REVIEW The Baby Dragon Cafe (The Baby Dragon Series #1) by A.T. Qureshi

The Baby Dragon Cafe (The Baby Dragon Series #1) by A.T. Qureshi
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Avon

A.T. Qureshi’s The Baby Dragon Cafe, the first book in The Baby Dragon series, was a cute and cozy fantasy romance book. Narrators Ash Raju and Hunter Johns did an excellent job bringing the story to life with their performance in the audiobook. It’s very reminiscent of Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes series.

This book has been popping up in my recommendations for a while, and I’m so happy that I finally picked it up (thank you Kindle Unlimited). The baby dragon cafe has just the right touch of whimsical while also being somewhat recognizable, being very similar to a cat cafe while adding a bit more chaos and charm with the baby dragons running amuck. The author also did a great job of capturing the small town vibes you’d expect from a Hallmark movie. I’d love to see a map or something similar of the area, as there are also other magical creatures that are briefly mentioned (and somewhat domesticated in certain cases). 

Saphira and Aiden had a lovely relationship that blossomed over the course of the book. They embody the grumpy x sunshine trope. I thought it was hilarious how Sparky played into their relationship; at first he was jealous when Saphira paid attention to Aiden and not him, and then getting jealous when Saphira paid attention to anyone but him and Aiden. As a reader, I really appreciated how Aiden’s family didn’t add to any drama, and welcomed Saphira with open arms. The fake marriage and the ‘there’s only one bed’ troped worked out well too, and everything came together nicely. I’m especially excited by the epilogue (cue the happily ever after).  

Overall, an excellent read. I’m so excited to read the rest of the books in the series, The Baby Dragon Bakery and The Baby Dragon Bookshop and I hope Saphira, Aiden, and Sparky make more appearances. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy low stakes fantasy and happily ever after romances. 

REVIEW Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) by Travis Baldree

Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1) 

by Travis Baldree
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: June 7, 2022
Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited)
Publisher: Tor Books

Travis Baldree’s debut novel Legends and Lattes is a unique cozy fantasy novel perfect for curling up and reading under a blanket with a nice hot drink. After a lifetime of quests and adventures, orc Viv has finally decided to hang up her blade and retire. Her goal for retirement? Introduce the city of Thune and its residents to the finer points of (gnomish) coffee. 

Instead of expansive worldbuilding, most of the story takes place in or around the coffee shop. Readers are treated to the step by step creation of the shop - from the initial inception, opening day, and the eventual growth of the menu and the customer base. While this is undoubtedly a fantasy, I think it’s very accessible for those who don’t normally read in the genre. Any fantastical references are explained, and it’s very easy to picture the various coffee shop patrons with the way the author describes them. 

It’s not often an author manages to make every character in a book likable, but Travis Baldree did just that. While the main characters are all very different on the surface, they all have one major thing in common - they all defy expectations of who others think they ‘should be’, and they are all looking for a place to belong. As someone who enjoys the “found family” trope, this was a highlight for me. I also particularly enjoyed Amity the dire-cat, and seeing the development of Tandri and Viv’s relationship. 

Overall, this was an excellent novel and I’m excited to read the next installment, Bookshops and Bonedust. Travis Baldree’s passion for his novel came through in his performance as the audiobook narrator. If you want an epic fantasy complete with an in depth plot and epic worldbuilding, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if a blend of Hallmark meets Dungeons and Dragons adventure sounds like something you’d enjoy, then I definitely recommend checking out all that Travis Baldree and Legends and Lattes have to offer. 

About the Book

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

About the Author

I love stories, and I love telling them.

I’m the author of Legends & Lattes, a low-stakes cozy fantasy novel.

I’m a narrator too, and I’ve loved the art since I first heard Frank Muller’s legendary work. I’ve lent my voice to hundreds of books (including my own).

I live with my wife, two kids, and dog in Washington State, and I get up every morning excited and grateful to do this job.

I’m also an erstwhile veteran game developer, and it’s possible you’ve played something I’ve made. Torchlight, Fate & Rebel Galaxy have sold millions of copies on desktops and consoles. I remain the co-owner and CEO of Double Damage Games.