Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Charles, Earl of Crofton

SERIES:  Crofton Chronicles

AUTHOR:  Rebecca Cohen

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  260 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 4, 2023

BLURB:

Anyone who had thought Lord Byron mad, bad and dangerous to know, obviously hadn’t met Charles Redbourn, 8th Earl of Crofton.

Charles Redbourn cares little for anyone’s opinion, life is there to be lived and the London Ton provides a host of pleasures. He is used to getting his own way and, after another clash with the impertinent Captain Timothy Thorne, Charles is determined to put the uniformed upstart in his place.

Both are stubborn and passionate men, and someone is going to win this battle of wits—to the winner the spoils.

But when enemies turn into lovers, they face an uncertain future. Charles has to decide which is more important, Timothy or being the Earl of Crofton.

Trigger warnings: drug use and recovery

REVIEW:

NOTE:   This story takes places in the historical Crofton Chronicles world and this is the first of the Regency Earls of Crofton books.  This can be read as a standalone but is part of a larger family legacy series.

Charles Redbourn, the 8th Earl of Crofton is quite the man about town.  His heir, Samuel, is about to be married and he spends much of his time in London rather than at this estate.  He and his wife Lucy have an understanding.  They are the best of friends and sometimes lovers, but they are free to pursue their own happiness, wherever and with whomever they wish.  Charles has quite a reputation with both the ladies and the gentlemen.  He is definitely an equal opportunity lover 😉  But there is one man that confounds him.  Captain Timothy Thorne is just that – a thorn in his side.  Charles can’t figure out why the man goes out of his way to be insulted by him, but they definitely have a very barbed relationship. Then he gets the idea that maybe Thorne is jealous.  So he and his bestie, Marchent place a bet that Charles can bed the prickly Thorne before the season is over 🙂

Well.  Turns out Charles was right and Thorne indeed is angry that he finds Charles attractive and wants his attention.  But he’s fighting himself and he’s never had a male lover and thinks it’s wrong of him to want one.  He’s stubborn and angry about the bet, but he concedes that Charles is not one to force himself where he isn’t wanted – so the ball is entirely in his court.  Charles is still so enamored of Thorne and he certainly wants him, so he sets about to win him by being patient.  But once Thorne makes up his mind, he’s no longer timid and goes after what he wants.  And then leaves.  Charles is not happy – he’s used to being the one to end his dalliances, but having had Thorne, he knows once is not enough.  He’s never felt this way about anyone and as they spend more time together, he’s not inclined to give him up.

But there is trouble afoot.  Trouble that could cost Timothy Throne his very life 🙁  Charles hatches a completely outlandish plot that requires the assistance of Marchent, his family including his sister, wife and son, and a good friend who is also a doctor.  The plot will free Charles and Timothy, but separate them from their families.  And it works.  For quite a while.  But then there is trouble at home and Charles cannot stay away.  There are dangers though – not just to Charles and Timothy, but to the rest of the Redbourns.  What scheme will Charles come up with next??

I really love this whole series and the shenanigans these Earls of Redbourn get up to when they find their one true love.  Charles and Timothy certainly start of rocky and Charles is really just interested in another notch on his bedpost.  But it seems that Timothy Thorne is much more than a pretty face.  It takes time for Charles to convince Timothy to give in to his desires as he’s fighting what he’s been taught was wrong his whole life.  As Charles is part of the protected aristocracy and can pretty much get away with anything he pleases, he comes from a completely different place to Timothy.  But once they connect, it’s clear that this is something special for both of them.  Timothy doesn’t want to be clingy or just a plaything.  Charles finds he wants much more from Timothy than he’s ever wanted from anyone – including his wife who is his dearest friend.  He’s in love for the first time and he’ll stop and literally nothing to make it so that he and Timothy can be together.  Timothy is reluctant at first because Charles is giving up so much to be with him and he feels like he’ll regret it at some point and end up with Charles’s resentment rather than his love.  He’s happy to be wrong though 😀  Charles is a good man and does the right thing by everyone in this story – even if there are a few hiccups.  I would have loved to read even more about their time abroad and how they manage to pull off all their schemes 🙂  I am anxiously awaiting the next book about Samuel, Charles’s son and I hope we get to see Charles and Timothy again 😀  Highly recommended.

RATING: 

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