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Cottonbloom #2
Тогава той ме целуна
Наш и Тали израстват заедно край реката в малкото градче Котънблум – ловят жаби и похапват портокали. Внезапно животът им се променя. На 10 години и двамата губят родителите си. Наш е принуден да се премести при леля си Леора от другата страна на реката. Той заляга над учебниците, завършва гимназия на 16 години, след това е приет в университет. Тали опитва да се справи сама с братята си. Тя страда от дислексия, има проблеми в училище, попада и в лоша компания.
Сега пътищата им се срещат отново в Котънблум. Наш започва да преподава история в местния колеж. Тали развива успешен бизнес със зала за фитнес. Тя се затруднява да разкара бившето си проблемно гадже. Наш пък се старае да угоди на заможната си леля, но тя не одобрява връзката им.
В град, разделен от стари дрязги и съперничество, могат ли двамата да превърнат дългогодишните си мечти в реалност?
Сега пътищата им се срещат отново в Котънблум. Наш започва да преподава история в местния колеж. Тали развива успешен бизнес със зала за фитнес. Тя се затруднява да разкара бившето си проблемно гадже. Наш пък се старае да угоди на заможната си леля, но тя не одобрява връзката им.
В град, разделен от стари дрязги и съперничество, могат ли двамата да превърнат дългогодишните си мечти в реалност?
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2016
38 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
About the author
Laura Trentham
43 books912 followersAuthor of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 23, 2016
4 - "Do you remember when I asked you to run away with me..?" Stars!
The second book in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom Novels series certainly doesn’t disappoint. Nash and Tally’s story is sort of second chance, in that they were friends who drifted apart due to circumstances beyond their control as children, but the attraction that simmers between them as adults, threatens to take that friendship into a whole new direction.
You get to know Tally quite well in the first book of the series in that she is one of the Fournette siblings, her older brother and his relationship were the main focus of that one, but she played a part in their story.
Time had tested but not severed their connection.
Nash arrived back into town during that book as well, but was more on the periphery than having any major role in it. You know about their childhood friendship though, and Then He Kissed me gives you their redeveloping relationship as adults.
She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He’d left part of himself on the river, he’d left part of himself with her.
The one thing that becomes apparent very quickly with this one is that we have an imbalanced couple, in that whereas both of them had their issues as children, one has gotten over them, and the other hasn’t, but tries to hide those insecurities behind bluster, confidence, and ducking out if the going looks like its potentially getting a little tough.
"You throw the same lame excuse out to avoid anything that scares you."
I won’t lie I struggled a little with the repetitive nature of this aspect of the story, and in the latter stages of the book it was erring towards being in the over-done territory for me. But the author managed to keep both characters pretty likeable, and the story-line moving at a steady pace so it stayed within bearable parameters for me.
"Sometimes I want to shake some sense into you…"
I think the sexual tension between the two of them was another thing that kept things flowing as well, it’s thick and sticky like molasses for a lot of the book, they take two steps forward, then one of them pulls back, to the point that as a reader you are sexually frustrated for them. But I liked it, the time to rebuild the friendship was taken around their building attraction as well as developing upon their pasts and how what happened to them has then shaped their future.
"You knew me as a weak, wimpy kid, but you need to accept me as a grown man."
The story as a whole develops through this one as well, with both towns on either side of the river still vying to win the competition that will see a much needed cash injection into the community coffers. The conclusion of that story as well as the culmination of all the fiery passion you have seen between opposing town Mayors; Regan Lovell and Sawyer Fournette in the first two books is due to play out in Till I Kissed You, due for release early August.
"We both had to make mistakes before finding each other…"
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The second book in Laura Trentham’s Cottonbloom Novels series certainly doesn’t disappoint. Nash and Tally’s story is sort of second chance, in that they were friends who drifted apart due to circumstances beyond their control as children, but the attraction that simmers between them as adults, threatens to take that friendship into a whole new direction.
You get to know Tally quite well in the first book of the series in that she is one of the Fournette siblings, her older brother and his relationship were the main focus of that one, but she played a part in their story.
Time had tested but not severed their connection.
Nash arrived back into town during that book as well, but was more on the periphery than having any major role in it. You know about their childhood friendship though, and Then He Kissed me gives you their redeveloping relationship as adults.
She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He’d left part of himself on the river, he’d left part of himself with her.
The one thing that becomes apparent very quickly with this one is that we have an imbalanced couple, in that whereas both of them had their issues as children, one has gotten over them, and the other hasn’t, but tries to hide those insecurities behind bluster, confidence, and ducking out if the going looks like its potentially getting a little tough.
"You throw the same lame excuse out to avoid anything that scares you."
I won’t lie I struggled a little with the repetitive nature of this aspect of the story, and in the latter stages of the book it was erring towards being in the over-done territory for me. But the author managed to keep both characters pretty likeable, and the story-line moving at a steady pace so it stayed within bearable parameters for me.
"Sometimes I want to shake some sense into you…"
I think the sexual tension between the two of them was another thing that kept things flowing as well, it’s thick and sticky like molasses for a lot of the book, they take two steps forward, then one of them pulls back, to the point that as a reader you are sexually frustrated for them. But I liked it, the time to rebuild the friendship was taken around their building attraction as well as developing upon their pasts and how what happened to them has then shaped their future.
"You knew me as a weak, wimpy kid, but you need to accept me as a grown man."
The story as a whole develops through this one as well, with both towns on either side of the river still vying to win the competition that will see a much needed cash injection into the community coffers. The conclusion of that story as well as the culmination of all the fiery passion you have seen between opposing town Mayors; Regan Lovell and Sawyer Fournette in the first two books is due to play out in Till I Kissed You, due for release early August.
"We both had to make mistakes before finding each other…"
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 16, 2016
4.5 stars.
Then He Kissed Me is a great addition to Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom series and had it not been for the fact that the day job got in the way, I can say with some certainty I would have devoured this in one sitting.
I love a best-friends to lovers romance and Tally and Nash brought pretty much all I could've wished for. There were some similarities to the first book, but that doesn't detract from a romantic story that I enjoyed from the start. Tragic circumstances for both families led to a young Tally and Nash being separated, but neither ever forgot the other and when Nash returns to Cottonbloom, let's just say he's all grown up.
"I never imagined you’d grow up to be so sexy."
As far as heroes go Nash made my little geeky heart sigh. I loved him: intelligent, witty and thoughtful, he wears his heart on his sleeve but still harbours insecurities from his younger years. Tally was also likeable although a little frustrating at times; whilst strong-willed and focussed on running a successful business, she's not without her own vulnerabilities having struggled through school, and finds it difficult to see herself as good enough for Nash. But together they do fit like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
In terms of intimacy and passion, Laura paced it well, and the fact they didn't rush things was fitting to them, their journey and worked well for me creating build-up, emotion and the chance to really get to know both Tally and Nash and their history.
"You needed to date some losers so you’d appreciate how awesome I am."
This series is shaping up to be one of my favourites of 2016, I love the small-town atmosphere, the residents, the romantic setting and I really am looking forward to seeing how Sawyer and Regan's story plays out in Till I Kissed You. Thankfully it's not too long a wait.
Copy received courtesy of St. Martins Press via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Then He Kissed Me is a great addition to Laura Trentham's Cottonbloom series and had it not been for the fact that the day job got in the way, I can say with some certainty I would have devoured this in one sitting.
I love a best-friends to lovers romance and Tally and Nash brought pretty much all I could've wished for. There were some similarities to the first book, but that doesn't detract from a romantic story that I enjoyed from the start. Tragic circumstances for both families led to a young Tally and Nash being separated, but neither ever forgot the other and when Nash returns to Cottonbloom, let's just say he's all grown up.
"I never imagined you’d grow up to be so sexy."
As far as heroes go Nash made my little geeky heart sigh. I loved him: intelligent, witty and thoughtful, he wears his heart on his sleeve but still harbours insecurities from his younger years. Tally was also likeable although a little frustrating at times; whilst strong-willed and focussed on running a successful business, she's not without her own vulnerabilities having struggled through school, and finds it difficult to see herself as good enough for Nash. But together they do fit like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
In terms of intimacy and passion, Laura paced it well, and the fact they didn't rush things was fitting to them, their journey and worked well for me creating build-up, emotion and the chance to really get to know both Tally and Nash and their history.
"You needed to date some losers so you’d appreciate how awesome I am."
This series is shaping up to be one of my favourites of 2016, I love the small-town atmosphere, the residents, the romantic setting and I really am looking forward to seeing how Sawyer and Regan's story plays out in Till I Kissed You. Thankfully it's not too long a wait.
Copy received courtesy of St. Martins Press via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 1, 2016
4.5 stars
Then He Kissed Me was a heartwarming friends to lovers romantic read.
I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers genre and Laura Trentham has written a beautiful, entertaining and heartfelt story in Then He Kissed Me.
I loved Tally and Nash, they were both fun, sweet, honest and likable characters who shared a very special friendship growing up. They were inseparable, until tragedy strikes and see's them being torn apart just when they both needed each other the most.
It warmed my heart watching Tally and Nash reconnect after so many years apart. From the moment they see each other again you could feel the attraction between them. I loved how the relationship grew and how they would encourage & support each other. They were able to help each other find peace from the past hurts and love each other unconditionally.
I'm really enjoying the Cottonbloom Novels, each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read them all!!
Looking forward to Regan and Sawyer's book next in Till I Kissed You.
Purchase Links for Then He Kissed Me ~
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Then-He-Kissed...
B&N ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/then-...
kobo ~ https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Pre-Order Till I Kissed You ~
https://www.amazon.com/Till-Kissed-Yo...
*A big thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*
Then He Kissed Me was a heartwarming friends to lovers romantic read.
I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers genre and Laura Trentham has written a beautiful, entertaining and heartfelt story in Then He Kissed Me.
I loved Tally and Nash, they were both fun, sweet, honest and likable characters who shared a very special friendship growing up. They were inseparable, until tragedy strikes and see's them being torn apart just when they both needed each other the most.
It warmed my heart watching Tally and Nash reconnect after so many years apart. From the moment they see each other again you could feel the attraction between them. I loved how the relationship grew and how they would encourage & support each other. They were able to help each other find peace from the past hurts and love each other unconditionally.
I'm really enjoying the Cottonbloom Novels, each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read them all!!
Looking forward to Regan and Sawyer's book next in Till I Kissed You.
Purchase Links for Then He Kissed Me ~
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Then-He-Kissed...
B&N ~ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/then-...
kobo ~ https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebo...
Pre-Order Till I Kissed You ~
https://www.amazon.com/Till-Kissed-Yo...
*A big thank you to St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*
July 20, 2017
Reread – 7/19/2017
Still loved this one! The five star rating still holds strong :)
What I loved:
Nash Hawthorne
The years had been kind, maturing him into a man that could disintegrate the staunchest of panties.
AND
Tallulah Fournette
Her face scrubbed clean of the smudgy eye makeup, her cheeks were pink, and she wore his T-shirt, a red one with a huge Superman emblem over the front. She was every comic-book nerd’s dream girl.
These two are great characters. I loved their past history and how, after all this time and how different their lives turned out, they still clicked, they fit together on a deeper level than either one ever expected.
"I can’t believe you remember."
“I can’t believe you’d think I’d forget.”
Yes, there is some internal struggle, each one dealing with their own doubts and fears but together they learn to trust again. Tally is the rebel, the tough girl who hides her vulnerabilities at all costs and Nash is the nerd turned hottie with a heart of gold. I still have a soft spot for Tally and I’m still head over heels for Nash!
She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He hadn’t left part of himself on the river, he’d left part of himself with her.
This one is still my favorite of the Fournette siblings.
Favorite Lines:
He rubbed his nose against hers, the tenderness of the moment as potent as the passion had been.
Words had always brought him comfort. The characters seemed more real to him than the people around him sometimes, and growing up, they’d been his only friends.
The acknowledgment of how far gone he was settled his restlessness. It wasn’t that the knowledge didn’t scare him. It did. But it also felt inevitable. The feeling was something he’d carried with him since before he could remember. He was meant to love Tallulah Fournette.
“I like weirdos. In fact, I’m a weirdo too.”
Memorable Moment:
When Tally finally lets down her walls and confesses all her insecurities to Nash. It was such a tender moment and Nash handled it just like a gentleman. He was sweet and understanding and then when he asks Tally to let him read to her. *sigh*
I fell a little more in love with him after that. The fact that Tally used to dread reading and all things books and Nash found comfort and understanding between those same pages – and then have Nash show her the possibilities in his own way, just for her. It was my favorite part of the book. Still highly recommend!!
SAFETY
* * * Original Review * * *
5 Nash & Tally Stars
I love friends to lovers romance and this one was a really sweet, comfy read. It had great chemistry, strong emotional connections and two really awesome MCs. It was equal parts funny, romantic and sexy. It had a little bit of everything that I love in a romance.
The H in this story is Nash, a geeky nerd boy turned sexy professor and all around good guy. His h is his childhood friend, Tallulah aka Tally, a street smart wild child. On the outside these two have very little in common but their hearts align, they fit together. This isn't insta-love, although Nash does recognize Tally as his other half much sooner than Tally does herself. I loved the teasing and sharing of memories between them. It gave me that "other" I need to really root for a couple. This had it in spades!
When 10 year old Nash looses his mom to cancer, his aunt whisks him away from the only home he has ever known and the only person he cares about, Tally. Across the river, Tally faces the lose of her best friend but also the sudden and unexpected lose of her parents in a car accident.
As close as these two were growing up, they deal with their grief in vastly different ways. Nash retreats into his books and studies, Tally acts out and runs wild. When they finally meet up again after almost two decades apart, these two discover that time and distance kept them apart but didn't severe their bond. Like the river it was forged on, their connection still ran strong.
Tally goes through a lot of emotional angst while dealing with her insecurities and self doubt and this does lead to some back and forth drama in the relationship but I liked her character. She was a tough girl with a soft vulnerable interior. As a girl who loves to read, and a proud book lover, it was heart breaking to get a glimpse of Tally's struggles with Dyslexia. Tally was definitely a soft spot for me. I liked that she was finally able to overcome her fears and trust issues with Nash, it made for a very sweet and uplifting romance.
But Nash really stole the show for me. A hot guy who reads Harry Potter, loves books, drinks tea and has a charming off kilter accent from studying aboard??? Yeah, by description alone I was intrigued. But than he goes all sweet modern day knight in shining armor for his girl and I was hooked. I loved how affectionate and caring he was, how determined he was to show Tally that he loved her for who she was and not what she was and most of all I loved that he was patient with her. (Trust me, it was almost saintly!) My favorite scene with him has to be when he shares his love of books with Tally by reading to her. Not ashamed to say that had me going all gooey inside. It was a perfectly adorable moment between these two.
This was a fun and laid back read with some angst, but nothing OTT. I loved both Nash and Tally and loved their sweet romance. This is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone. The writing was solid, the dialogue smooth and holy cow was it hot! I look forward to reading more from this author and the town of Cottonbloom :)
Why (Originally) 4.5 and not a 5 Star rating??? I updated my rating to a full 5 stars after reading a pretty hot mess of a book. After reading that disaster I had to re-rate this one. The issues were so small compared to what is out there labeled as romance that it seemed unfair to knock this one down. So five freaking awesome stars it is!
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Still loved this one! The five star rating still holds strong :)
What I loved:
Nash Hawthorne
The years had been kind, maturing him into a man that could disintegrate the staunchest of panties.
AND
Tallulah Fournette
Her face scrubbed clean of the smudgy eye makeup, her cheeks were pink, and she wore his T-shirt, a red one with a huge Superman emblem over the front. She was every comic-book nerd’s dream girl.
These two are great characters. I loved their past history and how, after all this time and how different their lives turned out, they still clicked, they fit together on a deeper level than either one ever expected.
"I can’t believe you remember."
“I can’t believe you’d think I’d forget.”
Yes, there is some internal struggle, each one dealing with their own doubts and fears but together they learn to trust again. Tally is the rebel, the tough girl who hides her vulnerabilities at all costs and Nash is the nerd turned hottie with a heart of gold. I still have a soft spot for Tally and I’m still head over heels for Nash!
She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He hadn’t left part of himself on the river, he’d left part of himself with her.
This one is still my favorite of the Fournette siblings.
Favorite Lines:
He rubbed his nose against hers, the tenderness of the moment as potent as the passion had been.
Words had always brought him comfort. The characters seemed more real to him than the people around him sometimes, and growing up, they’d been his only friends.
The acknowledgment of how far gone he was settled his restlessness. It wasn’t that the knowledge didn’t scare him. It did. But it also felt inevitable. The feeling was something he’d carried with him since before he could remember. He was meant to love Tallulah Fournette.
“I like weirdos. In fact, I’m a weirdo too.”
Memorable Moment:
When Tally finally lets down her walls and confesses all her insecurities to Nash. It was such a tender moment and Nash handled it just like a gentleman. He was sweet and understanding and then when he asks Tally to let him read to her. *sigh*
I fell a little more in love with him after that. The fact that Tally used to dread reading and all things books and Nash found comfort and understanding between those same pages – and then have Nash show her the possibilities in his own way, just for her. It was my favorite part of the book. Still highly recommend!!
SAFETY
* * * Original Review * * *
5 Nash & Tally Stars
I love friends to lovers romance and this one was a really sweet, comfy read. It had great chemistry, strong emotional connections and two really awesome MCs. It was equal parts funny, romantic and sexy. It had a little bit of everything that I love in a romance.
The H in this story is Nash, a geeky nerd boy turned sexy professor and all around good guy. His h is his childhood friend, Tallulah aka Tally, a street smart wild child. On the outside these two have very little in common but their hearts align, they fit together. This isn't insta-love, although Nash does recognize Tally as his other half much sooner than Tally does herself. I loved the teasing and sharing of memories between them. It gave me that "other" I need to really root for a couple. This had it in spades!
When 10 year old Nash looses his mom to cancer, his aunt whisks him away from the only home he has ever known and the only person he cares about, Tally. Across the river, Tally faces the lose of her best friend but also the sudden and unexpected lose of her parents in a car accident.
As close as these two were growing up, they deal with their grief in vastly different ways. Nash retreats into his books and studies, Tally acts out and runs wild. When they finally meet up again after almost two decades apart, these two discover that time and distance kept them apart but didn't severe their bond. Like the river it was forged on, their connection still ran strong.
Tally goes through a lot of emotional angst while dealing with her insecurities and self doubt and this does lead to some back and forth drama in the relationship but I liked her character. She was a tough girl with a soft vulnerable interior. As a girl who loves to read, and a proud book lover, it was heart breaking to get a glimpse of Tally's struggles with Dyslexia. Tally was definitely a soft spot for me. I liked that she was finally able to overcome her fears and trust issues with Nash, it made for a very sweet and uplifting romance.
But Nash really stole the show for me. A hot guy who reads Harry Potter, loves books, drinks tea and has a charming off kilter accent from studying aboard??? Yeah, by description alone I was intrigued. But than he goes all sweet modern day knight in shining armor for his girl and I was hooked. I loved how affectionate and caring he was, how determined he was to show Tally that he loved her for who she was and not what she was and most of all I loved that he was patient with her. (Trust me, it was almost saintly!) My favorite scene with him has to be when he shares his love of books with Tally by reading to her. Not ashamed to say that had me going all gooey inside. It was a perfectly adorable moment between these two.
This was a fun and laid back read with some angst, but nothing OTT. I loved both Nash and Tally and loved their sweet romance. This is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone. The writing was solid, the dialogue smooth and holy cow was it hot! I look forward to reading more from this author and the town of Cottonbloom :)
Why (Originally) 4.5 and not a 5 Star rating??? I updated my rating to a full 5 stars after reading a pretty hot mess of a book. After reading that disaster I had to re-rate this one. The issues were so small compared to what is out there labeled as romance that it seemed unfair to knock this one down. So five freaking awesome stars it is!
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
August 1, 2017
A feel good vibe, with great in-depth characters. Where the story is as beautiful as it equally is frustrating. Where I laughed, smiled & squeezes out a tear or two.
4 Behold & Salivate Stars
We’re back in Cottonbloom peeps, where there is more than just a physical separation between Louisiana and the Mississippi ‘Sips and the blue collar swamp rats. I’m for the swamp rats.
Two childhood friends split due to tragic circumstances. But as grownups they meet again. This is a friends to lover’s story.
Nerdy Nash Hawthorne isn’t that nerdy anymore. He is more like an old school Indiana Jones. Yum! He has come back to Cottonbloom as a professor at the college and because of his Aunt Leora but there is one more important factor. And that is Tallulah Fournette.
Tallulah ‘Tally’ Fournette owns her own business but she doesn’t give herself any recognition to her successes. She puts herself down and really frustrated me. With her problem of dyslexia and self-confidant she has always gone for the rough and tumble men as she never thought that she deserved better.
They rekindle their friendship and it comes to more. Nash is sure what he wants
The feeling was something he’d carried with him since before he could remember. He was meant to love Tallulah Fournette.
I loved the humor in the book.
“That’s not good. I’ll be implicated if someone starts digging for dirt. “How so?” “I might have been involved in the bunny kerfuffle last month.”
This story is about second chances, missed chances and taking a chances. About living life to the full of no regrets or what ifs shouldn’t happen. Of overcoming fears and moving on from the past into the future. Of love, of friendship, a sense of community and of making amends. Of letting go.
Two of my favorite characters in the book are Birdie & Ms. Effie.
Nash is just so adorable
“Yes, the thought of your mouth on me gave me an asthma attack. If you actually do it, I might have a heart attack.
Will Kayla & Jeremy, as well as Boone & Emma get a book?
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
Book received by St. Martins's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 Behold & Salivate Stars
We’re back in Cottonbloom peeps, where there is more than just a physical separation between Louisiana and the Mississippi ‘Sips and the blue collar swamp rats. I’m for the swamp rats.
Two childhood friends split due to tragic circumstances. But as grownups they meet again. This is a friends to lover’s story.
Nerdy Nash Hawthorne isn’t that nerdy anymore. He is more like an old school Indiana Jones. Yum! He has come back to Cottonbloom as a professor at the college and because of his Aunt Leora but there is one more important factor. And that is Tallulah Fournette.
Tallulah ‘Tally’ Fournette owns her own business but she doesn’t give herself any recognition to her successes. She puts herself down and really frustrated me. With her problem of dyslexia and self-confidant she has always gone for the rough and tumble men as she never thought that she deserved better.
They rekindle their friendship and it comes to more. Nash is sure what he wants
The feeling was something he’d carried with him since before he could remember. He was meant to love Tallulah Fournette.
I loved the humor in the book.
“That’s not good. I’ll be implicated if someone starts digging for dirt. “How so?” “I might have been involved in the bunny kerfuffle last month.”
This story is about second chances, missed chances and taking a chances. About living life to the full of no regrets or what ifs shouldn’t happen. Of overcoming fears and moving on from the past into the future. Of love, of friendship, a sense of community and of making amends. Of letting go.
Two of my favorite characters in the book are Birdie & Ms. Effie.
Nash is just so adorable
“Yes, the thought of your mouth on me gave me an asthma attack. If you actually do it, I might have a heart attack.
Will Kayla & Jeremy, as well as Boone & Emma get a book?
Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
Book received by St. Martins's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2017
Първата книга ми хареса и тази не отстъпва по нищо от предната,но очаквам с огромно нетърпение следващата история.
June 9, 2016
What a title, Then He Kissed Me, sounds kind of breathy and sweet, doesn’t it? In the town of Cottonwood, it can be anything but, unless you live on the right side of the divide. Laura Trentham brings us another tale about a small minded town that took which side of the tracks or state line one lived in as the sum of one’s character, making a second chance, seem like a dream when one woman sees herself as inferior to the man she once knew as a child.
Once again town of Cottonbloom has torn two young friends apart when one must move across the dividing line that may separate them forever. That was years ago and their paths cross again, this time as adults. Will Nash and Tally rekindle the friendship they knew as children or will they find a more grown up version that includes love?
Tally seems to be a fractured soul, a whiner, but she must have her reasons, right? When she and Nash, now a professor meet again, his patience is almost saint-like. Will he find that Tally is not the rebel girl her remembered or will he see through her insecurities to the woman she could become?
Ms. Trentham does a great job setting everything up, but the characters felt a little off, not enough to not enjoy her fabulous storytelling, but enough to make me think I missed something. The romance screamed to be felt deeper, the damaged souls were apparent, but the past is gone and both have gone on to make something of themselves to be proud of.
A light read that will still make one believe that there is someone for everyone somewhere and the right time will come.
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Cottonbloom Novels - Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (June 28, 2016)
Publication Date: June 28, 2016
ISBN-13: 9781250077646
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Once again town of Cottonbloom has torn two young friends apart when one must move across the dividing line that may separate them forever. That was years ago and their paths cross again, this time as adults. Will Nash and Tally rekindle the friendship they knew as children or will they find a more grown up version that includes love?
Tally seems to be a fractured soul, a whiner, but she must have her reasons, right? When she and Nash, now a professor meet again, his patience is almost saint-like. Will he find that Tally is not the rebel girl her remembered or will he see through her insecurities to the woman she could become?
Ms. Trentham does a great job setting everything up, but the characters felt a little off, not enough to not enjoy her fabulous storytelling, but enough to make me think I missed something. The romance screamed to be felt deeper, the damaged souls were apparent, but the past is gone and both have gone on to make something of themselves to be proud of.
A light read that will still make one believe that there is someone for everyone somewhere and the right time will come.
I received an ARC edition from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Cottonbloom Novels - Book 2
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (June 28, 2016)
Publication Date: June 28, 2016
ISBN-13: 9781250077646
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 320 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 3, 2017
3.5 звезди
July 7, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
There is something about small town romance that has a way of capturing my heart. Maybe it’s the simplicity of the story, the raw heart-tugging emotions, or maybe it’s Laura Trentham heartfelt prose. Well, it was all of the above.
“She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He hadn't left part of himself on the river, he'd left part of himself with her.”
Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham is the second installment to the Cottonbloom Series and this time around Trentham continues to charm her readers with a friends to lovers story line. Nash Hawthorne and Tally Fournette were childhood friends but when Nash’s mother died, he moved to live with his aunt and soon Nash and Tally’s friendship drifted apart that is until Nash finds himself reuniting with Tally.
Right off the opening pages, readers can feel the strong connection brewing between Nash and Tally. Maybe it’s the simplicity and charm of small town romance that makes readers yearn for more but I love reading stories that makes you believe in second chances especially when it comes to childhood friends becoming lovers. Though the path may not be easy, I love the banter and sexual tension between Nash and Tally. It only heightens to the believability that second chance reunions can be real.
Then He Kissed Me is a love story that is full of heart, honesty, vulnerability and compassion. Though this second installment has a similar theme to the first book, I still love the message that love is love. Love doesn’t need to be grand or exuberant. Love just needs to be felt. And Trentham truly captured this sentiment as she took her readers on a journey where emotions runs deep just like the river in Cottonbloom and where friendship and love are meant to be simple and stickily sweet. So if you are looking for a love story that is brimming with banter, friendship, second chances, charm and passion then I highly recommend you to read this lovely book.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Laura Trentham
There is something about small town romance that has a way of capturing my heart. Maybe it’s the simplicity of the story, the raw heart-tugging emotions, or maybe it’s Laura Trentham heartfelt prose. Well, it was all of the above.
“She was why none of his relationships had ever lasted. He hadn't left part of himself on the river, he'd left part of himself with her.”Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham is the second installment to the Cottonbloom Series and this time around Trentham continues to charm her readers with a friends to lovers story line. Nash Hawthorne and Tally Fournette were childhood friends but when Nash’s mother died, he moved to live with his aunt and soon Nash and Tally’s friendship drifted apart that is until Nash finds himself reuniting with Tally.
Right off the opening pages, readers can feel the strong connection brewing between Nash and Tally. Maybe it’s the simplicity and charm of small town romance that makes readers yearn for more but I love reading stories that makes you believe in second chances especially when it comes to childhood friends becoming lovers. Though the path may not be easy, I love the banter and sexual tension between Nash and Tally. It only heightens to the believability that second chance reunions can be real.
Then He Kissed Me is a love story that is full of heart, honesty, vulnerability and compassion. Though this second installment has a similar theme to the first book, I still love the message that love is love. Love doesn’t need to be grand or exuberant. Love just needs to be felt. And Trentham truly captured this sentiment as she took her readers on a journey where emotions runs deep just like the river in Cottonbloom and where friendship and love are meant to be simple and stickily sweet. So if you are looking for a love story that is brimming with banter, friendship, second chances, charm and passion then I highly recommend you to read this lovely book.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Laura Trentham
July 5, 2016
They were both innocent kids who became best of friends. But when their respective parents died, Nash Hawthorne was taken by his aunt across the Mississippi river, leaving Talullah Fournette behind. She financially struggled with her studies, he got bullied in his new school. A river separated them, but their hearts never forgot.
Twenty long years had passed and they saw each other again, this time they could no longer hide their feelings. But Nash's aunt Leora never liked her for her nephew, and Tally thought she herself was a weirdo and could never satisfy Nash's needs nor keep up with his brain while her own reading was muddled with dyslexia. Their own differences hindered them from getting together, and the more they came to realize their emotions, the more they sabotage what they felt.
This is the second book in the Cottonbloom Novels and this time, Cade's little sister takes the front seat. Among the Fournette's I think she's the most vulnerable yet most passionate. She doesn't easily trust people, she's wary and wants to be in control of situations. What I didn't like about her though, was she always sell herself short. She doesn't recognize her worth and choose to brood instead of face the music. She's too afraid of Nash's opinions of her. Nash Hawthorne, however, is a great man, maybe too great for his own good. Their love story was a little predictable, but Aunt Leora's and Delmar was a twist and I loved it. Another sweet and lovely story from Lauren Trentham and I can't wait to read about Sawyer's life, too!
Twenty long years had passed and they saw each other again, this time they could no longer hide their feelings. But Nash's aunt Leora never liked her for her nephew, and Tally thought she herself was a weirdo and could never satisfy Nash's needs nor keep up with his brain while her own reading was muddled with dyslexia. Their own differences hindered them from getting together, and the more they came to realize their emotions, the more they sabotage what they felt.
This is the second book in the Cottonbloom Novels and this time, Cade's little sister takes the front seat. Among the Fournette's I think she's the most vulnerable yet most passionate. She doesn't easily trust people, she's wary and wants to be in control of situations. What I didn't like about her though, was she always sell herself short. She doesn't recognize her worth and choose to brood instead of face the music. She's too afraid of Nash's opinions of her. Nash Hawthorne, however, is a great man, maybe too great for his own good. Their love story was a little predictable, but Aunt Leora's and Delmar was a twist and I loved it. Another sweet and lovely story from Lauren Trentham and I can't wait to read about Sawyer's life, too!
June 30, 2016
I love small town stories that are full of romance and friendship. This book is perfect for me and I enjoyed it so much.
Nash and Tally were best of friends growing up in Cottonbloom, LA. Then his mom and her parents died and they were torn apart when he had to move to the other side of the river, the rich MS side. Now they are both grown up and Nash has come home for good. He is a professor and she own a gym. They are a lot of differences between them but one thing remains, they have strong feelings for each other.
This sweet book was easy to read and a very enjoyable story to get lost in. The characters, homey small town setting, and the uncomplicated but entertaining plot kept me reading all night until I reached the end and found out if Nash and Tally got their HEA.
Nash and Tally were best of friends growing up in Cottonbloom, LA. Then his mom and her parents died and they were torn apart when he had to move to the other side of the river, the rich MS side. Now they are both grown up and Nash has come home for good. He is a professor and she own a gym. They are a lot of differences between them but one thing remains, they have strong feelings for each other.
This sweet book was easy to read and a very enjoyable story to get lost in. The characters, homey small town setting, and the uncomplicated but entertaining plot kept me reading all night until I reached the end and found out if Nash and Tally got their HEA.
July 7, 2016
THEN HE KISSED ME is a great addition to the Cottonbloom series, sweet and beautiful, filled with heart-tugging emotion and is the perfect best friends to lovers story. The connection between Nash and Tally was so strong that it survived two decades of separation and when they reunited, it felt like they had never been apart. Ms. Trentham paints such a compelling picture of their childhood that a vision of a young Tally and Nash sneaking off to spend time together made me sigh with pleasure.
Nash is such a heartthrob, smart, caring and really sweet. His appeal lies in his geekiness and the fact that he is so unassuming and unaware of how attractive he is. Even though he has lingering insecurities from his youth, he doesn't let them overwhelm him like Tally does. She could be the poster child for self-sabotage becasue every time things were going well in her life and between them, she found a way to derail them. In fact it was so constant, it became annoying. In spite of that, Tally was really easy to understand because all she really wanted was someone to accept her and love her.
I have to say that I had a smile on my face most of the time I was reading this book because their conversations were so much fun and while Nash was laid back and easygoing, he had some latent alpha male tendencies that came out at just the right moments and he really knew how to handle Tally.
There are similarities between this story and the previous one, but each character is unique enough that it does not take away from the stories, but rather enhances them. The appeal in this book lies in the simplicity of the story and the small town lifestyle, and the ongoing feud between Sawyer and Regan as well as the drama surrounding the coming festival are enough to stoke my interest in the next installment of the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Nash is such a heartthrob, smart, caring and really sweet. His appeal lies in his geekiness and the fact that he is so unassuming and unaware of how attractive he is. Even though he has lingering insecurities from his youth, he doesn't let them overwhelm him like Tally does. She could be the poster child for self-sabotage becasue every time things were going well in her life and between them, she found a way to derail them. In fact it was so constant, it became annoying. In spite of that, Tally was really easy to understand because all she really wanted was someone to accept her and love her.
I have to say that I had a smile on my face most of the time I was reading this book because their conversations were so much fun and while Nash was laid back and easygoing, he had some latent alpha male tendencies that came out at just the right moments and he really knew how to handle Tally.
There are similarities between this story and the previous one, but each character is unique enough that it does not take away from the stories, but rather enhances them. The appeal in this book lies in the simplicity of the story and the small town lifestyle, and the ongoing feud between Sawyer and Regan as well as the drama surrounding the coming festival are enough to stoke my interest in the next installment of the series.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
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June 12, 2016
ARC received from: Netgalley
Rating: 4*
Trope: Friends to lovers
Chemistry: Simmering
One-Sentence Summary: Two childhood friends reconnect
Review: Why is it that during all my years at the University of Edinburgh, a Nash didn't come into my life?! Sad times.
Anyway, that aside, it took me a little while to really fall in love with this book: the start seemed a bit of a repetition of Cade/Monroe's story with Tally/Nash playing in the river when they were young followed by years of separation. Then there was the emphasis that they were best friends in present-time but they hadn't seen each other in twenty years - I'm sorry but you'll never convince me that you can stay away from each other for two decades and immediately slip back into the best friend status.
So I was convinced that this book was a 3.5* all the way until the last third where it finally clicked for me and I fell in love the story. The added layer of Tally's Uncle and Nash's Aunt made it all the more interesting as did Nash's reconnection with his Dad.
Overall though, whilst I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would at the start, I still feel that this is the "filler" book for me, bring on Sawyer/Regan's story!
Originally posted @ Love's A State Of Mind
October 29, 2018
THEN HE KISSED ME
(Cottonbloom: #2)
Written by Laura Trentham
2016; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (301 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, contemporary, romance, small town
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Tally Fournette, has her own business, with the help of her brother but still feels like she is not smart enough. When her childhood friend and crush, Nash Hawthorne returns to Cottonbloom to take care of his aunt, Tally feels the old feelings again. Nash has always been brilliant and has returned to his hometown to teach at a college. He has gone from being nerdy to sexy. And, the one woman he wants his Tally. As the two spend time together the flame burns brighter but the insecurities they both feel may drive them apart.
I identified a lot with Tally and loved Nash then and now. The characters were more vivid in this novel and I enjoyed the story even though it was a predictable. I did like that you knew there was a HEA coming but that there would be some tears before then. I am currently dating at this time, though a decade older than some of these characters so I did find the emotions quite realistic.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
(Cottonbloom: #2)
Written by Laura Trentham
2016; St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks (301 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, contemporary, romance, small town
Rating: ★★★ 1/2
Tally Fournette, has her own business, with the help of her brother but still feels like she is not smart enough. When her childhood friend and crush, Nash Hawthorne returns to Cottonbloom to take care of his aunt, Tally feels the old feelings again. Nash has always been brilliant and has returned to his hometown to teach at a college. He has gone from being nerdy to sexy. And, the one woman he wants his Tally. As the two spend time together the flame burns brighter but the insecurities they both feel may drive them apart.
I identified a lot with Tally and loved Nash then and now. The characters were more vivid in this novel and I enjoyed the story even though it was a predictable. I did like that you knew there was a HEA coming but that there would be some tears before then. I am currently dating at this time, though a decade older than some of these characters so I did find the emotions quite realistic.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
July 3, 2016
Nash and Tally were best friend, when they were children, but life tore them apart. Nash spent years away from Cottonbloom, but he is back now and he's going to teach at a local school, whereas Tally never left and is a owner of a gym. When they finally meet after almost two decades, they instantly connect. Nash is very down to earth and knows what he wants and how to get it, but Tally has to overcome the problems that reach to her past, which has left her insecure and whiny at times. Will Nash and Tally find their way to love?
It's a second book in the series and I absolutely adore the series! I really liked the small town setting and a great set of characters. Nash was fantastic, as a child he was a weak and nerdy boy, who grew up to a smart and handsome man. Even though Tally was a bit difficult to like at some parts, it was understandable why she acted the way she did. Tally and Nash had strong chemistry and they were great together. I'm really looking forward to Sawyer and Regan's story, but at the same time I don't want the series to end just yet!
It's a second book in the series and I absolutely adore the series! I really liked the small town setting and a great set of characters. Nash was fantastic, as a child he was a weak and nerdy boy, who grew up to a smart and handsome man. Even though Tally was a bit difficult to like at some parts, it was understandable why she acted the way she did. Tally and Nash had strong chemistry and they were great together. I'm really looking forward to Sawyer and Regan's story, but at the same time I don't want the series to end just yet!
July 5, 2016
This is the second book in the Cottonbloom series but each can be read as a standalone. I had not read the first book in this series but I will now go back and read it as I want to know more about the eldest Fournette.
Tally Fournette has not had an easy life since the death of her parents. Before that though her life lead a wealth of potential at the young age of ten with her best friend Nash. They both spent hot summer days down by the river thinking the heady days of summer would never end. But then Nash’s mother dies, quickly followed by Tally’s parents and therefore their happiness together ends.
Nash was a nerdy little boy who grew up into a nerdy but gifted teenager. He has travelled the World and is now back in his hometown after two decades to be a professor at the local college. He sees Tally in a local bar and frequents it thereafter to try and get her attention and get to know his best friend again.
Unbeknownst to Nash, Tally has definitely noticed Nash and can’t believe that this sexy stranger used to be her nerdy best friend from all those years ago. The pair finally strike up a conversation and this starts the unravelling of their past and a possible promise of the future. Firstly though Tally needs to take care of the problem of her stalker of an ex-boyfriend.
Nash is not the person he used to be as a young child, the acne ridden teen who was bullied and ridiculed has overcome his past insecurities and is strong in his convictions of his self-worth. If only he can break through Tally’s insecurities and let her see she is worthy for her to take a chance at a different kind of love this time around with him.
This was a really tender and sweet (and at times passionately hot!) romance that was easy to dive into and become invested in the storyline. Yes there was some frustration in how Tally kept falling back on her insecurities and it was one step forward and a three steps back kind of dance. I kept routing though for this pairing to take a chance and make a go of their love. There were some additional angst thrown in due to Tally’s ex, her trust issues and Nash’s snobby Aunt. I love how a story unravels to reveal actions from the past have influenced the present. The small town feel and town rivalries was very descriptive and atmospheric that I could almost feel I was there right in the thick of it.
I adored Nash and how he wasn’t your typical alpha hero but he played it much more subtle and believable. When Tally reveals her deepest secret he just took it on the chin and was there for her to support and guide her even though he knew she needed to overcome that by herself.
The chemistry was easy to feel and the slow gradual build up intermixed with some hot sexual tension kept me engaged and eager for these two to reach their HEA. This was a wonderful childhood friends to adult lovers storyline that was both heart-warming yet passionate, set in a small town surroundings that delivered an emotive and believable plot. I will definitely by reading the first book and eagerly await the third book. Highly recommend to other readers. Four and a half stars.
ARC kindly provided by the publishers St Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Tally Fournette has not had an easy life since the death of her parents. Before that though her life lead a wealth of potential at the young age of ten with her best friend Nash. They both spent hot summer days down by the river thinking the heady days of summer would never end. But then Nash’s mother dies, quickly followed by Tally’s parents and therefore their happiness together ends.
Nash was a nerdy little boy who grew up into a nerdy but gifted teenager. He has travelled the World and is now back in his hometown after two decades to be a professor at the local college. He sees Tally in a local bar and frequents it thereafter to try and get her attention and get to know his best friend again.
Unbeknownst to Nash, Tally has definitely noticed Nash and can’t believe that this sexy stranger used to be her nerdy best friend from all those years ago. The pair finally strike up a conversation and this starts the unravelling of their past and a possible promise of the future. Firstly though Tally needs to take care of the problem of her stalker of an ex-boyfriend.
Nash is not the person he used to be as a young child, the acne ridden teen who was bullied and ridiculed has overcome his past insecurities and is strong in his convictions of his self-worth. If only he can break through Tally’s insecurities and let her see she is worthy for her to take a chance at a different kind of love this time around with him.
This was a really tender and sweet (and at times passionately hot!) romance that was easy to dive into and become invested in the storyline. Yes there was some frustration in how Tally kept falling back on her insecurities and it was one step forward and a three steps back kind of dance. I kept routing though for this pairing to take a chance and make a go of their love. There were some additional angst thrown in due to Tally’s ex, her trust issues and Nash’s snobby Aunt. I love how a story unravels to reveal actions from the past have influenced the present. The small town feel and town rivalries was very descriptive and atmospheric that I could almost feel I was there right in the thick of it.
I adored Nash and how he wasn’t your typical alpha hero but he played it much more subtle and believable. When Tally reveals her deepest secret he just took it on the chin and was there for her to support and guide her even though he knew she needed to overcome that by herself.
The chemistry was easy to feel and the slow gradual build up intermixed with some hot sexual tension kept me engaged and eager for these two to reach their HEA. This was a wonderful childhood friends to adult lovers storyline that was both heart-warming yet passionate, set in a small town surroundings that delivered an emotive and believable plot. I will definitely by reading the first book and eagerly await the third book. Highly recommend to other readers. Four and a half stars.
ARC kindly provided by the publishers St Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2017
Laura Trentham has blown me away again with this second installment in her Cottonbloom series! I loved every minute of Tally and Nash’s story! Its emotional intensity was perfectly balanced by some hilarious moments, that made me laugh-out-loud!
If you have read “Kiss Me That Way”, you know that Tally Fournette, is Cade’s younger sister. Like her brothers, her childhood has been marked by difficult living conditions after the loss of their parents. Nash Hawthorne was a neighbor from the Louisiana side of the river, and had been her best friend for years. As children, they were inseparable, until Nash lost his mother and moved to the other side of the river, to live with his aunt. Cottonbloom is a small Southern town divided in two by the river : the wealthy Mississipi side and the poor Louisiana side and they are worlds apart. So, for years, Tally and Nash barely saw each other. Nash left for Europe, to obtain his PhD in History.
Nash is finally back in Cottonbloom, to teach History at the local college. And, of course, he wants to reconnect with Tally. Despite her struggles as an orphaned child, she has made good in her professional life and is a small business owner. But she is scared of being hurt and abandoned again, she feels the adult Nash and her are nothing alike. He is a scholar and she hates books, due to her untreated and well-hidden dyslexia problems. Her feelings of inadequacies were heartbreaking but nothing could undermine Nash’s determination to win her over and show her that they are meant to be together. I loved Nash, he was genuine and definitely swoon-worthy!
This book was a winner for me and I highly recommend it. It was such a gorgeous story of two adults with wonderful childhood memories, but separated by a tragic loss, reconnecting and finding the meaning of true love. The secondary characters were also well-developped and engaging. I loved the family interactions with Cade and Sawyer, Tally’s brothers. And, as the rivalries between the two sides of Cottonbloom are still going strong, I can’t wait for the next installment in this series, featuring Sawyer Fournette, parish commissioner of the Louisiana side and Regan Lovell, mayor of the Mississipi side.
ARC generously provided by publisher Saint Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
If you have read “Kiss Me That Way”, you know that Tally Fournette, is Cade’s younger sister. Like her brothers, her childhood has been marked by difficult living conditions after the loss of their parents. Nash Hawthorne was a neighbor from the Louisiana side of the river, and had been her best friend for years. As children, they were inseparable, until Nash lost his mother and moved to the other side of the river, to live with his aunt. Cottonbloom is a small Southern town divided in two by the river : the wealthy Mississipi side and the poor Louisiana side and they are worlds apart. So, for years, Tally and Nash barely saw each other. Nash left for Europe, to obtain his PhD in History.
Nash is finally back in Cottonbloom, to teach History at the local college. And, of course, he wants to reconnect with Tally. Despite her struggles as an orphaned child, she has made good in her professional life and is a small business owner. But she is scared of being hurt and abandoned again, she feels the adult Nash and her are nothing alike. He is a scholar and she hates books, due to her untreated and well-hidden dyslexia problems. Her feelings of inadequacies were heartbreaking but nothing could undermine Nash’s determination to win her over and show her that they are meant to be together. I loved Nash, he was genuine and definitely swoon-worthy!
This book was a winner for me and I highly recommend it. It was such a gorgeous story of two adults with wonderful childhood memories, but separated by a tragic loss, reconnecting and finding the meaning of true love. The secondary characters were also well-developped and engaging. I loved the family interactions with Cade and Sawyer, Tally’s brothers. And, as the rivalries between the two sides of Cottonbloom are still going strong, I can’t wait for the next installment in this series, featuring Sawyer Fournette, parish commissioner of the Louisiana side and Regan Lovell, mayor of the Mississipi side.
ARC generously provided by publisher Saint Martin's Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
June 30, 2016
I have to say this is one on my new favorite series. I just love the people of Cottonbloom, all the people. The whole idea of this series is a wonderful one. Two states, one town. What's not to love?
Then He Kissed Me is about Nash Hawthorne & Tally Fournette
I really enjoyed both of them. This is a love story that started while they were children, even if they didn't really know it.
Both of their childhoods are heartbreaking. You will feel yourself tearing up as you read about how it began for them. Nash and Tally truly are best friends.
Now that Nash is back home, he a Tally pick up their friendship right were they left off. Of course this time they added something to their childhood relationship...
Sex!
Everything would have been going good if Tally didn't allow her insecurities to overshadow everything. She has a ton a childhood issues that she has never dealt with. I think we all can understand that. Of course like so many of us, she blew them up so much within her head and thought others judged her the same way she judged herself.
You have to love a man who really fought hard for the woman he loved. Tally puts Nash through the ringer and he keeps coming back to her.
Sigh!!!
I think you'll really love these two and their relationship. This is a great series that I can't wait to read more of. You'll also get to visit with the residents of Cottonbloom.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
ARC received for a honest review
Then He Kissed Me is about Nash Hawthorne & Tally Fournette
I really enjoyed both of them. This is a love story that started while they were children, even if they didn't really know it.
Both of their childhoods are heartbreaking. You will feel yourself tearing up as you read about how it began for them. Nash and Tally truly are best friends.
Now that Nash is back home, he a Tally pick up their friendship right were they left off. Of course this time they added something to their childhood relationship...
Sex!
Everything would have been going good if Tally didn't allow her insecurities to overshadow everything. She has a ton a childhood issues that she has never dealt with. I think we all can understand that. Of course like so many of us, she blew them up so much within her head and thought others judged her the same way she judged herself.
You have to love a man who really fought hard for the woman he loved. Tally puts Nash through the ringer and he keeps coming back to her.
Sigh!!!
I think you'll really love these two and their relationship. This is a great series that I can't wait to read more of. You'll also get to visit with the residents of Cottonbloom.
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.c...
Romancing the Readers Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
ARC received for a honest review
July 6, 2016
This is the second story in the Cottonbloom series. Although these stories stand alone, it is best if they are read in order. Nash Hawthorne and Tallulah Fournette are neighbors and childhood friends. They spend every spare moment together until the death of Nash’s mother changes everything. Nash is sent across the river to live on the Mississippi side of Cottonbloom with his aunt – the well-to-do side. His aunt doesn’t approve of Tally and tries to keep her and Nash apart. Not so long after, Tally’s parents are killed in a car accident, and this changes her life too.
An adult Nash arrives back in Cottonbloom to teach. Always a nerd in the past, he’s changed and muscled up. Tally can barely read but has worked hard to open her own gym. Although they are now adult, the same social divide exists between them and they struggle to reconnect and forge a way forward together.
Of the three Cottonbloom stories, this one is my favorite. We have the same small town vibe with the drama of the approaching contest, the social divide in the town and the drama that brings. I enjoyed the nerdy hero with his endearing honesty and the way their childhood friendship blooms to love. It was plain fun watching Nash and Tally realize they loved each other. Of the two, Nash is more in sync with his emotions but even he gets plain confused at times. These characters are people I would like as friends. They were real and fun, yet vulnerable too. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Received via NetGalley
An adult Nash arrives back in Cottonbloom to teach. Always a nerd in the past, he’s changed and muscled up. Tally can barely read but has worked hard to open her own gym. Although they are now adult, the same social divide exists between them and they struggle to reconnect and forge a way forward together.
Of the three Cottonbloom stories, this one is my favorite. We have the same small town vibe with the drama of the approaching contest, the social divide in the town and the drama that brings. I enjoyed the nerdy hero with his endearing honesty and the way their childhood friendship blooms to love. It was plain fun watching Nash and Tally realize they loved each other. Of the two, Nash is more in sync with his emotions but even he gets plain confused at times. These characters are people I would like as friends. They were real and fun, yet vulnerable too. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Received via NetGalley
June 18, 2016
Read on a flight and loved it! Sassy Tallulah and Nerdy Nash reconnect as adults and work through transitioning from childhood friends to more adult connections. Questions of self-worth and doubt on both sides. Will love be enough to give them a happy ending? Set again in small town Americana with the quirky bunch of background characters from book one. This series keeps going up! An enjoyable read.
August 26, 2016
This one was even better than the first one. I LOVE NASH. New book boyfriend.
December 5, 2018
This was another sweet one. H/h used to be childhood best friends but when his mom died and her parents died circumstances separated them. Now that the hero is back they learn who they are as adults; both of them shaped by what they went through, he being bullied in school and her feelings of inadequacy due to her learning disability. The heroine had a lot of fear that acted as an impediment to their relationship while the hero was all in.
September 4, 2021
Сладка история, доказваща, че истинската любов винаги намира правилния път и ни прави по-добри хора. Любов, която разкрива, както най-добрите, така и най-лошите ни качества, създаваща още по-голяма близост с партньора ни.
July 21, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed this series! There seems to be a lot of them but reading one more before I move on. Tally and Nash were fun, but I’ve been waiting for Sawyer and Reagan since book 1!
June 26, 2018
Cottonbloom What a Place.
I love love love this series of books.Thank you for inviting me to visit
Cottonbloom.
The folks are beginning to feel like long lost friend.💞
I love love love this series of books.Thank you for inviting me to visit
Cottonbloom.
The folks are beginning to feel like long lost friend.💞
June 29, 2016
Then He Kissed Me by Laura Trentham is the second novel featuring the Fournette siblings, who were once considered orphaned swamp rats as children and left to survive the best way they could, with no help from their community. This small town romance spotlights Tallulah “Tally”, the youngest Fournette sibling who owns a gym. Tally has lived in Cottonbloom all her life, and was once a rebellious teen who barely graduated high school. The reason is Tally has dyslexia, and she feels lacking because of it. Her two older brothers have gone on to do great things, but even though she owns a business, and has gained respect within her community, she feels she’s stupid because she has a hard time reading, even though she’s great with numbers. But then her former best friend from childhood returns home- Nash, a former nerd turned college professor with glasses and great muscles who gives her a big boost of self confidence because he thinks she’s amazing, and the one person who touches his soul, unlike anyone else.
Nash is your near perfect beta hero. When he was ten, his mother died. His father couldn’t handle her death and left Nash with his aunt (mother’s sister). Before his mother’s death, Tally was his best friend. Nash was bullied and considered a nerd, who also has asthma. When he went to live with his aunt on the other side of the river in a more upscale neighborhood, they lost touch, which the reason why is revealed later in the story. Now Nash is back after working on a big research paper in Europe to teach at the nearby college. He also is back living with his aunt who doesn’t have a high opinion of the Fournette’s for reasons that will also be explained. One night Nash ends up at the same bar Tally is at, and they reconnect. He ends up saving her from her brutish ex-boyfriend, the same man who used to be Nash’s biggest bully in school. Nash wants Tally to be his best friend again. She accepts, although she doesn’t understand why he wants her back in his life. He’s everything she’s not, especially when it comes to knowledge and book smarts. Nash is out to prove Tally wrong why she thinks she’s not worthy of his companionship. Nash is in love with Tally and wants more than friendship.
Then He Kissed Me is about two best friends reconnecting, and then becoming lovers. Tally and Nash are sweet people. Nash is everything you would want in a hero. He’s as close as perfect as you can get. He still thinks of himself as a nerd, but he hides it well because everyone around him is in awe of him, especially Tally. They both give each other the big boost of confidence needed in order to have a stable relationship with one another. The way Nash treats Tally is pure gold. He’s not just attracted to her body, but her mind and spirit. He’s beyond smitten with her. Tally has strong feelings for Nash, but she’s always on edge, thinking something bad will happen because of the deaths of her parents, Nash leaving when they were children, and ex-boyfriend who won’t stay away from her, including Nash who he wants to fight.
There are nice moments with Nash and his aunt who has secrets of her own regarding Tally’s uncle that was a nice element to what Nash and Tally are going through. The secondary characters also add flavor to the plot. The small town atmosphere here is done well. Nash and Tally also steam up the sheets, and in cars, in very satisfactory ways. Nash may have his nose constantly in a book, or it’s implied, but the man knows how to pleasure his woman. Can’t complain about his technique, and the way Tally also lets loose with him.
Then He Kissed Me is a great for contemporary romance fans with a nice couple who find home and a forever love with one another that started when they were children. Do pick this one up!
Nash is your near perfect beta hero. When he was ten, his mother died. His father couldn’t handle her death and left Nash with his aunt (mother’s sister). Before his mother’s death, Tally was his best friend. Nash was bullied and considered a nerd, who also has asthma. When he went to live with his aunt on the other side of the river in a more upscale neighborhood, they lost touch, which the reason why is revealed later in the story. Now Nash is back after working on a big research paper in Europe to teach at the nearby college. He also is back living with his aunt who doesn’t have a high opinion of the Fournette’s for reasons that will also be explained. One night Nash ends up at the same bar Tally is at, and they reconnect. He ends up saving her from her brutish ex-boyfriend, the same man who used to be Nash’s biggest bully in school. Nash wants Tally to be his best friend again. She accepts, although she doesn’t understand why he wants her back in his life. He’s everything she’s not, especially when it comes to knowledge and book smarts. Nash is out to prove Tally wrong why she thinks she’s not worthy of his companionship. Nash is in love with Tally and wants more than friendship.
Then He Kissed Me is about two best friends reconnecting, and then becoming lovers. Tally and Nash are sweet people. Nash is everything you would want in a hero. He’s as close as perfect as you can get. He still thinks of himself as a nerd, but he hides it well because everyone around him is in awe of him, especially Tally. They both give each other the big boost of confidence needed in order to have a stable relationship with one another. The way Nash treats Tally is pure gold. He’s not just attracted to her body, but her mind and spirit. He’s beyond smitten with her. Tally has strong feelings for Nash, but she’s always on edge, thinking something bad will happen because of the deaths of her parents, Nash leaving when they were children, and ex-boyfriend who won’t stay away from her, including Nash who he wants to fight.
There are nice moments with Nash and his aunt who has secrets of her own regarding Tally’s uncle that was a nice element to what Nash and Tally are going through. The secondary characters also add flavor to the plot. The small town atmosphere here is done well. Nash and Tally also steam up the sheets, and in cars, in very satisfactory ways. Nash may have his nose constantly in a book, or it’s implied, but the man knows how to pleasure his woman. Can’t complain about his technique, and the way Tally also lets loose with him.
Then He Kissed Me is a great for contemporary romance fans with a nice couple who find home and a forever love with one another that started when they were children. Do pick this one up!
June 28, 2016
Nash Hawthorne met the girl of his dreams when he was just a young boy, and he always told himself that one day he would make her his wife, but life ended up getting in the way and took him across the state line and to a whole new living environment... one that Tally didn't belong in. Through the years they lost touch, Nash moved onto to college, dated some, but never really found someone who quite "fit" with him like Tally. He has often thought of her, wondered what she is like now, and if that spark would still be there if they saw one another again. And now he might just get the answer to his question... he knew moving home to take a teaching job might have them crossing paths again, question is when they do will they find their instant connection again?
The minute Tally Fournette lost best friend Nash things in her life took a drastic turn, a turn that had her feeling a little lost and out of control, he was her safety net, and when he left she lost a part of herself... a part that she has never really been able to replace. She has since tried to let her feelings for Nash go, hoping that dating other men would fill the ache he left behind, but no one has ever been able to fill the void. So, when she learns that he has returned home she begins to wonder if it's finally their chance to be together, if fate's given them a second chance to salvage the connection they once shared... or if life will just get in the way again.
After meeting these two in the first installment in the series, I began to wonder if they'd be able to let go of all the hurt from their pasts and find their way back to one another... or if the damage would be to great. Tally struck a cord with me in the first installment, something about her really resonated with me, and left me hoping she would be able to find her well deserved happily ever after. Life left her a little rough around the edges, and not so willing to let others in, for fear of losing them in the end... but after a great struggle she finally found a path that suited her and rewarded her with a well deserved happiness that I hoped she'd find. I am really enjoying this new series from Ms. Trentham, not only are the stories unique, and oh so enjoyable, but there also equipped with some very endearing characters that you can't help but lose your heart to!
Charming romance story with a southern twist, that's sure to warm your heart and leave you with a permanent smile!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
The minute Tally Fournette lost best friend Nash things in her life took a drastic turn, a turn that had her feeling a little lost and out of control, he was her safety net, and when he left she lost a part of herself... a part that she has never really been able to replace. She has since tried to let her feelings for Nash go, hoping that dating other men would fill the ache he left behind, but no one has ever been able to fill the void. So, when she learns that he has returned home she begins to wonder if it's finally their chance to be together, if fate's given them a second chance to salvage the connection they once shared... or if life will just get in the way again.
After meeting these two in the first installment in the series, I began to wonder if they'd be able to let go of all the hurt from their pasts and find their way back to one another... or if the damage would be to great. Tally struck a cord with me in the first installment, something about her really resonated with me, and left me hoping she would be able to find her well deserved happily ever after. Life left her a little rough around the edges, and not so willing to let others in, for fear of losing them in the end... but after a great struggle she finally found a path that suited her and rewarded her with a well deserved happiness that I hoped she'd find. I am really enjoying this new series from Ms. Trentham, not only are the stories unique, and oh so enjoyable, but there also equipped with some very endearing characters that you can't help but lose your heart to!
Charming romance story with a southern twist, that's sure to warm your heart and leave you with a permanent smile!!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.
July 27, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Amazing is the word I would use to describe this book in a nutshell. Not only are the main characters funny, courageous and meant to be, but several of the secondary people had great stories that I loved reading. Laura, I heart this book!
Tallulah and Nash were good friends growing up–actually best friends–until tragedy struck both of their families. Nash went to live on the Mississippi side of the river, leaving Tally alone and bereft with only her brothers and uncle to care for her. Nash didn’t fare much better staying with his aunt, too smart for his own good, living his life with books for friends.
But neither has forgotten the past. So when Nash sought her out at the Tavern, she was thrilled to see him even though she didn’t let it show. Her life hadn’t followed the predictable path–her dyslexia had kept her from going to college–while he’d gone on to get a PhD. in History. He was way out of her league now, but he seems to be interested in her, and he sure seems to remember their friendship. Maybe she can have her best friend back?
While they’ve missed out on a lot of time with each other, it’s as if they’ve never been apart. Both Tally and Nash find it easy to pick up their friendship, but it’s much harder to deal with the blazing chemistry between them that threatens to derail their previous platonic childhood relationship. Will trying to have more ruin their friendship?
Falling in love is easy, but revealing your weakness to another person is hard.
Laura Trentham draws out the sexual tension with Nash and Tally almost kissing, nearly kissing and then…not kissing. It’s crazy but it ramps up the heat while you’re reading so when they do get together–you can only imagine! What a wonderful build-up to the culmination of years of feelings for each other. The author did a wonderful job of letting us not only share in their excitement, but watch as they grew and changed for the relationship to work.
This book just flew by for me–I can’t wait for the next in the series. If Ms. Trentham continues to improve with each book she writes, the sky’s the limit! Thanks so much for sharing your great imagination with us!
Amazing is the word I would use to describe this book in a nutshell. Not only are the main characters funny, courageous and meant to be, but several of the secondary people had great stories that I loved reading. Laura, I heart this book!
Tallulah and Nash were good friends growing up–actually best friends–until tragedy struck both of their families. Nash went to live on the Mississippi side of the river, leaving Tally alone and bereft with only her brothers and uncle to care for her. Nash didn’t fare much better staying with his aunt, too smart for his own good, living his life with books for friends.
But neither has forgotten the past. So when Nash sought her out at the Tavern, she was thrilled to see him even though she didn’t let it show. Her life hadn’t followed the predictable path–her dyslexia had kept her from going to college–while he’d gone on to get a PhD. in History. He was way out of her league now, but he seems to be interested in her, and he sure seems to remember their friendship. Maybe she can have her best friend back?
While they’ve missed out on a lot of time with each other, it’s as if they’ve never been apart. Both Tally and Nash find it easy to pick up their friendship, but it’s much harder to deal with the blazing chemistry between them that threatens to derail their previous platonic childhood relationship. Will trying to have more ruin their friendship?
Falling in love is easy, but revealing your weakness to another person is hard.
Laura Trentham draws out the sexual tension with Nash and Tally almost kissing, nearly kissing and then…not kissing. It’s crazy but it ramps up the heat while you’re reading so when they do get together–you can only imagine! What a wonderful build-up to the culmination of years of feelings for each other. The author did a wonderful job of letting us not only share in their excitement, but watch as they grew and changed for the relationship to work.
This book just flew by for me–I can’t wait for the next in the series. If Ms. Trentham continues to improve with each book she writes, the sky’s the limit! Thanks so much for sharing your great imagination with us!
August 16, 2016
ARC REVIEW
Once again one of the Fournette siblings has a friendship that goes sour and know it's time to kiss and makeup. This wasn't a secret friendship Tally and Nash were practically inseparable until Nash's mother finally succumbed to the cancer that was slowly killing her. Tally's own peaceful life was upturned with the sudden death of her parents. Nash moved to the other side of the river to live with his aunt and was kept from Tally. As a genius Nash skipped grades and soon found himself in highschool the same time as Monroe and Regan who were his only friends. Then he was off to college once again at a young age. Tally on the other hand always struggled in school barely making a passing grade, it wasn't until later she learned she was dyslexic. Tally always believed she was stupid and instead of academic or, like her brothers, engineering she choose a more athletic route. Tally opened her gym and still hides the fact that she has difficulty reading. Now that Nash is finally back in Cottonbloom teaching at the local college he plans to reconnect with Tally.
First off I think the blurb for this book was spot on. I love the last line because it sums up everything perfectly.
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?
See, isn't that great! kudos to the person who wrote the blurb. Back on topic. I love Nash, but that's no surprise I love smart men especially when they are a little clueless about women. Tally is a tough one, she is tough on herself especially she still likes Nash but she doesn't feel worthy of being with someone as smart as he is. Nash has always loved Tally even when they were just kids and now he's back and she's single he's out to prove he never wanted to lose her and he plans never to again. Also going on the rival town festivals are still being sabotaged.
Overall, this was a good one Tally was a hard sell but in the end it really was a great story.
Once again one of the Fournette siblings has a friendship that goes sour and know it's time to kiss and makeup. This wasn't a secret friendship Tally and Nash were practically inseparable until Nash's mother finally succumbed to the cancer that was slowly killing her. Tally's own peaceful life was upturned with the sudden death of her parents. Nash moved to the other side of the river to live with his aunt and was kept from Tally. As a genius Nash skipped grades and soon found himself in highschool the same time as Monroe and Regan who were his only friends. Then he was off to college once again at a young age. Tally on the other hand always struggled in school barely making a passing grade, it wasn't until later she learned she was dyslexic. Tally always believed she was stupid and instead of academic or, like her brothers, engineering she choose a more athletic route. Tally opened her gym and still hides the fact that she has difficulty reading. Now that Nash is finally back in Cottonbloom teaching at the local college he plans to reconnect with Tally.
First off I think the blurb for this book was spot on. I love the last line because it sums up everything perfectly.
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?
See, isn't that great! kudos to the person who wrote the blurb. Back on topic. I love Nash, but that's no surprise I love smart men especially when they are a little clueless about women. Tally is a tough one, she is tough on herself especially she still likes Nash but she doesn't feel worthy of being with someone as smart as he is. Nash has always loved Tally even when they were just kids and now he's back and she's single he's out to prove he never wanted to lose her and he plans never to again. Also going on the rival town festivals are still being sabotaged.
Overall, this was a good one Tally was a hard sell but in the end it really was a great story.
Read
July 6, 2016Laura Trentham’s descriptive prose shines in Then He Kissed Me, the second book in The Cottonbloom series. I could see the town of Cottonbloom with all of its shops and the river that divides the town. Then He Kissed Me is a heartwarming friends to lovers story with several interesting twists.
Nash is my favorite character in this series (sorry Sawyer!) Ms. Trentham has written a to die for beta hero. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a sexy college professor who reads comic books? And the fact that Nash remembered every detail about his childhood friendship with Tally made me fall in love with this sensitive man. Nash’s transformation from a nerd to a handsome hero hasn’t been easy. Tough subjects such as death, bullying and prejudice are issues that have impacted Nash.
Tally Fournette grew up in Cottonbloom, Louisiana—the working class section of town with her three brothers. Tally shared a bond with Nash when they were children. She never forgot Nash and their friendship.
Tally and Nash appealed to me—neither though they were good enough for each other. The couple learned to accept and trust each other during the well -paced romance. The Quilting Bee characters of Miss Effie, Miss Leora and Mrs. Carson are fabulous! Loved that the author continued the Tomato Festival competition between the two sides of Cottonbloom during the second book in the series. The contest added a touch of humor to the story and gave insight to the characters of Sawyer and Regan.
Kiss Me That Way is a fabulous read! It’s an excellent slice-of-life novel filled with passion, intrigue and endearing characters. The novel has a clear message about standing up for yourself and acknowledging your feelings woven through this small town novel.
If you are looking for a fabulous summer read, grab your copy of Then He Kissed Me—you will love every word!
Nash is my favorite character in this series (sorry Sawyer!) Ms. Trentham has written a to die for beta hero. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a sexy college professor who reads comic books? And the fact that Nash remembered every detail about his childhood friendship with Tally made me fall in love with this sensitive man. Nash’s transformation from a nerd to a handsome hero hasn’t been easy. Tough subjects such as death, bullying and prejudice are issues that have impacted Nash.
Tally Fournette grew up in Cottonbloom, Louisiana—the working class section of town with her three brothers. Tally shared a bond with Nash when they were children. She never forgot Nash and their friendship.
Tally and Nash appealed to me—neither though they were good enough for each other. The couple learned to accept and trust each other during the well -paced romance. The Quilting Bee characters of Miss Effie, Miss Leora and Mrs. Carson are fabulous! Loved that the author continued the Tomato Festival competition between the two sides of Cottonbloom during the second book in the series. The contest added a touch of humor to the story and gave insight to the characters of Sawyer and Regan.
Kiss Me That Way is a fabulous read! It’s an excellent slice-of-life novel filled with passion, intrigue and endearing characters. The novel has a clear message about standing up for yourself and acknowledging your feelings woven through this small town novel.
If you are looking for a fabulous summer read, grab your copy of Then He Kissed Me—you will love every word!
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