Stella and Hudson met at a wedding. Nothing unconventional about that, except that Stella and her best friend, Fisher, crashed the wedding. Why? Well, basically because they could. The invitation was sent to Stella's former roommate and in all fairness, she opened it by mistake. However, when it became clear the wedding was going to be a fancy affair she and Fisher became wedding crashers. As for Hudson, he was the brother of the bride. He soon figured out that Stella was an uninvited guest. Stella and Fisher made a hasty retreat leaving Stella's phone behind. In order to get the phone back, Stella had to meet with Hudson. THE INVITATION, by Vi Keeland, is the story of what happens after they meet again.
At first, I thought THE INVITATION was an entertaining love story, but I found that there is much more to the narrative. Fisher is perhaps the most unique of the characters. What more can be said about a man who has a collection of banana stickers on the inside of his closet? There is nothing stereotypical about Stella and Hudson. They are intelligent, sensitive and likeable. There is an attraction between them almost immediately, but there are obstacles and complications. The power of the story comes from what happens when obstacles are overcome and an unexpected and shocking discovery is made. It upends both their lives.
Skillfully told and expertly plotted, THE INVITATION is an impactful story. Told with wit and keen observations, THE INVITATION is both meaningful and memorable. Highly recommended.
The Hating Game meets One Plus One by JoJo Moyes in The Invitation, a slow burn, heated, emotional standalone from #1 New York Times bestseller, Vi Keeland.
The first time I met Hudson Rothschild was at a wedding. I’d received an unexpected invitation to one of the swankiest venues in the city.
Hudson was a groomsman and quite possibly the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on. He asked me to dance, and our chemistry was off the charts.
I knew it wasn’t a good idea to get involved with him, considering the wedding I was at. But our connection was intense, and I was having a great time.
Though the fun came to a screeching halt when Hudson figured out I wasn’t who I’d said I was. You see, that unexpected invitation I received? Well, it hadn’t actually been addressed to me—it was sent to my ex-roommate who’d bounced a check for two months’ rent and moved out in the middle of the night. I figured she owed me an expensive night out, but I guess, technically, I was crashing the wedding.
Once caught, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. As I bolted for the door, I might’ve plucked a few bottles of expensive champagne off the tables I passed, all while the gorgeous, angry groomsman was hot on my tail.
Outside, I jumped into a taxi. My heart ricocheted against my ribs as we drove down the block—but at least I’d escaped unscathed.
Or so I thought.
Until I realized I’d left my cell phone behind at the table.
Take one guess who found it?
This is the crazy story of how Hudson Rothschild and I met. But trust me, it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
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