Juliet an ex hopeless romantic who has sworn off love, now has the opportunity to practice romance with shy guy Will. Except it seems like fate has other plans for them

I absolutely adored this book! It was so cute, I already loved the first 2 books of the series and this one was just as good.

Chloe Liese just has a way with capturing characters who are so real and relatable. I loved the depth of emotion we got between Juliet and Will, and I loved watching them slowly open up to one another. This was another fantastic book from Chloe!

I love reading classic retellings, even when I’m not super familiar with the story. This new release is a reimagining of Twelfth Night, which I only know from She’s the Man tbh, but I really loved the story regardless!

This is the third book in a series so I don’t want to say too much, but I really loved this instalment. Chloe Liese is a huge fave of mine, I feel like she just does romance so well.

Juliet and Will were such lovely characters, getting to see them grow individually and together made me so happy. Their love story was so sweet, and I really loved where they ended up together. I also really enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books in this.

I also think that Chloe Liese always does a really lovely job at writing the representation within these stories, with characters that feel incredibly well thought out and real.

Thank you to the publisher for sharing an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.

Chloe Liese just never misses when it comes to delivering a heartwarming, swoony romance. Once Smitten, Twice Shy is the third book in the Wilmot series trilogy. It’s a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Nigh, and while I’m sad this series is ending, it’s truly ending on the most perfect of notes!

Juliet Wilmot has sworn off love ever since she got herself out of a very toxic relationship. Will Orsino assumes love isn’t in the cards for hi because he is neurodivergent, which presents many challenges to him finding someone to love. Juliet and Will first cross paths in Scotland where she has gone to heal after her break and where he is on business. When they cross paths again after returning home, what started as coincidence starts to feel like kismet and Juliet and Will soon embark on the sweetest and flirtiest of friendships.

I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance, and I thought this one was just so beautifully written. I especially loved that the set up was having Juliet and Will help each other practice learning how to be romantic by better picking up on social cues. The scenes where they’re helping each other are just so sweet and amusing! I also thought it was such a unique use of the fake dating trope too!

I also love that I can always count on Chloe Liese to accurately and sensitively handle the incorporation of neurodivergent & chronic illness representation. She really does a great job with both of those in this book.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a lovely, heartwarming read, and the perfect series finale.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a modern Shakespeare retelling that reimagines Twelfth Night with Chloe Liese’s signature focus on love, acceptance, and emotional growth. While the premise—a “romance workout” partnership between Juliet, a woman healing from an emotionally abusive relationship, and Will, a shy and introspective cinnamon roll of a man—sounds promising, the execution left me feeling underwhelmed.

Juliet’s gentle, self-aware nature and Will’s quiet charm make them likable leads, and their low-drama connection is refreshing. I appreciated the absence of typical romance pitfalls like third-act breakups or contrived miscommunication, and Will’s relationship with his niece and Juliet’s friends added warmth to the story. However, despite these positives, Once Smitten, Twice Shy feels repetitive and lacking in emotional depth. Juliet’s toxic relationship, which was heavily emphasized in previous books, is barely explored here, robbing her character arc of potential complexity. Similarly, Will’s shyness and reserved nature, while endearing, didn’t evolve much beyond surface-level traits.

The writing itself also faltered at times, with overly long internal monologues that disrupted the pacing and felt disjointed. As a longtime fan of Chloe Liese, I’ve come to expect emotional resonance and rich storytelling, but this book fell short compared to her Wilmot or Bergman series. While Once Smitten, Twice Shy has its sweet and giggle-worthy moments, it lacked the depth and spark to truly captivate me. Here’s hoping her next project recaptures the magic.

Chloe Liese never disappoints! Everything she writes, I love. Her characters and storylines are so so real. I was so happy we finally got to see Juliet's story! It was everything I was hoping it would be. Thank you Chloe and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read Once Smitten, Twice Shy!!! I loved it!

I really enjoyed getting to know Juliet and Will throughout this book. While there were a few aspects I felt could have been explored more deeply, it was still a wonderful read. Will is autistic, and Juliet has joint issues and follows a gluten-free diet. I found myself relating to both characters in different ways Will, with his struggle to always find the right words, and Juliet, with her gluten-free lifestyle. What I loved most was how they just fit together.

The Highland fantasy element was a fantastic touch, and I especially adored how Will was portrayed as such a "cinnamon roll" character. I also appreciated that there was no third-act breakup—it's something I really can’t stand, and this book proved it could work just as well without it. Plus, fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and it played out beautifully here. I devoured the book in one sitting—it was so gripping, I couldn’t put it down.

This story was incredibly cute. The two met across the pond and then right in their own backyards again months later. Will is looking for a "wife" and Juliete is looking to get back into the dating pool, but she just has to get over her fears. The decide they should do some practice romance together, and you know what that means. They are going to fall for one another of course!
Will doesn't think he can give Juliete the love that she deserves and Juliete wants it all. She knows she deserves better than she has gotten, so she has to search for it. If only she wasn't so scared. Will isn't good with people, in general. He is grumpy and tends to get friendzoned pretty quickly by the women he dates. He needs some lessons on how to talk to women and keep them if he is going to be able to find the wife he needs.
It was clear VERY early on that the two of them had a connection that ran deep. I liked seeing the other couples in this book as well, and just wished Juliete and Will could get out of their own heads and communicate with one another a little faster than they did. There wasn't a lot of angst here, just a lot of cute moments where you wanted to hug them both.
Thanks to Berkley, Chloe Liese and Netgalley for an early copy.

this book had my heart in a giant puddle! it was so sweet, will was SO SWEET he’s literally the blueprint. juliet and will’s love is slow and soft but still steamy and will definitely get you giddy.

i would’ve liked more subplot and the shakespeare names/references were kind of distracting. but this will definitely not be my last chloe liese book because i sometimes i just need my ice cold heart to melt and she knows how to make that happen

3.5⭐️

This was a really sweet, soft, conflict-free ending to the series. Not my favorite by the author, but it definitely had plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

I think where this one fell a little short was in the long exposition and repetitive internal monolgue. Without a main conflict driving things forward, it just felt a little drawn out at times.

But I loved the chronic illness & neurodiversity rep. And the way these 2 loved each other 🥹 good communication is definitely sexy.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance, NetGalley and Chloe Liese for giving me an eARC of this book.

I’m such a Chloe fan and though I’m new to the world of the Wilmot sisters, I am so tremendously excited to read the other books if they’re anything like this one. I have no proper words to express how much I revelled in this love story. As a chronically ill young woman who has often worried about feeling like too much and undesirable, these tender stories remind me that disability doesn’t exclude us from a love that feels safe, tender and worth the inconveniences.

I love the juxtaposition of someone so bubbly and outspoken like Juliet with someone so quiet and pensive like Will as he tries to get out of his shell and be the man for her. Major swooning. Also sue me but I’m soooo glad that there was a HEA because I really didn’t need any miscommunication or third act breakups. I just wanted to escape and I’m glad I did.

I was up at 3 am reading and giggling, and I’m ASEXUAL! Chloe did her big one, as usual.

this was giving Jessica day and Nick miller . This book was a cutesy read . Juliet was so sweet with Will and so gentle and I honestly loved that so much . Will was such a cinnamon roll . I absolutely love how sweet and caring he is . These two were perfect for each other. Although we were able to see more of Juliet’s past toxic relationship. And see how that relationship shaped who she is as a person now..

3.5 stars - This was a very tender, slow and quiet kind of love story. Initially, I unfortunately struggled with the practice dating premise - even though I’m usually all in on a fake dating set-up no matter how unbelievable - but for some reason here I just couldn’t get fully on board.

A little over the halfway mark, I felt more invested in Will and Juliet’s relationship; their banter was really cute and I appreciated how open and honest they were with each other. That said, the pacing was a little bit off for me and I liked the last like 35% way more than the first chunk of the book. This is still the best of the three in the series though.

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This book will make you fall in love with falling in love.

Oh, goodness, the "practice" flirting was so hot. And the "practice" dating that wasn't really practice, I have no words. These were the kinds of dates that everyone should experience at least once, along with that slow delicious slide into falling in love (if you're into that kind of thing).

Juliet's spirit for adventure drew Will out of his shell, so he was more willing to expose himself, all for her. And Juliet was willing to risk her heart again, for him. Will was so endearing and sweet. Their reasons for pretending it wasn't real were flimsy, really, but they abandoned that way of thinking fairly quickly. Their first encounter was deliciously hot and that chemistry kept humming beneath the surface all throughout.

The story was all about Juliet and Will falling in love and helping each other overcome their insecurities. I can highly recommend it if you like steamy romance that is heavily character driven. Each book in this series stands well on its own.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Berkely and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese in exchange for an honest review.

Juliet Wilmot has been through the ringer. Some time ago, she found herself in an abusive relationship. She successfully extricated herself, but not without a great deal of pain. After a trip to Scotland (and brief but intense interlude with a stranger in a bar), she returns home and receives a diagnosis of connective tissue disorder and celiac disease. It's a long process of learning to care for self (physically and emotionally) but she's finally back on solid ground.

Until, she visits her parents home and discovers the aforementioned stranger sleeping in her parents' greenhouse. Will Orisino, who had been visiting Scotland on a business trip for his family's business, also happens to be friends with Juliet's neighbor/friend/sister's boyfriend. Will needs a spouse for business purposes, but he's awkward and shy and has no confidence that he can achieve a real romantic connection. Too bad he's smitten with Juliet from the start; he's certain there's no hope with a woman like her. (As in, beautiful, smart, charming...)

After a predictably rocky initial re-introduction with Juliet, the two of them hit it off. Neither wants real romance but maybe they could sorta...help each other out? Dating lessons, so to speak. But of course their natural chemistry and mutual understanding takes over and they bond. He's attentive and sweet. She's understanding and encouraging. They are an absolutely lovely pairing and the process of watching them fall in love with delightful.

Populated with a cast of fun, supportive side characters, Twice Smitten is an excellent finale to the Wilmot sisters series. As always, Liese explores different conditions (this time, connective tissue disorder, celiac disease, and autism). And as always, while those conditions may add complexity to the developing relationship, it's not about conflict but rather about learning and understanding. Juliet and Will learn the specific ways necessary to support each other and that's the real beauty of the relationship.

Highly recommended for fans of the first two Wilmost Sisters books, fans of Liese's other works, readers looking for hopeful and sweet romances.

After ending a toxic relationship Juliet has worked for months on healing herself, including navigating her connective tissue disease. When she runs into shy and socially awkward Will first in Scotland then later back home in the States, Juliet can’t deny she is intrigued no matter how much she tries not to be. When Will confides in Juliet about always being looked over because of his social anxiety and sensory issues Juliet suggests they make a pact to help each other “practice” their relationship skills. But the more time Juliet and Will spend together the more they fall for each other. But with both of their emotional baggage can they truly let go and trust each other?

Neurodivergent representation is huge, and I can’t thank Chole enough for bringing these complex feelings and how the neurodiverse navigate the world to the forefront. As a neurodivergent myself I connect deeply to Will being sensitive to sound and overwhelmed by certain environments, not to mention social anxiety as well. This book is a love letter to all the complex and beautiful souls learning to navigate the world the best we can.

hanks so much to @berkleypub @berkleyromance or @acebookspub for the free book!
Not sure which Wilmot book is my favorite, but I do know that waiting for Juliet’s story was such a challenge! Watching her heart break in Bea’s story was so twisted. Being able to watch her heal in a uniquely Chloe way was incredibly beautiful. Will’s vulnerability and sweetness, the ability to open up and the honesty portrayed in their relationship from both sides was completely refreshing. Both characters grew and acknowledged this. Was this angsty and filled with drama? NO!! And thank goodness! Life isn’t always like that-these were real life people who communicated, grew, and fell. And that’s what Chloe does so expertly-writes fallable characters that are charming, funny, awkward, sexy, and weird. Laughing during an orgasm?? Yep-that’s reality, and that’s trust, and Chloe writes it poignantly.

Im always ready for more Chloe-thank you, #BerkleyPartner #AceBooksPartner for letting me ready this early copy!

This was a very cute, very sweet story! I requested this book not realizing that it was the last book in a series of three but I don’t feel like I missed anything not having read the first two books. I recognized who the mentions were and it was fun to know they were reappearing again. I think my favorite part of this book was the representation. I loved not only the neurodivergent representation in Will but also the representation of physical health ailments in Juliet. I think for me though it was almost too sweet? I didn’t feel like there was any real conflict between them and the premise of practicing fell apart for me right away because they were clearly in love. It just felt a little one note. But again, the representation was awesome! I’ll definitely be going back to read the first two books!

Short synopsis: After bad breakup Juliet swears off men, until she meets quiet Will. They decide to practice romance, and end up falling quickly for each other.

My thoughts: I love how well Chloe writes a neurodivergent character, her characters are so great at understanding and caring for their romantic interests. One of my favorite scenes was when Will planned a special date night at a fancy restaurant that had a completely gluten free menu.

Was it super memorable? No. Was it cute and swoony just like we are used to with this authors writing. Yes. Overall, very cute read.

Read if you love:
- Neurodivergent characters
- Chronic illness
- Swoony moments
- Fake dating to lovers
- Fun meet cutes

This started so sweet with how they met. Both leads were on a trip to Scotland for different reasons. Then met again seven months later in the states not realizing they had mutual friends. I’m a huge fan of fake dating or “we should practice dating cause I’m bad at it”. It usually is suggested cause they are attracted to each other and it’s the gateway to a good friendship and dating relationship.

Their consideration and observations of each other's comfort with their surroundings was beautiful. They were so good for each other. They pretended until they could no longer pretend to themselves anymore.

I always love Chloe’s books for her inclusivity of chronic illnesses and mental health.

This is a reimagining of Twelfth Knight with similar names. I loved their families and friends too!