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Illusions: sometimes the eyes see what the heart wants
Karyn is beautiful, educated, independent, and seems to have limitless possibilities when she meets Thomas. Handsome, educated and successful, Karyn is elated to have found the man of her dreams. The two hit it off and quickly start a whirlwind romance. No sooner than she falls in love with him, she discovers that he's not the man she thought he was.
Forced to decide whether she wants to accept him as is or move on with her life, Karyn follows her heart and finds herself becoming increasingly competitive and deceitful. In her world, Thomas is the prize and she will stop at nothing to win him.
Karyn narrates throughout the novel and gives readers an insight into her world. From her loving friends who try to steer her into the right direction, her well-intended gestures wasted on a man that never deserved her heart in the first place, the conflicted mindset of a young woman anchored by love, pride and low self-esteem.
A relationship full of ups and downs, highs and lows, deceit and broken promises, Karyn has to decide if she's willing to ignore reality or accept that her relationship may be an illusion.
Forced to decide whether she wants to accept him as is or move on with her life, Karyn follows her heart and finds herself becoming increasingly competitive and deceitful. In her world, Thomas is the prize and she will stop at nothing to win him.
Karyn narrates throughout the novel and gives readers an insight into her world. From her loving friends who try to steer her into the right direction, her well-intended gestures wasted on a man that never deserved her heart in the first place, the conflicted mindset of a young woman anchored by love, pride and low self-esteem.
A relationship full of ups and downs, highs and lows, deceit and broken promises, Karyn has to decide if she's willing to ignore reality or accept that her relationship may be an illusion.
346 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2012
2 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Chantilly Chanel Austin
3 books13 followersChantilly Chanel Austin is the author of Illusions: sometimes the eyes see what the heart wants (Basin St Books), which is already a book club favorite. She is the recipient of the 2012 African American Literary Awards 'Breakout Author of the Year'. She was born and raised in Compton, CA. She spends her time traveling the world and writing. She currently lives in California, where she is working on her second novel.
You can visit her website at www.chantillychanel.com
You can visit her website at www.chantillychanel.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 17, 2017
The cover of this book caught my attention. A simple read of Karma. Falling in love with a married man was not a good thing for Karyn. She got the man, married the man and lived a life of cheating and abuse. When you do wrong you get wrong. If the husband leaves the wife for you be aware that he will leave you for someone else.
December 16, 2012
What Goes Around
When Karyn met Thomas she was a single, educated, independent woman who thought she had found her knight in shining armor. She soon learned two valuable lessons: all that glitters is not gold and if he cheats with you, he will cheat on you. Pregnant and wanting to believe his lies she takes him back and enters a hell she never imagined. Escaping the madness seems more that Karyn can handle alone. She finds comfort and escape with her best friend’s help and an unexpected ally. Will she break the cycle or will she continue to disappoint those who love her most?
Chantilly Chanel Austin’s novel, “Illusions,” is an emotional roller coaster. It takes readers through the hurt and pain of betrayal and the joy of true friendship. I enjoyed the story although there were parts I wanted to move a little faster. It was easy to identify with Karyn, feel her pain, get upset with her like you would your own friend, and cheer when she has triumphs. It was a well written story that flows, for the most part pretty easy, making this a book that is easy to get caught up in.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
When Karyn met Thomas she was a single, educated, independent woman who thought she had found her knight in shining armor. She soon learned two valuable lessons: all that glitters is not gold and if he cheats with you, he will cheat on you. Pregnant and wanting to believe his lies she takes him back and enters a hell she never imagined. Escaping the madness seems more that Karyn can handle alone. She finds comfort and escape with her best friend’s help and an unexpected ally. Will she break the cycle or will she continue to disappoint those who love her most?
Chantilly Chanel Austin’s novel, “Illusions,” is an emotional roller coaster. It takes readers through the hurt and pain of betrayal and the joy of true friendship. I enjoyed the story although there were parts I wanted to move a little faster. It was easy to identify with Karyn, feel her pain, get upset with her like you would your own friend, and cheer when she has triumphs. It was a well written story that flows, for the most part pretty easy, making this a book that is easy to get caught up in.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
July 21, 2012
I enjoyed every minute of this book. I received this book yesterday afternoon and finished it the next day, needless to say it was definitely a page turner! It was so well written you can tell the author really took her time in writing this story. This book was filled with drama, lies, and so much betrayal.
Karyn who is the main character is very beautiful and has no problem with getting the attention from men, but she usually doesn’t pay them any mind, that is until she meets Thomas, who after getting to know is the man of her dreams. There are so many women in the word who are Karyn or at least who can relate to Karyn…wanting a man so bad that they are willing to do anything to get that man and keep him. Karyn once was such a strong independent woman who had so much going on for herself, but as you read further and further into the story you find Karyn loosing herself more and more. I found myself talking to this book getting so upset at Karyn for what she was allowing to go on in her life. Through all of the things she had going on in her life she always had her friends right at her side telling her the honest truth.
Is Thomas all he is cracked up to be or is he really too good to be true? Trust me once you read this you will see what Thomas is really about and that’s really nothing. I found myself talking to his character also because he was just out of control and seemed not to care about anything, the way he was behaving I wondered if he cared about himself. I don’t want to say too much about Thomas because I want you to read it to see what I am talking about.
People do things for love that they wouldn’t normally do if they weren’t in love, but as the title says “Sometimes the eyes see what the heart wants” even if what the heart wants is no good for you!
Author Chantilly does a great job at bringing the characters to life and letting the readers really get to know who each character was. The book really makes you think, just because someone shows you who they are as a person only time will tell if that person is really showing their true colors. If you are looking for a really good book to read then this is it. This author is definitely an author to look out for and I cant wait to see what else she has in store for the readers! Wondering if this book will have a part 2, it ended well but would like to know what happened next.
Karyn who is the main character is very beautiful and has no problem with getting the attention from men, but she usually doesn’t pay them any mind, that is until she meets Thomas, who after getting to know is the man of her dreams. There are so many women in the word who are Karyn or at least who can relate to Karyn…wanting a man so bad that they are willing to do anything to get that man and keep him. Karyn once was such a strong independent woman who had so much going on for herself, but as you read further and further into the story you find Karyn loosing herself more and more. I found myself talking to this book getting so upset at Karyn for what she was allowing to go on in her life. Through all of the things she had going on in her life she always had her friends right at her side telling her the honest truth.
Is Thomas all he is cracked up to be or is he really too good to be true? Trust me once you read this you will see what Thomas is really about and that’s really nothing. I found myself talking to his character also because he was just out of control and seemed not to care about anything, the way he was behaving I wondered if he cared about himself. I don’t want to say too much about Thomas because I want you to read it to see what I am talking about.
People do things for love that they wouldn’t normally do if they weren’t in love, but as the title says “Sometimes the eyes see what the heart wants” even if what the heart wants is no good for you!
Author Chantilly does a great job at bringing the characters to life and letting the readers really get to know who each character was. The book really makes you think, just because someone shows you who they are as a person only time will tell if that person is really showing their true colors. If you are looking for a really good book to read then this is it. This author is definitely an author to look out for and I cant wait to see what else she has in store for the readers! Wondering if this book will have a part 2, it ended well but would like to know what happened next.
July 21, 2012
I enjoyed every minute of this book. I received this book yesterday afternoon and finished it the next day, needless to say it was definitely a page turner! It was so well written you can tell the author really took her time in writing this story. This book was filled with drama, lies, and so much betrayal.
Karyn who is the main character is very beautiful and has no problem with getting the attention from men, but she usually doesn’t pay them any mind, that is until she meets Thomas, who after getting to know is the man of her dreams. There are so many women in the word who are Karyn or at least who can relate to Karyn…wanting a man so bad that they are willing to do anything to get that man and keep him. Karyn once was such a strong independent woman who had so much going on for herself, but as you read further and further into the story you find Karyn loosing herself more and more. I found myself talking to this book getting so upset at Karyn for what she was allowing to go on in her life. Through all of the things she had going on in her life she always had her friends right at her side telling her the honest truth.
Is Thomas all he is cracked up to be or is he really too good to be true? Trust me once you read this you will see what Thomas is really about and that’s really nothing. I found myself talking to his character also because he was just out of control and seemed not to care about anything, the way he was behaving I wondered if he cared about himself. I don’t want to say too much about Thomas because I want you to read it to see what I am talking about.
Author Chantilly does a great job at bringing the characters to life and letting the readers really get to know who each character was. The book really makes you think, just because someone shows you who they are as a person only time will tell if that person is really showing their true colors. If you are looking for a really good book to read then this is it. This author is definitely an author to look out for and I cant wait to see what else she has in store for the readers! Wondering if this book will have a part 2, it ended well but would like to know what happened next.
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
Karyn who is the main character is very beautiful and has no problem with getting the attention from men, but she usually doesn’t pay them any mind, that is until she meets Thomas, who after getting to know is the man of her dreams. There are so many women in the word who are Karyn or at least who can relate to Karyn…wanting a man so bad that they are willing to do anything to get that man and keep him. Karyn once was such a strong independent woman who had so much going on for herself, but as you read further and further into the story you find Karyn loosing herself more and more. I found myself talking to this book getting so upset at Karyn for what she was allowing to go on in her life. Through all of the things she had going on in her life she always had her friends right at her side telling her the honest truth.
Is Thomas all he is cracked up to be or is he really too good to be true? Trust me once you read this you will see what Thomas is really about and that’s really nothing. I found myself talking to his character also because he was just out of control and seemed not to care about anything, the way he was behaving I wondered if he cared about himself. I don’t want to say too much about Thomas because I want you to read it to see what I am talking about.
Author Chantilly does a great job at bringing the characters to life and letting the readers really get to know who each character was. The book really makes you think, just because someone shows you who they are as a person only time will tell if that person is really showing their true colors. If you are looking for a really good book to read then this is it. This author is definitely an author to look out for and I cant wait to see what else she has in store for the readers! Wondering if this book will have a part 2, it ended well but would like to know what happened next.
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
January 22, 2013
LIFE & DEATH DECISIONS
When Karyn meets Thomas, she is ecstatic to have found the man she believes she will spend the rest of her life with. She is ready to give up everything and expects him to do the same so that they can live out her happily ever after. One problem she encounters is that neither of their families condone with their relationship for one reason or another. As time progresses and Karyn finally convinces Thomas to marry her, she is certain that she has attained true happiness and cannot imagine life any other way. It is not too long after that she finds out that he is not really the man who she thought he was. As their marital intensify and are deemed insurmountable, Karyn has to face reality and deal with her own oversights from the time they first met. Amid these frustrations, she submits to her problems until she realizes that her actions have a direct effect on her daughter. With every shred of strength she can muster, Karyn and her family and friends pray that she has just enough vigor to leave Thomas for good.
Illusions by Chantilly Chanel Austin was an excellent portrayal of the stages that both the aggressor and the victim in an abusive relationship go through as exemplified by Thomas and Karyn. Initially, an abuser can be sweet and kind, but when the tides turn, they become verbally and physically violent. Often after these tirades, they then become apologetic and vow never to hurt their loved one again; and then the cycle continues. On the other hand, in many cases the victim is shocked when the abuse first occurs. When the apologies begin to roll in, there is a need to believe them and put the past behind, only to be shattered when history repeats itself. Ms. Austin also did a wonderful job in showing the effects this type of situation has on friends and family. It was as if you could feel the hurt and frustration of Karyn’s friends when she made some the decisions that put her right back in the same violent cycle. This is a good title to read if you are in the early stages of an abusive relationship or know someone who is. I would definitely recommend this so that people can begin to understand the literal fight it takes to make the right decisions.
4.5 stars
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
When Karyn meets Thomas, she is ecstatic to have found the man she believes she will spend the rest of her life with. She is ready to give up everything and expects him to do the same so that they can live out her happily ever after. One problem she encounters is that neither of their families condone with their relationship for one reason or another. As time progresses and Karyn finally convinces Thomas to marry her, she is certain that she has attained true happiness and cannot imagine life any other way. It is not too long after that she finds out that he is not really the man who she thought he was. As their marital intensify and are deemed insurmountable, Karyn has to face reality and deal with her own oversights from the time they first met. Amid these frustrations, she submits to her problems until she realizes that her actions have a direct effect on her daughter. With every shred of strength she can muster, Karyn and her family and friends pray that she has just enough vigor to leave Thomas for good.
Illusions by Chantilly Chanel Austin was an excellent portrayal of the stages that both the aggressor and the victim in an abusive relationship go through as exemplified by Thomas and Karyn. Initially, an abuser can be sweet and kind, but when the tides turn, they become verbally and physically violent. Often after these tirades, they then become apologetic and vow never to hurt their loved one again; and then the cycle continues. On the other hand, in many cases the victim is shocked when the abuse first occurs. When the apologies begin to roll in, there is a need to believe them and put the past behind, only to be shattered when history repeats itself. Ms. Austin also did a wonderful job in showing the effects this type of situation has on friends and family. It was as if you could feel the hurt and frustration of Karyn’s friends when she made some the decisions that put her right back in the same violent cycle. This is a good title to read if you are in the early stages of an abusive relationship or know someone who is. I would definitely recommend this so that people can begin to understand the literal fight it takes to make the right decisions.
4.5 stars
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
September 10, 2012
This book was very good I couldn't put it down! From the first page I was drawn in and I kept reading to see what would happen next. Karyn is the main character and a lot of women can relate to her, in my case when I was much younger and immature. She's young and has her entire future to look forward to but she falls in love with the wrong man. She irritated me when she kept going back to her husband but that's what made it realistic I dont know too many women who are deep in love or in abusive relationships that just leave the first time, they always go back and have to finally learn the hard way. at first I was on Thomas side but then I grew to hate him. I see why the book is called Illusions! And I hated Karen at first but then understood where she was coming from and didn't judge her. My favorite character was Robbie because he always kept it real even if it hurt. I especially love that the plot wasn't predictable because right when I just knew something was going to happen something else did instead. I wish the ending didn't end the way it did, I really wanted to know what would happen next but maybe this means there will be a part II? In all this was a very entertaining book and I look forward to more.
September 4, 2012
I received this book as a goodreads firstreads contest. This is a book that I would pass along to women I know and love who are in perpetually abusive relationships. The premise, however wonderful, was overshadowed by the lackluster choice of words, errors and repetition of phrases. The main character was also very frustrating to me, as she repeatedly put not only herself but her daughter in danger.
I do appreciate the neighbors that called the cops, but I really don't think elderly neighbors would really say something along the lines of "do what he says and you won't be beaten", I have far too many elderly women in my family who have stood up for themselves and their children and said "you will not do that to *my* family". Portraying your elders as accepting or supportive of this lifestyle, when they are the ones who really fought for a woman to be able to leave an abusive man, is just rude, in my opinion.
Overall a good book, just not one I would like to read again.
I do appreciate the neighbors that called the cops, but I really don't think elderly neighbors would really say something along the lines of "do what he says and you won't be beaten", I have far too many elderly women in my family who have stood up for themselves and their children and said "you will not do that to *my* family". Portraying your elders as accepting or supportive of this lifestyle, when they are the ones who really fought for a woman to be able to leave an abusive man, is just rude, in my opinion.
Overall a good book, just not one I would like to read again.
September 17, 2012
I downloaded a sample of this book and immediately became hooked. It starts off with an argument and the drama continues from there. There are no pimps, groupies or drug dealers in this novel which is refreshing since that's all i've been seeing in urban books these days, just a group of educated adults that make poor choices and foolish mistakes. This book is also very honest. I liked that while the main character was the center of the book, the author didn't sugarcoat her and she had to deal with her consequences. many of which were realistic and some may find relatable. Many of the events in the book took me by surprise but it wasn't overdone or unrealistic. There were times when I chuckled, became angry and even cried. It was also well written and each character had their own personality that made them unique and they each evolved in their own ways. In all this is a very good book and I'm glad I discovered it.
October 29, 2012
This story kept my attention from start to finish. There were moments when I wondered what in the world is this character thinking! I really enjoyed this book. This story showed you how abusers try to turn the tables on their victims.
Thomas was so out of line on so many levels. He was a manipulator and a charmer. Karyn got more than she bargained for with her lies and selfishness. Rhonda was a very strong woman with a heart of gold. Sharon was a good friend and so was Robbie. With all the drama going on with Karyn and Thomas her friends stayed true to her and helped her work through them.
July 3, 2012
Loved it! This book was a very enjoyable read. It was so good that I couldn't put it down. I really liked the characters relationship with each other. Reminded me of one of my friends and how you love your friends and want whats best for them but realize they need to make their own choices.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
January 9, 2016
A Dizzing look into the world we all think we could face. Intriguing and insirations this book is a wonderful journey into the live of a woman caught in the life of an abuser and her friends lives as they try and help her to see the truth. I won my novel through Goodreads First Reads.
April 7, 2013
Excellent read! I recommend this book!
June 17, 2013
3.5
Review soon to come.
Review soon to come.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews