In Better Hate than Never, the second installment of The Wilmot Sisters series, Chloe Liese crafts a compelling enemies-to-lovers romance that masterfully reimagines Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Through the tempestuous relationship between Kate Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio, Liese explores themes of trust, family bonds, and self-acceptance while delivering a story that’s both emotionally resonant and delightfully entertaining.
The Heart of the Story
Set against the backdrop of contemporary life, the novel follows Kate Wilmot, a globe-trotting photojournalist who returns home after breaking her shoulder, and Christopher Petruchio, a successful ethical investment firm owner who’s harbored complex feelings for Kate since childhood. Their shared history of antagonism masks deeper emotions that begin to surface when Kate’s drunken confession forces Christopher to confront the impact of his past behavior.
Character Development
Kate Wilmot
Kate emerges as a beautifully crafted character whose journey resonates deeply with readers. Her ADHD is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, showing both the challenges and unique perspectives it brings to her life. Her transformation from a defensive, wandering soul to someone who can embrace both adventure and belonging is masterfully executed.
Christopher Petruchio
Liese subverts expectations by presenting Christopher not as a traditional “tamer” but as someone whose own fears and trauma have shaped his interactions with Kate. His struggle with chronic migraines and anxiety adds layers of vulnerability to his character, making his journey toward emotional openness particularly impactful.
Writing Style and Narrative Strength
Liese’s prose shines brightest in moments of emotional intimacy and witty banter. Her ability to weave humor with deeper themes creates a reading experience that feels both entertaining and meaningful. The dual perspective narrative allows readers to understand both protagonists’ internal struggles and growth.
Series Context
The Wilmot Sisters series showcases Liese’s talent for creating interconnected stories that stand independently while enriching each other:
- Two Wrongs Make a Right introduced readers to Beatrice Wilmot’s story
- Better Hate than Never deepens the family dynamics through Kate’s perspective
- Once Smitten, Twice Shy promises to complete the trilogy with Juliet’s journey
Strengths
- Authentic Representation
- Thoughtful portrayal of neurodivergence and chronic conditions
- Natural integration of diverse experiences
- Sensitive handling of mental health and trauma recovery
- Character Chemistry
- Electric tension between protagonists
- Well-paced emotional development
- Meaningful supporting character relationships
- Modern Themes
- Progressive approach to gender roles
- Exploration of ethical capitalism
- Strong family dynamics
Areas for Improvement
While the novel excels in many aspects, there are some elements that could have been strengthened:
- Pacing
- The initial conflict resolution could have been more gradually developed
- Some emotional revelations feel slightly rushed
- Plot Development
- Certain subplots could have been more fully explored
- The professional photography storyline sometimes takes a backseat
Impact and Relevance
Better Hate than Never stands out in contemporary romance for its thoughtful handling of:
- Neurodivergent representation
- Mental health awareness
- Family dynamics
- Professional women’s experiences
- Modern relationship challenges
Final Thoughts
Better Hate than Never succeeds as both a reimagining of a classic tale and a contemporary romance that speaks to modern readers. While some plot elements could have been more fully developed, the emotional core of the story and the character development make it a compelling read.
Recommendation
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- Complex family dynamics
- Neurodivergent representation
- Shakespeare retellings
- Contemporary romance with depth
Similar works readers might enjoy include:
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Conclusion
Better Hate than Never proves Chloe Liese’s growing mastery of the romance genre. Despite minor pacing issues, the novel delivers a satisfying blend of emotional depth, character growth, and romantic tension. It’s a worthy addition to the contemporary romance canon and a strong continuation of The Wilmot Sisters series.