Fake Live is exceptional it cover trauma more with a more in-depth approach than I have ever seen. I was raised by a narcissist and it took everything in me to walk away from the pain that I so oddly craved… Because it was attention not love or caring or anything positive and yet somehow it was better then being invisible, unknown and unloved. It took years to recognize the abuse for what it was and the toxic hold it had on my life.

I am so grateful to my husband who saw the me inside a broken shell and gave me the power to move forward and not only receive love but to be capable of giving it.

That may sound strange to anyone who hasn’t lived my life or a similar experience because you honestly don’t see ravaging of wake of toxic destruction that is left in the path of one targeted by such cruel manipulation.

I have put it behind me and have beautiful children and grandchildren but that dull pain was still lurking. The feelings of unworthiness and the fear you don’t deserve happiness.

I feel lucky to have broken free from the cycle despite the damage done to my mental health at the time.

This book was eye opening! Despite understanding and knowing the signs of toxic and fake love it’s still easy to be a target. I find a part of me still fragile and I intuitively recognize manipulations for what they are when I meet those with the capacity to inflict pain and harm to others. This book is truly a must read it helped tuck away the last vestiges of fear that I’m not enough. Never will be enough. I am and so are you. And if this touches you then this book will be a great read and the beginning of a journey to find self validation and value. To love yourself and allow yourself to love others. My husband saved my life and is my rock and foundation. I can truly say I wish I’d found this book 30 years ago when I was in the throes of worthlessness that was unfounded and completely untrue all because a person who should have loved me wasn’t and never will be capable of loving someone.

For anyone that understands what i’m saying or has felt these feelings. Set yourself free and learn to value the amazing person you are and love yourself. Read the book and embrace a future free of toxic fake love! Highly recommend this one it’s a great read!

This book was so immensely helpful! I was a little hesitant at first due to it being written and hailed as the most helpful and number one resource in Australia regarding narcissistic abuse and dealing with narcissists. Throw all your hesitations away! Regardless of where it was written it will apply to you! As someone living in the US I felt no difference in the information provided in terms of who they were talking about and it opened my eyes up so much to who I have been dealing with for the past 7 years. This book has helped me so much to learn about and understand what I have been through and how I can move through and past it. It has answered all the “whys” I have had for so long and helped me to understand this isn’t my fault. For anyone struggling with dealing with a narcissist in your life - you need to read this book! It will open your eyes and change your life! I can’t recommend this enough! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!