Elaine White's Life in Books
The Author
Elaine White is the author of multi-genre MM romance, celebrating 'love is love' and offering diversity in both genre and character within her stories.
Growing up in a small town and fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, exploring all possibilities within the romantic universe.
The Winner of two Watty Awards – Collector's Dream (An Unpredictable Life) and Hidden Gem (Faithfully) – and an Honourable Mention in 2016's Rainbow Awards (A Royal Craving) Elaine is a self-professed geek, reading addict, and a romantic at heart.
The Reviewer
I’m an author and reader, who just can’t get away from books. I discovered the MM genre a few years ago and became addicted.
Top #50 UK reviewer on Goodreads
#1 reviewer on Divine Magazine
Duty to the Crown
** This review is copied word-for-word from my review of The Crofton Chronicles bundle. **Book 2: Duty to the Crown
Length: 23-46%
POV: 3rd person, one character (Sebastian)
Star rating: ★★★★★
Wow. This was another great story with all the right drama in all the right places.
There were some more serious issues in place here, with Anthony being ordered to seduce a young French girl and then having to ask Sebastian to do so, when the tables turned against him. Then, Sebastian having to 'pretend' seduce both brother and sister as Bronwyn and Sebastian respectively, there was the chaos of gender inequality, sexism and homophobia. But then it escalated into a claim of domestic abuse, a kidnapping and then an attempted rape, all of which were handled sensitively and with respect. Sebastian never turned away from expressing his true disgust, pain or thoughts on the subjects as they occurred.
I feel that Sebastian and Anthony's relationship is a little more turbulent than before, with the constant deception and the orders to seduce other people, leading to rife jealousy. I love how it was portrayed and explored throughout the story. Anthony is a very “you catch more bees with honey” type of man, while Sebastian has to prove that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and that, sometimes, playing hard to get could be more effective, while friendship was also a logical route over romance. The awkwardness that Sebastian brought to his scenes with Nicholas and Marie during the 'courting' process were both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Yet, I loved that Anthony got a taste of his own medicine.
As before, the chemistry between Sebastian and Anthony was off the charts brilliant! I loved the banter, the playfulness, even the perfectly ordinary moments where you saw Sebastian badgering Anthony about taking his medicine or where they enjoyed some quality time together. It all strengthened my faith in this couple and the belief that they should be together.
Overall, there were so many wonderful moments that it's impossible not to fall in love with this book and series. The characters are realistic, relatable and exciting; the things they go through are intriguing and make me laugh, cry, worry and freak out. I couldn't have asked for a better series to remind me how much I love the historical sub-genre and that a forbidden romance can be just as beautiful as one allowed in a modern age.
~
Favourite Quote
““Listen to me, Anthony Crofton. While I accept that you cannot refuse the Queen, do not think you can come near me until you have worked out a way to complete this request without me having to contain the desire to punch you.””
“Anthony was waiting as Sebastian left his room. “I thought we could arrive at the Great Hall together – and a good job, too, as you appear to be besmirching my good name.”
“It can hardly be called besmirching when it is true,” replied Sebastian, taking the arm Anthony offered.
“Why do I put up with you?”
“Because I'm wonderful, Anthony, and don't you forget it.””
~
