Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese

A heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance that celebrates neurodiversity and authentic relationships

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Two Wrongs Make a Right is a strong addition to the contemporary romance genre. While it has some minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Liese has created a romance that's both entertaining and meaningful, with characters who feel real and relatable.

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In her adult romance debut, Chloe Liese delivers a charming contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Two Wrongs Make a Right follows Beatrice “Bea” Wilmot and Jamie Westenberg as they navigate from mutual dislike to unexpected love, all while executing an elaborate fake dating scheme. What sets this romance apart is its authentic representation of neurodivergent characters and their journey to finding love exactly as they are.

The Plot & Writing Style

The story opens with a meet-disaster at a masquerade party that perfectly sets up the antagonistic dynamic between our leads. Bea, an erotic artist who manages a stationery shop, and Jamie, a pediatrician with exacting standards, seem completely wrong for each other. When their friends trick them into a blind date, they decide to fake a relationship and eventually stage a dramatic breakup as revenge.

Liese’s writing shines in her ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The banter between Bea and Jamie crackles with wit reminiscent of Shakespeare’s original work, while their internal monologues reveal vulnerable characters dealing with past hurts and present anxieties. The author skillfully weaves in themes of family dynamics, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to be truly seen by another person.

Character Development

The Protagonists

Bea Wilmot emerges as a wonderfully complex character – an autistic woman who is unapologetically herself despite society’s expectations. Her journey from protecting her heart due to past relationship trauma to gradually letting Jamie in feels authentic and earned. Her artistic nature and fierce loyalty to her sisters make her both relatable and admirable.

Jamie Westenberg’s character arc is equally compelling. His anxiety and need for control stem from family pressures and a previous relationship where he felt inadequate. Watching him learn to embrace spontaneity and joy through his relationship with Bea is deeply satisfying. His genuine care for his pediatric patients and rescue cats adds layers to his character beyond the initial uptight facade.

Representation & Authenticity

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its thoughtful representation of neurodivergent characters. As an autistic author herself, Liese brings nuanced understanding to Bea’s experiences with sensory processing, social interactions, and the need for clear communication. Jamie’s anxiety is similarly well-portrayed, showing how it affects both his professional and personal life without defining him entirely.

Romance Development

The progression from enemies to lovers feels natural despite the fake dating premise. Small moments—like Jamie buying Bea’s preferred brand of personal products or Bea learning to appreciate Jamie’s need for order—build a convincing foundation for their relationship. Their physical chemistry is well-written with consent and communication at the forefront.

Areas for Improvement

While the overall story is engaging, there are a few elements that could have been stronger:

  • The subplot involving Jean-Claude and Juliet feels somewhat rushed in its resolution
  • Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed
  • The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags
  • The conflict near the end, while emotionally resonant, relies somewhat heavily on miscommunication

Writing Style & Technical Elements

Liese demonstrates strong technical writing skills with:

  • Vivid sensory details that bring scenes to life
  • Well-structured dialogue that advances both plot and character development
  • Smooth transitions between perspectives
  • Effective use of humor to balance heavier emotional moments

Impact & Themes

The novel successfully explores several meaningful themes:

  • The importance of accepting people as they are
  • Family dynamics and sisterly bonds
  • Processing past trauma and learning to trust again
  • The courage to be vulnerable in relationships
  • Breaking free from others’ expectations

Similar Books & Recommendations

Readers who enjoy Two Wrongs Make a Right might also appreciate:

  • The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
  • Beach Read by Emily Henry
  • The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
  • Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Final Verdict

Two Wrongs Make a Right is a strong addition to the contemporary romance genre. While it has some minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Liese has created a romance that’s both entertaining and meaningful, with characters who feel real and relatable. The book succeeds in both honoring its Shakespearean source material and standing on its own as a modern love story.

Who Should Read This Book

This book is perfect for readers who:

  • Enjoy enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes
  • Appreciate neurodivergent representation in romance
  • Like Shakespeare retellings with a modern twist
  • Want a romance that balances humor with emotional depth

The Series Context

As the first book in The Wilmot Sisters series, Two Wrongs Make a Right sets up an engaging family dynamic that makes readers eager to see Kate’s story in Better Hate than Never and the upcoming Once Smitten, Twice Shy. The glimpses we get of Kate’s character in this book effectively build anticipation for her enemies-to-lovers romance with Christopher.

Conclusion

Chloe Liese’s Two Wrongs Make a Right offers a fresh perspective on a classic story while creating something uniquely its own. Despite some minor shortcomings, it’s a romance that celebrates neurodiversity, consent, and the beautiful mess of falling in love. The book proves that sometimes the person who seems most wrong for you might be exactly right.

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Two Wrongs Make a Right is a strong addition to the contemporary romance genre. While it has some minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Liese has created a romance that's both entertaining and meaningful, with characters who feel real and relatable.Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese