's Perfect Woman, Natalie Reyes as the only survivor of the accident, has spent the last sixteen years isolated and living half a life. Her need to move forward is tied to her need to learn why the crash happened, and so she hires Derry Kavanaugh’s son Liam to investigate the crash.
This book gives you a look into the transformative power of love and forgiveness;about owning your past and accepting it for both the good and the bad, living in the present and planning for the future. About finding the truth, even when you know it might not be the one you’re looking for, because knowing the truth is better than living in ignorance.
It's a romance that explores the deeper emotional issues primarily through the hero and heroine, and as Natalie and Liam fall in love, you can feel the joy embracing them as they discover you can go home again.
I reviewed both The Hometown Hero Returns, the first book in the series and Liam's Perfect Woman, the second book at B&N.com's Heart to Heart blog.
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
Beth Kery weaves a story not only about romance but about three families that worked, played and grew up together, until one night a drunk driver ended all their hopes and dreams and changed the course of their futures forever. In one moment everything changed and childhood friends and a lifetime of loving memories transformed into regrets, and recriminations.
As an author, Beth Kery's books are always romantic, but they are also deeply layered, and this series has an interesting juxtaposition to it. While the books are initially based in tragedy they are also deeply rooted in love. They explore both survivor’s guilt and the ability to move on and love again.In Liam's Perfect Woman, Natalie Reyes as the only survivor of the accident, has spent the last sixteen years isolated and living half a life. Her need to move forward is tied to her need to learn why the crash happened, and so she hires Derry Kavanaugh’s son Liam to investigate the crash.
This book gives you a look into the transformative power of love and forgiveness;about owning your past and accepting it for both the good and the bad, living in the present and planning for the future. About finding the truth, even when you know it might not be the one you’re looking for, because knowing the truth is better than living in ignorance.
It's a romance that explores the deeper emotional issues primarily through the hero and heroine, and as Natalie and Liam fall in love, you can feel the joy embracing them as they discover you can go home again.
I reviewed both The Hometown Hero Returns, the first book in the series and Liam's Perfect Woman, the second book at B&N.com's Heart to Heart blog.
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: Home to Harbor Town
August 25, 2017
The second book in the Home To Harbor Town series by Beth Very, focuses on Liam Kavanaugh, Marc's brother from book one. Liam has left his job as a Chicago police detective to take the job as chief of police in a Lake Michigan shoreline small town. Liam's family and the Reyes family as well as his sister -in law Mari's family, will always be connected due to the accident his father caused 16 years earlier.
Now 16 years later, Natalie Reyes approaches him asking him to do private detective work for her, and investigate the accident which killed her mother, Liam's father, Mari's parents, and severely injured Natalie herself. Natalie is sure there has to be some reason not yet found for why Liam's father acted so out of character that day, when he became extremely drunk and then drove, causing the accident.
Natalie lives with the scars of being the only survivor of the accident- both emotional as well as physical. Sparks fly when the two start to work on this case together, finding answers neither one of them ever expected.
Now 16 years later, Natalie Reyes approaches him asking him to do private detective work for her, and investigate the accident which killed her mother, Liam's father, Mari's parents, and severely injured Natalie herself. Natalie is sure there has to be some reason not yet found for why Liam's father acted so out of character that day, when he became extremely drunk and then drove, causing the accident.
Natalie lives with the scars of being the only survivor of the accident- both emotional as well as physical. Sparks fly when the two start to work on this case together, finding answers neither one of them ever expected.
January 7, 2020
Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, and it rarely only has to do with how a person looks. This romance is an excellent example of the thought.
October 2, 2024
Past Memories
Love at first sight really does happen and the emotions are very strong. This is a great read about romance, patience and passion
Love at first sight really does happen and the emotions are very strong. This is a great read about romance, patience and passion
July 8, 2025
excellent story
October 10, 2011
Liam’s Perfect Woman by Beth Kery
Tags: Beth Kery, Harbor Town, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Harlequin, Sheriff, Car Accident, Family Secrets, Scars, Beach Town, Small Town
Liam Kavanaugh has been working as a cop in Chicago for many years and has finally decided to move back home to Harbor Town. He is reluctant about the move and his new job as sheriff. Natalie Reyes is a Harbor Town local. Liam and Natalie are linked together because Liam’s father caused a terrible accident 16 years ago that killed Natalie’s parents and left her with visible scars.
Liam’s Perfect Woman is book 2 in the Home To Harbor Town series by Beth Kery. I did not read book 1, The Hometown Hero Returns, before reading Liam’s Perfect Woman. I do not think that the reader has to read these in strict order because this story focuses completely on Liam and Natalie and how they become a couple.
It is a short novel (only 216 pages in the edition I read). At first I was afraid that it would lack a lot of detail because it is so short. I found that wasn’t true. Beth Kery managed to build the characters and give just enough detail to paint a picture of how the outside world and their history was helping to shape the couple. This was a very fast read. I did not feel like I needed to flip back and reread anything for clarification. I did not have the urge to flip ahead and try to solve “the mystery”. Honestly, I figured out very early on part of the mystery and just a little bit beyond that I had pieced together the rest. That was fine because the mystery wasn’t the focus of the story. It was there more to develop storylines for future books.
I read the book assuming it was going to be anger and frustration that turns to love. I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The relationship between Liam and Natalie grew slowly and naturally from mutual attraction to love. This is a kind, warm hearted love story with a sprinkling of family secrets. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a well written romance that can be read quickly. I plan to read the rest of the series.
Favorite Quotes:
“Something is eating my lettuce and tomatoes, Chief. I demand answers!” she said with mock imperiousness as she stood.
“If you’re implying my soon-to-be job is going to involve hot pursuits of salad-eating rabbits, you’re not doing much to bolster my confidence in taking it.”
“We do have a business arrangement. I was just stating the truth last night,” she said, her voice quavering.
“We kissed, and it was good. Really good. Now I’m just stating the truth, Natalie.”
Grade: 4 out of 5
Copy received from author
Tags: Beth Kery, Harbor Town, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Harlequin, Sheriff, Car Accident, Family Secrets, Scars, Beach Town, Small Town
Liam Kavanaugh has been working as a cop in Chicago for many years and has finally decided to move back home to Harbor Town. He is reluctant about the move and his new job as sheriff. Natalie Reyes is a Harbor Town local. Liam and Natalie are linked together because Liam’s father caused a terrible accident 16 years ago that killed Natalie’s parents and left her with visible scars.
Liam’s Perfect Woman is book 2 in the Home To Harbor Town series by Beth Kery. I did not read book 1, The Hometown Hero Returns, before reading Liam’s Perfect Woman. I do not think that the reader has to read these in strict order because this story focuses completely on Liam and Natalie and how they become a couple.
It is a short novel (only 216 pages in the edition I read). At first I was afraid that it would lack a lot of detail because it is so short. I found that wasn’t true. Beth Kery managed to build the characters and give just enough detail to paint a picture of how the outside world and their history was helping to shape the couple. This was a very fast read. I did not feel like I needed to flip back and reread anything for clarification. I did not have the urge to flip ahead and try to solve “the mystery”. Honestly, I figured out very early on part of the mystery and just a little bit beyond that I had pieced together the rest. That was fine because the mystery wasn’t the focus of the story. It was there more to develop storylines for future books.
I read the book assuming it was going to be anger and frustration that turns to love. I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The relationship between Liam and Natalie grew slowly and naturally from mutual attraction to love. This is a kind, warm hearted love story with a sprinkling of family secrets. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a well written romance that can be read quickly. I plan to read the rest of the series.
Favorite Quotes:
“Something is eating my lettuce and tomatoes, Chief. I demand answers!” she said with mock imperiousness as she stood.
“If you’re implying my soon-to-be job is going to involve hot pursuits of salad-eating rabbits, you’re not doing much to bolster my confidence in taking it.”
“We do have a business arrangement. I was just stating the truth last night,” she said, her voice quavering.
“We kissed, and it was good. Really good. Now I’m just stating the truth, Natalie.”
Grade: 4 out of 5
Copy received from author
August 17, 2016
My ratings: 4.25
1 star: didn't finish/didn't like
2 stars: ambivalent
3 stars: good solid one-time read
4 stars: great, will read more from author
5 stars: exceptional, will re-read multiple times! Favorites
Based on writing skills, how immersed I am in the story, and if the plot flows smoothly and believably for reality or the "world" created. Are the characters believable, likable/unlikable, and diverse. I will not give any spoilers.
So far, this is my favorite book in the series. I read them out of order (I had the 4th book at home in paperback). I thought both characters were so lovable. They really worked to overcome any barriers that laid not only between them but their families as well. The author did a great job building the chemistry between these two but also showing how compassionate they were towards each other and what they (and their families) had been through. After they first met, and realized the extent of the others trials, there was a kindness (albeit some frustration and irritation for what was being asked) towards the other for their difficulties.
As a side note, there is a secondary character: Brigit, who is the mother of one part of the couple in most of these stories. The only thing I would change is how she was written in this story. A little cold and very defensive. It just is different than how she was written in other books in this series. I really like how she was portrayed in the other books. The portrayal is realistic to how many would react, we just don't see a lot of the softness that could show a little more dimension in her character (Again, not really a big thing, but notable for me). This didn't take away from the story, just if I could change this, I would.
That being said, I adored this book and the story is a great spring board for other characters in the series. Loved the hero/heroine, they are a great match! Adorable watching their feelings unfold. I would definitely recommend for romance lovers!
1 star: didn't finish/didn't like
2 stars: ambivalent
3 stars: good solid one-time read
4 stars: great, will read more from author
5 stars: exceptional, will re-read multiple times! Favorites
Based on writing skills, how immersed I am in the story, and if the plot flows smoothly and believably for reality or the "world" created. Are the characters believable, likable/unlikable, and diverse. I will not give any spoilers.
So far, this is my favorite book in the series. I read them out of order (I had the 4th book at home in paperback). I thought both characters were so lovable. They really worked to overcome any barriers that laid not only between them but their families as well. The author did a great job building the chemistry between these two but also showing how compassionate they were towards each other and what they (and their families) had been through. After they first met, and realized the extent of the others trials, there was a kindness (albeit some frustration and irritation for what was being asked) towards the other for their difficulties.
As a side note, there is a secondary character: Brigit, who is the mother of one part of the couple in most of these stories. The only thing I would change is how she was written in this story. A little cold and very defensive. It just is different than how she was written in other books in this series. I really like how she was portrayed in the other books. The portrayal is realistic to how many would react, we just don't see a lot of the softness that could show a little more dimension in her character (Again, not really a big thing, but notable for me). This didn't take away from the story, just if I could change this, I would.
That being said, I adored this book and the story is a great spring board for other characters in the series. Loved the hero/heroine, they are a great match! Adorable watching their feelings unfold. I would definitely recommend for romance lovers!
December 31, 2011
I am addicted to this series, there is something about these 3 families whose lives have been so altered by one car crash that you can't help but to want them to be finally happy. I love that the as adults they seem to be finding happiness with the others that understand what they went through. Although these couplings have one person from each side of the tragedy, that by understanding what the other has gone through can they finally be happy. I love that they also seem to understand that their actions stir up bad feelings in those around them.
This book hits so many of those traits. This time around we have Liam and Natalie, who was the soul survivor of the accident and it has colored every aspect of her life. At first I wasn't sure about what Natalie asked of Liam, it was either a very brave thing, or the stupidest thing she could have done. I did like that once Liam's anger went down he allowed Natalie to explain her reasons why and it was at that point that I got behind her plan.
Both Liam and Natalie learned so much about the day and the person that was responsible for the accident. It sounds funny to say that the accident makes sense, but it does once you know and it also makes me feel sorry for Derry, for the first time. He really didn't intend to do harm and it seems like he would be horrified at his actions if he could know. I found myself angry at the real person behind the accident, for years they played the martyr when they knew the truth.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and I hope that the last 2 kids will end up together too!
This book hits so many of those traits. This time around we have Liam and Natalie, who was the soul survivor of the accident and it has colored every aspect of her life. At first I wasn't sure about what Natalie asked of Liam, it was either a very brave thing, or the stupidest thing she could have done. I did like that once Liam's anger went down he allowed Natalie to explain her reasons why and it was at that point that I got behind her plan.
Both Liam and Natalie learned so much about the day and the person that was responsible for the accident. It sounds funny to say that the accident makes sense, but it does once you know and it also makes me feel sorry for Derry, for the first time. He really didn't intend to do harm and it seems like he would be horrified at his actions if he could know. I found myself angry at the real person behind the accident, for years they played the martyr when they knew the truth.
I can't wait for the next book in this series and I hope that the last 2 kids will end up together too!
August 2, 2011
Packed with emotion, passion, drama, and great chemistry, 'Liam's Perfect Woman' is a very engrossing story. It was interesting to read a damaged heroine for a change instead of a scarred hero; it did interesting things to their relationship. I really liked this book. It was a quick read but it felt fully developed and well put together. It makes me want to check out the rest of the series.
The basic plot: Sixteen years ago Liam's father was driving drunk and caused an accident that killed Natalie's mother, himself, and left Natalie scarred. Her life was profoundly affected and she needs to understand why it happened. Liam has moved back to a calmer life in Harbor Town after working undercover in Chicago. Natalie hires him to investigate the reasons for the accident. Both are surprised by the feelings and passion they develop along the way.
Even if you aren't usually into in Harlequin romances, Beth Kery is such a fantastic writer (also under the pen name Bethany Kane) that readers will definitely want to pick this one up.
The basic plot: Sixteen years ago Liam's father was driving drunk and caused an accident that killed Natalie's mother, himself, and left Natalie scarred. Her life was profoundly affected and she needs to understand why it happened. Liam has moved back to a calmer life in Harbor Town after working undercover in Chicago. Natalie hires him to investigate the reasons for the accident. Both are surprised by the feelings and passion they develop along the way.
Even if you aren't usually into in Harlequin romances, Beth Kery is such a fantastic writer (also under the pen name Bethany Kane) that readers will definitely want to pick this one up.
September 27, 2011
I enjoyed reading another book in the Home and Harbor Town series. I wanted to learn the reason that Liam's father drove drunk and caused the accident that left Natalie with out a mother and some obstacles to over come. She still sees herself as scarred, but Liam sees below the surface to the beautiful woman she is.
You'll cheer this couple on as they search out the truth of the past in order to get on with the future.
You'll cheer this couple on as they search out the truth of the past in order to get on with the future.
September 2, 2011
I really like this book. I rooted for these two to come together and overcome and get through family tragedies. Well paced and wasn't to rushed for a short book.
February 13, 2012
Yup, thoroughly enjoyed it. Liam and Natalie are most definitely perfect for each other...
January 19, 2013
3.5 stars
I liked it. And the series arc just got intensely fascinating.
I liked it. And the series arc just got intensely fascinating.
June 25, 2012
Really excellent category romance! Lots of angst, but both hero and heroine will draw you in. Can't wait for the last book in the series to come out next month!
December 17, 2012
So touching! I loved it!
January 1, 2013
Perfect ! Search for answers other think don't exist or choose to ignore .
August 5, 2011
4.00/2.50
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews