Playing

Inked Hearts #2

by Crystal Kaswell

Walker Williams is my f*ck buddy.
I get his inked arms.
I get his soft touch.
I get his massive ahem.

His offer was exactly what I needed. A casual arrangement. No feelings. No strings. No heartbreak.
Just the two of us playing.
At least, that was the plan.
But the troubled bad boy did more than make me c*me. He made me laugh. He tore down my walls. He showed me the beauty in the world.
He showed me his scars.
Then asked to see mine.
I can't stop myself from falling for him.
But if I share my secrets, can I trust him to stay?

*A complete standalone*

From the author: Playing is a smoking hot friends with benefits romance with the perfect mix of angst, humor, and heat. Come see why readers say "no one writes broken bad boys like Crystal Kaswell."

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, New Adult, College, Adult

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Crystal 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

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Loved the first part of the book and then I don’t know what happened but I just started liking it. Also they had so much sex I had to start skimming it. Lol

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Tempting then finding out that Walker was going to get his own book, I was really excited. He was one of my favorite characters in the previous story and this one did not disappoint. I loved how Walker and Iris just meshed. Even from the start there was that pull with the two of them! Their banter and chemistry was amazing and I found myself really wanting more. These two were really broken souls for different reasons that just fit together to create a whole. Walker with his aversion to commitment and Iris with her dark and painful past relationship. I really enjoyed how they healed each other. Overall, I really liked this book and am looking forward to see what more will come with the Inked Hearts series.

[Shannie's ⭐️Lookin' 4 My Next BBF⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Kaswell did not disappoint and exceeded my expectations by telling a love story I loved more than her rock star series!!! Definitely going to go back and read Tempting so I can get Brenden & Kaylee’s story from the start!!
Loved Walker & Iris’s story!! Looking forward to Ryan’s story!! March get here soon!!

[Marty Sandvik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker is a player but decides to enter into a friend's with benefits arrangement with Iris who he meets at a party and immediately goes home with. They have chemistry and love spending time together. Baking or surfing or sleeping together. Iris doesn't think it could be more because she is an addict and although she's been clean for a couple of months she believes Walker will leave her because he hates addicts and blames his sister who is one for some of the problems in his life.
This book was another good one that really kept you rooting for the brooding tattoo artist. I loved that Iris and Walker tore down each other's walls and was heartbroken for both of them when he found out about her past. Walker's relationship with his sister was also really sad but I liked that he really wanted to do anything to get her help, even if that meant being hard on her. I loved how all the guys at the shop and Leigh really supported the relationship between Iris and Walker.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt a little too long but I guess it only added to Walker and Iris’ connection. I still feel a little meh about it though. The description didn’t say anything about Iris’ past and I didn’t much like reading about that, but I still finished the book anyway.

I was kinda annoyed when Walker kept coming back to sleep with Iris but kept saying he couldn’t promise to stay. And Iris just kept doing it? Fucking dumb...

I guess I can’t really complain since there’s a HEA, but still. 3.5⭐️ for this story.

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2-4 stars

So after Tempting (the first book), I was hoping Walker would be a great book and it was going pretty well.

Walker- another tattoo parlor owner, self-described man whore, and friend of Brendon

Iris- college student, finding herself, and 3 months sober

Walker and Iris just meet and decide to be screw buddies. Walker has a history of his sister doing drugs and such and he wants nothing more to do with people that have an addiction. So he has no idea about Iris's past. But since they are not supposed to have that type of relationship she does not in trust him with that information right away.

Again it seems Crystal likes to bring real life into her books. There is quite a bit of drama in her books. I for one don't mind a little bit but this is a bit much. Again this story was better than Tempting but I would not do a reread.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me a nervous wreck. All the typical Crystal Kaswell attributes apply, well written, full of steam, likable characters, but...

The hero failed me on this one. I feared it was coming, but I have been spoiled by some of Crystal's other too perfect to be true heroes.

Walker's actions were realistic, but to misquote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, I wanted the fairytale. He of course redeemed himself eventually, but I had a lot if stress and heartache along the way.

Definitely worth reading. Just have the tissues ready.

[Barrie Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of books, over 200 a year. It don't give out a lot of 5, perfect ratings. But when I do, it means the book not only has good characters but it's well written. There is detail but not too much so that it's boring. The characters are enjoyable to read with their imperfections. This was definitely a 5! The writing was amazing and kept my attention throughout the book. Walker has never had a girlfriend and doesn't want to start now. Iris is pulling herself together, renewing herself, after years of abuse and getting out of a long-term relationship. But walker and Iris are attracted to each other but they decide on a "bedroom" relationship only. Walker has no desire to hear Iris' past as it's the past. But he needs to know it as it has a huge bearing on their relationship, that they're not having (wink. wink).

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read.

[Dolores 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review.

Oh god how I love Crystal Kaswell's work. How I love the way I get brought & hooked on to get characters. And Walker & Iris's characters just got me hanging with their connection, especially feeling for Iris' of needing to tell Walker her past history but the scared reaction to her/them even he hears especially AFTER she knows she's in love with him & the way he feels that his sister is actually going through the same situation.
But heck there's areas of the book where she had me crying quietly feeling for Both of them but mainly more towards Iris.
A beautiful HEA LOVE STORY. Really Recommend 2nd episode of the INKED HEARTS SERIES

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I an definitely a lifelong fan of Crystal's, her work keeps getting better. This book is both heartbreaking and full of inspiration. With Iris being a recovering addict, she's afraid to tell anyone what she's going through. When Walker comes along, they decide to be friends with benefits of sorts, but the more time they spend together, the more they each fall. When things start getting serious, she tries to tell him, especially when things come out about his sister, but he won't hear it. When I say things went bad in a hurry, that's exactly what happened. I wanted to cry for them both. I understand both points, but they're both so miserable. This is a definite must read! I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is drawn to Iris at a party at his friend's apartment. They share a night together and decide to keep "playing" without the relationship. Walker and Iris are each struggling with their own issues and without realizing it, help each other get through some rough times. These two characters are struggling with some heavy issues through out the story and seem to be drawn together even more so because of the issues.

I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Kimkbries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic! Walker was a tattoo artist who enjoyed women but never wanted a commitment. When he met Iris at a party he knew he wanted her. Iris was running from her past. Trying to move on. When she sees Walker, she knew she wanted him. Two people both attracted to each other and both not wanting any commitments. As they spend time together will their feelings change? What happens when things in both of their past and present come to light? Will their relationship survive? I enjoyed their story and their very steamy chemistry! Look forward to more stories about the guys at the tattoo shop!

[Lalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was very lucky to get this ARC copy before it’s release. I already read Tempting from the Inked Hearts serie and loved it, and was very excited to get inside the mind of sexy and broody Walker.
I loved so many things about this book, from both main characters POV and the way their relationship evolve. I would love to read more about Walker and Iris. It’s also good to read about Walker’s friendships with his workmates, especially Dean.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by Crystal Kaswell. They are usually light and sexy with good character development. I really liked Walker and Iris, but in this story they are both dealing with some dark deep issues which many face today. The issue of addiction is not handled lightly in the story, the issues that come along with it such as family and work issues are addressed. The story held me captive from the beginning until the end.

[Alex ♈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review contains mild spoilers.





This book deals with very heavy topic - addiction.
I liked the heroine, I liked her despite her past, but at the same time I didn't blame her sister, who cut her off.

I wasn't a fan of the hero. He wasn't a bad guy, but some things he did and said didn't sit well with me.

All his and his friends' talk about women made me want to punch them all. Disturbing. IMO.

The book was safe. He was a manwhore, but no OW after he met the h.

I could totally understand why the h kept her past secret from him. But after she found about his sister, she should have told him a bit sooner. Since she didn't,  they made her look guilty and grovel for forgiveness. Such scenario makes me very uncomfortable.
I don't like when women grovel. It's a men's job, IMO.

Not sure if I read the next story. If it'll be Dean's book, I pass. He was the most unlikable character for me.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second story in the Inked Heart series but can be read as a standalone. The first book is called Tempting. I loved Walker and Iris's story. What starts out as f*ck buddies and turns out to something more as time goes by. Loved the storyline and the characters. The couple from the first story are mentioned but you don't need to read it first but it had me intrigued so I will have to read that one. When these two are together the chemistry is explosive. This story has hot and heavy sex with a sexy dirty talker, Heartbreak, family drama and love. Need to read Brendon's story and can't wait to read Ryan's story.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
I listened and loved the audio book.

[The Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had a good premise, but I felt like the characters used sex as an escape to their actual problems... I get it’s a friends with benefits kind of thing, but the sex was in every page of the book... barely any interaction outside of the bedroom.. and the lies were too obvious.. this book is more of a 3.5 to me

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing is the sweet story of Walker and Iris. Neither is looking for commitment but, that being said, Walker is becoming dissatisfied with his hit it and quit it lifestyle. After meeting at a party and spending the night together, Walker realises that Iris is someone he would like to spend more time with and they come to a friends with benefits arrangement. Despite telling themselves they're not dating, feelings start to creep in and soon they are falling for each other. However, both have their problems to deal with and Iris is keeping a big secret. This causes some anxiety and conflict between them and I was waiting for everything to fall apart.

I enjoyed this fun, sexy, sweet story of two people falling in love despite themselves. The chemistry between them was smoking and it was both hot and tender. There are a lot of fantastic sexy times, which this author writes so well, and although I would have liked there to have been a little more interaction outside of the bedroom, I was very happy with the storyline. A story of fun, friendship and family, of hope, support and encouragement to keep trying and never give up.

[Sbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza, this book was hot!! I was pleasantly
surprised at how much I loved this book.
Crystal Kaswell is a new author for me,
and I will definitely be reading her again.
I loved Walker and Iris individually and
together. They both had pasts that they
were dealing with, and I loved how
those paths crossed. They ignited when
they were together, and this book was
super hot. Now, Walker lost me a little
bit toward the end. I think he had put
Iris on a pedestal, and the times she
tried to be honest and open with him,
he would shut her down. This lead to
Walker finding out things about Iris
that he had problems dealing with. I
thought that this was a punk move
on Walkers part. He separated from Iris
towards the end and that showed me
how immature he was. That being
said, I really liked these two together.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC at no cost to author..This was the first book I ever read from this author, and that actually shocked me, I am pretty sure this will not be my last. I was kind of upset with myself because even though this is a standalone it really is the second book to a series, so now I have to pick up the first one, no you will not miss anything I just like to reacquaint myself with all characters and it just enlightens me more. Anyhoo, I enjoyed their banter and chemistry and found myself wanting so much more for them. I hope you have a box of tissues because you will need them. These two people suffer and are broken and they need each other. Iris will break your heart and you just want to hold her and be there for her. Read my friends, it is a good book. Enjoy!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another standout book by Crystal! Iris and Walker both start adamant they want something fun and easy that's not a real relationship. It turns into so much more. Both have their imperfections but that makes them so much more relatable. Their chemistry and banter are amazing. You can see they are just meant to be together if they both can work though their pasts and accept each other. This was a great 2nd installment in the inked series. You get all the characters you loved in Tempting and I cant wait to continue the series.

Review by Cathy

[Line · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, Not Great

I had a really hard time figuring out what to rate this book; 3 or 4? If possible I’d have given it 3.5.

This is why:
I liked the plot and the problems this book attacks but I never really felt it hit my emotionally.
I didn’t feel like I had to keep reading it in that I’ll-go-mad-if-I-don’t-know-what-happens-next way. Neither did I like the text’s format; I more than once thought “what has this author against solid text?”

All in all, though I actually liked the characters, I didn’t feel the book flowed as well as I’d have liked.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing

I loved the story and the characters! My only downside was there was actually too many sex scenes for me. Which is crazy because I love me a steamy book. But besides that I really enjoyed this book. Love that the friends are so involved as well. Looking forward the the next book.

[Janee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time

Very sweet book. I'm kicking myself for not picking up this as ARC. I know at the time I wouldn't have taken my time to read the way it thoroughly. A little emotional at times in story. A great subject matter.

[Josie]

I think perhaps this author's writing and I don't mesh well. I wasn't engaged here by the plot or the characters; it was a DNF for me.

[Sarah Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story of two people that think they can pull off just playing and having fun. Walker and Iris have pasts that bring baggage with them as their fun develops into more. I really enjoyed how the characters vulnerabilities were so relatable and tenderly written. You will definitely fall head over heels for these two.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book made me laugh, feel antsy and cry but the ending made me so happy. This has to be my favorite book by Crystal Kaswell so far! I love that her writing just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait for Ryan's story next.... or just anything Crystal writes.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker's girl is always up for broadening her horizons, "she looks to me and cocks a brow. "I suppose a hands-on lesson is better than a recipe." Her gaze trails over my chest, stomach, crotch. "And later…" Walker doesn't mind laying on the guilt trip, "I'll clean up after." I set my cell on the windowsill. "Unless you don't want me to pin you to that wall." She shakes her head. "You don't want to come on my ***k?" I liked this book, I loved Walker.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker Williams me oh my! What a sexy sexy man. He knew what he wanted and Iris was just that. While they were ok with just having fun, but feeling got involved and the next thing you know, you fall in love. Iris tried really hard not to love him but he was just too irresistible.

I was super excited to read this book as I enjoyed Tempting. But I am more excited for the next book. I really want Dean or Ryan's book, but I'll take any at this point. Crystal Kaswell now has me as a lifelong fan.