I really hoped to love this book as much as Blush, but it just didn't do it for me. I had a hard time connecting with Frankie and Phantom the way I did with Jackson and Mandy, and found the story wasn't as engaging as the original. I think there was a lot of potential for this to be an incredible sequel, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the chance to read this ARC for an honest review.

Super steamy! Loved this one and was engaged from the very beginning. Definitely more explicit than I expected but loved it a lot

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Bloom follows the character Frankie who is about to get married but calls off the wedding to her cheating fiancé. While at a bar, she meets Phantom, a masked man, who she instantly feels an attraction too. Phantom also feels it but insists that their identities remain a mystery as he wears a mask. Phantom brings Frankie into the BDSM world where they can explore their desires. But can the two overcome the obstacles of being burned in the past and consider a relationship?

"Bloom" by Helen Hardt is an enticing and seductive romance novel that takes readers on a passionate journey into the world of desire, mystery, and forbidden love. With a captivating storyline and sizzling chemistry between the characters, this book delivers an alluring and steamy reading experience.

The story revolves around Francesca Thomas, who, on what should have been her wedding day, crosses paths with a mysterious and enigmatic man known only as Phantom. From the moment they meet, the chemistry between Frankie and Phantom is electric, igniting a fire within them that neither can ignore. However, Phantom has strict rules to protect his identity, including no sharing of personal information or names. The two find themselves drawn to the exclusive Black Rose Underground Club, where they can explore their deepest desires and indulge in their intense connection while keeping their public lives and secrets hidden.

Helen Hardt excels in creating a palpable sense of desire and tension between the characters. The push and pull of Frankie and Phantom's relationship is a central element of the story, and it keeps readers engaged and eager to see where their connection will lead. The sensual and steamy scenes are well-written and add depth to the characters' emotional journey.

The mystery surrounding Phantom's identity adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, and readers will find themselves eager to uncover the man behind the mask along with Frankie. The author skillfully balances the elements of romance, mystery, and sensuality, making "Bloom" a compelling and page-turning read.

While the chemistry and attraction between the main characters are undeniable, some readers may find the book's explicit content and BDSM themes to be too intense. However, for those who enjoy steamy and passionate romance novels, this book will undoubtedly satisfy their cravings.

In conclusion, "Bloom" by Helen Hardt is a scintillating and enthralling romance novel that delves into the world of forbidden desires and the thrill of uncovering secrets. With its well-crafted characters and intense chemistry, it offers an engaging and passionate reading experience for fans of the genre.

This one is most definitely steamy.

Frankie works at a women's magazine as an editor. She just ditched her cheating fiance when she meets Phantom at a bar. He's mysterious and is wearing a mask. Neither are looking for a relationship and a casual fling fits for both.

It very quickly becomes more. Phantom leads Frankie into his BDSM world. She decides to write about this lifestyle for her magazine.

Feelings devevlop and obstacles arise. I liked that there was storyline in addition to steam.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️3 1/2
🌶️ blue
🥵 3/5
Age range: 18+
Content Warnings: BDSM

Quotes:

- “I want you to touch me. I crave it.”

Review:
We start off with a very vanilla Frankie who just found out her fiancé was cheating on her and so broke off their engagement right before the wedding. At diner with her family which is on the night that she should have gotten married she finds out that her sister is engaged and is upset that of all the days the announce it today. This makes her rethink a lot of things in life including sex. Then she meets the Phantom and is instantly drawn to him and his mysterious habits. Though she isn’t the only one who just can’t get enough Phantom who doesn’t want love or relationships is now questioning it all though he’s been hurt in the past and doesn’t know if he can trust anyone else with his secrets. I enjoyed this story and how it reminded me a lot of 50 Shades.

Bloom is the second book in the Black Rose series. Francesca or Frankie as she prefers to be called reaches a very low point in her life, and goes to a bar to have a drink. She meets The Phantom, aka Hunter Stone, and they are immediately attracted to each other. Phantom sits down next to her with a Phantom of the Opera mask on, therefore his name. Phantom has singular tastes and no room for commitment but he wants Frankie. Frankie is over being the person everyone thinks she is and takes a chance with Phantom. We don’t find out who Phantom is immediately and it adds to his allure. Both have been burned by their ex’s and have trouble trusting the other one. But they proceed cautiously with each other and start a relationship. But as soon as any obstacle comes along, they are both ready to overreact and break up with the other.

This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be my last. The steam in this one was phenomenal. Although I did appreciate that it wasn't right away. I loved the characters. They were well developed and just jumped out of the story for me. This steamy story kept me reading and engaged long into the night. It took a little bit for me to get into the story but once I did, I was hooked. I didn't put this one down until the end. The connection between Frankie and "Phantom" was palpable. I would highly recommend this series and can't wait to go back and read the first book. Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

God! This book is truly amazing and I loved it even more than the previous book in this series. From the cover page to the last page the author has done and excellent job. I just kept turning the pages because the story was too gripping and I couldn't stop myself from knowing what was going to happen next.

Frankie - When she found out her fiancé cheated on her, she was completely broken and the moment she understood it was waste of time worrying about her past.... I loved her even more. I was emotionally connected to the character and the was she kept focusing on her desire was extraordinary.

Phantom - This man knows how to bring a girl on her knees for him. I was mesmerized by the way, he always silently took care of Frankie. He loved her but took his own time to orally express it to her.

The angst between them is something you shouldn't miss... I will for sure recommend this book. Not just the smut but even the affection and other supporting characters were amazing.

If you're looking for an easy read with a good amount of spice, this fits the bill. However, if you're looking for an original tale with in-depth character development you may be left wanting. The inspiration seemed to come from a few recognizable sources which unfortunately took away from the originality of the story for me. The characters fell for eachother very quickly and maybe as a result the abrupt culmination of the relationship at the end felt rushed and unauthentic.

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

This book was my first Helen Hardt book and while I didn't love it, I also didn't hate it.

For me I think the pacing and writing style of the book is what didn't work out. There were a lot of moments that seemed very choppy and not as fleshed out as they could have been.

While I think the plot could've been amazing, it just fell flat for me.

I am willing to try other books by this author in hopes that maybe this one was just not a good fit.

Overall 3 out of 5 stars.

It was a very spicy read. Not very heavy on the plot and every so often the characters felt a little mismatched but overall it was an enjoyable read. I really would’ve loved to have gotten more relationship buildup for the main relationship. The characters had some funny banter that I liked a lot too. While it wasn’t a favorite of mine, it was one that I’d recommend if asked.

This was an interesting read regarding secret fantasies which are easier to act out with someone who is unknown to you. But, can this sustain a long time relationship with the normal ebbs and flow of day to day life? It seems that Hunter (or Phantom) and Frankie will find out. If you enjoy other works by Ms Hardt, you will enjoy this one.

Frankie turns on her wild side when Phantom presence accompanies her to an alluring place. For me the book offers me some very hot dialogue between both main characters. I definitely love the entertainment that book shares. The story is an easy read. The topic for me is a bit bland. This leads me to think that story is mostly around the entertainment. The was enjoyable story. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Frankie was supposed to get married today but he broke it off. When her sister announces her engagement, today of all days, it puts Frankie out of sorts. Trying to get her mind right, Frankie goes to a bar where she meets Phantom. Phantom is mysterious, alluring and sexy. The only problem is that he won't tell Frankie his name nor take off his mask. Despite this, Frankie can't stop thinking about him.
Opinion
I thought the book was going well until I got around the last 100 pages. It felt like Hardt was trying hard to have some sort of climax (pun not intended) but couldn't make one fit well. I was 100% into the story but when Phantom had his crisis, I checked out. I usually love all of Hardt's books but will have to offer that this one was just okay. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I did not know that this was book two of a series, and will probably have to reread after going back to read the first. I kind of felt like our FMC was unreliable and I was zero interested in the picture that was painted of Phantom BUT I did like the premise of this book.

This erotic read will have you sweating buckets and reaching for ice water to cool you down, but it will also double down and provide you with entertaining reading pleasure as it has a good plot to go with the steam! Can two broken hearted people find the path to everlasting love or will they burn hot and fast then burn out? You'll have to grab the book and start reading to find out! This is the second book in the series and once again leads a novice into the BDSM world. You could just pick up this book and enjoy it, but you will get more depth from the story if you start with the first book as it lays a good foundation for this book to thrive upon. Besides, who doesn't want more steam and depth of story when reading for your pleasure? This author knows how to deliver on both! I can't wait to see what and who will be featured in the third book in this series as we've been promised a third installment is to come! I'll be anticipating its release with bated breath!

4 Stars/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

I really enjoy this BDSM, erotic world that Helen created. Each book can be read as a standalone. We met the heroine in Blush, and she totally appeared to be the mean sister. I was definitely excited to see how she would redeem herself. Phantom and Francesca together was fire!!

While I enjoy reading this book, there were times when I was really irritated with the heroine, Francesca. At times, I feel like she's really selfish and self centered. However, she did have a character development more towards the end so that's a good thing.

Besides that, I love Phantom. With his mask, everything about him was mysterious and very intriguing. He was broken, and has own baggage.

Their life style was totally different. Will they both be willing to let the other person in? You will have to read to find out what happens to their love story.

Bloom is the 2nd book in the Black Rose series and while we meet up with characters from the previous book, the romance between Frankie and Phantom aka Hunter, stands on its own. Unfortunately, I never really felt the connection between those two, nor could I really relate to them. The sexy times were spicy and there was a bit of suspense towards the end, but the rest of the story didn't really grab me. The HEA is lovely, though.