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Bergman Brothers #4
With You Forever
Cozy up for a heartfelt, humorous, sizzling slow-burn in this marriage of convenience romance about finding love—and home—in the most unlikely of places.
Axel
Rooney Sullivan is sunshine incarnate. Warm, bright, always smiling, she’s everything I’m not and the last person I have any business desiring. Desperate to hide a hopeless attraction, I’ve done everything possible to keep my distance...until a charades game gone wrong brought that to a grinding halt.
Since then, steering clear of Rooney has been impossible. In a matter of months, she’s kissed me speechless, commandeered my art career, and infiltrated not only my dreams but my home. The woman who was once avoidable has become the last thing I needed: temptingly within reach.
Rooney
Axel Bergman is a gorgeous grump who doesn’t have the time of day for me. Thankfully, I’ve kept my crush under wraps...well, until I kissed him. Charades got away from me, okay? It was an accident! I haven’t seen him since, which is for the best. My life is a mess, and the last thing I need is to embarrass myself further with the man who avoids me like that’s his job rather than painting modern masterpieces.
It seems the universe, however, has a different plan. When Axel and I unexpectedly find our paths—and problems—converging, a marriage of convenience proves the perfect solution. At least, until I’m facing my most serious problem yet: a once-loveless marriage of convenience that’s inconveniently become a love match, after all.
With You Forever is a sunshine and grump, marriage of convenience romance about a shy artist on the autism spectrum, and a smiley smartypants who has a chronic IBD. Complete with combustible cooking lessons, interfering family and friends, and a steamy slow burn, this standalone is the fourth in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.
Axel
Rooney Sullivan is sunshine incarnate. Warm, bright, always smiling, she’s everything I’m not and the last person I have any business desiring. Desperate to hide a hopeless attraction, I’ve done everything possible to keep my distance...until a charades game gone wrong brought that to a grinding halt.
Since then, steering clear of Rooney has been impossible. In a matter of months, she’s kissed me speechless, commandeered my art career, and infiltrated not only my dreams but my home. The woman who was once avoidable has become the last thing I needed: temptingly within reach.
Rooney
Axel Bergman is a gorgeous grump who doesn’t have the time of day for me. Thankfully, I’ve kept my crush under wraps...well, until I kissed him. Charades got away from me, okay? It was an accident! I haven’t seen him since, which is for the best. My life is a mess, and the last thing I need is to embarrass myself further with the man who avoids me like that’s his job rather than painting modern masterpieces.
It seems the universe, however, has a different plan. When Axel and I unexpectedly find our paths—and problems—converging, a marriage of convenience proves the perfect solution. At least, until I’m facing my most serious problem yet: a once-loveless marriage of convenience that’s inconveniently become a love match, after all.
With You Forever is a sunshine and grump, marriage of convenience romance about a shy artist on the autism spectrum, and a smiley smartypants who has a chronic IBD. Complete with combustible cooking lessons, interfering family and friends, and a steamy slow burn, this standalone is the fourth in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
About the author
Chloe Liese
18 books9,198 followersChloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,373 reviews
May 17, 2022
You know what? From now on I’ll give any Chloe Liese book five stars without even reading them especially that book belongs to freaking amazing Bergman series!
Are they cozy, heart warming, hilariously entertaining? Oh, hell yes! They’re also heartfelt, genuine, engaging books with such fantastic, loveliest and sweetest characters you may ever read about!
And this book… well… this one is so cuuuteeee! The romance, the intimacy, the conversation blended in sweet, sexy, smart banters we’re adorable!
There are two of my favorites troupes in this story:
Sunshine meets the grump
Marriage of convenience
And there are sensitive subjects which are handled with care and approached sensitively: a shy, introvert, talented hero on the autism spectrum and sweet-kind hearted- genuine-selfless heroine with chronic IBD!
Rooney Sullivan is on the road, a promising law student taking a break from school because of her health condition she’s keeping as secret including her best friend Willa. She is introduced to Bergman family by her friend and she fell hard for this unique, hugger, feeder family she wished to be part of it.
She also has long time crush for Axel Bergman who is the eldest brother of the family. But he acts like he doesn’t want to do anything with her. And when a competitive charade game ends with their kiss, Rooney freezes and runs away. Now she is hiding from entire family, needing a place to think clearly and heal because her chronic IBD condition is getting worse and she doesn’t want to be noticed by the people who are close to her.
So Bergman family’s A frame gives her the best chance to lick her wounds and have alone time but two things she doesn’t know about the place’s last condition.
Willa didn’t tell her one of the reason she runs away from the city is just right there: that’s Axel’s time to stay there ( each family members arranged time share program for their own! ) And the place also needs reconstruction: there’s no electricity, water!
This means the chivalry Axel offers her his own cabin as he insists to stay at his tent! And she also eavesdrops Axel’s conversation with his close friends. The A frame’s construction fees cost a lot and for financing his project without informing his family, Axel should do something he hates! He needs to get marry ASAP so he can inherit the money his uncle left for him with the condition of eloping.
Rooney offers her help: because she loves Bergmans and she selflessly wants to solve the family’s property problem. This also means she will be married with the man she’s been ogling for two years.
They are two adults! They can act professional! They can forget the kisses they shared and move on ( yes, at the wedding ceremony they kissed again and it was mind blowing) but should they only pretend? When both of them want to tear each other’s clothes, it will be never so easy not to cross those blurry lines!
Overall: I loved it! I loved it! I loved it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
And thanks to Chloe Liese for healing my soul with her heartwarming feel good stories and adorable characters! She’s brilliant!
Are they cozy, heart warming, hilariously entertaining? Oh, hell yes! They’re also heartfelt, genuine, engaging books with such fantastic, loveliest and sweetest characters you may ever read about!
And this book… well… this one is so cuuuteeee! The romance, the intimacy, the conversation blended in sweet, sexy, smart banters we’re adorable!
There are two of my favorites troupes in this story:
Sunshine meets the grump
Marriage of convenience
And there are sensitive subjects which are handled with care and approached sensitively: a shy, introvert, talented hero on the autism spectrum and sweet-kind hearted- genuine-selfless heroine with chronic IBD!
Rooney Sullivan is on the road, a promising law student taking a break from school because of her health condition she’s keeping as secret including her best friend Willa. She is introduced to Bergman family by her friend and she fell hard for this unique, hugger, feeder family she wished to be part of it.
She also has long time crush for Axel Bergman who is the eldest brother of the family. But he acts like he doesn’t want to do anything with her. And when a competitive charade game ends with their kiss, Rooney freezes and runs away. Now she is hiding from entire family, needing a place to think clearly and heal because her chronic IBD condition is getting worse and she doesn’t want to be noticed by the people who are close to her.
So Bergman family’s A frame gives her the best chance to lick her wounds and have alone time but two things she doesn’t know about the place’s last condition.
Willa didn’t tell her one of the reason she runs away from the city is just right there: that’s Axel’s time to stay there ( each family members arranged time share program for their own! ) And the place also needs reconstruction: there’s no electricity, water!
This means the chivalry Axel offers her his own cabin as he insists to stay at his tent! And she also eavesdrops Axel’s conversation with his close friends. The A frame’s construction fees cost a lot and for financing his project without informing his family, Axel should do something he hates! He needs to get marry ASAP so he can inherit the money his uncle left for him with the condition of eloping.
Rooney offers her help: because she loves Bergmans and she selflessly wants to solve the family’s property problem. This also means she will be married with the man she’s been ogling for two years.
They are two adults! They can act professional! They can forget the kisses they shared and move on ( yes, at the wedding ceremony they kissed again and it was mind blowing) but should they only pretend? When both of them want to tear each other’s clothes, it will be never so easy not to cross those blurry lines!
Overall: I loved it! I loved it! I loved it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
And thanks to Chloe Liese for healing my soul with her heartwarming feel good stories and adorable characters! She’s brilliant!
September 14, 2021
5 stars
I just...I have a weak spot for the Bergmans, okay? I just think they’re way too good for the fictional world!! Let me just tell you that mama Bergman raised her boys right!!! I think I reached the point where I would love to have Elin and Alexander Bergman’s book as well. Just give me all of the Bergmans content! Do you get how much I love them yet?
This was on my top highly anticipated books of the year and I’m so beyond happy to finally have Axel and Rooney’s story. You can’t imagine how much I wanted this book. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever!
Things to look forward to:
Axel French braiding her hair! (I’m sorry but this scene here meant something to me) I mean a normal person would’ve made a ponytail? A bun? But he just have to be so extra!!
The cooking scene. It was too much!!!! I was already so frustrated with all the sexual tension and that neither of them doing anything about it. But them being in a small kitchen circling around each other and all those little touches and tension was just too much for me to handle!!
The book takes place in a cozy A-frame. Even though Axel spent most of the time sleeping outside it because unfortunately he’s so much of a gentleman that sometimes I felt like hitting him, but whatever.
A dog who Axel feeds and built a home for, but still wouldn’t acknowledge him as his?? Like care to explain what does all of that mean then, sir?
The relatability of the characters. They’re just so real. I don’t know how, but I think I could find myself relating to every single character in this series. They just gave you a sense of familiarity and you could always see yourself in them. Axel and Rooney were no exception.
The representations. I love how Chloe showed Rooney’s chronic illness, because actually her condition is so common, but it’s always treated like sth “taboo” that shouldn’t be mentioned, but Chloe showed it and handled it with care and I really like that.
The romance. Axel and Rooney was just as perfect together as I expected them to be. I mean yes Axel frustrated me at times because of how he always seemed to hold himself back, but at the same time I could understand him and see a little bit of myself in him. So I totally get you dude, but ugh sometimes I wanted to just smack their faces together and force them to kiss. Their romance was just so sweet, full of tension, and so swoon worthy.
The Bergmans. Family. Goals.
His talk about sunrises and sunsets? The mutual pinning? Him going with her to the hospital and what happened while they were there??? Them getting real and personal with each other? The scene where he said I love you? Ahhh the book was filled with so much cuteness!
And finally, the grand gesture. Fun fact; I really don’t like grand gestures for some reason, but this one here?? This one might be one of the best grand gestures I’ve ever read!! It was just so sweet, perfect, and so them!! Ahh I didn’t mean for this to be so long, but I just had things to say sorry!
Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory editing, and Chloe Liese for providing this copy. I was beyond happy and thankful to get it.
———————————————————————————-
That cover reveal??!!! I’M NOT OKAY!!😭😭
———————————————————————————
I DON’T THINK THAT I’VE EVER WANTED ANYTHING MORE IN MY LIFE!!!
And it’s a marriage of convenience??😭 this book isn’t even released and it couldn’t get better!!
I just...I have a weak spot for the Bergmans, okay? I just think they’re way too good for the fictional world!! Let me just tell you that mama Bergman raised her boys right!!! I think I reached the point where I would love to have Elin and Alexander Bergman’s book as well. Just give me all of the Bergmans content! Do you get how much I love them yet?
This was on my top highly anticipated books of the year and I’m so beyond happy to finally have Axel and Rooney’s story. You can’t imagine how much I wanted this book. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever!
Things to look forward to:
Axel French braiding her hair! (I’m sorry but this scene here meant something to me) I mean a normal person would’ve made a ponytail? A bun? But he just have to be so extra!!
The cooking scene. It was too much!!!! I was already so frustrated with all the sexual tension and that neither of them doing anything about it. But them being in a small kitchen circling around each other and all those little touches and tension was just too much for me to handle!!
The book takes place in a cozy A-frame. Even though Axel spent most of the time sleeping outside it because unfortunately he’s so much of a gentleman that sometimes I felt like hitting him, but whatever.
A dog who Axel feeds and built a home for, but still wouldn’t acknowledge him as his?? Like care to explain what does all of that mean then, sir?
The relatability of the characters. They’re just so real. I don’t know how, but I think I could find myself relating to every single character in this series. They just gave you a sense of familiarity and you could always see yourself in them. Axel and Rooney were no exception.
The representations. I love how Chloe showed Rooney’s chronic illness, because actually her condition is so common, but it’s always treated like sth “taboo” that shouldn’t be mentioned, but Chloe showed it and handled it with care and I really like that.
The romance. Axel and Rooney was just as perfect together as I expected them to be. I mean yes Axel frustrated me at times because of how he always seemed to hold himself back, but at the same time I could understand him and see a little bit of myself in him. So I totally get you dude, but ugh sometimes I wanted to just smack their faces together and force them to kiss. Their romance was just so sweet, full of tension, and so swoon worthy.
The Bergmans. Family. Goals.
His talk about sunrises and sunsets? The mutual pinning? Him going with her to the hospital and what happened while they were there??? Them getting real and personal with each other? The scene where he said I love you? Ahhh the book was filled with so much cuteness!
And finally, the grand gesture. Fun fact; I really don’t like grand gestures for some reason, but this one here?? This one might be one of the best grand gestures I’ve ever read!! It was just so sweet, perfect, and so them!! Ahh I didn’t mean for this to be so long, but I just had things to say sorry!
Special thanks to NetGalley, Victory editing, and Chloe Liese for providing this copy. I was beyond happy and thankful to get it.
———————————————————————————-
That cover reveal??!!! I’M NOT OKAY!!😭😭
———————————————————————————
I DON’T THINK THAT I’VE EVER WANTED ANYTHING MORE IN MY LIFE!!!
And it’s a marriage of convenience??😭 this book isn’t even released and it couldn’t get better!!
September 14, 2021
Happy publishing day to this adorable book! (14th September 2021)
A super cute and steamy slow burn marriage of convenience about characters learning to love themselves and each other😍
Misunderstood grump, Axel Bergman, an artist in the Autistic spectrum has had a crush on Rooney for a while, so logically avoids her 🙄😂Hiding at his family's A-frame, he can't stop thinking about her..
Rooney Sullivan, smiler, law student and all round sunshine has a crush on Axel but thinks he doesn't like her. Her life is a mess, since her IBD is flaring up, so she's taking time out from school at her best friend's boyfriend's family A-frame to recover.
Both hiding in the same place, what will happen when they're forced to spend time together?!
Ah the Bergman series is such a comfort read for me since first discovering Willa and Ryder's story! I had been reading books filled with such unlikeable characters, so it was lovely to slip back into this world of loveable characters. With You Forever was such a soft and gentle book, and was just what I needed! After reading Ryder and Willa's, Ren and Frankie's, and Freya and Aidan's stories, I was excited to jump into Axel and Rooney' story. They had been crossing paths for years, and after that game of charades, I was desperate to find out what happened between them, and inhaled this book way too fast! I will at some point reread it whilst listening to the play list on Spotify.
WYF was so sweet, funny and hot. And mostly set in the Bergman's a-frame in the woods (I want).
As always Chloe Liese shone a spotlight on underrepresented issues. She's the queen of handling underrepresented characters sensitively. And why not?! All everyone deserves to be loved and to feel seen!
Axel oh Axel you sweet, gentle giant! This guy who doesn't think he's good enough for his family or for a relationship, just showed his love in unconventional ways, through food and fixing things. His glasses, his not dog, his gentlemanly ways.. Sigh. I loved how he learnt to recognise and express his love. I loved how Chloe Liese showed a character on the Austustic spectrum with different needs, triggers and behaviours to Frankie and Ziggy. Its such a wide spectrum, and not everyone understands that! 👏
Rooney. I always loved her, since the first book, and have so much respect for her. Rooney had been hiding a huge secret from everyone, that she suffers from the chronic illness IBD. I'm so glad Chloe included this, I know several people who suffer from conditions like this, and it isn't talked about. People are embarrassed, and they shouldn't be, it's a debilitating illness and it's tough. Seeing Rooney suffer through the food triggers, the stress and heartbreaking practicalities felt so realistic and sad.
I loved Axel and Rooney together. The chemistry and connection, the laughs, the honest, emotional conversations. They were both going through things, and helped each other heal. They were both so kind, patient understanding and accepting of each other ❤️
Other things I enjoyed included:
🐾Harry and Skugga,
🐾Nature, hiking and sunsets,
🐾New friends who were LBGT+ (possible spin off Chloe?!)
🐾STEM discussions,
🐾Cooking together,
🐾All the tropes and awkward scenes 😂
🐾The mutual pining!
The only downsides for me were that they didn't tell the rest of the Bergman family what was going on on page. I like to imagine they did, but I would've loved to read about that! I also craved more appearances from the fam! Unbelievably, I also found parts of this a bit to sugary sweet, but maybe I'm just a heartless one.. I think I just related so hard to Freya and Aidan's story, but I guess different people will relate more to different issues covered in the different books!
Overall I really loved this installment it was good for the soul. Like a love letter to everyone who feels a bit different. It will make you swoon, sigh, nod along and laugh! I can't wait to read Ollie's story 😊
🐾🐾🐾🐾Bergman stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley UK, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Chloe Liese for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review!
A super cute and steamy slow burn marriage of convenience about characters learning to love themselves and each other😍
Misunderstood grump, Axel Bergman, an artist in the Autistic spectrum has had a crush on Rooney for a while, so logically avoids her 🙄😂Hiding at his family's A-frame, he can't stop thinking about her..
Rooney Sullivan, smiler, law student and all round sunshine has a crush on Axel but thinks he doesn't like her. Her life is a mess, since her IBD is flaring up, so she's taking time out from school at her best friend's boyfriend's family A-frame to recover.
Both hiding in the same place, what will happen when they're forced to spend time together?!
Ah the Bergman series is such a comfort read for me since first discovering Willa and Ryder's story! I had been reading books filled with such unlikeable characters, so it was lovely to slip back into this world of loveable characters. With You Forever was such a soft and gentle book, and was just what I needed! After reading Ryder and Willa's, Ren and Frankie's, and Freya and Aidan's stories, I was excited to jump into Axel and Rooney' story. They had been crossing paths for years, and after that game of charades, I was desperate to find out what happened between them, and inhaled this book way too fast! I will at some point reread it whilst listening to the play list on Spotify.
WYF was so sweet, funny and hot. And mostly set in the Bergman's a-frame in the woods (I want).
As always Chloe Liese shone a spotlight on underrepresented issues. She's the queen of handling underrepresented characters sensitively. And why not?! All everyone deserves to be loved and to feel seen!
Axel oh Axel you sweet, gentle giant! This guy who doesn't think he's good enough for his family or for a relationship, just showed his love in unconventional ways, through food and fixing things. His glasses, his not dog, his gentlemanly ways.. Sigh. I loved how he learnt to recognise and express his love. I loved how Chloe Liese showed a character on the Austustic spectrum with different needs, triggers and behaviours to Frankie and Ziggy. Its such a wide spectrum, and not everyone understands that! 👏
Rooney. I always loved her, since the first book, and have so much respect for her. Rooney had been hiding a huge secret from everyone, that she suffers from the chronic illness IBD. I'm so glad Chloe included this, I know several people who suffer from conditions like this, and it isn't talked about. People are embarrassed, and they shouldn't be, it's a debilitating illness and it's tough. Seeing Rooney suffer through the food triggers, the stress and heartbreaking practicalities felt so realistic and sad.
I loved Axel and Rooney together. The chemistry and connection, the laughs, the honest, emotional conversations. They were both going through things, and helped each other heal. They were both so kind, patient understanding and accepting of each other ❤️
Other things I enjoyed included:
🐾Harry and Skugga,
🐾Nature, hiking and sunsets,
🐾New friends who were LBGT+ (possible spin off Chloe?!)
🐾STEM discussions,
🐾Cooking together,
🐾All the tropes and awkward scenes 😂
🐾The mutual pining!
The only downsides for me were that they didn't tell the rest of the Bergman family what was going on on page. I like to imagine they did, but I would've loved to read about that! I also craved more appearances from the fam! Unbelievably, I also found parts of this a bit to sugary sweet, but maybe I'm just a heartless one.. I think I just related so hard to Freya and Aidan's story, but I guess different people will relate more to different issues covered in the different books!
Overall I really loved this installment it was good for the soul. Like a love letter to everyone who feels a bit different. It will make you swoon, sigh, nod along and laugh! I can't wait to read Ollie's story 😊
🐾🐾🐾🐾Bergman stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley UK, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Chloe Liese for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review!
Read
June 10, 2022Rooney and Axel's story is finally here! WITH YOU FOREVER is about the beauty and safety of true acceptance and the fizzy, thrilling pleasure of falling deeply, wildly in love. It’s an ode to the neurodivergents, the chronically ill, to all who live and love differently and who deserve love for all of who they are. I’m proud that it’s now yours for the reading, and I hope you fall in love as hard and sweet and hopelessly as Axel and Rooney.
Paperback, e-book, and audiobook are available for purchase from major retailers and also for request from your library!
Enjoy book playlists? Like all the Bergman books, WITH YOU FOREVER has a playlist, one song per chapter. Listen with Spotify.
Paperback, e-book, and audiobook are available for purchase from major retailers and also for request from your library!
Enjoy book playlists? Like all the Bergman books, WITH YOU FOREVER has a playlist, one song per chapter. Listen with Spotify.
September 13, 2021
4.5 stars
I love the Bergman siblings so much and I was so excited to start With You Forever. Axel and Rooney were so worth the wait! Grumpy sunshine and marriage of convince are two of my favorite troupes so when I saw both of those in this book…. eek! I adored it.
Rooney is having some health struggles and needs a bit of a break from school and life. Her best friend offers the families house for her to get some R&R and when she gets there (it’s supposed to be all hers) Axel is there. Axel definitely does not want a visitor, as he’s doing some work on the place. Because of that he needs a wife. It’s a long story, but to dip into his inheritance from his uncle he has to be married.
Rooney is willing to help out Axel, she needs a place to stay and it makes sense for them both. Rooney and Axel both have this attraction to one another, but at first they fight it. Axel is quiet, a bit shy, and appears to be a grump, where as Rooney brightens up any room she’s in. In this case, opposites really do attract.
One of my favorite things about this book was how soft Axel was for Rooney. When they started to truly know each other you just saw a different side of both of them and it was beautiful. And I also have to shout out that Chloe does an amazing job with being inclusive in her writing. One of my closest friends has the same chronic illness as Rooney and I’ve heard some of the same stories/struggles from her.
Honestly, there was so much to love about this book. Axel and Rooney were an unexpectedly great couple and watching them fall for one another and open up to each other was such a joy. I wanted this to be a five star read so badly, but I was bummed that … aside from that, I loved this one to pieces and highly recommend checking it out!
I love the Bergman siblings so much and I was so excited to start With You Forever. Axel and Rooney were so worth the wait! Grumpy sunshine and marriage of convince are two of my favorite troupes so when I saw both of those in this book…. eek! I adored it.
Rooney is having some health struggles and needs a bit of a break from school and life. Her best friend offers the families house for her to get some R&R and when she gets there (it’s supposed to be all hers) Axel is there. Axel definitely does not want a visitor, as he’s doing some work on the place. Because of that he needs a wife. It’s a long story, but to dip into his inheritance from his uncle he has to be married.
Rooney is willing to help out Axel, she needs a place to stay and it makes sense for them both. Rooney and Axel both have this attraction to one another, but at first they fight it. Axel is quiet, a bit shy, and appears to be a grump, where as Rooney brightens up any room she’s in. In this case, opposites really do attract.
One of my favorite things about this book was how soft Axel was for Rooney. When they started to truly know each other you just saw a different side of both of them and it was beautiful. And I also have to shout out that Chloe does an amazing job with being inclusive in her writing. One of my closest friends has the same chronic illness as Rooney and I’ve heard some of the same stories/struggles from her.
Honestly, there was so much to love about this book. Axel and Rooney were an unexpectedly great couple and watching them fall for one another and open up to each other was such a joy. I wanted this to be a five star read so badly, but I was bummed that … aside from that, I loved this one to pieces and highly recommend checking it out!
September 22, 2021
From the outside, WITH YOU FOREVER is a fun marriage of convenience story between grumpy taciturn artist Axel and sensitive law student Rooney, but it’s also explores themes related to autism, chronic illness, sexual intimacy, and bravery.
This beautiful book melted me. It’s special, and it’s written with so much care. I loved every page. I can’t wait to see Chloe’s future work.
This beautiful book melted me. It’s special, and it’s written with so much care. I loved every page. I can’t wait to see Chloe’s future work.
April 19, 2024
These two take "pine'ing" in the woods seriously 😂🤪 (I'll see myself out)
Axel & Rooney may have toppled Frankie & Ren from the peak of my Bergman 🥰 pyramid ... I am mush for these two and cannot wait to enjoy this even more on reread while indulging in Chloe Liese's ever inspiring playlist.
I was very curious to see how the marriage of convenience trope would play out and really enjoyed the direction it went in along with the conversations and bonding it facilitated some super cute & steamy scenes - helped by the adorabubble Harry + Skugga & Sarah, Parker, Bennet and Skylar were all such wonderful additions to round out this super sweet story and keep our MCs firmly on track 🤣
The Bergman appearances were sadly perhaps not as numerous as I'd have liked, one more chapter at the end to see reactions would have made this a full 5* for me altho the extra Man Cub page time was appreciated (and yes I am even more excited to read Ollie's story after the breadcrumbs scattered here) also one can never go wrong with the Bergman Bro'ventions 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩...but moar Bergmans would have made this even better 🤗
Bookish ninja-woodsman out to stealthily make us swoon while Rooney radiates such joy even in the face of trying times; both bringing such wonderful & sensitively handled representation that we can all take heart and learn lessons from.
All this to say, I am still utterly obsessed with the Bergman Brood and am only sorry not to know them in real life 🙃
4.75*
Axel & Rooney may have toppled Frankie & Ren from the peak of my Bergman 🥰 pyramid ... I am mush for these two and cannot wait to enjoy this even more on reread while indulging in Chloe Liese's ever inspiring playlist.
I was very curious to see how the marriage of convenience trope would play out and really enjoyed the direction it went in along with the conversations and bonding it facilitated some super cute & steamy scenes - helped by the adorabubble Harry + Skugga & Sarah, Parker, Bennet and Skylar were all such wonderful additions to round out this super sweet story and keep our MCs firmly on track 🤣
The Bergman appearances were sadly perhaps not as numerous as I'd have liked, one more chapter at the end to see reactions would have made this a full 5* for me altho the extra Man Cub page time was appreciated (and yes I am even more excited to read Ollie's story after the breadcrumbs scattered here) also one can never go wrong with the Bergman Bro'ventions 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩...but moar Bergmans would have made this even better 🤗
Bookish ninja-woodsman out to stealthily make us swoon while Rooney radiates such joy even in the face of trying times; both bringing such wonderful & sensitively handled representation that we can all take heart and learn lessons from.
All this to say, I am still utterly obsessed with the Bergman Brood and am only sorry not to know them in real life 🙃
4.75*
September 17, 2021
After the peek at Rooney and Axel's chemistry in the previous book, I was so excited to get to their book. From the moment this book started, Rooney and Axel's feelings for each other were so adorable and I just loved them. They really liked each other, but both of them were freaked out and neither of them acted on it. Now, Rooney is invited to stay at the Bergman's A-frame, ends up having to stay with Axel, and then finds herself entering a marriage of convenience with him so that he can access money left by a relative in order to fix up the family home. This romance was super sweet and I loved how we got both autism representation and chronic illness representation with both characters. I do think the plot was a little slow and I wish a little more would have happened outside of them staying together, but I really loved how they fell for each other and how they had to communicate to see where it was leading. The mutual pining was adorable and I just wanted them to get together already. As always, we got the amazing family aspect of the Bergmans and adorable characters that will wrap themselves around your heart.
January 22, 2022
When I tell y’all this book is everything that I’ve ever wanted in a book. Marriage of convenience and forced proximity as well as angst??? Sign me up! Axel and Rooney‘s story is absolutely one that needs to be highlighted more. It is a slow burn romance, with amazing incredible representation and a storyline that has you not wanting to put the book down. I absolutely adore the family dynamic as well as the development of Axel and Rooney‘s relationship. The incorporation of their insecurities as well as seeing them grow within one another is just absolutely beautifully done. There’s so many points in this book where I was squealing and kicking my feet up in the air like a school girl, and I won’t shut up about those moments you will hear from me on all my social media platforms because of it but I digress. This series has been one of my favorite series I’ve ever read in my entire life. I absolutely cannot wait for Olivers book, and the small glimpse as we get up everybody else is phenomenal. Chloe deserves her flowers, and if she ever needs anybody on her side I’m there for her because she deserves it!
September 24, 2024
4.5 Stars
A solid win and my second favorite right behind Everything for You!
This installment focuses on eldest Bergman brother Axel, whose neurodivergence manifests as a stoic grumpy facade, hiding a man who can’t read social cues well and prefers quiet solitude so he can concentrate on his art. When his childhood home (now a shared vacation spot for all members) becomes an unforeseen money pit, he shoulders the responsibility solely and silently as this is the only way he thinks he can show his love for his family. Thing is, his creative self is blocked at the moment and he’s unable to produce his usual paintings for revenue as his mind’s been scrambled by a recent kiss from family friend Rooney. If only Axel could find someone to platonically marry in order to receive his late uncle’s inheritance which is contingent on this small condition.
Enter the aforementioned Rooney. Invited by BFF Willa to stay at the Bergman home to rest and recuperate from a recent flare in her chronic illness, what she doesn't expect to find is the place under construction and having to stay with Axel instead. When Rooney readily agrees to the farce to show her thanks, she doesn’t think for one moment anything will come of it despite her longtime crush on Axel.
For me, Liese always does an excellent job at the palpable attraction, and she totally pulled out all the stops here. The desire is intense, the unintentional banter is funny and touching, and these two try to resist but fall quickly. It will come as no surprise that I adored Axel. He is gruff, reticent, but also awkward and easily embarrassed. He feels so much but can’t either process it or express it and of course, he’s yummily written. He’s a gentle, glasses wearing giant, gorgeous, smartly soulful, well endowed (like all the MMC’s in Liese’s fictional world), and naturally good in bed. Liese would not have it any other way, and I suspect the readers wouldn’t either.
What differs here from most of the other books in this series is that I had consistent fun with this. The comedic situations these two find themselves in made me grin like a fool or burst out in a giggle, but never fear that Liese skirts around tough topics or icky situations. It absolutely doesn’t hurt at all that Rooney was a solid heroine, and that’s quite a rare thing for me to encounter. Though there is a 3rd act breakup, it was understandable on both parts and was necessary to make these two realize very important things about themselves and each other.
If marriage of convenience, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, slow burn, comedy of errors, family and friend shenanigans, and an adorable dog and scrappy kitten can’t lure you to read this then I don’t know what else you could want. This was a near perfect mix of romance, plausible personal hangups, mature relationship progression, and humor. Highly recommended especially if you stalled on this series. Go forth and enjoy!
The Bergman Brothers
1. Only When It’s Us - 3.5 Stars
2. Always Only You - 3.5 Stars
3. Ever After Always - 3.5 Stars
4. With You Forever - 4.5 Stars!
5. Everything for You - 5 Stars!
6. If Only You - 4 Stars
7. Only and Forever - 5 Stars!
A solid win and my second favorite right behind Everything for You!
This installment focuses on eldest Bergman brother Axel, whose neurodivergence manifests as a stoic grumpy facade, hiding a man who can’t read social cues well and prefers quiet solitude so he can concentrate on his art. When his childhood home (now a shared vacation spot for all members) becomes an unforeseen money pit, he shoulders the responsibility solely and silently as this is the only way he thinks he can show his love for his family. Thing is, his creative self is blocked at the moment and he’s unable to produce his usual paintings for revenue as his mind’s been scrambled by a recent kiss from family friend Rooney. If only Axel could find someone to platonically marry in order to receive his late uncle’s inheritance which is contingent on this small condition.
Enter the aforementioned Rooney. Invited by BFF Willa to stay at the Bergman home to rest and recuperate from a recent flare in her chronic illness, what she doesn't expect to find is the place under construction and having to stay with Axel instead. When Rooney readily agrees to the farce to show her thanks, she doesn’t think for one moment anything will come of it despite her longtime crush on Axel.
For me, Liese always does an excellent job at the palpable attraction, and she totally pulled out all the stops here. The desire is intense, the unintentional banter is funny and touching, and these two try to resist but fall quickly. It will come as no surprise that I adored Axel. He is gruff, reticent, but also awkward and easily embarrassed. He feels so much but can’t either process it or express it and of course, he’s yummily written. He’s a gentle, glasses wearing giant, gorgeous, smartly soulful, well endowed (like all the MMC’s in Liese’s fictional world), and naturally good in bed. Liese would not have it any other way, and I suspect the readers wouldn’t either.
What differs here from most of the other books in this series is that I had consistent fun with this. The comedic situations these two find themselves in made me grin like a fool or burst out in a giggle, but never fear that Liese skirts around tough topics or icky situations. It absolutely doesn’t hurt at all that Rooney was a solid heroine, and that’s quite a rare thing for me to encounter. Though there is a 3rd act breakup, it was understandable on both parts and was necessary to make these two realize very important things about themselves and each other.
If marriage of convenience, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, slow burn, comedy of errors, family and friend shenanigans, and an adorable dog and scrappy kitten can’t lure you to read this then I don’t know what else you could want. This was a near perfect mix of romance, plausible personal hangups, mature relationship progression, and humor. Highly recommended especially if you stalled on this series. Go forth and enjoy!
The Bergman Brothers
1. Only When It’s Us - 3.5 Stars
2. Always Only You - 3.5 Stars
3. Ever After Always - 3.5 Stars
4. With You Forever - 4.5 Stars!
5. Everything for You - 5 Stars!
6. If Only You - 4 Stars
7. Only and Forever - 5 Stars!
September 20, 2021
2.5 stars. Meh. I could give it 3 stars like I've given the rest but I don't feel like it.
Here's the thing. For all of Chloe Liese's books so far, I've constantly felt that there was something about the way she wrote and something about these stories that just felt off to me and I couldn't really figure it out. But I figured it out here. Liese does this thing with her characters where she picks 2-3 things that define her characters' personalities and nothing but those 2-3 things. Everything that happens to them in the story revolves around those 2-3 things and you are constantly reminded about it. For example, Rooney is defined by her disease (which I cannot remember, though I should given how many times it was constantly mentioned because that's all her character was!!!), and Axel's character is defined more or less by him being autistic. As a reader, you are constantly reminded about these defining character traits and there was no effort really made elsewhere. Like I understand that you want to establish your characters and who they are, but I really think you need to show me these things instead of constantly telling me once a chapter, at least. The characters are supposed to move forward with the plot but it's like everything kept circling back to "this plot point happened because of this character trait" kind of pattern.
And the plot was mediocre at best, but it's hard to really see how it moves anywhere when it doesn't feel like there was any true movement or development because the characters hardly move or develop themselves. It was like any plot point was only relevant for that one moment in time and we never heard about it again. Rooney and Axel get married for money? They barely talk about what to do about their marriage when they develop real feelings, which again go from 0-100 with no concrete timeline. Axel has friends for half the book who help him repair the house? Then they disappear when they're not useful anymore. And the last minute drama was just annoying and unnecessary because it ended up rushing the ending way too much in a gross cliched way. Everything about this felt so underdeveloped because Liese spent too much time defining her characters by 2 traits but didn't help her characters be MORE than those two traits. And that's what annoyed me the most. Tropes and traits are great but you have to do more than just that. Though the reading community has literally no critical thinking anymore so I'm sure they're happy with a story defined by two traits and a trope with nothing else to say.
I could read the next book in this series but it's gonna be more of the same so I'm not sure if it's really going to be my cup of tea anymore. I just wish that Liese would write characters that were more than whatever it is she's defining them by because while it's great she's having her characters represent all these different communities and voices, it still feels like she's writing them under a stigma and preconceived notions. I don't know, maybe it's just me. But there are so many ways this series and this book in particular could be so much better and it's a massively missed opportunity.
Also, the entire plot is in the synopsis so if you just read that it's like you've read the book. That's how basic and bland the story is.
Here's the thing. For all of Chloe Liese's books so far, I've constantly felt that there was something about the way she wrote and something about these stories that just felt off to me and I couldn't really figure it out. But I figured it out here. Liese does this thing with her characters where she picks 2-3 things that define her characters' personalities and nothing but those 2-3 things. Everything that happens to them in the story revolves around those 2-3 things and you are constantly reminded about it. For example, Rooney is defined by her disease (which I cannot remember, though I should given how many times it was constantly mentioned because that's all her character was!!!), and Axel's character is defined more or less by him being autistic. As a reader, you are constantly reminded about these defining character traits and there was no effort really made elsewhere. Like I understand that you want to establish your characters and who they are, but I really think you need to show me these things instead of constantly telling me once a chapter, at least. The characters are supposed to move forward with the plot but it's like everything kept circling back to "this plot point happened because of this character trait" kind of pattern.
And the plot was mediocre at best, but it's hard to really see how it moves anywhere when it doesn't feel like there was any true movement or development because the characters hardly move or develop themselves. It was like any plot point was only relevant for that one moment in time and we never heard about it again. Rooney and Axel get married for money? They barely talk about what to do about their marriage when they develop real feelings, which again go from 0-100 with no concrete timeline. Axel has friends for half the book who help him repair the house? Then they disappear when they're not useful anymore. And the last minute drama was just annoying and unnecessary because it ended up rushing the ending way too much in a gross cliched way. Everything about this felt so underdeveloped because Liese spent too much time defining her characters by 2 traits but didn't help her characters be MORE than those two traits. And that's what annoyed me the most. Tropes and traits are great but you have to do more than just that. Though the reading community has literally no critical thinking anymore so I'm sure they're happy with a story defined by two traits and a trope with nothing else to say.
I could read the next book in this series but it's gonna be more of the same so I'm not sure if it's really going to be my cup of tea anymore. I just wish that Liese would write characters that were more than whatever it is she's defining them by because while it's great she's having her characters represent all these different communities and voices, it still feels like she's writing them under a stigma and preconceived notions. I don't know, maybe it's just me. But there are so many ways this series and this book in particular could be so much better and it's a massively missed opportunity.
Also, the entire plot is in the synopsis so if you just read that it's like you've read the book. That's how basic and bland the story is.
January 1, 2023
#1 Only When It’s Us — 4.25 stars
#2 Always Only You — 3.5 stars
#3 Ever After Always — 4.5 stars
#4 With You Forever — 3.75 stars
which God do i have to pray to, and what sacrifices do i have to make in order to be able to land myself a Bergman brother? 🙃🙏
i think this installment was thelamest, weakest, FLUFFIEST in the series so far. it wasnt as angsty, hard hitting, or tear jearking as the previous books, which was what i thought it was going to be. hence, it was sorta underwhelming to find out that it wasnt. huh that kinda sounds confusing, but im sure you get me??? i suppose maybe the author wanted to tone it down a little since its been pretty intense with the three books.
im also disappointed we didnt get to see more of the Bergman family. but i guess since we saw so much of them in the last book, maybe the author wanted us to not be overwhelmed or get bored by them?? thankfully, the new side characters (the Hs friends) were a great company to have around. i really adored the woodsy, cabin-y setting, and the romance was just most wholesome. the h’s stomach condition had me caught between wanting to laugh or sympathize with her plight. 🙈🤣
for similar setting, try All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata or Waterfall Effect (second chance, romantic suspense) by K.K. Allen.
(read as an audiobook)
#2 Always Only You — 3.5 stars
#3 Ever After Always — 4.5 stars
#4 With You Forever — 3.75 stars
which God do i have to pray to, and what sacrifices do i have to make in order to be able to land myself a Bergman brother? 🙃🙏
i think this installment was the
im also disappointed we didnt get to see more of the Bergman family. but i guess since we saw so much of them in the last book, maybe the author wanted us to not be overwhelmed or get bored by them?? thankfully, the new side characters (the Hs friends) were a great company to have around. i really adored the woodsy, cabin-y setting, and the romance was just most wholesome. the h’s stomach condition had me caught between wanting to laugh or sympathize with her plight. 🙈🤣
for similar setting, try All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata or Waterfall Effect (second chance, romantic suspense) by K.K. Allen.
(read as an audiobook)
August 12, 2021
Chloe Liese sucker punched me in the heart HARD in this one. I couldn't hold back my tears while I was finishing this book and I'm okay, okayyyy. Axel and Rooney are superb main characters who will captivate you instantly. Their love story is that slow burn romance you so much crave in your books. They're so adorable and their story is very cozy, set in the woods at a cabin ALONE. So lots of forced proximity but also a very good spoon of marriage of convenience.
There is a cute doggie, an adorable kitten, hilarious family members and supporting characters, and a lot of more you are definitely going to enjoy when you're reading With You Forever. I love that Axel thinks he's having something, like heartburn, because he has never been in love and what he feels for Rooney is so foreign to him he never really thinks he is in love with her. He's a precious giant of a man who blushes 100% whenever Rooney is in the same room.
The Bergman Brothers series really is super great so I highly recommend everyone to read them if you haven't! I'm still missing book 2 and 3 but for sure I wanna read them. I so want to own these books in paperbacks because they're so fun! And the romance IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. I've always loved reading a romance series about a big family and each of the members get a happily ever after of their own. This series is like that!
There is a cute doggie, an adorable kitten, hilarious family members and supporting characters, and a lot of more you are definitely going to enjoy when you're reading With You Forever. I love that Axel thinks he's having something, like heartburn, because he has never been in love and what he feels for Rooney is so foreign to him he never really thinks he is in love with her. He's a precious giant of a man who blushes 100% whenever Rooney is in the same room.
The Bergman Brothers series really is super great so I highly recommend everyone to read them if you haven't! I'm still missing book 2 and 3 but for sure I wanna read them. I so want to own these books in paperbacks because they're so fun! And the romance IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. I've always loved reading a romance series about a big family and each of the members get a happily ever after of their own. This series is like that!
February 8, 2024
This. Book. Was. Perfection. I know it’s early, but this could very well be my favorite read of the year.
September 18, 2021
Only When It’s Us - 5 stars
Always Only You - 5 stars
Ever After Always - 4 stars
With You Forever - 4 stars**
“Because I want us. I want you here, with me. Yesterday. A week ago. Forever.”
ARC review >>
It’s not all spoilers, but the more I look at the more I’m not feeling my review. I’ll redo it(probably a complete redo honestly) once I’ve read the published edition.
** This arc was provided by NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review. WYF is one of my top 2 most anticipated reads this year, so truly thank you. **
[8/7/21]
__________________________________
(not spoilers below, just condensing previous updates)
Always Only You - 5 stars
Ever After Always - 4 stars
With You Forever - 4 stars**
“Because I want us. I want you here, with me. Yesterday. A week ago. Forever.”
ARC review >>
It’s not all spoilers, but the more I look at the more I’m not feeling my review. I’ll redo it(probably a complete redo honestly) once I’ve read the published edition.
** This arc was provided by NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review. WYF is one of my top 2 most anticipated reads this year, so truly thank you. **
[8/7/21]
__________________________________
(not spoilers below, just condensing previous updates)
September 17, 2021
4 stars ⭐️
”Axel,” she breathes.
I watch her watching the sunrise, knowing I could do this the rest of my life: witness sunlight painting Rooney better than I ever could, the day wrapping its arms around her, illuminating what’s inside her heart—warmth, hope, a depth of joy I never thought I’d know, let alone love, yet here I am.
So fucking gone for it. Gone for her.”
so so in love 🥰 this one was so wholesome and cute. too lazy to write a review but this book was fabulous, I can see myself reading this soon but what I just found lacking was more family scenes but otherwise, the book was really great! 10/10 recommend.
”Axel,” she breathes.
I watch her watching the sunrise, knowing I could do this the rest of my life: witness sunlight painting Rooney better than I ever could, the day wrapping its arms around her, illuminating what’s inside her heart—warmth, hope, a depth of joy I never thought I’d know, let alone love, yet here I am.
So fucking gone for it. Gone for her.”
so so in love 🥰 this one was so wholesome and cute. too lazy to write a review but this book was fabulous, I can see myself reading this soon but what I just found lacking was more family scenes but otherwise, the book was really great! 10/10 recommend.
June 2, 2022
So lovely, and gentle and vulnerable. And so on brand with who Chloe Liese is as an author.
The love stories she writes are always so honest and wholesome. Human.
You are invested in these characters and their lives and seeing how they overcome their struggles, which eventually leads them to all the self-love and all the self-acceptance.
Man, I teared up a few times.
Axel and Rooney were beyond precious. For someone that had difficulty expressing feelings (Axel), he expressed. 🤧
Always Only You is definitely my favourite in the series but With You Forever is a very close second.
4.5 🌟
The love stories she writes are always so honest and wholesome. Human.
You are invested in these characters and their lives and seeing how they overcome their struggles, which eventually leads them to all the self-love and all the self-acceptance.
Man, I teared up a few times.
Axel and Rooney were beyond precious. For someone that had difficulty expressing feelings (Axel), he expressed. 🤧
Always Only You is definitely my favourite in the series but With You Forever is a very close second.
4.5 🌟
November 2, 2021
If ( a big if) my real life somehow commands me to marry for convinience, I wish he is someone like Axel. Yup! I now can relate so many 5 stars for With You Forever. Because it is forever beautiful.
I love every book in this series. Miss Liese such a talented writer. Especially for all of her swooning heroes. And Miss Liese' heroines are all real woman. Not some sexy super model type. But real women with their own insecurity.
A wonderful perfect book.
5 stars
I love every book in this series. Miss Liese such a talented writer. Especially for all of her swooning heroes. And Miss Liese' heroines are all real woman. Not some sexy super model type. But real women with their own insecurity.
A wonderful perfect book.
5 stars
September 22, 2021
this was perfect and i see no point in love anymore because i will never meet an axel jakob bergman in my lifetime
September 20, 2021
I would give this book 100 stars if I could because Chloe Liese rendered me speechless again.
Axel is a dream man, pure perfection. Axel and Rooney, perfect soulmates.
“But most of all…I want to be with you forever. Not just for a whirlwind month. Not even until death do us part. I want every day, cramming as many lifetimes as possible into the one we’ve been given because finding you thirty years into my existence and only getting one chance to love you isn’t nearly enough.”
That quote up there said by Axel,the sweetest thing I have ever read! 🥺
Axel is a dream man, pure perfection. Axel and Rooney, perfect soulmates.
“But most of all…I want to be with you forever. Not just for a whirlwind month. Not even until death do us part. I want every day, cramming as many lifetimes as possible into the one we’ve been given because finding you thirty years into my existence and only getting one chance to love you isn’t nearly enough.”
That quote up there said by Axel,the sweetest thing I have ever read! 🥺
March 20, 2024
4⭑
Tropes;
- grumpy x sunshine
- marriage of convenience
- forced proximity
- disability rep - hero with autism & heroine with ulcerative colitis
- dual POV
I love the Bergman Brothers series so much and I loved all the little breadcrumbs we got of AxelRooney throughout the first three books that it made the experience of reading their book that much more enjoyable.
Axel is my second fave Bergman so far. I love how grumpy he is but is secretly a sunshine. The way he went out of his way to care for Rooney was adorable and I loved all of their interactions together.
The only thing I wished with this book was for there to be more fake dating, given that it was a marriage of convenience, I expected them to have to hold hands or kiss in front of people, you know everything that comes with that trope. But, the marriage was kept a secret from the Bergman family, and any people that Axel & Rooney were around, already knew that the marriage was for convenience only.
I also thought the ending was quite abrupt, I mean do the Bergmans even know that Axel and Rooney got married?
Bergman Brothers Series
#1 - Only When It’s Us - 5/5
#2 - Always Only You - 4.25/5
#3 - Ever After Always - 3/5
#4 - With You Forever - 4/5
#5 - Everything For You - 4.5/5
#6 - If Only You - 4.75/5
#7 - Only And Forever - 4/5
Tropes;
- grumpy x sunshine
- marriage of convenience
- forced proximity
- disability rep - hero with autism & heroine with ulcerative colitis
- dual POV
I love the Bergman Brothers series so much and I loved all the little breadcrumbs we got of AxelRooney throughout the first three books that it made the experience of reading their book that much more enjoyable.
Axel is my second fave Bergman so far. I love how grumpy he is but is secretly a sunshine. The way he went out of his way to care for Rooney was adorable and I loved all of their interactions together.
The only thing I wished with this book was for there to be more fake dating, given that it was a marriage of convenience, I expected them to have to hold hands or kiss in front of people, you know everything that comes with that trope. But, the marriage was kept a secret from the Bergman family, and any people that Axel & Rooney were around, already knew that the marriage was for convenience only.
I also thought the ending was quite abrupt, I mean do the Bergmans even know that Axel and Rooney got married?
Bergman Brothers Series
#1 - Only When It’s Us - 5/5
#2 - Always Only You - 4.25/5
#3 - Ever After Always - 3/5
#4 - With You Forever - 4/5
#5 - Everything For You - 4.5/5
#6 - If Only You - 4.75/5
#7 - Only And Forever - 4/5
July 27, 2021
SERIES: Bergman Brothers #4 - it can be read as standalone
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: grumpy sunshine, a marriage of convenience
HOTTIE METER: 3🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: dance me to the end of love
adore you
I belong to you
chloe's spotify playlist
grump + sunshine
marriage of convenience
autism & chronic IBD rep
fluff-ball kitten & stray pup
mutual-pining, lusty slow-burn
only1 tent
cozy PNW fall vibes
The second oldest Bergman, Axel, is a painter and on an autism specter. He loves his family fiercely, and he is a bit of a grumpy loner. Rooney is his sister-in-law Willa's (from book one) best friend. She is a sweet and kind law student with chronic illness. They met at one of the Bergman's family gatherings, and through a game of charades, shared a kiss. Since then, both have been pinning for each other. Also, they have been avoiding each other. When they accidentally end up at the same place alone, in the family vacation cabin, all fun things ensue. Axel needs someone to marry him to gain money, which he plans to use for cabin reparations. Rooney offers to help him out.
This was an impressive addition to the series. Dare I say my favorite so far. Yes, I dare. It is!
I loved every bit of this story. Like how we got glimpses of the family and some hints about the next book. Then there is that lovely little girl of Axel's friends. Speaking of his friends, that was wonderful friend support. Romance is especially delightful. All the pinning and slow build-up gave me damn butterflies.
Chloe Liese writes incredibly realistic characters and situations connected through incredibly sweet romance novel elements. Representation alone is praise-worthy. It is a very effortless and charming read. I absolutely appreciate how nothing was overdone.
It is a book that hugs you comfortably and warms even coldhearted.
*thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: grumpy sunshine, a marriage of convenience
HOTTIE METER: 3🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: dance me to the end of love
adore you
I belong to you
chloe's spotify playlist
grump + sunshine
marriage of convenience
autism & chronic IBD rep
fluff-ball kitten & stray pup
mutual-pining, lusty slow-burn
only1 tent
cozy PNW fall vibes
The second oldest Bergman, Axel, is a painter and on an autism specter. He loves his family fiercely, and he is a bit of a grumpy loner. Rooney is his sister-in-law Willa's (from book one) best friend. She is a sweet and kind law student with chronic illness. They met at one of the Bergman's family gatherings, and through a game of charades, shared a kiss. Since then, both have been pinning for each other. Also, they have been avoiding each other. When they accidentally end up at the same place alone, in the family vacation cabin, all fun things ensue. Axel needs someone to marry him to gain money, which he plans to use for cabin reparations. Rooney offers to help him out.
This was an impressive addition to the series. Dare I say my favorite so far. Yes, I dare. It is!
I loved every bit of this story. Like how we got glimpses of the family and some hints about the next book. Then there is that lovely little girl of Axel's friends. Speaking of his friends, that was wonderful friend support. Romance is especially delightful. All the pinning and slow build-up gave me damn butterflies.
Chloe Liese writes incredibly realistic characters and situations connected through incredibly sweet romance novel elements. Representation alone is praise-worthy. It is a very effortless and charming read. I absolutely appreciate how nothing was overdone.
It is a book that hugs you comfortably and warms even coldhearted.
*thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
September 18, 2021
3.75 stars.
This year pattern of “All the books I’m highly anticipating are disappointing or won’t reach my expectations” is still going strong.
But in this instance, it’s a case of preference since this is more of a character-driven book and they are not what I reach for.
Seeing the little glimpses of Rooney and Axel’s relationship on past books of the series had my heart fluttering setting high expectations for their love story.
I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as good as the other 3 books.
The 300 pages are filled with thoughts of them coming in contact with their feelings and realising what has been in front of them for 2 years.
It delivered on cuteness but in some parts I got bored because of how slow it was and because nothing major happened😞
And I felt robbed at the end. I was expecting the Bergman’s to react to their secret marriage but that scene didn’t happened 😭
This year pattern of “All the books I’m highly anticipating are disappointing or won’t reach my expectations” is still going strong.
But in this instance, it’s a case of preference since this is more of a character-driven book and they are not what I reach for.
Seeing the little glimpses of Rooney and Axel’s relationship on past books of the series had my heart fluttering setting high expectations for their love story.
I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as good as the other 3 books.
The 300 pages are filled with thoughts of them coming in contact with their feelings and realising what has been in front of them for 2 years.
It delivered on cuteness but in some parts I got bored because of how slow it was and because nothing major happened😞
And I felt robbed at the end. I was expecting the Bergman’s to react to their secret marriage but that scene didn’t happened 😭
September 28, 2021
Read more of my reviews at The Infinite Limits of Love
It always brings me immense joy reading a Chloe Liese romance book because she writes books with a lot of heart, steam, and, cuddly goodness - the holy trinity, if you ask me. I was excited to read With You Forever because it has the marriage-of-convenience trope. It's not a trope that we see a lot of in contemporary romance novels, but it's one of my underrated favorites. Chloe blessed us with an adorably wholesome story here! I was in love with Axel, Rooney, and their little furbabies.
I always love reading books about characters who have some kind of history prior to the events of the book. Axel and Rooney know each other through their sister-in-law/best friend, Willa. In the last Bergman Brothers book, they also happen to share a surprisingly steamy charades-induced kiss. Now, they are both pretending like that kiss never happened until the universe decides to force them into proximity through a marriage of convenience.
Great Characters, Unique Backgrounds
I have a soft spot for all of the characters in the Bergman Brothers series. Chloe Liese writes them so well and she manages to make them really stand out. I'm not sure how she does it though but after every book, my favorites of the series keep changing to the latest couple. It's definitely not a bad problem to have with a book series, though!
Axel and Rooney are both terrific characters who stole my heart from the opening scene of this book. We all know how partial I am to a grumpy hero and Axel brings all the grumpy feelings in this book. In With You Forever, he's dealing with some personal complications in his life as well as an artistic inspiration block. Axel is a very quiet guy but he hides a lot of feelings under his gruffness. His main project in this book has to do with attempting to save his family's cabin and he puts all of his energy into it because of all the good memories he and his family shared. I'm very family-oriented myself, so I always gravitate towards characters who have a loving bond with their family members. Even though he is a certified grump, Axel is also a pure cinnamon roll. Chloe writes different representations and here, I really loved the exploration of Axel's autism. One of the things I really appreciate about this series is how the author goes to show that one shoe does not fit all when it comes to representation.
Slow-Burn Romances, FTW
The romance in With You Forever is a slow-burn one and I loved every second of it. The friendship (along with some A+ mutual pining) that develops between them is just the purest and it made my little heart so happy. Chloe Liese outdid herself here with all the compassionate and gentle romantic scenes. It was all the little details that Axel and Rooney noticed about each other that made this book such a lovely reading experience for me. They are also both so open and communicative with each other. It was really refreshing. The marriage of convenience plot also gives us some blissful domestic scenes that I was all over! Books like With You Forever remind me why time and again, I gravitate towards romance novels.
The addition of the furry friends was also a delight. I would die for Harry and that little fireball, Skugga! Plus, the Bergmans! It's always incredible when this big brood shows up on the page and the author delivers on a ton of humorous and heartfelt moments between this family.
The Perfect Fall Read
With You Forever is probably the coziest addition to The Bergman Brothers series. I think this is the perfect romance novel to cozy up with on a nice cool fall day. If you're new to the series, you can definitely read this book as a standalone, but I would highly recommend starting from the beginning because these books are all incredible.
Content notes: on-page sex, autism, anxiety, chronic illness
Relationship disclosure: Chloe Liese and I are mutuals on social media
It always brings me immense joy reading a Chloe Liese romance book because she writes books with a lot of heart, steam, and, cuddly goodness - the holy trinity, if you ask me. I was excited to read With You Forever because it has the marriage-of-convenience trope. It's not a trope that we see a lot of in contemporary romance novels, but it's one of my underrated favorites. Chloe blessed us with an adorably wholesome story here! I was in love with Axel, Rooney, and their little furbabies.
I always love reading books about characters who have some kind of history prior to the events of the book. Axel and Rooney know each other through their sister-in-law/best friend, Willa. In the last Bergman Brothers book, they also happen to share a surprisingly steamy charades-induced kiss. Now, they are both pretending like that kiss never happened until the universe decides to force them into proximity through a marriage of convenience.
Great Characters, Unique Backgrounds
I have a soft spot for all of the characters in the Bergman Brothers series. Chloe Liese writes them so well and she manages to make them really stand out. I'm not sure how she does it though but after every book, my favorites of the series keep changing to the latest couple. It's definitely not a bad problem to have with a book series, though!
Axel and Rooney are both terrific characters who stole my heart from the opening scene of this book. We all know how partial I am to a grumpy hero and Axel brings all the grumpy feelings in this book. In With You Forever, he's dealing with some personal complications in his life as well as an artistic inspiration block. Axel is a very quiet guy but he hides a lot of feelings under his gruffness. His main project in this book has to do with attempting to save his family's cabin and he puts all of his energy into it because of all the good memories he and his family shared. I'm very family-oriented myself, so I always gravitate towards characters who have a loving bond with their family members. Even though he is a certified grump, Axel is also a pure cinnamon roll. Chloe writes different representations and here, I really loved the exploration of Axel's autism. One of the things I really appreciate about this series is how the author goes to show that one shoe does not fit all when it comes to representation.
Rooney offers the perfect balance to Axel's grumpiness with her sparkling character. She's someone who brings light into a room whenever she's in it. Don't let the happy mask fool you, however. Rooney also struggles with her own issues, including her chronic illness of IBS. Once again, I really loved how Chloe Liese did not shy away from showing every raw aspect of Rooney's illness. As we see through Rooney's experiences, IBS is uncomfortable and can be debilitating. Like Axel, she's got the softest heart, so these two were made for each other.
Slow-Burn Romances, FTW
The romance in With You Forever is a slow-burn one and I loved every second of it. The friendship (along with some A+ mutual pining) that develops between them is just the purest and it made my little heart so happy. Chloe Liese outdid herself here with all the compassionate and gentle romantic scenes. It was all the little details that Axel and Rooney noticed about each other that made this book such a lovely reading experience for me. They are also both so open and communicative with each other. It was really refreshing. The marriage of convenience plot also gives us some blissful domestic scenes that I was all over! Books like With You Forever remind me why time and again, I gravitate towards romance novels.
The addition of the furry friends was also a delight. I would die for Harry and that little fireball, Skugga! Plus, the Bergmans! It's always incredible when this big brood shows up on the page and the author delivers on a ton of humorous and heartfelt moments between this family.
The Perfect Fall Read
With You Forever is probably the coziest addition to The Bergman Brothers series. I think this is the perfect romance novel to cozy up with on a nice cool fall day. If you're new to the series, you can definitely read this book as a standalone, but I would highly recommend starting from the beginning because these books are all incredible.
Content notes: on-page sex, autism, anxiety, chronic illness
Relationship disclosure: Chloe Liese and I are mutuals on social media
July 8, 2021
There truly is something special about The Bergman Brothers series from Chloe Liese. I knew and felt it during book 1 Only When It’s Us and now here I am, once again, smiling after I’ve turned the final page of With You Forever. This series doesn’t have a bad book in my opinion. It only keeps getting better.
Why With You Forever is such a fabulous book is because of the groundwork and foundation the author has done. It shows, tells and most definitely feels in her words and storytelling. I walk away not only from WYF but from all her books with new knowledge.
Liese incorporates these relevant and relatable topics effortlessly into Axel and Rooney’s story so it became easier for me to connect to them. I wanted to understand and learn but also enjoy this gorgeous romance that this book was.
I’ve met Axel and Rooney in the previous books but it can be read as a stand-alone but for me I’m so glad I’ve read these books in order. I’ve fallen in love not only with the Bergman brothers but with the entire Bergman family. Again credit to the author for laying that foundation early on in book 1.
I’ve been waiting for Axel and Rooney and their story was worth the wait. Slow burn to perfection, marriage of convenience with so much chemistry and emotional yearning from the both of them and of course the humor. Harry and Skugga! Amazing and so wonderful.
What can I say except I’m just as excited for the next book as I was for With You Forever. Liese has given some breadcrumbs for the next book as she did with Axel and Rooney. I just need more but for now I’m just going to make some pannkakor and enjoy the high after finishing With You Forever.
5 Beautiful & Quiet Stars
* ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op*
Why With You Forever is such a fabulous book is because of the groundwork and foundation the author has done. It shows, tells and most definitely feels in her words and storytelling. I walk away not only from WYF but from all her books with new knowledge.
Liese incorporates these relevant and relatable topics effortlessly into Axel and Rooney’s story so it became easier for me to connect to them. I wanted to understand and learn but also enjoy this gorgeous romance that this book was.
I’ve met Axel and Rooney in the previous books but it can be read as a stand-alone but for me I’m so glad I’ve read these books in order. I’ve fallen in love not only with the Bergman brothers but with the entire Bergman family. Again credit to the author for laying that foundation early on in book 1.
I’ve been waiting for Axel and Rooney and their story was worth the wait. Slow burn to perfection, marriage of convenience with so much chemistry and emotional yearning from the both of them and of course the humor. Harry and Skugga! Amazing and so wonderful.
What can I say except I’m just as excited for the next book as I was for With You Forever. Liese has given some breadcrumbs for the next book as she did with Axel and Rooney. I just need more but for now I’m just going to make some pannkakor and enjoy the high after finishing With You Forever.
5 Beautiful & Quiet Stars
* ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op*
July 26, 2021
This book was utter perfection. We have Axel Bergman a gumpy, lumberjack hero who looks hot in glasses, reads romance novels his brother keeps throwing at him, and is an emotionally charged abstract painter.
And we have Rooney, a sunshine 24 year old law student with a chronic illness (ulcerative colitis) who has recently needed to take a leave of absence from school due to a recent, severe flare up. She needs rest and no stress so her best friend Willa offers the use of the Bergman A Frame house.
When Rooney shows up at the house, assuming it would be vacant, she is a bit shocked to see Axel there, and he's telling her no way can she stay there due to the massive repairs needed. The house isn't safe and Axel is worried how he is going to afford the work that needs to be done.
When a friend suggests he utilize the giant inheritance Axel's uncle left him he realizes it may be his only chance to save his family vacation home. There's just one catch, he must marry to receive the inheritance and here is Rooney ripe for the asking. The only problem is that he's halfway in love with her already but there's no way he can let her know that.
This book completely sucked me in from page one. It has a perfect balance of swoony romance, comedy, steam, and the great sense of family that is the Bergmans.
I ADORED watching these two fall in love and fight for their relationship to work, putting aside fears and opening up to the vulnerability that comes with realizing you are in love and that any potential pain that may bring is worth every second you get to spend with this person.
Axel is so tender with Rooney, respecting her feelings ALWAYS, and trying so hard to take care of her. I loved each tender, small scene of him at her bedside, worried and making her blanket nests. It was absolutely beautiful.
Don't miss this one. It was sweet and touching and affirms the idea that EVERYONE is worthy of love.
And we have Rooney, a sunshine 24 year old law student with a chronic illness (ulcerative colitis) who has recently needed to take a leave of absence from school due to a recent, severe flare up. She needs rest and no stress so her best friend Willa offers the use of the Bergman A Frame house.
When Rooney shows up at the house, assuming it would be vacant, she is a bit shocked to see Axel there, and he's telling her no way can she stay there due to the massive repairs needed. The house isn't safe and Axel is worried how he is going to afford the work that needs to be done.
When a friend suggests he utilize the giant inheritance Axel's uncle left him he realizes it may be his only chance to save his family vacation home. There's just one catch, he must marry to receive the inheritance and here is Rooney ripe for the asking. The only problem is that he's halfway in love with her already but there's no way he can let her know that.
This book completely sucked me in from page one. It has a perfect balance of swoony romance, comedy, steam, and the great sense of family that is the Bergmans.
I ADORED watching these two fall in love and fight for their relationship to work, putting aside fears and opening up to the vulnerability that comes with realizing you are in love and that any potential pain that may bring is worth every second you get to spend with this person.
Axel is so tender with Rooney, respecting her feelings ALWAYS, and trying so hard to take care of her. I loved each tender, small scene of him at her bedside, worried and making her blanket nests. It was absolutely beautiful.
Don't miss this one. It was sweet and touching and affirms the idea that EVERYONE is worthy of love.
June 4, 2024
Did not care for Axel or Rooney 🥲
“It’s not different. It’s being human. This is existence. This is friendship. We love each other. We take turns holding each other up.”
“It’s not different. It’s being human. This is existence. This is friendship. We love each other. We take turns holding each other up.”
August 17, 2022
Grumpy X sunshine
Fake marriage
Lots of pinning
Close proximity
A friends to lovers slow burn romance
Most of the book take place in a secluded cabin...
With You Forever features a sweet and caring hero and a chaotic heroine, a dog, a cat and a wild family that love to meddle into everything ...
Chloe Liese is my favourite romance author. I love her Bergman Brothers series. All of these brothers are absolute cinnamon rolls. And I love sweet, caring and supporting heroes. The tropes which this book uses aren't my favourites. Specially the fake marriage trope. But Chloe Liese can never do anything wrong. Of course I loved this book. We never had the chance to to know much about Alexis until we finally got his story. The oldest Bergman brother always seemed so mysterious and distant. I was so glad to get to know him finally. Axel is just a precious grump. I loved Rene too. The romance was swoony and very well written. Overall it was a wonderful read.
I am very very very excited to read Oliver's story...
Fake marriage
Lots of pinning
Close proximity
A friends to lovers slow burn romance
Most of the book take place in a secluded cabin...
With You Forever features a sweet and caring hero and a chaotic heroine, a dog, a cat and a wild family that love to meddle into everything ...
Chloe Liese is my favourite romance author. I love her Bergman Brothers series. All of these brothers are absolute cinnamon rolls. And I love sweet, caring and supporting heroes. The tropes which this book uses aren't my favourites. Specially the fake marriage trope. But Chloe Liese can never do anything wrong. Of course I loved this book. We never had the chance to to know much about Alexis until we finally got his story. The oldest Bergman brother always seemed so mysterious and distant. I was so glad to get to know him finally. Axel is just a precious grump. I loved Rene too. The romance was swoony and very well written. Overall it was a wonderful read.
I am very very very excited to read Oliver's story...
October 13, 2021
DNF at 89%
People I'm going to rant on this review so there might be some spoilers...
First of all I want to apologize for what I said in my first status update about the h's problem not working in a romance novel. That was really insensitive of me. I think the problem for me wasn't the subject itself but HOW it was portrayed.
The thing is, pardon my french, I couldn't give a f*ck about Rooney...
I didn't connect with her, I didn't sympathise. Her internal monologues would make me want to scratch my eyes out! She was just so annoying, I couldn't bring myself to care about her problems and that just sucks! I mean I think about Willa and even though I wanted to punch her for beeing so stubborn I also loved her so much because she was such a STRONG character. You sympathise with her because she's in this awful situation but she doesn't feel sorry for herself, where Rooney does nothing BUT feel sorry for herself.
The romance: what the f*ck was that? Seriously, I see all these 5 star ratings and I believe there must be something very wrong with me because I don't see how anyone can read about this couple together and not want to vomit all the time.
I'm sorry but all that "I can't like her/him" all the time was really stupid. Why can't you like each other? Actually before answering that: WHY do you like each other? These guys would look at each other and their hearts would "squeeze" or "hurt" and it was all really telling and not showing. I don't understand why this couple fell for each other, there's absolutely nothing special about either of them that would explain why this ONE person is...well, the ONE.
Both of them kept denying any feelings that they might have for each other and it was STUPID. This wasn't slow burn, it was 2 people being stupid for the sake of stupitity.
Here's some quotes to better ilustrate my frustration:
Axel:
But I can’t even find contentment in that daydream.
Because that sharp, bitter ache throbs beneath my sternum
again.
Fuck. I think I…miss Rooney?
How? How is that possible when I’ve barely seen her the
past few weeks? How can I miss someone I’ve bent over
backwards to keep my distance from? Who I’ve avoided
doing anything with that would make me feel closer to her,
hungrier for her.
Rooney:
He swallows roughly, dragging his knuckles across his
lips. The movement makes me ache right between my thighs.
And then suddenly that hand is cradling my jaw, his
thumb stroking my throat. His mouth brushes mine, a kiss
as soft as the wind that whispers around us. A daydream
come to life.
Axel pulls away, looking stunned. “I shouldn’t have… I’m
sorry.”
“Why not?” I ask him. I hold his eyes, and it’s a rare gift
to truly see them—vivid green, slivers of amber,
summertime leaves dappled with sunlight.
I’m not sure why I asked the question. I just know I need
the answer. Why the kisses, the kindness, the care?
Why?
[...]
What does it mean that, right now, the fear of pain dims
as I contemplate the pleasure I could feel with Axel? As I look
at him, I feel a thousand new nerve endings beneath my
skin, like everything of me was made to touch and know
everything of him. I want him.
Guys, this was throughout THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!!
And then this:
Axel
That’s when I know. When every question I had is
answered, and I know this twisting, aching, terrible,
beautiful something that’s grown and deepened inside me for
weeks is a feeling, and that feeling is all for her, and it’s
nothing like I’ve ever felt for anyone.
And that feeling…is love.
I love her.
Holy fuck. I love her.
And then in the next chapter in Rooney's POV
And that’s when I know that all this rationalizing I’ve
been doing, telling myself it’s only a crush with a few
surmountable feelings tacked on for this tough nut who
finally cracked just for me is nothing but lies.
I love him. I think I’ve been falling in love for quite a
while. Like a domino eect, it’s been moment after moment,
one tipped onto the other, building speed and beauty as they
connected. Before the last inevitable click as that final piece
fell and revealed itself.
No shit Sherlock! Ur saying all that heart racing-squeezing-acking-f*cking wasn't just any other stupid excuse like the ones you had so far!? I am SHOCKED!
and I know that Axel has that scene where he says that he thought he had a heart problem because of how he reacted to Rooney but by that point I didn't give a shit anymore.
I love dona Liese, I think she's an angel for always wanting to write about special characters but this one was a TOTAL miss for me. I'm sorry to say I don't have one good thing to say about this book other than I loved their pets.
^^^^^riight?🤔
People I'm going to rant on this review so there might be some spoilers...
First of all I want to apologize for what I said in my first status update about the h's problem not working in a romance novel. That was really insensitive of me. I think the problem for me wasn't the subject itself but HOW it was portrayed.
The thing is, pardon my french, I couldn't give a f*ck about Rooney...
I didn't connect with her, I didn't sympathise. Her internal monologues would make me want to scratch my eyes out! She was just so annoying, I couldn't bring myself to care about her problems and that just sucks! I mean I think about Willa and even though I wanted to punch her for beeing so stubborn I also loved her so much because she was such a STRONG character. You sympathise with her because she's in this awful situation but she doesn't feel sorry for herself, where Rooney does nothing BUT feel sorry for herself.
The romance: what the f*ck was that? Seriously, I see all these 5 star ratings and I believe there must be something very wrong with me because I don't see how anyone can read about this couple together and not want to vomit all the time.
I'm sorry but all that "I can't like her/him" all the time was really stupid. Why can't you like each other? Actually before answering that: WHY do you like each other? These guys would look at each other and their hearts would "squeeze" or "hurt" and it was all really telling and not showing. I don't understand why this couple fell for each other, there's absolutely nothing special about either of them that would explain why this ONE person is...well, the ONE.
Both of them kept denying any feelings that they might have for each other and it was STUPID. This wasn't slow burn, it was 2 people being stupid for the sake of stupitity.
Here's some quotes to better ilustrate my frustration:
Axel:
But I can’t even find contentment in that daydream.
Because that sharp, bitter ache throbs beneath my sternum
again.
Fuck. I think I…miss Rooney?
How? How is that possible when I’ve barely seen her the
past few weeks? How can I miss someone I’ve bent over
backwards to keep my distance from? Who I’ve avoided
doing anything with that would make me feel closer to her,
hungrier for her.
Rooney:
He swallows roughly, dragging his knuckles across his
lips. The movement makes me ache right between my thighs.
And then suddenly that hand is cradling my jaw, his
thumb stroking my throat. His mouth brushes mine, a kiss
as soft as the wind that whispers around us. A daydream
come to life.
Axel pulls away, looking stunned. “I shouldn’t have… I’m
sorry.”
“Why not?” I ask him. I hold his eyes, and it’s a rare gift
to truly see them—vivid green, slivers of amber,
summertime leaves dappled with sunlight.
I’m not sure why I asked the question. I just know I need
the answer. Why the kisses, the kindness, the care?
Why?
[...]
What does it mean that, right now, the fear of pain dims
as I contemplate the pleasure I could feel with Axel? As I look
at him, I feel a thousand new nerve endings beneath my
skin, like everything of me was made to touch and know
everything of him. I want him.
Guys, this was throughout THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!!
And then this:
Axel
That’s when I know. When every question I had is
answered, and I know this twisting, aching, terrible,
beautiful something that’s grown and deepened inside me for
weeks is a feeling, and that feeling is all for her, and it’s
nothing like I’ve ever felt for anyone.
And that feeling…is love.
I love her.
Holy fuck. I love her.
And then in the next chapter in Rooney's POV
And that’s when I know that all this rationalizing I’ve
been doing, telling myself it’s only a crush with a few
surmountable feelings tacked on for this tough nut who
finally cracked just for me is nothing but lies.
I love him. I think I’ve been falling in love for quite a
while. Like a domino eect, it’s been moment after moment,
one tipped onto the other, building speed and beauty as they
connected. Before the last inevitable click as that final piece
fell and revealed itself.
No shit Sherlock! Ur saying all that heart racing-squeezing-acking-f*cking wasn't just any other stupid excuse like the ones you had so far!? I am SHOCKED!
and I know that Axel has that scene where he says that he thought he had a heart problem because of how he reacted to Rooney but by that point I didn't give a shit anymore.
I love dona Liese, I think she's an angel for always wanting to write about special characters but this one was a TOTAL miss for me. I'm sorry to say I don't have one good thing to say about this book other than I loved their pets.
^^^^^riight?🤔
December 22, 2022
“The tent is warm, and my home feels like it's flooded with sunlight, not just because there's a fire and the sun's breaking the horizon, but because Rooney's here, right beside me.”
They own my heart. Simply. They caught me totally off guard. I didn’t think I’d like this book that much, but now I am feeling physically bad after reading it because I know I won’t see them as protagonists again. Well… from where should I start?
They own my heart. Simply. They caught me totally off guard. I didn’t think I’d like this book that much, but now I am feeling physically bad after reading it because I know I won’t see them as protagonists again. Well… from where should I start?
Since the very interaction they’d shared in Only When It’s Us, Rooney Sullivan and Axel Bergman had me wanting them to be a thing. And to my happiness and surprise of no one, they had been secretly crushing each other for years, but since a kiss they shared during a family’s game, it’s been impossible for them just to hide it—and therefore, to be close to each other. Now, under uncommon circumstances, they end up sharing the Bergman family’s vacation home, which surprisingly leads them not just to a very weird marriage of convenience but also to find a perfect love match.
Rooney is sort of a ray of sunshine woman who looks like Barbie and has a beautiful smile. Since the first book, I've liked her so much, and getting to know her in a better and deeper way was such a pleasure that I can't even explain. Knowing about her life, past, her insecurities, about the problems she’d kept to herself only to protect people she loves, and getting to see more of her perspective over things… It was amazing, stunning to say the least. And Axel, he’s a grumpy man who lives alone in the mountains, a man who struggles with words, but has his own beautiful ways of showing love. And just like Rooney, I love him. Needless to say I had my suspicions about him being autistic after the three previous books, and I liked it so much how the author has told us his story and experience with it.
As I said, Axel and Rooney are a perfect match. While reading, you can say that, even though they liked each other for a long while, they didn’t expect it—them—ever to happen (and what led them to find out it wasn’t exactly the most romantic context ever, but who cares?). Throughout the story—following all the “thinking of the other” moments, the cute and domestic scenes, the beautiful conversations and secrets shared—you can feel everything the protagonists are feeling. You can deeply and easily feel their angst, their happiness, their sadness, their fear and, overall, you can feel the love they have for each other. As usual, Chloe found a very beautiful and great way of giving a beautiful story that is about much more than just a relationship.
And I am so excited to read Oliver and Gavin’s books. After Ollie’s appearance in this book, I somehow just know his book will break me but that I’ll love it.
They own my heart. Simply. They caught me totally off guard. I didn’t think I’d like this book that much, but now I am feeling physically bad after reading it because I know I won’t see them as protagonists again. Well… from where should I start?
They own my heart. Simply. They caught me totally off guard. I didn’t think I’d like this book that much, but now I am feeling physically bad after reading it because I know I won’t see them as protagonists again. Well… from where should I start?
Since the very interaction they’d shared in Only When It’s Us, Rooney Sullivan and Axel Bergman had me wanting them to be a thing. And to my happiness and surprise of no one, they had been secretly crushing each other for years, but since a kiss they shared during a family’s game, it’s been impossible for them just to hide it—and therefore, to be close to each other. Now, under uncommon circumstances, they end up sharing the Bergman family’s vacation home, which surprisingly leads them not just to a very weird marriage of convenience but also to find a perfect love match.
Rooney is sort of a ray of sunshine woman who looks like Barbie and has a beautiful smile. Since the first book, I've liked her so much, and getting to know her in a better and deeper way was such a pleasure that I can't even explain. Knowing about her life, past, her insecurities, about the problems she’d kept to herself only to protect people she loves, and getting to see more of her perspective over things… It was amazing, stunning to say the least. And Axel, he’s a grumpy man who lives alone in the mountains, a man who struggles with words, but has his own beautiful ways of showing love. And just like Rooney, I love him. Needless to say I had my suspicions about him being autistic after the three previous books, and I liked it so much how the author has told us his story and experience with it.
As I said, Axel and Rooney are a perfect match. While reading, you can say that, even though they liked each other for a long while, they didn’t expect it—them—ever to happen (and what led them to find out it wasn’t exactly the most romantic context ever, but who cares?). Throughout the story—following all the “thinking of the other” moments, the cute and domestic scenes, the beautiful conversations and secrets shared—you can feel everything the protagonists are feeling. You can deeply and easily feel their angst, their happiness, their sadness, their fear and, overall, you can feel the love they have for each other. As usual, Chloe found a very beautiful and great way of giving a beautiful story that is about much more than just a relationship.
And I am so excited to read Oliver and Gavin’s books. After Ollie’s appearance in this book, I somehow just know his book will break me but that I’ll love it.
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