Always Only You (Bergman Brothers) – book review

Always Only You
By Chloe Liese
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Book #2 in the Bergman Brothers series
Number of pages: 355
Contemporary Romance/Sports
Ages 15 and up
CW: mental health issues, chronic illness,
parental death
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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.

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Man, these Bergman Brothers are such warm gooey cinnamon rolls, and I love it! Ren is so kind and observant. Not just of Frankie, but all those in his circle. He is even-keeled, especially for a professional hockey player. Yet, when he isn’t quite able to contain his anger, he is still somehow in control and glorious.

Frankie and Ren have been working together, so to speak, for a few years. Both have felt that inexplicable pull from the very start. Ren is very aware that it would be inappropriate to pursue someone who works for the hockey team he plays for. Especially since it could put her job in jeopardy. Frankie has worked hard to be independent and tough. She has to keep an arm’s length from all of the players to keep her control of all the situations she is in with these huge men. She doesn’t ever let them see her sweat. There’s only so much time that can go by without the two of them giving in to that pull. But it happens slowly and with the full awareness that they are entering into shaky territory.

This is a grumpy/sunshine book that filled me with joy. Seeing Frankie slowly smile more and more as the story progressed was so heartening. And seeing Ren realize he didn’t always have to be “on” for Frankie, or for anyone for that matter, was a relief.

Not only were these two very sweet together, but they were also a lot of fun. Frankie has the best exclamatory sayings, and Ren’s use of Shakespeare for his cussing is endearing. They’re good together and with others. When Frankie spends one on one time with Ren’s sister Ziggy, a lot of tears were shed.

So far, the books in this series are like a warm, cozy blanket on a winter night. Comforting and soft and just right.

4.5 stars