What do you think?
Rate this book
Victoria Lesser #3
The Invitation,
The Invitation is the final novel in beloved bestselling author Barbara Delinsky's Matchmaker trilogy about a treasure hunt that turns up the heat—and the most unlikely prize of all…
Shaye Burke has become used to her Aunt Victoria's wild schemes. But a Caribbean treasure hunt? With an honest-to-goodness pirate at the helm? Ahoy!
Rugged, sexy Noah VanBaar did not know what he was in for when he boarded the beat-up old sloop with no engine. Surely, there would be no opportunity for romance on this so-called vacation. But when he meets the gloriously seductive Shaye, all bets are off. Could it be that, after years of failed matchmaking attempts, Victoria's finally got it right?
Originally published as A Single Rose.
Shaye Burke has become used to her Aunt Victoria's wild schemes. But a Caribbean treasure hunt? With an honest-to-goodness pirate at the helm? Ahoy!
Rugged, sexy Noah VanBaar did not know what he was in for when he boarded the beat-up old sloop with no engine. Surely, there would be no opportunity for romance on this so-called vacation. But when he meets the gloriously seductive Shaye, all bets are off. Could it be that, after years of failed matchmaking attempts, Victoria's finally got it right?
Originally published as A Single Rose.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1987
79 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Delinsky
307 books4,356 followersI was born and raised in suburban Boston. My mother’s death, when I was eight, was the defining event of a childhood that was otherwise ordinary. I took piano lessons and flute lessons. I took ballroom dancing lessons. I went to summer camp through my fifteenth year (in Maine, which explains the setting of so many of my stories), then spent my sixteenth summer learning to type and to drive (two skills that have served me better than all of my other high school courses combined). I earned a B.A. in Psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in Sociology at Boston College. The motivation behind the M.A. was sheer greed. My husband was just starting law school. We needed the money.
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Following graduate school, I worked as a researcher with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and as a photographer and reporter for the Belmont Herald. I did the newspaper work after my first son was born. Since I was heavily into taking pictures of him, I worked for the paper to support that habit. Initially, I wrote only in a secondary capacity, to provide copy for the pictures I took. In time, I realized that I was better at writing than photography. I used both skills doing volunteer work for hospital groups, and have served on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and on the MGH’s Women’s Cancer Advisory Board.
I became an actual writer by fluke. My twins were four when, by chance, I happened on a newspaper article profiling three female writers. Intrigued, I spent three months researching, plotting, and writing my own book - and it sold.
My niche? I write about the emotional crises that we face in our lives. Readers identify with my characters. They know them. They are them. I'm an everyday woman writing about everyday people facing not-so-everyday challenges.
My novels are character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship, and I’ve been blessed in having readers who buy them eagerly enough to put them on the major bestseller lists. One of my latest, Sweet Salt Air, came out in 2013. Blueprints, my second novel with St. Martin’s Press, became my 22nd New York Times bestselling novel soon after its release in June 2015. Making Up, my work in progress, will be published in 2018.
2018? Yikes. I didn’t think I’d live that long. I thought I’d die of breast cancer back in the 1900's, like my mom. But I didn’t. I was diagnosed nearly twenty years ago, had surgery and treatment, and here I am, stronger than ever and loving having authored yet another book, this one the non-fiction Uplift: Secrets From the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. First published in 2001, Uplift is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes that I compiled with the help of 350 breast cancer survivors, their families and friends. These survivors just ... blew me away! They gave me the book that I wish I’d had way back when I was diagnosed. There is no medical information here, nothing frightening, simply practical advice from friends who’ve had breast cancer. The 10th Anniversary Volume of Uplift is now in print. And the money I’ve made on the book? Every cent has gone to my charitable foundation, which funds an ongoing research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Connect with me on Facebook: facebook.com/bdelinsky
Look for my photos on Instagram: instagram.com/barbaradelinsky
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 5, 2022
Another reissued romance in the Matchmaker series that has not aged well at all.
Victoria's prior 2 successful matches have schemed to turn the tables on Victoria and set up a sailing adventure hunting for buried treasure in Costa Rica with romance with Samson, the sailor leading the expedition, being the real goal. Victoria of course suspects that matchmaking is on the agenda, not just a lovely thank you, and decides to take a buffer with her: her niece Shaye whom she hopes will find a match herself among others on the adventure. However, once there, they find not only that the ship is far from luxury yacht as expected (think camping on a reproduction pirate sailing ship) and the only other passenger is Noah, Samson's nephew who is along to help sail.
From there the book centers on Noah and Shaye and it's not at all a compelling story. Noah is boorish and adolescent and off-putting. Shaye just boring. Meanwhile, the far more interesting and colorful Samson and Victoria disappear into barely there mentions. The final scenes where they attempt to find the buried treasure are rushed and frankly an unnecessary bit of drama.
It's unfortunate because the plot outline and setting has such promise. It did manage to reach 2 stars because so much reminded me vividly of my own experiences 'camping on a boat' on a Blue Cruise off the southern coast of Turkey about 30 years ago.
Victoria's prior 2 successful matches have schemed to turn the tables on Victoria and set up a sailing adventure hunting for buried treasure in Costa Rica with romance with Samson, the sailor leading the expedition, being the real goal. Victoria of course suspects that matchmaking is on the agenda, not just a lovely thank you, and decides to take a buffer with her: her niece Shaye whom she hopes will find a match herself among others on the adventure. However, once there, they find not only that the ship is far from luxury yacht as expected (think camping on a reproduction pirate sailing ship) and the only other passenger is Noah, Samson's nephew who is along to help sail.
From there the book centers on Noah and Shaye and it's not at all a compelling story. Noah is boorish and adolescent and off-putting. Shaye just boring. Meanwhile, the far more interesting and colorful Samson and Victoria disappear into barely there mentions. The final scenes where they attempt to find the buried treasure are rushed and frankly an unnecessary bit of drama.
It's unfortunate because the plot outline and setting has such promise. It did manage to reach 2 stars because so much reminded me vividly of my own experiences 'camping on a boat' on a Blue Cruise off the southern coast of Turkey about 30 years ago.
April 6, 2015
This is one of the worst books I have ever read! I was about halfway through and couldn't take it anymore. I think then the character said "so what did you think... about my body" I was done. :( Don't waste your time.
August 21, 2018
Ridiculous premise, but an entertaining book.
Read
February 6, 2021Very light reading. Not one of her better books but ok.
December 4, 2019
First time I read this author and I couldn't put the book down. The fighting is just to much. I coukdnt wait to see what was said next.
When 4 friends got together and got an all expense round trip on a Caribbean treasure hunt Victoria Lesser just knew it was some kind of a set up so she talks her favorite niece into going. Shaye Burke isnt happy. She wanted a vacation alone to rest and the boat is definitely not her style. It's a 1920's beat-up old sloop with no engine. With just her, her aunt, the guy who is running the search and his hawk-eye, rugged and seexy nephew, Noah VanBaar, who doesn't like the idea of two women on the sloop on his vacation when all he wanted was to be alone and do as he please. When he overhears Shaye complaining about the sloop to her aunt he relizes that she is not only beautiful but also an "uptight priss" and he would do anything to keep her from ruining this hunt for his uncle. He is determined that he be her shadow and sticks to her like glue only to find that she is smart. And great to fight with. At the same time Noah VanBaar challenged and confused her, pitting primal need against her decision not to get romantically involved with a man.
But as the 2 weeks move on. They get closer and feelings really start to fly.
When 4 friends got together and got an all expense round trip on a Caribbean treasure hunt Victoria Lesser just knew it was some kind of a set up so she talks her favorite niece into going. Shaye Burke isnt happy. She wanted a vacation alone to rest and the boat is definitely not her style. It's a 1920's beat-up old sloop with no engine. With just her, her aunt, the guy who is running the search and his hawk-eye, rugged and seexy nephew, Noah VanBaar, who doesn't like the idea of two women on the sloop on his vacation when all he wanted was to be alone and do as he please. When he overhears Shaye complaining about the sloop to her aunt he relizes that she is not only beautiful but also an "uptight priss" and he would do anything to keep her from ruining this hunt for his uncle. He is determined that he be her shadow and sticks to her like glue only to find that she is smart. And great to fight with. At the same time Noah VanBaar challenged and confused her, pitting primal need against her decision not to get romantically involved with a man.
But as the 2 weeks move on. They get closer and feelings really start to fly.
November 20, 2024
Готина авантюра и секс сцени. Толкова нахален, вятърничъв и неконтролируем мъж обаче би бил причина единствено за главоболия в реалния живот. Обяснимо, в розовия балон тук, противоречията на главните герои в последствие се напасват великолепно, всичко върви по вода и се развива неописуемо перфектно, докато незнайно защо не се започне с предложенията за брак и създаване на семейство, в който момент разбираш, че протагонистите, които се познават от няма и две седмици, тотално са си съсипали животите, но ще го разберат едва след няколко години. Цялостно книгата е доста приятна и забавна.
March 10, 2019
I thought it would bother me that I started on the 3rd book but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit! Another wonderful story by Barbara Delinsky!
Read
July 19, 2019short, silly, predictable, but somewhat entertaining
Read
May 6, 2021This book was all smut. I'm not reading any more of her books.
January 25, 2022
Wonderful story
I was taken in the minute I started reading. I just couldn't put the book down. The story was original and so entertaining!
I was taken in the minute I started reading. I just couldn't put the book down. The story was original and so entertaining!
July 23, 2022
Hale sopakas.
August 30, 2024
Aug 29-30,2024
July 3, 2025
I usuakkt kuje Barbara dellinsky but this one leaves me cold.
March 15, 2022
Should come with sexual assault trigger warnings.
June 30, 2020
Even though this is book #3, I read it first and loved it!! This series can be read out of order and this one was the favorite of the 3 probably due to it’s setting (sailing & treasure hunt) as it added to the character of the book.
August 14, 2016
This book was originally released as "A Single Rose". It was not my favorite even though I tried to remember that it was written in the 80's and romance novels were very different back then.
Victoria Lesser guilts her niece into traveling with her on a treasure hunt, arranged for her by the two couples she had successfully matched. Instead of finding treasure both she and her niece Shay find romance with Samson and Noah.
It was a fast read. The storyline was interesting but the two younger main characters were flat and angry and irritating and over-sexed. The sexual tension between them was a key element of the story and was overdone. The sex scenes - less is better. I like later Delinski much, much better.
Victoria Lesser guilts her niece into traveling with her on a treasure hunt, arranged for her by the two couples she had successfully matched. Instead of finding treasure both she and her niece Shay find romance with Samson and Noah.
It was a fast read. The storyline was interesting but the two younger main characters were flat and angry and irritating and over-sexed. The sexual tension between them was a key element of the story and was overdone. The sex scenes - less is better. I like later Delinski much, much better.
October 9, 2016
Victoria was known for her matchmaking and her friends while at dinner with her decided they wanted to show her how happy they were. So they decided they would give her an adventure with on of the professors at the univeristy. He was going on treasure hunt in Costa Ricca. Victoria decided to call her niece with talking and more talking Shaye decided to go. Victoria called to let the professor know her niece would be coming. When they got to the ship there was a surprise there would be no other people on the voyage. The young man was a thorne in Shaye's side. All in all things changed and love was bound to happen.
August 24, 2012
Shades of Congressman Akin in this novel.
I must preface by saying this book was written in 1987. That dates the work.
I had to laugh about the discussion in the book. Basically, "I didn't use any protection." "That's okay, I just finished my period so it's not a good time."
At least I'll give Ms. Delinsky props for having this mentioned even though it's wrong. Granted it wouldn't be a "good time" but anything can happen.
Maybe because we think differently these days but I wasn't impressed with this book.
I must preface by saying this book was written in 1987. That dates the work.
I had to laugh about the discussion in the book. Basically, "I didn't use any protection." "That's okay, I just finished my period so it's not a good time."
At least I'll give Ms. Delinsky props for having this mentioned even though it's wrong. Granted it wouldn't be a "good time" but anything can happen.
Maybe because we think differently these days but I wasn't impressed with this book.
January 18, 2008
I only finished this book because it was in the bathroom and I kept forgetting to replace it with something readable. A very dated book (no condoms needed for people who've just met) with a ridiculous premise...former wild child (she has an "embarassing" rose tattoo on her chest) goes straight and won't date any but the most boring men. Gets stuck on a boat with the naughty boy of her dreams. You know the rest.
January 18, 2010
I picked this up in the new releases section of the public library the other day and only discovered later that it is a re-release of a 1987 novel. I was intrigued by a quote on the cover describing a touching and heartbreaking novel that is highly recommended. I later realized this quote concerned another one of this author's books! All that being said I read this quickly and did enjoy it even if it wasn't what I had expected!
November 17, 2008
This was a book that was easy to listen to while doing housework. It wasn't very long so I didn't need to invest a lot of time in it. As romance novels go it was ok, whilst I do love this genre I find that I prefer historical romance much more. The characters where all too typical and so was the plot. If I'd been reading this rather than listening to it, I'm not sure I'd have finished it.
February 17, 2010
Really quick read....only one day. I had to read about three chapters or so to get hooked. But once Shaye and Noah met I could not stop reading. The chemistry between the two characters was amazing. I do feel that this could have been extended and added on to make it longer which I would have enjoyed.
October 14, 2012
I might have rated this a two star but if was my fault that I didn't see this was one her early straight romance novels. I downloaded a bunch of Delinsky from the library so this was just a basic romance. I can't fault her for writing something I normally wouldn't bother to read. Quick, fluff and predictable.
December 28, 2012
I have read several books by this author that I enjoyed. This was not one of them. Trite, formulaic, dated, insipid, poor plot...you get the picture. Looks like one of her early pulp romance efforts palmed off on a later audience. I'm glad her writing improved, but this has soured me on her books. Pity.
November 11, 2016
I thought the book had a predictable, but interesting premise. However, I felt that the author didn't spend enough time developing Shay and Noah's character. In addition, the ending was really rushed. Long story short, this book felt like the old boat in the story; smooth sailing at first, but then you realize that you shouldn't have sailed it in the first place.
July 11, 2011
I didn't know Barbara Delinsky was a romance writer. I wasn't expecting a novel full of sexual tension and bickering only to be thrown together at the end in a quickie ending.
If this is the way all of her books are, I'll pass.
If this is the way all of her books are, I'll pass.
May 18, 2013
I was looking for something to read and saw this on my library's website. After reading the synopsis, I realized I had read this years ago. It is one of the author's simpler, earlier books, but was quite enjoyable.
November 11, 2017
Modern
October 25, 2009
Cute story about treasure hunting, and falling in love with someone you didn't like when you met him.
December 1, 2009
Not a bad book, just very, very predictable. Nice easy, brainless read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews