I really enjoyed this one! Maybe not quite as much as I loved Legends and Lattes, but it was close.

This story takes place prior to Legends and Lattes and is about Viv's time as a mercenary. At the start of the book she gets stabbed through the leg, so this story follows her as she is recovering. She makes friends with the local bookseller and starts reading all kinds of adventurous and steamy books while she's healing. There may be a necromancer who shows up because someone has stolen something from her? And Viv is obviously the only one who can help with that situation, regardless of her current physical condition. In a similar way to Legends and Lattes, there is action and adventure in this story, but it's fairly low stakes.

Also, I have to say that my absolutely favourite character in this story is the homunculus, Satchel. He is named Satchel, because when he is not animated he resides in, you guessed it, a satchel. It's ridiculous, but also perfect.

A great story to add to this universe, and I really hope that Baldree continues to write stories in this universe, because I think there is a lot of them to still be told.

This was the first book I have picked up of Travis Baldree. I heard about Legends and Lattes from TikTok and when I saw this was available I wanted to listen to it. I have never listened to this type of story before and I found myself so entertained!!! I loved Fern. She was a perfect bookshop owner. I also thought Viv was a great character. I can't wait to listen to Legends and Lattes and learn more about Viv. I also loved that Travis did the narrative on this book. I look forward to reading more of his books.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC in advance or my honest opinion.

The author did a fantastic job narrating but the story felt quite directionless to me—the narrative tension was missing.

I thoroughly enjoyed Legends & Lattes and was super excited to hear that Travis Baldree was going to give us a prequel that focused on Viv's life before the coffee shop. Let's just say he did not disappoint (and he's the narrator for the audiobook)!

Once again, Baldree created a comfy, cozy little fantasy story that provided readers with a found family, a little magic, and an orc that just wants to do her best. I think this backstory gives the reader a nice glimpse into Viv's early life as a mercenary and provides some insight into what might have happened along the way to eventually lead to her opening the coffee shop.

This wasn't a five-star read for me because I did feel as though the story dragged in some parts and maybe it didn't need to be so long. I understand the stakes weren't high, which certainly contributed to this opinion somewhat, but I felt as though the book was clearly building to a point and once it got there it was anticlimactic. This was somewhat of a letdown because I found myself wishing that certain parts of the book weren't included because it felt like something more interesting should have been happening (and I really didn't want to feel that way!).

One of my favorite parts of this book was the new characters that we were introduced to. Fern's potty mouth and Pot Roast's delightful little antics stole my heart and you'll just have to read/listen to find out more for yourself!

I will say that I really enjoyed the epilogue and I truly hope this is some foreshadowing of what's to come *fingers crossed for more books*

If you liked Legends & Lattes, I certainly recommend picking up this book too. If you're new to the L & L world, I would recommend starting with L & L before picking up this book, or, at the very least, don't read/listen to the epilogue if you start with B & B to avoid spoilers!

Summary:
This is a prequel and companion book to ‘Legends & Lattes’.

Characters:
Fern: Oh my gosh this Ratkin is just wonderful. Her personality is great, her language is colourful and fun, and I love the friendships she develops with the people in the story.

Positives:
+ Pot Roast is lovely. I love the reason for the name. I love the interactions with him. I LOVE HIS EXISTENCE.
+ The little tidbits of the stories that Viv reads being included in the story were an inspired addition.
+ Travis Baldree reads his own book and it's absolutely wonderful. I hadn’t known prior to listening to it that he was an audiobook narrator before he had published any books! I think he is now my favorite audiobook reader to date. He has all the wonderful voices, his tone and cadence are fantastic. Really there is SO much to recommend!

Final Thoughts:
Oh my gosh, this is like listening to a favorite family member read you a story while you are drinking your favorite warm beverage, all cozy and warm in bed. I loved this short little story. It was wonderful. SO many great characters. So many heart squishy feelings. I think, because bookshops and books are so near and dear to my heart, that this really appealed to me.

Keep in mind that I have not read the first book ‘Legends & Lattes’ that was published first but chronologically is after the events that happen in this book. I can not speak to if there are any spoilers revealed or repeat characters. I do want to give a warning if you are going the same route I am though (this book first), the epilogue alludes to things that have already happened (i presume) at the end of ‘Legends & Lattes’. So maybe save that for later if you care very much for (potential?) spoilers, or read it and just be delighted for things to look for in the next book you pick up.

I fell in love with Viv in Legends & Lattes and it was so good to experience another book by Travis Baldree and experience another adventure with Viv.

Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel to L&L so we meet Viv when she is left in a random town by her gang after her leg is injured. Her injury is cared for and her only option is to take time to heal. Except, in true Viv fashion, she has to find something to occupy her time.
In comes Fern, who owns a rundown bookshop, which Viv is determined to help him turn it around into a successful shop.

Just like L&L, this whole book felt like a warm hug - it was cozy and fun, a perfect comfort read. However, B&B seemed to have a little more fantasy adventure to it. I still loved it and I can’t wait to get a physical copy to be able to read again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Travis Baldree for this advanced copy of the audiobook of Bookshops & Bonedust.

It's a rare treat to have an author read their own audiobook - instilling the exact intonation, flourish, and cadence they had in mind when writing. It's rarer still to have an author who is a STELLAR narrator of their own book; and the audiobook for Bookshops & Bonedust is one such miraculous work. Travis Baldree knocks it out of the proverbial park.

Once you get over the excellent narration, you'll be carried away with the wonderful story of Viv's early adventures in not-adventuring, building her character further from Legends & Lattes and helping ground the listener in this incredible world still further.

Let me start by saying that Travis Baldree does an excellent job as the narrator of this audiobook. His delivery is engaging and brings life to the characters. However, I must admit that I had a challenging time staying connected to the story. I'm sure for some the book will have potential and they will love it. However, for me, it didn't quite hit the mark of keeping me wholly engaged throughout.

After crying myself to sleep that I was ineligible for the physical ARC, the skies opened and I was granted access to the buttery voice of Baldree and the ever coveted prequel to the cozy fantasy "Legends and Lattes."

Plot: We find our big armed and bigger attituded Viv at a fresh faced 18, hacking down goons to an all powerful necromancer. When Viv gets sucker stabbed in the leg, she's dumped in a sleepy sea-side town to recover and worry that her glory years have quickly come to an end. However, when she finds a decrepit bookstore owned by a foul-mouthed ratkin, a sweet-faced baker, and a hooting griffit, she is faced with the struggles of indecision of a life yet lived and a life by the sea.

Thumbs up: Baldree has the most buttery voice and offers a wide range of character styles in his narration. I found myself a bit sleepy at times with L&L but Bookshops & Bonedust offers just enough action to keep you listening well into the night. If you are someone who has walked through life wondering "what if?" this one will get you right in the heart cords.

Thumbs down: I do not live near the sea nor have any baking skills, thanks for reminding me of this BALDREE.

Was it a nail biter? A fixer upper montage, loveable characters, a little action, and little romance, this book has it all. Definitely a must-read for anyone looking to joining the best motely crew of characters.

Although I feel like L&L was more magical I still very much enjoyed going back to this setting and being whisked away for a few hours into a land where Griffins are pets and homunculus’s are servants and the owner of the bookstore invented blind date with a book and author tours/signings,
Viv, an Orc, hurts her leg and is forced to take it easy for a while to recover, so she stumbles upon a fledgling bookstore and the owner, a rat, talks her into reading and soon she is helping out and helping to save the bookstore. Soon, her old life seems to be coming back to haunt her as a man in a grey suit appears to be stalking and the real adventures begin.
The narrator did a fab job of articulating the different characters and bringing them to life, especially considering none of them are human!
Thank you to Tor Books, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.

I knew I would love Bookshops & Bonedust and I was right. Liv is a great character in thos prequel to Legends & Lattes. The story orovides slice-of-life insight into her character al8ngside a fantastic & lovable cast of characters and a bit of fantasy battle.

First a love of coffee and now book...or is it the other way around since BOOKSHOPS AND BONEDUST is the prequel to LEGEND AND LATTES??? Doesn't matter, because holy ish, this audio book was sensational.

The same smooth, comforting, yet engaging themes as Legends and Lattes, the prequel finds Viv seriously injured and unable to stay with her comrades on their quest to take down a powerful necromancer. Now, Viv must survive in a sleepy seaside town while she heals up. Her patience is being tested both by the injury and the unknown of if her crew will actually return to collect her.

She finds herself drawn to the town's rundown bookstore and it's foul-mouthed owner, who has a gift of matching reading material to the reader. Through the recommended books pages, Viv begins to find out more about herself and the community she's found herself in.

Topped with witty dialouge, and slow burn romance, Bookshops and Bonedust not only holds up to it's predecessor but it adds so much depth to VIv's story. Not to mention that Travis Baldree's gift of plot is my new favorite things. It's never what I think it's going to be and I'm along for the ride.

Plus, I used to think if my life every was assigned a narrator I'd want it to be someone like Morgan Freeman or Kate Winslet...everything changed when Travis Baldree opens his mouth and reads aloud. Once you're introduced to the characters voice, you never have to second guess who is talking. Baldree has a peaceful presence in his writing. His tone lulls you into the story more than Thimble's treat lure customers into the cafe. (IYKYK)

5 outstanding stars for this fantastical work of art.

My eternal thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this EAB in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I am obsessed with these cozy fantasy books from Travis Baldree! If you loved Legends & Lattes, you'll love this one just as much. This is a prequel, showing Viv's past where she is a little less mature and a lot more rash. There are a lot of new characters, with quirky but lovable personalities. I can't wait to see more stories from this universe. The narration was fantastic (I love when authors narrate their own work). Travis is great with creating distinct voices.

Warning, these books WILL make you want to go out and buy a run-down business to restore!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an eARC of this audiobook!

This was just the book I needed at the time I read it.

I loved this one even more than Legends and Lattes. I loved the feel and coziness of Legends of Lattes but had a hard time relating with all of the coffee aspects and didn't think there was enough action for me. This one is centered more on books and there is more action and mission in this one that had me hooked from beginning to end.

Viv is injured and needs to heal and recover in the small town of Merk. There she goes into a bookshop that is struggling and she becomes friends with the bookshop owner and they work on reviving the bookshop. In addition they work together to bring down a necromancer. I loved every character and the found family that I now expect with a Travis Baldtree novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for an audio-ARC copy to read and review.

I have always enjoyed fantasy books, but never thought I would like cozy fantasy....till I started reading Travis Baldree. Once you enter the world of Viv you never want to leave. So how was this new adventure of Viv?

It was fantastic. It was full of new characters that with minimal backstory you are in love with. It is still filled with the adventures expected of a fantasy book. I listened to this on audiobook and Travis Baldree as the narrator and enjoyed his narration.

Thank you Tor and Net Galley for the ARC audiobook!

Travis sure knows how to hit you with the feels and make you feel right at home.
Another cozy read that I hated to end. I loved visiting Viv again and meeting some new characters. Fern became and instant favorite. The banter was so great! It made easing into wisdom and deeper looks effortless. Thank you Travis for another gem! Your words to the small things into precious treasures. And I believe you have become an auto buy author for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for this advanced copy.

Fans looking for more cozy fantasy featuring Viv will love this addition to the "Legends and Lattes" world!

Thank you to Netgalley for my audio #arc

Absolutely if you loved Legends & Lattes you're going to love Bookshops & Bonedust.

Here we have a prequel, a much younger and much rasher Viv getting thrown into a situation that all young and rash people of any species and age have a hard time dealing with: injury recovery. Not only must she heal her body, she must figure out what to do with her LIFE in this small seaside town of Murk when her merry (?) band of mercenaries trudges forward on a quest she has to wait out. But... did that same quest come to her, here, somehow??

Once again my favorite characters continue to be the Ratkin, this time in Fern, a fowlmouthed bookstore owner and her pet Pot Roast. Also shout out to Satchel for being a guy I was always interested to listen to whenever he opened his mouth.

As I listened to the audiobook, I can only praise Baldree's work-- the varied voices and moods for the character really helped set the vibe of everything, and to me, who basically only listens to audiobooks when I'm driving or spending time at the scanner/copier combo at work, kept my attention well.

Also... there was a part in the present-day epilogue that had me gently gasping... what a nice way to tie the two stories together.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the borrow in exchange for my honest review!

It's incredibly refreshing to read a cozy fantasy. This is a fantastic glimpse into Viv's younger life and how she was inclined to open her coffee shop later in life. Beautiful found family and a well built world.
The beginning of the book was a little slower than I would have liked. It took me a hot minute to get into it. But it makes sense for a cozy fantasy to take a bit longer to get going. Don't want to get blood pumping too quickly. So that being said, I did take off a half star for that. Otherwise this was definitely a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The author/narrator is fantastic and really gives fantastic voice to the characters that he created.
I can't wait to see if we can get another installment in this universe.
Full review on Pages n' Pages podcast episode post date 8/15/23.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review .

Travis Baldree could narrate ANY cozy fantasy story and I would listen enchantedly.

*Spoiler FREE review below!*

L&L was a fav read of last year. B&B offers more incite into Viv’s backstory, which was a delight.

One word: N E C R O M A N C E R S !
Like howwwww can this wordsmith make the undead feel more vivacious than many living folx I know? These new - to us - characters were refined and diverse and absolutely huggable. In fact this entire read feels like a hug.

The flow and prose of this story is what inched it ahead, for me, infront of L&L. I paused the audio multiple times to take in the way Baldree described character’s feelings and movements.

This is a story to recommend to a wide range of readers with, what I feel to be, a high rate of success! As well as the Bookish community will feel very seen with sweet subtle references to books and stories within.

P.S. Caution: this book may cause drooling from descriptions of food.

Much gratitude to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced Audio copy in exchange for an honest review.