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The Crofton Chronicles #3
Forever Hold His Peace
The Crofton Chronicles: Book Three
Sebastian Hewel has never been happier. But his life playing the role of his twin sister Bronwyn, the wife of Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, is about to change. Rumors abound that Bronwyn is using witchcraft to enthrall her husband, and false evidence has been found. Practicing witchcraft is a crime that could have Bronwyn brought in for questioning by the sheriff, and that would reveal Sebastian and Anthony's secret.
Together they must decide whether it is time to lay Bronwyn to rest. Anthony intends to ensure that whoever implicated Bronwyn pays for the treacherous deed. Whatever happens, Sebastian and Anthony must prepare to face an unknown future together.
Sebastian Hewel has never been happier. But his life playing the role of his twin sister Bronwyn, the wife of Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, is about to change. Rumors abound that Bronwyn is using witchcraft to enthrall her husband, and false evidence has been found. Practicing witchcraft is a crime that could have Bronwyn brought in for questioning by the sheriff, and that would reveal Sebastian and Anthony's secret.
Together they must decide whether it is time to lay Bronwyn to rest. Anthony intends to ensure that whoever implicated Bronwyn pays for the treacherous deed. Whatever happens, Sebastian and Anthony must prepare to face an unknown future together.
200 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2014
24 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cohen
50 books227 followersREBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 23, 2014
I can’t get enough of Sebastian and Anthony! But now I must accept that their story has finally reached its HEA.
It has been over two years since “Bronwyn” and Anthony’s wedding, and they’ve been lucky their secret hasn’t been exposed. Sebastian and Anthony always knew their ploy would someday come to an end, but they hoped it would be on their OWN terms and not forced upon them. Someone wants Bronwyn out of the way and has gone so far as to attempt to frame “her” for practicing witchcraft…
I must first say I DID NOT like the “framing” plot at all! It just seemed too easy and underhanded, and once it was revealed who the instigator was, well, it made sense. But I still didn’t like it.
I LOVED the big, elaborate plan to get rid of Bronwyn...and the even more elaborate plot to get rid of the “bad guy”. I never wanted to see Bronwyn have to “die”, but I understand that the risk had finally become too great. And “even though she wasn’t real, what she represented had been.” There was no question what Anthony and Sebastian meant to each other, not in my mind anyway…
One of my favorite passages:
Is this the last we will see of Anthony and Sebastian? After reading the epilogue, which TOTALLY left me teary eyed, I believe their journey is complete. There’s always hope for James. ;) And I see there is a contemporary story about the 16th Earl of Crofton, Saving Crofton Hall, that I will be reading as soon as possible.
If you enjoyed the previous two books, it is very likely Forever Hold His Peace will be equally as enjoyable. If you haven’t tried this series at all, well, it’s a fun one!
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
It has been over two years since “Bronwyn” and Anthony’s wedding, and they’ve been lucky their secret hasn’t been exposed. Sebastian and Anthony always knew their ploy would someday come to an end, but they hoped it would be on their OWN terms and not forced upon them. Someone wants Bronwyn out of the way and has gone so far as to attempt to frame “her” for practicing witchcraft…
I must first say I DID NOT like the “framing” plot at all! It just seemed too easy and underhanded, and once it was revealed who the instigator was, well, it made sense. But I still didn’t like it.
I LOVED the big, elaborate plan to get rid of Bronwyn...and the even more elaborate plot to get rid of the “bad guy”. I never wanted to see Bronwyn have to “die”, but I understand that the risk had finally become too great. And “even though she wasn’t real, what she represented had been.” There was no question what Anthony and Sebastian meant to each other, not in my mind anyway…
One of my favorite passages:
“Good Lord, no. Let me rest.”So you know how Anthony is always screwing up and having to apologize to Sebastian? Well, he still hasn’t learned his lesson! And Sebastian is still acting just as childish when he doesn’t get his way...but I think those are some of the things I’ve eventually grown to love about these two. I mean, if it was any different, then it wouldn’t be THE Anthony and Sebastian I know. So the point I’m trying to make here is that I’ve grown fond of the things I was annoyed by in the first book The Actor and the Earl, and even the second book Duty to the Crown. I have DEFINITELY enjoyed this series.
Anthony rolled away. Sebastian heard him hunting through his clothes and he returned with a small pouch. “I want you to have this. It was made for you--not Bronwyn.”
Sebastian took the pouch and emptied its contents onto the palm of his hand. A heavy gold ring with a large green stone landed in his hand. “This is too much!”
Anthony took it and slid it onto the index finger of Sebastian’s left hand. “Nothing is too much for you, Sebastian. I meant what I said, while I love that you wear the ring from when you married me as Bronwyn, this is the ring Anthony would give Sebastian.
Is this the last we will see of Anthony and Sebastian? After reading the epilogue, which TOTALLY left me teary eyed, I believe their journey is complete. There’s always hope for James. ;) And I see there is a contemporary story about the 16th Earl of Crofton, Saving Crofton Hall, that I will be reading as soon as possible.
If you enjoyed the previous two books, it is very likely Forever Hold His Peace will be equally as enjoyable. If you haven’t tried this series at all, well, it’s a fun one!
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
September 15, 2015
Love is merely a madness; and, I tell you, deserves as well a dark house and a whip as madmen do; and the reason why they are not so punish’d and cured is that the lunacy is so ordinary that the whippers are in love too.
What a lovely conclusion to this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sebastian and Anthony's love story.
I loved how they met, how Anthony knew Sebastian was not his sister and how they developed and carried out a plan to stay together and in love.
I wasn't expecting how they would end the marriage but knew it had to happen. Also, the deal with Sir Francis was a bit unnerving but for the time, I get it.
The epilogue, had and still has me in tears after reading it and as I write this.
Though this series might not be for everyone, for me it was beautiful and loved every minute of it.
Bravo, gentleman. You won my heart.
August 25, 2016
This is the third in the series of Sebastian and Anthony. I have to admit - I did not read the second in the series so I am coming straight from the happy ending of the first book. Sebastian is younger than Anthony, the Earl, and a life on the stage portraying women has given him the skills necessary to play the wife of Anthony in the guise of his sister, Bronwyn.
They have been content and happy with life as it is until someone brings up witchcraft as the reason for Anthony’s devotion to his wife. The charge of witchcraft was a big one during this time and so Anthony and Sebastian are rightly concerned. Also, who is starting all the rumors? Evidence comes to light to “prove” the charges, which doesn’t look good for Bronwyn. Even as the real Bronwyn shows up, things go from bad to worse.
There is a mystery aspect of it, to figure out who is behind the rumors and why before things get too out of control. They must also protect Bronwyn, while keeping their wits. It’s difficult. In this story there is emphasis on the witchcraft plot more than the romance.
Anthony and Sebastian have to trust each other because there is so much they can’t trust in their world right now, and the “who” of it was appalling for them. I admit, the consequences were dastardly for the traitor and the very idea of hanging, drawing and quartering made me gag. Traitors were dealt with very thoroughly, to be sure.
I thought Lady Sara aspect was a good one and hopeful for everyone involved. I have to say, the sappy romantic part of me loved the epilogue. Giving hope to someone young, carrying on the heart of Anthony and Sebastian, that made me smile. Well done, William.
They have been content and happy with life as it is until someone brings up witchcraft as the reason for Anthony’s devotion to his wife. The charge of witchcraft was a big one during this time and so Anthony and Sebastian are rightly concerned. Also, who is starting all the rumors? Evidence comes to light to “prove” the charges, which doesn’t look good for Bronwyn. Even as the real Bronwyn shows up, things go from bad to worse.
There is a mystery aspect of it, to figure out who is behind the rumors and why before things get too out of control. They must also protect Bronwyn, while keeping their wits. It’s difficult. In this story there is emphasis on the witchcraft plot more than the romance.
Anthony and Sebastian have to trust each other because there is so much they can’t trust in their world right now, and the “who” of it was appalling for them. I admit, the consequences were dastardly for the traitor and the very idea of hanging, drawing and quartering made me gag. Traitors were dealt with very thoroughly, to be sure.
I thought Lady Sara aspect was a good one and hopeful for everyone involved. I have to say, the sappy romantic part of me loved the epilogue. Giving hope to someone young, carrying on the heart of Anthony and Sebastian, that made me smile. Well done, William.
October 20, 2017
Last book about Anthony and Sebastian. Kinda down hill through the end of the book.
Especially the epilogue. Not my favorite epilogue for sure.
No worries about Anthony and Sebastian HEA. They have it. But in the 17th century, you couldn't expect more than to 'still' covered your same-sex relationship. That's sad. Even for now, right?
I enjoyed at least half of the story, and I wish I skipped the epilogue.
Now digging about the 16th Earl of Crofton story, Benjamin Crofton!
Especially the epilogue. Not my favorite epilogue for sure.
No worries about Anthony and Sebastian HEA. They have it. But in the 17th century, you couldn't expect more than to 'still' covered your same-sex relationship. That's sad. Even for now, right?
I enjoyed at least half of the story, and I wish I skipped the epilogue.
Now digging about the 16th Earl of Crofton story, Benjamin Crofton!
May 18, 2023
Batshit plot. Just go with it.
Rant Alert:
Oh no! Lengthy Shakespeare quotes! Pro tip all you writers out there, Do Not Put In Chunks of Shakespeare in your books!!!!
Why not:
Either
A: Shakespeare is platinum. Other writing looks like lead next to it. A reader will be immersed in the exquisite language, and then dumped back into the comparative sludge of your book.
Or
B: the reader hates Shakespeare/the idea of Shakespeare/doesn't want to know and is going to have the total shits re having it dumped on their head.
I would be surprised if any reader ever has gotten interested in Shakespeare through having it dumped on them in the middle of a romance novel.
Then you have the wankery of the MC being in the theatre companies and all the famous people like Richard Burbage. Stop it. The only person who EVER did this well is Antonia Forest.
There are marvellous books which integrate others' work well, Hilary Clinton's recent thriller springs to mind (John Donne! My Main Man!) and cleverly exposes the reader to their magic. It is a subtle art.
Post Rant:
Having said all that, I have come across this dreadful pathology before, so just went "ugh - Shakespeare dump!" kept reading and went straight back to the batshittery.
It's all kinda dumb and self indulgent fangirly silliness, but if you have gotten this far in the series, you are used to it and can navigate around it.
Rant Alert:
Oh no! Lengthy Shakespeare quotes! Pro tip all you writers out there, Do Not Put In Chunks of Shakespeare in your books!!!!
Why not:
Either
A: Shakespeare is platinum. Other writing looks like lead next to it. A reader will be immersed in the exquisite language, and then dumped back into the comparative sludge of your book.
Or
B: the reader hates Shakespeare/the idea of Shakespeare/doesn't want to know and is going to have the total shits re having it dumped on their head.
I would be surprised if any reader ever has gotten interested in Shakespeare through having it dumped on them in the middle of a romance novel.
Then you have the wankery of the MC being in the theatre companies and all the famous people like Richard Burbage. Stop it. The only person who EVER did this well is Antonia Forest.
There are marvellous books which integrate others' work well, Hilary Clinton's recent thriller springs to mind (John Donne! My Main Man!) and cleverly exposes the reader to their magic. It is a subtle art.
Post Rant:
Having said all that, I have come across this dreadful pathology before, so just went "ugh - Shakespeare dump!" kept reading and went straight back to the batshittery.
It's all kinda dumb and self indulgent fangirly silliness, but if you have gotten this far in the series, you are used to it and can navigate around it.
January 28, 2020
Sebastian and Anthony of 'Forever Hold His Peace' by Rebecca Cohen, know that their masquerade as husband and wife will end some day, but were hoping that they would decide when that would be. Unfortunately, Sebastian's hateful uncle, Sir Francis, who masterminded the whole charade, grows too fearful that they will be discovered; that his part in the plan will backfire, causing him, as well as Sebastian and Anthony, to be ruined or worse. When threatening them doesn't work, he tries to blackmail them. He feeds the rumors that everyone finds it hard to believe that Anthony, rogue that he is, can be so in love with his plain wife and invents evidence that will accuse Sebastian (Brownwyn) of being a witch. With no choice left, they quickly plan her demise in an effort to convince the local sheriff, who comes to investigate, that she is truly dead.
When they discover who is behind the accusation, Anthony is furious and wants revenge. He knows that this will have to be done with extreme caution and secrecy; he gathers a few men he trusts implicitly to help him implement a plan, which will not only ruin his uncle’s reputation, but will also pay him the retribution he has so thoroughly earned. Sir Francis is a cruel man who has hurt and betrayed many people and he needs to be stopped. They carefully devise a nearly foolproof plan to discredit his uncle and bring him to justice. Anthony is determined to protect Sebastian and ending the suffering his uncle has caused. Anthony will stop at nothing to keep Sebastian safe and at his side forever.
Sebastian is terrified when the sheriff comes knocking at their door when he and his sister Bronwyn are both in residence at the manor. If he questions Bronwyn, he will quickly realize that she is not the woman who has been with Anthony for two years, which will raise all kinds of other questions. If Sebastian resumes his role as his sister and Anthony's wife and he's taken in for questioning, the truth will most certainly be revealed. Then they will have a multitude of questions to answer and will be in more legal trouble than ever. He and his sister plan and carry out a daring escape to preserve both their secret and their lives. Sebastian feels a bit guilty because it is, after all, his uncle whom they plan to destroy, but the more he learns about his uncle's misdeeds, the less emotion Sebastian feels and the more convinced that what they are doing is justifiable. After the dust settles, Sebastian realizes how much he misses acting and decides to pursue it again. It's rough going since he's not been on the stage for over two years. Few people remember him and if they do, they have only seen him in a woman's role. He becomes discouraged and wants to give up, but Anthony, realizing how important his acting is, encourages him to try one more time. Sebastian has told Anthony he wants to do this on his own; not through whatever influence Anthony can garner, but Anthony, of course, doesn't listen. With Sebastian's extraordinary talent and a little help from Anthony, Sebastian is offered a fairly important part in the play he auditions for. Sebastian isn't too angry with Anthony because even though he asked him not to interfere, he didn't really expect Anthony to stay out of it; besides, Sebastian is thrilled to have a chance to act again.
Although I realize that all good things must come to an end, I always hate it when they do. I shall miss Sebastian and Anthony and following them during their quest to be with the person they love for the rest of their lives. I recommend this book to fans to finish out the journey started for these brave men so they can see how they do. I also recommend it to new readers, especially those who like historical romance, sexy men with strong characters who believe that good overcomes evil, and true love will prevail. Thanks, Rebecca, for this enjoyable journey.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When they discover who is behind the accusation, Anthony is furious and wants revenge. He knows that this will have to be done with extreme caution and secrecy; he gathers a few men he trusts implicitly to help him implement a plan, which will not only ruin his uncle’s reputation, but will also pay him the retribution he has so thoroughly earned. Sir Francis is a cruel man who has hurt and betrayed many people and he needs to be stopped. They carefully devise a nearly foolproof plan to discredit his uncle and bring him to justice. Anthony is determined to protect Sebastian and ending the suffering his uncle has caused. Anthony will stop at nothing to keep Sebastian safe and at his side forever.
Sebastian is terrified when the sheriff comes knocking at their door when he and his sister Bronwyn are both in residence at the manor. If he questions Bronwyn, he will quickly realize that she is not the woman who has been with Anthony for two years, which will raise all kinds of other questions. If Sebastian resumes his role as his sister and Anthony's wife and he's taken in for questioning, the truth will most certainly be revealed. Then they will have a multitude of questions to answer and will be in more legal trouble than ever. He and his sister plan and carry out a daring escape to preserve both their secret and their lives. Sebastian feels a bit guilty because it is, after all, his uncle whom they plan to destroy, but the more he learns about his uncle's misdeeds, the less emotion Sebastian feels and the more convinced that what they are doing is justifiable. After the dust settles, Sebastian realizes how much he misses acting and decides to pursue it again. It's rough going since he's not been on the stage for over two years. Few people remember him and if they do, they have only seen him in a woman's role. He becomes discouraged and wants to give up, but Anthony, realizing how important his acting is, encourages him to try one more time. Sebastian has told Anthony he wants to do this on his own; not through whatever influence Anthony can garner, but Anthony, of course, doesn't listen. With Sebastian's extraordinary talent and a little help from Anthony, Sebastian is offered a fairly important part in the play he auditions for. Sebastian isn't too angry with Anthony because even though he asked him not to interfere, he didn't really expect Anthony to stay out of it; besides, Sebastian is thrilled to have a chance to act again.
Although I realize that all good things must come to an end, I always hate it when they do. I shall miss Sebastian and Anthony and following them during their quest to be with the person they love for the rest of their lives. I recommend this book to fans to finish out the journey started for these brave men so they can see how they do. I also recommend it to new readers, especially those who like historical romance, sexy men with strong characters who believe that good overcomes evil, and true love will prevail. Thanks, Rebecca, for this enjoyable journey.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 7, 2014
My attention wsndered at about the 33% mark, but I found it again when the witchcraft plot gained momentum.
This feisty pair of lovers deserved all the happiness they inevitably shared and the conclusion was satisfying.
Also, there are some nice smexy and a little bit kinky scenes that illustrated the depth of their trust in each other.
A slight niggle - maybe there were too many minor characters who played mostly inconsequential roles, and who muddied the waters with their inclusion.
Three and a half stars.
This feisty pair of lovers deserved all the happiness they inevitably shared and the conclusion was satisfying.
Also, there are some nice smexy and a little bit kinky scenes that illustrated the depth of their trust in each other.
A slight niggle - maybe there were too many minor characters who played mostly inconsequential roles, and who muddied the waters with their inclusion.
Three and a half stars.
September 12, 2021
Es el que mas me ha gustado de los tres :3, eso jajaaj
May 3, 2021
3.5 Stars
This wasn't my favorite in the series even though I'm happy these two are getting their HEA. I felt like some of the side plots were a bit forced and the choices the characters were making made me a bit frustrated. I still loved Sebastian and Anthony together. They are finding a way to make their relationship work, but now there's a threat to the lie they've been living with Sebastian pretending to be Bronwyn.
My problem with the story as a whole has to do with our "bad guy." Sure he's a bad guy to Sebastian and Anthony. Sebastian's uncle is out to break them up for his own personal agenda. He's not a nice guy. And yeah, I didn't like him. But... It just bugged me a bit and dropped this story from 4 stars to 3.5 stars for me.
All in all though it is nice to see Sebastian and Anthony figuring out how to have a full life together despite having to hide their relationship from the world around them.
This wasn't my favorite in the series even though I'm happy these two are getting their HEA. I felt like some of the side plots were a bit forced and the choices the characters were making made me a bit frustrated. I still loved Sebastian and Anthony together. They are finding a way to make their relationship work, but now there's a threat to the lie they've been living with Sebastian pretending to be Bronwyn.
My problem with the story as a whole has to do with our "bad guy." Sure he's a bad guy to Sebastian and Anthony. Sebastian's uncle is out to break them up for his own personal agenda. He's not a nice guy. And yeah, I didn't like him. But... It just bugged me a bit and dropped this story from 4 stars to 3.5 stars for me.
All in all though it is nice to see Sebastian and Anthony figuring out how to have a full life together despite having to hide their relationship from the world around them.
March 19, 2024
I love Anthony and Sebastian, ahhhh what a wonderful conclusion to this trilogy <3 This was my first full read of something set in the Elizabethan era and I would love to read more sorts of historical romances in this time period.
Super excited that there is actually more books involving these characters! The story never ends~
Super excited that there is actually more books involving these characters! The story never ends~
August 24, 2014
In book three, we continue the saga of Anthony and his drag queen "wife", Sebastian aka Bronwyn. In the last book, their story led to international intrigue: this story has the same makings.
An old love has returned to Crofton Hall. Her name is Lady Florin. She is recently widowed, and on Initial inspection, it looks that she wants to rekindle her romance with Anthony. Well, Anthony wants none of this. Anthony decides to make a rather big spectacle of throwing Lady Florin out of his house never to return. Although a significant scene when it takes place, it is also the genesis of the story of vengeance that is about to occur.
There were bits and pieces of witchcraft spells that are located throughout Anthony's home -- a mandrake root found under Anthony's desk, a jar of mugwort that was found in Sebastian's bedchamber as Lady Crofton. Moreover, in the routine investigation that Anthony had asked the sheriff to perform in light of the kidnapping of Sebastian that occurred in the second book, there is increasing reference to witchcraft and spells that are being used in the area. Of course, this was the time in the Middle Ages when being a witch could get someone burned at the stake for heresy. If Sebastian is brought to the Sheriff's office on suspicion of witchcraft, his disguise as a woman will be quickly revealed.
After talking about it for a while, Anthony believes that someone is trying to set up Lady Crofton (Bronwyn or Sebastian, take your pick) as a practitioner of witchcraft in order to find him guilty of heresy, and expose him as a female pretender. This suspicion is confirmed by gossip around the Royal court.
Well, we knew from book 1 that Bronwyn would "die" at some point so Anthony could be with Sebastian. And the time for Bronwyn's fake death arrives in this book. A greedy nemesis of Anthony, named Haven, is the reason for Bronwyn's speedy death in this book. It was this nemesis who started the rumor and investigation about Bronwyn's alleged witchcraft. Although Sebastian remains very much alive in the story, Anthony is hell bent on seeking the ultimate retribution against the evil man who forced the untimely demise of Bronwyn.
Without too much detail, suffice it to say that retribution is exacted swiftly and finally on Haven for his treacherous behavior.
There are some additional portions of the story concerning Sebastian's return to acting in the theater, but that is merely filler for this book.
Remember -- when you read the epilogue to the book, it is about Anthony's son, William: It is not about Anthony. I had to do a double take to remember that.
One final note about this book as a whole . . . It was strange, when I was reading the text, I thought the actual story was the worst part of the book. The strength of this book is in its character development and the interaction of the characters. It helps to know the two prior books with character development before reading this one, but it is certainly not necessary. This is the strongest of the three books in this series, and it was well worth the wait.
I would give this book 4 stars.
An old love has returned to Crofton Hall. Her name is Lady Florin. She is recently widowed, and on Initial inspection, it looks that she wants to rekindle her romance with Anthony. Well, Anthony wants none of this. Anthony decides to make a rather big spectacle of throwing Lady Florin out of his house never to return. Although a significant scene when it takes place, it is also the genesis of the story of vengeance that is about to occur.
There were bits and pieces of witchcraft spells that are located throughout Anthony's home -- a mandrake root found under Anthony's desk, a jar of mugwort that was found in Sebastian's bedchamber as Lady Crofton. Moreover, in the routine investigation that Anthony had asked the sheriff to perform in light of the kidnapping of Sebastian that occurred in the second book, there is increasing reference to witchcraft and spells that are being used in the area. Of course, this was the time in the Middle Ages when being a witch could get someone burned at the stake for heresy. If Sebastian is brought to the Sheriff's office on suspicion of witchcraft, his disguise as a woman will be quickly revealed.
After talking about it for a while, Anthony believes that someone is trying to set up Lady Crofton (Bronwyn or Sebastian, take your pick) as a practitioner of witchcraft in order to find him guilty of heresy, and expose him as a female pretender. This suspicion is confirmed by gossip around the Royal court.
Well, we knew from book 1 that Bronwyn would "die" at some point so Anthony could be with Sebastian. And the time for Bronwyn's fake death arrives in this book. A greedy nemesis of Anthony, named Haven, is the reason for Bronwyn's speedy death in this book. It was this nemesis who started the rumor and investigation about Bronwyn's alleged witchcraft. Although Sebastian remains very much alive in the story, Anthony is hell bent on seeking the ultimate retribution against the evil man who forced the untimely demise of Bronwyn.
Without too much detail, suffice it to say that retribution is exacted swiftly and finally on Haven for his treacherous behavior.
There are some additional portions of the story concerning Sebastian's return to acting in the theater, but that is merely filler for this book.
Remember -- when you read the epilogue to the book, it is about Anthony's son, William: It is not about Anthony. I had to do a double take to remember that.
One final note about this book as a whole . . . It was strange, when I was reading the text, I thought the actual story was the worst part of the book. The strength of this book is in its character development and the interaction of the characters. It helps to know the two prior books with character development before reading this one, but it is certainly not necessary. This is the strongest of the three books in this series, and it was well worth the wait.
I would give this book 4 stars.
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 4, 2018
Really sweet and touching. The perfect way to end a series and that epilogue almost made me cry <3
August 13, 2014
I didn't care for the revenge sub-plot at all. Least favourite part of the trilogy.
May 24, 2017
** This review is copied word-for-word from my review of The Crofton Chronicles bundle. **
Book 3: Forever Hold His Peace
Length: 46-70%
POV: 3rd person, one character (Sebastian), with an epilogue by another character
Star rating: ★★★★★
Oh. My. God. I swear, if this had been the last ever, I wouldn't have been disappointed. Not since I'm now going to go and buy the paperbacks of all these books so I can re-read them over and over and over again. But the fact that there is one more, even if it's contemporary, is just so, so exciting!
Once again, the drama was so perfectly plotted to keep the story moving along, without being overbearing or leaving the story without any happening.
I loved the idea of plotting a lesbian-aided quintuplet of convenience, for if they were able to survive the claims of Bronwyn being a witch. Amongst that, the storyline of Haven and Bronwyn making a rare visit, while Sebastian contemplated a potential return to the theatre, were all equally interesting plots and twists within the storyline. Each one held it's ground, did it's best to move the story forward while showing how Anthony and Sebastian dealt with each incident. And I loved that each of them related, even indirectly, to incidents and events that had taken place in previous books.
Again, the host of characters changed just enough to provide new, intriguing cast members, while retaining those who were important. The addition of William's tutor, Samuel, and the two plotters were great additions that showed us more of Anthony and Sebastian and how they came across to outsiders, while also providing relevant people to take care of relevant issues.
I cried. A lot. When Miriam and Sebastian said goodbye, Sebastian's difficulty in dealing with the loss of Lady Crofton, during the entire Epilogue and so many times it's unreal.
I can't say much more without giving too much away, but it was brilliant and the perfect end to the historical part of the story. I loved that the Epilogue showed up William as a grown man, trying to guide his grandson to the truth of just what Anthony and Sebastian had shared, but it killed me to hear about their end days and all that had happened. Killed me!
~
Favourite Quote
“Sometimes even the most wicked of tongues speak the truth.”
““Samuel Jenster is a villain and a thief, but there are few men 'd rather have on my side during a fight.”
“It sounds like there's a story in there,” said Sebastian.
“Didn't he tell you how we met? About how he came to my aid when someone pulled a knife on me in Southwark?”
Sebastian shook his head. “No. But he told me to let you know that if you need him to get you a body, it'll be no trouble.”
“As if I'd ask anyone else.””
~
Book 3: Forever Hold His Peace
Length: 46-70%
POV: 3rd person, one character (Sebastian), with an epilogue by another character
Star rating: ★★★★★
Oh. My. God. I swear, if this had been the last ever, I wouldn't have been disappointed. Not since I'm now going to go and buy the paperbacks of all these books so I can re-read them over and over and over again. But the fact that there is one more, even if it's contemporary, is just so, so exciting!
Once again, the drama was so perfectly plotted to keep the story moving along, without being overbearing or leaving the story without any happening.
I loved the idea of plotting a lesbian-aided quintuplet of convenience, for if they were able to survive the claims of Bronwyn being a witch. Amongst that, the storyline of Haven and Bronwyn making a rare visit, while Sebastian contemplated a potential return to the theatre, were all equally interesting plots and twists within the storyline. Each one held it's ground, did it's best to move the story forward while showing how Anthony and Sebastian dealt with each incident. And I loved that each of them related, even indirectly, to incidents and events that had taken place in previous books.
Again, the host of characters changed just enough to provide new, intriguing cast members, while retaining those who were important. The addition of William's tutor, Samuel, and the two plotters were great additions that showed us more of Anthony and Sebastian and how they came across to outsiders, while also providing relevant people to take care of relevant issues.
I cried. A lot. When Miriam and Sebastian said goodbye, Sebastian's difficulty in dealing with the loss of Lady Crofton, during the entire Epilogue and so many times it's unreal.
I can't say much more without giving too much away, but it was brilliant and the perfect end to the historical part of the story. I loved that the Epilogue showed up William as a grown man, trying to guide his grandson to the truth of just what Anthony and Sebastian had shared, but it killed me to hear about their end days and all that had happened. Killed me!
~
Favourite Quote
“Sometimes even the most wicked of tongues speak the truth.”
““Samuel Jenster is a villain and a thief, but there are few men 'd rather have on my side during a fight.”
“It sounds like there's a story in there,” said Sebastian.
“Didn't he tell you how we met? About how he came to my aid when someone pulled a knife on me in Southwark?”
Sebastian shook his head. “No. But he told me to let you know that if you need him to get you a body, it'll be no trouble.”
“As if I'd ask anyone else.””
~
August 18, 2018
Such delightful drama. This series has always held a slightly unrealist charm for me, and the conclusion continues that tradition. Sebastian and Anthony finally have to deal with laying "Bronwyn" to rest and figuring out what life will look like afterward, but don't worry. There's still a happy ending in the wings for these two. And the epilogue was a perfect snippet of just how wonderful that happy ending was.
December 1, 2018
I found it really annoying, the way the main characters were so easily duped by the bad guys. Their relationship still doesn't see very healthy, but I was glad to see Sebastian starting to live his own life a bit!! The epilogue with their son telling his grandson about his gay dads was my favorite part honestly.
May 20, 2024
I LOVED THIS SERIES SO MUCH! ❤️📚🏳️🌈
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anthony and Sebastian's story has come to an end, at least in the Crofton Chronicles series.
My only complaint is that this was too short. I want and need more., but still it is perfect.
I recommend this series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anthony and Sebastian's story has come to an end, at least in the Crofton Chronicles series.
My only complaint is that this was too short. I want and need more., but still it is perfect.
I recommend this series.
July 22, 2024
I've really enjoyed this trilogy. Someone is out to ruin Anthony and Sebastian's lives and they realise their idyllic life is coming to an end. This is the final act in their story and there is treachery, heartbreak, retribution and finally a happily ever after.
December 26, 2025
Love this series!
This my second time reading this series. Anthony and Sebastian's story if full of fun, intrigue and lots of love. There are some truly heartpounding moments with some real anxiety mixed in but love always wins!
This my second time reading this series. Anthony and Sebastian's story if full of fun, intrigue and lots of love. There are some truly heartpounding moments with some real anxiety mixed in but love always wins!
September 26, 2017
A satisfying ending to a great series. I was sad to see this one end, but I look forward to reading more stories about the Earls of Crofton through the centuries!
October 22, 2017
The drama! I loved it, and it was so good to see some proper familiar historical names in the mix of all of it. Of course, I can't say no to a good old fashioned Happily Ever After, too.
December 26, 2019
As with the previous two books in this series wonderful writing, great story line. First class.
November 3, 2020
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro y su epílogo. Me alegra saber que Anthony y Sebastian obtuvieron su final feliz.
June 27, 2021
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this series so much, Sebastian and Anthony's love was such a pleasure to watch grow. I am sad to see it end, they have become a favorite couple.
I enjoyed this series so much, Sebastian and Anthony's love was such a pleasure to watch grow. I am sad to see it end, they have become a favorite couple.
September 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the resolution to the storylines built up over the trilogy, with lashings of romance, excitement and Elizabethan colour. A real pleasure to read!
May 15, 2023
Just love "The Crofton Chronicles" and look forward to the rest of the Crofton saga.
August 11, 2023
See review in collection book
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