Once Smitten, Twice Shy

By: Chloe Liese

Narrated by: Charlotte North, Tim Paige

AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

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

Since heartbreak entered the scene, Juliet Wilmot, once a hopeless romantic, has sworn off love. But when she’s presented with the chance to revisit romance—purely for practice—with the gorgeous, off-limits guy she keeps serendipitously running into, it feels like a sign from the universe.

Quiet, shy Will Orsino knows happily-ever-after isn’t on his horizon. Problem is, for the sake of the family business, marriage is. Resigned to the inevitable, but with no confidence he can woo a wife, he can hardly say no when fate hands him the alluring, unattainable woman he keeps crossing paths with, offering to help him learn the ropes of romance.

Neither of them looking for love, Jules and Will agree they’re the perfect pair to practice romance. Except that practicing to perfection leads to an irresistible attraction. Their once smitten hearts, though still twice shy, might have happily-ever-after written in the stars for them, after all.

Critic reviews

“Once Smitten, Twice Shy perfectly encapsulates everything I adore about Chloe’s writing. It’s witty, smart, thoughtful, and tender in turn with some deliciously fiery steam mixed in to boot. Anyone with a pulse will fall madly for Jules' and Will’s love story.”—Hannah Bonam-Young, USA Today bestselling author of Out On a Limb

“Chloe Liese once again shows that she is a force to be reckoned with. Her voice, viewpoint, and characters are distinct, intentional, and hopeful. Will and Jules are everything I want in a romance. Their love story is big-hearted, funny, gentle, and, of course, steaming hot. These two are what each other’s hearts were missing, and it was a joy to tag along as they stumbled toward their happily ever after. I’ll be holding them in my heart for a very long time."—Lyla Sage, New York Times bestselling author of Done and Dusted

"I’m such a fan of Chloe’s books and Once Smitten, Twice Shy is no exception. Juliet and Will have a sweet, electrifying chemistry that leaps right off the page. A satisfying conclusion to the Wilmot Sisters series!"—Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of The Love Lyric

“Once Smitten, Twice Shy feels like the warmest hug: both achingly familiar and excitingly new. Chloe weaved a sparkling adaptation of one of the Bard’s best works!”—Nisha Sharma, author of Dating Doctor Dil

"Liese continues her brilliantly conceived, wryly witty Wilmot Sisters series with a beguiling romance inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night....Liese writes with thoughtful insight about living with a chronic disease and neurodiversity."—Booklist

Meh

This is one of my least favorite of Chloe Liese's books. There wasn't really a story arch like her other books. The characters weren't as well developed as her other books.

Perfect ending to the series

I love Chloe’s stories. I had to wait for this one because I read the other two books in the series six months ago. I think the end was my favorite part. So romantic.

Chloe Liese= a captivating and compelling author. Will& Jules= serendipitous & sweet.

Chloe Liese= excellent author who creates captivating, compelling depth in her characters, a backdrop of found family and warmth- aglow with LGBTQIA rep, disability rep, neurodivergence rep, and so many feel good emotions. Each character has their story, their pain, their trauma and how they endure and this story is not different. Will and Jules story is the epitome of swoon worthy and serendipitous synchronicity. Do yourself a favor and listen to all of Chloe Liese’s books!

4.5 stars!

Such a fun, sweet, and heartwarming story! The chemistry between the characters was incredible, and I loved how their relationship developed. The only thing holding me back from a full 5 stars was a small pacing issue in the middle, but overall, it was a fantastic listen!

Cute but trite

Lacking in drama and any plot. It could have been a short story with less angst.