Historical Romance published by Avon 29 Mar 22
Miss Cleopatra Lewis is the daughter of a wealthy businessman and an unconventional aristocratic mother. Having inherited her business smarts from her father, she has taken over the Lewis Commodes business and runs it with innovative verve. When she comes to the rescue of a proprietress of a clothing emporium, she pits her wits against rich American Jacob Astor Addison. What a wonderful romp this story turns out to be.
Jacob of the wealthy American Astors has changed his name to Addison, when his uncle, the “Astor,” goes into the Opium business that killed Jacob’s father. Looking to set up a theatrical company in America, Jacob is busy hiring actors and actresses and buying out costuming businesses. The person who is managing his offer to the clothing emporium is less than honest and before Jacob can rectify this, Cleo has already beaten him to the punch. This man, determined to marry a meek, mellow woman for whom he has already bought a ring changes his entire life plan when he meets Cleopatra.
Soon he’s ensconced in the same hotel where Cleopatra is, making friends with her, as well as an outrageous bet that sees him clothed like a popinjay and her in all her glory. Cleopatra, who has been hurt her entire life by a mother who chased the next handsome leading man and fell in and out of love as often as she changed her dresses, has a resistance to love, marriage, and relationships. Jacob definitely does a fine job navigating his way to Cleo’s heart and bringing down her walls.
This is a great period romp with a happy ending.
Grade: A
Summary:
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!
