Hardheaded is a really good second chance love story. Talk about having your work cut out for you. Jill Sadler and Cal Reynolds were once married. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted for 24 hours, with Cal leaving over a misunderstanding. Now the two find themselves competing against each other on the reality show Texas Dream Home.

All's fair in love and war as these two go at it on and off camera. I loved the banter between these two.

Kim Law is a "go to" author for me and I always look forward to reading her new offerings. Hardheaded is a second chance love story for Jill Sadler and Cal Reynolds whose marriage lasted one day. Fast forward and the two find themselves competing on a reality TV show, Texas Dream Show. I liked the relationship Jill had with her foster sisters and Aunt Blu (the woman who took them all in) and their all woman construction firm. The supporting cast of the story, including a ghost, are entertaining. I enjoyed the slow melting of the tension between Jill and Cal but I had a hard time getting into this book. It took me awhile to warm up to these characters and get invested in their stories. That said, it's a Kim Law story which makes it worth it.

This is the first book in Kim's new series and although it's different than her most recent books, it's still a must read! Kim always does a fabulous job with her characters and story lines and the same holds true with this book. Being a foster mom, I love that she wrote about a foster family, family made from the heart!! There's love, humor, real life issues and second chances! Looking forward to the next book!! I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving my unbias review.

This is the first book in a new series by Kim Law. When reading the description, I enjoyed that the construction company was run by 3 foster sisters. Getting into the book was slow going and I wish there was something more in the beginning that grabbed my attention quicker. Overall, an enjoyable read if you stick it out.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

This book is about three foster sisters who own and run their own construction company. One of their biggest problems is they continue to be out bided on some jobs by Cal Reynolds. So Jill Sadler has an idea and that is entering a show that involves remolding a home. What she does not know is that the producers of the show want Cal to be the person that they go against. He agrees but when he discovers that she does not know he and the rest of the town are waiting for Jill to explode when she finds out at the local diner in front of the cameras. She at least waits until she is out of the diner and the glass door before kicking the two chairs in front. That is a nice way to introduce her into the story. She is much more complicated than that and it is reveled in the story along with the history between her and Cal and why she is so upset. The story has funny moments, and some heart felt ones also. Overall a very good book. I liked her sisters and the few workers of Cal’s team that were given to us the readers.

Couldn't quite follow this book real well, lost interest after a few chapters. Love Kim Law and will continue to read her books, just this one wasn't interesting to me.

**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book in the series about a trio of foster sisters and their lives.

This book focuses on Jill and her ex-husband of 24hrs Calhoun, who is also her rival in business. They both have construction firms and where he gets most of the renovation business, she seems to have been sidelined to creating sheds for women.

The book is fun, creates a lot of chemistry between the two characters and shows a great level 0f friendship between the foster sisters and their foster mother.

Their is lots of interaction between the sisters and so so get a feel of all of them, Jill the fiery tempered on, Heather the soft sweet one and Trenton the no nonsense one. All feel like a member of your family when you finish the book and you are really happy that Jill and Cal have managed to find their way together again.

Kim Law creates a great world in this first book in what I hope becomes a long series. This is a second chance romance and Cal and Jill prove that it really is a thin line between love and hate. There is so much chemistry and comedy going on in this book that the story moves quickly, even with several well developed secondary characters sharing screen time. I recommend to anyone who is a fan of Kim Law, loves a second chance romance, or is a sucker for a romantic comedy.

Hardheaded is the first book of Deep in the Heart series and focuses on women empowerment, sisterhood, love, and second chances. Blue Bonnet Construction is owned by three sisters and mainly consist of women employees. Struggling to compete with other construction businesses, they enter a TV reality show in hopes for more exposure and business.

This installment focuses on Jill, one of the three foster sisters who owns Blue Bonnet. Unfortunately, this show will ensure spending time with her ex-husband of twenty-four hours. Their relationship did not end well and they have not spoken in years. Yes, there are many things left unsaid but this show will give them a chance to hash things out…in a matter of speaking.

Just as any Kim Law novels, I was automatically drawn to the characters in this book. Specifically, Jill who’s had a rough young life and made a few mistakes, but obviously grown up and have learned to be a mature and a responsible woman. It was a treat to see her get her life back and ultimately getting a second chance that she desperately deserves.

Though it took some time for me to warm up to Cal, I did realize later that he deserves his second chance at a HEA too. Like Jill, he also had his issues that prevented him to fully commit. I did end up like him in the end. He had secrets that revealed his true feelings and I thought he was very sweet.

Ms. Law doesn’t just focus on the main characters. She takes the time to build the secondary characters which make the book even more appealing. Blu for one, an amazing lady who has done amazing things for her foster kids. And my favorite, the previous owner of one of the project house. She scared me a little in the beginning but by the end of the story, she had won my heart.

I love the HGTV theme in this novel and I love that it rooted from the author’s experience with her own home construction. I love that she mentioned it at the end of the book. I’m truly excited to get more of this series. Good job, Ms. Law!

Thank you Kim Law for letting me be on the Kim Law Review Crew. (I got the ARC via Netgalley.com) Kim Law is flying straight to the top of my go-to author list. I loved Hardheaded. I love the characters and can't wait to read their stories. I even loved the paranormal part in the book. Mrs. Wainwright was a great side story. Except her story started when I was reading in bed around midnight. But her story turned out wonderfully.

Jill and Cal had great chemistry and I love the enemies-to-lovers stories. Jill and Cal both had some big anger issues and, in the end, it all works out. I loved it.

A couple of things about Cal irritated me to a point, but I still loved him. He could, at times, be a jealous jerk. He was happy that Jill hadn't slept with anyone since him. But how many women had he slept with? Why the double standard, Cal?

Also this: He asked Jill "so, how long has it been since you've done this?" "Do you mean sex?" Jill asked. "Like ...with a man? Or...?" "Have you had sex with a woman?" Cal asked. The following is quoted from the book. 'The mixed expression of shock, horror, and hope staring back at her was hilarious.'
'Horror?' What exactly is the author going for? I know some people still have a problem with the idea of people who are gay, bisexual, or even just curious, and authors and publishers don't want to offend people, but come on. It's ok. I don't think there needs to be horror in his expression. Especially since Mrs. Wainwright was a white woman who fell in love with a black man. No one thought anything about that, so horror seems out of place.

One other thing was in the book that I didn't know how to take. Either laugh at it or roll my eyes. The story is about Cal's company and Jill's company competing in a house renovating tv reality show. In the book the judges are Bob and Debra Raines. Hmm, sounds like Chip and Joanna Gaines from the show Fixer Upper. Did the names have to sound the same? I don't think it was necessary.

Other than those couple of things I thought the book was so good and I can't wait for more in the Deep in the Heart series.

The first book in Kim Law's newest series is a hit in my opinion. I found it to be well written, and full of rich characters. You get to experience a very wide range of personalities. It's easy to imagine yourself as the characters. I can't wait to see what others think of this story and what comes next for Deep in Texas.


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

Competing against her ex on Texas Dream home is not ideal, but Jill Sadler is determined to keep things professional and not let her usual quick-firing temper gets the best of her. However, no matter how hard she tries to ignore the sparks that still fly between them, Jill finds herself giving in. But will their second chance at happy ever after work out, or will Jill be left heartbroken all over again?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Law, and it's a book that I absolutely loved because it combines two superb tropes in the enemy to lovers trope and second chance romance trope; encompasses fantastic main and secondary characters where the heroine shares such a tight bond with her foster sisters; and wonderful dialogue that had me loving the growing relationship between the hero and heroine, as they begin to find their way back to each other. Will the pair be able to forgive each other for the past? The way this story started had me loving what the heroine and her family are doing, as the photos they're having taken sound exciting and definitely something that could bring in more business for their construction company.

As for the dialogue, it was highly entertaining due to the hero and heroine's past; the tension between these two that made me think Jill was going to lose her infamous temper sooner rather than later; and the growing relationship between the hero and heroine that had me hoping Jill would be able to forgive Cal for what happened between them in the past. Moreover, the heroine was hard-working, driven, resilient and I liked how determined she was to win the contest. Would Jill's team show up Cal's? Yet, what I liked most of all is the tight bond the heroine shared with her family, which makes them the right people to give her advice. While the hero, he's a total family man and would do anything for those he loves, which is proven by the decision he made in the past that tore him and Jill apart; hard-working and driven with how well his company has done in the construction industry; and I liked how determined he was to earn the heroine's forgiveness, because they need to get over the past, if they're to have any chance at a future.

Overall, Ms. Law has delivered a really compelling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was fantastic and strong; the romance wonderful; and the ending left me completely satisfied, as Cal was going to have to go big or go home. Certainly, what he does to prove to the heroine that he wants a second chance at forever is huge and definitely was something that took me completely by surprise. Since Cal giving up control of something that was very important to him was something I never imagined he'd do. Will the heroine accept all that he's offering? I would recommend Hardheaded by Kim Law, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, second chance romances or books by authors Jamie Beck, Jill Sanders, Terri Osburn and Catherine Bybee.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Second chance romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is a sweet story about coming home, being happy, and letting things go.

I will admit that at first, this was hard for me to really get in to. However, I am glad that I stuck with it, because despite all of the blunders and hardheadedness in the story, it turned out to be a great story about forgiving, love, and moving forward.

We are given glimpses of what was before – the kind of relationship that Jill and Cal had when they were young, in love, and thought nothing could go wrong. The way that the story was written, I liked that we were given just snippets. I found myself looking forward to seeing what happened next.

Jill and Cal both have major issues that they need to work through.

I really hated Cal during parts of this story. He made me cry for Jill's sake. However, the secondary characters in this book, especially Jill's sisters, were hilarious and pushy and I really enjoyed how they shaped the story.

The competitive nature of all of the characters helped push the storyline along and in the end, I really liked how it turned out.

I hope the other sisters get their turn!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to future installments. There is something rather hopeful about second chance romances, and this is no exception, although I wasn't convinced it would work for quite a while – wow, stubbornness can slow things down!

I rather liked the TV show basis to the story, as it made us viewers as well. Getting some elements told whilst filming adding a degree of funny/angst to the tale. There are some really funny moments from the sisters. Although we get both sides of the story, I was very uncertain as to whether I could grow to like Cal, thankfully it all worked out in the end. Just took a while to convince me, I guess.

For a low anxiety, fun, and romantic second chance story, this makes for good reading – be patient in the beginning, and it will all work out in the end.

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 first 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. Although it took me time to become enmeshed in the story, once I did I was fully engaged.

Jill’s character is a bit of a mixed bag for me. There were many things I loved about, but a few that didn’t work for me. She carried bull-headed to a whole new level. However, her loyalty to her foster sister and foster mom in admirable.

I felt the same way about Cal, maybe even more so. He is just as bull-headed as Jill, but he allows fear of love to rule his decisions, which keeps him doing the same thing over and over again.

Let’s talk about the romance. While there is definitely plenty of chemistry between Jill and Cal, they don’t even kiss until well over the half-way point of the book. I began to think this one was not going to have any heated scenes. Alas, Ms. Law came through, just a little later than I’m used to with her books. I’m not saying the sexual tension is absent, it just could have been stronger. A few heated kisses sprinkled in would have helped a lot.


Nonetheless, I really love the premise for this series and look forward to reading her foster sisters’ stories. While this is not my favorite book by Ms. Law, it’s a good story and well worth reading. Happy reading!

“I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my unbiased review.”

I have been a fan of Kim Law's books from the first moment I read one! I love how she writes a compelling story that provides you with drama, angst, humor & kindness! I love the home renovation shows and loved the tie in made in this book. The characters of Cal and Jill are stubborn, angry people until they work through things. Add in a ghost, a construction company run exclusively by women and Aunt Blu who takes in orphan girls and makes them a part of a real family and you have a great book! I would definitely recommend this book as a great weekend read!

Loved this heartwarming love story with some funny moments with a ghost tossed in. Two exes who find their way back to each other. Years ago Jilly and her ex husband are rivals in a home show competition. As they compete old feelings resurface. Recommended read.

Hardheaded is a well written book whose plot revolves around a second chance at love. Loved the plot and the competition between the two main characters. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romance.

I really enjoyed Hardheaded by Kim Law, the first book in her series, Deep in the Heart series. Think HGTV meets Texas as Jill Sadler competes on the wildly popular show Texas Dream Home against another team led by Cal Reynolds, a man who married her and left her twenty-four hours later. This second chance love story is about two stubborn people, both having made mistakes in the past and hopefully learning from them.

I truly loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. Law wrote a wonderful story, with lots of humor, charm and smexy. 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.

I typically don't do "romances" but I made an exception for Hardheaded. This book was a blast to read! You have a woman who is her own boss and the boss of her own company. Her ex-husband is back, and he too is a boss of his own company. Both of them do construction and they are competing on a reality show Texas Dream Home. Both Jill and Cal really want to win the competition for their businesses. The problem is they keep head-butting each other. Their history really causes issues between them, but underneath the sparks are still alive and well. Will they one up the other until the winner is declared? Will there really be a winner if they don't get back together? Read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. The review is my own opinion.