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How to Fake It in Society
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Expected 28 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
21 days and 18:13:30
76 copies available
U.S. only
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.
A Macmillan Audio production from Bramble Books
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.
A Macmillan Audio production from Bramble Books
Audible Audio
Expected publication April 16, 2026
41 people are currently reading
13368 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Charles
66 books12.5k followersKJ is moving to Storygraph.
KJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads. I won't read it.
KJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads. I won't read it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know I say this every time, but fuck me, KJC can spin an entertaining tale. But even in an exceptional catalogue of wonderful stories, this one has stuck out to me as something extraordinary. I JUST HAD SUCH AN UTTERLY DELIGHTFUL TIME.
After having his rent raised by his landlord and sometimes lover, Titus Pilcrow finds himself potentially out of a home and shop front where he has worked hard to establish his small but respectable paint making business. Whilst in the act of completing a home delivery to his elderly, eccentric and (most importantly) wealthy client, Miss Whitecross, Titus comes to finds her unexpectedly on her death bed and in desperate need of assistance. Miss Whitecross needs to marry, and marry immediately to stop her horrid nephew from inheriting her fortune upon her death which she claims he is responsible for.
Thus, Titus finds himself unexpectedly married, widowed and wealthy in short order.
Suddenly everyone is hoping to take advantage of the newly wealthy Mr Pilcrow and his new status, including the handsome, charming and roguish Nicolas- Marc, the Comte de Valois de La Motte, and Miss Whitecross’ originally planned fiancée, who secretly owes a quite substantial debt to some very bad people with a fast approaching deadline.
It’s no surprise that KJC can write some effortlessly engaging characters and Nico and Titus are no exception. Fleshed out alongside these two are a number of terrible, yet delghtful villains, and KJCs usual trademark of wonderful supporting characters including the Thorpes, Eve and Vespasian.
Nico was a toucher, and Titus was a man desperate for touch, and it came so very naturally to reach out to him.
So many elements of this story worked as a dopamine injection to my poor stressed, smooth little brain. I cant help but feel a little feral for the dynamic were one character is good and golden but has been misused by opportunistic people in their life and is so down trodden that they hide their light, and then a witty resourceful rogue comes along and is just KNOCKED FOR SIX BY HOW WONDERFUL THEY ARE. I eat it up every time. Yum yum yum.
And, he realised, what had freed him was caring for people who cared back. As a starving man would eat from the gutter, a man hungry for affection would take what he could get, even if it came with brutal kicks.
He was becoming someone who decided how he let people treat him, and he felt a fierce pride in that, along with a certain embarrassment it had taken him to the age of thirty-one.
I'm sure y’all get sick of me saying this, because I will continue to say it every time, but if KJC writes it, I will read it, and I will likely love it and this is no exception. I DEMOLISHED this in a single day and could not have been happier. I think that rather effortlessly Nico and Titus have slipped into the spot of my favourite KJC couple and will feature in my comfort read rotation.
(I will tell you that when i looked up the French translation for one of Nico’s lines and it turned out he had said “Shit cockroach” I GASPED OUT LOUD WITH LAUGHTER and Nico cemented himself firmly in my books as a beloved.
Thank you Tor Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this delightful book.
Planned release date 16 April 2026
Consider following my bookstagram
After having his rent raised by his landlord and sometimes lover, Titus Pilcrow finds himself potentially out of a home and shop front where he has worked hard to establish his small but respectable paint making business. Whilst in the act of completing a home delivery to his elderly, eccentric and (most importantly) wealthy client, Miss Whitecross, Titus comes to finds her unexpectedly on her death bed and in desperate need of assistance. Miss Whitecross needs to marry, and marry immediately to stop her horrid nephew from inheriting her fortune upon her death which she claims he is responsible for.
Thus, Titus finds himself unexpectedly married, widowed and wealthy in short order.
Suddenly everyone is hoping to take advantage of the newly wealthy Mr Pilcrow and his new status, including the handsome, charming and roguish Nicolas- Marc, the Comte de Valois de La Motte, and Miss Whitecross’ originally planned fiancée, who secretly owes a quite substantial debt to some very bad people with a fast approaching deadline.
It’s no surprise that KJC can write some effortlessly engaging characters and Nico and Titus are no exception. Fleshed out alongside these two are a number of terrible, yet delghtful villains, and KJCs usual trademark of wonderful supporting characters including the Thorpes, Eve and Vespasian.
Nico was a toucher, and Titus was a man desperate for touch, and it came so very naturally to reach out to him.
So many elements of this story worked as a dopamine injection to my poor stressed, smooth little brain. I cant help but feel a little feral for the dynamic were one character is good and golden but has been misused by opportunistic people in their life and is so down trodden that they hide their light, and then a witty resourceful rogue comes along and is just KNOCKED FOR SIX BY HOW WONDERFUL THEY ARE. I eat it up every time. Yum yum yum.
And, he realised, what had freed him was caring for people who cared back. As a starving man would eat from the gutter, a man hungry for affection would take what he could get, even if it came with brutal kicks.
He was becoming someone who decided how he let people treat him, and he felt a fierce pride in that, along with a certain embarrassment it had taken him to the age of thirty-one.
I'm sure y’all get sick of me saying this, because I will continue to say it every time, but if KJC writes it, I will read it, and I will likely love it and this is no exception. I DEMOLISHED this in a single day and could not have been happier. I think that rather effortlessly Nico and Titus have slipped into the spot of my favourite KJC couple and will feature in my comfort read rotation.
(I will tell you that when i looked up the French translation for one of Nico’s lines and it turned out he had said “Shit cockroach” I GASPED OUT LOUD WITH LAUGHTER and Nico cemented himself firmly in my books as a beloved.
Thank you Tor Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of this delightful book.
Planned release date 16 April 2026
Consider following my bookstagram
November 7, 2025
'Casey McQuiston meets Queer Bridgerton' is an unwarranted insult
edit: I see it's been changed to 'Bridgerton meets The Goldfinch' #myimpact
actual review: 1) clearly I don't get on with marketing departments (see above) but you REALLY can't say 'meets The Goldfinch' about a book that is only Goldfinchian in that it has a painting in it. I mean really. 2) now don't get me wrong, I love KJC and as far as I'm concerned she can do absolutely no wrong and I will read even her less-than-perfect books thrice, but this is a FANTASTIC return to form after a couple of books that, to me, have been Just Good and not amazing. this woz sick xxx
edit: I see it's been changed to 'Bridgerton meets The Goldfinch' #myimpact
actual review: 1) clearly I don't get on with marketing departments (see above) but you REALLY can't say 'meets The Goldfinch' about a book that is only Goldfinchian in that it has a painting in it. I mean really. 2) now don't get me wrong, I love KJC and as far as I'm concerned she can do absolutely no wrong and I will read even her less-than-perfect books thrice, but this is a FANTASTIC return to form after a couple of books that, to me, have been Just Good and not amazing. this woz sick xxx
January 6, 2026
K.J. Charles is always a comfort author for me. So when the end of the year rolls around and we all start reminiscing while also looking ahead, what could be better than settling in with a new historical romance?
Of course, K.J. Charles delivers once again with How to Fake It in Society. Titus is such an earnest, quietly sincere main character, someone who seizes the chance to marry a dying old woman in hopes of securing a future he’s never been allowed to imagine. And then there’s Nico: charming, a little morally gray, and so intent on forming a genuine connection with Titus that you can’t help rooting for him.
How to Fake It in Society is an utterly engaging read. I found myself smiling again and again whenever Titus and Nico shared the page. Their chemistry is warm, awkward, and so tender. Even though I guessed a few twists early, I loved the entire read (I even understood the inevitable third-act breakup).
Thank you, Bramble and NetGalley, for this lovely ARC!
Follow me on Instagram
Of course, K.J. Charles delivers once again with How to Fake It in Society. Titus is such an earnest, quietly sincere main character, someone who seizes the chance to marry a dying old woman in hopes of securing a future he’s never been allowed to imagine. And then there’s Nico: charming, a little morally gray, and so intent on forming a genuine connection with Titus that you can’t help rooting for him.
How to Fake It in Society is an utterly engaging read. I found myself smiling again and again whenever Titus and Nico shared the page. Their chemistry is warm, awkward, and so tender. Even though I guessed a few twists early, I loved the entire read (I even understood the inevitable third-act breakup).
Thank you, Bramble and NetGalley, for this lovely ARC!
Follow me on Instagram
Want to read
June 30, 2025“Rising genre star” like I haven’t been living on KJ Charles books for the better part of a decade.
January 25, 2026
I LOVED this! My favourite KJC release of the last few years, since the Will Darling Adventures were completed in 2021. This just really hit the spot for me. Flawlessly written as usual, packed with quirky British historical facts hidden under the guise of a clever plot line and of course including an obscure and now obsolete profession. Throw in some utterly ridiculous storylines that someone just manage to be pulled off perfectly and completely believably and I was utterly invested throughout.
The writing is super polished but never feels pretentious. The humour wry but never overdone. The romance sweet but never sickly.
I have zero complaints.
Delighted to receive an ARC copy of this book, although I already had this on pre-order.
The writing is super polished but never feels pretentious. The humour wry but never overdone. The romance sweet but never sickly.
I have zero complaints.
Delighted to receive an ARC copy of this book, although I already had this on pre-order.
Want to read
August 29, 2025my number one girl kj charles getting published by tor? okaaay queen.
“queer bridgerton” though? julia quinn wishes she had kj charles’ pen game.
“queer bridgerton” though? julia quinn wishes she had kj charles’ pen game.
January 25, 2026
flirting by telling him his favorite colors to wear are made from arsenic and dead people, horrifying him to no end
thank you to the publisher for providing the advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
thank you to the publisher for providing the advance review copy. full review to come
Bookstagram | Blog
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
KJ Charles is one of my favorite historical romance writers. How to Fake it in Society was an incredibly fun read that I never wanted to put down. The events that led to Titus stumbling into Society with more money than he knows what to do with were just the right level of absurd. He is in over his head and unprepared, but incredibly honest and genuine with the way he handles his new life. I love how his relationship with Nico lends him the confidence he needs to build a happy life for himself.
I was really impressed by how well the "con artist" portion of the story was handled. This setup easily could have spiraled into a mess of miscommunication, secrets, and betrayal. But KJ Charles strikes a good balance of tension and spiraling schemes without ever making the relationships feel inauthentic or unfair. I never felt like anyone was really being taken advantage of. The mistakes are natural, lessons are learned, characters grow, and forgiveness feels deserved.
How to Fake it in Society is a really emotionally rich read with characters that you love to root for, incredible tension, and engaging hijinks. This is a story about people finding the strength to be themselves.
Thank you so much to Bramble for the early copy!
Links to my TikTok | Instagram | Bindery Books
KJ Charles is one of my favorite historical romance writers. How to Fake it in Society was an incredibly fun read that I never wanted to put down. The events that led to Titus stumbling into Society with more money than he knows what to do with were just the right level of absurd. He is in over his head and unprepared, but incredibly honest and genuine with the way he handles his new life. I love how his relationship with Nico lends him the confidence he needs to build a happy life for himself.
I was really impressed by how well the "con artist" portion of the story was handled. This setup easily could have spiraled into a mess of miscommunication, secrets, and betrayal. But KJ Charles strikes a good balance of tension and spiraling schemes without ever making the relationships feel inauthentic or unfair. I never felt like anyone was really being taken advantage of. The mistakes are natural, lessons are learned, characters grow, and forgiveness feels deserved.
How to Fake it in Society is a really emotionally rich read with characters that you love to root for, incredible tension, and engaging hijinks. This is a story about people finding the strength to be themselves.
Thank you so much to Bramble for the early copy!
Links to my TikTok | Instagram | Bindery Books
Want to read
December 31, 2025Ngl it bothers the hell out of me that there's a Casey McQuiston comp in this blurb. 😭 But I'm always excited about a new KJC!
(Who, for the record, was setting standards for stellar M/M before McQuiston could legally vote.)
(Who, for the record, was setting standards for stellar M/M before McQuiston could legally vote.)
November 16, 2025
KJC, the "rising star" as the blurb calls her (crying laughing at that) yet again gives us a fantastic book full of hijinks and romance. Loved it!
RTC
RTC
January 21, 2026
review tk
March 25, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I've been an enthusiastic KJC reader for years and eagerly pick up every new book she writes, not all of them hit with the same intensity. It would be foolish to expect everything in her large body of work to scratch my brain like it was made just for me, so I was excited to say, just last year, that I thought All of Us Murderers was "the strongest release in [her] catalogue yet." Well, I'm thrilled to say that How to Fake It in Society may have already dethroned it (RIP).
I honestly don't know how to put into words why this book worked so well. Every possible angle of analysis just clicks: the characters, the motivations/stakes, the realism (or rather, the consistency within the novel's universe), the twists, the pacing, the romance, the banter. Every cog in the machine spins in perfect harmony, and even taken apart, each element holds up. I think this is KJC's strongest book yet, in a technical manner (whether in prose or plot structure) ontop of having the her usual eye for detail and artistic flair. The book is so full of drama that you're kept on the edge of your seat while the pages fly by. Even the moments that could have turned into cheesy deus ex machina are so well foreshadowed that you can only admire how thoughtfully the author ties every thread together in the end.
I spent the first 20% of the book reveling in the mounting tension (made even better by the fact that I went in blind, and, for the first few pages, thought [PREMISE] You're then kept on edge, equal parts excited and anxious, as the characters head toward disaster while you wonder how they'll ever get themselves out of this mess. It was an incredible reading experience from start to finish.
I'm once again so grateful to have received an ARC from one of my favorite authors, and even happier that it turned out to be for a book that felt perfect from the epigraph to the author's note. I loved this and can't recommend it enough!
While I've been an enthusiastic KJC reader for years and eagerly pick up every new book she writes, not all of them hit with the same intensity. It would be foolish to expect everything in her large body of work to scratch my brain like it was made just for me, so I was excited to say, just last year, that I thought All of Us Murderers was "the strongest release in [her] catalogue yet." Well, I'm thrilled to say that How to Fake It in Society may have already dethroned it (RIP).
I honestly don't know how to put into words why this book worked so well. Every possible angle of analysis just clicks: the characters, the motivations/stakes, the realism (or rather, the consistency within the novel's universe), the twists, the pacing, the romance, the banter. Every cog in the machine spins in perfect harmony, and even taken apart, each element holds up. I think this is KJC's strongest book yet, in a technical manner (whether in prose or plot structure) ontop of having the her usual eye for detail and artistic flair. The book is so full of drama that you're kept on the edge of your seat while the pages fly by. Even the moments that could have turned into cheesy deus ex machina are so well foreshadowed that you can only admire how thoughtfully the author ties every thread together in the end.
I spent the first 20% of the book reveling in the mounting tension (made even better by the fact that I went in blind, and, for the first few pages, thought [PREMISE] You're then kept on edge, equal parts excited and anxious, as the characters head toward disaster while you wonder how they'll ever get themselves out of this mess. It was an incredible reading experience from start to finish.
I'm once again so grateful to have received an ARC from one of my favorite authors, and even happier that it turned out to be for a book that felt perfect from the epigraph to the author's note. I loved this and can't recommend it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
And she's done it again! All the stars for this heartfelt, hilarious romp.
I loved every second of this. Titus and Nico were just so perfect, bringing out the absolute best in each other, and watching Titus growing more and more confident was just everything. I also really loved how he saw the world and would constantly talk about colors (he used to have his own artist supply shop and make his own paints) and poisons. Nico was also really sweet, and I loved watching him starting to care and showing it with actions. These two were just. Couple goals! I mean. Except for the initial lying...
With every new KJ Charles book I'll be like, "this is definitely my favorite!". And then the next book comes out and. I really can't pick a favorite book of hers anymore, she just always delivers.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I loved every second of this. Titus and Nico were just so perfect, bringing out the absolute best in each other, and watching Titus growing more and more confident was just everything. I also really loved how he saw the world and would constantly talk about colors (he used to have his own artist supply shop and make his own paints) and poisons. Nico was also really sweet, and I loved watching him starting to care and showing it with actions. These two were just. Couple goals! I mean. Except for the initial lying...
With every new KJ Charles book I'll be like, "this is definitely my favorite!". And then the next book comes out and. I really can't pick a favorite book of hers anymore, she just always delivers.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 3, 2025
How to Fake It in Society really had every single thing I hope for in a KJ Charles book — a steamy and loving romance, a little chaos, a wacky Scheme™ — and it delivered!
November 7, 2025
consider me throughly charmed 🥰
but also I hate third-act break-ups with a burning passion 🔥
but also I hate third-act break-ups with a burning passion 🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
absolutely loved this.
This was such a beautifully done MM romance that completely swept me away. It had this soft, romantic atmosphere that gave me major Bridgerton vibes, but with a story that still felt fresh and engaging.
The romance was everything I wanted, it was tender, emotional, and so easy to get invested in. The chemistry between them felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship develop. It had that perfect balance of sweetness and tension that kept me hooked the entire time.
And the plot actually kept things interesting alongside the romance, which I really appreciated. It never felt like one overshadowed the other—they worked together so well.
I listened to this on audio, and it was such a great experience. The narration was really well done, and the accents added so much to the overall feel of the story. It made everything feel even more immersive.
Also… the spice? Very well done. Just enough to elevate the romance without taking away from the emotional connection.
Overall, this was such a good time. Romantic, engaging, and just completely enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you Bramble for the ARC and Macmillan audio for the ALC.
This was such a beautifully done MM romance that completely swept me away. It had this soft, romantic atmosphere that gave me major Bridgerton vibes, but with a story that still felt fresh and engaging.
The romance was everything I wanted, it was tender, emotional, and so easy to get invested in. The chemistry between them felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship develop. It had that perfect balance of sweetness and tension that kept me hooked the entire time.
And the plot actually kept things interesting alongside the romance, which I really appreciated. It never felt like one overshadowed the other—they worked together so well.
I listened to this on audio, and it was such a great experience. The narration was really well done, and the accents added so much to the overall feel of the story. It made everything feel even more immersive.
Also… the spice? Very well done. Just enough to elevate the romance without taking away from the emotional connection.
Overall, this was such a good time. Romantic, engaging, and just completely enjoyable from start to finish. Thank you Bramble for the ARC and Macmillan audio for the ALC.
December 10, 2025
KJC is back and I couldn’t be happier! I adored this book; it contained all of the joyous plot twists, loveable yet flawed characters and assorted crimes that I could ever want 🥹 Plus my inner-voice is now talking in a French accent; zut alors!
Titus Pilcrow has accidentally inherited a fortune. Previously a shop keeper selling art supplies, he’s now trapped in a nightmare, fending off people who are desperate to get their hands on his newfound wealth. One of those people seems to be the suave, charming French aristocrat Nico, the Comte La Motte, however when the Comte offers friendship instead, Titus is eager to take him up on it.
But something about Nico’s story isn’t sitting quite right with Titus… and Titus has problems of his own, including a terrible ex lover, Henry, who’s threatening to out him if he doesn’t pay him off.
This was just wonderful - I adored Titus and Nico and the sheer drama that seemed to follow both of these men around; I enjoyed their budding relationship and also the slightly nightmarish knowledge that it was definitely all going to go wrong before it got better 🙈 The last 20% of the book was an absolute riot as everything went to hell and the building drama finally exploded!
Read How To Fake It In Society for:
✨ Accidentally inheriting a fortune
✨ Friendship with a sexy French aristocrat
✨ Escaping an abusive ex-lover
✨ Your green jacket is made of arsenic
✨ He’s definitely lying… about something
✨ This is why we don’t go to loan sharks
✨ Genderqueer key side character
✨ Being rich is terrible/ly convenient
✨ Paints & poisons used interchangeably
Thank you so much to PanMacmillan for an ARC, I absolutely loved it! It’s available to in April 2026 💕
Titus Pilcrow has accidentally inherited a fortune. Previously a shop keeper selling art supplies, he’s now trapped in a nightmare, fending off people who are desperate to get their hands on his newfound wealth. One of those people seems to be the suave, charming French aristocrat Nico, the Comte La Motte, however when the Comte offers friendship instead, Titus is eager to take him up on it.
But something about Nico’s story isn’t sitting quite right with Titus… and Titus has problems of his own, including a terrible ex lover, Henry, who’s threatening to out him if he doesn’t pay him off.
This was just wonderful - I adored Titus and Nico and the sheer drama that seemed to follow both of these men around; I enjoyed their budding relationship and also the slightly nightmarish knowledge that it was definitely all going to go wrong before it got better 🙈 The last 20% of the book was an absolute riot as everything went to hell and the building drama finally exploded!
Read How To Fake It In Society for:
✨ Accidentally inheriting a fortune
✨ Friendship with a sexy French aristocrat
✨ Escaping an abusive ex-lover
✨ Your green jacket is made of arsenic
✨ He’s definitely lying… about something
✨ This is why we don’t go to loan sharks
✨ Genderqueer key side character
✨ Being rich is terrible/ly convenient
✨ Paints & poisons used interchangeably
Thank you so much to PanMacmillan for an ARC, I absolutely loved it! It’s available to in April 2026 💕
November 30, 2025
This was fine. I think the "reveals" take place far too late in the narrative and make earlier aspects of the plot a little muddy and confusing, and the actual romantic story feels pretty perfunctory, but it's a perfectly serviceable KJ Charles book.
January 9, 2026
4.5⭐️
"And until then, he would pretend he didn't see how Titus watched him, or think about the way their fingers curled together so instinctively. He wouldn't touch his hand again, come to that. Nico was a toucher, and Titus was a man desperate for touch, and it came so very natural to reach out to him."
...
Thank you to TOR Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I have read two of KJ Charles' books before, and this was another hit for me! I love the way she so effortlessly captures yearning in such a natural way. She builds up the tension so well that it truly feels palpable.
In How to Fake It In Society, we start with quite an interesting premise. Titus, the fifth son of his family, is a colourist (aka he makes paints and sells them). Unfortunately for him, his ass of an ex-lover is his landlord, who wants to increase the rent. This is not something he can afford, so in search of some extra coin, he seeks out an older patron who owes him money. However, when he turns up at her home, he finds that she has been pushed down the stairs by her nephew is hopes to take his inheritance a little early. She does not want that and marries Titus on the spot to inherit the fortune and the home. But unbeknownst to him, she had another suitor who was trying to get the inheritance, too. And when he shows up, nothing goes as planned from here.
This story was such a delight! The dialogue kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. If you are someone who lives for lingering glances, blushing, and Mr Darcy's flexed hand, then I am sure you will love this book just as much as I did!
The ending made my heart feel full. Thank you for another wonderful read!
"And until then, he would pretend he didn't see how Titus watched him, or think about the way their fingers curled together so instinctively. He wouldn't touch his hand again, come to that. Nico was a toucher, and Titus was a man desperate for touch, and it came so very natural to reach out to him."
...
Thank you to TOR Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I have read two of KJ Charles' books before, and this was another hit for me! I love the way she so effortlessly captures yearning in such a natural way. She builds up the tension so well that it truly feels palpable.
In How to Fake It In Society, we start with quite an interesting premise. Titus, the fifth son of his family, is a colourist (aka he makes paints and sells them). Unfortunately for him, his ass of an ex-lover is his landlord, who wants to increase the rent. This is not something he can afford, so in search of some extra coin, he seeks out an older patron who owes him money. However, when he turns up at her home, he finds that she has been pushed down the stairs by her nephew is hopes to take his inheritance a little early. She does not want that and marries Titus on the spot to inherit the fortune and the home. But unbeknownst to him, she had another suitor who was trying to get the inheritance, too. And when he shows up, nothing goes as planned from here.
This story was such a delight! The dialogue kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. If you are someone who lives for lingering glances, blushing, and Mr Darcy's flexed hand, then I am sure you will love this book just as much as I did!
The ending made my heart feel full. Thank you for another wonderful read!
October 25, 2025
3.5 stars
this was so sweet 🥺
this was so sweet 🥺
October 27, 2025
Easily one of my favorite KJ Charles books to date! And given how many of them I love and have reread countless times, that’s truly saying something. This book has everything: intrigue, romance, humor, mystery and ever evolving stakes, enchanting characters… I was utterly absorbed from beginning to end.
February 16, 2026
“i’m wearing arsenic. my tailor sold me arsenic.”
“it is very popular. and it’s really the only way to get that excellent green.”
when an elderly woman decides to spite her late sister’s cruel son by marrying on her deathbed and ensuring her fortune goes elsewhere, titus pilcrow’s luck changes overnight. he is transformed from poor shopkeeper to gentleman, with 8,000 pounds a year and a fine house to call his own.
nicolas-marc, comte de valois de la motte, had plans for that fortune. out of money and options and in debt to some terrifying men, he arrives on titus’s doorstep along with every other scammer, beggar, and long-lost acquaintance in london. he offers titus his services in adapting to society, and in return, a grateful titus offers nico a place to stay.
everything is finally working out for nico—until he falls in love with the gentle, quiet man he’s trying to scam.
i can’t lie, i was expecting more after the way i’ve seen k.j. charles’ books hyped. how to fake it in society is cute but not a standout. (at one point i saw that there was only one chapter left and still chose to go to bed instead of finishing the book that night, which is unusual for me.) to be fair, titus is a delight; he’s unexpectedly charming under his unassuming exterior, and i loved all the discussion of art (and colors—and what those colors are made from 🤭). everything else, though—nico, the romance, the debt storyline—was just… fine. i was whelmed. i think possibly the “quirkiness” of charles’ writing was oversold, or this is the wrong title to really see that on full display?
also, for a book with “society” in the title, high society was lacking almost entirely—titus has a realization not long after acquiring his newfound wealth that he doesn’t have to attend society events if he doesn’t want to, opts out, and that’s the end of it. i hoped for more of those aspects of regency society given the title and blurb.
overall a solid read, just not quite my cup of tea. i still plan to give some of charles’ other books a try.
i received an ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
rating: 3.75/5.0 stars
April 4, 2026
This was WONDERFUL! I feel like every time I read another KJ Charles book I say that it’s my new favorite, but maybe this one actually is? The plot is wild - Titus, a colourman (he makes paint) unexpectedly marries a rich old woman on her deathbed and inherits all her money. He finds wealth and being thrust into society overwhelming, and he’s really lost until he meets Nico, the Comte de la Motte. In Nico he finds an amazing friend and confidante who makes Titus feel seen and helps him find his confidence. However, it’s clear he’s hiding SOMETHING - and as their feelings for each other grow, Tutus finds that he desperately wants to help him in return.
This book is full of twists and turns, wonderful characters, and rich history. I LOVED learning about making paint and art, and the whole plot with The Affair of the Necklace was 🤯🤯! This is NOT your typical Regency romance and I found that delightful, I literally couldn’t put it down.
How to Fake It In Society is out April 28, and you DO NOT want to miss out. Probably one of my top reads of the year so far 😱.
This book is full of twists and turns, wonderful characters, and rich history. I LOVED learning about making paint and art, and the whole plot with The Affair of the Necklace was 🤯🤯! This is NOT your typical Regency romance and I found that delightful, I literally couldn’t put it down.
How to Fake It In Society is out April 28, and you DO NOT want to miss out. Probably one of my top reads of the year so far 😱.
April 4, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, this made my week. An honor.
My Regency MM era continues with a story about a merchant who slips and falls into a fortune, and the desperate conman who tries his best not to fall in love with said merchant. This will be a hit with anyone who is NOT the eldest sibling, enjoys a friends to lovers/forbidden romance, and has a thing for French accents. I had a lot of fun.
While I am a KJ Charles stan I have to admit this title was elevated by the narrator. The book was five stars, the performance was 10. There are several accents represented, from differing classes of English accents to French accents and they were all very believable to my (admittedly) untrained American ear. The voice acting was also superb, as someone who reads mostly with their ears this performance really stood out.
My Regency MM era continues with a story about a merchant who slips and falls into a fortune, and the desperate conman who tries his best not to fall in love with said merchant. This will be a hit with anyone who is NOT the eldest sibling, enjoys a friends to lovers/forbidden romance, and has a thing for French accents. I had a lot of fun.
While I am a KJ Charles stan I have to admit this title was elevated by the narrator. The book was five stars, the performance was 10. There are several accents represented, from differing classes of English accents to French accents and they were all very believable to my (admittedly) untrained American ear. The voice acting was also superb, as someone who reads mostly with their ears this performance really stood out.
December 19, 2025
This was another fantastic book by KJ. This book has everything I want - romance, humor, a captivating plot, scheming, emotions and wonderful characters. Both Titus and Nico were charming in their own way. You could feel the tension between them from the begining. Seeing Titus come out of his shell and Nico fall for him even when he didn’t want to was a treat.
The drama and scheming at the end had me laughing once I realized what was going on. I really enjoyed the plot around the painting and all of Titus’s knowledge on colors and paints. There was a lot of research put in and it’s mentioned briefly at the end.
This was a touching historical romance and I can’t wait to read more from this author! I’ve only read a few but have plenty on my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
The drama and scheming at the end had me laughing once I realized what was going on. I really enjoyed the plot around the painting and all of Titus’s knowledge on colors and paints. There was a lot of research put in and it’s mentioned briefly at the end.
This was a touching historical romance and I can’t wait to read more from this author! I’ve only read a few but have plenty on my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Want to read
July 1, 2025My girl K.J. Charles getting picked up by TOR! Yas queen! You know I'm pouncing on that pre-order - and you should too! I'm so excited for her books to reach a wider and wider audience!
Read
February 16, 2026This was incredible! I loved everything about it. For anyone who wishes Bridgerton could be a little bit more historically accurate, and a lot more queer, then this is the perfect read for you.
As with every KJ Charles book, the characters are wonderful. Titus and Nico complement each other perfectly. Their backstories and motivations are complex and compelling; it’s honestly such a joy to read their stories gradually unfold.
There’s also a trans/sapphic subplot that mostly happens off-page but was such a lovely added element.
The setting is such a star of the book though. The premise sounds hilarious—and it is, but it’s brilliant. I loved how grounded the historical setting felt, and how much research KJ Charles clearly puts into all of her work to give it an air of realism. What I loved most, though, was how the Regency era feels firmly grounded in history. It’s not a separate, secluded moment in time, there are echoes of the fall-out from the French Revolution (and a subplot focussed around the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, which is one of my most favourite stories from that era), which adds a wonderful depth to the story.
If you love Regency/Georgian era romances and you’re looking for a book bursting with wonderful queer characters, then you’ll love it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As with every KJ Charles book, the characters are wonderful. Titus and Nico complement each other perfectly. Their backstories and motivations are complex and compelling; it’s honestly such a joy to read their stories gradually unfold.
There’s also a trans/sapphic subplot that mostly happens off-page but was such a lovely added element.
The setting is such a star of the book though. The premise sounds hilarious—and it is, but it’s brilliant. I loved how grounded the historical setting felt, and how much research KJ Charles clearly puts into all of her work to give it an air of realism. What I loved most, though, was how the Regency era feels firmly grounded in history. It’s not a separate, secluded moment in time, there are echoes of the fall-out from the French Revolution (and a subplot focussed around the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, which is one of my most favourite stories from that era), which adds a wonderful depth to the story.
If you love Regency/Georgian era romances and you’re looking for a book bursting with wonderful queer characters, then you’ll love it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2026
K.J. Charles’s writing + Will Watt's narration = the perfect pairing
RTC
I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
RTC
I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
December 10, 2025
The cackles I cackled with this one. Just listen to this premise.
Titus shows up to sell paint and somehow leaves married to a dying heiress, solely to spite her god-awful family. Suddenly rich, he has to fend off the shmoozers and grabby hands, but does that include Nico, the Comte de la Something French, who was supposed to marry the heiress himself?
True to form, KJ Charles’s writing was engaging with sparkling characters and historical details. I always race to her Author’s Notes to learn what’s historically accurate. Plus, I got to learn some inspired antique French swear words. Lots of cockroaches. Lots of defecating. Excellent.
Titus, as a colorman, had such a perspective on everything from artwork to clothes. All the little anecdotes on mixing paints and poisons made this one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. I’ll never look at painting the same way.
And Nico, mi amor, gave Gary Oldman in Dracula. I imagined those colorful circle frames with the wavy hair and big coat, all the while, something dangerous beneath concealed. Mmmh.
The plot and feel were a tad scattered compared to her other books, but this was still an 11/10. I loved that she acknowledged the rigorous editing the book underwent in the back pages. She’s got a refreshing realness and awareness, and I’m thoroughly grateful she didn’t, to use her words, take this one behind the barn.
How to Fake It in Society (and all KJ Charles books, really, are must-reads for anyone looking for well-written MM romance with spice, danger, and historical intrigue.
All my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. And to KJ Charles for being my most auto-buy author.
Titus shows up to sell paint and somehow leaves married to a dying heiress, solely to spite her god-awful family. Suddenly rich, he has to fend off the shmoozers and grabby hands, but does that include Nico, the Comte de la Something French, who was supposed to marry the heiress himself?
True to form, KJ Charles’s writing was engaging with sparkling characters and historical details. I always race to her Author’s Notes to learn what’s historically accurate. Plus, I got to learn some inspired antique French swear words. Lots of cockroaches. Lots of defecating. Excellent.
Titus, as a colorman, had such a perspective on everything from artwork to clothes. All the little anecdotes on mixing paints and poisons made this one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. I’ll never look at painting the same way.
And Nico, mi amor, gave Gary Oldman in Dracula. I imagined those colorful circle frames with the wavy hair and big coat, all the while, something dangerous beneath concealed. Mmmh.
The plot and feel were a tad scattered compared to her other books, but this was still an 11/10. I loved that she acknowledged the rigorous editing the book underwent in the back pages. She’s got a refreshing realness and awareness, and I’m thoroughly grateful she didn’t, to use her words, take this one behind the barn.
How to Fake It in Society (and all KJ Charles books, really, are must-reads for anyone looking for well-written MM romance with spice, danger, and historical intrigue.
All my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. And to KJ Charles for being my most auto-buy author.
April 3, 2026
My first, and definitely not last, KJ Charles book is fun and sweet despite some of the tropes hindering my overall enjoyment (more on those in a moment.)
“How to Fake it in Society” is full of fakers. Faking it until they make it, through thick and thin (like thieves checking their sleeves.)
One such “faker,” Theo is down on his luck. His landlord is also someone he’s secretly been in relations with and as we join him is in the process of raising his rent. Unfortunately, Theo can’t afford it. But he’s a man of his craft, paints and arts, and before he is to start winding down his business heads over to a longtime customer’s home to drop off materials. There’s he’s greeted by the now mortally wounded women who makes him a proposition - marry her and get her fortune (which is set to go to her nephew who has had a hand in her current condition.) It’s very Bridgeton but queer and sillier. Theo is quickly a rich man which should mean all is well but he’s quickly thrust into the upper class society with people now after his money, including our second lead, Nico, who is running away from something too.
The two quickly become acquainted, stolen glances and hands held too long and all. It’s a sweet relationship we’re seeing being built. I enjoyed being the fly on the wall even when the two stumbled through a few tropes not unfamiliar with a historical romance like this one. So many letters to answer. Also, come on guys, just TALK to each other. Communication skills are tough no matter the time period. A third act break up also hinders some of the pacing.
Despite it all, I’m so glad to have had a chance to live in this world. The audio book which I listened to for the majority of this story (also had the paperback ARC) was well done, with our narrator pulling double duty playing both men — one English and the other French.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC.
“How to Fake it in Society” is full of fakers. Faking it until they make it, through thick and thin (like thieves checking their sleeves.)
One such “faker,” Theo is down on his luck. His landlord is also someone he’s secretly been in relations with and as we join him is in the process of raising his rent. Unfortunately, Theo can’t afford it. But he’s a man of his craft, paints and arts, and before he is to start winding down his business heads over to a longtime customer’s home to drop off materials. There’s he’s greeted by the now mortally wounded women who makes him a proposition - marry her and get her fortune (which is set to go to her nephew who has had a hand in her current condition.) It’s very Bridgeton but queer and sillier. Theo is quickly a rich man which should mean all is well but he’s quickly thrust into the upper class society with people now after his money, including our second lead, Nico, who is running away from something too.
The two quickly become acquainted, stolen glances and hands held too long and all. It’s a sweet relationship we’re seeing being built. I enjoyed being the fly on the wall even when the two stumbled through a few tropes not unfamiliar with a historical romance like this one. So many letters to answer. Also, come on guys, just TALK to each other. Communication skills are tough no matter the time period. A third act break up also hinders some of the pacing.
Despite it all, I’m so glad to have had a chance to live in this world. The audio book which I listened to for the majority of this story (also had the paperback ARC) was well done, with our narrator pulling double duty playing both men — one English and the other French.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC.
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