Convincing Arthur by Ava March

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 than his reputation and his past would suggest and the reason for both is his unrequited love for Arthur Barrington. My heart broke for the years of Thornton's pain and yet rejoiced that he had another chance at love with the only one he's ever had such feelings for.

And I loved that Thornton continued, over and over, to surprise Arthur; Arthur thought that he knew all about Leopold ~ the gossip and rumours about Thornton were fairly explicit ~ but really, it was a mask, a panacaea.
Arthur, well I liked him too. I felt so much for Thornton, but Arthur had longings and dreams unrealised as well; but the heart of the story was definitely with Thornton... and I loved every second, every choked breath, every tear of it.

And even though the end was not cut-and-dried ~ and that usually leaves me a tad dissatisfied ~ I had not one problem with it. It worked for the story and for the times... but oh would I ever love to see more of Thorn and Arthur... yes, indeedy!

Oh, and the cover? Absolutely GORGEOUS!  and yeah... love it!


BTW, I'm off to buy the rest of Ava's books... wow!

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Ava March; Convincing Arthur; Loose Id; July 2009 [25K]

Book Description:
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.