The Forgery Mate

Taken by His Alpha #6

by Sophie O'Dare, Lyn Forester

Some masterpieces are forged. Others are stolen. And some are impossible to forget.

Omega art thief Ren Mercier survives on false names, perfect forgeries, and flawless escapes. But a high-stakes job at Halcyon Hall reveals more than the priceless painting he came to steal. He uncovers a caged young man from his past. Saving him means walking straight back to the one place Ren swore he’d never return, and to the Alpha he promised to forget.

Rockford Manor was supposed to be just another job. Instead, Ren fell for Ezra Rockford, the gorgeous young billionaire who made him forget every lie he’d told.

Now, reappearing with a new face and carrying dangerous news, Ren realizes Ezra has no intention of letting him run again. Forced to work side by side with the Alpha who knows exactly how to strip away his disguises, Ren is drawn back into a hunger he tried to bury.

But the deeper they go, the more Ren risks losing not just his freedom, but the one thing he’s never been able to fake.

His heart.

Scroll up to one-click The Forgery Mate, a contemporary Alpha/Omega romance.

The Forgery Mate is a sizzling cat and mouse contemporary omegaverse with tropes of second chance, he chose me, forbidden connection, secret identity, possessive alpha, and chosen obsession.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Second Chance, Paranormal, Contemporary, M M Paranormal, Romance

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

About the author

Sophie O'Dare is the alter ego of paranormal and sci-fi author Lyn Forester. She loves writing stories about guys falling in love with each other and all the shenanigans that go along with romance!

When Sophie isn’t writing, she enjoys curling up with a cup of coffee and her cats, when she can convince them to snuggle. Video games and reading are her go-to way to unwind after a long day, offering a perfect escape into other worlds. Between writing, gaming, and cat cuddles, Sophie’s life is fueled by creativity, relaxation, and coffee.

Visit her website to stay up-to-date on future releases and sales:

Follow her Newsletter: https://geni.us/sophie-odare-NL
Visit her website: https://geni.us/sophieodare

Reviews

[Elizabeth S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I borderline hate this book and am completely conflicted by it.


I usually love the Taken by His Alpha series but this one completely soured it for me. Adding to the dislike I had for Book 5, I really really disappointed by both ML characters. Twice O'Dare had given up cardboard alphas who chose coercion and manipulation instead of romance and twice she gave us wishy washy omega who meakly submit to their men in lust. Twice , there is dubious consent and the use of Heat to SA the omega. However, in this book, O'Dare took this to very sick place with collaring the omega without his knowledge or consent. To me, this made Ezra no better than the sex traffickers. The most frustrating part of the book is that is well paced, has hot loves scenes, and beautifully written. I am so conflicted by hating such a book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb sets this book up pretty well, but it doesn’t capture the complexities of Ren and Ezra and the relationship they share. Ren is a master of disguises and identities, donning four different ones in the course of the book. As an art thief and forger, it is a helpful skill as his identities get him into auctions, exhibits, and private homes to set up his thefts. He has spent a month in the Rockford mansion acting as Knox, an art authenticator, where he falls for Ezra, the youngest Rockford heir, and leaves before things get too complicated.

A year later, he is Nico, an event staffer at a grand estate getting ready for an art auction the next day. While scoping out the art, he discovers Jade, a young man he knows from the Rockford estate, caged until the next night when he will be the prize in another type of auction. Unable to leave him to his fate, “Nico” goes to the Rockford estate to get help for the captive omega. Unfortunately, his disguise doesn’t hold up, Ezra confronts him, and he is coerced into helping rescue the omega with Ezra, as well as reluctantly ending up under Ezra’s spell and in his bed again.

The night of the art auction, Ren’s third identity shows up as Lorenzo, a mysterious Italian art collector, there with Ezra to rescue Jade. In the aftermath, Ren and Ezra are separated and Ren takes this opportunity to escape again, partly because he feels Ezra is too young for him, partly to protect the Rockford family if he ends up identified, and partly to protect himself and his lifestyle, the only life he knows.

His fourth identity surfaces as Tobias, a reclusive bookstore owner, and he again comes in contact with the Rockfords, getting drawn back into Ezra’s orbit. Ezra sees and accepts all the parts of Ren and wants him as his own. Ren desires Ezra, but his fears and the questions he has about the life he has led, what type of person is he is, his insecurities about why Ezra could want him, all play out as mind games in his head. When danger threatens, and then his heat hits, Ren must make choices about what he wants, does he want Ezra or does he want to leave yet again, off to create another identity for himself. The choice is his alone, he must face his fears and desires head on to determine where his life will go from here.

Ren is such a complex character, part of a life of crime from a young age, donning so many identities over the years, he hardly recognizes, nor knows, who the real Ren is. Ezra knows, but he realizes that despite his conviction that Ren is the mate for him, Ren is the one that must figure himself out, decide who he is and what he wants, if there is any chance for them to be together long term. Ezra is long on patience, Ren not so much. It gets a bit angsty with REN’s focus on the 7 year age difference, but that’s mostly a convenient roadblock he can claim, as Ezra is very mature for his years. He also has his own disguises or roles he plays, so he has a good understanding of Ren and his insecurities. They have more in common than Ren realizes, and all of these things need to be settled for Ren to choose Ezra. Watching the process is an interesting thing to observe as these two figure out if they are meant to be.

I enjoyed all of Ren’s identities, he was like a chameleon as he moved from one to another. Characters were very relatable and the action kept me engaged the whole time. I’m ready for more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really hard time rating this one. The writing is fantastic, I didn’t want to put it down, I was invested in Ren’s story, I didn’t notice any grammar or typo issues sufficient to knock me out of the story or that I can even remember, the spice was spicy, we see more of Jade, there’s a HEA, the younger partner is the stronger/more dominant one, more confident, it’s a dynamic you don’t see as often, but…

Ezra is so freaking possessive you guys. The relationship feels so unhealthy, there’s a “wait, what? But why? Why [full sentence that includes spoilers]? And WHY ISN’T REN ASKING THIS???? And the answer to that does eventually get revealed, but there was one point when I made a note about how Ezra doesn’t accept “no” or “wait” and barrels through with things like “your yes was that you came here.”

Then there’s something that at least one other reviewer mentioned, and I’m not sure whether to do so because you can’t hide spoilers as well on some sites as on others, but it goes back to that possessive, I know what’s best for you, if you wouldn’t (do this thing I don’t like) I wouldn’t have to (do this thing that’s borderline illegal).

Now- that helped me a bit because Ezra and the Rockfords are morally grey heroes, right? They’ll straight up kill somebody they perceive as a threat to their family. And the book does end with a HEA (as the previous ones did so I don’t think that’s a spoiler) but here’s why I could not give this book 5 stars:

Ezra comes across very stalkerish if not straight being a stalker and there are dub-con elements in this relationship, but ultimately it’s Ezra’s bad behavior that is the cocoon for Ren to go from a caterpillar to a butterfly, and even though this book is theoretically being read by adults, we’re still looking at a walking red flag being the reason Ren ends the book better than he started.

If this kind of thing triggers you then I would recommend skipping this book. If it’s not, then I recommend it. I’m glad to have another look into the Rockfords, Jade’s story, even a glimpse at Aaiden, and while I don’t like the catalyst for Ren’s redemption arc (not that that’s quite the right word) I love Ren’s story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[briannasbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕪 ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝔸𝕝𝕡𝕙𝕒 Series by Sophie O'Dare
@lyn.forester

• MM omegaverse
• Found Family
• Alpha/Omega
• Mpreg
• Billionaires

1️⃣ 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬 - Nolan & Leo
2️⃣ 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 - Caleb & Oliver
3️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫 - Liam & Milo
4️⃣ 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 - Damien & S̶e̶v̶e̶n̶ Phoenix
5️⃣ 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 - Raphael & Avery
6️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞 - Ezra & Ren
7️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 - Sebastian & Micah
8️⃣ 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 - Gabriel & Saint (𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘍𝘦𝘣 13) *Alpha/Alpha 👀
9️⃣ 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲 - Aaiden & Jade (𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘺 15)

This series. THIS SERIES. It all started from one random Facebook post and BAM - I've devoured 7 books in 4 days. 🤭🙌🏻

To be honest, I was expecting just some quick and easy and spicy reeds.... but this series completely stole my heart. 🥹 I fell in love by the end of book one, was crying by the end of book two and now I'm 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 invested.

We get to meet each member of the Rockford family while they each find their perfect Mates and it is the sweetest thing ever. It's a perfect mix of each couple's romance mixed with a highstakes, intense subplot that keeps you on your toes - my heart loved it and my anxiety hated it 🤣

Every relationship is unique and perfect in its own way - protective Nolan, kinky Caleb, redheaded Liam, disguised golden retriever Damien, groveling Raphael, smarter than he seems Ezra and scarred Sebastian PLUS Gabriel, Aadien & Jade who's books are coming! [Two books but three Rockford's to go....🤔🤭]

I love them all for such different reasons! I really enjoyed that you continue to get to see the family grow and how the relationships with all of the in-laws develop as the family gets bigger (and as Leo's belly grows bigger🫃). We still have two more stories to go (can't wait for Gabriel & Saint and Aadien & Jade 👀). I am so glad I stumbled across this series!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Forgery Mate by Sophia O’Dare

Some masterpieces are forged. Others are stolen. And some are impossible to forget. 🎨❤️‍🔥

The Forgery Mate hits a little different from the rest of the series — darker, more obsessive, and dripping with tension. Ren Mercier is an omega art thief and master forger who’s spent his life hiding behind other people’s faces. He’s lived so many lies he’s forgotten who he really is. When a high-stakes job leads him straight back to Ezra Rockford — the Alpha he once loved and ran from — everything unravels. Ezra’s charm and control are intoxicating, and the moment they’re forced back together, it’s pure cat-and-mouse chemistry that turns to fire.

Ren and Ezra’s story digs deep into obsession, denial, and identity, blending danger with slow-burning intimacy. I loved how Sophia wove in familiar faces from earlier books — it made the world feel layered and alive. This book has all my favorite tropes: possessive Alpha, runaway Omega, forced proximity, age gap, and that signature O’Dare push-pull that keeps you breathless.

Favorite quote:

“I’ve had a year to think about what you did,” Ezra murmured. “A year to decide what I’d do when I found you.”
“And what did you decide?”
“That I’d never let you go again.” 🖤

If you love your omegaverse stories with a little art, a little crime, and a lot of intensity — this one’s a masterpiece.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elias Knox. Nico Duran. Lorenzo Vescari. Tobias Crane. Ren Mercier. Perfect forgeries. And Ezra Rockford wants them all.

Who was the Hunter and who was the Prey? The conman or the mark? This was the ultimate cat-and-mouse story hidden among smoke and mirrors! It did not go as I expected. I loved Ren, even though his flair for the melodramatic exasperated me during his "running period". However, his attention to detail and impeccable performances made his cons artistry. His forgeries were next level due to his talent and his dedication in obtaining them. This made him a fascinating character. Then there's Ezra. He was the ultimate deception, and I loved his long game. He is not a man to be trifled with. Together, these two are complicated, messy, and explosive. Also, inevitable.

This is a well-written book full of emotion. There are so many wonderful insights about art and humanity. The descriptions of the people, settings, and art were exceptional. And of course, the heat between Ren and Ezra was scorching. My only complaint was a lack of time spent with Ren and the other Rockford Omegas. I hope we get more in the future. Finally, is anyone else scared of Jade now?

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I took your family’s money to leave,” I remind him, trying to drive a wedge into what’s happening between us. Again. “I left without saying goodbye.”
“I’m aware.” Ezra’s expression doesn’t change. “I’ve had a year to think about what you did.” His fingers tighten on my jaw, not painful but possessive. “A year to decide what I’d do when I found you.”
Heat spirals through me, a mixture of fear and anticipation that heads south, to where our hips align. “And what did you decide?”
He leans closer, his breath warm on my lips. “That I’d never let you go again.”

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun and fascinating read. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Ren and Ezra. I liked the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed over the course of who was going after who, and this dance of wills between them. And of course, I love the alpha/omega dynamics. Ren's abilities to create such flawless forgeries and attention to detail fascinated me. It also made him an attentive person. But Ezra also isn't one to be trifled with and he's not letting Ren get away again. Their chemistry was scorching. I couldn't put it down. 4 stars

[Malissa Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Different

The Forgery Mate is a little different from what has been written so far in this series. Books 1-5 focus more on Omegas getting trafficking. Book six, while it still includes looking for Jade and saving Omegas but it focuses more on Ren and his other personas. It highlights Ren’s need to fulfill his grandfather’s job before he was arrested. Getting lost in his revenge, he leans into his personas, all the while losing himself. When he meets an Alpha named Ezra, Ren ends up running away because he knows Ezra can see right through him and it begins to break down the walls Ren has made within himself.
A few years later Ren has to face the Alpha he ran from, Ezra Rockford, after finding a secret place where Jade is being held. Ezra has seen past all Ren’s constructed walls. After Ren runs away a couple more times, Ezra puts the ball in Ren’s court. Ezra doesn’t want the personas, he wants the Real Ren. It’s 5 stars ⭐️ from me simply because I believe that we all, at some point, wear a different persona in our own lives. 💜❤️

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgery Mate is a little bit different than the other books in this series so far. Getting a little deeper into obsession, and denial. Ren is a forgery master. He can paint anything and replace the original with it and no one is the wiser. His grandfather taught him his trade and although the threat of being discovered a fraud, he continues impersonating men so he has the ability to be anyone. He’s done it so long that he’s forgotten exactly who Ren is.

Ezra has been watching Ren for far longer than Ren thinks he has. Ren has become Ezra’s obsession. Arranged meetings, events and finally a confrontation has Ren running despite knowing Ezra’s his Alpha.

This definitely has a deep plot, bringing in several characters from past books. It’s always interesting to see how Sophie brings characters together. Enjoy!

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the last book in this series was the most compelling one then this is definitely the most fun one for me. I just loved the cat and mouse type story between Ren, as the omega art thief and Ezra as the alpha millionaire fight it out to a relationship. There is still the overall plot of the kidnapping of omegas and the Rockford family. I like how, even though each book in this series focuses on one couple there is still so much more to the story about the whole family and what is going on behind the scenes. With each book Ms O’Dare adds more details and plot elements to the story that just keeps getting more exciting along the way. The only problem is that now I have just found this series I have to wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Who am I? Knox? Nico? Lorenzo? Ren has has so many identities and has had to remember so many minute details that he doesn’t remember who he really is. Ren left Ezra to protect him from all his lies.

In the middle of an operation, Ren makes a spur-of-the-moment choice and abandons his flawless theft in order to save an old friend which puts him back in Ezra’s orbit. Ezra has been looking for Ren since he left him a year ago. Ezra tries to convince Ren that they belong together and no matter how many times he runs, Ren will eventually realize that Ezra is the only one who has ever know and accepted the Ren.

*****
POV… first person (Ren with the last chapter in Ezra’s POV)

Standalone or series… book 6 in series

Hangover… no

Recommend… sure

Reread… sure

[Metz874 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.
Talk about playing cat and mouse. This read was so facinating, immersive and full of surprises. I couldn't put the book down and read it in one go. I love it. It was so well written and easy to read. The content was very captivating.
The relationship between Ezra and Ren is smoking hot. Every time they separate, they are drawn back together again. Ren is an expert in running, but Ezra is patiently waiting for Ren to come back to him. Both alpha and omega are fiercely independant and that makes it difficult to see eye to eye in every situations. They have to go through some heavy emotional times before having their own HEA.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Ren is so successful in his art but it hides who he really is. Ezra has been searching for Ren and when Ren returns to Rockford Manor, he takes advantage. Ezra allows Ren to run for now but waits to be called. I liked Ren's courage in getting rid of the layers that hid his true self. However the past comes calling as revenge for freeing Jade. I liked that Jade saves Ren while getting some revenge. There was so much more in this story with the nuances and hidden information revealed but best of all is Ezra and Ren getting together as mates and the life they build.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite book in the series! Ren is an omega art thief/forger. Months ago, he had developed a mark in billionaire alpha Ezra, but when a relative paid him off, he left quietly left rather than fight for his relationship with Ezra. Ren is a confused and deeply hurt man with multiple undercover identities, but no sense in his own true self as he grieves for his deceased grandfather. This book is high on emotions and insights into the meaning of art. Great story! I look forward to the next book in the series.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally realistic. Ren and Ezra, were like tango dancers. They were skilled in their own skin and did an exotic dance of catch me if you can. Sophie brings us a very visually descriptive story that makes us feel as we are really there experiencing everything Ren and Ezra do. This is a scenic roller coaster ride in the art world that we all can appreciate as we read. Great characters, good support, exciting thread with a good flow. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren is a Omega who is raised to be a con artist and a Forger. He has many names and many faces. Ezra is someone that he was supposed to be pulling a con on but he ended up losing his heart. After a proposition from Ezra's cousin he ran with the intentions and never looking back. That while working another car job he came across Jade in captivity who is basically family to Ezra and decides to try and help. Now he's back in Ezra's orbit and he has no intentions of letting him go.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really enjoying the push-and-pull, cat and mouse chase the two MCs had going on but it genuinely pissed me off when Ezra put the collar on Ren while he was unconscious. That was a step too far for my taste, like the scheming and the acting innocent part I was fine with but physical constraints are a big no for me. Ruined the rest of the book for me. And Ezra's know-it-all attitude started to grate on my nerves towards the end of the book too.

[lori forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG these books are fantastic

I don't think I could come up with enough words to state how much I love this series!!!! It really should be made into a cable TV show!!!!! I would volunteer to scout out for the beautiful men to play the Rockfords!!!!!each book is great awesome even but the series as a whole cannot be denied - and I now have to wait for the next book in the series - these six only took me 2 days to read!!! I now need some chocolate!!!!
Thank you so much - Lori

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love about mm romances: adventure, emotional journeys, twists, swoony romance, obsession, and omegaverse without mpreg! Omegaverse non mpreg books are so rare I'm pretty positive I've read all of them. To find a new one thrilled me to no end. Cannot recommend this fun book enough.

[GreenPhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren and Ezra’s story hooked me from the start. Ren’s struggle with identity and grief was heartbreaking, but his journey toward love and acceptance with Ezra was powerful and satisfying. This is one of my favorites in the series, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is book 6 of the Taken by His Alpha series it can be read as a complete standalone.

The characters were very appealing and hawt together. Plot was well developed and intriguing. World building continues to excel and impress. Highly recommend this series.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Us

Dee’s Grade: A-

Ezra and his guy had a book that was entertaining. I struggled to connect with his love interest. It was on me not the writing. Since the book is his POV it made the book my least fave of the series. I still like the book though and recommend it be read with the series.

[Tracy Lecuyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ezra and REN

This one was interesting in that it didn’t really bring in the other Rockford alphas. It does loop in Jade and Aaidan however that’s as far as it goes. I felt that the writing in this one was different than the other books as well. Not in a bad way but different nonetheless.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. Was waiting for the Jade plot point for several books. I hope we get that story at some point. Slowed down in the middle there and became repetitive. But I liked it

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ren and Ezra are not what they seem. They keep circling each other, both think they have the upper hand. I really enjoyed this book.

[maqita:3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmmmh ok girl period

[Amy K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooooo goooooood! The repeated tension, the exhausting pattern of running away, the angst, the absolutely glorious filth—all of it outstanding!

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not sexy or romantic, Ezra is genuinely controlling and abusive.
This and the last book were not enjoyable romances whatsoever, I wanted Avery and Ren to run fast and far.

[Neisha † The Poet † · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. He is definitely the most possessive alpha in the series lol

[Kenneth Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging and well written! I was hooked immediately by this very relatable MM relationship story. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.