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!

I loved Will and Juliet. Will was such an adorable cinnamon roll, and Juliet was a fun, spunky heroine. I did think the "reasons" they couldn't be together were a little contrived, but other than that I really enjoyed the book.

I like most of Chloe Liese's books, but this one just wasn't for me. I like books with a little bit of conflict in them, and this didn't have, well, any. The main characters were both *extremely* perfect - perfect communicators, perfect moods, perfect significant others - and it was just <i>so</i> boring. That isn't to say, though, that I won't pick up her next book. This one was just a miss for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the arc, all opinions are my own.

Giddy, that is how I would describe my feelings the entire time I was reading this book. OSTS is a take on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and the third (and last) book in the Wilmot Sisters series by Chloe Liese. Liese is quickly becoming one of my "go-to" authors for romance. She does a wonderful job of writing real people. I could easily identify with many of the characters and I know you probably would too.

Will Orsino, our MMC is peak book boyfriend/husband material. He is probably one of my favorite MMCs along with Callum (Morbidly Yours) and Ben (Werewolf's Guide to Seducing a Vampire). I just can't express how wonderful, caring, and sweet this character is.

Juliet is the eldest (though a twin, she was born first), but she is the last to find her person. After a bad breakup, Juliet was not looking for love. After a chance encounter while in Scotland, Juliet's life is turned upside down in the best way.

It is sort of, but not really, a fake-dating trope that brings Juliet and Will together. During their journey together, they are working on their separate journeys to becoming the person they want to be. You are guaranteed to fall in love with these two beautiful souls who are just looking for some place to belong.

This book is highly recommended, by me and I hope others are able to find the joy that Juliet and Will do.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and it was so good!

In book three of the Wilmot series, Will and Jules agree to "practice" date after she is getting over heartbreak and he is trying to learn that he deserves romance in his life. I've decided I like practice dating more than fake romance because this just naturally led to one of the most romantic, sweetest love stories ever.

I loved Juliet and Will. One thing that this author does so well is the neurodivergence and chronic illness representation in this book. In all of her books.


This is was my favorite in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC. All opinions are my own.

In this amazing story we are introduced to Juliet Wilmot, who is a former romantic, she has sworn off love after heartbreak but agrees to "practice" romance with Will Orsino, a shy man needing to prepare for an inevitable marriage for his family's business. Though neither of them are looking for love, their practice sessions spark undeniable attraction, suggesting a happily-ever-after might be in their future.

I loved this book from the very beginning, I loved everything about it. The moments when the characters slowly started to realize that what they felt for each other was indeed real, ugh perfection. This book depicts loving friends and family, finding oneself after heartbreak and battling with our own body’s failures, while also appreciating the very same vessel that gives us life. Aside from this, Will is such a warm giant cuddly teddy bear to Juliet’s warm smiles. This story had me crying because of how sweet it was, like it honestly made me feel so many damn butterflies, I must be out of my mind because these are FICTIONAL characters we’re talking about and yet they felt so real to me.

ONCE SMITTEN, TWICE SHY is the third and final installment in Chloe Liese's WILMOT SISTERS series and follows Juliet and Will as they "practice" romance with each other to help their respective life goals, while—obviously—falling for each other throughout their fake dates and practice flirting. I absolutely loved reuniting with the Wilmot sisters and all their friends and loved ones and this was such a wonderful way to wrap up the story,

The Wilmot Sisters series is one of my favorite contemporary romance series and I couldn't wait to read its conclusion! Chloe Liese once again delivered a tender, swoony love story with so much heart and the best spice. I loved seeing Juliet and Will fall in love and I especially loved getting to see Bea, Jamie, Kate and Christopher again.

thank you to Netgalley & Berkley for my e-arc copy.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese
🩷genre: contemporary romance
🎧format: audiobook
🔥spice: open door
📚series: book three in the Wilmot Sisters
🎙️narrators: Charlotte North & Tim Paige
📱On KU? No
🗓️Available now

📌Book includes: fake dating, mutual pining, slow burn, chronic illness & neurodivergent representation

Juliet is still picking up the pieces of her broken heart, unsure if she will ever be ready to get back out there. Will is convinced that he will never settle down, romance just doesn’t come naturally for him. But then these two have a great idea, they could team up and practice together.

I already finished this book back in 2024, and had a really good time with these characters! I love Chloe’s writing and her representation! So excited to see what she has in store for us next!

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese is a dazzling heartwarming romance, which is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. I love a romantic story that makes me giddy & this story did that repeatedly with the green flag swoon city of a hero & highly relatable fantastically authentic heroine.

This is book #3 in The Wilmot Sisters series, which could easily be read as a standalone. However, this whole series is spectacular, so I recommend it all!

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is great for fans of…
🩷 Sweet & Spicy Romance
🩷 Chronic Illness & Disability Rep.
🩷 Reimagining of Shakespeare
🩷 Grumpy Sunshine
🩷 Dating Lessons

Chloe Liese writes stunning prose that beautifully paints every scene as it were a movie playing in my head. This is such a beautiful story that gave me so much hope in terms of being seen, understood & deserving of this kind of love.

Chloe Liese is one of my all time favorite authors & this story is the perfect encapsulation as to why. I am so grateful for their continued showcasing of beautiful romantic stories with leads with disabilities, chronic illnesses & mental Illness.

If you are looking for humor, wonderful family vibes, heart & epic romance, I highly recommend reading Chloe Liese!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Thank you Berkley pub and netgalley for the eARC!!

I love Chloe Liese so so much. All the books I've read by her are just heartwarming and inspiring. This book was no different! I thought the story was so sweet and I loved that it gives a voice to underrepresented groups. The characters were so lovable and I really enjoyed watching them help each other be more comfortable with themselves. The only reason I didn't give this book a higher rating is because I'm not really a insta love girly and I fell like this book gives those vibes. However, it has everything else I loved such as connection, growth, and depth. I think people will love how relatable the characters and their experiences are. The story will most definitely have you smiling.

Thank you PRH audio for the free audiobook & Berkley for the free paperback & eARC. Chloe Liese has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, so this was a highly anticipated release.

What I love most about Chloe Liese’s books is the thought and care put into each character. The truth/reminder that every person is worthy and capable of love and happily ever after shines through in each book.

As for Juliet, I was a little triggered in book 1 while reading some of the things Juliet’s emotionally abusive (now ex) boyfriend would do and say due to my own past experiences so I was a tad nervous going in to this. However, I was happy that this purely touched upon the relationship so that Juliet could heal and grow, but the ex was never brought into the story.

I know neurodivergence/autism presents differently in everyone, but I loved seeing the MMC regularly use earplugs when out in noisy places. My Loop earplugs are one of the biggest lifesavers and keep me from getting too overwhelmed/overstimulated, so it was great seeing a character who utilizes earplugs regularly as well.

Highlights:
- Romance: MF
- Neurodivergent visibility
- Chronic illness visibility
- Mutual pining
- Practice dates
- “Let’s just get it out of our system”
- Twelfth Night reimagining

I love this story and the inclusivity that the author brings. However I didn't really buy why they were only fake dating at the begining. So that made the story seema bit too drawn out for me.

4 stars
2 spice