Category Archives: Laura Trentham

January 29, 2018 · 11:56 pm

Review: When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham

Title: When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Five
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Cottonbloom. A beautiful, faraway place where a woman can escape her past—and find reason to stay forever in Laura Trentham’s When the Stars Come Out. . .

Willa Brown never planned to stay in Cottonbloom. She was on the way to somewhere else when she landed there and found work at the Abbot brothers’ garage. . .and a sense of comfort and safety that she had never known. The same holds true for Jackson Abbott himself. With one glance in her direction, he can make Willa’s heart melt. But what begins as an unrequited crush turns into something far more powerful than Willa could have ever imagined. . .

Jackson’s most meaningful relationship has always been with his car—and he’s not afraid to admit it. Still, he can’t help but become emotionally entangled with his new star mechanic Willa, who is definitely hiding some dark secrets of her own beneath the hood. Jackson desperately wants Willa to trust him, and to seek protection in his arms. But even as the two slowly surrender to their shared attraction, the danger lurking in Willa’s past remains a stubborn obstacle. Can she open up enough to give them both a chance at having real and lasting love?

Review:

When the Stars Come Out by Laura Trentham is a heartfelt and engaging romance. This latest addition to the beloved Cottonbloom  series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

Willa Brown loves her job at the Abbot brothers garage but she has worked hard to remain under the radar for the past two years. She is more comfortable in her coveralls and blue jeans than frilly, feminine clothes and when not working, she keeps to herself. Maintaining a low profile in town, she has formed an unexpected but very touching friendship with librarian Marigold Dunlap. Willa has also been crushing on one of the co-owners of the garage, Jackson Abbot, ever since they met but she would never act on her attraction for him.

Jackson and Willa make a formidable team while working and although he knows she is clearly hiding something, he has never really tried to persuade her to confide in him. Once Jackson allows himself to really notice how attractive she is under her unflattering but serviceable clothes, he cannot stop thinking about her. Despite not wanting to cross a line that might make her feel uncomfortable, Jackson cannot resist helping her once he knows a little more about her life outside the garage.

Jackson and Willa are one of those couples who are just made for each other. They truly “get” what makes the other person tick and they both enjoy the same activities. They are also incredibly supportive of one another when it comes to the things they are dealing with outside of work.  However, Willa has deep trust issues and she is extremely reluctant to divulge her secrets. Jackson truly wants to help Willa, but in his frustration over her inability to completely open up, he makes a decision that might end up jeopardizing their future together.  Has Willa grown enough to forgive him when she finds out the truth? Or will she revert to her old pattern of running from problems instead of facing them head on?

When the Stars Come Out is an absolutely delightful romance between two emotionally damaged people. Willa is extremely closed off and incredibly skittish of making another mistake. Jackson has never quite dealt with his mother’s abandonment and he and his brothers are also facing uncertainty over the future of the garage. Willa and Jackson have a bit of an uneasy transition from co-workers to lovers but their longstanding acquaintance provides a rock solid foundation for their fledgling relationship. Both Willa and Jackson undergo significant growth individually as they finally face the baggage from their respective pasts. Old and new fans of Laura Trentham will absolutely love this newest addition to the charming Cottonbloom series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, When the Stars Come Out

July 30, 2017 · 11:58 pm

Review: Leave the Night On by Laura Trentham

Title: Leave the Night On by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Four
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Love, betrayal, and sweet revenge—life in Cottonbloom is about to get a whole lot hotter . . .

Sutton Mize is known for lavishing attention on the customers who flock to her boutique on the wealthy side of her Mississippi town. So when she finds a lace thong in her fiancé’s classic cherry-red Camaro, she knows just who she sold it to: her own best friend. In an instant, Sutton’s whole world goes up in flames. . .

Wyatt Abbott has harbored a crush on Sutton since he was a young kid from the other side of the tracks. He witnessed Sutton’s shocking discovery in the Camaro at his family-owned garage—and it made him angry. What kind of man could take lovely, gorgeous Sutton for granted? But then Sutton comes up with an idea: Why not give her betrothed a taste of his own medicine and pretend that she’s got a lover of her own? Wyatt is more than happy to play the hot-and-heavy boyfriend. But what begins as a fictional affair soon develops into something more real, and more passionate, than either Sutton or Wyatt could have imagined. Could it be that true love has been waiting under the hood all along?

Review:

Laura Trentham tugs on reader’s heartstrings with Leave the Night On, the latest addition to her heartwarming Cottonbloom series. Although this newest release is the fourth full length novel in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

After Sutton Mize discovers her fiancé Andrew Tarwater and her best friend Bree Randall have betrayed her in the worst possible way, she panics and invents a relationship of her own to save face.  From a prominent Cottonbloom family, she is finally beginning to chafe under the weight of her parents’ expectations.  However after a lifetime of never rocking the boat, Sutton finds it difficult to make choices based on her needs instead doing what other people want her to do. After she comes to the realization that she is living a somewhat bland life, Sutton is ready to take a bit of a walk on the wild side, but will she be able to overcome a lifetime of  worrying about what other people think of her?

Wyatt Abbott co-owns a garage with his three brothers and nearly a year after their father’s unexpected death, everyone is somewhat out of sorts. He is feeling a bit restless but he cannot quite pinpoint the cause of his dissatisfaction. Wyatt has absolutely no qualms about agreeing to help Sutton salvage her reputation, but his longtime crush on her quickly complicates things for him.

Despite their very different childhoods, socioeconomic backgrounds and careers, Wyatt is comfortable in his own skin so he has no difficulty fitting into Sutton’s life.  While Sutton is pretty keen to expand her horizons, she is a bit unsettled when confronted with new experiences.  Wyatt’s confidence in her is instrumental in helping her step out of her comfort zone both personally and professionally as she attempts to make positive and long overdue changes in her life. She has several misconceptions about Wyatt and although these negative assumptions do bother him, Wyatt never hesitates to set Sutton straight when she misjudges him. A sizzling hot attractions underlies their easygoing camaraderie but will either of them find the courage to turn their fake relationship into a real one?

Readers’ interest will be piqued by several tantalizing glimpses into Wyatt’s brothers’ lives. Mace has the weight of the world resting on his shoulders as he worries about the future of their business. Wyatt’s  twin brother Jackson is embroiled in a very intriguing situation with co-worker Willa Brown.  Ford has fallen WAY out his brothers’ good graces with his secretive behavior and it will be very interesting to how their relationship with him will fare in the future.

Leave the Night On is a delightfully charming romance that is fast-paced and engaging. Wyatt is a sigh worthy hero with enormous appeal.  Sutton undergoes the biggest transformation as she finally begins to discover who she is and what she wants out life.  One of Laura Trentham’s greatest strengths as an author is her uncanny ability to bring the town and residents of Cottonbloom vibrantly and realistically to life through her vivid descriptions and brilliant dialogue.  This latest installment of the Cottonbloom series is absolutely marvelous and will leave readers impatiently awaiting the release of When the Stars Come Out early next year.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Leave the Night On, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks

October 24, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Candy Cane Christmas by Laura Trentham

Title: Candy Cane Christmas by Laura Trentham
Publisher: Swerve
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 67 pages/Novella
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A very Cottonbloom Christmas!

Jeremy Whitehurst has tried to leave his bad-boy behavior and tarnished image behind in Alabama for a fresh start in Cottonbloom, Louisiana. Unfortunately, trouble has dogged him across state lines. Stepping up and protecting a young woman from her abusive boyfriend earned him a beat-down and got him fired. Although the thanks in the girl’s dark eyes made it all worth it, he recognizes she’s just a different kind of trouble. A trouble he’s not sure he can stay away from.

One rebellious summer dented Kayla Redmond’s carefree innocence. Now her focus is on completing her associate’s degree for bookkeeping, and no one is going to derail her plans. Unfortunately, her job at Fournette Brothers Designs puts her in the path of the one man who has seen her at her worst, yet his blue eyes don’t judge her. He sees beyond the brokenness inside of her and rouses her wild side once more. But, that’s what got her in trouble in the first place.

Christmas is coming and Kayla’s ready to forgive herself and take a chance. But the holiday has only ever brought heartache to Jeremy. No Christmas miracle kept his mother clean or out of jail. Will one reckless night and some time spent in the back of a cop car be the best present Jeremy’s ever been given?

Review:

Candy Cane Christmas by Laura Trentham is a sweet and steamy holiday romance which features two secondary characters from the Cottonbloom and Falcon Football series.

First introduced in the Falcon Football series, Jeremy Whitehurst is also featured in the Cottonbloom series as well.  Trying to leave his somewhat troubled past behind, he relocated to Cottonbloom to start over and he was instrumental in saving Kayla Redmond from her abusive boyfriend.  Now working for the Fournette brothers, Jeremy has come a long way from his dysfunctional childhood but he is still struggling to let go of the remainder of his insecurities.

Although she has turned her life around since first meeting Jeremy, Kayla too is having difficulty forgiving herself for past mistakes.  With just a few weeks remaining before completing her degree, she is thrilled when the Fournettes hire her as their bookkeeper.  She has not dated anyone since finally breaking things off with her abusive ex so she is a little surprised by her attraction to Jeremy.  Will the upcoming holiday season work a little magic on these two troubled souls?

Kayla and Jeremy are wonderful characters who have both had their share of problems in the past and neither have really forgiven themselves for their mistakes.  Both are a little reluctant to embark on a relationship but friendship soon gives way to romance.  Jeremy is much more cautious than Kayla but it is surprisingly easy to convince him that he deserves to give their relationship a chance.  Their romance is quite endearing with plenty of steam but will Jeremy’s unhappy holiday memories ruin their first Christmas together?

With less than 100 pages, Candy Cane Christmas does not have quite the character or plot development as Laura Trentham’s full length novels.  However, this does not lessen the enjoyment of the overall story and it is a delightful holiday romance that fans of  the Cottonbloom and Falcon Football series are sure to love.

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Filed under Candy Cane Christmas, Contemporary, Laura Trentham, Rated B, Review, Romance, Swerve

August 1, 2016 · 11:56 pm

Review: Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham

Title: Till I Kissed You by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Three
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . .

Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…

Sawyer knows that Regan’s never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?

Review:

Till I Kissed You, the final novel in Laura Trentham’s wonderful Cottonbloom series, is a beautiful second chance at love romance.

Regan Lovell and Sawyer Fournette’s complicated past is a major factor in their tempestuous relationship in the present.  Their teenage romance ended due to parental interference and a major misunderstanding and although they have avoided one another for years, Regan and Sawyer are joining forces to discover who is trying to sabotage their upcoming festivals. They are currently embroiled in a heated competition to win the contest that would provided much needed funds for projects for the winner’s town. Every time they seem to make progress in putting their animosity behind them, their unresolved issues and personal baggage put Regan and Sawyer at odds time and again.

Regan is the mayor of the Mississippi side of Cottonbloom which is much more affluent than the Louisiana side.  In addition to her mayoral duties, she also owns a thriving interior design business.  Regan is down to earth, smart and dedicated to improving conditions for her town.  She is a little unreasonable when it comes to her failed romance with Sawyer and she is quick to blame him for the vandalism that seems to be targeting the upcoming festival. Their previous relationship remains a sore spot for both of them but until they discuss the most troubling aspects of their break up, misunderstandings frequently arise.

Sawyer is charming, persuasive and well-liked by most everyone who knows him.  Although he has come a long way from his humble childhood, he has never quite gotten over feeling like he is not good enough for Regan.  While he has put the most of these insecurities behind him, he is surprised when these uncomfortable emotions return and he is never quite certain where he stands with Regan now they are back on speaking terms.  Sawyer and Regan frequently walk on egg shells trying to maintain the fragile truce between them.   This sometimes leads to each of them jumping to conclusions about the other and their relationship remains quite volatile.

As Sawyer and Regan spend time together, both of them are surprised by the resurgence of those long ago feelings.  There is plenty of sexual tension between them and their intense attraction results in some explosive encounters.  However, as soon as their passion is sated, uncertainty returns since there is little in depth communication between them. Old hurts and misunderstandings lead to some ugly scenes as Sawyer and Regan lash out in anger which then leads to a cycle of making and breaking up.  Childhood insecurities are also a problem for both Sawyer and Regan as is their conviction the other is at fault for their painful break up all those years ago.  Who will finally work up the courage to broach these uncomfortable subjects?  Will their fragile peace hold long enough to work through their issues?  And equally important, can Sawyer and Regan put aside their personal differences long enough to uncover the identity of the person trying to sabotage their festivals?

Till I Kissed You is a poignant novel of healing for both Sawyer and Regan.  Emotional, vibrant and filled with passion, this final installment in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series is a heartwarming romance between two wounded yet lovable characters.  A sweet epilogue wraps up all of the loose ends and although it is difficult to leave Cottonbloom and its inhabitants behind, this final novel is incredibly uplifting and heartfelt.  A must read for fans of small town romances.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Paperbacks, Till I Kissed You

July 18, 2016 · 11:57 pm

Review: Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham

Title: Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham
Cottonbloom Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Can two hearts come together in one divided town?

As a boy, Nash Hawthorne spent countless afternoons on the Louisiana side of Cottonbloom with Tally Fournette, wading in the river, peeling oranges and catching frogs. When illness stole his mother, Nash yearned to take Tally and run away—for good. Instead, he crossed the state line to live with his aunt. It was a short distance as the crow flies, but it swept him into a whole new world…

After Nash left, Tally managed to struggle through her own losses without him. But now that she’s crossed paths with him again—at Cottonbloom College, where the grown-up, gorgeous Nash teaches history—she is reminded of their cherished youthful connection…and an attraction that has only gotten stronger with age. Between Tally’s possessive ex and Nash’s snobbish aunt, no one thinks they belong together. In a town torn apart by old resentments and rivalries, can they find their way back to the life they once shared—and turn their long-lost dreams into a real and lasting love?

Review:

Although the plot has plenty of depth and substance, Then He Kissed Me, the second installment in  Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series, is an overall light-hearted, feel-good small town romance.

As children, Nash Hawthorne and Tallulah “Tally” Fournette were the best of friends until tragedy struck both their families.  Within just a few days, Nash lost his mom to cancer and both of Tally’s parents were killed in a car accident.  Nash went to live with his aunt on the wealthier Mississippi side of Cottonbloom while Tally and her brothers remained on the much poorer Louisiana side.  With their lives taking vastly different paths, Nash and Tally lost touch but when Nash moves back to town to care for his ailing aunt, their friendship picks up right where it left off.  With a sizzling attraction simmering under the surface of their renewed relationship, will Tally’s unresolved issues from her past ruin her future with Nash?

Despite owning her own business, Tally’s deep-seated insecurities still continue to define her. She downplays her attributes and she refuses to see how far she has come since leaving high school.  Tally holds her secrets close and she maintains an emotional distance from everyone, including her brothers, Cade and Sawyer.  Her happiest childhood memories are the times she spent with Nash and as they reminisce about those long ago days, Tally slowly realizes her feelings for him are much deeper than just friendship.  But her lack of confidence and inability to open up become a  huge stumbling block in their burgeoning romance.  Plagued with self-doubts, Tally continually backs away every time she and Nash try to move forward.  Nash is patient and understanding, but how long will it take for him to grown weary of Tally’s unhealthy way of coping with her fears?

Nash had his own set of problems following his mother’s death, but he has managed to overcome the worst of his issues. He is a history professor at the local college but he still has an unmitigated love for comic books and super heroes. Although he is no longer a scrawny, nerdy kid, Nash is completely unaware of how good looking and sexy he is.  He is a genuinely kind-hearted, decent man who is now comfortable in his own skin and embraces everything life has to offer him.  Nash treasures the memories of his childhood friendship with Tally but he also cherishes the woman she has become.

Despite the years that have passed since they last saw one another, Tally and Nash’s childhood friendship is a strong foundation for their unfolding romance.  Tally is a little skittish and uneasy when she realizes their relationship goes deeper than friendship and attraction.  Nash is quick to pick up on her wariness and he has no trouble giving her the time and space she needs to adjust as they transition from friends to lovers.  But even the most patient person eventually reaches their breaking point but how will Tally react when Nash grows tired of her inability to move forward?

With an abundance of witty banter, plenty of sexual tension and a realistic storyline, Then He Kissed Me is an absolutely delightful romance with a marvelous cast of characters. Tally and Nash are multi-faceted, complex protagonists that are quite likable despite their flaws and insecurities. A sentimental, charming addition to Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom series that old and new fans are sure to love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Cottonbloom Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Then He Kissed Me

September 9, 2015 · 11:57 pm

Review: An Indecent Invitation by Laura Trentham

indecent invitationTitle: An Indecent Invitation by Laura Trentham
Spies and Lovers Series Book One
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Historical, Romance, Mystery/Suspense
Length: 284 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Keeping her safe is difficult, keeping a proper distance from her is downright impossible.

Lady Lily Drummond understands only too well the danger of spy work. Her father, a preeminent master spy, has been missing for months, and her brother barely survived his final mission for the Crown. Lily is still determined to help find her father, no matter how hard her brother and his best friend try to keep her in the dark.

Busy trying to untangle the web of deceit surrounding the Earl of Windor’s disappearance, Crown spy Gray Masterson also has to ensure Lily Drummond, the gangly, awkward child who was his constant shadow growing up, doesn’t get herself ruined at her London debut. But the girl with scraped knees and elbows has evolved into a lush, sensual beauty surrounded by a bevy of suitors.

Realizing Lily is going to investigate on her own if he doesn’t let her join the hunt for her missing father, Gray assumes he can give Lily a few minor tasks to pacify her, but he quickly learns she is a valuable asset. Moreover, she fairly crackles with life and warmth—things he craves after his dark years in service.

Product Warnings: This book contains spies, scandals, naughty liaisons in houses of ill repute, men who think they know everything and women who know they do not.

Review:

An Indecent Invitation is the scorching hot and intriguing first installment in Laura Trentham’s Spies and Lovers series. This historical novel pairs up a sassy, intelligent young woman with a long time family friend and their resulting romance is explosive. Readers of historical romances who also enjoy a suspense element to the storyline do not want to miss this beguiling and super steamy novel.

Lady Lily Drummond is a quick thinking, feisty and clever young woman who is determined to think for herself. She is nothing like the shy and retiring ladies of the peer and she wants more from life than an advantageous marriage. She can be a bit impulsive but she can take care of herself and Lily is not about to take orders from anyone.

Gray Masterson grew up beside Lily and he is best friends with her brother Rafe. While he is not an aristocrat, his career as a spy for the Crown has garnered him the respect of his peers. He is stunned to discover the hellion who tagged along behind him and Rafe has grown into a beautiful and highly sought after young woman. Gray is dismayed by his attraction to Lily but he knows she deserves a titled suitor, so he is determined to ignore his feelings for her.

Much to his annoyance, Lily is not easy to ignore or dissuade once she decides to help investigate her father’s disappearance. After Gray realizes this, he and Rafe devise a scheme to keep her busy while at the same time keeping her out of harm’s way. However, Gray underestimates Lily’s abilities and she uncovers important evidence. She can also move freely about in Society and her invitations take her into places that he cannot freely access so Lily quickly becomes a valuable asset to the investigation.

Underlying all of Lily and Gray’s interactions is a simmering attraction that soon becomes impossible to ignore. Lily might be innocent but she does not hesitate to explore her burgeoning sexuality once it is awakened. Their mutual desire leads to some very sensual and exquisitely detailed sex scenes that are also full of deep emotions. Being an honorable gentleman, Gray knows that marriage is the only thing that will salvage Lily’s reputation, but will she agree to marry him?

An Indecent Invitation is a wonderful blend of suspense and romance and fans of the genre are sure to enjoy this beautifully written and well researched first installment in Laura Trentham’s Spies and Lovers series. The mystery surrounding Lily’s father’s disappearance is quite interesting and the investigation is full of exciting twists and turns. There is a plenty of sexual tension between Gray and Lily and their exchanges are a delightful combination of witty banter and flirtatious bickering. An outstanding historical romance that will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next book in the series.

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Filed under An Indecent Invitation, Historical, Laura Trentham, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Samhain Publishing Limited, Spies and Lovers series, Suspense