WOW I truly enjoyed our MMC Jude Harrison . He is for the fans of 50 shades of grey, dr. stanton, or any other MMC that is a rude, possessive, EXTREME walking red flag, who is beyond hot !! He will do anything to get what he wants and what he wants is Amelia Lazenby . Now as for Amelia I liked her up until the last 20ish% of the book where then I started to hate her .. I’m not sure why she started having adult tantrums all the time, which included slapping in the face, but that is a NO from me . The ending of the book completely hooked me right back in because I want to know what direction this cliffhanger is going !

This is book one in the Arlington Hall series and it does end on a cliffhanger .

This audiobook was given to me for honest review by Valentine PR + Netgalley .

In order for me to get on board with a major cliffhanger, the book has to be incredibly captivating throughout and intriguing enough that I'll be able to get past my frustration of the cliffhanger (which I don't love). This book didn't do it for me as well as some others did. I'm not sure if I'll be continuing for the next book - is this going to be a KA Tucker situation where I have to read 4-5 books with cliffhangers in all of them? Not ideal for me in this case.

For someone getting into this type of book, I can get the appeal and why they would like it. For me, there are just too many others that had a more intriguing storyline.

Amelia is a hard working ambitious strong lady. She’s just turned thirty and recently single.
Her friends invite her to a luxury hotel for a spa day as her birthday gift.
This is where Amelia and the reader get the first encounter of the panty melting Jude. Jude has a bit of a mysterious vibe to him.
He’s arrogant, confident and utterly possessive. The minute they lay eyes on each other sparks fly.
I could feel the intensity and chemistry that starts between them immediately.
The cat and mouse game going on with Jude and Amelia was fun to watch.
While Amelia is most definitely interested in Jude. She will not let anyone or anything distract her from her career goals.
Jude will not be deterred from having Amelia. So he doesn’t let up. It was fun watching the push and pull with them.
And the chemistry that is just brewing and brewing. I have mixed feelings when it comes to Jude. But that’s okay.
Because that is what makes for an interesting story. After that ending I can’t wait to read the next book!

Had to DNF. I had higher hopes for this one, but maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace to read this. The characters irritated me.

Got the arc for this and it was my first book by this author and I ate this book up. Loved the suspense and mystery behind the MMC and the tension between the two characters. That cliffhanger tho! Can’t wait for the next book!

ARC read

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas was a steamy, slow-burn romance with intense chemistry and all the signature JEM alpha energy.

The story follows Amelia, a confident, career-driven woman, and Jude, a mysterious billionaire whose presence is impossible to ignore. A chance meeting turns into a fiery connection, full of secrets, longing, and power plays. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I loved Amelia’s strength throughout.

That said, some pacing issues and a few repetitive moments kept it from being a top-tier read for me. But the cliffhanger ending? Absolutely delivered. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

I loved the book until the last chapter not knowing there was a major cliffhanger.

Jude has some explaining to do!
The FMC spends a lot of energy resisting this hunk of man only to find out a secret! I need book 2 now!!

This is the first book I have read by this author. I know that she is known for some other popular series but this is my first. This book focuses on Amelia. She has just turned thirty. She is single and somewhat homeless. Her friends decide to take her to a swanky hotel for a spa day. While there she meets a very handsome man and the attraction between them is instant. Now Jude is arrogant, possessive and dominating. While Amelia was completely caught up in her job, Jude would take her away and distract her. There was a lot of push-pull between them. Sometimes that’s fun to read if you know that they should be together and there are legitimate reasons why one person is hesitating. But, Amelia knew that Jude was too much and although she struggled (not much) she constantly gave in. This book end with a cliffhanger and I’m curious to how this relationship will continue.

Returning to the world of JEM is always a joy, a homecoming to the intense, all-consuming romance that only she can deliver. And she has introduced us to a hero who has instantly claimed a permanent spot in my heart: the enigmatic, captivating Jude Harrison. No one writes a possessive hero quite like Jodi, and Jude definitely gives Jesse a run for his money.

Amelia is a woman after my own heart – determined, ambitious, with her eyes set on making partner at her firm. Having grown up in a traditional household where her father envisioned marriage and family for her, Amelia hopes to build a career and make a name for herself. The desire for autonomy led her to leave long-term boyfriend Nick who recently proposed.

Coming out of a breakup, her best friends treated her to a much-needed spa day at the posh country estate, Arlington Hall. When she saw the most gorgeous man sitting at the end of the bar, her world tilted on its axis. She has never felt as strongly towards someone as she does Jude, and though she wasn’t looking for a relationship, she wanted to explore this attraction.

Jude is persistence personified, possessive to his core, and insanely hot. He wouldn't take no for an answer and his relentless pursuit eventually wore down Amelia. She soon realises their meeting was no coincidence. It was planned. This revelation left me on the edge of my seat, desperate to uncover his motives.

The chemistry between them was instant, intense and irresistible. The push and pull between them was delicious, a tantalizing dance that kept me flipping pages late into the night. Amelia tried so hard to stay away, to maintain her carefully constructed independence, but when the universe (or should I say, Jude himself) keeps bringing them together, it's incredibly difficult to step away from something so rare and profound.

The ending absolutely devastated me, leaving me heartbroken and reeling. Jodi, I'm banking on you to put my heart back together in the next book.

This is the story of MMC Jude and FMC Ameila. Jude is instantly captivated by Amelia and will stop at nothing to win her love. Their physical relationship is faced paced, but emotionally a slow burn. These two characters have steamy, intense chemistry. Amelia’s family was terrible-controlling, unsupportive, and constantly pushing their own agenda (which involves her ex-boyfriend) on her. This story ended on a major cliffhanger and left you wanting the next book right now!

This book was an absolute joy. It had me laughing hysterically from the first chapter these two characters just have you in stitches. Their chemistry is off the charts from their first interaction, it sizzles. Amelia has the best inner monologue ever. She is an absolute riot. She has the best two girlfriends that’s trying to keep her sanity in check through this whole process . Amelia is this wicked smart, driven witty and funny person. She going through a bit of a rough patch, needs her girlfriends to help her through it and in walks Jude to just up end her life. Then there is Jude…oh boy. He is insanely gorgeous, smart, determined, but has this cheeky side. But when they meet for the first time, it literally is kismet. Amelia fights, it tooth and nail. Both of them do not understand these intense feelings but each time they interact again it is absolutely hilarious. Their banter is a chefs kiss. Watching them fight their attraction in finally giving in fall in love is such a beautiful thing. It’s a wild ride there, so meant to be together and it’s worth every second of the ups and downs in the turmoil. They have a unique and beautiful love story. And that cliffhanger was one that I wasn’t expecting and I can’t wait for book 2 so that we can find out what happens.

DNF - unfortunately this just wasn't for me and I really struggled to get into it. I think it was due to be slumping a bit hard and struggling to read much which didn't help

The Invitation is the first book in the brand new series Arlington Hall by Jodi Ellen Malpas. When Jodi announced this book I just knew I have to read it, because everything she writes is a masterpiece!

Jude and Amelia have so much chemistry from the very single second they lay eyes on each other. The tension between them is EVERYTHING! They definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. And we definitely can’t forget about the steamy scenes! Jude & Amelia are just extremely HOT together!

Also the side characters have their shining moments, which I loved! Especially Amelia’s best friends who make me laugh so much!

This book is such a page turner because you just need to know what happens next! I literally devour this story.

My new obsession? It’s for sure Jude Harrison!!! Jodi writes her alpha males like no other!

Jodi definitely keeps on our toes with this book because the ending of this book was something I would have never expected.

How I will survive until September until the next book comes out, I don’t know. I still have so many questions I need answers to! But I am already super excited how Jude and Amelias story continues in the next book!

Jodi Ellen Malpas has done it again. Around 10 years ago I read Malpas' This Man Series and I was obsessed. Let me just say if you read and loved that series just like me then her newest release The Invitation is right up your alley. With tropes like Billionaire Romance, Alpha Hero, Tortured Lead, Boy Obsessed, Playboy, and a bit of a Revenge plot your only going to want more by the end of the book. By wanting more I mean Jodi Ellen Malpas leaves us on an emotional and somewhat maddening cliffhanger. Maddening in a way that I won't be able to fix until her next book in this series comes out.

Let's talk about our MC's Jude and Amelia for a minute. I went along for a ride with these two. I was not ready for the roller coaster of emotions that I'd go through watching their story play out. Jude our tortured and bit obsessive MMC had me feeling both sympathetic yet frustrated as all hell as more pieces came together with each chapter. It was easy to get sucked into the qorld of Arlington Hall, and I'm not sure Amelia ever stood a chance. Amelia our FMC was trying to carve her own path in her career but also trying to sort what was happening inside her head and heart with each new encounter with Jude. By the end of this book I think I shattered with Amelia and need all the broken pieces to be put back together.

If your looking for a story between two characters that is magnetic and heated beyond measure then just look to Jude and Amelia because anytime they are together there is definitely a flame, even with their icy disagreements they bring the wild and uncontroable fire anytime they are close.

The way Jodi Ellen Malpas wrote her characters was impeccable. I found I was hooked in and needed to know more about them. I felt like as the story continued you kept getting to see more to them with each new layer that was discovered.

I can't wait to continue on with this series and get the chance to dive back into the luxury and additictiveness of Arrington Hall.

Thank you so much to the author and Valentine PR for this gifted eARC. 🫶🏻

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🔑The Invitation
❤️‍🔥by Jodi Ellen Malpas
🔑Available NOW!

Whew! This read will have you feeling all the feels and leaving you flying through each page! Jodi has definitely found her niche as this story packs all of the heat and twists and turns!

Amelia is our strong and confident FMC who doesn’t let anything stop her. However, she does find herself intrigued when she sees Jude.

Jude is our MMC who is completely dashing and somewhat possessive. 🤭 the unquestionable chemistry between these two is next level and it was such a crazy ride!!!

I loved getting to experience these two and can confidently say that I’ll never think of a spa the same way again! 🤣 thank you so much again to the author and VPR for this gifted copy!

*I received a gifted copy of this title but reviews and opinions are my own.*

I cannot wait for the next book. Jodi's stories all captivates a reader.

"I’m fucked . So completely fucked."

Amelia felt this and now I do too!

I feel absolutely speechless at the end of this book. Jude has my heart, he earned that just as he did with Amelia but crushed it all the same.

I want, no need more of their story.

I definitely recommend 100%👌

Oh my 🤭🤭
Jude Harrison 😮‍💨

Idk how many time I had to put my kindle down so I could literally giggle and kick my feet, it was a lot 🤣🤭

If you’re a Jesse Ward girly, you’ll love Jude.

Jude is everything we love in one of Jems Alphas, he’s obsessive, possessive, protective and persistent, oh is that man persistent and does not take no for an answer 😏

“I’ve never experienced that instant chemistry people bang on about. With you, I did.”

I loved the instant chemistry between both Jude and Amelia.

I loveddddd Amelia’s character, she’s driven and knows exactly what she wants in life… until Jude comes along and cause a stir in her plans… 😏
She tries to fight it… but well he can be…persuasive 🤭

The thing is, she also causes a stir in his plans… 😬

“I didn’t expect this, Amelia. There’s no going back after this.”

Also, the Spa scenes…👌🏽

Things aren’t always what they seem though and I’m dying for book two now! 😭

OMG! This gripping story gets under your skin and I was invested from the beginning. The very well written plot is from Amelia's FOV only and is full of charged tension, uninhibited sensuality, scorching chemistry, sizzling love scenes including a few kinks, some unexpected twists and an ending that I wasn't expecting in the least and left me speechless. I'm still unsure whether I want a sequel to this story or not. The tropes are

- Billionaire romance
- Instalust
- Strangers to lovers
- Boy obsessed
- Touch her and die
- „Dangerous Liaisons“ vibes

I can't say that I particularly liked the two protagonists, but they were definitely interesting characters. Jude is an obsessive, possessive alpha hero with an irascible temper and Amelia is a career-orientated woman who doesn't want to make any commitments until she falls under Jude's spell. Their relationship is like a forest fire: hot, passionate, wild and highly flammable.

After breaking up with her boyfriend, ambitious career woman Amelia Lazenby is invited by her friends to a spa day at Arlington Hall to celebrate her 30th birthday. There she meets the enigmatic billionaire Jude Harrison, to whom she is immediately attracted and who pursues her relentlessly. Soon Amelia can no longer resist and their hot affair develops into a rollercoaster ride of emotions and desires...

All in all, a captivating story full of emotion, steam and surprises you don’t want to miss out on that I am happy to recommend!

Thank you Jodi Ellen MALPAS and Valentine Press for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

#jodiellenmalpas #arlingtonhall #theinvitation #billionaire #boyobsessed #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_ @jodi_ellen_malpas

Well that is definitely quite the enticing and dramatic start to a series.

This book is definitely a wild ride riddled with suspense, drama, lots of schmexy times and even some mystery with the characters.

Jodi keeps readers on the edge with every twist and turn that these characters find themselves in.

I do love the side characters in this, even if at times I feel like they might steal the show. But I love how the balance out the drama with some great humor and entertaining banter.

And that ending - can't say I did not see it coming, but I am excited to see where this goes and how things play out for Jude and Amelia.

Just wowza!
Jude is everything. I believe I met my book boyfriend.😅
I definitely imagined myself in this book as Amelia, accept her new name is Valerie. Lol
Jodi Ellen is such an amazing writer. I immediately became enthralled into this story. Jude is so mesmerizing indeed. Amelia definitely got on my nerves many many many times but I honestly love it so much when the lust and angst is just ever so slowly dragged and spread thin until it bursts. Jude was so secretive and selective. Never giving away much but giving allll the emotions😅 he is so passionate and full of loud feelings. I kept getting whiplash. It was all like a movie in my head, everything happening so smoothly and I was reading faster on certain parts because I was ready to see what happened next! It just felt so real and like anything could happen with Jude. I loved every second of this bUmPy WiLd roller coaster 😅 I need more. I need it now. 5 stars! Thank you for the ARC!

Xoxxx