Reviews with content warning for Racism - Legends & Lattes

Oh man. This book was everything I wanted it to be. I have never read anything that could be considered overly "cozy" before, and have to admit I was a bit skeptical, but Legends and Lattes left me feeling like I'd just spent a winter evening, curled up in front of a fire with a cup of hot chocolate. The characters were introduced and developed beautifully, building a lovely found family for Viv, the main character. I can't wait to read more by this author, and see how else he is able to create such a warm and inviting story, while still giving the reader plenty of plot. I will definitely be looking for more cozy fantasies in the future.

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proza's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

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alibrarymouse's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

For lovers of cozy fantasy, this one absolutely defines the genre, but takes it one step further by saying you are what you make of yourself and your circumstances.

After a slightly surprising beginning, Baldree tackles hard subjects like racism, reinvention, and restarting after loss, but in the most lighthearted, cozy, soft way that the whole book feels like spending time in a liminal space. That magical moment when life isn’t entirely real stepping into a coffee shop on the weekend, but anything is possible because there aren’t any expectations.

The characters are gorgeous in their own ways, and come together beautifully as a ragtag team that works. I am biased: Thimble is absolutely my favorite and I want to hug him so badly. He’s a literal cinnamon roll, and the description of his makes me want to try them and bake from scratch myself.

Motivations were realistic, the book was so sweet and so easy to submerge yourself in.

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hayleyvem's review against another edition

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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? Yes

4.0

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antarcticsloth's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-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

3.75

This story was such a cozy read I loved it. It’s outside of what I typically read, but I’m glad I did. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is I personally don’t enjoy when there’s allusions to fantasy racism, which there definitely was in this story. Other than that, a lovely read.

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melethwi's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

Books do not usually bring me to tears but this one did out of sheer love for the characters. I WOULD DIE FOR THIMBLE!!!!!

.25 deducted for the romance not happening faster- but the lack of romance didn't take away from the warm and fuzzies at all!!!

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msradiosilence's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? No

4.75

TLDR; 4.75 rating, loved the lesbians, and I very much enjoy cozy fantasy.
Content warnings at the bottom. :)

This book was described to me as a cozy fantasy, and after reading a bunch of high fantasy last year, I was glad this was so low stakes. Also, I usually have an issue with men writing lesbian couples, but Baldree did it in a way that didn’t give me an ick (unlike so many, many other men). While I am of the firm opinion that you shouldn’t write from a perspective you can never or will never experience, at least Baldree did it in a respectful way.

Anyway. I loved Viv and Tandri. The idea of an orc opening a coffee shop in a D&D-esque world where she’s constantly having to explain to folks what coffee is was delightful. I loved all of the characters, and the gradual build of Viv’s life. It was so sweet, and while the book was a quick read, the pacing was pretty great.

Honestly, I have no huge complaints about the book, except for maybe the language. It was a little awkward in a few places, but I suspect that’s because the author didn’t quite find his voice, or one that felt completely right in both understandability with low fantasy, and just the weird place D&D exists.

Rating: 4.75
Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you liked the D&D movie, you like cozy low fantasy, or you’re just looking for an enjoyable and easy read.

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stargazer_ley's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful 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

One of my qpps recommended this book to me and it hit the mark for me. It's not a high fantasy world saving book but it's fun and cozy like the coffee shop it centers around. The characters are loveable save maybe like 2

Spoiler

they are meant to be. Seriously screw Fennus

. And yes, there is a romance but it's not the main focus and I feel like it is sweet. One of them isn't stated to be ace but honestly I headcanon them (I don't want to spoil who) as ace. Ok I will

Spoiler

Tandri reads as ace. The way she reacts to Thimble's food just reads ace to me.

. Also spoiler for the end

Spoiler

who the hells is Darius really? Like it's hinted that he's a time traveler or a god or who is this mystery gnome!?

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