Member Reviews
I am not going to get into my complaints about reading books out of sequence if they are in a series. I keep accepting them, so my complaints are void at this point. But, it does show talent if the author can take book 6 and make it completely stand alone. That is one of the things I enjoyed about Set the Night on Fire. The other hight points of this book were how it tugged on my heartstrings and how the main characters were completely relatable. Of course, there were aspects that I didn’t like but they didn’t affect my review in a huge way. Mack’s 180 change on how he felt about Ella, Ella’s ex-best friend and husband, and the whole mystery behind Mack’s mother leaving I didn’t care for. But, I enjoyed reading Set the Night on Fire. Set the Night on Fire is a cute, fast-moving romance set in the town of Cottonbloom, Louisiana. Ella moves to Cottonbloom to start over again. Recently divorced from an abusive excuse for a man, Ella has something to prove. Mack is the owner of a successful garage. He is furious that his brother sold his shares to a stranger. That anger grows when he realizes that the new part owner of the garage is a woman. An attractive women who match him step for step. He soon realizes that Ella is much more than she seems. Ella realizes that behind Mack’s gruff exterior is a kind, passionate man. Can Ella help Mack overcome traumas of his past? Can Mack help Ella realize that not all men are like her ex? When I started reading Set the Night on Fire, I was expecting some parts of the book not to make sense to me. I mean, this is book 6 the Cottonbloom series. So, I was surprised when the author explained Ella and Mack’s shared back story up front. There were some vague references made to other books but it wasn’t enough to make go scratch my head and go “How does this relate to the book“. I loved it. I was able to enjoy reading Set the Night on Fire without wondering what happened in the other book. It also made me want to read the other books in the series. I liked Ella. From the first scene, when she was parked outside the garage, I thought there was something about her that stood out to me. The more the author got into her back story, the more I liked her. She had a hellacious childhood that left her with a severe phobia of dogs. She also survived a marriage that was abusive. She wouldn’t allow herself to be backed into a corner. She also had one of the biggest hearts that I have seen in a book. She took in the woman who was her ex-husband’s mistress (now wife) when he started abusing her. She stood up to her ex when he showed up at her house, demanding where his wife was. She organized a charity drive for a couple that she barely knew but felt compelled to help. I 100% related to her. Mack was a huge grump at the beginning of the book. I understood why he was so mad but his anger was misplaced. I thought him making Ella do an oil change on the car was low because he thought she couldn’t do it. But the more into the book I got, the more I realized that Mack had his issues. He was dealing with the death of his father the year before. He was also dealing with his brother, Ford, selling his share of the business to a stranger (and a woman). Plus, he was still dealing with his mother upping and leaving him and brothers when he was younger. When I found that out, I thought to myself “Well, no wonder he was grumpy. I would be too“. By the middle of the book, though, Mack was on his way to dealing with everything. I also loved how he dealt with Ella’s ex-husband. I cheered when that scene happened!! This book definitely tugged on my heartstrings. There were times when I was crying along with Ella and Mack. Not going to say what scenes but if you read the book, then you know what I mean. One word: Cookies (read the book to find out). The other thing that I liked was how relatable that the characters were in this book. The author made them as realistic as she could for fictional characters. Even the main characters had their issues. I liked was that she wasn’t afraid to tackle issues like postpartum depression, spousal abuse, cancer and parental alienation. It made the book much more real for me. There were parts of the book that I didn’t like. I didn’t like how Mack’s feelings for Ella turning from dislike to love so fast. It didn’t ring true to me. Also, I didn’t like how Ella’s ex-husband felt like he could walk right into her house and continue with his abusive behavior. I know that it mimics real life but I didn’t like. I also didn’t like that her ex-bestie felt that she could call on Ella to save her. I wanted to shake her and say “Sister, she WARNED you about him.”. My last complaint was how long and drawn out it was to get the story behind Mack’s mother’s abandonment. I didn’t like it <shrug>. I felt that it could have been dealt with sooner in the book. Ella and Mack’s romance was hot and fast. I was surprised at how fast it was. They also had incredible chemistry together. The sex scenes were out of this world hot. My poor Kindle almost couldn’t take the heat. I liked the end of the book. I do feel that there were enough storylines left unended for a 7th book. Which I would be very interested in reading. What I liked about Set the Night on Fire: A) Can be read as a standalone B) Tugged on my heartstrings C) Relatable characters What I disliked about Set the Night on Fire: A) Mack’s feelings changing for Ella so suddenly B) Ella’s ex-best friend and husband. C) The mystery behind exactly why Mack’s mother left I would give Set the Night on Fire an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is mild violence. There is language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book. There are trigger warnings for Set the Night on Fire. They are postpartum depression, spousal abuse, cancer, addiction, and parental alienation. If you are triggered by any of those, I would recommend not to read the book. I would reread Set the Night on Fire. I would also recommend this book to family and friends. I would like to thank St. Martin’s Paperbacks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Set the Night on Fire. All opinions stated in this review of Set the Night on Fire are mine. **I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy** |
Pamela D, Reviewer
Mack Abbott has had the weight of the world on his shoulders since his Pop died. Keeping the family together and making sure the garage stays profitable. The twins Jackson and Wyatt are owners and love the garage. They all love restoring vintage automobiles. Ford on the other hand wanted out and sold his share. Ella Boudreaux was looking for a place to belong. She was looking for a connection and felt the garage was the place to be. From day one Ella and Mack were constantly bickering with each other. As they say, there is a fine line between love and hate. It was like a mating dance they were performing. In order to get to their HEA, forgiveness needed to be given and recieved. |
Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham is an exciting romantic read. I loved the fierce protectiveness that Mack feels towards Ella. At first, he didn't want her anywhere around him, but getting to know her changed all of that. Her determination sparked a fire inside of Mack. One that he tried to diminish but was helpless in shaking off. His attraction towards the beauty only increased. As other characters from the previous books and new ones came onto the scene it only sparked more of an interest to keep on reading. I ended up finishing the entire read in one sitting. Fast-paced packed with action, hot scenes, and humor to make the pages fly by...I was impressed. Laura Trentham's latest novel, wasn't just a hot romance that I could not put down. It went deeper than that. It displayed the family and marriage abuse that Ella went through in her life. It gave me a glimpse into her loss. Losing a family member is never easy. The car mechanic garage meant and reminded Ella of her older brother. It was sentimental value to her. Plus, the brothers that worked it became like family to her. Despite what hell life brought to Ella, she bounced back. She became stronger and more independent. But she was also able to put some trust into the tough as nails mechanic aka Mack. Mack has his own personal struggles as well. I loved the depth and meaning this book brought. It was more than just a romance. It was life. Overall, I would highly recommend this romantic story to all readers. |
What has Ella got herself into? When she brought 1/4 of the garage she didn't know what she was getting into, but she was not backing down she is going to do everything like she has always done take it this situation by the horns. Mack is angry that his brother would sell his side of the garage to someone out of the family and he will do anything to get that back, everything is fair game, I mean it's not like anyone can get hurt right. I have really enjoyed reading about the small town of Cottonbloom and I really hope that the author rights Ford's story. I love aunt Hazel and aunt Hy they are so sweet and they are so fun and makes you want some fun loving no none sense aunts to but into your life every day. I really enjoyed reading this story Ella was strong and independent but also had so struggled with her self-worth. Ella has such a big heart and she seems more like catching up with a friend instead of reading a fiction story. Mack was another broken spirit but to maucho to show it. I have read a few other books in this series and in this book I felt like there were a few sluggish spots but overall the book did flow fairly well. I also like how in the book you catch up with Sutton, Willa, Jackson, and Wyatt. This book talks about some tough subjects and has adult language/scenes. I can't wait to read more from Cottonbloom if you haven't read anything from this series grab them you won't be disappointed. |
4.5 stars. Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham is a charming enemies to lovers romance. This sixth installment in the delightful Cottonbloom series can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the previous novels as well. Following her divorce, Ella Boudreaux moved to Cottonbloom to start over. She has made incredible strides overcoming her ex-husband’s efforts to her self-esteem and self-confidence. Ella is a highly intelligent, savvy businesswoman and she has very quietly amassed a fortune through her keen business investments. Her most recent business acquisition means Ella is now owns a quarter of the Abbott brothers’ car restoration and garage. She immediately butts heads with Mack Abbott, who is furious with his brother Ford for selling his shares of the family owned business. Ella has plenty of backbone and she refuses to allow Mack to intimidate her and a surprising attraction catches both of them off guard. Will Mack’s animosity towards her prevent them from giving into their scorching hot passion? Mack is the de facto boss of the garage and Ella’s purchase of Ford’s shares grates on him. He has finally come to terms with the sudden death of their father two years earlier but he cannot quite bring himself to forgive Ford’s betrayal. Mack is also dealing with the sudden reappearance of his mother, whom he has not seen since she walked on her family when he was a child. Needless to say, the last thing Mack needs is unwanted business partner, but will he give Ella a chance to implement her shrewd ideas for growing and streaming their business? The relationship between Ella and Mack is contentious but neither of them can deny their sizzling attraction for one another. Much to Mack’s frustration, Ella remains undaunted by his attempts to browbeat her into staying away from the garage. She is plucky and resourceful and she rises to whatever task he throws her way. Mack’s brothers, Jackson and Wyatt, genuinely like Ella and they become her unlikely champions with Mack. The transition from business foes to a wary friendship paves the way for their budding romance but a misunderstanding threatens the future of their relationship. Set the Night on Fire is a fun-filled, heart-felt romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Ella is a feisty, compassionate woman whose recovery from an emotionally abusive marriage is inspiring. Mack is a gruff yet immensely appealing man who is in danger of repeating the same mistakes of his beloved father. Ella and Mack are a sweet couple whose fiery attraction leads to some blazing hot love scenes. Despite some drama late in the novel, Laura Trentham brings this newest addition to her beloved Cottonbloom series to a sigh-worthy conclusion. A captivating read that I great enjoyed and highly recommend to readers of the genre. |
Jennifer S, Reviewer
This is the type of book that I save for a Sunday morning after a bad week. It is is small town sweet with great writing and not a lot of conflict. This is my second book by Trentham but I already bought the rest of the series and am saving them for when I need the kind of emotional boost her books can bring. These books can easily b read as standalones but I am really looking forward to reading about the other couples. Ella and Wyatt get off to the wrong foot and neither of them are looking for a relationship but they cannot ignore their attraction. Ella is smart and independent but no one else has been able to really see that about her until Wyatt, Wyatt is stubborn and gruff but also lonely and Ella cannot help but see how much he has to offer. They have conversations like adults. When Wyatt does somethings that does not sit well with Ella she doesn't run off and shut him out. She discusses it with him. This was a great installment in a series that is becoming one of my favorites. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. |
If you follow regularly you know how much I enjoy a good small-town romance. I just love the connection between the characters and getting to know how the town looks and feels. After a few books into a small-town series you begin to feel like you could walk down the streets and know where everything is. I also love the noisiness of them. Everyone knows everyone and their business. I've loved the Cottonbloom series for a lot of reasons. Great characters, good writing and a town that is two states. How cool is that! In Set the Night on Fire we finally have Mack's book. I just loved him from the minute I met him. He was just such a gruff man, you could also see how he was fighting to keep everything together. For a very long time he's tried to keep everyone happy and together and I think along the way he forgot about himself. Plus he needed to learn that there was no one right way of doing things. Sometimes you need help from others. He needed a person like Ella to come into his life and shake it up a little...or a lot! She's perfect for that. Her need to be a part of something and her refusal to back down has these two butting heads more than once. It makes for good reading. I liked how they helped each other work through their baggage. Life isn't always easy but when you have someone standing there for you it helps and these two were that for each other. Even when they didn't know it. I'm glad that Mack was able to fix many of the personal things in his life that he needed too. Sometimes we have to let go of the pain and try to start fresh. Set the Night on Fire might be my favorite of the brothers stories. I just not sure because I also loved them. Let's just say that at this moment it's my favorite. Once I read another book of hers who knows. I would read this story in order or at least the brothers part. Otherwise you might feel as if you are missing something. The brothers play a big part in this story and there is a little story arc that starts with Leave the Night On and goes through When the Stars Come Out and ends somewhat in Set the Night on Fire. If it was me I would start with Kiss Me That Way and work myself through the series. Everyone of the stories are very good. I'm still holding out hope that we will get Clayton Preston's story. He's just one of those characters that you can't forget about since he was introduced. I wouldn't be happy if we don't get his story. There is just something about him that needs to be told. Plus at the end of the story we see that Maggie Mize has her eye on him! Now that would make for a good story. |
When Mack's brother decides to walk away from the family business and sells his share of the company to a wealthy divorcee he is furious, he can't even begin to imagine what his brother was thinking, having her around definitely is not going to work! As soon as she starts to come to the garage, to share her ideas and make suggestions, the war ensues between them... he's isn't willing to give a measly inch, but Ella is a tough cookie, and she is determined to win the battle! But somewhere along all the arguing he starts looking at her in a whole new light...and he really likes what he sees!! When Ella Boudreaux walked away from her disastrous marriage and abusive ex-husband she decided that it was time for a new chapter in her life, something that would make her feel good about life for a change, and she has high hopes for her new business venture. But once she meets her fellow partners, one in particular isn't too excited to meet her, he isn't happy about the sale and he really isn't happy to take any of her suggestions. With each battle they have, the heat between them continues to rise, and before long those trivial little arguments don't seem to be quite as important as the chemistry swirling around them. But Ella has her reservations about love, the last time she thought she found it, it didn't pan out.. Set The Night On Fire reunites readers with old friends in Cottonbloom and introduces to a new paring of lovebirds who aren't in the market for love, but unbeknownst to them love has other plans for them. These two brought lots of smiles, heartfelt moments, and a few blushes too, I really enjoyed my time with them. As much as they wanted to dislike one another, it didn't take long for their steamy chemistry to take a hold of the reigns and lead them somewhere unexpected, and so well deserved... they were both long overdue for a little joy and happiness! I have loved meeting all of the wonderful characters in this series, and thoroughly enjoyed every visit I have shared with them, each one has proved quite memorable and uplifting! I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. |
This series pulled me in right from the start and our latest visit finally brings us Mack Abbott who, when we last left Cottonbloom, was furious that his brother, Ford had sold his share of the family garage to a wealthy divorcee and made his feelings perfectly clear. “Ella Boudreaux was a force of nature, and he wasn’t confident they could batten down the windows and survive her.” Mack may have a poor view of the woman who has invested in Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration, but Ella is incredibly likeable, smart, savvy and determined to play her part in raising their profile. Things may be fraught at first, but we soon discover that she and Mack are somewhat kindred spirits and, as their attraction builds and they begin to spend time together, it becomes evident that whilst both are as stubborn as each other, both have huge hearts and are also lonely, no matter how well they disguise it. “If this is a mistake, it’s a pretty damn sweet one.” Together Mack and Ella are quite possibly the sexiest of the Cottonbloom couples and as the heat rises between them, they create passion, heartfelt moments and humour. And whilst there is some drama thrown into the mix, Trentham pitches it perfectly, keeping it poignant but also on the lighter end of the scale. “My job is to make sure you understand you’re not less than. You’re . . . everything.” As always, Laura Trentham has created a couple to fall in love with and if Set the Night on Fire is the final visit to Cottonbloom, it not only ends the Abbott‘s stories on a high but the series as a whole. That said, after reading the epilogue, I’m not so sure this is the last we’ll see of all the characters we’ve met and I for one will be at the front of the queue if that’s the case. “...I realized instead of a raging grizzly bear, you’re more of a cuddly teddy bear.” |
"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review." Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend! |
This book tells the story of Ella, a young divorced entrepreneur and her attempt at starting her life anew in a cute little town called Cottonbloom. After a very high profile divorce, Ella decides to relocate and also to try her hand at a new business venture by buying out one of the brothers at Abbott Brothers Garage & Restoration. She shows up to work all business and ready to dive in. Problem is that Mack, the oldest brother, isn’t really happy that his family garage has fallen into non-family hands. Although Ella has a keen sense of business, Mack isn’t quite welcoming at first. Eventually he realizes that she has skills the business could definitely use and lets her into the family fold with the promise that he will buy her shares back someday. Ella manages to overhaul the garage’s business practices and bring them into the 21st century. She also manages to fall in love with the town of Cottonbloom and the townspeople fall in love with her. But with her ex-husband still causing havoc and with Mack’s lack of communication skills, will Ella cut her losses and give up the garage or will she make her biggest investment yet and risk it all?? This is a new author for me but I cannot wait to read more. I love opposites attract stories and this one had a particularly strong female heroine which appealed to my feminist side. The town of Cottonbloom made you feel like it’s the perfect place to move to when you’re needing a pick me up. The people were genuine and welcoming. I can’t wait to see what else will be happening in Cottonbloom! This book was provided to me by St. Martin’s Press through Netgalley for my review. It will be published July 31, 2018 but is available for pre-order now. |
Ella Boudreaux and Mack Abbott start off on the wrong foot. Ella buys out Mack's brother Ford's interest in the family garage because it brings back good memories of her older brother who died in the service. Mack hates that idea that the Abbott garage would be owned by someone who isn't an Abbott. He is so determined to honor his father's memory by making the garage a successful business. Ella is just stubborn enough to want to be a success with her share of the garage. She doesn't need the money. After her divorce, she turned her settlement into a successful business investing in businesses and properties. Despite the opinion of many of her ex's friends, she was the business brain that made him a success and not a gold digging bimbo. Ella finds herself in Cottonbloom wanting to build a new life for herself. It isn't exactly easy when her ex's current wife Megan comes to stay with her as she is planning her own divorce. Ella would be willing to never see her emotionally abusive ex again but she wants to help Megan. Mack has some family issues to deal with too. He and his brother Ford are still on the outs regarding his decision to sell out his share of the family business. And, while Mack's twin younger brothers have begun a relationship with the mother who abandoned them when they were children, Mack isn't sure that he will ever be able to forgive her. I enjoyed this small town romance. It is the sixth book in the series but worked quite well for me even though I've read none of the rest of the series. The characters were well-developed people with both strengths and weaknesses. I liked the romance between Mack and Ella. |
This is the sixth book in the Cottonbloom series, but each can be read as a standalone. Each book is a different couple’s story. This is Mack and Ella. Mack is the second eldest of the Abbott brothers and heads up the family garage business after the death of their father. The brothers are estranged from their eldest brother, Ford, after he sold his share to Ella Boudreaux and took off. The situation means for a mixed reception when Ella turns up to work on her first day. Ella is recently divorced from her douche of an ex Trevor who had an affair and married her friend Megan. Ella never let on that she was the brains behind Trevor’s real estate business so when she took half the investment as a divorce settlement, the rumours made her out to be a gold digger. Moving to Cottonbloom has enabled her to make a fresh start. But then she comes under the wrath of sexy alpha Abbott brother, Mack aka Mack Truck! How can she change his opinion of her? I have dipped in and out of this series so have not read all the books and none of the Abbott brothers but it was easy to pick up what had happened so far. Ella and Mack were more of a frenemies to lovers tale in a small town, which are a couple of my favourite tropes. The romance was initially slow burn as you would expect from two people at odds with each other but I liked the build-up of their relationship and how it quickly turned to hot and lusty. The chemistry was easy to feel and I immediately did fall for this couple. There were a couple of things that I felt lost the plot for me and it was especially the issue with her ex Trevor and Megan. I found this a ridiculous situation and no woman in her right mind would do this after all that had been done to her. It was a little unbelievable. I also would have loved for the ending to have been drawn out a bit more as it felt very rushed especially after the misunderstanding. However the final HEA was sweet and tender and a fitting finale for this couple. I just hope Megan does not turn up to be a future half of a couple if there are more books in the series. A cheater is never a good basis for a romance. Overall though another enjoyable addition to the series and a four stars rating from me. Could have been higher without the ex and new wife being included in the storyline! |
This is the 1st book of this series I've read and a stand alone romance. With that being said, I do think maybe I would have benefitted had I read the earlier books, just to get a better feel of all the secondary characters and situations. I had no problems feeling Mack and Ella as they try to deny their attraction. Each with their own set of family problems, there is an underlying theme which I really liked and helped them just to face their issues and move on, hopefully with each other. Ella is a strong, but subtle heroine who keeps Mack in check when he needs it. This one had all the feels for me and I did enjoy it. I received an ARC thru Netgalley and am happily giving my honest review |
The author takes us back to Cottonbloom and the Abbott brothers. This time, the story belongs to Mack. The brother who has dedicated himself to the garage and his brothers. The older brother, Ford, has not only left Cottonbloom, his brothers and the garage but he has also sold his share of the garage. Needless to say, this has created a great deal of stress and upheaval. Especially when the new partner is a strong woman determined to get involved and make a mark. This new development throws Mack off, not only for the implications, but because he is attracted to her. The plot is engaging and the characters complex. But above all , it’s a story about family, forgiveness, and hope. As well as overcoming obstacles in life. Kudos to the author for reminding us that even though families can disappoint us and we them, that bond is one to be cherished. The epilogue and the subsequent addition to the story were great. Can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us. I voluntarily read this this copy obtained from Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own. |
Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham Contemporary romance. Sixth book in the series. Can be read as a standalone romance. I had not read the previous and the only background not included was how the heroine originally bought into the garage and the supposed conflicts at the time. This book opens with her first visit to the garage. Since I love romance and loved this one too, I will go back and read the first five. Good writing and robust characters that deal with life upfront. The heroine, Ella, lusts after Mack’s hot bod throughout the story. She is constantly distracted by his arms, his muscles, his shirtless back...it’s amusing how flustered she gets. In their first make out session, he spanks her a couple of times and she gets rattled. Her ex husband had been abusive and the domination in this new situation was confusing. So she ran away. Acceptable in the moment of fear. Even better, she addresses it directly the next time they discussed their attraction. This to me was the ultimate power of a woman. Of Ella. And that the two actually talked about the situation like adults, both on this and a few other issues was amazing and so smart. A truly wonderful romance of life and family. Two very touching epilogues. I can’t wait to read more of this author. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. |
Well here we are at book #6 (last book?) and we have successfully conquered all the Abbott brothers except Mack but Ella may be his match, she is not as intimidated as others are by his rough style and of course we have that illusive attraction neither can understand LOL. The story proceeds is a fashion much like the other books in this series (I skipped the first 3 and have only read the Abbott brothers books #4-5-6 with no loss) and the thing that made it a bit different was the ex-husband (which I thought was handled poorly) and the love/hate thing that made it more of a romantic challenge. There is a epilogue which amounts to a short story at the end detailing the wedding of Sutton and Wyatt which was very entertaining and seemed to possibly put a cap on the series but then again there was a hint of maybe another romance with a hereto unknown relative, we shall see. 4 Stars for a decent story that did keep me up a bit late to finish, as with all of her books I did some scanning but still enjoyed the story. |
I love this series and yes you can read them as standalones, but I’m sure you want to get to know each brother one by one ! This is the story Mack Abbott, the most serious brother, the one who feels everything rests in his shoulders , has he finally met his match in Ella! Ella does not take no for an answer, and wants to help turn the Abbott Brothers garage into a household name , but Mack won’t give her an inch because she’s not an Abbott! I love Ella, she’s sassy, smart, and has risen above her circumstances to turn her life around ! Another Great Laura Trentham read! I Can’t wait for Fords story and another visit to Cottonbloom! |
The years of hard work and long hours are paying off for Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration, having gained a reputation for high quality work. To ensure complete control of the brothers’ business moving forward, more than ever, the family-owned enterprise needs to stay in the family. But things get messy when brother Ford sells his quarter of the business to an outsider, a wealthy uptown girl with zero knowledge of cars. No one takes the harsh news harder than gruff and moody Mack Abbott. Elle Boudreaux is the first to admit she can’t even change a tire, but she knows a good investment when she sees one. Buying into the garage was a smart business move, with no thought of meddling in its operation. She’d be perfectly content to market the garage to further enhance its value. But despite her good intentions, her arrival is met with cold suspicion from the brothers. Mack and Elle are at odds from the start, and he makes no secret of the fact she’s intruding on family turf. The sooner he can buy out her shares and send her on her way, the better. The tension between Mack and Elle is relentless as she struggles to find her place in the tight-knit group. Abbott family dynamics contribute a wonderful mixture of humor and angst to the entertaining plot. And to further complicate things, a bit of old baggage keeps turning up on Elle’s doorstep. Lots happening in tiny Cottonbloom, Mississippi. Especially when things begin to thaw between Mack and Elle. A delightful summertime read. |
“Set the Night on Fire” by Laura Trentham is Mack Abbott’s story. The family garage has been the most important thing in Mack’s life for as long as he can remember. Now, thanks to his brother, Ford, part of the ownership belongs to someone other than an Abbott. Ella Boudreaux bought Ford’s share as a way to remember her brother and to reclaim her independence after being made to feel less by her ex-husband. Mack has to come to terms with all the changes in his life. His brothers-Wyatt and Jackson-finding happiness after thinking they never would, Ford’s betrayal, and learning to forgive his mother for leaving when he was a kid. Ella is finding her place in Cottonbloom by meeting new people, helping resident Marigold by holding a fundraiser, and helping her ex-husband’s current wife, Megan, find her way. Sparks fly as Mack and Ella heat up the night and learn to trust each other. “Set the Night on Fire” is a very satisfying ending to the Abbott Brothers trilogy. |








