Review: Convincing Leopold by Ava March

I first fell for Mr. Leopold Thornton in Convincing Arthur when he finally won his man over after ten long years of waiting. Now, three months later, he and Arthur are settling into their relationship but doubts and insecurities have crept into Thorn’s head as he notices the love of his life seems to be pulling away. It seems all Arthur wants to do is work. Arthur spends long hours at his office working as a solicitor with his handsome young secretary who obviously wants him. But Thorn waited ten years to win Arthur’s heart and he is not about to give up without a fight. He’s already given up his former rakish ways and hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol since he promise Arthur he would quit. Now he will do everything in his power to see to it that Arthur will look to no other man for physical pleasure.

Mr. Arthur Barrington had just come out of long-term relationship with a man who broke his heart when he began his physical relationship with Thorn. They have grown much closer and share much more than just a physical relationship now, but having been hurt in the past, Arthur has held back and kept a tight rein on his heart. It’s clear that Leopold is in love with him but Arthur fears being hurt again. His anxiety only grows worse as Leopold is becoming more demanding and forward with him, wanting to have sex at inopportune times, running the risk of being caught.

Leopold, or Thorn as Arthur and I like to call him, is such a sensitive character. Although he is careful to show his cool external façade to the world, he is so vulnerable when it comes to Arthur. His internal dialogue is just heartbreaking at times as he begins to believe he is in danger of losing the man that he has waited so long to have. He borders on desperation in his attempt to win Arthur’s heart once and for all.

Although Arthur has very strong feelings for Leopold he is feeling a bit overwhelmed with his recent behavior. With the stress of his long work days and the constant worry of his relationship with Thorn being found out he craves simplicity when he comes home.  Arthur is a conservative man who lives a simple lifestyle and being in a relationship with an extravagant, indulgent former rake has its advantages and disadvantages. Finding a middle ground on which to communicate their needs of one another proves to be a bit difficult.

I almost started this review off talking about the intense sex scenes between Arthur and Thorn but realized that part of the reason these scenes are so memorable are because of the intense emotional relationship between the characters. Ava March does a wonderful job creating a strong emotional connection between her characters that carries over into the bedroom. I found it interesting that from Leopold’s perspective Arthur has always had that upper hand in the relationship however when it comes to the bedroom play, and their physical relationship, Thorn takes the reigns and “tops from the bottom” so to speak.

My heart went out to Leopold in Convincing Arthur and I’m pleased to know that he and Arthur are working their way to their happily and that Leopold has finally found the love he so deserves.

Favorite Quote:

His fingers itched to unravel Arthur’s crisp cravat. To pull the navy coat from those broad shoulders. To strip away every trace of the conservative solicitor.

Rating: B

Convincing Leopold by Ava March
June 28th 2011 by Loose Id
Historical, Erotic Romance – GLBT
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