Member Reviews

Two professional athletes in one relationship? Yes yes yes. I loved this book and I loved these characters.

Seb was giving majoy Roy Kentt vibes. He was an angry, grumpy, mess of a man and I loved him! Particularly, seeing his change throughout the book was really nice. Ziggy changed a bit as well, but the majority of the development was through him.

Ziggy is our Bergman baby. I'm so happy we finally got to her story, but that also means we're getting down to the end of our wonderful family. I'm not ready to say goodbye to them yet.

Onto the romance! There was lots of pining, a nice little slow burn, and a bit of bad boy/good girl vibes. As well, there was lots of beautiful healing, as I've come to expect and love from Liese's books. We see a lot of Seb and Ziggy encouraging each other to be better without them actually saying it to each other. It's more of a they want to be better for the other person.

There wasn't as much drama or conflict as I'd hoped. I needed more action! The whole publicity thing felt like it just sputtered out after a little while. I wanted something a little more to keep things moving along.

Overall, this was another great installment in the Bergman Brothers series. I am both looking forward to and dreading Viggo's book. I'm really not ready for the end.

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There’s something special about this series that grips you by the heart and getting to know Ziggy as a young adult. She’s now a woman who is coming into her own, forging her own path, and trying to step out of her siblings' protectiveness. Her growth in this book was done beautifully and realistically. The author was able to morph Ziggy from a reserved, quiet young woman into a confident woman in charge.

Sebastian was the perfect mixture of bad boy facade interlaced with kindhearted soul. I love how the author dug deep into his character giving him depth and layers.

This author's writing style in this particular book is why she is one of my favorite authors. She builds a foundation that is more than physical attraction between Ziggy and Seb. She focuses on their emotional connection by slowly allowing the reader to not only build excitement for the anticipation of Ziggy and Seb, but also you get a full understanding of Ziggy and Seb as individuals.

As much as I enjoyed this book, the “slow burn” romance took a bit too long for me. I enjoyed Ziggy and Seb together, so I wish I had more of them together rather than apart, fighting their feelings. It was great to jump back into this series with this latest edition and I cannot wait for the last installment. Thank you to the Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC

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It was a captivating symphony of characters, each adding a unique note to the beautiful melody of this fictional family saga. Ziggy, the youngest sibling and a soccer virtuoso, shines with authenticity, portraying the strength and charm of an exceptional autistic individual.

The narrative, sprinkled with humor and heart, takes an enchanting turn when Ziggy hatches a plan involving her brother's best friend, Seb. The duo embarks on a journey of friendship that transcends stereotypes, delivering a slow-burning tale infused with sport, love, and drama. The scene where Ziggy confronts her underwear predicament is both hilarious and endearing, setting the stage for the rollercoaster of emotions that follows.

Amid laughter and tears, the characters navigate the intricacies of relationships, revealing layers of their personalities. The Shakespearean reading scenes add a poetic touch, weaving literature into the fabric of their lives. The pinnacle, however, is a dreamy date in a bookshop – a bibliophile's fantasy brought to life.

In essence, Chloe crafts a masterpiece, each arc a testament to her ability to deepen our connection with this extraordinary family. With every page turned, the love for these characters grows, creating an unbreakable bond that lingers even after the last word. Ziggy's story, a celebration of uniqueness, ensures this book cements its place among the most cherished in Chloe's collection.

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I love Ziggy. This book was a breath of fresh air! My favorite of the series!?

Thank you Berkley for eARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Gaaaaah another favourite one 🙈 these two are so cute it's killing me! I love them with all my heart... I love this whole enormous family

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Ok, for some reason, when i first requested this book, I did not realize there was a while series! So I literally burned through the previous books to get to this one and It did not disappoint!

After reading all of her books, I was anticipating Ziggy's story and loved loved loved her with Seb. Just awwwww.
I loved the character growth for both of them, but especially Seb. He's my fav.

The only thing i will ever mindly complain about for a Chole Liese book is the slooooow slooooow slooooooooooooooooow burns. I thought i was used to it but this book seemed even slower than her others. PAINFULLY SO lol.

Overall, despite that and maybe because of the friendship developed, this one was my second fav in the series.
( after Ren and Frankie)

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This book was not what I was expecting and maybe my expectations were too high...Sport -slow-burn romance.

I found the heroine very likable, I felt like she grew a lot from start to finish... I didn't like the hero. I have zero tolerance for characters who claim to be misunderstood or tortured heroes but are actually just jerks. I found the book to be an alright read, but it didn't personally resonate with me. While it may not have been a perfect match for my preferences, I believe it could appeal to others...

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC.

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I love this book so much. Just like Chloe Liese her other books this is a book you can hardly put down. These main characters were amazing just like their banter. They really helped each other grow. As always it is amazing to get to see more of the other Bergmans. I also love Linnie so much. I can't wait to see more of them all in Viggo's book. The book also has excellent mental health representation and LGBTQIA+ representation.

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"If Only You" takes readers on a captivating journey filled with transformation, unexpected friendships, and the power of love. The story revolves around Ziggy Bergman, the youngest player on the National Soccer team, who is tired of being seen as nothing more than a kid. Determined to break free from this perception, Ziggy finds herself spending time with Sebastian Gauthier, trouble personified and her brother's best friend. Sebastian, faced with the threat of losing his hockey career and sponsorships, agrees to fake a friendship with Ziggy as a publicity stunt. Despite their initial motives, a genuine connection forms between them, blurring the line between reality and pretense. As Ziggy and Seb navigate their newfound friendship, they discover something profound - a bond that surpasses expectations and provides them with much-needed empowerment. Liese's writing skillfully delves into the complexities of the characters, exploring their struggles, desires, and personal growth. Ziggy's determination to shed her angelic image and prove herself resonates with readers, as does Sebastian's internal battle with his self-destructive tendencies. The author adeptly develops their characters, allowing readers to witness their transformation from mere acquaintances to companions, and ultimately, to something deeper. The evolving relationship between Ziggy and Seb is beautifully portrayed, portraying the transformative power of friendship and love. As their once-fake connection grows into something genuine, the characters find solace, strength, and support in one another. Their journey highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability, breaking free from societal expectations, and pursuing personal happiness. Throughout the book, Liese expertly balances heartwarming moments with conflict and challenges, keeping readers engaged and emotionally invested. The narrative unfolds at a comfortable pace, allowing the characters' growth and the development of their relationship to feel organic and believable. The author also brings authenticity to the sports element in the story, providing readers with a realistic and immersive experience. "If Only You" is a heartfelt and empowering novel that explores themes of identity, friendship, and love. Chloe Liese's exquisite storytelling and well-crafted characters will captivate readers from the very beginning. This book is a testament to the transformative power of connections, reminding us that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships can lead to the most profound personal growth.

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I hereby declare to eternally bow down before Chloe Liese and jump in front of a train for her wonderful character!!!

This book ripped open my chest, put it back together, caressed my cheek, sang me to sleep and I am a mushy pile on the floor. Somehow her autistic women do it for me EVERY SINGLE TIME and I'm not ashamed to admit that.

Ugh, I just had a feeling I would adore this one and adore it I did. I would truly give my life for Sigrid Bergman and Sebastian Gauthier aka the new loves of my life!!!! Too precious *cries into oblivion*

I've said this again but I'll say it again: Ms Liese is a writing whizz and I'm forever in awe. This book was no exception. Oh so beautifully written, the characters were tender, their emotions raw and so vulnerable. I fell for both of them hard and ah I loved it. Just always warms my heart and I need you all to read these books so we can gush about her amazing writing together.

I seriously adore Ms Liese bringing back her sports romances and it was so great to get not only one but two in this book: soccer and hockey all in one. I am sporty through romance books only and this is where I get my small dose of sports education. Honestly, Ziggy and Sebastian made me think I could join them in their games even though I would absolutely get knocked out. They give me strength lol. Anyways, enough nonsense, but I loved the sport in this book and their love of the game was such a wonderful addition to their character development

As always, the diversity in Chloe Liese's books always gets me and this was CHEFS KISS. Not only is their autism rep (which I love), own-voices celiac disease rep (my heart) but also queer bi and pan rep and I could cry forever. SO much love is always poured into these characters and it's too much for my pathetic hopeless romantic heart to handle.

Okay okay. I get it. You want to know about the romance. I'm truly saving the best till last folks because these two BROKE ME INTO PIECES. I was smiling so hard my jaw ached and that is the best kind of pain. Maybe one of the slowest of her slow burns ever? I'm pretty sure I can say that. But she was so slow and it was worth every minute. The angst in this freaking book!!!! Watching these two idiots literally fall head over heels and pretend to be friends for like 70% of this book I was almost screeching. It was a lot to emotionally process but ugh I loved it so much,,,,

I absolutely adore Ziggy to pieces, she is maybe my favourite Bergman? Except Ren. Sidenote: loved seeing him and Frankie in this one too, my children. I have a thing for these redheads man. Anyways, I adore her. And Sebastian was something else. This man!!! OMG. They all need hugs but also slaps across their heads I LOVE THEM. The pining was CHEFS KISS. Spoiler but not really: you are not ready for the bookstore scene. Or the other shortly after. IT'S TOO GOOD I WANT TO CRY!!!!!

Sigrid and Sebastian are my everything, I'm so excited for you all to read this book and weep with me!!!!!

If you're looking for a wonderful slow-burn adult romance filled with wonderful representation, tender characters and the sweetest of love stories with a side of hockey and soccer, you've come to the right place. Chloe Liese is here to steal your heart once more <3<3<3

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Loved this romance! The growth for the MMC & the coming-of-age for Ziggy was so great, and their chemistry was amazing! I loved the bad boy fake dating aspect, and I appreciated the neurodivergent representation.

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If Only You is a brothers best friend, (fake) friends with benefits to friends to lovers romance. The benefits aren’t necessarily what you’d think (to start off with) though. Ziggy wants everyone to stop seeing her as a little girl and to let her be the woman she has become. Seb is the bad boy of hockey and needs a major revamp of his reputation. Both have what the other needs, why not work together?

I think my favorite thing about this series is the inclusivity. Every book in the series has representation for neurodivergent individuals. In If Only You we have autism representation with Ziggy along with Celiac disease with Seb. I feel like Liese does an exceptional job at educating us in regard to neurodiversity. It’s not just sprinkled in to check some box and it doesn’t feel forced or fake. I really feel like I come away having gained knowledge to better help and understand those around me, as well as myself. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression it’s nice to see those things represented in the novels I’m reading.

If Only You is my favorite in the series, so far. To me, it really felt like Ziggy saved Seb from himself. The two balanced each other out so well. Seb helped Ziggy blossom and they both really helped the other find comfort in each other. While I generally love a good enemies to lovers, I think friends to lovers really just hits different. They know each other, like really know each other, so when those blinders get taken off and it’s like wait I think I love this person, I don’t know you just have to read it to find out!

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I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the slow burn friends to lovers romance, and I loved Sebastian working so hard to unlearn all the things he was told as kid about him not being good enough, and going to therapy. I was wondering how Liese would write Ziggy's HEA, since she was like 17 to start out with, and I was happy to see the time skip, and see where the rest of the family was. I just absolutely love everything about the Bergman's and I am so happy every time I get to join back in their family.

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While this wasn’t my favourite of Chloe’s books, I still enjoyed the story. I will just never get over the fact that Ziggy did not end up with a woman. I think that for what this story was, it was fine. But I had such high hopes and expectations for Ziggy’s story and felt let down and disappointed. I still love Chloe and the Bergmans, but this book was simply not up to what I hoped. The chemistry felt forced between Ziggy and Seb, and I felt like some of the representation was forced for the sake of having more diversity? Anyways. I still love Ziggy. And this was still a very good story.

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Ziggy and Seb were so freaking hot and amazing, and ugh I want more books with them! It was absolutely heartwarming to spend time with these two again. And the bonus epilogue? Amazing! We need 10 more books please.

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Ziggy and Seb are my favorites hands down. This story took its time. The friendship to lover journey was so wonderful. I love how they learned about each other slowly while also secretly falling in love. Once they could truly admit it though. Swoon!

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One thing I’ve had to learn to accept when it comes to Chloe Liese is just how slow her slow burns are….but they’re usually worth it. However, I think this one was even more slow than usual….painfully so.

Ziggy and Seb’s relationship went through so many phases and I just wanted them to actually get together so bad 😫

I did however find Ziggy’s character very relatable, especially her sensory issues. I love the different neurodivergence and capabilities Chloe wrote in the Bergman series.

I cannot wait for Viggo’s book! Especially since I have the same hair as the FMC 😏

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the readers copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and Libro FM for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I will never be over the fake friend twist of this book, the incredible sexual tension and the celiac rep. A masterpiece.

Off to start a petition for eight more books in this series

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Chloe liese is a master at tugging your heartstrings and making you all mushy with her romances and this one was no different. I have been looking forward to Ziggy's book since the moment she was introduced to us and I am happy to say it didn't disappoint. I loved the slowburn, friends to lovers romance too much and the angst was perfect! Both Ziggy and Seb have all my heart and their interactions and how supportive they were of each other had me in puddles. If I have one complaint, it would be that the character transformation of Seb was maybe a little rushed. I would have loved to see a bit slower growth there and maybe a bit more of foreshadowing because the reveal at the end came a little abruptly. But otherwise this was perfect. I would definitely recommend.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this e-arc. I loved the slow burn romance. It was so much much.

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