I’m a fan of Helen’s writing, but also it gets a bit repetitive with most scenes. The spice is there, but it usually feels like the same stuff. I will still buy all her books because even though it’s the same it’s spicy and her plots are wild! In a good way haha they’re crazy and keep me on edge.

Bloom – Black Rose Book 2 - Review
 
Author: Helen Hardt
 
Couple: Francesca Thomas & Phantom
 
Tropes: dark romance, interconnected plots, strangers to lovers, dark Phantom of the Opera reimagining, BDSM themes
 
Review: A deliciously dark and taboo romance! Helen creates an imaginative and steamy reimagining of Phantom of the Opera in this new romance! This is a dual POV romance that focuses on Francesca, the older sister of the FMC in book 1.
 
Get ready to dive into the dark and taboo with Frankie and Phantom! I loved how Helen created the chemistry and mystique between the couple from the meet cute to the last page. Frankie is a go-getter but also a woman who is reeling from her engagement that fell apart. The evolution of her character in this story was phenomenal and I enjoyed how she never gave into Phantom, even when he wanted to hide from her. The perseverance she had about learning his real name and figuring out who he is made me fall in love with her spunk and sass. I also enjoyed how she was inquisitive and strong willed.
 
Phantom is a mysterious MMC and Helen created a thrilling air around him. The fact that he wears the mask and cape to keep his identity a secret made me want to unravel his secrets all the more. I enjoyed how he was a tortured MMC whose past was given in snippets. I felt like it added to his mysterious persona more and kept me enthralled with the feelings we could tell he was developing for Frankie. I did want to have more from his POV though. I was hoping to see more about how he felt seeing Frankie at first and about his personal life and friendships.
 
This book is HAWT. It has taboo themes and BDSM themes in regards to spice. I enjoyed how Frankie was investigating the clubs she began going to with Phantom and how she fell deeper into the world. Frankie and Phantom are chalk full of tension and romance as well. The fire we see when they go head to head was blazing and I loved how it eventually boiled over and led to her wanting to know the man behind the mask. I also enjoyed the true meet cute where she meets him randomly in person without his costume.
 
Rating: 5/5, a darkly spicy romance that will leave you needing more!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have devoured Hellen Hardt books before but this one I just couldn't get into. The MC was too whiny and self absorbed for my liking. The writing style was her typical fast paced style that I absolutely love, but I just couldn't get past the MC.

This had potential, but the whole Phantom of the Opera bit got old really fast for me.

If we took that part out and just focused on the dom/sub relationship I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but instead I kept cringing whenever someone called him Phantom.

This is a DNF for me.

I really enjoy Helen Hardt's style of writing. I get hooked from the beginning. Frankie and Phantom are my favorite characters in this series so far. The exploration of BDSM and the underground clubs that exist for those with an appetite for something other than a "vanilla" lifestyle is what drew me to this series. I found this to be intriguing to read about I feel that Helen Hardt has done the research to portray these topics in a great way. I would recommend this series. I can't wait to read the next book,

This book was by far my favorite read. It was different, I didn’t expect the things to happen when it did, the fact that the main male character had a double life and got the main female character to join him in his double life was crazy. Plus she loved it. Definitely a good read. Contained spice and twists.

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.