I loved this book so much! The concept of an orch retiring from a life of violence to open a coffee shop in a town where no one has heard of coffee is charming, and all the characters are so endearing. I'm a sucker for books with talking animals, and this book has one speaks sparingly and mostly in a whisper. (He is shown on the back cover). I hope that this is the start of a series, or that it at least has a sequel.

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Wonderful book full of surpises and hope and change. I couldn't put it down the characters are diverse and all seeking opportunity and change. The lead character a female Orc leaves her mercenary career behind to open a coffee shop in a large town in an area no one has tried coffee. She has a vision and she sees potential in others without recognizing that she sees them and their talent as no one else has. Very enjoyable book about kindness repaid and acceptance of others

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When I first saw info on this book, it was listed as a cozy fantasy. I've tried the cozy mysteries and as much as I love their punny titles and adorable covers, I could never get into them. I was afraid that I would feel the same about a fantasy cozy but since I do love a good fantasy and an exceptional latte, I decided to give this one a go. I'm happy that I did. This was so much fun and full of feels. I sped through the book and was eager for more.

The story is set around an orc named Viv who is ready to hang up her sword and try selling coffee for a change. This is not as easy as it would sound. She is starting from an old horse stable, in a town where she is a stranger, and at a place no one even knows what coffee is. Yet, along the way, she meets a cast a quirky characters and finds that all you need is friendship, respect, and faith. With all of that, the rest just falls into place.

I truly wanted to crawl into this world. To be there when the townspeople tried their first sip. To hang out with the crew at the coffee shop. To try a creamy latte along with one of those heavenly pastries. It was so much fun to escape into that tale and can't wait until the next book comes out so I can escape again.

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I was influenced to read Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree by the Currently Reading podcast. Its subtitle says it all: a novel of high fantasy and low stakes. I actively avoid fantasy novels so this was a 'gentle' introduction to the genre.

I enjoyed this whimsical tale of mythical creatures introducing a village to the wonders of coffee, cinnamon rolls, and biscotti. Having seen the cover hundreds of times, I was pleasantly surprised that the main character is a strong female. There's just enough tension to keep things interesting, and it was like an ASMR experience with the aromas of coffee and baked goods and the sounds of construction and the Bard's performances.

I recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by the author who is a professional audiobook narrator.

My enjoyment of this novel was tempered by my distaste for coffee. I never drink it and can't understand people's affection for and dependence upon it. If hot tea had been the featured beverage, I'd give this book 5 stars.

I'll probably read the author's next novel, Bookshops & Bonedust, which is a prequel to Legends & Lattes.

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