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Repeat Performance
Ellaine Greene has a new man in her life, the famous magician Xander Hollatz. He's ripped, kind, and mysterious -- nothing like her ex-husband. He has even volunteered to perform at her aquarium's annual fundraising gala. But she's still having trouble leaving the past behind, especially when her ex shows up to beg for money.
Before the new couple knows it, someone's trying to break into Xander's mansion to steal the secrets of his many famous illusions. Ellaine's ex becomes their prime suspect. But maybe it's actually the up-and-coming street magician they've befriended. Or maybe it's even someone from Xander's mysterious past.
Whoever the thief is, if he uncovers and reveals the secret of Xander's newest illusion for the fundraiser, the event will be a disaster. Ellaine may lose her job.
And there's a still greater question: Is this feeling they share together just lust -- or is it something more?
Find out in this 74,000-word book, the second volume in the Sleight of Hand series.
Before the new couple knows it, someone's trying to break into Xander's mansion to steal the secrets of his many famous illusions. Ellaine's ex becomes their prime suspect. But maybe it's actually the up-and-coming street magician they've befriended. Or maybe it's even someone from Xander's mysterious past.
Whoever the thief is, if he uncovers and reveals the secret of Xander's newest illusion for the fundraiser, the event will be a disaster. Ellaine may lose her job.
And there's a still greater question: Is this feeling they share together just lust -- or is it something more?
Find out in this 74,000-word book, the second volume in the Sleight of Hand series.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 7, 2014
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
This is the second book in the series and the first needs to be read in order to get the full effect. I really enjoyed the first book and had high hopes coming into the second book but somewhere along the line I just lost the good vibe. I felt like the connection the characters had in the first book was lost and then so much happened in this book it just seemed like the author had so many ideas and just threw them all in at once. Ellaine and her back and forth feelings were starting to get on my nerves too. I think the ending could have been a little better, Xander expressed something big and important and then two sentences later the epilogue was over. It was an ok book that had the potential to be so much better.
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~
This is the second book in the series and the first needs to be read in order to get the full effect. I really enjoyed the first book and had high hopes coming into the second book but somewhere along the line I just lost the good vibe. I felt like the connection the characters had in the first book was lost and then so much happened in this book it just seemed like the author had so many ideas and just threw them all in at once. Ellaine and her back and forth feelings were starting to get on my nerves too. I think the ending could have been a little better, Xander expressed something big and important and then two sentences later the epilogue was over. It was an ok book that had the potential to be so much better.
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~
October 30, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
There is so much going on in this book. Ellaine is having second thoughts about having a relationship with Xander because she was taught "good girls" didn't have sex outside of marriage. Remnants of her fundamentalist upbringing weighs heavy on her heart and mind after their encounter in the aquarium. Vowing to nip this in the bud, she meets with Xander and after a romantic encounter in her office, she tells him that she can't be with him.
Feelings that run this hot and fast can't be ignored and Ellaine and Xander begin dating. All sorts of odd things begin to happen: Ellaine's ex shows up unexpectedly, someone tries to break into Xander's house and an old rival of Xander's makes his presence known.
I wish the ending would have been a little more fleshed out but all in all, I enjoyed the book.
There is so much going on in this book. Ellaine is having second thoughts about having a relationship with Xander because she was taught "good girls" didn't have sex outside of marriage. Remnants of her fundamentalist upbringing weighs heavy on her heart and mind after their encounter in the aquarium. Vowing to nip this in the bud, she meets with Xander and after a romantic encounter in her office, she tells him that she can't be with him.
Feelings that run this hot and fast can't be ignored and Ellaine and Xander begin dating. All sorts of odd things begin to happen: Ellaine's ex shows up unexpectedly, someone tries to break into Xander's house and an old rival of Xander's makes his presence known.
I wish the ending would have been a little more fleshed out but all in all, I enjoyed the book.
November 19, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This follows on directly from Private Performance, which you should read first.
I really enjoyed how the story developed. It is always good when the background spills out naturally, and that is definitely how it felt here. The relationship between Xander and Ellaine develops in a very satisfying way. I loved that Ellaine was worried about him seeing her messy flat. I liked that we got some new characters to support Xander, so that we could see how seriously he took his magic. As the story unfolds, it gives layers of plot and interest: the problems that Kaylee experiences with her mother; Brissa's frustration at Xander, Josiah's acceptance of Ellaine's explanation.
Lovely read that left me warm and contented.
This follows on directly from Private Performance, which you should read first.
I really enjoyed how the story developed. It is always good when the background spills out naturally, and that is definitely how it felt here. The relationship between Xander and Ellaine develops in a very satisfying way. I loved that Ellaine was worried about him seeing her messy flat. I liked that we got some new characters to support Xander, so that we could see how seriously he took his magic. As the story unfolds, it gives layers of plot and interest: the problems that Kaylee experiences with her mother; Brissa's frustration at Xander, Josiah's acceptance of Ellaine's explanation.
Lovely read that left me warm and contented.
November 19, 2014
3.5 stars. I like the inside look of magic and the chemistry between the main characters but sometimes the side stories muddled things. Overall entertaining and will be curious what Reese Calloway does next. Full review coming on my blog soon
To enter the giveaway go to www.bit.ly/reviewsleight:
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!
To enter the giveaway go to www.bit.ly/reviewsleight:
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!
November 11, 2014
Following on directly from finishing the first book in the series, I was on a high and full of hope and expectation for both Ellaine and Xander, they had captured my attention in book one and I was sure that they had great things to look forward too.
And then came the BUT.. I don’t know what but I initially seemed to lose Ellaine somewhere along the way, she just became hard to get a handle on or more to the point her thought process became difficult to understand.
I got that she was a product of her upbringing and the religious indoctrinations to some extent but dear lord, tell the man that he hasn’t got a hope in hell before you become physically involved.
Her confusion just left me confused and distracted me from the other stuff that was going on.
Xander, is as handsome as ever but he too is far from straight forward, he has his own secrets that hide within but he knows that with Ellaine he can have a something, a relationship that could be very special and he is going to use every trick in the book to make her see that they can do this together.
The past rears its ugly head for both Ellaine and Xander and they have to deal with not only the memories but the incarnations that end up before them, in Ellaine’s case it is her ever so slightly creepy ex-husband and his stupid stunts and for Xander it is a blast from his professional past that would have been better placed remaining in his history.
I did like the mystery that was apparent in this book, the unexplained events and hinted peril that surrounded them both.
It was an interesting diversion but dealing with this and the past only strengthens the fact that in order to move on they both have to lay their ghosts to bed.
Together they begin to do just that and to take baby steps forward together.
The book ended too soon for me, I wasn’t ready for the end to arrive when it did, I suppose that I just didn’t see the author choosing that point to draw the curtain on the events but on the other hand it may have been a stroke of genius because it has me looking forward to the next instalment.
And then came the BUT.. I don’t know what but I initially seemed to lose Ellaine somewhere along the way, she just became hard to get a handle on or more to the point her thought process became difficult to understand.
I got that she was a product of her upbringing and the religious indoctrinations to some extent but dear lord, tell the man that he hasn’t got a hope in hell before you become physically involved.
Her confusion just left me confused and distracted me from the other stuff that was going on.
Xander, is as handsome as ever but he too is far from straight forward, he has his own secrets that hide within but he knows that with Ellaine he can have a something, a relationship that could be very special and he is going to use every trick in the book to make her see that they can do this together.
The past rears its ugly head for both Ellaine and Xander and they have to deal with not only the memories but the incarnations that end up before them, in Ellaine’s case it is her ever so slightly creepy ex-husband and his stupid stunts and for Xander it is a blast from his professional past that would have been better placed remaining in his history.
I did like the mystery that was apparent in this book, the unexplained events and hinted peril that surrounded them both.
It was an interesting diversion but dealing with this and the past only strengthens the fact that in order to move on they both have to lay their ghosts to bed.
Together they begin to do just that and to take baby steps forward together.
The book ended too soon for me, I wasn’t ready for the end to arrive when it did, I suppose that I just didn’t see the author choosing that point to draw the curtain on the events but on the other hand it may have been a stroke of genius because it has me looking forward to the next instalment.
November 17, 2014
This book picks up right where we are left at the end of Private Performance. Ellaine and Xander are obviously attracted to one another, but Ellaine is reluctant to jump into a relationship after how badly her marriage ended. She is also reluctant to get involved with someone she is developing a business relationship with.
Ellaine and Xander have some strong chemistry, but at times Ellaine's indecision about the kind of relationship she can handle or not handle and somewhat impulsive behaviors were frustrating. Xander and Ellaine both have some troubling issues in their past, and in this book we see those pasts come back to haunt both of them. There are elements of suspense as we see threats to Xander and Ellaine and to the future of the aquarium. I stayed engaged in the story throughout, but at times I found Ellaine's thoughts and behaviors a bit confusing and irritating. All in all, I was hoping that Ellaine and Xander would be able to deal with the challenges that faced them and get to a point where they could just be happy with one another. I will likely continue on with this series as the next installment is released.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Ellaine and Xander have some strong chemistry, but at times Ellaine's indecision about the kind of relationship she can handle or not handle and somewhat impulsive behaviors were frustrating. Xander and Ellaine both have some troubling issues in their past, and in this book we see those pasts come back to haunt both of them. There are elements of suspense as we see threats to Xander and Ellaine and to the future of the aquarium. I stayed engaged in the story throughout, but at times I found Ellaine's thoughts and behaviors a bit confusing and irritating. All in all, I was hoping that Ellaine and Xander would be able to deal with the challenges that faced them and get to a point where they could just be happy with one another. I will likely continue on with this series as the next installment is released.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
November 21, 2014
I was really excited to read this series because I love magic and, even though I read a lot of paranormal, I've never really read the magician plot line before. I wasn't disappointed at all with the first book and especially not with this one. I loved this book! It's mysterious, passionate, and magical.
Ellaine and Xander didn't immediately get their HEA in Private Performance and despite Ellaine trying to fight her desire for him, she's unable to for long. The fact that Xander now has a contract with the aquarium doesn't help with the resisting either. I know wouldn't resist him if I was her! That man is an extremely sexy, sweet alpha and it's impossible not to fall for him.
I loved so many things about this book. It's easy, fast, and entertaining to read. I loved that Ellaine and Xander's relationship was solid and I didn't have to worry that they wouldn't end up together. We also get read from Xander's point of view, so that was totally awesome! But what I loved the most was the magic. It was beautiful and amazing!
Repeat Performance is a full of suspense, heartbreak, romance, and wonder. It’s just a lovely book and I can't wait to read more from Reese Galloway!!! ~ Paige, 5 stars
Ellaine and Xander didn't immediately get their HEA in Private Performance and despite Ellaine trying to fight her desire for him, she's unable to for long. The fact that Xander now has a contract with the aquarium doesn't help with the resisting either. I know wouldn't resist him if I was her! That man is an extremely sexy, sweet alpha and it's impossible not to fall for him.
I loved so many things about this book. It's easy, fast, and entertaining to read. I loved that Ellaine and Xander's relationship was solid and I didn't have to worry that they wouldn't end up together. We also get read from Xander's point of view, so that was totally awesome! But what I loved the most was the magic. It was beautiful and amazing!
Repeat Performance is a full of suspense, heartbreak, romance, and wonder. It’s just a lovely book and I can't wait to read more from Reese Galloway!!! ~ Paige, 5 stars
May 11, 2015
I was really excited to read this series because I love magic and, even though I read a lot of paranormal, I've never really read the magician plot line before. I wasn't disappointed at all with the first book and especially not with this one. I loved this book! It's mysterious, passionate, and magical.
Ellaine and Xander didn't immediately get their HEA in Private Performance and despite Ellaine trying to fight her desire for him, she's unable to for long. The fact that Xander now has a contract with the aquarium doesn't help with the resisting either. I know wouldn't resist him if I was her! That man is an extremely sexy, sweet alpha and it's impossible not to fall for him.
I loved so many things about this book. It's easy, fast, and entertaining to read. I loved that Ellaine and Xander's relationship was solid and I didn't have to worry that they wouldn't end up together. We also get read from Xander's point of view, so that was totally awesome! But what I loved the most was the magic. It was beautiful and amazing!
Repeat Performance is a full of suspense, heartbreak, romance, and wonder. It’s just a lovely book and I can't wait to read more from Reese Galloway!!!
******** Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books Blog ********
Ellaine and Xander didn't immediately get their HEA in Private Performance and despite Ellaine trying to fight her desire for him, she's unable to for long. The fact that Xander now has a contract with the aquarium doesn't help with the resisting either. I know wouldn't resist him if I was her! That man is an extremely sexy, sweet alpha and it's impossible not to fall for him.
I loved so many things about this book. It's easy, fast, and entertaining to read. I loved that Ellaine and Xander's relationship was solid and I didn't have to worry that they wouldn't end up together. We also get read from Xander's point of view, so that was totally awesome! But what I loved the most was the magic. It was beautiful and amazing!
Repeat Performance is a full of suspense, heartbreak, romance, and wonder. It’s just a lovely book and I can't wait to read more from Reese Galloway!!!
******** Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books Blog ********
November 25, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuchforittomenorm...
3.5 Stars
Repeat performance is book #2 in the sleight of hand series.
This is again a novella length story and it's an example of why I'm not a massive fan of short stories.
This book starts with a bang I LOVE Xander and his sexy factor doubled by the fact that he introduces a bit of kink into the mix!!!
I really liked Shay and his white boy gangster patter lol!
The first half of this novella is brilliant and I really got back into the story. Unfortunately the second half was just information overload and I'm gutted that what were brilliant plot ideas were rushed to make them fit into the word count.
Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the story and even Ellaine grew on me a bit. I just really wish this had been a full length novel!!
I would have loved to explore the Reynolds aspect more and even just seen a bit more of a romance with Xander and Elaine.
This just ended far too soon 3.5 stars
3.5 Stars
Repeat performance is book #2 in the sleight of hand series.
This is again a novella length story and it's an example of why I'm not a massive fan of short stories.
This book starts with a bang I LOVE Xander and his sexy factor doubled by the fact that he introduces a bit of kink into the mix!!!
I really liked Shay and his white boy gangster patter lol!
The first half of this novella is brilliant and I really got back into the story. Unfortunately the second half was just information overload and I'm gutted that what were brilliant plot ideas were rushed to make them fit into the word count.
Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed the story and even Ellaine grew on me a bit. I just really wish this had been a full length novel!!
I would have loved to explore the Reynolds aspect more and even just seen a bit more of a romance with Xander and Elaine.
This just ended far too soon 3.5 stars
November 10, 2014
4 stars.
Book one must be read in order to understand where Repeat Performance picks up.
Repeat Performance has mystery, a touch of danger, secrets and denial all wrapped around the two main characters.
And magic, lets not forget the magic!
They both are forced to deal with their pasts in order to move on. Coming face to face with your demons isn't always easy even with someone by your side to help you through it, but Xander and Ellaine both overcome their pasts and begin to move on.
I loved these two, Ellaine is a strong woman yet feminine and soft enough to need the shoulder of a strong man. She wasn't a whiny heroine but a real woman you can relate to. Both Ellaine and Xander's situations were not exaggerated, the story is well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I look forward to more from Reece Galloway.
Book one must be read in order to understand where Repeat Performance picks up.
Repeat Performance has mystery, a touch of danger, secrets and denial all wrapped around the two main characters.
And magic, lets not forget the magic!
They both are forced to deal with their pasts in order to move on. Coming face to face with your demons isn't always easy even with someone by your side to help you through it, but Xander and Ellaine both overcome their pasts and begin to move on.
I loved these two, Ellaine is a strong woman yet feminine and soft enough to need the shoulder of a strong man. She wasn't a whiny heroine but a real woman you can relate to. Both Ellaine and Xander's situations were not exaggerated, the story is well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
I look forward to more from Reece Galloway.
November 26, 2014
~~~~Sara's Review~~~~~
I was given and ARC for my honest review:
AS I started this book I was excited to see what the happens between Ellaine and Xander. You should really read Private Performance before this so that it is easier to follow. I loved this story. It was romantic, yet suspenseful. But Ellaine and Xander are always there and strong holding each other for support. They get closer and closer and Ellaine is forced to let go of her walls and let Xander in. Her heart won’t let any other outcome. This series is a cute quick read and I definitely recommend this series to be read.
I was given and ARC for my honest review:
AS I started this book I was excited to see what the happens between Ellaine and Xander. You should really read Private Performance before this so that it is easier to follow. I loved this story. It was romantic, yet suspenseful. But Ellaine and Xander are always there and strong holding each other for support. They get closer and closer and Ellaine is forced to let go of her walls and let Xander in. Her heart won’t let any other outcome. This series is a cute quick read and I definitely recommend this series to be read.
November 4, 2014
reviewed for hookedonbooks
Who would have thought an Aquarium would be romantic? Xander is very handsome. Ellaine is doing her best to move forward after her ex's stunts. Ellaine doesn't want to get caught up in any relationship. She just wants to do well at her job. The buzz in the air is felt all through this story. Xander has secrets, Ellaine doesn't like magicians. I want to see how their story continues. Ellaine is going to like this magician and I want to see what kind of tricks Xander is going to show her! I give this 3.5 stars.
Who would have thought an Aquarium would be romantic? Xander is very handsome. Ellaine is doing her best to move forward after her ex's stunts. Ellaine doesn't want to get caught up in any relationship. She just wants to do well at her job. The buzz in the air is felt all through this story. Xander has secrets, Ellaine doesn't like magicians. I want to see how their story continues. Ellaine is going to like this magician and I want to see what kind of tricks Xander is going to show her! I give this 3.5 stars.
November 26, 2014
I was given and ARC for my honest review:
AS I started this book I was excited to see what the happens between Ellaine and Xander. You should really read Private Performance before this so that it is easier to follow. I loved this story. It was romantic, yet suspenseful. But Ellaine and Xander are always there and strong holding each other for support. They get closer and closer and Ellaine is forced to let go of her walls and let Xander in. Her heart won’t let any other outcome. This series is a cute quick read and I definitely recommend this series to be read.
AS I started this book I was excited to see what the happens between Ellaine and Xander. You should really read Private Performance before this so that it is easier to follow. I loved this story. It was romantic, yet suspenseful. But Ellaine and Xander are always there and strong holding each other for support. They get closer and closer and Ellaine is forced to let go of her walls and let Xander in. Her heart won’t let any other outcome. This series is a cute quick read and I definitely recommend this series to be read.
November 4, 2014
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
There is so much more going on in this 2nd book.
Lots of decisions are made and changing of minds, we look a bit more in depth in the characters lives and feelings.
Another good read
There is so much more going on in this 2nd book.
Lots of decisions are made and changing of minds, we look a bit more in depth in the characters lives and feelings.
Another good read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews