Frankie is a walking storm cloud of grumpiness, working as a social media manager for LA’s professional hockey team. While juggling all her responsibilities, she’s also managing her rheumatoid arthritis and autism. Unfortunately, these unchangeable traits were considered burdens to her past lovers, so Frankie’s signed off on ever opening her heart to another. Enter Ren, a big, burly, beautiful ginger with a soft heart and dorky side; considered the star of his hockey team, he’s admired Frankie from afar to avoid any scandalous work romances. When Frankie is accepted into law school, meaning she’ll be leaving her position soon, Ren finds himself in the perfect position to confess his feelings.

Always Only You was a beautiful, comical romance with fantastic neurodivergent and disability representation. Frankie was incredibly relatable, she feels as if her conditions are burdensome and not worth loving - which I think most people with chronic illnesses face this struggle. Ren has claimed the top cinnamon roll MMC title with how understanding and infallible he is. This gave me so many warm, fuzzy feelings! I seriously have so much love for Frankie and Ren - this is a great rom com that’ll stand the test of time.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Romance, and the author for providing an early copy, I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

Always Only You is the second book of the Bergman Brothers series of interconnected standalones. I absolutely loved this book! Ren and Frankie’s story sucked me in and I couldn’t stop reading! I love the grumpy sunshine trope but love it even more when the guy is Mr. Sunshine and the girl is all grumpy! Frankie is on the autism spectrum and also suffers with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She is the social media manager for the hockey team that Ren plays for. Ren, oh how I love this marshmallow of a man! He has had a crush on Frankie since the first time he saw her but since they work for the same hockey team they can’t have a relationship. I love the slow build of their relationship and interactions with each other. I also loved getting more Willa and Ryder from book one. I’ll say it again, I loved this book! I will for sure be putting this one on my reread list! Can’t wait for Freda and Aiden’s story!

This one surprised me! I almost DNFed early on because I wasn't sure about the FMC's voice, but I got more into as the book went along. Once I got in the flow, I really appreciated that this a friends to lovers story with a nice progression to the romantic side of the relationship developing, and I love that there was so much disability rep across the cast! Particularly appreciate the rep for us immunocompromised girlies :)

"Always Only You" is an unbelievably adorable romance. Ren is the sweetest, most wholesome dork and his relationship with Frankie was just so comfortable and cute. I loved all the pet names he tried out for her and the little ways he supported her every day.

This was really just a warm hug of a book for me. There was shockingly little drama or miscommunication to be had? It was just two people who had developed feelings for each other, but were a little hesitant about diving into a relationship. There was an element of meeting the other person where they’re at in terms of communication and Ren navigating how to best support Frankie with her arthritis, but they were handled in a very positive way through the lens of two people getting to know each other and not really used to create drama in the relationship.

I also really enjoyed the introduction to Ziggy in this one and the relationship she was able to develop with Frankie. I can’t wait to see her whole story unfold. After the little exchange between Axel and Rooney, I am now also so excited to get to read their book.

Overall, this was an excellent grumpy sunshine hockey romance with some great representation.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't have much to say here. I'll say I don't know if this book is a long-lasting favorite, I might have to re-read it in a few months to see how it feels when it's no longer new and exciting, but it was pretty good.

Let me get the issues out first: the constant Harry Potter is so incredibly cringe. so. incredibly cringe. the author also puts a warning at the beginning condemning the constant talk of JKR and the HP series. But in all honesty, it's not even that part that bothers me... it's like... a weird level of harry Potter loving. Like Disney adult but Harry Potter adult. and I'm a Harry Potter adult but just not like.... this....

ASIDE FROM THAT!!! I think Chloe Liese continually demonstrates how to write about disability, neurodivergence, and mental health in romance in a meaningful, impactful way. Liese constantly tackles different topics in every one of her books and I find she handles them with such tact and intentionality that makes her books so authentic and delightful. I do think that Ren falls a little flat... almost seeming a little tooooo perfect, but I can't seem to fault it when I find this book to be just a beautiful exploration of what love looks like.

Frankie is the social media manager for the hockey team that Ren is on. Ren has been pining for her forever and has been waiting for the right moment to make his move. Frankie is autistic and has rheumatoid arthritis, and subsequently struggles with the idea that these two parts of who she is make her inevitably unlovable-- aka anyone who commits to her will eventually tire of dealing with it, so she has resolved to never let anyone deal with it, to be a completely independent woman. Ren is so ADORABLE. There's just so much here that I loved. I loved that Liese turns a lot of romance expectations on their head, making Ren the virgin/less experienced partner. I love that he's so dorky and nerdy and bad with women. I love that Frankie is a take-no-shit personality. I saw some people complain that she comes across as too 'not like other girls' energy but I didn't get that vibe.

And I love, love, loved that this book was so much about Ren showing Frankie that she's worth it. i loved that Ren was always doing things for Frankie but also so conscious of when to let her do things herself. I loved that this book focused on the idea that Ren was always helping her not because she was weak, but because when you love someone you take on their burdens as your own. You want to help them.

Gah this book got me in my feels it was so heartwarming.

Rounded up to 5 stars from 4.5

I actually really liked this one. Honestly, this was a well written, grumpy-sunshine character, romantic, comedic, chit lit type book that hits most of the high notes for me. Sporty/dorky Shakespearean lover man meets dorky Harry Potter, dog lover, tough exterior, soft interior woman? Count me. Representation for people on the autism spectrum done by someone who obviously has first hand knowledge, yes please. Realistic friends to lover trope that is super well done, check! Funny, yes sir!

I've already been telling people they should read this book.

I will warn people though, if you don't like the idea of a woman's panties being compared to Hogwarts on a rainy day, or wand sizes being compared to...ahem, you know, maybe don't read this book. oh, or if you don't like euphemisms like "vikng sledgehammer." (that one seriously made me laugh a little) If you think that is any sort of hilarious, do read this book because there are far more of those in this book. Obviously I found it hilarious...

I also liked how the author gives both points of view during some of the more intimate moments. It is very rare (in my experience) to find a male perspective on such things in a chick-lit type romance books. And it's tastefully and well done. I applaud the author for this.

My only gripe is Paza. That dog is one in a billion. As a person who grew up with around huskies and malamutes via multiple family friends who bred them and others who used huskies as sled dogs; and as a current mom to a husky, Paza does not behave like a husky/malamute. Paza should have been written as some sort of retriever or working cattle dog.. Her temperament and personality are more among those dogs' lines.

That or Frankie won the genetic jackpot cause I have never met any sort of husky or malamute who plays fetch (actually bringing it back more than once) and/or can be let out off leash without another pack member who does have recall to encourage them to come back to you. I know it's possible, supposedly, with an incredible amount of time and effort and the right dog. But, I have yet to meet one.

I love Chloe so much and rereading this book plus the bonus epilogue made me love her even more. Chloe Liese has become a new fave for sure. I really enjoyed the first in the series and was looking forward to book 2, especially because it was an #OwnVoices novel written by an author with autism. Chloe 100% delivered.

Frankie and Ren were perfect: Frankie with her grumpy sullenness that hides a soft and vulnerable interior; Ren with his sweet, Shakespearean love and cinnamon roll attitude. They might be one of my favorite couples of romance I've read this year. Each chapter I loved: Ren was my favorite then we'd get a Frankie chapter and I'd love her. Seeing Ren be so strong in his love for Frankie was beautiful and many of his sweet, heartfelt speeches made me SWOON.

I think my favorite part was not only learning more about folx who have autism through the story, but seeing Frankie and Ziggy interact and seeing Frankie support someone who is new to their diagnosis. There were definite tears streaming down my face because from what I understand, there is a lot to figure out as a person with autism (and even as a family member of someone with autism). It was important to see some of that play out in a romance.

The bonus epilogue is sweet and swoony, just like the whole book!

Another sweet, slow-burning romance from author Chloe Liese!

Always Only You is the second book in the Bergman Brothers series and follows the story of Wren and Frankie. I adored these two characters from the moment I met them. I think the author did an excellent job representing these characters and I loved their connection. There were, however, a few moments that made me cringe and the pacing was a bit slower than I would have liked. But, at the end of the day, I found this book to be an entertaining read.

I love the disability representation in this book! I’ve never read anything else by this author and I’m so excited to dive into more books in this series!

Ren and Frankie! I adore them. Frankie is just honest. I love that once she realized Ren had similar feelings she was not shy about what she wanted. The secret workplace romance, living together temporarily, all the sweet nights together. One of my favorite couples!

Hello Book friends!

Today I’m reviewing Always Only You by Chloe Liese, the second book in the Bergman Brothers series. In this second novel we follow the second Bergman brother a professional hockey player, who everyone loves and adores and Frankie Zeferino a no-nonsense in-game social media coordinator for the LA Kings. Ron Bergman is sunshine to her grump, in this melt-your-heart office romance.

Now, let’s chat about the book itself. I was first introduced to this series by reading Always Only You. For some reason, I tend to read sports romance novels out of order, so it only seems fitting that I continue the trend with this series too. 😂

I hands down love this book. Work place romances have been a favorite of mine recently (it all started with Ali Hazelwood’s Love Hypothesis) and give me a man who is a ray of sunshine, treats women with dignity and respect, is not remotely turned off by menstruation (and actually is willing to go purchase tampons/pads), and really is the guy you want to bring home to meet your parents.

And Frankie!!! She’s quirky, strong-willed, hilarious, and charming in a way that makes her feel like an old friend. I love how these two characters slowly come together and realize how to make a relationship work that best fits both of their needs.

Simply put, a book you need in your life.

Always Only You checks all the right boxes of workplace romance, grumpy + sunshine, and he falls first, romance readers will be swept away by Ren and Frankie’s love story.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

There were parts of this book that worked really well, the autism rep, the disability rep, the virgin hero and parts of the book that felt weak - the lack of tension, the pointless 3rd act breakup that felt unnecessary. I don’t think this particular author’s style of writing is for me. I appreciate the disability rep, I think it’s super well done. But all in all, the voice isn’t jiving with me.

Hello to the first 5-star of 2021 and also the first 5-star romance in a while. Living my best life tbh.

I just,,, don’t know how to articulate and put into words my feelings for this book. It was just so heartwarming and wonderful. It’s one of those 5-stars that just ticked all the boxes for me and made me smile so much that I couldn’t help but give it a 5-star. If that makes sense?

I guess we’ll start off with the writing. I’ve read a lot of contemporary lately, especially romance, and I’ve found that a lot of authors try to sound witty and sarcastic, specifically within the first-person narrative. But most times, rather than doing so, it comes off as forced and cliché. I don’t know if that made sense or if it’s just me being weird, but I find it rather eye-roll-y. However, Chloe Liese has done a superb job, her writing is witty and sarcastic in a way that makes the book genuinely authentic and funny. The book doesn’t feel disjointed. So huge round of applause there. I have a very specific taste in humour so if I can laugh out loud, then that’s a check in my book.

Wow, I sound very stuck-up. Moving on.

I would also just like to scream about the representation in this book because it was SO!!!! GOOD!!!! Well, at least I loved it. Chloe Liese is autistic so there is own-voices autism representation, and though I don’t believe the rheumatoid arthritis is own-voices, our main character also deals with chronic pain. Frankie has a cane and I think its the coolest! And from my knowledge and the reviews I’ve read, it’s handled very well. And one of my favourite parts of the story was how it was so prevalent in the story and how it was just who Frankie was.

Furthermore, I also absolutely adored how authentic the two main characters were. Sort of a similar situation, but sometimes characters can be written as “quirky” but it just comes across as unnatural. But Frankie and Ren both had their own interests and hobbies and it didn’t overpower the rest of their character(s). Ren is obsessed with Shakespeare and I didn’t know I needed him in my life until now. I loved hoe Chloe Liese writes her male MCs to be feminist also. That energy is UNMATCHED. Ugh, the two were both just such well-written characters and I LOVED them.

I mentioned how I was laughing out loud and indeed there was some GREAT banter. This book, like Only When It’s Us, is also told in a dual narrative and I loved it that way. Both characters were so well fleshed out and I didn’t get confused between the two of them. They both felt distinct and I didn’t prefer a POV over another. Can you tell I really adored this book?

And ugh THE ROMANCE. I think I only have one con to this book, but it’s more just a personal preference, in that I would’ve liked just a bit more of a slow-burn. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still VERY slow-burn. It definitely wasn’t enough of a ‘want’ for me to dislike it but idk maybe a smidge more,,, I’ll stop now because I actually wouldn’t want to change anything about it oops.

Anyways okay THE ROMANCE. I feel like a broken record but it really lies in the hands of the DYNAMICS. Which this book definitely has. It’s pitched as a forbidden romance though eh I wouldn’t classify it as that. But Ren has been pining after Frankie ever since she started working for their team. And just like,,, I LOVE THEM. I know that I’m being vague but it’s true, I JUST LOVE THEM. They just took care of each other and loved all aspects of each other and it was so pure and wonderful and wholesome. So yeah I LOVE THEM. (Also a new for me was that I actually liked the sex scenes whoops).

I was lucky enough to win an eARC of ALWAYS ONLY YOU by Chloe Liese through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

Frankie and Ren are so freaking perfect. Chloe Liese does it again and every time I read one of her books I'm more astounded by her capacity to create these perfect stories. I loved how independent and feisty Frankie is and what a lovable simp Ren was. Getting to re-read this series and getting the bonus epilogues at the end has been such a treat!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Always Only You by Chloe Liese is a delightfully adorable romcom with a hockey player full of sunshine, Ren, that falls for a staff member of his hockey team, Frankie. Unfortunately, they cannot mix business with more, which means there’s forbidden pining of the heart. It’s got a slowburn feel to it along with some forced proximity & a lovely friends to lovers vibe. Frankie is the wonderful character who has rheumatoid arthritis, which causes her to use a cane, compression socks & other things to manage her pain along with autism. Chloe Liese does an incredible job of including chronic illness, disability & neurodivergent representation in her books & for that I’m oh so thankful for her.
This is book 2 in the Bergman Brothers series but I think it can easily be read as a standalone.

Always Only You is perfect for fans of
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Disability Representation
🏒 Forced Proximity
🏒 Forbidden Workplace Romance

Another super cool thing that Chloe Liese does with her books is add playlists to them! She links to her Spotify playlist & I found some great new song recommendations from them.

Now let me go back to gushing about the characters please. Frankie moves slow in the morning and can’t sleep on couches because of joint pain.I felt so seen. There’s so many small moments that are just so accurate for a chronic pain person.

I would just like to take a moment to appreciate this hero of a man, Ren. He thinks about her needs & how he can help make her life better. He even finds adaptive clothing for her!! Insert swoon here.
Occasionally there are some cheesy lines, but I don’t mind cheese with my romance!

A muscular hockey player that if you x-rayed him you would just see a cinnamon roll center is what I think of as peak hero status. This is just a great love story.

I highly recommend everyone go check out Chloe Liese & her books please & thank you!

I was ecstatic to read the newly published version with the bonus epilogue & oh my stars did it deliver. This is the best kind of bonus epilogue with an extended update on the couple with equivalent of multiple chapters worth of extra content. It’s an absolutely joy to get more of the Bergmans & I am so grateful!

I will post this on my socials & Amazon around release date & add links once I do!

I've really enjoyed every Bergman Brothers book I've read, and this one is no exception.

I love what Chloe Liese is doing with representation in her novels. She's somehow managing to give so many different character types swoon-worthy romances without coming across as preachy or disingenuous. In this one, we get Frankie, a snarky, prickly on-the-spectrum heroine with chronic pain falling for the almost-too-perfect and absolutely off-limits Ren. And, even though we know it's coming (because, let's face it, we know the formula for this book before we crack the spine), the HEA is still so satisfying.

Always Only You is a great choice if you enjoy:
+ grumpy/sunshine
+ slow burn
+ forbidden attraction
+ Shakespearean curses

This is not a novel that's going to change your worldview, but it is a great read for a lazy weekend.

Frankie!! she is one of my favorite characters to this day! I love how unapologetically herself she is and the way that she interacts with Ren makes my
heart soar. These two are the perfect grumpy sunshine coupling and must be protected at all costs!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Gosh Frankie and Ren. These two. I mean Chloe Liese writing a hockey romance alone was guaranteed to make me obsessed but fiesty, independent Frankie was absolute perfection. And Ren, king of the simps, I would commit crimes for this man is all i'm saying.

Rereading this series is just bringing me so much joy

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of Always Only You by Chloe Liese! Super Excited to see these in print!