I think that this is my favorite book of this series so far. Mack is definitely my favorite Abbott brother. I have a thing for stubborn guys who take on the role of the protector and provider when the parents are absent or just don’t care. There is something about watching that man fall in love and learn to put his happiness first once in a while that just does it for me.

Ella was the perfect, imperfect match for Mack and that made for some really great sexual tension and wild chemistry. I love that the attraction between them was clear from the beginning, but that they both struggled to reconcile that attraction with the bumping of heads when it came to the garage.

Ella just wants to have a piece of something that reminds her of her brother and to prove to people that she can be successful after, and despite of, her divorce. Mack just wants to keep the garage owned by Abbotts because he’s trying to do what he thinks is best for family. Like he always does.

I also have a thing for slow-burning romances. You know, the ones where you can see what’s coming from a mile away but the author just keeps torturing you. You’re just waiting with bated breath for the tension to finally snap and for them to give into their feelings. Meanwhile the author is developing the characters and furthering the storyline in a way that is absolutely necessary for that tension to break and you just can’t stop reading!

Laura Trentham has mastered the art of character and world building. Sure I’m focused on the romance, but I’m also invested in the family dynamics, revisiting previous characters/couples and just falling in love with the town of Cottonbloom. This is a well-rounded, thoughtful series that just keeps getting better with every book. I never would’ve thought I’d actually be looking forward to Ford Abbott’s story but I’m seeking a good redemption story. He is next, right?

SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE is a fun and heartfelt story of love, of family, of determination, and one of redemption. Laura Trentham does not disappoint in bringing Mack and Ella’s story to life.

Ever since LEAVE THE NIGHT ON, I have been hopelessly in love with Mack, the gruff but loveable second oldest Abbott brother. His strength and his stubbornness are endearing and irritating! And of course, when Ms. Trentham announced that I was not going to be his love interest, I was heartbroken. But I’m so glad she gave Mack Ella. These two—though seemingly complete opposites—are more alike than I realized. They paired beautifully and their journey towards a happily ever after is anything but dull.

Mack and Ella needed a lot of help getting together and had plenty of it with nosy townsfolk, overbearing aunts, loud-mouthed brothers and a big lovable mutt (an actual dog, not Ford, hehe). And can we talk about the heat these two generated? The sexual tension between Mack and Ella was scorching! I blushed several times while reading and I swooned just as many! Mack is so freakin’ dreamy!

I love that the story wasn’t just a romance. Many of the characters were dealing with something personal that made it difficult for them to understand they were deserving of happiness. This gave the story depth and heart. And I may have teared up a little. Okay A LOT!

SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE is everything you want in a contemporary romance. Including a little bit of drama, a bunch of laughs, sexy chemistry, a lot of love… and some gratuitous arm porn. Apparently it's a thing 😉

You’ll want to grab Mack. Uh, I mean grab a COPY of Mack’s book 😊

I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Mack is a fantastic hero. I adored him. The heroine, perhaps because of her divorce and need to be independent, was a bit prickly for me. I didn't warm to her as much. Overall, an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I love Mack. He’s taken on a lot, plus the stress that comes with being the de facto head of the Abbott family, after the passing of their father. He’s working hard to keep things moving as they have been … but things are changing and it is all brought to a head with the sale of a part of the business to Ella. He’s happy with his younger brothers finding good women to settle down with but the garage belongs to the Abbotts and that’s one change he’s not going to just accept.

Ella has her reasons for buying Ford out and I admire her gumption in not letting Mack intimidate her. Her fake it until you make it attitude makes her one of my favorite heroines. She’s not going down without a fight and she definitely keeps Mack on his toes, which he so very much needs.

Both Mack & Ella come into the situation with baggage but I love the fact that once they get over the animosity of how their partnership began there really isn’t too much drama. There’s a little difficulty in figuring out how to move from enemies to lovers but there isn’t so much back & forth that it gets annoying. Instead they handle it with the maturity that reasonable people should 🙂

(Returning readers will enjoy the resolution of a few issues in the latest Cottonbloom book, but Trentham does a great job of giving new readers a complete & enjoyable story.)

Ella just came out of a bad relationship and decided on a whim to buy a share of a the Abbotts brother's garage. Shes on a mission to help improve the business. The last thing that she needs is for Mack to give her a hard time about it being one of the Abbotts that own the garage. His father wanted the business to stay in the family and is not happen that the lovely Ella managed to squeeze her way in.

I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know Ellas character seeing where she came from and seeing her better herself. I loved that the was also selfless at times. She didn't have to help others at times and even when it seemed strange others she did want wanted. I loved seeing that relationship between Mack and Ella and for those of you who love a bit of steam there is plenty of those moments. I loved that there was enough drama to keep things interesting. Overall this was a pretty good book I really enjoyed it.

Mack and Ella were great characters in this book. I loved that they learned so much about themselves and each other. Ella’s strength to overcome her divorce and decide to make herself happy was an inspiring piece of the book. Go back to what makes you happy, you may find your future there.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I enjoy reading small-town romances and the Cottonbloom series is just what that is. I've enjoyed reading the Abbot brother's stories and this time it's Mack's turn. When Ella buys a share of the Abbot brothers garage Mack is anything but a happy camper. Ella doesn't exactly like or trust Mack either but who can blame her. Coming out of a non-trustworthy marriage and abusive husband who can blame her for not trusting men or wanting to be involved with them. Mack has a lot of baggage he needs to sort through as well. What starts out for them as physical attraction on both their parts becomes a mutual trust and respect as they get deeper into a relationship. I enjoyed seeing the softer side of Mack as he brought out the best in Ella. I enjoyed seeing the characters in previous books brought back in this book and even the sweet dog, River. Very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Pub Date 31 Jul 2018 |
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once again love blooms in Cottonbloom. Ella finally wants to prove herself after a disastrous marriage, so she decides to buy in part of the Abbott Garage. Mack Abbott the other part owner, is not happy about having a sexy divorcee in his garage. But soon they can not deny the sexual chemistry that they share.

Loved these characters, both with personal baggage from their pasts but together they can succeed. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the series.

How have I not read this author before? I really enjoyed the plot of this one and loved the characters. It's always nice when an author avoids what could easily be a cliché and adds depth and "things aren't quite what they seem". I was all set to not like Ella. Her reasons for buying into the garage made sense - especially since she wasn't aware of the hostile takeover aspect. It helps that she's smart and aware of her strengths and weaknesses even if she's a bit insecure. The first meeting did lapse into silly a bit but this definitely wasn't a farce.

Mack is a tough guy who can be hard headed to the cutting off your nose to spite your face level but never to the point I got irritated with him. Under it all he was such a sweetheart that that made it a bit better! I liked Mack and Ella together even before they knew there was any "together" going on.

I really enjoyed that these characters were adults. They have baggage that is real and they're both independent despite having family around. I really enjoyed this romance and I really liked both the characters. It had been a bit of a tough week and this made for a really lovely reading escape.

A wonderful small town romance with unforgettable characters and beautifully written story that includes family drama, southern charm, humor, passion and emotions so real you feel like you are in the middle of Cottonbloom. I loved the attraction, sizzling chemistry and romance between Ella Boudreaux, a well-off society divorcee now part owner of Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration and Mack Abbott, the defacto leader. I got so involved in the story, I couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end when I got to the last page.

If you enjoy small town romance, don't miss Set the Night On Fire by Laura Trentham. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review. This is the first book I have read in the Cottonbloom series and I liked it so much I purchased the entire series.

I have a soft spot for Mack, the second eldest Abbott. He tries his best to keep his father's dream, the family garage going, while taking care of his brothers. Mack means well but sometimes his bark scares away the ones he loves. Ford, the eldest Abbott brother, has sold his quarter of the garage to an outsider. Ford has also gone to their estranged mother for aid. Mack feels betrayed from all sides. Plus his broody bearded looks sound...not so bad. This is another great book in the Cottonbloom series, but I just didn't feel the chemistry with Mack and Ella as I did with the other Abbott brothers. I really hope that Ford gets his own story...maybe with Megan?

I never get bored with this series. I loved how Ella and Mack work to get to know each other. They start out not caring too much for each other but they grow on each other. I hope there will be another book in the series so we can learn more about Ford. Remember that this book does have some sex scenes so be prepared. I had a hard time putting this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I came late to the Cottonbloom series by author Laura Trentam, but quickly fell in love with these books. The small-town feel, the Southern vibe, and characters that are easily relatable make for enjoyable reading every time.

I've been waiting for Mack Abbott's book, and Laura absolutely delivered with SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE. Although not the eldest Abbott brother, Mack has carried the weight of responsibility for his family, being the glue that kept them together after the loss of their father. All that Mack really wants is the happiness of his family and the success of their family business, and he's willing to do just about anything to make that happen.

Hoping to make a new start, Ella Boudreaux came to Cottonbloom to escape the pain of her past. Buying into the Abbott brothers' auto repair and restoration puts her at immediate odds with Mack. Not only does she need to prove herself as a savvy businesswoman, but sparks of a completely different nature are soon flying as well.

I really love seeing Mack and Ella work through the darker parts of their past, the mistrust and need for control, and open up to each other. Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot, but it's not just physical. Their banter, their sparring, all of it works together to create one heck of a satisfyingly steamy read that manages to pull at the heartstrings at the same time.

SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE is an easy 4.5 stars for me, and maybe my favorite book in the series so far. And, while each of these books are standalones, I highly recommend reading them all, because they're just that good. There's still plenty of love to be discovered in Cottonbloom, and I will continue to visit as long as Laura is writing her stories.

Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom #6

Ella Boudreaux and Mack Abbott should have nothing in common…I mean…she is wealthy, high society and into designer clothes while he is all about the cars, grease and keeping the family garage going. Their first meeting didn’t go well and the next one, when she comes to the garage, does either. He is a grouch and she is on the defensive. Little do they know that they have more in common and more to offer to one another than either might realize.

Ella is a woman with a heart of gold. She ran into the wrong man to be her husband way too early in her life. The fact that she survived the marriage, managed to get away and then thrive afterward is amazing. Her back story, when it comes out, is an insight into even more of what makes her tick. Her ability to empathize and be there for others and see things through and…well…I found her an amazing woman and one I wouldn’t mind being like!

Mack is a man who is complex. He is one of four brothers with a backstory that also is fraught with secrets and made him who he is. When he finally realizes a few home truths it is a bit of a wakeup call…the fact that Ella may have helped him see a way through the issues that are blocking him is a testament to her but also the fact that he is willing to make some changes is a testament to him.

The chemistry, rapport and growing relationship between Ella and Mack was a joy to read. I have no idea who will star in book seven but can’t wait to find out!

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

5 Stars

This was another great book in The Cottonbloom series. The ever gruff but handsome Mack & sexy & very intelligent Ella are this books featured couple. They both have strong personalities & are very strong willed but. Ella has something Mack desperately wants.......a part ownership in his family’s garage. She bought his brother Ford’s share to help him out & put herself directly in Mack’s path. I enjoyed how the author created this pairing of two people both hurt by the past & Ella having to deal again with her most recent mistake, her ex husband & his soon to be ex-wife who moves in with Ella. The physical & emotional damage her ex did still controls her & causes her to be very cautious were Mack is concerned. Mack’s still dealing with his father’s passing & reeling from the fallout of Ford selling his share of the garage, is determined to get his garage back fully in the Abbott name. What neither saw coming was the enemies to lovers scenario that was about to happen, neither one would ever have thought that the other would become the most important thing in their lives. I loved seeing Mack move on & mend fences with his mother & brother, as well as Ella helping Megan move from their demeaning ex. The bright spot in every story so far besides the main characters is the beloved & hilarious spinster aunts Hazel & Hyacinth who remind me a lot of the spinster sister in The Walton’s tv series. They’re a hoot & can be quick to cause the Abbott brothers anxiety & grief when need be. Definitely recommend this book & the series.

Enemies to Lovers Romance!

I haven’t read the other books in this series, so I was missing a bit of the backstory and history of this family. With that being said, this was presented as a stand alone novel, and I found this to be basically true. I do believe reading the previous novels with the brothers would put some referred to events into perspective, but it really wasn’t required to enjoy the book.

Ella Boudreaux had a rough marriage and divorce, but she is moving on and building back her self esteem as well as her financial situation. Ella now owns one quarter of the Abbott brothers’ car restoration and garage. Mack Abbott is furious with his brother Ford for selling his shares of the family owned business! And he has no respect or time for their newest partner, Ella. However, Ella is not about to backdown and the butt heads. Then, the slow burn chemistry! The misunderstanding, followed by the HEA conclusion. A fun-filled, satisfying read!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

This book follows Mack Abbott who owns Abbott brother's garage and is having a heck of time since learning that his brother Ford sold his share of the company to Ella Boudreaux. What he didn't count was her showing up at his garage so frequently and actually enjoy being there.

Ella Boudreaux sees potential in the garage even if she has to deal with good looking cranky Mack to help them. Ella is moving on in life after leaving her train wreck of a marriage. What she didn't count on was her ex's wife showing up hiding from him. Ella recognizes all the signs she went through in the marriage and tries to help her make a decision of her own.

The heat in this book sparks quickly and pulls you in wanting to see how it will all play out. In this case both Ella and Mack have a lot to overcome to get to the happy place they want to be. I love going on this journey with them. It has funny parts along with the seriousness of certain situations. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

The worst thing Mack can imagine is for his family car restoration business to go to an outsider. So when his brother Ford, sells to Ella he is furious. Ella is starting over after a very nasty divorce and she is looking forward to this new investment. She has a lot of ideas and hopes to market and help the business grow.

Her new partner doesn't agree though. Lots of struggle and power moves. Lots of tension, most of which is sexual. I loved seeing Mack get softer around the edges. Cute love story with drama mixed in.

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Set the Night on Fire: A Cottonbloom Novel by Laura Trentham is my first book by this author and was given by St. Martin Press and NetGalley. While this is a standalone it is part of a series and I will be getting the other books in this series! Love the Abbott brothers!

Mack Abbott and his three brothers are partners in the family garage and restoration business that is until his brother Ford sells his quarter share to wealthy divorcée, Ella Boudreaux who knows how to invest wisely, make money and build an empire. When she steps foot into the garage it takes her to a time and place with happy memories of working on cars with her brother especially when she sees the 240Z that Mack is in the process of restoring. She knows she can help make this business into a major success but she will have to butt heads with Mack every step of the way and try to keep the off the wall attraction between them to a minimum.

Can these two learn to be a team, make the garage a major success and find what has been missing in both their lives...a HEA together or will Mack keep pushing Ella to throw in the towel, give up and move on??

This is such a wonderful series and I loved Mack and Ella's story. The author has such a way of pulling you into the story that you don't want it to end. I really love this town and the people in it that I can't wait for the next book.