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A review by a_reader_obsessed
Curses & Cocktails by S.L. Rowland
4.0
4 Easy Stars
As per the blurb, Rhoren is trying to figure out what to do with the second half of his life. He’s now a retired elven mage having served his country ridding it of horrible destructive beasts with his powerful blood magic. However, using his powers has paid a price, and Rhoren lives in constant chronic pain. When he’s told that a warmer climate may ease his aches, he heads south where he settles in, using up his savings to open up his long dead father’s dream - a tavern to showcase the wonderful drinks said father had experienced on his travels. What Rhoren needs is a partner to jumpstart this venture and who else but the kindly bartender at the upscale inn Kallum would fit the bill perfectly.
Look, like [b:Legends & Lattes|61242426|Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1)|Travis Baldree|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654581271l/61242426._SY75_.jpg|94968745], this is not going to break any barriers. This is labeled cozy fantasy for a reason. Slow and steady, reading about the day ins and outs of Rhoren and how he settles into his retirement as he faces some challenges and accomplishes many wins is what this is all about. There’s a bit of inner turmoil as blood mages have a certain reputation, and a little mystery surrounds the possibility that the tavern is haunted, including another monster battle at the end, but nothing was too scary or anxiety inducing or angsty.
Overall, like the popular aforementioned cozy fantasy, this is about second chances and living one’s best life by taking some risks to find love and found family. If that is your thing and you don’t mind a sedate easy read with PLENTY of cocktail descriptions (along with imbibing them), then this isn’t a difficult decision to make at all.
As per the blurb, Rhoren is trying to figure out what to do with the second half of his life. He’s now a retired elven mage having served his country ridding it of horrible destructive beasts with his powerful blood magic. However, using his powers has paid a price, and Rhoren lives in constant chronic pain. When he’s told that a warmer climate may ease his aches, he heads south where he settles in, using up his savings to open up his long dead father’s dream - a tavern to showcase the wonderful drinks said father had experienced on his travels. What Rhoren needs is a partner to jumpstart this venture and who else but the kindly bartender at the upscale inn Kallum would fit the bill perfectly.
Look, like [b:Legends & Lattes|61242426|Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes, #1)|Travis Baldree|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654581271l/61242426._SY75_.jpg|94968745], this is not going to break any barriers. This is labeled cozy fantasy for a reason. Slow and steady, reading about the day ins and outs of Rhoren and how he settles into his retirement as he faces some challenges and accomplishes many wins is what this is all about. There’s a bit of inner turmoil as blood mages have a certain reputation, and a little mystery surrounds the possibility that the tavern is haunted, including another monster battle at the end, but nothing was too scary or anxiety inducing or angsty.
Overall, like the popular aforementioned cozy fantasy, this is about second chances and living one’s best life by taking some risks to find love and found family. If that is your thing and you don’t mind a sedate easy read with PLENTY of cocktail descriptions (along with imbibing them), then this isn’t a difficult decision to make at all.