Reviews

Tempting by Crystal Kaswell

allyb_readsbooks's review against another edition

4.0

An excellent book that I just couldn't put down. But it did have a few parts that were predictable and similar to this style of story but otherwise it was really good.

cesca_b's review against another edition

emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

walokat2's review against another edition

3.0

Torn by this one. The angst of the New Adult genre was there for the first half of the book, and it was really the only thing until 50%. I think some real physical connection with the two before 50% would have helped the book. That said, the sex was great starting at 50% and on. Just wish the first half the book had more of a physical connection more than mere angst.

lashea677's review against another edition

4.0

Tempting reads like a heartache. Like a scent that lingers on the wind or that haunting melody that ends before it had the chance to begin. Brendon and Kay are that memory that haunts every waking second. The what if of the rest of your life. Crystal Kaswell tied my heart in knots with this story of soulmates, past mistakes and unlucky breaks. Kaylee is a girl becoming a woman. She struggles with everything from unrequited love, feelings of abandonment and self esteem issues as she fights to be the perfect daughter, student and friend. Her heart belongs to the man she can never have and her demons are threatening to swallow her. Can the man of her dreams, help her become the woman of his heart? Ms. Kaswell tackles a ton of baggage as she mesmerizes readers with this soulful, turbulent and courageous journey to love.

kikyorin's review against another edition

3.0

***Spoilers***

I was really intrigued by this book because the blurb that floats around to convince you to buy/rent it brings you to the moment that Kaylee looks into Brendon's sketchbook. As an artist myself, that is an invasion of privacy, and I understood Brendon's anger towards her for it. I liked the heated moments between them before they had sex. However, for all that build up the moment that she lost her virginity, it was such a quick read that I completely felt "meh" about it. All of a sudden all Kaylee wants is sex all the time with Brendon and he feels the same way. I understand that they are figuring out this new relationship but it is so much about the sex. They do have the foundation of a wonderful friendship, which was nice to see, but they kept lying to everyone around them.

I think that I was also thrown off because Kaylee is just eighteen and I thought that she was older until they mentioned it. I also think that she put so much pressure on her parents finding out about her and Brendon when she is an adult and her parents legitimately can't tell her that she can't be with someone. Her parents are literally MIA in Jersey until she visits her grandma.

I don't know. I liked that Brendon and Kaylee had a strong foundation outside of their romantic one but I wish there was more than just the sex during the second half of the book. I do appreciate that Crystal Kaswell delves into mental illness and really tried to convey how someone who is so put together on the outside is so broken on the inside. I don't really feel that I will continue the series as the other characters weren't that exciting to me.

biancamtz8's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed it but it felt too long. The grandma was my favorite character!

chaske's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

pe2305's review against another edition

5.0

Tempting is the first in the Inked Hearts series, but can be read as a standalone or part of the series. Brendon is Kaylee's best friend's brother, older by a few years and sizzling hot. Kaylee is Brendon's little sister's best friend, so completely off limits. For a long time, the two of them have denied their feelings about each other, but that all changes one night. Kaylee sees Brendon's sketchpad that he uses to plan his tattoos and sees pictures of herself, naked, tied up and very much Brendon's. Kaylee is incredibly turned on by the sketches and realizes that Brendon's feelings aren't so innocent. But Kaylee has a secret that she fears will drive Brendon away. Loved this steamy, forbidden romance.

aduchene's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Opens with pretty vivid internal thoughts and ends the same way. I wasn’t a big fan of the premise of this. The whole story lacked plot and was mostly two individuals pining and having dirty thoughts about each other, exploring that and their kink, and then finally towards the end there was a little bit of conflict. I’m not smut averse, but I really enjoy plot. I did at least enjoy the side characters too.

rihoward's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars

One of my favorite series. I have read this since the beginning. I love that they are all standalones but still give glimpses into past characters.

Crystal did a fantastic job depicting the uncontrollable feelings of being broken. I would recommend this story.