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The Burlesque Trilogy #1
Blue Angel
A simple question ignites one woman’s unexpected sexual awakening in the first book of a series set within the seductive world of NYC’s burlesque clubs.
Mallory Dale has always played by the rules: she has a steady job, a solid relationship, and a predictable sex life. But when her longtime boyfriend, Alec, casually asks if she’s ever thought about a threesome, everything changes.
Then Alec surprises Mallory on her birthday with a night out at Manhattan’s buzzy burlesque club, the Blue Angel, and she’s immediately enraptured. The lights. The music. The heat. And when the club’s magnetic star, Bette Noir, pulls her onstage, Mallory feels her inhibitions melt under the spotlight.
As Bette tempts her deeper into the city’s sensual underground of private shows, secret parties, and the art of striptease, Mallory becomes the one pushing the boundaries of her relationship with Alec. Can she explore the desires she never knew she had without destroying the love she always dreamed of?
Blue Angel is a spicy erotic romance featuring voyeurism, exhibitionism, and sexually explicit scenes involving two or more partners.
Mallory Dale has always played by the rules: she has a steady job, a solid relationship, and a predictable sex life. But when her longtime boyfriend, Alec, casually asks if she’s ever thought about a threesome, everything changes.
Then Alec surprises Mallory on her birthday with a night out at Manhattan’s buzzy burlesque club, the Blue Angel, and she’s immediately enraptured. The lights. The music. The heat. And when the club’s magnetic star, Bette Noir, pulls her onstage, Mallory feels her inhibitions melt under the spotlight.
As Bette tempts her deeper into the city’s sensual underground of private shows, secret parties, and the art of striptease, Mallory becomes the one pushing the boundaries of her relationship with Alec. Can she explore the desires she never knew she had without destroying the love she always dreamed of?
Blue Angel is a spicy erotic romance featuring voyeurism, exhibitionism, and sexually explicit scenes involving two or more partners.
- GenresAudiobook
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Jamie Brenner
24 books1,694 followersJamie Brenner is the author of The Wedding Sisters, The USA TODAY bestseller The Forever Summer, and several other beach books. Jamie's short story "Gold Party" (Blackstone Publishing) is currently in development as a feature film.
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
After raising two daughters in New York City, Jamie now lives in Bucks County, PA -- the inspiration for her next book THE WEEKEND CRASHERS (November 4, 2025) about a mother-daughter knitting retreat gone awry.
Jamie grew up on the blockbuster novels by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, the gothic horror of Anne Rice, and political thrillers by Nelson DeMille. Her dream novel combines all three.
Follow Jamie on instagram @jamiebrennerwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 8, 2026
3 Stars ⭐️
Thank you to Podium for the Physical ARC and ALC! 🖤
With this one, it started off strong, but as things progressed, things slowly started becoming off-putting for me. I wasn't a fan of the ending and how things played out, and the cheating/miscommunication/lack of communication was not for me. It was quite frustrating at times, and I was sort of over it. However, I will say that the burlesque aspect of things was fun! It added a unique, spicy aspect to the story that I enjoyed. And the women empowerment message?? Beautiful!
Thank you to Podium for the Physical ARC and ALC! 🖤
With this one, it started off strong, but as things progressed, things slowly started becoming off-putting for me. I wasn't a fan of the ending and how things played out, and the cheating/miscommunication/lack of communication was not for me. It was quite frustrating at times, and I was sort of over it. However, I will say that the burlesque aspect of things was fun! It added a unique, spicy aspect to the story that I enjoyed. And the women empowerment message?? Beautiful!
May 25, 2026
Not my usual read, but boy did I enjoy this. Spicy as fuck & def understand now how people read through smut so quickly. 🌶️🔥
May 18, 2026
Brenner is a favorite author mine. I was excited when she shared, she had some books under a pen name that she never shared.
This book is the first in a trilogy. It explores a married woman's sexuality after her husband mentions something to spice up their life, but claiming it had nothing to do with his love for her.
She soon starts to explore burlesque, sex outside her relationship and is challenged it in so many ways that were not expected.
Interesting, provocative and spicy. I look forward to what comes next in this trilogy.
This book is the first in a trilogy. It explores a married woman's sexuality after her husband mentions something to spice up their life, but claiming it had nothing to do with his love for her.
She soon starts to explore burlesque, sex outside her relationship and is challenged it in so many ways that were not expected.
Interesting, provocative and spicy. I look forward to what comes next in this trilogy.
May 8, 2026
I’m at a loss for words. Obviously, I mostly liked this, hence the four stars. I loved the burlesque setting and vibes. There are some cool female characters that are all quite different. They have flaws, and some are questioning life. If you like imperfect characters making some questionable choices but finding themselves, this is worth a shot. I do think I would continue the trilogy.
I did have some problems with the boyfriend. He made good points, but overall, I don’t feel the chemistry for this couple in love.
Poppy. I felt like she had her role to play. But she probably would have been better if she had her own book and got her time as the focal point.
I am curious how this plays out into a trilogy. I’m assuming it’ll focus on different dancers from Blue Angel.
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
I did have some problems with the boyfriend. He made good points, but overall, I don’t feel the chemistry for this couple in love.
Poppy. I felt like she had her role to play. But she probably would have been better if she had her own book and got her time as the focal point.
I am curious how this plays out into a trilogy. I’m assuming it’ll focus on different dancers from Blue Angel.
Come read with me @booksy.tx.ana
May 22, 2026
Velvet, Temptation & Emotional Collapse
ARC Review: Thank you to the author/publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and, unfortunately, cannot be controlled.
This book walked in smelling like perfume, bad decisions, and emotional repression, and unfortunately for me? That combination has power. 😮💨💋
Blue Angel draws you in first with its intoxicating atmosphere, and only secondarily with emotional instability. The burlesque club setting oozes seduction effortlessly, and the story pulses with this constant sense of temptation, projection, jealousy, and quiet self-sabotage. It’s deliberately messy—an electrifying chaos where reckless impulses quietly blow apart lives while everyone clings to a facade of control. Honestly? I devoured that chaos for a while.
This is a deeply mood-driven, emotionally charged journey. I only wish the payoffs matched the intensity of the setup.
What really resonated for me was Mallory’s internal struggle and the way the story examined desire as both liberation and destruction. Her emotional repression feels authentic, and watching her slowly unravel amid the allure, temptation, and performance-heavy environment of the Blue Angel creates genuine tension. The chemistry throughout the book feels awkward, dangerous, emotionally charged, and occasionally manipulative, in ways that seem intentional rather than accidental. I also appreciated that the story doesn’t pretend these dynamics are clean or uncomplicated. The shifting power dynamics, blurred boundaries, jealousy, vulnerability, and quiet emotional warfare add layers that make the relationships feel raw and real. And Bette Noir? Absolutely magnetic. Every scene she’s in crackles with energy. You can feel her gravitational pull over both the room and Mallory’s sense of self. ✨
That said, the book didn’t fully land emotionally for me. The premise is stronger than the execution at times, and there were stretches when the pacing lost momentum rather than tightening the tension. Certain emotional beats land, while others depend too heavily on atmosphere and tropes. I wanted deeper character exploration beyond Mallory, especially regarding motivations and emotional fallout. Certain character connections felt performative, making it harder to stay invested in every dynamic. The potential for emotional devastation is here, but the story often pulls back just before the messiest truths emerge. I kept waiting for it to push harder, and sometimes it pulled away.
The writing itself is immersive and confident, especially when capturing Manhattan nightlife’s sensory richness and the world of burlesque. The prose works best when it delves into tension, vulnerability, and contradictions rather than just plot. The pacing simmers more than it explodes, which can work wonderfully for some readers—though at times the story drifts rather than escalates. The emotional scenes are purposeful, deeply tied to character growth rather than gratuitous shock. The book understands desire as complex—emotional, psychological, empowering, destructive—and I appreciated that complexity. The storytelling is messy, but intentionally messy. Hot people making emotionally questionable decisions under red lights? The book embraces it wholeheartedly. 💋
If you love emotionally complex erotic romance with themes of female awakening, voyeurism, morally gray attraction, and unstable relationships that are irresistibly compelling, this will likely speak to you. If stories where intimacy causes emotional fallout rather than solving problems resonate, you'll probably connect more deeply than I did. Fans of mood-driven, psychologically messy narratives will find plenty to vibe with. But if you need layered side characters, relentless pacing, or a big emotional payoff that hits you like a wrecking ball, this might feel a bit restrained despite its tension.
Ultimately, Blue Angel excels more as a mood and emotional experience than as a character-driven romance. I wasn’t obsessed, but I was definitely intrigued. Mallory’s arc feels deliberate, the darker themes are handled with care, and the atmosphere carried me through weaker patches. I wish the emotional payoff had hit with more impact. Still, for the right reader, this will feel seductive, chaotic, emotionally dangerous, and utterly immersive—exactly what they’re looking for. 😌
She’s playing a dangerous game. This was toxic in a way that worked a little too well.
⭐️Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🫠Emotional Damage Level: 🫠🫠 I Wanted More
🔥Chaos Level:🔥🔥 Almost There
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️— We Need to Talk, Explicit / Erotic-Level
⚠️Toxicity: Complicated ❌ Problematic… And Yet
‼️ Content Intensity: 🟣 Check Yourself First
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC Review: Thank you to the author/publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own and, unfortunately, cannot be controlled.
This book walked in smelling like perfume, bad decisions, and emotional repression, and unfortunately for me? That combination has power. 😮💨💋
Blue Angel draws you in first with its intoxicating atmosphere, and only secondarily with emotional instability. The burlesque club setting oozes seduction effortlessly, and the story pulses with this constant sense of temptation, projection, jealousy, and quiet self-sabotage. It’s deliberately messy—an electrifying chaos where reckless impulses quietly blow apart lives while everyone clings to a facade of control. Honestly? I devoured that chaos for a while.
This is a deeply mood-driven, emotionally charged journey. I only wish the payoffs matched the intensity of the setup.
What really resonated for me was Mallory’s internal struggle and the way the story examined desire as both liberation and destruction. Her emotional repression feels authentic, and watching her slowly unravel amid the allure, temptation, and performance-heavy environment of the Blue Angel creates genuine tension. The chemistry throughout the book feels awkward, dangerous, emotionally charged, and occasionally manipulative, in ways that seem intentional rather than accidental. I also appreciated that the story doesn’t pretend these dynamics are clean or uncomplicated. The shifting power dynamics, blurred boundaries, jealousy, vulnerability, and quiet emotional warfare add layers that make the relationships feel raw and real. And Bette Noir? Absolutely magnetic. Every scene she’s in crackles with energy. You can feel her gravitational pull over both the room and Mallory’s sense of self. ✨
That said, the book didn’t fully land emotionally for me. The premise is stronger than the execution at times, and there were stretches when the pacing lost momentum rather than tightening the tension. Certain emotional beats land, while others depend too heavily on atmosphere and tropes. I wanted deeper character exploration beyond Mallory, especially regarding motivations and emotional fallout. Certain character connections felt performative, making it harder to stay invested in every dynamic. The potential for emotional devastation is here, but the story often pulls back just before the messiest truths emerge. I kept waiting for it to push harder, and sometimes it pulled away.
The writing itself is immersive and confident, especially when capturing Manhattan nightlife’s sensory richness and the world of burlesque. The prose works best when it delves into tension, vulnerability, and contradictions rather than just plot. The pacing simmers more than it explodes, which can work wonderfully for some readers—though at times the story drifts rather than escalates. The emotional scenes are purposeful, deeply tied to character growth rather than gratuitous shock. The book understands desire as complex—emotional, psychological, empowering, destructive—and I appreciated that complexity. The storytelling is messy, but intentionally messy. Hot people making emotionally questionable decisions under red lights? The book embraces it wholeheartedly. 💋
If you love emotionally complex erotic romance with themes of female awakening, voyeurism, morally gray attraction, and unstable relationships that are irresistibly compelling, this will likely speak to you. If stories where intimacy causes emotional fallout rather than solving problems resonate, you'll probably connect more deeply than I did. Fans of mood-driven, psychologically messy narratives will find plenty to vibe with. But if you need layered side characters, relentless pacing, or a big emotional payoff that hits you like a wrecking ball, this might feel a bit restrained despite its tension.
Ultimately, Blue Angel excels more as a mood and emotional experience than as a character-driven romance. I wasn’t obsessed, but I was definitely intrigued. Mallory’s arc feels deliberate, the darker themes are handled with care, and the atmosphere carried me through weaker patches. I wish the emotional payoff had hit with more impact. Still, for the right reader, this will feel seductive, chaotic, emotionally dangerous, and utterly immersive—exactly what they’re looking for. 😌
She’s playing a dangerous game. This was toxic in a way that worked a little too well.
⭐️Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🫠Emotional Damage Level: 🫠🫠 I Wanted More
🔥Chaos Level:🔥🔥 Almost There
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️— We Need to Talk, Explicit / Erotic-Level
⚠️Toxicity: Complicated ❌ Problematic… And Yet
‼️ Content Intensity: 🟣 Check Yourself First
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
Blue Angel
Format: Audio
Narrator: Amy Hall
Thank you Podium Entertainment for this ALC of Blue Angel. This is my honest review and all thoughts are my own.
I wasn’t sure from the description if I would connect with Blue Angel, but I’m glad I gave it a go. I’m no stranger to spicy scenes or even just straight erotica, and I thought the sex scenes in Blue Angel were quite good and the mix of plot vs sex was well balanced. I wasn’t sure expecting it to be more sex heavy and was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on the relationships and FMCs feeling of needing to truly find herself.
I think the narration was well done. It was easy to follow and distinguish between the different characters, even though the majority of them were female. The different voices, accents, and tones made it clear. I did find the voice used for Alec to sound a little snobbish, but I did get that vibe from his dialogue as well so maybe it was intentional.
The pacing was great. I didn’t feel like it dragged or was rushing.
As for the characters, there were some hits and misses for me.
Mallory, the main character I could connect with in some ways. Trying to navigate a career she isn’t sure she truly wants, a relationship that feels like it’s changing, and desires she’s never had before. She’s confused about pretty much everything in life and that definitely feels relatable though her thought process and her actions feel foreign and at odds at times.
Alec, Mallory’s boyfriend of many years, who in the beginning was pressing for a threesome was an instant dislike of mine. And not because of the threesome. I just didn’t like how he didn’t support her in her career decisions or her questioning her career. He felt controlling and entitled to the future he was promised. Then towards the end of the book, he did a total about face, and that again confused me.
Bett, Mallory’s fling was the character I found most likable. Free thinking and encouraging Mallory to make her own decisions and just live for herself. This is the woman I would want to have an affair with if I were having a quarter life crisis.
Poppy, another dancer just felt unnecessary. She felt immature and juvenile in her thoughts and actions and I really don’t think she had a real place in the book.
Overall, I loved the premise of Blue Angel. A woman question what she really wants in career, love, sex, and all aspects of life and coming into her own power. I think the sexuality aspect was great. I just think the characters were a bit muddy.
Format: Audio
Narrator: Amy Hall
Thank you Podium Entertainment for this ALC of Blue Angel. This is my honest review and all thoughts are my own.
I wasn’t sure from the description if I would connect with Blue Angel, but I’m glad I gave it a go. I’m no stranger to spicy scenes or even just straight erotica, and I thought the sex scenes in Blue Angel were quite good and the mix of plot vs sex was well balanced. I wasn’t sure expecting it to be more sex heavy and was pleasantly surprised by the emphasis on the relationships and FMCs feeling of needing to truly find herself.
I think the narration was well done. It was easy to follow and distinguish between the different characters, even though the majority of them were female. The different voices, accents, and tones made it clear. I did find the voice used for Alec to sound a little snobbish, but I did get that vibe from his dialogue as well so maybe it was intentional.
The pacing was great. I didn’t feel like it dragged or was rushing.
As for the characters, there were some hits and misses for me.
Mallory, the main character I could connect with in some ways. Trying to navigate a career she isn’t sure she truly wants, a relationship that feels like it’s changing, and desires she’s never had before. She’s confused about pretty much everything in life and that definitely feels relatable though her thought process and her actions feel foreign and at odds at times.
Alec, Mallory’s boyfriend of many years, who in the beginning was pressing for a threesome was an instant dislike of mine. And not because of the threesome. I just didn’t like how he didn’t support her in her career decisions or her questioning her career. He felt controlling and entitled to the future he was promised. Then towards the end of the book, he did a total about face, and that again confused me.
Bett, Mallory’s fling was the character I found most likable. Free thinking and encouraging Mallory to make her own decisions and just live for herself. This is the woman I would want to have an affair with if I were having a quarter life crisis.
Poppy, another dancer just felt unnecessary. She felt immature and juvenile in her thoughts and actions and I really don’t think she had a real place in the book.
Overall, I loved the premise of Blue Angel. A woman question what she really wants in career, love, sex, and all aspects of life and coming into her own power. I think the sexuality aspect was great. I just think the characters were a bit muddy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for the ALC. Unfortunately, this one really did not work for me.
I wanted to like this book because the premise had a lot of potential. A woman questioning the life she thought she wanted, discovering burlesque, exploring sexuality, and navigating how those changes affect a long-term relationship could have been such an interesting and empowering story. I am fully here for books about women exploring desire, challenging expectations, and realizing they want something different from the safe, predictable path they have been following.
However, the execution really frustrated me.
This book had me doing something I absolutely hate doing... defending a man.
One of my biggest issues was the relationship conflict between Mallory and Alec. At first, I expected Alec to be the problem because he suggests a threesome, and I thought the book was setting him up as the sleazy boyfriend. But as the story went on, I actually found myself understanding his perspective more than Mallory’s, which was not what I expected.
Alec was suggesting something they could explore together as a couple. Mallory, however, interpreted that as permission to explore outside the relationship without him and had sex with another woman without him there and without him knowing. When Alec was hurt and tried to explain that he wanted them to try something together and grow as a couple, not for her to go have sex with someone else, Mallory framed his reaction as gaslighting.
That is not gaslighting. If Mallory was upset by the threesome suggestion, she should have said so. Alec even said that. But Mallory took it as permission to cheat without consequence, and I just could not get past that.
I also struggled with Mallory’s lack of accountability throughout the book. I kept waiting for more reflection, growth, or honest communication, but she kept lying, avoiding responsibility, and positioning herself as the victim.
I also had a hard time with the way empowerment was framed. The concept of Mallory realizing she may not want to be a lawyer and may instead feel drawn to burlesque could have been really interesting. But rather than feeling nuanced, the story sometimes leaned into stereotypes about women, desire, and objectification. Lines like “all women want to be objectified” really did not sit right with me. If a woman feels empowered on stage as a burlesque dancer, great. But broad statements like that send a very different message.
The side characters were also difficult for me to connect with. Poppy in particular felt immature, and I honestly could have done without her entirely.
I do not like writing negative reviews, especially for review copies, but this one was unfortunately not for me.
I wanted to like this book because the premise had a lot of potential. A woman questioning the life she thought she wanted, discovering burlesque, exploring sexuality, and navigating how those changes affect a long-term relationship could have been such an interesting and empowering story. I am fully here for books about women exploring desire, challenging expectations, and realizing they want something different from the safe, predictable path they have been following.
However, the execution really frustrated me.
This book had me doing something I absolutely hate doing... defending a man.
One of my biggest issues was the relationship conflict between Mallory and Alec. At first, I expected Alec to be the problem because he suggests a threesome, and I thought the book was setting him up as the sleazy boyfriend. But as the story went on, I actually found myself understanding his perspective more than Mallory’s, which was not what I expected.
Alec was suggesting something they could explore together as a couple. Mallory, however, interpreted that as permission to explore outside the relationship without him and had sex with another woman without him there and without him knowing. When Alec was hurt and tried to explain that he wanted them to try something together and grow as a couple, not for her to go have sex with someone else, Mallory framed his reaction as gaslighting.
That is not gaslighting. If Mallory was upset by the threesome suggestion, she should have said so. Alec even said that. But Mallory took it as permission to cheat without consequence, and I just could not get past that.
I also struggled with Mallory’s lack of accountability throughout the book. I kept waiting for more reflection, growth, or honest communication, but she kept lying, avoiding responsibility, and positioning herself as the victim.
I also had a hard time with the way empowerment was framed. The concept of Mallory realizing she may not want to be a lawyer and may instead feel drawn to burlesque could have been really interesting. But rather than feeling nuanced, the story sometimes leaned into stereotypes about women, desire, and objectification. Lines like “all women want to be objectified” really did not sit right with me. If a woman feels empowered on stage as a burlesque dancer, great. But broad statements like that send a very different message.
The side characters were also difficult for me to connect with. Poppy in particular felt immature, and I honestly could have done without her entirely.
I do not like writing negative reviews, especially for review copies, but this one was unfortunately not for me.
July 23, 2026
Thank you Jamie Brenner and Podium Entertainment for this physical advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was super excited to read this because I LOVE burlesque. I have gone to multiple burlesque shows and they always are such a great time. I think this book did a fantastic job of describing how intoxicating and fun the burlesque vibe is. Every scene where it described one of the burlesque shows, I genuinely felt like I was there. I loved how much detail was explained in the costumes, the routines, and the song choices. The setting explanation was truly chef's kiss. Like literally I would go to the Blue Angel TOMORROW if I could.
I also loved the idea of Mallory finding herself. It is never too late to find your passion, switch careers, or leave a relationship that does not suit you anymore. I loved how much confidence Mallory got in her journey of self discovery.
For me personally, I would have wished there was more plot and less smut. Insane to say because I am such a smut girl lol but I genuinely felt like there could have been so much character growth that would have led to me being more invested if we cut out some of the spicy scenes. On that note though, the spicy scenes WOW. SPICY SPICY SPICY. MM MF FMF FMM like put any two of those letters together and it is in this book with plenty of toys and foreplay.
I would say this is less of a romance book to me and more a fiction book about a women discovering what she truly wants in life and not being afraid to go for it.
I was super excited to read this because I LOVE burlesque. I have gone to multiple burlesque shows and they always are such a great time. I think this book did a fantastic job of describing how intoxicating and fun the burlesque vibe is. Every scene where it described one of the burlesque shows, I genuinely felt like I was there. I loved how much detail was explained in the costumes, the routines, and the song choices. The setting explanation was truly chef's kiss. Like literally I would go to the Blue Angel TOMORROW if I could.
I also loved the idea of Mallory finding herself. It is never too late to find your passion, switch careers, or leave a relationship that does not suit you anymore. I loved how much confidence Mallory got in her journey of self discovery.
For me personally, I would have wished there was more plot and less smut. Insane to say because I am such a smut girl lol but I genuinely felt like there could have been so much character growth that would have led to me being more invested if we cut out some of the spicy scenes. On that note though, the spicy scenes WOW. SPICY SPICY SPICY. MM MF FMF FMM like put any two of those letters together and it is in this book with plenty of toys and foreplay.
I would say this is less of a romance book to me and more a fiction book about a women discovering what she truly wants in life and not being afraid to go for it.
June 4, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
After reading the blurb for Blue Angel, I was really excited. A woman who's struggling with her identity and what's next for her falling into the world of burlesque? What's not to love?
Unfortunately, that was where the things I like ended. After failing the Bar Exam, Mallory is floating along in her life studying and preparing to retake the exam and get her life back on track. But when her fiancé Alec takes her to the Blue Angel, a burlesque club and she's brought on stage, Mallory's eyes are opened to a life of new possibilities and ideas she never would've thought were available to her.
While the writing in the book was good, I just generally didn't like the characters. There were a lot of gross double standards, and while I'm all for a woman finding her place in the world, the way Mallory and Alec went about things throughout the entire story were so immature they turned me off.
So while I didn't enjoy literally ... any ... of the main and supporting characters in the book, I think there's a lot of promise around the premise and love a sex positive book, so I'll still give the second one a chance when it comes out.
Audio specific rating: 4/5
Story: 3/5
After reading the blurb for Blue Angel, I was really excited. A woman who's struggling with her identity and what's next for her falling into the world of burlesque? What's not to love?
Unfortunately, that was where the things I like ended. After failing the Bar Exam, Mallory is floating along in her life studying and preparing to retake the exam and get her life back on track. But when her fiancé Alec takes her to the Blue Angel, a burlesque club and she's brought on stage, Mallory's eyes are opened to a life of new possibilities and ideas she never would've thought were available to her.
While the writing in the book was good, I just generally didn't like the characters. There were a lot of gross double standards, and while I'm all for a woman finding her place in the world, the way Mallory and Alec went about things throughout the entire story were so immature they turned me off.
So while I didn't enjoy literally ... any ... of the main and supporting characters in the book, I think there's a lot of promise around the premise and love a sex positive book, so I'll still give the second one a chance when it comes out.
Audio specific rating: 4/5
Story: 3/5
April 26, 2026
Blue Angel by Jamie Brenner
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Amy Hall
Non-Spoiler Review
I dove straight into this book and loved every minute of it. Jamie Brenner knows how to write the best FMC’s and has now become an author I will be on the lookout for. Her story along with the fantastic narration had be locked in from start to finish.
This was an incredible story of a woman, Mallory, who struggles with her future and what she wants out life. Completing law school at the top of her class, but not passing the bar exam, put serious doubts in her mind about becoming a lawyer. Then when her longtime boyfriend Alec, inquires about having another woman join them in the bedroom, she starts to doubt everything. Terrified to make any moves to change her path, she struggles with her decisions. A night out at a burlesque show for her birthday starts to put things into motion that begins to unlock her true wants and feelings.
Amy Hall was absolutely phenomenal in her voice acting. She had me captivated with the characters, their decisions and consequences, while keeping me locked-in to find out the outcome. The angst, drama, and spice, were turned up full force throughout this risqué storyline. I adored the friendships that were made and the experiences they shared, bringing Mallory out of her comfort zone. I loved how she stood her ground with Alec and the character growth they both shared.
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the ALC
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Amy Hall
Non-Spoiler Review
I dove straight into this book and loved every minute of it. Jamie Brenner knows how to write the best FMC’s and has now become an author I will be on the lookout for. Her story along with the fantastic narration had be locked in from start to finish.
This was an incredible story of a woman, Mallory, who struggles with her future and what she wants out life. Completing law school at the top of her class, but not passing the bar exam, put serious doubts in her mind about becoming a lawyer. Then when her longtime boyfriend Alec, inquires about having another woman join them in the bedroom, she starts to doubt everything. Terrified to make any moves to change her path, she struggles with her decisions. A night out at a burlesque show for her birthday starts to put things into motion that begins to unlock her true wants and feelings.
Amy Hall was absolutely phenomenal in her voice acting. She had me captivated with the characters, their decisions and consequences, while keeping me locked-in to find out the outcome. The angst, drama, and spice, were turned up full force throughout this risqué storyline. I adored the friendships that were made and the experiences they shared, bringing Mallory out of her comfort zone. I loved how she stood her ground with Alec and the character growth they both shared.
Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for the ALC
May 16, 2026
In my opinion, Blue Angel is not a romance in the tradition sense. It is er0tic fiction with an emphasis on self discovery.
The FMC & MMC repeatedly say how much they are in love, but are apart for a large majority of the story due to cheating. When they reunite, it’s with very little fanfare and they just sort of settle back into their lives, as if they both aren’t toxic in their own ways.
The FMCs so-called friends are anything but supportive, and somehow, the FMC befriends a side character that attempts (somewhat successfully) to destroy the her life. And at the end of the story, I’m expected to excuse that side character’s conniving behavior and believe that she deserves her own happy ending.
All of the characters are toxic and have poor emotional intelligence, but to differing degrees.
I had a difficult time suspending my disbelief for any of the relationships formed in the book, but the absolute reality-tv style messiness kept me listening through to the end.
Amy Hall did a fine job narrating.
Thank you Podium for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC.
The FMC & MMC repeatedly say how much they are in love, but are apart for a large majority of the story due to cheating. When they reunite, it’s with very little fanfare and they just sort of settle back into their lives, as if they both aren’t toxic in their own ways.
The FMCs so-called friends are anything but supportive, and somehow, the FMC befriends a side character that attempts (somewhat successfully) to destroy the her life. And at the end of the story, I’m expected to excuse that side character’s conniving behavior and believe that she deserves her own happy ending.
All of the characters are toxic and have poor emotional intelligence, but to differing degrees.
I had a difficult time suspending my disbelief for any of the relationships formed in the book, but the absolute reality-tv style messiness kept me listening through to the end.
Amy Hall did a fine job narrating.
Thank you Podium for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I voluntarily listened to the ALC of this Book.
Wow. I went in blind and am I glad I did. Book 1 in the Burlesque Trilogy.
I loved this story. Ever felt underwhelmed by your life? Turns out for Mallory when you look through the curtains and experience another life its hard to go back no matter how quick the peek is. The Scandalous vibe, the sexual awakening and exploration brought the perfect level of spice, the subsequent relationships that developed between Mallory and Bette and the whole Blue Angel Club scene. the multiple POV with snippets from side characters gave depth to the plot.
Amy Hall was the perfect casting for the narration of this story and the characters. I consumed this in less than a day I couldn't hit pause.
No doubt I will be adding the rest of the series books to my TBR.
5 Stars
Thank you to Podium and Jamie Brenner for the opportunity to listen and share in the release of this story.
Wow. I went in blind and am I glad I did. Book 1 in the Burlesque Trilogy.
I loved this story. Ever felt underwhelmed by your life? Turns out for Mallory when you look through the curtains and experience another life its hard to go back no matter how quick the peek is. The Scandalous vibe, the sexual awakening and exploration brought the perfect level of spice, the subsequent relationships that developed between Mallory and Bette and the whole Blue Angel Club scene. the multiple POV with snippets from side characters gave depth to the plot.
Amy Hall was the perfect casting for the narration of this story and the characters. I consumed this in less than a day I couldn't hit pause.
No doubt I will be adding the rest of the series books to my TBR.
5 Stars
Thank you to Podium and Jamie Brenner for the opportunity to listen and share in the release of this story.
May 19, 2026
I listened to the Audiobook and I loved everything about this book.
I could never imagine my man asking to bring in another woman into our sex life. And what a perfect way to start to potentially agree to this by going to a burlesque show because your man asked you to go with him ……and on your birthday.
I do like that the female main character in this book starts to see that there’s more to life than just a corporate job. And then becomes intrigued by the burlesque/showgirl career.
And things take a turn when she starts to like the main burlesque dancer at blue Angel.
I loved the whole showgirl rivalry, there is between the main character and other girls within the burlesque show at blue Angel.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a very spicy erotic romance with a little bit of cheating, but it is an open relationship type of story…. Just FYI !
I could never imagine my man asking to bring in another woman into our sex life. And what a perfect way to start to potentially agree to this by going to a burlesque show because your man asked you to go with him ……and on your birthday.
I do like that the female main character in this book starts to see that there’s more to life than just a corporate job. And then becomes intrigued by the burlesque/showgirl career.
And things take a turn when she starts to like the main burlesque dancer at blue Angel.
I loved the whole showgirl rivalry, there is between the main character and other girls within the burlesque show at blue Angel.
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a very spicy erotic romance with a little bit of cheating, but it is an open relationship type of story…. Just FYI !
May 17, 2026
I really wanted to like this one because the premise sounded so promising and intriguing, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. Somewhere around the 55% mark I completely lost interest in the characters and found myself struggling to stay invested in the story.
I ended up skimming a lot of the second half because I didn’t want to DNF it since it was an ARC, but I just wasn’t emotionally connected anymore. The one thing I did appreciate was Mallory’s desire to become braver and grow throughout the story. That was definitely the highlight for me, even if I still didn’t really care about how everything wrapped up in the end.
Thank you to Jamie, Podium Entertainment, and NetGalley for an advance copy to provide an honest review.
I ended up skimming a lot of the second half because I didn’t want to DNF it since it was an ARC, but I just wasn’t emotionally connected anymore. The one thing I did appreciate was Mallory’s desire to become braver and grow throughout the story. That was definitely the highlight for me, even if I still didn’t really care about how everything wrapped up in the end.
Thank you to Jamie, Podium Entertainment, and NetGalley for an advance copy to provide an honest review.
July 31, 2026
Thanks to Podium Entertainment for the PR copy!
There is definitely a lot to appreciate about this book. The exploration of the New York City burlesque scene is vivid, and the sensual, underground atmosphere of the club is completely immersive. The audiobook performance was dynamic and a good time.
The main issue for me was Mallory's boyfriend, Alec. His behavior leans into gaslighting and narcissistic tendencies, which made their relationship incredibly difficult to support. Because of how he treats her, the way the story resolves feels frustrating and unbelievable. Knowing this is the first part of a trilogy, I just cannot imagine continuing the series if it requires spending more time with his character.
There is definitely a lot to appreciate about this book. The exploration of the New York City burlesque scene is vivid, and the sensual, underground atmosphere of the club is completely immersive. The audiobook performance was dynamic and a good time.
The main issue for me was Mallory's boyfriend, Alec. His behavior leans into gaslighting and narcissistic tendencies, which made their relationship incredibly difficult to support. Because of how he treats her, the way the story resolves feels frustrating and unbelievable. Knowing this is the first part of a trilogy, I just cannot imagine continuing the series if it requires spending more time with his character.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Podium Entertainment for providing this as an audiobook.
The FMC, Mallory steps into the world of burlesque and it changes her outlook on life. It was interesting seeing this character change her whole life once she is introduced to this world. The side characters of Bette and Poppy were just as interesting as the main FMC. Bette was a very strong-willed character and she really pushed Mallory to live her own life.
There is tons of spice in this book but it does not overtake the plot.
This os the first book of The Burlesque Trilogy and tge first part of Mallory's journey in the world of Burlesque. I look forward to reading the next two books when available.
The FMC, Mallory steps into the world of burlesque and it changes her outlook on life. It was interesting seeing this character change her whole life once she is introduced to this world. The side characters of Bette and Poppy were just as interesting as the main FMC. Bette was a very strong-willed character and she really pushed Mallory to live her own life.
There is tons of spice in this book but it does not overtake the plot.
This os the first book of The Burlesque Trilogy and tge first part of Mallory's journey in the world of Burlesque. I look forward to reading the next two books when available.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Blue Angel
Author: Jamie Brenner
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I am typically a thriller/mystery book reader, but every so often I like to take a little break and read something a little less stressful.
Let's be honest, readers don't expect erotic fiction to be literary masterpieces. If you go into this with that mindset, you won't be disappointed.
I found the main character, Mallory, to be a walking contradiction. She seemed to always be trying to justify her actions. Actually, I found her husband, Alec, to be judgemental and non-supportive. Talk about sending mixed messages!!!
If you read erotica for exciting scenes, then this book should be right up your alley!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Jamie Brenner
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I am typically a thriller/mystery book reader, but every so often I like to take a little break and read something a little less stressful.
Let's be honest, readers don't expect erotic fiction to be literary masterpieces. If you go into this with that mindset, you won't be disappointed.
I found the main character, Mallory, to be a walking contradiction. She seemed to always be trying to justify her actions. Actually, I found her husband, Alec, to be judgemental and non-supportive. Talk about sending mixed messages!!!
If you read erotica for exciting scenes, then this book should be right up your alley!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
May 1, 2026
4⭐️
3🌶️
This book is completely different from what I usually read, but I really enjoyed it.
We get multiple POVs throughout the story, and I loved seeing all the different layers and perspectives come together.
This leans more toward erotica with a romance element, but it still has a deeper theme about finding yourself and realizing you can reinvent your life at any stage.
The characters are complex, the drama is a lot, and it definitely keeps things interesting the entire time.
I’m really curious to see where the rest of the trilogy goes from here.
And for anyone wondering, this one does have a happy ending for the main couple.
I received this book as an ARC.
3🌶️
This book is completely different from what I usually read, but I really enjoyed it.
We get multiple POVs throughout the story, and I loved seeing all the different layers and perspectives come together.
This leans more toward erotica with a romance element, but it still has a deeper theme about finding yourself and realizing you can reinvent your life at any stage.
The characters are complex, the drama is a lot, and it definitely keeps things interesting the entire time.
I’m really curious to see where the rest of the trilogy goes from here.
And for anyone wondering, this one does have a happy ending for the main couple.
I received this book as an ARC.
June 7, 2026
🎧🧜🏻♀️ALC Review🧜🏻♀️🎧
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I love the burlesque and self discovery elements of this story there something that didn’t sit right with me about Mallory’s and Alec’s relationship, and didn’t find believable. I did throughly enjoy Amy Halls performance, being a single narrator can be rough and she did a fabulous job! @Podium Entertainment
#jamiebrenner #blueangel #podiumentertainment #amyhall
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I love the burlesque and self discovery elements of this story there something that didn’t sit right with me about Mallory’s and Alec’s relationship, and didn’t find believable. I did throughly enjoy Amy Halls performance, being a single narrator can be rough and she did a fabulous job! @Podium Entertainment
#jamiebrenner #blueangel #podiumentertainment #amyhall
June 24, 2026
This is Burlesque (the movie) meets a bi-awakening in a messy relationship.
It was an interesting story. I wasn’t really vibing with it at first. I thought the boyfriend was a bit controlling/domineering but the FMC quickly changed that. It was a wild ride. Definitely a fun story and a good quick read. I thought it could have had a different/better ending though.
Tropes:
Bi awakening
Second chance
Other woman drama
Messy/toxic relationship
It was an interesting story. I wasn’t really vibing with it at first. I thought the boyfriend was a bit controlling/domineering but the FMC quickly changed that. It was a wild ride. Definitely a fun story and a good quick read. I thought it could have had a different/better ending though.
Tropes:
Bi awakening
Second chance
Other woman drama
Messy/toxic relationship
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I reeeeally wanted to like this book, the story sounded promising and intriguing, but unfortunately, I dont think I enjoyed it.
I honestly think the only reason i was able to get through it and finish it, was because it was the audio format 😅
Amy Hall did a really good job in her performance !
I honestly think the only reason i was able to get through it and finish it, was because it was the audio format 😅
Amy Hall did a really good job in her performance !
August 20, 2026
Just wow!!! I read this one my cruise when I had a little down time and LOVED IT. I loved how Mallory finally was letting herself find her inner burlesque dancer in this. It was a phenomenal book that had me reading like no tomorrow was coming. Definitely was a great read.
April 27, 2026
3.5⭐️ all of the main characters were insufferable 🤣 and then slowly became more tolerable as the book went on lmao
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THIS was a very fun & sexy read. More please from the author!
Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for the copy.
Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for the copy.
May 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was a good spicy time centred around self discovery. Entertaining.
This was a good spicy time centred around self discovery. Entertaining.
May 18, 2026
This book was written in first person present from multiple POVs. To say it was hard to follow.is a massive understatement. I DNF about 20% in.
May 23, 2026
Probably more like a 3.5.
July 29, 2026
Fun read away in a modern day burlesque club in NYC - lots of hot sex
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I devoured the audiobook of Blue Angel. The narration had me locked in… I was fully invested in everyone’s messy lives and questionable decisions 👀
the drama? the tension? the emotional chaos?? it pulled me right in and kept me there the whole time. This is one of those audiobooks where you are not ready for it to over when it is.
Thank you so much To Podium Entertainment for my ALC!
the drama? the tension? the emotional chaos?? it pulled me right in and kept me there the whole time. This is one of those audiobooks where you are not ready for it to over when it is.
Thank you so much To Podium Entertainment for my ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Jamie Brenner & NetGalley for the ARC.
I had fun reading this one, even though it wasn’t completely for me. I really enjoyed watching Mallory grow throughout the story, seeing her start to accept herself and become braver was definitely a highlight.
At times, I did feel like the focus shifted a bit too much to the side characters. However, the book was definitely on the steamier side, which added an extra layer of intensity for readers who enjoy that.
Overall, while it didn’t fully match my personal reading preferences, I still had a good time reading it.
I had fun reading this one, even though it wasn’t completely for me. I really enjoyed watching Mallory grow throughout the story, seeing her start to accept herself and become braver was definitely a highlight.
At times, I did feel like the focus shifted a bit too much to the side characters. However, the book was definitely on the steamier side, which added an extra layer of intensity for readers who enjoy that.
Overall, while it didn’t fully match my personal reading preferences, I still had a good time reading it.
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