One of my favorite books of the year comes out tomorrow (4/11), but I’m going to tell you about it now because it is SO. GOOD! If Only You by Chloe Liese, which is the fifth installment in The Bergman Brothers Series, is just as good as every other book in this series!

Chloe Liese has done it again. She has made me fall even more in love with her writing and crafted a beautifully written romance that has so much representation in it. Touching upon neurodiversity, sexuality, anxiety and mental health, and physical health, Liese shows that not only is everyone capable of being loved, but that everyone is worthy of loving a healthy and happy life as well.

The slow burn fake friends to real friends to lovers romance is super unique in its approach to Ziggy and Sebastian starting their relationship, but it is done so well in this story. The plot is perfectly paced out, which only makes readers even more invested in the romance of the story. The build up of Ziggy and Sebastian trusting each other and growing together shows how personal growth and self-love is needed to be able to love someone else.

Also, having a sexy bad boy hockey player who unintentionally falls for a sweet and caring soccer player and changes his self-destructive and rogue-ish ways for her is a trope I will never get tired of. Throw in a big adorable family with members who make cameos from other books in this series and this romance becomes even more amazing.

Considering this is the sixth book in The Bergman Brothers Series, I probably don’t have to repeat myself for the sixth time but I will anyway: READ THIS BOOK/SERIES! It is an absolutely binge-worthy and delicious romance that will have you wanting more Bergman Family adventures.

*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Bergman clan has such as special place in my heart. When the opportunity to read an ARC of If Only You arose, I jumped at the chance to read it. I was so happy to see we were getting Ziggy’s (the youngest Bergman sibling) story. I’m a sucker for a friends to lover story; and more so if it’s fake friendship?? Sign me up! Witnessing Ziggy and Seb’s relationship develop into an actual friendship was so beautiful. They took care of each other and then to watch that develop into a romantic relationship had me kicking my feet. If you like brother’s best friend or fake friends to lovers this story is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed Chloe Liese’s latest installment and I can’t wait to read Viggo’s story!

Thanks to Netgalley and Chloe Liese for the eARC!

It physically hurts me to write this, but I did not like this book. I adore Chloe and I’ve loved pretty much everything else she’s ever written, but this one was not for me. I loved the premise – Ziggy’s need to be seen as a grown up by her chaotic family, rather than perpetually being treated as the “baby”, was so relatable. In particular, her desire to be seen as someone who is multifaceted and capable of all kinds of emotions, rather than constantly being seen as “sweet” and “nice”, really resonated with me (as someone who has also been constantly seen as “sweet” and “nice”). But it just didn’t go anywhere. Sebastian was supposed to be this terrible “bad boy” but was actually really lovely (other than the fact that he has tattoos *shock horror*) and I didn’t get any chemistry between them at all. I didn’t feel like I really go to know either character and I just didn’t really care about what happened to either of them.

I love that Chloe’s books are all so inclusive, and the Bergman family always brings a smile to my face, but this one was not a favourite. It was missing the heart and emotion that I’ve felt in some of this author’s other books. And I recognise that this is probably a very personal criticism but ugh with the Shakespeare references! I know his works are very well loved but he’ll always just be that famous old white dude who wrote a bunch of boring plays to me. Quoting classic literature (over and over and over again) does not scream romance to me, but each to their own I guess!

I’m definitely still going to read the final book in this series (and finally find out what the mysterious Viggo has been up to this whole time!) but this one will not be a favourite of mine.

Chloe Liese. An absolute queen of Autism Visibility 🙌

I’ve had mixed reviews on some of her books, honestly. Some do it for me, some don’t. This one just so happens to be many of my favorite things though and I’m all for it.

Sports romance? Check!
Inclusive? Check!
Heroine who just so happens to fit my physical description? Totally unnecessary, but yes, Check!

While technically a spin off of another series there’s no need whatsoever to have read any of the previous books. I was in no way lost or scrambling to piece together background information, though it was obvious enough that a few side characters had previously been ‘the couple’ in another story.

The narrative tone and writing was great and easily sucked me in. Overall reading this was just an uplifting and cute experience. It’s a little cheesy, in a very sweet way, like getting a warm hug. I’ll be happy to recommend and go back to read other books from this world.

This was a solid continuation of the story of the Bergman siblings. It was enjoyable and exactly what I expected to get from the book: a sweet romance between two characters with hidden depths and a great connection. Recommend for fans of the other books in the series and contemporary romance between professional athletes.

I will always love whatever Chloe Lies writes! The representation is everything! I see a lot of myself in Ziggy, and I love seeing the Bergman family both tease and love each other. I'm not part of a big family, but the Bergmans are what I love to see in novels with huge families.

Another great addition to the Bergman series! I've been really enjoying getting to know these siblings and was so excited it was finally "Ziggy's' turn! It was really enjoyable to see Seb and Ziggy navigate fake dating and watch them work on their reputations. Also so nice to see the character growth that happened throughout this book.
I'm extremely looking forward to Viggo's book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

I’m thrilled I did a full reread of the Bergmans before diving into If Only You. I loved being able to see Ziggy’s journey through the first five books, and really see her come into her own in book six.

Ziggy is the youngest of seven siblings and the youngest player of the National soccer team. Tired of being underestimated, she convinces her brother’s best friend and resident bad boy of the hockey world to team up for a mutually beneficial fake friendship. If they spend enough time together, she’ll help soften Sebastian’s reputation, and he’ll give her too-soft one some rougher edges. But Ziggy, who’s pined after the dark, morally grey book characters in her romantasy books for years, realizes Sebastian might actually be her fantasy in the flesh.

This was a slow burn that had palpable tension throughout (omg the bookstore scene will live in infamy as an all-time favorite!!!) No matter what struggles, setbacks, etc. we carry around with us from the past, we’re shown that making space for growth can be both affirming and life-changing. We can grow individually, together, or apart (and sometimes all three simultaneously). This book had excellent character growth that made their journey feel even more realistic and hard-fought/won.

Picking up a Chloe book, it’s comforting to know you’ll get inclusive characters with thoughtful disability representation (Ziggy is autistic and Sebastian is diagnosed with celiac in this story) and our beloved Bergman family interactions, but we still get fresh, fun, flirty and funny storylines.


It’s always such a treat to get glimpses into the current states of the rest of the Bergman crew (and also speculate about what’s in store for Viggo!) Thanks so much to Chloe for sharing Ziggy’s story with us and for the gifted digital review copy.

I feel like I can never go wrong with a Chloe Liese Book. This one may be my favorite.

The whole trope of fake dating, but turned into a fake friendship was delightful. I love how Ziggy really got Seb to get out of his dark days, to embrace the light. I connected with Ziggy a lot and found her character development and bravery to be inspiring. This book was all about hope and growth and allowing oneself to embrace not only the good, but the bad and the past. It was flawlessly executed.

I have loved every single thing Chloe has published but this was my least favorite. Ziggy was hard to like for some reason and it didn't live up to the rest of the series for me.

If Only You by Chloe Liese is another winner. I fall in love with all her characters more and more with each new book. Ziggy and Seb were everything. I love the Bergman family that Chloe created. I wish they could be my friends in real life! I appreciate the Autism and LGBTQIA rep from this book.

I will sing the praises of this series until the day I die. Every book is perfection and Chloe Liese never misses. This book is no exception.

Seeing a grownup Ziggy was such a delight and I loved seeing her take charge of her life and go after what she wanted. I had never read a fake friendship book before but now I firmly believe we need more of them because this was perfect. Usually the romance is the only slow burn part of Chloe Liese's books but a slow burn friendship? Consider me sold.

The humor and heart in this book is unmatched and I am only sad that this book wasn't longer. I wish I could live in the Bergman world just a little longer because my heart is going to break after I close the page on the last book when it comes out next year.

Tropes: brother's best friend, bad boy/good girl, fake friends (with benefits), hockey hero, football (or soccer for Americans) heroine.

Chloe Liese needs to stop making me cry. Or maybe I need to stop reading her books and expecting not to cry? Because If Only You had me tearing up on a random afternoon.

I was really looking forward to Ziggy's book, especially since seeing her autism diagnosis in Ren and Frankie's book, and I was not disappointed. I love a bad boy good girl, especially when the bad boy is just misunderstood. Love it.

I will say, I felt the middle got a bit muddled. The passing of time in the story just felt off - the emotions developed within a few weeks, but it felt like the author realised this was quite quick so dragged out them getting together to make up for it.

Also, this is not a bad thing at all, but something to bear in mind. This is a very realistic romance. Liese is very talented at creating characters and romances that feel like they are happening to real people. Because of this, they can sometimes be a bit frustrating (as people are) and very emotional to read. As much as these are sweet and full of fluff, some really intense emotional stuff is handled. So just prepare for that before you go in.

All in all, I enjoyed it. Not my favourite of the series, but definitely up there!

Thanks to Chloe Liese for the free e-arc. Sorry I was so late to review!

Thank you NetGalley and Chloe Liese for providing an advance copy for review!
I finished this book months ago and haven't been able to get it out of my head. I only just started the Bergman Brothers series at the end of last year and this was a highly anticipated read for this year. I love these characters so much! I'm a sucker for the brother's friend trope and Ziggy and Sebastian were great! I love seeing how much Ziggy has grown since she was first introduced. Ziggy and Seb's relationship grew slowly and I wish we got more of them when they're actually together. But, I get that they needed time to actually develop their true friendship to genuine relationship. Definitely slower than the previous books, but I still enjoyed it.
I'm looking forward to Viggo's book!

Oh, wow. The Bergman Family series just keeps getting better. "If Only You" is a really stunning story of a truly heartbreaking bad boy.

Seb believes he does not deserve a good life or genuine relationships, which was a refreshing take on a well-worn trope. The romance between Ziggy & Seb is definitely a slow burn, but the chemistry sparkles throughout. Very focused on healing and growing as individuals and being supportive friends before developing a romantic relationship.

Another note: The Bergman family sometimes feels a little too perfect (or maybe I'm just jealous). It is a relieving contrast having some bad parents and complicated family relationships in this book. Keeps it from being unrelatable.

Can't believe we only get one more book in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Arrrgh, my heart! I have been waiting and waiting for Ziggy's story, and I'm so glad she got a wonderful one.

I love the "fake" trope, and this was no exception. This was especially sweet, as Ziggy and Sebastian are so careful with one another without being annoying about it. Each of them have personal things they work through - and work on - throughout the story, and it's refreshing to see an author craft characters who aren't perfect, but try to do better.

Viggo has a fun role in this story, too (hasn't he been the constant, driving force behind ALL of his siblings' relationships?) and I really am looking forward to his book as the finale of the series.

This is a series where every book feels like coming home. Every book makes you feel like you’re back in a safe place that’s comfortable, loving, and happy. This was just a beautiful masterpiece of a book. I think it officially became my favorite Bergman book so far. I’ve been looking forward to Ziggy’s book ever since meeting her because I just felt this intense kinship and love for her from the get go. And this was way more than I ever could’ve dreamt for her story.

This book was seriously perfect. I have literally zero complaints. Everything was so beautifully written. My sweet Ziggy… this girl stole my heart from the beginning of the series but this book, you see her step into her own. You’re inside of her head and are feeling what she’s feeling. She is one of the most beautiful souls and you can tell Chloe wrote her with so much love and care. Watching her bloom into the woman she was by the end of the story made me feel so proud of her and I adore her SO much. She deserved every good thing she got in this book. She fought hard and long for it and it absolutely made me cry tears and pride and joy witnessing her growth.

My sweet Sebastian... This man is the man of my dreams, I swear. Hockey player, tattoos, he reads, can be a grump but can secretly be a softie, a wounded soul and guarded man who just needed someone sweet and soft to make his walls all come down??? Literally: my perfect man and the man of my dreams. I swear it’s like Chloe dove into my head and produced him from my deepest fantasies. Bravo Chloe. Bravo. Watching him go through his massive journey in this book was just as beautiful as watching Ziggy go through hers. I feel like normally with romances, there’s one character more than the other who you’re cheering on to overcome whatever it is they’re struggling with. This book had me cheering on these characters equally. I was desperate for them both to be happy and together. Being inside of Seb’s head had me crying at times because of how intensely bad parts of his life were. And for sweet, feisty, sunshiney Ziggy to come charging into his life was pure magic. Every moment between them was incredible and overwhelming in the best possible way.

I was smiling like a mad woman, giggling, kicking my legs and screaming the whole way as these two beautiful people found their way to one another. Their friendship also happens to be a dream of mine. Literally again… Chloe broke into my brain. My dream is a best friends to lovers scenario for myself. This easily became one of my absolute all time favs. Their friendship was raw and beautiful and hard earned. Watching them navigate their friendship had my heart exploding (in a fantastic way) because they are perfect for one another.

Overall, this book was beautiful and perfect. It was the most incredible story for the most incredible characters. The representation, as always for Chloe, is written with such care and respect and you can feel it through the writing. Chloe Liese is truly such an incredible artist. My heart belongs to these characters and this series. This is easily going on my list for top reads of 2023.

*Thank you Chloe Liese & Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This is a series where every book feels like coming home. Every book makes you feel like you’re back in a safe place that’s comfortable, loving, and happy. This was just a beautiful masterpiece of a book. I think it officially became my favorite Bergman book so far. I’ve been looking forward to Ziggy’s book ever since meeting her because I just felt this intense kinship and love for her from the get go. And this was way more than I ever could’ve dreamt for her story.

This book was seriously perfect. I have literally zero complaints. Everything was so beautifully written. My sweet Ziggy… this girl stole my heart from the beginning of the series but this book, you see her step into her own. You’re inside of her head and are feeling what she’s feeling. She is one of the most beautiful souls and you can tell Chloe wrote her with so much love and care. Watching her bloom into the woman she was by the end of the story made me feel so proud of her and I adore her SO much. She deserved every good thing she got in this book. She fought hard and long for it and it absolutely made me cry tears and pride and joy witnessing her growth.

My sweet Sebastian... This man is the man of my dreams, I swear. Hockey player, tattoos, he reads, can be a grump but can secretly be a softie, a wounded soul and guarded man who just needed someone sweet and soft to make his walls all come down??? Literally: my perfect man and the man of my dreams. I swear it’s like Chloe dove into my head and produced him from my deepest fantasies. Bravo Chloe. Bravo. Watching him go through his massive journey in this book was just as beautiful as watching Ziggy go through hers. I feel like normally with romances, there’s one character more than the other who you’re cheering on to overcome whatever it is they’re struggling with. This book had me cheering on these characters equally. I was desperate for them both to be happy and together. Being inside of Seb’s head had me crying at times because of how intensely bad parts of his life were. And for sweet, feisty, sunshiney Ziggy to come charging into his life was pure magic. Every moment between them was incredible and overwhelming in the best possible way.

I was smiling like a mad woman, giggling, kicking my legs and screaming the whole way as these two beautiful people found their way to one another. Their friendship also happens to be a dream of mine. Literally again… Chloe broke into my brain. My dream is a best friends to lovers scenario for myself. This easily became one of my absolute all time favs. Their friendship was raw and beautiful and hard earned. Watching them navigate their friendship had my heart exploding (in a fantastic way) because they are perfect for one another.

Overall, this book was beautiful and perfect. It was the most incredible story for the most incredible characters. The representation, as always for Chloe, is written with such care and respect and you can feel it through the writing. Chloe Liese is truly such an incredible artist. My heart belongs to these characters and this series. This is easily going on my list for top reads of 2023.

*Thank you Chloe Liese & Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I love Ziggy and Seb! Their story was such a beautiful addition to the Bergman family series. I love how they were both unapologetically themselves with each other and learning to grow with each other before even starting a romantic relationship. They seen the real version of them underneath it all. It is also fun to see the rest of the family in the background and growing throughout the series. I also always love the representation that are in all of her books. I feel like not only are they accurate but the also can help people both see themselves in the characters and show loved ones what their family member may be going through. I love sharing her stories with people and can’t wait to the final Bergman book as well!

Thank you, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, for this advanced copy of If Only You by Chloe Liese. In exchange for this advanced copy, I give you my honest review...

Ziggy is the youngest of 7 very boisterous, athletic, and overbearing siblings. Since she's the baby of the family, and has autism, they are very protective of her. So protective, she feels she needs to show them she's actually not a baby anymore and is a grown adult with her own apartment, her own career, and even her driver's license. To show her family, as well as her teammates, that she's not the naïve youngster everyone thinks she is, she strikes a deal with somebody her opposite: her brother Ren's best friend Seb. Seb is a star hockey player with a colorful past, in need of a redemption arc, whether he wants one or not. And when Ziggy shows up on his balcony while he's at his lowest, he can't turn down her proposal: pretend friends to taint her image, but make his look good.

Reading about Ziggy coming into her own, conquering her fears and being brave, was such a delightful and emotional experience. Liese writes Ziggy's character transformation so well you can't help but be invested in every move she makes, cheering her on along the way. And on top of Ziggy's renewed persona we get to witness Seb learn and grow from his transgressions and past trauma, unfolding a brand new outlook on his life as well as molding a new, cleaned up public image. She really knows how to show the developmental growth of the mental and emotional health of her characters, engaging the reader with a thoughtful and purposeful story. An added bonus to this novel is the instant and constant sexual tension between Ziggy and Seb, which the read will feel from the first chapter of the book. I was fanning myself through most of this novel it was so heated! Another 5 star from the author Chloe Liese!

Book review can be found on my Goodreads account: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5247681156