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Oh man, what can I say about this book without giving too much away? First of all, can I just say that I absolutely loved the banter and conversations between Frankie and “Phantom” Both characters are immaculately written. I really feel like I was present for their conversations and interactions and I could have sat and listened all day. Both characters are fun and intelligent. The world building was beautifully done and I could actually see every single place as I was reading it. I wasn’t expecting any plot twists but then ended up with a not so surprising surprise. I kinda started piecing things together and then when it was confirmed I was even more intrigued. But…..
Francesca is a 27year old woman who recently broke off her engagement with her long time on again, off again fiancé. And a day that’s very significant to her her sister announces some good news but without any regard to what the day was supposed to represent for Frankie. And this event has Frankie steaming.
“Phantom” (I’m going to omit his actual name because it adds intrigue and mystery to this very steamy book lol) is a 35 year old man who’s never had good luck in relationships so he lives his life in a non traditional way. He’s a Dom and decides that’s all he has the ability to entertain the idea of since he’s been crushed before. Can’t get hurt if you don’t get attached right? Wrong! Because he meets a stunning young woman who leaves him wanting more than he’s ready or willing to give, but it couldn’t hurt to introduce her to his lifestyle……
This book is a ton of fun following Frankie and Phantom on this journey of growth and “Blooming” together. Can their worlds collide and provide something for both of them?
I absolutely LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the next installment. Helen Hardt….. you just became one of my auto buy authors. Thanks for this gem!
Francesca is a 27year old woman who recently broke off her engagement with her long time on again, off again fiancé. And a day that’s very significant to her her sister announces some good news but without any regard to what the day was supposed to represent for Frankie. And this event has Frankie steaming.
“Phantom” (I’m going to omit his actual name because it adds intrigue and mystery to this very steamy book lol) is a 35 year old man who’s never had good luck in relationships so he lives his life in a non traditional way. He’s a Dom and decides that’s all he has the ability to entertain the idea of since he’s been crushed before. Can’t get hurt if you don’t get attached right? Wrong! Because he meets a stunning young woman who leaves him wanting more than he’s ready or willing to give, but it couldn’t hurt to introduce her to his lifestyle……
This book is a ton of fun following Frankie and Phantom on this journey of growth and “Blooming” together. Can their worlds collide and provide something for both of them?
I absolutely LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the next installment. Helen Hardt….. you just became one of my auto buy authors. Thanks for this gem!
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.
I’ve read in this genre before, and I am not uncomfortable with the subject matter. The characters were relatively well developed, though a tad one dimensional. The spice level was moderate, nothing too wild but enough to keep you interested. The conflicts felt genuine and believable, though the last quarter of the book flew with not as deep of development. It ended how I had hoped, though those final moments made me bunch up my face in disappointment. Overall, a nice read in the genre, not sure I will seek out books 1 or 3.
I feel like then end was a little rushed which is a shame because I really loved the story. Other than that it was enjoyable
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Frankie was supposed to get married today but he broke it off. When her sister announces her engagement, today of all days, it puts Frankie out of sorts. Trying to get her mind right, Frankie goes to a bar where she meets Phantom. Phantom is mysterious, alluring and sexy. The only problem is that he won't tell Frankie his name nor take off his mask. Despite this, Frankie can't stop thinking about him.
Opinion
I thought the book was going well until I got around the last 100 pages. It felt like Hardt was trying hard to have some sort of climax (pun not intended) but couldn't make one fit well. I was 100% into the story but when Phantom had his crisis, I checked out. I usually love all of Hardt's books but will have to offer that this one was just okay. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Opinion
I thought the book was going well until I got around the last 100 pages. It felt like Hardt was trying hard to have some sort of climax (pun not intended) but couldn't make one fit well. I was 100% into the story but when Phantom had his crisis, I checked out. I usually love all of Hardt's books but will have to offer that this one was just okay. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book.
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.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advanced copy. The following review reflects my personal opinions:
In "Bloom", we jump into Frankie's world as a newly single gal. She's very intrigued by this mysterious man called the Phantom (he dresses as the lead character for the storied musical), who's all about keeping things private. Things get spicy as he introduces her to the world of BDSM while insisting that he keeps his true identity under wraps.
Some seriously steamy scenes definitely add some flavor to the reading. But here's the issue: the book's nearly-there cool vibes get tripped up by the character's constant inner thoughts, Frankie being all about herself, and the general craziness of the plot. I'm usually pretty good at going with the flow, but this novel had me firmly planted in reality. It feels like the story's in a hurry, leaving all these loose ends just hanging out there.
Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me.
#ARC #netgalley
In "Bloom", we jump into Frankie's world as a newly single gal. She's very intrigued by this mysterious man called the Phantom (he dresses as the lead character for the storied musical), who's all about keeping things private. Things get spicy as he introduces her to the world of BDSM while insisting that he keeps his true identity under wraps.
Some seriously steamy scenes definitely add some flavor to the reading. But here's the issue: the book's nearly-there cool vibes get tripped up by the character's constant inner thoughts, Frankie being all about herself, and the general craziness of the plot. I'm usually pretty good at going with the flow, but this novel had me firmly planted in reality. It feels like the story's in a hurry, leaving all these loose ends just hanging out there.
Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me.
#ARC #netgalley
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was just…too far-fetched with the guy dressed as the Phantom for no reason when no one else was dressed up…the talk during sex was so cringe, and I could not stand the fmc.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes