KISS ME THAT WAY – Laura Trentham
A Cottonbloom Novel , Book 1 of 3
St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN: 978-1-250-07763-9
June 2016
Contemporary Romance

Cottonbloom, Louisiana and Mississippi

At one time the town of Cottonbloom was one, even though a river flowed through it dividing it between Louisiana and Mississippi. A long time ago, however, a feud began setting up a rivalry between the more affluent “Sips” and the Louisiana “swamp rats.” And now problems are about to escalate. A contest among area towns for the best Labor Day festival offers a cash prize at the end. Both sides of the river could certainly use the money for their town's benefit.

While this intriguing plot line runs through the trilogy, KISS ME THAT WAY tells the tale of Monroe Kirby, a girl from the Mississippi side, and Cade Fournette, a boy from Louisiana. They met under trying circumstances fifteen years ago. Ever since her parents' divorce, Monroe's mother took to drinking and frequenting the bars putting stress on the thirteen year-old girl. One night, with her mother passed out, she had to fight off a man with evil intentions and escape the house. She made it through the woods to the river and hid on a boat.

The Fournette family was a happy one until a drunk driver killed the parents. Seventeen year-old Cade stepped up as caretaker of Sawyer and Talley, his younger brother and sister. It wasn't always easy to put food on the table. When out one night to poach some crayfish, he found a scared young girl in his boat. Cade's protective instincts took over and they became fast friends, meeting often under their tree until Cade suddenly left town. His siblings stayed with their uncle as nominal guardian. Cade sent them funds when he could.

Fifteen years pass and Cade has made a fortune with his own company, lives the good life in Seattle and enjoys adventuring around the world; and then a rock climbing accident brings him home to Cottonbloom. After he leaves the hospital, he needs physical therapy. Who should his therapist turn out to be, but his old friend Monroe, now all grown up and a beauty. She's also strong and independent and teaches young girls how to protect themselves.

With lives so very far apart in distance and style, is there any of the old connection still between them? Monroe is not thirteen any more.

KISS ME THAT WAY introduces a strong story line and many interesting characters that carry through the whole trilogy. For instance, Cade's brother and sister are featured in THEN HE KISSED ME (coming out in July) and TILL I KISSED YOU (coming in August).

Laura Trentham writes about real people with faults and virtues. I can assure you a good time in their company.

Jane Bowers