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Inked Hearts #4

Hating You, Loving You

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I hate him. I want him. I can't stop thinking about him.

Chloe
Nice to see you, sunshine, wearing black again?
Dean Maddox spent high school pushing all my buttons.
Seven years later, we're working together. So much has changed, but he's the same arrogant jerk with the same penchant for teasing me senselessly.
I still want to slap the cocky smirk from his face. And tear off his clothes. And kiss him like the ship is going down.
I hate him. I want him. I can't...
No, I will stop thinking about him.

Dean
Seven years ago, I took Chloe's v*rginity. It was supposed to cure my cravings for the pint-sized spitfire. But now that she's working under me...
The more she glares, the more I want her.
The more I tease, the more she stares.
The more I brag about my Prince Albert...
Let's just say it's obvious she's picturing me naked.
She owns my thoughts as much as I own hers.
I should stay away. She's my subordinate. She's off limits.
But there's no way I can resist her.

Hating You, Loving You is a standalone enemies to lovers romance featuring a cocky alpha hero and the strong, sassy heroine who brings him to his knees.

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2018

4101 people are currently reading
2464 people want to read

About the author

Crystal Kaswell

114 books2,549 followers
Crystal 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

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5 stars
1,826 (41%)
4 stars
1,449 (32%)
3 stars
817 (18%)
2 stars
213 (4%)
1 star
98 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews643 followers
June 8, 2019
#DNF ===> 1 ⭐- Ugh! Didn't like it or or triggers or pet peeve!
================================================
This supposed hero is a big, big, big ASSHOLE!
I was disgusted with him and I could not like the heroine either.
He has nothing, nothing, no characteristic that can arouse love on the part of the heroine. She is stupid and dumb to be seduced by him.
Rest my case.
Moving on and not wasting any more time with this crap.

We finish. He helps me dress. Promises to stay in touch. Never does. He doesn't text, or call, or email, or IM. The next week, he graduates. And I spend seven years without hearing a peep from Dean Maddox.

It's a good routine. I make them laugh. Make them come. Get them screaming my name. Then I say goodbye and I do it all over again the next day.

Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
June 28, 2018
Hating You, Loving You by Crystal Kaswell is the story of Chloe and Dean.
Chloe and Dean once went to High School together where Dean seemed to always be a joking/ pick on Chloe, but there was one hot encounter they had. So Chloe has a love / hate attitude towards him. Chloe remembers how he treated her but she is so attracted to him that she has a hard time fighting it. Now all these years later she ends up working for him at where she still dealing with the same feelings. Dean has never been able to get Chloe out of his system the ever joking man also is having a issue with fighting his attraction. But she works for him, and there are lines he shouldn't cross....right?
Great enjoyable read!

Profile Image for amanda s..
3,120 reviews95 followers
July 5, 2018
I can't connect to the writing at all. I really want to love the story, especially because the plot is so my cup of tea. I adore love-hate relationship. But the writing of this book is confusing; almost poem-like and I don't really fancy them. DNF at 45%
Profile Image for Denise.
365 reviews26 followers
July 25, 2018
Well I’ll give Crystal props for the synopsis on the backs of her books because they really draw the readers in.

The actual stories themselves are not my cup of tea at all. I’m 2/2 of her books that I did not like at all.

I thought the dialogue was hard to follow at times and I had to retrace many conversations to figure out who was saying what.

Dean was an immature douche and Chloe had no pride. He took her virginity in HS promising to contact her but never did. 7 years later, she starts apprenticing at the same tattoo shop as Dean and was insta-lust for him again right away.

Also, the way these two paragraphs were written were too ambiguous in regards to whether H was with ow. First paragraph implies he was but second one implies he wasn’t but the timeline between the two could still mean he was with ow since this was right when Chloe came back into his life.

I do not like having to read between lines and trying to be a detective when reading a story. Be clear about the story and facts in said story authors! 😠

“She's thinking about dragging me to that couch. About fucking me. This is a done deal. It should excite me, but it doesn't. When I close my eyes, I see Chloe's pink lips. Her tight tank top. Her fierce glare. That makes me warm everywhere. The shitty pop music and the dim lighting and the cheap vodka—Fuck, this is so done. I already know exactly how this night is gonna go. And I can't find any enthusiasm for it. Two rounds of flavored vodka and grapefruit juice later, and Allison is pawing at my arm. Hinting that her place is nearby. She's hot. She's eager. She's sweet. But I'm still apathetic.”

“"No way. It's been three weeks and I'm dying." "But that was when I started—" "Yeah." "So you haven't?" "No." "Why not?" "I keep thinking about you." "You… you're waiting for me?””

I honestly do not know if I will give this author another chance. I have really been let down so far with her stories and they are loooonnnngggg.
Profile Image for The_reading_foodie.
460 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2018
3.5

In our quest to try new authors I came across Hating You Loving You by Crystal Kaswell and I was pleasantly surprised.

Dean and Chloe meet in High School where Dean lives to annoy and press all of Chloe’s buttons. One night at a high school party he takes her virginity with the promise to call but instead he ghost her. Fast forward years later and they meet again when Chloe becomes an apprentice in the tattoo parlor Dean co-owns. Even years later they feel the chemistry between them. Can Dean redeem himself?
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Honestly Chole didn’t give Dean enough shit... if that happened to me...trust and believe I would have knocked Dean in his throat but I guess book world is more forgiving. I loved the banter between the two because it’s that fake hate that’s just hiding true emotions. I’ll be checking out this authors other works soon.
Profile Image for Kate.
848 reviews117 followers
July 19, 2018
It's just a truth universally acknowledged that in any given series, the book about a character named Dean will be my favourite one. But really, I was intrigued by Dean and his carefree aloof attitude from day one and enjoyed the glimpses of depth that I got since book 1. And in his and Chloe's story, I got even more. Also, I LOVED Chloe and them together too!

This one earns a strong 3.5 stars - it's been my favourite of the series so far, together with Ryan's story (book 3).

Trigger warnings: cancer (and main character has gone through mastectomy)
Profile Image for Latestfire.
59 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2018
I wasn't drawn to the hero at all in this book, and I found it hard to relate to the heroine. I didn't love that she was so easily won over after how he treated her in high school. Maybe it would have been better if they had shown more of their interaction back then, not just the part where he bangs her and then leaves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carolane.
540 reviews
July 11, 2018
Good story but the writing was weird, choppy, and sometimes confusing.
Profile Image for Moramee.
88 reviews
April 4, 2022
I was unsure if i would like the story of the quite unlikeable character Dean but over the story you actually get to like him. :-) It´s a good addition to the series and i enjoyed reading Deans and Chole´s story.
Profile Image for debturk1970_bookvibes.
1,858 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2018
So Enjoyable!!👍

I can't help loving these tattooed emotionally scarred bad boys. This Authors writes them so well and finds the perfect women to smooth their edges whilst the guys set them on fire🔥This series is full of emotion but I thought this book, though touching, was less angst filled & was such a sexually and emotionally smooth ride!!💕

A wonderful escape 🔥😎💙💝🔥

Debbie, 1970, UK
Profile Image for Gem.
215 reviews41 followers
June 28, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This series has become one of my favourites. I loved the first 3 books so couldn’t wait to read this one.

Dean is the biggest flirt of the group, always joking around and never settling down. He never looks at the same woman twice. Until Chloe.

Dean and Chloe went to high school together and never expected to see each other again. So when she turns up at the Inked Hearts studio after being hired by Ryan, sparks fly.

Chloe is a complex character who had her life turned upside down and is trying to get it back. She’s never forgiven Dean for the way he treated her in high school yet she can’t help but still be charmed by him. She’s a strong female character who knows what she wants. She hides her vulnerability and doesn’t let her guard down easily.

Dean is such a fun character. I’ve been looking forward to reading his story. He’s the class clown of the studio and never takes anything seriously. When he starts working with Chloe we see a different side to his character. He’s kind, helpful and encouraging. He really wants her to succeed and struggles with his feelings knowing he is her boss. It’s great to see another side to his character.

Both characters are stubborn and determined. The really do compliment each other. There chemistry is great and their banter is hilarious.

As always we see more of the other couples from previous Inked Hearts books which I love! This series fits together so well and I’ve come to love all of the characters.

Once again Crystal has written a brilliant book that you don’t want to put down. Full of drama, romance and chemistry. I really enjoyed this latest addition to the series
Profile Image for Xylina Diaz.
59 reviews6 followers
July 16, 2018
i really love this author but i really have to agree with a lot of other reviews on this one...the writing in this book was so choppy. sometimes i had trouble figuring out who was even talking,it left me quite confused in some of the chapters.

i liked the story a lot but for me the reason it wasn't a 4 or 5 star review was really because of the writing.
Profile Image for Jaime.
673 reviews20 followers
September 10, 2018
I finished this one, but I sort of had to force myself to do it. Not because it was bad, per se...but because it was just a little...well, boring. Nothing really happens. The banter in the beginning was really funny. I liked the crap that they would spew at each other and found myself chuckling occasionally. My problem- that was all there was. Just banter banter and more banter. There wasn't much plot line. The one and only bit of plot line there was was SO overdone. It's all that's mentioned over and over and over again. I get that the situation is a big deal, but it was done so much that it felt like she was just whining. Which is crazy, because it's totally something that a person has a right to be upset about. It just felt like once that mild "bomb" was dropped (and I do mean mild because the bomb exploded before there was anything to be bombed) that was all that was said in every single paragraph. It got to the point where I was like take a damn chill pill and attempt to be a little optimistic.

Chloe was annoying. Note the premature bomb mentioned earlier. At first, I kind of liked her and then she just started coming off as bland. She didn't have much of a personality beyond being somewhat witty and wearing combat boots, which were also mentioned ALL. THE. TIME. I feel like that was all this book was- a bunch of repetition.

Dean was an okay character. He probably had the best personality between the two and that was because he was actually developed.

The secondary characters all blended together for me. They all seemed to have the exact same personality. I honestly couldn't keep track of them. Speaking of all of them, I guess they're all in previous books and I'm thinking they are all standalones, I would recommend reading them first. I was really confused about some of the references made in this book. In particular with Ryan and Leighton. Their relationship is mentioned A LOT to the point where it sometimes felt like they were a part of this book, but I have no idea what happened to them. Usually in situations like this the author will find a way to do a brief recap or not make so many references, but that wasn't the case here.

Moving on to editing. WOW. This book needs to be edited, badly. I'm not one to usually tear apart editing because I can deal with the occasional mistake, but this one had it in spades. There were periods where question marks should be, there were continuity errors, there was even a sentence where the word "than" was used instead of "then." There were way too many obvious errors for my taste.

I'm giving this a two instead of a one star because I really did like the banter and I think this book could have been great if there was more plot involved. The author is hilarious, but the book fell flat. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,904 reviews213 followers
June 29, 2018
I've been looking forward to Dean's story for awhile now. I knew he had a story to tell and it's not pretty.



When Chloe is hired at Dean's tattoo shop, she's less than thrilled. After all, he's the boy who took her v card and never called. Yep, he pulled a serious douche move. Did he have a defense? Not really. Do teenage boys ever have a defense for the loser moves they pull? Will Dean be able to redeem himself? Will he grow up and do the adult thing? Chloe doubts it, but Dean did not let me down. He manned up, in all kinds of sexy, sweet ways.



Seeing these two dance around their attraction and seeing Dean try and succeed in redeeming himself was sexy, flirty fun. He's always been the clown in the group, and he is still, but I liked his serious side and that Chloe brought it out in him, along with his flirty, arrogant side.

I've loved this series, can't wait for more!

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
722 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2019
So I've loved Dean's character since book #1. He's sarcastic, funny, sweet, caring, loving, hot, protective. Chloe remembers Dean and has loved him since the 10th grade. She had to get over hating him for handling the situation in high school badly. Dean is guarded but he loves Chloe and is glad she is giving him another chance to rectify what happened and be friends.

Chloe wants to be a tattoo artist so Ryan gives her the opportunity. Dean finds out what Chloe has been up to I the seven years apart. Den slipstream down Chloe's walls and Dean figures out what love feels like.

Rating 4 stars. I love a strong woman in combat boots.
3,176 reviews79 followers
July 16, 2018
I Fucking love the Inked Heart series.

I just do. It's cute. The writing is fun. The sexy time is just that. And the characters are cute as buttons. I've been dying for Ryan's book for AGES and it didn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Bethany.
1,325 reviews38 followers
February 12, 2019
I got this for free on Kindle Unlimited and I liked this more than I thought I would.

I liked Chloe's badass, tough girl exterior but with a romantic heart. I really liked Dean and his flirty ways. I liked how they came together and he came through for her.

I might check out more of the series.
Profile Image for Karina.
1,256 reviews20 followers
dnf-2023
November 1, 2023
DNF. Honestly the writing is off .
Profile Image for Angie.
633 reviews
October 13, 2018
"Expectations lead to disappointment."
Dean was right, I had expectations for this book but I ended up being disappointed. What a waste of time…
Profile Image for K Reynolds.
300 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2018
Wow!!! Amazing read!

I have read all of Crystal Kaswell’s books and I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. I’ve never been happier to be wrong!! Go into this book with your expectations checked at the door. This book was well written with a great and original storyline that was executed to perfection. I’m so in love with Dean. He broke my swoony swoon meter. Such an amazing character and his hot factor definitely helps. I certainly couldn’t release him to anyone with less worth or being as perfect for him as Chloe. Seriously, they are meant to be wonderfulness!! Just read and see for yourself how great this series is and this book is the best.
Profile Image for Michelle.
170 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2018
Cute

I enjoyed Tempting a while ago, but didn’t realize it was part of a stand-alone series. I picked this up just based on Crystal Kassel being the author, and I’m glad I did. I’ll be filling in the series by reading the other two.
Profile Image for Lissa Hawley.
1,389 reviews29 followers
June 23, 2018
Ironically, people are either going to love or hate this book.
It is Crystal Kaswell, and smartass Dean shows his smartass sweet side.
But this is the heaviest, saddest book I have read by her.
If you love the emotional love stories then this one is for you.
If you're here for the flirting, there is that too, and

Note: this book could be triggering for
Profile Image for Jen Riley.
16 reviews
August 4, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! By far the best one, closely followed by tempting (Brendon & Kaylee) Will defo re-read the whole series - brilliant
Profile Image for EvaLovesRomance.
472 reviews
November 28, 2019
Perfect storyline!!

I was sad for Chloe and Dean because their love came long ago and left leaving her broken hearted even though he had his reasons. Cried for her and with her because of her past and her family's.
This was the best of the series cause it hit home with that family issue. Loved it and wish I could give this ten stars.
221 reviews
October 29, 2019
There is a Trend

Another good read. Still had dark moments but it worked out in the end. Would like to see more of what happens after for Dean because of how he is and where things are 5 years from now.
Profile Image for Ellie.
546 reviews162 followers
September 4, 2018
The heroine is a pushover and the hero is kind of a dick.
Oh, and the heroine has breast cancer, and a genetic link, and cancer in a ROMANCE novel is a big N-fucking-O for me.
Since the writer didn't see fit include a warning - the disease every woman fears isn't considered worthy of a tigger warning like, say, rape - I won't see fit to read any further work from her.
No great loss, there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews

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