In Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes, Viv, a warrior-orc, decides to retire from fighting and migrates to the medieval settlement of Thune to open a coffee café. Nevermind that no one in Thune has ever heard of this magical elixir, she is determined and the tale that unfolds is pure magic….
by Travis Baldree
Series: Legends & Lattes #1
Narrator: Travis Baldree
Length: 7 hours and 19 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
High Fantasy with a double-shot of self-reinvention
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.
I learned about this audiobook on Twitter, when authors and book friends were talking about the upcoming release of the second audiobook. I immediately hopped over to Audible to grab a copy. I regret nothing!
I freaking loved this story, from the building she bought to how the shop developed and the trouble that followed. Narrated by the author, the tale ended up being brilliant and I cannot wait for Bookshops & Bonedust, the prequel coming November 2023 from Macmillan Audio.
I liked Viv from the start; I mean, who doesn’t love another coffee loving gal? Her enthusiasm for it and reverence for the coffee machine that whips up lattes and espresso had me grinning. With a bit of magic buried beneath the stones, she sets out to create the shop she dreams of. Even though she is a warrior, there is a vulnerability and inquisitiveness to her that I found charming.
Viv slowly gathers friends and allies, beginning with a carpenter who helps her turn the dilapidated building into her coffee shop and home. Next comes Tandri, a succubus with business sense, and a baking ratkin named Thimble who creates cinnamon rolls and delightful confections. Soon, they have a bard and alchemist in their mix. It was delightful watching them work together.
Together they create magic, but trouble is brewing. First, a local thug comes demanding a fee and another lurks in the shadows, looking to steal Viv’s luck.
The story has a wonderful cozy vibe to it, and I easily slipped into this fantasy world. It’s a story filled with friendship, faith, hope, community and love. There is humor, danger, and cleverness as Viv works to keep her sword and bloodshed out of her new life.
A slow burning romance develops that felt natural and further enhanced my enjoyment of the tale. The story is perfectly paced, and admittedly, all the talk of coffee and cakes had me drooling a time or two.
This is a story for everyone and I highly recommend grabbing your earbuds and listening! If you love fantasy and well crafted tales, this one is a must!
About Travis Baldree
New York Times Bestselling Author of Legends & Lattes. Audiobook narrator. Erstwhile game developer. Made Fate, Torchlight & Rebel Galaxy.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’ve been seeing this one around a lot too, and it sounded good. Now with your review I’ll definitely be adding it to my TBR, maybe use an Audible credit to get the audiobook. Great review!
Victoria Hamel
This was really fun, so cozy, and as to be expected, Travis Baldree was a great narrator of his own work. I’m glad others are loving it as well.
Kimberly
Glad to hear you were a fan.
S. J. Pajonas
Everyone’s been talking about this book and the new “cozy fantasy” genre it represents. I bought the book too a week ago and I can’t wait to be done with my current writing project so I can dive in!
Kimberly
Wahoo! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Ailyn Koay
a coffee shop with steel mugs, tables bolted to the floor and chairs that bounce rather than break. If I were Viv, that’s where my money will go
Kimberly
Hahaha….
Katherine
This sounds so good and I definitely want to go the audiobook route. I love the sound of Viv’s character!
Sophia Rose
I’ve got this one on the pile so I’m so glad to see how much you enjoyed it. I might have to switch to audio. 🙂
Kimberly
It was wonderful. Either way, enjoy!
Michele
This has been on my TBR for a while now! I have heard some mixed reviews on it but I might have to give it a chance on audio. I didn’t even consider that. So glad I read your review!!!
Kimberly
Yay, I hope you get to it soon!