The third installment to the Wilmot Sisters series, Once Smitten Twice Shy features a friends-to-lovers slowburn romance between Juliet and Will. I loved they were each able to reveal their true selves and felt seen.

*many thanks to Berkley Romance and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

3.90 bumped up to 4

This story was super sweet, and Will? Total cutie. I loved how soft and thoughtful he was—and the best part? No third-act breakup! There were definitely some real and complicated emotions toward the end, but guess how they handled it? By actually talking to each other. Love that.
I’ll be honest though, I didn’t fully connect with the premise and had a hard time staying engaged in certain parts. The internal dialogue dragged a bit for me, and I found myself wanting a bit more plot movement. That said, Chloe’s writing is still so lovely, and the ending really brought it home.

I absolutely adored the relationship between Juliet and Will—it was tender, patient, and just what Juliet needed after everything she went through. Will truly saw her and made space for her, which made their quiet moments together all the more special. Neither of them is perfect, but they’re trying—and that growth felt real.

Also, the chronic illness and neurodivergent rep? So beautifully done. You can really tell Chloe wrote this with care and intention. The representation meant a lot, and it’s exactly the kind of story I want more of in the romance space.

If you’re in the mood for a slower-paced, character-driven romance with heartfelt rep and a cozy vibe, this one’s worth picking up. Definitely recommending this series to anyone who loves soft love stories with real, layered characters. 💗

Tropes
- Reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
- Star crossed lovers
- Romance practice lessons
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Neurodivergent rep
- Chronic illness rep


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! 💛

(I got an ARC of this through Berkley and Netgalley!) Chloe’s romances never disappoint for me – they’re always sweet and tender but funny, too. This is the third and final book in her Wilmot sisters series and focuses on Juliet, and is also a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Juliet is still recovering from a heartbreak and isn’t ready to date again, but isn’t opposed to having some flirty fun with a guy she keeps running into (across countries, even!). And Will is ready for romance, but doesn’t feel like he knows how to flirt or date. So the two agree to “practice” together. I’m sure you can guess how that ends! As usual, I really enjoyed the disabled and neurodivergent representation in Chloe’s book – it’s written so thoughtfully!

Thank you to the publisher for an arc of this novel; all my opinions are my own.

This was a super charming, cute, sweet book and I had a wonderful time. It wasn’t as good as the book before it. The second book with Kate and Christopher is definitely the best, but this was a cute story overall. Definitely a fall time/winter read though.

4.5⭐

This romance is everything. It feels soft and gentle. Will and Juliet are respectful and kind of one another.

Those sexy scenes were also 🔥🔥🔥

CHLOE LIESE!!! So far, this author can do no wrong in my eyes! Every book I've read by her has been such a touching, beautiful story with fleshed out characters I find myself identifying with. I absolutely adored the relationship and character development between Juliet and Will - seriously they're both complete wholesome beans with hearts of gold! The slow burn was just the perfect amount and the tension was artfully executed. I loved that we didn't get a third act breakup, as I find them to be more frustrating that a worthwhile addition to the story. I have zero notes, Once Smitten, Twice Shy was perfect!

Thank you to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

I loved this conclusion to the Wilmot Sisters series. It was wonderful to see Juliet get her happy ending, and to catch up with Bea, Kate, and the wonderful cast of supporting characters.

Chloe Liese never has cookie-cutter characters. More romance with disability rep, please! And the fact there's no third-act breakup was the icing on this fluffy romance cake.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts <3

I will read pretty much anything Chloe Liese Writes. Yes, I haven't finished the last Bergman brothers book, but that's because I'm not ready to say goodbye. The world is intent on bringing Juliet and Will together after their chance encounter over seas. I love soft, slow romances, I love when two people get to be their whole selves. I love when you're not even trying for love and it just happens. Chloe Liese you beautiful human being you.

This one wasn't for me, unfortunately.

I'm starting to think maybe Chloe Liese's work is not for me.

That being said, I do enjoy her writing writing. She's skillful at creating solid characters that feel real. I just don't think I like her romances, unfortunately. I like mine with a bit more angst and tension.

One other thing I do appreciate is the representation in this her books. From what I've read so far, she always finds a way to incorporate characters who are either disabled, struggle with mental health matters, or are on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

I think my main issue with this one is that it felt too low stakes. It's obvious from the start that these two are already heads over heels in love with each other. I wanted to see more angst and tension between them before they got together.

Anyone who knows me knows I am the world's biggest sucker for a fake dating trope. Once you add in Chloe Liese's deft touch of inclusivity, heartwarming awkwardness, and spice, I'm done for. The only issue I had with Once Smitten, Twice Shy's hunky highlander and his burned out love interest's story is motivation. These two did NOT need to fake date. There was literally no reason other than for the plot. Good thing I like the plot.

I did not finish this book but as netgalley counts it against you if you dont leave feedback im giving it 3 stars

My favourite of the series! I saw so much of myself reflected in this one and it was so perfect! The spice, the banter, the love, everything in balance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Really more like 2.5/5)

This was my first book by Chloe Liese, and while I know she has a dedicated fanbase, Once Smitten, Twice Shy didn’t quite work for me.

The characters were fine, and I can appreciate the intent behind the emotional depth—but there was a lot of emotional processing, to the point where it felt more like reading a self-growth journey than a romance novel. It didn’t have the romantic tension or chemistry I was hoping for, and honestly, it just dragged. The plot was thin, and the pacing felt off, making the book feel much longer than it needed to be.

I know some readers love a slower, more introspective romance, but for me, this one was a bit mid. Not terrible, just not especially memorable. If you're looking for a swoony or fun love story, this might not hit the spot.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for my DRC.

3.5 stars. Juliet and Will were both unique and well-written characters, each with their strengths and flaws, and Liese wrote great chemistry between them. I did not understand Juliet's hang-up with dating Will, especially since her sister was in a relationship with the brotherly neighbor she was so worried about, so it seemed silly and therefore the entire premise of their "practice dating" fell flat. The sisters seem like fun characters and I plan to check out their books as well.

Chloe Liese is a consistent author that always brings the feelings with every book she publishes. This was a great read and another wonderful addition to the series.

Most of the time my favorite Chloe Liese is whatever the last Chloe Liese I read was. How do you write that good EVERY time?! I adore these characters. Dare I say- my favorite of the Wilmot series?!

This is the absolute lightest reimagining of Twelfth Night, so do not go in expecting much aside from the names.

A cute book to finish off the Wilmot sister trilogy. Juliet and Will are so smitten (lol) with each other from the very beginning and watching them navigate their relationship was so sweet.

For me, it just never really went beyond that. I didn’t completely buy into why they were trying to not just be all in on being together. There wasn’t really too much conflict and what was there seemed so easily sidestepped.

If you’re looking for low stakes romance, this may be more for you than it was for me.

Had to wait for this audiobook to complete my Chloe Liese listening adventure (for now). I think this is my favorite of the Wilmot sisters series, it had the familiar tenderness that was found in her Bergmans. I loved Juliet & Will so much. Such gentle babes, I want to hear all about their future adventures together.

Thanks Berkley for keeping my heart full of happy feelings.

Oh my goodness I absolutely LOVED this book so much! I loved the neurodivergent rep, and the romance was so swoon-worthy!

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a tender, emotional romance that feels deeply authentic. Chloe Liese writes with care and insight, drawing from lived experience to create characters who feel real and relatable.

Will is anxious, thoughtful, and quietly selfless. Juliet is strong in a quiet, grounded way. Together, their love is soft, supportive, and healing. It’s a story about choosing love, even when it’s hard, and showing up for each other fully.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!