Better hate than never, for never too late.

Book 2 in the Wilmot Sisters series, and while it is a standalone, I am happy that I read Two Wrongs Make a Right first to expand upon the relationship of Katerina & Christopher (and their greater friend/family group dynamics too). There are some aspects of this story that I absolutely LOVED and others that are incredibly cringe.

The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers element was enjoyable, and I love a 'he fell first' trope. Chloe writes great banter and angst, and there are some doozies in here:

Should I tell you that was my confession - that my sad attempt to feel close to you was upheld by the delusion that it was better to have your hate than your apathy? That when I realized how badly I'd fucked up, I hoped it wasn't too late to have you look at me with anything besides loathing burning in your eyes?

Denying myself you has been like battling the tide. If I fight it any longer, I'll drown.

What I don't love, especially with 'he fell first' tropes, is the manwhore aspect. And there is A LOT of backstory about how great of a lover Christopher is, how he has a different girl every night...all coming from his own POV!!

I can handle being ignored, even if I'm not terribly familiar with the experience, thanks to the sheer luck of my genetics. I might have done jack shit to earn my looks and presence, but I have no qualms about thoroughly, frequently enjoying the physical pleasures that transpire from possessing what draws so many women.

Just...EWW 🤢🤢🤢 So, of course because we have a manwhore MMC, we must needs a virgin FMC, right?? Speaking of...

I absolutely love and appreciate what Chloe tries to do with her representation of neurodiversities, sexualities, and those with disabilities, however, sometimes it comes across as a very surface-level approach to inclusiveness...more so 'inclusive for the sake of being inclusive' rather than being a dynamic representation that resonates with readers. Kat's demisexuality seemed like such an afterthought, thrown in to provide an alternate to the oft-virgin/manwhore relationship trope. There was no nuance to it, which I found unfortunate. That aside, their relationship was a lovely slow-burn and Kat's inexperience was handled lovingly with lots of consent and patience.

Happily & surprisingly, there is no 3rd act breakup (I was worried after the horribly-ended book 1). Overall, a solid, cozy, fall read that could use some polishing.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.