How to be a wallflower

Heiress Cleopatra Lewis has the perfect plan for derailing her upcoming debut in London society--become a wallflower. The plan's success depends on dressing the part, and so Cleo engages costumier Martha Quimby, owner of Quimby's Emporium, to create a fade-into-the-background wardrobe for her. However, when Cleo discovers that brash American theater owner Jacob Astor Addison is attempting to buy Quimby's and move it lock, stock, and Martha to America, she realizes there isn't a moment to lose. Coming up with a plan to best Jake for ownership of Quimby's should be easy for Cleo, who has successfully been running her family's business for years. But that endeavor takes an unexpected turn the minute Cleo starts noticing Jake's deliciously brawny shoulders and delectably sharp mind. The romance galaxy is filled with luminous stars, but few twinkle as brightly as James (Wilde Child, 2021), who with the launch of her Regency-set Would-Be Wallflowers series once again dazzles readers with superbly conceived characters, a sublimely sensual love story, and sparkling wit.

To please her estranged grandfather, Cleopatra Lewis agrees to escort him during the London Season, but to avoid a marriage proposal, she is resolved to become a wallflower. While at a local shop for theater costumes, Cleo is offended by an overbearing American and impulsively decides to purchase the business, Quimby's Emporium, out from under him. The wealthy American, Jake Astor Addison, tries to get Quimby's back with a wager: each of them must design and order clothes for the other to wear during the Season. Jake dresses Cleo in gorgeous couture everyone will envy, making her stand out. Meanwhile, Cleo plans to turn Jake into the dandy of the Season, with outrageous frills and colors. Undeterred, the arrogant Jake moves into Cleo's hotel and inserts himself into Cleo's daily life, and it isn't long before he makes up his mind to steal not only Cleo's new business but her heart as well. VERDICT James's ("Desperate Duchesses" series) newest series won't disappoint, with her signature abundance of banter, humorous situations, and strong-willed characters determined to have their way, creating sizzling sexual tension. The author's fans will also enjoy seeing characters from My American Duchess in this series starter.--Eve Stano

An heiress who wants to be a wallflower becomes a rival and then love interest of an American businessman. Miss Cleopatra Lewis grieves for her late mother but does not aspire to be like her. Julia adored theater and would fall in love, and subsequently sleep, with many leading actors. Cleo, on the other hand, is more business-minded and set on maintaining her freedom and power through her ownership of Lewis Commodes, the business she inherited from her father. Cleo has the opportunity to meet her maternal grandfather, a viscount, for the first time, and he wishes to launch her into London society. She heads to Quimby's, a costume emporium, for new clothing and ends up becoming a new investor in the establishment, much to the chagrin of American Jake Astor Addison, who'd intended to purchase the place and relocate it to his country when he returned to marry a biddable, calm woman. After some back and forth, Cleo and Jake agree on a wager of sorts that involves each crafting the wardrobe for the other. Jake quickly realizes he is hopelessly smitten, and his goal shifts from wanting ownership of Quimby's to desiring Cleo as his wife. Lovely descriptions create an evocative setting in this new series opener, although sometimes it's at the expense of propelling the plot. It takes a while to find its groove, but this low-angst, fashion-filled story with amiable leads still delivers the humor, charm, and historical richness that James' readers adore. Like a comforting cup of tea. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.