Two Wrongs Make a Right marks Chloe Liese’s entry into traditional publishing with a delightfully fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This contemporary romance skillfully weaves together themes of neurodiversity, family dynamics, and the age-old question of whether two wrongs can indeed make a right.
The Heart of the Story
The novel follows Beatrice (Bea) Wilmot and Jamie Westenberg, two seemingly mismatched individuals thrown together by well-meaning but misguided friends. Bea is an erotic artist who channels her creativity into designing subtly sensual stationery, while Jamie is a meticulous pediatrician whose life runs like a finely-tuned clock. Their initial meet-cute (or rather, meet-disaster) sets the tone for their relationship—one marked by spilled drinks, awkward encounters, and a mutual determination to prove how wrong they are for each other.
Authenticity in Representation
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its authentic representation of neurodivergent characters. Bea is autistic, and Jamie struggles with anxiety—both conditions are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. Liese, being neurodivergent herself, brings invaluable insight to these characterizations. The way Bea processes sensory information and Jamie manages his anxiety feels genuine rather than stereotypical or superficial.
Strengths and Notable Elements
Character Development
- Bea and Jamie’s growth from antagonists to lovers feels natural and earned
- Secondary characters, particularly Bea’s sisters Jules and Kate, are well-developed
- The family dynamics add depth to the story without overwhelming the central romance
Writing Style
- Liese’s prose is engaging and accessible
- Dialogue sparkles with wit and humor
- The alternating perspectives between Bea and Jamie provide insight into both characters
Romance Development
- The fake dating trope is executed with fresh energy
- Physical intimacy scenes are both steamy and emotionally resonant
- The progression from hatred to love feels authentic
Areas for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds in its goals, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
- The pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the middle section
- The antagonist’s motivations (Jean-Claude) could have been more fully developed
- Some of the Shakespeare parallels feel slightly forced
- The resolution of the central conflict comes somewhat abruptly
Unique Elements and Innovation
Representation Matters
What sets this romance apart is its commitment to showing that everyone deserves a love story. The author doesn’t shy away from showing how neurodivergence affects daily life and relationships, but she also doesn’t make it the sole focus of the characters’ identities.
Creative Integration
The novel cleverly incorporates elements from the source material while maintaining its own identity. The modern setting allows for fresh takes on classic scenes, such as the overheard conversations becoming text messages and social media posts.
Impact and Significance
Two Wrongs Make a Right contributes meaningfully to the romance genre by:
- Normalizing neurodivergent characters in romance
- Demonstrating how communication and understanding can bridge apparent differences
- Showing that love stories can be both classic and contemporary
Writing Style Analysis
Liese’s writing strikes a delicate balance between emotional depth and lighthearted humor. Her prose is accessible without being simplistic, and she has a particular talent for writing dialogue that feels both natural and engaging. The alternating perspectives allow readers to understand both protagonists’ internal struggles and growth.
Comparison to Similar Works
While this novel shares DNA with other Shakespeare retellings like Emily Henry’s Beach Read and contemporary romances featuring neurodivergent characters like Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient, it carves out its own unique space in the genre.
Final Verdict
Two Wrongs Make a Right is a strong entry in the contemporary romance genre that successfully modernizes a classic while adding its own unique perspective. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel’s strengths—particularly its authentic representation and engaging romance—make it a worthwhile read.
Who Should Read This Book?
This book is perfect for:
- Fans of Shakespeare retellings
- Readers seeking authentic neurodivergent representation
- Romance lovers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes
- Those who appreciate family dynamics in their romance novels
Content Considerations
The novel contains:
- Explicit sexual content
- Discussion of past emotional manipulation
- References to anxiety and sensory processing challenges
- Some strong language
Looking Forward
As the first book in the Wilmot Sisters series, Two Wrongs Make a Right sets up an intriguing world that leaves readers eager to explore more. The preview of Better Hate than Never suggests that Kate’s story will be equally compelling, particularly given the glimpses we get of her dynamic with Christopher.
The Verdict
While not perfect, Two Wrongs Make a Right is a charming, meaningful addition to the contemporary romance genre. It successfully honors its Shakespearean inspiration while creating something fresh and relevant for modern readers. The authentic representation of neurodivergent characters and the genuine chemistry between the leads make this a standout debut in traditional publishing for Chloe Liese.
The novel reminds us that love stories come in all forms, and that sometimes the person who seems most wrong for us might be exactly right. For readers seeking a romance that balances depth with delight, this book delivers a satisfying experience that will leave them eager for more from the Wilmot sisters.
