Tar City

I expected a love story with a paranormal twist, and this book exceeded expectations. The heart of TAR CITY is the love story between Jax and Sisk. Love seems like such an insipid word for their relationship; it’s epic, deliciously earthy, and blood and skin and bones and teeth. Sisk and Jax hate to love each other, but they are drawn to each other over and over with inevitable destiny. I heart a love story full of dramatic moments and a couple who are so passionate that they can’t keep away from each other, or their hands to themselves.

TAR CITY is delightfully creepy in all the best ways. The world building is excellent, woven with lore and a struck bargain. The Devil’s Bargain is a solid trope across genres, with stories like Rumpelstiltskin and songs like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, with the moral being either Don’t Mess with a Mama Bear or Never Challenge a Redneck to a Fiddle Contest. At the center of the bargain is the knowledge that there is price due; it’s just not always clear who will be paying it. I’m not going to give spoilers, but there’s is a bargain and the big bad expects payment.

There is absolutely nothing that I dislike about this book.

Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit
Bechdel test- passed
Triggers- violence, language, some dub con, termination of a pregnancy (not by main character).
Tropes- the Devil’s Bargain, Wrong Side of the Tracks, Tiny Dancer, Frenemies to Lovers, Yo-yo Dating, Hate to Love You.

im quite literally not willing to unpack what loving this book says about me.

this was incredibly unique in its concept and if youre a morally grey mmc girly, this book is for you, just trust me ok? youre gonna be reading and think "huh whats this tar stuff all about" and then without ever realizing hours have passed youll be on the very last page laughing your ass off as it comes to a close.

Holy moly!!!!!!!! I thought Bartender ballerina was it but no Blair said you want more heres more, and didnt disappoint. The plot twist, the scenes my lanta i pray she makes a second book

I received an eARC directly from the author, and then after NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

I immediately loved that the Content and Trigger Warnings were written from the MMC's perspective. Such a fun touch!

- ☝️ Standalone
- 🗣️Dual POV
- ⭐️Then & now timeline
- 👽Sci-fi coded
-🕳️Tar daddy
- ❤️He's the villain & she loves him unconditionally
- ☠️ Touch her & die
- 🪜 Ladder piercing
- 😜 Role playing
- 🏍️ Biker with God powers & ballerina
- 🥵 flirty banter
- 🌶️ Spicy
- 🖤HEA
- ‼️ Amazing character art from the author

Overall, this was a 4.5-star read that I'm rounding up to 5 stars!

This book is a sci-fi-coded romance with such a unique take on the supernatural. The author did an excellent job developing the relationship between the MCs, enhancing the story via dual POV and timeline. The pacing of the story stayed steady throughout. There was mystery, drama, and questionable decisions. There was also humor threaded throughout the story that I was giggling at. The flirty banter was fantastic, top tier. There was a mini side plot that was interesting. The found family was wild and a bit toxic, yet refreshing. The MCS were a bit dense and toxic themselves, but overall you just loved them because they loved each other. The MMC being a tar daddy was unique and phenomenal. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Also, a major benefit, the author has AMAZING character art posted on Instagram that she personally drew. This enhanced the story so much because I was able to picture the characters in my head the whole time.

I was pulled in immediately because the story was dark, sexy, and full of tension from the very first chapter. The chemistry between the MCs was undeniable. I also loved that every chapter alternated both POV and timeline, giving us pieces of the MC’s history as individuals and together, while moving the current story forward. Watching their relationship unfold in the past while seeing them struggle in the present made everything feel layered and intentional. Additionally, the author included so much depth to each main character and the overarching story. I really felt like I understood the main characters and why they thought, felt, and behaved the way they did.

There was also so much mystery from the very beginning. I had questions almost immediately, and instead of giving us all the answers right away, the author let the suspense build naturally. It kept me completely hooked. The tar pit remained mysterious throughout the entire book, and I actually appreciated that. We never learned every detail about it, but because this was ultimately a romance-driven story, I didn't feel like we needed every answer. The mystery added to the atmosphere rather than taking away from the story. I will say, by the end, I still didn’t have all the answers to every. Again, that was fine with me and, that decision to leave questions unanswered leaves the door open in case the author wants to turn this into series.

More about the tar pit: The supernatural element of the tar pit was incredibly unique. The idea of an intelligent element that could influence and control people, especially the MMC, with a whole city built around it was fascinating.

Moving on to the MCs relationship. Their relationship itself was beautifully messy. As teenagers, the MFC was so insecure that she couldn't believe the MMC could truly want her, so she pushed him away instead of communicating. As adults, the roles almost reversed. The MMC loved her so deeply that he became convinced the only way to protect her was to push her away. Neither of them communicated well, and they were both incredibly frustrating at times, as well as dense. I often just wanted to shake them.

What made the book entertaining, though, was that once the MFC realized the MMC really did love her, she didn't suddenly become soft and reassuring. Instead, she antagonized him just enough to rile him up, and honestly, I loved it. Was their relationship healthy? Absolutely not. But the author never pretended it was. The toxicity was acknowledged from the beginning, and because of that, it worked for me. Beneath all of the chaos, these two loved each other unconditionally, and ultimately they needed each other to grow, heal, and move forward. Also, neither of them became a doormat because they were in a relationship. They continued to be themselves and the other person unconditionally loved them for who they were.

Overall, I genuinely liked to the MFC and MMC. They both could stand up for themselves and each other, they fought back, and, no matter what, they would defend each other. They were both stubborn, dense at times (I know I’ve said this before, I just want to emphasize how dense they were at times), and flawed. Yet, that made them more realistic, and I appreciated that. The MMC was the bad boy we all want, and the author’s drawings of him made him so much more sexier since I could picture him in my head. The MFC was the beautiful more innocent woman that was toxically attracted to the bad boy. Again, the authors drawings were amazing and I loved being able to picture her in my head as well. This book had the love story we all enjoy reading.

Scotch the dog added more depth to the story. Everyone loves an amazing dog as an MC’s sidekick, and that’s exactly what he was. I also enjoyed that the word scotch was used as a safe word, added some humor to the book. Speaking of safe words, this book was very spicy and it was well done.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the chapter structure. The consistent rhythm between the past and present timelines was brilliantly executed. The chapters were the perfect length, long enough to be satisfying but short enough that I constantly convinced myself to read "just one more chapter.” Each chapter built upon the last, with the past providing context for the present and the present setting up revelations from the past. Everything flowed seamlessly, and you could tell a lot of thought went into how each chapter was placed. I saw review stating they thought the alternating timeline wasn’t done smoothly, I completely disagree with that opinion. I really loved the alternating timeline and POV. Again, it was brilliant.

There were two twists near the end, one I saw coming and one that caught me off guard. That's honestly my favorite combination. I love feeling smart for predicting one reveal while still being genuinely surprised by another.

Critique:
My only real critique is about the ending. After the author spent the entire book showing us the evolution of the MC’s relationship, the conclusion shifted into telling us what happened at the end, rather than letting us experience it alongside the characters. I was hoping for just a little more time showing us how the story wrapped up. This ending felt similar to Drive by Kate Stewart. We were just told the ending…

Tar City is very much alive. It shows no mercy, and does not forget. And it demands a heavy price from Jax St. Clair.
When you pick this up, you have no idea the paranormal ride you are about to go on. Jax and Sisk are fire and fire meeting to burn down everything and rebuild it on their own terms. I couldn’t put it down, I was possessed to finish it, to discover not only the secrets of this city, but also to uncover the mysterious past between this bartender/biker and his ballerina belle. They will drive you insane with their push and dynamic. They will be insufferable as they stumble over and over throughout the story. But you achingly wait until the end game is real. Even if it didn’t have this incredible ride or die romance, the world and plot could carry its own weight with the suspense and world building. I know everyone out there will be obsessed too, because the tar will consume us all.

“Ballerina, ballerina… No need to scream. When the lights go out and this city gets hungry, remember I'm the one who eats in the dark."

A dark romance with paranormal elements.

Tar City chews people up and spits them out, sometimes… it swallows them whole. Some say the city is cursed, some say it's just corrupt, but Jax St. Clair knows the truth.

Bartender. Biker. The man everyone warns you about. The only one who can control the thing beneath the streets—until it decides to control him instead.

"It's easy to criticize choices you never had to make, but I know exactly how far I'll go for her. And this city? It's counting on it."


For TWs, please check the author's website.

Tropes: Morally grey MMC / Motorcycles / Tattoos & piercings / Dual POV / Ballerina x villain / Obsessive, high-tension romance / Paranormal power

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ obsessive 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 villain 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 I enjoyed reading this book as I came across this book on NetGalley and I was given the opportunity to read this book and I couldn’t read it fast enough. I then seen that this book is all over social media but it doesn’t give you the real feel as read the words that get the heart pumping and walking around needing to know what is going to happen next and the feel of the high energy spice. This is a must read book as the plot is twisted and gritty. This is a must read book.

I absolutely loved this book. The uniqueness, the banter, strong FMC and MMC, especially the then and now POV! I have nothing negative to say. It's been along time since I read something this unique and I am loving it!

Thank you for the ARC read in exchange for my honest review, I will also be posting reviews on Goodreads, Instagram, tiktok, and Amazon (on release day).

www.goodreads.com/user/show/188402066-ang-reads
Instagram.com/angreads/
tiktok.com/@ang...reads?lang=en

Tar City was incredible, my first paranormal romance and it did NOT disappoint! Jax and Sisk are a top tier couple who I would rate right along with the couples from The Legacy of Gods series. The duel timeline was so important and I really enjoyed the switches in POV. It is so refreshing to read a stand alone but in a way that I could see other stories coming from it. And the spice…this is how you write spice!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eArc of Tar City! Below is my own thoughts and opinions:

At first the world building was confusing but it was fun figuring out the puzzle pieces. To understand what Tar City looks like. The Before and Now povs were so much fun. Reading their story twice and seeing everything they went through. Learning about the lore of the Tar and how it has wrecked havoc on the City.

I loved the Rich Boy turned bar owning biker and poor Ballerina vibes. It was so fun seeing the differences and already knowing things from the other pov.

It was giving Gotham and Venom vibes and I was into it. The dark atmosphere and the push and pull of him wanting her but knowing he can’t because he has to protect her. even from himself.

One of my top 5 books of the year!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tar City is so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read! I was hooked from the first page and more than happy to avoid all my other responsibilities to continue reading! The dual timeline/dual pov really pulled me in and blended together so effortlessly. There were paranormal aspects, family secrets, rumors, urban legends, yearning, and a man who would do anything to keep his girl safe! I will never get over Jax and Sisk🖤 Fingers crossed for more of them in the future🤞🏻

Not only did the author write this incredible story, she also did all the artwork! So insanely talented!

Tar City 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75) 
🌶️🌶️


ARC review

Okay so first off — the author has an art background and honestly you can feel it in her writing, even though the actual artwork isn't in the book itself. If you check out her social media, she shares art related to the story, and it adds such a fun extra layer to the reading experience. Her descriptions are so vivid you can almost feel the scenes.

The story is dark and messy with themes that get you invested without obvious twists.

MMC actually grows a lot throughout the book, but you can really feel how his sheltered, spoiled upbringing holds him back — like he struggles to see past his own needs and his obsession with Sisk, even as he's changing. FMC, meanwhile, is stubborn and jaded (for good reason) but loves Jax completely and accepts his darkness. Plus Scotch. Always love the dog.

My biggest gripe: the "then vs now" chapters alternate every single time, and for someone who reads in long sessions like me, it was a lot. I'd finally get sucked into one timeline and then — switch. Rinse and repeat. I think I would've felt the tension and drama so much more if each timeline got longer stretches instead of constant back and forth. I do know the author mentioned you can read it as a "dual reading experience" (all the thens, then all the nows), so that's a option if the alternating format isn't your thing either.

Also — we got teased with a 🍑💦 scene over and over and then... never actually got it?? Kind of left me hanging, a little disappointed there. Glad we got a 🪜but I wanted more. 


he cliffhanger straight up caught me off guard, and then it jumps right into the epilogue with barely any breathing room. I honestly would've happily read a few more chapters just to actually see how the finale played out instead of skipping ahead.

Still a solid read overall — dark, artistic, emotional — just go in knowing the pacing/format might test your patience a little. Definitely go follow her socials for the art too

What caught my attention first was that Blair does all her own art (NOT AI, as you can see by her videos showing the making of the art) so I was immediately intrigued because the art is SO GOOD!

The story itself is such a unique take on the shadow daddies we all know and love. She raised the bar to a TAR daddy with glowing red eyes and everything! 🥵

I love the contradictions specifically regarding Sisk's character. She's an amazing ballerina which makes people think prim and proper, but she's a rebel through and through and I'm here for it.

The writing style is so smooth and seamless with the "then and now" timelines alternating so you can (and should) read it straight through the first time hit but also have the option to go back and revisit Jax and Sisk but read all the "then" first before reading all the "now"

A story about a bartender and a ballerina could have been such a snooze fest, but the way Blair did it was flawless and the addition of the tar, paranormal elements, and some other fun ✨surprises✨ made it a book that I did not want to put down. But I also didn't want it to end because that meant saying goodbye... for now 😉

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

I honestly don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved this book.

Tar City completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The atmosphere was so eerie and immersive that it felt like the city itself was a character. Every time I thought I had something figured out, another twist or revelation came along and proved me wrong.

Jax and Sisk absolutely made this book for me. Their chemistry was incredible from the start, but it was the tension, the banter, and the emotional moments between them that completely won me over. Every scene they shared had me hooked, and I found myself looking forward to their interactions more than anything else.

One of my favourite things about this book was how perfectly everything balanced together. The mystery kept me desperate for answers, the supernatural elements made the world feel so unique, and the romance never took away from the plot, it only made me more emotionally invested.

I also loved the supporting characters. They all had their own personalities and brought so much life to the story, making Tar City feel like a real place rather than just a setting.

By the time I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to leave this world or these characters behind. This was one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

Without a doubt, this was an easy 5-star read, and I don't think I'll be getting over this book anytime soon. 🖤

Hello thank you for sending me this to read i really enjoyed it thank you i was hooked from page one to the very last page and I just wanted more thank you would definitely recommend

This wasn’t just a romance. It was haunting, atmospheric, heartbreaking, and quietly addictive. The kind of story that sinks under your skin and refuses to let go.

I absolutely loved this book! The dual timelines were a little confusing at first, but I settled into them pretty quickly. Once everything started coming together, I couldn’t get enough. I loved the gritty atmosphere and the constant push and pull between the MMCs—it kept me completely invested. I already can’t wait to reread it, following each timeline individually, just to see how it changes the experience and reveals new details. This is definitely a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time!

Tar City was such a pleasant surprise for me. I had never read Blair M. Shadows before, and I was amazed by how quickly I was pulled into this dark, chaotic city filled with secrets. The setting is one of the book's greatest strengths, Tar City feels alive, almost like a character of its own, with a curse hanging over every corner that kept me eager to uncover what was really happening beneath the surface.

Jax and Sisk have an intense connection from the very beginning. He's a bartender with supernatural abilities struggling to keep them under control, while she's a ballerina who seems to be the only person capable of challenging him and breaking through his walls. Their chemistry, combined with the magic, mystery, and constant sense of danger, made this book impossible to put down. I also loved how the story gradually reveals pieces of their pasts and the origins of the city's curse, keeping me invested until the very end.

I finished the book feeling like I had only scratched the surface of everything this world has to offer. Blair M. Shadows has definitely become a wonderful new author for me to discover, and I can't wait to read more of her work and return to Tar City.

🖤TAR CITY🖤
By: Blair M Shadows
Standalone

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spiciness Level
 
MY THOUGHTS:
How am I supposed to express just how amazing this book is when words are simply not enough?! Reading this book gave me physically manifested emotions; butterflies in my tummy, a lead weight in my gut, smiles, tears, head shaking, frowning, feet kicking, blushing… ALL of the emotions I want to feel when reading!

If you need an introduction into Tar City, go listen to The Bartender’s Ballerina by this author. It is an audiobook short narrated by the one and only Jason Clarke. It’s dark and it’s hot and gives you an amazing feel for the vibe of Tar City and Jax & Sisk.

Tar City is one of those books that I would sell my soul (or bargain with the tar) to read again for the first time! I knew I needed more after listening to The Bartender’s Ballerina, so when I heard that a full-length novel was coming… lets just say I have been on the edge of my seat for a very long time waiting on this book to arrive into my hands!

I was blessed by the author to read it early… thank goodness! I needed it asap!

I did something completely different with this book than with any other I’ve read so far…. I savored it. I read it very slowly, on my kindle, with my eyes and just…… took my time. I sucked in every detail, felt all the emotions, and slowly read it. I did this because I knew I would never get to read it again for the first time. And I just never wanted it to end! I felt my stomach knotting up and anxiety once I was getting toward the end, just because I didn’t want to finish it!

Jax and Sisk began their relationship in high school when they were young, impressionable and chaotic. When the curse of The Pit comes into play things change dramatically between them. There is so much yearning and on again/off again intensity between them that it just gives you butterflies then turns right around and leaves you with a sickening knot in your stomach. As the reader, you want them to just be… together, d*mn it all! I do not want to spoil one thing, so I will just leave it there. This is a must read book! Blair M Shadows is now an automatic buy and read author for me!

FAVORITE QUOTE(S):
“In Tar City, some people are born with a key. The rest of us are just picking the lock.”

“It's not stalking if she left the window open, just the lie I tell myself so I can keep watching.”

“I feel like a ballerina in a jewelry box, surrounded by beauty but trapped.”

“It’s a snarling thing inside me, and it’s starting to forget who’s in charge.”

“It’s easier to fight the call of the Tar Pit when you can’t see your own eyes staring back, telling you you’re already losing.”

“I want you,” I say. “Every second of every f***ing day. When I’m awake. When I’m asleep. When I’m trying with everything I have not to.”

“I’m not afraid of him, I never have been. The scariest thing in my life is how good it feels to be near him. How safe I feel when I’m under those arms, tucked into his chest, with his rough voice in my ear and that heartbeat thundering like I’m the only thing keeping it going.”

“Hop on, tar daddy. Let’s go raise some hell.”

“I don’t think she realizes what not running means. That every time she chooses to stay, she's stitching together pieces of me I thought were gone for good.”

“Yeah, something is definitely wrong with me. But it’s not love if you’re not losing your mind, right?”

“This is what I want. This is what I was fighting for, even when I didn’t know it. Her happiness. It’s all I ever wanted.”

TROPES:
Shadow TAR Daddy
Cursed City
Ballerina x Villain
Open-Door Explicit Spice
Yearning
God-Like Powers
Touch Her & D!e
Motorcycles
Morally Grey Characters
Fierce Women
Men With Tattoos & Piercings
Then & Now Timeline

GENRE, POV, PAGE COUNT:
Dark Paranormal Romance
Dual POV in 1st Person.
*Story is separated Into Parts. Each chapter changes back and forth from past and present time. As the parts change, the POV flips time. So, it begins with Sisk’s POV in the “then” and Jax’s POV in the “now.” In Part 2 it flips and Jax’s POV is in the “then” and Sisk’s is in the “now.”*
687 Pages Long - Kindle Edition


AUDIOBOOK STYLE, NARRATORS, TIME LENGTH & REVIEW:
I have no information on audio yet, but I truly hope we have Jason Clarke as Jax for this book! I seriously can not wait to listen! It will be an absolutely transcendent experience regardless!! If you haven’t, go listen to The Bartender’s Ballerina audio short!

SPICY CONTENT:
The spice in this book is absolutely top tier, gritty, oh so hotttt, and perfectly written! These two together are absoutely explosive!
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 36
CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 44
CHAPTER 46
CHAPTER 56
CHAPTER 59
CHAPTER 60
CHAPTER 67
CHAPTER 68
CHAPTER 70
CHAPTER 72

SPICE LEVEL RATING GUIDE
🌶️ Glimpses and Kisses
🌶️🌶️Closed Door
🌶️🌶️🌶️Open Door
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Open Door Explicit
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit and Plentiful
I have teenage daughters. I am more interested in these spice descriptions than rating the explicit content only.

NOTE:
Check those trigger warnings if needed. The author did explain to read this book AS IT IS WRITTEN the first time you read it. Then if you want a different experience, read the “then” chapters in order then the “now” chapters in order and this will give you a chronological experience that hits a little bit different.

THANK YOU’S:
Thank you to Author Blair M Shadows for this amazing book! I loved reading it! Ok loved is not an appropriate word for what I felt reading this. I will be reading anything you share with us! Even a grocery list! Thank you!
 
Happy Reading! ♥☻

I randomly came across Blair’s artwork on social media and immediately looked into the book. Her artwork is amazing and so beautiful. The description of the book of course helped persuade me even more to read it. I was fortunate enough to get a copy from NetGalley and f**king pitfire I was NOT disappointed! The way this book consumes you! What happens when you mix dark romance with the paranormal? This amazing book happens. The back & forth in different time frames works perfectly without being confusing. The characters were so easy to love. The way the author describes Tar City makes you feel like you’re right there. This book was overall written very well. I was on the edge of my seat during this whole book needing to know what happens next. The spicy parts were AMAZING & super hot. 10/10 recommend this book.

I honestly don't even know where to begin with this one because Tar City completely surprised me in the best way possible.

If you're expecting your typical paranormal dark romance, think again. This book takes familiar tropes and twists them into something that feels fresh, gritty, and completely unforgettable. From the very first chapter, I felt like Tar City itself was alive. The atmosphere is so dark, eerie, and immersive that the city becomes just as important as the characters. It pulls you in and refuses to let go.

Jax and Sisk absolutely carried this story for me. Their chemistry is intense from the start, and every interaction between them had me wanting "just one more chapter." Their relationship is messy, emotional, obsessive, heartbreaking, and incredibly addictive to watch unfold. You can feel the history between them without everything being handed to you all at once, which made me even more invested.

One thing I really loved was how unique the paranormal elements were. It didn't feel like I was reading another version of something I've already seen. The mythology behind Tar City is mysterious, creepy, and unlike anything I've read recently. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the story gave me another reason to keep turning the pages.

The dual POV and alternating timelines worked really well for me. Instead of slowing the story down, they slowly pieced everything together and made the emotional moments hit even harder. I found myself constantly trying to connect the dots, and I loved discovering little details that suddenly made previous scenes click into place.

The writing is incredibly cinematic. I could picture every setting, every conversation, and every tense moment so clearly. Blair M. Shadows has a way of creating vivid imagery that makes you feel like you're standing right there beside the characters.

And yes...the spice is definitely there. It's passionate, emotional, and fits the story instead of taking it over. The romance never overshadows the plot, and the plot never overshadows the romance. They balance each other perfectly.

I also have to mention the side characters because they brought so much personality to the story. They added humor, heart, and made Tar City feel like a real place full of people with their own stories.

Overall, Tar City is dark, emotional, mysterious, and incredibly addictive. It's filled with tension, longing, danger, and just enough paranormal mystery to keep you guessing from beginning to end. If you love morally gray characters, obsessive romance, eerie atmospheres, and stories that feel completely different from everything else on your bookshelf, I definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

Just be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand because this is absolutely a dark romance.