Scan barcode
avid_reader_96's review against another edition
4.0
This is now one of my favorite books in this series. Obsidian is now my third favorite hero after Blade and Jasper. Gemma might be my favorite heroine too. Her and Obsidian's story just flowed smoothly, their chemistry was undeniable. I'm looking forward to reading Charlie's story. I would also like to see more of Silas and maybe a more humane X, if that's possible. I just love this world that Bec McMaster has created and she's only disappointed me once with a HEA, Garrett and Perry.
thoughtsstained's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Full review posted at Thoughts Stained With Ink:
Another Bec McMaster book in the books! If you've read this blog for a while, you know she is a long time favorite romance author of mine. Yet, I stalled out on her Bluebloods Conspiracy series with You Only Love Twice--the third book of five--due to it being a second chance romance. To be honest, I haven't read many, but it didn't feel like it would be my vibe.
Like usual, McMaster proved me wrong. You Only Love Twice was a great continuation of one of my favorite romance series sequels. (I still love the London Steampunk series that comes before this one more.)
You Only Love Twice was a great way to get my first romance read of the year in. Hopefully, I'll be able to read the last two books of this series and mark another Bec McMaster series off my list!
Another Bec McMaster book in the books! If you've read this blog for a while, you know she is a long time favorite romance author of mine. Yet, I stalled out on her Bluebloods Conspiracy series with You Only Love Twice--the third book of five--due to it being a second chance romance. To be honest, I haven't read many, but it didn't feel like it would be my vibe.
Like usual, McMaster proved me wrong. You Only Love Twice was a great continuation of one of my favorite romance series sequels. (I still love the London Steampunk series that comes before this one more.)
You Only Love Twice was a great way to get my first romance read of the year in. Hopefully, I'll be able to read the last two books of this series and mark another Bec McMaster series off my list!
roobie's review
3.0
⭐️3.5 stars⭐️
You cannot forget your pain without forgetting all the goodness that comes with it.
Pain is what makes the pleasures of life seem so vibrant.
If you didn't know pain or loss, then you would take for granted what had been gifted to you.
You cannot forget your pain without forgetting all the goodness that comes with it.
Pain is what makes the pleasures of life seem so vibrant.
If you didn't know pain or loss, then you would take for granted what had been gifted to you.
mdalida's review against another edition
5.0
There’s something about this author - in terms of catnip and themes in romance, her writing and storytelling definitely hit all my buttons!
👇🏾All Good things, one excessively minor “bad” thing, and one warning ⚠️!
The Goods:
Second chance romance, simmering and explosive fury as they work out the past, badass heroines, non-Alpha assholes, suspense, camaraderie with friends, loyalty and trust and honor... and the steamiest sex scenes are just a given 😜
PLUS, the sequel bait is on point.. damn, I’ve been anticipating Charlie’s story (next book) since he and Lark first came on scene. And then the sequel bait in this book was actually about Malloryn and Adele and.... damn!!
Emotions, emotions, emotions. McMaster writes emotional books - even when I may not be 100% into the characters at first (in about 12 books of hers, that may have happened in 2 books), I’m definitely all in by the end because she works my frickin heart strings!
The Bads
(Really, I’m just being extra)
Who chooses the book covers? There have been a couple of different books lately where I’m scratching my head as to why that was chosen. The people look disproportionate and honestly like they’re contemporary going to a ballet. This is set in 1800s-ish, right?
The Uglys
If you’re triggered by hate sex, this is your warning ⚠️. The first sex scene is raw but I could understand that it could be a turn off for some.
👇🏾All Good things, one excessively minor “bad” thing, and one warning ⚠️!
The Goods:
Second chance romance, simmering and explosive fury as they work out the past, badass heroines, non-Alpha assholes, suspense, camaraderie with friends, loyalty and trust and honor... and the steamiest sex scenes are just a given 😜
PLUS, the sequel bait is on point.. damn, I’ve been anticipating Charlie’s story (next book) since he and Lark first came on scene. And then the sequel bait in this book was actually about Malloryn and Adele and.... damn!!
Emotions, emotions, emotions. McMaster writes emotional books - even when I may not be 100% into the characters at first (in about 12 books of hers, that may have happened in 2 books), I’m definitely all in by the end because she works my frickin heart strings!
The Bads
(Really, I’m just being extra)
Who chooses the book covers? There have been a couple of different books lately where I’m scratching my head as to why that was chosen. The people look disproportionate and honestly like they’re contemporary going to a ballet. This is set in 1800s-ish, right?
The Uglys
If you’re triggered by hate sex, this is your warning ⚠️. The first sex scene is raw but I could understand that it could be a turn off for some.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
So much action and suspense in this one, even in the last few chapters. I kind of guessed a few moments, but that didn't make them less impactful. I really liked the scenes with Adele, and those involving only Obsidian and Gemma were really well done.
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
5.0
At the same time the plot is revealed, the plot thickens. I love stories involving double and triple agents- never quite sure who is playing whom. This is Gemma’s story- a story about trust, about love, and about pain. We start out with the question of who is most lethal. As with any proper foreshadowing, the moment Malloryn and Gemma say the other’s name at the same time you know the showdown will test the theory. But it’s not so much a test of who’s more lethal, but how deep love has to go to stop one from a pulling the trigger. Anyone can kill, but can they love?
Though they may be thoroughly trained spies, Obsidian, Gemma, and Malloryn are tested to see how deep their hearts truly run. The craving for love, belonging, trust, and redemption is a story with which we can all resonate. And it’s a moment when those characters who truly believed they had no heart- were true loners- are startled to find themselves surrounded my love and loyalty.
Also, neural control technology, attempts to assassinate the Queen, the “master” is unmasked, double-crossings, two explosions, a ruined wedding, and a look at the Queen’s court. But that all drives the characters to discover what is really important to them. It’s time to choose a side. Where do your loyalties lie?
Though they may be thoroughly trained spies, Obsidian, Gemma, and Malloryn are tested to see how deep their hearts truly run. The craving for love, belonging, trust, and redemption is a story with which we can all resonate. And it’s a moment when those characters who truly believed they had no heart- were true loners- are startled to find themselves surrounded my love and loyalty.
Also, neural control technology, attempts to assassinate the Queen, the “master” is unmasked, double-crossings, two explosions, a ruined wedding, and a look at the Queen’s court. But that all drives the characters to discover what is really important to them. It’s time to choose a side. Where do your loyalties lie?
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
You Only Love Twice
3 Stars
Good development for the ongoing story arc, but the romance is disappointing.
The world of Bec McMaster's London Steampunk is fascinating, and her original take on vampirism is displayed to full effect in this installment particularly with regard to the origins, motivations and conflicts of the various dhampir characters. The plot to destroy London and kill the Queen moves in a new direction with the introduction of the mysterious assassin known as the Chameleon. The twists and turns involving the identity of the killer make for engaging reading, and the ultimate explanation is both surprising and satisfying.
Unfortunately, the exciting world-building and compelling storylines are undermined by the lackluster romance. Obsidian and Gemma's second chance at love is flat and uninspired. Neither character is sufficiently fleshed out, and the flashback scenes to their first meeting do not actually provide any insight into how they feel for one another. Readers are presented with the facts of their love-affair, but not the emotion behind it.
Moreover, Obsidian and Gemma's relationship is completely overshadowed by the few interactions between Malloryn and his bride-to-be, Adele Hamilton. Their snarky wordplay and intense chemistry highlight the deficiencies in the primary couple's connection.
Finally, the cliffhanger ending is exceedingly annoying. The only redeeming factor here is that the series is now complete so there will be no waiting to find out what happens next.
3 Stars
Good development for the ongoing story arc, but the romance is disappointing.
The world of Bec McMaster's London Steampunk is fascinating, and her original take on vampirism is displayed to full effect in this installment particularly with regard to the origins, motivations and conflicts of the various dhampir characters. The plot to destroy London and kill the Queen moves in a new direction with the introduction of the mysterious assassin known as the Chameleon. The twists and turns involving the identity of the killer make for engaging reading, and the ultimate explanation is both surprising and satisfying.
Unfortunately, the exciting world-building and compelling storylines are undermined by the lackluster romance. Obsidian and Gemma's second chance at love is flat and uninspired. Neither character is sufficiently fleshed out, and the flashback scenes to their first meeting do not actually provide any insight into how they feel for one another. Readers are presented with the facts of their love-affair, but not the emotion behind it.
Moreover, Obsidian and Gemma's relationship is completely overshadowed by the few interactions between Malloryn and his bride-to-be, Adele Hamilton. Their snarky wordplay and intense chemistry highlight the deficiencies in the primary couple's connection.
Finally, the cliffhanger ending is exceedingly annoying. The only redeeming factor here is that the series is now complete so there will be no waiting to find out what happens next.
alisonb's review against another edition
4.0
This installment seemed to pull in quite a few moments between Adele and Malloryn (and a few other secondary characters), versus focusing on Gemma and Obsidian, but it worked for me since the overall arc of this series is very interesting.
I cannot wait to get to Malloryn’s book!
3.5 ⭐️’s
I cannot wait to get to Malloryn’s book!
3.5 ⭐️’s
emlaal's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0