REVIEW: How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James is the first book in the Would-Be Wallflowers. The series is based on three ladies who plan on being wallflowers during the Season only to end up at the center of attention. This book is Cleopatra and Jacob’s story.

Cleopatra Lewis, the heiress of Lewis Commodes, was about to meet her grandfather, Viscount Falconer, and have her first season. After watching her mother’s lackadaisical attitude towards marriage, Cleo has no interest in marriage. She would rather keep control of her fortune and expand her business, so she plans on dressing like a wallflower. Arriving at the shop that makes costumes for Drury Lane Theater, Quimby’s Emporium, they find the owner, Martha, in distress. Martha’s new investor wants to move the shop and women to America to make costumes for his American theaters. Lately, Cleo’s life has started to become boring so prevailing against the big, rough, uncivilized American man was a challenge she looked forward to. She plans for Quimby to start outfitting wealthy young women and mothers who are attempting to join the peerage

Jacob “Jake” Astor Addison wanted Martha to outfit his theaters in America because her flair for creating costumes was unmatched. He thinks if he moves to Germain’s Hotel where Cleo is staying, he can talk her into selling Quimby’s to him. When he is not successful, he decides to order a hideous wardrobe from Quimby’s and then no one from Society will shop there. After sneaking into her suite, the second time he falls for her charm. Deciding he would rather win her than Quimby’s and needed a reason to see Cleo again, he suggests they order each other’s wardrobe from Quimby’s. He knew it would be a challenge to win Cleo however he was determined to be a gentleman and not let his desire for her overcome him.

I loved how Jake was able to realize and acknowledge his feelings for Cleo so early in the game. He didn’t deny his feelings, he just reorganized his life plans. Cleo was slower to understand and accept her feelings because of her mother’s unfaithfulness in her wedding. She must learn to trust in herself and in Jake. This was a charming story with a slow-burn romance that will brighten your day. The characters are loveable, and the storyline is straightforward. The side characters were entertaining and I hope to see Lady Yasmin and Lord Lilford in future books.
 

Book Info:

Publication: March 29, 2022 | Avon | Would-Be Wallflowers #1

Miss Cleopatra Lewis 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!