Rose in Bloom

Sex and the Season #2

by Helen Hardt

Wiltshire, England 1853

Lady Rose Jameson knows her place-respect authority and convention and marry a suitable member of the peerage. Lord Evan Xavier, the second son of the Earl of Brighton, possesses the necessary pedigree, but though Rose enjoys his company, the spark she craves is missing...the spark she feels with handsome commoner Cameron Price.

Cameron has accepted his lot in life-to care for his widowed mother and two younger sisters. Instead of writing the music he loves, he's destined to work the land his family leases from the Duke of Lybrook...and deal with his overwhelming feelings for the duke's sister-in-law, Lady Rose. When Cam's sister becomes ill, he needs money quickly, and his fate is further sealed. He must say goodbye to Rose forever. But circumstances and the appearance of an elderly stranger may change both their lives.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Erotica, Regency Romance, Audiobook

358 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2014

About the author

#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.

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Reviews

[Helen Hardt]

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[Maria (semi hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately not as good as the first book. Lily and Daniel are still my favorite couple.

The heroine Rose was a nobel lady, the hero Cam a commoner. They had an instant attraction the moment they met, but couldn’t act upon it. On Lily and Daniel’s wedding gala they shared some kisses and were about to have sex when Rose decided against it. Cam reacted kind of angry and regretted it straight away. They began an affair and it didn’t end well when Cam told her a hurtful lie to push her away. He did some hurtful things and didn’t need to grovel at all. Rose could’ve showed a little more backbone.

I didn’t feel much for both MC’s. Rose was sweet but she missed some spice that Lily had. I didn’t like Cam AT ALL. He was so stubborn and even in the end I still disliked him. He wasn’t my type of hero. I didn’t think I would ever say this, but I prefer a rake like Daniel 100 times more. It’s okay for a man to have some pride, but Cam really took it to the next level. The way he abandoned Rose without a goodbye and it looked like he was so infatuated with his new job that he totally forgot about her. I wonder if they ever got their happy ending if it wasn’t because of the interference of others. I believe not.

Safety spoilers
Rose was a virgin. Cam bedded “his fair share of women”. He had a regular widow he visit for sex in exchange for some chores in her house. After Cam and Rose almost had sex, he visited this OW for a rump between the sheets. He didn’t let it go any further than a few kisses and sucking her breasts, because all he could think about was Rose. How charming. Rose is courted by another man named Evan and she would’ve slept with him, but he rejected her. I must say I liked that she let him touch her as well, because most of the time the heroines are pining in celibacy while the heroes try to move on. Cam already had one strike out for me but he upgraded to a second strike OUT. He dined with a married woman and for a moment he imagined sucking on her plump lips. I didn’t like this. He supposed to be so in love with Rose and had these kind of feelings for OW? She then suggested they should have a threesome with a lady friend of hers and his c*ck tightened by hearing this. The idea aroused him because he never had a threesome before. The OW was coming on to him. He ran his tongue over her lips and sucked on them. He then thought about Rose and backed away and told the OW he was in love with someone else and couldn’t sleep with her. I marked this book as safe with exception(s), because a full unsafe read for me is sex with OW and that didn’t happen in this book. But I didn’t like him letting it go that far with these two women. What bothered me most was the way he handled things with Rose after they slept together, the way he hurt her and how he lied about the ending of their affair to his mother. I found him a weak excuse of a hero. I’m sorry for my blunt opinion, I really hoped I liked him more after his introduction in the first book.

[Jessica Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for Team Wild for giving me this book and my Ladybugs bookclub. Loving this history romance series. Helen Hardt is very good at writing especially romance. Cameron and Rose at an attraction for eachother at first sight. The only problem they have was their noble status.

Cameron believed he couldn't be the man for Rose so he breaks her heart. At that time all I can do was cross my fingers. I felt so bad for Rose when her heart was breaking.

I can't wait for the next one this series is addictive.

[Jezelle Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it!

The story is good and so the characters.
and im excited for Patricia's story! I'm hoping that it will be Thomas

[Tabetha Hogan (Lewis) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as captivating as the first. It kept you wanting more and kore of the story. It definitely did not disappoint in anyway.

[Candy Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say I am most likely now and forever and Helen Hardt fan. I just thought Lily and The Duke couldnt be beat and then I met Rose fully and completly. THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Through all the trails and tribulations. Unforbidden love. Ohhhh my heart broke so many times but was eventually put back together piece my piece. This book touch me in so many ways. Anger was my most felt emotions while reading this book. Ugh I was so angry. But it all worked out in the end. Although the epilogue was not what I thought it would be. I want more!!

[Jenifer Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I LOVED it. I kept catching myself getting caught up in the characters. Books like this make me feel like I was born jn the wrong era!! I cannot wait for the next one. Thank you Helen Hardt for a great read! :) Jen

[Michelle Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. I am not a fan of historical romance but I was grabbed and didn’t want to stop reading. I loved the little details and the work up of their story, plus the ending had a twist I wasn’t expecting. A great read!

[Mairenys Feliz gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better!! There’s nothing I would change in the book. Looking forward to Alexandra’s book. Thank you to my ladybugs book club for this wonderful book!

[Library Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good at the first in the series, but still readable.

[Ver · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 I love how the story goes, love how Helen made Rose's character. And I just lack off with Cam's character, his too much pride made me irritated sometimes and the times he feels he can't support Rose.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another hot in the Sec and the Season Series. Helen Hardt, hit another homerun.
Rose, her heart flutters every time she sees Cameron, but her place, is to marry another.
Cameron, destined to be alone and care for his family, no matter the way he feels when he sees and thinks of Rose.
This book was hot and sexy. I loved it. Can't wait to continue with Lady Alexandras Lover.

[Sol Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I would never taught I would fall in love with historical romance but this proved it all wrong. I loved Rose and Cameron's story,eventhough I would love a bit more of it.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised to have liked this book since I'm not really into historic romance

[Angela Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cam and Rose what a story. I thought there could have been a bit more to it but I loved it nonetheless. I love how Rose defied the times and wanted to marry for love not money. And then Cam finding out that he's of noble worth. Gah I need a sequel. I can't wait for Lady Alexandra

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

As if I couldn’t fall more in love with this series, Ms. Hardt tells us the story of Cameron and Rose. Like I said in my previous review of Ms. Hardt’s book “Lilly and the Duke”, I always forget how much I enjoy historical romance. I love the riské nature of the lovers coming together in a time of courting, social rankings, and corsets. Yeah corsets are hot!! We meet Rose and Cameron in the first book of the series, Lilly and the Duke, but their story blossoms in “Rose in Bloom” (forgive the puns). This book deals with the ideas of social status and forbidden love, as a result of Rose’s social ranking and Cameron’s status as a mere “commoner”. I had visions of Cameron, with his dark hair and grey eyes. I love their brief times of lust, love, and sex. Their love burns passionately and the two are like magnets drawn to one another. I truly believe that Rose loved Cameron from the moment she met him. Ms. Hardt’s words danced on the page, even when things appeared to be at there bleakest.



There are a few ups and downs. I had moments when I was yelling at my iPad “Don’t do it Cameron!”, and other times I was grinning ear to ear. This is a beautiful love story between two people who weren’t ever supposed to be together. The story moved along and didn’t drag at all. There is a twist at the end and it only solidified my love for this series. No cliffhangers either! I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Great read for those who love historical romance, and even if you don’t I say try this series. Each book is a different couple and yet the characters are all weaved together, and you know what is going on in their lives.

XO
Nikki
www.delightfullydirtyreads.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/delightfullydirtyreads

[Sandra R · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could have been 4 stars from me (see comments below). Yes I did like this book. The story was interesting and the romance scenes steamy and it was nicely written (and I will be reading the next book in the series)

But - I had major problems believing the Victorian England setting of 1853. Here's why :~

If authors are going to quote prices, wages, rents etc in pounds, facts need to be checked. If they can't be confirmed, please don't mention these things in actual monetary value, because readers like me frown, then use google. A good rule of thumb is :~ If in doubt - don't.

In mid Victorian times poor people usually went to hospitals to die, not to be saved from an unknown illness/fever by an 'injection' that literally cured overnight. What did they inject ? (modern syringes were invented in 1853 and were used for morphine to begin with)

The hospital 'bill' for this character was over 150 pounds for 'specialists, doctors and nurses and a hospital stay' of a few days... The hero had the money on him. Hmm... (I actually found it quite interesting reading about the Victorian Hospital system - it was really dreadful and most of the info I found was for the late Victorian period)

Also, to me, lots of the dialogue and values in this book were essentially modern American. I blame the editor for not correcting these things.

Anyway, please don't let my negative comments deter you from reading this book - you may not care whether Victorian England is portrayed realistically or not - and if you don't, then you will most likely love this book as many readers have.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cocktails

I enjoyed Rose and Cameron's story, just not as much as Lily and Daniel's. It felt like we missed much of Rose and Cameron's courtship, since the story starts six weeks after they had worked together on the musical piece Cameron was commissioned to write. So as this story unfolded, they're already in love yet spend the majority of it apart and miserable.

It was still enjoyable, especially the secondary storyline with Rose's aunt finding a second chance romance.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I do feel it was a bit rushed towards the end but overall it kept me interested. Not quite as good as Lily and the Duke but I needed to know how the story played out for Rose.

[Tanz the Fluorescent Adolescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

As anyone who read my review of Lily and the Duke can tell, I was really looking forward to "Rose in Bloom". Apart from being a fan of historical romance novels in general, the fact that this promised a lot of tropes that I usually fall hook, line and sinker for - romance across the class divide, star-crossed lovers, a brooding hero, etc - excited me a lot. Honestly, I just could not wait to get stuck in.

For the most part "Rose in Bloom" delivered in spades. The characters of Cameron and Rose were so sweet and everything I hoped for, cautiously falling in love with one another despite the odds being stacked against them. I also loved seeing Rose's family again (particularly Lily) and finding out about Cameron's background. Additionally, the book was well written with a steady pace and good structure. I really was on the verge of awarding five stars but...

I guessed the twists (Cam being a bastard, which allowed him to join the upper class oppressing him, and Rose being up the duff before the end) by the end of the first chapter which was frustrating. Like in the first book in the series, Hardt just could not resist sticking to the irritating tropes almost synonymous with historical romance by now and I just could not let it slide.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose oh Rose what do we do with you?
Loved how rose was determined to find her own love and in the oddest of places. Not having her sister around to help her she had to figure out who she loved it was a long journey for rose. Her and Cam mad beautiful music together and even tho Cam knew that rose was a higher rink in his eyes he didnt care he loved her with the little flaws she had! I felt for both Cam and Rose. Rose just wanted to be free from all the high ranking demands and Cam who lost his father at a young age left to pick up the pieces to care for his mother and sisters! Who all he wants to do is write music! Rose and Cam fought to be with each others even with everyone and themselves telling them they shouldn't. Till lily comes back with amazing news rose also has news herself and after turning down a proposal not from Cam. This part sickened when rose wanted to find the other guy and marry him and lie to him who's baby it was. But in the end her and Cam found each other and cam became high rank not because of rose because his grandfather

[Adilene Cornejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall this was a fun read. Rose goes from being the goody two shoes of the family to being in the most socially unacceptable situation she could've imagined. She never would've thought that Cameron, the "commoner" who never misses an opportunity to bitterly remind Rose of the huge difference between their social classes, would be her soul mate. Despite all the obstacles and lies that tear them apart, they manage to get their happily ever after in the end. I know you've probably read the story about the poor country boy who falls for the rich, beautiful, pampered princess a million times but in this story things aren't always what they seem. Yes some of the things that happen in this book are a little too convenient and unrealistic, but don't we all read these love stories to escape reality into a world where anything could happen? no matter how implausible it gets? I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series to see what kind of adventures Alexandra and Sophie get themselves into. Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

[Brie Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book to this series. Historical romance with a little extra heat. Helen knows how to write anything!

In book two of Sex and the Season, we focus on Rose. Rose is being courted by Lord Evan Xavier but finds herself attracted to someone else. Cameron Price is a commoner who happens to be a tenant on Rose's sister's land. But Cameron isn't just your standard tenant, he's a gifted composer who ends up working side by side Rose composing a waltz for the new Duchess. After weeks of working beside Rose, their feelings finally explode themselves at the wedding ball. But what chance does a commoner have in wooing a lady of peerage into loving him?

You definitely will want to read this book! It is an incredible page turner you won't want to put down. Helen delivers twists you never see coming and keeps you guessing, along with providing an amazing love story with some awesome heat thrown in.

[Arica Shupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROSE IN BLOOM
by Helen Hardt
Rose in Bloom is the second book in the SEX IN THE SEASON series. I'm usually not a historical kind of reader but this series has me so far turning pages and not putting the book down until i hit the end then reaching for the next in the series. Cameron and Rose take you on a journey that makes you believe that love really can overcome and shows that dreams can come true no matter how bad or good or what your station in life is. This book also gives a better glimpse into the surrounding characters which is wonderful as you get to see the strong women that influenced Rose. This author didn't disappoint she really gives you the characters in a way that has you feeling the feels, bringing them to life as you turn the pages and leaves you ready to pick the next book up right away. Can't wait to start Lady Alexandra's Lover.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good enough historical romance. I thought the characters and the dialogue were well done. I especially liked the love story between the older couple. My only quibble was that the plot was a little bit too predictable. The lovers fell into each others arms very easily; he obtained a well paying position without difficulty; his ancestry was revealed at the exact right moment. Nothing that happened really surprised me. It all made for a pleasant read that I enjoyed but I think adding a bit more spice would have enhanced the story.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of forbidden love brought together by music.

Rose loves Cameron and doesn't care about his social standing at all. She would happily live in poverty if it meant she could be with Cameron.
Cameron however, is a snob. He has his pride and it comes before all else, almost to his and his family's ruin. He wont take "charity" because his station is so low and he thinks he is better than his low social standing. He will happily "ruin" Rose then toss her asside when he realises he needs the money from the private commison for Xaviers proposal to Rose. Will Cameron's pride force Rose to accept Xavier, and stop Rose and Cameron from having their happily ever after?

[Tiffany Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Hardt is truly amazing!!!! She never disappoints me when I read a book of hers!! I could not get enough of of Lilli and the Duke but this book...wow!! Rose is Lily's younger sister who falls in love by a commoner by the name of Cameron Price while she is being courted by the noble second son Evan Xavier. Cameron falls in love with Rose but has issues with the differences in their social stations. But when Cameron's sister falls ill he must let the love of his life go to care for his family. Will Rose be berhrothed to her love Cameron or noble Evan??? You must read to find out!!!!

[Erica Palfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book for a review.
Rose is one of the most prim and proper ladies out there. She is almost at her prime for marriage and has been being courted by Lord Xavier. He seems to be who she is meant for until she has an encounter that will change her life forever.
Cameron has found a love that he knows will never work. He has things he needs to take care of things and do what he what meant to be. Will he be able to find and keep his love forever? Or will other things come in the way and make it so that neither of them will find true happiness?

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving The Sex and the Season Novels and Rose made me very happy. Cameron was as hot as they come and loved his family with everything he had. Rose was not afraid to lower her station for the man that she loved. So much excitement to tell about this book but I don’t want to give it away. It is so worth the read. I really want to blad but I won’t. So glad Lady Alexandra’s Lover is sitting right next to me so I can dive right in. I want many more realatives in this family so that the story continues!

[Melissa Rickwalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose and Cameron are the forbid love tail. Rose a woman of the peerage is being courted by a man with of her own status. Cameron is a common person who no one would ever think of a love interest for Rose. Despite it all it was love at first sight. No matter the attempts to be a part something always draws them together. The ending leaves you with pleasantly surprised and with a great happily ever after. I really enjoyed this book starting out, there were chapters that I was not 100% enthralled by and I feel like it made the book slow down but still a really great book over all.