Rating: 3.5🌈

Per the author’s note, Coming Out was originally intended to be a finale story, putting an end to the Crofton series. But instead it’s seems to have become a bridge to at least 2 to 3 additional tales in the modern universe of Crofton Hall.

It sort of shows. Because other couples wander into the center of this book and their relationship dynamics often become more central to the story than the supposed main characters. One of the couples is Ben and Ashley, the original Crofton romance, now struggling parents of the new baby heir apparent. Well, one, Ashley , is really struggling in his new role. Ben is his usual casual , non confrontational, or perhaps , dare I say entitled self ? Six books on and they still haven’t figured out how to communicate with each other.

The Ben/Ashley pair for me has become a bit of an irritant. They seem to show zero growth in their dynamics from one book to the next. Same arguments, same jealousy elements, same patterns. Stale and frustrating when they pop up.

Then there’s Robin Flint, heir to billions, and his copper boyfriend, Simon. Simon being a favorite character frankly of the four just mentioned. They are still having some issues within their own relationship and need to resolve them. We’ve been watching them work on themselves for a book or so. Simon and Robin are, at least, interesting, and Simon, in his personality and character, has the most depth and ability to communicate.

Then there’s the couple du jour. The reader, if they have been following the series, has watched this main character behave badly and immaturely for books. That’s the closeted movie star Dorian Marsten, who was a ex bf of Robin’s, ex lover of Ben’s. So much drama and jealousy there. Books in fact. Most of the issues stemmed from Dorian’s staying firmly in the closet and his selfishness.

The other new addition to this group is the new secretary of Ben’s, Alex Reynolds. I like this character and his personality immensely. But he gets lost among the people who are mixed up with the other characters.

As written, for Cohen’s Crofton’s modern series, the personalities seem to be divided along class lines as far as those who are, at least from the perspective of this American, between those with the most relationship skills, who feel the most relatable, as well as depth of character (see historian to police officer) to the men who are in the peerage and money. The latter who quintessentially feel out of touch with their partners (in the storylines as written), unorganized, ambivalent about important issues, or just plain oblivious.

These traits occur so frequently throughout this story and other books in the Modern series that it’s not surprising that’s it’s become a regular feature in the narratives.

It overtakes the romance even of Alex and Dorian, such as it is. Too much of the other couples issues are involved or woven into the romance/relationship of the “main characters “ for it to actually work.

Examples:

Ashley has long disliked Dorian and the drama he brings with him because Dorian’s a man who expects others to shoulder his responsibilities.

So naturally Ben ignores, as he always does , Ashley’s wishes, and moves his ex into a house already overwhelmed with stress.

Robin, wealthy and titled, ignores Simon’s fears about committing and wishes for stability, spending time away with his ex Dorian and Ben. Ben, who originally left Ashley with everything, to fly to New York to “rescue” Dorian and Robin from any potential awkwardness.

There’s so much more. But the pattern is clear enough and not new. And while, later on, there are a few apologies for not being attentive, it doesn’t last long.

Meanwhile, the story is still trying to find a path forward for a Dorian , who still can’t do anything for himself, and a lovely Alex, who I want to yank out of the novel and save for a completely different future.

If you’re getting a feeling this book might not have been the best book of the series in my opinion, you might be right .

There’s an entire dramatic element that makes little sense to me. Honestly, does paparazzi not hound people in England? Would those Daily Mail reporters/photogs not have been camped out at Crofton as soon as they knew Dorian was there? All his fans knew. So many holes in the plot here.

So add this to the elements that either distracted me, or frustrated me, or aspects that overshadowed the main romance.

There’s another book, Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) to be published in January. Poor Simon. I thought they were done with the uncertainty but apparently not. I’d be having second thoughts myself about Robin at this point.

I’m close to done myself.

I really enjoyed the series earlier but now it’s just a little bit frustrating and long. Maybe the next is the last one.

Read this because it’s part of the series if you will or because you’re a fan of Rebecca Cohen.

The Crofton Universe :

🔷The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):

✓ The Actor and the Earl

✓ Duty to the Crown

✓ Forever Hold His Peace

✓ The Love and the Anger Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together

🔷The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels):

✓ Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart)

✓ James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration)

✓ Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

✓ Samuel, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

🔷The Modern Crofton–Contemporary:

✓ Saving Crofton Hall

✓ Making History at Crofton Hall

✓ Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

✓ Getting Married at Crofton Hall

✓ Starting Again at Crofton Hall

✓ Coming Out at Crofton Hall

◦ Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) – January 18,2024

🔷Standalones in the Crofton Universe

◦ Much Ado About Lady Macbeth Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character

Something extra for Crofton! Modern Crofton Short Story:

◦ Ben and the Mistletoe (set the Christmas after Saving Crofton Hall)

Buy Link:

Coming Out at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 6)

Blurb:

After years of hiding who he is, Hollywood A-lister Dorian Marsten has come out. The chaos and unplanned events that follow lead him to Crofton Hall to stay with his friend, Ben Redbourn, Earl of Crofton.

A near tragic incident leaves Dorian needing a boyfriend, and Alex Reynolds, Ben’s new secretary, agrees to play the part. Alex will not put up with any prima donna actions from Dorian, and Dorian may have finally met his match.

Meanwhile, there is a new baby at Crofton Hall. The arrival of the Viscount of Crofton has left his parents, Ben and Ashley, run ragged and life will never be the same again.

Book six in the Modern Crofton series.