3.5 out of 5

This book started off super irritating, I won't lie. Jackson and Mandy have been friends their entire lives, but Mandy has been hiding the fact that she has been in love with Jackson for years.

At the beginning it's almost obvious how much Jackson doesn't think of Mandy romantically, he calls her Mandy Cakes (cringe), and spends time with her when his dates fall through. But Mandy brings up dating to him and he for some reason can't stomach the thought of it, even though he helps her set up her profile. Instead of letting her go on dates with strangers he creates a profile of his own and starts contacting her under another name. The two set up a date and Mandy ends up shocking the both of them.

Ultimately, what I didn't care for was the fact that throughout the whole read Jackson thought he knew what was best for Mandy (not him) and he wouldn't leave her alone, he just kept making things complicated instead of digging his head out of his ***. I also hated the side characters, Mandy's little sister Frankie seems to be hiding something and her on and off boyfriend turned Fiancé is a TOOL. He even goes as far as to tell Jackson that Mandy has feelings for him. It does seem like maybe something will come out of that though based on the ending.

Overall, the ending of this book saved it for me, it was was a fast read and the ending made me support the couple which I had a hard time doing the entire read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to review

1 star!


Ooooooooof I was so ready for this. I was intrigued in the story and was hoping for the story to unfold, to the reveal of Mr. Sexy and how Mandy would take the news when it was all revealed.

But nope. I sadly didn't enjoy this at all.

There were a few things I didn't enjoy. For most part with how it's written its very in the characters too much scene by scene. So it feels like nothing really happens. Also I was worried for this as soon as I read 'my boring grey eyes'.

Another thing was that the reveal was done WAY too early. Far too early. I was really thinking this would go on for a while BUT THEN she just knew it was him and didn't even seemed bothered by it.

Really not for me, but might be for someone else.

I need to preface this review with the fact that I have not read any other books in this saga. I don't think you necessarily need to read them to read Blush. I have read another series of Hardt's that I loved. That being said, I went in with fairly high expectations from the series I had read. I didn't love this book like I did the others I have read. 

To be honest, this one started out a little rough for me. I mostly had issues with Jackson. He called Mandy "Mandy Cakes". That nickname KILLED ME. It was repeated over and over and over again throughout the book. Mandy even states she asked him to stop calling her that. It was so annoying! I also didn't like the way he talked to himself about Mandy or how he treated her in general. He did some nice things for her, but their friendship tended to feel one sided. I was a little worried I was going to have to DNF the book at one point early on - when Mandy met Mr. Dark. That whole thing felt a little icky to me. That being said, it ended in a way that I could come to terms with it and was able to keep reading. 

As I kept reading, Jackson and his thoughts got a little easier to stomach. He held Mandy in such high regard (even when he wasn't listening to her). I think the best thing about this book for me was Mandy standing her ground with him, exploring her wants in life and relationships, and the way she grew as a character in general. All those things pushed Jackson to the edge but also made him come to some big realizations. Mandy and Jackson ended up being a couple I could root for and I wasn't sure that was going to happen at the beginning. I ended up enjoying their exploration together at the end. 

I have to mention the side characters. I didn't love them because they didn't come across as lovable through Mandy and Jackson's eyes. I'm mostly talking about Mandy's younger sister, Frankie, and her boyfriend, Penn. That being said, I was intrigued by what was going on in the background with them and I'm actually more interested in reading about what comes next with them in the next book than I was reading about Mandy and Jackson. I have a feeling the next book is going to be a better fit for me than this one ended up being.

As you can tell, this one wasn't a complete winner for me. I am glad I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. I'm looking forward to reading Blossom.

Okay… where to start…

I was actually really excited that I got approved for Blush thinking it was going to be super romantic kinky etc…. However… and I totally hate to do this.. the book was unfortunately not for me. The pet names the constant repetition of the same phrases, and words I honestly felt like I was reading something a high school student wrote… I’m sorry for being completely honest but it was a no go for me..

Thank you NetGalley, Entangled: Amara, and Helen Hardt for the opportunity to read and review this e arc.

Wow this was a great spicy read! Helen Hardt is one of my favorite authors so diving into this book I already had a feeling I was gonna love it. Mandy and Jack were steaming up the pages as I devoured this book in one sitting. I really loved that we got to dive into the Braden Black world again but with a fresh set of new and likeable characters. Plus who doesn't love a friends to lovers trope! Mandy has always been in love with Jack but they are best friends since diapers and he doesn't seem to see her in a romantic light. Boy does that change when Mandy decides to spice up her life and join a dating site.......Without giving much a way please pick up this book you will not be disappointed. Also that cliffhanger at the end - I really did not see that coming and can't wait for the continuation of this series with the rest of the gang in Mandy and Jack's circle!

** Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Helen Hardt for this arc in exchange for an honest review**

There is nothing worse than having feelings for your best friend that you believe you should not act on, but given the rare opportunity Amanda puts herself out there with Jackson. But Jackson is not only hiding the feelings he has for Mandy, but also his dark side. Can the innocent and the Dom come together and be exactly what the other needs? Or will Mandy walk away once Jackson's secret is revealed? Helen Hardt once again takes the reader down the rabbit hole filled with intense, steamy scenes and characters that they will fall in love with.

2.5/5 ⭐️
If you like steamy books about friends to lovers, this is a great choice! Amanda ‘Mandy’ Thomas and Jackson Paris are childhood best friends who have always been there for each other. Mandy is in love with Jackson, but she doesn’t know if he would ever feel the same way if she told him. She goes to Jackson for help with her new online dating profile and soon after, things take an unexpected turn. The only thing I really disliked throughout the book was the repetitive cycle of Jackson’s internal struggles when the answer was right in front of him the whole time. Overall, the idea of this book was good, but could’ve went at a slower pace to keep it more interesting. Thanks to NetGalley, Helen Hardt, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this ARC!

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

The idea was good, but in the end the book was boring. We spend way too much time inside their heads, and seeing the same internal monologue over and over again. Also, I'm really put off by the "she's so innocent and he's so experienced" trope. Let's normalise experienced women living the dream :D

4.5

This story took me by complete surprise! I knew it was going to be hot but dang Jackson and Amanda took things to a level I didn’t expect!

I loved the push and pull between these two friends. At times I did find them a little frustrating but knowing their history and how they feel it made sense for both to be so conflicted! Their friendship was a beautiful foundation Jackson just needed a little push!

I loved the self discovery that Amanda goes through and how she grows as the story goes on. She really shows Jackson that he needed to take a deeper look.

I am excited for this series and can not wait to see what the next book brings!

Amanda "Mandy" Thomas has been in love with her bestfriend Jackson for years, but Jackson doesn't see her as anything other than an innocent, virginal friend. Mandy wants to find a partner who will show her the ropes in the bedroom, so she signs up for a dating service with the explicit profile request for hot and dirty sex. Jackson is suddenly nervous about Mandy's request to meet a stranger for sex and creates a secret profile named "Mr. Dark." Mandy meets up at a private club with the mystifying Mr. Dark and the two explore their desire for one another.

This book initially sounded really interesting, but was kind of a letdown. Mandy was a bit of a wet blanket at first and seemed kind of hopeless. Jackson didn't have much personality outside of his sexual proclivities. I felt like the mysterious identity of Mr. Dark was revealed way too early, and Mandy wasn't even really all that surprised. Overall just a meh 2 stars.

Friends since childhood, Mandy is in love with Jackson, but he doesn't know it. She's tired of waiting in the shadows when it comes to her love life, so she decides to seek out a bedroom partner on an app. The story moves very quickly, too quickly and at times, almost jarring for two supposed best friends to be engaging in such vociferous acts. A quick, smutty read if you're just looking for something to pass the time.

Synopsis: Blush is a steamy book about two best friends, one innocent and the other hiding a dark secret. Amanda (Mandy) has been hopelessly in love with her best friend Jackson for as long as she can remember. Being a virgin for so long, she is finally ready to learn about hot sex, so she joins an online dating app where Mr. Dark promises to teach her all the wicked ways. Jackson has been keeping secrets from his beautiful and innocent best friend, like his forbidden sexual acts and his exclusive membership to Black Rose Underground club. Mandy has no idea he is Mr. Dark; Jackson wants to keep her safe and deter her from pursuing her wicked fantasies without revealing his identity. But in the Black Rose underground there are no secrets and Mandy finally discovers who her best friend truly is… she might shock him with secrets of her own.

Thoughts: This was a fun and steamy read! I enjoyed that Mandy develo[ped into a strong assertive woman throughout the story. Also I liked Mandy and Jacksons relationship in the beginning. But I got irritated that all the problems they had were due to miscommunication. I wanted to yell at them to communicate. I was also irritated that so many times Jackson tried to convince himself and her that these dark desires weren’t what she wanted and that she was too innocent. Like ugh let her try things out if she wants too! Overall I enjoyed the story and the spice.

This book includes:
-best friends to lovers
-BDSM
-Spicy
4/5 stars
3/5 spice

Thank to NetGalley, Helen Hardt, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

Great friends to lovers book!
Mandy joins a dating app while trying to get over her secret feelings for her best friend, Jackson. He secretly joins the app to try to scare her off from online dating. Next thing you know, she has a date set up with “Mr.Dark”. She wants him to introduce her to the world of BDSM. When she finds out that Mr.Dark is Jackson, complications arise, friendship is tested, and feelings are shown.

This was a good, quick, easy, and very steamy read! I sometimes wanted to yell at them for not communicating better, but I still really enjoyed this book.
I loved the surprise at the end! Looking forward to the next book, which I’m hoping will feature more of Ben Black!


📘: Blush by Helen Hardt
🗓 Pub Date: January 24, 2023

Thank to NetGalley, Helen Hardt, and Entangled Publishing, LLC for this ARC!

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

*Reviewed on NetGalley and Goodreads. Will review on retail once published!

Blush is extremely hot, stimulating, hyperventilating! I loved Jackson and Mandy’s mind blowing chemistry! They were amazing together!
I only disliked the repetitive cycle including their urge to restraint their feelings and their stubbornness not to come clean even though everyone in their close circle sees exactly what they mean for each other! I want to slap Jackson’s forehead and scream at him to talk to the girl! She’s not sweet and innocent as she seems!

I enjoyed Steel Brother series! And I have to thank to Helen Hardt for help me to heal my erotic romance cravings. I’m not interested in reading Frankie’s story ( probably she’ll have romance with Ben Black who was more interesting character for me) but I never say no to see more Mandy and Jackson!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Engtangled Publishing LLC for sharing this steamy arc copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Such a great, steamy, read! I loved reading Mandy change throughout the story and become prideful in the things she enjoys! I loved the relationship Mandy and Jack had especially in the beginning! I just wish that miscommunication wasn’t the issue causing all the problems. Every time they argued or disagreed it was over some sort of miscommunication or jealousy. Overall, I really enjoyed this super steamy book!! Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for sending me this ARC! All opinions are my own.

Amanda wants to move on from her crush on her bestie Jackson. She joins an online dating app that promises BDSM. Jackson has been hiding his secret desires. He uses his alias as Mr. Dark to be with Amanda. Complications arise.....

It's not a book for the shy readers. If you read any of the Helen Hardt's books before, you know what you are getting into.... It's steamy and sexy.... It's only the first book so it leaves you with a surprise at the end.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Steamy friends to lovers. I love a good unrequited love story and this one definitely packs it on. I loved the way the author wrote this story and the way she unveils Jackson’s change of opinions. Mandy was strong and would not back down. The epilogue wasn’t much of a shocker. Very good read!

Quick Summary: A steamy BFF to BDSM romance

My Review: Blush by Helen Hardt was too hot for words. Readers who enjoy the friends to lovers trope will find this story interesting. Be warned though; this book is a scorcher.

My Final Say: That epilogue was a total shocker!

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: A
Status: R/M
Level: 💥
Warning: BDSM

I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. The words I have shared are my own.

Hot, HOt, HOT! Long lasting love repressed and the introduction of BDSM rocks everything. The strength of friendship and true love, and finding secret desire. Yea, looks like there will be a follow on, and yea, I will be there ...