Shakespeare in the modern world!

I love a good retelling, and this twist of Twelfth Night in a modern world was a nice breath of fresh air. I’ve read some of Liese before, and I have thoroughly enjoyed many of her Bergman series books. Jumping into Julia and Will’s story, I wasn’t sure what to expect. You know how I like to jump into these books blind. I was pleasantly surprised.

Julia and Will both have reasons to avoid romance. Julia is just out of a heart-breaking relationship. Whereas Will doesn’t think love is in the cards for him as someone on the spectrum and a natural introvert. These pair meet in a series of strange encounters that seem both related to fate and eventually decide to be each other’s buddy on the path to get back into the dating scene. Oh, how I love a story about ‘let’s help each other get comfortable dating. ‘

For Will and Julia, they both happen to hit all the right buttons that increase their attraction, and soon they are fighting against reality for all the wrong reasons, which I love. But what else did I enjoy, the humor, the humanity moments between Will and Julia. There are plenty of times I laughed aloud as all their best-laid plans fell apart. The supporting cast of characters, from Julia’s family to Will’s mischievous niece, was fabulous. There is even a cat and dog to cause mayhem in various ways.

This story had good pacing and a natural progression, and for those who enjoy a nice book with low conflict, this is one for you. I found myself waiting for everything to go wrong, but this story had a nice slice-of-life feel to it that was easy to sink into but not so frantic I couldn’t pull away to take care of a chore or two.

Overall, if you’re looking for a contemporary read with plenty of swoon-worthy moments, a slow-build attraction that turns scorching, a diverse world, and plenty of tie-backs to Shakespeare in various ways to make you chuckle, I would say give Once Smitten, Twice Shy a read. I will be heading into the backlist to read the first two books in the series.

~ Landra

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese is a heartfelt and charming romance that truly hit all the right notes for me. I’ve been a fan of Chloe Liese’s writing for a while, and this book didn’t disappoint. It’s a beautifully crafted story about love, self-acceptance, and second chances that I couldn’t put down.

The main characters are relatable, real, and so easy to root for. The author does an incredible job of giving them depth and complexity, making their emotional journeys feel authentic. I especially loved how the characters are forced to confront their fears and insecurities, both individually and together. Their personal growth is a huge part of what makes this story so rewarding to read.

The romance between the two leads is slow-burn and sweet, filled with chemistry that builds naturally over time. There’s something so endearing about their connection, and I appreciated the way Chloe Liese handled their relationship with nuance and sensitivity. It felt like a true exploration of love that doesn’t rush things, allowing the characters to develop and grow at their own pace.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the way it tackled real-life issues, like mental health and self-doubt, while still maintaining a light-hearted and uplifting tone. It’s a book that balances heavier themes with moments of warmth and humor, making it an emotionally satisfying read without feeling overly dramatic.

Overall, Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a perfect romance for anyone who loves a well-written, character-driven story with plenty of heart. If you’re looking for a book that’s sweet, smart, and emotionally resonant, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Reading a Chloe Liese book is like being wrapped in a warm hug, and this book is no different. I was excited to read Juliet's book after seeing everything she went through in the past, especially in the first book. Watching her heal and fall in love with the absolute golden retriever that was Will. He was truly a book boyfriend for the history books. This whole book was just so gentle. Their love was so wholesome and pure and I truly enjoyed it.

I will say the one part I didn't really like is that they never recap what happened to Juliet in the previous books. They talk about her abusive ex but they never even say his name. It has been a few years since I read the first book so I forgot all of the details about him. I appreciate Chloe Liese not bringing up a topic that could be triggering for people, but I wish we would have gotten even a vague background.

First thing I need to mention is I really liked the disability and neurodivergent rep in this book! I really appreciate seeing it in books and always keep an eye out for titles that include it. This is my first book by this author— thank you Berkeley for the chance to read this in advance with the gifted copy! Now as for the story and romance I enjoyed it but was not head over heels by the end! I think it was still overall good and I know many will fall in love.

Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Absolutely loved this one from Chloe. It’s definitely my favorite from her. The sisters books are like a warm hug that just keeps squeezing and squeezing as you read through- and I love that. As always, Chloe has perfected the ability to write disabilities into these stories in a way that doesn’t seem forced or exaggerated but actually what it may be like for those characters. Her attention to detail is impeccable.

This one also has one of my favorite tropes of “let’s just do it to get it out of our systems” along with heavy mutual pining. Love it, give me more!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved this final entry in the Wilmot Sisters series. I think that this is an example of a series that got stronger as it went on. While I enjoyed all entries, I think that Chloe Liese made Will and Juliet's story more complex and interesting and emotional. That may also be due to the fact that we've been following Juliet's journey the longest (a previous relationship of hers was toxic and featured in the first book in this series). I would say this is a very loose Twelfth Night retelling - it has more references to She's the Man to be honest (not that I'm mad about it, just saying!). These retellings have winks and nods and use names from the original texts but the major plot beats are not where the focus is.

Will is introverted, neurodivergent and trying to figure out how to do romance so he can marry someone who will compliment him in the family business of distillery. He is looking for his extroverted, marketing savvy partner. Juliet is extroverted, dealing with a recent diagnosis of a chronic illness (I believe POTS?) and healing after her past toxic relationship. After a chance encounter with Will while she was in Scotland, they meet again at home and decide to fake date but just to practice romance and get them both comfortable with flirting, dates, etc. again. The attraction is there and so of course they fall for each other. This is just such a wholesome and purely charming romance (but still hot!!) and it almost feels more like friends to lovers because of how the relationship develops. There's no 3rd act breakup, they just both have to come to the conclusion that they can and should be together! Chloe Liese has yet to miss for me.

REVIEW: Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

Chloe Liese is one of my favorite authors, and I especially love her Bergman Brothers series. Chloe does a fantastic job with her characters, chemistry, spice, and always has some sort of representation of mental health, chronic illness, or other diversity. I also love that she always weaves the different characters of her previous books within the series. I was excited to read Once Smitten, Twice Shy as the third and last in the series.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Chloe again does a fantastic job with representation. In Once Smitten, Twice Shy, chronic pain and neurodiversity are all presented realistically. This story was so sweet and romantic, and even though it is a slow burn, the spice was worth it. I enjoyed the twist of the fake dating trope by having the main characters “practice” dating.

I adored the two main characters in Once Smitten, Twice Shy. Will is a shy guy who works at a whiskey distillery and has little to no experience with dating and love. Juliet, or Jules for short, had a messy breakup with her previous fiance, leaving her pessimistic about love. They both decide to practice dating each other to get back into the dating game, even though they are convinced love isn’t in the cards for them. I love that this is written from a dual point of view to see what each one is thinking and feeling. Jules and Will are goofy, caring, understanding, and have great chemistry. They made me laugh out loud multiple times throughout Once Smitten, Twice Shy. I also appreciated showing a relationship with clear, direct, and kind communication.

Overall, I loved Once Smitten and Twice Shy. Chloe always brings so much to her romance books; I am always willing to read anything from her. This one was definitely a favorite of mine!

Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Thanks so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

Everything Chloe Liese writes is golden! I loved finding little nods to "She's the Man" and of course Twelfth Night. Chloe wrote thoughtful autism and chronic illness representation. This book is great for romance readers who want a sweet story without stress.

Chloe remains an instant-read author for me. I have my fingers crossed for a sapphic romance next!

4.5/5

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a heartwarming and uplifting romance that left me smiling from start to finish. The story follows two characters, Juliet and Will, who, after both facing personal challenges, decide to practice dating on each other. What begins as a fun experiment soon blossoms into something much deeper, as they realize they might just be the perfect match. This book is a delightful, feel-good read that exudes warmth and love.

Juliet and Will are incredibly relatable and well-developed characters. Juliet is navigating a new chronic illness diagnosis, while Will is neurodivergent—both aspects are thoughtfully explored throughout the narrative. I really appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from these representations but embraces them fully. As a neurodivergent person myself, the representation in this book made me feel so seen.

Reading Once Smitten, Twice Shy was such a cozy, comforting experience. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for when you need a little lift.

Thank you Berkely Pub for my free copy!!!!!!

If there is something you can count on Liese to do well it's:
1) excellent neurodivergent or chronic illness rep
2) deeply developed characters who don't feel like stereotypes.

And Once Smitten, Twice Shy delivers on both. Liese is an auto-buy author for me and I was really glad to get an early copy of the book, but it doesn't quite live up to the two previous books in the Wilmot Sisters trilogy. A well-crafted Twelfth Night reimagining for sure, but the pacing felt a little bit off, and because of the plot being so character-driven, the slowburn/insta-adoration didn't quite hit the right note.

Julia and Will's romance is sweet and their fake-dating is adorable, and I particularly enjoyed the interactions with the characters from the previous Wilmot sisters books. While I felt like this wasn't Liese's strongest work, it's like saying you didn't like the pizza. Even less-than-amazing pizza is still pizza.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a swoon-worthy, heartfelt reimagining of Twelfth Night that delivers everything you could want in a contemporary romance—achingly sweet slow-burn tension, off-the-charts chemistry, and characters you can't help but fall in love with.

Juliet and Will's "practice romance" is brimming with playful banter, mutual longing, and the kind of tenderness that makes you believe in love all over again. Jules, a former romantic turned skeptic, and Will, an introvert resigned to duty, form an unlikely but perfect pair as they navigate the delicate dance of staged affection turning into something real. Chloe Liese beautifully balances humor, emotion, and steamy moments, making their journey both deeply touching and irresistibly charming.

Liese's signature representation shines through, with thoughtful depictions of neurodivergence and emotional depth that make the characters feel authentic. Fans of Shakespearean retellings and heartfelt contemporary romance will adore this book. It's an absolute must-read for those who believe that sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it—but exactly when you need it most.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me access to this book. Ive been such a fan of Chloe Liese since I read Two Wrongs Make a Right. Which then led me to reading her backlist I really felt seen by her and the characters she wrote. These two romantic goofballs were the light of my life. I had so much fun reading about them and seeing the previous couples from the first two books. I did shed a tear or two when a certain couple got married. As well as cried at the scene in the end of the book. Im sad to see this series end but I loved it nonetheless.

I love this romance series of reimagining's of classics, so I was excited to get this one, inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. It's funny, romantic, emotional, and sweet and I would recommend this to fellow readers any day.

4 stars

Will and Juliet being each others’ safe spaces will go down in history as some of my favorite moments between a Chloe Liese pairing. This felt like such a cozy read, romantic and sweet and soft. Beautiful ending to the series.

At this point we all know the Chloe Liese formula. I'm convinced she uses a chronic illness generator to come up with the checklist of challenges her MCs always face. Tired at this point, but if you are reading the 3rd book in a series you know why you're here!

Book 3 in the Wilmot Sisters series, this is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night! Both main characters have sworn of HEA, What starts as a fake, practice, romance quickly turns to more. A great, sweet read.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for an advance copy of Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese. I really enjoyed this one!

I have enjoyed this entire series, and I was so looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint! I loved the characters, the romance, the story...I loved all of it! I was really invested in this story from the very beginning, and I think a lot of readers will identify with the characters just like I did. I think Chloe does such a good job writing characters that speak to her readers, and this book does just that!

“The pub is a kaleidoscopic blur as I spin, arms up, whiskey glass in hand.”
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Well she is having fun! And I had fun reading Once Smitten, Twice Shy, the third book in the Wilmot Sisters series by Chloe Liese. Although it is the third book, it can definitely stand alone nicely.
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We now what we can expect from this author now, from her delicious Bergman Brothers books to these Wilmot sisters, she consistently delivers witty banter, fun characters, and clever situations. All of which this book used to its best advantage.
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When a book is filled with great side characters, I love to see the author give them a book of their own. This was worth the wait. It can also hook you and make you go back and read the first two!
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If you need a fun release after Onyx Storm, heavy literature, or edge of your seat thrillers, grab this for a breath of fresh air.

Absolutely loved this book! Chloe's books always have some fabulous representation to help the romance genre stay diverse. This book was no exception. I related very closely to both characters and all that they went through. I was rooting for them the whole time, and I truly appreciated Chloe's writing and storyline. This book is precious, and Will must be protected at all costs!

I LOVE Chloe’s books. They’re truly all phenomenal and they have such good representation, too. This book follows a neurodivergent male lead and a female lead with a chronic illness. It’s also got a bit of fake dating/lessons on how to date/flirt, which is so fun.

I thought the friendship that developed between these two was so precious and I was rooting for them the whole time. They originally met in another country and bump into one another through a mutual friend. They end up striking a deal to help Will learn to flirt/date and hopefully find someone to help him build a life. We all know what happens when two people who are attracted to one another pretend to date…