I was lied to about this book.
This isn’t clickbait. When this book came out everyone who recommended it to me said it was a WLW dungeons and dragons romance novel. Which it isn’t, the best way to describe this book is a dungeons and dragons book that has the barest hint of a lesbian relationship. Neither of the characters think it’s a relationship but other characters think it is. Most of it is blink and you’ll miss it moments.
Anyway here is my review of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
🗡️Story: Viv is an Orc tired of adventuring so she settles down and tries to start a coffee shop in a town that doesn’t know what coffee is. She has to try and introduce everyone to coffee and avoid one of her old adventuring friends who feels he’s been wronged. It reminds me of the Adventure Zone where the first season the Wizard is trying to invent tacos. 3/5
☕️Main Characters: Viv is an Orc who is strong but loves coffee. She is aware of her size and is nervous about opening a coffee shop. I wish she had more depth than “I did bad things, I love coffee” 3/5
🥐 Side Characters: The best character in the whole book is Thimble who is a Ratkin, a rat but human. Thimble bakes and everyone comes to the coffee shop for his baked goods. He rarely says more than two words just shows up with supplies and goes for it. 10/5
⛵️Drama: The drama in this book has two main routes, the madrigal and Viv’s old adventuring friend Fenunus. The madrigal falls flat and we get no resolution to fennus at all. 2/5
🎼 Song: Coffee Jack Stauber’s Micropop fits the vibe. It’s strange and uses coffee to push itself along.
🏡Overall: I didn’t hate it, but it’s nothing special. It’s a filler episode whose epilogue was 20% of the book, I did the audio book and it was a 45 minute epilogue. It was good filler while I played schedule 1 so it’s a solid 3/5
💵 Where To Read: I used Libby but it is available at all major retailers
🏷️: #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #lemon8creator #dungeonsanddragons #legends & lattes
Legends & Lattes, written by Travis Baldree, has captured the interest of fantasy lovers with its unconventional storyline centered around coffee and coffee culture. While it is sometimes mislabeled as a WLW (women-loving-women) romance, the romantic elements are subtle and sparse. The central character, Viv, is an orc who has grown weary of adventuring and seeks a quieter life establishing a coffee shop in a town unfamiliar with coffee. This unique premise has a charming allure for those who enjoy cozy fantasy. One interesting aspect of the book is the way it ties in themes of community and innovation. As Viv struggles to introduce coffee to the residents, readers also witness her personal growth—striving against her self-doubt associated with her physicality and the expectations of her past. This amalgamation of fantasy tropes and relatable themes may resonate with many readers, particularly those seeking a different kind of adventure. A highlight of the story is Thimble, the Ratkin side character, whose quirks and minimal dialogue provide delightful comic relief and contribute greatly to the warmth of the narrative. His role emphasizes the importance of support systems in achieving one’s dreams, as he assists Viv in her ventures without taking center stage. However, not all aspects of the book hit the mark. The narrative’s drama lacks a strong resolution, particularly concerning the character Fenunus, which may leave readers feeling unsatisfied. Critics argue that the pacing is uneven, with the epilogue taking on a significant portion of the audiobook, potentially diluting the narrative impact. In summary, Legends & Lattes offers a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, although it is not without its flaws. For readers looking for lighthearted, character-driven narratives intertwined with thoughtful themes, this book provides a unique experience, albeit one that may not fully satisfy those hoping for a brewing romance.
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