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Inked Love #2
The First Taste
Dear Holden, I'm not going to college a virgin. I want to learn everything and I want you to teach me.
I have to ask: will you be my first?
Yes, there are risks. I'm your best friend's kid sister. As off limits as it gets.
But forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.
And I'll do anything for a taste.
-Daisy
The First Taste is a standalone brother's best friend romance with a trouble making tattoo artist hero, an inexperienced book worm heroine, and enough heat to melt your Kindle.
Come see why readers say "no one writers broken bad boys like Crystal Kaswell."
I have to ask: will you be my first?
Yes, there are risks. I'm your best friend's kid sister. As off limits as it gets.
But forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.
And I'll do anything for a taste.
-Daisy
The First Taste is a standalone brother's best friend romance with a trouble making tattoo artist hero, an inexperienced book worm heroine, and enough heat to melt your Kindle.
Come see why readers say "no one writers broken bad boys like Crystal Kaswell."
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2020
2642 people are currently reading
2261 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
114 books2,550 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 358 reviews
January 14, 2023
3.25 🌟
It was good, it wasn’t as good as the first book of the series.
Their relationship seemed better as side characters in the first book than as main characters in this.
I also don’t understand this authors fixation on random drinks. Last book was matcha latte this one was chai, and they are brought up a ridiculous amount of times. Like we get it you have a special drink. But why does every female character written by this author need a drink they’re obsessed with.
Anyway I’m going to read book 3. I bet she’s obsessed with a frappe… or maybe PSL.
It was good, it wasn’t as good as the first book of the series.
Their relationship seemed better as side characters in the first book than as main characters in this.
I also don’t understand this authors fixation on random drinks. Last book was matcha latte this one was chai, and they are brought up a ridiculous amount of times. Like we get it you have a special drink. But why does every female character written by this author need a drink they’re obsessed with.
Anyway I’m going to read book 3. I bet she’s obsessed with a frappe… or maybe PSL.
June 30, 2020
I had total heart eyes for the end of this one!
Daisy oh sweet innocent Daisy. She's been crushing on her older brothers friend Holden for a while. Holden is very cheeky, easy go lucky and is known for putting it about. He knows Daisy has a crush on him but it's not untill recently he's started to feel more of a pull towards her. A birthday trip is the perfect excuse to let her hair down and hopefully be able to get Holden to see her as more than his friends kid sister. It's also a chance for her to let her self loosen up a bit and try to quiet the demons in her head before she leaves for college.
I'm loving the guys and girls in the Inked Love series and Daisy and Holden were no exception. Holden comes off as if he doesn't care about anything but Daisy makes him want to delve a bit deeper and open up and make him feel more. Daisy's worried that people are going to look at her differently when they find out what is going on inside her head. Holden helps her to push these thoughts aside even without knowing what she's going the through. He teaches her to relax a bit and just live in the moment. I was actually quite worried I wasn't going to get the outcome I was hoping for but Crystal always delivers and the ending just smashed it. I love that her books often deal with what could be a trigger subject for some but they are always handled so well and really carefully thought out. The vacay aspect of this story was a nice change of pace. Although I love the banter that comes from the shop talk it was nice to step away from the usual setting for a big portion of the book yet it didn't lose the charm. I'm itching for Oliver and Lunas story I think it's gonna be HOT! I'm also hoping we get to know a bit more about Oliver and Daisy's dad as he's got me really intruiged.
Daisy oh sweet innocent Daisy. She's been crushing on her older brothers friend Holden for a while. Holden is very cheeky, easy go lucky and is known for putting it about. He knows Daisy has a crush on him but it's not untill recently he's started to feel more of a pull towards her. A birthday trip is the perfect excuse to let her hair down and hopefully be able to get Holden to see her as more than his friends kid sister. It's also a chance for her to let her self loosen up a bit and try to quiet the demons in her head before she leaves for college.
I'm loving the guys and girls in the Inked Love series and Daisy and Holden were no exception. Holden comes off as if he doesn't care about anything but Daisy makes him want to delve a bit deeper and open up and make him feel more. Daisy's worried that people are going to look at her differently when they find out what is going on inside her head. Holden helps her to push these thoughts aside even without knowing what she's going the through. He teaches her to relax a bit and just live in the moment. I was actually quite worried I wasn't going to get the outcome I was hoping for but Crystal always delivers and the ending just smashed it. I love that her books often deal with what could be a trigger subject for some but they are always handled so well and really carefully thought out. The vacay aspect of this story was a nice change of pace. Although I love the banter that comes from the shop talk it was nice to step away from the usual setting for a big portion of the book yet it didn't lose the charm. I'm itching for Oliver and Lunas story I think it's gonna be HOT! I'm also hoping we get to know a bit more about Oliver and Daisy's dad as he's got me really intruiged.
August 7, 2020
Yet another one
Yet another great story from crystal! Everyone I read is great and I’m getting more envious of these girls and their tattooed fellas!
Yet another great story from crystal! Everyone I read is great and I’m getting more envious of these girls and their tattooed fellas!
August 29, 2020
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
I enjoyed it. It took me some time to read it but I managed. I liked Daisy, although, she was quite naive and so in love, infatuated with Holden. Holden, on the other hand, was not naive or inexperienced. He was making sexual innuendos or jokes most of the time. I got the feeling that he was with Daisy the first time only because of the sex, not because of her. However, Holden understood what he had to do.
At one point I couldn’t stand the sexual dialogues and thoughts, because they became intrusive. At least for me. I enjoy books like that. But I got the sense everything was based on sex and not the emotional stuff.
Overall, I liked how Daisy was a fighter, knew battling an eating disorder is a long way ahead. Even though, we didn’t witness her most difficult period.
I enjoyed it. It took me some time to read it but I managed. I liked Daisy, although, she was quite naive and so in love, infatuated with Holden. Holden, on the other hand, was not naive or inexperienced. He was making sexual innuendos or jokes most of the time. I got the feeling that he was with Daisy the first time only because of the sex, not because of her. However, Holden understood what he had to do.
At one point I couldn’t stand the sexual dialogues and thoughts, because they became intrusive. At least for me. I enjoy books like that. But I got the sense everything was based on sex and not the emotional stuff.
Overall, I liked how Daisy was a fighter, knew battling an eating disorder is a long way ahead. Even though, we didn’t witness her most difficult period.
July 4, 2020
I had a hard time with the dialogue writing. Sometimes it was hard to interpret who was speaking. The build up was too long and some of the stories went no where and I lost interest.
July 6, 2020
It's the same thing we've seen a hundred times, maybe even experienced a hundred times - being attracted to your brother's best friend and wanting something from him. This is what Daisy's going through, so she asks for a kiss from him on her birthday. Will Holden give it to her? Will they be able to keep it undercover from her brother Oliver?
This is such a sweet, steamy read, fraught with emotions, as Daisy is going through something very difficult, something pretty heavy, along with struggling with her feelings for Holden. I liked Holden with her - they make for a great pairing, both feeling the angst that comes with hiding a relationship, but falling in love at the same time. As New Adult goes, this one is pretty great.
ARC via author for an honest review.
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September 14, 2022
“Danger is sweet. But loving her is sweeter than anything.”
This was such a sweet romance! Holden is the resident bad boy, and Daisy is his best friend's innocent little sister. This one definitely packed an emotional punch - there is a pretty heavy trigger warning for eating disorders and body talk so I would definitely make sure you are aware of that before picking this up. I loved how Daisy always remained her kind, bright self even in the face of trauma, and how the bad boy Holden had such a soft spot for her.
This was such a sweet romance! Holden is the resident bad boy, and Daisy is his best friend's innocent little sister. This one definitely packed an emotional punch - there is a pretty heavy trigger warning for eating disorders and body talk so I would definitely make sure you are aware of that before picking this up. I loved how Daisy always remained her kind, bright self even in the face of trauma, and how the bad boy Holden had such a soft spot for her.
July 10, 2020
Not to my taste
The First Taste is the second book in the Inked Love series in this opposites attract crossed with forbidden love and add in a lot of angst story. I thought the basis for this story was good, the outline of the characters were interesting but it just did not gel for me. I found the characters to be immature, the "mystery" of where Daisy had disappeared to was teased out way to long so really I did not care that much when it was finally revealed and the characters just did not work for me in a number of ways. I was disappointed with this book as I have read and very much enjoyed a number of Crystal Kaswell's books. So much so that a new book by her is an automatic grab by me. But The First Taste was not to my taste.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
The First Taste is the second book in the Inked Love series in this opposites attract crossed with forbidden love and add in a lot of angst story. I thought the basis for this story was good, the outline of the characters were interesting but it just did not gel for me. I found the characters to be immature, the "mystery" of where Daisy had disappeared to was teased out way to long so really I did not care that much when it was finally revealed and the characters just did not work for me in a number of ways. I was disappointed with this book as I have read and very much enjoyed a number of Crystal Kaswell's books. So much so that a new book by her is an automatic grab by me. But The First Taste was not to my taste.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 30, 2022
Daisy has had a crush on her brother's best friend Holden for years. She has yearned for him to be her first everything before she goes away to college in the fall. While Holden is insanely attracted to her, he is hesitant to cross the line because she's his best friend's little sister. But for her graduation present Daisy's brother and father organize a short vacation trip and she insists Holden accompany them. She also felt that there was more to Holden then the cocky play-boy persona he portrayed; that underneath it all was a vulnerable and romantic man just waiting for the right woman. She just wants to be the woman for Holden more than anything. However, Daisy is struggling with her own issues and she's wondering if going away to college in the Fall is the right decision for her to make, or maybe it will set back all the progress she has made - in her life and with Holden.
This book is full of angst - the will they won't they - that lasts far to long for this book to actually be enjoyable. I've read other works by Crystal Kaswell and enjoyed them, which is why I wanted to give this book a try. The premise seemed promising, but this book was far more heavy and saturated with pain and vulnerability then I was really expecting or looking in a brother's best-friend romance novel. *Warning: This novel features eating disorder, and alcohol abuse and these topics may be sensitive to some readers.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
For the first half of the book the reader is teased with this unexposed secret Daisy has - where was she last summer...This secret is overplayed and just the mysteriousness of what happened was overexerted to the point of exhaustion. Once you find out Daisy had an eating disorder and attended a rehab therapy group it seemed anticlimatic in a way. Eating disorders are very serious and a major problem in young teens - especially girls. Daisy's secret was so hyped up that in some ways I felt her eating disorder was dramtically romanticized. It made the reader yearn to know what this shy, innocent girl was hiding. Frankly, it was one thing for Daisy to feel ashamed to tell people about her eating disorder - but the fact that her narratives in the book shed away from telling her secret to the reader gave way to a more problematic issue of even though she confronted this (forced by her family) it wasn't enough and it's not going away. For that matter, I wanted to know about the so-called encounter that Daisy had with her brother. She mentions something about how he knows about knocking on her door now - what was this about. It was also strange for Daisy and her family to be so consumed by her issues and literally forced her to confront them that we don't really understand how the eating disorder came about. It's understand it was for her to get control over her life - but I wanted to know how her family figured it out.
In addition, I didn't understand how so much could be poured into Daisy's well-being but her father could overlook the fact that her brother is an alcoholic. His drinking problems is a major issue for Daisy and she mentions it multiple times, but it's also glossed over. Everyone knows he has a problem, but just let's him get away with it anyway. It's true that you can't help someone that won't help themselves, but all the characters basically enable Forest to do whatever he wants - consequences be damned when he's drinking.
Lastly, I was unmoved by this so-called connection Daisy had with Holden. The whole premise of this novel focuses on this forbidden romance. But in a way Daisy's brother knows it's going to happen, wants it to happen and allows it to happen. Forest hates this idea but he trusts Holden. Yet, we never see any confrontation between the too after Daisy and Holden get together - which was another thing I felt was weird. For being best-friends, which was one of the major contentions in any relationship Daisy and Holden had it seemed ridiculous that Forest and Holden didn't address his relationship with Daisy. I also found the romance missing from this novel. Most of this book is really all talk and no action. We have to wait well until half-way through the book before Daisy makes her move. By this point I was bored and annoyed, but was trying to give the book the benefit of the doubt. Unfortuantely even after their love-making the novel did not get better for me. I was very disappointed in this book and would not recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is full of angst - the will they won't they - that lasts far to long for this book to actually be enjoyable. I've read other works by Crystal Kaswell and enjoyed them, which is why I wanted to give this book a try. The premise seemed promising, but this book was far more heavy and saturated with pain and vulnerability then I was really expecting or looking in a brother's best-friend romance novel. *Warning: This novel features eating disorder, and alcohol abuse and these topics may be sensitive to some readers.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
For the first half of the book the reader is teased with this unexposed secret Daisy has - where was she last summer...This secret is overplayed and just the mysteriousness of what happened was overexerted to the point of exhaustion. Once you find out Daisy had an eating disorder and attended a rehab therapy group it seemed anticlimatic in a way. Eating disorders are very serious and a major problem in young teens - especially girls. Daisy's secret was so hyped up that in some ways I felt her eating disorder was dramtically romanticized. It made the reader yearn to know what this shy, innocent girl was hiding. Frankly, it was one thing for Daisy to feel ashamed to tell people about her eating disorder - but the fact that her narratives in the book shed away from telling her secret to the reader gave way to a more problematic issue of even though she confronted this (forced by her family) it wasn't enough and it's not going away. For that matter, I wanted to know about the so-called encounter that Daisy had with her brother. She mentions something about how he knows about knocking on her door now - what was this about. It was also strange for Daisy and her family to be so consumed by her issues and literally forced her to confront them that we don't really understand how the eating disorder came about. It's understand it was for her to get control over her life - but I wanted to know how her family figured it out.
In addition, I didn't understand how so much could be poured into Daisy's well-being but her father could overlook the fact that her brother is an alcoholic. His drinking problems is a major issue for Daisy and she mentions it multiple times, but it's also glossed over. Everyone knows he has a problem, but just let's him get away with it anyway. It's true that you can't help someone that won't help themselves, but all the characters basically enable Forest to do whatever he wants - consequences be damned when he's drinking.
Lastly, I was unmoved by this so-called connection Daisy had with Holden. The whole premise of this novel focuses on this forbidden romance. But in a way Daisy's brother knows it's going to happen, wants it to happen and allows it to happen. Forest hates this idea but he trusts Holden. Yet, we never see any confrontation between the too after Daisy and Holden get together - which was another thing I felt was weird. For being best-friends, which was one of the major contentions in any relationship Daisy and Holden had it seemed ridiculous that Forest and Holden didn't address his relationship with Daisy. I also found the romance missing from this novel. Most of this book is really all talk and no action. We have to wait well until half-way through the book before Daisy makes her move. By this point I was bored and annoyed, but was trying to give the book the benefit of the doubt. Unfortuantely even after their love-making the novel did not get better for me. I was very disappointed in this book and would not recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2022
“Danger is sweet. But loving her is sweeter than anything.”
Summer is coming to an end and Daisy is looking forward to starting a fresh life in college. The only thing she has left to tick off her to do list is her brothers best friend Holden.
When her brother Oliver surprises Daisy with a trip to Mexico for her birthday her best friend and his join them! Sun, sand and too much drinking is on the cards. Holden is the trouble making tattooist (Forrest from book 1’s brother) who has no desire to settle down.
Holden knows he shouldn’t go there but the tension runs wild. Daisy’s an adult and he’s able to make her own decisions and if that means mind blowing sex in her birthday one taste can’t hurt. Or can it?
Think was super flirty and cute. I’m not a lover of the whole virgin trope so I didn’t love it as much as the best friend bargain needless to say it was still spicy
Summer is coming to an end and Daisy is looking forward to starting a fresh life in college. The only thing she has left to tick off her to do list is her brothers best friend Holden.
When her brother Oliver surprises Daisy with a trip to Mexico for her birthday her best friend and his join them! Sun, sand and too much drinking is on the cards. Holden is the trouble making tattooist (Forrest from book 1’s brother) who has no desire to settle down.
Holden knows he shouldn’t go there but the tension runs wild. Daisy’s an adult and he’s able to make her own decisions and if that means mind blowing sex in her birthday one taste can’t hurt. Or can it?
Think was super flirty and cute. I’m not a lover of the whole virgin trope so I didn’t love it as much as the best friend bargain needless to say it was still spicy
June 30, 2020
Daisy & Holden will melt you!
Daisy has had a crush on her brother's best friend forever. Holden doesn't treat her like a pesky kid sister. She wants him to be her first. A birthday trip to Mexico with him, her brother, and her best friend is her chance before she heads to college.
Their chemistry is palpable. With a little help from her bff, Daisy is going to get her alone time with Holden.
Neither of them expected the feelings.
Crystal gives us all the feels.
Holden, that happy to lucky man slut who is hiding a lot more depth. Daisy, the recovering bulimic, who wants to feel normal. To not be coddled by her over protective brother. Nervous about going to college away from home. Wants her brother's best friend, but doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
I love Daisy. She is stronger than she thinks. She may come off as sweetness and innocence, but she comes into her own.
Steamy, sweet perfection with all the emotions we expect from a Crystal book.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Daisy has had a crush on her brother's best friend forever. Holden doesn't treat her like a pesky kid sister. She wants him to be her first. A birthday trip to Mexico with him, her brother, and her best friend is her chance before she heads to college.
Their chemistry is palpable. With a little help from her bff, Daisy is going to get her alone time with Holden.
Neither of them expected the feelings.
Crystal gives us all the feels.
Holden, that happy to lucky man slut who is hiding a lot more depth. Daisy, the recovering bulimic, who wants to feel normal. To not be coddled by her over protective brother. Nervous about going to college away from home. Wants her brother's best friend, but doesn't want to ruin their friendship.
I love Daisy. She is stronger than she thinks. She may come off as sweetness and innocence, but she comes into her own.
Steamy, sweet perfection with all the emotions we expect from a Crystal book.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 26, 2020
Daisy is Holden's best friend's kid sister and she has just turned eighteen and is going off to college soon. Daisy wants Holden to be her first and a trip to Mexico is the perfect opportunity to make that happen. I actually was not super sold on Daisy and Holden at first. I was worried about what their relationship would do to Oliver and Holden's friendship and I liked their bromance a lot. When it was clear that they both really cared for each other and this was more than just experimentation I liked them more and was happy that ultimately Oliver just wanted his sister happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
First like 40% was really good. Then the other 40% gets really lost on me. Last 20% Is way too rushed.
July 26, 2020
I very rarely DNF but I’m at 34% and it’s just draggggging. Way too much detail about every little thing - ever article of clothing described... every freckle mentioned. Enough. Just get on with it. No real connection... and Daisy said or though “ahem” like 400 times!!! So annoying.
June 29, 2020
Holden And Daisy’s Story Of Young Love Is A Beautiful Surprise! A Sweet Yet Emotional Journey.
This is the second book in the Inked Love series, which is a spin-off of the Inked Hearts series. This series picks up where The Baby Bargain, book eight of Inked Hearts series, leaves off. There Chase agreed to help Ariel, his best friend's sister, get pregnant. In book one of this series, Chase is the manager of the new sister shop about a twenty minute walk away, and his best friend, Ariel's brother Forest, gets his own book. As the first book opens, Ariel is roughly six months pregnant and has moved into Chase's apartment. Forest and Ariel's younger brother Holden, as well as Holden's friends, work at Inked Love along with Chase and Forest. Book two is Holden’s story. It takes place shortly after Forest and Skye finally become a bona fide couple.
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 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. Holden knew better than to think of Daisy romantically because she had been underage. With her birthday, though, his best friend Oliver remains an obstacle to the idea. He would kill Holden for hurting Daisy – which is inevitable since Holden doesn’t date. Holden, quite young himself, is just three and one half years older than Daisy, but with Daisy’s youth and plans for college, their age gap is a real obstacle to a future together. Even if he were open to dating, it would never work. But most of this story takes place during their week in Puerta Vallarta, and when they decide to cross the line, they agree that there will be no future together beyond their vacation tryst. Although Holden betrays his best friend’s trust, he understands that he has a responsibility to treat Daisy well. He immediately knows that being with her is different than anything he had experienced before. It is more personal. He patiently encourages Daisy during their time together, building her confidence as she offers him her innocence. But their conversations prove equally engaging as both find themselves opening up and sharing their vulnerabilities.
Despite Daisy’s nerdy interests and lack of life experiences due to her age, she finds a lot in common with the handsome and aloof party animal. They are both deeply impacted by their mothers. For Daisy, it is her mother’s alcoholism and the breakup of her parents’ marriage. For Holden, it is his mother’s death and the consequences that followed. Both turned to routine to help deal with their problems. For Daisy, her routine robbed her of her freedom, but Holden’s routine grounded him in his otherwise reckless existence. Daisy desperately needs some of that to rub off on her. She needs to learn to let go, making Holden a good influence on her. But he has his own problems and she senses the scared little boy that acts out. Finally, both feel empty, but with their commonality they find inspiration and the possibility for more from life. As they open up, they become vulnerable despite the knowledge that Daisy is leaving. And despite appearances, Holden is a good man. He recognizes that Daisy needs to leave and live her life.
Throughout this story I struggled to understand how Holden and Daisy could find a happy ending in a single book. Daisy’s age is a real issue, and Holden is young himself – though with his wild lifestyle he has boatloads of life experience. He is a humble tattoo artist, not a billionaire, so he can’t magically snap his fingers and buy a happy ending. Despite my doubts, the very last pages of the book produce a beautiful and tearful happy ending for the young couple. I hope to see more of Holden and Daisy in an extended epilogue and future installments of the series!
Holden and Daisy’s story of young love is an emotional journey. Both are damaged, but they find solace in one another. Underneath Holden’s wild persona lies a heart of gold. Daisy sees that in him, and with her he finds a way to open up again to his feelings. With him, she finds the courage to live life to the fullest. Their story is well-written and character-driven. The characters are three dimensional with compelling backgrounds. The plot is fairly simple. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Holden and Daisy. I rate this book a full five stars (something I rarely do).
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Inked Love series, which is a spin-off of the Inked Hearts series. This series picks up where The Baby Bargain, book eight of Inked Hearts series, leaves off. There Chase agreed to help Ariel, his best friend's sister, get pregnant. In book one of this series, Chase is the manager of the new sister shop about a twenty minute walk away, and his best friend, Ariel's brother Forest, gets his own book. As the first book opens, Ariel is roughly six months pregnant and has moved into Chase's apartment. Forest and Ariel's younger brother Holden, as well as Holden's friends, work at Inked Love along with Chase and Forest. Book two is Holden’s story. It takes place shortly after Forest and Skye finally become a bona fide couple.
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 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. Holden knew better than to think of Daisy romantically because she had been underage. With her birthday, though, his best friend Oliver remains an obstacle to the idea. He would kill Holden for hurting Daisy – which is inevitable since Holden doesn’t date. Holden, quite young himself, is just three and one half years older than Daisy, but with Daisy’s youth and plans for college, their age gap is a real obstacle to a future together. Even if he were open to dating, it would never work. But most of this story takes place during their week in Puerta Vallarta, and when they decide to cross the line, they agree that there will be no future together beyond their vacation tryst. Although Holden betrays his best friend’s trust, he understands that he has a responsibility to treat Daisy well. He immediately knows that being with her is different than anything he had experienced before. It is more personal. He patiently encourages Daisy during their time together, building her confidence as she offers him her innocence. But their conversations prove equally engaging as both find themselves opening up and sharing their vulnerabilities.
Despite Daisy’s nerdy interests and lack of life experiences due to her age, she finds a lot in common with the handsome and aloof party animal. They are both deeply impacted by their mothers. For Daisy, it is her mother’s alcoholism and the breakup of her parents’ marriage. For Holden, it is his mother’s death and the consequences that followed. Both turned to routine to help deal with their problems. For Daisy, her routine robbed her of her freedom, but Holden’s routine grounded him in his otherwise reckless existence. Daisy desperately needs some of that to rub off on her. She needs to learn to let go, making Holden a good influence on her. But he has his own problems and she senses the scared little boy that acts out. Finally, both feel empty, but with their commonality they find inspiration and the possibility for more from life. As they open up, they become vulnerable despite the knowledge that Daisy is leaving. And despite appearances, Holden is a good man. He recognizes that Daisy needs to leave and live her life.
Throughout this story I struggled to understand how Holden and Daisy could find a happy ending in a single book. Daisy’s age is a real issue, and Holden is young himself – though with his wild lifestyle he has boatloads of life experience. He is a humble tattoo artist, not a billionaire, so he can’t magically snap his fingers and buy a happy ending. Despite my doubts, the very last pages of the book produce a beautiful and tearful happy ending for the young couple. I hope to see more of Holden and Daisy in an extended epilogue and future installments of the series!
Holden and Daisy’s story of young love is an emotional journey. Both are damaged, but they find solace in one another. Underneath Holden’s wild persona lies a heart of gold. Daisy sees that in him, and with her he finds a way to open up again to his feelings. With him, she finds the courage to live life to the fullest. Their story is well-written and character-driven. The characters are three dimensional with compelling backgrounds. The plot is fairly simple. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Holden and Daisy. I rate this book a full five stars (something I rarely do).
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2020
I liked the blurb but the writing is just a big miss.
I made it through 5 chapters but I kept feeling lost and confused. It's like the author had some sort of a secret language with her characters and I'm just not in on it.
I made it through 5 chapters but I kept feeling lost and confused. It's like the author had some sort of a secret language with her characters and I'm just not in on it.
June 30, 2020
I absolutely LOVED the Inked Hearts series and was SO excited when the Inked Love series was born. All of these characters are craftily sculpted by the author and are extremely deep. Our main characters are Holden, who is a playful and easy going guy that tries to make sure life isn't too series, and Daisy, an 18 year old that is super shy and extremely inexperienced with men. These two don't seem as if they would mesh together but when a crush grows into more, could it possibly turn into something real?
All in all, I freaking loved this book. The reader can FEEL what the characters feel and put themselves in their shoes. The emotions are real and deep and there is so much more to Holden and Daisy than what is shown to the world. It is a realistic look to romance in which there are major complications, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I will say that this book feels a little more of a beginning for them, so I definitely want to see more from them in the future! I give The First Taste 4.5 outta 5 stars and really enjoyed it!
PS: Thank you to Crystal Kaswell for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
All in all, I freaking loved this book. The reader can FEEL what the characters feel and put themselves in their shoes. The emotions are real and deep and there is so much more to Holden and Daisy than what is shown to the world. It is a realistic look to romance in which there are major complications, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I will say that this book feels a little more of a beginning for them, so I definitely want to see more from them in the future! I give The First Taste 4.5 outta 5 stars and really enjoyed it!
PS: Thank you to Crystal Kaswell for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
July 1, 2020
I received an ARC for an honest review. Omg just finished reading the First Taste and what a read it was. Hunter and Daisy's story was amazing, Hunter is the funny guy, the not settling down type of guy who believes love causes pain, the that's what she said kinda guy and best friends with Oliver. Daisy is Oliver lil sister, she suffered from an eating disorder but not recovered as such as this is something you never fully recover from. She's a virgin, beautiful, shy, intelligent and totally in love with hunter for a long time. Then on her 18th birthday Mexico is there destination and she finally loses her V to the man she's always wanted after agreeing that it's just a fling. But in life things don't always go to plan, but sometimes love finds a way. I loved this book, it was a roller-coaster of emotions and what a ride, I couldn't put it down n totally fell in love with both characters... What a story.. Well done Crystal you did it again... I bow down to you!
June 29, 2020
I'm a devoted Crystal reader and follower and this book was another reminder as to why.
Crystal digs deep into her characters, they aren't just surface level pretty and that's where they stay. Nope she makes them real, she gives them depth, struggles, pain and even loss. I really felt like she shined with Daisy and Holden.
Anybody who knows me at all knows I am at an age where stories with a V aren't my thing BUT I knew what I was getting into here and I enjoyed this book because of how well it was written.
Crystal addresses heavy topics and does it with grace and tact, she finds that balance between heavy and light and really nails it. I can see that things have the potential to get heavier with Oliver and Luna's future story (and dare I hope something is coming for Oliver & Daisy's dad) and I'm excited to see how Crystal addresses those topics while also giving us that sweet and satisfying romance we've come to expect from her.
Crystal digs deep into her characters, they aren't just surface level pretty and that's where they stay. Nope she makes them real, she gives them depth, struggles, pain and even loss. I really felt like she shined with Daisy and Holden.
Anybody who knows me at all knows I am at an age where stories with a V aren't my thing BUT I knew what I was getting into here and I enjoyed this book because of how well it was written.
Crystal addresses heavy topics and does it with grace and tact, she finds that balance between heavy and light and really nails it. I can see that things have the potential to get heavier with Oliver and Luna's future story (and dare I hope something is coming for Oliver & Daisy's dad) and I'm excited to see how Crystal addresses those topics while also giving us that sweet and satisfying romance we've come to expect from her.
June 30, 2020
This book will take you back to your first love and how sweet it was. This is the story of Daisy and Holden who is her brother's best friend. Daisy has had a crush on Holden for as long as she can remember.
When she goes on a Birthday trip to Mexico with her brother, Holden and her best friend Luna maybe she wants to prove to them all that she is now grown up, has put her past behind her and is ready to experience life. Unfortunately it is not that simple, but Holden is there to be her friend, protector and teacher tore.
A fun but also angsty story of young love and becoming an adult, with great characters and lots of witty banter and sexy moments and you will fall in love with Holden who turns out to be nothing like you imagine him at the beginning of the book. Another great romance from Crystal.
When she goes on a Birthday trip to Mexico with her brother, Holden and her best friend Luna maybe she wants to prove to them all that she is now grown up, has put her past behind her and is ready to experience life. Unfortunately it is not that simple, but Holden is there to be her friend, protector and teacher tore.
A fun but also angsty story of young love and becoming an adult, with great characters and lots of witty banter and sexy moments and you will fall in love with Holden who turns out to be nothing like you imagine him at the beginning of the book. Another great romance from Crystal.
June 30, 2020
The chemistry between Holden and Daisy heats up the pages from the start. It helps that he is so attractive as a bad boy because he is forbidden as Daisy’s brother’s best friend, he’s wicked snarky, and he’s never been one to turn down attention from the ladies.
Daisy is in recovery. From what, you’ll have to find out, but Crystal Kaswell takes this issue and crafts a unique personality layered by what drives her in her illness. Her brother and father think she’s still as fragile as she once was and Holden helps her free herself.
I always enjoy a book where the characters come into their real selves because of their love for each other. Holden and Daisy have a really wonderful story.
I received and advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Daisy is in recovery. From what, you’ll have to find out, but Crystal Kaswell takes this issue and crafts a unique personality layered by what drives her in her illness. Her brother and father think she’s still as fragile as she once was and Holden helps her free herself.
I always enjoy a book where the characters come into their real selves because of their love for each other. Holden and Daisy have a really wonderful story.
I received and advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
This is the second book in the Inked Love series, Inked Love is a spin-off of the Inked Hearts series and this was Holden and Daisy’s story . This was a sweet emotional journey full of angst and steam , definitely gave me all the feels . I absolutely love all of Crystal Kaswells characters and true to her writing style she nailed it with this couple! I also loved how she wrote about real life problems such as eating disorders that’s not easy and she did a amazing job ! Love the banter between the characters and overall this is a great story. Can’t wait for more from this author and this is a definite must read and definite 5 stars from me!
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
*** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book ***
February 9, 2021
Another great story in this series!
This is the second story to the series inked love and its just as good as the first. Another page turner for me. I loved every thing about Daisy and Holden and the dynamic of their relationship. This author really knows how to write about bad boys.
This is the second story to the series inked love and its just as good as the first. Another page turner for me. I loved every thing about Daisy and Holden and the dynamic of their relationship. This author really knows how to write about bad boys.
January 8, 2024
3.75 star 🌟
I really enjoyed this. I loved the secrecy and hidden love - such a sucker for it!
Holden was so patient with Daisy and their relationship is sweet. I loved how he listened to Daisy when she told him about her ED 😊
Oliver is the protective big brother with a slight drinking problem, and I'm looking forward to his book next!
I really enjoyed this. I loved the secrecy and hidden love - such a sucker for it!
Holden was so patient with Daisy and their relationship is sweet. I loved how he listened to Daisy when she told him about her ED 😊
Oliver is the protective big brother with a slight drinking problem, and I'm looking forward to his book next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2023
I liked this one even better that the first
Fuck this series might be the death of me these two were so cute I am obsessed maybe the only book I've read with the miscommunication trope didn't make me want to rip the characters apart
Fuck this series might be the death of me these two were so cute I am obsessed maybe the only book I've read with the miscommunication trope didn't make me want to rip the characters apart
March 22, 2023
Loved these two
There’s just something about the older brother’s best friend trope that turns me into mush. But these characters were amazing and perfectly flawed, I absolutely loved Daisy and her crush. Happy she got her HEA.
There’s just something about the older brother’s best friend trope that turns me into mush. But these characters were amazing and perfectly flawed, I absolutely loved Daisy and her crush. Happy she got her HEA.
July 28, 2020
I loved the flawed Daisy and brothers best friend Holden who has his own issues. Daisy is a recovering food disorder that has had a crush on Holden. The characters are great and and engage me from the start. The storyline is a well written storyline that not only offers romance but also real life issues.
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 14, 2020
2.75 stars
July 11, 2020
Okay so I enjoyed this book but not as much as the others in the series. I do gave to say I felt like the author stretched out the story a bit too much. I felt like the Mexico trip maybe should have ended at about 50%. I feel like there happy ending was too far at the end. I felt like I needed way more of there love story not just their pre story. I did still love both of them but this was way too much of a slow burn for me.
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.
December 9, 2020
I am in awe of Crystal Kaswell, as each book she writes, just gets better and better. I love that Crystal can tackle hard subjects, and write them with great care and sensitivity. After a hard year, shy Daisy wants to feel good about herself, to feel free and alive, and she wants her brothers best friend, and secret crush, Holden, to teach her how. Will he help her to find herself, without hurting her? This standalone book is another great addition to the Inked Love world. I highly recommend you start this series today.
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