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Earls of Crofton #2
James, Earl of Crofton
James Redbourn, Viscount of Crofton, enjoys all the pleasures King Charles II’s Restoration court affords him. His encounter with the enigmatic Chivalrous Highwayman in Epping Forest, sets the court aflame. Tales of the charming rogue treating his latest victim with his usual gentle hand has ladies’ fans quivering with every whisper.
While the Chivalrous Highwayman is a delicious fantasy, it is the intriguing Adam Dowson, the son of one of the greatest Cavalier generals, who is firing James’s daytime desires. Their friendship might be growing stronger, but Adam seems to be one of the few men who is impervious to James’s charms, no matter how hard James tries.
When James’s father become deathly ill, James races home. He is ill-prepared to become the 4th Earl of Crofton, and his father’s vague but dire warnings on his deathbed only make matters worse. Now the earl, James must discover what is happening at Crofton Hall that had troubled his father so deeply.
James turns to Adam for help. Despite Adam’s own secrets, James trusts him. James hopes he’s not making a mistake, risking his family estate, and his already bruised heart. Together, they need to work to clear out the rotten core at Crofton Hall, and along the way secure a happy future for them both.
While the Chivalrous Highwayman is a delicious fantasy, it is the intriguing Adam Dowson, the son of one of the greatest Cavalier generals, who is firing James’s daytime desires. Their friendship might be growing stronger, but Adam seems to be one of the few men who is impervious to James’s charms, no matter how hard James tries.
When James’s father become deathly ill, James races home. He is ill-prepared to become the 4th Earl of Crofton, and his father’s vague but dire warnings on his deathbed only make matters worse. Now the earl, James must discover what is happening at Crofton Hall that had troubled his father so deeply.
James turns to Adam for help. Despite Adam’s own secrets, James trusts him. James hopes he’s not making a mistake, risking his family estate, and his already bruised heart. Together, they need to work to clear out the rotten core at Crofton Hall, and along the way secure a happy future for them both.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2020
32 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cohen
51 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 29, 2020
Historical romance is among the most difficult of sub-genre to get right imho.
Too much detail and it becomes more of a factual experience, too little detail and you might as well read a contemporary romance.
Setting a book in the Restoration period of British history is a bold move and Rebecca Cohen's talent ensures the reader gets a treat which is not only a delightful romance, but a top quality setting pitched perfectly.
I've loved all her Crofton series so far and this one was a wonderful addition to the collection.
James, great-grandson of Anthony, the first Earl, isn't your usual feckless noble, he's already been helping King Charles II's court recover after the Great Plague and the Fire of London.
Adam is a fascinating character, son of a famous soldier, a supporter of Charles' father during the English Civil War, and general man of all talents.
He's acting as a minder to a younger son at court when their paths cross and we then get a delicious slow burn friends to lovers romance with a side order of dashing highwayman and dodgy dealings at the ancestral home.
Everything about this book just worked for me. I'd have happily read about James and Adam indefinitely 😁
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Too much detail and it becomes more of a factual experience, too little detail and you might as well read a contemporary romance.
Setting a book in the Restoration period of British history is a bold move and Rebecca Cohen's talent ensures the reader gets a treat which is not only a delightful romance, but a top quality setting pitched perfectly.
I've loved all her Crofton series so far and this one was a wonderful addition to the collection.
James, great-grandson of Anthony, the first Earl, isn't your usual feckless noble, he's already been helping King Charles II's court recover after the Great Plague and the Fire of London.
Adam is a fascinating character, son of a famous soldier, a supporter of Charles' father during the English Civil War, and general man of all talents.
He's acting as a minder to a younger son at court when their paths cross and we then get a delicious slow burn friends to lovers romance with a side order of dashing highwayman and dodgy dealings at the ancestral home.
Everything about this book just worked for me. I'd have happily read about James and Adam indefinitely 😁
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
April 17, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
James, Earl of Crofton is another in the Crofton Chronicles, but it’s only very loosely related to the rest of the series and it’s not necessary to read them first. This book works very well as a standalone and the series is always waiting for you if you enjoy this book.
There’s nothing dramatically original about James, Earl of Crofton. The plot is pretty straightforward and I could go so far as to call it obvious. It plays out exactly as you think it will and there aren’t any big surprises. That said, the author’s voice is engaging and even more so than the other books in the series, I felt James, Earl of Crofton was enjoyable to read. It’s easy to relate with the characters and to care about their endeavors. There are times when the action slows somewhat, but even here the author gives readers a nice balance of emotion and forward plot movement. It works well throughout the entire book.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
James, Earl of Crofton is another in the Crofton Chronicles, but it’s only very loosely related to the rest of the series and it’s not necessary to read them first. This book works very well as a standalone and the series is always waiting for you if you enjoy this book.
There’s nothing dramatically original about James, Earl of Crofton. The plot is pretty straightforward and I could go so far as to call it obvious. It plays out exactly as you think it will and there aren’t any big surprises. That said, the author’s voice is engaging and even more so than the other books in the series, I felt James, Earl of Crofton was enjoyable to read. It’s easy to relate with the characters and to care about their endeavors. There are times when the action slows somewhat, but even here the author gives readers a nice balance of emotion and forward plot movement. It works well throughout the entire book.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
May 7, 2020
Look, if your main character thinks of themselves at one point: "James knew he wasn't stupid, but some of the marvelous fellows from the Royal Society made him feel quite dim at times," and it is in fact a vast overstatement of the character's intelligence? I will not like your book much.
A huge part of this book was just the 'main character does not recognize the obvious staring-him-in-the-face' school of poor writing, so not for me.
Also, writers of historicals about English nobility, pleeeeeeeease go to Wikipedia and find out how titles work. Argh.
I wanted way more Restoration England, too.
A huge part of this book was just the 'main character does not recognize the obvious staring-him-in-the-face' school of poor writing, so not for me.
Also, writers of historicals about English nobility, pleeeeeeeease go to Wikipedia and find out how titles work. Argh.
I wanted way more Restoration England, too.
April 20, 2020
Like the time period, loved the historic details from clothing to wigs to people’s names. Was bored by the story - most of which was telegraphed from the start so there were no surprises.
And honestly, aside from being good looking, James was dull. I didn’t know what Adam saw in him. There were times when James was loutish, pushing and pushing for sexual contact with a person who had said no thanks. It felt disrespectful.
Also, maybe his privilege annoyed me, thinking he had a right to judge other men’s character, such as his young servant, when he himself drank too much and had everything handed to him.
And honestly, aside from being good looking, James was dull. I didn’t know what Adam saw in him. There were times when James was loutish, pushing and pushing for sexual contact with a person who had said no thanks. It felt disrespectful.
Also, maybe his privilege annoyed me, thinking he had a right to judge other men’s character, such as his young servant, when he himself drank too much and had everything handed to him.
April 11, 2020
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
“You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.” ~ Sam Keen
As James and his cousin, Tilly, of ‘James, Earl of Crofton’ by Rebecca Cohen, are riding in their coach towards London, it becomes clear that they are about to be robbed. They should be more frightened, but they are not. It seems this particular thief is the notorious subject of often mentioned tales of others at court, to be the Chivalrous Highwayman, a polite thief who, although he relieves people of their possessions, never sheds a drop of blood. After their encounter, Tilly can hardly wait to get to court to share their adventures, insisting that they go straight there, muddy, disheveled and all to make their story even more sensational.
James doesn’t expect to see the bandit again, but can’t seem to get the man off his mind. He’s a favorite in court, pursued by men and women alike; James could have his pick of anyone he may fancy, but, after having the Chivalrous Highwayman be so close to him, James keeps fantasizing about having a repeat performance. The next day, James attends the theatre to see a play in which Marchant’s latest lover is performing. During the play, Marchant tells him of a mutual acquaintance who behaved so poorly that his father is about to ship him to the colonies. But while he is still there, he has been assigned a keeper to make sure he doesn’t cause further embarrassment. It turns out that his companion is a tall, handsome, although somewhat older gentleman named Adam, to whom James is instantly attracted. Immediately, James is determined to get to know Adam more intimately. Alas, Adam is not so easily swayed by James’s charms. He is clear that he finds James appealing but that he has no desire to be a mere dalliance. James is disappointed as well as embarrassed, but, since he is so drawn to Adam, he settles for his friendship.
James always knew that when his father dies, he will become the Earl of Crofton Hall, but, since his father is relatively young, he expects it to be a long time from now. When word is sent to him to come home immediately because the earl has fallen seriously ill, he is in shock. James hurries home in time to have a conversation with his father before he dies. During their talk his father tells James that all is not well with financial matters in the estate. His father never gets to finish their conversation, but he does tell James that the whole matter is documented in his personal diary. When James goes to find the journal, it has disappeared.
James is heartbroken and feeling quite unprepared with taking over for his father. Even his newly acquired title makes him nervous, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, especially in his own home! He confides in his old friend, Marchant, who advises him to hire Adam to help him manage the estate and discover what is going on and who is behind it. Marchant knows about his attraction to men, and, particularly to Adam; Marchant knows that the relationship between the two men may be complicated, but is utterly convinced that Adam is the best man for the job. James approaches Adam with the proposition, assuring him that their friendship won’t complicate matters. Adam is considering it, but James senses that he is holding back. Finally, Adam tells James that he wants to accept, but before he does, he needs to tell James a secret that may cause him to change his mind.
I was delighted to discover that Rebecca was continuing the Crofton Chronicles series. I’ve enjoyed all of the previous books and feel like the characters are familiar, old friends. Although I guessed Adam’s secret almost right away, I still enjoyed the reveal. I loved James and Adam. I especially liked the part where James is admiring his predecessors’ portraits and telling Adam their stories. Thanks, Rebecca, for giving Adam and James a way to be together, especially when it was forbidden for men of their time to do so.
February 23, 2021
3.5/4*
I probably was a bit hesitant about this one (having read and enjoyed the Anthony/Sebastian stories and the contemporary) because of the time period.
I think in the end the story could have been set at any time but I did enjoy again. As with any historical, there are bits that come from history and bits authors have to guess at - some time I did go hmmm.
James is a little bit of the spoiled upper classes and used to getting his way and having fawning admirers. So Adam refusing his attentions is bound to set him going.
I liked we did get a reference to Anthony and Sebastian even if through their portraits.
The plot was ok, I do wonder how communication seemed to go so fast in that age.
I probably was a bit hesitant about this one (having read and enjoyed the Anthony/Sebastian stories and the contemporary) because of the time period.
I think in the end the story could have been set at any time but I did enjoy again. As with any historical, there are bits that come from history and bits authors have to guess at - some time I did go hmmm.
James is a little bit of the spoiled upper classes and used to getting his way and having fawning admirers. So Adam refusing his attentions is bound to set him going.
I liked we did get a reference to Anthony and Sebastian even if through their portraits.
The plot was ok, I do wonder how communication seemed to go so fast in that age.
July 28, 2024
New Era, New Earl. James, the new Earl of Crofton is the great grandson on Anthony Redbourn and is enjoying court in Charles II's restoration England. Gossip is rife about a Chivalrous Highwayman and when James encounters him on his way back to Crofton Hall, he understand why. Tasked with routing out corruption and evil at Crofton Hall by his dying father, James enlists the help of Adam Dower. Sparks fly and there is an obvious attraction between the two men, but Adam is reticent and it doesn't seem to be because James is a noble. I enjoyed Rebecca's restoration romp immensely. There was adventure, intrigue, plots, danger and of course, a happily ever after. 4.5 stars
October 21, 2021
Such a joy to have this terrific series move on in time to the rip-roaring reign of Charles II! The historical setting had gorgeous details, such as the drunken cavorting at court contrasted with the Puritan habit of bestowing phrases as given names. The plot was fun and the characters engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing how Crofton Hall comes up to date for the next in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this colourful read!
June 12, 2022
A bore. There are two "mysteries" packed into this book, but it's surprisingly not compelling. Both are easy to figure out. I think two is a little too much. Basically no steam, and slow burn isn't the right word. Once again we have a "rake" MC who does very little raking. I didn't feel any chemistry. The resolution with one of the mysteries (steward one) was rushed. Also, there's hints that the father was murdered, but it was never addressed...
May 4, 2020
My favourite thing about this book was that the secret identity hadn't been used as a drama booster.
The romance was ok, the detective part - not so much. But I'll read other books of this author for sure.
The romance was ok, the detective part - not so much. But I'll read other books of this author for sure.
June 17, 2020
Sebastian and Anthony‘s stories I read over and over again. I even really love Saving Crofton Hall! (We ever going to get a continuation of that?) I really wanted to love this too. It was fine, but it didn’t live up to the Actor and the Earl.
July 19, 2020
DNF in spirit, I very very lightly skimmed the second half. Not interesting, premise that James doesn't recognize the highwayman is ludicrous, prose is pretty mediocre.
Want to read
May 4, 2023Available in KU
September 25, 2022
** 4.5 Stars **
March 9, 2022
I LOVE these Croftons - keep them coming!
September 5, 2022
Enjoyed this a lot. Although it seemed long, and at times the plot threatened to distract from the romance.
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