SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE - Laura Trentham

#6 in the Cottonbloom romance series

CONFLICT AND LOVE - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Ella Boudreaux has a lot to prove to her family, friends, and foes—and to herself. When her marriage ends, she decides to invest her energy and money into a place that brings back some of Ella’s happiest memories: the Abbott brothers’ garage. Maybe, if she puts her mind to it, she can also teach skeptical, stubborn Mack Abbott how to make the business a true success. Which would be a lot easier if the hunky mechanic didn’t make her motor run quite so fast…and hot.

Writing - 4 stars - As with all of Trentham's stories, she is very good at creating a strong setting that allows her characters to shine and grow. The divided Cottonbloom town situation isn't as important in this book, but it's mentioned and part of the background. Trentham's characters are warm and kind and definitely people that I'd love to hang around with.

Characters - 4.5 stars - I particularly liked the characters in this book. We've met Mack Abbott in both of the previous books, and he has been a strong yet background character. Now we get to know him better, and I liked him even more. He is a loyal and principled man, taking over the business and overseeing his younger brothers after the death of their father. He's a hard-ass, but he also lives by a strong and honest code, doing what he thinks is best for the family. When Ella buys Ford's portion of the garage, he's livid and doesn't make it easy for Ella to make a place for herself. But she sneaks under his defenses (as he does hers), and they begin to create a relationship between the two of them. Ella's a good character in that she's independent (almost frustratingly so) and tough, but she's vulnerable when it comes to dominating men, always doubting her ability to work and play closely with men who want to control her. Mack, being the strong, silent type, is a particular hot button for her, but she somehow can't resist him.

Title - 4 stars - The relationship between Ella and Mack seemingly starts out slow, but really they're beginning foreplay right from the time they meet. It's hot, and the title reflects that.

Cover - 4 stars - As with all of the other books in this series, there are two separate covers. The one with the couple embracing is typical of the genre, but the colors are bright and eye-catching. In the other cover, the outdoor scene is country and beautiful and warm, just like Cottonbloom.

Overall - 4 stars - This was possibly my favorite of all the Cottonbloom books, and I'm so happy that all of the loose ends have been tied up nicely and satisfactorily. Mack and Ella make a great couple, both unsure of their emotions, but also willing to take a chance on the other. They're a great team, both in the office and at home. I loved their support of each other, even when they haven't been closely involved in their personal situations. It was great to revisit with the brothers as well as a few other townsfolk that we've met before. And the second epilogue of Wyatt and Sutton's wedding added the perfect finishing touch. This series has been full of warmth and fun, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

This is the sixth (and final?) story in the Cottonbloom series, titled after a small town that sits along mirroring sides of state lines. But the reflections are anything but the same. In fact, the socioeconomics, businesses, residents, and everything in between is completely different about the two sides of the town. There wasn’t a lot of focus on this in the book, though, just a few comments here and there that didn’t bring down the story.

This story is for Mack Abbott, second son, and 1/4 partner in the Abbott garage and restoration business. Mack, like his two younger twin brothers, is a hard-working hunk that works with his hands in the garage. Since his brother Ford sold out his share of the business, Mack is both angry and spinning that the family business is no longer firmly in Abbott hands. That’s his singular goal.

Ella Boudreaux has amassed a fair amount of properties with her share of interests following her divorce from an abusive narcissist. She is the socialite from the other side of the river. Everyone in Cottonbloom believes she took her husband for all he was worth and is simply living off those funds. While it’s a harsh view to live with, Ella lets the town believe what they will. Little do they know that all of her husband’s success was due to her. And now his world is crumbling down around him.

Ella’s most recent venture was purchasing Ford’s share of the Abbott garage. She has a great background to help bring the garage into a more streamlined way of business, as well as market to more customers. Except Mack Abbott doesn’t want her there.

While Ella’s ex – and his current wife – show up in Cottonbloom, leaving Ella to carefully navigate those situations, Mack is also still struggling with his mother’s abandonment and Ford’s betrayal. Both of them slowly work through those emotional bags, and many things are revealed about each of their pasts.

The banter between the budding couple as well as the brothers was heartwarming and authentic. It flowed seamlessly like real life. I think that endeared me even more to Mack and Ella’s story. It was a slow, sweet, and sexy build! I think what I liked the most was the actual friendship that Mack and Ella develop and how honest they can be with one another. Now I want to go back and read the entire series!

Cottonbloom is back with the Abbott boys and the garage they love but it’s not totally owned by the Abbotts anymore, Ms Ella Boudreaux bought Ford’s share. Mack isn’t happy about this at all and he intends to make Ella miserable enough to sell it to them but Ella is not going to be bullied anymore not after her awful marriage ended. Ella is smart, generous and kind and he ex Trevor made her feel worthless but Ella is in fact a smart and savoy business woman and even though Mack doesn’t want to like her he can’t help but admire her. As Ella begins to take on more at the garage she and Mack find they are a lot alike and lend their strengths to each other which they are going to need to battle the problems they are facing. This series is so addicting and every book can be read as a standalone your going to want to see what happens in Cottonbloom next.

This is the sixth book in the Cottonbloom Series. Ella has a lot to prove, so when her marriage blows up, she invests in the Abbott Brother's Garage. Can she make Mack see that she's there to help make the business a success, or will their sparks pull the whole thing apart?

Mack and his brothers own a garage and he does not like the fact that his elder brother has sold his part it to an outsider Ella. Ella is out of a bad marriage and wants to find a place of belonging and thinks the garage will give her a purpose. The sparks fly; banter and passion was great; the humour was good.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Cute book about opposites attract while they figure out who they really are. It’s a quick romance read or a fun beach read.

I've read Laura Trentham before, although I am not sure if I followed her Cottonbloom Series, but now I definitely have to go visit my library for more books.

"Set The Night On Fire" sure set the pages on fire. It was an entertaining and fulfilling read of two great characters, Ella Bourdreaux and Mark Abbot. You will not be disappointed!

I can't believe I didn't review this already. Obviously I read it ages ago as I absolutely love the cottonbloom series. This is no exception. I need more lol

Cottonbloom is an ideal and inviting location. The locals are warmhearted and feel genuine in their kindness, empathy and generosity.

Mack, the oldest of the Abbott brothers lives for his familiy and keeping the legacy of their garage.

Ella has invested in the business, and now look for an active role which is not well received by Mack.

The push and pull interactions between them are fascinating. Mack is set on keeping Ella at a distance. Out the door if he can. His brothers agree with his main objective which is keeping the garage in the family, but not his attitude towards Ella.

Mack's childhood background has turned him against permanent relationships. Ella's relationship has put her off men. When the two meet, there is animosity from Mack, but the attraction between them cannot be denied.

I enjoyed the way their relationship develops. They find it hard to trust, but as they get to know each other, their apprehensions slowly evaporate. The bond between the brothers is admirable, and I must admit that this is my favourite book from this series. The characters are retalable and the story itself is captivating.

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

Set the Night on Fire will bring two people unexpectedly together.
Ella has been through enough in her life that she now ready to put all of her effort into something more like her new company. However, it is going to be bumpy road for her since the other owner is not willing to work with her. She does not care, she is even more determine to make through. And I condemn her for that. She has determination and I love it. And Mack loves it too when he stopping fighting her.
Mack has work his whole life in his family business. That he does not believe his brother sold of it to someone. It was very shocking news for him but he is willing to fight for his family company with the beautiful yet sassy Ella. She is definitely different than he expected but it makes her more appealing than ever.
Ella and Mack have intense chemistry with each other that I secretly think that why they fight for each other. They cannot stop their attraction and it's their way in expressing it until they give in. And it's explosive.
3 1/2 Star

Ella Boudreaux is going to use her money to not only get over her failed marriage but to put something back into her town. Fun characters and story can't wait to read more from this author.

This book was entertaining all the way through. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and I've enjoyed them all. It would have been a five-star had it not had a slow beginning. The language wasn't too bad in this and the characters weren't overdramatic. That to me makes this a must-read.

Truly enjoyed this book. entertaining plot, characters I actually liked, and a satisfying ending. looking forward to reading any future books in this series.

This was a very well written story that I really enjoyed reading. Set the Night on Fire was a sweet read in this series with some really great characters within the story. I liked this story from start to finish

This is the 6th book in the series but can be read as a standalone.

This is the first book I have read by this author & it was an easy read ideal for reading when relaxing by the pool.

Will hopefully go back & start the series from the beginning

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Unfortunately, this was one I chose not to finish. My apologies for the late notice. As I don't want my low rating to appear on the site and potentially impact the choices of other readers, I wait until after a title has been published/no longer able to be downloaded.

Inadvertently, I waited much longer than intended to give feedback for this title.

I look forward to the next title through your company!

Thanks,
Laura

Ella had something to prove and she would do it no matter what Mack Abbott thought. Becoming part owner in the his families restoration garage would definitely prove she had changed. No longer willing to sit by on the sidelines she jumps in and meets every single one of Mack’s challenges. He is desperate to get control of the garage back in his families hands. Little did he realize Ella would tempt him to slowly loosen the tight grasp he had to ensure his garage’s success and finally begin to breathe the first time in years.

I just loved this book so much! Strong heroine starting over, some sexy brothers who are also nice guys, hot and steamy sex! Book 6 of this series and it just keeps getting better and better! Well-written story filled with drama, emotion, humor and wonderful romance. It's a surefire winner! I highly recommend it and this author.

I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It started a little slow for me and Mack's behavior was giving me a whiff of something better left behind in the '50s, but I am glad I stuck around and finished it. The family situation brought depth to what could have been a bland romance. I am definitely going to look for more about this author. Definitely, recommend.

Ella Boudreaux had married young and divorced young, too. She had moved from Jackson, Mississippi to Cottonbloom to start a new life. She was wealthy but reserved. Her worthless husband had been verbally and physically abusive and she never wanted to give another man that kind of power again so she was determined to stay single for now. She was a smart investor and had bought 25% of Abbott Garage. Mack Abbott was furious when his older brother, Ford, had sold her his share in the garage. The garage was supposed to stay in their family and not be owned by an outsider. Ella was determined to help the garage be successful and then sell her share and then move on to other investments. With Mack's response, she dug in her heels and was determined to make his see her as an asset to the business.

Mack was determined to get rid of Ella. She was a beautiful woman and he wasn't interested, not really. His younger twin brothers had both found love but he wasn't going down that path. He was fine being alone. It was a good place for him. At least it was until Ella stepped into his garage. As he began to see her as more than a pain in his butt, he realized he might want more with Ella. His mother had left them when he was young and he saw how it had destroyed his dad and he didn't want that kind of heartache in his life. Was it worth the risk to his heart and sanity? Would he ever be able to find happiness?

I enjoyed the story but the descriptive sex scenes are something I don't appreciate in my stories. I love sweet romance and love. I don't need the details to make sure it was something good. I prefer a behind closed doors approach. I was given an arc copy of this book by NetGalley and I offer my honest review willingly.