Better Hate Than Never is the second book in Chloe Liese’s The Wilmot Sisters series. I adored the first book in the series, which is a modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and was over the moon to learn this latest book is a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew, which is one of my favorite Shakespearean comedies. Hearing that this is also Liese’s steamiest book to date only further added to the appeal!

I really enjoyed everything about this book. While the story contains many references to the original play, Liese does a wonderful job creating a fresh and unique enemies-to-lovers story. In her story, the protagonists, Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio are childhood enemies who have now grown into adults, and if possible, hate each other even more. Their friends and family know they could actually be pretty great for one another if they could just get past the old flames of hatred, but Katerina and Christopher aren’t having it. That is, until one drunken moment when Katerina confesses to Christopher that she only really hated him because she thought he hated her first. After hearing this, Christopher vows to find a way to make peace with Katerina once and for all, but Katerina isn’t sure she buys his new act. Can Christopher win her over?

The banter between Christopher and Katerina was what really stole the show in this story. I found myself outright cackling at them several times as I was reading because they were both just so good at pushing each other’s buttons. Liese’s dialogue is sharp, witty, and just filled with clever barbs. The romance is a slow burn one, but I was so thoroughly entertained by the banter that the story just flew by.

Not only was I thoroughly invested in the budding romance between Christopher and Katerina, but I also thought Liese did a wonderful job creating such well developed characters. I was especially a big fan of Liese’s mental health rep in Better Hate Than Never. One character suffers from chronic migraines and panic attacks, while the other is dealing with ADHD, and Liese portrays each of these conditions thoughtfully and accurately.

If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope and are in the mood for a steamy, slow-burn romance, be sure to pick up a copy of Better Hate Than Never. You won’t regret it!

this is amazing. it’s so fun and cute and i was feeling all the emotions lol i can definitely see this being a re read for me

REVIEW FOR BETTER HATE THAN NEVER

5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley Pub/Berkeley Romance for the gifted digital copy!

I really enjoyed Two wrongs make a right, but I absolutely adored Better Hate Than Never. I felt both Christopher and Kate were the perfectly imperfect MCs that we needed. The best part? They knew they were imperfect and asked for what they needed. That's right- THEY COMMUNICATED. The neurodivergent and chronic illness representation was incredible, and I loved still getting to see Bea and Jamie throughout the book. There were a few moments of confusion, especially around the Wilmont family, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

I am normally a big Chloe Liese fan, but this book harped a little too much on "we knew each other when we were babies" which kind of squicked me out a little. I'll still be going back to Liese's other releases, including anything else in this series, but this one wasn't for me.

I’ll be honest - I was a bit hesitant to pick this one up because I REALLY disliked the conflict in the first book of this series. I felt a bit on edge the whole time waiting to see if this one would be similar - but I am SO happy to report that this one had no third act break-up and I can’t tell you how delighted that made me. The characters COMMUNICATED and trusted their feelings and that was so refreshing.

This was a fun take on enemies to lovers - Christopher and Kate are childhood enemies - they’ve driven each other crazy their whole lives. The tension from their banter is so so good.

There’s ADHD and chronic migraine rep and as always, Chloe Liese handles everything with care.


Loved this one! 4.5⭐️

10 Things I Hate about You was one of my all time favorite movies, while I've never read Taming of the Shrew, I knew that it was a modern take on it. So of course, when I heard that Better Hate than Never was a reimagining of that story, my first hope was that she was going to include tie ins to 10 things - and my heart was SO happy that she did!

First of all - Kat & Christopher may be my favorite characters that Chloe Liese has written into a book. Kat is an ADHD rep and Christopher is a chronic illness (migraine) rep. I loved their banter, I loved the laugh out loud moments, and my heart cried for both of them at times. Insanely slow burn, but it worked so well because we saw so much growth & development between the two characters that I don't think it would have worked for them to get together sooner. I really appreciated the fact that at a pivotal "possible" third act breakup moment, we saw even more growth & communication and two adults actually acting like adults.

Every new book of Chloe's shows me so much growth in her writing and I can't wait to read Jules's book too.

Huge thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved Two Wrongs Make a Right. The story left me breathless and aching for more words by Chloe Liese. And she does not disappoint in Better Hate than Never, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Filled with our favorites from the first book, Liese takes us into the relationship between two clear enemies (Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio) who bring out the worst in each other.

The thing I love most about Liese’s novels is how she so effortlessly creates characters who leave indelible footprints in our long term memory. And the characters in Better Hate than Never are 100 percent human, with complex emotions and complicated pasts.

So find your cozy reading spot and a copy of Better Hate than Never, while Liese takes you on a journey between two unlikely people who can possibly, maybe, weather the storm of their own making, and find that silver lining of a happily ever after.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

Better Hate than Never was an opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance. I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Two Wrongs Make a Right, and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. Yet from those first few pages, I was never able to connect to any of the characters. There was fabulous banter. There was representation for mental health and chronic illness. Christopher’s thoughts could be so hilarious whereas Kate’s will tug on your heart. Yet from that first page to the last, I just couldn’t click. And for me to fully love and invest myself emotionally in a book, I have to make that connection. So while this one didn’t work for me, I have a feeling so many others will fall in love with this story!

A childhood enemies to lovers slow burn romance and modern reimagining of The Taming of the Shrew.

Better Hate Than Never is book 2 in The Wilmot Sisters series. Kate Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio may have lived next door to each other since childhood but they have always been enemies, despite Christopher practically being one of the Wilmot family. It's no secret that I adore Chloe Liese's books and her neurodivergent characters. Add in some sizzling chemistry with an enemies to lovers trope and l've got myself a romance winner.

That saying there’s a thin line between love and hate is absolutely apparent in the sizzling back & forth between Kate and Christopher. They are opposites, seemingly always at odds with each other but of course there is much more simmering beneath the surface aside from animosity and undeniable sexual attraction. They way these two push and challenge each other was everything. I adored Kate’s sense of independence and her desire to be loved and accepted for who she was.

As always adored the rep Chloe naturally weaves into her characters - chronic migraines, ADHD, mental health & therapy. I could have done without Christopher being a manwhore, I actually felt like the angle wasn’t needed and detracted a bit from their story but I’m assuming it was another way to show how opposite they were from each other. I just feel like this is so overused in romance.

Can’t wait to finally get Juliet’s story - this heartbroken Wilmot sister deserves her HEA.

Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

The day Chloe Liese stops writing romance is the day I will jump into a black hole. 

Is it fair to say this is by far her hottest book? I could not stop blushing at some of the Kate and Christopher scenes; the chemistry was INTENSE.

Also, it is not surprising that the mental health representation as well as the consent check-in were perfect. The way Chloe continually writes about heartfelt, clever, and loving relationships is truly amazing.

Bonus: We got to see a bit of Bea and Jamie!

Excited to see her tackle on my favorite Shakespeare’s play next.

Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese is a 5 out of 5 stars heartwarming, hopeful & empowering spicy romance with all the best fall vibes & the most beautiful enemies to lovers of childhood family friends you could ever dream of.
This is book #2 in The Wilmot Sisters series, but can easily be read as a standalone. It also has phenomenal disability representation with a heroine with ADHD & a hero with chronic migraines. As someone that has both of these things, I was ecstatic to feel seen as everyone should & I also was thankful it showed them realistically & well.

Better Hate Than Never is perfect if you love…
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🧡Disability Rep. (Chronic Migraines & ADHD)
🧡Fall Vibes
🧡Dual POV
🧡Reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew
🧡Nods to 10 Things I Hate About You

This hero. This man. His values. His everything. Insert absolute swoon over here. Obviously, he’s matched with such an equally badass person that I was grinning & laughing throughout. Then, throw in the fact there’s the coziness of fall along with an epic tango dance & even, an action-packed paintball game & you can’t help but be highly entertained. I appreciated the characters’ growth, empathetic understanding as well as the personally opening up they both did.

I also was able to listen to the audiobook of this one & oh my word, it was outstanding. The two narrators both were so incredible! Thanks to my ADHD, I listened at 2x & it was perfect.

If anyone is looking for swoon-worthy romance to make your heart melt like the glaze on an apple cider doughnut, look no further than Better Hate Than Never!

Massive thanks to Berkley Publishing & PRH Audio for the gifted copies, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

"Better Hate than Never" by Chloe Liese is an absolute delight, deserving a full 5 stars! This modern-day retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" had me completely enchanted from start to finish.

Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio's childhood rivalry is the perfect recipe for a heartwarming love story. Chloe Liese captures their fiery banter and animosity brilliantly, and when Kate makes a surprise visit home, their sparks reignite into a passionate blaze. Their chemistry is electric, and their interactions are filled with witty and humorous moments.

One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of Christopher's migraine condition. As a fellow migraine sufferer, I appreciated the author's portrayal of characters with chronic conditions and neurodiversity, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

As Kate and Christopher's journey unfolds, it's clear that their love-hate dynamic is anything but ordinary. Their friends and families urge them to find peace, but Christopher is determined to mend fences. The gradual shift from rivalry to romance is tenderly portrayed, and Kate's guarded heart adds a layer of emotional depth to their relationship.

When their desires finally give way to deeper feelings, Kate and Christopher face a crucial decision: Is it better to hate than to risk their hearts, or have they unknowingly given their hearts away already? This theme resonates profoundly throughout the story, making it a heartwarming exploration of love's transformative power.

Chloe Liese's writing is engaging and emotionally resonant, with a perfect blend of heartfelt moments and humor. "Better Hate than Never" is a love story that reminds us that sometimes, the most passionate connections are born out of rivalry and misunderstandings.

In the end, "Better Hate than Never" is a heartwarming and enchanting romance that will leave you with a big smile on your face. It's a modern twist on a classic tale that explores the magic of love and self-discovery. Chloe Liese has crafted a truly delightful story that will fill your heart with warmth and joy.

The fall vibes were delicious and the slow burn was burnin'! Not only did we get some great new characters, but I was so happy to get so much of Jamie and Bea in this story too! I missed those babies 🥹

Kate is a complicated character for me. I found myself sympathizing with her at some points but then rolling my eyes at her the next second. I liked that she had a passion for photography and her mission of showing beauty in everyone through her work was so successful. I also liked the growth I saw in her character throughout the book. She matured a lot throughout the story, and I liked that when the 3rd act conflict hit she didn’t jump to conclusions.

Christopher is down BADDDD for Kate. Like bad bad. He wants her and has wanted her for so long and he’s willing to do anything possible to make her see that he’s all in. He’s sittin there with his sleeves rolled up making homemade pasta. buying her flowers and delicious fall treats!! And he listens?? Oh yeah, he’s definitely written by a woman.

Thanks to @netgalley @berkleyromance and Chloe Liese for the ARC!

This book contains:
-one of my favorite Chloe Liese couples of all time
-the most tender, well-written sex scene (sequence?) I've ever read
-some of the best ADHD and demisexual rep I've experienced
-CARETAKING TROPE!!
-a Shakespeare/10 Things I Hate About You retelling I genuinely felt like paid homage to the inspiration while still being unique

I usually don't love retellings because the connection is either nonexistent or the author leans way too much on the original work. I was also a bit apprehensive going into this since it's enemies to lovers again, same as Two Wrongs Make a Right. However, BETTER HATE was more successful and enjoyable, no offense to Bea and Jamie. Kate and Christopher were two of my favorite side characters in the first book, and they are the far superior couple.

"If I’ve learned anything by living in places whose culture and language aren’t mine, it’s that differences don’t have to hold people at a distance if we’re willing to try to understand each other. Our similarities are much vaster than what sets us apart—we just have to want to see them."


Okay, but that sex scene? I read it on an airplane (because that always happens to me now) and it's several chapters long, but it's also so fast-paced and gripping, but not in the ways you'd expect. It felt like I was *there* with them, for every tender, sensitive, realistic, awkward moment. This perfectly illustrates why I hate that the words "smut" and "romance genre" have become so interchangeable. There is nothing smutty about the sex in this book. Kate is demisexual and inexperienced. Christopher has never had a real connection with any woman he's been with. Their moment takes so long and is so drawn out because it is a pivotal moment for both of them as people and also their relationship with each other.

And I personally much prefer that type of romance novel. Smut has a time and place, and it's not my preference 9 out of 10 times. Chloe Liese is out here reminding us that books can be grounded in realism while still being escapist and swoony.

CW: chronic migraines (not very detailed portrayal on page), loss of a parent, shoulder injury (occurs before the story starts)

Along with the fantastic disability representation (ADHD, migraines), there's a six-year age gap, and Christopher grew up with the Wilmot sisters, so Kate and Christopher have known each other a very long time. They're definitely not friends when the story begins, but they have a long history that isn't always pleasant. Their communication and how they don't save all their issues for the third act conflict is another Chloe Liese trademark, and these two executed it perfectly.

Speaking of third act conflict... this book doesn't really have it? And when it does happen it's literally right before the book ends. This is an actual text I sent my best friend:

Me, at 94%: oh yay no third act breakup!!
Chloe Liese at 95%: bitch u thought

I am not a third act conflict hater, but I do think they need to be thoughtfully crafted for the relationship and not just thrown in to match the romcom beats, and once again, Chloe pulls it off.

A few other random things:
-first time the method of birth control used is the birth control shot!
-this book doesn't work super well as a stand-alone since the recap at the beginning completely spoils the entire third-act conflict of book one
-the STEAMIEST kissing scenes ever written on this planet I swear to god

TWO WRONGS didn't wow me, but it's okay, but BETTER HATE blew me out of the water and straight to the stage where I want a boyfriend again.

Rep: demisexual main character with ADHD, chronically ill main character (migraines), wlw side couple, side gay couple

Katerina and Christopher shared a back yard as kids. They met when Katerina was placed in Christophers arms as a child. But growing up, and in their adult lives, they’ve always butted heads. Christopher has always been close to Katerina’s family, and when they beg him to be nice to her he begins to see things in a different light. Finally, his walls come down and he begins to try to make peace and get to know her better. When they come together for a kiss, fireworks go off and they begin to wonder how deep their feelings really go.

This was such a fun enemies to lovers. Enemies to lovers isn’t always a trope that works for me, I tend to lean towards friends to lovers, but in this case it really well. This was a touch of friends to lovers since the characters knew each other their entire lives – this type of relationship is what draws me towards friends to lovers. I really enjoyed both main characters and their different points of view. It was also nice to not only get neurodivergent rep, but also silent chronic illness rep (migraines). I really enjoyed how well the author did at portraying both. I also loved the little quirks each character had, I too love pumpkin everything like Katerina and it was just a fun connection.

Thank you to the publisher Berkley Publishing, @berkleypub, and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a refreshingly delightful rom-com then I urge you to check this one out October 10th. It would be perfect snuggled under a blanket with your beverage of choice.

Chloe Liese can literally do no wrong is a phrase I think I've said over five times now. Her characters feel so incredibly realistic and so does the love between the characters. I am also a sufferer of severe migraines like Christopher and I feel like Liese really depicted what it is like living with them extremely well. I really loved Christopher and Kate despite not really loving the childhood friend trope all that often. I could see a lot of myself in Kate as well and she was like a breath of fresh air when it comes to leading ladies. I am so excited for the next book in this series! Thank you to Chloe Liese, Berkley, and for Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing pains me more than not LOVING a book by one of my favs 🥲 but I gotta be honest!!

✨childhood enemies to lovers
✨demisexuality, chronic migraines, ADHD rep
✨second in series
✨NO third act breakup 👏
✨two people working through their own problems individually + together??
✨funny scenes + banter!!
✨Taming of the Shrew retelling
✨mid-level steamy! 🔥

I did LIKE this but it didn’t hit me the same way as Chloe’s books normally do. I didn’t feel a lot happened, I don’t really like the whole “I banged all these girls to forget about you” plot device, and I don’t necessarily believe you go from a virgin to 10 orgasms in ONE night?? But I digress!!

Still good + great on audio 🫶

<b>"Because I have loved you a hundred different ways for so long I don't know when loving you began, just that I haven't spent nearly enough of my life making sure you know it." </b>

Kate & Christopher. Katydid & Topher Gopher. I adore them. Unimaginably tender. Mushy warmth will flood your heart. The love confession is top tier! I have a weakness for Chloe Liese books. Like no words does her loveliness justice. 10/10 will read again!

✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-dual pov
-guy next door
-loathe to love
-opposites attract
-adhd & chronic migraines rep
-tacos & tangos
-peace, love, & paintball
-cinnamon rolls & flowers
-it’s always been you
-roses, dahlias, delphiniums
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. “Bending, I kiss her shoulder. "You have to take better care of yourself, Katerina.”

Thank you Berkley Romance for the advanced copy! #berkleypartner

Song: You and I by Johnnyswim

Better Hate than Never is not only a perfect autumn book, it is also a perfect rendition of childhood enemies to lovers. There is true animosity between Kate and Christopher that makes the tension between them SO HOT. I was begging them to touch on every page.

Their relationship is a slow burn and every intimate moment between them is so worth the wait. Every time Christopher and Kate fantasized about each other had me screaming. And who knew making homemade ravioli could be so steamy?

One of my favorite movies is 10 Things I Hate About You and BHTN has many parallels to this movie (there a paintball scene, friends) since they are both retellings of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and it does not disappoint.

The representation, like every Chloe Liese book, is fantastic. Kate has ADHD and is demisexual and Christopher has chronic migraines. Both MCs were so accepting and fought to take care of each other in ways that would support the other. Kate and Christopher, you have my whole heart.

This book comes out TOMORROW and I truly can’t wait for you to meet them 💕

Thanks to Chloe, Berkley, Netgalley, and the #joyfulchaosbookclub for the ARC!

This was fantastic. It was everything I was hoping it would be and more, and I honestly wish more people knew about Chloe Liese because so far she hasn't missed. This was just absolutely delightful and I loved pretty much everything about it. Characters? Check. Kate and Christopher were wonderful and I would die for them. Banter? Absolutely. I loved it so much; this is what all enemies to lovers (although I'm not 100% sure I would really call them "enemies", more like antagonists) should strive for. Steamy scenes? Chef's kiss. Representation? Perfect. And even better there was no third-act break up. There could have been, but instead you know what the characters did? They talked about it like two adult people in a relationship should! What a crazy idea. I think the only thing here that was even slightly lacking was plot, but then again it's a romance novel, and thus the plot is driven so much by the characters I'm not even mad. Basically Chloe Liese is amazing and the fact that she isn't bigger in the romance world is a tragedy. I will happily recommend this to anyone who will listen (and probably even to a few people who won't) and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Liese somehow manages to handle heavy, important topics with grace while showing that these things don't make you unlovable. I'm so glad some of her self-published stuff is going to be published traditionally, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the moment when I can add them to my physical collection of her books as well. If for some reason you're a romance reader and you haven't read Chloe Liese my question to you is "what are you even waiting for?" GO DO IT NOW!