Mourning what was to be her wedding day, Francesca met a mysterious man only known as Phantom who was about to change her life in so many different ways. I liked the premise and the characters yet at times, I felt I was missing something. As I read and delved deeper into what the Phantom was and brought Francesca into his world, I saw lonely two people, both hurt from their past and when their private lives came to seek them out, while stumbling and finding they can survive together.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. WOW WOW WOW I just love this series. Frankie and Phantom meet at a bar on the day she was supposed to be getting married. The alluring conversation and the sexual tension between them lead to a very intriguing relationship. I do not want to give too much away. READ THIS BOOK.

Absolutely amazing! Even better than the first book. As a fan of the Phantom of the Opera, I couldn't imagine incorporating the them into such a contemporary book! MUST READ!

Helen Hardt came in clutch! I had been in a bit of a reading slump with everything going on in my life. Work, family, etc. I just couldn't compel myself to focus on a book for more than 10 minutes. Everything I read wasn't enjoyable. I am freaking glad Netgalley exists and Helen Hardt decided to write another story after Blush. Just like its predecessor, Bloom is gonna make you blush! I've never been one to fantasize about professors but I may just be thinking of picking one myself up one. Now I just gotta find an excuse to hang around colleges, not that I am 3 years out. On another note, I love Helen Hardt's empowerment of women in the bedroom! We deserve the chance to explore our likes and dislikes. Frankie and Phantom are the perfect examples of that. THIS IS A MUST READ. Maybe just don't read this in public where you might actually turn tomato red during some of these S P I C Y scenes. Thanks NetGalley!!!

5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶


Thank you Netgalley for this Advanced Readers Copy. Bloom is Book 2 in Helen Hardt's Black Rose series.

Bloom is a thrilling, mysterious, steamy, eye-opening story. It takes place in the follow me series world and it gives a more in-depth look into the black rose Underground club. If you've read book one which is blush you've met Frankie. She is the sister of Amanda who is the main character in blush.

Frankie meets a mysterious man in the bar of the hotel that Braden black owns. She's never seen his face because he's dressed and almost a masquerade costume reminding her of Phantom of the Opera. And he calls himself Phantom. You can tell from the get-go that there is a connection, spicy steamy hot attraction to each other. Frankie is on the rebound, and just needs to explore what is out there for her after the Heartbreak that she suffered.

Phantom sees Frankie and he is immediately drawn to her. He wants to get to know her, and can't stop thinking about her no matter what. He keeps his identity a secret throughout half of the book and that is so intriguing all on its own. He takes Frankie into a world where she can let go, or she can explore things she's never dreamed of. And he breaks all his own rules

What's supposed to just be casual and mysterious turns out to be so much more. When Frankie finally realizes who Phantom is it brings a whole new feel an atmosphere to the story. Phantom has reasons for wanting to keep his identity a secret, and they are not horrible reasons. He wants his personal life completely separate from his professional one and I can't say I don't blame him. So he gets that uncomfortableness and is put in a tough predicament. He wants to explore everything with Frankie but he just doesn't feel comfortable right from the get-go about mixing his personal life with his professional one.

Bloom is a wild ride of different emotions for me. In the first book I honestly could not stand Frankie. In this book I was hesitant, I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with the character at all because of how she was in the first book. However the queen Helen has a way of taking a character that you really didn't care for much and turning them into a character you can sympathize with and you actually want better things for them. Frankie may not be my favorite character still but her story is a story of growth, self-reflection, compromise, and mostly Love after heartbreak.

5 glorious stars for Bloom!

I love Helen Hardt' books. Absolutely awesome story and characters. The story flowed very easy. You kind of get lost in the story

2/5. Releases 8/22/2023.

After a failed engagement, Frankie meets a mysterious man who wants her to call him the Phantom. At the Black Rose Underground Club, they have near-anonymous meetings, fulfilling her every fantasy. But as Frankie's feelings deepen, she wants to know the man behind the mask--but he may be more complicated than she expected.

Okay, so. I thought this was going to be a fun, ~modern~ spin on The Phantom of the Opera. Not exactly. It's more a standard contemporary BDSM romance with a bit of flare for the phandom. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.

Quick Takes:

--This story feels quite rushed. And like, I didn't expect anything other than a fun, kinky romance, but just... the book feels very literally rushed off the last page, and it leaves the reader feeling dissatisfied.

--Frankie overhears that this man is called Phantom, like by other people, like in public, and she recognizes his mask as a Phantom of the Opera mask, and she acknowledges POTO is something that exists in this universe, and he implies this is nOT A COSTUME and perhaps something he wears all the time, who knows? And her response is "intriguing".

I just can't buy that. I can't. This is not an alternate universe. This is our world. There is no way an adult woman who has had enough life experience to get engaged at some point, would go "oh tell me more" about that situation without having some questions. Even in a kink setting, there would be questions, setting a scene, clarification. Even an extreme POTO fan would have at least internal questions, you know? Beyond "intriguing".

--I should add.... I'm not going to act like an expert in kink, and the portrayal of kink in romance doesn't have to be accurate. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't, I've enjoyed books in both contexts. Here, however, it felt surface level in a way I don't think it should have as it was (apparently) an integral part of the novel. It's not the side dish, it's the main course, and it didn't feel authentic here.

--In his first two POV chapters, Phantom quotes two different novels. One is POTO, which I expected. One is The Great Gatsby. There was no damn reason why this man needed to be quoting multiple novels that early in his own personal monologue.

--I think that in order for all of this to feel emotionally plausible, Frankie would've needed to be a massive Phantom Phan. Like, not casual. She has these little musings about floating to his lair or whatever, and I'll be honest, I'm not 100% sure I bought it. No, this woman needed to be like--sobbing about the show closing on Broadway, a Phantom-related account on every social media platform possible, downloads of multiple bootlegs on her hard drive, several of which she filmed herself, a contributor to a Phantom-related publication, Ramin Karimloo's autograph tattoed on her ass, card-carrying STAN. That is the woman who I can buy randomly hooking up with this man in what was not a pre-negotiated (for her) scene.

Like, she's just acting as if this is NORMAL, and again, while kink is in this book, this is not someone she met and formed a connection with outside of kink who's like "hey, I REALLY like to do POTO scenes with my partners, would you be the Christine to my Phantom?" This is just some guy she met at a bar who wears a half mask and talks about haunting an opera house, though I will add, he is not actually the Phantom of the Opera.

I'm super into camp, but I think that when you do not properly acknowledge certain things in a contemporary romance, you cross the line from camp to just distracting, and that's where I was. I couldn't get into the book because I was so distracted.

The Sex Stuff:

The sex is... fine even if I did have my issues with the feeling that the kink wasn't... lived in, somehow? I also have a problem with an adult woman who seems to have a reasonably public, non-sheltered life being shocked when a man uses the "c-word", as she put it (she also doesn't know what a strap-on is, among other things), but that's me. It's not especially kinky, and there was a dialogue moment that really took me out of it, but. It is what it is.

I wish I'd like this more, as I do enjoy POTO, but I just couldn't get into the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Amara for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, this book was so cringe on several levels. The MMC just prances around New York in a cheap Phantom of the Opera costume and somehow is still so incredibly charming and able to pick up women to take to a BDSM sex club. He’s also adamant that he never remove his goofy mask or reveal even his first name to Frankie, the FMC. Frankie was fine as a character until she starts catching feelings for Phantom and before even reaching the climax they had third act-like breakups that Frankie framed as world ending but were solved within pages. Also, I do not enjoy insta-love as a trope and Bloom definitely featured it. If you want to read a book that has smut and don’t really care if the plot has a point or that the characters and their relationships are cringe, this is a perfect pick. I wish there was more substance to Bloom, unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me.

Awesome as always! I will continue to read everything this author ever writes! Always my next favorite!

3.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bloom is part of a series about an underground club and its steamy activities. I did recognize a few of the characters' names from other books but this can easily be read as a standalone story.

This is a story of two lonely people randomly meeting and discovering themselves and each other together. It’s a story of trust. It’s a story of exploration and discovery. One of the things that this author does very well is write the hot and steamy scenes that envelop you in the story. With a BDSM intrigue theme running through this book, it is easy to get sucked into Bloom

I have to admit, this is also one of the first stories where I had a hard time with the connection between the main characters. I missed some of the sizzle and spark that usually burst from the pages. Frankie did some things that I disliked and seemed somewhat shallow.

Overall, the story is great and super engaging, but I did not get that hard-core connection between the main characters that are usually there. I needed more.

Once again, another inferno read from Helen Hardt that sweeps you into a world of pleasure, pain, love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

What will happen when a masked man reveals a world that leaves Frankie Thomas finally feeling satisfied and complete?

If you love literature, secrets, love, loss, pain, trust, and a whole lot of yum, go read this story, While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I can't wait to read the next installment!

I DNF'd this book. I wasn't a big fan of the first in the series, but I thought I'd give it another go around. I'm not sure I even made it 50 pages. It's difficult to care about the characters when they're unlikable. Also, the body shaming is offensive. Mandy can eat whatever she wants, but Frankie can't? This series is so problematic with toxic masculinity, poor understanding of NYC, and unrealistic scenarios.

If you're in the mood for a book that effortlessly combines spice, a strong, resilient female protagonist, and a captivating love interest, then "Bloom" by Helen Hardt is an absolute must-read. With its engaging plot and enthralling characters, this novel keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around Frankie, the sister of Mandy, the main character from the first installment of this series, “Blush.” Although Frankie was initially supposed to marry a man named Penn, who remains on the periphery of the narrative, the story begins when Mandy and Jackson announce their engagement during a family dinner on Frankie's would-be wedding night. Despite her lack of feelings for Penn, Frankie finds herself in need of an escape from her family and the happy couple. Enter a chance encounter at a bar with a mysterious man donning a mask and cape, and Frankie's life takes an unexpected turn, forever altering her path.


The Black Rose Underground club, a prominent setting in the book and series, serves as a backdrop for exploration and self-discovery. It delves into the world of BDSM, providing a rich and intricate context for Frankie's personal and sensual awakening. Helen Hardt skillfully weaves in BDSM references and acts throughout the story, delivering a passionate and intimate tale that adds an extra layer of spice to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of "Bloom" is the author's ability to create multifaceted characters. As a journalist at a women's magazine, Frankie brings a refreshing and relatable perspective to the story, adding depth to her character and enhancing the overall narrative. Frankie's strength and determination make her a compelling lead, while her love interest adds an element of mystery and allure that keeps readers captivated. The complexities of their relationship provide a rich emotional landscape, making their connection all the more enticing and unforgettable.

In conclusion, "Bloom" by Helen Hardt is a highly recommended book that flawlessly combines passion, intrigue, and a strong female lead. "Bloom" can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but it seamlessly intertwines with the series. With its enthralling storyline, complex characters, and tantalizing exploration of BDSM, this novel will leave you eagerly turning the pages. Whether you're new to the series or a dedicated fan, "Bloom" is sure to satisfy your cravings for an unforgettable reading experience.

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Sexy, fun and chock full of genuine emotion, Bloom is so much more than an erotic romance. It’s a journey into another world and a glimpse into fantasy fulfillment.

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

“If she has me quoting Fitzgerald and then brings out the Gatsby in me, I definitely need to get to know her
better.”

Unexpectedly sweet. I think this is the best way I could ever describe this book. After reading Blush, I had certain expectation for the second book in the Black Rose series (they are standalones so you can read them separately but to avoid spoilers for book one, I would suggest you to read them in order). It met those expectations and more !!!! Frankie has just left her long term almost husband boyfriend because she found out he has been cheating on her for years. Now that her sister is close to marrying the love of her life, it’s time to find herself somewhere else. Little does she know that while sitting in a bar she is gonna meet a very handsome but mysterious and brooding man with a mask, who goes around calling himself the Phantom and he will be ready to give her exactly what she needs!!!
In a romantic suspense with darkness and sweetness and control and love, this story will take you away from reality and teach you what it means to submit to someone else willingly and what are the different shades of sexual life. It was a book that alongside the main dark romance plot, we’ll let you through Frankie’s life as a journalist, writing a piece about bdsm and what it means for both parts. It was also an educational book of sorts. But most importantly is a book that teaches you to respect boundaries when they are made so … oh and the spicy scenes were definitely there and more than thrilling!!!! Definitely check this one out!!!!

“Tonight, I'm your Phantom, and you are my beautiful angel of music."

This book is amazing when it comes to consent and helps portray good research and feedback on the BDSM lifestyle. Just from reading her book I feel like I got more information about something that I didn’t know much about. This book isn’t just informative but the author makes you go down a rabbit hole and makes you want to know more.

After reading the first book I immediately had to read this book. I found the characters to be easily loveable and the plot was amazing. I’ve already recommended this series along with some of her other books. It’s also safe to say that from now on I will also be picking up more of her books in the future.

Thank you netgalley and Helen Hardt for this ARC! I’m giving it 3 stars.

Book 2 of the black rose serie, i think you need to read book 1 Before this one, what i not did btw!

Following her sisters engagement, Francesca meets this mystery man, Phantom and their connection is instant but he does not want a romantic relationship and she just found out her fiancé cheated on her. I felt there wasn’t much of a storyline or at times it felt repetitive and being an erotica genre, it was just okay. I needed more from this book but overall it was a good quick read!

I like the cover of this book!

Bloom by Helen Hardt is such a wonderful read. The book got a little heart fluttering sweet romance, hot steamy BDSM love making scenes, a little bit of angst and suspense, tears from heart broken, a great supporting characters and a beautiful epilogue.

Frankie are able to forget her cheating ex after been introduced to Phantom. At a BDSM club, Phantom explored her uncharted desire as long as his identity are hidden.

This book got everything I'll ever wanted, the sweetness in romance, the hot steamy scenes and the heart wrenching sad moment which make me wet my pillow from all the tears. I'll definitely be reading more from Helen Hardt and I'm looking forward to read the next story.

this book was it for me. very drawn to it and wanted to read more of it. Didn't get the first book in the series, but now i will read more.

Bloom by H. Hardt is book two in the Black Rose Series. Every book can easily be read as stand-alone. For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
The previous book is Blush, Mandy and Jackson's story.
But back to Bloom.
Frankie is Mandy's sister. And she always choses the wrong like, aka no luck with relationships. That's about to change when she runs into Phantom.
He's a rather mystery. A man with strict rules, no past, lets call it nomen est omen.
An intriguing read, complex, with twists and turns that had me guessing til the last page, 4,5 stars.

This second book in the Black Rose series was another hit!! Each book gets better then the last. Frankie and her mystery man Phantom just burn up the pages and the sheets. Phantom wants to keep his identity on the low and for the right reasons but how can he really get to know Frankie who is recovering from a broken engagement if she doesn't know who he really is?!! They have an interesting meet cute and the story unravels from there. I cold not put this book down I devoured it in one day! I won't lie initially I did not like Frankie and how she treated her sister Mandy but she grew on me. I also wanted more background on Phantom's life and upbringing. Overall the book was amazing and once again Helen Hardt knocked it out the park.

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