wrenvale's review against another edition
5.0
I have re read this story so so many times, although I originally read it as a fanfic by someone who passed it off as their own work!!
This entire series is fab, intense.
The side characters are great, not boring or pointless.
The entire series is fab
This entire series is fab, intense.
The side characters are great, not boring or pointless.
The entire series is fab
tiffers0117's review against another edition
4.0
Better but still a little much
Jesse still uses too much control tactics in this one but she definitely stepped up her game! This book was better than the first and sending me into the 3rd with anticipation!
Jesse still uses too much control tactics in this one but she definitely stepped up her game! This book was better than the first and sending me into the 3rd with anticipation!
chelseammg's review against another edition
5.0
I will start by saying this: I loved it. I loved every steamy, hot, crazy minute of reading this book.
Having said that.... There are times when I wanted to reach in my kindle and shake both of them. Jesse for being so damn obsessed and Ava for giving in just because he "fucks sense into her". Their relationship is so warped, it's crazy. Even through it all, I loved it. I rooted for them, cried for them and cheered when they were good. I cringed when they were being crazy and loved them both for being so insanely in love with each other. They definitely blur the lines between love, desire and
obsession... leaning more towards obsession than the others. I am hoping that with time, they will figure out that their love for each other is strong enough for them to not have to be insanely jealous and obsessed and not have to "fix" every.single.thing with sex.
The burning question is:
Having said that.... There are times when I wanted to reach in my kindle and shake both of them. Jesse for being so damn obsessed and Ava for giving in just because he "fucks sense into her". Their relationship is so warped, it's crazy. Even through it all, I loved it. I rooted for them, cried for them and cheered when they were good. I cringed when they were being crazy and loved them both for being so insanely in love with each other. They definitely blur the lines between love, desire and
obsession... leaning more towards obsession than the others. I am hoping that with time, they will figure out that their love for each other is strong enough for them to not have to be insanely jealous and obsessed and not have to "fix" every.single.thing with sex.
The burning question is:
Spoiler
Is Ava pregnant? And if she is, will it strengthen or wreck their relationship? Obviously, he wants her to be pregnant, but I think it's only because he thinks that will keep her with him. Will the reality be as warm as the fantasy?simmerzel's review against another edition
2.0
This book got my heart racing - but not in a good way.
For me this book romanticises coersive and controlling relationships. Jesse has to have complete control over Ava. He manipulates her, emotionally blackmails her, dictates what she wears, what she eats and drinks, who she can see and even goes as far as dictating who she can work with. Yet, he is able to do as he pleases and with whom he pleases. Its one rule for him and one for her. Don't get me started on the gaslighting...
I found myself getting more and more frustrated with Ava. Each time she stood her ground and showed willingness to stand up to Jesse she would quickly cave in. Every. Single. Time. Just once, I hoped she would break free! I honestly thought, during the incident at the Manor she would see just how toxic and messed up the relationship was and leave for good. But no.
The book is just sex, arguing, bit of plot, more sex, more arguing, more sex, sex, arguing, bit more plot, arguing, sex.... Ok, so the book does well to reflect the intensity and toxicity of Jesse and Ava's relationship and I was beginning to enjoy the 'plot'. I wanted to know more about Mikael and the history between him and Jesse.I wanted to know who spiked Ava's drink at the bar. I loved it when Ava finally gave Sarah a good hiding. The hints of mystery women and hints of Jesse's past and how destructive it was kept me engaged enough to persevere with the book.
The sex scenes were well written. Some erotic fiction contains sex scenes that make me cringe, the scenes in this book did not. Sadly they became so repetitive I got bored and found myself rolling my eyes and skimming over them. The sex in this book is total fantasy and I accepted it as such. That said, the context of most of the scenes (how Jesse uses sex to manipulate Ava constantly) did make me uneasy at times.
The ending was another eye roller to be honest. I had a feeling the ending could go one of two ways and it wasn't in the way I had hoped, even though the ending was one of the scenarios I predicted.
I still have the next two books in the series to read and I will read them as I am hoping they tie up some of the loose ends and answer some of the questions I still have. The first two books in this series are ok. I think I will look at the story as a whole once I've read This Man Confessed and With This Man.
For me this book romanticises coersive and controlling relationships. Jesse has to have complete control over Ava. He manipulates her, emotionally blackmails her, dictates what she wears, what she eats and drinks, who she can see and even goes as far as dictating who she can work with. Yet, he is able to do as he pleases and with whom he pleases. Its one rule for him and one for her. Don't get me started on the gaslighting...
I found myself getting more and more frustrated with Ava. Each time she stood her ground and showed willingness to stand up to Jesse she would quickly cave in. Every. Single. Time. Just once, I hoped she would break free! I honestly thought, during the incident at the Manor she would see just how toxic and messed up the relationship was and leave for good. But no.
The book is just sex, arguing, bit of plot, more sex, more arguing, more sex, sex, arguing, bit more plot, arguing, sex.... Ok, so the book does well to reflect the intensity and toxicity of Jesse and Ava's relationship and I was beginning to enjoy the 'plot'. I wanted to know more about Mikael and the history between him and Jesse.I wanted to know who spiked Ava's drink at the bar. I loved it when Ava finally gave Sarah a good hiding. The hints of mystery women and hints of Jesse's past and how destructive it was kept me engaged enough to persevere with the book.
The sex scenes were well written. Some erotic fiction contains sex scenes that make me cringe, the scenes in this book did not. Sadly they became so repetitive I got bored and found myself rolling my eyes and skimming over them. The sex in this book is total fantasy and I accepted it as such. That said, the context of most of the scenes (how Jesse uses sex to manipulate Ava constantly) did make me uneasy at times.
The ending was another eye roller to be honest. I had a feeling the ending could go one of two ways and it wasn't in the way I had hoped, even though the ending was one of the scenarios I predicted.
I still have the next two books in the series to read and I will read them as I am hoping they tie up some of the loose ends and answer some of the questions I still have. The first two books in this series are ok. I think I will look at the story as a whole once I've read This Man Confessed and With This Man.
geo_ix's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy the angst in these books. I know they're problematic, but I honestly feel so many emotions reading these that I never really forget the book and it stays with me for a long time. I love parts, I hate parts and while I liked this one a little less than the first one, I still really enjoyed it. I like the characters, I like the twists and I really like JEM's writing style. Again, this book isn't for everyone, but it definitely was for me.
torrdublin's review against another edition
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
sofiadalmeidaa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
it's a very simple book, not in the cliché way. It's good and very easy to read. It's not the best but it was definitely worth my time, can't wait to read the next one!
I wish that Ava and Jesse would have infinite books cause, let me tell u, literally so much can happen with this two, and are so many things still to explain and develop with them and the people around them!!
If u are in the mood to read a very simple book, and are available to fall in love with the characters... PLEASE READ THE SERIES!!!
I wish that Ava and Jesse would have infinite books cause, let me tell u, literally so much can happen with this two, and are so many things still to explain and develop with them and the people around them!!
If u are in the mood to read a very simple book, and are available to fall in love with the characters... PLEASE READ THE SERIES!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Sexual content
gabookaholics's review against another edition
4.0
Full review found at: http://www.gabookaholics.blogspot.com/2014/06/beneath-this-man-by-jodi-ellen-malpas.html
"It's pure bliss, baby. Total gratification. Absolute, complete, earth-shattering, universe-shaking love." - Jesse Ward, Beneath This Man
The story of Jesse and Ava continues. Once again, this book is intense, emotionally and physically. If you aren't ok with the steamy scenes, you won't love this book. If you're good with them and love Jesse and Ava as much as I do, please continue reading! Spoiler alert, by the way- go read the book if you don't want any spoilers!
Oh my goodness! This Man left us on a major cliffhanger, right?!
Sam, Drew, John, and Ava find Jesse in an unconscious, drunken heap at the penthouse. Ava cries and cries, so upset over the state Jesse's gotten himself into, and John just shakes his head saying he'll come around. As a reader, I felt like my heart was breaking with Ava's seeing the detrimental state Jesse was in. We all know he's crazy and neurotic, but that's because of his passion and love for Ava and how can you really blame him for caring too much? I can't.
Naturally, Ava and Jesse make up. I hate that I love the snipping/fighting between Jesse and Ava, but you just come to expect it. As the book progresses, the reader starts to see and understand why Jesse is the way he is with Ava. One of my favorite sections of the book was with Ava talking to John about how exasperating Jesse can be...
Determination?... Determination to be challenging?"- Ava
John stops as we reach Jesse's office. "I've never seen him so determined to live." -John
It's obvious in this book that all of Jesse's crazy antics and behavior centers around his love for Ava. He wants her with him because he loves her and misses her when she's gone. He wants to be there for her and protect her. He wants her any and all ways he can have her. Who hasn't wanted a guy who wants her that way?
"I want the woman who keeps my heart beating with me." -Jesse
Jesse has to fight a lot of challenges through this book. He has to fight drinking (as Ava is convinced he's an alcoholic), he has to fight suitors of Ava/enemies of his own, as well as finding a way to keep Ava happy with him. It seems like Jesse grows a lot in this book. He's opening up more to Ava (even if under duress) and she's starting to figure out what Jesse is all about. Not to mention, we FINALLY find out how old Jesse actually is!
There's a few major plot points to this book.
1) Ava is freaking out about how to explain her relationship with Jesse to Patrick, her boss, as well as her family. Her family wants her to enjoy being single, love the single life while living in Londontown. Ava has no idea how to explain to them she's fallen head over heels in love. Jesse takes care of this little concern for her ;)
2) Women from Jesse's past are coming up to bite Jesse and Ava in the butt. First we've got Coral who thinks Jesse should help her out because she left her husband for Jesse, even though Jesse never promised her anything more... Then, we've got Mikael. Mikael is out to get Jesse in any way possible, because Jesse played a third party role to Mikael's marriage... bad, bad boy!
"I don't deserve you, Ava, but by some miracle, I've got you. I'll protect you fiercely- remove any threat." -Jesse
3) Jesse is still not being completely truthful with Ava. Ava basically has to threaten him with leaving him to find out anything. The frustrating part is most of the stuff he keeps from her, isn't a big deal. He makes it a big deal by covering it up and keeping it from her, so I'm totally on Team Ava with the lack of information Jesse provides. Any woman would get frustrated with that.
4) We learn a lot more about The Manor and what goes on there, specifically in the Communal Room. Wow, just wow- is all I have to say on that.
5) Speaking of the Communal Room, there's a major scene that takes place there towards the end of the book. It had me tearing up and nauseated right along with Ava and Jesse after all they went through in that scene. At least (hopefully) Jesse can now see that Ava can and does love him that much, too.
6) The very end of the book- OMG. Can we say romantic and so sweet? All I'll say is this... when Jesse does things in a traditional way, it works really well for me! How can Ava resist??
"Do you realize the effect you have on women?"- Ava
"Is it similar to the one you have on me? Do they stop breathing for a few seconds every time they see me? Do they want to keep me in a glass box so nothing and no one can hurt me? ... Do they think their life would be over if I wasn't here?"- Jesse
"It's pure bliss, baby. Total gratification. Absolute, complete, earth-shattering, universe-shaking love." - Jesse Ward, Beneath This Man
The story of Jesse and Ava continues. Once again, this book is intense, emotionally and physically. If you aren't ok with the steamy scenes, you won't love this book. If you're good with them and love Jesse and Ava as much as I do, please continue reading! Spoiler alert, by the way- go read the book if you don't want any spoilers!
Oh my goodness! This Man left us on a major cliffhanger, right?!
Spoiler
Jesse and Ava were dreadfully apart, both miserable. Ava was crying herself to sleep every night and Jesse was drunk out of his mind. We start this book in a very similar situation. Sam approaches Ava because he's worried about Jesse and Ava is the only one who can get into Lusso to check on Jesse. Ava refuses at first, but her love for Jesse and her need to make sure he's ok has her giving in to Sam's request and helping out.Sam, Drew, John, and Ava find Jesse in an unconscious, drunken heap at the penthouse. Ava cries and cries, so upset over the state Jesse's gotten himself into, and John just shakes his head saying he'll come around. As a reader, I felt like my heart was breaking with Ava's seeing the detrimental state Jesse was in.
Naturally, Ava and Jesse make up. I hate that I love the snipping/fighting between Jesse and Ava, but you just come to expect it. As the book progresses, the reader starts to see and understand why Jesse is the way he is with Ava. One of my favorite sections of the book was with Ava talking to John about how exasperating Jesse can be...
Determination?... Determination to be challenging?"- Ava
John stops as we reach Jesse's office. "I've never seen him so determined to live." -John
It's obvious in this book that all of Jesse's crazy antics and behavior centers around his love for Ava. He wants her with him because he loves her and misses her when she's gone. He wants to be there for her and protect her. He wants her any and all ways he can have her. Who hasn't wanted a guy who wants her that way?
"I want the woman who keeps my heart beating with me." -Jesse
Jesse has to fight a lot of challenges through this book. He has to fight drinking (as Ava is convinced he's an alcoholic), he has to fight suitors of Ava/enemies of his own, as well as finding a way to keep Ava happy with him. It seems like Jesse grows a lot in this book. He's opening up more to Ava (even if under duress) and she's starting to figure out what Jesse is all about. Not to mention, we FINALLY find out how old Jesse actually is!
There's a few major plot points to this book.
Spoiler
1) Ava is freaking out about how to explain her relationship with Jesse to Patrick, her boss, as well as her family. Her family wants her to enjoy being single, love the single life while living in Londontown. Ava has no idea how to explain to them she's fallen head over heels in love. Jesse takes care of this little concern for her ;)
2) Women from Jesse's past are coming up to bite Jesse and Ava in the butt. First we've got Coral who thinks Jesse should help her out because she left her husband for Jesse, even though Jesse never promised her anything more... Then, we've got Mikael. Mikael is out to get Jesse in any way possible, because Jesse played a third party role to Mikael's marriage... bad, bad boy!
"I don't deserve you, Ava, but by some miracle, I've got you. I'll protect you fiercely- remove any threat." -Jesse
3) Jesse is still not being completely truthful with Ava. Ava basically has to threaten him with leaving him to find out anything. The frustrating part is most of the stuff he keeps from her, isn't a big deal. He makes it a big deal by covering it up and keeping it from her, so I'm totally on Team Ava with the lack of information Jesse provides. Any woman would get frustrated with that.
4) We learn a lot more about The Manor and what goes on there, specifically in the Communal Room. Wow, just wow- is all I have to say on that.
5) Speaking of the Communal Room, there's a major scene that takes place there towards the end of the book. It had me tearing up and nauseated right along with Ava and Jesse after all they went through in that scene. At least (hopefully) Jesse can now see that Ava can and does love him that much, too.
6) The very end of the book- OMG. Can we say romantic and so sweet? All I'll say is this... when Jesse does things in a traditional way, it works really well for me! How can Ava resist??
"Do you realize the effect you have on women?"- Ava
"Is it similar to the one you have on me? Do they stop breathing for a few seconds every time they see me? Do they want to keep me in a glass box so nothing and no one can hurt me? ... Do they think their life would be over if I wasn't here?"- Jesse
tarazagata's review against another edition
5.0
Omg what a book!!! I couldn't put it down!!! I loved every minute of it... I can't wait for the last book but I'm a little depressed it will be the final one
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
4.0
4 out of 5 stars
Beneath This Man is book 2 in the This Man trilogy and and it starts up right where book 1 left off.
This book was very intense and it had me slightly on edge when I was reading it. Because of Jesse and Ava’s personalities, it’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from because it’s so fantastic even though it is so intense. Excellent story!
I was immediately pulled right back in and I think I held my breath through the first three chapters. I thought it was very emotional because there is so much for Jesse and Ava to work out. I was totally invested from the beginning.
I thought their characters grew some and they were opening up to each other a bit more. I was happy to see Ava finally speaking her mind more and enjoyed the scenes where she’d wind Jesse up slightly. I felt Jesse grew more in this book but he also seemed a lot more alpha-male than in the first book. All the questions I had from book one were answered (and then some!) and lots of new ones were introduced. There’s a book three so I'm hoping those lingering questions will get answered as well (especially the one I have from right at the end).
I loved that we got more interaction with the other people in this book especially John. He seems like quite the character and I was happy to have more of him and his personality shared. The were more interactions with Sarah also - a character that I did not like at at all in either book. I'm glad that got somewhat sorted out for the most part… I just wanted to strangle her! I want more of Sam and Kate and I really hope their story develops in book three.
Ava and Jesse are both challenging but seem to be the perfect match in their odd, dysfunctional yet loving ways. There were a few things I didn't see coming and I love that there were unexpected moments like that. There was a scene around the 78% mark that I *LOVED!* So very Jesse! There was another at The Manor towards the end that caught me off guard (it was beyond intense!) but it definitely fit well with the story.
Totally intense and intriguing story. And yes, there was some seriously scorching sex scenes! I can't wait to see what happens next for Jesse and Ava in This Man Confessed.
Beneath This Man is book 2 in the This Man trilogy and and it starts up right where book 1 left off.
This book was very intense and it had me slightly on edge when I was reading it. Because of Jesse and Ava’s personalities, it’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from because it’s so fantastic even though it is so intense. Excellent story!
I was immediately pulled right back in and I think I held my breath through the first three chapters. I thought it was very emotional because there is so much for Jesse and Ava to work out. I was totally invested from the beginning.
I thought their characters grew some and they were opening up to each other a bit more. I was happy to see Ava finally speaking her mind more and enjoyed the scenes where she’d wind Jesse up slightly. I felt Jesse grew more in this book but he also seemed a lot more alpha-male than in the first book. All the questions I had from book one were answered (and then some!) and lots of new ones were introduced. There’s a book three so I'm hoping those lingering questions will get answered as well (especially the one I have from right at the end).
I loved that we got more interaction with the other people in this book especially John. He seems like quite the character and I was happy to have more of him and his personality shared. The were more interactions with Sarah also - a character that I did not like at at all in either book. I'm glad that got somewhat sorted out for the most part… I just wanted to strangle her! I want more of Sam and Kate and I really hope their story develops in book three.
Ava and Jesse are both challenging but seem to be the perfect match in their odd, dysfunctional yet loving ways. There were a few things I didn't see coming and I love that there were unexpected moments like that. There was a scene around the 78% mark that I *LOVED!* So very Jesse! There was another at The Manor towards the end that caught me off guard (it was beyond intense!) but it definitely fit well with the story.
Totally intense and intriguing story. And yes, there was some seriously scorching sex scenes! I can't wait to see what happens next for Jesse and Ava in This Man Confessed.