Bloom by Helen Hardt: Review

It honestly has not been that long since I discovered books by this author. Shocking! The first one I read was part of a series, like the middle of a series, and I became addicted!

Now whenever I see she has an upcoming release, I try to make sure that I read it one way or another. Either for a review like this one, or just to get it because I need it. I crave her stories! Continue on for my full review of this brand new book.

Bloom by Helen Hardt
Series: Black Rose, 2
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Amara (August 22, 2023)
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1649373021

Synopsis:
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 STANDALONE:
* Blush
* Bloom

Bloom by Helen Hardt Review

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.

3.5 rolled to 4 STARS!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.