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Bergman Brothers #1
Only When It's Us
Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster brimming with laughter, tears, and slow-burn sexiness in this new adult romance that tackles the vulnerability of love with humor and heart.
Ryder
Ever since she sat next to me in class and gave me death eyes, Willa Sutter’s been on my shit list. Why she hates me, I don't know. What I do know is that Willa is the kind of chaos I don’t need in my tidy life. She’s the next generation of women’s soccer. Wild hair, wilder eyes. Bee-stung lips that should be illegal. And a temper that makes the devil seem friendly.
She’s a thorn in my side, a menacing, cantankerous, pain-in-the-ass who’s turned our Business Mathematics course into a goddamn gladiator arena. I'll leave this war zone unscathed, coming out on top…And if I have my way with that crazy-haired, ball-busting hellion, that will be in more than one sense of the word.
Willa
Rather than give me the lecture notes I missed like every other instructor I’ve had, my asshole professor tells me to get them from the silent, surly flannel-wearing mountain man sitting next to me in class. Well, I tried. And what did I get from Ryder Bergman? Ignored. What a complete lumbersexual neanderthal. Mangy beard and mangier hair. Frayed ball cap that hides his eyes. And a stubborn refusal to acknowledge my existence.
I’ve battled men before, but with Ryder, it's war. I’ll get those notes and crack that Sasquatch nut if it’s the last thing I do, then I’ll have him at my mercy. Victory will have never tasted so sweet.
Only When It’s Us is a frenemies-to-lovers, college sports romance about a women’s soccer star and her surly lumberjack lookalike classmate, complete with a matchmaking professor, juvenile pranks, and a smoking slow burn. This standalone is the first in a series of new novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.
11 pages, Audiobook
First published March 27, 2020
2013 people are currently reading
92550 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Liese
21 books10.1k followersChloe is a USA Today bestselling author who writes romantic fiction reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. When not dreaming up her next novel, you'll find her reading, trying new recipes, savoring nature, and soaking up time with her big, beautiful family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,928 reviews
April 12, 2023
I decided to check this one after reading fantastic review of my book-twin Fran. And guess what? She is so right! This book is underrated secret gem!
OMG! I love this book so much! It’s so entertaining, hot, sexy and also emotional, sweet, swoony, incredibly romantic!
This book surprisingly exceeded my expectations because there are so many published advertised with highly recommendations and in my opinion this is so much better than a few anticipated romances of this year. Thanks for NG for putting this on my radar!
I adore those fantastic characters. Especially Willa reminded me of young version of myself: fiery, ball of fire, wild, hot blooded but also fragile, emotionally damaged, witty, skilled soccer star. And our charming, sexy hero Ryder is a douchebag lumberjack! This book introduces us Swedish Bergman brothers and I’m so happy this is the only first book and there are more to come! I cannot wait to devour them.
This book seems like another ordinary frenemies to friends and lovers book. But it is not! Because:
The characters’ back stories developed so impeccably, you just want to hug them and feel like they are one of your family members. The emotional depth of their stories hooks you up and steals your hearts.
The hot chemistry between Willa and Ryder makes you want to scream. Several times I wish they could hear my shouting at them to tear each other’s clothes! That’s right! It’s so slow burn story which I don’t really like with normal romance novels but it fit so good with this couple’s story. High sexual tension between is unavoidable. I just want to sing “It’s getting hot in here so take off all your clothes!”
The way of story building and witty, sarcastic tone of their banter make you laugh and enjoy yourself! You just start to think how I can read this book slower so it never ends because you’re having so much fun and there are not so many books out there to brighten your mood.
It’s one of the best sports romance/ frenemies theme with hilarious and adorable characters! Please read this book ASAP to heal your negative thoughts and laugh out loud with thinking any further.
I’m giving my 5 blazing, lumberjack, steamy, heart melting, poignant stars ! More Bergman Brothers stories please! I’m already craving for my romance fix!
Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this entertaining ARC in exchange my honest review. I truly loved it so much!
OMG! I love this book so much! It’s so entertaining, hot, sexy and also emotional, sweet, swoony, incredibly romantic!
This book surprisingly exceeded my expectations because there are so many published advertised with highly recommendations and in my opinion this is so much better than a few anticipated romances of this year. Thanks for NG for putting this on my radar!
I adore those fantastic characters. Especially Willa reminded me of young version of myself: fiery, ball of fire, wild, hot blooded but also fragile, emotionally damaged, witty, skilled soccer star. And our charming, sexy hero Ryder is a douchebag lumberjack! This book introduces us Swedish Bergman brothers and I’m so happy this is the only first book and there are more to come! I cannot wait to devour them.
This book seems like another ordinary frenemies to friends and lovers book. But it is not! Because:
The characters’ back stories developed so impeccably, you just want to hug them and feel like they are one of your family members. The emotional depth of their stories hooks you up and steals your hearts.
The hot chemistry between Willa and Ryder makes you want to scream. Several times I wish they could hear my shouting at them to tear each other’s clothes! That’s right! It’s so slow burn story which I don’t really like with normal romance novels but it fit so good with this couple’s story. High sexual tension between is unavoidable. I just want to sing “It’s getting hot in here so take off all your clothes!”
The way of story building and witty, sarcastic tone of their banter make you laugh and enjoy yourself! You just start to think how I can read this book slower so it never ends because you’re having so much fun and there are not so many books out there to brighten your mood.
It’s one of the best sports romance/ frenemies theme with hilarious and adorable characters! Please read this book ASAP to heal your negative thoughts and laugh out loud with thinking any further.
I’m giving my 5 blazing, lumberjack, steamy, heart melting, poignant stars ! More Bergman Brothers stories please! I’m already craving for my romance fix!
Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this entertaining ARC in exchange my honest review. I truly loved it so much!
March 28, 2022
definitely in the minority with my feelings on this one, but wow. i found willa to be so insufferable, she sucked all of the fun out of this for me.
and its too bad because i love a big family trope, so i really enjoyed ryder and his lovable family. they steal whatever scene they are in. and i might continue this series just to read more about them. but willa. ugh. shes obnoxious, rude, entitled, and honestly just has a sucky personality.
i also thought the writing was pretty repetitive, as well as juvenile. there were moments of dialogue and internal narration where i was shocked i was reading about adults. but i do like the disability visibility (im hesitant to call it representation because some aspects seemed questionable) and overall message of the story. grief is a big topic in this and i do like how it was handled.
so there are some positives, but a terrible MC and weak writing is preventing me from giving this more than 3 stars.
↠ 3 stars
and its too bad because i love a big family trope, so i really enjoyed ryder and his lovable family. they steal whatever scene they are in. and i might continue this series just to read more about them. but willa. ugh. shes obnoxious, rude, entitled, and honestly just has a sucky personality.
i also thought the writing was pretty repetitive, as well as juvenile. there were moments of dialogue and internal narration where i was shocked i was reading about adults. but i do like the disability visibility (im hesitant to call it representation because some aspects seemed questionable) and overall message of the story. grief is a big topic in this and i do like how it was handled.
so there are some positives, but a terrible MC and weak writing is preventing me from giving this more than 3 stars.
↠ 3 stars
July 17, 2020
um 2 stars for um ??? i can maybe see the things people liked about this book?
For the majority of the time I was reading Only When It's Us I was sure that this was an "it's not you, it's me" type of case. I have been super busy these past few weeks, yes, you read that right, weeks - it took me 2 weeks to read this
However , towards the end I realised that this book, in fact, is shit and it took all of my desire to read so much so that it put me into a reading slump, because upon further thought, I realised that I could have read if I wanted to, this book just made me...not want to.
Okay, what's so bad then you might ask. Thing is, I can barely remember because there was nothing to capture my interest whatsoever, but I'll try my best.
The Characters
The characters weren't....super bad but they were annoying, boring and just plain dumb.
We have Willa, who plays football, sucks at Maths and thinks all men are trash because she has daddy issues, which, okay, acceptable, but we were just told that, the author didn't make us sympathise with her or understand her. It's just decided that Willa never wants to be in a relationship because she is afraid they'll leave her, but based on what, besides her not knowing her dad? And if it's just that, you could've explored her trauma. Her not wanting to be in a relationship is so stupid because it doesn't change until the very end. Now, knowing that Ryder was with her through literally the worst, she still believed he was going to leave her and needed convincing??? Girl??????
that paragraph was a mess i'm sorry...
Ryder was alright, but also super unrealisic as a character, he was written to be essentially flawless and it was obvious he was the author's wet dream - homeboy cried when he saw Willa naked for the first time, because she is so beautiful and perfect and he loves her so much...................
The Romance
I didn't feel it, no chemistry, no spark, nothing. It was also so weird because they obviously made out a few times and a few pages later they'd be having an inner monologue about their one-sided attraction to each other. Like????? How would you reach that conclusion? Also there were instances where they'd kiss and then that's it, it's not talked about ever again and they continue being "frenemies". Oh god, the fremenemies thing was sooo annoying and it was constantly being pushed down our throats because the author really wanted this to be an enemies-to-lovers romance. Well, it wasn't. They never hated each other, they played a few childish pranks on each other, which were so stupid and then afterwards we're just told they're "frenemies".... based on what?
The Plot
I belive that my biggest issue with this book comes from the fact that the author told us a lot of things instead of showing them and that's just....not how it works.
There were many different plotlines in Only When It's Us, most of them completely unnecessary. It was just boring upon boring.
Tbh, I'm feeling even angrier as I'm writing this review. Legit, there was nothing I liked about Only When It's Us . Still, many people seem to have enjoyed it so maybe give it shot if it sounds like something you'd like?? idk lol
In conclusion, me reading Only When It's Us was a whole lot of me going
April 29, 2020
4.25 Stars
My tall, sandy haired, bearded, brawny, flannel wearing, green eyed lumberjack who’s as blunt and bossy as they come and cooks mean Swedish meatballs DESERVES more recognition than this. If you love your romance slow burnt and brimming with piquant banter and heated sexual tension while also feeding into your sentimental streak, go get your sweet butt a copy of this underrated gem!
These two couldn’t be more opposite. While Ryder wears his heart on his sleeve, Willa locks hers tight inside an iron casket. Both of them are well developed and admirable characters. It was challenging to not dislike Willa because I personally found her ‘tempestuousness’ and closed off personality to be awfully exasperating at times. Especially when her reasonings are often obsolete and overdone.
Willa’s determination to focus on her soccer career and her unresolved commitment/trust issues mean it takes FOREVER for her to give in to her feelings for Ryder. However, with Ryder being so caring, understanding, and relentless in his pursuit of Willa, their slow build romantic development is no less satisfying in its fulfillment. Not to mention, the culmination of their mounting sexual tension also brings forth an explosive and steamy between the sheets play at the end of the book.
I loved the family dynamics on both sides. Willa has such a strong and unwavering bond with her mom. Meanwhile, Ryder being a member of a big and chaotic Swedish American family who’s substantially affectionate and supportive, has the sweetest relationship with his parents and siblings. The side characters are also an equally excellent scene stealer. I’m already anticipating Ren’s book! I hope Rooney will be his love interest.
I found myself genuinely fascinated by the writing. It’s clever, playful, and easy to get into. The author’s attention to detail when it comes to soccer, tidbits of Swedish culture, and Ryder’s condition is also appreciable. Interestingly, the misunderstanding and lack of communication between our main leads make you compulsively root for them instead of turn you off. All that being said, I cannot recommend this book enough!
My tall, sandy haired, bearded, brawny, flannel wearing, green eyed lumberjack who’s as blunt and bossy as they come and cooks mean Swedish meatballs DESERVES more recognition than this. If you love your romance slow burnt and brimming with piquant banter and heated sexual tension while also feeding into your sentimental streak, go get your sweet butt a copy of this underrated gem!
Ryder Bergman and Willa Sutter share a class together. One wrong first impression and they’re more than eager to settle the score and push each other’s buttons. Thanks to their strict professor who thinks it’s a great idea to pair them up for a school project, they’re now decidedly frenemies.
These two couldn’t be more opposite. While Ryder wears his heart on his sleeve, Willa locks hers tight inside an iron casket. Both of them are well developed and admirable characters. It was challenging to not dislike Willa because I personally found her ‘tempestuousness’ and closed off personality to be awfully exasperating at times. Especially when her reasonings are often obsolete and overdone.
“Every time we start bickering, electricity crackles, generating a surging tug between us. Our circuitry keeps intensifying, and after last night, I feel like we’re on high-voltage spat away from blowing a massive fuse.”
Willa’s determination to focus on her soccer career and her unresolved commitment/trust issues mean it takes FOREVER for her to give in to her feelings for Ryder. However, with Ryder being so caring, understanding, and relentless in his pursuit of Willa, their slow build romantic development is no less satisfying in its fulfillment. Not to mention, the culmination of their mounting sexual tension also brings forth an explosive and steamy between the sheets play at the end of the book.
I loved the family dynamics on both sides. Willa has such a strong and unwavering bond with her mom. Meanwhile, Ryder being a member of a big and chaotic Swedish American family who’s substantially affectionate and supportive, has the sweetest relationship with his parents and siblings. The side characters are also an equally excellent scene stealer. I’m already anticipating Ren’s book! I hope Rooney will be his love interest.
“I want what you want,” … “All-in, fair and square. I want to be afraid with you rather than fearless and alone. Only when it’s us.”
I found myself genuinely fascinated by the writing. It’s clever, playful, and easy to get into. The author’s attention to detail when it comes to soccer, tidbits of Swedish culture, and Ryder’s condition is also appreciable. Interestingly, the misunderstanding and lack of communication between our main leads make you compulsively root for them instead of turn you off. All that being said, I cannot recommend this book enough!
May 16, 2020
Crying because of how perfect this was.
I have so much I want to say, but I can’t put thoughts into words right now.
This was perfect.
I have so much I want to say, but I can’t put thoughts into words right now.
This was perfect.
March 5, 2020
A New adult frenemies to lovers sports romance, where the girl is the college sports star! A story of love, friendship, family, heartbreak and grief.
Willa, a fiery, hot tempered up and coming soccer (football) star, and Ryder Bergman, a quiet and blunt guy are thrown together to do a project in their business mathematics class. Cue assumptions, wrong first impressions, misunderstandings and a whole lot of chaos and sexual tension, before they finally get to know each other.
Guys I randomly downloaded this from NG, and it was the best decision! I was at home, sick and feeling sorry for myself, and read this under my duvet in two sittings...I mean it has,
⚽️ Frenemies to lovers,
⚽️ Characters who are forced to work closely together,
⚽️ Funny childish pranks
⚽️ Sloooow burn,
⚽️ Hot sexual tension,
⚽️ Steeeeeam! My goodness I had to fan myself!
BUT ..also so much more than the synopsis suggested! It went so much deeper. I cant say much about it because I don't want to spoil anyone, but not everything is as it seems, and neither character is as they first appeared to be. The story followed these characters, Willa who is angry, wild and doesn't handle her emotions well, and Ryder AKA the 'asshole lumberjack,' as they get to know each other.
Only When It's Us was a sweet, funny, heart breaking and soooo steamy, and I adored it! It reminded me a bit of The Deal but the sports star was a frizzy haired woman! I loved that it showed how wrong first impressions can be! I also liked the way that the woman was not only the college sports star, but she was also the emotionally damaged one, who struggled to let people in, and show her vulnerability. In contrast, Bergman was an honest, stubborn bearded, green eyed hottie! Aw I just loved them both so much!
I loved the part where Willa's mum was reading Pride and Prejudice, and Willa started to see the similarities between her and Bergman, with Lizzie and Mr Darcy! It was cute, and who doesn't love a bit of Pride and Prejudice?!
I liked Willa and her 'mama's' relationship, it was them against the world. But I really loved the Swedish American Bergman family, and kinda want to live with them! I cant wait to read more of these books, about Ryder's brothers, the next one being about Ren.
I definitely recommend this, download it now on NG whilst you still can! While you are dong that, Chloe Liese has made a Spotify playlist to go with the book, which is amazing!
#OnlyWhenIt'sUs
*skips off to read my favourite parts again*
Many thanks to Netgalley Connect for making this available for download!
Willa, a fiery, hot tempered up and coming soccer (football) star, and Ryder Bergman, a quiet and blunt guy are thrown together to do a project in their business mathematics class. Cue assumptions, wrong first impressions, misunderstandings and a whole lot of chaos and sexual tension, before they finally get to know each other.
Guys I randomly downloaded this from NG, and it was the best decision! I was at home, sick and feeling sorry for myself, and read this under my duvet in two sittings...I mean it has,
⚽️ Frenemies to lovers,
⚽️ Characters who are forced to work closely together,
⚽️ Funny childish pranks
⚽️ Sloooow burn,
⚽️ Hot sexual tension,
⚽️ Steeeeeam! My goodness I had to fan myself!
BUT ..also so much more than the synopsis suggested! It went so much deeper. I cant say much about it because I don't want to spoil anyone, but not everything is as it seems, and neither character is as they first appeared to be. The story followed these characters, Willa who is angry, wild and doesn't handle her emotions well, and Ryder AKA the 'asshole lumberjack,' as they get to know each other.
Only When It's Us was a sweet, funny, heart breaking and soooo steamy, and I adored it! It reminded me a bit of The Deal but the sports star was a frizzy haired woman! I loved that it showed how wrong first impressions can be! I also liked the way that the woman was not only the college sports star, but she was also the emotionally damaged one, who struggled to let people in, and show her vulnerability. In contrast, Bergman was an honest, stubborn bearded, green eyed hottie! Aw I just loved them both so much!
I loved the part where Willa's mum was reading Pride and Prejudice, and Willa started to see the similarities between her and Bergman, with Lizzie and Mr Darcy! It was cute, and who doesn't love a bit of Pride and Prejudice?!
I liked Willa and her 'mama's' relationship, it was them against the world. But I really loved the Swedish American Bergman family, and kinda want to live with them! I cant wait to read more of these books, about Ryder's brothers, the next one being about Ren.
I definitely recommend this, download it now on NG whilst you still can! While you are dong that, Chloe Liese has made a Spotify playlist to go with the book, which is amazing!
#OnlyWhenIt'sUs
*skips off to read my favourite parts again*
Many thanks to Netgalley Connect for making this available for download!
May 31, 2024
“I want to close my eyes and feel the memory of the moment only when it’s us became only us, forever.”
I tried. I tried so very hard to love this book that I ended up hating it instead. It's not the book and it's definitely not me. It's all Willa and her hot-headed personality. I had so many expectations from this book because everyone was raving about how good this series is and I associated it with every book of this series lol. Jokes on me for believing Bookstagram.
The story started off good and I was enjoying it because it was funny, entertaining and cute. The first half was pretty good and I liked the romance and the disability representation but everything went downhill in second half. The romance was cute and adorable but Willa made hard for me to love it. She's always there to destroy it with her overthinking and how she hated Ryder and his grumpy-lumberjack personality. I liked the frenemies trope and how they always teased and flirted even though it was childish most of the times. The chemistry between them was hot, their banter was witty and the slow-burn build-up to hot steamy moments and ultimate love confessions was satisfying.
Ryder Bergman is the best thing about this book. I read this only for him because this man is just perfect. He is lovable, kind, sweet, thoughtful, and caring. The grumpiest and brawniest lumberjack. I like how he cared for Willa and accepted her as who she was, with anger issues and all and even loved her for it. Ryder deserves someone better than Willa because this man did everything in his power to make her understand his feelings for her. He calls her 'Sunshine' when she is anything but that.
Willa Sutter was too annoying for me to even like her. Her monologues and her dialogues made me cringe so hard and this girl needs to know when to stop talking. I get she is a hot-headed mess who keeps her feelings locked inside a vault but can't keep her mouth shut because she has to say everything she thinks in her small brain. She was just insufferable, blaming Ryder for not sharing his feelings and secrets when she is the only hypocrite in this book because she never shared her feelings and her life with Ryder, and then blamed him for not trusting her enough with his past and secrets. Her character growth was so sudden and fast in the end and I just didn't feel it.
I love the Bergman family and their sweet, supportive and affectionate family dynamics. I can't wait to read more about the Bergman brothers and sisters and I am already so excited for Ren's and Axel's book!
—————
pre-read review: The cover is so cute 🥹🤌🏻 i just know this series is going to be my new obsession 🤭
I tried. I tried so very hard to love this book that I ended up hating it instead. It's not the book and it's definitely not me. It's all Willa and her hot-headed personality. I had so many expectations from this book because everyone was raving about how good this series is and I associated it with every book of this series lol. Jokes on me for believing Bookstagram.
The story started off good and I was enjoying it because it was funny, entertaining and cute. The first half was pretty good and I liked the romance and the disability representation but everything went downhill in second half. The romance was cute and adorable but Willa made hard for me to love it. She's always there to destroy it with her overthinking and how she hated Ryder and his grumpy-lumberjack personality. I liked the frenemies trope and how they always teased and flirted even though it was childish most of the times. The chemistry between them was hot, their banter was witty and the slow-burn build-up to hot steamy moments and ultimate love confessions was satisfying.
“I think that’s what it means to love the way I love you. To love so much you feel broken open and at the same time healed. Maybe that’s what it means to be vulnerable? Maybe that’s intimacy? Whatever it is, whatever it means, I don’t want it to ever end. I never want to stop feeling this kind of love for you. I want us to love each other this deeply, this powerfully, always. Promise me, Ryder.”
I cup her cheek, bring her close for yet another gentle kiss. One of thousands and thousands I want from her for the rest of whatever time is given to us. “Promise, Sunshine. Always.”
Ryder Bergman is the best thing about this book. I read this only for him because this man is just perfect. He is lovable, kind, sweet, thoughtful, and caring. The grumpiest and brawniest lumberjack. I like how he cared for Willa and accepted her as who she was, with anger issues and all and even loved her for it. Ryder deserves someone better than Willa because this man did everything in his power to make her understand his feelings for her. He calls her 'Sunshine' when she is anything but that.
Willa Sutter was too annoying for me to even like her. Her monologues and her dialogues made me cringe so hard and this girl needs to know when to stop talking. I get she is a hot-headed mess who keeps her feelings locked inside a vault but can't keep her mouth shut because she has to say everything she thinks in her small brain. She was just insufferable, blaming Ryder for not sharing his feelings and secrets when she is the only hypocrite in this book because she never shared her feelings and her life with Ryder, and then blamed him for not trusting her enough with his past and secrets. Her character growth was so sudden and fast in the end and I just didn't feel it.
I love the Bergman family and their sweet, supportive and affectionate family dynamics. I can't wait to read more about the Bergman brothers and sisters and I am already so excited for Ren's and Axel's book!
—————
pre-read review: The cover is so cute 🥹🤌🏻 i just know this series is going to be my new obsession 🤭
July 29, 2020
4 stars
Only When It's Us is my first Chloe Liese book, but after reading it, I'm looking forward to reading more! This is one of those books that's so fun to read you won't want to put it down. I enjoyed it so much!
Willa Rose is a D1 Athlete who has a lot on her plate. Between soccer, her mom, and school, she's busy. She's doing well juggling it all but she has this one class with an uncooperative professor. This professor tells her if she needs his notes when she misses class she needs to go to Ryder. Ryder Bergman and WIlla don't hit it off at first, but when they get paired for a project they become unlikely friends.
Their friendship is the kind where they're constantly bantering and picking on each other and I loved that aspect of the book. I had so much fun with them and I loved watching their feelings grow.
Ryder is my favorite kind of hero. I adored him and he really was the best. I did like Willa, but honestly it took a while for her to grow on me. By the end I loved them both and I loved them together!
This was not only frienemies to lovers, but a delicious slow, which are two of my favorite things. It had some angst and emotion (I had tears once or twice), but was more funny than anything else. I laughed so many times. I loved Ryder and his entire family and I'm definitely looking forward to his brother's book which is coming out soon!
Only When It's Us is my first Chloe Liese book, but after reading it, I'm looking forward to reading more! This is one of those books that's so fun to read you won't want to put it down. I enjoyed it so much!
Willa Rose is a D1 Athlete who has a lot on her plate. Between soccer, her mom, and school, she's busy. She's doing well juggling it all but she has this one class with an uncooperative professor. This professor tells her if she needs his notes when she misses class she needs to go to Ryder. Ryder Bergman and WIlla don't hit it off at first, but when they get paired for a project they become unlikely friends.
Their friendship is the kind where they're constantly bantering and picking on each other and I loved that aspect of the book. I had so much fun with them and I loved watching their feelings grow.
We don’t bother with people we’re indifferent to. We provoke and prank and tease those who get under our skin and make us feel, people who incite our passion.
Ryder is my favorite kind of hero. I adored him and he really was the best. I did like Willa, but honestly it took a while for her to grow on me. By the end I loved them both and I loved them together!
This was not only frienemies to lovers, but a delicious slow, which are two of my favorite things. It had some angst and emotion (I had tears once or twice), but was more funny than anything else. I laughed so many times. I loved Ryder and his entire family and I'm definitely looking forward to his brother's book which is coming out soon!
Read
June 10, 2022As of August 21, 2021, Only When It's Us has been revised, expanded, and republished in both ebook and paperback formats to improve overall content quality and representational authenticity. As of December 7, 2021, the audiobook is now updated to reflect this revised and expanded 2021 version and can be found on Goodreads here. You can ensure you have the right copy because the front matter will include a note titled “Revised and Expanded 2021 Edition” and by visiting your platform’s options for managing content, then manually checking for an update to be available. Details of changes are available on the Bergman Brothers page of my website.
Willa and Ryder are as fun and feisty as ever, their story still as hot as it is heartfelt. These two hold a special place in my heart; through the journey that began with them, I've learned so much and grown both as a storyteller and as a person. I'm grateful that I was able to take what I've learned, how I've grown, and work with both an authenticity reader as well as my professional support system to make their story its best self.
Paperback, e-book, and audiobook are available for purchase from major retailers and also for request from your library!
Enjoy book playlists? Like all the Bergman books, ONLY WHEN IT'S US has a playlist, one song per chapter. Listen with Spotify.
January 8, 2022
This was so amazing, I can't believe it took me this long to finally start this series
♡ ultimate "frenemies" to lovers where their foreplay is them playing pranks and trying to push each others buttons
♡ cinnamon role "lumberjack" hero who is deaf & hasn't spoken since losing his hearing
♡ heroine is a hotheaded soccer star
after a bad first impression they are forced to be partners for a class project and ughhhhh the banter was so good
I will say big trigger warning for cancer and loss of a parent. I decided to skip full scenes that related to this cause it was vv heavy
can't wait to read the rest of the series
♡ ultimate "frenemies" to lovers where their foreplay is them playing pranks and trying to push each others buttons
♡ cinnamon role "lumberjack" hero who is deaf & hasn't spoken since losing his hearing
♡ heroine is a hotheaded soccer star
after a bad first impression they are forced to be partners for a class project and ughhhhh the banter was so good
I will say big trigger warning for cancer and loss of a parent. I decided to skip full scenes that related to this cause it was vv heavy
can't wait to read the rest of the series
September 15, 2021
[#OwnVoices Deaf-Hard of Hearing review.]
TL;DR: Overall, this book gave me these vibes: “Hearing person wrote a Hearing character but slapped some underdeveloped hearing loss on, declared him deaf, and called it a day."
This book comes HIGHLY recommended whenever someone finds out I am Deaf-HOH, since one of the MC's is deaf. I had very high hopes going into it, but those hopes quickly dissipated. To summarize my feelings, here's a list of things that drove me up the wall while reading:
- The entire book people were forcing Ryder (deaf MC) into uncomfortable situations or demanding he use his voice. The worst offenders were his family members, who pressured him to speak and hardly ever put effort into communicating via other means.
- Ryder seemed to have very "selective hearing." One second he wouldn't understand someone's booming voice, and the next he could hear someone whispering? Really?
- Ryder was a lipreading PRODIGY. I mean, he could understand the word "obstinate" but not "thank you," when having conversations with people? As someone who heavily relies on lipreading, it is hard to lipread! Context is so important when I lipread, because my brain is playing a lightning round Mad Libs and filling in the blanks. This element didn't ring true.
- Ryder refused to wear hearing aids because they hurt his ears and they didn't help much, but decided (on a whim) to get cochlear implants. Which are permanent, mind you. Not removable. Not an easy thing to adapt to (which he did... incredibly quickly...). And magically his hearing was better!
- Cochlear implants leads to my last point, the thing that upset me most about this book: Ryder's speech. I thought it was great that (at some points) he would talk to people through notes or texts, because I do this constantly! But it made me wildly uncomfortable when he began speaking purely for the other MC's benefit. It came across like: "This deaf character needs to alter himself and begin using verbal communication or else he can't engage in a successful relationship." Damn. That was my tipping point into a one-star rating.
There are other issues with this book, but there are tons of reviews that talk about those. (Misogyny, toxic masculinity, plot, etc). So I won't bring those up.
All in all... this book was a letdown and very, very frustrating.
TL;DR: Overall, this book gave me these vibes: “Hearing person wrote a Hearing character but slapped some underdeveloped hearing loss on, declared him deaf, and called it a day."
This book comes HIGHLY recommended whenever someone finds out I am Deaf-HOH, since one of the MC's is deaf. I had very high hopes going into it, but those hopes quickly dissipated. To summarize my feelings, here's a list of things that drove me up the wall while reading:
- The entire book people were forcing Ryder (deaf MC) into uncomfortable situations or demanding he use his voice. The worst offenders were his family members, who pressured him to speak and hardly ever put effort into communicating via other means.
- Ryder seemed to have very "selective hearing." One second he wouldn't understand someone's booming voice, and the next he could hear someone whispering? Really?
- Ryder was a lipreading PRODIGY. I mean, he could understand the word "obstinate" but not "thank you," when having conversations with people? As someone who heavily relies on lipreading, it is hard to lipread! Context is so important when I lipread, because my brain is playing a lightning round Mad Libs and filling in the blanks. This element didn't ring true.
- Ryder refused to wear hearing aids because they hurt his ears and they didn't help much, but decided (on a whim) to get cochlear implants. Which are permanent, mind you. Not removable. Not an easy thing to adapt to (which he did... incredibly quickly...). And magically his hearing was better!
- Cochlear implants leads to my last point, the thing that upset me most about this book: Ryder's speech. I thought it was great that (at some points) he would talk to people through notes or texts, because I do this constantly! But it made me wildly uncomfortable when he began speaking purely for the other MC's benefit. It came across like: "This deaf character needs to alter himself and begin using verbal communication or else he can't engage in a successful relationship." Damn. That was my tipping point into a one-star rating.
There are other issues with this book, but there are tons of reviews that talk about those. (Misogyny, toxic masculinity, plot, etc). So I won't bring those up.
All in all... this book was a letdown and very, very frustrating.
March 6, 2020
5 ‘Sunshine and Lumberjack’ stars
Thank you dear Fran for arranging a blind date between me and this book. I enjoyed my time a lot and I don’t think it’s too early to say I’m in love.
This book was so good, so funny, so emotional, and so sweet. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it was so much more! It has the perfect romance package. I loved their frenemies relationship. And the slow burn was so good!! The type of slow burn that ends with a huge fire. I loved how this book shows how deceiving first impressions could be. This book is just deeper than it appear to be. It was so perfect.
I loved those two characters a lot. It was different and refreshing to have a sports star heroine. She was also the one with commitment issue. She’s the one with a temper who don’t let anyone in. I loved her relationship with her mama. The family dynamic in this book was so good. Bergman was so sweet and vulnerable. I loved how they both accept and support each other. I loved how their characters were so real. I just loved them both so much. This is a highly recommended book, do yourself a favor and download it from NG while you still can. You need to read this book!
*Thanks to NetGally for providing this copy to download.*
Thank you dear Fran for arranging a blind date between me and this book. I enjoyed my time a lot and I don’t think it’s too early to say I’m in love.
This book was so good, so funny, so emotional, and so sweet. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but it was so much more! It has the perfect romance package. I loved their frenemies relationship. And the slow burn was so good!! The type of slow burn that ends with a huge fire. I loved how this book shows how deceiving first impressions could be. This book is just deeper than it appear to be. It was so perfect.
I loved those two characters a lot. It was different and refreshing to have a sports star heroine. She was also the one with commitment issue. She’s the one with a temper who don’t let anyone in. I loved her relationship with her mama. The family dynamic in this book was so good. Bergman was so sweet and vulnerable. I loved how they both accept and support each other. I loved how their characters were so real. I just loved them both so much. This is a highly recommended book, do yourself a favor and download it from NG while you still can. You need to read this book!
*Thanks to NetGally for providing this copy to download.*
August 6, 2020
Ahh, nothing beats young, overly dramatic love.
December 31, 2020
NOT THIS MF CRYING WHEN HE SEES HER NAKED FOR THE FIRST TIME LMFAOO 😭 are u not embarrazzed
June 23, 2021
dnf @ 40%
k but this girl needs to discover shavasana 🥱
k but this girl needs to discover shavasana 🥱
May 19, 2021
you’d think that i would like the main character because she’s usually my type of favorite character but i found her very annoying, she acting as though her problems were the biggest problems in the world and no one else experience the same thing as her? i understand people feel like their problems are the biggest and she did have a lot to deal with but she acted like her problems were harder than everyone else’s as though she knows what goes on in people lives. i also feel like the author tried to hard to make her a feminist badass just by the amount of times the word feminist was used. i do feel like this book dealt with grief really well
July 30, 2020
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
First of all, let me stress on the fact that this is not your normal NA college romance. This is much more the story is of two people growing up and the fact that makes this book special is that our characters were willing to grow. In a way this book is much more mature than one would think. If you’re looking a for a whole-bang-and-a-fuck, this is not for you. Yes as many mentioned before this book is a slow burn but the romance and the sexual tension is definitely evident from the beginning. It’s just the execution that has taken a slow burn and that too with reason.
We get two individuals thrown into life with some hard times and we get to be part of a beautiful journey that shows their road to happiness. The story packs a sweet feminist twist with our sporty jock taking a gender swap as the girl being the one. Ryder too has his moments but the manner he shines through out the story is astonishing. It makes you wonder why you do not have “The One” yet. Obviously book boyfriends such as Ryder sets the bar pretty high up for them mortal hooligans we run around with.
First of all, let me stress on the fact that this is not your normal NA college romance. This is much more the story is of two people growing up and the fact that makes this book special is that our characters were willing to grow. In a way this book is much more mature than one would think. If you’re looking a for a whole-bang-and-a-fuck, this is not for you. Yes as many mentioned before this book is a slow burn but the romance and the sexual tension is definitely evident from the beginning. It’s just the execution that has taken a slow burn and that too with reason.
We get two individuals thrown into life with some hard times and we get to be part of a beautiful journey that shows their road to happiness. The story packs a sweet feminist twist with our sporty jock taking a gender swap as the girl being the one. Ryder too has his moments but the manner he shines through out the story is astonishing. It makes you wonder why you do not have “The One” yet. Obviously book boyfriends such as Ryder sets the bar pretty high up for them mortal hooligans we run around with.
Read
July 29, 2021DNF at 30%
Really upset with how the author handled a conflict between the hero and heroine when the hero got hearing aids.
My child is hard of hearing. Hard of hearing people DO NOT OWE anyone an immediate disclaimer or explanation the second they get hearing aids.
If you find you need to edit your words when you are around someone who can hear when previously they could not you really need to examine your OWN actions.
Really upset with how the author handled a conflict between the hero and heroine when the hero got hearing aids.
My child is hard of hearing. Hard of hearing people DO NOT OWE anyone an immediate disclaimer or explanation the second they get hearing aids.
If you find you need to edit your words when you are around someone who can hear when previously they could not you really need to examine your OWN actions.
May 24, 2023
UPDATE: 25/05/2023 - Reread. Still quite a long story but am going to try the next in series so thought I would read this again to refresh my memory.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Oh.
I read the **Revised and Expanded 2021 Edition**.
It all makes sense now. I wish I had read the less expanded edition.
I'm sorry, the above comment makes it seem like I am about to launch in to a really negative review. I am not. There were good elements in this novel. I just wish there was less to review because, phew, that went on and on and on. At the start I didn't know if I could push through because there was a really immature enemies vibe that was starting to get on my nerve, so when hair pulling happened in a lecture I about quit right then. Yes. Actual hair pulling from 20 something year olds. That did settle down (a bit). I really enjoyed the deaf representation in the book and Ryder's experiences felt quite genuine whilst reading it, however, I've since read that Chloe has apologised for some misrepresentation in terms of experiences for deaf people so you should read some ownvoice Reader's reviews. I love novels with exceptional sportswomen so I found that aspect enjoyable. The other thing that was wonderful was the family dynamics. The Bergman's are the type of fun family that I would enjoy reading about and for that reason I will give book two a go. However, if I hear anyone called 'Lumberjack' and/or 'Sunshine' as a cutesy term of endearment again, I will straight up scream.
CW:
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Oh.
I read the **Revised and Expanded 2021 Edition**.
It all makes sense now. I wish I had read the less expanded edition.
I'm sorry, the above comment makes it seem like I am about to launch in to a really negative review. I am not. There were good elements in this novel. I just wish there was less to review because, phew, that went on and on and on. At the start I didn't know if I could push through because there was a really immature enemies vibe that was starting to get on my nerve, so when hair pulling happened in a lecture I about quit right then. Yes. Actual hair pulling from 20 something year olds. That did settle down (a bit). I really enjoyed the deaf representation in the book and Ryder's experiences felt quite genuine whilst reading it, however, I've since read that Chloe has apologised for some misrepresentation in terms of experiences for deaf people so you should read some ownvoice Reader's reviews. I love novels with exceptional sportswomen so I found that aspect enjoyable. The other thing that was wonderful was the family dynamics. The Bergman's are the type of fun family that I would enjoy reading about and for that reason I will give book two a go. However, if I hear anyone called 'Lumberjack' and/or 'Sunshine' as a cutesy term of endearment again, I will straight up scream.
CW:
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 27, 2023
|| 3.0 stars ||
This is a frenemies-to-lovers college romance with lots of tension-filled banter and unresolved feelings.
The heroine, Willa, is a professional soccer player, who has a chip on her shoulder and an inability to open up to people. She has steeled her heart from everyone but her dying mother, and uses comedy to deflect from her vulnerabilities and softer side.
The hero, Ryder, is a gentle but blunt giant of a man, who has suffered a major setback in life when he lost his up-and-coming soccer career to an illness that took away his hearing. He goes through life near-deaf and completely mute, which has made him crawl into his shell, not really interacting with people anymore.
When these two meet, it was not love at first sight. They immediately get off on the wrong foot, and thus begins their love/hate relationship where they constantly tease each other and try to get a rise out of the other. However, the more these two hang out, the more passionate their feelings for each other become. Both are reluctant to give into it (especially Willa), but they continue to grow closer and closer.
I thought these two were likable characters and I thought they had great chemistry together. They were exactly what the other needed and it was clear they both accepted the other exactly as they were. Willa never even blinked twice at Ryder’s disability, and she took him exactly as he was. Opposingly, Ryder was also incredibly patient and understanding when it came to all of Willa’s emotional walls. He never let Willa scare him away.
Nonetheless, despite their understanding and acceptance of each other, they had a really tough time communicating together. They beat around the bush a lot, and sometimes that did get a little annoying. I mean, don’t get me wrong: I love a good slow-burn, but in this case I just felt like they were being difficult for no reason.
I personally liked the first half of this book a lot more than the second half. It started to drag a bit, and that was unfortunate. I also feel like some of the things I loved about this book at first, fell a little flat later on. The romance and banter being among those things.
I also want to point out something I really disliked about this book: As I mentioned before, Ryder had gone nearly deaf and because of that, he didn’t speak anymore. I thought this was incorporated pretty well into the book (even though Ryder seemed to function better than I would realistically expect). However, it then really frustrated me when Ryder suddenly got an operation that made him able to hear and speak like he never had an issue in the first place. It was so strange to me, and I didn’t like it. I would have really loved it if Ryder would have been able to find love and happiness with his disability still intact, as he was already well on his way to achieving that anyway. It wasn’t necessary for him to get ‘fixed’, and I would have preferred for it to not have happened.
Anyway, long story short, I thought this was a fun read and I enjoyed it, but I unfortunately can’t say I loved it.
I also want to give a quick thank you to walreads for writing her gushing review, which was so infectious, it made me want to read this book immediately!
This is a frenemies-to-lovers college romance with lots of tension-filled banter and unresolved feelings.
The heroine, Willa, is a professional soccer player, who has a chip on her shoulder and an inability to open up to people. She has steeled her heart from everyone but her dying mother, and uses comedy to deflect from her vulnerabilities and softer side.
The hero, Ryder, is a gentle but blunt giant of a man, who has suffered a major setback in life when he lost his up-and-coming soccer career to an illness that took away his hearing. He goes through life near-deaf and completely mute, which has made him crawl into his shell, not really interacting with people anymore.
When these two meet, it was not love at first sight. They immediately get off on the wrong foot, and thus begins their love/hate relationship where they constantly tease each other and try to get a rise out of the other. However, the more these two hang out, the more passionate their feelings for each other become. Both are reluctant to give into it (especially Willa), but they continue to grow closer and closer.
I thought these two were likable characters and I thought they had great chemistry together. They were exactly what the other needed and it was clear they both accepted the other exactly as they were. Willa never even blinked twice at Ryder’s disability, and she took him exactly as he was. Opposingly, Ryder was also incredibly patient and understanding when it came to all of Willa’s emotional walls. He never let Willa scare him away.
Nonetheless, despite their understanding and acceptance of each other, they had a really tough time communicating together. They beat around the bush a lot, and sometimes that did get a little annoying. I mean, don’t get me wrong: I love a good slow-burn, but in this case I just felt like they were being difficult for no reason.
I personally liked the first half of this book a lot more than the second half. It started to drag a bit, and that was unfortunate. I also feel like some of the things I loved about this book at first, fell a little flat later on. The romance and banter being among those things.
I also want to point out something I really disliked about this book: As I mentioned before, Ryder had gone nearly deaf and because of that, he didn’t speak anymore. I thought this was incorporated pretty well into the book (even though Ryder seemed to function better than I would realistically expect). However, it then really frustrated me when Ryder suddenly got an operation that made him able to hear and speak like he never had an issue in the first place. It was so strange to me, and I didn’t like it. I would have really loved it if Ryder would have been able to find love and happiness with his disability still intact, as he was already well on his way to achieving that anyway. It wasn’t necessary for him to get ‘fixed’, and I would have preferred for it to not have happened.
Anyway, long story short, I thought this was a fun read and I enjoyed it, but I unfortunately can’t say I loved it.
I also want to give a quick thank you to walreads for writing her gushing review, which was so infectious, it made me want to read this book immediately!
January 2, 2022
Only When It’s Us is a sexy college romance with a fierce, sunshine heroine and a determined, grumpy hero. For the first book in the Bergman series, Chloe Liese has made a wonderful cocktail that includes: frenemies to lovers, great side characters, loads of emotions and two competitive, stubborn athletes!
I’ve been told I have a temper. I prefer to be called tempestuous.
Competitive, hard-working and independent, Willa fills perfectly the athlete role model. She never gives up, trains hard and never forgets her ultimate goal: playing professional.
I thought I would love her right away, because I’m as competitive as her, but what made me connect with her wasn’t her “athlete” personality. They were her tears. The tears she tried not to shed when her professor told her she wasn’t trying hard enough. The tears that make me realize she wasn’t as tough as she seemed, as arrogant. I have read a lot of romances with fierce heroines and when someone tells them they are not doing enough, they act like they don’t care or ask for a new opportunity, promising they will try harder.
That’s what I expected from Willa. Not an apology. Not the tears. That’s why I felt her, because she showed me she wasn’t a prototype role model that could be put a label on.
Willa is afraid of being alone because her mother is dying of cancer, confident about soccer, determined to not love anyone else because she doesn’t want to suffer more. She loves books, she likes to tease, to be teased, she knows what her goals are but she feels lost most of the time. You can like her or not, but she was so unique that it felt real .
“I’m scared too, Sunshine. () I just know I’d rather be afraid with you than fearless with anyone else.”
It’s true that Ryder and Willa didn’t start with the right foot. At the beginning, their fights were so epic that sometimes I was afraid they would end up killing each other before they had even kissed.
Explosive, competitive and without filters, Willa and Ryder have a lot in common. But they are also complete opposites when it comes to matters of the heart: Willa hides hers inside a titanium capsule, and Ryder is not afraid of freeing his feelings and fighting for the woman he is falling in love with. Even if she is determined to not let him in.
Overall, Only When It’s Us is a solid romance with beautiful characters, a bit of fun, a bit of sadness, disability rep and great family dynamics. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!
↬ Series:
1. Only When It's Us: 4.25 stars
2. Always Only You: 5 stars
3. Ever After Always: 5 stars
I’ve been told I have a temper. I prefer to be called tempestuous.
Competitive, hard-working and independent, Willa fills perfectly the athlete role model. She never gives up, trains hard and never forgets her ultimate goal: playing professional.
I thought I would love her right away, because I’m as competitive as her, but what made me connect with her wasn’t her “athlete” personality. They were her tears. The tears she tried not to shed when her professor told her she wasn’t trying hard enough. The tears that make me realize she wasn’t as tough as she seemed, as arrogant. I have read a lot of romances with fierce heroines and when someone tells them they are not doing enough, they act like they don’t care or ask for a new opportunity, promising they will try harder.
That’s what I expected from Willa. Not an apology. Not the tears. That’s why I felt her, because she showed me she wasn’t a prototype role model that could be put a label on.
Willa is afraid of being alone because her mother is dying of cancer, confident about soccer, determined to not love anyone else because she doesn’t want to suffer more. She loves books, she likes to tease, to be teased, she knows what her goals are but she feels lost most of the time. You can like her or not, but she was so unique that it felt real .
“I’m scared too, Sunshine. () I just know I’d rather be afraid with you than fearless with anyone else.”
It’s true that Ryder and Willa didn’t start with the right foot. At the beginning, their fights were so epic that sometimes I was afraid they would end up killing each other before they had even kissed.
Explosive, competitive and without filters, Willa and Ryder have a lot in common. But they are also complete opposites when it comes to matters of the heart: Willa hides hers inside a titanium capsule, and Ryder is not afraid of freeing his feelings and fighting for the woman he is falling in love with. Even if she is determined to not let him in.
Overall, Only When It’s Us is a solid romance with beautiful characters, a bit of fun, a bit of sadness, disability rep and great family dynamics. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!
↬ Series:
1. Only When It's Us: 4.25 stars
2. Always Only You: 5 stars
3. Ever After Always: 5 stars
April 9, 2020
I knew the instant I saw the soccer jersey-ed girl on the cover of the book, I would have to stan.
A Rambly List of my Thoughts
- The characters of this book are written phenomenally well. They are polar opposites.
- Our main character, Willa, grew up as a military kid, raised by a single mother. She is entirely dependent on herself, focused on her professional upcoming soccer career (!!!!!), and has some serious commitment/trust issues
- On the other hand, our love interest, Ryder, comes from a massive Swedish-American blended family, is very open about his feelings, and is trying to blend in at the moment.
- But what these two share is an absolute love for aggravating each other. Right from the start, they argue, they bicker, they don’t get along and SO THAT’S WHY THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER!!!!
The formula of True Love demands it
- What I really loved about their dynamic was it wasn’t all hate. They reached a mutual understanding (before the pranking started rolling in) that they were clearly frenemies
- They would share meals (WHEN THEY COOK FOR EACH OTHER!!! I had to scream at myself to Calm!! The!! Hell!! Down!!), help each other with studying/assignments, and be an emotional support when the other needed it. But only for about 25 seconds because then they would find something to attack the other with
(They can be paralleled to Elizabeth and Darcy - the slowwww burnnnnnn hate to love with bright flashes of lack of communication – really nails their dynamic)
- And omg when Ryder went to her soccer game 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 not to be utterly gross but I want what they have
- Another incredible aspect about the book is Ryder. Not only is he a sensitive, super caring, and hilarious guy but ???lowkey spoiler???
I could go on forever about this book. I could talk about the family representation and how we got to see such a beautiful, wholesome, and chaotic family.
How the main characters have such substantial, trusting, important relationships with their mothers (and father).
How Willa and Ryder have electric chemistry on page and will drag you through crap before you see them admit any emotional attachment for each other.
How the supporting characters are fleshed out and entertaining to read about.
How I am stupidly in love with this book bc I stayed up way past my bedtime reading and highlighting passages.
and how I almost cried when I read that there would be 5 books in this series following the Bergman brothers (that's how you know you're committed to this ish)
anyways, i lowkey wish i could go back in time and read this again for the first time because damn I'm smitten
🥰 Thanks to Netgalley for approving me for this title!! 🥰
A Rambly List of my Thoughts
- The characters of this book are written phenomenally well. They are polar opposites.
- Our main character, Willa, grew up as a military kid, raised by a single mother. She is entirely dependent on herself, focused on her professional upcoming soccer career (!!!!!), and has some serious commitment/trust issues
- On the other hand, our love interest, Ryder, comes from a massive Swedish-American blended family, is very open about his feelings, and is trying to blend in at the moment.
- But what these two share is an absolute love for aggravating each other. Right from the start, they argue, they bicker, they don’t get along and SO THAT’S WHY THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER!!!!
The formula of True Love demands it
- What I really loved about their dynamic was it wasn’t all hate. They reached a mutual understanding (before the pranking started rolling in) that they were clearly frenemies
- They would share meals (WHEN THEY COOK FOR EACH OTHER!!! I had to scream at myself to Calm!! The!! Hell!! Down!!), help each other with studying/assignments, and be an emotional support when the other needed it. But only for about 25 seconds because then they would find something to attack the other with
(They can be paralleled to Elizabeth and Darcy - the slowwww burnnnnnn hate to love with bright flashes of lack of communication – really nails their dynamic)
- And omg when Ryder went to her soccer game 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 not to be utterly gross but I want what they have
- Another incredible aspect about the book is Ryder. Not only is he a sensitive, super caring, and hilarious guy but ???lowkey spoiler???
I could go on forever about this book. I could talk about the family representation and how we got to see such a beautiful, wholesome, and chaotic family.
How the main characters have such substantial, trusting, important relationships with their mothers (and father).
How Willa and Ryder have electric chemistry on page and will drag you through crap before you see them admit any emotional attachment for each other.
How the supporting characters are fleshed out and entertaining to read about.
How I am stupidly in love with this book bc I stayed up way past my bedtime reading and highlighting passages.
and how I almost cried when I read that there would be 5 books in this series following the Bergman brothers (that's how you know you're committed to this ish)
anyways, i lowkey wish i could go back in time and read this again for the first time because damn I'm smitten
🥰 Thanks to Netgalley for approving me for this title!! 🥰
November 4, 2020
“I want to close my eyes and feel the memory of the moment only when it’s us became only us, forever.”
This book has been on my tbr for way too long.
I have a folder on my kindle for all my kindle unlimited downloads and this one has been in there for many many months and I don't know why I didn't read it because I loved this book.
After a misunderstanding over some lecture notes a frenemy relationship between soccer star Willa and lumberjackesque Ryder is sparked. The two then engage in a series of pranking and teasing mixed with a lot sexual tension and emotional turmoil.
Willa and Ryder's relationship was so sweet and so pure. It was developed really well and felt super natural. From hating one another to being self proclaimed ‘frenemies’ to falling in love with each other I was obsessed.
And the slow Burn?? Amazing
This book did slow burn so well.
Romance novels even many books in general are lacking in the disability representation and I love the way this book presented it. Ryder is deaf and the supportive and loving way it was approached was so endearing.
"You've just... always taken me in stride. Accepted me for how I am"
"What else would I do, Ryder? I love you for who you are. Of course, I accept who you are. Just like you've accepted me"
The strength of the romance in this book I think is small sweet things that they would do which conveyed how deeply they cared for one another and it's genuinely hard to put into words how much I adored that. Like they were just the absolute sweetest.
This book was more emotional than I thought it would be and between an engaging plot and strongly written characters I couldn't put it down and read most of it in one sitting. I absolutely cannot wait to read more in this series.
This book has been on my tbr for way too long.
I have a folder on my kindle for all my kindle unlimited downloads and this one has been in there for many many months and I don't know why I didn't read it because I loved this book.
After a misunderstanding over some lecture notes a frenemy relationship between soccer star Willa and lumberjackesque Ryder is sparked. The two then engage in a series of pranking and teasing mixed with a lot sexual tension and emotional turmoil.
Willa and Ryder's relationship was so sweet and so pure. It was developed really well and felt super natural. From hating one another to being self proclaimed ‘frenemies’ to falling in love with each other I was obsessed.
And the slow Burn?? Amazing
This book did slow burn so well.
Romance novels even many books in general are lacking in the disability representation and I love the way this book presented it. Ryder is deaf and the supportive and loving way it was approached was so endearing.
"You've just... always taken me in stride. Accepted me for how I am"
"What else would I do, Ryder? I love you for who you are. Of course, I accept who you are. Just like you've accepted me"
The strength of the romance in this book I think is small sweet things that they would do which conveyed how deeply they cared for one another and it's genuinely hard to put into words how much I adored that. Like they were just the absolute sweetest.
This book was more emotional than I thought it would be and between an engaging plot and strongly written characters I couldn't put it down and read most of it in one sitting. I absolutely cannot wait to read more in this series.
dnf
February 7, 2021dnf @ 34%
I don't like Willa at all. I find her behavior very annoying, she is such a cliché of a female character. In the first third of the book she has already done so many things I can't stand, I could make a list.
Also, what is it with heroines in MF romance books
I like Ryder, but it's hard not to when he's too good to be true. Not sure what he sees in Willa, though. The 'animosity' and the banter between them feels forced and I don't feel them as a couple.
I don't think the way this author writes works for me.
I don't like Willa at all. I find her behavior very annoying, she is such a cliché of a female character. In the first third of the book she has already done so many things I can't stand, I could make a list.
Also, what is it with heroines in MF romance books
I like Ryder, but it's hard not to when he's too good to be true. Not sure what he sees in Willa, though. The 'animosity' and the banter between them feels forced and I don't feel them as a couple.
I don't think the way this author writes works for me.
December 19, 2020
TW for cancer and loss of a loved one.
I have heard nothing but amazing things about this author, so I couldn't wait to start this book!
From the cover, I had no idea that this was a new adult book; both protagonists are in college and actually share a class tougher. Willa is a soccer player and is really struggling with a professor who will not accommodate her athletic schedule. She turns to her neighbor in class, but he ignores her and she becomes angry. While I was annoyed with Willa's reaction Ryder, I can see where she would make assumptions and become frustrated with an already frustrating situation. Ryder is deaf, so he didn't even know that Willa had asked for his notes or needed his help.
I really loved having a deaf hero and exploring how he communicates with people and how communication means so much. Ryder was a burly, silent hero and I really loved him and how he slowly let Willa in. Both Ryder and Willa are broken people who learn to trust and open up to each other. I will say, it was annoying how much Willa didn't realize she was talking out loud. Are there people who really don't realize they've said something out loud? It happened all the time and got annoying to me.
I did really love Ryder's whole family and how much they were involved. Willa's mom was great too! I just love that a new adult book includes so much family because usually they don't. While I did really enjoy this one, I think I'm going to love the next books even more. I'm not loving new adult books as much as I used to, so I'm looking forward to reading about some of the older characters in this series!
I have heard nothing but amazing things about this author, so I couldn't wait to start this book!
From the cover, I had no idea that this was a new adult book; both protagonists are in college and actually share a class tougher. Willa is a soccer player and is really struggling with a professor who will not accommodate her athletic schedule. She turns to her neighbor in class, but he ignores her and she becomes angry. While I was annoyed with Willa's reaction Ryder, I can see where she would make assumptions and become frustrated with an already frustrating situation. Ryder is deaf, so he didn't even know that Willa had asked for his notes or needed his help.
I really loved having a deaf hero and exploring how he communicates with people and how communication means so much. Ryder was a burly, silent hero and I really loved him and how he slowly let Willa in. Both Ryder and Willa are broken people who learn to trust and open up to each other. I will say, it was annoying how much Willa didn't realize she was talking out loud. Are there people who really don't realize they've said something out loud? It happened all the time and got annoying to me.
I did really love Ryder's whole family and how much they were involved. Willa's mom was great too! I just love that a new adult book includes so much family because usually they don't. While I did really enjoy this one, I think I'm going to love the next books even more. I'm not loving new adult books as much as I used to, so I'm looking forward to reading about some of the older characters in this series!
August 25, 2024
This was filled with great banter, a fun frenemy dynamic, a matchmaking professor. SLOW BURN. There were funny parts, tender parts and sad parts.
I loved it and I want MORE
Pre read thoughts
Whenever I'm sick all I want is to binge romance. They make me feel better, even the ones that make me cry. Anyone else like this?
I've been assured by Warda and May that this one has some great banter and a frenemy dynamic that I'll enjoy. fingers crossed!
I loved it and I want MORE
Pre read thoughts
Whenever I'm sick all I want is to binge romance. They make me feel better, even the ones that make me cry. Anyone else like this?
I've been assured by Warda and May that this one has some great banter and a frenemy dynamic that I'll enjoy. fingers crossed!
February 28, 2023
welcome to another episode of If I Had To Read It So Do You
today i bring you all the ways this author spells p-e-n-i-s. we have:
- log jammer
- tailpipe
- two- by- four
- that log
we ✨LOVE ✨how many ways authors can rewrite those five letters. who needs to say penis when you can say: "whip out that lumberjack wood and logjam you into next week."
today i bring you all the ways this author spells p-e-n-i-s. we have:
- log jammer
- tailpipe
- two- by- four
- that log
we ✨LOVE ✨how many ways authors can rewrite those five letters. who needs to say penis when you can say: "whip out that lumberjack wood and logjam you into next week."
July 1, 2024
3.25 ✮ this was okay but.. idk, i expected more. i didn’t like willa, and i didn’t really care too much about their story. they had their cute moments though. tbf i think i’m in a bit of a slump so that could partially explain why i didn’t connect with it as much as i thought 🎀 hopefully book 2 is better <33
February 1, 2021
As far as I’m concerned there’s only one (1) requirement for contemporary romance novels: none of that misogyny (internalized or otherwise) / toxic masculinity / sexist bullshit. How can the bar be so high when it’s so low???
here's a few examples (I’m so tired)
Female protagonist:
“I am a Bad. Ass. Feminist.”
(Right, so, psa: saying you’re a feminist does not in fact automatically make you a feminist.)
“In the words of my fellow wild-haired woman and general feminist badass, Hermione Granger”
(Hermione dear I can’t believe your name has been pronounced in vain like this I’m so sorry.)
Also female protagonist:
“Rooney looks like Barbie but she’s got stuff between her ears.”
(yeah, yeah, tale as old as time, so sweet how a woman can both look good AND be smart! Omg!)
(there are other statements like this throughout the novel)
Male protagonist:
“I’m not leaving her out on the sofa for Tucker or Becks to wander out here half-asleep and do something stupid like spoon her.”
(Here female protagonist falls asleep on male protagonist’s couch (under questionable circumstances at the very least but anyway) and he’s like, I can’t let her sleep here because my two best friends and roommates could sexually harass her during the night! i'll let her sleep in *my* bed where it's safe i'm a hero)
Female protagonist:
“..before I realize that this red dress needs to be burned into the shameful annals of hooker dress history.”
(again tale as old as time, wearing a short dress equals shame, hooker, being easy etc etc etc)
(btw she’s talking about a dress she was wearing at a club, where she gets drunk, the male protagonist somehow gets there and he’s! just! so! angry! she’s there dancing with a friend, drunk, in a short dress, if he hadn’t arrived someone could have done something bad to her! (you mean like your two best friends / roommates? Moving on.)
Female protagonist:
“His hands are ballplayer big. He could crush my windpipe in a heartbeat if he wanted. He could snap my neck without even breaking a sweat.”
(murder by asphyxiation.. so hot..)
Male protagonist:
“Have you seen me speak to another woman besides my sisters or mother, since I met you?”
(Didn’t know the story took place in an extremist cult where a man will find his mate and after that He Shall Not Speak To Another Human Woman Not Related To Him By Blood Ever Again)
there's more but i am DONE
Will this ever end? smh
here's a few examples (I’m so tired)
Female protagonist:
“I am a Bad. Ass. Feminist.”
(Right, so, psa: saying you’re a feminist does not in fact automatically make you a feminist.)
“In the words of my fellow wild-haired woman and general feminist badass, Hermione Granger”
(Hermione dear I can’t believe your name has been pronounced in vain like this I’m so sorry.)
Also female protagonist:
“Rooney looks like Barbie but she’s got stuff between her ears.”
(yeah, yeah, tale as old as time, so sweet how a woman can both look good AND be smart! Omg!)
(there are other statements like this throughout the novel)
Male protagonist:
“I’m not leaving her out on the sofa for Tucker or Becks to wander out here half-asleep and do something stupid like spoon her.”
(Here female protagonist falls asleep on male protagonist’s couch (under questionable circumstances at the very least but anyway) and he’s like, I can’t let her sleep here because my two best friends and roommates could sexually harass her during the night! i'll let her sleep in *my* bed where it's safe i'm a hero)
Female protagonist:
“..before I realize that this red dress needs to be burned into the shameful annals of hooker dress history.”
(again tale as old as time, wearing a short dress equals shame, hooker, being easy etc etc etc)
(btw she’s talking about a dress she was wearing at a club, where she gets drunk, the male protagonist somehow gets there and he’s! just! so! angry! she’s there dancing with a friend, drunk, in a short dress, if he hadn’t arrived someone could have done something bad to her! (you mean like your two best friends / roommates? Moving on.)
Female protagonist:
“His hands are ballplayer big. He could crush my windpipe in a heartbeat if he wanted. He could snap my neck without even breaking a sweat.”
(murder by asphyxiation.. so hot..)
Male protagonist:
“Have you seen me speak to another woman besides my sisters or mother, since I met you?”
(Didn’t know the story took place in an extremist cult where a man will find his mate and after that He Shall Not Speak To Another Human Woman Not Related To Him By Blood Ever Again)
there's more but i am DONE
Will this ever end? smh
October 6, 2023
Perfect for its genre of upbeat romcom as well as the enemies to lovers trope. Always kept thinking I was the dude in the flannel shirt. Love female football/soccer ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ so a great fun read for me with a solid HEA. We all need some of those. Thanks for the recommendation, mate! 🐨 A good story for those who like it when enemies fall for one another ♥️♥️
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