Book Review: Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese - A Heartwarming and Inclusive Slow-Burn Romance
- Joao Nsita
- Feb 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Introduction
What happens when two people with emotional scars decide to take a chance on love—purely for practice? Once Smitten, Twice Shy, the third installment in Chloe Liese’s The Wilmot Sisters series, is a captivating friends-to-lovers romance that reimagines Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in a modern setting. Released on January 14, 2025, this novel follows Juliet Wilmot, a former hopeless romantic who has sworn off love, and Will Orsino, a shy and socially awkward businessman facing pressure to marry for his family’s sake. As they embark on a mutually beneficial “romance lessons” agreement, their connection deepens in unexpected ways.
Chloe Liese is known for her emotionally rich, inclusive romances, and Once Smitten, Twice Shy is no exception. With its heartfelt portrayal of chronic illness, neurodivergence, and the slow rekindling of trust, this book stands out as a must-read for contemporary romance lovers.
Book Summary
The story begins with Juliet Wilmot, who has been burned by love before and now refuses to let herself fall again. Will Orsino, on the other hand, struggles with social situations and feels pressured by his family to find a suitable partner. When fate keeps throwing them together, Juliet proposes that they “practice” romance to help Will gain confidence while ensuring that she remains emotionally unattached.
As their lessons unfold, the chemistry between Juliet and Will becomes undeniable. However, both characters must confront their past wounds—Juliet’s trust issues and Will’s fear of rejection—before they can fully embrace their feelings. Their journey is a tender, slow-burn romance filled with witty banter, deep emotional moments, and a delightful cast of secondary characters.
Author’s Style and Craft
Chloe Liese’s writing is heartfelt and immersive, with an effortless blend of humor, emotional depth, and rich character development. Her prose is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with Juliet and Will’s internal struggles.
One of the most striking elements of Liese’s writing is her ability to balance introspection with well-paced dialogue. Juliet and Will’s inner thoughts offer insight into their emotional growth, while their conversations feel natural and full of charm. Liese masterfully builds tension between the protagonists, allowing their relationship to evolve organically rather than relying on forced drama or misunderstandings.
The novel’s slow-burn pacing is another testament to Liese’s skill. Readers are given ample time to become emotionally invested in Juliet and Will’s relationship, making their eventual confession of love all the more satisfying.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Healing and Self-Acceptance
Juliet and Will’s journey highlights the importance of healing from past wounds. Juliet’s hesitancy toward love stems from a previous toxic relationship, while Will grapples with the fear that he isn’t “enough” due to his neurodivergence.
Neurodivergence and Chronic Illness Representation
Liese is known for her inclusive storytelling, and Once Smitten, Twice Shy excels in its portrayal of characters with disabilities. Juliet has celiac disease and stiff joints, while Will is autistic with sensory sensitivities. Liese, who is neurodivergent herself, approaches these topics with authenticity and care, allowing readers to gain insight into the characters’ lived experiences.
The Power of Communication in Relationships
The novel emphasizes the importance of open communication in relationships. Juliet and Will’s honest conversations about their needs and fears reinforce that love thrives on understanding and patience.
Strengths
Authentic Representation: Liese’s depiction of chronic illness and neurodivergence is both respectful and enlightening.
Slow-Burn Tension: The romance builds gradually, making the emotional payoff incredibly rewarding.
Rich Character Development: Both Juliet and Will undergo significant growth, making their love story deeply satisfying.
Shakespearean Influence: The nod to Twelfth Night adds a literary charm that enhances the novel’s depth.
Strong Secondary Characters: The presence of Juliet’s sisters and Will’s family enrich the story’s dynamics.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing in Internal Monologues: Some readers might find the introspection slightly excessive, as both Juliet and Will spend considerable time analyzing their emotions.
Minimal External Conflict: The novel primarily focuses on emotional growth rather than external challenges, which may feel slower for those who prefer high-stakes drama.
Comparative Analysis
For readers who enjoyed Once Smitten, Twice Shy, similar books include:
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (Amazon) – A neurodivergent heroine navigates love and intimacy.
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino (Amazon) – A poignant second-chance romance with deep emotional resonance.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon) – A slow-burn academic romance with a charming male lead.
Target Audience
Fans of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance.
Readers looking for neurodivergent and chronic illness representation.
Those who enjoy Shakespeare-inspired modern love stories.
Fans of character-driven, emotionally rich romances.
Content Warnings: Mentions of past toxic relationships, chronic illness struggles, and themes of self-worth.
Personal Impact
Reading Once Smitten, Twice Shy was a deeply moving experience. Liese’s commitment to inclusivity and emotional authenticity made Juliet and Will’s journey feel incredibly real. Their love story resonated long after turning the last page, serving as a reminder that love thrives in understanding and patience.
Conclusion
Once Smitten, Twice Shy is a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying romance that will appeal to readers seeking a heartfelt and inclusive love story. Chloe Liese once again delivers a novel that is both comforting and deeply meaningful, proving why she is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary romance today.
➔ Buy the book on Amazon: Once Smitten, Twice Shy
About the Author
Chloe Liese is a bestselling author known for her inclusive and heartfelt romance novels featuring neurodivergent and chronically ill characters. Her works consistently champion diverse representation and authentic storytelling.
Goodreads Profile
FAQ Section
Is Once Smitten, Twice Shy part of a series?Yes, it’s the third book in The Wilmot Sisters series, but it can be read as a standalone.
What is the central theme of the book?The novel focuses on love, healing, self-acceptance, and communication.
Is this book spicy?It’s a slow-burn romance with intimate scenes that develop later in the book.
Does the book offer good disability representation?Yes, it features authentic depictions of chronic illness and neurodivergence.
Is the book fast-paced?It’s character-driven with a moderate pace.
Are there any major conflicts?The novel focuses more on emotional challenges than external conflicts.
Is this book emotional?Yes, it’s deeply heartfelt with touching moments.
Will fans of Shakespeare enjoy this book?Absolutely, especially those who appreciate Twelfth Night references.
What sets this book apart from typical romances?Its inclusivity, character depth, and focus on real-life challenges.
Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon and major retailers.
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Romance Community Resources
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Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
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Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
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