Book Review: Dark Arts and a Daiquiri by Annette Marie

Book Title: Dark Arts and a Daiquiri

(The Guild Codex: Spellbound #2)

Author: Annette Marie

Published Date: November 16th 2018

Number of Pages: 308

Book Rating: 4 stars

Book Description:

When I found myself facing down the scariest black-magic felon in the city, practically daring him to abduct me, I had to wonder exactly how I ended up here.

It all started when I accidentally landed a job as a bartender--but not at a bar. At a guild, populated by mages, sorcerers, alchemists, witches, and psychics. Good thing this lame-o human is adaptable, right?

Then my favorite guild members--three sexy, powerful, and intermittently charming mages--asked for my help. Did they want access to my encyclopedic knowledge of cocktails? Oh no. They wanted to wrap me up in a pretty ribbon and plunk me in the crosshairs of a murderous rogue to lure him out of hiding.

So that's what we did. And that's why I'm here. About to be kidnapped. Oh, and our grand plan for safely capturing said murderous rogue? Yeah, that completely fell apart about two minutes ago.

Why did I agree to this again?

Review:

Ok, so the main thing with this book which frustrated me is that my predictions didn't come true.

So here's the thing. I really thought she secretly did have magic and since I really love the trope of unsuspecting girl realizes she had magic, I was just waiting for it to be revealed. This book had the absolute perfect setting for a, 'woah, I actually have magic' discovery. When it didn't happen I was bummed but I am not giving up on this theory quite yet. While there is a lot pointing to her truly having no magic, because of what happened at the end of this book, and one or two more possible clues, I am holding on to a shred of hope that she still might have magic even though chances are looking slim.

On the bright side Tori can take care or herself magic or no magic and it's very entertaining to watch!

I have such anxieties after this book for what will happen to her in the future! She is now involved in such a mess and navigating it will be really hard I think for her.

As you can tell I still very much invested in the future of these characters, but as I do from time to time, I am scared to continue reading because I have a feeling the author is just getting started when it comes to playing with the readers emotions.

I need to learn to put down my hopes for the story and enjoy the ride. I think I might pick up the next book fairly soon as I want to know what happens. This book didn't wow me as much as book number one but I still really enjoyed it.

Also, when it comes to the romance I still thinking it is lacking! I don't know why but I want Tori to be with Ezra, so maybe that's why the romance with Aaron is falling flat? It could also be because he doesn't really act like a boyfriend or lover? He honestly just feels not serious about the relationship. Maybe I am reading too much into it but it seems Tori is not super into it either. She likes making out with him and thinks he's hot but she shows hesitation quite a few times when it comes to fully committing to him.

I feel like apart from the kissing and make out sessions the rest of the time he gives as much romantic attention to her as any of the flirting guys. If she does end up with him I want to see more "boyfriend" attention and less "flirting" attention.

The is many things which might happen in the next book and I am looking forward to picking it up. It's so easy to binge these books but I do need to be semi-productive so I might try and stretch the next book in the series out a bit.

Side note, am I the only one who doesn't picture the MC at all like the character on the cover? I see her as fairly innocent looking but with a attitude that comes out of nowhere.