Set the Night on Fire by Laura Trentham ~ a Review

by MK French

Ella Boudreaux managed to leave an abusive marriage and settle in Cottonbloom, a small town straddling the Mississippi River. She invested money in the Abbot Garage, hoping to help get it into the modern era and evoke some of her happiest memories. Unfortunately, buying out a portion of the garage set off Mack Abbott, who wants to keep the garage all family owned. The two are at odds but still attracted to each other.
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July 2018; St. Martin's; 978-1250131300
ebook, print (336 pages); romance

I hadn't read other Cottonbloom novels, but this one really makes me want to hunt them down and read them all. We have the usual trope of a pair initially at odds with each other and are attracted to each other physically, then learn more about each other and fall in love. It's a fun one, and the setting of the Southern town with all of its characters rounds it out nicely. Ella is a great character, unsure of herself after her divorce and getting her snark and confidence back. She's at her best helping others but doesn't see that as a positive quality. This is what creates some of the conflict in her budding relationship with Mack, who has a hard time letting go of the past and what he thinks things should be. The two actually bring out the best in each other, even if they don't have the greatest communication skills initially.

We also get a bonus epilogue of sorts to see the wedding between Mack's younger brother and his fiancee that is mentioned throughout the actual novel. It adds to the feeling of family and a few more laughs as the Abbots discuss the "curse" of weddings in their family. There's also a possible set up for another novel set in this town, which I will absolutely read if it's available.

Buy Set the Night on Fire at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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