Jacob Astor Addison is in England mainly for business. He wishes to obtain some new people and assets for his growing theatre operation in the states, and London seems to be the prime spot to find such assets given its rich theatrical history. His next venture lies in costuming, specifically obtaining Quimby’s Costume Emporium and its extremely talented proprietor, Martha Quimby. However, his efforts are soundly thwarted when Quimby decides that she would rather sell to another than to move her entire operation and its dedicated employees all the way across the Atlantic.

When Cleopatra Lewis--whose fanciful name does not match the shrewd business woman who goes by it—realizes that the proprietor of the very establishment in which she stands is at a dire crossroads between closing shop and moving it far from its intended home, she feels she must do something to save it. She purchases the business right out from under the American for more than his original offer. After all, she needs Quimby’s costuming to help her escape the marriage mart so she can continue to run Lewis Commodes as she has since her father died and left it to her when she was 19. Who better to help her dress as a wallflower than the prominent costumier?

When Jacob, or Jake to his friends, finds out that Ms. Lewis has upturned his deal with Ms. Quimby, he is both furious and intrigued by the lady who stands in the middle of the shop. Her sharp gaze and lovely façade is hardly what he would expect to find in a business rival. As they enter a tango of wills, they find that their mutual interest in the Emporium is not the only thing that they have in common. As rivalry gives way to revelry and hearts begin to get involved, will this business deal lead to something far more lasting?

One aspect I found entirely different from many other historical romance works set in England was the hero. It was very refreshing to have a less than polished American being the love interest and I felt a lot more connection to Cleopatra Lewis having come from a business background. The H reminded me of my own H and I really saw myself in this story, which made it all the more intriguing and real. I loved how she had her own mind and they both had their own traumas that shaped their shared principles and moral code. It was new and refreshing.

And the Carriage Scenes? Delightful!

Eloisa James is a very popular name on the HR scene and for very good reason. Her settings are lush, her descriptions are excellent without being overly flowery, and her characters are well thought out and even the smallest ones add to the story. This was another excellent example of her work and you’d be remiss not to pick this one up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon + Harper for the advanced copy in exchange for this fair and honest review.

This book was a DNF for me. I made it to Chapter 15 before I just... couldn't keep forcing myself to pick it back up. Eloisa James is a staple of the genre and I fully understand her appeal, longevity, and success, but this book wasn't it for me. It's literally the Tyra Banks I'd give it a zero, but since I can't... meme.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**


One of the tropes that I don't really enjoy is when someone has a fiance and goes courting someone else. It's always worse when there's a tacit agreement that there's an engagement, rather than the nebulous "our parents have agreed' sort of agreement where the sides involved. Jake makes a point in getting putting out the information that he's all but engaged and has purchased a ring for the cousin of a friend who lives back in the states. She's characterized almost ridiculously, I assume so that we don't care about Jake jilting her, as a 19-year-old who is fixated on cows, but will be the soft spoken and biddable. He then decides that he wants to marry Cleo on very little more than he thwarts him and he likes the challenge.
Cleo is a very 'not like other girls' character in a very annoying way. It's a combination of her feeling like she's so beautiful that she needs to be an invisible wallflower, but wanting Jake to acknowledge that she's attractive, her constant mention that she's had an unconventional upbringing, but her mother made sure that she was well trained, though not by governesses. I'm sure that the consistent whispering of her dead mother in her ear had some bearing other than giving her someone to 'talk to' about her lust for Jake since she doesn't have female friends, but I didn't make it that far if I did.
Again, I just couldn't bear to keep picking it up.

This book is a great introduction into a new series!
When Cleo and Jake meet they are immediately on the outs. Jake wanted to buy Quimbys Costume Emporium and take the whole business over to America, and Cleo has just bought it out from under him.. Their first meeting was great as Jake is trying to tell Cleo how hard running a business will be, and that she will end up running it into the ground. Little does Jake know that Cleo is an hieress and had taken over her fathers business at the age of 14 when he passed away.
I loved Cleo, she is a strong woman who has no problem being exactly who she is, and knows exactly what she wants. Which is to visit her grandfather and get to know him, and have a whole new wardrobe made that will make her look like a wallflower. So unapealing that no man will want to marry her.
Both Cleo and Jake love the verbal and mental sparring that comes when ever they end up in the same room, which leads to some strong feeling of annoyance, intrigue, and lust. They begin spending alot of time together, which leads to their feelings building into something stronger, and eventually to love.
There were a couple of instances that could have gone towards a miscomunication trope, but thankfully both Cleo and Jake talk to each other after and things don't escalate.

This is a super cute adversaries to friends to lovers story. I really like them as a couple and how Jake acted towards Cleo before he decided he wanted more even when he was trying to get the shop he was always truthful and upfront about his plans. They are a great couple who have some really great chemistry. I also loved the epilogue, I love getting a glimpse into the future of our couple.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series, which I hope will be Yasmines!

This book was an utter delight. UGH. Frothy and fashionable and fabulous. Loved it from start to finish.

Wonderful fun! I love the “flair” that the story is built on. It was a different read. Not the ordinary story- which I liked.

Cleopatra Lewis is a wealthy, independent heiress headed to London to grudgingly make her debut, based on the recommendation of her grandfather. Once there, she decides to blend in and be a "wallflower" as much as possible so as not to attract the attention of any gentleman. However, fate has other plans in mind. She meets Jacob Aster, a wealthy man intent on purchasing a costume shop for his plans in America. Cleopatra will do anything she can to keep her favorite dresser in London, and thus begins a battle of the wills and wealth as to who will succeed.

While this book had a fun and different premise, I was a little bit let down. The positives was that there was a lot of banter back and forth between the 2 main characters. I love when authors don't make the main heroine a timid and quiet distressed mouse, but rather an independent and strong character, and Ms. James definitely did that in this story. I really enjoyed the very different storyline, and it was completely original to the millions and millions of other Romance novels I've read. However, that was about it for me. I got about halfway through the story and I had to check to make sure this wasn't a novella, because it seemed SO rushed once it hit the halfway mark. I felt like there was a lot of buildup, and then poof! The storyline changed and all the buildup was gone and a new storyline had taken over. There wasn't a "damsel in distress" story, which, if we're being honest, is what most readers want and expect in books like this. And there wasn't a whole lot of romance between the main characters. This unfortunately would be one you could skip over for a more steamy and exciting story!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.

I’m a bit of purist when it comes to regencies (or any historicals set in England for that matter). For some reason I find American main characters really off-putting in this context!
But then I read HOW TO BE A WALLFLOWER by @eloisajamesbooks and had to rethink everything. The hero is Oh So American. He has all the American hallmarks:
The Jaw (lantern)
The Boots (scuffed)
The Name (Jake)
And he is a complete and utter DELIGHT.
This just proves, once again, that Eloisa is the queen, and rules (especially dumb, unimaginative ones like mine) were meant to be broken.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of the novel.

This was a fun read, the characters were well developed and the plot was very enjoyable. I would recommend this to anyone looking to get into Regency Fiction.

In a new series revolving around so-called but so far non-traditional "wallflowers", Eloisa James introduces us to heiress and businesswoman Cleopatra Lewis. Though her fortune comes from the *ahem* commode industry, Cleo's mother was the daughter of a viscount ... before she eloped with a commoner and then proceeded to cuckold him with every leading actor she came across. Though Cleo loved her mother, she still deals regularly with the fallout from her bringing up--and, thus, has decided that she will be a wallflower and then a spinster.

When Cleo runs into a hulking American businessman blustering at a seamstress shop, she takes the opportunity to buy the shop out from under him. Jacob Astor (yes, those Astors) Addison accepts the challenge.

He realizes too late that the true challenge is Miss Cleopatra Lewis herself.

So, the premise of this story is fun--Cleo is a fairly liberated lady courtesy of her unusual background, and she and Jake have the usual run of wittiness that readers have come to relish in a James novel. Unfortunately, though they are amusing, the romance between the two never seems to come to fruition, as the plotline and the character development seem to fade away as the novel goes on.

Fans will regale in the peripheral characters, and will likely remember the Duchess of Trent from her pineapple-scandal days in My American Duchess.

How to Be a Wallflower is not the grandest in Eloisa James's repertoire, but it is a sturdy start, and the cast of characters promises to carry the series even if some of the primaries can't hold their weight.

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James comes out March 29th.

Cleo is a wealthy heiress preparing for her London debut with the help of her elderly grandfather, a Viscount. Cleo grew up with a mother who ran away to follow traveling theater groups. As a result, Cleo has decided she doesn’t want to marry and starts making plans to be a wallflower. She goes to a costume shop to purchase her wardrobe and ends up purchasing the shop, getting in the way of Jake’s plans to purchase it and move it to America for his theaters. Jake is an American businessman who grew up with Merry from My American Duchess.

I especially liked the banter and humor between Cleo and Jake as they get to know each other. They make a wager involving designing outfits for each other, never guessing they would become the darlings of society.
I have read and enjoyed many of Eloisa James’ books and this one is fun as Cleo and Jake get to know each other. The second half of the story felt a little repetitive. This book is the first in the new Would-Be Wallflower Series. I hope the next book is the Earl of Lilford’s story.

In How to Be a Wallflower there is mention of pineapples with Merry and Trent so now I want to follow up by reading an American Duchess. Thank you Eloisa James, NetGalley, and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.

I must admit that I was a bit nervous about reading this book. I used to love Eloisa James, but some of her more recent books annoyed me to the point where I was no longer a fan. To be more specific, the heroines in "The Ugly Duchess" and "Once Upon a Tower" bothered me to no end. Perhaps I'm being a bit unfair about the character Edie in OUAT because I used to play the cello as a child. Needless to say, I was not very good!
Luckily, thanks to a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, I've had the chance to give Eloisa James another try.
First, I'd like to compliment the gorgeous purple cover design. It is appropriate for the character of Cleo since she is in half-mourning for her mother for much of the book.
Cleo is an English businesswoman and Jake is a wealthy American. They have a very interesting enemies-to-lovers relationship. The character of Merry, the Duchess of Trent (My American Duchess) returns in a supporting role as Jacob's childhood friend. There is also a Frenchwoman named Yasmin who provides loads of comic relief during what would otherwise be a very dramatic scene. I'm looking forward to reading her story in the future.
Cleo and Jake are mature people and they have a fairly modern relationship. They need to make things work in order to be together. The story was not super-steamy but there was lots of sizzle. There is also lots of witty banter. I definitely recommend this book and I'm very happy to have rediscovered Eloisa James!

I'm usually not a fan of insta-love, but this book did it so very well. I loved Cleo's strong resilience of not being a simple wife and aiming to keep her freedom. Her strong will put Mr. Jacob Astor Addison in place, but never scared him off. He adapted to her every need, and was willing to drop everything just to make her happy. The one-sided romance in the beginning had me hooked, I love a boy who's hopelessly in love with our mc. Literally nothing could turn his head, and I mean nothing. Although I loved the up beat tone and lovable romance in this book, I felt that information was randomly spewed into the story at some points. For instance, the ending of the book dragged on for me. I felt there was unnecessary conflict between Jake and his mother. The relationship between the two wasn't built up enough for me to care about their fight. However, I was happy that Cleo and Jake got their happy ever after, I was always rooting for them in the end. I definitely recommend picking this up if your looking for a light-hearted romance, one that will have you swooning.

4.5 Stars

Netgalley ARC Review

This is a story about Miss Cleopatra Lewis and Mr Jacob Astor.
Cleopatra is a wealthy woman who manages her business of commodes, and is perfectly content to not marry. She has been burnt before and has no interest in letting a man take over her business. So, when her grandfather suggests that she be launched into society, she decides to appear as a wallflower.

She meets our hero, Jacob when she goes to the tailor's shop to get herself a wallflower wardrobe.

These two start our GREAT with TONS of banter and challenges. Both of them want the famous tailor for themselves (business-related). So they decide to dress each other.

He will design a wallflower wardrobe for her.
She will dress him up as ridiculous as she wants in the latest fashion to prove a point.

What starts as a challenge starts to turn into admiration between the two. I had the best time seeing them try to beat each other in their challenges.

Jacob is my ABSOLUTE favorite. The way he challenged Cleo in not only just changing up her wardrobe but her entire way of life. He got her to try new things, find joy in things, and she shone so brightly in his eyes that he just couldn't see her as a wallflower.

This book had Eloisa James' classic banter, humor, and steam. It hit all the best stops I need in a romance and more.

And I already see so many new stories and other couples coming up in future books!

I only wish I saw more of our hero and heroine outside of the hotel room and balls.

How to be a Wallflower by Eloise James was a perfect diversion during a snow storm. Irresistible characters and wooing that kept me enthralled till the end.

Cleo was an interesting lady. She had inherited her father’s commode business and tripled it in three years. She definitely had issues from her unconventional mother that she had to work through. She meets Jake as he is trying to buy a costume business. The sparks start flying immediately.

Jake was so wonderful. I loved how he pursued and wooed her. And how she loved his American look and mannerisms.

I also enjoyed how the author created a true friendship between Jake and Merry. There were so many special scenes that created a truly enjoyable romantic escape.

‘Love you more than kippers.’

Sexual content - 3 a few sexual scenes and some behind closed doors that are referenced. And mention of her mother’s cavalier attitude toward sex
Violence - one scene. Nothing disturbing
Drinking/drugs - opium trade is mentioned, Jake did not support it. Drinking - no one gets drunk.

How to Be a Wallflower is a fun and unique historical romance and the first in a series that follows women who are determined to be wallflowers. The story follows Cleopatra Lewis, who is about to be announced into society by her grandfather, and Jake Astor Addison, an American who makes Cleo an offer she can’t refuse.

I loved Cleo and Jake and thought they had amazing chemistry! Jake’s an American, and Cloe’s a businesswoman, so both are on the fringes of polite society. Accepted because of their affluence and influence but not wholly embraced, they both see through the vapid machinations of many of their peers. Cleo and Jake have electrifying chemistry, and their banter throughout the story is fabulous. They are comfortable with each other very fast, considering they are both competing for the same woman’s business, and I love the way they tease and have fun with each other. They have an instant spark that only grows bigger and stronger as the story progresses.

Jake faces his feelings well before Cleo and spends much of the story trying to convince her to take a chance on their love, which I totally loved. Cloe doesn’t need or want a man, and she is quite successful without one. She has nothing to prove to anyone, and Jake loves her for it. Cleo struggles to open herself up to love after seeing her mother’s tumultuous and ever-changing love affairs.

I like how Jake slowly woos Cleo and shows her how strongly he feels for her, and it’s interesting to see if they let fear, miscommunication, and competitiveness stand in their way. And the depth of Jake’s love is super swoon-worthy! He is so enraptured by Cleo and admires so much about her, and he’s not afraid to show it. He especially proves this when they make an outlandish bet that leads to some super funny moments and some beautifully romantic scenes.

The secondary characters in the story are also fantastic. I love Lulu, the woman who sells Jake flowers. She is sharp and smart, and her sense of humor is great. Cleo’s grandfather and his friend are dynamic and fun, and I love their meddling ways. Even Cleo’s mother, who died a year before the start of the story, is well developed and has a strong voice. These characters add levity, humor, and many heartwarming moments to the story.

I enjoyed Cleo and Jake’s story. It is a wonderful historical romance with great characters and a swoon-worthy love story, and it’s a great start to Eloisa James’s new series! I would definitely recommend the book to lovers of historical romance and am thankful to NetGalley, Avon Books, and the author for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for letting me read an advanced copy of this wonderful book. I really loved Cleo and Jake. They are refreshingly different from our usual historical romance couples and I got such a kick out of their dialogue and friendship. I was worried the storyline was headed in more of a Miscommunication-trope direction and I’m glad that the author headed that off fast. Also, I absolutely adored the ensemble (and I’m looking forward to Yasmin’s book, which I can only guess is next).

This was highly entertaining! I’m a big fan of Eloisa James but this one hit a different cord and I loved it. Don’t get me wrong I love a young debutant just trying to make her way through the Social Season but an heiresses that doesn’t need a husband, doesn’t want to make her debut and has no intention of giving up her companies is just pure gold.
Cleopatra Lewis lives up to her name, she is a queen that knows her worth and will not settle or give in. Jake Addison is an American with money to burn and a desire to acquire as many companies as possible. When he comes across one of Cleo’s business that he wants for his own he quickly realizes that it’s not the company that he wants but her.
This slow burn got hot and heavy closer to the end and added a good dose of drama right at the end just to keep your heart racing.
I don’t know what happened between Lady Yasmin and Lord Lilford but the two of them rescuing Cleo from embarrassment was magic. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series!

I was exhilarated to receive an early copy of "How to Be a Wallflower" by Eloisa James, from the moment I saw her post about this new release I needed to read it.

What a fun and unique premise! The first in a series following three young ladies who are determined to become wallflowers instead of belles of the ball. Eloisa James's writing is so poetic, the descriptions and details within every scene are simply beautiful and effortlessly fluid.

I thoroughly enjoyed Cleo and Jacob's romance, from their first meeting to the end of the book the two sparred, joked, and loved expertly. I adore a hero that falls first. Jacob was sweet but determined which was tantalizing. It took Cleo quite a bit longer to fall due to reservations brought on by her parent's poor example. Cleo's mother enjoyed the male figure and was not faithful to Cleo's dad, this plays a huge role in Cleo's desire to remain unwed worried she would not be someone's forever choice. Jacob patiently waits for Cleo to be ready for a serious commitment while constantly wooing her. There were some slow portions of this book overall I enjoyed this read.

Yes, the romance was a key element to this novel but I appreciated the other plot points throughout the read. The side characters added levity, compassion, and heart to the entire story. I look forward to the other stories in this series, especially Yasmin *wink*

Additionally, I love and appreciate the epilogue giving the readers an extended glimpse into the characters' lives we've become invested in.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager Pub for the earc of this book!

This book was soooo good. Let me start with the fact that I love strong female characters and Cleo is definitely one of them. I like that she was already in charge of her company before she met Jacob. She already knew what she wanted and was doing it

Jacob is another character I will always look for in the future reads. I loved how he changed his last name and stood by his decisions no matter what. I also felt like him coming to the decision to stay in England showed how much he has grown and realized that home is where the heart is. And him buying both of them a little garden was just a perfect touch

This book was a perfect combination of heat and sweetness. The chemistry between Cleo and Jacob was obvious from page one but I LOVED how they took their time to development the relationship besides the physical. I loved that Cleo didn’t suddenly change her mind about marriage and it took Jacob time to convince her. I also felt like they became friends as well in the time they took to get to know each other which is always my favorite trope.

But we also got to laugh from all of the outfits Cleo helped design for Jacob (I definitely need someone to do a fanart of those lol).

This is one of the historical romances you do not want to miss! Can’t wait to see who the next book is about.

Once I got over the lead character “talking“ to her mother in her head, which I found very annoying, I found myself absolutely tickled by this book. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the two leads, and it was really romantic and refreshing how forthright they were with each other and how clearly attracted they were to each other from the beginning. I did love the main character, but this book did not really teach us anything about how to be a wallflower. Our lead was to interesting, vibrant, vivacious, and beautiful to truly be a wallflower. So the title was a bit misleading but all is forgiven for how hot the smutty scenes were. 4 stars.