Heather Lindsay loves falling in love—even though her blueprint for romance has failed her time and time (and time) again. But now that she’s signed on to design an outdoor-wedding venue for her friend’s home renovation show, Heather’s found a new focus: her career. Only it’s not long before she’s being distracted—by the hunkiest man who ever swaggered down the streets of Red Oak Falls.The show’s … Falls.
The show’s new ranch manager, Waylon Peterson, a.k.a. Prince Harry in a cowboy hat, has every woman swooning. He’s also got a bad-boy rep that’s made him the hottest mess in town. In other words, he’s catnip for Heather, the Texan queen of bad choices. That’s why she’s steering clear—even with Waylon’s charm going full throttle.
Waylon is determined to trade one night stands for true love, but convincing Heather may be an impossible task. He’s ready to settle down, but can she get past her fear of settling and give love one more shot?
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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.
Kay m Law writes great romance. Definitely recommend this series!
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.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Softhearted (Deep in the Heart #2) by Kim Law to read and review.
When you want to find love, then you fall in love, then you fall out of love, then you fall in, and out, and…well you get the picture. This is Heather. She has vowed she’s going to give up on love. She’s just not doing it. But as the old saying goes, when you least expect it, in walks love…in the guise of Waylon. Mysterious and gorgeous, Heather does NOT want to fall for this man.
In my opinion, Heather seems a bit jaded. Everyone has always left her, except her foster sisters and her foster mom. I think she feels that Waylon will too, so she tries to keep her heart out of the equation and comes off as standoffish one minute and totally into the relationship in another.
Waylon has made some mistakes. He’s now trying to make up for those mistakes, but his ‘need’ to not share some of his private business, makes him seem like there is something going on. There is, but it’s not what you might think!!
I enjoyed this book and it is a great addition to this series. I can’t wait for Trenton’s story!!
Softhearted, is the second book in the ‘Deep in the Heart’ series by Kim Law. Hardheaded is the first. You don’t have to read the series in order, in fact they’re both ‘standalones’, but since I’ve read both, I think having the background from Hardheaded helps.
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!
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.
Kim Law’s books are sensual and have mild language, humor and she will keep you turning the pages. Soft Hearted is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. Heather seems to have a problem with falling in love with the wrong type of man. Saying that she does seem to have a thing for Prince Harry look alikes and Waylon is the new foreman on the ranch where Heather’s friend is getting married and soon to be her home. Heather’s friends take one look at him and warn her to stay far away. Harry as a cowboy with the Prince Harry looks is someone Heather needs to run away from as fast as she can. Then why does she seem to be always near where Harry, excuse me, Waylon is.
The characters remind me of a few friends I’ve had over the years and I’m usually the one in the middle of trouble and Heather faces trouble in a big way. I always enjoy a fun friend with characters that you feel like you know.
I received this book as an ARC (advance readers copy) from the author with no expectations on the review. All opinions are my own and if I could I would leave a 4 1/2 star rating. If you like a fun read and from an author that can keep you turning pages then I highly recommend this book. I read it in two sittings and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
It would be bad for me to go into much detail as I don’t want to give any spoilers but I can say that Heather and Waylon are a great couple, even if they can’t see it themselves. This is book two of the Deep In The Heart series however it can be read as a standalone, though I recommend the first book, too.
Heather is a softie and such a great character. She falls down a bit, in my mind, when she has a hard time believing in herself. Softhearted is about her journey so that saves the character for me. Waylon. Wow. I’m not sure how he automatically comes with such a bad rap, at the beginning of the book, but he does. I really liked the character and cheered him on from the start. He and Heather were a perfect match…and the story is about how they try to get to that conclusion themselves.
The character I didn’t like this time around is Trenton. I found that she was extremely hard-nosed and highly opinionated – made me dislike her. Of course, this means Ms. Law did a great job of writing her, so as to engender that strong reaction, imho. And other characters made me smile, snicker, and just wanna hug ‘em.
I enjoyed the book, loved Waylon, and had my heart break at both Heather’s and Waylon’s back stories. Can’t wait to read what happens to the third foster sister (Trenton) in what I hope will be the next book in the series. I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Softhearted is the second book in the Deep in the Heart series. Heather has a bad track record with men. She falls in love easily, but it never works out. Now she is concentrating on her career and the large project she agreed to. Even though she occasionally doubts herself, she knows what she is doing. She just has to believe in herself. Waylon is the new guy on the farm. He seems to have some secrets, and Heather can’t help but be curious even as she tries to steer clear of him. When they find themselves working together, each of them can’t help but be drawn to the other. Is what they have been looking for right in front of them? I really enjoyed reading Heather’s story. I definitely recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was eager to read the next book. I found myself having to push through the middle part of the book but I was so very glad to get to the end – and not because it was over! I loved the way that Kim Law wrapped up the story and created that happily ever after that I was afraid the readers wouldn’t get with Heather and Waylon.
Bring on Trenton’s story or even Aunt Blu’s – I am ready for another book by Kim Law! Don’t limit yourself to just this series – I got hooked with the Wilde’s of Birch Bay series and quickly devoured the Turtle Island and Sugar Springs series as well.
4.5 Stars
Jill, Heather and Trenton are three foster sister taken in by “Aunt” Blu when they were teens. They formed a construction company, Bluebonnet Construction, specializing in she-sheds. They first book in the series had their company in an competition on a home improvement show, and told Jill and Cal’s story. This book is Heather and Waylon’s story. Heather came to live with “Aunt” Blu after her parents died in a barn fire when she was 14. She is now working on the home improvement show as the landscape designer for Cal’s ranch. Waylon is working on Cal’s ranch as the foreman. Heather has chosen poorly and been hurt in past relationships and is wary of Waylon. Waylon has made poor choices in his past that he is trying to make right. Both of them have baggage that they have to get past before they can find their way to their HEA. What I loved about this book, Waylon. He is a great guy, handsome and sweet. What kept this from being a 5 star was Heather. In the first part of the book, she acted like she was in high school (she is 29). As their relationship started to take off, the character improved. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to Trenton’s story. I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Kim Law is one of my favorite Contemporary Romance writers. In these books she explores family relationships, how loss or absence of a parent can affect someone even into adulthood. But also the nature versus nurture issues, because there are some who have had terrible childhoods, then vow never to act that way with their own child and those who continue to repeat the horrible parenting that hey received.
Softhearted follow immediately after the ending of Hardheaded and should not be read as a stand alone. Jill and Cal are getting married, the two companies have been combined into a new one, Bluebonnets Nail It, and the new show will be about preparations for the wedding. Heather is in charge of the landscaping. She is unsure of herself but wants the design to honor her parents, who died in a fire when she was 14. A new character is hired as the ranch manager. Waylon Peterson, has been nicknamed “Prince Harry in a cowboy hat”. Heather has terrible judgement with men, and after all kinds of rumors fly about him, avoids him. But she is so attracted to redheads. But most of the rumors are false, and Waylon is looking for love and marriage and has determined that Heather is the one he wants. They both have secrets that they will have to reveal to the other, if they are to get their HEA.
Endearing characters, beautiful scenery, captivating plot, landscaping information and even some villains. A terrific read.
I received a free ARC from the publisher. This is my unbiased and voluntary review
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 FOR EVERYONE!!!
I loved the first book in this series, and was looking forward to book 2. Though it was still entertaining, for me, it wasn’t as engaging as book one.
The series centers around three gals that became foster sisters, when “Aunt” Blu took them in. When as adults they all returned home, they formed a construction company. In book one, you find out how they ended up merging with another construction company. You would benefit from reading it to get all the details of this group.
This time, it’s Heather’s story and the man she is attracted to , Waylon.
Heather has not been lucky in either choosing men or in love. When she hears the new ranch manager in town is a redheaded Prince Harry lookalike, she makes it a point of staying far away from him, since he is definitely her type.
Both have a history of losses, and bad choices .
Will they give a relationship and love a chance, or will their past experiences inhibit them from searching happiness?
My issues were with the push and pull going on with Heather, whom I never felt a connection to and it seemed to be a story geared for the late 20s crowd. For me, it’s a 3.5 star. Still, Ms Law is a talented author and my personal opinions should not detract from her writing.
I was gifted a copy by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.