If you are looking for a couple of books that allow you to get your D&D love on, but are not D&D, there are two books (well one book and one series) that can work. The first, is a novel that has been getting much attention. And I understand why Legends & Lattes V01 is a hit. Travis Baldree made a story that captures the elements of fantasy, humor and romance in a package that allows it to be accessible to non-readers and readers of those genres. Usually I am not into stories with orcs, wizards, gnomes, dire-cats, scary monsters with magic stones in their head, or a succubus. But I am into stories that are relatable even if they are fantasy and have romance (I’m always up for humor). And Legends and Lattes is relatable.
It might be a bit slow paced and has a lighthearted writing style, with those stronger fantasy elements occurring, but one can appreciate the things Viv is going through. She is an orc (for non fantasy, a very large person who has fangs) so she does not fit in well around others. She used to be a sword for hire and an adventurer but now she is someone who needs to make a fresh start. We all have had a hobby or two that our friends did not understand, or a food choice others thought odd, so relatable again. But when Viv decides to turn an old livery stable into a coffee shop/cafe she has more than ancient horse apples to deal with. Like what is a café? Not to mention, what is coffee? The humor of trying to introduce something new to this city of strangers will take more than magic to get things off the ground. A few things were a little off-kilter, but the subtle humor undertone is throughout that counters some of the bumps I had. The romance element is not overly pushed, allowing the focus to be on all the people and events. Some modern GLBTQ themes and some violence which both are handled well. The edition I have included a bonus prequel story that I was unable to finish (at first, but then went back after a break) as considering the main book is the “future” and the bonus story the past, it was odd to read the past after the future happened. 
I would say this story reminds me of a lighter Terry Prattchet, that works for teens to adults and non-readers of Terry P. But what is not as easily transferable to multiple readers and to people who are not into fantasy is the Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins stories. I found Volume III and my first thought was of this Jody Houser (author), Olivia Samson (Illustrator), Diana Sousa (Author and Illustrator), Ariana Maher (Illustrator), and J.P. Massa (Illustrator) collection is I need more. This is a build up story and I usually do not like continuation stories as I forget what happens by the time I get the next installment! Yet, this works well enough to be able to catch up a little (plus just assume certain stereotypes and you will be fine)
This is the continuation story of the gang, Vox Machina, who are a band of good-hearted, selfish, thieves, magicians, bards, a bear and fighters who really like their ale. A lot. And their adventures usually start off because they need gold (or more ale) but end up someplace completely different and sometimes, no gold. This time there is a sexy woman-dragon, and a gang of dangerous guild of thieves, and the siblings (Vex and Vax) family reunion. Plus fighting and a lot of ale. Due to the build up aspect and the introduction of new characters I could have benefited from having volume four at the ready. However, the D&D meets Avatar the Last Airbender meets bad jokes (one character is the big “dumb lovable guy” says to the villain that he won’t hit her with his ax, as he looks and clearly stage whispers, “I’m lying”) and horny dwarfs is a fun read and a great continuation to the first two volumes. And SPOILER: I don’t think the sex-naked-dragon-lady is completely gone!
