This was such a gorgeous swoony book, I don't always love a slow burn but this was just delightful. I really loved how careful the MCs were with themselves and each other, two people who for entirely different reasons are tentative and unsure as they approach the idea of romance, and who both give themselves and each other grace as they work through that together. It was honestly just so lovely to read.

The chronic illness rep was fab, I love seeing chronically ill babes in books, and this really walked the line beautifully in showing the reality of it, how bleak and relentless and infuriating it is, but without letting it define the character. Similar thoughts for the ND rep, it was an integral part of the character but in a way that felt honest and real.

A part of me did wonder why they didn't just start dating, quietly and cautiously, their reasons were valid early on but by the time they actually did start dating officially, I had felt for a while that they really didn't have any reason not to, but their love was so tender and beautiful that once they did get it together, any complaints I had earlier faded away.

This was my first book by Chloe Liese but I'll immediately be going to read the first two Wilmot sisters books after this!

Juliet & Will ❤️

🥃Juliet’s spending time in Scotland after a failed engagement, a month to re-group and take care of her emotional and physical health. In a pub one night, she shares a dance with a fellow American Will, who has all the redheadedness that just does it for her.

🥃Back home, housesitting for her parents, she finds Will in her mother’s greenhouse, while he’s visiting their mutual friend and neighbour Christopher.

🥃Juliet isn’t ready to trust another relationship, and previous relationships haven’t worked for neurodivergent Will. They agree to practice date, with open and honest feedback to help each other. Except the feelings start catching up with our couple.

✏️The last in a three part series loosely based on various Shakespearean stories, Juliet and Will’s relationship felt like a healing for both of them. The raw honesty is refreshing, and I loved how they had so many mutual family friends in common who were rooting for them to be a couple. I read the two previous stories and would recommend this for enjoyment, but this could be read as a standalone too. Its a thumbs up, goodie for me 👍

Read an eARC copy courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

#3 book featuring the Wilmot sisters in this romantic reimagining of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. This can be read as standalone but would make more sense if you read from book #1 as the main characters and side characters are introduced throughout this series. Juliet who is the main character in this one is the twin sister of the main character of the first book. I really enjoyed this series and the first two books was was eager to read this one. While not my favorite (book #1 is the best), it was still a decent read. 3.5 stars rounded up.

3.75

Not sure why, but this book just didn't hit for me. However, I will say that the neurodivergent and chronic illness representation was beautifully done as always.

Book 2 still remains my least favourite of the series but as I said, there was something missing in this one as well.

I loved Will and found him absolutely adorable, and Juliet was a great FMC. I loved watching them grow as characters, and there wasn't too much conflict in their story. At times, it did feel a little 'insta-love' for me and would loved for them to develop their feelings a little bit more naturally.

The story dragged a little and then once we hit 70%, it was full speed ahead and I couldn't really enjoy what was happening.

I'd recommend for those who have read the series and enjoy Chloe's other work.

I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I've loved reading the Wilmot Sisters series and this book was no exception! It follows Juliet and Will, who are helping each other to practice romance so Will can become more comfortable dating and Juliet can find romantic self again after her past toxic relationship.

I loved Juliet and Will. They are both such well developed characters who had complex feelings and backgrounds that helped to make them feel real. I especially liked the autism rep with Will which I thought was done very well. The communication between the two characters was wonderful which was great to see as I really struggle with miscommunication in books.

The slow burn romance and practice dates that Jules and Will went on were so sweet and I loved seeing their feelings develop as the story progressed.

I've read a few of Chloe Liese's books now but this one I was excited for because of the Autism rep. It was so unique to see the male love interest have Autism and sensory issues. I don't think I've ever seen this in a book.

This was a fake-dating, friends to lovers romance which isn't usually a trope I look for but I did enjoy the love lessons and teaching side of the story.

Will is a cutie and I just wanted to give him a hug. When they meet during a storm in Scotland (yes scotland ;)) they magically meet again back up in a greenhouse hiding from a storm. They become friends and make a deal to practice with eachother.

My favourite thing about Chloe's books is the loving, empathetic characters with real life issues that she creates. I always know I am going to see a character I can fall for and relate to.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

The Wilmot sisters is one of my favourite series I’ve read this year. The diversity rep, amazing writing and honest to god beautiful love stories shown were everything.

I struggled only a tiny bit with this one just because of the insta-love. I would have liked for the relationship to feel a bit more developed. But Will and Juliet were such a joy to read and how well they understood each other.

It was also lovely to see the return of the Bea, Kate and the rest of the amazingly diverse friendship group and see where they currently were in life.

These were the first books I’ve read by Chloe Liese and I’ll definitely be reading more.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!! SPECTACULAR GIVE ME 14 OF THEM!! Absolutely loved this one cause it had me giggling, blushing, and swinging my feet from how sweet Will and Juliet were. Loved reading their pov about each other and falling slowly in love with one another like ahh I want that too! If you live for the fake dating/practice dating and friends to lovers trope, this is definitely for you.

This is hands down the most delightful and heartwarming installment of the series! Ever since Two Wrongs Make a Right, I’ve been rooting for Juliet Wilmot—Bea’s twin sister—to get her own story. Seeing her navigate vulnerability and resilience after escaping a toxic relationship, breaking off her engagement to a manipulative ex, and learning to trust again made me eagerly anticipate her well-deserved happy ending.
It’s impossible not to fall for Will Orsino, her love interest. He’s the quintessential cinnamon roll—a quiet, introverted, socially awkward duke who wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his family.
Their journey begins in a pub in Scotland, where a spontaneous dance and near-kiss spark an undeniable connection. However, Juliet, still nursing the wounds of heartbreak, steps away. Seeking solace in a remote Scottish cottage to heal, she doesn’t expect to cross paths with Will again—much less in her mother’s greenhouse, where she mistakes him for a stalker and gives him a solid whack with a shovel. As it turns out, he’s the best friend of Christopher (from Better Hate Than Never), her sister Kate’s boyfriend, and the very same “Orsino” Christopher has spoken about so often.
Their relationship develops gradually, starting with Juliet asking Will for help with a tricky coffee machine at Christopher’s house. This small favor leads to a heartfelt conversation on an old swing that eventually collapses under Will’s weight—a perfect metaphor for the delicate balance between awkward humor and growing affection in their dynamic. While Juliet struggles to regain her confidence in love after shutting herself off emotionally, Will battles his own insecurities, particularly his lack of social ease, which has hindered him in forming meaningful connections.
Will, needing someone to help manage his family’s whiskey distillery, and Juliet, seeking to rebuild her self-assurance, strike a deal: a "practice" relationship to refine their romantic skills for future relationships. Yet, as they spend time together, the lines between friendship and something deeper blur, and their undeniable chemistry becomes impossible to ignore.
Will fears that Christopher views Juliet as a sister, making her off-limits, while Juliet hesitates to trust someone with her heart again. But what if they take the leap, betting on love to overcome their doubts and fears?
This friends-to-lovers romance is irresistibly sweet, with a perfect slow-burn buildup that will keep readers hooked. The cameos from Bea, Jamie, Kate, and Christopher are a wonderful treat, tying together the threads of the previous books. Chloe Liese’s thoughtful exploration of neurodivergence and her Shakespeare-inspired storytelling are as brilliant as ever. While this book concludes the Wilmot sisters’ saga, I can only hope she continues to reimagine Shakespeare’s works, bringing us even more unforgettable characters.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for providing a digital review copy of this wonderful romance in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Give me a romance inspired by one of my favourite Shakespeare plays and I am sold. This was a true joy from start to finish.

I f this trilogy was a three-course meal (bear with me…) this would be the sweetest dessert. Juliet has been stung by a toxic relationship, Will doesn’t believe he’s cut out for love and romance, but when they wrestle their immediate mutual attraction into practicing with each other it has inevitable results. The pair of them are so sweet and thoughtful together, and Will in particular is a gem of a creation: shy and fiercely caring and discovering his perfect match. There are plenty of cute and funny moments as well as the opportunity to revisit the main characters and general friendship group from the two earlier books in the series. However, to revisit my original metaphor, I think I’m more of a savoury course person: I preferred the sharper wit and edges of antagonism that characterised the relationships in the first two books. Nevertheless this is a lovely conclusion to an excellent series.

The third and final book in the Wilmot sister series sees Juliet strike up a romance practice partnership with her brother in laws best friend. And I’m sure you can guess what happens from there.

This book is the cutest fake dating I’ve read. It also gives you proof that there really could be someone for everyone out there.

There’s plenty of sweet and swoony moments, with also a bit of spice, too. Plus disability and LGBTQ representation, too.

Filled with only loveable characters and green flags, this is the perfect easy-reading romcom.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for the ARC.

This was such a lacklustre end to the series :/ there was just no chemistry between Juliet and Will. The whole story was underwhelming and I found I didn’t care about them as individuals or as a romantic pairing.

I’m disappointed since Chloe has always been a trusted author of mine but this just didn’t feel like her usual work. It lacked the charm and heart she is usually notorious for.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I could put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Chloe Liese is an author I discovered this year and has easily become an absolute favourite author. She writes characters I continue to fall in love with and romances I can’t help but be invested in. Once Smitten, Twice Shy was no exception to this, it was another book I read in 24 hours and could not put down at all, and I cannot explain the excitement that went through me when I saw I was approved for an e-arc.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy is the third book in the Wilmot Sisters series following Juliet the oldest sister who has sworn off romance and Will Orsino who doesn’t think he will find his own happily ever after and together they agree to practice romance to both of their advantages.

I found myself absolutely loving this book from the very start, not desperate to know how it would end but desperate to spend time with these two characters I found myself really connecting to in many different ways.

I wasn’t expecting Juliet’s book to top how much I loved Kate’s story or how much Bea’s stuck with me but it did which I don’t think I can complain about and it just tells me I really need to get physical copies of these books! I think that there are many reasons why I found that I both loved and connected to this story in ways I think will stick with me.

First off is something I didn’t know about ahead of reading which just made it all that more exciting to discover and that is that Will is an autistic character which is present in a lot of my favourite books by Chloe Liese and was something that I can’t explain how happy I was to discover it. A lot of what Will says in this book surrounding his neurodivergence was stuff that I really connected to myself particularly when his challenges with noise are discussed and socialising, whether that be being anxious about it or drained afterwards. I often connect to and treasure books with neurodivergent characters however I don’t often connect to characters quite as strongly as I did with Will.

There were also parts of Juliet that I found myself connecting to, from the odd discussion around siblings and being the eldest to romance books and the odd other thing. I know myself if I connect to characters it just makes my reading experience that bit better along with my love for the book.

There wasn’t loads of this but something else that immediately adds to my love of a book is a Scottish setting or Scottish characters and there was just enough in here to have that box ticked for me.

This was a romance that I really enjoyed watching develop from people who didn’t really know each other, to good friends who really understood each other until finally they started dating. It was nice with this being a dual POV romance to watch them both realise and try and hide their feelings about each other but even the friendship they developed first was one where they understood each other and did what they could to support each other with their additional challenges and that was something present throughout the full story. Both Will and Juliet did whatever they could to help the other with the things more challenging for them without pushing too far or making the other feel that it was a hardship or stepping in when the other could still manage it.

Something else I found myself loving about this book was how much time we get to spend with Juliet’s friend group who have been present throughout the whole series and Juliet’s sisters, Bea and Kate, who we have previously followed. I really like spending extended periods of time with characters and that is something this series does really well. It was also great to see more of both Bea and Kate’ relationship particularly in this book seeing how Bea’s had continued to develop.
On the other hand Will’s family were great to meet for the first time and I loved any and all the time we spent with them.

This was a book I loved reading and a fantastic conclusion to a series that I loved reading this year. I highly recommend checking out Chloe Liese and the Wilmot Sisters series. I cannot wait to see what Chloe Liese writes next now that both the Bergerman Brothers and Wilmot Sisters series are done.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sweet, and tender love story between Juliet and Will who've both been hurt romantically in the past and who come up with the plan to 'practice' romance to ease their way back into dating.

It was a joy to read their romance developing, from the initial chemistry to the heartfelt moments that made it so believable. I felt myself internally squeal with happiness from the lovely interactions they have, and just so happy with how this book went. It was also delightful to spend time with Juliet's sisters and friends again, who are a group I'd love to hang out with in real life.

I cannot recommend this book, or this series, highly enough. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a low drama/long angst book which gives you all the warm fuzzy feelings, a hug in a book.

Will is just the sweetest, kindest man that any woman would be lucky to meet in real life. Juliet is the perfect reassuring partner for him whilst trying to deal with everything thrown her way, healthwise. Whilst it could be read as a standalone, I do think you need to read the previous 2 books to be able to appreciate the storyline. Whilst the ex is mentioned, it’s not explained at all and only vague references are made for the history.

I adore this authors stories. This was undoubtedly one of sweetest works of hers. Will was absolute sweetheart who simply didn't understand romantic love emotions and it was such a journey of learning for him and I enjoyed this story so much. This is last book of The Wilmot Sisters series and I couldn't wish better story for Juliet.

It is impossible for Chloe Liese to write a book that I don’t absolutely love! This book has definitely proven that! This marks the tenth book of Chloe’s that I have read and they only get better each page!

This book was so charming and real, it made me laugh and cry at the same time. In every book of Chloe’s that I have read, they have included some of the most authentic characters I have encountered in books, the consistent representation of Neurodivergent and disabled characters make these books so much sweeter.

As a neurodivergent person, I felt incredibly seen by Wills character in this book, from the intolerance to loud noises and the not knowing what to say, some times it felt like looking in a mirror, finding a character I can relate to in a book is so rare and I absolutely adored that in this book!

This felt like the absolute best book to end the Wilmot sisters series on even though it is an incredibly bittersweet goodbye! I cannot wait to see what Chloe writes next!

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book early!

‘Once Smitten, Twice Shy’ is the third book in the Wilmot sisters series by Chloe Liese. It’s finally the turn of Bea’s sister Jules to be the romantic heroine… after leaving a bad relationship, being diagnosed with a chronic illness and learning a lot about herself, she’s ready to love again. Enter Will, an introverted red-headed giant who decides he needs to practise being a paramour if he’s ever to find a wife!

Both Jules and Will were loveable and relatable, with so much to admire, multitudes of green flags, and some flaws which made them well-rounded and interesting. I was rooting for them from their very first encounter. Puck, the elderly cat, was wonderful, and I loved the scenes around the solar eclipse. Liese writes incredibly sensual moments so well while staying true to the characters she has created.

I wasn’t quite sure why the two characters couldn’t just communicate well and date initially, which made the tale feel a little contrived! But the dual POV narrative was great!

Overall, this gets four stars from me… I absolutely adored both characters and loved all of the references back to the previous instalments of the series, but the plot wasn’t as strong (or true to the Shakespearean source material) for me as the other two. I’d still very much recommend it for the sweetness, spice and sisterly support.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.