Member Reviews
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Only and Forever by Chloe Liese.
In Chloe Liese's captivating novel, "Only and Forever," readers are transported into the chaotic and heartwarming lives of Viggo Bergman and Tallulah Clarke. With a perfect blend of romance, humor, and unexpected plot twists, Liese crafts a story that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Viggo Bergman, a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, finds himself exhausted from waiting for his own happily ever after. Juggling multiple responsibilities, including managing a romance bookstore, leading a book club, coaching soccer, and caring for a multitude of pets, Viggo's life is anything but simple. The prospect of finding true love seems increasingly unlikely in the midst of his hectic schedule. Enter Tallulah Clarke, a chilly cynic battling a severe case of writer's block. Desperate for help with the romantic subplot of her thriller novel, Tallulah seeks assistance from Viggo. In a twist of fate, they agree to exchange skills and cohabitate for the sake of convenience. Viggo's expertise in romance will revive Tallulah's book, while her organizational abilities will salvage his struggling store. Despite their differences and initial clashes, they embark on this peculiar arrangement, convinced that friendship is not a prerequisite for being roommates and coworkers. However, as they share both a home and their lives, Tallulah and Viggo begin to unravel a connection that challenges their preconceived notions about love. Their journey uncovers a plot twist neither of them saw coming: happily ever after may already be right under their roof. Liese's writing effortlessly brings these characters to life, making readers feel like they are right there alongside Viggo and Tallulah. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their banter is both witty and heartwarming. Viggo's endearing hopeless romanticism is beautifully juxtaposed with Tallulah's icy cynicism, creating a dynamic and engaging relationship that evolves throughout the story. The author skillfully weaves themes of love, self-discovery, and the power of human connection throughout the narrative. As Viggo and Tallulah navigate their individual challenges and eventually find solace in each other, readers are left pondering the unpredictable nature of love and the unexpected paths it can lead us down. "Only and Forever" is a delightful reminder that love can often be found in the most unexpected places and that true happiness may be closer than we think. Chloe Liese's ability to create relatable characters and craft a heartwarming story makes this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating romantic tale. In conclusion, "Only and Forever" is a remarkable novel that will make you believe in the power of love, with its charming characters, engaging plot, and emotional depth. Chloe Liese proves once again why she is a master of the romance genre, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next enchanting tale.
I fell in love with the Bergman's many years ago when I first read Willa and Ryder's story and I have been addicted ever since. Only and Forever was the perfect completion to this series. Chloe Liese wrapped up this beautiful series in a way that did justice to all the characters both past and present. Viggo and Tallulah are the perfect contradiction - just opposite enough to complement one another. I loved their story and was so happy with the way little easter eggs were dropped throughout to give us updates on all the characters. A must read to complete the Bergman series! Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Bergmans!!! This series has been so sweet from start to finish. Every story gave the feeling of coming home - and that theme of love and home throughout this final installment was so fitting! I am so happy for Chloe Liese as the Bergman books release under their new publisher, with beautiful covers to match the characters and their relationships. I couldn’t have asked for a better wrap-up to this family saga and can’t wait to come back and visit the Bergmans for a reread 💕
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
So I really liked this one, until about 70% of the way through when a magical switch is flipped and in the course of a couple weeks Lula just completely changes as a person, sort of. And almost all the intimate scenes. Almost. Once they get passed their last hang up, I feel like things were more natural.
But that really started it all for me was the self-pleasuring in the presence of each other. It was…odd? I felt a little cringey. For others it will probably be fine but for me, I didn’t enjoy reading about it. I also didn’t like the whole scene at the parents’ house, which is FULL of other adults and children, and him shouting her name....and no one notices? For me it kinda kicked me off the pace of the plot every time these two actually physically got together during hot and heavy scenes. It was a speed bump when you weren’t expecting it. I think it made me more critical of the rest of the book too. It only was smooth sailing for the flower field. It kinda tracks with the two characters.
To me it felt like ‘suddenly’ Lula was motivated to change…for a guy. I don’t like that trope in anything. I feel like she decided to work on her issues because she wanted to get in Viggo’s pants but knew that he only does serious relationships. So, for the first time ever she’s like, “okay, even though I have resisted it up until now, I feel like I could actually emotionally like you and that’s necessary, for you, to sleep with me, so I am going to find a psychiatrist and work on myself.” She goes 3 times a week for what, two weeks, and she’s already super into trying things. Okay, great. Feels a bit sudden, but maybe she really wants it?
For a little bit you get that struggle in her head, but I felt like that internal struggle was more or less pushed to the background super too soon in favour of a teaching moment scene about her type I diabetes. While I applaud the author for working it in there, but the sudden emotional openness of Lula really clashes with who she has been for the first 75% of the book. She wants Viggo to stay, get her snacks, hold her hand, cuddle her, wipe away her tears, listen to her...I do see Viggo doing it because that is his personality to want to, but Lula is this super independent, self-sufficient woman who has just started therapy to address the root of her mistrust that led her to be that woman since she was very young. She takes care of everyone else. She keeps her emotions bottled up. She’s how old? 26-27? Roughly two weeks of therapy just…fixes it? I want her therapist’s number please.
I dunno I just felt like it was a little too much too soon. It literally shifts her whole paradigm in the span of 5% of the whole book. Between70-75% we really see this huge shift in personality. It would have been nice if it started to be noticeable sooner and the change more gradual. I mean, cramming in a whole relationship building montage between two arguably super messed up people within two months and with one of them only just starting therapy about a month in, as I understood it, I needed more time to feel it was real..
Ignoring this huge shift in personality problem, and the overall lack of time problem, it's good book. It’s shows a nice building of a relationship into something potentially sustainable. It shows that if two people work towards something as a supportive team, they really can overcome anything that would impede their relationship. It's a great representation of what a long term relationship needs. And the fact the Talluah buys in and it's not Viggo doing all the leg work, awesome.
I originally liked Talluah for her strong opinions, strong stance on making it her own and then her desire to change enough to be able to make meaningful connections to people because she finally recognized she was lonely and wanting connections to others. Not to mention she knows when to remove herself from a situation that is burning her out to allow herself time to think. I really enjoy every moment of their non-physical time together. I like how Lula is almost always the aggressor and Viggo literally takes everything at the pace she's comfortable with, waits for her to make the first move, and asks permission for doing new things. His eagerness to learn makes him a great guy. It’s the reverse of maybe 95% of the romance books out there. Refreshing.
Maybe it was the humor of that I found in the whole end part before they confess that had me re-invested in them as a couple, but I quite enjoyed that last bit of the book, including the epilogue that sort of ties up the series in a nice, hopeful bow.
Conclusion?
The shift in personality left me struggling to keep that connection to Lula as a character. Overall, Absolutely loved Viggo and all that he is as a person. I didn’t like the flavour of ‘spice’ for the most part, but I loved the first 69% and the last 10% of the book. There was just a little hiccup in the middle for me, personally. The epilogue was quite nice and a decent way to wrap up the series…which I am reading out of order.
I can't wait to get my hands on the other book in this series!
The much anticipated final installment of the Bergman Brothers series does not disappoint. Once again Chloe Liese finds a way to create characters that convey her values of inclusion and acceptance. The disability representation here is ADHD (Viggio) and Type 1 Diabetes (Tallulah). These are the two softest characters of the entire book series, I think. Tallulah crunchy outer shell is about as thin as an M&M coating. She's all warm and melty in Viggio's presence and pretty quickly acknowledges and tries to grow out of. These two are so hot for each other and there are definitely some steamy scenes, for those interested. Always considerate, Liese makes sure her characters are too, in those scenes. For Bergman family fans, you'll get a lot of what you are hoping for, I think. Lot's of family time and updates. I suggest starting the series at the beginning, not here, for anyone interested. Great series with lots of positive, insightful messages about love, acceptance, and family.
Thanks so much for the ARC!
I loved this book! I devoured it in only a few sittings and wish there was more to read. The story line was paced very well and the characters were easy to love!
A perfect end to the Bergman brothers series!! Viggo has been so present in his siblings’ stories that his love story made the perfect wrap up. His relationship with Talulah was perfectly paced. Also! So excited that there wasn’t a third act breakup.
This was a beautiful wrap up to one of my most favorite series and truly a wonderful love letter to romance books. All the goodness of the Bergman's and of Viggo himself made me so happy and I will be sad to see this world go. The romance between our two leads were actually the most disappointing part. I cannot say I truly felt deeply for Tallulah or how slow we seemed to move here...and I consider myself to be a slow burn loving queen. I think I did not feel it or see it for most of the book and maybe that's just me. The last few chapters and truly the epilogue was sweet, warm, and magical.
This was the perfect ending to the series. Viggo and Lula are sweet and kind to each other and really grow as individuals. They respected each other and took care of each other and were wonderful to spend time with.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.
I adored the first six books in this series and couldn't wait to read the finale. I was a little nervous as Viggo deserves all the good things, but I shouldn't have been worried. Chloe Liese knocked this out of the park. With cameos from all the other Bergmans and a stunning love story between Viggo and Tallulah, this is everything I could have wanted in a series closer. Congrats, Chloe! You killed it.
What a lovely and emotional conclusion to the Bergman series. I enjoyed this so thoroughly!!! Viggo’s story was the perfect conduit to show how all the Bergman’s are doing since the inception of this series. We got to revisit all the couples and their growing families. That actually enhanced Viggo’s story since he was already so involved in everyone else’s from the get go. Tallulah’s arc was also so wonderful. Seeing these two grow together and fall in love, communicate and work through issues, was truly a lesson in harmonious and loving co inhabitation turned love. Gorgeous.
What a lovely and emotional conclusion to the Bergman series. I enjoyed this so thoroughly!!! Viggo’s story was the perfect conduit to show how all the Bergman’s are doing since the inception of this series. We got to revisit all the couples and their growing families. That actually enhanced Viggo’s story since he was already so involved in everyone else’s from the get go. Tallulah’s arc was also so wonderful. Seeing these two grow together and fall in love, communicate and work through issues, was truly a lesson in harmonious and loving co inhabitation turned love. Gorgeous.
Be still my heart, Viggo absolutely stole the show for me. I always knew I loved him from all the other books in the series but this truly solidified how much I loved him. He is just so cute and sweet throughout the entire book and you can't help but fall more in love with him in his book.
He was utterly adorable and downright my favourite of the brothers. This was honestly the perfect wrap up to the Bergman brothers. While I'll be sad to see them go, I'm so happy Viggo's book tied it altogether and really was such a fantastic finale to a fantastic series!
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Ohhhhh, Chloe Liese. This author can do no wrong. I say it about every single one of her books (ESPECIALLY the Bergman Brothers series!) and firmly believe that I will continue saying for as long as she is publishing books.
While I'm distraught that the Bergman Brothers series is now over, I'm so happy it ended on Viggo's love story. The romantic of the family, Viggo is the only sibling who hasn't found his perfect match.
Enter Tallulah, a cynical author determined to continue her icy attitude toward Viggo despite agreeing to cohabitate with him and help with his bookstore.
There's no way these two hard-headed individuals find common ground and become friends, perhaps even *gasp* lovers!
With wit and humor, Chloe Liese delivers yet another 10/10 read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun read and I'll purchase it for my branch! Only and Forever is the 7th book in the Brengman Brothers series. You don't need to have read the prior titles though it was kind of hard to keep track of so many smaller characters. Viggo and Tallulah fall in love in the midst of putting together Viggo's romance book shop. It was a fun, quick read. A bit dramatic.
Exploring the captivating world of Bergmans, where across seven enchanting books, Ryder, Ren, Freya, Axel, Oliver, Ziggy, and now Viggo have become cherished companions, a deep and heartfelt connection has blossomed. These characters, with their diverse stories, easily found a place in my heart, offering solace and understanding in a way that transcended the pages of their tales.
Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of Sweden, each book became a delightful journey, filled with relatable experiences and a warmth that made them feel more like dear friends than fictional creations. While the Bergmans are undoubtedly endearing, I recognize that people worldwide hold such endearment.
The joy of witnessing Viggo's journey, discovering love after a prolonged search, was a particular pleasure. The unfolding of new possibilities and his growth throughout the story made each page a delightful exploration of self-discovery.
As I meet Lula, the main female character in this final installment, she holds a special place. Her captivating story and resilient spirit add a unique dimension to the narrative. From her distinctive charm to the graceful way she faces life's challenges, she stands as a testament to strength and grace.
As I say my goodbyes to the Bergmans, a tapestry of love and tenderness, I reflect on the profound richness they've added to my life. Each character contributes to a narrative that will linger in my heart. The closing of this chapter whispers a heartfelt "I miss you," a sentiment to the characters who have become cherished companions, leaving an indelible mark on my literary journey.
I’m a huge fan of Chloe liese and this one is just as good as all of her other books. I love they way her characters act and talk like real people.
Oh Viggo and Lula! I loved you both. Best part was no third act breakup! I think that was such a great thing to exclude from this final book. I loved slowly changing from friends to lovers and both of them realizing their definition of love could change. Loved the bookstore!
What a beautiful ending to one of my favorite series of all time, this book was everything I wanted and more. I love both Viggo and Tallulah so much. Throughout this whole book, I was laughing, smiling, blushing, and even crying. Chloe Liese hit the mark with this one and I am so happy.
I have been anticipating Viggo's book for a while. His character drew me in immediately, so I am delighted to say that his book somehow surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved how Viggo was the hopeless romantic romance reader, his infatuation with historical romance was adorable and it allowed him to be such a well-rounded individual! Viggo is full of love, passion, patience, and loyalty, and is overall a phenomenal character. After having his whole family pair up and live their happily ever after, Viggo feels lonely and out-of-touch with his family. However, we are able to watch him grow and find his true love, which makes this story even more special. I also loved the ADHD representation with his character, it was wonderful! I also loved the addition of him adopting cats and dogs for his romance book store, it was adorable!!
As for Tallulah, Chloe also did such an amazing job with her character. Tallulah is a realistic representation of someone struggling to love due to her past. Since she grew up in an environment that showed her a jaded view of romance, she basically does not believe that love is possible. The growth within her character in this book was beautiful to witness and extremely well done. I love how Chloe included Tallulah going to therapy and working on her struggles, it makes this story and her character development feel so realistic. Additionally, Tallulah has a chronic illness (Diabetes) which adds a ton to her character. Since she always prioritizes pleasing others and putting their needs first, it was wonderful to see her open up to Viggo about her health issues.
We see some vulnerable moments shared between both characters surrounding their health struggles. As someone with chronic illness, Chloe Liese's books have always made me feel seen. She does an absolutely wonderful job at showing the highs and lows of struggling with health issues and this book had some great moments surrounding this.
The relationship these two characters form- a hopeless romantic and a woman who does not believe in love -is absolutely beautiful. I felt all the emotions while reading this and rooting for these two, it was so wonderful.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
"I'm no love expert, but I think I just might be an expert on loving you.”
Read if you love/things to expect:
- second chance romance
- mutual pining
- boy falls first
- chronic illness representation (diabetes)
- ADHD representation
- love proclamations