Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High

The Glenbriar #17

by Margaret Amatt

Fake dating isn’t on the curriculum… but neither is falling in love

He’s tall, dark and handsome… And he’s just announced his engagement to someone else.


Guidance teacher Clara Morgan thought her year couldn’t get any worse, but it just did. No matter how hard she tries to keep her chin up, it’s hard not to feel down.

Kind and intuitive English teacher and single dad Sam Addison realises something’s up with Clara; he puts two and two together and works out her secret.

Shocked that someone has discovered her unrequited love for one of her colleagues, Clara leans on Sam for support. When he’s invited to a wedding, Clara offers to go with him – as a friend. But she starts to see him in a whole new light when she introduces him to the concept of fake dating.

Sam gave up on love long ago and has a whole cupboard full of baggage, but Clara is just so loveable. If only he wasn’t stuck in a complicated home setup, and she wasn’t in love with someone else.

Sorting out their feelings will need some serious attention if their relationship is going to make the grade and give them the happy ending they deserve.

Tropes in this story

Friends to lovers
Fake dating 
Only one bed
Forced proximity on a road trip
Unrequited love 
High school teachers
Adorable dog
Single-dad hero
Thirty-something heroine / forty-something hero
With Benefits

The Glenbriar Series is a heartwarming collection of cosy contemporary small-town romances set in the fictional Highland town of Glenbriar, Scotland. Filled with community spirit, friendship, family, humour, and a sprinkle of spice, each book follows a different couple while familiar faces return throughout the series. Every story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but together they create an uplifting romance world readers love to revisit. Ideal for readers who love binge-reading interconnected romance series.

Perfect if you're looking for:

✓ Small-town romance

✓ Scottish Highlands setting

✓ Interconnected standalone series

✓ Feel-good romance

✓ Cosy escapism



Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is the 17th book in The Glenbriar Series.



For more stories set in and around Glenbriar, look out for The Glenbriar Castle Series.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

About the author

Margaret Amatt is the author of heartwarming contemporary romance novels set in Scotland, filled with close-knit communities, unforgettable characters and uplifting happily-ever-afters.

Her stories are filled with friendship, family, humour, emotional journeys and a sprinkle of spice. Whether they're set beside a sparkling loch, on a windswept Hebridean island or in a bustling Highland town, every book celebrates the people and places that make Scotland so special.
Margaret is the author of four romance series:

The Glenbriar Series – an interconnected collection of cosy small-town romances set in the fictional Highland town of Glenbriar, where each novel follows a different couple while familiar faces return throughout the series.
The Glenbriar Castle Series – continuing the story of Glenbriar with a fresh focus on Dairvin Castle and the Bruce family, while keeping all the warmth, community spirit and romance readers have come to love.
Scottish Island Escapes – an interconnected collection of standalone, feel-good contemporary romances set on the beautiful Isle of Mull, featuring stunning scenery, fresh starts and an unforgettable island community.
Love on the Edge – Barra – an interconnected collection of standalone contemporary romances set on the spectacular Hebridean island of Barra, where family, friendship and second chances are never far away.

Although the books are interconnected, every novel can be enjoyed as a standalone. Readers who start from the beginning will enjoy spotting returning characters, revisiting favourite places and watching the communities grow with each new story.

Margaret has been making up stories since she was five years old, when her primary school teacher wrote, "Margaret has a flair for creative writing." Thankfully, she never stopped writing. These days she's a full-time professional daydreamer, lifelong book lover and unapologetic chocolate enthusiast who still believes there's nothing better than getting completely lost in a good romance.
If you're looking for somewhere romantic, you've found the right place.

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 17 in Margaret's The Glenbriar Series and by now EVERYONE knows how obsessed I am with this series... this book certainly hasn't stopped this obsession!

This time we follow the lovely Clara and Sam who finds themselves dabbling in the fake dating realm to fox Sam's old school friend after Clara volunteers to accompany him back home and attend... naturally we see the embers of a relationship ignite and slowly a fire builds...

I absolutely love these two characters and I am now having an internal battle as to which book ij this series is my fabourite - this one is currently tied with Book 13 - Last Kiss at the Village Church!

Margaret is a beautiful writer and I love how she makes you become very invested in the story and you end up cheering the main characters on!

What was different with this book, was thw introduction of a more sensitive health topic - perimenopause and the effects on fertility. This was woven around the character it related to and it was lovely to see how this character coped while the main story progressed with the main characters. Beautifully dealt with ❤️.

I absolutely love Margaret (plus this series as a whole) and can't wait to read the next as I feel like there will be lots of fireworks between Adele and Owen!

Beautifully written and emotional, highly recommend to all romance lovers!

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

This is the seventeenth book in the Glenbrair series and can be read as a standalone.

The book reads like a soap (cue Waterloo Road). I enjoyed it. Although set in the Glenbrair community, almost all the actions take place at the school, where we find both teachers and pupils in the spotlight.

Faking the Grade follows the story of guidance counsellor Clara and English teacher, Sam, their fake dating and their peculiar relationships.

It was a delight catching up with characters from the previous books and wondering which of the new characters introduced will be in the spotlight next.

I love that the author does not shy away from difficult topics. The issues of premature menopause, infertility and manipulative exes were treated with compassion and grace.

I love the found family that Clara has found in Sam’s family and all of the lovely characters who made this very interesting.

If you are looking for a wintry escapist book with a side of fake dating and a dash of forced proximity then I highly recommend this.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faking The Grade at Glenbriar High by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Fake dating isn’t on the curriculum… but neither is falling in love

He’s tall, dark and handsome… And he’s just announced his engagement to someone else.

Guidance teacher Clara Morgan thought her year couldn’t get any worse, but it just did. No matter how hard she tries to keep her chin up, it’s hard not to feel down.

Kind and intuitive English teacher and single dad Sam Addison realises something’s up with Clara; he puts two and two together and works out her secret.

Shocked that someone has discovered her unrequited love for one of her colleagues, Clara leans on Sam for support. When he’s invited to a wedding, Clara offers to go with him – as a friend. But she starts to see him in a whole new light when she introduces him to the concept of fake dating.

Sam gave up on love long ago and has a whole cupboard full of baggage, but Clara is just so loveable. If only he wasn’t stuck in a complicated home setup, and she wasn’t in love with someone else.

Sorting out their feelings will need some serious attention if their relationship is going to make the grade and give them the happy ending they deserve.

My Opinion

Faking The Grade at Glenbriar High is the seventeenth book in the Glenbriar series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I am really enjoying this series so I am always delighted when I see that there is an upcoming release, and Faking The Grade at Glenbriar High was a delightful addition to the series.

With some lovely and relatable characters this was another lovely novel by Margaret Amatt and I would highly recommend this series.

Rating 4/5

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific instalment for Margaret Amatt’s Glenbriar series. Although this is book 17, each one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story, so please don’t be put off if this is the first time you’ve come across her writing. I joined partway through this series. I do, however, enjoy meeting characters from both previous books and those the reader can tell may feature in the future.

Glenbriar is a fantastic community where I instinctively know I would love to live. This time, the action revolves around the local high school as the spectre of an Ofsted inspection looms on the horizon. This is a chance to catch up with staff as they navigate the challenges that are common to many UK schools.

At the forefront of the story are Clara Morgan, the school’s guidance teacher, and Sam Addison, the school's English teacher. Neither has a simple life, but they ensure that the side they show at work is professional and caring.

Clara has been carrying a torch for another teacher, but that infatuation is one-sided, so she works hard to protect her heart while maintaining a friendly disposition. I think many of us can understand how Clara felt. The pain of unrequited love can cut deeply into one's confidence and leave feelings of inadequacy. This sensation felt completely relatable, and my heart went out to her. Thankfully, she was surrounded by some fabulous friends who wanted nothing but the best for her. They didn’t, however, know about her crush.

Sam had his own baggage, a demanding ex-wife who used her sons as weapons in her ongoing campaign to control Sam’s life. He is the epitome of a dedicated father, teacher and friend. An absolute rock for everyone to rely on, he wants nothing but peace and happiness for everyone in his life. His friendship with Clara is entirely innocent, and when he realises the secret she is hiding, he offers her the outlet she needs, a chance to talk about her aching heart.

Margaret Amatt consistently creates relatable, admirable characters and thoroughly challenges their intentions. The slow-burning friendship ignites when the concept of fake dating is introduced. However, there may be too many obstacles for them to reach a happy ending.

Another spectacular escape to Glenbriar and highly recommended.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily read as a standalone Faking the Grade is the seventeen book in Amatt's Glenbriar series.

A return visit to Glenbriar is always welcome. It's so lovely there and it's fast become one of my favourite bookish haunts. I got the chance to reconnect with friends of old, and came away having made some new.

Fake dating, a sweet romance, and a touch of spice, with a tall dark stranger at its core? It got me, and it got me good!

Bingeably good.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never tire of visiting Glenbriar, it’s such a wonderful community with great characters.
A school setting this time and a romance between two teachers.
Clara has been hurt and is going through some health issues.
Sam is an all round good guy who everyone likes but he has secrets.
Can these two teachers teach each other to love again.
Emotional, dreamy and romantic.

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story

I couldn't put this book down, it was such an enjoyable read. A fake date and friends with benefits what more could you want. I think this is one of the best stories in this series. Look I my forward to the next book in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone as it’s the setting that ties them together rather than the characters. It’s a beautiful setting and draws you right in.

We meet Clara and Sam who both work at the same high school. I have to say teachers are worth their weight in gold but more so ones that work with teens. It certainly can be hard work at times with not only the children to contend with but their parents also. The good thing is that it can also be very rewarding. Both the characters are having to deal with things going on in their lives which my heart went out to both of them. Whilst they have worked together for a while, it isn’t until Clara offers to be his plus one at a wedding that things start to hotten up.

Whilst there is romance and spice, the story offers a wide range of topics, I don’t want to say too much about them so as not to spoil the story for others but they are ones that certainly struck a cord and I had every empathy for Clara and Sam. Sam’s family are wonderful and you get a real homily vibe that gives off so much warmth.

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High was such a lovely read that truly captivated me. The Scottish setting is just wonderful and the cast of characters really added to the appeal of the story. I adored the escapism the book gave me and it was a fun and endearing read with an ending that didn’t disappoint. The perfect read to chase these wintery days away!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this gentle romance, with fake dating at the heart.
Clara is a teacher at Glenbriar High and is coping with having her heart broken by her crush, unintentionally. What makes it worse is that they work together, and their paths cross regularly.
Along comes Sam, another teacher with his own complicated personal story, and an opportunity to support one another through some complex situations.
You know when you read a book, and feel that cosy sensation, knowing you are going to love the ending, without even having read it? That. That is what I felt reading this.
Clara helps so many, and Sam does the same, so knowing they are headed towards one another is just heartwarming.
A thoroughly enjoyable book that may be part of a long-standing series, but is perfectly fine being read as a standalone.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series shows no sign of flagging, even up to Book 17. You can read this as a standalone but as ever, you appreciate more of the details and the characters if you have read some of its predecessors. Both Clara and Sam are thoroughly likeable characters although both have issues to deal with. Both are respected teachers at Glenbriar High and brings back some characters from previous stories so it is good to see how their lives are progressing.

There is an optimistic tone in Sam and Clara's story which makes for a heart-warming read. They don't notice their feelings at first but the fake dating scenario begins to change that. I enjoyed Sam's family in particular who supported him as he wrestled with the decision of whether to move away or settle down in Glenbriar and as a reader, became quite invested in how things worked out.

In short: uplifting read.

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Title: Faking the grade at Glenbriar High
Author: Margaret Amott
Format: digital/ebook

💭 My Thoughts 💭

I was worried I wouldn’t understand the world of Glenbriar with this been book 17 but you can definitely read as a stand alone.

I really enjoyed Margaret’s writing style. The chapters flowed easy and I enjoyed the chapter style/layout.

Clara was a good fmc I really enjoyed getting to know her. Sam the mmc was also interesting but I gravitated towards Clara.

I loved the setting of the book and it was a great escape in the foggy wintery days we’ve been experiencing here in Yorkshire.

It was a really easy read and I hope to visit Glenbriar again in my reading future.

Jessicasbookshelf ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
Fake dating isn’t on the curriculum… but neither is falling in love
He’s tall, dark and handsome… And he’s just announced his engagement to someone else.
Guidance teacher Clara Morgan thought her year couldn’t get any worse, but it just did. No matter how hard she tries to keep her chin up, it’s hard not to feel down.
Kind and intuitive English teacher and single dad Sam Addison realises something’s up with Clara; he puts two and two together and works out her secret.
Shocked that someone has discovered her unrequited love for one of her colleagues, Clara leans on Sam for support. When he’s invited to a wedding, Clara offers to go with him – as a friend. But she starts to see him in a whole new light when she introduces him to the concept of fake dating.
Sam gave up on love long ago and has a whole cupboard full of baggage, but Clara is just so loveable. If only he wasn’t stuck in a complicated home setup, and she wasn’t in love with someone else.
Sorting out their feelings will need some serious attention if their relationship is going to make the grade and give them the happy ending they deserve.♥ Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High is the 17th book in The Glenbriar Series, but can be read on its own as a standalone.
🩵 Review -
Even though I hadn't read the other books in the series I still enjoyed it and I soon understood what was going on. This was such a beautifully written and heartwarming read. It's the perfect book to read when you want something light and easy to read. The story was well written, easy to follow, had beautiful place settings and a great cast of characters. There were also some spicy scenes. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author, Margaret Amatt and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely brilliant book from Margaret and a great addition to the Glenbriar series. I work in a school and I do a very similar job to Clara so the setting of this is one I can totally relate too! Clara and Sam are colleagues at Glenbriar High. She is a guidance teacher and he is an English teacher. When Clara agrees to be his plus one and fake date at a wedding she starts to realise that she’s developing thoughts and feelings for Sam that are more than just friends……. What she doesn’t know is that Sam feels the same….. However they both have baggage which makes them convinced that there is no chance of a relationship between them working……
I really enjoyed the camaraderie between the staff at the school and loved how all the characters interacted. There is such a lovely warm sense of belonging and respect. Margaret always tackles issues in a sensitive way.

[Jo Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to return to Glenbriar for the seventeenth book in the series, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High. As with all the others, it works perfectly as a standalone although I do recommend reading all of the books, preferably in order. In this book we get guidance teacher Clara and English teacher Sam’s story.

Clara was such a lovely character. Always caring towards others and keen to help anyone, she is going through medical issues which she believes will mean that no one will be interested in her. Sam has a complicated life, having to move on every time his ex-wife moves on so that he can maintain a relationship with his sons. Like Clara, he is also incredibly kind and caring.

I adored their fake date (complete with the one bed/forced proximity trope) and the way in which it was clear that wherever Clara went and whoever she met, she was instantly loved, as was evident with Sam’s friends and family.

Brought together initially because Sam was the only person to notice that Clara was in love with fellow teacher Kerr who has just got engaged to former professional tennis player Georgie. He was concerned about her, and with the fake date trip to Somerset, they became close friends which ultimately turned into a beautiful slow burn romance.

The elements of school life were interesting, with problematic children and parents, a school inspection and the humorous interactions between the kids and the teachers. I also really loved the camaraderie between the teachers, and appreciated the huge personality of fellow teacher Lissa!

Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High was an uplifting romance between an adorable couple who faced enormous difficulties and obstacles.