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The Illusion #3
Just an Illusion - EP
Lives are turned upside down…
Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt.
When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on…
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer…
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness.
Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?
Just an Illusion – EP is book three in The Illusion Series.
Everything was perfect before life came to a screeching halt.
When devastating loss flips Amelia’s world on its axis, she loses her spirit. Mel isn’t the only one hurting, though; the members of BAD are also struggling to find their way after that tragic night.
Life goes on…
Amelia’s friends move heaven and earth to help ease her sadness. Knowing she’s on a dangerous precipice, they fight through their own pain to bring her safely to the other side of her grief.
Love can conquer…
Amelia knows bottling up her feelings isn’t helping anything. With love at her fingertips, all she has to do is reach for it. Mel’s loved ones desperately hope she can once again find her way to happiness.
Can Amelia overcome her fears to let love in again, or will she let the weight of that night continue to drown her in sorrow?
Just an Illusion – EP is book three in The Illusion Series.
Audible Audio
First published June 21, 2017
136 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
D. Kelly
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Author page - https://www.facebook.com/dkellyauthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/dkellyauthor
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/deekellyaut...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/D.-Kelly/e/B00...
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/d_kelly_aut...
Newsletter - http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-l...
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-kelly
Book and Main - https://bookandmainbites.com/users/8035
if that link doesn't work @DeeKelly
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
July 18, 2018
*****5 ROCK STARS*****
Just an Illusion Side A and Side B must be read before this book.
As my husband looks at me like I’m bat-shit crazy, I’m going to write this review with tears in my eyes. FYI, I am ruining perfectly good eyelashes from these tears, which is a big thing for me. I love my fucking eyelashes and pay a shit ton of money for them.
I didn’t make it through the first few pages of the chapter one before balling like a damn baby. By the time I got to chapter two, I was a mess.
This series has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I feel lucky to have been able to read these books. I don't have the ability to write a full review here on Goodreads because I don't want to give anything away but for those who have read it, you can find my unfiltered review here... ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ THIS BOOK https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
I'm going to honest here. It's hard for me to give the book only 5 STARS because it deserves more than that. I'm still working through my emotions here.
I feel in love with the Weston brothers for different reasons.
I have never read a series that evoked so much emotion from me. I felt everything. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. There were times where I was pissed off and other times I felt elated.
I don't think there is enough vodka or tequila to cope with this book, you just have to give time, time. This is because over the course of these books you get to know every single of them like they are your best friend and it's hard to let anyone of them go.
Just an Illusion Side A and Side B must be read before this book.
As my husband looks at me like I’m bat-shit crazy, I’m going to write this review with tears in my eyes. FYI, I am ruining perfectly good eyelashes from these tears, which is a big thing for me. I love my fucking eyelashes and pay a shit ton of money for them.
I didn’t make it through the first few pages of the chapter one before balling like a damn baby. By the time I got to chapter two, I was a mess.
This series has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I feel lucky to have been able to read these books. I don't have the ability to write a full review here on Goodreads because I don't want to give anything away but for those who have read it, you can find my unfiltered review here... ONLY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE READ THIS BOOK https://prettymessreading.wordpress.c...
I'm going to honest here. It's hard for me to give the book only 5 STARS because it deserves more than that. I'm still working through my emotions here.
I feel in love with the Weston brothers for different reasons.
I have never read a series that evoked so much emotion from me. I felt everything. I laughed, I cried, I smiled. There were times where I was pissed off and other times I felt elated.
“. . .If I had to choose a brief infinity with you, or never having you at all, I’d pick the brief infinity every time. My life has never made as much sense as it does when we’re together. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. . .” – Noah
I don't think there is enough vodka or tequila to cope with this book, you just have to give time, time. This is because over the course of these books you get to know every single of them like they are your best friend and it's hard to let anyone of them go.
January 16, 2018
Tissues are a must…
I was in no way emotionally ready for this book. I`m still not ready and it`s long been read.
“Some days, life is just too hard.”
I was waiting in the car and had a half hour and thought I would quickly start it. Silly, silly me. I opened up the kindle with no thought to what would come. I hadn`t read the blurb, I just knew I had to continue reading this series that I loved…
I sobbed. I didn’t pretty cry or shed the odd tear. I sat in the car and had tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t stop it. I also couldn’t stop reading. I swiped each page in disbelief, thinking I wasn’t reading what I was reading. It could NOT be! It was just gut-wrenchingly raw and I wasn`t prepared. Not one little bit…
I struggled along with the characters. My heart hurt as if events were happening to me. To friends. I was devastated. After all, this was the third book in the series, I was invested totally in the storyline and the characters before I even started this book and… I was lost…. I needed to be here, I had to keep going, but at the same time I was railing against what was happening. Yes, I know this is a story but it felt way too real…
“Why does it have to be all kinds of wrong?”
This story felt like two halves of a whole with the first half feeling quite different from the second. It had emotional impact but in different, unique ways – and both were amazing. If you are a fan of this series, be prepared, it is not easy going. For someone who avoids “weepy” books like they are the plague, I found this to be an amazing story of love, loss and grief. Of friendship and family. Of highs and lows and light at the end of the tunnel. It is not easy by any means but so, so worth it.
March 2, 2021
Oh My God. I knew something awfully sad was coming but I could not have anticipated this. I bawled my eyes out, sobbed like a baby, for at least a half hour. Seriously, my heart physically hurt. I couldn't stop crying and I haven't been this emotional since reading Bright Side. D. Kelly did an incredible job with this book. The emotions were real, raw and I'd challenge anyone to read this and not ugly cry. My heart broke. I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil the story. I didn't think I could get invested in where the plot was going but it's testament to this author's incredible skill that I believed in it, and started rooting for our couple. This series is so good. I'm telling everyone I know to read it because it's that good. It's not often I say that a series has a profound impact on me, but this one will stay in my mind for a long time to come. Exceptional writing and if you are into rock star romance you HAVE to check this series out.
September 9, 2020
5 #TeamWestonForever Stars
Bra-fucking-vo, Ms. Kelly.
What an amazing conclusion to the series. That HEA was everything and more. Your words touched my heart. These characters touched my heart. I cried, I grieved, and loved right alongside Amelia, Sawyer & Noah Weston. I can't thank you enough for this epic love story<3
UPDATES:
Reread October 2018
This book did it again. It made my heart weep and break. But I knew Ms. Kelly would piece me back together and all would be right with the (book) world again. Just an Illusion EP is filled with meaningful lessons on love, loss, second chances, living life to the fullest, and fate. I've never been entirely sold on the idea of fate but this story sure challenges me to believe in it wholeheartedly. There are a few stunning revelations towards the end that give readers an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the love story between Amelia, Sawyer & Noah. Everything comes full circle just beautifully<3
Reread September 2020
This trilogy is still a favorite. Still heartbreaking--I cried again-- and EPIC. I can't get over the scenes of the accident, told from Sawyer's PoV; they keep replaying in mind so vividly. Absolutely gut-wrenching. The plot twist at the end is the best! GAH My darling Noah!
Bra-fucking-vo, Ms. Kelly.
What an amazing conclusion to the series. That HEA was everything and more. Your words touched my heart. These characters touched my heart. I cried, I grieved, and loved right alongside Amelia, Sawyer & Noah Weston. I can't thank you enough for this epic love story<3
UPDATES:
Reread October 2018
This book did it again. It made my heart weep and break. But I knew Ms. Kelly would piece me back together and all would be right with the (book) world again. Just an Illusion EP is filled with meaningful lessons on love, loss, second chances, living life to the fullest, and fate. I've never been entirely sold on the idea of fate but this story sure challenges me to believe in it wholeheartedly. There are a few stunning revelations towards the end that give readers an even deeper understanding and appreciation of the love story between Amelia, Sawyer & Noah. Everything comes full circle just beautifully<3
Reread September 2020
This trilogy is still a favorite. Still heartbreaking--I cried again-- and EPIC. I can't get over the scenes of the accident, told from Sawyer's PoV; they keep replaying in mind so vividly. Absolutely gut-wrenching. The plot twist at the end is the best! GAH My darling Noah!
June 16, 2017
Where to begin, oh where to begin? I have had several schools of thought on this while reading, knowing I would be reviewing as soon as I finished reading. But as I pulled up the page on GoodReads, something crossed my mind.
This book, this series...these are the reasons I blog. The books that touch your heart and soul when you read them...the books that break you until there is no avoiding the ugly cry, no matter how guarded you think your heart is....and then put it back together, if only to set you up to do it all over again. Books that affect you in ways you never thought possible. Books that let you soar to the highest heights and drag you through the depths of hell and every emotion in between. Books of epic romances you feel privileged to have a peek at. For me, it is always a bonus if music is involved, particularly rockstars, but music is a part of almost every part of my life, so, once I discovered the multitude of books that weave music and musicians into their storyline, why would I not include music in my literary choices. But, I digress, I wanted to focus on those rare, special unicorns....those books keep me going as a reader as well as as a blogger. I honestly have never had dreams of writing myself, but there is a special kind of joy I get as a blogger when I have the chance to introduce these mythical masterpieces to a new audience. My friends, please take note of the name D. Kelly.
I really should start with telling you
Just an Illusion - EPis not a standalone; you must read
Just an Illusion - Side A, followed by
Just an Illusion - The B Side first. This isn't any kind of hardship - this trilogy is one of the best I have come across in ages, if ever. Okay, maybe I should have started with how honored I was to receive an ARC copy since this doesn't actually release until June 21st, and I have been counting down the days since I finished The B Side. I am sure some of you would like to know that both Side A and Side B close on some pretty major cliffhangers and I will go ahead and mention that EP does close out this trilogy without that kind of angst. (So if you hate cliffhangers, you can get your closure on June 21st and not have to wait for closure.) I do know there is at least one more BAD/Weston book in the works, Just an Illusion - Unplugged, and I will hope, beg, bargain, plead and pray there will be many more than that. Only a very elite group of authors have ever touched me in the way Ms. Kelly has - as a reader first, but also as a book blogger, adding to that list is like a childhood Christmas morning. In most situations I am like the Grinch, and the every once in a great while a book/series/author comes along, sucking me into their fictional vortex and giving me all the feels, leaving me feeling like my heart grew 2 sizes that day.
One more warning (that, actually probably applies to the entire series) before we get down to business- check your stock, you may need to make a Sam's Club or Costco run before you get started if you don't have several boxes of tissues on hand. While you are there a couple of bottles of wine, and maybe a good bottle of whiskey or tequila might be needed as well. Just fair warning, and it comes from a non-crier. I can only think of one book that had me in tears quicker than EP, and I don't think any have produced the infamous ugly cry to the extent this book does. However, if you are suffering from allergies, or happen to have a sinus infection, the ugly cry might clear your sinuses better than any over the counter or even prescription medications.
So it is time to focus more specifically on Just an Illusion - EP. I am a spoiler-free reviewer, and that gets trickier the deeper into a series you get. Add in the cliffhangers the previous 2 books end on, and, nope, sorry (not sorry), you won't get a lot of specifics from me. The Weston Twins will both surprise you, in unexpected ways. I ran the gamut of emotions toward each of them as I read this tome. I will have to say the same is true of Mel. Sometimes you want to hug her, sometimes you want to shake her, or, as one member of the family actually does, you may have the urge to slap her (though perhaps not for the same reasons.) If you have read The B Side, you will know that it has a dramatic ending....I don't think there is any way to prepare for how that will play out. Saying it is extremely emotional is like saying our 97°F temps with 80% humidity this week are a bit warm. The impact is massive, and the rest of the story is definitely colored by the aftermath. I truly can't praise Ms. Kelly enough for her ability to make her characters come to life, all too human flaws and all. It takes true talent to bring such a realness to your creations that people have emotional responses to these fictional situations in black and white print in front of them. Ms. Kelly's talent well must be overflowing.
Don't get me wrong, it is not all angst and tearjerking. There is plenty of slightly snarky humor (my favorite kind) and some scorching hot sexy scenes. There are the strong family ties that we have seen throughout the series, including friends who have become a part of the family. Much like real life, there are lots of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and those rare relationships where people know you so well words aren't always necessary. One factor that sets this series apart from others is the strength of the secondary characters. While they never overwhelm our MCs, several have left me wanting to know more about them - lots more. Eli and Darren probably top that list, but there is no shortage of potential spinoffs because the glimpses we get are so strongly defined as to make us curious to know more. Mac the bodyguard even plays enough of a role to make my curiosity and imagination run. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 6 more names to add to the list. It is rare for me to take notice of secondary, and almost unheard of for tertiary, characters, but this whole crew, or more aptly, my reaction to them, has taken me by surprise.
I am such an avid reader that I don't often get attached to characters, but these have really gotten under my skin. I am about to do something I don't think I have ever done, and reread this entire series , immediately. I have heard the term "book hangover" many times, and I have experienced them a time or two (and possibly it's only because this is so fresh) but I feel like I have never had one to this extent. Obviously this series gets my highest recommendations.
This book, this series...these are the reasons I blog. The books that touch your heart and soul when you read them...the books that break you until there is no avoiding the ugly cry, no matter how guarded you think your heart is....and then put it back together, if only to set you up to do it all over again. Books that affect you in ways you never thought possible. Books that let you soar to the highest heights and drag you through the depths of hell and every emotion in between. Books of epic romances you feel privileged to have a peek at. For me, it is always a bonus if music is involved, particularly rockstars, but music is a part of almost every part of my life, so, once I discovered the multitude of books that weave music and musicians into their storyline, why would I not include music in my literary choices. But, I digress, I wanted to focus on those rare, special unicorns....those books keep me going as a reader as well as as a blogger. I honestly have never had dreams of writing myself, but there is a special kind of joy I get as a blogger when I have the chance to introduce these mythical masterpieces to a new audience. My friends, please take note of the name D. Kelly.
I really should start with telling you
Just an Illusion - EPis not a standalone; you must read
Just an Illusion - Side A, followed by
Just an Illusion - The B Side first. This isn't any kind of hardship - this trilogy is one of the best I have come across in ages, if ever. Okay, maybe I should have started with how honored I was to receive an ARC copy since this doesn't actually release until June 21st, and I have been counting down the days since I finished The B Side. I am sure some of you would like to know that both Side A and Side B close on some pretty major cliffhangers and I will go ahead and mention that EP does close out this trilogy without that kind of angst. (So if you hate cliffhangers, you can get your closure on June 21st and not have to wait for closure.) I do know there is at least one more BAD/Weston book in the works, Just an Illusion - Unplugged, and I will hope, beg, bargain, plead and pray there will be many more than that. Only a very elite group of authors have ever touched me in the way Ms. Kelly has - as a reader first, but also as a book blogger, adding to that list is like a childhood Christmas morning. In most situations I am like the Grinch, and the every once in a great while a book/series/author comes along, sucking me into their fictional vortex and giving me all the feels, leaving me feeling like my heart grew 2 sizes that day.One more warning (that, actually probably applies to the entire series) before we get down to business- check your stock, you may need to make a Sam's Club or Costco run before you get started if you don't have several boxes of tissues on hand. While you are there a couple of bottles of wine, and maybe a good bottle of whiskey or tequila might be needed as well. Just fair warning, and it comes from a non-crier. I can only think of one book that had me in tears quicker than EP, and I don't think any have produced the infamous ugly cry to the extent this book does. However, if you are suffering from allergies, or happen to have a sinus infection, the ugly cry might clear your sinuses better than any over the counter or even prescription medications.
So it is time to focus more specifically on Just an Illusion - EP. I am a spoiler-free reviewer, and that gets trickier the deeper into a series you get. Add in the cliffhangers the previous 2 books end on, and, nope, sorry (not sorry), you won't get a lot of specifics from me. The Weston Twins will both surprise you, in unexpected ways. I ran the gamut of emotions toward each of them as I read this tome. I will have to say the same is true of Mel. Sometimes you want to hug her, sometimes you want to shake her, or, as one member of the family actually does, you may have the urge to slap her (though perhaps not for the same reasons.) If you have read The B Side, you will know that it has a dramatic ending....I don't think there is any way to prepare for how that will play out. Saying it is extremely emotional is like saying our 97°F temps with 80% humidity this week are a bit warm. The impact is massive, and the rest of the story is definitely colored by the aftermath. I truly can't praise Ms. Kelly enough for her ability to make her characters come to life, all too human flaws and all. It takes true talent to bring such a realness to your creations that people have emotional responses to these fictional situations in black and white print in front of them. Ms. Kelly's talent well must be overflowing.
Don't get me wrong, it is not all angst and tearjerking. There is plenty of slightly snarky humor (my favorite kind) and some scorching hot sexy scenes. There are the strong family ties that we have seen throughout the series, including friends who have become a part of the family. Much like real life, there are lots of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and those rare relationships where people know you so well words aren't always necessary. One factor that sets this series apart from others is the strength of the secondary characters. While they never overwhelm our MCs, several have left me wanting to know more about them - lots more. Eli and Darren probably top that list, but there is no shortage of potential spinoffs because the glimpses we get are so strongly defined as to make us curious to know more. Mac the bodyguard even plays enough of a role to make my curiosity and imagination run. Off the top of my head I can think of at least 6 more names to add to the list. It is rare for me to take notice of secondary, and almost unheard of for tertiary, characters, but this whole crew, or more aptly, my reaction to them, has taken me by surprise.
I am such an avid reader that I don't often get attached to characters, but these have really gotten under my skin. I am about to do something I don't think I have ever done, and reread this entire series , immediately. I have heard the term "book hangover" many times, and I have experienced them a time or two (and possibly it's only because this is so fresh) but I feel like I have never had one to this extent. Obviously this series gets my highest recommendations.
June 16, 2017
Get those tissues ready and buckle up!
Just an Illusion - EP is the 3rd book in the Illusion series and should only be read after Side A and The B Side. The story picks up right where the 2nd left off and it's extremely emotional. That first 10-15% or so gutted me so much that I had to take some breaks to process what was happening and give my heart and head time to recover. D. Kelly was not joking when she said that she would have to destroy us before putting us back together. I'm not going to sugar coat it. Sometimes I felt like I was drowning in pain. Don't despair though, there are scenes so beautiful that they will make your heart sing and moments so hot your kindle may melt. I apologize for the vagueness of my review, but there are very few things I can say without it being a gigantic spoiler. Just know that your heart will hurt reading this, but it will be healed too. The journey that our characters take is not an easy one. It is heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully honest, but they come out so much stronger on the other side. I did get a little confused trying to keep the timeline in order at first, but I thought alternating the past and present chapters until things converged in the present was a wonderful way to paint the bigger picture of what our characters were experiencing. One thing is certain though after reading this series - Noah and Sawyer Weston will go down in the book boyfriend hall of fame. Thank you D. Kelly for this amazing ride!
*I voluntarily read and advance reader copy of this book*
Just an Illusion - EP is the 3rd book in the Illusion series and should only be read after Side A and The B Side. The story picks up right where the 2nd left off and it's extremely emotional. That first 10-15% or so gutted me so much that I had to take some breaks to process what was happening and give my heart and head time to recover. D. Kelly was not joking when she said that she would have to destroy us before putting us back together. I'm not going to sugar coat it. Sometimes I felt like I was drowning in pain. Don't despair though, there are scenes so beautiful that they will make your heart sing and moments so hot your kindle may melt. I apologize for the vagueness of my review, but there are very few things I can say without it being a gigantic spoiler. Just know that your heart will hurt reading this, but it will be healed too. The journey that our characters take is not an easy one. It is heartbreaking, raw, and beautifully honest, but they come out so much stronger on the other side. I did get a little confused trying to keep the timeline in order at first, but I thought alternating the past and present chapters until things converged in the present was a wonderful way to paint the bigger picture of what our characters were experiencing. One thing is certain though after reading this series - Noah and Sawyer Weston will go down in the book boyfriend hall of fame. Thank you D. Kelly for this amazing ride!
*I voluntarily read and advance reader copy of this book*
June 15, 2017
Five Stars will never be enough for this book or series for that matter,If you haven't Read Just An Illusion Side A & Side B yet, you MUST before reading this book. I am not going to spoil anything by saying much about the book, but I can say this Author did an amazing job cover to cover. This is a love story for the ages. Have PLENTY of tissues handy and in fact - buy some stock in Kleenex, there an insider tip for you, oh and while you are at it Tequila will be required as well. This series will stay with me forever. Bravo D. Kelly
November 13, 2018
4.5
Another INCREDIBLE tearjerker from an incredibly talented author. I think I was sobbing every 5 pages at the very least! This was an amazing series and I'm grateful to the author for letting me part of her 'review crew'. Trust me when I tell ya that this series is really kinda special folks!!
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
Another INCREDIBLE tearjerker from an incredibly talented author. I think I was sobbing every 5 pages at the very least! This was an amazing series and I'm grateful to the author for letting me part of her 'review crew'. Trust me when I tell ya that this series is really kinda special folks!!
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 4, 2017
5+ Weston Brothers Stars!!
This was such an amazing series! Completely blew me away and it was definitely not what I was expecting.
I thought Book 1 Just an Illusion - Side A was good. Not exceptional in any way. But by the end of book 2 Just an Illusion - The B Side, I was completely in love with this series.
I loved both Weston brothers in their own way. Noah was so sweet and romantic. He had such a big heart and he was so considerate with Amelia. Always anticipating her needs. He was the perfect husband.
Sawyer gives off the bad boy persona but you figure out that he has just as big a heart as Noah. He really sacrificed himself the most in this series by putting the wants of others before himself.
It's hard to review this book in detail without giving away the story but just know that your heart will break and you will need tissues but then it fills back up with love and it ends with a HEA. There is so much soul wrenching goodness in these books! One of my top recommendations!
5+ Stars!
New Adult Contemporary Rockstar Romance
Dual POV
No cheating
HEA
This was such an amazing series! Completely blew me away and it was definitely not what I was expecting.
I thought Book 1 Just an Illusion - Side A was good. Not exceptional in any way. But by the end of book 2 Just an Illusion - The B Side, I was completely in love with this series.
I loved both Weston brothers in their own way. Noah was so sweet and romantic. He had such a big heart and he was so considerate with Amelia. Always anticipating her needs. He was the perfect husband.
Sawyer gives off the bad boy persona but you figure out that he has just as big a heart as Noah. He really sacrificed himself the most in this series by putting the wants of others before himself.
It's hard to review this book in detail without giving away the story but just know that your heart will break and you will need tissues but then it fills back up with love and it ends with a HEA. There is so much soul wrenching goodness in these books! One of my top recommendations!
5+ Stars!
New Adult Contemporary Rockstar Romance
Dual POV
No cheating
HEA
June 17, 2017
*Sighs*
All I can really say about this book, at least right now, is that I feel like we (readers who make it to the end) deserve a badge that says "I survived EP".
All I can really say about this book, at least right now, is that I feel like we (readers who make it to the end) deserve a badge that says "I survived EP".
June 27, 2017
When I read a series of books and they all evolve around the same characters I usually want to wait till the end to give my review on them.
The first book 'Just An Illusion', I liked it, could only give it 3.5 stars. There were parts that were slow for me and some of the character development wasn't working. Noah the main male character, for some reason I just couldn't connect with him like I felt I should have. I started to like him but not in the way that I wanted to.
The second installment in the book started off like the first but then we see our characters go through major changes and the ending can anyone say MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!
Now we come to this one; let me say that the first third of the book was heart wrenching. I actually used up a whole box of tissue! There were parts within the beginning of this book that as someone who has lost their soul mate, could totally relate to. Maybe I am always a bit partial to the bad boy because I liked Sawyers character more than Noah. Amelias' best friend Belle was a great character also and I was saddened by what happens to her.
All in All I liked the series, it got better and better with each book and I loved how Ms Kelly ends it. Will be anxious to read Darrens story, hope he finally gets his HEA.
Remember "It's in the bag"
The first book 'Just An Illusion', I liked it, could only give it 3.5 stars. There were parts that were slow for me and some of the character development wasn't working. Noah the main male character, for some reason I just couldn't connect with him like I felt I should have. I started to like him but not in the way that I wanted to.
The second installment in the book started off like the first but then we see our characters go through major changes and the ending can anyone say MAJOR CLIFFHANGER!
Now we come to this one; let me say that the first third of the book was heart wrenching. I actually used up a whole box of tissue! There were parts within the beginning of this book that as someone who has lost their soul mate, could totally relate to. Maybe I am always a bit partial to the bad boy because I liked Sawyers character more than Noah. Amelias' best friend Belle was a great character also and I was saddened by what happens to her.
All in All I liked the series, it got better and better with each book and I loved how Ms Kelly ends it. Will be anxious to read Darrens story, hope he finally gets his HEA.
Remember "It's in the bag"
June 16, 2017
This book is INCREDIBLE! I loved this Just An Illusion series and the wait for this book was hard but D.Kelly did not disappoint!!! Her writing is so beautiful and captivated my attention.This was definetly a very emotional journey. I have never cried so much reading the first few chapters of a book. It is amazing when an author can completly break your heart and then pick up all the pieces and put them back together and make you feel like everything turned out like it was supposed to and you are completly happy again!! I had every emotion from anger and heartbreak and wanting to throw my kindle to completly swooning and wishing the book would never end. I am head over heels in love with these characters and thier story!! As sad as I am that the story is over I don't think it could have had a better ending!!! This is a top read for me this year and these characters will stay in my heart!!!
April 1, 2018
Wow. 7% into this one and I’m crying, I think I cried on and off for a decent portion of this book and I haven’t cried at a book in years. I’m revealing nothing of the plot because I think this is better read not knowing a thing. I feel like the first two books were purposely over the top soppy happy to set up me for this emotional mess I’m in now. I say set me up, more like dropped me in without warning!
This has been the best one yet, it feels completely different to the other two and amidst all the sadness somehow it’s uplifting. I know there’s a fourth book from sawyers POV, but I feel like everything was wrapped up for me in this one. I’m not ready to read his book yet. I’m giving this one 4.5 because I loved it but it made me cry a lot and I don’t like to cry as much as I just have!
This has been the best one yet, it feels completely different to the other two and amidst all the sadness somehow it’s uplifting. I know there’s a fourth book from sawyers POV, but I feel like everything was wrapped up for me in this one. I’m not ready to read his book yet. I’m giving this one 4.5 because I loved it but it made me cry a lot and I don’t like to cry as much as I just have!
August 17, 2020
OMG. I have never cried so much over a book in my life. I still can’t function and I’m absolutely devastated. No!!!! Although other readers may be happy with the eventual outcome in the book, I wasn’t. In my opinion, this is NOT a HEA. Even though I’m unbelievably heartbroken, the trilogy was so good and I’m not sorry I invested my time with the Weston’s and their friends/family.
This is a conclusion to the series and you must read books 1 & 2 first.
This is a conclusion to the series and you must read books 1 & 2 first.
September 14, 2017
5 Stars
Review by Jen Skewes
WOW!! I am honestly not sure where to begin or how to even write this review without giving anything away. I have waited patiently for this book to see how this story would end and all I can say is that D. Kelly completely blew me away, with her writing, the story itself and the emotions that she pulled out of me. I am not going to lie this was certainly an emotional journey, one that had me choked up with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion, both tears of joy and sadness. But I would not have had the conclusion to this series go any other way. It was everything I could have hoped for and so much more.
I honestly am going to say a word about the plot of this story. You do need to read the first two books before this one. And anyone who has read it knows that we were left hanging in a really big way after the second installment. We were left knowing that the characters that we have fallen in love with are now faced with a tragedy that will change lives forever. And boy does it. The question is how will their lives change and how will they all move on from it? Can they even move on from it? In time they do, but not without many, many bumps along the way. It is not an easy road for anyone. There are moments that will completely break you. It will make you made, angry and sad but in the end it will all be worth it.
Mel is the girl that you just love to pieces. I loved the relationship and friendships she formed and seeing her go through the pain hurt me just as much as it did her. I wanted to see her move past it all and find the light again. Because she deserved it. I loved that she had so many friends and family by her side. Each person in her life played such an intricate part in her healing and moving on.
Noah, I loved him so much. This man has a huge heart and is selfless in so many ways. I loved that he understood things in a way that no one else did. He had this ability of making things ok and I loved that about him.
Then there is Sawyer, this broken man who is cocky, arrogant and sexy, but beneath it all is a really sweet guy with a big heart. I loved the man that he became in this book. I fell for him hard. We get to see all sides of him, his sweet and sexy side but I think it was the moments when you see how vulnerable he is that completely got me. I just loved him and all that he is.
I loved this book so much. I was not sure what to expect or how it would all end but it was the perfect ending to a fantastic series. I felt so much while reading this one. I felt the pain, the grief, but also the love and passion. I felt it all with these characters in such a way that I felt like I knew them all. That I was experiencing it all with the. I wish I could say so much more, because I could gush about this book all day long. I will be thinking about it for days to come. It is one of those books that will stay with you. I will end my review there.
If you have not read this series yet then make sure that you do. If you have been waiting for this one you will not be disappointed.
Review by Jen Skewes
WOW!! I am honestly not sure where to begin or how to even write this review without giving anything away. I have waited patiently for this book to see how this story would end and all I can say is that D. Kelly completely blew me away, with her writing, the story itself and the emotions that she pulled out of me. I am not going to lie this was certainly an emotional journey, one that had me choked up with tears in my eyes on more than one occasion, both tears of joy and sadness. But I would not have had the conclusion to this series go any other way. It was everything I could have hoped for and so much more.
I honestly am going to say a word about the plot of this story. You do need to read the first two books before this one. And anyone who has read it knows that we were left hanging in a really big way after the second installment. We were left knowing that the characters that we have fallen in love with are now faced with a tragedy that will change lives forever. And boy does it. The question is how will their lives change and how will they all move on from it? Can they even move on from it? In time they do, but not without many, many bumps along the way. It is not an easy road for anyone. There are moments that will completely break you. It will make you made, angry and sad but in the end it will all be worth it.
Mel is the girl that you just love to pieces. I loved the relationship and friendships she formed and seeing her go through the pain hurt me just as much as it did her. I wanted to see her move past it all and find the light again. Because she deserved it. I loved that she had so many friends and family by her side. Each person in her life played such an intricate part in her healing and moving on.
Noah, I loved him so much. This man has a huge heart and is selfless in so many ways. I loved that he understood things in a way that no one else did. He had this ability of making things ok and I loved that about him.
Then there is Sawyer, this broken man who is cocky, arrogant and sexy, but beneath it all is a really sweet guy with a big heart. I loved the man that he became in this book. I fell for him hard. We get to see all sides of him, his sweet and sexy side but I think it was the moments when you see how vulnerable he is that completely got me. I just loved him and all that he is.
I loved this book so much. I was not sure what to expect or how it would all end but it was the perfect ending to a fantastic series. I felt so much while reading this one. I felt the pain, the grief, but also the love and passion. I felt it all with these characters in such a way that I felt like I knew them all. That I was experiencing it all with the. I wish I could say so much more, because I could gush about this book all day long. I will be thinking about it for days to come. It is one of those books that will stay with you. I will end my review there.
If you have not read this series yet then make sure that you do. If you have been waiting for this one you will not be disappointed.
June 19, 2017
**Received an ARC for an honest review**
I had to take a day to regroup and consider how to give this amazing set of books, and specifically, the 3rd book, and most brutal of the series, a fair and descriptive review without giving away any major spoilers.
To anyone reading this, if you haven't read this series, you really, really should. Whether you are drawn to rock stars or just supremely crafted stories, then this is a book and series for YOU.
Just an Illusion - EP, and 3rd in this emotionally gripping series, picks right up where book 2 (Side B) left us hanging. Cue the tissues, as we all knew that this would have to answer the questions posed from the last scene in Side B. Wham, Ka-Blam, she knocked me right out. I felt like I was a spectator in the scene, it was so vivid and yes, ultimately heartbreaking. There were tears, lots of them, plus the hope that came with those that were left to carry on. This merry band of characters is more than a group of friends, they are more than a rock band on tour, they are a family. Each and every person is essential and losing anyone - HURTS.
Characters that we have come to know, we feel the loss, we cry, we smile, we laugh and we get broken down and built back up right along with them. The journey is rough, there are pitfalls, speed bumps, roadblocks and relationships are strained, tested, and forged anew. With the darkness, comes the light.
The main characters struggle to pick up the pieces left from one tragic night, learning how to do that is the foundation of this book. Every character is rocked by the events of one night, touched, annihilated and reshaped. They say to find yourself, you have to lose yourself and the main characters prove that in ways we may not have even seen coming despite being on this path with them through 2 other books.
As a reader, the author is hoping to connect with an audience, with a reader, with me, you and every person who reads the material. Dee has proven time and again, she understands how to lure us in and take us on a reading journey that will evoke laughter, tears and a sense of being completely immersed in a story. We experience the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and everything in between to come out on the other side reeling from the experience. We care about these characters and it is impossible not to form strong attachments to the characters and have strong opinions on how things unfold.
Book 3 ends on a high note. Characters have grown, evolved and risen to the challenges life has thrown at them. They find they are stronger together than apart and that FATE had a plan for all of them.
Dee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC, it was truly my pleasure. I look so forward to each and every book you hit publish on. You are definitely a one-clicker for me or as I've deemed it, "Finger Clickin' Good". On a side note, you really should include tissues in your swag bags for books along with a cigarette, Calgon, Xanax pill and stress ball because as readers, we will find them handy.
I had to take a day to regroup and consider how to give this amazing set of books, and specifically, the 3rd book, and most brutal of the series, a fair and descriptive review without giving away any major spoilers.
To anyone reading this, if you haven't read this series, you really, really should. Whether you are drawn to rock stars or just supremely crafted stories, then this is a book and series for YOU.
Just an Illusion - EP, and 3rd in this emotionally gripping series, picks right up where book 2 (Side B) left us hanging. Cue the tissues, as we all knew that this would have to answer the questions posed from the last scene in Side B. Wham, Ka-Blam, she knocked me right out. I felt like I was a spectator in the scene, it was so vivid and yes, ultimately heartbreaking. There were tears, lots of them, plus the hope that came with those that were left to carry on. This merry band of characters is more than a group of friends, they are more than a rock band on tour, they are a family. Each and every person is essential and losing anyone - HURTS.
Characters that we have come to know, we feel the loss, we cry, we smile, we laugh and we get broken down and built back up right along with them. The journey is rough, there are pitfalls, speed bumps, roadblocks and relationships are strained, tested, and forged anew. With the darkness, comes the light.
The main characters struggle to pick up the pieces left from one tragic night, learning how to do that is the foundation of this book. Every character is rocked by the events of one night, touched, annihilated and reshaped. They say to find yourself, you have to lose yourself and the main characters prove that in ways we may not have even seen coming despite being on this path with them through 2 other books.
As a reader, the author is hoping to connect with an audience, with a reader, with me, you and every person who reads the material. Dee has proven time and again, she understands how to lure us in and take us on a reading journey that will evoke laughter, tears and a sense of being completely immersed in a story. We experience the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and everything in between to come out on the other side reeling from the experience. We care about these characters and it is impossible not to form strong attachments to the characters and have strong opinions on how things unfold.
Book 3 ends on a high note. Characters have grown, evolved and risen to the challenges life has thrown at them. They find they are stronger together than apart and that FATE had a plan for all of them.
Dee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC, it was truly my pleasure. I look so forward to each and every book you hit publish on. You are definitely a one-clicker for me or as I've deemed it, "Finger Clickin' Good". On a side note, you really should include tissues in your swag bags for books along with a cigarette, Calgon, Xanax pill and stress ball because as readers, we will find them handy.
June 21, 2017
Wow this book destroyed me!
You must read the other 2 books before this one!
I wish I could give this book more then 5☆
Holy Hell! I knew going into this book I would need a lot of tissues. But I was not prepared for it at all. I cried so much with this book it isn't funny, to say this book gutted me is an under statement. I think I cried through 99% of this book. I just couldn't stop! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I couldn't put it down, I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH.
The band is on their final tour, when there's a horrible crash. Now the survivors are forced to come together and learn how to deal with loss. I have no idea how to review this book without giving spoilers. I can say D.Kelly is an amazing author with so much talent.
**REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF WITHIN THE PAGES BOOK BLOG**
You must read the other 2 books before this one!
I wish I could give this book more then 5☆
Holy Hell! I knew going into this book I would need a lot of tissues. But I was not prepared for it at all. I cried so much with this book it isn't funny, to say this book gutted me is an under statement. I think I cried through 99% of this book. I just couldn't stop! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I couldn't put it down, I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH.
The band is on their final tour, when there's a horrible crash. Now the survivors are forced to come together and learn how to deal with loss. I have no idea how to review this book without giving spoilers. I can say D.Kelly is an amazing author with so much talent.
**REVIEWED ON BEHALF OF WITHIN THE PAGES BOOK BLOG**
January 11, 2019
Wow. What an emotional roller coaster this has been. I need sleep and I need to adult. This series has literally consumed me for the last 3 days. I could not stop reading.
This was written so well and I felt like I was there with the characters. I experienced all the highs and lows right along with them. Perfect ending to a heartbreaking , heartwarming, angst filled story. 😩❤️❤️❤️
This was written so well and I felt like I was there with the characters. I experienced all the highs and lows right along with them. Perfect ending to a heartbreaking , heartwarming, angst filled story. 😩❤️❤️❤️
June 21, 2017
Expect tears lots and lot of tears. This is the 3rd book of this series and the most emotional one of all. Just like Dee warned us. She had to destroy us before putting us all back together. But most of all this book is a beautiful story about learning to love. Then after being destroyed beyond repair coming out of the ashes stronger than before. Amelia starts her journey in book one a totally different person than the person she ends up at the end of this one. Even though the journey was rough it was beautiful. I will be recommending this book and series to all my friends.
October 27, 2019
That was an epic journey! I LOVED this book and series! I was a mess reading it...so many tissues! Such an emotional conclusion to the trilogy, that I was still feeling it hours later but so worth it for that ending! 😍😍 All of it was fantastic; the characters, the storyline, the strength, the love.
Want to read
June 10, 2019🎁 The Illusion Series - The Complete Trilogy is FREE on Amazon today (6/10/2019)! 🎁
June 22, 2017
I will say, I am so glad that I left this series to read when the third book come out - I am not sure how I would have felt waiting for the next one after the end of book 2. This series got better and better as my ratings reflect.
I started this as soon as I finished book 2 - it was late at night and I read until 2.30am before deciding I had to go to bed! The feels in this book - there are books that give you the lump in the throat and stinging at the backs of the eyes and then there are books that make the tears flow - this was the later - the tears flowed and flowed. The author rightly states at the beginning that tissues, wine and chocolate are needed and she is right.
I sort of guessed what might happen at the end of book 2 but this did not stop my heart from breaking. The author redeemed herself with the ending - but I still wanted more lol! Love all the characters in this series and would love more books!
I started this as soon as I finished book 2 - it was late at night and I read until 2.30am before deciding I had to go to bed! The feels in this book - there are books that give you the lump in the throat and stinging at the backs of the eyes and then there are books that make the tears flow - this was the later - the tears flowed and flowed. The author rightly states at the beginning that tissues, wine and chocolate are needed and she is right.
I sort of guessed what might happen at the end of book 2 but this did not stop my heart from breaking. The author redeemed herself with the ending - but I still wanted more lol! Love all the characters in this series and would love more books!
February 8, 2018
If you've read The Illusion Series (especially EP) and need a support group or a place to ask questions, please join us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/19160...
You can also now pre-order Just an Illusion - Unplugged on the following retailers.
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You can also now pre-order Just an Illusion - Unplugged on the following retailers.
Nook - http://bit.ly/2w9pDTV
Kobo- http://bit.ly/2xmoQR8
iBooks - http://apple.co/2ygBWyz
Want to know more about Unplugged and books to come?
Sign up for my mailing list and never miss and update!
http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-l...
June 19, 2017
This book review was SO hard to write for a multitude of reasons. If you have read the first two books, you already know that they both ended on HUGE cliffhangers, especially The B Side! These books must be read in order, so if you have not read the previous books, just know that this series is AMAZING and I highly recommend it! I can’t believe that these book don't not have more hype surrounding them because they totally deserve it! I rated EP 5 stars, but if I could, I would rate it a million that is how much I loved it.
D. Kelly’s writing has always blown me away starting from Just an Illusion-A Side and continues throughout this entire series. I highlighted entire passages within these pages because it was so poetic and beautiful. This book was full of heart-break and love. It amazed me how well D. Kelly was able to make those emotions flow from the pages. I cried the most sad and happy tears I have EVER cried while reading this book. In fact, I sobbed throughout the entire thing!
The characters in these books are some of my absolute favorite. This series has one of the most dynamic casts of characters I have ever read. Each one is well-developed and serves a purpose. Even when the book is not focusing on the side-characters, it still feels like they are still living outside of the story, continuing life and building their own separate stories. This book really showcased the amazing family relationships and friendships that were in the previous books. The support and unconditional love was beautiful and one of my favorite aspects of this story.
I have never in my life read a book that has been as emotionally draining. I LOVED this book and thought it was a wonderful conclusion to The Illusion series, but I can’t see myself re-reading it again anytime soon. This is one of my all-time favorite series and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to re-read the entire thing again to re-experience all the emotions, but not until I have had enough time to process all the beauty that these pages hold.
So if you are about to start EP or Side A, make sure you have a glass of wine and a box of tissues. Be prepared to become very attached to these characters and have emotions pulled from you that you didn’t even know were possible. This series is amazing and I will absolutely continue to read anything that D. Kelly writes!
{Received in exchange for an honest review}
D. Kelly’s writing has always blown me away starting from Just an Illusion-A Side and continues throughout this entire series. I highlighted entire passages within these pages because it was so poetic and beautiful. This book was full of heart-break and love. It amazed me how well D. Kelly was able to make those emotions flow from the pages. I cried the most sad and happy tears I have EVER cried while reading this book. In fact, I sobbed throughout the entire thing!
The characters in these books are some of my absolute favorite. This series has one of the most dynamic casts of characters I have ever read. Each one is well-developed and serves a purpose. Even when the book is not focusing on the side-characters, it still feels like they are still living outside of the story, continuing life and building their own separate stories. This book really showcased the amazing family relationships and friendships that were in the previous books. The support and unconditional love was beautiful and one of my favorite aspects of this story.
I have never in my life read a book that has been as emotionally draining. I LOVED this book and thought it was a wonderful conclusion to The Illusion series, but I can’t see myself re-reading it again anytime soon. This is one of my all-time favorite series and it will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to re-read the entire thing again to re-experience all the emotions, but not until I have had enough time to process all the beauty that these pages hold.
So if you are about to start EP or Side A, make sure you have a glass of wine and a box of tissues. Be prepared to become very attached to these characters and have emotions pulled from you that you didn’t even know were possible. This series is amazing and I will absolutely continue to read anything that D. Kelly writes!
{Received in exchange for an honest review}
June 18, 2017
I've been swooning over the Weston brothers for awhile now. This is the final book in the Illusion series. Book one, Just an Illusion Side A and book two, Just an Illusion The B Side ended with major cliffhangers and left me wanting to know what would happen next. I couldn't wait to pick up where the last book left off and to find out how their story ended and who ultimately ends up with Amelia.
Amelia is in love with two twin brothers. They love her back just as much as she loves them if not more. She is scared to love because of her parents' past. She didn't think she could love one man, yet she loves two. This isn't about choosing the better man or about a good hero vs a bad hero. Noah is a saint and has the greatest heart and lives to help better other lives around him. Sawyer tries to appear tough and a ladies man but he has a sweet side and is a nurturer. A traumatic event happens that will change their lives and the ones around them forever.
I don't pay attention to warning in books because they usually don't pertain to me. I like to be surprised going into a book and I usually don't need what the author says I'll need while reading. I really should have taken Ms Kelly's warning to heart on this one! I needed wine and tissues! The book took me on an emotional roller coaster. Every character in this book made me feel some kind of emotion and I felt like I knew each one of them. I don't know how to let these characters go! I feel like I need to catch up on them daily like a tv show. Ms Kelly's writing flows so easily that I see everything playing out clearly in my mind that I forgot I was actually reading a book. I felt so much sadness and anguish while reading. This is an Epic heart - wrenching love story. This is a must read book!
Amelia is in love with two twin brothers. They love her back just as much as she loves them if not more. She is scared to love because of her parents' past. She didn't think she could love one man, yet she loves two. This isn't about choosing the better man or about a good hero vs a bad hero. Noah is a saint and has the greatest heart and lives to help better other lives around him. Sawyer tries to appear tough and a ladies man but he has a sweet side and is a nurturer. A traumatic event happens that will change their lives and the ones around them forever.
I don't pay attention to warning in books because they usually don't pertain to me. I like to be surprised going into a book and I usually don't need what the author says I'll need while reading. I really should have taken Ms Kelly's warning to heart on this one! I needed wine and tissues! The book took me on an emotional roller coaster. Every character in this book made me feel some kind of emotion and I felt like I knew each one of them. I don't know how to let these characters go! I feel like I need to catch up on them daily like a tv show. Ms Kelly's writing flows so easily that I see everything playing out clearly in my mind that I forgot I was actually reading a book. I felt so much sadness and anguish while reading. This is an Epic heart - wrenching love story. This is a must read book!
June 20, 2017
A good author has you feeling bad when a series comes to an end but a great author makes you feel that you are losing a friend or family member because the author has made you feel a part of the characters that they have created and you feel emptiness when it comes to a close. A little dramatic…maybe but D. Kelly and this series has left a mark on me that only one other series ever has
To devour immediately or not; this was the question I had as soon as I got this book in my hands. It’s like that Christmas morning when you are down to your last gift and you really don’t want to open it right away because you know then all the gifts are done. This is a hard review to write as soon as I finished the book because I feel exhausted from the gut-wrenching lows and the heartfelt highs. For those of you who have not read the first two books in Just An Illusion series you MUST pick them up and just read the first little bit and I bet you will be as hooked as many of us were. I can’t/won’t go into any detail of this book because they feed off from the one before it. I suggest that you give yourself the time needed to read straight through because you won’t want to put the book(s) down. It also wouldn’t hurt to have that box of Kleenex ready along with a stiff drink…or three. . I would love to think that maybe there is more she can come out with for the bad boys of rock. Thank you D. Kelly for leaving me with an impression from one of the mantras in this book…”Live today like there is no tomorrow”.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given and honest review.
To devour immediately or not; this was the question I had as soon as I got this book in my hands. It’s like that Christmas morning when you are down to your last gift and you really don’t want to open it right away because you know then all the gifts are done. This is a hard review to write as soon as I finished the book because I feel exhausted from the gut-wrenching lows and the heartfelt highs. For those of you who have not read the first two books in Just An Illusion series you MUST pick them up and just read the first little bit and I bet you will be as hooked as many of us were. I can’t/won’t go into any detail of this book because they feed off from the one before it. I suggest that you give yourself the time needed to read straight through because you won’t want to put the book(s) down. It also wouldn’t hurt to have that box of Kleenex ready along with a stiff drink…or three. . I would love to think that maybe there is more she can come out with for the bad boys of rock. Thank you D. Kelly for leaving me with an impression from one of the mantras in this book…”Live today like there is no tomorrow”.
I received this book as an ARC for a freely given and honest review.
June 25, 2017
I was voluntarily provided with this ARC to review.
5+ Stars
OMG this book was SO good. I haven't been in the mood to read anything too emotional... Until now. I think I cried through a minimum of 75% of the book. I know I cried consistently through the first 25% of it. I had to stop using tissue and use a handkerchief so I didn't go through my entire box of Kleenex.
In Just an Illusion - Side B, though I gave it a 5 star review, it took me a minute to get into it because I had a feeling where it was going. And like I said, I wasn't really in the mood for sad. Though it was wonderfully written, I wasn't in the place emotionally to handle the hard stuff. I guess I was in the mood this time around because I couldn't put it down. I started reading it mid day and just kept reading, even when I walked around the block to get something to eat.
I think I went to sleep for about three hours before getting up to continue to read and finish the book. Once I finished, I had to give it time to digest before attempting to write this review.
This rarely happens to me, but I feel like if I say too much about the story I will give it away.
If you've gotten this far in the series, you know the book is told in flashbacks, which I normally hate but I loved every moment of it in this book; adding jumps to the present interspersed perfectly to keep you wanting to go back into the past to discover what leads to the present day dilemma.
When I saw that the third installment was coming out, I immediately jumped at the chance to review it. I just had to know what was going to happen to Mel and Sawyer, Darren and Cadence, Wyatt and Anna, even Mac and Ryan. To say that D. Kelly did her job at wrapping it all up is an understatement.
Yet... I want more. I want to know if Cadence and Nate grow up as best friends, then more. I want to know about the other kids. If Sawyer becomes a solo artist like Noah wanted him to. Oh, and what's with Eli not even wanting to see Rory? I was so mad at Rory for being a judgmental prig, I want to know if she redeems herself and becomes nicer than she was at the end. I want to know if Darren ever recovers (you see, I'm trying to be vague here and entice you read the book ;-)).
After reading the three books in this series, I feel like I'm a member of the BAD band/family. I want to talk to them and make sure they are all alright. I want to check in to see how the kids are doing. I want to make sure Mel isn't regressing again. This is the issue with a good book. You feel like the characters are people you want in your life. Though it ended so well, I still want more.
I kept thinking, if this was a television series, it could be like the THIS IS US series, but with a rock and roll bent to it.
Thank you D. Kelly for allowing me the opportunity to read and review. I sincerely enjoyed every moment of it, and look forward to your next book/series.
5+ Stars
OMG this book was SO good. I haven't been in the mood to read anything too emotional... Until now. I think I cried through a minimum of 75% of the book. I know I cried consistently through the first 25% of it. I had to stop using tissue and use a handkerchief so I didn't go through my entire box of Kleenex.
In Just an Illusion - Side B, though I gave it a 5 star review, it took me a minute to get into it because I had a feeling where it was going. And like I said, I wasn't really in the mood for sad. Though it was wonderfully written, I wasn't in the place emotionally to handle the hard stuff. I guess I was in the mood this time around because I couldn't put it down. I started reading it mid day and just kept reading, even when I walked around the block to get something to eat.
I think I went to sleep for about three hours before getting up to continue to read and finish the book. Once I finished, I had to give it time to digest before attempting to write this review.
This rarely happens to me, but I feel like if I say too much about the story I will give it away.
If you've gotten this far in the series, you know the book is told in flashbacks, which I normally hate but I loved every moment of it in this book; adding jumps to the present interspersed perfectly to keep you wanting to go back into the past to discover what leads to the present day dilemma.
When I saw that the third installment was coming out, I immediately jumped at the chance to review it. I just had to know what was going to happen to Mel and Sawyer, Darren and Cadence, Wyatt and Anna, even Mac and Ryan. To say that D. Kelly did her job at wrapping it all up is an understatement.
Yet... I want more. I want to know if Cadence and Nate grow up as best friends, then more. I want to know about the other kids. If Sawyer becomes a solo artist like Noah wanted him to. Oh, and what's with Eli not even wanting to see Rory? I was so mad at Rory for being a judgmental prig, I want to know if she redeems herself and becomes nicer than she was at the end. I want to know if Darren ever recovers (you see, I'm trying to be vague here and entice you read the book ;-)).
After reading the three books in this series, I feel like I'm a member of the BAD band/family. I want to talk to them and make sure they are all alright. I want to check in to see how the kids are doing. I want to make sure Mel isn't regressing again. This is the issue with a good book. You feel like the characters are people you want in your life. Though it ended so well, I still want more.
I kept thinking, if this was a television series, it could be like the THIS IS US series, but with a rock and roll bent to it.
Thank you D. Kelly for allowing me the opportunity to read and review. I sincerely enjoyed every moment of it, and look forward to your next book/series.
June 15, 2017
Just an Illusion EP by D. Kelly is the third book in The Illusion Series.
This is not a stand-alone. For better understanding you have to read the other books, Just an Illusion Side A, and Just an Illusion Side B- FIRST:
Just an Illusion - EP picks up where the last book ends.
The band is on their goodbye tour and there´s this horrible crash. And now the surivors have to learn... , yes what exactly have they to learn?
I will not spoiler here, only so much. I couldn´t wait to read this next installment. I´m not a patient being; and I was so NOT disappointed. This book gutted the hell out of me. I cried a river. I started crying at page one , I finished the book, but I´m not finished crying- yet.
Just an Illusion - EP is a raw and gritty read, it hurts to feel the characters emotions in the words. And it´s very beautiful to read how thex find their well deserved HEA.( Thank you D. Kelly for that.)
I can´t say how much I love this book and this series. D. Kelly is a brilliant author who wrote a fantastic series. I love her words and I love her writing. And I really, really, really can´t wait´ll Unplugged releases.
I wish I could give morte than 5 Stars and I Highly, HIGHLY recommend this series !! Thank you D. Kelly !
This is not a stand-alone. For better understanding you have to read the other books, Just an Illusion Side A, and Just an Illusion Side B- FIRST:
Just an Illusion - EP picks up where the last book ends.
The band is on their goodbye tour and there´s this horrible crash. And now the surivors have to learn... , yes what exactly have they to learn?
I will not spoiler here, only so much. I couldn´t wait to read this next installment. I´m not a patient being; and I was so NOT disappointed. This book gutted the hell out of me. I cried a river. I started crying at page one , I finished the book, but I´m not finished crying- yet.
Just an Illusion - EP is a raw and gritty read, it hurts to feel the characters emotions in the words. And it´s very beautiful to read how thex find their well deserved HEA.( Thank you D. Kelly for that.)
I can´t say how much I love this book and this series. D. Kelly is a brilliant author who wrote a fantastic series. I love her words and I love her writing. And I really, really, really can´t wait´ll Unplugged releases.
I wish I could give morte than 5 Stars and I Highly, HIGHLY recommend this series !! Thank you D. Kelly !
June 18, 2017
Devastatingly beautiful story...
There has only ever been one other book that shattered my heart the way this one did. If I had to compare the two, the other one was child's play in comparison. This book.... it is just amazing.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series... stop what you're doing and go read those first. After the ending of the second book, I knew I was going to need plenty of tissues and wine for this one. I completely underestimated just how many tissues I would need. I cried almost non-stop through almost the entire book. Some were from my heart breaking for these characters and some were happy tears. All the tears, crumpled tissues and empty wine bottles were SO worth making it to the end of this book.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. This book and these characters will stay with me for a very long time. I wish I could give more than 5 stars and I wish I had adequate words to do it justice with my review!
There has only ever been one other book that shattered my heart the way this one did. If I had to compare the two, the other one was child's play in comparison. This book.... it is just amazing.
If you haven't read the first two books in this series... stop what you're doing and go read those first. After the ending of the second book, I knew I was going to need plenty of tissues and wine for this one. I completely underestimated just how many tissues I would need. I cried almost non-stop through almost the entire book. Some were from my heart breaking for these characters and some were happy tears. All the tears, crumpled tissues and empty wine bottles were SO worth making it to the end of this book.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of this story. This book and these characters will stay with me for a very long time. I wish I could give more than 5 stars and I wish I had adequate words to do it justice with my review!
October 11, 2018
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of this story.
You do need to read Just an Illusion Side A and Side B before this one. They can not be read as standalones. I can't say much because it will spoil part of the story. 5 stars is no where near enough for this story or the series.
I Cried through the whole story and loved every word you wrote. I look forward to reading Darrens story in the future. This series is my favorite and will stay with me forever D. Kelly thank you for your words!!
You do need to read Just an Illusion Side A and Side B before this one. They can not be read as standalones. I can't say much because it will spoil part of the story. 5 stars is no where near enough for this story or the series.
I Cried through the whole story and loved every word you wrote. I look forward to reading Darrens story in the future. This series is my favorite and will stay with me forever D. Kelly thank you for your words!!
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