Jordan Weston is good-looking, mysterious, and sexually uninhibited, but his life is more like the name of his bar—Just an Illusion. His cousins are the bad boys of Bastards and Dangerous, but their fame hasn’t made everything rainbows and sunshine for him. He’s haunted, flawed, and the sole survivor of a homicide that wiped out his immediate family.Allie Baker, the most recent hire at the bar, … bar, can see through Jordan’s façade. She knows he’s everything she doesn’t need, but she’s beginning to crave his cocky attitude and the way he looks at her. The more she tries to stay away from him, the more she wants to get to know him.
Jordan knows falling for an employee is a bad idea, but Allie pushes buttons he never realized he had. Even though Allie desperately needs her job, she soon decides being with Jordan is more important. Will they be able to compromise, or will she let her chance at love pass her by for the sake of a paycheck?
Interlude is the first spin-off novel of the Illusion Series. Interlude can be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the Illusion Series.
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***4 Stars***
I’ve had this author on my “Want to read” list for awhile, and for one reason or another I hadn’t taken the plunge, so when this baby popped up I decided to give it a go and I’m happy that I did. It was all kinds of sweet, smexy, heartbreaking and swoon worthyness with a good dose of frustration that had my eyes rolling but kept me turning the pages to see just how everything would work out for Jordan and Allie in the end.
I loved Allie. I did. Watching as she finally pulled on those shitkickers and took control of her life was a lot of fun to experience. She is intelligent, sweet and snarky in equal measure, but most of all has a kind of genuine sincerity in all she says and does that shows you how golden her heart is. Jordan is lethal in every way. Smexy, sweet, compassionate and blunt but without the edge and also being that strange mix of emotionally unavailable while still being available depending on where you fit into his life.
Jordan and Allie’s journey to their HEA was a fun one for me to experience. There was a bit of push/pull going on and there were moments where I wanted to reach out and Gibbs smack some sense into one of them, but the open communication they had going on aka acting like adults, made it all work for me. Their bantering was fun, the smexy HAWT and I loved how they got to know each other on every level. The angst between them was low, which I liked because there are some emotionally heavy things that happen in this one, and I loved how they got their HEA.
As I said, this is my first read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, pacing was well done and I really enjoyed the dual 1st person POV. This one does run concurrent with the first four books in the series, so I did get a taste of what had gone on in those books as well as a hint as to the conclusion of that particular storyline and while my interest is peaked, I’m also wary based on what I saw going on, so those books are still definitely on the TBR, but I’m not going to jump on them right now, but this isn’t to say that I’m going to be pushing this author to the side. She did that thing that I love and adore, she gave me a whole slew of characters to love and want more of. Sasha is hands down my favorite. This woman is kind of everything and I am crossing my toes that she gets an HEA one day. A close second is Fat Bastard ~ hard not to love the grumpy bastard *BSEG* But I want more of Mac, Tyler, Darren and Eli so I’ll be keeping an eye out for those babies!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I loved getting to look into the elusive Jordan. He was such an enigma in the earlier Just an Illusion books, so it was great getting to see more of what makes him tick. Allie was perfect for him and I just love Sasha’s character! I would love to get to see more of Sasha and why she is the way she is.
After having read Sawyer and Amelia’s books, I was really looking forward to reading Jordan’s story, and the author didn’t disappoint me. I loved it.
I am enjoying this series so much that I don’t want to stop reading them. Here’s hoping the author has more stories planned for some of the other great characters in these books.
Okay I must be living under a stone because this is the first book in the illusions series that I have read and HOLY HADES it blew me away! I need to go back to book one and read them all in a binge reading night because I loved D. Kelly’s writing. I was so drawn into this story that I felt like I was their right with the characters living their lives and feeling their feelings. It was phenomenal and amazing wrapped up into one.
This is Jackson and Katie’s story and boy oh boy what a story it is. Jackson is closed of and cocky and arrogant but underneath all that is a guy who is hurt by his life circumstances and what he has had to endure. When he hires a new bar tender Katie she sees through all the hurt and pain he holds in because she has suffered herself. She knows he is off limits but she can’t help having feelings for him and the chemistry between them is off the chain and they can’t keep their hands off one another.
This is an amazing story of love and triumph over tragedy. This is a must read series and everyone should go out and one click book one and binge read the series in one day!
5 Jordan Filled Stars!!!
I’ve been waiting for Jordan’s story since the beginning of Noah and Sawyer’s story. I’m excited to finally get it.
Jordan lost his parents and siblings when he was young. His father killed them and himself. His cousin Sawyer walked in right afterwards and saved his life. Since that night neither of them were the same.
Jordan’s aunt and uncle took him in. Adopted him and treated him as their own. His brothers are founders of the popular bad BAD. Jordan is happy and proud of his brothers and their friends.
Jordan has his bar Just An Illusion and that’s his baby. Other than his family Jordan’s heart is closed off to love. Jordan’s openly bisexual. He’s been in an on again off again relationship for years and years with Tyler.
Tyler wants to get serious with Jordan. But, Jordan knows if they do Tyler’s family will disown him and Jordan can’t live with himself if Tyler looses his family. When the new bartender looks at him Jordan knows everything is about to change. But, he’s not 100% sure he can put the wall around his heart down completely for the first time.
Allie needs a fresh new start. Her father has been in control of her life since forever. When Allie catches her fiancé cheating on her she’s had it. She hasn’t been happy or in love with him for awhile now. Allie’s done being controlled and she’s ready to be in control.
Allie calls her best friend Sasha and she offers her a place to stay and a job. Allie got in her car and drove to her new beginning. When Allie sees her boss for the first time her heart stops. He’s dangerously beautiful and she knows she can’t jeopardize her job.
The more time Jordan and Allie spend together the harder it is for them to not cross the lines. Allie knows she shouldn’t jump right into a relationship. Jordan knows he needs to figure out things with his heart and mind between Tyler and Allie. These two have such a pull towards each other that it just gets harder and harder to stay away.
This was another POV in the Weston family. If you’ve read The Illusion Series you’ll know details from Noah about Jordan’s past. Then, heard Sawyer’s POV and how it effected them. But, now you’ll get it from Jordan. You’ll also see Jordan’s view on everything that’s happened to Noah and the gang.
Seeing a different version of things that happened already was cool. Learning the story of Noah and Sawyer being silent partners and Jordan being frontman of the bar.
I loved Jordan in the previous books. He’s just as amazing now!!! I felt for him with everything he’d gone thru. The way he was with Allie and Tyler I felt for him. I’m glad he was able to figure out both his heart and mind.
Allie was amazing as well. I’m extremely glad she didn’t jump into Jordan’s bed immediately. That she gave her heart time to heal. She was also really understanding of everything Jordan related.
These two are great together. I gotta admit though reading this is making me extremely nervous to read Darren’s book. I’m going to have my tissues ready bc I can just imagine what I’m going to get when I read it.
Interlude is a great addition to one of my very favorite series EVER!!!!
D. Kelly has always surprised me, but she completely took me by surprise with this book. I knew what was going to happen because I have read the other books, and the events occur concurrently with those, so that wasn’t the surprise. The surprise was Jordan. He was a mystery to me. I wasn’t quite sure who he was or if I was going to really like him. He was a master at the facade he created to keep others at a distance. Granted, he loved the physical contact with others, yet he couldn’t handle the emotional contact…sometimes even with family. However, Allie was able to somehow penetrate those steel walls around his heart.
Allie was the direct opposite of Jordan. She is open and sweet. Yes, Jordan is honest but not so much with his feelings, not like Allie. She is light to Jordan’s darkness, and she was just the type of girl I would want to be friends with. I couldn’t help but love her. She had the ability to change a room just by walking in…not so much with her physical beauty but the beauty she radiated from within.
The storyline itself was addictive. Once I started, I was enthralled. I looked up and didn’t realize I had been reading until late into the night. The chemistry between these two is INSANE, yet Kelly doesn’t short-change their emotional connection. There was a bit of a love triangle, but I have to say it was unlike one I have ever seen before. There is a bit of angst, and at times, I got aggravated at Jordan. I just wanted him to make a decision. On the other hand, I could understand why he behaved the way he did.
This series has been one of my favorites ever! Kelly knew how to balance steam, romance, love, family, pain, and hope seamlessly. It is a series not to be missed. She will bring out all of your emotions. You will be happy, angry, sad, and yes, happy again!!!! I was so glad to finally get Jordan’s story. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the secondary characters in upcoming novels.
Interlude is a companion novel to the Illusion Series. It can be read as standalone, but I’m sure would feel much more rich if you start with the series. I read it by itself, but will be going back for the series so that I can get to know this dense wealth of characters much better!
There’s a lot of tragedy in this universe, followed up by some intense joy. These characters are imperfect, and in some ways dented or broken, but they come together just beautifully, whether they are friends or lovers, or family.
Jordan is a stubborn, wildly interesting guy and Allie is trying to find herself and a life after getting out of a long-term relationship. The pair has sparks from the get go, and it’s a complicated journey as they try to figure out what they are to one another. The broad cast of accompanying characters is fantastic and diverse and adds an incredible amount to the story.
I was not sure what to expect with this unorthodox romance, but it definitely delivered and I enjoyed every second of the read! Recommend this one but consider starting earlier in the series!
Another great addition to the Illusion Series.
I liked Jordan and Allie in this novel. Jordan was an interesting character in the previous books so he definitely deserved his own story and HEA.
I loved the previous books in the series but I liked that this time, Jordan’s story wasn’t so emotionally taxing but still very good.
Allie and Jordan were perfect for each other. I liked Jordan’s honesty and how he treated his bar and his employees as extended family. Allie was a lovely girl with a few problems but with an open heart.
Interlude was an entertaining read but I don’t recommend it as a standalone. Without the deeper knowlegde of everything that happened in the life of the Westons it just wouldn’t be the same experience.
Jordan is the bar owning Cousin of the Rock Superstar Weston Brothers, but their relationship is so much more. Having witnessed the death of his family at a young age, the Westons are HIS FAMILY, his brothers, his sisters, oh how i love this family !! And omg I think this book just about exceeded every expectation i had!!
Jordan is the strong silent, damaged man. He doesn’t do love, after all for him that means losing those people and when Allie bounces into town and becomes his newest bar maid, i’m not sure this man ever stood a chance !!! She’s smart, sassy, hot as all get out and never scared to say what’s on her mind!! The chemistry and pull between the two hits you like a flame thrower leaping out of the pages. This is more than a romance, its facing all your demons, its finding trust in yourself, its finding faith in others and its finding Love !! I loved that they didn’t just dive into a relationship, yes there was complications!! But i also loved the way they came about and yet the whole time i feared for them both. Yes this author didn’t make it easy to predict how this love would end, and at times i just might have been wanting to pull my hair out !! It’s difficult not to feel invested and involved in this family and their relationships because you just feel a part of it all as it progresses !! Jordan was always intriguing, now well Wow, I think he might just be my favourite !!
Love Jordan’s story. Got to read early and very thankful.
Jordan Weston has been through so much, this book goes back and forth in time filling in the gaps between Noah and Sawyer’s books and it is seamless, exciting, sad, heartbreaking, beautiful. Allie Barker could be just what he is looking for LOVED IT!!! Cannot wait for more
After reading the first book of the ILLUSION series, I thought no other book would compare. Noah will always have a special place in my heart, he was an amazing character. After reading the prologue for INTERLUDE I was BLOWN away! I 100% fell in love with Jordan and Allie’s (…and Tyler’s) story. Jordan has struggled with his past for a very long time and deserves all the happiness in the world after suffering all the losses he has. I loved how open and honest he was with Allie right from the start. Watching him work through his feelings and the corresponding relationships was something. The little time jump at the end and then the epilogue was the icing on the cake.
I finished this book about a week ago and it’s taken me this long to put pen to paper and even now I’m not sure I can do this story justice. Jordan Weston’s story is a beautifully written emotional read that’s full of love and turmoil something I guess I should have expected given that he is Noah and Sawyer’s troubled cousin who we first meet back in the Illusion series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I feel you would get so much more out of it if you take the time to read the amazing Illusion Series first.
Jordan was the only survivor when his family were murdered when he was a child and as you would expect that lead to a troubled life but he has learned to be happy with what he has in life and that’s his extended family through the Weston’s and his bar. Allie has just started working for him and she is loving her job at the bar so even though she is attracted to Jordan she is determined to keep her distance she is not prepared to risk her job for a night of passion……..
Words can not describe how much I love the characters from the Illusion Series, I love the plots, I love the chemistry and loyalty as well as the friendships that have formed throughout the books. This story like all the others captivated me from the first page to the very last line, I cried I smiled and I wished and hoped for the HEA Jordan rightly deserved. A brilliant read for lovers of the Illusion Series as well as newbies to the trails and tribulations of the Weston family and their friends. What next from the very talented D.Kelly I guess we wait with baited breath.
Hauntingly Beautiful yet still a sad but heartwarming story as the tragedies of the illusion Series are told through Jordan’s Perspective. Not what I expected but so much more prepare to fall in love with Allie and Jordan. Jordan is sexy, deeply rooted and captivatingly handsome rocker. An individual who has suffered so my devastating loses in life you can’t believe he is who he is. Allie a beautiful young women who is equally scarred trying to escape her past and start over. Allie has such a capacity to empathize because of her own loses. The two meet after Jordan hires her as a waitress based his best friends Sasha recommendation. The chemistry is immediate. The spark between these two is undeniable and so irresistible. Jordan is attractive to her immediately and tells her that they will have no problems as long as she is honest with him. Allie is honest with him from the get go when she admits she heard him with Tyler in his office. This is the story of how fate, trust, family and love can help you survive the worst and be the best. More than a five star read one you will read again and again as the unforgettable Illusion Series lives on through Jordan’s story. Dee Kelly continues to bring these characters to life leaving you wanting more can’t wait for Darren’s and Eli’s storylines.
Oh Jordan!!! This series has been my favorite for quite some time now and for Jordan to finally have a book was worth the wait!! You know what’s coming and you think your prepared for it but I still cried like a baby. If he wouldn’t have gotten his HEA idk if I could forgive D. Lol
I couldn’t get enough and will never want an ending to this series. I needed Darren’s book like yesterday!! I can not wait to experience that roller coaster ride!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complementary advanced copy of this book.
Jordan’s story is finally here, and whoop-whoop! It’s a doozy! Dee Kelly has done it once again – another fantastic novel in the Illusion Series. I hope the Illusion Series never ends, but all good things must come to an end eventually. I can’t wait for Darren’s story – keep writing Dee!
Just buy it, you don’t be disappointed! I would recommend reading the previous books in the series to receive the full effect of this book.
I volunteered to write a honest review in exchange for an ARC from the author.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Jordan’s story. I knew it would be a good one. Jordan Weston has been through a lot in his life. His family is famous, but he prefers to stay in the background. He runs his own bar, called Just an Illusion. He hires a woman named Allie, who is running from her past. The two of them hit it off pretty quickly, but both have reasons they can’t get involved. I loved seeing Jordan’s prospective on events that transpired in the previous books. His friendship with Allie was great to watch develop. I enjoyed seeing Allie stand on her and not let her father dictate her life. I have honestly enjoyed the entire Illusion series and I’m looking forward to the next one.
This is my first D. Kelly’s book and it got me interested in this series.
Jordan Weston is the owner of a famous bar, is good-looking and sexually uninhibited. But, inside he is a hurting soul having been part of a homicide that wiped out his immediate family.
Allie Baker has done with all her former life, ex-fiance, her controlling absence father and now she is living her life at her own terms and she doesn’t know how to fit Jordan, her boss, in this new adventure. He has a lot of baggage and she is trying to unload hers.
I think what attracted more in this book is the writing, the author treats her characters with respect and they are just people trying to survive the life they have and the options that are given to them. It is a very good book with interesting characters.
Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading at least the first 3 books of the Illusion series first. This contains some pretty big spoilers for that trio of books.
I’m in a bit of a reading funk, I’ve not even finished several of the last few books I’ve read. So just the fact that I got to the end of this is testament to the quality of writing. I enjoyed the book a lot, I liked Jordan and Allie, the story flowed well, the plot wasn’t too predictable and I loved getting to know Sasha some more. It was effortless to read and strangely I felt the impact on Sawyer, of Jordan’s tragic childhood, much more keenly in this book than I did in his own. It was good to see different perspectives and experience events from a new viewpoint.
However it didn’t leave me with that ‘WOW’ factor that I need to rate a book 5 stars. Allie sometimes felt a little too ‘nice’. I also wanted more angst with the whole Tyler/Jordan/Allie plot. Jordan didn’t know how he felt or what he wanted until suddenly he maybe, kind of, did. Whilst this was linked to a very pivotal event for the Weston family I didn’t quite believe his choice, mainly because it lacked emotional intensity for me. I think this was more ‘me’ than the book though.
The story is first person, from both main characters point of view, so you get to know them both really well. I liked that the story never felt forced, ridiculous or cliched, instead it felt fresh and unique. The heat level is high in this, though never sleazy or cheap. The sex scenes compliment their relationship and story really well, feeling a natural part of the plot.
“You’ve got men and women practically falling at your feet….Your orgasm cup probably runs so far over that I could slip and fall just standing next to you.”
I do recommend this to all lovers of contemporary romance with a blue-collar hero. It does have spoilers for the rest of the series and I really do recommend reading those books too.
Dee is a wizard with words. From laughing out loud to ugly crying you won’t be able to put this or any of the books in this series down! The twists and turns in the plot definitely keep you guessing but not to the point of eye rolls! Reading should be an escape, you should feel the characters and relate on some level. You can believe me! Jordan Weston is complicated sexy twisted. It’s a read alone book but I do recommend the series! I found this series and author by mistake and so glad I did! It does have adult content but it isn’t erotic to the point of being cringe worthy! A definite must read! I do not say that lightly being I’ve been reading for way too long and am a very hard critic. A must read discover this author! Do yourself a favor!! Some of the lines from the book are mind blowing and have made it into my vocabulary!! Thanks Dee you have once again hit a home run! I can’t wAit for the next one!!!!
D. Kelly has done it again! Interlude was so beautifully written. Each story she writes brings you even closer to this family and to these characters. Jordan and Allie have such a strong connection and the chemistry between them is out of this world. I absolutely loved this book. I have loved every book in The Illusion series. I’ve yet to be let down! Such a great story!