Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

We start out this book with Frankie going to dinner with her sister, sister's boyfriend, and her parents. Her sister, Mandy, announces her engagement on Frankie's would be wedding day. Frankie leaves in a huff, her fiance cheated on her after 6 years together, and she ducks into a nearby bar. Enter the Phantom, like the musical, and sparks immediately fly. Throughout the book Frankie is introduced to the BDSM lifestyle, while writing an article for work, and falls in love.

I really did enjoy this book, and completely devoured it. It was easy reading, fast storyline. I have not read the first book in the series but didn't feel like I was missing anything. My main complaint is just that Hunter and Frankie both seemed a bit immature. Hunter just screaming about his privacy, the blow ups were very sudden and didn't have great reconciliation.

Overall 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Wowza! Hunter and Frankie heat this one up! When Frankie first meets the Phantom there are a lot of questions that aren’t answered.

Once Phantom realizes Frankie is the real deal he slowly gives more information about himself however sometimes the truth can stab you in the back. Will their connection survive? Read to find out!

title: Bloom

author: Helen Hardt

publisher: Entangled: Amara

publication date: August 22, 2203

pages: 352

peppers: 4 (on this scale)

warnings: consensual sexual violence

summary: Frankie, mad about the announcement of her sister's engagement on the day that was supposed to be her own wedding day, flees to a bar where she meets a man in a Phantom of the Opera costume. They strike up a conversation and eventually go to a leather club. She enjoys learning about the BDSM lifestyle while he breaks all of his regular rules about not getting emotionally attached to his subs.

tropes:

failed engagement/cheating fiancé
sister's wedding
masked man
what I liked: the two main characters are nice to each other and learn that they're worthy of love.

what I didn’t like: the book was very repetitive and felt somewhat like a manual about the BDSM lifestyle more than it felt like a novel about two characters.

overall rating: 3 (of 5 stars)

A marvelously steamy novel with a fair mix of mystery and allure between two strangers in a bar.

Phantom — using the mask and nickname as a guise to enjoy his own fantasies while also achieving the partner at the time.

Frankie — feeling incredibly burnt out and screwed over by her ex-fiancée so close to the day of their planned wedding, given a task to write about alternative lifestyles. Leather clubs.


One fateful night where they meet and gravitate towards each other without fail. A world of new firsts, and a ton of ‘research’. This super sweet spicy romance novel is sure to sweep you off your feet.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I loved how the characters had real struggles to move past in order to make their relationship work. This is my first book that I've read from this author and it was well written. I enjoyed the spiciness that the club brought to the characters relationship.

Oh man, what can I say about this book without giving too much away? First of all, can I just say that I absolutely loved the banter and conversations between Frankie and “Phantom” Both characters are immaculately written. I really feel like I was present for their conversations and interactions and I could have sat and listened all day. Both characters are fun and intelligent. The world building was beautifully done and I could actually see every single place as I was reading it. I wasn’t expecting any plot twists but then ended up with a not so surprising surprise. I kinda started piecing things together and then when it was confirmed I was even more intrigued. But…..

Francesca is a 27year old woman who recently broke off her engagement with her long time on again, off again fiancé. And a day that’s very significant to her her sister announces some good news but without any regard to what the day was supposed to represent for Frankie. And this event has Frankie steaming.
“Phantom” (I’m going to omit his actual name because it adds intrigue and mystery to this very steamy book lol) is a 35 year old man who’s never had good luck in relationships so he lives his life in a non traditional way. He’s a Dom and decides that’s all he has the ability to entertain the idea of since he’s been crushed before. Can’t get hurt if you don’t get attached right? Wrong! Because he meets a stunning young woman who leaves him wanting more than he’s ready or willing to give, but it couldn’t hurt to introduce her to his lifestyle……

This book is a ton of fun following Frankie and Phantom on this journey of growth and “Blooming” together. Can their worlds collide and provide something for both of them?
I absolutely LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the next installment. Helen Hardt….. you just became one of my auto buy authors. Thanks for this gem!

I think Helen Hardt fans are going to thoroughly enjoy "Bloom" Book 2 in the Black Rose series. While it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading Book 1 "Blush" also, it will give you the backstory (love story) of two side characters in this book.

This story begins with Francesca or "Frankie" learning of her sister's engagement on what was suppose to have been her wedding day. Unable to control her emotions she leaves dinner and heads to a bar to drink her feelings. While there she meets Phantom, a man who conceals his identity with a costume and prefers to keep his play partners at arms length refusing to even give his real name. His sexual preferences are unfamiliar to Frankie, she doesn't understand the world of BDSM but can't deny the chemistry she feels with this masked man. So she begins to explore and learn about the community. If you want to know more about the plotline you'll have to read "Bloom" because I don't want to spoil anything, there are some twists.

A few notable things I thought the author did well was making sure the MMC did not take things too far on the first night and when they did go further he asked and received express consent. Both I think are important when writing about this subject matter.

On a lighter note I also personally enjoy multiple POVs in a story so I liked that we had both the FMC and MMC's narration. I think it helps the story feel more immersive and in some instances it helps form a strong connection to a character's storyline.

Overall I think this book will do well with it's intended audience.

Thank you Helen Hardt, Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

In "Bloom", we jump into Frankie's world as a newly single gal. She's very intrigued by this mysterious man called the Phantom (he dresses as the lead character for the storied musical), who's all about keeping things private. Things get spicy as he introduces her to the world of BDSM while insisting that he keeps his true identity under wraps.

Some seriously steamy scenes definitely add some flavor to the reading. But here's the issue: the book's nearly-there cool vibes get tripped up by the character's constant inner thoughts, Frankie being all about herself, and the general craziness of the plot. I'm usually pretty good at going with the flow, but this novel had me firmly planted in reality. It feels like the story's in a hurry, leaving all these loose ends just hanging out there.

Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me.

Bloom by Helen Hardt is an enticing erotic romance that follows Francesca Thomas, a junior editor, who meets the mysterious Phantom on the day of her supposed wedding. Drawn to each other's raw chemistry, they explore their deepest desires at the exclusive Black Rose Underground Club. Despite Phantom's secretive nature, Frankie is determined to uncover his true identity.

The novel masterfully weaves a seductive dance between the protagonists, delving into the world of BDSM and the complexities of desire. While facing minor flaws, such as several far-fetched moments, the book remains captivating, offering an unforgettable and steamy reading experience that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.

My first time reading Helen Hardt. The story flowed very nicely and you pull for the characters to find their ever after. I"ll continue to fallow this author in the future. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Helen Hardt writes wonderful stories. This an erotic romance that provides magnificent entertainment value. Phantom is a dominant who is very protective of his identity. Francesca is a junior editor at a lifestyle magazine. There interaction is a sexy dance to watch. From their first meeting to the end of the book, readers will eagerly turn the pages as they uncover all the details. It is vastly entertaining and worth every minute you will spend between the pages.

This was my first Helen Hardt novel and boy was it steamy! I was worried when I realized Bloom was the second book Hardt's Black Rose series, but quickly learned this book can easily serve as a standalone. Francesca aka Frankie is a magazine editor who recently broke off an engagement to her cheating fiance. Coincidentally, on the day that was supposed to be her wedding day, her sister Mandy announces her engagement. Overwhelmed by the news and her family's lack of compassion, Frankie stops at the nearest bar to have a drink and clear her mind. It is here where Frankie meets a tall, dark and mysterious man in a mask who goes by the name, Phantom. Will Phantom reveal his face and identity? I encourage you to read this book and find out! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thanks to Helen Hardt, Entangled Publishing LLC and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to read and review this book! #Bloom #NetGalley

I’ve read in this genre before, and I am not uncomfortable with the subject matter. The characters were relatively well developed, though a tad one dimensional. The spice level was moderate, nothing too wild but enough to keep you interested. The conflicts felt genuine and believable, though the last quarter of the book flew with not as deep of development. It ended how I had hoped, though those final moments made me bunch up my face in disappointment. Overall, a nice read in the genre, not sure I will seek out books 1 or 3.

New to the scene!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😠🙃😍😘🥰

The heroine: Francesca (a.k.a. Frankie) - she is a junior editor at a women’s magazine and is twenty seven years old. A month ago she broke up with her fiancee Penn when she found out he was cheating on her. Today, on the day that should have been her wedding, her sister announces her engagement. Frankie takes off and stops at the nearest bar to have a drink.

The Hero: Phantom - he is a businessman by day, and has an alter ego at night. He goes to a BDSM club called the Black Rose Underground to enact scenes in which he indulges his darkest and innermost fantasies. Many of the women he is with want to know him more, but the name Phantom is all he gives them and he wears a mask similar to the phantom of the opera. He doesn’t do relationships anymore, he only does scenes.

“This is separate from my other life—the life where I make a living, do my work.
Here, I dive into the deepest and darkest parts of my desires with willing partners.
And I never tell them my name.
Nor do I ask theirs.”

The Story: Frankie meets Phantom at the nice bar where she ended up for a drink and they get to talking. He shares his favorite drink, then they share a meal together, each of them promising to find out the others secrets. They meet again and he asks her to meet him a third time and go to a place where all her fantasies can come true.

“I want to find out who I truly am,” I say. “Because the person everyone knows? The person I know? I don’t think that’s really me.”

Meanwhile, Frankie’s magazine was looking for story ideas and Frankie said she would start investigating the BDSM scene in New York. It is hard to find information since everyone has to sign non-disclosure agreements at clubs like that. They can’t tell anyone where the club is, who they see there or what they see. Phantom is used to the club and has never gotten personal with any of the women he meets there or brings to the club. Though he finds himself wanting to be real with Frankie, though he can’t.

Of course this book is super steamy, though it doesn’t happen too quick, which I like, they get to know each other a bit, as much as they can anyway without knowing names. I like that Phantom introduces Frankie to the lifestyle slowly. I like that Phantom feels different about Frankie from the start than any of the other women he plays with. I think that is why I like the playboy Heroes so much. As a woman, you always want to be the one that changes them, the one that stands out from the crowd. So I like to read those types of stories.

There were some side storylines that got quite good as the book went on, with things happening in their lives. I liked the part about the story Frankie was working on and was glad that it all happened in a different way than what I expected at the beginning.

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

This book has just the right amount of spice. While Frankie tries to uncover who the mysterious phantom is she’s also working on an article about an underground club that the phantom brought her to. A one night hook up leads to an amazing love story.

I never met a Helen Hardt book I didn’t like. This is no different. This is book two in the Black Rose Underground series. We meet Frankie and Phanton. Frankie is nursing a wounded soul and Phantom is the mysterious man in a mask. They meet and sparks fly. Phanton 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. Frankie is every 20something girl trying to figure out her life when things don’t play out they way she thought they would. This book brings heat and their chemistry is off the charts. The story gives us angst, great bedroom scenes and a tour of the BDSM lifestyle. It was well written and the ending did not disappoint. I am waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

If you want people to love you for who you are, take off the mask...

Someone call the Fire Department as this story is so hot I'm surprised my Kindle did not burst into flames. When Frankie's sister announces her engagement, it is bittersweet as it is also the same day Frankie would have been married. Well that did not happen and she was gutted. She decides to go to a bar to drown her sorrows and she meets a man who has disguised his face with a Phantom of the Opera mask. Frankie finds him sexy and mysterious She also discovers the man behind the mask is more than he appears to be.

You will experience an array of emotions, romance, steam, passion and self-discovery.

I like the mystery surrounding the book. I thought I had it right with the clues about who Phantom is but I wasn't. Phantom and Frankie had some spicy scenes but I'd say this book wasn't as spicy or full of spice as I thought. It had some dramatic moments as well.
I do think that some scenes or dialogues were rushed. And while Phantom and Frankie had some great chemistry, I felt like Frankie was judgmental in relation to her sister (some observations of hers sounded like she thinks she's better than her sister) and also like she didn't respect boundaries (seen at the end when she blurted out a secret Phantom wanted to keep hidden in his public life).
As a book, it reads well but there were some scenes that just felt unnecessary to read (such are the interviews Frankie had with club members for her article. They took the whole chapter and then some. She only used some words and sentences in her article but I skimmed reading it altogether because I just wasn't interested).

Bloom is part of the Black Rose Series but is meant as a stand-alone.
Following the journey of Phantom (Hunter) meeting his match in Frankie (Francesca) who pushes his limits while finding her own.
Aside from a few quirks (like Frankie being shallow & Hunter giving in to a scandal), I thought this was a great read.

This book Bloom by Helen Hardt was the second in its series. I read the first one before reading this arc so as not to miss anything important. But this book can be read as a stand-alone and not have you left in the dark not knowing what’s going on so that definitely a huge plus.

I think the spicy scenes were spot on and I ate them up like I couldn’t get enough! I had a very hard time connecting with and liking Frankie. I almost wish this book could have been more focused on “Phantom” and had Frankie in it less. I couldn’t relate to her as much as I tried. She came off a self centered spoiled brat to me and I just do t care for characters with those characteristics one bit. But I wanted to know more about phantom but was left still wanting to know more by the end of this book. I’m rating this three stars because it is a well written book and easy to follow, but my bond with the main character was lacking and like I said I was left with many unanswered questions about the MMC.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.