Goodreads summary:

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success ― not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

My Thoughts:

So I keep seeing people say the same thing over and over about this book, that it is a warm hug of a book. I even used it myself on Instagram to describe it, and frankly, it is true. It is 100% a warm hug of a book.

When I picked it up from the library, I was a little hesitant. Did I want to read a book about an orc? Well turns out I did, very much so. This book is just so darn cozy, something I never expected from a book that has an orc, a succubus, a ratkin, and a hob as the main characters. I loved all of the characters, but I am over here hoping for a book about Thimble. And a book about Cal too, who reminded me of Billy. This line in particular.. “Live long enough, you realize some folks can be handed a problem and some tools, and they’ll sort it out.” That is my husband in a line.

Anyways, I digress. Viv is an orc who wants to lay down her sword and live a quieter life, one without fighting and battles, one where she can sleep in the same place every night, and even better, one that involves that glorious magical bean water, coffee. This book is all about Viv starting a new life, forming a new tribe, finding her place. The description calls it a low stakes book, and it really is. It was such a calming read, so full of warmth. It will make you want to seek out a cozy spot and enjoy a cup of something warm and a little something sweet to enjoy, and just read the day away. (I ended up having a slice of alpine cake while reading – perfection, both book and cake)

I read this book in one day, which is something for me these days. I also had checked it out from the library but immediately ordered my own copy. Viv’s world is one I want to return to again and again!