MOST RECENTLY REVIEWED ON 1 JULY 2025 (4 STARS)
FIVE STAR REVIEWS
APRIL 2025 Reviewed by Caroline Hurry for Amazon.com and Goodreads
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait, told through dual perspectives, explores the psychological dangers of online anonymity through Cherry Hill and Adam Fisher.
Cherry, a tough but lonely girl thrust into an elite British boarding school after her mother marries into the aristocracy, seeks connection in the virtual world. Adam, the isolated son of a US Air Force captain, is angry and wrestling with feelings of humiliation from his peers.
Driven by revenge and a thirst for power, Adam sees Cherry’s photo on a social media app, Pictapost, and deceives her with a fake persona; their relationship becomes a tense and toxic web of lies.
Morait uses alternating viewpoints to portray how quickly social media can become a lifeline and a trap. Cherry seeks validation, while Adam seeks to manipulate. Their collision course is gripping, dark, and disturbingly real.
The plot progression is cleverly paced. Each cliffhanger chapter ending kept me reading into the wee hours. Morait explores emotional abuse, miscarriage, and suicide themes with sensitivity, reflecting the brutal realities many teens face today.
More than a cautionary tale, it’s a window into the mental and emotional toll that digital relationships can take.
Though targeted at older teens, Tempting Fake also serves as a wake-up call for adults – parents, educators, and anyone who underestimates the gravity of a teenager’s online world. It’s a must-read for the modern age. Brilliant.
MARCH 2025 Reviewed by Shuo/Nightfire for Amazon.com and Goodreads
Tempting Fake is a gripping and emotional story about the dangers of social media and how it can affect teenagers in unexpected and harmful ways. The book follows two lonely teens, Cherry and Adam. Cherry is a tough and independent girl who grew up in poverty. Her life changes when her mother marries an English lord, and she is sent to an elite boarding school far from home. Feeling isolated and struggling to fit in, Cherry turns to social media for comfort. That’s how she meets Adam, a boy who seems charming at first but hides a much darker side. Adam, the son of a U.S. air force captain and an English mother, feels like an outsider at his fancy British school. Bullied and friendless, he becomes obsessed with Cherry after they start talking online.
The story is told from both Cherry and Adam’s points of view, which gives readers a deep look into their thoughts and feelings. This dual perspective makes the book even more intense as their lives become more tangled and the stakes get higher. The author does a great job of showing how vulnerable teenagers can be online and how quickly things can get out of control. What makes Tempting Fake stand out is how real and relatable it feels. It explores serious issues like online manipulation, emotional abuse, and the pressure teenagers face to seek attention and validation. There are some heavy themes, including suicide and miscarriage, but these topics are handled with care and fit naturally into the story. The book doesn’t just focus on the dangers of social media—it also highlights how much teenagers long to be understood and accepted. It is a powerful and thought-provoking read.
FEBRUARY 2025 Reviewed by Brenda Ridgeley for Amazon.com and Goodreads
From my vantage point as an adult with young adult children, Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait serves as a stark, and frankly unsettling, reminder of the digital minefield our teenagers navigate daily. While marketed as a YA novel, this book resonated deeply with me as a parent. It’s a good book, but a sad one, precisely because it shines a light on the very real dangers lurking in the shadows of social media. Morait’s story isn’t just for teens; it’s a crucial read for adults too. We often underestimate the precarious position young people occupy online, their vulnerability magnified by the very nature of adolescence. Tempting Fake underscores how easily teens can be manipulated and exploited in the digital realm, highlighting the potential consequences of online connections. The narrative, driven by the alternating perspectives of Cherry and Adam, effectively captures the intensity of teenage emotions and the allure of online validation. As their relationship unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where reality and illusion intertwine, where the lines between genuine connection and calculated deception blur. This book serves as a potent cautionary tale, reminding us that social media, while a powerful tool for connection, can be a dangerous landscape for anyone, regardless of age, but especially for those still finding their footing in the world.
FEBRUARY 2025 Reviewed by Sam for Amazon Australia and Goodreads
If Jane Austen’s Emma had been written for the digital age, Tempting Fake might be its shadow twin—less about matchmaking, more about the perils of misplaced trust in a world where illusions outnumber realities. Tracey Morait’s novel disguises itself as a contemporary boarding school drama, but beneath its polished surface lurks something more unsettling: an exploration of loneliness, deception, and the unsettling fluidity of online identities.
Cherry, uprooted from her life and deposited in Helton Manor, encounters the familiar boarding school tropes—cliques, whispered gossip, and the slow burn of reluctant friendship. But the real intrigue doesn’t happen in the dormitories; it happens behind the screen. Pictapost, an app eerily similar to Instagram, becomes her escape hatch. Enter Adam—an American boy exiled in a British prep school, equally adrift. Their digital friendship seems innocent, even serendipitous. But does the virtual world ever tell the whole truth?
Now, let’s pause. How often do readers, wrapped in the comforts of fiction, question the mechanics of online interaction? Consider this: In 2023, studies revealed that over 60% of teenagers have engaged with someone online whose identity they later doubted. Social media, a world of curated perfection, invites deception. In a novel like Tempting Fake, the reader might assume they’re watching a teen romance unfold, but Morait does something more subversive—she forces us to examine what we accept as real.
Think about history. Deception isn’t new. In 1796, a con artist named Gregor MacGregor convinced hundreds of British citizens to invest in a fake South American country. Today, the grift is digital. Cherry and Adam’s story mirrors the age-old art of deception but with modern tools: filtered selfies, ambiguous texts, and the perilous assumption that online words equal truth. A book about boarding school becomes a book about survival—not just in school hallways but in the labyrinth of the internet.
And what of the writing? Morait delivers a smooth, readable prose, avoiding the exaggerated slang or forced trendiness that sometimes plagues YA fiction. The dialogue is natural, and while the characters’ arcs aren’t revolutionary, their emotional landscapes feel authentic. The subtle unease she weaves into Cherry’s story is what lingers—like a notification from an unknown sender, unread but impossible to ignore.
Perhaps the book’s most ingenious trick is that it never shouts its message. It doesn’t moralize about the dangers of social media or present a dystopian cautionary tale. Instead, it whispers, nudges, and lets the reader connect the dots. How well do you know the people you talk to online? Are you sure?
F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Show me a hero, and I’ll write you a tragedy.” In Tempting Fake, heroism looks like something smaller—recognizing the illusion before it swallows you whole.
OCTOBER 2024 Reviewed by Vampire Hunter/Kelly Miller for Amazon.com and Goodreads
“Tempting Fake,” by Tracey Morait is a tale illustrating what might go wrong when you connect with strangers on social media. (Trigger warning for rape.) The author provides the following: “I would advise caution as not only does Tempting Fake contain profanity, it also has some suggestive sexual content. It was written as therapy by myself from the teen’s perspective and possible scenarios as romance scamming very nearly happened to me on Instagram before the pandemic, and I’m no teenager! Whatever age you are, we are ALL prone to social media and its dangers, especially when you’re in a vulnerable state, and back then, I was in the bin.” The story centers on two 15-year-olds, Cherry & Adam, who connect online. Adam’s friend Petrov takes his phone and shares Cherry’s picture to Adam’s contacts, resulting in Adam getting kicked off the app and Adam and & Petrov getting suspended. Adam plans revenge on Petrov, but his method seems to be victimizing Cherry as much as Petrov. I found the story intriguing, compelling, and unsettling. It is written in first person, alternating between the POV’s of Cherry and Adam, who begins to question his sexuality and makes a series of more disturbing choices.
SEPTEMBER 2024 Reviewed by Kristina Kamaeva for Amazon Canada and Goodreads
I must admit, I don’t know much about online dating and the virtual life of teens. I had to google “catfishing” and “gaslighting.”
The book is written from the perspective of 16-year-old Cherry and 15-year-old Adam; both are not likable characters: selfish, overdramatic, annoying, unreasonable. It’s hard to believe that the book was written by an adult; it reads like a diary. The author surely knows how it feels to be a teenager.
You think that nowadays, when information on any topic is easily available on the Internet, teens will be more sophisticated and cautious, but it’s not so.
Cherry longs for love and attention and posts her racy selfies on Pictapost. She is easily lured into an abusive relationship with Adam. At least, she’s not a suicidal type; she understands that her unfortunate story is not a reason to die.
Adam is not a typical teenager, I truly hope. He always blames others for bad things that happen to him and plans for revenge. He has no kindness and no remorse. He’s still thinking of revenge even after he’s tried and convicted. I think he has the mind of a maniac.
I felt sorry for Adam’s parents and Cherry’s mom. Both Cherry and Adam want to look good in the eyes of their parents and continue to keep secrets from them until it’s too late.
This book brought up lots of emotions and uncomfortable thoughts. In spite of globalization teens feel isolated. They don’t learn from other people’s mistakes, they want to make their own. I don’t know what parents can do to help them. Keep them busy and engaged with real life?
Apparently sending them to boarding school doesn’t help!
JUNE 2024 Reviewed by Jim Kent/Sam Timmons for Amazon Canada and Goodreads
I liked reading “Tempting Fake” by Tracey Morait; it is a gripping YA novel that explores darker side of social media and teenage angst; a topic I would like to see more content on. I liked how the story is told from the dual perspectives of Cherry and Adam, which adds depth to the narrative; this is a very interesting compare / contrast approach. Cherry, a teenager thrust into an elite boarding school after her mother’s remarriage, finds solace in social media – why? how” become pressing questions. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of her struggle to fit in and the friendships she forms at Helton Manor.
On the other side – Adam, an American boy at a British school, with a character design that is equally compelling. His isolation and subsequent obsession with Cherry’s online presence create a chilling dynamic. I found the exploration of his character particularly fascinating as it highlighted the dangers of online interactions. Again how and why?
I found the book’s pacing excellent, with suspense building steadily as Cherry and Adam’s relationship spirals out of control. I appreciated the author’s ability to weave contemporary issues like cyberbullying and online predators into the plot; again topics I like to see more writers talk about. The twists and unexpected events kept me interested and asking for more…
Overall, “Tempting Fake” is a well-written, thought-provoking novel that is both entertaining and cautionary; and an excellent addition by a self-published writer; I give credit and respect here. It’s a healthy read for teenagers and parents alike, highlighting the potential dangers of social media. Take Note. Tempting Fake
2023 Reviewed by J for Amazon UK and Goodreads
2023 Reviewed by Adam for Amazon UK and Goodreads
What makes this book particularly engaging is the way it addresses the complexities of friendship, identity, and the journey of self-discovery. The characters are meticulously crafted, with Cherry and Adam’s story serving as a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt out of place or misunderstood. Their problems, while unique, are relatable, and their resilience and courage in facing them are truly inspirational.
This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a story that is both uplifting and thought-provoking. It is a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the unbreakable bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. Through Cherry and Adam’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of being true to oneself, the value of genuine friendships, and the courage it takes to open up to others, even in the face of adversity. A truly positive and uplifting tale that will leave readers with a warm heart and a renewed faith in the power of connection.
2023 Reviewed by Tlalane
I truly enjoyed this book; it was a gripping read. It is about two teens, Adam and Cherry, who find themselves shipped off to schools they don’t want, finding themselves lonely in the beginning, they find social media to be the distraction they need, leading them to events that will change their lives in a bad way.
It’s a good book but sad as it highlights the issues, we are facing due to social media, and teenagers being the high-risk victims. It’s not only for teens but for adults as well, social media is dangerous for all age groups and this book’s story focuses on being vulnerable when you are a teenager.
Trigger on the book is that it has suicide and miscarriage, but it focuses on them in a good way that is needed in the story. I enjoyed the twist and the surprise at the end! Wow, this is a must read, this book is a kind of book that stays with a reader for a long time.
2023 Reviewed by Leonie for Amazon UK
Tempting Fake is a pacy, well written and topical YA novel. With a very clever title!
There are two alternating narrative strands, each from the point of view of one of the main characters, each introduced with ‘It starts one one simple word: “Hello”’. Already the reader is drawn in.
Cherry and Adam, sixteen and fifteen respectively, are reluctant and initially friendless pupils at schools some distance apart. They don’t know each other at the start of the book and meet online on Pictapost, the teenagers’ must-have social media platform. Cherry posts a suggestive selfie which Adam sees. They connect and an enthusiastic back-and-forth ensues.
The reader follows each character’s development in their first few months at their new schools, in particular the friendships they form and their blossoming online relationship. The plot develops stealthily as online identities are assumed and shift. The reader watches with increasing foreboding as the stakes escalate and the rollercoaster narrative gathers pace.
The writer sketches the intensity of teenage crushes and angst well and skilfully builds the tension. The plotting is impressively complex but never misses its footing. Every chapter ends with a good cliffhanger.
For me, the one weakness was the (no spoilers) incident with Lord Bob, which seemed unnecessary and took the reader out of the main storyline. But that is a very minor quibble and otherwise I found this book, which I read in more or less a single sitting, an excellent read.
2023 Reviewed by Gee Ando for Amazon Australia and Goodreads
Tracey Morait has come up with the clever title Tempting Fake for this pacey YA novel. Morait demonstrates just how easy it is for young people with limited life experience to get themselves into strife (within the fake online world). The reader is introduced to a teenager named Cherry Hill who is sent to an elite posh all girls’ boarding school following her mother’s marriage to a lord. While Cherry does make friends, she has no real emotional connection to anyone while at school.
Cherry makes an online connection to a boy named “Adam’ who sells himself as being in the same position as her (ie residing in an all boys boarding school and feeling disconnected and lonely). Cherry has no reason to question the narrative that Adam feeds her and their online romance appears to flourish after Cherry posts a saucy image of herself.
Without giving too much away, all I will say is Adam is not who Cherry thinks he is and as his grooming goes up a notch, the reader is left squirming with discomfort at how naive Cherry is and the vulnerability that goes hand in hand with that. A masterful story with a moral to the story which will hopefully make young people think before placing their trust in online strangers. A well portrayed message to the intended audience – well done!
2023 Reviewed by ALS for Amazon UK and Goodreads
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait is a gripping thriller that revolves around young teenager Cherry Hill. She is sent to a posh girls’ boarding school after her mum marries a lord. Despite making new friends, Cherry feels alone and out of her depth.
Adam is in a similar situation. The son of an American father stationed at an airbase and an English mother; he too is sent to a private boys’ boarding school. He has some friends but he misses his US mates.
Like all teenagers, social media is their thing and it’s not long before Cherry and Adam have connected on Pictapost after Cherry posted a racy photo of herself.
Things go wrong quickly when Adam (as Danny) begins to groom the young girl, and their ‘relationship’ takes on a very sinister element.
This is an excellent YA novel and the author has written a gripping story about the dangers many young people inadvertently face through social media today.
A great title and a brilliant cover that ties in well with the theme of the novel.
2023 Reviewed by Sam for Goodreads
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait tells the story of a teenage girl named Cherry who is sent to a boarding school called Helton Manor. At first, she is very hesitant to go and even pleads with her parents to let her stay at home. Later, she discovers that her mother never wanted to send her to the boarding school in the first place, and it was all because of her stepfather. Her initial days at Helton Manor are challenging as she faces conflicts with her roommates, but they eventually become friends.
The story delves into themes of solitude, socializing, and relationships. Throughout, the point of view alternates between Cherry and Adam, a style that some readers might find off-putting. Personally, I had no issue with it, as I’ve encountered this style before. In any case, Tempting Fake was definitely worth my time. I highly recommend the story and encourage the author to continue his fruitful writing career.
2023 Reviewed by Lianne Le Borde for Amazon UK and Goodreads
I was quickly drawn into both Cherry and Adam’s public school worlds. It was interesting to see a societal issue like catfishing tackled from this privileged perspective. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, yes impossible to protect your children at the same time – which I really felt in this book. Because Cherry and Adam were both old enough to be afforded some independence and there was nothing anyone could do – including their friends – but let them make their own mistakes.
Their cast of friends were wonderful, all with their own personalities and strengths and weaknesses as friends. There were many times I wanted to shake Cherry! It’s a great exploration of a troubling new world of picture sharing, public and private messaging. I had no idea who Ceridwen was until the end – such a good twist.
There are some dark themes in this book – and I do feel people were hard on Cherry. She was very naive at the beginning. I sympathised with Adam at times, although it’d be good to see this character explored in a sequel! Without giving spoilers, it’s clear there is still more to Adam than meets the eye. A gripping read with complex young characters who all learn some very big lessons in the worst way.
2023 Reviewed by Rosie Malezer, Alma Boucher and Viga Boland for Readers Favorite
Rosie Malezer
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait is a YA novel about growing pains. Adam and Cherry are two boarding school students living at opposite ends of England. Cherry’s mother is newly married to a womanizing rich pedophile, and Cherry is glad to be away from him at Helton Manor. Adam’s father is posted to the Air Force in England, and making friends is hard for both Adam and Cherry at their new schools. Initially, both seek out friendship on social media and look forward to their frequent chats, until one of Adam’s school friends at The Priory hacks his account and floods private images of Cherry throughout the whole school. Although Adam is innocent in the deed, he slowly transforms into Cherry’s stalker and does anything possible to be near her. When Cherry moves on with a new guy, Danny (Adam’s new fake account), Adam’s obsession with Cherry comes to a halt when Adam finds love with one of the male students at The Priory. Determined to prove to himself he is not gay, Adam goes to Cherry’s home and drama ensues.
I can hear the music to Law and Order playing in my head after each sentence I type – how bizarre is that for a Deaf reviewer? Tracey Morait’s riveting story packs so much of today’s truths into it, with the risks involved in seeking out love and friendship on social media. Tempting Fake so often feels like a victimless crime, as if what we cannot see won’t actually hurt us. However, when obsession steps into play, there soon seems no uncrossable line. Innocent chat turns into stalking, rape, drugs, and thoughts of committing murder to justify the deeds done. I guess I can almost see this story as it is in reality, having lived it. There are so many different aspects to this story, whether it be young love, seeking friendship online, seeking revenge, or determination for the ends to justify the means…. mystery, drama, love, and more… all by the age of fifteen. I highly recommend Tempting Fake to all users of the internet who use social media, as it can be more dangerous than you think. I found this book incredible and feel it would do well in all school and public libraries.
Alma Boucher
Tempting Fake is a young adult coming-of-age novel by Tracey Morait. When Cherry’s mother marries Lord Milborne, her world becomes lonely and isolated, and she is sent away to Helton Manor. It is challenging for Cherry to live there, and she is determined to get a reputation for being a nuisance and a troublemaker. Cherry seeks comfort and friendship on the app Pictapost, where she meets Adam. Adam, who was born in the United States, was raised by an English mother and a U.S. Air Force captain. Being the only American student at the distinctly British Priory School, Adam does not have friends and is bullied. Adam connects with Cherry on Pictapost and falls in love with her. Their problems began when Adam’s account is hacked and Cherry’s photos are tagged.
Temping Fake by Tracey Morait left me speechless and taught me many lessons. It was an amazing story about teenage love, true friendship, and family. Sensitive topics like sexual consent, bullying, and drug and alcohol abuse were covered. It was a page-turner with so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next. There was always a surprise waiting around the corner. The characters were realistic and relatable. The way Cherry and Adam act and talk and the issues they face are the same as those of real-life teenagers. This story had me hooked from the start and was excellently written. I was disappointed when the story ended; I didn’t realize I was nearing the end. The ending was fantastic, and I will look back on the story for some time.
Viga Boland
In Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait, when the somewhat rebellious Cheralyn, aka Cherry, decides to post a photo of herself on a social media post, she gets the desired attention from Adam, who, like Cherry, has been sent off to an elite boarding school against his wishes. But the initial comfort these two enjoy from texting takes a downhill turn when Adam’s account is hacked and Cherry’s alluring photo goes viral. All hell breaks loose for both teens in their respective schools and homes. Bad becomes worse when Adam decides to take revenge on the hacker by adopting a fake identity using the hacker’s photo. Things spiral out of control and what should have been a simple teen exchange becomes ugly, even sinister, reminding both the characters and readers of the dangers lurking on social media.
Tempting Fake was a very different and interesting read for me. I suspect that will be the case for other parents or grandparents if they are the least bit curious about what the young adults in their families are into…or could get themselves into…on their cell phones. Tracey Morait’s novel will appeal to its intended audience: young adults. She knows and understands the interests and often highly strung emotions of average 16-year-olds and captures them very well in Tempting Fake. Through both the plot and the excellent characterization, she also addresses compelling teen issues like self-confidence, gender identity, class differences, i.e. the haves and the have-nots, and suicide. That’s a lot to cover in only 249 pages, but the author succeeds in creating a book young adults and their elders can enjoy. Tempting Fake would make an excellent book club selection. Lots of themes to discuss and analyze here. Recommended reading.
2023 Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Readers Views Kids and Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Cherry Hill is starved for attention, longing to feel loved and appreciated. These feelings are amplified after her wealthy stepfather, Lord Milborne, coaxes her mother into sending Cherry away. Helton Manor is an all-girls boarding school in the Lake District, and Cherry is skeptical about how she will fit in with these born-into-wealth schoolgirls. Despite bonding with her new roommates—Suki, Rahma, and Tasha—Cherry still feels a gaping hole in her heart. That’s when she turns to Pictapost, an online platform for messaging and posting pictures. Nothing gives her more thrill than posting racy photos and receiving countless likes. Cherry quickly begins messaging Adam Fisher, and her life is turned upside down.
Adam Fisher, the son of a US Air Force captain, is attending boarding school in Suffolk (and loathing every minute.) He is over his head when he begins messaging beautiful Cherry Hill under false pretenses. Fueled by revenge and desperately seeking payback for being bullied by the wealthy boys in his boarding school, Adam creates a twisted plan. He knows he should be honest with Cherry. Still, she has become his addiction, and lying is much easier than the alternative.
You can be anyone you want when hiding behind a screen—it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
This provocative young adult novel will have readers on the edge of their seats! “Tempting Fake” by Tracey Morait pulls back the curtain on the elusive world of online dating, including predators, catfishing, and its destructive effect on mental health. The author has intricately woven a tale of vulnerability and deceit combined with the sort of dopamine-boosting, thrilling experiences teens are drawn to. If you are a parent or a teen with an active online presence, this book is a must-read!
Morait’s cleverly written novel is loosely based on actual events. The author has captured the thrilling excitement and the dark side of pursuing online relationships. Cherry is seeking validation and finds it in one of the most dangerous places. The author expertly illustrates the unraveling of the young girl’s confidence as she becomes increasingly entrenched in a relationship that is not what it seems. While shockingly disturbing, it’s a story that needs to be told, one that unearths the sobering reality of what’s happening online.
Offering alternating perspectives enabled the reader to delve deep into the personality traits of Cherry, the victim, and Adam, the deceiver. We saw Cherry’s mental health waver as she took more significant risks to appease him. And Adam, desperate to quell feelings of self-doubt, was thirsty for control. Becoming more and more unhinged, he used gaslighting and narcissism to maintain power over Cherry.
“Tempting Fake” by Tracey Morait easily reeled me in with its intriguing storyline and relevance in today’s world. The tactics used by scammers and catfishers were eye-opening. Young readers—the author advises fourteen years and older—will undoubtedly be shaken by Cherry’s story, which is, unfortunately, becoming increasingly more common as the use of social media apps has exploded. You’ll want to add this young adult book to your reading list!
FOUR STAR REVIEWS
NEW! JULY 2025 Reviewed by Nathan Ellis for Amazon.com and Goodreads
What starts as a familiar tale of two isolated teens connecting online gradually morphs into something darker, more layered, and surprisingly unsettling.
Cherry and Adam are both believable in their flaws and their longing. She’s lonely, defiant, aching for connection in a world that seems to have replaced her. He’s angry, out of place, and drifting into control as a substitute for closeness. Their relationship, sparked through a social app and built on deception, becomes less about love and more about power, identity, and vulnerability. It’s uncomfortably real at times, especially when things spiral beyond either character’s original intent.
Morait shows us the ways harm can grow out of a need to be seen, liked, desired. The social media aspects feel authentic without being preachy, and the dual perspectives help you feel both the seduction and the cost of online anonymity. I found myself sympathizing with both protagonists even when I wanted to shake them.
This is a novel about mistakes, but it’s also about how quickly technology can turn personal pain into public spectacle. The pacing kept me engaged, and while I didn’t love the ending, it did feel a bit abrupt, the overall experience lingered with me longer than I expected. I’d recommend this to teens, but also to adults who underestimate how immersive and risky a digital life can be.
MAY 2025 Reviewed by SS Turner for Amazon Australia and Goodreads
Tempting Fake follows two teenagers, Cherry and Adam, who live in boarding schools at opposite ends of the country and connect through social media. Cherry, struggling to fit in after her mother’s remarriage, becomes immersed in a platform called Pictapost, seeking validation through selfies and flirtatious captions. Meanwhile, Adam, a bullied and isolated teen, becomes obsessed with Cherry’s posts and uses multiple online identities to interact with her, revealing a darker, more sinister intent.
The narrative alternates between their perspectives, offering insight into their inner turmoil and motivations. Along the way, the novel explores key teenage issues like identity, peer pressure, and the dangers of the digital world. As Cherry uncovers Adam’s true identity and disturbing plans, the story builds to a satisfying climax.
My main criticism of the book is its soap opera vibe which can feel inconsistent with a serious exploration of online abuse and teenage vulnerability, which the book also aims to achieve. While the story begins believably, I found it became increasingly implausible, particularly in its portrayal of human behaviour and teen relationships. On that note, the protagonist’s continued affection for her abuser, even after learning his true identity and being exploited for money, was hard to stomach.
Overall, Morait presents a cautionary tale about the risks of social media, the blurred lines between online and offline realities, and the importance of authenticity. The novel’s readable style is sometimes undermined by its overly dramatic narrative, but the story still stands as a gripping teen drama and a parental warning about the vulnerabilities of youth in the digital age.
DECEMBER 2024 Reviewed by Pablo Leguísamo for Amazon.com and Goodreads
“Tempting Fake” by Tracey Morait explores the lives of two privileged teenagers in England whose world unravels through the lens of a social media app resembling Instagram. At its core, the novel captures the modern struggles of an affluent generation that is hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected, blending themes of identity, communication, and the unintended consequences of online behavior.
The narrative revolves around photos, pranks, messages, and misunderstandings, creating a snapshot of the seemingly carefree yet chaotic lives of the protagonists. Morait portrays the digital age’s power to influence relationships, often turning simple interactions into spirals of confusion. While the story presents moments of light-hearted drama and teen antics, it occasionally struggles to justify why both characters’ journeys exist within the same narrative. At times, their paths feel disjointed, as though two parallel stories were loosely threaded together without a clear thematic connection.
The novel delivers a slice-of-life feel with its depiction of the posh lifestyle, capturing the bubble of privilege where the biggest conflicts arise from superficial misunderstandings. While this setting is intriguing and realistic for its intended audience, it may not resonate deeply with readers looking for more complex or relatable struggles. The characters’ problems feel relatively minor, which makes it challenging to develop empathy or emotional investment in their journeys.
JULY 2024 Reviewed by Christina Clarry for Amazon UK and Goodreads
The cover of the book is intriguing. It certainly gives a reader the expectation of a predator, and Tracey Morait delivers one in the form of 16 year old Adam who morphs online into an older man. A clever reversal of the usual older predators portraying themselves as younger.
It is well written with the two main protagonists, Cherry and Adam, telling their side of events in the first person. I could feel no sympathy for the self obsessed victim, Cherry, who naively and provocatively flaunts herself on social media, which triggers Adam into stalking her both online and in reality. The morbid outcome of their ‘relationship’ points to the ever present danger of communicating with strangers on the internet. As this is a YA book with both protagonists being teenagers, the target audience will be drawn by the storyline of teenage angst.
The characters of the protagonists are well drawn but not likeable, hence the allure of social media in their search for relationships.
I hesitated to continue reading after the first chapter as credibility became an issue. Cherry’s mother, a cleaner, marrying a good looking aristocrat felt extreme, but this was used by the author as a backstory of past poverty for Cherry. This marriage resulted in Cherry being sent to a boarding school by her step-father where she felt so isolated that she turned to social media.
Overall the book is worth buying, as a warning of online dangers, by the target audience.
2023 Reviewed by Ailsa Mellor for Amazon UK and Goodreads
LitPick Reviews
Tempting Fake by Tracey Morait follows dual protagonists, who both feel isolated from their peers and rely on Pictapost (a popular picture-posting and chat app) to feel connected. However, both teens cope by using Pictapost differently. Behind one side of the screen is Cherry, Helton Manor’s “New Girl”, seeking validation. Her validation comes from creepy fans’ likes, comments, and direct messages on her risky photos and flirtatious captions. The bullied Adam finds himself on the other side of the screen, stalking, sharing, and salivating over Cherry’s page religiously. For some time, they connect through direct messages, but this line of contact falls through once Adam’s phone is confiscated (upon being caught looking at Cherry’s page in class.) His original account is not only hacked by his bully but deleted entirely. At Helton, Cherry begins to branch out and meets her spunky crew of roommates. She begins to uncover the mystery of their previous roommate, Essie’s disappearance, and strives to unravel what’s plaguing the shy Tasha. In contrast, Adam internalizes all of his resentment and becomes obsessed with the notion of revenge on his bully, Daniil Petrov, and being with Cherry. This kicks off the disturbing plot of the story as Adam’s revenge mission becomes more and more destructive, and Cherry finds herself falling deeper and deeper into his clutches. How far will things go?
Opinion:
This book was a wild ride. Tempting Fake is truly an attention-holding warning about the twisted realities that lie beyond the internet. No time is wasted before the author, Tracey Morait, draws readers into the story. I was super invested in the plot; it felt as though there was a plot twist at the end of each page. Plot and character writing are the strongest assets in this novel’s arsenal. The characters are all easily distinguished from each other and have their own recurring quirks, which the informal first-person narrations from Adam and Cherry greatly contribute to. These personal narratives also cultivate the reader’s feelings of shock regarding their decisions. That being said, one weakness of the book arises in the ending chapters where a “fade to black” scene is often used to censor something graphic when Cherry and Adam’s perspectives are swapped. However, it hinders reader comprehension of the story slightly, since what occurred in the missing scenes is only vaguely referred to later. This leads the reader to make guesses, and I found myself guessing incorrectly on multiple counts. I believe the scenes were a conscious decision to preserve the “Mature Young Adult” rating of the book and convey Cherry’s horrifying lack of memory while describing the events. However, the events were not later clarified from Adam’s perspective, who would have a full recollection. Minor continuity confusion aside, the ending itself was great: the reveal answers the reader’s final question. It was heartwarming to see the growth of Cherry’s support system and comforting to see where Adam ends up (though I think Cherry’s mother’s suggestions would have been a reasonable end, as well.) I recommend this book to those who enjoy disturbing, thrilling narratives.
Explain your content rating:
I voice caution to anyone suffering common triggers when approaching this book. Be assured: No gross-out, detailed, or particularly graphic descriptions are given for the material but all are relevant plot points. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape are central points of the story as Adam’s obsession with Cherry’s account is the main motive for the plot. In no particular order, subjects such as pedophilia, bullying, suicide, drug/alcohol use, violence, internal homophobia, mental health, body issues, and abuse are also tackled. Unfortunately, I did not read the story with potential triggers in mind so this list may be incomplete. There is also minor swearing. I would say the “mature” part of the “mature young adult” rating is warranted. I would give the book a 15+ rating, which I assume was Morait’s intended audience since it’s around the main characters’ ages.
2023 Reviewed by MJ Evans for Amazon US and Goodreads
Tempting Fake is an action-packed fast-moving story of two very immature and immoral teenagers. Both Cherry and Adam are fish out of water at private boarding schools in England. Cherry has been sent to an exclusive school by her new stepfather. Adam has been sent to his school by his British mother who feels it would offer a better education than the local public school and prevents him from being sent to a U.S. military academy as his serviceman father desires.
Both teens are lonely and lack the moral conviction to make wise choices. As a result, they both become involved in social media relationships. The word “love” is thrown around like confetti and is nothing more than a substitute for lust and self-gratification. Add to that drugs and alcohol and you have a mess.
It is hard to say which, between Cherry and Adam, is the least likeable. Suffice it to say, I wouldn’t be friends with either, nor would I want my children to be.
If you believe that sexual intimacy should be reserved for marriage, this is definitely not the book for you!
Bad language, lots of sex though not graphic, suicide, rape, teen pregnancy, drug use.
THREE STAR REVIEWS
OCTOBER 2024 Reviewed by Ray Gregory for Amazon.com and Goodreads
Tempting Fake (by Tracey Morait) has crisp and engaging writing, its one big plus, but it reads more like a scandalous soap opera than a serious treatment of the societal problem it addresses. What starts out as a believable story about teenagers in the digital age becomes more and more implausible. The plot even veers into the bizarre, with some serious lapses in the accurate portrayal of human nature. I found myself sticking with it only to discover how outlandish it would get.
Online sexting and impersonation, aka catfishing, leads to lots of kids having real-life horrors, but the teenage girl protagonist (who is described as very beautiful and popular with the guys) falling in love and remaining smitten with her online abuser, even after she confirms that he is not the person he has been posing as, even after he continues to sucker her for money, is not made believable. And the introduction of homosexuality into this story of teenage boy-on-girl online seduction was even more inauthentic and completely gratuitous.
Since the extravagantly chameleon-like teenage male protagonist is an American, I must add that the British author should have better researched America and Americans, rather than make up for this by having the American teenager’s English-born mother tell him he needs to speak like the English in order to get along while living in England. Typical Americanisms in his speech would have added some authenticity, and even some everyday humor when his schoolmates ribbed him about them. For example, if he offered his British friends a ride — what Americans do that when someone needs a (vehicular) ride — the Brits would likely think he was propositioning them. But this American teenager has gone so language native in England that he doesn’t even speak like an American when he’s fooling a girl online into believing he’s an American still living in America. And speaking of things American, we are told the father of the American kid enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with only a high school education and in ten years rose to the commissioned officer rank of captain. We’re also told the U.S. military allots money to its members to pay for the private school education of their dependents. And also that Americans who cannot afford emergency medical care simply do not receive it in the United States.
AUGUST 2024 Reviewed by EB Hauks for Amazon.com and Goodreads
I enjoyed this enough that I would personally give it 3.5 stars rather than 3 if half-stars were an option.
Tempting Fake is a story of catfishing and deception detailing the struggles of two mid adolescents trying to stretch their social confines and find themselves. There is narrative mirroring between both of the main characters, who are transplants to their current lives, either transplants to their new social strata, or transplants to their country. Both suffer from kind but perhaps not especially aware mothers and… flawed fathers. It’s easy to understand why these two might see something in each other.
What really prevented this from being a stronger story was the characterization. I found many of the characters to be archetypes that didn’t really challenge your expectations. Several characters are just gross, mean bullies and that’s really all there is to them. Cherry’s relationship with her step-side of the family is pretty reflective of that. Cherry herself is probably the best character but is a bit hard to like as she feels like a pretty straight forward, self-indulgent, rebellious teen. I wish we got just a little bit more from her. I think some more character development and more chemistry and lead up between Adam and Cherry would’ve helped this go a lot further.
Tracey Morait 
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