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Inked Hearts #1-3
Inked Hearts 1-3 Collection
Over 1,000 pages of brooding bad boys. Start your binge read now!
The men of tattoo shop Inked Hearts are brooding, bossy, and impossible to resist!
Dive into this addicting series and see why readers say “Crystal Kaswell is the queen of broken bad boys.”
This romance collection contains the first three books on the Inked Hearts series.
Tempting
He's my best friend's brother. He's off limits. But when I find the brooding tattoo artist's sketchbook full of dirty drawings--drawings of me--I can't resist.
Hooking Up
Sweet, booksmart grad student Iris and I have a friends with benefits arrangement with three simple rules. All fun. No strings. No falling in love. But then I've never been very good at following rules.
Pretend You're Mine
I'm pretending I'm in love with my best friend. What could possibly go wrong?
Leighton is my best friend. Pretending she's my girlfriend is a terrible idea, even if the entire world is expecting the breakdown of the year at my ex's wedding. Then she kisses me... and I forget we're pretending.
The men of tattoo shop Inked Hearts are brooding, bossy, and impossible to resist!
Dive into this addicting series and see why readers say “Crystal Kaswell is the queen of broken bad boys.”
This romance collection contains the first three books on the Inked Hearts series.
Tempting
He's my best friend's brother. He's off limits. But when I find the brooding tattoo artist's sketchbook full of dirty drawings--drawings of me--I can't resist.
Hooking Up
Sweet, booksmart grad student Iris and I have a friends with benefits arrangement with three simple rules. All fun. No strings. No falling in love. But then I've never been very good at following rules.
Pretend You're Mine
I'm pretending I'm in love with my best friend. What could possibly go wrong?
Leighton is my best friend. Pretending she's my girlfriend is a terrible idea, even if the entire world is expecting the breakdown of the year at my ex's wedding. Then she kisses me... and I forget we're pretending.
1257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2020
486 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
96 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 75 reviews
May 27, 2021
(audiobook) There are three books in this box set, three stories revolving around a tattoo parlor, Inked hearts. Each story focuses on a couple, each with its own trope–so there’s something for everyone!
I thought the first book was the weakest. I loved the characters, and their relationship was interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the BDSM touch. It was out of place–especially since Kaylee is barely over 18. But it was a good way to introduce the other characters.
Walker’s struggles with addiction–not his, but of people around him–and Ryan’s struggles with betrayal–after his ex cheated on him–were nothing original, but I thought they were done well enough. The women who enter their lives find ways to help them heal. I especially enjoyed Ryan and Leighton’s story, and the way Ryan slowly opened himself to happiness after being the gloomy of the team for so long.
The writing isn’t always all that good though. There are multiple repetitions of the same phrases and sentences, sometimes so close to each other that they seem to echo. It’s especially noticeable in the intimate scenes.
As for the narration, done in duet style, it became better and better with each book. I thought the male narrator’s voice was perfect for Ryan–but the voice he does for Dean makes me want to listen to the next book in the series. The female narrator connected best with Iris, in my opinion. But they both do a good job anyway.
Quickie
- Series: Inked hearts #1-3 (can all be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #tattoo artist romance #best friend’s brother #friends with benefits #friends to lovers
- Triggers: substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, cheating
- Main couples: Kaylee & Brendon / Iris & Walker / Leighton & Ryan
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they get better and better
- – I had the most trouble connecting with the first story
I thought the first book was the weakest. I loved the characters, and their relationship was interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the BDSM touch. It was out of place–especially since Kaylee is barely over 18. But it was a good way to introduce the other characters.
Walker’s struggles with addiction–not his, but of people around him–and Ryan’s struggles with betrayal–after his ex cheated on him–were nothing original, but I thought they were done well enough. The women who enter their lives find ways to help them heal. I especially enjoyed Ryan and Leighton’s story, and the way Ryan slowly opened himself to happiness after being the gloomy of the team for so long.
The writing isn’t always all that good though. There are multiple repetitions of the same phrases and sentences, sometimes so close to each other that they seem to echo. It’s especially noticeable in the intimate scenes.
As for the narration, done in duet style, it became better and better with each book. I thought the male narrator’s voice was perfect for Ryan–but the voice he does for Dean makes me want to listen to the next book in the series. The female narrator connected best with Iris, in my opinion. But they both do a good job anyway.
Quickie
- Series: Inked hearts #1-3 (can all be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #tattoo artist romance #best friend’s brother #friends with benefits #friends to lovers
- Triggers: substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, cheating
- Main couples: Kaylee & Brendon / Iris & Walker / Leighton & Ryan
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + they get better and better
- – I had the most trouble connecting with the first story
January 30, 2021
A Fabulous Collection! Wonderfully Written With Rich Characters. Includes A Sister’s Best Friend, Hookup Turned Friends With Benefits, And A Friends-To-Lovers Story. All Revolve Around The Inked Hearts Tattoo Parlor In Venice Beach. Topics Include Depression, Addiction, & Betrayal.
This is books one through three of the eight-book Inked Hearts series. Each book reads as a standalone, though they are best enjoyed in order.
Inked Hearts is a tattoo parlor in Southern California that sits about five blocks from the beach. Brendon, Ryan, Walker and Dean are like family. They are tattoo artists and the heart and soul of the shop, along with Leighton who runs the front desk. Manning, who had been an absentee owner for the past few years, sells the Venice Beach shop to the four tattoo artists, who somehow manage to get things done despite their lack of coordination. Together they all serve a variety of clients – to include some rather well-known celebrity types.
Don’t forget to download the free bonus epilogues! Sign up for the newsletter then scroll down to the bottom of the email for the link.
These stories are well-written. The plots are fairly simple. The characters are rich and carefully crafted, creating attachment to the characters and deeply felt stories. They feel real. The stories are written in first person. The POV’s alternate between the hero and heroine. I rate this set 4.5 stars.
BOOK ONE, TEMPTING:
This is Brendon and Kaylee’s moving story. It is tender and patient. Broody with a dose of kink, Brendon falls for his little sister’s best friend, whose secret crush isn’t so secret.
Kaylee Hart, now eighteen, is looking forward to beginning at UCLA in the fall. Smart and sweet with a sense of humor, she has always been a straight A student. Her best friend Emma got an early start over the summer, choosing to both work and go to college part-time. Em is interested in studying business; Kaylee, however, is uncertain about what she wants to do with her life. She loves reading and writing, but isn’t sure how to translate those into a career. Last year, when so many high school seniors were thinking about what they want to do – about their college major and future career – Kaylee was focused entirely on just staying healthy. While she had always channeled her insecurities into her achievements, things had taken a turn. Getting past the dark thoughts had taken some work. She is finally in a relatively good place, but she will always be broken. It is her secret and her shame.
Brendon Kane, twenty-six, has always been a brooding bad boy. He fell in love with ink when he got his first tattoo, and his love of art led him to a career he loves. He had been young and angry when he started his apprenticeship. A punk. He wasn’t exactly into drugs, but he also didn’t choose the best crowds to hang out with. His choices caused a lot of conflict with his mother, who thought he was a bad influence on his sister and asked him to leave. The rejection had hurt, and he never wanted to turn his back on his sister. But today Brendon is tired of playing Dad. Being the guardian of his little sister has altered the nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t change things if he could. When their parents died in an accident, he and Em were fortunate enough to inherit the family beach house in Venice beach as well as some life insurance – enough to give them each a good start in life. It is ironic that Brendon now finds himself responsible for his eighteen year old punk-loving sister, full of spunk and rebellion. He finds himself questioning who he is anymore. Though he may still rock the brooding bad boy vibe, he might also have become a bit square.
BOOK TWO, HOOKING UP (FORMERLY NAMED PLAYING):
This is Walker and Iris’s hookup turned friends with benefits story. Star Wars nerds will love it! Their romance dives deep into the issue of addiction. On the surface they are opposites – he is the bad boy and she is the good girl – but neither lives up to that image.
Iris Avery, twenty-five, is trying to put the pieces back together. She had had a tough go getting into grad school, and she doesn’t want to let anything get in her way again. Finishing her PhD in Psychology at UCLA is the one thing she knows she wants in life. Everything else is a bit fuzzy. She was raised in the Valley. When she finished her undergrad at UCSD, she was lucky to get a decent job, but she hated it. She wanted to go back to school but found it was much harder than she had expected. She had always been a nerdy overachiever, so she took the setback hard.
Iris’s new boyfriend Ross had given her a diversion from her disappointment, but she had no idea what she was getting herself into. He was a clean-cut guy, a programmer, but months into their relationship she learned that he did recreational drugs, and in her desperation for an escape from her disappointment she soon joined him. That led to two and a half years of use, and she finally found the strength to take control back. She broke up with Ross over Christmas, then took the winter quarter off and entered rehab. She is now three months clean and just starting spring quarter. But she made a lot of mistakes the last few years. Broke bridges. Lost all her friends. Fractured her family. Lost her sense of identity. She is following a list of steps to get her life back. It is a lot of work, but she is determined to persevere. She will not be defined by her mistakes.
Walker Williams, twenty-four, wears a smile and a carefree attitude. He is an easy breezy surfer, a bad boy with tattoos. The few that really know him well, though, recognize that he often harbors stormy feelings below the surface. Born to privilege in Beverly Hills, he chose to move out at eighteen and live life by his own rules. He lives in an apartment in Santa Monica, with the surf and sand nearby. He is a tattoo artist at Inked Hearts in Venice Beach – and just recently became a co-owner along with his three friends. His own tattoos reflect his love of Star Wars extended universe novels, which he devours.
Walker doesn’t do relationships – he hasn’t ever had a girlfriend. When not drinking and partying with his friends, nameless no stings hookups are his ticket to a good time. With the stress of worrying about his older sister Sabrina, starting something new has been the furthest thing from his mind. Bree made too many broken promises. They had been tight growing up, and the fear of learning she overdosed has him pulling back such that he is now considering cutting her off altogether. He doesn’t want to enable her like their parents do, coddle her by buying into her excuses. He is finally done – and he never wants to be close to an addict again.
BOOK THREE, PRETEND YOU’RE MINE:
This is Ryan and Leighton’s friends-to-lovers story about trust, betrayal, and moving on. Together they learn how to spread their wings and open their hearts.
Ryan Maddox, twenty-seven , loves black. His wardrobe is entirely black. His outlook is black. He decorated his apartment in it as well. He also loves tattoos. He loves running Inked Hearts, which he does for the most part with some help from Brendon. He never wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps. He and his younger brother Dean, twenty-five, grew up in luxury in Beverly Hills. Their parents have MBA’s and wear suits to work, but that never appealed to Ryan, nor to Dean who always looked up to him. Nevertheless, Ryan went on to earn a business degree, strictly to appease his parents.
It was when he began apprenticing during college that Ryan really knew what he wanted to do with his life. As a tattoo artist, he makes a connection with the client. It is a somewhat spiritual experience, learning more about them and then finding the inspiration to design a tattoo that really speaks to their soul. It is gratifying. And as much as he hates to admit it, that business degree he got has been helpful, especially since he and the guys bought Inked Hearts from Manning.
Besides ink and running the shop, there was one more thing that Ryan wanted to make his life complete. Something he thought he had until last summer – twelve months ago. That was when everything fell apart, when Penny took hold of his heart and ripped it out. Ryan isn’t great with words, and doesn’t like a lot of change. He has intimacy issues, too. He hates being touched too much – he isn’t big on passing out hugs. But the hole is his chest left him afraid to get close emotionally now, too. Finding Penny in their bed with someone else after nine years together completely shredded everything he thought he knew about love.
Leighton Black, probably about twenty-seven, is a punk rock princess who loves rocking her purple hair. She is also secretly in love with Ryan. It isn’t a well-kept secret, though. Everyone seems to know except for Ryan himself. She fell for him when she first started working the desk at Inked Hearts two years ago. She and Dean went way back, and Dean had hooked her up with the job. Leighton had been bartending at Rock Bottom for four years, where Dean had been a regular. Even though it meant a loss in income, she had needed a change. Inked Hearts was now the closest thing she had to home. It was like family. She couldn’t imagine leaving, but that was the problem. Her job was too easy. She enjoyed graphic design, and had even signed up for a class at Santa Monica College thanks to Ryan’s encouragement. But pursuing a new career would mean leaving Inked Hearts and Ryan behind.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is books one through three of the eight-book Inked Hearts series. Each book reads as a standalone, though they are best enjoyed in order.
Inked Hearts is a tattoo parlor in Southern California that sits about five blocks from the beach. Brendon, Ryan, Walker and Dean are like family. They are tattoo artists and the heart and soul of the shop, along with Leighton who runs the front desk. Manning, who had been an absentee owner for the past few years, sells the Venice Beach shop to the four tattoo artists, who somehow manage to get things done despite their lack of coordination. Together they all serve a variety of clients – to include some rather well-known celebrity types.
Don’t forget to download the free bonus epilogues! Sign up for the newsletter then scroll down to the bottom of the email for the link.
These stories are well-written. The plots are fairly simple. The characters are rich and carefully crafted, creating attachment to the characters and deeply felt stories. They feel real. The stories are written in first person. The POV’s alternate between the hero and heroine. I rate this set 4.5 stars.
BOOK ONE, TEMPTING:
This is Brendon and Kaylee’s moving story. It is tender and patient. Broody with a dose of kink, Brendon falls for his little sister’s best friend, whose secret crush isn’t so secret.
Kaylee Hart, now eighteen, is looking forward to beginning at UCLA in the fall. Smart and sweet with a sense of humor, she has always been a straight A student. Her best friend Emma got an early start over the summer, choosing to both work and go to college part-time. Em is interested in studying business; Kaylee, however, is uncertain about what she wants to do with her life. She loves reading and writing, but isn’t sure how to translate those into a career. Last year, when so many high school seniors were thinking about what they want to do – about their college major and future career – Kaylee was focused entirely on just staying healthy. While she had always channeled her insecurities into her achievements, things had taken a turn. Getting past the dark thoughts had taken some work. She is finally in a relatively good place, but she will always be broken. It is her secret and her shame.
Brendon Kane, twenty-six, has always been a brooding bad boy. He fell in love with ink when he got his first tattoo, and his love of art led him to a career he loves. He had been young and angry when he started his apprenticeship. A punk. He wasn’t exactly into drugs, but he also didn’t choose the best crowds to hang out with. His choices caused a lot of conflict with his mother, who thought he was a bad influence on his sister and asked him to leave. The rejection had hurt, and he never wanted to turn his back on his sister. But today Brendon is tired of playing Dad. Being the guardian of his little sister has altered the nature of their relationship. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t change things if he could. When their parents died in an accident, he and Em were fortunate enough to inherit the family beach house in Venice beach as well as some life insurance – enough to give them each a good start in life. It is ironic that Brendon now finds himself responsible for his eighteen year old punk-loving sister, full of spunk and rebellion. He finds himself questioning who he is anymore. Though he may still rock the brooding bad boy vibe, he might also have become a bit square.
BOOK TWO, HOOKING UP (FORMERLY NAMED PLAYING):
This is Walker and Iris’s hookup turned friends with benefits story. Star Wars nerds will love it! Their romance dives deep into the issue of addiction. On the surface they are opposites – he is the bad boy and she is the good girl – but neither lives up to that image.
Iris Avery, twenty-five, is trying to put the pieces back together. She had had a tough go getting into grad school, and she doesn’t want to let anything get in her way again. Finishing her PhD in Psychology at UCLA is the one thing she knows she wants in life. Everything else is a bit fuzzy. She was raised in the Valley. When she finished her undergrad at UCSD, she was lucky to get a decent job, but she hated it. She wanted to go back to school but found it was much harder than she had expected. She had always been a nerdy overachiever, so she took the setback hard.
Iris’s new boyfriend Ross had given her a diversion from her disappointment, but she had no idea what she was getting herself into. He was a clean-cut guy, a programmer, but months into their relationship she learned that he did recreational drugs, and in her desperation for an escape from her disappointment she soon joined him. That led to two and a half years of use, and she finally found the strength to take control back. She broke up with Ross over Christmas, then took the winter quarter off and entered rehab. She is now three months clean and just starting spring quarter. But she made a lot of mistakes the last few years. Broke bridges. Lost all her friends. Fractured her family. Lost her sense of identity. She is following a list of steps to get her life back. It is a lot of work, but she is determined to persevere. She will not be defined by her mistakes.
Walker Williams, twenty-four, wears a smile and a carefree attitude. He is an easy breezy surfer, a bad boy with tattoos. The few that really know him well, though, recognize that he often harbors stormy feelings below the surface. Born to privilege in Beverly Hills, he chose to move out at eighteen and live life by his own rules. He lives in an apartment in Santa Monica, with the surf and sand nearby. He is a tattoo artist at Inked Hearts in Venice Beach – and just recently became a co-owner along with his three friends. His own tattoos reflect his love of Star Wars extended universe novels, which he devours.
Walker doesn’t do relationships – he hasn’t ever had a girlfriend. When not drinking and partying with his friends, nameless no stings hookups are his ticket to a good time. With the stress of worrying about his older sister Sabrina, starting something new has been the furthest thing from his mind. Bree made too many broken promises. They had been tight growing up, and the fear of learning she overdosed has him pulling back such that he is now considering cutting her off altogether. He doesn’t want to enable her like their parents do, coddle her by buying into her excuses. He is finally done – and he never wants to be close to an addict again.
BOOK THREE, PRETEND YOU’RE MINE:
This is Ryan and Leighton’s friends-to-lovers story about trust, betrayal, and moving on. Together they learn how to spread their wings and open their hearts.
Ryan Maddox, twenty-seven , loves black. His wardrobe is entirely black. His outlook is black. He decorated his apartment in it as well. He also loves tattoos. He loves running Inked Hearts, which he does for the most part with some help from Brendon. He never wanted to follow in his parents’ footsteps. He and his younger brother Dean, twenty-five, grew up in luxury in Beverly Hills. Their parents have MBA’s and wear suits to work, but that never appealed to Ryan, nor to Dean who always looked up to him. Nevertheless, Ryan went on to earn a business degree, strictly to appease his parents.
It was when he began apprenticing during college that Ryan really knew what he wanted to do with his life. As a tattoo artist, he makes a connection with the client. It is a somewhat spiritual experience, learning more about them and then finding the inspiration to design a tattoo that really speaks to their soul. It is gratifying. And as much as he hates to admit it, that business degree he got has been helpful, especially since he and the guys bought Inked Hearts from Manning.
Besides ink and running the shop, there was one more thing that Ryan wanted to make his life complete. Something he thought he had until last summer – twelve months ago. That was when everything fell apart, when Penny took hold of his heart and ripped it out. Ryan isn’t great with words, and doesn’t like a lot of change. He has intimacy issues, too. He hates being touched too much – he isn’t big on passing out hugs. But the hole is his chest left him afraid to get close emotionally now, too. Finding Penny in their bed with someone else after nine years together completely shredded everything he thought he knew about love.
Leighton Black, probably about twenty-seven, is a punk rock princess who loves rocking her purple hair. She is also secretly in love with Ryan. It isn’t a well-kept secret, though. Everyone seems to know except for Ryan himself. She fell for him when she first started working the desk at Inked Hearts two years ago. She and Dean went way back, and Dean had hooked her up with the job. Leighton had been bartending at Rock Bottom for four years, where Dean had been a regular. Even though it meant a loss in income, she had needed a change. Inked Hearts was now the closest thing she had to home. It was like family. She couldn’t imagine leaving, but that was the problem. Her job was too easy. She enjoyed graphic design, and had even signed up for a class at Santa Monica College thanks to Ryan’s encouragement. But pursuing a new career would mean leaving Inked Hearts and Ryan behind.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
Amazing Series🎧📚🎧 Enthralling & Heartfelt!
Inked Hearts 1-3
A Romance Collection
By: Crystal Kaswell
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
This is a fantastic collection of romance novels, it is the perfect way to start or revisit the “Inked Hearts” series. Crystal Kaswell is gifted author with a wonderful writing style, she creates characters and storylines that are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. This collection includes the first three novels of her “Inked Hearts” series, each book stands on it’s own but you will see characters reappear in each others book, that said I recommend enjoying them in order, it is great to know who everyone is plus you have more insight of what their backstory and connection is. Inked Hearts is a Tattoo Parlor in Southern California and each of these books a different character and their love interest from the shop. The first book “Tempting” is Brendon Kane and Kaylee Hart’s story, it is a best friends older brother type romance. Brendon became the legal guardian of his younger sister Emma after their parents died. The parents of Emma’s best friend, Kaylee Hart, had to move back East and wanted her to stay in California to finish school. They asked Brendon if Kaylee could live with him and Emma he agreed and they made him her guardian too. Kaylee was not happy that they did not consult her about this arrangement but she went along with it, moved in with her best friend and would continue with her education. I thought Brendon and Kaylee were great together and perfect for each other. The second book, “Hooking Up” is Walker and Iris’s story, it is friends with benefits type of romance and it is is just as fabulous as the first book. I loved Walker in the first book and even more so in this book, though he did piss me off a little when he found out what Iris had been trying to tell him all along. Thankfully he does come to his senses. The third book “Pretend You’re Mine” is Ryan Maddox and Leighton Black’s story, a fake relationship turned real type of romance, though neither one had to really pretend they just needed to see what was in front of their faces. I adored these two, the chemistry between them was undeniable to all except themselves. I loved how everything played out in each of these book, the stories are beautifully plotted and are unique to its characters and what they are going thru. Crystal Kaswell puts a lot of heart into her stories and she covers real life situations including addictions, mental health and self worth issues, dealing with inner demons, heartbreaks and more. She does an awesome job keeping it real and relatable never going over the top. There is great character growth in each of these novels and it is amazing to be along for their journey to a HEA. Crystal Kaswell, thank you for these enjoyable and entertaining stories and emotional rollercoaster rides, I loved every minute of them.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an awesome job bringing all these characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality as well as heart and attitude. Their portrayal of the each character was spot on, sounding believable and just as I picture them to sound. Their duet performance brings a lot to the story, you can hear the chemistry between the characters as they capture their emotions and project them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the awesome listen🎧
Inked Hearts 1-3
A Romance Collection
By: Crystal Kaswell
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
This is a fantastic collection of romance novels, it is the perfect way to start or revisit the “Inked Hearts” series. Crystal Kaswell is gifted author with a wonderful writing style, she creates characters and storylines that are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. This collection includes the first three novels of her “Inked Hearts” series, each book stands on it’s own but you will see characters reappear in each others book, that said I recommend enjoying them in order, it is great to know who everyone is plus you have more insight of what their backstory and connection is. Inked Hearts is a Tattoo Parlor in Southern California and each of these books a different character and their love interest from the shop. The first book “Tempting” is Brendon Kane and Kaylee Hart’s story, it is a best friends older brother type romance. Brendon became the legal guardian of his younger sister Emma after their parents died. The parents of Emma’s best friend, Kaylee Hart, had to move back East and wanted her to stay in California to finish school. They asked Brendon if Kaylee could live with him and Emma he agreed and they made him her guardian too. Kaylee was not happy that they did not consult her about this arrangement but she went along with it, moved in with her best friend and would continue with her education. I thought Brendon and Kaylee were great together and perfect for each other. The second book, “Hooking Up” is Walker and Iris’s story, it is friends with benefits type of romance and it is is just as fabulous as the first book. I loved Walker in the first book and even more so in this book, though he did piss me off a little when he found out what Iris had been trying to tell him all along. Thankfully he does come to his senses. The third book “Pretend You’re Mine” is Ryan Maddox and Leighton Black’s story, a fake relationship turned real type of romance, though neither one had to really pretend they just needed to see what was in front of their faces. I adored these two, the chemistry between them was undeniable to all except themselves. I loved how everything played out in each of these book, the stories are beautifully plotted and are unique to its characters and what they are going thru. Crystal Kaswell puts a lot of heart into her stories and she covers real life situations including addictions, mental health and self worth issues, dealing with inner demons, heartbreaks and more. She does an awesome job keeping it real and relatable never going over the top. There is great character growth in each of these novels and it is amazing to be along for their journey to a HEA. Crystal Kaswell, thank you for these enjoyable and entertaining stories and emotional rollercoaster rides, I loved every minute of them.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are talented narrators and voice artists. They did an awesome job bringing all these characters to life, giving each their own voice and personality as well as heart and attitude. Their portrayal of the each character was spot on, sounding believable and just as I picture them to sound. Their duet performance brings a lot to the story, you can hear the chemistry between the characters as they capture their emotions and project them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the awesome listen🎧
December 26, 2020
Tempting
When Kaylee is eighteen and just graduated from high school her parents make a major decision without her. Her grandmother is sick so her parents are going to move to New Jersey to take care of her and have asked her best friend's older brother if Kaylee can live with them while she goes to college. Kaylee is upset not to have been involved in the decision but she accepts what they did. She has always had feelings for Brendan and had almost moved passed them when she moves in with him and they all come rushing back. She comes across a sketch book of his and discovers that he may feel the same about her. Brendan likes Kaylee more than he should but he refuses to do anything about it especially when her family trust him enough to leave her stay with him while they move away. Kaylee isn't going to let Brendan deny them anymore and tempts him until he gives in. They kept everything a secret until they were ready to tell anyone and then Brendan's sister guesses about them. Everything explodes around Kaylee after that she is already dealing with depression and then she loses not only her best friend but her guy on the same day. This is a very emotional book but its also an amazing story. I loved that the writer wrote about the female character having depression and how she felt and dealt with it. You don't get that in very many books most people just want the happy uplifting side of a story. I loved this book and plan I buying it because I want to read it again. I highly recommend anyone buying this book they won't regret the purchase.
Hooking Up
Walker and Iris meet at a party a mutual friend had. They were both attracted to each other so they ended the night back at Iris's place. The next day Walker can't stop thinking about Iris and imagine his surprise when she walks into his tattoo shop. Iris is getting her first tattoo and is shocked when she sees Walker working there and that she is his next appointment. Unable to stay away from each other Walker asks Iris if she wants to be his sex buddy and what should have been a casual booty call relationship quickly turned into so much more. However Walker didn't want to discuss their passes so whenever Iris tried to bring it up he would stop her. When Iris learned that his sister was an addict and how had he was handling it she felt guilty because she had a secret that she was afraid would destroy any chance she had with Walker. Will Iris finally convince Walker to listen to her about her past? Can Iris and Walker have a real relationship?
These are two of the three included in this collection. This is a well written and very entertaining collection. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
When Kaylee is eighteen and just graduated from high school her parents make a major decision without her. Her grandmother is sick so her parents are going to move to New Jersey to take care of her and have asked her best friend's older brother if Kaylee can live with them while she goes to college. Kaylee is upset not to have been involved in the decision but she accepts what they did. She has always had feelings for Brendan and had almost moved passed them when she moves in with him and they all come rushing back. She comes across a sketch book of his and discovers that he may feel the same about her. Brendan likes Kaylee more than he should but he refuses to do anything about it especially when her family trust him enough to leave her stay with him while they move away. Kaylee isn't going to let Brendan deny them anymore and tempts him until he gives in. They kept everything a secret until they were ready to tell anyone and then Brendan's sister guesses about them. Everything explodes around Kaylee after that she is already dealing with depression and then she loses not only her best friend but her guy on the same day. This is a very emotional book but its also an amazing story. I loved that the writer wrote about the female character having depression and how she felt and dealt with it. You don't get that in very many books most people just want the happy uplifting side of a story. I loved this book and plan I buying it because I want to read it again. I highly recommend anyone buying this book they won't regret the purchase.
Hooking Up
Walker and Iris meet at a party a mutual friend had. They were both attracted to each other so they ended the night back at Iris's place. The next day Walker can't stop thinking about Iris and imagine his surprise when she walks into his tattoo shop. Iris is getting her first tattoo and is shocked when she sees Walker working there and that she is his next appointment. Unable to stay away from each other Walker asks Iris if she wants to be his sex buddy and what should have been a casual booty call relationship quickly turned into so much more. However Walker didn't want to discuss their passes so whenever Iris tried to bring it up he would stop her. When Iris learned that his sister was an addict and how had he was handling it she felt guilty because she had a secret that she was afraid would destroy any chance she had with Walker. Will Iris finally convince Walker to listen to her about her past? Can Iris and Walker have a real relationship?
These are two of the three included in this collection. This is a well written and very entertaining collection. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
December 28, 2020
Tempting
I completely fell in love with both Kaylee and Brendon from the very beginning! She’s broken and he’s been terribly wounded by someone who was supposed to support and protect him. I felt that the portrayal of Kaylee and all that comes along with her barriers was so well written. Together, she and Brendon were explosive yet vulnerable. This is not the first book by this author that I have read and adored which is why Crystal Kaswell is a definite one-click author for me. I was so unbelievably fortunate to be able to voluntarily review an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Hooking Up
I absolutely love this series! I really enjoyed Walker & Iris’s story. Iris was such an interesting character. You don’t often get to read about characters in her situation. I love that she was strong enough to work through it and still honest about her struggles with it. I loved Walker’s easy, laid back, dirty talking vibe. But I did want to strangle him at one point. I thought it was a bit cruel what he was putting Iris through.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Pretend You’re Mine
It's been over a year since Ryan's ex broke his heart when he found her cheating on him in his bed, and he's still not over her or the issues it created. Leighton has been Ryan's best friend for the past couple of years. She saw how devastated he was and has secretly been in love with . She has her own issues with her mother. What happens when Ryan gets an invite to his ex's wedding, is determined to prove that he's over her, and Leighton eagerly volunteers to be his fake girlfriend? Plenty of doubts, angst, and delicious chemistry!!
I enjoyed both Leighton & Ryan. While over a year is a long time to get over a cheating ex, it was his insecurities and his journey of finally understanding what went wrong that made me love Ryan. With Leighton, it's the way she's quietly loved him and was willing to settle for that until she realized that it was not enough. I actually really liked Dean. I felt that he brought a bit of lightness to the story and both Ryan and Leighton. I would love to read more about him!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I completely fell in love with both Kaylee and Brendon from the very beginning! She’s broken and he’s been terribly wounded by someone who was supposed to support and protect him. I felt that the portrayal of Kaylee and all that comes along with her barriers was so well written. Together, she and Brendon were explosive yet vulnerable. This is not the first book by this author that I have read and adored which is why Crystal Kaswell is a definite one-click author for me. I was so unbelievably fortunate to be able to voluntarily review an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Hooking Up
I absolutely love this series! I really enjoyed Walker & Iris’s story. Iris was such an interesting character. You don’t often get to read about characters in her situation. I love that she was strong enough to work through it and still honest about her struggles with it. I loved Walker’s easy, laid back, dirty talking vibe. But I did want to strangle him at one point. I thought it was a bit cruel what he was putting Iris through.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Pretend You’re Mine
It's been over a year since Ryan's ex broke his heart when he found her cheating on him in his bed, and he's still not over her or the issues it created. Leighton has been Ryan's best friend for the past couple of years. She saw how devastated he was and has secretly been in love with . She has her own issues with her mother. What happens when Ryan gets an invite to his ex's wedding, is determined to prove that he's over her, and Leighton eagerly volunteers to be his fake girlfriend? Plenty of doubts, angst, and delicious chemistry!!
I enjoyed both Leighton & Ryan. While over a year is a long time to get over a cheating ex, it was his insecurities and his journey of finally understanding what went wrong that made me love Ryan. With Leighton, it's the way she's quietly loved him and was willing to settle for that until she realized that it was not enough. I actually really liked Dean. I felt that he brought a bit of lightness to the story and both Ryan and Leighton. I would love to read more about him!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
January 3, 2021
Tempting, Hooking Up and Pretend You're Mine are the first 3 stories of the Inked Hearts series. They are wonderful individual stories, and even better when you can read them together. Crystal Kaswell writes bad boys with good hearts who find the "one," but not without a little trouble along the way. The storylines are multi-layered and the characters are believable, fascinating and come alive while you read. One of my favorite tropes in friends to lovers and Pretend You're Mine fits that bill perfectly. This is Leighton's, Ryan's and, oh yeah, Penny's book! Ryan and Penny had been together for 9 years when he found her in their bed with another man. He was shattered, but didn't realize how thoroughly, until he received her wedding invitation in the mail. He had to go but who could he take? His best friend, Leighton? She would be perfect to show Penny that he was over her. Leighton and Ryan worked together at Inked Hearts, the tattoo parlor he owned. They were best friends who shared their feelings and thoughts, but that's where the friendship stopped. At least, that was the line they always used with their friends and themselves. Leighton wanted more but, if she showed it, she'd lose him as her best friend. Ryan turned to Leighton for everything in his life except romance. Through the pain of Penny's betrayal, Leighton did everything she could to pull him through it which included going to the wedding as his "girlfriend." Leighton and Ryan took this fake girlfriend act and ran with it right from the start. They didn't have to play-act at all and, sometimes the so-called acting, was their reality. Both of them had to have the strength of character to admit to the other the depth of their feelings. All this time, I was getting whiplash from them.... "She stares into my eyes. I stare back! "Her eyes find mine. "His eyes fix on mine" Their self-talk mirrored one another. It was hilarious, yet so full of longing that I wanted to say - would you just listen to your hearts and forget all the insecurities? Crystal wrote this so well that I incorporated myself into the storyline! There was plenty of kindness, self-discovery, honesty and heart that brought them to their HEA. It is evident at the end, that their story is just beginning!
January 6, 2021
Tempting -
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the Inked Hearts series and what a way to start.
Kaylee has been in love with her best friends older brother forever. It's been easy to ignore her feeling but now that her parents are moving and she has to live with her best friend. She doesn't know how long she can hold out on making a move.
Brendon is a tattooed bad boy but at home he's just the parental figure for his sister. Now that her BFF is moving in he will have to make himself scarce at home or he risk letting his feelings show.
I am loving all these tattooed bad boys and can't wait to read more.
Hooking Up -
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is book 2 in the Inked Hearts series and also known as Hooking Up.
Iris is in college to get her PhD is psychology. She seems to have her life on track but everyone has scars. Some just keep them hidden.
Walker is a tattooed bad boy. He is a tattoo artist. One who definitely didn't expect to see last night's one-night stand coming in for a tattoo first thing this morning. He just can't seem to get enough of her. She makes him want to change his Playboy ways but can he handle the secrets she's carrying? Can he really let the past stay in the past?
I loved this book! I can't wait to read more from this series!
Pretend You're Mine -
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 3rd book in the Inked Hearts series but each book can be read as a standalone.
Leighton is a punk rock princess and owns her style down to her purple hair. She's the receptionist at a tattoo shop and loves being surrounded by her favorite people. Especially her best friend Ryan whom she is secretly in love with. Well, everyone knows except him.
Ryan had his heart crushed a year ago and is still can't trust any woman near him. And then said girl has the audacity to send him an invite to her upcoming wedding. Now he just needs a date to help him get through it.
I really loved Ryan and Leighton story. My favorite so far but can't wait for more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the Inked Hearts series and what a way to start.
Kaylee has been in love with her best friends older brother forever. It's been easy to ignore her feeling but now that her parents are moving and she has to live with her best friend. She doesn't know how long she can hold out on making a move.
Brendon is a tattooed bad boy but at home he's just the parental figure for his sister. Now that her BFF is moving in he will have to make himself scarce at home or he risk letting his feelings show.
I am loving all these tattooed bad boys and can't wait to read more.
Hooking Up -
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is book 2 in the Inked Hearts series and also known as Hooking Up.
Iris is in college to get her PhD is psychology. She seems to have her life on track but everyone has scars. Some just keep them hidden.
Walker is a tattooed bad boy. He is a tattoo artist. One who definitely didn't expect to see last night's one-night stand coming in for a tattoo first thing this morning. He just can't seem to get enough of her. She makes him want to change his Playboy ways but can he handle the secrets she's carrying? Can he really let the past stay in the past?
I loved this book! I can't wait to read more from this series!
Pretend You're Mine -
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 3rd book in the Inked Hearts series but each book can be read as a standalone.
Leighton is a punk rock princess and owns her style down to her purple hair. She's the receptionist at a tattoo shop and loves being surrounded by her favorite people. Especially her best friend Ryan whom she is secretly in love with. Well, everyone knows except him.
Ryan had his heart crushed a year ago and is still can't trust any woman near him. And then said girl has the audacity to send him an invite to her upcoming wedding. Now he just needs a date to help him get through it.
I really loved Ryan and Leighton story. My favorite so far but can't wait for more.
December 31, 2020
Tempting – Inked Hearts: Book 1
I loved this book, I’m nearly crying. I don’t know how Crystal Kaswell is able to do this to me, but I thank whatever forces brought me to that first Sinful Serenade book I read that made me fall in love with her writing. There have been a few that have struck a chord with me, but none as much as the tough subject matter of Tempting. The way that Crystal described how Kaylee feels was almost identical to what I have felt every day since I was 7. It never goes away. You fight a new battle every day. Some days it’s easy and others you struggle. Thank you, Crystal. Just thank you. If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this and every other book by Crystal Kaswell. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Hooking Up – Inked Hearts: Book 2 (Formally known as “Playing”)
She just has this way of touching on the hard subjects. Getting into the nitty gritty while still making you fall madly in love with the characters. And not just the main characters, but the secondary characters as well. I swear, if I wasn’t on her ARC team, I would wait for all of the books in a series to come out then binge read. That’s because I am impatient and want to know who is gonna take the plunge next. It doesn’t matter that they are all stand-alone novels. Okay, I am ranting. Bottom line. Read this book. Read Tempting. Read all of her prior series. You won’t regret it. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Pretend You’re Mine – Inked Hearts Book 3
I read the last couple chapters very slowly, just so it wouldn’t end.
Crystal writes perfect books for me. This book was no different. I have zero complaints. Ryan has intrigued me from the very beginning of the series. I am so glad to see him finally put his demons in the past. Now, I need Dean's book ASAP. I will of course wait as patiently as possible. Which is not patient at all. I would highly recommend. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book, I’m nearly crying. I don’t know how Crystal Kaswell is able to do this to me, but I thank whatever forces brought me to that first Sinful Serenade book I read that made me fall in love with her writing. There have been a few that have struck a chord with me, but none as much as the tough subject matter of Tempting. The way that Crystal described how Kaylee feels was almost identical to what I have felt every day since I was 7. It never goes away. You fight a new battle every day. Some days it’s easy and others you struggle. Thank you, Crystal. Just thank you. If you can’t tell, I highly recommend this and every other book by Crystal Kaswell. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Hooking Up – Inked Hearts: Book 2 (Formally known as “Playing”)
She just has this way of touching on the hard subjects. Getting into the nitty gritty while still making you fall madly in love with the characters. And not just the main characters, but the secondary characters as well. I swear, if I wasn’t on her ARC team, I would wait for all of the books in a series to come out then binge read. That’s because I am impatient and want to know who is gonna take the plunge next. It doesn’t matter that they are all stand-alone novels. Okay, I am ranting. Bottom line. Read this book. Read Tempting. Read all of her prior series. You won’t regret it. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
Pretend You’re Mine – Inked Hearts Book 3
I read the last couple chapters very slowly, just so it wouldn’t end.
Crystal writes perfect books for me. This book was no different. I have zero complaints. Ryan has intrigued me from the very beginning of the series. I am so glad to see him finally put his demons in the past. Now, I need Dean's book ASAP. I will of course wait as patiently as possible. Which is not patient at all. I would highly recommend. Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2021
This is a collection of the first three book in the Inked Heart series. We meet the crew and see how they find their better halfs. This does have a lot of sexy times in each book. More than the actual story in some. I did listen to this on audio. Wen Ross and Kai Kennicott did the narration. I usually enjoy listening to them but in here it just seemed they weren't on their “A” game. Multiple characters sounded the same and its confusing with no names being stated at times. I do love their back and forth though. Below is the breakdown of each book. I think my fav is Pretend You’re Mine.
Tempting-Book 1
This is a good introduction to this series and these characters. We learn a little hit about each of them. This story focus’ on Brenden and Kaylee. Its an older best friends brother with a little twist. This does have some BDSM elements in here. Its not real deep but beware if that isnt in your wheelhouse.
I enjoyed this story. It took me on a journey with these two. Each holding strong but wanting more as well. As I mentioned above I loved getting to meet all the characters and I cant wait for their stories.
Hooking Up -Book 2
I enjoyed meeting Walker and Iris. I was more than surprised at a few of the decisions made in this book. I know I have to remember that its romance but a couple times it was a bit hard. This covers a not so happy subject of addiction. Lies are told, bonds are formed but will everyone be okay in the end?
Pretend you’re Mine-Book3
I was surprised in a happy way at this story. First off Ryan has been broody and barely noticeable in previous stories. So for him to come forward for his own was great and I couldnt wait to find out what his story was. Leighton is a co worker who secretly (or not) pined for him. I loved their pairing and the story of these two. Dean almost became my favorite character. He actually showed his heart (good side) in here.
Tempting-Book 1
This is a good introduction to this series and these characters. We learn a little hit about each of them. This story focus’ on Brenden and Kaylee. Its an older best friends brother with a little twist. This does have some BDSM elements in here. Its not real deep but beware if that isnt in your wheelhouse.
I enjoyed this story. It took me on a journey with these two. Each holding strong but wanting more as well. As I mentioned above I loved getting to meet all the characters and I cant wait for their stories.
Hooking Up -Book 2
I enjoyed meeting Walker and Iris. I was more than surprised at a few of the decisions made in this book. I know I have to remember that its romance but a couple times it was a bit hard. This covers a not so happy subject of addiction. Lies are told, bonds are formed but will everyone be okay in the end?
Pretend you’re Mine-Book3
I was surprised in a happy way at this story. First off Ryan has been broody and barely noticeable in previous stories. So for him to come forward for his own was great and I couldnt wait to find out what his story was. Leighton is a co worker who secretly (or not) pined for him. I loved their pairing and the story of these two. Dean almost became my favorite character. He actually showed his heart (good side) in here.
December 30, 2020
The Inked Heart series is a great collection of stories about the men of Inked Hearts. There is Tempting, Hooking Up and Pretend Your Mine in this collection.
In Tempting, there is Brendon, a bad boy tattoo artist who knows better than to want his sister's best friend. Then there is Kaylee, a good girl, eight year's younger than Brandon but can't help the crush that just won't go away. She is shy and can't bring herself to tell him. Good first love story having to deal with multiple issues and really wanting the HEA. Will they get it? You'll need to read the book to find out.
In Hooking Up, there is Walker who is tired of the one night stands and is looking for something a bit more reliable. Then there is Iris, who is moving forward with her life. When Walker suggests he become her f*** buddy, she agrees. She is not looking for anything permanent and its a good stress reliever. There is definitely an attraction between the two of them. Will the secret that Iris is keeping, kill what they have? Will they be able to get past it and trust each other. This was an enjoyable book with lots of emotion and great characters. Hope you like it as much as I did.
In Pretend Your Mine, there is Ryan who is a part owner of Inked Hearts. He is the really moody one of the four partners ever since he found his girlfriend/fiancé in bed with another man. They had been together for nine years. Then there is Leighton, who is their receptions/ops person for the last two years. She has had a crush on Ryan since she met him. During the last year, they have become best friends. Ryan enjoys taking care of Leighton. When he gets an invite to his ex's wedding, he is floored. Leighton suggests she goes with him as his plus one and also agrees to more. Can Ryan give her more? Will it all fall apart? Will everyone end up with broken hearts? This book has great character development and a storyline that moves but gives you enough detail. You can sense that they really like spending time together & supporting each other. I highly recommend this book and the two previous in this series. Enjoy.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
In Tempting, there is Brendon, a bad boy tattoo artist who knows better than to want his sister's best friend. Then there is Kaylee, a good girl, eight year's younger than Brandon but can't help the crush that just won't go away. She is shy and can't bring herself to tell him. Good first love story having to deal with multiple issues and really wanting the HEA. Will they get it? You'll need to read the book to find out.
In Hooking Up, there is Walker who is tired of the one night stands and is looking for something a bit more reliable. Then there is Iris, who is moving forward with her life. When Walker suggests he become her f*** buddy, she agrees. She is not looking for anything permanent and its a good stress reliever. There is definitely an attraction between the two of them. Will the secret that Iris is keeping, kill what they have? Will they be able to get past it and trust each other. This was an enjoyable book with lots of emotion and great characters. Hope you like it as much as I did.
In Pretend Your Mine, there is Ryan who is a part owner of Inked Hearts. He is the really moody one of the four partners ever since he found his girlfriend/fiancé in bed with another man. They had been together for nine years. Then there is Leighton, who is their receptions/ops person for the last two years. She has had a crush on Ryan since she met him. During the last year, they have become best friends. Ryan enjoys taking care of Leighton. When he gets an invite to his ex's wedding, he is floored. Leighton suggests she goes with him as his plus one and also agrees to more. Can Ryan give her more? Will it all fall apart? Will everyone end up with broken hearts? This book has great character development and a storyline that moves but gives you enough detail. You can sense that they really like spending time together & supporting each other. I highly recommend this book and the two previous in this series. Enjoy.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
December 31, 2020
The Inked Hearts box set by Crystal Kaswell is the perfect way to get lost in the world of 3 broody, alpha bad boy tattoo artists at Inked Hearts. I had read this series before but was happy to get lost in the first 3 books again- and while each of the Inked Hearts books are complete stand alones they are definitely better when you have read the other stories. With the first 3 books all in one convenient place, it makes it easy to simply get lost in the beginning of the Inked Hearts world.
Each of the books follows one of the artists, Brenden, Walker and Ryan, from Inked Hearts as they navigate their way to finding love- even if it’s not what they were expecting to do. Crystal Kaswell is truly one of the best in writing some of the most interesting bad boys with some seriously steamy scenes. Not only are the books captivating and can melt your kindle, but she also takes a different approach to some of the typical romance tropes by sometimes adding in more serious issues that can and need to be talked about. Tempting isn’t just the typical “I’m into my best friends older brother” storyline with a questionable age gap it also delves into depression and that feeling of hopelessness. Hooking Up isn’t just a one night stand turned more, it deals with addiction and how it affects more than just the person struggling. Pretend You’re Mine is a best friends to lovers with a fake relationship but also has undercurrents of dealing with alcoholism and picking up the pieces when you’ve been crushed by unfaithfulness.
The books are all written in a dual POV format and all wrap up nicely with the characters finding their HEA. I personally love this series and it’s spin off Inked Love (and definitely hope that some of the other books are put into a boxset as well).
Each of the books follows one of the artists, Brenden, Walker and Ryan, from Inked Hearts as they navigate their way to finding love- even if it’s not what they were expecting to do. Crystal Kaswell is truly one of the best in writing some of the most interesting bad boys with some seriously steamy scenes. Not only are the books captivating and can melt your kindle, but she also takes a different approach to some of the typical romance tropes by sometimes adding in more serious issues that can and need to be talked about. Tempting isn’t just the typical “I’m into my best friends older brother” storyline with a questionable age gap it also delves into depression and that feeling of hopelessness. Hooking Up isn’t just a one night stand turned more, it deals with addiction and how it affects more than just the person struggling. Pretend You’re Mine is a best friends to lovers with a fake relationship but also has undercurrents of dealing with alcoholism and picking up the pieces when you’ve been crushed by unfaithfulness.
The books are all written in a dual POV format and all wrap up nicely with the characters finding their HEA. I personally love this series and it’s spin off Inked Love (and definitely hope that some of the other books are put into a boxset as well).
December 30, 2020
Inked Hearts is a collection containing the first 3 books in Crystal's Inked Hearts series, Tempting, Hooking Up and Pretend Your Mine.
Tempting is a steamy best friends brother, age gap romance with all the feels.
Kaylee has had a crush on her best friends brother Brendon for as long as she can remember but when she realises her feelings are reciprocated, what will she do? Will she start something with Brendon and risk losing her best friend?
Read Tempting to find out!
Hooking Up is a friends with benefits romance that will stay with you long after you've finished reading!
Walker and Iris meet at a party and after spending the night together, enter into a friends with benefits relationship, but soon turn into something more. Will the secrets in Iris' past threaten what they have found or make them stronger?
Read Hooking Up now to find out!
Pretend Your Mine is a fake relationship/friends to lovers romance and is personally my favourite out of these 3 books!
After Ryan's girlfriend cheated on him, he has shut himself out and away from everything and everyone but when his ex sends him a invite to her wedding, it sends him spiralling. Leighton being the good friend she is and maybe for another reason suggests the idea of Ryan taking a fake date to the wedding and who better to accompany him that his best friend! But when this fake relationship doesn't feel very fake anymore, will they lose more than this fake relationship?
Read Pretend Your Mine to find out!
This collection is great collection and if you haven't read anything by Crystal before, this shows her writing style perfectly.
Tempting is a steamy best friends brother, age gap romance with all the feels.
Kaylee has had a crush on her best friends brother Brendon for as long as she can remember but when she realises her feelings are reciprocated, what will she do? Will she start something with Brendon and risk losing her best friend?
Read Tempting to find out!
Hooking Up is a friends with benefits romance that will stay with you long after you've finished reading!
Walker and Iris meet at a party and after spending the night together, enter into a friends with benefits relationship, but soon turn into something more. Will the secrets in Iris' past threaten what they have found or make them stronger?
Read Hooking Up now to find out!
Pretend Your Mine is a fake relationship/friends to lovers romance and is personally my favourite out of these 3 books!
After Ryan's girlfriend cheated on him, he has shut himself out and away from everything and everyone but when his ex sends him a invite to her wedding, it sends him spiralling. Leighton being the good friend she is and maybe for another reason suggests the idea of Ryan taking a fake date to the wedding and who better to accompany him that his best friend! But when this fake relationship doesn't feel very fake anymore, will they lose more than this fake relationship?
Read Pretend Your Mine to find out!
This collection is great collection and if you haven't read anything by Crystal before, this shows her writing style perfectly.
August 11, 2022
I loved these stories that are filled with characters you can identify with and the drama of their lives. My favorites are Tempting, and Pretend You Are Mine. In the first story, Brendon has it bad for his little sister's best friend Kaylee. When Kaylee's father gets the opportunity for a promotion on the job that will take him to New Jersey, he accepts. They ask Brendon if Kaylee can stay with him and Emma which he agrees to. Will being in an enclosed setting be what set's Brendon over the edge causing him to really look at what is right in front of him, or will this be a disastrous decision? This story has so many levels going on with it. Brendon fighting his feelings for Kaylee, his insecurity of not being good enough and his obligation to her parents. If you like a romance that has BDSM elements and a budding romance going as well, you will love this story. Finally, my other favorite Pretend You Are Mine, it's been over a year, and he's still devastated over his ex-dumping him in fact he caught them in their bed together. Now she's getting married and has invited him to the wedding how low can one get! Leighton has secretly been in love with Ryan forever after overhearing a conversation she agrees to be Ryan's date to the wedding. Ryan doesn't want anything to go wrong between him and Leighton his best friend but his feelings for her are changing can he has his second chance at love?
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.
January 5, 2021
Tempting
I received a free copy of this collection from Booksprout, however, I had purchased and read Tempting previously. This is a hot romance with a great slow build. I loved the premise and the sexual tension between the hero and the heroine. 5 out of 5 stars.
Hooking Up
This is the best friends with benefits romance I have ever read. Many of the scenes are realistic and the progression of the hero and heroine's relationship happens organically. I didn't like how long the heroine kept her secret from the hero and it almost made me dislike the character. I understood her motivations, however, and she didn't set out to be dishonest. This book has many fun, hot, emotionally charged and tender scenes. A well-rounded love story. 4 out of 5 stars.
Pretend You're Mine
Ryan and Leigh's story is touching and a slow burn. Their journey from friends to lovers was delightful. I enjoyed Ryan's gradual realization that Leigh is the girl for him. This book was entertaining from start to finish with lots of banter and sweet moments. 5 out of 5.
Crystal Kaswell is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her writing is always on point, she comes up with interesting premises, her characters are complex and intriguing and her stories flow smoothly from beginning to end. I definitely recommend checking these three books out if you like romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this collection from Booksprout, however, I had purchased and read Tempting previously. This is a hot romance with a great slow build. I loved the premise and the sexual tension between the hero and the heroine. 5 out of 5 stars.
Hooking Up
This is the best friends with benefits romance I have ever read. Many of the scenes are realistic and the progression of the hero and heroine's relationship happens organically. I didn't like how long the heroine kept her secret from the hero and it almost made me dislike the character. I understood her motivations, however, and she didn't set out to be dishonest. This book has many fun, hot, emotionally charged and tender scenes. A well-rounded love story. 4 out of 5 stars.
Pretend You're Mine
Ryan and Leigh's story is touching and a slow burn. Their journey from friends to lovers was delightful. I enjoyed Ryan's gradual realization that Leigh is the girl for him. This book was entertaining from start to finish with lots of banter and sweet moments. 5 out of 5.
Crystal Kaswell is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her writing is always on point, she comes up with interesting premises, her characters are complex and intriguing and her stories flow smoothly from beginning to end. I definitely recommend checking these three books out if you like romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2020
This is an amazing series by Crystal. I loved all of these books.and have read them more than once.
Tempting..
Kaylee(kay) has crushed on Brendon for as long as she can remember, and while Brendon is attracted to Kay, he knows she is off limits to him with her being 8 years younger and his sisters best friend. Crystal knows how to write sensitive subjects in her books, and explains how Kay felt and dealt with her depression well. This was a sweet, emotional and steamy read.
Hooking Up..
When Walker and Iris spend the night together after meeting at a party, the decide to become 'friends with benefits,' having all the fun without the relationship. But both are dealing with their own personal problems, and when things from the past comes to light, will they work through and be there for each other? I loved the chemistry between these characters, and their banter was amazing. A great read.
Pretend Your Mine..
Once again Crystal pulls you into the story from the start. Unable to move on after he catches his girlfriend cheating, Ryan closes himself off to everyone except Leighton, his work colleague and best friend. Leighton has had a major crush on Ryan for years, which is apparent to everyone around them, but him. When Ryan needs a date for his Ex's wedding, Leighton is fast to volunteer. This is a great fake relationship/friends to lovers story, that is funny, angsty, romantic and steamy!
I highly recommend these books/series as a must read.
Tempting..
Kaylee(kay) has crushed on Brendon for as long as she can remember, and while Brendon is attracted to Kay, he knows she is off limits to him with her being 8 years younger and his sisters best friend. Crystal knows how to write sensitive subjects in her books, and explains how Kay felt and dealt with her depression well. This was a sweet, emotional and steamy read.
Hooking Up..
When Walker and Iris spend the night together after meeting at a party, the decide to become 'friends with benefits,' having all the fun without the relationship. But both are dealing with their own personal problems, and when things from the past comes to light, will they work through and be there for each other? I loved the chemistry between these characters, and their banter was amazing. A great read.
Pretend Your Mine..
Once again Crystal pulls you into the story from the start. Unable to move on after he catches his girlfriend cheating, Ryan closes himself off to everyone except Leighton, his work colleague and best friend. Leighton has had a major crush on Ryan for years, which is apparent to everyone around them, but him. When Ryan needs a date for his Ex's wedding, Leighton is fast to volunteer. This is a great fake relationship/friends to lovers story, that is funny, angsty, romantic and steamy!
I highly recommend these books/series as a must read.
December 29, 2020
Tempting
Tempting is sweet and steamy. Brendon has known Kaylee, his little sister’s best friend for years even though he is attracted to her, she is off limits. He’s 8 years older, he’s his sister’s guardian. With a family emergency to deal with, her parents leave her with Brendon and Emma. Once she turns 18 she lets her feelings be know to him. Brendon and Kaylee are both dealing with different emotional issues - can these two broken souls find happiness? I loved all the characters and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Hooking Up
Walker and Iris were amazing! Their story is full of heart, hope, a few rules and secrets. After sharing a night together, Walker and Iris decide on continuing to be together without the relationship attachment. As they spend time with each other does the relationship turn into more? Can these two find a way? This book was a great read with fantastic chemistry, banter and so so much more!!!
Pretend You're Mine
Loved it! This story is Leighton’s chance to have her best friend Ryan see her differently. Having always had a crush on him, her heart has been broken a few times. He it still hurting over his ex’s betrayal and now an invite to her wedding arrives. With a plan in place for attending the wedding with Leighton, can these two broken hearts heal into true love? This friends to lovers is a battle of the hearts, emotions and minds. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series!!!
Tempting is sweet and steamy. Brendon has known Kaylee, his little sister’s best friend for years even though he is attracted to her, she is off limits. He’s 8 years older, he’s his sister’s guardian. With a family emergency to deal with, her parents leave her with Brendon and Emma. Once she turns 18 she lets her feelings be know to him. Brendon and Kaylee are both dealing with different emotional issues - can these two broken souls find happiness? I loved all the characters and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Hooking Up
Walker and Iris were amazing! Their story is full of heart, hope, a few rules and secrets. After sharing a night together, Walker and Iris decide on continuing to be together without the relationship attachment. As they spend time with each other does the relationship turn into more? Can these two find a way? This book was a great read with fantastic chemistry, banter and so so much more!!!
Pretend You're Mine
Loved it! This story is Leighton’s chance to have her best friend Ryan see her differently. Having always had a crush on him, her heart has been broken a few times. He it still hurting over his ex’s betrayal and now an invite to her wedding arrives. With a plan in place for attending the wedding with Leighton, can these two broken hearts heal into true love? This friends to lovers is a battle of the hearts, emotions and minds. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series!!!
December 27, 2020
This is such an amazing start to an amazing series. All of the characters are real. There's a great mix of emotions, human flaws, weaknesses and strengths. The stories pulled me in and I've loved every one of them.
Tempting, book one:
I absolutely LOVE Kaylee and Brendon. Kaylee keeps a lot of things inside her, feeling broken, hurt, and an internal pain she hides. Brendon has the perfect brooding thing about him, his own issues. The way that they click, they are intense, the emotions grab and pull and twist. Their story flows, it is also smoking hot! It is a great story and an amazing start to what I hope is a new series about the guys at Inked Hearts!
Hooking Up, book two:
I LOVE Walker and Iris! She is fighting her pain, her past mistakes and I can feel her struggle. The two of them have such a deep connection that I couldn't put the story down. They just fit together. This is a must read!
Pretend You're Mine, book three:
I'm completely loving Ryan and Leighton! I've been waiting on Ryan's story and was not disappointed. They have such a strong, amazing friendship and I loved every minute of their journey. Sweet, deep connections and lots of heat! A must read book in a must read series!
Tempting, book one:
I absolutely LOVE Kaylee and Brendon. Kaylee keeps a lot of things inside her, feeling broken, hurt, and an internal pain she hides. Brendon has the perfect brooding thing about him, his own issues. The way that they click, they are intense, the emotions grab and pull and twist. Their story flows, it is also smoking hot! It is a great story and an amazing start to what I hope is a new series about the guys at Inked Hearts!
Hooking Up, book two:
I LOVE Walker and Iris! She is fighting her pain, her past mistakes and I can feel her struggle. The two of them have such a deep connection that I couldn't put the story down. They just fit together. This is a must read!
Pretend You're Mine, book three:
I'm completely loving Ryan and Leighton! I've been waiting on Ryan's story and was not disappointed. They have such a strong, amazing friendship and I loved every minute of their journey. Sweet, deep connections and lots of heat! A must read book in a must read series!
December 29, 2020
Inked Hearts is one of my most favorite series and now you can get the first 3 books in one boxed set!!! All 3 books bring all the feels, all the angst and all the steam!!
Tempting
This is the story of Brendan and Karlee. It's a best friend's brother romance that has everything I love!! Kaylee has had a crush on him for years. It isn't until they end up living together that she realizes he might have feelings for her too. This book has everything that I love....off the charts chemistry, perfect amount of angst, all the feels, hot AF sexy times and the perfect HEA!
Hooking Up
Gah!!! I have so much love for this book!!!
This is Walker and Iris' story. He's part owner of Inked Hearts and he is a man whore. He’s also going through some family drama that has turned his world upside down. What better way to forget for a while then to hook up with someone. That someone being Iris, a psychology major. One night turns to friendship, turns to more. This book is packed with all the feels and *fans self* a lot of heat!!!
Pretend You're Mine
I couldn't wait for Ryan and Leighton's book and Pretend You're Mine was everything I had hoped it would be! It had the right amount of angst, it made me laugh and shed a tear or two and it had some seriously hot AF sexy times. It was sweet and sexy perfection!!
Tempting
This is the story of Brendan and Karlee. It's a best friend's brother romance that has everything I love!! Kaylee has had a crush on him for years. It isn't until they end up living together that she realizes he might have feelings for her too. This book has everything that I love....off the charts chemistry, perfect amount of angst, all the feels, hot AF sexy times and the perfect HEA!
Hooking Up
Gah!!! I have so much love for this book!!!
This is Walker and Iris' story. He's part owner of Inked Hearts and he is a man whore. He’s also going through some family drama that has turned his world upside down. What better way to forget for a while then to hook up with someone. That someone being Iris, a psychology major. One night turns to friendship, turns to more. This book is packed with all the feels and *fans self* a lot of heat!!!
Pretend You're Mine
I couldn't wait for Ryan and Leighton's book and Pretend You're Mine was everything I had hoped it would be! It had the right amount of angst, it made me laugh and shed a tear or two and it had some seriously hot AF sexy times. It was sweet and sexy perfection!!
December 29, 2020
What a great box set by Crystal Kaswell. This box set includes books 1-3 of the Inked Hearts series. In Tempting, Kaylee has secretly been in love with her best friend's brother, Brendon, but feels no one will love her because she takes medicine for depression. Brendon is a tattoo artist and has secret feelings for his sister's best friend, Kaylee. Can two slightly damaged people who feel they are unlovable realize they are worthy of being loved? In Hooking Up, Walker is a tattoo artist who is co-owner in the tattoo shop where he works. Walker refuses to let another addict into his life who can hurt him the way his addict sister has hurt him. Iris is a recovering addict who is finally getting her life back together. Will what starts out as casual turn to something more? Will Walker and Iris trust each other with their secrets? In Pretend You're Mine, Ryan and Leighton are best friends who have unbelievable sexual chemistry. Ryan receives a wedding invitation from his ex, who he caught with another man in their bed. Leighton volunteers to poise as Ryan's girlfriend. Can Ryan and Leighton both overcome their insecurities and find their happily ever after? This is a fantastic box set that is a must have for any Crystal Kaswell fan. I would highly recommend getting this box set and the other books in the Inked Hearts series by Crystal Kaswell.
December 30, 2020
My review on book three of this collection, "Pretend you're mine":
What a book! - What a couple! 😍
It's not my first book from Crystal Kaswell and I always love them. Being part of her ARC-team is the best thing in the world. 😊
"Pretend you're mine" is the third book of this series and I have to say it's as good as the others, maybe even better. 😊 I love Ryan and Leighton together, they're just cute and complete each other so well.❤️
Looking at Leighton, she wasn't my favorite person in the first books. That's just because I couldn't identify with her and her colored hair and character. That changed while reading "Pretend you're mine" and I really like and understand her now.
Ryan..oh,Ryan. 😍 I absolutely love him! He's so cute with Leighton, even if he thinks he doesn't love her. He's hurt and I could totally understand him and his feelings, Crystal did well with describing that. I loved that Leighton is so special for him, that he trusts her and nobody else.
The whole story is amazing and I was not able to put my kindle down. I forgot to do other things because I was reading this book and I would totally read it again now. I can just recommend you to read it and see yourself what a great book Crystal Kaswell created!! ❤️
***I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.***
What a book! - What a couple! 😍
It's not my first book from Crystal Kaswell and I always love them. Being part of her ARC-team is the best thing in the world. 😊
"Pretend you're mine" is the third book of this series and I have to say it's as good as the others, maybe even better. 😊 I love Ryan and Leighton together, they're just cute and complete each other so well.❤️
Looking at Leighton, she wasn't my favorite person in the first books. That's just because I couldn't identify with her and her colored hair and character. That changed while reading "Pretend you're mine" and I really like and understand her now.
Ryan..oh,Ryan. 😍 I absolutely love him! He's so cute with Leighton, even if he thinks he doesn't love her. He's hurt and I could totally understand him and his feelings, Crystal did well with describing that. I loved that Leighton is so special for him, that he trusts her and nobody else.
The whole story is amazing and I was not able to put my kindle down. I forgot to do other things because I was reading this book and I would totally read it again now. I can just recommend you to read it and see yourself what a great book Crystal Kaswell created!! ❤️
***I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.***
December 31, 2020
Hooking Up - Book two in series. Walker is a tattoo artist who only does one-night stands. Iris is a former addict who is attending grad school. I thought book one in this series moved a bit slow, but not this one, although IMO Walker took a little too long to come to his senses. I also thought book one a lot of the dialogue took place in the characters head where this one was less of that which I really liked. Most of this book is them actually spending time together and their relationship developing. I loved it, I liked both Walker and Iris!
Pretend Your Mine - Book three in series. Full length told in dual POV with HEA. Ryan is part owner of Inked Hearts. Ryan has been nursing a broken heart for the last year after finding his girlfriend of 9 years in their bed with another man. Leighton works the front counter at Inked Hearts for two years and has been crushing on Ryan the whole time. Ryan and Leighton have become best friends in the year sense Ryan’s breakup. I like that this book takes time with their relationship and doesn’t rush it. It felt very natural with them sharing time together and sharing their feelings. I also like that there was little drama or angst and their misunderstandings were cleared up quickly and not dragged out. The epilogue was awesome!
Pretend Your Mine - Book three in series. Full length told in dual POV with HEA. Ryan is part owner of Inked Hearts. Ryan has been nursing a broken heart for the last year after finding his girlfriend of 9 years in their bed with another man. Leighton works the front counter at Inked Hearts for two years and has been crushing on Ryan the whole time. Ryan and Leighton have become best friends in the year sense Ryan’s breakup. I like that this book takes time with their relationship and doesn’t rush it. It felt very natural with them sharing time together and sharing their feelings. I also like that there was little drama or angst and their misunderstandings were cleared up quickly and not dragged out. The epilogue was awesome!
January 4, 2021
I really enjoyed these 3 great stories of the inked heart men.
Tempting tells the story of Brendon and Kaylee. It’s an enticing best friends brother romance. Kaylee has a crush on Brendon and after seeing what the tattoo artist is drawing in his sketch pad she decides to go for it. Even though Kaylee is dealing with profound issues Brendon shows her how much she truly means to him. Their story is intense and beautiful.
Hooking Up tells the story of Walker and Iris. It’s a no strings, friends with benefits romance. When Walker starts to break down some of Iris’s walls and issues she begins to realize that a no relationship clause isn’t what she wants anymore. Walker has issues also and he shows his scars to Iris. Their story is filled with angst, it’s witty and absolutely sexy.
Pretend your Mine tells the story of Ryan and Leighton. It’s a best friend to lovers romance. Ryan and Leighton are faking a relationship but when rules are broken and it doesn’t feel like fake anymore will they risk their friendship for love. Their story is a battle of wills, the past versus the present. It is positively riveting and sexy.
These stories individually are incredibly amazing.
Wonderfully written and captivating Crystal!
Tempting tells the story of Brendon and Kaylee. It’s an enticing best friends brother romance. Kaylee has a crush on Brendon and after seeing what the tattoo artist is drawing in his sketch pad she decides to go for it. Even though Kaylee is dealing with profound issues Brendon shows her how much she truly means to him. Their story is intense and beautiful.
Hooking Up tells the story of Walker and Iris. It’s a no strings, friends with benefits romance. When Walker starts to break down some of Iris’s walls and issues she begins to realize that a no relationship clause isn’t what she wants anymore. Walker has issues also and he shows his scars to Iris. Their story is filled with angst, it’s witty and absolutely sexy.
Pretend your Mine tells the story of Ryan and Leighton. It’s a best friend to lovers romance. Ryan and Leighton are faking a relationship but when rules are broken and it doesn’t feel like fake anymore will they risk their friendship for love. Their story is a battle of wills, the past versus the present. It is positively riveting and sexy.
These stories individually are incredibly amazing.
Wonderfully written and captivating Crystal!
January 4, 2021
Tempting
Brandon is the brooding bad boy tattoo artist and Kaylee is the innocent nerdy little sister’s best friend. What more is there to say? He finally lets himself corrupt her in all the best ways.
Playing
Walker is another manwhore tattoo artist from inked hearts. He has major commitment issues. Iris is a college student with a troubled past that she is working thru. They meet one night a neighbor’s party and decide to let off some steam with one another. Only one night is not enough.
Pretend you’re mine
Ryan is a tattoo artist who dated his girlfriend Penny for years. He thought she was the one until one day, she betrayed him. This betrayal has stunted him emotionally and he can’t move forward. Leighton is his best friend but she wants to be his more! Penny is getting married and being the selfish person she is invited Ryan. Ryan and Leighton decide to go and pretend to be in a relationship. Can Leighton show Ryan he can move on and turn this fake relationship into a real one?
This story is well written with the characters well developed especially if you have read the previous books. Ryan even though is closed off emotionally, you can still feel what he is going through. Leighton is a great friend and all the guys in the shop have a good dynamic.
Brandon is the brooding bad boy tattoo artist and Kaylee is the innocent nerdy little sister’s best friend. What more is there to say? He finally lets himself corrupt her in all the best ways.
Playing
Walker is another manwhore tattoo artist from inked hearts. He has major commitment issues. Iris is a college student with a troubled past that she is working thru. They meet one night a neighbor’s party and decide to let off some steam with one another. Only one night is not enough.
Pretend you’re mine
Ryan is a tattoo artist who dated his girlfriend Penny for years. He thought she was the one until one day, she betrayed him. This betrayal has stunted him emotionally and he can’t move forward. Leighton is his best friend but she wants to be his more! Penny is getting married and being the selfish person she is invited Ryan. Ryan and Leighton decide to go and pretend to be in a relationship. Can Leighton show Ryan he can move on and turn this fake relationship into a real one?
This story is well written with the characters well developed especially if you have read the previous books. Ryan even though is closed off emotionally, you can still feel what he is going through. Leighton is a great friend and all the guys in the shop have a good dynamic.
December 28, 2020
Loved
This collection is only the beginning of the Tempting series. This is a great series of characters with their ups and downs, hookups and heartbreaks, happiness and tears, and their happily ever afters.
Tempting
Absolutely loved this story. Brendon and Kaylee are so perfect for each other despite the 8 year age difference and him being her best friend's older brother. Read this entire thing in one day and didn't want it to end.
Hooking Up
Crystal has done it again. Haven't read a single story from her that wasn't perfect. Loved Walker and Iris. We saw Walker some in Tempting, the first book. Iris a recovering addict and with Walker dealing with the same issues with his sister, he doesn't know how to deal with it when he finds out. So much heartbreak. Will he learn to forgive and forget? This is one of my favorite stories that I go back and reread from time to time.
Pretend You're Mine
Absolutely loved this story!! Ryan has been the quiet guy in the tattoo shop from a previous bad break up and Leighton works up at the front counter. These two have intense chemistry even when they are at around Ryan's ex and all her wedding festivities. I loved these two together. Another great story from Crystal Kaswell.
This collection is only the beginning of the Tempting series. This is a great series of characters with their ups and downs, hookups and heartbreaks, happiness and tears, and their happily ever afters.
Tempting
Absolutely loved this story. Brendon and Kaylee are so perfect for each other despite the 8 year age difference and him being her best friend's older brother. Read this entire thing in one day and didn't want it to end.
Hooking Up
Crystal has done it again. Haven't read a single story from her that wasn't perfect. Loved Walker and Iris. We saw Walker some in Tempting, the first book. Iris a recovering addict and with Walker dealing with the same issues with his sister, he doesn't know how to deal with it when he finds out. So much heartbreak. Will he learn to forgive and forget? This is one of my favorite stories that I go back and reread from time to time.
Pretend You're Mine
Absolutely loved this story!! Ryan has been the quiet guy in the tattoo shop from a previous bad break up and Leighton works up at the front counter. These two have intense chemistry even when they are at around Ryan's ex and all her wedding festivities. I loved these two together. Another great story from Crystal Kaswell.
January 2, 2021
Tempting
A relationship between Brendon and Kaylee may have slightly been frowned upon. Although, it seemed inevitable pretty early on. Basically everyone knew about their feelings for each other. It was all the stuff in the middle that they needed to get through, and if either one actually had the nerve to do something about it. I liked the friendship they all had.
Hooking Up
Iris and Walker were pretty hot and heavy from the get go. It almost seemed like they used their passion and chemistry as a lifeline. It was their obsession. Much of it was completely physical and they both used the other to get lost in. Little did Walker know just exactly what they had in common, while Iris was needing someone to believe in her.
Pretend You're Mine
This one was a multi-trope. This was friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, and slightly unrequited love. I felt for Leighton as she was battling an uphill climb of a bitter and brokenhearted Ryan. I love how protective she was over him and his heart. I liked that it wasn't an easy transition, even they were best friends. There were things that Ryan needed to work through and Leighton needed to find her strengths on her own two feet.
A relationship between Brendon and Kaylee may have slightly been frowned upon. Although, it seemed inevitable pretty early on. Basically everyone knew about their feelings for each other. It was all the stuff in the middle that they needed to get through, and if either one actually had the nerve to do something about it. I liked the friendship they all had.
Hooking Up
Iris and Walker were pretty hot and heavy from the get go. It almost seemed like they used their passion and chemistry as a lifeline. It was their obsession. Much of it was completely physical and they both used the other to get lost in. Little did Walker know just exactly what they had in common, while Iris was needing someone to believe in her.
Pretend You're Mine
This one was a multi-trope. This was friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, and slightly unrequited love. I felt for Leighton as she was battling an uphill climb of a bitter and brokenhearted Ryan. I love how protective she was over him and his heart. I liked that it wasn't an easy transition, even they were best friends. There were things that Ryan needed to work through and Leighton needed to find her strengths on her own two feet.
January 2, 2021
Inked Hearts Box Set - Books 1-3 - Enjoyable and Sexy...
Inked Hearts Box Set contains the first three books in the series -
1. Tempting
2. Hooking Up
3: Pretend You're Mine
I have read and own a number of Crystal Kaswell's book but had not read any of the Inked Hearts series before this box set, so I was excited to get it. I really enjoyed these books and found them to be full of angst and sizzling passion. Each story is about a different couple but they all have the thread of Inked Hearts tattoo studio and all of the owners, employees and various customers, friends and family. The books are well written with engaging story-line that have drama, angst, laughter and a whole lot of sexy chemistry and passion. I enjoyed the first three books in this series and look forward to reading the rest.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Inked Hearts Box Set contains the first three books in the series -
1. Tempting
2. Hooking Up
3: Pretend You're Mine
I have read and own a number of Crystal Kaswell's book but had not read any of the Inked Hearts series before this box set, so I was excited to get it. I really enjoyed these books and found them to be full of angst and sizzling passion. Each story is about a different couple but they all have the thread of Inked Hearts tattoo studio and all of the owners, employees and various customers, friends and family. The books are well written with engaging story-line that have drama, angst, laughter and a whole lot of sexy chemistry and passion. I enjoyed the first three books in this series and look forward to reading the rest.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
December 27, 2020
Tempting
Brendon is trying not to act on his desire for Kaliey because she is his sister's best friend and his sister means the world to him but it becomes even harder when he becomes her gardien because her grandmother is ill and her parents want her to stay so she can start school
Kaliey has had a major crush on Brendon for years but she has never acted on it because she thought he didn't see her as anything but his little sisters best friend that was until she moved in to there house and then they started flirting and then he kissed her but she was afraid to tell him her screat because she didn't want him to look at him any different
Hooking up
Walker was enjoying the life if a play boy and also trying not to let his problem with his sister mess with him and then he saw Iris at a party looking like she wanted to be there as much as he did so he goes over and talks to her
Brendon is trying not to act on his desire for Kaliey because she is his sister's best friend and his sister means the world to him but it becomes even harder when he becomes her gardien because her grandmother is ill and her parents want her to stay so she can start school
Kaliey has had a major crush on Brendon for years but she has never acted on it because she thought he didn't see her as anything but his little sisters best friend that was until she moved in to there house and then they started flirting and then he kissed her but she was afraid to tell him her screat because she didn't want him to look at him any different
Hooking up
Walker was enjoying the life if a play boy and also trying not to let his problem with his sister mess with him and then he saw Iris at a party looking like she wanted to be there as much as he did so he goes over and talks to her
December 30, 2020
I love the Inked Hearts series it’s by far my most favorite series by this author it’s actually one of my top 5 series I recommend! This collection has the first 3 books in this series each book is full of humor steam and its own emotional intense journey. This author definitely knows how to write about broken bad boys and the women who love them and make them whole again. Brandon and Kendra are probably my favorite out of these three but I love each couple it’s just them two were my first Crystal Kaswell story I read and started my obsession for all her words ! If you have not read anything by this author you need to she has an ability to write about subjects that are touchy and writing beautifully about them . This series is a definite must read and you are getting a great deal with the first three together because once you start you will want to binge the whole series! These books are binge worthy and definitely deserves my five stars!
December 31, 2020
This is a great boxset by Crystal Kaswell. This box set includes books 1-3 of the Inked Hearts series. In Tempting Kaylee is secretly in love with her best friend's brother Brendon. Kaylee deals with depression and has to take medication for that and Brendon is a tattoo artist and he also has secret feelings for his sister's best friend. In Hooking Up Walker is a tattoo artist who is co-owner in the tattoo shop where he works. Walker refuses to let another addict into his life. Iris is a recovering addict who is finally getting her life back together. In Pretend You're Mine Ryan and Leighton are best friends who have unbelievable sexual chemistry. Ryan receives a wedding invitation from his ex, who he caught with another man in their bed. Ryan and Leighton go from being friends to so much than just friends. This boxset was an amazing read.
January 2, 2021
This review is for Pretend You are Mine.
This is a beautiful love story of two friends.
Leighton has been in love with her best friend Ryan for 2 years. She watches Ryan trying to get over his ex.
Ryan caught his ex with another man in his bed and now they are getting married.
Leighton cooks up this theory to be his pretend girlfriend, so he can take her to the weddings. She posted photos of them on instragram and Facebook. Leighton told Ryan that she's in love with someone but he doesn't want anything with her. Until one night she got rejected by him and fled and he followed her and she confessed it was him that she wants. They slept together and there relationship went from there. Leighton wants more with Ryan but he can't get passed that he's not good enough.
I received an ARC of this book for a review.
This is a beautiful love story of two friends.
Leighton has been in love with her best friend Ryan for 2 years. She watches Ryan trying to get over his ex.
Ryan caught his ex with another man in his bed and now they are getting married.
Leighton cooks up this theory to be his pretend girlfriend, so he can take her to the weddings. She posted photos of them on instragram and Facebook. Leighton told Ryan that she's in love with someone but he doesn't want anything with her. Until one night she got rejected by him and fled and he followed her and she confessed it was him that she wants. They slept together and there relationship went from there. Leighton wants more with Ryan but he can't get passed that he's not good enough.
I received an ARC of this book for a review.
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