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Black Rose #3
Blossom
Once you fully submit, your darkest cravings will…Blossom
The ultra-luxe Black Rose Underground Club used to be Mary Sandusky’s favorite place to play. She was happy to slip into her role as seasoned submissive Blossom and relinquish control to an expert Dom. But when a scene gets out of hand, she can no longer trust her own dark appetites. She’s ready to walk away from Black Rose for good...until she meets a hot Highlander who pushes all the right buttons.
Nothing makes Ronan O’Connor’s blood heat more than commanding a submissive in a scene, but forming a relationship outside the club was an urge lost long ago. The closer people get, the more damage they can do. But when he meets the alluring Mary, her beauty—and her obedience—captivate him, and he's determined to make her his.
Every Dom has firm rules, and Ronan is no exception. So he’ll make her an offer—one that will push her boundaries of pleasure and submission even as it challenges the line that separates Mary and Blossom. But neither of them is prepared for where his plans take them...
Each book in the Black Rose series is STANDALONE:
* Blush
* Bloom
* Blossom
The ultra-luxe Black Rose Underground Club used to be Mary Sandusky’s favorite place to play. She was happy to slip into her role as seasoned submissive Blossom and relinquish control to an expert Dom. But when a scene gets out of hand, she can no longer trust her own dark appetites. She’s ready to walk away from Black Rose for good...until she meets a hot Highlander who pushes all the right buttons.
Nothing makes Ronan O’Connor’s blood heat more than commanding a submissive in a scene, but forming a relationship outside the club was an urge lost long ago. The closer people get, the more damage they can do. But when he meets the alluring Mary, her beauty—and her obedience—captivate him, and he's determined to make her his.
Every Dom has firm rules, and Ronan is no exception. So he’ll make her an offer—one that will push her boundaries of pleasure and submission even as it challenges the line that separates Mary and Blossom. But neither of them is prepared for where his plans take them...
Each book in the Black Rose series is STANDALONE:
* Blush
* Bloom
* Blossom
352 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2024
88 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hardt
202 books8,333 followers#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...
Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless
Join my official street team on Facebook, Hardt & Soul, for exclusive excerpts and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardt...
Unchained (Blood Bond Saga: One) is FREE!! Get it here:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2OccbIv
Nook: http://bit.ly/2u5tFOc
iBooks: https://apple.co/2KZpwSi
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2N0srL2
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2u7bHe0
Breathless (Steel Brothers Saga Book 10) is AVAILABLE! Get it here👇
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NV9oa5
Nook: http://bit.ly/2zEclDb
iBooks: https://apple.co/2xWg393
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xYJ70H
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2xKZGwJ
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR_Breathless
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
January 13, 2024
These 2 shine together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If there’s one thing, this author knows how to do it is write a story that is steamy yet delivers a solid plot that is both intriguing and in-depth.
This book is about the BDSM scene, but it’s actually heavier on the romance side than the actual action of BDSM. The author dives into the topic of falling for your dom/sub and trying to work through that as a lifelong commitment.
One thing that Hardt also does well is create amazing characters and with Ronan, the main male character, she definitely has a winner. This guy is everything and he’s not afraid to show his feelings. Mary is strong, healing from past hurts, and trying to work through her feelings.
These two characters together are explosive and I really enjoy the fact that the plot is about the characters and their love for each other rather than the BDSM scene and figuring out the romance after the fact.
While there was a bit of repetition in conversation in the first portion of the book, these two characters shine. The plot is exciting, the steam is hot and heavy, and the connection between them is the bomb. The ending is so awesome too!
Definitely a wonderful, feel-good read with plenty of heat and interest that you will devour!
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/blossom-by-h...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If there’s one thing, this author knows how to do it is write a story that is steamy yet delivers a solid plot that is both intriguing and in-depth.
This book is about the BDSM scene, but it’s actually heavier on the romance side than the actual action of BDSM. The author dives into the topic of falling for your dom/sub and trying to work through that as a lifelong commitment.
One thing that Hardt also does well is create amazing characters and with Ronan, the main male character, she definitely has a winner. This guy is everything and he’s not afraid to show his feelings. Mary is strong, healing from past hurts, and trying to work through her feelings.
These two characters together are explosive and I really enjoy the fact that the plot is about the characters and their love for each other rather than the BDSM scene and figuring out the romance after the fact.
While there was a bit of repetition in conversation in the first portion of the book, these two characters shine. The plot is exciting, the steam is hot and heavy, and the connection between them is the bomb. The ending is so awesome too!
Definitely a wonderful, feel-good read with plenty of heat and interest that you will devour!
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/blossom-by-h...
December 10, 2023
Per usual, Helen Hardt has written another fantastic book. This series has me in a chokehold. Every single book gets better and better. This world that she has created is true to life and the characters are amazing. Mary and Ronan are goals! I love and appreciate that this book shows that Dom/Sub drop is a thing and I love even more that it was worked through together. Ronan is a very well written character and he is the epitome of what a good Dom/man looks like. This book was fun,witty and overall just a great read. It’s kind of fast paced but it flows well and I can see every single character as I read. The spice in this book is so good and this has to be the most descriptive one yet but that just made the book even better! The HEA at the end was beautiful and wonderfully executed. 10/10!!
December 13, 2023
I'm so sorry, I don't think I was the correct audience for this book.
It felt very soap-opera-written-by-a-man to me 😕 the storyline was painfully predictable and the dialogue was... not it. At one point "secreting my juices" was used, and that just… did not land well for me.
I saw that others gave this book five stars, so there's obviously the audience for it. But, respectfully, I don't think I'm a part of it.
*I received this as an arc in exchange for a review. I appreciate that netgalley, the author and publisher gave me the opportunity*
It felt very soap-opera-written-by-a-man to me 😕 the storyline was painfully predictable and the dialogue was... not it. At one point "secreting my juices" was used, and that just… did not land well for me.
I saw that others gave this book five stars, so there's obviously the audience for it. But, respectfully, I don't think I'm a part of it.
*I received this as an arc in exchange for a review. I appreciate that netgalley, the author and publisher gave me the opportunity*
January 22, 2024
This was an interesting read and I loved it!
I wasn't sure about the MMC Ronan at first. I was hooked at him resembling Jamie Frasier, thrown by him wearing kilts almost everywhere, and then rehooked when we finally get to see him as a Dominant. Spoiler, it's hot af!
As for the FMC, Mary, it was interesting to see her battle with herself and come to terms with her changing needs. The life she led might not be the life she wants going forward and she has to make a choice.
However, the unsung hero of this book is the MMC's grandma, mémé Yvette. I loved her so much and would love a story about her life.
I wasn't sure about the MMC Ronan at first. I was hooked at him resembling Jamie Frasier, thrown by him wearing kilts almost everywhere, and then rehooked when we finally get to see him as a Dominant. Spoiler, it's hot af!
As for the FMC, Mary, it was interesting to see her battle with herself and come to terms with her changing needs. The life she led might not be the life she wants going forward and she has to make a choice.
However, the unsung hero of this book is the MMC's grandma, mémé Yvette. I loved her so much and would love a story about her life.
January 26, 2024
Is there anything sexier than a man that knows how to wear a kilt?
Ronan O’Connor is new to New York after relocating from Scotland for Business, and he knows how to make an entrance at Black Rose especially since he catches Mary Sandusky’s eye which has been hard to do lately. Mary had a bad experience and is unsure if she wants to stay in the scene, can Ronan be the one to make things right for her again? Or will she walk away from it all?
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewB03
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Ronan O’Connor is new to New York after relocating from Scotland for Business, and he knows how to make an entrance at Black Rose especially since he catches Mary Sandusky’s eye which has been hard to do lately. Mary had a bad experience and is unsure if she wants to stay in the scene, can Ronan be the one to make things right for her again? Or will she walk away from it all?
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewB03
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
February 27, 2024
“Blossom” is a new adult romance novel and is the third and final novel in Helen Hardt’s “Black Rose” trilogy. “Blossom” focuses on the healing and rebuilding of trust for twenty-three-year-old Mary Sandusky, a former submissive who has experienced unrequited love and trauma at the hands of two trusted Dominants from her past and present.
The novel consists of a prologue and forty-seven chapters.
In the prologue, the reader is introduced to main character Mary Sandusky as she plays the role of “Blossom” a submissive at the Black Rose Underground Sex Club. As Blossom engages in the scene with a trusted dominant (Dom) who she’s played either before, she enjoys and craves the pain he provides her. When the scene gets out of control, the Dom doesn’t stop despite Mary using her safe word, and she’s left bleeding which is a hard sexual limit for her. Following the traumatic incident, Mary’s trust is all Dominants are shattered, she’s left with nightmares, and she has been unable to participate in a BDSM scene since.
Chapter one transports the read to Mary at work as salesperson and assistant manager at a Treasure’s Chest, an adult store. Background is provided about Mary including introducing Brenda Loring, her best friend since college who is also a submissive but is engaged to her Dominant. Mary’s introduction to the BDSM lifestyle came from a relationship with a professor at her college which ended after she told him she loved him. Following the end of the relationship with the professor which involved regular sex and BDSM, Mary swore off relationships, love, and kissing choosing to focus on her own sexual satisfaction and the submission she craves.
After Brenda convinces a reluctant Mary to return to Black Rose, Mary tells Brenda that she’s considering not renewing her membership but upon seeing a tall, attractive man wearing a kilt, Mary finds herself intrigued by this new club member but worried about what meeting him might lead to.
Chapter three introduces the main male character of the novel, Ronan O’Connor. While having a conversation with Brenda who goes by the submissive name of Lotus when at Black Rose, he shares that he just moved to the New York from Glasgow, Scotland but lived most of his childhood in the States since his mother is American. During his conversation with Lotus, he expresses interest in Blossom (Mary’s submissive name) to which Lotus responds by asking if Ronan is a Dom. After Ronan replies that he’s a Dom, Lotus informs him that Blossom is a submissive.
Ronan approaches Blossom and they have a conversation in which Ronan asks Blossom her relationship status, and shares that he’s new to New York. Ronan implies that normally, he’d ask Blossom to participate in a mild scene with him to see if they click, he feels that she that would be unwise. Instead of participating in a mild scene, Ronan says he wants to get to know her outside of the club and lets her decide where they go. After deciding to take Ronan for a slice of authentic New York pizza and telling Brenda her plans, the pair leave the club together.
Ronan is surprised by his desire to want to know Mary personally so soon after a recent breakup which lead him to leave Scotland. Ronan feel comfortable enough with Mary to share his background of growing up in New Orleans with his grandmother and being an only child, whose parents put their business and themselves over him. Despite telling Mary about his childhood and parents, Ronan neglects to tell her about Keira, his submissive of five years a who wanted a relationship with him outside of the BDSM lifestyle including a family with marriage and children.
As the novel progresses, Ronan tries to distance himself from his life in Scotland, but Keira shows that she’s not ready to give up her relationship with Ronan go so easily. Despite Ronan telling Keira that he’s not marriage material since he’s married to his job and he doesn’t feel love for Keira, only sexual attraction. After telling Keira that he can’t be the man she wants, he is internally questioning how he can already see a long future with Mary after knowing her for a short time.
Ronan’s and Mary’s relationship develops quickly over the course of two days to include a trip to Ronan taking Mary to New Orleans to experience authentic Creole food, introducing her to his grandmother, Yvette, and them making love. Upon them returning to New York, Mary feels emboldened to return to college and finish her degree in business and feels this is due to Ronan’s influence in her life.
While Ronan tires to fight his feelings of attachment towards Mary despite them knowing each other a little over a week, Mary also tries to smother her feelings for Ronan by giving her phone number to another man but soon realizes that Ronan is the only man she wants in her life. Just as Ronan plans to tell Mary how he feels, Keira returns with life-changing news for Ronan. As Ronan is handing Kiera’s latest interruption, Mary has a near death experience while on the way to work leading her to realize her love for Ronan. After getting rid of Keira for the last time, Ronan receive a phone call that Mary is in danger and when attempting to save her, he is injured in the process. After his injury, Ronan realizes his love for Mary and professes his love for her.
The novel ends six months later with Mary leaving her New York to move to New Orleans with Ronan. After both of them surviving a near death experience, Ronan decides to move his company headquarters to New Orleans to be closer to Yvette while Mary takes classes at the local university and works part-time at a Voodoo store. Before Ronan and Mary leave New York for good, the stop at Black Rose Underground and Ronan is bestows Mary with the new submissive name of Rose and asking her for a permanent commitment.
As I finished the novel, I liked how the publisher of this book (Entangled Publishing) provided a disclaimer in the front of the novel and trigger warnings for the reader in the back of the novel. Additionally, I enjoyed the way in which Hardt adds New Orleans history into the storyline which helps make the novel more engaging. In closing, I especially liked the way in which Ronan’s mindset changes through the course of the novel in that although he thought he wanted a submissive woman in every way, he realizes that with Mary, there’s space to explore their dominant and submissive sides while being equals in other aspects of their lives together.
The novel consists of a prologue and forty-seven chapters.
In the prologue, the reader is introduced to main character Mary Sandusky as she plays the role of “Blossom” a submissive at the Black Rose Underground Sex Club. As Blossom engages in the scene with a trusted dominant (Dom) who she’s played either before, she enjoys and craves the pain he provides her. When the scene gets out of control, the Dom doesn’t stop despite Mary using her safe word, and she’s left bleeding which is a hard sexual limit for her. Following the traumatic incident, Mary’s trust is all Dominants are shattered, she’s left with nightmares, and she has been unable to participate in a BDSM scene since.
Chapter one transports the read to Mary at work as salesperson and assistant manager at a Treasure’s Chest, an adult store. Background is provided about Mary including introducing Brenda Loring, her best friend since college who is also a submissive but is engaged to her Dominant. Mary’s introduction to the BDSM lifestyle came from a relationship with a professor at her college which ended after she told him she loved him. Following the end of the relationship with the professor which involved regular sex and BDSM, Mary swore off relationships, love, and kissing choosing to focus on her own sexual satisfaction and the submission she craves.
After Brenda convinces a reluctant Mary to return to Black Rose, Mary tells Brenda that she’s considering not renewing her membership but upon seeing a tall, attractive man wearing a kilt, Mary finds herself intrigued by this new club member but worried about what meeting him might lead to.
Chapter three introduces the main male character of the novel, Ronan O’Connor. While having a conversation with Brenda who goes by the submissive name of Lotus when at Black Rose, he shares that he just moved to the New York from Glasgow, Scotland but lived most of his childhood in the States since his mother is American. During his conversation with Lotus, he expresses interest in Blossom (Mary’s submissive name) to which Lotus responds by asking if Ronan is a Dom. After Ronan replies that he’s a Dom, Lotus informs him that Blossom is a submissive.
Ronan approaches Blossom and they have a conversation in which Ronan asks Blossom her relationship status, and shares that he’s new to New York. Ronan implies that normally, he’d ask Blossom to participate in a mild scene with him to see if they click, he feels that she that would be unwise. Instead of participating in a mild scene, Ronan says he wants to get to know her outside of the club and lets her decide where they go. After deciding to take Ronan for a slice of authentic New York pizza and telling Brenda her plans, the pair leave the club together.
Ronan is surprised by his desire to want to know Mary personally so soon after a recent breakup which lead him to leave Scotland. Ronan feel comfortable enough with Mary to share his background of growing up in New Orleans with his grandmother and being an only child, whose parents put their business and themselves over him. Despite telling Mary about his childhood and parents, Ronan neglects to tell her about Keira, his submissive of five years a who wanted a relationship with him outside of the BDSM lifestyle including a family with marriage and children.
As the novel progresses, Ronan tries to distance himself from his life in Scotland, but Keira shows that she’s not ready to give up her relationship with Ronan go so easily. Despite Ronan telling Keira that he’s not marriage material since he’s married to his job and he doesn’t feel love for Keira, only sexual attraction. After telling Keira that he can’t be the man she wants, he is internally questioning how he can already see a long future with Mary after knowing her for a short time.
Ronan’s and Mary’s relationship develops quickly over the course of two days to include a trip to Ronan taking Mary to New Orleans to experience authentic Creole food, introducing her to his grandmother, Yvette, and them making love. Upon them returning to New York, Mary feels emboldened to return to college and finish her degree in business and feels this is due to Ronan’s influence in her life.
While Ronan tires to fight his feelings of attachment towards Mary despite them knowing each other a little over a week, Mary also tries to smother her feelings for Ronan by giving her phone number to another man but soon realizes that Ronan is the only man she wants in her life. Just as Ronan plans to tell Mary how he feels, Keira returns with life-changing news for Ronan. As Ronan is handing Kiera’s latest interruption, Mary has a near death experience while on the way to work leading her to realize her love for Ronan. After getting rid of Keira for the last time, Ronan receive a phone call that Mary is in danger and when attempting to save her, he is injured in the process. After his injury, Ronan realizes his love for Mary and professes his love for her.
The novel ends six months later with Mary leaving her New York to move to New Orleans with Ronan. After both of them surviving a near death experience, Ronan decides to move his company headquarters to New Orleans to be closer to Yvette while Mary takes classes at the local university and works part-time at a Voodoo store. Before Ronan and Mary leave New York for good, the stop at Black Rose Underground and Ronan is bestows Mary with the new submissive name of Rose and asking her for a permanent commitment.
As I finished the novel, I liked how the publisher of this book (Entangled Publishing) provided a disclaimer in the front of the novel and trigger warnings for the reader in the back of the novel. Additionally, I enjoyed the way in which Hardt adds New Orleans history into the storyline which helps make the novel more engaging. In closing, I especially liked the way in which Ronan’s mindset changes through the course of the novel in that although he thought he wanted a submissive woman in every way, he realizes that with Mary, there’s space to explore their dominant and submissive sides while being equals in other aspects of their lives together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
Mary & Ronan ... sweet & swoony
Yet again Helen Hardt has delivered another entertaining, steamy, emotional, and unputdownable story. BLOSSOM, the final book in the Black Rose trilogy, is a romance that captured my heart. It's two main charactacters quickly became among my favourites fro Ms. Hardt.
Mary Sandusty is a submissive at a crossroads. After a scene at the Black Rose Club goes wrong she begins to question whether ot not she wants to continue being a part-time submissive. She's unsure if she will be able to put her trust in the hands of another Dom. Mary is a sweet natured woman who was hurt in a previous relationship, yet finds herself wanting more, she wants to find love like her best friend has. Kilt wearing, American/Scot Ronan O'Connor has moved back to the US due to work commitments and the conclusion of a five year relationship. He's a Dominant, and wants to find a full-time submissive. When the two meet at the Black Rose Club their lives change in ways neither expected.
Mary and Ronan are instantly drawn to each other, their chemistry is red hot and sparks fly. The only problem is, they both want different things in life. It's not long before they both begin a journey that will have them re-evaluating their lives and how they view relatinships. After Mary takes Ronan to her favourite places in New York, Ronan takes her to his hometown of New Orleans. It is there that their relationship begins to change. Yes, the steam between them sizzles, yes their friendship deepens as do their feelings for each other, but will they be brave enough to voice their truths?
I enjoyed the pace of this story. It wasn't forced or rushed, instead it burned slowly as Mary and Ronan made individual discoveries about themselves. I adored Ronan's granmother, Meme Yvette, she was an amazing woman with so many wise words. I loved that this story concentrated on the development of their relationship rather than just the spiciness between them. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazingly spicy scenes. The only part of the book that dragged for me was the scene at Ronan's grandmother's restaurant, I didn't feel that I needed all the information that was supplied.
Overall, this was a terrific read that I'll definitely be revisiting again.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
Yet again Helen Hardt has delivered another entertaining, steamy, emotional, and unputdownable story. BLOSSOM, the final book in the Black Rose trilogy, is a romance that captured my heart. It's two main charactacters quickly became among my favourites fro Ms. Hardt.
Mary Sandusty is a submissive at a crossroads. After a scene at the Black Rose Club goes wrong she begins to question whether ot not she wants to continue being a part-time submissive. She's unsure if she will be able to put her trust in the hands of another Dom. Mary is a sweet natured woman who was hurt in a previous relationship, yet finds herself wanting more, she wants to find love like her best friend has. Kilt wearing, American/Scot Ronan O'Connor has moved back to the US due to work commitments and the conclusion of a five year relationship. He's a Dominant, and wants to find a full-time submissive. When the two meet at the Black Rose Club their lives change in ways neither expected.
Mary and Ronan are instantly drawn to each other, their chemistry is red hot and sparks fly. The only problem is, they both want different things in life. It's not long before they both begin a journey that will have them re-evaluating their lives and how they view relatinships. After Mary takes Ronan to her favourite places in New York, Ronan takes her to his hometown of New Orleans. It is there that their relationship begins to change. Yes, the steam between them sizzles, yes their friendship deepens as do their feelings for each other, but will they be brave enough to voice their truths?
I enjoyed the pace of this story. It wasn't forced or rushed, instead it burned slowly as Mary and Ronan made individual discoveries about themselves. I adored Ronan's granmother, Meme Yvette, she was an amazing woman with so many wise words. I loved that this story concentrated on the development of their relationship rather than just the spiciness between them. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazingly spicy scenes. The only part of the book that dragged for me was the scene at Ronan's grandmother's restaurant, I didn't feel that I needed all the information that was supplied.
Overall, this was a terrific read that I'll definitely be revisiting again.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
April 30, 2024
Rating: 4/5
I received eARC for my honest opinion.
This was not my first BDSM book, but this was my first Helen Hardt book, and I can say without a doubt that it will not be my last. This book is about the BDSM scene but its not all about that. There is so much more in this book. You will see characters that want to have something more but are too scared to go out and get it, you will see character growth in this book, romance, trust and acceptance, and of course some really great BDSM scenes.
Now if the BDSM world is not something you’re into do not pick up this book and give it a try. It really does show the BDSM world in a great light but at the same time it can have some readers running for the hills. I found the plot of the book to be good, and solid. The pace was great for the book, and I found even the slower parts of the book really helped to shine a light on the book at the end. However, it was the characters in this book that really shined.
I found Ronan and Mary's relationship to be great. It was slow when it came to trust, but when it came to the action in the sheets it was on fire. I really enjoyed going on the adventure of love with these characters and getting to see them both open and really embrace how they feel about each other and to be honest to wait they both wanted in life. Oh, and can I talk about the last few chapters of the book!! I was on the edge of my seat while reading it and at times I was a little worried for Mary and Ronan, but I loved how it ended and with nothing left wondering.
This is the third book of the Blush and Bloom series; all the books can be read as a standalone but if you like one of the books, I know you will want to read the others like me.
I want to thank Entangled for the opportunity to review this book.
I received eARC for my honest opinion.
This was not my first BDSM book, but this was my first Helen Hardt book, and I can say without a doubt that it will not be my last. This book is about the BDSM scene but its not all about that. There is so much more in this book. You will see characters that want to have something more but are too scared to go out and get it, you will see character growth in this book, romance, trust and acceptance, and of course some really great BDSM scenes.
Now if the BDSM world is not something you’re into do not pick up this book and give it a try. It really does show the BDSM world in a great light but at the same time it can have some readers running for the hills. I found the plot of the book to be good, and solid. The pace was great for the book, and I found even the slower parts of the book really helped to shine a light on the book at the end. However, it was the characters in this book that really shined.
I found Ronan and Mary's relationship to be great. It was slow when it came to trust, but when it came to the action in the sheets it was on fire. I really enjoyed going on the adventure of love with these characters and getting to see them both open and really embrace how they feel about each other and to be honest to wait they both wanted in life. Oh, and can I talk about the last few chapters of the book!! I was on the edge of my seat while reading it and at times I was a little worried for Mary and Ronan, but I loved how it ended and with nothing left wondering.
This is the third book of the Blush and Bloom series; all the books can be read as a standalone but if you like one of the books, I know you will want to read the others like me.
I want to thank Entangled for the opportunity to review this book.
December 23, 2023
A steamy BDSM insta-love romance that is light on the BDSM and heavy on the romance, makes this 3rd book in the series the perfect wrap up on the trilogy of Black Rose Underground Club members series. I think the series could easily continue as there are so many more characters that could be brought to the forefront to be the main characters, but as I understand it at this time, this is just a trilogy. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but characters from the previous books are mentioned so I do feel that you may be missing out on foundational information by skipping the previous books. These books are more short stories/novellas than full-fledged stories, but they are well plotted to give you a satisfactory beginning, middle and end. Just note that if you don't like heavy spice in your reading then you have inadvertently picked up the wrong book. If you find spice quite delicious read away and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!
December 10, 2023
She blossoms under his touch.....he allows her to defy his dominant nature.
Mary is a submissive when it comes to playtime only, but when she meets handsome domineering Ronan he has her questioning her entire way of life. Ronan wants a submissive in all aspects of his life but when he meets Mary she intrigues him so much he is determined to make her his submissive no matter what.
This book has it all. Lace, leather, a hunky Scotsman and self discovery. Let's not forget the explosively hot scenes between Mary and Ronin that left me wanting more! The last half of this book was so unexpected that it had me on the edge of my seat reading into the late hours of the night just to see how it was all going to end. Kudos to Helen Hardt in developing the characters in such a way that you are rooting for the HEA from the very beginning.
4.5/5 ⭐
5/5 🌶️
I received the eARC from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks entangled publishing!
Mary is a submissive when it comes to playtime only, but when she meets handsome domineering Ronan he has her questioning her entire way of life. Ronan wants a submissive in all aspects of his life but when he meets Mary she intrigues him so much he is determined to make her his submissive no matter what.
This book has it all. Lace, leather, a hunky Scotsman and self discovery. Let's not forget the explosively hot scenes between Mary and Ronin that left me wanting more! The last half of this book was so unexpected that it had me on the edge of my seat reading into the late hours of the night just to see how it was all going to end. Kudos to Helen Hardt in developing the characters in such a way that you are rooting for the HEA from the very beginning.
4.5/5 ⭐
5/5 🌶️
I received the eARC from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks entangled publishing!
December 28, 2023
This one focuses on the girl we've seen in both stories so far, but now it's her turn to shine. Blossom, or Mary, is finding her way in the world and deciding if the sub life is really where she wants to be anymore. Of course, she meets the most thoroughly dominant man she's ever seen in the midst of her indecision, making everything harder to decide.
As Mary and Ronan navigate their desires in and out of the bedroom, they both begin to realize that they may mean far more to one another than they ever thought possible.
This one was more emotional than Blush and Bloom, but still very steamy!
As Mary and Ronan navigate their desires in and out of the bedroom, they both begin to realize that they may mean far more to one another than they ever thought possible.
This one was more emotional than Blush and Bloom, but still very steamy!
February 26, 2025
Blossom 💙 Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Okay, I did enjoy this book but I didn’t LOVE it!
There were so many moments where I could relate to the FMC because she was indecisive and trying to figure out what she wanted out of life. And other times where I found her insufferable!
However, I loved the instant connection they shared, and how the MMC pretty much just swept her off her feet. There were so many cute, corky moments! And some moments that had me rolling my eyes because it just seemed so unrealistic.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It’s not my favorites from Helen Hardt. But it was still a fun, easy easy that I finished in two days!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Okay, I did enjoy this book but I didn’t LOVE it!
There were so many moments where I could relate to the FMC because she was indecisive and trying to figure out what she wanted out of life. And other times where I found her insufferable!
However, I loved the instant connection they shared, and how the MMC pretty much just swept her off her feet. There were so many cute, corky moments! And some moments that had me rolling my eyes because it just seemed so unrealistic.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. It’s not my favorites from Helen Hardt. But it was still a fun, easy easy that I finished in two days!
January 25, 2024
3.5 stars
This was entertaining. It was definitely more romance centered than Dom/sub centered, not that that bothered me since I am a romance reader, no matter the subgenre. However, there were moments where I was rolling my eyes really hard during Ronan and Mary's story. I did love that they got their HEA :)
This was entertaining. It was definitely more romance centered than Dom/sub centered, not that that bothered me since I am a romance reader, no matter the subgenre. However, there were moments where I was rolling my eyes really hard during Ronan and Mary's story. I did love that they got their HEA :)
July 31, 2024
every time i read a helen hardt book im absolutely baffled by the fact that theses are allegedly being seen by an editor…. like what did that editor do???
October 30, 2024
A hot Scot Dom in a kilt, be still my beating heart and then throw in that New Orleans drawl – well that’s how he sounds in my head – and I was a goner for Ronan O’Connor probably just as quickly as he fell for Mary Sandusky or Blossom as she was known in the Black Rose adults only club they both belonged to. Although American, Dominant Ronan who had spent much of his adult life in his father’s home country of Scotland, was newly returned to the US and fresh out of an arrangement where his sub had wanted more than he was prepared to give. He’d gone to the club to check it out and the first person he saw was Mary where he was instantly intrigued. Mary was at a crossroads in her life. She had been happy to play but only on a casual basis with no long-term agreements with any Dom. This arrangement had suited her but she’d recently lost confidence in her own judgement after a scene had gone wrong and she’d had to use her safe word. Now she was afraid of trusting another Dom and was trying to decide what it was she wanted and whether or not she to remain in the lifestyle.
This was a slowburn, friends to lovers romance as Ronan, with the aid of his grandmother helps Mary decide what it is she wants from her life and to go out and grab it. Ronan hadn’t been looking for a relationship, he didn’t do hearts and flowers but as he played tourist to Mary’s guide in New York and then reversed the situation when he showed her his ‘N’awlins’ even introducing her to a randy ghost that resulted in a sizzling threesome, love gradually snuck up on them both but both were afraid to make the first move until a near tragedy showed them just what was important. The development of their relationship was well paced and believable as he rebuilt her confidence. Perhaps I felt there could’ve been more of a thing made of his ex-submissive’s stalker like tendencies but that’s just me always wanting more.
This was a slowburn, friends to lovers romance as Ronan, with the aid of his grandmother helps Mary decide what it is she wants from her life and to go out and grab it. Ronan hadn’t been looking for a relationship, he didn’t do hearts and flowers but as he played tourist to Mary’s guide in New York and then reversed the situation when he showed her his ‘N’awlins’ even introducing her to a randy ghost that resulted in a sizzling threesome, love gradually snuck up on them both but both were afraid to make the first move until a near tragedy showed them just what was important. The development of their relationship was well paced and believable as he rebuilt her confidence. Perhaps I felt there could’ve been more of a thing made of his ex-submissive’s stalker like tendencies but that’s just me always wanting more.
January 24, 2024
˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗𝘿𝙄𝙎𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙍: 𝙄 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙀𝙄𝙑𝙀𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙆 𝘼𝙎 𝘼𝙉 𝘼𝙍𝘾˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙞 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚.
𝘼𝙡𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙞 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙙/𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨
♥︎ 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨 ♥︎
❥ 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠/ 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣📝
♥︎ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨 ♥︎
❥ 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
⤷ 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨.
❥ 𝙈𝘾 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 "𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨" 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙
❥ 𝘿𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩
⤷ 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙞 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮.
❥ 𝙇𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 = 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜/𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬
❥ 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚
⤷ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙩 9 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 10 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚
❥ 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝘿𝙉𝙁
⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆𝙈𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆
𝙐𝙣����𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨. 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 ���𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙩♥
𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙞 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙚.
𝘼𝙡𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙞 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙙/𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨
♥︎ 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙨 ♥︎
❥ 𝙎𝙚𝙭 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠/ 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣📝
♥︎ 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨 ♥︎
❥ 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨
⤷ 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙨.
❥ 𝙈𝘾 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 "𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙟𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨" 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣𝙩 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙
❥ 𝘿𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩
⤷ 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙞 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮.
❥ 𝙇𝙤𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 = 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜/𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬
❥ 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚
⤷ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙩 9 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛 10 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚
❥ 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙖𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝘿𝙉𝙁
⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆𝙈𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆
𝙐𝙣����𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝙄 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨. 𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙞 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 ���𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙩♥
March 13, 2024
blossom by Helen Hardt is an exquisitely written novel that delves into the depths of the human spirit with grace and poignancy. Hardt's masterful storytelling skillfully intertwines themes of love, loss, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and utterly compelling. The characters are vividly drawn, each with their own struggles and triumphs, making them relatable and unforgettable. As the story unfolds, readers are swept away on a journey of self-discovery and healing, guided by Hardt's lyrical prose and insightful exploration of the complexities of the heart. "Blossom" is a gem of a book that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a deeply moving and beautifully crafted story.
January 26, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
What a way to end a series! This one may be my favorite of this series and Ronan my be my favorite guy. This book was so good!. Ronan and Mary's chemistry was so good. This book had me tearing up and it takes a lot for a book to make me do that!. I will definitely miss this series. Can't wait to read it again.
What a way to end a series! This one may be my favorite of this series and Ronan my be my favorite guy. This book was so good!. Ronan and Mary's chemistry was so good. This book had me tearing up and it takes a lot for a book to make me do that!. I will definitely miss this series. Can't wait to read it again.
December 27, 2025
This writing was just so juvenile it felt like I was reading internet fan fiction rather then a novel. Also I was born and raised in New Orleans and this dudes whole back story and explanation of "creole" and "hoodoo" among other deeply rooted New Orleans cultural things just felt so cringe while reading this. I felt like I was watching an outsider explain my own culture to me after they just took a master class in all things New Orleans. The author wasn't wrong she was just so concerned about paying tribute to history that it felt like she missed the point in everything she talked about. Also some of her facts definitely came from pop culture and not real history. For example "the casket girls" were definitely real people with a real history but the show "the originals" twisted that history into something it definitely wasn't and made a holiday of it for a show and now people all around the world think we hold this huge city wide celebration. WE DON'T! And the casket girls had NOTHING TO DO WITH VAMPIRES! (That was all Anne Rice and hollywood story embellishing). And now when I read about it in books like this, I'm just like, "oh so tell me your not from new orleans, without telling me your not from new orleans."
With all that being said, I understand that the author was trying her best to pay hommage to my city which is steeped in so much history, folklore, and religion that shaped it's rich cultural heritage that it can be overwhelming to write about it in a way that is respectful to it's people. However, when you pick apart it's history and debate it's differences in "hoodoo vs voodoo" to minute details you have lost the point of what it means to expierience New Orleans. New Orleans is a city shrouded in mystery, magic, and if you are up for it, a lot of adventure. But none of those things compares to it's people. We are excentric, we are here for the party, but we are also here to feed you some dang good food and help you find whatever you came here looking for. Everyone comes to New Orleans a stranger but everyone leaves as a cousin. It's the only place in the world you will find a catholic cathedral next to a pub and a voodoo shop, and will get cussed out by the same person who will change your flat tire on the side of the road, invite you over for a michlin star meal cooked in mawmaws kitchen, and call you family by the end of the night, and recieve a christmas card from them come december. And that's what New Orleans really is. I don't blame writers for going the hollywood route and I'm not offended by it in the least, but if you really want to write about New Orleans, that's what it's about. So long story short, I know this author tried to paint our culture the best she could but it just came off as cringe and ingenuine when the characters began explaining every detail of it rather then just living the adventure of it. No hate, I just think maybe I was the wrong person for this book. But Helen I can tell you love this city so if you are ever in new orleans hit me up and I'll make you a jambalaya that will knock your socks off mais sha.
With all that being said, I understand that the author was trying her best to pay hommage to my city which is steeped in so much history, folklore, and religion that shaped it's rich cultural heritage that it can be overwhelming to write about it in a way that is respectful to it's people. However, when you pick apart it's history and debate it's differences in "hoodoo vs voodoo" to minute details you have lost the point of what it means to expierience New Orleans. New Orleans is a city shrouded in mystery, magic, and if you are up for it, a lot of adventure. But none of those things compares to it's people. We are excentric, we are here for the party, but we are also here to feed you some dang good food and help you find whatever you came here looking for. Everyone comes to New Orleans a stranger but everyone leaves as a cousin. It's the only place in the world you will find a catholic cathedral next to a pub and a voodoo shop, and will get cussed out by the same person who will change your flat tire on the side of the road, invite you over for a michlin star meal cooked in mawmaws kitchen, and call you family by the end of the night, and recieve a christmas card from them come december. And that's what New Orleans really is. I don't blame writers for going the hollywood route and I'm not offended by it in the least, but if you really want to write about New Orleans, that's what it's about. So long story short, I know this author tried to paint our culture the best she could but it just came off as cringe and ingenuine when the characters began explaining every detail of it rather then just living the adventure of it. No hate, I just think maybe I was the wrong person for this book. But Helen I can tell you love this city so if you are ever in new orleans hit me up and I'll make you a jambalaya that will knock your socks off mais sha.
January 1, 2024
Blossom is the last book in Helen Hardt's Black Rose trilogy and the only thing I can say is WOW! Although I read the first book in this series, I somehow missed reading the second novel, but you can be sure I'll be backtracking to read it after this unputdownable, 5-star read.
First off, a warning: Blossom is an sexually graphic, erotic, BDSM romance, and if any of those adjectives are an issue for you, you should probably read something else. However, if you love a well-written, seriously hot, and deep look into the BDSM lifestyle, and both its good points and bad ones, I suggest starting at the beginning of this series, and giving it a try.
This novel centers around Mary, aka Blossom, a natural submissive who was introduced to the BDSM lifestyle while at college--the Dom being one of the older professors at the college, and it ended badly when Mary wanted forever, and her Dom just wanted sex. When she finally got over him, or at least thought she did, she then had a bad experience with a Dom at the Black Rose Underground club when a Dom she was scening with didn't honor her safe word--which left her deeply traumatized and wondering about whether or not she ever wanted to get involved with a Dom again.
When Mary's BFF, Brenda, finally convinces her to at least meet for a drink at The Black Rose, it's there she spots the hero, a new member of the club, Ronan, a gorgeous, shirtless Dom, who's wearing a kilt--is there anything sexier? The two are immediately and totally attracted to one another, but Mary is very tentative, and Ronan seems willing to take the time to get to know her and take things slowly.
Ronan is the kind of literary hero you can easily fall in love with. Although he's not looking for a long-term relationship having left a 5-year one behind in Scotland, he's intrigued by Mary and wants to help her, get to know her, and get her over her fear of getting back into the lifestyle. To say that he sweeps Mary (and this reader) off her feet is putting it mildly, but what impressed me most was how well Ms. Hardt developed each of these two characters, and how careful she was about portraying their slowly building relationship, and Mary and Ronan coming to terms with their feelings and their hopes for the future.
Yes, there are pitfalls along the way, all handled with care and consideration, but in conclusion, this was one really excellent read and I'm happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
First off, a warning: Blossom is an sexually graphic, erotic, BDSM romance, and if any of those adjectives are an issue for you, you should probably read something else. However, if you love a well-written, seriously hot, and deep look into the BDSM lifestyle, and both its good points and bad ones, I suggest starting at the beginning of this series, and giving it a try.
This novel centers around Mary, aka Blossom, a natural submissive who was introduced to the BDSM lifestyle while at college--the Dom being one of the older professors at the college, and it ended badly when Mary wanted forever, and her Dom just wanted sex. When she finally got over him, or at least thought she did, she then had a bad experience with a Dom at the Black Rose Underground club when a Dom she was scening with didn't honor her safe word--which left her deeply traumatized and wondering about whether or not she ever wanted to get involved with a Dom again.
When Mary's BFF, Brenda, finally convinces her to at least meet for a drink at The Black Rose, it's there she spots the hero, a new member of the club, Ronan, a gorgeous, shirtless Dom, who's wearing a kilt--is there anything sexier? The two are immediately and totally attracted to one another, but Mary is very tentative, and Ronan seems willing to take the time to get to know her and take things slowly.
Ronan is the kind of literary hero you can easily fall in love with. Although he's not looking for a long-term relationship having left a 5-year one behind in Scotland, he's intrigued by Mary and wants to help her, get to know her, and get her over her fear of getting back into the lifestyle. To say that he sweeps Mary (and this reader) off her feet is putting it mildly, but what impressed me most was how well Ms. Hardt developed each of these two characters, and how careful she was about portraying their slowly building relationship, and Mary and Ronan coming to terms with their feelings and their hopes for the future.
Yes, there are pitfalls along the way, all handled with care and consideration, but in conclusion, this was one really excellent read and I'm happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
January 8, 2024
Sometimes what you thought you wanted isn't actually what you need! The conclusion of Helen Hardt's 'Black Rose' series is charming and meaningful, and by the end, you will be on the edge of your seat.
I have loved reading every book in this series and Blossom was another gem. The BDSM lifestyle is seen from a different perspective in Mary and Ronan's story. Mary is submissive in all aspects of her life, but when a scene goes wrong it has her questioning her life. She is puzzled at why the scene had such an effect on her because she has forgiven the Dom she was with and it has happened before. Why is she now wondering if this lifestyle is enough for her?
Ronan is a handsome Highlander. His Scottish roots and muscular features have everyone stopping in their tracks. And when he makes his first trip to Black Rose Underground, everyone is gawking (understandably). He is a dominant through and through and when he lays his eyes on Mary (known as Blossom in the club) he is enamored. Ronan is always honest about his intentions and has never wanted more but Mary has him craving just that.
Their romance is an instant-love and whirlwind. They share some meaningful chats, have undeniable chemistry, and its even adorable when they spend time with his Mémé on a trip to New Orleans. Although it's been a short time since they met, every moment they spent together is precious. And Mary is not only getting her groove back in the bedroom but she is finally starting to realize that a future with Ronan is what she wants.
This was a beautiful story about finding yourself and realizing that you deserve to be happy. I rooted so hard for Mary and Ronan. I think the final chapters were great at keeping a reader on the edge of their seat at least that's what it did for me. Sad to see this series come to an end, but I can't wait for the next book from one of my all time favorite authors, Helen Hardt!
I have loved reading every book in this series and Blossom was another gem. The BDSM lifestyle is seen from a different perspective in Mary and Ronan's story. Mary is submissive in all aspects of her life, but when a scene goes wrong it has her questioning her life. She is puzzled at why the scene had such an effect on her because she has forgiven the Dom she was with and it has happened before. Why is she now wondering if this lifestyle is enough for her?
Ronan is a handsome Highlander. His Scottish roots and muscular features have everyone stopping in their tracks. And when he makes his first trip to Black Rose Underground, everyone is gawking (understandably). He is a dominant through and through and when he lays his eyes on Mary (known as Blossom in the club) he is enamored. Ronan is always honest about his intentions and has never wanted more but Mary has him craving just that.
Their romance is an instant-love and whirlwind. They share some meaningful chats, have undeniable chemistry, and its even adorable when they spend time with his Mémé on a trip to New Orleans. Although it's been a short time since they met, every moment they spent together is precious. And Mary is not only getting her groove back in the bedroom but she is finally starting to realize that a future with Ronan is what she wants.
This was a beautiful story about finding yourself and realizing that you deserve to be happy. I rooted so hard for Mary and Ronan. I think the final chapters were great at keeping a reader on the edge of their seat at least that's what it did for me. Sad to see this series come to an end, but I can't wait for the next book from one of my all time favorite authors, Helen Hardt!
January 24, 2024
I received and Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Mariah Sandusky frequented Black Rose Underground as a Sub for a long time. She had something spook her and has been hesitant to take a scene with a Dom. She and her friend, Brenda, decide to go to Black Rose to check things out. Mary is not quite ready for a scene. Mary has not been in a committed Dom-Sub relationship since she started coming to Black Rose and doesn't plan to start anytime soon, but something is lacking. She is wanting more than random scenes can give her.
Ronan O'Connor made is first appearance at Black Rose memorable. He was in a kilt. Yes, you heard me right, a kilt. He was a sight to behold and obviously a Dom. In fact, most could tell that he was dominant in every part of his life. He was not looking for love but had been in long-term Dom-Sub relationships. His last one was the reason he came to New York. As soon as he saw and spoke to Mary, he knew she would be his perfect Sub. Now he just had to convince her.
Their relationship started different. They went on, for lack of a better word, a date when it was obvious that Mary/Blossom was not ready for scenes just yet. Mary was still trying to figure out what was holding her back from doing a scene. What was missing now? Ronan and Mary decided to continue to get to know each other. Though Mary was not ready for a scene, she was ready to fly to with Ronan to his hometown of New Orleans. They stayed there for a few days and their relationship took a turn. Was Mary ready for a scene though?
Will a series of traumatic events bring these two together or tear them apart forever? Neither wanted a relationship, but feelings can and do change. I really enjoyed this series. I loved the New Orleans flare. I really enjoyed Ronan's grandmother, Yvette/Meme. It was nice to see a man have a close-knit relationship with this grandmother. The grandmother always knows.
Ronan O'Connor made is first appearance at Black Rose memorable. He was in a kilt. Yes, you heard me right, a kilt. He was a sight to behold and obviously a Dom. In fact, most could tell that he was dominant in every part of his life. He was not looking for love but had been in long-term Dom-Sub relationships. His last one was the reason he came to New York. As soon as he saw and spoke to Mary, he knew she would be his perfect Sub. Now he just had to convince her.
Their relationship started different. They went on, for lack of a better word, a date when it was obvious that Mary/Blossom was not ready for scenes just yet. Mary was still trying to figure out what was holding her back from doing a scene. What was missing now? Ronan and Mary decided to continue to get to know each other. Though Mary was not ready for a scene, she was ready to fly to with Ronan to his hometown of New Orleans. They stayed there for a few days and their relationship took a turn. Was Mary ready for a scene though?
Will a series of traumatic events bring these two together or tear them apart forever? Neither wanted a relationship, but feelings can and do change. I really enjoyed this series. I loved the New Orleans flare. I really enjoyed Ronan's grandmother, Yvette/Meme. It was nice to see a man have a close-knit relationship with this grandmother. The grandmother always knows.
December 22, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
📖: Blossom
🖋️: Helen Hardt
🗓️: 1/23/24
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5
💬: “Besides, mo leannan no one’s going to be looking at me if you’re by my side.”
⚠️: Please check the warnings as this book may not be suitable for all readers. As always, protect your mental health.💛
Tropes, Topics & Themes:
✨Dom/Sub
✨VooDoo
✨Leather club
✨New Orleans
✨Ghosts
After a scene goes wrong. Mary takes a break from club life in search of what she wants.
With her friends starting to settle down around her. She starts to feel out of place and wonders if she will ever have what they have.
Will Mary walk away from Black Rose? Or will it take someone special for her to find herself again?
Ronan recently moved from Scotland for a fresh start, for business, and looking to find a new sub after he ended his long-term relationship.
Mary and Ronan notice each other the second he steps foot into Black Rose. Still unsure if she’s ready to start doing scenes again and being a sub.
Ronan is willing to take the steps to help build her confidence back while trying to get her to be his new sub.
As they get to know each other. Mary finds herself wanting more than a dom/sub relationship. While Ronan has never wanted anything more.
“I don’t normally share my submissive, Mary, but I’ve known this ghost for a long time.”
The ghost scene!! I loved it and could learn some tricks from Ronan. I was so happy when Phantom was mentioned in this book.🔥
“I see my grandson’s future. I believe it lies with you, Mary.”
Sometimes everyone needs a little push to believe in the magic. I loved this book. It’s my favorite in the series and I will continue to be on the lookout for new books by Helen.
Thank you, Helen Hardt, Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.
📖: Blossom
🖋️: Helen Hardt
🗓️: 1/23/24
⭐️: 5 of 5
🌶️: 5 of 5
💬: “Besides, mo leannan no one’s going to be looking at me if you’re by my side.”
⚠️: Please check the warnings as this book may not be suitable for all readers. As always, protect your mental health.💛
Tropes, Topics & Themes:
✨Dom/Sub
✨VooDoo
✨Leather club
✨New Orleans
✨Ghosts
After a scene goes wrong. Mary takes a break from club life in search of what she wants.
With her friends starting to settle down around her. She starts to feel out of place and wonders if she will ever have what they have.
Will Mary walk away from Black Rose? Or will it take someone special for her to find herself again?
Ronan recently moved from Scotland for a fresh start, for business, and looking to find a new sub after he ended his long-term relationship.
Mary and Ronan notice each other the second he steps foot into Black Rose. Still unsure if she’s ready to start doing scenes again and being a sub.
Ronan is willing to take the steps to help build her confidence back while trying to get her to be his new sub.
As they get to know each other. Mary finds herself wanting more than a dom/sub relationship. While Ronan has never wanted anything more.
“I don’t normally share my submissive, Mary, but I’ve known this ghost for a long time.”
The ghost scene!! I loved it and could learn some tricks from Ronan. I was so happy when Phantom was mentioned in this book.🔥
“I see my grandson’s future. I believe it lies with you, Mary.”
Sometimes everyone needs a little push to believe in the magic. I loved this book. It’s my favorite in the series and I will continue to be on the lookout for new books by Helen.
Thank you, Helen Hardt, Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared on my Instagram @Alexandriavwilliams_ shortly.
January 26, 2024
Blossom (aka Mary) is considering making a big change in her life after a bad experience at a club. She goes to the club to help her decide her next move and that's where she first encounters Ronan. Her attraction to him is undeniable but does she want to pursue anything with him. Ronan goes to the club because he's new in town. He has just ended a five-year relationship and has no interest in getting involved with anyone but his attraction to Blossom is undeniable. The two of them have a journey ahead of them to decide if they can make a future with each other.
I thought the author did a good job developing Mary and Ronan. Both of them had childhood traumas that helped to form who they are as adults. Both have had relationships that taught them to never bond with another person romantically. I like how both of them have to work through their issues to be together. There are characters that put pressure on their relationship that help to push the story forward. These characters are neither good guys or bad guys just point along the path. The end of the story was a surprise, but I like that it came out of left field.
One of my issues with the book is that I didn't think that the adult activities always added to the story. I understood going in that this was that sort of book, so I expected them but some of them seemed superfluous. I also thought there was some unnecessary repetition. I don't mind repetition if it adds to the story or if the characters add details with each iteration. In this case it felt like filler.
This story takes place in New York and New Orleans. Both of the characters are adults with careers. This story takes place in the world of the Black Rose Underground club. This book can be read as a stand alone. I will read more from this author in the future.
I thought the author did a good job developing Mary and Ronan. Both of them had childhood traumas that helped to form who they are as adults. Both have had relationships that taught them to never bond with another person romantically. I like how both of them have to work through their issues to be together. There are characters that put pressure on their relationship that help to push the story forward. These characters are neither good guys or bad guys just point along the path. The end of the story was a surprise, but I like that it came out of left field.
One of my issues with the book is that I didn't think that the adult activities always added to the story. I understood going in that this was that sort of book, so I expected them but some of them seemed superfluous. I also thought there was some unnecessary repetition. I don't mind repetition if it adds to the story or if the characters add details with each iteration. In this case it felt like filler.
This story takes place in New York and New Orleans. Both of the characters are adults with careers. This story takes place in the world of the Black Rose Underground club. This book can be read as a stand alone. I will read more from this author in the future.
December 17, 2023
This little book packed a LOT into it. What I thought was going to be solely Dominant Submissive erotica, turned out to have romance written into its core. Our FMC Mary, aka Blossom, is on the verge of leaving the club life after a scene went awry. Thinking she might be finished with the lifestyle, in walks Ronan, the epitome of a massively handsome Scottish Dom whom Mary instantly finds intriguing. A bit of insta-lust (which is actually fitting given the club circumstances), Mary has to determine if Ronan is enough to help sway her to play again in her sub role. I thought the leather club lifestyle discussion was really interesting and felt that the players were very lovingly described by the author in a way that made this informational about the lifestyle just as much as erotica for erotica’s sake. There are a few standout 🔥🔥 scenes, but if that’s the only thing you are looking for in a book, then this book wouldn’t be it. Blossom is just as much about the emotional connection as the club scene and the majority of the book while definitely hot, is not only about sex. I read this book very quickly which is always a sign that I enjoyed it. A few times the writing felt a bit repetitive as the point of view switches from Ronan to Mary; dialogue is repeated in transition and I thought it was unnecessary. That being said, if you’re looking for a slightly taboo romance read that has many plot twists, Helen Hardt will keep you entertained. I received this book as an advanced copy from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2024
When The Fun Happens Outside The Club
Quote:📖
“She will be mine.”
Thoughts: 💡
This book was fun and had me hooked from the start. There’s an instant attraction between the MCs but they take their time exploring one another and feeling each other out before diving in. Which means that they get up to some adventures that I wouldn’t jump into with a stranger, but I felt made for a very interesting story.
I enjoyed the way the author incorporated details of the cities and explored supernatural elements, but this was very much a billionaire romance. The MMC, Ronan is very Scottish, well he’s only part Scottish but that doesn’t stop him from leaning into with kilts and an occasional broque. Anyways he doesn’t think he wants love and marriage until he finds the one woman that makes him want it all. I also really liked Mary, she struggled with some anxiety and processing of a past trauma that made her skittish to “get back in the saddle”, but oh boy did eventually ride that saddle hard. 😂 While there are some graphic bits at the beginning the smut doesn’t start until about 40% of the way into the book, then it’s prolific and prevalent.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ InstaLust with a Slow Burn Romance
⚜️ Ghosts & Voodoo
⚜️ Leather Club, Dom/sub Relationship
⚜️ Exploring NYC & New Orleans
Important Note:✨
Book 3 in a standalone series.
Stats:📊
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: 💙💙💙💙
Billionaire Romance: BDSM, Scottish Billionaire (kind of but it counts), Working Class Girl, Self Discovery, Voodoo
Dual POV
⚠️: Explicit with BDSM Themes
Quote:📖
“She will be mine.”
Thoughts: 💡
This book was fun and had me hooked from the start. There’s an instant attraction between the MCs but they take their time exploring one another and feeling each other out before diving in. Which means that they get up to some adventures that I wouldn’t jump into with a stranger, but I felt made for a very interesting story.
I enjoyed the way the author incorporated details of the cities and explored supernatural elements, but this was very much a billionaire romance. The MMC, Ronan is very Scottish, well he’s only part Scottish but that doesn’t stop him from leaning into with kilts and an occasional broque. Anyways he doesn’t think he wants love and marriage until he finds the one woman that makes him want it all. I also really liked Mary, she struggled with some anxiety and processing of a past trauma that made her skittish to “get back in the saddle”, but oh boy did eventually ride that saddle hard. 😂 While there are some graphic bits at the beginning the smut doesn’t start until about 40% of the way into the book, then it’s prolific and prevalent.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ InstaLust with a Slow Burn Romance
⚜️ Ghosts & Voodoo
⚜️ Leather Club, Dom/sub Relationship
⚜️ Exploring NYC & New Orleans
Important Note:✨
Book 3 in a standalone series.
Stats:📊
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: 💙💙💙💙
Billionaire Romance: BDSM, Scottish Billionaire (kind of but it counts), Working Class Girl, Self Discovery, Voodoo
Dual POV
⚠️: Explicit with BDSM Themes
February 8, 2024
First, I want to thank Entangled Publishing and the author for gifting me this ARC! I didn’t really know what to expect going into Blossom but boy, did I eat this book up!! I literally finished it in a single day and totally fell in love with Ronan and Mary💙
These two meet at an underground leather club after Mary had an experience with a scene gone wrong. She doesn’t know if she wants to be in the life anymore, so as a test, she decides to hang out at the club one more time. Of course, this is where she meets Ronan and right away, something feels different about him; and Ronan feels it too, but they could never tell each other that lol. The chemistry between these two is palpable and will have you blushing every time they’re together!!
I really appreciate the way Ronan took his time getting to know Mary and being open to the foreign feelings he was experiencing. I also always love when books including BDSM put emphasis on the subs having most of the power in a dynamic. Ronan is an expert dirty talker and a man confident enough to wear a kilt anytime and anyplace is 🥵 Mary continued to show her strength, even though she was scared and put herself out there in fear of missing out on something great.
I was totally immersed in this book from beginning to end and my only critique is that it felt like it ended SO quickly, I would have loved a few more chapters to spread out the finale. But other than that, I seriously loved these characters, the spicy scenes, the drama, and the romance between these two who opened their hearts for each other🫶🏻
These two meet at an underground leather club after Mary had an experience with a scene gone wrong. She doesn’t know if she wants to be in the life anymore, so as a test, she decides to hang out at the club one more time. Of course, this is where she meets Ronan and right away, something feels different about him; and Ronan feels it too, but they could never tell each other that lol. The chemistry between these two is palpable and will have you blushing every time they’re together!!
I really appreciate the way Ronan took his time getting to know Mary and being open to the foreign feelings he was experiencing. I also always love when books including BDSM put emphasis on the subs having most of the power in a dynamic. Ronan is an expert dirty talker and a man confident enough to wear a kilt anytime and anyplace is 🥵 Mary continued to show her strength, even though she was scared and put herself out there in fear of missing out on something great.
I was totally immersed in this book from beginning to end and my only critique is that it felt like it ended SO quickly, I would have loved a few more chapters to spread out the finale. But other than that, I seriously loved these characters, the spicy scenes, the drama, and the romance between these two who opened their hearts for each other🫶🏻
January 24, 2024
4.75 stars
This is the third book in the Black Rose series and it can be read as a standalone. Welcome once again back to the Black Rose Underground Club where you can whet your appetite, in more ways than one…I will caution those that this is a BDSM romance with adult themes that are graphically described so if that is not your thing then you may want to pass on this one. For those that want to delve deeper, meet Mary, aka Blossom, a submissive by nature who was unfortunately mistreated by a Dom during a scene which left her questioning her own nature and whether or not she wanted to return to the life. Ronan is the sexy new, kilt wearing Dom who left Scotland and is intrigued by Mary from the moment he lays eyes on her. He was not looking for a relationship but there is something about Mary that has Ronan wanting to get to know her better. Although each one professes that they do not want a long-term relationship, sometimes the heart has other intentions and life finds a way to give you what you need whether you were intentionally looking or not. Ms. Hardt is one of my go to authors. Her writing style is seductive and her characters envelop you like a mist that blankets you in a beautiful cocoon as each page turns. Overall, this is one book that will be hard to put down once started and stay in your mind once finished. I recommend this book and the rest of the series.
This is the third book in the Black Rose series and it can be read as a standalone. Welcome once again back to the Black Rose Underground Club where you can whet your appetite, in more ways than one…I will caution those that this is a BDSM romance with adult themes that are graphically described so if that is not your thing then you may want to pass on this one. For those that want to delve deeper, meet Mary, aka Blossom, a submissive by nature who was unfortunately mistreated by a Dom during a scene which left her questioning her own nature and whether or not she wanted to return to the life. Ronan is the sexy new, kilt wearing Dom who left Scotland and is intrigued by Mary from the moment he lays eyes on her. He was not looking for a relationship but there is something about Mary that has Ronan wanting to get to know her better. Although each one professes that they do not want a long-term relationship, sometimes the heart has other intentions and life finds a way to give you what you need whether you were intentionally looking or not. Ms. Hardt is one of my go to authors. Her writing style is seductive and her characters envelop you like a mist that blankets you in a beautiful cocoon as each page turns. Overall, this is one book that will be hard to put down once started and stay in your mind once finished. I recommend this book and the rest of the series.
December 20, 2023
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC Review
Blossom - Helen Hardt
5/5⭐️
5/5🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
Wow this one is seriously such a good one from start to finish! I loved every detail and especially mémé! I need to walk into the Black Rose Underground Club just for one day please! Blossom is such a great FMC and the growth was just so good! I was routing for her so hard! Ronan is the man we all want to run into! Ronan is the sexy kilt wearing, serious businessman and an extremely great Dominant! When Blossom and Ronan do things a bit differently at first and may not see it with their own eyes at first. Fate truly brought them together for a reason! I forever will love Ronan and Blossom’s story!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Underground sex/ leather club
~ Dominant
~ Submissive
~ New Orleans
~ VooDoo
~ Coffee Shops
~ Character Growth
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
✨Do you have any pets? What are their names?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC Review
Blossom - Helen Hardt
5/5⭐️
5/5🌶️
✨✨✨✨✨✨
Wow this one is seriously such a good one from start to finish! I loved every detail and especially mémé! I need to walk into the Black Rose Underground Club just for one day please! Blossom is such a great FMC and the growth was just so good! I was routing for her so hard! Ronan is the man we all want to run into! Ronan is the sexy kilt wearing, serious businessman and an extremely great Dominant! When Blossom and Ronan do things a bit differently at first and may not see it with their own eyes at first. Fate truly brought them together for a reason! I forever will love Ronan and Blossom’s story!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Underground sex/ leather club
~ Dominant
~ Submissive
~ New Orleans
~ VooDoo
~ Coffee Shops
~ Character Growth
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
✨Do you have any pets? What are their names?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
January 8, 2024
In the final instalment of this trilogy Helen Hardt once again brings you into a world of pleasure, pain, love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
When Mary, aka Blossom is ready to face her past will the handsome new Scotsman be the one to help her trust again?
It's time for Mary to discover that it is possible for a Dom/Sub relationship to extend beyond the club. Will she allow herself to blend the two worlds and open her heart to love?
When Ronan arrived in the city he left a woman who wanted more than he was willing to give. What will happen when he realizes he wants more and the woman he desires is the last thing he expected.
If you like your romances to scorch and burn with an inferno heat mixed with secrets, pain, trust, and a discovery of love make this soo yummy. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
An Inferno read. So smokin' hot your A/C and fan won't help you cool down. A cold shower might help, but then again ... Content includes - Erotica, BDSM, Explicit scenes of a sensitive or sexual nature.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the advance reader copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I can't wait to read more from Helen Hardt.
When Mary, aka Blossom is ready to face her past will the handsome new Scotsman be the one to help her trust again?
It's time for Mary to discover that it is possible for a Dom/Sub relationship to extend beyond the club. Will she allow herself to blend the two worlds and open her heart to love?
When Ronan arrived in the city he left a woman who wanted more than he was willing to give. What will happen when he realizes he wants more and the woman he desires is the last thing he expected.
If you like your romances to scorch and burn with an inferno heat mixed with secrets, pain, trust, and a discovery of love make this soo yummy. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
An Inferno read. So smokin' hot your A/C and fan won't help you cool down. A cold shower might help, but then again ... Content includes - Erotica, BDSM, Explicit scenes of a sensitive or sexual nature.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the advance reader copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I can't wait to read more from Helen Hardt.
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