The Bartender's Ballerina

by Blair M. Shadows

Narrated by Jason Clarke

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Listen to an Audio Excerpt

Pub Date Oct 31 2025 | Archive Date Mar 27 2026

Leblon Publishing

New Adult | Novellas & Short Stories | Romance

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Description

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.

This is a 2,700‑word short story that’ll hit just right if you’re into: ROMANCE. MAGIC. BAD DECISIONS.

Read it slow. Let it stain your fingers like spilled whiskey.

And remember—Tar City doesn’t give without taking.

*This short story introduces Jax and Sisk, whose story is now being expanded into the full novel Tar City, releasing in 2026.

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...

Marketing Plan

This 2,700-word short story introduces Jax and Sisk, whose story is now being expanded into the full novel Tar City, releasing in 2026.

Available Editions

EDITION	Audiobook
ISBN	9098991800495
PRICE
DURATION	20 Minutes

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (AUDIO)

Additional Information

Average rating from 12 members

Featured Reviews

Kayla J, Reviewer

A super quick story with an overprotective club owner and a woman who knows her value to him. He has magic and she is his temptation to use what he doesn’t believe he should. This is a darkish quickie about giving everything to one person even when you know you shouldn’t but can’t stop yourself. I think this expanded story would be interesting to see where the magic and story would take us.
The narrator was great and has that gravely voice that adds an element of shadowy gristle to the story.

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Kelly E, Reviewer

Fun hot short read. Well written and great narrator. Would be super interesting as a longer form novel as well, curious to know more about the world.

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Rae Q, Reviewer

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.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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Aly A, Reviewer

This was a short, sexy read with a magical touch and such a great setup for Tar City. The narration was absolute fire and Jax’s poem was so sweet while the spice had me blushing. I already need more of Sisk and Jax and can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you to Blair M. Shadows for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

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Nati H, Reviewer

Jason Clarke’s voice is the perfect one for this short but intense short story, full of passion, feelings and dark magic. Looking forward for the next one in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Leblond publishing for the ALC copy. This is my honest review.

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Reviewer 1938623

I received the audiobook of this to review from NetGalley and the publisher.
This was a short listen and left me wanting more! Jason Clarke’s voice was pure perfection as Jax, the bartender, who is obsessed with Sisk, the ballerina. It was quick and definitely had some spice. I need to know more back story and what the future holds for them!