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The Crofton Chronicles #1-3
The Crofton Chronicles
This title is no longer available through Dreamspinner Press. The individual novels are available separately from Amazon through KDP and KU.
- GenresHistoricalM M Romance
769 pages, ebook
Published November 11, 2016
27 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cohen
50 books227 followersREBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 20, 2021
Brilliant box set of exceptional Tudor historicals and a contemporary romance
One of my favourite things to read are historical romances and this box set focuses on a period I've not come across often in the MM genre, the late Tudor period just before the death of Queen Elizabeth I and the accession of James I.
It follows the lives of Anthony, 1st Earl of Crofton and his lover, an actor and son of a disgraced Naval Captain, Sebastian Hewel, and includes a delightful cross-dressing plot which wouldn't be out of place in one of Shakespeare's plays of that period.
It's hinted a little that Sebastian's experiences may have influenced the Bard when he came to write Viola's experiences in Twelfth Night and I adored that idea.
While there were times when the narrative had convenient and a little bit obvious plot points, I didn't actually care because I was enjoying the love and the banter between the two men so much.
The mystery/suspense elements also worked for me and I must admit to getting a bit teary at the epilogue for book three which features Anthony's son William, now an old man himself, telling his own grandson about his father and his lover and how they lived into old age and that his grandson could have the same life if he and his lover were willing to make the effort.
Book four brings the hall up to date with the present Earl finding out his widowed mother has brought potential ruin to the estate and it wonderfully rounded off the series with a sort of similar romance as Ben falls for his new estate events manager Ashley.
One of my favourite things to read are historical romances and this box set focuses on a period I've not come across often in the MM genre, the late Tudor period just before the death of Queen Elizabeth I and the accession of James I.
It follows the lives of Anthony, 1st Earl of Crofton and his lover, an actor and son of a disgraced Naval Captain, Sebastian Hewel, and includes a delightful cross-dressing plot which wouldn't be out of place in one of Shakespeare's plays of that period.
It's hinted a little that Sebastian's experiences may have influenced the Bard when he came to write Viola's experiences in Twelfth Night and I adored that idea.
While there were times when the narrative had convenient and a little bit obvious plot points, I didn't actually care because I was enjoying the love and the banter between the two men so much.
The mystery/suspense elements also worked for me and I must admit to getting a bit teary at the epilogue for book three which features Anthony's son William, now an old man himself, telling his own grandson about his father and his lover and how they lived into old age and that his grandson could have the same life if he and his lover were willing to make the effort.
Book four brings the hall up to date with the present Earl finding out his widowed mother has brought potential ruin to the estate and it wonderfully rounded off the series with a sort of similar romance as Ben falls for his new estate events manager Ashley.
May 2, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The Crofton Chronicles is a collection of four separate novels, all of which were previously published independently of one another. Now, The Actor and the Earl, Duty to the Crown, and Forever Hold His Peace have all been bound into one collection. The fourth book in the bundle is Saving Crofton Hall and it’s set in contemporary times, but references Sebastian and Anthony. For the purposes of this review, I’m focusing only on the trio of books that directly deal with Sebastian and Anthony. I decided they each achieved about the same rating, so it seems easier to offer up one review, despite the size and scope of The Crofton Chronicles.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The Crofton Chronicles is a collection of four separate novels, all of which were previously published independently of one another. Now, The Actor and the Earl, Duty to the Crown, and Forever Hold His Peace have all been bound into one collection. The fourth book in the bundle is Saving Crofton Hall and it’s set in contemporary times, but references Sebastian and Anthony. For the purposes of this review, I’m focusing only on the trio of books that directly deal with Sebastian and Anthony. I decided they each achieved about the same rating, so it seems easier to offer up one review, despite the size and scope of The Crofton Chronicles.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
October 20, 2017
THE ACTOR AND THE EARL
This is a refreshing reading historical again. I think I read this one at the right time.
I really enjoyed this one, despite my constant need to slap Anthony for his clueless and stupid and idiotic behavior ! There I said it.
Good thing is, Sebastian made his choice to make him 'work' for having Sebastian.
I really wanted to jump into the book at 80 percent mark to smack Anthony's head! I mean, seriously? Stupid much?
Of course I can understand what kind of man Anthony was before he married Bronwyn/Sebastian, but still.
I was tempted to give this one one star instead of four, because of that one moment of Sebastian's heartache. But it won't be fair for Sebastian, because I liked him a lot, especially after he made it clear to Anthony, that he's not that cheap and easy!
I need to read book two, but I'm a little coward. Because the blurb is not doing good for my 'trust issues'.
Note to author : Anthony is an Earl. The mention of 'His Grace' was kind of annoyed me. I think Sebastian should called him 'My Lord' instead of 'His Grace'. He's not a Duke.
DUTY TO THE CROWN
Too much drama, but I enjoyed this one as well.
Because, Anthony.
I was having fun 'seeing' that Anthony got the 'lesson'. Now that's what I called 'equality'.
Got that, Anthony? How did it feels like?
Sebastian though, I feel like he'll be better if he's a transgender. Less complication, I think.
Note to author : a little research about British nobility would be appreciated. No one called an Earl 'His Grace' (it's for the Duke). Anthony should called The Honourable, or just the Earl or Lord.
This is a bit annoyed me from time to time while I was reading.
FOREVER HOLD HIS PEACE
Last book about Anthony and Sebastian. Kinda down hill through the end of the book.
Especially the epilogue. Not my favorite epilogue for sure.
No worries about Anthony and Sebastian HEA. They have it. But in the 17th century, you couldn't expect more than to 'still' covered your same-sex relationship. That's sad. Even for now, right?
I enjoyed at least half of the story, and I wish I skipped the epilogue.
SAVING CROFTON HALL
Boring.
Except for the history of Anthony and Sebastian. If not for the sake of them, I'd probably dnf this book at 25% mark.
No chemistry between Ben and Ashley, they're just dancing around avoiding the attraction and that was irritated the hell out of me.
The author though did a good job (finally) about the history. I thought this was a romance, but I was searching for romance between Ben and Ashley like looking for a needle in a haystack!
This was more about saving Crofton Hall instead of romance.
Oh, wait! Look at the title !
It is about SAVING CROFTON HALL ! *smirk*
Recommended all three of the earlier about Anthony and Sebastian, but if you want to know about their 'history' read Saving Crofton Hall, but don't expect any great chemistry like Anthony and Sebastian had.
* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of fair and unbiased review.
This is a refreshing reading historical again. I think I read this one at the right time.
I really enjoyed this one, despite my constant need to slap Anthony for his clueless and stupid and idiotic behavior ! There I said it.
Good thing is, Sebastian made his choice to make him 'work' for having Sebastian.
I really wanted to jump into the book at 80 percent mark to smack Anthony's head! I mean, seriously? Stupid much?
Of course I can understand what kind of man Anthony was before he married Bronwyn/Sebastian, but still.
I was tempted to give this one one star instead of four, because of that one moment of Sebastian's heartache. But it won't be fair for Sebastian, because I liked him a lot, especially after he made it clear to Anthony, that he's not that cheap and easy!
I need to read book two, but I'm a little coward. Because the blurb is not doing good for my 'trust issues'.
Note to author : Anthony is an Earl. The mention of 'His Grace' was kind of annoyed me. I think Sebastian should called him 'My Lord' instead of 'His Grace'. He's not a Duke.
DUTY TO THE CROWN
Too much drama, but I enjoyed this one as well.
Because, Anthony.
I was having fun 'seeing' that Anthony got the 'lesson'. Now that's what I called 'equality'.
Got that, Anthony? How did it feels like?
Sebastian though, I feel like he'll be better if he's a transgender. Less complication, I think.
Note to author : a little research about British nobility would be appreciated. No one called an Earl 'His Grace' (it's for the Duke). Anthony should called The Honourable, or just the Earl or Lord.
This is a bit annoyed me from time to time while I was reading.
FOREVER HOLD HIS PEACE
Last book about Anthony and Sebastian. Kinda down hill through the end of the book.
Especially the epilogue. Not my favorite epilogue for sure.
No worries about Anthony and Sebastian HEA. They have it. But in the 17th century, you couldn't expect more than to 'still' covered your same-sex relationship. That's sad. Even for now, right?
I enjoyed at least half of the story, and I wish I skipped the epilogue.
SAVING CROFTON HALL
Boring.
Except for the history of Anthony and Sebastian. If not for the sake of them, I'd probably dnf this book at 25% mark.
No chemistry between Ben and Ashley, they're just dancing around avoiding the attraction and that was irritated the hell out of me.
The author though did a good job (finally) about the history. I thought this was a romance, but I was searching for romance between Ben and Ashley like looking for a needle in a haystack!
This was more about saving Crofton Hall instead of romance.
Oh, wait! Look at the title !
It is about SAVING CROFTON HALL ! *smirk*
Recommended all three of the earlier about Anthony and Sebastian, but if you want to know about their 'history' read Saving Crofton Hall, but don't expect any great chemistry like Anthony and Sebastian had.
* I received the ARC from publisher in exchange of fair and unbiased review.
August 11, 2023
A captivating series of books that keeps the reader glued to the pages.
As a big fan of historical mm live stories, this series of books did not let me down. Lord Anthony Crofton is in need of a wife, and what he gets is a handful. Sebastian is an actor in elizabethan London and is coaxed into disguising as his identical twin sister to fake a marriage. Neither men realised what they were getting into. Well, not that they would fall Madeley in love. The three books take part over 3 years and is full of intrigue, close calls, jealousy, sharp tongues, and incredible live making. The author masterfully paints a picture and develops the characters well throughout the 3 books. I thought the ending was brilliant. It's different but brilliant and moving. This book should be read by other lovers of historical romance and hot mm live.
As a big fan of historical mm live stories, this series of books did not let me down. Lord Anthony Crofton is in need of a wife, and what he gets is a handful. Sebastian is an actor in elizabethan London and is coaxed into disguising as his identical twin sister to fake a marriage. Neither men realised what they were getting into. Well, not that they would fall Madeley in love. The three books take part over 3 years and is full of intrigue, close calls, jealousy, sharp tongues, and incredible live making. The author masterfully paints a picture and develops the characters well throughout the 3 books. I thought the ending was brilliant. It's different but brilliant and moving. This book should be read by other lovers of historical romance and hot mm live.
August 19, 2025
These three books were great fun - i love Tudor history and the combo of Tudor history, Elizabethan theater and a gay romance who could complain? Careful there are a few rather graphic scenes so if that is gonna bother you do not read thiese but they are mostly fun
May 24, 2017
** Please see Divine Magazine for full review - https://www.divinemagazine.biz/book-r... **
Book – The Crofton Chronicles
Author – Rebecca Cohen
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 769
POV – 3rd person
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Historical European
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
** Warnings: cross-dressing, light bondage, role play, kidnapping, attempted rape, homophobia**
The Crofton Chronicles lead us through the story of Sebastian Hewel, an actor who is convinced to play the part of his sister, Bronwyn, after she absconds from an arranged marriage to Lord Crofton. However, after seeing Sebastian in a play, Anthony Crofton isn't fooled by the switch and they come to an agreement. One that can be dangerous to their very lives but also their hearts. It ends with a contemporary story set 400 years later, showing Anthony's descendants.
Now, I'll admit that I've had this for review for a long time. Between work and life, I've always had to put it aside to do something else and it didn't bother me so much because I hadn't read the author before, I was intrigued by the plot but I'm not a historical reader, by nature, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I'm also a binge reader, so I wanted to be able to read all of the books in a row, without having to pause in between to read something else.
I should have read it sooner.
~
OVERALL
Often when you have a series, the first book is fantastic and then the others slowly dwindle in interest or the first takes too long to introduce the characters, spending too much time letting us know them, and doesn't have an interesting story while it takes either book two or three to pick up the reader's interest. This series doesn't do that. Right from page one of book one I knew I'd love it. And I was right to believe that, because it proved to be true.
There are slight editing issues throughout, but nothing that impeded my enjoyment of the story, so I chose not to let it impact my rating of the bundle or the individual stories. The main issue was a missing word here or there, that was usually so small that it wasn't missed much and the meaning of the sentence was still clear, or an extra or repeated word.
I found it a little strange that William never spoke until book 3, by which time he spoke in perfect sentences. Yet, in book 2, he was grunting to get his point across, despite only being one year younger. There's no explanation of him being incapable of speaking or just being lazy by not using his words, which is a little odd, but I figure it's a small thing and I overlooked it, because William was such a minor character.
I particularly loved the way that Sebastian was treated by those socially engaged with Anthony, how some looked down on him because they thought him too plain for a wife of a philanderer, while some thought it a perfect match because Sebastian's family are known for their loyalty to the Queen. Yet, at the same time, there was this constant feeling of Sebastian being judged, the worry that Anthony might find more interest elsewhere and the concern of being caught and the consequences, should that happen. There was never a moment where drama wasn't present, but I loved that there were such varying degrees of drama and for all kinds of reasons. Even the worry that Anthony's son might not take to him was really well written and handled.
The historical accuracy was incredible. Not only through the clothing, style and the social engagements required of someone close to the Court, but in the concern over a gay relationship, the slightly skeezy bars and gambling halls that kept a tight lip about whatever went on inside, even Sebastian being mistaken for a prostitute was so well handled and historically accurate. There wasn't one single detail that wasn't properly explored and thought through.
There were strong LGBT members throughout all stories; bisexual, gay, straight, lesbian, poly. They were all represented in both the historical novels and the modern, which was great to see.
There is one other thing I have to mention and it's not a negative or a positive, so I didn't let it influence my rating. I had a weird sense of deja-vu multiple times throughout the story, as the plot is quite similar in style and theme to two other books I've read. The prospect of a man pretending to be a woman was similar to one of the Chronicles of Tournai fantasy novels, by Antonia Aquilante. And the Edward incident, with the manor house and such, reminded me of Victoria Sue's Innocent Auction. There was also a hint of Rowan McAllister's Historical Greatest Hints Bundle, in places. HOWEVER, the similarities didn't diminish my love of this book or the others, but if you loved this one, you'll love the others and vice versa.
For me, the modern story at the end was the let down and the weakest of the bunch. If only it could have ended at book 3, with a separate bundle for the contemporary stories, it would have been perfect.
Book – The Crofton Chronicles
Author – Rebecca Cohen
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 769
POV – 3rd person
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Historical European
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
** Warnings: cross-dressing, light bondage, role play, kidnapping, attempted rape, homophobia**
The Crofton Chronicles lead us through the story of Sebastian Hewel, an actor who is convinced to play the part of his sister, Bronwyn, after she absconds from an arranged marriage to Lord Crofton. However, after seeing Sebastian in a play, Anthony Crofton isn't fooled by the switch and they come to an agreement. One that can be dangerous to their very lives but also their hearts. It ends with a contemporary story set 400 years later, showing Anthony's descendants.
Now, I'll admit that I've had this for review for a long time. Between work and life, I've always had to put it aside to do something else and it didn't bother me so much because I hadn't read the author before, I was intrigued by the plot but I'm not a historical reader, by nature, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I'm also a binge reader, so I wanted to be able to read all of the books in a row, without having to pause in between to read something else.
I should have read it sooner.
~
OVERALL
Often when you have a series, the first book is fantastic and then the others slowly dwindle in interest or the first takes too long to introduce the characters, spending too much time letting us know them, and doesn't have an interesting story while it takes either book two or three to pick up the reader's interest. This series doesn't do that. Right from page one of book one I knew I'd love it. And I was right to believe that, because it proved to be true.
There are slight editing issues throughout, but nothing that impeded my enjoyment of the story, so I chose not to let it impact my rating of the bundle or the individual stories. The main issue was a missing word here or there, that was usually so small that it wasn't missed much and the meaning of the sentence was still clear, or an extra or repeated word.
I found it a little strange that William never spoke until book 3, by which time he spoke in perfect sentences. Yet, in book 2, he was grunting to get his point across, despite only being one year younger. There's no explanation of him being incapable of speaking or just being lazy by not using his words, which is a little odd, but I figure it's a small thing and I overlooked it, because William was such a minor character.
I particularly loved the way that Sebastian was treated by those socially engaged with Anthony, how some looked down on him because they thought him too plain for a wife of a philanderer, while some thought it a perfect match because Sebastian's family are known for their loyalty to the Queen. Yet, at the same time, there was this constant feeling of Sebastian being judged, the worry that Anthony might find more interest elsewhere and the concern of being caught and the consequences, should that happen. There was never a moment where drama wasn't present, but I loved that there were such varying degrees of drama and for all kinds of reasons. Even the worry that Anthony's son might not take to him was really well written and handled.
The historical accuracy was incredible. Not only through the clothing, style and the social engagements required of someone close to the Court, but in the concern over a gay relationship, the slightly skeezy bars and gambling halls that kept a tight lip about whatever went on inside, even Sebastian being mistaken for a prostitute was so well handled and historically accurate. There wasn't one single detail that wasn't properly explored and thought through.
There were strong LGBT members throughout all stories; bisexual, gay, straight, lesbian, poly. They were all represented in both the historical novels and the modern, which was great to see.
There is one other thing I have to mention and it's not a negative or a positive, so I didn't let it influence my rating. I had a weird sense of deja-vu multiple times throughout the story, as the plot is quite similar in style and theme to two other books I've read. The prospect of a man pretending to be a woman was similar to one of the Chronicles of Tournai fantasy novels, by Antonia Aquilante. And the Edward incident, with the manor house and such, reminded me of Victoria Sue's Innocent Auction. There was also a hint of Rowan McAllister's Historical Greatest Hints Bundle, in places. HOWEVER, the similarities didn't diminish my love of this book or the others, but if you loved this one, you'll love the others and vice versa.
For me, the modern story at the end was the let down and the weakest of the bunch. If only it could have ended at book 3, with a separate bundle for the contemporary stories, it would have been perfect.
November 20, 2016
This is an among series. I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews