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The Bartender Mage #1
Brewing Spirits
For Leif, it started as just another summer night serving alcohol at the Rainbow Rooster, one of Minneapolis’ many gay bars. After he bears witness to a ghostly assault, however, he finds himself recruited by not just one, but two hunky detectives; Tucker, a canine shifter and belly-rub fiend, and Rahul, a free-spirited Djinn and Tucker’s ex. As the only person to have actually seen this spectral perpetrator, Leif is going to have to quickly master his newfound spirit magic if he wants to help in the case. For a vertically-challenged cub that’s used to being overlooked, this might just be his ticket to a lasting relationship.
Brewing Spirits is a paranormal romance about magical booze, himbo were-dogs, cocksure private eyes, and tender reconciliation.
Brewing Spirits is a paranormal romance about magical booze, himbo were-dogs, cocksure private eyes, and tender reconciliation.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2023
78 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 31, 2024
I saw this book in Skye Kilean's queer romance newsletter and perked up when I saw it described as "low-angst, polyamorous paranormal romance". That's perfect for my current mood, and it's written by a gay man to boot. Sign me up!
It may not be the most technically brilliant or intricately plotted, but I don't care because I'm here for the characters. Leif stumbles upon a magical crime in progress which puts him in contact with Tucker, a shifter with the Department of Mythic Affairs (police adjacent, but not enough to squick me out), and private investigator Rahul, who also happens to be a light-wielding Djinn. Leif discovers he has some magic of his own, and the story takes off in typical urban fantasy style.
The plot keeps the story moving forward, even more so than the relationship, which seems to be along for the ride. But as things went on I found myself invested in the people - Leif, a college student who moonlights as a bartender and is thrown into a magical world he has only heard of. Tucker, who shifts into a dog with no filter, which makes sure the characters don't get emotionally constipated. On the other hand Rahul is a bit more guarded, which makes sense considering the circumstances of his breakup with Tucker.
Some other things I love - the emphasis on consent. Positive depictions of queer and polyam-friendly therapy with a non-binary therapist. The gaze that comes with reading a m/m(/m) romance by an Achillean author. I'm curious to read on in the series so I can hang out with these guys some more.
It may not be the most technically brilliant or intricately plotted, but I don't care because I'm here for the characters. Leif stumbles upon a magical crime in progress which puts him in contact with Tucker, a shifter with the Department of Mythic Affairs (police adjacent, but not enough to squick me out), and private investigator Rahul, who also happens to be a light-wielding Djinn. Leif discovers he has some magic of his own, and the story takes off in typical urban fantasy style.
The plot keeps the story moving forward, even more so than the relationship, which seems to be along for the ride. But as things went on I found myself invested in the people - Leif, a college student who moonlights as a bartender and is thrown into a magical world he has only heard of. Tucker, who shifts into a dog with no filter, which makes sure the characters don't get emotionally constipated. On the other hand Rahul is a bit more guarded, which makes sense considering the circumstances of his breakup with Tucker.
Some other things I love - the emphasis on consent. Positive depictions of queer and polyam-friendly therapy with a non-binary therapist. The gaze that comes with reading a m/m(/m) romance by an Achillean author. I'm curious to read on in the series so I can hang out with these guys some more.
July 26, 2024
What an over the top, silly read. But it was so entertaining! The author has created some very different colorful characters. A dog shifter (a very cute beagle) who is a police detective for paranormal unit. His ex partner and lover, a djinn, now a private investigator. And the one to bring them all together is a newly awakened mage who is a young bartender. Who’s center of magic is from mixing drinks. Yes, too silly at times, but it made me laugh!
October 10, 2025
Easy read
The book had a different kind of magic explored in it. That was quite refreshing.
It had a good story even though it was not a very challenging to read.
I like that it was not overly sexualized. A lot of M/M Novels have sex on every other page. This one was not like that.
The book had a different kind of magic explored in it. That was quite refreshing.
It had a good story even though it was not a very challenging to read.
I like that it was not overly sexualized. A lot of M/M Novels have sex on every other page. This one was not like that.
March 9, 2024
pup, cub, bear
Poly-friendly very gay romance where three people find each other.
The people are an unexpected mix, avoiding a lot of tropes, especially like the mostly straight muscle head who isn’t homophobic, and can roll with flirty back and forth teasing.
Scorching hot.
Poly-friendly very gay romance where three people find each other.
The people are an unexpected mix, avoiding a lot of tropes, especially like the mostly straight muscle head who isn’t homophobic, and can roll with flirty back and forth teasing.
Scorching hot.
January 31, 2025
I know it's an mm(m) romance...
But the sheer amount of times the characters' "rods" were mentioned (yes the author used that term. A LOT) was just... so OTT ridiculous and not in a good way. They adjusted themselves constant, had chubs and semis for 98% of the book, and often just walked about member swinging. It bordered on laughable.
I liked Leif. He was cute. He's why this is a two star instead of a one.
But the sheer amount of times the characters' "rods" were mentioned (yes the author used that term. A LOT) was just... so OTT ridiculous and not in a good way. They adjusted themselves constant, had chubs and semis for 98% of the book, and often just walked about member swinging. It bordered on laughable.
I liked Leif. He was cute. He's why this is a two star instead of a one.
November 9, 2024
3.75 stars
This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the dynamic of the three MCs and I’m looking forward to seeing where they are going. Also the world building is unique to say the least. Leif’s inter dialogue is hilarious!!
This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the dynamic of the three MCs and I’m looking forward to seeing where they are going. Also the world building is unique to say the least. Leif’s inter dialogue is hilarious!!
April 16, 2025
This new to me author pulled me right into this intriguing world. Magic is common place and Leif discovers he has quite the unique gift...making potions out of alcoholic drinks.
He ends up helping Tucker and Rahul on their investigation...and sexiness ensues.
I liked the originality of the plot and the quirky side characters (especially the red gargoyle Rickter).
The body positivity is awesome: Leif is a short cub, Rahul is a tall, tattooed hairy Djinn with a bit of a pot-belly and Tucker is built but has a super-cute, fluffy puppy-shifter side. I was cracking up when puppy Tucker was talking. There was also quite the emphasis on cock and cock size, length, girth...etc. I think the author likes dick; and don't we all :D
He ends up helping Tucker and Rahul on their investigation...and sexiness ensues.
I liked the originality of the plot and the quirky side characters (especially the red gargoyle Rickter).
The body positivity is awesome: Leif is a short cub, Rahul is a tall, tattooed hairy Djinn with a bit of a pot-belly and Tucker is built but has a super-cute, fluffy puppy-shifter side. I was cracking up when puppy Tucker was talking. There was also quite the emphasis on cock and cock size, length, girth...etc. I think the author likes dick; and don't we all :D
December 13, 2024
good
This was good. I kinda of liked the premise of this world. I feel like maybe there was a series before this one I should have read first. I really liked Tucker. I realize now this is a series and I’m on the fence about reading the rest of it. If you’re looking for lots of spice this isn’t the book for you. There’s only one true sex scene and it’s at the end of the book. Chapter 18 to be exact. Again I liked the plot but I thought I was going to get more spicy scenes.
This was good. I kinda of liked the premise of this world. I feel like maybe there was a series before this one I should have read first. I really liked Tucker. I realize now this is a series and I’m on the fence about reading the rest of it. If you’re looking for lots of spice this isn’t the book for you. There’s only one true sex scene and it’s at the end of the book. Chapter 18 to be exact. Again I liked the plot but I thought I was going to get more spicy scenes.
March 3, 2025
This was absurdly silly. The characters spend 90% of the book hard, no matter the circumcises they find themselves in. But it was a fun read.
The main plot was fine, although far from the draw. This book really is one for the characters. It's a throuple romance, but honestly I would have read a hundred pages of just the two exes getting back together. I think a book just focused on them, and that took itself a little more seriously, would have been a better book.
The main plot was fine, although far from the draw. This book really is one for the characters. It's a throuple romance, but honestly I would have read a hundred pages of just the two exes getting back together. I think a book just focused on them, and that took itself a little more seriously, would have been a better book.
December 7, 2023
Cute
I enjoyed this book and thought all three main characters were great! I think a bit more information on the magic and how it works in the world would have been nice. Since it is not hidden and is common I thought there would be more standardized training or someone that would work with a person with new powers.
I enjoyed this book and thought all three main characters were great! I think a bit more information on the magic and how it works in the world would have been nice. Since it is not hidden and is common I thought there would be more standardized training or someone that would work with a person with new powers.
March 18, 2025
The book is full of mistakes.
Are you telling me that Lief has been working as a bartender and never used his magic before? What a joke.
Tucker and Ruhul were a couple... it make no sense why they randomly want to do the witness?
Again, ruined MMM. It's just plain bad.
44% through, it felt dull, boring and such bad writing and full of mistakes. Characters are dull as nails.
Are you telling me that Lief has been working as a bartender and never used his magic before? What a joke.
Tucker and Ruhul were a couple... it make no sense why they randomly want to do the witness?
Again, ruined MMM. It's just plain bad.
44% through, it felt dull, boring and such bad writing and full of mistakes. Characters are dull as nails.
December 23, 2025
Not a fan, this book would have been great if it was just Tucker and Rahul but Lief just felt out of place. He didn't feel like he was part of the story, kind of like a side character that got added later. This is my first time reading this author I will try another book, hopefully I like it better.
October 14, 2024
fine..
I really wanted to like this book, and I did, generally. But the way magic works in this book makes absolutely no sense. I also felt like the main conflict was rather lacking
I really wanted to like this book, and I did, generally. But the way magic works in this book makes absolutely no sense. I also felt like the main conflict was rather lacking
December 17, 2023
wolf djinn caster
A bartender discovered he can cast. Falls foe doggy detective and a djinn pi. They solve a case together snd fall for each other.
A bartender discovered he can cast. Falls foe doggy detective and a djinn pi. They solve a case together snd fall for each other.
April 13, 2024
3.5 stars
Read
September 29, 2024DNF @ 12% - maybe I'm a minimalist with paranormal creatures, but this lost me quickly lol
did-not-finish
January 2, 2025DNF
This is feeling a little too goofy and quirky for my current mood. Maybe I'll try it again later.
This is feeling a little too goofy and quirky for my current mood. Maybe I'll try it again later.
Read
March 13, 2024DNF @ 31%
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews