Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy of this book. Gotta say, I was excited for this one. I LOVE Chloe Liese. but it kinda fell flat for me. While I enjoyed the story overall, it took me quite a long time to get into it. I didn't really get the burning hatred for each other that stemmed from childhood. I didn't feel like there was enough background and detail on that to make it feel authentic. It made more sense once they were older and Kate went off and did her own thing, but other than that, it didn't really add up. I did like it once they got together and I enjoyed them together, I just wanted more background. While not my least favorite Chloe Liese, it definitely is not going to be one I pick up again.

In Better Hate than Never, a retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, we follow childhood enemies Kate and Christopher as they question their long-held hatred of each other and begin to fall in love. Following the events of Two Wrongs Make a Right, Kate returns to her hometown to live with her sister Bea, and as she joins her sister's friend group, she reunites with Christopher, a family friend whom she has never gotten along with. After one drunken confession and a passion-filled kiss, the two begin to spend more time together and slowly start to realize that they might not hate each other after all...

I really enjoyed Better Hate than Never, more so than Two Wrongs Make a Right. This was probably because the story felt more authentic. The enemies-to-lovers trope, the dialogue, Kate and Christopher's thoughts and emotions -- all were believable. The two main characters did not suddenly fall in love with each other; there was a lot for them to work through before they could even tolerate each other, and all of that just contributed to a wonderful slow burn romance. I loved how much Christopher cared for Kate, and vice versa. I think the story could've been even better, though, if there were flashbacks to their pasts and we got to see how they viewed each other growing up. They both referred to the past very often, so these types of chapters would have been very interesting!

More than the romance, I enjoyed how Liese yet again brought real problems into her book characters. Christopher struggled with chronic migraines and Kate had ADHD. Liese gave ample discussions on these subject matters, and she treated everything with care. It was wonderful to see how, despite these challenges, Christopher and Kate were still able to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Again, this just contributed to the story's realness, and it was very empowering to read.

My only complaint was the book's pacing. It took a while to get to the main action and conflict, and some of the chapters had a lot of fluff. I often felt disengaged with the book, which wasn't that fun. However, the spice was excellent, so that's a plus.

Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley, for the ARC!

From the nods to "10 Things I Hate About You" to the snippets from The Bard himself, "Better Hate than Never" is a perfectly delightful (spicy!) retelling of "Taming of the Shrew."

4.5

i’ve said it before & i’ll say it again - chloe liese! never misses! i will always fiend for her next title. i think i ended up liking bea & jamie’s story better than this one, but it’s still dang good!

#netgalley

Chloe Liese does it again! She is an absolute must read author for me and I will try to convince anyone to read her as well. She is thoughtful and writes important things. The romance was so real and they way Christopher loved her was so pure. Kat was a little hard to love always, but I think I should explore why I felt that way. It is Taming of the Shrew inspired anyway. Liese could do with less cutesy nicknames and that would be my only gripe with this book!

Chloe Liese is my FAVORITE author of all times and this book was definitely as amazing as her other books are. I cannot wait to read more from her!

This was a delight from start to finish, possibly better than the first book. I loved the hate but really suppressed love vibe and I really loved that everyone seemed to know it but them. Since it was first person POV that was implied not explicit and it worked well. Christopher was dreamy and well written and I’m not usually the kind of person that likes the term honey, but it works so well from him. The sex was hot and fairly frequent but sensitively drawn and great. Really enjoyable,

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing House for giving me a digital copy of "Better Hate Than Never" by Chloe Liese in exchange for an honest review.

"Better Hate Than Never" is the second book in the Wilmot Sisters series, a riff off "The Taming of the Shrew." I've read the first book "Two Wrongs Make a Right" as well as a few other books by Chloe Liese and I figured I'd give this one a try. I'm happy to report that BHtN is my new faaaaaaavorite Liese.

Kate and Christopher have known each other forever; they grew up in neighboring houses and when Christopher's parents passed, Kate's family welcomed him into their fold. Kate seems to bring out the worst in him and vice versa. Once reaching adulthood, he settles into a career of ethical investing and she takes her camera on the road, traveling the world as a photographer. They rarely see each other, but when they do, they are guaranteed to fight.

That emotional gulf and physical distance may have lasted forever, except Kate suffers a broken shoulder. The shoulder limits her work, affects her bank account, and sends her back home for an indefinite amount of time. Their newfound, sustained proximity rachets up their constant fighting, until the family pointedly asks Christopher to cool it. Between that nudge and an unguarded (i.e. drunken) confession, the antagonism shifts into the simmering sexual attraction.

It's a bit of an emotional landslide, once they start making to transition from enemies to lovers. That one confession, and suddenly Christopher is desperate to gain her good graces. It feels like a fast turnaround, but the book explains that. Kate is a little more hesitant, even though she definitely wants to indulge in their growing attraction.

I appreciate that Liese makes a genuine effort to bring neurodiversity to the page. For people who have ADHD or are generally familiar with it, the explaining of Kate's qualities may feel a smidge heavy-handed at times, but I appreciate the way it's presented for people who are not as well acquainted with the condition. I liked that she wasn't painted as a manic pixie dream girl or as a vacant daydreamer. Kate is creative, ambitious, and passionate about her work, doing her best while also managing her condition. She's not perfect, but she's not tragically flawed either.

I liked the character of Christopher less. He can be pretty bossy and overbearing. However, this is "Taming of the Shrew." Not my favorite Shakespeare play and Petruchio is not my favorite character. So Liese was true to the Petruchio's attitude and I give her credit for that. It also made for a satisfying character redemption, when he decides it's time to make things right between them. For example, I loved his patience and understanding when she is not ready to jump right into bed with him.

I will definitely recommend this as a modern Shakespeare retelling, and anybody looking for ADHD representation on the page.

After loving Bea and Jamie’s story - the youngest Wilmot sister Kate and her childhood nemesis Christopher seemed like it would be a slam dunk. And for most of the book I enjoyed their banter, their enemies to lovers vibe. It made me laugh and while it seemed a bit childish - it felt acceptable.


However, the ending 1/4 (?) was just too much “I love you more than anything in the world and no one is more perfect than you and I’ve been fighting it for so long but I don’t want to fight because I would give anything for you.” It got laid on wayyyyy to thick at the end. We get it - you love each other. I don’t need 6 pages of you explaining it.

Overall - I’ll read the third when it comes out - I’m invested now but this was just ok.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC

CW: chronic migraines, death of parents (past, off-page)

The second book in the series this one can be read entirely as a standalone (but read book 1 because it's amazing)

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-frenemies to idiots to lovers
-ADHD and chronic migraines rep
-demi sexual rep
-IT HAS ONLY EVER BEEN YOU
-pining and a whole lotta denial
-roasting you is my love language
-sloooow burn
-no 3rd act breakup

Welcome to another edition of the Chloe Liese fanclub. Gosh I loved this book. Kat and Christopher can't stand each other. She's always felt like her family's black sheep, taking her place while she's on her travels, and Christopher. This poor confused man hurt from losing his parents was too scared to do anything but keep Kat at a distance.

But it all changes with Kat home, and their dynamic was just fun. The banter, the roasting, and the sexual tension. Now in each other's orbits they have to figure out how to be in each other's lives and I so enjoyed their slow shift into becoming more, one step forward, two steps back. Kat was chaotic, kind, and just vulnerable as she found her place with her family and what she wanted out of life. Fiercely independent, slowly letting Christopher break down her walls.

And gahh Christopher. Just pining away, all of his not subtle ways that he was pining, wanting to take care of her, and worried about her. And stubborn in his own way, not admitting to everyone else about his migraines and his own suffering. And once these two stopped fighting their feelings, Christopher was just as tender and also a steamy talker in the bedroom that had me screaming. Every time he called Kat honey I swooned some more.

I loved the glimpses of Jamie and Bea's HEA and I'lll just do my best to be patient for book 3.

Steam: 3.5

I LOVE EVERY THING THAT CHLOE LIESE WRITES. This book was so cute and adorable! I am a sucker for anything enemies to lovers and Better Hate than Never did not disappoint! I loved the banter and how much they respected each other and ugh it was just perfect! It would have been nice to see a couple flashbacks to when they were younger, to really see how their relationship changed over time, but I am also happy with everything that was written. I also LOVE THE FACT THAT KATE DECIDED TO TALK TO CHRISTOPHER AT THE END THERE INSTEAD OF FALLING INTO THE MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE. Those are so rampant throughout the romance genre so I appreciate it so much that Chloe did not allow that to happen!!!!

10/10 stars forever and ever.

Thank you to Berkley, Chloe Liese, and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

Whew! This was a good one. The second book in the Wilmot Sisters trilogy did NOT disappoint.

I absolutely loved Kat and Christopher's story. The only thing I would have liked done differently is if they'd taken just a *little* more time to get over their conflicts. Kat is an extremely loveable character; her tenacity and determination are almost as admirable as her capacity for forgiveness. And Christopher's vulnerability and willingness to admit when he's wrong makes his confident character layered.

One point of annoyance - I HATE all the cutesy nicknames. KitKat, Katydid, BeaBea, etc. It's just too much.

BUT I do love these books, and can't wait for the final one!

Chloe Liese has once again hit the ball out of the park with a stunning novel about neurodivergent and queer love. This follow up to Two Wrongs Make A Right is a prime example of her masterful grasp of Shakespearean text and her ability to manipulate the text to fit a contemporary narrative while staying true to the tales of the bard.

Kate and Christopher have an incredible amount of on page chemistry that is pulled taut with tension as the story plays out. I loved the enemies to friends to lovers dynamic and how it's been depicted in the story. The connection between the two leads relies on them building a foundation of trust with each other by healing past hurt and showing the effort to reconcile.

Kate's demisexuality and ADHD are represented in a nuanced and understanding way, showing love and empathy towards people whose experiences differ from the status quo of society. Christopher's chronic pain and migraines were also done in a respectful and realistic way.

It's wonderful to see the tides in romance turn towards healthy healing and conversation over the turbulent third act conflicts that currently have a chokehold on the genre. Seeing literature reflect the people's need towards healing instead of flamboyant and explosive conflict is a wonderful turn that I fully am behind.

I love this book so so so much and I can't wait for Juliet's story next!

Chloe Liese has once again hit the ball out of the park with a stunning novel about neurodivergent and queer love. This follow up to Two Wrongs Make A Right is a prime example of her masterful grasp of Shakespearean text and her ability to manipulate the text to fit a contemporary narrative while staying true to the tales of the bard.

Kate and Christopher have an incredible amount of on page chemistry that is pulled taut with tension as the story plays out. I loved the enemies to friends to lovers dynamic and how it's been depicted in the story. The connection between the two leads relies on them building a foundation of trust with each other by healing past hurt and showing the effort to reconcile.

Kate's demisexuality and ADHD are represented in a nuanced and understanding way, showing love and empathy towards people whose experiences differ from the status quo of society. Christopher's chronic pain and migraines were also done in a respectful and realistic way.

It's wonderful to see the tides in romance turn towards healthy healing and conversation over the turbulent third act conflicts that currently have a chokehold on the genre. Seeing literature reflect the people's need towards healing instead of flamboyant and explosive conflict is a wonderful turn that I fully am behind.

I love this book so so so much and I can't wait for Juliet's story next!

Kate Wilmot, a photojournalist who has traveled the world for years, has never really felt like she fits in her family. So it's probably no surprise that she sees Christopher Petruchio, her family's next-door neighbor who was "adopted" by her family, as her nemesis. She thinks he's always looking down on her, judging her for being who she is. And when they're together, they inevitably poke at each other enough to provoke a fight.

Christopher doesn't trust love. His parents died when he was young, and he thinks that if he cares about someone, they're sure to leave him. He thinks Kate despises him, and even though he feels maybe just a teeny tiny hint of something that could possibly be a slight sort of attraction to her, he welcomes the distance she puts between them -- because then it doesn't hurt when she leaves. And she inevitably leaves.

But when Kate's father and her sister Bea's boyfriend ask Chris to be kinder to Kate and not get caught up in the antagonism they seem to stir up in each other, he slowly begins to see Kate's prickliness for the hurt she feels instead... and he begins to open up his own heart as well.

I can't say I've ever been a fan of The Taming of the Shrew, but this book gentles the themes found there and shows that there's always been something more underneath the enmity between Kate and Christopher. Once again, I really appreciated the neurodivergent/disability rep (Kate has ADHD and Chris has chronic migraines) and the way the author delves into the thought processes of both characters, revealing how both of them have come to this point in their relationship. I also loved how Chris uncovers a softer side as he tries to undo the hurt he has caused Kate: bringing her flowers, cooking for/with her, recognizing when he says/does something that makes her question his commitment, and making amends.

Honestly, I enjoyed how this book wrapped up so much that I had to go back and re-read the first in the series, Two Wrongs Make a Right. And I'm falling for this family and group of friends all over again. 4 stars.

Thank you, Berkley Romance and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese is a captivating and emotional contemporary romance novel that is sure to steal your heart. This book is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, and it explores the complicated relationship between two childhood enemies who are forced to confront their past and present feelings for each other.

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio have a long and complicated history. As children, they shared a backyard and a mutual dislike for each other. But as adults, they have become even more hostile towards each other, refusing to be in the same room together. However, when Kate returns home for a rare visit, their animosity reignites into a fiery passion that they can no longer deny.

The author does an excellent job of developing the characters and their relationship, building tension and chemistry between them as the story progresses. The novel is told from both Kate and Christopher's points of view, giving readers insight into their innermost thoughts and feelings. The way their relationship evolves and grows is both believable and heartwarming, and it's easy to become invested in their story.

The writing style is engaging and emotive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The pacing is just right, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued without rushing the plot. The supporting cast of characters is also well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, Better Hate Than Never is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and retellings. It's a touching and engaging novel that explores the fine line between love and hate, and the risks and rewards of taking a chance on someone you thought you couldn't stand. Chloe Liese has crafted a beautiful and emotional story that is sure to leave readers with a smile on their face and warmth in their hearts.

It works as a standalone even though it’s #2 of a series. I liked how calm and lovely it was, especially without a giant mess of a giant dramatic ending. I did find a lot of the on-page sex felt gratuitous rather than intimate and forward-moving. However, the story overall was sweet and I was definitely rooting for Kat and Chris.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

4.25/5 - my goodness the verbal sparring between those two at the beginning had me gasping they went for BLOOD. and when they eventually (and hesitantly) started putting their walls down around each other? so so so soft. filled me with all the warm gooey feelings. i’ve said this before and i’ll say it again: i love the way chloe writes the rawness and tenderness of falling in love while dealing with internal battles. it’ll do it for me every time.

kate’s struggles and internal dialogue regarding her family had no right hitting me where it hurts like wtf. and christopher is up there with my favorite men chloe has written like he’s just so fucking fine??? he was so considerate and patient with kate it genuinely made my heart ache. the home-cooked pasta, the flowers, the pastries, the bath… me when.

i also appreciated how communicative they were with each other. like i literally want to kiss chloe for not putting in an unnecessary third act conflict i love it here.

my only complaint that stopped this from being 5 stars is that i wish we saw more of certain things. specifically more of them struggling to navigate their newfound dynamic, and more of them just being with each other after he said he’ll wait instead of skimming over it.

also where was the family/friends reaction to them getting together i was robbed???

overall, i still enjoyed the book and characters sooo much. i will say though that i do love the bergman books more TO ME they just hit harder for some reason. wilmot sisters still my babies though <3