This is the first book in the Black Rose series, we get Jackson and Mandy, best friends to lovers romance full of spicy scenes, the story was good, but dragged a bit much in the scenes, I like the idea and hopefully, this will pick up in the next books. I liked the characters, and I think a bit predictable, looking forward to reading the next one.

Jackson and Mandy are amazing in this story. They certainly made the book entertaining for me when they visited the club to partake in some kinky playfulness. I absolutely loved the plot of the story. Two best friends trying to figure out all these strange emotions that they have for one another and how can they expand upon them. The writer did a wonderful job of having the characters react upon those feelings separately. It did become a bit much when it became a constant back forth between the two main characters when they realized that they have strong feelings for each other. The sexual scenes were heated, but I believe that they could be more explosive. More explicit and sensual. I definitely loved how the story ended. I truly had high hopes for these two to find each other.

This was a sexy and at times frustrating best friend to lovers romance that had that typical will they or won't they, why don't they freaking communicate thing going on. It seems like the more she opens up, the more he closes down, and how sad is that? It's a good thing he has good friends to help out with talking and showing sense. I'm not sure how i feel over all about this couple, and about how BDSM was portrayed in the book. The sub chooses the safeword, I've never heard of a Dom telling a sub their safeword. It's supposed to be a word they easily recall and yet wouldn't randomly call out. To have a Dom choose it, and then change Doms, to have that Dom choose another safeword the sub would have to recall under duress (which is when a safeword is used), they could possibly call out the incorrect one and have it ignored by no fault of the Dom, and things could get ugly. So no, the sub chooses their safeword that is always their safeword no matter who they play with. It just so happens that she ends up with her first Dom.

Ok that really bugged me, a couple other things did too but I'm not going to make a list. I just think the author should do more research. Or not write about it.

#netgalley #Blush

Oh! I really liked this! Jackson and Mandy were hot together. Jackson did get on my nerves a bit with him going back and forth between his feelings for Mandy and thinking she was too innocent for him. With the things they were doing, it was OBVIOUS she wasn't' too innocent ;)

What a book to make you blush! Jackson and Mandy were best friends and I thought they were perfect for one another. Its a steamy read with light BDSM. I was getting frustrated at Jackson sometimes as he continued to waiver on his feelings, but overall a very enjoyable hot read. I received an advanced copy and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

Honestly, not a fan. The book didn't have much substance to it and the plot was very loose. That being said if those are looking for quick read, I would direct them to this.

Blush is told from the POV of two best friends, one who's pined for the other and the other who's afraid to admit his feelings. It's only after a chance encounter at a "club" catering to those with sexual kinks do they explore what could happen beyond friendship.

This erotic novel was all over the place and often times repetitive. Too much time is spent on both characters inter-dialogue. There were a lot of tropes, and this novel could've been better served if it picked just one

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy.

Blush by Helen Hardt is the first book in the Black Rose series, a contemporary romance with a friends to lovers theme told in dual POV with elements of BDSM/erotica. A new adventure that delivers all that I love about Helen Hardt and much, much more! I'm in love with the cover and if you're a reader that grabs a book hoping the book is as exciting as the cover, this book adventure doesn't dissapoint.

A woman who knows what she wants, a man who wants to fulfill those desires and a place to satisfy everythying and then some. A world of passion and self discovery with characters that are layered, a plot delves into a world of desire that might just make you blush ... a little. ;).

My full review is on my website https://www.booksilovealatte.com

Blush by Helen Hardt is the First book in the Black Rose Series. This is the story of Jackson and Mandy. Mandy and Jackson have been best friends forever with a hint of wanting something more. But Jackson thinks Mandy isn't cut out for what he likes until he finds out that she does have a want for it. Enjoyed and can't wait to read more from this author and series.

When I want to get an erotica fix, I go to Helen Hardt. When best friends decide to try the dark side of sex, will it ruin their friendship?

Amanda Thomas has loved her best friend Jackson Paris forever, but he only sees them as friends. When she decides to move on and explore her sexual side, Jackson interferes by trying to scare her off at a sex club, but it only intrigues her more.

I like that Amanda tries to grow and put herself out there. Though she claims to be an introvert, she really comes out of her shell when she's determined to show Jackson that she can take care of herself. It's Jackson who needs to grow up and stop treating her like the little girl she was when they first met. I mean stop calling her "Mandy Cakes" for God's sake. She's 29 years old. His own insecurities about his private sex life are getting in the way and he's afraid he will lose Amanda if she sees his dark side. However, it's true about submissives having control in the bedroom because Amanda is in charge while she inadvertently seduces and coaxes Jackson to do her bidding. Jackson's turmoil and Amanda's growing confidence is a powerful aphrodisiac as they eventually find their HEA.

Amanda's sister Frankie is hard to read. She's getting married to a man child and she doesn't seem happy about it. In fact, neither of them does from what happens at the cliffhanger ending. I can't wait to explore that relationship further. Also, it's always good to see returning characters from another series. Ben Black, brother of Braden from the Follow Me series, is a good friend to Jackson as he helps move along their relationship in a very enticing way. 

Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I thought the unnecessary incident with Jackson at the end threw it off course a little. Friends to lovers is always a fun theme to explore and the author does a fine job bringing the characters even closer. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Thank you to Ms. Hardt for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

4.35 stars
This is the first book in a new series, The Black Rose, and it is an entertaining read. Mandy is an introverted woman, in her late twenties, and works as an author’s virtual assistant. Jackson is Mandy’s long time best friend and he is a man who does not want a relationship. The chemistry between Mandy and Jackson is seriously over the top but their history gives Jackson pause to act on it, until Mandy pushes the issue by deciding she needs to get a life. Ms. Hardt is a gifted writer and it is obvious from her writing style here. The premise is intriguing but predictable. The two characters, while affable, have challenges when it comes to oversimplifying their relationship and constant reference as to why they cannot be together. The redeeming qualities are the inclusion of Braden and Ben Black from the Follow Me series and watching Mandy come out of her shell. I am looking forward to the next installment, Bloom, where Mandy’s spitfire sister, Frankie, gets her story.

This was my first book by Helen Hardt and I would be open to reading more of her works. Here we have two besties, Jackson and Amanda aka Mandy Cakes. Mandy has long been in love with Jack. Jack seems to see Mandy as nothing more than a friend. Until Mandy decides it is time for her to move on from her love for Jack and sets up a somewhat risque online dating profile. Which Jackson answers, telling himself he wants to protect her but in reality wanting her for himself. Jack somehow decides that taking Mandy to his members-only BDSM club would be a great way to scare her off dating, but his plan completely backfires, opening the door to how he really feels about his long-time bestie.

I liked Jack and Mandy's story. Mandy, while a bit inexperienced, was not shy or inhibited. She tried to go after what she wanted, albeit within certain bounds - i.e., not sharing her true feelings with Jackson. Jackson is confused and conflicted, both by his realization that Mandy is not exactly who he always thought she was and by his realization of his feelings for her. The sex is steamy and the book is overall enjoyable. I would read the next one in the series, especially given the set-up for it in this book's epilogue.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Blush
By: Helen Hardt

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Steamy and fun!

In the Black Rose series book 1. It’s starts and end with me wanting so much more. Jackson and Amanda are best friends but could they or should the be so much more? What happens when she needs more? How will she make that happen? Will he see HER?

The authors writing flawless and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Amanda Thomas is hopelessly in love with Jackson Paris, but he will never see her as anything more than his sweet and innocent bestie. After being virgin-adjacent for too long, Mandy is officially ready to move on. She wants to learn about hot, dirty sex, so she joins an online dating app where the enigmatic Mr. Dark promises to fulfill all of her wicked fantasies...

Jackson Paris has been keeping secrets from his stunning, too innocent best friend like forbidden sexual proclivities and his membership at the exclusive Black Rose Underground club. But Mandy has decided she needs an education the filthy kind. As Mr. Dark, Jackson can safely give her a taste of what she wants and deter her from pursuing more without revealing his identity.

But in the dim, provocative atmosphere of Black Rose Underground, there are no secrets. Here, every wicked appetite is satisfied. And for the first time, Mandy will discover who her best friend really is...just in time to shock him with a secret of her own.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

Blush by Helen Hardt did not disappoint! If anything, it exceeded my expectations! I absolutely love this author as she always delivers on the steam of any relationship. The trope for this book is friends to lovers. I loved the dynamic between Jackson and Mandy. When Mandy finds herself in a friend zone with Jackson who she secretly has a crush on, she decides to take matters into her own hands and experiment in the sex world. To her surprise, Jackson is already in this world. Loved this book so much and looking forward to the series!!

3.5 out of 5 stars

Blush was a super entertaining and spicy read! It was quick and easy with likable characters, fun scenes, and smoking hot heat. It made for a great friends-to-lovers story that I enjoyed it!

This is one of those stories that's not very deep so you don't have to think too hard about it, you get just what you need to keep it moving along and you can immerse yourself in the entertainment of it all. I liked learning about Jackson and Mandy, their friendship, his lifestyle, her unrequited feelings for him, and how innocent he thought she was. When she tries to put herself out there and move on from her feelings, he’s not having it and the back and forth between them begins. I liked her figuring out who she is and what she wants, and that she's not as innocent as she seems. The push and pull between them was great at the beginning but by the end, it was a bit much and I was ready for them to figure things out.

The story moved along nicely, I liked the dual POVs and learning about them, though some things were slightly repetitive. There are several characters introduced that I liked but sometimes they seemed like filler. I never warmed to her sister and their relationship, I felt I was missing something and wanted a bit more context.

This was sexy and fun. It was a really good story if you're looking for something easy and steamy.

My absolute favorite trope is friends to lovers, and this book was just perfection. I loved the dynamic between Jackson and Mandy. Five stars is not enough for this!!!!

Mandy has been in love with her best friend Jackson for years, but he has never looked at her as more than a friend. With his athletic body and good looks, he rarely wants for female attention. How can an introvert compete with other girls? However, Mandy has a plan. She signs up for a dating app (with Jackson's very reluctant help) and indicates she wants to be taught the art of seduction.

Jackson decides to dissuade her by signing up for the app and messaging her with a moniker. Jackson likes a specific lifestyle, so he brings Mandy to the club and fully expects her to be shocked and leave. He is surprised that she is curious about the club and lifestyle..and that she recognizes him, even with a mask. Things become more intimate than he intended and he can't reconcile the feelings he is having for his best friend. She is eager to learn. Will he be able to stay her friend if he teaches her? Does he want to remain just friends?

this brought the heat! wow wow wow she did it again. I love her plot but I also loved the spice more. she writes in such an incredible way that doesn't make it feel forced. loveeeeeee

Oh my! I did blush while reading this book! Amanda “Mandy” Thomas has been in love with her best friend Jackson for as long as she can remember. In love, obsessing, pining that at times is ridiculous the way she describes him. For her he is everything and everything revolves around him, while he only sees her as his sweet and innocent best friend. But Jackson has a side that he doesn’t let Mandy see and Mandy is tired of being just sweet and innocent so she goes after someone who can teach her to be more confident and open with her intimate side. She didn’t have to dive into BDSM, right? Wrong! This a story of discoveries, Mandy discovers a side of her and Jackson she didn’t know existed, but she also finds her voice to be able to tell Jackson off when he doesn’t treat her right. I really loved Mandy! It was at times infuriating how their stubbornness to admit their feelings for each other dragged out the story, but it did give for an entertaining read! This book brings on the spicy, don’t let the discreet cover fool you!

BLUSH (BLACK ROSE BOOK ONE)

Release Date: 01/24/23
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Helen Hardt
Number of pages: 322
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶🌶️/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Mandy & Jackson
Genre: Erotic romance
Tropes: friends to lovers; BDSM

Review:

I’ve been wanting to read Helen’a books for some time now and when I read the blurb for this one I thought it would be a hot fun one. I was wrong…

It was not fun since the characters are really frustrating. I should know better than to read a friends to lovers romance because most of them take the “we can’t affect our friendship” to the next level. This one almost drove me mad. Also, apart from Jackson hot and cold act and Mandy’s “I won’t cry for him anymore”, while crying for him, got tiring fast. I managed to enjoy some parts and the book was not hard to finish, so that’s why I decided to be halfway there with my rating.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

Blush ( Black Rose #1) by Helen Hardt.

Blush was everything I hoped it would be, addictive, seductive, alluring, consuming, sexy, angsty, and had all the things which made this best friends to lovers trope what it is. Deliciously Dark!

Jackson Paris has been best friends with Amanda since they were in diapers. But he is inconveniently also the guy that she has been hopelessly in love with since high school. Unfortunately he doesn’t see her the same way. He sees her as pure, naive, an innocent. Someone who is too good for the likes of him. Someone who deserves it all plus the white picket fence. With his darker, sexual preferences he finds his partners at the Black Rose the private, underground BDSM club owned by Braden Black.

But when Amanda confides in him that she is going to finally sign up for the dating app Lustr, immediately Jackson makes his own profile to sabotage her ability to be with someone else. Will these two find what they are looking for? This is one hot, seductive, consuming, slow burn romance that you don’t want to miss!

The plot! The characters! The tension! The spice! Perfection! Perfection! Perfection! Loved every minute! Go! Get your copy now!

Requested an early copy and this is my voluntary honest review.