An Invitation to the House of Ishq

Written by Kelly Papyrus

Narrated by Lacy Laurel

Valentina Ortiz-Walker has a satisfying career that she built from the ground up, as the founder of a community center and meal service for her beloved but struggling neighborhood, the South Side of Chicago. But she's never stopped wondering what happened to the friend and lover, Al, she met at a volunteer camp years ago, and why he disappeared from all contact. So when he suddenly reaches out with a startling invitation to his wedding, she's determined not to give him the satisfaction of responding.

But there's a catch: "Al" is actually Khalil Al-Ishq, the prince of a faraway, exotic sultanate — and if she agrees to attend his wedding, her community center could win the million-dollar grant the sultan is offering for worthy charities. Khalil knows it's a long shot, but he also knows Tina can't turn down that amount of help for her charity. And he'll take any chance he can get to explain who he really is, why he lied about it during their romantic week all those years ago... and, most importantly, how he still feels about her.

Can he convince Tina of the truth, and can she give him the perspective he needs to forge his own path instead of the one the sultan has laid out for him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Shorts
• Release date: Jun 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781094417400

Kelly Papyrus

Kelly Papyrus is a writer whose stories feature diverse characters and people of color. She loves learning about new cultures and writing about them. She lives in Florida and loves dogs.

Reviews for An Invitation to the House of Ishq

[judy griffin · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not a good writer, at all.

[Jess Young · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really wished I'd have read the reviews before I got into the book. It's going to drive me nuts not knowing what happens. Like such an abrupt ending.

[Laurie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It ended bad it did not tell you how the story ends.it just stop.

[judiththorne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved the story but why did it end so abruptly?

[Dohiya Novak · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Are you kidding me? The story was kind of interesting... But it didn't have ANY ENDING!

[Lover of all tropes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was ok. Didn’t have a strong resolution so it didn’t even quite feel HFN but liked the inclusion.

[Jade Campion · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Dumb ending. No direction and was a waste of time

[Eleanor English · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Where is the ending???? You left me hanging Help please

[Unni Chan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While I like second chance romance, I’m pretty thankful this one ends abruptly. I won’t continue to find out what happens because unfortunately I see no reason for this couple to begin anything or build. The Hero hasn’t changed and the Heroine melted much too easily in light of his explanation. Many find closure important but this was just disappointing at best, lazy at worst.
Cute premise but not worth the investment.