If Only You (Bergman Brothers Book 6)
A**S
A surprising sweet brother's best friend romance.
REVIEW⚠️cw: Autism, celiac disease, emotional abuse, self-medicating ⚠️Ziggy (Sigrid) is the youngest Bergman, and still, frustratingly for her, seen as the baby, despite now being twenty-two. She's desperate to shed her good girl, vulnerable and immature image. Sebastian Gauthier is Ren Bergman's best friend and teammate. An unrepentant bad boy, his latest escapade means he's in desperate need of an image overhaul. Stat. A mutually beneficial fake-friends scenario might just help them both. Ziggy has been a bit under the radar for me in recent stories, so I was looking forward to getting to know the adult version better, and I was not disappointed. I really loved the way she grew through the story, and was pleasantly surprised by her sass, as well as how she handled her brothers. I also LOVED the (kinda) meet cute at the wedding. The chemistry was palpable right from the start. That said, it took a while for the payback, so it was definitely delayed gratification (though the bookshop scene was a great tease) for THAT scene in the penultimate chapter. Sebastian was a really interesting character, and I appreciated that the author took her time with his transformation, rather than have him suddenly completely perfect in a couple of days. I also appreciated the way the undiagnosed autoimmune disease storyline was written, and loved seeing how he began to thrive once he was no longer self-medicating.Both Sebastian and Ziggy were so funny and adorable, especially as their feelings began to grow, and it was lovely to witness the development of Sebastian's emotional openness. I'm also glad Ziggy was able to communicate better than some of her siblings! That said, I loved catching up with the other Bergman's, and it was awesome to see more of the Shakespeare club. I do wish we'd had more time spent at the Halloween/birthday party, because that chapter just seemed to fizzle out. Still, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the overall story. A surprising sweet brother's best friend romance. Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Heat Rating: 🔥🔥Emotional Rating: 💓💔🙈😂😢🙈💔😬💓🥰😉💓🙈💔😍😂🥰👏🏻😂🥰📚😍💓🥰😍😂🙈💓😍🔥🥰*Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*
B**Z
4.5⭐️ My favourite Bergman Brothers Book yet!
🧡⚽️🏒 𝓘𝓯 𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓨𝓸𝓾 🏒⚽️🧡Thank you so much to @netgalley and @centurybooksuk for an eARC! Here’s my honest and unbiased review🥰Ok let me start off by saying I think Ziggy is my favourite Bergman (she is 👑) and I think her and Seb are my favourite Bergman Brother’s book couple😍👏🏻I’ve enjoyed all of the Bergman Brother’s books so far and each one seems to just get better plus the spice is on.point. 👏🏻 This book was a 4.5⭐️ read for me and has ALL the tropes( I am here for it! ) You can expect:🧡Enemies (to friends) to Lovers🧡Fake d̶a̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ Friendship🧡Brother’s Best Friend🧡Sports Romance (Hockey & Football!)🧡Grumpy x Sunshine🧡Bad Boy who’s a secret cinnamon roll🧡Romantasy Reader FMC (Ziggy would be right at home on bookstagram)I love @chloe_liese ‘s way of writing and including authentic representation of neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health, disability and sexuality in her books. It’s so amazing to read romances with this level of realistic representation that doesn’t feel forced or done for the sake of it and doesn’t shy away from often difficult and sensitive topics💖Here are a couple of final thoughts that iykyk:🧡The A Frame strikes again- a true icon 😏🌶️🧡WINGSSSS!!!!! 🪶🧡What happens at Shakespeare Club stays at Shakespeare Club 🎭🧡Men👏🏻 Read👏🏻Romance👏🏻Too👏🏻
G**K
I'm just living for the Bergman Siblings
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more, and I'm so deeply in love with this family I can barely stand it. The second to last book is about the youngest Bergman Sib, Ziggy, she's a pro soccer player and because she's autistic and has sensory issues she's still treated like a baby by her family…. But she has a plan. She decided it would be a great idea to fake a friendship with bad boy Sebastian, who is ice hockey team mates with her older brother Ren. He's a bit out of control and needs to do a little PR to clean up his image. And it does take long for the most cinnamon bun bad boy you've ever read to start to really like the quirky Ziggy…. Even though he knows he could never be good enough for her. There is just something about a Chloe Liese book that speaks to my soul, the characters are all beautifully written, with flaws and quirks which I love. And I adore that the bergman sibs we have met before continue to be woven through each book. With only one more Bergman book left I'm already missing this family, but I can not wait for Viggos' story next year. It's super light and fun - this is absolutely a must read series for me.
S**A
Cute but self deprecating overload
Whilst I did like this book. I am going to say something felt missing for me. Also I found the self deprecating attitude Sebastian had so annoying after like 15 chapters.
S**8
Brilliant, insightful funny and steamy
As a queer neuro divergent problem with dietary issues and chronic illness who loves a sports romance this book was bloody amazing. Insightful in every way, steamy in platonic moments. The bookshop scene! Nothing more needs to be said for that one.I feel i will cry next year when Viggo's book comes out. I'm hoping he is in love with a rugby player.
B**E
Absolutely loved it!!
Ziggy Bergman has always been underestimated and she’s decided now is the time to do something about that. Not only is she the baby of the family, she’s also one of the youngest players on her national soccer team. That’s where Sebastian comes in- her brother’s teammate with a reputation in desperate need of rehab. They’ll be fake friends and help each other out. Of course, with a Bergman involved things are never that simple.Honestly, it feels like this book was written for me!! It is my favorite Bergman book to date. Ziggy is such a fantastic character; I already can’t wait to reread her story. Ziggy is neurodivergent, determined to be brave, and can’t seem to stay away from Sebastian. Seb has a lot of work he needs to do before he can be anything more than a friend and I love that Chloe Liese showed him working through some of his trauma. I loved the chemistry in their relationship and how it grew out of a “fake” friendship.I am thrilled to see celiac in a romance novel!! This is a huge first for me- I almost never see celiac in fiction, much less represented well. This representation makes me so happy!! I also hope that it helps raise awareness about celiac disease and normalizes a gluten-free diet.The celiac representation is so well-done and thoughtful. Now I just want to live in this book so that I can also have the Bergman family making delicious and safe gluten-free food for me! Chloe Liese captures the difficult parts of celiac disease, from stomach pain to social anxiety. It is so accurate that dining out becomes a new experience and something that you need to plan for and not simply show up at. Sebastian is so lucky to have Ziggy to help him navigate those initial scary days after his diagnosis. His experience felt very realistic and relatable to what it’s like being diagnosed and then coming to terms with the diagnosis. I appreciated that there was a lot of joy and healing alongside the illness and pain.Unsurprisingly, Chloe Liese nails the LGBTQ+ representation and creates an inclusive and realistic experience. I love how Ziggy was so confident in her identity and always knew exactly who she was. Ziggy’s sexuality is never defined by who she is in a relationship with, which is so important. Ziggy is bi and Seb is pan, which they are both open and confident about. Their slow-burn romance is filled with longing to be more and it is so satisfying when it finally unravels!I read this book in about a day because I could NOT put this book down. It was way too delightful and compelling to stop once I got started! I loved the cameos from the other family members! It was great to see how Ziggy’s relationships with her brothers/sister grew and changed as she asserted her independence. The Bergman family just feels like the biggest hug and you wish you could hang out with them!I would highly recommend this book to anyone!! Readers who previously enjoyed the Bergman series will absolutely need this newest installment. Fans of Talia Hibbert and Ali Hazelwood will love this book. I can’t wait to see how the adventure continues with Viggo!
J**N
liese never misses
I'm so smitten for Ziggy and Sebastian. I just want to scream about them forever so the review is just rambles. Some of these things could be spoilers? but not really.- Comparing Seb to an epic Faery King with wings then he dresses up for her-Pazza out for Seb’s blood 🤣- the Squishmallows- Every“Ziggy dear” 🥺“Everyone deserves to have someone in their corner who believes the best in them even when they’re at their worst”“Just existing in the Bergman household is a contact sport"- Oliver and his character growth with cheese 🤣- Three amigos and their sandwich cookie hug. I had to stop reading for a moment and cry 🥹- Seb’s chin dimple (boop) 🫠- The soccer game was amazing. I love all the family being so excited for Ziggy“How am i a garden tool? And what the hell’s a wallflower? Some kind of plant? If this is a metaphor, it’s a bad one.”- Linnie and anytime she showed up. She's such a scene stealer!- Ziggy Stardust 😭- Seb’s pink shoes- The bookstore!!!! no more comments on this 🫠🥵- He buys her books SWOON- His tattoos- Boop the chin dimple- The Linnie facetime and her being a witch like auntie Frankie. I cackled- Love button, gumdrop (that's my golden retriever man) 🫠- Ziggy and her fluffy black earmuffs- The hockey game. Chloe you're so good at writing sport scenes!- Their hugs 🥺“And while they aren't the tamest bunch of people to be around, and they'll probably - no definitely - get under your skin at some point, you’ve already got a new family waiting in the wings, eager to love you, to be as much your family as you need them to be. Mine.”“Wings! He’s got wings!”“I have a thousand photographic memories stashed in my brain from tonight - I feel so damn grateful that she stars in most of them. I feel so damn grateful for her.”“Because what I feel for Sebastian snuck up on me, quieter and stealthier than the best Bergman prank.”“I know good things happen at the A-frame. Love things.”- The failed Bergman Brothers Summit 🙈“Because if only you loved me for the rest of my existence, that would be more than enough - beyond my wildest dreams and hopes."- "Such a good boy."- Swingy dancingI'm also obsessed with this being almost half a Ren & Frankie book. They are my babies and i loved seeing so much of them and the little sneaky peek at the end of a certain something!!!!! 🖤
J**O
Loved loved loved it!
I've been (im)patiently waiting for Ziggy's book since I started this series and let me tell you: I absolutely loved it! The tropes are just *chef's kiss*Soccer player x Hockey player? LoveGood girl x Bad boy? LoveFake friends to lovers? LoveBrother's best friend? LoveSlow burn? LoveBut Ziggy and Sebastian are so much more than these tropes! They're flawed and complicated, they mess up a lot (I'm looking at you Seb), but at the end of the day they just want to be seen for who they truly are and not the mask they present to the world. The healthy communication, the empathy, the patience, the amazing journey they went on together was beautiful. I seriously want to cry just thinking about how much they love each other unconditionally.The mutual pining was so good made me scream and want to pull my hair out, which in my book is a success!Also, the RenFrankie crumbs!!!! my babies.
K**R
THERE ARE STORIES. AND THEN THERE ARE STORIES THAT MAKE A FOREVER HOME IN YOUR HEART, SOUL AND BEING. AND SEB AND ZIGGY'S STORY?! IT WAS TRULY, UNDOUBTEDLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY ONE OF THOSE. THE ONE I'LL ALWAYS HUG CLOSE TO MY HEART AND LEAN ON FOR COMFORT, PURE HAPPINESS, SAFETY, WARMTH, THAT SENSE OF BELONGINGNESS AND THE GLOWING HOPE AND SAFETY OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. 🥺🥺🥺🧡🧡🧡
Woven with the utmost gentleness, sensitivity and care - Seb and Ziggy's story is EVERYTHING that you could ever wish for in a book and SO much more. 😭😭✨✨They embody the pure comfort which engulfs you upon coming home. The soft sunshine that wraps it's arms around your soul on a winter morning. And the safety of a cocoon. 🥺💓To say that I love, love, loveeeed their story with all my being would be an understatement. I'm honestly rendered absolutely speechless as I write this review because this beautiful, gift of a story made me feel SO deeply that I don't know how to capture that experience in words. But I'll try. You know those stories which make your heart ache in the best ways possible, which make you feel loved, seen, cherished and understood in a way that nothing or no one else ever has and the ones - whose words hug you right through the screen, holding you close and soothing your soul. The ones that make you feel found and free. Forgiven and at home. Special and worthy of grace. This one is truly one of those! It's genuinely, hand on heart, one of the BEST books I've ever read and will ever read in my whole, entire life. It'll always, always be one of my MOSTTTT favourites. It'll stay with me forever and I'll never not hold it close to my heart. Thank you Ziggy, Seb, Chloe and my most beloved Bergman Family for gifting me another home! Please, please do give their story a try and I promise, you will fall in head over heels in love with it, like you have never before. It's beautiful, soulful, precious, endearing, moving and heart melting beyond words! Every small, little detail of their story has been woven with such deep meaningfulness and thoughtfulness. It'll make you smile endlessly, giggle, swoon, cry, sob out of sheer happiness, feel love flooding every inch of your soul and it'll fill you with the gentle courage to dream. Seb and Ziggy - thank you from the bottom of my heart for making me feel accepted, loved and seen for being who I am! Your journeys spoke to me in ways more than one. It comforted me and held the most vulnerable, imperfect, messy and tender parts of me with the utmost softness. Chloe, you are beyond wonderful! I don't have enough words to appreciate your magic. You don't know what you have and continue to do for me with your words and books and stories. They are truly a dream come true for me. They all seem like such a precious treasure. I honestly feel blessed to be able to read everything that you write! Thank you, thank you, thank youuu SO SO SO SO much for being YOU and for making me feel like I belong with all my goofiness, weirdness, messy humanness, imperfections and sensitivity! 🥺🥺💗💗And oh my goodness, the Bergman Family just continues to be my solace. I have never met a family as precious, wholesome, hilarious, loving and endearing as theirs! They feel like my own and I feel such a strong connection to every single one of them. 😭💓And and and all the Bergman family cameos in this one are PURE GOLD like they always, always are in all the books!!!! The Ren and Frankie bits have to be my absolute favourite. Honestly, all of them have every bit of my heart for eternity. 🥺🌈
L**T
Love & Wisdom
« If only you » is a romance that will make you swoon but alsothink. Think about our society, think about how to be inclusive, how to be an ally, how to communicate with care and understanding, how to set boundaries in a healthy way, how to support a loved one, how to love unconditionally and how to create the life that we want. I am in awe with Chloe Liese’s words. I have so much admiration and respect for her. I can feel that she has a lot of wisdom and the way that she shares it through her stories is beautiful. She is planting good seeds and helping people grow into better human, capable of more empathy. And all of this WHILE making you laugh, swoon and getting lost in a wonderful universe! And let’s not forget the spicy moments ;) I could not stop reading! I stayed up reading all night long and I have no regrets ! Thank you Chloe! 🙏🏾
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