"Epic world-saving plotting mixes with intimate star-crossed love and touches of magic and mischief, making for a satisfying and cozy read." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
Illustrator: Lisa Villella Cover Design: Meg Sayre
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 Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, C.B. Lee’s fun, sapphic, cozy fantasy YA romance.
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.
As their universes collide and things spiral out of control, can a girl who is determined to save the world find love with a girl determined to outrun her destiny?
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"Epic world-saving plotting mixes with intimate star-crossed love and touches of magic and mischief, making for a satisfying and cozy read." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Told in alternating POV chapters, Lee’s latest is a delight... This sapphic romance manages to be sweet, tender, and high-stakes all at the same time―a true triple threat." ―Booklist, starred review
"Great for fans of F.T. Lukens and those who enjoy cozy fantasy and standalones." ―School Library Journal
"Expansive, exciting and full of heart, this fantasy's world-building is just as rich as its cast of characters and emotional beats. There's just so much to love!" ―B&N Book Blog
"Magical, inventive, and a fresh spin on the coffeeshop romance trope. CB Lee has crafted an enchanting contemporary fantasy filled with whimsy and wyverns. Perfect for readers who love intricate worldbuilding, sweet meetcutes in alternate universes, and joyful queer romances." ―FT Lukens, New York Times-bestselling author of Spell Bound
Exclusive Cover Reveal, LGBTQ Reads, July 22, 2024
Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Young Adult Fiction 2024, December 16, 2024
A Charming Cozy Fantasy, Kirkus Reviews, March 9 2025
Starred Review – Publishers Weekly, May 2025
34 LGBTQ+ Books Out This Summer, OUT! Magazine, May 16, 2025
Starred Review – Booklist
Journey to other realities in June’s best speculative fiction books, Charlie Jane Anders, Washington Post, June 13 2025
Best Books of July 2025, Barnes and Noble, June 22 2025
Get a Double Shot of Cozy Fantasy With Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, People Magazine, June 30 2025
Interview, The Nerd Daily, July 8 2025
Our Monthly Picks, Barnes and Noble, July 1 2025
School Library Journal Best Books of 2025, School Library Journal
Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Award 2025 Longlist, Read Your World, January 2026
American Library Association Rainbow List 2026, American Library Association, January 27, 2026