Pure joy. If you asked me to describe Eloisa James’ historical romance, How to Be a Wallflower, my best description would be pure joy. There are two wonderful lead characters, some excellent supporting characters, and humor as well as the romance. There’s also a connection to theater. Joy.

Miss Cleopatra Lewis might have promised her late mother that she’d make her debut, but that doesn’t mean she has to enjoy it. It’s 1815, and she’s the heiress to a fortune people don’t want to talk about, Lewis Commodes. She’s also a businesswoman who has been successfully running the business for four years, and she doesn’t plan to turn it over to any man. To the despair of Gussie, her maid, almost family member, and a former actress, Cleo is determined t to dress garishly so as to appear to be a wallflower at society’s balls.

That’s all turned upside down when she goes to Quimby’s Emporium to ask Martha Quimby to provide her wallflower wardrobe. Martha is a friend of Gussie’s, but the two women find the costumier’s shop in an uproar. It seems an American has offered to take on Martha’s debts, become her partner, and move the entire business to America. Martha’s lawyer didn’t tell her about moving to America. When Cleo learns Martha never signed the contract, she impulsively agrees to become Martha’s partner, buy into a share of the business, and keep it in London.

Jacob Astor Addison is furious. He arrives at Quimby’s,, hoping to take over the business, and move it to America when Martha can dress the actors for his three theaters. But, Cleo bested him, buying it from under his nose. Now, he needs a backup plan.

Jake meets Cleo on her own turf, in her hotel, and offers a deal she can’t refuse. She can order all his clothes for the upcoming Season, in bright foppish colors and designs from Quimby’s. He’ll order hers in half mourning. Cleo thinks she can easily win this bargain, and she has her grandfather’s best friend to help her with outlandish clothes. She doesn’t count on her grandfather, Viscount Falconer. She’s only met him for the first time, but he’s more than happy to help Jake design attractive dresses for his granddaughter.

Jake and Cleo may have met over a business deal. But, as they meet up at balls and challenge each other with business deals, they’ll be willing to celebrate that first meeting at Quimby’s.

There’s so much more than this bare outline of a story. It isn’t even an enemies to lovers trope, because Jake and Cleo haven’t even known each other long enough to be enemies. It’s a business rivals to lovers trope, instead, that celebrates two intelligent people. But, Cleo’s dead mother’s lifestyle hangs over her head, and it’s going to take Jake some time to prove to her that’s she’s not like her mother.

There’s so much laughter in this book, especially with Jake’s portrayal as hotel staff and later dressed in foppish clothes. While the book has its sexual overtones, the true strength is the main characters and their growing friendship and careful treatment of Cleo’s feelings. It’s another successful romance from Eloisa James. Joy!

Eloisa James’ website is http://www.eloisajames.com

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James. Avon Books, 2022. ISBN 9780063139534 (paperback), 390p.

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