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Inked Hearts #5
Breaking the Rules
From the author: 'BREAKING THE RULES' is a smoking hot stand-alone brother's best-friend romance with an alpha hero and a feisty heroine who brings him to his knees.
Running Time => 11hrs. and 19mins.
©2018 Primrose Press LLC (P)2018 Primrose LLC
Running Time => 11hrs. and 19mins.
©2018 Primrose Press LLC (P)2018 Primrose LLC
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2018
About the author
Crystal Kaswell
97 books2,553 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 283 reviews
October 9, 2018
I was so disappointed with this book! I love Inked Hearts! I love all the guys, and it was great to "see" them all make an appearance, especially Walker who seemed to disappear the last couple books. BUT, the writing was totally different than the other books in the series. It was so choppy I almost couldn't follow it. I felt like her book Broken was the same way. I liked the story (for both Breaking the Rules and Broken) but the flow of the story was totally awkward. It is not her style of writing AT ALL! It was almost like a ghost writer wrote it. I can usually read a book (and almost each Inked Hearts book) in a day, but this took me a couple days because I had to keep putting it down because of the flow of the book. Just couldn't get through it in a long sitting like I usually do with a book! I'm really bummed :(
October 3, 2018
I just love brother’s best friend love stories! Hunter and Emma are two broken souls. When Hunter needs a place to stay, he ends up staying at his best friend’s who is also Emma’s brother. Soon Emma is also living there and her brother has told them both to look out for each other while he is out of town. This book has is all - friendship, secrets, lots of feels all while trying to do right by their friend/brother and fighting past and present. I loved Hunter and Emma's story!!!
October 3, 2018
We have to plow through the ugly to create something beautiful. Breaking the Rules is the roadway to something beautiful. Kaswell takes an unpredictable environment and keeps it real. Emotions are messy. Hearts get broken. Mistakes get made, but it's the heart we risk that can heal us in the end. Love at it's most tragic is when it shows the greatness of it's power. Through empathy and faith love helps us learn to heal.
November 9, 2018
This sucks! I had high hopes for this book but it’s pretty lackluster. Moreover, if you combine all the words on the page into a paragraph (which his author doesn’t believe in) it would probably be three lines long. She writes a bunch of one word sentences that cover the page as if she is trying to meet a page quota to get paid.
September 15, 2019
Hunter and Emma have a story to tell. Even when you have so much, bad things can still happen. Defining moments, how you handle them doesn’t have to be perfect. Together, we can conquer even the worst of times.
September 28, 2018
This is a great addition to this series of standalones.
Brothers best friend is one of my best troupes to read and this one didnt disappoint.
I highly recommend this book and series
Brothers best friend is one of my best troupes to read and this one didnt disappoint.
I highly recommend this book and series
October 3, 2018
Emma (Brendon's sister from Tempting) and Brendon's friend, Hunter, are roommates now, and Emma wants him. Hunter wants her, too, but knows he can't have her. After all, Brendon's just told Hunter that he needs to look out for her, in a brotherly, protective kind of way, not in a romantic, physical kind of way. But, forced proximity, chemistry and all that jazz, have different ideas, and eventually, the two are unable to resist their pull to each other. Can they pull off a hidden relationship? Should they?
Although not my favorite in the Inked Hearts series, it's nonetheless, a great installment. Hunter and Emma have obvious chemistry that once consummated, is combustible. Hunter and Emma both have lots of demons that they have to work through, though, and their journey is not without its obstacles.I really liked them together, I just wish they had gotten on the same page a little sooner, as the angst and will they, won't they, should they was a little wearing after awhile. Aside from that little thing, though, Breaking the Rules is a sexy, substantive read.
ARC via author for an honest review.
Full review posted on Live Through Books Blog.
November 11, 2018
FUNNY story and it is totally my fault... so it is 3 am... I am on break at work.. and I see a cover with a tattooed up dude and think yeah I am gonna read that... well this is book 5. I didn't pay attention. This book still read pretty well for a stand alone... I just know how some of the other romances from the earlier books are going to go. It took a while for me to get into... BUT that could be because well Is started on book 5 like a dum dum. I am most def going to read the other books by this author though... cause these guys are pretty damaged and hot... and I mean of course I can be a sucka for that! lol
April 10, 2022
Emma and Hunter like to make you wait they seem to take one step back as soon as they get closer to each other. But well in the end they are happy together as all couples in the Inked Hearts series. I liked this one, Emma is a tough girl but her "problem" is not really shown with the needed tact and in my opinion she should have taken the help of a professional to get over the trauma. Also Hunter´s "problem" with alcohol addiction is only a mild side story and had much more potential than given in this book. But they are entertaining and i enjoyed reading their story.
October 21, 2018
I've enjoyed the 3 books I've read in this series so far. In this one we have Emma and Hunter. Emma and Hunter are temporarily living together thanks to her brother. They basically are supposed to be watching each other. However, by the end they are something more. Which was nice because they both needed and deserved each other.
November 15, 2019
Emma is Brendon's little sister and Kaylee is Emma's best friend and Brendon's girlfriend. Hunter is Brandon's best friend and he needs some help. He needs a place to stay and work. Brendon lets Hunter stay at the house and work at Inked Hearts to fill in for him while he and Kaylee visit her family out of town. Emma needs a place to stay and a new apartment for her and Kaylee due to a really bad date that scars her for life.
Hunter and Emma become friends and realize they both want to be together but Hunter knows he's not good for her until he believes he's good enough. So he tells Emma the truth of what happened and why he is there and why they can't be together except for friends. but the attraction is too hard to fight and they give in. Emma comes to terms with her bad date. Emma.let's Hunter in on her date in question and Hunter helps.Her work past it. Hunter helps her find a new apartment for her and Kaylee. Hunter decides to stay around awhile and wants to fix the mess he made with his brother Chase.
Emma is spunky and cute. In previous books you saw more of who she was before the bad date. This book is the new Emma, she is still spunky but less trusting. Hunter brings a good balance to her life and a good friendship when she needed it most. And same for Emma. Hunter needed a friend and he found that in Emma.
Rating: 3 stars
Hunter and Emma become friends and realize they both want to be together but Hunter knows he's not good for her until he believes he's good enough. So he tells Emma the truth of what happened and why he is there and why they can't be together except for friends. but the attraction is too hard to fight and they give in. Emma comes to terms with her bad date. Emma.let's Hunter in on her date in question and Hunter helps.Her work past it. Hunter helps her find a new apartment for her and Kaylee. Hunter decides to stay around awhile and wants to fix the mess he made with his brother Chase.
Emma is spunky and cute. In previous books you saw more of who she was before the bad date. This book is the new Emma, she is still spunky but less trusting. Hunter brings a good balance to her life and a good friendship when she needed it most. And same for Emma. Hunter needed a friend and he found that in Emma.
Rating: 3 stars
January 30, 2021
Emma has had a huge crush on Hunter her older brother Brendon's best friend for as long as she can remember, now she's moving back home where Hunter is staying and the two of them are roommates. Hunter is sober after being in rehab and is noticing that Emma is all grown up. Not only do the two of them live together but they now work at Inked Hearts together also.
Hunter and Emma were a super sweet couple together. He really cared about her and was super understanding when she told him she had been raped. She in turn was really understanding about Hunter's issues with alcoholism. I found myself wishing that Emma told Brendon about what had happened to her but understood why she didn't. I was glad both got to a good place together where they both felt loved and safe about one another.
Hunter and Emma were a super sweet couple together. He really cared about her and was super understanding when she told him she had been raped. She in turn was really understanding about Hunter's issues with alcoholism. I found myself wishing that Emma told Brendon about what had happened to her but understood why she didn't. I was glad both got to a good place together where they both felt loved and safe about one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2018
This book is like 90% dialogue. Is that normal?
This was fun and I love the "best friend's little sister" troupe, it was great. My only complaint is most of the story is dialogue and I found it very hard to keep track of was saying what, so much back and forth with groups of people but with no direction on who is speaking makes for a long read.
This was fun and I love the "best friend's little sister" troupe, it was great. My only complaint is most of the story is dialogue and I found it very hard to keep track of was saying what, so much back and forth with groups of people but with no direction on who is speaking makes for a long read.
November 7, 2018
I think this is the last Crystal Kaswell book i will read. They all just seem to be the same story but with a slightly different problem facing the couple. They always seem to end with one of the two leaving the other then it being miraculously resolved then they either move in or get engaged.
So much crude language in this one and some very unlikely conversations and this just ruined a lot of it for me. I've had a good run with this author and i did enjoy most of her books but you must draw the line somewhere.
So much crude language in this one and some very unlikely conversations and this just ruined a lot of it for me. I've had a good run with this author and i did enjoy most of her books but you must draw the line somewhere.
October 4, 2018
Breaking the Rules by Crystal Kaswell is the story of Emma and Hunter and is book 5 in the Inked Hearts series. This can be a standalone book.
Ms. Kaswell is my go to author for a hot but emotional read and this book didn't disappoint. Both Emma and Hunter have hit some hard times in their life and are working on the up side now of their lives. So each know a low point and the hunger to succeed in their life.
Loved it!
Ms. Kaswell is my go to author for a hot but emotional read and this book didn't disappoint. Both Emma and Hunter have hit some hard times in their life and are working on the up side now of their lives. So each know a low point and the hunger to succeed in their life.
Loved it!
October 13, 2018
Amazing story. I can't wait for the next one.
Read
November 14, 2019Such a cheesy cover but fun quick read.
December 2, 2018
I pretty much just read these because I started the series, and now I want to finish the stories of all the characters in the books. Crystal Kaswell has a particular style of writing, which a lot of people hate. Mostly it's just one sentence on every line. I also find this annoying and think that it diminishes other parts of the novel where she clearly is writing things as one line paragraphs because she is trying to show emphasis.
The book was okay, I like the characters (really I just liked Hunter. Emma was whatever) and how flawed (Hunter) was. I didn't really like Emma's backstory and really found it was a copout just to give her something that she was dealing with. What happened to her did not feel authentic in any way.
Also ***SPOILER*** I'm putting this here because I wish someone had done this when I was trying to look up what happened to her *TRIGGER WARNING* --she was raped. But it didn't feel real or authentic, like I said. I really just think she wanted to give Emma a problem and used this. I really disliked that about the novel. I would have given it 3 stars if this hadn't felt like it was just tacked on and used to the author's advantage to make Emma appear "broken."
I also have never really read a sex scene in any of these novels that I thought was good. At first I thought maybe it was just because it was in present tense and I wasn't used to it, but I have since read amazing sex scenes in present tense from 1st person POV. I just don't think the author does a great job overall of writing love scenes.
The tensions and scenes leading up are good, but the love scenes always fall flat for me.
The biggest issues were the formatting of the book, which I could have overlooked, but the fact that Emma was raped and it felt like the author just stuck that in there to give her a weakness made me upset. So, I liked the tension between the two characters, but these two issues stated above really drove my rating of this book down.
The book was okay, I like the characters (really I just liked Hunter. Emma was whatever) and how flawed (Hunter) was. I didn't really like Emma's backstory and really found it was a copout just to give her something that she was dealing with. What happened to her did not feel authentic in any way.
Also ***SPOILER*** I'm putting this here because I wish someone had done this when I was trying to look up what happened to her *TRIGGER WARNING* --she was raped. But it didn't feel real or authentic, like I said. I really just think she wanted to give Emma a problem and used this. I really disliked that about the novel. I would have given it 3 stars if this hadn't felt like it was just tacked on and used to the author's advantage to make Emma appear "broken."
I also have never really read a sex scene in any of these novels that I thought was good. At first I thought maybe it was just because it was in present tense and I wasn't used to it, but I have since read amazing sex scenes in present tense from 1st person POV. I just don't think the author does a great job overall of writing love scenes.
The tensions and scenes leading up are good, but the love scenes always fall flat for me.
The biggest issues were the formatting of the book, which I could have overlooked, but the fact that Emma was raped and it felt like the author just stuck that in there to give her a weakness made me upset. So, I liked the tension between the two characters, but these two issues stated above really drove my rating of this book down.
October 9, 2018
This friends to lovers/forbidden love is an enticing and romantic read. There are rules, but then again rules are meant to be broken!
Hunter is a talented tattoo artist who has made mistakes for which he is now paying emotionally. The last turn of events has made him determined to rectify those mistakes and hopefully put him out of his misery.
Emma is a college student who works part time at Inked Hearts. She too has been scarred, but kept it a secret.
When Brendon, Emma's brother goes on holidays with his girlfriend, Hunter steps in as a temporary replacement at Inked Hearts. He is also staying in his apartment during his absence. Emma is trying to get away from her apartment to escape from that dreadful and distressing experience and seeks her brother's help for temporary accommodation. Except when she gets to her brother's apartment, she is met with a mouthwatering view. A view which is now stamped on her brain! This is the where she finds out that she has to share the apartment with Hunter. Although they have known each other in the past, they are no longer the same. Emma is beautiful and cheeky to go with it and Hunter is the ultimate male alpha.
There is a definite attraction there, but Brendon has put rules in place before his departure. Emma and Hunter find themselves being each other's baby sitter with a no "hanky panky" condition. He is aware of Hunter's history and that Emma isn't telling the truth about her move. Emma, more than Hunter resents these rules even though underneath it all, she is attracted to Hubter. They start off with a tentative friendship, but soon find that they enjoy each other's company and they have fun together. Hunter tries to do the right thing by making Emma jealous to put her off, but it backfires when the shoe is on the other foot. Can they remain friends or will they eventually break the rules and face Brendon's wrath?
These two main characters are lovable and fun even when they feel that they are "broken". They complement each other perfectly. When Emma learns about Hunter's past, she is supportive and puts herself out to try and mend the family bridges. Hunter is mature enough to deal with Emma's dilemma in a sensible and encouraging way without making her feel worse about her situation.
This story has friendship, loyalty, love and some dramatic and heartbreaking features. It's very well portrayed and I like the dynamics between the Inked Hearts personnel. Hunter's brothers bring different aspects to the story. Wes is a bundle of laughter, whereas Chase is unforgiving. It would be nice to read their stories. I absolutely loved the whole thing. Tears and all! Great read.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Hunter is a talented tattoo artist who has made mistakes for which he is now paying emotionally. The last turn of events has made him determined to rectify those mistakes and hopefully put him out of his misery.
Emma is a college student who works part time at Inked Hearts. She too has been scarred, but kept it a secret.
When Brendon, Emma's brother goes on holidays with his girlfriend, Hunter steps in as a temporary replacement at Inked Hearts. He is also staying in his apartment during his absence. Emma is trying to get away from her apartment to escape from that dreadful and distressing experience and seeks her brother's help for temporary accommodation. Except when she gets to her brother's apartment, she is met with a mouthwatering view. A view which is now stamped on her brain! This is the where she finds out that she has to share the apartment with Hunter. Although they have known each other in the past, they are no longer the same. Emma is beautiful and cheeky to go with it and Hunter is the ultimate male alpha.
There is a definite attraction there, but Brendon has put rules in place before his departure. Emma and Hunter find themselves being each other's baby sitter with a no "hanky panky" condition. He is aware of Hunter's history and that Emma isn't telling the truth about her move. Emma, more than Hunter resents these rules even though underneath it all, she is attracted to Hubter. They start off with a tentative friendship, but soon find that they enjoy each other's company and they have fun together. Hunter tries to do the right thing by making Emma jealous to put her off, but it backfires when the shoe is on the other foot. Can they remain friends or will they eventually break the rules and face Brendon's wrath?
These two main characters are lovable and fun even when they feel that they are "broken". They complement each other perfectly. When Emma learns about Hunter's past, she is supportive and puts herself out to try and mend the family bridges. Hunter is mature enough to deal with Emma's dilemma in a sensible and encouraging way without making her feel worse about her situation.
This story has friendship, loyalty, love and some dramatic and heartbreaking features. It's very well portrayed and I like the dynamics between the Inked Hearts personnel. Hunter's brothers bring different aspects to the story. Wes is a bundle of laughter, whereas Chase is unforgiving. It would be nice to read their stories. I absolutely loved the whole thing. Tears and all! Great read.
I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
October 12, 2018
Well done
I really liked this book. Some light spoilers ahead... The author does a great job of handling the tough subject of someone who has lived through sexual assault. Hunter and Emma’s progression is poignant and beautiful. The only real issue I have with these books is that the author is complete unrealistic with the living arrangements and budget for college students living at the beach... Yes I understand that she is showing that Hunter and Brendon want to respect Kaylee and Emma. I almost bought the reasoning with Kaylee at the end of tempting (even though it’s a complete waste of money) because he wanted to please her parents. But in this book even though Brendon and Kaylee are very serious and in love, and they could live for free at Brendon’s, Kaylee and Em still don’t hesitate to get another apartment... on the beach.... with an ocean view. Because when I was in college I couldn’t wait to work extra hours to pay for a place that I was never at due in some weird twist in logic that I shouldn’t live at my boyfriends house... (Sarcasm). Bigger spoiler ahead
So the build up for Hunter to ask her to move in after 2.5 YEARS, and Emma’s surprised, pleased reaction makes absolutely no sense. This is a guy who admitted to being in love after mere weeks, before they’d even slept together. He isn’t commitment phobic. The author wrote these characters to be real, not spoiled rich. I know some people may read this review and think I am an an idiot who is over reacting to a small detail. But for someone like myself who is down to earth and has had to work hard for everything I have ever had, this subject added many eyeroll moment to an otherwise very well written book. Where do these people get all of this money to just throw away? If not for that unrealistic aspect it would have been 5 Star for me.
I really liked this book. Some light spoilers ahead... The author does a great job of handling the tough subject of someone who has lived through sexual assault. Hunter and Emma’s progression is poignant and beautiful. The only real issue I have with these books is that the author is complete unrealistic with the living arrangements and budget for college students living at the beach... Yes I understand that she is showing that Hunter and Brendon want to respect Kaylee and Emma. I almost bought the reasoning with Kaylee at the end of tempting (even though it’s a complete waste of money) because he wanted to please her parents. But in this book even though Brendon and Kaylee are very serious and in love, and they could live for free at Brendon’s, Kaylee and Em still don’t hesitate to get another apartment... on the beach.... with an ocean view. Because when I was in college I couldn’t wait to work extra hours to pay for a place that I was never at due in some weird twist in logic that I shouldn’t live at my boyfriends house... (Sarcasm). Bigger spoiler ahead
So the build up for Hunter to ask her to move in after 2.5 YEARS, and Emma’s surprised, pleased reaction makes absolutely no sense. This is a guy who admitted to being in love after mere weeks, before they’d even slept together. He isn’t commitment phobic. The author wrote these characters to be real, not spoiled rich. I know some people may read this review and think I am an an idiot who is over reacting to a small detail. But for someone like myself who is down to earth and has had to work hard for everything I have ever had, this subject added many eyeroll moment to an otherwise very well written book. Where do these people get all of this money to just throw away? If not for that unrealistic aspect it would have been 5 Star for me.
October 8, 2018
Just when I think a Crystal Kaswell book can't get better than the last one, she proves me wrong. Hunter is finally getting sober after years of alcohol addiction. Hunter is out of rehab with a job at Inked Hearts and crashing at Brendon's place. Emma, Brendon's younger sister, is going to college and works the front desk at Inked Heaarts. Emma is struggling with a date gone wrong but doesn't want to be viewed as a victim. Brendon warns Hunter and Emma away from each while also telling each of them to look out for the other. As Emma and Hunter spend time together, they become friends and realize they enjoy each other's company. The attraction between Emma and Hunter grows the closer they get. As they begin to open up to each other about their demons, they help each other heal. I loved Hunter and Emma. Their relationship grows slowly as they learn to love and trust one another. Can Hunter show his brothers and his friends that he is serious about remaining sober and making up for the mistakes he made while he was drunk all the time? How will Brendon react when he learns of Hunter and Emma's relationship? Can Hunter help Emma heal from her pain? Can Emma show Hunter he is worthy of her love? I love how love of family and friends is important to both Hunter and Emma. I love how Emma stood up to Brendon and Hunter's brother, Chase, on behalf of Hunter. Breaking the Rules by Crystal Kaswell is a must have book! Breaking the Rules is a well written book full of love, passion, heart break, witty banter, and lots of angst. Love all the characters in the Inked Hearts series. Definitely recommend getting Breaking the Rules by Crystal Kaswell. I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
October 23, 2018
This book started off pretty decent, and then kind of fell flat for me... I didn't read any of the previous books before this one and this was my first book by this author... The age difference didn't bother me, but over time I started to see and feel Emma's age... She was kind of annoying at times... Then to have 2 pretty big life experiences that both Emma and Hunter go through separately but come to terms with together and not really be focused on through me for a loop... I wish we got see more of Hunter's growth by telling more people about his struggle so that they could help support him through it.. It would have been big of him to make peace with his decision to be this better person and not hide it... Then with Emma, she needed to talk to someone professional about this... I'm sure there are people who've dealt with their situations like she did and not reach out, but for her to overcome this situation the way she did in such little time didn't feel real... It would have felt more engaging had she taken her feelings and dealt with them rather than not ever talking about it.. B/c really she didn't talk about it with her best friend, Kaylee basically assumed and Emma agreed... The situation with Emma's brother?? Again, this could have been handled better... Since they are all each other have, why not make his role in this book a little more felt?
Overall, I wanted to really like this book but several things were missing for me..
Overall, I wanted to really like this book but several things were missing for me..
June 14, 2019
Highly recommended it
I Really, freaking loved this book! I'm loving this series. It has awesome characters, fantastic storylines each book is different from the other one. There is also one that has gone through some angst, trauma in their lives. They are flawed and I LOVE them. As expected in this author's books we got really hot steamy sexy chemistry in-between Emma and Hunter 🔥This also was an emotional book due to how alcohol abuse can effect your life, and the ones you love the most. Emma also had her own trauma she was dealing with alone. These two were perfect for each other.
Recovery needs love and support once you are ready to accept the help and the change!
It also had it's funny bantering smoldering moments! Inked Hearts is a fantastic series I highly recommended all the books in the series, they've all been 5 🌟 to me!
This can be read as a standalone, no cliffhangers, but it's nice to get the background story of each of the friends/co-workers, as you read about each of them crashing into love 😉. They all get their own special HEA. I especially love the little extra epilogue that Crystal Kaswell sends us from each book..... that's just extra special to me as a reader I truly appreciate it!!! Thank you so much♥️🙌😘
I Really, freaking loved this book! I'm loving this series. It has awesome characters, fantastic storylines each book is different from the other one. There is also one that has gone through some angst, trauma in their lives. They are flawed and I LOVE them. As expected in this author's books we got really hot steamy sexy chemistry in-between Emma and Hunter 🔥This also was an emotional book due to how alcohol abuse can effect your life, and the ones you love the most. Emma also had her own trauma she was dealing with alone. These two were perfect for each other.
Recovery needs love and support once you are ready to accept the help and the change!
It also had it's funny bantering smoldering moments! Inked Hearts is a fantastic series I highly recommended all the books in the series, they've all been 5 🌟 to me!
This can be read as a standalone, no cliffhangers, but it's nice to get the background story of each of the friends/co-workers, as you read about each of them crashing into love 😉. They all get their own special HEA. I especially love the little extra epilogue that Crystal Kaswell sends us from each book..... that's just extra special to me as a reader I truly appreciate it!!! Thank you so much♥️🙌😘
October 3, 2018
Crystal Kaswell knows how to ink her way into the hearts and souls of her readers!
Talk about emotional wreckage!
This book not just your typical Friends Little Sister Romance.
Oh no! It's a long winding road of guilt, betrayal, sacrifice, longing, fear, forgiveness, love, ongoing recovery and finding that one true friend. * I feel out of breath, and all I did was type that!*
Hunter and Emma THE perfectly imperfect pair!
Their sizzling connection, ( I do mean sizzle! * fans face * ) fabulous banter, and friendship make them a special pair of characters I was head over Kindle for from the very start!
Such a beautifully broken, sincere, well written- heart of hearts story. With tension-filled moments and plenty of frustration but still had me smiling throughout, showcasing the Inked Hearts Crew at their *ahem* finest.
Reading 'Breaking The Rules' has put me in the mood to go back and revisit past books and also very excited and curious about Wes's upcoming story! I cannot wait to see what happens with him!
An absolute MUST read!
Talk about emotional wreckage!
This book not just your typical Friends Little Sister Romance.
Oh no! It's a long winding road of guilt, betrayal, sacrifice, longing, fear, forgiveness, love, ongoing recovery and finding that one true friend. * I feel out of breath, and all I did was type that!*
Hunter and Emma THE perfectly imperfect pair!
Their sizzling connection, ( I do mean sizzle! * fans face * ) fabulous banter, and friendship make them a special pair of characters I was head over Kindle for from the very start!
Such a beautifully broken, sincere, well written- heart of hearts story. With tension-filled moments and plenty of frustration but still had me smiling throughout, showcasing the Inked Hearts Crew at their *ahem* finest.
Reading 'Breaking The Rules' has put me in the mood to go back and revisit past books and also very excited and curious about Wes's upcoming story! I cannot wait to see what happens with him!
An absolute MUST read!
October 19, 2018
I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. At the first chapter, the author, Crystal Kaswell, had me hooked. She does such an outstanding job using words to paint a picture of what is happening, it is almost like watching a movie, while reading it, because you can picture it in your mind. It is so much more than just your standard falls for your best friend's little sister romance. She did such a great job developing the characters of Emma and Hunter, that I felt like I knew them personally. There is some seriousness within it, as Hunter is an alcoholic, freshly out of rehab, needing a place to live and a job, after his brothers have severed their relationship. There is also the guilt, that he suffers, after getting with Emma. Then, along side this seriousness, there are so many hilarious, funny, laugh out loud parts, that makes this book so fun to read. I did not want to go to bed, or to work, because I was enjoying this book so much, so I definitely recommend it.
September 28, 2018
Love, love, loved! Emma is Brendon's baby sister & Kaylee's BFF. She asks to stay at her brother's while looking for a new place. And she won't tell anyone the truth about why the move is needed. Hunter has always been the life of the party but the party is over. He's staying at Brendon's and he's working at Inked Hearts. So not only are they roomies (and each other's babysitter) but they are also co-workers. He's all broody, sexy, and trying to find himself. She is out-going, sassy, and trying to find peace within herself again. I love their back and forth. The confidence they help each other find again. We get to spend time with our favorite peoples and these two are fantastic. Mind you, now I hope we get books for Chase & Wes!! And I love broody Hunter. I received an advance copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 19, 2020
I love a good brothers best friend story and this hits the spot. Hunter is trying to find himself. The new him, the one who’s not a party animal, not high and not drunk. He’s sober. He’s lost his older brother and pissed off his friends. He’s doesn’t have much money. A new opportunity and a great friend brings him to Inked Hearts. A new family, new sensations. A new place to live and then her. Emma. He’s known her for years as his best friends little sister. Now they’re roommates, they’re at work together, he’s supposed to keep an eye on her while Brendan is gone. His eyes are longing. He’s changed but she has too. She’s the worst person to want. He’s just beginning his recovery, he can’t betray his best friend. But the heart wants what the heart wants and no matter how hard he fights it, he can’t stay away.
November 2, 2020
If I could give this book more than 5 stars then I would. I, literally, could not stop reading it and could barely put it down to sleep.
Again, this book covers a real-life situation--more than one actually--and that just makes the story even better. Not only is the male lead dealing with his own brokenness, but so is the female lead. To me, that is part of what makes this book so good, intriguing, and so hard to put down. Hunter and Emma are perfect for each other.
Emma is a spitfire, but still vulnerable and young. Hunter is one of those guys that doesn't believe he is good enough for her. (Sound familiar? See Book #1--another absolute favorite) This book and storyline is about love, vulnerability, protection, and so much more. It also had the perfect ending. I absolutely love this couple. They are right up there with Brendon and Kaylee.
Again, this book covers a real-life situation--more than one actually--and that just makes the story even better. Not only is the male lead dealing with his own brokenness, but so is the female lead. To me, that is part of what makes this book so good, intriguing, and so hard to put down. Hunter and Emma are perfect for each other.
Emma is a spitfire, but still vulnerable and young. Hunter is one of those guys that doesn't believe he is good enough for her. (Sound familiar? See Book #1--another absolute favorite) This book and storyline is about love, vulnerability, protection, and so much more. It also had the perfect ending. I absolutely love this couple. They are right up there with Brendon and Kaylee.
October 4, 2018
There's something so comforting about falling into a book by an author you love, in a series you love. I've adored all the Inked Hearts books, and Breaking the Rules is no exception. The familiar style of Kaswell's writing is bliss afer reading a load of free, self-published, not so great quality books. Her usual blend of romance, lust, angst, humour and snark is like a hug from a best friend and this story of the newly extended family of Inked Hearts makes for a great read. As always, the characters are brilliantly strong and sexy, the dialogue makes me laugh, cry and blush, and the story, while not the most original, is very well done. Looking forward to the next book in the series immensely.
Thanks to the author for supplying a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author for supplying a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2018
2 to 2.5 stars at most for me.
I had a difficult time following the characters in this story. There were times when I had to go back and re-read to try to figure out who was speaking. I hate that! Sentences were short, choppy and on single lines so I was constantly trying to figure out if the speaker had changed or if formatting was at fault. This made for a slow, annoying read. When there are scenes with several characters, it should be made clear who is actually speaking. There were editing issues and lots of incomplete sentences. The sentence structure may have been intentional but it was difficult to actually know. The editing/formatting issues distracted me from the actual storyline. I’m not sure if I will even try another one in this series.
I had a difficult time following the characters in this story. There were times when I had to go back and re-read to try to figure out who was speaking. I hate that! Sentences were short, choppy and on single lines so I was constantly trying to figure out if the speaker had changed or if formatting was at fault. This made for a slow, annoying read. When there are scenes with several characters, it should be made clear who is actually speaking. There were editing issues and lots of incomplete sentences. The sentence structure may have been intentional but it was difficult to actually know. The editing/formatting issues distracted me from the actual storyline. I’m not sure if I will even try another one in this series.
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