Dancer

Killers Inc. #1

by Charity Parkerson

Austen keeps criminals alive. Rain, being one of the world’s deadliest assassins, doesn’t scare him at all. He should.

As a private physician for the ultra-wealthy, Austen’s entire business model rests on seeing nothing. After all, he keeps some of the biggest criminals on the west coast alive. That’s how he ended up crossing paths with Rain. From first glance, he was stunned speechless by Rain’s beauty. He can’t stay away. That might be the thing that finally gets him killed.

As far as the world is concerned, Rain is a highly sought after stage performer. Ballet has saved what little is left of his sanity. On the side, he just happens to kill people. When Austen starts showing up around every corner, Rain can’t decide if he should kiss him or make him disappear. He’s still trying to decide.

Dancer is the first book in Charity Parkerson’s Killer Inc. series where hired assassins and their ilk find the love that finally saves them. These are best enjoyed when read in order.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Romance, Dark Romance, Novella, LGBT

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

About the author

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*Eight-time winner of Readers' Favorite Awards
*2014 Golden Ankh nominee
*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner
*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner
*2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance
*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

**Connect with her online:
Website: charityparkerson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson
facebook.com/TheMenofSin
Twitter: twitter.com/CharityParkerso

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this cute easy read novella.
This was a really cute instalove story, months in the making.
The first book in this new series and it's great that we see previous characters that we love all a bundle of fumbles and fun. We get to see the establishment of the New Brat House, with all of the brat brigade. So we pretty much know what to expect in the next books. Rain and Austin stalked each other for a while and it was lovely seeing them get together to become the 'parent figures' for the rest of the boys and everything for each other.

*sidenote: Austen and Rain first meet in book 6 of the Little Lost series Killer Daddy, chapter 8

[Maggie May · Rating 1 out of 5]

Laughably childish writing. I almost quit reading halfway through but I was curious about how ridiculous it would get. It reached ‘moody teenager who thinks they are being edgy’ level. The characterization was so shallow it was basically nonexistent, the dialogue was 100% cringe, and there was no transition between scenes.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything happens super fast with Austen and Rain, and I was okay with that. The story is also short by today’s book standards, so they kind of had to hurry to get their HEA. I never felt like I was missing anything.

I don’t think I’ve read this author before, but I really enjoyed this.

It’s very refreshing to see books that aren’t 350+ pages, something that’s been extremely common since Kindle Unlimited started. Sometimes I don’t want to spend hours and hours with one couple, but I still want a good story. I definitely got that with Dancer, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

I didn't know this was linked to another series until I was already reading it. The author explained things well enough that I didn't feel lost.

Full review can be found at -

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austen, a discreet physician to the criminal elite, is used to turning a blind eye—until he meets Rain, a deadly assassin who doubles as a celebrated ballet performer. Their worlds collide when Austen becomes captivated by Rain’s beauty, despite knowing the risks. Rain, hardened by his past and surviving through art and violence, finds himself torn between attraction and instinct. As Austen continues to surface in his life, Rain teeters between passion and self-preservation… and one wrong move could spell the end for them both.

I loved this story that blended danger, desire, and razor-sharp tension. Austen was transfixed by Rain where the way intensity and grace tangled in Rain was electric. The other members of Killers Inc were amusing and I'm looking forward to finding out more about them. A lot of feelings and emotions as well as passion in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Katharine Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Should Always Be Crazy

Rain Agafonov: Why?

Austen Flowers: What do you mean, why?

Rain Agafonov: Why do you want this? Why aren’t you scared of who I am?

Austen Flowers: Because I love you. There’s no way you don’t know that.

Rain’s throat swelled. The weight of Austen’s confession fell on him. Austen loved him. Him. That was insane. This was his man. His heart. Austen deserved to know it.

Rain Agafonov: I love you too. Tell me there’s no way you don’t know it.

Austen Flowers: I feel you every second of every day. You’re meant to be mine. I can’t explain that. In fact, I can’t explain anything that’s happened since I first set eyes on you. You’re just mine and I’m yours.

Rain could barely breathe. Every word Austen said was perfect and true. He couldn’t lose this. Rain would do whatever it took. Kill whoever he had to. Austen would always be his. There was no escaping him now.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this recommended on a Facebook page and it looked like a fun read. It was! Austen is a private doctor and most of his clients are criminals. Rain is definitely a criminal, but this wasn't the usual 'meet at work' scenario. I loved the way the stalked each other. We get a little of Rain's back story and I guess there will be more as each of his found family get their stories and since I think I'm in this for the whole series, I'm ok with that. These guys were very sweet (and a little steamy) together and I enjoyed their petty jealousies. Rain's brothers were hilarious and I'm looking forward to more of their antics. 4*

[Cat LeFey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like there wasn't enough worldbuilding, and I guess this is a spinoff of another series because they mention several characters offhand that we're supposed to know. I liked the plot idea and the characters. It was missing the textural and vivid details of really good writing, and the pacing wasn't great. There's suddenly just one chapter in the middle with a totally different MC and side plot to set up the next book. Attackers out of nowhere but there's zero followup in the plot.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

MM
🌶️
Dark
Found family
Instalove

Austen is a private doctor for the criminal underworld. He met Rain when he was with one of his clients. Rain is a ballerina by day and an assassin by night. They stalk each other. Until Rain finally makes a move. Then they are inseparable.

There is a whole assassin “family” imported from Russia. Although this wasn’t the most intriguing story. I will probably continue the series since they are quick reads. Plus I want to see who all the assassins fall for.

[mike bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

MmMm... Delicious!!!😍😍😍

Gah!...Such a crazy ride! From the first word to the last, these fiery characters slam into your heart. They steel your breath and you will beg for more. Killers Inc. is one of the best rides I've ever been on. The sexy Russian kill squad with all their issues, and the love that finds one of their own. The insanity. The mayhem. It's so brutally beautiful! So come on feel the noise...and all that!😁😋 Highly recommended!😘 ...Check your triggers!🙃

[Lyn Solomon-Linville · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. The writing style itself was a bit disjointed with short clipped sentences. However, the subject matter was fun and I didn't hate the story.
A doctor to the criminal world and a ballet dancer, beautiful and deadly since he is also an assassin. It appealed to that side of me that loves morally grey.
I have downloaded the next book in the series and it will be interesting to see what improves.

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dance of Love

This spin off from the Bosi family series sees doctor Austen following Rain around and watching his ballet performance every night.
He knows Rain is an assassin but stalks him anyway.
Until Rain catches him.
Austen uses Rain's damaged ankle to keep him around, we get Kylo cameos as well as Beau and security guard Mickey.
A fun, steamy spin off.

[katie ☥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

why was this so good??

rain and austen are crazy about each other and the found family was literally so heart warming

rain and shadow being described as mirrors of each other was so cool

austen being the father figure the rest of the boy never had was honestly great and i cant wait for the rest of the series

i just know its going to eat up

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

Austin and Rain my new favorite characters. Amazing love story with great action. So happy the two found each other. Looking forward to the next book in series. Always a great read from this author. An I have read nearly all of her stories. Thank you!

[Reva Coomer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read

This book was okay. I feel like I missed part of the story. Very Insta love. Not much story from meet to in love. Says this is book one but maybe there are other books that help it make sense?!?

[Neisha † The Poet † · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. Another one THANGYA

[Thera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rain and Austen

I enjoyed this novella. Rain and Austen were perfect for each other, even through the craziness. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was certainly fluffier than I thought it would be... not that I am complaining!

Definitely a good start for a spin-off series!

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read because I can't fully understand the whole story, and it had too lack of romance for my liking.

[Mystisith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Don't judge a book by its cover... Because the cover will creep you out. But the book will make your heart sing!

[sol. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entretenido. Necesito más romance de este tipo pero que también desarrollen más la parte del entrenamiento y todo ese mundo hay material ahí que alguien haga algo!!!

[july · Rating 1 out of 5]

😐

[tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5? i was expecting more dark.. but this was too fluffy and soft and kiddylike.......

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed this book can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I’m loving th family that was introduced.

[Ariel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, yes, this is 1-star because the writing was stilted and the characters weren't exactly fleshed out.

BUT

I don't care. I was entertained. It scratched an itch.

[Dariam Vásquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5