Crossword Genius

What lovers may do in county hotel to some extent (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cohabit

'what lovers may do' is the definition.
(lovers may cohabit or live together)

'county hotel to some extent' is the wordplay.
'county' becomes 'co'.
'hotel' becomes 'h' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'to some extent' becomes 'a bit' (to a small extent).
'co'+'h'+'abit'='COHABIT'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for cohabit that I've seen before include "Live together as unmarried couple" , "Live together as husband and wife" , "What to do with partner" , "Share residence" , "House-share" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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