When The Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is an amazing, well-written book. Ms. Trentham has delivered a book that will have you falling in love with these phenomenal characters. Willa is working for the Abbott brothers at their garage, she's on the run and trying to save money to keep her car running for when she may have to leave town. Jackson is one of the Abbott brothers. Willa and Jackson's story will make your heart hurt and will have you cheering for all these characters. There's plenty of drama, suspense and sizzle to keep readers glued to this book from start to finish. I totally loved reading When The Stars Come Out and look forward to my next book by Laura Trentham. When The Stars Come Out is book 5 of the Cottonbloom Series, but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

A fresh return to Cottonbloom, with a new angst driven relationship developing.
A great story to escape to at the end of your day.

Great characters. Heart warming story that teaches you,sometimes you just have to trust someone else and see where it leads

Willa's a terrific mechanic but she's also got a big secret. The Abbott Brothers garage in Cottonbloom is a good place to hide out but can she be happy? Well, that's at the heart of this romance, which sees Jackson (one of the Brothers) suddenly realize there's more to here than just an ability to heal cars. I generally have a problem with workplace romances where the boss (man) falls for an employee (woman) because of the inequality of power and concern about what happens to the woman if/when the romance ends. Trentham addresses this issue well. Bottom line for me was that I knew Jackson and Willa would find one another and it's a darn good love story. You can read this as a standalone (the series is structured so that one brother is the focus of each book) but when you're done, you'll want to know more about all of the characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Although 5th in the Cottonbloom series, When the Stars Come Out follows the sub-arc about the Abbot 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 Abbot 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 Abbots' 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 Abbots' garage and their brother Ford causing problems which I see coming up in the next book (as well as maybe Mac Abbot'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!

In the beginning Willa is more skittish than the stray dog that she takes in. It takes a while for Jackson to earn enough of her trust for her to open up about her past.
The bond that the brothers share is wonderful, hopefully they'll be able to bring Ford around soon.

I just love the Abbott brothers. We heard a little about Willa in the last book and I am glad Willa and Jackson got their story. Willa has been a mechanic at the garage for a couple of years, but the brothers know little about her. They know that she is an excellent mechanic and Jackson works side by side with her all the time. He never even noticed her as a woman before. But, when he does, he knows he can't ever let her run away. Willa has been running for years and has kept her background a secret. She doesn't want anyone hurt. She hasn't trusted anyone in a long time and isn't sure she should give Jackson her secret. As both Jackson and Willa are dealing with their past, they find they don't want to be alone any more.

After reading Leave the Night On, book 4 of this series, I couldn’t wait to read the story of Willa and Jackson.
Jackson and his brothers Wyatt (main character in book 4) , Mack and Ford own a garage left to them when their Dad died.
Jackson is the quiet one. Willa is the only woman working in the garage. She’s was hired by the brothers Dad, and has been working there for 2 years. When Jackson realizes she might leave during the night, he decides to offer her more money and in that interaction, realizes she is a lovely gal inside and out. But she has many secrets.
Willa not only has secrets, but also a great sense of guilt, as well as a big heart. She rescues a dog , when she barely can feed herself.
The more Jackson gets to know her, the more he wants to protect her, though he knows he has to tread carefully.
I loved both characters . They were real, sweet, but also tough and strong. The interaction between the brothers and learning more about their past, had me wanting to give them all a hug.
The plot was engaging, at times heartbreaking, but also heartwarming and filled with hope.
Will Willa open her heart and trust Jackson, or will fear have her letting go of what could be the best gift life has to offer?
Can’t wait to read what the author has in store for us in her next book.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and St Martin’s Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

This book was enjoyable and I liked the characters alas I feel as if the magic that has been created in the first 3 books and the novellas has started to dwindle. Ms. Trentham has all the right elements yet for me personally something has shifted.

It is always great to go back to Cottonbloom, and When The Stars Come Out is another beautiful addition to this series.

If you have read the previous books, you will remember that Willa is hiding something - other than her crush on Jackson. She won't let anyone know what is going on though, she is strong and resilient and as a reader you can't help but adore her.

Jackson - sigh, what a wonderful, sexy, broody man he is. And persistent to when it comes to Willa. And I want them together!

This story is a slow burn as our lovelies find their way to each other, move on from the past and hopefully find their HEA.

I love the banter between Jackson and his brothers, and adore their family dynamic.

There is set up for big things a-happening in Cottonbloom it seems, and now I can't wait for Mack Abbot's story!

Gimme gimme gimme!

When The Stars Come Out is the next in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series. I really like reading about small, although fictional, Southern towns. The pace of life is less frantic than reality, and the characters are for the most part hardworking and decent. Willa Brown, whom we were introduced to previously, and who works at the Abbot garage as an auto mechanic is hiding something from her past that she thinks is totally unredeemable. So she immerses herself in her work and leaves no time for any kind of friendships or good times. Jackson Abbot is so dedicated to his family’s legacy of the garage. He and his brothers are still trying to shore up the future of their business, as they were doing in the previous installment. When Jackson believes that Willa may be thinking of leaving the garage, he finally sees her as more than just a mechanic. It is so hard for him to get to know her, as she has this wall built up around her shielding her from any close contact beyond work. The road to Willa trusting Jackson was developed so sweetly by Ms. Trentham. It was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. I’m looking forward to the next Abbot Brother’s story.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

4 - "You don't really know me..." Stars!

When the Stars Come Out is another enjoyable addition to Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series.

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Willa and Jackson were introduced to us in the last book, but Willa very much kept to herself as the only female mechanic at the Abbot brothers Garage. We find out why in this book, and also understand that Jackson Abbot isn’t as ambivalent towards her as much as he initially thought he was. I found his protectiveness towards her even though she was being less than forthcoming with the facts absolutely adorable.

Being in Cottonbloom and around Jackson had her looking beyond her immediate needs to what she wanted…

I have to admit I found the reasonings for Willa believing she was in the situation she was, a little weak, that-said I pretty much read the book in one sitting and that was wholly due to the chemistry and emotions that this couples coming together bought to the fore.

"If your past comes calling, I’ll protect you. I promise… Don’t quit on me."

The story around the Abbot family in general develops further around the building of their relationship and you get too see a little more of what their past was like and why the family dynamic is as it is, since their fathers passing.

"You’ve given me more than I ever imagined…"

Ella and Mack are up next in Set the Night on Fire there were a few sparks between these two in this book upon their introductions so I am looking forward to seeing if the author can turn them into a fully burning blaze, when the book releases in the summer.

I received an arc from Netgalley. If you like the strong silent type and a woman on the run romance, this is your book.

Willa and Jackson are two people you will fall in love with. Willa running from her past and Jackson, The strong silent type, find true love working together in a garage. Willa and Jackson have true chemistry in this book.

I can’t wait to read Mack’s story!

This is the second book in this series although you don’t need to read the first one to understand this one. Jackson Abbott is working to keep the garage afloat with his brothers and Willa is one of the best mechanics they’ve ever had. For two years she has worked there but when Jackson fears she will leave he realizes how special she truly is to him. Willa has left a lot behind and trust does not come easy. Jackson and Willa will both need to face their pasts in order to make their future work. This book will make you want to keep turning the pages long after bedtime has come and gone!

When The Stars Come Out is my favorite book thus far in the Cottonbloom series. I really loved Cade but Jackson is now my favorite hero of this series. Willa has a hard time trusting people and is hiding from her past. Jackson is loner he needs to take the first step towards Willa. You can actually feel the connection between Willa and Jackson. One of my favorite parts of this book was Sutton's role in Willa's transformation. I could read books by Laura every day. Laura's characters totally come to life for me. This is wonderful sweet and sexy series. Would totally recommend this series to any romance lover. This would be a perfect series for the Hallmark Network. I really hope Mack and Ella get their story soon.

This was a well-written, great book. Willa was on her way somewhere else when she wound up in Cottonbloom and found a safe haven working in a family garage. Jackson appreciates Willa skills as a mechanic, then one day he sees her, and wants her to come to trust him. They gradually start to develop their shared attraction, but danger from Willa's past is coming closer. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of a series with related characters. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.

Rating: ★★★★½

Chemistry: ❤❤❤ ½

I have a lot of love for Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom series - it is wonderfully written and gives a great insight into Southern life. The first book in this second trilogy got me well and truly intrigued as to Willa's backstory and how things would progress between her and Jackson.

Needless to say, this book lived up to the expectation. I just wanted to give Willa a big hug for a lot of it and loved watching her and Jackson's relationship develop plus great set up for Mack's book which I really can't wait to read!

This book loses half a star simply because the reason behind the Abbott mother abandoning them was just all too similar to the storyline in Laura Drewry's Fishing For Trouble series.

I am truly intrigued whether there's going to be an additional book after Mack's showing Ford-the-Black-Sheep's redemption? At the moment he would certainly have a long road ahead of him before he can get to "Hero" status ....

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and this is honestly the exact type of book I hope for when requesting a book to review. A title that I love to pieces that introduces me to an author that I have never heard of with a backlist of titles just waiting for me to devour.

I really loved this book. I had no real expectations when I started it but everything clicked for me. Mostly I loved the characters. I loved Willa and Jackson especially prickly Willa. I love the Abbott brothers and their aunts (oh how I love their aunts with their made up car problems). I liked the story about finding trust and forgiveness. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series.

I am voluntarily reviewing this arc of this book. She is a great Mechanic who is working at this shop in Cottonwood. She is running from everyone. Her Best friend overdoses and she takes the blame for it. She has been asked to become a regular employee so now she is plotting her next getaway. Jackson is her boss/co worker he has been trying to keep his feelings for her buried. There is a storm coming just before christmas and he goes to her trailer. He notices some things and he tells her to pack herself a bag and come with him. When she reveals some things he is shocked.
I enjoyed reading this book.

Love the men of Cottonbloom and especially Abot's Garage. Jackson is the more quiet brother who prefers his car to most everything. Willa Brown is the dumpy mechanic that is majorly talented and hiding not only under her ballcap but dangerous secrets. Willa has been in town and working for the Abot's for 2 years when Jackson fears she might take her talent elsewhere and decides to entice Willa into staying with a raise. But now that the thought is in Jackson's mind that Willa might leave he begins to actually see WIlla as a person- a female- and likes what he sees.

Willa has harbored a crush on Jackson since she set eyes on him 2 years ago. Needing her job and liking the town she's in, WIlla keeps that crush quite along with many other secrets that threaten her. WIlla is a strong female and struggling desperately. I felt for her attempts at remaining strong and realizing it was okay to accept help- she was very stubborn. WIlla is afraid to get involved with anyone out of fear that her past will cause them danger, but Jackson isn't going to allow her to push him away. Sutton is determined as well to get WIlla to relax and trust others all the while showing her true beautiful self.

I enjoyed the chemistry between WIlla and Jackson. Jackson is like a new person that someone flipped the ON switch to all because of WIlla. He struggles to get her to trust him and allow him to help her. He understands she has fear and is trying to get her trust in the same manner Willa is trying to get River's trust. The parallel of those two relationships was great.

WIll Jackson be able to know down the walls Willa has put up or will Willa's past cause the irreparable harm. Can Jackson focus on Willa's problems when his flight brother Ford goes off the rails? The lead up to the next book in this series is exciting.