Tor signs KJ Charles’ queer historical romance in three-book deal

Tor, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, has acquired How to Fake it in Society plus two as-yet-untitled novels by bestselling historical romance author KJ Charles.

Publisher Bella Pagan acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights excluding Canada, with Sophie Robinson to edit and publish, in a joint acquisition with Tor US from Courtney Miller-Callihan at the Handspun Literary Agency. Tor UK will publish How to Fake it in Society on 23rd April 2026 simultaneously with Tor US.

How to Fake it in Society is a queer historical romance set in Regency-era England about Titus Pilcrow, a shy shopkeeper who is roped into marrying a rich widow on her deathbed, only to find himself a target of every scammer and beggar in London – including the city’s most prolific and dashing rake, Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte.

Pagan said: “KJ Charles writes absolute page-turners featuring heart-warming queer romance, jeopardy and wit in a historical setting. The combination is utterly addictive so I’ve read pretty much everything she’s written. I’m therefore delighted to bring her to Tor UK.”

Charles said: “Tor has a truly fabulous stable of authors and joining their number has long been a career goal for me. I’m delighted by this deal and very much looking forward to working with the whole Tor team.”