ARC Review: If Only You
Chloe Liese is a national treasure and should be protected at all costs. Her writing, is such a JOY to consume and the world she’s created with these darn Bergman’s is one I routinely wish was 100% and that I could just hop right into. I was all caps THRILLED to have been able to read Ziggy’s upcoming romance early and I’m here ready to share all the things I just loved about it.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, and Chloe for the advance copy thoughts below are my own, enjoy!
So I made it to the dedication, and instantly burst into tears (which is a very me thing). I mean c’mon:
For the hard hearts that bravely learn to soften, and the brave soft hearts that love them as they do.
That set up alone, I knew Liese was going to give me an extreme amount of feels, and you know what it was a DELIGHT of a read, and might bump RenFrankie out of my current Bergman couple rankings. I’ve been such a fan of this whole series but especially of Ziggy. When we get a glimpse into her world and what she’s experiencing in Ren & Frankie’s book.
It’s gonna sound sappy but its so special to experience all these characters continued growth and love stories. And seeing them all in the background just makes my heart so full. Okay focus. Ziggy and Sebastian’s meet cute was such a perfect set up to this ENTIRE romance.
I loved the premise of fake-friendship rather than the traditional fake dating. I think it’s this focus on friendship (which is such a core tenet of each of the bergman books) made it so easy to fall in love with Sigrid and Sebastian.
They are soul-mates for real. They are gentle with each other, and a consistent home base of comfort and safety. Seeing Ziggy step into full power into the woman she wants to become and Sebastian’s DEVOTION to (Ziggy, and to) being better just SLAYED me. Man’s is such a cinnamon roll, he’s going to melt so many hearts for real.
There’s sweet, tender moments. Moments that will make you laugh, and maybe dreamily sigh. And ones that made me go “ABSOLUTELY FUCKING RIGHT!”. I always appreciate the way Chloe writes about Neurodiversity, and Chronic Illness. Having Celiac disease myself, it was really validating to read and connect with what Sebastian was experiencing. And goddamn those Bergman’s for tugging at my heart-strings for always making space for their loved ones, loved ones.
There was so much softness. So much joy and vulnerability. Protectiveness and care. It’s a romance that will wrap its arms around you and let you settle into a hug that starts on page one, and never really lets up until the last line of the last scene.
If you haven’t already fallen head over heels in love with these Bergman’s, you can clear your plans and read books 1-5 now. You should absolutely pre-order this one, and get ready to love Sigrid and Sebastian an extreme amount when their romance hits retailers April 11, 2023.
xo Kels