I will admit that it has been a very long time since I've read the The Man Series. So it took me a while to remember Drew. With that being said, you can absolutely read this novella without having read a lick of This Man. In fact, while I thought it was fun to catch up and get some more of Jesse, he doesn't really play that huge of a role in it so you aren't missing out. What this did do though, is make me want to go back and re-read the series because I miss it. It's been way to long.

Drew has been content with his life. Especially since his daughter came into his world. She's everything to him so he takes no chances of relationships. He uses Hux as an escape to satisfy his sexual needs and that's that. Until his name is given to a new girl of the club. He comes highly recommended to be cold and emotionless. Exactly what she is asking for. Easy. He can do this.

Raya is hiding from something. She doesn't want relationships, she just wants to escape. To find someone to make her forget her past. Drew is supposed to be that man. But as they progress with their agreement, things change. Feelings change and Raya is left yet again facing the task of opening up or running.

First of all, this book is seriously hot. I'm pretty sure Drew and Raya have their hands on each other for 90% of the time. The other 10% gives us a bit of angst that has us rooting for the two of them. The progression of their relationship is tough for both of them and when they finally realize how much they care for each other, circumstances keep putting a huge wedge between them.

Of course I enjoyed the moments when Jesse there and we even get a "trampled" reference! As I said before, he doesn't play huge role. He's there for Drew and helps him along but the main focus is on Drew and Raya.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella. It gave me something new with Drew's story. He's sexy, deliciously filthy and intelligent. If you are looking for alpha tendencies, dirty mouth, little angst and down right steamy play, then this is the book for you!

Jodi Ellen Malpas has created yet another captivating and seductive romance with this follow up novella from her This Man Trilogy. All I Am features Jessie’s friend, the very dominant and totally swoonworthy Drew Davies, and his super steamy story is sure to keep you glued to the pages!

Drew is a bit hardened from his past with women, namely due to the completely batshit crazy and manipulative mother of his child, Coral. He has written off relationships all together, and saves the only room in his heart for his daughter, Georgia. Raya Rivers is looking for an escape – anything to take her mind off of her present misery. When the two strangers first meet, it is for one purpose only, sex. Both make it perfectly clear they are not looking for relationships, and their passionate ‘sexcapades’ provide the perfect distraction they need from their everyday lives. However, as their relationship billows over into the realm of Drew’s real estate business, so do their feelings, and neither can resist their passionate draw to each other. Drew becomes totally consumed with thoughts of Raya, begins breaking all of his own rules, and becomes determined to know what is haunting the gorgeous and mysterious woman.

I absolutely adored Drew’s character as a sweet and loving father to Georgia, and I completely sympathized with him in his situation in dealing with Coral. He was strong and determined in what he wanted, yet I loved his softer and funny inner monologue as he battled in his feelings towards Raya. Talk about a woman that can bring a man to his knees… Raya completely bewitched Drew with her allure, and he didn’t even see it coming! Their passion was like dynamite between them, and their sexual proclivities totally made me blush from the get-go. Seriously, I swear I needed a fan for all of their sexy sizzle!

I really enjoyed seeing the characters from the This Man Series again. If you haven’t read that series yet, then you must! All of their lives have changed so much, and it was nice to see how all of their friendships have kept close like one big family. Drew, Sam, and Jesse really are like brothers with their ‘man dates’ and all of their ribbing and teasing with each other. I wish I could say the same for Coral… My goodness, I didn’t think that I could actually despise a character so much! However, her awfulness only enhanced my feelings for what an incredible guy Drew was to tolerate her for his daughter.

I love Malpas’s ability to create these hardened alpha males and their strong-willed heroines who blow their minds, break down all their barriers, and reveal such a softness within them. Her descriptive writing brings such a reality to her complex characters, who are broken and you can’t help but love. Her 'kapow' factor that she puts in her sexy scenes is intense, and her sweet happily ever after’s are just the perfect balance to melt your heart!

This is a great read, and I highly recommend you meet Drew Davies in this incredibly sexy and sweet romance!

*** 5 Stars for Me! ***

All I Am: Drew's Story by Jodi Ellen Malpas was simply exquisite!!

Every single book this author has written has immediately become some of my favourite reads. This novella is certainly no exception.

Throughout this novel, you will experience all the feels. You will have love and sadness, steamy and sexiness. You may be mad or upset, but overall, you will be filled with happiness due to the fact that JEM has killed yet another book!!

It was so amazing to go back in time to the world of the This Man series!! I loved getting to see into these characters and this world again!

I cannot wait to read many more fabulous books from this author in the future!!

5/5 Stars!

Reviewed By Tori

Favorite Quote: “This woman could be my downfall. Could make me forget who I am. All I am.”

Raya Rivers came to Hux looking for sex. Hot, filthy, erotic sex with no commitment or emotional involvement. She has recently suffered an emotional blow and just wants to taken high up on the mountain then left alone. And who better than the club’s resident commitment-phobe?

Drew Davis is a forty plus workaholic who is quite content being unattached. As a single dad, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, his friends, and at Hux, an all inclusive sex club. When Drew is notified that someone at Hux has requested his particular skills- he is well known for his chains and cold, detached attitude- he goes in expecting a pleasant interlude and is shocked by the force of his connection to a woman he’s never seen before and probably never will again.

The more time they spend together, the harder they both fall, but neither were looking for love or happily ever after. When Drew’s fears get the best of him, Drew will have to learn to trust again or lose Raya forever.

All I Am will seduce and delight fans of Malpas’ This Man series, especially those who love any mention of Jessie Ward. This short full bodied novella gives readers an emotional and heartfelt erotic romance when cupid’s arrow hits one man when he least expects it. Told entirely from the male perspective, we are given an intimate look into Drew’s life and thoughts. This single dad is very private and selective about who he allows into his life and therefore his daughter’s, Georgia. After the stunt his baby mama pulled, Drew’s trust in women is at an all-time low.

I don’t trust women.

Meeting Raya Rivers is a blow Drew never saw coming. The chemistry between them left this reader’s Kindle smoking as their first club scene sets the stage for more to come. Intense sexual tension and kinky playtime keep you on edge as Drew fights his feelings for Raya and what she represents.

I can’t think past simply getting her naked. Putting my hands on her skin. My lips on hers. […] A need in me, a desperation I’ve never experienced before, robs my mind of rational thought.

Plenty of humor comes in the form of Sam and Jessie, Drews two best friends, and Drew’s little girl. As Drew is the only single one left, he’s had a front-row seat to Sam and Jessie’s relationship dramas for years and now get to benefit from their collective wisdom. And what wisdom it is. *laughs out loud* I love the easy and obviously close friendship they share. These three would do anything for each other and it shows.

“There’s not a chance in hell we’re getting through there.”

“You just need to be creative.” Sam produces two passports, a pair of boarding passes held between the pages.

I balk at him horrified. “Where the hell did you get them?”

“I borrowed them.” He shrugged like he hadn’t just committed a crime. […] “Don’t worry, I’ll give them back.”

Drew’s relationship with his daughter is adorable and I love how he thinks of her first and foremost before committing to anything. He really needs to do something about his baby mama. *nods head knowingly* She makes crazy look sane.

The ending is a dramatic affair that requires Drew to be one hundred percent honest with Raya and lay his heart out on his sleeve without knowing if it will be enough for her.

“You did something to me that’s never happened before, and it scared me. […] I should have had has more faith in you. In us. “

My only issues with this story were I do wish the ending hadn’t been so rushed or Georgia used so obviously as a plot device. Regardless, All I Am was an enjoyable visit back into Malpas’ This Man series.

An interesting tidbit: I believe we meet the heroine of Malpas’ next full length novel-The Forbidden– in here. Malpas has firmly said this is NOT a spin-off of this series so we shall see. I’m excited to read it and will post my review closer to the release date (August 8th)

Grade: B-

JEM totally hits it out of the ballpark with Drew and Raya's story! Fans of the This Man series will love catching up with Jesse & Co. eight years after he married Ava. Little snippets of his life as a family man are offered up as he plays the role of Drew's dutiful friend and confidant. And Drew can use all the sage advice about relationships and love that he can get because he's frustratingly clueless. I love that Raya is equally as stubborn as Drew-- it adds to their chemistry and makes for a truly hot read. Because this is a novella, the story develops quickly but nothing is lost in this well-crafted story of true and unconditional love.

I am still on a high after finishing Drew's story. All I Am may have been short but it was jam packed with steam and angst and just a pinch of humor. Mini spoiler alert...there is more than one Jesse and Sam sighting! Getting to catch up with them was the cherry on top of this sexy sundae.

I tore through Drew's story. I felt for him. I wanted more for him than what he set himself up for. He has so much to give and all it took was the right person to make him realize it. Enter Raya. Fiery. Bold. Guarded. The match to Drew's spark.

Despite not wanting the closeness, these two couldn't stop the force pulling them together.
I LOVED seeing alpha Drew come out in all his glory, both in and out of the club. But what I loved more were the small moments with Georgia. That sweet girl stole the show with her innocence and joy and it showed a different side to Drew; his capacity to love.

Jodi Ellen Malpas has this way about her writing that just sucks me in and makes me a part of that world. It's a place that's very real and I easily find myself lost to it, and not wanting to leave. And I always want more of her words and her incredibly complex and wonderfully flawed characters. So, if you're a fan of The Lord of the Manor then you do not want to miss this addition to the series.

*This was a DNF for me. I stopped around the 40% mark. As such, I won't be posting a review on my blog. I've included some notes below as to why I wasn't a fan of this novella.

Notes:

I'm a fan of whirlwind romances but what I don't connect with are insta-love situations where it's a love-at-first-sight, no-explanations-needed type of romance. I want some deeper connection than two people seeing each other and not knowing why each is the other's game-changer. Even with the time crunch of the novella, I wanted more buildup or at least more chemistry to give a good reason why Drew would go against his character to fall head over heels for someone he hardly knows

I think the novella would've benefitted from dual perspectives because the chemistry seems forced and one-sided. There was too much telling and not enough showing on Drew's part. We're told that they have this magnetic draw between them but, aside from their sexual interactions, they seem awkward together. Ultimately, the insta-love was more frustrating than anything because it didn't make any sense and left me with one important question: Why?.

All I Am is a quick and sexy little spin off of Jodi Ellen Malpas’s wildly successful This Man series. The plot centers around Drew in this story. It’s been so long since I’ve read the trilogy that I completely forgot who Drew was at first, but there’s enough exposition that your memory will be easily refreshed. Drew is one of Jesse’s two best mates.

The novella is a bit of a thank-you gift to fans of the series. The story takes place seven years after This Man Confessed, and I must say it’s an awfully fun reunion with Jesse and crew. Drew is the only one who is still happily single and involved in the BSDM sex club scene. He’s a model single father to his young daughter, but he has a reputation for being cold and detached towards women. Raya Rivers is new to the club and she gets paired up with Drew one night. Drew immediately gets stars in his eyes, and so the story begins.

Raya has an air of mystery around her that makes her more interesting. Drew’s relationship with his daughter is delightful, especially as it contrasts to his sexual activities. Raya and Drew’s love affair is hot, fast, and rather predictable, and there are quite a few illogical events in the story. However, it’s an enjoyable romance for a novella and a special treat for those who want to take a trip back to the This Man world.

All I Am does contain some spoilers from the series so I recommend that you read all three previous books first.

It's been a while since I read JEM's This Man series, years in fact so I think I can be a little bit forgiven for my more senior moment when I spied this, racking my brain muttering, Drew? Drew who? And then penny dropped. Jesse's buddy with the daughter. Yes please.

"She wants cold and emotionless. You can’t get any more emotionless and detached than me."

If you enjoyed the series you're likely to love this little return because not only do we get to see Drew fall, but we get to see him do it surrounded by some very well-known faces. I kid you not the humour Drew, Jesse and Sam bring was as appreciated as the sexy-time, and with a good dose of cute coming from Drew's daughter it ticked all the boxes.

"Simple, straightforward sex, no added kink. I didn’t even know I had it in me."

Drew and Raya were lovely together, bringing the hot stuff and the heartfelt and, whilst yes, everything was very insta, All I Am is a short sexy fix, it worked and bridges the way nicely into The Forbidden.

Drew has his story now. Almost forty years old now, he is still single and looking for no romantic entanglements. His life is his daughter Georgia and that is it.

Meeting Raya is a shock to his system. First, she is only twenty-four years old. Second, the immediate attraction was so strong he could barely believe he was capable of such emotions. Her scent, skin, and eyes would forever remain with him.

Their intimate encounter was beyond anything he had ever experienced. This was all new territory for him and would haunt him until he was able to shake off this attraction.

This is a short novella and it is memorable. To read about Drew falling "head over heels" is worth every minute. Echoes of Love Actually were singing through my head as I read it. Bravo! Lovely story!

I am voluntarily reviewing this title. Thank you to the publisher for sharing a copy of this book.

Jodi Ellen Malpas has done it again! This brilliant little novella is a great addition and reminder of where her journey into writing first started with the (This Man series) and the unforgettable "Lord of the Manor" Jesse Ward. This is Drew's story. He was always an intriguing side character and friend to Jesse in the previous books and here we get to see him in his own right as the male lead in All I Am.
I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book and once I started to read the story I just had to keep going until I'd finished it in the early hours of the morning, it is a very addictive read so you have been warned!
I'm pretty sure that if you haven't read the other previous books in this series that you could still read this book and enjoy the story but for those of you that have, you will be in on the inside of the jokes and banter that goes on between the three friends of Drew, Jesse and Sam and you won't be able to stop smiling.
The story was panty meltingly hot to say the least, and I was absolutely desperate to see where the sizzling attraction between Drew and Raya would go after their first encounter. They have such an amazing physical connection going on between them that you just can't help feeling a tiny little bit jealous of Raya's character for being "the one" for Drew, he is the ultimate older man that knows how to satisfy and fulfil all of the needs that she has and boy does he do it and so much more...
This is sure to be a big hit with all Jodi Ellen Malpas fans old and new as not only do we get Drew's story we also get an update into the lives of Jesse and Ava and Sam and kate. In fact as usual Jesse tries to trample everyone in his way and almost stole the starring role from Drew but you just can't help yourself from loving him even more for it as I'd expect nothing less from Jesse Ward!
Jodi is a brilliant writer that always takes you on a heart stopping journey with her characters. She knows how to put just the right amount of emotion and depth into her stories without making them feel unbelievable. If you can't already tell that I loved this story then I must tell you that this book is totally amazing!!!!
5 Fantastic Stars!

Quick & Dirty, just like Drew! All I Am provides us a peak into life after the Manor and what happened to Drew when everyone else found their Happily Ever After. ~ Heather, White Hot Reads

I am totally in love with all things the Lord of the Manor. Drew is part of that. This is just what he needed. A swift kick in the... heart! It was so exciting to see him feel his way though this novella. It was the polar opposite of the playboy who wanted no connection and no attachment.

Until Raya.
She shook his life up like a smoothie in a blender. It was epic.

He's still Drew so he knows how to make a woman melt at his feet... and I was one of those women! Holy Swoonworthiness! Apparently Jesse taught Drew some skills!

I loved, loved, loved catching up with Drew and his friends! He finally got what he needed and it was perfect in every way!

Well this was a sexy morsel of a treat from Jodi. We all remember Drew from the This Man trilogy right? He was just there in the background with his mates Sam and Jesse but we didn't really get to know him as much as them. You may also remember that he enjoyed spending a lot of time at the Manor indulging in his sexual proclivities. And how can we forget that moment he found out he was going to be a father? It is a shame the mother of his child is bat shit crazy though...

The most important thing in Drew's life is his relationship with his daughter Georgia. He has a busy fulfilling life between being a father and working. He also likes to spend time at Hux, a club where he gets his regular no strings attached sexual pleasure. This is where he first meets Raya. A woman who comes to Hux to be pleasured by a man without all the baggage that comes with a relationship.

'Fuck me, I think I'm on the way to forgetting my own name, too. The smell of her is stimulating and debilitating all at once. The feel of her is electric on my skin, and I'm not even naked yet.'

Fortunately for Drew, he has the pleasure of intimately exploring Raya's body. However, his reaction to her freaks him out just a little, before he has even touched her he is feeling this intense connection to her. He is a master is compartmentalizing his experiences with different woman and never really gives them another thought but this girl has completely gotten under and inside him after one night. He needs to see her again.

'The rooms seems to shrink, taking the oxygen with it. My cock swells, my skin prickles with excitement, and my hand flexes around hers. And I just manage to find some breath to speak.'

Raya recently got out of a relationship that left her feeling mistrustful of ever being in one again. She is also dealing with the loss of someone close to her and just wants to forget everything by losing herself in some sexual pleasure with a man who makes her feel wanted. No strings, no feelings, no emotions, just fucking. She was not counting on how incredible it would be and how intense the attraction to Drew would be.

Drew has watched both of his mates fall to their knees for the women in their lives and he never thought it would happen to him so why can't he get Raya out of his head? And let's face it, he has a little girl to think of too. How would a woman react to knowing he was a father, surely they wouldn't want to be with him then right?

'I kiss her like I mean it. I relish the contact of our mouths and find a new kid of passion. A passion that's not part of the process of getting laid, but part of a burning need I've never experienced. To be close to a woman.'

I loved this glimpse into Drew's life and of course there were some star appearances from Jesse, Ava, Sam, Kate and the kiddies. If you are a This Man fan then this will be like opening a wonderful unexpected present!

BIANCA

Such a great novella!

We hadn't heard anything from the This Man world in such a long time! And now here they are! Drew, Sam, Ava AND JESSE!

And while Jesse is his usual adorable, crazy self - this novella is about Drew!

And he's going crazy too, just like Jesse did about Ava.

He never wanted to have a relationship - he has his daughter, his business, and his sex club, that's all he needs. But Raya is driving him insane! He can't stop thinking about her. And of course it might have been possible to forget her, but then she goes and hires Drew's company - not knowing it's Drew's!

Adorable!

It's so sweet, but also almost painful, to watch poor Drew fall in love with a woman for the first time in his life!!! I loved it!

And I also loved those many very erotic moments!!! Phew! (even though I don't need chains in the bedroom - at all! Drew loves them! And we love Drew!)

And those sweet daddy-daughter moments! Awww.

And we still hate the hell out of Drew's baby momma! Horrible person!

We also gets lots of awwws and laughs in with Sam and Jesse! *swoon*

Perfect novella!

ALL I AM was such an adorably beautiful & exciting & erotic & funny romance! Run to your nearest amazon for your own perfect addition to the THIS MAN series! Hurry, or Jesse will eat all the peanut butter by himself!


JANEANE

ARC received for an honest review

Not going to lie - I have terrible bookzheimer's and it has been such a long time since I dipped my toe into the This Man series that I couldn't remember who Drew was - at first.

It didn't take me long to remember Drew and Sam - you know, Jesse Ward's best friends, regulars at The Manor and all that.

There was so much I had forgotten. I had forgotten about Drew's daughter Georgia. I had forgotten how much of a conniving cow her mother Coral was - I think I had repressed those memories as they mad me so mad reading the earlier books I wanted to forget her forever!

Drew is all business and no emotional connections - until the wonder that is Raya comes into his life. She drives him bonkers - but in the best way.

I loved seeing Drew's vulnerability surface, love seeing him as more than the polished guy. And OMG him with his daughter - ovaries exploding! She is such a little scene stealer.

All I Am is a great novella, giving us Drew's story as well as a little snippet into Jesse and Ava, and Sam and Kate's worlds. Sigh, it makes me want to go back and reread the This Man series all over again.

**WILL GO LIVE ON BLOG AND AMAZON ETC ON RELEASE DAY**

I was delighted to receive a copy of this book, I adore Gem and couldn't wait to read Drew's story. From the first page I was hooked I loved all the characters new and old, and I managed to get a Jesse Ward Fix as well. Good Lord what a cracker of a novella. !

First, can I say, YAAAAH we get a glimpse at The Lord! But all Lord things aside, I really loved learning about Drew, how things went for him after the conclusion of the This Man trilogy. As you know if you have read the trilogy, Drew is the father to a child with one of Jesse’s playmates that he had before he met Ava.
The first thing I loved about this was the chemistry that radiated off of Raya and Drew when they were together. Their passion was sizzling and off the charts. JEM knows how to write the naughty scenes and leaves you fanning yourself! The juggling of Drew trying to figure out his feelings were priceless as he consults his friends and eventually his daughter gets involved. Two words. Airport scene. I was laughing so hard.
Overall, this was a great addition to The Lord and his world. You get a peek in at all the past players which adds to some great depth! If you are a fan of the trilogy, you will want to add this bad boy to it!

4 Hot Stars

Ms. Jodi Ellen Malpas can do no wrong when it comes to the This Man series. And getting a little more of Jesse "The Lord" Ward and his friends--I'll take it. And reading about Drew and his bachelor life had me reading this novella non-stop!

Drew's life is simple. He loves his daughter, has great friends and loves his single life with no attachment. He may have a crazy baby mama, but Drew enjoys his life as it is. He spends his time at Hux, a club where he fulfills his desires and then moves on. What more can a man want?

But when the beautiful and intriguing Raya walks into his life at Hux, it's all about to change! Normally, when you hook up at Hux, it's all about anonymity and fulfilling your fantasies. But the connection that these two have is hot and deep, where they both can't explain it.

And when their outside lives outside Hux cross paths, Raya and Drew can't help the attraction. Raya is running from her past and Drew is trying to understand his need to keep her around.

All I Am is quick, humorous and steamy read (Drew likes some chains...) that will make your heartbreak and swoon over Drew, Raya and his little girl! Plus, we get a little more of Jesse and Ava's crazy marriage life!

I can tell you that I really enjoyed getting another glimpse into the This Man world. It was great to revisit with Jesse, Ava, Sam and Kate as well. Drew and Raya's story was fast-paced, funny and very sexy. I definitely recommend this book, this wonderful series and this author.

Words can't tell you how excited I was to be back with the This Man gang, I was jumping up and down. This Novella was just perfect and this is Drew's story .......
Drew is almost 40 years old and the love of his life is his 7 year old daughter, he has never had time for love or relationships, for him his one night stands with women with no names at the Hux Club is all he wants that is until he meets Raya. The attraction is instant and the chemistry is intense and one night will never be enough. Has the man who has never been in love finally fallen ........
Im so pleased that we got Drew's story I think it was a story we needed, I loved getting to know what made this sexy mysterious man tick and what finally made him realise he was capable of loving someone other than his daughter and did I mention this book is HOT!!! Jodi Ellen Malpas gives us just a few snippets of what Jessie & Ava, Sam & Kate are doing without them taking over Drew's story, this is brilliant addition to the This Man Trilogy. Jodi Ellen Malpas has once again given us another 5 star read.

In All I Am, Jodi Ellen Malpas delivers a fast-paced contemporary romance with BDSM elements that capture the reader's attention from the start.

Drew is a cold-hearted man who doesn't care for a relationship. In any other story, he'd be a total jerk and come across like every other hero. Except, he isn't. I think Jodi Ellen Malpas does a fine job of justifying his reasons for being who he is by the love he professes for his daughter Georgia. He's not afraid to play dress up and wear a tiara if his daughter wants him to, the same as he isn't afraid to tie someone up to a St. Andrew's cross at the club.

I think Raya's reasons for going to the club looking for an escape from her troubles aren't strong enough, though at the end everything works out for her and Drew. Maybe because while the reader believes it will be yet another predictable ending, it is not.

I enjoyed reading about the characters from the previous books, and the comical element they added to the story and how they softened Drew's character and made him more likeable and relatable to the reader.

Overall, I loved this story. Though it is short, it doesn't feel like it. Fans of Jodi Ellen Malpas are in for a treat with Drew and Raya's story.