Steph Reviews Three Mages and a Margarita By Annette Marie, Narrated By Cris Dukehart

Publisher: Tantor Audio
Series: The Guild Codex
Format Read: Audiobook
Source: Purchased from Audible
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
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Blurb from goodreads:

Broke, almost homeless, and recently fired. Those are my official reasons for answering a wanted ad for a skeevy-looking bartender gig.

It went downhill the moment they asked me to do a trial shift instead of an interview - to see if I'd mesh with their "special" clientele. I think that part went great. Their customers were complete dickheads, and I was an asshole right back. That's the definition of fitting in, right?

I expected to get thrown out on my ass. Instead, they...offered me the job?

It turns out this place isn't a bar. It's a guild. And the three cocky guys I drenched with a margarita during my trial? Yeah, they were mages. Either I'm exactly the kind of takes-no-sh-t bartender this guild needs, or there's a good reason no one else wants to work here.

So what's a broke girl to do? Take the job, of course - with a pay raise.

Steph's Thoughts:

I actually came across this book on Facebook. It was one of those sponsored ads that are usually annoying but the blurb caught my attention. I was skeptical because I saw it was part of a series and I am usually pretty wary of new series. I think we all know by now my take on making a "series" out of one book. I saw that a few people had made some comments and took a chance and asked a question. "Is this a complete book or is there a huge cliffhanger?" The author answered my question and said it was a complete story but there was a longer arc that would continue over the whole series.

Work has been a little slow so this morning I took a chance and went with the audiobook. I had a couple of credits available and figured why not.

I was not disappointed.

Tori is a lot of fun. She is a redhead and has a fiery disposition. It does get her into trouble at times, especially with jobs. I really loved her. She doesn't take crap from anyone. Tori stumbles into the magic world and gets hired as a bartender. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times while listening to the book. Some of the situations she gets herself into are hilarious. The humor is sarcastic and snarky so it is right up my alley. The one thing I really admired about Tori is that she might be "just a human" but she knows how to stand up and fight for her friends.

Tori finds herself becoming friends with the three mages whom she dumps the margarita on the first night, Aaron, Kai and Ezra. First, let me say that while all three seem to be hot as all heck and Tori does admire each and every one of them, so far this does not seem like a reverse harem novel. There isn't much "romance" in this book. Some flirting, a couple of hugs, and one amazing kiss but that is all for romance.

The book really focuses on getting to know the characters, setting up the world they live in, building friendships and following the story of why someone keeps attacking one of the mages. We learn a little about each of the mages but we do have a lot more to learn about each one. Ezra seems to be the biggest mystery and I cannot wait to learn his secrets.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The narrator does a good job. She isn't annoying like some. She does different voices for each of the characters but does not take it over the top. I was able to listen to her non-stop for over 7 hours and not want to claw my ears off. I was happy to see she does the next book, which I have already downloaded from audible and plan on listening to it at work tomorrow. I am planning on ordering a hard copy for my physical library.