If you like

1. Hot lumberjacks in flannels
2. Pranks
3. Quick witted banter

Then I think you’ll really like this one.

Willa and Ryder are assigned to work on a college project together, to both of their dismays. From the beginning, they get on each other’s nerves. Throughout the book though, they get to know each other and realize their early thoughts about one another were wrong.
After working closely together though, they become frenemies which slowly turns into a slow burn romance.

After reading a few reviews, I knew I wanted to read this, and was so excited when Netgalley gave me early access.

Willa and Ryder are on fire with their quick witty comebacks. They poke and prod each other to get under each other’s skin and become frenemies. The names that Willa has for Ryder always crack me up...Lumberjack and Sasquatch to name a few. And of course Ryders nickname for Willa, Sunshine, is so cute. The only downfall was how slowwww the slow burn romance was. At one point, they get close and you’re cheering, and then something comes up and they’re back to bickering. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this and look forward to more from the author.

I enjoyed this book very much. It took me a bit to get into, I thought it was little slow and repetitive at times but about 30% in I fell in love with the characters. I was invested after that point! It was funny and charming. I loved the dynamics of the relationships throughout the story (from the main characters to their families and friends). I thought there was dept to the story, which I really enjoy (warning: there was some steamy parts as well). Overall this was a great book and I recommend checking it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh boy... I don't remember the last time I read an entire book in one go. Chloe Liese is a fantastic storyteller; "Only when It's Us" made me cry, laugh, made me angry and sad in the span of twenty-four hours. It was a wild ride. And it was soooo worth it. This book is going directly on my list of Best Books of 2020. The great thing about Liese's writing is her incredible dialogue, and the banter she creates with her words is out of this world, I didn't know her up until I requested this book a few weeks ago, and now I'm a huge fan.

This story is such a gem, a tale about love, friendship, family, and loss. Willa is the hot-headed soccer star, and Ryder is the sweet recluse shy bearded giant lumbersexual with a heart of gold, and this is their "enemies to lovers" love story.
It's not your typical love story, tho. Ryder's disability makes it somewhat unique, as it is the way the other characters react to it. I loved Willa's strength, her independence, the fact that she is fiercely stubborn, but she knows when to admit she's wrong.

By the end of it, I was overwhelmed with joy, I ended up loving BOTH characters so much, and I don't even remember when was the last time that actually happened. Liese managed to create real people that you feel close to even if they are not real.
I was also pleasantly surprised this is a series about the Bergman brothers, and I can't wait to read about those Swedish- American siblings, they already have my heart.

I enjoyed so much reading this book! The author did a great job portraying very real and likable characters, full of flaws and with big hearts. The hero and heroine were dealing with a lot of issues on their own and were having problems to let other people see what was going on with them. They were stubborn and concentrated on their goals, not looking for love or new friends. When circumstances forced them to work together, they did it begrudgingly, needling each other and holding to some prejudices. However, after some time they genuinely started to care for each other, not always showing it. The book raises a lot of sensitive questions such as what to do when you have lost your dream from your grasp, how to live feeling unable to help the person you love the most, how to cope with losing your favorite person in the whole world and some other questions as well.
The bunter between the characters was funny and sometimes the things that flew from the Willa’s mouth were absolutely hilarious.
I am from Sweden and no wonder that I don’t like some things describing half-Swedish family in this novel. For example, the name of Ryder’s brother. It is not Søren, it is Sören in Swedish. All the more considering the age of their parents. Søren is common for Danish and Norwegian languages.
Aside from some Swedish issues, I really liked the novel and hope for more books with interesting plot from Chloe Liese.
Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the kindly provided ARC, all opinions are mine

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was first recommended to request this book by a booktuber friend so I pushed myself to get through this one but early on, I knew I wouldn't like this book that much. Willa is very stubborn, argumentative, and jumps to conclusions as fast as her throwing insults to Ryder. She always thinks of the worst situation first when Ryder 'ignores' her. Or when Ryder finally did something and Willa thinks he did it so he could hear all her quiet comments to herself... It's not always about you Willa!!

I also thought the romance happened too quickly. They were seriously bickering non-stop with Willa constantly doubting Ryder for no reason. I didn't connect well with the characters but towards the end, they wormed their way into my heart and I wanted to know how the relationship would unfold even with their vast differences. Overall, the characters really lowered my rating for this one.

Book Review: Only When It's Us
Author: Chloe Liese
Rating: 5/5

'Wow that's not just an asshole, that's a tall asshole"

+++++++++++++++
Review:

New Adult frenemies to love sports romance which features a female college sports star. A story of love, friendship, family, heartbreak and grief.

Willa is a fiery and hot tempered, on her way to becoming a soccer (football) star.
Ryder is quiet, yet blunt.
When thrown together to do a class project we can cue wrong first impressions, misunderstandings and a whole lot of sexual tension.

I didn't have much expectations going into this book because I am not a huge reader of young adult romance but I LOVED everything about this book. Only When It's Us is sweet, it's funny, at times heartbreaking and other times steamy. Not to mention this is also a slow burn romance and could feel the sexual tension pouring from the pages.

I am so glad I decided to pick this one up on a whim, and looking forward to reading future books in this series that will follow the Bergman family (Ryders Brothers).

College soccer star Willa Sutter is juggling her career, school, and her sick mother. The last thing she needs is to get paired up with a rude, obnoxious, incredibly cute lumberjack in order to pass her business course.

Ryder Bergman is coping (barely) with his loss of hearing and a promising soccer career. All he wants is to be left alone. Unfortunately, his professor- and brother-in-law- is determined to draw him out of his shell. His latest plan? Assigning a fiesty, cantankerous firecracker of a woman as Ryder’s partner.

The war is on.

This is a funny, sentimental, heartwarming story with so many different elements. The relationship between Willa and her dying mother will bring tears to your eyes. Then there’s Ryder, who developed bacterial meningitis in high school and had his entire world turned upside down.

I love how the author brought humor together with these serious real-life problems and created an unforgettable story. I will definitely be watching for more from the Bergman brothers!

I need more books like this in my life!! I absolutely loved Only When It’s Us and I can’t recommend it enough to others!! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and Chloe Leisse did an excellent job with the witty banter, sexual chemistry, and fun pranks between Willa and Ryder. I laughed out loud more than I can count, as well as blushed profusely at multiple scenes. This book has so many strong characters and the writing was so well done that it’s so easy to get wrapped in the story and finish this book in one sitting.

This is surprisingly my first book I’ve read by Chloe, but it definitely won’t be my last! I’ll be binging her other reads until the next book in this series is released!

Ryder and Willa are just an adorable couple that I couldn't get enough of. What stood out the most about them was dealing with grief. I so appreciate what Chloe Liese did with them and although they stayed true to who they are, they had growth too. I was able to relate to both of them so well with having a love of soccer, but also not being able to play anymore due to a disability, a disability that came on later in life.

With my own dad being sick with cancer there were parts that were difficult for me to read, but I think speaks to how Chloe was able to write both Willa and her mom during such a vulnerable time. Family is so important to me and I loved seeing Willa's family versus Ryder's how in a lot ways they were different, but still had lots of love. Speaking of family, I so enjoyed Willa's mom's history that added to the overall story and the impact of the cancer.

The only thing is I do wish there were more time spent on Ryder and his disability. I so appreciate Chloe including it, but I wish there was more to his grief and acceptance of his disability. There's something to be said of him giving a life being deaf a try and still be able to live a fulfilling life. There was even a comment that made me feel like it was something that's broken and needing to be fixed instead of it something that's part of Ryder. I think it would have been beneficial to have a little more dialogue around Ryder taking Sign Language courses or why not. For example, alluding to conversations with Ryder and his family to that or wanting him to continue to be part of mainstream so that's why he took speech therapy.

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!
S
pecial thanks to NetGalley for sharing this entertaining ARC in exchange my honest review. I truly loved it so much!

Willa and Ryder, the main characters, in Only When It's Us, were extremely frustrating at times and had major communication issues - for a variety of reasons. However, they were still likable and I continued to root for them to get it together. There were also lots of comedic breaks among the angst, which I always appreciate. I am excited to read more about these two as I believe this is book one of what will become a series featuring Ryder's brothers. Chloe Liese is a new author for me, but I found Only When It's Us to be an enjoyable read overall and look forward to reading more from her.

Whew! What a wonderful tale of love and family. I really enjoyed it!
Aside from the romance, serious topics such as grief and disability were also addressed. This book has so much more depth than what you would expect!

Willa is a firecracker. She’s such a strong, determined character with anger issues. But there is so much more to her - she is also vulnerable and scared to get close to anyone. I loved her! She is a breath of fresh air. Ryder, on the other hand, is a gentle giant. He is sweet and blunt, an all-around lovely person. I loved reading his chapters and how he coped with his disability.

Whenever Willa and Ryder are together, they bring out the best qualities in each other. I found that so lovely. And to add, the sexual tension is on another level! Liese builds up their relationship really well, from frenemies to reluctant friends to lovers. I had so much fun experiencing their journey.

The family dynamics were my favourite in this book. The relationship between Willa and her mother is so pure and sweet. I also loved the Bergman family. They are so supportive of one another and they bring out Ryder’s more carefree side.
However, I would have loved to see more of the side characters, especially Rooney, Becks and Tucker. I found them to be interesting characters and I hope we get to see more of them in the future.

Overall, I enjoyed this so much! I recommend you pick it up if you are up for a sweet, emotional tale! Note: You might need a couple of cold showers after reading this ;)

2-Sentence Review

Sweet and funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking — truly unexpected. A frenemies-to-lovers romance that rivals all my favorite friends-to-lovers stories and that says a lot.

FULL REVIEW

Only When It’s Us starts with a matchmaking professor, a prank and a big misunderstanding. Willa is an up-and-coming star of women’s soccer. Busy with training, she’s got conflict with her Business Mathematics course and her professor isn’t helping. Instead of giving her the lecture notes, her professor tells her to get them from the silent, surly ass sitting next to her in class, who ignores her when she did ask. On the other hand, Ryder has no idea why Willa is giving him death stares. It’s not helping that the day she sits next to him for the first time is not a good day for Ryder. Willa reminds him of a life he once have but lost due to an unfortunate medical condition.

But as they start spending time with each other (forcefully) they soon realize that the prank might be the best thing that ever happened to them.

The story is truly unexpected because it’s more than the blurb has promised. I thought this is just another enemies/friends-to-lovers story set in a college campus but no. Only When It’s Us is a story of a romance between two strong but vulnerable people who are growing up, healing/moving on and trying to be the best versions of themselves as they achieve their dreams.

The story has a lot of important elements and they all touched my heart.

Ryder’s condition really, truly, surprised me. It was not mentioned in the blurb and it’s definitely not mentioned in any review I read prior to requesting this book from Netgalley. I almost tear up because I know it must be really hard for him. And yes, having Willa in his life is harder than it should be because of what Ryder lost. But wow, this aspect is really handled well by the author. Of course, I’m not sure about the medical stuff but still I think, it’s handled well. Most importantly, Willa and Ryder, as characters handled it well. In Ryder’s side, there’s no I-can’t-be-with-you-coz-it-hurts-you-remind-me-of-something-I-lost drama. And on Willa’s side, there’s not a single issue about Ryder’s medical condition. She just accepts him and deal with him for who he is but without treating him as if he’s not normal or anything. I mean they’re frenemies despite it. I love them for being such mature people.

The Family aspect is amazing though it’s different for Willa and Ryder.

I wasn’t expecting that there would be a big deal of a family thing in the story. Ryder’s family is very ideal. They’re close-knit with amazing parents and loud siblings. His mother is Swedish, by the way, and his father is American. It really makes me happy that Ryder get to share his family to Willa because Willa…

Willa facing such a big challenge with her family while juggling her classes and soccer training is just too much. And I think the emotion that goes along with it is handled very well and realistic. I truly felt Willa’s hardship that I wished her hardship is just about money. But no, it’s not money. I really love her relationship with her mother that it hurts more to read about them. And her history with her father explains a lot why Willa doesn’t trust easily and is her problem till the end of the book. This brings me to the romance.

A romance that didn’t change the characters…

Ryder is this sweet, soft-hearted guy with beard and he remained so till the end. His patience with Willa till the end didn’t surprise me at all. And Willa, fierce, goal-oriented but short-tempered Willa. I already mentioned that she doesn’t trust easily and she’s not even good at conversation (also she’s a verbal processor) and this became an issue in the development of the romance with Ryder. Until the end she’s still the Willa I met in the beginning of the novel. That seems like lame in terms of character’s development but no, for me, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT doesn’t entirely mean changing a character 100 percent. It only means the character learns how to handle themselves and the things around them better without losing their identity.

Willa and Ryder fell in love with each other without changing to be the person the other needed. Willa literally didn’t back down until the epilogue. They just learned how to make decisions smarter. This is harder to explain than I thought. hehe.

Anyway, I think the romance started awkwardly. I really thought their attraction wasn’t clear and almost forced the first few interactions they have. But as the story went by, it became deeper, more real and heart-tugging. Plus, I really enjoyed their banters and their childish antics. Simply hilarious.

And the steam…

Another element that is unexpected because really. I know the first times they seduce each other were just little pranks to get back at each other but wow, those pranks really backfired to both of them. Serves them right, if you ask me. Hehe. From meh-ish seductions to full-steam make-outs. Don’t even get me started with the real, full sex scenes.

Unforgettable Side Characters

First, Professor Mac. To be honest, at first I thought, the thing with Mac, his own pranks are kind of forced and that the plot’s just making Willa’s life harder. Then Mac explained it and I finally understand. Suddenly, Mac’s intervention is not anymore a case of the plot manipulating Willa and Ryder’s romance. Here’s a secret and a spoiler… Professor Mac is Ryder’s brother-in-law and he thinks he’s doing Ryder a favor and he just wants to help Willa do more in terms of her classes. I actually love Prof. Mac.

For other amazing characters, there’s Rooney, Willa’s bestfriend. She’s like a badass barbie girl which is amazing. Ryder’s housemates, Tucker and Beck are really hilarious and I can say loyal because they stayed with Ryder despite what happened. I already said Ryder’s family is very ideal and I meant it. I’m actually very excited about the next book because I’m hopefull, it will star Ren, Ryder’s brother and a hockey player.

My main issue…

…lies in Ryder and Willa’s internal monologues. This is told in alternating povs and I noticed Willa and Ryder are both fond of explaining themselves, especially their actions, to the readers. Like, in Willa’s pov, a scene happened, Ryder will surely explain his actions when his pov comes. Maybe that makes sense but some of those actions are already obvious so there’s no need. There’s also instances where both Willa and Ryder outrightly tell the readers who they are. For example, Willa seems feel the need to tell me that she is a badass. I can figure that out by myself. So yeah, just a bit issue of telling vs. showing.

*ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

My Honest Review:

Only When It's Us is another in a long-line of Chick Lit I've been devouring during this lockdown period. Out of all the books and I have read over these past two-weeks I read this the fastest- one afternoon to be exact. The speed in which I read this is credit Chloe Liese's way of hooking you in the first chapter until your Kindle tells you that you have finished.

Only When It's Us: More than meets the eye

Part of my satisfaction of reading these books comes from the satisfaction from finishing a book in one afternoon- so please, lambast me from my 99.9% Chick Lit reading list this year; 2020 has been a hard year. Unlike most books of this genre, I went into this book not knowing a lot. It seemed like 'soccer star' meets gruff, shaggy haired, plaid-wearing quiet soul. And honestly, that's all I can give away, because it was the surprises that kept me reading. It was the deep honesty, the realisation that certain environments can be disabling for some, and realising that sometimes we make preconceived assumptions- and sometimes we are just dead wrong.

Wild ride the entire way though? No, not quite.

I've got to be honest, and this may be personal preference, but about 50% of my way through the book my reading pace slowed and I lost interest. I did push through and finish it, but I felt like the structure suddenly stood at the standstill. This is no reflection is the great writing, but my preference on the way enemies to lovers stories go. You see, I'm a ;The Hating Game' sort of girl, here for the slowburn. So for slowburn fans, just be aware that it goes a bit faster than most- things kick off around the 50% mark- so this just may be me! There were also a number of spelling errors, however, I realise there was another update that would have rectified these issues.

Overall, better than a lot of the books I've been reading at the moment. Challenged me in ways I didn't expect, so is worth your self-isolation time. Three stars.

This book was a surprise- I didn't know what to think and went in a bit blind. This is a one setting book and I couldn't put it down. Even though its New Adult it's way more, the characters are in college but so much more-sweet and emotional. Get ready to LOL and cry! This is a great frenemies relationship that starts out like a lot of them with miss understanding (in math class) that builds to a great friendship at the end. This is also a slow burn of a book but does have some big steam at the end.

Love the fact that it was the sports heroine of Willa as lead and was hot tempered, quick to act and judge, amazing athlete and added weight with her mom. Ryder is still in a new area with losing his hearing and covers his viking roots with a beard to keep the ladies away that is until his brother-in-law steps in.

This was my first book by Chloe and will not be the last, I can't wait for more of this series. I just love the family! She developed some of these characters so well! Loved all the Swedish parts woven into it that makes you understand Ryder and his mom especially. Also, she did a great job adding in D1 athletics-female side!- and also disabilities that added so much to this story.

Overall, 4 stars and 4 steams.

Only When It’s Us is a steamy slow burn love story about a rising soccer star and her classmate, handsome behind his initially surly demeanor. This frenemies-to-lovers adult sports romance really scores!

A shift in my usual, heavily emotional, relevant and often diverse book choices was needed this month. Only When It’s Us is still emotional and relevant, but took a lighter, more uplifting (and most welcomed) turn.

This book was a recommendation from a friend, and I'm happy to say that she was SO right in singing this book's praises. The dialogue between Willa and Ryder is so witty and snarky, with equal measures of irritation and tenderness. It's nice to have two characters that are totally aware of their attraction - instead of many romance novels where one is somehow completely oblivious to the feelings that even the readers can see. These two are a fantastic duo that kept me laughing out loud and rooting for them.

There are SO many great quotes that kept me hooked, and I DEVOURED this book in a day. An added bonus was the way some tough issues were handled. Illness, hearing loss, death, and grief were all covered in such a tender and thoughtful ways.

If you need a change in your reading mood, or just your mood in general, and enjoy slow burn steamy romances (Yes, mom, that means there's sex in this book), you HAVE to give this one a try. I'll be recommending this one for sure! And I'll be first in line for the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Chloe Liese for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I downloaded this book from NetGalley a few weeks ago because the description of the book is right up my alley. My favorite trope is enemies to lovers and this book delivered on that front. I also love sports romances and there was a different spin with the heroine being the sports star. The characters and writing are great. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves the enemies to lovers trope or sports romances. My rating would be higher if I wasn't in such a book slump. A book like this would normally be finished in a few days with a higher rating. Once I can finish a book like I normally do, I'll revisit it. Especially if it gets an Audible release (the only way I've finished books within a reasonable time frame recently).

Absolutely wonderful in every way!

Delicious slow burn romance ✔️
Big, quirky, Swedish-American family ✔️
Lumberjack hero with some serious grump ✔️
Sassy and impulsive soccer star heroine with some grump is her own ✔️
Exploration of love and loss ✔️

Chloe Liese just joined my Mariana Zapata slow burn queen, I’ll read anything she writes list! Ryder and Willa were the perfect frenemies to lovers story that explored issues of abilities/ableism, parental illness, and navigating the breach between young adult and adult.

The big, quirky Swedish-American family made you want to be a part of their world...which lucky for us there’s at least five more siblings who are unmarried so we will get to visit again and again!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

This is a perfect New Adult read. I loved the spicy and funny wittiness of Ryder and Willa's relationship. The dialogue, the story, all the elements fit into play perfectly. I couldn't stop reading it and only wanted more. I was so easy to get into and such a joy to read.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

I had a difficult time accessing Willa at first but I loved Ryder. Chloe Liese did an excellent job portraying a deaf male character and showing him as still strong and sexy. I grew to care about Willa and even like her as she navigated her mother's dying, as a mother of college-age girls, this hit me particularly hard. I thought the character arcs were realistic, the writing was excellent and the story was absolutely wonderful!!