Howdy Readers!

How’s the reading going?

I’ve been swamped since grad school semester started last week, so I can’t quite gauge how much reading I’m going to be able to get done on top of my coursework. That being said, I was able to finish my current read before things got too crazy.

This time around I read Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) by Travis Baldree.

One of my book besties Gigi and I didn’t love our last buddy read, so we decided to try this one as our next attempt. We both liked that this had a high fantasy vibe but was also cozier in nature. Seemed like a recipe for success to us!

Just as a heads up, this post is my individual review, which will be followed by a buddy read and rant convo with Gigi and I. Alright, let’s get this review going!

Blurb

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.

GoodReads

Amazon

***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

Though I enjoyed this cozy fantasy novel, I had some mixed feelings.

This book follows Viv, an orc that’s ready to turn a new leaf. After decades of adventuring with a group of fellow adventurers, she’s decided to call it quits and settle down. She finds herself in the city of Thune, renovating an old livery into a coffee shop. The only thing is, most people have never heard of the gnomish treat. Can Viv find a way to turn her business into a success, or will she lose the fortune she’s spent her life amassing?

Okay, so several elements of this novel were really great.

First off, I really loved the premise and setting of it. Opening a coffee shop in a fantasy world as a theme is kind of genius, and I was kind of upset I didn’t think of it first. It felt like fantasy infused with a little HGTV. Also, the cozy ambience of a coffee shop was present and gave it a lighter feel.

I also really enjoyed the characters overall. Viv is brash and struggles to insert herself into this seemingly peaceful lifestyle. It was understandable, and being in her headspace made me root for her even more. By adjusting to this new life we get some really good progression from her throughout.

I also really loved Cal, Thimble, Tandri, and Amity. They each kept things interesting and added something to the story.

Where this book fell short for me was the plot. There wasn’t enough conflict in this novel. Everything seemed to just fall together for Viv in her new enterprise, and the pertinent facts the reader learns concerning this later don’t quite add up logically. More of a struggle with the Madrigal, their goons, Fennus, or other citizens of Thune could’ve made this more riveting. After a while, each chapter just seemed too similar without real conflict, and by the time we do get some serious conflict it’s too late in the story.

Overall, if you love character-based cozy novels I think you’ll love this one. More of a fan of plot-based fantasy? You may want to pass this up.

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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