Legends and Lattes

by Travis Baldree

English language

Published Jan. 22, 2022 by Pan Macmillan.

ISBN:: 978-1-0350-0731-8

(208 reviews)

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.

A hot cup of fantasy slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth.

16 editions

Muse reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Exactly what it says on the cover

4 stars

It’s nice to be reminded that fantasy stories don’t have to have world-ending stakes to be just as engaging. Despite being exactly what it says on its cover - a low stakes novel about a former adventurer opening a coffee shop - I could not anticipate how appealing it would be. I blew through this novel in two days despite its simplicity thanks to continuing to say to myself ‘one more chapter couldn’t hurt.’ I loved the slowly building romance in the subplot, and the dual themes in the story of the power of change and finding people who see you for who you really are tugged on my heartstrings.

I do have a few complaints - some of the early problems set up in the story just kind of vanish thanks to the power of baked goods, and I was a bit sad that the stone ended up being …

I do have a few complaints - some of the early problems set up in the story just kind of vanish thanks to the power of baked goods, and I was a bit sad that the stone ended up being some kind of magic after all. I think it would’ve made the points the story was trying to get across hit harder if the store’s initial success really had been a combination of luck and friendship the whole time.

But even with that said, I can’t recommend this book enough. I think the word “cozy” has gotten a bit diluted thanks to marketing forces being what they are, but this book is exactly that. It reads like a warm blanket on a cold day, the perfect way to unwind.

Chris he/they reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Want a cozy fantasy book that leaves you bawling?

5 stars

I don't think I've cried this much at a book in a long time, which is surprising when this book mostly concerns the development of a coffee shop. This book is an easy read, with concise chapters and endearing characters. You really get invested in the characters, whether it's Cal the hob (goblin?) sighing contentedly over his mug of coffee or Thimble the rattkin developing chocolate croissants and dreaming of a bigger kitchen.

The crying came in the last 1/4 of the book, as the protagonist Viv recovers from a tragedy with the help and support of her friends and community. The simple depictions of a community coming together in the wake of tragedy was beautifully handled and finished with a satisfying conclusion.

Go on, give it a read! The time flies by when you're reading. Just be sure to have some coffee on hand to enjoy as you flip …

Go on, give it a read! The time flies by when you're reading. Just be sure to have some coffee on hand to enjoy as you flip through.

Wild Woila reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Discworld with hygge instead of satire

4 stars

A lovely little story about an ex-adventurer who turns her orcish hand to opening a coffee shop. Everyone is nice except for the odd dickhead who provides narrative tension. Imagine the Discworld with hygge instead of satire.

ToadyNerd reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

I love coffee, books, and fantasy... so this hit the sweet spot

4 stars

The book about a coffee shop in a fantasy world had the feeling of a coffee shop. Most of the characters were very likable, and just felt like somewhere I would like to visit.

MJR_Librarian reviewed Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Exactly what I wanted

5 stars

This book was exactly what I wanted. It was cozy and adventurous and just a whole lot of fun. No notes.

Tilde Lowengrimm reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Cozy fanfiction energy

5 stars

What a joy. This novel is a warm cup of coffee on a rainy day. It's a comfortable shirt with too many holes in it to keep, but which is just too soft to throw out. It's queer coffeshop AU fanfiction for characters you've never heard of before yet immediately feel utterly at home with. Just a fantastic delicious cinnamon roll of a book.

Alex Cabe reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Surprisingly Engaging for Such a Low-Key Book

4 stars

This book did a great job of being relaxed and low-stakes, but still had that special magic where I couldn't wait for the next chapter, and I blew through this in two days. So far as being a chill-out book, it hit the target exactly.

I wish the author had committed to the romance a little more if it was going to be a part of the book, but maybe in the sequel.

Looking forward to the prequel story and prequel novel for a little more world-building.

almostallthecake reviewed Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Review of 'Legends and Lattes' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is a super cozy book. I have [b:Bookshops & Bonedust|65213543|Bookshops & Bonedust (Legends & Lattes, #0)|Travis Baldree|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678122626l/65213543.SY75.jpg|100097047] ready to go on my TBR last as I enjoyed this one so much.

If you are someone that wants a lot of depth, gore, and fighting in your fantasy, this is definitely more of a cozy book. I was on the search for a cozy book, and this hit the spot.

I did find myself somewhat bored by the second half, but it's also an easy read, so it didn't dampen the experience. The last part almost made me cry though, even though it was foreshadowed, I wanted to take action myself, so I definitely bonded with Viv. I want her coffee now.

The world building and dialogue are the most impressive parts of this book. You are truly allowed to escape.

Molly Foust reviewed Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

Review of 'Legends and Lattes' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

A happy book , redolent of cinnamon rolls and bean juice, full of friends coming together that will assuage any ongoing despair one might have and lead you to hug an ogre.

sifuCJC reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Good weekend read

4 stars

I was looking for something fun. This fit the bill. I'll continue on in the series.

spinnytea reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Cozy and Heart Warming

5 stars

A cozy fantasy about building a coffee shop from the ground up. It's got power creep, a mob, magic; it tickles your senses and calms your nerves. This'll definitely be a re-read.

Machinedreamread reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Very Cute

4 stars

Cozy fantasy that wasn't too intense. just a cute enjoyable story

Raven reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes, #1)

Cozy fantasy

5 stars

While I am new to cozy fantasy as a genre, I thoroughly enjoyed the my first taste with Legends and Lattes. While I was on edge waiting for action I am so used to getting in fantasy, I was not disappointed when little came. I found myself wanting to try a hand at baking the treats found in the little cafe from Thune. And I am not known for my cooking nor baking skills. I highly recommend for a relaxing read.

Clare Hooley reviewed Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Needing an ‘extra shot’ to get beyond an OK–good

4 stars

I came to this book knowing that it is described as ‘cosy fantasy’ and there’d be few surprises. I didn’t know what cosy fantasy is but do now. Here, we have light-hearted, but not sexual, romance embedded in a fun slice of life story about Viv, an orc, opening a café (complete with a cook to make cinnamon buns and biscotti) perhaps, or perhaps not, with a little magical help. The other characters comprise those enlisted to help in the cafe endeavour, as well as a few rogues and the members of DnD-style adventurers’ troupe that Viv previously belonged to. The trouble is there’s just not much here world- or character-building wise, and the book itself is very short. The only person we really learn anything about is Viv, and apart from a few references to height and strength, she might as well be human. One to enjoy on a …