How to be a Wallflower reminded me of those old-time screwball movie comedies. The classics. I could easily see Gable and Lombard playing the parts, or in modern day casting, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Sorry, can’t go more recent than those two. (I’m old) I am serious here, this is some funny stuff.
Miss Cleopatra Lewis is the granddaughter of Viscount Falconer. She has also inherited a thriving business, Lewis Commodes, from her father. Cleo has agreed to her grandfather launching her into society, he has even agreed letting Cleo appear as a wallflower. This is the grandfather Cleo has never met before thanks to her mother. Everyone should be so lucky as to have so loving a grandfather.
Cleo has an excellent reason for wanting to remain a wallflower. The minute she marries, all of her property becomes the property of her husband, leaving Cleo with no say in how Cleo’s property is run or sold.
Mr. Jacob Astor Addison is a seemingly roughhewn, very wealthy American entrepreneur and early theater impresario who encounters Cleo after she has “stolen” Quimby's Costume Design. Quimby’s is mostly a theatrical costuming business he was planning to buy. Buy and move to America in aid of his burgeoning theater empire. To keep the business in London, Cleo decides to buy and expand the business.
In the amusing and charming How to be a Wallflower (Would-be Wallflowers #1) Jake and Cleo become frenemies, issuing a challenge to one another, each allowing the other to help Mrs. Quimby design a wardrobe with the idea of thwarting the other’s goal.
Jake falls so hard, so quickly that he is willing to be the one to make all of the changes in his life. Cleo, after she fell, had a moment of great hurt resulting from a misunderstanding. Instead of making Jake grovel, she quickly figured out the problem and acted with total maturity and love. I do so enjoy grown up characters.
This is a bit unusual but the worst character in the book is dead. Julia’s mother. She eloped at age 17, cheated on her husband constantly, and never returned to see her mother and father. I’m only touching on her sins. Julia made Cleo promise to contact her grandfather. Cleo's grandmother has already died.
I applaud the Jake’s ethics for adding the name Addison and partially obscuring the Astor because of some of his uncle’s unscrupulous dealings.
A slight complaint, but there is a mistake in the book blurb. Not really one that will go unnoticed.
Thanks to this book, kippers will soon be seen THE romantic food. They will no longer be vilified! No one but Eloisa James could do this.
Eloisa James has written one of my very favorite series, the Desperate Duchesses, I have probably read each book at least five times. I am hoping that one day I can say the same about the Would-Be Wallflowers series.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for review purposes.

Will pink brocade and chintz waistcoats make Jake look ridiculous?

Will a wardobe comprised completely of half-mourning colors really ensure Cleo's a wallflower?

Incomparable French brandy and ill-fitting footman's uniforms, coffee and kippers, and apple tarts and midnight confessions blur the lines that mark their rivalry. He's neither adept, nor comfortable, doling out flowery compliments. But now he's thankful he didn't succumb to his mother's pressure to select a bride and settle down. Now he knows why a seemingly witless girl with a cattle obsession hasn't stirred him to make ringing declarations. Because settling down with anyone but Cleo is now beyond contemplation.

She's vowed she won't marry and put her fortune and heart in another's keeping. She wants her independence. She's afraid of leaving herself vulnerable to hurt. She can't afford a distraction that makes her simmer with want. But the more affection and camaraderie they share, the more she sees him as a fixture in her life.

But kisses and poseys and broad shoulders are chipping away at her defenses. Waltzes and hidden trysts and unswerving loyalty, and canny business sense and the possession in his gaze when it lands on her from across a room are making her doubt her resolve. Jake Addison is shameless when he's pursuing what he wants. But she's not altogether sure that she wishes to be caught.

I loved this ingenious rivals to lovers story about the unexpected attachment between a brash American entrepreneur and the equally self-possessed English businesswoman he decides to claim.

What a lovely book.

How to Be A Wallflower was just what I needed right now. I've been feeling slumpy lately, but this light hearted, romantic historical romance pulled me right out of my slump. Eloisa James is a hit or miss author for me, partially because of her very specific writing style. When I find a hit by her, though, it is a HIT. So, I'm so glad her newest release hit the spot for me.

Cleo is an independent, clever business woman who has no time for men. At the start of the book, she is to debut into society at her mother and grandfather's wishes, but Cleo wants nothing to do with a Season. All Cleo wants is to run her business, Lewis Commodes, in peace without a man dictating her every move. On a simple trip to the costumers' to buy a new wardrobe, she ends up buying a costume shop at the annoyance of Jake Astor Addison. Desperate to claim the costumer as his own for his theaters in America, Jake begins a rivalry with Cleo only to find that the two have more in common than business interests.

My favorite thing about this book is the dry, British humor. Like I said previously, Eloisa James has a specific sort of writing style. I don't know how else to describe it other than dry, British wit. All of the characters were so funny and vivacious in this book, from the protagonists to the side characters. It made this book so fun to read. I love when side characters shine just as much as the protagonists.

I also loved the romance too. I loved how Jake and Cleo slowly went from rivals to friends to lovers. Though Jake was sure that he loved Cleo almost from the beginning, I appreciated how he never tried to rush her feelings. The two work so well together and definitely stand out to me as a couple. I haven't loved an Eloisa James couple since When Beauty Tamed the Beast, so I'm delighted to add this pair to the list.

Everyone should pick this book up if they want a fun, humorous and romantic story for the spring. You should definitely pick this book up if only to experience the amazing Yasmin, who I'm praying will be the heroine in the next book. She was a delight.

I found this novel to be an absolute delight and a wonderful start to a new series by Eloisa James. Eloisa James crafts a story filled with delightful new characters as well as wonderful old ones while weaving together a really lovely love story. James' writing is smart and quippy, the plot is perfectly paced and the characters beautifully developed. I love the way Eloisa is able to things from history and breath new life into them with new characters and I really love the way this novel focus on the hero and heroine getting to know each other and fall in love. If you are in the mood for a charming historical romance with two independent people learning the true meaning of love this is a fantastic option.

Cleo has spent her life following her mother on her escapades as she follows her heart from man to man and theatre company to theatre company, all while running her inheritance from her father-Lewis Commodes. After her mother passed away, Cleo discovered more about her grandfather who is a viscount who would like to launch his granddaughter into society. While acquiring and investing in a costume emporium, Cleo meets Jake who is also trying to acquire the same emporium in order to move the shop across the sea to New York to work in his theatres in America. They both soon decide to enter into a little "bet" in which they will both design the other's wardrobe in order to see who society best responds to the work that the Costume Emporium can give to society.

I found this novel just to be a true delight. The pure focus on this story is really in the building of the relationship and trust between Cleo and Jake and I reviled in that. The secondary plot and characters were well crafted and really acted as a backdrop of support for the hero and heroine as they traverse their feelings for each other. I found the hero, Jake, to be so swoon worthy. Jake quickly realizes and see the inner beauty and strength that Cleo has and he knows that she is the woman for him. From almost the start he knows that he is going to work to make her fall in love with him and I love the small and subtle ways he goes about this while being his bold and brash self. Jake does things his way and that is what makes his some a great character. Cleo is also wonderful, she has a great mind for business, she is smart and savvy and watching how Cleo and Jake trust each other and seek each others opinions is really heart warming. The chemistry between these two sizzles in undercurrents throughout all their interactions. James does a really lovely job of keeping everything consensual between Cleo and Jake and they are always both on the same page and very aware of the others needs. Their relationship is just so beautifully paced and developed and was the true heart of this story.

I can not recommend this book enough, James does a wonderful job of crafting this sweet and soft developing romance between two people who really trust and see each other, while also providing them with secondary characters that are unique and fully realized to support them. If you are new to Eloisa James or a lover of her work this is a great novel to add to your TBR.

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James is a very charming romance between the granddaughter of a Viscount and an Heiress to a toilet fortune. The undeniable chemistry and excellent banter make this story fun and compelling. The author's writing is well-written and swoonily romantic. Overall this was a delight to read, sweat, fun, and very charming.

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James is book one in the Would – Be Wallflowers series. This story has a uniquely creative premise that I’ve not read before. Jacob Astor Addison, an American financier has a company bought out from under him at the last minute. His rival Cleopatra Lewis is a successful businesswoman and the granddaughter of a Viscount. Jacob falls for Cleo rather quickly and goes about wooing her in his American way. Cleo has a habit of having running conversations with her deceased mother in her mind, which got old for me. There are great supporting characters and witty banter, but I found parts of the story repetitive. As I’m not a fan of fish, I suspect Jacob’s love of kippers may have been part of the issue for me.

I received an ARC copy from Net Galley and Avon and this is my honest review.

HOW TO BE A WALLFLOWER by Eloisa James is the First book in the Would-Be Wallflowers Series. This is the story of Jacob Astor Addison 'Jake' and Cleopatra Lewis 'Cleo'. Jake has come to London to visit friends but to more importantly to convince Martha Quimby of Quimby’s Emporium to move her business to the USA. Jake's father had wanted to be a actor but due to his standing he couldn't do so but that didn't stop him from investing in theaters. Cleo's father left her the family business when she was just a young women and she has been running the Lewis Commodes company since. Cleo's mother was flighty and couldn't seem to commit to love which has set Cleo on the path to not trust personal relationships. But she does go forward to meet her Grandfather which in turn has him wanted to give her a season. Cleo thinks to build a wardrobe of Wallflower dress and goes to the Quimby’s Emporium where she finds everyone upset that they may have to relocate the USA. So she buys the company wanting to keep England business here. Jake of course finds out and they have a confrontation which then leads to so much more. Enjoyed.

How to be a Wallflower
Fans of Eloisa James will be thrilled with this start to her new Wallflower series. Right away, we meet Cleopatra Lewis, the would-be wallflower and heroine of the book as she purchases Quimbly’s Fashion Emporium, a costume-making business, moments before an American investor can complete his business deal. Cleopatra – and the reader-- meet the angry investor, Mr. Jacob Astor Addison, as she stands her ground against his bluster. Although the chemistry between the pair isn’t immediate, it quickly evolves, and Jacob Addison is head-over-heels for Cleo, and trying to win her.

Cleo, a commode heiress and businesswoman, has traveled to London – complete with her entire household staff - to fulfill her mother's dying wish to have her daughter debut in English society. Cleo has strong feelings of loyalty towards her mother which conflict with the personal issues and discomforts created by her mother's vagabond lifestyle and affairs with men.

Cleo develops a relationship with her grandfather, Viscount Falconer, who has been grieving the loss of his daughter, but who becomes reenergized by their relationship. Relationships matter in this story and the reader is reminded of them as you see Cleo’s relationships with her grandfather, her staff, even her grandfather‘s friend, Bynge.

This is one of the special parts of James’ books, where all the characters become real to the reader, not just the main characters. The reader even gets a chance to meet Merry again, the American Duchess from an earlier book, who is a friend of Addison. Merry is just as the reader imagined her from the earlier book, playing with toy swords with her children and babying her old dog, George.

Fans of Eloisa James and new readers alike will enjoy this story with its engaging characters, amusing story twists and clever characters. Five starts for How to be a Wallflower!

Cleopatra Lewis wants to be a wallflower. The result of of her late mother's scandalous marriage, Cleo has only recently met her aristocratic relative, and the grandfather who intends to throw her into the social season for a respectable match. Valuing her independence (and her status as an heiress) Cleo ends up at a costume emporium in order to buy purposefully unflattering dresses.

Therefore she meets (and frustrates) American Jacob Astor Addison, who is infuriated when Cleo buys the emporium out from under him. Engaging with Cleo in a light battle of wits, Jake quickly becomes her genuine friend--before realizing that she may actually have a claim to his heart. But Cleo belongs to English society, and Jake can't possibly measure up. How will they make it work?

So here's the thing about me and Eloisa James. I'm beginning to realize that while I greatly admire her prose and her ability to know and nail her audience... I may not be a part of that audience. I don't know. I feel like I haven't read enough to know for sure--but James's books are so light and frothy and wonderful in that sense... And I live for angst and turmoil and dirty "so wrong it's right"/"hurts so good" books.

There is really nothing wrong with How To Be A Wallflower. It's cute. The chemistry between Jake and Cleo is palpable (and American heroes in English historicals are definitely having a moment--I'm thinking of Bombshell by Sarah MacLean last year and Crying Wolfe by Kerrigan Byrne dropping next month). But there's something very twee about all of it that I can't quite sink my teeth into. The idea of Jake and Cleo besting each other through costumes, the jokes about her father's family making "commodes".... It's all a bit too... Cutesy? For me, at least.

Don't get me wrong. They do get down to business. Eloisa James won't deny you a sex scene (thank God, in these trying times). But I will give you a heads up: condoms are practically a plot point in this book. French letters, what have you. And I will give James credit for writing about birth control in a historical romance. But I'll be honest: I kind of suspend disbelief with historical romance and pretend that pulling out and various herbal remedies are more effective than they actually would be. Why? Because look up a French letter. Look that shit up right now. This shit needed ties. That shit got crusty. That shit often needed to be soaked in water before you could put it on. I do not want to think about people in a historical romance novel using those condoms (condoms you must keep in a special box) for their vigorous and active sex.

I will not lie, reader. It did somewhat kill my boner.

So with that being said, if you're looking for a cute romantic comedy that involves low stakes and some discussion of things like condoms and toilets, you'll love this. For me, it wasn't quite on the mark.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I am speechless. Absolutely LOVE the start to the new series. Eloisa has absolutely upped her game and so fabulous to meet Merry from My American Duchess again.. actually I just want to gush and keep gushing, about Eloisa, her writing which just keeps getting amazing with each book and series. Her authentic portrayal of characters and stories in begone years is just so on point.

. This series introduces us to American Royalty of the early 19th century, The Cabots, wealthy British industrialists and of course the Ton/peerage. It’s a potent combo. The introduction to the story, of that of orphaned 22 year old MS Cleopatra Lewis daughter of a self made business and runaway daughter of a Viscount, and her maid Gussie sets the tone for a fun and classy story. The flirty mother is no more, Ms Cleo is on her own, overseeing a large business empire, which her father entrusted to her at te age of 14; and he has no need to marry and plans to be a Wallflower. However she is set on reconciling with her grandfather Viscount Falconer. There is a fun friendship of two old friends, the viscount and his rather fancy dressing friend Elias Stafford or simply Byng to his friends. So many beautiful nuggets in the story, true EJ touches.

Ms Lewis and Mr Jacob Astor Addison rub each other on the wrong side over a business deal The Quimby’s fashion emporium owned by Martha Quimby and thus the narrative takes off.
There is the relationship rebuild between grand daughter and grandfather. There is also the almost hostile relationship that Jake Astor and his family whom he finds absolutely abhorrent based on their business ruthlessness, that he drops the Astor surname. He is good guy who is out to build his own empire. As Merry, the Duchess of Trent’s friend he lands in London to find some fashion designers for his Expanding Theater company.

Without giving out more, this series is again gonna be a huge hit IMO. I loved the characters as Ms EJ creates so much brilliant in each one of them.
Just grab and read or enjoy the audio. I am a huge fan of Ms Susan Duedran’s narration and will surely listen once it is released in audible. It’s my favorite listening on my drive back from work in rush hour Boston.

Eloisa James does it again! I absolutely loved this amazing historical romance. How to Be a Wallflower is the first title in her new series, "Would-Be Wallflowers."

Biggest love: Jake! I loved his American persona clashing with British polite society.

Bonus: Avid James readers will recognize familiar characters from My American Duchess appear in the novel.

Goodness – what can I say except – I LOVE it! This was an excellent introduction to the series and I cannot wait for future books. I absolutely adored Jacob Astor Addison from the first moment he graced the page and that love just grew and grew as the pages fled by. Then, there is Cleopatra (Cleo) Lewis, whom I also loved – she was so very likable and strong and self-reliant and – well – she ran her own company. We had two outstanding lead characters surrounded by excellent supporting characters – not a clinker in the bunch. The story is a wonderful romance with wit, humor, and a heroine who has real issues with relationships. Once you read the book, you’ll understand why.

Jake has come to London in search of costumers, actors, actresses, etc. to relocate to America and work for his several theaters across the country. He doesn’t even particularly like the theater, but his father’s unfulfilled dream was to be an actor on the stage, and since his position wouldn’t allow that – he bought the theaters instead. Jake just hasn’t had the heart to divest himself of them, so he has a new business plan for them. While he’s in London, he’s also visiting with his good friend and fellow American, Merry, Duchess of Trent. Jake thinks he’s found the perfect costumer, Martha Quimby of Quimby’s Emporium, and her solicitor has her agreement to move her and her business to the US. Or … does he REALLY have her agreement? Imagine his shock when he arrives at the emporium to get the final papers signed and discovers that somebody else has just bought the interest right out from under him. Why – the unmitigated gall of that woman.

Cleo is the sole proprietor of Lewis Commodes company. The company was started by her father who had several inventions – one of which was the valve that allowed commodes to work. Cleo learned the business at her father’s knee – and inherited it when he passed away when she was only fourteen. She has actively run the business since then. Her father deliberately left the business to Cleo rather than her mother because her mother was flighty, undisciplined, and well – more of a free spirit than anyone you’ve read lately. As you read through the story, you’ll realize what a huge impact her mother’s lifestyle had on Cleo. It isn’t that Cleo doesn’t exactly trust men – it is that she doesn’t trust any relationship with men. Her mother’s lifestyle has always haunted Cleo because her mother wasn’t only blatant in her lifestyle, she left Cleo to clean up her messes. Cleo is terrified she’s like her mother, so she just doesn’t do relationships at all.

Cleo is in London to visit her grandfather whom she’s never met. Her mother eloped and never returned to her family or visited with them. Not because her family wouldn’t have loved and accepted her – just because her mother doesn’t seem to have had any capacity for love. So, upon her mother’s death Cleo went to meet him – and even have a bit of a season – although her version of a season was to be a wallflower. When she accompanied her ‘dresser’ to Quimby’s Emporium to commission a suitable ‘wallflower’ wardrobe, they found everyone in Quimby’s in near hysterics because they thought they were going to have to relocate to the US. Cleo decided to thwart the brash American who thought he could just come in a do as he liked with a good English company. She’d just show him!

The give and take – and one-upmanship – between Cleo and Jake is priceless. The wit and humor are outstanding and the HEA – including a wonderful epilogue – is absolutely perfect. I did, however, think Cleo hung on to her ‘relationship-itis’ a tad too long and there was a bit of needless drama introduced near the end.

I hope you will read and enjoy this book as much as I did. I can highly recommend the read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Despite the name, there’s really not much being a wallflower in Eloisa James’ new novel. Her heroine Cleo is fiercely independent, runs her own business, and thinks acting the wallflower will keep marriage-minded gentlemen at bay. But then she crosses paths with American investor Jake Addison, and her plan never gets put into motion as they begin trying to best each other for the rights to a costume emporium. But Cleo is too bright and interesting to be a wallflower, so I can’t say I was bothered that the book didn’t live up to its title.

Separately, Cleo and Jake are both intelligent, successful, thoughtful people who want to succeed in business without any underhanded tactics. When they first come together, the challenge is simple – he wants to prove the business should focus on costumes, she wants to expand it to wardrobing the peerage, but they each get to pick out the clothing the other uses to try and make their point. A double makeover, one of them utterly ridiculous? Sign me up.

It’s obvious from the start though that their relationship won’t stay strictly business for long, in spite of Cleo’s protests that she never wants to marry and Jake’s insistence that he would prefer a shy, retiring wife. The conversations and banter that James has created for these two made their growing affection feel real and natural. This book was more about how their relationship evolves, about the chemistry between them, than any outside force trying to tear them apart. And I really appreciated that. Both types of books can be fun, but sometimes it’s nice to simply get lost in a swoony, romantic world without any extreme drama.

This was my first Eloisa James novel, but I totally get why she’s one of the most popular historical romance writers out there. This was a fun read, and I can’t wait for the sequel.

@wannabe_bookstagrammer review

Thank you @eloisajames @harpercollins @avonbooks @netgalley for the eARC and paperback proof copies of this delightful book so I could read and review before pub day!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5 scale)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5 scale)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Refreshing (like pineapple): be delightfully charmed without being emotionally drained.
🤩 Third person dual POV with charming and adorable MCs & lovely side characters.
🤩 Detailed physical descriptions add to the feelings of desire before anything physical even happens—being able to visualize what Cleo and Jake are seeing and lusting about each otger.
🤩 Descriptive language also helps with visualizing all the gorgeous clothing so paramount to the plot.
🤩 Unique and interesting plot with tropes of unexpected romance, forbidden romance, close proximity, and so much cute and funny pining.
🤩 Steamy and sensual in such an amazingly real way.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 That lurking opal—I was nervously anticipating more drama to come from it. Okay, so actually nothing!

This novel follows Cleopatra Lewis, a young woman about to be introduced into society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she doesn't plan to get married (and is completely against the idea for business reasons specifically), she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses that will dissuade potential suitors.

Jacob Astor Addison is also in London (though he's American in just about every way) acquiring companies to add to his theatrical holdings back home in America. He is furious when he sees Cleo, someone he at first assumes is a drab English lady, stealing his costume emporium right from under his nose.

Jake tries to get the company back by bargaining with the owner as well as Cleo, to no avail. He then decides to get closer to her (though he is scrupulously honest about his plans) and strikes a bargain: he will design her wardrobe, fit for a wallflower, and Celo will design his. Along the way, the two become companions, and just a few scenes later Jake realizes he wants her more than he wants the company.

My favorite part of this novel was that it was unlike the historical British romance in every way. The characters were different and quirky, especially compared to the typical regency romance, but James clearly shows how they fit into society (not always well), making it very realistic. Cleo is especially lovely - she is certainly one of my favorite regency heroines I've read in quite a while!

There were a few issues towards the end for me personally. Firstly, Jake falls in love far too fast for a businessman. One moment, he's focused on doing whatever it takes to make his theaters successful, and the next moment he is ready to sell off his theaters (apparently he never liked them anyway?) and move to London to win Cleo. Secondly, the plot itself had some holes. Why do they decide to design each other's wardrobes if they're truly intent on winning? Why does Cleo basically give up on being a wallflower? Why does Cleo go from being a self-sufficient businesswoman to a shy, insecure girl overnight? I really loved the beginning (the voices of the characters are just truly amazing) but wished the characters had stayed true to form throughout the novel and that the plot had been less confusing.

Cleo's trauma with her mother was so well-done. I especially loved her strong feelings of loyalty towards her mother warring with the personal issues created by her mother's lifestyle. Truly a marvelous bit of writing.

Overall, I would reread this just for Cleo's character alone. Her voice is so unique yet I found myself in her thoughts over and over. I especially liked her strong take on her grandfather and his friend!

I voluntarily read and review an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

BOOK BLOG: https://fromthereadingroom.com/review-how-to-be-a-wallflower-by-eloisa-james/

I've always adored Ms Jame's books. She writes so beautifully with lots of spunky women and the most handsome men. This is the most exciting read and the start of a series. Who would want to be a wallflower just to meet their true love? There is lots of sneaky stuff with two people who take an inch, but get so much more. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own.
Cleopatra Lewis is being launched by her grandfather who wants her to be in society and make a match. But Cleo doesn't want to be turned into some brainless ton chit and get married. Then she decides to buy a clothing emporium where she can costume to be anyone she wants to be.
There is one man who wanted that business, and now he's upset because some woman beat him to the punch.
Jacob Astor Addison is in London to add to his theatrical holdings in America and when he meets Clo he thinks her masquerading as an English lady. Then they make a deal to design wardrobes for each other and it gets funny from then on.
But Jacob who turns Cleo into into a darling wallflower finds love in the most unexpected times. He wants Cleo and all her passion for himself. Is there a happy ending, read and find out for yourself.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave am honest review.

Great news! This one publishes tomorrow.

How to Be a Wallflower//Eloisa James
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Hey fellow paper and book lovers! Today I’m sharing my most recent read. It was a little slow to start, and it took a bit to pull me completely in. However, I most certainly appreciated the story background and character development.

How to Be a Wallflower follows Miss Cleopatra Lewis who is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He’s furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby’s Costume Emporium from under his nose.
Jake strikes a devil’s bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe” and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can’t resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn’t until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she’s stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn’t belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves—if she’ll have him!

I gave this one an under 4 rating due to the slow start. So…

Read this book if:
✔️you love historical romances
✔️you want that happily ever after
✔️you love tropes in romance

#from-publisher #netgalley #bookstagrammademedoit #recommededread #booksofinstagram #bookobsessed #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #bookish #booklover #bookstagrammer #iread #booklover #booksofig #booknerd #readersofinstagram #harpercollins

An entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance, "How To Be a Wallflower" features Cleo, an heiress who promised her grandfather she would submit to a Season- but plans to spend it as a wallflower. A brief engagement to a fortune hunter taught her not to trust men and she has no plans on changing that. When she meets Jake it is a case of two strong wills clashing and they instantly can't stand each other. A competition turns into something more, but Jake is the one who knows where he wants it to end- at the alter! Going from wanting to marry a boring woman who will blend into the background Cleo has shown him he needs something different- a strong woman who will challenge him and stand up to him.

Full of humor and (purposely) outrageous costumes, romance lovers will definitely enjoy Eloisa James' newest book. Everyone currently enjoying "Bridgerton' Season 2 but thinking they don't like romance should also take the plunge and give it a try- I think you'll like it!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

How to be a Wallflower is a very hilarious, charming, and engaging story of Cleopatra Lewis (of the famed Lewis commodes) and Jake Addison (who may or may not be of the famed Astors); who discover that love is the greatest wager of all.
First of the bat can I say how much I enjoyed Cleo’s character? She was such a fun person who had lots of agency whilst knowing how to have fun. I loved that her priority never wavered from her “unfashionable” business, her friendship with Gussie, the fact that she was a shrewd businesswoman in other ways, and most importantly that she didn’t lie to herself.
Jake was no slouch either. Truly the two of the made me laugh out loud in many places. I adored the wager and all its ramifications. I also enjoyed that he was the first person to fall and instantly rearranged his life. That gets me every single time.
The two had such amazing chemistry and I will genuinely miss them. I so enjoyed even the final miscommunication act. It was truly well done on Cleo’s part. The side characters are also great. The grandfather and Byng, Yasmin, Merry, even the Earl of Lilford (sure we see more him soon 😊).
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the ARC! Can’t wait for the next books in the series.

I always love reading books by Eloisa James, and she did not disappoint with this story. With historical romance it is sometimes easy to read very similar books over and over, but this one was a breath of fresh air. Even though I have read other books where the heroine is a businesswoman, and a strong business woman too, I haven't yet come across one where she deigns to go to balls with the purpose of becoming a wallflower. Though there were some times when the hero making his way to the heroines private rooms was a bit uncomfortable, I enjoyed the novel overall. Definitely give it a go if you like strong heroines who keep their power in business while making another powerful businessperson fall for them, but be careful if you're sensitive to slight stalker-ish vibes.