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Illusions #3
End of Illusions
Iris and Ryan's troubles continue, as Ryan recovers from his near-death experience. As Ryan realizes that he has just faced down death, he spirals into a dark place, remembering the past times that he had faced death in the past. He also becomes fixated on all the people who he hurt all those years ago.
While Ryan dwells in darkness, Iris turns to Nick, Ryan's best friend, for comfort, as Nick appears to be Iris' only source of support during this time.
What happens next is something that nobody could expect...
While Ryan dwells in darkness, Iris turns to Nick, Ryan's best friend, for comfort, as Nick appears to be Iris' only source of support during this time.
What happens next is something that nobody could expect...
300 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2013
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631 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 18, 2020
What the fuck was the point of this book? It had literally fuck all to do with the other two books. It was just some winding, unconnected series of events that patched together the mental and physical healing of the H in the most ridiculous, asinine way.
The best is the male BFF of H who falls in love with both H/h and wants to fuck the h to get her out of his system. And the H agrees to try and set it up as a threesome!!! The OMBFF and H/h actually discuss it in front of the H’s ex-wife who used to be the third in the men’s threesomes.
Mind. Fucking. Blown.
I wasted three days reading the disaster. I can never get that time back.
Believe the one star reviews and pass on this series.
The best is the male BFF of H who falls in love with both H/h and wants to fuck the h to get her out of his system. And the H agrees to try and set it up as a threesome!!! The OMBFF and H/h actually discuss it in front of the H’s ex-wife who used to be the third in the men’s threesomes.
Mind. Fucking. Blown.
I wasted three days reading the disaster. I can never get that time back.
Believe the one star reviews and pass on this series.
March 7, 2014
I didn't rate this installment to the Illusions Series as high as the others simply because it wasn't as long or as dramatic as Parts One and Two. It was simply the conclusion to a story that had already had its excitement.
At the end of Part 2 we were left not knowing if Ryan was dead or alive. It was a major cliffhanger and I recommend that 2 and 3 be read back-to-back. Part 2 was a roller-coaster anyway and to heap a cliffhanger like that on there was awful--so put yourself out of your misery right away and just dive into End of Illusions. It's less dramatic (though there still is that level of 'completely F-ed up' that we've come to expect and need from this tale) and it's mainly focused on Ryan dealing with the aftermath of the shooting and re-evaluating all of the things he's done in his life that he's not proud of. Like Iris did in the second installment, he pulls back from their relationship to deal with his own demons.
The lurking issue of Nick and Ryan's unique friendship does rear it's head and finally come to a resolution. But we do get to see our main players have a HEA--which they deserve even though at times I thought they were out of their minds and couldn't possibly ever reach happiness.
This was a dark and twisted and frustrating saga, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
At the end of Part 2 we were left not knowing if Ryan was dead or alive. It was a major cliffhanger and I recommend that 2 and 3 be read back-to-back. Part 2 was a roller-coaster anyway and to heap a cliffhanger like that on there was awful--so put yourself out of your misery right away and just dive into End of Illusions. It's less dramatic (though there still is that level of 'completely F-ed up' that we've come to expect and need from this tale) and it's mainly focused on Ryan dealing with the aftermath of the shooting and re-evaluating all of the things he's done in his life that he's not proud of. Like Iris did in the second installment, he pulls back from their relationship to deal with his own demons.
The lurking issue of Nick and Ryan's unique friendship does rear it's head and finally come to a resolution. But we do get to see our main players have a HEA--which they deserve even though at times I thought they were out of their minds and couldn't possibly ever reach happiness.
This was a dark and twisted and frustrating saga, but I enjoyed every minute of it.
July 11, 2015
End of Illusions is the third of the Illusions trilogy. Ryan was shot at the end of Deeper Illusions saving Iris from her crazy stalker rapist. This all occurred in the family kitchen. Iris cannot bear to return to that home, so everyone moves in with Nick until Ryan is well enough to look for a new house. Ryan will not be well anytime soon though.
This book just felt like a complete after-thought to me. Perhaps Ms. Jocoby felt she was wrapping up the love story, I don’t know. Iris was at her annoying best flapping around trying not to gain weight, trying not believe the inner voice that was telling her that her husband no longer loved her etc etc. The last book had too much going on – and this book didn’t have enough!
If you’ve read this far in the series, it’s a foregone conclusion that you will be reading this one as well, I certainly did, and perhaps you will have a different reading experience than I did. I hope so. I felt like the author had run out of steam with her characters. Even the sex – which had been so steamy – lost its heat. There was one particular sex scene, towards the end of the book, that should have been scorching, but that I practically skimmed.
Overall, this trilogy should probably have just been one sweet little romance novel.
This book just felt like a complete after-thought to me. Perhaps Ms. Jocoby felt she was wrapping up the love story, I don’t know. Iris was at her annoying best flapping around trying not to gain weight, trying not believe the inner voice that was telling her that her husband no longer loved her etc etc. The last book had too much going on – and this book didn’t have enough!
If you’ve read this far in the series, it’s a foregone conclusion that you will be reading this one as well, I certainly did, and perhaps you will have a different reading experience than I did. I hope so. I felt like the author had run out of steam with her characters. Even the sex – which had been so steamy – lost its heat. There was one particular sex scene, towards the end of the book, that should have been scorching, but that I practically skimmed.
Overall, this trilogy should probably have just been one sweet little romance novel.
September 8, 2021
Emotional complex story
Twisted plots and fiery emotions keep your interest and keep you reading voraciously. You can learn a lot from this story.
Twisted plots and fiery emotions keep your interest and keep you reading voraciously. You can learn a lot from this story.
August 14, 2016
I made the same mistake again - read all the series in one go and now it is difficult to review as I do not particularly remember what happened in which book exactly. So I'll just try to explain my overall feeling of the series.
Well, I liked it, but there were several places that raised eyebrows and felt like you-have-to-be-kidding-me:
1) The insta-love of Ryan's part was a "no-no". This never goes well with me, whereas Iris seemed much more realistic in how her feelings developed. In general, most of the time Ryan had no backbone. Between ex-wife (Alexis), ex-lover (Rochelle), ex-friend turned ex-lover turned possibly baby-momma (Natalie), friend/lover (Nick), wife (Iris) and daughter (Dalilah), you would think he should know who is who and expect certain behavior, but no... For example, Natalie lived with them for indefinite period of time although at first it caused his marriage breakdown, and later it certainly did not help to build the marriage again. But he just could not solve this situation in any other way. Really? Buy a f***ing house for her - you are a billionaire genius!
2) The way how they both after really shitty life experiences (childhood to present) came off as pretty well rounded and only slightly neurotic. There were a couple of scenes where it just felt like the author needed another excuse for a shitty behavior, and then suddenly another life-altering episode from childhood/teens/youth was remembered. How convenient.
3) Ryan/Nick/Iris. The only place where it did not work for me was how Iris was so fine with Ryan/Nick situation, because she did not want Ryan to change. Seriously? I do not understand how can one be fine in the situation where the man you are (almost) in love with tells you he has someone on the side that he loves (!) and would like to continue sexual contact with him (or her, no difference here), but absolutely loves you much more. It is still being unfaithful. Both physically and emotionally. I would not have minded this so much if the end result was a MMF relationship. But in this context it did not work well for me.
4) The ending. Seriously? Everyone got HEA? I like HEA as a rule, but this was just too good to be true. The series are about two damaged people that try and work to stay together, and after all the shit they went through it's all rainbows and roses! Unbelievable.
5) (Dis)communication. I never quite understood the main characters as in some scenes they overshared (some of the dialogues were so unrealistic they made me laugh out loud) and in others -
all the problems were because there was no communication. I tend to believe people have certain behavioral patterns and you are either an oversharer (you blab what you think), or closed up (have difficulties in asking questions or explaining your reactions), or something in between, but definitely not both. Whereas especially Iris kept jumping from one extremity to another. This made it very difficult to understand her and sympathise with her.
6) The list is endless but the rest were only minor things, such as the enjoyable anal sex scene after the rape (good for her, but not realistic), the way Iris coped with being pregnant etc.
One thing stood out positively though and I wanted to point that out - I liked a lot is the way bisexuality was explored. I loved the message these books gave in this aspect.
So over all, I liked the series, they could have been written better, but still was a fine read.
Well, I liked it, but there were several places that raised eyebrows and felt like you-have-to-be-kidding-me:
1) The insta-love of Ryan's part was a "no-no". This never goes well with me, whereas Iris seemed much more realistic in how her feelings developed. In general, most of the time Ryan had no backbone. Between ex-wife (Alexis), ex-lover (Rochelle), ex-friend turned ex-lover turned possibly baby-momma (Natalie), friend/lover (Nick), wife (Iris) and daughter (Dalilah), you would think he should know who is who and expect certain behavior, but no... For example, Natalie lived with them for indefinite period of time although at first it caused his marriage breakdown, and later it certainly did not help to build the marriage again. But he just could not solve this situation in any other way. Really? Buy a f***ing house for her - you are a billionaire genius!
2) The way how they both after really shitty life experiences (childhood to present) came off as pretty well rounded and only slightly neurotic. There were a couple of scenes where it just felt like the author needed another excuse for a shitty behavior, and then suddenly another life-altering episode from childhood/teens/youth was remembered. How convenient.
3) Ryan/Nick/Iris. The only place where it did not work for me was how Iris was so fine with Ryan/Nick situation, because she did not want Ryan to change. Seriously? I do not understand how can one be fine in the situation where the man you are (almost) in love with tells you he has someone on the side that he loves (!) and would like to continue sexual contact with him (or her, no difference here), but absolutely loves you much more. It is still being unfaithful. Both physically and emotionally. I would not have minded this so much if the end result was a MMF relationship. But in this context it did not work well for me.
4) The ending. Seriously? Everyone got HEA? I like HEA as a rule, but this was just too good to be true. The series are about two damaged people that try and work to stay together, and after all the shit they went through it's all rainbows and roses! Unbelievable.
5) (Dis)communication. I never quite understood the main characters as in some scenes they overshared (some of the dialogues were so unrealistic they made me laugh out loud) and in others -
all the problems were because there was no communication. I tend to believe people have certain behavioral patterns and you are either an oversharer (you blab what you think), or closed up (have difficulties in asking questions or explaining your reactions), or something in between, but definitely not both. Whereas especially Iris kept jumping from one extremity to another. This made it very difficult to understand her and sympathise with her.
6) The list is endless but the rest were only minor things, such as the enjoyable anal sex scene after the rape (good for her, but not realistic), the way Iris coped with being pregnant etc.
One thing stood out positively though and I wanted to point that out - I liked a lot is the way bisexuality was explored. I loved the message these books gave in this aspect.
So over all, I liked the series, they could have been written better, but still was a fine read.
July 13, 2015
NOTE: Review for the series
I have never read a series with more issues in my LIFE. Okay Days of our Lives got nothing on this series. In fact Days of our Lives aspires to be this series.
*sigh*
So i get that the under lying theme was that even people with money had their own issues, and that life isn't perfect no matter who you are, but come on this was ridiculous.
I mean was it just me or did everyone seem to have a mental disorder and/or drug and/or temper problems in this book?
The series started of great but somewhere along the way I lost sight of the main plot; A man with a dark past trying to find redemption and love or a bunch of people who REALLY needed to go to rehab and stay on their meds?
The characters were a bit plain and I really couldn't form an attachment to anyone. The progression of the story was inconsistent, moving to fast and then terribly slow so it was hard to keep up with time.
Over all I will not say it wasn't a bad book but I'm not sure i woukd recommend it.
I have never read a series with more issues in my LIFE. Okay Days of our Lives got nothing on this series. In fact Days of our Lives aspires to be this series.
*sigh*
So i get that the under lying theme was that even people with money had their own issues, and that life isn't perfect no matter who you are, but come on this was ridiculous.
I mean was it just me or did everyone seem to have a mental disorder and/or drug and/or temper problems in this book?
The series started of great but somewhere along the way I lost sight of the main plot; A man with a dark past trying to find redemption and love or a bunch of people who REALLY needed to go to rehab and stay on their meds?
The characters were a bit plain and I really couldn't form an attachment to anyone. The progression of the story was inconsistent, moving to fast and then terribly slow so it was hard to keep up with time.
Over all I will not say it wasn't a bad book but I'm not sure i woukd recommend it.
March 7, 2014
Ok I have done it again, I have read all 3 books right in a row and did not review after each one. Now I can not single out which events happened in each book. I enjoyed this series. That was a shit ton of drama and craziness, a lot of ups and downs and a lot of wtf moments but over all I liked this series. I did find a few times there were some incorrect items or statements but it was not really an issue. I seem to always notice when these things happen in books because I am a details person but they did not detract from the story. As I have done before I am putting the same review on all three books since I can not remember where one ended and the next began. Iris was sweet and crazy and forgiving and all over the place. Ryan was doting and sweet and kind and crazy. Alexis was a nut case but still loved her in all her crazy glory. Nick..... kinda yummy and mean and sweet all at the same time. Enjoyable series over all!
June 22, 2015
This novel was slightly more realistic than the first two in the series button here were still some aspects that had me shaking my head. First...Iris was brutally raped anally, but she didn't even flinch when Ryan said he wanted to take her ass. I honestly just find that super hard to believe and ridiculous. It wasn't even mentioned...not even a brief moment of panic. Really?!?! I was actually thinking that the threesome between Iris, Ryan, and Nick would save this story from being a complete waste, but I feel like the author dropped the ball on this. Honestly, I skimmed through because it wasn't nearly as hot as it could've been. Then she left us hanging because Ryan's dad died. There was all this build up from all the trauma and the end was just blah. I will not read Dalilah's story. I don't think I could handle another series written by this author. Glad it's over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2013
I hate giving this only 2 stars, so we'll go with 2 1/2 stars. I can't quite put my finger on why, but this book disappointed me mostly. I found myself skimming sections that were mostly just descriptive. The editing again was not very great. I noticed this in the second book also but this book was worse. There are so many sections that repeat what we were just told in the previous paragraph. There is no need for that much redundancy and I think that with better editing it could've been avoided.
Without giving anything away, I'll just say it was a nice wrap up to the series.
Without giving anything away, I'll just say it was a nice wrap up to the series.
November 9, 2013
Ryan is shot by the crazy psychotic bodyguard who thought Iris was his ex-wife, Cherry. Iris and Ryan had been in fear of Andrew after he had raped Iris then disappeared. Now he was back and tragedy strikes again. How much more can Iris and Ryan endure? But Ryan still has some dark secrets that he has been suppressing since college. If he can make peace with that then can he come back to Iris and their baby a whole man again?
February 13, 2014
This is the final book about Iris and Ryan. More trouble and darkness comes into their lives after Ryan is shot in the 2nd book. It picks right back up at where the 2nd book ended. It's not as long as the first 2, but it does complete the trilogy. I'm happy with the way it ended. I did have trouble believing things about their daughter though. (not going to post what, but once you read this, you'll understand). Overall, it was a good series and a good conclusion to it.
October 11, 2014
After Ryan got shot he spirals into a very dark place. His memories of his past drug use and how he treated others is haunting him. He has to make it right for him so he can move on with Iris. However during this time he is pushing her away. They are staying with Nick and he professes his love for Iris to her while Ryan has gone missing. All the skeletons come out of the closest and we have closure to many past issues. I am happy with the way this story finished.
December 10, 2013
I read this because it was the last book of a trilogy. It was good, probably book #2 was the best. Again the author built on the characters and showed much more humor in this book. I loved Nick in particular. I like Annie Jocoby's writing style. However, there are some issues with editing. This isn't a huge problem but frustrating.
June 24, 2014
I like Iris, I like Nick & I love her husband! I get that he was going through some rough stuff, but, he seriously could of opened up, did a better job of leaving information or something!
However, I'm sorry, but my favorite scene, the Hamptons! Who really wouldn't want 2 HOT guys touching you, kissing you & making sure your passion was what was happening!
However, I'm sorry, but my favorite scene, the Hamptons! Who really wouldn't want 2 HOT guys touching you, kissing you & making sure your passion was what was happening!
February 25, 2014
Damn if I am not sad that this is a bit of the end of Ryan and Iris. I loved this series, and I am happy to see that there are some spinoffs. I stayed up all night finishing this book, couldn't stop and put it down for one second.
January 10, 2014
Ryan and Iris still had to work thru a lot but kept their love going for each other but didn't always seem like it. They went thru more than anyone in an relationship should. This series was so wonderful and kept me wanting more.
July 27, 2016
Good book, but ended oddly and had some unbelievable aspects: the daughter's advancements, the endings for Nick, Alexis, and even Natalie...it had the feeling of all this build up and then came the end where it felt like a second thought to explain what had happened to everyone.
September 10, 2014
Finally at the end of the rabbit hole.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat...I kept turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next.
I found it to be beautifully written and executed.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat...I kept turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next.
I found it to be beautifully written and executed.
October 14, 2013
This book was pretty predictable after everything that took place prior in books 1 & 2. Overall, the series was okay.
December 6, 2013
it was ok. cheesy at times.
November 12, 2013
I wouldn't have read this if I hadn't needed to see what happens. That is my problems with trilogies. The first is usually a hook. The second is breathtaking and the third is merely a habit
June 3, 2014
Yes yes yes. Perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. Loved all three books and it was perfect. I truly love this author and her method of writing. Great job
August 12, 2016
Wow, whilst I liked this series (somewhat) what else was there that hadn't happened to the characters!!!!
May 6, 2014
This was where I was seeing it headed all along.
June 8, 2014
I loved all three of these books. Some of the things were too unrealistic but I am still a fan. I am now reading the Broken series and so far it seems more practical. Glad to have found a new author.
June 11, 2014
I wasn't as thrilled with this book. I believe the characters wouldn't do the things they did in the book which started to make it unrealistic.
June 26, 2014
Dramatic ending to a dramatic trilogy.
September 9, 2015
Glad that it all ended well but thought the whole Iris/Ryan/Nick angle was a bit too much with everything else that happened. Can't wait to read the series about Dalilah and Nick
October 24, 2015
Finally got through this series so I can read Broken, though now that I recall how much I didn't like the writing I'm not too excited about it. I mostly skimmed this one. Not the best.
September 5, 2017
Love the series
I enjoyed the characters and the interactions. It is one of my favorite authors. A fantastic way to spend an evening. A glass of wine and this series.
I enjoyed the characters and the interactions. It is one of my favorite authors. A fantastic way to spend an evening. A glass of wine and this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews