Genre: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
Ben and Ashley are getting married! For the first time in history the Earl of Crofton will be allowed to marry a man.
But wedding admin isn’t always fun, and frayed tempers and bickering are not the best ways to prepare for the happiest day of their lives, but hopefully they’ll make it down the aisle before one of them kills the other. The arrival of two of Ben’s old friends at Crofton Hall does not help matters, especially with their rather messy shared history.
The hall also has a new writer in residence, Chris Gamling, and while he’s not always with the plot in the real world, he’s a brilliant wordsmith. When he meets Jack Webb, Ashley’s best friend, Chris feels the spark he’s been waiting for. Sometimes meeting the love of your life doesn’t have to be difficult.
This is the fourth 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. Each book in the Modern Crofton series will feature Ben and Ashley, alongside another couple finding love at Crofton Hall.
The Review
There’s a newcomer to Crofton Hall – Christopher Gamling. Chris finds himself with no other options than to accept Ben’s special project for “Hidden for the Duke”.
Chris is a playwright and producer, and has decided to leave the Hollywood fast life behind. He didn’t like life in Hollywood, but he’s a little worried about this opportunity. His finances are nonexistent and he doesn’t think he can afford to live at Crofton Hall.
When he meets with Ben, they find there was a severe miscommunication, and Chris can’t believe this chance of a lifetime. He has to do his absolute best. and just maybe he can become a bigger part of Crofton Hall.
Chris is shy and innocent. When he immerses himself in a project, he often retreats to his own private dreamworld. He’s a beautiful, attractive person, but doesn’t see himself that way. He’s been very focused on what he really wants, and isn’t ready to jump into a relationship.
He’s excited when he meets Dara and explores the Crofton Hall archives, and is amazed with all the history there. What he finds could lead to so much more. He’s also in search of a “moggy” – I’ll let the author explain that one.
Ashley’s ex and now best friend, Jack Webb, is ready to be Ashley’s best man. They still have a good relationship, and Ashley finds Jack easy to talk too. Jack was in another relationship, but his issues with his ex Luke left him feeling very unwanted.
Jack’s a busy guy, a hard working barrister, and often brings his work home. He doesn’t go out much anymore, but as he’s meeting up with Ashley, someone bumps into him, drink and all. Jack is smitten with this gorgeous guy, but there’s no time to make a connection, and they end up going their separate ways. Has he passed up someone special?
Oh, but wait! There’s a wedding in the works at Crofton Hall too – maybe? Seems like Ben and his friends Robin, Dorian and Marchent are more excited for the “stag do.” Ben has all kinds of plans to hang with his friends, but he’s also keeping a secret.
Ashley has been slaving away, trying to make their important day perfect, especially for Ben and his status as an Earl. Ashley doesn’t find what Ben has in mind for a “stag do” appealing.
Is everything falling apart between them? What will Ashley do if Ben doesn’t wake up and smell the roses?
Cohen delivers a suspenseful, tension-filled, sweet, heartbreaking and steamy tale straight out of Crofton Hall. So many questions: Will Ben stop being a brat? Will listening to his friends lead him astray? How much more can poor sweet Ashley take? Will anyone get married? And there’s that moggy hunt going on too.
Ashley, Karl, Bunny and Dara, along with Chris and Jack, really save the day. They made Getting Married at Crofton Hall so much fun, and snarky too! Bunny was so impressive, and she comes up with a plan that makes the “stag do” intriguing. Ben, Robin, Dorian and Marchent don’t know what they’re in for!
I might get in trouble for saying this, but Chris and Jack stole the show. I absolutely loved them. And maybe there are lots of moggys in their future!
Be sure to check out “A Glossary of British Terms” that the 16th Earl of Crofton, Benjamin Redourn, was kind enough to share at the end of the book.
Getting Married at Crofton Hall is contemporary gay romance at its best – Cohen kept me guessing about what was going to happen next.
She’s hard at work on the fifth book in the “Modern Crofton” series, and I can’t wait to read it.
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.
