Although 5th in the Cottonbloom series, When the Stars Come Out follows the sub-arc about the Abbott brothers, picking up after Leave the Night On. I wouldn't say you need to read the first 3 books in the series to pick this one up but may want to pick up the fourth as it features one of the brothers, Wyatt, and his relationship is fairly prominent in this book.

I enjoyed the previous book but When the Stars Come Out didn't quite go over as well as I had hoped. Featuring the second of the Abbott twins, Jackson, and the garage's only employee Willa, this book is heavy on how your past can haunt your future. Jackson is the super broody, protective male figure who has to face emotions (*gasp*) while Willa is constantly on the run and has to learn to face her past and come to terms with where her life is now.

From a novel standpoint, this one's good. The romance is a bit of a slow burn and there are a lot of elements playing out both in the immediate story as well as the one carrying over from the previous book. But it wasn't a standout book and I blame the romance.

Willa's been working in the Abbotts' garage for 2 years and in all that time, Jackson never noticed her. NEVER. And when it looks like she might leave, suddenly he's ALL over her?? Hmm. . .

As a couple, I liked the two together. But the fact that he only wanted her when she planned to leave (kind of the whole "don't know what you have until it's gone" sort of thing) rubbed me the wrong way because it made me feel like the emotions were a bit superficial. Especially since Willa's been crushing on him the whole time. Like, yay for happy endings and all but come on. NEVER?

I am curious to see how some of the background stories play out. There's the subplot of the Abbotts' garage and their brother Ford causing problems which I see coming up in the next book (as well as maybe Mack Abbott's story?).

I'll absolutely read the next in the series as well as any other book by Trentham, if I'm being honest, because the writing's good. And, really, the stories are good too. For me, it was just that particular part of the romance that really didn't work for me and kind of brought the rest of the book down in the process. If it's something that you don't think would bother you, then definitely don't hold back and check out this series!

4.5 stars

Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham is a beautifully written, heartwarming read.

This book had me hooked from the first page, I loved the plot, the characters were likable, very relatable and the sexual tension between Mack and Ella was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
These two had me laughing with their banter, swooning watching them fall in love and a little sad with their pain. I loved watching them slowly open up, trusting and supporting each each other.
Mack and Ella had that something special and totally deserved their happily ever after.

Set the Night on Fire is a wonderful addition to the Cottonbloom series, and I highly recommend this book and series.

Set the Night on Fire is now live!
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*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*

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

At this point I've read a few of the books in this series, I'm starting to become pretty invested in this family! It was great to read about Mack's story, and to see him deal with his family issues. And Ella was a unique blend of strong and insecure, fierce and soft. Mack and Ella really were pretty perfect for each other, and the romantic chemistry between them was really well written! Mack has had a rough time the past few years and I was glad that he opened himself up to Ella, since she is such a generous and loving person. There were some pieces of the story that felt pretty cheesy / corny, but overall it was a sweet story. The ending kind of fizzled out for me a bit, it felt like there almost should've been something more that happened. I guess anti-climactic is a good way to describe it. It was still a good story though, romantic and light-hearted. I'm interested to see if the author continues the series and if so where she takes it.

This book not only sets the night on fire but it sets the day on fire too. There are so many stories within the book that keep you intrigued and fascinated to find out what is going to happen next. The secrets from broken families to ex husbands and their wives weave an emotional, spell binding story all centered around The Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration. Ella Boudreaux is a feisty, stubborn main character on the outside but is extremely insecure on the inside until she meets Mack Abbott. The reader is not quite sure how the story will turn out until the very end. This is the first book I have read by Laura Trentham but it will not be my last and it looks like I have some catching up to do with this Cottonbloom series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Cottonbloom is the place where the wounded come to heal and start over, I’ve only read the first in this series, but you can start her without any issue at all – the town and its magic reveal itself to you from the first page. As it did for Ella Boudreaux, who moved here after her divorce, needing a new start and to rebuild her shattered confidence and esteem thanks to her ex-husband. But Ella is no ordinary woman: she’s smart and investment savvy, and has managed to build quite a tidy nest egg, through her keen sense of business potential and investments. She has, in fact, offered the Abbott brothers (or one brother, Ford) some ready cash and a chance for something else by purchasing his shares. She now has a quarter of the business, and two hundred percent of the animosity coming off Mack Abbott in waves.

Mack is furious that Ford would sell his shares to an outsider, and a woman at that. It is a garage – and having a woman, yet another woman show up unexpectedly is just not on. See, Mack’s mother has suddenly reappeared after years without contact when she vanished like new car smell, and he’s not particularly interested in hearing her reasons either. There’s too much on – and all he wants to do is make the garage support the family, ignore the new investor and do it HIS WAY.

Adversaries to partners is the key here: Mack isn’t really as much of a heartless hothead as his hedgehog exterior would lead us to believe, and Ella isn’t a garage (or turning a business around) novice. All it takes is some serious sizzle and arguments, a never back down attitude from Ella, and some black in the balance sheet, and Mack’s resistance is wavering. Neither can deny the attraction that crackles between them. When his brothers Jackson and Wyatt start championing her cause, and Mack sees that he’s only steps away from repeating his father’s mistakes with his intractable stance, the two start to understand one another in ways that show the sweetness and ‘meant to be’ connection that has again found two people in Cottonbloom.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Xo /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Set the Night on Fire can be read as a stand alone but I suggest you at least read the previous two books which really introduce you to the Abbott Brothers. I've been intrigued by Mack for the past two books and I was really looking forward to his book. It did not disappoint and not only did I continue to fall for Mack but I loved Ella as well and thought they were great together.

Mack is still struggling with his relationship with his older brother Ford and the fact that he sold his part of the family garage. He's under a lot of pressure and responsibility to make the garage successful and he's a bit close off. Ella is also struggling with trying to find her place and she's just out of a very mad marriage which has left a few scars.

Mack and Ella met in a previous book and the sparks flew but not completely in a good way. Mack doesn't want anyone who isn't an Abbott to have a part of the garage and he wants Ella out. Ella has her own reasons for buying the garage and she refuses to back down. Mack wants Ella to be a silent partner but she has no intention of doing that. Ella stands up to Mack and the two end up spending some time together and discover that not only are they attracted to each other but they like each other as well.

Ella was a wonderfully strong character that really matched Mack. She was also sweet and her relationship with her ex-husband's new wife cracked me up. I also loved the relationship between Mack and his two younger brothers and I'm glad we got to see a bit more of Ford in this book as well. I enjoyed the family dynamics and hope this isn't the last we see of the Abbotts.

I admit I thought that the romance happened a little fast but I loved the banter, friendship and passion between the two of them. Another great read in the series!

Set the Night on Fire is the sixth book in the Cottonbloom series by Laura Trentham and can be read as a standalone novel. It follows the story of Ella Boudreaux and Mack Abbott as they move from mutual dislike to love. Ella is a recent divorcee who invested some of her money into a share in the Abbott’s garage. This is the main source of annoyance for Mack – the fact that his eldest brother sold his share of their family garage to a woman he feels is a just a wealthy airhead. Mack vows to buy Ella out again and keep the garage back in the hands of just Abbott family, but Ella is determined to make the most of her new acquisition and position.

This was the first book by Laura Trentham I read, and I really enjoyed it. I do wish that I had read the previous books in this series since there were some references to events that occurred between Ella and Mack in the previous book, so I wish that I had that context. One of my biggest pet peeves with romance novels is the instant love that seems to occur between the characters. What I liked about this story was that the characters and the story was developed so well and I really felt like I was there in Cottonbloom with Ella and Mack watching their love develop and unfold. Ella, in appearances, comes off as an attractive, wealthy airhead so it is easy to dismiss her intellect at the start. Trentham slowly reveals Ella’s abusive past and her talent for business, and Mack really begins to see another side to Ella and acknowledges all of the positive changes that Ella is making to the garage.

We also get to see Mack change and grow throughout the book as well. He starts off as a standoffish and lonely man who cannot get past his history with his brother, to someone that learns to see the good in situations and forgives. He is also very respectful of Ella and slowly helps her to move away from her past insecurities.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book; I loved the town and everyone in it. Trentham gave the perfect small town vibes while reading this book and I will definitely be going back to the start of this series and reading them all.

~ Harshita

When I received this book from Netgalley, I didn’t check and wasn’t aware it was book six in a series and book three of the Abbott brothers. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone as I never felt lost, but am intrigued and invested with the other characters now and want to go back and get the other books!

Mac was all alpha and against an outsider coming in to his family business. What he wasn’t prepared for was how quickly Ella would get under his skin and penetrate his defenses. I loved Ella’s grit and spunky personality. She was bound and determined to never be anyone’s ‘whipping boy’ again. I loved how, even if she didn’t completely feel it, she held her head high and carried herself with grace and confidence.

For two people who started out as enemies, the heat between these two was intense. I loved how through honest communication they began to see each other in a light neither was prepared for. The buildup was intense and full of emotion, and I loved every part of it.

The truths and hurts from the past along with self-growth were emotional and well-written. I also fell in love with the community and the support they all showed for one of their own.

I thought this was a great read and I am looking forward to going back and reading the previous books in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy and this review is of my own free will and contains my honest opinions.

Favorite Quotes:

“… you and Sutton have a wedding to plan.” “All I have to do is show up, according to Sutton. Her mom is going a little crazy. She has mentioned a harp player and doves.” “Good Lord, one of the Abbott cousins might pull out a shotgun and shoot a dove if they’re in season.”

… the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee drawing him in like a cartoon mouse to cheese.

Mack led them out and around the garage to the parking lot where the Corvette was parked in a ray of sunlight like the Second Coming.

A deep shuddery breath forewarned a rising tide of tears. She had to get home. A threesome in bed with Ben and Jerry was all she craved.

Trevor’s smile was full of smug self-satisfaction. How had she ever thought he was handsome and sophisticated? He was a nasty little bug, and she wore the shoes to smush him.

My Review:

I have greatly enjoyed each of my three visits to Cottonbloom, an especially peculiar little town with an identity disorder as it falls within two different states with divisive social circles. Book six in the series was the third in a row to feature the hard-working, endearingly flawed, resilient, and devastatingly handsome classic car mechanics of the Abbott family. I could almost smell the motor oil as Ms. Trentham’s agile use of lush details cunningly employed all the senses and painted a complete, spectacular, and vivid picture for the mind's eye while also smoothly keying-in the emotional tone. The writing was well-balanced and expertly paced while evocative, amusing, steamy, and heart-squeezing with crisscrossing and engaging storylines. I enjoyed the verbal sparring and developing romance as well as the surprises from the unfolding secrets of family drama - all culminating into a highly satisfying HEA. I keep hoping for prequel scenes to chronicle the now elderly aunties hellion salad days, as I’m quite certain they had them.

Ella has arrived in Cottonbloom with the keys to Abbotts Garage in hand. The oldest Abbott son has sold his share of the business, upsetting the carefully arranged balance of the three younger sons, headed up by Mack. At first, Mack resists Ella’s arrival, but as he comes to know her, and to appreciate her fighting spirit, he comes to value her more than he expected. On Ella’s part, she has never met a man she could trust, so learning to love Mack is not easy.

“Fire” is a sweet and sexy contemporary romance with plenty of feel good moments accented with some hot sex.

This was my first book by Laura Trentham. I really enjoyed it. All the characters are well developed and people I would love to meet. I usually prefer more suspense, but this book had enough humor to keep me entertained. Now I want to read the rest of the series and I don't even know where this one falls in, lol.

f you have been following the Cottonbloom books, you’ve enjoyed meeting the Abbott brothers in the last few books. After getting to know Mack, it was a pleasure to spend more time with him.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between and him and Ella. She is definitely a character worth getting to know and the enemies to friends to lovers relationship between them is a lot of fun.

This is well written and entertaining- as expected from Mrs Trentham and a strong addition to the Cottonbloom world. This is a stand-alone, but there is a lot of key back story in the prior two books in the series. There are a couple of sub plots that carry through the three books about the Abbot brothers that are well thought out as well.

The secondary cast rounds things out and helps make Mack and Ella’s story strong and more interesting. I am curious to see what will happen in town next.

A most heart warming story about starting over, believing and allowing yourself to fall in love again! Delightfully written and easy to read the characters are enchanting and the reader is drawn to discovering how they find themselves drawn to each other. and finding their own "happy together!" Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book prior to publication--I loved it!

Ella and Mack were amazing, and I have greatly enjoyed this series. THe characters are all real, Southern, and relatable. Ella and Mack tried their best to annoy each other and stay away from each other, but true love always prevails!

I couldn't wait for Mack and Ella's story and it was as I expected. Full of fire they are the perfect match for each other when their tempers simmered down. Not only does she do wonders for Mack, but he sees her for who she really is not the front she puts up for everyone else.


** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

I was totally engrossed in this story from the very beginning! The story was well written and the characters were well rounded, as I turned each page I really enjoyed watching the relationship grow and evolve between Ella and Mack!

In this book you pick up from Mack still being upset with Ford selling his share of the business in the garage to an outsider. That outsider has shown up at the garage and is not who Mack was expecting at all. It is Ella Boudreaux, a divorcee who is not looking at selling her share. She got her share as part of her divorce, and everyone thinks her money came from her ex, no this will be explained in the story. Now she would like to be around the garage and the cars because they remind her of someone close to her from her past. If you read any of the other books you know that Mack has a not so nice personality no matter what time of the day it is. It is not so bad when there is a storm because everyone is trying to get out of the storm and does not notice him. Whatever the reason Ella is attracted to the beast and at times can even manage him. He is still working on his issues with Ford, and with his mother, but I will say these both get slowly resolved. There is a lot going on in this story and you really don’t know it until you are done with the book. The way the author pulls you in to each separate little story is done in a way that by the time you are finished you are surprised that the book is done. Well written with all of the same characters, plus a few new ones. A very good book to go along with the others.

I have been absolutely loving the new Cottonbloom series by Laura Trentham, from the hunky Abbot's brothers to the wonderful women in their lives, the Cottonbloom books have been a joy to read and savor.

Set the Night on Fire is the latest installment in the series, and this one seems to be a shade darker than the others, but the storyline is still beautiful, despite the tough topics it touches on, such as physical, social and emotional spousal abuse, postpartum depression, gambling addiction, and self-esteem issues, this book doesn't shy away from these harsh topics but also doesn't go in-depth either, which I'm grateful for.

No when we last were with the Abbot brothers, we found out Ford had sold his share of the garage to Ella Boudreaux, and Mack Abbot had hit the roof, but Ella was more than just the gold digger she was painted as by her ex-husband, and Ella was out to prove it to Mack, whether he liked it or not. After a few home truths Mack's eyes were opened, to not only his past, with his mother and brother Ford, but also to his future and just how much he wanted Ella.

This book had me hooked, well since the last one actually, but out of all the books in this series, Set the Night On Fire is by far my favorite, from it's the stories grittiness and honesty, to the characters struggles and rebirth, the who book has entrance to me, and all I can honestly say is the author has truly hit it out of the park with this one.

I give Set The Night On Fire 5 stars

This book was so good. I absolutely loved Ella. She had been through so many hardships and yet she was still such a good hearted person. I envy that. And Mack was her perfect match. A big strong man but with a big heart. He also had been through a lot and with the help of falling for Ella his life was starting to mend in ways he couldn't even imagine. I love when stories have a family dynamic. I loved Mack's brothers. I also liked the addition of Megan. It just showed how wonderful of a person Ella was and that she deserved the world Mack was going to give her. I can't wait to read another book by this author. Her writing style is fabulous. And I will rec

I’ve read all of the books in this series and even though it can be read as a standalone it is so much more enjoyable to have read them all. I couldn’t wait for Mack’s book. He deserves an amazing story, and Laura delivers. Ella is the perfect mate for Mack, although, of course, he fights it tooth and nail. You will want to read this book at all one sitting because it is so hard to put down!