Convincing Arthur by Ava March
e-Book
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Available: July 21, 2009
ASIN: B002UNN84A
Genre: Historical m/m
Book was purchased by me.
Mr. Leopold Thornton missed his chance ten years ago. He isn’t about to let this one pass him by.
Given Leopold’s reputation for vice and debauchery, Mr. Arthur Barrington has a fair idea why the sinfully beautiful man invites him to his country estate. A shooting excursion? Unlikely. Especially considering Arthur is the only guest invited to the estate. He shouldn’t consider the invitation, but a few days of mind-blowing sex could be just the thing to help him get over the heartbreaking end of a ten year relationship. Then he can return to London, to his thriving law practice, and quietly search for an amiable man who understands the meaning of the word discreet and who recognizes the value of commitment.
There was a time when Leopold wasn’t such a rakehell. When every night didn’t end with an empty bottle of whisky. When he believed in the rewards of patience. When he didn’t give himself over to just anyone who’d have him. Old habits die hard, especially when tempted by six feet of solid muscle, but Leopold will only have a few days to convince Arthur he can be that man again — that his love is genuine and he’s worthy of Arthur’s heart.
Arthur is an upstanding citizen with a successful law practice. He knows the invitation to Leopold’s country estate is anything but innocent and he should probably keep his distance from the man with a reputation for drinking to excess and promiscuity. However, having just come out of a ten year relationship, perhaps a weekend with the sexy Leopold is just what he needs.
Finally, after 10 years of waiting, Arthur is free and available and Leopold will not repeat his mistakes of the past. He will not miss this chance to be with Arthur and to seduce him mind, body and heart. He’s going to take this opportunity to convince the man he’s loved for the past ten years that he’s worthy of him and they should be together.
This is my second Ava March novella and just as with the first, I fell in love with her characters. Although Leopold is a naughty manizer (you know, like womanizer?) he’s so vulnerable and sweet. He’s tried to soothe his broken heart with alcohol and meaningless sex over the years but it’s all just been a poor substitute for the man his heart truly desires.
While Arthur keeps a stiff upper lip, beneath his cool exterior is a man who wants to love and be loved. He knows being publicly associated with a man like Leopold could reflect poorly on him and potentially harm his career, but in the end, the heart wants what it wants. Bearing witness to his internal struggle is at times heartbreaking.
Ava March writes characters that appeal to me on an emotional level. Her characters seem so real and she does a great job at allowing the reader into their head and hearts. Her careful attention to detail plants the reader effortlessly into the 1800’s without overwhelming or distracting from the romantic relationship between Arthur and Leopold. The love scenes are very sexy and the romance is oh so sweet. My only complaint is I wish the story would have been longer. I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Arthur and Leopold as I think their personalities and chemistry had great potential for an exciting full length novel.
Convincing Arthur is another good read from Ava March. It’s sexy, erotic, and touched me with it’s sweet romance.
Purchase a copy of Convincing Arthur
About FV Sophia
New author to me and new book… Great review hon!
And four hearts huh.. Wow! You do have me intrigued with the "It's sexy, erotic and touched me with it's sweet romance."
Hope all is well!
This sweet romance sounds really good. I will give it a try.
Squeee – this is a fav or mine. I heart Leopold. And tree smex – score!
Cecile–Leopold is such a cutie and he'll break your heart. You'll want to hug him all better.
Bookie–Yes! Give this one a go, you won't be disappointed.
Mandi–Oh yes, that forest scene was ah…ahem. Bless our sweet Leopold for coming prepared lol. So ah, is there a steamy tree scene in all of Ava March's stories? *giggles*
You got me at tree smex.
I'm so easy. lol
Gigi–if tree smex is your thing, there a nice little solo scene in Ava March's paranormal historical From Afar. And again, totally lovable characters.
Someone tweeted (looks at Mandi) tree sex & next thing you know I'm clicking 'buy' on my Kindle. I really liked Convincing Arthur, god when Arthur leaves Leopold and then he gets all drunk, lump in my throat! You know how I heart books where hero has been mooning over other hero for years.
SHB–Yes that was quite an emo moment. I didn't want to give away too much in my review but that was my fav scene. *tear*
I love your M/M reviews and taste in books!
This sounds like such a wonderful heartbreaking romance and I think it's the only book from Ava March I haven't on my ereader already. 
When you want a really nice long story, I can rec More by Sloan Parker, but you have to like menage romances, because it's an M/M/M. It is really good
Thank you so much Janna. I take that as quite a compliment! I just bought More by Sloan Parker yesterday. Mandi said you gave it high marks and I saw that Ava March liked it too. I'm excited to read it.
And yes, Leopold will make your lip quiver. He is just so…so…*sigh*
You make me blush… and smile! I hope you love More as much as I do
Make my lip quiver? Okay, I have to get my hands on him now! *off to Fictionwise*
Its always sad to let such a romantic couple go at the end of the book huh!?!? Glad you enjoyed this one hun and thanks for the heads up on an author I have yet to read! ;o)
This is a new author for me and the books sounds wonderful!
I have an award for you: http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/2010/03/award-time-2.html
Thanks, FV!!
I'm just tickled that you enjoyed the book, and very smiley. *g*
And sorry to say, no tree smex in the other books. Just this one and Raphael's book. I need to find a way to get my boys to wander into the woods more often
Ava–surely there is no shortage of trees in Regency era England. Come now, you are a creative lady, lets get those boy outdoors shall we? *waggles eyebrows*