Indecent Invitation

Dark Overture #1

by Piper Stone

The contract didn't make me his. He did.

I shouldn't be here.

My clothes shouldn't be scattered around the room, my bottom shouldn't be sore, and I certainly shouldn't be screaming into the sheets as a ruthless tycoon takes everything he wants from me.

I shouldn't even know Houston Powers at all, but I was in a bad spot and I was made an offer.

A shameful, indecent offer I couldn't refuse.

I was desperate, I needed the money, and I didn't have a choice. Not a real one, anyway.

I'm here because I signed a contract, but I'm his because he made me his.

Publisher's Note: Indecent Invitation includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don't buy this book.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Dark Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Dark Romance

Yeah this is another great book by one of my favourite writers Piper Stone, and she is so good. I really enjoyed this book it has the H Arranging a marriage of convenience to the h who he found through a mysterious broker and the H spanks the h to keep her under his control and to make her submissive and there are a number of steamy scenes that I thought were really fine. There is a really wonderful HEA at the end of the book. I recommend it highly.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't deliver for me. The complete 180 with some of the characters in order to wrap this story in a nice bow and end on a happy note wasn't it.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indecent Invitation was phenomenal it's dark, filthy, and smutty. It was well written with great characters and an interesting storyline that pulls the reader in from the beginning with surprising twist and turns that leaves you guessing which character is the bad guy. It's suspenseful, romantic comical and filled with drama with an infusion of passion and lust. Bristol and Houston chemistry was explosive. Bristol Winters is smart and graduated the top of her class from University of Georgia beating out a lot of more qualified students to land a position with the most prestigious firm in Atlanta. Working for Harrington, Moorefield, and Sutton is like a dream come true. However, because of a personal mistake that she had made in her past the company decided to let her go and the morale clause that she signed upon hire. Bristol was fired and the felt like her world was coming apart rent was overdue, car insurance overdue, and her electric was about to cut off. She was furious and humiliated. She's desperate and is in of money when she saw an envelope black in color stuffed with her other mail. It was an invitation to Dark Overture. She had never heard of them before, Dark Overture provide services for those with exemplary tastes and your darkest desires.
Daniel Drake the owner of Dark Overture set up a meeting with Bristol and Houston Powers his at bar. Houston is a millionaire stockbroker from a very influential family in California. Houston needs is trust fund but in order for him to not he needs a wife. He hire Bristol to pose as his fake fiancee for three months with one million dollars upfront another million at the end. Houston was sadistic, broken, dominant, possessive, soulless, and callous. Houston can have any woman that he wants but he use Daniel services because in incapable of harboring anything but sexual feelings. That's why the service of Dark Overture was for because of no long term obligations, no emotional bs. Bristol is gorgeous, calculated, mischievous, defiant, sassy, and strong. From the moment Houston saw her he was drawn to her he had to to have her. "She was mine, mine for the taking, mine for the breaking". He was imagine all the filthy things that he wanted to do with her. Indecent Invitation was carnal, intense and intriguing.
There were betrayals, violence, trust issues, spanking, rough sex, danger, submission, dominance, hatred, ultimatums, power struggle, deception, revelations, retaliation, blackmail, lies, redemption, forgiveness, secrets, revenge, love, healing, and happiness.
Indecent Invitation was sizzling with great supporting characters who brings depth to the story. The story was so hot it set my kindle aflame.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dont judge a book by its cover they say and after reading the blurb i had my mind made up that i knew what this book was going to be about. Indecent proposal meets a certain grey book but thank god it wasnt like that and as with most of Ms Stones books theres always a twist. The only similarities are that Houston is a rich guy but his proposal is that hes looking for a fake fiancee and thats what he wants with Bristol (FMC). Shes gets involved because her life is spiraling out control after losing her job. Her and Houston are definitely explosive together both in and out of bedroom. Even with Houston's twitchy palms. Bristol doesn't bow down to him though and even with all they go through it felt like she was the level headed, stronger one of the two of them to me. Yes not all of the content of this book is everyone will like but for me i liked my books a bit darker so i really liked this. A great read

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Indecent Invitation' is the first book in Piper Stone's "Dark Overture" series and I have to say, although I've been a fan of this author for some time now, the beginning of this book grabbed my attention so quickly and paragraph by paragraph pulled me into the story so quickly, I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. Daniel Darke, from Dark Overture, is quite compelling from all indications, Bristol Winters, our heroine, is no wilting flower by any means, has paid a high price for a mistake in her past, and Houston Powers is known, both in private and business, to be a monster in disguise, brutal, and ruthless. And then there's Bristol's best friend. What a charming, over-the-top personality. All the suspense, angst, drama, and chemistry needed when reading one of Ms. Stone's books and yet, just a bit more. What a way to start a series!!

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot of Piper Stone's books but I have listened to a good many of them narrated by the highly talented Thomas Locklear so when I was offered the chance to read this one I jumped at it. I was not disappointed, it tells the story of Bristol, a newly qualified lawyer whose promising new career seems lost to her when a past indiscretion leads to her dismissal from her new job. Desperate for money she accepts Houston's offer to pretend to be his fiancee little realising all that will be required of her.

Houston is a man used to getting what he wants, he looks for any excuse to punish her, Bristol's torn she both loves and hates the way he treats her so how will things go when they go to San Diego to claim his trust?

[DD11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read! Much different from other books by this author. Again it’s hit or miss.

Yes this has the spankings, the dominance, the dirty talking, the take off your panties, bend overs, and hot rough sex in all ways possible between two people. Our hero though starts off as a jerk wait beyond jerk, our heroine helps him change his ways and we got sweet as far as this author goes story.

Received a copy from Booksprout for an honest review.

[*˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning started well, but I just couldn't feel the H and h's chemistry.

[Fiatgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, a bit of a insta-lust/love but Piper Stone needs to invest in a proofreader, the mistakes can be too distracting.

[Maria Vu · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Whom This May Concern:

The couple in this book is Bristol Winters and Houston Powers. It's like an arranged marriage trope, but not really. Piper Stone put her own twists on the narrative. However, the connection between the two characters was subpar. Individually, the characters are interesting. Together, they lack "spark".

In this book, the plot was very intricate. In my opinion, the plot was better without the love interest. However, the introduction of the couple and plot was very unique which made the first quarter of the novel interesting. The book is written through dual points of view, Bristol and Houston. There are 15 chapters.

The "romance" scenes had ok steam. Due to the lack of connection, I felt the scenes did not connect. There are approximately 4 "steamy" scenes in the book. It goes from the most aggressive as the first and third scenes, while the second and fourth scenes were more tender.

The ending of the book tied the book together and the character's conflicts were addressed. It was quite sweet and surprising with how the book ended.

With that being said, I give the book a 3 out of 5. The connection between the main character's was lackluster, but the plot makes up for it.

With thanks.

Disclaimer: I did get this book for free through Booksprout. However, I did not get paid for a skewed review. This is an honest review with no intentions to sway readers to persuade sales.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Indecent Invitation' is the first book in Piper Stone's "Dark Overture" series and I have to say, although I've been a fan of this author for some time now, the beginning of this book grabbed my attention so quickly and paragraph by paragraph pulled me into the story so quickly, I couldn’t turn pages fast enough. Daniel Darke, from Dark Overture, is quite compelling from all indications, Bristol Winters, our heroine, is no wilting flower by any means, has paid a high price for a mistake in her past, and Houston Powers is known, both in private and business, to be a monster in disguise, brutal, and ruthless. And then there's Bristol's best friend. What a charming, over-the-top personality. All the suspense, angst, drama, and chemistry needed when reading one of Ms. Stone's books and yet, just a bit more. What a way to start a series!!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say I enjoyed the suspense elements and plot more than Houston and Bristol's relationship. I just felt like Bristol was portrayed as such a strong, opinionated woman, but somehow she just doesn't make up her mind about Houston. She just gets on my nerve sometimes with how much she gives in to lust-but I suppose that's the nature of things. 3.5 stars

[Karon Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is usually a trope I enjoy, but I just didn't feel the connection between Houston and Bristol. I was able to discard the absurdity of these events, but the relationship between these two was just meh.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this: read below.
Nearly all of the reviews are Arcs and it really explained why the book had such high reviews.
My knockoff stars are from grammar/spelling issues. Otherwise I'd leave a no star rating. I don't rate based on whether I've liked the book or not. I don't think my personal tastes should reflect on an author's personal writings. Hence, the 3 stars.

I felt there was nearly no chemistry between them and I couldn't get past the "nearly" non consensual things happening.

The book was too fast paced and was really confusing at times.

One of the confusing things...she's a lawyer, but she doesn't read the contract fully of what she's scared most of, but then read the contract FOR him like his life depended on it.
Another, why is she not shown the contract before she agrees? She signed a NDA so the contract should have been shown, her read it, then make her mind up.

Honestly, I almost feel like this should have been a duet. The first book setting up the relationship and the characters, second book focus on keeping relationship and the drama of the family. Would have made much more sense.

[Sabrina Malloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Sure What To Think

There were a few parts that didn’t sit well. The fact that the FMC kept trying to change the terms she agreed too and signed. I actually sucker her capabilities as a lawyer because she missed a crucial paragraph in her contract. Then the constant “rape like” behavior was a lot. I’m not against kink or dark sides but this was just a lot to take in.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I struggled with this book. Our heroine was suppose to be this smart lawyer. She sucked at law, she had no backbone and she was indecisive. She was also a bitch. Why can’t we write strong women without the bitch factor? She threw a drink in the guys face for stating the obvious.

[Camilla]

Authors really need to learn about arousal non-concordance.

Wet does not equal turned on.

But how else are you going to explain your non/dubious consent scenes if not with "but her body wanted it" and "she's so wet so she must like it" - even though she's saying stop and no??

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Contemporary Romance
Story: 3.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Dark Level: 1/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINLY APPEALING
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Intense & Arrogant
Series:
Pages: loc. 4206
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
So what I love and appreciate, this story dive right it. There was no long and drawn out beginning. Bristol is down on her luck and is a tiny bit desperate when she received a mysterious black envelope for an interview. When she discovers what the position is, she is shocked. Now enter, Houston. Arrogant, intense and dominant.

Normally, in this case, I don’t like an over powering females, but her feistiness was just right and it was prefect watching Houston chopped it down bit by bit, and he does it with his arrogance and dominance in the situation. I also enjoyed some of Houston’s family drama being played out; rich people and their problems, smh. As this is unfolding, we saw Bristol’s and Houston’s guards slowly coming down, and I liked it.

I don’t know if I would say this was dark enough for me, excluding some of the sex scenes. Also, I loved the was this book started, but don’t feel Houston had the same intensity sometimes.



SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sexually, I love what this author produces. Her sex scenes are sometimes not for the tamed. Houston had a little dark sexual side that he forces Bristol to fulfill. Make sure it’s your thing before diving in.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Can I just say, Daniel Drake was not the main character, but he left me very curious. In the beginning I wasn’t sure who to focus on, Houston or Daniel. The other characters definitely brought out the storyline and made it enjoyable.



OVERALL:
Naught sex scenes, but was giving me a nice plot as well.



✰✰TRIGGERS: some sexual encounters could be viewed as triggers.


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.


Booksprout

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Indecent Invitation: A Dark Romance” by Piper Stone is a fake fiancee story with several layers of intrigue. It’s got a contemporary setting, a couple of twists and turns, and really left me with mixed opinions.

Houston is a very wealthy guy who needs to find fake fiancée for reasons to do with his even wealthier family, a trust fund and corporate shenanigans. Bristol is a smart young attorney whose life has become a financial disaster. A mysterious agency connects the two of them, and the strangeness begins. I don’t want to give you spoilers about the plot, which actually turns out to be a pretty good one. There is some intense non-consensual sexual activity. I can deal with that because this is advertised as a ‘dark romance’ and it’s made clear that it’s not supposed to be reality – it’s fiction and fantasy. My bigger issue was that I just didn’t like Houston. By the time the character is redeemed somewhat, it wasn’t quite enough to get me past my negative feelings about him. Bristol perplexed me a bit but not regarding her decision to take the fiancée ‘job’, but with regard to how at her level of experience being an attorney, Houston would be having her analyze complex legal matters for him. It didn’t make sense to me that he would rely on her legal skills instead of hiring somebody with experience to do that.

There are some interesting secondary characters, particularly Bristol’s best friend and Houston’s sister. When the story finally resolved it seemed a bit rushed. I wonder if there will be any other books with more about the agency that approaches Bristol with the job offer from Houston, or about any of Houston’s three siblings


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol Winters worked hard getting her law degree graduating top of her class. She worked even harder to finally land the a job at the top firm in the city only to lose it for something that happened years before. Now back at her apartment looking at rent,car,and insurance late notices, and even her electricity being turn off she felt like her life was falling apart. She in in the brink of being homeless. Then she finds a black envelope which had an invitation for a job interview for a company called Dark Overture. Where she meets Daniel Darke the owner who explains he finds people who fit what his clientele needs in a discreet and confidential manner.
Houston Powers is wealthy in his own right but his family is even more powerful and wealthier. He can have anyone he wants but he needs a no fuss no tangled no complications business arrangement. He needs a fake wife but there are stipulations to that contract that has twist, turns that end up being intense dark and even dangerous at times. It's about a fake marriage, trust funds, murder plots, blackmail, ultimatums, redemption, forgiveness, intense sex, passion and even love.
I must say I didn't like Houston throughout most of this book I thought he was an arrogant coldhearted prick. His family were all c r a z y well except his sister Asley. I would love to see if there are more books featuring his family, her bestfriend Reggie and even Dark Overture.
Even though there were a few far fetched things in the book it was fantasy and fiction after all. I still found myself intrigued and pulled into the story wanting to flip the page to see what happens next.
I received an free ARC from Booksprout an I voluntarily leave my review.

Five dark delicious intense ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued from the first chapter
Bristol thought she had everything planned for her future getting the job that she works so hard for that on her first day she found that she had been fired due to an event in her past. She got home I need to find bills! Outstanding overdue power is going to get turned off kind of bills. Until she sees a black envelope addressed to her. Inside is an invitation to a job interview but nothing else is inside other than the address. When she gets there it is like no other job interview she’s ever had. Could she do it??
Houston has been A Strained from his family for years but when he gets a phone call in the middle of the night and then a phone call from his families lawyer saying he needs to go back home for his trust fund. But there were a few rules about Houston returning back to get his trust fund and that involving him having enough fiance. And that is where Bristol came in but when they got there they never realise how much danger they were in. Or the attraction that will be between them.

This is a fantastic read that is just electric. It is definitely a page turner, it gets ya kind of hooked to their story I really like Bristol I thought she was a really decent girl. I struggled with Huston. He didn’t come across as a very likeable person but learning more about his family and you kind of understand why. A really good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Stone has done it again! Another great story with some great characters. This is the story of Houston Powers and Britstol Winters. Houston is very much an alpha-hole who loves to dominate – not only in business but also in the bedroom. He is cocky, arrogant and a real jerk! He believes that everyone should bow at his feet. Bristol is a recent grad form Law school and was fired her first day on the new job because or a “morale” clause. She is strong, feisty and just trying to make ends meet. Houston and Bristol are thrown together and the chemistry between them is HOT! But, Houston being the alpha-hole he is didn’t get off on the right foot with Bristol. Bristol hated Houston and could not believe she was willing to be his fake fiancée – but she needed the money and this was going to pay out big.

We are introduced to Houston’s family – Chase, Riley and Ashlie when he brings Bristol home to meet them. There is drama, deception, betrayal, lies, secrets, passion, some steamy scenes and a love/hate relationship going on. The banter between Bristol and Houston makes things even hotter. I’m not sure if this is going to be a new series or not, but I really hope it is as I would love to read more about Chase, Riley and Ashlie. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a thrill ride! This book has everything! A dark, brooding sexy leading man, a strong stubborn woman, a chemistry off the charts and a touch of mystery. Bristol has landed her dream job at a prestigious law firm in Atlanta only to be called into the office and dismissed on her first day. She returns to her apartment to learn that she is unable to pay her bills and discovers a black envelope mixed in with her bills. It is an invitation to an interview for an experience of a lifetime. She goes to the interview and gets pass the first part; the next phase involves meeting the client. She arrives for her client meeting only to discover he has rented out the whole bar just for them. She meets the devastatingly handsome Houston Powers, a man with unlimited wealth and a sinister streak of depravity. That's just the beginning, it gets a whole lot better from there. My kindle is still sizzling from the sexual chemistry between these two, throw in a fake wedding and a thrilling mystery to solve and you've got one hell of a book!! I loved everything about this book, from the characters, to the storyline and the touch of "who dunit". Just an absolute thrilling ride from start to finish!! A definite MUST read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! Bristol worked hard getting her laws degree graduating top of her class and landed a job at one of the top firms in the city only to lose it due to something from her past. Now she is about to lose everything when a mysterious black invite arrives offering her a way out. Houston is a sexy as all get out wealthy man with a crazy as all get out family and in need of a fake wife however, there are stipulations to the contract she must sign. Once signed the adventure begins for me, I didn’t like Houston he wasn’t a nice person, didn’t really have any redeeming qualities also, I didn’t like that her choices were taken when it came to sexual activities guess I wanted to see her stay a smart, strong women who worked hard for what she hasn’t and isn’t continued to made to pay for something that happened in her past. Now with that being said this will still draw you in, keep you reading until the last page has been turned and have you wishing for his sister to get her own story.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bristol Winters just lost her job and now has debts that are piling up. When she finds an odd black envelope in her mail, an invitation from Dark Overture. It was an interview or was it. When she decides to go to find out what it is all about, she is uncertain of what they want her to do. Daniel Darke is the interviewer and he knew a lot about her. But is that safe? What does he want? Houston Powers needs a candidate to play his fiancée to get his trust. Bristol is not willing to be tamed by him. Houston is hard, cold, and downright evil. He is demanding and he always gets what he wants and he wants Bristol.

Houston is one hard man. He comes off as a real dominating twisted man but actually as you learn, he isn’t what we thought. He does have a heart. Bristol just had to break through. But with Bristol, she needed a man she could trust and truly love her. His family has such a dark past and so much backstabbing. You never know who to trust. And was it all a set up to get Houston back into the fold with his family. You were never sure. This is one heck of a ride. There are twists and turns. You never know what is going to happen next. It was a rush and such a fulfilling ending.

[Joan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book Houston to me should've been in a mental institution because the way his mind worked. Treating people as if they didn't exists or they where not fit to be the bottom of his shoes until he met Bristol. Being fired on your 1st day of a new job was not far. It was their fault not doing a through back ground check.
Houston was snart enough to buy his sexual needs, tough adversary and a good attorney. He was snart but at the same time bat shit crazy. As the story progressed, you will understand why he was that way. Bristol was able to handle him but realized why he was volatile and was determined to stay by his side when he needed someone to mentally support him.
The one you treat the worst usually is the one you need the most in this type of family.
This book was written very well. I'm hoping she writes other books about the other characters in this book (Lindsey and Riley 😙).

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Bristol is in need of income after being let go at the law office. She gets an unusual opportunity to make some money. Houston needs a fiance fast and is willing to pay for it. They did not expect their arrangement to bring out different sides of themselves. They have a thin line between love and hate at times. He is dominant and she is not meek by any means. They find that their attraction is something that they cannot deny but have to decide if it is worth taking things from fake to real. At some point neither knows where that blurred line is anymore. There are plenty of sparks, family drama, secrets, dominance, lust and finally love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings us Bristol Winters and Houston Powers. Houston Powers, which is a perfect name for him, as he is a very dominant man both in business and in relationships. Bristol has recently graduated from law school, but is fired on her first day.. Bristol is devastated and knows that if she doesn't find a new job soon she will be homeless. That is, until she receives a mysterious letter with a job interview for a company named "Dark Overture." This is where she meets Houston, as he doesn't like the dating scene, he needs someone who has been vetted for him. Right now, he needs a fake fiance /wife and Bristol will be perfect for him. Houston is a hard character to like but the intrigue and storyline kept me interested until the end. This was a good read and I do recommend it. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story about Houston and Britstol. Houston is a huge alpha(hole) in all areas,of his life. He is dominate, cocky, arrogant but also just a real jerk and then some. He’s a total know it all. Bristol spent her first day in her new job getting fired because or a “morale” clause. She is strong, beautiful and completely fiesta. She’s has a hard time of it and now is just trying to make ends meet. Fate throws them together and even though there is chemistry between them Houston’s horrible personality get’s in the way.

There are some typos throughout that start on the first page, 2nd para “Mr. Harrington. I’ve excited to become part of the firm.” - I’ve excited. The typos throughout did make for a disappointing experience.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that has so many tropes in it from hate to love, fake fiancée, corporate intrigue and espionage and revenge. I loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough. Houston is the perfect anti-hero that everyone loves to hate without a kind bone in his body but all is not what it seems as Ashley and Bristol find out about his father and brothers. All have been hiding secrets and harbouring grudges and Bristol is caught in the middle and even though the sex is off the charts, it does not change the business arrangement. As the truth is revealed and hatchets buried Houston becomes the man he has been suppressing for most of his life and he knows Bristol is the love of his life, he arranges a magical ending.