Did you ever read a book, an adventure book or fantasy in particular, and wonder how life was after the adventure ended? Beyond the epilogue if you get one. What was life like once the heroes returned home, if they returned home at all?
That’s what we get in Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. And what a delight it is!
Synopsis
After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.
The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But rivals old and new stand in the way of success–not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea of what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.
But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, a flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Cozy
Now, I know a lot of people equate “cozy” to boring. But that is not at all what I mean here. It is fun, and intriguing but it doesn’t require a lot of say, brain power, like some fantasy where they’re constantly throwing convoluted (yet fascinating) world building, lore and more at you.
When I was talking to my husband about this book, I compared it to Stardew Valley. Is it like God of War: Ragnarok, or Elden Ring where it’s going to be winning several accolades at the Game Awards?
No, probably not.
But just because Stardew isn’t on the “same level” as these other games, do I still have 325 hours invested in it because I love it that much?
Yes, I absolutely do.
It’s not a highly demanding game, but it’s one I find comfort in.
And that’s how I felt about Legends & Lattes. Now, you won’t need at all 325 hours to devour this book. It’s fairly small really at 257 pages in the paperback version. However, you’re going to enjoy your time with it as you settle in your preferred reading spot with favorite beverage and snack nearby.
Mystery
This book may be under 300 pages, but it doesn’t lack in intrigue. From the start of our main protagonist, Viv is meeting obstacles. And some of those have unknown origins. And as she is building her coffee shop, we get clues and interactions with other characters that had me pursing my lips and drawing my brows together.
Not only regarding the opposition, but the magic within this world, and the odd way some patrons happen to speak…seemingly to no one.
It may be a story about an orc warrior trying to open a coffee shop, but there are surprisingly a lot of other little things going on, and people coming into the pictured, that will not only grab your attention but also your affection.
Family
Tying in to that sense of coziness and comfort. The folk who gather around Viv and her coffee shop, from start to finish, become family. And it’s so wholesome!
From the craftsman hob and the artistic succubus to the genius baker rattkin. It just left me feeling warm and fuzzy. Because sometimes it’s not the family you’re born into, but the one you create and find that really makes life great. And that’s the sense I got while reading this book.
Even certain characters who don’t get a lot of page time, become part of the fabric of this coffee shop and therefore Viv’s story.
You know how in those rom-coms and Hallmark movies, the big city person finds their true purpose in the small-town? That’s kind of the feeling one gets while reading Legends & Lattes.
Because what do we get in those small-town tales? We get community. We get our protagonist getting help from new friends and strangers. This story lets us know that it’s okay to need help, it’s okay to ask for help. It is not a weakness, even if it may feel like it at times.
Turning a New Leaf
One thing I think this story really displayed well, is that if you want to turn a new leaf in life, you have to stop doing things the old way. Even if reverting back may be easier. Even if it may seem like the only option to go back to how you used to do things.
If you go back, you’ve just thwarted your own growth.
And it’s okay for that to be difficult! It’s okay to war with oneself over changes. That’s natural. If you could make that change overnight, you probably would’ve done so many moons ago.
So it’s okay for there to be a struggle with that change. Don’t give up!
Romance as a Shadow
There is romance in this book, however it is super faint. It’s there. But it is not at all the focus of the story. It sort of ties into the Family section above. And that makes it all the better. It’s not some quick hot romance that is insta-love or lust. It’s sweet, and it takes its time to develop.
You get vibes, you get hints of some possibilities. And then when it comes more to light, those warm fuzzies just explode. Because what do we want when reading a cozy fantasy? Or cozy book of any sort?
We want our protagonist to get their HEA.
Happily Ever After.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a break from some high-fantasy, an intense thriller, and are in the market for a fun fantasy read. Look no further.
If you love games like Dungeons & Dragons, and want to see how an adventurer lives life after the quest ends. Look no further.
If you love the coffee shop vibe…you get it.
This was such a sweet read. I smiled, I laughed and I really really hope we get more of Viv in the future.
I gave Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Until Next Time,
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