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Coded Connections Duet #2
Mind Code
Mind Code is a medium burn, spicy ‘why choose’ contemporary romance. It is the second book of the Coded Connections Duet and can't be read as a standalone. Some parts may be triggering.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2024
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528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
January 15, 2025
WTF was this?! I absolutely loved the first book. The slow burn, the romance, the tension. But this one was not it at all. The plot and characters were all over the place. The guys apologized and were nice to her for a few days, she forgives them and haves sex with them, the get home and she gets mad at them again for stalking her. More forgiveness, more sex, more of her getting upset for tracking her phone blah blah. You get the picture.
I didn't like Amelia and how she allowed her family to still control her life when she's in her late 20s. I understand controlling parents and wanting their approval even when they don't deserve it. But she spend 2 years rebuilding herself and it all went out the window as soon as she went back home. "Why would I go back. Theres nothing for me there". Ok but why stay at a house you hate and why not start over again? That's what you did in the first place? Also, why did she even go to her parent's place? Her brother said he needed her ASAP and then he barely talks to her while shes there? What was the point? He almost gets a divorce because his wife didn't want him to take over their dad's firm and be under their thumb again. So what does Amelia do? Think that marrying some asshole her mom set her up with will solve it?
Then the issue with her work getting stolen. She didn't even give a shit. Didn't even care to try and figure out who took it or where it was. She was just worried about having sex with the guys. Of course the culprit was who we thought all along. They easily figured everything out and got her stuff back in like a week? Really? All this grievance about her life's work and how she couldn't talk to anyone about it because it was so revolutionary just to not give an f about it. I have so many thoughts I could rant all day.
It literally gets one extra star for the cute epilogue.
I didn't like Amelia and how she allowed her family to still control her life when she's in her late 20s. I understand controlling parents and wanting their approval even when they don't deserve it. But she spend 2 years rebuilding herself and it all went out the window as soon as she went back home. "Why would I go back. Theres nothing for me there". Ok but why stay at a house you hate and why not start over again? That's what you did in the first place? Also, why did she even go to her parent's place? Her brother said he needed her ASAP and then he barely talks to her while shes there? What was the point? He almost gets a divorce because his wife didn't want him to take over their dad's firm and be under their thumb again. So what does Amelia do? Think that marrying some asshole her mom set her up with will solve it?
Then the issue with her work getting stolen. She didn't even give a shit. Didn't even care to try and figure out who took it or where it was. She was just worried about having sex with the guys. Of course the culprit was who we thought all along. They easily figured everything out and got her stuff back in like a week? Really? All this grievance about her life's work and how she couldn't talk to anyone about it because it was so revolutionary just to not give an f about it. I have so many thoughts I could rant all day.
It literally gets one extra star for the cute epilogue.
November 9, 2024
⭐️4🌶️3💧0
What a great way to end the duet!!
You are guaranteed too feel all the feels with this one- frustration anger betrayal happiness love. I was highly disappointed in the fmc’s brother and that really angered me lol
I love reading Blake’s books! They are starting to become my comfort why choose reads!
#blakeblack #mindcode #darkromance #steamybooks #bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
What a great way to end the duet!!
You are guaranteed too feel all the feels with this one- frustration anger betrayal happiness love. I was highly disappointed in the fmc’s brother and that really angered me lol
I love reading Blake’s books! They are starting to become my comfort why choose reads!
#blakeblack #mindcode #darkromance #steamybooks #bookrecs #steamyreads #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
December 24, 2024
3.5
not as good as the first one, i found the ending drawn out and predictable. i wish it had been a bit more dramatized, it fell a little flat unfortunately :(
honestly i think this could have been condensed into one longer book (like 500-600) instead of two 400ish page ones.
that being said i loved the characters! and i will definitely check out more by this author
not as good as the first one, i found the ending drawn out and predictable. i wish it had been a bit more dramatized, it fell a little flat unfortunately :(
honestly i think this could have been condensed into one longer book (like 500-600) instead of two 400ish page ones.
that being said i loved the characters! and i will definitely check out more by this author
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November 24, 2024I'm not sure how to rate this objectively so I'm not going to. I'm just going to leave my thoughts here. I will preface this by saying I expected a sweet romantic Why Choose story, and what I feel like I got was not quite that. Too often I found myself just not buying into anything that was happening, and wanting to skip ahead past Amelia's umpteenth breakdown to get to the part where the 4 GENIUSES put their heads together to figure out what I had figured out verrrry early on (like turn Jamie back on and skip all the dramatics Lol)...
Okay here we go.
I didn't like the way the story built. Starting with book one. I would have liked this better if it was fit into 1 book, where no trip to England ever happened, and there were much fewer breakdowns, and people were actually communicating and acting like the geniuses they supposedly were. I usually love RH stories but I just didn't buy into the relationships -- each guy was kind of lacking some fundamental social thing (shy level 9000, forgetful/clumsy/insomniac, and bossy asshole) -- and i don't like when the RH relationship comes about mainly because of supposed shortcomings that the men have..like the FMC isn't severely flawed in this duet?! She shouldn't be in 1 relationship let alone 3...
Anyway the second half of book 2 was more typical RH dynamics, where they actually interact well together, but the buildup to that point never once led me to believe that they would work well together. And actually the main reason for that, other than the men just not being given full personalities, was that the FMC was a frightening mess. She was so not ready for any kind of romantic relationship. Her warped view of everything and her incredibly low sense of self led her to be a crazy weak shell of a human with no capacity to trust herself or others. Reading her story was painful. And miscommunication is my absolute least favorite trope of all time, and it was just par for the course in Amelia's messed up mind.
It was too much. At least for me.
I would say my favorite part was the banter between the guys - the bromance, if you will. They were cute sometimes, but kind of only as a group. Each one on their own became kind of annoying. Sorry, I guess this one really was just not for me.
Okay here we go.
I didn't like the way the story built. Starting with book one. I would have liked this better if it was fit into 1 book, where no trip to England ever happened, and there were much fewer breakdowns, and people were actually communicating and acting like the geniuses they supposedly were. I usually love RH stories but I just didn't buy into the relationships -- each guy was kind of lacking some fundamental social thing (shy level 9000, forgetful/clumsy/insomniac, and bossy asshole) -- and i don't like when the RH relationship comes about mainly because of supposed shortcomings that the men have..like the FMC isn't severely flawed in this duet?! She shouldn't be in 1 relationship let alone 3...
Anyway the second half of book 2 was more typical RH dynamics, where they actually interact well together, but the buildup to that point never once led me to believe that they would work well together. And actually the main reason for that, other than the men just not being given full personalities, was that the FMC was a frightening mess. She was so not ready for any kind of romantic relationship. Her warped view of everything and her incredibly low sense of self led her to be a crazy weak shell of a human with no capacity to trust herself or others. Reading her story was painful. And miscommunication is my absolute least favorite trope of all time, and it was just par for the course in Amelia's messed up mind.
It was too much. At least for me.
I would say my favorite part was the banter between the guys - the bromance, if you will. They were cute sometimes, but kind of only as a group. Each one on their own became kind of annoying. Sorry, I guess this one really was just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
The second book of this duet will put you through a range of emotions. Frustration, sadness, happiness... just to cycle through again!
Amelia goes back to London to see her brother after finding out what Oliver, Grey, and Misha had done to her. What she didn't realize is that he was back at their parents' home. She ends up right back where she started, miserable, and in her parents' clutches. Worse, they have made plans for her without consulting her, and she feels trapped. The guys don't give up on her and chase her down and refuse to leave until she agrees to go back to Seattle with them. She just isn't sure if that's an option anymore.
The guys prove themselves to Amelia repeatedly in this book. They show her that what is important to her is important to them. They show her that they have her back, no matter what. They show her that they won't give up on her, that they love her, and that they're in it for the long haul. Their actions speak much louder than words, and she sees how sincere they are.
I feel like I should have suspected the ending, but it was a twist at the end that readers may or may not see coming! The epilogue was heartwarming, as well, with more things I didn't see coming.
At the very end of the book, Blake even adds some of Oliver's letters that he had written to Amelia, including the ones from when he didn't even know her. That was a sweet touch!
I always recommend this author's books, and this is just another duet I'll be adding to the list!
Amelia goes back to London to see her brother after finding out what Oliver, Grey, and Misha had done to her. What she didn't realize is that he was back at their parents' home. She ends up right back where she started, miserable, and in her parents' clutches. Worse, they have made plans for her without consulting her, and she feels trapped. The guys don't give up on her and chase her down and refuse to leave until she agrees to go back to Seattle with them. She just isn't sure if that's an option anymore.
The guys prove themselves to Amelia repeatedly in this book. They show her that what is important to her is important to them. They show her that they have her back, no matter what. They show her that they won't give up on her, that they love her, and that they're in it for the long haul. Their actions speak much louder than words, and she sees how sincere they are.
I feel like I should have suspected the ending, but it was a twist at the end that readers may or may not see coming! The epilogue was heartwarming, as well, with more things I didn't see coming.
At the very end of the book, Blake even adds some of Oliver's letters that he had written to Amelia, including the ones from when he didn't even know her. That was a sweet touch!
I always recommend this author's books, and this is just another duet I'll be adding to the list!
January 13, 2025
Her life’s work has been stolen by an obvious culprit, one that a group of apparent geniuses somehow fail to deduce, and she’s just like, “Oh well! More time for orgies, I guess!”
Why is there no sense of urgency in the matter?! Her intellectual property makes headlines without her consent or credit, and that’s the perfect time for a whole chapter of them teaching her how to swim?
I get that it’s a duet, so we have limited time for spice. But I found it difficult to enjoy while she was being screwed the hardest by the very obvious person who stole her work. The rest is just not fulfilling enough to distract from the main issue at hand.
Why is there no sense of urgency in the matter?! Her intellectual property makes headlines without her consent or credit, and that’s the perfect time for a whole chapter of them teaching her how to swim?
I get that it’s a duet, so we have limited time for spice. But I found it difficult to enjoy while she was being screwed the hardest by the very obvious person who stole her work. The rest is just not fulfilling enough to distract from the main issue at hand.
November 12, 2024
Book one ended in an emotional high, and starting book two, you immediately get thrown back into it. The guys realise they messed up, come clean and get scolded by their loved ones (like they should) and start to look for Amelia. I went into this book expecting three nerds to atone and grovel, and that’s exactly what I got. I got storyline, I got smut, I got my shy nerds and *lessons* - I got cosy fluff and I’m so happy I did. The grovelling was worthy of the wrongdoing, and they tried so hard together to build a healthy, stable relationship together and rebuild their trust. The teaching session was *HOT* and the smut really hit. They all grew as people but they also grew as a unit and that and their found family are my favourite things about this genre so I’m a very satisfied woman now. Also: the fact that the fish heist came full circle was chef’s kiss - tetra fish criminals for life.
P.S. the addendum with Oliver’s letters? Made my day.
“How’s the weather inside you?”
P.S. the addendum with Oliver’s letters? Made my day.
“How’s the weather inside you?”
November 24, 2024
4.5 stars.
November 8, 2024
4.5* This author's works always just feels like such a comforting read for me (albeit with a roller-coaster of emotions), and it is reassuring to know that every one she writes is always something I will enjoy.
Each character is always so well thought out and created, that they feel so real and always relatable.
Whilst I loved the conclusion to this duet, it did feel that it was more focused on the FMC POV for a large part rather than the MMCs. And whilst I loved her POV as you could feel her pain and betrayal, I did want to see more of the MMCs POV to see how they were hurting and their emotions with trying to fix the mistakes they had made with the FMC. The MMCs really drew my in during the first book, and I just wanted more of them through their POV.
Also, when the FMC tells one of the MMC about the Tetras...ARGH. I loved that scene.
It is a lot harder finding romance reads, especially RH, that don't have children as the HEA so that this had a HEA with no children planned just made it so much more for me.
I can't recommend both the author, and this duet enough. It just felt like the perfect autumnal, comfort read where there was this undeniable pull between the characters but with the added relatable fears, thoughts and experiences that just made it all the more tangible. The author really just creates characters that I am just DESPERATE to know and keep.
Each character is always so well thought out and created, that they feel so real and always relatable.
Whilst I loved the conclusion to this duet, it did feel that it was more focused on the FMC POV for a large part rather than the MMCs. And whilst I loved her POV as you could feel her pain and betrayal, I did want to see more of the MMCs POV to see how they were hurting and their emotions with trying to fix the mistakes they had made with the FMC. The MMCs really drew my in during the first book, and I just wanted more of them through their POV.
Also, when the FMC tells one of the MMC about the Tetras...ARGH. I loved that scene.
It is a lot harder finding romance reads, especially RH, that don't have children as the HEA so that this had a HEA with no children planned just made it so much more for me.
I can't recommend both the author, and this duet enough. It just felt like the perfect autumnal, comfort read where there was this undeniable pull between the characters but with the added relatable fears, thoughts and experiences that just made it all the more tangible. The author really just creates characters that I am just DESPERATE to know and keep.
February 23, 2025
i loved the first book but this was really disappointing. the plot was all over the place. the guys were sorry they hurt amelia’s feelings (but not that they invaded her privacy) and she decided she was never really mad at them in the first place? and why was she so willing to just go back to her old life and stay with her emotionally abusive parents? wdym u have nothing left in usa girl apply for another job there ffs ur literally a genius.
her relationship with her brother was not clear at all. august called her in the last book breaking down cuz he really needed her but barely talked to her when she got there? and in the epilogue they hadn’t talked for THREE YEARS. why? what happened with his wife? why was everything so vague?
she did nothing to find out who stole her project, barely even mentioned it in her povs, while the guys were sleep deprived working to find who did it. its the project of a lifetime worth literally millions why aren’t u STRESSED.
honestly this duet should’ve just been one extra long book. it would’ve made some of these things less noticeable.
her relationship with her brother was not clear at all. august called her in the last book breaking down cuz he really needed her but barely talked to her when she got there? and in the epilogue they hadn’t talked for THREE YEARS. why? what happened with his wife? why was everything so vague?
she did nothing to find out who stole her project, barely even mentioned it in her povs, while the guys were sleep deprived working to find who did it. its the project of a lifetime worth literally millions why aren’t u STRESSED.
honestly this duet should’ve just been one extra long book. it would’ve made some of these things less noticeable.
January 28, 2025
This just ticked me off.
Stand up. Jesus. These people were horrid. I couldn’t do it anymore.
Stand up. Jesus. These people were horrid. I couldn’t do it anymore.
November 16, 2024
*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Brainiac MCs
*Mental Health Rep
*Will They/Won’t They
*Established Harem (3)
*Slower Burn
*Book 2/2
Strong ending 😊
This book picks up instantly from the last one as the guys realise that they have massively screwed up 😟 and poor Amelia is the one facing the consequences, especially as it appears she’s been lead her back to the place she had been doing everything to escape 😳 yet she’s willing to do it for her brother and put up with all the difficulties she faces there! Very much a story of letting go and realising it’s not all on you 💔 something I think people can relate to!! Thankfully the boys get their heads out their behinds pretty sharpish - especially with Morgan and Grandpa getting involved 🙈 however it is easier for some of them than others to work on their issues! Thankfully they truly show up for our girl 🥰🥰 especially with her family and discovering who disrupted her work dreams!! The only thing I found was this was a little slow in places but could be me being impatient to find out what happened next. Overall a great ending - especially the epilogue ❤️
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Brainiac MCs
*Mental Health Rep
*Will They/Won’t They
*Established Harem (3)
*Slower Burn
*Book 2/2
Strong ending 😊
This book picks up instantly from the last one as the guys realise that they have massively screwed up 😟 and poor Amelia is the one facing the consequences, especially as it appears she’s been lead her back to the place she had been doing everything to escape 😳 yet she’s willing to do it for her brother and put up with all the difficulties she faces there! Very much a story of letting go and realising it’s not all on you 💔 something I think people can relate to!! Thankfully the boys get their heads out their behinds pretty sharpish - especially with Morgan and Grandpa getting involved 🙈 however it is easier for some of them than others to work on their issues! Thankfully they truly show up for our girl 🥰🥰 especially with her family and discovering who disrupted her work dreams!! The only thing I found was this was a little slow in places but could be me being impatient to find out what happened next. Overall a great ending - especially the epilogue ❤️
November 22, 2024
Save the fish! IYKYK
Part two of Blake Black's Coded Connections Duet is here, and so am I!!!
Grey, with his calm dominant demeanour and access to a cute doggo
Oliver quirky nerdy and so damn sexy
Misha - fun, friendly, and flirty
They are on a mission to get their girl back and grovel if they have to. They messed up, but if they have to fly to England to make sure the girl they all love, whom they are willing to share, is safe, then you bet your buttocks they'll do it.
Amelia has had all her confidence that she'd built up since leaving home shattered and it's not even close to getting put back together as she is back in her family home, subject to their mental and verbal abuse.
It takes three American tech geeks to ride in and be this English Rose's knights in shining armour
This story is beautiful and heart-wrenching with fun and flawed characters and a HEA.
The side characters are just as lovable.
This book was a 5 star with 3 on the spicy scale
Part two of Blake Black's Coded Connections Duet is here, and so am I!!!
Grey, with his calm dominant demeanour and access to a cute doggo
Oliver quirky nerdy and so damn sexy
Misha - fun, friendly, and flirty
They are on a mission to get their girl back and grovel if they have to. They messed up, but if they have to fly to England to make sure the girl they all love, whom they are willing to share, is safe, then you bet your buttocks they'll do it.
Amelia has had all her confidence that she'd built up since leaving home shattered and it's not even close to getting put back together as she is back in her family home, subject to their mental and verbal abuse.
It takes three American tech geeks to ride in and be this English Rose's knights in shining armour
This story is beautiful and heart-wrenching with fun and flawed characters and a HEA.
The side characters are just as lovable.
This book was a 5 star with 3 on the spicy scale
November 2, 2024
This was such a wonderful conclusion to this duet. At the end of Book 1, Amelia had found out some of the secrets the guys had been keeping and ran back home to London to her awful family. Beginning with her arrival there, we get to see for ourselves just how terrible her parents truly are, and just how far Misha, Oliver and Grey are willing to go to get Amelia back. This book is STEAMY, but the absolute grovelling from the guys was definitely my favourite. Blake Black definitely knows how to write guys who show their devotion in the best (and sometimes morally grey) of ways. I can’t wait to read what her brilliant mind comes up with next!
August 23, 2025
Again, finished this in a day. 10/10. So good. Absolutely devoured it. It had the perfect amount of groveling. The perfect amount of drama and suspense without dragging things out too much. The CUTEST and most satisfying freaking ending. And the smut? God I felt edged the first book but this one DELIVERED.
Seriously. A new top why choose duet. I loved it and will 1000000% be reading this author again.
Seriously. A new top why choose duet. I loved it and will 1000000% be reading this author again.
November 21, 2024
WHAT AN ENDING!
There is nothing Blake can’t do. This book will leave you feeling so freaking happy and in love. But through this book you feel all the things- disappointment, pain, sadness, loneliness and then love and peace. Let me tell you the spice spiced, the feelings felt and the love loved. (THAT EPILOGUE ❤️❤️)
There is nothing Blake can’t do. This book will leave you feeling so freaking happy and in love. But through this book you feel all the things- disappointment, pain, sadness, loneliness and then love and peace. Let me tell you the spice spiced, the feelings felt and the love loved. (THAT EPILOGUE ❤️❤️)
November 29, 2024
Book 1 left us at a huge emotional high point and book 2 gets right back into it! This duet will make you feel all the things. Blake never misses with her duets!
December 29, 2024
Just as good as book one.
Loved every moment.
Loved every moment.
January 30, 2025
Lovely finish to this duet. Crazy depiction of upper crust English people which loved. The side issue of the fish was so amusing.
July 3, 2025
This was a good book overall. I enjoyed it and it was a fun, quick read. That said, I liked the first one better. I just wasn’t as invested this time around, and a few things gave me the ick or pulled me out of the story. Still, it had its good moments.
November 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I want to memorize the feel of her skin, the taste of her lips, and the sound of her moans. I want to imprint this moment on my soul because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am irrevocably in love with her.
I loved part two of the Coded Connections Duet! The perfect combination of groveling and redemption, and healing and acceptance. And such a sweet HEA for Amelia and her me.
Misha, Oliver, and Grey had so much to atone for. While they’re obsessive (and sweet?) stalking was all in the name of protecting Amelia, they hurt her deeply in their betrayal of her trust. But, they well made up for their transgressions. Acts of love. Declarations of love. Proof of devotion. I was here for every bit of their journey to forgiveness.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites in WC romances, but Oliver is mine. Sweet golden retriever MMCs are not my typical types, but he won me over with his steadfast love and sweet disposition. And I adore a virgin MMC.
Part Two is faster burn and spicier than Part One with MF and MFM+ scenes. And several touching “first times” between Oliver and Amelia.
Mind Code ends in a HEA. Another hit from Blake, this duet is one of my top reads of the year.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I want to memorize the feel of her skin, the taste of her lips, and the sound of her moans. I want to imprint this moment on my soul because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am irrevocably in love with her.
I loved part two of the Coded Connections Duet! The perfect combination of groveling and redemption, and healing and acceptance. And such a sweet HEA for Amelia and her me.
Misha, Oliver, and Grey had so much to atone for. While they’re obsessive (and sweet?) stalking was all in the name of protecting Amelia, they hurt her deeply in their betrayal of her trust. But, they well made up for their transgressions. Acts of love. Declarations of love. Proof of devotion. I was here for every bit of their journey to forgiveness.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites in WC romances, but Oliver is mine. Sweet golden retriever MMCs are not my typical types, but he won me over with his steadfast love and sweet disposition. And I adore a virgin MMC.
Part Two is faster burn and spicier than Part One with MF and MFM+ scenes. And several touching “first times” between Oliver and Amelia.
Mind Code ends in a HEA. Another hit from Blake, this duet is one of my top reads of the year.
July 2, 2025
This was alright. Entertaining enough, decent follow up to the first book.
December 4, 2024
oh my wow
I completely love the groveling the boys did in this book and the expertise in which they finally fund out who took Amelia’s work and saving the day while all them learning lesson about themselves and figuring out who they want to be and if their relationship will stand. I’m so happy for these characters! They live rent free in my mind all week!
I completely love the groveling the boys did in this book and the expertise in which they finally fund out who took Amelia’s work and saving the day while all them learning lesson about themselves and figuring out who they want to be and if their relationship will stand. I’m so happy for these characters! They live rent free in my mind all week!
December 14, 2024
Amelia and her relationship with OMG are in trouble. The story picks up in London, where Amelia has fled to think things over and find out what's happening to her older brother, August. She ends up staying with her parents and brother, but soon surprised guests Oliver, Misha, and Grey appear.
The second half of this duet was a bit of a rollercoaster, but the evolution of the romance between Amelia and the guys was so sweet! There were some definite spicy moments (like hands on spice lessons) and many confessions of feelings. This was emotional in the best way, and Oliver's letters at the end made me tear up.
I recommend this book if you enjoy sweet and emotional nerdy love with a side of obsession and light stalking.
The second half of this duet was a bit of a rollercoaster, but the evolution of the romance between Amelia and the guys was so sweet! There were some definite spicy moments (like hands on spice lessons) and many confessions of feelings. This was emotional in the best way, and Oliver's letters at the end made me tear up.
I recommend this book if you enjoy sweet and emotional nerdy love with a side of obsession and light stalking.
December 7, 2024
Blake Black’s Mind Coded continues the Coded Connections Duet with a story that is emotionally charged, steamy, and filled with drama. As the second installment in the series, it relies heavily on the groundwork laid in the first book, delivering a medium-burn “why choose” romance that ups the stakes in terms of tension, spice, and character dynamics. However, while it delivers on many fronts, there are some aspects that could have been more polished to fully realize its potential.
The Characters and Emotional Depth:
The characters remain the heart of the story, with their messy, intense relationships driving the narrative. The protagonist’s emotional journey feels authentic as she navigates the complex dynamics with multiple love interests. Blake Black delves into the push and pull of attraction, trust, and vulnerability, creating moments that are both raw and heartfelt. However, some characters—particularly the love interests—can feel underdeveloped, making it difficult to fully connect with their motivations and choices.
The relationships in this book are built on tension and emotional intensity, but at times, the constant drama can feel overwhelming. While the “why choose” dynamic adds intrigue and plenty of steamy moments, the emotional bonds between the characters could benefit from more depth and nuance to make their connections feel truly meaningful.
The Romance and Spice:
As advertised, this book delivers on the spice, with several steamy scenes that fans of the genre will enjoy. The medium-burn pacing allows for a slow build-up of tension, which makes the romantic moments feel earned. However, the romance occasionally feels overshadowed by the drama, and the balance between emotional connection and physical attraction could have been better executed.
The Plot and Pacing:
The continuation of the story from the first book ensures that Mind Coded starts with high stakes and maintains a consistent level of intensity. The twists and turns keep the reader engaged, and the tension is palpable throughout. However, some plot points feel rushed or underexplored, and the pacing can be uneven at times, with slower sections dragging the momentum of the story.
The book also includes darker themes and potentially triggering content, which is handled with varying degrees of sensitivity. While the inclusion of these elements adds weight to the story, some moments feel like they rely on shock value rather than meaningful exploration, which may be off-putting to some readers.
Why Not a Higher Rating?
While Mind Coded succeeds in delivering steamy romance and high-stakes drama, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The lack of balance between emotional depth and physical attraction leaves some relationships feeling surface-level. Additionally, the plot, while engaging, occasionally veers into melodrama, and certain subplots could have been more thoroughly developed to enhance the story’s impact.
Final Thoughts:
Mind Coded is a solid continuation of the Coded Connections Duet that will appeal to fans of medium-burn, “why choose” romances packed with drama and spice. While it doesn’t work as a standalone, readers who enjoyed the first book will find plenty to keep them engaged here.
Though it falls short in some areas—particularly in character development and pacing—it delivers enough intrigue, tension, and steamy romance to satisfy its target audience. At 3.5 stars, Mind Coded is an entertaining read, but one that could have benefited from greater emotional depth and a tighter narrative focus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2025
2.5
Look, I enjoyed it yes, BUT for all that this book is about beta tests, this book really needed a beta reader group, or editor. Small things like “the Tesla engine purred” irked me. Teslas don’t have engines and if it’s purring you got a cat stuck somewhere in the frunk. That’s kinda the whole thing with EVs, they don’t have combustion engines.
I also get the feeling the author has never worked in a corporate setting or at least not a large corporation. So many things just didn’t feel realistic. Don’t get me started on the immigration from the UK to the US and any legal stuff. Still I enjoyed the story for the most part and will read the author again. I just wish she would fact check or have a team that reviews small very annoying things like this that take readers out of the story.
Look, I enjoyed it yes, BUT for all that this book is about beta tests, this book really needed a beta reader group, or editor. Small things like “the Tesla engine purred” irked me. Teslas don’t have engines and if it’s purring you got a cat stuck somewhere in the frunk. That’s kinda the whole thing with EVs, they don’t have combustion engines.
I also get the feeling the author has never worked in a corporate setting or at least not a large corporation. So many things just didn’t feel realistic. Don’t get me started on the immigration from the UK to the US and any legal stuff. Still I enjoyed the story for the most part and will read the author again. I just wish she would fact check or have a team that reviews small very annoying things like this that take readers out of the story.
January 25, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ baaaah idk why but I’m so disappointed in this one.. the story itself was just ok and the spice also was just ok.. but it was very predictable and god when she was in London it was so ick. I didn’t even understand why she would defend her brother when he’s a total dickbag. I think my favourite character was the grandpa lol, he at least made me feel something. Also the pet names and how they came to be were super weird lol. Also learning I don’t love smut scenes in the epilogue.. I’d rather just wrap everything up nicely.
February 11, 2025
Snooze fest
November 23, 2024
You know how usually with Duets, you read the first book, and its really really good and you just can not WAIT for the second book, but by 1/2 way through the second book the cliffhanger from the first book has been taken care of and now youre just kinda… over it?
That is 100000% not at all the way Blake Black’s books go.
I noticed it first with the Soulful Seas Duet. The cliffhanger on that one was BRUTAL, and when I read the second one I was afraid I would loose attention, but at one point I remember looking down and seeing I was 70% the way done and was absolutely enthralled with the story.
Same exact thing with MindCode. The cliffhanger after SoulCode was legit going to make me loose it, and book 2 was another one where I looked and thought “dear god… I’m almost done with this book.” Like I could NOT STOP READING I T.
Our nerdy assholes left Amelia in a bit of a bind when she found out they were spoilers for book 1 watching her every move by watching her through her cameras set up in her home (everyyyywhere in her home) while she was beta testing an AI for them.
To compound that.. Amelia was attacked by some asshole who desperately wanted to steal Amelia’s amazing new technology that she was making for themselves. She had actualyl managed to get Augmented Reality to be a thing without any kind of glasses or headset or anything and this was a HUGE deal.
So we have asshole nerdy hot boys who are freaking in love with her, and we have some asshole who is attacking her and stealing her technology, AND we have Amelia on her way to the UK to stay with her family after finding out the men she was falling in love with were spying on her so it was like “jhsfkjahksa OMGGG”
I’d be lying if I said I wan’t a sucker for the angst. Blake writes the absolute best angst in her books, and book 2 didnt skimp. Her parents were AWFUL. I mean absolutely miserable. The only people who cared about her really were her brother (who had his own shit going on and honestly he could have stuck up for her way more than he did) and the family’s butler/maids. It was so sad- not only hearing how things were hard with Amelia’s family in book 1 but actually seeing it in Book 2.
Wanna know what was the best? Watching the guys stick up for Amelia. THAT was freaking amazing. They were hilarious and had no issues with letting her family and Daniel (family friend who decided he should marry Amelia.. I love me a little OM drama.) know exactly what they thought about these assholes.
Seeing Amelia in her childhood home was heart-breaking. Watching how her parents treated her- how her dad only allowed the guys to stay there because Grey’s grandpa was his old college professor and how stuck up they were? The angst was angst-ing I’ll tell you that much.
This was heartwarming, sweet, angsty, and the spice was FIRE. Gah! Who knew nerdy guys could have such dirty mouths???
Theres no way I could pick a favorite— each of the guys were so amazing for different ways. Misha’s sunshine personality, Grey’s broody and bossy demeanor, and Oliver’s shyness and absolute obsession with Amelia all made for the perfect harem.
I can not wait to find out what Blake comes up with next. MindCode was even better than SoulCode IMO.. and I didnt think I would ever love a duet the way I loved Soulful Seas.. but if Ms. Black keeps writing like this, I’m gonna consider myself the luckiest reader on earth to be able to read these books!
The only SMALL thing I would say that threw me was the OM drama- Im not really used to that with Blake’s books so I think at first I (despite LOVING OM drama in certain circumstances) was like “wtf is happening?” But then the way the angst happened with Amelia and the way she used it to bring all of them together? I think it was done really really well but I’m not gonna lie and say that at first I was a little worried about it and wasn’t vibing with it at the start. Guess I should have just had faith lol
*ARC provided by the Author. This is a completely honest review.*
That is 100000% not at all the way Blake Black’s books go.
I noticed it first with the Soulful Seas Duet. The cliffhanger on that one was BRUTAL, and when I read the second one I was afraid I would loose attention, but at one point I remember looking down and seeing I was 70% the way done and was absolutely enthralled with the story.
Same exact thing with MindCode. The cliffhanger after SoulCode was legit going to make me loose it, and book 2 was another one where I looked and thought “dear god… I’m almost done with this book.” Like I could NOT STOP READING I T.
Our nerdy assholes left Amelia in a bit of a bind when she found out they were spoilers for book 1 watching her every move by watching her through her cameras set up in her home (everyyyywhere in her home) while she was beta testing an AI for them.
To compound that.. Amelia was attacked by some asshole who desperately wanted to steal Amelia’s amazing new technology that she was making for themselves. She had actualyl managed to get Augmented Reality to be a thing without any kind of glasses or headset or anything and this was a HUGE deal.
So we have asshole nerdy hot boys who are freaking in love with her, and we have some asshole who is attacking her and stealing her technology, AND we have Amelia on her way to the UK to stay with her family after finding out the men she was falling in love with were spying on her so it was like “jhsfkjahksa OMGGG”
I’d be lying if I said I wan’t a sucker for the angst. Blake writes the absolute best angst in her books, and book 2 didnt skimp. Her parents were AWFUL. I mean absolutely miserable. The only people who cared about her really were her brother (who had his own shit going on and honestly he could have stuck up for her way more than he did) and the family’s butler/maids. It was so sad- not only hearing how things were hard with Amelia’s family in book 1 but actually seeing it in Book 2.
Wanna know what was the best? Watching the guys stick up for Amelia. THAT was freaking amazing. They were hilarious and had no issues with letting her family and Daniel (family friend who decided he should marry Amelia.. I love me a little OM drama.) know exactly what they thought about these assholes.
Seeing Amelia in her childhood home was heart-breaking. Watching how her parents treated her- how her dad only allowed the guys to stay there because Grey’s grandpa was his old college professor and how stuck up they were? The angst was angst-ing I’ll tell you that much.
This was heartwarming, sweet, angsty, and the spice was FIRE. Gah! Who knew nerdy guys could have such dirty mouths???
Theres no way I could pick a favorite— each of the guys were so amazing for different ways. Misha’s sunshine personality, Grey’s broody and bossy demeanor, and Oliver’s shyness and absolute obsession with Amelia all made for the perfect harem.
I can not wait to find out what Blake comes up with next. MindCode was even better than SoulCode IMO.. and I didnt think I would ever love a duet the way I loved Soulful Seas.. but if Ms. Black keeps writing like this, I’m gonna consider myself the luckiest reader on earth to be able to read these books!
The only SMALL thing I would say that threw me was the OM drama- Im not really used to that with Blake’s books so I think at first I (despite LOVING OM drama in certain circumstances) was like “wtf is happening?” But then the way the angst happened with Amelia and the way she used it to bring all of them together? I think it was done really really well but I’m not gonna lie and say that at first I was a little worried about it and wasn’t vibing with it at the start. Guess I should have just had faith lol
*ARC provided by the Author. This is a completely honest review.*
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