Genre: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
After making a decision that will change his life forever, Robin Flint arrives at Crofton Hall, looking for a place to recover and start again. Love is not enough to continue living a lie.
An unexpected meeting where sparks fly was meant to be a one off, but Simon MacLove is just too wonderful to cast aside. But since Robin hadn’t intended to continue things, Robin didn’t tell Simon, a local police officer, that he was a millionaire trust fund baby and the future Viscount Whetford. Robin has a lot of baggage, but so does Simon, and whether they can carry it together and is very much up in the air, especially as Robin’s now ex-boyfriend, movie star Dorian Marsten, hasn’t accepted things are truly over between them.
Meanwhile, Ben and Ashley are still enjoying their post-honeymoon bliss, and have decided to work on the next generation of Redbourns. Only it’s not so easy when neither of them have the necessary biological equipment, meaning the road to them becoming parents isn’t going to be straightforward.
This is the fifth Modern Crofton novel. Each story features a new couple falling in love at Crofton Hall, with the continuing life and love of Ben Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton, and the man of his dreams, Ashley (was Niven now Redbourn).
The Review
Robin Flint has finally made a decision, one that hurts his heart. He’s left the selfish, in denial, closeted Dorian Marston for good. Robin had his issues with drugs in the past, but no longer uses, and he really doesn’t need Dorian’s lies anymore.
He’s is successful in his own right, the future Viscount Whetford, and he has the opportunity to return to Oxford. Also, he’d like to be part of his father’s new venture. After the break-up, he leaves New York and goes home to the UK. To avoid having to deal with his family right away, he calls Ashley, who invites him to stay at Crofton Hall for awhile.
As Ashley joins up with his running club, he meets someone new, and it makes him a little nervous and Simon suspicious. Simon MacLove is a Detective Inspector who transferred from Essex to the Hertfordshire Constabulary. He’s dealt with a verbally abusive marriage and has now been divorced for two months. He really needed the change and hopes it all works out.
The latest run ends at the Red Lion Pub – the hottest spot in town – where Ashley introduces Simon to Dara Callahan and Chris Gambling. On a day off, Simon finds himself once again at the pub, and runs into Chris and another newcomer Robin. As Chis has to go to see Dara, Simon and Robin are left alone together.
After a long conversation, the two men have just one thing on their minds, and things quickly get heated! Is it what they both need to heal from the long, hurtful relationships? Or will it turn out to be a big mistake?
As they navigate their new relationship, Simon and Robin worry about money and status and the ghosts of their old ones. Indecision and doubt create stumbling blocks along the way.
Crofton Hall is always bustling with activity and budding relationships, and this time around is no different. Jack has a plan for Chris’ celebration and is driving Ashley crazy. And Chris and Jack have kittens! Chris is still working on his script, and Dara is digging deep into the archives, as the name of “MacLove” (Simon’s last name) conjures something of a mystery.
In the meantime, Ben and Ashley are making baby decisions together. Elena, Ben’s mother, wants a first grandchild that she can spoil. Thinking about surrogates and how it all works, Ben has his doubts. He’s worried about his first born and the bloodline of the Redbourns. Will he be able to make the right decision?
And Dorian Marston just can’t get over himself!
Cohen pens another wonderful, drama-filled, chaotic, humorous story at Crofton Hall. There are always multiple couples and storylines, cresting an enjoyable overlapping jumble of tales. This time out, it’s Robin and Simon’s new romance, Ben and Ashley’s continuing love story, and just a tad bit of Chris and Jack. And of course, the woes of Dorian Marston. There’s also a murder.
And there’s always a well-rounded support system – in this novel, the women really get involved: Ben’s sister Caitlin and his mother Elena; Marchant’s sister Lady Lily Winters; Robin’s mother Virginia, sisters Delia and Florence; and Simon’s sister Michelle. From discussing babies to protecting their friends and brothers, they all have an opinion.
I highly recommend Starting Again At Crofton Hall. The entire “Modern Crofton” series is entertaining, and Cohen always finds new and exciting tales to tell with each outing in this magical place, along with very appealing characters. I don’t know how she doesn’t it, but I’m hooked and ready for the next story from 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.
