I was really excited to read this book. I loved the bloat two books and had high expectations. I loved the progression between Juliet and Will going from friends to lovers. This has grumpy x sunshine, bi rep and practice dates. I mean how much more could you want. Also, no third act breakup and I feel that I can enjoy a book so much more when there isn’t a third act breakup. I really enjoyed the cozy, light hearted feel to the book. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend to anyone who wants a cozy and lighthearted romance. This was such a good ending to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Chloe Liese, I wasn’t familiar with your game! I love how soft the men are in her books. They radiate the biggest golden retriever energy and it’s such a breath of fresh air in the current landscape of romance books. As always, Chloe portrays autism and chronic illness with great care and rep, which is a rare sighting.

Friends to lover will never do me wrong and this book is a great example of it!

Thank you to NetGalley and little brown book UK for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Once smitten twice shy
Author Chloe Liese
Release Date 28th January 2025

Rating 5 stars 9.00 on Cawpile

I was so excited when I got accepted to review this book because I have loved all of them before and how they always have great representation in them, my heart was so full that this was no different this book gave me all the cozy feels I needed all the love I had for the two characters and all the steaminess to boot.

Chloe has a way of making you care about the characters within two seconds of them appearing on the page and Juliet and Will I would fight for them to always be happy even if that meant I would not be because they are two sides of the same coin and their attraction and love that they hold towards for each other is so palpable and even when they were not official you could tell that they were made for each other and sometimes it was sometimes that you need to say what they felt and it is so like what it needed because it made me feel for them a whole lot more for them because isn’t that what love is near misses and fumbles as you work your way around if you are the right people for each other. This felt so real for that and I appreciated it immensely.

This can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the others pre this to get a real feel for the world that Chloe has made.

Review goes up now

I received this book as an ARC copy. I had already the first book in the series but haven't read the second yet. Since each book can be read mostly as a standalone, it didn't effect things too much. I didn't feel like it spoiled anything for me.

This book is based on the Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night, however this is one of the Shakespeare plays that I haven't read so I can't say much on how the plot compares to the play.

Once again, Chloe Liese does an amazing job with representation. Jules is amazing chronic illness condition representation and Will is amazing neurodivergent representation. I love reading more diverse romances.

Their romance is so cute. Will is the ultimate book boyfriend. I absolutely loved him as a character. Their romance develops so naturally and I loved reading about their relationship blossoming. It is a very gentle romance and it didn't feel like there was any unnecessary drama.

I would highly recommend this book for romance fans. Particularly if you are looking for more diversity in your characters. I also recommend it for anyone looking for a gentle read.

Since there are no other Wilmot sisters, I assume this is the last book in the series. At least I still have the second book to go back and read. I don't feel like I'm ready for the series to be over.

Thanks to NetGalley, Chloe Liese, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Piatkus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have read all of Chloe Liese's books and loved them all, especially 'Once Smitten, Twice Shy'. I loved Juliet's vulnerability around her past relationship and how strong and confident she is in wanting to find love. This made it a perfect match when she met Will, who wants to learn who also cares a lot about those around him, including Juliet.
Their dynamic was so cute and i am excitied to buy a copy of this book when it gets released!

While I've really enjoyed a lot of Chloe's books, and I liked Once Smitten, Twice Shy more than the other books in this Wilmot sisters trilogy, unfortunately I didn't really love this book.

By page 120 they admit to each other they're attracted to each other, and while they both have reasons not to jump into relationships, they don't feel solid enough to be convincing. I think I'd have rather the book be about a relationship and getting to trust someone within that, rather than constantly coming up with reasons why they couldn't be dating.

There's not anything that I particularly disliked about it, it might just be more that this type of romance book just isn't really my cup of tea anymore because I didn't feel attached to anything going on. And besides descriptions of how these characters feel about each other, or how they look, and how they feel about dating, there really isn't much else going on in the story - and I was desperate for something else (you get a bit about Will's work, but only mentions of Juliet's job).

Also, while there is a lot of Shakespeare references, I don't think you can really say these books are inspired by any of the stories they say they are - and this book feels just like a jumble of Shakespeare references for the sake of having references (which I get can be fun, but it didn't really add to my experience with the story)😅 combining that with the numerous physical/ clothing descriptions of every person these characters meet, there feels like a lot of filler in this book and not as much about the characters themselves or they journeys they're attraction to each other.

I appreciate the message, and the characters Chloe writes, but sadly this book just didn't really work for me.

This was, as Jules says, "Perfect. No notes."
Chloe Liese signature style of a well written story, that makes you fall in love with both characters and their love. A slowly blossoming friendship and love, perfect for when you want pure fluff.
I really enjoyed both the autism and chronic pain rep, and saw a lot of myself in them. Being able to read about a character or characters that go through the same struggles I do, is always gratifying. Especially when they get be desired as well as loved.

❤️Romance lessons
❤️Fake dating (sort of, you’ll see)
❤️Fun friend group
❤️Sisterhood
❤️Sweet and fluffy
❤️Neurodivergent & chronic illness rep
❤️He’s a major cinnamon roll

Once Smitten, Twice Shy was very sweet and would be the perfect book if you like a cosy, fluffy romance and some loveable supporting characters. I think Chloe is a talented writer and Only When It's Us is one of my fave reads but unfortunately, this one wasn't as much of hit for me. I think it was probably the insta love vibes that threw me off and it felt a little too sickly sweet. Potentially, I’m just not the right reader for these kind of tropes.

These characters are very sweet and gentle but it made for a bit of a lacklustre story at times. It was just two very nice, very kind people falling in love and having a lovely time. I needed more angst and tension. This would be great to read if you’re feeling particularly anxious or you just need something fluffy and sweet.

The premise was great but it was just poorly executed. However, to end on a high note, I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it every time - Chloe writes great spice.

I would recommend it if you want a ooey gooey, fluffy romance with some insta love vibes and a sweet friend group.

✔️star-crossed lovers
✔️instant attraction
✔️dating lessons
✔️dual pov
✔️neurodiversity/anxiety/chronic illness rep

3.5

This was definitely a cute story. Juliet and Will are both super cute so their story was super sweet. Although both had their reasons not to be together, they were open to having a beautiful friendship. So it was lovely to read how they started as friends and slowly accepted their love for each other.

Chloe Liese has such a signature writing style that it was nice to come back to her world. The families and friendship groups are always so fun, supportive and loving.

However, this was pretty much instalove and it felt like the author had to come up with some reasons for them not to be together but the biggest reasons not to be with each other were not strong enough for me. And how they constantly repeated that the other was off-limits when in reality it made no sense to me. I understand they both had their reasons to be apprehensive about love, and that reason was good. But the others were not. Also, it became a bit tiring to read pretty much every chapter that it was impossible to be together when it was clear to everyone they were head over heels for the other.

Also, this is the 3rd book in the The Wilmot Sisters series. And although you can read it as a stand-alone I do not recommend it as you'd be entirely lost about the friendships. I read the arc of the 1st book but not the 2nd and there wasn't much context about who all these people that came up were, so I was lost on who was who. Of course, we know they're friends but there's no intro like we're supposed to know who they are already.

Despite these couple of things, I did enjoy the book and it was fun to read this story. If you've read other books by Chloe, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet romance and I definitely enjoyed the first 60%, but after that I felt like it definitely dragged.

I like both MCs and enjoyed their friendship/ relationship. Would recommend for readers who want a sweet and easy romance.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
I’d rate this 2.5 ⭐️⭐️💫

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is unapologetically sweet, tender, swoony, and kind, in the best possible way.

Will and Juliet were beautifully matched, and I loved watching their relationship develop as they discovered themselves and each other. They were both adorably earnest, kind, open, warm, and vulnerable -reading their story felt like sitting in a pool of sunshine. I loved that the other Wilmot sisters were featured prominently, making this a satisfying and heartwarming end to such a comforting series.

I’d highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a heart-happy, sweet and delightfully humorous rom com. If you haven’t already, enjoy the first two books first, to really get the most out of the series.

Thanks Little, Brown Book Group UK for a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Ahh i really wanted to love this book, I have enjoyed most of Chloe’s other books but this one was just not for me.

Firstly, this book had all components of a fun read! It had fake dating & friends to lovers, plus autism and disability rep. I felt as though the book handled those aspects really well and honestly as well as healing from an abusive relationship which in my opinion was handled very maturely which I appreciated.

Unfortunately, everything else just fell flat for me. I didn't feel any chemistry between the two main characters and the relationship was basically insta love which I am not a fan of. It was just a forgettable story in my eyes. The interactions also felt very immature and some things were painful to get through.

I just don’t think these books are for me anymore!

This book was so sweet and adorable. All the characters in this series have been so easy to love and Juliet and Will were too!
As always Chloe has excellent representation although I found this didn’t feature as prominently as they usually do in her stories.
I found the actual premise - Will and Juliet helping each other learn to date - a little weak. It seemed so obvious from the beginning that they were perfect for each other and it seemed like they already ticked each others boxes. There were some super cute scenes - the drive in and the love declaration.
Overall I enjoyed this and it was cute but not my favourite Chloe Liese book.

Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Piatkus for my ARC copy of Once Smitten Twice Shy by Chole Lesie

I love following the Willimont sisters on their journey to love. This time, we are following Juliet and Will through a dual pov. I love how we get to see each of them dealing with practising romance together. I love how we see the representation of autism ( as a neurodivergent momma, it's done well). One of the book's favourite parts is the texts that made me smile. I enjoy Chloe Liese's romances. The relationship between the characters develops gradually, creating a compelling slow-burn dynamic enhanced by the fake dating theme. I also appreciated seeing familiar faces from earlier books in the series. As usual, the portrayal of chronic illness and neurodivergence was handled with care and sensitivity. This book is another fantastic addition to the series.

#OnceSmittenTwiceShy #ChloeLiese #RomanceBooks #BookReview #Neurodiversity #FakeDating #SlowBurn #ChronicIllness #WillimontSisters #BookRecommendations #ARCReview #ReadersOfInstagram #LoveStories #DiverseRepresentation

ARC Review

Liese's novel inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night cements that she is a romantic wordsmith.
As a fan-favourite of Liese's I can tell how careful she is when create her characters. A good writer does not reveal everything about a character in the exposition and I was left learning about these characters until the final chapter.
Favourite part of the book: The conversation that Juliet has with her parents about despite having a chronic pain illness she is not a china doll. This scene gave me the feels. I have a chronic pain illness and some ignore it and some coddle you but it often helps you become more sturdy and learn your limitations. I felt seen in this
For those who might grumble- yes, there are deviations from the actual play Twelfth Night, luckily I had seen an RSC performance of it the day that I started the novel, however it includes Shakespeare's wit, characters and some plot points. Will is from Illyria yet there is no shipwrecking for our Viola. What you must remind yourselves it that it is an inspiration, not a retelling.

Yes, this was the end of the series and it will be sadly missed, however, I look forward to reading future novels of Liese and will be re-reading this amongst her other other series time and time again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley , thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a way to finish off this series! Honestly sad that it is over! I would love to see these characters in the future!

Turns out I really enjoyed twelve night retellings. I've eaten up them all and this is a good one! I loved Will and Juliet and there story! I loved how the were connected miles away just to return and meet again! It was a perfect invisible string moment.

Chloe liese has quickly become a favorite author of mine and I can't wait to read what's next!

SO!!! UNBELIEVABLE CUTE!!!! i initially got this for the christmassy title but quickly became obsessed with all of the characters!!! now i need to binge all of liese’s books asap!!!

This was a sweet, cozy romance with good rep for neurodivergent and chronic illness folks, and overall an enjoyable read with a cute and likeable central pairing. I did feel it was lacking something, and while I'm not generally one to bang the PLOT ABOVE ALL THINGS drum (it's often just great to enjoy the journey and the characters you're sharing it with), I concluded that there wasn't really much of a story here to speak of. I felt like everything was a bit passive, from the central premise of faking it (I was never totally convinced for the need here) to the eventual development of the romance with no real conflict to speak of. It was nice, but I was left wishing for something a bit more substantial. I think perhaps the relationships with the other sisters, their partners, and the wider friendship group would be more impactful if I'd read the previous books in the series - I don't always feel like that's necessary (individual stories often work as standalones), but this one relies quite a lot on what's gone before in previous books for the satisfaction of the 'found family' to fully land. None of this would deter me from reading more by this author, but I'd probably think twice before jumping in part way through a series again. And I think anyone looking for a nice, low conflict romance with some spice would find plenty to enjoy in Once Smitten, Twice Shy.

I really enjoy Chloe Liese romances and this one was no exception. I found myself finishing this in two sittings as I was so wrapped up in the characters. The characters have a great slow burn and lovely development of their relationship through a fake/practice dating trope. I love the appearances of characters from the previous books in this one as well. As always the representation in this book for chronic illness and neurodivergence was done sensitively. Another great read for this series.

This was a cute book!

I had mixed feelings going in to this one as I didn’t enjoy the previous novel in this trilogy and it gave me so many icks! i was quite worried that this book would go more that way than the way of the first book which I did enjoy. However, I do have to say that I much prefer the Bergman brothers series to this trilogy.

I really liked how this one was inspired (very loosely) by Twelfth Knight, I thought that was fun. I really loved both Juliet and Will and I always appreciate Liese giving chronic illness and neurodivergence rep. I often find myself relating to these characters which is lovely.

I enjoyed the romance however I just wanted to bash their heads together AND mine against the book because they’d confess their feelings to each other and then be like “oh but I don’t know how they feel, they are just pretending for the practice” AHHH. It really got annoying after a while.

All in all this was a cute book and a decent end to the trilogy.