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 manâor 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 Americaâas well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. Heâs furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimbyâs Costume Emporium from under his nose.
Jake strikes a devilâs bargain, offering to design her âwallflower wardrobeâ and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo canât 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 isnât until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes sheâs stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesnât 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 lovesâif sheâll have him!
Cleo's unconventional background and Jake's American roots cause a stir in the rigid social hierarchy of Regency England.