Cade Fournette was forced to grow up fast when his parents died, leaving him with two younger siblings to provide for. And growing up on the wrong side of town made life just that extra bit harder. But as soon as he could he left town and never looked back, the town of Cottonbloom a forgotten memory - well almost. With lingering thoughts of a girl he should forget, Cade pushes himself from one adventure to another. But when his latest escapade ends up in injury, Cade finds himself back in his hometown and in close contact with the  object of his desire.

Monroe Kirby may have grown up with wealth but that didn't protect her from the monster that her mother brought home. The only person who ever protected her was Cade, all those years ago, until one day he had simply disappeared. Now Monroe doesn't need anyone's protection as she is more than capable of looking after herself. Working as a physical therapist and teaching self-defence to kids, all that is missing from her life is love and passion. Until Cade wanders into her work, needing help. Instantly their chemistry ignites. But can old wounds and feelings of inadequacy ever really be left in the past? And as the opposite sides of town get ready to compete in a festival, will old divides keep Cade and Monroe apart?

KISS ME THAT WAY by Laura Trentham is the first novel in a new Cottonbloom series. With in-depth characters that are gripping from the beginning, the author weaves emotional issues throughout the story, making the drama rich and descriptive. Both characters carry the scars from their pasts, and struggle to completely move on. And yet there are plenty of moments of humour and passion. We are introduced to the town of Cottonbloom which is full of quirky characters that I look forward to reading about in future books. KISS ME THAT WAY by Laura Trentham is a beautiful novel about dealing with your past, and fighting for your future - an excellent read. 

Book Summary

A river divides Cottonbloom in two: the upscale enclave on the Mississippi side and the rundown, rough and tumble side in Louisiana. They’re worlds apart—but nothing can build a bridge like love…

Cade Fournette never had it easy Cottonbloom. He stuck around long enough to raise his orphaned siblings and then hightailed it out West—and never looked back. Even though he’s made a success of himself in Seattle, Cade never lost the toughness and the angry edge that helped him survive down South. His only weak spot: the girl he left behind…

Monroe Kirby came from the wealthy side of town, but that didn’t protect her from her mother’s drinking—or her mother’s boyfriend. It was Cade who did that, on a long-ago hot September night, before he disappeared…along with a piece of her heart. Now Monroe is a physical therapist who can fight for herself, and it’s Cade who could use some conditioning when he makes an unexpected return back home. Will he and Monroe pick up where they left off and finally explore their mutual passion—or will the scars and secrets of the past divide them once more?