It’s not often that a book I’ve finished reading wakes me in the middle of the night, and its even more rare that one shoves me out of bed in order to capture my thoughts. Never, in the hundreds of books I’ve reviewed, have I ever had a Camden Grace whisper to me, “You have to make readers understand that Jenna has been knocked down dozens of times but she still gets back up – Every. Single. Time,” or a Jenna Olsen insist, “They need to know how indomitable, courageous and strong Cam is, and how he was willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING when he stood up for me to pretty much the entire world!” These two characters have burrowed deep down inside me, sharing their tragedies and heartbreak but leaving me with their bravery, tenacity and grace. I'm not sure I've ever seen two characters walk through the refining fire and emerge with the beauty, caliber and magnificence of Cam and Jenna.
Padgett is one of the authors who won me over to rock star romance, and I realize these books may not be for every reader, but I can’t wait to get them in my hot little hands as soon as possible. This book packs an emotional punch with raw authenticity and jaggedly broken characters, with all of their demons, trials and struggles conspicuously on display. Jenna and Cam are incredibly realistic and will resonate deeply with any reader who has ever gone through a dark period in her own life. The other side of the coin, however, is the resilient thread of hope woven among the human imperfections and regretful mistakes, and watching these characters overcome and fight for themselves as well as their happily ever after is truly inspiring.
We first met Jenna Olsen in Kai and Evie's story, “From the First,” so I was definitely eager to read this book. Jenna has had more than her share of trouble, being tried in the court of public opinion by people who believed nothing more than rumors. Understandably, it has left her heart battered and her psyche bruised, and she wants only to hide away in her grandfather's shop and spend her solitude crafting one-of-a-kind guitars. When army veteran and country music sensation, Camden Grace, commissions her to make a guitar there are definite sparks between the two of them. But Cam has his own platoon of ghosts that still haunt him.
It’s an inevitability that bringing together two damaged people will result in all kinds of fireworks. Cam and Jenna both have a ton of stuff from their pasts that they're still working through. Add to that having to figure out how to deal with their attraction and feelings for each other, as well as some really crazy external conflicts, and this book had my eyes and heart riveted to the page. They deal with some pretty harsh realities, and I recommend picking this one up when you’re in a good frame of mind so you'll more fully appreciate the positive, triumphant, uplifting aspects that ultimately result from Cam and Jenna's trials and challenges.
These two may well be my favorite characters from this author, and they’ve definitely secured a place in my heart in what is easily one of the very best books I’ve read this year. Just as there is no light without the dark, Cam and Jenna are all the more powerful, compelling and inspiring for all they’ve endured, survived and conquered. If you’re looking for a book that grabs you by the heart, takes you on a poignantly tender, deeply emotional, unabashedly authentic ride and leaves you with the best kind of book hangover, you absolutely must read Jenna and Cam's story!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Buying Options
Digital List Price: | $3.99 |
Print List Price: | $13.99 |
Kindle Price: |
$0.00
Save $13.99 (100%) |
You've subscribed to An Austin After Dark Book!
We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
There was an error.
We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

Add to book club
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.

![Deep in the Heart (An Austin After Dark Book Book 1) by [Alexa Padgett]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41R9NLHSeJL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
Deep in the Heart (An Austin After Dark Book Book 1) Kindle Edition
by
Alexa Padgett
(Author)
Format: Kindle Edition
Alexa Padgett
(Author)
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
Are you an author?
Learn about Author Central
|
-
LanguageEnglish
-
Publication dateJanuary 8, 2019
-
File size3081 KB
Fearless and inspiring
Discover Black voices on Audible. Learn more
Books In This Series (3 Books)
Complete Series
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Download to your computer
|
Kindle Cloud Reader
|
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Where It all Began Volume 2Kindle Edition
- Resisting Nick: Friends to lovers hot reunion romance (The South & Sexy Series Book 3)Kindle Edition
- Highlander's Fate: A Medieval Scottish Historical Highland Romance BookKindle Edition
- Defiant: an enemies-to-lovers standalone (Wicked Hearts)Kindle Edition
- Broken Rose of Texas (An Austin After Dark Book Book 2)Kindle Edition
- The Brick Wall: Redtails Hockey RomanceKindle Edition
More items to explore
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- The Sinner: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Grace Prep Book 1)Kindle Edition
- Sweet Mercy (Dirty Empire Book 1)Kindle Edition
- The Marriage with the Cowboy: A Standalone Sweet Romance (A Fake Marriage Series Book 1)Kindle Edition
- THAT MAN: The Trilogy (Books 1-3) (THAT MAN COLLECTION Book 1)Kindle Edition
- Broken - The Complete SeriesKindle Edition
- Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1)Kindle Edition
Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
Editorial Reviews
Review
"For fans of complicated characters, this one's a shoo-in." ~ BookLife
"Absolutely heartfelt! You'll fall for the characters every bit as much as they fall for each other." ~ USA Today bestselling author Ashelyn Drake
"Alexa Padgett's novel tugs at the heart strings as Cam and Jenna learn to make sweet music together." ~ USA Today Bestselling author Fiona Quinn
"Deep in the Heart is a touching tale of loss, love, and hope for a future filled with promise. Jenna and Cam's heart wrenching story is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will have you gasping at twists and turns you'll never see coming. A must-read!" ~ USA Today Bestseller Kristen Luciani
"This book packs an emotional punch with raw authenticity and jaggedly broken characters, with all of their demons, trials and struggles conspicuously on display." ~ Book Addict via Goodreads
"Absolutely heartfelt! You'll fall for the characters every bit as much as they fall for each other." ~ USA Today bestselling author Ashelyn Drake
"Alexa Padgett's novel tugs at the heart strings as Cam and Jenna learn to make sweet music together." ~ USA Today Bestselling author Fiona Quinn
"Deep in the Heart is a touching tale of loss, love, and hope for a future filled with promise. Jenna and Cam's heart wrenching story is an emotional rollercoaster ride that will have you gasping at twists and turns you'll never see coming. A must-read!" ~ USA Today Bestseller Kristen Luciani
"This book packs an emotional punch with raw authenticity and jaggedly broken characters, with all of their demons, trials and struggles conspicuously on display." ~ Book Addict via Goodreads
Product details
- ASIN : B07JQ653QC
- Publisher : Sidecar Press, LLC (January 8, 2019)
- Publication date : January 8, 2019
- Language : English
- File size : 3081 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 318 pages
- Lending : Enabled
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#741 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #14 in Romance Literary Fiction
- #16 in Women's New Adult & College Fiction
- #20 in Military Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
212 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2019
Report abuse
Verified Purchase
10 people found this helpful
Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
Alexa Padgett continues her Seattle Sound characters with a new series (Austin After Dark) and a new novel: Deep in the Heart. It is the story of two wounded characters, Jenna Olsen, an abuse survivor which ultimately caused her trauma to exacerbate into mental health and anxiety issues. So often we hear about one or the other, but rarely understand traumatic actions may be a cause. For Jenna, who was young and influenced by teen pressure, this was something very real that she didn't know how to escape. Her Grandfather, a solid influence for her, saw this and offered a refuge: making high quality hand made guitars in Austin. Well renowned for his quality work, Jenna makes a name for herself within the country and Indy music genre.
Cameron Grace, an up and coming country music star and former war hero fighting his own demons has purchased such guitars from Jenna's grandfather. When he wrecks his latest model, he comes to Jenna's place to design a new one. A little push from Pop-Pop, a little desire between the two characters and they see each other for what they are: hurting souls trying to find their place again. Their romance is sweet and moves along.
In the midst of this, Jenna's former abuser appears again and seems fixated on her. His actions intimidate her and enable Cameron to protect her. Sometimes the story progresses easily, other times pulls back with additional characters and drama. This, however, often happens in an initial book in a series, as various scenarios are introduced. In typical Alexa fashion, she continues to involve the Seattle Sound characters to keep her "loyal following" charmed.
This book is worth my 5 stars. Sweet story, complex key characters that face real life issues.
Cameron Grace, an up and coming country music star and former war hero fighting his own demons has purchased such guitars from Jenna's grandfather. When he wrecks his latest model, he comes to Jenna's place to design a new one. A little push from Pop-Pop, a little desire between the two characters and they see each other for what they are: hurting souls trying to find their place again. Their romance is sweet and moves along.
In the midst of this, Jenna's former abuser appears again and seems fixated on her. His actions intimidate her and enable Cameron to protect her. Sometimes the story progresses easily, other times pulls back with additional characters and drama. This, however, often happens in an initial book in a series, as various scenarios are introduced. In typical Alexa fashion, she continues to involve the Seattle Sound characters to keep her "loyal following" charmed.
This book is worth my 5 stars. Sweet story, complex key characters that face real life issues.
8 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2019
Verified Purchase
What beautiful story of love and healing. Cam is a famous musician with scars on his body and his heart. Jenna is amazing guitar maker with her own demons to deal with. They meet when Cam becomes her client. Right away they can't deny the attraction and the need they have for each other. But their pasts and the pain in their own hearts stop them from being happy. They have to work together to heal and that may not be something they can do. This was such a heart gripping story. I felt their pain come off the pages. I was totally invested in their personal stories and the one they were creating together. I loved these characters. Jenna made me frustrated at some moments but I understood her decision making. She didn't deserve the emotional pain she was in. And the fact that she crafted beautiful instruments was totally cool. Cam was a sweetheart who at times I wanted to smack for saying the wrong things. But he gripped my heart too with his back story. And don't go thinking you have this story figured out because I guarantee you don't. Read this book with a friend so when that moment comes that you need to talk to someone about what happens you have someone. My poor dogs are clueless. This is a must read in my opinion. And I am excited this is a series. Can't wait to dive into the next one.
5 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
I’m an avid reader but I have a sweet spot for books based in Texas. When this one landed on my kindle I couldn’t help but read it. Guitar maker, country singer and the amazing city of Austin had me all intrigued. I loved the fun lines like holy s*** on sugar toast and golly gee wonky wump. The characters are so broken but you can’t help but want to hug them, fix them and root for them to overcome it all! Jennas love her PopPop and guitar making is so heartwarming. And how can you not love a country singing good old boy that served our country and did multiple tours before being hurt and is always trying to help the damsel in distress. Don’t think this is a sugary sweet romance. It is not. There are trigger (cheating, violence, stalking and death) but it’s a beautiful story! I would love to hear this in audio with some deep southern drawls!!! (*swoons). And the concert scene! That right there is love story goals!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries

RedReader
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not my cup of tea
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2019Verified Purchase
This book wasn’t for me.
Too slow
Boring characters who had potential due to quite interesting backgrounds, but never met them
Due to dialect, felt that characters were in their 60’s instead of 20’s
Too slow
Boring characters who had potential due to quite interesting backgrounds, but never met them
Due to dialect, felt that characters were in their 60’s instead of 20’s

CM
4.0 out of 5 stars
Deep In The Heart
Reviewed in Australia on May 30, 2019Verified Purchase
This is the second time I've read this story, the first time was an ARC, but this copy I bought and I enjoyed the story just as much this time around. I hope we get a catch up with Can and Jenna when Carters story is told because I really like these two characters.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Broken Rose of Texas (An Austin After Dark Book Book 2)Kindle Edition
- Austin by Morning (An Austin After Dark Book Book 3)Kindle Edition
- Get Your Satisfaction: A Short Guide to a Happier, more Satisfied LifeAlex PeykoffKindle Edition
- It's All The Same To Me: A Torah Guide To Inner Peace and Love of LifeKindle Edition
- Knocked Out By Love (Love to the Extreme Book 5)Kindle Edition
- ScrewedKindle Edition
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
There's a problem loading this menu right now.
Get free delivery with Amazon Prime
Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books.