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His Agenda #3

Broken Illusions

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*WARNING: Due to sexual situations and adult content, this dark and disturbing psychological thriller is not intended for readers under the age of 18, and anyone who is unable to read books containing the following issues: kidnapping, murder, graphic rape, and extreme violence.* Jude Macknight is gone forever, and I can finally start my new life with Dustin Brannon. But it's not so easy to move on. When I close my eyes at night, I still see Jude's face. And sometimes, I swear I feel his presence. When will he stop haunting me? And when will I stop waiting for the other shoe to drop? This is the breathtaking conclusion to the His Agenda serial.

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2015

104 people are currently reading
448 people want to read

About the author

Dori Lavelle

47 books571 followers
Dori Lavelle is a mother, wife, and sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolate. Hand her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
August 15, 2017
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★★★★! Broken Illusions, book 3 of 3. THIS BOOK MADE ROMANCE HISTORY FOR ME!

“He was Jude Macknight, a powerful man. He took what he wanted when he wanted it.”

Books in His Agenda series should be read in order:
Book 0.5: Cold Deception - Jude’s prequel
Book 1: Veiled Obsession
Book 2: Dangerous Intentions
Book 3: Broken Illusions


Wow, I can honestly say this is the first book I have ever read where I was wishing there would NOT be a HEA for neither. I am in utter shock that would think that and still feel the same hours after finishing. I think author might have felt the similarly since upon concluding series she added a prequel novella about hero.

In His Agenda, part 1-2 followed a broken and lonely damsel, Haley as she was rescued by a Knight in shining armor, resort developer and real estate mogul Jude Macknight After fairytale wedding, damsel Haley felt the walls of their kingdom closing in and allowed herself to be rescued by another prince. Her Knight in rusted armor turned into a beast set on getting their happily-ever-after.

Broken Illusions (book 3) is the whirlwind and shocking conclusion to Haley and her beast Jude’s story.

Story is told from alternating POVs, has all the elements of a tragedy yet there is somewhat of a HEA with a prince riding off into the sunset with his damsel… But I wanted a non-HEA death and destruction to both. That’s all I can say.

Grimm plot! Spell-binding story telling! Unconventional HEA! Damsel in distress and her hauntingly unforgettable beast!

***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3.5 stars
Plot rating: 3.5 stars
Dialogue rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4.5 stars
Story ending rating: 3 stars
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Overall rating: 4 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


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Profile Image for Sabrina.
589 reviews264 followers
July 22, 2018
I KNEW IT
I KNEW IT

It was too easy to have an end like that in the second book of this trilogy.

Damn, Jude is fucking crazy! Crazier than I could tell from the previous book, mostly because now I got to read his POV.
The plot twist in this book had me completely S.H.O.C.K.E.D

I honestly wasn’t expecting an HEA in this story, considering that this is a fucking disturbing ride of craziness, that I so very much enjoyed it.

I enjoy this one a lot! It was much more fun than I expected.
So glad that I finally decided to read it.
Profile Image for Elfina Renee.
611 reviews226 followers
December 12, 2015
Holy jeepers creepers, Dori Lavelle manage to struck gold with this phenomenal spine chilling, horrifying tale! Maybe I shouldn't have read Broken Illusions in the wee morning hours because every time I heard a noise or some off the wall sound, paranoia would set in until I'd glance over my shoulder! So onto the review.
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Ding dong Jude Macknight is dead! Part of burying the dead is coming to grips with the actual past, and that brings up old ghosts. Maybe Haley can move forward with her life, but it's hard moving on when odd occurrences makes you question your sanity. When every breath you take leaves you cold inside as though somebody walked all over your grave. Some ghosts refuses to go quietly into the night, their disembodied soul's stalks your every move, praying on your worst fears. Ones that doesn't want to slumber in their final resting place.
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Profile Image for Jamie ♡♡ submits to books ♡♡.
462 reviews170 followers
January 10, 2016
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 MONSTER Ending Stars ☆☆☆☆☆

THIS SERIES IS AMAZING!!!

I should end my review at that. Dori Lavelle wrote a crazy, monsterous story! Everything I love was in this series!

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Trying to move on with some sort of normalcy, Haley has made a decent life for herself after Jude.

With a great photography business and a great relationship with Dustin, life is good or it should be good. Haley can't help but feel something is very wrong. She can't put a figure on why things are starting to not just feel right. Thinking she is just being paranoid she keeps things to herself. She doesn't want to worry Dustin.

"When would it all end? When would I allow myself to let him go? I wanted to so badly. I wanted it for me. I wanted it for Dustin."

With any hopes of keeping her sanity, she must visit the one place where her nightmares began. Unknowingly, she has been walking straight into the hands of her devil.

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Her paranoia was her mind's warning for her. Hayle's life was yet not her own.

The battle has begun, once again and each page will be explosive and leaving you sitting on the edge of your seat!

I hate to end my review this way, but I can't say anymore.

JUST READ THIS SERIES!!
Profile Image for Expresso.
876 reviews138 followers
September 26, 2015
I'm struggling to find the words to describe how awesome Jude is in the finale to this series. Man! Jude is the crown prince of depravity and mind fu*k! Once again he's proven why he is the MONSTER of all monsters!

Hailey has one foot in the loony bin and the other on a banana peel thanks to Jude! I begrudgingly concede that Jude may have gone a tad bit far in his revenge methods on occasion, but should one expect anything less from the crown prince?

I won't ruin this beautifully dark read by divulging any details. However, allow me to convey what we all know deep in hearts regarding this series.....things are never what they seem or reveal what we hope...

The series must be read in order to understand and appreciate the deliciousness of Jude's darkness. There are three books total, beautifully priced, and worth every minute of your money and time! Embrace the darkness and marinate in the beauty and freedom of Jude!

Five dark and lovely stars for this finale!

Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,929 reviews395 followers
November 13, 2018
Quick ending to this series.

I read the first two books two years ago, and not sure why I didn’t finish the series. Oh well. Finished it now, and it was a good ending. Didn’t blow me away, but good.
2 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2015
Wow... What a fantastic conclusion to this series. The author kept us on our toes until the very end. I certainly didn't see the twist coming, can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
April 15, 2016
This was the "startling" conclusion to the series. However, I wasn't startled. My prediction was accurate. Hooray... Actually, when my guess came to fruition was the first time in the book that my interest was truly piqued. Until then, I was bored. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, as Haley would say.

Jude... Jude... Jude... or should I call you Terrence? You wonderful psycho you. I loved everything you did bro. Your motivations were completely all over the place, but I still had mad love for you homie. I really felt the love you had for Haley. Deep in the bones kind of love. I get you. You killed all those women as symbols of that love. Warped love. Obsessed love. Crazy love. Drunken love perhaps? Regardless, you were a freaking fantastic character to read. I wish the entire book was in your pov. Honestly dude. Your passion burst through those pages. Not sparklers. Not even fireworks. Dynamite amigo. Dyna-freaking-mite!!

I could write odes about Jude. Sonnets even. He was the only person that sparked any interest in me. Haley once again gave a lackluster performance that only gained positive momentum because of Jude. His effervescence makes everyone around him shine lol. I like what Dustin represented, but told through Haley's eyes, unfortunately I didn't get a real chance to delve into his character and connect with him.

I'm not going to read the prequel. I'm going to keep my fond memories of Jude just the way they are as I say farewell to him at the end of this series.
Profile Image for Victoria Stolte.
Author 3 books63 followers
September 25, 2015
Just when you think things are over... I had been anticipating this one and was definitely not disappointed! Full of wonder and suspense I could not stop flipping through the pages. I have grown to love these characters and am sad to see the series end BUT I needed closure. At first we wonder what truly happened after the last book. I found myself wondering if Haley could ever truly be happy. Was Jude really six feet under? I can't go in to too much detail as I want you to find out for yourself- But let's just say there is a twist you won't see coming. I didn't. If you need a keep you on the edge of your seat read you will definitely be pleased with this one.
Profile Image for Andra Weis.
760 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2015
Wow....this third book in the series is just incredible. From the first page I was riveted. Could literally not put the story down for the last couple of hours. Now I am done and all I can think is (pardon my language please) "Holy Shit". The depths of abuse (physically as well as mentally (self inflicted or not)) that Haley endures is mind boggling. The language and descriptors of all the abuse elicits this readers imagination so vividly. And lest we forget, the romantic scenes are just that...romantic and sweet. I SO like Haley and Dustin together. In fact....I want my own Dustin!!!

In the previous book, Haley was left with a fledgling relationship with Dustin while coming to grips with the death of her abusive husband, Jude. Did not seem that her story could end that way. And it did not :). Therefore this story was crafted. And I am glad. I now have (along with Haley) closure with respect of her relationship with Jude.

I found all aspects of this story well told and engaging and recommend that if you have read book one and two, pick up this story for the conclusion of the His Agenda series....you won`t regret it. If you have not read book one and two...what are you waiting for!!!!
Profile Image for Kathy Osborn.
225 reviews34 followers
September 25, 2015
I'm speechless on the shocking ending to this series. I felt like I was sitting watching a movie as Dori’s words placed vivid images within my mind. Wow! The twist and turns of this story is a page turner.

Haley is still dealing with the aftershocks of the emotional, physical and psychological that Jude put her through. Just when things seems to going great with Dustin – BAM!! Lookout because you don't see it coming.

Does Haley and Dustin get their HEA? Spoiler free on this review. I do recommend that you read the first 2 books within this series as this is not a standalone.

His Agenda series is a dark thriller with a lot of graphic scenes, heed the warnings as Broken Illusions may not suit your taste.

I can't wait to read Dori’s next thriller that she writes and will miss the characters within this series.

I highly recommend this series and applaud Dori for giving us a fantastic thriller series.
Profile Image for Julie.
750 reviews158 followers
May 10, 2016

Yeah, taken in the entire series, yes, it was. I think I'm just as sick as Jude. I somehow wanted him to straighten his shit up and get the love he wanted from her. Right. Anyone with a normal mind wouldn't think that, lol. Night even slightly fixable. That being said, I really didn't like the ending. It broke my heart. As I said, I'm just as sick!
Profile Image for Tracy Willoughby.
66 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2015
wow what a great ending to a great story. it was very unpredictable just when I had it figured out bam it twist and the story changes. I especially loved how Dori turned the character hailey into a strong woman even after going through so much. Dustin was my favorite character. this is a must read
Profile Image for Diane Norwood For The Love of Pimping.
154 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2015
5 plus mind blowing stars!!!! I received a arc copy of this book. And let me tell you, you will not be disappointed with the conclusion to the story of Jude, Haley, and Dustin!! I don't post spoilers in my reviews and it hard not to say very much without giving anything away. But I will say your mind will be blown away!! I almost hate for this to be the ending to this awesome crazy story!!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
October 2, 2015
What a great way to end a series as the author gives you a thriller and a little mystery as a women takes control of her life of abuse to come head on to almost losing her mind. Hailey has spent many years living with a controlling man who came to be her worse nightmare. As you have read in the past books Jude is dead and life should be easier for Hailey. She just cannot move on as she takes one day at a time trying to gain her ground starting over. Starting over isn't easy when your past still has control of you.

As is the norm for one of Ms. Lavelle's books you really cannot put much about the book in your review or it will give the whole story away. What I can say is this has been a wonderful outstanding series that shows the darker side of this author. She gives a wonderful read with a plot that will have you on the edge as she twists and turns her way through the pages you find you heart in your throat more than once. When I finished book 2 the thought did cross my mind that this could be the ending. I wasn't overly shocked as I should have been but yes I was surprised. I will have to say the author did throw a surprise in with Hailey sister and the neighbor that was a little of a shock. This is one series that will bring out your hate for one man why you love the other. You will have very strong feelings and I doubt you can read this and not have it touch you leaving a mark on your heart. What is that saying Just when you think it is safe to come out of the dark....Not everything is as it seems there is still more darkness to come as you pick this up and read it you will truly be shocked.

Hailey is a wonderful character it was a pleasure to watch her grow strong and take back her life. She can stand on her own and she will fight to the death to give her life meaning. It was a pleasure to see her come out fighting never bending or giving in until she brought the devil his self to his knees.

I thought it has a wonderful ending and you do get your HEA but not before a lot of pain as Hailey feels she is losing her mind. She knows Jude is dead but she can't forget, now she is sleepwalking and doing crazy things. She has to wonder if after everything she has overcome will Jude still win.

This was a great series with a lot of pain and sorrow. It is a story that most can relate to even if you have never been abused. Jude is a monster of the worse kind and it was a pleasure to see him get what was coming. Now if only Hailey can get her life back on track as she works to her HEA. Before this happens she must go through some very trying times which will be very painful. As she takes on the devil his self she must pull from her enter strength to find the will to fight for her life.

The author gives you a wonderful plot with wonderful characters. She gives you a believable story that will bring you to tears as it shocks you. I have been following this author from her very first book and she has really grown as an author. You really should give this book a read. I will be rereading it again as she takes me on a trip through hell and back only to re-travel the same road again.


Buy Links
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Illusion...
Profile Image for Merelyn Reads.
70 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2015
***ARC Received in exchange for an honest review***
This book was an absolutely amazing conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. It was full of suspense and twist and turns that I did not see coming. I loved that this series was unlike anything I have ever read before. I struggle to categorize this story as a dark romance because I feel like it's more of a romantic suspense with hints of dark romance every so often and mostly in book 1 of the series.

The book doesn't leave us readers hanging. Dori did an amazing job writing a great ending to an outstanding series. I will say that I might sleep with the lights on after this one though. It was a roller coaster of emotions reading this book and fear was at the forefront. But in the end I'm happy Haley got her happily ever after. She deserved it after all the things that Jude had put her through.

In the end true love triumphed despite all the obstacles Haley had to overcome she came out stronger and hungrier for life. Which you can't but admire in a person. This is one of my favorite series of the year.
Profile Image for Queen Bee.
134 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2015
Four Stars- I received an ARC for an honest review of Broken Illusions (His Agenda #3) by Dori Lavelle

I honestly enjoyed this entire series, it was a quick read and kept me interested and asking what's next? The final book was like a horror movie and I noticed often I was holding my breath waiting to be shocked by what Jude would do next. I will be certainly checking out more of Dori's books now that I've read this series. Good Job!
23 reviews
September 26, 2015
awesome ending to the series ... Dori Lavelle kept you on the edge of your seat guessing the whole time . Suspenseful , thrilling dark ride it has been in the his agenda series. Can't wait to see what os next. Great Book keep them coming !
Profile Image for Mariam.
579 reviews28 followers
July 19, 2023
4.5 stars

Standing ovation.

God I love me some build-up. And this book definitely has that. Lavelle's writing makes it feel like there's someone hiding in your bed and you're getting goosebumps and they're just crawling up and up and up until you can't keep ignoring them.

Jude is such a villain. Such a villain.

Backstory is 10/10. I wish Haley the best in the world <3
Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,252 reviews317 followers
March 25, 2016
Just when you think things are over....

Popping my Dori Lavelle Cherry was one of the best things I could have done this month.

Broken Illusions is the conclusion of this series and the "clousure" Haley needed to take control of the life that was stolen from her.

Since the beginning, my heart knew that Haley's journey was not going to be easy-peasy, the author managed to trick my mind into believe something would happen, then wiped the idea from my head, to bammmm, make it happen later. A mind game.

At the beginning, I was surprised that I did not connect with the"hero" of the story, but at the end of the journey, I knew why, and it was because in some way the "hero" was not needed; Haley was both, the heroine and the hero, she did not need someone to save her, because she was the only one who could do it.

Due to the story, I consider this book, the complete series, a thriller; full of secrets that will show you how twisted the mind of a person can be. And if you love dark, suspenseful books, you will love this one.

I could reduce this series in one name: Jude Macknight. The man we love to hate. The man that even when he is not there, his presence will haunting you until the very end.

If you decide to read this series, you need to know that this is not a love story although there is romance in it; but believe me, you are not going to miss the "romance" element.

I'm so glad to have read this series, and can not wait to read more from Dori Lavelle.
Profile Image for Jodie Scott.
236 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog
Broken illusions (his agenda book 3) by Dori Lavelle
So this is the third book in this trilogy I would recommend reading the first 2 books before starting this one so you fully understand what is happening.
So Haley finally broke out of Judes evil clutches and is now trying to start a life of her own. This woman has been through one hell a time and deserves a bit of happiness but her instincts tell her that something bad will happen but how can it possibly with Jude dead an amazing new boyfriend and the freedom she always wanted surely things can only be on the up for her right?? WRONG!!!!!
Just when you think this story cant possibly have any twists left BAM it hits you like a ton of bricks. Then just when you think you know everything there is to know BAM it hits you again in what I think is one of the biggest turns in the story and leaves you wondering what the hell just happened!
The author has kept an incredible flow through the 3 books and doesn’t leaving you wondering what happened in between books. A lot of work has clearly gone into the writing and story line and it has paid off. What a fantastic trilogy this was.
I rate this story 5 stars.
I just want to say thank you to the author for an incredible jouney!
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews63 followers
October 24, 2015
Reading this book, I was ready to bite my nails. Haley has been through so much already because of Jude, I was hoping now that he was dead she could find her way to happiness.

Dustin and Becca are concerned for her. She has stopped seeing a therapist, is trying so hard to rebuild her life, but still appears fragile and out of sorts. Things keep happening that can only make her wonder if she is finally unravelling. Did she make the bed this morning? She thought she had, but why is it a mess now in the early afternoon? Why was the front door unlocked? She always checked, didn't she? She continues to feel insecure and keeps thinking and obsessing about Jude all day.

Masterfully written, you will not be able to stop reading. I recommend you carve yourself a block of time to dedicate to reading this. If you are cooking while reading this book, the food will burn. You will not want to do anything other than follow this story to its shocking conclusion.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
190 reviews19 followers
July 10, 2017
Short and Mysterious
I love the fact that the book doesn't focus on the romance between Dustin and Haley. I mean I love them together, but I find the amount of love scenes here was enough. Also, I find Haley a little annoying in the beginning because she can't move on, but then I've never known a monster like Jude, so I guess it's ok and normal for her to feel that way. I really enjoyed the mysterious aspect of this story because it makes the readers wonder if Jude is alive or if his soul is just haunting Haley. I think it keeps the readers in the story and continue reading until they find the answer they are looking for.
I give this book a 5/5 stars because I loved it from the beginning until the end. I love the characters, the romance and the mysterious aspect. The ending was a bit rushed and left me wanting for more. I just need more. I don't want this series to end yet!!

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
319 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2015
Haley thinks the worst is past her. Jude is dead and gone. She can finally take a deep breath and start moving forward. That's what she's told herself for the past 2years. He's gone. You're safe. Start living your life. She almost believes it but a tiny piece of her doesn't believe it. That little harping voice in her head keeps whispering that there's no way he could die so easily. Jude wouldn't be taken out of this world like that.
She catches things out of the corner of her eye that aren't quite right. Did she leave things on the table? What is that thing in the fridge? Is she going crazy?
Nope, she doesn't think so, but when too many things don't add up she isn't so sure anymore....
This book was the perfect ending to an incredible series. I loved everything about this story and think it's a must read!
Profile Image for Patricia.
183 reviews27 followers
October 22, 2015
It is my pleasure to read and review Broken Illusions (His Agenda #3) by Dori Lavelle. I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredible ending! I've been avidly following this series and was very surprised by the developments, as well as dismayed for the horrors Haley endured at the hands of the sick and twisted Jude McKnight.

Ms. Lavelle's writing is once again absolutely incredible. Her characters are filled with depth and their emotions are so real that I felt like I was living the horrors with Haley. Once I started it was impossible for me to put down.

I highly recommend Broken Illusions by Dori Lavelle and give it five steaming hot cups of Room With Books coffee.

© September 28, 2015
~Patricia, Room With Books~
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,325 reviews23 followers
October 17, 2015
Well Dori did it again. Wrote a book that will f@ck with your mind. I am going to keep this short because I don't want to give anything away. Every page I turned kept me on the edge because I was just waiting for something to happen and when it did it blew me away. I even thought I knew what was coming but was completely wrong. I was not prepared. Dori Lavelle wrote one heck of a dark read that you won't want to put down. I highly recommend this trilogy if you like a dark read that will keep you guessing with all the twists and turns.

I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Book Loving Fairy-Blog.
1,263 reviews31 followers
October 12, 2015
Four Stars-

I received an ARC for an honest review of Broken Illusions (His Agenda #3) by Dori Lavelle

Of the three books this wasn't my favorite, but please don't misunderstand it was still good! What I wanted to happen, didn't happen. Jude was awful and every single time I thought he couldn't get worse, I was surprised! I thought the ending was a little too lovey dovey but in all honesty it was probably as real as it could get. Dori, job well done. This was first series to read of yours but I'm now hooked.
Profile Image for Thai Holman Pure and Dark book blog.
32 reviews174 followers
September 27, 2015
Holy cow this was amazing. Dori has done it again. My heart was racing I couldn't put it down. I was on the edge of my seat. This was the perfect ending. No spoilers but oh I was scared I had chills. I think she made it end perfectly. Needs more stars. This had me in tears. Absolutely loved every page.
Profile Image for Karin Gesell.
1,878 reviews41 followers
September 27, 2015
Holy cow!!! This book kept me on edge & stress levels so high. It was such an intense way to end the series. Totally amazing. If you want a thriller that keeps you on your toes & keeps you guessing, this would be it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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