Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (Review)

Title: Legends & Lattes
Author: Travis Baldree
Type: Fiction
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+
Publisher: Tor Books
Date published: October 29, 2024

A complimentary physical copy of this book was kindly provided by Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

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 old and new rivals stand in the way of success ― not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea 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, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

⤖ My Review ⬻

Legends & Lattes has been on my TBR before it was even published! It sounded so cute and cozy, exactly what I’ve been needing in between reading some epic, high-stakes fantasy tomes. I’m also a big fan of coffee, baked goods, and coffee shops! What’s not to love? Despite my excitement, I kept putting off reading this book, wanting it to be the perfect time. Well, that time came with the release of the deluxe hardcover editions of both Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust!

They’re absolutely gorgeous and I’m so grateful to Raincoast Books for sending me copies so that I could review them for you all! The deluxe versions are absolutely amazing, with brand-new cover designs that are simple and elegant, definitely capturing the vibe of the books (which I can say now that I’ve read Legends & Lattes!). These editions also have gold accents on the covers, stunning sprayed edges, a design under the dust jacket, and gorgeous end pages. The publisher did not hold back!

I could go on and on about the deluxe editions, but I should probably talk about the plot a bit, right? I absolutely adored the main characters and supporting characters (with the exceptions of those we’re meant to dislike—you’ll know them when you meet them). Legends & Lattes definitely delivered on cozy and low stakes, and I loved every second.

I’m currently reading Bookshops & Bonedust, so you can expect a review for that one soon, and I’ll be jumping on Brigands & Breadknives as soon as it’s published (or sooner if I manage to snag an early copy)! If you’re looking for a comforting, heartwarming fantasy, Legends & Lattes is absolutely worth picking up.