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Madame Tan's Freakshow #1
Call of Water
A man with a teasing smile and an angel’s voice, Zeph is supposed to be nothing more than a beautiful, fun Parisian adventure. His voice lures me in. His gorgeous blue eyes draw me to him. And his smile puts me at ease.
We part after just one night. The next time I see him, I'm captured and trapped in a world I never knew existed. Madame Tan's establishment is intriguing and whimsical on the outside. But it turns dark and sinister as I'm plunged deep into it.
Humans do not belong in the menagerie, so what is Zeph doing here? I realize I know nothing about the man who has ruled over my imagination since the day we met.
I need to find my way out or risk spending the rest of my life locked in a cage. Only the more I learn about Zeph, the more I realize he's not from my world.
Is he a willing participant in the menagerie? Or a victim, just like me?
_____________________________________
Each book in the Madame Tan's Freakshow series is a complete love story of a separate couple. To follow the main storyline, however, it is recommended to read the trilogy in order.
Second edition (2022)
A part of this story, with a different world explanation, has been previously published as Menagerie of Oddities in Tempted by Fae anthology.
Call of Water is a contemporary fantasy romance that contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and some violence ( not by the hero against the heroine.) Intended for mature readers.
____________________________
Books set in the world of the River of Mists:
Wingless Crow
Wingless Crow
Crownless King
Fire in Stone
Fire in Stone
Hearts on Fire
Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Claim
Madame Tan's Freakshow
Call of Water
Madness of the Moon
Power of Rage
NOTE: All duets and trilogies in the River of Mists can be read independently.
We part after just one night. The next time I see him, I'm captured and trapped in a world I never knew existed. Madame Tan's establishment is intriguing and whimsical on the outside. But it turns dark and sinister as I'm plunged deep into it.
Humans do not belong in the menagerie, so what is Zeph doing here? I realize I know nothing about the man who has ruled over my imagination since the day we met.
I need to find my way out or risk spending the rest of my life locked in a cage. Only the more I learn about Zeph, the more I realize he's not from my world.
Is he a willing participant in the menagerie? Or a victim, just like me?
_____________________________________
Each book in the Madame Tan's Freakshow series is a complete love story of a separate couple. To follow the main storyline, however, it is recommended to read the trilogy in order.
Second edition (2022)
A part of this story, with a different world explanation, has been previously published as Menagerie of Oddities in Tempted by Fae anthology.
Call of Water is a contemporary fantasy romance that contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and some violence ( not by the hero against the heroine.) Intended for mature readers.
____________________________
Books set in the world of the River of Mists:
Wingless Crow
Wingless Crow
Crownless King
Fire in Stone
Fire in Stone
Hearts on Fire
Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Touch
Serpent's Claim
Madame Tan's Freakshow
Call of Water
Madness of the Moon
Power of Rage
NOTE: All duets and trilogies in the River of Mists can be read independently.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2020
377 people are currently reading
2350 people want to read
About the author
Marina Simcoe
55 books707 followersDeep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.
Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com
For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe
Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com
For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 25, 2020
Ooh, this one was really enjoyable and I read it in super quick time.
This author is a firm favourite of mine always delivers and the hero’s she gives us are just so adorable.
There sweet but still sexy as all hell and I’m always hooked and reeled in by them every time.
Zeph is no different he’s a total sweetheart with the voice and charisma of an angel or maybe a Siren considering that’s what he is.
Zeph captures Ivy’s interest the instant she hears him sing to a packed out room and Spending one perfect night together only solidifies that attraction for both of them.
So when Zeph stands her up on there arranged meeting Ivy is gutted but reluctantly moves on.
Fast forward to the present and on a day out at the fair with her friend Ivy’s inquisitive nature lands her in a whole heap of trouble.
Ivy’s eyes are forced wide open as she realises there’s a whole other world co-existing right alongside that of her own.
One that is filled with danger but also wonders and magic and Ivy and Zeph’s unexpected reunion bring them so much closer together.
There shared experience helping to cement their connection towards each other.
I especially liked that Zeph was a Siren, the ones I’ve read about previously have all been female so this made such a pleasant change.
This was as usual well written and action-packed throughout.
A really fantastic and imaginative read and I can’t wait to read more set in this fascinating new world.
I totally recommend this and liked it a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of Call Of Water (Madame Tan’s Freakshow #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 16, 2020
For those of us familiar with the fantasy genre, the Fae is nothing new, though some writers put their own little twists in to make it something unique. This book doesn’t stray too far from the usual aside from the fact that Zeph, the H in this story, doesn’t bind himself to his mate, Ivy the h, by any magically means or the usual bite. So it was a very normal or as normal as book like this could be romance.
The story was fast pace but I think it covered all potential questions you could come up with. Though the story was good I’m struggling to come up with something to say about it. It was average for me, is it worth the read? Yes and no. I’ve honestly never felt this way about a book before usually I can tell right away on which side of the fence I would be one and have slew of things to say, I’m somewhere in middle with this one, whatever that might be.
If you want a quick read, just to have something TO read then this is the book for you. If you want something intense, passionate and emotional this isn’t the book for you. But I give it a thumbs up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was fast pace but I think it covered all potential questions you could come up with. Though the story was good I’m struggling to come up with something to say about it. It was average for me, is it worth the read? Yes and no. I’ve honestly never felt this way about a book before usually I can tell right away on which side of the fence I would be one and have slew of things to say, I’m somewhere in middle with this one, whatever that might be.
If you want a quick read, just to have something TO read then this is the book for you. If you want something intense, passionate and emotional this isn’t the book for you. But I give it a thumbs up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
Sparks fly between a Canadian tourist and a French mermaid merman but the romance fizzled out into a missed connection.... Or does it?
The writing is fluffy and straightforward, I was never on the edge of my seat for anything, but I wish I was. Still cute tho. I think there needs to be more merman books out in the world
The writing is fluffy and straightforward, I was never on the edge of my seat for anything, but I wish I was. Still cute tho. I think there needs to be more merman books out in the world
April 14, 2024
Reseña breve:
La historia pintaba mejor en mi cabeza. La idea es buena, no los vamos a negar pero se me ha quedado un poco bastante corta. Los protagonistas no me han acabado de convencer del todo y al final ha quedado un poco debajo de mis expectativas.
Seguiré leyendo porque no tengo autocontrol y no me ha disgustado tanto para abandonar la saga.
No tengo remedio.
La historia pintaba mejor en mi cabeza. La idea es buena, no los vamos a negar pero se me ha quedado un poco bastante corta. Los protagonistas no me han acabado de convencer del todo y al final ha quedado un poco debajo de mis expectativas.
Seguiré leyendo porque no tengo autocontrol y no me ha disgustado tanto para abandonar la saga.
No tengo remedio.
November 2, 2023
Lacked proper editing for plot and character development. Also, the magic wasn't magical enough and very little time was actually spent in the villain's menagerie.
August 17, 2020
I need to preface this review with the information that I typically love everything else this author has written. The writing and editing was very clean in the ARC version of the manuscript, with no typos that I found and well constructed, pretty sentences. The world building was vivid, with the menagerie coming to vivid life. The characterization left me feeling somewhat removed from both the hero and heroine. However, where this book failed for me was in the development of the romantic relationship. The hero and heroine spent large chunks of this novel apart, and the scenes where they were together and trying to build a loving relationship were fairly short and few in number, considering the length of this novel. I did not buy into their HEA because they still did not know each other very well by the end of the novel. I may have bought the HEA more if this novel had used the Fated Mates trope, in order to set up instant love and devotion between them, but it did not. I was also really disappointed that at the end of the novel, the hero and heroine's life spans were still massively disparate. If they had formed some sort of mating bond where the heroine's lifespan was elongated to match the hero's, or the hero's life span shortened to match the heroine's, I would have bought into an HEA between them more easily. The plot and pacing was exciting and tight. There was low angst and high stakes in this novel, which is typically one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Partner in Trouble trope and the Imprisoned trope. I thought the world building, plot, and pacing was four stars. The characterization was three and a half stars. However, the development of the romantic relationship was two stars, which is not good for a genre romance novel. This novel had a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a good thing, even though I did not fully buy into the HEA at the end. I recommend this author's other work quite highly, especially her novel Gravity. However, I do not recommend readers start with this particular novel if you want to try out this author. I will read the next book in this series because I love her other work so much, and hopefully the next book will be much better than this one. I will not be buying myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2022
A beautifully written story with fascinating characters in a intricate story.
I loved Zeph. From his unusual name to what he is- a Siren! otherwise known as water Fae.
He was such a optimistic character. He had that childlike joy in him that thankfully he didn’t loose even through all his ordeals. I ached for him.
Ivy, the heroine was a brave soul. She literally saved herself and helped Zeph. I loved how the story unravelled.
I also loved the secondary characters like Lero, Amira and Radax.
It was intriguing to see Amira (heroine from Serpent’s Touch) through another person’s eye.
Overall I loved and enjoyed the book.
Recommended, KU and safe.
I loved Zeph. From his unusual name to what he is- a Siren! otherwise known as water Fae.
He was such a optimistic character. He had that childlike joy in him that thankfully he didn’t loose even through all his ordeals. I ached for him.
Ivy, the heroine was a brave soul. She literally saved herself and helped Zeph. I loved how the story unravelled.
I also loved the secondary characters like Lero, Amira and Radax.
It was intriguing to see Amira (heroine from Serpent’s Touch) through another person’s eye.
Overall I loved and enjoyed the book.
Recommended, KU and safe.
May 18, 2025
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this but it didn't satisfy.
There was so much setup and very little resolution. And what resolution there was didn't make sense or didn't completely clarify what happened.
For instance, he's poisonous to her, but she convinces him to do the deed anyway, then they're bonded.
So, is he poisonous to her? Or does being bonded change that?
And that's only one of many open questions I have.
Like, was this book their entire story or does the series continue their story? I think this was it... but what!?
I enjoyed this but it didn't satisfy.
There was so much setup and very little resolution. And what resolution there was didn't make sense or didn't completely clarify what happened.
For instance, he's poisonous to her, but she convinces him to do the deed anyway, then they're bonded.
So, is he poisonous to her? Or does being bonded change that?
And that's only one of many open questions I have.
Like, was this book their entire story or does the series continue their story? I think this was it... but what!?
Want to read
August 12, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/12/2022)! 🎁
August 29, 2020
Second chances
This was I very good book. I was excited about this when I first heard about it coming out not to mention the cover is gorgeous and draws you in even more. This story features cabarets, carnivals, fairs, and freakshows but not in the same way as many other stories. In this one they have their own secrets and dark luring qualities that draw you in both for the good and bad. So it's all of that mixed with paranormal romance. The paranormal aspect is subtle and builds with the story but still feels like it's on the lighter side, like wading in the water instead of diving. And that's not a bad thing it works well with this story and the start of what looks like maybe a series of stories (one can hope); it leaves plenty of room for more characters and the world to expand. Saying that there is still plenty of depth and detail to keep you more than captivated. The romance aspect seems to build fast but there's a lot going on in that concern and in some ways it felt like a second chance romance. Like second chance but also not maybe just some nuances of that feeling. And man were there lots of feelings happiness, love, excitement, disappointment, anger and it goes on. I will say I hit the 50-52% Mark and was like wait There is no way everything that needs to happen or be answered can be with what's left but it got there. A lot gets answered and discovered and we are left with a happy for now ending (really a pretty perfect HEA for these characters) but I say happy for now because im kind of hoping we might get glimpses of them again in future stories. And speaking of future stories I can't wait for Serpents touch which we get just a tiny glimpse into at the end of the story. I kind of hope Lero gets a story, Amira, maybe Raddaax and maybe even a story incorporating that life like statue. This was a very good story that keeps pulling you along and up and down. It's sweet and not and so many other things would definitely recommend.
This was I very good book. I was excited about this when I first heard about it coming out not to mention the cover is gorgeous and draws you in even more. This story features cabarets, carnivals, fairs, and freakshows but not in the same way as many other stories. In this one they have their own secrets and dark luring qualities that draw you in both for the good and bad. So it's all of that mixed with paranormal romance. The paranormal aspect is subtle and builds with the story but still feels like it's on the lighter side, like wading in the water instead of diving. And that's not a bad thing it works well with this story and the start of what looks like maybe a series of stories (one can hope); it leaves plenty of room for more characters and the world to expand. Saying that there is still plenty of depth and detail to keep you more than captivated. The romance aspect seems to build fast but there's a lot going on in that concern and in some ways it felt like a second chance romance. Like second chance but also not maybe just some nuances of that feeling. And man were there lots of feelings happiness, love, excitement, disappointment, anger and it goes on. I will say I hit the 50-52% Mark and was like wait There is no way everything that needs to happen or be answered can be with what's left but it got there. A lot gets answered and discovered and we are left with a happy for now ending (really a pretty perfect HEA for these characters) but I say happy for now because im kind of hoping we might get glimpses of them again in future stories. And speaking of future stories I can't wait for Serpents touch which we get just a tiny glimpse into at the end of the story. I kind of hope Lero gets a story, Amira, maybe Raddaax and maybe even a story incorporating that life like statue. This was a very good story that keeps pulling you along and up and down. It's sweet and not and so many other things would definitely recommend.
August 23, 2020
What an exotic and unique spin of a paranormal romance.
Marina Simcoe has created a one-of-a-kind story, where love conquers all! We meet Zeph, who is an other worldly being, and follow his journey to true love. Through many hardships, his Happily Ever After is just waiting to be had.
I loved the chance to read such a novel, novel! lol
Marina Simcoe has created a one-of-a-kind story, where love conquers all! We meet Zeph, who is an other worldly being, and follow his journey to true love. Through many hardships, his Happily Ever After is just waiting to be had.
I loved the chance to read such a novel, novel! lol
September 24, 2020
What a unique and magical read this was!!
First, can we all take a look and appreciate that cover?!!! For me, this was a perfect example of the cover of a book hooking me. I didn’t even care what the blurb was. When I saw this cover, I knew I had to read it. It is a fantastic cover!! And it is PERFECT for the story. It is Zeph.
This was my first read by this author and I am so deliciously satisfied! Zeph was a beautiful and swoon-worthy hero. It was love at first sight when he and Ivy met. She had been mesmerized by his singing and his handsomeness. He was smitten with her and her beauty.
He calmed her.
She gave him hope.
They couldn’t get enough of each other.
Their one night together in Paris was unforgettable and beautiful and perfect. Zeph was the most charming and respectful man. And sexy and delicious. Their bath together? HOT. These two together had the passion flowing up from the pages of my kindle. Their chemistry was electric.
I found myself never wanting to put this down. It was magical and suspenseful and entertaining and romantic and full of so many warm fuzzy moments and nail-biting scenes. I loved every word.
Great world building and vivid descriptions had me easily visualizing all the mystical creatures and beings from another world. I could almost hear and smell things as the story was being told. I was completely captivated.
I felt so many emotions throughout this story. It had everything I needed. The characters were so lovable, the story was amazing and unique, and the writing pulled me in and kept me there. LOVED IT.
What a perfect tease for the next book on the series, which I’m very excited for!
First, can we all take a look and appreciate that cover?!!! For me, this was a perfect example of the cover of a book hooking me. I didn’t even care what the blurb was. When I saw this cover, I knew I had to read it. It is a fantastic cover!! And it is PERFECT for the story. It is Zeph.
This was my first read by this author and I am so deliciously satisfied! Zeph was a beautiful and swoon-worthy hero. It was love at first sight when he and Ivy met. She had been mesmerized by his singing and his handsomeness. He was smitten with her and her beauty.
He calmed her.
She gave him hope.
They couldn’t get enough of each other.
Their one night together in Paris was unforgettable and beautiful and perfect. Zeph was the most charming and respectful man. And sexy and delicious. Their bath together? HOT. These two together had the passion flowing up from the pages of my kindle. Their chemistry was electric.
I found myself never wanting to put this down. It was magical and suspenseful and entertaining and romantic and full of so many warm fuzzy moments and nail-biting scenes. I loved every word.
Great world building and vivid descriptions had me easily visualizing all the mystical creatures and beings from another world. I could almost hear and smell things as the story was being told. I was completely captivated.
I felt so many emotions throughout this story. It had everything I needed. The characters were so lovable, the story was amazing and unique, and the writing pulled me in and kept me there. LOVED IT.
What a perfect tease for the next book on the series, which I’m very excited for!
August 23, 2020
Call of Water has a pretty rocky start and a much stronger second half.
The description also doesn't exactly match the story, and I think I would have liked it better if the story was more like the description. Minor differences, there is a two year gap between when Zeph and Ivy meet and the kidnapping, which isn't really a kidnapped at all. Ivy is actively trying to break in and they capture her.
Ivy! How she describes herself is very opposite to how she actually acts. She seems to think she is an intense introvert but leaves her friend in a bar while she disappears with a stranger? I liked outgoing fun Ivy much better than the Ivy she thinks she is, but I kept waiting for something about Ivy to be specials, chosen, part something, a mate bond situation, anything really. The insta love doesn't make a lot of sense from Zeph's side with Ivy as a completely normal person.
The description also doesn't exactly match the story, and I think I would have liked it better if the story was more like the description. Minor differences, there is a two year gap between when Zeph and Ivy meet and the kidnapping, which isn't really a kidnapped at all. Ivy is actively trying to break in and they capture her.
Ivy! How she describes herself is very opposite to how she actually acts. She seems to think she is an intense introvert but leaves her friend in a bar while she disappears with a stranger? I liked outgoing fun Ivy much better than the Ivy she thinks she is, but I kept waiting for something about Ivy to be specials, chosen, part something, a mate bond situation, anything really. The insta love doesn't make a lot of sense from Zeph's side with Ivy as a completely normal person.
August 27, 2020
I read a lot of books and most of the time they are just not that original. This book should get extra stars for being so different. Marina Simcoe combines fae, freak shows, traveling exhibitions, a love story, and a whole lot more in this terrific book that I am so glad to see is going to become a series. I started reading and had a very hard time even putting it down to have dinner with my husband, which is sacred at our house. As soon as I finished dinner I was back at it until whatever time it is in the morning now. That should demonstrate how enthralling I found this book. If you like supernatural romance then I am pretty sure you will like this book. Can’t wait to read book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2020
So, I normally skip the Fae genre. I haven’t come across many that I enjoyed. However, I read all the things Marina Simcoe, so, I took the leap and read it. In one day. In one sitting. I loved it!
Zeph and Ivy jumped off the page right away. Their chemistry was immediate and so sweet. There was angst and heartache, hope and love. I wanted more as soon as it was over. The bonus epilogue helped but I still want more! Thank you Marina! You can write Fae anytime and I’ll read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zeph and Ivy jumped off the page right away. Their chemistry was immediate and so sweet. There was angst and heartache, hope and love. I wanted more as soon as it was over. The bonus epilogue helped but I still want more! Thank you Marina! You can write Fae anytime and I’ll read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2020
A Fantastic New Series!
This is a wonderful new series that takes us readers into the mysterious world of the Water Fae and other otherworldly creatures in Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
We are introduced to Ivy and Zeph, and follow them through their journey of finding love and freedom. They take us on a captivating adventure with mysteries galore and twists and turns, keeping us readers riveted to our seats, captivated with their whirlwind romance, and highly entertained to the very end.
I highly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next story in Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
This is a wonderful new series that takes us readers into the mysterious world of the Water Fae and other otherworldly creatures in Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
We are introduced to Ivy and Zeph, and follow them through their journey of finding love and freedom. They take us on a captivating adventure with mysteries galore and twists and turns, keeping us readers riveted to our seats, captivated with their whirlwind romance, and highly entertained to the very end.
I highly enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next story in Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
August 26, 2020
Entrancing second-chance romance!
Sit down, get cozy, and prepare for an exciting adventure in a world where beings from a different dimension hide in plain sight.
Filled with thrills, chills and a love that fulfills! I love this!
Sit down, get cozy, and prepare for an exciting adventure in a world where beings from a different dimension hide in plain sight.
Filled with thrills, chills and a love that fulfills! I love this!
September 10, 2020
I finished it but only by skipping ahead a lot. No twists or turns in this. The synopsis tells you the whole story pretty much which made it a boring read.
August 29, 2020
“Call of Water” is book one in Marina Simcoe’s ‘Madame Tan’s Freakshow’ series. Each book in the series is a complete love story for each couple, but with the main storyline continuing on throughout them, it is recommended to read the series in order.
I first read a slightly different story for Zeph and Ivy in “Menagerie of Oddities” in the ‘Tempted by Fae’ anthology, and I fell in love with them and could not wait to have their full story told. Nothing could have prepared me for this. We finally get to see what had happened the year before Ivy sees Zeph again at the Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down. I knew that Zeph and Ivy’s story was going to be one epic love story. The instant pull and attraction of these two will suck you in, you are going to want to scream and shout, you’ll probably cry and your heart will break and repair along with these characters. I throughly enjoyed this book and it was definitely worth the wait. I especially loved the bonus epilogue for being a subscriber to Marina Simcoe’s mail list, It was great to see how things are going between Zeph and Ivy. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Zeph instantly captures Ivy the moment she hears him sing. After spending one amazing night together that attraction and interest only solidifies between the both of them. When they agree to meet up again and Zeph never shows up, Ivy is gutted and heartbroken but moves on.
Moving forward a year Ivy is at a fair with her bestfriend Fleur. After seeing the Madame Tan’s Freakshow, Ivy is curious about what is going on in the VIP section. Being curious and too inquisitive puts her in a whole heap of trouble and with beings that she doesn’t understand. In a cage, Ivy is taken along with the rest of the creatures from fair to fair. Locked away with minimal food, water and view, she has no idea where she is or how long time has gone by since she was taken. What’s going through her mind is how she will be able to get away and is Zeph a willing participant or is he a prisoner like her.
I first read a slightly different story for Zeph and Ivy in “Menagerie of Oddities” in the ‘Tempted by Fae’ anthology, and I fell in love with them and could not wait to have their full story told. Nothing could have prepared me for this. We finally get to see what had happened the year before Ivy sees Zeph again at the Madame Tan’s Freakshow.
I was hooked from the very beginning and could not put it down. I knew that Zeph and Ivy’s story was going to be one epic love story. The instant pull and attraction of these two will suck you in, you are going to want to scream and shout, you’ll probably cry and your heart will break and repair along with these characters. I throughly enjoyed this book and it was definitely worth the wait. I especially loved the bonus epilogue for being a subscriber to Marina Simcoe’s mail list, It was great to see how things are going between Zeph and Ivy. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Zeph instantly captures Ivy the moment she hears him sing. After spending one amazing night together that attraction and interest only solidifies between the both of them. When they agree to meet up again and Zeph never shows up, Ivy is gutted and heartbroken but moves on.
Moving forward a year Ivy is at a fair with her bestfriend Fleur. After seeing the Madame Tan’s Freakshow, Ivy is curious about what is going on in the VIP section. Being curious and too inquisitive puts her in a whole heap of trouble and with beings that she doesn’t understand. In a cage, Ivy is taken along with the rest of the creatures from fair to fair. Locked away with minimal food, water and view, she has no idea where she is or how long time has gone by since she was taken. What’s going through her mind is how she will be able to get away and is Zeph a willing participant or is he a prisoner like her.
August 31, 2020
I recieved a digital arc from the author via the Hidden Gems website in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and given freely.
I really loved the sound of this book, i adore anything fae and this just felt right up my alley. However it lacked that special something for me to give it more stars. Like the first 30% of the book was her meeting Zeph and having their 'adventure' and then the middle was really slow and yet seemed fast as it skipped a lot since it only showed it from Ivy's perspective which was limited... Then the ending was all action, sex and intrigue... I think it could have been paced better.
I did enjoy this, it was fast paced and kept me reading and interested but I did find the female lead to be very stupid by sneaking back into the freakshow... It just seemed like she was tstl 😔 But i liked her more when she was surviving and part of the background of the freakshow. She showed cunning and intelligence as well as strength... I love good character growth
Where as Zeph (i kept calling him Zephyr in my head) didn't get any growth whatso ever... He got drugged and lot his memory... Which sucked but at least he got it back by the end... I was little frsurtated with his lack of growth, and the fact that its open ended, in regards to Lero... I want answers about him, where is he? Who is he? What is he? Where does he get the leaf stuff? Whats his connections to Madame Tan?
Why does use the name Madae Tan instead of her actual name? 🤔 That makes no sense to me... Also why are the brack the only ones who can travel between the worlds?
There are a lot of unanswered questions and the ending just brought more... It was open enough that there is probably going to be a book about Lero, and its open enough to continue in the world with Amira's book being #2
I really loved the sound of this book, i adore anything fae and this just felt right up my alley. However it lacked that special something for me to give it more stars. Like the first 30% of the book was her meeting Zeph and having their 'adventure' and then the middle was really slow and yet seemed fast as it skipped a lot since it only showed it from Ivy's perspective which was limited... Then the ending was all action, sex and intrigue... I think it could have been paced better.
I did enjoy this, it was fast paced and kept me reading and interested but I did find the female lead to be very stupid by sneaking back into the freakshow... It just seemed like she was tstl 😔 But i liked her more when she was surviving and part of the background of the freakshow. She showed cunning and intelligence as well as strength... I love good character growth
Where as Zeph (i kept calling him Zephyr in my head) didn't get any growth whatso ever... He got drugged and lot his memory... Which sucked but at least he got it back by the end... I was little frsurtated with his lack of growth, and the fact that its open ended, in regards to Lero... I want answers about him, where is he? Who is he? What is he? Where does he get the leaf stuff? Whats his connections to Madame Tan?
Why does use the name Madae Tan instead of her actual name? 🤔 That makes no sense to me... Also why are the brack the only ones who can travel between the worlds?
There are a lot of unanswered questions and the ending just brought more... It was open enough that there is probably going to be a book about Lero, and its open enough to continue in the world with Amira's book being #2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2020
For my first book by this author this story was a pleasure to read in the fantasy romances. The story about Ivy who is in Paris staying with her friend Fleur and Zeph who sings at Le Loup Solitaire. Ivy and Fleur while sightseeing stop at Le Loup Solitaire and while there Ivy hears Zeph sing and is entranced with memories since the song he sang was her mother's favorite. Getting a breath of air outside, Ivy meets Lero and Zeph who's looking for Lero. Zeph offers to escort Ivy inside and asks for a dance, which she reluctantly agrees and he asks if he can see her after the show. Ivy agrees and Zeph shows her the hidden attractions of Paris. The one magical night they spend together defines though out this romance novel with twist and turns along the way. The author wrote a well-written story with characters to invest in and a detailed world building. It be interesting to see where this series goes. Overall I totally enjoyed reading this story.
August 22, 2020
Ivy meets Zeph at a cabaret in Paris while visiting a friend. She's drawn in by his voice and captivated by his smile. They spend one magical night together and then she doesn't see him again for over a year. B
The next time she sees him, he seems to be a prisoner in a place that doesn't make sense to her. While deciding what to do, Ivy is captured and thrust into a world she never knew existed. But she's bound and determined to escape, with or without Zeph.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting! It's well-written with magnificent characters. The chemistry and relationship between Ivy and Zeph could not be denied. There's a lot of action and intrigue throughout this read and I'm glad that I got this book as it simply shouldn't be missed if you like paranormal romance. I'm very eager for the next book and highly recommend this one.
The next time she sees him, he seems to be a prisoner in a place that doesn't make sense to her. While deciding what to do, Ivy is captured and thrust into a world she never knew existed. But she's bound and determined to escape, with or without Zeph.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book and read it in one sitting! It's well-written with magnificent characters. The chemistry and relationship between Ivy and Zeph could not be denied. There's a lot of action and intrigue throughout this read and I'm glad that I got this book as it simply shouldn't be missed if you like paranormal romance. I'm very eager for the next book and highly recommend this one.
August 25, 2020
First of all, what a gorgeous cover! This was an imaginative and well written story that kept my interest throughout. There was good chemistry between the characters, however their HEA fell flat for me. There were also a couple things that didn’t sit quite right unfortunately. I found Lero’s lack of action after Zach goes missing rather strange, especially with all his warnings about the bracks earlier that day - and I was also bothered by Ivy and Zach’s seeming indifference for the remaining prisoners of Ghata’s menagerie after their escape. Perhaps these things will be explained as the series continues? Overall though, this was an entertaining read and a series I am interested in continuing to see how the plot develops!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2020
This new series by Marina Simcoe takes us away from the world of incubus into the mysterious world of the freak show. Once more she sets us in a world full of monsters and the magical and how humans interact with them. Interestingly Zeph is a fae of the siren kind , one may say a merman and our heroine is a human. Once our heroine hears our hero sing she is forever hooked to his voice. Soon she realizes that there is more to Zeph than just a pretty face and a dangerous alluring voice, he reside in Madame Tran’s Freakshow and to know what that means you need to read the book ;)
September 7, 2024
Marina Simcoe writes the sweetest monsters. This book wasn't as well planned out as previous books I've read from her, with a lot of things left up to mystery or explained away in one sentence. Maybe it'll be developed later in the trilogy.
The initial meeting between the two characters felt very y/n fanfic-esque. The outfit description of the main character alone is a good reminder never to include modern fashion in books. Convincing your reader that this girl pulled this hot ass man with pink/blue hair and a Disney channel outfit is a HARD sell.
The initial meeting between the two characters felt very y/n fanfic-esque. The outfit description of the main character alone is a good reminder never to include modern fashion in books. Convincing your reader that this girl pulled this hot ass man with pink/blue hair and a Disney channel outfit is a HARD sell.
August 20, 2020
Marina Simcoe has created another not quite human hunk who is from a not quite human world, but is very much living in our very human reality. And the every day girl next door who finds out his truth and wins his heart. I could not put this one down and had it read in one day. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2020
This unique story grabbed me from the very beginning! Ivy meets Zeph while visiting a good friend in Paris. I honestly have to say that the first chapters were magical to me. Zeph is one of the most alluring characters I've read in a long time. Some time passes and we find Ivy back in Canada with her Parisian friend. She pays to see an unusual exhibit that piques her curiousity a bit too much. When the circus element got involved it was definitely dark, but so well done. In an effort to not give anything away, I will just say that this story was frightening as well as wonderful. The ending was just perfect, too! I really look forward to more in this series by Marina Simcoe. 4 stars
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book, definitely a refreshing original one. Zeph and Ivy are brilliant characters, I truly enjoyed their story. The world-building was original and definitely would love to read more. This is the type of stories that hooked you from the start, would love to see this in an audiobook, the characters captures you, the story is enticing, and definitely love all the creatures I got to meet. I need more!
August 27, 2020
The first book in the Madame Tan's Freakshow series a well written story that kept me turning pages. I enjoyed reading Ivy and Zeph's story I want to read more in this series. There is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, twists, turns,and romance. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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