He crashed into my life like a hurricane of bad manners and hot kisses and turned my peaceful existence upside down.Marcus the Magnificent, the world’s newest up-and-coming magician and internet sensation. The moment I saw him walk across the sky on nothing but air, he became my enigma. His talent fascinated me. His good looks reigned over my imagination, and the mystery behind his mask wouldn’t … his mask wouldn’t let me rest.
Striving to learn everything about this man, I realized there was much more to him than his mysterious abilities. He moved through life surrounded by people, yet none of them knew who he really was. Cut off from his past, he didn’t fully know himself.
The stage, flooded with bright lights, had become the hiding place of all his secrets, some of which threatened to destroy him.
Edition 2019
Warning: The Real Thing is a contemporary-paranormal romance, a stand alone set in Marina Simcoe’s Demons universe. It contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and some violence. Intended for mature readers.
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I loved this book. I loved the surprise I got when I realized it was not a normal romance! Much like the surprise Angela got when she figured it out by virtually stalking Marcus the Magnificent. I won’t spoil it. Enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this book. The story was unique and entertaining.
He is the magician that seems to be able to perform things that no one else can what is his secret Marcus is the magician that other magicians talk about he may be hugely successful but he is also extremely unhappy Then he meets Angela she actually sees the man not the magician. As they develop a friendship that turns to more will she learn his secret. This is a well written story where the characters are the making of the story line It was an absolute pleasure to read
The author did an amazing job with the main characters. Marcus the Magnificent is a magician who seems performs magical things others cannot do. And yet despite having so many loving fans, he is lonely. Angela, however, seems to see the real person under the mask and the two need each other. Their relationship was invaluable to both of them in overcoming issues of love and trust. I found myself squirming sometimes, but overall the story was a good one, a very different one from any others I have read. I think you will either love it or hate it, but you won’t put it down without having a profound reaction to it. And I think it was well worth reading!
I absolutely loved this book! I gobble up anything Marina releases and this one did not disappoint. I loved how blunt and to the point Marcus was and how he knew that Angela was his. It was neat to see him learn the ropes of dating and be able to be a real person with her, without the mask. Marina has a way of sucking you into her worlds and always wanting more. I hope we see more of Marcus and Angela in future books! Bring on the Demons!
Masterful storytelling!
Discovering Marcus. There is so much to reveal – it takes time. I revel in the journey, as I’m sure Angela does. I admire Marcus for his inner strength, learning to control his abilities without understanding, without guidance from an adult. He’s undergone so many difficulties, and still came out a good man. Angela is full of love and compassion. She’s accepting of Marcus, rough edges and all. What a story! I love it!
The Real Thing by Marina Simcoe is a great story to read. I really enjoyed reading this story very much and can not wait to read what this author writes next. I highly recommend this story to everyone that loves contemporary romance and / or erotic romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marcus and Angela are an unlikely pair but somehow it works. Angela is a good girl, down to earth and practical. She becomes captivated with Marcus the Magnificent and accepts him he is really is. Which is good for Marcus as he comes off as a bit arrogant and bored with women in the beginning. But the woman in the red dress (Angela) draws his attention and makes him feel something besides the day to day boredom of his existence. I have read Marina’s other books in her demon series and totally enjoyed them. This book is similar and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have found Author Simcoe’s writing style to be fresh and thought provoking. The characters are well rounded and very easy to relate with. I am looking forward to other books in this series!
Marina Simcoe’s The Real Thing is my first read by her which I absolutely loved. Marcus the Magnificent is an amazing magician who seems to defy the odds and do things others cannot. But with all his adoring fans he seems lonely, nobody seems to want to know the real Marcus. Then Angela who seems to have a growing crush and Marcus and when the crush grows into an obsession she learns his secret!
And a chance meeting she tells him show the world who you really are, and that terrifies Marcus. Yet Marcus Can’t Let It Go, he wants to know who Angela is and what she wants.
What they learn is that they need each other and ways neither thought possible. And it was absolutely fun to watch I absolutely loved this book I could not wait to finish it. With its ups and downs and problems you knew something was coming up but I did not expect that! I absolutely loved the ending it was so much more than I expected loved, loved it!
Angela is fascinated by Marcus and not just with his fantastic illusions – it’s the emptiness in his eyes that calls to her. Being the curious girl she is and having the need to ‘fix’ what she can, she finds herself becoming somewhat obsessed with the mystery that is Marcus.
After an impromptu street performance, Marcus is approached by a woman who claims to know the truth – His first instinct is defensive. What does she want from him? When she flees after leaving him speechless. He finds he needs to know more about her. Curious still he seeks out that which calls to him.
This was such a unique idea for a story. I was quite intrigued when I came across the blurb. It was a sweet and entertaining slow to build romance. The two main characters are easy to connect with, both are pretty down to earth and quite likable. The story itself is a bit slow at times but for the most part, keeps a steady pace and is an entertaining read. IMO it lacked strong conflict or angst within the story. There were a couple of small problems easily dealt with nothing that really got my emotions engaged. It was more a look at two lives who were so vastly different yet both so alike. Despite Marcus’ popularity, he was still so alone. Angela had also found a way to close off any real bonds also.
I enjoyed watching them grow together. Marcus really is the sweetest H.
Quite an original paranormal romance, but what else would I have expected from Marina?
This was an exceptional read. Up until now, I’ve been wondering if I’ve read all there was regarding paranormal romance. (And I’ve read a ton!) Then Marina pens this novel.
What is the difference between magic and magick? One’s associated with illusions, smokes and mirrors, and sleight of hand. The other utilizes science and technology we have yet to understand or control. And somehow, Marcus the Magnificent, a rising star from an unknown background, surprises everyone in the illusionists’ circle with his amazing tricks yet…
Yet something just wasn’t quite explaining how Marcus was doing it, Angela, a Toronto resident, was finally figuring it all out. But there was something about him, about his magick, that turned her into a woman obsessed. She can’t go about her day without knowing what was going on in his. She’s googled everything she could possibly find on the mysterious man, as she struggles to understand the man behind the ever-present mask. And it takes all she has within her not to go completely fan-stalker-psycho because she just can’t afford to throw away her innate feelings for this man.
Sometimes you can’t have a PNR without some kind of conflict. I really hate to say that this was the only gimmick I could have done without. I mean, Marina’s written some very good day-in-the-life stuff, but I will say that I appreciate the fact that she kept to the rules of her universe. She definitely had done some adequate research regarding the science of magick in that there must be a balance set in the universe for all actions taken. Even Einstein hypothesized this with his theories that was truly about dark matter and dark energy, something Einstein himself could not believe in. We’re talking the Law of Sympathy, the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the Law of Reciprocity, the Law of Distortion, and, of course, the Law of Balance. I was very pleased to see these in action correctly.
I found her characters quite believable and very sympathetic. I also appreciate the fact that Simon was not delegated into the oft-used template of the manager who only wants the best for his rising star, and no bimbo will get in the way of that, dammit! (The Yoko Ono Effect.) He was a realistic individual who did not see the “bimbo” or gold digger in Angela, only someone who could actually make Marcus happy. I applaud how she dealt with the topic of addiction. Addiction isn’t just cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs, yet it can destroy families nonetheless.
I think what I liked the most was that Marcus didn’t end up being a cliche. He could had been the über-jaded, rich, success story like so many billionaire storylines out there. (Remember when they were just millionaires? I guess that’s inflation for you.) Nor was he a bad-ass biker type with a hidden heart of gold. He was a frightened, over-cautious young man who had to hide his fears and innocence behind a mask because of his tragic past. I cringed when he attempted his first conversational “date” with Angela, having no clue how to even talk to a real, live woman. (I’ve been on the receiving end of that encounter more times than I would care to think… and I even married the guy!) It’s about time the nerdy guy was celebrated. We need more geeky men who appreciate women no matter how they come because we are who we are. Not disposable!
And finally, I was most pleased that Author Marina Simcoe, unlike other writers, does know her girlie parts and how they actually function, her knowledge not being based on supposition and downright fantasy. (No Hoover Effect, right?? Hee hee!)
I highly recommend this read. It isn’t brain candy. It’s finally celebrating a quiet sort of romantic hero without the usual cliches. But the undercurrent of genuine emotions without the excessive torment and angst. You can’t help but to love these two and cheer for a happy ending in their future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest-to-the-bone review like always.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read, but I now want to read more of her books. A well-written story that had me on the edge of my seat. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, evil, villains, paranormal powers, and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I never know what to expect with Marina Simcoe’s books which I love. She keeps me on my toes. I loved Marcus’ & Anglea’s love story. Both characters are so strong and go through a lot to be together and figure life out. Marina weaves a powerful web that draws you in from the very beginning. It’s magic! 😉
Marcus and Angela draw you in from the first chapter to the end. Their story keeps you wondering what they will do next. Overall the story was well written and will keep you on your toes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Marcus and Angela make the most fun and quirkiest couple! His magic and her love tame him and have a wild journey while discovering their love. Great story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Woman in the Red Dress…
Angela McAllister liked to think of herself as a down to earth, pragmatic person; helpful, level headed. A good daughter who worked an extra job to help support her parents and her younger brother. But she was beginning to feel the strain; her life had become a race from one job to the other, then home for a few hours of sleep to start all over again the next day. She needed a break! And oh, what a break she got going to a bachelorette party for her best friend….
Marcus Hargrave was billed as Marcus the Magnificent. He was considered a top-rated illusionist, and so handsome! His unearthly, otherworld male beauty captured Angela’s attention like no other man. But he seemed… bored… disillusioned… something… But in Angela’s eyes, he was magical… and so much more….
Once Angela and Marcus connected, her world took on new depths and dimensions; but hidden malevolence and evil is swirling around them both. Will they survive what’s coming?
Wowza, what a story! Riveting! It grabbed my attention from the start, and my imagination was engaged! Twists and turns, and unexpected events kept me glued to my kindle! Highly recommend to anyone that likes romance, suspense, and the paranormal all wrapped into one amazing book
Angela is a provider, a care taker and a problem solver… working herself to her limits with two jobs to support herself but also her retired parents. If there is a problem that needs fixing…she’s your girl….until she sees Marcus the magnificent on New Year’s Eve…. and her whole world is turned upside down by the mysterious, handsome but bored up and coming magician/illusionist.
Marcus is magnificent, Marcus is bored and isolated by his ‘talent’ Marcus is alone even when he is surrounded by a hundred screaming fans… Marcus is more! But that more comes with a price tag. To keep his powers in check Marcus is compelled to do spontaneous shows and spend time with countless women.. never reaching his own happiness for fear of the consequences of his power unleashing…… that is until whilst performing a street stunt… a woman calls him out and sees him for what he truly is….and her touch reveals a calming balm for his magic.
I’ve delayed reading this book for such a long time, not because I thought it wasn’t going to be any good… but because I knew it would be great. This wonderful slow burn of a book… both in the development and reveal of the charachters and the budding relationship between Marcus and Angela.
It’s also a story of trust, true painful trust that means ripping physical and mental masks off and revealing the darkness that hides inside each person….allowing the vulnerability and hoping that the person we show that darkness to will be worthy of that trust….. the darkness is the fear that manifests as self doubt, lack of self worth, pride in the things we do that make us feel worthy but take a toll on our bodies and minds.
Once again I’m blow away but such a multi layered wonderful book and this wonderful author.
This has great characters that will grab your interest from the beginning. The storyline gives you a smooth flow that had me turning the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.