What do you think?
Rate this book
The Glenbriar #17
Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High
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.
♥ Set in the highlands of Scotland in a small town with fun, romance, drama, and a guaranteed happy ending, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High has a bit of steam and lots of heart.
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.
♥ Set in the highlands of Scotland in a small town with fun, romance, drama, and a guaranteed happy ending, Faking the Grade at Glenbriar High has a bit of steam and lots of heart.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2026
13 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Amatt
31 books52 followersMargaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 10, 2026
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!
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!
February 8, 2026
.
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.
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.
February 8, 2026
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
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
February 1, 2026
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.
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.
February 9, 2026
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.
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.
February 11, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
February 9, 2026
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Review of advance copy
🩷 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.
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.
February 12, 2026
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews