Ever After Always (Bergman Brothers, #3) by Chloe Liese

Dec 11, 2020 EmBibliophile rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars

5 stars

This may be the best marriage in crises story I’ve ever read! I rarely pick second chance romances because I’m such a cynical human being and I kinda don’t believe in them, but this book made even a cynical like me feel things! And oh how I felt every single emotion! That’s why Chloe Liese became an auto read author for me. To write a book like that? She’s just amazing. Seriously if you haven’t picked this series yet, do yourself a favour and check it out!

”We can’t possible h

5 stars

This may be the best marriage in crises story I’ve ever read! I rarely pick second chance romances because I’m such a cynical human being and I kinda don’t believe in them, but this book made even a cynical like me feel things! And oh how I felt every single emotion! That’s why Chloe Liese became an auto read author for me. To write a book like that? She’s just amazing. Seriously if you haven’t picked this series yet, do yourself a favour and check it out!

”We can’t possible hope to always live ‘happily’. But ‘ever after’? That we can hope for and choose. Because ‘ever after’ isn’t an idea. It’s a person—an imperfect person who’s perfect for you.” Her eyes search mine as she gives me one soft, tender kiss.
“You’re that person, for me. You’re my ever after.”

I’m not even in a relationship and I’ve learned so much from those characters. This couple is my goal. My idols. I wanna be them when I grow up. I wanna have that. That special kind of communication they reached. How both of them owned their mistakes instead of just blaming the each other. How they were not perfect, but still they were willing to actually try instead of just being stubborn, saying I’m done, or keep on hating each other. How neither of them was actually wrong, they just weren’t on the same wavelength for some time and that’s okay. All their problems came from really good intentions. And even in their lowest times, I could still feel their love.

The representations were just perfect. How Aiden talks about his anxiety. I felt that on a deeper level. He was just so good and so vulnerable and I just wanted to set and hug him for hours. I loved him. And how Freya talked about her body and her feelings. She’s just so freakin amazing. i loved seeing them willing to try to make things work. Everything about this book is so relatable and so real and just so beautiful. The whole series is nothing less than perfect. Oh and I loved seeing the whole Bergman family again!! This family is the best!

I almost cried when I read that we’re finally getting Axel’s book next!!! And that last scene? I’m already jumping from excitement!!

Huge Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy. ...more

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Oct 22, 2020 preoccupiedbybooks rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Happy publishing day!!

description

The second chance marriage story that I have been waiting for!

This amazing book had:
🌴A marriage in crisis,
🌴Slow burn lurrrve,
🌴Anxiety rep,
🌴A curvy goddess,
🌴Forced proximity on a family holiday, with meddling siblings! 🙌

Ever After Always is the third book in the Bergman series by Chloe Liese, and it was my favourite one so far! I apologise if this is a rambly mess, I couldn't even read my notes 😂

Freya and Aidan deeply love each other, but their relationship is in trouble, c ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Phuong ✯ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars-love-it-to-the-moon, arc-to-review, books-read-in-2020, second-time-s-the-charm, marriage-in-crisis, cry-me-a-river, best-family-moments

Me November 2019: I don't like the trope when the couple is already established and married. I like to see the developement of a relationship, how two people meet for the first time, form a connection and not when the couple is already together for years and try to fix their marriage.

Me December 2020: After reading several marriage-in-crisis books and loving them all (You Deserve Each Other, All Your Perfects & Happily Ever Ninja). It's save to say that this trope is one of my favorite tropes t ...more

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Oct 13, 2020 menna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-releases, arcs

If you know me, you’d probably know that the marriage-in-crisis trope is one of my all time favorite tropes! Or basically any time an established couple go through a rough patch and they try to find their way back to each other, because while the happily ever after or better yet, as Freya called it the ever after always is still there but you get to see what relationships are like once you get past that honeymoon phase and i love how real it feels!!!

I’ve learned that the measure of your love

If you know me, you’d probably know that the marriage-in-crisis trope is one of my all time favorite tropes! Or basically any time an established couple go through a rough patch and they try to find their way back to each other, because while the happily ever after or better yet, as Freya called it the ever after always is still there but you get to see what relationships are like once you get past that honeymoon phase and i love how real it feels!!!

I’ve learned that the measure of your love isn’t how “okay” you both are or how quickly you hit the curveball that life throws at you. Love’s true test, the measure of its strength, is its bravery to be honest, its willingness to face the hardest moments and say, Even though there’s nothing to be done, at least i have you.

THAT QUOTE!!! This was one of my favorite quotes in the whole book, because besides the fact that it’s so beautiful!! it simply describes Freya and Aiden perfectly. More towards the end than at the beginning, but watching them go from trying to hide things from the other to protect them to reaching the “we’ll do it together” is so beautiful i loved watching them grow so much!! You can see how much they care and love each other from the start and the fact that them being in a fight never stopped that for them is just aaaaaaaa so beautiful!

Also get you a person who’ll read a book out loud to you and cry with you when the book gets too sad!!!!

I loved the family moments, I love how much the bregman brothers tried to make Aiden feel like one of them and that they are here for him, every bonding day was so hilarious and so sweet!!

Somewhere along the way, you forgot the day you became Freya’s, you became ours, too

I can’t wait to get the rest of the family’s stories. There’s not anyone i dislike or i think has a very surface lever character, Chloe liese makes sure to include snippets here and there of each side character that they feel very real!!

The representation was great!! Especially Aiden’s because it’s the one I can personally speak for. How he talks about anxiety or when he tries to explain what it feels like just made me feel so seen. I loved how he’s surrounded by people who love him and are so understanding without making him feel guilty for it. I also loved Freya’s talks about her body image and her feelings about how she has to be extra vocal about how much she loves her body or other people think that she doesn't like it or trying to lose weight.

The next book is Axel and Rooney’s!!!! I feel like I've been waiting forever for their book!! I'm so excited for it!!!

thanks to netgalley for approving me for the arc!!! ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, 5-star-romance, romance, 5-star-reads, kindle-unlimited, marriage-in-crisis

5 STARS

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

“It’s a choice, a belief, I choose you, my Ever After, believing our love will sustain us, always. Ever After Always.”

The marriage in crisis trope is god tier and severely underrated.

Aiden and Freya have been married for almost ten years and whilst they both unendingly love each other, from the stresses of trying for a baby and Aiden’s attempts to prepare for that resulting in cr ...more

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Dec 10, 2020 Nilufer Ozmekik rated it it was amazing

Oh boy, I’m addicted to this series! Each book is genuine , honest, heartwarming, funny, smart, memorable!

Chloe Liese is brave and skilled author to bring life to neurodiverse, unique, quirky but connectable and adorable characters! You don’t just like them or feel sympathy for them, you feel like they’re huge part of your family or your real close friends. You just want to hug them tight, knitting colorful Christmas sweaters for them!
Ms. Liese reflects their lives, their flaws, mistakes, the Oh boy, I’m addicted to this series! Each book is genuine , honest, heartwarming, funny, smart, memorable!

Chloe Liese is brave and skilled author to bring life to neurodiverse, unique, quirky but connectable and adorable characters! You don’t just like them or feel sympathy for them, you feel like they’re huge part of your family or your real close friends. You just want to hug them tight, knitting colorful Christmas sweaters for them!
Ms. Liese reflects their lives, their flaws, mistakes, their antics, character defaults so genuinely! You quickly accept all of them, yearning for their happiness!

This time she wrote about long time married couple which was not an ideal topic choice for romance books because we get used to read the marriage at the end of those novels as if marrying with someone is the finish line, a satisfying epilogue, true end of fairy tale with happily ever after cliches! But as we know in true life, marriage is not the ending ! It is the just the trailers you watch before the real movie starts!

The story of Freya and Aiden is about long time married couple suffering from estrangement and communication problems! Aiden wants to give his energetic, kind hearted wife the beautiful life she deserves, he wants to give her a baby she has been yearning for! But bringing a new life to world comes with its cost! Aiden has to plan everything financially! This is a huge step for their lives! He tries to deal with his anxiety issues, throwing tantrums because he wants to provide financially fulfilled life to his family. He starts to build more walls between him and his wife! Freya finally thinks enough is enough, kicking him out!

Marriage counseling didn’t fix their problems when two of them reject to talk about real issues! Joining the celebration of Freya’s parents longtime marriage at the island is the last resort to save their marriage! Freya needs to bring out the big guns if she really wants to save her marriage: she needs her brothers’ intervention!

Yassssss! My favorite characters are back! They’re all set to save these lovely people from miscommunication and ruining their marriage!

I loved both Aiden and Freya! I truly invest in their relationship. Their undeniable, sweet chemistry was probably the best thing to give you hopes they never fall out love!

The blurb’s definition as All your perfects meets Bromance Book Club is partly true! But I have to confess, I liked Bergman brothers more than bookish boys’ series! Okay, I admit it! And even though “All your perfects” was one of my favorite Colho novels, I found Aiden and Freya’s story more realistic, hopeful, heartwarming, honest! There was no unnecessary angst or extra drama! That’s what I easily resonated both of them!

As like the other books I’m giving five blazing Swedish, great sense of humor, we don’t need HEA, we just need stability and better communication stars!

I bought these books to all my friends and kept pushing them to read for creating a huge fan circle for Bergman brothers! ( this time sister)
I cannot wait to read the next installment! I hope they never end!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for sharing this amazing arc copy with me in exchange my honest opinions. ...more

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Dec 17, 2020 Angelica rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, arc, contemporary, read-2020, release-2021

This is the third book in this series and so far, I am absolutely loving them. These books just feel so honest, the characters feel so real, their struggles so valid and realistic. It truly is a pleasure to read about the Bergman family and their love stories.

This particular book follows the oldest Bergman sibling, Freya, as she and her husband Aidan try to desperately bring their marriage back from the brink of collapse. And I gotta say, I really like romance novels told from the point of view ...more

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Dec 23, 2020 Antonella rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-most-anticipated-book, arc, slow-burn, fav-side-characters

book playlist

SERIES: no.3 in Bergman Brothers series ( can be read as standalone)
RELEASE DATE: January 12th, 2021
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: marriage in crisis
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: anxiety
HOTTIE METER: 2

If you still haven't discovered a new unique voice in the contemporary romance that is Chloe Liese, well what are you waiting for?! In the new installment, we get a story of the eldest Bergman, Freya, and her marriage in trouble with her college sweetheart Aiden.
Filled with a ...more

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Dec 08, 2020 Pavlina Read more sleep less blog rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

This was heartwarming and sweet . REVIEW TO COME SOON!

...more

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Dec 13, 2020 susana ♡ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, dream-couples, 2020, adult-romance

arc kindly provided by the publisher via netgalley

if i had to describe this story with one word, it would be vulnerable. it’s really hard to portray feelings as well as chloe does. when you read her books, you can totally understand what her characters are feeling, and in this book’s case, it was raw and emotional and heartfelt.

aiden and freya’s marriage is going through a rough patch and it ends up imploding. i love marriage in crisis books, and this one delivered. it shows how important commun ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Juli rated it it was amazing

5 stars

ARC provided for an honest review.

description

"People whose love lasts, whose love grows and endures, choose each other in the unhappily ever after, the dark moments, not just the dazzling ones."

Ever After Always is the 3rd book in the Bergman Brothers series and it's a second chance romance that focuses on a married couple going through a marital crisis. The book tell us what could happen a few years after the HEA if there is lack of comunication and if you hurt each other even without meaning t ...more

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Oct 12, 2020 ❆Rushna❆ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, anticipated-2021-releases, arcs

I’m so invested in this series! Each book keeps getting better and I adore the Bergman family so much! (I need Viggo and Oliver’s books asap please🥺)

Freya and Aiden are absolutely adorable and I loved how Chloe Liese portrayed such a realistic relationship while showing all their ups and downs. The rep for anxiety and body image in this was excellent and I’m glad it was explored in the context of the main characters. This book made me feel so many things from laughter to sadness because once I ...more

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Dec 11, 2020 jordane rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, favorite-couples, arcs, read-in-2020, 2020-favorites

“We can’t possibly hope to always live ‘happily.’ But ‘ever after’? That we can hope for and choose. Because ‘ever after’ isn’t an idea. It’s a person—an imperfect person who’s perfect for you.” Her eyes search mine as she gives me one soft, tender kiss. “You’re that person, for me. You’re my ever after.”

Freya and Aiden have been married for almost ten years and their love is admired and envied by the rest of the Bergman clan. However, behind closed doors, Freya and Aiden’s marriage has been ...more

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Jan 03, 2021 Jenn (The Book Refuge) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2021

*Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is so hard to review. But I will tell you, its 5 stars for me. I can say that with no doubt in my mind. This is also the first book in the series that I read. I kept meaning to read about the other 2 Bergmans before I jumped into this one, but I ran out of time and I just jumped straight into Ever After Always. I could tell who the couples were and I actually enjoyed seeing them quite a bit and I *Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is so hard to review. But I will tell you, its 5 stars for me. I can say that with no doubt in my mind. This is also the first book in the series that I read. I kept meaning to read about the other 2 Bergmans before I jumped into this one, but I ran out of time and I just jumped straight into Ever After Always. I could tell who the couples were and I actually enjoyed seeing them quite a bit and I look forward to reading their book.

This is so hard to review because I felt like I was living this couples life with them. It felt so heartbreaking to see the troubles these two were going through. I could tell how much they longed for each other and how much they wanted it all to be better, but they just couldn't get out of their own way.

Aiden grew up very poor and he feels so honored and proud to have this fierce warrior woman as his wife. He is literally killing himself to prepare them financially and be a success for their future family. He is drowning under the weight of his own expectations and it has gotten in the way of their intimacy as a couple, in a few ways, and slowly starving them of oxygen.

Freya loves her husband, but she feels like Aiden isn't the same as he was even a year ago. She feels rejected in favor of his work, starved for intimacy and it has led her to kick him out. She doesn't want to give up on him, but he won't even speak to her for them to figure it out.

This leads them to try couples counselling for their issues and to see if they can connect again. They still desire each other and love one another, but if they can't share their feelings and vulnerabilities… they are not going to make it.

This being the first introduction to the Bergmans for me, I didn't see if they have shown the deterioration of this relationship in the previous books, but I bet it was so painful to see here. To feel the space between them and know they both want to breech it but don't know how.

I absolutely love second chance romances or marriages in trouble. Because I love when a relationship is shown to change and grow so that they can come back together. The situations shown in this book, including the anxiety Aiden feels and the insecurities that Freya has felt so real! It just hurts so much.

I loved seeing a man's anxiety and need to provide shown in a very realistic way. He has a past that is going to effect him and his future family if he doesn’t address this. I liked that it showed how it would effect his sex drive and overwhelm him.

I also liked that Freya was a confident woman, she is curvy and loves herself but that doesn't mean she is on top of it 100% of the time. And I liked that the author acknowledges you still need to be reminded that you are desirable from your significant other.

My one detractor to the marriage counselling is that they had 1 session (eye roll), then went on vacation and came back "fixed". Now it was very emotional and they did talk a LOT on this trip, but I still want to say that I wish they showed a few more therapy sessions along the way.

Anyway. This was charming and painful, and sexy and sweet. If you have read the other 2 I'm sure this will be a home run for you too. Because it was for me without any other context than just this book. ...more

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Dec 09, 2020 Kari Ann Sweeney rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, 2020, advanced-reader-copy

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of EVER AFTER ALWAYS (Pub Date 1.12.21) It hit my inbox at my bedtime and I thought "Sleep can wait. This cannot." I dove in and then only came up for air when I had to. It was fabulous.

“But I love someone who’s shown me that love doesn’t give second chances because we’ve earned them. Love gives second chances because it believes the best in who we are.”

Ever After Always revolves around Aiden and Freya, a married couple who are dealing with real rela Thank you to the author for the gifted copy of EVER AFTER ALWAYS (Pub Date 1.12.21) It hit my inbox at my bedtime and I thought "Sleep can wait. This cannot." I dove in and then only came up for air when I had to. It was fabulous.

“But I love someone who’s shown me that love doesn’t give second chances because we’ve earned them. Love gives second chances because it believes the best in who we are.”

Ever After Always revolves around Aiden and Freya, a married couple who are dealing with real relationship issues both as a couple and individually. I don't see a lot of married couples who are front & center in romances. I think it's really hard to pull off. But Chloe totally nailed it because this story was authentic, genuine and so full of heart. Relationships are tough and marriage is it's own unique beast. Aiden and Freya's story is realistic and tough, but there is an underlying thread of love, humor, and hijinks that balances out the heft.

WHAT I LOVE:
* Chloe writes stories that include underrepresented, neurodiverse characters. We need more of this. Ever After Always includes anxiety, addiction and estrangement.
* Spotify Playlists: Each chapter starts with a song that is linked to the story. I've been listening to the playlists on repeat for months.
* Compulsively readable. I couldn't put it down.
* Steam- Aiden and Freya are working on their marriage, but there is still smoke and with smoke- you know. . . ⁣🍆🍆🍆🍆
* The characters that make up this series feel like people I know in my life- messy and wonderful, frustrating and fearless, ridiculous and relatable. I am rooting for them from page one.
* As soon as I turn the last page I immediately go back to my favorite passages because I'm never quite done with the Bergman's.

FWIW-
I inhaled the first two books in the Bergman Brothers series- ONLY WHEN IT'S US and ALWAYS ONLY YOU (Bergman Brothers #1 & #2) back-to-back in quick succession last summer. This latest title can be a stand-alone, but I'd encourage you to read them all. I paid cash $ for my copies (twice- Kindle and paperback.) However, they are available free with Kindle Unlimited. ...more

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Dec 14, 2020 Azraa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, arcs, romance, series

I didn’t think I would ever enjoy a marriage romance as much as I enjoyed this one! I love the Bergman family and anything and everything I get about them is a gift.

Freya and Aiden have been married for almost ten years now but Freya has been unhappy in their marriage since the past six months. Aiden is more absent than ever and she has never felt this distant with no clue as how to fix it.
Aiden suffers from anxiety due to the way he was brought up. He tries his best to overcome it but someday ...more

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Dec 19, 2020 nick (the infinite limits of love) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-books-i-love, adult, december-2020, contemporary, arc

UGH. THE BEST.
Fantastic anxiety rep and a realistic look into a marriage-in-crisis.

RTC

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Oct 12, 2020 Greyland Reviews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, 5-stars

4.5 stars
ARC provided by author for honest review
First off, this book was hard to read. not in the grammatical sense but, in a emotional one. I just wanted Freya and Aiden to be happy through out the whole book(which did not happen) and not see what they had to go through. Trust me, there are some pretty hilarious scenes (a Parrot may or may not be sing a 2020 classic) and some heartwarming ones also.
Trigger Warnings: absent parent, anxiety, alcoholism, and mentions of postpartum depression

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Dec 17, 2020 abire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-favorites, books-to-buy, favorite-couples, favorites, side-ships, favorite-new-adult, favorite-female-friendships

“We can’t possibly hope to always live ‘happily.’ But ‘ever after’? That we can hope for and choose. Because ‘ever after’ isn’t an idea. It’s a person—an imperfect person who’s perfect for you.” Her eyes search mine as she gives me one soft, tender kiss. “You’re that person, for me. You’re my ever after.”

Oh my BERGMANS.

Honestly, I feel like every review I've written about this series sounds like a broken record about how much these books made me fall in love, with both the romances i ...more

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Dec 14, 2020 Stefan Eveline rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, 5-stars-2020

For more reviews, you can follow me here: http://www.onebookreview.com/

I received this ARC from the author for an honest review. Thank you, Chloe Liese!

Ever After Always is the third book in the series Bergman Brothers by Chloe Liese. This is my second book read by this author but she becomes an auto-read author for me. Ever Always After in a marriage-in-crisis story and I loved every page of this story.

Love’s true test, the measure of its strength, is its bravery to be honest, its willingness For more reviews, you can follow me here: http://www.onebookreview.com/

I received this ARC from the author for an honest review. Thank you, Chloe Liese!

Ever After Always is the third book in the series Bergman Brothers by Chloe Liese. This is my second book read by this author but she becomes an auto-read author for me. Ever Always After in a marriage-in-crisis story and I loved every page of this story.

Love’s true test, the measure of its strength, is its bravery to be honest, its willingness to face the hardest moments and say, Even though there’s nothing to be done, at least I have you.

Freya and Aiden have been married for nearly ten years, they still love each other but they have problems in marriage. Freya and Aiden want a baby and they are ready for this change. Aiden is a man who wants to be able to provide for his family and for that, he worked more than he usually works and he forgot that the most important thing in his life is his wife Freya.

“People whose love lasts, whose love grows and endures, choose each other in the unhappily ever after, the dark moments, not just the dazzling ones.”

Freya needs her husband to be present in their life and to be the man she loves. She needs his love, his words, and his praise. They both realized that have problems in marriage but they didn’t want to give up on their marriage and they decided to go to see a counselor in marriage. I loved that they don’t blame each other for their problems and they were sincere and vulnerable and they admitted that both made mistakes. I loved how they talked about their problems and supported each other through their issues. I loved that they were willing to communicate and to learn from their mistakes.

Its a choice, a belief, I choose you, my Ever After, believing our love will sustain us, always. Ever After Always.

I loved this book and the couple Freya and Aiden. Ever After Always is a real story, with real characters and real situations. I loved Freya’s family because they were funny and loving. I can’t wait to read Axel’s story. Ever After Always by Chloe Liese is a wonderful story with amazing characters and I recommend to everyone this story. Bergman Brother it’s really an amazing series and I recommend it to everyone. ...more

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Dec 07, 2020 Cassie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: anticipated-releases, arc, fiction, read-in-2020, romance, contemporary, favorites

#1 Only When It's Us ★★★★★
#2 Always Only You ★★★★★
#3 Ever After Always ★★★★★

{Thank you to Chloe Liese for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.}

AAAAAAAGH (heart eyes) I'm SO invested in this family!!! This is by FAR my favorite book family. EVER. Their witty banter, devotion, understanding of each other's needs and limitations, and general hijinx are a recipe for the family you all want to be born - or married - into.

If you've come for a flighty, feel-good-only romcom, yo #1 Only When It's Us ★★★★★
#2 Always Only You ★★★★★
#3 Ever After Always ★★★★★

{Thank you to Chloe Liese for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.}

AAAAAAAGH (heart eyes) I'm SO invested in this family!!! This is by FAR my favorite book family. EVER. Their witty banter, devotion, understanding of each other's needs and limitations, and general hijinx are a recipe for the family you all want to be born - or married - into.

If you've come for a flighty, feel-good-only romcom, you'll be mistaken and will have to dig a little deeper into your feels with this marriage-in-crisis romance. Ever After Always brings the issues, and I mean that in the best.possible.freaking.way. If you want to read about the REALNESS of marriage after the haze of lust has worn off, this is it. I empathized with and cried for both Freya and Aiden as they dealt with their issues separately, and then together.

Chloe Liese also tackles some (even) heavier topics - anxiety, parental addiction and estrangement. It's so HARD to read about what anxiety does to your mind, body, and relationships. But, since I struggle with the same issues as Aiden, I felt seen and understood - less alone. And wow, is that an amazing thing to have. Growing up, I never saw myself accurately depicted in any books. THIS ONE. Yes! It's humbling to see yourself on the page, but also so welcoming, and I'm so here for normalizing these struggles.

Chloe Liese does her research, and it shows. From a carefully curated and mood-enducing Spotify playlist to go along with each chapter, to nods to Greek mythology, the classics, and some regency romance - she covers it all. It adds so many layers to her tender story. I adore the nod to Jane Austen's Persuasion (the best of Austen's writing, IMHO). Hurting each other emotionally, and finding a way back - ugh, ultimate SWOON!

If you love The Bromance series, this Bergman Brothers series is for you. Grown men/brothers who challenge each other emotionally, read romance novels, and cause some serious mischief? YesPlease!

If nothing else, read this book (and series) for the vulnerability, brotherly shenanigans, and a very foul mouthed parrot! You'll go from cackling-laughing, to ugly crying and will love every dang minute of it!

I can't flippin' WAIT to read Axel and Rooney's story - it's going to be amazing and so smoldery, I can tell. ...more

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Dec 05, 2020 Wendy rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

Thank you to Chloe Lisese for a gifted copy of this book. I flew through it within a day because it was so good!

If you are looking for a feel good rom com, this is not going to be it. But if you want the real shit that comes with a relationship/marriage, pick this one up. It was an emotional read for me and I cried for Aiden and Freya several times; but I loved seeing them grow and learn to work things out together. I don't suffer from anxiety disorder so I couldn't relate to Aiden but the way C ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 Anjali (bookstersisters) rated it liked it

This book had all the ingredients to make me fall in love. Written by an author I have come to love, with an amazing hero who just burrows into your heart with all his vulnerabilities, an angsty romance and a wonderful bickering family of side characters. But unfortunately, even with all of that, I couldn’t really get into this book. One of the reason is Freya, who I just couldn’t connect with. The other main reason is the angst which was supposed to fill me with all the feels but failed to deli ...more

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Dec 14, 2020 Megan Stillwell (queenbee_reads) rated it it was amazing

Holy moly! This book spoke to my SOUL. I laughed. I cried. I rooted for Aiden & Freya, and I cursed them for being stubborn and obstinate. My love for the whole Bergman clan grows with each book in the series. It was so refreshing to read a book about an already married couple navigating through the ups and downs of wedded "bliss." Chloe's writing is so inclusive and beautiful. I truly can't wait to see where she takes us next! ...more

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Dec 13, 2020 Jeeves Reads Romance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-arcs

Want to know what I did the SECOND I finished this book? Grabbed the first two books in the series, because this was OUTSTANDING. It’s a love letter to marriage, best understood by those who’ve been in one, but no less powerful if you haven’t. It’s difficult and heart-wrenching, raw and real, and the progress this couple makes is so powerful. The storyline probably won’t be for everyone, but the journey is absolutely worth it - especially because of how good you'll feel by the end. This is my fi Want to know what I did the SECOND I finished this book? Grabbed the first two books in the series, because this was OUTSTANDING. It’s a love letter to marriage, best understood by those who’ve been in one, but no less powerful if you haven’t. It’s difficult and heart-wrenching, raw and real, and the progress this couple makes is so powerful. The storyline probably won’t be for everyone, but the journey is absolutely worth it - especially because of how good you'll feel by the end. This is my first time reading something by this author, and you can guarantee it won’t be the last.

The story follows Freya and Aiden, a married couple who have been together for over a decade. Their once-solid relationship seems to be crumbling, and things have gotten so bad that all communication has broken down. Aiden doesn't realize that his marriage is even in jeopardy until his wife packs his bags. It's a startling wakeup call that makes him a little desperate to put the pieces back together. But no matter how much love there is between them, there's no fixing this marriage until all of their cards are on the table. When a family vacation forces Freya and Aiden to come together, they realize that they've got to put in a whole lot of work if there's any hope of a future for them.

I loved how honest this is. It takes two people to make a marriage work, and love is not enough to keep things going. Freya and Aiden are both genuinely good people who love each other - and I'm talking about the kind of deep love that only comes from years spent getting to know someone. I felt for both of them, and I really appreciated that neither one was "at fault" for bringing them to this point. They've both got things they need to work on, and they've let those things spiral out of control, but there's nothing that's insurmountable. The build in intimacy is a thing of beauty, and the author does an excellent job showcasing that. There's a subtlety that works, and I loved all of those quieter moments. It's the kind of slow burn that's necessary, building back up the emotional connection before things turn physical - though there are plenty of sexy moments on the way there.

I'm definitely going to read the first two books in the series now. It's not necessary to read the series in order, but there are some great family scenes that would make more of an impact with a better understanding of each character's personality. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this marriage in trouble romance. ...more

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Dec 27, 2020 Anika | Chapters of May rated it really liked it

I was drawn to this book because of how much I enjoyed its prequel, Always Only You, and the "marriage in crisis" trope in The Bromance Book Club. There's something about that kind of happily ever after that is especially heart-warming to read.

Freya and Aiden are married, but falling apart. Their love runs deep, but stress and insecurity has put distance between them. A Bergman Family vacation takes them to Hawaii, where they must figure out if their “ever after always” is worth fighting for.

Ch I was drawn to this book because of how much I enjoyed its prequel, Always Only You, and the "marriage in crisis" trope in The Bromance Book Club. There's something about that kind of happily ever after that is especially heart-warming to read.

Freya and Aiden are married, but falling apart. Their love runs deep, but stress and insecurity has put distance between them. A Bergman Family vacation takes them to Hawaii, where they must figure out if their “ever after always” is worth fighting for.

Chloe Liese writes with an honestly that’s both touching and uplifting. Even though the characters are on the brink of collapse, there’s a warm and hopeful tone to the narrative that I really appreciated. It encourages you, as a reader, to route for Freya and Aiden’s marriage.

The characters are diversely complex. Aiden's anxiety was a really interesting layer to his character and I love the way Liese portrayed his mindset. Like many people who were raised by struggling single parents, he has a constant fear of financial uncertainty. His mental state wasn't wrapped in an extensive paragraph of psychology jargon, but represented in a realistic and relatable manner. The same goes for Freya’s insecurities around her image. And alongside that, the author breaks down toxic masculinity and its effect on men today. But every depth is explored with sensitivity that makes it enjoyable to read.

Marriage and commitment is a major theme in this novel, and it's broken down really well. Imperfect people will always clash at some point, but the author does a great job at balancing the voices in this novel. Both Freya and Aiden have strengths and flaws, and I could see both sides without leaning one way or the other.

While I did find the pace to be a little slow in the beginning, the trip to Hawaii and the charm of the characters ended up making Ever After Always an endearing and engaging read.

For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram 📚✨ ...more

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Jan 01, 2021 Becky Burrier rated it it was amazing

For my Full review please check out Bookcaseandcoffee.com

Aidan and Freya have been married almost 10 years. But in the last 6 months at a time when they were thinking of starting a family, things start to fall apart for them. Freya makes the very hard choice to ask Aidan to leave, to give them space to figure out what they need to be happy.
The story starts with Aidan returning home. Their problems are still there but he now realizes things must change. Aidan has so many demons he is dragging al For my Full review please check out Bookcaseandcoffee.com

Aidan and Freya have been married almost 10 years. But in the last 6 months at a time when they were thinking of starting a family, things start to fall apart for them. Freya makes the very hard choice to ask Aidan to leave, to give them space to figure out what they need to be happy.
The story starts with Aidan returning home. Their problems are still there but he now realizes things must change. Aidan has so many demons he is dragging along with him that it is hard for him to live in the moment and be fully committed with out all the worries. A rough upbringing by a single mom Aidan thinks it is his job to protect everyone. To be the provider and make sure he and Freya never struggle. In hopes of providing a cushion for his soon to be family Aidan is working himself to distraction. Trying to everything for everyone all the while failing Freya and himself.
Freya is just simply unhappy. She feels her husband slipping away, in all ways. There is no more intimacy between them. He doesn’t seem engaged in conversation. Constantly on the phone or working. All this coincides with their choice for Frey to go off birth control and start a family. With here happiness in the balance, she needs a moment to gather her thoughts, she asks Aidan to leave.
As Aidan returns home Freya is caught up in the wonderful family Antics of her family. A surprise family trip to Hawaii to celebrate her Parents’ Wedding Anniversary. Has Freya trying to hide her floundering marriage. This book has the perfect balance of tears and laughter. The Bergman brothers stuck their noses where they didn’t belong but that is family.

This was a very different kind of romance and not something we often see a marriage in crisis. The Story of a married couple trying to find their way back to each other. This book is real and raw and full of so much emotion I lost count of the number of times I cried. I felt every one of Freya and Aiden’s emotions as they tried to repair their marriage. The genuineness of these characters and their feelings is incredible. Liese has a special gift in her writing. So many of our romances end with the marriage and never show the other side of the HEA. An HEA is a start not an end. There is so much work that goes into keeping your HEA. This was a beautiful glimpse into the struggle of love and marriage. This book shows us that the Ever After is Always. This book is extraordinary.

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Dec 05, 2020 Twice Upon A Book rated it it was amazing

Shelves: vacation-romance, only-one-bed, cinnamon-roll, marriage-in-trouble

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I have read and loved the two previous stories in this series. I do think that this could be read alone, but you will get so much more having read the two previous books which are amazing.

I would recommend if you are looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f marriage in trouble
-only one bed
-vacation romance
-a rap loving parrot
-a heck of a Twister game
-so many Bergman brothers antics
-slow burn but with so much sexual tension

Before I get to Frey ...more

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Dec 31, 2020 TeriLyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-favorites, arc

**Ever After Always generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

5 "It was as simple as that." Stars

Despite the quote I chose above, Ever After Always is a complex story woven with the utmost care, compassion, honesty, and maturity. So many elements of this book felt so real that I related instantly and felt as though I was learning a little something too. The importance of commitment and the honor one holds when they take their marriage vows was omni-pre ...more

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Dec 31, 2020 Alison (alisonsoverbooked) Shoepe rated it it was amazing

My favorite book of 2020! GO. READ. THIS. BOOK! Preorder it now, set a reminder for release day, whatever you do, just read it!
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This book is real and raw and full of so much emotion I lost count of the number of times I cried. I felt every one of Freya and Aiden’s emotions as they tried to repair their marriage. The genuineness of these characters and their feelings is incredible! ⁣
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The Bergman antics are still alive and well in this book, not to worry! There was a laughter/tears balance through ...more

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