Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Teen for giving me the opportunity to read Scammed early! I loved the Deceivers so much, so I was super excited to dive back into the world of Vale Hall and my favorite con artists!

Scammed 5/5 Stars

Summary from Goodreads: Brynn Hilder is living a life she never dreamed possible: She lives in a mansion, getting a top-rate education at Vale Hall. She has friends and an almost-boyfriend. Anything she wants, she can have.

The only catch? To stay in this life, she has to help the director of Vale Hall take down the bad guys of Sikawa City by collecting secrets and running cons.

Getting everything she wants and fighting evil doesn’t seem like such a bad deal. The thing is, she’s not so convinced anymore that Dr. Odin is really going after bad people after all. And the friends and almost-boyfriend that have made her life so different are all liars and con artists—so can she trust that any of it is real?

The stakes are higher. The cons are riskier. And nothing is what you think it is.

I loved boarding school books so much and the Deceivers was SO GOOD so I definitely expected a lot from Scammed and I wasn’t disappointed by it at all. It was different in that the way that the problems came about and the way that they were solved were different, but we still had our favorite major players in there. Brynn was still her normal badass self. Caleb was adorable and smart as usual. Dr. Odin was mildly creepy, but his usual headmaster-y self and ugh Grayson was back (note, not a spoiler at all because it happens in like the 2nd or 3rd chapter). There were so many more twists and turns in book two and it makes me want the next book even more!

There's less than two weeks before this book gets released, so it's time for my review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me review this book.

Scammed is the second book in the Vale Hall series that centers around a school for con artists. This book has even more twists, shocks, and romantic scenes than the first book, which left me wanting more.

Kristen Simmons has a way with words that makes me completely immersed in the world and unable to put the book down. All the characters in this book were just as amazing as what they were in the first book and the plot was so much fun.

Henry and Charlotte are definitely my favorite characters and I loved getting to spend more time with them in this book.

I highly recommend that everyone reads this series because it will blow your mind and you will not be able to stop reading it once you start.

I enjoyed the first book, but this book? LOVED.

The writing is great and the twists and turns? Did not see a lot of it coming! I’ve been conned!

I LOVED that we got to see more of the secondary characters (Henry and especially Charlotte who I love x3 now) and I hope even more of the other students get some screen time in the third book. Beyond Charlotte, I was surprised to see how attached I got to Moore! More Moore! Lol

Some of my only problems with Scammed were that a lot of the events that happened could have easily been solved with honesty (but then...no drama!) and that Brynn—our main character—was an easy pawn. For someone who’s good at what she does, she sure got played.

I’m still spinning at all the twists that happened, trying to piece things from the first book. Seeing if maybe I missed clues, suspecting everyone, questioning who the real villains are and their true motives. That makes for a good book.

@ Kristen Simmons/ Tor Teen, please send me the third book today, I am ready for third book, today. I will eagerly be waiting the third book, which I am ready for today.

4 out of 5 stars!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brynn felt fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Vale Hall, even if it came at a cost, and she was determined to maintain her place there. When complications arose from her previous assignment, she found herself unable to determine, who she could and could not trust, and picking the wrong allies could result in some serious consequences.

I have to commend Simmons on the name of this book. It was quite appropriate, as just about every character got scammed at some point. The lines between good and evil, as well as alliances, were blurred, and this really strained relations at Vale Hall.

It's difficult to review sequels, and especially this book, without giving too much away, but I will say there were several things that stood out for me.

• I felt like I got to know the other students at Vale Hall on a more personal level. I knew things about them from the first book, but the time I spent with them in this book seemed to reveal different layers of their lives to me, and I felt move invested in all of them because of that.

• The group really seemed to come even closer together at one point during this book, and I had those warm and fuzzy found family vibes going on, especially when things got really complicated.

• Holy twists and turns! I was caught very much off guard by a few of the reveals, and I have to say, the story took a turn, that has me chomping at the bit for the next book.

I was glad that some things still carried over from the last book. For instance, I still adore Caleb, I am still fascinated by the world of Vale Hall, and I am still undecided about whether Dr. O is good or bad.

This book was addictive, and hard to put down. Simmons really shook the foundation of that school! I was so invested and drawn into this world, and the ending! That ending left me with all sorts of emotions, as well as a million questions. I can only sit back, and impatiently await my next thrilling ride with the denizens of Vale Hall.

***I was provided an eARC of this book from Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!***

Welcome back to Vale Hall! (Where you think you know what's going on, and then find out you have no idea; where you think you know the characters, but don't at all; where you think you have the plot figured out, but are just absolutely wrong.)

I loved this follow-up to <i>The Deceivers</i>. It takes the events set up in that book and twists and complicates them in ways you'll never see coming. I liked that it was unpredictable; it kept me entirely engaged. Brynn Hilder, our MC, is smart and sassy and resourceful, and I want to read about ALL her adventures.

This series is good for people who like mysteries and action, and who like teams where the members don't know whether they can *entirely* trust each other or anyone around them.

Brynn and her friends find things getting even more complicated in the second of this series.

They're all con artists. That's what Vale Hall is, after all; a school for cons and tricks. But Brynn thought they were honest with each other.
All that changes, though, when her former mark shows up at the school. Dr O is keeping him close as leverage against his father. Unable to take anyone's words at face value, Brynn struggles to find the right path.

I'm always a bit worried about the second book in a series. If it's been a while since the first book, I may not remember a lot about it, and most books aren't great about getting you back up to speed. This one does its best, but it's a little lopsided. For instance, I was absolutely aware that Geri had planted drugs on Brynn to get her in trouble. It's mentioned five or six times. But I wasn't sure who some of the characters were until quite late in the book. It's a very tricky balance to get right, and kudos to Kristen for making it seem very natural.

On its own it's an exciting story, with lots of twists and bends. A couple of reveals took me by surprise. I'm looking forward to reading the third one and seeing what happens in the end.

A good read.

This book was great all around! I read The Deceivers right before I read Scammed and I am so glad that I did. My only regret is that I don't have the next book in my hands now! It is a world that I love and characters that I adore.

The world of Vale Hall is one not so different from ours today - aside from the fact that it's comprised of con artists and liars. Lesson #1: Everyone Lies. This book messes with your head in the best way possible! You can never tell the truth from a lie. In this world, the students of Vale Hall are rewarded with safety and privilege for performing illegal acts and conning others. More than conning anyone on the outside though - they are conning each other. It isn't something small - this is life or death! Simmons ups the ante and raises the stakes.

She also develops Brynn and the others in a deeper way than The Deceivers. I loved the sarcasm between Brynn and Grayson. Caleb is super sweet and I love him with a passion! If Brynn doesn't want him, I will gladly take him! He is protective and kind and smart...did I mention nerdy and cute?!

The plot itself is developed well and leaves room for another installment. It unwinds and gets messier and messier the further we dive in! (Messy is not always a bad thing - in this instance it was AWESOME!) The book was paced perfectly. From beginning to end, I enjoyed the breadcrumbs that were fed to my willing mouth!

In terms of predictability - Kristen Simmons did an amazing job keeping me guessing! The ending was not something I would've guessed would happen and I am on the edge of my seat for the next book! If you love mystery, drama, and intregue - Scammed is for YOU!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Rewind to January — I got my hands on an arc of The Deceivers. Never heard of it, and had yet to read anything by Kristen. Figure I’d give it a shot and picked it up that night. Also finished it that night. 😂
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Fast forward to December — Kristen picked me for an arc of SCAMMED. Picked up the book yesterday. Also finished it yesterday. 😬😂
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I’m really seeing a trend here and I can’t wait for that trend to continue with book 3 (which I didn’t know was a thing until last night! 🙀) ———
Inspired but Valhalla and the people surrounding it, The Deceivers/Scammed follows a group of con artists in training at a school called Vale Hall. So many twists and turns, some steamy love triangles, and characters to swoon over, this is a must read series by @kris10writes! These books were a couple of my 2019 favorites, and if you haven’t read The Deceivers yet, pick it up before Scammed releases February 4th! And I’ll stop now, because if I don’t, I could go on and on and on...

The first book in this series, The Deceivers, was a five star read for me last year, and I couldn't wait to get to the sequel.  And it's another five star read.  

What happens when you throw a bunch of con artists together?  Trained liars, people who insert themselves into the lives of others and fool them completely?  You can't trust anyone - and that's the whole premise of this second book in the Vale Hall series.  Brynn doubts her boyfriend, her friends and acquaintances, and even herself.  She's always prided herself on being a good judge of character - but is she really?  With several plot twists and blind sides, you won't know who or what to believe.

With the situations these characters find themselves in, parts of this story gutted me, and I wanted to jump into the book and help them.  As in The Deceivers, all of them are so well-developed, and the focus isn't entirely on Brynn - each supporting character has their own story to tell.  

This book is absolutely riveting, and I more than half of it in one sitting.  The description nails it - higher stakes, riskier cons, and nothing is at it seems.  The third book will be at the top of my list for must reads next year.      

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

These books are vastly underrated. They're diverse and twisty and incredible. As someone who grew up with Gallagher Girls, there's been a con school shaped hole in my life for several years. This series is filling it and then some. I love these characters, and I love the twists. Highly recommend.

I was excited to get approved for this sequel but also a bit hesitant. For some reason this year has been the worst when it comes to a continuation of a series as they have been really letting me down. I'm so glad that this wasn't the case for this one!

This book follows the same characters as the first. Brynn, Caleb, and the rest of the students are back but this time there is more at stake for them. There isn't much character development besides for a couple characters who add a few twists to the plot. Brynn does have a bit and it goes along with trusting others. Honestly, I could see why she would be confused at times and not sure where to turn because the people around her didn't make it easy. She also is a great friend and I love the friendship between Charlotte and her.

There was a start to a relationship in book one and book two adds on to that. Although it is very rocky, it's one that I was rooting for to work out. Just like with most relationships, the rockiness comes from not communicating. Why is this always a thing?! Honestly, for all the times I've wanted to strangle book characters for this problem I'd be known as the serial strangler. It's really frustrating, haha.

I will say that the plot and twists really took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what to expect but this definitely wasn't it but I'm so glad that it blew me away. I am now even more excited to see what book three has in store because the last bit of the book was amazing!

Overall, I really enjoyed the sequel. It was perfect and the friendships in this book are here to last. I hope the relationships do too.

I had no idea that The Deceivers would have a sequel until a couple months ago. i was hesitant at first to read this, but DAMN! This is definitely a worthy sequel that builds off of the first book. We get more in depth with the characters, especially Brynn, and the plot moves in a direction I wasn't expecting. The ending of this book sets a strong base for book 3, which i assume will be the final book. Anyways, if you read book 1 and were questioning on picking up the sequel I'd say go for it! It didn't disappoint and start rolling once you get past the first few chapters.

An incredible follow up to "The Decievers." Simmons expands the potential storylines for the rest of the series without sacrificing the great pace she achieved in "The Decievers." Readers of "Scammed" will want desperately to see what is coming next. Can't wait to share with my students.

Kristen Simmons gets better with every book and her Vale Hall series is her best work yet. After the twists and turns of book one, I didn't think Kristen could shock me or trick me any more than she did in the first book and yet here I am.

Scammed picks up after the shocking twists of Deceived and the stakes are even higher than before. If Brynn thought she couldn't trust anyone before, she's in for a big shock in Scammed. No one at Vale Hall is who they seem to be with a plot lying in the very foundation of the school. Someone she never thought she would see again shows up at Vale Hall and turns the whole place on its head. No one will be the same after their stay at the Hall and who knows who will make it to graduation alive.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tor Teen through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

Disclaimer: I received an eARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Further disclaimer: This review will continue some spoilers for the first book (The Deceivers) but no spoilers for Scammed. 

Brynn Hilder had her life turned upside down when she was taken into Vale Hall, a boarding school for con artists. For the first time in her life, her skills that she learned in Devon Park, a poor neighborhood, had great value. She made friends that became almost like family, and she became really close with Caleb, a fellow student. 

But things become a bit complicated in Scammed as Grayson, a person she used previously to find out who killed the sister of the Vale Hall director, has found safe harbor at Vale Hall until the director can gather enough dirt to put Grayson's father, a U.S. Senator. 

As Brynn goes undercover to find out about the disappearance of an intern who worked for Grayson's father, she finds her found-family thrown into turmoil and finds that things are not as they seem. 

Scammed is a thrilling sequel to The Deceivers. It's an amazing read, and I absolutely loved it. The whole series is one that is a fantastic read. The end of book 2 sets up for an amazing concept for book 3.

What a great sequel! I gave four stars because it started off a little slow, but by the middle of the book I was hooked! I so enjoyed Brynn's adventures and how she grew as a character. I can't wait for the next book!

#Scammed #NetGalley
Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the E-arc copy of Scammed.
Kristen Simmons has a wonderful way of bringing the reader into her novels. I really enjoyed the tricky aspect of the plot and the scam artist, Brynn, she is a fascinating character. I enjoy the fast paced plot and the major twists of book two. Simmons flushed out her characters which is why I think her pace so well.