Making History at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton, #2) by Rebecca Cohen

Making History at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton, #2) Reviews

• 
  Cadiva

  4.5*
  
  I love it when Rebecca mixes up her Crofton series by writing a modern couple but with links back to the Elizabethan/Stuart era 1st Earl Anthony and his actor lover Sebastian.
  
  This one follows on from the first Modern Crofton in so much as it mentions the events of that book and then takes a new journey into the past as a historical documentary series comes to film at Crofton Hall and investigate the historical letters found hidden.
  
  The main couple here are Dara, the historian that the 16th Earl Ben hires to document all the historical artefacts and papers, and Nathan, the producer of the TV show filming at the Hall but we still get to catch up with Ben and his estate manager lover Ashley.
  
  What I liked the best about this romance is that there's very little drama, it's a sweet slow burn as Nathan is a widower of only four years, his husband dying only a year after they'd got married. Dara's also been burned by unfeeling older academic boyfriends who've never put him first.
  
  While it does work as a standalone, I think much greater enjoyment is gained if you've also read the historical trilogy
  The Crofton Chronicles as it's a bit like an "inside joke" feeling when you already know what the historians are going to discover.
  
  There's some humour, some good conversation and, thankfully, very little in the way of misunderstanding or miscommunication, and there's some really lovely historical romantic touches which Nathan uses to show Dara how he feels.
  
  Overall, this is a smashing second entry in the contemporary Crofton series.
  
  NOTE: As ever, I beta read for Rebecca.
  
  #ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
• 
  Lelyana's Reviews

  This was fun, comfort read, and back to Crofton Hall was like a balm to a tired soul. Especially with what happens in the world today. We need a calm, feel good romance to make us smile again.
  Recommended.
• 
  Ajax1978

  I’m at 48% and stopping. I liked the first book and have reread it a few times. And I was really looking forward to this but man oh man I just can not get into it. Honestly it’s slow and boring. Maybe I’ll try and finish it at a later date.
• 
  Sara

  4 Hearts
  
  I feel like I should begin this review with a disclaimer that I have read The Crofton Chronicles and Anthony and Sebastian hold a very special place in my heart. So with that, when I saw the author was writing a series on the modern Crofton’s I knew I had to read them.
  
  In the first book, Saving Crofton Hall, we get the situation Benjamin Redbourn, 16th Earl of Crofton is in and how he will open Crofton Hall for public use so that his family can regain their financial loss. We meet Ashley as the events coordinator and get their fun romance as they turn a family estate into the premier location for weddings etc. But along the way to all of that, Ben and Ashley had found a box that contained some pretty interesting letters from Anthony Redbourn, the first Earl, to possibly his lover, an actor named Sebastian Hewell.
  
  Now, as I said before I know the story of Anthony and Sebastian; how they met, the deceit they portrayed with Sebastian as his sister Bronwyn and their life together. I adored their story so much that when I went back and read the epilogue of Forever Hold His Peace, the last book in The Crofton Chronicles, I turned into a redheaded mess of emotions. But back to what’s happening now. Ben and Ashely find the box with the letters, they contact the needed people who could authenticate the letters, matching Anthony’s handwriting etc and this launches a television special of Secret Histories series.
  
  So, that’s where Making History at Crofton Hall begins. We meet the hall's new historian, Dara Callaghan and TV producer, Nathan Lorimer. These two don’t have an instant love story but rather one of slow burn that takes time to get started. You see, Nathan is a widower and loved his husband deeply and part of that love is still with him so while he finds Dara attractive, he needs to take his time. It’s wonderful that our resident Irishman is so damn patient and his being so definitely pays off.
  
  Now while this is Dara and Nathan’s romance, the love story of this series truly belongs to that of Crofton Hall and its history. The beginning of this book is loaded with everything about the hall and its previous earls focusing primarily on Anthony and Sebastian; including the excavation of the family crypt to see who is really buried with Anthony. So if you’re looking for insta love with this, don’t. I’m not saying there isn’t ample opportunity for the on page romance and intimacy, I’m just saying this series is more involved.
  
  It was an interesting decision from the author to give this book four POV’s. Yes, I said four. We get Dara, Nathan and we get Ben and Ashley. While I like getting more of the previous couple, I think they stole the show more so than even Anthony and Sebastian. Their sex was hotter than Dara and Nathan’s and even Ashley’s jealousy won me over more than the cuddling of Dara and Nathan. I don’t know if it was a good decision to put SO MUCH of them in this book, but I am not the one making that decision.
  
  Anyway, all of this rambling leads to one conclusion; I adored this book. I do think new readers can enjoy it and give them the intrigue and angst of the reveal about Anthony and Sebastian. For me, as someone who already knows their story, it’s fun to see how these new characters react to the possibility that an Earl of Shakespearean time loved another man so much, he would sacrifice everything to be with him.
  
  
  

  
  
• 
  Maryann Kafka

  “Making History at Crofton Hall” is the second novel in the “Modern Crofton” by Rebecca Cohen. Crofton Hall will be busy as ever with a variety of venues, weddings, conventions and a film crew for “Secret Histories”.
  
  Dr. Dara Callaghan, historian and archivists, is not able to get a grant renewal after six years of post-doc at Cambridge. With the discovery at Crofton Hall, Professor Timmory suggests that Benjamin Redbourn give consideration to hiring a historian. Professor Timmory encourages Dara to consider the position. How can he refuse, when she shares a copy of the letters that were discovered. For Dara this could be a dream of a lifetime, if he get’s the job.
  
  Through semi-retired producer, Clive Meling, Nathan Lorimer is offered a potential job as producer of “Secret Histories”. It’s a project Clive couldn’t turn down and he’s turned it over to the best qualified.
  
  Dara and Nathan are very involved in the work that they do. It’s important that everything is done to perfection, time is an issue for them both. They have both struggled in the way of relationships. Dara has had boyfriends leave and Nathan is a widower, still grieving, feels guilty and dating just doesn’t work for him. Dara likes Nathan and accepts Nathans situation. He loves spending time with Nathan and listens without judgement. As they gradually get closer there’s stumbling blocks along the way. Do they both want the same thing or will they go their separate ways?
  
  With the production of “Secret Histories” comes: the film crew, make-up artist and wardrobe designers. It also brings: archeologist, Professor Graham Flint and his excavating crew; Osteoarchaeologist Terri Planchett and historian Professor Madeline Timmory. For Ben this is all exciting. He can’t wait to be dressed as the 1st Earl, Anthony, and read the letters for the program. To make it even more exciting he’s working really hard to persuade Ashley to read for Sebastian’s part. But Ashley, with his doubts and low confidence is adamant about his decision. Ben keeps the faith and hopes something will change Ashley’s mind.
  
  The big day is upon them all, with the opening of the tomb in the crypt. One tomb is empty but one isn’t. What will DNA prove about who is buried there? Is Ben hiding a secret or is there more than one?
  
  With “Making History at Crofton Hall” Rebecca Cohen creates a story of not one love affair but three. One from the past, one of current times and one that might blossom as time goes on. There’s a friendship that develops between: Ben, Ashley, Dara and Nathan as they give needed advice to each other. As with the “Saving Crofton Hall” there’s: romance, steamy love scenes, with moments of misunderstanding and humor.
  
  “Making History at Crofton Hall” also brings the chaos of film productions and all that it entails and keeping all the odd personalities and demands in an orderly fashion.
  
  Again, with “Modern Crofton Hall” series, Rebecca Cohen incorporates the classic writings of Shakespeare and Jane Austen, plus more of the lyrical, beautifully written letters and readings between Sebastian and Anthony.
  
  Some new secondary characters make the story fun: Mel and Floss, wardrobe; Sal, make-up; and Kellie, Nathans sister.
  
  As before with the first book “Saving Crofton Hall” I was thoroughly entertained with this sequel. I’m really looking forward to the next installment of “Modern Crofton” from Rebecca Cohen. There’s still more to come with the tomb findings and secrets that Benjamin Redbourn just might be hiding!
• 
  Bob Jackson

  As Shakespeare wrote, "I would not wish any companion in the world but you."
  
  Making History at Crofton Hall is book 2 in Rebecca Cohen's "Modern Crofton" series. Ms. Cohen has written a number of smartly done historical novels beginning with a book about the first Earl of Crofton, Lord Anthony, and his lover Sebastian, a famous Shakespearean actor (different series).
  
  "Making History at Crofton Hall" is actually three stories which are lovingly intertwined into one. The first is the love story of Lord Anthony (first Earl) and Sebastian, as told through their recently discovered love letters written almost 400 years ago. The second is a continuation of book 1 of this series as the current love story between Ben (16th and current Earl) and Ashley continues. The third story, concurrent with Ben and Ashley, is the story of Dara, a top notch Historian hired by the Earl, and Nathan, a tv show producer. They have decisions to make before love can possibly bloom.
  
  The book is so much fun. It is very Shakespeare-ish with it being in some ways a play within a play. Also, the first Earl and his lover were actually contemporaries of Shakespeare. If you read the first book in this series you will understand why this is so significant. The characters are very real, good-hearted, and my favorite....very snarky. The author has a wicked sense of humor and no one is spared. In one scene she pokes fun at Ben as he is trying to pick up someone in an American bar. He is trying to convince someone at the bar to go back to his hotel with him by telling him he is an Earl. He actually pulls out his driver's license to show him who he is. Of course, leave it to an American to want to see proof. Sigh.
  
  Rebecca Cohen's books are always fun to read. As a special treat, in both volumes of this series she gives us a glossary of British terms as presented by The Right Honourable 16th Earl of Crofton. That alone makes this worth a read.
  
  I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review. That said, I have also pre-ordered a copy...because that is just the right thing to do. :-)
  
• 
  Juniper

  In many ways, the central romance in this book is the one between long dead lovers Sebastian and Anthony (those interested in their original story might want to check out some of the authors’ previous historical romances, in which they’re protagonists). Here, the modern hunt to piece together clues of their past relationship is the central focus of the narrative, and two contemporary couples– Ben and Ashley and Dara and Nathan, kind of exist on the margins of the spectacle of that historical endeavor. It’s interesting in its way, but I would have liked to see more from both sets of couples than they’re really allowed to do in this space. Ben trying (successfully) to manipulate Ashley into reenacting his ancestor’s romance on film had its cute moments and its kind of squicky ones– he’s not above encouraging, without admitting that he’s encouraging, his boyfriend’s jealousy to get what he wants and it’s not always as adorable as he thinks it is, or at least, I got tired of it. Unlike Ben and Ashley, who are an established couple from a previous book, Nathan and Dara’s relationship takes shape over the course of the novel, in the pauses between the filming/historical discovery/more filming/more discovery extravaganza. Dara has the patience of a saint and he needs it for Nathan, who’s struggling with what it means to date again after the death of his husband years ago. Nathan isn’t a callous person by nature, but he doesn’t really think much, initially, about what Dara might want and need, and it takes everyone else (and here, at least, Ben’s tendency to want to have a hand in literally everything around him was actually helpful) to point out to him that he’s made some mistakes along the way. All of the characters are likable, and while I would have liked a little more focus on the modern day romances, overall this book is an enjoyable read.
  
  *I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
  
• 
  Mari Cardenas

  3.75 Stars
  
  You need to have read book 1 in the Modern Crofton series, Saving Crofton Hall, although, for maximum enjoyment, it might be best if you read The Crofton Chronicles as well. 
  
  Making History at Crofton Hall features two main couples, the continuation of Ben (Earl of Crofton) and Ashley's (his event coordinator) love story, and Dara and Nathan. Dara is a historian Ben hires to put some order in Crofton Hall's archive and Nathan is the producer of the TV special that will focus on the secrets Crofton Hall has been hiding for years, including the fact that the 1st Earl of Crofton had a male lover, who might have been buried with him. 
  
  I really enjoyed everything about the production of the special and the letters that showed that Anthony and Sebastian were more than friends centuries before. I also liked Ben and Ashley, who were so obviously in love, even if they had to face some minor problems in their relationship in this installment. I really liked Dara, who had the patience of a saint with Nathan, even if in my opinion, he didn't really deserve it. Theirs was a super slow-burn, mostly because Nathan was still grieving his husband's death. Now, I know that everyone grieves at their own pace, but Nathan was—as Elena and his sister Kellie nicely put it—a twatwaffle and he took advantage of Dara's sweet disposition and even with Nathan's grand gestures in the last part of the book, I couldn't find it in me to warm up to him. 
  
  So, all in all, a mostly enjoyable read, even if some aspects of it *cough Nathan cough* didn't quite work for me. Recommendable! 
  
  *** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
• 
  Sheena

  4-4.5 stars
  
  This is a direct follow on from Saving Crofton Hall, I read and enjoyed that book a while back so I was looking forward to this. It features a new couple, Nathan and Dara but also follows up with Ben and Ashley from the first book. There are essentially 4 viewpoints in this book but it never gets confusing, it's always clear who we are following.
  
  When I'm reading a series I do like to check in with the previous couple and as I really liked Ashley and Ben from the first book so I was happy to see them again. We spent more time with them than I thought we would but I loved that, I loved seeing how they are getting on a year down the line. This story more follows Dara and Nathan though, and these two were just great together. I loved their banter, all the nerd references made my little geek heart happy and I liked how they had to work a little before finding their happiness. Not everything is instant and I liked that very much.
  
  It's also partially the story of the history of the house, and the first earl (I understand his story is in another series so I was aware of that), and the mystery of Sebastian and Anthony. The whole thing was a lot of fun, actually, with dressing in period costumes, the green eyed monster of jealousy, forceful historians and keen archaeologists.
  
  I'd highly recommend this book, but read Saving Crofton Hall first because you'll get much more out of it.
  
  Oh, and the author gets extra kudos from me for the spot-on Terry Pratchett reference that made me laugh out loud while I was reading.
  
  Brilliant.
  
  I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
• 
  DebbieReadsBooks

  Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
  
  This is book 2 in the Modern Crofton series. I said in my review for book 1, Saving Crofton Hall, that I (me, personally) felt that I should have read the series that precedes this, The Crofton Chronicles. I stand by that, for that book, and I still want to go back and read those, along with the two Earl of Crofton books.
  
  But here?? Here we get a lot of the 1st Earl and his lover, and watch how Ben and Ashley discover what they do.
  
  Dara is tasked with sorting through and cataloging the Hall's history, the letters, and files found in several places around the Hall's estate. Nathan is a tv producer, making a programme about the Hall's history and some secrets about the 1st Earl.
  
  What follows for Dara and Nathan, is a wonderfully written tale of moving on, of letting someone else in, when your heart still, even just a little bit, belongs to another. And it really is lovely against the backdrop of the current Earl discovering all of his ancestors secrets. (well not ALL, I don't think! I think Anthony has some more to tell us! Which is why I need to go back and read his books!)
  
  This is a slow romance. There is attraction, early for Dara but Nathan takes time to realise what it is he is feeling. It's been so long since his husband died, and he can't fully trust what he is feeling. A kiss though, makes him see a little more clearly.
  
  Nathan does go from one extreme to the other with his feelings at one point and I felt for Dara who was on the receiving end of that but once Nathan fully allows Dara in, it is glorious to watch.
  
  I didn't think it especially smexy, but that's not a bad thing. This isn't about the sex between these two, its about learning to love again, and the way new relationships are formed.
  
  Ben, the current Earl and Ashley both get a say and it was amusing from everyone, us included to watch Ashley deal with his jealousy that he didn't actually know he was feeling!
  
  I've no idea why I can't stretch to 5 stars here, though. I wrote 4 at the top of the page. I clicked 4 stars when I came to write this review, so 4 it is!
  
  4 stars
  
  *same worded review will appear elsewhere
• 
  Xanthe

  Making History at Crofton Hall follows on from book one, Saving Crofton Hall. This one being slightly different in that we have two couples, Ben and Ashley (book one), and historian, Dara, and producer, Nathan.
  Since the discovery of the archive of documents at Crofton Hall, it was thought a good idea to get their own historian on site and Dara is lucky enough to get that role. At the same time, they are have a TV episode filmed for Secret Histories which will uncover the 1st Earl of Crofton Hall and his biggest secret of all. Dara and Nathan have a good chemistry together but Nathan is reticent as he's bit been with anyone since becoming a widower four years ago. They're both lovely men, Dara perhaps too nice and accomodating but he wants Nathan to be comfortable with everything that may happen between them. It's a slow burn romance that has a little meddling/understanding from Ben and Ashley but it's not unwelcome at all. They all become good friends and it's a great cast of characters that have arrived at Crofton Court.
  I enjoyed how this book is written in that we continue to have the POVs of Ben and Ashley, continuing their romance from book one, and then have the addition of Dara and Nathan, who are both very focused on their work but also in the possibility of something more together.
  Definitely a nice romantic story overall and a good addition to the series. I loved the history aspect of the story and how things played out for the 1st Earl and his beau. Very well written and made it entertaining.
  I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
• 
  Debra Guyette

  Benjamin Redbourn, the 16th Earl of Crofton, is excited to be part of a Secret Histories TV show, featuring Crofton Hall. And what a secret they are unveiling. With the help of newly hired historian, Dara Callaghan, and the producer, Nathan Lorimer, the past is being unveiled in all its glory. At the middle of this is Anthony Redbourn, the 1st Earl of Crofton, and the actor Sebastian Hewel. But that is not the only romance happening at the Hall. Nathan, a widower of 4 years, finds himself attracted to Dara but is not sure he is ready to move on. At the same time, Ben is going to portray Anthony is the show and Ashley, his boyfriend, does not want the doublet he would have to wear, among other items. He is not sure that is the right decision when he sees who will play Sebastian.
  
  This was fantastic telling of how history can determine what really happened. It was amazing to see how Rebecca Cohen gradually drew out the suspense of not the facts but how to physically prove the truth four hundred years later. The letters that started the speculation were beautifully done and filled with such passion and love. If you read the books set earlier, you would understand fantastically, but you do not need to read them to fall in love with the characters in this story. Rebecca Cohen is a must read for me and will be for you as well after you have read her stories.
  
• 
  Lena Grey

  “Don't stop us now, the moment of truth. We were born to make history. We'll make it happen, we'll turn it around. Yes, we were born to make history.” ~ Dean Fujioka (Making History)
  
  Dara Callaghan, of ‘Making History at Crawford Hall’ by Rebecca Cohen, has worked for Professor Timmory for six years as a post-doc assistant while hoping to get a professorship of his own. When the research program he has been working on runs out of funds, he is jobless and understandably discouraged. However, Professor Timmory offers a solution. Crawford Hall is searching for a historian to organize their family records. It’s not the kind of position Dara is looking for, but he is familiar with the estate’s history. The possibility of uncovering something special in the records intrigues him.
  
  When Dara arrives for his interview, he is unsure what to expect, but Ben Redbourne’s friendliness and openness are surprising and refreshing. During the interview, Ben tries to allay Dara’s fears of giving up his “dreams” of being a scholar and consulting for historical programs. Ben explains that there is no reason why he can’t still have all of that. Instead of enduring a long list of boring questions, Ben jumps right into what the job will entail. Dara gets caught up in Ben’s enthusiasm, but not enough to accept the position immediately. Even when Ben sweetens the pot by offering to let Dara live in, Dara still asks for a week to think about it before finally accepting.
  
  Nathan Lorimer is hired for a television production to take place at Crofton Hall. Since his husband died, Nathan hasn’t been ready for a relationship, but when he meets the hall’s historian, Dara, the handsome, charming man with the Irish lilt, his resolve is sorely tested. He admits his attraction to Dara but warns him that he can’t make any promises. Dara is unbelievably sympathetic and tells Nathan that he can set the pace. Along the way, they have some bumpy times, but their attraction wins over in the end.
  
  ‘Making History at Crofton Hall’ is an exceptional follow-up to ‘Saving Crofton Hall’ honoring the tradition of the hall’s past while uncovering one of the best love stories of its history. Since I’ve read the previous Crofton Hall stories, I knew what the secrets were, but I still enjoyed Nathan and Dara’s quest to uncover them. Thanks, Rebecca, for joining Crofton Hall’s past and present in a magnificent way.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Raven and Chris

  I really did enjoy this book. It’s funny but I had just recently read Saving Crofton Hall so it was like meeting an old friend. I love how this author writes characters and emotions. It was refreshing to see jealousy as it truly is: a natural human emotional reaction that anyone can succumb to, not just creepy stalkerish ex significant others. Ashley has to deal with it and the other characters help him realize that it’s ok. I am also seriously in love with Ben and Ashley as a couple. The introduction of Dara as the resident historian and Nathan as the producer for the historical show that is being filmed at Crofton Hall was a great addition to the family there. These characters are amazing! I can’t wait to see how this goes. It is told from four different POVs which is unusual but not hard to keep up with at all. If you have read any of the books about this manor, you should read this one!
  
• 
  Malia Winger

  The magic of Crofton Hall strikes again! Dara and Nathan are my kind of couple. Two smart, funny, and nerdy men. Dara is hired on as the new historian to sort out the family history and Nathan is producing a special on the first Earl. And Dara is the perfect man to draw Nathan back into the world after losing his husband. I liked that even though Dara was able to be patient and meet Nathan where he was with their relationship he did not allow himself to be a doormat. And when the time came for him to take a stand for himself he did it in a dignified way. I also loved being catch up with Ben and Ashley. I appreciated that even though they got their happily ever after they are still working on their relationship.
• 
  Lois

  Secrets abound
  
  Set a year after Saving Crofton Hall, this is the story of Dara the new historian at the Hall and Nathan, a TV producer. It's another slow burn story and to be honest, Nathan is a bit of a dick, thinking only of himself and why Dara didn't just walk away is beyond me. Ben and Ash are still front and centre and have a little hiccup to get over in their relationship. Once again it's the Hall that's really the star. I didn't feel as invested with this new couple and once again the lack of good editing made for a distraction from what should have been a good story - 3.5 stars
• 
  Ida Umphers

  I'm really enjoying the way the author blends the historical romance from Crofton's past with that of contemporary couples. Here there are two modern couples and one from the past whose actions and documents have an impact on the present. I like that this series takes its time and never seems to be in a hurry to wrap up all the stories in a nice neat package. Long may it continue.
• 
  Suze

  I enjoyed this addition to the Crofton series'.
  
  I definitely helps to have read the Crofton Chronicles so that you know what the modern day protagonists are going to discover - and having the modern equivalent play the parts is ideal!
  
  It is character driven, with the main romance coming - albeit slowly - from Dara and Nathan, but we do see development with Ben and Ashley too.
• 
  Christopher W Read

  A fun sequel but
  
  I felt as if I were reading an edit copy. I enjoyed the following story and the very credible context setting but the numerous typos, repeated or missing words, and missed sentence construction errors were distracting.