Genre: Contemporary, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Karl Vinter joins the staff at Crofton Hall as the new under butler. He’s too busy to bother with relationships, but he’s more than happy to explore a friends with benefits arrangement with gardener, Val Blake. He couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to settle into is his new life at Crofton Hall. Pity pesky things like feelings start to get in the way.
Meanwhile, Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, is trying to find the perfect way to propose to Ashley, his boyfriend. He’s going to need all the help he can get, especially after at least one misstep and that he’s never given Ashley any indication he wants to get married.
This is the third Modern Crofton novel, featuring Benjamin Redbourn, the 16th Earl of Crofton and descendant of Anthony Redbourn, 1st Earl of Crofton from my historical series, The Crofton Chronicles.
The Review
Crofton Hall is preparing for a new butler. Billins is feeling it’s time to retire, and has gotten word from an associate about someone that just might fit the needs of Ben Rebourn and Crofton Hall.
Karl Vinter, thirty-eight, has had to deal with homophobia in his last service and now he’s been let go. At least he’s given a reference and possibly a new job opportunity where he can start immediately.
After meeting with Ben and telling him the truth, Karl feels like this could be the right move for him. As the new under-butler, Karl knows how to fit into the needs of not only Crofton Hall but its inhabitants. He’s found that those he services have also become new friends: Ashley, Dara, Catlin, Mrs Weathers and the gardener Valerian Blake.
Valerian is twenty-seven, and is very knowledgeable and creative with his love of gardening. He’s had a rough time in his personal life with a mentally abusive ex, Daryl, but he’s trying to put that all behind him.
As Ashley, Dara, Karl and Val spend time together, Karl sits down to talk with Val.
In the meantime, Ben is trying to come up with the perfect plan to propose to Ashley. But the more he delays, the more Ashley starts to doubt. Karl, hearing all sides to the story, comes up with his own plan and gets everyone involved. But will it all work out it the end?
Below Stairs at Crofton Hall is a fun continuation of the “Modern Crofton” series. Cohen creates a delightful new character in Karl Vinter – he intuitively understands everyone’s needs at Crofton Hall.
Cohen also explores themes of low self esteem, commitment, age, romance and love.
Karl Vinter is perfect for Crofton Hall, as he has a natural ability to encourage everyone and to keep things positive. But internally, he struggles with his own doubts, like Val. It’s interesting to see how he and Val end up working through their mutual situation.
Many of the regular characters are back: Ben Rebourn and Ashley Niven, Dara Callaghan, Niall and Josie Niven, and Catlin Redbourn. We also hear some of what Harry Rebourn is up to. There’s also a visit from Ben’s relatives, Marcus and Clarissa Winters and baby Tobias.
Below Stairs at Crofton Hall is a wonderful addition to the “Modern Crofton” series, a delightful novel and visit back to Crofton Hall.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
