Forgery - alt

Valenshek Legacy #2

by Tate James

FORGERY is book TWO of THREE in the Valenshek Legacy series. This M/F romance is set in the Shadow Grove world but can be read independently of the other Shadow Grove books. Character cameos from other series are minor and inconsequential.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Crime, Enemies To Lovers

396 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2023

Reviews

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There can only be one winner of the Game in the end."

No blurb this time because second book and I ran through this so fast I legit left a "art heist" shaped door in my wall (make of that what you will).

"I'd rather have your hate than your indifference. Hate is still passion, Tris, whether you like it or not."

As always, Tate James has proven that she owns my heart, my soul, and my credit card information because this book was SO GOOD!! And I am so thankful the third book is already out and on its way because OMFG that ending!! That scene!! That last sentence!! (See no spoilers!! So proud of myself).

"If only his touch were as easy to wash off my memories as my skin."

Hermes transitioned to part golden retriever in this book and you cannot prove me otherwise. THE OBSESSION PEOPLE!!! It was pure *chef's kiss* and I was here for every internal monologue and every internal monologue joke because if Tate James can do anything (and she can do everything) it's make me crack the fuck up!! Anyway yeah we stan Hermes and his creepy stalker notes.

"Not a chance in hell would I leave without the Game and her."

And we have Tristian. Which we all know is a "you go girl" kind of girl because she is written by Tate James so obviously!! She did not give up easily I have to say (even when I wanted her too!!) and what was that last scene with Sin?? I am intrigued!! But she put up a show and a fight because god knows I would've folded so fucking fast!!

"He was my personal Stendhal syndrome. Everything about him provoked an intense physical and mental reaction."

I'm sorry for this vague as fuck review but trust me you want to read this series!!
And I hope the playlist helps…

(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4S3... )

🎵 "Can You Feel My Heart" - MOTHICA
🎵 "traitor" - Olivia Rodrigo
🎵 "Wanted" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Bruises" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "older sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "Fake Fiction" - Picturesque
🎵 "Thief" - Ansel Elgort
🎵 "Fallin' (Adrenaline)" - Why Don't We
🎵 "Forget Me" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "Coincidence - Sped Up" - Rosse
🎵 "Good In Goodbye" - Madison Beer
🎵 "sloppy" - KiNG MALA, UPSAHL
🎵 "I hope ur miserable until ur dead" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "Back To Me" - The Rose
🎵 "Cross My Heart I Hope U Die" - Meg Smith
🎵 "engravings" - Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "Love The Way You Hate Me" - Like A Storm
🎵 "Clumsy" - Fergie
🎵 "Fire On Fire" - Sam Smith
🎵 "Don’t Call Me Angel" - Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Ray
🎵 "Back To Black" - Amy Winehouse
🎵 "Colors" - Halsey
🎵 "Consequences" - Camila Cabello
🎵 "Teacher's Pet" - Melanie Martinez
🎵 "Too Well" - Renee Rapp
🎵 "glimpse of us" - emlyn
🎵 "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" - Kylie Minogue
🎵 "Still Don't Know My Name" - Labrinth
🎵 "The Drug In Me Is Reimagined" - Falling In Reverse
🎵 "Break My Heart Myself" - Bebe Rexha, Travis Barker
🎵 "Lost In Translation" - Besomorph, Veronica Bravo
🎵 "Smoke And Fire" - Sabrina Carpenter
🎵 "What A Man Gotta Do" - Jonas Brothers


And if you needed a little bit more convincing…

"Come on, Venus. Come for me."

"So don't get me caught, Venus. I missed you so much this week… all I could think about was my desk, and the way you looked spread out underneath me as you came apart."

[AMO · Rating 3 out of 5]

good but not at the same time

First thing I noticed was that this was going to be a short book when kindle tells me I’ll be done reading in under 3 hrs. Not like TJ to write such a short entry into a series. And then it abruptly ends with like triple cliffhangers and then a message from the author saying she is over committed and doesn’t know when the next book would come out. I would have preferred that she not rush book 2 and hold it back for bit until the next book was further along vs. saying every one has to wait indefinitely for the next installment. Very strange and disappointing. Even the excuse used is odd but I do hope all is ok with her and her family. Regarding the plot-Like the title says - good but not. I think the rushed ending ruined it and I think the cliche cliffhanger (especially the last of the 3) just gave away a major plot point in the next book. Frankly a disappointing one if I’m guessing correctly. Even the steamy scenes btw MCs were rushed. Just overall- too short and not expected from this author. ☹️

[Luce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely should have been a duet so I will be treating this trilogy as such - book 3 does not exist to me and I'm officially done. This book was unnecessary in every way possible.

[Zoë Nira · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

The chemistry between Tris and John is absolutely off the charts. Every interaction crackles with intensity and emotion. That said, I really wish John would start showing Tris just how much she means to him. At times, his choices are so frustrating that I wanted to shake him and yell ‘DO BETTER!!!’

Every chapter is packed with tension, secrets, and that constant feeling of impending doom lurking just around the corner. Nothing ever feels safe, and I loved how the suspense kept building with each page.

By the end, I was left desperately needing answers. I have to know how this all ends and, more importantly, who the real bad guy is in this twisted, dangerous game.

[Eva ✧ ࣪ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ evathedreamer ₊˚.⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊ ✩ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Valenshek Legacy series was as good as the first, and like the first one, this also falls somewhere between 4 and 5 ⭐️’s.. I think 🤔
The story still revolves around the high-stakes game for thieves in the criminal underworld, and the narrative is filled with passion, danger, and complex relationships.
It’ll be interesting to see how it all ends in the next book 👀

[Sophie (lambsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely an improvement from book 1, which was nice. Unfortunately, I still find John creepy instead of attractive, so that sucks lmao

[Marielli (lellireads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’d rather have your hate than your indifference. Hate is still passion, Tris, whether you like it or not.”

I'm shocked, flabbergasted, appalled, insert synonym for shock here...

I think I figured out what happened, but the truth is, I have no fucking idea whether I'm right or not. We already know that nothing is what it seems in Tate James's books, so I was constantly second-guessing the characters (and myself). And it's so good – in a very masochistic way.

As the second book of three, it has worked a lot as a filler, but that didn't make it bad by any means. There was a lot of action, it was thrilling. We've got to see the development of new players and, seriously, I can't believe anyone.

John is so deliciously morally gray and unapologetic about it. I loved to see more of his soft spot for Tris. And Tris... Oh, you sneaky Tris. I love her fiercely. Seeing her other facets was amazing and I can't wait to see more of it. Also, all the hate fuck had me weak!

I need to add that I absolutely loved the comic recap. It was very helpful and creative! I've never seen something like that in a book but I'm totally a fan already.

BUT FUCK MY LIFE I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ON MY KINDLE YESTERDAY

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tate James' infamous cliffhangers strike again and the fact that book three’s release date hasn't been determined yet makes me want to cry.

If I were to describe this book in four words, they'd be: bing, bang, boom, done

Translation: this went by remarkably fast. I haven't decided yet if that a good thing or if this felt rushed.

I really enjoyed the evolving Game and the chaos that comes alongside all the shenanigans. The stakes feel a little more dire which makes this much more compelling. But I also feel like I'm missing the romantic chemistry between Tris and John. Yeah, the smut is nice, but I'm not feeling attached to either of them.

The way John is dense af makes me so giddy though. The misunderstanding with the notes had me howling.

I am 10000000% certain some betrayals are going to be revealed in book three, and I honestly CANNOT wait.

[I'm a stranger here just like you · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about this just didn’t hit the same as the other Shadow Grove books.

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only scoring it 1 star bc it’s a DNF & not as a reflection of my opinion of this story or the author’s writing. **** I thought about not scoring it but all DNF result in 1 star & if I can save someone from unnecessary fret it’s worth the bother. ***+*+


Extenuating circumstances:
Was happily reading this book when a friend saw it & commented how disappointed she was the author ended on such a dramatic cliffhanger & overcommitted her 2023. “Who knows when book 3 will be released.”
😱 I quickly went to the end & yup dramatic cliffhanger & the author currently has no release date for book 3. Author hasn’t finished the manuscript. 😭 I’m putting this down & going to wait until the next book is published to pick it back up. Hopefully I’ll be as interested as I am today. The rating will change to reflect the story should book 3 be published & I come back to the series. Normally I don’t change the original rating but extenuating circumstances.

[Nemo (The ☾Moonlight☾ Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yep, another cliffhanger. This one was actually decent, though. It's not a fake cliffhanger, though I'm pretty sure Tris is misguided - it'd be a good twist if the end scene turns out to be 100% true. I think I've read enough Tate novels now to recognise this.

I just felt like nothing really progressed in this novel. Everyone is in the same position they were in at the start of the novel, excluding collaterals. Tris spent most of the book wandering around a big house and having secret smex with John. John spent half the book stalking Tris, then the other half playing the game. Tink was good fun, and a great friend to both. Her character arc is probably the only decent progression.

And yes, I'll most likely listen to the next book, because I love the audiobook narrators.

[Aisling]

DNF 30%

I don’t know this one just isn’t working for me. I didn’t love the first one tbh, student x professor doesn’t do it for me but I did like the set up and the characters. I was hoping it would turn into an enemies to lovers or forbidden love type thing in this one. But it kind of felt more like they were dealing with every other plot line except the romance and the Hermes stuff.

[Evie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was fine, I feel like you could tell that this one was slightly rushed whilst at the same time acting as a filler novel.
Still excited to read the third and final in the series 🤞🏼

[bek.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgery is Book 2 of the Valenshek Legacy

When I say I devoured this book, I mean I devoured it! I love this series so much. We start back up from that cliffy from book 1 and the twists and turns continued throughout this book. The situation Tris has gotten herself into was actually surprising and a twist I didn’t see coming. We get more of Sin who we met in book 1 and also the friendship between Tris and Tink blooms.
Tris and John are explosive together and love the back and forth. John really has no idea sometimes and it’s hilarious.
Overall a fantastic read and a great continuation of the series.
Cannot wait for the final book 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Tate James has done it again, delivering a story that's as cunning as a fox and sharper than a counterfeit Picasso. Forgery had me hooked from the get go (possibly because of how Heist ended SO abruptly), with a plot that's as intricate as a forged masterpiece and character chemistry hotter than a blowtorch in Chef Tony’s kitchen.

Let's dive into the artful chaos, shall we? Tris and John are a dynamic duo hotter than a Van Gogh being sold at a black market auction. Their chemistry? It's like watching two flints striking until sparks fly… unpredictable, sizzling, and leaving you on the edge of your seat wondering what could possibly happen next. Just as the game is exposed and everything starts to heat up, BOOM! 💥 The story cuts off like a power outage in a a heist movie 🍿

The book takes us through an intricate maze of deception. Every page is packed with tension, secrets, and a sense of impending doom that keeps you turning the pages late into the night. The stakes are higher than the collateral you put up to even play this GᗩᗰE and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Tate James pulls the rug out from under you.

Now, about that ending. Why, Tate, why? Just as the game is laid bare and we're at the climax, the story ends. It's like being left in a locked room with all the clues but no way to solve the puzzle. The game is exposed, the tension is palpable (also can we mention Nelson please? WHY NELSON?!), and then… nada. We're left hanging, desperate to know what happens next 😫

And let’s not forget the biggest cliffhanger…Tris and John. Their relationship is more complicated than it would be to paint “𝐿𝑒 𝓅𝒾𝑔𝑒𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓊𝓍 𝓅𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓉𝓈 𝓅𝑜𝒾𝓈”. Are they going to make it through this mess unscathed? Will their love turn into something more, or are they destined for heartbreak? The suspense is killing me more the mess of the botched heist.

All in all, Forgery is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and drama, wrapped up in Tate James signature wit and charm. It’s a thrilling ride through a world of deception, where every character has a secret and every page holds a surprise. Just be prepared for that cliffhanger ending that leaves you 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 for more.

[kevork_1989 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm a little disappointed in Book 2 of the Valenshek Legacy. Book 1 wasn’t too bad. I found Tris the FMC extremely unlikable but the ending was interesting to bring me back into Book 2. I also liked John the MMC and was intrigued where Tate would take Book 2.

But it was disappointing and one of the worst books in the whole Shadow Grove series. Tris is really pissing me off. All the other FMCs in the Shadow Grove series are really interesting layered characters, even Madison Kate who is more childish was more likable than Tris. Tris is just a snarky bitch. Thats her whole personality and she’s extremely hypocritical.

She has issues with the MMC being a thief and con artist and not being truthful about things he literally can’t tell her while working for a criminal family, forging art and also being a liar to everyone. Tate dropped the ball in writing her character. Tink who is the side friend character is so much more enjoyable and I wish she was the FMC in the series. Tris’ character is bringing down the MMC John also and he was a really funny character in Book 1 but has kind of become a bumbling idiot in Book 2.

The ending was frustrating and I only have Book 3 left and they are very short, easy reads. I hope she rounds Book 3 out better. Tone back the snarky, frustrating shit and get to the point a bit. Majority of Book 2 nothing happened, so hopefully Book 3 wraps everything up.

The Madison Kate series was cringe but fun. The Hades series is by far the best series in this universe. The characters, the storyline, tension everything was reeeeeeally good. Tate hasn’t done anything as good as that in the Shadow Grove universe. The Guild series was ok, kind of fizzled out and Valenshek is just meh.

[Danielle Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is between a 3 and a 4 for me. I liked many elements of it, such as Tris and Tink’s friendship, the continued components of the Game, I even really loved Sin until the end. The cliffhanger was WILD, and I admire Tris for doing everything she can to keep her loved ones safe. While the spice took a backseat to the plot, it was still present and you could feel like connection between Hermes and Tris.

However, the book felt extremely rushed but then like nothing happened at all? It was weird. It was incredibly short, and Tris spends the whole book “captive” while John continues playing the Game. Their romance absolutely is on hold in this book, although Tris has no problem continuing to sleep with John no matter how angry she is or his lack of grovel.

John is still incredibly wish-washy in this book, continuing to say he’d hurt Tris again or betray her for the Game even though he loves her? Usually when Tate’s guys commit, they’re all in 100%. It’s hard with John to know what he means or how he really actually feels. They had hardly seen each other since the first book and he’s admitting his love for her, it just didn’t seem genuine compared with his actions, considering anytime they did see each other he tried to hook up with her right away instead of being honest.

I honestly wouldn’t have been mad if Sin had ended up being part of the relationship. Obviously I know there’s more going on with him and he’s in love with someone else but I really liked how much he cared for Tris and protected her, better than John had anyway.

I also would LOVE a Tink book, I’m obsessed with her and I wouldn’t mind seeing her and maybe Bram get a book!? Who knows, so much potential! While I know John definitely didn’t hurt Nelson, I’m excited to see where the book goes and I hope we finally get some epic grovel from John.

Ps- that Leon cameo, was EVERYTHING, I’ll take a page of his appearance any day!

[Courtnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgery is the second book in the Valenshek Legacy series.

It is set in the Shadow Grove world but can be read independently of the other Shadow Grove books.

First and foremost, if you haven't read Heist yet, go and do that first. Forgery picks up right where Heist left off and may leave you a bit confused if you haven't read it yet.

John and Tris are back with more drama, jealousy, mystery, and secrets. Despite their intense chemistry, both struggle with following their heads or their hearts and have some tough decisions to make.

In full transparency, though, it did take me a little bit longer to get into this one before I really started to enjoy it. I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately and am struggling in general to read anything. That being said, I really enjoyed the banter, action, and cliffhanger, as I do with all of Tate's books. I also enjoyed the cameos of some of our favourite characters from other series.

I am really looking forward to Restoration, where I hope to finally get some answers to my many questions and to see the series go out with a bang.

[Mysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so freaking good. The plot just gets more entangled and I was waiting so patiently for Tris to find out who John really is. She may not know who he is yet, but she’s starting to find out. Which making this story so addicting. It’s all untangling slowly. Tris is wrapped up in a mafia family and John is wrapped up in Tris. I love Tink in this one too, she’s so funny. Sin I liked him until the end, he’s not all he seemed.

I can’t wait to find out what happened to Nelson, I have so many theories one that includes his husband. But I really can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. This series is sexy and completely toxic in the best way! I also can’t wait to find out who the mystery woman of Sin’s is, I have a feeling that may be our next SG story?! Sin may not be a good guy, but there is something interesting there. Tate is so good with writing the unexpected!

Tropes:
Age-Gap
Prof-TA
Enemies to Lovers
Stalker
Forced Proximity
Forced Engagement
Secret Identities
Art Thief/Artist

[Kaylie Helfrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I absolutely loved this follow up of one of my favorite books of last year! I still believe that Heist is one of the most slept on books by Tate and it's one of my absolute favorites. I love Tristan so much and I love that she always stands up for herself. This book just made my love for her grow.

If this book taught me anything, it's that men are stupid. It is true that the majority of this book could have been resolved if John would have just used his words and had a conversation with Tristan, but I also understand why he couldn't. It did get frustrating by the end, but it was handled well.

The side characters in this book are some of my favorite side characters in the shadow grove world, and I am so intrigued by Sin and Dex and their whole organization.

I am so excited to read the third and final book in this.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so sad that this is the first Tate James book I don’t rate at least a 4 and here’s why: it just didn’t feel like she wrote it.

Immediately I realized how short of a book it was which rarely happens with her books. And it felt immensely rushed. Even the steamy scenes between our main characters was so bland which again, isn’t Tate James. Everything felt rushed and left with little explanation.

I’m still intrigued by the plot but also not? I just wish she hadn’t rushed this book, especially with the note at the end that she took on too much for this year. I wish she would have just waited on this book and published it when she had more time.

Overall, the cliffhanger was a cliffhanger for sure.

[caffe.and.books (Aimee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

W.T.Actual.F Tate!!?!

Listen, in my opinion, this author can’t write a bad book! This series is turning out to be one of my favorites from her. The world building and character development is so good I’m hooked from page 1.

John and Tris have a chemistry that is off the charts, there are twists and turns that keep you guessing. Who do you trust, what happens next! And of course we are left with our jaws on the floor with that cliffy! I look forward to what’s next for John and Tris.

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tate’s books are always enjoyable and I seem to get through them pretty quickly. This book had all the wonderful banter and some drama (as to be expected). Obviously, we have an incredibly disrespectful cliffhanger that has me begging for book three. This one was a bit shorter and I would’ve loved a bit more details and scenes with our main two. Also, I would’ve loved more talking between them and finding more of a common ground but I know book three will have everything I need.

[Justmyfantasyworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

• 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 •

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ☆☆☆ 3.5/5

I really like the narrators and that it is dual pov, I just noticed that I not liked the story as much as before. Lots of situations changed and some of them I liked whilst others not so much. I do think there is more suspense and action and it had some interesting twists!

A lot of my reviews are also available with photo at my Bookstagram: @justmyfantasyworld

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is danger around every for Tris and John, both having to walk a tightrope to stay alive. Tris is wading through lies and it’s not clear who is pulling all the strings. Sin is pretty awesome and John gets the side eye. Tate leaves off with her signature cliffy and we’ll be back for book three to see how this turns out for everyone.

[Robyn Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moley!

Every Shadow Grove world series that comes out just gets better and better. I absolutely adore the intricacies and subtleties in the plot, makes for fascinating reading. I'm OBSESSED with the characters, like all of them. Not just the mains, but all the sides as well. Don't care how long it takes, I'll be STALKING the next one until I can get my greedy little hands on it. 😉

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof … this is probably my least favorite TJ book and that makes me sad … This book just seemed like it was about a bunch of nothing and could have been a novella … esp based on the note at the end of being overcommited … I did like getting more of Tink and I just love her personality … but overall this was just meh … we’ll see what happens in the third

[MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

enabler’s anonymous…

4.5 / 5.0 these two need to just talk to one another! The miscommunication is so infuriating but this book is SO GOOD!! Gah, stupid Tate James and her mastery… stupid Madison Kate and her boys and this Game… stupid pink diamond ring.

Until Next Time
MC

[ㅤmelli ꧔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ᨳ᭬ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑࿐ྂ

there's always that couple where it's clear that they would have definitely broken up after the epilogue, and that applies to them 100%. i can't describe how much I hate them as a couple :/

the story itself is great i love the idea behind it so i still give it 3 stars.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. So glad I can dive into the third one right away after the cliffhanger. Liking the characters and the little twists and turns in the plot. Looking forward to the conclusion.