It is fantastic! A light and fun fantasy read! Very hearty and warming. The book manages to captivate me with every scene.

It is so good. I do hope to read more of Baldree's books!

This was just what the fantasy genre needed. A nice refreshing tale about an orc who opens a coffee shop, this book hit the spot quite nicely and made me crave coffee and cinnamon buns in the process. I would love this to bring new stories to the fantasy genre, because there's so much scope for slice of life stories in fantasy and sci fi books. It's a chance to explore worlds in more calm relaxing ways without the protagonist being whisked off to save the world. I just absolutely love this idea.

The story itself was great too, though it was probably the uniqueness that made me rate it so highly, it had a strong plot and a really loveable cast of characters. My favourite was Thimble the rattkin, but the other characters are notable as well. It was really easy to see the friendship and camaraderie that formed between the characters.

If I had to make one complaint it's that the romance wasn't introduced until really late into the book. I'd have liked a stronger romance especially since it was sapphic which is always my favourite type of romance and the two characters worked so well together. If it had been a little more slow burn this book would have been absolutely perfect.

After hearing so much about this book I couldn't wait to get started, and it was perfect for this time of year. Following Viv as she sets out on a new path in her life, and making friends along the way. Such a lovely cozy read and can't wait to read the next ones

I'm going to be honest, much like with anime, I don't usually go for anything slice of life. I love some action and adventure, however I was lured in by the pretty cover art and the idea of a cosy fantasy!

I believe I mentioned in another review that I'm not as into fantasy as I used to be and a large part of that is because I feel like it lacks various different kinds of rep, which brings me to the other reason I was lured in: the queer romance.

I can quite happily say that I have zero regrets about picking this book up because it's been kind of a tough few weeks for me and this book was a bright spot throughout it all! It truly is a cosy fantasy, and it says low stakes but...there kinda are some high stakes as Viv opens her Cafe and navigates being a new business owner, the gang? Kind of people wanting a cut, and the irate ex-party member whose breathing down her neck. The way my heart broke during THAT scene towards the end like...you promised me cosy and now I'm in my feels!

Anyways, I was rooting for Viv. I can't say I've ever read a book with an Orc as the MC but I loved her. She wanted a change of pace, she had a dream and she went for it. She worked hard and I loved seeing the Cafe come together, all the elements slot into place and the family she found along the way in the form of Tandri, Thimble, Cal and Pendry! The underlying message of this book, about the kindness of strangers, the good hidden in little corners of the world and the joy that comes from finding the people you need, at the right time, who just get you, is something that I personally feel is really needed right now. At least by me, anyway!

Truly, the friendships blooming between all of them made my smile and warmed my heart, even when it came down to her dealings with the Madrigal! Every time I settled down to read this book, it was like being enveloped in a warm hug that smelled like cinnamon buns and made me crave them too! Like I said, there's some tension here and there along the way, but it's not the life or death, grim, bloody battle kind and I always had the vague sense that everything was going to be okay.

The characters are brilliant, from Viv to Tandri, and Thimble to Cal. Each is different from the other and brings something to the table, and despite their differences, they all slotted together well. Even Pendry who seemed quite shy in the beginning and Hem who was more than a little reluctant! I even came to like Lack towards the end, just a little and of course I LOVED Amity! Although I have my suspicions about a certain, mysterious character and I'm quite curious as to whether we'll see him again!

Throughout the book, not only does Viv develop as a character, coming into her own and carving out her own little place to belong, but the business develops as well! You truly do get to watch it grow from an old stable to the bustling Cafe it becomes and there's always something going on, whether that's improving and expanding, meeting a new character, or facing some new obstacle in the course of running the Cafe! There's even some romance on the side between Viv and Tandri and it was so sweet, even if Viv was so oblivious!

Legends and Lattes, a cosy fantasy, is both the book and the genre I didn't know I needed. It was comforting, soothing and just generally good vibes, with mouth-watering food descriptions that had my stomach rumbling while I could practically smell the cinnamon buns! I truly do hope Travis writes at least ten more cosy fantasy books because I'm obsessed!

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is the warm and cosy book I didn't know I needed!

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Viv is a badass Orc Barbarian who has grown tired of her life of adventuring, it's now time for her to do something different. Live a little slower and open a... Coffee shop?! Yep, this is a fantasy novel where an Orc opens a coffee shop and it is FANTASTIC!

Viv leaves her crew behind and travels to the town of Thune. It doesn't take her long to scout the town, find a location and begin working on her grand plan of opening the town's first coffee shop. Of course, Viv will need to educate the townspeople about what coffee actually is first... Oh! And perhaps deal with some old and new problematic faces too!

Throughout this beautifully crafted journey we get to meet a wide range of memorable and lovable characters, so many of whom filled me with joy. I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face when certain folks who had previously helped or supported Viv turned up to check in on her and grab a coffee. It just felt so good to spend time with them and see how they and Viv grow throughout our time with them.

For some Legends & Lattes will be too light on story and action, for others it will be a cosy comfort. For me it was the latte(r).I adored everything and I want – no, need more. Please Travis Baldree, I hope you bless us with more tales of Viv and the gang! I'll buy you a coffee in return?

Why are you still here? Go get warm and cosy and enjoy this truly wonderful book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reading it feels like being wrapped in a blanket with a warm mug of coffee in your hands (or a latte depending on what you prefer).
Also thank you to netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an advanced copy!

Legends and Lattes is the definition of cozy, blanket based autumnal fantasy and I ATE it up. I really hope more fantasy books follow the lead that Travis Baldree has set. This is a book for DnD lovers and cozy gamers.

The writing of this book was so appropriately descriptive and made me want to eat the food being produced in this book. I would love Thimble's cookbook. This book was a lovely way to relax and I read it without putting it down. I'm looking forward to the potential sequel that was hinted at the end and I'm excited for more set in this world

Legends & Lattes is your dnd adventure party after the adventure. It follows Viv, who wants out of the blood and guts of fighting and quests, and instead wants to open a coffee shop, in a town where the concept of a coffee shop does not exist. It’s adorable and very cosy, and it very much has the feel of those cute coffeeshop fanfictions, where everything is nice and slow and domestic, with a little sprinkle of drama.

It’s really cute seeing the character’s invent concepts that are familiar to us in real life, but are entirely new to them. I loved the fact that coffee was this unusual gnomish invention and that Thimble, their tiny baker, introduced everyone to cinnamon buns.

I love playing life sims (animal crossing/the sims/stardew valley) and this book is very reminiscent of that. It’s about starting afresh and building a new life from the ground up, and all the friends you meet along the way. The characters are colourful, sweet, and loveable, and it’s easy to become invested in this little, local coffeeshop and what it means to the people that run it. There is drama and action, but there’s a safety in it, because you know things will work because of the power of friendship. There’s even a fluffy little sapphic romance, which is the perfect icing on the cinnamon bun.

We were discussing in my book club how cozy fantasy like this is quite unusual for literature, but in light of recent years, maybe it’s what we need. Maybe I don’t want to be bashed over the head by tragic backstories and trauma ALL the time. Maybe sometimes I want some cute, low stakes adventures that are easy and comfortable to read.

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.

This is one of my favourite reads of the year, it was the exact relaxed day in the life fantasy I have been craving. I fell in love with the character and the world and all the little winks and nods.

Viv was a fantastic main character. I adored the depth she had as a character. Her physical strength and power is complimented by her fear of failure and the nervousness she has about this new adventure in her life is just such a nice journey to read about. She felt like a really believable person even if she was an Orc. She was very easy to connect with.

The new friends she made in her new home from the grumpy carpenter, a Ratkin chef, a huge fluffy cat and a fussy student wizard made for such a fun and eclectic set of characters. They were so fun to read about and I really did find myself loving them all.

I loved how detailed the process of opening the coffee shop was this is what gave the whole book the gorgeous lazy paced, cosy feel. While there are some stakes, they are not too high. But I found them just as impactful with how invested I was in the characters.

It is advertised as having a Sapphic romance but the romance is incredibly slow burn and has a very light touch over the whole story. Its nice that it is there in the background it adds a really sweet element to the story but I just wish there was a little more especially as the marketing heavily leans into it.

All the descriptions of the food and the coffee itself was just gorgeous and luxurious. Honestly, I highly recommend you snuggle up with a hot drink and delicious treats to read this one. Its perfect for this time of year too, when you want to feel snuggly and warm and cosy.

This could be one of my favourite books of the year. It's a quiet, cosy adventure where Viv, an Orc sets up a coffee shop in a new town. Viv is trying out a career change. This story has romance, found family, a bit of intrigue and it's just perfect. It's also relatively short for a fantasy book and l inhaled it in one day!

2.5 stars!

I can see why many people will enjoy this book - its cozy and reads very quick, a perfect palate cleanser for readers who primarily read high stakes fantasy books.

However, for me this was low stakes to the point of being repetitive, boring and extremely dull at times. The characters were okay but didn't stand out. The world and the magic too left a lot to be desired with. I did like some of the relationship dynamic that were developing but I just needed more.

This is one of my favourite books this year and just what is needed in the dark days of winter.
We join Viv a mercenary Orc for hire who comes upon the joy of gnomish coffee after a job. She decides to jack in the life of hack and slay to open her own coffee shop in the cosmopolitan city of Thune, however to do that she needs a very special jewel to make her dream come true.
Jewel in hand Viv finds the perfect location for her new venture. We soon find others drawn to Viv, from Cal the carpenter who helps create her café, Tandri a succubus and dab hand at shop management to Thimble a quiet but genius baker.
We see the building of Viv’s business, the shake down by local enforcers, a variety of customers, a werecat, a traumatic loss and redemption through friendships and alliances.
I loved this book – it was a warm hug when I needed it most, and I will be going back to it for comfort with a steaming cup of coffee.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC – it was perfect. All views are my own.

On the surface, Legends and Lattes is a pretty simple premise - bounty-hunting orc decides it’s time to hang up her sword and settle down. How does she do this and still make a living you ask? Easy, open a coffee shop.

Except no one knows what coffee is. And the local crime lord wants a cut. And some of her old posse might not be as thrilled about her retirement as she is.

What follows is the perfect cosy fantasy book. Much like the coffee that our protagonist is selling the first sip might not have you gripped, but by the time there’s a friendly barista to make it for you and the most unexpected baker making you a tasty treat, you won’t want to leave the warm comfort of Viv’s place

Legends & Lattes is the sweet as a cinnamon bun, warm as a coffee, light read telling the tale of Viv, an orc who retires from being a barbarian to pursue her dream of opening a coffee shop. The plot is really that easy, I mean yes there’s a little threat in the form of a rival in her former group who wants the Scalvert Stone Viv is using for luck, but mostly it’s just a straight forward, curl up cosy read. It reminded me of those games you download where you build a village, a community, and have tasks to complete and you just watch your little world grow. You follow Viv buying cutlery and plates, updating her menus, deciding the layouts, even installing air con. A lot of books I read have complicated world building or twisting plots, disturbing themes or too many names to remember, so this book was very much needed!
Viv, Tandi the Succubus (her business partner, friend and promising romance), Thimble the baker and Cal the builder make a really sweet ensemble and it was a delight finding Viv’s softer side as she accepts her new family and love following a life of battle.
There really isn’t anything to criticise. I mean, I don’t like coffee and this book is very much a love story to coffee so if you love the drink I imagine you’ll love the book even more!

Thank you NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review. I needed this book hug

Amazing, a cosy short read, thats very wholesome. a real slice of fantasy, nothing epic, no wars no huge battles. just people going about there extra cosy life, but in a high fantasy world. It may not be for everyone, but of youre looking a change of pace in a book, something to just curl right up with. this is the one

I really enjoyed Legends and Lattes! It was a cute and cosy read for a chilly day and gave me a lovely found family read! While I'm not and have never really been a player of RPGs, I've got an understanding of them and I loved that feel to this book! I've never stopped to consider what the characters move to doing after their campaigns are over 🤣.

That being said, I dont think you need that background knowledge to enjoy this book but it definitely helped me. It was super easy to get along with and I found it a quick read too. I've got friends I'll be recommending it to for sure.

I think this book definitely needs a soundtrack full of 00s pop/alt rock grungy tracks

The marketing did not lie, this book is indeed a high fantasy with low stake.

Viv, a massive orc, decided to retire from her brute job to start a new peaceful life. She wanted to open a coffee shop despite no one nearby even knowing what “coffee” was. She insisted on giving it a try because she loves coffee and is immensely intrigued by that drink.

Along the way she gained colleagues that turned out to be more than that but there’s people who stood in her way too. She managed to handle each of them, except one, and it finally cost her. Everything she’s built and gained, threatened to disappear in the blink of an eye.

It was heartwarming and cozy,a great escapism for fantasy lovers who need a break from all the tension.

This was such a cozy and sweet read. I really enjoyed reading it.
The only problem I had was I had a difficult time connecting to Tandri. The reason for that is that in Iceland, Tandri is a male name and I know a guy named Tandri. So when I was trying to picture her, the guy I know popped up instead of her

I have been so excited to talk about and share this book with you all. Legends and Lattes was one of the easiest five stars I've ever given. I loved every single moment of this book and now I need more cozy fantasy books in my life. ⁣
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The characters in this book are just entirely loveable, especially Thimble who was beyond adorable in my opinion. I really liked Baldree's writing and found it so immersive. The descriptions of the different foods had me feeling so hungry! ⁣
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I could honestly talk about this book for hours. I loved the found family element of Legends and Lattes. I'm such a sucker for a good found family and this one just ticked all the boxes for me. This will be a book I forever recommend! ⁣
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Legends and Lattes is a wholesome, feel good cozy fantasy that will forever hold a piece of my heart. This is the perfect book for fantasy and non-fantasy lovers alike! ⁣
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Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.