How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James

From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which a heiress with the goal of being a wallflower engages a rugged American in a scorchingly sensual, witty wager that tests whether clothing does indeed make the man—or the wallflower! A perfect companion story to Eloisa's My American Duchess.

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!

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

How to Be a Wallflower is the first installment in the Would-Be Wallflowers series. Our hero is tied to the My American Duchess standalone.

As a feminist, I've always struggled with my desire to read historical romances. While it was more befitting of the era to be dependent, I always felt it wasn't in everyone's nature, no matter what society dictated. I appreciated the viewpoint of independent women during an era of dependency. Eloisa James always manages to bridge the gap between historical believability while resonating with today's modern woman.

A business woman, our independent Miss Cleo truly shined, walking a fine line by fulfilling her family's wish to enter society, while doing so in a way to make sure she wasn't the belle of the ball.

Our American Hero, Jake is in England to purchase an emporium, the very same emporium our business woman Cleo has purchased. Cue a slight bit of angst, where Jake battles Cleo, only to realize he wishes to have the woman instead. Cue massive pining with a side of insta-love on our hero's part, but Cleo is anything but an easy catch.

As someone who is not a fan of insta-anything, Jake's immediate fixation on Cleo was balanced nicely by Cleo herself. She was of a more logical nature, taking her time to allow the connection to grow, where finding one attractive did not mean future matrimonial bliss. A plot device that I generally do not enjoy was balanced, allowing Jake's personality to shine through.

With a great deal of banter, witty humor that never falls over the edge into slapstick territory, Eloisa James always entertains me. The characters were original and endearing. I was personally able to empathize with Cleo, while enjoying Jake's character.

The romance wasn't flowery and over-the-top, allowing the plot to be the focus. The romantic tension built to that of a smexy nature, detailed scenes that did fade-to-black during certain scenarios. The perfect mix of romance and lust, while staying focused on the plot itself – a little bit of this and that to appeal to the masses.

Highly recommend to fans of the author and historical romances. Every time I read a novel by Eloisa James, it never fails to make me wish to start at the beginning of her backlist and make my way through rereading them all over again.

 

 

ELOISA JAMES is a New York Times best-selling author and professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.

Connect with Eloisa James

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Eloisa James' Lindow Castle

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of How to Be a Wallflower (Would-Be Wallflowers #1) by Eloisa James to read and review.