Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

By Author / Illustrator

C.B. Lee

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Hot Key Books

ISBN

9781471419379

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-07-2025

Synopsis

When a geeky overachiever determined to save the world through science unwittingly steps through a portal and ends up falling for a troublemaking chosen one lashing out against her destiny, their two very different universes begin to collide in C.B. Lee's fun, sapphic, cosy fantasy YA romance. Perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes!

When Brenda's internet goes out right before an important scholarship deadline, she stumbles 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 prophesied 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. And one of them has dragons.

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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Reviews

Clair

If you enjoy fantasy, magical worlds and LGBTQIA+ stories, Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe will appeal. CB Lee creates a world of spellcasting that is filled with wyverns, pixies and imps. A world where universes collide and portals can open.

The story follows Kat and Brenda, two Asian girls from parallel universes who meet in a cosy coffeeshop and feel the first spark of a romance. Neither of them fully realising that they are from different worlds (though the reader gets plenty of clues), they arrange to meet up for a date. Their relationship feels genuine and relatable, especially as they navigate their insecurities and anxieties.

The author slowly builds up the world creation to explain the magic system, technology and parallel worlds. The story is told from both Kat's and Brenda's perspectives, which adds depth. Brenda is a hardworking overachiever who's always pushing herself, while Kat, dealing with the loss of her mother, is actually the prophesised chosen one - a detail that adds a layer of mystery and destiny to the plot.

This is a comfort read, perfect for anyone who loves fantasy with heart and representation. If you enjoy Dungeons and Dragons or adventure, you’ll love Coffeeshop in An Alternate Universe.

Content of Note : Bereavement.

400 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian