Laura Trentham is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I've fallen in love with the citizens of Cottonbloom and their divided town, especially Tally and Nash. These two really spoke to me. I ached for Tally and all she had endured and while I usually go for alpha heroes, Nash's beta-hero character stole my heart. Trentham's characters are well formed and complex, and she brings them to vibrant and realistic life on the pages of her books. They could easily be people you'd meet at the Saturday morning farmer's market or a Friday night street dance. She surrounds them with a supporting cast of interesting characters, some of whom have stories of their own that are inter-woven with the hero's and heroine's, adding layers of richness to the book without drawing the focus away from the main couple. And then there's the town of Cottonbloom, a character in itself that Trentham brings to vivid life through her words. Reading the Cottombloom books, I can smell the magnolias in bloom and feel the sultry heat of deep south summers on my skin. It's all part of the total reading experience that she does so well.

4.5 stars
Copy of book received for fair and unbiased review

THEN HE KISSED ME (Cottonbloom: #2) Written by Laura Trentham
2016; 301 Pages (St. Martin's Paperbacks)
Genre: romance, contemporary, small town, series

(I received an ARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.)

Rating: ★★★ 1/2

Tally Fournette, has her own business, with the help of her brother but still feels like she is not smart enough. When her childhood friend and crush, Nash Hawthorne returns to Cottonbloom to take care of his aunt, Tally feels the old feelings again. Nash has always been brilliant and has returned to his hometown to teach at a college. He has gone from being nerdy to sexy. And, the one woman he wants his Tally. As the two spend time together the flame burns brighter but the insecurities they both feel may drive them apart.

I identified a lot with Tally and loved Nash then and now. The characters were more vivid in this novel and I enjoyed the story even though it was a predictable. I did like that you knew there was a HEA coming but that there would be some tears before then. I am currently dating at this time, though a decade older than some of these characters so I did find the emotions quite realistic.

http://kimmyloves2read.blogspot.com/2016/08/5-star-review-then-he-kissed-me.html

DNF.....this book wasn't for me. I won't be formally reviewing or rating this book. It has nothing to do with the author or writing, I just couldn't connect with the story.

Another great book from this author. Can't wait for more

Interesting book about a small town that is split by a state line. Social standing is determined by which state you live in. Strong, believable characters, evenly paced, well-written plot. Logical and satisfying conclusion. Part of a series but a good standalone novel.