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beckyyreadss's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the Wilmot Sisters series and enjoyed the first book in the Bergman Brothers series. I enjoyed this book but the third act breakup and the miscommunication trope ruin this for me.
This book has two points of view. The first is Ren Bergman and from the moment he met her, he knew Frankie Zeferino was someone worth waiting for. Deadpan delivery, secret heart of hold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes his knees weak, Frankie has been forbidden since the day they became coworkers, meaning waiting has been the name of the game – besides, hockey, that is. He is a player on the team, she’s on staff, and as long as they work together, dating is off-limits. But patience has always been her virtue. Frankie won’t be here forever – she's heading for bigger, better things. Ren just hope that when she leaves the team and he tells her how she feels, she won’t want to leave Ren behind, too. The second point of view is Frankie Zeferino, and she has had a problem at work since the day Ren Bergman joined the team: a six-foot three hunk of happy with a sunshine smile. She is a grumbly grump, and his ridiculously good nature drives Frankie nuts, but even she can’t entirely ignore the hot ginger with the icy eyes, the perfect playoff beard, and a body built for sin that he’s annoyingly modest about. Before Frankie got wise, she would have tripped over herself to get a guy like Ren, but with her diagnosis, she’s learned what she is to most people in her life – a problem, not a person. Now, opening her heart to anyone, no matter how sweet, is the last thing she’s prepared to do.
I enjoyed the enjoy and I still love this family. I was sort of hoping that Frankie’s cold heart would melt, and it sort of did, but she took a while to grow on me. Ren, I instantly adored, the second he enters the book. We had met him previously and I was so excited to see him again. Again, I love the representative in the book. The representation with chronic illnesses and autism especially with how Ziggy just felt lost and alone, but Frankie knew what she needed. I really enjoyed the introduction to the brothers and the family. I loved the parents; I love that they are used to being in a house with 5 boys and 2 girls that they are like right enough or I'll kick you out. I cannot wait to see more of them. I love that Aiden went to Ren to say he was in the doghouse because he was the only brother that wouldn’t kick the shit out of him and Ryder, and the others would have.
The thing that stopped it being a five-star read for me was the third act conflict that got resolved in the next chapter. Like I understand that Frankie was frustrated for being ill and Ren giving up things for Frankie and she didn’t want that, but Ren was genuinely so worried for her and caught her like did she really expect him to leave her side? Then it was all resolved by her going to therapy like it was just brushed over, like after a few weeks of talking to my therapist, I wanted the conversations with the therapist in great detail, not just brushed over. Then it was resolved within a chapter from Frankie like sorry, k cool and missed you and that’s it. All over and happy ever after. I just wanted more. How did the team react when they got together? Do they still go to team function together? How did Frankie get on at Law School?
Just from the little glimpses that we got of these brothers; I cannot wait to see more of them. I am so glad that this has been planned that every single family member to be happy especially Ziggy. I adored her and wanted her to be happy with whatever she does.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Drug use, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying and Pregnancy
thehannahclaire's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
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: Bullying, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Medical content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, 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: Ableism and Chronic illness
Moderate: Drug use
Minor: Bullying, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
pia_h's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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? N/A
5.0
A lovely romance about an interabled couple
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexual content
Minor: Ableism, Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
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: Ableism and Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness, Cursing, Mental illness, Misogyny, Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
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, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
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: Ableism, Chronic illness, Drug use, Mental illness, Sexual content, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and Alcohol
danajoy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Medical content
Minor: Pregnancy
coacklebee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
LOVED this one! I laughed so hard so many times. I enjoyed this even more than the first Bergman brothers book. This was a hilarious and touching slow burn romance that I know I will be reading again. Ren is an adorable cinnamon roll hero, and Frankie is hilarious and so relatable. They both are! Loved all the Shakespeare (especially the team's Midsummer Night's Dream ritual), joking pet names, witty one-liners, and generally the whole experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Blood and Medical content