I’m so cautious when putting anything out there before the pub date because I refuse to be THAT person who inadvertently spoils things for the masses. I read the rest of the series this month, and by read I mean devoured. I was incredibly excited for Ziggy’s story but was scared it wouldn’t live up to the hype I created in my brain. Ziggy’s story far surpassed my wildest expectations. What I didn’t expect was to adore Seb just as much. Both Ziggy and Seb have parts of themselves that they truly want to work on and take it on as fake, then real friends which eventually leads to lovers, obviously. Its perfect Classic Bergman family meddling was perfect. How many times can I say perfect in one set of comments? I think the biggest plus for me was there was no third act breakup. I probably would have not been a fan of that because they both deserve the world so I’m really glad that wasn’t a part of their story.

I currently feel like this:
This is like going to a concert you were really excited for and now are like now what am I supposed to do now that it’s over 😭

Also Chloe has 10/10 taste in music which makes me love her writing more even though that makes next to no sense 🫠🤣

Oh My God. This book has me so emotionally drained in the best way!!! the character development was an absolute stand out!!! the way both of their characters grew in drastically different ways, and they were able to grow together was so beautiful to watch. no third act break up!! so exciting!! the way sebastian was in LOVE with ziggy from the moment he saw her was so clear and amazing. ziggy's growth and development was absolutely amazing to watch. her standing her ground with her family, and being assertive with both her family and seb was so refreshing. their dynamic was what really pulled this book together though. the way they both leaned on each other and oh my god the communication between them was so refreshing for a genre filled with miscommunication!! and amazing job my ms. liese but i never doubted her!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR VIGGO!!!!

i'll be posting my review day of release at @siphonstiles on instagram!

Thank you to Chloe, Barnes and Noble Press, and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review.

Chloe has done it again. Constantly raising the bar for the romance genre. The representation and healthy communication in this book was beautifully done. Being gluten intolerant myself, I loved to see the representation of the adjustment to first finding out you’re gluten free and having to complete change your diet. Also seeing a character, especially a male character, work so hard to better himself was just so refreshing. I love to see communication and healthy relationships in books!

I adore every single one of the characters and it was so nice to see all the Bergman siblings again. All of the cameos absolutely warmed my heart especially Frankie and Ren’s!

Overall, this book is everything I could have asked for. Amazing writing and the book was very well paced. There wasn’t a single moment in the book that felt like it dragged, which is an accomplishment! Chloe Liese can do no wrong.

Chloe has so successfully and beautifully crafted this Bergman world. It is, without a doubt, my ultimate comfort series, and characters, too. With each book, it just solidifies that fact further.

I adored Ziggy and Seb. I absolutely loved going on this journey of growth with both of them, watching them find themselves, becoming people they can be proud of. The way they supported each other, and how they *recognized* all their possibilities–their own and each others–was truly heartfelt.

I can't tell you in words adequate enough to describe all the emotions I went through reading this. It is SO, SO GOOD. I already can't wait to read it again 🧡

WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Brother's best friend
- Bi FMC + Pan MMC
- Own Voices: Autism rep, Celiac disease rep
- Sports Romance (pro hockey + pro soccer)
- Slow burn
- Fiery banter coupled with tender, sweet moments = *chef's kiss* perfection

Thank you so much for the ARC!

Four huge Bergman stars!

There's just something so familiar about re/reading a Bergman novel. It feels like I just came home.

Especially with Ziggy's story, this felt like one last hurrah before the finale. She's the innocent baby of the family and she is tired of being protected. Making a dangerous deal with the LA Kings' bad boy, Sebastian, she wants to scruff up her good girl image. And along the way, help Seb clean up his after a nasty crash that sent his career off the deep end.

There was so much about this novel that I absolutely adored. I loved how natural and awkward it was, first and foremost. The small drops of being queer were just so... normal. I feel like in media, especially novels and television, it's usually drawn out and made to show emphasis on the representation. Chloe Liese does such a good job representing marginalized groups in a way that shows it's just another thing.

I saw a lot of myself in Ziggy. She and I both struggle with social cues and textures and we're both fiery bisexual redheaded women that have wanted to blend in for far too long. We're ready to be seen and it's going to be glorious. Seeing her be brave inspired me to be braver. A lot of personal experiences I've gone through were represented in this novel. Ziggy and I were both bullied severely growing up in school without anyone really backing us up. This was like a mirror for me, and it's insane how well it was written and nuanced just so perfectly. Personally, I never fail to feel seen when reading a Chloe Liese novel.

Sebastian was simply amazing. He was this hotshot hockey player that wanted to be seen in all the worst possible ways. He's tackling trauma from his childhood and a chronic illness that won't leave him alone. I think the best way to describe him would be that he was so emotionally constipated throughout this novel. Seb wanted to let everything out, he just didn't know where or how to start. That is until our favorite redhead started rocking his world.

My only issue is that after 70%, it felt rushed. Time jumps were happening mid-chapter and nearly every new chapter and while all of it was to do with the conflicting schedules of our athletes, I wish that it was a little more fleshed out. I wanted more banter and more time to see the production, instead of the majority of changes happening behind the stage. A lot of it was rushed in the sense that I didn't even see the ending coming at all. It crept up on me and I audibly gasped. The love proclamation came out of left field and even though we saw some of the buildups, I wish there was just a teensy bit more.

Other than some weird pacing towards the end of the novel, I think this book right here is my second favorite Bergman novel. There's just something about Rooney and Axel's story that sends me home crying.

But man do I *need* to know what Viggo is doing up there in Escondido! I cannot wait to get to his story in 2024, I think that gives me time to reread this series about nine more times.

Thank you so much Chloe Liese for providing me with the sixth installment of our beloved Bergmans in exchange for my honest review and thoughts. "If Only You" releases April 11th, 2023.

My heart is breaking because I can't ever read this book again for the first time again. I will read anything Chloe Liese ever writes, but the Bergmans have a special place in my heart. I didn't think another Bergman book could dethrone Always Only You (book two in the series), but I think If Only You has done just that. Once it hit my kindle, I sat down on my couch and read until I was finished. I only got up to pee and let the dog out. And with ADHD, that is quite the accomplishment. Poor Chloe woke up the next morning to an endless stream of reactions from me on her phone.

Ziggy is the baby of the family, and she's tired of being treated like it. She's a grown=up, and she wants her family to recognize that. Seb Gauthier is her brother's best friend, and his bad boy image needs a bit of a make-over. So they embark on a fake friendship which turns into a real friendship (with benefits), and then into something truly special--something a lot like love.

The representation in this book left me breathless. I felt so seen. I have not been diagnosed with autism, but knowing what I know about the spectrum and also myself, I know enough to surmise that I probably fall somewhere along the spectrum. Having ADHD, I know what it feels like to be neuro-diverse living in a neuro-typical world. I am incredibly sensitive to textures, and smells, and sounds. I could completely relate to Ziggy's struggles, but also I felt seen by how casually Chloe highlights easy accommodations that make living in the world easier. (One example is the earplugs Ziggy takes with her when she knows there will be loud noises. I do the same thing.)

I also loved how casually queer the book was. Ziggy is bi. Seb is pan. There's a non-binary side character, and other characters identify as queer as well. Books like this go a long way in normalizing different identities without it being weird. This isn't a coming out story. This is just a "queer people living their lives and finding love" story. The story isn't about their identities. Their identities are just a part of who of they are.

I was a highlighting fiend. There were just so many beautiful quotes. I feel like Chloe's writing just gets better and better with each book she writes. I feel so privileged to be given an early review copy of If Only You. This book has taken up permanent residence in my soul, and that is not an exaggeration. It was everything I could have hoped for for my Ziggy and more.

An enormous thank you for my advance review copy. I will be singing this book's praises until everyone I know has read it and fallen in love with it, too.

MY HEART IS ABOUT TO FUCKING BURST. this book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and when i tell you it hit every single spot.

ziggy my baby. she’s come so far from the shy timid girl she was first introduced as earlier in the series. i loved seeing her grow and flourish. and i loved how sebastian saw her for who she truly was even when her own family didn’t, and reaffirmed and helped her in so many way to stand her own.

ughdhhdjfd don’t even get me started on mr. sebastian himself. I LOVE EMOTIONALLY CONSTIPATED BROKEN MEN??? he’s just so good but so full of self-loathing it was heartbreaking to read. and the way ziggy continuously saw through his bad-boy-don’t-give-a-shit front and all his bullshit and showed him that he is so much more than what he thinks of himself? pls kill me.

and my goodness their development from “fake” friends to real friends to lovers was everything. their friendship was so pure they were just so tender and soft with each other. my boy was gone from the start like his brain would literally short circuit every time she looked his direction he was pathetic. there’s so much he did for her that literally makes me want to SCREAM, but for the sake of spoilers i’m gonna stay quiet. all i’ll say is i might have almost chewed my arm off and he’s definitely very high up in my favorites. i want him.

oh and the family moments in this book were TEW GOOD. i’m literally a bergman idc like i was raised with them elin and alex are my parents that’s literally my family my dna my blood. ren and seb’s friendship was so special and so wholesome, like it was very much an older and younger brother dynamic and their moments just tugged at my heartstrings. also just the way the bergmans as a whole were with sebastian.. giggled and cried reading those scenes i love my family so bad.

now i need my mans viggo’s book because there was a specific scene at the end that had me clutching my heart and shedding tears??? chloe stop playing and give it to me NOW.

Chloe Liese does it again! I absolutely loved the acquaintances-to-friends and then the very, very slow burn friends-to-lovers journey that Ziggy and Sebastian took. I thought the lapses in time were thoughtful and done well. I also appreciated the internal conflict that had to be dealt with, especially with Sebastian. Would absolutely recommend and cannot wait to read Viggo’s story next!

I will be sharing this review immediately to www.goodreads.com/Macysbookmarks and via Instagram @macysbookmarks closer to the publication date.

4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

A quick rundown:
-Fake friends to lovers
-Brother’s best friend
-Soccer player & hockey player romance
-Bi FMC & pan MMC
-Autism rep & celiac disease rep

Chloe Liese knocks it out of the park yet again with If Only You. I’ve been eagerly anticipating Ziggy Bergman’s story and it lived up to every expectation I had for it.

As the youngest of the Bergman brood, Ziggy is tired of being treated like a child. She’s a college graduate and professional soccer player, and is finally ready to make a name for herself. But, how can she do that when all she’s ever done is avoid the spotlight? Enter Sebastian Gauthier. Seb is known for his bad boy hockey player persona, but when a string of reckless behavior jeopardizes his career, he needs to find a way to fix his image - and fast. After a brief encounter at Ren Bergman’s wedding, Ziggy and Sebastian agree to a fake friendship that will help both of them achieve their reputation goals - Seb will toughen up Ziggy’s squeaky clean look while Ziggy will make it seem like Sebastian is finally getting his act together. However, it seems like remaining JUST (fake) friends isn’t going to be as easy as they thought.

I adored so many different things about If Only You. Even though both MCs are queer (Ziggy is bi & Seb is pan), it wasn’t a major plot point. Coming out stories and books that navigate the difficulties of the queer experience are vital to queer literature. However, it is incredibly refreshing to read about characters who just ARE queer without it being their only personality trait. It helps to normalize queerness in a society where queer people constantly othered.

The emotional growth from both Ziggy and Sebastian was absolutely SPECTACULAR . I don’t want to dive too much in to this because it is honestly the lifeblood of the story and I think everyone should be able to experience it for themselves firsthand. Just know this - Chloe DOES. NOT. PULL. ANY. PUNCHES. Your heart will break for Ziggy and Sebastian a thousand times over only for them to tape it back together again in the end.

The only thing I wish was maybe a little different was the ending. There was such a beautiful build up for Ziggy and Sebastian’s relationship, and the ending felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to have just a little more time to sit with their HEA.

Thank you SO MUCH to Chloe Liese and NetGalley for the eARC, this book is truly wonderful 🧡🧡

What to expect: brother's best friend, bi FMC, pan MMC, own voices autism rep, celiac rep, sports romance (soccer/hockey), fake friends, slow burn, no third act breakup.

Favourite songs from the playlist: bad guy, Love Myself, Outnumbered, Meadows, Fire and the Flood, Bad Things, Somewhere Only We Know, Save Me, Share Your Address

Thank you to Chloe for the eARC of the 6th instalment in the Bergman Brothers Series!!

In true Chloe fashion, I loved it. I stayed up until almost 4 am to finish this book, and it was so worth it.

Chloe took two characters who were fighting their own inner battles against themselves, and gave them someone to stand beside them in the battle.

Ziggy and Seb were everything, and being able to have a front row seat to their journey was wonderful. I've never wanted to hug and hold two characters more and tell them that they deserve everything the world has to offer. I love that they started as fake friends and their banter was top notch. The little things they did for each other were so sweet.

I also really appreciated that while both main characters were queer, it was never a topic of discussion. It was just one line for each where their sexuality was stated, and no one was every questioned or had to explain themselves, and that was wonderful and so causal and it's how I hoped it always went (this also goes for all the queer rep throughout this entire book, and not just the main characters)

The Bergman family meddling was perfect, where it wasn't too much. I really enjoyed getting to see Ziggy as her own person, instead of just "the youngest Bergman." There is also such a good Viggo scene in this book, and it makes me really excited to read his story next.

Throughout this book I cheered, screamed, yelled, gasped, laughed, cried, and just smiled so wide. This book was everything I hoped it would be and I can't wait to reread it 100 times this year!

Thank you to Chloe Liese and Netgalley for allowing me an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I love Liese’s work. There’s not a single book of hers I dislike and I fell unashamedly in love with the Bergman brother series a couple of months ago and devoured them. Every time I read one, I was convinced it was my new favourite and this was no exception.

This was everything and more when it came to me thinking what Ziggys story would be. I love how we watch her navigate and grow as a neurodivergent woman… and Sebastian?! Well he’s just gone and removed Gavin as my favourite Bergman sibling partner. His personal growth story and dedication to be the person he thinks Ziggy deserves was fantastic.

Boop. (Iykyk)
I’ve listened to all the books as audiobooks too and look forward to listening to that when it’s released.

Very much looking forward to the final instalment where I get to see all of our ride or die’s Viggo get his time in the sun!

I have never felt so connected to a series of books as the Bergman Brothers and If Only You continues that trend. Chloe Liese continues to build complex and realistic characters that pull you in and make you, as a reader, feel seen. This is a drop everything and read all day kind of book and I can't wait for everyone to get a chance to be a part of Ziggy's romance.

Chloe has done it again. She has written magic and woven these characters even deeper in my heart. With every book she publishes she manages to make me fall in love with her writing more and more every time.
Seb and Ziggy were incredible and so damn lovable. A favorite for sure!

If Only You is truly a masterpiece of romantic fiction. As an autistic woman, there are far fewer autistic female main characters in literature than I would prefer, and I know I can always count on Chloe Liese to write a well-rounded woman who is no lesser for having autism and who can be the star of her own romance.

Ziggy and Sebastian were such an incredible pairing and their journey together gave me all the warm fuzzies. Sebastian played himself off as a careless bad boy, with only Ziggy truly able to dive deep under his mask and help him see the good in life. Meanwhile, Ziggy was able to grow in her own skin, gaining the confidence she needed to prove that she was an adult and ready to be treated as such. There were also just the little things in this book: I love the fact that they called each other by their full names, not nicknames, particularly because no one else was allowed to call them that. I love Ziggy teaching Seb how to love hugs, something I imagine he didn’t experience at all growing up. I love Viggo playing the tough guy big brother, but finally letting go and realizing he has his own things to work out, letting Seb into Ziggy’s life and his as a member of the family. But most importantly, I love love LOVE the fact that as much as Seb wanted her, he held himself back ultimately because he wanted to work on himself first before he could offer his heart to anyone. And his brief time in a Bergman Brothers summit? SWOON. His growth as a character from beginning to end was like night and day, showing the true Chloe Liese hallmark of emotional development that will keep me coming back ravenously for more EVERY TIME. I’m so glad that Ziggy, one of my longtime favorites in the Bergman series, has found love with someone who will always give her no less than she deserves!

I cannot express my gratitude for this arc, especially after receiving it as a Lived Experiences applicant. This book was such a treasure and I feel honored to have been given the chance to read it ahead of publication. Chloe is truly a model to neurodivergent women and I am so thankful to get to shower well-deserved love on her books! I look forward to so many rereads in the future, and eagerly anticipate Viggo’s book (though I hate we are so close to the end!)

Once again, Chloe Liese knocks it out of the park with IF ONLY YOU. The Bergman Brothers series never misses, and this installment is added to my list of comfort reads. As an autistic bisexual woman myself, I loved seeing Ziggy come into herself — I think her personal journey in this book is really special. I also loved our troubled, bad boy Sebastian. IF ONLY YOU is a fantastic character study that follows two people who you see very intentionally grow and change on the page. With clever pacing, plenty of tender moments, and prose that’s to die for, Chloe Liese remains one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with Ziggy and Seb like I have!

Once again, Chloe Liese knocks it out of the park with IF ONLY YOU. The Bergman Brothers series never misses, and this installment is added to my list of comfort reads. As an autistic bisexual woman myself, I loved seeing Ziggy come into herself — I think her personal journey in this book is really special. I also loved our troubled, bad boy Sebastian. IF ONLY YOU is a fantastic character study that follows two people who you see very intentionally grow and change on the page. With clever pacing, plenty of tender moments, and prose that’s to die for, Chloe Liese remains one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with Ziggy and Seb like I have!