Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

We return to Arlington with its rich, gorgeous, arrogant owner, Jude Harrison. The Surrender, Book 2 in the Arlington Hall duo, picks up where Book 1 left off. Amelia and Jude are at odds after Amelia finds out that how she and Jude met was not a coincidence. Amelia decides they are done....but Jude doesn't again. After relentlessly trying to get Amelia to talk to him, Jude finds himself back once again in her good graces (until he messes up again or does something completely "alphie" and over the top). But of course, there is more to Jude than meets the eye, and Amelia is beyond shocked to find out even more about this complicated man.
Only JEM can write a crazy, alpha man that many would not put up with in real life, but can't help but fall in love when reading about him in her books. Jude is a man who is easy to dislike at first, but in the end, he redeems himself. The Surrender had me frantically reading to see where the story was going to go next. This book has A LOT of big surprises in store for the reader. You will cry, swoon, and wait with bated breath to see what happens next. I loved it!

***The Surrender can not be read as a stand-alone. The Invitation must be read first.

The Surrender is the conclusion to Amelia Lazenby and Jude Harrison’s roller coaster of a ride. It’s book two in the Arlington Hall Series and you do need to read the first book The Invitation before picking this one up.
This book starts right where the first book ends with Jude trying to prove his love for Amelia and trying to apologise for what she thinks he has done. But the harder he try’s deeper his hole becomes and it seems there are more secrets to be revealed. So will Amelia give him a chance and what happens when both of their ex’s make a surprise visit……
This is a well written, roller coaster that I was happy to ride, there are twists and turns I didn’t see coming and characters I fell hard and fast for. I loved everything about this couple and I found myself cheering them on.

Passion, tension, drama, twists & turns

After the cliffhanger of The Invitation I just knew Jodi Ellen Malpas was going to deliver another epic read with THE SURRENDER, and she did not disappoint. THE SURRENDER was an emotional, passionate rollercoaster ride delivering plenty of drama, twists and turns, incredible spice, and an unforgettable love story. Jodi's words shattered, devastated, incited rage, brought on laughter, healed, comforted, and melted my heart. It was a journey which left me emotionally drained, yet feeling sated at the same time.

Amelia's heart had been shattered by Jude's betrayal; she wanted nothing to do with him even though she loved him. Jude is determined to win her back, he is lost without her, she has given him something he never thought he could have, a chance at love. The chemistry between them is insane, their spice is red hot, and their love for each other is deep, but are the secrets Jude keeps preventing them from having what they both desire? Their relationship is messy, toxic, filled with secrets, and constantly threatened by outsiders. Just when you think they've finally sorted everything out, another secret rears its ugly head and hearts are once again shattered.

I loved Amelia, she is fierce and strong (a lot stronger than she believes), and has a heart filled with love, she just wants the same in return. Her world is turned upside-down, yet she still stands tall and fights for herself and her independence. I must admit, when I first met Jude, I didn't like him, he was the ultimate cad, but boy, did this man grow on me. He was possessive, protective, tortured by his past, and he really needed to do some huge groveling but through it all he managed to gain a piece of my heart. I loved that his vulnerable and softer side emerged when he began to open up, it was heartbreaking to understand where his troubles began. I have never cheered more for a couple to sort things out than I did for these two.

Once again, we get to see Charley and Abbie (boy does she get a shock about her man from Paris), Amelia's girlfriends, and they are just as crazy and supportive as ever. Amelia's family are definitely interesting. Her parents' first visit to Arlington Hall had me giggling. I just wished that her father had given her more credit, he really needed to realise that she was no longer a little girl. Jude's brothers were the polar opposite to him, but they never had to shoulder the burdens he carried. The cast of characters really brought the drama, intensity, emotions, and of course, the love.

THE SURRENDER was another exquisite masterpiece from Jodi. Her twists and turns had me guessing who the bad guy was ... and I never would have thought it!! This is a story of betrayal, pain, deceit, lies, healing, inner strength, and finding true love. Prepare to have your emotions tested, grab some tissues, and enjoy the man who is Jude Harrison.

Amelia and Jude's story is not one to be missed.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

I was excited to read The Surrender after finishing The Invitation, sadly it didn't fully work for me. It was angsty, dramatic and over the top. While these are elements I usually enjoy they somehow annoyed me in this setting and with these characters. They ubbed me the wrong way even their toxicity which I also usually enjoy. I also found it repetitive especially their arguments. However, I did enjoy the twists and turns and the fact that my questions were answered. I enjoyed the community of friends and family and how those relationship dynamics affected Jude and Amelia's relationship. Overall I enjoyed it but just not in the way I was expecting.

Was so happy I didn’t need to wait to long for this book as book 1 left us with a cliff hanger.

I didn't think I would love this book a few chapters in i was still not loving Amelia, but my god she turned it around.

Jude I'm still trying to get my head around loving his charter as much as I did.

Jodi is one talented author you love to hate, hate to love these characters through this book,the journey these two go is one hell of an emotional ride.

The friends Amelia's has there ride or die for each other I love this always there for each other and Amelia need her friends in this book.

I have everything crossed hoping Abbie gets a book

Will be reading the series again it's that good

It's 5 huge stars from me

This book picks up with Jude and Amelia on the outs and him trying to win her back. She wants nothing to do with him, but he is not giving up. The dynamic between them is scorching hot. Amelia must decide if she can forgive him. As their figure things out, there are elements out their trying to break up. Once Jude finally tells Amelia everything, they become good. I did want to hurt him for not telling her the things she needed to know.

Jodi Ellen Malpas returns with another stormy, seductive, and emotionally charged romance in The Surrender. A gripping tale of love, betrayal, and second chances, the novel dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of trust and desire, testing its characters—and readers—every step of the way.

At its heart is Amelia Lazenby, a woman reeling from the emotional wreckage caused by Jude Harrison—a dangerously magnetic man who shattered her trust once before. But Jude isn’t done with her. When he reappears, he's a man on a mission: full of apologies, tender kisses, and burning intensity that refuses to let Amelia walk away without a fight.

The Surrender is a sizzling, dramatic ride perfect for readers who enjoy angst-filled, high-stakes romances with complex characters and emotional payoff. If you're drawn to stories about broken trust, steamy reconciliation, and love that won’t quit—even when it probably should—this one’s for you.

Book One left us with a cliffhanger, and this sequel was everything we needed to complete that story. It begins with Jude pining for Amelia. Amelia also misses Jude but is deeply hurt by his actions. What started as a bet for him turned into something real; what he didn’t account for was his heart falling for Amelia. For Jude, she is his salvation, the only person who can bring light into his dark life. Amelia is angry and heartbroken.

Both Jude and Amelia are trying to cope separately, but with such strong attraction between them, can they really stay apart for long that is the question. This book brings so many twists and turns, with revelations that are dark yet understandable. Jude downright starts stalking her in order to make her listen. Her ex, Nick, also plays quite an interesting role in the story. Amelia and Jude share quite the chemistry; it is hot, intense and needy.

The love between Jude and Amelia is raw and carnal. They can't stay apart from each other, but their differences and all the situations and different people don't want them to be together. They are two very possessive beings and they would claw at anyone who even looked at the other with wrong intentions. The way the story unfolds is gripping and highly entertaining.

This is the second book of the Arlington Hall series and picks up one week after the ending of book one The Invitation.

Were there still similarities between this and another favourite series of mine by JEM…Yes, but I think this is why I love this series so much and why it will be another go to read on a regular basis.

In The Surrender, Jude is relentless in his pursuit to get Amelia back, however he no sooner redeems himself than he messes up again with miscommunication and secrets.

It didn’t help with each of their ex’s trying to keep them apart. The twist with Jude and Amelia’s ex Nick I didn’t see coming.

Has Jude knocked Jesse from his top spot. Not quite.

With the epilogue, I prey we get a book about Abbie (Amelia’s best friend) and Casey (Jude’s brother).

The Surrender is the second book in the Arlington Hall duet and to say I was ready for this book at the end of The Invitation is an understatement! JEM made it worth the wait!

When we left Jude and Amelia at the end of The Invitation, Jude had a whole lot of groveling to do if he was going to get back in Amelia's (and the readers!) good graces. Amelia is heartbroken and while she is trying valiantly to move on with her life, she can't forget, or let go of what she feels for Jude. Jude begins to try to win her back, but he realizes it is going to be more of a challenge than he expected. Will their love be strong enough to make it through in the end?

This book was full of twists and turns and I was not prepared for some of them! I. knew deep down there were reasons for what made Jude tick and why he was how he was. There was no doubt that he was a broken man and it made you feel all the more for him as you learn his story. Amelia was such a strong character and I loved that. You couldn't help but feel so much while reading this book, but I would highly recommend both The Invitation and The Surrender!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Jodi does it again—bringing all the drama, passion, and tension she’s known for. Jude and Amelia’s relationship is a rollercoaster of ups and downs. And that ending? Absolutely not what I saw coming! If you love unpredictable twists mixed with intense chemistry, this one is for you.

4.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book as a whole. It was a great story and conclusion to Jude and Amelia's story. There were a few things that absolutely drove me mad. At one point. I was so frustrated with the amount of sex in the book. I shouted, "ffs let her eat her bloody pasta." I can laugh now, but I almost stopped reading and would have if the story had been bad.

But the story and characters were what kept me going. The story was emotional and completely heartbreaking, especially when all the secrets are revealed. I thought Amelia was a pushover to start with, but then she wasn't. She was strong, vocal, and stood for no nonsense.

I, of course, can't reveal anything else. But know its great and the truth after the cliffhanger from book one was worth waiting for. This book is a huge recommendation from me.

Oh holy mother of an intense read! Honestly I had whiplash with how the storyline goes! Jude Harrison!!! Im not even sure how to categorize the man! There are so many sides to him! Possesive, demanding, intense and gorgeous to name a few! And Amelia, thot poor woman, who really has a heart of gold and just wants to live her life for herself!!! But what happens when the connection is so strong that it blurs the lines?? What happens when the truth comes out?? Life is so unexpected and the journey that gets you happiness may be fraught with unexpected obstacles! I devoured this second part of the duet, it was a thrilling, emotional journey to the end of a spectacular duet!

Jesus almighty, woman! You just gave me the most stressful ride of my damn life. Bravo 👏🏼 five stars. I’m 99% sure my heart fell out of my chest toward the end of this book. Holy gods. Jude’s truth absolutely destroyed me. Wow, just wow. I could never imagine. I am so glad to see justification come to some characters but I still have questions especially when two side characters locked eyes… IYKYK *eeekkkkk* loved every second of this!

If The Temptation wrecked me, The Surrender completely obliterated me.

This book is the very definition of pain, passion, and obsession colliding. I felt everything—Amelia’s heartbreak, her hope, her desperate need to protect her heart while knowing Jude Harrison is the one man she can’t resist. And Jude… 🥵🔥 Jude is temptation and destruction wrapped into one impossibly magnetic man. Possessive, dangerous, intoxicating—he’s chaos, and yet somehow the calm she craves. I’m obsessed, and I’m not even sorry.

The push and pull between them is brutal and beautiful at the same time. Every secret that dropped had me gasping, every twist left me reeling. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Jodi Ellen Malpas flipped everything upside down.

By the time I hit that ending, I was broken, breathless, and begging for more. This series is pure emotional warfare, and I’m surrendering right along with Amelia.

So much drama and so many tears but also so much love between Jude and Amelia. I didn’t see the twist involving nick and Jude but it was good! And the ending was a perfect set up for the next book. Really can’t wait for that. Definitely recommend this series, it’s a good one.

Gahhh! This finale to the Arlington Hall series does not disappoint! Just the right amount of angst to keep the reader invested in the story.

Jude and Amelia's chemistry is like a house on fire, and seeing the vulnerabilities of both Jude and Amelia as they navigate this new relationship kept me glued to the pages of my Kindle.

Beautiful settings, secrets, and intrigue galore is what is going to keep you reading until the end.

When you finish the first book in a series with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, and can’t wait to jump into the sequel, my goodness–that was me! Once again, JEM’s delivered an addictive read by doing it the only way she knows how. Brilliantly! If The Invitation kept me glued to the pages, I read it just over a day; The Surrender is such that I devoured it from beginning to end without coming up for air. Certainly not advisable for those who need their sleep, but in my case, totally worth every second.

The high-stakes drama between Amelia Lazenby and Jude Harrison is more intense than ever; their off-the-charts steaminess is charged with witty banter and sharp-tongued comebacks, showcasing their flaws and vulnerabilities. That said, we see Jude at his best. Trying to keep his anger in check–granted–there are some pretty dark moments where he’s pushed to the limits, and atoning for a past betrayal, he’s still his gorgeous self. More relaxed, patient, and ooh my, definitely more willing.

Amelia’s getting her life on track. And I liked that because her happiness shines strongly when everything runs smoothly. Yet, not all is what it seems, especially when she fears that giving in to the man whom she can’t resist could lead to more pain. Whilst I thought I knew where their story was going, JEM expertly built emotional intrigue that threw me off guard time and time again, and I couldn’t get enough!

Malpas’ humour is reflected in so very many agreeable scenarios. Yes, I laughed out loud, but she also got me crying like a baby in the all-consuming ones. The baddie—I abhorred this individual—continues to make waves, and another character I thought inoffensive in The Invitation shows their true colours. And I found myself getting frustrated with Amelia’s father because I wanted him to see her for who she truly is; nonetheless, family and close friends play a huge part on both sides, some being more absent than others; they’re there when most needed.

What stood out were JEM’s Brit nuances. And although she’s true to her word, I did find a couple of teensy-weensy Americanisms that gave me pause. Totally acceptable in my book since her storytelling is nothing less than mind-blowing. With no wish for Amelia and Jude’s story to finish, blinking heck–after ending the book, the only word I could think of was EPIC! Arlington Hall is the best duet I’ve read in a long, long time, and I’d love JEM to give another character a chance to tell their story. Simply Bravissimo!

Many thanks to Montlake, VPR and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you’ve already read The Invitation, you know it ends on a big cliffhanger. The Surrender picks up right after the bombshell revelation (no spoilers here). Chaos has taken the wheel after Emily discovers a devastating betrayal. After giving Jude a chance to redeem himself and his actions, Emily’s on guard, and keeps wondering if she’s making another huge mistake with Jude. She simply can’t resist his charms, or the pull they have towards one another. This time, though there’s something sincere about Jude’s promises. Jude has so much he’s keeping from Amelia, but he’s terrified of losing her if she finds out his truth. Amelia keeps telling Jude to be honest with her, but she’s also afraid that what he reveals could be too much for her to stay in a relationship with him. Of course, Katherine isn’t ever far from Arlington Hall, and Amelia will have to figure out how to deal with her and keep Jude. Same with Nick’s annoying antics.

While reconciling with Jude, Amelia is still working really hard to secure a partnership at work. All sorts of personal and professional obstacles attempt to divert her, but her fierceness, smarts, and determination are a huge reason I love her. She has her career aspirations and won’t be made to feel bad about it. Unlike Nick, Jude is a huge fan of her being the baddie she is. He loves that about her, and seeing her shine gives him so much joy.

I loved this duet! If you’re a fan of JEM, I immediately got Jesse Ward vibes, but that was short-lived once I got a better feel for Jude. He’s a whole host of red flags. Add in the wealth, total hotness, and just enough vulnerability, and I’m madly in love with his beautiful messiness! Jude’s allure lies both in his commanding presence and in the mysteries he guards. So much heat in this story, and I’m here for all of it! There are so many feels in this book, and my emotions were all over the place. Both Jude and Amelia’s families and friends make a great support system—most of the time. With certain developments in this book, I’m hoping a new story is on the horizon.

Continuing on from where The Invitation ended, Jude has a lot of making amends to do and a lot of explaining himself for all the pain and upset he’s caused Amelia. Jude’s character for me sometimes becomes a little bit too overbearing in his pursuit of her while trying to make things right but also the same can be said about her ex boyfriend Nick. Poor girl has two slightly unhinged men fighting over her, an creep who works in her office and then add Katherine into the mix, it’s a wonder that she doesn’t go insane from the pressure put on her from them all.
I really liked the story as it was good read with a few plot twists here and there, but I did predict the main big reveal one coming towards the end but not the very end one that resolved everything. The writing was great as it always is from this author, the story flowed well as I read it in one sitting. My reason for only giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because as much as I love an alpha male I don’t like it when they become a little bit too controlling of the female character, Jude was just too possessive at times for my liking.