Continued series of Bergman universe, good characters, good foundations continued stories throughout

Frankie Zeferino is the social media coordinator for the hockey team Ren Bergman plays for, therefore he’s off limits. Not that she’s attracted to his perpetual sunniness or anything, lol. She totally is!

Frankie has the reputation of being a no-nonsense, take-no-crap kind of girl, and she completely encourages that perception. First of all, as a woman in the hockey world she wants to be taken seriously and second, she has trouble deciphering social cues sometimes so it’s easier to be thought of as grumpy in her reactions than clueless. Plus, she is kind of grumpy at times since on top of being autistic she’s deals with chronic pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Ren is the sunshine to Frankie’s grump, and he’s been secretly pining for her for the last three years. Knowing their job dynamics make it impossible for them to date, he’s been biding his time. Fortunately for Ren the wait is just about over.

It was refreshing to have a heroine dealing with real life struggles. It made Frankie easy to relate to and I admired how she made an effort to not them steal her joy. She found ways to help and manage her conditions. Ren was an absolute cinnamon roll sweetheart! With his position and fame, he could’ve been a conceited jerk, but he was the exact opposite. I loved how caring and considerate he was with Frankie, while at the same time not being a push over. These two were sweet and extra spicy together!

The Bergman family was a big, loud, boisterous bunch and I’m looking forward to getting to know a few more of them! This is my second time through Always Only You, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. I love the new covers Berkley has designed for the series! Frankie and Ren are illustrated perfectly!

Read if you like:
🏒 Hockey Romances
📸 Workplace Romances
🧠 Autism Rep
🫥 Invisible/Physical Disability Rep
💋 He Falls First
🔥 Slow-Burn
2️⃣ Dual POV

This is the second book in the Bergman Brothers series and I am absolutely hooked and will be reading the rest of this series probably back to back because I can’t get enough!

I love that Chloe writes real characters with disabilities, issues in their life, vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and challenges they are struggling to overcome all wrapped around finding love.

I absolutely loved the Ren was a mushy hot virgin pro hockey player with only eyes for Frankie and had been pining after her for several years and finally got the chance to shoot his shot.

I loved the way the Bergman clan was weaved into this story after meeting them in book 1 of the series and truly just love the family so much I’m excited to read all of the siblings stories and get to see a bit more of Frankie and Ren in their stories.

I loved the nicknames and banter between these two and loved that their story came together slowly in a way that really worked with Frankie being afraid to let someone in but willing to rush things physically and Ren being willing to let her in his heart quickly but slow to the physical as this was a perfect yin and yang for their personalities and their love story.

If you are looking for a romance series to sink into, I highly recommend this one as I jumped straight into book 3 already! Thank you Berkley for my ARC in exchange for my review!

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.

Always Only You is sweet and cute. This book is a great addition to this series by Chloe Liese. Frankie and Ren are likable and unique characters with a charming love story. A pleasant surprise!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC.

I really enjoy a hockey romance especially when the main character is as sweet as Ren. He has known from the moment they met that Frankie was a woman worth waiting for. The only thing standing in his way is the fact that she is the social media manger for his team and romance between players and staff are not permitted. Frankie is very blunt and admits to being a grump. She might have gone for a guy like Ren in the past but she has had too many past relationships where her diagnosis turns into a burden and she is not prepared to risk her heart again. When it is revealed that Frankie will be leaving the team to start a new career, Ren thinks he finally has a chance. He is going to have to work hard to prove that he is deserving of a shot at winning her heart.

Virgin hockey Viking hero, sign me up!

This is book two in the Bergman Brothers series, and I’ll admit I loved the tropes here. The forbidden office romance, the hero with unrequited love. The list goes on and on.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ren and Frankie’s story. Could not put this one down. The only thing that kept it from a five star for me is that the conflict was resolved rather quickly from the romance perspective.

Let’s talk about what works. Frankie works, her inconvenient attraction to Ren, the sunshine hockey god on the team she works with. Frankie is into social media, for the team, and a future in sports marketing. She’s got a lot of health issues and channels her energy into being as grumpy and unavailable as possible. When her house is broken into leaving her unsafe, Ren is there to offer her a safe place to stay.

Ren is just… well, everything. The fact he loves Frankie, so much so that he is waiting for the right time to tell her. As the two grow closer and the situation presents an opportunity, Ren finds himself unable to hold back the part of himself that wants to get closer to Frankie. This wild ride from unrequited attraction to budding relationship is so much fun. The grumpy/sunshine trope adds a special element as well, especially since the trope is flipped and the heroine is grumpy versus the hero.

Overall, this is just a sweet story to dive into with plenty of heartfelt and laugh out loud moments to enjoy. The Bergman series keeps delivering and I’m looking forward to the next book.

~ Landra

This is truly the book that had me falling in love with the Bergman clan. While Willa and Ryder (Only When It's Us) are captivating, Ren and Frankie are next level.
Ren Bergman is the star nice guy Hockey Player on his team and he's had a crush on Frankie Zeferino since the first time he saw her. But this cinnamon-roll, Shakespeare-quoting, nerdy pro athlete is a bit of a shy gentleman when it comes to love. Frankie on the other hand is a straight-talking, ball-buster who is too tough to let people see her inner gooey self. But after waiting for years for the right time, Ren learns that Frankie is planning on leaving the team and he decides to shoot his shot. With his easy acceptance of her neurodiversity (autism) and physical limitations (Rheumatoid Arthritis) even the self-proclaimed grumpy-grump Frankie can't resist his charms.

Big Bonuses:
- Autism Rep (#OwnVoice)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis & Cane Rep
- A Big Fluffy dog.

Stars 5/5
Spice: 3/5

DNF. I really liked the premise but the writing did not work for me at all. It wouldn't be fair to the book if I finished reading and gave it a low rating.

Think some of the biggest issues readers are having is that publishers keep trying to make these covers a thing... Yes the one for this book is adorable, but could of been so much better.

Always Only You was really cute, but some of the verbiage used was not it!
Velvet wrapped steel sounds unhinged lol. Talking about Harry Potter panties also can cause some ick like feelings.

There was actually in my opinion too many HP remarks. I am a sucker for hockey romance so that did make up for a few things.

Thank you for sending me this to review. Settling somewhere between a 2.5 and a 3.

Always Only You is the second book in Chloe Liese’s Bergman Brothers and it has only served to further my love of this series and of Chloe Liese’s writing and storytelling. This book and these characters had my whole heart from their first scenes together. ♥

Frankie is the female lead and she is on the autism spectrum and she also struggles with chronic pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Frankie’s daily struggles have definitely added a grumpy layer to her personality, but I just adored her. She’s strong, independent, has a wicked sense of humor, and even though she hides it well, she also has a big heart. Frankie also works as the social media manager for the hockey team Ren Bergman plays on.

Ren is a big sexy teddy bear and just the biggest ray of sunshine. He has also been in love with Frankie forever, although he has never tried to make a move. It’s clear from the start that he adores her and is completely devoted to her. He’s so kind and respectful, and I just loved everything about their scenes together, especially the wonderful banter. Slow burn romances sometimes drive me crazy, but Ren is so swoonworthy that it was an absolute pleasure watching him slowly win over Frankie’s heart.

If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine romances and the “he fell first” trope, you’ll definitely want to check out Always Only You!

I was so disappointed by this book. I originally skipped it when reading the series and I'm glad I did, or I might not have been convinced to continue with the series.

For one, there was really no conflict with this book, and pretty much no plot. This series is mostly about the characters rather than a plot, so I wasn't all that surprised by that. Still, it became so boring sometimes. I wanted things to happen rather than just living life.

It was nice to get to know Frankie and Ren better since I've only ever seen them in their siblings books, but also...maybe I could have done without? Frankie was giving major Disney adult vibes, and I wasn't really into that. And Ren was so freaking nice...but that was it. He didn't make any mistakes or have, what seemed to be, any flaws. There were little quirks, but no real flaws. I wanted more from them.

Anyway, I was pretty bored reading this book and ended up skimming a lot just to get through. Take it from someone who skipped this book in the series; you can skip and not miss anything.

In the enchanting realm of passion and sports, this literary gem effortlessly entwines the allure of romance with the pulsating beats of athletic prowess. The characters, both sexy and humorous, embark on a journey that transcends mere physical attraction, delving into the profound depths of genuine emotion.

The novel's brilliance lies in the delicate dance between steamy encounters and heartfelt moments. The characters are not merely vessels for romance; they are intricately crafted personalities with quirks, dreams, and a shared odyssey that captivates from the very first page.

Beyond the scintillating romance, the story unveils a tapestry of chosen family bonds. The unwavering support and camaraderie among characters add layers of authenticity, transforming the narrative into a celebration of love and friendship. The characters' willingness to uplift and aid each other creates a resonant chord, elevating the book beyond a mere love story.

The narrative unfolds with a perfect symphony of humor and earnestness, keeping readers engaged while evoking genuine laughter. Each page is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess as they seamlessly navigate between the dynamics of love and the challenges of the sports world.

This mesmerizing tale leaves an indelible mark, crafting a family of characters that linger in the heart long after the final chapter. It's a celebration of love's triumphs and the enduring power of authentic connections. For those seeking a book that seamlessly combines passion, laughter, and heartfelt moments, this is a literary masterpiece that resonates deeply.

Prepare to be immersed in a world where desire knows no bounds, and where the tapestry of devotion is woven with threads of sincerity. This book is, without a doubt, a glorious and tender ode to the universal themes of love and camaraderie.

Love reading Ren and Frankie’s story. It’s not my favorite of Liese’s but still heartwarming and a lovely grumpy/sunshine dynamic!

Okay so first up, the elephant in the room. While there is an author letter at the beginning about all the numerous references to the works of JK Rowling, I felt like with these new paperback releases in 2023 we could have done the quick edits to remove them. Just something to know before you go into Always Only You. Now, I haven't read the first Bergman Brother story, but this one has inspired me to read the entire series. I loved the representation of chronic pain and autism, but also the chemistry and character development of Frankie and Ren.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Liese for the opportunity to read the ARC of the re-release of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

Frankie is a self-described "grump" who uses grumpiness as a preservation mechanism to thwart others from realizing the extent of her personal health issues - autism and rheumatoid arthritis. Mostly, she is able to function in society in general and at work specifically with a combination of coping strategies, learned behaviors, wisdom learned in practice, and deflection. Ren, on the other hand is the "sunshine" in the equation: almost always smiling, almost always calm, the rare hockey player who completely eschews violence, and a Shakespeare uber-fan. Opposites tend to attract and Frankie and Ren have had their eyes on each other for a long time, but team policy prohibits fraternization. Luckily, Frankie is on her way out of the organization: she's trying to get into UCLA Law School.

I really appreciated Frankie. She was so unapologetically herself and had put SO MUCH EFFORT into her own success. You can't help but admire her. Ren was a little *too* much, if that makes any sense: the perfect cinnamon roll of a man who buys his cramping partner pads and quotes Shakespeare and, and, and. I mean. He cooks, AND he cleans, AND he is just absolutely a saint. It's nice to see a man solidly in support of female empowerment and feminism, etc, etc, but I think Ren would have been too much for me, just a little too good to be true. I loved him for Frankie, though. I'm glad she was able to work through her reservations, because, as another reviewer pointed out, who could POSSIBLY have been more perfect than Ren? Who would she have waited for, to top him? ((I laughed when Ren told Frankie that most people don't enjoy red-haired men as much as she does. WORD. You're not wrong, sir. lol)) The two of them together though, are magic. I found myself reading the last pages with a wide, sappy smile on my face.

Anyways. This was more of a feel-good, warm-fuzzy romance than I was expecting, but I liked it. I'm new to this author but I would certainly seek out other books in her Bergman family series. The two characters I'm most drawn to are Freya (love a good second-chance story) and Ziggy (hers, I have GOT to read).

Of all the Bergman Brothers books, this was the one I was most intimidated to reread. Since the first time I read it, two years ago, it has held the title of my favorite Chloe Liese book. But it had been two years—what if it didn’t live up to my memories?
Thankfully, it did.
I adore Frankie and Ren with every fiber of my being. They are my favorite characters that Chloe has written, and two of my favorite characters ever, across all books and genres. I see so much of myself in Frankie, and I simply adore being in her head. Ren is this sweet, teddy bear of a human that it is far to easy to fall in love with. Not to mention the fact that the chemistry between the two of them is off the charts.
Chloe Liese’s books are sizzling hot, with plenty of spicy scenes, but her characters and their relationships have true depth and development outside of the bedroom too, Ren and Frankie being no exception to that. They’re both real and raw, lovable and flawed. Throughout the book you fall in love with them and alongside them, and you get to see them grow as individuals and together as a couple. This book is a classic case of grumpy (Frankie) x sunshine (Ren), but the characters are wholly developed humans outside of that trope as well.
This book has phenomenal disability representation. Frankie is autistic (this aspect of the rep is #ownvoices) and has Rheumatoid Arthritis. The representation shown in Frankie remains some of my favorite rep I’ve ever read. We get to see her interact with each aspect of her disabilities differently, from the sensory issues that come with her autism to the chronic pain from her RA. She is strong and vulnerable, and throughout the book she comes to terms with that fact, and with some of the different realities that come with being disabled, and with herself, in regards to those things. So much of her experiences mirrors my own, though my diagnoses are different than hers, and seeing her navigate these realities that I, and many other disabled people, also face is so important and empowering, and I cannot express how meaningful it is to me.
I loved the scenes we get with Ziggy in this book. The solidarity between her and Frankie, as two autistic women. It was weird, seeing Ziggy as young and struggling, when I’d most recently read about her in her own book, grown and thriving. It made me all the more excited to get to my reread of her book. She’s another of my all time favorite characters.
I absolutely adore this book, and I know this won’t be the last time I read it. If you’re only ever going to pick up one Chloe Liese book, make it this one—but really you should just read everything she writes, because all of her books are incredible.

A Hockey player who has been secretly pining for his team's take-no-prisoners social media manager? Yes, please. Realize it's Ren Bergman of the Bergman Brothers series by Chloe Liese? Sign me up. Ren and Frankie are opposites who attract goals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

Ren and Frankie's story has captured my heart again. I love the dynamic between these two, their chemistry so palpable right from the very beginning. Ren is so soft, and absolutely perfect for someone like Frankie, who needs that type of softness in her life.

I love the fact that Chloe Liese never shies away from disabilities or neurodivergence. I think she shows so much care in accurately portraying characters who have to deal with these issues on a day to day basis. You can tell that she has spent time researching and understanding these characters and their issues, and works to make sure that while they are part of their identity, it is not the sole thing used to guide their story.

The Bergman Brothers series is one of my favorites and will continue to promote these books to people.

4.5 - “You know you’re all I’ve wanted for as long as I’ve known wanting.”

When I say I fell in love with Ren, that’s an understatement. He is so caring and loving and protective, and he’s so in love with Frankie it is adorable. He is the type of man who understands what she needs and wants to put her first, regardless of his hockey career. As a reader, you understand his personality and it's just so endearing. As a former English major, I was so taken with how he loves Shakespeare and acts out scenes with his teammates. It's so rare to see such a sensitive male main character, but it just works so well for Ren.

Frankie is written so unbelievably well and she’s such incredible representation. She is on the autism spectrum and has rheumatoid arthritis. She uses a cane and let’s be honest: she’s just a total badass. The representation of her is outstanding. What I loved so much about their relationship is that Ren has loved her for who she is and never faults her disabilities. It’s such a beautiful relationship.

And my goodness is the bonus epilogue an absolute swoon. It is so perfect for Ren and Frankie, two characters who I just love so much.