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.

When Saphira opens her cafe welcoming pet baby dragons, she isn’t expecting it to be quite so hard to keep the fires burning. But her young dragon patrons keep incinerating her furniture, which means selling coffee isn’t covering all her costs.

Local heart-throb Aiden is a gardener, though his disobedient baby dragon is a major distraction from his beloved plants. However, Saphira’s café gives him an idea – he’ll ask Saphira to train his dragon, and pay her enough to keep the cafe afloat.

They know they’re the answer to each other’s problems, but happy-go-lucky Saphira and gorgeous-but-grumpy Aiden couldn’t be more different. Can they find a way to work together – and maybe even ignite some fire of their own?

The perfect dual POV, grumpy sunshine cozy fantasy, with HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

Grumpy x Sunshine 🌞
We pretend we're married! 💍
Small town 🍂
Low spice ✨

Saphira loves dragons, but she isn’t a member of the elite dragon-riding class, so she has to settle for opening a Baby Dragon Café. The space she creates is cozy and welcoming, but baby dragons are destructive, and she’s struggling to pay for all of the repairs. Until in walks Aiden, a grumpy, begrudging baby dragon owner, who also happens to be quite hansom, and he hires Saphira to help train his mischievous dragon. Sparks fly, but will they have the courage to feed the fire?

Cozy fantasy, dragons, a grumpy-sunshine romance. What’s not to love? Not to mention, the world-building in this book was so much fun and paved the way for future cozy adventures. I also very much appreciated that the main conflict wasn’t about miscommunication, but instead having the courage to say how you feel and ask for what you want. I’ll definitely be seeking out more by A.T. Qureshi, and probably be gifting a few copies of this, as well.

A powerful, well-researched story that draws you in from the start. A compelling and rewarding read from cover to cover

"The Baby Dragon Café" is a heartwarming tale set in a cozy café run by Saphira, the only establishment welcoming baby dragons indoors. Despite her passion for the café, Saphira struggles to maintain it amidst the chaos caused by her tiny patrons, draining her savings.

Aiden is an introvert who enjoys his time in the gardens versus the dragon life in which his prestigious family is involved. He inherits a dragon egg from his late baby brother. Unprepared for the challenges of raising a dragon, he seeks a trainer as he struggles to connect with the baby dragon. Aiden asks for Saphira's help to train Sparky after seeing how she was with the hatchling. Saphira needs the money and she can't pass the opportunity to get close to a baby dragon. She can see the struggle between Aiden and Sparky and as she starts to bond with Sparky herself, she tries to mend Aiden and Sparky's relationship. The chemistry between Aiden and Saphira is full of tension Their bond deepens as they navigate dragon politics.

The characters are charming and relatable, particularly Saphira's struggle to want to belong amongst the Dragon folks and Aiden’s sense to do right by his brother, but also still being himself. I do feel that the last few chapters felt a little rushed but it didn't stop me from wanting to discover how this will all end.

Overall, "The Baby Dragon Café" is a delightful read filled with friendships, romance, and magical adventures that will charm readers. The enchanting setting and endearing characters make it a cozy fantasy that sparks the imagination and leaves a warm impression.

Thank you Avon Books UK for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Such a cute romance with a touch of fantasy with adorable dragons and adventures.

- Dragons
- Fake Dating
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Small town romance
- Slow Burn

The baby dragon cafe is such a cosy romantasy book following Saphria and Aiden through the adventure of training a baby dragon together.

Saphria is the Owner of the baby dragon cafe where she gets to live her dream of being around dragons. She is so desperate for her own dragon but due to political reasons and not being from a dragon family she doesn’t believe this will ever happen.

The characters is this story were so well written and their relationships with one another were amazing to read. Saphria’s relationship build up with Aiden is so unforced which makes it so much better. The slow burn had me giddy and kicking my feet, screaming at the pages for them to show each other that they like each other 😂

Aamna’s writing style flowed so well and was so easy to read. I was able to follow along easily and understand everything that was happening.

This is such a cute story and I cannot recommend it enough as a cosy romance with hints of fantasy throughout.

Thank you to Aamna, netgalley and Avon for allowing me to ARC read this wonderful book 🫶