Genre: Historical, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
Only the selected few get to attend the special evenings hosted by Samuel Redbourn, 9th Earl of Crofton, the Hellcat of the Ton.
Despite his reputation, Samuel is not the man everyone thinks he is. He has lost a lot in his young life, and after recovering from his addiction to laudanum, it’s time to make the Ton take notice. There’s one thing he wants above all, Hugo, the only man he’s ever loved. But Hugo Cavalier was sent away by his father after he was caught in bed with Samuel, and when he returns to England several years later, there is no guarantee they can rekindle what they once had.
Historical gay Regency romance. A standalone novel in the Crofton Universe.
Please note: contains scene of period drug use, addiction, and recovery.
The Review
Samuel Redbourn, the next Earl of Crofton, has left Cambridge and Trinity College behind. He’s taking his leave, as he no longer feels he fits in the academic world. He’s tried changing his goals but he just has no interest in teaching.
He knows his father Charles, Earl of Crofton, will probably be upset, but Samuel’s future is pretty much set. The arranged marriage to Lady Diana Wyndham, a true and trusted friend, is going to take place soon. This political union will also give him an heir to the Rebourn name.
Before he faces his father, he’s off to London to spend some time in the family townhouse and find entertainment in the city, and finds the coach ride to London… quite interesting.
Hugo Cavalier, son of Harriet (Wainwright) Cavalier, a famous actress with a reputation much like Charles’, is heading to London too. The two men strike up a conversation, and Samuel finds Hugo to be carefree, living life, exuberant, enthusiastic and without the responsibility to carry on the family name. Samuel can’t help but be quite taken with Hugo.
Once he finds out who Samuel is and knowing he hasn’t been introduced to the Ton, Hugo offers his help and invites him a party in Kensington being held by Richard Galloway, Marquess of Denmouth.
With the many parties, gentlemen’s clubs, and and meeting more of the Ton, Hugo and Samuel become good friends. But Samuel finds himself wanting more from Hugo, regardless of his obligation to marry Lady Diana.
Misunderstandings about their sexuality and jealousy lead to Hugo and Samuel getting caught in an unnatural situation by Wainwright, the Duke of Malvern. Even though Hugo is the illegitimate son of the Duke, the man will not tolerate what he has seen.
The Duke demands that Hugo be sent to Greece and Egypt to become a scholar working with archeologists. Even though Hugo loves history, he’s not happy about leaving. But it seems he has no other choice.
With an upcoming wedding, the loss of Hugo, and Charles and Capt. Thornton’s dilemma, Samuel’s world starts to unravel, and he hasn’t faced the worst to come. The devastation will send Samuel into a state of darkness and drugs. Who will help Samuel out of his downward spiral? Will those close to him be willing to make dangerous decisions to save him? Or is it too late to save Samuel’s reputation and the Rebourn name?
Cohen pens another powerful tale in the “Earl of Crofton” series, dealing with young Samuel Redbourn’s life: betrayal, happy occasions, heartbreak and devastating emotions that eventually drive him over the edge.
The author imagines some of the most creative and colorful parties I’ve ever read, along with the outrageous shenanigans celebrated at Crofton Hall. All the parties are only attended by those of the Ton, with special invitations.
What really makes the story intriguing is Samuel himself. He’s humble and has a shyness to him, takes a lot of teasing and doesn’t have the aggressiveness of Charles. Although he participates in the craziness of the parties, he always seeks out some privacy, no matter what others are doing.
Once again, the secondary characters are all so entertaining. There’s Samuel Redbourn’s family: Lady Diana, Nicholas, Scarlett and Henry, Lucy, Aunt Amelia Sawbridge, Lady Huntington; Marchent, a loyal friend to Charles and the Rebourn family; Crenlowe, a major help to Samuel; Richard Galloway; Miranda, daughter of a Baron; Juliet, Richard’s sister; cousin Luisa; and so many more that bring drama to the tale.
I highly recommend Samuel, Earl of Crofton. If you follow the “Earls,” the story does cross over with Charles, Earl of Crofton, and gives some insight into the continuing relationship between Charles and Capt. Thornton.
There’s so much more to this epic tale. Cohen’s Crofton Hall books are all outstanding.
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.
