A.T. Qureshi is my new auto-buy/auto-read author!! I absolutely love her writing style and she makes it so freaking easy to love fantasy books. It is also good for anyone who needs a book about dragons. The Baby Dragon Cafe is a cozy fantasy book.

4.5 Stars

This book was SO CUTE. Cozy and romantic, and sweet as a gulab jamun cheesecake. The setting was so charming (and I am BEYOND excited to read more in the series). Saphira was so earnest and sweet and I was rooting for her constantly. Aiden was so endearing (& so hot). I loved the concept, I loved the setting, I loved the dragons. I even loved the love - some of the scenes gave me butterflies.

Everything was resolved very quickly and easily. And when you read cozy fantasy, you have to remember the stakes aren’t ever THAT high. That being said, there was enough plot to keep me immersed and intrigued by the idyllic world Aamna Qureshi had designed. The conclusion was a bit rushed, but I was glad the main conflict wasn’t a ‘simple misunderstanding’ or a third act breakup.

Overall, a strong and cozy read, full of so many callbacks for Pakistani readers, I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while. This book was a warm cup of karak chai.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of the book before its release in return for an honest review.

The book follows Saphira, who has followed her dreams and used her inheritance to open a baby dragon café. While she loves her café and spending time with the baby dragons, she is struggling to stay afloat and keep the café running with the damages caused by baby dragons and their flames! Just as she is losing faith in keeping her dream going - in walks Aiden who asks her to train his dragon Sparky for him in return some extra money.

This is a cozy fantasy romance that has grumpy / sunshine vibes. It is an easy read that I did enjoy but I felt it was lacking in some areas. I would have loved some more world building throughout like more information on the Drakkon families and I felt that some themes, such as Sapphiras feelings of being seen as a lower class for not belonging to one of the Drakkon families, could have been explored in more detail.

It was a fun read and the author has introduced other characters such as Lavinia and Theo well ready for the next book in the series.

i really liked the concept of this story. The characters were well done and the dynamic between the two was well executed. I did not want to put it down when I started it. I am hoping there is more, or at least a connecting second story.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for granting me access to and E-Arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

Okay if you’re going to give me this huge fantasy world. Do Not use phrases like ‘Gas him up’ feels too modern. Then use real world book references like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ & ‘Howls Moving Castle’ it doesn’t fit whilst also having people study Dragon History at University.

But despite these little niggles of mine I really did enjoy this book, I thought the romance was super sweet and fitted the whole cosy vibe of the book. I liked how strong Saphira was as she didn’t let her own mental niggles weigh her down, she actively tried to fiction them and better herself.
While they Baby Dragons were cute I don’t like how they were made to be a cross between a puppy and a human baby where they were standing up with their arms out waiting to be picked up, but their mischievous nature was cute,
Overall a very sold read if you liked Legends and Lattes this one is a must.

Baby dragons, what more could you ask for in a cozy romantasy read? This is definitely a slower burn that keeps you entertained and engaged. The writing and story had me giggling at points and I had to finish it in one setting. The writing and storytelling was fantastic and I look forward to more baby dragons.

Saphira opened the Baby Dragon Cafe after promising her Nani-Ma that she would use her inheritance to follow her dreams. Unfortunately, while she loves her job, keeping the cafe running is harder than she'd thought; baby dragons aren't the best at being gentle or containing their fire.

Aiden recently came into possession of a dragon he didn't want, and he's struggling to get Sparky to behave. When Saphira's espresso machine gets incinerated, she jumps at Aiden's offer to train Sparky in exchange for a hefty sum. Saphira loves dragons so much, she'd probably do it for free, but she can't pass up the opportunity to help her cafe.

What I liked:
~Baby dragons
~Cute, cozy vibes
~POC representation
~Opposites attract
~Light, easy read
~Simple but fun/cute world building

This book wasn't for me. I can absolutely appreciate that some people will LOVE The Baby Dragon Cafe, but it struggled to maintain my interest. Saphira's actions are sometimes juvenile, and the pacing of the book was pretty slow with little conflict or tension. However, if someone is actively looking for something cozy and low stakes, this is definitely the perfect book for that.

Really was intrigued by this book! 3.5 star rating for me ( usual genres fantasy romantasy/Dark romance

It was kindly sent as an ARC to me and I am thankful. The cover drew me in as a dragon lover.

The writing was basic and easy to follow great for fans of the pumpkin spice cafe.

Cute storyline with some really sort after romance tropes such as ….
Grumpy x Sunshine 🌞
We pretend we're married!Small town 🍂
Low spice ✨

So if you’re looking for a cosy read that’s easy to follow then this is for you!

I haven't read a good grumpy and sunshine book lately and it feels rare to read it in romantasy. Love every second of this book!

I really enjoyed this cozy vibe, especially in the New Year! I hope the published version has pictures of the little dragons and setting included cause the descriptions were adorable! Some sections seemed repetitive with the same words phrases between both characters perspectives but it didn't stop me from enjoying it!

before I start with the review, I would like thank Aamna for soothing my desperate soul by helping me with the arc by sending the invite link. I love you!! here, take my heart👉🫀👈

☕review:
Okay, first of all, how freaking adorable is this concept? A café for baby dragons? Sign me up! This book was such a delightful, cozy, and hilarious read that I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time. If you’re looking for a feel-good read with equal parts laughs, love, and adorable dragon antics, this book is it. It’s like a warm hug with a side of fire-breathing cuteness.

☕Saphira Margala:
A kachnar gosht enthusiast??? I STAN OMG!! Saphira's bubbly, determined, and somehow keeps her cool (well, mostly) while dealing with literal fire-breathing chaos. Watching her try to keep her café afloat while dodging dragon mishaps was the perfect mix of hustle and whimsical charm. Seriously, the baby dragons were both the cutest and most destructive things ever, and I loved how they added so much humor to the story.

☕Aiden Sterling:
Our resident grump with a green thumb. Aiden's all brooding and aloof, but of course, there’s more to him than meets the eye. His interactions with Saphira are chef’s kiss—the perfect blend of snarky banter and simmering tension. Watching their relationship evolve from a business to something deeper was such a treat. Plus, the way Saphira’s sunshiney personality starts to break down his walls? aaahhhhh. bro was trying to be the best version of himself for his girl!!!

☕Sparky:
Baby oh baby!!!! Sparky was the main reason why Saphira and Aiden even got any chance to meet in the first place, so "thank you mister sparky" we all say in unison!!! SPARKY MAKES THE SPARKS FLY!!! From being his adorable baby self and behaving all cute(and sometimes acting all jelly) to always being protective and trying to make things safe and better for Saphira, Sparky stole my heart(Miss Aamna, please share the heart I gave you, with Sparky)

☕Vibes:
Beyond the romance, the book really nails that small-town vibe. The quirky townsfolk, the cozy café setting, and the way everyone seems to know everyone’s business—it all felt so warm and inviting. And can we talk about the food descriptions? I was craving dragon-roasted coffee, the desi fusion goods Theo kept bringing with him, and whatever other magical goodies Saphira was whipping up.

(3.5 stars) Saphira is running her dream cafe catering to baby dragons and their owners, but she soon realizes that while adorable, baby dragons are also very destructive. Just as Saphira is wondering how she will continue to keep the cafe going, Aiden walks into her life and offers to pay her to train his unruly baby dragon. The pair are complete opposites, but there's no denying the spark between them. Although I personally would have preferred a bit more background on dragon rider history, this was still a light, breezy read perfect for those who want a cozy romantasy.

Thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A whimsical blend of cozy fantasy and slow-burn romance, The Baby Dragon Café offers readers a delightful escape into a world where dragons sip coffee, café owners juggle magical mayhem, and love simmers just beneath the surface.

A perfect read for fans of cozy fantasy with a dash of romantic tension! This novel is as comforting as a warm cup of coffee brewed by a dragon.

Saphira’s café is not your average coffee shop, it’s a haven for baby dragons and their humans, serving up dragon-roasted brews and a hefty dose of magic. However, running a café for fire-breathing patrons is as challenging as it sounds. Between the scorched furniture and the mounting expenses, Saphira’s dream is at risk of going up in smoke.

Enter Aiden, a local gardener with a heart as guarded as his greenhouse. When he proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement, Saphira trains his mischievous baby dragon, and he pays her enough to keep the café afloat….things get interesting. But sparks fly, and not just from the dragons, as Saphira’s sunny disposition clashes with Aiden’s gruff exterior.

The heart and soul of the café, Saphira is a beacon of optimism and resilience. Her passion for her café and her unwavering belief in the potential of her baby dragon clientele make her an endearing protagonist. She’s a dreamer, but one with a backbone of steel, willing to face any challenge head-on, whether it’s balancing her books or dealing with a brooding gardener.

A classic grump with a heart of gold, Aiden is the yin to Saphira’s yang. His love for plants and disdain for social interactions make him an intriguing foil to Saphira’s bubbly personality. Watching him slowly open up, both to Saphira and his baby dragon, is one of the novel’s most satisfying arcs.

My favourite characters of all were of course, The Baby Dragons: These little fire-breathing bundles of chaos are as much characters as the humans. Each dragon has its own personality, adding layers of humour and heart to the story. They’re both a source of conflict and a catalyst for growth, helping to bring Saphira and Aiden together in unexpected ways.

The Baby Dragon Café is about finding one’s place in the world and building a community. Saphira’s journey is one of perseverance and finding joy in the small victories, even when the odds are stacked against her. Aiden’s arc explores themes of vulnerability and the courage it takes to open up to others. Together, their story is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, home is where the heart, and the dragons, are.

The relationship between Saphira and Aiden is a classic slow burn, with plenty of tension and just the right amount of banter. Their interactions are filled with sparks (both literal and metaphorical) as they navigate their budding feelings amidst the chaos of running a dragon café. The gradual build-up makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying, as readers get to watch their defences slowly crumble.

Aamna Qureshi’s writing is as magical as the world she’s created. Her prose is vivid and lyrical, painting a picture of a world where dragons are part of the daily grind. The dialogue is sharp and character-driven, and the pacing keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Qureshi balances the fantastical elements with the grounded emotional arcs, creating a story that feels both otherworldly, relatable and cosy.

Whether you’re a fan of cozy fantasy, romantic comedy, or just a feel-good story with a dash of magic, this book is sure to enchant.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

There were aspects of this book I enjoyed such as the cosy cafe vibes, the cute dragons and the small town setting. But I really struggled to finish this. The pace of the story felt slow and I wasn’t a fan of the dual point of view.

The plot was lighthearted and the romance was cute between the two main characters. But I felt like it was missing something - perhaps more of the fantasy element.

I think this would be perfect for fans of cosy, small town romance novels - it just wasn’t for me.

This was very cozy and romantic!! I think I'm not the biggest fan of cozy books, but I think fans of the cozy genre will enjoy this!

DNF at 35%. I just could not get past the writing style, unfortunately! I can completely see the appeal for fans of cozy fantasy and romance stories (something I also generally enjoy!), but I found that the dual POV created way too much repetition, the language itself is quite simple, and the author does a lot of telling rather than showing. All of these things may totally work for another reader, but for me, it just made it feel too much like it was meant to be written for a much younger audience. It'll be a fun addition to the genre for some readers, I'm sure, and I'll look forward to recommending it when it makes sense!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for letting me check this one out early in exchange for my honest feedback. Projected to release January 16 for those interested!

*Note that if it wasn't required, I wouldn't have provided a star rating as I generally avoid doing this on a book I don't finish!

I had the biggest smile on my face while reading every page of this book! This book sold me immediately when I saw baby dragons and a cafe?! Sign me up! Beautiful cover
And story! Saphira and Aiden are so perfect together. This whole story was just a whole vibe of coziness and I’m obsessed with it! If you want a charming cozy fantasy romance then grab your favorite drink and get cozy cause this is the perfect story!

3.5 stars

I love the idea of a dragon version of a cat café, I’d be at that café every single day. The café sounded so homely and cosy as well with all the trinkets Saphira used from her lineage/heritage and what her Nani-Ma left for her.

I liked the main characters and their insta love turned slow burn. I loved the dragons especially Sparky. I just feel like the first 50% was kind of explaining things to you rather than showing but the back half is where the author kind of got their groove with the writing.

I did feel a little let down with the book because I thought it was gonna be something different to what this actually is, but it’s still 220 pages of a cute, cosy, fun read with no real conflict but nostalgia for people they had both lost.

Thank you Avonbooks UK for gifting me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[death of off-screen characters - it’s very prominent to the plot]

“But even if her sunlight wasn’t directed at him, he could still feel the warmth of it’s rays”

I finished this book last night and I haven’t stopped thinking about it all day. A cozy fantasy romance with a Pakistani FMC & a love interest who gives Darcy vibes but has a pet baby dragon!

I adore Saphira, she is sunshine & her warmth touches everyone she meets. She cares deeply for her friends & is passionate and smart, if a little chaotic. And gave eldest daughter vibes in how she took care of everyone while hiding her own hurts, how she doesn’t feel as though she belongs anywhere & that she definitely doesn’t belong amongst those who have dragons.
I loved how she incorporated her mughal heritage into her cafe & her life & it was also a way for her to stay connected to her nani ma who had passed away.
Aiden is socially awkward and is the opposite of Saphira, he doesn’t show his emotions and can seem quite grumpy. But he is incredibly kind & cares so much for his family.

They both deal with a death of a family member & grieving their loss while also having to move on but also holding on to the memories. And it was so sweet how they helped each other through it.

The romance is adorable, filled with yearning & a slow burn that had me screaming, admit your feelings already!
I loved how they helped each other & were able to be vulnerable & share their insecurities. I especially loved how thoughtful Aiden was & showed that in the things he did for Saphira from learning to cook her favourite meal to noticing she wears gold jewellery not silver.

One of my favourite parts was Saphira training Sparky, the adorable but mischievous baby dragon that caused mayhem for Aiden on a daily bases. I love how we see Saphira & Sparky bond & how that leads to Aiden being able to finally bond with Sparky too. But also how it leads to Aiden & Saphira becoming close.

This book had me feeling all emotions, giggling, kicking my feet every time one of them did something cute. I truly loved everything about this story & the characters.

Saphira runs the Baby Dragon Cafe which is an adorable cosy establishment in their small town. Aiden is a gardener but also a baby dragon owner who is struggling to control his dragon Sparky. Saphira and Sparky hit it off right away and Aiden hires Saphira to help train Sparky. The two are crushing on one another but try to keep their feelings hidden.

This was such a cute book, it’s a perfect read if you want to escape into a cosy world. The baby dragons were absolutely adorable and I wish could have one 🥺. The slow burn was very slow but i enjoyed the tension build up between Aiden and Saphira. I can’t wait to dive into more of this world as the series continues!
Tropes
💕 small town
💕 grumpy x sunshine
💕pretend marriage
💕no spice
If you loved the Pumpkin Spice Cafe and Legends and Lattes definitely check this one out! Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(I did notice a few things such as Aiden's Father was first introduced as Edward then later he was called Edmund and I was a little confused when Saphira said she never met her mother but then a few chapters later she said her Mother passed away when she was a child so I wasn't sure if this was a mistake?)