The Magician

Pleasure In The Dark

by Steli Simeonova

He promised to show me real magic... All I had to do was surrender.

Merlin was a magician. An illusionist. An entertainer.

A man thriving under the spotlight, but living in the shadows. A black hole in the ethereal universe. A dark trench in the endless ocean. He was everything I wanted and nothing I could have, just like magic itself.

But everything changed one fateful night.

Suddenly, from a damsel in distress, I turned into a trick he could play, showing me that illusions weren’t confined to the stage. I was the magic now, and for me to learn to control it, I had to do the one thing I couldn’t. Submit.


"The Magician" is a dark erotic novella around 30k words, intended for mature audiences only!

Genres: Erotica

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2024

About the author

Steli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.

Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.

In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).

Reviews

[Soph Tunbridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre - Romantic Suspence
Rating - ⭐️⭐️/5
Spice - 🌶️/5
Single POV (Apeloria)
MF

Main Characters
> Apeloria
> Merlin - Magician

I liked how the storyline started out in the prologue with Apeloria first meeting Merlin when she was a kid at one of his shows, but after that the story fell flat for me. This book had so much potential but the more I read, the more I lost interest. The FMC kept on changing her mind every second, one moment she had some common sense and was wary of the MMC then the next she was on her knee's sucking his dick 🥴😂 like girl make up your mind, are you coming or are you going 😆

I wouldn't call this story "Erotic" Nor "Dark", there was only one intimate scene between Apeloria and Merlin before he did a runner and left her for a whole year before returning which made no sense to me. Merlin was the "main pursuer" of the "relationship" then out of nowhere POOF .... the dude was gone 🏃🏼‍♂️. Then BAM he's back again, apologises for leaving her and she just takes him back like that ..... NOOOO GIRL LET THAT MAN GROVEL, BRING HIM TO HIS KNEES AND MAKE HIM BEG !!!

Anyway .... This story ends with a very erupt HEA

Epilogue
Apeloria and Merlin have join forces and become the IT couple in the "Magic World" known for their joint act called "Mrs. and Mr. Magician"

"Record sales for the tour of the magicians Merlin and Apeloria," NY Times.
"Mrs. and Mr. Magician selling out a worldwide tour." The Guardian.
"Wedding full of magic. The fairytale of the most famous illusionist," Cosmopolitan.

Triggers/Tropes
▫️Age Gap (Ages are never brought up but we know that Merlin is older the Apeloria)
▫️Blowjobs
▫️Cunnilingus
▫️Fingering
▫️Light Edging
▫️"Magic"
▫️Mentions Of Loss (FMC Brother)(Off Page, Mentioned only for a second)
▫️Nicknames
▫️No Condoms (No idea if the FMC is on birth control or not)
▫️No OW/OM Drama
▫️Praise
▫️Push and Pull (Mainly from the FMC but nearer the end it's the MMC)
▫️Restraints
▫️"Third Act Break Up" (1 Year)
▫️Use Of a Wand (Both Kinds) 🪄
▫️Virgin FMC

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apeloria (h) first encounters Merlin (H), a charismatic magician, during a childhood visit to the circus, she is captivated by his dazzling performance. Little does she know that this brief encounter will spark a deep connection that reemerges years later when their paths cross again. Now an adult, Apeloria is drawn into Merlin's mysterious world, where the lines between illusion and reality blur, and a simmering romance begins to unfold. Merlin begins to mentor Apeloria in the arts of magic and their relationship deepens, exposing both the awe-inspiring beauty and the lurking shadows of their powers. But as Apeloria embraces her new abilities, Merlin struggles with secrets of his past and fears that his darkness could consume her. In a self-sacrificial act meant to protect her, Merlin disappears, leaving Apeloria alone with a newfound strength that she never knew she possessed. Determined to forge her path and harness her magic, Apeloria grows into a formidable magician in her own right. But the bond between mentor and protégé is not so easily broken, and when Merlin and Apeloria reunite, they'll have to decide if they're ready for a future together. Sweet and steamy age gap romance, with a side of kink, exploring love, mystery, mentorship, growth, healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of magic.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't in the usual style of the author's writing so it had me wondering.

A girl who believed in magic, believes she's is given a gift of magic, grows up loses that belief and becomes jaded at the world just to survive (just like the rest of us).
A young magical man gives a young girl a gift of magic telling her to always believe in it and it will continue to grow. He grows up to become a magician because he continues to believe.

When these two happen to meet again, one jaded but yearning for the light that is to fill the darkness within and the other eager for her submission in all ways so that the magic can take hold - of course. It's light and dark. Spicy and sweet. It's a whole new layer to Simeonova's writing style and I appreciated being wrapped in the reminder that is okay to keep dreaming and believing in magic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic in our hearts by MeemsAngel82

This was a sweet read and I appreciate the history between them. This was so romantic and haunting. The writing is very good and the chemistry between our couple is fantastic. From a younger age to now, they were great in their scenes together.

She believed in magic as a child. Can she still today?

I felt for her when he disappeared for a time. How sad and he should have talked things over with her instead of making a choice for her. It was his turn-he needed to believe. This was emotional and done well and I'm so happy this pairing got their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[zoe's_reading_crypt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This dark, seductive short story is the kind of read that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. It’s got that perfect mix of mystery, danger, and tension you can feel in your chest. The atmosphere? Dripping in gothic vibes. The MC? Both magnetic and unsettling—you’re not sure if you want to run away or lean in closer.

It’s short enough to devour in one sitting, but it lingers in your mind long after. If you’re into stories that blur the line between pleasure and danger, this one’s going to be your next obsession.

⭐ 3.5/5 – dark, intoxicating, and impossible to forget.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magician was delightful, a bit dark, quite mysterious, but altogether lovely. The themes of magic, flowers, and submission were wonderful, with imagery and language to match. There's a strong message here about believing in magic, and Steli makes you want to believe.

The slow progression from a fateful meeting to a second meeting, into teasing seduction, and ultimately into a relationship was very well done. It's not an altogether happy story-there are some dark thoughts, emotions, fears, and self-esteem issues-but it earns that darkness and pays off in the end.

[DesiRee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merlin was magician who gifted a young girl with the illusion of magic, but as she grew older her belief and vanished until she ran into Merlin again as a grown woman. She attends a circus show with a friend of hers and the main character was Merlin he immediately noticed she no longer believed like she did when she was a child. They have a few encounters, even during her in her dreams she meets up with him. They have some fun more than once and then he vanishes for a whole year she does some training with another magician and he comes back to town and that’s a forever for them.

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! A truly amazing story. I am in a bit of an emotional whirlwind right now, but it was so worth it. This story is definitely different then the usual stories we get from Steli, but that does not mean it is in any way bad. This book is truly amazing. The emotion, the story behind the story, and the characters are perfect. I did tear up and felt my heart drop, but then felt it build back up just like Apeloria. This was such an amazing heartfelt journey to go on. Absolutely a must read. Thank you!!!

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never lose your magic
This story by far is my favorite book from the author. The emotions and the vivid picture that was painted was such that I was sucked right in from the very beginning, getting pulled deeper and deeper and I could not put it down until I reached the very last word. It's very well-written and I recommend it for your TBR list. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy."

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this had that element that I was looking for in this type of book and how everything worked overall. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and was glad everything had that feel. I was invested in what Steli Simeonova wrote and am excited for more. It had that dark erotic element that I was looking for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elise Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I can’t believe I’ve missed the last few books but this one was amazing. It was so much different than They Artist but I loved every moment of it. I even got teared up and cried a little bit. I wasn’t sure about the ending but I’m so glad you ended it the way you did or I would have been crying my eyes out.

Steli you are amazing. Never stop writing.

[Chantell Bearham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this book! Was go go go from page one!

As the title hints, the book is about a magician, but just any magician… Merlin!!
And what a different story about him it was! 😉
Each page had me wanting more and more!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it's very unusual, I've never read anything similar before. The chemistry between the two main characters was intense and good. If you enjoy the magician-trope and the subject magic, or even still believe in magic, this book is for you. It's quite thought-provoking. You might question your beliefs after this. However it's not a serious book, it's quite spicy🌶, though it's on the lighter side.
All in all, great book and I liked the writing style.🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Petrascu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Steli, with every novella I feel like your writing has reached another depth 😍it’s getting so damn perfect 🤩
I liked how you played with the characters ( trying to separate them?? But I knew you are a happily ever after kind of girl 😉)
Please give us more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read several books by this author and enjoyed most of them. This is not one of them. I feel like it was a bunch of false advertisement. I didn't think this was erotic and it definitely wasn't dark. There was only one intimate scene and there was nothing special about it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, erotic age, gap short story romance, book that captivates your attention from the beginning and hold it to the end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with steamy magnetic chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apeloria and Merlin the Magician. This story is both dark and light at the same time. Submission and bondage are discussed and shown in different ways. But, there is also the lightness of the FMC finding herself and what she is destined for. I think I need another read through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lola Jansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely fits the dark erotica theme and wow!
This is really good! It read like a train and I had difficulty putting it down. Loved the characters and the story flowed smoothly.
I very much recommend this to anyone that enjoys their spice dark!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! I loved the bit of mystery and their chemistry was fire. Idk if it'd be considered a third act break up, but it felt like one to me. I sort of understood it but I'd rather see them try together than give up. But in the end it was a HEA and that made me very happy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Average read, the writing was decent. I guess I thought the story was going to be different that what it was.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so well done! I couldn't stop reading this amazing book. I love a good dark erotic short story. I was hooked from the start!
I knew I would love this book. I need more books like this. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cassaundra Issabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Steli’s. This book, not so much. It’s a okay read, but it is totally not what I expected. There was no darkness to this romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, It was well written and I can't wait to read more from this author. Recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Morby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story. This story itself has a great plot. It isn't loaded with spice but the spicy parts are great.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Almeida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story touched a bit of several different things; age gap, erotica, suspense. A good book to leave you enthralled. Looking forward to more from author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short dark erotic steamy magician read! I have loved each of the books I have read from Steli and can't wait for more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalia Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

just not my thing

I started this book with a different expectation and ended the story confused. I didn’t get into it like I do other books and that’s okay. Some books aren’t for everyone.

[Brae Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The way each character is written is just so beautiful. That plot twist though crushed me! Then my heart got mended again with the ending. I can’t wait for you to read this book!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merlin and Apelorias story will have you hooked, the depths of character and desires draws you in to the story with emotions, steamy scenes and more

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ read. Merlin is everything we wanted and needed. Age gap, D-s dynamic, magic & so much more. One of my favorites from Steli.