What a fun preview to the full novel, Tar City, to be released on July 29, 2026. This short excerpt had me hooked and wanting more. I will be impatiently waiting to jump back into this dark and sexy world.

I could listen to Jason Clarke read the Cheesecake Factory menu for hours and not get bored. It's perfectly raspy and he's fantastic in conveying heightened emotions.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

Short. Salacious. Sultry. Swoony. Moody. Mysterious. Elegant. Enjoyable. She walks into his bar and he knows she’s the reason he’s stayed in town…Absolutely swept away in 15 minutes and I. Want. More. Also, Jason Clarke as the narrator?! 1000+% the right choice. 4.5 stars

This is a little snippet of a book called Tar City coming out in July. It's going to be good!

4 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Leblon Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

~A short story~

A ballerina walks into a bar..
They're already "acquainted" and I really want to know what magic this bartender has.

Jason Clarke is the perfect narrator for this story. 

I NEED THE WHOLE BOOK PLEASE! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Thank you to #LeblonPublishing and #NetGalley for the ALC of #TheBartendersBallerina by #BlairShadows

5⭐5 🎧

More of a teaser trailer than a short story, Tar City is a rat-infested, intolerable city of rot and wrong people. 

The bartender, Jax, owns a bar in this cesspool city, and he has an obsession. Sisk. There is nothing he wouldn't do for her. She will not leave, so he stays in this city that makes hell seem like a vacation spot only for her. 

This little intro is narrated by the velvet voice of Jason Clarke and gives a peek at what is in store when Tar City releases July 29th 2026.
A dark fantasy paranormal romance filled with sin, forbidden magic, and darkness. I cannot wait to hear the whole story.

Woooow the narrator was gorgeous and The pitch of his voice tickles the senses.
The story in short give me the vibe of this song
"what can I say?no I don't pray but for your body I'll worship
Girl don't be afraid my loves a grenade
Just be a good girl you can take it... "
Damn, I'm curious to learn more about this world.

Amazing snippet!!! Looking forward to the full novel! The narrator had me hooked wishing that there was more!

Prequel does what it supposed to: builds an mystery and has the reader intrigued. The chemistry between the two can be felt really well, so I'm looking forward to the book release..

I received an ALC from Net Galley!

Holy heck! This was a 30 minute listen and I did not want it to end!!!

I don't know if this is going to be a dark or contemporary, but I'm leaning toward dark and I can't wait for the full novel!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥

As far as previews go, I will say this definitely makes you want the full story. It gave just enough to draw you in. The male narrator’s voice alone is tempting.
It was hot and spicy with magic and enticing.

Excited for the full book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook Arc. This was just a short story taken from the full length book. While it did capture my attention, I wish it was longer. I’m definitely very intrigued. The narrator did a fabulous job and I could have that man’s voice in my ear all day long! I can’t wait to read the whole story.

Update after listening to the audiobook: This Audiobook is PURE GOLD. I will never picture Jason Clarke as anyone OTHER than Jax from here on out. ABSOLUTE PERFECTION 👏🏻

Okay WHAT!!?? Five stars for a SHORT STORY!!?? Abso-friggin-lutely!!! Need more IMMEDIATELY!

A very short story that was so fun to listen! I'm looking forward to the full book. The narrator was excellent with his grave voice and mysterious demeanor.

Jason Clarke is one of the reasons I love immersive reading. He delivers like he always does with this short story. His narration of Jax was perfection and leaves you craving more from him and Sisk. His voice narration for Sisk was great as well. He has a way of drawing you in until the story consumes you and makes the characters come to life.
I love when an author gives us a teaser to set the tone of what's to come. Blair M. Shadows gave us a quick and spicy world building and introduction to our main characters Jax and Sisk in a short 30 minutes or less.
It leaves you wanting more and counting down until the release of Tar City
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op/ Leblon Publishing for this ALC audiobook.

3.75 rounded up to 4

A 23 minute preview of an upcoming paranormal romance novel, narrated by the fantastic Jason Clarke.

This was such a tease oh my godddddd, short and spicy and it’s left me so incredibly intrigued about the full book itself! A bartender and a ballerina, in the setting of a gritty city, with little mysterious hints of magic and darkness sprinkled throughout. I’m very curious to see what the backstory between these characters is like, and find out more about the lore of this city!

Thank you so much to Netfalley for the ALC ❤️

Jason Clarke's voice is alarming in a fantastic way. I almost gasped when I heard it.

This was such an enticing introduction to Tar City. For something so short, just a preview, it felt packed. Fully loaded.

I definitely want to follow along and learn more about Jax and Sisk.

What a spicy intro to Jax and Sisk and the troubles in Tar City. The story was a small taste of Tar City and I want to know more like, today😅. I love the way Jax is down bad for Sisk; he's doing touch her and die / possessive obsession 100% right. And he's magic?! Yeah I'm definitely in for the whole novel.
The narrator sounded conventionally good. He was gritty and gravelly without being comical. His voice was great but not for me reminds me of an ex) , I am however still very excited to read the novel. I also think people who listen to romance audiobooks would appreciate his voice.

loved this little excerpt, can't wait to read the whole thing.
the spice was top notch; the magic aspect is super intriguing and the MMC was sooooo dark and dreamy sounding.