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!

cozy queer fantasy! even when it gets super dramatic at the end (although still quite predictable), it always feels cozy. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

This one had all the ingredients I usually adore: sapphic romance, cozy fantasy, multiverse shenanigans, and a magical coffeeshop setting. Brenda, a science-driven overachiever, and Kat, a reluctant Chosen One, meet-cute across universes, promising a blend of heart and hijinks. ​

But alas, the brew didn't hit the spot for me. The narrative felt more like a gentle simmer than a rolling boil, and I found myself repeatedly putting it down, unable to stay engaged. While the premise was intriguing, the execution lacked the spark I was hoping for.​

Maybe it's a case of "right book, wrong time." Perhaps if I revisit it later, the magic will resonate more. For now, though, it's a DNF.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Sometimes, even the most promising blends don't suit every palate.

Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a delightful sapphic meet-cute set in two parallel realities. The story is both comforting and thought-provoking as it delves into the pressures and expectations faced by new adults. Told from alternating points of view, we explore the differences and similarities of both worlds while encountering witches, werewolves, and dragons. I loved the clever D&D references, the sweet and tender romance, and the cozy adventure that serves as a delightful backdrop! CB Lee does a great job balancing whimsy and depth, making this an engaging read.

This was a great YA fantasy romance that was equal parts cozy and action packed. Brenda and Kat both felt full realized and like real teenagers, even given their fantastical circumstances. The writing was easy to read, quick paced, and funny, keeping me hooked on the book. The world building was also really impressive, both of our world and far beyond it. The blending of magic and science was super interesting and unique, and felt utilised to its full potential.

Brenda falls for Kat when they meet in a coffee shop. However, the two soon discover that they're from different universes and must use portals to see each other.
This was a cute and fun read! Brenda and Kat's relationship was very sweet. The world was well-built and the plot engaging. Delightful.

This was the cutest little fantasy sapphic romance, as cozy and comforting as a warm cup of coffee. Both Brenda and Kat were likable, and Ioved the added complication of dating someone in an alternate universe—talk about a long distance relationship! The critters were adorable too. Fancy the cat was fun and Ana the dragon stole my heart.

The one major thing that threw me was that it didn’t really make sense that Brenda could get wi-fi in the alternate universe, especially since in a later scene other people from her universe couldn’t get wi-fi at that same cafe. I also felt people in the regular world accepted magic a touch too easily and the resolution went down a little too smoothly, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief about all of those things for the sake of enjoying this sweet story.

I give this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.

This is such a cozy, sapphic YA fantasy with just the right mix of magic, mystery, and heart. The romance between Brenda and Kat was so sweet and genuine, it really felt like the kind of connection that helps both people grow into better versions of themselves. I loved how soft their relationship was, even while the world around them was full of chaos and tension.

There’s definitely more here than just the cute “coffeeshop meet-cute”. You get an alternate universe, magic and tech blending together, a bit of a murder mystery, and some deeper themes about identity, loss, and rewriting history. It’s LGBTQ+ friendly and includes great representation, all woven in naturally without feeling forced.

While I figured out a few of the twists early on, I still really enjoyed the journey. If you’re into cozy fantasy with a little edge and a lot of heart, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

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.

I thought this book was interesting! I think readers will enjoy the premise of the book and the characters are quite lovable. With Brenda, and her 19-step plan to save the world... and Kat-the "chosen one".

I look forward to the release of this book!

I am obsessed with C.B. Lee's books and have been ever since Not Your Sidekick, and I am so glad this one did not disappoint! So much fun whimsy and lighthearted humor with a sweet romance that will make you swoon.

With quirky Asian-American main character energy reminiscent of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, sapphic cozy fantasy vibes à la Legends and Lattes, and a fast-paced, fun writing style that feels like Scalzi-turned-YA, Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe is a joy to read.

The book tackles a lot of heavy themes with grace, while remaining very fun and lighthearted. The love story between Kat and Brenda is sweet and wholesome. The pair bring out the best in each other and they both grow as young adults under the other's influence. The importance of the power of love and friendship is cheesy in the best way.

CB Lee's worldbuilding is excellent, and the plot is compelling. I found the foreshadowing heavy-handed, but it left me wanting to see how it all played out, and there were still twists I wasn't expecting. There are a few gaps in the worldbuilding that I was questioning as an adult reader (mostly around the global politics involved with cross-universe portals), but the depth with which the author addresses those areas is appropriate for the intended age range.

I also loved the neurodivergent, queer, and ethnic-minority representation in the book. Those identities shape the character's experiences without being too on-the-nose, which I found refreshing.

There was one plot hole I noticed that bugged me - the explanation contains soft spoilers, so check out my Goodreads review to see it.

Overall this book exceeded my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult and would have absolutely loved it when I was a teen.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.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!

When you have to figure out interdimensional travel to go on a date -

This was adorable! I loved our two girls: Brenda, a driven high school senior with a detailed plan to get into college and save the world, and Kat, a somewhat jaded girl who's struggling with personal tragedy and huge societal expectations. I particularly enjoyed Kat's journey and how she leaned to open up to others again.

This was more than just a sweet sapphic coffeeshop young adult romance (the coffeeshop aspect of the two girls' relationship is only really there for the initial meet-cute). We have the rewriting of history by the victors/villains, the immigrant diaspora experience, parallel universes colliding, romance, humor, magic, and even a murder mystery! I would say the villain was obvious, but on the other hand I was embarrassingly blind to another aspect of it. I did have a hard time remembering some of the side characters, like Brenda's friends and Kat's ex-friends/acquaintances, but I was more interested in the plot and the romance anyway.

Love wins! Sapphics save the world (again)!

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.

I went in expecting a very lighthearted coffeeshop romance, but instead I got a whole magical world filled with mythical creatures, a Ritual, and a mysterious Order. The world building is complex and the mystery at the heart of the book is well thought out.

In addition to all of the great plot twists and turns I didn't expect, we do still get our cute coffeeshop romance. The relationship between Kat and Brenda is very sweet and lighthearted, and I loved the way they were so willing to hop into another world just to see each other.

Overall, this book is much more than a romance. It's a great fantasy mystery filled with a strong appreciation for magic. 4.8/5 stars.

Omg! The plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. I have been so busy with college so it took some time to actually read this but I’m so glad I did! It was a cute and fast read. The relationships between families, friends, and couples were done so well! Don’t get me started on the plot, I never read something like this before. How the author even got the idea is crazy. I love how creative people can be. I will be reading from this author in the future! I only wished I read this in October, the vibes would be even better.

This was sooo cute!! I received an eARC for this one and despite YA not really being my thing (28F) I thought this sounded like something I would’ve loved to read when I was younger.

It didn’t disappoint! It reminded me of Legends and Lattes but slightly more romance and buildup within their relationship. It def felt a little too young but I think it works with the intended audience which is why I gave it all the stars!

Such a cozy and enjoyable read.