Enjoyable prequel to L&L, with loveable characters I'd like to see more of. That said, I almost wish there were fewer so we could explore a few relationships more deeply.
This book is not as strong as the other in terms of having a cozy setting, I would say. The nature of Viv being there to recuperate means that she cannot build a hearth and home. The

looming threat once she gains the sword

also makes it difficult to settle into the cozier scenes in the latter half.
As always, the narration by Baldree is well done, and helps to immerse with the world.