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.

Loved the characters in this book Jake, Cleo, and all the side characters were a delight. A very solid historical romance.

This novel was a charming ( and steamy) romance with quite a bit of humor. I was a bit shocked, considering not too many historical romance writers add humor to their works. I can compare this particular book to some of those by author Katie MacAlister's, Noble Intentions Noble Intentions (Noble, #1) by Katie MacAlister for one. Perhaps How to Be a Wallflower is far less slapstick but funny nonetheless.

Take one female owner of Lewis Commodes and one newly arrive American of the Astor family (Yes, THOSE Astor's), throw them together a bit accidentally, let them make a bet, and see sparks fly. Oh, and did I mention that Miss Cleopatra Lewis, who is soon to be launched in society has sworn never to marry and decides that she must remain a wallflower?

A comedy of (minor) errors, and shocking intentions, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

*ARC Supplied by the publisher Avon, NetGalley, and the author.

This was my first full length read by Eloisa James, I read a holiday short from her in an anthology last month and was eager to try her again afterwards.

The book is the first in a new series based around some eligible young ladies that, for a variety of reasons, seek to be Wallflowers and avoid marriage. I was first taken in by the cover art (which is gorgeous) and the premise of the book.

Some things that I adored - the descriptions are so detailed. I had heard that the author is a professor in the area and was known for great descriptions and historical bits, I was happy to see this was correct. I was intrigued by Cleo’s story and it’s difference from what I’ve come to expect and I really enjoyed some of the side characters (I’ve heard Merry has her own book, and I’m eager to check that one out).

Although I found both main characters interesting, I wish the the romantic aspect for the two had been a bit more subtle/ slow. The romance wasn’t quite meshing for me personally. All in all, I look forward to trying more Eloisa James books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

How to be a Wallflower by Eloisa James, the Would be Wallflowers book 1 features a highly entertaining heroine and a very enterprising American self-made man. Cleopatra Lewis has been managing her affairs and her fortune for quite a while now, but a reconciliation with her loving and very determined grandfather has put her in a precarious situation. Now she finds herself about to be presented to the ton by her aristocratic grandfather who wishes to make an excellent match for his beautiful, one and only grandchild. Cleo enjoys her autonomy and marrying is not on her agenda. An enterprising visit to a noted theater costume maker to get outfitted in fashion guaranteed to keep her firmly on the shelf with a wallflower crown, turns all her well laid plans into a great wagered adventure. It turns out that Quimby’s Costume Emporium would be relocated to America by its new owner and thus unavailable to her. What else was an independent woman with a fortune to do but find out all the details, discover the pertinent loopholes and buy it herself.

Enters American entrepreneur Jacob Astor Addison who is in London, because he believes he is contracted as the new owner of the establishment that Cleo means to use for her subterfuge. Imagine his surprise that this business acquisition is not wrapped tight and tidy as he thought because Quimby’s Costume Emporium was snatched from him live and direct by a fiery young lady. Jacob had no choice but to present himself to persuade the dressmaker to continue with the sale and meet the woman who turns his world upside down. Before we know it, Jacob’s plan for buying an emerald for the young lady whom he thought would make the perfect bride back in Boston is scraped and he now finds himself in a wager with Cleo.

The bargain has us the readers laughing and cheering at the same time for Cleo must wear the clothing’s designed for her by Jacob while he must wear what Cleo designs for him. Cleo has herself tons of fun of clothing the brawny Jacob in bright colors with feathers and flowers. Somehow that only seems to enhance his masculinity and presence during the season and now their little competition starts to take on new meaning as they become close while bantering and Cleo finds herself a rousing success instead of a Wallflower. Now Jacob realizes she’s the one that holds his heart though he holds no title to offer her as the others wooing her. He now has to revise his plans of returning to America and figure out how to get the woman and the joy of love in one big business coup.

Cleo now must choose between her grandfather’s wishes, the demands of her independent heart, her own desires and the love being openly offered by Jacob. Another amazing series kicked off by Ms. James which leaves one longing to read about the remaining characters of the Would be Wallflowers series. My review was given on the ARC copy received from the Publisher via NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.

This is by my far my favorite read from Eloisa James!

Cleo Lewis isn’t interested in marriage, especially with a childhood riddled with her mother’s many romantic escapades haunting her. She’s interested in business and staying in the background.

Jake Astor Addison needs a costumer for his theaters in America and he’s pissed when Cleo Lewis buys up the costume emporium he wants from right under his nose. But hey, this would be wallflower is anything but and Jake is committed to making her his. Even if she’s totally against the notion of marriage all together.

I’ve learned that EJ is pretty insta-lovey, so I just am along for the ride when I read her books and this book is no exception to the instalove rule. Jake is basically like, “Must. Have. Herrrrrrr” immediately because she’s sooo different, but I really didn’t mind it at all since Cleo is so rightly opposed to it. But also she doesn’t mind making out a little.

Lots of great story telling and steam in this book along with a foreboding fight hanging over your heads the last 40% of the book that is handled very maturely and wonderfully at the end.

Loved this one! Thank you so much Avon for the ARC!

I read this book in one sitting, staying up far too late on a work night. If that's not a recommendation, then I don't know what is! I thought I'd just read a chapter or two,,,, and, then, like with many of Eloisa James' books, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

Cleo(patra) Lewis is preparing for her first season in London. She made a promise to her dying mother that she would allow her previously estranged grandfather to present her for a season. Cleo is an old soul and has quite bit of life experience given her 22 years. She has inherited her father's commode business and manages it well. Her goal is to be a wallflower for the season.

Jacob Astor Addison has come to London to convince theater businesses to move to the States. He and Cleo meet at a costume company that he wants to invest in, but Cleo beats him to it. Being a competitive soul, he continues to pursue the company and ends up pursuing Cleo.

I loved the conversation, the pacing, and Cleo's own journey as she figured out what she wants- both from Jacob and from her future. I loved the side characters and setting. This was a lovely slow burn, enemies to friends to lovers romance.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which an 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.

James' books are filled with humor and heart, and this one will be a welcome addition to every romance reader's TBR pile. Highly recommended. #HowToBeAWallflower #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors

Anything by the fabulous Eloisa James is an automatic pre-order for me, and I was lucky enough to be approved for an ARC. THANK YOU!! I've heard other people say this, and agree completely. Eloisa James's writing just sparkles. Her heroines are so vivid and witty. It's so much fun to get carried away in the story and this is no different. Cleo's desire to be a wallflower is completely at odds with how's she normally looks, but she does hey best anyway. For me, what stands out is not her looks, but her humor, her absolute confidence in herself, and her kindness towards others. It was also great to visit Merry from My American Duchess, and see her friendship with Jacob Addison, the hero.
Together Jacob and Cleo make a wonderful couple and the book is a treat! Looking forward to getting the actual book in another couple of months!!

I like Eloisa James, but this first book in her new series, Would-Be Wallflowers, just didn’t connect with me.

The contest that Cleo and Jake engage in seemed convoluted and pointless. It did add for funny moments as Jake had to wear “peacock” clothing, but since he quickly discarded his idea to pursue the business, it seemed pointless.

Speaking of that, in other books the insta-love can be plausible, but in How to Be a Wallflower, Jake takes such a rapid deep dive into love for Cleo that he begins to reorder his entire life and priorities way too quickly.

I liked that the MCs were not members of the ton so there were less restrictions. The best scene with the best repartee is between Jake and a flower seller.

I have not read My American Duchess but I think I might like that book better. The character of Merry was vivid and I enjoyed the scenes she was in most.

Once the MCs got together their attraction and relationship was nice but I didn’t like the set up premise so I wasn’t as engaged as I could have been.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Eloisa James novel and it's the first book in her newest series, Would-Be Wallflowers. Cleopatra is a business woman and the daughter of a British noblewoman who ran away from genteel society and Jake is from one of the most wealthy American families and is looking to expand his empire. They both wanted to buy the same seamstress shop and from that rivalry came mutual respect and bodice-ripping. This was a cute book that didn't take itself too seriously. The story is very character driven and focuses on the emotional growth of the characters. The initial spark of romance was lit by respect for each other's intelligence and actions, which is sadly an outlier in the historical romance genre.

The pacing felt a little slow towards the middle, and looking back on the story it was good, but not great. I liked how James explored the relationship between Cleopatra and her recently deceased mother. Some topics were touched upon that typically are overlooked in romance novels. However, I think this is going to be one of those novels that doesn't leave a lasting impression. 3 out of 5 stars.

3.5 stars. Usually I love Eloisa James, but this one just felt...unfinished. Cleopatra is determined never to marry, so she hires a theatrical costumer to make her a wardrobe of unflattering clothing for the London season. American businessman Jake is very annoyed to find that the costume designer he wants to export for his theatrical company has been stolen from under his nose. The two clash, but settle on a bargain to design each other's wardrobes. Jake is soon clad in ridiculous colors, and Cleo finds herself in risque but flattering gowns. The only problem is the inconvenient attraction between them.

This book had a great premise, but just didn't quite come together. It's still a good start to a new series, though.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

Cleo and Jake might be my favorite Eloisa James couple yet, and that's saying something. James is phenomenal when writing smart, witty women and she shines in this intro do the Wallflower series. Can't wait to read the rest of them.

I love Wallflower books - and this one did not disappoint. Being the heiress of a commode company doesn't sound like it would be difficult to be a wallflower...well that is if she wasn't such a beauty. Striking a deal with the handsome American stranger on a new business venture, can the two stay frenemies?

Rating 4.5/5

American Jacob Astor Addison is in London to buy the premier theatre costumier Quimbys to enhance the string of theatres he owns. However, he soon meets Cleo Lewis, an heiress in her own right, who quickly outbids him for the company. Jacob is not one who is used to being thwarted so he sets out to convince the seamtress owner and Miss Lewis that his is the better offer. Cleo Lewis is used to men who throw their weight around, but she won't let Jacob buy Quimbys and move the operation to America. Jacob and Cleo make a deal that if Jacob can convince her, his offer is better, then Cleo will relent. What these two don't realize is how easily a friendly foe can become so much more.

I'm on the fence with this book. I started it a few weeks ago and couldn't get into to it so I set it aside for a bit. I thought the beginning was slow and while tidbits about the theatre were interesting, I thought the story got bogged down with too many details. I liked Cleo--she was a strong and independent business woman who had no plans to marry and let a husband rule her life. I thought the way Jacob went about wooing Cleo was quite clever, but I didn't feel any sizzling chemistry between the two. For me there was too much of Cleo's inner voice trying not to be like her mother. When I picked the book back up again, I was glad to finish it and see how things were resolved, but I'm not sure if I'll be reading any more in this series.

This is another strong entry in the Eloisa James catalog. I loved the descriptions of the costumes and back and forth bickering between Cleo and Jake. I hope Mrs. Quimby and her Emporium show up in future books! The glimpses of Merry (from My American Duchess) were also fun.

How to Be a Wallflower is a enemies-to-lovers historical romance by prolific author Eloisa James. Cleo is an independent, self-sufficient woman who has decided that although she will keep her promise to her mother of having a proper London season, she is going to self-sabotage by camouflaging herself as the least remarkable of wallflowers.

When Cleo arrives at the costume shop where she plans to order her drab wardrobe, she finds the owner in tears over the fact that her new investor, an obnoxious American Jake, plans to move the enterprise lock, stock, and barrel to New York City. Cleo promptly buys the business right out from under him and then the games begin.

While there was a bit of instalove implied, the pair did take their sweet time developing a friendship and sharing confidences before things get steamy. Cleo's lack of supervision affords her more independence than you normally see in these regency romances giving their courtship a modern flair. I thought I was having deja vu, but then realized some of the characters were from James' My American Duchess. This was another great Eloisa James title!

Our many, many readers who wait impatiently for the next Eloisa James book will not be disappointed. The plot device of the main character wanting to be a wallflower, and the setting of the Regency-era theatre world really contribute to the appeal. I look forward to recommending this book.

Its been a hot minute since I read an Eloisa James.  For several years, she was my favorite Regency mass market author.  And this first book in her new series reminds me of why I loved her.

Great characters, lots of gentle humor, excellent historical details and interesting stories.  Plus the romance is there in spades.

How to Be a Wallflower (yet again, another title that has little relationship to the actual plot) has a businesswoman with ties to the aristocracy (Cleo) and a brash American businessman (Jake) that also has an American royalty type legacy.  Two big personalities, and one business goal, force these two together into an unlikely friendship.

Jake is instantly enthralled with Cleo, but in a way that conflicts with what he has convinced himself he is looking for in a wife.  She is not quiet, biddable, or a wallflower.  Cleo is a smart, self-assured woman who also has no wish to marry.  However, as she works to establish a relationship with her grandfather, she agrees to attend Society events.  She says she wants to attend as a wallflower, however, even though that idea quickly flies out the window (again, making the title misleading at best).

At first Jake and Cleo are adversarial, then partners in a ridiculous wager/agreement that starts to take root as a friendship.  I felt the pacing of the romance, starting with friendship, was really nice even when both were obviously attracted to each other.

Kisses follow.  The two make out a lot throughout the book, before eventually becoming intimate.  The intimacy is on page and although fairly vanilla, its still too much for readers who want kisses only.  There is a fair amount of mentions of adultery and drug use that, although not explicit, may not be everyone's cup of tea.  There is also one assault scene.

The last quarter was a bit more challenging for me in a book that otherwise was an easy, fun read.  James raises the emotional stakes (or at least applies the formula to do so) in a miscommunication type scenario, and although thankfully doesn't belabor the misunderstanding, I found fell a little flat for two characters who had previously been very frank and up front.  I knew a misunderstanding was going to happen, because the way she teases it in the lead up, and frankly I found it annoying.  I also didn't understand one scene in the book, which I also think was meant to raise the stakes (an assault), but didn't work for me.

Other than those pieces, I really enjoyed this book and would love to read the next in the series, which I think is set up in this book albeit pretty discreetly.

Historical elements are woven through the story, and I liked some of the contrast between Americans and the British.  Clothing was a big feature of the story, for those who love some of those details, but I also enjoyed some of the "escapes" the characters made to Green Park or to Covent Garden.

I would recommend this to fans of Eloisa James or Regency Readers looking for a friends to lovers type story.

*A review copy was provided by Netgalley.  No other compensation was provided.

This was a first read by this author for me. I really enjoyed the fact that she was a strong women set in this historical context of the story and I absolutely adored what her business empire was built around. It made me laugh each time. Ms. James did a fabulous job portraying our heroine as smart, savvy and successful. The plot was nice and the pacing was a bit slow in my opinion but overall a decent story. I really wanted our hero to be a bit more for Cleo. I felt their chemistry lacking and sometimes she came across as a little too much for the both the story and the people around her. Overall a tepid, feel good book.