WHEN THE STARS COME OUT by Laura Trentham is our 5th visit to Cottonbloom, the small town uniquely split by a river and a state line. We also revisit the Abbott brothers who own and operate a garage in town that not only repairs vehicles, but also restores vintage cars. This time it is Jackson Abbott, the quiet brother, who is the star of our story.
Jackson has worked beside Willa Brown ever since his father hired her as a mechanic in the family business. While he always respected her abilities as a mechanic, he never really noticed her as a woman. She was somewhat of an enigma in her ever present overalls and baseball cap, and she was also very quiet, never talking about herself or her past. It slowly became obvious to everyone that she was hiding something. It was also becoming obvious to everyone around them that there was a growing attraction between Willa and Jackson. What will happen, however, when Jackson finds out what Willa is hiding?
Willa and Jackson’s romance has developed very slowly, but when it finally bursts, it is very hot and heavy with several explicit sex scenes. I’m going to have to go back to the previous books to be sure, but it seems like the sex in this fifth installment of the series was far more explicit than in the previous novels. Maybe it’s just my imagination?
Willa’s past is only one of the mysteries in this well-written novel. One of the Abbott brothers, Ford, has threatened to sell his share of the garage to an anonymous buyer and he has apparently disappeared. The story of the missing Ford brings some of the Ford brothers’ past into the story to give it depth. All of the mysteries are basically resolved by the end of the novel, but enough questions remain to feed into the next book of series.
WHEN THE STARS COME OUT is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and even though it helps to have read the other books in the series, I don’t think it is necessary. I think the author does a very good job of filling in the info that a first time reader would need to know to make the book a good standalone novel.
Bring on the next visit to Cottonbloom!

When the stars come out is a heart-warming and sweet read about two characters that I was interested in from the start. I really enjoyed this story from start to finish.

A sweet, comforting read. Like a bowl of soup on a cold night.

4 1/2 STARS!

Small-town life at it's best! If you haven't visited Cottonbloom yet, what are you waiting for? With each visit, the Abbott brothers draw me in deeper and deeper to their family life. I love these guys. They have a lot of history holding them back from realizing their true potential, but with each woman that comes into their lives, they find a little more happiness until bit by bit they are healing and becoming even better men than they already were. Such a great series! I'm really enjoying the characters, the storylines and the hope of happily ever after for them all!

Willa Brown never meant to call Cottonbloom home when she stopped in two years ago, but she found work as a mechanic with the Abbott brothers, and found a place she fit in better than she ever has in her life. With Jackson Abbott by her side under a  hood every day, she learns to take comfort in the day to day work and friendship that a close-knit atmosphere can bring. She doesn't want to leave the good thing she's found, but her past could spring up and bite her any day if she continues to hang around!

Jackson Abbott didn't even realize Willa was interested in him until one day he woke up and realized she was acting restless like she was getting ready to bail on them. He can't stand to lose her in the garage ... and in his life. He didn't realize how deep she'd gotten under his skin until he came to the realization that she might not always be there. Once he opens his eyes, the attraction flares out of control and they decide to act on it ... but in the midst of his family drama, her past rears it's ugly head and they find themselves having to deal with multiple factors that could keep them apart.

When the Stars Come out is a perfect addition to this series. I was enthralled in Willa and Jackson's story since the last story. It was beautifully played out and I highly recommend adding this list to your TBR. Digging deeper into the Abbot brother's lives was fascinating. It will be interesting to see how the next plays out.

After years of running, Willa Brown has finally allowed herself to become comfortable in Cottonbloom. Working at the Abbott Brothers’ garage was always rewarding, and most importantly, they hadn’t asked for her real name or Social Security number when she was hired. But now, she realizes Jackson Abbott is noticing her as a woman instead of as just another mechanic. Her instinct is to pack up and leave again, but she can’t seem to tear herself away from him and the sense of family she has found while working with the Abbotts.

Not having read any of the first four books in this series put me at a distinct disadvantage. I didn’t know who any of the players were, and I found it difficult to get into the story. Having a female auto mechanic as the protagonist caught my attention, but even that novelty faded as the story progressed.

4.5 stars. These Cottonbloom books just get better and better! Honestly, I can't wait for the next one about Mack... I must confess, I did fall in love with Jackson in this book, and the heroine Willa just broke my heart.

Willa had run away from home and a terrible situation, but when she landed in Cottonbloom, everything had smoothed out. She found a job working in the garage and found friends in the men who ran it. Two years had helped her heal but it hadn't taken away her fear that the past was going to eventually catch up with her. She was coming to care for her friends and didn't want them to get hurt because of her.

Jackson had lost his father a year before, and now he was getting ready to lose his twin brother. It was a good thing--Wyatt was getting involved with a woman and they were probably going to get married soon--but his brother Ford was acting dicey and they didn't know what he was going to do with his stake in the garage. They couldn't afford to buy it from him, and they were afraid he was going to sell it out from under them. He couldn't take losing the garage too.

When a series of events throws Willa and Jackson together, Jackson realizes that there's more to Willa than meets the eye. Under this coveralls is a beautiful woman. She works for him, though, so can he successfully navigate a relationship with her while also being her boss? Let's hope so because these two are meant to be together.

When the Stars Come Out is a great read that satisfies on all counts. Thanks

Willa and the town of Cottonbloom are a breath of fresh air. This is a fun romance with a hint of mystery that will keep readers engaged. I look forward for more!

Loved this book. The story line between Jackson and Willa was beautiful.

Sorry, I did not have time to review this one before it was archived.
I am taking a degree and it's hard to get as much time for reviewing as I had.

A very nice and easy read. Jackson Abbott is one of four brothers who own Abbott Brother’s Garage. Willa Brown on the run from her past, stopped in Cottonbloom, a town half in Mississippi and half in Louisiana. Reading the want adsand sees a job that fit her talents, automotive mechanic. Jackson has been working side by side with Willa for over two years and sees her as a great mechanic not a woman until the thought of her picking up and going on the run. Since I didn’t know this was book 5 of a series, you can read it as a stand-alone. But now I will go back and read the other books and wait list for the last book in the series.

I fell in love with this beautiful romance between two people who seem like the complete opposite!

Willa is a young woman who has had a troubled past and carries so much blame and pain in her heart. She carries the weight of the actions of others on her shoulders as her own blame and this has affected her life greatly. She has constantly been on the run but had finally settled (somewhat) in Cottonbloom. She has faced poverty, stereotypes and more in her young years and you just want her to have a little bit of happiness, even though she does not feel that she deserves it.

Jackson is that typical workaholic. He loves his family business and his cars. He is not very good at showing emotions or even realizing love when it comes knocking! When he realizes his feelings for Willa, he tries hard to show her but he can be awkward at times in his affection. I felt so bad for him at times!

These are two people who deserve love and happiness but both are so unaccustomed to it that they have a difficult time trusting and accepting this love and affection. They leave you shaking your head at times, laughing at others but at all times hoping for a bright future for them. When the Stars Come Out is a beautiful romance about hope, faith and forgiveness. I loved every moment.

When the Stars Come Out is the fifth book in the series but the second book that is centered around the Abbott Brothers so while it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading book #4 first.

I really enjoy the Abbott brothers and the dynamics within their family. This book is about Willa who is the only female mechanic in the garage and Jackson. Willa was introduced in book 4 but she mainly kept to herself and it seemed as if Jackson wasn't all that aware of her as a woman. In this book when Wyatt casually mentions that Willa may leave the garage Jackson realizes how much he has come to depend on Willa and that he doesn't want her to leave and it isn't just because she's a great mechanic.

Jackson wakes up to see Willa's situation and becomes very protective of her and wants to help her. Willa thinks Jackson "wants to fix her" and she has secrets that she isn't happy about being noticed. However, it doesn't take long before Willa starts to imagine staying in Cottonbloom and having a relationship with Jackson.

I loved the friendship between Jackson and Willa and the chemistry between them as well. I found the way Jackson started to realize how much Willa meant to him adorable. However, I did find Willa's reasons for hiding and keeping secrets about herself to be weak. I expected something bigger and couldn't really understand why she felt it was such a big deal to hide her identity. Jackson and Willa are great in this book and I loved the growth in their relationship but I also enjoyed the relationship between the brothers. The overall plot and dynamics between the Abbott brothers continues to build in this book as well and we get a few more looks at what life was like for them growing up.

The next book looks to be Mack and Ella's (Ella is introduced at the end of this book) and the two definitely have some chemistry/sparks between them. I look forward to continuing this series.

When the Stars Come Out is the fifth book in the series but the second book that is centered around the Abbott Brothers so while it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading book #4 first.

I really enjoy the Abbott brothers and the dynamics within their family. This book is about Willa who is the only female mechanic in the garage and Jackson. Willa was introduced in book 4 but she mainly kept to herself and it seemed as if Jackson wasn't all that aware of her as a woman. In this book when Wyatt casually mentions that Willa may leave the garage Jackson realizes how much he has come to depend on Willa and that he doesn't want her to leave and it isn't just because she's a great mechanic.

Jackson wakes up to see Willa's situation and becomes very protective of her and wants to help her. Willa thinks Jackson "wants to fix her" and she has secrets that she isn't happy about being noticed. However, it doesn't take long before Willa starts to imagine staying in Cottonbloom and having a relationship with Jackson.

I loved the friendship between Jackson and Willa and the chemistry between them as well. I found the way Jackson started to realize how much Willa meant to him adorable. However, I did find Willa's reasons for hiding and keeping secrets about herself to be weak. I expected something bigger and couldn't really understand why she felt it was such a big deal to hide her identity. Jackson and Willa are great in this book and I loved the growth in their relationship but I also enjoyed the relationship between the brothers. The overall plot and dynamics between the Abbott brothers continues to build in this book as well and we get a few more looks at what life was like for them growing up.

The next book looks to be Mack and Ella's (Ella is introduced at the end of this book) and the two definitely have some chemistry/sparks between them. I look forward to continuing this series.

I absolutely love and adore this series by Laura Trentham!!! I am so hooked on the town of Cottonbloom and totally in love with the characters.

I honestly can’t wait to see what comes next!! I am so excited.

This series is an absolute MUST READ!! You will become so so attached. And isn’t that the very best kind of book?

Lincoln and Willa are a great couple, both have hard past that caused them to build up walls and secure their hearts safely inside. They had both worked together for years before falling recognizing what their hearts desired. Unable to ignore the signs of trouble, Lincoln vows to figure out what he can do to help Willa while keeping her close. She did not break down her walls easily; she made decisions to allow people into her life until she knew her past needed dealt with. Lincolns’ brothers were a great support system for both Willa and Lincoln, in their quest to face painful parts of their past.

These two clearly had chemistry; it was not a quick, explosive chemistry but more of a slow burn. They learned to lean on each other slowly allowing them to build trust and breaking down walls. Each one is a super strong person, both emotionally and physically. I could relate with both main characters, they’re very down to earth; protective of loved ones, hard working and likable. The supporting cast added a bit of quirky relatives and beginnings of friendships. I enjoyed the story greatly, the plot was easy to follow, and kept building interest as it moved along. Overall, When the Stars Come Out was a great novel; it pulled at my heart and made me wish for happiness for Lincoln and Willa. I do hope we get to hear more about the Abbott family in upcoming novels, and revisit the town of Cottonbloom.

When the Stars Come Out is an awesome read. I have read all the books in this series. I really loved Jackson and Willa and their supporting characters.

Jackson and his 3 brothers own a garage that they inherited from their father. They all work together at the shop and they have one mechanic who is Willa. Willa has worked for them for about 2 years. She mostly works with Jackson but her person life is a mystery to Jackson and his brothers.

Willa from the time she started to work for Jackson and his brothers, she crushed on Jackson. Jackson was oblivious to her attraction and Willa in a romantic way. Jackson just saw Willa as an awesome mechanic. Jackson starts to notice Willa for more than her mechanic abilities when he thinks for some reason that she might quit the mechanic shop.

In this book Willa find her true self and over comes her past transgressions. Jackson is awesome during this time. Jackson is a fixer and Willa needs his help although she doesn't see it that way. This book is dual POV, with romance and suspense thrown in for good measure.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Laura Trentham takes readers back to her small southern town of Cottonbloom for more humor, emotion, and heartwarming romance in When the Stars Come Out. I've been reading this series from the beginning and with each book released, I become more invested in these characters who inhabit the two sides of Cottonbloom: the upscale Mississippi side of the river that bisects the town, and the working-class Louisiana side. In this fifth book of the series, Trentham continues to tug at readers' heartstrings with Jackson and Willa's emotional journey.

People joke that Jackson Abbott's most meaningful relationship has always been with his car and it's probably not far from the truth. He grew up working on cars in his late father's garage and racing them on dirt tracks has always been his escape when life gets rough. He's a good guy - kind and generous - but, except for his brothers and his late father, he's never allowed himself to get close to anyone, certainly not to a woman. A lot of that can be attributed to events early in his life.

Willa Brown is keeping secrets. Hired by their late father, she's worked as a mechanic at the Abbott Brothers Garage for the past couple years and is invaluable to the business. She's also had a crush on Jackson for that entire time but wouldn't dream of acting on it. She's been on the run for five years and has learned the hard way that she can only depend on herself. Jackson always knew how important Willa was to the business but it isn't until he fears she might leave that he realizes how important she is to him. Can he convince Willa to take a chance on him? The two of them are an unbeatable team under the hood of a car but will starting a relationship outside the garage deepen their bond or send a skittish Willa running for the hills?

I loved these two. They're so obviously perfect for one another but both have issues to confront and overcome before they can have their happy ending. Trentham guides them with a deft hand, allowing their journey to unfold slowly and realistically, infusing it with the awkwardness, humor, sweetness, fear, forgiveness, and romance it deserves.

The richness of the Cottonbloom communities and their citizens add to the appeal of this series and this story. The relationship between Sutton Mize and Jackson's twin, Wyatt (Leave the Night On) continues to evolve and we're given more insight into the other two Abbott brothers, Mack and Ford. Mack is the next Abbott brother destined for love in Set the Night on Fire, due for release July 31, 2018. Clayton Preston, a secondary character with a tumultuous past (Light Up the Night) makes a pivotal appearance in When the Stars Come Out, giving me hope that Trentham may have more in store for this ex-con brother of Cottonbloom, Mississippi's Chief of Police.

If you enjoy small-town romance rich with humor, deep emotion, and plenty of heart, I highly recommend Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom books. While all the books stand on their own, for a deeper understanding of the Abbott brothers I would recommend reading Leave the Night On first, followed by When the Stars Come Out.

Jackson and Willa were so fun to read. Willa was not the typical heroine, and Jackson was a good match for her in every way. The conclusion of her dramatic past was unexpected, but not in a bad way. Jackson and the relationship he has with his brothers and family was deep and realistic.

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

I am in love with this series and I loved this book.

Willa and Jackson were great together because she didn't make things easy for him. Without even realizing it she made him see things he never noticed...like her! Willa spent so much time in the shop but for some reason one day Jackson realizes just what he may lose if she walks away.

Now to be very honest there were times I wanted to ask Willa what was she thinking. She made very drastic decisions that only a girl in her youth would make and suffered for a long time for a stupid reason. But hey without those decisions she never would have met Jackson so I guess I am happy she was such a crazy girl.

Overall a great book, I simply cannot wait for the next story!