Some of the characters were just adorable as well, and I couldn’t get enough of Thimble and his baking creations. It is a character-driven story and Baldree has an aptitude for sensitively and kindly navigating relationships. This story is all about building trust, respectful communication and slow burn romance. I found myself looking for extra opportunities to listen to the book: going for runs, gardening, folding washing any excuse. I’m not sure if it is the relentlessness of living through a pandemic, but the uncomplicated dream of opening up a little café and taking steps to implement that dream was so soothing, I couldn’t get enough. All the character’s voices were unique, consistent and expressive and it was so easy to settle in and let the story wash over me. Baldree narrated the book himself and he has an incredible talent for narration. I went into this book with no expectations whatsoever and I was utterly charmed. This was an absolute delight to listen to. Is Viv’s new life strong enough to withstand disaster? However, as the coffee shop grows in popularity, so too does interest from the Madrigal, the local protection racket, and people from Viv’s past. Although initially the citizens of Thune are unsure about coffee, Viv slowly builds a community of customers and colleagues including Cal the hob, Thimble the ratkin and Tandri the succubus.

With enough capital to get things started, Viv buys a suitable premises and starts ordering in supplies and equipment. “Legends & Lattes” written and narrated by Travis Baldree is a cozy fantasy romance novel about an Orc called Viv who has quit her life as a mercenary and is opening up something the town of Thune has ever seen before: a coffee shop. The audiobook cover is designed like a café blackboard with the book’s title, a sword and curlicues designed as though they are written in chalk. Image is of “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree.

It was Mardi Gras in Sydney over the weekend, so this is an ideal book to wind down the festivities with. I came across this book via NetGalley, and although I wasn’t accepted to review it, I liked the premise so much that when it came up as a recommendation when I was searching for my next running book, I decided to download it. Cozy queer fantasy romance about coffee and building community

Legends and lattes cover