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Black Rose #2
Bloom
Under his touch, your every desire will…Bloom
Today is the day Francesca Thomas was supposed to get married. All she wants is a stiff drink and a whole lot of distraction…which is exactly when she meets him. Tall, dark, and deliciously disguised, the man known only as Phantom awakens her every sense. All Frankie really knows about him is the raw, untamed chemistry that makes her want to relinquish herself—body and soul—to his touch…
Phantom has rules, all designed to protect his identity. No names. No personal information. But Frankie is a too-tempting ingenue who threatens all of his cautious, careful control. At the ultra-exclusive Black Rose Underground Club, he can explore each of her deepest, uncharted desires…so long as he keeps his public life—and his secrets—hidden.
Frankie’s ready to explore what lies between them. The intensity, the darkness, and the unyielding pleasure of it all. But while the mystery of Phantom is thrilling, secrets are one game she won’t play. And if she’s going to explore the forbidden, she’ll begin with finding out exactly who’s under the mask…
Each book in the Black Rose series is
* Blush
* Bloom
* Blossom
Today is the day Francesca Thomas was supposed to get married. All she wants is a stiff drink and a whole lot of distraction…which is exactly when she meets him. Tall, dark, and deliciously disguised, the man known only as Phantom awakens her every sense. All Frankie really knows about him is the raw, untamed chemistry that makes her want to relinquish herself—body and soul—to his touch…
Phantom has rules, all designed to protect his identity. No names. No personal information. But Frankie is a too-tempting ingenue who threatens all of his cautious, careful control. At the ultra-exclusive Black Rose Underground Club, he can explore each of her deepest, uncharted desires…so long as he keeps his public life—and his secrets—hidden.
Frankie’s ready to explore what lies between them. The intensity, the darkness, and the unyielding pleasure of it all. But while the mystery of Phantom is thrilling, secrets are one game she won’t play. And if she’s going to explore the forbidden, she’ll begin with finding out exactly who’s under the mask…
Each book in the Black Rose series is
* Blush
* Bloom
* Blossom
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
144 people are currently reading
3882 people want to read
About the author
Helen Hardt
202 books8,337 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 223 reviews
August 18, 2023
New to the scene!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😠🙃😍😘🥰
The heroine: Francesca (a.k.a. Frankie) - she is a junior editor at a women’s magazine and is twenty seven years old. A month ago she broke up with her fiancee Penn when she found out he was cheating on her. Today, on the day that should have been her wedding, her sister announces her engagement. Frankie takes off and stops at the nearest bar to have a drink.
The Hero: Phantom - he is a businessman by day, and has an alter ego at night. He goes to a BDSM club called the Black Rose Underground to enact scenes in which he indulges his darkest and innermost fantasies. Many of the women he is with want to know him more, but the name Phantom is all he gives them and he wears a mask similar to the phantom of the opera. He doesn’t do relationships anymore, he only does scenes.
The Story: Frankie meets Phantom at the nice bar where she ended up for a drink and they get to talking. He shares his favorite drink, then they share a meal together, each of them promising to find out the others secrets. They meet again and he asks her to meet him a third time and go to a place where all her fantasies can come true.
Meanwhile, Frankie’s magazine was looking for story ideas and Frankie said she would start investigating the BDSM scene in New York. It is hard to find information since everyone has to sign non-disclosure agreements at clubs like that. They can’t tell anyone where the club is, who they see there or what they see. Phantom is used to the club and has never gotten personal with any of the women he meets there or brings to the club. Though he finds himself wanting to be real with Frankie, though he can’t.
Of course this book is super steamy, though it doesn’t happen too quick, which I like, they get to know each other a bit, as much as they can anyway without knowing names. I like that Phantom introduces Frankie to the lifestyle slowly. I like that Phantom feels different about Frankie from the start than any of the other women he plays with. I think that is why I like the playboy Heroes so much. As a woman, you always want to be the one that changes them, the one that stands out from the crowd. So I like to read those types of stories.
There were some side storylines that got quite good as the book went on, with things happening in their lives. I liked the part about the story Frankie was working on and was glad that it all happened in a different way than what I expected at the beginning.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😠🙃😍😘🥰
The heroine: Francesca (a.k.a. Frankie) - she is a junior editor at a women’s magazine and is twenty seven years old. A month ago she broke up with her fiancee Penn when she found out he was cheating on her. Today, on the day that should have been her wedding, her sister announces her engagement. Frankie takes off and stops at the nearest bar to have a drink.
The Hero: Phantom - he is a businessman by day, and has an alter ego at night. He goes to a BDSM club called the Black Rose Underground to enact scenes in which he indulges his darkest and innermost fantasies. Many of the women he is with want to know him more, but the name Phantom is all he gives them and he wears a mask similar to the phantom of the opera. He doesn’t do relationships anymore, he only does scenes.
“This is separate from my other life—the life where I make a living, do my work.
Here, I dive into the deepest and darkest parts of my desires with willing partners.
And I never tell them my name.
Nor do I ask theirs.”
The Story: Frankie meets Phantom at the nice bar where she ended up for a drink and they get to talking. He shares his favorite drink, then they share a meal together, each of them promising to find out the others secrets. They meet again and he asks her to meet him a third time and go to a place where all her fantasies can come true.
“I want to find out who I truly am,” I say. “Because the person everyone knows? The person I know? I don’t think that’s really me.”
Meanwhile, Frankie’s magazine was looking for story ideas and Frankie said she would start investigating the BDSM scene in New York. It is hard to find information since everyone has to sign non-disclosure agreements at clubs like that. They can’t tell anyone where the club is, who they see there or what they see. Phantom is used to the club and has never gotten personal with any of the women he meets there or brings to the club. Though he finds himself wanting to be real with Frankie, though he can’t.
Of course this book is super steamy, though it doesn’t happen too quick, which I like, they get to know each other a bit, as much as they can anyway without knowing names. I like that Phantom introduces Frankie to the lifestyle slowly. I like that Phantom feels different about Frankie from the start than any of the other women he plays with. I think that is why I like the playboy Heroes so much. As a woman, you always want to be the one that changes them, the one that stands out from the crowd. So I like to read those types of stories.
There were some side storylines that got quite good as the book went on, with things happening in their lives. I liked the part about the story Frankie was working on and was glad that it all happened in a different way than what I expected at the beginning.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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July 20, 2023
3.5 Stars
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bloom is part of a series about an underground club and its steamy activities. I did recognize a few of the characters' names from other books but this can easily be read as a standalone story.
This is a story of two lonely people randomly meeting and discovering themselves and each other together. It’s a story of trust. It’s a story of exploration and discovery. One of the things that this author does very well is write the hot and steamy scenes that envelop you in the story. With a BDSM intrigue theme running through this book, it is easy to get sucked into Bloom
I have to admit, this is also one of the first stories where I had a hard time with the connection between the main characters. I missed some of the sizzle and spark that usually burst from the pages. Frankie did some things that I disliked and seemed somewhat shallow.
Overall, the story is great and super engaging, but I did not get that hard-core connection between the main characters that are usually there. I needed more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/bloom-by-hel...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bloom is part of a series about an underground club and its steamy activities. I did recognize a few of the characters' names from other books but this can easily be read as a standalone story.
This is a story of two lonely people randomly meeting and discovering themselves and each other together. It’s a story of trust. It’s a story of exploration and discovery. One of the things that this author does very well is write the hot and steamy scenes that envelop you in the story. With a BDSM intrigue theme running through this book, it is easy to get sucked into Bloom
I have to admit, this is also one of the first stories where I had a hard time with the connection between the main characters. I missed some of the sizzle and spark that usually burst from the pages. Frankie did some things that I disliked and seemed somewhat shallow.
Overall, the story is great and super engaging, but I did not get that hard-core connection between the main characters that are usually there. I needed more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/bloom-by-hel...
dnf
February 9, 2024stoppp he's so annoying. it's giving "oh, you have a brain? most girls don't..."
September 2, 2023
Full review on my blog!
Thank you to the author Helen Hardt, publishers Entangle: Amara Press, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of BLOOM. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accompanying widget. All views are mine.
𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘸!
When I was invited to read BLOOM, Helen Hardt's follow up to BLUSH, I said absolutely, yes, I mean, have you seen these covers? They are gorgeous! I asked to read BLUSH first, so I could see where the story started and I went in completely blind. I like surprises.
And wow was I surprised. ...
BLOOM was not such a surprise, of course, and I don't think I enjoyed it as much for that. ...
I'm so excited to read the last book in the series, BLOSSOM, due out January 24. Honestly, I'm totally sold on the series. And I'm not typically a series girl! But this is really good work!
Bloom:
Cover: 5
Character Work: 4
Story: 3.8
Settings / World Work: 3.5
Ending: 4
Steam: 4.3
Rating: 4.26
Recommend? Definitely!
Dates finished: July 27 (Blush) and 28 (Bloom)
Format: Advance Digital Copy (NetGalley) and Paperback (TLC Book Tours)
Thank you to the author Helen Hardt, publishers Entangle: Amara Press, and TLC Book Tours, for an advance paperback copy of BLOOM. Thank you also to NetGalley for an accompanying widget. All views are mine.
𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘸!
When I was invited to read BLOOM, Helen Hardt's follow up to BLUSH, I said absolutely, yes, I mean, have you seen these covers? They are gorgeous! I asked to read BLUSH first, so I could see where the story started and I went in completely blind. I like surprises.
And wow was I surprised. ...
BLOOM was not such a surprise, of course, and I don't think I enjoyed it as much for that. ...
I'm so excited to read the last book in the series, BLOSSOM, due out January 24. Honestly, I'm totally sold on the series. And I'm not typically a series girl! But this is really good work!
Bloom:
Cover: 5
Character Work: 4
Story: 3.8
Settings / World Work: 3.5
Ending: 4
Steam: 4.3
Rating: 4.26
Recommend? Definitely!
Dates finished: July 27 (Blush) and 28 (Bloom)
Format: Advance Digital Copy (NetGalley) and Paperback (TLC Book Tours)
August 14, 2023
Bloom was not the book for me. It had a strong intriguing start and I didn’t mind Frankie at the beginning, but I found her to be and unreliable FMC, and much of her was kind of whiny and frustrating. And she was so rude to poor Tom (this date dialogue was very tough to read as well).
As for Phantom… nothing about his disguise was appealing or attractive to me, so I had difficulty engaging with their relationship. I had high hopes / guesses for who the phantom would turn out to be and the direction the book would take and unfortunately was disappointed by how off I was.
All-in-all it had a lot of potential just fell really flat, and I wish I’d DNF’d. I would try something else by this author though.
Thanks Entangled and NetGalley for the arc to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As for Phantom… nothing about his disguise was appealing or attractive to me, so I had difficulty engaging with their relationship. I had high hopes / guesses for who the phantom would turn out to be and the direction the book would take and unfortunately was disappointed by how off I was.
All-in-all it had a lot of potential just fell really flat, and I wish I’d DNF’d. I would try something else by this author though.
Thanks Entangled and NetGalley for the arc to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 30, 2023
This book sucked. But it was also insane. I present... the most insane quotes from this book that I specifically marked for this purpose.
HELP? THIS WAS SO RANDOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY LIKE??
This next one is her interviewing one of her best friends about D/s lifestyle:
genuinely... what the fuck... there's so much bad about this but like... bisexuality being kinky?? what?? for a book that's literally like about sex clubs and kink this book is so fucking dumb and NOT sex positive
So this whole book has this weird phantom of the opera role play thing they do because he wears a mask when they first meet...
She's talking about her fiance cheating on her:
Ah yes... what a sex positive kinky book you've written here Ms. Hardt... (not to mention she knows the woman is from the kink club THAT SHE'S ALSO FREQUENTING)
THAT'S HER BEST FRIEND LIKE? WHAT???
something about explicitly mentioning that ur new girl is hotter than ur ex girl who DIED TRAGICALLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT, feels wrong to me... idk...
oh speaking of comparing to his DEAD EX GIRLFRIEND HE LOVED... im so sorry for this next one but its insane and i have to end this on an insane note:
... this man rlly just said... that... holy shit.
I call for an Uber, and I have him drop me in Chintatown ... I stop in front of a shop.
Golden Dragon Costumes.
Perfect.
I walk into the store, and I'm transplanted to a fantasy world.
I've always loved Chinatown. I adore Chinese culture and fashion and food.
HELP? THIS WAS SO RANDOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORY LIKE??
This next one is her interviewing one of her best friends about D/s lifestyle:
"I like giving my pleasure over to someone else. Letting him or her—"
I stop typing, my jaw dropped. "Wait a minute. Or her?"
"Wow. I had no idea."
"Come on, Frank. We all experiment in college."
"I didn't."
"Really?"
"Not with women." I narrow my eyes. "Are you saying you did?"
"I did. And I know Gigi did."
"Wow." I exhale slowly. "How did I not know this about my two besties? Maybe I am vanilla"
genuinely... what the fuck... there's so much bad about this but like... bisexuality being kinky?? what?? for a book that's literally like about sex clubs and kink this book is so fucking dumb and NOT sex positive
So this whole book has this weird phantom of the opera role play thing they do because he wears a mask when they first meet...
"That's it," he says. "Keep coming, Angel. Come for me. Come for your Phantom."
And then, like Christine Daae herself, I scream out at high pitch, almost in song.
"Yes, sing for me, my angel of music."
She's talking about her fiance cheating on her:
"Don't you want to know?"
"Not really. I mean sure, I'm curious. But it's probably some skank."
Ah yes... what a sex positive kinky book you've written here Ms. Hardt... (not to mention she knows the woman is from the kink club THAT SHE'S ALSO FREQUENTING)
Isabella rises, and she looks good in her skinny jeans and tight T-shirt. She's so long and lean. No boobs, though, which Mandy and I both have in abundance
THAT'S HER BEST FRIEND LIKE? WHAT???
Frankie is more beautiful than either Allison or Teresa, who were both warm and smart.
something about explicitly mentioning that ur new girl is hotter than ur ex girl who DIED TRAGICALLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT, feels wrong to me... idk...
oh speaking of comparing to his DEAD EX GIRLFRIEND HE LOVED... im so sorry for this next one but its insane and i have to end this on an insane note:
And I swear Frankie smells sweeter than anyone.
God, even Allison.
... this man rlly just said... that... holy shit.
February 11, 2024
“Bloom” is a new adult romance novel and is the second novel in Helen Hardt’s “Black Rose” trilogy. “Bloom” focuses on the sexual reawakening of twenty-seven year old Francesca “Frankie” Thomas after breaking up with her former fiancé due to his cheating.
The novel consists of fifty-four chapters, acknowledgements, and a blurb about the author.
The novel begins by the reading being introduced to the main character Francesca “Frankie” Thomas as well as her parents, her older sister Amanda “Mandy” and Mandy’s best friend/boyfriend Jackson “Jack” Paris. During a dinner out with family, Mandy announces that she and Jack have gotten engaged. While Frankie is happy for Mandy internally, she’s furious that the engagement announcement occurring on what was supposed to be her wedding day.
In an effort to forget about her wedding getting cancelled and callous family behavior, Frankie leaves the family dinner and goes to the first bar she sees. While ordering a drink, the seat next to her is taken by a man dressed in a costume similar to “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Chapter two introduces the man dressed as “The Phantom of the Opera.” The Phantom is unsettled by how this woman makes him feel as well as the urge to know her name and indulge in his dark sexual desires with her. Phantom impresses Frankie by quoting author F. Scott Fitzgerald and she impresses her by suggesting a special gin martini with elderberry liqueur.
At Frankie’s job as a junior editor at a women’s magazine, she decides to embrace a new side of herself by volunteering to do an expose on the BDSM lifestyle. Upon telling her friends Isabella and Gigi about her investigative piece, she is initially met with disbelief from GIgi but gets surprising support from Isabella.
At the club, Frankie tells Phantom her first name and when he doesn’t freely give her his name, she plans to leave but Phantom promises to tell Frankie his name if she goes with him to an unknown location. Frankie eventually follows Phantom to the unknown location and discovers herself in a BDSM club.
Upon arriving at the club, Frankie sign NDA forms before getting a tour of the club led by Phantom. Frankie feels overwhelmed by all of the sex acts she sees but soon imagines being in the club being watched by others. Frankie is torn between her desire for Phantom and her desire to write a good expose article about the club and BDSM lifestyle despite signing the NDA.
Workwise, Frankie’s is surprised when she puts out ad on social media asking people to contact her and she receives over thirty responses. She is shocked to learn that some of the respondents are in their late thirties, forties, and early fifties and that members of the lifestyle come from different backgrounds including a businesswoman and a doctor.
Frankie accepts a date with another man and begins to feel combative about Phantom not telling her his first name or showing his full face. Upon coming to a mutual agreement, Phantom takes her to the club and she is shocked to see her ex-fiancé having sex with someone else. As a result of seeing Frankie so devastated by seeing her ex, Phantom tells her his real first name which is Hunter.
The next day while Frankie is at a coffee shop with another man, she accidentally runs into the Hunter and discovers his full name and job as a university professor.
Hunter eventually finds out Frankie’s plan of getting information for BDSM article and he responds by distancing himself from her. After a moment of reflection, Hunter realizes he misjudged Frankie and apologizes to her in person.
Although Hunter doesn’t want Frankie to write her magazine article, he reluctantly accepts her writing the article given that she doesn’t include him in the article.
After Hunter and Frankie have unprotected sex, Hunter implies that Frankie might have been infected with an STD leading her to distance herself from him.
At work, Hunter is confronted by the chair of the English department at the where he works university regarding his upcoming Victorian erotic fiction novel. Although Hunter feels the novel isn’t a big deal, his chair worries about it possibly becoming a scandal.
Frankie and Mandy have an heart to heart conversation in which she discloses her and Jack seeing her ex-fiancé at the same club Hunter is a member of. Mandy’s revelation about going to the same club as Hunter freaks Frankie out and so attempts to break up with Hunter before realizing that they’re in love so it doesn’t matter.
After Frankie reads her BDSM magazine article to Hunter, he responds by acting happy and hiding his problems at work. When Hunter finally tells Frankie what’s happening at work, she shows her support by attending his meeting as his fiancée. To save Hunter’s job, Frankie tells the university committee the truth about the club he goes to leading Hunter to end their relationship.
Since Hunter feels that Frankie has betrayed his trust and privacy, he severs all contact with Frankie. A month later, Frankie is shocked to learn that her BDSM article was nominated for a prestigious writing award.
The novel end with Hunter and Frankie reuniting, Hunter leave his university job for another university position where he is fully accepted, and they both forgiving each other for past mistakes.
As I finished the novel, I liked the inclusion of Frankie’s magazine article towards the end of the novel which was informative and entertaining to read.
The novel consists of fifty-four chapters, acknowledgements, and a blurb about the author.
The novel begins by the reading being introduced to the main character Francesca “Frankie” Thomas as well as her parents, her older sister Amanda “Mandy” and Mandy’s best friend/boyfriend Jackson “Jack” Paris. During a dinner out with family, Mandy announces that she and Jack have gotten engaged. While Frankie is happy for Mandy internally, she’s furious that the engagement announcement occurring on what was supposed to be her wedding day.
In an effort to forget about her wedding getting cancelled and callous family behavior, Frankie leaves the family dinner and goes to the first bar she sees. While ordering a drink, the seat next to her is taken by a man dressed in a costume similar to “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Chapter two introduces the man dressed as “The Phantom of the Opera.” The Phantom is unsettled by how this woman makes him feel as well as the urge to know her name and indulge in his dark sexual desires with her. Phantom impresses Frankie by quoting author F. Scott Fitzgerald and she impresses her by suggesting a special gin martini with elderberry liqueur.
At Frankie’s job as a junior editor at a women’s magazine, she decides to embrace a new side of herself by volunteering to do an expose on the BDSM lifestyle. Upon telling her friends Isabella and Gigi about her investigative piece, she is initially met with disbelief from GIgi but gets surprising support from Isabella.
At the club, Frankie tells Phantom her first name and when he doesn’t freely give her his name, she plans to leave but Phantom promises to tell Frankie his name if she goes with him to an unknown location. Frankie eventually follows Phantom to the unknown location and discovers herself in a BDSM club.
Upon arriving at the club, Frankie sign NDA forms before getting a tour of the club led by Phantom. Frankie feels overwhelmed by all of the sex acts she sees but soon imagines being in the club being watched by others. Frankie is torn between her desire for Phantom and her desire to write a good expose article about the club and BDSM lifestyle despite signing the NDA.
Workwise, Frankie’s is surprised when she puts out ad on social media asking people to contact her and she receives over thirty responses. She is shocked to learn that some of the respondents are in their late thirties, forties, and early fifties and that members of the lifestyle come from different backgrounds including a businesswoman and a doctor.
Frankie accepts a date with another man and begins to feel combative about Phantom not telling her his first name or showing his full face. Upon coming to a mutual agreement, Phantom takes her to the club and she is shocked to see her ex-fiancé having sex with someone else. As a result of seeing Frankie so devastated by seeing her ex, Phantom tells her his real first name which is Hunter.
The next day while Frankie is at a coffee shop with another man, she accidentally runs into the Hunter and discovers his full name and job as a university professor.
Hunter eventually finds out Frankie’s plan of getting information for BDSM article and he responds by distancing himself from her. After a moment of reflection, Hunter realizes he misjudged Frankie and apologizes to her in person.
Although Hunter doesn’t want Frankie to write her magazine article, he reluctantly accepts her writing the article given that she doesn’t include him in the article.
After Hunter and Frankie have unprotected sex, Hunter implies that Frankie might have been infected with an STD leading her to distance herself from him.
At work, Hunter is confronted by the chair of the English department at the where he works university regarding his upcoming Victorian erotic fiction novel. Although Hunter feels the novel isn’t a big deal, his chair worries about it possibly becoming a scandal.
Frankie and Mandy have an heart to heart conversation in which she discloses her and Jack seeing her ex-fiancé at the same club Hunter is a member of. Mandy’s revelation about going to the same club as Hunter freaks Frankie out and so attempts to break up with Hunter before realizing that they’re in love so it doesn’t matter.
After Frankie reads her BDSM magazine article to Hunter, he responds by acting happy and hiding his problems at work. When Hunter finally tells Frankie what’s happening at work, she shows her support by attending his meeting as his fiancée. To save Hunter’s job, Frankie tells the university committee the truth about the club he goes to leading Hunter to end their relationship.
Since Hunter feels that Frankie has betrayed his trust and privacy, he severs all contact with Frankie. A month later, Frankie is shocked to learn that her BDSM article was nominated for a prestigious writing award.
The novel end with Hunter and Frankie reuniting, Hunter leave his university job for another university position where he is fully accepted, and they both forgiving each other for past mistakes.
As I finished the novel, I liked the inclusion of Frankie’s magazine article towards the end of the novel which was informative and entertaining to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ from me. I’m not sure why I’m just not into these books like I was hoping, while the spice is good maybe it’s the overall story I just can’t get behind.
September 4, 2023
This erotic read will have you sweating buckets and reaching for ice water to cool you down, but it will also double down and provide you with entertaining reading pleasure as it has a good plot to go with the steam! Can two broken hearted people find the path to everlasting love or will they burn hot and fast then burn out? You'll have to grab the book and start reading to find out! This is the second book in the series and once again leads a novice into the BDSM world. You could just pick up this book and enjoy it, but you will get more depth from the story if you start with the first book as it lays a good foundation for this book to thrive upon. Besides, who doesn't want more steam and depth of story when reading for your pleasure? This author knows how to deliver on both! I can't wait to see what and who will be featured in the third book in this series as we've been promised a third installment is to come! I'll be anticipating its release with bated breath!
August 22, 2023
Francesca (Frankie) Thomas
Hunter (Phantom) Stone
Bloom, book 2 in the Black Rose Series, which is a spin off of the Follow Me Series.
Needing a drink after learning that her sister had gotten engaged, on the very day she was to become Mrs Pendleton Berry, Frankie goes into a bar, she's never been to before. While there, she meets Phantom.
Phantom introduces Frankie, into a whole new world, in the BDSM lifestyle...
Helen Hardt, wrote this book with the perfect amount of sex, steam and chemistry between these 2 main characters.
I give this book 5 stars.
Hunter (Phantom) Stone
Bloom, book 2 in the Black Rose Series, which is a spin off of the Follow Me Series.
Needing a drink after learning that her sister had gotten engaged, on the very day she was to become Mrs Pendleton Berry, Frankie goes into a bar, she's never been to before. While there, she meets Phantom.
Phantom introduces Frankie, into a whole new world, in the BDSM lifestyle...
Helen Hardt, wrote this book with the perfect amount of sex, steam and chemistry between these 2 main characters.
I give this book 5 stars.
June 23, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy. The following review reflects my personal opinions:
Bloom is the second book in the Black Rose Underground series. The first book, Blush, is about long-time friends Mandy and Jackson. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and had very high expectations for Bloom. In all honesty, I wished the series had solely been about Jackson and Mandy.
I must say, I struggled to like Mandy's sister, Frankie, who takes center stage in Bloom. Heartbroken after calling off her engagement, Frankie meets a mysterious man known as Phantom (his identity remains hidden throughout the first half of the book). The two immediately hit it off.
Frankie is described as a traditionally beautiful woman, but she battles with body image issues and is used to always outshining her sister Mandy. Although she claims to be happy about Mandy's engagement with Jackson, she constantly needs to reassure herself of her happiness for her sister (jealousy much?).
I found Frankie to be annoying and selfish. Personally, I felt that the male lead deserved better.
I wished the author had given more details about the male character. Are his parents still alive? Does he have any siblings? I wanted to learn more about him instead of the never-ending chats Frankie had with her sources for her BDSM article.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, not to mention the 🔥🔥 sex scenes.
Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, I would.
Bloom is the second book in the Black Rose Underground series. The first book, Blush, is about long-time friends Mandy and Jackson. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and had very high expectations for Bloom. In all honesty, I wished the series had solely been about Jackson and Mandy.
I must say, I struggled to like Mandy's sister, Frankie, who takes center stage in Bloom. Heartbroken after calling off her engagement, Frankie meets a mysterious man known as Phantom (his identity remains hidden throughout the first half of the book). The two immediately hit it off.
Frankie is described as a traditionally beautiful woman, but she battles with body image issues and is used to always outshining her sister Mandy. Although she claims to be happy about Mandy's engagement with Jackson, she constantly needs to reassure herself of her happiness for her sister (jealousy much?).
I found Frankie to be annoying and selfish. Personally, I felt that the male lead deserved better.
I wished the author had given more details about the male character. Are his parents still alive? Does he have any siblings? I wanted to learn more about him instead of the never-ending chats Frankie had with her sources for her BDSM article.
Overall, I did enjoy the book, not to mention the 🔥🔥 sex scenes.
Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, I would.
August 17, 2023
This was very fifty shades for me. But, a more mature adult version of it if that’s possible? I found myself wanting to DNF this multiple times. There really wasn’t a plot per say. The female MC, Frankie, made me more and more aggravated as I kept reading. And Phantom aka Hunter, gave me hard core Christian Grey vibes when it came to his private life. Idk. I would have enjoyed this more if there there was an actual plot and not so much fixation on the sex club. It all just seemed odd to me.
September 10, 2023
It was a very spicy read. Not very heavy on the plot and every so often the characters felt a little mismatched but overall it was an enjoyable read. I really would’ve loved to have gotten more relationship buildup for the main relationship. The characters had some funny banter that I liked a lot too. While it wasn’t a favorite of mine, it was one that I’d recommend if asked.
July 18, 2024
Okay this was a reread for me and the second time around it wasn’t as amazing as I remember. I loved the honest sister dynamic, however the FMC was kind of annoying throughout the book. Overall, I did enjoy it.
August 15, 2023
I received this ARC from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
To be honest, I’m disappointed. This book was full of tropes I find cringey, including insta-lust/insta-love. I found the main character annoying and selfish; she gets upset when anyone else is happy just because she recently got out of a relationship. The MMC was also flat, and completely unrealistic. I really disliked how quickly this progressed considering the main characters knew literally nothing about each other. Also, it wasn’t very spicy at all, which is odd considering that is the major theme of the book. I appreciate the ARC, but unfortunately, this just wasn’t it for me.
To be honest, I’m disappointed. This book was full of tropes I find cringey, including insta-lust/insta-love. I found the main character annoying and selfish; she gets upset when anyone else is happy just because she recently got out of a relationship. The MMC was also flat, and completely unrealistic. I really disliked how quickly this progressed considering the main characters knew literally nothing about each other. Also, it wasn’t very spicy at all, which is odd considering that is the major theme of the book. I appreciate the ARC, but unfortunately, this just wasn’t it for me.
August 23, 2023
3.5 stars
What do you do on the day you’re meant to be marrying your cheating ex? Go to a bar & share drinks and dirty talk with a handsome stranger. This was a really good exploration of BDSM within a club environment. Frankie and Phantom were interesting characters but I struggled to fully connect with them.
Although this book is a part of a series I had no problem following the storyline.
I received an arc of this book
What do you do on the day you’re meant to be marrying your cheating ex? Go to a bar & share drinks and dirty talk with a handsome stranger. This was a really good exploration of BDSM within a club environment. Frankie and Phantom were interesting characters but I struggled to fully connect with them.
Although this book is a part of a series I had no problem following the storyline.
I received an arc of this book
September 9, 2023
Frankie turns on her wild side when Phantom presence accompanies her to an alluring place. For me the book offers me some very hot dialogue between both main characters. I definitely love the entertainment that book shares. The story is an easy read. The topic for me is a bit bland. This leads me to think that story is mostly around the entertainment. The was enjoyable story. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
I loved this book so much! It is S.P.I.C.Y. I read all 333 pages in one day.
October 8, 2024
i’m so confident this couple is breaking up within a week
February 28, 2025
The ending was crap.
August 17, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was just ok for me. It almost lost me early on when “Angel” cries out in ecstasy and “Phantom” says “Yes, sing for me, my angel of music.” That sort of ruined my favorite musical.
Some elements are fine - there’s a decent storyline and obviously there’s spice, but the insta-love wasn’t believable to me and there wasn’t much in the way of character development.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
This book was just ok for me. It almost lost me early on when “Angel” cries out in ecstasy and “Phantom” says “Yes, sing for me, my angel of music.” That sort of ruined my favorite musical.
Some elements are fine - there’s a decent storyline and obviously there’s spice, but the insta-love wasn’t believable to me and there wasn’t much in the way of character development.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! i loved getting to see both Phantom and Frankie work through their ups and downs together. you could also really see the character development between them which i loved! however, i found it a little difficult to connect with the characters and i wasn’t a big fan of frankie because at times she was very shallow. overall, i enjoyed this book i just wish i could’ve connected with the characters more.
August 24, 2023
Bloom
This book is about Frankie and Phantom (aka, Hunter) and their relationship. Both have been burned by their ex’s and have trouble trusting the other one. But they proceed cautiously with each other and start a relationship. But as soon as any obstacle comes along, they are both ready to overreact and break up with the other. Even still, they are super attracted to each other, and have off the charts chemistry between them. They keep coming back to each other every time, more intense and hotter than before. But will they be able to recover from the ultimate betrayal? You’ll have to read to find out. I totally loved this book and can’t wait for the next one!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is about Frankie and Phantom (aka, Hunter) and their relationship. Both have been burned by their ex’s and have trouble trusting the other one. But they proceed cautiously with each other and start a relationship. But as soon as any obstacle comes along, they are both ready to overreact and break up with the other. Even still, they are super attracted to each other, and have off the charts chemistry between them. They keep coming back to each other every time, more intense and hotter than before. But will they be able to recover from the ultimate betrayal? You’ll have to read to find out. I totally loved this book and can’t wait for the next one!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 27, 2025
I got to chapter 21 and just could not finish the book. There are several things I didn’t like, including all the characters. I don’t like the way this author writes. To me it’s boring, repetitive, and lacks any imagination. Not sure why there are so many 4 or 5 star ratings.
August 22, 2023
3.5 Blooming Stars
While I liked Frankie and Phantom’s story, I found connecting with the self-centered Frankie hard. She just broke up with her fiance because he was cheating; yes, that would make most people bitter. Still, the fact that she was questioning herself about marrying him in the first place and wasn’t heartbroken when the breakup finally happened but was annoyed when others forgot a specific day…it just didn’t sit right. It made it seem that she was looking for sympathy instead of being grateful that she dodged a bullet when it came to not marrying the cheating asshole.
This story has Frankie and Phantom going through ups and downs in their personal lives and relationship. But everything is worked out, and they get a HEA.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBloom
**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
Merged review:
3.5 Blooming Stars
While I liked Frankie and Phantom’s story, I found connecting with the self-centered Frankie hard. She just broke up with her fiance because he was cheating; yes, that would make most people bitter. Still, the fact that she was questioning herself about marrying him in the first place and wasn’t heartbroken when the breakup finally happened but was annoyed when others forgot a specific day…it just didn’t sit right. It made it seem that she was looking for sympathy instead of being grateful that she dodged a bullet when it came to not marrying the cheating asshole.
I enjoyed Phantom, aka - haha, not going to tell you. You'll have to read the book to find out who he is and why he keeps his identity a secret; he has a good reason for keeping his identity hidden, and becoming Phantom allows him to delve into the darker side of himself that not many know about.
Phantom and Frankie meet at a bar one night, and it's lust at first sight, which turns into insta-love pretty quickly. They have great chemistry together, and Phantom touches a side of Frankie she didn't even know she had until meeting him and discovering BDSM.
This story has Frankie and Phantom going through ups and downs in their personal lives and relationship. But everything is worked out, and they get a HEA.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy STEAMY Contemporary Romances, Intro to BDSM Romances, or Secret Identity Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
While I liked Frankie and Phantom’s story, I found connecting with the self-centered Frankie hard. She just broke up with her fiance because he was cheating; yes, that would make most people bitter. Still, the fact that she was questioning herself about marrying him in the first place and wasn’t heartbroken when the breakup finally happened but was annoyed when others forgot a specific day…it just didn’t sit right. It made it seem that she was looking for sympathy instead of being grateful that she dodged a bullet when it came to not marrying the cheating asshole.
This story has Frankie and Phantom going through ups and downs in their personal lives and relationship. But everything is worked out, and they get a HEA.
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBloom
**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
Merged review:
3.5 Blooming Stars
While I liked Frankie and Phantom’s story, I found connecting with the self-centered Frankie hard. She just broke up with her fiance because he was cheating; yes, that would make most people bitter. Still, the fact that she was questioning herself about marrying him in the first place and wasn’t heartbroken when the breakup finally happened but was annoyed when others forgot a specific day…it just didn’t sit right. It made it seem that she was looking for sympathy instead of being grateful that she dodged a bullet when it came to not marrying the cheating asshole.
I enjoyed Phantom, aka - haha, not going to tell you. You'll have to read the book to find out who he is and why he keeps his identity a secret; he has a good reason for keeping his identity hidden, and becoming Phantom allows him to delve into the darker side of himself that not many know about.
Phantom and Frankie meet at a bar one night, and it's lust at first sight, which turns into insta-love pretty quickly. They have great chemistry together, and Phantom touches a side of Frankie she didn't even know she had until meeting him and discovering BDSM.
This story has Frankie and Phantom going through ups and downs in their personal lives and relationship. But everything is worked out, and they get a HEA.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy STEAMY Contemporary Romances, Intro to BDSM Romances, or Secret Identity Romances.
Happy Reading!!!
August 22, 2023
5/5⭐
4.5/5🌶
Brilliantly Beautiful story of finding love after heartache 💜
Bloom is a thrilling, mysterious, steamy, eye-opening story. It takes place in the follow me series world and it gives a more in-depth look into the black rose Underground club. If you've read book one which is blush you've met Frankie. She is the sister of Amanda who is the main character in blush.
Frankie meets a mysterious man in the bar of the hotel that Braden black owns. She's never seen his face because he's dressed and almost a masquerade costume reminding her of Phantom of the Opera. And he calls himself Phantom. You can tell from the get-go that there is a connection, spicy steamy hot attraction to each other. Frankie is on the rebound, and just needs to explore what is out there for her after the Heartbreak that she suffered.
Phantom sees Frankie and he is immediately drawn to her. He wants to get to know her, and can't stop thinking about her no matter what. He keeps his identity a secret throughout half of the book and that is so intriguing all on its own. He takes Frankie into a world where she can let go, or she can explore things she's never dreamed of. And he breaks all his own rules
What's supposed to just be casual and mysterious turns out to be so much more. When Frankie finally realizes who Phantom is it brings a whole new feel an atmosphere to the story. Phantom has reasons for wanting to keep his identity a secret, and they are not horrible reasons. He wants his personal life completely separate from his professional one and I can't say I don't blame him. So he gets that uncomfortableness and is put in a tough predicament. He wants to explore everything with Frankie but he just doesn't feel comfortable right from the get-go about mixing his personal life with his professional one.
Bloom is a wild ride of different emotions for me. In the first book I honestly could not stand Frankie. In this book I was hesitant, I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with the character at all because of how she was in the first book. However the queen Helen has a way of taking a character that you really didn't care for much and turning them into a character you can sympathize with and you actually want better things for them. Frankie may not be my favorite character still but her story is a story of growth, self-reflection, compromise, and mostly Love after heartbreak.
5 glorious stars for Bloom!
4.5/5🌶
Brilliantly Beautiful story of finding love after heartache 💜
Bloom is a thrilling, mysterious, steamy, eye-opening story. It takes place in the follow me series world and it gives a more in-depth look into the black rose Underground club. If you've read book one which is blush you've met Frankie. She is the sister of Amanda who is the main character in blush.
Frankie meets a mysterious man in the bar of the hotel that Braden black owns. She's never seen his face because he's dressed and almost a masquerade costume reminding her of Phantom of the Opera. And he calls himself Phantom. You can tell from the get-go that there is a connection, spicy steamy hot attraction to each other. Frankie is on the rebound, and just needs to explore what is out there for her after the Heartbreak that she suffered.
Phantom sees Frankie and he is immediately drawn to her. He wants to get to know her, and can't stop thinking about her no matter what. He keeps his identity a secret throughout half of the book and that is so intriguing all on its own. He takes Frankie into a world where she can let go, or she can explore things she's never dreamed of. And he breaks all his own rules
What's supposed to just be casual and mysterious turns out to be so much more. When Frankie finally realizes who Phantom is it brings a whole new feel an atmosphere to the story. Phantom has reasons for wanting to keep his identity a secret, and they are not horrible reasons. He wants his personal life completely separate from his professional one and I can't say I don't blame him. So he gets that uncomfortableness and is put in a tough predicament. He wants to explore everything with Frankie but he just doesn't feel comfortable right from the get-go about mixing his personal life with his professional one.
Bloom is a wild ride of different emotions for me. In the first book I honestly could not stand Frankie. In this book I was hesitant, I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't be able to connect with the character at all because of how she was in the first book. However the queen Helen has a way of taking a character that you really didn't care for much and turning them into a character you can sympathize with and you actually want better things for them. Frankie may not be my favorite character still but her story is a story of growth, self-reflection, compromise, and mostly Love after heartbreak.
5 glorious stars for Bloom!
August 14, 2023
Bloom is a steamy romance that centers on trust and self-discovery/exploration. The main characters, Frankie and Phantom, learn to live their lives in full bloom in and out of the bedroom.
Frankie is a junior editor at a women's magazine. She recently discovered that her fiance cheated on her and is looking to drown her sorrows at a bar. That's when she meets Phantom! He is mesmerizing even though he wears a mask like in the Phantom of the Opera. He is mysterious and sexy, but she isn't looking for anything serious. It turns out that he isn't looking for a relationship either. Maybe, a few casual hookups will be their perfect arrangement.
Well, that arrangement quickly goes out the window. Phantom introduces Frankie to the world of BDSM and has an assignment to write about the lifestyle. So, she is becoming fully immersed in BDSM. She learns quickly how important privacy, identity, and trust are to him and makes it a point to never cross those lines. So, she will do her best not to mention him or any of their experiences in her articles.
Together they share some of the most thrilling and sensual moments in and out of the bedroom. There are obstacles that they each have to face and those begin to play a role in their relationship. Sure their feelings are strong, but can they trust each other to stick it out even when they are up against the walls?
I always enjoy reading Helen Hardt and I enjoyed reading Bloom. Phantom and Frankie aren't supposed to be more than a casual hookup, but they can't fight their chemistry. Phantom adds so much mystery and allure to the story that I think readers will have a hard time putting this book down!
Frankie is a junior editor at a women's magazine. She recently discovered that her fiance cheated on her and is looking to drown her sorrows at a bar. That's when she meets Phantom! He is mesmerizing even though he wears a mask like in the Phantom of the Opera. He is mysterious and sexy, but she isn't looking for anything serious. It turns out that he isn't looking for a relationship either. Maybe, a few casual hookups will be their perfect arrangement.
Well, that arrangement quickly goes out the window. Phantom introduces Frankie to the world of BDSM and has an assignment to write about the lifestyle. So, she is becoming fully immersed in BDSM. She learns quickly how important privacy, identity, and trust are to him and makes it a point to never cross those lines. So, she will do her best not to mention him or any of their experiences in her articles.
Together they share some of the most thrilling and sensual moments in and out of the bedroom. There are obstacles that they each have to face and those begin to play a role in their relationship. Sure their feelings are strong, but can they trust each other to stick it out even when they are up against the walls?
I always enjoy reading Helen Hardt and I enjoyed reading Bloom. Phantom and Frankie aren't supposed to be more than a casual hookup, but they can't fight their chemistry. Phantom adds so much mystery and allure to the story that I think readers will have a hard time putting this book down!
June 20, 2023
When Phantom says “what I really want isn’t on the menu” 🔥🔥. I was like okay, now we are talking! I was already invested in the book but then I turned the brightness all the way up on my iPad, got more comfortable in bed and ready to see what spicy things are about to happen. Now, I want a Phantom in my life lol
I could not stop reading this book! Of course I finished it in a couple of hours and now I need to read all the books by this author!
Frankie, her wedding that is suppose to be happening the same day that her sister announces that she’s engaged. She leaves dinner and decides that she is going to go to the first bar that she sees.
I truly enjoyed everything about this book! I can’t disclose Phantom’s name but I’m so glad to finally find out! Also how safety is very important to him. Watching the love him and Frankie shared was absolutely beautiful.
The BSDM and talk about sex clubs really made this book so 🔥🔥. I also enjoyed how it even talked about different things of that lifestyle. Anyone reading that doesn’t know much about it, can definitely learn some things from this book. If you’re into that stuff, I know you will love this book too.
Thank you to NetGalley EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
I could not stop reading this book! Of course I finished it in a couple of hours and now I need to read all the books by this author!
Frankie, her wedding that is suppose to be happening the same day that her sister announces that she’s engaged. She leaves dinner and decides that she is going to go to the first bar that she sees.
I truly enjoyed everything about this book! I can’t disclose Phantom’s name but I’m so glad to finally find out! Also how safety is very important to him. Watching the love him and Frankie shared was absolutely beautiful.
The BSDM and talk about sex clubs really made this book so 🔥🔥. I also enjoyed how it even talked about different things of that lifestyle. Anyone reading that doesn’t know much about it, can definitely learn some things from this book. If you’re into that stuff, I know you will love this book too.
Thank you to NetGalley EARC! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
August 23, 2023
First, I would like to thank NetGalley and Entangled for an ARC of Bloom By Helen Hardt. Thank you!
I had a great time reading Frankie and Phantom's story! It was my first book by Helen Hardt, and I can definitely say I will be reading more of her books after this one.
I love that Frankie is not afraid to go for what she wants whether it's for her career or in a relationship. She is open to trying things out in the BDSM world, even if it makes her feel somewhat uncomfortable at first. Her character is strong, independent, and determined. Phantom, we learn loves literature and like everyone else has a secret side he doesn't want anyone to see. Until Frankie helps him through a tough past and slowly gets him to open up to her.
Bloom has some very spicy short scenes but I wanted just a little more. I wanted to read more about the main character's relationship, I felt it progressed a bit too fast. This however, is not a deal breaker for me. Bloom is the second book of the Black Rose series, following Blush but I feel can be read as a standalone.
4/ 5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had a great time reading Frankie and Phantom's story! It was my first book by Helen Hardt, and I can definitely say I will be reading more of her books after this one.
I love that Frankie is not afraid to go for what she wants whether it's for her career or in a relationship. She is open to trying things out in the BDSM world, even if it makes her feel somewhat uncomfortable at first. Her character is strong, independent, and determined. Phantom, we learn loves literature and like everyone else has a secret side he doesn't want anyone to see. Until Frankie helps him through a tough past and slowly gets him to open up to her.
Bloom has some very spicy short scenes but I wanted just a little more. I wanted to read more about the main character's relationship, I felt it progressed a bit too fast. This however, is not a deal breaker for me. Bloom is the second book of the Black Rose series, following Blush but I feel can be read as a standalone.
4/ 5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 23, 2023
Frankie thought she had her life planned out only to be betrayed by her fiancée and if that isn’t difficult enough, she is having difficulty seeing how happily in love her sister is. Deciding she needs to forgot she meets Phantom, a suave stranger in a mask, who is about to show her a lifestyle that she has never been part of but is beginning to crave.
Phantom is a man of mystery who is mysterious, private and wants to keep it that way. He doesn’t want anyone to know about the lifestyle he enjoys with partners who don’t know who he is and anonymity is vital. He is drawn to Frankie in a way he never expected and now keeping the different parts of their lives separate has become quite the challenge.
Phantom and Frankie’s story is one of discover as she explores a world she didn’t know she wanted and he is there to guide him and they find themselves not only dealing with the chemistry between them but all the other drama in their lives as well.
Phantom is a man of mystery who is mysterious, private and wants to keep it that way. He doesn’t want anyone to know about the lifestyle he enjoys with partners who don’t know who he is and anonymity is vital. He is drawn to Frankie in a way he never expected and now keeping the different parts of their lives separate has become quite the challenge.
Phantom and Frankie’s story is one of discover as she explores a world she didn’t know she wanted and he is there to guide him and they find themselves not only dealing with the chemistry between them but all the other drama in their lives as well.
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