How to Fake It in Society

How to Fake It in Society by K.J. Charles, 320 pages

The Comte de Valois de La Motte, son of the woman who purportedly stole an infamous necklace from Marie Antoinette, has run out of funds. But he does have a painting that may draw a high price from fans of the late French queen, and who better to buy it than Titus Pilcrow, a paint-maker who has recently found himself unexpectedly married and then widowed, the beneficiary of an elderly woman's need to marry and keep her noxious nephew from inheriting. Titus immediately takes to the Comte (Nico, as his friends call him), and asks him to help steer Titus through London's high society. Despite Nico's nefarious plans, he agrees and finds himself unwilling to con the man that he finds increasingly appealing. But as debts rise and unscrupulous loan sharks come calling, Nico must make some move — but will it destroy his burgeoning relationship with Titus?

This was a very engaging story, and I particularly loved all the details about color creation, artistic techniques and forgeries, and fashion. However, between those and the long con that was going on throughout the book, the romance got a bit lost in the shuffle. Still, a fun trip into a historical romantic tale.

This book will be published April 28, 2026.

A Lady's Guide to Scandal

A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin, 359 pages

Ten years ago, Sophie fell in love with Oliver Somerset, but because of her duty her family, she instead married his uncle, the Earl of Somerset, who is 25 years her senior and not nearly as kind as his nephew. Now that the earl has died, Sophie is, for the first time ever, a free woman, even though she's a young widow still trapped in the conventions of mourning. And it's possible that after her mourning period is over, she and Oliver (who inherited his uncle's title) may finally have a chance at their happily-ever-after — as long as Oliver's judgy sister and the rakish author Lord Melville don't get in the way.

I think this is technically billed as a romance novel, but it feels much more like the story of a woman learning to assert herself and forge her own path (and yeah, there's a bit of swooning). I liked Sophie's journey from shy and obedient to brave and assertive, and I positively loved the supporting characters of Margaret (Sophie's cousin) and Caroline (Melville's sister), whose snarky observations make them the people you want to sit next to at a boring party. A lovely light read.

Portrait of a Scotsman

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore, 408 pages

Hattie wants only three things: to become a better artist, to fight for a noble cause, and to marry for love. Unfortunately, as a high society daughter, her chances for any of these is slim, particularly when she learns that her father has promised her hand to an unscrupulous financier in a business deal. Soon, she's wed to Lucian Blackstone, a man known throughout England as a devil who's happy to gain from the downfall of his peers. But on an unexpected trip to Scotland, Hattie learns that there's more to her new husband than appears...and he soon learns the same about her.

This is a fun romance set against the backdrop of women's rights, workers' rights, and the changing technology of the 19th Century. Somehow, it's all woven together well, and while there are certainly unbelievable elements, it's still an enjoyable read. I'll have to check out more of Dunmore's series focusing on suffragists.