Only When It's Us

Bergman Brothers, Book 1

By: Chloe Liese

Narrated by: CJ Bloom, Nelson Hobbs

Revised and Expanded 2021 Edition

Prepare for an emotional roller coaster brimming with laughter, tears, and slow-burn sexiness in this new adult romance that tackles the vulnerability of love with humor and heart.

Ryder: Ever since she sat next to me in class and gave me death eyes, Willa Sutter's been on my shit list. Why she hates me, I don't know. What I do know is that Willa is the kind of chaos I don't need in my tidy life. She's the next generation of women's soccer. Wild hair, wilder eyes. Bee-stung lips that should be illegal. And a temper that makes the devil seem friendly. She's a thorn in my side, a menacing, cantankerous pain-in-the-ass who's turned our business mathematics course into a goddamn gladiator arena. I'll leave this war zone unscathed, coming out on top.... And if I have my way with that crazy-haired, ball-busting hellion, that will be in more than one sense of the word.

Willa: Rather than give me the lecture notes I missed like every other instructor I've had, my asshole professor tells me to get them from the silent, surly, flannel-wearing mountain man sitting next to me in class. Well, I tried. And what did I get from Ryder Bergman? Ignored. What a complete lumbersexual Neanderthal. Mangy beard and mangier hair. Frayed ball cap that hides his eyes. And a stubborn refusal to acknowledge my existence.

I've battled men before, but with Ryder, it's war. I'll get those notes and crack that Sasquatch nut if it's the last thing I do, then I'll have him at my mercy. Victory will have never tasted so sweet.

©2020, 2021 Chloe Liese (P)2021 Tantor

Insightfully Delightful

I love that this story takes into consideration, a disability perspective. This is a beautiful love story with insight into the nuances of a relationship with one able person and one person with a handicap and how they support each other through their relationship journey. So good!!

Only When

This book hits all the feels. The love that grows between Willa and Ryder, her Lumberjack. It hit a little close to home for me, with Willa's mom and her illness. as well as Ryder dealing with his own type of loss and grieving that. I don't want to give anything away, yet you will want tissues because I bawled my eyes out, it wasn't helped by my own personal experiences that mirrored too closely Willa's and Ryder's. Ahem, speaking mirrors, you will want ear buds in for that scene.

CJ Bloom and Nelson Hobbs did a fantastic job of presenting the emotions of loss, grief, acceptance as well as the open door intimate scenes. Their timing was perfect, without belaboring the emotions or over presenting them. as I feel some narrators do. Now I am off to listen to the 2nd book in the series, with the same narrators, thank goodness!

circles

this book wants to be a slow burn 10 hour listen but every other conversation is just a chopped up version of the last one. there are VERY HARD topics that are hit on and they are done AMAZINGLY. but outside of those topics and even those scenes are a bit repetitive i was able to predict almost the exact wording the fmc was going to say. the book probably shouldd have been a 5 hour listen

A love/hate relationship

I have a love/hate relationship with this book. I love a good relationship blossoming story that delves into controversies by both protagonists and this book nailed that. However, I was a bit put off by the constant “in your face”, random sexual innuendos. I get it, their in their super early 20s and hell I was the same way when I was that age but every chapter was at least 2-3 “I need to cum” “I’m bulging” blah blah blah and it just kinda felt forced.

Another thing that was grinding my gears was the major lack of communication. Yes, that is the whole point of the book but once again, it felt forced. There were blatant times that some situations could have been resolved by someone just speaking their mind and telling the truth. But that makes this book and I understand why information was withheld in certain situations.

Overall, it’s a sweet, easy to listen book that gives a lot of emotions - which I truly enjoy.

I do recommend this book for someone who is a fan of Abby Jimenez (I think this book pays a few tributes with the playlists), Ashley Poston and Emily Henry.

7/10

Such mesmerizing chemistry

I really enjoyed reading this book. I’ve actually read it a few times. I appreciated the character buildup this book was able to give. It really focused on why the characters are the way that they are. They both had to overcome their own life lessons and I think that’s what made the story so lovely on top of dealing with personal issues, some where, in the midst of it you find love. Headstrong, defiant, opinionated, and spicy female Lead. With and also equal headstrong, determined, opinionated male lead. They picked the perfect voice reads for this book as well.

Fun College Sports Romance

This was cute and fun. I’ve had mixed results with this author, but this one was adorable and sweet but also gave some hate to love vibes.

Yes yes and yes

Deaf representation, soccer, lumberjack men… what more could you want! Damn. Loved it so much!? Also CJ Bloom is amazing! She is one of my favorite narrators.

Representation ftw!

I love, love, love that Ryder’s disability doesn’t matter to Willa. How he’s so smitten with her and she doesn’t even realize how she’s fallen for him. I loved his family, their banter, and I’m so in love with this HEA!

Deep characters and authentic love

Chloe Liese’s writing ability, vocabulary and skill is far above the rest of the writers in the genre. Prit lines are never contrived, conflict or chemistry is never forced. She focuses on developing characters you want to root for, and Ryder and Willa are no exception. They are deep, flawed, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, lovable people who are deserving of love and find it in one another. It’s very simple, but the story is a beautiful journey and an enjoyable listen.

This book spoke to my soul.

This book spoke to my soul. This was a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of two broken souls who find their way to each other and help each other heal. Chloe Liese has a relatable writing style that makes you feel right at home. The plot is interesting and the execution is compelling. The characters in this book really shine. I love the diversity and distinctness they have. I fell in love with all of the Bergmans and I can't wait to jump into their stories eventually. There was some excellent and significant character development for both main characters. The romance was a delight. This had a frenemies-to-lovers trope that really delivered. Ryder was the ultimate book boyfriend and I adored him to pieces. The sensitive issues in the story were handled with tact and grace. I really couldn't have asked for more. This book is top-notch and I will have the best time reading the rest of this series!