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booksbutmakeitgay's review against another edition
3.75
Ren is such a sweetheart!
*content warnings: chronic illness, disability rep, mental health, hp special interest*
*content warnings: chronic illness, disability rep, mental health, hp special interest*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Mental illness, Blood, Chronic illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Eating disorder
jillkaarlela's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Taylor Swift songs: “I think he knows”, “king of my heart”!!!
Tropes: dual-pov, reverse grumpy-sunshine, inter-abled couple, secret pining! Hockey romance!
Age rating: 17+ (4 spicy scenes, 2/5🌶️)
This is the best spicy hockey romance I’ve ever read!! It had such good representation for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autism, with a lot of the struggles and insecurities that come with dating with chronic illness and as a neurodivergent. I thought that was done incredibly well. As someone who has RA, I could relate to a lot of what the character went through and struggles with!!
On top of that, this was just a beautiful, fun, heartwarming, and spicy romance! The chemistry was off the charts!🔥🔥and these characters belong together in every universe. They will literally never break up, they would definitely grow old together. Their story was just so beautiful to read, especially in the dual POV where we get the juxtaposition between Frankie’s and Ren’s POVs:
Frankie is grumpy and hesitant of relationships because she doesn’t want others to have to deal/put up with her illnesses.
Ren is a ginger giant hockey player with huge golden retriever energy who has been in love with her since the day he met her 3 years ago, and wants nothing more than to take care of her and give her everything. He’s just so babygirl🥹
It’s just so beautiful to see these people grow together and individually too realize that they are perfect together, and they can support and love each other the way they both deserve.
I definitely liked this one more than the first book in the series because of the rep and that it was hockey instead of soccer.
Note: one of Frankie’s hyper-fixations of her autism is Harry Potter, but they do acknowledge how problematic J K Rowling is.
Tropes: dual-pov, reverse grumpy-sunshine, inter-abled couple, secret pining! Hockey romance!
Age rating: 17+ (4 spicy scenes, 2/5🌶️)
This is the best spicy hockey romance I’ve ever read!! It had such good representation for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autism, with a lot of the struggles and insecurities that come with dating with chronic illness and as a neurodivergent. I thought that was done incredibly well. As someone who has RA, I could relate to a lot of what the character went through and struggles with!!
On top of that, this was just a beautiful, fun, heartwarming, and spicy romance! The chemistry was off the charts!🔥🔥and these characters belong together in every universe. They will literally never break up, they would definitely grow old together. Their story was just so beautiful to read, especially in the dual POV where we get the juxtaposition between Frankie’s and Ren’s POVs:
Frankie is grumpy and hesitant of relationships because she doesn’t want others to have to deal/put up with her illnesses.
Ren is a ginger giant hockey player with huge golden retriever energy who has been in love with her since the day he met her 3 years ago, and wants nothing more than to take care of her and give her everything. He’s just so babygirl🥹
It’s just so beautiful to see these people grow together and individually too realize that they are perfect together, and they can support and love each other the way they both deserve.
I definitely liked this one more than the first book in the series because of the rep and that it was hockey instead of soccer.
Note: one of Frankie’s hyper-fixations of her autism is Harry Potter, but they do acknowledge how problematic J K Rowling is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content, and Chronic illness
Minor: Cursing
kelly_e's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Title: Always Only You
Author: Chloe Liese
Series: Bergman Brothers #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: August 4, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Spicy • Refreshing • Endearing
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Ren
The moment I met her, I knew Frankie Zeferino was someone worth waiting for. Deadpan delivery, secret heart of gold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes my knees weak, Frankie has been forbidden since the day she and I became coworkers, meaning waiting has been the name of my game - besides hockey, that is.
I'm a player on the team, she's on staff, and as long as we work together, dating is off-limits. But patience has always been my virtue. Frankie won't be here forever - she's headed for bigger, better things. I just hope that when she leaves the team and I tell her how I feel, she won't want to leave me behind, too.
Frankie
I've had a problem at work since the day Ren Bergman joined the team: a six foot three hunk of happy with a sunshine smile. I'm a grumbly grump, and his ridiculously good nature drives me nuts, but even I can't entirely ignore that hot tamale of a ginger with icy eyes, the perfect playoff beard, and a body built for sin that he's annoyingly modest about.
Before I got wise, I would have tripped over myself to get a guy like Ren, but with my diagnosis, I've learned what I am to most people in my life - a problem, not a person. Now, opening my heart to anyone, no matter how sweet, is the last thing I'm prepared to do.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd previously enjoyed book one in Bergman series, so I knew I wanted to continue on. As an avid hockey fan, I was really looking forward to Always Only You because of that aspect. When I ended up in a bit of a reading rut earlier this month, something made me pick up this book and I am so glad I did.
I adored Frankie and Ren individually, but also together! Frankie is fierce and independent whereas Ren has a heart of gold and an old-soul. They are equally loveable and selfless characters. Their grumpy/sunshine natures came across as genuine, their banter was so well done, and their chemistry felt so real. Frankie's job as in-game social media coordinator for the LA Kings was so interesting to me, as was getting a bit of a behind-the-scenes of playing in the NHL. And of course, members of the Bergman family make special cameos throughout, which added to the appeal.
Chloe Liese's disability (autoimmune disease/arthritis) and neurodivergent (autism) rep were very well executed. As a reader, I really got the sense of Frankie's everyday challenges and adjustments in her daily life. Her struggles with socializing and people's reactions to her illness felt genuine as well. Frankie isn't letting her disability or illness hold her back, and I absolutely loved that.
I do have to say the writing wasn't quite as tight as it was in book one. But I enjoyed this story so much that it was easy to overlook. And I'm even willing to go out on a limb, and predict Always Only You will end up being my favourite in the series! This dual POV, slow burn/forbidden romance tackles some hard conversations, while remaining lighthearted. I loved the hockey, the romance, the setting, the characters, and the representation. It can easily be read as a standalone, why anyone would want to skip book one is beyond me. I'd highly recommend starting with Only When It's Us and savouring each sibling's story for the most enjoyable experience. I am eagerly anticipating jumping into book three sometime this summer and seeing where the rest of the series goes from here.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• sports romance lovers
• readers looking for disability rep
• fans of great banter
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Books help me feel a bit more connected to a world that is often hard to make sense of. Books are patient with me. They don't laugh at me instead of with me. They don't ask why I'm always frowning or why I can't sit still. Books welcome me, weirdness and all and take me exactly as I am."
"'Some days I do feel cynical. Others day I'm optimistic. I think that on hard days, when everything hurt and everything feels difficult, I don't find myself very loveable. And I know it's not true, that I'm not allowed to struggled, that I'm not loveable when I do, but it feels... real.'"
"But not everyone has to love us, just the people that matter."
Author: Chloe Liese
Series: Bergman Brothers #2
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: August 4, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Spicy • Refreshing • Endearing
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Ren
The moment I met her, I knew Frankie Zeferino was someone worth waiting for. Deadpan delivery, secret heart of gold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes my knees weak, Frankie has been forbidden since the day she and I became coworkers, meaning waiting has been the name of my game - besides hockey, that is.
I'm a player on the team, she's on staff, and as long as we work together, dating is off-limits. But patience has always been my virtue. Frankie won't be here forever - she's headed for bigger, better things. I just hope that when she leaves the team and I tell her how I feel, she won't want to leave me behind, too.
Frankie
I've had a problem at work since the day Ren Bergman joined the team: a six foot three hunk of happy with a sunshine smile. I'm a grumbly grump, and his ridiculously good nature drives me nuts, but even I can't entirely ignore that hot tamale of a ginger with icy eyes, the perfect playoff beard, and a body built for sin that he's annoyingly modest about.
Before I got wise, I would have tripped over myself to get a guy like Ren, but with my diagnosis, I've learned what I am to most people in my life - a problem, not a person. Now, opening my heart to anyone, no matter how sweet, is the last thing I'm prepared to do.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd previously enjoyed book one in Bergman series, so I knew I wanted to continue on. As an avid hockey fan, I was really looking forward to Always Only You because of that aspect. When I ended up in a bit of a reading rut earlier this month, something made me pick up this book and I am so glad I did.
I adored Frankie and Ren individually, but also together! Frankie is fierce and independent whereas Ren has a heart of gold and an old-soul. They are equally loveable and selfless characters. Their grumpy/sunshine natures came across as genuine, their banter was so well done, and their chemistry felt so real. Frankie's job as in-game social media coordinator for the LA Kings was so interesting to me, as was getting a bit of a behind-the-scenes of playing in the NHL. And of course, members of the Bergman family make special cameos throughout, which added to the appeal.
Chloe Liese's disability (autoimmune disease/arthritis) and neurodivergent (autism) rep were very well executed. As a reader, I really got the sense of Frankie's everyday challenges and adjustments in her daily life. Her struggles with socializing and people's reactions to her illness felt genuine as well. Frankie isn't letting her disability or illness hold her back, and I absolutely loved that.
I do have to say the writing wasn't quite as tight as it was in book one. But I enjoyed this story so much that it was easy to overlook. And I'm even willing to go out on a limb, and predict Always Only You will end up being my favourite in the series! This dual POV, slow burn/forbidden romance tackles some hard conversations, while remaining lighthearted. I loved the hockey, the romance, the setting, the characters, and the representation. It can easily be read as a standalone, why anyone would want to skip book one is beyond me. I'd highly recommend starting with Only When It's Us and savouring each sibling's story for the most enjoyable experience. I am eagerly anticipating jumping into book three sometime this summer and seeing where the rest of the series goes from here.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• sports romance lovers
• readers looking for disability rep
• fans of great banter
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Books help me feel a bit more connected to a world that is often hard to make sense of. Books are patient with me. They don't laugh at me instead of with me. They don't ask why I'm always frowning or why I can't sit still. Books welcome me, weirdness and all and take me exactly as I am."
"'Some days I do feel cynical. Others day I'm optimistic. I think that on hard days, when everything hurt and everything feels difficult, I don't find myself very loveable. And I know it's not true, that I'm not allowed to struggled, that I'm not loveable when I do, but it feels... real.'"
"But not everyone has to love us, just the people that matter."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Ableism
Moderate: Mental illness, Chronic illness, Cursing, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Alcohol, Death of parent, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug use, and Death
martamae77's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism
fuzzywilson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Sexual content, and Cursing
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and Cancer
tragicgloom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, Ableism, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and Alcohol
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Man, these Bergman Brothers are such warm gooey cinnamon rolls, and I love it! Ren is so kind and observant. Not just of Frankie, but all those in his circle. He is even-keeled, especially for a professional hockey player. Yet, when he isn’t quite able to contain his anger, he is still somehow in control and glorious.
Frankie and Ren have been working together, so to speak, for a few years. Both have felt that inexplicable pull from the very start. Ren is very aware that it would be inappropriate to pursue someone who works for the hockey team he plays for. Especially since it could put her job in jeopardy. Frankie has worked hard to be independent and tough. She has to keep an arm’s length from all of the players to keep her control of all the situations she is in with these huge men. She doesn’t ever let them see her sweat. There’s only so much time that can go by without the two of them giving in to that pull. But it happens slowly and with the full awareness that they are entering into shaky territory.
This is a grumpy/sunshine book that filled me with joy. Seeing Frankie slowly smile more and more as the story progressed was so heartening. And seeing Ren realize he didn’t always have to be “on” for Frankie, or for anyone for that matter, was a relief.
Not only were these two very sweet together, but they were also a lot of fun. Frankie has the best exclamatory sayings, and Ren’s use of Shakespeare for his cussing is endearing. They’re good together and with others. When Frankie spends one on one time with Ren’s sister Ziggy, a lot of tears were shed.
So far, the books in this series are like a warm, cozy blanket on a winter night. Comforting and soft and just right.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent and Mental illness
decklededgess's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
trigger warning: mild ableism, sexual harassment and misogyny, sexual content, alcohol, weed, hospitalization, religious trauma, sports injury and violence, anxiety and depression, home invasion and robbery
BRO THIS BOOK HAS ME IN A CHOKEHOLDDDDDDDDDD. Writing this review a month or so post reading, I will say that I think about this one the most even though I think the third one is my favourite of the entire series.
Frankie and Ren's little friends to lovers buildup was so stinking precious especially with how perceptive they both are of each other's needs despite not knowing every nittygritty detail of their backstories. Frankie's entire characterization is just beyond amazing. Her persona, the cane, the bigass dog who is obsessed with Ren, the HP spells she casts with the cane. Fucking spectacular. I want to BE her. Ren, my sunshine boy. I love him and I cannot believe he is simply fictional because I want to meet someone who acts like this IRL.
God tier smut as always.
Truly an incredible sophomore book in this series.
BRO THIS BOOK HAS ME IN A CHOKEHOLDDDDDDDDDD. Writing this review a month or so post reading, I will say that I think about this one the most even though I think the third one is my favourite of the entire series.
Frankie and Ren's little friends to lovers buildup was so stinking precious especially with how perceptive they both are of each other's needs despite not knowing every nittygritty detail of their backstories. Frankie's entire characterization is just beyond amazing. Her persona, the cane, the bigass dog who is obsessed with Ren, the HP spells she casts with the cane. Fucking spectacular. I want to BE her. Ren, my sunshine boy. I love him and I cannot believe he is simply fictional because I want to meet someone who acts like this IRL.
God tier smut as always.
Truly an incredible sophomore book in this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Blood, Chronic illness, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
a_libra_library's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Medical content, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death of parent, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
val_books_of_leisure's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Mental illness