Beneath This Man (This Man, #2)

by Jodi Ellen Malpas

[Linda]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
Here we go again, with the second book in the This Man series by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Beneath This Man.

I don't think either of us were incredibly impressed with this installment, wifey, what did you think of the overall story?

I felt like this was a filler story of sorts. Not much happened until the last third or so. However, the writing still made it compelling. I *had* to keep reading to see what happened next. Why do you think that is? Malpas also infused more humor into this installment and it was welcome. And that last third? Wowza! What did you think of the events and revelations in that final part?

I agree! It totally felt like a filler story. More of the same... Like you, though, I really enjoyed the last part of Beneath This Man! The pace sped up, and we finally got to know our characters a little better. I was stunned by the events and revelations in the final part. I was also happy to feel rewarded for having continue to read.

Do you think the character development was well done?

I didn't think there was a lot of character development until the final third of the book. The characters were consistent though. Does that count? But there wasn't much growth...until there was that tiny peek of some growth and what we could (*fingers crossed*) look forward to.

LOL, yes, they were consistent. But I don't think that's always a good thing. I rolled my eyes so many times at both Jesse and Ava it's a miracle I actually managed to continue reading. Again- the last part really got to me, though.

How did you feel about the fact that Jesse still used his charisma, and sex, to get what he wanted from Ava?

You know, I know that this element of Jesse "sticks in your craw." (do you use that expression? LOL) But I have to say that it didn't bother me so much and that's because Ava always knew what he was doing and she didn't really mind. It's who he is and the fact that he used his, um, abilities *wink* on Ava only made me more curious about the reasons why he did it. So in that way, Malpas did her job...kept me curious and engaged.

Yeah, Jesse really got on my nerves. And no, I have never seen that expression before! I think that in a way, Ava enabled him to treat her that way. But at the very beginning, she really tried to leave - and he wouldn't let her. He also did not understand that no means no.

There were some more side characters in Beneath This Man, do you think they moved the overall plot forward?

There were more side characters in this installment and I'm split on their affect on the plot. Some of them definitely did move the plot along, or at least there is the possibility that they might. However, there were a few that didn't seem to do much at all. But there was the possibility, right? What did you think of the mystery/twist plot threads?

I found some of the new side characters to be refreshing - because it meant we saw other sides to Ava and Jesse as well. And I enjoyed those interactions and how the plot shifted a little bit. I loved the mystery / twist plot threads. That's partly why I just had to read the third book as soon as I finished this one!