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 🫶

How to train your dragon the rom com. Cosy cafe atmosphere, like a cat cafe, but for dragons! But untrained baby dragons. Whimsical, cosy fantasy. Friends to lovers and a touch of fake dating/fake married. Grumpy vs sunshine.

The only thing I would say is that the character Saphira seemed to be betrayed as a lot younger than I think she was meant to be. Her character seemed quite child like in parts.

But still a fun little easy read. I think it would make a good palette cleanser.

I noticed one day that the publisher invited me to read this book and I was over thrilled because I already had heard about it and I was so curious so thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley and also the author for consider me to read this book, I absolutely loved it. Saphira, Aiden and Sparky conquered my heart and it was impossible not to fell in love with this characters. This was my first book from this author and it was so lovely and cozy and Sparky...
Sparky was the most adorable dragon pet, because in this world you will find dragons and magical creatures and people can have them, of course you have to belong to a certain level, important family and sucj but still.. it's magical and also political anyway, this was so adorable and cute, the grumpy sunshine, loss, the fighting for yourself...
The book was really amazing, I don't have anything bad to say it and loving something is a matter of perspective and I loved this book

I found this to be a lovely, cozy, fantasy novel. I loved the characters, especially Sparky. The book is easy to read without any high stakes or plot twists.

A lighthearted, cozy fantasy with a little romance sprinkled in. Perfection in one adorable package. Love love love!!

This is an absolutely charming romantic fantasy, and I say this as someone who rarely reads love stories!

When a warm hearted and beautiful young cafe owner agrees to train a baby dragon for a brooding loner who belongs to one of the most well-known dragon riding families, people around them are confused by this choice.

But not as confused as the two people concerned who gradually begin to understand the nature of the chemistry between them. This is the ultimate sweet, slow burn romance and will provide readers looking for a good romantic fantasy with a very enjoyable experience.

This is one of those books that make you feel warm and fuzzy whenever you're reading it. It's cute and cosy with no stakes but fun vibes that keep you turning pages.

It did have some issues, such as information being repeated (I don't need to be told about dragon roasted coffee more than once) and the fairly superficial character development, but it was still a lot of fun.

I would have loved a bit more world building to get to grips with the history of the rider families and the politics of everything. I think this would have helped make the fact that the main character wasn't from one of the families a bigger deal.

I also think she was slightly too happy and ready to brush off any trauma or negative emotions, which made her feel a bit unrealistic.

However, it was still an enjoyable read and I will absolutely read the rest of the series when the books come out.

I saw the cover art on Twitter and knew I wanted to read it! I really liked the idea behind this, but it was a little more romance focused and I would have liked a bit more worldbuilding. There was almost no conflict, so if you're looking for a cozy low stress read this is a great pick! I'm excited to read the others that come out.

If you ever loved dragon rider stories, and would like a cosy glimpse into what the dragons might have been like before they were huge, majestic beasts flying through the air, this one’s for you.

It follows bright and bubbly Saphira, who has worked hard to make her dream of opening a cafe for baby dragons and their owners come true. But the small beasts are unruly and do lots of damage. To stay afloat, she agrees to help the reclusive Aiden (heir to a privileged family of riders) train his new baby dragon, in exchange for a fee. What she doesn’t bargain on is how much she’ll love the little dragon, or the feelings she’ll develop for its owner.

This is a warm, comforting read full of coffee, cuteness and courage, perfect for fans of Travis Baldree. It’s about belonging, generosity and being seen for who you are.

The central couple are accepting and supportive of each other and, though they fall extremely fast, you can’t help but hope they make it in the end. For me, things move a little too quickly and fall into place too easily, but I really like the author’s descriptions of what it feels like to fall in love - not for the first time, but for the time that changes everything. The little dragon, Sparky, is an adorable menace, as well.

There are lots of great side-characters, and the author has set things up nicely for more romances in the same town. This story reads like a cosy drama or sitcom - overdramatic at times, but easy to read and easy to smile about.

DNF @50%

I'm sorry, it's not you, it's me.

I have no care in the world for these characters... there's no emotion?

Such a cute premise though and I liked the setting but I can't keep forcing myself to pick this up anymore!

I can see a lot of people enjoying this though :)

I really wanted to like this book. I was so excited to read it, I had a lot of hopes for it, but I was disappointed in what it ended up being.

I thought there would be more to the actual Baby Dragon Cafe in the book. I wanted the more mundane, day to day happenings of owning a Cafe. I wanted to see more of Saphira making drinks and interacting with customers. Instead, it felt like we barely spent time there, despite Saphira training Sparky there. I was also annoyed with Aiden right off the bat. He was so frustratingly indecisive and unconfident and even straight up rude sometimes. He was also initially a terrible pet owner, neglectful even. I understand he didn't want Sparky to have been hatched and he didn't want to have to train and raise a baby dragon, but even then he should have sucked it up earlier and stepped up. Or he should have given Sparky to someone who could. Saphira at least called him out on it and I know he changed, but imagine the outrage if Sparky was a dog. An angry mob with pitchforks would be at his doorstep to impale him with sense. Saphira was okay. I didn't hate her, but I didn't love her either. I was happy she was POC, but I wish more of her culture shown in her character. Her grandmother was such an important part and she clearly tried to instill her culture in Saphira, but at times I felt like it was ignored.

I especially didn't like how juvenile the writing felt at times. The romance was a bit cringey and made it hard to believe i was reading about adults. They often acted like teenagers. The romance was also basically insta-love and I'm just not a fan of that. They kept thinking about how they wanted to touch each other, ravish and devour each other really, acting like horny teenagers, but then the actual spicy scene was lackluster in comparison. Not that romance books need spicy scenes, I just wished there was more balance. There were a lot of things that just needed better balance.

3/5 stars because it wasn't a terrible read, but I didn't find myself too compelled by it.

The Baby Dragon Cafe  Review:


I would like to firstly thank Aamna Qureshi, and Avon books for allowing me to be part of the Baby Dragon Club. Not only am I deeply and obsessively in love with Aamna’s writing but she truly wrote a cosy book that is a warm hug, that I well and truly needed during my gloomy dreary commutes. 


Firstly, can we talk about Aiden, like not only Aamna has created one of the most green-flagged, wholesome, greek god incarnate mmc but a man that pays attention to detail and truly the ‘if we wanted to he would’ kinda guy. My expectations have skyrocketed. Aiden is a man of emotions and I love how beautifully and delicately he has been written. Oh, and let me just add, he may seem all introverted but when this man needs to be romantic, he will really have you sweeping off your feet. 

Saphira is a sunshine in human form, her memories of her nani-ma and having her culture intertwined with her art of making chai is something I adored about her. Her love is so innocent, pure, and honest and has you smiling throughout the book. One of the most wholesome characters ever written. 


The romance between them is angsty, beautiful, and stronger than anything written. Filled with understanding and fighting against all odds.


As a whole this book is hug in many forms! It has you squealing, giggling in your pillow, and just wishing there was a gorgeous man out there needing his Dragon to be trained. Oh, and the dragons are wholesome... you will yearn to own one!


I cannot wait for everyone to read this gem! And Aamna I need book 2, because this series has definitely became my new home!

A sweet and cosy romance with a delightful dragon twist, perfect to snuggle up with on the cold winter months. This book will be great for those who love dragons but want a rest-bite from the peril that normally accompanies them in our favourite fantasy reads.