the two of them are in need of some dating training wheels. will is neurodivergent and needs to get some experience and juliette needs to get back out there after a bad breakup. they decide to spend a month practicing romance with each other and end up falling helplessly in love.

this is my fav of the series! will was such a sweet cinnamon roll. juliette was so caring and met him without judgement. the two them really were meant to be. the two of them learned to be brave together and I just 🥹

I loved all the family and friends dynamics. this cast of characters is so supportive of each other and I loved the sisterly dynamics.

this one is def cozy. aside from their plan to practice dates, there’s not much plot. it’s way more of a character driven cozy story. buuuut there’s no dumb third act breakup like in book 1 so that was nice.

🎧 charlotte north and tim page brought these characters to life! their performances were really well done. the dual pov was great! their accents for different characters really brought this book to life. highly recommend the audio for this one!

what to expect
⟢ grumpy x sunshine
⟢ practice dates that maybe are actually real
⟢ so much pining
⟢ neurodivergent rep
⟢ chronic illness rep
⟢ bi rep

The characters in Chloe Liese’s novels are always so interesting with real life issues that give their story more depth. Will is neuro-divergent and is on the autism scale and Chloe has a debilitating form of joint disease that makes movement painful. As someone who suffers from arthritis I found it really interesting to read about a character who suffers similarly. How does her pain affect her relationship with Will? How do they both help navigate each others problems and emotions? It certainly adds to the story in a very realistic way.

I’ve enjoyed the Wilmot sisters novels because these ladies are straight shooters and don’t take lip from anyone. Juliet seemed to be the most romantic in nature and her heartbreak could’ve caused more than a few small trust issues. Thankfully the author didn’t keep us waiting too long before the characters realized where their emotions were leading them. Maybe because of this there was a little lack in tension which gave the other two novels more of a conclusive feel to the two partners coming together. I think that would be my only criticism for this novel. They were both just so nice and there wasn’t a whole lot of conflict. Other than that it was an enjoyable story!

Firstly, I wanted to thank NetGalley for sending me this arc.

I think people forget how important it is to look at life through a lens that counters their own, and this book provides us with two lives that have become integral to my own.

This book is a 4.75/5 star for me, and one of the most special stories I have come across in a long time. There is something to be said about works of fiction that are derived heavily from real life experiences of their author. This book is heavily inspired by human realities of our author, shown through our neurodivergent mmc and fmc invisible chronic conditions. As mentioned in the author's note, these human realities deserve space in romance, with positive and authentic representation - as a person who does not live their life with these realities, it was such a gift to experience them through Juliet and Will's stories. Because at the end of the day, not only did we get a romance novel, but we get two characters who have individual stories that matter just as much.

"I've shaved, when I've otherwise kept my big beard to hide because I didn't want to be seen by others but I've decided it's worth it to be seen by anyone, if only for the chance to be seen by her."
Will is one of the most special MMCs I have had the pleasure of reading. He was incredibly endearing, while having a charm and quirkiness that was unique to him. Following his POV was integral to the story because we were able to see a glimpse into the inner workings of his mind, the way he thinks and feels, which may not look the same at first glance as another would. His ability to love is inherent, effortless, selfless, and unbelievably generous. His love for his parents, his sisters, his niece and nephew, his pup, and our incredible Juliet is pure. He begins his story feeling incapable of providing a partner with the love her believes they desire, and we follow his journey of growth. Growing pains hurt, they can ache and leave discomfort in their wake, but we are all the better for it. Watching him change, both through his POV and Juliet's, was something I will never forget. His story alone is reason enough to read this book. There is such an importance behind his story, there is so much for people to learn and understand through his life. There are smaller moments that you may not notice at first glance from the outside, but this book was able give us a look through the inside, a way to see a glimpse into the reality of so many. Will had my heart in his clutches from the first page of this book, and the grip never let up. He is one of my favorite MMC I have ever come across, and I know that will rein true going forward. His heart, his mind, his gentle nature are qualities that make him who he is. Someone who is always looking for a way to make his love feel safe in his arms, even before she was ever his. He pushes himself throughout this entires story to grow into who he knows, deep down, he can be. He fights through his constant growing pains, rides with his training wheels on at first, putting himself in uncomfortable situations because he is willing to grow for love, for both himself and Juliet. What a gift it has been to fall in love with a love interest as intricate, lovable, and extraordinary as Will.

"I am strong, even when I'm struggling."
Juliet is a character that made me feel incredibly seen, in the same way she was able to do for Will throughout their journey together. She is a character that is strong, strong in ways that people would never know from first glance - someone who faces an invisible battle every single day, and continues to live each day with a bright smile on her face, and a heart filled with hope. She is a character that reminds us that our pain does not define us, and those that have hurt us have not broken us. She validates the idea that we can take the time we need to heal, to put our pieces back together when they fall apart, knowing that we will be stronger when we rise again. Her heart is bigger than the sky, and she loves fiercely, protectively, and generously. She is a safe space for all those in her life, her two sisters whose stories came before hers, and for her Will. There is a special place in the world for those who are able to provide a space of acceptance and safety for those who have never found it before. Her love makes Will feel seen.. Above all else, she is a partner who moves through life with love in her heart, excited for her future, never letting her past or present stop her from moving forward.

"I'm in your corner just as much as you're in mine, okay? On the hard days, I'll be the arm to hold on to, the pair of hands to do what you can't, the feet that carry you when yours won't take another step. And on the gentle days, the feel-good days, I'll be there, too, grateful that I get to be your friend and see you shine."
Genuinely, I could talk about the romance of this novel for hours. I could write a 20 page MLA format paper on what it meant to me, and how important it is to have a story such as this one in the book space. To shorten it down, it was perfection. There was a gentleness to their love that they both needed, a purity that cannot be forced but just is. They both handled each other with care, without ever making each other feel less than capable on their own. There was both silent and loud support, with each being able to see when their partner needed each. They read each other like their favorite books (because yes, they both love romance novels), entirely and all consuming. There was such effort put in from both sides, while it came naturally and effortlessly from each. It was as if they were made to love each other, and each other alone. It was palpable, the love was jumping off each page, and I couldn't get enough. They were both so deserving of this love, and I was so thankful to experience this happy ending. No matter how that may look to others, they were true perfection in mine.

Chloe Liese has become one of my favorite authors because of this book. I am so lucky to have fallen in love with the story that is Juliet and Will.

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ: Chloe Liese
ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ: The Wilmot Sisters , Bk3
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Romance | Contemporary | Retelling
ᴘᴜʙʟɪꜱʜᴇᴅ: Jan 2024

Two strangers dance together in Scotland and now randomly meet again back in the US, except she's running from heartbreak and he's trying to find a way to communicate, but when they realize they can help each other out by practicing to fake date.... they might actually be falling. Pinky Swear!

ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:

This book was everything for me. I am already a massive Chloe Liese fan. And Twelfth Night is quite literally my favorite Shakespeare play. As far as the retelling aspects, it was a home run. I felt good ole William’s story throughout, but the heart of the novel? That’s all Chloe!

Juliet & Will by chance meet at a pub in Scotland and IMMEDIATELY the match is struck! The spark is there! They both feel it, but neither act on it (𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯). Then they serendipitously meet again and have mutual friends? (𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺) They spend most of the novel getting to know one another and in true romance fashion work through their own emotional baggage while helping the other. Their chemistry was off the kindle screen! (𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘥, 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵, 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴)

I loved that nothing felt aggressive or happening too fast! The relationship was subtle and organic. JUST. SO. LOVELY! The time each other took to learn what they each needed from a partner was SO BEAUTIFUL TO WITNESS. Them falling in love was an absolute treat! It was really refreshing to not be faced with third act conflict, the honesty and communication between the two would never allow for such a thing to happen!

This book is driven by its cast of characters, and not just the leads. I loved seeing the other Wilmot sisters and their partners along with our game night crew! Chloe is master at interweaving the cast in perfect balance that they are involved but not a crutch. Tied everything up in a beautiful bow! Solid Ending!

✦Chronic Illness Rep
✦Neurodivergent Rep
✦Practice/Fake Dating
✦Grumpy-ish x Sunshine
✦Friends to Lovers
✦PININGGGGGGG

✦

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

Ughhh my heart! With every book that Chloe Liese writes, she further cements herself as one of my all-time favorite authors.

As always, the signs I utterly adored this book?

I stayed up until 3 AM reading it ✔️
I read it in one sitting ✔️

But what was it that made this book so special? Juliet and Will.

I simply ADORED them. As a character in this book says "I fucking love a friends-to-lovers romance" and Juliet and Will's love story was perfect on every level. I was excited for them ever since I read the sneak peek at the end of Kate and Christopher's book, and this one did not disappoint. I adored the premise of two characters helping each other practice romance (while remaining COMPLETELY platonic of course). The chemistry between the two of them is on point from page one, and I loved the pining between the two. Oh, the pining, oh, the YEARNING, Chloe does it so well. I could not put the book down until the two finally came to terms with their feelings, and even then I couldn't stop reading because I couldn't get enough. I cannot stress enough how each of these characters, both on their own and as a couple, are so delightful.

Oh, and did I mention these two are actual soulmates??! Definition of invisible string tying these two together.

The final book in a series is always bittersweet, but almost always my favorite. I love getting to see all the past couples in supporting roles, and I LOVED seeing Jamie and Will bond almost immediately. Chloe excels at writing supporting characters, and making them as strong as the couple themselves, and this book is no different. I loved seeing how quickly Will becomes a part of Juliet's family and friends, and all the supporting characters brought so much fun and levity to the story.

I love each of Chloe's books more and more with each one she writes, and I can't wait to experience her next story.

This book was absolutely PERFECT.

Starting from my favorite aspect - Will is a silent but strong MMC. He’s patient and has autism, as do I, and seeing the representation in a calm and subtle way was so beautiful. The author doesn’t explicitly explain he has ASD from the beginning, but you are able to pick up all of the signs as the story progresses. It’s not in your face and I feel like it truly shows the reader what he struggles with and you can feel the emotions through the pages.

Jules had her strengths in a different way - just as quiet but definitely more visible. She struggles with a physical disability but doesn’t want it to be a burden on herself or others around her. The way Will helps her throughout the book is so sweet and wasn’t overwhelming in the slightest. She comes from a breakup but still is willing to risk her heart when she realizes she’s growing emotions towards Will and it was very brave of her.

Together, I thought these two were so sweet. They had a playful banter between the two of them and it was a slow and blind progression. It wasn’t a slap in your face kind of love, it crept up on them as they got to know each other, so the fact that there was no third-act-breakup made so much sense to me. Given how they acted towards each other - the patience, great communication, honesty - it wouldn’t have made sense if they broke up during that final act.

This book is so amazing, I recommend it to everyone. Mental health representation, fluffy, banter, and pining? Sign yourself up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

This latest installment in Liese's Shakespere retellings is probably the sweetest of the bunch and I am here for it.

Juliet and Will meet serendipitously while abroad when Juliet is fresh off her breakup with her abusive ex. Not in the right headspace for anything romantic, she quickly disengages. Seven months later, she meets Will again, only this time there are so many links in their web that it almost seems like fate. But Juliet is beyond fate now. And Will could use some help in the relationship department, so they both agree to use each other as practice until they get more comfortable with the notion of romancing and relationships. But it turns out that their relationship may be the answer to all of their problems.

Loosely based on Twelfth Night (my favorite Shakespeare play), this story has nothing but sugary sweetness at its core. Both Juliet and Will are so precious and it's hard to find anything to critique about their relationship. They were both open and generous to each other from the start, so much that there wasn't a lot of real conflict in this story. Which is fine, if you want to revel in how sweet these two are.

I do like a bit more substance to my plots, but I couldn't help loving Will and Juliet. If I had one really true critique, it's that I wish this book were a closer adaptation of the play. It's my favorite for a reason, and a lot of the brevity and tension is missing because of that reason.

Chloe Liese has done it again. Her ability to write authentic and tender characters with depth only gets better with each release of hers I read. I have read all of her books and each time I underestimate the beautiful and loving care with which Liese develops her characters that makes her readers FEEL and experience right alongside them.

5.0

Thanks to NETGALLEY for the arc for review.

Practice dates
Chronicle illness rep
Neurodivergent rep
Mutual pining
Grumpy (gentle giant) x Ball of sunshine
Twelfth Night Reimagining

Chloe Liese does it again! Holy smokes! This story is a bottle of butterflies, tension, and sweet swooning!

Juliet and Will are so sweet. I absolutely loved this book!

The instant attraction in the first meeting was top tier. Will being wordless/ speechless in asking Juliet to dance? Perfect. Juliet hugging him goodbye in hopes that Will might understand that she needed time to heal. Just them bother knowing that they can’t act on that instant attraction? Hell yeah.
Them randomly or by fate imo, running into each other again and also having family and friends knowing each other? Perfect fate/ destiny feeling.
The tension emotionally and sexually between these two had me swooning, kicking my feet and giggling. I covered my mouth at multiple sections.
The chemistry between Will and Juliet was perfect. They just had a bond that was instant and everyone reading will be able to feel it too.
They just got each other the way a soulmate would. They made each other better.

The understanding between the two. The time they spend as friends learning each other and the type of people they are and the type of love they deserve. Making each other believe in the good in people and the good in the people they will choose to love.

The plot was good and simple. It didn’t need to be more than that because the characters themselves held the story up perfectly. It felt real from the start for the couple.
The side characters were just as fun and cool here as they were in their own stories and it was nice to see them again and find out where they ended up.
It wasn’t spicy in the fact that it was mostly sexual tension until pass 65%. It was certainly a slow burn the steam in waiting makes up for it.
This book made me feel like I was in a rom com. Just watching these two people with past issues, get over and heal them and fall in love. Each character’s personal arc felt extrely reasonable and justifiable. Both were complete plots of their own and were well written.

Overall, an absolutely delicious romantic story that will make your heart feel so light with love.

This was my first novel by Liese and it won’t be the last. I anticipate to at least complete this series sometime this year. Will and Juliet are perfect. I really loved the chronic illness and neurodivergent representation. Especially because that neurodivergent rep was done with care and we so rarely see that in males. The romance was perfect and these characters were handled with care.

This book was really fun to read. I loved that the male main character was neurodivergent and the female main character was dealing with invisible illnesses. It was so much fun to get inside both of their heads, making it so easy to understand them as individuals and as a pair. This was a slow burn with an incredibly fun cast of characters. It was just a quick and fun read that I struggled to put down. If you are looking for a no-nonsense romance, this one will do the trick. Friends who are teaching one another how to date and magically fall in love - all while we get to watch their interactions, thoughts and fun.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copies.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese 🩷
The Wilmot Sisters, Book 3
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
379 pages
🗓️ January 14

🥃reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
🩷grumpy x sunshine
🥃practice dating
🩷secrete relationship
🥃close friend’s (like) sister
🩷friends to lovers
🥃no 3rd act breakup

📍“I finally made you smile.”
“Finally? Juliet, all you’ve got to do is walk into a room, and I’m grinning like a fool.”

📍“You saw and believed it when I couldn’t, what was true all along, from the moment I met you.”
“And what was that?”
“That not only could my heart be loved and love you . . . it was made to love you.”

The romantic gestures to put to shame all other romantic gestures. Grumpy, gentle giants just have this way of surprising us and melting our hearts like butter on a warm toast.

{Juliet is such a great name 😜}

Do I own book 2, yes. Did I read it before picking this one up? No, because clearly I’m an idi0t. But I must confess that my need — yes, need — to go read it now (maybe I should start with book 1 🤣) has increased tenfold and it’s now a top priority.

A hug. That’s what this book felt. A tight hug at the end of a summer day. *sigh*

{And now that I get the cover, I might cry 😭😭}

Two strangers dance together in Scotland and now randomly meet again, except she's running from heartbreak and he's trying to find a way to communicate, but when they realize they can help each other out they agree to practice fake dating.... except they might really be falling for one another. Juliet Wilmot is a hopeless romantic who has sworn off romance, she left to visit Scotland and there she meets a handsome stranger named Will.... then months go by and they run into each other again except Will is actually her brother's best friend, making him completely off limits. Will Orsino is a shy guy who's had problems with communicating, he just can't seem to make a romance work and he feels like he needs a marriage to work especially for his family's business... but he's resigned to the fact that happily ever after isn't in the cards for him until he meets Juliet. Something about Juliet calls to him but she's completely off limits since she's his best friend's sister. Yet when they both meet again and offer to help one another, going on fake dates, befriending each other, and supporting one another... maybe this isn't as fake as they thought and this is in fact real romance. This was such a sweet romance book, I was completely smitten from the get go. As a huge fan of Chloe's books, this was such a great read. I loved the romance between Juliet and Will so much, it was just so sweet and soft. I really had such a wonderful time reading this and would absolutely recommend this for fans of a book that will just leave you smiling.

Release Date: January 14,2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This is the third and final book in Chloe Liese’s Wilmot Sisters Series. I am so sad to be at the end of this fun series. I have loved all the couples, friends, and family that were in the pages of these books. Each couple was modeled after a different Shakespearean couple, and I loved that. That is the hook that got me into this series in the first place.

Juliet & Will’s love story was an adaptation of Twelfth Night. Their story was probably the least like the source material, but I loved all the nods to the original work as well as the additional rivalry between Will’s family, Montag, and their neighbors, the Capulettis. It wasn’t a huge plot point, but it was a nice addition and gives me a little hope for more stories set in this world maybe focusing on another group of sisters. (Fingers crossed.)

Recommended for: romance readers that like fun banter and sweet characters

Content warning: profanity; explicit sex scenes

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As far as I’m concerned, Chloe Liese can do absolutely no wrong. I adore her romance books and I’m always impressed by how well she incorporates diverse abilities and experiences into her romance. Once Smitten, Twice Shy may be one of my new favorites from her catalog. I absolutely adored our FMC and her ability to advocate for herself and her growing ability to do so. I also really enjoyed our MMC and felt like he was a really honest character. It didn’t feel trope-y or stereotypical of a person with autism however, I think that this is a really realistic interpretation of someone on the spectrum I was giddy, kicking my feet and loving the story from start to finish and I cannot wait to recommend it to my friends and other readers. Thank you so much to Berkeley romance for granting me access to Once Smitten, Twice Shy.

REVIEW✨
Once Smitten, Twice Shy
(The Wilmot Sisters, #3)
By Chloe Liese

“I'm weird, but I generally like my weirdness ... that's what makes me me. Because it's not all hard parts, having a brain like mine.”

I loved this book so much! Will Orsino is a wonderful book boyfriend with all the green flags and more. He is so caring and sweet to Juliet Wilmot and thinks about her all the time. It was wonderful to see representation for a main character that is neurodivergence, I felt very relatable to him. I felt that it was done so well! I loved seeing a character like Juliet with mixed connective tissue disease and celiac disease as well. The writing was so amazing! So many inner thoughts but also how she describes Will’s house and farmland made me want to move there. The plot was great, the pacing was smooth, there is no third act break up, and the characters are so sweet and kind. The romance is really smutty and very steamy.
If you are looking for a friends to lovers, fake dating, where FMC gives flirting lessons to MMC, and it is just overall just a wonderfully sweet romance. This is the book for you.

🌸Cinnamon Roll Male Lead
🌸Neurodivergence Rep
🌸Celiac Disease/ Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Rep
🌸Fake Dating & Flirting Lessons
🌸No Third-Act Breakup
🌸Dual POV (Will & Juliet)
🌸Healing From Past Relationships
🌸Families With So Much Love

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

Plot points: 💥💥💥💥💥
Spice Level:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Out everywhere January 14, 2025
•
•
#AceBooksPartner #BerkleyPartner
•

I am and always will be a Chloe Liese stan. I love this world that she created and am grateful that it ended on such a high note. the way that Chloe builds emotional intimacy makes her romances feel more genuine and keeps me coming back for more

I am so excited for my first Berkley romance/Berkley partner free book to review! This book was SO GOOD and took me out of a four month reading slump! I flew through it in less than 24 hours. This had everything: heartwarming plot, funny anecdotes, softness and vulnerability, and some sweet sweet spice!

This book has a pair of star-crossed lovers who decide to work together to get back into the dating game. The pair initially meets in Scotland, where they have an instant connection, but Juliet, having recently broken off a toxic engagement and is trying to figure out how to get back out there again, gets nervous, and leaves. Will is neurodivergent and feels like he never quite fit what people were looking for in a partner, so when they meet again back stateside and find they have a mutual friend connection, Will agrees to practice date Juliet. This way she can get back on the bike, and he can learn how to ride in the first place. They can be each others “training wheels”.

I adored this book and their relationship so much. It was such a sweet development, a slow-burn friends to lovers with all the tension that leads to such a beautiful relationship! I love how they worked together and communicated throughout their “practice”. They really brought out the best in each other and leaned on each other so much. I love them. And I have to say, Will is probably one of my favorite MMCs I’ve read. He is such a cinnamon roll, so soft and sweet but the man knows what he’s doing 👀

I love how Chloe writes inclusively as well, with both Will and Juliet being neurodivergent and chronically ill, respectively, and how well the representation of both of these are done. It blends seamlessly into the characters without being the sole thing about them. It also made these characters so patient and understanding with each other, and was such a normalized thing. It was really beautifully done!

I had a copy from prh audio and was able to go back and forth between physical and audio while reading. The dual POV was great and I loved the narrators! Their voices fit the characters well and I would definitely listen to books with these narrators in the future.

Read if you like:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Mutual Pining
Strangers to Friends to Lovers
Neurodivergent, Chronic Illness, and Bisexual Rep

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✦Series: Wilmot Sisters # 3
✦POV: Dual first-person
✦Spice: Open door, explicit

» Star-crossed lovers learn that practicing romance leads to the perfect happy ending in this steamy reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

» Juliet travels to Scotland to heal her heart after a traumatic breakup and meets Will in a pub when he asks her dance. They feel an instant connection, but neither believes they’re in a place to give or receive the kind of love they deserve.

» Juliet doesn’t trust her heart anymore. She’s struggling with that and learning to live with chronic illness. She’s always felt like the glue that holds her sisters together, but she needs to give herself a break. Juliet is a strong FMC; sympathetic, relatable, and easy to root for.

❝I gravitated toward romance novels because they never made me anxious, because I could always count on a happily ever after. Even when things get rough in the story, it always worked out. That reliability is really comforting. And . . . I love love. Friend love. Family love. Romantic love. Romance novels celebrate all of that.❞

» Will is neurodivergent, living with Autism, and his negative experiences of romance have conditioned him to believe that it won’t happen for him. He lives in the friendzone. Through his “training wheels” romance practice with Juliet, he gets exactly what he needs to be the inherently swoon-worthy man that he is, and it is gorgeous! He’s exactly the right amount of self-deprecating to make me cheer for him and sit at the edge of my seat in anticipation of exactly the god-tier swoony actions he takes and words he speaks. He loves Juliet with admiration and devotion. Utter perfection, A+ MMC.

❝Like... fireworks. When you’re staring up at the sky, watching them light up the night, all sparkle and glitter, there’s nothing else that should follow that beauty but an epic boom. That’s... what your laugh feels like, like it should be— as loud as it is pretty.❞

» It was satisfying to watch their story unfold from friendship while practicing romance despite being obviously attracted to each other when they met in Scotland. It was a wholesome start for a pair who are healing and allows for excellent growth.

» I read the previous books in the series which feature Juliet’s sisters, Bea (Jamie) and Kate (Chris). I was delighted to see how Juliet’s story incorporates them in measured and well-played doses. They are all great characters, and I loved seeing them connect on the page.

» Chloe’s writing is straight up poetry: the vivid descriptions of settings, characterisations, dialogue and inner monologues. It will make your heart ache from wanting to explode with the kind of stunning beauty she masterfully executes.

✩ Chloe is a champion of disability rights and representation. She writes her characters sensitively, avoiding the usual pity-p*rn and inspo-p*rn which often makes its way into characterisation of people with disabilities. I will never stop recommending her books because of this and am proud to have introduced her work to other folks and book clubs. Standing ovation and honourable mention, indeed! 👏

♡ Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a solid read and ending to the Wilmot Sisters series. I give it all the stars and wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you, @berkleypub, for an advanced digital copy of this book!

Once Smitten, Twice Shy was a delightful and heartwarming read that captured my attention from the first page. Chloe Liese’s ability to craft characters who are both neurodivergent and vulnerable is something I deeply admire, and this book is no exception. Will and Juliet were easy to connect with; their personalities were rich with green flags, but they also had flaws that made them feel authentic and well-rounded. I found myself rooting for them from their first encounter, as their communication and vulnerability with one another were central to their developing relationship.

The way they navigated their emotions and built trust was genuinely moving, making their love story all the more believable and heartwarming. Will is the ultimate soft boy—shy and quiet but with an incredibly kind heart that melted me. And when the chemistry between them heated up, it was undeniable. The family dynamics were equally delightful, adding depth to the story. The clever incorporation of rom-com tropes and references to romance novels and movies was a fun touch, and the eclipse reference was a perfect little bonus.

Overall, this slow-burn, fake-dating romance was both funny and endearing. Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a must-read if you’re looking for a light, feel-good romance with lovable characters. Chloe Liese truly delivered a charming and enjoyable story.