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Inked Love #5
The Friend Zone Fiasco
That awkward moment when your best friend asks for a cucumber based demonstration…
Dear Dare,
After all these years, you're still my best friend. The only guy I trust. Really, who else would respond to my questions about rounding third with a cucumber based demonstration?
That's what I need now.
Another lesson plan.
But, I want more than a vegetable this time.
I want you.
Think about it.
Love,
Val
P.S. If you're not into the idea, please disregard this letter. We're going to be trapped in a hotel room, in Europe, for two weeks, and I don't want to make things weird.
From the The Friend Zone Fiasco is a steamy friends to lovers romance with the perfect mix of witty banter and emotional depth. Plus well developed characters, a curvy heroine with a love of learning, and the brooding best friend who is right under her nose.
Dear Dare,
After all these years, you're still my best friend. The only guy I trust. Really, who else would respond to my questions about rounding third with a cucumber based demonstration?
That's what I need now.
Another lesson plan.
But, I want more than a vegetable this time.
I want you.
Think about it.
Love,
Val
P.S. If you're not into the idea, please disregard this letter. We're going to be trapped in a hotel room, in Europe, for two weeks, and I don't want to make things weird.
From the The Friend Zone Fiasco is a steamy friends to lovers romance with the perfect mix of witty banter and emotional depth. Plus well developed characters, a curvy heroine with a love of learning, and the brooding best friend who is right under her nose.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
493 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,551 followersCrystal Kaswell is the author of the Sinful Serenade series. She writes steamy new adult romance with flawed characters. She loves police procedurals, tea, and The Hunger Games series. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband.
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
http://www.crystalkaswell.com/
https://twitter.com/CrystalKaswell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 7, 2023
Liked it, but didn't love it
I wanted to love this, but it felt like a different vibe than the rest of the inked books. It gave a lot less time in the shop - which is one of the things I liked about the series. Crystal books feel kind of nostalgic for me, like visiting a familiar place. But with this book set primarily in Barcelona, it took away some of the familiarity I craved from the book.
I found the set up took a bit longer to get into and reading this, didn't flow quite like they usually do.
I did really enjoy reading about Dare and Val's relationship unfold - especially in the beginning!!
I wanted to love this, but it felt like a different vibe than the rest of the inked books. It gave a lot less time in the shop - which is one of the things I liked about the series. Crystal books feel kind of nostalgic for me, like visiting a familiar place. But with this book set primarily in Barcelona, it took away some of the familiarity I craved from the book.
I found the set up took a bit longer to get into and reading this, didn't flow quite like they usually do.
I did really enjoy reading about Dare and Val's relationship unfold - especially in the beginning!!
March 2, 2023
Wow! Dare & Val’s Sweet & Angsty Story Has A Wonderful Feel-Good Ending. The Final Addition To The Inked Love World Is Another Great Read. There Are Complex Characters, Realistic Problems, & Loads Of Chemistry. The Couple’s Love, Above All, Is Patient & Kind. It Is A Wonderful Friends-To-Lovers Story. For The Free Bonus Scene, Don’t Forget To Sign Up For The Newsletter Via The Link At The Back Of The Book!
This is book five in the Inked Love series. It reads perfectly as a standalone, but it is more thoroughly enjoyed if read in sequence. This series is a spin-off of the Inked Hearts series and picks up where The Baby Bargain, book eight of the Inked Hearts series, leaves off. There Chase agreed to help Ariel, his best friend's sister, get pregnant. In this series, Chase is the manager of the new sister shop about a twenty-minute walk away. Chase works at Inked Love tattoo parlor with his best friend and brother-in-law Forest, as well as Forest and Ariel’s younger brother Holden, Holden’s best friend Oliver, and best friends Patrick (a.k.a. Tricky) and Darren (a.k.a. Dare).
According to the author, this is the final book in the series. She does leave open the possibility of returning, but it is unclear if that would be to this series or another spin-off series. There is a tease about younger siblings Brian and Lucia in this book, but whether or not they get their own book, and whether or not it would be an Ink series book, is unclear at this point.
The Inked Love series includes:
1. The Best Friend Bargain (Forest & Skye’s story)
2. The First Taste (Holden & Daisy’s story)
3. The Roomie Rulebook, a.k.a. The Rule Breaker (Oliver & Luna’s story)
4. The Hookup Experiment (Patrick & Imogen’s story)
5. The Friend Zone Fiasco (Darren & Valeria’s story)
FROM THE BEST FRIEND BARGAIN, BOOK 1:
Forest Ballard, twenty-eight, works at Inked Love tattoo parlor alongside his younger brother Holden and Chase Keating - his high school friend, basketball buddy, soon-to-be brother-in-law, and manager. The tall, stoic neat freak has wanted to be a tattoo artist since he was a kid. He had tried to pursue a more practical career, tried college, but in the end, he couldn't let go of his dream. His mother had died of cancer when he was a teen and his father couldn't cope with the loss, so as the eldest of three, he took charge of the household, bearing enormous responsibility for his age until suddenly everyone had grown up. His father is functioning again and travels frequently for work. Ariel, nearly twenty-five, has moved out. Holden, just twenty-one, has his own apartment. Forest has an apartment in West LA, too, but he neglects it most of the time, opting instead to stay in his childhood home. Holden often stays there, too, but the real reason that keeps Forest at home is his long-time neighbor and best friend. Skye.
The broken heart tattooed on his chest reflects his inner turmoil. His relationship with Mackenzie Davis ended three years ago when he walked in on her with another man. But his brain is stuck on repeat and replays that scene in his head constantly, experiencing the betrayal over and over again. He lacks the closure to move on. It has been two years since he was with a woman. His constant is his neighbor and best friend Skye. She stood by him through the breakup and understands everything. But he has a big problem. He can't stop fantasizing about Skye. And he can't act on it because he can't ruin their friendship.
Skye Kim, twenty-five, has tried to put her degree in film studies to work. But the industry is hyper-competitive and pay is little to non-existent. She hopes to someday make enough to have a place of her own, so it is time to look for other career opportunities. Her blog, Princess Skye's Plus-Size Fashions, reviews plus-size fashion for real women like her who aren't interested in conventional clothing. Her full hourglass figure is hard to shop for and the selection of clothes that suit her tastes is even more limited. Her blog satisfies a niche without competitors, so she has picked up a considerable following of like-minded women - and men, apparently, if what Holden says is true. She makes enough from ads to provide spending money, plus more free clothes than she can wear, but she sees an opportunity to turn it into a career as a model and photographer for her blog.
Skye hasn't been with a man since her last relationship ended in college, three years ago. Her friendship with Forest is everything. Her parents insist they are dating and don't understand why she doesn't admit it, no matter how hard she tries to explain that they are just friends. Forest and Skye make a bargain to have a fake relationship when Mack announces she will soon marry the man she cheated on Forest with and asks them to attend. Neither wants to face her alone.
I rate this book four stars.
FROM THE FIRST TASTE, BOOK 2:
Holden Ballard, twenty-one, is a wise-cracking troublemaker and bad-boy tattoo artist. He works with his brother Forest, brother-in-law Chase, and best friend Oliver at Inked Love tattoo parlor in L.A. He might have followed his older brother Forest into his profession, but his artwork had become a very important and private part of his life over the years. He immerses himself in his creations as an outlet for his feelings – the feelings that he never lets anyone see. Holden had seen the devastated state of his father following his mother’s death years ago. He watched his father become withdrawn and Forest step up to become the caretaker of the family. Holden knows that love isn’t forever, so he remains aloof and disconnected by causing trouble and being a jokester. He doesn’t do girlfriends. He loves hanging out with Oliver, his best friend since they began high school. They enjoy tattoos, parties, booze, and a steady supply of willing women.
Daisy Flynn is a recent high school graduate and is turning eighteen. She has grown into a beautiful young woman during the past year, but her body issues make it difficult for her to accept that idea. With just weeks to go before heading off to her freshman year at UC Berkley, her father has offered to pay for a trip to Puerta Vallarta to celebrate her birthday. Her best friend Luna is going, as is her old brother Oliver, whom she fears has a drinking problem. Oliver will worry about her – he hovers incessantly after what happened last summer – but the possibility of Oliver’s best friend Holden joining their group outweighs the negatives. Daisy has had a crush on Holden for years. Although he has been a little more attentive over the last several months, he hasn’t shown any real interest in her romantically. But Luna has generously offered to keep Oliver occupied during the trip – Luna happens to think he is hot – thereby freeing up alone time for Daisy and Holden. Daisy knows that nothing can come from it because Holden doesn’t date and because she is about to move away for school, but simply spending time with him will make her happy. And she needs some carefree happiness in her life, some time to just feel like a normal person. Free from her inner critical voice and free to experience joy in the moment. Like Holden does.
Holden and Daisy’s story is a beautiful surprise. Their story of young love is an emotional journey. I rate this book a full five stars (something I rarely do).
FROM THE ROOMIE RULEBOOK (a.k.a. The Rule Breaker), BOOK 3:
Oliver Flynn, twenty-one, is a disappointment to everyone. The most important person in his life is his little sister Daisy, and after everything that happened with her a year ago, he never wants to disappoint her again. He still can’t forgive his best friend Holden for sleeping with her at the end of the summer, before she left for UC Berkley. It was a betrayal, regardless of the fact that they claim to be in love. Holden broke his trust. But Oliver has his own problems to deal with now, and the pressure on him is intense. His father is riding him – the state of California has its say as well now. Everyone has told him he has a drinking problem, but they don’t understand. The booze and the hookups are just a way to forget, to get a release, and he can quit whenever he wants. If only the cost of living weren’t so expensive he would move out of his father’s house in a heartbeat, but he promised Daisy he would stay at home for at least a year.
Luna Locke, eighteen, has just started her freshman year at UCLA. She is single, having been told months ago by her ex-boyfriend of eighteen months that she is too much. That hadn’t exactly helped her self-esteem. Still, she has a busy class schedule and swim practice in the afternoons. She is lucky that she gets to live at home with her parents because rent in L.A. is outrageous. Her mother Allison is a successful CEO, driven by ambition and serious in nature. Divya, her other mother, is full of love and warmth. Divya is the fun mother. Luna may be biologically related to Allison, and share some of her tough attitude, but she also shares some of Divya’s colorful traits. Luna thought they were madly in love, so when they sat her down and told her they are divorcing, it felt like a betrayal. She saw no signs of it coming and now feels like she has been living a lie. She spent half her childhood in her best friend Daisy’s home, and with no other obvious place to turn, so goes to the Locke home for refuge.
Oliver and Luna’s story is tender and heartbreaking. Their romance deals with alcoholism, divorce, trust, and betrayal. It is beautifully written. I rate this book five stars.
FROM THE HOOKUP EXPERIMENT, BOOK 4:
Patrick “Tricky” Murphy, roughly twenty-two, disappointed his parents when he chose to become a tattoo artist, but he followed his heart and never looked back. He loves art and takes pride in his work. His job gets him lots of invites to parties, and he has hung out with a long list of women. He prefers to be in relationships, though most are short-lived. Lately, though, he has been too much in his head to give women much thought. Patrick has secrets. The beer-loving tattoo artist was sometimes known as the life of the party, but he lost his carefree attitude when he lost his older sister Deidre a year ago. Patrick spends much of his free time pouring over Deidre’s books and looking for answers. He found an online journal that Deidre had subscribed to – Hearts and Thorns – and that has given him the most insight into his sister’s mind when she chose to take her own life. Patrick wants to understand, and the words from the journal resonate with him. His life before now seems shallow, empty. He wants intimacy, a connection.
Imogen Nguyen, roughly twenty-one, is getting by day by day. She is glad each day that she is still here, that her attempt to end her depression failed. Imogen isn’t good with people or feelings. She is direct and strong, which can be intimidating, so she has become adept at hiding things. She is often in her own head. With her last boyfriend, Zack, she was not open and honest. Instead, she played a role. Needless to say, it was no loss to her when it ended. She is on the swim team at UCLA – a Division One swimmer in her junior year – but she swims for pleasure rather than the drive to compete. A science nerd, she is majoring in Economics and Psychology. As the one-year anniversary of her attempt to take her own life approaches, Imogen decides to get a tattoo as a reminder of what she has been through. After Imogen gets a tattoo from Patrick, she isn’t afraid to ask for more.
Patrick and Imogen’s relationship begins as a one-time deal, but it quickly leads to more. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book overlaps with the tail end of book four. After a brief chapter that steps back to tenth grade, the story opens in late summer as Val returns home from a four-month study abroad in Barcelona. Dare throws her a party, and days later he flies back to Barcelona with her for a two-week trip to Barcelona and then Paris before they return and Val begins work on her Ph.D.
Valeria Diaz, twenty-two, is nervous about starting grad school. She is thrilled to take her love of film a step further, but the pressure is already weighing her down. She studied film as an undergrad at UCSD, but the focus of her Ph.D. at UCI will be the neurobiology of story. It is a fascinating field, but she is woefully unprepared for the science portion of her program. It won’t be easy. It also requires her to move to Irvine. It isn’t too far, but it will be another change.
After a four-month study abroad in Barcelona, Val has a few weeks left before starting grad school. With a little time remaining on her rental, she plans a two-week trip with her best friend Dare – one week in her Barcelona apartment followed by a week in Paris. Right now, some time with her bestie is what she needs. After some intensive counseling, she knows what she must do next in order to move on from The Incident. It happened three and half years ago – during freshman year. Sure, she had a boyfriend for six months during her junior year, but it hadn’t been too serious. According to her therapist, she needs to make new memories to replace the old ones. She trusts Dare, and he also happens to be the perfect person to help coach her through a casual hookup. It’s his specialty.
Val met Dare when they were just thirteen and in middle school. She was nerdy and overweight; he was easy-going and fun to be around. His father had moved in next door to Val’s mother after his parents divorced, so Dare visited frequently but attended a different school. Since Val’s parents had already divorced, the two quickly bonded over their broken families. Val shared her love of movies with Dare, and he gave her tips on dating. A decade later, their friendship is still strong.
Darren “Dare” Dickson, roughly twenty-two, knows exactly what women expect from him. He has a bit of a reputation. He doesn’t promise monogamy, but a one or two-week fling may be on the table. He is not capable of a relationship, but he can always provide a good time. People might be surprised to know he doesn’t sleep with all the women he dates. He doesn’t want to be like his father. It seems unavoidable, but at the very least, he tries to be honest and respectful. Especially since The Incident. He and his best friend Val have learned to avoid the topic that nearly destroyed their friendship three years ago. They’ve found a tenuous balance, but Dare learned his lesson. He doesn’t push despite his protective tendencies.
Dare is thrilled to see Val again after her summer in Barcelona. His other best friend, Patrick, has suddenly fallen in love, and things are changing. Dare, too, has grown bored of the chase. He is contemplating the idea of more – both professionally and personally. He rebelled against his parents and did a two-year apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist after completing his associate's degree at Santa Monica Community College. He loves art and drawing – he doesn’t want to give that up. But he sometimes feels like he isn’t enough. Val is smart, and he doesn’t fit in her brainy world. People only look to him for fun and a good time, but he also goes along with it, playing the part of a dumb stud. It defines him. He is happy with his life – and yet not.
When Val asks for Dare’s help, he doesn’t hesitate to step up. Her happiness is his biggest concern, even if makes him uncomfortable. She’s asked his help with arranging a casual hookup, something she wants to do so that she can put the past behind her and move forward with her life, maybe start dating again. Dare might secretly wish it was him she wanted, but this isn’t about him. He almost lost Val’s friendship once, so he won’t make that mistake again. As Dare and Val strategize, they stumble across some rather inconvenient feelings. Dare is terrified of pushing too hard and scaring her away, and Val worries about hurting him. The couple faces challenges, but they eventually find a happy ending.
For the free bonus scene, don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter via the link at the back of the book!
Wow! Dare and Val’s story is bittersweet as the series comes to an end. It is another great addition to the Inked Love world. There are great characters and realistic problems. There is plenty of angst as well as a load of chemistry. Underneath his self-deprecating jokes and easygoing attitude, Dare is sweet and attentive. He had spent a decade devoted to Val, which greatly hindered his ability to connect with other women. Val was able to date and make connections, but nothing compared to her relationship with Dare. They were probably in love all along – something many suggested but they laughed off. It was probably for the best it played out that way since it gave them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make mistakes without putting their own relationship in jeopardy. Their love, above all, is patient and kind. It is a wonderful friends-to-lovers story.
A few issues merit mention. First, there are a few very minor timeline issues. It is sometimes vague and a little confusing. Second, Dare’s age is not given. Note that in book one, we learn that besides Chase and Forest, the guys that work at Inked Love are all Holden’s friends, a younger crew. We can presume that Patrick and his bestie Darren are thus roughly Holden’s age, which is about twenty-two here. Third, note also that there are a few discrepancies between Dare and Val in book four versus in this book. There, Val had just broken up with a boyfriend; here, that is not the case. Fourth, Val’s familiarity with Dare’s Inked Love friends is inconsistent. Since both she and Patrick have been best friends with Dare since middle school, it makes sense they know one another a little better. It also makes sense that Val would have spent time around the shop and with the others – more than is sometimes implied.
Dare and Val’s sweet and angsty story has a wonderful feel-good ending. The Incident in the story may be triggering to some, but the material is relatively light. The story is well-written. It is raw and real. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are complex. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dare and Val. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book five in the Inked Love series. It reads perfectly as a standalone, but it is more thoroughly enjoyed if read in sequence. This series is a spin-off of the Inked Hearts series and picks up where The Baby Bargain, book eight of the Inked Hearts series, leaves off. There Chase agreed to help Ariel, his best friend's sister, get pregnant. In this series, Chase is the manager of the new sister shop about a twenty-minute walk away. Chase works at Inked Love tattoo parlor with his best friend and brother-in-law Forest, as well as Forest and Ariel’s younger brother Holden, Holden’s best friend Oliver, and best friends Patrick (a.k.a. Tricky) and Darren (a.k.a. Dare).
According to the author, this is the final book in the series. She does leave open the possibility of returning, but it is unclear if that would be to this series or another spin-off series. There is a tease about younger siblings Brian and Lucia in this book, but whether or not they get their own book, and whether or not it would be an Ink series book, is unclear at this point.
The Inked Love series includes:
1. The Best Friend Bargain (Forest & Skye’s story)
2. The First Taste (Holden & Daisy’s story)
3. The Roomie Rulebook, a.k.a. The Rule Breaker (Oliver & Luna’s story)
4. The Hookup Experiment (Patrick & Imogen’s story)
5. The Friend Zone Fiasco (Darren & Valeria’s story)
FROM THE BEST FRIEND BARGAIN, BOOK 1:
Forest Ballard, twenty-eight, works at Inked Love tattoo parlor alongside his younger brother Holden and Chase Keating - his high school friend, basketball buddy, soon-to-be brother-in-law, and manager. The tall, stoic neat freak has wanted to be a tattoo artist since he was a kid. He had tried to pursue a more practical career, tried college, but in the end, he couldn't let go of his dream. His mother had died of cancer when he was a teen and his father couldn't cope with the loss, so as the eldest of three, he took charge of the household, bearing enormous responsibility for his age until suddenly everyone had grown up. His father is functioning again and travels frequently for work. Ariel, nearly twenty-five, has moved out. Holden, just twenty-one, has his own apartment. Forest has an apartment in West LA, too, but he neglects it most of the time, opting instead to stay in his childhood home. Holden often stays there, too, but the real reason that keeps Forest at home is his long-time neighbor and best friend. Skye.
The broken heart tattooed on his chest reflects his inner turmoil. His relationship with Mackenzie Davis ended three years ago when he walked in on her with another man. But his brain is stuck on repeat and replays that scene in his head constantly, experiencing the betrayal over and over again. He lacks the closure to move on. It has been two years since he was with a woman. His constant is his neighbor and best friend Skye. She stood by him through the breakup and understands everything. But he has a big problem. He can't stop fantasizing about Skye. And he can't act on it because he can't ruin their friendship.
Skye Kim, twenty-five, has tried to put her degree in film studies to work. But the industry is hyper-competitive and pay is little to non-existent. She hopes to someday make enough to have a place of her own, so it is time to look for other career opportunities. Her blog, Princess Skye's Plus-Size Fashions, reviews plus-size fashion for real women like her who aren't interested in conventional clothing. Her full hourglass figure is hard to shop for and the selection of clothes that suit her tastes is even more limited. Her blog satisfies a niche without competitors, so she has picked up a considerable following of like-minded women - and men, apparently, if what Holden says is true. She makes enough from ads to provide spending money, plus more free clothes than she can wear, but she sees an opportunity to turn it into a career as a model and photographer for her blog.
Skye hasn't been with a man since her last relationship ended in college, three years ago. Her friendship with Forest is everything. Her parents insist they are dating and don't understand why she doesn't admit it, no matter how hard she tries to explain that they are just friends. Forest and Skye make a bargain to have a fake relationship when Mack announces she will soon marry the man she cheated on Forest with and asks them to attend. Neither wants to face her alone.
I rate this book four stars.
FROM THE FIRST TASTE, BOOK 2:
Holden Ballard, twenty-one, is a wise-cracking troublemaker and bad-boy tattoo artist. He works with his brother Forest, brother-in-law Chase, and best friend Oliver at Inked Love tattoo parlor in L.A. He might have followed his older brother Forest into his profession, but his artwork had become a very important and private part of his life over the years. He immerses himself in his creations as an outlet for his feelings – the feelings that he never lets anyone see. Holden had seen the devastated state of his father following his mother’s death years ago. He watched his father become withdrawn and Forest step up to become the caretaker of the family. Holden knows that love isn’t forever, so he remains aloof and disconnected by causing trouble and being a jokester. He doesn’t do girlfriends. He loves hanging out with Oliver, his best friend since they began high school. They enjoy tattoos, parties, booze, and a steady supply of willing women.
Daisy Flynn is a recent high school graduate and is turning eighteen. She has grown into a beautiful young woman during the past year, but her body issues make it difficult for her to accept that idea. With just weeks to go before heading off to her freshman year at UC Berkley, her father has offered to pay for a trip to Puerta Vallarta to celebrate her birthday. Her best friend Luna is going, as is her old brother Oliver, whom she fears has a drinking problem. Oliver will worry about her – he hovers incessantly after what happened last summer – but the possibility of Oliver’s best friend Holden joining their group outweighs the negatives. Daisy has had a crush on Holden for years. Although he has been a little more attentive over the last several months, he hasn’t shown any real interest in her romantically. But Luna has generously offered to keep Oliver occupied during the trip – Luna happens to think he is hot – thereby freeing up alone time for Daisy and Holden. Daisy knows that nothing can come from it because Holden doesn’t date and because she is about to move away for school, but simply spending time with him will make her happy. And she needs some carefree happiness in her life, some time to just feel like a normal person. Free from her inner critical voice and free to experience joy in the moment. Like Holden does.
Holden and Daisy’s story is a beautiful surprise. Their story of young love is an emotional journey. I rate this book a full five stars (something I rarely do).
FROM THE ROOMIE RULEBOOK (a.k.a. The Rule Breaker), BOOK 3:
Oliver Flynn, twenty-one, is a disappointment to everyone. The most important person in his life is his little sister Daisy, and after everything that happened with her a year ago, he never wants to disappoint her again. He still can’t forgive his best friend Holden for sleeping with her at the end of the summer, before she left for UC Berkley. It was a betrayal, regardless of the fact that they claim to be in love. Holden broke his trust. But Oliver has his own problems to deal with now, and the pressure on him is intense. His father is riding him – the state of California has its say as well now. Everyone has told him he has a drinking problem, but they don’t understand. The booze and the hookups are just a way to forget, to get a release, and he can quit whenever he wants. If only the cost of living weren’t so expensive he would move out of his father’s house in a heartbeat, but he promised Daisy he would stay at home for at least a year.
Luna Locke, eighteen, has just started her freshman year at UCLA. She is single, having been told months ago by her ex-boyfriend of eighteen months that she is too much. That hadn’t exactly helped her self-esteem. Still, she has a busy class schedule and swim practice in the afternoons. She is lucky that she gets to live at home with her parents because rent in L.A. is outrageous. Her mother Allison is a successful CEO, driven by ambition and serious in nature. Divya, her other mother, is full of love and warmth. Divya is the fun mother. Luna may be biologically related to Allison, and share some of her tough attitude, but she also shares some of Divya’s colorful traits. Luna thought they were madly in love, so when they sat her down and told her they are divorcing, it felt like a betrayal. She saw no signs of it coming and now feels like she has been living a lie. She spent half her childhood in her best friend Daisy’s home, and with no other obvious place to turn, so goes to the Locke home for refuge.
Oliver and Luna’s story is tender and heartbreaking. Their romance deals with alcoholism, divorce, trust, and betrayal. It is beautifully written. I rate this book five stars.
FROM THE HOOKUP EXPERIMENT, BOOK 4:
Patrick “Tricky” Murphy, roughly twenty-two, disappointed his parents when he chose to become a tattoo artist, but he followed his heart and never looked back. He loves art and takes pride in his work. His job gets him lots of invites to parties, and he has hung out with a long list of women. He prefers to be in relationships, though most are short-lived. Lately, though, he has been too much in his head to give women much thought. Patrick has secrets. The beer-loving tattoo artist was sometimes known as the life of the party, but he lost his carefree attitude when he lost his older sister Deidre a year ago. Patrick spends much of his free time pouring over Deidre’s books and looking for answers. He found an online journal that Deidre had subscribed to – Hearts and Thorns – and that has given him the most insight into his sister’s mind when she chose to take her own life. Patrick wants to understand, and the words from the journal resonate with him. His life before now seems shallow, empty. He wants intimacy, a connection.
Imogen Nguyen, roughly twenty-one, is getting by day by day. She is glad each day that she is still here, that her attempt to end her depression failed. Imogen isn’t good with people or feelings. She is direct and strong, which can be intimidating, so she has become adept at hiding things. She is often in her own head. With her last boyfriend, Zack, she was not open and honest. Instead, she played a role. Needless to say, it was no loss to her when it ended. She is on the swim team at UCLA – a Division One swimmer in her junior year – but she swims for pleasure rather than the drive to compete. A science nerd, she is majoring in Economics and Psychology. As the one-year anniversary of her attempt to take her own life approaches, Imogen decides to get a tattoo as a reminder of what she has been through. After Imogen gets a tattoo from Patrick, she isn’t afraid to ask for more.
Patrick and Imogen’s relationship begins as a one-time deal, but it quickly leads to more. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
IN THIS BOOK:
This book overlaps with the tail end of book four. After a brief chapter that steps back to tenth grade, the story opens in late summer as Val returns home from a four-month study abroad in Barcelona. Dare throws her a party, and days later he flies back to Barcelona with her for a two-week trip to Barcelona and then Paris before they return and Val begins work on her Ph.D.
Valeria Diaz, twenty-two, is nervous about starting grad school. She is thrilled to take her love of film a step further, but the pressure is already weighing her down. She studied film as an undergrad at UCSD, but the focus of her Ph.D. at UCI will be the neurobiology of story. It is a fascinating field, but she is woefully unprepared for the science portion of her program. It won’t be easy. It also requires her to move to Irvine. It isn’t too far, but it will be another change.
After a four-month study abroad in Barcelona, Val has a few weeks left before starting grad school. With a little time remaining on her rental, she plans a two-week trip with her best friend Dare – one week in her Barcelona apartment followed by a week in Paris. Right now, some time with her bestie is what she needs. After some intensive counseling, she knows what she must do next in order to move on from The Incident. It happened three and half years ago – during freshman year. Sure, she had a boyfriend for six months during her junior year, but it hadn’t been too serious. According to her therapist, she needs to make new memories to replace the old ones. She trusts Dare, and he also happens to be the perfect person to help coach her through a casual hookup. It’s his specialty.
Val met Dare when they were just thirteen and in middle school. She was nerdy and overweight; he was easy-going and fun to be around. His father had moved in next door to Val’s mother after his parents divorced, so Dare visited frequently but attended a different school. Since Val’s parents had already divorced, the two quickly bonded over their broken families. Val shared her love of movies with Dare, and he gave her tips on dating. A decade later, their friendship is still strong.
Darren “Dare” Dickson, roughly twenty-two, knows exactly what women expect from him. He has a bit of a reputation. He doesn’t promise monogamy, but a one or two-week fling may be on the table. He is not capable of a relationship, but he can always provide a good time. People might be surprised to know he doesn’t sleep with all the women he dates. He doesn’t want to be like his father. It seems unavoidable, but at the very least, he tries to be honest and respectful. Especially since The Incident. He and his best friend Val have learned to avoid the topic that nearly destroyed their friendship three years ago. They’ve found a tenuous balance, but Dare learned his lesson. He doesn’t push despite his protective tendencies.
Dare is thrilled to see Val again after her summer in Barcelona. His other best friend, Patrick, has suddenly fallen in love, and things are changing. Dare, too, has grown bored of the chase. He is contemplating the idea of more – both professionally and personally. He rebelled against his parents and did a two-year apprenticeship to become a tattoo artist after completing his associate's degree at Santa Monica Community College. He loves art and drawing – he doesn’t want to give that up. But he sometimes feels like he isn’t enough. Val is smart, and he doesn’t fit in her brainy world. People only look to him for fun and a good time, but he also goes along with it, playing the part of a dumb stud. It defines him. He is happy with his life – and yet not.
When Val asks for Dare’s help, he doesn’t hesitate to step up. Her happiness is his biggest concern, even if makes him uncomfortable. She’s asked his help with arranging a casual hookup, something she wants to do so that she can put the past behind her and move forward with her life, maybe start dating again. Dare might secretly wish it was him she wanted, but this isn’t about him. He almost lost Val’s friendship once, so he won’t make that mistake again. As Dare and Val strategize, they stumble across some rather inconvenient feelings. Dare is terrified of pushing too hard and scaring her away, and Val worries about hurting him. The couple faces challenges, but they eventually find a happy ending.
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Wow! Dare and Val’s story is bittersweet as the series comes to an end. It is another great addition to the Inked Love world. There are great characters and realistic problems. There is plenty of angst as well as a load of chemistry. Underneath his self-deprecating jokes and easygoing attitude, Dare is sweet and attentive. He had spent a decade devoted to Val, which greatly hindered his ability to connect with other women. Val was able to date and make connections, but nothing compared to her relationship with Dare. They were probably in love all along – something many suggested but they laughed off. It was probably for the best it played out that way since it gave them the opportunity to learn, grow, and make mistakes without putting their own relationship in jeopardy. Their love, above all, is patient and kind. It is a wonderful friends-to-lovers story.
A few issues merit mention. First, there are a few very minor timeline issues. It is sometimes vague and a little confusing. Second, Dare’s age is not given. Note that in book one, we learn that besides Chase and Forest, the guys that work at Inked Love are all Holden’s friends, a younger crew. We can presume that Patrick and his bestie Darren are thus roughly Holden’s age, which is about twenty-two here. Third, note also that there are a few discrepancies between Dare and Val in book four versus in this book. There, Val had just broken up with a boyfriend; here, that is not the case. Fourth, Val’s familiarity with Dare’s Inked Love friends is inconsistent. Since both she and Patrick have been best friends with Dare since middle school, it makes sense they know one another a little better. It also makes sense that Val would have spent time around the shop and with the others – more than is sometimes implied.
Dare and Val’s sweet and angsty story has a wonderful feel-good ending. The Incident in the story may be triggering to some, but the material is relatively light. The story is well-written. It is raw and real. The plot is fairly simple. The characters are complex. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Dare and Val. I rate this book 4.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2023
tw: rape (described briefly and vaguely and mentioned several times), fatphobia (refered to)
what to expect: teenage years bffs to lovers, lessons, travelling europe
god, what a bummer. i was sooo excited for this book and got so frustrated at the end that it ruined everything for me. making characters breakup @ 90% is just fucking annoying, specially for them to get back together at the last chapter and having resolved nothing that led to the breakup in the 1st place. makes no sense at all and ruins the whole story.
smut was nice as it was on the rest of the series but.... meh
what to expect: teenage years bffs to lovers, lessons, travelling europe
god, what a bummer. i was sooo excited for this book and got so frustrated at the end that it ruined everything for me. making characters breakup @ 90% is just fucking annoying, specially for them to get back together at the last chapter and having resolved nothing that led to the breakup in the 1st place. makes no sense at all and ruins the whole story.
smut was nice as it was on the rest of the series but.... meh
June 23, 2023
This book was slow to start. The whole fiasco between the roommate and the best friend was chaotically written and I found myself having to go back and reread pages to try and line up the story to which guy it went with and try to figure out what was going on. The second half of the book was better. The storyline was cute.
March 7, 2023
The Friend Zone Fiasco is the last book in the Inked Love series. This book can be read as a standalone, but if you want to start from the beginning of the series, I suggest reading Forest and Skye’s story in The Best Friend Bargain (Book 1 in the Inked Love series). If you want to start at the very, very beginning then you need to start with Brendon and Kaylee in the book, Tempting (Inked Hearts Book 1). There are 13 books in the Inked Hearts/Love World and each one has a love story filled with tattoos, angsty tattoo artists, the women who make them whole again, nosy friends and family, witty banter, steamy & smexy moments, coffee/tea and gin obsessions, and so much more. The books in the series depict real life situations and issues and aren’t afraid to take them head on. And it’s one of the reasons why I love reading a Crystal Kaswell book because she isn’t afraid of ripping off the bandaid and writing on a book that might be considered taboo. In this book, there is mentioning of an Incident that involved one of the main characters and it caused her great pain and had lasting effects on her life. I want to say more, but I’m afraid I will say too much and spoil something so I will just leave it as that.
It’s been awhile since I have last been in the Inked Love world. The last book I read was Patrick and Imogen’s story (The Hookup Experiment) and I think that was back in Oct 2022 so I really wished that I read that book before I read this one, but I was too excited to read this book. If you have the time, I suggest reading The Hookup Experiment so you can be familiar with the characters that are in this book and there is some overlap so that will help out.
The Friend Zone Fiasco is a best friends to lovers contemporary romance book about the relationship between Dare and Val. The book takes place in a few locations and is written in the dual first person point of view with flashbacks of their relationship in the beginning all the way to present. Dare and Val have been friends since middle school when his dad moved in next to her mom. Both of them have been tainted by divorce and have a skewed view on relationships and love. The two of them clicked and there hasn’t been a time when Val was without Dare and vice versa. They have been each other’s rocks for the past 10 years and now Val is coming home after spending 4 months overseas studying abroad. One night, one moment is all it took to make things between Dare and Val shift and eventually change to something different making them tread into un-chartered waters. But will the thought of losing what they have in each other hinder them from giving into their most lustful desires for one another?
Darren “Dare” Dickson is a 20-something, dark haired, hard muscled tattoo artist at Inked Love and has been there for awhile and considers all the guys and their girls as family more than friends. He was always the more experienced and artsy one out of the dynamic duo of Dare and Val. He was always making sure he didn’t turn into his dad and made sure that he treated the girls he dated was completely different than what he saw with his dad. But there was always one thing that he wasn’t sure how to handle and that was confronting his feelings and being long term relationships with women. And he especially didn’t know how to handle or know what to do when it came to his best friend, Val, and her mission.
Valeria “Val” Diaz is a beautiful dark haired curvy woman, who is about to start her PhD at UCI focusing on the neurobiology of story. She loves movies-romantic comedies and classic movies like Casablanca and Sabrina. She has always been the brainy one of the dynamic duo that makes Dare and Val. She has always come to him for advice, comfort, and has opened herself up to him for the most part. But ever since the Incident, she hasn’t given Dare all the details behind it and they have been skirting around the subject of intimacy and sex for the past 3 years. While she was overseas, she found a new confidence and has a mission for her and Dare to accomplish before they leave Barcelona on their trip. But will she be able to get over her fears of the past and embarrassment or will she find the confidence and courage to complete this mission?
The Friend Zone Fiasco is filled with lots of moments for me. There were funny moments, steamy moments, smexy scenes, jealous moments where you wish you were where they were soaking up the scenery along with them, gut wrenching moments where your heart just hurts/aches for them, and so many more. This book is everything you love about a Crystal Kaswell book and she delivers a story that grips your heart as Dare and Val love and support each other through their issues and come out on the other side stronger and most importantly together in love.
There are characters crossovers in this book and if you know me, I love character crossovers with a passion. They make my little heart jump for joy. And I couldn’t have imagine two better people to have in this book than the two that are mentioned in this book.
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The world of angsty tattoo artists, smart beautiful women, witty banter, and coffee and gin obsessions in So Cal has finally come to an end and it’s definitely a bittersweet moment. And if you haven’t read the whole series, I recommend that you one click them and start binge reading. They are the perfect books to sit outside and read while soaking up the sunshine with your favorite beverage. You can guess that I will being bing reading the series from start to finish with a gin and tonic or coffee to drink.
It’s been awhile since I have last been in the Inked Love world. The last book I read was Patrick and Imogen’s story (The Hookup Experiment) and I think that was back in Oct 2022 so I really wished that I read that book before I read this one, but I was too excited to read this book. If you have the time, I suggest reading The Hookup Experiment so you can be familiar with the characters that are in this book and there is some overlap so that will help out.
The Friend Zone Fiasco is a best friends to lovers contemporary romance book about the relationship between Dare and Val. The book takes place in a few locations and is written in the dual first person point of view with flashbacks of their relationship in the beginning all the way to present. Dare and Val have been friends since middle school when his dad moved in next to her mom. Both of them have been tainted by divorce and have a skewed view on relationships and love. The two of them clicked and there hasn’t been a time when Val was without Dare and vice versa. They have been each other’s rocks for the past 10 years and now Val is coming home after spending 4 months overseas studying abroad. One night, one moment is all it took to make things between Dare and Val shift and eventually change to something different making them tread into un-chartered waters. But will the thought of losing what they have in each other hinder them from giving into their most lustful desires for one another?
Darren “Dare” Dickson is a 20-something, dark haired, hard muscled tattoo artist at Inked Love and has been there for awhile and considers all the guys and their girls as family more than friends. He was always the more experienced and artsy one out of the dynamic duo of Dare and Val. He was always making sure he didn’t turn into his dad and made sure that he treated the girls he dated was completely different than what he saw with his dad. But there was always one thing that he wasn’t sure how to handle and that was confronting his feelings and being long term relationships with women. And he especially didn’t know how to handle or know what to do when it came to his best friend, Val, and her mission.
Valeria “Val” Diaz is a beautiful dark haired curvy woman, who is about to start her PhD at UCI focusing on the neurobiology of story. She loves movies-romantic comedies and classic movies like Casablanca and Sabrina. She has always been the brainy one of the dynamic duo that makes Dare and Val. She has always come to him for advice, comfort, and has opened herself up to him for the most part. But ever since the Incident, she hasn’t given Dare all the details behind it and they have been skirting around the subject of intimacy and sex for the past 3 years. While she was overseas, she found a new confidence and has a mission for her and Dare to accomplish before they leave Barcelona on their trip. But will she be able to get over her fears of the past and embarrassment or will she find the confidence and courage to complete this mission?
The Friend Zone Fiasco is filled with lots of moments for me. There were funny moments, steamy moments, smexy scenes, jealous moments where you wish you were where they were soaking up the scenery along with them, gut wrenching moments where your heart just hurts/aches for them, and so many more. This book is everything you love about a Crystal Kaswell book and she delivers a story that grips your heart as Dare and Val love and support each other through their issues and come out on the other side stronger and most importantly together in love.
There are characters crossovers in this book and if you know me, I love character crossovers with a passion. They make my little heart jump for joy. And I couldn’t have imagine two better people to have in this book than the two that are mentioned in this book.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get the extended epilogue. You don’t want to miss it!
The world of angsty tattoo artists, smart beautiful women, witty banter, and coffee and gin obsessions in So Cal has finally come to an end and it’s definitely a bittersweet moment. And if you haven’t read the whole series, I recommend that you one click them and start binge reading. They are the perfect books to sit outside and read while soaking up the sunshine with your favorite beverage. You can guess that I will being bing reading the series from start to finish with a gin and tonic or coffee to drink.
March 5, 2023
The Friend Zone Fiasco is the 5th book in the Inked Love series by Crystal Kaswell. This book can be read as a stand alone in the interconnected series, but personally I think it's best enjoyed when reading the series in order.
3.5 ⭐
Dare and Val have been friends- BEST friends- for years. Everyone around them thinks that they are secretly in love with each other, and they did a good job of lying to themselves until recently.
Typical of what I've come to expect from a Crystal Kaswell book- The Friend Zone Fiasco is a descriptive readers dream. Every bit of the story is written with this kind of slow, easy rhythm and with such vivid imagery when it comes to the senses that not many other authors do. Because of this I think sometimes the story can feel like you are kind of going in circles, especially with some of the dialogue- the characters converse with each other a lot but also in a way where a lot is kind of inferred rather than spoken. While I enjoy that style of writing, I also think its a mood kind of reading and you have to want that slower tempo otherwise it can come off as slightly uninteresting.
I enjoyed Dare and Val's story- they complimented and contrasted each other in such a good way. Dare comes off as the experienced tattoo artist bad boy and Val is the smart, curvy but shy best friend that needs help with her confidence. While those things are true- there is also so much more to the characters and their stories. A lot of this story revolves around what Val refers to as "The Incident" where she had an unwanted and scaring sexual encounter (so be advised if that is a trigger for you)- and she is finally in a place where she is ready to move on and enlists the help of the only man she feels safe with- Dare.
There is this just comfortable feeling in the interactions between Val and Dare- they speak candidly with each other even if the topic is uncomfortable. And while the storyline revolves around sex, this book is more of a slow burn between the friends- but when things move to more, in typical CK fashion it's intense, vivid and makes you feel as insatiable as the characters.
3.5 ⭐
Dare and Val have been friends- BEST friends- for years. Everyone around them thinks that they are secretly in love with each other, and they did a good job of lying to themselves until recently.
Typical of what I've come to expect from a Crystal Kaswell book- The Friend Zone Fiasco is a descriptive readers dream. Every bit of the story is written with this kind of slow, easy rhythm and with such vivid imagery when it comes to the senses that not many other authors do. Because of this I think sometimes the story can feel like you are kind of going in circles, especially with some of the dialogue- the characters converse with each other a lot but also in a way where a lot is kind of inferred rather than spoken. While I enjoy that style of writing, I also think its a mood kind of reading and you have to want that slower tempo otherwise it can come off as slightly uninteresting.
I enjoyed Dare and Val's story- they complimented and contrasted each other in such a good way. Dare comes off as the experienced tattoo artist bad boy and Val is the smart, curvy but shy best friend that needs help with her confidence. While those things are true- there is also so much more to the characters and their stories. A lot of this story revolves around what Val refers to as "The Incident" where she had an unwanted and scaring sexual encounter (so be advised if that is a trigger for you)- and she is finally in a place where she is ready to move on and enlists the help of the only man she feels safe with- Dare.
There is this just comfortable feeling in the interactions between Val and Dare- they speak candidly with each other even if the topic is uncomfortable. And while the storyline revolves around sex, this book is more of a slow burn between the friends- but when things move to more, in typical CK fashion it's intense, vivid and makes you feel as insatiable as the characters.
March 9, 2023
The Friend Zone Fiasco by Crystal Kaswell is the fifth and final book in her Inked Love Series. This is told in dual POV and is Dare and Val’s story. This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series so you don’t get couple spoilers and don’t miss out on the inside jokes. I absolutely love Crystal’s writing style. It’s very Gilmore Girls like with its quick back and forth banter. Crystal can also write the heck out of a friends to lovers romance and she knocked it out of the park with this one. I’m super sad that this is the end of the series but Dare and Val were a fantastic ending. The slow burn drove me crazy in the best ways because I really REALLY wanted to see this couple FINALLY get together. Reader beware, you are gonna be deep into the book before it gets explicit, but it is worth the wait. Crystal writes very real and relatable characters that are flawed and have baggage and trauma. Nothing is ever written for shock factor and it’s always written with respect but without sugarcoating the issue. My heart hurt for Val and for Dare, their issues are completely different but it was hard watching them deal with their personal struggles while also trying to fix each other’s. These tattooed bad boys of the Inked Family are so much more that what you see on the surface and it’s so easy to fall for them. Val is such an awesome character, I would love to be friends with her in real life. This book has it all - heartfelt moments, laugh out loud scenes, beautiful locations, steam that will melt your kindle, moments to make you swoon, moments that will make you want to pull your hair out.. but deep down it’s a story with a hard earned HEA with a couple who have decades of backstory. Love Crystal, both her Inked Series, really all of her work. If you’re looking for a romance with all the feels and characters that you love and can see yourself hanging out with then pick up The Friend Zone Fiasco, you’ll love it!
March 6, 2023
I love Crystal Kaswell. I love the Inked boys. I love the smutty tendencies. And I love the plus size representation that she gives. I will always recommend her and her books, especially as I continue through her catalogue.
This book follows Darren (Dare) and Valeria (Val). They’ve been best friends since school days, so like 10 years. She even asked him to be her first kiss and help her practice because she was nervous about her boyfriend. Like. They are so freaking cute. Val is a victim of a sexual assault and it is three years later, going through tons of therapy, and she’s working on her homework from her therapist. She needs to move on. She needs to get laid. So Dare tries to be her wingman and ya know… it doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d think when they both realize that they may have a thing for the other.
SPOILER ALERT: IT’S FRIENDS TO LOVERS, one of my favs. And lemme just say, Dare was literally everything. He was passionate, gentle, and so tender with his best friend. It made me swoon, wanna cry, hug him, and steal him!
Now, you might be wondering, “Vanessa, you love friends to lovers. Why only 4 stars?” Let me start with the fact that there’s a veeeeeeery slow burn. Usually, I’m cool with that but with this one, I found myself wanting to push them together to see what happened. And once we got there, it felt rushed. It wasn’t quite as smutty as the other Inked Love/Hearts books, and no, I’m not judging on that. But by the time we get them together, it’s almost at like 70% - and then within that remaining 20% because acknowledgments and stuff, it doesn’t leave much room to see them grow TOGETHER. I’m hoping that there will be more Inked Love books so that we can continue seeing them from afar like we did with Patrick and Luna in this one.
Thank you to Crystal and her team for an ARC copy of The Friend Zone Fiasco!!
This book follows Darren (Dare) and Valeria (Val). They’ve been best friends since school days, so like 10 years. She even asked him to be her first kiss and help her practice because she was nervous about her boyfriend. Like. They are so freaking cute. Val is a victim of a sexual assault and it is three years later, going through tons of therapy, and she’s working on her homework from her therapist. She needs to move on. She needs to get laid. So Dare tries to be her wingman and ya know… it doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d think when they both realize that they may have a thing for the other.
SPOILER ALERT: IT’S FRIENDS TO LOVERS, one of my favs. And lemme just say, Dare was literally everything. He was passionate, gentle, and so tender with his best friend. It made me swoon, wanna cry, hug him, and steal him!
Now, you might be wondering, “Vanessa, you love friends to lovers. Why only 4 stars?” Let me start with the fact that there’s a veeeeeeery slow burn. Usually, I’m cool with that but with this one, I found myself wanting to push them together to see what happened. And once we got there, it felt rushed. It wasn’t quite as smutty as the other Inked Love/Hearts books, and no, I’m not judging on that. But by the time we get them together, it’s almost at like 70% - and then within that remaining 20% because acknowledgments and stuff, it doesn’t leave much room to see them grow TOGETHER. I’m hoping that there will be more Inked Love books so that we can continue seeing them from afar like we did with Patrick and Luna in this one.
Thank you to Crystal and her team for an ARC copy of The Friend Zone Fiasco!!
August 6, 2023
I wanted to love this so bad. But it ended up being the worst book I read this year so far.
First off, the plot. Withoput a joke, the plot goes: They are best friend who are secretly attracted to each oter and want to f*ck each other. Then it´s not a secret anymore. They do f*ck each other. A bunch of times. Then there is a third act breakup, which came so abruptly and the cause of it is so freaking random that I actually had to laugh when it happened. Then they make up and all is good.
That´s it.
I mean, sure, there is the fact that they are travelling to Barcelona and Paris for two weeks, but there is literally barely any mention of it. Hints here and there, really. (No joke, I think the Paris trip -5 days- took up about 6 pages maybe.) An other topic in the book is that she was raped. And it is, in fact, constantly mentioned, but not in a way that makes the reader feel anything. Even that felt random...
Not to mention the fact that basically the whole book is basically about sex. A lot of it. Thinking about it, talking about it, doing it. But the way the scenes are written feels so rushed. Like... As I was reading the scenes I actively felt my vagina drying up. There is literally more passion in a biology book than there was in this one.
I just... I literally do not have anything nice to say about this book and I am so damn disappointed. I was so excited about the plus size main character and the travel setting. And I just... I am frustrated and sooo disappointed.
First off, the plot. Withoput a joke, the plot goes: They are best friend who are secretly attracted to each oter and want to f*ck each other. Then it´s not a secret anymore. They do f*ck each other. A bunch of times. Then there is a third act breakup, which came so abruptly and the cause of it is so freaking random that I actually had to laugh when it happened. Then they make up and all is good.
That´s it.
I mean, sure, there is the fact that they are travelling to Barcelona and Paris for two weeks, but there is literally barely any mention of it. Hints here and there, really. (No joke, I think the Paris trip -5 days- took up about 6 pages maybe.) An other topic in the book is that she was raped. And it is, in fact, constantly mentioned, but not in a way that makes the reader feel anything. Even that felt random...
Not to mention the fact that basically the whole book is basically about sex. A lot of it. Thinking about it, talking about it, doing it. But the way the scenes are written feels so rushed. Like... As I was reading the scenes I actively felt my vagina drying up. There is literally more passion in a biology book than there was in this one.
I just... I literally do not have anything nice to say about this book and I am so damn disappointed. I was so excited about the plus size main character and the travel setting. And I just... I am frustrated and sooo disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
Best friends to lovers implosion is all the best ways
In The Friend Zone Fiasco (Inked Love Book 4) by Cystal Kaswell, the steamy tension builds like a pressure cooker left unchecked. Dare and Val's continuous internal denials only add to the tension and pressure within themselves. The only viable outcome is ultimately a spectacular combustion of epic proportions. Neither Dare nor Val were prepared to openly admit to their attraction let alone act on it. In fact, both denied there was anything more than friendship.
This best friends to lovers plot is a great read. Dare and Val’s connection is obvious as is the care and love for one another. Their negative family life experiences shaped their views and skewed their thoughts about love, forever and family. Deep down though, both want that meaningful, life-long forever love. The journey is long and emotionally painful in getting to the point of being ready and that is what this book explores.
Overall, once again this author explores topics impact mental health, but in a realistic, at times funny, sometimes serious and most of all with healing and love. Dare and Val take on their issues and like reality, falter, but then find their way (with the humorous help of loving meddlesome friends). This couple has what it takes; hope, healing, acceptance, patience, humor, open minds and hearts and most importantly, a forever love.
In The Friend Zone Fiasco (Inked Love Book 4) by Cystal Kaswell, the steamy tension builds like a pressure cooker left unchecked. Dare and Val's continuous internal denials only add to the tension and pressure within themselves. The only viable outcome is ultimately a spectacular combustion of epic proportions. Neither Dare nor Val were prepared to openly admit to their attraction let alone act on it. In fact, both denied there was anything more than friendship.
This best friends to lovers plot is a great read. Dare and Val’s connection is obvious as is the care and love for one another. Their negative family life experiences shaped their views and skewed their thoughts about love, forever and family. Deep down though, both want that meaningful, life-long forever love. The journey is long and emotionally painful in getting to the point of being ready and that is what this book explores.
Overall, once again this author explores topics impact mental health, but in a realistic, at times funny, sometimes serious and most of all with healing and love. Dare and Val take on their issues and like reality, falter, but then find their way (with the humorous help of loving meddlesome friends). This couple has what it takes; hope, healing, acceptance, patience, humor, open minds and hearts and most importantly, a forever love.
March 3, 2023
Friends to Lovers is one of my all-time favorite tropes, and Crystal's take on it is *Chef's Kiss.*
While I'm sad to see the end of the Inked Love/Inked Hearts crews, I have to say I loved the ride...loved the world Crystal built and the friendships and relationships that spanned both series. I'll be back to re-read my favorites often.
Dare has been such a flirty goofball up to this point and I was SO curious to get his backstory and experience his HEA. Crystal did not disappoint.
There was some heavy trauma dealt with in this story, and again Crystal handled it fantastically. I really felt for Val and Dare as they navigated that topic.
Loved the vacation / international travel in this book, it was fun to "see" and experience with Dare and Val. Also, it gave the characters a reprieve from daily responsibilities and daily life to really explore their changing dynamic. We got to really focus on Dare and Val.
My only disappointment came from the 3rd act conflict...it felt weak and forced, not as strong of a "problem" as I'd expect from Crystal, likewise with the grovel and resolution...but it wasn't the worst, just predicable.
Like I said earlier, the Inked Heart/Love crews are special to me. So I'll miss them, but they'll stay in rotation in my library as a place I return to often.
While I'm sad to see the end of the Inked Love/Inked Hearts crews, I have to say I loved the ride...loved the world Crystal built and the friendships and relationships that spanned both series. I'll be back to re-read my favorites often.
Dare has been such a flirty goofball up to this point and I was SO curious to get his backstory and experience his HEA. Crystal did not disappoint.
There was some heavy trauma dealt with in this story, and again Crystal handled it fantastically. I really felt for Val and Dare as they navigated that topic.
Loved the vacation / international travel in this book, it was fun to "see" and experience with Dare and Val. Also, it gave the characters a reprieve from daily responsibilities and daily life to really explore their changing dynamic. We got to really focus on Dare and Val.
My only disappointment came from the 3rd act conflict...it felt weak and forced, not as strong of a "problem" as I'd expect from Crystal, likewise with the grovel and resolution...but it wasn't the worst, just predicable.
Like I said earlier, the Inked Heart/Love crews are special to me. So I'll miss them, but they'll stay in rotation in my library as a place I return to often.
October 23, 2023
This book brings us into the relationship between Dare, an Inked Love artist, and his childhood/next door neighbor friend Val. You get a sneak peek into this book toward the end of the previous book in this series. Dare travels to Barcelona & Paris with his old friend. Val has experienced a sexual assault, and is trying to overcome her fears of being with a man again. Who else would you ask to help with this task, than a trusted childhood friend, who also happens to be a hot tattoo artist? In addition to Val's fears, we have Dare's feeling of not being good enough for Val. He's just a tattoo artist, with no "education". He believes that he is too similar to his father, who broke his mother's heart being a playboy rather than the family man that he believes he should have been. As much as I love previous books written by Crystal Kaswell (especially other books in this series, and the Inked Hearts series), this particular book left me needing more. It seemed rushed without giving me the usual build up to solving the internal problems of the couple. I understand that some of the topics in this book could be triggering to some, but the way that came across in this book almost make them feel trivial to the storyline. This all being said, this was an ok read, meaning to me it was not my favorite, but it does have a happy ending with no cliff hangers.
March 5, 2023
I want to start with I have absolutely LOVED the Inked Hearts and Inked Love series of books. They all have great characters, amazing chemistry, and stories that kept me coming back for more. This book has parts of that. I loved Dare and Val, separately, they both have heart, sweetness, love and caring beyond measure. There's some trauma in Val's past that she's been dealing with, trying to work her way through that and my heart does go out to her for that. Dare is good to her, with her, being best friends he's been there for her forever. That friendship was great. Where things started being... awkward was this "practicing" that they kept doing, they kept coming back to that. This hits the very slow burn, I want him, I want her BUT, BUT, BUT thing that was drawn out a bit much and shows those insecurities that they both have. So there's some good in that, the build up to show their worth. I don't mind the slow burn and the character growth, it was just the way that they got there that would pull me out of the story at times. The characters themselves is what kept me flipping pages.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 6, 2023
Val and Dare have been best friends since middle school and bonding over being kids of divorced parents. Val is home from studying abroad for 4 months in Barcelona and is planning a 2 week vacation, with one week in Barcelona and one week in Paris, with Dare before she starts graduate school. Dare is a talented tattoo artist who loves art and drawing. He goes along with his reputation as the good time guy but refuses to be anything like his father. Dare feels he is not good enough to fit into Val's world and will one day not be part of it. Will Dare say yes when Val asks for help? Will deep feelings be revealed between Dare and Val? Will Dare and Val risk their friendship for a chance at love? I loved The Friend Zone Fiasco by Crystal Kaswell. Val and Dare have great friends with amazing chemistry. The Friend Zone Fiasco is a great story with chemistry, friendship, love, meddling friends, and humor. I would highly recommend getting The Friend Zone Fiasco and the other books in the Inked Love series by Crystal Kaswell. I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 4, 2023
The Inked Love series has been awesome. Love the world building and development of characters. It’s really cool to see all the friends live their lives and watch them grow.
Dare and Val have been best friends since middle school. It has always been platonic. The banter and relationship between these two is endearing.
I absolutely love Dare. He is so sensitive and caring toward Val. Throughout the book you can see how much he really loves her thru everything he does. His top priority is to never hurt her. I really cheered him on and so wanted his HEA.
Val loves him back just as much. You can see it in the way they share everything with each other. The way they trust each other. It is crazy they don’t see it themselves.
That is the beauty of Crystal Kaswell. Creating tension and angst for the reader. Her writing pulls you in and keeps you hoping the characters figure their way thru difficulties and into each others arms.
Dare and Val have been best friends since middle school. It has always been platonic. The banter and relationship between these two is endearing.
I absolutely love Dare. He is so sensitive and caring toward Val. Throughout the book you can see how much he really loves her thru everything he does. His top priority is to never hurt her. I really cheered him on and so wanted his HEA.
Val loves him back just as much. You can see it in the way they share everything with each other. The way they trust each other. It is crazy they don’t see it themselves.
That is the beauty of Crystal Kaswell. Creating tension and angst for the reader. Her writing pulls you in and keeps you hoping the characters figure their way thru difficulties and into each others arms.
March 5, 2023
Dare and Val have been friends forever. Both products of divorce, they moved in next door to each other as kids and learned to lean on each other when their parents were not available to them. Fast forward many years, Val is about to start a PhD program and Dare is a successful tattoo artist. Since has a little time left in the apartment she has had in Spain over the summer and invites Dare to join her for 2 weeks. But she also has another, more intimate request to get her over an incident that happened in college. Will they finally see what everyone has told them - that they are meant for each other?
I love this author and have read all of her books. You could read this as a stand alone but I suggest reading the series in order. One note: this book does reference sexual assault so if that is a trigger for you, be warned. It is handled in a subtle way. I love both characters, especially Dare.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I love this author and have read all of her books. You could read this as a stand alone but I suggest reading the series in order. One note: this book does reference sexual assault so if that is a trigger for you, be warned. It is handled in a subtle way. I love both characters, especially Dare.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 29, 2023
The final book in the Inked Love Series. I bought this book but I also received this as an ARC.
I am the first to admit, I was first introduced to Crystal through her rockstar romance series, Dangerous Noise and Sinful Serenade. The Inked Hearts and Inked Love series has been really good as well.
Dare and Val have been friends for a long time. They've gone through difficult times in their lives and helped each other out.
When Val decides she needs serious help, and not the vegetable kind, she goes to Dare to give her the courage and experience she needs.
On a trip to Barcelona, things heat up and emotions run wild.
Crystal writes amazing stories and the reader will be deeply invested in the characters.
A good book to end the series.
If you love HEA, this is definitely a book for you.
And I highly recommend reading the rockstar series if you haven't already. ;)
I am the first to admit, I was first introduced to Crystal through her rockstar romance series, Dangerous Noise and Sinful Serenade. The Inked Hearts and Inked Love series has been really good as well.
Dare and Val have been friends for a long time. They've gone through difficult times in their lives and helped each other out.
When Val decides she needs serious help, and not the vegetable kind, she goes to Dare to give her the courage and experience she needs.
On a trip to Barcelona, things heat up and emotions run wild.
Crystal writes amazing stories and the reader will be deeply invested in the characters.
A good book to end the series.
If you love HEA, this is definitely a book for you.
And I highly recommend reading the rockstar series if you haven't already. ;)
March 3, 2023
I loved Dare and Val! They had such delicious chemistry that was sizzling hot! I loved that they each saw all that the other was, even when they couldn’t see it themselves. Their friendship is exactly what makes the best relationships, an honest and true desire to see someone they love be happy.
I was completely smitten with Dare! Obviously I’m all for the tattoos and the bad-boy look, but it was the reverence with which he saw Val. The care that he took to make sure she was alright. Beneath the leather jacket and tats is a true heart of gold! It broke my heart how Dare saw himself in comparison to Val.
These two were exactly what they needed; someone to help them heal, give them the time, space, and shoulder to lean on, and help them see who they truly are and can be.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was completely smitten with Dare! Obviously I’m all for the tattoos and the bad-boy look, but it was the reverence with which he saw Val. The care that he took to make sure she was alright. Beneath the leather jacket and tats is a true heart of gold! It broke my heart how Dare saw himself in comparison to Val.
These two were exactly what they needed; someone to help them heal, give them the time, space, and shoulder to lean on, and help them see who they truly are and can be.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
Oh how I love a good friends to lovers romance and Crystal Kaswell has done this one do good!!!
Dare and Val have been best friends, like truly best friends, since middle school (so about 16 years give or take). Dare was who she went to when she wanted to get the first kiss out of the way. The had movie nights etc. They have a bond like no other. Somewhere along the way, they began to look at each other differently but neither wanted to mess up the friendship.
"We never escape our pasts, our upbringing. But trying to run from a part of our lives is another way to let it control us."
When Val asks Dare to help her move past a bad experience. Their feelings and attraction to each other grows. Dare is just everything a girl could wish for, even if he doesn't think he deserves more with her. Gah! I just loved watching their love story unfold.
Dare and Val have been best friends, like truly best friends, since middle school (so about 16 years give or take). Dare was who she went to when she wanted to get the first kiss out of the way. The had movie nights etc. They have a bond like no other. Somewhere along the way, they began to look at each other differently but neither wanted to mess up the friendship.
"We never escape our pasts, our upbringing. But trying to run from a part of our lives is another way to let it control us."
When Val asks Dare to help her move past a bad experience. Their feelings and attraction to each other grows. Dare is just everything a girl could wish for, even if he doesn't think he deserves more with her. Gah! I just loved watching their love story unfold.
March 4, 2023
Dare and Val grew up next door to each other. Val was the nerd and Dare was the guy who always had a girl but not girlfriend. They have been best friends since meeting. Val has been studying in Barcelona, and is done with her studies and going to move back to the states. Dare goes to visit her and help her move back. Throughout the story you know something happened to Val. But now exactly what. Until later. But Dare is the only person she is comfortable with, and she wants to accomplish somethings before she moves back. And Dare is the only one she trust to do the stuff with. Dare is more than willing to help, but it’s getting harder to hide his true feelings for her. I really liked the friendship they had for each other. And the fact that they both liked each other, but thought that the other just viewed them as a friend.
March 7, 2023
The Friend Zone Fiasco by Crystal Kaswell is book 5 in the Inked Love series. Crystal Kaswell creates magic in writing her Inked Love books about tattoo artists falling in love with their lady loves. This story is about Dare and Val, who have been best friends since childhood. Dare has lusted after Val since she became a teen, and Val has loved Dare since childhood. When isolated from friends and family while on a European vacation, Val asks Dare to teach her how to seduce another man. Once they make the physical connection, their love and passion grow. But will fears, self-image, and baggage ruin their budding relationship? Can their love survive beyond the vacation? If you like inked bad boys and lovable leading ladies, this book is for you—a guaranteed HEA in all of Crystal Kaswell’s stories.
March 9, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 5th book in the Inked Love series. Each of these rom-com books can be read as a standalone.
Dare and Val have been best friends since they became next-door neighbors when they were younger. Dare is a tattoo artist and your typical tattooed playboy. Val is super smart and on her way to getting her PhD.
Since Val's incident, she hasn't been able to feel safe with any guy. Well, except Dare, but can she really ask him to help her get past her trauma. She doesn't want to make it weird between them.
Dare has been in love with his best friend since the first time he kissed her. Even if it was to teach her so she could go kiss her boyfriend. He's always up to teach Val everything she desires.
This was such a good book. This book does skate over her trauma but doesn't go into detail.
Dare and Val have been best friends since they became next-door neighbors when they were younger. Dare is a tattoo artist and your typical tattooed playboy. Val is super smart and on her way to getting her PhD.
Since Val's incident, she hasn't been able to feel safe with any guy. Well, except Dare, but can she really ask him to help her get past her trauma. She doesn't want to make it weird between them.
Dare has been in love with his best friend since the first time he kissed her. Even if it was to teach her so she could go kiss her boyfriend. He's always up to teach Val everything she desires.
This was such a good book. This book does skate over her trauma but doesn't go into detail.
March 17, 2023
Once best friend always best friends
Dare didn't do relaships because he saw what it did to his parents but he didn't want to become his father also because he didn't like what his father did but he did some of the same thing even though he tried not to but Val was the only woman in his life that he would never treat like any of the other women because she was his best friend and has been there though all the had stuff he went through as kids he thought they would never be anything but friends no matter what everyone else thought.
Val always saw Dare as her best friend and she knows he would always have her back no matter what and would help her with anything that was until things change on there trip to Barcelona she saw Dare in a different way than what she used when they were younger
Dare didn't do relaships because he saw what it did to his parents but he didn't want to become his father also because he didn't like what his father did but he did some of the same thing even though he tried not to but Val was the only woman in his life that he would never treat like any of the other women because she was his best friend and has been there though all the had stuff he went through as kids he thought they would never be anything but friends no matter what everyone else thought.
Val always saw Dare as her best friend and she knows he would always have her back no matter what and would help her with anything that was until things change on there trip to Barcelona she saw Dare in a different way than what she used when they were younger
March 26, 2023
This one took me awhile to read, and I'm not exactly sure why. I love the whole best friend aspect with Val and Dare. I also loved the idea that Val was comfortable enough with Dare to ask him to demonstrate various dating tips to make her seem more experienced. Coming back to Dare again after a rough experience, Val wants to feel safe and try move past her hardships. Dare has stronger feelings, and I love that he wants to put her needs first, even if it is at his loss. I loved that they threw in a trip to Barcelona. It was fun to experience the city through the characters' eyes. The two were definitely playing with fire. I loved that they knew each other intimately, without being intimate, but it's fun to watch the lines of love start to blur and develop into more, but it wasn't as easy as you'd think.
May 7, 2023
This is a gorgeous story of unrequited, unacknowledged love.
Val and Dare have been friends since they were kids. Neighbours and best friends, nothing is out of bounds, except their own feelings for each other. Both not wanting to admit it and ruin their amazing friendship.
This story is a beautiful tale of being pushed to accept reality and coming to terms with the changes that come with that.
Val and Dare are both strong people, independent and focused. They complement each other and support the life they want to lead. Best friends.
What happens, though, when you add romantic feelings into the mix. Something their friends see instantly.
I loved this book. The challenges the characters face are so beautifully detailed and lovingly written. I feel for Val and Dares' story from the first chapter.
I highly recommend this book, author, and series.
Val and Dare have been friends since they were kids. Neighbours and best friends, nothing is out of bounds, except their own feelings for each other. Both not wanting to admit it and ruin their amazing friendship.
This story is a beautiful tale of being pushed to accept reality and coming to terms with the changes that come with that.
Val and Dare are both strong people, independent and focused. They complement each other and support the life they want to lead. Best friends.
What happens, though, when you add romantic feelings into the mix. Something their friends see instantly.
I loved this book. The challenges the characters face are so beautifully detailed and lovingly written. I feel for Val and Dares' story from the first chapter.
I highly recommend this book, author, and series.
March 7, 2023
This is the 5th book in the Inked Love series. Like the rest of the books you do not need to read the other ones before you read this one but I highly reccomend that you do so. Dare and Val have been best friends for a long time. They have been secretly in love with eachother but neither one wanted to act on their blind feelings as to not wanting to ruin their friendship. Dare goes back with her to Barcelona for a couple weeks and that is where all the fun begins.
I really loved seeing them slowly come to realize that they were perfect for eachother all along. The chemistry between the two of them was on fire. Plus I enjoyed her roomate thrown into the mix. As expected from Crystal Kaswell this book did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
*I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
I really loved seeing them slowly come to realize that they were perfect for eachother all along. The chemistry between the two of them was on fire. Plus I enjoyed her roomate thrown into the mix. As expected from Crystal Kaswell this book did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
*I received an ARC for my honest opinion.
March 9, 2023
Finally Dare and Val get their book. These two have been the best of friends since middle school. They have always been there for one another but have been denying their feelings for each other. When Val goes to Dare for help in dating will he be able to give her the tutoring she needs or will they finally figure out what all of their friends have seen the whole time.
Crystal does an outstanding job with Dare and Val’s story. Well written with in wonderful Crystal Kaswell style touching on some serious issues. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but you will enjoy it so much more if you read the previous books in this series.
I love this author and her books she never seems to disappoint. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my honest review.
Crystal does an outstanding job with Dare and Val’s story. Well written with in wonderful Crystal Kaswell style touching on some serious issues. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but you will enjoy it so much more if you read the previous books in this series.
I love this author and her books she never seems to disappoint. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my honest review.
March 16, 2023
OMG OMG OMG What a boring so very boring book
My first book by this author, I chose the book for the color of the book cover. But how was I to know it would have pages and pages of choppy dialogues?
Two best friends stuck in the friend zone when they wanted f*ck each other senseless. So talk it out and get on with it. But nooooo… she wanted to practice s*x on someone and he was being the wingman
More than half the book was gone, and there was zilch romance or any sort of character development. Everything felt to be flat like a pancake. There was no connection between them. I didn't feel the zing. Sheesh
I didn’t pay good money to read 350pages of this drivel of the story going nowhere. Sighhh...
My first book by this author, I chose the book for the color of the book cover. But how was I to know it would have pages and pages of choppy dialogues?
Two best friends stuck in the friend zone when they wanted f*ck each other senseless. So talk it out and get on with it. But nooooo… she wanted to practice s*x on someone and he was being the wingman
More than half the book was gone, and there was zilch romance or any sort of character development. Everything felt to be flat like a pancake. There was no connection between them. I didn't feel the zing. Sheesh
I didn’t pay good money to read 350pages of this drivel of the story going nowhere. Sighhh...
March 24, 2023
Inked series wrapped up nicely.
Great to finally finish both of the Inked series’.
Dare and Val are such timid characters, in the face of love. Their friendship is enviable. But not common, when it comes to Dare “helping” Val with her inexperiences and practicing!
I have enjoyed these books a lot, but I do sometimes get lost in what they’re talking about, and who is talking during the long dialogues. I’m not a massive fan of answering a question with a question either, but that’s all these two seem to do!
Val’s trauma wasn’t handled particularly clearly (maybe other readers will get it better than I did?!) which was a bit frustrating and I really did wonder what happened to Dares mum!
Nice to wrap up all the characters stories.
Great to finally finish both of the Inked series’.
Dare and Val are such timid characters, in the face of love. Their friendship is enviable. But not common, when it comes to Dare “helping” Val with her inexperiences and practicing!
I have enjoyed these books a lot, but I do sometimes get lost in what they’re talking about, and who is talking during the long dialogues. I’m not a massive fan of answering a question with a question either, but that’s all these two seem to do!
Val’s trauma wasn’t handled particularly clearly (maybe other readers will get it better than I did?!) which was a bit frustrating and I really did wonder what happened to Dares mum!
Nice to wrap up all the characters stories.
March 3, 2023
Book five in the Inked Love series, an Inked Hearts spin off series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Each book about a different tattoo artist with secondary characters the same throughout the series. I loved being back in the Inked Love world and I'm glad to finally read Dare and Val's story. The first 60% is a lot of inner dialogue, but it is balanced with smart witty banter. It was a slow burn before the fire! I liked the epilogue; it lets us know how the couple is doing years into the future! If you know Crystal Kaswell's stories, this one is a classic and doesn't disappoint!
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