Explore the intense and tumultuous romance between Ava and Jesse in This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas, where passion, secrets, and power plays make for an unputdownable read.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

After a successful launching of her newly designed luxury apartments, Lusso, Ava has an appointment with the owner of The Manor, Jesse Ward. From the moment they see each other, they both know they are in way over their heads! Ava, of course, cannot have a relationship with a client plus…he has a girlfriend. Still…it is very hard for her to stay away!

Straight up – Jesse is the most domineering, intense, overbearing man I’ve ever read about! He reminds me of an older Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster or even a more extreme Christian Grey…if you can imagine that! The thing is that he will either captivate you or totally turn you off. Me? I’m somewhere in the middle…I think.

(Jesse and his peanut butter. End of.)

The infuriating part is that it takes forever to get any answers and Jesse dodges e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g especially his age! He starts off telling Ava he is twenty-one and increases it by a year each time she asks. It’s a little funny but exasperating as well. The good part about finally getting some answers is that it does help you understand why Jesse acts that way.

I liked Ava for the most part but the thing that drove me crazy about her was she let her lust take over. She would try to be strong and get answers from Jesse or just not let him order her around but as soon as he got a hold of her, she was a goner! And…the more they are together, the more she starts doing crazy things too!

One of the things about the writing is that the author is British. There are a lot of British terms, which for the most part aren’t hard to figure out. But there’s also the way the author uses stood instead of standing and sat instead of sitting that is hard to get used to. It did sort of grow on me though with the exception of her describing Jesse’s eyes as “sludgy”…that did not grow on me at all!

There is a TON of hot sex…well, there’s just a ton of sex period. Jesse is very experienced and he puts it all to good use. I was shocked at what happened at their second encounter…it just seemed a bit too much but that’s all Jesse.

I did enjoy all their cute little couple things/phrases such as “You need reminding”, “We need to make friends”, “ish”, “end of”, “eyes” and sleepy sex (they name a lot of their other sex times too)! 😉 I never really warmed up to him calling her Lady though.

The secondary characters were great. Jesse’s friends are very supportive of him but we don’t get too much information on them yet. Ava’s friend, Kate, is wonderful but she kind goes to the dark side which was a bit off putting for me. I hope we get more information about that.

Of course, there is TONS of drama. These two fight as much as they have sex and yes, a lot of it is over the top. Thankfully, they finally do talk a bit around sixty percent when they’re at the Italian restaurant and then in the tub. I really liked those times…not just for the information but they were really sweet with each other.

The book’s ending? Well, IMO it’s a bit of a cliffhanger. I would not want to not have the next book available. In fact, I put off writing this review just so I could read the second book and I’ve already started the third. To be honest, I’m still not sure what the draw is for me. I love sweet Jesse but I’m shocked at a lot of what goes on. I guess I just have to know what happens!!

Also, don’t forget to check her website for some scenes from Jesse’s POV.

Favorite quotes: 

♥ “You’re the best hangover cure.” I exhale, on a long satisfied breath.

“You’re the best everything cure.”

♥ “Everything is so much more bearable with you around, Ava.” he says softly, his eyes searching mine.

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