Book Review: Falling for the Bergmans: A Deep Dive into Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

Falling for the Bergmans: A Deep Dive into Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

In the ever-growing world of romance novels, it’s a rare joy to stumble upon a story that not only entertains but resonates deeply on multiple levels. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Only When It’s Us, the first book in the Bergman Brothers series by Chloe Liese. What started as a casual scroll through audiobook options quickly turned into a full-on emotional and romantic adventure—one that I didn’t want to end.

I initially found the series while browsing for audiobooks to pass the time, and when I noticed that the first five titles were free, it felt like a sign. I pressed play on Only When It’s Us without much expectation—and within the first chapter, I was hooked.

The Story and Characters

At its heart, Only When It’s Us is an enemies-to-lovers college romance, but it’s so much more than that. The story follows Willa Sutter, a fiercely independent and emotionally guarded soccer star, and Ryder Bergman, a rugged, silent, and occasionally infuriating classmate. Their initial antagonism feels real and grounded, not overdone for the sake of trope, and their chemistry crackles with tension and depth.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both characters are carrying heavy emotional loads—Willa dealing with personal grief and family struggles, and Ryder living with profound hearing loss that has reshaped his world. Chloe Liese treats these themes with respect, nuance, and authenticity. There’s nothing shallow or surface-level about the way these challenges are portrayed. Instead, they serve as the foundation for truly meaningful growth and connection between the characters.

Narration and Listening Experience

Listening to the audiobook version added an entirely new dimension to the experience. The narrators were outstanding—each voice carefully chosen and brilliantly performed, making it easy to get lost in the story. The emotional highs and lows were captured with just the right amount of intensity, and the comedic moments landed with perfect timing. It’s rare to find an audiobook that feels this alive.

A Perfect Blend of Heart and Humor

What made this book stand out even more was its perfect balance of wit, comedy, romance, and emotional weight. Chloe Liese manages to infuse humor and lightness without ever undercutting the serious, heartfelt moments. I laughed out loud more than once, teared up at unexpected moments, and found myself smiling at the slow, beautiful unraveling of Willa and Ryder’s bond.

Why It Worked for Me

In a time when many romance stories can feel formulaic or emotionally thin, Only When It’s Us felt fresh, vibrant, and full of heart. The pacing was spot-on, the character development was satisfying, and the emotional impact was real. It was easy to listen to—yes—but also deeply rewarding. I didn’t just enjoy the story; I felt it.

By the time the final chapter wrapped up, I knew I wasn’t done with the Bergmans. I started Book Two immediately—that’s how much I loved Book One. And if the rest of the series maintains even a fraction of the charm, warmth, and emotional intelligence of this first book, I’m in for a real treat.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Read (or Listen!)

Whether you’re a die-hard romance reader or simply looking for a compelling, heartfelt story with well-crafted characters and genuine emotional stakes, Only When It’s Us is an absolute must. Chloe Liese has created something truly special here—and I can’t wait to keep falling in love with each and every Bergman sibling.