Do you ever find yourself in a bit of a reading slump, where the action and drama and high stakes storytelling just isn’t what you feel like reading but you still want to curl up with a good book at the end of a long day? Well then do I have the book for you! Legends & Lattes has to be one of the cosiest, warmest, sweet reads I’ve come across in years. I savoured this book, reading it a few pages at a time before bed each night after some busy work days and it was such a comfort read. The characters, the world building, the coffee! I loved it all.
BLUBR:
High fantasy, low stakes – with a double-shot of coffee.
After decades of raising hell, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – one that involves pulling more shots than punches. Armed with hope and a hard-earned secret, she plans to open the first coffee shop in Thune.
To build something that will last, Viv needs a new crew. She enlists a gruff hob builder shunned by humans, and a shy baker whose cinnamon rolls are to die for. Then there’s Tandri, a charming succubus who’s determined not to let anyone assume anything about her.
But Thune has a shady underbelly that keeps goading Viv to take up her sword once more. New enemies threaten her beloved coffee shop and rag-tag team. And Viv’s adventuring past isn’t so eager to leave her behind – or the fabled piece of loot she took with her.
A hot cup of fantasy slice-of-life with a dollop of romantic froth.
I play Dungeons & Dragons once a month with friends, and to read Legends & Lattes, a cozy fantasy that embraced all the fun of the game in a well crafted story, was enchanting. Viv is wonderful, Tandri I adored, and the entire found family trope a triumph. In all honesty this book made me want to run away to a small town and open a coffee shop if I could. Also I’d like my own sword to hang on a wall thank you very much!
On the surface Legends & Lattes may seem simple, and to a degree it is given it’s about a woman building and opening a coffee shop, but the beautiful storytelling gives you so much more beyond the words on the page. I felt immersed in the world, in Viv’s coffee shop, as if a regular customer simply sitting in the back of the room observing everything unfold. From the new beams of wood, to the tentative nature of new friendships, to the reactions of those trying black coffee for the first time, it was greatly amusing and comforting.
I loved the trial and error natures of Viv learning what it took to start a business, embracing the assistance of others, and reaching out to her new community for support when certain people threaten her new venture (threatening a super strong woman is never a smart move friends). Sure it’s a fantasy book, but at its heart it’s a story of people coming together to create something joyful and foster community, no matter your walk of life. I think that is message that is always worth sharing.
Also the secondary plot, the slow burn romance… Travis I need so much more of that story beyond where this book ends. Talk about heart swooning moments. Even though the end of this one read like a standalone, part of me does hope we get a sequel of sorts (I’d settle for a short story!).
I could really dive into the details of what happens in Legends & Lattes, but I don’t feel the need to out of spoiling the charm I experienced reading it. However if fresh starts, new friends, cozy adventures and cheering for an odd ball group of people is your thing you will love this. This book is like a friend giving you a hug when you need it most. It’s cheerful, heartwarming and will give you all the feel-good you could possibly want.