Genre: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
After years of hiding who he is, Hollywood A-lister Dorian Marsten has come out. The chaos and unplanned events that follow lead him to Crofton Hall to stay with his friend, Ben Redbourn, Earl of Crofton.
A near tragic incident leaves Dorian needing a boyfriend, and Alex Reynolds, Ben’s new secretary, agrees to play the part. Alex will not put up with any prima donna actions from Dorian, and Dorian may have finally met his match.
Meanwhile, there is a new baby at Crofton Hall. The arrival of the Viscount of Crofton has left his parents, Ben and Ashley, run ragged and life will never be the same again.
Book six in the Modern Crofton series.
The Review
Poor baby. Davy Redourn has to deal with two adults, Ashley and Ben. Davy has already appropriately taken over as the Earl of Crofton, and there’s no peace for his two dads that are at his beck and call, forever changing nappies. Life is rough for the little guy.
As much as Ashley and Ben love Davy, it’s been exhausting for both of them. Especially for Ashley, as Ben is all thumbs when it comes to preparing feedings and changing nappies. With help from Mrs. Weathers, Ben has gotten on board and is doing much better, but Ashley is worn out, and fears he’s failing as a parent.
The adult world at Crofton Hall spins on too. Ben is interviewing for a new secretary, and he thinks he’s found a smart one in Alex Reynolds. Alex is more than excited to have this new job – besides straightening out Ben with his affairs, he gets a chance to live at Crofton Hall. His former employment required a lot of travel and didn’t suit Alex at all. This new one would give him more stability. Once he gets hired, he starts to make friends with Karl and the “archive dragon,” Dara and Chris.
In the meantime, with Ashley’s agreement, Ben is off to New York after the chaotic “coming out” of Dorian Marsten – now Dorian Forbes. Now the three, Dorian, Ben and Robin Flint, are together again. While enjoying themselves on a night out on the town, a picture gets sent to Ashley, which Simon sees, causing a little uproar. It doesn’t help Simon and Robin’s relationship, as it’s still a bit shaky.
As Ben, Robin and Dorian head back to England, and with Dorian taking up residence at Crofton Hall, things are about to get interesting. Dorian needs help getting his affairs in order after the loss of his manager and agent. He’s also thinking of acting in the theatre, so big changes are in store. Ben suggests that Alex help him out, but Dorian will have to change his ways when it comes to the secretary.
Something is causing a big issues with Dorian and Robin, fans aren’t happy, and someone is feeding the fire. It culminates in a horrifying occurrence. Something needs to be done, and a deal is made between Dorian and Alex. It may solve Dorian’s problem and it would certainly benefit Alex. Will the two men survive one another?
Cohen brings Dorian Forbes and Alex Reynolds to are the forefront in Coming Out at Crofton Hall. They’re definitely opposites. As demanding as Dorian can be,he has finally met his match in Alex. Dorian may have all the confidence in the world. Alex, not so much. He has a lot of confidence when it comes to his job, but has low self esteem. He loves his parents but just isn’t sure what to do with their quirkiness. I really liked how well Alex fit in and was quick to make friends with the others at Crofton Hall.
I also liked how smoothly the story shifts focus, but still remains as Dorian and Alex’s story.
It has so many bright spots – Davy and the love that’s shared between him and his two dads, Ashleys trying so hard to be a great parent while putting needless pressure on himself. He also wants to get back to being a wedding coordinator. He and Ben will have to come up with a way to manage their home life a little better.
Simon and Robin also have some big decisions to make. I loved Simon in this, and his commitment to do whatever would be best for him and Robin.
Cohen takes a page from real life here too, with the actions of fans and followers – how rumors and gossip can turn into unexpected actions and tragedy.
If you’re curious about Dara’s find about Charles, Timothy and Samuel, check out: Charles, Earl of Crofton and Samuel, Earl of Crofton, two of Cohen’s historical romances.
I highly recommend Coming Out at Crofton Hall, the sixth book in the “Modern Crofton Hall” series. Cohen does a fantastic job bringing out all the different personalities of the residents of Crofton Hall. They all grow and change, and become very likable and fun characters. Well written, serious and fun, full of banter and lots of romance. I’m ready for the next “Modern Crofton Hall” story.
I also got to read a freebie short story – “Ben and the Nursery Menace.” Very sweet and funny!
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.
