

With You Forever (Bergman Brothers Book 4)
D**I
My feelings—they were entirely smooshed by this romance! I love Axel and Rooney SO much!
Thanks to Chloe Liese for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars heartwarming and swoontastic stars rounded up!Why is it always the hardest thing to write a review for a book that you love? I'm failing to find the words to convey HOW AMAZING this book is and I'm not even the least bit surprised because this series is one of my all-time favourites! If you're as much of a fan as I am of this family and this series, then I have no doubt Axel and Rooney's love story will send you over! I loved them SO MUCH my heart almost couldn't handle all the swoon-worthy and loving moments between these two. 😩With all the Bergman Brothers books there is a certain level of softness to the story that effectively manages to sweep me off my feet every single time but this book took those tender moments and ramped it up so the whole story felt (to me) like a giant swoontastic and heartwarming hug. When I say this book had incredibly sweet and tender moments, I mean I must've swooned at least a thousand times over Axel and Rooney's exploration of feelings (that lustful pining though!) and their devotion to and care for each other.This marriage-of-convenience might be a slow-burn but there's no doubt that Liese knows how to write that sexual tension because it was jumping off the pages and *phew* my Kindle was on FIRE, friends! Absolute F-I-R-E! 🥵 Aside from the steamy moments, I loved the way Axel and Rooney not only explored their feelings for each other, but I loved the journey both took to accepting themselves. Seeing them grow together and become more in tune with each other and themselves by realising that they still deserve to have love and be loved even if they love differently was so heartwarming and *chefs kiss*! My feelings—they were entirely smooshed! It's always refreshing to see characters in romances who are so emotionally open and willing to cultivate healthy communication, though that's not to say that they didn't have rocky moments, but thankfully, there was no excessive drama.Although I can't speak to the accuracy of the representation in this book (Axel is on the autism spectrum and Rooney has a chronic illness), I think Liese continues to do a really great job of introducing diverse and inclusive characters in romance, and that continues to be one of my favourite aspects of her stories. The author writes these character experiences with such care and consideration that you can tell it's an issue close to her heart. I can honestly say that I've never before read about a character with ulcerative colitis, and as I do with all of her books, I walked away from this learning a lot!If there's one thing that I wanted more of, it'd be cameos from the Bergman family. Viggo, Oliver, Will and Ryder had a few and the whole family does make an appearance at the end, but I can never get enough of them so of course I'm greedy and wanted MORE! Still, I really enjoyed what we got and, as he's wont to do, Viggo cracked me up and had me smiling so big it hurt! I can't wait for his and Oliver's stories because I know they're going to be amazing 😍I have to say though that I was a little surprised that there wasn't a scene disclosing Axel and Rooney's marital status to the family at the end, and that did feel a little weird and unfinished, but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me because at that point I was on cloud nine with this couple. Overall, this was another winner for me and I'm eagerly anticipating Oliver's story!
Z**H
Cute, Well Written Marriage of Convenience Romance
This book was so cute. I'm convinced Chloe Liese could write a grocery list and it would contain a well developed romance between the cereal and milk.Axel Bergman was one of my favourite of the Bergman brothers. He is broody and grumpy and is so reluctant to let Rooney in, but her cant help it because underneath it all he is a simp. The romance was well developed, it had been hinted at in previous books but it finally got it's spotlight. Chloe has a way of writing characters and making them feel real, like you could know them irl.The relationship was developed so smoothly that it felt like a natural transition from friends to more. Both characters wanted more but we’re afraid to say it. Once they weren’t scared it was beautiful to watch unfold.The familial relationships on this again were wonderful to see. I loved how Chloe Liese shines a light on the love between the Bergmans.I can't wait to read the rest of this series when it's released.
A**S
An (almost) perfect marriage of convenience swoon-fest.
⚠️cw: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD:UC), Autism⚠️Axel, the oldest brother in the Bergman clan, is known as the blunt, grumpy one and is avoidant of physical touch. Rooney Sullivan, Willa's best friend and now an honorary Bergman, has been dealing with health issues and needs a time-out from life. When they end up at the family's second home in the PNW in a marriage of convenience, neither can keep their attraction for the other secret any longer.I LOVE fake dating and MOCs, but I'm not overly fond of marriage clause tropes usually. Still, there's a chapter towards the end that made the clause make sense, and, even though I honestly didn't understand the financial secrecy, it finally got Axel and Rooney together so I was happy, especially as I've been desperate for their story since the second they started interacting in previous books. I loved Rooney's caring nature and humour. It was a surprise to discover she had IBD, like myself. I loved that this was represented, and, while I don't think it showed a completely accurate sense of everyday life with IBD, especially post-flare*, what it did show was sensitively handled. I particularly loved how the intimacy was navigated, and Axel's reaction was beautifully observed.As I've come to expect in this series, Axel's Autism was well-written and felt authentic. He was another secret cinnamon roll, and I really loved their slow-burning romance, even though it was torturous at times. But that only heightened the anticipation. Their chemistry, vulnerability, and candidness were all beautifully written, and I really appreciated their honesty. I also loved that there was little miscommunication. The supporting characters were perfectly placed, added humour, and the Bergman cameos felt like catching up with old friends. As for that ending? Just gorgeous!An (almost) perfect marriage of convenience swoon-fest.Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5Heat Rating: 🔥🔥Emotional Rating: 💓😂😬🙈💓😂🙄🥰😉💓🥰🙈🙄💓😢😍😂💓🙈🥰😍💓😢😢😂😍🥰* I realise everyone's experience is different, but having had Crohn's disease (another IBD) for over ten years AND been misdiagnosed with UC for some time before that, I feel suitably experienced to talk about this disease.In C12: Rooney says she has 'chemo drugs to deal with the price my body’s paid for all the stress.' While I know what Rooney was trying to say, I personally felt the difference between disease origin and the cause could have been clearer. Particularly as people who have 'nervous tummies' like those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome might be stress related, whereas IBD is a much more serious, sometimes life-threatening autoimmune disease, NOT caused by stress. Yes, flare-ups can be exacerbated by stress, but the disease can happen to anyone, healthy or otherwise, and regardless of how stressful their life is.And while yes, in c.20, Axel addresses stress being a factor in flare-ups, Rooney only properly talks about other factors, particularly dietary on one occasion. Yes, she's gluten-free. But she doesn't even hesitate about eating dairy, or vegetables, even though high-fibre is her 'nemesis'. While I know everyone's trigger foods are different, diet plays such a significant factor, and anyone who is actively trying to recover from an acute flare-up knows this and is extra cautious of what they ingest. While the representation of what spices and high-fibre beans can do to someone with IBD was all too accurate, I don't know anyone with IBD who would knowingly, willingly put themselves through what could end up being another potential flare-up, even not wanting to offend someone. And Rooney is supposed to still be recuperating after an acute flare-up. The after-effects and recovery from eating the wrong thing are also usually more extreme, more FREQUENT, and not just urgent for a while. I know this sounds like I'm nitpicking, but these seemingly little things tugged me out of the story at times. Still, I want the author to know that I TRULY appreciate someone trying to include what is honestly a deeply unsexy disease (and acknowledging how many of us feel, which is embarrassed about it, a lot of the time) in a romance story. Thank you.
J**A
a soft and cozy romance
I knew in the beginning of this series when Axel and Rooney's flirtation/interest was introduced, I was going to be a goner for these two. With You Forever holds such a special place in my heart.If there was one word I would use to describe this book, it would be cozy. For once, we're in Washington state at the A frame for most of the book. The set up for this marriage of convenience is a little silly, but just go with it. There's mountain hikes, there's a dog (and later on, a kitten!), there's even a sexy cooking lesson scene.As someone with an invisible chronic illness to the world, I also can't tell you how amazing it is to see yourself on the page with someone like Rooney. I don't have her illness, but I share her experience of living in a world that doesn't immediately recognize that my world operates a little differently from others.This book is a cozy little corner of the world and you can't help but feel the warmth when you're with these two. The love and compassion they have for each other is wonderful and leaves you feeling just so content in the end. There's an important lesson to be learned that every single person is deserving of love. In a way, these two remind me a lot of myself and my husband and I think that's why I love it just so damn much. A comfort read for sure.
C**J
Grumpy Vs Sunshine #OwnVoices
“He’s serious. And quite possibly very shy. Not everyone is as social as you and me.”“Why not? I don’t get it.”Glancing over my shoulder, I watch Axel adjusting his cuffs, clearing his throat. He looks nervous. “I don’t either. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try.”You know that feeling of drinking the perfect cup of coffee? The first sip hits your tongue and you almost shudder at the pleasure. The entire cups feels like pure contentment and the last drop tastes like more? That’s how it felt sinking into Chloe Liese latest novel.With You Forever tells the story of the grumpy, eldest Bergman brother, Axel and the brainy, beautiful, ray of sunshine, Rooney. We’ve glimpsed these two before and now we get to see the sparks fly in this contemporary romance marriage of convenience.Chloe’s characters are unmatched in their authenticity. They are human, flawed and all the lovelier for it. I keep thinking I could bump into any one of them on the street {fingers crossed for Ren!} Rooney & Axel’s story in particular is based on honesty and overflows with attentiveness and devotion. I wasn’t sure how the arranged marriage trope would fair in modern times but Chloe’s writing of it was note perfect.Thank you to NetGalley & Chloe Liese for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.“It’s exactly what I want. You’re everything I want, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make life together possible. I love you more than I’ll ever be able to say, Rooney, but it’s no less true.”
B**8
Bergman Brothers are the best
I read the whole series 💖 this one is my favourite. What I love most: the characters are so human. They have imperfections, the are flawed, but they are so lovable. And of course there is spice. So 10/10.
T**E
Good quality - print - packaging
The book was delivered in good condition. The print was decent. Found some empty pages at the end, not sure what for. Overall, no complains.
B**S
Wonderful
As always Chloe Liese has delivered an absolutely amazing book. The way she handles complicated life situations and feelings is real and respectful and so important.I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since it was announced and it did not disappoint. The romance is sweet and steamy and a definite slow burn.As always I’ve cried and laughed and cried again. The soundtrack really elevates this to a full experience, would definitely recommend listening to it while reading. Plus it’s just great music.Would absolutely recommend this entire series. Love love love this family. A must read!!
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