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Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe
A geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science and a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny meet and fall in love in a magical coffeeshop as their two very different universes begin to collide in Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee's fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance.
When Brenda’s internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles right into Kat’s family’s coffeeshop. Brenda is swept away by cool, confident Kat, who actually cares about Brenda’s 19-step plan to save the world through science. Meanwhile, Kat can’t stop thinking about Brenda, who is smart, passionate, and doesn’t seem to care that Kat is the prophesized Chosen One.
The only problem? Kat and Brenda are from different universes. Like need-to-find-a-portal-to-go-on-a-second-date different universes.
As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?
When Brenda’s internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles right into Kat’s family’s coffeeshop. Brenda is swept away by cool, confident Kat, who actually cares about Brenda’s 19-step plan to save the world through science. Meanwhile, Kat can’t stop thinking about Brenda, who is smart, passionate, and doesn’t seem to care that Kat is the prophesized Chosen One.
The only problem? Kat and Brenda are from different universes. Like need-to-find-a-portal-to-go-on-a-second-date different universes.
As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2025
333 people are currently reading
29748 people want to read
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July 23, 2024all hail the rise of Cozy Queer Fantasy!
July 9, 2025
I’m on a roll with excellent YA reads. I enjoyed this author’s Not Your Sidekick story and picked up their new book because even the blurb made me smile. Brenda Nguyen plans on saving the world and I mean she practically has a PowerPoint presentation of what she needs to do to be this hero but with the understanding that prom and getting into a good college should happen first. Then one particularly frazzled day in LA, Brenda stumbles into a coffeeshop and is dazzled by the cute barista, Kat Woo. What neither of them knows is that their alternate universes have somehow crossed wires.
Brenda and Kat are incredibly cute and charismatic. They both have backstories that include the grief of missing parents and the weight of heady expectations. The world building is fun and whimsical, a mix of modern pop culture and nerd visuals like wyverns, magical spell casting, and steampunk fashion. Plus, some super funny shenanigans, quirky twists, and a dash of danger. Meanwhile, Kat and Brenda are falling for each other in the midst of battling the evil adults of the world. But what I like best about the story is seeing how the love of family and friends empower Kat and Brenda. They never were alone and that’s something beautiful for them to learn. Lastly, Kat is of Chinese heritage and Brenda’s family is Vietnamese. The story is infused with the countries’ histories, cultures, and food. So much food. I’m already missing Kat, Brenda, and the magic filled Los Angeles. A cat called Fancy and a dragon named Ana might have stolen some scenes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Brenda and Kat are incredibly cute and charismatic. They both have backstories that include the grief of missing parents and the weight of heady expectations. The world building is fun and whimsical, a mix of modern pop culture and nerd visuals like wyverns, magical spell casting, and steampunk fashion. Plus, some super funny shenanigans, quirky twists, and a dash of danger. Meanwhile, Kat and Brenda are falling for each other in the midst of battling the evil adults of the world. But what I like best about the story is seeing how the love of family and friends empower Kat and Brenda. They never were alone and that’s something beautiful for them to learn. Lastly, Kat is of Chinese heritage and Brenda’s family is Vietnamese. The story is infused with the countries’ histories, cultures, and food. So much food. I’m already missing Kat, Brenda, and the magic filled Los Angeles. A cat called Fancy and a dragon named Ana might have stolen some scenes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
Delightful! Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a playful nod to fanfic, but it's also a very sweet YA sapphic romance about two Asian girls from parallel worlds who meet unexpectedly and fall in love. While also having to unravel the mystery of why their worlds are connected and what happened during a ritual that killed one of their moms.
In our world magic is imaginary and Brenda might be a geeky overachiever who plays Dungeons and Dragons, but when she falls through a portal into a coffeeshop in another world, she finds that magic might be more real than she thinks. In Kat's world, magic is normal and you can buy spells at Target. But a deadly ritual that killed her mom, intended to keep the mana of her world stable, has been required ever more frequently. Kat and Brenda are going to find out why...and also kiss.
This was a fun adventure and a very sweet romance with kisses and dates that don't really venture into the erotic. It feels written with younger teens in mind, and has a cozy vibe to it. I would be comfortable handing this to a 12 or 13 year old, which isn't always the case with YA romance. Definitely would recommend! The audio narration is great with different narrators for each perspective that fit the characters and keep a light tone. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
In our world magic is imaginary and Brenda might be a geeky overachiever who plays Dungeons and Dragons, but when she falls through a portal into a coffeeshop in another world, she finds that magic might be more real than she thinks. In Kat's world, magic is normal and you can buy spells at Target. But a deadly ritual that killed her mom, intended to keep the mana of her world stable, has been required ever more frequently. Kat and Brenda are going to find out why...and also kiss.
This was a fun adventure and a very sweet romance with kisses and dates that don't really venture into the erotic. It feels written with younger teens in mind, and has a cozy vibe to it. I would be comfortable handing this to a 12 or 13 year old, which isn't always the case with YA romance. Definitely would recommend! The audio narration is great with different narrators for each perspective that fit the characters and keep a light tone. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 14, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, but sadly it fell a little flat for me. I'd seen it marketed as a fun and cosy book, but I didn't think it felt very cosy at all, so I kind of went in with the wrong expectations. I love the concept of this of two parallel worlds colliding, but the execution felt a little slow to build up, a little chaotic at times, and not as fresh and original as I was hoping. That's not to say I didn't enjoy this at all, but it didn't live up to my expectations and I didn't feel as emotionally invested as I'd like.
July 2, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
Any book that includes Doctor Who references automatically gets extra points from me. I haven't played Dungeons and Dragons before, but I definitely think it's something I would enjoy. Some of those references went over my head, but at the same time, I know enough about the game that I understood most of it. Don't worry about those references, though, if you don't know anything about it. You don't need to understand them to follow the book. Just some references included.
This was an amazing book. Loved it so much. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this type of novel.
Any book that includes Doctor Who references automatically gets extra points from me. I haven't played Dungeons and Dragons before, but I definitely think it's something I would enjoy. Some of those references went over my head, but at the same time, I know enough about the game that I understood most of it. Don't worry about those references, though, if you don't know anything about it. You don't need to understand them to follow the book. Just some references included.
This was an amazing book. Loved it so much. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this type of novel.
July 9, 2025
Brenda is a geeky overachiever with a multi-step plan to save the world. Step 16 is to obtain a great scholarship so she can pay for the amazing school she chooses. But moments before her most important application is due, her internet goes out. Desperate for WiFi, she stumbles into a cutesy coffeeshop that is owned by Kat and her dad. Kat who lives in a universe fueled by magic, and which she is the prophesied chosen one of. A destiny that she vehemently fights against. Unaware of the portal that has made this meeting possible, Kat and Brenda have an instant connection. But how will they find each other for their next date?
I was pleasantly surprised by how much attention was placed on the magic system and world building. When I heard this described as a cozy fantasy, I assumed it wouldn’t go much deeper than a glancing overview. However this had a lot more adventure and mystery than I originally assumed. Brenda and her friends’ absolute delight around magic leads to their geeky curiosity around learning magic themselves. There are moments when they brainstorm theoretical magic application. I found it funny how in Kat’s world spell craft is treated like math. Something most people feel ambivalent too despite it being a necessary part of their world. Seeing the ways Kat and Brenda’s worlds diverged but also closely mirrored each other was really interesting.
The romance between Kat and Brenda was really sweet and wonderful. The way they both felt misunderstood and like nobody cared about the true parts of themselves. And then in one conversation they got each other so easily and appreciated the parts that everyone usually overlooked. They fit together so perfectly and I really liked watching their bond grow deeper.
I do wish the side characters were a little more developed. Since D&D was a big part of Brenda’s life and friendships I wanted more from her party. I didn’t feel like we got to know Erica, Jenn, Ryan, and Adib outside of Brenda. They were more like stand-ins, just really hollow despite there being so many opportunities for them to shine.
The ending was definitely a little cheesy but I think it fit in nicely with the vibe of the story. The power of friendship and love being the answer in the end played well with the geeky D&D inspirations. So despite it being a little eye roll worthy, it was still cute. I had a really fun time with this!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much attention was placed on the magic system and world building. When I heard this described as a cozy fantasy, I assumed it wouldn’t go much deeper than a glancing overview. However this had a lot more adventure and mystery than I originally assumed. Brenda and her friends’ absolute delight around magic leads to their geeky curiosity around learning magic themselves. There are moments when they brainstorm theoretical magic application. I found it funny how in Kat’s world spell craft is treated like math. Something most people feel ambivalent too despite it being a necessary part of their world. Seeing the ways Kat and Brenda’s worlds diverged but also closely mirrored each other was really interesting.
The romance between Kat and Brenda was really sweet and wonderful. The way they both felt misunderstood and like nobody cared about the true parts of themselves. And then in one conversation they got each other so easily and appreciated the parts that everyone usually overlooked. They fit together so perfectly and I really liked watching their bond grow deeper.
I do wish the side characters were a little more developed. Since D&D was a big part of Brenda’s life and friendships I wanted more from her party. I didn’t feel like we got to know Erica, Jenn, Ryan, and Adib outside of Brenda. They were more like stand-ins, just really hollow despite there being so many opportunities for them to shine.
The ending was definitely a little cheesy but I think it fit in nicely with the vibe of the story. The power of friendship and love being the answer in the end played well with the geeky D&D inspirations. So despite it being a little eye roll worthy, it was still cute. I had a really fun time with this!
August 15, 2025
I was expecting this to be a lot cosier than it turned out to be, which was a shame. Parallel worlds colliding is such a cool concept, but I didn't understand the need for Dungeons & Dragons to feature so prominently. The characters fell very flat for me, but I really liked the concept and the slight discussions of grief. This is very sweet, and I think a lot of people will like this, but it's not for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 23, 2025
YESSS!!!! i'll take hundreds and hundreds more of these for the rest of eternity, please and thank you!
coffeeshop in an alternate universe is a wonderful mashup of some of my favorite things: sapphic vietnamese & chinese characters, portal fantasy, cozy coffee shop au, sorcery, time travel, murder mystery, diverse and lively los angeles, and sailor moon. not only that, but c.b. lee was able to seamlessly weave complex themes like corporate greed and their environmental impact. it's a lot to digest but they managed to keep it all incredibly balanced somehow! elyse dinh and emily woo zeller did a fantastic job performing their characters. after recognizing dinh from her work with banyan moon, she showed her range with this novel and quickly became one of my favorite audiobook narrators with the way she breathed so much life into brenda (and the book). coffeeshop in an alternate universe doubles as a beautiful love letter to queer/sapphic immigrants who dream of being represented in an industry (and genre) dominated by cishet white people. i really hope this inspires more queer bipoc to come forward with their own cozy fantasy stories, regardless of how similar it is or isn't to c.b. lee's imagination!
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cover artist: lisa villella
coffeeshop in an alternate universe is a wonderful mashup of some of my favorite things: sapphic vietnamese & chinese characters, portal fantasy, cozy coffee shop au, sorcery, time travel, murder mystery, diverse and lively los angeles, and sailor moon. not only that, but c.b. lee was able to seamlessly weave complex themes like corporate greed and their environmental impact. it's a lot to digest but they managed to keep it all incredibly balanced somehow! elyse dinh and emily woo zeller did a fantastic job performing their characters. after recognizing dinh from her work with banyan moon, she showed her range with this novel and quickly became one of my favorite audiobook narrators with the way she breathed so much life into brenda (and the book). coffeeshop in an alternate universe doubles as a beautiful love letter to queer/sapphic immigrants who dream of being represented in an industry (and genre) dominated by cishet white people. i really hope this inspires more queer bipoc to come forward with their own cozy fantasy stories, regardless of how similar it is or isn't to c.b. lee's imagination!
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cover artist: lisa villella
May 31, 2025
4.5 // This was so fun! This book was so CREATIVE. I've become less of a cozy fantasy fan over the years, because I just find a lot of them kind of slow-moving, but I found myself quickly invested in this plot. I LOVED the way these worlds were parallels of each other and the differences and similarities between them. The romance was really sweet and I loved how queer-normative these worlds were: there were so many sapphics! The setting of a coffeeshop and the romance gave this book a cozy feel, but there were real stakes that kept the plot moving forward. I enjoyed this so much and definitely recommend it.
Want to read
July 1, 2025A multi-dimensional queer rom-com with the fate of the multiverse at stake and also a dragon??? YES PLEASE I'LL TAKE ELEVEN
July 29, 2025
2.5 stars
I sadly just don’t think this was a book for me. While I enjoyed the romance and friendship and magic, some parts of the plot and story just seemed silly.
Spoilers ahead!!
At the end, Brenda and her 2 friends volunteered for the Ritual but it was a whole big deal earlier in the book how 1, there was only 1 spot left and 2, the volunteers for cornerstones couldn’t be just anyone but magically they all fit the bill? Kind of odd.
The books name is literally COFFEESHOP and I was disappointed with how little the Coffeeshop was actually in the book. I guess it my fault for thinking it was gonna be a cozy low stakes book with the characters in this Coffeeshop a lot, but I was sad to not see more of it.
I think this book would truly book someone cup of tea (or coffee) but it’s not me. Glad I gave it a try and the cover is super cute.
I sadly just don’t think this was a book for me. While I enjoyed the romance and friendship and magic, some parts of the plot and story just seemed silly.
Spoilers ahead!!
At the end, Brenda and her 2 friends volunteered for the Ritual but it was a whole big deal earlier in the book how 1, there was only 1 spot left and 2, the volunteers for cornerstones couldn’t be just anyone but magically they all fit the bill? Kind of odd.
The books name is literally COFFEESHOP and I was disappointed with how little the Coffeeshop was actually in the book. I guess it my fault for thinking it was gonna be a cozy low stakes book with the characters in this Coffeeshop a lot, but I was sad to not see more of it.
I think this book would truly book someone cup of tea (or coffee) but it’s not me. Glad I gave it a try and the cover is super cute.
September 3, 2025
(rounded up from 3.5)
This was a cozy and enjoyable read with a mystery running through it. We have likeable young Asian protagonists who live in different realities, and one day, one of them wanders through a portal without realising it and the two meet and arrange a date.
The premise was fun, and the main and supporting characters are wholesome and cute, but there isn't a lot of conflict besides the primary issue with the mana surges and earthquakes, respectively, in the two realities. A lot of the interpersonal conflict, such as Kat's dad emotionally shutting her out and Brenda's living with a large and sometimes suffocating family, is kind of shoved aside, which makes it feel a bit less rounded out as a story and world than I would like.
The magic system is interesting, but also kind of reduced down to very simplistic forms, while it would have been cool to have someone who's a bit of an overachieving nerd try to work out the technicalities of it properly and succeed, while the "Chosen one" is talented but not as studious.
Those minor issues aside, I enjoyed this and it was cozy and cute, as advertised.
This was a cozy and enjoyable read with a mystery running through it. We have likeable young Asian protagonists who live in different realities, and one day, one of them wanders through a portal without realising it and the two meet and arrange a date.
The premise was fun, and the main and supporting characters are wholesome and cute, but there isn't a lot of conflict besides the primary issue with the mana surges and earthquakes, respectively, in the two realities. A lot of the interpersonal conflict, such as Kat's dad emotionally shutting her out and Brenda's living with a large and sometimes suffocating family, is kind of shoved aside, which makes it feel a bit less rounded out as a story and world than I would like.
The magic system is interesting, but also kind of reduced down to very simplistic forms, while it would have been cool to have someone who's a bit of an overachieving nerd try to work out the technicalities of it properly and succeed, while the "Chosen one" is talented but not as studious.
Those minor issues aside, I enjoyed this and it was cozy and cute, as advertised.
August 27, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.5
This is the perfect cozy fantasy to pick up where you are continuously rooting for the characters to reach among the stars and grab at their dreams/achieve their goals. Even though the girls are YA aged, they felt older to me and I really connected with both Brenda and Kat. Kat’s grief with her mom passing really resonated with me and I truly just wanted to reach out and hug her so tight. I’m so happy her and her dad became closer despite some misunderstandings and grieving differently. Loved the sapphic rep!
This is the perfect cozy fantasy to pick up where you are continuously rooting for the characters to reach among the stars and grab at their dreams/achieve their goals. Even though the girls are YA aged, they felt older to me and I really connected with both Brenda and Kat. Kat’s grief with her mom passing really resonated with me and I truly just wanted to reach out and hug her so tight. I’m so happy her and her dad became closer despite some misunderstandings and grieving differently. Loved the sapphic rep!
July 2, 2025
C.B. Lee's Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a delightful sapphic romance that weaves together parallel worlds, destiny, and the transformative power of love with the warmth of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. This cozy YA fantasy strikes an impressive balance between light-hearted romance and surprisingly complex world-building, creating a reading experience that feels both comforting and adventurous.
A Tale of Two Universes
The story follows Brenda Nguyễn, a driven high school senior whose nineteen-step plan to save the world through science gets delightfully derailed when her internet crashes during a crucial scholarship deadline. Her frantic search for Wi-Fi leads her to a charming coffeeshop where she meets Kat Woo, a confident teenager who seems refreshingly interested in Brenda's ambitious plans. The twist? Kat lives in a universe where magic is as commonplace as technology, and their chance meeting sets off a chain of events that threatens to destabilize both their worlds.
Lee expertly constructs two parallel realities that feel distinct yet interconnected. Brenda's world mirrors our own contemporary reality, complete with college applications, extracurricular activities, and the constant pressure to optimize every moment for future success. Meanwhile, Kat's universe presents a fascinating blend of modern convenience and magical technology, where spells can be purchased at Target and runebooks replace smartphones. The author's world-building shines particularly in how magic functions as integrated technology rather than something mystical and separate from daily life.
Characters That Breathe with Authenticity
Brenda: The Overachiever's Journey
Brenda emerges as a beautifully complex protagonist whose relentless drive to save the world through science feels both admirable and exhausting. Lee captures the particular anxiety of high-achieving students with remarkable accuracy—the color-coded planners, the constant optimization of time, the weight of feeling responsible for fixing everything. Brenda's character arc from rigid planning to embracing spontaneity feels earned rather than forced, largely because her relationship with Kat provides a safe space for her to explore different aspects of herself.
The author excels at showing rather than telling Brenda's stress levels through small details: her bullet journal filled with inspirational quotes, her tendency to take on extra responsibilities for Key Club and student council, and her genuine panic when plans go awry. Her nineteen-step plan to save the world initially reads as endearingly naive, but Lee gradually reveals the deeper motivations behind Brenda's drive, connecting it to her family's immigrant experience and her desire to honor her mother's sacrifices.
Kat: Rebellion Against Destiny
Kat serves as both romantic interest and a fascinating exploration of what happens when someone actively rejects their predetermined fate. As the prophesied Chosen One who's supposed to participate in a crucial magical ritual, Kat's casual dismissal of her destiny creates compelling tension throughout the narrative. Lee avoids the trap of making Kat's rebellion purely angsty by grounding it in real grief—the loss of her mother—and her justified anger at being treated as a tool rather than a person.
The chemistry between Brenda and Kat crackles on the page, particularly in their early coffeeshop conversations where Kat's genuine interest in Brenda's plans contrasts sharply with everyone else's glazed-over responses. Lee captures the intoxicating feeling of being truly seen by someone new, especially for Brenda, who's used to having her ambitions dismissed or trivialized.
Magic as Metaphor and Technology
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its treatment of magic as both mundane technology and powerful metaphor. The Mayfield Breakthrough, which allowed magic to be prepackaged and sold commercially, serves as clever commentary on how innovation shapes society while sometimes erasing cultural heritage. Lee touches on how Western magical practices became standardized, potentially at the cost of diverse magical traditions—a subplot that adds depth without overwhelming the central romance.
The magic system itself feels lived-in and logical. Spells require mana, intentions can affect outcomes, and magical exhaustion has real physical consequences. When Brenda accidentally casts a destruction spell in Target, the aftermath—physical weakness, desperate hunger, disorientation—demonstrates that magic comes with costs, making it feel more grounded than typical fantasy systems.
Cultural Richness and Family Heritage
Lee weaves Vietnamese and Chinese-American experiences throughout the narrative with genuine care and specificity. Uncle Chau's herbal shop, inspired by the author's own grandfather, provides a beautiful connection between traditional healing practices and magical craft. The exploration of generational trauma, particularly through the lens of refugee experiences and immigration, adds emotional weight without overwhelming the lighter romance elements.
The family dynamics feel authentic, from Brenda's pressure to succeed as a way of honoring her family's sacrifices to Kat's complicated relationship with her father as she navigates grief and expectations. Lee handles these cultural elements with nuance, avoiding both exoticization and oversimplification.
Romance That Develops Naturally
The central romance unfolds with refreshing authenticity. Brenda and Kat's relationship develops through shared interests and genuine emotional connection rather than instalove or purely physical attraction. Their conversations about D&D, their mutual support during crises, and their willingness to risk everything for each other create a foundation that feels solid enough to support the fantastical elements surrounding them.
Lee particularly excels at capturing the nervous excitement of new romance—Brenda's careful planning for their first date, her anxiety when Kat doesn't show up, and the giddy relief when they finally connect. The author doesn't shy away from the complications of dating someone from literally another universe, using these obstacles to explore themes of sacrifice, communication, and what we're willing to risk for love.
Where the Story Stumbles
While Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe succeeds on many levels, it occasionally struggles with pacing in its latter half. The revelation about the Order of the Crossings and Shannon Mayfield's true nature feels somewhat rushed, with exposition-heavy conversations that slow down the narrative momentum. Some of the conspiracy elements around the Stabilization Ritual could have been woven more organically into the story rather than delivered through dialogue-heavy scenes.
The prophecy subplot, while thematically relevant, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the richness of the romance and world-building. Kat's status as the Chosen One serves its purpose in creating external conflict, but the actual prophecy and its implications could have been explored more deeply to match the complexity of other story elements.
Additionally, some secondary characters, particularly Brenda's friends, occasionally feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. While Erica and Jenn serve important functions in supporting Brenda's growth, they could have benefited from more individual characterization.
Technical Craft and Writing Style
Lee's prose style perfectly matches the cozy fantasy atmosphere—warm, accessible, and occasionally lyrical without becoming overwrought. The author demonstrates particular skill in writing dialogue that feels natural while serving multiple purposes: revealing character, advancing plot, and building the romantic tension. The alternating point-of-view structure allows readers to understand both protagonists' internal struggles while maintaining narrative momentum.
The author's background shines through in the authentic details of both high school life and magical world-building. From Brenda's careful bullet journaling to the specific mechanics of how portal spells work, Lee grounds fantastical elements in believable specificity.
Themes Worth Savoring
Beyond its surface charm, the novel explores meaningful themes about destiny versus choice, the price of perfection, and the courage required to be vulnerable with another person. The tension between Brenda's need to control her future and Kat's rejection of her predetermined path creates interesting parallels that enrich both character arcs.
The book also thoughtfully examines how systems of power perpetuate themselves, whether through magical councils or academic pressure, and how individuals can find ways to resist without losing themselves in the process. The resolution doesn't offer easy answers but suggests that connection and love can provide strength for facing uncertain futures.
Final Thoughts: A Satisfying Escape
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe succeeds as both a comfort read and a thoughtful exploration of love across impossible odds. While it may not revolutionize the YA fantasy genre, it offers exactly what its premise promises: a warm, engaging story about finding love and magic in unexpected places. Lee's commitment to authentic representation and emotional honesty elevates what could have been a simple portal fantasy into something more meaningful.
For readers seeking escapist romance with heart, this book delivers beautifully. It's the literary equivalent of that perfect coffeeshop—inviting, comforting, and filled with the kind of magic that makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
A Tale of Two Universes
The story follows Brenda Nguyễn, a driven high school senior whose nineteen-step plan to save the world through science gets delightfully derailed when her internet crashes during a crucial scholarship deadline. Her frantic search for Wi-Fi leads her to a charming coffeeshop where she meets Kat Woo, a confident teenager who seems refreshingly interested in Brenda's ambitious plans. The twist? Kat lives in a universe where magic is as commonplace as technology, and their chance meeting sets off a chain of events that threatens to destabilize both their worlds.
Lee expertly constructs two parallel realities that feel distinct yet interconnected. Brenda's world mirrors our own contemporary reality, complete with college applications, extracurricular activities, and the constant pressure to optimize every moment for future success. Meanwhile, Kat's universe presents a fascinating blend of modern convenience and magical technology, where spells can be purchased at Target and runebooks replace smartphones. The author's world-building shines particularly in how magic functions as integrated technology rather than something mystical and separate from daily life.
Characters That Breathe with Authenticity
Brenda: The Overachiever's Journey
Brenda emerges as a beautifully complex protagonist whose relentless drive to save the world through science feels both admirable and exhausting. Lee captures the particular anxiety of high-achieving students with remarkable accuracy—the color-coded planners, the constant optimization of time, the weight of feeling responsible for fixing everything. Brenda's character arc from rigid planning to embracing spontaneity feels earned rather than forced, largely because her relationship with Kat provides a safe space for her to explore different aspects of herself.
The author excels at showing rather than telling Brenda's stress levels through small details: her bullet journal filled with inspirational quotes, her tendency to take on extra responsibilities for Key Club and student council, and her genuine panic when plans go awry. Her nineteen-step plan to save the world initially reads as endearingly naive, but Lee gradually reveals the deeper motivations behind Brenda's drive, connecting it to her family's immigrant experience and her desire to honor her mother's sacrifices.
Kat: Rebellion Against Destiny
Kat serves as both romantic interest and a fascinating exploration of what happens when someone actively rejects their predetermined fate. As the prophesied Chosen One who's supposed to participate in a crucial magical ritual, Kat's casual dismissal of her destiny creates compelling tension throughout the narrative. Lee avoids the trap of making Kat's rebellion purely angsty by grounding it in real grief—the loss of her mother—and her justified anger at being treated as a tool rather than a person.
The chemistry between Brenda and Kat crackles on the page, particularly in their early coffeeshop conversations where Kat's genuine interest in Brenda's plans contrasts sharply with everyone else's glazed-over responses. Lee captures the intoxicating feeling of being truly seen by someone new, especially for Brenda, who's used to having her ambitions dismissed or trivialized.
Magic as Metaphor and Technology
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its treatment of magic as both mundane technology and powerful metaphor. The Mayfield Breakthrough, which allowed magic to be prepackaged and sold commercially, serves as clever commentary on how innovation shapes society while sometimes erasing cultural heritage. Lee touches on how Western magical practices became standardized, potentially at the cost of diverse magical traditions—a subplot that adds depth without overwhelming the central romance.
The magic system itself feels lived-in and logical. Spells require mana, intentions can affect outcomes, and magical exhaustion has real physical consequences. When Brenda accidentally casts a destruction spell in Target, the aftermath—physical weakness, desperate hunger, disorientation—demonstrates that magic comes with costs, making it feel more grounded than typical fantasy systems.
Cultural Richness and Family Heritage
Lee weaves Vietnamese and Chinese-American experiences throughout the narrative with genuine care and specificity. Uncle Chau's herbal shop, inspired by the author's own grandfather, provides a beautiful connection between traditional healing practices and magical craft. The exploration of generational trauma, particularly through the lens of refugee experiences and immigration, adds emotional weight without overwhelming the lighter romance elements.
The family dynamics feel authentic, from Brenda's pressure to succeed as a way of honoring her family's sacrifices to Kat's complicated relationship with her father as she navigates grief and expectations. Lee handles these cultural elements with nuance, avoiding both exoticization and oversimplification.
Romance That Develops Naturally
The central romance unfolds with refreshing authenticity. Brenda and Kat's relationship develops through shared interests and genuine emotional connection rather than instalove or purely physical attraction. Their conversations about D&D, their mutual support during crises, and their willingness to risk everything for each other create a foundation that feels solid enough to support the fantastical elements surrounding them.
Lee particularly excels at capturing the nervous excitement of new romance—Brenda's careful planning for their first date, her anxiety when Kat doesn't show up, and the giddy relief when they finally connect. The author doesn't shy away from the complications of dating someone from literally another universe, using these obstacles to explore themes of sacrifice, communication, and what we're willing to risk for love.
Where the Story Stumbles
While Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe succeeds on many levels, it occasionally struggles with pacing in its latter half. The revelation about the Order of the Crossings and Shannon Mayfield's true nature feels somewhat rushed, with exposition-heavy conversations that slow down the narrative momentum. Some of the conspiracy elements around the Stabilization Ritual could have been woven more organically into the story rather than delivered through dialogue-heavy scenes.
The prophecy subplot, while thematically relevant, sometimes feels underdeveloped compared to the richness of the romance and world-building. Kat's status as the Chosen One serves its purpose in creating external conflict, but the actual prophecy and its implications could have been explored more deeply to match the complexity of other story elements.
Additionally, some secondary characters, particularly Brenda's friends, occasionally feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. While Erica and Jenn serve important functions in supporting Brenda's growth, they could have benefited from more individual characterization.
Technical Craft and Writing Style
Lee's prose style perfectly matches the cozy fantasy atmosphere—warm, accessible, and occasionally lyrical without becoming overwrought. The author demonstrates particular skill in writing dialogue that feels natural while serving multiple purposes: revealing character, advancing plot, and building the romantic tension. The alternating point-of-view structure allows readers to understand both protagonists' internal struggles while maintaining narrative momentum.
The author's background shines through in the authentic details of both high school life and magical world-building. From Brenda's careful bullet journaling to the specific mechanics of how portal spells work, Lee grounds fantastical elements in believable specificity.
Themes Worth Savoring
Beyond its surface charm, the novel explores meaningful themes about destiny versus choice, the price of perfection, and the courage required to be vulnerable with another person. The tension between Brenda's need to control her future and Kat's rejection of her predetermined path creates interesting parallels that enrich both character arcs.
The book also thoughtfully examines how systems of power perpetuate themselves, whether through magical councils or academic pressure, and how individuals can find ways to resist without losing themselves in the process. The resolution doesn't offer easy answers but suggests that connection and love can provide strength for facing uncertain futures.
Final Thoughts: A Satisfying Escape
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe succeeds as both a comfort read and a thoughtful exploration of love across impossible odds. While it may not revolutionize the YA fantasy genre, it offers exactly what its premise promises: a warm, engaging story about finding love and magic in unexpected places. Lee's commitment to authentic representation and emotional honesty elevates what could have been a simple portal fantasy into something more meaningful.
For readers seeking escapist romance with heart, this book delivers beautifully. It's the literary equivalent of that perfect coffeeshop—inviting, comforting, and filled with the kind of magic that makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
June 10, 2025
This was a case of “not for me”. The two POV characters are distinct and fleshed out, but I didn’t enjoy the writing style. It felt too info-dumpy. Brenda often seemed ridiculously immature, which didn’t make sense, given her overall characterization, ambition and role in her extra curriculars. I know capturing an authentic teen voice is tricky, but most of the books I read are YA and this stood out to me as unbalanced.
Both girls dwelled on interiority in a way I personally don’t enjoy, and the pacing was lagging, so I eventually DNF’d.
The narrators were fun and engaging, speaking at the perfect speed, but in Brenda’s case the voice felt too childish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Both girls dwelled on interiority in a way I personally don’t enjoy, and the pacing was lagging, so I eventually DNF’d.
The narrators were fun and engaging, speaking at the perfect speed, but in Brenda’s case the voice felt too childish.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
I think 3.5 stars? The cover for this is so pretty and it really liked our main couple. But it seemed like everyone was way too accepting of everything. Magic is real and alter nature universes exist and you shrug it off? There was a lot of under acting here. And this concept is so unique. I just want feeling connected to anything. And the more it went on the more I felt like I couldn’t fully invest. I don’t think this is at fault of the book, however. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I also have come to understand I’m not a super huge fan of DND books. I have read quite a few of them but they don’t really appeal to me that much. I have a few that I really enjoyed in the genre, but most of them I skip the DND parts and just don’t really resonate with them. But thank you again for this ARC. I loved this author’s Remixed Classic book and I’m looking forward to whatever they do next!
I think 3.5 stars? The cover for this is so pretty and it really liked our main couple. But it seemed like everyone was way too accepting of everything. Magic is real and alter nature universes exist and you shrug it off? There was a lot of under acting here. And this concept is so unique. I just want feeling connected to anything. And the more it went on the more I felt like I couldn’t fully invest. I don’t think this is at fault of the book, however. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I also have come to understand I’m not a super huge fan of DND books. I have read quite a few of them but they don’t really appeal to me that much. I have a few that I really enjoyed in the genre, but most of them I skip the DND parts and just don’t really resonate with them. But thank you again for this ARC. I loved this author’s Remixed Classic book and I’m looking forward to whatever they do next!
June 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ — a cozy, funny, and sweet romcom across dimensions!
I enjoyed the premise of this story quite a bit, it’s very creative and fun. There has been a trend of multiverse storytelling (mostly in film) lately but this use of the multiverse feels very individual. If you love Dungeons and Dragons or Doctor Who, you’ll find your place right in this story.
i was charmed by the fantasy world in the book and how the author decided to approach the wordle differences between the dimensions. The magic was unique, and though at times it took me awhile to follow the rules and worldbuilding for the magic of Kat’s world, I think the author knew when to give explanations without info dumping. There was one time that when recounting an event, we literally go through Brenda’s notes after the event just happened but honestly it helped since all the multidimensional drama can teeter on confusing.
There are a lot of side characters in this book so at the beginning it was difficult keeping track of Brenda and Kat’s friends or circles since they do have speaking parts or are notable in some capacity. I wasn’t sure about Brenda at first as her narration wasn’t exactly my cup of tea (or coffee I guess) but later in the story as she grew I liked her a bit more. YA voice is difficult to nail but for what Brenda’s character was, sometimes she was almost too childish. I think the setting over the characters themselves were more compelling for me.
The pacing also was a bit here and there for me. At the beginning it took too long for me to get into because of the melding of the multiverse timeline but then at times I also wanted to explore just some of the random bits of the world more. There is a bit of info dumping at times, even if I find the worlds very creative. But that may just be me!
I did think it ended a bit fast and with so many things you could’ve explored, it left me wanting more but also feeling like the more interesting parts of the worldbuilding could’ve been focused on further. There are some things where I’m like “how does this work…” in terms of worldbuilding since like both worlds have their own version of Target if like there are very specific circumstances in which Target was invented. Like sure any universe has a coffee shop but how did the magic dragon place invent Target (and I was kind of annoyed at how many times Target was mentioned like yes I get it we are in Target).
*thank you to Feiwel and Friends for the e-arc!*
I enjoyed the premise of this story quite a bit, it’s very creative and fun. There has been a trend of multiverse storytelling (mostly in film) lately but this use of the multiverse feels very individual. If you love Dungeons and Dragons or Doctor Who, you’ll find your place right in this story.
i was charmed by the fantasy world in the book and how the author decided to approach the wordle differences between the dimensions. The magic was unique, and though at times it took me awhile to follow the rules and worldbuilding for the magic of Kat’s world, I think the author knew when to give explanations without info dumping. There was one time that when recounting an event, we literally go through Brenda’s notes after the event just happened but honestly it helped since all the multidimensional drama can teeter on confusing.
There are a lot of side characters in this book so at the beginning it was difficult keeping track of Brenda and Kat’s friends or circles since they do have speaking parts or are notable in some capacity. I wasn’t sure about Brenda at first as her narration wasn’t exactly my cup of tea (or coffee I guess) but later in the story as she grew I liked her a bit more. YA voice is difficult to nail but for what Brenda’s character was, sometimes she was almost too childish. I think the setting over the characters themselves were more compelling for me.
The pacing also was a bit here and there for me. At the beginning it took too long for me to get into because of the melding of the multiverse timeline but then at times I also wanted to explore just some of the random bits of the world more. There is a bit of info dumping at times, even if I find the worlds very creative. But that may just be me!
I did think it ended a bit fast and with so many things you could’ve explored, it left me wanting more but also feeling like the more interesting parts of the worldbuilding could’ve been focused on further. There are some things where I’m like “how does this work…” in terms of worldbuilding since like both worlds have their own version of Target if like there are very specific circumstances in which Target was invented. Like sure any universe has a coffee shop but how did the magic dragon place invent Target (and I was kind of annoyed at how many times Target was mentioned like yes I get it we are in Target).
*thank you to Feiwel and Friends for the e-arc!*
July 3, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received the audiobook from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is an homage to LA life, highschool friendships and love, fantasy arcs, and resolving climate change with cats!
All that together sounds amazing and I was so excited when I got the copy.
However, it had a lot going on and nothing at the same time, so finishing it honestly took me quite long.
The pacing could've been improved in my opinion and to be honest, I think this could’ve worked better as a short novel series?
But beyond that, I loved Brenda and her friends. She’s such a great heroine, and I genuinely wanted to be part of her DnD group and give her pet some chin scratches
Kat I didn't relate much to her but that’s okay.
(I’m just really, really tired of the dead mom trope. It’s 2025 and authors still haven’t moved past that?!)
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is an homage to LA life, highschool friendships and love, fantasy arcs, and resolving climate change with cats!
All that together sounds amazing and I was so excited when I got the copy.
However, it had a lot going on and nothing at the same time, so finishing it honestly took me quite long.
The pacing could've been improved in my opinion and to be honest, I think this could’ve worked better as a short novel series?
But beyond that, I loved Brenda and her friends. She’s such a great heroine, and I genuinely wanted to be part of her DnD group and give her pet some chin scratches
Kat I didn't relate much to her but that’s okay.
(I’m just really, really tired of the dead mom trope. It’s 2025 and authors still haven’t moved past that?!)
July 9, 2025
A cozy fantasy YA sapphic romance where two people from different universes meet in a coffeeshop and fall in love.
The characters were really sweet and loveable and the way the worlds collided was pretty unique and interesting. I especially loved the light politics aspect and how Kat's mum's dead body was trapped and her father and her desperately wanted to get it back to finally grieve properly.
PS: Labels aren't used in any way in this book but I read Brenda as one the aroace spectrum as she discussed rarely feeling attracted to anyone in any way.
The characters were really sweet and loveable and the way the worlds collided was pretty unique and interesting. I especially loved the light politics aspect and how Kat's mum's dead body was trapped and her father and her desperately wanted to get it back to finally grieve properly.
PS: Labels aren't used in any way in this book but I read Brenda as one the aroace spectrum as she discussed rarely feeling attracted to anyone in any way.
July 8, 2025
I liked this book overall! I liked the inclusion of portals and magic. I think the ending was a bit rushed, but overall, this was a sweet sapphic YA book that I'd recommend.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this cozy queer YA romantasy. I loved the characters and the premise.
July 1, 2025
4.75⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This concept of magic and alternate worlds was so delightful to experience with Brenda and Kat as sapphic Asian protagonists. The incorporation of Asian foods was so casual and tbh I got really hungry at those sections. I enjoyed this even more when I found out that Brenda was also a D&D nerd. This is everything that I could've wanted from this book, cute relationships, immersive world building with the unique magic system, and the pacing was so well done. The progression and anticipation of the events in the story kept me hooked. I wish I could cast D&D spells in real life.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This concept of magic and alternate worlds was so delightful to experience with Brenda and Kat as sapphic Asian protagonists. The incorporation of Asian foods was so casual and tbh I got really hungry at those sections. I enjoyed this even more when I found out that Brenda was also a D&D nerd. This is everything that I could've wanted from this book, cute relationships, immersive world building with the unique magic system, and the pacing was so well done. The progression and anticipation of the events in the story kept me hooked. I wish I could cast D&D spells in real life.
August 17, 2025
3.5. I don't think cozy coffee shop stories are my thing😂
June 24, 2025
This was such a cozy fantasy with portals and powers and alternate coffeeshops also healing grief and found family
August 7, 2025
It's a good book. Not my favorite but still a good book. I think I probably would have fell completely in love with it if magical tablets weren't a thing and it was pure magic being involved. When I picked this up that's what I was craving so it missed the mark on my metaphorical appetite. However, it does make sense to the overall plot with the twist. So I get it.
July 5, 2025
Brenda has her carefully detailed Plan to be successful, save the world and show her mother she has squandered all the sacrifices she made for her. Kat is the next in her family who has been prophesied to be the Chosen Ones to keep the world from collapsing and she's rebelling against it. The two meet at Kat's family's coffeeshop and plan a date, except they don't realize that they are from two different universes: one with magic and one without. They accidentally meet up again by stumbling through a portal, but each new date takes portal-planning skills and both worlds are growing increasingly more volatile. The girls have to figure out a way to keep their relationship and their worlds from falling apart.
This hit the cute on the head, but the cozy didn't quite reach for me. There was a lot at stake for both girls, and Kat's grief is heavy and her impending death is looked at more like an honor than death?? While some things were taken completely in stride and not commented on much, (nobody really bats an eye at the idea of an alternate universe run by magic, or a bus-sized cat showing up in their garage??), other things were a slog and not very relevant to the story like the dragon scene or the explanation of Brenda's elaborate plan that just falls by the wayside once she meets Kat. The "mystery" is glaringly obvious from the start, but the heaviness of feels like an afterthought, much like Kat's role as a cornerstone that ultimately leads to death for everyone who performs that ritual. I guess it was a quick and light read with a cute relationship and friendships, but the heaviness thrown in so casually really threw me off.
This hit the cute on the head, but the cozy didn't quite reach for me. There was a lot at stake for both girls, and Kat's grief is heavy and her impending death is looked at more like an honor than death?? While some things were taken completely in stride and not commented on much, (nobody really bats an eye at the idea of an alternate universe run by magic, or a bus-sized cat showing up in their garage??), other things were a slog and not very relevant to the story like the dragon scene or the explanation of Brenda's elaborate plan that just falls by the wayside once she meets Kat. The "mystery" is glaringly obvious from the start, but the heaviness of feels like an afterthought, much like Kat's role as a cornerstone that ultimately leads to death for everyone who performs that ritual. I guess it was a quick and light read with a cute relationship and friendships, but the heaviness thrown in so casually really threw me off.
April 24, 2025
This book wasn’t only cute but it was incredibly clever. I honestly thought I would get a cozy read but this was way more. When I read the meet cute between Brenda and Kat, I did think this was a cozy read. But when I learned of their two parallel worlds, I thought we would get simple plot. But then it grew and it grew, saw Kat’s mom’s death (or disappearance) as a mystery plus a mysterious conspiracy theory of why two Los Angeles cities are in different worlds. I was very hooked and although for me some elements were a bit obvious it was extremely fun to read them. At the same time, I enjoyed reading the young relationship between Brenda and Kat. I very much loved Kat’s character of her being “the chosen one” and how the expectations for her were high, she had a very unique perspective. Very clever book!
March 6, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# Pages: 400
Publication Date: 06.10.25
“All I can feel through our connection is her, her love, her power, her intention surging warm and gentle and kind where our hands meet.”
☕️ Fantasy
☕️ Sapphic Romance
☕️ LGBTQ+
☕️ Anxiety Lesbian
☕️ Bisexual Chaos
☕️ Cozy
☕️ Coffee Dates
☕️ Alternate Universe
☕️ Chosen One
Book Overview:
A geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science and a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny meet and fall in love in a magical coffeeshop as their two very different universes begin to collide in the deluxe trade paperback edition of Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee's fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance
“Coffeeshop In An Alternate Universe” by CB Lee was super cute and cozy. It had a great romantic build up and loved the complex world building and all the twists and turns that were thrown out along the way. With such a unique and original ideas.
Kat: is a bisexual chosen one and a chaotic disaster. Who happens to have lost her spell ingredients in her messy room.
Brenda: is an anxiety driven prototype lesbian. She is a geek and can do a lot of things. Is talking to girls one?
I loved their relationship. How much they showed up for each other and the world hoping to just see each other and have that quality time. Definitely perfect for the intended YA audience.
Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy atmospheric read. I look forward to reading more work from CB Lee.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for this ARC.
# Pages: 400
Publication Date: 06.10.25
“All I can feel through our connection is her, her love, her power, her intention surging warm and gentle and kind where our hands meet.”
☕️ Fantasy
☕️ Sapphic Romance
☕️ LGBTQ+
☕️ Anxiety Lesbian
☕️ Bisexual Chaos
☕️ Cozy
☕️ Coffee Dates
☕️ Alternate Universe
☕️ Chosen One
Book Overview:
A geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science and a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny meet and fall in love in a magical coffeeshop as their two very different universes begin to collide in the deluxe trade paperback edition of Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee's fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance
“Coffeeshop In An Alternate Universe” by CB Lee was super cute and cozy. It had a great romantic build up and loved the complex world building and all the twists and turns that were thrown out along the way. With such a unique and original ideas.
Kat: is a bisexual chosen one and a chaotic disaster. Who happens to have lost her spell ingredients in her messy room.
Brenda: is an anxiety driven prototype lesbian. She is a geek and can do a lot of things. Is talking to girls one?
I loved their relationship. How much they showed up for each other and the world hoping to just see each other and have that quality time. Definitely perfect for the intended YA audience.
Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy atmospheric read. I look forward to reading more work from CB Lee.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for this ARC.
June 16, 2025
I loved this so much! The concept is brilliant - taking the ever-popular concept of the "coffeeshop au" and making it a literal coffeeshop in another universe is pretty much guaranteed to be great. This is the second book of C.B. Lee's that I've really enjoyed, and one of my favorite cozy novels.
Brenda and Kat are both loveable and easy to root for. They have great chemistry and it was such a joy to watch their excitement an they learned about one another's worlds.
Brenda's friend group are fantastic and fit seamlessly in with the couple as they work to save both of their worlds. The idea of taking a DnD party and informing them that, hey, magic is real in another universe, is highly entertaining.
I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time I was listening. It was great.
The audiobook narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I'm not usually a fan of Emily Woo Zeller, in fact I spent years actively avoiding anything she narrated, but I didn't mind her voice here, and actually think she did a great job. Maybe because I have since learned that I can speed up the narration until the voices sound natural to me.
Absolutely 100% recommend, especially if you love stories involving DnD friend groups and/or fanfiction aus.
*Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and Brilliance Audio for providing an early ecopy and audio copy for review.
Brenda and Kat are both loveable and easy to root for. They have great chemistry and it was such a joy to watch their excitement an they learned about one another's worlds.
Brenda's friend group are fantastic and fit seamlessly in with the couple as they work to save both of their worlds. The idea of taking a DnD party and informing them that, hey, magic is real in another universe, is highly entertaining.
I had the biggest smile on my face the whole time I was listening. It was great.
The audiobook narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I'm not usually a fan of Emily Woo Zeller, in fact I spent years actively avoiding anything she narrated, but I didn't mind her voice here, and actually think she did a great job. Maybe because I have since learned that I can speed up the narration until the voices sound natural to me.
Absolutely 100% recommend, especially if you love stories involving DnD friend groups and/or fanfiction aus.
*Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and Brilliance Audio for providing an early ecopy and audio copy for review.
March 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a spellbinding YA cozy fantasy with a tender sapphic romance, splendid cast of characters, and intriguing plot that hooked me from the first page.
Gosh, I loved this one. From the start, Brenda and Kat were vivid characters with spectacular development and personalities. Their romance was sweet and beautifully powerful, and the development of their romance and subsequent character growth were well-written. The plot was creative and compelling, and I devoured the intriguing world-building and combination of magic, technology, and familiar urban settings. C.B. Lee’s prose was immersive, complimenting the characters beautifully and presenting a captivating story. The pacing was wonderful, and the ending was delightful. The story was cozy and romantic but threaded with darkness, creating a simultaneously calming and exhilarating reading experience. The explorations of saving the world, doing one’s part to take care of the planet, taking time to be in the present, and allowing yourself to open up to others were powerful and vital. This spectacular YA fantasy romance is a must-have on any YA reader’s shelf!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a spellbinding YA cozy fantasy with a tender sapphic romance, splendid cast of characters, and intriguing plot that hooked me from the first page.
Gosh, I loved this one. From the start, Brenda and Kat were vivid characters with spectacular development and personalities. Their romance was sweet and beautifully powerful, and the development of their romance and subsequent character growth were well-written. The plot was creative and compelling, and I devoured the intriguing world-building and combination of magic, technology, and familiar urban settings. C.B. Lee’s prose was immersive, complimenting the characters beautifully and presenting a captivating story. The pacing was wonderful, and the ending was delightful. The story was cozy and romantic but threaded with darkness, creating a simultaneously calming and exhilarating reading experience. The explorations of saving the world, doing one’s part to take care of the planet, taking time to be in the present, and allowing yourself to open up to others were powerful and vital. This spectacular YA fantasy romance is a must-have on any YA reader’s shelf!
Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!
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