I absolutely adore this series and honestly will read anything that Chloe Liese writes. Every book that comes out I am extremely eager to reach and Axel and Rooney were no different. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC to review.

Axel and Rooney have been dancing around each other since Rooney was first introduced in Willa's book. As the oldest Bergman brother, Axel has a lot on his plate and shoulders the burden of caring for his family (often time without them even realizing it). He also identifies as being on the autism spectrum and struggles engaging with people. But he has been drawn to Rooney and trying to fight it since he met her. When Rooney shows up for some time to herself at the A-frame, the romance novel tropes run rampant: only one bed? CHECK! marriage of convenience? CHECK! grumpy/sunshine relationship? EXTREME CHECK! But this book is even more than a compilation of romance tropes. It is so heartfelt. It sheds light on Axel as an autistic person and his experiences being in a family that loves differently than he does (Will be a direct quote once it is published). With You Forever also highlights Rooney's experiences with chronic illness which is not often something you read about in romance. I loved Liese'e content/sensitivity notes in the beginning and am excited to see more of a trends towards content warnings in books and reviews.

Ultimately, Liese is showing that people from all identities, people with chronic illness and autism, deserve happy for nows and happily ever afters. Their sex and love is real and should be written about and consumed. I have so many quotes from this book because it legit tore my heart out. It is beautiful and sad, sweet and funny, oh so sexy and sometimes awkward. Just like read life.

Sensitivity/Content warnings: discussion of chronic illness, character who is on the autism spectrum

I love Chloe Liese and everything she writes. That's my disclaimer. I'm really not going to have any criticism for this book because it has everything I love in a romance. We are in the woods. We have a quiet, strong artist in Axel, the male lead. We have a smart, capable, warm female lead in Rooney. They talk to each other, really care about and know each other. They have gorgeous chemistry together. Body and sex positivity. Most importantly, none of their character traits are written as flaws. Rooney has ulcerative colitis and is struggling to figure out her life. Axel is on the autism spectrum and prefers to live alone out in the woods. And they find each other, and it works. Chloe's novels are always complex and at the same time gentle and funny and sweet. I highly recommend everything she writes.

REVIEW: WITH YOU FOREVER by Chloe Liese

⭐️ rating: 5
📖 genre: contemporary romance
🍾 pub date: September 14, 2021
📚 Read this if you like: Lyssa Kay Adams, Helen Hoang, and just the BEST romance

THE QUOTE:
„If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.“ Jane Austen, Emma

THE STORY:
Rooney and Axel have been pining for each other forever, but they’re not doing a thing about it, so the Bergmans do what they’re best at: they meddle. A good-hearted family intervention brings Axel and Rooney together at the family’s A-frame. Add to that a marriage of convenience and forced proximity, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a romance.

WHAT I LOVED:
Rooney and Axel have been in my mind since book one, and I couldn’t wait to find out about them. I adored the idea of a marriage of convenience for them, and I think the forced proximity was absolutely necessary for their relationship to evolve.

As MCs go, they are both incredibly complex: Axel is so different from the other members of his family: he’s quiet and shy, an artist, and on the autism spectrum; he finds it difficult to relate to others, to enjoy big gatherings and groups, thriving instead on quietness and routine. Rooney is a ray of sunshine who couldn’t seem more opposite of Axel, but under the cheery exterior lies a scared girl, who’s afraid to show her most fragile self, and battles a chronic disease all by herself instead.

What stuns me every time in Chloe Liese’s books is the understanding, the acceptance, the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that the characters have for each other. There’s this passage in the book where Rooney is absolutely mortified about her chronic IBD, and Axel tells her that her IBD doesn’t make her less attractive to him, doesn’t turn him off, that it’s just…life. All the same, Rooney’s understanding and embracing of Axel’s autism, and of his peculiar way of loving her, is so beautiful and so heartwarming… That’s what true love looks like, folks.

IN A NUTSHELL:
This book was like a gentle hug, a mellow walk in the woods. The romance is incredible, the steam is sizzling, and it feels like coming home, to a world that I love so much. If you’re not reading this, you’re missing out.

This is the fourth Bergman brothers book, and we get Axel Bergman's story. This is a perfect addition to the Bergman family and Chloe Liese, again respectfully explores neurodiversity and chronic illness in a way that is both open, raw and beautiful at the same time. This book can be read as a stand alone, but you should read all the books because they are awesome!

The chemistry between Rooney and Axel is phenomenal and I loved how both were so respectful and patient of their differences. This is a slow burn novel and it was awesome to read and so gentle and sweet. I like how consent is an important part of this story, it adds to how awesome this couple is. Yes this follows the tropes of romance, marriage of convenience, one bed, but she does it in a way that is healthy and not toxic, which happens in many romance novels, which made it much more enjoyable!

This book was emotional and intense and had some solid steamy scenes all of which made this book awesome in so many ways. Chloe continues to be a go to author for diverse characters that I love so much. I look forward to reading Oliver's story next, but it seems so far off!

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher for an open and honest review. All opinions are 100% mine.

My favorite book of the series! Rooney and Axel have the most amazing chemistry. This book was such a slow burn, it made me crave more and more!

With You Forever by Chloe Liese is the perfect addition to the Bergman Brothers series. I absolutely adore the romance, the plot was fantastic and the writing was just as great as always. This is a fantastic marriage of convenience, grumpy hero, friends to lovers romance. It just made me smile so much. If you haven’t picked up any books in this series please do. Each book explores disability in many forms as well as having sweet a spicy romances

With You Forever is Rooney and Axel’s story, and I absolutely loved it. While this book can be read as a standalone, it is always better to have the context from the previous books (not to mention every book in this series is amazing!). In previous books, their chemistry was teased but never in depth. While very different people, they love and acceptance they offered the other was amazing. As with her other books, Liese has the talent to make me want to laugh, cry, and squeal from happiness all at the same time.

Chloe Liese has written the most wonderfully diverse characters that I have ever read. Each novel in the Bergman Brothers series highlights neurodiversity as well as physical disabilities. It’s raw and yet beautiful at the same time. She doesn’t gloss over the messier parts of human existence. This book is educational in some aspects, giving readers a deeper understanding of what it’s like for people who are chronically ill or who are on the spectrum. Liese’s emphasis on everyone being deserving of love and acceptance is one of the best messages in literature out there.

I’m so excited to read the next book in this series—2022 seems so far off suddenly.

Another great Bergman book! Really enjoyed reading about a chronic issue that isn't really seen at all in books as well as having the focus on an autistic character. Liese really writes these types of things well and I love seeing what she'll add next. The progression of Axel and Rooney's relationship really felt natural and real. The going full steam ahead on physical stuff and then being interrupted got repeated one too many times for me, but at least it progressed quickly after the last one. It got super cheesy at the end, which I guess could track for Axel because he's an artist, but it felt like a little much. Overall, though, a nice addition to the series! I cannot tell you how excited I am to eventually get the man-cubs' books!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.5/5 Star read for me.

With You Forever is book four in the Bergman Family Series by author Chloe Liese. This is by far the story I wanted the most about the family. Mainly because I simply fell in love with Rooney in Only When it’s Us. She was the feisty best friend who wasn’t afraid to push her friend to go for what she wanted. Axel is the Bergman Brother who is a bit shrouded in mystery. He is an enigma. He doesn’t always find solace in the chaos of his large over the top family. Instead, moments with his family is very difficult for him. Hard to relate and find comfort. Instead, Axel is a soul who grows with in the silence and reassurance of routine.

So, for these two characters who are opposites to come together you just knew the chemistry was going to be phenomenal. Given what both these characters have to overcome I knew that this story was going to go a bit slower and that it might not have the same flirting and chemistry we have seen in previous books in the series.

I will also be honest I got a bit caught up in other early reviews, many had shared how steamy it was. And the emotions they experienced while reading the book. This story had the opposite effect for me. By 60% in I was bored. I typically don’t mind a pining hero and while slow burns aren’t always my favorite, I was prepared for it. By this point in the book the flirting and passion fizzled. These characters seem to lack a true connection pulling them constantly together. I realize some of the lack of emotion from the hero is part of his character. Emotions are hard for all of us, but Rooney does not read a room at all. She just accepts the situation fake smiles and all. Again, I get that because of her childhood and upbring slapping a smile on and saying everything ok is ingrained in her. Even in her thoughts and shares she does not question his reactions or lack of.

This story feels stagnant and honestly, I wanted it to be over. I loved Rooney in Willa’s book she had a fierceness about her. While I know she is supposed to worn down by her chronic illness, but she really came off as flat. I do suffer from a chronic illness and even on my bad days and in rough moments I can still bring some spark if the moment calls for it. At one point she can do pushups and paint, but she is so beaten down she can’t manage some sass? Rooney and keeping secrets bugged me a lot. The fact that she never even took a moment to talk or question with Parker and Bennett about things just felt unnatural.

There is chemistry in this book, in the beginning but it quickly gets dumped. These characters in the beginning are fighting some heavy attraction. Axel’s pining might be some the thickest I have ever read. He puts every previous pining hero to shame. I do think these characters become complacent in their attraction and easily accept there is nothing to fight for and when both give in and settle for nothing the story becomes stale.

Overall, I just didn’t love this story. It is well written and well edited. I just felt like there were some missing pieces to the story. I also felt like it lacked the fun flirty banter I have come to love from this author. The story had a very sterile feel to it and romance is supposed to be messy. Love and HEA aren’t easy, you have to fight for it some.. this story lacked fight.

At this point I’m thinking Chloe Liese can do no wrong! Loved this new story from the Bergman Brothers series!

It was really great to see romance bloom between two people that have medical conditions not usually talked about in the romance genre. Plus, that romance gave me ALL the heart eyes 😍 Couldn’t recommend this book, and this series, more! Cannot wait for the next one!

4.5 Stars

You will be swooning from the first page to the very last.

This was a very sweet and gentle romance, and love letter to falling in love. With a neurodivergent hero and a heroine who lives with a chronic illness, these two found peace, not only with themselves, but each other.

This author is a fantastic supporter of mental health awareness, and selfcare, and it shines through with each of her books.

As a historical romance reader, Viggo is an absolute delight in each book as her foists HR books and foists upon his friends and family.

“I gave him a romance novel because they’re a safe place to step deeper into our emotions.”

I have fallen head over heels in love with this family and am eagerly awaiting Oliver’s HEA.

“Because I want us. I want you here, with me. Yesterday. A week ago. Forever.”

With You Forever is Book 4 in the Bergman Bothers Series. Firstly kudos to Chloe Liese for the excellent autism rep and the chronic illness rep. With You Forever tells the story of a modern grump Axel Bergman who is on the autism spectrum .Axel has a crush on his brother's wife friend who he may have kissed or not during charades (did I say charades?) and Rooney a bundle of sunshine who is taking a break from law school because of IBD. What happens when the grump and the sunshine are stuck together in a cabin and a marriage of convenience? Oh mayn, Chloe Liese doesn't disappoint because this book was such a delight and highly recommend. Huge thanks to the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for the ARC of this in exchange for my honest review!

I’m still loving this series so much. I loved the rep in this one (chronic illness/IBD and autism, with talk of anxiety) and how normalized therapy was as just something people should be doing as part of taking care of themselves. There is also a ton of consent, asking and telling about intimate preferences, which I love to see in romance. I loved the characters’ chemistry and I can’t wait to read Oliver’s story 😍

This was a glorious addition to this family's story! This was a a wonderful slow burn and I love forced proximity and arranged marriages! Both characters had their baggage and their disorders and it was beautiful to see how thy loved each other flaws and all. It was a wonderful and cozy love story that is perfect for fall.

I feel like a broken record already. These books are just something else. In the forth instalment of the Bergmans, we dive into Axel and Rooney's story. Yet another couple with their challenges and differences, but ultimate love. Liese uses her tropes, but they are all healthy, there is nothing unhealthy about these romances, which I love. There is not toxicity or negativity, it is real love. I also love that each box includes a representation of chronical illness, disability, neurodiversity. Again, making it realistic. I personally can't say this was my favourite of the stories, but I still really, really loved it.

I loved the characters and their openness and vulnerability. I loved there strength and how they understood each other. They felt safe with each other and that built something special too. Their flaws and how they communicated it all just fit so perfectly.

Liese writes in such a witty and raw way. She hold nothing back, but also does justice to what she delivers. She is realistic, she doesn't sugar coat things. In the midst of it all, are snippets of insight that I as a disabled person appreciate beyond all else.

What are you doing? Why haven't you read this yet? Get going!

GUYSSS I LOVED THIS. Chloe Liese does it again, folks... I mean honestly, this series is just SO DAMN GOOD. There is just so much to love and each book continues to build on the others and gets better and better.

If you like:
- grumpy hero/sunshine heroine
- marriage of convenience
- slow-burn and yet electrifying romance

...then this is the book for you!! I can't even explain how much I loved Axel and Rooney's story. Between the meet cute, the mutual pining, and the slow-burn romance that turned into such an amazing love story... I just CANNOT. The chemistry was off the charts! I think I may have a new favorite Bergman brother!! Also, this book follows other stories in the series with great autism rep, as well as tackles a chronic illness (one I have not read about yet!).

This romance was so raw and real... it literally had me swooning. I may have a new favorite Bergman brother! Also, we got more of the Bergman family, which just always makes my heart happy - I have become very attached to this family! Also... seriously cannot wait for Oliver's story next!!

Rating: 4.5 stars!

Chloe Liese has done it again!
This series is up there as my favourite romance series along with The Bromance Book Club and The Brown Sisters.
This story struck a cord with me as ulcerative colitis runs in my family and I’ve seen the impact of it first hand. My little brother is also autistic. So in this book Liese has drawn attention and awareness to two things really important to me. Two things I’ve seen the struggles and hardships of first hand with my family.
Now, I’m not autistic and I don’t have UC myself so I definitely think you should read some reviews from OV reviewers, but I really think Liese handled both with such dignity and honesty.
Ulcerative colitis is something I’ve never seen in a book before. I think most authors (especially in romance) stay away from digestive issues because there’s a stigma around them, which is touched upon in With You Forever, that it’s gross or dirty. It’s a horrible stigma because the person really really cannot help it, and being shamed into feeling disgusting doesn’t help. I love that Liese didn’t shy away from demonstrating the truth of ulcerative colitis. It seemed such an honest and real portrayal.
Now if you’ve read the other Bergman Brothers books, you’ll be familiar with both our MC’s and no doubt you’ll be as excited as I was to have a Rooney/Axel book. I’m not giving away any spoilers, but I will say that you WON’T be disappointed.
Another phenomenal addition to the Bergman Brothers. I love this family so much and I’m so glad we still have the man cubs and (hopefully) Ziggy left to have their own books!

Axel and Rooney’s story was set up to be a hit for me…
✔️Marriage of convenience
✔️Sunshine/Grump
✔️Harry Style references
✔️Diverse and inclusive love story highlighting chronic illness and neurodiversity

Chloe Liese delivered all the goods in this beautiful story!

Axel and Rooney’s mutual pining and slow burn romance was delectable. I love how despite this being a marriage of convenience Axel and Rooney took the time to really build on their relationship before they both fell helpless for each other.

There’s something inherently cozy and comforting about this story. It was real and romantic and with the best sunshine/grump trope that didn’t seem over the top. You could feel the warmth that Rooney radiates and saw how she was able to break through to Axel and help this reserved grump out of his shell without trying to change who he is. And in the same breath you saw the adoration and care Axel had for Rooney. He would give her the moon if she’d ask him.

This may be my favorite Bergman story thus far! With You Forever drops September 14 💕

Thank you Chloe Liese & the powers that be over at netgalley for providing me an arc for my review!

I’ll be honest, I squealed as soon as I got this ARC from Netgalley, but then immediately put it to the side. I knew I’d be heartbroken once I finally finished it and realized I’d need to wait for more Bergmans. The book hangover with this family is so real. I’ve also been sitting on writing this review, because I can never quite put into words how much I love this series, and Chole’s books in general. There’s something special about her writing and ability to draw you into the story, and show you the characters, their love etc vs. just telling you about it.

I love how the pace and style of each of the Bergman books really relates to the Berman sibling who the story is about. It’s truly like Ax was sitting down over dinner to tell you the story himself. Given that we’re dealing with Axel and Rooney this book isn’t filled with the sunshine/rainbows/hijinks/banter present with Ren and Ryder, and I mean that in a good way. That would feel so out of place for Ax and Rooney. This book was quite the sneaky , sweet and heartwarming slow burn, with forced proximity and marriage of convenience at its finest.

I think Chloe’s speciality is telling stories that are incredibly human, but also uplifting and heartwarming. The way Rooney’s health issues were woven into the story were so truly relatable and real, but didn’t sugarcoat how difficult a chronic illness can be. It reminded me, that sometimes our bodies can fail us, but it doesn't make us any less strong or resilient. I obviously love the Bergman family more and more with each book. Seeing Ax’s love for his family from his side will definitely hit you in all of the feels. It was an unexpected delight seeing him deal with an impromptu visit from the man cubs. I also obviously can’t wait for Ollie’s book.

PS- there’s also a dog and kitten, along with an adorable friend’s kid who attempt to steal the whole show, and they are all the absolute perfect sidekicks in this story.

So we get to the eldest brother of the Bergman family: Axel. I have been wondering about him and Rooney (Willa's best friend) and after the ending of the last book I wanted to read about them so desperately! And Chloe Liese delivered.

The story of Axel and Rooney was in the making ever since they met because of the relationship between Ryder and Willa in book 1. Both crushing and avoiding each other, they are forced together because of the meddling of the Bergman family. Rooney needs somewhere to go crash and heal and Willa sends her to the A-frame of the family, knowing Axel is there. What the family does not know, is that Axel is trying his hardest to come up with funding for the hard-needed repairs on the A-frame. And a solution is there in an inheritance with a stipulation - of marriage. I think you know where the story is going...

While Axel is hindered by his autism and the fact he seems to be unable to paint, Rooney has her own demons. Her chronic illness is flaring up and she has to choose between health and her studies. In her own unique way Chloe Liese makes us care so much about these characters, hoping and wishing for them to find the way to each other.

Every story in this series has a different angle and I am so in love with this series. I can't wait for the next one.