Shelby is grieving her wife and dealing extreme depression and health anxiety.
Gibson is fresh out of a bad marriage and feeling lost. Along comes Cammie, who gives them both someone to focus on and to take care of. They soon find out that Cammie is not who she claims to be.

I have conflicted feelings about this book. I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed it, but it was so compelling and I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see where the story would take me. It was painful to watch the deception and to see how easy it is to take advantage of those who want to believe everyone is inherently good and honest.

Overall, I don’t think this is everyone’s cup of tea, but it was captivating and thought-provoking and certainly unforgettable.

Gibson, a lonely divorcee who can’t believe that a woman as hot as Cammie picked him up at a bar. But, he’s happy to take what she’s giving out and fancies himself in love. Shelby, whose wife has died, is having a difficult time moving past the grief. Finally, she lets herself be convinced to go to a grief group. Cammie, who is in the same grief group, becomes a staunch support for Shelby. Cammie, who thrives on drama, is soon entwined in their lives. Both Gib and Shelby invite her into their homes, give her a place to stay and loan her money. Cammie gives them what they appear to need. Shelby, grief support and a friend who listens. Gib, sex and companionship. But when Shelby and Gib meet, it becomes clear that they may be in danger from a psychopath.
I am honored to have received a digital ARC from Harper Collins Publishing and NetGalley. The opinion and rating is my own.

The synopsis of this book was intriguing. It is basically the story of a con-artist and the people she hurts. Interesting to read but also difficult, because once you figure out who Cammie is, it's hard to want to read further for more details of how she hurts the people around her. There is no special revenge or happy ending here, just a story of how the sympathetic main characters survive her. I actually went back and re-read to find any missing clues. Would have given this a 3, but the story is intriguing or why would I have re-read it? I think the story is meant for 1) people who are fascinated by con-men and women, or 2) people who have been conned. I can see this book helping someone to feel less alone after being taken in. Otherwise, it's a story of a narcissistic player who wounds everyone in her wake, and the two kind-hearted people who have to learn ways to move on.

I love a book about a scammer or con artist in this book is a little bit of both. A perfectly weaved story about someone who is it who everyone thinks. I absolutely loved it!

I requested an arc of Zoe Whitall's "The Fake" because although I had never read anything by the author before, the cover art was really intriguing and the title made me want to dive in and see what kind of mess I was getting myself into.

Our main character, Cammie, has a larger-than-life personality and seems like the type of person that ANYONE would want to be friends with. (HINT/RED FLAG ALERT: This is never a good sign!) in books or real life!

As the reader, we follow Cammie's interactions with multiple people so we are privy to the very clearly "Something aint right here" vibes. Something feels definitely OFF. After we know for sure that something isn’t right, we know sh*t is gonna hit the fan sooner than later and we just have to wait for that next shoe to drop. Cue anxiety!

I don't want to give any more specifics away and would highly recommend that you go into this as blind as possible. This is a very strange and unique book and definitely worthy of a re-read!


4;25/5 stars!

A captivating read, propelled by an enigmatic, charming lead. Get ready to fall under Camilla’s spell as you watch her dazzle everyone around her.

Gibson is just getting over a separation from his longtime love, Veda. Shelby is trying to cope with the sudden death of her wife. Enter Camilla, who is about to change all of their lives forever…

The writing is sharp and compelling and I did not want to put the book down. It is a relatively short and thoroughly entertaining read. I recommend it to anyone intrigued by scammers and how they manage to do what they do. There are many recent examples of fictional scammers and the Zoe Whittall provides us with a smart, nuanced portrayal of one.

Many thanks to Random House Ballantine for the opportunity to read an ARC on NetGalley.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Riviting, enticing, hard to put down.

I received a copy of The Fake via NetGalley to read and review.


Cammie has a larger than life personality and seems like someone anyone would want to be friends with. As the reader we see her interactions with multiple people so we get the feeling early on that something doesn’t sit right. Then we know something isn’t right and have to wait for the other shoe to drop.

For me there were two parts that were lost on me. The beginning author’s note- I thought this was a note from the author but was confused why that was what was chosen to be in the note. Later I realized it made perfect sense. The end note from Cammie also was lost on me. I’m not sure if this is something readers are meant to debate or I am just not understanding correctly.