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Convincing Arthur (Convincing #1)

by Ava March (Goodreads Author)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 414 ratings · 48 reviews

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 consid...more

ebook, 80 pages

Published July 21st 2009 by Loose Id, LLC

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Feb 12, 2010 Erotic Horizon added it

4.25Stars

Leopold Thornton has waited ten years for this moment, ten years for the man of his dreams, ten years to simmer and wait for his time – now that it was upon him he knew he cannot waste time on niceties.

The man of the moment, of this deep and long standing yearning is solicitor Mr. Arthur Barrington and he has arrived at Leopold’s country estate with alot of trepidation. From every thing rumoured and known about Leopold he was as easy as they come and he is certainly not the soul of disc...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: rainbow-gay, glbt, historical, romance

01/18/13: Revised rating after a couple of years of reading m/m: from 5 to 4.

What love can do to you! The love you were denied can lead you to a life of vice that can make you lose the same and only love you've ever wanted. This is what happens to the wealthy and handsome Leopold. On the night he decided to declare his love to his friend Arthur, he found out that Arthur had committed himself to another man. Not being able to forget Arthur, Leopold spends his life in endless and meaningless encou...more

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Aug 03, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it

If Leopold was a woman, it would have been the classical heroine who no romance author chooses as main character. Usually a widow, or a fallen woman, in the Regency romance they are friends, mistress (usually abandoned at the beginning of the story), housekeeper. Some daring romance authors made them the main heroine, but seldom, and usually with no much success. And so that Ava March decided to write the story of a corresponding male version it's quite original, and daring as well. In the few M...more If Leopold was a woman, it would have been the classical heroine who no romance author chooses as main character. Usually a widow, or a fallen woman, in the Regency romance they are friends, mistress (usually abandoned at the beginning of the story), housekeeper. Some daring romance authors made them the main heroine, but seldom, and usually with no much success. And so that Ava March decided to write the story of a corresponding male version it's quite original, and daring as well. In the few M/M historical romance you can find around, the men are strong and dominant figures, full of sense of honor, or innocent young boys, the male version of the damsel in distress. If the man is a rake, it's probably due to a poor childhood, to a lack of love that made him aloof.

Leopold instead is "weak" to the pleasure of flesh since he is basically easy to fall into temptation. At 19 years old, when he was starting to realize that he preferred men, he fell in love with Arthur, the nephew of his father's solicitor. While Leopold was a noble man, the fourth son of a Viscount, Arthur, even if middle class and wealthy, was on a different level. To Leopold that didn't matter, but he was really young, and as I said, not so strong, neither then. He let pass too much time to make clear his feelings with Arthur, and the man chose another. Falling in despair, Leopold spent the following ten years drinking stupor his pain, and sharing his favors with everyone was willing. Not a good way to prove to Arthur that he did the wrong choice.

Where Leopold could care less of the society, his father's title and money protecting him, Arthur has to be discreet; his position depends from his job, and his job from his reputation. A relationship with a discreet man, albeit cold, it's better than an hot affair with a young man apparently unable to be low profile. But even if sure, the relationship is also unsatisfying, and when it ends, for natural death, Arthur is tempted to accept an invite for a brief stay at Leopold's country home. Leopold's intentions are clear, and Arthur is willing to surrender, only for few days.

While Arthur is the hero you are expecting from a man on man Regency romance, as I said, it's Leopold who wins my sympathy. Leopold is not a strong man, without Arthur's love he is no one, not "man" enough to resolve his self-confidence issues by himself. Basically Leopold is a spoiled child, as fourth male child, his father doesn't expect to much from him, but loving him, he gave everything to his child. Not having the bear his father's expectation, Leopold is free to live his life as he wants, but on the other hand, he has no real purpose. I don't feel as Leopold charges of something his father, he is a beloved child, and he expects to be loved. When Arthur doesn't do that by himself, Leopold his willing to help him to take the right decision, to let him taste what he is missing. From the unconditionally love of his father, Leopold wants to pass to the unconditionally love of Arthur: it's only natural, why someone shouldn't love him?

Said like that, it could seem that Leopold isn't a nice character, and it's absolutely wrong. Ava March describes him in a way that the reader is all for Leopold, and when Arthur, with right, states his perplexity, the reader only thinks that he is not right with Leopold, that he should be more flexible and understanding. Leopold is an easy man to love (no pun intended).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UNN84A/?...(less)

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Oct 12, 2009 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, favourite, glbt, keeper, m-m, romance, march-ava

Oh my heavens! This story had me so emotionally involved that I was in tears throughout most of the last half. Ava March has created a story that I would happily, very happily, read again and again... and again. The manner in which she introduced us to the shared past between Arthur and Leopold was smoothly done and detailed enough but not so much that we would lose focus on the here and now. The cast of characters was small, but all the more telling for that.

Leopold Thornton is so much more th...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Annelise L'Estrange rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, m-m, historical

I felt really surprised when I read this. Somehow, i wasn't expecting almost anything that happened! Ava always seemed to go to the other extreme of what i was thinking that would happen and i really enjoy when this happens. The book looks like a challenge to me. To guess what's going to happen next.

Of course I fell in love with this two gentlemen and I found myself quite found of Leopold. Starting from his name. I really love the name 'Leopold', although I'm not really sure why...

Arthur, in the...more

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Apr 23, 2013 ARe Cafe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vals-picks

Convincing Arthur by Ava March is a 75-page Regency historical. It plays with several classic themes beloved by romance readers: friends-to-lovers, unrequited love, opposites attract, and the libertine-redeemed-by-love. The flawless writing, fast pace, and wealth of historical details engage the senses and provide total escapism.

The strong emotions in the close third-person viewpoints and the frequent, explicit, yet tender sex scenes make the story unputdownable. In addition, the time period its...more

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May 13, 2011 Edina Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, very-hot

Short but great read.
Thornton has been secretly in love with Arthur for 10 years. In order to dull the pain of his unrequited love, he he exhaust himself getting drunk and bedding any person, woman or man, who will have him. When Arthur break up with his lover of 10 years, Thornton is ready to pounce. He invites Arthur to a long week-end of hunting and riding. They both know there is more on the table than outdoor sports. Thornton is a hard working & conservative young solicitor who has neve...more

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Oct 18, 2009 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was recently read a review of Convincing Arthur at Erotic Horizon. The idea of a m/m in a historical setting really appealed to me. I immediately purchased it and when I added it to my Goodreads list, I noticed Barbara had also given it high marks so I told myself I would read just the first chapter to get a feel for the book. A few hours later I was done ;)

Leopold Thornton, or "Thorn" is a known playboy. He has a new male lover every other day but as the reader you learn he really only has on...more I was recently read a review of Convincing Arthur at Erotic Horizon. The idea of a m/m in a historical setting really appealed to me. I immediately purchased it and when I added it to my Goodreads list, I noticed Barbara had also given it high marks so I told myself I would read just the first chapter to get a feel for the book. A few hours later I was done ;)

Leopold Thornton, or "Thorn" is a known playboy. He has a new male lover every other day but as the reader you learn he really only has one true love - Arthur Barrington. Problem is Arthur has been in a monogamous ten year relationship with another man, so Thorn has had to wait. He has passed his time having fun, but his life is definitely missing the depth of having a true love. His luck has turned around though - he has learned Arthur has left his long-term partner, and eager to have his chance, he invites Arthur to his country estate for a long weekend of hunting, and other "social" engagements.

Arthur agrees and he suspects what Thorn is after, but he really wants to forget the man he has spent the last ten years with and he knows Thorn will be a good distraction. When he arrives at Thorn's place within the first thirty minutes he is being seduced. Although Arthur has been in a relationship for ten years, he soon realizes the passion he has been missing out on. With his thoughts in turmoil, he lets his attraction lead the way.

Thorn is overwhelmed that he finally has his dream guy at his house. Now only to convince him that he has true feelings for him, that he is not just another play toy of his. Arthur needs to be convinced Thorn is the real deal, with his confidence shaky at best, Thorn has a big task ahead of him.

Convincing Arthur was a truly great read. Thornton has slept around most of his life and drinks too much and lives off of his wealthy parent's money. In all essence we should not like him as readers but, you can't help but fall in love with him from the first paragraph. He is waiting in his house for Arthur to show up and Arthur is very late. Thorn thinks he is not coming. His sadness and desperation to prove to Arthur he wants a relationship with him is heartbreaking. And then when Arthur's carriage finally appears, Thorn gets this goofy grin on his face and gets all fussy with his appearance. It is very endearing.

Arthur doesn't know what to feel - he is definitely attracted to Thorn but he is also coming out of a long relationship - one he is slowly realizing wasn't a great one to begin with. Arthur is not necessarily shy, but he is not as forward as Thorn and very worried about being discreet. I really enjoyed playful attitude of Thorn matched against the more serious demeanor of Arthur. My favorite moments in the book was when the romantic tension would get high, and Arthur would have a brief moment of indecision or being uncomfortable, and Thorn would wink. Just that little wink, reassuring Arthur that giving into your lust and attraction was ok. All would work out.

He glanced to Thornton and met gray eyes darkened with passion. It stopped Arthur in his tracks. They stared at each other for a long moment, the air crackling between them. Then Thornton winked. Before he knew it, hands pushed against his shoulders, his back connected with a tree trunk, and soft lips slanted over his.

You know I love a good romp in the woods!

My tiniest complaint is that the ending wrapped up too quick for me. I liked the decision made at the end, but I thought it was a little rushed.

I would love for Ava March to revisit these characters! Yes, I will beg if I have to! The love scenes are written very well - very steamy, yet also very sweet.

Ava March is now on my auto-buy list(less)

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Jul 26, 2009 Daisiemae rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Ava March Fans

Shelves: books-read-in-2009, books-reviewed-in-2009, books-to-i-will-never-part-with, e-book, male-male-romance-erotica, historical

I’ve decided that I am going to join in Shayne’s “Let’s chain Ava March to her computer so she can write faster” bandwagon. I just read her latest book, Convincing Arthur, and I really liked it! As usual, her sexy heroes and the interesting story they told, made me lose all track of time. Before I knew it I had the book read in one sitting, and it was time for supper!

When Leopold Thornton (Thorn) and Arthur Barrington first met at the age of nineteen, both men wanted something more out of life....more I’ve decided that I am going to join in Shayne’s “Let’s chain Ava March to her computer so she can write faster” bandwagon. I just read her latest book, Convincing Arthur, and I really liked it! As usual, her sexy heroes and the interesting story they told, made me lose all track of time. Before I knew it I had the book read in one sitting, and it was time for supper!

When Leopold Thornton (Thorn) and Arthur Barrington first met at the age of nineteen, both men wanted something more out of life. Arthur wanted a man who would he could spend the rest of his life with, and Thorn just wanted Arthur. Unfortunately the day Thorn decided to make his feelings known to his friend was the day Arthur started getting involved (discreetly of course) with an old school mate.

Thorn became determined to wait for Arthur to be free, so someday he can pledge his devotion to the unsuspecting Arthur. As the years go by, even though Thorn’s determination and feelings hasn’t changed for Arthur, Thorn has developed a bad reputation by not being discreet with his affairs, and going through a legion of lovers. He parties all night, he drinks too much and he is completely miserable not having Arthur in his life.

Ten years after Thorn and Arthur met, Thorn finds out that Arthur is no longer in a committed relationship. Knowing he must make his feelings for Arthur known, he invites Arthur to his country manor for a few days to reconnect as friends and to do some hunting. To Thorn’s surprise and delight, Arthur surprisingly accepts Thorns invitation and agrees to spend a few days at Thorn’s estate. Alone.

Arthur has been in a loveless relationship for the past ten years. After his lover left him unexpectedly, Arthur now realizes that he, himself was going through the motions with his previous lover, just so he could have someone to call his own and grow old with. Arthur becomes determined to one day find a man who will love him and want to be with him until they were both old and gray.

When Arthur accepted Thorns invitation to stay with him and have a short holiday, he suspects that Thorn wants more from him than to just rekindle their old friendship. In Arthur’s opinion, Thorn’s roguish reputation and his heavy drinking make him an unacceptable lover.

What Arthur doesn’t expect is the instant attraction and camaraderie he and Thorn have once they spend time together. Plus, Thorn seems determined to wedge his way into Arthur’s life and well guarded heart.

I really liked Arthur, but it was Thorn who stole my heart. His undying love and determination to have Arthur as his lifelong partner, made me feel compassion for him. I found myself hoping Arthur would take a chance on Thorn and the love he had for him.

Arthur himself is a noble man. I understood his hesitation to give Thorn a chance to win his heart, but I have to admit there were times I wanted Arthur to just stop being so stubborn, and give into Thorn and his obvious effort to win Arthur heart a chance.

In my opinion this is more of a HFN ending. There were some unresolved issues between them that I would love to see answered and worked out. I would also love to see Arthur maybe appreciate Thorn a little more than he did. Plus, the ending left me wanting more. So, I am hoping that there will be a sequel to Convincing Arthur because I really liked them and would love to see then with a very happy ending. Both Thorn and Arthur deserve it.(less)

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Nov 06, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love this author’s Regency works

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 8/10

PROS:
- I love reading works that bring to mind little details of an historical period that I’d never considered before, like that the study is on the side of the house and thus doesn’t afford of the front drive, but to move to the drawing room would be impractical because the fire in there would have gone out and the room would be too cold.
- It amused me to see the men’s differing...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Camille rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-version, erotica, 2011, m-m-romance

I'm a fan of fanfiction, especially the slash variety and a lover of regency romance, so I thought this little tale of a M/M regency romance might just be up my alley. And it was and it wasn't... First I wouldn't call this a pure romance, it's more erotica (which is perfectly fine, great even) but the story was so flat that is was almost boring.

Perhaps this story is part of a series (I wasn't sure) because I felt like I should know more about these characters and just jumped into a story a coup...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

Not bad. Unfortunately, though, for me it has several flaws.

A few examples:

1. We are never given any reasons why Leopold fell in love with Arthur in the first place.

2. Although there is no insta-love on Leopold's part (as explained in the story, he's been in love with Arthur for 10 years), Arthur is swearing life-long fealty after just two days together in the country. Uh-huh.

3. The story is too short to develop anything adequately, much less give enough time to a developing love and trust.

4. Oh...more

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Jun 09, 2010 Erastes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-historical

Leopold thinks he’s been stood up, and he drinks and paces in his study.

This book starts promisingly Leopold is quickly introduced and we get a measure of the kind of man he is, one that will sleep with anyone, male or female. He blew his chances with the man he’s been obsessed with, Arthur Barrington, ten years ago and now Arthur has broken his his lover of ten years, he’s hoping to get him at last.

Leopold then goes on to mentally castigate his rival, Amherst: the man who has been with Arthur f...more Leopold thinks he’s been stood up, and he drinks and paces in his study.

This book starts promisingly Leopold is quickly introduced and we get a measure of the kind of man he is, one that will sleep with anyone, male or female. He blew his chances with the man he’s been obsessed with, Arthur Barrington, ten years ago and now Arthur has broken his his lover of ten years, he’s hoping to get him at last.

Leopold then goes on to mentally castigate his rival, Amherst: the man who has been with Arthur for ten years and whom Leopold finds objectionable because Amherst has loose morals. At least Leopold has the grace to realise that this is a little bit of the Pot calling the Kettle black!

Her research and detailing is impressive, solid and convincing. There’s no extraneous description, to my eyes, just enough to give a feel of the rooms and the decoration without a list that sounds like a Gillow’s catalogue. Little touches like game shooting in November. I’ve seen books where the men go grouse shooting in June! There’s a nice smattering of language of the time too, but it explains itself in context, so you aren’t forced to rush off to find Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.

He recognized the name—Madame Delacroix’s, a decadent West End brothel with a near-endless supply of beautiful women, and according to rumor, a handful of handsome, accommodating men as well. At least Randolph had the good sense not to go to some nunnery in the stews. Those places were rife with diseases.

Ava March writes well, and I’ve enjoyed her other historicals that I’ve reviewed on the site–my major gripe would be one that I’ve said many times before, that I feel a little cheated with a story of a mere 80 pages, and this story particularly deserves more to do it justice. The author goes to great pains to explain that these two men have a history, have known each other for ten years, and that Arthur trod the virtuous path while Leopold was gobbled up by a corrupting London and they went their separate ways. We are told details about Arthur’s relationship with Randolph and I’m left thinking “But I’d like to KNOW about this, not just get told about it!” There’s more than enough material here for a novel.

Because we are told, not shown, all this detail – the story folds in on itself and was for me, little more than a PWP–and that takes the pleasure out of the journey for me. They are at it like bunnies in chapter two, in fact. And three….

But that aside, it’s well written and the personal longing for a big meaty novel from Ms March doesn’t stop her smaller works being an auto-buy for me.(less)

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Mar 30, 2010 Sophia (FV) rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more 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 loves 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. (less)

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Jul 20, 2012 Julesmarie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, m-m

So I totally fell in love with Leopold right from the very first scene. He's one of those characters that I love so much and sympathize with so much that I end up ridiculously emotionally invested in their happiness.

Because of that, it was delightful to get to watch as Leopold was finally able to act on ten years' worth of pining for Arthur as he attempted to show Arthur how good they could be together. Some of the misunderstandings broke my heart, but they were all understandable. (view spoiler ...more

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Nov 28, 2010 Tame rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars :)

This book was a special one for me, because when I first started reading romance, it was in the Regency era. These two wonderful, flawed yet beautiful men, represented the time where love between two men was considered a vice, something maybe noted but never spoken of in "polite company" and yet there were men who still desirous of a true, loving, and lasting relationship to last years. These are 2 such men. I wondered how two VERY different men could form a lasting attachment and ma...more

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Mar 21, 2013 genao rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to genao by: Kimberly

Read a bit more, but still couldn't finish.

Should be called "(Thinking About Things and Fucking) Arthur."

I am sad.

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May 22, 2012 Shana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-glbt, fiction-historical

Main Characters:
Arthur is a rather sedate fellow who works as a solicitor. He enjoys shooting though he rarely finds the opportunity for it. He also enjoys the intimate company of other men and recently ended a ten-year relationship when he discovered that his partner intended to marry.

He's a bit of a Clark Kent, actually, as those mild manners hide the heart of a passionate romantic, a man who wants someone to grow old with but who isn't above indulging in a long weekend of vice before settling...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Jayhjay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Leopold Thornton has spent the last 10 years longing for Arthur Barrington. At 19 he was attracted to his friend, but missed his opportunity to declare his interest and Arthur entered into a long-term relationship that only recently ended. Leopold doesn't want to make the same mistake twice, and invites the solicitor to his country home in hopes that this time he can share his feelings and finally start a relationship with the man.

Quiet and conservative Arthur is attracted to his friend, but kno...more Leopold Thornton has spent the last 10 years longing for Arthur Barrington. At 19 he was attracted to his friend, but missed his opportunity to declare his interest and Arthur entered into a long-term relationship that only recently ended. Leopold doesn't want to make the same mistake twice, and invites the solicitor to his country home in hopes that this time he can share his feelings and finally start a relationship with the man.

Quiet and conservative Arthur is attracted to his friend, but knows there can never be anything between them but a few nights of passion. Leopold is wild, indiscrete, and has spent the last ten years hopping in and out of bed with various men. Arthur, on the other hand, is looking for someone to settle down and share his life with. He doesn't realize that Leopold's wild life was just a way to get through his longing for Arthur, and that what Leopold really wants is a relationship between them. The question is whether Leopold can convince Arthur how he really feels and show him that they are meant to be together.

Convincing Arthur is hot, sweet, and romantic, with great characters. Unlike the usual rake redeemed by love trope, Leopold is ready to commit to Arthur from the very beginning. I could feel the intensity of his emotions as he struggled with his desire for Arthur and the knowledge that he needed to tread slowly for fear of overwhelming the man with his feelings so soon after his breakup. And Arthur too was torn as he wavered between his strong attraction to Leopold and the worry that there was no hope for a future together. Both men were appealing and I was rooting for them to make it work.

My only real issue with the book, however, is that so much hinges on Arthur's misinterpretation of Leopold's motives and desires. Both men wanted to be together, but Arthur's fear that Leopold doesn't want a relationship is what holds things back. One of my favorite things about March's characters is that they actually talk about their problems. They have conflicts and struggles, but they never gravitate to that "big misunderstanding" that takes over the book. They work out their issues and move on. And while this book doesn't go near big misunderstanding territory, I still felt bothered that it takes so long for Leopold to communicate how he really feels and for Arthur to understand the depth of that commitment.

However, despite that, I thought this was a great book. March writes such wonderful m/m historicals (the Bound series is fabulous) and this one was no exception.

For more of my reviews, see my blog Joyfully Jay.(less)

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Feb 14, 2010 Kassa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ava March knows how to write hot erotica, which is good since that is the main focus of her latest offering. Fans of the author will likely enjoy this new story, which plays on familiar themes and characters the author portrays well. The high level of angst and drama may not sit well with all readers, but the hot sex overcomes a lot of those problems. Well written with emotion and lack of much setting, this story focuses more on the sex and the men than the historical aspect. Mostly this tale is...more Ava March knows how to write hot erotica, which is good since that is the main focus of her latest offering. Fans of the author will likely enjoy this new story, which plays on familiar themes and characters the author portrays well. The high level of angst and drama may not sit well with all readers, but the hot sex overcomes a lot of those problems. Well written with emotion and lack of much setting, this story focuses more on the sex and the men than the historical aspect. Mostly this tale is entertaining and enjoyable for the tantalizing erotica and the compelling characters.

This is a classic tale of unrequited love that is popular among the author’s books and adds in the theme of reforming a rake with the love of a good man. Leopold is the classic rake who has indulged in every vice known to man and has a reputation for bedding anything and everything, of either sex. This reputation is surprising given the author’s usual strict attention to the historical period and hiding overt homosexual behavior. Here, both characters are given almost openly gay relationships ~ either transient or established ~ and little is offered in the way of society standards. However, the majority of the action occurs at an isolated estate so readers aren’t likely to dwell on these inaccuracies.

Leopold is the more compelling character, although he is the most dramatic and angst filled. His response to unrequited love for Arthur is to drink himself to distraction and fall into a deep emotional depression. This tendency to drink while proclaiming his woes instead of taking action is annoying when he clearly is meant to have a strong, forceful personality. Only once throughout the weekend does Leopold take action to gain the affection of Arthur. However, at the same time there is very little reason or understanding for why Leopold has carried a torch for Arthur all this time. Clearly Arthur thought very little of the man in the intervening decade, yet Leopold carries a deep, emotional love for the man without much offered justification.

For his part, Arthur is a decent enough workaholic that fears getting hurt while yearning for commitment. He is a rather classic stereotype of a man who hopes an affair will clear his palate of a bad breakup only to be shocked when the object of said affair actually wants more than a quick weekend tryst. Arthur is constantly running away and hiding for most of the weekend, when he’s not indulging in sex with Leopold. Arthur’s emotional detachment is the opposite of Leopold’s dramatic angst and eventually fit together.

The story is decent but the characters are too dramatic and angst filled without much rationale to prolong the interaction. The focus on hot sex and final emotional outburst are the strongest aspects of the book so those looking for well written erotica and in the mood for heavy angst will enjoy the story without being bothered by the problems presented. This reads very similar to classic bodice rippers with two men and thus romance erotica fans are likely to appreciate this offering.(less)

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Jul 22, 2011 TheFountainPenDiva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: characters-british-heroes, characters-gay-heroes, e-books-purchased, genre-erotic-romance, genre-m-m-romance, settings-regency-england, sex-oral, sub-genre-gay-historicals

Ava March's Regency M/M romances are like a total addiction. She's one of the few authors who at least makes a point of trying to keep to the style and tone of a Regency novel, so I never feel jarred with the usage of modern slang. Not to mention her characters are just yummy in their cravats and trousers and Hessians. And normally, I dislike the so-called "rake" character, but I just can't help to cheer for poor Leopold, who's wanted his best friend, the reticent and more conservative Arthur, f...more

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Jul 25, 2011 Persephone rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-will-never-forget, favourite, historical, i-own, romance

awww....March just keeps getting better and better. Not as good as the bound series, Convincing Arthur was sweet and romantic, about two men who don't realize they are both in love. I swear, when Arthur left after Leopold told him he loved him, my heart ripped into two. But then he came back. I felt like crying, but no, I will only cry for Oliver and Vincent. :)

10/10

can't wait to read the second!

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Nov 06, 2011 Ryoma Gartre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: family-issues, fling-to-relationship, friends-to-lovers, sweet, the-best, favorites

I loved this book, the characters are well portrayed the emotions, the strengths and weakness both main characters have and the chemistry, usually when i read a book i found myself in the point f a character and cannot really see the things from the angle of the other, here i found i could really relate myself to both men, really really enjoyed this book.

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Mar 05, 2012 Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks

This is a story about loving from afar and being afraid to reach for your hearts desire. Though the sex are very explicit male / male scenes, we have no doubt that there is more to the sex than just the act. The men learn to share their vulnerablites, and this makes for a more fulfilling read.

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Apr 05, 2010 Smokinhotbooks K.C. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This is the infamous tree sex...

I'm crazy about Ava March's regency man love books this is probably my favorite (tree sex aside) because of how Leopold is portrayed. He is at times, self destructive but in an endearing way because he has been in love with Arthur for years.

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May 04, 2012 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Arthur seemed so conservative and proper at first. I wasn't sure I was going to like him. It turned out that he had a much less proper side, I like that.

Leopold and Arthur were believable and the attraction/love between them felt right. I want to see where this will go.

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Jul 25, 2011 Ernest rated it 2 of 5 stars

eh... I'd probably classify this under the shelf name 'forgettable'. Like that book I've read last month about some alternate world where men could become pregnant and deliver babies. It's not bad, but it's not good either.

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Nov 01, 2011 Allybaba rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was really good! I was pleasantly surprised since I am not generally into historicals but I liked the MCs and the story. It was too short but there's a follow up so I liked that!

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Mar 26, 2011 Meggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

The story is a bit rushed...but enjoyable. The plot could have been more developed, but if you take the book as it is, you see good, even if fast, romantic story with happy ending.

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Mar 07, 2011 Margi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-chick-lit

Welllll..... that's two hours of my life that I won't get back in a hurry. I just wish that it had
convinced me. No real heart in this book.

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About Ava March

I'm Ava March, an author of smoking hot M/M historical erotic romances. I love writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors.

I love to hear from readers. You can visit me on the web at www.AvaMarch.com

Or at my blog www.AvaMarch.blogspot.com

Or send me an e-mail at Ava at AvaMarch.com

More about Ava March...

Books by Ava March

Object of His Desire (Somerville Park, #1)

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Convincing Arthur (Convincing #1)

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