Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree was a February selection by Ben's Cozy Book Club. Alas, my library hold came up in March. I listened to the audio version of this book, which is voiced by Travis Baldree, who in addition to being a writer is also an audiobook narrator!
For your information, I checked on whether this is the first book in a series. According to Mr. Baldree, there will be at least one other book in this world, but he is writing the books so that they stand alone, which is nice. Legend & Lattes is the story of Viv, an Orc, who retires from fighting to pursue her dream of opening a coffee shop. Now, the thing is that no one in this city or country has ever had coffee before or visited a coffee shop. Coffee/Lattes/Scones don't exist here until Viv arrives. So that aspect adds to the story. Viv is also a stranger in a strange land and she has years of walls built up from her mercenary days. Hence, we are along for this new adventure as she begins a relationship with Tandi who is a succubus and an excellent barista. It's a lovely light Sapphic romance that grows alongside the main story about new beginnings and friendships. Of course, there is some trouble from Viv's past, what is a book without conflict, right?
Overall this book is fun, light fantasy that is a joy to experience and ends very satisfactorily.
4.5 stars
