Legends and Lattes | Book Review

 

Thank you to Netgalley and TOR for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.

Book: Legend and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Release Date: November 10th 2022
Tags: High Fantasy | Adult | Coffee shop | Cozy Fantasy | Found family | Friendship | f/f Relationship
Trigger/Content Warnings: Fire | Stalking

Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian cashes out of the warrior’s life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen.

However, her dreams of a fresh start pulling shots instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune’s shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners and a different kind of resolve.

I’d heard many great things about Legends and Lattes before I was able to read this review copy. I can say that it certainly lived up to. This is one of those cozy fantasies that we need more off.

Set in a very high fantasy setting, Viv the orc wants to hang up her sword on the wall and start a business. As you can imagine, that doesn’t nessecarily go as easy at it sounds. With old frenemies, annoying stalkers and people who have never heard of coffee, it is an uphill battle for her. Lckily she makes some new friends who are all in.

What I loved about this book is the cozy feeling. Having the elements of a fantasy but getting bits of a normal life inside those settings. Seeing an orc make friends and have dreams and wants, is not something we very often get. Mostly we get them stupid and or violent/angry. I also loved the friendships that she creates with the one she has asked for help with building the building and the employee she gains. And not only that but a hell cat comes in. Do you know how much I love the addition of stubborn animals who choose who gets to take care of them?

It creates a group that you can’t help but love and root for. It is a delightful story to curl up into chair with, with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and a nice warm blanket while it helps you warm up on the inside.