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lv_ct's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Such a comfortable book! I decided to listen to the audiobook before I bought the hardcover, and it truly is a treat. The author, Travis Baldree, entrances listeners with a variety of voices for each of the characters and intricate world-building details. This book is definitely YA, but I can see anyone enjoying this (there are a few curse words and a little violence if you are looking to gift this book to younger ages).
I will be doing a review of the actual writing once I read (or re-read) the hardcover version.
I will be doing a review of the actual writing once I read (or re-read) the hardcover version.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence and Stalking
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
storyheart's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence and Alcohol
lovosii's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A very enjoyable light read, especially in the fantasy genre! Smooth writing and a wonderful cast of characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Racism, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Alcohol
itsjayprobaby's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I went into Legends and Lattes with high hopes for my first read in the cosy fantasy genre, and maybe it's my high expectations that let it down in the end but I was unfortunately left a little disappointed.
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
There are plenty of good things to be said for the book. I absolutely adored the characters, and really routed for Viv's success the entire time. I didn't go into this book knowing there was an LGBT+ romance, so that was also a pleasant surprise for me as a queer reader, and Viv and Tandri's romance was a perfect slow burn. The cast of characters was interesting, and I felt like each filled their role in the story well.
The book certainly was a high fantasy with low stakes exactly as it promises, and I think this was ultimately it's downfall for me. The prose isn't badly written by any stretch, but it is very simple which, for me, feels a little out of place in a vibrant high fantasy setting.
Baldree does an amazing job of bringing modernity into the high fantasy setting and nothing at all felt unreasonable about Viv opening a coffee shop with what amounts to all the mods and cons, including a bard with an electric guitar and amp. I think that in itself is a skill to be applauded, but unfortunately I felt the actually fantasy parts of the world where often under described, with some lore mentioned but never really explained or expanded upon.
My biggest issue was that I did feel that the overarching plot fell a little flat. It almost felt like the author was too afraid of losing the cosy vibe by adding in too much suspense or drama, and while that is a valid concern, the way that each problem Viv and Co have to overcome is resolved with a literary snap of the fingers felt both predictable and underwhelming. I definitely would have preferred just a little more tension, and I think the story could have handled that without losing the essence of a cosy, feel good story.
Overall a good, comfortable read with a happy ending that made me smile. I would definitely recommend this book to readers that want something light and feel good where any tension is resolved quickly and without lasting damage. If you, like me, need a more substantial plot to keep you interested in the beautiful cosy backdrop then you may also find yourself struggling to finish this book (though it is definitely worth it in the end).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
lizzieiles's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
rachelpacz's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Blood and Alcohol
monarchbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I wasn't so fucking tired from staying up late to reas this book, I'd probably be sobbing. Truly fantastic book for anyone who loves the found family trope. Very manageable high fantasy for anyone who might need an introduction (or a convincing) to that genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
barbarianmissy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ouch, this was TOO CUTE! I loved it, it was like a warm, dungeons-and-dragons-coded hug.
Cozy fantasy is a genre I can really get into.
Cozy fantasy is a genre I can really get into.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
chronic_listener's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This was such a comfy, cozy read with lots of wholesome moments that had me go "🥹". I really liked the details of Viv and Cal building the shop, that combined with all the baked goods slowly added to the shop felt like unlocking new levels in a cozy video game.
I totally see how this is beloved by so many but for me personally a 5 star read needs to really move me and leave a lasting impression, which as sweet and fun as this book was, in just not the case here for me.
Would totally recommend if you are looking for a short, quick and enjoyable book with a coffee shop DIY project and found family vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gore, Racism, Xenophobia, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
lightningmc_logyn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is everything I want in a book. I’ve been curious of Baldree’s work for a while and am glad I finally borrowed this from the library.
Viv’s journey satisfies the promise of a slow, cozy development-and it delivers extra, with compelling mysteries woven throughout and pulled together into a beautiful climax of plot.
The culmination of this story is the characters, and they are easy to adore. Each character is rich with history and dreams that are revealed sometimes subtly and other times clearly as you get to know them. I have come to love each of them, they feel like people I know. Baldree has a talent for sharp yet tender renderings of his characters. Thimble was my favorite, as I found his passion and countenance charming. Viv has great complexity, and goes about life with a fumbling earnestness that makes her a wonderful main character.
Baldree’s prose is impeccable. His vocabulary is vast, and the way he describes even the simplest things often took my breath away. His writing style is something I can’t say I’ve ever seen before, it is fascinating. The way Legends & Lattes is written combined with the plot encourages a reader to sink into the story. I don’t drink coffee, but the love and tenderness for a cozy cafe seeps through the pages into one’s soul; this has me yearning to be in a lively cafe in winter.
I can’t sing my praises high enough for this. It was a delightful, enlivening, and thoroughly refreshing read that I know I will return to again. (I knew this would become a favorite only a couple chapters in.) In the mean time, I look forward to reading the next book and seeing more of the lovely main character, Viv.
A few spoiler-filled thoughts:
I loved that the romance between Tandri and Viv was subtle and slow. I often find secondary romance plots take center stage and the main character abandons their original direction. In this book Viv instead learns to hold her love alongside her dreams, settling them beside each other, complementary.
One of the main themes is about believing in yourself and those around you, widening your grasp to take care of eachother. It’s a testament to found family and leaning on others, a very heartwarming and fulfilling story.
I adore amity. I love cats and I wish she was real. I love the soft ending of the story, and how in the epilogue Amity gets revenge on Fennus.
The short story at the end, Pages To Fill, was satisfying and it was endearing to experinve the journey Viv often references in the book.
Viv’s journey satisfies the promise of a slow, cozy development-and it delivers extra, with compelling mysteries woven throughout and pulled together into a beautiful climax of plot.
The culmination of this story is the characters, and they are easy to adore. Each character is rich with history and dreams that are revealed sometimes subtly and other times clearly as you get to know them. I have come to love each of them, they feel like people I know. Baldree has a talent for sharp yet tender renderings of his characters. Thimble was my favorite, as I found his passion and countenance charming. Viv has great complexity, and goes about life with a fumbling earnestness that makes her a wonderful main character.
Baldree’s prose is impeccable. His vocabulary is vast, and the way he describes even the simplest things often took my breath away. His writing style is something I can’t say I’ve ever seen before, it is fascinating. The way Legends & Lattes is written combined with the plot encourages a reader to sink into the story. I don’t drink coffee, but the love and tenderness for a cozy cafe seeps through the pages into one’s soul; this has me yearning to be in a lively cafe in winter.
I can’t sing my praises high enough for this. It was a delightful, enlivening, and thoroughly refreshing read that I know I will return to again. (I knew this would become a favorite only a couple chapters in.) In the mean time, I look forward to reading the next book and seeing more of the lovely main character, Viv.
A few spoiler-filled thoughts:
One of the main themes is about believing in yourself and those around you, widening your grasp to take care of eachother. It’s a testament to found family and leaning on others, a very heartwarming and fulfilling story.
I adore amity. I love cats and I wish she was real. I love the soft ending of the story, and how in the epilogue Amity gets revenge on Fennus.
The short story at the end, Pages To Fill, was satisfying and it was endearing to experinve the journey Viv often references in the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Violence, and Alcohol
The book starts with Viv leaving hee old life. The remainder of book is quite mild and calm overall. The racism is in the context of fictional D&D inspired races facing prejudice. It is mild, yet present throughout. Viv often modifies her behavior to be “less threatening.” Context on Fire/injury (big spoiler!):