How to Fake It in Society – K.J. 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 . . .

---

How To Fake It In Society is another brilliant historical romance from my all-time favorite MM author, K.J. Charles.

Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte, befriends Titus Pilcrow, a newly rich colourman who inherited his fortune in the most unusual way, through a deathbed marriage to a wealthy old woman, with strict instructions not to share the money with her greedy relatives.

Unsure how to navigate high society, Titus turns to Nico, who sees him as a ticket out of his own debts. But instead of fleecing his mark, Nico finds himself falling in love.

I loved Titus! He’s kind-hearted, generous, awkward, and naive about aristocratic life yet sharp, resourceful, and passionately devoted to his craft. Bullies try to dim his light, but with Nico’s support he learns to live on his own terms.

He started his friendship with Nico with open eyes, aware that the comte might just be after his money. Knowing that, he still invited him to live in his house. Their friendship is my favorite part of the story. Titus and Nico enjoyed each other’s company and that joy leapt off the page!

One of the most charming touches is Titus entertaining the comte with trivia about colors, such as a certain shade of green is made of arsenic or a yellow named after a queen’s unwashed clothes. It made him want to burn his green jacket, still Nico was utterly smittened. Couldn’t blame him, Titus’s enthusiasm is contagious.

These details, along with K.J. Charles’s immersive historical texture, make the novel sparkle. I especially love that her romances spotlight not just dukes but working-class characters with fascinating period-specific jobs, here a paint maker, other books a pornographer (Unfit to Print), taxidermist (An Unseen Attraction), a handwriting analysis expert (Copper Script), even a waste man (Rag and Bone).

Though Nico intended to exploit Titus, he ends up giving him everything he needs, confidence, colorful clothes, and unwavering support. His delight in making Titus happy is balm to the soul. Their romance is ridiculously endearing, and the cover perfectly captures their sweet hand-holding moments. And they really love holding hands!

The supporting cast was equally wonderful. Mr. Thorpe the loyal butler, Mrs . Thorpe the housekeeper and their daughter Alma the maid make a cozy found family for Titus who’s estranged from his brothers. Eve a.k.a. Poirot the valet is Nico’s cousin and a dashing lover for Alma.

The big reveal hit Titus and Nico hard. The author deftly unraveled the secrets and emotional fallout, throwing in some menacing bad guys who were caricatures, and the most hilarious villain takedown scene to give us a spectacular resolution worthy of Marie Antoinette!

How To Fake It In Society is a story about bringing out the best in people by seeing the good in them. Overall, wrong thoughts, right words, right actions and a romance that’s pure joy!

Rating:
4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step away

Soundtrack: Give You The World
Artist: Yello feat. Malia
Album: Toy

---

If you like my content, please consider using my Amazon affiliate links below to buy your copy of How To Fake It In Society. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying Amazon purchases at no additional cost to you.

HOW TO FAKE IT IN SOCIETY: Amazon UK | Audiobook

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!