Scan barcode
A review by kelly_e
Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Title: Only When It's Us
Author: Chloe Liese
Series: Bergman Brothers, #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4
Pub Date: March 27 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Funny • Steamy • Believable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Only When It's Us is the first installment in Chloe Liese's Bergman Brothers series, about a Swedish-American family of five brothers and two sisters - this is Ryder's story. Ryder and Willa share a class, and when soccer star, Willa needs to get notes from a class she has missed, she's tasked with getting them from Ryder. Communication has never been her strong suit, but when she's ignored, the tension starts to build. To top it all off, their professor decides to pair them together for a project, so they'll be spending a lot of time together, something neither of them is looking forward to.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In this first installment, we are introduced to the Bergman clan, as well as to Willa and her mom. The family dynamic and the bond between mother and daughter is definitely one of the strong points here. I was drawn into the characters lives, and appreciated the depth compared to a normal steamy romance. However, I must say enemies to lovers is definitely not my favourite trope, and at times I found Willa and Ryder's behaviour almost annoying and over the top. The relationship development is definitely a slow-burn. I laughed and I cried and absolutely loved the addition of a playlist, which added an additional layer to the overall reading experience. Overall, I did find there to be a little too much steam for my liking, but commend Chloe Liese for writing an inclusive romance, something that is far too often skipped over entirely. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and grow to love the Bergman family more.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hate-to-love enthusiasts
• Sports romance fans
• readers who enjoy a family-centered series
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I want to say I'm the same guy I was before all this happened, but I'm not. I'm different, and wile I never want pity or special treatment, I wouldn't mind simply being allowed to be changed. Because I am."
"I thought I was past grieving what I lost, but maybe grief isn't linear. Maybe I can accept what I've lost and still mourn it. Maybe I always will."
"Life begets death begets life. The only thing we can do is honor the beauty and dependability of that cycle."
"'I'm scared too, Sunshine. This is vulnerable shit.' His mouth is a breath away from mine. 'I just know I'd rather be afraid with you than fearless with anyone else.'"
Author: Chloe Liese
Series: Bergman Brothers, #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4
Pub Date: March 27 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Funny • Steamy • Believable
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Only When It's Us is the first installment in Chloe Liese's Bergman Brothers series, about a Swedish-American family of five brothers and two sisters - this is Ryder's story. Ryder and Willa share a class, and when soccer star, Willa needs to get notes from a class she has missed, she's tasked with getting them from Ryder. Communication has never been her strong suit, but when she's ignored, the tension starts to build. To top it all off, their professor decides to pair them together for a project, so they'll be spending a lot of time together, something neither of them is looking forward to.
💭 T H O U G H T S
In this first installment, we are introduced to the Bergman clan, as well as to Willa and her mom. The family dynamic and the bond between mother and daughter is definitely one of the strong points here. I was drawn into the characters lives, and appreciated the depth compared to a normal steamy romance. However, I must say enemies to lovers is definitely not my favourite trope, and at times I found Willa and Ryder's behaviour almost annoying and over the top. The relationship development is definitely a slow-burn. I laughed and I cried and absolutely loved the addition of a playlist, which added an additional layer to the overall reading experience. Overall, I did find there to be a little too much steam for my liking, but commend Chloe Liese for writing an inclusive romance, something that is far too often skipped over entirely. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and grow to love the Bergman family more.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Hate-to-love enthusiasts
• Sports romance fans
• readers who enjoy a family-centered series
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I want to say I'm the same guy I was before all this happened, but I'm not. I'm different, and wile I never want pity or special treatment, I wouldn't mind simply being allowed to be changed. Because I am."
"I thought I was past grieving what I lost, but maybe grief isn't linear. Maybe I can accept what I've lost and still mourn it. Maybe I always will."
"Life begets death begets life. The only thing we can do is honor the beauty and dependability of that cycle."
"'I'm scared too, Sunshine. This is vulnerable shit.' His mouth is a breath away from mine. 'I just know I'd rather be afraid with you than fearless with anyone else.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Ableism, Cursing, and Medical content