This is the 5th book in "The Cottonbloom Series". I have not read any novels by Laura Trentham before this book. I found her writing style very easy and accessible. "When the Stars Come Out" is the 5th book in the series, but I was able to fully enjoy the book without the background of the other books. I loved the plot and how the story became more complicated and of course, since it is a romance, resolved by the final page. This is the story of Willa and Jackson, two people very similar at their core, yet different in so many ways. Decisions Willa made as a teenager haunt her life for years, but she finds a safe place and a man who loves her. Jackson had his own issues to deal with and Willa helped him along the path too.

I go with the flow of a story when it is a romance, you know the problems will be resolved by the end of the story and I happen to like that. Real life is serious enough with problems that can't always be fixed or solutions are very long term. I enjoy a good romance novel to escape real life and this book was definitely a wonderful escape.

I want to thank the publisher, St. Martin's Paperbacks and Netgalley.com for giving me this book to read and give an honest review.

3.5 Stars.

Over the past couple of years Cottonbloom has become one of my favourite places to visit and and book 5 brings us Jackson and Willa—co-owner and employee of Abbott Brothers Garage, respectively.

“You’ll never be the boss of me, Jackson Abbott.”

Whilst not my favourite of the series, When the Stars Come Out was still an enjoyable visit and there was nothing to dislike in either Jackson or Willa, it was simply a case that the story—in particular with regards to Willa—lacked the oomph that Laura usually injects. But what it was missing for me there was compensated for by Jackson’s gentle protective nature as he shows Willa that he can be trusted with her heart and they cross the line from co-workers to lovers.

“I haven’t had anyone to count on for a long time. It might take some getting used to.”

Aside of the romance is the developing story involving the Abbott brothers with one being AWOL causing headaches all round and readers being given a deeper insight into their past. And with the introduction of Ella Boudreaux, I’m looking forward to heading back to Cottonbloom in the summer to discover what the future holds for her and Mack. Could be some fireworks methinks.

This book is part of a series. I have not read any other books I n the series, but I found this one an acceptable stand-alone. The book tells the story of Willa Brown and her attraction to Jackson Abbott. The attraction is definitely there and definitely on both sides. Jackson, for his part, never really thought Willa in those terms until he realized she was thinking about leaving the Abbott garage, where she has worked alongside Jackson and his brothers for the past two years. Once this occurs, the Jackson-Willa romance begins in earnest. However, as the book progresses, I felt that things move along slowly between the couple. Willa has secrets she is not ready to share with anyone, even Jackson. Jackson himself has a history that has marked him and causes him to tread carefully around any woman, even Willa. Jackson knows Willa has secrets and carefully probes to find out what they are, while Willa, for her part, tries to resist exposing her history and the secrets that are hidden within it. As the story progresses, events occur that lead to more exposure and to the developing relationship between the pair. Jackson’s brothers play a small part in all of this, as this book is mainly focused on the Willa-Jackson pairing.

This book was an interesting but slow read. The story is a real feel-good one, with no surprise or anticipation throughout or with the ending, which. I saw coming almost from the first page. The book provides additional detail about the Abbott brothers and their garage as well as about those with whom the brothers interact and their lives. I enjoyed reading about these wholesome male characters, but, as I said, I found little or no suspense or mystery. The one element of mystery, involving one of the brothers selling out his share of the garage without discussing it with his brothers, was done okay, but did not capture a lot of my interest in the book or its plot. If you enjoy reading about this family, their lives and their garage or about the town of Cottonbloom, this book will definitely satisfy your wants. It just was not a strong, exciting book that kept me on edge. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Can you stop running from the past? The Abbott boys are still having problems but this time it looks like Ford has sold his share of the business and the boys have no idea to whom it sold it too. What does this mean for their business? Willa is afraid that she is about to lose her job working at the garage, this is her whole life but she can't just run again she needs some more money. Jackson knows that she is hiding something but he has no idea what, can he find out without her running? They have danced around each other for awhile and now is their time. With so much going on around them they still find time to be together but what happens when it is over? They work together and Willa hasn't told him everything about her past will he still want her then? Jackson gets to met his mother which is a surprise and he finds out that she has always loved them but she just couldn't manage all four boys but that doesn't make up for her leaving them. But their dad was a hard fair man that made them into the men they are today. But Willa knows that she has fallen in love with Jackson but it is too much and she runs but Jackson won't allow her to just leave for good. Can she put the past behind her and make peace with her father and be able to move on with Jackson? A great book in the series. The new partner she is going to be a big surprise to the series I think that Mack is going to have his hands full. And hopefully we get to have a wedding in the next one. Can't wait for it. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

Although there is no real violence in this novel, there is a strong element of suspense, and the reader is carried on one wave of tension after the other, right through to the end. Being ultra feminine myself, I always stand in awe of women who can do mechanical stuff and are not afraid to get some grease on their hands. I loved the characters in this book starting with Willa and Jackson, but the secondary characters are just as interesting and some even bring a light-hearted element into an otherwise very serious scenario. So many facets of running from one’s past and the need for healing were brought out in this story. Accepting River’s adoration and protection was a starting point for Willa as she allowed herself to start feeling again. The attraction between Willa and Jackson simmered all the way through, and when the relationship took a step forward, it was tastefully done. The book is very well written and although it is part of a series, it is nevertheless a stand-alone. The conclusion came to surprising end and the ground work was laid for a future book in this series. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is Book 5 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone, although it might be helpful to read the 4th books in the series because the couple from that book appear a lot in this story. However, I don’t think it takes away from the experience if you don’t.

Laura Trentham is a new author to me. This is only the second book I’ve read of hers but I definitely see myself continuing to read more from her because I like her writing style.

I thought the chemistry between Jackson and Willa was perfect, even if it took two years for Jackson to see it. At first I was a little upset that he only just started to see her as a girl when he thought she might be ready to take off. Then I realized that he probably only just noticed those things because he finally allowed himself to. He was scared that she might leave and that kickstarted his emotions and then he had to face WHY he would be so upset about her leaving.

Willa has secrets and Jackson just wants to know what she’s running from so that he can understand and support her. I will say that I don’t fully understand Willa’s reasons for hiding and being so afraid of her past once her secrets are revealed but, hey, we all have our issues, right?

This was sort of a slow-burning romance that somehow also felt like it bordered in insta-love. I think mostly because the author dove right into the attraction going from 0 to 100 is why it felt like it was quick. However, considering Willa and Jackson had been simmering for two years, as explained by the fact that everyone around them seemed to see it coming, it obviously wasn’t something that just happened overnight. It was actually a nice way to watch their relationship progress.

I’m liking the direction of the story arc of the Abbot Brothers and can’t wait to read Mack’s story next. I’m hopeful Mc we get a redemption story for Ford too, though.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
WHEN THE STARS COME
OUT

This is Book 5 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone, although it might be helpful to read the 4th books in the series because the couple from that book appear a lot in this story. However, I don’t think it takes away from the experience if you don’t.

Laura Trentham is a new author to me. This is only the second book I’ve read of hers but I definitely see myself continuing to read more from her because I like her writing style.

I thought the chemistry between Jackson and Willa was perfect, even if it took two years for Jackson to see it. At first I was a little upset that he only just started to see her as a girl when he thought she might be ready to take off. Then I realized that he probably only just noticed those things because he finally allowed himself to. He was scared that she might leave and that kickstarted his emotions and then he had to face WHY he would be so upset about her leaving.

Willa has secrets and Jackson just wants to know what she’s running from so that he can understand and support her. I will say that I don’t fully understand Willa’s reasons for hiding and being so afraid of her past once her secrets are revealed but, hey, we all have our issues, right?

This was sort of a slow-burning romance that somehow also felt like it bordered in insta-love. I think mostly because the author dove right into the attraction going from 0 to 100 is why it felt like it was quick. However, considering Willa and Jackson had been simmering for two years, as explained by the fact that everyone around them seemed to see it coming, it obviously wasn’t something that just happened overnight. It was actually a nice way to watch their relationship progress.

I’m liking the direction of the story arc of the Abbot Brothers and can’t wait to read Mack’s story next. I’m hopeful Mc we get a redemption story for Ford too, though.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

Willa is running from her past, and doesn’t stay on one place for long. But there is something about Cotton bloom that has made a stay for 2 years. But it looks like it’s time to move again.
Jackson has always been pre occupied with cars and racing. But when he gets a feeling Willa is planning on leaving, he starts noticing her as more than just his star mechanic and can’t let her leave.
But with Willa keeping secrets and with the threat of her leaving Cotton bloom, is there a chance of future between them.
I loved reading when the stars come out. There is drama, suspense and sizzling chemistry to keep you hooked. I loved the way their relationship progressed. It was a mix of humor, hot and sexy and vulnerable and tender moments. Can’t wait to read Mack and Ella’s story.

"When the Stars Come Out" by Laura Trentham.
I really, really, liked this story. I laughed, I cried, I couldn't wait to find out how the story ended, I didn't want the story to end. For me, this story says, "Basically life is complicated and keeps getting more so, until one finds the courage and support to face the past and to grant forgiveness and to ask forgiveness." I cannot help but wonder what this story will say to you. Happy Reading !!
note: I was gifted a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley. Thank You for the opportunity for the early read.

This is the fifth book in the Cottonbloom series. Willa is still carrying the world on her shoulders. Afraid to let anyone into her life or heart. "She doesn't deserve good things" her head tells her, but with Jackson, she may just have met her stubborn match!

They've worked together in the garage for a couple of years now and while Willa is carrying around a massive Jackson crush, it's not until Jackson sees her out of her coveralls and hat covering every inch of her, that he realizes she's a girl! And a hot girl at that.

This is such a lovely series of stories. Where we learn that secrets are heavy, and probably not true, and sharing them not only lessens the load, it may just lead to love!

January 30, 2018  Netgalley/St.Martin'sPress

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.