Member Reviews

This book is sooo good!
The best way to enjoy this book is by going in blindly!
The story of Theo and Izzy, was passionate, emotional and full of surprises!
After a long shift at work, taking a short cut home, turns Izzy’s life upside down. Helping someone in need leads to unexpected circumstances.
Is it worth it?
Theo and Izzy romance began in the quirkiest of ways. Their insta attraction and what followed could be like any other impulsive romance. However, what made this story shine and stand on its own, was the impeccable character development.
Theo and Izzy are unconventional characters, with tons of baggage that ought to make them unattractive. Their insta attraction was unique in that they saw something deeper about the other. Their story drew on those emotions and sensitivity making their story complex and captivating. Instead of hiding their demons, these characters owned them and tried to overcome them.
The passionate, intimate interactions they shared, were swoon worthy and steamy. The banter and their chemistry was over the moon delicious and so relatable. Their interactions were natural, making this story feel very intimate and seductive.
Theo was a pure alpha, sex god with a soft, beautiful heart. Izzy was a strong and fierce woman who didn’t take any garbage and I liked she didn’t waste time with drama.
I just couldn’t put this book down to discover how their story evolved. I needed to learn where they would end up and how. In fact, even the secondary were likable and relatable adding some special elements to their story.
I loved that this story was not a series so we got to see they whole story unfold in one book.
It was intense but easy to follow. It was passionate and thought provoking!
It affirmed that things happen for a reason, and to believe in fate.
4.5 stars!

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As soon as Izzy White and Theo Kane cross each other’s path, in a rather unusual way, they felt drawn to each other in unexplainable ways. It’s as if they have a visceral reaction to one another that further develops and magnifies each time they interact. But there’s a lot these two hold close to the vest, and once those secrets are exposed, it’s difficult to say where they will end up.

A saint to his sinner…a beauty to his beast…a lightness to his darkness…these descriptions seem to categorize Izzy and Theo’s contrary characteristics, but they don’t stop Theo from pursuing the one woman who affects him at his core, which means that despite their differences and the secrets they’re keeping, Theo will have Izzy in every possible way, even if that means bringing her back into a life she thought she left behind.

Theo Kane is definitely a trampler of sorts – he refuses to take no for an answer and he goes after what he wants with the foregone conclusion that he will have it, even when it’s a person who has free will of her own. Theo Kane is also a man who must be in control of all aspects of his life – his past dictates it and the darkness inside of him remains subdued as long as he keeps it and himself in check. But Izzy is a game changer, and what’s made abundantly clear is that she saves him just as many ways as he saves her.

Izzy White is a work-in-progress, but she’s made leaps and bounds since deciding to take back control of her life, refusing to succumb to the darkness that once enveloped her. She’s at a good place – she loves her job as a nurse and continues to make strides to heal her scars; I absolutely admired Izzy’s strength and her drive to live her best life. But I do wish that Izzy’s past was fleshed out more than it was. There’s a lot to sift through when it comes to all that she’s overcome, and I wanted a clear and complete view, which I didn’t feel like I was fully given.

Survive. Endure. Overcome. Protect. Keep.

Those are Theo and Izzy’s challenges and as their mysterious pasts are unearthed and the intensity of their feelings increase, they’ll need to decide what their connection is worth risking and enduring.

I so wanted to love this story; I wanted Theo Kane to make his way on my top book boyfriends’ list – one where Jesse Ward resides – but I had a difficult time understanding why Izzy and Theo are drawn to one another so intensely…I feel like things between them amped up too quickly and there was never a solid foundation created that made me feel like their relationship was something that would last, despite the secrets and their respective pasts. Don’t get me wrong, I felt their electric chemistry and the attraction is also evident, but I needed the details that brought them closer on more than just a physical level.

Even though I had a few issues with Gentleman Sinner, it was still an enjoyable read, and I especially enjoyed the secondary characters involved with Theo and Izzy, and I’m hoping that Jess and Callum get their story told.

3.5/4 Poison Apples

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This book was different from the other books I’ve read by this author, and thus not at all what I expected. The story was intriguing, raw, steamy and very dark. There was so much hurt and anguish in this book, it is definitely not a sweet romance. I loved the complex, damaged characters and the way they were able to heal each other. Their story is a raw, gritty and emotional journey. The chemistry and attraction they had for each other were instantaneous.

Theo Kane has huge inner demons tormenting him. This character is a fascinating contradiction and a total mystery. He is dangerous, commanding and intense. And yet, he is also charming, tender and kind. He saves the heroine and is genuinely concerned about her security. This character falls hard for Izzy, she turns his very controlled world upside down. I loved the mix between his dark side and the side that always fought for a glimmer of good.

Izzy White is a survivor. She likes where she is in her life, she is finally breaking free of the fear that has controlled her life for so long. But she is scared of making herself vulnerable. She wants to be in control of her own, and with Theo she can’t be. Yet she is convinced he would never hurt her.

Overall, I really liked the story. I admire this author’s ability to inject stomach twisting emotion in her stories. She has a way of bringing me so deeply into a story that it stays with me, and I find myself looking forward to the next time that I can sink back into the character's world.

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We all love out tortured lead male characters and Theo is no exception. He shows up out of nowhere and turns Izzy's life upside down.

He is a man that doesn't take no for an answer (as most of our favorite dominant book lovers do) and Izzy's refusal to follow along is driving him out of his comfort zone. He has never felt the way she makes him feel and that is like a drug to him.

Izzy was not looking for anything, her whole life she had been hiding from her past without even realizing it. Happy but not truly, just going through the motions, until she runs into this mountain of a man and she is not sure she is strong enough to resist him.

A book with a lot of male intensity, if you are not into dominant, strong and a little stoker-ish characters then this is definitely not the book for you. If you do enjoy that like I do, then buckle up because Theo is a force to be reckoned with, he is willing to pursue her until she realizes that she is already his.

Incredible intimate and sex scenes, the connection between the characters is extremely strong and intense based on the demons both of them had been carrying from their past.

They will either find a way to overcome the darkness or they will destroy each other trying.

Really thrilling to find such a strong female character, even though she has been through a lot, she still held her ground when encountering this kind of dominant man.

Her painful past didn't make her weak, it made her stronger, maybe strong enough to fight his demons too.

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I’ve got to start this review by saying I loved the This Man series and the One Night series. No one can touch Miller or Jesse...until now. There is a new alpha in town and his name is Theo Kane!

Gentleman Sinner is the story of two totally different people with one thing in common, damaged pasts. I was intrigued with their story, the woman who does good and the man who is dangerous.

While this story was a little darker side, it truly made me love Theo even more. The depth of Theo’s pain, Izzy’s horrific past, the path of their relationship...every piece of this book had my emotions all of the place. I was intrigued, frustrated, laughing, crying...and everything in between.

Jodi Ellen Malpas has given us a love story like no other. I could not put this book down until I was finished and honestly, it’s one of those you wish you could read for the first time all over again <3

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Books like The Gentleman Sinner by Jodi Ellen Malpas are the reason I read - and I read a lot.

Izzy White is a young woman with a bad past. She's build a new life ina new city, new job, new friend. She loves her life and her job keeps her sane and grounded. When she gets attacked and a mysterious stranger comes to her rescue everything is about to change.

Theo Kane is a complicated man, mysterious, tall, dark and dangerous. And he takes a liking to Izzy. What follows is a sweet and pretty romance - not.
Gentleman Sinner is a raw, gritty and gutting read that plays masterfully with the reader's emotions and keeps them on the edge of their seats. The author is a master at writing books that leave me in a major book hangover after having me read them, cover to cover, in one sitting.
I highly, highly recommend Gentleman Sinner and give 5++ stars.

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I’ve missed reading an alpha male written by Jodi, and Theo was exactly that.
I’ve to admit that in the beginning I thought I was reading a new 50 shades, with a lot of similarities, but a the story evolved, it went on a really different path and I’m glad it did.

Izzy is a broken heroine and Theo is a broken hero. Can they rescue each other together?

Gentleman Sinner was a fast paced book, living you guessing what will happen next, and surprising you at every turn. A mix of a sensual story and a suspenseful one.

I hope Jodi will write more on this world.

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3.5 Stars

I enjoyed a lot of things about this book. Izzy, the heroine, is a very strong woman who has really overcome a tragic past. Theo Kane, our H, has some issues to overcome, but I feel like he does become redeemable by the end. I LOVED the best friend Jess and the bodyguard Callum, they really added a lot to the story. Of course, there was a whole lot of steam and some angst.

This is a good story for readers who like to see broken characters pulled back together by love.

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All-in-all a sweet and enjoyable read. Yes, it was fairly predictable and it was pretty full of well-worn tropes and clichés. There were elements I enjoyed, but the plot was not strong. I really enjoyed Theo and Izzy’s banter and the sexual tension, but I've read books with similar plot lines.

Three stars because I liked the book. It was a good read. Not terribly thought provoking though, but a good solid romance. Some predictable elements but a fun read nonetheless.


In short:
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 4/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 3/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 3/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 3/5


ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

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A man should protect a woman. Not hurt her. And a woman should feel safe with a man, not afraid. 
Thank you Jodi. This is a strong message which is a requirement in today's world.
A  story of scarred Beauty and tightly leashed Beast who takes it upon himself to protect his Beauty from all the monsters and if need be.... himself. This Beast is larger than life personality with the softest of heart in his chest, beating only for his Izzy.
His life is violent, chaotic and deadly. Not an ideal fertile place for love to sprout and flourish. His temper and temperament keeping all his family, friends and employees feet away for him. 
Yet a demure and gentle little nurse breaks his impenetrable cage and frees his heart, stealing it for herself!
“How he lives, what he does, the way he handles things. No one can live by the sword and never get cut.” 
JEM creates consuming love in its finest form, novel after novel. Be it Jesse, Miller, Jake, Jack, Josh and now Theo. There's nothing more endearing than a hulk of a man, lionine who protects his girl with ferocity and holds her gently. Jodi combines vulnerability and power in the same persona, making me want to admire them and cuddle them at the same time. 
“I’m man enough to admit that I’m nothing without you. I’m man enough to admit that I’m so frightened that I’ll hurt you again.” 
See what I mean, I want to hug him like a tree and hide him in my arms, saving him from the world, as he saved Izzy😍
I have to mention something here -everytime Theo opened his arms for Izzy to walk into his safe enclave, my heart just melted into a puddle. I swear I wanted to run faster than Izzy and just hide in his big chest Hugs and cuddles are grossly underestimated IMO!!!
Theo is almighty in strength, all encompassing in love and enormous in forgiveness. 
Izzy is petite yet large hearted and utterly devoted. Daring and brave enough to venture close to him, her gentle demeanour calming the beast and taming him. She surrenders herself completely to his overpowering love
The only scary thing in this book is the FEELINGS!. What scares Izzy and Theo more than anything is not the ghosts of their pasts or the confining boundaries but what's brewing in their hearts and how apart their worlds are.
“I realize there’s a lot to know about you, And I know beyond doubt that I might not like some of it, but none of that wondering or worry is making me like you less. That’s what scares me.” 
Very intense and passionate in narration, the book will hold you spellbound. I've always wanted to be able to jump in JEM's books because she creates heroes that love completely like every woman deserves to be loved. All her heroes carry their own cloud for us to land and float on, they have their own thing and they fight hard for their women. **sigh** all the heart eyes 😍
They make me swoon, make me dream and make me blush. So thank you Jodi for keeping the dream alive and pulse throbbing. Another immortal alpha lover joins the ranks of BBFs that make your hearts melt and panties moist😁
Hope you get to Callum & Jess book next
4.5 stars for Marshmallow coated in steel

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5 Stars / 5 Steam Fans

OMG. J.E.M. is so amazing and imaginative!! I loved this alpha male, I will protect you at all cost character that we have in Theo. His heart is on his sleeve and I loved him even when we met him in a scary situation. Izzy is an independent nurse that has overcome some traumatic events in her past and with her heart of gold, need to help others she finds herself helping someone out of a scary situation. Theo has evasions to touch and as Izzy navigates their sexual chemistry and emotional attraction secrets are revealed. This was a beautiful, spiritual, sexy, and emotional story about faith, communication, overcoming fears, and dealing with your past to find love.

This specific video review will be included in the February 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

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There is one thing you should know about the book. It's darker than I thought it would be. I was expecting your average contemporary romance and this one is not. Also, I think that Theo needs to talk to someone about his life and see a therapist. I understand that he loves Izzie, but she is not the one who is gonna heal him. To be honest, he was a little scary sometimes, but I still liked him. I loved him in the epilogue though. I loved that epilogue period. It was the best part of the book and it fed my epilogue addiction.

Izzie was a good heroine who didn't take much from Theo and was standing up to him when it was needed. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her when we found out about her past and even though I couldn't relate to her I understood her character more and better. To be in Theo's world takes balls and she has them.

Theo and Izzie's romance in some ways reminded me of 50 shades of grey which gave me mixed feelings. Overall, I can say though that I liked what these two had. I would have preferred to have them romancing each other a little bit more in order to feel like the feelings had a reason to grow between these two, but I was mostly ok with what we got.

A couple of secondary characters were very interesting and I wonder if we are going to get their story. The author didn't mention anything, but I hope that at least we will get the story of the couple we were teased about in this one. This book is completely stand-alone though so no worries about anything.

The Gentleman Sinner was not exactly the book I was expecting, but it was a good experience after all and I was satisfied with the book. It's different from the other books I have read from this author and I am not saying that in a bad way.

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Feels 4
Steam 5
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 5

After Izzy White escaped her dark past, she is determined to never let fear control her again. The beautiful nurse lives to care for others and provide kindness. But when she finds herself in a dangerous situation, Theo Kane steps in and becomes her unwilling hero. He’s dark, dangerous, and sometimes terrifying. Will the two be able to escape their dark pasts or will being together become too dangerous to endure?

“Safe. I’ve never felt so safe before, and that alone is an alien sensation that I might find hard to let go of. Add the crazy ecstasy of his talented mouth, and I’m destined to be held a slave by Theo Kane for as long as he commands it.”

Theo Kane...he’s panty melting delicious. 😍 I love stories where the guy will chase down a girl and show how interested he is in her. (Ok…not stalking…) Theo is just such a confident male that knows what he wants and goes after it. Izzy was a bit broken and alone after her abusive past. Although Theo is a bit over the top...he just wants to protect her from any danger. This is the perfect story for anyone who wants an alpha male to show he can take care of his woman. He may not be perfect. But he’s perfect for me. I mean Izzy.

Jodi Ellen Malpas always has a way with writing those guys who don’t take any crap and once they find the one woman that their heart beats for, they will do anything to protect and keep her. They are just swoonworthy!

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Jodi Ellen Malpas has done it yet again!

This author never fails to amaze me with her beautifully written stories. I never know what to expect with her, but it never stops me from reading her books, and yet again....she had my complete and one hundred percent undivided attention reading this emotional story.

Theo and Izzy are both damaged souls, who have secrets that neither one wants to reveal to each other. But that still doesn't stop them from pursuing a relationship that will take time and effort to trust each other.

The hero and heroine were the perfect match, both are strong characters that would never back down. Although, Theo really did bend his back a little when it came to Izzy because he fell utterly and hopelessly in love with Izzy. It took Izzy a little bit to actually give in and give Theo what he wanted, but he never failed to charm her in any way possible.

He was charming, charismatic and broody at times. She was fierce, determined, selfless and a very smart girl.

This story is one of those stories that will suck you whole. I felt at times like I even stopped breathing from reading so fast and wanting to get to the bottom of the plot.

One heck of a ride we were given in this story!

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Gah! I love everything in this story. In my opinion Gentleman Sinner is the BEST book written by Jodi Ellen Malpas. Perfectly created characters, extremely addictive plot and so much hotness that it almost made my fingers burn when I turned pages. I love it! I will not describe the plot because blurb gives us a perfect hint as to what we can expect in this story. And the very story about Izzy and Theo shows us beautifully that the right person by our side is able to help us overcome the demons of the past and find happiness. And both of our heroes fought with traumatic memories. Of course there are moments when uncertainty creeps in but the power of feelings is able to overcome any obstacle. Theo Kane. You will love this guy with all your heart! Jodi has created another alpha who is a dream come true for every red-blooded woman. This man is a huge walking contradiction. For the whole world he’s the big, dominant and fearful guy but for Izzy he’s a lovely, sometimes even gentle man. Where he’s hard and determined on the outside, there are also uncertainties and fears in him. And his love for Izzy ... It's not just a simple feeling. It’s a need that’s just as important as breathing. I will definitely raed this book again, more than once! Reading this story was pure pleasure for me!

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Nikki's Review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Jodi Ellen Malpas. I was excited to dive in and fall hard for her newest alpha hero. That was my hope, anyways.

Speaking of Alpha heroes...I love them. I love them a lot. But in all honesty, Theo took that to a whole other level. He had some major stalker tendencies. I liked him enough, but he shook me up a time or two with his over the top personality.

I wanted to like Izzy, I really did, but she was a ridiculous push over. I won’t give too much away, but that whole awful scene where Theo shows up her work, and charges into her supervisor’s office was enough to make me cringe. I would have walked away and never looked back. Izzy convinced herself that it was because he wants to protect her. I may have rolled my eyes at that!

I think the thing I liked best about this book was the secondary characters. I was more intrigued by them, and I hope they get a book. I would definitely read it.

While I wasn’t a huge fan of the hero and heroine in this book, I thought the writing was well done. The plot was interesting and kept me turning the pages. I just wish I was able to connect with, and understand, Theo and Izzy’s personalities better.


Rating: 3 Stars (C)

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Izzy is a survivor. Escaping from a traumatic past, she reinvented herself and today finds security in her career as a nurse. But the ghosts left behind still haunt her. When faced with an unusual situation, in a dark alley, she does not hesitate and leaves to rescue someone in danger. Even if it puts her at risk. But when everything seemed to be heading for the worst, a mysterious man appears and saves her.
Theo is a real mystery. His strong and imposing figure scares at first sight. Behind the fancy clothes, there is a dangerous and lethal man, who exudes power and inhabits an illicit underworld. But when touching an unknown girl in an alley, unleashes an overwhelming feeling on both sides, which will start a passion unbridled, surrounded by erotic moments and permeated by secrets.
Those secrets, by the way, are what move the plot and trap the reader in such a way, that the pages are devoured behind answers to the great mystery of the book. Theo is an anti-hero, a tortured character with a traumatic past, a serious phobia, an illegal job, who lives on the fringe of society but still has a good heart. Catholic teachings are still present, even if he has moved away from his true self.
Izzy was the strength that Theo needed but also his vulnerability. She just as he has a lot of traumas to deal with, throughout the book several situations act as triggers, causing her to relive the past and have small outbreaks. It is undeniable that the two complete each other, but at the same time it was foreseeable that such an approach would be volatile.
Some attitudes of Theo raise discussions of how much this behavior can be considered abusive. His problem with controlling anger and being violent when he loses his temper, while pertinent to the character's characterization and phobia, can ignite several red warning signs.
Secondary characters are interesting. Callum piqued my interest and I hope he has his story told. Eroticism and violence are present in the book, but nothing too explicit.
The great point of the work is the writing of Jodi Ellen. By creating yet another traumatized but controversial character, the author is able to print emotion, empathy and develop a story that makes the reader cheer and hope for a happy ending. I regard Gentleman Sinner as a foray into a darker side, a heavier narrative. And successful. Theo can join the author’s others unforgettable male characters. Even being a gentleman sinner.

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4.5 Stars for Me!

If there’s one thing that I know I can always count on in a romance by Jodi Ellen Malpas, it’s that she will deliver one heck of a story. Known for her hardened alpha males and their strong-willed heroines who blow their minds, her writing just gets me every single time. Well, wait until you meet Theo Kane! From beginning to end, 'Gentleman Sinner' proved completely captivating, and the passion between Theo and Izzy melted my kindle along with my heart!

Theo was huge, intimidating, brash, and all kinds of alpha goodness! He definitely had his demons, but he also had some pretty great reasons for them as well. Since I was unfamiliar with the social issues that Theo faced, I thought it was very interesting and really felt for his character's struggle in dealing with them and those around him.

Like Izzy, I was irritated with Theo’s demanding ways, but I loved how she stood her ground with him and eventually brought out the incredibly sweet man underneath. She was the perfect balance of sweet and strong, and although Izzy had her own complicated past, she was fierce in not letting it or anyone else define who she was.

Theo and Izzy were both so bull-headed and stubborn, so it took a lot of push and pull for them to understand and respect each other’s boundaries. Their passion was intense, their sexy times sizzled, and they shared an unconditional love that gave me all the feels. And that epilogue was so incredibly sweet!

Jodi Ellen Malpas did a fantastic job of crafting this unique, complex, and suspenseful plot. Her descriptive writing really pulled at my emotions throughout with just the right touch of wit to balance out the angst. There was so much depth to both the characters and the story, and although I was a bit surprised at how smoothly and somewhat quickly it wrapped up in the end, I just gobbled every bit of it up. The secondary characters in the story were a delight as well, and I’m hoping that Malpas was setting the stage for Jess and Callum to get a story of their own next – fingers crossed!

'Gentleman Sinner' was such a unique and exciting read, and I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a steamy romance and a new alpha to adore!

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This was a great read but not my favorite book from Jodi Ellen Malpas, I loved the storyline I just didn't feel connected to the characters.
The story was good , it didn't have a lot of drama and the hero was interesting and mysterious.Which make the story even more interesting!The heroine was good too.
It has some really sexy moments and it was intense!I thought some parts were over the top for my taste.

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QueenZany 5 Star Review
Gentleman Sinner
Jodi Ellen Malpas

Bloody Hell!
Gentleman Sinner is a brilliant, spellbinding masterpiece, that will pull, twist and mark you will every fiber of its being! So completely captivating you not want to put down even for a minute!
GOD, Jodi Ellen Malpas just me my heart on a silver platter!!
I can’t even describe the magnitude feeling for Theo and Izzy!
They are just the characters that true novels and storytelling marvel over, the ones that will live with you forever!!!

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