How To Fake It In Society
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…
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Cover art by Sveta Dorosheva
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Depiction of bad relationship with narcissist/verbally abusive ex-partner. Misgendering of nonbinary character. References to domestic and financial abuse. Rererences to violence and murder (all off page). Threats of violence. References to poisoning.
“a complex and entertaining story, peppered throughout with fun historical morsels, that culminates in an exciting showdown that brings several disparate plot points together with a flourish. … This delightful story is sure to attract new Charles devotees”
“sparkling…Charles excels at capturing the inner turmoil of her leads and peppers their simmering romance with plausible historical details. The resulting tale of intrigue, social pressure, and forbidden love is sure to please.”