While I loved the first book in the Wilmot sisters series, unfortunately, this one was simply not for me.

Things I enjoyed:
- The tension between Juilet and Will was very well done!
- I loved the closeness between the sisters and the banter.
- Seeing my faves, Bea and Jamie!

Things I struggled with:
- The premise of the practice dating, as well as Will needing to find a wife. For me, there was no buy-in. I didn't believe or care for it. Typically, these tropes are ones I enjoy.
- The miscommunication. Yes, yes, I know that miscommunication is an important aspect of conflict, but I didn't get it this time. These two characters obviously liked each other and were attracted to each other, but they both had this 'it can never happen' mentality, and I couldn't understand why.

Chloe Liese is a wonderful writer and I do enjoy most of her stories. Unfortunately, this particular story was not for me.

This series was so much fun! Will and Juliet’s romance was so sweet and I full on swooned over that man! 🫠

Their love was patient and hard fought for, and I love that they actually communicated!! 👏🏼

It’s such a cosy and comfortable read, that just makes you all soft and gooey on the inside! 🥹

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars
Content warning: mentioning of toxic and emotionally abusive past relationship
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

I liked that two seemingly sweet and genuine people found one another and built a relationship from friends to lovers. Despite their individual insecurities and obstacles to get over, they found merit in trying for love together.

However, this was such a miss for me. I found both main protagonists far too immature and unrealistic. These are people who are in their late 20s-early 30s and both read much younger. I get shyness and being reserved, but many of the character's actions and dialogue left me feeling disconnected from the read. I struggled with this in the final book of Bergman Brothers as well with the main male protagonist, and Juliet unfortunately is a carbon copy of many traits Viggo possessed in that series. Equally, the family dynamics and friendship circles didn't feel relatable and seemed like cliche, too-perfect, hallmark-level connections. It all felt shallow to me.

Overall, this series hasn't hit as Liese's books once did for me when they were indie-published, and I'm at a crossroads of whether I will continue reading this author's novels in the future. On one hand, I appreciate GREATLY how much this author advocates for minority groups with healthy representation of characters with mental health and disability conditions finding love. As someone who has raised a neurodivergent person, and suffer from many chronic illnesses myself, I have always applauded Liese's continued dedication. But her characters no longer bring me any real enjoyment. Which is a shame as for many years there, she was one of my favourite romance authors.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy was the wholesome, slow burn, taming-of-the-shrew inspired romance of my dreams. The story follows Juliet and Will from the moment of their meet-cute at a cozy bar in the Scottish Highlands to the realization that their best friends are, in fact, also friends.

Juliet captured my romance-loving heart immediately. She's incredibly relatable, especially for anyone who has ever gone through a tough breakup and found solace in highlander romance novels (me lol) Her character growth and journey are both heartfelt and inspiring. And then there's Will—what an absolute green flag! His kindness, patience, and genuine nature make him the perfect hero.

This novel is a refreshingly cute, low-drama read, embodying all the warmth and charm we've come to expect from Liese. The story's gentle pace and endearing characters make it a delightful escape, one that I highly recommend to fellow romance lovers looking for a sweet and satisfying story.

-Disability Rep
-Neurodivergent MMC (autism)
-He reads romance novels for her
-SLOW BURN!🔥
-Green flags all around

This was such a soft story. Juliet and Will were the definition of cuteness.

Both jaded, Juliet from an abusive ex and Will from never managing to connect with someone in a long term relationship, they strike a deal to help each other. Juliet will learn to trust romance again before dating again. Will wants to practice romance as his goal is to find a wife and partner for his business and he’s been quite hopeless in the past.

Obviously not together - they are the last person they’d fall for, or so they tell themselves.

I loved how slow and steady they were, how strong the story is in building up from strangers to friends to lovers. It’s a perfect pace, and as Juliet and Will go on more and more « practice dates » they start to realise this may be more than just a few romantic training sessions…. I was smiling and giggling while reading, they are cute and funny and all you can expect of a Chloe Liese’s book.

*I received an ARC of this book, this is my honest opinion*

A great read the story of Juliet and Will. I loved both characters and that it was told from both points of view. Also surrounded by a fun and diverse group of friends.

Once again Chloe Liese has knocked it out of the park! I cannot explain how much I loved this book (but let me try).

We first met Jules in Two Wrongs Make a Right where she is the meddling oldest (by minutes) sister and twin to Bea our main character. Once Smitten, Twice Shy is Jules' turn at her HEA. Jules has come back from Scotland (where I live so that was exciting!) and has been diagnosed with MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease/Disorder) which is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue. As someone with hEDS and was tested initially for MCTD, I immediately saw myself in Jules. Chloe is amazing at including disabed and neurodivergent characters in her work and each time it is done with amazing accuracy and sensitivity but does not pull punches.

New to the story is Will who is a sweet, kind and neurodivergent(!). Will and Jules met in Scotland 7months ago and meet again by accident right in Jules' backyard. I was so easily able to identify Will's neurodivergence from his POV and things he said/thought but never did he turn into a characature. He is looking for a wife to help him continue his family's whiskey distillery and farm and has given up on love. They decide to "practice" dating eachother because Will doesn't know how to get past date 3 and Jules is still hurting from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex, but they'll never fall for eachother... right?

In romance there are so many tropes that anger readers, miscommunication, unnecissary conflict and two characters who just can't communicate! But these two are just so straightforward with eachother and I loved reading their journey and watching them fall for eachother. The conflicts made sense and were rapidly resolved with *gasp* adult conversations, and the way they looked at eachothers percieved weaknesses and only saw the best of eachother was such a breath of fresh air.

I cannot recommend this enough and I cannot wait to see what Chloe Liese does next.

This book was the perfect rom com read that I needed. Once smitten twice shy is about the final Wilmot sister Juliet and Will Orsino and honestly this book did not disappoint, I loved every minute of it from the small town setting, to fake/practice dating scenario. I loved that the previous characters from this series made multiple appearances and as always there was a well thought through happily ever after ending.

As with all Chloe Liese books there was disability/ neurodivergent main character representation and as always they were presented so well throughout the book. I always love a Chloe Liese book and I would highly recommend this one as well at the whole series. Will was the most adorable gentle giant leading male character and I enjoyed reading about him slowly falling for Juliet and pushing himself to try things or even show her what he loves within the world. He was too cute. Juliet was also a gorgeous leading lady who paired perfectly with Will.

- 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏, 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒚 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒍𝒐𝒆 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒆

𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
✰ 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴
✰ 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
✰ 𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘵𝘩 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨
✰ 𝘨𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘺 𝘹 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦

Chloe Liese never disapponts with her books. They're always delightful and a perfect mix of sweet, swoon and heart.
I flew threw it in a sitting and had so much fun with Will and Juliet. Their dynamic is adorable and I love the way they went from friends to lovers. I love how supportive of each other they are.
I honestly loved pretty much everything about it. I am also a sucker for anything Shakespeare related stuff so this was perfect for me.

I highly recommend it!

*arc kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

4.5 stars - arc review. This was such a perfect end to the series, I’ve become so attached to all the characters but this was by far my favourite book of the series. Chloe always does representation so well it’s one of my favourite parts. I loved will and Juliet they were so likeable and had great chemistry. It was also really nice seeing all the other characters as well specially Bea and Jamie for their moment and Kate and Christian, I’m gonna miss them all.

ARC REVIEW- ONCE SMITTEN, TWICE SHY

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5

Tropes:
🩷Friends to Lovers
🩷Practice Romance
🩷Green Flag MCs
🩷Neurodivergent Rep
🩷Sloooow Burn
🩷Mutual Pining
______________________________
Thanks to NetGalley, Chloe Liese and Little Brown Book Group UK for the ARC! I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. All opinions are my own.
_______________________________
This is the third and final book in the Wilmost Sisters series and OMG it might be my favourite! This book was suuuuuuch a warm and fuzzy hug. It had the absolute biggest green flag MCs ever I think and the most delicious slow burn. There's fake dating and then there's 'practice romance.'

This follows Juliet and Will, both who need help in the dating department. Juliet needs help getting her sea legs back after breaking up with her enormous douche and abusive ex fiancee. Will doesn't think he'll ever find romance and love in the traditional way, since it hasn't happened for him in the past due to his neurodivergence. They have a couple of meet-cutes and end up deciding to 'practice romancing' with each other.

Oh my word, did I love this couple.You could not have found a more green flag, kind, considerate and yummy book boyfriend than in Will. The slow burn and mutual pining, OH THE PINING. I ate up every word and had the biggest smile on my face when I was reading this one. I thought Chloe had outdone herself with Bea and Jamie and then with Kat and Christopher. But Juliet and Will are cinnamon roll, ooey gooey, sweet couple goodness. I'm OBSESSED.

Everyone needs to do themselves a favour and read this series. They are SO.FREAKING.GOOD. All of them are retellings of Shakespeare and are just AMAZING.

5 stars, will always reread and recommend. Be sure to order this one and the entire series, y'all.

In these tricky times when I’m looking for optimism, this is such a big hug of a book - so warm and hopeful. The plot centres around Will and Juliet, not so much on external events as they both have to work through a lot of stuff before they can be their best selves for each other. This is the third in the Wilmot sisters series, and is a nod to Shakespeare's Twelfth Night - subtle and clever!

The neurodiversity representation for Will is important and not overstated, as are Juliet's health issues and these are depicted sympathetically, but not sentimentally - so well done! There's real family for both of them - two sets of parents, siblings, family dynamics, these are refreshing and with a little Shakespearean humour and drama.

There's no angst and a slow burn, with caretaking and a l'il steam 🌶🌶. I was never bored as Will and Juliet are both such nice people - and have interesting lives and plenty to wrangle. Savor It by Sarah DeWitt has a similar vibe, as does In a Jam, Kate Canterbary.

Thank you Chloe Liese, Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

This was such a fun take on a Shakespeare work - I was swept away and struggled to put this one down. I adored Juliet and her chronic illness was so refreshing to see in a romance! I have to now go back and read the others in the series.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this eARC!

I have given this book 3 stars as it was enjoyable but not the book for me. It could entirely be the book for someone else though so I would still recommend. I liked the premise very much and was intrigued when I started the book. However…I did find myself skipping and skim reading and I was never properly immersed in the story which is a shame. I liked there was no 3rd act breakup as this can often come across contrived so that was a plus point! I hear that the first book in this series is the best so I think I’ll give that a go as I do think the author has some great ideas.

The third in a series about the Wilmot sisters, this book shares a ridiculousness with the first one (Two Wrongs Make a Right) which leads me to suspect that basing your romance premise on a Shakespeare comedy can be a wobbly endeavor. Borrowing this time from The Tempest, our FMC Juliet is healing after exiting a toxic relationship and redheaded hottie Will is an autistic whiskey distiller who has given up on finding someone who can love him. Thrown together by circumstance and a shared friend network, there's an immediate spark.

Liese is an accomplished contemporary romance writer, but I felt even she struggled to make me believe that these two idiots would think that "practicing" romance with each other instead of just ACTUALLY DATING, especially when they are so attracted to each other, was a viable choice. Much like my feelings with regards to the plot of the first book "let's prank our friends who are trying to match-make us together by fake dating! haha what a lark!" I just don't feel that these motivations and choices translate well to the modern world. That said, once I let go of my annoyance about this and sat back to enjoy the book, I actually did - enjoy the darn book. The tension between Juliet and Will is sizzling, and watching them fall for each other but try not to is quite sweet. Thankfully, the spicy scenes are not so sweet and once again Liese delivers some excellent sexy times for the two dimwitted lovebirds.

I don't know whether to recommend this series to fans of the Bergman Brothers, but there's no doubt in my mind that this author can write a darn good romance.

This was definitely better than the second one but it still did not live up to the first one. This is definitely a cute romance that had me giggling at times for Will. There was definitely too much of internal dialogue which did threw me off and made me want to skip paragraphs which I held off from doing. I also did find myself a bit bored of it since it felt a bit repetitive. I loved how there was no third act breakup and no miscommunication.


⤿ Juliet
I love how self aware she is. I loved how she was so gentle with Will. I do wish that we got more information on her past toxic relationship since this book barely had anything on it except the part where she was heartbroken for months. I was expecting to get details on it since it was mentioned in the last book so much and as well at this book. Also since this book can be read as a standalone you would expect for there to be a breakdown on why she broke up with her ex regarding the whole toxic relationship because I have such bad memory I cannot for the life of myself remember what went down.


⤿ Will
He was such a cinnamon roll. He’s literally the most sweetest person in this series that everything he’s done had me giggling. The way he gets along with people so well honestly brings so much to his character. The relationship he has with his niece is honestly so adorable. The way he also put himself out there to Juliet friends and really did he best to get along with everything was probably the best part of the book.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you very much for the e-arc and the opportunity to read & review this book!

I’m a huge Chloe Liese fan and have loved every book I’ve read by her so far, and this is no different!

I was wonderful being back with the Wilmot sisters and getting to know more about Juliet. As always, Chloe has amazing representation in her books and this one has a knock-out FMC Juliet who is dealing with chronic illness and the physical limitations she’s now facing, and the perfect green-flag MMC Will, who is neurodivergent.

The way Chloe writes these characters really brings to life how everyone is different, but also ultimately the same - once you’ve found the right person. Understanding and appreciating what someone needs is an incredibly valuable life skill and you get that in abundance in this book.

The storyline set up in this book felt less intense than the previous two, but it matched their personalities so well. They were hurt and reluctant. So finding someone they felt safe enough to practice date, and explore romance with, made a lot of sense. I think I was just bought into them and their mutual attraction from the start, which was making me frustrated that they weren’t just giving in to it.

This was such a good series, and a lovely feel-good, swoon worthy 3rd book. I’d definitely recommend this one!

I will read anything Chloe writes and I absolutely adore this series. It’s a contemporary romance but takes inspiration on an old classic, bringing a modern twist to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

The standout element of this novel are by far the characters, I loved Juliet (and her journey with her chronic illness) as well as Will! Its a heartwarming journey as these two fall in love.

This book is a delicious slow burn, but builds on vulnerability, and self-discovery. The side characters in this also add a comedic element, which was truly entertaining!

I cannot recommend this book enough, love love love!

Thanks so much to Piatkus, Chloe Liese and NetGalley for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

This one was cute, but it didn’t fully land for me. Juliet and Will are sweet, likable characters, and their friendship-to-romance arc had its moments, but the story felt too surface-level to fully connect with.

Chloe Liese’s signature warmth shines throughout the book, with inclusive writing and thoughtful representation for neurodivergence and chronic illness. The side characters also add a cozy, supportive vibe, which I loved.

However, the romance leaned heavily on instalove, and the obstacles keeping Juliet and Will apart felt unconvincing. The constant insistence that they couldn’t be together became repetitive, and their chemistry didn’t quite spark the way I’d hoped.

This is the third book in The Wilmot Sisters series, and while it’s technically works as a standalone, I think starting here made me feel a little disconnected and impacted how i connected with the side characters and group dynamics.

Overall, this is a light, enjoyable read with great representation, but it didn’t leave a very lasting impression.

Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus for the ARC!

I loved this book! I started reading Chloe Liese books last year and absolutely fell in love with her writing and this book was no exception.
I was so excited when I was approved for this book and although his can be read as a standalone I definitely recommend reading the others first to be fully emerged into the world that she has created.