Thank you PRH audio for the free audiobook, and thank you Berkley & Netgalley for the eARC (for the #joyfulchaosbookclub crew!). All opinions are my own.

OH how I loved this book. Admittedly I haven’t read the original Taming of the Shrew, but I have seen the classic rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You and Better Hate than Never brings the same sizzling enemies to lovers energy you loved from the film. In the second Wilmot sister book, we meet youngest sister Katerina Wilmot, world traveling photojournalist, as she returns home to allow her oldest sister Jules to stay in her home abroad. She has a reunion-disaster with her neighbor and nemesis Christopher Petruchio and their animosity is electric. Their friends and family beg Christopher to be mature and make peace with Kat for the sake of the group balance. As they’re forced to spend time together, they learn that their anger and hatred aren’t that far from desire and love after all.

Read this if you like: Enemies to Lovers, Boy Next Door, ADHD & Migraine Rep, Found Family, Slow Burn, lots of emotion and excellent spice.

I loved this one so much, even more than Two Wrongs Make a Right – it’s another Chloe Liese winner. You can read Better Hate than Never as a standalone but I’d really recommend reading the Wilmot sisters in order to meet the side characters and fall in love with them from the beginning.

Better Hate Than Never is the perfect fall read. Following the ending of Two Wrongs Make a Right, Katerina Wilmot finds herself back in her hometown and once again living next door to her lifelong enemy, Christopher Petruchio (last name ring a bell any Taming of the Shrew fans?!). As a photojournalist who travels the world, Kate is full of wanderlust—a trait that is as opposite from Christopher as possible.

Kate and Christopher have always distanced themselves from each other, but with the Wilmots embracing Christopher as a pseudo son and both Kate and Christopher sharing a friend group, they are forced to face why Christopher treats Kate with such coldness.

I really enjoyed the friend group/found family dynamic because it builds angst and tension behind Kate being hurt that Christopher is cold towards her. Once the two of them stop pushing each other away, Chloe Liese delivers tension, romance, and spice!!!

What makes Better Hate Than Never different from any other romance book is Chloe’s dedication to inclusivity and representation in both romantic and platonic relationships. The bromance between Christopher and Jamie highlights how Chloe Liese is so good at making the reader invested in relationships beyond the main romantic relationship.

Christopher and Kate are the epitome of childhood enemies to lovers! Their love story is refreshingly authentic and human. Chloe Liese captures the essence of romance in Christopher and Kate.

If there is one Shakespeare play that lends itself particularly well to adaptation, it’s Taming of the Shrew. Probably because an author can — and arguably should — change as much of the plot as humanly possible, given that the story of a man nagging and abusing his wife into submission doesn’t exactly scream “happy rom-com.” Fortunately, in the time since, adaptations have diluted the problematic elements right out of the story, giving us things like the classic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, and now Chloe Liese’s sweet, steamy, and heartwarming Better Hate Than Never.

The story follows Kate Wilmot, the youngest of three sisters. The one with the most adventurous spirit, Kate returns home after years abroad, burned out on photojournalism, with the money in her bank account dwindling. While back, she is forced to socialize with longtime family friend, and bane of her existence, Christopher Petruchio, with whom she has always shared an antagonistic, bickering relationship.

Because they share a social circle, Kate and Christopher are continually thrown together and gradually begin to ease up on each other and actually have a conversation without seriously trying to bite the other one’s head off. What results instead is a sweet, slow burn (but oh-so-satisfying) romance, infused throughout with perfect fall-themed vibes that make it a great read for this time of year.

Where this book really thrives, besides Kate and Christopher’s chemistry, and the personal struggles that they each try to work through by the end, is in its honesty. Both Kate and Christopher are working through unresolved childhood issues that they openly acknowledge, and both are called on their “bad behavior” particularly towards one another, without anyone pretending that it’s ok to behave that way in the name of snark or repressed feelings.

While I don’t want to spoil it, I cannot let this go by without mentioning that towards the end, Kate shares something about herself that struck me on such a personal level it actually made me cry. I had seen hints of this throughout (and actually called it long before it appeared on the page), but seeing Liese fully commit to such an underrepresented element in the romance genre — something I have talked about before — warmed my sometimes-cynical little heart.

Better Hate Than Never hits shelves on October 10. Special thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the advance copy for review purposes.

Having not read the first book in this series, I was a little apprehensive at first. I had nothing to worry about...Liese did a wonderful job of summarizing what happened with the main characters in the first book. Unfortunately, that was really the only thing I liked about this book. I didn't really care for the main characters. I also couldn't get past how Christopher and Kate treated each other. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group the ARC.

I love this series and I was super excited for another enemies to lovers book! Kate and Christopher can't stand each other. Kate has ADHD and she never stays in the same place for very long, and Christopher is steady and doesn't get out of his comfort zone at all. Ever since he can remember, Kate has gotten under his skin. They are like oil and water, they don't mix well. But one night, Kate drunkenly confesses something that breaks Christopher's heart and he knows that he needs to fix what he has broken.
These two have sizzling tension and so much chemistry. I know they fought a lot in front of their families, but how they didn't pick up on the tension between them was a shock to me. Christopher never gets close to wormen. He can't because ever since his parents passed away, he is scared to lose everything he loves again. Unfortunately, he loves Kate, but is just too scared to show it and accept it. This causes him to act in such a way that is downright mean at times. He knows he needs to do better, but opening up to her and bearing his soul is going to be hard.
This story would have been a 5 star read for me, and I am sure it can be for you if you don't have my aversions. Christopher runs from committment, and that is one thing, but the other thing is the amount of women he goes through. I know in the book they say, "we don't judge him for this", but unfortunately I do. I can understand a no strings situation here and there, but the frequency he was out and about was actually shocking to me. At one point he said "I haven't been with anyone in the three weeks you have been home." to Kate and she acted shocked. I was actually shocked because it was so incredibly short and apparently that was long for him.
When Kate finds out that apparently hes been in love with her for quite some time and he was with all these other women, she doesn't know what to think. Same Kate, same.
Listen, I know that I am in the minority here, so I would urge you to read this book because you will love these characters and love their story. Every moment they have together in this book seems so genuine and real and full of emotion.
Thank you the Berkely, Chloe Liese and Netgalley for an early copy.

Kate has a wonderful firey personality and is very strongheaded, but incredibly caring about those around her. Kate tends to have a hard time showing that she cares and tends to use her wanderlust of traveling the world to avoid being with her family. Kate also expresses a lot throughout the book about how much she wants to help change the way people see the world and expose injustices around the world. She talks about how she feels like a burden to her family for putting them through so much. Kate also has ADHD and talks about the struggles of doing small tasks and getting stuff done that needs to be done. Kate's character was so well developed and the development throughout the book was outstanding.

Now time to talk about Christopher. Christopher is the CEO of a financial firm that helps out non-profits. Christopher battles with migraines and shows how debilitating they can be to his daily functioning. Christopher's character was also well-developed because you got to see how much of a softie he is and how he cares for those in his life.

Kate and Christopher have known each other since they were kids. Follow Kate and Christopher as they go from enemies to lovers (other tropes, He falls for her first, Slow burn with some spice here and there). Kate and Christopher have a long history between the two of them and Christopher pretty much does anything he can to try and win Kate's heart.

4.5/5 as this book was a fun read and kept me interested the whole way through. If you were a fan of Two Wrongs Make a Right, you will definitely enjoy this book (also there are cameos of Bea and Jamie). Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Chloe Liese, and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Better Hate than Never was a great childhood enemies to lovers story. Kate and Christopher never got along, but suddenly they’re forced back into each other’s orbits and they can’t help but learn there’s a fine line between love and hate. First, I loved the ADHD rep in this book with Kate and the comfortability in the conversation about it. Christopher nurtured her insecurities so well and it’s just really sweet and steamy. And I loved the build in this enemies to lovers and the organic nature of their change. And the communication! A round of applause to Chloe Liese for making characters who genuinely trust each other and communicate! The community of characters was so warm too! I did, for some reason, take a while to really get into this one and I think it was maybe a little long. But I really did enjoy the characters and the story and the romance and steaminess was so good!

Kate and Christopher feel SO much about each other and you know what they say; there’s a thin line between love and hate. In the most delightful, charming, passion filled, emotionally fueled story of redemption and friendship, Kate and Christopher find their way together. This book is instantly THE book of the fall.

Chloe Liese never disappoints and her latest enemies to lovers, Taming of the Shrew retelling was no exception!! I loved the dual POV, the EXCELLENT ADHD and demisexuality rep (her) and the chronic migraine/panic attack rep (him).

Christopher and Kat grew up together and always had an antagonistic relationship until Kat returns home after travelling abroad and they find themselves stuck together more and more for family and friend events.

The banter and found family in this book is top notch! I loved all the nods to the movie 10 things I hate about you too! This was a slow burn but once things heated up did it ever get spicy! No one does consent and open communication in the bedroom better than Chloe!!

I switched between an ebook and audio format for this book and really enjoyed the narration by Stephen Dexter and Charlotte North! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! I cannot wait to read the final book in the Wilmot sisters trilogy!!

I am extremely biased because I adore my fellow Virgo and neurodivergent honey, Chloe Liese! She writes romances and coming of ages (for adults) that speak to my soul, and push on bruises that I didn't particularly know were still sensitive. Her writing is so tender, authentic and moving.

That is indeed the case for this stunning book too! I loved the ADHD and chronic migraine representation (would love to hear from reviewers who have chronic migraines, as I can only speak to the ADHD experience). I think Chloe always writes with such great care!

I am a huge retelling/reimagining slut, so this is my *catnip* !!! Taming of The Shrew retellings and remakes are so much fun! 10 Things I Hate About You altered my brain chemistry, and so did this book!

Steam was similar to past books -- you won't be disappointed!

cw: chronic migraine, struggles with ADHD, death of parent, grief, alcohol, medical content, car accident, injuries

Chloe Liese can do no wrong,

This story is the perfect mixture of childhood friends, then enemies to lovers. What happens when you're the family's black sheep in town after travelling for months on end and you end up weirdly attracted to your sisters childhood best friend/ boy next door/ the son you're parents never had? Well awkwardness to start off with.

This riff on The Taming of the Shrew brings together childhood enemies whose animosity ruins Thanksgiving, prompting their families to plead for peace. Their truce leads to a slow burn romance based around good communication. Liese realistically depicts ADHD and chronic migraines, mixed with witty characters. A charming sequel in her series retelling Shakespeare classics.

❤️‍🔥The Wilmot sisters are back, and now it's Kat's turn!❤️‍🔥

❤️‍🔥 Neurodivergent (ADHD) Kat journeys home after years away, working as a photojournalist. Life has caught up with her; injured and broke, she's ready to swap locales with her sis, who needs an escape. Settling in, she runs into childhood family friend Christopher, who is inflexible, successful and dreamy as ever.

I'm a sucker for any Shakespeare retelling but give a character like Kat claws, and I'm all in— poor Christopher has no idea what's coming.

I love the inclusion of Christopher's migraine condition. As a migraine sufferer myself, I am thrilled to see Chloe Liese portray folks who suffer chronic conditions in addition to neurodivergent characters.

Like Two Wrongs Make a Right (if you haven't read that one— check it out now!), Liese portrays people struggling with chronic problems in intimate ways that aren't pretty or glamorous and typically get glossed over in romance. Kat & and Christopher's story is one that I'm going to read and reread for years to come.

#shakespeareretellings #chloeliese #netgalley #edelweiss

guys this book... my heart. chloe liese has always been a go to author for me and she did not disappoint with this one at all! chloe was once again able to have me in my feels over these characters and truly connect with them on a new level. childhood enemies to lovers has been a trope i find myself enjoying lately and i think it was executed so well!

as always, chloe is able to bring so much representation into her books. it's comforting to see parts of my identity in her characters. it's so important that people can see themselves in these characters and i applaud chloe for prioritizing this.

overall this book was just so beautiful. i really loved kate and christopher's story. you could feel the love radiating off of them. christopher was such a sweet and gentle person and every time he cared for kate it made my heart melt.

thank you netgalley and berkley publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review <33

I fell in love with Chloe Liese’s writing after reading Two Wrongs Make A Right and after seeing snippets of Kate and Christopher in that book it left me definitely wanting more. I was so excited to dive back in and finally get their story! Their banter was perfect and the way that they opened up to each other about their own struggles made my heart burst. There was so much love and growth on both of their parts throughout this whole book that easily made it a five star read for me! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Chloe Liese can do no wrong ever! I have loved every single thing she as written. At this point, I want to get my hands on her grocery list. This book as it all: heart, heat, and swoon!

4.5 Stars!

“I can’t do it anymore. Denying myself you has been like battling the tide. If I fight it any longer, I’ll drown. I’m yours.” “For as long as you’ll have me.”

Katerina has always lived her life to the fullest, never staying in one place for very long. But when an injury affects her ability to do her job, it gives her the final push to return home. Upon returning home, Katerina has one major goal in mind and that is to avoid her childhood neighbor, Christopher. Christopher is the bane of her existence and can do no wrong in her family’s eyes. The more they fight, the more Katerina’s family pleads for peace, leading to an unexpected drunken confession that leaves Christopher rethinking everything.

Better Hate Than Never hooked me from the very first page. I loved the tension and banter between Christopher and Katerina. They certainly gave the enemies-to-lovers trope a run for its money! Katerina was such an interesting character. She has ADHD and her mind never stops running. She’s always off to the next adventure but would do anything for her family. At first glance, Christopher is like any other rich corporate guy and when it comes to Katerina, he’s moody and harsh. However, the more you get to know him, the more you see that he is completely different than he appears. He left his yearning for Katerina and feelings of her being off-limits, push her away. Deep down, Christopher is absolutely swoon-worthy and has a heart of gold.

Christopher and Katerina’s story had quite a slow burn. That being said, the author did a fantastic job of building tension and undeniable chemistry. She made you see that there was more to the characters than meets the eye and had them work past their issues before jumping into romance.

Overall, I thought this book was a fantastic read. I loved the characters and was utterly captivated by their story. Better Hate Than Never is my first book by author Chloe Liese and it certainly won’t be my last.

Chloe Liese writes complex characters and spicy scenes like no one else. I could not finish this book quickly enough and loved every second - now I’m eagerly awaiting the 8 page teaser for her next book that wasn’t included in the ARC (a Jules story???).

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

I read the first book in the Wilmot Sisters series and absolutely loved it so I was really excited for Kate and Christopher's story. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and this one was actually legitimate, not simply five seconds of "hate" and then straight into love. Kate and Christopher grew up together and there was always animosity between them, but it hid a deeper desire neither was willing to admit to. This evolved at exactly the right pace and the characters were easy to relate to. I love the communication and respect in this one. These books are spicy and heartfelt and all the characters are likable and fun. I wonder if we will get Jules' story next? Looking forward to it! 5 stars. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

You would think I, of all people, would like a book inspired by The Taming of the Shrew, that classic enemies to lovers penned by Shakespeare. After all, I did portray Katherina in my high school's staging of the play and made for a darn good shrew, a compliment that it took me some years to realize could also have been an insult.

Anyhoo, all that aside, let's focus on the book.

This book was aggressively fine, the most fine book. It took me 4 days to read, never a good sign. Admittedly, I was dealing with a nasty bout of bronchitis and kept falling asleep but who's to say that was due to my germy lungs and not the book? Christopher and Kate were so...mean to each other at the outset. Normally, I like my enemies to lovers with the kind of fighting that could double as foreplay. Where the MCs are going at it verbally and you know it's not really intended to be mean and cruel, it's just a placeholder for when they can go at it sexually. However, in this book, the banter seemed less sexy and flirty fighting and more...actual fighting. They really went at it and it was uncomfortable and harsh and at times, I wondered, were these two people really suited for each other? These two have known each other since Kate was born and there's no real reasoning for why they are antagonists, other than the fact that Christopher has always treated her with disdain and Kate has always just given it back. Ultimately, it's revealed that Christopher never hated Kate but wanted her to hate him and....well, mission accomplished, I guess. Well played, Christopher...? The book hinges so much on these two disliking each other that you'd think the author could have come up with a better reasoning for their mutual dislike but...nope. This reasoning comes off as kind of twee, like I'm reading an YA and as such, the characters, come off as twee as well though Christopher is well into his 30s (not quite 35 but heading there soon enough) and Kate is late 20s so both of these characters should behave like mature adults and yet, there are far too many scenes where they just...don't.
I do respect the fact that Chloe Liese is committed to disability rep and focusing on neurodivergent MCs. Kate is a pansexual ADHD and Christopher suffers from migraines. They are both written as do-gooders in their own ways, Kate a photographer who travels the world trying to bring attention to the multitude of atrocities that need people's time and attention and money and Christopher, hilariously, is a multimillionaire (courtesy of generational wealth from his parents who died when he was very young) who took the hedge fund his father created and turned into a company built on ethical investing. So, it's fine! He's Richy Rich but with MORALS. It's a bit ridiculous, the way these characters are written to be almost perfect in their dogoodyness that screams borderline ridiculous. Kate is vegan and won't even drink almond milk for the amount of water required to make it. Christopher wants to save Kate from the "fuck up" he thinks he is bc of his migraines and his inability to travel outside of his little bubble. And once again, for taking place in a big city setting, there is an absurd lack of BIPOC characters which makes little to no sense. I know this author gets a lot of kudos for her inclusivity when it comes to neurodivergent rep and disability rep and queer rep but weirdly, when we talk about inclusivity and don't have a single BIPOC character within a book that takes place in a big city similar to NYC, I'm gonna give it (and the author) some major side-eye.
All this to say, this book wasn't my fave, and this author is now one I can honestly said I tried but is clearly a reader/author mismatch. And that's ok. I know many love her and clearly she speaks to a lot of readers with her representation and I can applaud that all the while saying that she's just not for me.

The reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 or even 1 is because I do appreciate her writing skills and in the sex scenes in both books of hers that I read, she includes the usage of lube in PiV sex and I can appreciate that. Just because the book doesn't work for ME doesn't mean it won't work for others and I can also appreciate THAT.

Content Notes: parental death off page, orphaned at an young age, ADHD, migraines