Cliffhanger alert!!!

I always feel a little weird when I finish a book with an unexpected cliffhanger. This could be my own fault as it might have been mentioned but I tend to read books blind.

Jude, 😔 how very Hardin of you. I knew he was hiding something but I didn’t imagine this. Maybe because he’s a grown ass man who should know better. Ok, I’m still salty about the ending.
Amelia I empathised with. She’s a woman just trying to live her life. Her parents are well meaning but holy hell, step aside people. She’s 30 and can make decisions. I loved that she had her two friends as support though. They were fantastic.

I also loved the tension the author created between Jude and Amelia. This man wanted her and that was it, he wouldn’t accept no for an answer. I willingly looked over the toxic nature of some of their interactions, but I obviously shouldn’t have.

I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed reading this, and will now eagerly wait for the next book to release.

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a seductive romance that ignites the pages with an intoxicating blend of passion, mystery and emotional depth. Jude, the enigmatic billionaire with a dangerous allure and a closely guarded secret, meets his match in Amelia, a bold, independent woman who refuses to be intimidated by his power—or the undeniable fire between them. Their chemistry is combustible, a thrilling combination of dominance and desire, and Jude’s secret adds intrigue and tension that made their connection even more irresistible.

Malpas’s storytelling is addictive and sensual with magnetic characters, an electric romance and a thrilling plot. It was an utterly unputdownable read that was tantalizingly steamy, emotionally charged and completely consuming. I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the release of The Surrender! Five smooches from me for The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads

This book. I steam powered through this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like JEM's brand of confident, cocky hero, you'll love this book. This was deliciously messy, and focused on a woman being relentlessly pursued by a man.

Amelia is a successful financial manager, recently single, and surrounded by a group of friends and family that are wildly supportive of her. While away on a birthday spa day, she meets Jude. He's strikingly handsome and shows immediate interest in Amelia. She fights it hard, constantly turning him down, even when he shows up in her life outside of the spa. That cat and mouse game they played was so much fun to read, because I kept thinking about Jesse from This Man and his relentless pursuit of Ava.

I will say, I definitely over thought about this book. While I love messy romances, I need them to have a raw realness about them that keep me invested. Something about how things played out didn't sit well with me, and where I needed Jude to shine as a confident man he eventually let me down. The moments I need him to speak up and fight are when he didn't say much. There's OW drama, and again I usually like that messy aspect of book, but in this case I didn't like how it played out.

Will I read the next book? Absolutely. I'm invested. But I'm hoping for one hell of a grovel because without it I can't imagine being happy.

The Invitation is the first novel in Jodi Ellen Malpas' new series, Arlington Hall. I really enjoyed this book. It's absolutely has the same absolutely hot and steamy elements that all of JIM'S novels have, but this one has a slightly darker tone to it.

Jude Harrington is a force to be reckon with and has way more red flags than our typically JEM heroes. With that said, I also think he's a little more (little being the key word, haha) open than some of our other favorites.

Amelia is a hardworking woman who is tired of her family and ex trying to place her in the stereotypical woman's place - at home, married, popping out babies. I enjoyed her strong-willed nature and not giving up on trying to achieve partner status, even when everyone seemed to be against her. I can also appreciate everything about where she is coming from with her reaction to Jude.

What I didn't expect was the ending! I'm shocked, but not all that surprised that something was lurking in the back there. I cannot wait for more as I do really love Jude and Amelia's chemistry!

What a start to a new series! I really enjoyed this one!! I was hooked pretty quick and didn’t want to put it down! I got the audio so I wouldn’t have to! The narrator did so good! She really brought the story to life! I could see this book as a movie playing out in my mind and could really feel all the emotions! The narrator for sure did justice to the authors words! Warning to cliffhanger haters! This ending will leave you wanting the next book immediately! I know it sure did for me! I will definitely be marking the next release date on my calendar so I can get back to Jude and Amelia’s story! So if you’re in the mood for a British hero, playboy, billionaire, tortured hero revenge romance make sure to check this one out!!

Take a spin with this rollercoaster ride Jodi takes us on. I couldn't put this down and when I thought I had it figured out or thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was mistaken. Now I'm sad because I have to wait for the next book to see what happens.

This is Book 1 in the Arlington Hall series and it’s off to a great start!
Amelia is newly single, licking her wounds from a painful breakup and she’s working really hard to prove herself personally and professionally. She has no time for relationships and appears to be an alpha female who can give as good as she takes. Her besties take her to Arlington Hall for a special spa day.

Well well… I never saw a spa like that and they did whaaat?

Jude is our alpha hero! Grumpy possessive, jealous and really has trouble accepting the word No. In fact at times, there were too many similarities to another alpha hero with a letter J. Seeing Amelia for the first time put him on a course to pursue her at all costs. His pursuit of Amelia was so relentless, it sometime had me wondering about him.
What’s going on?
What demons is he hiding?
Yet, in spite of her inner turmoil, Amelia is drawn to him and their chemistry is truly undeniable!

This book was compelling, intriguing and hotter than a dry spa. However, some of Amelia’s the inner monologue didn’t match her actions. There were a lot of unanswered questions and the jaw dropping ending had me screaming at my kindle. I’ve begun counting down for book 2.

Wowzers! What did I just read??? Man, the complexity and angst of the storyline and characters made me want to throw my kindle. Malpas always does a good job of giving all the angst, making you feel all the emotions, all while bringing the heat. She definitely keeps you on your toes. Amelia is head strong, career motivated, trying to find herself after a recent failed relationship, move away from the shadow of the family business and her father whom she can never seem to please. Jude is a true JEM alpha. He’s witty, charming, debonair, mysterious, persistent, with a splash of possessiveness. The chemistry and the uninhibited attraction with these two is all consuming. It’s oozing from the pages. A charged chemistry, like a lighting bolt that catches them both off guard and makes it difficult from the to accept what’s in from of them. Of course, we get the push, pull, angst, and lack of communication because of it. They drive each other crazy, while diving me crazy too, haha. As I was reading, I wondered if Jude was related to Jessie Ward. IYKYK. And, just when I thought things were looking up Malpas throws in the biggest plot twist, and cue the kindle throwing.🤣🤣 Can’t wait till September to read The Surrender to see how Amelia and Jude navigate the hurdles that seem to be coming their way.

The audiobook was narrated by Shakira Shute. This was my first narration by her and she was just perfect for this story. The emotions, characterizations were on point and I couldn’t stop listening.

Arc provided by NetGalley & Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Paige on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club.

Title: The Invitation
Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas
Rating: 4 stars

I’ve been struggling to get lost in books just lately but The Invitation had me drawn in immediately and does not disappoint! Amelia is a 30 year old professional woman who has bigger dreams than just becoming a homemaker and stay at home mum, she wants a career, much to her father’s disappointment. Jude Harrison is a charismatic billionaire who owns a luxury spa, once he sets his sights on Amelia he’s determined to get what he wants.

There were moments in the first half of the book where Jude’s behaviour and attitude was a bit of a red flag, like I’m all for being pursued but give the girl some breathing room man! She said no repeatedly. He’s possessive and has anger issues but he’s a God in the bedroom. Amelia tries her best to stand her ground and not fall for this man but she’s doesn’t have the will power to withstand his advances. Honestly I don’t think I would either. The book takes place over a matter of weeks and is very much an instant connection, falling fast kind of vibe. Jude f-ed up big time, and Amelia needs to stand her ground and make the man grovel his arse off but that said, I can’t wait to see how this story develops in the next book.

I can see some similarities with the This Man series but I love that one too so it’s not a bad thing.

I don’t care what others are saying, I here for Amelia and Jude.

Jude is the jealous possessive type and he sets his sight on Amelia. For him, he is wants her all t himself and literally will do anything to make it known. For her, she wants to concentrate on her career but when it comes to Jude, that pull is too strong for her to stay away from.
Spicy romance that will keep your attention and then some.

c'est une lecture rapide et intense, j'ai beaucoup aimé Amelia et Jude mais il m'a manqué le petit quelque chose pour totalement adhérer à leur histoire. Les pages défilent rapidement et j'étais curieuse de découvrir ce qu'ils nous cachent mais clairement, ce premier tome est plus une introduction qu'autre chose. Les personnages secondaires sont géniaux ou détestables et j'avoue, je suis quand même hyper curieuse de découvrir la suite... A voir si je me laisse tenter ou pas mais j'ai trop de question en suspens pour ne pas craquer...

The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a billionaire romance with a possessive and obsessive hero with a one-track mind. Jude and Amelia meet and the sparks fly right off the pages. Amelia is a hard-working and ambitious, but not ready to move forward in a relationship, or so she thought. Jude is a total alpha, reserved and very determined. The chemistry is definitely there between them, but so are the secrets and the push and pull. This begins their back and forth and some very sexy times together.

Amelia has just gotten out of a relationship she felt was getting too demanding. So, for her birthday, her friends plan a spa day, but what she never expected was to meet a man that would change everything. But as she begins to discover things about Jude, things are about to blow up and that ending left me shook. So excited to see where this goes next!

Happy reading!

I have loved everything Jodi Ellen Malpas wrote, prior to this book. I had great expectations but I have to admit I was let down. This book reads like a replica of the This Man series and a Anna Todd's series.

Jude very much reminds me of Jesse Ward. In fact, I think Arlington Hall used to literally be The Manor, which was a very kinky exclusive sex club. Kathryn reminds me of the bitchy female dominatrix, Sarah, who controlled The Manor (who was also a major problem). Overall, it wasn't as creative or lived up to what I normally expect from JEM. Jude literally is a vile character who lived up to his f-boy nickname. Even the exes interfering reminds me of This Man.

If I was Amelia, I would leave Jude to his games and not look back. It's obvious nothing was real, truthful, or meaningful. A lot of the dynamic between Amelia and Jude just didn't make sense to me. How can they both want what they said they explicitly didn't want? Amelia literally broke up with her long term and live in boyfriend because she didn't want to be that serious. Amelia was all about her career. Jude just wasn't worth it. For me, Jessie and Ava were worth it but they had a better dynamic. I loved Jessie's crazy ways, Jude or Amelia not so much. I can’t really see myself being interested enough to read the next book in the series. Would I read JEM in the future? Of course. This series just didn't work for me.

I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

This is the story of Amelia and Jude. Amelia has a lot on her plate and she desperately needs some rest and relaxation. When her friend gives her a day of pampering at Arlington Hall, a local spa, she doesn't exactly find calm and peaceful. What she does find is Jude Harrison. The most handsome man she has ever laid eyes on. There is an instant attraction between these two that gets pretty steamy. He's not only handsome but he has a temper and a little possessive, and totally has to have Amelia after meeting her. However she is not so easily persuaded that they are such a good idea and isn't giving in to him. It is a fun to read game of cat and mouse with a twist of who planned on these two meeting at his spa at that exact time. You have to read to find out. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book and see what happens.

This was such an addictive read! The characters of Jude and Amelia are complicated and make for an intriguing story.

Jude is a man who goes after what he wants and he has his sights set on Amelia. She is a woman who is focused on her career and herself when she meets him. His pursuit of her is intense and the push/pull is off the charts.

Can’t wait for the second book to see how this goes!

Amelia is straight of a breakup with and ex who won't let go family drama that envolves and over bearing father who refuses to except his daughter as the smart bright intelligent investment broker she is she could do with a little less drama and to make partner in her firm what she doesn't need is a new romance one she fights against just knowing it will wreck her but she can't resist him. Jude is complex and intense with secrets that are awful and leave you just crazy trying to figure him out he's possessive over Amelia even though they haven't know each other long hes chaotic and toxic he's also beautiful and tragic and won't give up his pursuit of Amelia and it all just ends tragically just when I had learned to like Jude in all his chaotic glory I was left with the most visceral need to hit him and the poisoness Kathern I'm left with the need to throw up and punch someone never have I loved and hated a book boyfriend so much and I hate myself for saying this but I have to know how it all ends so now I have to get over the shocking cliffhanger and wait patiently for the second book in the Arlington Hall series thank goodness Amelia has such good friends.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

What can I say that The Invitation gave me all the feels plus it gave me This Man vibes ..Let me just say that the ending left me hanging and very upset with Jude .. With that being said I need book two asap .

The Invitation is an incredibly scintillating story! Sparks fly when Amelia meets the Adonis! You can literally feel the sizzle leaping off the pages! Oh yes!
This is such a fantastic first part of a duet and I really cannot wait for the 2nd part especially with how it ended.
Honestly I was intrigued at the way the storyline goes. I was captivated by the way Amelia doesn’t give into temptation until it happens. Lets just say this book has something special and the author has given us a story that will make your heart beat fast!
I absolutely loved it!

You know when you have such high expectations for a book and you just can't wait?
This was me for The Invitation because I love Jodi Ellen Malpas and her brand of storytelling.
I went in blind, but then the whole story, the characters, the situations, the supporting cast, etc seemed oddly familiar. I was getting major This Man vibes but not to the same level of unhinged passion I had back then.

Jude=Jesse
Amelia=Ava
Catherine=Sarah
ex boyfriend=ex boyfriend
and even the best friends!
Rich MMC and newly single FMC. See??!! Same Same.
Maybe I was drawing too many parallels and even noticed that the MCs had the same first initials. But I just couldn't stop. Frustrated, but could see if someone had not read that series they would not notice all these little things that I was nitpicking at.

Anyway, we have Amelia, a successful financial consultant that is all about her career. SO much so that she ends up dropping her longtime boyfriend when he pressures her into more. She and her friends get a deal on a "spa day" and that is where Amelia encounters a drop dead gorgeous man. But remember, she has no time for a man and is set on climbing the corporate ladder and proving to her father that she is just as talented as any man when it comes to her career.

Jude, from the moment Amelia walks into his hotel/spa/bar/restaurant is all about Amelia and wants her. Wants her beyond belief. He goes after what he wants, but Amelia tries her best to stay away from him since she has her eyes set on career goals. Only, she can't get the charismatic gorgeous alpha man out of her mind. And they soon fall into some HOT and steamy situations. Like burn up your kindle, your book type situations. I mean, I never thought washing hands could be so erotic! But just wait for the twist and cliffy that JEM drops on us at the end! MESSY! And I LOVE Messy!!!

I may have been frustrated and thought the story was too much like a previous series, but I am definitely captivated and will surely eat up the next one because I HAVE to know how it will all come together in the end.

Overall, if you have not read Jodi Ellen Malpas before and/or have never read the This Man series, this book may appeal to you. I felt like it was not what I've come to expect from JEM. Yes, she had her obsessed alpha hero, but he also didn't have that je ne sais quois I have come to crave from Malpas' MMC. I'm intrigued and liked the story well enough, I just didn't fall in love because it felt like a watered down version of a beloved series.

Amelia is a financial planner, fresh off a break up, and out with her two best friends when she encounters an enigmatic and gorgeous stranger. They have instant chemistry, and he pursues her relentlessly until she finally agrees to have dinner with him. But it seems their steamy encounter is so much more than that... or is it?

I'm not really sure how to feel after finishing this roller coaster of a book. The relationship between Jude and Amelia is toxic at best, even if their chemistry is off the charts. They are both terrible at communication, and miscommunications, half truths, and outright lies are common in this story. It ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, an emotional and devastating one. But I'm not sure I want to endure more of this toxic vibe.

I recommend this book if you enjoy off the charts chemistry, lots of steam, little relationship building and a twist you won't see coming.