The Invitation

Arlington Hall, Book 1

De: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Narrado por: Shakira Shute

An ambitious career woman. An enigmatic billionaire. There’s more to their affair than meets the eye in this scalding romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series.

Amelia Lazenby deserves a breather—from work and from the stress of a recent breakup. Courtesy of her best friends, she gets a day of pampering at a posh country spa called Arlington Hall. Instead of finding calm, she finds her pulse racing when she sees flawlessly rugged Jude Harrison. Hand on heart, she’s never laid eyes on such a stunner. And an unexpected steam room meet takes their instant attraction to a whole new level.

Amelia wasn’t looking for an intense new affair. But the passion Jude ignites is off the charts. Even if he is a little possessive. Even if his temper can be as formidable as the influence he has on her body. He becomes all the more intriguing when Amelia discovers that Jude not only owns Arlington Hall but that their meeting was no accident. It was planned. But to what end?

That’s a mystery as irresistible as Jude himself. Is he worth the risk? Or is this the man who could break her?

©2025 by Jodi Ellen Malpas Ltd. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Hey Jude <3

A bit of a slow start with this one, but I had faith in Jodi to pull me in as she always does. Jude, the enigmatic, short tempered dom captured the career focused Amelia in his tangled web. The unresolved ending has me wanting more and hopeful that Jude redeems himself.

Show of hands please….

How many, after completing the book, had to REREAD to understand what they had missed? I did.

The incredible storyline

Never any part to dislike, very talented lady at storytelling, her books should be movies

Wow! What a start to the series

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

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

Loved this book

Loved loved loved this book. Loved the twists and turns. Can’t wait to read the next one!

great read

This was a really good book! I liked this author, I'll definitely have to read more!

Love the narration and non stop chemistry

I absolutely love this story. I cannot wait til the sequel comes out. You must listen to it. It’s worth it. 5 Stars.

What a start to a new series!

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

Hidden clues and a cliffhanger from H*ll

Interesting plot, with clues hiding in plain sight, which isn't fully revealed until the last few pages. I disliked the female narrator's performance of Jude's voice so much, I almost DNR'd the whole thing. I may just read the sequel to avoid the female narrator's odd, throaty male voice with the worst attempt at a Scottish brogue everrrr. It isn't easy voicing characters of another gender, but Jude's voice was simply awful. Please, please go with a different female narrator next time or have her try a different approach.

Cliffhangers

I absolutely despise cliffhangers especially when it’s not disclosed in the beginning. The narrator was exceptional but it would have been good to have a male narrator for Jude’s role. I tend to enjoy Jodi Ellen Malpas books, but this one went in circles. Both main characters were not that likable. We know very little about Jude and so it’s difficult to connect with him. Amelia isn’t that appealing because she has very little self respect. The cliffhanger itself was probably the most interesting part of the book.