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Private Performance

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Ellaine Greene has simple desires. She just wants to do her best as the event coordinator for the local aquarium, to support environmental conservation efforts, and to keep immature man-children out of her life.

So when a major donor to the aquarium demands Ellaine find a magician for her granddaughter's birthday party, all she can imagine is a long line of card chuckers and coin flippers wearing cheesy sequined vests.

Instead, she gets Xander Hollatz, a sophisticated, powerful man in a crisp suit, with nimble fingers and a warm smile.

He's the man for the job, no doubt. And, to her surprise, she realizes he might be the man for her, too. Will she let her doubts get in the way of their feelings for each other?

And when everything goes wrong at the birthday party, will he be able to perform a miracle to save the day?

Sleight of Hand #1: Private Performance is a 17,000-word novella, introducing readers to Ellaine and Xander's passionate and tender romance, to the fascinating wildlife inhabiting the aquarium, and to the mysterious world of professional magicians.

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2014

109 people want to read

About the author

Reese Galloway

4 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Judy.
694 reviews82 followers
December 20, 2014
Have you ever wished before starting a new author or series that if only you could have a sneak peek, or a taste test, you might decide to give them a try? I know I have. My free time and my funds are both valuable enough that I don't want to waste them on something that just doesn't suit me. The beauty of what Reese Galloway has done with the start of this series is to give us just that... A sneaky little taste of the goodness that is sure to follow in this new series.

The first book is a novella, basically the meet-cute for the couple. We get the front row seat as Ellaine, the event coordinator for an aquarium, meets the mysterious Xander, magician extraordinaire. For some reason, in my head, I had magician synonymous with dominating alpha like personality, aka Mr. Macho. But he wasn't that. Confident? Yes. Jerk? No. He showed a more sensitive side that was a nice compliment to Ellaine's hesitance. There is an extremely sexy scene near the end of this story and it was interesting knowing a man had written it through Ellaine's POV. We get to know Ellaine fairly well, while Xander remains, largely, a man of mystery. I look forward to learning more about him in the coming books.

By reading, (and enjoying) this first novella, I feel rather confident in continuing the series, certain I will enjoy it. If the blurb interests you, I encourage you to grab this first book and give it your own taste test. You might just find a new author to enjoy. My taste test rating? 3 stars.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,301 reviews22 followers
November 6, 2014
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~

This is a short story that prepares you for the second book in the series. I thought it was a fun fast read that gave me a different outlook on magic. I love that the Ellaine works at an aquarium, aquariums are near and dear to my heart. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

Characters: The characters were well written and believable.

Sex: yes

Religious: religion is a big part of one of the characters past

Would I recommend to others: yes

More than one book in the series: yes

Genre: Romance

Would I read more by this author: yes

~Wicked Reads Review Team~

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Mary.
1,051 reviews20 followers
October 29, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

A short, fun read. Ellaine works at the local aquarium, in charge of hosting events and keeping the patrons happy. When Mrs. Armstrong requests a magician for her granddaughter's birthday party, Ellaine has no choice but to put aside her biases against magicians and find a new employee for the aquarium.

Enter Xander Hollatz. Xander used to perform worldwide and Ellaine can't fathom why he's interested in this birthday or herself. Or is he?

Ellaine can't get Xander off her mind or out of her dreams.

I'm anxious to read the second installment in this series.


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
November 19, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

This is a cute novella which introduces us to two damaged souls, who meet at the Oklahoma Aquarium. She is the events organiser, and he is a one time famous magician. Thus starts a fascinating mix of two very different interests - magic and protection of the environment. Yet it works as seamlessly as their chemistry draws them together. Ellaine has been brought up in a strict Christian family, and still struggles to free herself from her mind's judgments. Xander, who has to be very high on the perfect man scale, is amazingly patient and caring.

Moved straight onto book 2 - Repeat Performance

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Blushing Reader.
1,237 reviews37 followers
November 19, 2014
Not sure what to rate this. Maybe 3.5 stars? I'm not a fan of short stories so I will reserve my thoughts until after I read book number two. This series does have some steamy potential.

3.5 Hot Stars!


Private Performance and Repeat Performance should be read in order and actually read like one seamless book, so I am going to review them both as if they were one book. Private Performance is a 60 page short story/novella and Repeat Performance is a more of a full novel length at 269 pages long, so reading them back to back seamlessly makes the most sense (in my crazy mind).

This was my first time reading Reese Galloway and I really liked her imagination, creative take on telling a story and her writing style. I will definitely be picking up another book of hers in the future. The Sleight of Hand series is different from anything I have read and I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on with the magic. Xander, our hero, is a magician and the reader gets to get up close and personal with how Xander works and get a sneak peak at some of his tricks while he is teaching Ellaine. I really enjoyed the magic in this book, it wasn't cheesy, it was fascinating.

Private Performance introduces us to Ellaine and Xander and we get a taste of their personalities, their lives and the intense chemistry between these characters. Repeat Performance seamlessly takes the story that was started in Private Performance and takes off on a ride that had a few unexpected elements. I enjoyed this book. I liked the look behind the scenes at Ellaine's job at the Aquarium and I really liked the look inside Xander's world as a former famous magician. Reese Galloway did a great job laying out this story and giving the reader tension, temptation and great characters. Where this book lost me a bit was in all the side characters and secondary plots. The tangents seemed to over take the story at times (like the whole deal with the volunteer, the street magician and the old mentor guy) and left me feeling like I need more time with just Xander and Ellaine which I didn't really get towards the end.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Xander alone made this story worth reading, he is a fantastic book boyfriend to add to your list! If you are wanting to read something different from the ordinary and dip your toes into falling in love with a magician (this isn't a fantasy, it is his job) then Private Performance and Repeat Performance would be a great fit for you. Reese Galloway is an Author I will be looking out for in the future, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews38 followers
November 11, 2014
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened the first page of the story but when I got into it, I have to say that the story took me by surprise.

The book revolves around Xander and Ellaine, and they both have such character and depth that I am a series devotee now.

Ellaine has recently been through a tough divorce and is setting out again on her own and embracing everything that life has on offer. Good on her I say!!! But she plays her card very close to her chest when it comes to all things romance, simply put… initially not interested!

She has the perfect job, one that means that she can liaise with everyone in the company and use her talent and people skills to put on the most amazing events for the Aquarium and it sponsors.

Despite her reservations and serious dislike for all things magic, she has no option but to hire Xander (a retired magician) to appear at a birthday party being held by one of the major sponsors.

But when he shows up, he better have some more intimate skills in his repertoire because the chemistry between the two of them is about to take them both by surprise.

Forced together, sort of by Xander’s friend and Ellaine’s assistant, they both have the meddlesome Brissa to blame for their situation but what did Brissa know that they didn’t because no matter how hard they try, there is no denying that fact that there is definitely an attraction between them and something is going to have to give.

Ellaine tries desperately to keep things professional but when this seriously hot guy is showing interest, how is she supposed to walk away.

Once bitten twice shy is the ultimate undertone of the book, Ellaine has had her heart broken before, so guarding it well is her main priority and as delicious and Xander might be, he also has the power to be hazardous to her heart.

Could he win her over – I had everything crossed.

I liked Xander, he was a nice guy, and when they final got their act together so to speak it was just as I would have hoped.

Can’t wait to start book 2
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,172 reviews48 followers
November 28, 2014
Private Performance is book one in the Sleight of Hand series and it introduces us to Ellaine and Xander.

At the start of the book, Ellaine is stuck with a problem, she needs a magician for a party she's coordinating/planning and the last magician she used she had to let go due to a major issue. But she wants to make her client happy and keep the funds the party would bring in, so she's on the look for a new magician. In walks Xander, ready and willing to step in as the magician needed.


Trouble is, not only is Xander just the magician she needs, he's also the man of her dreams. But Ellaine is going through a rough time and doesn't feel she's looking for a man in her life right now.

But something about Xander pulls Ellaine towards him, makes her feel comfortable with him, makes her tell him things. And Xander is definitely feeling more for Ellaine that just a casual, you are my boss sort of thing.

Through a big part of the story, Ellaine's pushing him away, and Xander's not fighting hard for a place in her life, leaving you to wonder will they be able to actually form a relationship and be able to have it last? And just when you think maybe just maybe they have a real shot, Ellaine thinks the steps they've taken are a big mistake, though one she's willing to repeat in the future.

Private Performance is a quick read but don't let its length fool you, it is full of story. There are bits of funny, steamy, and sweet mixed in.

I want to read the second book in this series and see if these two are able to work through things and give their chemistry a chance at a great relationship and maybe a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Jennifer B.
94 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2014
What a quick magical ride into the lives of Ellaine and Xander!

Ellaine is a recent divorcee and she loves her single life and her career as an Event Coordinator at the Oklahoma Aquarium. She is damn good at her job so when a huge sponsor of the Aquarium requests a magician for her granddaughters birthday party. She finds someone who is not only great at making a birthday cake appear out of no where but who also somehow magically makes her heart go pitter patter once again. Even though she tries to fight the attraction, Xander will help her heal.

Xander is a hot, successful magician who doesn't need to work after quitting magic. He is helping out his friend Brissa, which happens to also be Ellaine's assistant. Brissa has an ulterior motive and who can blame her for wanting to help her boss and friend out. Xander is caring, helpful and an all around great guy. Can he show Ellaine that all magic isn't distasteful?

I enjoyed reading about Ellaine and Xander. I have to say this is the first book I've read of a magician and I felt like the author brought us into the story as if we were actually watching the magic show unfold, which was pretty awesome.
While the attraction is believable throughout the book, the love scene is rushed and felt like it was missing something. It felt like a "wham bam thank you mam" sort of scenario. I loved all the talk about the aquarium life and animals. I will be reading book 2, Repeat Performance very soon. I hope the love scenes take a little bit of slower pace though.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews489 followers
November 21, 2014
Private Performance is a short, fast read; I finished in one sitting. Despite it only being 60 pages, this book really captured my attention, and had meaning and beauty. I really enjoyed reading it!!!

Ellaine Greene is the event coordinator at the aquarium and their major donor's granddaughter is going to have her birthday party there. All the requirements seem easy, until the donor asks for a magician. Ellaine's not too crazy about magicians, but since she can't say no, so she begins looking.

She never expects to find Xander Hollatz. A man who is polite, respectable, and devastatingly handsome. It's clear that he's the man for the job and may even be the man for her. The attraction between them is strong, but Ellaine's been burned before and she is wary. She doesn't have time to worry, though, because when it comes time for the party nothing is going right and it’s up to Xander to save it.

We don't know the characters completely yet, especially Xander, but it adds more mystery to him. I know he is an intense, great guy; he has a way with words and just has such a beautiful outlook that it's hard not to love him. I'm really excited to learn more about him!

I loved this book. It's steamy, fun, and will leave you wanting more. I knew this was going to end in some sort of cliffhanger, but the ending didn't drive me crazy. I can't wait to read Repeat Performance!!! ~ Paige, 5 stars
Profile Image for Paige Helling.
173 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2015
Private Performance is a short, fast read; I finished in one sitting. Despite it only being 60 pages, this book really captured my attention, and had meaning and beauty. I really enjoyed reading it!!!

Ellaine Greene is the event coordinator at the aquarium and their major donor's granddaughter is going to have her birthday party there. All the requirements seem easy, until the donor asks for a magician. Ellaine's not too crazy about magicians, but since she can't say no, so she begins looking. 

She never expects to find Xander Hollatz. A man who is polite, respectable, and devastatingly handsome. It's clear that he's the man for the job and may even be the man for her. The attraction between them is strong, but Ellaine's been burned before and she is wary. She doesn't have time to worry, though, because when it comes time for the party nothing is going right and it’s up to Xander to save it. 

We don't know the characters completely yet, especially Xander, but it adds more mystery to him. I know he is an intense, great guy; he has a way with words and just has such a beautiful outlook that it's hard not to love him. I'm really excited to learn more about him!

I loved this book. It's steamy, fun, and will leave you wanting more. I knew this was going to end in some sort of cliffhanger, but the ending didn't drive me crazy. I can't wait to read Repeat Performance!!!

******** Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books Blog ********
Profile Image for books are life .
Author 54 books1,815 followers
November 25, 2014
Check out more of my review on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...

3.5 Stars

Private Performance is book #1 in the Sleight of Hand series, this is the first book I have read by this author and I was gifted both book #1 & #2 in exchange for honest reviews so here goes....

This is a novella length story so a super quick read and only a quick insight into the characters.

I’m going to be honest and say I didn’t really warm to Ellaine, she just seems like a bit of a miserable cow. I’m hoping that her character with grow on me as I did enjoy the premise for the story.

Now Xander is a completely different kettle of fish, I instantly thought he was adorable, he’s a hunk of a man who is a magician (weirdly this is totally hot) and he’s also a bit tortured. I really liked him and now I need to know what happened to make him quit magic!!

There is one seriously intense sex scene in this novella, in places it’s a little awkward but still very hot!!!

I feel like this series has loads of potential, I liked the connection between Ellaine and Xander, my only concern being that I just feel he’s a bit too cool for Ellaine who seems like a bit of a geek!!

Never the less I’m looking forward to the next instalment in this series 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Anna.
580 reviews20 followers
November 17, 2014
Ellaine works for an aquarium that is struggling for funding. An important donor wants a magician to perform at a party she is hosting at the aquarium, and Ellaine is charged with finding one. Through her assistant and friend she finds Xander, an incredibly successful magician who left the scene a few years back. He agrees to perform at the party and would like to do what he can to help the aquarium keep its doors open. Ellaine and Xander are attracted to each other right away. Ellaine has been out of a terrible relationship with her ex-husband for a couple years, but is scared to get into another relationship. She is nervous about getting involved with Xander, but they don't seem to be able to stay away from each other.

This is a short novella, but we definitely get an idea of the chemistry that exists between Ellaine and Xander. Their attraction is intense and it is clear that Xander is an interesting person with some secrets in his past. I look forward to continuing with this series and hopefully finding out more about both characters.

*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
November 10, 2014
Sleight of Hand is a quick read to lay the ground work for book two and introduce us to the main characters.

Ellaine is divorced and moving on with her life, she has a job she loves and kicks butt at.
She's asked by a major donor to supply a magician for her granddaughter's birthday party, a donor she needs to keep happy for the sake of the aquarium.

Xander Hollatz appears to be the man for the job. But Xander has a past of his own he's still working through. Could a children's party and one event coordinator change his life?
Profile Image for Johnnie-Marie Howard.
1,132 reviews38 followers
November 26, 2014
What an amazing and wonderful short story!! This is my first time reading anything by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the story. It might be short but it's well worth the read. It's filled with loads of sexual tension that will make your panties melt. The characters are all super sexy and amazing. Loved the hole twist on magic side that was amazing first time reading about a sexy guy who like magic. Hmmm!!!


***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.bogspot.com ***
Profile Image for Sara Prevendoski.
93 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2014
I was given an ARC for my honest review.

This is a fast read that introduces us to Ellaine and Xander. Ellaine needs to find a magician for a birthday party. This is when we meet Xander. Ellaine has to fight her views. Xander is constantly on her mind and in her dreams and she can’t get him out. Is Xander really interested in Ellaine or does he have other reasons for wanting her. Find out in the second installment. Cannot wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,380 reviews119 followers
November 26, 2014
~~~~Sara's Review~~~~

I was given an ARC for my honest review.

This is a fast read that introduces us to Ellaine and Xander. Ellaine needs to find a magician for a birthday party. This is when we meet Xander. Ellaine has to fight her views. Xander is constantly on her mind and in her dreams and she can’t get him out. Is Xander really interested in Ellaine or does he have other reasons for wanting her. Find out in the second installment. Cannot wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Maria Lazarou.
Author 26 books53 followers
November 4, 2014
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review

I found this to be a very quick read, the was a different element to this book that I've not read before.

The characters were fun and witty and the writing good.

I look forward to seeing what the next book brings.
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