Full transparency, I have absolutely no idea how I am going to write a review for this book without spoilers. There’s a reason Vi stuck with the opening chapters as the book synopsis. This book keeps you guessing - you think you’ve got it figured out, brushing your shoulders off and preening about your detective skills, but nope. Vi knows you think you know what’s happening, and just when you’re settling in, she pulls the rug out from under you. When she drops that oh-so-wonderful bomb, you find yourself gasping out loud, and suddenly, someone nearby is looking at you like you’ve lost your mind! This book took me on the wildest emotional ride, leaving me giddy and happy by the end. I’ve always appreciated Vi’s ability to do just that - to make you laugh, cry, cheer, scream, gasp, and, ultimately, fall head over heels for the characters she creates. She has such a gift for crafting people you can’t help but love deeply and wholeheartedly, leaving you 100% invested in their story.

It was just supposed to be a little fun - a break from the norm and, yes, a touch of payback. Slip in, slip out. Stella still couldn’t believe she let her best friend Fisher talk her into crashing a wedding. But there she was, standing in the New York Public Library, posing as her former deadbeat roommate Evelyn. The plan? Stick together. But one cute waiter sent that idea right out the window. Before she knew it, Stella found herself alone at the bar. She never expected that a simple gin mix-up would lead her to Hudson - the most gorgeous man she had ever laid eyes on. From that moment on, there was flirting, dancing, and laughter, a magical night so surreal it could’ve been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. But unfortunately for this Cinderella, her magic didn’t fade at the stroke of midnight. No, it unraveled when the mention of her false last name caused Hudson to figure out she wasn’t who she claimed to be. Exposed - and thanks to Hudson, a little humiliated - she made a mad dash for the exit, grabbing her best friend in the process but unknowingly leaving her cellphone behind. Fate, of course, wasn’t done with her. Soon, Stella discovered that Hudson had her phone - and wanted her to come and get it. How did one misstep lead to such a glorious tumble? And the worst part? Her next encounter with Hudson had her realizing she wasn’t done falling.

I absolutely loved Stella. She’s the perfect balance - a stunning woman who doesn’t realize her beauty, incredibly smart yet humble and relatable. She’s kind, considerate, strong, independent, and resilient. Stella’s the kind of character you’d think you’d hate out of jealousy, but instead, you can only adore her because she’s just too sweet for words. And then there’s Hudson. Vi is, without question, the queen of swoon-worthy men. Hudson is every woman’s dream and every man’s nightmare. What I loved most, though, was discovering what a cheesy teddy bear he really was. Vi does a fantastic job bringing out the push-and-pull with his character. You love him, you loathe him, you downright despise him - and then, suddenly, you feel for him before falling for him all over again. By the end, you’re fiercely protective of him.

The way this book was written was absolutely brilliant. At first, when the story jumps back to Stella’s past, you’re left scratching your head, wondering why. The moment doesn’t seem significant. Stella has a random hobby - why do we need its origin story? But then, as the story unfolds, you realize how that one simple find becomes the foundation for some of the biggest moments in her life - both good and bad.

Vi kept the spice to just a few scenes, but man, did they light up the pages! The buildup, the flirting, and the innuendos made every single spicy moment worth the wait. I was a little surprised by how she split their first intimate moment - part of it was on-page, and the rest was off. For such a monumental and long-anticipated connection, I expected the entire scene to unfold on-page. But, as always, Vi more than made up for it later.

While the book toys with ideas of fate, destiny, and coincidence, the most tangible takeaway was about taking chances, taking risks, and trusting your instincts - for better or for worse. Sure, some readers might find the serendipitous moments a bit much, making the story feel overly unrealistic or implausible with all the fate, luck, and good fortune falling so perfectly into Stella’s lap. And honestly, I get it - unless this woman is carrying a pocket full of four-leaf clovers, no one’s luck is this extraordinary. But remember, this is fiction. While no one’s fortuity is ever this favorable in real life, try to embrace it for what it is - a trade-off for an incredible story.

With that being said, as much as I want to dive into the emotional turmoil this book caused me, I can’t. Normally, I don’t shy away from placing spoilers in a review, but not this time. Revealing the big twist would ruin the experience, and trust me, you don’t want that. All I can say is, have some tissues nearby and make sure you’re sitting down for the last quarter of the book.

Because Vi Keeland is an absolute genius, she gives us not one but TWO epilogues. Let me tell you, I think I’ve hit my yearly quota of “awws” thanks to those beautiful wrap-ups. I already loved this book to pieces, but those two endings? They were the cherry on top of an already perfect sundae.

I have to hand it to Vi, and as I mentioned before, I thought I had the big reveal figured out. As a reader, you catch on pretty quickly to what’s happening with the mysterious diary and the identities of the people involved. But when Vi throws her cards on the table and reveals her hand, I was floored. This book was a perfect cocktail of emotions, surprises, and swoon-worthy romance, and I loved every second of it. I know it was a re-release so whatever notes she took to heart to improve it this time around, well done.

I read this book upon its original release and also reread it upon receiving an ebook ARC (deluxe sprayed edges) for the re-release, for an honest review. I enjoyed the meet cute of Stella pretending to be her ex-roommate, crashing a wedding and falling for the groomsman, Hudson. The heroine has a quirky hobby where she likes to buy strangers’ diaries on e-Bay to read them. Hudson is a very sweet single dad.

Diaries always hold secrets, and this is not just romance, but a story of friendship and betrayal, .Though it was not a page turner for me, I can see why others would enjoy Hudson and Stella's story since they were fated to meet each other. There's an unexpected plot twist at the end that gets resolved well. The epilogues are romantic.

When Stella Bardot attends an exclusive wedding she never thought she’d meet a very handsome man name Hudson Rothschild at the bar there. One minor issue, that invitation...yeah, it wasn’t for her but her ex-roommate...oops. Will anyone figure out she is a wedding crasher? What will Hudson say when he learns who she really is? What a fun and entertaining romance. Can a perfumist and a business man find a common bond? Also, his daughter Charlie is a real hoot! This has a little fairytale retelling feel to a certain blonde, glass slipper wearing lady. A fun, feel good, single dad, slower paced romance with a major twist! Told in dual POV

I really enjoy Vi Keeland's writing style. There was a fun meet cute and good pacing to the story. The character development and spicy scenes were well written.

4 Stars! I really liked this book. Vi Keeland is such a talented writer. The main characters are Stella & Hudson. I liked both of them & kept rooting for them to work out. A lot of twists & surprises I didn’t see coming at first! I gasped a few times when I started to figure things out. Slow burn to begin but it heats up & I do love a good dual point of view romance. Loved the HEA ending & would definitely recommend this book.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Thank you to TPG/Bramble for the opportunity to receive an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This book had it all for me - a golden retriever MMC, a strong FMC, romantic tension, banter, the perfect combination of sweet romance and spice, and an interesting storyline. It all starts when Stella, a perfumist, receives a wedding invitation meant for her ex-roommate and she impulsively decides to crash the wedding with her best guy friend under the ruse of false identities. She meets Hudson at the wedding and the chemistry between them is undeniable. As things progress at the reception, Stella realizes the jig is up with her ruse and, in Cinderella-like fashion, she flees the scene, leaving behind her cell phone. In a twist of fate, she and Hudson are brought together to help grow her small business. Meanwhile there are glimpses into the past about Stella's hobby of purchasing other people's diaries and being fascinated with their life stories. Eventually, Stella's past and the connection to the diaries she reads begin weaving their way into the budding romance. While I did see the plot twist coming, my jaw still dropped reading it and the aftermath that ensued. This is my second Vi Keeland book and, so far, my favorite of hers because the plot kept me engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed reading Stella and Hudson's story and would recommend this book to all the romance readers out there who enjoy emotionally intelligent MCs and a well-developed plot.

I will definitely be getting my hands on the physical book with those beautiful pink sprayed edges when it comes out in January. 😍🫠

4.5 - 4.75 STARS

It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Vi Keeland’s romance novels, but it didn’t take me long to remember just how much I love her writing! “The Invitation” is a fun, quirky, and engaging story with the perfect amount of heart and passion sprinkled throughout. Right from the get-go, Hudson and Stella’s story pulled me in and held me captive right up until the very end. It’s a quick, enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

Thank you Bramble, Vi Keeland, and NetGalley for the opportunity to reach this book in exchange for my honest review.

I always love Vi Keeland books, so I was super excited to get to read this one. Stella is a hilarious character who decides to crash a wedding at the beginning of the story. This is where she meets Hudson and she could never imagine how things would move forward from there.

The Wedding crashing storyline was hilarious and I loved how Stella just went along with everything that happened and how this was tied in again at the end. The idea of Stella’s perfume business was so creative and made me genuinely want to try something like it. Both Stella and Hudson felt like real people and their relationship really felt real which I loved. They didn’t just jump into everything immediately, it actually felt like the building of a real romance.

I really enjoyed this book and as always will continue reading more Vi Keeland books!

My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a hilarious meet cute and the story moved along at a good pace. Will definitely read more by this author.

Vi Keeland is a TikTok darling, and as soon as I saw this book advertised I knew I needed to read it.

The Invitation’s premise is extremely appealing with the potential to be caught crashing some stranger’s wedding and having a secret identity discovered. I really enjoyed the mysterious encounter between Stella and Hudson at the NY public Library and how Stella didn’t back down from a challenge. I wish more time would have been spent developing their connection at the beginning of the story so I could have been more invested in their relationship journey throughout. Unfortunately I found myself more intrigued with the side plots of the journals/diaries and Hudson’s daughter.

I really loved how Keeland managed to tie in small details all throughout the story. Bringing minor threads together all the way through made the story feel very cohesive. I’ll definitely be reading more by then in the future.

Summary:
Stella needs funding and Hudson can provide it. She insists she won’t mix business with pleasure. Initially meet at a wedding and can’t deny their attraction to one another but Hudson knows she’s crashing the wedding which happens to be his sister’s wedding. When Stella reaches out to Olivia to apologize she is shocked that Olivia actually found the whole wedding crashed thing funny and is interested in purchasing more perfume from Stella’s own start up company. Hudson, however seems a little be less willing to forgive and forget. The problem is that her company hasn’t gotten off the ground yet due to her funding falling though. When Olivia suggests Stella let her help with this there’s just one problem, her brother is head of the VC firm that could provide the funding…

Thoughts-
I had read The Unraveling by Vi Keeland this fall and while it was a thriller, I was beyond impressed at how well the romance was done for a non romance author. Well…that’s because I didn’t know she IS a romance author too! This led me to dive into her romance novels (all of which have now been added to the TBR). This started out as a light and fun romance, with some more depth as the plot developed. I am usually not one for a single dad trope, but it was so well done in this one and the notes Hudson writes on the bananas, SWOON! And the female main character, well y’all know I love a woman in STEM. Next up for me from @vi_keeland will be Indiscretion and I cannot wait.

Thanks to @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review will post to Instagram on 1/8/2025
Posted to Goodreads

Thank you Tor for the review copy! I have become a romance reader since 2020, I admit it, and I enjoy a slow burn chemistry filled romance with an HEA. It's true! And The Invitation does just that and offers with it a welcome focus on a female MC who is respected by the male MC for her independence and intelligence as well as her appearance and sexuality. I enjoyed the story, appreciated the secondary characters, and was there for the spicy scenes as well. There was a secondary plot that felt rushed to me and I am not sure it added to the story as much as it could have/if it was needed but it did not detract from the overall fun escape that Vi Keeland's book gave me!

Typical Vi Keeland book. I love these books. There are never huge surprises or unpredictable endings but that does give a certain comfort which I love.

The Invitation was so sweet, I literally had a moment where I thought to myself, why can't my husband have more romance in his bones. I had a smile on my face and tears in my eyes, and this is not a clique. I had a momentary meltdown with my book bestie about this super sweet read. It took me back to young love and early days. The perfect little escape for a winter rainy day where you can't leave the house anyway.

Stella is fun and spunky and I loved how she gave Hudson a run for his money, adding levity and fun to his workaholic life. Circumstances and fate bring them together time and again. Fortunately for us readers, they don't fight the inevitable. I really enjoy Stella's sass and Hudson's enjoyment of it throughout the story. You kind of want to hate him a little in the beginning but he rapidly grows on you.

Take 2 endearing characters, a super sniffer nose, a diary obsession and a perfume chemist in need of a white night and you have a fun story to pass the time. Looking for something light and sweet, this is the story you need to pick up.

this was my first vi keeland read and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!! the writing was wonderful, the dialogue was amazing and realistic and i could truly see the characters and their interactions in my head. HOLY MOLY did this book have some reveals. jaw was dropped at times but also this book had so much heart. my first time reading anything with a billionaire guy and it was so much fun. also his jealously moments… YES GAWD. I LIVE FOR THAT. also, his kid! are you kidding. i loved her. also the whole perfumist thing was so much fun. you’ve got me wanting to because one now, but i guess i don’t have the sense of smell for that.. 5 stars!! i will be reading something borrowed something you next and im betting it will be another 5.

*The Invitation* by Vi Keeland is a sizzling romance that expertly combines chemistry, wit, and emotional depth. The story follows the unexpected connection between the two main characters, whose initial meeting is both provocative and intriguing. Keeland’s writing is sharp and engaging, filled with playful banter and steamy moments, making it impossible to put down. While the romance unfolds with plenty of passion, the characters are also complex and relatable, with their own personal struggles adding depth to the narrative. *The Invitation* is a perfect read for fans of contemporary romance looking for an engaging, heartfelt escape.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️

And this is why I love Vi Keeland, I’ve had the opportunity to read some of their books before and they never disappoint. They are always so heartwarming so adorably sickening that even ice cream isn’t as sweet as the romances that they write.

This book just felt like the warm hug you need on a cold winters today. I snuggled up with this book, with my blanket and my hot chocolate and it couldn’t have put me in a better mood.

These stories, why I believe that that death defying love does exist, this wasn’t over the top, if a man read this and told me that it was taking away from his masculinity, I wouldn’t be able to believe him because genuinely this proved that you can love your person so profoundly and it will not take away from you as a person or society deems you to be as a person.

This book was so poetically written and it felt like the love story that everybody needs to read.

If you are a big fan of the romance genre, you need to check Vi Keelands work, because I never EVER have one single complaint about their work.

Such a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read another book by this author.

I loved The Invitation by Vi Keeland, binge reading in front of the fireplace in a few, short hours.

Stella receives an invitation to a wedding at a location she's dreamed about for years, The New York Public Library, but quickly realizes it wasn't meant for her. One not to break the rules, she agrees to tag along with her best friend Fisher as long as they have different identities and career paths. Little does she know, fate is coming to knock and show her her dream man, Hudson. After a mishap, he realizes that she isn't supposed to be at his sister's wedding. Thankfully, she leaves behind her cell phone. What starts off as a whoops soon turns into a working relationship as Stella agrees to have Hudson's company invest and help start up her perfume business. Working together in close proximity, they have a fated invitation to thank. But was fate really calling for them to be together or does it have other plans?

The Invitation was my first by Vi but trust me when I say I immediately started another of her backlist titles. The Invitation has the swoon, it has the banter, and it has two likable characters that I was rooting for from the first chapter. Stella was the businesswoman that I admire as she knew what she wanted and wasn't going to let someone stand in her way anymore. Her best friend, Fisher, wasn't too bad either! What really drew me in was Hudson's story, as I felt his emotions ESPECIALLY with that twist towards the end that I DID NOT expect! While there are some steamy scenes towards the later half of the book, the chemistry and banter officially sealed the deal for me as a comfort reread for another time.

Thank you NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group/Bramble and Vi Keeland for giving me this ebook free in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars!

I could not stop reading this book! I've been tired all day because I just had to get to the end, no matter how late it got.

This book starts with Stella crashing a wedding with her best friend, Fisher. While at the wedding, Stella starts chatting up a handsome groomsman (Hudson). He asks her to dance and sparks fly. When he asks her name, she gives the alias she used to get into the venue and he figures out that she wasn't an invited guest. In her rush to get out, Stella leaves her phone behind and Hudson grabs it. So, she has to see him again to retrieve her phone, starting off a series of events that will make you laugh, cry, squeal and kick your legs.

Stella is an entrepreneur struggling to get her business off the ground and wouldn't you know it, Hudson happens to be an executive at a venture capitalist firm. When they come to an agreement, she makes it very clear that she doesn't want to get involved romantically because they work together. Famous last words. He makes his interest known and I'll tell you, she resisted him a lot longer than I would have been able to. Loving father and brother, successful businessman, respectful, funny, kind, Hudson had it all.

While I figured the "twist" out pretty early, I still loved this story. There were so many elements that I enjoyed, especially the fact that Stella wasn't a typical FMC. She's a scientist with a unique hobby and has a broken engagement under her belt, causing her to have some trust issues with men. (Well, the broken engagement isn't unique in romance novels, but her hobby of reading old diaries sure is!) I only wish there was a little more spice.

I'll be adding more of Vi Keeland's books to my TBR!

DNF. Normally I enjoy Vi Keeland’s work; however, this book didn’t cut it for me. The biggest thing I struggled with was the plot. Besides the wedding crashing at the beginning, I found this book boring. The main characters didn’t shine like they usually do. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Stella and Hudson. I wanted more depth and tension! I also didn’t care for the single dad trope that came out of nowhere. I wish that tidbit was included in the blurb of the story. I didn’t feel invested in the characters or plot. This book felt very different compared to Keeland’s other works. Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble for the ARC.