| Title | : | Saving Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 296 |
| Publication | : | First published November 24, 2014 |
Ashley Niven needs a new challenge, and that’s exactly what he gets when he answers a job advert asking for people who like history, earls, and old houses. Working with the dashing Earl of Crofton to open up Crofton Hall is a dream come true, and Ashley soon finds himself drawn not just to the charm of the house but its charismatic owner.
But Crofton Hall has many untold stories, and a family secret dating back four hundred years to the 1st Earl of Crofton, Anthony Redbourn, is about to change all their lives.
Second edition. Previously published by Dreamspinner Press.
Saving Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton, #1) Reviews
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Once upon a time, there was a lonely Earl of Crofton, the 16th Lord Crofton to be exact. Anyway, back to the tale. After having his heart broken, he flitted from bed to bed, never taking the same lover. Then one day, after his mother had gambled away the family fortune, the bank threatens to take his home. With the hopes of saving Crofton Hall, The Earl seeks to hire an event planner to help open his home to the public. This is the story of Benjamin Redbourn, the 16th Lord Crofton, and Ashley Niven, his employee that was impossible to resist.
So I don’t read as many contemporary romances as I used to, but I recently read the three books of the historical Crofton Chronicles series (
The Actor and the Earl,
Duty to the Crown and
Forever Hold His Peace)...when I found out a spin-off series was being written at Crofton and started with one of Anthony’s descendants, well, I HAD TO READ IT!
A few things to know:
It was a bit disorienting for me being brought back to the 21st Century after spending so much time in the early 1600s! I was missing Anthony and Sebastian terribly, but was ecstatic to discover that the memory of them has not been forgotten. In fact, I expect more will be learned about the couple in the future.
It was VERY British, but I think I’ve read enough of this type in my time that I didn’t struggle much with the language. Plus, there is a handy glossary at the end of the story, which was hilariously written by Benjamin Redbourn himself and gives detailed examples of each term.
It did take me a bit to get into Ben and Ashley’s story. I don’t know if it is because it’s a contemporary or because it got a little tedious with all the “planning” details...maybe I was just longing for more Anthony and Sebastian. But once I realized that Ben and Ashley were going to FIGHT the attraction they had for each other, then I was hooked. There’s nothing I love more than a slow burn romance with tons of sexual tension! And the “wooing” was very sweet and romantic!
My only disappointment in this story is that I simply wanted MORE of Ben and Ashley...I didn’t want it to end when it did and feel that there were a few things left unresolved. They HAVE more story to tell!!!!!! I was sad to learn that the other books in this series are planned out to introduce new couples, but I’m still hopeful I will get to see the “events” that I want, only Ben and Ashley will be side characters instead of the main couple. I will certainly be reading the next “Crofton” story...
I said earlier that Saving Crofton Hall is sort of a spin-off from the Crofton Chronicles series, but it can easily be read on it’s on by those who aren’t fans of historical romances. I just suspect that some of the nostalgia would be lost on an unfamiliar reader.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls -
Makes me want to read the historical trilogy. I like that there's no unnecessary conflict to create angst. The MCs behave with common sense, and while the romance is slow burn, the pinning had actually started before the first page of the book!
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This book is slightly connected to Rebecca Cohen’s The Crofton Chronicles series, and does have some spoilers in it (I assume) from those books. I have not read that series (yet) so I don’t know how big the spoilers are, but if that is something you are concerned about, just be warned. Now, that being said, this book can be read perfectly well as a standalone. I haven’t read the other series and I was able to fully enjoy this book.
Benjamin Redbourn is the Earl of Crofton, and he takes his job as caretaker of his family heritage very seriously. Not only because of his ancestry, but because it is his home and he will do everything in his power to protect it. So when he finds out a member of his family has put his home and his livelihood in jeopardy, he is furious and hurt. He is also willing to sell his soul to keep them both safe.
Or, you know, open up Crofton Hall to the public.
But opening up the Hall is not nearly as easy as it seems, and it is going to take more than Ben’s stubborn refusal to give up to get the place up and running (and profitable). That’s where Ashley Niven comes in. Ashely is a lover of history and the soon-to-be ex-manager of a drafty ol’ Castle. In need of a new job, Ben’s sister, and Ashley’s old school friend, puts him in touch with the Earl. But while it would be a dream come true for Ashley to build up and manage the public face of Crofton Hall, having to face Ben on a constant day-to-day basis, might just be the death of him. What with the insy, little crush he has had on the man since back in his school days. But Crofton Hall is in need, and it isn’t just the Earl who would do anything to keep the place in Crofton hands.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this story. I have been dithering on whether to read the other series connected to this for a year (Elizabethan times are just a tad bit too early for my tastes), so I didn’t know if picking up a this book would be a good surprise or a bad one. Turns out it was a fucking awesome surprise.
Saving Crofton Hall never really went where I expected it to. And I loved that about it. With all the allusions to Ashley’s family, I expected that to be a big to-do, but yet I found myself oddly charmed by his father. Maybe in a as long you aren’t angry atme, kind of way, but charmed nonetheless. And Ashley doesn’t fall very far from the tree (at least in some ways) when it comes to protecting the people and things he loves. Just don’t try anything while his is around a bag of golf clubs and you should be fine (at least until daddy dearest gets ahold of you).
As for the other characters…I don’t know where Ben gets his patience from, but I have to admit that I was surprised that he didn’t chuck his mother in a small dark room with only her thoughts to keep her company. My god, that woman could try a saint. I have very little sympathy for people whose actions cause harm (even monetarily) to others because they could not get their shit together. And to have done it to the extent that she did…I very much wanted to slap some sense into her. However, Ben’s sister Catlin was rather nice. Ben sometimes needed someone to smack some sense into him, as well, and she did a bang-up job. Though I wish she had been a little less meddling–-but that’s sisters for ya.
Overall I had a great time reading this. The romance was very slow burning (god, it takes them forever to get it together) but I kinda liked it like that. And the various events and goings-on at the hall did a great job of carrying the story when Ben and Ashley were being too dumb to see the HEA staring them in the face. I always love the minutia of English life, and this one had plenty of it (though with a slightly more upper class feel than some of my recent reads). I fully recommend this book if you are looking for a contemporary book with a nice, long, slow burn and a bit of ancient history to stir the pot.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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DNF at 33%
I spent a few days plodding my way through this, and then realized it wasn't going to get better.
The main character is the house. There is no romance, and no hints of romance (tiny horny moment but that doesn't count), and no chemistry between the leads. Reading reviews suggests it never really happens either. And yet, the side characters are incredibly aggressive about pushing the MCs into relationships. It felt like every conversation either one had with a secondary character was about their love life. Yikes.
At least I know the process for turning my grand family estate into an events venue now though! Thanks book!
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/ -
Well, it's a decent book... about how-to-transform-a-manor-house-into-wedding-avenue. Would be a good handout book for wedding organizer.
I love slow burn relationship, but dammit this book was more about the manor house than the said couple. -
Even though I never read any of the historical books about the "original" Earl of Crofton, Anthony of the 'Crofton Chronicles', I tremendously enjoyed reading 'Saving Crofton Hall'. There was enough information about the past for me to understand some of what had happened and what role those events played in getting Crofton Hall to where it is today. More importantly though, the characters of Benjamin, who is the current Earl of Crofton, and Ashley, who helps him deal with the issues that threaten Benjamin's ancestral home, are simply wonderful. The sense of history both of them bring to the table is clear from the very beginning, and the issues they deal with as they focus on opening the house to the public were realistic, fascinating, and kept me turning the pages.
Benjamin is faced with a completely impossible situation. I admired his patience with his mother when he finds out what she's been up to - essentially stealing family money for her gambling - I don't think I would have had it in me to remain civil. Benjamin's speed in coming up with an alternative plan is admirable, and the decisiveness with which he makes things happen is amazing.
Ashley is an experienced event manager, but it is his love of history that makes him the ideal man to make Crofton Hall a success. The fact he quickly falls for Benjamin, yet remains professional, also speaks for his strength of character. I enjoyed finding out about all the things he knows, and his handling of the many crises along the road was efficient, effective, and very impressive.
If you like stories about professionals who know what they're doing, if you want to find out what a modern-day earl might get up to when financial disaster strikes, and if you're looking for an entertaining read with lots of fascinating historical facts thrown in, then you will probably enjoy this novel. I have to admit, it has tempted me to go back and read the historical trilogy.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review. -
This was a slow burn romance, so if you’re looking for a lot of action between the sheets then this doesn’t really have that. What it does have though is a lovely friends to lovers story. The men take the time to really get to know each other as they work together to save Ben’s family house. Crofton Hall takes center stage here and I didn’t mind that. It’s a beautiful old house with a lot of secrets, secrets that I want to know more about. There is a lot of fascinating background on opening a great house to the public and the massive amount of work that it takes to accomplish it. That might not be to everyone’s taste but I loved reading about all the hoops they had to jump through.
Even though I felt a lot of the focus here was on the house, the characters were never skimped on and the both the main and secondary characters were well fleshed out. Ben’s family and Ash’s family were so interesting. I was surprised with the turn with Ash’s father but loved it and I couldn’t believe the crap that Ben’s mother kept pulling. I did find that there was a weird flip flop with how I initially perceived the main characters. I had reservations about Ben but ended up loving him and I started out really liking Ashley but with his actions and how he later treated Ben I had to work to regain my love of his character.
One thing that was odd for me, Ben made the worst first impression ever. It was an odd introduction because it really jarred with his personality for the remainder of the book. He’s supposed to be quite the player but other than the first scene in New York, where he highlighted his title in an extremely awkward way we never really see that again. I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy him as an MC but for the rest of the book he really won me over.
Despite those issues I enjoyed this read quite a bit and I loved the ending. I’m intrigued enough by the letters between Anthony and Sebastian to check out the previous series The Crofton Chronicles. I’m very curious about what happened between them and I wonder if the second book in this series will try to find the truth. Bring on the Secret Histories!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review** -
Overall, this book was frustrating. It felt like the book was more about the house than the people. Getting the house ready for the public dragged on incessantly. There was so much attention paid to the house that the relationship I was supposed to be excited about instead felt completely stale and tepid. I never felt any chemistry between Ben and Ashley. None. By the time they finally got together, I didn't even care anymore.
And this bit But Crofton Hall has many secrets, and something hidden for over four hundred years is about to change all their lives doesn't even enter the book until almost 80%, and at that point it felt more like a way to wedge in the Actor/Earl series and add one last happy coincidence to the pile.
And those were probably the most frustrating part. Need a planner? Oh, he just lost his job and can basically start immediately. Need a logo? Brother is an artist. Need a web designer? Oh, she just finished her last job. Need a photographer? His last appointment never showed, he can come immediately. Need to deal with a bully? Has a high-placed friend (he has lots of those and they solve all the straggling problems).
And of course they had just enough money to get the ball rolling, b/c of a convenient friend who was willing to more or less give it to them for one lousy painting. And an apartment that sold for all the money they needed. And an epic discovery right at the end that solves all of their troubles once and for all.
Not once did it ever really feel like they were actually in danger of losing the place. And of course Ashley's father is a criminal who was able to get back practically all of the heirlooms the mother sold off. I'm not even clear why that had to be a thing, it was perfectly fine just leaving the mother with the gambling habit.
This never felt like much of a story. It was just a long, boring recounting of all the happy coincidences that got Crofton Hall back on its feet and there was romance off in the bottom corner of the background.
I also got really tired of nosy, know-it-all women informing the men they needed a relationship (or otherwise interfering). The sister, the parents, the cook, the historian... am I forgetting someone? I don't even know right now.
I wish I was giving a happier review, because I was really looking forward to this book, but it just didn't work for me. -
. While the story is sometimes interesting, it isn’t a romance. There’s no chemistry between the 2 MC and they don’t even kiss until around 85% and their first time involves zero prep and no foreplay. Their second time isn’t much better and the entire book ends without any real resolution to the gambling debts and without an epilogue.
It was ok, but not something I’d care to read again.
I received an arc, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. -
See:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... -
Lots of typos and
exclamation points! Not bad,
but not good either. -
The first, second, and third novels detail the Elizabethan era romance between the actor Sebastian Hewel and the first Earl of Crofton, Anthony. In a nutshell, they manage to live outwardly as man and wife with the help of Sebastian’s sister Bronwyn.
The fourth novel in the Crofton Chronicles is set in the modern day. I found it also very hard to put down, for many reasons.
Mummy has gambled away nearly all the family fortune and now the family can’t afford to keep Crofton Hall going. Ben does everything he can to save the family fortunes, but that horse has left the barn. They must open the hall to the public, making it a wedding and corporate meeting venue, plus historical tours.
Ben’s not happy about this, to say the least, but he’s desperate to save the hall. His ad, “Like History, Old Houses, and Earls?” is answered by every unsuitable person on the planet. Except for one.
Ben hires Ashley Niven, eventually, an old hand at managing castles. It helps that he’s sexy and cute, intelligent and warm, but Ben has pushed ideas of romance and love in his life far out of reach. And he can’t possibly expect Ashley to go for a one-off and them to still be able to work together.
The narrative alternates between Ben and Ashley, so we know, despite the struggles both are going through, they’ll end up trying to save the hall together. What they have to go through to just open the doors to the public, hoops, red tape, and shady licensers, is a thriller unto itself. A host of interesting family members keep the pot stirred, too. Mummy is making promises she can’t seem to keep, and every day something else from the hall has gone missing to pay her gambling debts.
Threaded through this, and masterfully done, is the burgeoning attraction between Ash and Ben. The level of detail in this novel could have smothered the romance, but instead it balances out the craziness that has invaded Crofton Hall. Mummy’s debt has gotten out of hand, and saving Crofton Hall from the circling sharks gets more and more precarious, even as a wedding, the local women’s group, and a meeting of UFO enthusiasts brings the hall success.
The moment we’ve been waiting for, the return of Sebastian and Anthony, is a jewel. I obviously don’t mean a literal return, but they do save the day. History geek that I am, I got all teary-eyed over that one.
If you’ve read the previous three books, you’ll love this. If you haven’t, you don’t need to have read the first three to enjoy this, but I hope “Saving Crofton Hall” will make you want to read those, also.
Review from [email protected] -
This was a great read! My first from this author and definitely makes me want to read her Crofton Chronicles series.
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Benjamin Redbourn is the 16th Earl of Crofton. At the age of thirty, he’s the man of the house with the passing of his father. Ben is out on the town in NYC, sowing his oats and adding to the already notable reputation. Because of an ex-boyfriend Ben had taken a wrong turn.
A call from his sister, Catlin, has him heading home to England. Crofton Hall is home to Ben regardless of where he roams, he always returns. He heads to the west wing where the family resides, but he’s stunned with what he finds. Elena Rebourn, Lady Crofton and mother to Ben has put the family estate in turmoil. She’s has to pay her gambling debts with many of the expensive antiques and they are in jeopardy of loosing Crofton Hall the family home.
Ben is not going down without a fight. He takes steps to keep Crofton as his home and doesn’t hesitate to put up his own finances to make it happen. But it’s not that easy, the bank is adamant that they open Crofton Hall to the public with various venues. Not knowing the importance of an event manager, Ben just get’s lucky. Catlin has a best friend, who just happens to have all the expertise that’s needed for the job.
Ashley Niven, after working hard at a castle for four years, finds he will be out of a Job soon. His apartment is falling apart, and what has he got to loose, when his best friend Catlin gives him a call about the events manager position. When Ashley Niven, comes to Crofton Hall, Ben’s world is turned upside down. Ashley has come to get Crofton Hall up and running as one of the most prestigious places for a variety of venues. It’s certainly an eye opener for Ben. He has a lot to learn regardless of him being charming, snarky and the boss. Ashley finds himself reprimanding Ben on certain etiquette of this new venture.
As Ben and Ashley grow closer there’s still doubts, misunderstandings and family issues that they both have to deal with.
Still having to make repairs to get Crofton Hall up to code, Ben needs to provide a sample of wood to check for woodworms. What they find will have: Professor Timmory of the Cambridge Tudor scholars, historians, archeologists and more clambering to Crofton Hall.
Rebecca Cohen wowed me once again with this novel “Saving Crofton Hall”. The storyline has everything: family drama, tarnished reputations, self-doubts, and even a bit of action. It’s also, hilarious as Ben has to speak in front of the UFO spotters and meeting Clive Meling at the Women’s Institute event.
Most of all Rebecca Cohen brings the world of Shakespeare to the page and the beautiful, romantic letters of Sebastian Hewel and Anthony Redbourn, 1st Earl. The British flavor comes through perfectly and Ben provides “A Glossary of British Terms” for the readers!
With the shinning couple of Ashley and Ben, come a host of entertaining characters.
Bens family: Mother Elena, brother Harry and of course sister Catlin. Ashleys family: Mother, Josie and Father, Niall, who has a shady past. Mrs Weathers, whose always feeding everyone and Billins, who never bats an eye at all the goings on! Someone that we’re bound to hear from again, Professor Madeline Timmory.
Rebecca Cohen entertained me thoroughly with the “Reagalous” series and now she’s hooked me with “Modern Crofton Hall” series. Now I’m tempted to read “The Crofton Chronicles” and the “Earl of Crofton” series. There’s more to come with the “Modern Crofton Hall” series with the second novel “Making History at Crofton Hall” and the “Earl of Crofton” series. -
*3.5*
Saving Crofton Hall follows the 16th Earl of Crofton, Ben Redbourn, as he attempts to save his home from ruin at the hands of his mother and her gambling ways. Enter Ashley Niven who is hired to help Ben open the home to the public for the first time. Together they plan, organise and stress their way into getting everything up to official standards, all the while dealing the attraction they have for each other.
While this is a romance, it's a very slow burner, I think something finally happens around 75% in but it's still an enjoyable story along the way. Their attraction simmers slowly in the background, with the occasional bout of jealousy reading its head. Unfortunately for Ben, his partying past was well portrayed in the media and doesn't give the impression of wanting more than anything casual, which is what Ashley would go for. Ben has to deal with opening his family home to the public as well as trying to sort out the mess that his mother has left them in. Ashley has landed his dream job with a very attractive boss but has his own bit of family drama to deal with as his father comes back home after time away, though he does turn out to be quite helpful.
I liked the modern portrayal of a current day earl and the estate. The author has another series set at the same estate but as a historical romance set in the Elizabethan age which is linked to and mentioned in this book. Overall, I liked the plot of the book and the characters involved, maybe bringing the romance forward a bit may have helped up it to a four star review.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review. -
A fun read
A sweet, fun story that's the slowest of burns.
If you are looking for lots of steamy sex, scroll on by, as there are only a couple of sex scenes, but the story is quite entertaining and there's a cool tie-in with one of the author's historical series. -
I almost didn't get this book because I didn't much like the front cover. Then browsing the DSP site I skimmed the first lines of the first chapter and realized I would be missing out on something unless I read the whole book.
Saving Crofton Hall is set at the same mansion where Cohen's historical novels about Anthony and Sebastian takes place. It is absolutely not necessary to have read those in order to enjoy this one, although having an insight to the past gives yet another dimension to the reading. It is sort of fun to know more than the main characters of "Saving Crofton Hall" and it does give a little glimpse of Anthony's and Sebastian's life after "Forever Hold His Peace" ended.
"Saving Crofton Hall" is a contemporary novel in a very British setting with a very British tone of voice,and oh, what a delight that tone of voice is when reading. I can practically hear the British English pronunciation spoken out loud. And it's choice of words and phrases too. This alone can be the reason to chose to read "Saving Crofton Hall".
Then there's the main character, Benjamin Redbourne, the lord of the manor, or maybe it would be more appropriate to say the manor is the main character of this story. Because so much of the story revolves around the building rather than the romance. Oh yeas, there's romance too - and lovely romance to boot - but it does take a downside in comparison to opening Crofton Hall to the public. I found reading about the steps taken towards the opening and the setbacks delivered along with it quite interesting and I couldn't keep reading fast enough to find out how it all would work out in the end. I also very much enjoyed the problems with Benjamin's mother and how her problems intensified the conflict.
The romance itself took a long time to develop. The attraction between the men was there, but for many different reasons, some internal and some external, their union was postponed over and over. Some may find that annoying, but it is a plot device I like a lot when used as well as Cohen has here.
Because of the slowly developing romance and because of potential open threads considering Crofton Hall's history I can easily see Benjamin and Ashley's relationship develop in a second book, and I know for sure that I would read such a next installment; I love stories with established couples and I'd love to see exactly what Benjamin and Ashley will find out about the first earl and his lover, not to mention how that revelation will be received when broadcast by national television.
Highly recommended!
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Not so much a romance as a meander through what it takes to run an events venue.
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Let me start by saying that I like this series a lot. In this story, the author pays nice homage to the original characters from the first books in the series. That was very cool!
In this installment of the Redbourn story, Crofton Hall is in deep financial distress. Apparently, the lady of the house has an extreme gambling problem. She has run up a debt of more than $5 million, and she is beginning to pay her debts with heirlooms from the family home.
The lady of the house is co-owner of Crofton Hall with her son, Benny. The insipidly stupid Lady of the house decides to forge her son's name to a five million Dollar mortgage that she ends up spending on her gambling habits. Of course, since this is English gentry, there is no possibility that the mother will go to jail; instead, she is treated like a bad girl, and the story goes forward. (I know I would kick the crap out if her!).
The children of the house decide that they can save the house from foreclosure if they open it to the public for weddings and meetings. Benny, the oldest son, takes the Bull by the horns, hires a professional named Ashley, and starts the plan for the public visits to Crofton Hall. Of course, we all know what's going to happen. Benny and Ashley will end up as a couple and Crofton Hall will be saved. The problem is that this happy ending was predicted at page 60 of the book.
What's missing from this book? For most of the book, there is no real conflict. At the end of the book, the characters from the first novel merge into this story: that is when this story is at its best. Since this story only got intriguing when the first book was interwoven, it stresses how good the first book was and how weak this book is. The other books in this series are outstanding and this one is just fair. Overall, this book gets three stars. -
I read two of the three Crofton Chronicles books before this one. I rated the first at 2 stars and the second one at 3 stars. This is the best book I've ready by this author, but I still wasn't loving it. It was good enough to keep my attention and I never questioned if it was worth finishing, but I was checking the bottom of my kindle to see how much farther I had to go until I was done.
This book dragged for me. I think it was how much was going on. There was Ben's dumbass mother, who I couldn't stand. There was the very slow burn romance, which I liked. There was the mystery guy who kept popping into their lives. There was Ashley's father and him getting out of prison. Then there was the amazing find which tied this book with the previous Crofton books. It was a bit much for me. Ben and Ashley were OK. I liked Ashley a lot and Ben was a decent enough guy. I guess that all leads me to say that this book is fine. It's not great but it's not bad either. -
** This review is copied word-for-word from my review of The Crofton Chronicles bundle. **
Stately Passions
Book 1: Saving Crofton Hall
A Crofton Hall Novel
Length: 70-99%
POV: 3rd person, dual character
Star rating: ★★★★☆
Okay, so I have to say that while I loved this one, it really would have been better as a stand-alone accompanying novel, NOT as part of this bundle. Because, personally, I cried and my heart ached and I was completely in love with the ending to book 3 within the historical era. Reading this one stole that happy, crying, wistful mood and left me feeling a little flatter than before. The ending of book 3 was PERFECT. And it really should have been left to be the ending, with the Stately Passions book(s) as a completely separate companion series. Putting them together just ruined the magic.
Saying that, I did enjoy it. Ben is an amazing mix of Anthony and Sebastian's personality traits that it was an easy slide from reading about them to reading about Ben. It felt comfortable and almost-familiar to go from Sebastian's POV to Ben's. He's as feisty as Anthony, but with that level-headed control and quick tempter of Sebastian.
This is also the first book that is dual POV, which is a chance, but not necessarily a bad one. However, I'm not entirely sure that it was needed in places, because we often say things in say Ashley's POV that were later explored and/or explained in Ben's, meaning that we didn't have to see it first hand if we were going to be discussing it at length later or vice versa.
It also felt really long to read. I mean I read it in an afternoon, so it's not that long realistically, but it felt like it dragged on, whereas I felt like I flew through the previous books. This could be because there's not a lot happening in this book beyond the romance. There's the Ben and Ashley romance storyline, plus the background story that kicks it all off of Ben's mother putting them in financial difficulties. However, other than that, nothing really happens in between and there were times when the story dragged or flagged because of that. There was none of the drama or excitement that the historical books had, for sure.
I was a bit disappointed about the ending. Sebastian would have turned in his grave if he knew what they'd done with that folio, which goes against everything he and Anthony stood for. While I get the logical side of it, the artist in me was screaming the whole time and wishing that some other plot arc had crept in to surprise us with another option. The implication that I understood was that this was the incomplete play that Shakespeare had written for Sebastian about his life with Anthony and that it makes it even more of a travesty to have to sell it, placing it in the care of someone outside of Crofton Hall. It just felt like it wasn't properly appreciated by Ben or Anthony, who I thought would have been more eager to find a way around keeping it while getting the money to save the Hall.
At the same time, I was disappointed in the ending because it left a lot unanswered. It didn't tell us whether they actually sold it and saved the Hall or not. It didn't tell us whether the exhumed Sebastian and Anthony's bodies to prove they'd been buried together as husband and wife. It left a lot to the imagination, that I presume will be told in future stories. However, it's the only one in this bundle so far to leave us with questions unanswered and plot arcs unexplored, so that was disappointing.
I also got a little annoyed at the constant use of “cut him up” or “cut up” in terms of the driving, because this isn't the proper saying. It's “cut him off” or “cut off”, whereas the author's use has a completely different and much more sinister meaning. I have to take this as a misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the saying, as it happens too frequently to be an editing mistake. Maybe it's a thing in England, but I live in Scotland and I have never ever heard of this version.
I loved seeing the familiar names popping up and the hints that led back to the historical novels; e.g. The Duchess of Marchent, the play of Macbeth, even how alike that they were to the previous cast, as Catlin was the spitting image of Bronwyn and Ben and Ashley both had equal traits to Sebastian and Anthony.
Overall, while it was a fun contemporary romance and I'll be interested to read the rest of the series, it didn't grab my hear the way the historical novels did. I wouldn't be rushing to buy this in paperback, the way I feel with the historical stories. This one was less dramatic, less exciting and much slower to get through, completely stealing the perfect ending of book 3 and leaving me with a feeling of disappointment that wouldn't have been there had this story not been included in the bundle.
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Favourite Quote
““Have you ever thought what I actually want? Maybe I do want a night where someone would cook me dinner, read to me in the bath, and cuddle up without expecting anything in return. But that's not the real world, Catlin. People look at me and see the earl, not the man.””
““When you kiss me, do you feel like you're seeing stars?”
Adam scowled. “What are you on about? Of course I bloody don't.”
“And there's the problem.”
He walked away, determined not to look back, and his traitorous mind suggested that if Ben Redbourn were to kiss him, it'd be like crashing headlong through a supernova.”
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Thoroughly enjoyable.
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Well, when I finally decide to transform my family manor into a successful business, I might use this book as a guide:)
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“Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.” ~ Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewi
Crofton Hall has been in the Redbourn family for over four hundred years. It's much more than a building. It's a haven where generation after generation have shared life's experiences, both good and bad. It's the place where Benjamin Redbourn, of 'Saving Crofton Hall' by Rebecca Cohen, has lived all of his life and where he has grown to be the confident man he is today. When his mother's gambling debts threaten to destroy everything the Redbourn family has worked to build, Ben reacts with a vehemence that is frightening. After his initial shock, Ben wastes no time correcting the situation. He is not going to lose his home to a gambling debt. Ben is not above swallowing his pride and calling in the many favors he has earned over the years to defend his home. He's surprised at the number of people who graciously offer to help.
Ashley Niven is employed to organize events at the manor, which include, but are not limited to, planning weddings and banquets. Everyone assures Ben that people will be waiting in line to be married there, if only because of the beauty of the place. Ashley's love of history gives him an important perspective when it comes to respecting the home and making sure that, whatever venue is there, adequate precautions are in place to prevent any desecration or invasion of privacy for the family. Ashley reminded me of Sebastian Hewell, who was the first earl's lover. Even though Ben is his boss, Ashley is determined to hold his own; on more than one occasion he confronts Ben when disagreements arise. Although not an actor, like Sebastian was, Ashley still has a flair for the dramatic and an amazing knowledge of décor and the house's history. Ashley doesn't hesitate to do anything that he asks anyone else to do. He throws himself into the project heart and soul. Crofton Hall and Ben have charmed Ashley into believing that he belongs there. Yet, because of Ben's reputation, not so different from the first earl's, Ashley, like Sebastian, is guarding his heart. Since being gay is no longer illegal, Ashley and Ben don't share with Sebastian and Anthony the fear of retribution if caught together.
Apparently time hasn't changed the Redbourn men's disposition. Although more amiable than Anthony, his ancestor, Ben shares some of his character traits. Like Anthony, Ben has had many lovers with no serious commitments due to the pain endured by a relationship which had a disastrous, painful ending. In both cases, the incident lead to heavy drinking and debauchery. Fortunately for Ben, he's trying to put his improper behavior behind him; but he is determined to stay single forever to save himself from another broken heart. Ben is practically celibate in his conviction to do so, at least until Ashley comes to work for him. Not only does Ben admire Ashley for his good looks, he's also charmed by his sense of determination and vast historical knowledge. Ben is convinced that with Ashley's help, he has a good chance of pulling them out of the financial mire and retaining Crofton Manor. Ben is easygoing, but when provoked, displays a temper rivaling Anthony's. Ben likes to be in control but isn't a control freak like Anthony was. Ben doesn't mind taking a back seat sometimes, especially when the other driver clearly knows what he's doing.
This story is an offshoot of the 'Crofton Chronicles' series. It continues the story of Crofton Hall moving into the present. I've grown very fond of Sebastian and Anthony, and am delighted for the opportunity of finding out more about them even if it's in references to the past. In many ways, Crofton Hall is a character in its own right and, just like a person, holds all kinds of secrets and has shared the events which have taken place and those that continue to happen with her family. I think that she's very happy with the new circumstances and feels more alive than ever. Those of you who enjoyed the 'Crofton Chronicles' series will love how Rebecca has chosen to continue its story. If you are new to the characters, you could read this story without reading the other series, but, without reading the 'Crofton Chronicles', the story loses much of its significance. I recommend this book to those who like history, intrigue, angst, and a happy ending. Thank you, Rebecca, for a great beginning to a new series.
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Saving Crofton Hall was a unique read, at least in terms of what I usually read.
Benjamin is the Earl of Crofton, but due to some bad financial decisions on his mother's part, he is facing losing the familial estate. An estate that has been not only in the family for centuries, but has been the only home he's ever known. To keep from losing it, he decides to open it up and allow the estate to start paying for itself. This brings Ashley to him. Ashley is an event planner whose job is set to end, but more importantly, is one of Ben's sister's best friends. Catllin insists that he apply and that Ben interviews him. He's the best person for the job and the story goes from there.
The characters in this book caught me by surprise. Not because they did anything surprising, but because of how endearing I found them. I found myself falling in love with Ben and Ashley. Ben is a former playboy who cares so deeply about his family and their history. He is willing to do anything to save his home and his view on this goal never wavers, even at his own personal expense. He handles pressure so incredibly well and I just get heart eyes thinking about him. And Ashley? Ashley is the perfect counterpart for him. He has his own familial and romantic issues. He's driven and determined and full of good ideas. He also loves history and the chance to work and live at Crofton Hall is too good of a deal to pass up.
The side characters in this book are incredibly wealthy in details, especially Ben's sister Catlin. Catlin amused me a lot, but that wasn't the best part about her. The best part about her was her love and loyalty to both Ben and Ashley. She doesn't want to see her big brother or her best friend hurt and she sees the potential for them both to be hurt throughout the book. The two members of the staff we meet, Ben's mom, Ashley's parents? They are all introduced throughout the book and they're incredible. They are well written and don't feel like they sit in a stagnant place while they're off page, just waiting to be made real again by our Main Characters.
And the tension between Ben and Ashley? I literally shouted at them in my book to just kiss already, because the tension was that tangible. There is very much a will-they-won't-they vibe that is kept up throughout the book. There are missed opportunities and every single one is frustrating, but understandable. Not a single one of them feels like a missed opportunity for the sake of drama. In fact, despite the dramatic premise, the book is incredibly low on drama when it comes to Ben and Ashley. Angst? Yes. There is definitely angst, but no actual drama and I love it.
This is probably my favorite example of the employee/boss dynamic that I've read. If that's a trope you like, then I highly recommend it. Actually, I recommend this book anyway. I couldn't put it down.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS AND THIS IS MY GENUINE FEEDBACK ** -
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the Crofton Chronicles series. It can be read as a stand alone, but I think, for ME, myself and I, it would have been better to read those BEFORE this one. I was left a little . . .deflated. . . .that the full story of the First Earl of Crofton isnt made clear. I knew the gist of it, by reading the blurbs to the other books, but I wanted it all to come tumbling out here, and it doesn't. Well mostly it does, but I'm a greedy so and so and wanted more!
That said, I liked this book, a lot.
Benjamin is the 16th Earl of Crofton, and after a trip to the States returns home to find his house, his beautiful home, at risk. Because his mother can't stop gambling and is in a massive amount of debt. The only thing he can do to save his house, is use his house. He needs to open it up to the public, to PAYING guests, to pay off the debts. Enter Ashley, Ben's sister's friend. This project is right up his alley, and if it means living in Crofton Hall for a while, all the better. But being in close contact with his crush is draining, and Ben is not maing things easy for him. Can thye get this project up and running in time? Or is more than the house at risk? Are their hearts?
Apart from the issue with Benjamin's mother's debts, this is fairly low angst. There is drama, but its on the lower end of the scale making it a very easy read.
While Ashley has a long standing attraction to Ben, it's a bit more powerful now the two men are grown and not gangly teenagers. Ben's attraction to Ashley creeps up on him, though, and it was fun watching the two men dance around each other for much of the book.
The secrets around the First Earl of Crofton Hall are fuzzy in places, but the find in the beams clarify some of it. Like I said, for ME, I should have read the three books revolving Anthony and Sebastian. I just felt I missed something, something important! Probably just me, and my book brain, really but I just needed to say it.
I loved that twist with who Ashley's dad is, and what he does for Ben and his mum.
It's quite a sweet book, low heat level, low ansgt but very much a great read.
4 wonderful stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere** -
Ben is easy to like, and a much more sympathetic character than you might expect an aristocrat to be. He’s got a lot on his plate-- his mother’s financial hubris and lies have seen to that-- but he also has a plan, and you have to love him for his resilience. Watching his emotions for Ashley develop is sweet, although I would also have liked to see evidence of Ashley’s emotional investment as well-- one of the more frustrating aspects of this book for me is how, in spite of mountains of evidence and being explicitly *told* that Ben had feelings for him, Ashley manages for a long time to subscribe to Ben’s long outdated playboy reputation and to think the worst of him (and treat him accordingly). He’s fine fantasizing about Ben, but doesn’t seem to actually see him as a person until about ⅔ of the way through the novel. While waiting for Ashely to embrace the obvious, however, there’s the fun of watching them turn Crofton Hall into an event location, which includes some great interactions with the locals, plus a subplot that includes the continuing subterfuge of Ben’s mother. Also, for fans of earlier works set in this series, there are plenty of references to the sixteenth century couple Sebastian and Anthony, who end up coming through for our twenty-first century paramours in a surprising, but historically relevant, way. Overall, a really enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. -
Saving Crofton Hall is a contemporary MM romance with a historical slant, which follows Ben and Ashley. Ben is the 16th Earl of Crofton who must work to save his ancestral home after discovering his Mother's gambling debts. He employs Ashley as his Events Manager to start bringing money into the estate. Both carry plenty of their own emotional baggage and deny their initial attraction so we get lots of sexual tension and delicious chemistry to make this an enjoyable story.
There's some good banter between the MCs and I enjoyed following the complex relationships between them and their families.
One of my favourite aspects of this story are Ashley's historical fantasies which are played out on the page. They were unexpected, lots of fun and certainly steamy. I'm always a fan of stately homes as story settings and we even get a visit from the WI 🙌
The plot and concept were entertaining with some lovely quirky characters. There's some mystery and a little action thrown in for good measure too. Whilst I haven't read Rebecca Cohen's other novels I'm assuming a few moments are throw backs to her other novels which I bet would be an especially nice touch for previous readers. I might have to give the other books a gander!
It's worth noting that whilst I'm British and didn't struggle with the language there's a very cute glossary at the back of Britishisms for anyone who might do.
I received an ARC of this book and have chosen to leave a review.
