ARC Review: His True Queen by Jodi Ellen Malpas

His True Queen is the second book in the Smoke & Mirrors Duet by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This book is not a standalone, and should only be read after reading The Controversial Princess. I was hooked after reading the first book and was on pins and needles waiting for the continuation of Josh and Adeline’s story! Jodi Ellen Malpas didn’t disappoint here, and I loved this book even more than the first! 

After a shocking turn of events, Adeline finds herself the Queen of England. Ever the rebel, she sets out to do the best job she can for a position she never intended on having or wanted. She finds herself torn between the love she has for American actor Josh and the family legacy that she has no choice but to accept. But the more she learns about being Queen, the more she learns that much in her family is a series of smoke and mirrors with secrets at every turn. Will she choose love or the duty she feels to her family? 

I loved Josh and Adeline in the first book and that definitely continued here. Each of them grew a lot over the course of this duet, and I found it so interesting to see all the progress they made both as individuals and as a couple. I was rooting for them from the very start, and just kept hoping that they could find a way to be together in the most impossible of circumstances. Adeline never wanted to be queen and never expected it, yet she immediately took to it and made it her own. I loved that while she prepared to take the role seriously, she did it without giving up who she was. She was determined to be herself and lead her people the only way she knew how. I also loved that Josh wasn’t afraid to treat her exactly the same as he always had. He was so good for her, and I couldn’t get enough of them together.  

The other thing I really loved about this duet is the secondary characters! I loved Adeline’s staff, and each one added so much to the story! She had some really great people around her and I loved how much they clearly cared about her, and as more than just an employer. Overall, this series was fantastic and I highly recommend it. I won’t give anything away, but I felt like Jodi Ellen Malpas really outdid herself here and I couldn’t imagine this story going any other way after finishing. I never knew what would happen next or how things would play out, but in the end I was so happy with the way it was. I think readers will love this one, and if you haven’t started yet I definitely recommend giving this series a go! Looking forward to whatever Jodi writes next!

**ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR**

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ARC Review: The Controversial Princess by Jodi Ellen Malpas

I was really excited to read The Controversial Princess by Jodi Ellen Malpas when I first found out about it. That being said though, I really didn’t read the blurb as I pretty much read anything that has Jodi’s name on it at this point, so suffice it to say I was surprised to find out that this book ended on a cliffhanger. I have to say though that I am glad I went into this one a bit blind, and honestly I cannot wait for the next book. 

Adeline is the rebellious princess of England, loved by the public yet infuriating to her family. She has little regard for her family’s strict rules and the life that being a Royal dictates. Her father the King has been demanding that she marry and settle down, but Adeline refuses to tie herself to someone she doesn’t love. When she meets famous American actor Josh Jameson, she is immediately drawn to him though she knows that nothing can ever happen between them. Soon they are unable to fight what is growing between them, but just as they begin dreaming about making their relationship for the future a reality, everything changes. 

I will admit that it took me a few chapters to warm up to these characters, especially Adeline. I wasn’t sure that I was going to love them, but that quickly changed. Adeline and Josh had an undeniable connection and attraction, with their chemistry continuing to grow and strengthen the more we got to know them. I felt for each of them and the situation they were in. It was clear that they worked well together and fit one another, but that their circumstances were the only reason that they couldn’t easily be together. I never stopped rooting for them to find a way though, and it was clear that they were meant for one another. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for more. The ending of this book is a cliffhanger, and the ending one I never saw coming. I definitely can’t wait to see what happens next, now that everything has changed. Nothing is as we thought and Adeline and Josh are facing more obstacles than ever. One thing I know for sure though is that these two have to find a way to be together, because they absolutely belong together! Jodi Ellen Malpas has delivered yet another fantastic read, and I will be on pins and needles waiting for the conclusion to this duet!

**ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR**

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ARC Review: The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas

I have really enjoyed everything that I have read from Jodi Ellen Malpas, but her new book The Protector was one that instantly appealed to me. There is nothing sexier than a man protecting his woman, especially if he is her bodyguard. As always, the writing was fantastic and I was captivated right away with Jake and Cami's story. 

When Cami's life is threatened due to her father's business, she finds herself with Jake as a bodyguard. Cami doesn't see the need for a bodyguard and continues to live her life as though nothing has changed, while Jake takes his job very seriously and is determined to keep Cami safe. Soon things between them begin to heat up and things get more personal than professional as they find themselves unable to fight the growing attraction they feel towards one another. 

I really liked both Jake and Cami. The chemistry and sexual tension between them was off the charts! I was so interested to see them as things were building, and I couldn't get enough. I just kept waiting for the spark to finally ignite, as I knew things were bound to explode once it did. Cami was independent and strong, and different than you would first expect. She was an easy heroine to relate to, even though I never would have expected that considering who she was. Jake was sexy and alpha, but there was so much more to him as well. With his past, he had a vulnerability to him that he tried not to show or acknowledge, but I thought that Cami was exactly what he needed to help him move forward. These two fit really well together, and I thought that they balanced each other out in ways that each of them needed. 

I will say that there were times that things got a bit slow and seemed to drag a little, but things definitely picked up in the second half of the book. While things were a bit slow at times, I never lost interest though as I really liked these characters and where the story was headed. The tension was great, there was enough suspense to keep you turning pages, and there was a great amount of steam. I will say that the ending was a bit rushed, with the resolution to everything being a bit too easy. But ultimately I enjoyed the story and would recommend. If you are a fan of Jodi's already, this is one that you will want to check out. If you are new to her books, this is a great place to start and I highly recommend going back and reading her previous books as well as I have loved everything I have read from her.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Guest Post with Author Jodi Ellen Malpas and Giveaway

Meet Jodi Ellen Malpas, author or One Night: Unveiled.

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northhapton, UK, where she still lives with her family. Working for the family construction business fulltime and with the prospect of taking it over once her father retired, she tried to ignore the lingering idea of writing a novel until it became impossible. She finally found the time and courage to release her creative streak and in October 2012 self-published This Man as an e-book. Since then, Forever has released the This Man Trilogy in both trade paperback and ebook formats.

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ARC Review: One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas

If i'm honest, I have been both dreading and anxiously awaiting for One Night: Unveiled by Jodi Ellen Malpas. While I needed to know the conclusion to Livy and Miller's story, I have come to know and love these characters and didn't want their journey to be over. I have to say though I really enjoyed this book, and I am so happy with where these two ended up. Jodi Ellen Malpas did a great job giving these characters a very satisfying ending and I loved the epilogue! I will say that if you haven't already read the first two books in this trilogy that you need to read those before this one as these are not standalone books and are intended to be read in order.

One Night: Unveiled picks up after the events of One Night: Denied, with Livy and Miller in New York. Miller and William will do anything to keep Livy safe, and Miller is determined to stay in New York until he can figure out his next move. Miller will do whatever it takes to get out of his world, and finds himself working out what that means for his relationship with Livy. But when Nan gets sick, Livy insists on going home to care for her regardless of the danger it puts her in. As Miller and Livy struggle with their deepening relationship, they are forced to face the past and what that means for their future. With the obstacles already in their way, they are forced to face even more when Livy's family history starts to unravel as well. Can Livy and Miller find happiness and light for their future, or will the darkness consume them and take away their chance at a life together?

I absolutely love Miller. He is so complicated and quirky. He just gets better with each installment, and this one was no exception. He is sweet and thoughtful, and yet he is also completely protective and possessive when it comes to Olivia. He would do anything for her, and continually shows that throughout each book. I loved getting to know more about him in this book, but his past absolutely broke my heart. I felt so badly for him, and I was really glad that he had Olivia's unwavering love and support. He needed someone committed and strong, that wasn't willing to give up easily and that is exactly what he got with Olivia. Livy was so great with Miller throughout this series, but I felt like she really showed it in this book. She could not have been more perfect for Miller, and I love that she encouraged and supported him and his odd ways while also keeping him on his toes. She wasn't afraid to challenge him, but she also knew when he needed things a certain way. These two really were better together, and I loved seeing them really settle into their relationship and work together against those that would threaten their life together.

Overall, this was a great ending to this story and while I am happy with how it ended I am also really sad that it's over. I think fans of this series will really enjoy getting to see how things played out for these two, and thought it wasn't an easy ride for them it was worth everything that happened. Jodi Ellen Malpas did a great job of weaving this story together throughout each installment giving us just enough to keep us interested, and yet saving the answers we were desperately seeking for this last book. Once everything was revealed there was so much that made sense throughout the series that I had wondered about, and I was glad that things were resolved in a real and believable way. I was glad that we got answers to everything and enjoyed getting to know some characters better that we hadn't before. I will say that while I thought this was a great conclusion to the series the reason I didn't rate it five stars was that the beginning was a bit slow to me and I felt that at times the book was repetitive. But the more I read, the more things picked up and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely adored the ending of this book, and I wish I could go into details but I don't want to spoil anything. Trust me when I tell you that it was absolutely perfect, and I thought it was one of the cutest things ever! I honestly cannot wait to see what Jodi Ellen Malpas writes next. She never disappoints, and I am looking forward to more from her in the future. This series is one of my absolute favorites, and I know that it will be one that I will never forget.

**ARC Provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing)**

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ARC Review: One Night: Denied by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Denied is the second book in the One Night Trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas. This book is not a standalone and should only be read after Promised. I am really loving this series, and I think that Jodi is a fantastic writer. I would definitely recommend this series, and I already cannot wait for the next book.

Denied picks up right after the events of Promised. Livy and Miller are not in a good place after everything that Livy has found out, but she can't help but want him in a way that she has never wanted anyone before. Despite everything that has happened, Livy is determined to show Miller that she can be his light in the darkness. But the more that Miller and Livy try to make things work between them, the more others seem to want to tear them apart. Livy and Miller must find a way to make it through Miller's past, his present, and most importantly Miller himself. Can they find a way to get over everything that has happened and move forward together? Or will there be too many forces trying to keep them apart for them to overcome?

I loved getting to know more about Miller in this book. We were left wondering so many things after Promised, so it was really nice to see some of his past and what had made him the man he was today. While not all the questions were answered, we definitely got a better idea of what he had been through and why he had certain issues. Miller had been through so much, and his dedication to Livy seemed to be the main reason that he was doing as well as he was. He was struggling with a lot, but you could really see her influence over him in the short amount of time they had known each other. He was able to loosen up a bit with her, even if it went against everything that he knew and felt comfortable with. He was really trying to do what was best for her, while also trying to be the man she deserved. Livy really impressed me in this book. Her loyalty to Miller through everything was something that really showed me the true depth of her feelings. Her love for Miller was unwavering in the face of so many obstacles, and honestly it made me really admire her character. I know that not everyone will understand her, but she is a fighter and I loved how determined she was.

Livy and Miller continued to have the passion and chemistry between them from the first book, but I really felt like their emotional bond grew a ton in Denied. These two are really starting to see how well they fit together, and that they just don't fit in the world they find themselves in. There is still so much more to this story, and I know that they have a long way to go. But I really believe that these characters are so right for each other, that there is no other option than for things to work out for them. I will say that there is a lot of push and pull in this book, and it does kind of feel as though they are going in circles. But the fact that they were able to go through everything that they did and were still so committed to one another was what made it bearable. I have loved these two characters and their story so far, and I am so ready for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this one, and I look forward to more from Jodi Ellen Malpas in the future.

**ARC Provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing)**

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Interview with Author Jodi Ellen Malpas and Giveaway

Meet Jodi Ellen Malpas, author or One Night: Promised.

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northhapton, UK, where she still lives with her family. Working for the family construction business fulltime and with the prospect of taking it over once her father retired, she tried to ignore the lingering idea of writing a novel until it became impossible. She finally found the time and courage to release her creative streak and in October 2012 self-published This Man as an e-book. Since then, Forever has released the This Man Trilogy in both trade paperback and ebook formats. For more information please visit Jodi online: www.jodiellenmalpas.co.uk; www.facebook.com/JodiEllenMalpas; and www.twitter.com/JodiEllenMalpas. One Night: Promised is Jodi’s fourth novel.

Find Jodi at:

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ARC Review: One Night: Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Promised is the first book in the One Night Trilogy by Jodi Ellen Malpas, and I could not wait to start this one after reading the blurb. One Night Promised was so good, and I loved every bit of it. The prologue drew me in right away, and I absolutely could not put it down. This book is a must read and I cannot wait to get the next two books in the series.

Livy doesn't date no matter how many times she gets asked out or her best friend Gregory and her Nan try to talk her into it. She isn't interested at all until she sees him for the first time. She is instantly drawn to the sexy and mysterious stranger that comes into the Bistro where she works. He leaves her a note on a napkin signed only with an M. When Livy continues to run into him, the connection between them only seems to grow stronger. He only wants one night with her though, in which he promises to worship her and give her pleasure unlike she has ever known. Livy decides to take him up on his deal of one night, and they share a passion unlike any than either of them have ever felt before. But things don't go as planned and before long Livy is convinced that she will end up heartbroken. Soon Livy and M find themselves both wanting and fearing more than one night together. With both of them having secrets and vowing to keep things only physical rather than personal, can they explore the passion between them without one or both of them ending up with a broken heart?

I loved M. He was such a unique character. He was vulnerable and was used to only showing a mask to the world. He didn't let others in, and honestly even after finishing this book I feel like we have still only scratched the surface of his character. But he was sexy and mysterious and I know there is so much more to the man beneath the facade. He was arrogant and rude at times, but he was impossible not to fall for. I loved how he wasn't able to keep himself from Livy, and he let her in so much more than he was able to do with anyone else. I also really loved that he wasn't the typical hero. He had his quirks, and that just made him even more endearing. Livy while interesting took a bit for me to warm up to. She had her moments when I wanted to absolutely shake her and I definitely questioned some of her actions. But I really ended up liking her. She took M and accepted him for who he was and despite his inability to really share much about himself. She pushed when she needed to and was patient at times she knew M needed that. I really felt like Livy and M were perfect for each other, and they really seemed to get each other through everything. They had a great connection and you could really see that their feelings for each other were growing. But they also connected on a physical level as well and were really hot together.

Overall, this first installment to the One Night trilogy was absolutely fantastic! I could really see that M and Livy were falling for one another and their relationship was so real to me. They were clearly struggling with how they felt, and they weren't used to being with anyone like they wanted to be with each other. Besides the emotional struggles with M and Livy, I also felt like the twists in this book were great. I never knew exactly what was going on with M or Livy and I was always wondering about their pasts. I will admit that I had some of it worked out, but there was so much that I never expected! I really need the next book and I need to know more. There are so many questions that I need answered and I just can't wait for more M and Livy. This book was written so well, and I was instantly hooked on these characters. I loved Jodi's writing style and am anxiously awaiting the next installment. I highly recommend this series, and I think romance fans looking for something different will really love this book.

**ARC Provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing)**

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