Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
3.5 Stars
The Book At A Glance
After years of bounty hunting and bloodshed, Viv the orc is ready to trade in her sword for something a little warmer—coffee. In the bustling city of Thune, she dreams of opening the very first coffee shop… even though no one there has ever heard of coffee. Between old enemies, new challenges, and the skepticism of a city that doesn’t know what to make of her idea, Viv quickly learns she can’t build this dream alone. But sometimes the sweetest rewards aren’t just in the perfect brew or a flaky pastry—they’re in the people who gather around the table. Along the way, Viv discovers that friendship, family, and maybe even something deeper can be found in the most unexpected places.
Bookish Thoughts
I’ve been wanting to try a cozy fantasy for a while, and this one kept popping up in the book community. The idea of an orc opening a coffee shop immediately caught my attention—it felt fresh, fun, and comforting all at once. I was excited to finally dive in and see what this genre was all about. Read this if you’re craving coffee, charming creatures, and a low-stakes fantasy that feels like a warm hug.
My Review
Viv is an orc who decides to hang up her sword and step into a more peaceful life—the coffee shop business. The novel follows her journey as she builds the shop from the ground up, finds people to work alongside her, experiments with new recipes, and slowly attracts loyal customers. Of course, there are a few bumps along the way, but nothing that takes away from the heart of the story.
This was my first cozy fantasy, and I really enjoyed it. The book felt like a warm hug—such a refreshing change of pace compared to the high-stakes fantasy I’m used to. I especially loved the unique qualities each character brought to the story and how they all came together to support Viv in her dream. One of my favorites was Thimble, who completely stole the show for me. He’s adorable, always lost in his own baking world, constantly whipping up the most mouthwatering treats (while happily living off free coffee).
The flow of the story worked so well for me. I didn’t have to brace myself for massive battles or life-or-death stakes—instead, I could just sink into the cozy atmosphere and enjoy spending time with the characters. While there were a few moments of conflict, the happy ending always felt certain, which made it comforting to read. At times, I even wished I could step right into the café myself—the descriptions of the pastries and drinks were so vivid I swear I could almost taste them.
I ended up giving this one three and a half stars. The slower pace occasionally lost me, and I found myself a little bored in spots. Still, as an introduction to cozy fantasy, this book completely worked, and I’m excited to explore more stories in this genre.
“The combined aromas of hot cinnamon, ground coffee, and sweet cardamom intoxicated her, and as she brewed and smiled and served and chatted, a deep contentment welled up. It was a glowing warmth she’d never experienced before, and she liked it. She liked it a great deal.”
Travis Baldree
If You Loved This, Try
A literary pairing similar to this novel is Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree, a cozy prequel to Legends & Lattes, offering a deeper look into Viv’s life before she ever dreamed of opening her coffee shop. It’s a charming story of adventure, self-discovery, and of course—books—that adds even more heart to her journey.
Travis Baldree is an author, narrator, and creative professional best known for his cozy fantasy stories. Before publishing his own novels, he built a successful career as an audiobook narrator, lending his voice to hundreds of titles across multiple genres. He made his fiction debut with Legends & Lattes, a warm, low-stakes fantasy about finding purpose, community, and comfort in unexpected places. His work is celebrated for its gentle pacing, character-driven storytelling, and focus on found family rather than epic battles. Baldree continues to write stories that blend fantasy with everyday joys, appealing to readers who love imaginative worlds with a cozy, heartfelt tone. Some of the author’s other beloved titles include Bookshops and Bonedust & Brigands & Breadknives.
Shelf To Table
Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, sweet buns swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy icing or glaze—warm, gooey, and irresistibly comforting.
If you love cozy fantasy and the found family trope, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a perfect pick. The story follows Linus Baker, a rule-following government worker sent to evaluate a secluded orphanage housing several unusually powerful magical children. There, he meets Arthur Parnassus, the fiercely protective caretaker determined to keep the children safe at all costs. Set in a quiet, magical corner of the world, this warm and whimsical novel is about opening your heart, questioning rigid systems, and discovering that family can be found in the most unexpected places.
“After twenty-two years of adventuring, Viv had reached her limit of blood and mud and bullshit. An orc’s life was strength and violence and a sudden, sharp end—but she’d be damned if she’d let hers finish that way. It was time for something new.”
Travis Baldree