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Five years ago, I had an audition for the ballet company of my dreams. Five years ago, my boyfriend purposely broke my toes and ruined my dreams. Two days later, I found out I’m a witch.

I thought my ballet days were over. I just graduated from the academy to work as a federal agent with the Paranormal Investigation Bureau. I get called into the office for something that could change my life permanently. Meaning, I could die. That ballet company I never got to audition for is doing The Sugar Skull Girl. This ballet has never been seen on stage before. I don’t have the full story, but rumors are that any time someone tries to attempt this ballet, things soon turn fatal.

I’ve been told to strap my pointe shoes on and use my witch abilities to go undercover at the ballet company. I had my reservations about taking this job, even if it had once been a dream of mine to dance for The P. The artistic director is a horny Unseelie rake who makes casting decisions with his cock. The prima ballerina here needs to retire, but she’s totally toxic about making sure no one upstages her. She has a club of mean girl ballet dancers willing to ruin careers just for the spotlight…or maybe just for fun.

Not only do I have to survive gossip, hot male dancers who like to sniff around new ballerinas, and toxic prima ballerinas, I have to figure out what is going on with this ballet before we all die. I might not like these people, but I’m here to save their lives.

206 pages, ebook

First published April 30, 2020

149 people are currently reading
292 people want to read

About the author

J.B. Trepagnier

123 books814 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author JB Trepagnier is secretly 30 feral cats in a trench coat and combat boots writing romance with a shared feral cat hive mind.

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5 stars
366 (52%)
4 stars
217 (31%)
3 stars
85 (12%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Agata Jędrzejewska.
861 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2021
This was one interesting story. I danced ballet as a kid, for very short unluckily (apparently my feet are not made for pointe shoes 🥲) and this story put me back into this beautiful world. It’s so beautifully described that even a person who doesn’t know ballet can imagine and feel the dance. It’s also intriguing in so many levels. The mystery is well constructed and back story well thought. It just keeps your attention. I have my idea of who did it, but who knows, maybe I am wrong. I really dislike some characters, others I love and there are some I hope would come to theirs senses, evolved and change; but they are well constructed. I like the fact it have no cliffhanger per se, even if we don’t get all answers. In total we get mystery book that makes you run through its pages eagerly with even bigger promises of fun in next parts. Loved it.
1,062 reviews18 followers
May 3, 2021
This first book in The Paranormal Investigation Bureau by JB Trepagnier was definitely full of suspense as an agent attempted to find the source of a curse on The Sugar Skull Girl ballet by The P a paranormal ballet troupe. The agent, Beyla, also happens to be a witch and an excellent ballet dancer, so who better to send undercover to solve the mystery. Along the way, she gathers the support of Nyx a female dancer, and four paranormal male dancers, Arden, Bevan, Merlin, and Nicolai, who all try to protect her from the dangerous diva, Bellatrix, and her duo of supporters, Ivy and Julian. While the characters are not extremely developed, their actions definitely define them accurately. The suspense is built around Beyla solving the curse while keeping everyone in the ballet troupe alive, and surviving the attempts to physically harm her she knows are surely coming her way. Underlying this dark material is a lighter and more sexual side as the subject of a reverse harem is discussed by those who hope to included in the group. One final thing I will mention is that the author could NOT have left the book on more of a cliffhanger ending as it left many questions unanswered while leading the reader on the second book, which of course we now have to wait to add it to our TBR files. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Booksprout.
382 reviews6 followers
May 4, 2021
This was an amazing and unique book! I loved the mystery, the plot, the characters (the FMC and her males), and the suspense!

The book had many POV which was brilliant. Each one had a puzzle piece needed to get close to or complete the puzzle of the book.

I did catch a few errors and typos. I’ll probably email the author where I caught them. There wasn’t a whole lot of them to make the book annoying.

This RH book is a slow burn one. You get a start of a foundation between FMC and her harem, but you also get some bull-headed, jacked up, testosterone males. Hopefully, in the next book we get more of a relationship and trust going with all the characters!

I really hope book 2 comes out quickly! It really was a good book!

This review is of my own opinion.
Profile Image for T..
907 reviews20 followers
May 2, 2021
Our main character is Beyla and she was an incredible ballet dancer as a teenager. When she was about to head to New York for a huge break, her boyfriend decided he didn’t want her to go and he broke both her feet. Right after that, her parents tragically died in a car accident. Yes, at sixteen she was no longer a stranger to catastrophe. She was taken in by her parent’s best friend Kaine. He helped her, encouraged her and allowed her time to heal. He is part of the Paranormal Investigation Bureau and Beyla decided to train and become part of it.

She’s graduated and her first assignment is to go undercover to a ballet company (that she was going to go to at sixteen) and see if she can make sure a production they are planning to do can actually happen without any fatalities. Beyla is determined to do her job to keep the leads of the ballet alive, whether she likes them or not. She does, however, have to deal with other company members who aren’t all kind and pure. Yes, I’m smirking here.

I read and review a few books through BookSprout and when I saw this one it didn’t sound like something I wanted to read, then review. I was afraid I wouldn’t like it and I hate writing reviews for books I don’t like. So I skipped it and borrowed it via Kindle Unlimited. I was SO wrong about it not being something I would like! I will not doubt Ms. Trepagnier again. I began this book and couldn’t put it down. Actually, when it was getting late, I did put it down because I was already so involved with the story and characters, I was afraid it would keep me awake if I continued. I picked up immediately upon waking and oh boy! I was engrossed from the first sentence to the last word. It was such a good story, and as usual, I can’t wait for Book 2 of the series!
Profile Image for Mysty Sinclair.
277 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2021
This is the first book I have ever read where the main character was a dancer and I actually got to read about them dancing. This was real treat for anyone who knew the all the dance terminology but it could also be enjoyed by anyone who didn't know what was really being said. Just like in any other Trepagnier, we have our main female lead that in this book is both graceful and can kick butt, our main cast of men that have all their quirks and want to dance with our female lead and a killer situation that might kill everyone involved if our female lead doesn't solve the problem. Instead of there being a mastermind out to kill everyone, it's a ballet that is going to be the killer. It's one thing to stop a serial killer but how do you stop a killer ballet? I personally wanted to find out and that's why I read the whole book in a day. I am left wanting more and eager to read what happens next. You'll feel the same if you read this book too. If you like any of Trepagnier's work, you're gonna love this book too. I did a whole blog post about the book, so check it out if you want to know my full thoughts about the book. No major spoilers to be given, I promise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MsRHReviewer.
738 reviews13 followers
March 27, 2022
Mystery, chemistry, and minions!

I actually read about Ripley, and the first book with Ravyn, before I knew about this series. I'm really enjoying it! There's enough mystery to make you wonder what's going on, and it was about halfway through this book that I was pretty sure I figured it out! However, at the end, it explains a bit more about the situation that I didn't fully guess, so that was a fun twist!

There was one or two VERY minor inconsistencies in the book, but nothing big enough to take from the story, and some may not even notice. Example: Nyx, Arden and Beyla invite Bevan over, who is roommates with two of the other main characters, Merlin and Nicolai. Bevan walks in and said that the other two didn't realize Beyla was Nyx's roommate, or they'd have invited themselves over, too. A couple of chapters / "POVs" later, Nicolai said he wanted to go over with Bevan to see Beyla, but he didn't know enough about ballet conspiracy theories, which is why Bevan went over in the first place. Again - VERY minor detail, and not even important in the grand scheme of things. There's also punctuation, grammar, and spelling mistakes, but still very few, and not enough to take away from your reading experience.

It's still a great book, and I'm excited to read the next ones to see where this all goes!
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,311 reviews
May 9, 2021
🎶 Yes, everything was beautiful at the ballet... 🎶

Having this UF set in the cutthroat world of ballet really opened a lot of avenues for the author and the characters. I found Beyla’s backstory touching, and having her go undercover back into the same world that is associated with so much grief just had me itching to read more.

Once she arrives at The P. however, it’s game on as Beyla is not only trying to do her job, but avoid the guys looking to score with the new girl, plus thanks to a certain jerk, she ends up with a massive target on her back when the prima ballerina feels threatened by the new girl. Stand back, grab some popcorn and let the cattiness begin...

The mystery surrounding the mysterious ballet is a driving force, and as information is teased out ever so slowly, I wish there had been more pages in the book as it left me hanging just when we were getting to the meat of the mystery. So we have a great setting, ambiance, a suitably intriguing mystery and a great cast of characters - plus this was pretty PG as far as any RH situations go - so I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

4.5 stars ⭐️
Profile Image for Ines.
1,346 reviews48 followers
May 22, 2022
When Beyla's dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer were crushed, she decided to turn her life around and become a federal agent at the paranormal investigation bureau. Her first day after graduation turns out a little different than expect though, with an undercover assignment at "The P", the famous ballet company all her younger dreams were focussed on. With a mission to find out why there's a curse on the ballet they want to perform, she has no wish to deal with the politics involved in this ballet company. Maybe a few hot dancers can make everything better?

I absolutely love the combination of tropes in this series! You've got dancers, fated mates, a mixed harem, bully (outside of the harem), and a wonderful who-done-it theme, all in one series! The men had to grow a little on me, but by the end of this first book I absolutely adored every single one of them. This is a slow burn series, but the tiny teasers we get about certain preferences are making me really excited to find out what will happen next between all these characters.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
56 reviews
May 31, 2023
This is an intriguing mystery/why-choose romance about a paranormal FBI agent meeting her mates while being on an undercover job to make or break her career. This trilogy is one of my favourites because there is real relationship-building without insta-lust/insta-love but respect and attraction as well as a suspenseful story with a dangerous plot. The protagonist’s harem is focussed on her, but does not exclude sword-crossing and the heroine has to prove herself, so expect a badass with a sweet character! This book is set in the same universe as Trepagnier’s other works but you don’t have to know them to read this story. I love the thrilling detective mystery combined with the romantic development, and even the side characters get their own ending! But if you’re not a fan of violence and physical abuse (short background scene which you can skip), this may not be the book for you.“
6,029 reviews41 followers
June 22, 2021
The competition in dance companies can be rather brutal, but this one takes it to an entirely new level. Enter our heroine who has to survive this gauntlet to prevent something even worse from happening.

So ballet is not my thing, but I do like a good urban fantasy. This one offers both and does a good job of it. The story is well written and generally easy to read, although the prima donnas do get on one's nerves. The characters are well done, even the annoying ones, and certainly bring the story to life. The mystery itself is a good one and includes plenty of twists and turns. Overall, this was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to more odd creations from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
Profile Image for Beth.
493 reviews25 followers
April 28, 2021
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. A ballet that has never been performed for an audience because it’s cursed and the dancers die every time it’s attempted, loved it. So much ballet, backstabbing, romance, mystery and friendship. I was surprised that this book doesn’t wrap up the cursed ballet in book 1 and have a different mystery for book 2, be warned that it doesn’t give you all the answers yet. I also can’t wait until Arden spills the beans to Beyla and to see if what’s hunter at with Arden and Bevan is true or if it’s something else entirely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
33 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2021
Well I absolutely loved this book, it keeps you guessing who El Gato is (I’m hoping I’m right). I can’t wait for the next one to be released to find out whether I guessed right! I love Beyla, Bevan and Arden, not too sure about Nicholai and Merlin yet but hopefully I’ll like them too! Bellatrix, Ivy and Julian are easy to hate although you don’t see much of Ivy. And Marsden, I hope he finally opens his eyes to what’s going on! I also feel like Kaine and Nyx need to meet. All in all I would definitely recommend this book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ArtemiseElyse.
195 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2021
Wait a flipping minute! I need more ( spoiler included)

I purposefully did not look at the book progress and just enjoyed the book. This was so good. The story is just right and the mystery is intriguing. I need to at least know when book 2 is coming out. I’m over here I’m book withdrawal. NEED BOOK 2 now. I would honest recommend as is the style of this author to wait until the whole series is out. This book ends in what I call an incline. It’s not a cliffhanger per say as it did not end in the middle of something but it does end before anything is truly resolved. Enjoy if you choose to go ahead and read it. Enjoy your excitement and anticipation if you choose to wait.
1,421 reviews11 followers
May 1, 2021
Beyla's ex boyfriend broke both of her feet so that she wouldnt leave him to go to ballet school - and her parents died just days later in a car accident.Five years later, she is working for the Paranormal Investifation Unit, and is sent unfer cover to find out why a certain Ballet appears to be cursed, with the lead dancers dying,
Who is behind the curse? Why does the artistic director [ut up with the dangerous antics of the lead ballerina?
Will Beyla succeed in solving the mystery without members dying? Cliff hanger ending - looking forward to the next instalment!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AHCuteArt.
1,189 reviews27 followers
March 14, 2022
DNF (did not finish). What made the book unfinishable in your opinion?
I couldn't get into this book. I'm not interested in ballet drama and politics. The added supernatural/ fae aspect to the troupe didn't really add any appeal to me. I also didn't find the sexual harassment that the ballet troupe had to constantly deal with to be entertaining. I only got to the 11% mark in the book when I realized that this story was not for me. I gave this book an average rating because I didn't get far enough into it to adequately judge it. Overall if you like fairies, reverse harems, and dance then this is the book for you.
72 reviews
March 23, 2022
Meh... Not the worst

The premise of this book is weak - a federal agent gets hired only because she danced well six years ago? - but it is at least unique. The book needs an editor to go over all the missing words in sentences but the grammar and spelling is pretty good, at least. There is some heavy foreshadowing that makes me think that I already know the answer to this mystery but the book was written well enough that I will continue with book 2 to find out more. I wouldn't recommend purchasing the book but it's definitely a fine way to spend an afternoon or two with your Kindle Unlimited membership.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,790 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2022
3.5 stars good start to the series

This is a medium burn paranormal RH series. The h is an independent and strong person with a tragic backstory. I love the dragon who raised her. He may be my favorite character, even though the others have their good points. We are introduced to the j right as she graduates from the academy for the paranormal Bureau. Her first assignment takes her to her first love, ballet. The atmosphere is cutthroat. Possibly literally for this cursed ballet.
Told from multiple POV. No steam yet bit plenty of interested parties. Ends in cliffhanger. Series needs to be read in order.
Profile Image for Rachel Benham.
580 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2021
This book was exciting from the start. A forbidden ballet, an undercover agent who wanted to be a professional ballerina at one point in her life, and a bunch of drama. Beyla was such an incredible character. She was there to help make sure the ballet put on this production with any deaths as it was before. She keeps digging and with her new found friends, I believe she is going to be the one to finally break the curse. I can not wait until the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews13 followers
Read
May 8, 2021
Beyla wanted to be a dancer more than anything. Its her dream. Her boyfriend destroyed any chances of that ever happening. She finds a job as law enforcement for supernatural. Her assignment is to figure out what is happening when the ballet company performs sugar skull ballet. This book is a powerhouse. The energy of the story and the characters keeps you reading until the end. I was on the very edge of my seat until the very end. I definitely need to read book two. This new series is really amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
May 9, 2021
As someone who has only been exposed to the world of ballet as a child - think good toes, naughty toes - I found myself completely immersed in the world JB Trepagnier created. The story keeps you on your toes (pun intended) and I quickly found myself cheering Beyla on in her persuit of the truth... And some rather interesting males!

Final Curtain seemlessly marries ballet with mystery and intrigue, romance and one badass lead character, and I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
148 reviews44 followers
June 6, 2021
Interesting and well-written story. It like that the main characters are ballet dancers (and the author seems to be an ex-professional, so I think the depiction of their job is quite accurate) and to have some mystery, crime and supernatural elements mixed in is a great idea. The romance part is only starting, but I prefer it that way. I would say it is almost 4 stars, but not quite there yet, but I see a lot of potential here. Looking forward to the next book. I would recommend it for fans of UF and reverse harems who want something a little different.
Profile Image for Angie.
308 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2021
Slow burn mystery and romance

This book wasn't what I expected. I'm getting the impression that the ballet case will be Beyla's 1st and only case. In this book, she starts putting together what little information she finds. We also meet the four men that I assume will make up the start of her harem. This is for sure a slow burn, not even one kiss. Everyone in the friend zone for now. There were a few typos and the story was just a tad boring at times but overall worth the read.
Profile Image for Heather Freeman.
915 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
I am so glad I waited til all the books were out. That ending man. I have my theories. Also glad I read the Library of the Profane before with the background on Beyla.
Beyla was on track to make it in ballet when tragedy came in threes. She’s gone down a different path to the PBI like her guardian. Her first mission to go undercover into the ballet company she was set to enter years ago. There she meets the four male lead dancers, her banshee roommate, and the bitch trio. Lots of fun and tension and drama. Love all the developments!
Profile Image for Sam Cantwell.
264 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
Amazing

The synopsis for this book sounded interesting and from one of my favourite authors. I know almost nothing about ballet but I could see the moves they do from what was written. The characters come across really well and the story flows easily. But the ending was sudden, mainly because I was so engrossed in the book I didn't realise I was at the end. Definitely recommended.
1,262 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2021
This author always writes excellent stories, and this one is no exception. Interesting characters, unique storyline, and a most entertaining and nasty enemy. There is a curse, and a dragon and lots of paranormal characters. The romance hasn’t really started yet, but it is buildingThe story is definitely to be continued and I really want to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,039 reviews45 followers
May 2, 2021
Tension building drama related to a cursed ballet, and the exceptional supernatural dancers that might be able to pull off a phenomenal performance

Intense, melodramatic and murderous cast members.

Tensions are just starting to really build about the drama and hidden history related to this cursed ballet as book one draws to a close

Cannot wait for the curtain to go up on more action

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Samantha Shaffer.
576 reviews
May 7, 2021
Final Curtain Jb Trepagnier

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💀 Dancing
💀 Mixed Harem
💀 Secrete curses
💀 Thick twisty plot
💀 Eggplant count 4

Holy wow I didn't see that ending coming at all what a great start to a series. It helps to look up some basic dance terms but the story line doesn't disappoint. Absuoluty spectacular job it has laughter friendships compassion and tons of petty prema ballerinas to go around.

#SASBOOKREVIEWS
2 reviews
July 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! The idea of a cursed ballet was very intriguing. Is there really a curse? Is it a person with an evil agenda? We don't find out in this book, so I'm eagerly awaiting the follow up. I liked how the supernatural aspect was woven in, but didn't hit you over the head. It's also intriguing if Beyla will have a chance to revive her dance career, or if she can solve this case at all. So far only one book is listed, but I need the sequel now!
Profile Image for Jen.
62 reviews
August 2, 2021
Absolutely loved it!

I danced ballet for 12 1/2 years and absolutely love it. So to find a book that had ballet set in a paranormal world with RH, crime, and drama all mixed together? I was excited. But not only does it have everything I love in it, it's well written, believable, and intriguing. I cannot wait for the second book to come out! I'm so happy I stumbled across this book. 😍
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