Death Dancer
(Dangerous Dancers #2)
By Tara Lain
Blurb:
A tattooed dancer and a by-the-book detective dance with death in the ego-fueled halls of ballet.
Bad boy of ballet, Valentin “Val” Aalto stands poised on the verge of huge success -- except for one big obstacle. Influential lead dancer Harry Hardesty hates Val and cheats him out of the lead in Romeo and Juliet. When Hardesty winds up dead, Val looks like a prime suspect – and gets thrown under the detailed and methodical inspection of the handsome NY detective with the stick up his butt, Andrew Preston. At first, Preston believes Hardesty may be the victim of the chilling Dancer Killer who’s struck three victims, but evidence stacks up against Val. Still, Andrew can’t seem to keep his hands off his suspect and when the Dancer Killer starts stalking Val, Andrew is forced to choose between his dedication to a job he loves – and his growing passion for his beautiful dancer. Together Val and Andrew discover that chaos can be beautiful, one should choose desserts wisely, and love can even trump death in the rehearsal halls of ballet.
Available for Pre-Order at
Release Date:
November 1, 2016
Excerpt
Val gritted his teeth but didn’t reply. He just wrapped the towel over his longish wet hair and ruffled it dry. When he pulled it off, Mr. Cop-out had his eyes glued to Val’s package. The scrutiny made said package want to stand up and show off.
The cop cleared his throat. “I’m Detective Andrew Preston with the NYPD. I’m investigating a homicide related to one of the members of this company. Your director said all of you dancers are to answer questions before leaving today. It doesn’t look like you’re planning to make yourself subject to those instructions.”
Val plopped his naked butt on the bench and let his c*ck drape down between his legs. Get a good look there, Copo. “To quote an old movie, I don’t consider myself subject to much at all, Detective, but in fact, I didn’t get those instructions since I was meeting with the director of the company at the time they were likely being given.”
“I see.”
“And I have every intention of leaving here quickly and diving to the bottom of a vodka bottle shortly thereafter, so if you’ve got questions, ask them fast.”
Preston raised a perfectly shaped dark eyebrow. “I wouldn’t have thought an athlete would indulge quite so freely.”
“Yeah, well, when assholes throw their weight around and take what’s rightfully mine, I figure I’ve earned a little f*cking indulgence.” He blew out his breath. “Sorry. Ask your questions.”
Preston carefully removed a notebook and a pen from his breast pocket.
Val grinned. “You’re kidding? I feel like I’ve gone back in time to some black and white TV show where you’re going to say—”
“Just the facts, sir.”
Val’s eyes flashed to Preston’s. He couldn’t be serious—then Val smiled. The cop’s light green eyes danced with a very charming mischief.
“So you get that a lot.”
“Yes. I’m afraid my penchant for organization receives mixed reviews.”
Val smiled. Cute. “Okay. Shoot there, Sherlock.”
“How well did you know Donald Fornazy?”
“Not at all, I’m afraid. Not even his name. We had a couple scenes together. Nothing much.”
“Is that unusual, not to know someone in your own company?”
Val felt the crease pop between his brows. “Not really. There are a lot of dancers here. I’m not a member of the corps and I don’t live here. Most of my friends aren’t members of the company.” He shrugged. “The young man was neither a great enough dancer for me to notice him professionally, nor enough my type to notice him personally.”
That got a rise out of both Preston’s eyebrows.
Val shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to make light of this man’s murder. I’m just in a rotten mood. Don’t mind me.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“It doesn’t relate to your case.”
Preston gazed at him for a long second, then looked down at his notebook. “Do you have any idea why someone would want to kill him?”
“Can’t imagine. I heard that some other dancers have been killed, which is pretty damned shocking. Hell, we’re society’s frippery. Spangles on the ass cheeks of civilization. Hardly a threat to anyone.”
Dangerous Dancers Series
Golden Dancer
(Dangerous Dancers Series, #1)
By Tara Lain
Available for purchase at
About the Author
Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!
You can find Tara at Lain
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Thank you so much for unveiling my cover!! Delighted to be here. : )
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