Everything for You (Bergman Brothers #5)(104)
And thus was born an idea for Oliver’s book: a player whose heart echoed Ted Lasso’s, someone who’s always chipper, friendly, playful, yet who’s also privately contending with loneliness and anxiety; and another player, who like Roy Kent, grumpy, growly, and foul-mouthed, fears the end—like we all do—of what’s given his life purpose, validity, and meaning. And then, because I am in the business of writing happily ever afters, I thought, let’s make them fall in love!
To say writing Gavin and Oliver’s story brought me joy is a wild understatement. It was cathartic and healing and beautiful and challenging in the best ways, like one of those magical runs when your legs feel loose and strong and the sun’s out but not too bright and the wind moves just enough to cool your skin without knocking you over—hard but satisfying, peaceful yet invigorating. And it wouldn’t have been possible without some incredible people who worked with me to ensure that in addition to my own lived experience, some of which is portrayed in these characters, their lived experience of this story’s representation was authentically, sensitively portrayed. Jess, Tim, Ellie, thank you. Your wisdom, honesty, care, and dedication to helping me make this book inclusive, thoughtful, authentic, and respectful, means the world to me.
As always, I’m beyond grateful to my family and friends who put up with me cackling to myself as I wrote and indulged me in recounting a new favorite moment I’d drafted. You make me feel seen and supported and believed in, which Ted Lasso would tell you is just about the very best gift you could want from or give to the people you love.
I hope, dear reader, that this story has brought you joy and affirmation, that even if you wear that sunshine smile, you realize you don’t have to hide when the storm clouds roll in, that you can be loved even, no, especially, when you’re anxious and scared; that if you feel grief and pain, those worthy of your love will love you through those hard moments, make you laugh and hold your hand and remind you that, as the song beloved by soccer and musical fans alike reminds us, “you’ll never walk alone.”
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XO,
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Chloe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.
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