This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. As a long-time JEM fan (yes, I’m still emotionally attached to Jesse Ward, even ten years later), I wanted to fall head over heels for The Invitation… but it felt like a This Man remix, just with new names and slightly shuffled drama. The insta love here was on rocket fuel. I don’t mind a quick spark, but this was full on obsession mode before I could even settle in. Amelia and Jude have chemistry in spades, but the emotional depth was kinda MIA. The girl squad, though, was everything. Sassy, loyal, and supportive. They brought the laughs and made me want to hang out with them IRL.
In short: a fun, spicy read, but not super memorable. Hoping book 2 gives it the depth this duet needs.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book brought me everything I love in a billionaire romance. Sex, Drama, and Secrets.

JEM gave us two unique leads. Jude is a billionaire and owner of Arlington Hall. He is very much a tortured soul and I can’t wait to see what comes of him in book 2! Amelia is a SMART woman. She is career driven and not a fool.

JEM delivered with this one!

The chemistry was off the charts. I loved all the encounters the main characters had. The characters themselves are very intense. Amelia is a strong and independent woman, who knows what she wants and Jude’s a relentless, obsessed heartthrob who knows exactly how to get what he wants. Literal temptation.
He definitely is a complex and mysterious character

Literally gobbled down the book. Everything about the story had me hooked. I was in a readers block so this definitely helped.
I wasn’t expecting it to be this good.
Loveee the writing.

It’s a cliffhanger tho. I went into this book blind so stupid me for not knowing that i’ll be left with many questions
The ending was definitely a surprise, i wasn’t expecting it to end that way so i hope Jude is man enough to grovel for life

What more would I need than a classic JEM alpha romance? She just knows how to write a truly intriguing yet tortured MMC. That instant and intense chemistry between Amelia and Jude was so off the charts that I would know this is only something JEM could capture. The descriptions of feelings Amelia has at first look into Jude's eyes... it really has never been conveyed and with no comparison to any other author I've read. The burning, the yearning is severely unmatched. Jude Harrison was enigmatic so much so that I wanted him to stay secret just to keep Amelia guessing and wondering about him because those monologues were gripping and sexy and showcased how much of an effect Jude had on her. And when they finally came together it was explosive, sensual and raw. Just how I like it!!

The spice is top tier!
The alpha of a man Jude is very forward but who doesn’t like an alpha like that?
And Amelia… oh girl you were in the thick of it from one look. Melting on spot? Goner.

I was beyond excited to jump back into a Jodi book! It’s been a minute but I was very happy with this read. I’ll say throughout the book I’d rate a good 4 stars but the ending pushed that up. Had me shocked and I’m so mad it ended. Give me more lol!

This was different from my most recent reads so I had to rework my mindset to remember Jude is an alpha strong man who gets his way. So naturally he’s gonna be a “you’re mine” and that’s how it goes 😂. Overall I’d recommend to those who just wanna live in a book with a dom man who will spoil the crap out of you. Because that’s what books are for… to help us escape in ways we can’t in the real world 🤷🏼‍♀️.

<b>
  <i>***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***</i>
</b>

The Invitation is book one of the Alrington Hall duet. I have to say I'm a little disappointed with the book. I felt like it was This Man reincarnated. Although I loved that series, I don't need another version of it with different characters.

Additionally, I felt that there wasn't much character or plot development. I don't dislike insta-love stories but this was waaaaaay to insta. Nothing really happens and what does happen seems to be repetitive. For a two part book there should be way more depth and more of a climax.

I will say I did like the girl squad and the humor among their interactions. There is also a lot of spice for those who enjoy that. For me this book was just OK. Hopefully book two rebounds this duet.

The Invitation was an interesting and intriguing read that wasn't at all what I expected. I expected a workplace romance with boardroom assignations of which this most certainly was not. It was angsty, sensual and steamy. I liked the characters, Amelia and Jude and want to know more about them especially Jude, I need to know his motivation, why he acted the way he did plus the answers to the countless other questions that I have? All in all it was an enjoyable read one that I'm invested in and looking forward to reading its conclusion.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐝𝐢 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐬
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★

I fell in love with Jodi’s writing years ago when I read the This Man series and it quickly became a favorite of mine! The Invitation was a pretty similar story with a billionaire MMC who becomes possessive over the FMC. I ate up the connection and desire that unfolded between the two and enjoyed the wild ride that we went on with Jude and Amelia.

I loved all the side characters in Amelia’s life. Her friends were the best and their fun times we got to read about in the story. Her family was also a kick and I felt it gave more heart to the story vs just the intense romance.

I did feel like there was a big part of the story missing. I felt like I must have missed a few chapters as you go from meeting Jude and right away him being completely obsessed with Amelia which he only just met. His obsession and pushiness was as though he knew her for a long time and it just didn’t make sense at all. Yes I get there is a little secret of a connection that you find out at the end of the book, but again it’s not enough to warrant this much of an obsession. If you can push through that missing gap then the story is a lot of fun in the end.

I listened to the audiobook and read the ebook in tandem and I really enjoy the audiobook as it was performed so well by Shakira Shute. She did such a great job bring the characters in this story to life, especially with her accent.

The Invitation is angsty read that ends in cliffhanger. You will love and hate the main characters and the chemistry is intense and off the charts. It will grab you and take you on wild ride from the beginning to the end with the cliffhanger. It will leave you wanting more. Looking forward to the next book.

The Invitation is the first book in the Arlington Hall series.

If you loved Jesse and Ava in the This Man series, you are going to love Jude and Amelia.

Just from the blurb, I knew going into this book to expect similarities between the couples in this book and This Man, and this is exactly what we get, from the immediate attraction, the push and pull at the start of the relationship, the argumentative FMC and it looks like we will have another Sarah in the form of Katherine. Even the settings are similar.

However, despite the similarities, I still devoured this book in less than 12 hours (8 of which I was working) and I know Arlington Hall is going to become another go to series that I will read again and again and again.

No one can take Jesse’s place as #1 book boyfriend in Jodi’s books, but Jude has easily put himself in 2nd place.

After the plot twist cliffhanger at the end, I can’t wait for The Surrender.

Irresistible Chemistry and an Invitation You Can’t Refuse!

Jodi Ellen Malpas delivers again with The Invitation—a steamy, swoon-worthy romance full of tension, charm, and just the right amount of drama. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the fiery chemistry between Jake and Camille. Their connection was electric, layered with emotional depth, witty banter, and undeniable attraction.

What I loved most was Camille’s strength and independence. She’s smart, confident, and knows her worth—making Jake’s pursuit all the more compelling. And Jake? He’s the perfect blend of brooding and irresistible, with a soft side that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

The plot kept a great pace, with a mix of sweet, sexy, and heartfelt moments. While some parts felt a little predictable, the story more than made up for it with its emotional punch and satisfying payoff.

If you enjoy slow burns with explosive chemistry and characters you can root for, this one is definitely worth the read. I’m already looking forward to what Jodi writes next!

Well done!

This is the first in a new series, and this is Jude and Amelia’s story.
Amelia is an ambitious career woman, who needs to escape from the stress in her life after a breakup, and her friends convince her to go to an exclusive luxury spa, where she accidently walks into the men’s steam room and meets Jude, who is an energetic billionaire, and is the owner of the Arlington Hall spa. Jude has met his match with Amelia. What happens when it is revealed that their meeting was no accident?
This story end with a doozy of a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read more about this couple.
This is a well written story, which has friendships, emotions, mystery, insecurities, passion, secrets, revelations, and sizzling chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

I was really excited to read this new series by Jodi as I’ve been a big fan of her writing for many years now and I’m happy to say that I really got sucked into this story right from the start, however I do feel that this story has a little too many of the same elements of the This Man series mainly with the alpha male being all controlling and the female lead running away at every turn if a problem arises before them and secondly because of a secondary character that has a problem with their new relationship.

I do admit though that I really liked the basic plot line of the story as it made it an easy read for me because regardless of it being similar to the This Man books I did actually like both of the lead characters of the story and I felt that Jude and Amelia had so much chemistry between them that I just couldn’t stop myself from caring about what was happening to them both, I also I really enjoyed the insta attraction trope and the angst that the characters felt as the story played out.

It was a little bit predictable at times and a bit cheesy but I do love a tasty bit of cheese in romance books that I read and so it made it all the more enjoyable for me. I will admit though that I never predicted what the nasty cliffhanger at the end of the book would be. I was utterly shocked, I just don’t know how Jude is going to come back from this bombshell. I just can’t wait for the next book to release to find out.

The Invitation is the start to the Arlington Hall series which does end on a cliffhanger of note. After a painful breakup, Amelia Lazenby is persuaded by her best friends to take time off at Arlington Hall, an exclusive luxury wellness spa meant to help her heal and recharge. When she arrives, she accidentally stumbles into the men’s steam room and meets Jude Harrison, a rugged, powerful man who is instantly drawn to her.

Right from the start, there is an electric chemistry between Amelia and Jude. Jude is captivated by Amelia’s raw honesty and vulnerability, while she is both intimidated and fascinated by his intense gaze and commanding presence. Amelia quickly discovers that Jude isn’t just another guest, he’s the mysterious billionaire owner of Arlington Hall. Even more surprising, the entire trip, including the idea of her going to the spa, was carefully orchestrated by her friends in partnership with Jude himself.

Amelia feels betrayed and manipulated, furious at the idea of being “set up” without her consent, even by well-meaning friends. Jude tries to explain that while the plan was real, his feelings for her are completely genuine. Despite her anger, Amelia can’t deny her attraction to Jude. Their connection deepens beyond physical chemistry as Jude shares glimpses of his past, revealing he has emotional wounds of his own. Amelia battles between wanting to protect her heart and surrendering to something that feels real and consuming.

Amelia and Jude’s journey is equal parts steamy, complicated, and intense. Jude’s desire for control clashes with Amelia’s need for independence. They must navigate secrets, insecurities, and the fear of vulnerability. Just when it seems they might find balance, you get that huge cliffy, a shocking revelation threatens to tear them apart, leaving you hanging on for the next part of Amelia and Jude’s journey.

Let me start this review by saying that it has been way too long since I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This author is one of my OGs. I have read many of her books, been completely addicted to her words and series and characters for so long, and I have truly never read a book quite like the ones that she creates. There is just something so addictive, something so unadulterated, something so passionate about what she creates with her characters and love stories and I truly can’t get enough. I hate that I have let myself get behind on her books, but this book was the PERFECT introduction back to her words.

The Invitation was utterly consuming. I mean that with every fiber of my being. I read this book in a matter of hours and did not come up for air one time while reading it. I literally sat here reading that book cover to cover, devouring everything with Jude and Amelia because I was obsessed. I was hooked. I was addicted. I was in it with them, in the thick of their throws of passions, their ups and downs, and everything in between. I was in it with them and I loved it. I loved it so beyond everything because I could not get enough of what those two shared in this book. Their connection is on a whole different level. It’s raw, it’s layered, it is dynamic and evocative and consuming in a way that will truly steal your breath at times. There is a force to be reckoned with when those two are together. And this book showed every single bit of that.

And I loved every damn word of it and what I got with those two in this incredible book.

I’m sitting here writing this review hours later and I’m still thinking about those two. I am very much chomping at the bit for what comes next for them, and I am already counting down the days because I need everything with this couple. They definitely go through it in this book, but I was here for it. I was here for the passion and connection. I was here for the mystery and the unfolding of things and events. I was here for what these characters share on a true and honest level. I was here for every moment of possessiveness and unadulterated feeling and connection. I was definitely here for all of the fire and heat that these two exude in every single second they’re on the pages of this book. But more than that, I was here for how these characters were utterly consumed with each other and what they made each other feel. You could tell it was unexpected, you could tell it completely turned both of their world upside down, and you could tell it was something unlike anything both of them had ever experienced.

I loved and relished and lived forgetting to be in the thick of that with them over the course of this book and getting to be with them as they tried to figure out what that meant, and what they did with all of that world of feeling.

I thought Amelia‘s character was fantastic. She is a gem. There’s no other way to say it because that girl was the best. I loved that she should on her two feet 10 toes down, willing to fight for what she wanted for her life, and what she wanted for her heart. She wasn’t afraid to take a risk when it really mattered. She wasn’t afraid to put up a fight when it was really needed. And she felt with her whole heart. I loved that girl with my whole heart reading this book and I felt like this author just really allowed me to get everything with her. I felt connected to her, I loved her, and I just rooted for her across this book. I also just loved that Amelia had such strength to her, but that she was also vulnerable and real and honest. That shined across this book and I think that just allows you to see every facet of her character in the best way. And it definitely creates a genuine connection to her character. Amelia is fierce, she is passionate, she is her own force to be reckoned with and I just can’t wait to be back with her character. I need her to get every good thing because that girl deserves it. She deserves it and more.

Now Jude was a little bit of an enigma across this book and I was here for it. I love a little bit of a mysterious man, but more than that. I definitely am here for a male hero who is possessive, who is a forced to be reckoned with, and who is not afraid to push you well past that edge for the right reasons. (I’m also really here for a wealthy man who doesn’t know what to do with his very real feelings. It’s what I was raised on. What can I say?!) But in all seriousness, I loved Jude‘s character. You don’t get his perspective in this book as the story is told from Amelia‘s point of view, but I felt like I still got so much of him. I understood so much of his struggle at times, so much of what he felt for Amelia, and so much of how this was different between them. The fact that I could feel that and practically touch that and experience that in this book is a true testament to what this author creates that I got that and I wasn’t even in his head. I could not get enough of this man. He definitely has some making up to do and I definitely need some answers, but I have no doubt that Jude and his determined self will see it through. Because his feelings for Amelia are very, very real, and I have no doubt about that.

And let me tell you now, grab yourself a fan because the level of chemistry and connection that Jude and Amelia share is off the charts. I mean, I’m pretty sure I was the color of a tomato or something close to that throughout so much of this book. The heat, the passion, the moments that these characters share… It is pure unadulterated FIRE. It is passion and Fourth of July fireworks and so much connection combined in the most explosive way. It is pure heat and tension, but more than that, there is such a layer of feeling and heart and unforgettableness to what they share in every moment, but especially in those moments.

The way this author perfectly balances out that outstanding level of heat and connection and desire these characters have for one another, while also showing that there is such emotion and vulnerability and raw honesty in what they share is everything and just so much more. And that more? That more is perfection.

What Jude and Amelia share in this book definitely throws both of their worlds out of orbit. They were not prepared for each other. They were not prepared to feel everything for one another. You feel that in every part of this story with them. And even through every twist and turn, even through every up and down they have to face, you know that there is something true and real about what they feel and share together. And they might not have been prepared for it, they might not have expected it or even wanted it at first, but it’s there. It’s there and it’s real and it’s tangible and it’s them. So wholeheartedly them. And it cannot be denied. Not one little bit. And you feel that in your soul reading this book. You feel that in every way, in every moment, in every page. And the truth of that might scare these characters out of their ever loving minds in this book, but it’s everything to experience that with them.

All of that so outstandingly combines through this author’s writing to allow you to see the truth and vulnerability and heart and emotion that goes with the two of them as they wade their way through all of that ocean of realness and feeling.

And through it all, you believe in what could be with Jude and Amelia with your whole heart, but more than that you know that the two of them and their messy and complicated and flawed and very real love is worth it. It’s beyond worth it. And I felt that through every second of their story. And I loved it so damn much.

So. Damn. Much.

Jody Ellen Malpas just completely blew me away with this book. I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing about it. All I knew is that it was written by one of my favorite authors and that’s all I needed to know because I have loved every single book by the author. But I was so totally not prepared for how addicted and obsessed and completely and snared I would become in the story, in this couple, and their passionate love affair that is so layered and just so much more. I just could not get enough of what these characters were sharing.

From the first moments they meet, to their back-and-forth and that glorious and tension filled buildup, to every moment of what comes after. I was hooked. I needed everything with this couple. I could not get enough of what this couple shared, how they made each other feel everything they weren’t prepared for, how they both changed the game, and how they had to figure out what came next. I loved the layers of passion and fire and vulnerability and heart and love and spice and just so many other things that combined to make an incredible and unforgettable love story.

The Invitation throws you heart first into a world of wealth, desire, undeniable connection, and so much heart. This book definitely has some twists and turns to it that will send you reeling at times. It will definitely show you that these characters have something between them that can’t be denied. And it will definitely show you that Jude and Amelia are both in their own ways layered characters who have a lot to figure out, but who fit so perfectly together, and who show the other that nothing was ever right until it was the two of them.

Even in the moments of struggle with this couple, you feel that in your bones that there is something so inherently right and meant to be about them and what they share, and that is a true tell of the talent and connection this author infuses into these characters, into their love story, and into this book that you feel that through every single page.

This world is definitely my new obsession. I already need every single story. I need more of Jude and Amelia. I definitely need more of Abbie and the mysterious man that she met in France a few years ago. And I just want everything. This book is giving me the best feeling, it is leaving me reeling in the best way, but more than that it has me needing more of this world because I need more of this couple, more of their journey, and more of what these two are going to do next after the events of this book. I’m finishing this first book knowing that I care about these characters, that I’m invested in them, and that I love them with my whole heart and desperately need them to find a happily ever after… And it truly doesn’t get better than that.

I cannot say enough, good things about this book and the introduction to this world. I am clearly already hooked, I am invested wholeheartedly in these characters and their love story, and I am truly desperate for the follow up book. I cannot say that enough. I need everything with these characters. I need more of their passion, I need more of their hard moments, I need more of their truthful moments, I need more of their moments where they’re scared out of their minds because they’ve never felt like this before in their lives, I need more of the moments that turn the world upside down because I just love Jude and Amelia and the possibilities that could be for them. Those possibilities shined throughout this first book and I have no doubt they’ll continue in the next. And I am here for all of it!

This is a must read for fans of this author, but also if you are new to her words, jump in heart first into this world. It will show you how addictive, how provocative, and how utterly unforgettable a love story by Jodi Ellen Malpas can be, and you will be hooked. I promise you that! This woman truly knows how to write and create a consuming and all-feeling love story and this one was no different. She is also the queen of the alpha male and strong female heroine dynamic in my opinion, and she definitely delivers on that once again in this book. She delivers it all in The Invitation, and I for one cannot say enough good things about this book.

Simply put, this book is one of my top reads of the year.

It’s another amazing, consuming, and incredible love story from Jodi Ellen Malpas that is dynamic, layered, addictive, messy and raw, but most of all is a story about two complicated hearts and people finding the one person who changes everything. It’s about two people experiencing and finding something they weren’t prepared for. It’s about a love that is built out of the most unadulterated connection that threatens to consume them in every term. It’s about a fiery connection that soon becomes something so much more. But more than that, it’s truly a story of two people finding something in one another that completely turns their worlds upside down in a way that will change them and their hearts forever.

And honestly, that’s just scratching the surface of what I absolutely loved in The Invitation by Jodi Ellen Malpas.

The Invitation is the first book in the Arlington Hall series. It follows Amelia and Jude. Going into this book I was really excited to read it but this just felt really off and I LOVE dark men.

Jude is an extreme Christian Gray without the BDSM aspect. He is possessive, pushy, a bit deranged and way too toxic. Amelia isn’t much better. She is stiff, judgmental, selfish, and determined. While they do have insane chemistry together they were also extremely volatile and downright almost abusive to each other. It just felt so off and didn't sit right with me. They also don’t communicate well at all. I did like the drama aspect in the book with Katherine and those moments were some of the most entertaining parts in the book.

There was a part at the ending that did have me gasping although I knew something was going to happen. Even though I was disappointed with this book, I will still be continuing with the series just because I do want to know what happens next.

Thank you so much, Jodi Ellen Malpas, Montlake and Valentine PR, for the gifted copy!

Wow! This book is fantastic! The suspense of her inner battle was intense! I think I talked to Amelia through the entire book! And the cliffhanger!!! I need more! The chemistry between these characters is expløsive! I am in love with this book and can’t wait for more!
Jude Jude Jude!! I love Jude but that twist at the end has me reeling! Amelia is running, but I think it’s mostly from herself.
Jodi Ellen brings these characters to life through her writing. Whether you love or hãte a character, you are completely captivated by her words and can’t put the book down.

Invitation accepted!

THE INVITATION, book #1 in the Arlington Hall duet, had me captivated from the moment I picked it up. While it is not the best book I have read from Ms. Malpas, I still enjoyed it and found it entertaining, an escape from the real world for a few hours. With a possessive, touch her and die, obsessive MMC and a feisty FMC who falls for his charms how could I not like this book?

Amelia Lazenby is a career orientated woman who has recently broken up with her ex, she's not ready to settle down and have children. Her girlfriends take her to Arlington Hall for a day of pampering, where she meets a man who is as mysterious as he is handsome. Jude Harrison is the billionaire owner of Arlington Hall. He is possessive, obsessive, and ultra bossy and has his sights set on Amelia. He's the type of man who always gets what he wants and won't allow anyone get in his way. Amelia fell quickly for Jude, melting every time she saw him, yet she was strong enough to stand up to him while pushing him to his limits. Their relationship is intense, the chemistry is sizzling, and their heat is red hot, but there is something missing between them that I can't quite put my finger on.

Naturally there is a lot of drama between Amelia and Jude, some of coming from the relationship he has with a woman called Katherine. Now she is one woman who needs to be taught a lesson, she's a nasty piece of work. Amelia is also receiving pressure from her family in regard to her ex, her father really needs to listen to his daughter. I loved Amelia's girlfriends, those two were a riot, they had me laughing out loud many times, they were a great comedic relief.

THE INVITATION is not the end of Amelia and Jude's story, it continues in The Surrender, so yes it ends on a cliffhanger, one which had my jaw dropping. I did enjoy this book, Ms. Malpas's writing always draws me in and keeps me captivated. I can't wait to read what happens next.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

The Invitation is Amelia Lazenby and Jude Harrison’s story and it’s book one in the new Arlington Hall Series. What a great start to the series set in the country resort of Arlington Hall.
When Amelia’s friends treated her to a luxury spa day they had no idea her life was about to change forever…….
Fate works in mysterious ways and even though Amelia is not looking for love it seems Jude has been thrown into her life for a reason.
Jude is a man who likes to be in control and he is used to getting what he wants so what happens when it’s Amelia he wants…..
I loved everything about this book from the characters to the setting and everything in between. I fell hard and fast for Jude and I want Amelia and her friends in my corner. This is a well written, entertaining read that has left me excited for what’s to come.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME JODI!!!!!

I’ve been waiting for the book to release because JEM is an auto-buy author for me, and I would read a dictionary if she wrote it. But the way I inhaled every page of this book ?!? Probably not the healthiest.

As expected, the MMC has some baggage - and I live for finding out what that baggage is going to be. So many green flags mixed with the giant red ones, but I loved him no less. And that combination is explosive and destructive to our FMC, (and me) turning our sensible lead into pure mush. No one writes male leads the way JEM does, and Jude Harrison is every bit dirty and delicious. Totally worth throwing all caution to the wind.

In true JEM fashion though, there’s a bigger picture here - and I flew through the pages with my heart in my throat wondering what was around the corner. I was unprepared. THAT ENDING!!!!!

Now I’m anxiously awaiting September so I can see what comes next for these two!! So dang good 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻