4.5 stars 
 Series collide in this Taking Chances and Forgiving Lies crossover. Liam Taylor, Harper's son (Taking Chances) and Kennedy Ryan, Kash and Rachel's daughter (Forgiving Lies) meet when Kennedy temporarily moves to California. 
 But what neither know is that one year ago, they shared a night that neither has been able to forget. 
 Even as they connect the dots, Kennedy is hesitant to let Liam in, though that is Liam's ultimate goal. She has her secrets, including the reason she and her sister have moved to California in the first place, and the real reason she doesn't want to give him the time of day. She is closed off and always in control, at least until she meets Liam, and as she loses her balance with Liam, she can't help but fight what she fears most. 
 Liam is confident that he'll be able to break through Kennedy's walls. He hasn't forgotten the feelings that started during their one night together. He knows she is keeping something from him, but he also knows he has never felt like this about any other woman in his life. 
 These two were drawn together in a way that often happens in books, quickly and inexplicably. But I loved the way Liam gave Kennedy the space she needed to figure things out without completely leaving her alone. 
 As second generation characters, the ties to their parents are clear. Liam has grown up knowing who his biological father was, but also knowing the story behind all the drama that happened before he was born. The influence from Kennedy's parents runs more towards references that make Kennedy sick because of the innuendo and meaning behind them. 
 But it's not just references that tie this book to the original books. Brian, Chase's tattoo artist, keeper of creative wisdom and a bottomless stomach is back with his stoner-like attitude and outlook. Brandon shares his insight from the year before Liam's birth. Kash and Rachel bring their particular brand of banter to several scenes as well. I loved these little touches that made this world more than just Liam and Kennedy. 
 It is not necessary to have read the tie-in books to enjoy this book. There is enough backstory included that new readers will understand enough about Liam and Kennedy's parents (which is really the only connection to the original books). The only thing that would be lacking is the actual depth of emotion gained from those books. 
 I was hesitant to read Trusting Liam, as I had such a strong reaction to Taking Chances that I was afraid. Yes, I've read and liked others from Molly McAdams, including Forgiving Lies and Deceiving Lies, but knowing this was tied to the characters in Taking Chances specifically made me nervous about the direction the story would take. I can say I am glad I took the chance to read this. 
 I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.