Thursday, August 2, 2018

ARC Review: Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham

Set the Night on Fire
Author: Laura Trentham
Series: A Cottonbloom novel (Book 6)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 31, 2018)

Description: Cottonbloom is the perfect place for starting over, finding your way back home―and falling head over heels. . .

Ella Boudreaux has a lot to prove to her family, friends, and foes―and to herself. So when her marriage ends she decides to invest her energy and money into a place that brings back some of Ella’s happiest memories: the Abbott brothers’ garage. Maybe, if she puts her mind to it, she can teach skeptical, stubborn Mack Abbott how to make the business a true success. Which would be a lot easier if the hunky mechanic didn’t make her motor run quite so fast…and hot.

Mack was furious when his brother, Ford, sold his share of the business. He’s in no rush to team up with a wealthy divorcĂ©e who shows up to the garage in stilettos―and the longest, sexiest legs he’s seen in forever. But Ella’s grit and determination won’t quit…and soon Mack can see that she’s been down a few rough roads herself. Neither Mack nor Ella can deny the fierce attraction that’s revving up between them. Could it be that true love has been in the backseat all along…and they’ve finally found the key?

My Thoughts: 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.

Favorite Quote:
"Why do I want you?" It was impossible to keep the incredulity out of his voice. He spun and pace the short length of the room.

She was smart. She didn't take his crap. Her backbone was steel to survive a marriage with the biggest dillhole in Mississippi. Her sentimental love of cars, if not the expertise to fix them, was sweet. She had a heart that recognized the need of someone she'd just met, and even more amazin, the drive to do something to help. The fact she had a killer body made it a no-brainer.
I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

1 comment:

I love getting comments. Let me know what you think.

This blog is now officially declared an Award Free zone! I do appreciate your kindness in thinking of me and I am humbled by your generosity.

Your comments are award enough for me. Comment away!