What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wilmot Sisters #3
Once Smitten, Twice Shy
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jan 25Star-crossed lovers learn that practicing romance leads to the perfect happy ending in this steamy reimagining of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
Since heartbreak entered the scene, Juliet Wilmot, once a hopeless romantic, has sworn off love. But when she's presented with the chance to revisit romance-purely for practice-with the gorgeous, off-limits guy she keeps serendipitously running into, it feels like a sign from the universe.
Quiet, shy Will Orsino knows happily-ever-after isn't on his horizon. Problem is, for the sake of the family business, marriage is. Resigned to the inevitable, but with no confidence he can woo a wife, he can hardly say no when fate hands him the alluring, unattainable woman he keeps crossing paths with, offering to help him learn the ropes of romance.
Neither of them looking for love, Jules and Will agree they're the perfect pair to practice romance. Except that practicing to perfection leads to an irresistible attraction. Their once smitten hearts, though still twice shy, might have happily-ever-after written in the stars for them, after all.
Since heartbreak entered the scene, Juliet Wilmot, once a hopeless romantic, has sworn off love. But when she's presented with the chance to revisit romance-purely for practice-with the gorgeous, off-limits guy she keeps serendipitously running into, it feels like a sign from the universe.
Quiet, shy Will Orsino knows happily-ever-after isn't on his horizon. Problem is, for the sake of the family business, marriage is. Resigned to the inevitable, but with no confidence he can woo a wife, he can hardly say no when fate hands him the alluring, unattainable woman he keeps crossing paths with, offering to help him learn the ropes of romance.
Neither of them looking for love, Jules and Will agree they're the perfect pair to practice romance. Except that practicing to perfection leads to an irresistible attraction. Their once smitten hearts, though still twice shy, might have happily-ever-after written in the stars for them, after all.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 14, 2025
About the author
Chloe Liese
18 books9,312 followersChloe 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.
Follow Chloe:
Book News & Freebies
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok
Facebook
Follow Chloe:
Book News & Freebies
TikTok
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Want to read
November 14, 2024Hope this one’s a good one 😩🤞🏻
Anticipated Release Date - 01/14/25
A huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced digital copy- all thoughts and opinions are my own. 💐🩷
October 8, 2024
I can honestly say this is the sweetest, the most adorable book of the series! I’m rooting for Juliet Wilmot; twin sister of Bea since “Two Wrongs Make A Right”, seeing her vulnerability and her toughness after getting through toxic relationship, being brave enough to end things with her douche manipulative fiancée, expecting to read her own book, crossing my fingers for her highly earned happily ever after.
It’s impossible not to root for her significant other Will Orsino, cinnamon bun hiding behind introvert, quiet, socially awkward, incarnated duke who is caring of his entire family wholeheartedly.
Their path crosses at a pub in Scotland where they find themselves dance together and get so close to share a kiss. Juliet walks out because she’s not in a good place to start something new and hiding in a Scotland cottage is her way to her heal her wounds after heartbreaking broken heart that makes her second guess about men’s motives.
But she doesn’t count to meet this ginger haired, charming, man of few words stranger at the greenhouse of her mother, sleeping peacefully on the ground throughout rain dripping down and attacks him with a shovel, thinking he’s stalking her. When she finds out he’s the best friend of Christopher ( the leading character of second book: Better Hate Than Never, her sister Kate’s boyfriend) she realizes he’s Orsino ( call him with his last name) Christopher is always talking about.
When the next day, Juliet runs for his help to work the complicated coffee machine at Christopher’s house that turns into a long chat while they sit on ancient family swing that fails to carry Will, the abruptness turns into flirty teasing which Will always fails to achieve because he doesn’t have social cues to conduct a long conversation which affects his relationship status. On the other hand Juliet feels too rusty to flirt after closing her heart to love and second guess of her each decision she’s made.
Will needs a partner in her life who can help her to conduct family business as a sales representative of their famous whiskey distillery but for finding a proper candidate he has to break his shyness and put himself out there with right cues. And Juliet needs to practice to embrace her confidence to build a trustworthy relationship. They decide to help each by friendly courting to practice romance for getting ready of their future entanglements but they don’t count that growing attraction they felt for each is meant to push their friendship boundaries and they have to face their mutual blooming intimacy that they hardly resist.
Will thinks his best friend Christopher sees Juliet as little sister which puts her off limits and Juliet still gets scared to leave her trust to anybody but what if they take risk in the name of love that conquers every single obstacle!
Overall: I loved this friends to lovers, super sweet and slow burn romance! It was also fun to see cameos of Bea-Jamie and Kate-Christopher whose love stories at the previous books are amazing! Neurodivergence sensitive Shakespearean adaptations to the real world couldn’t be written so brilliantly. Even though Wilmot sisters’ saga concludes with this book, I still wish Chloe Liese reimagines more Shakespearean stories and introduce us more vivid and memorable characters we easily engage! She did amazing job as always.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for sharing this amazing romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts.
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter
It’s impossible not to root for her significant other Will Orsino, cinnamon bun hiding behind introvert, quiet, socially awkward, incarnated duke who is caring of his entire family wholeheartedly.
Their path crosses at a pub in Scotland where they find themselves dance together and get so close to share a kiss. Juliet walks out because she’s not in a good place to start something new and hiding in a Scotland cottage is her way to her heal her wounds after heartbreaking broken heart that makes her second guess about men’s motives.
But she doesn’t count to meet this ginger haired, charming, man of few words stranger at the greenhouse of her mother, sleeping peacefully on the ground throughout rain dripping down and attacks him with a shovel, thinking he’s stalking her. When she finds out he’s the best friend of Christopher ( the leading character of second book: Better Hate Than Never, her sister Kate’s boyfriend) she realizes he’s Orsino ( call him with his last name) Christopher is always talking about.
When the next day, Juliet runs for his help to work the complicated coffee machine at Christopher’s house that turns into a long chat while they sit on ancient family swing that fails to carry Will, the abruptness turns into flirty teasing which Will always fails to achieve because he doesn’t have social cues to conduct a long conversation which affects his relationship status. On the other hand Juliet feels too rusty to flirt after closing her heart to love and second guess of her each decision she’s made.
Will needs a partner in her life who can help her to conduct family business as a sales representative of their famous whiskey distillery but for finding a proper candidate he has to break his shyness and put himself out there with right cues. And Juliet needs to practice to embrace her confidence to build a trustworthy relationship. They decide to help each by friendly courting to practice romance for getting ready of their future entanglements but they don’t count that growing attraction they felt for each is meant to push their friendship boundaries and they have to face their mutual blooming intimacy that they hardly resist.
Will thinks his best friend Christopher sees Juliet as little sister which puts her off limits and Juliet still gets scared to leave her trust to anybody but what if they take risk in the name of love that conquers every single obstacle!
Overall: I loved this friends to lovers, super sweet and slow burn romance! It was also fun to see cameos of Bea-Jamie and Kate-Christopher whose love stories at the previous books are amazing! Neurodivergence sensitive Shakespearean adaptations to the real world couldn’t be written so brilliantly. Even though Wilmot sisters’ saga concludes with this book, I still wish Chloe Liese reimagines more Shakespearean stories and introduce us more vivid and memorable characters we easily engage! She did amazing job as always.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for sharing this amazing romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts.
medium.com
November 3, 2024
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
I’m a sucker for Chloe Liese’s romances, and this one was no different. I mean, a shy neurodivergent character (Will) who has ‘thinking thoughts’ that jump out of his mouth so quickly and become ‘talking thoughts’. I sighed with a huge smile on my face because of his sweetness. And NO third-act breakup. That alone almost earned that fast hit on the five-star button.
Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a slow-burn romance with excellent writing (of course, because, well, Chloe Liese) and lots of inner thoughts. I loved to be inside Juliet’s and Will’s minds. I liked fierce and, at the same time, vulnerable Juliet with her celiac disease and her stiff joints, but Will, sweet, autistic, sensory-issued Will, is the real star of this story. In my review of Two Wrongs Make a Right, the first of this series, I said that Jamie was the cutest of cutest cinnamon rolls, but I found a new one. Will simply outshines Jamie. Please read this book if you don’t believe me because he really, really does!
Thank you, Penguin Random House International, for one of my most anticipated 2025 reads! I loved reading this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
I’m a sucker for Chloe Liese’s romances, and this one was no different. I mean, a shy neurodivergent character (Will) who has ‘thinking thoughts’ that jump out of his mouth so quickly and become ‘talking thoughts’. I sighed with a huge smile on my face because of his sweetness. And NO third-act breakup. That alone almost earned that fast hit on the five-star button.
Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a slow-burn romance with excellent writing (of course, because, well, Chloe Liese) and lots of inner thoughts. I loved to be inside Juliet’s and Will’s minds. I liked fierce and, at the same time, vulnerable Juliet with her celiac disease and her stiff joints, but Will, sweet, autistic, sensory-issued Will, is the real star of this story. In my review of Two Wrongs Make a Right, the first of this series, I said that Jamie was the cutest of cutest cinnamon rolls, but I found a new one. Will simply outshines Jamie. Please read this book if you don’t believe me because he really, really does!
Thank you, Penguin Random House International, for one of my most anticipated 2025 reads! I loved reading this ARC.
Follow me on Instagram
August 18, 2024
This was definitely a very cute romance.
What I loved most about this one was how self aware Juliet was. There was definitely a lot of introspection and I liked reading about Bea & Jamie again.
But - there was A LOT of internal dialogues. Now I don’t mind them when they add to the story but (IMO), there were too many. I kept zoning out and it hindered my cutesy vibe reading a little.
This book focuses on the healing journey of 2 characters that had a few misfortunes in their love lives… so there’s no actual plot. Will & Juliet were adorable but I kept having the feeling that something was missing.
I also ended up skimming the sex scenes because I felt like they didn’t fit in with all the fluff.
Overall, I recommend this if you’re looking for a light cutesy read! (BTW, there’s no 3rd act breakup!!🥳)
—• The wilmot sisters trilogy
Two wrongs make a right : 5✨
Better hate than never : 2✨
Once smitten twice shy : 3✨
—• Pre read
Yay!! Thanks NetGalley & Berkley for this ARC 🥹 I’m super excited. The first book in this trilogy was a 5✨ read for me so I hope this one will live up to it! The title & the cover are sooo cute
What I loved most about this one was how self aware Juliet was. There was definitely a lot of introspection and I liked reading about Bea & Jamie again.
But - there was A LOT of internal dialogues. Now I don’t mind them when they add to the story but (IMO), there were too many. I kept zoning out and it hindered my cutesy vibe reading a little.
This book focuses on the healing journey of 2 characters that had a few misfortunes in their love lives… so there’s no actual plot. Will & Juliet were adorable but I kept having the feeling that something was missing.
I also ended up skimming the sex scenes because I felt like they didn’t fit in with all the fluff.
Overall, I recommend this if you’re looking for a light cutesy read! (BTW, there’s no 3rd act breakup!!🥳)
—• The wilmot sisters trilogy
Two wrongs make a right : 5✨
Better hate than never : 2✨
Once smitten twice shy : 3✨
—• Pre read
Yay!! Thanks NetGalley & Berkley for this ARC 🥹 I’m super excited. The first book in this trilogy was a 5✨ read for me so I hope this one will live up to it! The title & the cover are sooo cute
Want to read
December 3, 2023PLEASE BE SAPPHIC PLEASE BE SAPPHIC
—unfortunately it is not. Chloe Liese please write a sapphic romance 😩
—unfortunately it is not. Chloe Liese please write a sapphic romance 😩
August 13, 2024
ugh y’all this book :) i’m so sad that this series is over but i’m so happy that we got will orsino! i love him so much guys like this is the definition of a gentle GIANT my goodness what a soft lover boy. and y’all know i love miss juliet and just getting to be in her head this book was a treat within itself! i had fun reading this book, a perfect end to this trilogy!
November 8, 2024
One of my most anticipated books and the end to a very loved series. I love the Wilmot sisters and love watching them fall in love. Unfortunately, Juliet’s book came a little bit short for me. I struggled with the writing sometimes it seemed like it lacked, and I had a little issue with the pacing. Overall it was enjoyable and I’m sad to see this series go!
Want to read
October 25, 2023Why are people rating this book! There’s legit nothing out for it yet.
August 14, 2024
this probably finishes at the 4 ⭐️ mark
i loved the first book of this little trio which was also my first chloe liese book. i loved how soft and sweet the characters were and knew this one would deliver the same!
will and juliet were such a great couple. will, our cinnamon roll, socially awkward, cute and sexy asf scottish redhead, was perfect. not only did i find myself in him, but chloe really delivered on the highlander fantasies which had me panting!!!! give me jamie fraser or give me death! or in this case, will orsino... which is not a bad deal. he's calm, patient, supportive, a gentle giant, and will research restaurants he brings you to to make sure they're gluten free for your celiac disease.
juliet was sweet but she didn't shine to me. i loved how gentle she was with will, but wish that we had gotten more information about her toxic past relationship. while i did read the first book where it technically goes down, do you expect me to remember? also, if it's to work as a standalone, there needs to be enough meat in this book for readers who haven't read the others to understand the scope of the situation. unfortunately, with my poor memory and time simply deteriorating the situation, i dont remember what happened with her and her ex and probably now never will!
together, they were so sweet. they communicated well and often, they were vulnerable and soft and brave. it was so wholesome and so beautiful to read.
we also got some amazing cameos of my babes jamie and bea, and kate and christopher. i didnt read the second book BUT we see jamie and bea get married and y'all!!!!!! MY BABIES!!!!
ALSO NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP
i did have some problems with the book but i realize that they are more personal preferences. there was not a lot of plot, for instance, and the internal monologue of both the characters were near identical for majority of the book which hindered my ability to see them as separate entities. it got a little blurry and repetitive and muddy in the middle with both of them and wish there was just *something* in the plot to distinguish their day-to-day aside from just being together 24/7 and talking or thinking about each other 24/7. it also felt to me that every side character was there to serve as a buffer for their relationship moving forward and i personally am not a fan of that.
overall, it's a cute fluffy book, and if you are a diehard fan of liese's other work, you will love this! it definitely delivers on all of her promises of a sweet romance
thank you netgalley and berkley for the arc!!!
--
omg this cover!!!!
i loved the first book of this little trio which was also my first chloe liese book. i loved how soft and sweet the characters were and knew this one would deliver the same!
will and juliet were such a great couple. will, our cinnamon roll, socially awkward, cute and sexy asf scottish redhead, was perfect. not only did i find myself in him, but chloe really delivered on the highlander fantasies which had me panting!!!! give me jamie fraser or give me death! or in this case, will orsino... which is not a bad deal. he's calm, patient, supportive, a gentle giant, and will research restaurants he brings you to to make sure they're gluten free for your celiac disease.
juliet was sweet but she didn't shine to me. i loved how gentle she was with will, but wish that we had gotten more information about her toxic past relationship. while i did read the first book where it technically goes down, do you expect me to remember? also, if it's to work as a standalone, there needs to be enough meat in this book for readers who haven't read the others to understand the scope of the situation. unfortunately, with my poor memory and time simply deteriorating the situation, i dont remember what happened with her and her ex and probably now never will!
together, they were so sweet. they communicated well and often, they were vulnerable and soft and brave. it was so wholesome and so beautiful to read.
we also got some amazing cameos of my babes jamie and bea, and kate and christopher. i didnt read the second book BUT we see jamie and bea get married and y'all!!!!!! MY BABIES!!!!
ALSO NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP
i did have some problems with the book but i realize that they are more personal preferences. there was not a lot of plot, for instance, and the internal monologue of both the characters were near identical for majority of the book which hindered my ability to see them as separate entities. it got a little blurry and repetitive and muddy in the middle with both of them and wish there was just *something* in the plot to distinguish their day-to-day aside from just being together 24/7 and talking or thinking about each other 24/7. it also felt to me that every side character was there to serve as a buffer for their relationship moving forward and i personally am not a fan of that.
overall, it's a cute fluffy book, and if you are a diehard fan of liese's other work, you will love this! it definitely delivers on all of her promises of a sweet romance
thank you netgalley and berkley for the arc!!!
--
omg this cover!!!!
Want to read
August 24, 2024 I got the arc of this book 🥹💗
I LOVED 😭
I LOVED 😭
August 31, 2024
2.5/5⭐️
I really loved the concept at the beginning; it felt fresh and fun! The shy guy seeking dating help was particularly cute. However, things started to get mixed for me when the story introduced the dynamic of helping each other out romantically but as friends.
While I appreciated the concept, the shift to mutual attraction and the admission of feelings occurred too quickly for my taste. This early admission of attraction made me less interested. Although they didn't fully act on their feelings, the kiss and early confession felt too soon.
There was also too much description that didn't seem necessary. I enjoyed the beginning a lot, but I lost interest about halfway through, making it difficult to reconnect with the story.
I really loved the concept at the beginning; it felt fresh and fun! The shy guy seeking dating help was particularly cute. However, things started to get mixed for me when the story introduced the dynamic of helping each other out romantically but as friends.
While I appreciated the concept, the shift to mutual attraction and the admission of feelings occurred too quickly for my taste. This early admission of attraction made me less interested. Although they didn't fully act on their feelings, the kiss and early confession felt too soon.
There was also too much description that didn't seem necessary. I enjoyed the beginning a lot, but I lost interest about halfway through, making it difficult to reconnect with the story.
August 7, 2024
I have such a genuine love for Chloe’s love stories. They always hit me right in the heart and make me feel seen and hopeful. This one is not different, while the plot itself wasn’t my favorite in this series, Chloe worked her magic and made me love it.
Do I still wish it was sapphic? I mean yeah haha.
*I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Do I still wish it was sapphic? I mean yeah haha.
*I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Want to read
October 27, 2023Oh PALS, I just CANNOT wait ❤️
October 9, 2024
Another standout swoony, dual POV friends to lovers, 'fake' dating romance that delivered AMAZING ownvoices disability rep (he's autistic with sensory sensitivities and she has a loose joint disorder, uses a mobility aid and has celiac disease).
Will Orsino and Juliet Wilmot are two people who have been burned by love in the past and are nervous to put themselves out there again. When they meet during a random storm and strike up a friendship, they make a bargain to be romance practice buddies.
The more time the spend together with each other, their families and their found family friend group, the stronger their bond grows and they eventually realize the love they didn't think they would find might just be right in front of them.
Only Chloe Liese can write such relatable, empathetic characters who OPENLY communicate so well and that you can't help cheering for. I devoured this last book in the Wilmot Sisters series that's loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and did not want it to end!
You can definitely tell this is one of the most personal books the author's written (even without reading it in her acknowledgments at the end). It's been such a delight to watch Chloe grow as an indie and now traditionally published romance author!!
Highly recommended for fans of authors like B.K. Borison or Jen Devon. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Fav quote:
"In lots of ways my brain is incredible. And in the same way I overcame my fear of being misunderstood and put myself out there, found people I felt safe to be my whole weird self with, maybe I can find someone safe in romantic love, too."
Will Orsino and Juliet Wilmot are two people who have been burned by love in the past and are nervous to put themselves out there again. When they meet during a random storm and strike up a friendship, they make a bargain to be romance practice buddies.
The more time the spend together with each other, their families and their found family friend group, the stronger their bond grows and they eventually realize the love they didn't think they would find might just be right in front of them.
Only Chloe Liese can write such relatable, empathetic characters who OPENLY communicate so well and that you can't help cheering for. I devoured this last book in the Wilmot Sisters series that's loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and did not want it to end!
You can definitely tell this is one of the most personal books the author's written (even without reading it in her acknowledgments at the end). It's been such a delight to watch Chloe grow as an indie and now traditionally published romance author!!
Highly recommended for fans of authors like B.K. Borison or Jen Devon. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Fav quote:
"In lots of ways my brain is incredible. And in the same way I overcame my fear of being misunderstood and put myself out there, found people I felt safe to be my whole weird self with, maybe I can find someone safe in romantic love, too."
October 13, 2024
This was a cute read but unfortunately, the romance did not hit like I thought it would. I liked the romance lessons aspects and the chronic pain representation. The beginning of the book is very intriguing, especially when the main characters keep meeting unexpectedly. The fmc loves romance and is very romantic but has sworn off love. The mmc isn't the best with social cues and doesn't know how to woo and be with women. Somewhere in the middle of the book the romance just seemed not to be going anywhere, both characters were okay and good on their own but nothing much happened and it was a little too sweet. They did have chemistry, though, so if you like cute romance books with little plot, you should try this. Thanks to Berkley Romance for the arc.
Want to read
October 30, 2023SUNSHINE ROMANCE LOVER x SCOTTISH GRUMP IS AN IMMEDIATE WIN
September 5, 2024
get you a man that looks exactly like a scottish highlander from one of the MANY historical romances in your collection and is willing to dress like one too
man set to inherit a distillery finds himself a whisky drinking woman with a soft spot for historical romance and the rest is history
Read my full review here
thank you to netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for review
Bookstagram
man set to inherit a distillery finds himself a whisky drinking woman with a soft spot for historical romance and the rest is history
Read my full review here
thank you to netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for review
Bookstagram
August 31, 2024
Thank you to the author for an ARC
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-dating lessons
-friends to lovers
-a bit of fate
-chronic illness and austism rep
-cozy
-denial
-golden retreiver soft boi
Chloe Liese is one of the best writers out there, and gosh is this my favorite book of hers. I can never pick but gosh was this book incredible, just the slowest and softest burn for two people who just feel like they are messing up this love thing.
I was just swooning as we watched Jules and Will befriend each other, two people who have given up on love in different ways. Never had someone who really saw them and just loved them for themselves. Watching them bumble through dating lessons and just leaning into the other's lives, was a kick your feet in the air good time. Just incredible chemistry. And that epilogue, gosh does Chloe know how to wrap up a series. I really don't have words for how great this book is other than READ IT
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-m/f contemporary romance
-dating lessons
-friends to lovers
-a bit of fate
-chronic illness and austism rep
-cozy
-denial
-golden retreiver soft boi
Chloe Liese is one of the best writers out there, and gosh is this my favorite book of hers. I can never pick but gosh was this book incredible, just the slowest and softest burn for two people who just feel like they are messing up this love thing.
I was just swooning as we watched Jules and Will befriend each other, two people who have given up on love in different ways. Never had someone who really saw them and just loved them for themselves. Watching them bumble through dating lessons and just leaning into the other's lives, was a kick your feet in the air good time. Just incredible chemistry. And that epilogue, gosh does Chloe know how to wrap up a series. I really don't have words for how great this book is other than READ IT
August 24, 2024
Full RTC!!! Thank you so Berkley for this arc
I love the CLU (Chloe Liese universe) I want to be fully immersed into her books always. It’s the most, wholesome, welcoming, safe, kind fictional worlds I’ve been in, I want to live in it forever.
5 stars, I love my softie awkward highlander Will so much. And I loved Juliet, she was so optimistic and open hearted, a fellow romance lover learning to love again. And they were PERFECT. I mean perfect together. I loved all the small things that made them basically soul mates, while they stubbornly ignored them lol
This book doesn’t come out for a while so I’ll leave my review at this for now. But basically, if you give me a Chloe Liese book I will devour it!!
I loved seeing the sisters together and in their respective couples, amazing closure the series!!! I’m sad it’s done but happy so happy I got to experience them
I love the CLU (Chloe Liese universe) I want to be fully immersed into her books always. It’s the most, wholesome, welcoming, safe, kind fictional worlds I’ve been in, I want to live in it forever.
5 stars, I love my softie awkward highlander Will so much. And I loved Juliet, she was so optimistic and open hearted, a fellow romance lover learning to love again. And they were PERFECT. I mean perfect together. I loved all the small things that made them basically soul mates, while they stubbornly ignored them lol
This book doesn’t come out for a while so I’ll leave my review at this for now. But basically, if you give me a Chloe Liese book I will devour it!!
I loved seeing the sisters together and in their respective couples, amazing closure the series!!! I’m sad it’s done but happy so happy I got to experience them
August 11, 2024
Chloe Liese continues to craft beautiful books that are filled with diverse joy!!! This was a warm hug and a love letter to those of us who are hopeless romantics.
I had such a fantastic time reading this one! Jules and Will were so sweet and pure and I was OBSESSED with their friends to lovers romance. I felt that Jules's character was so compelling in wanting to find love again after being in an unhealthy and manipulative relationship. When she allowed her heart to open to love again, I was cheering along side her!
Throughout the entire book I was rooting so hard for Jules and Will. They've both been through so much and it was a joy to see them work together to heal the wounds of their past, especially in love. Chloe truly excels at writing love stories for everyone; the chronic and neurodivergent representation in this book was so amazing.
As someone who knows Twelfth Night so well, I loved the parallels in this modern adaptation and I loved the way that Chloe was able to make the story her own without losing the original plot points. Also some of the She's The Man references had me SCREAMING!!! They were everything.
This was such a perfect way to say goodbye to this story and these characters! Chloe wrapped up this series with such ease and it made my heart so happy.
Thank you Berkley Publishing, Chloe Liese, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I had such a fantastic time reading this one! Jules and Will were so sweet and pure and I was OBSESSED with their friends to lovers romance. I felt that Jules's character was so compelling in wanting to find love again after being in an unhealthy and manipulative relationship. When she allowed her heart to open to love again, I was cheering along side her!
Throughout the entire book I was rooting so hard for Jules and Will. They've both been through so much and it was a joy to see them work together to heal the wounds of their past, especially in love. Chloe truly excels at writing love stories for everyone; the chronic and neurodivergent representation in this book was so amazing.
As someone who knows Twelfth Night so well, I loved the parallels in this modern adaptation and I loved the way that Chloe was able to make the story her own without losing the original plot points. Also some of the She's The Man references had me SCREAMING!!! They were everything.
This was such a perfect way to say goodbye to this story and these characters! Chloe wrapped up this series with such ease and it made my heart so happy.
Thank you Berkley Publishing, Chloe Liese, and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2024
Im going to be honest with you, I was a little apprehensive about this book as this author tends to be a little hit or miss for me. However, I'm happy to report this book was an absolute hit for me. I'm so glad I picked up Once Smitten Twice Shy and gave it a chance.
Once Smitten Twice Shy is a breath of fresh air. I love how this author isn't afraid to write Neurodivergent and vulnerable characters. She made Will and Juliet easy to connect with and relatable. I adored their meet-cute and got a kick out of how fate kept throwing them together.
Will and Juliet were adorable and awkward in the best possible way. Their story is oh, so sweet with the best slow burn. You can't help but root for Will and Juliet.
If you're looking for a refreshing friends to lovers romance with a delicious slow-burn that'll put a smile on your face and give you all the feels, you won't want to miss Once Smitten Twice Shy.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review *
Once Smitten Twice Shy is a breath of fresh air. I love how this author isn't afraid to write Neurodivergent and vulnerable characters. She made Will and Juliet easy to connect with and relatable. I adored their meet-cute and got a kick out of how fate kept throwing them together.
Will and Juliet were adorable and awkward in the best possible way. Their story is oh, so sweet with the best slow burn. You can't help but root for Will and Juliet.
If you're looking for a refreshing friends to lovers romance with a delicious slow-burn that'll put a smile on your face and give you all the feels, you won't want to miss Once Smitten Twice Shy.
* I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review *
September 8, 2024
This had one of the best endings in any romance book I've ever read 🥹
~Two random meetings and a mutual friend keep bringing Jules and Will together. She used to be a hopeless romantic but has no idea how to get back into the dating world. He's not looking for the conventional relationship but has no idea how to start, or even flirt. They seem to be the perfect pair to practice romance.. they just never intended on falling for each other. ~
Strangers to friends to lovers is a trope I didn't know I loved! 😍 These two were so perfect for each other. I loved the simplicity between them. Their romance was so natural and powerful. 🔥
fake dating x (strangers to) friends to lovers x autism rep
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion.*
~Two random meetings and a mutual friend keep bringing Jules and Will together. She used to be a hopeless romantic but has no idea how to get back into the dating world. He's not looking for the conventional relationship but has no idea how to start, or even flirt. They seem to be the perfect pair to practice romance.. they just never intended on falling for each other. ~
Strangers to friends to lovers is a trope I didn't know I loved! 😍 These two were so perfect for each other. I loved the simplicity between them. Their romance was so natural and powerful. 🔥
fake dating x (strangers to) friends to lovers x autism rep
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion.*
August 5, 2024
I adored this book so much and I feel so happy that I got to read this book early! I've loved this series so much and I truly think Will & Juliet are my second favorite couple in this series. Chloe's writing is so soft and tender and magical and this book made me feel so warm inside. Anyone who loves a blushing sweet man and a practice dating plan gone wrong would really love this book. I am so so excited to see what Chloe does next. Thank you to Berkeley for this ARC!
Shelved as 'just-wanted-to-do-a-review'
August 12, 2024I haven't even read a single book bu this author, but come on this cover is fucking beautiful.
Want to read
September 5, 2024It seems Berkley is continuing to love me as much as I love them, and I love that for us =D
September 22, 2024
This was everything I could have wanted for Juliet and the end of this series.
Review to come.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
Review to come.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
August 11, 2024
My first Chloe Liese book, and I adored it 💕
I loved the representation of both neurodivergency and chronic health issues - it was something that was addressed with so much care and empathy, but also a semblance of normalcy, because it’s a reality for so many of us. It was also something that was explicitly treated not as a hindrance to romantic love; someone who loves you loves ALL of you, not in spite of the things that make you who you are. You will never be too much for anyone who loves you completely. ❤️
Also a BIG fan of not having a third act breakup because of some terrible miscommunication. Excellent choice Ms. Liese 🫡
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC!
I loved the representation of both neurodivergency and chronic health issues - it was something that was addressed with so much care and empathy, but also a semblance of normalcy, because it’s a reality for so many of us. It was also something that was explicitly treated not as a hindrance to romantic love; someone who loves you loves ALL of you, not in spite of the things that make you who you are. You will never be too much for anyone who loves you completely. ❤️
Also a BIG fan of not having a third act breakup because of some terrible miscommunication. Excellent choice Ms. Liese 🫡
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC!
October 7, 2024
[A heartfelt thank you to @berkleyromance for the #gifted digital ARC of this swoon-worthy final installment in the Wilmont Sisters series. Here’s my honest review.]
After a disastrous engagement to a truly awful ex, Jules Wilmont has sworn off love. Will Orsino, meanwhile, has resigned himself to the idea that love might not be in the cards for him, but he still dreams of finding a life partner to share his family business with. When Jules and Will cross paths (for the second time), they realize they have similar struggles: he’s too shy to make a move, and she’s too afraid to open her heart again. So, they strike up an unconventional deal—four weeks of “romance practice,” with no real strings attached, since their intertwined friend group makes anything serious off-limits. What starts as practice quickly evolves, as their growing emotional connection blurs the lines between make-believe and reality.
This was such a satisfying conclusion to the Wilmont Sisters series! While Jules wasn’t the central character in book one (that spotlight belonged to her twin sister, Bea), it was so rewarding to see her take center stage here. Jules’ journey from heartbreak to healing is beautifully written, and her chemistry with Will is off the charts. From their first conversation, you can sense how perfectly they fit together—they challenge and support each other, hold one another accountable, and have an effortless, playful dynamic that is simply delightful.
Told through dual POVs, this book is quintessential Chloe Liese—packed with complex, vulnerable characters who feel so authentic in their struggles and growth. Liese excels at crafting relationships that are not only romantic but deeply respectful and meaningful. Jules and Will’s story is tender, heartwarming, and full of introspective moments that will resonate with anyone who’s ever been afraid to love again.
Chloe Liese is an auto-buy author for me, and Once Bitten, Twice Shy reminded me exactly why. This is a must-read for fans of slow-burn, deeply emotional romances!
After a disastrous engagement to a truly awful ex, Jules Wilmont has sworn off love. Will Orsino, meanwhile, has resigned himself to the idea that love might not be in the cards for him, but he still dreams of finding a life partner to share his family business with. When Jules and Will cross paths (for the second time), they realize they have similar struggles: he’s too shy to make a move, and she’s too afraid to open her heart again. So, they strike up an unconventional deal—four weeks of “romance practice,” with no real strings attached, since their intertwined friend group makes anything serious off-limits. What starts as practice quickly evolves, as their growing emotional connection blurs the lines between make-believe and reality.
This was such a satisfying conclusion to the Wilmont Sisters series! While Jules wasn’t the central character in book one (that spotlight belonged to her twin sister, Bea), it was so rewarding to see her take center stage here. Jules’ journey from heartbreak to healing is beautifully written, and her chemistry with Will is off the charts. From their first conversation, you can sense how perfectly they fit together—they challenge and support each other, hold one another accountable, and have an effortless, playful dynamic that is simply delightful.
Told through dual POVs, this book is quintessential Chloe Liese—packed with complex, vulnerable characters who feel so authentic in their struggles and growth. Liese excels at crafting relationships that are not only romantic but deeply respectful and meaningful. Jules and Will’s story is tender, heartwarming, and full of introspective moments that will resonate with anyone who’s ever been afraid to love again.
Chloe Liese is an auto-buy author for me, and Once Bitten, Twice Shy reminded me exactly why. This is a must-read for fans of slow-burn, deeply emotional romances!
August 31, 2024
Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!
If you know me even a little, you probably know Chloe Liese is my favourite romance author. So I was super happy to get to read this early!
I was so happy to finally read Juliet's story, she deserved to find happiness so much. Will was such a loveable love interest, I absolutely adored him. I think he's exactly what she needed after what she went through in the previous books. It's so lovely to read a story about two characters who fit together so well.
I tend to love "practice dating" as a trope, because it gives space to both funny moments and heartfelt ones. It's so funny how much people can lie to themselves and to see them twist their reasoning to give into their budding attraction.
All in all, I felt like this book was such a warm, feelgood story. I didn't feel like there was a lot of drama, which was just so comforting.
My thing with this particular series is that I think these books work better for me on a reread. I gave Two Wrongs Make a Right 4 stars initially and bumped it up to a solid 5 stars after reading it for the second time. I haven't reread Better Hate Than Never yet, but I think I'll feel the same. And I think the same will happen with this third instalment. Don't get me wrong, 4 stars is a great rating, and I really enjoyed it, but I think it has the potential to be a favourite the second time around. So I'll definitely make sure to reread it at some point!
If you know me even a little, you probably know Chloe Liese is my favourite romance author. So I was super happy to get to read this early!
I was so happy to finally read Juliet's story, she deserved to find happiness so much. Will was such a loveable love interest, I absolutely adored him. I think he's exactly what she needed after what she went through in the previous books. It's so lovely to read a story about two characters who fit together so well.
I tend to love "practice dating" as a trope, because it gives space to both funny moments and heartfelt ones. It's so funny how much people can lie to themselves and to see them twist their reasoning to give into their budding attraction.
All in all, I felt like this book was such a warm, feelgood story. I didn't feel like there was a lot of drama, which was just so comforting.
My thing with this particular series is that I think these books work better for me on a reread. I gave Two Wrongs Make a Right 4 stars initially and bumped it up to a solid 5 stars after reading it for the second time. I haven't reread Better Hate Than Never yet, but I think I'll feel the same. And I think the same will happen with this third instalment. Don't get me wrong, 4 stars is a great rating, and I really enjoyed it, but I think it has the potential to be a favourite the second time around. So I'll definitely make sure to reread it at some point!
August 5, 2024
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
I've been a long-time Chloe Liese fan, and Jules and Will's love story was no different. Will was the softest cinnamon roll, and Jules is someone I saw so much of myself in, this was an easy favorite. Their love is just...easy. Not in the way that love is ever easy, but when you find someone made for you, who completes you and complements you, even the hard stuff is easy, simply because they're at your side.
While I'm sad to say goodbye to the Wilmot sisters, this was a beautiful, tender, honest depiction of love. As always, Chloe paints beautiful, real pictures of life with chronic illnesses, neurodivergence, and anxiety. Another win, and one I can't wait to add to my shelf come January.
I've been a long-time Chloe Liese fan, and Jules and Will's love story was no different. Will was the softest cinnamon roll, and Jules is someone I saw so much of myself in, this was an easy favorite. Their love is just...easy. Not in the way that love is ever easy, but when you find someone made for you, who completes you and complements you, even the hard stuff is easy, simply because they're at your side.
While I'm sad to say goodbye to the Wilmot sisters, this was a beautiful, tender, honest depiction of love. As always, Chloe paints beautiful, real pictures of life with chronic illnesses, neurodivergence, and anxiety. Another win, and one I can't wait to add to my shelf come January.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews