I found myself enjoying this book a lot more than I had expected to. A man who has been biding his time for the man he is in love with to be free once again. Arthur just recently ended a relationship because the man he was with for a decade wasn't as much a part of the relationship as Arthur thought. The author does explain this...even in such a short story. Meanwhile Leopold wasn't very discriminate, passing the time and trying to push Arthur out of his heart. It didn't work. So after the break up, Leopold invites Arthur for a short holiday. Ms. March did an amazing job weaving the story in just 80 pages. Not many authors can do that. I spent most of the book yelling at Arthur to pay attention to what Leopold isn't saying. And also yelling at Leopold to just tell Arthur how he feels. 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 itself acts as a formidable obstacle to the characters’ happiness in that sodomy in their world is considered a capital crime.The story opens at the English country manor of 29 year-old Leopold Thornton who is the dissolute but beautiful son of a viscount. He waits with nervous anticipation for his old friend Arthur Barrington to join him for a four-day vacation. Arthur, also 29, is a hard-working solicitor who needs some relaxation. Leopold also hopes to get him over the break-up of his ten-year affair with an unsuitable man. It’s one of Leopold best-kept secrets that his own scandalous behavior over the past ten years has been to distract himself from losing Arthur.Arthur arrives ready to accept what Leopold has in store for him; a lot of passionate sex to celebrate his status as a free man. However, Arthur views Leopold only as a distraction before he returns to London to look for a good man with which to settle down. He doesn’t believe Leopold capable of more than breaking hearts. Now Leopold has only four days to convince Arthur to fall in love with him.Val for AReCafe
What do You think about Convincing Arthur (2009)?
I really liked this book. Interesting take on a relationship.
—cmiyake
A very romantic caper I enjoyed wholeheartedly!
—jagh201
