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whitneyyyreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
mkeesler's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
heartscontent's review against another edition
5.0
You can find this review of Always Only You by Chloe Liese on my blog, Heart's Content!
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*trumpets into tissue* The hardest thing I have done in this life is pick ONE single quote for this review to highlight. This book, you guys. This book.
When I read Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese in March, I had no idea what I was heading into. That book hit me the way only a really good book can hit a reader. It’s like coming home after a fun weekend out and remembering everything about home that you loved. It reminded why I love to read. It was emotional, heart-wrenching, laugh-out-loud funny and so very beautiful. If I thought that I had seen the last of Chloe’s magic in that book, I was in for such a surprise.
Always Only You managed to up Only When It’s Us which in my opinon is something I would’ve never expected. I thought OWIU was perfect, but AOY really tore through me and wrapped me up in its warm embrace at the same time. There’s just something about really nice people that tugs at your heart like absolutely nothing else. I think AOY does something that many books haven’t thought of doing. It portrayed a hero by breaking a lot of the profession-personality related and gender-role stereotypes and showing us just how admirable and attractive that makes someone to us. Ren was … well, Ren was perhaps what everyone would hope they inspire their child to become. He’s someone who went through hurt and pain but lets that cycle end with him and brings only kindness and honour along with him. Who he is, I believe the reader should unravel on their own, but it was really really heart-warming how well Chloe had shaped his character to be and how perfectly everything he did and all his choices fit into this personality. Ladies, if you see a Ren in your life, protect him with all your might and let them shine. These kind of men are what the world needs to know exist.
Now, Frankie. Ah, another character that crushed my heart with happiness and love. Frankie–Francesca, though she’d probably cast a spell on you with her mighty cane dare you call her that–was just so very relatable! I can be a total grump at times too where I just want to sit in the corner and not be spoken too sometimes. Also good God save anyone that happens to be around when there’s something that I love that I want to talk about. *jumps up and down and points at Frankie* She’s so badass and sweet and grumpy and adorable and gosh I just loved being in her mind. She was really really good representation for RA and for Autism; both of which she speaks about to the reader as well as out loud. I think something to always take away from reads with good rep along with awareness and understanding, is knowledge on what they consider support and try to imbibe that into one’s idea of how to be. It’s important to treat anyone as a person and not as a set of symptoms, which every single good rep out there has taught me. I loved seeing Frankie evolve–and like Ren–stay true to her personality, her struggles, her past and her strengths.
There was a lot of angst, laughter, heart-warming/breaking moments and love. Love in all forms, from a parent, a sister, a friend, a dog. Every form of it. I think I’m a CL-girl for life, I’ve imprinted on her. She will now see me everywhere because there’s not going to be a single place I don’t tag her.
Five all-the-love-in-the-world stars, I highly recommend this book to you. There is literally nothing I wouldn’t do for this series. I’m not one who’s sentimental about having physical copies of books, but gosh this series is making me sentimental about it and I want my own set sitting on a bookshelf so I can see them every time I look up. *gets hit with all the feels*
There’s another thing I want to appreciate. CL showed some real understanding when she portrayed a character in love with a series but made a point to ensure that the author’s recent actions were addressed without being overlooked or brushed over. She was straight and to the point frank and with no wishy-washy statements. The reader–had they not known about the series or the author–would leave that scene with awareness.
Happy reading! I hope this book brings to you everything it did for me. Be safe! ❤
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*trumpets into tissue* The hardest thing I have done in this life is pick ONE single quote for this review to highlight. This book, you guys. This book.
When I read Only When It’s Us by Chloe Liese in March, I had no idea what I was heading into. That book hit me the way only a really good book can hit a reader. It’s like coming home after a fun weekend out and remembering everything about home that you loved. It reminded why I love to read. It was emotional, heart-wrenching, laugh-out-loud funny and so very beautiful. If I thought that I had seen the last of Chloe’s magic in that book, I was in for such a surprise.
Always Only You managed to up Only When It’s Us which in my opinon is something I would’ve never expected. I thought OWIU was perfect, but AOY really tore through me and wrapped me up in its warm embrace at the same time. There’s just something about really nice people that tugs at your heart like absolutely nothing else. I think AOY does something that many books haven’t thought of doing. It portrayed a hero by breaking a lot of the profession-personality related and gender-role stereotypes and showing us just how admirable and attractive that makes someone to us. Ren was … well, Ren was perhaps what everyone would hope they inspire their child to become. He’s someone who went through hurt and pain but lets that cycle end with him and brings only kindness and honour along with him. Who he is, I believe the reader should unravel on their own, but it was really really heart-warming how well Chloe had shaped his character to be and how perfectly everything he did and all his choices fit into this personality. Ladies, if you see a Ren in your life, protect him with all your might and let them shine. These kind of men are what the world needs to know exist.
Now, Frankie. Ah, another character that crushed my heart with happiness and love. Frankie–Francesca, though she’d probably cast a spell on you with her mighty cane dare you call her that–was just so very relatable! I can be a total grump at times too where I just want to sit in the corner and not be spoken too sometimes. Also good God save anyone that happens to be around when there’s something that I love that I want to talk about. *jumps up and down and points at Frankie* She’s so badass and sweet and grumpy and adorable and gosh I just loved being in her mind. She was really really good representation for RA and for Autism; both of which she speaks about to the reader as well as out loud. I think something to always take away from reads with good rep along with awareness and understanding, is knowledge on what they consider support and try to imbibe that into one’s idea of how to be. It’s important to treat anyone as a person and not as a set of symptoms, which every single good rep out there has taught me. I loved seeing Frankie evolve–and like Ren–stay true to her personality, her struggles, her past and her strengths.
There was a lot of angst, laughter, heart-warming/breaking moments and love. Love in all forms, from a parent, a sister, a friend, a dog. Every form of it. I think I’m a CL-girl for life, I’ve imprinted on her. She will now see me everywhere because there’s not going to be a single place I don’t tag her.
Five all-the-love-in-the-world stars, I highly recommend this book to you. There is literally nothing I wouldn’t do for this series. I’m not one who’s sentimental about having physical copies of books, but gosh this series is making me sentimental about it and I want my own set sitting on a bookshelf so I can see them every time I look up. *gets hit with all the feels*
There’s another thing I want to appreciate. CL showed some real understanding when she portrayed a character in love with a series but made a point to ensure that the author’s recent actions were addressed without being overlooked or brushed over. She was straight and to the point frank and with no wishy-washy statements. The reader–had they not known about the series or the author–would leave that scene with awareness.
Happy reading! I hope this book brings to you everything it did for me. Be safe! ❤
agrippinaes's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 4 stars
What I Liked: I really enjoyed this. The writing style is really smooth and easy to read whilst still being very descriptive. There was a soft, gentle tone to it that was really comforting; whilst there is some angst to be had, it’s mostly a very sweet, touching story.
The two main characters, Frankie and Ren, are great. I empathised a lot with Frankie and her story, and I liked how thoroughly her autism and chronic illness were a part of the story as a whole. I also liked Ren: he was such a sweetie, and his feelings for Frankie were so soft and felt so real. He was such a considerate hero.
Their relationship was really cute. The pining on his part contrasted with her confusion over her feelings was adorable, and the slower burn worked really well. The feelings between the two of them felt really real to me and I liked the easy bond between them. He was just so pleased to have her around:“You’re in my kitchen,” he whispers, tipping my head up to meet his eyes. “Pinch me.” The sex was lovely and affectionate, and the first time they slept together was one of the sweetest sex scenes I’ve ever read.
I also liked the side plot involving Ren’s sister, Ziggy.The scene where Frankie talked to Ziggy about her autism was really touching, it made me tear up a little, especially when they finally hugged one another.
What I Didn’t: It felt a little too long, especially towards the end, and some of the pacing felt a little slow throughout.
Overall: This was a lovely and very romantic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a gentle grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-lovers slow burn romance with a little bit of angst.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Notes:
Other: Virgin hero.
What I Liked: I really enjoyed this. The writing style is really smooth and easy to read whilst still being very descriptive. There was a soft, gentle tone to it that was really comforting; whilst there is some angst to be had, it’s mostly a very sweet, touching story.
The two main characters, Frankie and Ren, are great. I empathised a lot with Frankie and her story, and I liked how thoroughly her autism and chronic illness were a part of the story as a whole. I also liked Ren: he was such a sweetie, and his feelings for Frankie were so soft and felt so real. He was such a considerate hero.
Their relationship was really cute. The pining on his part contrasted with her confusion over her feelings was adorable, and the slower burn worked really well. The feelings between the two of them felt really real to me and I liked the easy bond between them. He was just so pleased to have her around:
I also liked the side plot involving Ren’s sister, Ziggy.
What I Didn’t: It felt a little too long, especially towards the end, and some of the pacing felt a little slow throughout.
Overall: This was a lovely and very romantic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a gentle grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-lovers slow burn romance with a little bit of angst.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Notes:
Spoiler
Warnings: Sexual harassment, mild violence, concussion, injuries, hospital scenes, medicinal use of cannabis, death of parent (in past), chronic illness.Other: Virgin hero.
kitchenbeat10's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.75
I liked the autism and disability representation, but the story itself was not very special to me.
sunshineinpages's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! Ren is such a sweetheart with a heart of gold, and I love how we got to see Frankie battling through her inner thoughts, loving herself, and learning to accept love from others.
My only thing is that, while I loved reading about all their moments together, I would have loved to have seen how they navigated their relationship while at work once they got together. The stolen glances, lingering looks, trying to figure out how to be around each other in a professional setting. Otherwise, loved it!
My only thing is that, while I loved reading about all their moments together, I would have loved to have seen how they navigated their relationship while at work once they got together. The stolen glances, lingering looks, trying to figure out how to be around each other in a professional setting. Otherwise, loved it!
sarahfrances52's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
This is the best of the Bergman Brothers books so far! I saw so much of myself in Ren, so it was fun watching him fall in love. I loved how sweet and patient he was with Frankie, especially in the end when they had their misunderstanding. I’m definitely going to keep reading this series. And I’ll probably keep reading it out of order haha
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Medical content
bookishlove85's review
4.5
I wonder if I’m going to love all of the Bergman brothers as much as Ryder and Ren. Cause they’re pretty amazing! This one has grumpy sunshine, guy pining for her, closet theatre geek, and many Sense and Sensibility references which made my heart so happy. There’s only one little thing I didn’t care for (just a personal preference) but it didn’t hurt the story for the most part. And as always there was great neurodivergant and disability rep. Chloe really does it the best! Overall, I loved it!
jena0609's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
5.0