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Inked Hearts #8
The Baby Bargain
THERE ARE THREE WORDS I NEVER EXPECTED TO HEAR FROM MY BEST FRIEND'S KID SISTER: knock me up.
Ariel
If I want to have a baby, it's now or never.
Chase is the perfect candidate.
Handsome, protective, completely uninterested in romance. Sure, his deep blue eyes see into my soul.
His demanding voice sets me on fire.
And when we finally start making babies--
Maybe I have a crush on the brooding tattoo artist.
Maybe I want to heal his broken heart. Maybe--
Okay, I'm definitely in over my head.
Chase
I've always looked out for my best friend's sister Ariel.
When she asks for a favor, I expect a study session, a ride home, a new tattoo. Instead, she says "get me pregnant."
Any time, any place, any position. Three months of trying, no strings attached, then we go back to our lives.
I'm not supposed to share my secrets. I'm not supposed to drop my guard. I'm not supposed to fall for her.
But I do.
Ariel
If I want to have a baby, it's now or never.
Chase is the perfect candidate.
Handsome, protective, completely uninterested in romance. Sure, his deep blue eyes see into my soul.
His demanding voice sets me on fire.
And when we finally start making babies--
Maybe I have a crush on the brooding tattoo artist.
Maybe I want to heal his broken heart. Maybe--
Okay, I'm definitely in over my head.
Chase
I've always looked out for my best friend's sister Ariel.
When she asks for a favor, I expect a study session, a ride home, a new tattoo. Instead, she says "get me pregnant."
Any time, any place, any position. Three months of trying, no strings attached, then we go back to our lives.
I'm not supposed to share my secrets. I'm not supposed to drop my guard. I'm not supposed to fall for her.
But I do.
480 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2019
2529 people are currently reading
1182 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,549 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 339 reviews
May 25, 2020
With the author note at the end of this book, I understand that this book is about journey of 2 people making decision together about having children and deal with cancer.
That being said, I still feel the conflict in this book is resolved too quickly. Without any drama, I may add. I understand Miss Kaswell decision to focus the plot on 2 people coming together with love, but without extra drama/ plot, the story falls flat.
The romance between Chase and Ariel is too quick. Feels like insta love.
Overall this is still OK read. I managed to listen to the whole audiobook until the end.
3 stars
That being said, I still feel the conflict in this book is resolved too quickly. Without any drama, I may add. I understand Miss Kaswell decision to focus the plot on 2 people coming together with love, but without extra drama/ plot, the story falls flat.
The romance between Chase and Ariel is too quick. Feels like insta love.
Overall this is still OK read. I managed to listen to the whole audiobook until the end.
3 stars
November 21, 2020
The fact that these characters can communicate with just a nod of the head or an eye roll is so distracting, and slightly ridiculous...it really put me off; it wasn’t just one time either. In chapter 2 alone the 3 guys practically had a whole conversation using gestures like these...
“Good. You need to get laid. Bad.” Holden shakes his head 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘥, turns to the banister, reaches for it, stops.
Forest nods 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘥... He raises a brow 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦.
I’d rather these words had been spoken out loud rather than this telepathic shit they’ve got going on. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get over it and failed to finish the book.
“Good. You need to get laid. Bad.” Holden shakes his head 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘥, turns to the banister, reaches for it, stops.
Forest nods 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘢𝘥... He raises a brow 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦.
I’d rather these words had been spoken out loud rather than this telepathic shit they’ve got going on. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get over it and failed to finish the book.
June 27, 2019
No matter what trope you put this one under (brother's best friend, friends to lovers, best friend's sister), Chase and Ariel's story is simply delicious and full of the intense feels and steamy passion we expect from Crystal. Chase is surprisingly not quite as dark and emo as you might have expected. Yes, he's as angsty as you might have been expecting, but he's starting to realize he needs to figure out how to move on from his perpetual martyrdom (comparing him to the TV version of Daredevil, Matt Murdock,...so yummy!) if he is ever going to fix what he sees as wrong in his relationships, both familial and friendships. He isn't the grumpy jerk who can't forgive his recovering alcoholic brother, Hunter. The grumpy man in black who never smiles. Who turns down the numerous offers from the women he meets or tattoos. He's drawn to Ariel, who is his best friend, Forrest's sister. He is drawn into her search for a donor after her boyfriend freaks out and breaks up with her instead of proposing. He was supposed to be part of her future except he decided he wasn't ready for the impending parenthood Ariel wants, needs, because she has discovered she has to proactively cut her childbearing years to a very short window to not only at least have a chance at pregnancy but a longer life. She does not want to die of the same cancer that took her mother far too early. And she certainly is not willing to give up her dreams of giving birth to her own child. The only problem is, when Phillip backs out, she has a very short window of opportunity, and now no sperm. And she doesn't want to go the donor route, at least not the traditional sperm bank route. She ends up asking Chase to help her, while in all honesty she wouldn't mind it being him. Chase realizes he wouldn't mind it were him either. He finds himself obsessed with thinking about Ariel.Their journey to a future with a HEA is filled with passion, a few bumps in the road due to Chase's many emotional landmines, but in the end Ariel is the one who brings the smile back to our resident Matt Murdock. He not only finds himself figuring out how to fix his relationship with his brothers but others in his life. I will own up to a few teary moments, but you'll be smiling in the end. We get to see all of our favorite tattooed hotties and their sweeties. I love the Inked Hearts family. And I adored Chase and Ariel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2019
Ariel learns she is a carrier of the same gene that killed her mother. Ariel has a small window to have a child of her own before she must have a hysterectomy and a mastectomy. Ariel tells her boyfriend of her plans, but he has changed his mind about having kids and they break-up. Ariel enlists the aid of her friend and her brother's best friend, Chase, to help her find a guy who will help her get pregnant and walk away. Chase has so many issues; he is still hung up on his ex, can't forgive his brother for lying to him about his drinking, and giving his mother an ultimatum of quick drinking or lose the family. Ariel realizes after a few meetings with potential baby daddies that she wants Chase to be the father of her child. Ariel has crushed on Chase for years but believes she can guard her heart against Chase and the feelings she has for him. For the first time in two years, Chase finds himself attracted to a woman, Ariel. Chase finds he is jealous of the men Ariel has chosen as potential fathers for her child. When Ariel proposes Chase father her child, Chase knows he should say no but agrees to do it. What happens when feelings get involved and harder to ignore? Can Chase overcome his issues and be the man Ariel and the baby need? Can Chase learn that he can't save everyone? What happens when Ariel's brother, Forest, learns about Chase and Ariel? Can Ariel forgive Chase for backing away from her? I LOVE Crystal Kaswell! I absolutely loved The Baby Bargain by Crystal Kaswell. The chemistry between Ariel and Chase is smoking HOT! The Baby Bargain is an amazing story with great characters and full of laughter, tatted alpha males, strong women, dependencies, mental health issues, steamy chemistry, and lots of love. Crystal Kaswell is a must read author. I would highly recommend getting The Baby Bargain and any other book by Crystal Kaswell. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
July 3, 2019
*sighs* I had read a book from this author previously, and didn't care for it, but the premise of this one sounded so promising, that I decided to give them another chance.
Do you see how the blurb is written? That is how the entire book is written. Along with such wonderful prose such as
"Want. Baby. Now.
Terrified. Of. Motherhood."
And that while that can be overlooked by some people, it got old for me rather quickly. But I was even willing to look beyond that because honestly, it seemed like nitpicking. So I decided to focus on the content and not how it was written. So I muddled through.
And... for me? It was a mess. Although, there are enough four and five star reviews that show I'm in the minority. I just... not only could I not connect with these characters, but the entire thing (even when dealing with some pretty heavy topics), just came across as juvenile. There was no real depth to anything, with parts of this reading more like the rough draft of a pornographic video than a romance novel.
This time, I feel more comfortable saying that I doubt I will give this author another chance.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Do you see how the blurb is written? That is how the entire book is written. Along with such wonderful prose such as
"Want. Baby. Now.
Terrified. Of. Motherhood."
And that while that can be overlooked by some people, it got old for me rather quickly. But I was even willing to look beyond that because honestly, it seemed like nitpicking. So I decided to focus on the content and not how it was written. So I muddled through.
And... for me? It was a mess. Although, there are enough four and five star reviews that show I'm in the minority. I just... not only could I not connect with these characters, but the entire thing (even when dealing with some pretty heavy topics), just came across as juvenile. There was no real depth to anything, with parts of this reading more like the rough draft of a pornographic video than a romance novel.
This time, I feel more comfortable saying that I doubt I will give this author another chance.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 1, 2019
While I enjoyed the premise of this story, I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style.
Mostly because I felt like I didn't understand the dialogue.
The main characters have been friends for a long while now and that shows in how they talk to one another.
Not finishing complete thoughts and whatnot.
While I think that is great chemistry for characters, it makes it hard for readers to follow along with the story.
At least that's how I felt.
I also didn't realize that this was part of a series.
While it wasn't absolutely necessary to have read the other books prior to this one, I do think that it would make sense to have an understanding of some of the secondary characters.
This story itself is cute, if not a bit tragic.
Overall, I liked it, but not sure if I would recommend it to others.
Mostly because I felt like I didn't understand the dialogue.
The main characters have been friends for a long while now and that shows in how they talk to one another.
Not finishing complete thoughts and whatnot.
While I think that is great chemistry for characters, it makes it hard for readers to follow along with the story.
At least that's how I felt.
I also didn't realize that this was part of a series.
While it wasn't absolutely necessary to have read the other books prior to this one, I do think that it would make sense to have an understanding of some of the secondary characters.
This story itself is cute, if not a bit tragic.
Overall, I liked it, but not sure if I would recommend it to others.
April 21, 2022
3.5 stars
A cute story, your typical Brother's Best Friend helps the sister when she wants to become pregnant for medical reasons. I loved the interactions between Chase and Ariel. The only downfall for me was that this was obviously a stand-alone within a series of other books and there was a fairly heavy focus on the other couples. Because I haven't read the other books, I often got confused by what was going on with the other couples.
A cute story, your typical Brother's Best Friend helps the sister when she wants to become pregnant for medical reasons. I loved the interactions between Chase and Ariel. The only downfall for me was that this was obviously a stand-alone within a series of other books and there was a fairly heavy focus on the other couples. Because I haven't read the other books, I often got confused by what was going on with the other couples.
June 28, 2019
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First off anytime I read a book that Crystal wrote I can’t help but fall in love. It doesn’t matter who it is there is always just something about her characters that make me love them. I also love that in whatever series you are reading you will always have other characters present. I love looking reading books and seeing how everyone is doing.
This book though !
Chase is Forest’s best friend.
Ariel is Forest’s sister. Due to some medical reasons Ariel is looking to have a baby ASAP. Who better to help than someone that she trusts and loves ? As Chase and Ariel set out to find the perfect guy to give Ariel what she needs, things take a turn. Chase and Ariel come up with a new plan. Nothing ever goes as planned though...
I don’t want to give away anymore spoilers than that so I think you should read the book.
I LOVE Chase. He really showed me so many times how much of a good person he is. I know the exact moment I fell for him.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that there was this one part, Ariel was upset because of everything that she was going to have to do to stay healthy, it made me fall for chase. The way he reassures her and helps her in that moment made me fall.
I also love that daredevil is brought up on numerous occasions. It’s just something about seeing the characters like something so real for me that makes me feel like they’re more realistic. Makes me like them so much more too.
This was a great read. It deals with real problems and isn’t just about the lovey dovey stuff and sex. Although the scenes between Chase and Ariel are awesome ! Crystal always gives us real issues and I love that about her writing. I highly recommend this book.
Now I want Forest and Skye !!!
First off anytime I read a book that Crystal wrote I can’t help but fall in love. It doesn’t matter who it is there is always just something about her characters that make me love them. I also love that in whatever series you are reading you will always have other characters present. I love looking reading books and seeing how everyone is doing.
This book though !
Chase is Forest’s best friend.
Ariel is Forest’s sister. Due to some medical reasons Ariel is looking to have a baby ASAP. Who better to help than someone that she trusts and loves ? As Chase and Ariel set out to find the perfect guy to give Ariel what she needs, things take a turn. Chase and Ariel come up with a new plan. Nothing ever goes as planned though...
I don’t want to give away anymore spoilers than that so I think you should read the book.
I LOVE Chase. He really showed me so many times how much of a good person he is. I know the exact moment I fell for him.
I don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that there was this one part, Ariel was upset because of everything that she was going to have to do to stay healthy, it made me fall for chase. The way he reassures her and helps her in that moment made me fall.
I also love that daredevil is brought up on numerous occasions. It’s just something about seeing the characters like something so real for me that makes me feel like they’re more realistic. Makes me like them so much more too.
This was a great read. It deals with real problems and isn’t just about the lovey dovey stuff and sex. Although the scenes between Chase and Ariel are awesome ! Crystal always gives us real issues and I love that about her writing. I highly recommend this book.
Now I want Forest and Skye !!!
July 23, 2019
The Baby Bargain by Crystal Kaswell, oh my where do I begin with this book. Ugh, ok so this isn't the first time I read a Crystal Kaswell book. I think its the second go around and like the first, I slogged through it, but there is something about this book that I needed to continue with it. I loved the trope of the please-get-me-pregnant-i-want-a-baby-by-my-trusted-friend, but this one was odd to me. First off, there are too many characters to keep up with; whose related to who and whos doing who/who loves who. I kept forgetting who the main character, Ariel's, brothers were, or who Chase's brothers were; all very confusing. I'm sure for fans of her Inked Hearts series, this novel is easier to get through. Honestly, the whole, I cant love myself, I'm a martyr complex was annoying and not fleshed out enough. I didnt get to know the characters well enough to completely understand their personalities. Ariel was a smart girl, but there was no investment in her work life or familial life, other than constantly mentioning her dead mom. Also, the who you fucked my sister fight came a bit too late, as well as the entire friend group finding out that Chase impregnanted Ariel came a bit too late in the story for me. BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE LAYOUT OF THE NOVEL. omg, I cannot get over the writing/text style of the book. There was awkward placement of words, and the break ups for inner monologue/conversations. Honestly, I had to power through this novel and force myself to finish it. I dont really recommend it.... 2/5 stars
August 16, 2019
So I’m not usually a fan of romance books involving babies, but the way this was written was spectacular. It got me right in the feels that Ariel wasn’t wanting a baby because that’s what people do after college. Her mother had died and she had been proactive with a genetic test that told her she had the same gene that killed her mother. She didn’t share this info with anyone except her significant other who just wouldn’t get her pregnant and Chase, who agreed on certain terms to be the “baby daddy”. This book makes you wonder how many other women go through this line of thinking when their doctor gives them a deadline for a hysterectomy and mastectomy at a young age.
We find out Chase has a whole slew of issues beneath the surface that take the story to a deeper level than I was anticipating.
All in all, this book ties up the Inked Hearts series very nicely... I’m going to cry in a corner now.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
We find out Chase has a whole slew of issues beneath the surface that take the story to a deeper level than I was anticipating.
All in all, this book ties up the Inked Hearts series very nicely... I’m going to cry in a corner now.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
Ariel only has a year to get pregnant and so she enlists Chase her brother's best friend to help her find someone to help her. During their search, Ariel decides she wants it to be Chase and he agrees and although the two of them try and keep things professional they end up developing feelings for one another.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was sweet how Chase would do anything for his 'princess'. He was really attentive and sweet toward her and I'm glad that he was there for her when she found out she was pregnant and was having morning sickness. I was also glad that he and Hunter were able to start working out their problems and get back to being brothers again.
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was sweet how Chase would do anything for his 'princess'. He was really attentive and sweet toward her and I'm glad that he was there for her when she found out she was pregnant and was having morning sickness. I was also glad that he and Hunter were able to start working out their problems and get back to being brothers again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2019
I really loved this closure to the series, and a setting up beginning of a new one! I loved reading about chase and Ariel and their amazing and angsty love story...
April 13, 2020
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
CW/TW: Cancer
This was my first book by this author and I'll admit the plot for this one was a little over the top, but I enjoyed it! I'm not one hundred percent sure if the stuff about her cancer and how she had to have a hysterectomy was really accurate (I don't know about that stuff) but I kind of ran with it since that's the point of her wanting to have a baby. Not sure why it had to be done the old fashioned way, but you know...bonkers plot!
I do like that the hero was like, "Um...this is probably a bad idea." but he also wanted to protect her and give her what she wanted so he gave in. I do love the best friend's little sister trope and the sneaking around so I loved this about it.
I did want to shake them at times, "like you love each other! Just admit it." But it's kind of also what I love about romance books like this. Of course there was some drama with her brothers as expected later on, but this book ends with a satisfying HEA.
CW/TW: Cancer
This was my first book by this author and I'll admit the plot for this one was a little over the top, but I enjoyed it! I'm not one hundred percent sure if the stuff about her cancer and how she had to have a hysterectomy was really accurate (I don't know about that stuff) but I kind of ran with it since that's the point of her wanting to have a baby. Not sure why it had to be done the old fashioned way, but you know...bonkers plot!
I do like that the hero was like, "Um...this is probably a bad idea." but he also wanted to protect her and give her what she wanted so he gave in. I do love the best friend's little sister trope and the sneaking around so I loved this about it.
I did want to shake them at times, "like you love each other! Just admit it." But it's kind of also what I love about romance books like this. Of course there was some drama with her brothers as expected later on, but this book ends with a satisfying HEA.
March 29, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. That being said, my opinion is my own.
This is the second or third book in this series that I have read. Like the previous ones, I really enjoyed this story. It might have enjoyed it slightly better if I had read all the previous ones but it isn't vital that. The author does a good job explaining the thought processes of people that have been hurt in the past. Her characters have a lot of depth and are totally realistic. I loved this story line and look forward to reading more by her.
This is the second or third book in this series that I have read. Like the previous ones, I really enjoyed this story. It might have enjoyed it slightly better if I had read all the previous ones but it isn't vital that. The author does a good job explaining the thought processes of people that have been hurt in the past. Her characters have a lot of depth and are totally realistic. I loved this story line and look forward to reading more by her.
October 14, 2019
I have read the other books in the Inked Hearts series by Crystall Kaswell and was looking forward to the Baby Bargain because friends to lovers is one of my favorite troupes. Ariel, our heroine, is the younger sister to Chase’s best friend, Forrest, which of course in the land of romance books means she is off limits!
Chase, our hero, is holding in so much pain due to his family issues, but is such a great guy. He is warm and caring, and a talented tattoo artist who has no interest in all the female customers who constantly hit on him. Ariel has always had a crush on Chase, and now that she is older, their age difference isn’t an issue anymore. Ariel learns she is a carrier of the same cancer gene that killed her mother, and even though she is only 24, she wants to carry a baby to term before having a preventative hysterectomy.
This book was very well written and emotional as they each reached out to one another for comfort and support. It took you not only on their personal journey, but also included many supporting characters such as Chase’s brother Hunter whom is an alcoholic, and other relationships with their family and friends. Even though this can be read as a standalone, I like reading books that continue and include characters that you have gotten to know.
Ariel is so strong and I admire her grace and positive attitude during this situation. She is mature beyond her years and even though she was mainly interested in getting pregnant, she and Chase grew so close and it was beautiful to read how they fell in love. I am also glad that Chase was able to get the healing he needed and could recognize how he wasn’t responsible for other people’s happiness or choices. This book was very romantic and emotional and really hit home personally on a few different areas for me.
This is the last book in the Inked Heart series and I am hoping to read more when the author continues with Inked Love!
Chase, our hero, is holding in so much pain due to his family issues, but is such a great guy. He is warm and caring, and a talented tattoo artist who has no interest in all the female customers who constantly hit on him. Ariel has always had a crush on Chase, and now that she is older, their age difference isn’t an issue anymore. Ariel learns she is a carrier of the same cancer gene that killed her mother, and even though she is only 24, she wants to carry a baby to term before having a preventative hysterectomy.
This book was very well written and emotional as they each reached out to one another for comfort and support. It took you not only on their personal journey, but also included many supporting characters such as Chase’s brother Hunter whom is an alcoholic, and other relationships with their family and friends. Even though this can be read as a standalone, I like reading books that continue and include characters that you have gotten to know.
Ariel is so strong and I admire her grace and positive attitude during this situation. She is mature beyond her years and even though she was mainly interested in getting pregnant, she and Chase grew so close and it was beautiful to read how they fell in love. I am also glad that Chase was able to get the healing he needed and could recognize how he wasn’t responsible for other people’s happiness or choices. This book was very romantic and emotional and really hit home personally on a few different areas for me.
This is the last book in the Inked Heart series and I am hoping to read more when the author continues with Inked Love!
July 4, 2019
Ariel has been in love with Chase, her brother's best friend, for years. She knows that he can't love her, because he is still in love with his ex. Chase likes Ariel and has for awhile, but believes he is bad for anyone he gets close to. His proof is looking at his mom and brother. When Ariel asks him to help her find a man to get her pregnant, within the next three months, he agrees even though he knows it is a bad idea.
As she sets up her profile and dates with other men, Chase starts getting jealous and even hopes that she will ask him to be the one to get her pregnant. Deep down she wants to ask him, but doesn't think there is any way he would help her that much. When it comes down to making the decision between three candidates, she finally admits it is Chase she wants to help her.
Throughout the process they both believe they can keep their growing feelings from becoming too much, but the best laid plans never seem to work out. I really liked the premise of this story and how Chase and Ariel became a couple to root for. Chase had a lot of rough edges and I could understand why he felt the way he did, but wish they would have had him talk to his ex sooner.
The characters were fresh, witty, sassy and wonderful together. I was really hoping that they would find a way to be together. Her brother and his 'best friend' brought another element to this book and I can't wait until I read their book. I also liked his brother in this book. I felt bad for both men because they both wanted the same thing, a relationship, but neither could figure out how to go about mending that particular bridge. A wonderful book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
As she sets up her profile and dates with other men, Chase starts getting jealous and even hopes that she will ask him to be the one to get her pregnant. Deep down she wants to ask him, but doesn't think there is any way he would help her that much. When it comes down to making the decision between three candidates, she finally admits it is Chase she wants to help her.
Throughout the process they both believe they can keep their growing feelings from becoming too much, but the best laid plans never seem to work out. I really liked the premise of this story and how Chase and Ariel became a couple to root for. Chase had a lot of rough edges and I could understand why he felt the way he did, but wish they would have had him talk to his ex sooner.
The characters were fresh, witty, sassy and wonderful together. I was really hoping that they would find a way to be together. Her brother and his 'best friend' brought another element to this book and I can't wait until I read their book. I also liked his brother in this book. I felt bad for both men because they both wanted the same thing, a relationship, but neither could figure out how to go about mending that particular bridge. A wonderful book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
June 27, 2019
Though our heroine may be named Ariel, this story is no fairytale. The Baby Bargain tells the story of two people who need to deal with their own issues before they can accept the love that’s in front of them. When Ariel receives an unfortunate diagnosis and realizes she either needs to get pregnant ASAP or never at all, she enlists the help of Chase, her brother’s best friend, to find a guy to knock her up. He’s been in her life for years and there’s no one better to take this journey with her. In fact, she’d happily ask him to be the father of her baby if not for the fact that he is 100% hung up on his ex and fighting plenty of personal demons. Along the way, they find themselves yearning for the family they are making, but aren’t sure if it’s possible to accept it as reality.
Crystal Kaswell has a totally unique writing style that you either love and hate, and her books are a mix of angst, steam and strong character development. Both Ariel and Chase are very likeable, which is what makes this book work (it would definitely be too angsty if Chase wasn’t such a great guy underneath it all). I was really rooting for Chase to finally see the bright side of life. Their relationship develops over time, and while there is a lot of steam in the book, there is also a connection between these characters that is fostered throughout the story. It’s not a fairytale, but it is an intriguing story about real love and the journey to get it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Crystal Kaswell has a totally unique writing style that you either love and hate, and her books are a mix of angst, steam and strong character development. Both Ariel and Chase are very likeable, which is what makes this book work (it would definitely be too angsty if Chase wasn’t such a great guy underneath it all). I was really rooting for Chase to finally see the bright side of life. Their relationship develops over time, and while there is a lot of steam in the book, there is also a connection between these characters that is fostered throughout the story. It’s not a fairytale, but it is an intriguing story about real love and the journey to get it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2019
After losing her mom at a young age to a genetic form of cancer, Ariel gets the news she’s been dreading.
Knowing she will never be able to have kids once she has her hysterectomy, she makes a plan to have a baby now with her boyfriend Phillip.
Phillip knows all about Ariel’s possible diagnoses but when she informs him she wants a baby now, he tells her he’s not ready and breaks up with her.
Heartbroken but still determined to have a baby, Ariel enlists the help of her brother’s best friend, Chase.
She has been in love with Chase for as long as she can remember but she asks him to find a suitable guy to impregnate her.
None of the guys she goes on dates with feel right and she finally reveals to Chase that it’s him she wants as her baby’s father.
Once pregnant, both of them are too scared to share their real feelings towards each other & when Ariel’s brother Forest finds out, things implode and Chase walks away.
I love a good friends to lovers book.
It’s a horrible situation to be in but both Ariel and Chase have the love and support of their family and friends.
I loved that no matter what Chase was feeling/dealing with he was always there for Ariel.
I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end.
I feel with all the hints that were dropped in this book, the next one will be about Forest and Skye which I’m excited to read about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Knowing she will never be able to have kids once she has her hysterectomy, she makes a plan to have a baby now with her boyfriend Phillip.
Phillip knows all about Ariel’s possible diagnoses but when she informs him she wants a baby now, he tells her he’s not ready and breaks up with her.
Heartbroken but still determined to have a baby, Ariel enlists the help of her brother’s best friend, Chase.
She has been in love with Chase for as long as she can remember but she asks him to find a suitable guy to impregnate her.
None of the guys she goes on dates with feel right and she finally reveals to Chase that it’s him she wants as her baby’s father.
Once pregnant, both of them are too scared to share their real feelings towards each other & when Ariel’s brother Forest finds out, things implode and Chase walks away.
I love a good friends to lovers book.
It’s a horrible situation to be in but both Ariel and Chase have the love and support of their family and friends.
I loved that no matter what Chase was feeling/dealing with he was always there for Ariel.
I really enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end.
I feel with all the hints that were dropped in this book, the next one will be about Forest and Skye which I’m excited to read about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2019
Chase has known Ariel for years. Her brother is his best friend. He’s always treated her like a little sister. Fast forward to now and Ariel is asking Chase for help. However it’s not help for something every day. She wants to get pregnant, and she wants Chase to help her. It’s supposed to be clinical, there aren’t supposed to be emotions involved. As the two spend more time together, that line gets blurry, and their feelings get harder to ignore. The problem is, nobody but the two of them know what is going on, can the two handle the repercussions when Ariel’s family finds out?
Crystal Kaswell writes some of my favorite books. The tattooed bad boy and the ‘innocent’ girl just sucks me in! This book was no exception. I loved watching Chase bring Ariel out of her shell, but I also loved watching Ariel help Chase realize he can’t save everyone! These two were one of my favorite couplings from the Inked Hearts world. I love that Crystal writes so descriptively, I can imagine what is happening in my head. I also love that she doesn’t shy away from tougher topics in any of her books! Another absolutely amazing thing about any book that Crystal writes is that we get to revisit characters from previous books and see different sides of their relationships with each other through the different characters! Overall I highly recommend this book to anybody that loves watching a bad boy be brought to his knees!!
Crystal Kaswell writes some of my favorite books. The tattooed bad boy and the ‘innocent’ girl just sucks me in! This book was no exception. I loved watching Chase bring Ariel out of her shell, but I also loved watching Ariel help Chase realize he can’t save everyone! These two were one of my favorite couplings from the Inked Hearts world. I love that Crystal writes so descriptively, I can imagine what is happening in my head. I also love that she doesn’t shy away from tougher topics in any of her books! Another absolutely amazing thing about any book that Crystal writes is that we get to revisit characters from previous books and see different sides of their relationships with each other through the different characters! Overall I highly recommend this book to anybody that loves watching a bad boy be brought to his knees!!
July 4, 2019
Ariel's childbearing years have to be shortened, thanks to her finding out she carries the same gene that killed her mother. She wants to have kids and she wants to have them now. Who better to ask to help her find a donor, than her and her brother's friend, Chase? Except the longer Chase helps, the more the attraction between him and Ariel flares up, and soon they're thinking they might want to have those kids the old fashioned way. Hmm...
On the surface of it, it sounds like a bad idea. But it could end up being the best thing that happened to either of them. IF Chase can get over his savior/martyr complex and fix what's wrong within himself that ruin his important relationships.
I fell in love with Chase, not gonna lie. I wasn't sure I would like him at first, considering that in the rest of the Inked Hearts series, he's a less than likable character. But here in his own story, he's is the absolute star. I love how he loves Ariel and how perfect they are for each other. Can't wait for more of these tattoo artists and the women they love!
ARC via author for an honest review.
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June 27, 2019
I think this book has become my absolute favorite book in the Inked Hearts series. I'm sure I've said that before but honestly it is. I think it's in part because these books and these couples have just gotten better and better. Speaking of which, I'm now hoping for a Forest/Skye book! Back to this one though. I wasn't sure what I would think of Chase. He was so brooding and uninteresting in the past few books. Sure I wanted to get into his head but the fact that he was still "in love" with his ex after 2 years? The fact that he had abstained for those 2 years? Made me wonder if something was wrong with him. But then we get a brother's best friend book with a heroine who is nerdy and who just lets thoughts fly? Yeah I knew I'd love her. THEN we get her reasoning for wanting a baby and I just broke. Add all this together, and Chase's willingness to help, and that brooding man just became one of my favorite heroes, though there were times when I just wanted to smack him. I loved Ariel and I loved how she finally stood up to her brother. I love that she got her dreams and I LOVED her part in the epilogue. I seriously enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down. But that confidence in the end, after everything she had to go through. That I loved. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
July 3, 2019
Krystal Caswell never disappoints and in The Baby Bargain, she delivers the conclusion to the Inked Hearts series with a sweet and poignant story of true love born of hurt and self-recrimination. Chase Keating is frozen in time, still trying to save his ex-fiancée, Grace, from her mental illness, his brother, Hunter, from alcohol, and his mother from her path of self-destruction. Terribly conflicted, he truly believes he's a failure and undeserving of any happiness. Arial Ballard is desperate. Her mother died of breast cancer and she carries the gene that, in all likelihood, dooms her to the same battle. Her oncologist wants to do surgery right away, but
Arial needs to wait. She wants nothing more than to be a mother and now she's in a race against time. When her fiancé tells her he's not ready to be a father and breaks up with her, she's devastated. Four months is all she has to find someone to get her pregnant and she turns to her childhood crush, Chase, to help her search for the right man. Right man? He realizes that he wants to be the right man, but she deserves better. Together, they grow into two better versions of themselves, thanks to their mutual love and desire for happiness. A beautiful ending and an epilogue that puts the icing on the cake!
Arial needs to wait. She wants nothing more than to be a mother and now she's in a race against time. When her fiancé tells her he's not ready to be a father and breaks up with her, she's devastated. Four months is all she has to find someone to get her pregnant and she turns to her childhood crush, Chase, to help her search for the right man. Right man? He realizes that he wants to be the right man, but she deserves better. Together, they grow into two better versions of themselves, thanks to their mutual love and desire for happiness. A beautiful ending and an epilogue that puts the icing on the cake!
June 28, 2019
This is book eight in the Inked Heart series. I am reading this book as a standalone as I have not read all of the books in the series. This book is about Chase and Ariel. Chase is a tattoo artist who has a past that has him carrying demons that are not all his. He is Forest's best friend and has been in Ariel's life for a long time. Ariel is Forest's little sister, she was always in the geeky side and has recently split from her boyfriend. The problem with that is that she wants to get pregnant and have a child, she has to do this now. Ariel needs a baby daddy so turns to the one guy that has always had her back and helped her out of a jam, Chase. Ariel asks Chase to help her find a guy, not to be the guy. At least not at first. I was hooked on these characters right off the start. I am unaware of the series details but Chase and Ariel made their way into my heart immediately. I enjoyed reading how their road to a HEA was not exactly paved in gold as their was some real concerns and doubts in doing 'the right thing'. I recommend this book and believe I need to read the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2019
A very poignant story line.Two very delicate issues were detailed, yet the material was sensitively presented. This reader gained insight on these issues as a result of reading Ms. Kaswell's story. Once again, the characterizations in this tale, as with all the novels from this series, were all very well described, with some characters evidencing positive growth.The setting of the story is the same as with all the previous novels in this series. This continuity of the same environment and previous characters, allows Ms. Kaswell to bring forward characters from other books and update the reader on the happenings in everyone's lives. Doing this enhances the experience for the reader by broadening the scope of the story line and augmenting previous tales. Strong familial bonds, as well as great camaraderie amongst friends, really enriches the story and adds another level of believably to the tale.
Well worth the time to read.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
Well worth the time to read.
I voluntarily received an advance review copy of this novel via Booksprout and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
July 15, 2019
Ariel needs to have a baby on a certain time table due to some health issues. When her long time boyfriend tells her that he isn't ready and ends things with her she turns to her brother's best friend for help to find a baby daddy. Chase was confused at first thinking that she was asking him but when she was asking him for help looking for candidates he reluctantly agreed to help her. However once they started screened guys he started getting jealous of any guy that would get a chance with her. So when it became clear that neither of them wanted another man involved they agreed Chase should be the man to do it. Things get pretty serious between them quick and soon neither wants things to end. Will either of them admit theirs feelings to each other? What will her brother say when he finds out?
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2019
WOW!!! Chase and Ariel's story will grab you from the beginning - it will make you laugh out, cry ugly, ugly tears, scream, and ultimately you will be pulling for these two to make it. Ariel has known Chase forever as her brother's friend. When she discovers she carries the gene for cancer that killed her mom, she decides she wants a baby before having surgery. Since she doesn't have a boyfriend, she goes on a website (with Chase's help) and puts out an ad for someone to "father" (read - donate sperm) her child. She meets up with 3 of the candidates and Chase monitors their dates. He realizes he doesn't want anyone else to have her. When she asks him to do it, he hesitates, but ultimately agrees to 3 months of "trying". Once she is pregnant, they have to tell everyone - will they continue together or say job well done and move on? Grab this wonderfully written book and great addition to the series today! I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am gladly leaving this review. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!
June 28, 2019
Book eight in the Inked Hearts series. Can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Told in dual POV with HEA. Each book in the series is about a different tattoo artist in the Inked Hearts tattoo shop. What I love best about Crystal Kaswell books is the characters are broken and real, and deal with real life problems, but written in a way that does not make the book “heavy”, the theme is still about friendships and falling in love. Tattoo artist Chase has “mommy issues”, a “martyr complex” and believes people are better off without him. His best friend’s little sister Ariel’s “clocks ticking” and has just been dumped by her long-term boyfriend. I really liked Ariel’s geeky lack of social filter that allowed her to speak her thoughts truthfully. She is just the person to help Chase “get over himself”. Not too much angst, or drama and plenty of character development and sweet steaminess!! I always love Crystal Kaswell’s epilogues because she continues to keep it real and not sugar coat! I loved it, it is one of my favorites and I highly recommend!
June 28, 2019
Once again Ms. Kaswell has weaved an engaging tale of broken hearts, minds, bodies, and souls between Chase and Ariel I quickly became immersed in their lives as well as the rest of the Inked Hearts crew!
Babies, mental health, dependencies, overprotective big brothers, love and all the uncertainties that can come with it are some of the fuels that keep the flames of their fire burning throughout their intense story!
Never fear though, where there's the Inked Hearts crew there's bound to be mayhem! Layers of humor, and blunt force "trauma" kept me smiling along with that savage amount of steamy haze coming from Chase and Ariel's work in progress breaks up any of the darkness! *phew*
How the author writes the characters she does? I don't know, but I hope she never stops! I love to get lost in the sexy, heartfelt worlds, and lives she creates!
The last book in the 'Inked Heart Series' * Cries*
Each book was special to me in one way or another, and as sad as I am to see the end, I am looking forward to the start of a new series!
5 magnificent stars!
Babies, mental health, dependencies, overprotective big brothers, love and all the uncertainties that can come with it are some of the fuels that keep the flames of their fire burning throughout their intense story!
Never fear though, where there's the Inked Hearts crew there's bound to be mayhem! Layers of humor, and blunt force "trauma" kept me smiling along with that savage amount of steamy haze coming from Chase and Ariel's work in progress breaks up any of the darkness! *phew*
How the author writes the characters she does? I don't know, but I hope she never stops! I love to get lost in the sexy, heartfelt worlds, and lives she creates!
The last book in the 'Inked Heart Series' * Cries*
Each book was special to me in one way or another, and as sad as I am to see the end, I am looking forward to the start of a new series!
5 magnificent stars!
June 29, 2019
Prepare to fall in love with yet another Inked Hearts awesome couple
The Baby Bargain by Crystal Kaswell is another fantastic Inked Hearts book with lots of emotion, engaging, caring and fun-loving characters, sexy banter, quick and teasing wit, and so much more! I absolutely fell for these characters, Ariel and Chase. Their backstories and story arcs are complicated and deep. I couldn’t help hoping they both got all the goodness they deserved, making this book a page turner for me.
What I most enjoyed about the plot of this book is the need/reason for the baby making. Not only is it so much fun, demanding, sexy and explosively steamy; but it’s a real need for Ariel. Chase is the perfect alpha for the job which really wasn’t a job at all. Both have serious and complicated issues/emotions to work on which just rounds the book out, adding to the overall emotional depth.
All in all, a great book with an awesome couple that has captured my heart.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
The Baby Bargain by Crystal Kaswell is another fantastic Inked Hearts book with lots of emotion, engaging, caring and fun-loving characters, sexy banter, quick and teasing wit, and so much more! I absolutely fell for these characters, Ariel and Chase. Their backstories and story arcs are complicated and deep. I couldn’t help hoping they both got all the goodness they deserved, making this book a page turner for me.
What I most enjoyed about the plot of this book is the need/reason for the baby making. Not only is it so much fun, demanding, sexy and explosively steamy; but it’s a real need for Ariel. Chase is the perfect alpha for the job which really wasn’t a job at all. Both have serious and complicated issues/emotions to work on which just rounds the book out, adding to the overall emotional depth.
All in all, a great book with an awesome couple that has captured my heart.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
June 29, 2019
Ariel found out her life is about to change and the only control she has on her health is when to become a mom. It's not of if or when but whom will get her pregnant and how quickly. Happening to be her childhood friend, brothers best friend and crush.
Chase has taken a hit with having people he loves go through rough times but it's not his fault- not that he believes that. He's noticed Ariel but always had her in the familiar side of things, but now that he's beginning to recover from his ex He's starting to notice her as a women.
This story is about a guy with a maytr problem. He takes on the emotions of who he loved and expects to solve them. And a women who wants to become a mom before it's too late. It's steamy, sweet and about healing yourself as well as having healthy relationships.
I enjoyed reading it and the updates of some of the inked heart couples.
I do wonder about Forest and Skye. And would like to know more about Holden.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chase has taken a hit with having people he loves go through rough times but it's not his fault- not that he believes that. He's noticed Ariel but always had her in the familiar side of things, but now that he's beginning to recover from his ex He's starting to notice her as a women.
This story is about a guy with a maytr problem. He takes on the emotions of who he loved and expects to solve them. And a women who wants to become a mom before it's too late. It's steamy, sweet and about healing yourself as well as having healthy relationships.
I enjoyed reading it and the updates of some of the inked heart couples.
I do wonder about Forest and Skye. And would like to know more about Holden.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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