Shew, I thought I loved the first one was good but wow this exceeded all expectations. Helen really knows how to hook you in and keep you reeling for more.

I had a hard time getting into this book the first time that I tried to read it. However, I tried reading it a second time and was able to get into it much better. At times, the characters felt a little mismatched and would have loved more build up on their relationship. I did find Frankie to be annoying and selfish at times which caused me to struggle to like her. However, I did enjoy the book overall and the sex scenes were amazing. I would probably recommend it to others but mainly just for the smut.

In this romantic tale, Frankie, a junior editor recovering from a cheating fiance, met Phantom. Initially seeking a casual arrangement, they quickly find themselves entangled in a deeper connection. Phantom introduces Frankie to the world of BDSM, and she immerses herself in the experience, respecting his emphasis on privacy and trust. Despite facing obstacles, their relationship evolves with thrilling and sensual moments. However, the reader might find it challenging to connect with Frankie, who, post-breakup, appears self-centered and seeks sympathy rather than expressing gratitude for dodging a cheating partner. The story navigates the complexities of trust and emotions, offering an exploration of passion and obstacles in a BDSM context.

Everything in this book - the characters, the dialogue, the plotline - was just so cringe and ridiculous. Not for me.

This was another amazing book by Helen Hardt. The characters were amazing. The storyline kept me hooked the whole time. Definitely a 5 star must read.

I loved this second book in the series. Frankie and Phantom’s chemistry is beyond steamy. They delve into their deepest fantasies together. The mystery of Phantom was what Frankie was first drawn to. But he awakens something in her and now she wants no more secrets. They both discover what they want and need in each other, and their ride together is exciting. I loved every minute of this book. This author knows how to keep her readers glued to the pages.

The continuation of a story with a new character in the spotlight is definitely a favorite of mine. This time, we follow Frankie's introduction to the lifestyle, and the air of mystery that surrounds the Phantom she meets at a bar. Little does she know, her life is about to completely change.

Phantom realizes that his life is about to completely change as well, when he starts to want more from Frankie than simple submission. I feel like this one did a better job of addressing some of the messy situations people can find themselves in with any relationship, not just BDSM ones.

A great plot with sizzling chemistry. I loved the characterization.
Many thanks to Entangled and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As always I have adored Helen Hardt's books and this one too is steamy/spicy as usual!! There are just some scenes that are pretty repetitive for me. The plots are crazy and wild in a good way, as it is a dark romance and of course who would never dig for some strangers to lovers trope? I love how it's dual POV. Gives me better view of the characters.

This has left me needing more, Helen. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC!

I’m a fan of Helen’s writing, but also it gets a bit repetitive with most scenes. The spice is there, but it usually feels like the same stuff. I will still buy all her books because even though it’s the same it’s spicy and her plots are wild! In a good way haha they’re crazy and keep me on edge.

Bloom – Black Rose Book 2 - Review
 
Author: Helen Hardt
 
Couple: Francesca Thomas & Phantom
 
Tropes: dark romance, interconnected plots, strangers to lovers, dark Phantom of the Opera reimagining, BDSM themes
 
Review: A deliciously dark and taboo romance! Helen creates an imaginative and steamy reimagining of Phantom of the Opera in this new romance! This is a dual POV romance that focuses on Francesca, the older sister of the FMC in book 1.
 
Get ready to dive into the dark and taboo with Frankie and Phantom! I loved how Helen created the chemistry and mystique between the couple from the meet cute to the last page. Frankie is a go-getter but also a woman who is reeling from her engagement that fell apart. The evolution of her character in this story was phenomenal and I enjoyed how she never gave into Phantom, even when he wanted to hide from her. The perseverance she had about learning his real name and figuring out who he is made me fall in love with her spunk and sass. I also enjoyed how she was inquisitive and strong willed.
 
Phantom is a mysterious MMC and Helen created a thrilling air around him. The fact that he wears the mask and cape to keep his identity a secret made me want to unravel his secrets all the more. I enjoyed how he was a tortured MMC whose past was given in snippets. I felt like it added to his mysterious persona more and kept me enthralled with the feelings we could tell he was developing for Frankie. I did want to have more from his POV though. I was hoping to see more about how he felt seeing Frankie at first and about his personal life and friendships.
 
This book is HAWT. It has taboo themes and BDSM themes in regards to spice. I enjoyed how Frankie was investigating the clubs she began going to with Phantom and how she fell deeper into the world. Frankie and Phantom are chalk full of tension and romance as well. The fire we see when they go head to head was blazing and I loved how it eventually boiled over and led to her wanting to know the man behind the mask. I also enjoyed the true meet cute where she meets him randomly in person without his costume.
 
Rating: 5/5, a darkly spicy romance that will leave you needing more!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have devoured Hellen Hardt books before but this one I just couldn't get into. The MC was too whiny and self absorbed for my liking. The writing style was her typical fast paced style that I absolutely love, but I just couldn't get past the MC.

This had potential, but the whole Phantom of the Opera bit got old really fast for me.

If we took that part out and just focused on the dom/sub relationship I would have enjoyed it a lot more, but instead I kept cringing whenever someone called him Phantom.

This is a DNF for me.

I really enjoy Helen Hardt's style of writing. I get hooked from the beginning. Frankie and Phantom are my favorite characters in this series so far. The exploration of BDSM and the underground clubs that exist for those with an appetite for something other than a "vanilla" lifestyle is what drew me to this series. I found this to be intriguing to read about I feel that Helen Hardt has done the research to portray these topics in a great way. I would recommend this series. I can't wait to read the next book,

This book was by far my favorite read. It was different, I didn’t expect the things to happen when it did, the fact that the main male character had a double life and got the main female character to join him in his double life was crazy. Plus she loved it. Definitely a good read. Contained spice and twists.

I really hoped to love this book as much as Blush, but it just didn't do it for me. I had a hard time connecting with Frankie and Phantom the way I did with Jackson and Mandy, and found the story wasn't as engaging as the original. I think there was a lot of potential for this to be an incredible sequel, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the chance to read this ARC for an honest review.

Super steamy! Loved this one and was engaged from the very beginning. Definitely more explicit than I expected but loved it a lot

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

Bloom follows the character Frankie who is about to get married but calls off the wedding to her cheating fiancé. While at a bar, she meets Phantom, a masked man, who she instantly feels an attraction too. Phantom also feels it but insists that their identities remain a mystery as he wears a mask. Phantom brings Frankie into the BDSM world where they can explore their desires. But can the two overcome the obstacles of being burned in the past and consider a relationship?

"Bloom" by Helen Hardt is an enticing and seductive romance novel that takes readers on a passionate journey into the world of desire, mystery, and forbidden love. With a captivating storyline and sizzling chemistry between the characters, this book delivers an alluring and steamy reading experience.

The story revolves around Francesca Thomas, who, on what should have been her wedding day, crosses paths with a mysterious and enigmatic man known only as Phantom. From the moment they meet, the chemistry between Frankie and Phantom is electric, igniting a fire within them that neither can ignore. However, Phantom has strict rules to protect his identity, including no sharing of personal information or names. The two find themselves drawn to the exclusive Black Rose Underground Club, where they can explore their deepest desires and indulge in their intense connection while keeping their public lives and secrets hidden.

Helen Hardt excels in creating a palpable sense of desire and tension between the characters. The push and pull of Frankie and Phantom's relationship is a central element of the story, and it keeps readers engaged and eager to see where their connection will lead. The sensual and steamy scenes are well-written and add depth to the characters' emotional journey.

The mystery surrounding Phantom's identity adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, and readers will find themselves eager to uncover the man behind the mask along with Frankie. The author skillfully balances the elements of romance, mystery, and sensuality, making "Bloom" a compelling and page-turning read.

While the chemistry and attraction between the main characters are undeniable, some readers may find the book's explicit content and BDSM themes to be too intense. However, for those who enjoy steamy and passionate romance novels, this book will undoubtedly satisfy their cravings.

In conclusion, "Bloom" by Helen Hardt is a scintillating and enthralling romance novel that delves into the world of forbidden desires and the thrill of uncovering secrets. With its well-crafted characters and intense chemistry, it offers an engaging and passionate reading experience for fans of the genre.