Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

I don’t know what’s been happening, but the last two books I’ve read (The House in the Cerulean Sea, and the book I will be reviewing today, Legends and Lattes) have become some of my favorites. How incredibly wonderful for me (and in turn, wonderful for you because you now know which books to buy!) Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is a cozy, comforting read that’s just very nice and relaxing. The main character, Viv, is an orc who has been a freelance bounty hunter all her life. She decides to settle down in a city and open a coffee shop, looking for a change of pace in her life; however, there’s a few obstacles that stand in her way. Nobody in the city knows what in the world coffee is, as bean water doesn’t exactly sound like the most appetizing thing, and there are many, many evils lurking just around the corner.

Thankfully, Viv has the power of the Scalvert’s Stone on her side. A stone that is prophesied to bring fortune to whoever possesses it. During her first few days in town, Viv wanders around looking for someone who can help her tear down an old livery and build her coffee shop in its place. She finds a shipwright named Cal, who agrees to help her, and together, they fix up the livery into an impressive looking café that’s complete with a stove, water tank, and–of course–a coffee machine.

I have a YouTube channel where I animate some of my book reviews! Be sure to check it out at: www.youtube.com/@theeccentricbookshelf.

Viv gains some other business partners as well: Tandri, an artsy succubus who becomes Viv’s business partner, and Thimble, a rattkin who happens to be an incredibly talented baker. Unfortunately, not everything is sunshine and rainbows for Viv and her business. There are countless dangers hidden in the darkness that are looking to take Viv’s business, and what may be the heart of her whole operation: the Scalvert’s stone.

I found it really interesting to be able to picture all the parts of the café in my head. I loved to see how people design their houses, and, because this is a book,k it’s almost like I get to design my own café. I get to decide what everything looks like, the layout of the rooms, the design of the tables, the colors of the café, just all with slight restrictions. That makes it so much more enjoyable (because I don’t have to think as much… but it’s still more enjoyable and that’s what really matters!). Now I want to design and open a coffee shop…

Legends and Lattes is a nice, easygoing story that’s so much fun, but at the same time so relaxing to read. It’s a nice comforting book with a perfect amount of action to keep the story moving.