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.

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 🤷🏼‍♀️.

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