Recommended Reading Path for Inked Hearts
While each book in Crystal Kaswell's Inked Hearts series features a different couple and functions as a standalone contemporary romance, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. Following the books as they were released allows you to naturally experience the recurring character cameos, overlapping storylines, and the shared community of the Southern California tattoo shop without any spoilers.
Inked Hearts Publication Order
The series consists of eight primary novels published between 2017 and 2019. Note that the second book was published under two different titles: Playing and Hooking Up.
- Tempting (2017) – Features Brendon and Kaylee. The series opener starts with a forbidden slow-burn romance when Kaylee discovers Brendon's secret sketches of her.
- Playing / Hooking Up (2018) – Features Walker and Iris. A friends-with-benefits arrangement that grows into something deeper as they navigate personal struggles.
- Pretend You're Mine (2018) – Features Ryan and Leighton. A fake-relationship romance that tackles trust, betrayal, and redemption.
- Hating You, Loving You (2018) – Features Dean and Chloe. An enemies-to-lovers story filled with tension and passion.
- Breaking the Rules (2018) – Features Hunter and Emma. A classic forbidden love romance where boundaries are pushed.
- Losing It (2019) – Features Wes and Quinn. A college/new adult romance pairing a brooding artist with an ambitious med student.
- Accidental Husband (2019) – Features Griffin and Juliette. A marriage-of-convenience trope set in the heart of the tattoo world.
- The Baby Bargain (2019) – Features Chase and Ariel. A surprise pregnancy and bargain romance that wraps up the main series.
Chronological Order and Title Caveats
The chronological timeline of the series aligns directly with the publication order. The only major confusion readers face is the title of the second book. Originally released or listed on some databases as Playing, it is most widely available and sold today under the title Hooking Up. They are the exact same story focusing on Walker and Iris, so you do not need to buy both.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, readers should be prepared for a high-heat, emotionally intense experience. Crystal Kaswell is known for her "broken bad boy" archetypes, and the series frequently explores sensitive themes including mental health struggles, recovery, addiction, and BDSM elements alongside classic contemporary romance tropes.
Furthermore, the Inked Hearts series is part of Kaswell's larger, interconnected Sinful Universe. This universe includes other standalone series such as:
- Inked Love (featuring titles like Faking It, The First Taste, and The Rule Breaker)
- Sinful Serenade (a rock-star romance series)
- Dangerous Noise (another rock-star themed series)
Because the connection across these series is loose, you can start with Inked Hearts without having read any of the rock-star books, or vice-versa.
The Best Starting Point
The absolute best place to start is Tempting. It perfectly establishes the atmosphere of the tattoo shop, introduces the recurring cast of characters, and showcases Kaswell's signature blend of high-heat romance and deep emotional healing. However, if you are a fan of specific tropes like friends-to-lovers, you can easily jump straight into Hooking Up / Playing without feeling lost.