Book Reviews

Forever Hold His Peace (The Crofton Chronicles 3) by Rebecca Cohen

Genre Gay / Historical / 19th Century / Actors/Entertainers / Erotic Romance
Reviewed by Lena Grey on 27-January-2020

Book Blurb

Sebastian Hewel has never been happier. But after two years of playing the role of his twin sister Bronwyn, the wife of Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, his blessed life will never be the same. When rumours start circulating that Bronwyn is using witchcraft to enthral her husband, and false evidence is found planted at Crofton Hall, they need to act fast. If Bronwyn is questioned by the sheriff, even Sebastian’s best performance won’t keep their secret hidden. 

Forced to lay Bronwyn to rest and bring their ruse to an end, Sebastian and Anthony must prepare to face an unknown future together. Anthony is determined to track down whoever it was who started the rumours and will make them pay in the most terrible of ways, and Sebastian vows to help. Sebastian once more has to be put his acting skills to the test, not just to catch a traitor, but to return to his first love of the theatre, which will not be easy, even with Anthony as his patron.



First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, June 2014.


Book Review

Sebastian and Anthony of 'Forever Hold His Peace' by Rebecca Cohen, know that their masquerade as husband and wife will end some day, but were hoping that they would decide when that would be. Unfortunately, Sebastian's hateful uncle, Sir Francis, who masterminded the whole charade, grows too fearful that they will be discovered; that his part in the plan will backfire, causing him, as well as Sebastian and Anthony, to be ruined or worse. When threatening them doesn't work, he tries to blackmail them. He feeds the rumors that everyone finds it hard to believe that Anthony, rogue that he is, can be so in love with his plain wife and invents evidence that will accuse Sebastian (Brownwyn) of being a witch. With no choice left, they quickly plan her demise in an effort to convince the local sheriff, who comes to investigate, that she is truly dead.

When they discover who is behind the accusation, Anthony is furious and wants revenge. He knows that this will have to be done with extreme caution and secrecy; he gathers a few men he trusts implicitly to help him implement a plan, which will not only ruin his uncle’s reputation, but will also pay him the retribution he has so thoroughly earned. Sir Francis is a cruel man who has hurt and betrayed many people and he needs to be stopped. They carefully devise a nearly foolproof plan to discredit his uncle and bring him to justice. Anthony is determined to protect Sebastian and ending the suffering his uncle has caused.  Anthony will stop at nothing to keep Sebastian safe and at his side forever.

Sebastian is terrified when the sheriff comes knocking at their door when he and his sister Bronwyn are both in residence at the manor. If he questions Bronwyn, he will quickly realize that she is not the woman who has been with Anthony for two years, which will raise all kinds of other questions. If Sebastian resumes his role as his sister and Anthony's wife and he's taken in for questioning, the truth will most certainly be revealed.  Then they will have a multitude of questions to answer and will be in more legal trouble than ever. He and his sister plan and carry out a daring escape to preserve both their secret and their lives. Sebastian feels a bit guilty because it is, after all, his uncle whom they plan to destroy, but the more he learns about his uncle's misdeeds, the less emotion Sebastian feels and the more convinced that what they are doing is justifiable. After the dust settles, Sebastian realizes how much he misses acting and decides to pursue it again. It's rough going since he's not been on the stage for over two years. Few people remember him and if they do, they have only seen him in a woman's role. He becomes discouraged and wants to give up, but Anthony, realizing how important his acting is, encourages him to try one more time. Sebastian has told Anthony he wants to do this on his own; not through whatever influence Anthony can garner, but Anthony, of course, doesn't listen. With Sebastian's extraordinary talent and a little help from Anthony, Sebastian is offered a fairly important part in the play he auditions for. Sebastian isn't too angry with Anthony because even though he asked him not to interfere, he didn't really expect Anthony to stay out of it; besides, Sebastian is thrilled to have a chance to act again.

Although I realize that all good things must come to an end, I always hate it when they do. I shall miss Sebastian and Anthony and following them during their quest to be with the person they love for the rest of their lives. I recommend this book to fans to finish out the journey started for these brave men so they can see how they do. I also recommend it to new readers, especially those who like historical romance, sexy men with strong characters who believe that good overcomes evil, and true love will prevail. Thanks, Rebecca, for this enjoyable journey.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format ebook
Length Novel, 235 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date 30-October-2019
Price $3.99 ebook
Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Hold-Peace-Crofton-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B07ZTSVPRP