Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Anyone who had thought Lord Byron mad, bad and dangerous to know, obviously hadn’t met Charles Redbourn, 8th Earl of Crofton.
Charles Redbourn cares little for anyone’s opinion, life is there to be lived and the London Ton provides a host of pleasures. He is used to getting his own way and, after another clash with the impertinent Captain Timothy Thorne, Charles is determined to put the uniformed upstart in his place.
Both are stubborn and passionate men, and someone is going to win this battle of wits—to the winner the spoils.
But when enemies turn into lovers, they face an uncertain future. Charles has to decide which is more important, Timothy or being the Earl of Crofton.
Trigger warnings: drug use and recovery.
The Review
The 18th century. Charles Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, is a cad and the subject of gossip for the Ton for his debauchery. But most of his family and friends have the same proclivities. Charles has a special kind of love for his family, especially his son Samuel, next in line to be Earl.
There’s a well-brokered marriage planned, to Lady Diana of Wyndham, who is more of a friend then a true love. But Samuel is heartbroken about Hugo Cavalier, whose father is the Duke of Malvern. When Samuel and Hugo are caught in an embarrassing situation, Hugo is sent away. For Samuel, there’s nothing he can do but marry Lady Diana.
Charles beds both men and women – it makes no difference to him. But he seldom finds someone he wants to sleep with more than once. Still, there is one man who constantly gets under his skin and piques his interest – Captain Timothy Thorne. Charles has a 5 guinea bet going with his best friend, the Duke of Marchent, over how long it will take for him to bed the Captain.
Capt. Timothy Thorne is a respected soldier of the Light Dragoons. He’s seen many horrible things during his time in the military, which lead him to resign. He traveled from Brighton to London to visit his one and only relative, his Uncle, a wealthy man from whom Timothy will inherit one day. But Timothy would never let his darkness cause scandal for his Uncle.
Timothy has no time (or respect) for the likes of Charles, but Charles can’t help himself. He wants Timothy and is always antagonizing him. He enjoys the fire and anger that he instills in Timothy.
Capt. Lynn, who served with Timothy, meets with Charles, and explains to him that Timothy has demons of his own. As the situation between Timothy and Charles escalates, Timothy finally gives in to Charles, but Timothy has an effect on Charles and the situation takes a turn.
As Charles and Timothy become closer, danger raises its ugly head in the form of Timothy’s Commanding Officer, Major Tivizen. Accusations are raised, and a death will surely point to the Light Dragoon men, especially Thorne. Charles and his family and friends will have to find a way to keep Timothy alive and safe. Even if they succeed, what lies in wait for them all?
Bad boy Charles Rebourn, 18th century Earl of Crofton, is a cad and a scoundrel and does whatever he wants. But he also loves his family and is fiercely loyal to his friends, just as they are to him. He meets his match in Capt. Timothy Thorne, who is a thorn in Charles’ side. Thorne makes Charles do everything in his power to get him in his bed.
Although Charles and Thorne make this a fun, dramatic, and steamy tale, there’s more to this story! Decisions and plans will have to be made, there is lurking danger to Charles, Timothy and the Rebourn name.
I highly recommend Charles, Earl of Crofton. I had a hard time putting it down, and it was filled with surprises.
Cohen delivers an interesting group of characters, some of the names which maybe familiar if you’ve already read the “Modern Crofton” series, as the archives reveal the history of the past. Another great addition to the tales of the Redbourns! I am waiting impatiently to see what Rebecca Cohen has planned for the next Earl of Crofton, Samuel.
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.
