#OwnVoices romance showcases neurodiversity and what it means to be strong

     Chloe Liese is back with the second installment in the Bergman Brothers Series! This opposites-attract, forbidden love sports romance features a nerdy, late-blooming hockey star, and his tough cookie coworker who keeps both her soft side and her autism diagnosis to herself. Always Only You shows how our limitations are only as big as we make them and how communication is key in a relationship.
​     Frankie Zeferino is the social media manager for the LA Kings hockey team, which Ren Bergman is a part of. She is constantly grumpy while he is all sunshines and smiles. However, Ren has been pining over Frankie for the past 3 years he’s been on the team and Frankie is not as immune to his good looks and charms as she seems to be. What Ren doesn't know is that Frankie not only has arthritis and carries around a badass cane, dubbed “The Elder Wand”, but she is also on the autism spectrum. However, as the two become closer, they begin to see past some of their struggles and open up to one another. In between a meddling secretary, tantric yoga torture, and a scorching slow burn, Frankie and Ren must learn to communicate in order for their relationship to make it both on and off the ice.
    I loved the neurodiversity and autistic representation that was showcased in this own voices story. It really portrayed a new side to the Autism spectrum that shatters the stereotype many people initially have in their heads. Liese portrays Frankie as headstrong, competent, and independent and to see her embody these traits while also being physically and mentally disabled is so refreshing to see in a protagonist. Furthermore, the way Ren accepts Frankie for who she is and Frankie him shows the kind of respect and honesty that readers love to see between two love interests.
     The novel was perfectly paced, sexy, flirty, and funny! It encompasses all that is desirable in a romance book and it makes this an easy binge read. If you’re looking for a fun sports romance with laugh-out-loud humor, steamy scenes, and diverse representation then this is a must read! Even though this works as a stand-alone, I cannot wait to see what the Bergman Brothers get up to next!

*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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