Step into the steamy, ink-stained world of Inked Hearts, where brooding tattoo artists and fierce heroines collide in Crystal Kaswell’s sizzling new adult romance series! Packed with forbidden love, emotional depth, and a whole lot of heat, this collection of standalone novels set in a Southern California tattoo parlor has readers swooning over its broken bad boys and the women who heal their hearts. Whether you’re drawn to slow-burn tension or steamy encounters, Inked Hearts delivers a rollercoaster of feels that keeps you hooked.
With its raw exploration of love, addiction, and personal growth, the series has carved a niche in the new adult genre, blending dominance and tenderness in a way that feels both thrilling and authentic. Ready to meet the men of Inked Hearts? Let’s dive in!
How Inked Hearts Began
Crystal Kaswell, a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged romances, launched Inked Hearts with Tempting in 2017. Inspired by her love for flawed characters and tattooed alpha males, Kaswell crafted a series that blends gritty realism with heart-pounding romance. Set in the vibrant world of a tattoo shop, Inked Hearts grew from her desire to tell stories of damaged heroes finding redemption through love. Her background in writing rock-star romances like Sinful Serenade laid the groundwork for this series’ signature mix of heat, humor, and heart.
The Heart of Inked Hearts
The Inked Hearts series follows the tattoo artists of a Southern California shop, each book a standalone romance with interconnected characters. Tempting, the first novel, introduces Brendon, a brooding artist who falls for Kaylee, his sister’s best friend, after she discovers his scandalous sketches of her. Their forbidden romance sets the tone with slow-burn tension and BDSM elements. Hooking Up follows Walker and Iris, whose friends-with-benefits deal unravels as they confront addiction and vulnerability. Pretend You’re Mine explores Ryan and Leighton’s fake relationship that turns real, tackling trust and betrayal. Finally, Losing It pairs Wes with Quinn, a med student determined to shed her virginity, leading to unexpected emotional depth.
Kaswell’s stories shine through their themes of healing and transformation. Addiction, mental health, and past traumas are woven into each romance, giving the series a grounded feel despite its steamy escapades. The tattoo parlor setting adds a rebellious edge, with ink and art symbolizing the characters’ journeys. Readers praise Kaswell’s ability to balance explicit passion with relatable struggles, making every love story feel earned.
Why Inked Hearts Resonates
Inked Hearts has struck a chord with new adult romance fans, earning accolades for its raw emotion and complex characters. Kaswell’s focus on mental health and recovery adds depth to the genre, resonating with readers who see themselves in the characters’ struggles. The series’ standalone format makes it accessible, while recurring characters create a sense of community that keeps fans coming back. With over eight books and glowing reviews, Inked Hearts has solidified Kaswell’s reputation as the “queen of broken bad boys,” offering a blueprint for romances that are as heartfelt as they are hot.
- Publication Years: 2017–present
- Number of Books: 8 primary works, plus companion titles
- Setting: Southern California tattoo parlor
- Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, BDSM
Grab Tempting and dive into the Inked Hearts world, where love is as bold as the ink on the page!