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ellemelle9's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
fast-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
I like this romance author because she features just a little more complexity than most romance novels via different character details such as disabilities, autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc. She still has all the escapism and tell-tale elements of the romance genre, but it feels a little more grounded in the real world.
I enjoyed the main characters' development, although there were a few times near the middle that the plot slowed down a little bit for me.
I enjoyed the main characters' development, although there were a few times near the middle that the plot slowed down a little bit for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Sexual content, and Medical trauma
proudtobeabookaholic's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
Ren Bergman, hockey player for Los Angeles Kings, fell for Frankie Zeferino the moment they met. But as long as Frankie handles the team's social media he can't act, he has to wait. At the same time Frankie finds it hard to ignore the always smiling Ren, despite being the opposite herself. With her diagnosis she's learnt that most people view her as a problem, rather than a person, and she's not about to risk her heart again.
Hockey/workplace romance, grumpy/sunshine and a female protagonist who doesn't let her diagnosis stop her - that's a hit forme! Frankie (whose name is really Francesca) is called "Frank the Crank", walks with a cane because of rheumatism and is autistic. She hides both her autism and her softer side at work. It's nice to read about a person who has a physical disability, as well as a neuroatypical condition; I don't think I've come across that in a book before. The author is apparently autistic herself and I think it shows.
Ren (whose full name is Søren) is a true gentleman who likes to recite Shakespeare - no wonder Frankie falls head over heels! He also has an autistic sister, Ziggy. As a Swede it feels kind of special that the Bergman family is Swedish-American, but I fail to hear the Swedish expressions when I listen. Great to see Ryder and Willa from the first book, though!
Ren and Frankie feel like the perfect match, despite their differences. Liese has really done well with creating the right chemistry between them. They’re adorable together, with their cute nicknames. The narrators do an excellent job and I was quite disappointed when the book ended!
Hockey/workplace romance, grumpy/sunshine and a female protagonist who doesn't let her diagnosis stop her - that's a hit forme! Frankie (whose name is really Francesca) is called "Frank the Crank", walks with a cane because of rheumatism and is autistic. She hides both her autism and her softer side at work. It's nice to read about a person who has a physical disability, as well as a neuroatypical condition; I don't think I've come across that in a book before. The author is apparently autistic herself and I think it shows.
Ren (whose full name is Søren) is a true gentleman who likes to recite Shakespeare - no wonder Frankie falls head over heels! He also has an autistic sister, Ziggy. As a Swede it feels kind of special that the Bergman family is Swedish-American, but I fail to hear the Swedish expressions when I listen. Great to see Ryder and Willa from the first book, though!
Ren and Frankie feel like the perfect match, despite their differences. Liese has really done well with creating the right chemistry between them. They’re adorable together, with their cute nicknames. The narrators do an excellent job and I was quite disappointed when the book ended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
madsmcw_reads's review
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-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? No
4.5
4.5/5. I absolutely adored this book. Ren is one of the sweetest heros of all time. He's kind, caring, and overall freaking adorable. He really took the time to show Frankie she was loved and never a burden. I also loved Frankie's character and thank the author for writing this own voices story (autism). The disability and neurodiverse representation was wonderful and I know there has to be so many people who related to Frankie and felt seen by her character. Chloe Liese writes top notch romance stories and I can't wait to continue on with Bergman siblings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical trauma
val_books_of_leisure's review
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, Mental illness, Medical content, and Medical trauma