5 stars! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and didn’t really believe the author could outdo herself on the second. I won’t say she outdid herself, but she did make me a believer! Author Kim Law knows her characters and knows how to tell a good story. Heather IS soft hearted, and that has gotten her into trouble in the past, so she’s decided No More. Waylon’s been trouble in the past, and he’s decided No More, too. Can they each overcome their pasts and find each other? Should they? Family Dynamics, Rose, and Horses hooves make this a fun story with lots of feels, a few tears, and some steam. Get this one! And if you haven’t read Hard Headed, get it too!!! I can’t wait for the next one 😊

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I really enjoyed the book. That is my own opinion, and this my voluntary and unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley and the book’s publisher.

There isn’t a book by this author that I haven’t liked! And this one was no different. I love her style of writing and the way the characters develop. You don’t always know where they might be going – you may know the destination – the HEA – but rarely the path! And it’s so fun to get there too!

This is a funny, warm, romance at it’s best! Heather Lindsay knows how to find the wrong kinds of men so she has vowed to stay away from Waylon Peterson. She knows he is handsome and every woman’s dream but that never works out for her so if she never meets him, she will never have to worry about making a bad choice.

Waylon is the ranch foreman where the wedding of Heather’s best friend and business partner is getting married. He knows that she is talented and realizes that she has intentionally been avoiding him and he just can’t have that. All women love him and he has to pick anytime he’s around a group. But he’s also never going to settle down because he has a past that no one should have to deal with either.

And you know that these two just combust when they do meet! You will love this story and all its laughs and tears.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
Both Heather's and Waylon's backstories made their romance even sweeter. Each of them have had things happen that changed the course of their lives and both of them are slowly making their way back to "normal."

I enjoyed this book, but the ending felt a little rushed to me.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This is the second book in this series and while I enjoyed book one and recommend it, I don't necessarily believe it's necessary to understand what's going on in this story.

Heather has always loved falling in love. The men she chose, however, were less than stellar. Her sisters have never truly let her live them down. Heather is known for her pattern of wanting someone to take care of her and allowing them to take advantage of her. She is attracted to bad boys and men who will take advantage.

Waylon has a history and not all of it is good. He also has a secret that he will protect with his life. While Waylon's life hasn't been easy, he does enjoy his job now and is working very hard to earn his life. He is instantly attracted to Heather and her personality.

This is a sweet story about learning to trust yourself, someone else, and falling in love. There are a lot of romantic parts to this story and I loved how Waylon courted Heather. I also found Heather's story heartbreaking and thought that it helped to create more depth to her character.

Softhearted, written by Kim Law, is the second book in the Deep in the Heart series. This book can be read as a standalone, however, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Hardheaded. This is truly a unique series, with four strong female characters...Jill, Heather, Trenton and Aunt Blu. Hardheaded gives the reader the background information needed for all characters, with the primary focus being on Jill's story. All of the characters play a reoccurring role in Softhearted as well, but this is Heather's story.

Heather Lindsay knows about heartbreak, in more ways than one. In addition to giving her heart...and having it broken more than once...she has also suffered the tragic loss of her parents. Needless to say, life has not been easy for Heather. The one thing she truly longs for is true love, but because of her past heartbreaks, she is not too eager to jump back into the dating circle. All of that changes when she meets the new ranch manager, Waylon. Heather has a thing for men that look like Prince Harry, and Waylon could pass for his double. Every time she sees him, she feels the attraction between them, but is she ready to finally give love a chance?

Waylon Peterson is the talk of the town. Every weekend he disappears from town, and the rumor mill is running amuck. Waylon knows everyone is speculating where he goes every weekend, but he does nothing to set the record straight. He is a very private man, even though it's rumored that he spends his free time dating various women. Almost every woman in town is trying to get his attention, but only one woman holds his interest, and that woman is Heather. He just needs to find a way to convince her to give him and love another try.

This truly is an amazing series, and once again, Kim Law knocked it out of the park. The series is based on strong female characters, and the author brilliantly captures the different personalities of each one. I love the the relationship between Jill, Heather, Trenton and Aunt Blu. What they have is both realistic and heartwarming...and I love how they all look out for one another. Heather and Waylon will tug at your heartstrings, and you truly want them to both find their happily ever after. Kim Law beautifully tells their stories that are filled with some unexpected twists. The characters are extremely well-written, but are far from perfect. Their flaws not only make them realistic, but also relatable. Kim Law is a wonderful storyteller, and her writing style leaves no stone unturned. On a side note, one other thing I loved is the fact that each chapter has a life lesson quote at the beginning...typically one from Aunt Blu. This adds a personal touch to each chapter, and relates the importance of Aunt Blu in the lives of the three main characters.

I honestly cannot stress enough just how wonderful this series is! Softhearted is a full length novel, but reads at a steady and easy pace. I truly enjoyed following Jill's story in Hardheaded and now Heather's story in Softhearted. I will anxiously be waiting to read Trenton's story in the next book in the series.

I would like to thank Montlake Romance, NetGalley and Kim Law for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. My views are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

This book has both cussing (two f-bombs) and on-screen sex. If those things will cause you to leave a bad review, you should skip this book. Softhearted is the second book in the Deep In The Heart series and although reading the first book in this series enhances the side-characters, you *do not* have to read that one to enjoy this story.

I adored both Heather and Waylon. Heather was a tad bit of an emotional mess, but she was the kind of mess that a lot of readers will be able to identify with. Heather was a giver, with the kind of tender heart that can leave a person vulnerable, but that also makes her my favorite kind of heroine to read about. Waylon, despite what the town might think, was also really great. There's a “little” reveal, which I won't spoil, that made him even more swoon-worthy in my eyes, and I found myself rooting for Heather to let him into her heart from the very start. Their reunion (not a spoiler because this IS a romance novel with a happily ever after) is one of my favorites ever. And that “little” reveal? I loved everything about it. Everything.

Although you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one, if you have, there are some fabulous side-character cameos that will make you smile. Big Red was my favorite, even though he wasn't in the story for very long. Also, the people of Red Oak Falls are fantastic. I can't say why without spoiling one of the best parts of the story but they really, really are.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really good love story.

This contemporary romance has everything you’d hope for and more. These characters are so engaging and the steamy storyline is so compelling, it’s a must read. This series and this author will add you to the list of fans.

I absolutely loved this can't-put-down book with unforgettable characters and a beautiful story about overcoming the past and finding love. Softhearted just hit all the right places and I didn't want the book to end.

I really liked the instant attraction and chemistry between Heather Lindsay who is designing an outdoor wedding venue for her friend's home renovation show and Waylon Peterson (Prince Harry in a cowboy hat) who moved to the small town of Red Oak Falls, Texas as the show's ranch manager.

This is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys a touchingly human and genuinely emotional small town romance.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy.

I always know I'm in for a treat with a new release from Kim Law. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly agreed to read and review the second book in her new series, Deep in the Heart.
As with all Ms. Law's books, the characters are real and flawed, the plot is intriguing and there's plenty of emotions running high. I immediately became enmeshed in this story and remained engaged until the last page.

Heather's character is the queen of bad choices in relationships with men. I could feel her pain over her past and could really identify with her character. As a newly separated, soon to be divorced woman many years ago, I too saw the white picket fence and eternal love in every guy who asked me on a date. It's a hard fall when reality finally hits, and the dream turns into another broken heart yet again. Fortunately, for me and for Heather, our prince does, at last, come along!

Waylon's character is my kind of hero. While a little rough around the edges which sends off a bad boy image, underneath, he's a knight in the making. He's so determined to change his image and gain custody of his adorable daughter. He stole my heart from the first page.

The romance between Heather and Waylon burns hot, and I could see they were perfect for each other from their first encounter. While he had to work really hard to gain her trust, he does not give up.

If you enjoy a romance that will pull at your heartstrings and has you sighing, you will love Softhearted as much as I did. For me, this second book in the series has me eagerly awaiting the next book. Happy reading!

I am loving this series by Kim Law. Heather is understandably reluctant to start something with a known bad boy Waylon isn't looking for a relationship, just not for the reason she thinks at first. Seeing these two who have obvious chemistry work through being able to trust and find common ground makes for a very sweet and heartwarming story. I recommend to anyone who is a fan of Kim Law's writing or is looking for a good warm hearted romance.

Heather has a tendency to "fall in love" at the drop of a hat. Her type of man is red headed & similar in looks to Prince Harry so how can she resist when the perfect specimen just drops into her life? All of the rumors circulating about him, his poker playing & how weekends away should turn her away.

Waylon can't believe he's finally found someone he can see sharing his life & secrets with & she's trying to stay away from him. He's determined to get to know her better one way or another. Under the cover of friendship, he decides to do everything he can to make her fall for him.

I loved this story! They started out working on a friendship that turns into a deeper relationship. I loved that they started a game "Two Questions" as a way to become friends & continued it throughout the story. It became the perfect vehicle to use to share secrets, correct mistruths & fall in love. Waylon's daughter adds some light hearted fun & a sense of family. I enjoy reading about this foster group that became it's own family!

Softhearted is book two of the Deep in the Heart Series by Kim Law. Heather Lindsay’s story, Softhearted is well name. The woman has a good heart but is easy swayed by men. She thinks happily ever after while they only think happy right now. Heartbreak is bound to happen to her so now she is wary of men who are sweet talking, good looking charmers.

I agreed that Waylon, the new ranch manager, may not be a sure bet but Heather and he sure do have the sparks to light a fire. Secrets slowly revealed, hopes that begin to build again, and hearts that could be broken are all part of this titillating plot. With engaging, strong character development and a twist in the story, it kept me reading until the very end.

Hardhearted is an absorbing read but Softhearted is a heart stealing one. I can recommend this series especially Softhearted to anyone who loves reading of an independent, resilient heroine. The heroes are pretty worthy too.

Heather can design landscaping like no other. She is tough on the outside but soft on the inside. She has her two best friends and Blu at her side but when it comes to matter of the heart she doesn't make good choices.
Waylon has a bad rep but underneath it all he isn't all that the reputation is not all it's cracked up to be. He has secrets just like everyone else.
Heather and Waylon have an attraction to each other like no other but she is trying to keep her guard up. She has too much of a past. Waylon is going to work hard at digging through this layer by layer. They are really cute together.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was refreshing to have a change of scenery in the romance genre

** i received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I really enjoyed reading about Heather and Waylon in Softhearted by Kim Law, the second book in her Deep in the Heart series. Heather struggled with her past love relationships, so she adopted the mantra “Say No”. This becomes quite difficult when she meets Waylon, the new Ranch Manager. I mean, how could anyone pass up or say no to a Prince Harry look-alike. Add in the fact of his fight for custody of his young daughter, Rose, and you have the makings of an attraction that’s too hard to resist. There’s also an additional romance happening between Aunt Blu, foster mom to Heather and her partners, and Charlie, Waylon’s dad. It’s so cute too see to watch a relationship grow between older adults. I loved the questions and answers that Waylon and Heather played in order to get to know one another.

I truly loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Law wrote a wonderful story that had me smiling at the end. She drew me in and did not let go until I turned the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

The second book in the in the Deep in the Heart series. Loved, Heather and Waylon. Heather has had failed love relationships in the past, so here motto is "Say No". This gets very hard when she meets Waylon, the new ranch manager. Who could pass as a Prince Harry look a like, how can you can say no to that. Add in his little daughter, Rose, whom he is fighting for custody for. Then you have a side romance blossoming between Aunt Blu (she was Heather's foster mom) and Charlie (Waylon's dad), they are so cute.

One of my favorite parts is all the questions and answers that Waylon and Heather play in getting to know each other. I loved all of the characters and it left me smiling at the end. I highly recommend this book. It is part of series can be read as a stand alone. I read this book from the publisher through netgalley.

This is the second book in the Deep in the Heart series. After the TV competition between We Nail it Contractors, and Bluebonnet Construction is finished. Jill and Cal fell in love, and the next show is based on their upcoming wedding.

Heather Lindsay is the green thumb landscape designer for Bluebonnet Construction, and is a little intimidated by the large space she will be working on for Jill’s wedding. Jill, Trenton and Heather are foster sisters, raised by Aunt Blu in Red Oaks Falls. She is a three time loser in romance, and plans to keep her heart well protected! That is, till she meets Waylon Peterson, new Ranch Manager for Blue Hills Cattle Ranch. He is a “dead ringer for Prince Harry” and mysteriously disappears every weekend. Waylon finds her singing to his horse Ollie early one morning and is intrigued. Heather quickly informs him, “Your charms won’t work on me.” Which interests him more! Heather reminds herself of Waylon’s rep as a heartthrob and how important it is NOT to fall for him.

Waylon is very grateful for the chance to work on Carl’s Ranch. He had a serious injury to his leg and still limps, and requires weekends off. Women in this small town pursue him relentlessly, despite his avoiding a relationship. Once he meets Heather, he realizes he’s attracted to her and her apparent non interest intrigues him more. Let the games begin!

I enjoyed this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first in the series. It was a little confusing at first. The characters are fun, but I found myself not liking Heather for much of the story. She seemed so wishy washy about Waylon, one minute passionate next cold and judgemental.
But the HEA made it all worth while!

Thank you to Montlake Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Pat Fordyce

Heather and Waylon meet at a crossroads in their lives. Heather has sworn off men, her track record of falling in love with love (and the wrong man) has bitten her in the bum one too many times. At first Heather tries to steer clear of the much talked about hunky bachelor that is the new foreman on her friend's ranch, fearing he'd be too much of a temptation for her famed bad habit of instantly falling for the wrong man. But Waylon is a hard man to ignore.

Getting his life back on track after some regrettable mistakes in his past that cost him the custody of his daughter, Waylon has embraced small town life and is looking forward to finally settling down and getting his daughter back. Although he's kept his private life pretty private for a reason and hasn't dispelled any of the rumors regarding his bachelor status, when he finally meets Heather, he sets out to prove to her the talk around town about him, it just that, talk.

I got the impression that Heather was supposed to be the softhearted MC in this equation but Waylon was actually the one that stole the show. I loved him. He was such a kind, gentle and loving person. He was a hero that wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

He really was an amazing guy and it was pretty easy to fall hard for him. He was strong, yet vulnerable, charming and endearing. A combination that you don't see portrayed so often in romances. He was a guy that loved easily and devotedly. I loved how he pursued Heather and set out to be a man worthy of her. He's been burned in the past with his ex but he didnt' let that turn him bitter or resentful. He opened himself up to the possibility of having something lasting and real with Heather, even knowing that it might not work out in the end.

My disconnect with this came from Heather. Throughout the whole book we get the constant reminder that Heather is considered the romantic and the softhearted one of the group. People are overprotective of her and paint her in a soft glow of innocence and naivete. But that's not the impression she left on me. What I got from it all was that she was too concerned with protecting herself and building walls around her heart that she never gave Waylon a chance. She might have been a romantic but her actions didn't show it.

This had the possibility of beings a memorable 5 star read but Heather's waffling back and forth with Waylon, her decision to run from him rather than confront her fears and self doubt seemed a cheap cop out. It broke my heart that Waylon put his heart on the line for Heather, wasn't afraid to expose his deeper feelings for her and when the sh!t hit the fan, Heather looked out for number one (herself) and he couldn't count on her when he needed her the most. I wish Heather had been more understanding (or . . .ironically, softhearted maybe?) with the man she supposedly loved.

Would I recommend?
For Waylon alone, yes. He was an awesome Hero, wish we'd have more MCs like him :)

I adored Softhearted (its the second book in the Deep in the Heart series) This book could be read as a stand alone but I would advise reading them in order because you'll understand the character backgrounds more fully.

Heather & Waylon are a sweet (& sexy) couple with so much chemistry & so much baggage. I enjoyed watching their love story unfold & how they both learned to trust the other.

This series is amazing & I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This
is my unbiased and voluntary review.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3NCQYWC10V5ML/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

Soft Hearted is a wonderful story!!
It is another great book, in the
Deep In The Heart series.
It's a touching & emotional story about
Heather & Waylon. A lot has been going on since Jill & Cal got engaged. Heather is creating a special landscaped area
for their wedding. Cal hired Waylon, as the  new ranch foreman. Rumors are flying left, & right about Waylon. Trenton has asked Heather to stay away for him.
When the finally meet, the attraction between them is immediate.
Heather & Waylon have trust issues,
have hurt by love, & carry secrets, deep inside. They just can't stay away from each other. So, they take two questions
at a time, as they get acquainted.
It is well-written story, with memorable and relatable characters.
A MUST READ BY EVERYONE!!!

Softhearted, by Kim Law is the second book in the series, Deep in the Heart. I enjoyed this book as much as Hardhearted. The story of Heather continues in this series. Heather is one of the members of the Bluebonnet Construction team who is a romantic and believes in love. She and her foster sisters, with Aunt Blu have all stood together through out the years to support each other.
Waylon is a new hired hand on the ranch that has a reputation as a ladies’ man. He tends to disappear every weekend and the supposition is that he is with a different woman each time. Heather and Waylon agree to be just friends, but will that work?
You will need to read the book to see where Waylon disappears each weekend, the reason why and if the relationship between Heather and Waylon remains as friends.
Also Aunt Blu appears in this book and is romance blooming for her after so many years?
I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.