Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

By: C.B. Lee

Narrated by: Elyse Dinh, Emily Woo Zeller

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?

©2025 by C.B. Lee. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This romantasy unfolds through alternating chapters featuring Brenda, portrayed by Elyse Dinh, and Kat, portrayed by Emily Woo Zeller.… Dinh captures Brenda's can-do personality as befits a girl who is determined to make a difference in the world. Woo Zeller, likewise, expresses the essence of Kat, who is destined for great things—although she doesn't know it yet. Both narrators deftly convey the growth of their characters.”—AudioFile Magazine

"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

Coffee shop AU

I absolutely loved this concept that C.B. Lee brought to life! It was the perfect amount of cozy and the way that grief is depicted is wonderfully done!

Cozy, cute and creative!

Just the right amount of stakes wrap around this comfy story. The world building was delightful; Target as a liminal space through which a portal might open to an alternate reality? Perfect!

So cute and wholesome fun

Fantasy. Self exploration. Girl crushes. Dragons. D&d. First love. Brillant! The actors were great and story was fun and engaging. Light hearted

A great read full of excitement

This is such a cute GL read full of excitement and love and acceptance and found family even reconnecting with your own family through past trauma. This is so fun to read. A great fast paced story with a great amount of magic! Oh and did I me mention there is a dragons and a funny cat! A must!

I LOVE THE PLOT

I love the story, although it was slow at first. Thank god for an audiobook to keep me going.