hmmm. I'm still trying to digest what I've read. Please heed the warnings...Lily White doesn't write your typical romance. She is a dark author, leaning more towards a dark erotic thriller/suspense, which happens to be my favorite of genres. This story takes you on a mindbending ride. With cults, brainwashing, hotter than holy hot, erotically amazing sexy scenes. At first expecting a completely stand a lone read I wasn't disappointed in the cliffhanger though. I love a good cliffy!
The characters were interesting and I personally don't need a story to be believable...It's fiction and I read it because it is out of the ordinary. I personally love the taboo and what's more taboo than a priest who goes completely beyond the realm of priesthood. If you're a lover of dark, demented, twisted, taboo and erotica you should really give Illusions of Evil a read. Lily White's writing is entertaining and suspenseful, making you WANT to keep reading.

Illusions of Evil is so good. It’s one of those books that had me loving it but conflicted that I did. This is a story that you should go into blind and with an open mind. It will push your boundaries and make you think.

I loved this story. It is everything I’ve come to expect from Ms. White. It is twisted and evil much like my soul after reading it. But it’s a sick and twisted story that you’ll enjoy and want to read. I loved the characters and the plot. It’s original, unique and dark. All of my favorite things rolled into one. If you like a dark read you’ll love Illusions of Evil.

"With purification comes pain. And with pain, comes rebirth."

Well it is my opinion that Lily White is going to hell and she is dragging all of us with her!!

Pay close attention to detail, you will be rewarded with a profound and insidious story that is woven so meticulously and intricately. When you step into the mind of Lily White you never know what you will see, but she always leaves you spinning and with your mouth wide open in awe. I am enchanted with each and every one of her books that she writes.

Eve was transformed, conditioned in certain beliefs and faiths that have been manipulated for one’s own needs and agenda. She is intended to be a catalyst, but for what is still a mystery. One malevolent madman knows the plan, and has set events in motion. What game is he playing, and why? Does he have a score to settle or is he just your typical pathological narcissist with unorthodox beliefs?

Her body was the perfect temptation, her submission the poison that could drag a godly man into Hell itself. She was everything evil we’re warned about in the world just by merely existing. But yet, she wasn’t evil. She was the illusion of evil. Purity wrapped in the sinful cage of a woman who didn’t know any better.

Don’t get too comfortable as Lily never allows you to read all her cards until she chooses for you to see them. Lily White is a bewitching writer, she has the utmost ability to seduce you, and hold your mind for ransom. I loved every turn, every dip and mind trip!

And just when you get close to the end, and you think you have the answers you seek, and that is it for these characters and their story, she slaps you with a cliffhanger that will leave you suspended in a purgatory state. For that, your penance will be 10 Hail Mary’s Lily White!

I went into this book blind I didn’t read teasers or the blurb and Lily White never fails to disappoint. I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed the story and it kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen. It flows perfectly; it is intense, gritty and chilling at times. Lily takes you on a journey in this one, I felt emotional at some parts some twists and turns you do not expect.

Lily’s mind is a scary, brutal, crazy place to be and it shows through these characters. Some I loved some I could have easily stabbed. Some I just wanted to hug. You think you know where the story is going to go then Bam goes in the opposite direction from what I was thinking.
I did not find this one as dark as Lily’s other books, but still a good read. At times, I did find myself getting confused at parts; I am not going to go into details about the storyline. You need to read for yourself.
If you love Lily’s books, I recommend this one

What now?!?!?

This was everything I have come to expect from Lily White; dark, twisted, completely pushing boundaries, and erotic. But I was left ... I don't know, not quite unsatisfied but with a lot of "what the f@ck." This book is not for the faint of heart, there is blood shed and twisted up religion. There is also this darkness to it, that you don't quite see coming. There is nothing light and fluffy. It was just a long dark tale down a path of no redemption.

If you are looking for HEA, turn around and walk away. If you are looking for something that keeps you in a state of confusion from the no-okay mind of Lily White then carry on. As I was reading, there were a couple of times that I thought maybe I knew where we were going only to find out I was dead wrong. With a priest, a cult leader and sweet temptation, no forbidden corner is left untouched.

I can't really talk about the plot because you should go in with zero expectations. I can't talk about the characters because again you should be caught unaware of who you are going to meet. All I can really say is hold on to your morals because they are about to get tested.I am eager for book two because I can't not want more of this messed-up-ness.
~Jess

And she's done it again!! Another spectacular book!! I went in not knowing what to expect and was completely blown away. When I would finally think I had everything figured out the the plot would thicken and I'd be left stunned. Had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily

Eve was the epitome of sin. Growing up, she was made to believe she existed for a purpose and the time had finally come for her to prove her faith. But the path to absolution was paved with endless temptations that she must endure in order to earn her place.

I'm attracted to faith based erotic books like the damned attracted to sins. So this book was like the Devil's calling haha!

Eve was not an easy character to like. Even though I understand her situation, personally is it hard for me to accept her mentality because her behavior is against my nature lol! Clearly I'm not a fan of hers.

There's not much I can say without spoiling the story. But I can say, generally, the dynamic of the characters is one of my favorite. It's always interesting to analyze the characters' actions and reactions. However, I wish I had more opportunity to do that myself instead of being told of the reasonings.

Before starting the book, I expected it to be sinfully filthy. Earlier part of the book was so tame I almost lose faith. But after a certain point it became blasphemously dirty.

Illusions of Evil is a story of faith and temptations. It would appeal to readers who don't mind pushing boundaries.

BEFORE READING Confess your Sins..

LoL you must GRAB what ever belief you believe in tight. You might question your faith after reading. AAHHHH Lily is just EVIL or Genius maybe both Im going to pray for her soul because right now I am having evil thoughts about her and her well being. I pray the wait is NOT long for the next book because its killing me already.
loved this cant wait for more.

If your a HOLY ROLLING FREAK WHO TAKES RELIGION SERIOUSLY This is so not the book for you lol Haters are going to hate big time.

“He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her.”

Brother against Brother its a Cain and Able but its Father Jacob Hayle and Elijah Cult leader. These brothers have a very sinful past. They both ended up going in different directions on faith. The game begin as kids.

Elijah is the Devil himself with his loyal flock of followers who believe his word and that HE is GOD himself. Woman are whores and were made to make men sin. His followers brainwashed by his words.

Father Jacob is trying to forgive what he did in his past and committed himself to God and to forgive his past sins. It might of worked if temptation wasnt in the form of Eve. His brother gave him a gift to get him to see who he truly is and not a man of the cloth. Plus he has plans for his bro and his church.

Eve poor clueless Eve has no idea shes being used for Evil and tossed to another to make sin only she thinks they are one and the same.


Your going to sin and sin some more with this book. Its not the bible but dam you want to believe

You see people follow others and never have options of their own. Some thats what they were brought up to believe others question not that they dont believe but they doubt some. You seen it happen time and time again.

Catholics believe the bible but funny how the rules change over years. Witnesses believe armageddon is going to come are told by Elders how to live and what they cant or be kicked out unless you there rules. All tell you to believe in the almighty who ever that is to you. Some say you have to confess other tell you to live without judgement. You a Wolf or a Sheep

Nothing is what it seems. Or maybe everything is exactly as it seems. This mysterious and suspenseful story of Eve, Jericho and Elijah is slow getting into, but then...
It begs the question are Illusions of evil really evil or is it all a hoax?? Haunting twisted erotic thriller about the taboos of religion versus cult!
Are they so different!
What's the end result?
The characters were not as well developed as I would have liked, and the story was sometimes disjointed. Their actions were maddening and frustrating as they created havoc in their parish.
And that end??
Really???
Made reading this story worthwhile!!
Bring. It. On!!

Illusions of Evil by Lily White was a dark, highly intense, all consuming read!

This story captivated me right from the start, and left me in chills throughout the entirety. The characters each have so much of a past, that you find yourself so caught up in the backstory and story itself, that you don't realize how much of the book you've read, until you are already over half done.

Throughout the story, you feel the love, passion, intensity, hatred and hurt. You see the pain and emotion while physically feeling the chemistry.

I highly enjoyed this story, and I can't wait to read the next instalment.

4.5/5 Stars!

If you are looking for a dark read go no further than Illusions of Evil!! IOE is dark, sitting on the edge of your seat, hold your breath, twisted and wickedly evil. Lily White is brilliant and the utter intensity made it hard to put down.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Eve was told to confess. It was what he told her across his alter, what he demanded so that she could be pure. After all I was Eve. His light. His salvation. His bridge to Heaven's gate. I have failed him because my faith was not strong enough. He would punish me for not giving in. Resisting temptation is never easy. Especially because his hands, his teeth, and hunger wee the greatest of my sins.

I am not even really sure where to start or what to say exactly. I do not want to give a thing away about this book really. I went in blind. I had not read the book description. I just knew it was a Lily White book and I needed to read it. I will tell you this book is more than Eve's story. There is also Jacob and Elijah. However I am not saying a word about them. You need to discover them just exactly the way I did. Eve though did not have a very stable childhood and her parents moved her around a lot. She was finally happy living with them in a house near the lake. She was ten years old and on that lake is the last happy childhood memory she would have. Her parents have decided to move them to a place and have a new life. It was suppose to be a better life with friends and they would not be as isolated as they were in the house they were in now. Her parents wouldn't have to have a job outside of where they were going to live and their would be plenty of children for Eve and her brother to play with You will be safe they told her. She should have ran right then and there. That is all I am saying about his book. Yes Eve is in cult but there is so much more to this book than the cult. However if you want to know more you have to pick up the book and read. I will tell you that I finished this book with a lot of no no no no going on and my mouth hanging open.

Lily White has done a fantastic job with this book. I couldn't read it fast enough and to say I'm shocked and freaking out is probably an understatement. If your a fan of dark, twisted, blow you mind books then you do not want to miss Illusions of Evil.

Jacob Hayle is a Catholic priest who runs a small-town church in a socio-economically depressed and fairly isolated locale. For 12 years, he abstained from his dark and sinful ways, but when a mysterious woman arrives on church grounds, Jacob begins to be truly tested with temptation in his sequestered sanctuary. Praying for strength to overcome, Jacob soon realizes someone else seems to be controlling his fate.

Eve represents all that is pure and offers her supplication with blind allegiance. Caught in the web of deceit and malevolence, she willingly chooses to obey as a means of absolving her masochistic guilt.

As the level of manipulation escalates, Jacob’s resolve begins to descend into temptation and the beast within craves to be sated. Though he tries to fight, Jacob’s past is a constant reminder of how destructive and evil he can be. For Eve, she readily accepts the pain and ultimately surrenders to the pleasure.

Told in multiple POVs but with a focus on Jacob, the character development is measured with an ominous tone permeating the landscape. Knowing Jacob laments his past adds to the internal battle of staying true to his vows as a priest. His fight is deeply interesting as this dynamic depicts a timeless conflict with the addition of good versus evil. With Eve’s perspective she actually causes more of an imbalance and adds tension due to her role.

From the beginning, I was intrigued by Jacob’s struggle and how it was going evolve for him personally and professionally. At times, I wanted Jacob to remain resilient but the moments when he exposed his vulnerabilities truly showed his flaws. As for the creator of this madness, his character and purpose remains an enigma but I am curious to know how far it will go. With Eve, she was the toughest character for me to understand in her completely brainwashed state. Despite knowing her background and comprehending how such a situation can arise, part of me was waiting for her moment of revelation.

This is a story that lures the reader from the first page and offers some twists while pushing the theme of virtuous against heretic. There are times when I wanted more action but I liked the tension and layers of mystery. I especially liked the sacrilegious actions that led to some hot moments.

In Illusions of Evil flaws and sins are pushed to limits. I recommend and look forward to reading the conclusion in book two!

[edit]

God created Lily
Lily created Elijah
And we're going to Hell !
Meanwhile let's embrace our masochism and kinky minds and get aboard the bus that Lily drives .

We are all God’s creatures, the saints and the sinners, the saved and the damned. We were created in his image, we were given life through his vision, and if that is true, then the parts of me I was told should be hidden and ignored were parts God had wanted there all along. Perhaps His intent wasn’t for us to shun those parts, but instead we were to take them for what they were and glorify Him through the differences they created in us. Because if God is part of everything, then God can be found in the shadow as much as the light.



At the centre is the Church, it's Flock, the parishioners, and the power struggle and the incessant craving for acting God. Why? .....why not!!
There's Elijah , who plays God . He "creates" Eve for his own Adam. And then like God demands faith from his followers
There's Father Hayle , who is to lead his Flock away from temptation and into salvation . What irony that the Smokey tentacles of temptation force him to abandon faith and sin absolutely.



It wasn’t until I’d had it shoved in my face in the last few days that I realized I hadn’t become a priest out of some desperation to know and love God. I’d become a priest to hide from life, to seclude myself in an existence that kept me safe from the mistakes of my past, and especially a life that kept people safe from me. If I wasn’t strong enough to control myself, who was I to believe I could save another person’s soul?

And then there's Eve herself. Loyal in her submission , even subconsciously. Always looking for her husband to drive sin from her body so she can lead him to light. She truely believes her body is a receptacle to her husband's offerings , that will drive out the toxins and poisons that plague her pores and he in turn he will achieve divinity and arise as the ultimate God !

She was everything evil we’re warned about in the world just by merely existing. But yet, she wasn’t evil. She was the illusion of evil. Purity wrapped in the sinful cage of a woman who didn’t know any better.

See how twisted the thought process is ? . That's the comfort zone for Lily. Psychological thriller at it's best. I bet she writes such stuff with her eyes closed, her hands tapping away as the river of words flows out effortlessly. Very few authors show courage in embracing and pushing their dark limits , and with practice comes perfection , and we lap up every twisted word that she writes for us and devour her books like inky manna, what does that say about us ?
The story is disturbing , which is a given. Hints of cruelty scattered everywhere. There's Family Fists, there's women hung on crosses, there's markings, lashings, biting , in other words a typical Lily book.
Why does she write like she does. Exploring depths rather than heights, delving into shadows rather than riding the rainbows, meandering into Sleepy Hollows than sunflower fields ?
Well she gives us the answer herself ⤵️

Why couldn't people understand that sometimes evil occurs within the confines of a crowded world just because a sadist like me grew bored?

I liked and was equally fearful of the subject matter. It's not easy to challenge established norms and faiths and get away with it , but Lily does that excellently. Blind faith and religion used to cloak heinous intentions and nefarious deeds is part of the exposè. The Satan to be feared is not outside, it's inside men , some respectable, some esteemed and some revered. 
Clothes don't make a man !
That's the undertone and scary part , cause how do you separate Satan from the God , Collar from Robes? I loved the story and the twisted characters. One lofty , one befallen , and one pawn between them 
So when's the next book ? 
5 Halle-Fucking-Lujah Stars

This cover totally hooked me! Didn’t need to read the blurb at all. Just by looking at the beautiful cover, I knew I had to read this one.

Sedra was taken to the compound as a young child with her parents. Looking for a better life. The leader of the cult was Elijah a man who is a sick person! One who has his followers do anything and everything. As the years go by, Sedra becomes Eve the night she becomes Elijah’s wife.

I am yours. In body. In heart. And in Soul.

Jacob is the local priest at the Catholic church. He has a dark background that was being restrained by wearing the cloth of being a priest. He was doing well till the day the girl is found in the yard of his church.

He held me in awe. Like an idol, he personified everything that I thought was pure and good. He was my guide and protector, my life and salvation.

As this story unfolds, we learn of the history between Elijah and Jacob. Are the two hiding behind their titles of being leaders in their congregations?

It was as if God himself were knocking on the door, the might of His hand pulling me away from the temptation that stood naked and trembling before me.

This story is one that at times had me very confused as to who I was reading about. I found myself doing quite a bit of re-reading to understand where we were. Then we get to the end of the book and wow… it just ended on a major cliffy. It was like the story just stopped.

I love Lily’s other books, this one was good too…just not a favorite of mine.

This is one dark and very twisted read! I don't want to give anything away, but I had serious stabby feelings for one certain character, and another I wanted to smack round the face and say wake up! All the main characters are in need of psychological help, which just goes to show how messed up the story is.

The story really is full of so many shocks and twists I couldn't put it down. Then it ended!! There's a second book! I need it soon!!

Four stars from me. Only read this is you like dark books or it maybe a little too much for you!

Lily could not have titled this book any better. This story is full of Illusions of Evil!!!

I do not want to give anything away in this review just go in blind and read, enjoy the ride!!

The subject of this one, is how you say, a tad bit on the darker side a little taboo, I found it to be refreshing, different, fast paced, shocking, intriguing, sexy, trickery, and there were even moments of laughter.

How is it possible that Lily can make me love Good/Evil in one book!! The writing is flawless, the story just flows. You cannot put this one down, you need to know the next move of every character in the book. Lily leaves you to figure out the motive of each one. You, yourself are, like Jacob asking WHY??

During the development of this story, more than once, I was "OH MY GOD" that is not happening, OR, "NO WAY, HE'S GONNA GET CAUGHT". I also felt terrible for some of the characters, in this story, the innocent, the holy, the brainwashed. They all play a part in order for the carefully sinister plan to come full circle.

I won't lie and say there aren't moments you want to throw your kindle, but, that's what Lily does to readers, it's why we love her books. In the end, when that finally gets here LILY!!! it will be all worth it I'm sure.

This story blew me away!!!

Are there any authors you prefer to jump right into their books without really knowing what you're about to get into? Because you know from previous books that you're gonna be in for one helluva crazy ride?

Yeah, that's how I am with Lily White and her stories. I find myself wondering if books can affect readers in certain ways, how in the world does creating such stories affect the authors? This book is dark; maybe more like a darkish gray since it's not as dark as some of her other books, but it's still a gripping story. As much as you might want to fly through the pages, I suggest taking your time with this read because there are plenty of twists and turns that are intricately woven, hence the "illusions". It's a tense read, so don't like I did and try to start just as you get into bed; I knew I had to get up for work the next morning but couldn't put my iPad down. Which probably explained why I looked like 5 shades of death the next day at work. It's gritty and raw, with smexy hot times. I'm anticipating yet hesitant for the next part to come out; I want more of this story but I know to now pace myself when I finally get to read it!

This is the perfect book for those who love twisted and out of the box books. I love cult themed books and the story hooked me in right from the start.
Eve and Jacob took me on a wild ride full of twists and turns, heat and darkness.
I had a few issues with Eve but I understood her all the same.
The book ends on a cliffhanger so be warned and tie your seatbelt tight!
Great writing as always. Cannot wait for the next book.

It's Author LIly White so of course I knew this book was gonna grip me! It totally captivated me from the cover, then opening this book, I was immediately got sucked into the story of Sedra/Eve. This book is not for the faint of heart & that is what I like about it. It is raw, gritty, thrilling, sexually hot. My emotions were all over the place. Pain, anger, lust, want, need... it all comes together in this dark romantic story you don't want to miss reading. Perfect read for this Halloween season.
I am curious to see where the author will take the characters to next in the next part.