I loved This Man and the accompanying books. I loved JEM's other books as well. However, this wasn't my favorite of hers. There was something missing. Jude is very similar to Jesse but as I mentioned, there was a spark missing between the two MCs. I will still read what JEM puts out because I know not every book is going to make every one happy.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 rounded up

JEM has been one of my favorite authors for many years. If she writes it, I'll be reading it. Being chosen as an arc reader for this book was a dream come true.

I went into this book blind, not even bothering to read the blurb or tropes because I wanted to be surprised and not form any ideas of what the story would be. Very early on in the book, I started to get This Man vibes and they continued throughout the book. There are so many similarities between the characters and storylines that I struggled to enjoy the story because I was constantly comparing it to my beloved This Man series. 

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. Outside of the characters feeling like replicas of Jesse and Ava, I didn't particularly like or connect with them. Jude was obsessive, aggressive, and a walking red flag and while normally I can really enjoy that in a mmc I didn't feel the same pull and connection to him as I did with Jesse and other characters with a similar personality. Instead, I'm left wondering if I like him or not. Amelia left me rather confused as well. She seemed so put together and career driven in the beginning then became an absolute mess when she met Jude. She seemed to lose all ability to think rationally and be herself.

In true JEM fashion, the book ends on a cliffhanger with the story will be picked back up between these characters in book 2. Will I be reading book 2? Of course, because I'm a diehard JEM fan. While this particular book was not my favorite I still enjoyed her writing and I'm hoping that maybe this just wasn’t the right time for me for this book. I hope I feel more of a connection to the characters as the series progresses (with Miller I really didn’t like him till book 3). I also hope that they get more of their own unique storyline because right now it all feels too familiar.

Thank you to Jodi Ellen Malpas and Valentine PR for the opportunity to receive an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m looking forward to The Surrender in September!

I enjoyed reading this. I am happy that they spice didn't get in the way of the plot. When I read the blurb, I was worried that this would have more spice than plot, and im happy to see that it didn't...

Thank you!

I don't know what Jodi Ellen Malpas puts in her stories or what magic she infuses into her characters but YES PLEASE inject it straight into my veins.
When I need dramatic, tension filled romances with both pain and humor, I turn straight to JEM. And The Invitation did not disappoint. I loved the FMC and her no-nonsense, determined attitude. There are at least four different characters that I need back stories for now, and I can't believe Arlington Hall isn't real because I need to go stay there for a day or sixteen.

The ending. Just. Jaw, dropped. Screams, scrumpt. I need book two yesterday please!!

Thank you to Valentine PR and JEM for the e-arc of this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re in the mood for a romance that’s as thrilling as it is steamy, look no further than The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This #1 New York Times bestselling author, known for the This Man series, brings us an exhilarating tale of unexpected desire and tangled emotions.

Meet Amelia Lazenby—an ambitious career woman who desperately needs a break from the pressures of work and the aftermath of a recent breakup. Thanks to her best friends, she’s treated to a relaxing day at the luxurious Arlington Hall spa. But what was supposed to be a day of pampering takes a scandalous turn when she catches the eye of Jude Harrison—an enigmatic billionaire whose mere presence sets her heart racing.

Their instant chemistry ignites during a chance encounter in the steam room, thrusting Amelia into a whirlwind of passion she never saw coming. But their fiery connection isn’t without complications. Jude’s possessiveness and temper add a thrilling edge to their relationship, wrapping Amelia in a mystery as complex as Jude himself.

What unfolds is a tale that is as much about desire as it is about the secrets that lurk beneath the surface. And yes, the cliffhanger at the end? Just when you think you know what’s coming, Malpas throws in a twist that leaves you breathless. You’ll be left screaming, “What just happened?!” and craving more.
One thing to note is that this isn’t your typical romance. It leans heavily into instalust, diving straight into passionate encounters that will leave you flipping pages long into the night. The lack of the usual "getting to know you" phase adds a delicious tension; Amelia and Jude dance around their true feelings, creating an enemies-to-lovers vibe that is both captivating and loveably chaotic.

As readers, we often find ourselves torn between our hearts and our heads. Amelia’s struggle with her attraction to Jude raises that age-old question: will she heed the warning signs, or will she surrender to the heat of the moment? The Invitation invites you to join Amelia on this rollercoaster ride of emotions and desires, asking—what would you risk for a love that ignites your very soul?

Thank you JEM and Valentine PR for the arc!

This book immediately sucked me in. This billionaire romance was a page turner with a lot of angst, forced proximity, and spice! With that ending I am definitely looking forward to
Book 2!

The Invitation is the epitome of Jodi Ellen Malpas..... Alpha male mmc and and fmc that has no chance of resisting his advances.. Absolutely charming and steamy . 🤎🔥

This is Book 1 in the Arlington Hall Duet by this author. It is the beginning of the heartfelt romance between Amelia and Jude. These flawed but likeable characters, the strong connection, the sizzling chemistry, and the unique plot make for an entertaining read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, mystery and suspense, humor and charm, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. An engaging page turner with a cliffhanger ending.

Jodi Ellen Malpas always gives us a great read and definitely has all the feels in Amelia and Jude's story.

Amelia is on a journey of proving herself and Fresh out of a relationship with no strings attached brings her to Arlington Hall with her friends for a day of relaxation. While there she met Jude and instantly wanted more. She was drawn to the unknown of a man who her friends knew she wanted and planned something that really set things in the right direction but also was upsetting.

Jude is an alpha businessman who stops at nothing to get what he wants and Amelia is at the top of his list. He was happy to be apart of Amelia's friends plans to assure they would be together but things didn't go as planned.

I loved the dynamic between the two characters. The push and pull, the drama between them made this story a great read. There was romance, suspense, laughs, tears and so much more in their story. I loved how possessive Jude is and building of the story.

Oh man oh man! I really have a love/hate relationship with Jude especially at the beginning. As I got to understand him more, my heart wasn't as hardened towards him. Amelia on the other hand, I love. She knows what she wants and is firm in her beliefs, most of the time. Jude is just irresistible and the pull to him is too much.

The ending though, OMG! How will we survive on that cliffhanger?! I know Jodi Ellen Malpas will make it worth it though. She always does!

This book, much like Jude, is one that wouldn’t let go. It just kept coming back - thus the reason I am writing my review at 2:24am.

Jude “Fu€kb@y” Harrison - surprise (IFKYK) - I didn’t see that coming. Work, family, something from the past is what I was relating it too BUT that I didn’t see.

Amelia Lazenby - Has just ended her relationship with her boyfriend. After being passed over to run the family company because she is a female, all she wants to do is prove herself in a man’s world.

One of Amelia’s friends receives a discount for a spa day from Arlington Hall, so they all take advantage of it and treat themselves. That’s where Amelia first sees Jude, mesmerized, but has no clue who he is.

Jude had some major red flags, a temper, possessive, and secrets. He starts his pursuit for a certain reason, but I truly believe things changed for him along the way.

Jodi has a way of drawing you in to her stories and captivating you. Even though these characters didn’t do it for me at times, I still wanted to see what happened and kept hanging on.

Now, we hold on to September and the release of The Surrender.

ARC provided by the author, Netgalley, and Valentine PR for an honest review.

Hey Jude, I think you may have de-throned The Lord!

This was hands down one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and Jodi did not disappoint. From the very first page, I was hooked—completely swept up in the world of Jude and Amelia. Honestly, they’re my newest obsession. The chemistry between them is so off-the-charts, I swear the pages were practically sizzling.

Amelia has just turned 30, she’s freshly single and laser-focused on her career in finance. The last thing she’s looking for is a fling. But then she crosses paths with Jude—gorgeous, blue-green ocean eyes, dark blonde hair, and that broody, commanding energy Jodi writes so well—and it’s game over. From the moment they lock eyes at the day spa, the tension is undeniable.

The universe clearly has other plans because Jude keeps turning up in her orbit. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. When she discovers Arlington Hall is actually his, the stakes only get higher, and the push-pull between them ramps up to delicious levels of intensity. While Jude comes across as a perfect green flag, there are definitely some red ones waving in the background, and Amelia feels it all—conflicted, thrilled, and unable to stay away.

The work function that gets moved to Arlington Hall? Absolute fate. And when Jude gives her an ultimatum she can’t ignore, it all culminates in a weekend together that is the stuff of fantasies. Let’s just say that first massage? Ooft! #IYKYK
I don’t want to give away too much, but this is book one of a duet, and it ends with a cliffhanger you will not see coming. I’m still reeling. September can’t come soon enough—I need The Surrender in my hands immediately.

This is signature Jodi Ellen Malpas at her finest: scorching chemistry, perfectly paced tension, and that blend of spice and emotion that makes her books impossible to put down. If you’ve been missing her obsessed, broody, British alphas (she’s the OG for a reason), Jude Harrison will fill that void in spectacular style.

✨ You absolutely need this on your TBR—pause whatever you’re doing and grab a copy.
✨ If this story were a meal, I’d be going back for seconds, thirds, and licking the plate clean.
✨ Five stars? Nah this deserves it's own galaxy!

Thank you, Jodi, for giving us another unforgettable alpha to swoon over. You’ve knocked it for six again.

This story grabbed my attention immediately. The description of Arlington Hall. Amelia first seeing Jude and no clue who he was. Jude’s slow seduction of Amelia. All of it was a page turner.

And let me say, JEM writes some of the BEST secondary characters, especially girlfriend besties like Abbie and Charley. They play perfectly off each other in support of Amelia. Oh and the female villain? Priceless.

Now for those of you JEM fans like me, yes, Jude will give you Jesse Ward vibes and Amelia will remind you a bit of Ava, but not entirely. The more you read, you’ll discover the differences. Because here? At Arlington Hall? Nothing is by chance or a coincidence. Warning: You may want to toss your reader across the room at the “holy crap” ending. It’s deliciously unhinged.

And you’ll never look at champagne the same way again.

Bring on The Surrender. Quickly!

I truly hate to do this, but I was not able to finish (insert book name). I found it extremely difficult to get through and stopped making progress at 25%. I didn't see a spark or connection between the main characters, which also made it difficult for me to root for them. Instead, their meeting seemed rather abrupt, and there were a lot of red flags that, for me, could not be overlooked. Regardless, I look forward to Jodi's next book and remain a fan of her writing. Thank you also for the opportunity!

devoured this book. I am sure the reasons for that are because this book gave me original JEM vibes. I loved Jude's persistence to win Amelia's affection and her resistance to his advances although she wanted to give in.

Their game of cat and mouse was entertaining. Jude was definitely sexy and domineering. At times he was a bit of an arse. He definitely was good at deflecting and maintaining a bit of mystery.

Amelia coming of a break up is determined to focus on her career but one look, one touch from Jude sends her pulse racing and her mind reeling. She relies heavily on her friends for support and advice. These ladies were a fun bunch.

These two heated up the pages of my kindle. Their relationship took off like a rocket and then crashed back down. The foreshadowing was well placed for the twist at the end of this book. I can't wait to see where this leads in The Surrender.

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a quick and easy perfect read. Just Like all her books are perfect. Jude is super Jealous and possessive alpha hero and very interesting character.

I Cannot wait to read the next book as it ends in Wild Cliffhanger. Really loved it.

4 Star Review The Invitation (Arlington Hall #1) by Jodie Ellen Malpas

The Invitation is the first book in the Arlington Hall series by Jodi Ellen Malpas and is Amelia Lazenby and Jude Harrison’s story.

After her friends treat her to a day at country spa Arlington Hall, Amelia’s life changes forever when she meets Jude.

Amelia wasn’t looking for love or even an affair but fate works in mysterious ways.

Jude is definitely an alpha, in control, possessive and dominant. He knows what and who he wants and that is Amelia.

The secondary characters, such as
Charley and Abbie added to my enjoyment.

Although not my favourite from Ms. Malpas I cannot wait to see what she has in store for this couple.

Nobody writes intense, dominant, and obsessive heroes quite like Ms Malpas and Jude Harrison definitely ticks all the boxes in The Invitation, the first book in her Arlington Hall series when he seemingly falls for Amelia Lazenby when she arrives at his exclusive hotel for a spa day for a birthday treat with her friends. The attraction was instant between them but the newly single Amelia, intent on her career played hard to get but a series of apparent coincidences meant all paths seemed to lead her back to Arlington Hall and her eventual submission. Until just as shes about to admit her growing feelings for Jude and give him a chance, she discovers that nothing is what it seems, and their entire relationship has been manipulated right from the start.

If you’ve read this author before theres a strong chance you’ll find this book familiar. For Jude, read Jesse and I’ll admit writing this review I almost typed ‘the manor’ instead of Arlington Hall. Amelia was a more mature heroine at the ripe old age of thirty, but she did regress when with her two besties Abbey and Charley and their antics in this book had me laughing. They were a trio who I could imagine as little old ladies in their nursing home still behaving badly with the long-suffering Del looking on, shaking his head. I also enjoyed the initial air of mystery surrounding Jude and I’m eager to see what crazy lengths he’ll go to win back Amelia in the second book.

I was super excited to read the Invitation and it didn’t disappoint! I fully enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions between Amelia and Jude, all their steamy moments and the surprising twist at the end. Amelia’s best friends, Abbie and Charley were just amazing too. I cannot wait until book two comes out so we can get more answers!

4.9 Stars

Amelia + Jude

For her 30th birthday Amelia's two besties invite her for a little spa day.
To Arlington Hall.
The girls think they're in the wrong place. No way they can afford this - even with a coupon!
And then there's this mysterious hot guy at the bar. Insta sparks for Amelia.
And that's not the last she's seen of the guy.
He's everywhere and ... he wants her!
But Amelia is newly single and wants to concentrate on work and the possible promotion.
But hot guy is so not giving up - even after being told no several times. LOL.

═

Phew!

Another super hot and sparky and funny JEM book.
Some might say that it's just another Jesse thing. And yeah - it has those arrogant and possessive and dominant rich guy vibes. But it's also completely different.
I liked reading it and I can't wait for book #2!
We get so many funny moments and some sad or rather complicated family moments. And of course all those super sparky and sexy Jude moments.
I loved the whole atmosphere of it. The hotel and spa and the bar and the cocktails and Amelia's besties and the brother and ... it's all giving me a very comfortable feeling. I don't really know what I mean. I wanted to jump into the book and be best friends with them all.
At times their ages seemed a bit weird for me. She's 30 and he's 35 but it's all a bit immature here and there. But pfft. I still loved reading this and now I need book 2! And I also want a book for Abbie and her mystery man!

► THE INVITATION was a really good first book in this new series.
Beautiful locations. Amazing cast.
Funny. Sparky. Sexy. Adorable. And so much more.
Please gimme book #2 asap!