July 21, 2009
M/M Historical Romance
Novella Length
Loose ID
Book was purchased
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.
Rating: Four Stars
Ava March’s website
Oh, Ava rocks!! Seriously. I love her Bound series, too. I can't wait for her vampire story to come out! February…damn, seems so far away…
Ooh! Sounds good–is there any mention of the historical pressures on young gay men, or is the tension strictly personal?
(I ask as a huge Oscar Wilde fan.)
Okay… I will have to venture our one day… and between Erotic (she is awesome with m/m), Barbara (she is equally awesome with her recs) and now you… I will have to get my hands on these men books!!
I hope you had a great family weekend honey!
Thanks so much for the fab review, Mandi!! :D I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. It was fun to write, especially that romp in the woods. ;)
No begging necessary *g* – I already have an idea, and a title, for a sequel. I won't get to writing it until 2010, but I do plan to do another book for Arthur and Leopold.
Oh, and Kate D, to answer your question, there is mention of the historical pressures on gay men of the time period, but it isn't as heavy as some of my other books. It's because this one takes place in the country at Leopold's home, far removed from London and society. Arthur's a solicitor who needs his good reputation so he definitely feels the pressure, but Leopold…well, he's Leo. LOL. He's not out and proud by any means, but he has the benefit of having his father's wealth behind him so he doesn't worry about it quite the way Arthur does.
Barbara – I'm looking forward to the vampire story as well :)
Kate – As Ava says, Arthur has a bit of pressure.
Cecile – Cave to the pressure! ;)
Ava – Yay to a sequel!!! :)
I am so pleased you liked this book… I am loving Ava's style alot.
Wait until you read her Bound series – you are most definitely in for a treat…
Great round up…
E.H>
Sounds like another great read, why haven't I tried these?
Dottie :)