Bridgerton meets The Goldfinch in How to Fake It in Society, a stunning queer romance by rising genre star KJ Charles.

It is 1821 and Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte is making a splash in London Society. The son of Jeanne de Valois de La Motte, infamous for stealing a priceless diamond necklace meant for Marie Antoinette, Nico hopes to restore his wronged mother's reputation, if only he can raise the funds. But he must operate with great secrecy, because the Bourbon dynasty murdered his mother, and he fears for his life.

At least, that's what he tells Titus Pilcrow. Titus was a simple shopkeeper, making and selling artists' paints, when he found himself suddenly married to an immensely wealthy woman who wanted to disinherit her nephew on her deathbed. As word spreads of his fortune, Titus finds himself a target of every scammer and beggar in London...including one Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte.

Nico is on his last legs, out of money, and on the run from some terrifying gangsters. When Titus offers Nico a space in his household, it's the perfect chance for him to exploit London's newest golden purse--until he falls in love with the man he needs to cheat. Still, Nico is sure they can have a happy ending together. If he can just find his way out of his own web of lies...

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.



Praise for this book

Praise for How to Fake It in Society:

"An absolute romp of a book. Genderbent Georgette Heyer-style antics. I read it in one glorious day."—T. Kingfisher

"How to Fake it in Society contains the usual KJ Charles charms: a smart, snappy voice; total yet easy immersion in another place and time; and irresistible characters who fall in love by truly seeing each other. But the real catnip for me was that this novel is also a treatise on the power of art, art being one of the consolations of the particular timeline we modern people find ourselves in."--Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of Canadian Boyfriend

"How to Fake It in Society was so much fun I immediately tore through another half-dozen KJ Charles books. This one was absolutely delightful -- fun, gripping, funny, and hot."—Naomi Kritzer

Praise for KJ Charles:

“A high-heat epic”—Oprah Daily, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

“As always, Charles combines masterful prose, thrilling romance, fantastic wit, and gripping stakes. Her characters feel as real and relatable as a bruise. She is, in my opinion, a titan of her genre.”–Talia Hibbert, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

"KJ Charles is one of the best romance novelists writing today. Historical romance at its finest." —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

"Once again KJ Charles has produced an absolute masterpiece!" —Joanna Shupe, USA Today bestselling author

"A romantic, swashbuckling tale from start to finish."—Manda Collins, Bestselling Author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

“The Duke at Hazard is my dream historical romance: emotional and intimate, but also full of wit, humor, and a lovable cast of supporting characters. The setting feels so vivid and alive, and every single interaction between the two heroes is pitch perfect. I loved every word of this book." —Martha Waters, author of To Woo and to Wed

“Charles successfully balances a complicated suspense plot and an emotionally resonant romance. … This novel launches a delightful new Regency romance series from Charles; readers will be eagerly anticipating the next installment.”—Library Journal, starred review, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

“A dark and stunning love story between a smuggler and a newly minted baronet. … Readers will devour this … a surprising number of beetles and newts for a romance.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

“The various financial and internecine quarrels are convincingly rendered and the supporting characters and setting finely textured, but it’s the tenderness and steam that emanate from Gareth and Joss that really give the story its spark. Their relationship is deeply passionate, and they have a lovely way of communicating even when they don’t have the language to articulate their feelings.”—Book Page, starred review, on The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen

"With humor and wit, Charles puts a unique, sensuous spin on the classic Regency Gretna Green elopement plot. This lively M/M romp explores the hard-hitting issues of racism, classism, and homophobia and delivers an enjoyable read as well.” —Library Journal on Wanted, A Gentleman

“A great romance road trip … a delicious Gothic feel, with a damsel in distress and a Snidely Whiplashesque villain throwing an upstanding gentleman and a lovable scoundrel together to save the day.” —Washington Post on Wanted, A Gentleman




About the AuthorKJ Charles spent twenty years working as an editor in London publishing before switching sides to become a full-time writer. She has published more than 30 novels and been translated into eight languages. KJ generally writes historical romance, fantasy, and murder. She currently lives in London with husband, two kids, a retired cat, and a carnivorous garden.
Title: How to Fake It in Society
Author(s): KJ Charles
ISBN: 9781250395924
Copyright 2026
Release Date: April 28, 2026
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Countries: United States, Canada | Learn more about available countries
Language: English
Format: None available | Learn More about our supported formats
Dragonmount is a proud provider of DRM-free eBooks. By purchasing any eBook from our store, you are not only helping support our website, but you are helping small businesses thrive in a market traditionally dominated by large companies. Learn more in our eBook FAQ.