C.B. Lee’s latest offering, “Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe,” delivers exactly what its whimsical title promises: a delightful collision of worlds where magic meets mundane reality, and two young women discover that love might be the most powerful spell of all. This sapphic YA fantasy romance weaves together dimensional portals, academic pressure, and the tender uncertainty of first love into a narrative that manages to be both cozy and thrilling.
Character Depth in Dual Perspectives
Brenda: The Overachiever with a Heart
Brenda Nguyễn emerges as a refreshingly complex protagonist whose nineteen-step plan to save the world through science feels both admirable and exhausting. Lee crafts her with authentic detail—from her bullet journal obsession to her Vietnamese-American family dynamics living in a multi-generational household. Brenda’s character arc from rigid perfectionist to someone who learns to embrace spontaneity feels earned rather than forced. Her academic drive stems not from shallow ambition but from genuine desire to combat “supervillains” like corrupt corporations destroying the planet.
The authenticity of Brenda’s cultural background shines through in natural details: family meals, the nail salon where her mother works, and the casual code-switching between languages. Lee avoids tokenism by making Brenda’s identity integral to her worldview and motivations rather than superficial window dressing.
Kat: Rebellion Against Destiny
Katherine “Kat” Woo presents a compelling counterpoint as the reluctant Chosen One desperate to forge her own path. Her rebellion against prophetic destiny resonates on multiple levels—teenage defiance, grief over her mother’s death, and genuine philosophical opposition to a system that reduces individuals to their predetermined roles. Kat’s magical abilities and spell-crafting passion provide excellent world-building opportunities while revealing her creative, problem-solving nature.
The alternating first-person perspectives allow readers intimate access to both characters’ internal struggles, creating investment in their individual journeys before they even meet. This structural choice proves particularly effective in a romance, as we experience the nervous excitement and doubt from both sides.
World-Building: Magic as Technology
Lee’s magical universe stands out for its systematic approach to fantastical elements. The Mayfield Breakthrough—which democratized magic by creating pre-cast spells anyone could use—provides logical foundation for how magic functions in daily life. This isn’t a world where magic solves everything; it has economic implications, safety concerns, and technological limitations that ground the fantasy in recognizable reality.
The parallel universe concept allows for clever contrasts between our world and one where magic replaced certain technological developments. Details like trolleys instead of cars, runebooks functioning as magical smartphones, and Target selling spell components create an engaging alternate history that feels lived-in rather than constructed merely for plot convenience.
However, the magic system occasionally lacks clear limitations. While Lee establishes that magic requires intention and energy, the rules sometimes bend conveniently for plot advancement, particularly during the climactic sequences involving the Ritual.
Romance: Authentic Teen Love
The central romance develops with refreshing naturalness. Lee captures the nervous energy of new attraction—the overthinking text messages, the physical awareness of proximity, the way conversation flows when you find someone who truly listens. Brenda and Kat’s connection forms over shared intellectual curiosity about magic and mutual respect for each other’s passions.
Their relationship benefits from being embedded within broader character development. Kat’s struggle with destiny and Brenda’s need to embrace spontaneity complement each other without falling into the trap of “fixing” each other. Instead, they inspire growth while maintaining their individual agency.
The physical aspects of their romance are handled with appropriate tenderness for the YA audience—charged moments and meaningful kisses that convey emotional intensity without explicit content. Lee particularly excels at depicting the internal dialogue of first attraction and the vulnerability of emotional intimacy.
Supporting Cast and Found Family
The supporting characters add richness to both worlds. Brenda’s friend group—particularly the loyal Jennifer and enthusiastic Erica—feel like genuine teenagers with their own interests and personalities rather than mere plot devices. Their enthusiasm for discovering magic and willingness to help with dangerous magical rituals demonstrates the power of friendship and chosen family.
Kat’s family dynamics, especially her relationship with her father and the shadow of her deceased mother’s legacy, provide emotional weight. The coffeeshop setting creates a warm, community-centered atmosphere that contrasts effectively with the larger magical politics threatening both worlds.
Themes: Challenging Systems and Choosing Agency
Beyond the romance, Lee explores weighty themes about institutional power and individual agency. The Ritual represents systemic problems that perpetuate themselves through tradition and fear. Both protagonists challenge established systems—Brenda through her environmental activism and Kat through her rejection of prophetic destiny.
The revelation about the prophecy’s mistranslation serves as clever commentary on how assumptions and biases shape interpretation of important texts. The message that anyone can be heroic when they choose to act with intention and courage resonates strongly with YA readers facing their own decisions about conformity versus authenticity.
Critical Considerations
While “Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe” succeeds on many levels, it struggles with pacing in the middle sections. The buildup to the climactic Ritual feels rushed after careful character development in earlier chapters. Some plot conveniences strain credibility, particularly regarding how easily the friends master complex magic and the resolution of the dimensional portal crisis.
“Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe’ occasionally suffers from exposition dumps, particularly when explaining magical theory or the political situation with the Mages’ Council. While Lee’s enthusiasm for her world-building is evident, these sections sometimes slow narrative momentum.
Additionally, while the diversity is commendable, some secondary characters could use fuller development. The antagonistic Order remains somewhat one-dimensional despite their important role in the conflict.
Literary Craft and Style
Lee’s prose style perfectly captures the voices of both protagonists. Brenda’s sections bubble with enthusiastic energy and list-making tendencies, while Kat’s chapters carry a more sardonic edge tinged with melancholy. The alternating perspectives never feel confusing, and each character maintains a distinct voice throughout.
The dialogue feels authentically teenage without relying on dated slang or trying too hard to be current. Conversations flow naturally while advancing both plot and character development.
Similar Reads and Author Context
Readers who enjoyed “The House You Pass on the Way” by Jacqueline Woodson or “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas will appreciate Lee’s approach to LGBTQ+ YA fiction. The dimensional travel elements recall Diana Wynne Jones’ “Chrestomanci” series, while the magic-as-technology worldbuilding shares DNA with Terry Pratchett’s work.
Lee’s previous works have consistently featured diverse casts and innovative approaches to superhero and fantasy tropes. This latest effort continues their commitment to representation while expanding into new magical territory.
Final Verdict
“Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe” offers exactly what readers seek from cozy fantasy romance: genuine emotion, creative world-building, and characters worth caring about. While it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot structure, Lee’s execution elevates familiar elements through authentic characterization and thoughtful themes.
The book succeeds most in its quiet moments—conversation over hot chocolate, nervous first kisses, friends supporting each other through impossible situations. These scenes carry more emotional weight than the magical battles, suggesting Lee understands that the best fantasy serves the characters rather than overwhelming them.
For readers seeking a warm, inclusive romance that treats both love and magic with equal respect, this coffeeshop is definitely worth visiting.
Recommended Similar Reads
- “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth – For authentic LGBTQ+ coming-of-age themes
- “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow – For portal fantasy with emotional depth
- “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas – For diverse supernatural YA romance
- “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune – For cozy fantasy with found family themes
- “Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall – For themes about destiny versus self-determination