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?)

This is an adorable, cute, cozy romance with baby dragons thrown in.

A fast and easy read which I did enjoy in parts but if I am completely honest this book wasn't for me. I didn't really enjoy the writing style and found the first part repetitive and quite slow. Although I loved the baby dragon Sparky the main female character Saphira just didn't do it for me and I found her child like and annoying.

If you like Grumpy x sunshine slow burn romances then I would recommend this book for you.

Honestly, this whole move towards cosy fantasy is very much something I am here for especially when we get books like these.

A warm fuzzy feeling of a book, The Baby Dragon Cafe is the perfect read for Winter and cosying up somewhere with a big mug of something and a blanket - it makes you also want a baby dragon with you for this no matter the dangers to items of your clothing.

A cute romance, well developed characters and a setting you wish you could visit, this book is just so lovely to drop back into whenever you feel like a pick-me-up. I read it over a busy Christmas time, and I am so glad I had this to look forward to at the end of the day. Part romance, part slice of life in a fantasy cafe, this book warms your heart to such wonderfully written characters.

I really did enjoy this one, and really look forward to the next book in this series, as this left me wanting to know so much more about the place, the people and of course the dragons!

(Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC for review!)

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was exactly as was promised.
It was exactly what a little cozy fantasy romance should be!

I enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine trope.
And I adored Sparky, the cutest baby dragon of them all!

4 stars, because a little repetitive and the ending is a little rushed. But overall, an adorable read!

I am definitely looking forward to the next instalments of this series!

Saphira has always had a fascination for the majestic dragons which fly overhead every day. So much so, when her Nani-Ma passed, she used her inheritance to open the Baby Dragon Cafe, a cozy space welcome to all, even with the occasional fire or scorched skirt. The quiet and mysterious Aiden Sterling, of a well-known flying family, seeks Saphira’s help to train his rambunctious baby dragon Sparky. As they spend more time together, it’s impossible to ignore the growing connection between them.
This was a super cute and cozy story that reminded me of similar vibes like Legends & Lattes. I wasn’t always a fan of the writing style, but did think this was ultimately a cute story…& now I want a Sparky of my own!
Thank you to Avon Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve just finished Baby Dragon Café by A.T. Qureshi, and honestly, it’s one of the loveliest reads I’ve picked up in ages. Imagine a cozy little café where baby dragons toddle about, the food is so beautifully described you’ll be craving warm spiced teas and delicious dragon-roasted coffee, and there’s a sweet, slow burn romance that melts your heart, we absolutely love a grumpy, introverted King!

What really touched me, though, was how the story explores family traditions and the longing for connection. After losing her only family, the main character’s journey of finding her place in a community feels so poignant. It’s about creating a home, even when the pieces feel broken, and finding love and belonging in the most unexpected of places.

If you loved Legends & Lattes, this will be right up your street. Preorder in-store now! It’s out January 16th 2025 and prepare to lose yourself in a world you won’t ever want to leave. ✨

Baby Dragon Café is a delightful and enchanting story that blends magic, romance, and an abundance of dragons! The plot revolves around a café where adorable baby dragons take center stage, and it’s as charming and fantastic as it sounds—even with the chaotic mishaps that come with handling tiny, fire-breathing creatures. A.T. Qureshi beautifully captures the essence of dragons, making them feel vibrant and irresistibly lovable.

The characters are engaging and well-developed, and the romance that blossoms between the protagonists is both heartwarming and fun to follow. Moreover, the book strikes the perfect balance of challenges and drama, keeping the story exciting and entertaining without ever becoming dull.

Baby Dragon Café is a magical tale full of warmth, humor, and little dragons—a true gem for anyone looking to escape into a whimsical world. Highly recommended!

This is my first read of Aamna Qureshi's works. The premise of a woman who has set up her first and independently owned Baby Dragon Cafe was unique and a endearing and cosy romance fantasy story.

The story was interesting in parts and you can expect found family, slow burn romance, fake dating/marriage and only one bed tropes and loveable supporting characters in this read. I loved the connections between Saphira and Sparky (the baby dragon) and the one she shares with Lavinia and Emmeline and Theo. The slow burn was a really *slow* burn but the moments shared between the leads were sweet, I would have enjoyed it more if they objectified each other less at 60% of the book as I wanted to understand why they were attracted to each other besides their respective good looks but that's a personal preference if anything, the book was sweet.

Some parts of the novel did feel rushed, particularly towards the end, and the world building could have been more detailed - I would have loved to have seen more about the Drakkon families and the politics, the trials itself, particularly the buildup around the main event being Sparky's first flight (there was some unnecessary repetition of smaller details in the book) and the superficial character development. Saphira also seems to brush off negative emotions and difficult situations without much thought which seemed unrealistic. I am excited to see how the plot develops in the Baby Dragon Bakery and Baby Dragon Bookshop!

Thank you AvonBooks UK and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.

A warm, cafe setting, charming characters, and, yes, baby dragons? What's not to like?

Tropes:
~ shy boy meets sunshine girl
~ dual POV
~ boy falls first
~ pretend marriage
~ small town
~ low spice

This was an adorable, cozy, and wholesome romance. From start to finish, it was as sweet as the pastries Theo brings to Saphira's cafe.

I loved all of the characters in the book. From Aiden to Saphira, to Lavinia and Theo (I hope they get their own love story now), Emmy, and Ginny, and of course the baby dragons. Qureshi did an amazing job making even the side characters feel whole and individual.

The pacing of this story was perfect. I'm left swooning over Aiden and Saphira as they co-parent their baby dragon, Sparky. What a cozy world Qureshi has created. It will leave you wanting more. Grab a your favorite tea or coffee, and baked treat, and enjoy!

Readalikes:
Legends & Lattes
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic
The Spellshop
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

Thank you to Avon Books UK for this digital ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Introduction
"The Baby Dragon Café" by Aamna Qureshi is a delightful entry into the cozy fantasy romance genre, offering readers a charming blend of mythical creatures and heartwarming human connections. This review will delve into the book's narrative, characters, and overall impact, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential readers.

Summary
Set in a world where baby dragons are not just pets but part of daily life, "The Baby Dragon Café" introduces us to Saphira, the owner of a café that caters specifically to these adorable yet mischievous creatures. Saphira, with her dream to create a haven for baby dragons and their owners, faces a significant challenge: the dragons' propensity for chaos, particularly when it comes to her café's furniture.

Enter Aiden, a local gardener with a heart of gold but a dragon named Sparky who is more trouble than companion. When Aiden proposes that Saphira train Sparky in exchange for payment, it seems like a solution to both their problems. The narrative unfolds with the classic "grumpy meets sunshine" trope, as Saphira's cheerful disposition clashes with Aiden's more reserved nature. Their journey together involves not only training Sparky but also navigating their growing feelings for each other amidst the trials of running a dragon-friendly café.

The story is peppered with cultural references that reflect Qureshi's Pakistani, Muslim American heritage, adding depth and authenticity to the setting and characters. The plot progresses through the seasons, with each chapter bringing new developments in both the café's fortunes and the protagonists' relationship.

Conclusion
"The Baby Dragon Café" is a sweet, engaging read that combines fantasy with the everyday struggles and joys of business and romance. Qureshi's writing is both comforting and imaginative, making it an ideal escape for those looking for a light-hearted, feel-good story. The characters are well-developed, with their personal growth and relationship dynamics providing a satisfying arc. While the plot might lack high stakes, it makes up for this with its charming details and the warmth of its narrative.

However, some readers might find the lack of tension or conflict somewhat lacking if they prefer a more dramatic narrative. The book serves as a cozy retreat rather than a thrilling adventure, aligning perfectly with its intended audience looking for comfort in their reading.

Ratings Breakdown
Plot: 4/5 - The story is predictable but enjoyable, with a focus on character development over plot twists.
Characters: 4.5/5 - Saphira and Aiden are likable, with their interactions providing most of the book's emotional depth. The baby dragons add a delightful element to the narrative.
World-Building: 4/5 - The world is cozy and well-thought-out, with enough fantasy to intrigue but not overwhelm.
Writing Style: 4/5 - Qureshi's style is engaging and flows well, with cultural nuances adding richness to the text.
Emotional Impact: 4/5 - The romance and the bond with the dragons create a warm, fuzzy feeling, though the low stakes might not resonate with all readers.
Overall: 4.2/5 - A recommended read for fans of cozy fantasies and romance, especially those who enjoy stories filled with whimsy and heart.

Unfortunately, I didn't get past the 50% point of this book because I felt the relationship was too insta-love and I didn't fall in love with the world. It all felt like it needed more time to be fleshed out a bit more in order to make it immersive, and I didn't enjoy the day-to-day running of cafe and dragon training.