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dogoodwithbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Closed Door Mods: Chapter 21 (some parts), Chapter 23 (some parts), Chapters 26-27 (some parts), Chapter 31 (some parts), Bonus Epilogue (some parts)
This book made my heart so happy.
I’m still trying to gather my thoughts together on this book, but this book is such an absolute delight. Like, I was legit grinning from ear to ear every time Liese has these adorable and sweet moments between Ren and Frankie. With Ren literally having golden retriever energy and Frankie being such a relatable main character, I was rooting for them till the very last page. Add on to that amazing writing and swoon-worthy scenes, you’ll be wanting to add Always Only You and the rest of the Bergman series as books to be on the lookout for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Chronic illness
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
kimberlyyyreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
I love the way that Chloe writes about love 😩
I absolutely loved Ren and Frankie, having their relationship start off as friends and slow build into a romance was so beautiful.
I loved how perfect they were for one another. i need to find myself a relationship like this.
Also the disability rep in this was AMAZINGGG, Chloe always nails the rep!
I absolutely loved Ren and Frankie, having their relationship start off as friends and slow build into a romance was so beautiful.
I loved how perfect they were for one another. i need to find myself a relationship like this.
Also the disability rep in this was AMAZINGGG, Chloe always nails the rep!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
rachelshubin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’ll preface my review by saying that I’ve never read a book about an autistic character and I found it really enlightening. Frankie suffers from rheumatoid arthritis as well, and since I suffer from chronic pain myself, I did completely relate on that front. But aside from those facts, the romance in the book wasn’t anything out of the ordinary and I felt very meh on the whole book. Part of me kept reading for the spice and the rest of me was like, the slow burn is bumming me out.
Like some of the other reviews mention - there’s some Harry Potter references that are the epitome of cringey. Hedwig got a raw deal (IYKYK). I appreciate the author’s note at the beginning that she doesn’t include JKR references anymore - but my god there was no reason to include what she did. The only okay one was Frankie calling her cane “the Elder Wand.” No issues with that but I take issues with the rest.
The writing is mostly good and I am still curious for the other Bergman siblings’ stories. But I definitely wouldn’t read this book again. Honestly, I want to read Viggo’s book next but of course it’s the final book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Like some of the other reviews mention - there’s some Harry Potter references that are the epitome of cringey. Hedwig got a raw deal (IYKYK). I appreciate the author’s note at the beginning that she doesn’t include JKR references anymore - but my god there was no reason to include what she did. The only okay one was Frankie calling her cane “the Elder Wand.” No issues with that but I take issues with the rest.
The writing is mostly good and I am still curious for the other Bergman siblings’ stories. But I definitely wouldn’t read this book again. Honestly, I want to read Viggo’s book next but of course it’s the final book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Death of parent and Ableism
thebruce's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism and Chronic illness
Minor: Cursing, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, Medical content, Bullying, and Alcohol
mabellene's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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: Chronic illness and Ableism
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
soulwinds's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Medical content, Bullying, and Death of parent
wildatheart1339's review against another edition
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
kirareadssometimes's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This book was real cringey. And as a person who does not like theater kids, it was even worse and harder to read. And what is with the playlist thing? I don’t understand how that ties in to this or the previous book. Feels out of place.
The MC’s relationship was sweet and overall I liked Frankie. Any scenes with the Bergman family were obvious standouts, but then there were many characters that seemed like they would be important to the story but would just disappear. Felt like there were too many plot points and tropes trying to be squeezed in which resulted in plot holes and an MMC who felt flawless in an unflattering way. Being the second book in the series makes me nervous for what’s to come and if I want to continue…
1.25 🌶️ scenes
The MC’s relationship was sweet and overall I liked Frankie. Any scenes with the Bergman family were obvious standouts, but then there were many characters that seemed like they would be important to the story but would just disappear. Felt like there were too many plot points and tropes trying to be squeezed in which resulted in plot holes and an MMC who felt flawless in an unflattering way. Being the second book in the series makes me nervous for what’s to come and if I want to continue…
1.25 🌶️ scenes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Death of parent, Ableism, and Injury/Injury detail
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
shannnne_reads_words's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, and Pregnancy
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent