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wonderedpages 's review for:
Legends & Lattes
by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I grabbed Legends & Lattes from my local bookstore for a book club pick and ended up finishing it in just two days. The cover promises “a novel of high fantasy and low stakes,” and that’s exactly what you get. It’s cozy, light, and easy to slip into.
What stood out to me most was how kind this book felt. Seeing Viv hang up her sword to open a coffee shop was such a refreshing twist on fantasy, and I loved watching her pour her energy into building community instead of battling monsters. She’s supportive, generous, and genuinely cares about the people around her. And when her shop burns down? The way everyone comes together to rebuild it was downright heartwarming. That’s what true friendship and neighborhood should look like. Honestly, it made me want to open a little coffee shop right in my own community.
The only thing that threw me was the kiss between Viv and Tandri at the end. I didn’t really catch much romantic tension between them, so it felt a little sudden. For me, their friendship and teamwork were the real highlight anyway, so I was glad that stayed front and center.
The side characters completely made this story shine. Thimble the baker (I swear I could smell those pastries through the page), Amity the dire-cat, Pendry the musician, Durias the chess player, all made the world feel so alive and welcoming.
Was this my favorite type of story? Not really. I don’t think I’ll keep going with the series since cozy, low-stakes fantasy isn’t what I usually reach for. But I can absolutely see why so many people adore this book. It’s gentle, comforting, and filled with the warmth of found family. Sometimes you just need a story that feels like a blanket and a cup of coffee, and that’s exactly what Legends & Lattes delivers.