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miasreads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual content, Medical content, and Ableism
Minor: Excrement, Abandonment, and Body shaming
kim03's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book was such a delight. And in my eyes, it showed how talented a writer Chloe Liese is.
There were so many things I loved, so let’s start with the characters: Rooney Sullivan, the sunshine in this sunshine & Grump romance, has a chronic illness which forces her to take time off of college / university (not sure right now) and spend some time away. He friend, Willa suggests the A-Frame, a vacation home of sorts belonging to the Bergman family which Rooney is an honorary member of. Axel Bergman, the grump half of the sunshine & grump romance, is currently renovating the A-frame, but he needs the money from an inheritance which requires him to be married.
The following could contain spoilers. Be aware.
Next up I want to differentiate between what I liked about the book and what I disliked, minus the latter, because this book is simply flawless (my opinion).
Next up I want to differentiate between what I liked about the book and what I disliked, minus the latter, because this book is simply flawless (my opinion).
The most important thing for me was how… respectful and consensual this relationship felt like. I’ve read the first three books in this series to, and this is a recurring thing, namely that the characters are so different yet love each other because of that and respect each other. Moreover, it was so wonderful to see them respect each other from the start and then grow comfortable and vulnerable with each other.
Chloe Liese´s writing style is like the cherry on top. She can write three dimensional characters that I always find relatable, that I always find a piece of myself in; she also just has a very special way of conveying emotions, both the happy, warm and fuzzy ones and the sad and hurting ones. And let’s not forget the entirely realistic portrait of sibling relationships, the self-explanatory diversity (example: Axel is autistic; the book is an #OwnVoices story), existence of boundaries and feminism, and destruction of toxic masculinity (and heteronormativity, in a way).
Here are the content warnings I’ve found: chronic illness (inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis), some Ableism, absent parents and unhealed childhood trauma, mental illness, medical content
The tropes: sunshine & grump; marriage of convenience
The songs that were stuck in my head while reading: “People Watching” by Conan Grey //// "Till Forever Falls Apart" by Ashe and Finneas
And here are some of my favorite quotes:
“For the hearts that love differently, and the hearts that love them for it.” (Dedication)
“She was hurting. And I didn’t want her to hurt anymore. I didn’t want her to hurt ever.” (Chapter 4)
“He's still wearing his ring. And the hand that wears it is splayed wide, like a fist he just unclenched and flexed.” (Chapter 9; this is only here because of the Pride and Prejudice vibes)
“The deeper you love, the deeper the risk of disappointment, and hurt, and loss. The more you care, the more pain you might face. And yet, I hope you won’t always let that stop you. […] Fear of failure, fear of not living up to these standards you hold yourself to, which sound pretty damn high. Because… well, have you ever considered that the depth of feeling for the subject is the reason you´re the very best person to paint it?” (Chapter 9)
“Like I said, I know not everybody wants romance, and that’s valid, I just don’t want you denying yourself if that desire is there.” (Chapter 13)
“Just because you experience your emotions differently from other people, Axel, doesn’t mean that experience isn’t valid, or that someone can’t love you for it. With the right person, love is possible for any of us who want it.” (Chapter 13)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Medical content, and Ableism
allisonwonderlandreads's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Chloe Liese knows how to draw me in with pure Bergman goodness. In this one, we get to see a happily ever after for Axel Bergman: artist, semi-professional recluse, and official Dog Dad even if he won't admit it. The other half of our #couplegoals is Rooney: ambitious law student, would-be nudist, and ray of sunshine. Their sexual tension has been in the background of previous books and continues in earnest here with a marriage of convenience and some seriously forced proximity. Despite the tension, I would describe it as low on angst, a tender-hearted emotional upswing even though the characters struggle, make mistakes, and get in their feelings. The book is also a love letter to the A-Frame in Washington that has been a home away from home for this reader throughout the whole series (waiting for my invite, Bergmans).
In terms of romance, Axel leaves Rooney these cute notes and doodles signed by the/his/their dog and I melted into a happy puddle at the mere idea of it. I dissolved into swoony sighs as both characters cared for each other during health scares and protected each other's hearts. I was left cackling over the couple's panicked attempts to hide their wedding rings when family came calling, trying to keep their secret, "nonromantic" partnership under wraps.
On a serious front, Liese always knows how to bring real-life struggles and inclusivity into her stories. This one covers body image, mental & physical health, neurodivergence, and kink with an emphasis on open communication and making sure everyone feels safe. In terms of body image, Rooney is what I can report 2000s-era Seventeen magazine would call a pear shape (same), which is not commonly considered ideal, so I loved seeing it recognized and appreciated on the page. Rooney's relationship with her body is also affected by her chronic pain from IBS. The narrative highlights the way society paints her condition as embarrassing or impolite, which is not only absurd but hurtful. Axel's needs and journey with self-acceptance as a person with autism also shine through.
This romance is a crackling fire on a crisp fall day, so grab a blanket, a warm beverage, and a snuggly animal to enjoy this book at its full potential. Thanks to Chloe Liese and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It's out now!
In terms of romance, Axel leaves Rooney these cute notes and doodles signed by the/his/their dog and I melted into a happy puddle at the mere idea of it. I dissolved into swoony sighs as both characters cared for each other during health scares and protected each other's hearts. I was left cackling over the couple's panicked attempts to hide their wedding rings when family came calling, trying to keep their secret, "nonromantic" partnership under wraps.
On a serious front, Liese always knows how to bring real-life struggles and inclusivity into her stories. This one covers body image, mental & physical health, neurodivergence, and kink with an emphasis on open communication and making sure everyone feels safe. In terms of body image, Rooney is what I can report 2000s-era Seventeen magazine would call a pear shape (same), which is not commonly considered ideal, so I loved seeing it recognized and appreciated on the page. Rooney's relationship with her body is also affected by her chronic pain from IBS. The narrative highlights the way society paints her condition as embarrassing or impolite, which is not only absurd but hurtful. Axel's needs and journey with self-acceptance as a person with autism also shine through.
This romance is a crackling fire on a crisp fall day, so grab a blanket, a warm beverage, and a snuggly animal to enjoy this book at its full potential. Thanks to Chloe Liese and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It's out now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Excrement, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Mental illness
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