It’s summertime in Cottonbloom, where two lovers find themselves at a crossroads just as things start to heat up. . .
Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…
Sawyer knows that Regan's never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
Regan Lovell grew up on the wealthy Mississippi side of Cottonbloom—and now, as mayor, she’s determined to save it from the fate of so many small towns. Part of her plan to help the local economy is the Labor Day tomato festival. If only she wasn’t being undermined by Sawyer Fournette, who’s planning a crayfish-themed celebration on the Louisiana side of the river on the very same weekend. The pranks and sabotage are getting out of hand, and she’s had it with him—no matter how much she enjoyed those stolen hours in his truck bed, so many years ago…
Sawyer knows that Regan's never forgiven him for breaking her heart—but despite his reputation as a low-class swamp rat, he’d never hurt the woman who still secretly drives him crazy with desire. Someone in Cottonbloom has it out for her, though, and Sawyer intends to watch her back…and the rest of her too, if she can ever let go of her distrust. But will a common enemy be enough to unite them—and finally fulfill the promises they made one passionate night under the stars?
End of summer tomatoes
Creative Commons (link)
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
- REO Speedwagon
TILL I KISSED YOU is a second chance romance in the Deep South. It hints of Romeo and Juliet when high school sweethearts find themselves on opposite sides of the river, promoting their own town's festival. Once they discover someone is trying to sabotage their efforts, they unite as political allies - and lovers - to realize their dreams.
Trentham delivers a nostalgic look at how a high school sweethearts can mature into responsible adults, balancing their commitments to their families, communities, and ultimately each other. Kudos to Trentham for giving Regan a backbone to stand up to an unexpected bully and pursue her own dreams. I kept thinking of the REO Speedwagon's I CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE - a favorite tune from my college days - as Regan and Sawyer allowed themselves to love each other, no matter who interferes in their relationship. TILL I KISSED YOU kept my interest throughout the story - I did not want it to end.
Trentham delivers a nostalgic look at how a high school sweethearts can mature into responsible adults, balancing their commitments to their families, communities, and ultimately each other. Kudos to Trentham for giving Regan a backbone to stand up to an unexpected bully and pursue her own dreams. I kept thinking of the REO Speedwagon's I CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING ANYMORE - a favorite tune from my college days - as Regan and Sawyer allowed themselves to love each other, no matter who interferes in their relationship. TILL I KISSED YOU kept my interest throughout the story - I did not want it to end.
Note I read TILL I KISSED YOU without reading the first two books in the series. Characters from previous books contribute to the plot but did not distract from the love story between Regan and Sawyer.
Recommended read for fans of reunited lovers, Southern charm, and food festivals.
I received an ARC from the St. Martin's Press for an honest review.
Crawfish Festival
I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comments about tomatoes and/or crawfish - how do you like them? I love fresh tomatoes with a little salt. I also enjoy crawfish although it can be a lot of work to eat 'em!
2. Comments are open through Saturday, August 6, 10 pm in Baltimore.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 7.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Learn more about Laura and her books at lauratrentham.com.
