The Best of Times (Queens Crescent) by Kristian Parker
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Romance / Holiday |
Reviewed by | Bob-O-Link on 28-January-2025 |
Genre | Gay / Contemporary / Romance / Holiday |
Reviewed by | Bob-O-Link on 28-January-2025 |
Londoner Aron Wimpole has been taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the last two years. He’s enjoyed the taste but when his beloved grandmother, the formidable Beatrice Wimpole, summons him home to help plan her wedding to Professor Higgs, he quickly jumps on a plane for a two-week stay.
The pull of home is strong, making Aron wonder if he’s really committed to New York…and then Paul Higgs strolls back into his life. Aron can’t avoid him—they’re co-wedding planners and everything must run like clockwork. And besides, Aron’s determined to show Paul what he missed out on when he walked away from him two years ago. All Aron has to do is to keep control of his feelings.
One flaw in this plan is that handsome prizewinning photographer Paul seems more than willing to pick up where they left off. But Paul’s bravado masks deeper commitment fears. Ones that threaten to ruin both of their lives.
But Aron’s got to ignore all that and help deliver the wedding to end all weddings.
It’s going to be a hectic Christmas.
This is the eighth ‘Queens Crescent’ book I am reviewing – and which I hope you will read while I try to research which book in the series I’ve missed. Many have enjoyed the citizens and environs of that lovely London street, while following the rotating featured principals from story to story. Many others wander through the series as secondary characters. Author Parker demonstrates an artisan’s skill and style which evokes tea being served by a white-gloved staff, while totally current issues are being dissected for detailed assessment. Yet, the series is a grand salute to “cozy” literature in the 1930s and 1940s style, along with much clever repartee. Mystified? Ask you nearest grandparent!
Style! We begin with heavy rain on New York’s Fifth Avenue at Christmas time. Meet the hero, Aron Wimpole. He is employed by the New York Public Library and, merely for just a taste, we gain fine literary portraiture of his colleagues. Traveling back to England for his grandmother’s wedding, we are further “styled” by a pause, in which Aron meets a movie star friend of the family in the first-class lounge. Example: “If (grandmother) is happy, then I am.” says Aron. “Ugh,” Madeline replied. “That’s a very beige response, Aron. I expected better from you.” While examples must be limited, are we cozy yet? Consistent with the style of this fine class, later Aron will note that the actress’ limited stage ability, requiring some facial movement, must be inhibited by excessive plastic surgery. Meow!
By the way, grandmother’s fiancé is, coincidentally, the father of Paul Higgs, with whom Aron had a passionate affair but who wordlessly abandoned him two years prior. The reader, by now, might expect a commercial break to allow the sponsor to peddle soap or, perhaps, toothpaste. Now is the time, for newbies, to be introduced the Grandma Beatrice, the grand dame of Queens Crescent, and to several other characters who aptly fit into this Millie – money, manners, and quirks.
Reluctantly, Aron and Paul are drafted as major domos for wedding planning. The ensuing issues and apt descriptions are piquant – such as the fiancé’s house resembling a museum dedicated to Charles Dickens.
Since the grandeur of the novel’s confection is clever exchanges, silly problems that require bright solutions, and several sexual connections (which are gloriously detailed) – I’ll merely insist you serve yourselves. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.
Format | ebook and print |
Length | Novel, 218 pages |
Heat Level | |
Publication Date | 16-December-2024 |
Price | $5.07 ebook, $11.04 paperback |
Buy Link | https://www.amazon.com/Best-Times-Queens-Crescent-ebook/dp/B0DPBGCQN8 |