Cottonbloom is a marvellous backdrop for this alluring romance.

Jackson is one of the three Abbott brothers who own and manage a motormechanic, and restoration garage. His first love is his classic Mustang!

Willa has been working in the garage for the past two years. She does her best to stay "invisible", but one of the best mechanics in town.

The brothers don't know much about Willa's past and have respected her privacy up to now. When Jackson starts to notice her, not as a coworker, but as a woman, he wants to know more about her. She has admired him from day one, but her secrets hang over her head with the threat that she might have to leave at short notice.

Once Jackson realises how much her leaving would affect him, he starts to cautiously delve into her past. Willa is torn as she doesn't really want to leave her modest life in Cottonbloom. He is set on gaining her trust and help her with whatever her issues are, if she would let him. After all the events leading her to Cottonbloom, she has difficulties in trusting anyone. Can Jackson gain the trust that he craves to keep her by his side?

Jackson and Willia are similar in many ways. Expressing their feelings doesn't come easy. I admire Jackson's gentleness and patience. Willa's strength materialises when she decides to face her past instead of staying on the run. The romance starts as a slow burn until it reaches a boiling point. It's a delightful read even though it's slow in places. It's a well carved storyline with well developed characters. A captivating novel well worth reading.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Love will always find a way!

Willa and Jackson were introduced in previous novels in the Cottonbloom series, Jackson being Wyatt's twin brother and Willa the auto garage's only non-Abbott family employee. It took Jackson a while to wake up to the fact that Willa was standing there right in front of him, but when he did she still wasn't quite ready for all the attention. I resonated with that about her character as I am also not grateful for too much attention. Anyways, so Willa and Jackson finally end up figuring things out and getting together. This was a sweet story and a light-hearted romance and was exactly what I needed right now. I like the series overall, and this was a great story with all our friends from previous books. There wasn't necessarily anything overly thrilling about the story line but work has been super stressful lately and it was so nice to escape into a sweet and easy love story, especially with it being right around Valentine's Day. This was a good read and I would recommend it!

Gifted read by Netgalley for an honest review.
I really like the Abbott brothers, well everyone but Ford. I have a feeling I'd like him, if I got to know him better. I liked the storyline and I like the quirky aunts. What I didn't like was Willa! She was an immature girl who choose poorly in her boyfriend, she was a spoilt brat! When her dad remarried (although when finally meeting stepmama she seemed like a witch) Will a is jealous she isn't the only women in her dad's life and acts out, making very poor decisions! Even though throughout the book Willa admits she was the problem and stepmama did nothing to her or alienate her. Willa just wanted to be daddy's only girl in his life, selfish much!? Willa runs from all her problems, she runs and five years later hasn't matured at all! Until the end of the book she is still an immature character!
The Abbott matriarch, runner as well!!
What is wrong with the women in this book? Instead of logical thinking, mature decisions and just acting like a freaking grown up, they run from their problems and their children!!! Wth!!! I'd never leave my kids, seek help yes but never would I abandon my babies!!!
2 stars for the Abbott brothers and Sutton, Wyatt 's girlfriend quirky, funny friendly

Iam a huge fan of Laura Trentham books and her Cottonbloom series has to be one of my favourate series that includes a small town romance, so when I heard that aa next book in that series was coming put I was sooo excited to dive back into this world and it was just fantastic . Jackson and Willa's romance was sexy , swoon worthy and will leave you feeling all warm and fussy just because of how cute these too are with each other . The romance wasn't all that made this book fantastic , there were so many other things in this book that had me feeling world wind of emotions and made is basically impossible to put down this book . When Stars come out is another fantastic book in the Cotton bloom series and I cannot wait to get my hands on Laura Trentham next book if you are looking for a sweet sexy swoon worthy small town romance then you should definitely pick up this book as soon as you possibly can .

When the Stars Come Out is a well written romance with a good plot and likable characters. I enjoyed the author’s writing and look forward to reading more books in this series.

"When the Stars Come Out"
By Laura Trentham
St. Martin's Paperbacks


Contemporary Women's Fiction -- Release Date: January 30, 2018


In the Cottonbloom series, book #5, Willa Brown is starting to believe she belongs after being in town for two years and working as a top-notch mechanic for the Abbott's. For the first time in many years, she can practically sigh with relief, and she finally may be able to put down roots after years of running. Not wanting to become too complacent, she worries if and when her past will catch up with her. She lives very frugally in a beat-up old trailer, wearing second-hand clothes and sometimes going without eating for she never knows if she'll have to run again and she needs funds if this happens.

Willa's main problem with the exception of her history is her infatuation with Jackson Abbot. During the time she's worked with him and his brothers, he doesn't notice her, and she realizes she can't fall for anyone with the mistakes she made still haunting her. Jackson, whose focus is solely on cars, still mourns the loss of his father, and now his older brother Ford wants to sell the garage. He doesn't have time to consider relationships.

When a stray dog adopts Willa, Jackson notices the soft side of her, and his eyes are opened to what a special young woman she is. So emotionally withdrawn, can he open up and trust her, knowing she is hiding things from him? The attraction between them both is intense, but the constant fear Willa clings to keeps her circumspect. Before they get too tangled up in each other, Willa realizes he deserves to learn all about her, even if it means he walks away from her. Will she face more disappointment?

I was so happy to be back in Cottonbloom! Laura Trentham’s writing is fantastic, her characters are vibrant and easy to love. The three Abbott brothers are all yummy hero material! In this book, we get to know Jackson, the quieter brother.

Willa Brown’s life has not been easy. She is on her own, living in a trailer park. In Cottonbloom, she has found a place to settle and a job. Willa is a mechanic and an invaluable asset to the Abbott’s business, she is darn good at her job. Her job is crucial to her, without the Abbott, she would be alone. The brothers help her recover a sense of safety, they are friendly, decent and kind.

From the start, Willa has had a crush on Jackson, but she can’t afford to want more than friendship with him. She avoids emotional entanglements and is used to moving on if she becomes attached.
But as she finds herself getting invested in the town of Cottombloom and as her feelings for Jackson continue to deepen, Willa finds the idea of growing roots doesn’t make her panic as it used to. It was wonderful to see her slowly relax into her relationship with Jackson.

These two are pretty cute together, the chemistry between them sparked and sizzled. Jackson melted my heart, he has issues with feeling abandoned, being a kid when their mother decided to leave. He is set on never opening himself up enough to allow anyone in. He’s got a lot of issues he needs to deal with, but he can’t afford to lose Willa. He is willing to do whatever it takes to earn her trust and help her, even though she sends him mixed signals. There is a definite connection that both Willa and Jackson are unable to ignore and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve.

"When The Stars Come Out" is a charming, sweet story of new love and of what it means to finally find one’s home and family. The cast of secondary characters add depth and warmth to the story, I enjoyed the cameo appearances of the Fournette brothers. I’ll be looking forward to returning to Cottonbloom and I can’t wait for Mack’s story! 4.5 stars

You are back in Cottonbloom and with the story of Jackson the twin to Wyatt from the last book and Willa Brown. Willa is the only female mechanic in the garage and was hired by the boys’ father years ago. She has mad skills but really that is all anyone really knows about her and that is the way she likes it. She is attracted to Jackson but she does not want to start anything for various reasons. These reasons are shown to you the reader throughout the story slowly, and as much as I thought I would not like it. I actually did. You find out the Willa is a very complexed women and so much, much more. You find out where and how she got her skills from and how she ended up there in Cottonbloom. You are taken into her being in a way that takes you back in her life to where her fear and yet protecting herself and more importantly her family made her end up where she is today, and now fighting the urge to run from Cottonbloom, and start a knew in a new place. As much as I want to give Jackson credit for helping her and he does. I really think it begins with a stray dog that shows up at her trailer and allows her to pet him. That simple act of touch begins to open her up to Jackson when he shows up at her trailer unannounced. By this stray dog allowing her to touch and feed it, allowed her to be open to the possibility to human touch and kindness when Jackson just at first wanted to talk. This was and is a different type of love story and it really fit the two characters. A very good book and had some of the characters from the other books in it as well. Very much worth the read.

This is the second Cottonbloom book I have tucked myself into, and I'm loving every morsel of it, and unlike the last book, it's not so much about falling for someone unobtainable or finding love after being cheated on, When the Stars Come out is about working with someone every day, and not realizing just how much they mean to you, till you know they are going to leave.

So we find ourselves back at the Abbot brothers garage, and the boys are still at each other's throats, with Ford's underhand dealings. But when Willa Brown asks Jackson if she is going to lose her job, it opens Jackson's eyes to just how much he has come to rely on Willa, and how little he knows about her.

Willa is escaping from her past, to keep her family alive, but that doesn't stop her from having feelings about Jackson, but when he starts probing into her life, she gets scared and plans to bolt, Jackson knows she is planning this, but Jackson needs to come to grips with his own past, before he can help Willa.

When The Stars Come Out is such a wonderful book, I love the whole premise of the book, which made the characters so much more enjoyable, and it was a great book to read, on a snowy night.

I give When The Stars Come Out 5 stars.

I got this book through NetGalley in exchange for a review which I am happy to provide. When I initially heard about the book I did not realize that it was part of a series, so of course I was worried if that would be a problem, but it turned out to be fine. However despite it being a nice, though predictable storyline, I never really felt connected to the characters. Perhaps because I had not read the previous books? Overall it was entertaining, but it never hooked me enough to want to read the other books in the series.

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham
Cottombloom #5

Jackson Abbot and Willa Brown, after two years working together, finally wise up and realize there might be more for them together in the future than working on cars.

Jackson and his three brothers are co-owners of the garage their father established four decades ago. The eldest, Ford, is putting pressure on all of them to get money for his share of the business. Wyatt, Jackson’s twin, met his love in the last book and Mack is to meet his in the next one. This one is all about Jackson and Willa, though, and it was a whole lot of fun to read!

The Abbot brothers are pretty sure Willa has secrets but she is a cracker jack mechanic they want to keep around. When Jackson realizes that Willa could move on at any time he also realizes he does not want her to do so. That means making some changes and making moves and he is quickly on task to keep her around.

This story deals with Willa’s past and her secret. It deals with why Ford needs money. It spends a bit of time at the track Jackson races on. It provides resolution for Willa. It sets up the next book in the series. And, it provides the HEA that Willa and Jackson so richly deserve.

This was an easy to read book without any major highs or lows and was somewhat predictable but perfect for that day you just want an easy relaxing romance to read that has a happy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is a Cottonbloom novel that I enjoyed reading. Jackson and Willa are the main characters with additional characters from the other stories in this series. I read this story as a stand-alone book and did not have any problems. These two both work at his father’s garage as mechanics, and until recently Jackson treated her as a co-worker. Willa is on the run from a bad ex-boyfriend and she moves frequently to prevent him from finding her. She is an excellent mechanic and may have found a good safe place to put down roots. Jackson is also an outstanding mechanic who is in love with his car that he has fully restored and babied. He finally opens his eyes and finds he is attracted to the mysterious female mechanic. He knows she is hiding her problems and secrets, but he feels protective of her. Will she be able to give her trust to Jackson and open herself up to his love? Will her past catch up with her? Read this story and find out if these two have their happy ending.

I received this advanced copy from Netgalley for my honest review.

This series is always well done. I love the Abbott family. This book concentrated on Willa and Jackson. This is a contemporary fiction story that is just fun to read. Willa and Jackson start to actually notice one another. They are not sure if they should cross the line between work friends and lovers. I look forward to reading about the next brother in line. I received an ebook copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I will start off saying I have not read any other books in this series. You don't need to, you can read this as a stand alone. I really enjoyed getting to know Willa and Jackson and the rest of the Abbotts. Willa had a lot to overcome, most of it as you get old realize it is very dumb stuff but for a teenager at the time was very hard for her. Jackson is the perfect match for her with his serious, quiet persona. Willa finally comes to trust people in this town and because of that and especially Jackson she faces her past for good. I can already tell who will the next book be about and I am interested to see how Laura decides to put the two of them together and I would like to see more of Abbott family.

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is book Five in the "Cottonbloom" series. This is the story of Willa Brown and Jackson Abbott. I have read the previous book in this series but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Willa didn't plan on staying long in Cottonbloom but she happened to find a job with Mr. Abbott at his garage. Mr. Abbott was a father figure of sorts and he kept her pay at the garage off the books allowing Willa to keep herself on the down-low. But now Mr. Abbot has died leaving the garage to his sons. Jackson being one of them and also has been someone that Willa was attracted too. But with his brother wanting to bring the garage on the up and up she knows that her time is coming to an end there. Jackson is attracted to Willa but he knows she is hiding things from her past. Jackson would like to help her if she would just open up to him.
This was a really sweet romance!

RATING: 4 STARS

As long as mysterious Willa Brown has been working at the Abbot’s garage, Jackson has not noticed her, other than being a stellar mechanic. Willa has definitely noticed Jackson. She has had a crush on him since she first started working with him. Even if she could be brave enough to let him know her feelings, he is her boss and Cottonbloom is only supposed to be a stop for her. Jackson has started to notice Willa, her beauty and sensuality. He kicks himself for not noticing earlier. He also wonders what her story is and will do anything to earn her trust.

Willa is scared that someone from her past will find her and it will put the Abbot brothers in danger. She wants to confide in Jackson but doesn’t want him to get hurt. Meanwhile, Jackson’s eldest brother, Ford has disappeared and the Abbot brothers are afraid he may sell his share of the business. As Willa and Jackson try to help one another they give into their passion, but will Willa’s secret keep them apart?

I binge read the first four Cottonbloom novels and really enjoyed my time in small quaint town. This unique town is technically in two states, and the rivalry between the two is entertaining. I love romance books set in small towns…I am a true sucker for them. With each novel, Trentham writing skills gets stronger. The writing is great with engaging plots. It is the characters, the hero and heroine and the big cast of secondary characters, that makes this series endearing to me.

When I first read this series I was getting over a break up and starting to date again. I would half long for, and half scoff at the heroes. The men I was dating were much like Andrew and Derrick, instead of the heroes. I started to wonder if these were indeed “fiction only”. Now having met my boyfriend, I know that there are great men out there. I don’t know if it is my boyfriend and my sappiness, but I was swooning over the romance a bit more than usual. I love the chemistry between Willa and Jackson. I also loved the story line with River, the runaway dog. I recommend this series to any romance reader, and suggest reading them in order. (Each book has spoilers for past books). I cannot wait till Mack’s book, and I have a feeling he will be falling a certain enemy!

I love this series!! I really enjoyed reading Willa and Jackson's story and I was so happy when Willa and Sutton became friends. I love this authors writing and I can't wait for the next book. I received this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary review.

I have fallen in love with Cottonbloom, Louisiana, where the women are sweet but strong, and the men are manly and make you swoon! Willa Brown and Jackson Abbott are no exception.

Willa has worked for the Abbott Brothers garage for the past three years. For whatever reason, Jackson has never paid much attention to her, other than noticing how great she is working on cars. In Jackson’s defense, there’s been a lot going on with the four Abbott brothers: first their father died, then they had to find their footing as owners of the garage, and now oldest brother Ford is threatening to sell his share of the garage. Also, Willa has a past that she’s running from, so she’s just trying to keep her head down and do her work. Sure, she spends a good deal of time thinking about Jackson, but she knows once anyone starts asking questions, it’ll be time to move on, which she’d really hate to do.

While I have previously really liked Laura Trenthams writing, she employed a writing tactic this time that I really don’t like – that of alluding to the deep dark secret of one the main characters, and then dragging out the reveal for the majority of the book. I know it’s supposed to build drama and keep me reading, but I get tired of the repetition of “he won’t want anything to do with me when he finds out the truth” and “if he knows what happened he could be in danger” etc, etc, etc. Most of the time it’s not that shocking, and not knowing doesn’t keep them “safe” from the truth. The previous book in this series, Leave the Light On, managed to be a thoroughly delightful read despite my aversion to the fake-relationship trope, so to have this one irritate me a little is a bit of a disappointment.

However, despite that, I still love Ms. Trentham’s writing – her words are poetic and paint a picture so clear I can see Cottonbloom in my head. I can feel the characters emotions and love them so much I wish I could be friends with them. They are good, salt-of-the-earth type people you want to hang around with because they’ll have your back no matter what. Her stories have enough drama to keep the plot moving, but it isn’t over-the-top angsty, which I really appreciate. These are feel good stories with lots of heart and hope. Who doesn’t want to read a book that will leave you with a smile on your face at the end?!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and am anxiously awaiting the stories of the final two Abbott brothers!

* thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

An enjoyable continuation in this series. I have really come to like the Abbott brothers and their kind, but sometimes wacky, ways.

This book focuses on Jackson and Willa. Willa has worked for the garage for 2 years but for some reason Jackson never really saw her until now and he is blown away by what he has missed over the last two years. Of course Willa has secrets and Jackson has to earn her trust for them to move forward.

I found myself laughing out loud in several sections, including a love scene and some of the dialogue. It just cracked me up and I appreciated the levity in the situation. I enjoyed the development of Jackson and Willa's relationship and they earn each other's trust.

There are some happy endings regarding Willa's secrets in regards to her past.

Enjoyable series and I can't wait for more.

While the cover grabbed my attention and I love the premise of a woman as an auto mechanic, the characters are not particularly interesting and I'm having trouble connecting with the hero and heroine. There's also a large cast of secondary characters introduced early in the story, which makes the story line confusing, as well. I'm not going to finish reading it. I guess this isn't the book for me. Thanks for the opportunity.