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This was my first Chloe Liese and I am looking forward to reading more! This book was a little too low angst for my liking but if you’re looking for something with low conflict, this might be perfect for you. Thank you Berkeley, NetGalley, and Chloe Liese for a free copy of Once Smitten, Twice Shy in exchange for an honest review.

Another fantastic read from Chloe Liese! This book wrapped up the Wilmot sister series in the best possible way. If you've read the earlier books in the series, we know that Juliet has really been through it and in this book, we get to see her taking baby steps into the romantic arena. Also attempting to join the dating world is Will Orsino a friend of Christopher's. As we know with fake dating feelings start to become very real! Loved this one so much what a great way to close this series! I looked forward to reading what she does next!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

4.25 stars
Representation: autism, mixed connective tissue disorder, celiac disease

I love Chloe Liese. Every single book of hers is a blast, and Once Smitten, Twice Shy is no exception. The heart of this book is, as always, the chronic illness and disability representation. There is so much obvious thought and care put into the details of this story, and how Juliet’s connective tissue disorder affects every aspect of her day to day life. I could feel her pain–not only the physical pain, but all of the emotions that come alongside a new diagnosis and what it is like to suddenly become disabled. It was raw and real. Similarly, Will’s autism was portrayed in such a casual yet effective way. It’s simply a part of him that is woven into every aspect of his character, seamlessly. I especially love how these characters’ disabilities are woven into their love story, the way they love each other, and the care that they have for each other.
Chloe Liese is phenomenal at this.
While this was not my favorite of Chloe Liese’s books–the pacing was not quite there for me, and I didn’t connect quite as strongly with our characters on a personality level as I have with others from this author, I still highly recommend it. I am so excited to see what Chloe Liese does next, though I am a little sad to be saying goodbye to the Wilmot sisters trilogy!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers copy of Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese!

Once again, Chloe Liese has written a masterpiece romance that will have you kicking your feet and giggling while also tearing up at our main character's struggles and issues. My beloved Juju deserved so much more after the toxic relationship she was in, and who better to swoop her off her feet than an unsuspecting romancer, Will?

I adored both Juliet and Will for multiple reasons; their characters were genuine and kind, and I loved how they were always honest and real with each other, even when it pained them to open up. That's one of my favorite things about Chloe's writing; the romance isn't the only thing that hooks you, but everything that makes these characters who they are. I loved seeing Juliet stand up for herself and showing everyone that despite her illnesses, she isn't fragile nor needs to be babied. I loved seeing Will really grow into himself, gaining confidence and strength in the areas of his life he wasn't sure he could handle.

All in all, another incredible read by Liese, and I am excited for what's to come!

This is the first book I have read by this author, but it wont be the only one. I really enjoyed how the two characters met and how their relationship blossomed. There is no real conflict in the book, which makes it a bit boring, as its very much an easy right place, right time comfy romance. That said, I enjoyed the book and loved the disability representation throughout. I will definitely be recommending it.

Thank you so much to Berkley & NetGalley for my gifted eARC in exchange for my review!

The Wilmot Sisters' romance Once Smitten, Twice Shy explores self-acceptance, love, and trust. The slow burn in this novel was excellent, allowing Juliet and Will's connection to grow through little, meaningful, and realistic moments rather than huge gestures. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, secure understanding, and unwavering honesty. I adored Juliet and Will's connection; they were perfect together.

if you ever and i mean EVER want a book with the perfect neurodivergent representation, Chloe Liese is your gal! Her books always make me feel seen but not in a ‘youre so different’ type of way but more of a ‘you’re normal and exactly who you are and deserve love’ type of way.

this was a great Slow-burn romance
with of course, Autism and chronic illness representation
and witty banter and some practice dating!

it was so freaking good!

I started Once Smitten, Twice Shy thinking it wasn’t quite up to par with my usual instant love that Chloe’s other books made me feel but boy was I wrong, Will and Juliet were a dynamic I fell for HARD. Their story is one of finding love in ways you’d never expect and hope so beautifully raw I felt alight with it. And the writing!!! So many quotes that perfectly capture the beauty of reading romance novels in general but more specifically a Chloe Liese novel.

As always, Chloe captures genuine, authentic portrayals of both chronic pain and neurodivergence- experiences that deeply resonate with me and shape my daily life. I always appreciate seeing them thoughtfully represented within the books I love especially the way in which Chloe incorporates them so fluidly. All in all, a fantastic book from start to finish and one I adore with all my heart!

I really enjoyed this book and ugh just look at the cover! I didn't love book two at all so I was bit worried going into this one (even if it was highly anticipated) and the issues I had are nowhere to be found here!

Once Smitten is the last book in the Wilmot sisters series. It features Juliet and Will - I was really excited to get to know Juliet more in this book. She is as awesome as I hoped and Will is just so swoony. The chemistry is off the charts and I love a good "practice/lessons" type trope. They are both awkward and it's so awesome to see that in both main characters.

I applied for this book through Berkley's underrepresented voices program because of the autism representation in this book. I really like Will and how autism is represented here. It shows what love looks like for someone like me and how it's more than just something quirky. While I think the vibe is a bit too educational at times, I'm really glad it's out in the world so y'all can experience their love story.

Read If You Like:
- Slow-burn romance
- Autism and chronic illness representation
- Practice-dating tropes
- Friends to Lovers
- Witty banter & heartfelt moments

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is romance in the Wilmot Sisters series that explores love, trust, and self-acceptance. At its heart is Juliet Wilmot, a once-hopeful romantic who has grown wary of love after heartbreak. Will Orsino, a reserved and duty-bound man, has convinced himself that romance isn’t meant for him—especially with the challenges he has had with dating and being autistic. When a series of chance encounters forces them together, they strike a deal: a no-pressure, practice-dating arrangement to help Juliet regain confidence in love and for Will to learn how to get past the second date.

The slow burn in this story was so well done, allowing Juliet and Will’s relationship to develop through small, meaningful & realistic moments rather than grand gestures. Their connection is built on quiet understanding and mutual respect, and always honesty.

What stands out most is the depth of representation—Will’s experience as an autistic man is not just a detail but an integral part of his character, influencing how he moves through the world and how he learns to open up to Juliet. The romance unfolds at a careful, measured pace, ensuring that every step feels earned and deeply felt.

Fans of slow-burn romance that prioritizes emotional depth will find themselves absolutely loving Will and Juliet’s story and returning to the much loved trio of the Wilmot sisters one last time!

Thank you so much to Berkley for my gifted eARC in exchange for my review!

This was my favorite of the series, a close beating out to book one with Bea and Jamie. I loved this and was pleasantly surprised - I think the retellings can come across as not super relateable but Chloe does it so well. I wish there was more Scotland though I have to admit!

Will and Juliette were so wonderful together - seeing them date and slowly fall in love. Their patience with each other. Plus the tie ins with She's the Man (what's your favorite cheese) just made me SQUEAL. I had a lot of fun with this book.

This book was the sweetest conclusion to this series! I love the Wilmot sisters! Juliet and Will were so so cute and the plot of practicing romance with each other made for such a swoon-worthy story. Juliet who swore off love after experiencing heartbreak and Will who is shy and reserved take a chance on each other through this mutual agreement and go on their journey of faking it until it eventually becomes a love that was real was rewarding to read about and a great ending to this series!🩷

I love the representation in this book!

FMC has a chronic illness ( similar to one I have and I felt very seen) and the MMC is neurodivergent. The characters were so well developed and multifaceted. Some might think that having the main characters have these struggles takes the enjoyment out of reading but I find myself craving authentic characters like this.

I'll admit that I totally forgot this was based off of Twelfth Night until I was reading and thinking about "why is this book so similar to She's The Man." I figured it out and love a good contemporary retelling.

Also hallelujah for no third act break up. Those are the worst and a tired plot device. Not saying these characters didn't hit a bump in the road, but the way it was written was thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to the Berkley Influencer Hub for Underrepresented Voices for sharing a copy of this sweet read

3.25⭐️

Cute, heartwarming…but also maybe a bit boring🫣 I feel like Chloe Liese always nails a sweet heartfelt romance in the end, but sometimes I do think that the actual romance & plot of her books falls a bit flat. I love all of the great representation, especially for neurodivergence & chronic illness- I truly think that is THE highlight of her books. But with that being said, I want these characters to have more interesting relationships. I feel like we get the tender moments & even some steamy ones (which I do enjoy) but I also want some tension and angst. Anywho, maybe the author just isn’t for me, but I was really hoping this series could go out with a bang😬

This novel delivers a tender and emotional love story that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the last page. The characters are crafted with incredible depth, each carrying their own burdens, dreams, and vulnerabilities that make their journey toward love all the more compelling.

a solid 3.5⭐️ read for me!! I do wonder if I’d read the first two in this standalone series if I would’ve rated it higher!

this is literary sugar, so sweet and sappy and cute 🥹 there were so many moments that I adored these characters and was so proud of the decisions they made. one deals with a chronic illness so she is living in pain, and the other is neurodivergent who deals with anxiety and sensitivity to sensory overload. this book is the opposite of miscommunication, they openly trust each other and discuss what they’re feeling which I found refreshing at first 🤪 then I realized I may enjoy the miscommunication trope more than I thought just bc it adds to the ~drama~ 😂 I loved that our FMC loves reading romance books and has the MMC read some, I wanted more of this!! I would’ve loved to hear more of his thoughts! and there were other moments like this that seemed like they could’ve been explored more. overall a super cute read!!

I've loved this series and OSTS is just as delightful.

I immediately felt my heart melt after seeing just how much Juliet had adored him during their first encounters that when we finally got Will's POV chapter and how he felt so awkward and clumsy. Cuz isn't that LOVE?! Even when you're feeling awkward, your person finds it the most endearing shit they've ever seen. Excellent writing, Chloe!!! From there I just had such a soft spot for both of them. I loved how Juliet's past (from book 1) was acknowledged but didn't hold too much space for it except that her heart was a bit bruised from the experience. My heart absolutely broke for Will that his own heart was bruised from past romantic attempts. I loved their friendship and bond and their pinky promise communication. Side bar but I've come to respect books with (a well done) miscommunication trope because ITS HARD in real life - miscommunication may feel infuriating while you're reading it but acting like we are all healthy communicators is trash. So Will and Juliet having their pinky promise honest communication was the perfect way to ACKNOWLEDGE how we don't always want to be honest (I'm scared, I'm in pain, I'm panicking, I'm FEELING EMOTIONS) but need a reminder that your partner is a safe space for those truths.

It was also wonderful to see Kate and Bea and all the gang again. To wrap up this series quite nicely.

What I didn't love: the chapter where they decide to "practice date" really pulled me out of the story. I know the "I need to get married to inherit my uncles money to save my farm" kind of tropes are SILLY but I felt Will's rationale actually took it to far to not even pretend it was believable. Then the practice dating idea felt like it was trying to hard to align this story with Twelfth Night. Not my favorite chapter at all and perhaps if it was a new-to-me-author this would have been DNF material my eyes were rolling to hard. But I trust in Chloe and am glad I did but this did knock a star off for me.

Another amazing story by Chloe Liese. Her books are always full of heart and put me in my feels in the best way. I thought the audio was so well done. I truly loved the relationship between Juliet and Will, they were so good together.

Tbh, the fake dating seemed a little bit silly - I think they should've just been together for real from the beginning - but I understand the why behind it. The mental health and chronic illness rep were on point as always. I had a great time reading and listening to this one.

4 STARS

Dealing with the fresh sting of heartbreak, Juliet Wilmot runs into Will Orsino—a shy, gentle giant who seems to be a hero ripped straight from Juliet’s Highlander romances. Juliet feels rusty when it comes to romance and Will feels like a beginner bike rider. When they agree to fake dating lessons to learn about romance, little do they know that fake flirting can lead to real feelings.

From awkward thinking thoughts becoming talking thoughts, to the “practice” dates, reading about these two wobbling their way through romantic lessons was hilarious and sweet and heartwarming. Will is a big teddy bear and Juliet is just so deserving of someone obsessed with her (which Will clearly is). I absolutely loved the Wilmot sisters series and this book is a beautiful wrap up of the sisters’ love stories!

Features:
- cinnamon roll FMC and MMC
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- slow burn
- neurodivergent rep (autism)
- chronic illness rep (celiac disease and mixed connective tissue disorder)

Thank you Berkley for providing an e-arc!