The Travel Club Series #1: The Invitation

It's far hotter than I anticipated: This long-married couple completely stole my heart, so I was devastated to see them go so much earlier than expected. Why not giving them another scene in the Players Club instead?

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• The Invitation (The Marriage Diaries, #5) by Erika Wilde.

Whereas installments one to four were pure sex and passion, this story went deeper into who Jillian and Dean are as a person and as a couple. We learn about their history together and experience their devotion for one another on an even deeper level than before. I adored this couple before, but now I absolutely love them! Dean is one swoon-worthy protective and caring and hot and sexy alpha male. The epitome of one perfect example of the male species. And yet he still has flaws, insecurities that were caused by his upbringing, which has him not only pushing their boundaries sexually but generally as well.

After twenty years of marriage changes as significant as that are not as easily accepted. But Jillian, being as stubborn as he himself, leaves him with little option than to eventually come to terms with this change. The feelings this book put me through are of wide variety, not to mention the blisters on my fingers after burning my hands on my Kindle during those hot-as-hell scenes those two got down and dirty. At this point I have to mention the sublime writing: After Dean going ballistic in one of the previous novellas when another man advanced on Jillian — which actually previously was his own fantasy, no less — the route this book would take was set, no matter if those two pounced on one another in their bedroom or in a sex club.

And yet the perfect illusion was created where I held my breath, not sure what to think. While this book set the course for a new series which revolves around The Players Club — a series I am very curious about — I am just not ready yet to see Jill and Dean go. I want to meet their children as well. Can Dean and Jillian be discreet enough to not scare their children who are young adults now for life?

Same as with the previous installments, I listened to the audio book version, which was narrated by Lia Langola again. This series is the first of her works I have listened to and I am already on the lookout for more of her. Her voice, her intonation, her impersonation of both Jillian as well as Dean, the myriad of feelings she is able to convey. I cannot wait for installment 6 to be available as audio book! Nov 24, Jennifer rated it it was amazing. I have come to really enjoy each book in this series and have been patiently not really waiting for The Invitation which is the prelude to the Players Club.

He is goes to his best friend and partner Mac and ask for an Invitation to the players club. A local private club that Mac has been a member of for several years as well as some other members of his team. The night of their wedding anniversary Dean gives Jillian the invitation. He leaves the decision to accept or decline up to her. Before the night is through, I want you to see fucking fireworks. While the title centers around their invite to the club the story contains so much more that the players club.

What I found to be the most interesting was the continual blossoming of Jillian. Dean being Dean does not want Jillian to work. Dean is the ultimate alpha male and this story shows it more than the others. Though he is in control at work and at the club he is starting to feel a little out of it when Jillian tells him that she was offered a job. Later on Dean realizes that he is being completely harsh in his refusal to allow Jillian to work but he has always prided himself on taking care of his family. Dean has to confront some of his demons in and was really great to see that such an alpha male can be vulnerable.

It shows that everyone has insecurities he just better at hiding it than others. I could read a new story of Dean and Jillian all the time. They are like a fine wine they get better with age! Oct 19, Emily McGee rated it it was amazing Shelves: When we left Jillian and Dean in Volume 4 the ending was a little ominous. Not cliffhanger material, but a definite foreshadowing as to how Dean was going to push Jillian. And he pushed the limits almost too much.

To celebrate their 20th Anniversary Dean gets Jillian and himself invited to an exclusive sex club. A sex club that has no restraints on the amount pleasure one can receive within its walls. Of course, in 4. Of course, in their recent adventurous state Dean and Jillian are eager to see what The Player's Club has to offer.

But they may end up hitting Jillian's hard limits. I guess in a way, Jillian and Dean push the boundaries in this installment. Their marriage is tested but, not just from their sexual explorations. Jillian has become more independent since her horizons have broadened and Dean may not take too kindly to having his alpha toes stepped on. The Invitation offers more meat to Dean and Jillian's relationship than the previous books. I felt I got to know them more than just their sexual preferences or long-ago history.

They face more obstacles than just trusting one another in the bedroom.

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With Jillian and Dean both being so incredibly stubborn, I thought The Invitation was going to end in a stalemate. After 20 years of marriage, it's hard for changes to be accepted at the drop of a hat. But, leave it to Jillian and Dean to end up taking their differences and coming out a stronger couple on the other side. Besides the fact that The Invitation has some incredibly hot sex and thigh-clenching moments it also builds upon the characters and sets the stage for an all-new spin-off series, aptly named, The Player's Club.

Can I express how excited I got when I found that out? I want to seem them finagle some hot trysts when their kids come home for the holidays, or some other daring escapades. I feel like their story is just beginning and I hope to get my hands on another installment! I applaud any author who takes a look at a long term couple and has them re-examine their relationship, rediscover their sexuality as a couple, and reaffirm their love for one another.

Erika Wilde has done this in spades with The Marriage Diaries and in the Invitation, she pushes the envelope a little more by making Dean face up to his fears and Jillian move out of her comfort zone just a little bit more. Dean decides he wants to shake things up a little more and wrangles them an invitation to Players, a sex club. While there, he stretches those boundaries while fulfilling one of their fantasies.

However when Jillian tells Dean about an opportunity that she wants to explore this creates some tension in their lives and leaves him imagining all kinds of senarios. It was good that we see them facing some issues outside of the bedroom and dealing with them as a couple. Jul 12, Tracey rated it really liked it. These are short and sexy reads that revolve around a married couple that have seriously spiced things up in the bedroom. Jillian and Dean Noble have been married for twenty years. For most couples that have been together that long, things can get a little stale.

Determined to keep the fires burning, Jillian stepped things up by seducing Dean at his office in Book 1 of this series, 'The Awakening. This brings us to 'The Invitation,' which refers to an invite to The Players club, a members-only, anything goes group that some of Dean's friends and colleagues belong to. Sensing that Jillian might be open to this next step, Dean obtains the invitation and gets Jillian to agree to explore the club with him.

I enjoyed the relationship between Jillian and Dean, especially as they are a solid couple, intent on keeping things fresh and exciting in their relationship. There are a few bumps here, even after twenty years, as Jillian pushes Dean past his comfort level in regards to wanting to be more independent. But they are so in tune with each other, and really so invested in their marriage, that these are just hiccups along the way.

I'd never read anything by Erika Wilde prior to 'The Invitation,' and it was a nice and easy entree into her work. This was a good solid 4-star read for me, and I would definitely check out the rest of the books in this series. Jan 28, Lisa rated it it was amazing. A sign of a good series is that you can join it mid way through not ideal but can still follow the story without feeling like you're intruding. The Invitation falls into this category. There was enough backstory to help the new reader understand the situation and the characters but not too much to put off those who have read the rest of the series.

Dean and Jillian are continuing with their plans to add some spice to their love life after their sons have home. This book centres around their 20 A sign of a good series is that you can join it mid way through not ideal but can still follow the story without feeling like you're intruding. This book centres around their 20th Wedding Anniversary celebrations and both have unique and personal presents for each other - Dean's is a very exclusive invitation to the sex club 'The Players Club'.

Will Jillian accept or will it be a step too far? Dean is a bad boy turned good - very tough, strong and dominant. He does have a vulnerable side, which comes out with Jillian. He wants what is best for the woman that he loves but sometimes his past gets in the way.

Jillian is a strong woman in a quiet way and goes after what she wants. A really read with plenty of hot scenes. My only problem is that I now need to read the rest of the series! Jul 04, Princess Thuy rated it it was amazing. Finally was able to finish the whole Marriage Diaries series and what an ending. The Invitation was the prefect ending to Dean and Jillian's story. I loved that even though this story was an erotica it still had the love story and hea that I love in regular romances.

Although this is part of a series it's ok for you to read it as a stand alone but you'll be missing out on all the yummy details that lead to the conclusion of the Marriage Diaries in the previous installments. I'm intrigued by the ending make me want more!!! Don't waste anytime start it now!!! View all 19 comments. Sep 21, Wendy'sThoughts rated it it was amazing. There better not be a sort of good This author did not disappoint. She had the tone and flair needed to pull this o 4. She had the tone and flair needed to pull this off. The guy sounded like a guy They had bonded over this and remained friends-only over the 2 years they knew each other.

Her, law school; him, an MBA program. Their last night together sets up the no- holds-barred-free-for-all between them. Everything they both wanted and more. Everything a reader would want I will just have to suck it up yes, every pun intended, hint hint and be Roxy Sloane's bitch I will wait for each installment View all 35 comments. Sep 16, Eliza rated it really liked it Shelves: The Invitation, 1 Author: Roxy Sloane Release Date: Yes, of course yes. The story revolves Justine 'JJ' Jenkins and Ashton Pierce, close college friends who have for the past two years fought their mutual attraction, in order not to ruin their friendship.

With either no stranger to th Title: With either no stranger to the casual hook up, early on they decided not to go there with each other. Now with Graduation upon them, Ashton's future holds returning to England and family obligations and JJ working hard making good use of her Law degree but not before spending their last night together.

And what a night it is! Cut to three years years later, having flown into New York to work on case JJ arrives at her temporary apartment to receive a mysterious invite. Welcome to your wildest fantasy. I feel a shiver of excitement.

I love games, and I already can tell, this one is going to be fun. I admit I put off starting this because I didn't want to be a slave to another serial, stalking release dates and suffering at the hands of cliffhangers. Roxy Sloane does not respect this. I'm already hooked and wanting more already, well played Roxy. View all 43 comments. Ashton and Justine met as law students and found out they have a lot in common Vowing to never cross that line with each other, they become best friends.

After graduation, Ashton is leaving for home in England and unbeknownst to each other, they have both decided to make their last night unforgettable. This is a really quick fifty page sex-fest so be warned! It defin Ashton and Justine met as law students and found out they have a lot in common It definitely helped getting both their POVs. I liked seeing this side of Justine. We got to know her as Keely's from the Seduction series lawyer friend and she came across as a pretty tough cookie.

The story moves three years in the future with Justine arriving in New York to work on a big case. She's staying at one of Keely's apartments when a mysterious package arrives! I thought this was a good introduction to the series. I like the promise of things to come. Can't wait to read the next book to see where it goes from here! View all 37 comments. They decided then that they would be better friends then hook ups. But over the years, each develops a lust, a fire, a connection for the other.

But on their last night together before graduation, each has a plan for that friends part to go away. This prequel was short, steamy and sexy. I'm looking forward to seeing how life is 3 yrs a 4. I'm looking forward to seeing how life is 3 yrs after that one night together in The Invitation 2. Especially after that special invitation comes!!

View all 23 comments. For 2 long years, Ashton "Ash" Pierce and Justine "JJ" Jenkins have tried being "just friends" while always secretly fantasizing about each other. You see, when they first met, they decided that they could always find random people to share a bed with So they make a pact and never cross the lines. Not until now, that is This is the last night of their freedom. After that night, they will both go back to their real lives and separate ways.

And what they both want more than anything is to say a proper goodbye And so a night of dares, games and panty-soaking hotness begins! This book was pretty perfect! Some authors can't see the difference between these, apparently, but Roxy Sloane pulled it off with this one! My breathing couldn't get even for the entire hour that I was reading this!

As easy as it looks, writing erotic scenes is a hard job, people. There's a very thin line between sounding stupid and being actually hawt while writing these. There were other fun things in between those scenes and that fact made me love this book even more! Let's remember again that this book is just 50 pages long. We all know that if an Erotica is that short, the probability of it having some real conversation and an actual plot is quite low. It gives you a chance to get to know both of the characters and see how they feel about each other, how they think and what kind of person they really are.

So this was also a big plus for me. Ash was very funny and sweet sometimes: You've always been mine. No, she is a strong young woman who knows what she wants and doesn't hesitate to get it. And more importantly, she knows she doesn't live in a fairy tale. I really liked her, which is a very rare occurrence with Romance books, unfortunately.

I can't wait for Book 2! View all 44 comments. They became best friends and made a pact early on they would stay strictly friends. They chose real friendship over a casual hook-up. But this doesn't change the fact that they are extremely attracted to each other. Ash is a British hottie with a reputation of a player, and JJ is a drop dead gorgeous blonde who likes to have fun. On their last night at school the 4 Seduced Stars! On their last night at school they both realize they want more than friendship from each other before they part ways in the morning.

They both know it's their last chance to be together. They were so focused on doing well in school, but now they don't want any regrets. They're both desperate to have each other. They both feel more for each other than they expected, but Ash is about to leave the country in a few hours. Ultimately their timing was off in college, but now 3 yrs. View all 26 comments. This book hits the ground running!

Ashton "Ash" and Justine "JJ" have been best friends throughout law school and tonight is the last night they have together before Ash has to return home to England for a while. For years they've secretly lusted after each other. They know they can't be together because their worlds are just too different.

JJ 4 "Hot hot hot" Stars Well damn! JJ comes from a poor background and had to work extra hard to make it to where she is. Ash is from a super wealthy family in England and his dad wants him groomed and ready to take over the family business. So they settle for one night of passion.

A night that ignites things within them they didn't know were there. Feelings they've ignored throughout the years come to the surface. Ash never wanted a girlfriend. JJ never wanted a boyfriend. But after tonight they'll want each other in ways they never had before. Ash is supposed to get back in touch with JJ as soon as he gets back to the states in a few months What happened to Ash? Why did he break all ties with her? She's his best friend. How could he just walk away from her without explanation?

Especially after the mind blowing night they shared.

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View all 12 comments. I will not be long, because after all this is just a prequel. Ash and Justine aka JJ are very close friends since the beginning of college and despite the fact that they both want each other, they decided to keep thinks platonic. But eventually college ends and in the last night before Ash returns to England Yes, he is British!

Basically, the perfect excuse for what they always wanted. Fast forward three years. JJ is in NY working on a case. She receives a secret package inviting her to play. Damn, this is going to be good. Yes, we know who send it. View all 9 comments. In einem stillen Winkel des Hauses kreuzen sich ihre Wege und Stella bittet ihn, ihr sein Rom zu zeigen. Sie durchstreifen die Stadt und verbringen die Nacht miteinander. Doch dann lernt er ihren Mann kennen. Denn es muss etwas schreckliches passiert sein, am Ende der Reise.

Er ist kein Mann, der die Kriegsjahre einfach leicht wegsteckte. Frank Truss, ihr Mann , hat sie aus ihrem Elend regelrecht gerettet. Und so ergibt eines das andere. Die Geschichte ist sehr vielschichtig. Das Italien der 50er Jahre kann man sich bildgewaltig Vorstellen. Das merkt man diesem Buch an. Geheimnisvoll und vielschichtig mit wunderbar unterschiedlichen Charakteren. May 29, Joanne rated it really liked it. Almost everyone in the story is deeply wounded and damaged.

There is no happiness for them, just moments of less pain. It's pretty draining at times to know just how much they suffered, and yet I found them utterly compelling. What I didn't find especially credible was the actual love story between Hal and Stella. To my view, Hal was too intense, too determined to "save" Stella, without ever really unders This fascinating novel captures a particular poignancy of loss and pain in post-WWII Europe. To my view, Hal was too intense, too determined to "save" Stella, without ever really understanding her.

Stella was too emotionally flat, too passive to inspire any passion except the most superficial attraction. That said, I was really engaged by the story, and couldn't put the book down. I will look for the author's other book as well.

Mar 12, Yasmin rated it really liked it. What a lovely lovely story. I loved everything about this- the sunlit settings in Italy, the lyrical writing, the escapism of it. I'd definitely recommend this, and am only sorry that I've finished it. May 08, January Gray rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this book. It made a nice weekend read. This wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it and will recommend it to others. I need more stars. Aug 24, Julia rated it it was ok. I thought I was going to love this book, with its laudatory blurbs by Elin Hildebrand, Beatriz Williams, and Lucinda Riley on the back cover.

Unfortunately, I just didn't get caught up in the story and was even a little bored at times. This was a fantastically written story that really makes me want to travel! The romance was engaging, and I could not help but get drawn into the loss and recovery the characters went through. I think that Foley did an amazing job of depicting post-war issues and describing some of the traumatic events that people lived through.

Hal and Stella both have heavy baggage from the past, and it was wonderful to learn more about what makes each of them tick. Also, I now really want to go on an Italian This was a fantastically written story that really makes me want to travel! Also, I now really want to go on an Italian cruise. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the beautiful description of Italian scenery, and I can only hope to go and explore those areas myself in the future. Aug 29, Robyn Markow rated it liked it. An interesting if bit "cold" and removed kind of book which is kind of ironic since it takes place in the sunny Mediterranean coast of Italy and Southern France.

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However, the story had enough in it to keep me interested. One night in early 's Rome,Hal Jacobs,a struggling British expat journalist,meets a beautiful alluring woman named Stella and they have a one-night stand and he never truly forgets her. Two years later,in one of those coincidences that only seem to happen in novels and movi An interesting if bit "cold" and removed kind of book which is kind of ironic since it takes place in the sunny Mediterranean coast of Italy and Southern France.

Two years later,in one of those coincidences that only seem to happen in novels and movies ,he meets her again after receiving an offer to cover the glamourous passengers of a yacht owned by an aging Contessa headed to the Cannes film festival to promote a film by a renowned Italian director which is based on a relative of hers. Stella, who we discover is married to a wealthy American with a shady background and the oddly symbolic surname Truss still has feelings for Hal as well. Also, both have to deal with the war-related demons of the their past. As the ship sails along the picturesque Italian Coast, secrets are revealed to Hal by the other passengers of the Yacht "Pygmalion " more symbolism which also deals with a beautiful mysterious woman whom a captain in 15th century Italy finds swimming near his ship and brings abroad even though when women abroad ships were considered "Unlucky" then and becomes obsessed with her.

The film is based on a true story and the Contessa and even loans Hal the captain's journal describing the encounter,perhaps because she feels his predicament matches Hals own. Then,in alternating chapters, we read about Stella's tragic past and how she became the pampered wife of an American businessman. I enjoyed the "travel brochure" aspect of the book but felt the writing was a bit too obviously symbolic and a bit removed as well and the ending was just a bit to far-fetched for me to believe.

However the story and the setting did hold my interest in spite of it's flaws. This is set in Rome, and starts with Hal meeting the beautiful Stella, a society girl from New York. After their one night together, Stella disappears until and invitation from the Contessa to Hal sends her spiralling back into his world. They are both completely different but as their worlds entwine can they make it work or will the past be their downfall? I really enjoyed this read This is set in Rome, and starts with Hal meeting the beautiful Stella, a society girl from New York.

I really enjoyed this read, I read a lot of novels set post-war and usually find them enjoyable and this was no exception. Foley presents flashbacks to war time as well so the reader gets a real sense that the war has recently ended and how it impacted on our main characters.

In the characters the struggle they face with events that took place during the war are their main concern throughout the plot but they begin to see that it might be possible to still live a life. There are many elements to this plot from their lives before the war, during the war and where they are in the present day.

The Reunion - Original Series - Episode 1 - An Invite To The Past - The Zoom Studios

I would say that all of the characters were well written and realistic and it was entertaining to follow their lives with the Contessa and see the impact of war. I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away into this story. Rome, the early 's. Ex-pat Hal is trying to scrape a living in the Eternal City by writing for a small paper. By chance Hal is offered the opportunity to attend a society gathering in place of a friend who cannot go.



Here fate plays a part and Hal meets the gorgeous Stella, a society beauty from New York. Two years on from the society gathering, the Contessa who hosted the gathering 2 years gets back in touch will Hal, asking him to cover the launch of her latest film at Cannes.

Hal grabs th Rome, the early 's. Hal grabs this opportunity to write for a well known magazine and the chance to earn a fee considerably larger than what he earns at the newspaper. Hal learns that the key people in the films making will be travelling to Cannes on board the Contessa's yacht. Unknown to him, Stella and her husband are also on the boat, a cunning plan by the Contessa to bring two lost souls,as she sees them both, together.

As the yacht travels, via various towns on the coastline, to Cannes, Hal plots to save Stella from her unhappiness and her husband. This book some time to get going, it turned into a fairly enjoyable read but did not grasp me like the authors first book so slightly disappointed. If this had been her first book I don't feel that I would read anymore of her books. Three story lines are interwoven in The Invitation , by Lucy Foley. On the Italian Riviera in the s, Hal Jacobs is an English journalist, struggling with scars from war and a broken engagement back home. Why would a drifter, just barely making a living, be invited aboard?

Our second plot is the " backstory" of Stella, a beautiful New York matron who had a brief encounter with Hal, two years prior. Her childhood setting is the late s Spain. Stella is currently aboard the Contessa's cruise. At first, the narrative's tapestry seems improbable. But the aura of mystery deepens with Hal's discovery of a 16th century sea captain's journal, detailing his obsession with a "ghostly" woman he rescues from the sea. Once I became comfortable with the plot transitioning and began making connections, I enjoyed the read.

I saw it captioned somewhere as a "tragedy laced romance". Sorry, I don't recall where. But, that says it best for me. Received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway. This isn't my usual kind of read, found the cover enticing so entered the giveaway. The writing is very descriptive and easy to read, would like to know a bit more about some of the characters but enjoyed the back stories of Stella and Hal, overall an enjoyable read. Nov 13, Jenn rated it did not like it Shelves: I would love to go to Italy.

I thought this book might take me there, but it only put me to sleep. The story was soooooo slooooooow. I can't even tell you what it was about. I'd read a sentence several times - my mind was wandering. It didn't keep my interest at all. There are no discussion topics on this book yet.

Videos About This Book. I live in London, but love traveling - both in real life and on the page hence the appearance of some far flung locations in my writing.