Better Hate than Never is the second installment in Chloe Liese’s enchanting Wilmot Sisters series, following the acclaimed Two Wrongs Make a Right. This contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew delivers a heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance while thoughtfully addressing neurodiversity, chronic illness, and the complexities of family dynamics.
The Story and Characters
At the heart of this novel are Kate Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio, childhood neighbors whose relationship has been marked by animosity since their youth. Kate, a globe-trotting photojournalist with ADHD, returns home after a shoulder injury, setting in motion a series of events that force her and Christopher to confront their long-standing tension.
Christopher, who manages an ethical investment firm, initially appears to be Kate’s polar opposite—structured, rooted, and traditional. However, as layers peel away, we discover a man grappling with his own vulnerabilities, including chronic migraines and deep-seated fears stemming from losing his parents at a young age.
Writing Style and Character Development
Liese’s writing shines in her ability to craft authentic, flawed characters who grow meaningfully throughout the narrative. The author skillfully weaves together moments of laugh-out-loud humor with profound emotional depth. The banter between Kate and Christopher crackles with wit and underlying tension, while their quieter moments reveal touching vulnerability.
Representation and Themes
Neurodiversity and Chronic Illness
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its authentic representation of neurodiversity and chronic health conditions. Kate’s ADHD is portrayed with nuance and understanding, showing both its challenges and the unique perspectives it brings. Similarly, Christopher’s experience with chronic migraines is handled with sensitivity and realism.
Family Dynamics
The Wilmot family dynamics are richly developed, with each sister – Jules, Bea, and Kate – having distinct personalities and story arcs that interweave naturally. The author excels at showing how family relationships can be simultaneously supportive and complicated.
Strengths
- Authentic representation of neurodiversity and chronic illness
- Strong character development and emotional depth
- Skillful balance of humor and serious themes
- Rich family dynamics
- Well-crafted romantic tension
Areas for Improvement
- The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the middle section
- Some plot points rely heavily on miscommunication
- The conflict resolution could have been more thoroughly developed
- Secondary character arcs sometimes feel underdeveloped
Series Context
While Better Hate than Never works as a standalone novel, it benefits from being read as part of the Wilmot Sisters series. The first book, Two Wrongs Make a Right, introduces the family dynamics and sets up several plot threads that continue through this installment. The upcoming third book, Once Smitten, Twice Shy, promises to complete the trilogy with Jules’s story.
Comparative Analysis
Fans of contemporary romance authors like Helen Hoang, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry will find familiar elements in Liese’s work. Like Hoang’s The Heart Principle, this novel thoughtfully incorporates neurodiversity into its narrative. The enemies-to-lovers trajectory reminds me of Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis, though with its own unique twist.
Impact and Relevance
The novel’s exploration of ethical investing, social justice, and environmental responsibility through Christopher’s work adds contemporary relevance. Kate’s journey as a photojournalist touching on global issues provides depth beyond the romance plot.
Final Thoughts
Better Hate than Never is a worthy addition to the contemporary romance genre, offering more than just a love story. While it has some pacing issues and occasionally relies on familiar tropes, the authentic representation, emotional depth, and character development make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read This Book
- Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance
- Readers interested in neurodivergent representation
- Those who enjoy Shakespeare retellings
- Romance readers who appreciate deeper themes and character development
Reading Experience
Better Hate than Never is best enjoyed over a weekend, preferably with a cup of coffee and some pastries (pumpkin-flavored, if you want to channel Kate’s preferences). The emotional journey is intense at times but ultimately rewarding.
From the Series
The Wilmot Sisters series has maintained consistent quality across its books, with each sister’s story offering a unique perspective on love, family, and personal growth. The interconnected narratives create a rich reading experience while allowing each book to stand on its own merits.
Looking Forward
The forthcoming conclusion to the trilogy, Once Smitten, Twice Shy, promises to complete the Wilmot sisters’ story arc with Jules’s journey. Based on the preview included in this volume, it appears to maintain the series’ thoughtful approach to romance while exploring new emotional territory.
Human touches in the story, like Kate’s struggles with laundry and Christopher’s protective instincts, make the characters relatable despite their unique circumstances. The author’s careful attention to these details elevates the novel beyond typical genre fare.
The exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the courage to love again resonates particularly well in our current cultural moment. While the story follows familiar romance beats, it does so with fresh perspective and emotional authenticity.
Better Hate than Never ultimately succeeds in its ambitious goals, delivering a romance that entertains while thoughtfully addressing deeper themes. Despite some minor flaws, it’s a worthy addition to any contemporary romance reader’s library.
