Faking it by Gabrielle Tozer

HarperCollins, 2015. ISBN: 9780732297060
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. 'My name is Josie Browning, I'm eighteen years old and I'm a fake ... but I don't want to be any more.'
This is the sequel to 'Intern', but can read as a single book. This was a great read and has the reader laughing out loud.
This is the story of Josie Browning and her role as junior writer for the newly established Indi website. The website is preparing for the launch when Josie's colleague, Sia, causes Josie to take on more responsibilities for the launch. Josie is out of her depth - faking it until she makes it. Josie also has a new boyfriend, James, and she is desperate to lose her virginity. Josie has questions: When is the right time? When is the right time for the perfect 'I love you'? She sends an email with surprising results.
This book is hilarious as Josie's attempts to 'fake it' result in misunderstandings and near disasters. Her 'frenemies' in the fashion world cause high anxiety for Josie and just what is her relationship with the mysterious Alex? Alex pops up unexpectedly and artfully saves the day many times for Josie. Will he be taking the place of James?
The characters are well developed and not only seem real, but have the reader appreciating their vulnerabilities. The issues of bullying, body image, self-confidence and sex add depth to this story as Josie traverses her journey of self-discovery and transforms by realising that being true to yourself is more important to her than she knew.
'It was time to get real, live life and be myself - no heels required.'
Linda Guthrie