Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Book Summary

She's done slaying monsters

She's ready to serve coffee

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined.

This was a surprise highlight of the year! I didn't think it was exactly my thing but I'd heard so much good about it that I had to give a go, and I enjoyed it so much. It was such a relaxing read, no angst or stress and just what I needed at the time. Cosy gets used a lot in book descriptions but in this case it is truly deserved.

I was really curious to see how a coffee shop would go down somewhere they'd never heard of such a thing and the customers had some pretty interesting reactions. There's also a lot of humour in the descriptions...

“Well, shit. Milky bean water. I'll be damned.”

Viv is the best! She's such a great character, both practical and level-headed, but can also be hot-headed at time. I love how she cares so much about everyone. The other characters are all so lovely too. by the end of the book you feel like you know them all.

Whether you love coffee or hate it, you won't be able to resist the wonderful descriptions of the smell and taste in this book.

I've wanted to try making an Espresso Martini for ages so this was the perfect excuse. First, brew some fresh espresso and add sugar to taste. In a shaker, pour 30ml espresso, 45ml vodka, 20 coffee liqueur and a tiny pinch of salt. Shake all with ice and strain into a martini glass.