Genres: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Identities: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About the Book:
Money cannot buy happiness, something Robin Flint may have to learn the hard way.
Long distance relationships are hard, even more so when one of the couple is a future viscount, billionaire, and potential prize for every gold digger on the East Coast. When Robin takes a temporary assignment in New York, leaving Simon, his boyfriend of nearly a year, back in the UK, they have to work to keep their relationship on track.
Life gets even more complicated when Robin’s ex, movie star Dorian Marsten, comes out as gay and Simon is targeted by one of Dorian’s fans thinking Dorian and Robin were meant to be together.
This is a companion story to the events in Coming Out at Crofton Hall from Robin and Simon’s point of view. It is recommended to read this story after Coming Out at Crofton Hall, but it can also be read after Starting Again at Crofton Hall due to the overlapping story timelines.
The Review:
Movie star Dorian (Marsten) Forbes had finally taken the big step out of the closet, which caused a storm of chaos.
Robin Flint, Dorian’s ex, is now living in a nightmare of confusion and worry. Dorian’s coming out caused his fan base to get ugly, and in middle of it all, the most innocent was injured. Simon MacLove, Robin’s partner and the Detective Inspector of the Hertfordshire Constabulary, was stabbed by a crazed fan.
Robin and Simon have been together for a year, and both thought their relationship would be in a different place. Robin had already wasted six years with Dorian. Now with the movie star out of his life, there’s a chance at a new beginning with Simon.
Robin had planned on taking courses at Oxford University, and learn the Flint Industries business. He’ wa’s also the future Viscount of Whetford. But those plans have taken a turn. as Robin has commitments to the business. He has to travel to the US for six months for executive training, but his time away from London raises many doubts with Simon. Robin seems to already have his life planned, and Simon questions if there’s any room for him.
Robin wanted a place more suited to the future viscount, and he hesitates in finding a place where they can both live.
Simon is also worried that Robin might go back to Dorian. He’d already dealt with an ugly break-up with his own ex. Simon suffered because of the age difference, the verbal abuse, and his ex’s cheating, and thought that had all come to an end.
With Robin spending time in Manhattan, his sister Florence arranges memberships for Robin at several local clubs. It’s important to mingle and build his networ, and to establish himself as a Flint. All seems to go well until he meets model Marco Fortuna. Even though Florence introduces them, she warns Robin to be careful, and she warns Marco too. But Robin makes some mistakes and he and Marco somehow find themselves shipped on social media. It opens old wounds for Simon.
After his serious injury, Simon is recuperating at Crofton Hall. He. Ashley and baby Viscount Davey make great companions. Even with the injury, Simon enjoys his time with Davey, and it gives Ashley a much needed break. Robin tends to get pushy with Simon, even though he’s really just trying to protect him. Luckily, Robin’s family likes Simon. But the distance, the appearance of Marco Fortuna on the scene, and social media have all opened up a cavern of doubt for him. As much as Simon loves Robin, will he be able to build a future with him? Or will it all come crashing down, again?
Cohen digs deep into the doubts, hopes, confusion and bad decisions that plague Robin and Simon during a year together, delving into the importance of good communication and understanding between a couple.
Robin is still a bit immature. He wants to run with the fast crowd. I felt really bad for Simon as he got caught up in the chaos of the ashes of Dorian and Robin’s relationship.
I liked the connection that Ashley and Simon have. Ashley is a life saver for Simon, as he’s had to deal with bratty Ben, so he understands what Simon is going through. At least Claude Flint and Robin’s siblings really like Simon, and have no issues welcoming him to the family.
I’m glad Cohen decided to delve into Simon MacLove and Robin Flint with Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall, which makes a great companion piece to Coming Out at Crofton Hall, which deals with Dorian and his coming out.
A great and informative addition to the “Modern Crofton Hall” series.
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.
