This was y first book by this author and really enjoyed it! I love stories about strong families that overcome obstacles and preserve and this book didn’t disappoint! Although t times I felt I needed to read the book before, things would work out later in the story! Very Highly recommend. #netgalley#setthenightonfire

Ella just bought a share in Mac's garage. The garage he and his brothers have owned since their dad died. Mac is furious that his older brother Ford, sold his share to Ella but, the last thing he expected was to find himself insanely attracted to a woman who knew a lot about cars and, would stand face to face with him on  any point. This book is filled with love of family, old history that comes bubbling to the top when you least expect it and, a steamy love story that you can't put down!

Ella thought she was in love when she was younger. She married the man, and found out his true colors. Her mother's marriage was no prime example either, and in fact, once she stopped giving her mother money, Ella learned more lessons about relationships and betrayal. The only one she can depend upon is herself. Yet, her big heart can not help her from reaching out and assisting others in need. Except her ex. He is in need of something Ella is not prepared to give.
Mack and his brothers own a garage. It has always been the family business and dream.
Mack doesn't much care for change. His brother Ford didn't share the garage dream, and when he had a chance, sold his share to Ella.

Full of grease and snide looks and comments, this is a getting to know you, and wish to get to know more about you, kind of romance. From wanting you out of my garage but into my bed sort of romance. It has a feel good quality about it.

Besides Ella's reawakening to life's potential and Mack's awakening to his heart's possibilities, this is a book about family and forgiveness.

I really love the Abbott brothers.  I hope Ford gets his story too.  After Ford sold his part of the garage to Ella, Mack keeps trying to buy it back from her.  He wants only the Abbott family to be in control of the garage.  Ella does have some really good ideas, but Mack is stubborn and doesn't like change.  Sometimes he thinks he is too much like his father in that respect.  As he and Ella work together and become closer, he realizes that he needs to make some changes in order to move on.  He really needs to reconcile with his mom and his brother.  Ella seems to have it all, but she really doesn't.  She didn't have a good life growing up and she worked hard to get where she is.  The best thing she did was divorce her abusive husband.  She will never let any man dominate her again.  Mack seems like he would be that way, but he also has a softer side.  Will they be able to come to an agreement about the garage and move on with their lives?

5 - "You can't afford me, tough guy." Stars!

Set the Night on Fire takes us back to Cottonbloom, Mississippi, for what I am assuming is going to be the final Abbott brother to find his happily ever after.

"Wait her out, then buy her out."

Mack Abbott has been a very clear secondary presence in the previous two books, being the pseudo boss of Abbott Brothers Garage & Restoration since their fathers death, he takes his responsibility to his siblings seriously, even when his elder brother goes against the family out by selling his quarter share in the business to Ella Boudreaux, and outsider, not family, and a woman that seems to rub him up the wrong way. Initially that is…

"I’m a total bitch aren’t I..?"

"…It’s part of your charm."

This is my favorite of the three Abbott books, I loved Mack, and Ella provided a strong counterbalance to all his growly alphaness. As a divorcee with more than a little baggage, shes trying to forge her own way in the world, her part ownership in the garage just the tip of the iceberg. Her ideas are sound, his brothers aren’t as against her involvement as Mack would have liked, and what starts out as a prickly association soon starts to turn into something else entirely.

"Tell me your dreams…"

"Maybe someday… but not tonight. Tonight, I want the real thing."

Both characters hold their cards very close to their chest when it comes to displaying emotion, and dealing with their demons, but with each new thing they learn about the other they realize they have more in common than they originally thought.

She was a spring breeze teasing his hibernating heart.

I pretty much read this book in one sitting, I love this author’s books and I love getting to return to the setting in which this series has been based around. Although the Abbott’s have now all settled down, and the bonus epilogue tied everything off perfectly in that regard, I really hope Laura has some more stories to tell and characters to share with us with the town of Cottonbloom meandering along in the backdrop in the future.

I was actually trying a book from NetGalley that was similar in concept, small town romance where the character's trade is also a craft and not some fancy job, but just could not get into it. It was a delight to see this available for reading at NG... and to read from a writer who knows how to spin a story. I regretfully did not start with Book 1 in this series, but jumped in midway with the Abbotts. Nevertheless, it was a fine intro to Cottonbloom.

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

I feel that the people of Cottonbloom have become like extended family to me over the past couple of years, and it was like coming home diving into Set The Night On Fire.

I have been impatiently waiting for Mack and Ella's story since the previous book, and Ms Trentham has not disappointed.

I knew from the previous book that there was going to be sparks between our lovelies - just wasn't 100% sure if they would be sexual or hateful (note: we got a bit of both FYI!) They have more in common with each other than they think they do, and watching it all play out was a lot of fun.

I loved Ella's feistyness, Mack's broodiness and gruffness. I adored the rest of the Abbott boys and their ladies.

There is more to Set The Night on Fire than just Mack's love life. There is love, loss, family dramas, forgiveness.

I fell into this book, and read it in one afternoon, and I just want more!

I can't wait to see what Ms Trentham brings us next.

Really enjoyed the tempestuous relationship between Mack and Ellie. I don't recall reading any of the previous ones in this series. I wish I had, but it certainly didn't detract from reading this one. The intimate sexual details are usually easy for me to skip. I enjoyed the repartee between this couple so did skim rather than flip pages. Nice to see people reaching out to help others. The scars of life added to the tale.

After divorcing her no-good husband and moving to Cottonbloom, Ella is truly alone. She's purchased a one quarter share in the Abbott Brothers Garage, and being around the Abbott brothers only reminds her of losing her own brother. Her memories of standing side by side with her brother, heads bent under the hood of his 240Z, along with her business sense make her think she could be good for the garage, but the oldest Abbott brother, Mack, is determined to get rid of Ella as quickly as possible.

This is a new author for me, and I owe a great big thank you to St. Martin's Press for inviting me to read an advance copy of this book because I would have really been missing out if I hadn’t found her!  This is small-town romance at its best, with a welcoming, vibrant setting, quirky, endearing, unique secondary characters and that heartwarming, inviting feel that absorbs the reader into the story. The people of Cottonbloom were so enticing I was ready to look it up on the map, jump in my car and point it in the direction of this terrific town on the river.

I enjoyed everything about this book with its wonderful sense of family and community, a bit of an enemies to lovers romance, and the growth, self-actualizing, forgiveness and healing these characters experienced. I loved Ella, with her strength, stubbornness and determination, but still a hint of insecurity. And grumbly, growly Mack, working so hard to honor his father’s memory that he didn’t realize how closed off he had become from the people in his life or what he was missing as a result.  He's strong and stoic, but his hint of vulnerability and the way he dealt with it are what really made me love him. Mack and Ella butted heads and had some major fireworks between them, and watching them figuring out they could lean on the other and also be strong for the other was immensely satisfying. If you're looking for an enchanting, delightful, evocative, heartfelt, small-town read, grab this one now. You won’t be sorry!

*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

Set the Night on Fire (Cottonbloom, #6) by Laura Trentham.... I love this series... The Abbott brothers are to die for and Mack Abbott is the best so far.. he feels responsible for his brothers and the Abbott Brothers Garage..  Ella Boudreaux...buys Ford's share of the garage... and the fun begins.. it is great to catch up with Jackson and Willa...Wyatt and Sutton.. even the aunts and Ford and the boys missing mother.... and of course River.. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book... from the first pages I moved into the story and didn't want to leave... All the feelings are here...plenty of laughs, some tears both happy and sad, a few tough scenes, steamy sex and a very HEA.... I can't wait for the next Cottonbloom story.

The review will post on the 27th of July. 

Ella and Mack have a turn at romance in Set the Night on Fire. If you haven't read the other stores, you really don't need to. I do, however, recommend the entire series.



Since buying out Ford Abbott's stake in a family garage, Ella has not had a warm welcome. What was first an investment became a setting for some of her best memories of her brother. She doesn't want to give up the garage and hopes she can win Mack Abbott over with her marketing skills.



Mack is furious that his brother sold a share of the family business. It's supposed to stay in the family. Despite his growing attraction to Ella, he must get her share back. To do so, he'll really push her buttons. He never expects her to stand up to her tests, however. He starts to wonder if his desire to buy Ford's share back is really worth it.



I loved the chemistry between Ella and Mack in the previous entry in the A Cottonbloom Novel series. This book is not disappointing. Plus, there's another potential character introduced and I'd like to see her get her own story.



I do have to say that I was a bit let down with the resolution with Ella and her ex-husband. It didn't seem to fit with the character he had been. It's a minor part in the story, however, so it was easy to move past that.



Over all, Set the Night on Fire was another great addition to this very romantic, character-driven series.

This was my first book in the series so now I must go back and catch up.  This was sizzling romance and magnetism at its best.  I do wish I had known the backstory on the characters before reading this book.  I recommend starting at the beginning. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Set the Night on Fire has claimed my title of Best Beach Read 2018... The Abbotts are southern "country" boys and they are 100% adamant that the garage belongs in the family... too bad one of the brothers had money troubles and had to sell out his portion... and in comes Ella Bordeaux, the town's southern belle and recent divorcee from southern royalty. Ella is hell on wheels and out to prove her worth... too bad Mack isn't buying it. He wants the garage in family hands. As the two square off, things heat up and the two become more the business partners.

Set the Night on Fire is the fifth and final edition in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series.  Divorcee and thought to be gold digger, Ella Boudreaux, has purchased Ford Abbott’s 25% of Abbott Brothers Garage and Restoration. When she actually appears at the garage, senior brother, Mack, is none too welcoming.  What Mack doesn’t know is Ella made this purchase in memory of her late brother, Grayson, not to muscle in on the business. Ella has great business instincts and wants to do all she can to help the garage.

While Mack’s initial instinct is to thwart Ella’s efforts, the electricity they generate is unmistakable, and eventually undeniable.  When they begin working together, they are a force to be reckoned with.  And when Ella leads Mack to forgiveness of family members, he truly learns how much she means to him.

This is a lovely story of forgiveness, kindness, and redemption. These are multi-layered characters in a lovely small town setting.  I loved every moment of this book and certainly do recommend it!

Thoroughly enjoyed it! I will be interesting to read the next book for the next match. Didn't really care for any scenes with her ex's wife I tuned her out.

This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review.

The Abbotts are back and their lives have all changed. Mack knows that he has no choice but to accept their new partner he isn't going to make it easy on them. He will just need to find the money to buy them out as no one but a Abbott will own the garage. Ella knows that Mack is trying to chase her off but she isn't going anywhere yet. She knows that she can make a difference and bring in new business  so she will need to prove that she can do it. She has moved on from thinking that she wasn't good enough her ex husband Trevor really messed with her head. And she has turned her whole life around and is happy with it now. Can she ever get Mack to accept her, the twins have no problem with her being around just him. But what happens when that line becomes blurred and they both want something else. Mack knows that Ella is the one that he has been looking for and he is afraid that she is about to walk away and he doesn't know if he can stop her. Ella is mad and she just can't put herself through any more pain it will be better to sell and move on. Is there any hope for them?
I am so glad that we get to read Mack's story and how he has learnt to deal with his family and that he is willing to be the bigger man. He has come along way. I like Ella she is a strong independent woman that refuses to be a victim and how she is willing to help someone even though they caused her pain. She is what Mack needs just hope that he doesn't mess around and let her go without a fight. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

Once again Laura Trentham has produced a book that I loved on every level. The characters of Mac and Ella were funny and feisty. Their romance was definitely not smooth sailing! 

Minor spoilers from this point on!!!
This is the sixth book in the Cottonbloom series and though you can read it as a stand alone, you won't get nearly as much out of it if you do (and all Trentham's books are wonderful so reading them is a joy!). This and the previous two books have been about the Abbott brothers, four men who run the garage and car restoration business left them after the death of their father. Whilst two brothers found love, Ford the oldest revealed how much he hated the town and the business, culminating in his selling his 25% stake to Ella Boudreaux a rich divorcee during the last book.

So from the beginning there are serious sparks! Ella feels she can really make her mark with the garage and Mac resents an outsider interfering with his family business! Over time however they come to appreciate one another. Ella sees Mac as the caring, hardworking and responsible person he is, and he sees her kindness, her humour and what an asset she can be to his business. From that their love story is funny, sweet and believable!

I also enjoyed revisiting the other brothers and characters from Cottonbloom. If was lovely to see some resolution with their estranged mother and with Ford (who I hope might get his own book and shot at redemption some day!) and I'm intrigued by the setup for the next book in the series with two very unlikely characters, it should be interesting!!!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

It was clear from the beginning where this book was going. I am okay with that.  Sometimes it is the journey and not the destination.  However, this book was so slow-reading.  It seemed like I read and read only to have gained no more insight into the plot.  It finally came together in the end, but it wasn't worth the work.

I do not post negative reviews.

Mack and Ella’s love story is so sweet and passionate and understanding, that from the start I wanted to curl up and live in this book. Even though Ella has put up with too much abuse in her life she is still quite the spitfire. It shows that even a strong person can be worn down til they will put up with almost anything. So the fact that Mack just accepts Ella at face value and doesn’t ever shame her with questions as to why she stayed in such a bad marriage, warms my female heart. I liked that he supports and encourages Ella to be everything she’d been suppressed from being. With Mack Ella gets to be her sassy, messy self which then allows her to be the perfect person to push Mack into accepting the changes he had been so fiercely resisting. My only complaint is a couple of short dull breaks in the story that felt like fluff to fill in gaps. But overall a 4.5 stars love story we romance junkies adore.

5 stars - another delightfully entertaining read!!!!  Will there be anymore of Cottonbloom's Abbott brothers?

Loved this book. It's heartwarming and entertaining, full of flawed likeable characters.  You easily get on board wanting the best for the 2 lead characters Ella and Mack. A thoroughly delightful read!

I have voluntarily posted a review consisting of my honest opinions. I received this product for free from Netgalley.