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The Bartender’s Ballerina
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.
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.
26 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 2025
55 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Blair M. Shadows
5 books90 followers Blair Shadows writes mystical love stories packed with forbidden tension, devastating men, and heroines who don’t beg—they bite. Crowned Queen of Mystical Romance (but she prefers Host of Bad Decisions), Blair is known for slow burns, sharp turns, and books that leave a mark.
Find her on Instagram and TikTok @authorblairshadows—or join the Shadows Society, where bad decisions are served on ice.
Find her on Instagram and TikTok @authorblairshadows—or join the Shadows Society, where bad decisions are served on ice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
November 6, 2025
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.
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.
July 16, 2025
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.”
🌶️
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.”
🌶️
November 7, 2025
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.
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.
November 26, 2025
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 !
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 !
December 18, 2025
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
![Profile Image for Jamey [Longhollow.Lore].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1751370206i%2F7284478._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 11, 2025
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.
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.
December 1, 2025
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.
December 10, 2025
Ummm I want more of this story like now! What a short read but boy does it hook you wanting more.
December 10, 2025
i. need. more.
November 2, 2025
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.
December 10, 2025
Quick little read. Nice and filthy.
November 3, 2025
✨ALC provided through NetGalley for a honest review✨
The Bartender’s Ballerina was a very short story about love and obsession. It’s dark, mysterious,spicy, and gritty with some magic thrown in. I know it’s a short story, but I wanted to know more about these characters. I want to know the backstory like how does the bartender have magic? What’s the history with the ballerina? How did they end up in this messed up city?I guess that makes a short story good. That you want to know more shows that the characters were interesting enough to question.
The audiobook was good and the narrator Jason Clarke was perfect with his deep, rough sounding voice. It gave the story this melodic feel as it progressed and you were surrounded by this dirty, magical, spicy moment between the two. If you want a short spicy quickie, you should check this out 👀
The Bartender’s Ballerina was a very short story about love and obsession. It’s dark, mysterious,spicy, and gritty with some magic thrown in. I know it’s a short story, but I wanted to know more about these characters. I want to know the backstory like how does the bartender have magic? What’s the history with the ballerina? How did they end up in this messed up city?I guess that makes a short story good. That you want to know more shows that the characters were interesting enough to question.
The audiobook was good and the narrator Jason Clarke was perfect with his deep, rough sounding voice. It gave the story this melodic feel as it progressed and you were surrounded by this dirty, magical, spicy moment between the two. If you want a short spicy quickie, you should check this out 👀
November 4, 2025
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.
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.
July 17, 2025
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.
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.
October 5, 2025
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.
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.
November 6, 2025
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!
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!
July 18, 2025
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!
This was very well-written and had me drawn in from the first line! 10/10 recommend!
November 30, 2025
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
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
December 21, 2025
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
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
November 3, 2025
More please.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I always try to do a thoughtful review with genuine opinions and feedback. If I get an audiobook, I try to have feedback regarding the narrator. But this book. The only thing rolling around in my brain is…more please.
Please turn this into a full book. Please expand. I liked the touch of magic. I loved the vibe of possible dystopia. More please.
The narrator is listed as Jason Clarke. Please do a full book…with Jason Clarke.
Thank you NetGalley for the listen (and read). Loved it. And I’d like more please.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I always try to do a thoughtful review with genuine opinions and feedback. If I get an audiobook, I try to have feedback regarding the narrator. But this book. The only thing rolling around in my brain is…more please.
Please turn this into a full book. Please expand. I liked the touch of magic. I loved the vibe of possible dystopia. More please.
The narrator is listed as Jason Clarke. Please do a full book…with Jason Clarke.
Thank you NetGalley for the listen (and read). Loved it. And I’d like more please.
December 10, 2025
Oh this was SO GOOD!! I’m so glad to hear we are getting more of their story because this little novella has me absolutely FERAL!!! 👹
Narrator is fantastic. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book narrated by him before, but I will definitely be seeking more.
I am so excited to see where this story goes and learn more about this world and the characters
Narrator is fantastic. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book narrated by him before, but I will definitely be seeking more.
I am so excited to see where this story goes and learn more about this world and the characters
July 16, 2025
An amazing short story that leaves you begging for more! In such a short time you’re immersed in this world, so many details that have you feeling like you’re there and so many questions about what comes next has me begging the author for more! 🌶️ and 🔥 and 🪄
November 21, 2025
Was this a quickie audiobook? Yes. Was it absolutely hot? Absolutely! This man’s voice was definitely pleasing to the ears. For this being a short story it was definitely written very well. I didn’t feel lost at all. And holy spicy! I may need an ice shower after that!
July 16, 2025
This is a quick Fantastic read! I hope there will be more.
July 16, 2025
Intriguing story leaving me wanting more!
October 31, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short and Hot.
There really isn’t so much to review other than it left me wanting a lot more!!
Jason Clarke did a wonderful job narrating 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short and Hot.
There really isn’t so much to review other than it left me wanting a lot more!!
Jason Clarke did a wonderful job narrating 🤍
November 5, 2025
This is literally a teaser of a short story. My gasp and "that's it?!" that I screamed in my head when it ended. Bravo lol.
If this ever turns into a novel, I will be in line for it.
There was buildup and seduction and intensity. And then it slams the door in your face haha
If this ever turns into a novel, I will be in line for it.
There was buildup and seduction and intensity. And then it slams the door in your face haha
December 1, 2025
Audio ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Leblon Publishing
Thank you for this tease! I knew this was short. Like real short. However I didnt realize it would be so good and leaving me wanting more. What an edging session to the readers! Will need a full story asap!
Thank you for this tease! I knew this was short. Like real short. However I didnt realize it would be so good and leaving me wanting more. What an edging session to the readers! Will need a full story asap!
January 16, 2026
This was a very short, very spicy novella, that definitely has me intrigued to learn more about this world and Jax and Sisk.
Jason Clark did a great job narrating.
Thanks to NerdFam for the ALC!
Jason Clark did a great job narrating.
Thanks to NerdFam for the ALC!
November 12, 2025
This was a fun, steamy novella! I was approved for the arc by Victory Editing in exchange for my honest review. This was was fast and packs a spicy punch! Don't miss this one if you want a little spicy story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews