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Book Review: Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese

Sep 7, 2020

Only When It’s Us (Bergman Brothers #1) by Chloe Liese

Pages: 380
Publish date: April 1st 2020
Publisher: –
ASIN: B085B9LFG2
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Ryder

Ever since she sat next to me in class and gave me death eyes, Willa Sutter’s been on my shit list. Why she hates me, I don’t know. What I do know is that Willa is the kind of chaos I don’t need in my tidy life. She’s the next generation of women’s soccer. Wild hair, wilder eyes. Bee-stung lips that should be illegal. And a temper that makes the devil seem friendly.

She’s a thorn in my side, a menacing, cantankerous, pain-in-the-ass who’s turned our Business Mathematics course into a goddamn gladiator arena. I’ll leave this war zone unscathed, coming out on top…And if I have my way with that crazy-haired, ball-busting hellion, that will be in more than one sense of the word.

Willa

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

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

Only When It’s Us:

The second book in the series is the one that caught my eye first. But I wanted to read it in order. And I’m so glad that I did because Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese was a fantastic read. As soon as I read the synopsis I knew that this book was for me. It’s a sports romance that also concludes disability! Hell yeah.

CW: terminal illness, death of a parent.

Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese follows Willa and Ryder as they make their way through college and life. Ryder doesn’t like Willa Sutter. Ever since she sat next to him in class and left with death glares, Ryder has held a small grudge again Willa. He doesn’t need her in his tidy life. And then they get paired together for their Business Mathematics assessment. And things are about to get interesting. Willa anger towards Ryder steams from him ignoring her when she asked for help. But she isn’t one to be messed with. And then the truth comes out.

Photo by Jonathan Petersson on Unsplash

Willa was such an interesting female protagonist. She isn’t someone that you can like instantly. But as the novel goes on the reader can understand her. She has been thought quite a bit and she uses her anger as a mask. And this slowly starts to slip and she and Ryder become closer. One of the rare moments that we see the true Willa is when she is with her mother. I like that Willa wasn’t particularly “nice.” She kept her guard up and sometimes that did make her hard, but that also made her interesting. I also loved that she was the athlete in the book. It just made me happy.

Ryder is the grumpy lumberjack type and I loved it. He just made my day. I loved that on the outside he was this tough, sometimes mean looking male. But on the inside, he was a soft muffin. He tried to be mean and rude, and honestly, sometimes he was. However, the reader can tell that he doesn’t mean any of it. The last few years for Ryder have been tough and his life had to change dramatically. And that isn’t easy.

The romance in Only When It’s Us was excellent. It was a hate to love romacne that was a blast. Both Ryder and Willa have misconceptions of one another and when they are strategically thrown together for the assessment things heat up. I enjoyed the back and forth between the two, however, I do wish that they communicated more. It would have made for less unnecessary friction. In saying all this, Willa and Ryder were fantastic together. The banter between the two was fun to read and I loved seeing them both surprise each other and break down each other’s walls.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Ryder’s disability is another major focus of Only When It’s Us. However, it doesn’t overshadower the novel. It explores Rydner’s deafness in a way that is honest. It explores the struggles and tribulations that he as had to go through. But also explores how it doesn’t affect the way that he wants to live his life. Ryder became deaf later in life after a case of meningitis. Not only was he left deaf, but there were other complications that affected the way that he lives his life. Ryder communicates through sign language, reading lips and through written communication. Ryder also chooses not to speak after losing his hearing, but as the novel goes on he learns to overcome his hesitation to speak. I think that the representation of disability throughout the book was fairly accurate. I, however, can’t talk about the representation of being deaf.

Family is a massive theme throughout Only When It’s Us. The Bergman family are a delight. I loved how they interacted with one another. The reader can see from the start how much they love one another and would do anything for each member. I can’t wait to read more about each brother for sure. It’s going to be interesting. I also loved that they were all there for Willa when she needs them.

Willa’s relationship with her mother was nicely written. And the reader could see how hard her mother’s health hit them both in different ways. I feel that a lot of Willa’s walls were built because of her mother’s health and how scared and hurt she is. Willa just didn’t want to feel more pain.

Only When It’s Us is an emotional read. There are many ups and downs for both Willa and Ryder. I did cry several times, especially towards the end It’s not an easy read at times, but it’s also beautiful. It explores grief and loss. But also explored life.

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Overall I love reading Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese. It’s emotional and heartbreaking at times, but it’s uplifting, funny and made me smile a whole lot. I love that we get to see the female lead as the athlete and disability is so present throughout the novel. Not only is this fantastic to see in general, but in romance. Willa and Ryder are fantastic together. They bicker and fight, but you can they love each as well. This is just a fantastic romance and I can’t wait to read more from Chloe Liese.

Have you read Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese yet? What did you think of it? Are you going to read it? Let’s Chat!

Strong, Quick-Witted, Female Leads | Mini-Reviews

Sep 4, 2020

Today I thought I would share some more historical romance mini-reviews. The three I’m talking about today I just loved. One of a new to me author, the other two are from an author that I’m beginning to love. All these books include female leads that are strong and quick-witted and I love it. Anyway, let’s get into it.

Wicked and the Wallflower (The Bareknuckle Bastards #1) by Sarah MacLean

Pages: 396
Publish date: June 19th 2018
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062692061
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She’s seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won’t accept a marriage without it.

Bastard son of a duke and king of London’s dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

But there’s nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she’d rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil’s carefully laid plans are in chaos, and he must choose between everything he’s ever wanted…and the only thing he’s ever desired.

Wicked and the Wallflower:

I knew as soon as I started this one that I was going to like it. Sarah MacLean as been on my TBR for a little while now. It’s a name that I heard about even before I started reading historical romance. And I’m so glad that I picked her up. Because Wicked and the Wallflower was such a wonderful read.

I love Felicity Faircloth as a protagonist so much. She was witty and cunning and I love seeing that. She was also easy to get along with. I feel into her voice right away and was able to connect with her very easily. I liked that she knew what she wanted and didn’t give up. Another thing I love that she stood away from the crowd. Devil, on the other hand, both hides and likes to be seen. He is one of those characters where you can’t figure out if you love or hate him. And that is what makes him so interesting.

The romance in Wicked and the Wallflower is also very interesting. Both Devil and Felicity use each other for different reasons. And at the same time, they can’t help but fall for one another. I loved seeing this happen throughout the book. The banter between these two was fantastic. Something else that I adored was how they both surprised each other in different ways. It put a massive smile on my face.

Overall I loved reading Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean. It’s full of banter, romance and high stakes. It’s a fantastic historical romance and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series. Felicity and Devil are both interesting characters on their own, but throw them together and there is fire.

Through the Storm (Le Veq Family #1) by Beverly Jenkins

Pages: 384
Publish date: August 1st 1998
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780380798643
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Sable, a slave on the run to escape the cruel man she’s been sold to is forced to betray the charming Union officer Raimond LeVeq, who had romanced her and championed her.

Brought together again by fate and an arranged marriage, she must try and win the trust of LeVeq–the man she truly loves.

Through the Storm:

I picked this one up after reading and falling in love with Rebel by Beverly Jenkins. I wanted to know more about the family and how they all got together.

It did take me a little while to get into this one. This does happen from time to time when I’m reading about a new time when I read historical romance and fiction. Especially when I’m not too familiar with the history of the time. But once I was placed in the novel I couldn’t put it down.

Beverly Jenkins has a knack of writing characters that are entertaining, engaging and so interesting and that is very present here. Sable was such an interesting protagonist and I was drawn to her from the start. She is smart and strong. And I wanted to be with her every second. One of the things that I loved about her the most, is her heart. She just made me smile and want to hug her the whole time.

Union officer Raimond LeVeq was a pain in the butt. But he was also fantastic. He could hold a grudge but I loved his tenderness for Sable. The banter between him and his siblings was the icing on the cake for me.

I adored the tension between Sable and Raimond. Right from the start, you were able to see the sparks and I loved it. The love to hate to love was spot on and it worked so well here. These two just made me smile and I loved seeing them fall in love and not even realise it.

If you are looking for a romance that is love to hate to love, then this one is for you. Overall I had such a good time reading Through The Storm. The romance was fantastic, the characters were great. And the family banter topped it off. I loved that I got to read in a time that I honestly don’t know too much about. If you are looking for some great historical romance that is a little different, then pick this one up.

Winds of the Storm (Le Veq Family #2) by Beverly Jenkins

Pages: 384
Publish date: April 25th 2006
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780060575311
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Archer Le Veq owes his life to the woman who rescued him from certain death at the height of the Civil War…a woman known only as “the Butterfly.” Now, in the dark, waning days of Reconstruction, he needs the courageous and beautiful former spy…in more ways than before!

Zahra Lafayette thinks her days of intrigue are far behind her until she is asked to go on one more mission. Posing as an infamous madam in New Orleans, Zahra must gather information to ensure the safety of the South’s freedmen. The last thing she expected was to see Archer Le Veq again. He is as arrogant as he is handsome, but there is something about this dusky and debonair hotelier that sends her senses singing. Zahra knows she will need to guard her secrets, but no peril awaiting her compares with the treachery of Zahra’s own heart—for, Lord help her, she burns to taste the man and to lose herself in his powerful embrace.

Winds of the Storm :

As soon as I finished book one, I hopped right into this. Winds Of the Storm is different from the other books in the series, and while it’s my least favourite – I still really enjoyed it.

Archer was seriously fantastic. He was funny, romance and just made me smile. The banter he had with his brothers was brilliant and added another layer to his book. As the novel went on I loved that we got to know more and more about Archer. This book made me laugh a lot and it was mostly because of Archer.

Zahra was such an interesting character. I wasn’t expecting to like her as such as I did, but as the novel went on. I like her even more and more. She was fascinating and wasn’t like other female leads that I had read before. Zahra stands out to me from other characters and I loved that. I also love the friendships that she has throughout the book. They made me smile a lot.

The romance in this one was adorable and steamy. And it was just fantastic. I loved these two together. Especially there no strings attached thing that turns into something more. They both swore they wouldn’t fall for one another and then they did and I loved it.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Winds Of the Storm, a lot. The romance was different and engaging. And both protagonists grabbed me from the start. I loved being back with the Le Veq family. They are seriously a blast. If you haven’t picked up this series, please do. It’s fantastic.

Have you read any of these yet? What did you think of them? Are you planning on reading them? What are some of your favourite historical romances with strong, quick-witted female leads? Let’s Chat!

Book Review: The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros

Aug 26, 2020

The Reality of Everything (Flight & Glory #5) by Rebecca Yarros

Pages: 470
Publish date: 388
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace
ISBN: 9781649370211
Purchase: – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – Nook – Kobo

Two years after the man she loved was killed in Afghanistan, Morgan Bartley is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. The reno on her dilapidated beach house in the Outer Banks might be just the distraction she needs to keep her debilitating anxiety attacks at bay and begin to heal her heart…if she can ignore the ridiculously handsome guy next door.

At twenty-eight, single-dad Jackson Montgomery’s life revolves around his five-year-old daughter and his job as a search-and-rescue pilot for the coast guard. He’s no stranger to saving a damsel in distress, and though his gorgeous new neighbor is clearly in distress, she’s no damsel. She’s stubborn as hell with walls a mile thick, and the dog tags hanging from her rearview mirror give him a pretty good clue as to why.

It doesn’t matter that their attraction is undeniable―she swore she’d never fall for another pilot, let alone a military man. There are some wounds time can’t heal, and some fears too consuming to conquer.

She’s a barely breathing heartbreak on the edge of recovery.
He’s a crash waiting to happen.
Together they could have it all…if they can endure the coming storm.

The Reality of Everything:

I received an earc of The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about this book.

I just want to make a quick note, there will be spoilers from previous books in this series, especially Hallowed Ground. I tried to keep spoilers from this book minimal though.

The Reality of Everything follows Morgan Bartley as she tries to move on with life. She is trying to put all the pieces back together after losing the man that she loved. But the ride hasn’t been easy, not even a little bit. When Morgan moves to the Outer Banks, she wants a start fresh. But the grief she still feels two years later is consuming. And then she meets single father, Jackson Montgomery. She doesn’t want to fall for him. She can’t. But sometimes life isn’t always that easy. Especially Jackson is another pilot and Morgan swore she was going to stay away from them.

Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash

Morgan is such an easy protagonist to get along with from the start. I don’t know if it’s because readers have known her from previous books. Or that she is such easy to like. But I love that we finally got her book – though it did hurt. A lot. 2 years after the events of Hallowed Ground, Morgan is still reeling with grief. She doesn’t know what to do with herself. But moving might be the answer. And while she does feel a little more free, her grief still consumers her. However as the novel goes on, the reader can see Morgan grow and learn. She starts to let go. I adored seeing this character growth in Morgan, especially from the first few books.

Jackson was such a fantastic make protagonist. Seriously. Like all the males in this series, they have a lot of passion and that worked in Jackson’s favour. I think Jackson has become one of my favourite male protagonist in this series – ah! He was just so nice. If that makes any sense at all. I can’t even explain it properly, I just enjoyed reading him.

Jackson wasn’t expecting Morgan to come into his life. He has his beautiful daughter and a job that he loves. But the spark between the two is present from the start. But Jackson understands that Morgan has been through a lot. He understands. Morgan doesn’t want anything to do with Jackson, but both he and his little girl have wormed their ways into her heart. There are many ups and downs between Morgan and Jackson throughout The Reality of Everything. And while there was a little miscommunication, it didn’t upset me like it normally would. I adored these two together, they understood one another without even realising they did.

Photo by Jared Lisack on Unsplash

Family and friendship is a massive part of The Reality of Everything. I love reading single fathers in romances and Rebecca Yarros was able to do it exceptionally well here. The relationship between the two was adorable and I loved not only the scenes between Jackson and his daughter but also Morgan. They all fit together so well.

This was a hard read not going to lie. I cried for most of the book. If there is one thing that I can say about this book is that Rebecca Yarros knows how to write grief. She knows how to dig deep and make you feel everything that the characters are feeling. One of the things that I loved about The Reality of Everything and Morgan’s grief was that it wasn’t fixed by love. Morgan had to work to get past the grief and breath a little better. Love didn’t fix anything, but it helped Morgan strive for more.

Grief and friendship are explored throughout The Reality of Everything, but there are a few scenes that stick out to me. They were not easy to read at all. I could feel all the pain from each of the characters. And because Morgan kept a lot of her feelings inside, when they did come out it was…explosive and gosh I just wanted to hug them all. The tension between Morgan and Paisley was raw and real and damn it hurt. Both of them didn’t talk with one another and that was the cause for a lot of the tension. I do wish we were able to see them connect just a little bit more though.

Like a classic Rebecca Yarros, there are some pretty intense moments throughout The Reality of Everything and the intensity was high for sure. But she can write them so naturally that it doesn’t feel out of place.

Photo by Joe Yates on Unsplash

Overall The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros was a fantastic read. I cried, I laughed and I smiled. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and written exceptionally well. It’s the perfect way to end this series and wrap up all those ends that we wanted to know. The Reality of Everything explored grief, family, and friendship. It looks at moving, falling in love, and remembering.

If you haven’t picked up the Flight and Glory series, please do. They are tough to read but they are also beautiful military romance series that explores the good and the bad.

Have you read The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros yet? What did you think of it? Will you read this one? Have you read the rest of the series? Let’s Chat!