The Bartender’s Ballerina

by Blair M. Shadows

Tar City chews people up and spits them out.

Sometimes, it swallows.

But Jax?

He owns it. The bar. The streets. The magic he swore he’d never use again.

Until tonight.

Because tonight, Sisk isn’t playing fair.

She walks into his bar—later than promised—and he’s more than furious.

He’s hungry.

And when she dares him…

he remembers why she’s the reason he stays.

The reason he breaks the rules.

Genres: Audiobook, Novella, Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Short Stories, Spicy

27 pages, ebook

First published July 15, 2025

About the author

Blair Shadows, better known as the Host of Bad Decisions, writes romance with a dark edge and cursed magic in its veins.
She writes for the rebellious, the obsessive, the ones who don’t want clean love stories, just the kind that leave a mark.

Find her on Instagram @authorblairshadows or join the Shadows Society, where bad decisions are served on ice.

Reviews

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, for allowing me to listen to this short audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job, such a voice. This is short hot and oh so yummy.

I'm ready for the extended version, because with this introduction it is just going to be amazing.

Thisp is a review of the audiobook.

[selly rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

This was a quick listen, and honestly I enjoyed it more than I originally thought I would. In this teaser for Tar City, we’re introduced to Jax and Sisk, a mysterious bartender and the ballerina in his life. Not only were the characters interesting, but so was the city. I’m definitely interested in reading the full novel when it’s released!

[Inés Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short obsession

Sometimes, short stories really do leave us wanting more. The bartender's ballerina had me hooked in the short time it lasted. It was magical and spicy with mystery about a sunken hole filled with tar. I am hoping to the book gods that this becomes a full book.

[kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Leblon publishing for providing me with an ALC of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review!

This is a quick 20 minute audiobook that gives a fun insight into the writing style we will see in this authors upcoming full length novel, Tar City. We get introduced to Jax and Sisk - Jax is a bartender who seems to hold some magic but it a bit hesitant to use it and Sisk is a ballerina who visits Jax at his bar. I would love to find out more about them and their backstories so I've definitely been enticed to check out the full book once it releases!

I have to say the narrators voice is a bit jarring and not to my own personal taste (I did enjoy when he was voicing the female speed though!) but in general the audio quality itself was amazing!

[Anshika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick but satisfying 😋

The Bartender's Ballerina is a short story about love, obsession, and magic—set in a mysterious city. It’s dark, spicy, and captivating. The writing is rich, and the steamy moments are impressively well done for such a brief read. Despite being only 20 pages long, it never feels rushed or forced. Thankfully, the world-building is concise and woven naturally into the story.

I’d love to see this expanded into a full-length novel someday!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op/Leblon Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[destiny · Rating 3 out of 5]

the quickest spicy palette cleanser featuring the hot bartender and his ballerina 🩰🍸

uhh i need more of this so bad 😩 literally read this in like ten minutes and tried to flipped the page for more 😭 how does just short of 20 pages already have me so hooked. please ✋🏼

i can just FEEL the obsession !! the way the mmc would break every single rule for the fmc. he is so down badddd 🥰 i already love the fmc. the fact that she’s a ballerina just made it 100x better !!

“One day this city will test how far I’ll go for her.”

🌶️

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was short... Like really short! I listened to the audiobook in less than an hour. It's not meant to be a full story but more so to introduce a setting and some characters for an upcoming novel titled Tar City.

This story is perfect if you have interest in checking out the full novel obviously. It's perfect if you're looking for something short and spicy. If you like dark paranormal romance and urban fantasy with very explicit scenes I would definitely recommend this.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a yummy palette cleanser. The voice actor? WOW. The quick story while also giving spice and depth and enough to make me want more? PHEW.
It’s short but not sweet. It’s dense. Very dense. Packed. But I like it like that. And Blair knows how to write enough and then give us the spice we need to round it out. Unf. Yum.
Just what I needed to get through today.

Thank you to NetGalley, Leblon Publishing, and Blair for providing me with this ALC !

[Khadija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

This was the fastest short story I've ever read or heard in my life. It's too short; I wish it were longer. Anyway, I'm interested to know more about the story, the characters, and the world when it's released.

the narrators voice is so hot and sexy, it will definitely make me want to keep listening.🫣 the audio quality was perfect 👌🏻

[TwinreadsandReds-Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how short this short story was. Just seemed a bit silly since there was not much to it 😂 that being said I did really like the narrator for the audio

[Marie-eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC!

Since this was such a short novel, I have absolutely no remarks. The setting of the story is dark and ominous. You can definitely feel there is a lot more to the MC's and I would love to read their full length story!
The narrator's voice was absolutely amazing and perfect for the setting.
The proof that you don't need lots of pages to write a damn good story 💥

[Victoria (storieswithtorie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read like a poem
Fast and filthy ❤️‍🔥

[𝘪𝘷 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i. need. more.

[Randi Himes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick little read. Nice and filthy.

[Jamey [Longhollow.Lore] · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️’s

This was short and sharp, a quick hit of darkness that drops you straight in with no warning. Jax doesn’t ease you in; he drags you by the collar and shows you the underbelly. The whole thing gave me Sin City energy right out of the gate—grit, danger, shadows that feel like they’re watching you.

And then there’s the magic. Subtle. Forbidden. Not something you’re supposed to use unless you’ve earned the right? Consider me fully hooked, I need to know exactly what Jax is capable of…and why he swore he’d never touch that power again.

This little story doesn’t satisfy, it tempts. It’s the spark before the explosion, and you know the fuse is already lit.

And Jason Clarke’s narration? Absolutely nails the tone. He sells the grime, the tension, and the sense that the rules in Tar City only matter if you’re strong enough to break them. I'd like to thank The Nerd Fam for connecting me with this author, I thoroughly enjoyed this ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This was a VERY short story that is going to be the introduction to a new book - Tar City -that will be coming out later this year.

It is unusual because it is mainly just one scene - granted, it was a pretty hot scene - but I was actually very surprised that it was just that one scene and then the story was over.

I can say that for the little bit we got, the writing was rich and descriptive, creating a city that reminded me of a Gothic City or something similar. We also learned that the MMC Jax has some type of magic that he does not want to use and he is involved with the FMC - Sisk - who completely disregards his wants and pushes all of his buttons to get what she wants.

This short was narrated by Jason Clarke who is a popular narrator and his deep baritone helped to complete the dark setting that the author seemed to be trying for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Leblon Publishing for the opportunity to listen to and review this Audio ARC/ALC. Tar City will be out for publication in 2026.

[Erica Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok that was fast and amazing haha! Mind blowing magic and a man that knows what to do is what every woman wants, and well this woman gets just that. Honestly it left me wanting more of this story. Jason Clarke does amazing with the narrative of this audio and he has the perfect growl for the man of this story. I definitely want more of this story just based off his voice and how he made me wanting more at the end.

[LollyDolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Clark was great as ever narrating this short, twenty minute teaser. A spicy little glimpse of what is coming for Jax and Sisk in Tar City later this year. Dark, a little moody, and steeped in something paranormal/magical. Thank you to NetGalley for the copy.

[Ashley Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ummm I want more of this story like now! What a short read but boy does it hook you wanting more.

[Eliza ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* Loved the intensity of this short story. The characters had a big impact in such little amount of work, I wish there was more! I received an ALC for this and the narrator basically made me gasp for air for the entire 20mins. Thank you <3

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dark, spicy bite of paranormal romance. The Bartender’s Ballerina delivers intense chemistry between Jax and Sisk, with a gritty, magical city backdrop although it’s so short it feels more like a teaser than a complete story.
Thanks to NetGalley for this free ARC.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short but gets right to the point! There’s plenty of mystery about who these characters are if the author wanted to flesh it out further. This is Explict Open Door. I liked the language the author used, nothing euphemistic or immature! For me personally I need the story to be a bit longer to get what I’m looking for out of it.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this short book, captivated me from the start. This was my first time reading Blair M Shadows, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m really excited to read more of Jax and Sisk.

For a novella, it didn't feel rushed, and there was just enough context to understand the world and the characters without sacrificing the pacing. The narration really elevated the experience, feel like this is best experienced as an audiobook. The narrator’s voice, Jason Clarke, suited the main character perfectly, and the timber and gravel in his voice added so much to the atmosphere and embodiment of the Jax.

The pull between the Jax and Sisk was especially compelling and made the story feel so moreish. This was a fab introduction to the author, and I can’t wait to read more about these characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Leblon publishing for the audio ARC.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t swipe past page 15, then I realized it was the end of the short story….NOO!

This had me hook, line and sinker! I just loved how Sisk’s (FMC) tough attitude had complete control over Jax (MMC), and the “burn the world down/touch her a die” vibes he gave off. He would risk the cost of his magic (and more) to do her bidding.

Even though it’s a short story, the author was able to build an interesting world where wishes will cost you everything.

“It never gives without taking more. And the people who make a wish never last long enough to enjoy it.”

I hope this becomes a full story! Highly recommend this story of longing, lust and losing control.

[Amanda Iman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for this ARC audiobook. I saw it was a short narrated by Jason Clarke (one of my favorite male narrators) so requested it. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did.

Shadows manages to pack quite a bit of world-building and character background into less than 30 mins/26 pgs. I was impressed by how engrossing the setting was and would gladly read more about Jax, his magic, Sisk, and Tar City.

The spice was good in this, but I always prefer a bit more buildup with couples. Granted, considering the length, the balance between plot/character and spice was well done overall.

As usual, Jason Clarke did a phenomenal job narrating this. He's one of the few men who have a wonderfully deep voice and also manage not to make women's voices sound like a Monty Python sketch. Bravo.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op/Leblon Publishing for this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[BrooklynBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick palette cleanser

The Bartender’s Ballerina is a quick, short story, involving Jax & Sisk. Jax owns the bar in the corrupt town of Tar Ciry. He hates this town.. but he stays .. for her. For Sisk. He would do just about anything for her. And when she finally shows up to the bar, late, she plays by her own rules. She’s alluring, mysterious, and dares Jax to do the one thing he swore to never do again.. use his magic.

I was immediately swept up while reading this super short read and realized… I NEED MOEE!!! When it ended I screamed NO!!! Even though it was short, the author created such an interesting world. Definitely gives off .. “I’ll burn the world for you” vibes!!! Really enjoyed it.

[hollie reads it all · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the free ALC! All opinions are my own!

This is a dark, sinful, mysterious, spicy short story! I loved it. I wanted MORE - more story, more backstory, more, more, more! I think that is the mark of an excellent writer; they create a world that readers want more of.

In this case, I think the lack of backstory makes it even sexier. We don’t know WHAT Jax is, we don’t know how he got his magic, we don’t know what he can do…however, we do know how many piercings he has on his, ahem, you know 👀, and we do know he loves to love Sisk.

Sisk is a sassy ballerina, who isn’t afraid to take what she wants. She seems fierce, feisty, and fun.

I kind of love that I don’t know everything, but will read anything else in this storyline!

[Hannah Yother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this was one of the best little palette cleanser reads I’ve read in a while. It’s short and to the point, which is perfect to just clear your head for a few minutes. The way Blair writes is so poetic. I felt like I was being watched over my shoulder, similar to when you are watching a scary movie, but in the best way possible! I felt the suspense of every line with how Blair described the town of Tar City, Jax’s magic, and the allure of Sisk.
This was very well-written and had me drawn in from the first line! 10/10 recommend!

[Star Gater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Leblon Publishing for allowing me to read and audibly review The Bartender's Ballerina by Blair Shadows on NetGalley.

Narrated by Jason Clarke (Excellent).

Published: 10/31/25

Stars: 2.5

Blindsided. A dark, out of nowhere story around carnal desire. I have no interest in this type of storytelling.

The narrator had the perfect voice for the story.

The writing was sensual and more explicit than I was comfortable with especially unexpectedly.

#NetGalleyNovember

[WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y) SEMI-HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3⭐
Spice 🌶️🌶️

ALC Review

This was basically a teaser for the upcoming book that is coming out. It was pretty good, but also fast and short. A bit too short to the point I couldn't really process what in the world was happening. It's only a 26 minutes read, which is nothing for me.

I do have plans to read the full book that blans to come out in 2026

I received the ALC through NerdFam. This review is my true and honest thoughts