When it comes to contemporary romance and erotica, Jodi Ellen Malpas is a name that often echoes resoundingly. This British author broke into the mainstream with her self-published debut trilogy, “This Man,” which has since been translated into more than twenty languages and hit the New York Times Best Seller list. The series revolves around the enchanting yet complex relationship between interior designer Ava O’Shea and the enigmatic Jesse Ward. It is an intense love story laden with secrets, passion, and heart-wrenching moments that keep readers engrossed.
Series Overview
The “This Man” series, which commenced with the eponymous book in 2012, consists of four primary books: “This Man,” “Beneath This Man,” “This Man Confessed,” and a later addition, “With This Man,” which revisits Jesse and Ava’s life a decade later. The series also includes a novella, “All I Am: Drew’s Story,” which takes a detour to focus on Drew Davies, a character from the original trilogy.
Characters and Plot
At the core of this series are two exceptionally well-developed characters: Ava O’Shea and Jesse Ward. Ava is a strong, independent woman who is committed to her career in interior design. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is summoned to The Manor to take on a design project. There she meets the captivating and domineering Jesse Ward, the owner of The Manor.
Jesse, also known as the ‘Lord of the Manor,’ is not your conventional romantic lead. His alpha-male nature, hidden vulnerabilities, and obsessions add layers to his character that make him an enigma. His infamous countdowns and the phrase “watch your mouth” are recurrent themes throughout the series that fans have come to recognize and anticipate.
Their narrative is a roller coaster of intense emotions, raw passion, and deep-rooted secrets. The tumultuous nature of their relationship provides the cornerstone of the series. While Jesse’s control issues and Ava’s struggle for independence fuel the tension, their undeniable attraction and profound love for each other drive the story forward.
Writing Style and Themes
Malpas’s writing style is engaging and provocative. She successfully creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls readers into the world she has imagined. The plot’s intensity is punctuated with bouts of humor, further cementing Malpas’s prowess as a writer who can balance a variety of tones and moods in her work.
The books examine themes of love, obsession, control, and surrender. They delve into the psychology of characters and their motivations, making readers question the nature of love and the lengths one might go to preserve it. The series also explores the concept of healing through love and the transformative power it can hold over individuals.
Critical Reception and Impact
While the “This Man” series does portray explicit sexual content and has its fair share of critics, its popularity is undeniable. The trilogy’s success ultimately led to a contract with Orion Publishing and paved the way for Malpas’s subsequent works, including the “One Night” and “Smoke & Mirrors Duology” series.
The “This Man” series has undeniably left a mark in the contemporary romance genre. It has been praised for its gripping narrative, complex characters, and the raw, intense depiction of romance. It breaks away from the clichéd softness often associated with romance novels, offering instead a tale that is raw, passionate, and at times, extremely intense.
Conclusion
The “This Man” series by Jodi Ellen Malpas is a whirlwind of passion and raw emotion that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. Through the tumultuous love story of Jesse and Ava, it delves into the complexities of love, the darkness of obsession, and the healing power of devotion. It’s a series that captivates from the first page and holds you in its grasp until the very end, making it a worthy addition to any romance lover’s bookshelf.
Mike m. luster 