I didn't have any expectations for Only When It's Us because it was a book I randomly requested on NetGalley but I was very pleasantly surprised! This is a new adult sports romance between two college students (yes, more of these please) with disability rep.

Willa is a fabulous soccer player and she's juggling school, sport, and visiting her terminally ill mother in the hospital. Ryder used to play soccer, too, but he got sick and now he's deaf. After the initial miscommunication, they quickly become frenemies when they are forced to work together on a team project for a class.

I loved how wholesome this book was. Although it dealt with some heavy topics, it was such a fun read. There was a song listed at the beginning of each chapter (and the whole playlist is available on Spotify), which was such a nice touch.

We got a lot of banter between Willa and Ryder and their chemistry was through the roof from the very beginning. They were complex characters, who really grew on me, and I was rooting for their relationship. While the first part stayed more in the playful zone, the second part got very steamy.

I appreciated the disability rep (although I can't speak for how accurate it was) and it was interesting to see how the characters worked with it but it didn't become a defining characteristic for Ryder or his romance with Willa. I also appreciated that the characters had a life outside of their attraction and they both had some serious personal battles to overcome, so they really had to work on themselves to be able to give their relationship a chance.

Also, the food descriptions! They were cooking for each other and those scenes were truly delicious, haha. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the soccer thing because I really don't care for it (but maybe it would be different if I watched women playing) but it didn't get that much page-time and I have to admit it added a flavor to the story. And the hikes and the retreat in a cabin in Washington - I enjoyed seeing that a lot.

I have only a couple of minor complaints. It became a little bit annoying to hear how horny they are every time they were in a room together, and the descriptions of how every Ryder's body part is so hot and "lumberjack-y" got pretty repetitive. In terms of the overall romance, the writing bordered on cheesy and over the top a couple of times.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it if you're in the mood for some new adult romance goodness, and I'm looking forward to the next volumes in the series!

4.5 stars
Holy slow burn and sexual tension, batman! *phew* I'm a big fan of slow burn romances especially when they're done right and this one does not disappoint! I loved that this gave me so much more depth than I expected from a romcom! There was so much to both characters and oh mans, Ryder the lumbersexual is absolute PER-FEC-TION! I know I'm gushing but he made my heart all melty and my feelings all gooey and yep, I'm crushing hard on him and if you read this book, you'll definitely get why!

Liese brings representation to her romance by introducing Ryder, a character who lost his hearing after contracting bacterial meningitis as a college freshman. I've already mentioned how much I loved his character but really, his arc was so well done. He's a bear of a man but with the softest and sweetest heart just looking to find his way back to "normal" after losing his hearing. In a way his hearing loss does define a big part of his life, but it's not just who he is and the author did a wonderful job of showing his many sides. And as if I wasn't already fully in love with him 30% through the book, the author had to have him reading JANE AUSTEN and that's me 100% gone!

I was on the fence about how I felt for Willa. She's physically strong as an athlete, she's incredibly hardworking, and her love for her mother was so heartwarming. But Willa does literally everything to avoid opening up and being honest about her life with people she's afraid to get close to. Her fear of confronting serious issues, while understandable, also became a bit too much for me at a certain point. I want to say that Ryder deserved better and for a good chunk of the story I did think that. In reality though they were perfect for each other because his patience, understanding and ability to be vulnerable with her was exactly what she needed to balance out and do the same. And as much as he balanced her, Willa's acceptance of him as he is with no hesitation, disability or no, was exactly what he needed to feel normal. There were some pretty emotionally raw scenes that had me tearing up! Also, if it isn't obvious by now, the chemistry between these two was absolute FIRE. It's a (really) slow burn, but the way the connection builds between Ryder and Willa is SO good and it's SO worth the wait! I'd put this at a 4/5 on the steamy scale.

One of the best things about this, and what I've come to realise is a big bonus when it comes to romance books, is the family relationships. I loved the Bergman family and how they ribbed each other but how they were so openly affectionate and caring with each other. They're a beautiful family and I can't wait to follow the stories of the other Bergman brothers as the series continues!

Overall, this was a surprisingly deep romcom that had me laughing, squealing, swooning and cheering for both characters are they fought for a wonderful heartwarming love. I can't wait to continue with this series and I'm looking forward to checking out the other books the author has written. Would highly recommend!

I. Loved. This! I honestly pick this up as a little book just to read throughout the week but I flew through it! The dialogue and plot were fantastic and well executed; I really appreciated the representation! The romance was adorable. Would recommend

This book is getting 4 very well deserved Sunshine and Lumberjack stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"I just know I'd rather be afraid with you than fearless with anyone else."

This is an incredible, fun, heart warming enemies/frenemies to lovers story. Willa - a witty, beautiful, reserved Soccer star - and Ryder - a smart, big hearted Lumberjack - bring to life a thoroughly enjoyable love story and a slow burn romance. This book has it all: love/hate relationship, pranks, misunderstanding, terrible first impressions, vulnerability, sexual tension.

Willa and Ryder are classmates, and Willa finds herself having to rely on Ryder in order to pass the class. Their professor is dead set on having them work together to revise and study and work on their final project. From that moment on, everything about this story will envelop you and keep your nose stuck in the book all day along until it finishes and you are left with the stupidest biggest smile on your face.

I have to be honest, I am an absolute sucker for enemies to lovers stories but I can't remember the last time that I rooted so much for two people to end up together as I did with Willa and Ryder.

However, this isn't at all a superficial love story. There is SO much depth to this story and to these characters, it just made me love everything about the book even more. Dealing with anger management issues, deafness, heartbreak, death, family, friendships, this book does a great job of being entertaining but also making the reader think. Think about what it feels like to be in these character shoes, to have their lives and their pasts and all their worries and concerns.

It was refreshing to read about a female lead Soccer star who everyone admires because she is indeed the best. And no one ever questions it and no one ever dares assume that she won't be this incredibly big Soccer star in the future. It was also incredible to read about a deaf character, and have all the other characters acknowledge it and be empathetic with it without making the disability the sole important fact about the character.

Only When It's Us brings to light inevitable life circumstances and inevitable human flaws and gives you the reassurance that it can all be worked out, and that you can still have your happily ever after.

I loved this book so incredibly much and can't wait for the next one in the series!

⭐️ [4.5/5 Stars] ⭐️

What a gorgeous little book! I adored this and these characters. I’ve never read anything by this author before but the cover was just so dang cute and the description sounded equally as enticing.

I fell in love with Ryder very, very quickly. He’s just a big ol’ sweetheart who wears his heart on his sleeve. Willa was a little frustrating at times since she was so closed off. It get like for every step forward, she took a step back and while that’s all well and good sometimes her reasons were a bit outdated and overdone. There’s only so many times you can use the same excuse, ya know? Anyway, the slow burn was defs worth the wait. The smut was sexy as hell and I enjoyed every second of it.

I definitely enjoyed the enemies to lovers part of this. Willa and Ryder’s relationship was so entertaining and the way they teased each other was just so fun. I appreciated the attention to detail when it came to soccer and also to Ryder’s condition. They’re both super important plot points and I think they were done exceptionally well. This author has gained a new reader. Woohoo! I can’t wait to read Ren’s story next.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a 5 star read for me. The plot was well developed and definitely a slow burn, but it was able to keep my interest. The main characters were what really made the story, as they were fairly consistent and had entertaining dialogue. Ryder is definitely a prince among men, and Willa, as brash as she is, was pretty humble considering her talents. The side characters were written well and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
There's laughter, tears, angst, awkwardness and love in this story, I really didn't want it to end.

ONLY WHEN IT'S US is a truly sweet love story about misunderstandings, loss, friendship, and love! Every single character in this book is complex, lovable, flawed, and wonderfully written. I love a slow burn romance and this was perfectly paced.

And the love story between Willa and Ryder was realistic and beautiful. I was so sad when I reached the end of this book because I just adored these two and their story. Their banter was laugh-out-loud funny, but I was also almost in tears during the heartbreaking moments.

This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more! It seemed to lag a bit in the middle, but not so much that it was a problem.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When does the next Bergman brothers book come out???
Meet Ryder ...quiet, hunky, flannel shirt wearing bearded masterpiece.

Willa. Soccer player, says what’s on her mind and fierce as ever.

When they are forced to collaborate
in a class they fear the worst since they cannot stand one another.

Once Willa finds out Ryder is so quiet because he has a hearing loss and Willa isn’t as rough on the inside as the outside...maybe they can actually work together. Can they find they work as Frenemies or see what everyone else sees?

Overall rating - ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️

This is my second book by the author and I enjoyed every chapter of Ryder and Willa's awesome love story.

So thank you NetGalley and Chloe Liese for the opportunity to read and review it early.

Willa is a rising star of the women's soccer team of her college and had a bright future ahead of her. This story opens with Willa running late for her for her business math class and getting on the wrong foot of her professor. She further gets assigned with a boy named Ryder who doesn't bother listen to her request for notes and basically ignores her. So basically they also started on wrong foot with each other. But we get to know why grumpy lumberjack is a grumpy lumberjack and that Willa has just misjudged him. Well it was certainly not her fault. Blame the professor. He was such a notorious matchmaker.

Anyways, this book was equal part funny and romantic with a touch of emotion. Willa was my kind of girl. She was portrayed as this strong, temperamental albeit talented young woman but in reality she was just afraid of getting close to people after one to many rejection. But Ryder complimented her personality perfectly. The broody, grumpy lumberjack had his share of history and disappointments but he was actually perfect for Willa. Watching them connect with each other was completely magical. I actually thought there is something between Willa's mom and Dr. B but I really didn't see the twist coming. This story had a slight referral to P&P and Ryder was such a sweetie to Willa's mom. As far as college frenemies to lovers go, this one was my favourite. Everyone saw that they were made for each other but Willa and Ryder were Olympic gold medalists when it came to denial. But the slow build up didn't bore me but it had the opposite effect. I was totally invested in the story and could put it down. I literally finished it in one go. I can't wait for you all to meet Willa and The Keeper of Notes and fall in love with them as hard as I did. If you like enemies to friends to lovers story, then it is definitely your cup of tea. Happy reading!

3.5 STARS

I wanted to read this book because 1) I LOVED the cover and 2) the blurb sounded so intriguing. I ended up really enjoying Willa and Ryder’s story. The two clashed with strong personalities and there was a tangible attraction between them but my one complaints with the novel parallels and Willa pushing Ryder away after something devastating happening.
I also liked the side characters,now on to Ren's story.

**𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸**

Disclaimer - I was sent a free digital copy of this book by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Firstly I want to applaud the authors ingenuity. As suggested at the beginning of the book, I listened to the playlist as I was reading - playing each song at the beginning of each chapter. What a wonderful idea, it really does enable a more immersive and enjoyable experience.

The authors writing style is incredibly engaging and I find it to refreshing when I find an author that manages to create a connection with the main protagonists within the first several chapters. I loved everything about the book and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I will most definitely be looking out for more work from this author and I’m excited to read the next instalments in the series!

Loved loved LOVED this book. So refreshing to find a book featuring a female athlete who sorts supports her despite being permanently benched from playing themselves. Looking forward to future books in this series!

I downloaded this book on a whim. A sassy soccer player and a silent grumpy lumberjack? I thought this would be a fun new adult sportsball romance....it was but it was also so much more. And it hit me right in the feels.

Ryder lost his hearing as a teenager and it learning to adjust to a new life with new goals as well as dealing with his large half-Swedish family. Willa is a soccer player with her eyes on her goal to become a professional player. She doesn't have time for distractions.

But their lives become entwined through a series of coincidences. From enemies to frienemies to so much more.

In my opinion, the best books make you cry; either from laughter or sadness. This book did it both ways.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about Ryder's brother Soren. I was a little bummed to see this was a series about the brothers because I was shipping Ryder and Willa's friends but I can let that dream go knowing that this next book will be as awesome as this one!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Only When Its Us is the story of Willa and Ryder; Willa is a star soccer player and Ryder is a quiet guy who looks like a lumberjack. Due to a miscommunication these two get off to a rocky start while being paired up for a class project but what follows is a sweet and steamy journey. I really enjoyed this book and the banter that takes place between the two main characters, Im a sucker for good banter. Both Willa and Ryder have some personal issues they are trying to work through and they way they lean on each other at times was so sweet. This book really got me in the feels and at times was crying. One of the only things I had a small problem with was at one point in the story it felt like what Ryder was going through was just "fixed" and then it was done and was no longer a problem. It was addressed again later that he was still dealing with it but it just felt kind of brushed over. Over all I really liked this book and can not wait for the next in the series about Ryder's brothers. This book comes out on April 1st 2020. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow! Absolutely loved this book. It was just what I needed. This was so much more than a frenemies to lovers romance. There was loss and hardship and I'm definitely all for a sexy lumberjack. This reminded me of Penny Reid's Winston brothers series and not just because of the beard. I can't wait to read the next one!

Two forces come together in this new adult/modern romance take on frenemies to lovers, one of my absolute favourite tropes ever!

Willa is tipped to be the next big thing in women's soccer (that's football for everyone non-US) and has a bit of a temper.
Ryder is a quiet giant of a man, due in part to his deafness and the fact he chooses not to speak.
So what happens when these two are paired in class? Well, there's teasing, pranking, miscommunication - and suddenly, hope, love and joy.

If you like mutual pining, steamy sexual tension, and lumberjack inspired innuendos, this book is for you.

It took me a little while to get into the story, in the beginning I thought some of the writing was a bit clunky; there was a lot of exposition of Willa's character that had me saying 'show, don't tell', but to be honest, it was a quick way to present Willa and her motivations, and get the ball rolling on the story.

The story really picked up with Ryder's point of view, and I don't know it's because his backstory just made him more interesting or because I am a sucker for this guy. Having finished the book, it's probably the latter. Like, I am ridiculously fond of Ryder, what a perfect character, where can I get a real live one?

As a romance novel, this book just ticks all the boxes. Willa's thirst is both hilarious and, to be fair, totally relatable. There's so much mutual pining, which I live for, and the sexual tension between these two is perfect and really well written.

I love these characters. Their stubbornnes and actions sometimes frustrated me, but in perfect measure, it never made me not want to finish the book. Them learning to be vulnerable was such a great thing to read, and I love how gentle they are with each other, even when they they struggle with their own problems.

I sort of wanted to just binge read the book, but I also wanted to savour it - it's a roller coaster of emotions! I cried at the sad parts, I cried at the tender parts, I laughed, I cried some more, and my heart is just full from these two.

TL;DR : yeah, it's a frenemies to lovers story, yeah, there's sports in there, but the story goes so much deeper than that, definitely go read this book!

Ugh... I feel bad about my rating on this one. I get what the author was trying to do. And it had the potential to be great. Unfortunately I found Willa too stressy and angry for my tastes. I didn't really enjoy reading from her POV.

And the transition with Reilly from deaf/mute to seemingly perfectly normal, really took the shine off the book for me. If you've read Colleen Hoovers 'Maybe Someday' then you'll understand what it means to highlight a disability and take it through to the end. Without needing to erase it completely. With a few edits this could of been a brilliant read.

3.5 star
Unputdownable
.
Ok, so I looked at the cover and I just knew I had to read it, I was really hangover on this other book and something on the cover made the connection.

And I was in for a really good surprise, this book was wonderful and very enjoyable.

The frenemies to lovers theme is not particularly one that I look for but I enjoyed the banter and tension in this one.

I really liked Ryder’s character, he was interesting and developed well, I could see why he does things and why he thinks this way, and he had such an interesting background.
And of course the rugged lumbersexual look.

Willa I didn’t like much, I can understand her trouble with speaking her mind and sharing with others, but I didn’t really like her impulsive behavior and I was annoyed with her at times.

I literally could not put the book down.

But I did have a few issues:
Too many coincidences!
Repetitive
And too explicit for my taste
But I would certainly look into reading the rest of the series.

I loved everything about this book. I laughed quite a few times while reading this book - which isn’t easy to do. This is a classic enemies to lovers story with the best banter and tension. Their chemistry is insane! I loved Ryder and everything about him. I also love how Willa and Ryder brought out the best in each other. Ryder was such a gentleman and absolutely amazing to Willa’s mama. I just can’t recommend this one enough! I am so excited this a series on Ryder’s family. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers and more on Ryder and Willa.

I liked this a lot. I enjoy romances set in college.

One thing that made me say "huh?" was when Ryder showed his phone to Willa to show he hadn't been texting with other girls. How were their names in his phone? He would have had to given them his phone or entered the numbers himself. I know this is really nit-picky, but it was weird and not necessary in the first place.