Purple Scales & Coffee Tales

Scales & Steam #1

by Rhea Fox

A cozy monster romance with a shy autistic dragon, a purple-haired barista, and a soul-deep connection neither of them expected.
For weeks, the little coffee shop on Finnegan Square has been more than a caffeine stop for Taran. It’s where he feels safe, grounded—thanks to the purple-haired, fiercely kind barista who serves him smiles with his order. Maeve’s presence calms his stormy mind in ways no amount of gold or status ever could. When the shop faces closure, he does the only thing he can: he buys it. Not just to keep his daily routine, but to stay close to the woman whose aura glows brighter than any hoard. He only hopes she sees his heart behind the gesture… not just his castle and driver.

Juggling university and her barista job was never easy, but the café has become Maeve’s second home—a place where she can be herself. So when her boss announces he’s closing up shop via text, she’s heartbroken. Enter Taran, the quiet, beautiful dragon shifter she’s been low-key flirting with for weeks. Turns out, he’s rich. Like owning-an-entire-castle rich. And he buys the café so she can keep her job. Working together brings them closer than ever, but Maeve isn’t sure love can thrive between someone raised on struggle and someone who’s never had to worry about money.

Can a dragon shifter and a neurodivergent barista find common ground between fire and coffee beans? Or will the weight of their differences burn it all down?

Vibes & Tropes
– A shy autistic dragon with fancy anatomy
– A bold, curvy AuDHD heroine with purple hair
– Soulmates & sweet nicknames
– Class difference & found purpose
– Medium burn, open door spice
– Cozy, neurodivergent rep & heartfelt feels

Purple Scales & Coffee Tales is a cozy standalone monster romance in the Creatures & Coding universe, perfect for fans of soft monsters, cozy but spicy vibes, and guaranteed HEAs that make you kick your feet.

Genres: Romance, Monsters, Dragons, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Monster Romance, Paranormal

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2024

Reviews

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shy, autistic dragon who calls her Boss? Sign me up

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, spicy, fantasy read

KU Read
145 Pages
Fantasy
Monster Romance
Billionaire?
Dragon Shifter x Human
Boss x Employee

Taran has had a crush on Barista Maeve for a while and when he heard the coffee shop she works at is closing he buys it so she still has a job and he can see her.
This is a short story with a bit of spice entwined in their budding romance. It's the first I've read by this author but from the amounts of cameos from other characters in guessing there is an existing world build that multiple stories have happened in... I might go back and read her back catalogue.

[Robyn G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taran and Maeve was the sweetest!
Taran with his corset sounds absolutely delicious to me.
I loved them both right from the start, they have their little mutual pining for a while until Taran takes the plunge, he spoils her rotten and saves her job (that she loves) and he calls her sweetling!
Maeve was amazing too, she has amazing friends, a job she loves and then you have Taran that comes in a makes her swoon at every chance.
This was the perfect cosy read!

[Brie Stineman · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADORABLE I LOVED IT, just give us less glossary and more straightforward world building and it would be 10/10 but also wayyy longer than ~165~ pages

[Maylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and playful book about a coffee shop and a hot dragon. What more could you want

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maeve is about to lose her job as a barista due to the cafe closing soon. When one of her favourite regular guests, the shy dragon Taran, notices something is off with her, he is determined to help her in any which way he can.

I LOVE THIS STORY. Set in a cafe? Great, can I move in there? A determined, fiery FMC who knows what she wants, a shy and 🔥 corset wearing dragon with enough money to help her out of her predicament, finally coming out of his shell to win her over? Count me in!! They are so cute together 🥰
If you like cozy stories with monster X human pairing, dive into Rhea World, you won't regret it!!

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Purple Scales & Coffee Tales" by Rhea Fox had all the ingredients for a cozy, feel-good read - dragons, coffee shops, a touch of romance, and some solid neurodivergent rep. And while I appreciated the effort to include a neurodivergent main character in a gentle, low-stakes setting, the story overall just didn’t leave a strong impression. It was cute in moments, and I liked the idea more than the execution. A quick, harmless read, but not one that really stuck with me.

I'm all about a slow burn, but this was a glacial burn. The entire book was a dance around how the characters eventually get together with not enough reward trade-off towards the end of the story. For a novella that's only around 160 pages, the action only gets decent about 77% of the way through the story. And by action, I do mean sex. I didn't pick up a dragon/human novella with the intention of reading a cute romance story - I feel like most people would assume that there's going to be some decent spice. I would say that this is 2/5 peppers on the spice scale at best. The author describes the MMC as having a dick that has spikes on it. And the FMC seems to love when these spikes enter her. SPIKES??! In her vagina?! Use a different word to describe spikes if what you're going for is pleasure. Because in my head, spikes have pointy ends and all that would do is hurt the shit out of someone.

[avis03 · Rating 3 out of 5]

MF, Monster, 1st Dual POV

Status: Non-KU, Novella, Third Act Conflict - No

Maeve: Human, Barista, Purple Hair, Plus Sized, Studying Graphic Design, Becomes the Cafe Manager, Unknowingly Part Dragon

AuDHD Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Difficulty with Change, Hyperfixation

Taran: Autistic, Dragon, Wealthy, Lives in a Castle, Wears Corsets, Isolated, Collects Art, Can See Auras

Physical Notes: Dragon-like Form, Black Scales, Horns, Tail, Split Tongue

Autism Notes: Social and Communication Differences, Sensory Issues, Masking, Straightforward Communication, Collection

Own Voices: Autistic, AuDHD

Notes: Insta-Love, Queer Normative, Rich/Poor, Customer/Employee to Boss/Employee, Spoiling, Size Difference

Sex Notes: Masturbation (MMC), Making Out, Grinding (and Orgasm for FMC), Pussy Eating, Clit Stimulation, PIV, Creampie, Nipple Stimulation

Personal Notes: AuDHD Reader Approved. I'm just not a novella person and really should remember that.

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scales! I loved the nicknames, banter, and flirting! All the sweet moments between Taran and Maeve really got to me. I enjoyed the disability rep from all the characters. It was a nice glimpse into the Rheaverse! I wish we had explored more of what was going on with Maeve at the end of the book. I’d recommend this for a quickie read for romance/fantasy fans!

[Katie Welder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying I really wanted to rate this 4.5 stars but it doesn't allow for that so we round up. This is such a cozy romance. Taran is one of the sweetest men ever. He is truly infatuated with Mauve. Their relationship was just awkward enough which fits in with that neurospicy dynamic. We love it when the man spoils his queen. I will say I did feel a little bit was missing. I wanted more from Mauves ancestry or how her dragon traits developed. I definitely wanted to be able to see them soul bond. The ending just felt a little abrupt and I wanted more. Am I still looking forward to more from this series? Of course!

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this installment, mostly because I wanted more romance. They were cute together and I liked that they were both neurospicy though.

Spice: 2/5

Triggers: emotionally unavailable parents

[Madelyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5

[Cleo Cole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt pretty dry and flat reading this. It was like the draft of a book that wasn't properly thought out or written properly

[જ⁀➴Charity ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was very cute but overall I think that maybe it just wasn't the book for me. I find myself not a fan of rom coms or contemporary based romances a lot. I normally love monster romances but, this just felt like the same storyline that so many books adopt. I just kept looking for something unique. I think if you aren't super familiar with billionaire romances or newer to monster romances than this is definitely the book for you. I just need authors to write something unique and new.

[Soph Tunbridge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Genre - Monster Romance/Novella
Rating - ⭐️/5
Spice - (I didn't make it to the spice scenes)
Dual POV
MF

Main Characters
> Maeve Cooper - Human/ADHD/Barista
> Taran Atex - Dragon Shifter/Autistic/Multi-Millionaire

DNFed at 19% ☹️

I was really looking forward to reading this book as it's been on my TBR for a while now but sadly the whole execution of the story fell flat and I just couldn't continue.

I couldn't put up with the mixture of having a conversation and info bombing at the same time. For example, Taran would ask a question and it would take Maeve until the next page to answer because she would have a random inner monologue about something that had nothing to do with the question.
All the info bombing wasn't needed and for me, that's what stopped me from continuing.

From a quick glance at the ending, I can say that this book does end with a HEA for this couple. I'm going to try and read the next book in the series "Flighty Hearts and Broken Parts" and hopefully, I get on more with that one. As it's by the same author I do have my doubts but I'm willing to try again cause you never know, I might end up enjoying it. Fingers Crossed 🤞

Triggers/Tropes (Not the full list as I didn't finish the book)
▫️Boss/Employee
▫️Fancy Anatomy
▫️Human/Dragon Shifter
▫️Nickname (She calls him "Scales")
▫️No Cheating/Sharing
▫️Parental Neglect (Past)

[Hannah Reads a lot of Smut · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars for this cozy, low angst, cutesy novella. Our heroine Maeve is a barista who finds out her boss is going to close down the shop, leaving her out of a job. Luckily, long time customer and dragon Taran swoops in to save the day. What ensues is lots of cute interactions, with some spice, and it was just cozy. Was I unable to put it down? No. It was not a compulsive read. But was it enjoyable? Heck yes.

There is lots of neurospicy representation in this. The heroine is AuDHD and I loved the portrayal. As a fellow neurospicy babe I really appreciated how relatable this heroine was. Genuinely, Maeve was a joy. And Taran? Taran was a hottie with a crap ton of social anxiety, we loveeeee an anxious King.

Overall this monster x sort of human (both the reader and Maeve learn more about this as the story develops) gave me cavities from being so freaking sweet.

FAQ:
No OP drama
Dual POV writing style
No 3rd act break up
No Pregnancy in the epilogue/story

tldr;
A cozy novella with great neurospicy representation and a cinnamon roll hero.

[Bookfairymel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read from Rhea! I always love how she represents disabilities and neurodivergence in her writing and this definitely follows that trend! I was immediately obsessed with Maeve and Taran, I loved all the banter and flirting between them at the coffee shop. That Taran was so determined to make her happy and give her whatever she wanted. I love a rich monster set on spoiling his partner! I also thought the text messages were a cute touch as well.

Not to spoil it, but the little twist woven into the story was super cool too. It kept me engaged because I wanted to figure it out! Once the spice started to heat up, I fell in love with it even more! The teasing, the banter, the aura seeing, the size difference, the horn touching, it was all amazing. This is my wake up call to read more dragon romance because I loved this book so much!

[JabberwockyStories · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Rhea Fox for a free ARC, this is my honest opinion.
Final rating: 4.5/5; rated up to 5 on GR.

Purple Scales & Coffee Tales introduces us to Maeve: a barista that is sad to be losing her job when the cafe is closing up. However, in walks Taran, a dragon smitten with Maeve, to swoop in and buy the cafe just to keep his darling human happy.

Rhea always writes the most wholesome charactes! I love both Maeve and Taran and the way they compliment each other so well! Maeve standing up for Taran is so adorable but Taran doting on her is swoon-worthy!

If you're looking for a light-hearted, cozy dragon/human romance please give this a read!

[meevreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purple Scales & Coffee Tales was such a sweet story!

Maeve and Taran were a great pair. I loved how Taran's perspective on humans changed when he met her. He went out in hopes of finding someone to worship him, but truly didn't expect to find himself a queen.
I enjoyed their dynamic and banter, it was funny to watch them dance around each other, trying to gauge the other's feelings/attraction so as not to make a fool of themselves.

Taran was top-tier monster boyfriend:
- he buys her workplace so she can keep her job
- he wears corsets
- he calls her "boss"
- he loves to spoil her
- he can't resist shifting to his full dragon and taking her back to his lair
- he has a fancy peen 😏

This novella was great and you'll enjoy it if you're looking for a fast read monster romance with neurospicy rep, cozy vibes, nice banter and spice.

Thank you Rhea for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Amber Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Rhea introduced the idea of a dragon man in a corset, I knew I'd fall in love with him. And oh golly I did. Daddy Taran can take care of me any day. I mean... he buys her a coffee shop for goodness sakes. I loved that he supported her entrepreneurial dreams rather than just taking over and controlling everything. He was so shy and adorable and just wanted to spoil her. Plus I identified with a lot of Maeve's AuDHD quirks and really enjoyed watching her grow and get her happy ending. This novella was spicy and fun and definitely a great read.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another 5 star read from Rhea (all her books are 5 stars!) and I loved Maeve and Taran's love story - the flirting, the awkwardness, the corseted dragon (!), the support they have for one another. It was all top tier!
Rhea is exceptionally gifted in representing neurodivergent characters and characters with disabilities in her books and I love the rich worlds that she is creating.

Do yourself a massive favour and read this book, then go out and read all her others as well! They are brilliant!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Sweet and amazing

I flipped past this book on FB a lot and/or clicked it to read about it. Always hesitant on reading cause “ what if “ Now…… wished i’d read it sooner. Fast paced love. I do like it that there is no fight that makes someone have to grovel for forgiveness. Sometimes it’s great to read without that. The author did an amazing job on character building to each-other. Thanks for an amazing read. Highly recommend and can’t wait to start the others!!!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taran and Maeve have such a sweet and spicy love story. I love how Taran treats her like a treasure but also respects her. I can appreciate that Maeve is a little overwhelmed by the extravagance Taran presents but also is not closed off to persuing a relationship despite their different backgrounds. The spicy scenes are wow hot. I will definitely reread.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable. I loved the nicknames. Both mains were just so sweet. They complimented each other so well. Where Taran was more timid, Maeve made up for it and vise versa. Their relationship was the best and made me feel giddy through the whole book 💜
There was a lot that came pretty abruptly at the end and I wish we could have spent a bit more time in that, but still a great, short read.

[Christine Stutzke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't even know with this book. it started out so strong. Then it literally ended at 81%. Very abruptly with no conclusion to half of the plot that the author spent most of the book setting up. Really thought maybe I had miss read and this was supposed to be a series, went looking, it is in fact a stand alone.

[Joan Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

not long enough.

Although the story wrapped up I wanted more. Loved the bonus epilogue and the throne scene. Lol

It was such a cute story, liked how Taran and Maeve needed each other and found each other at the right time. He had closed himself off for years but just when he ventures out he found his mate. Lovely little twist about her turning..

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

This was such an average read. I barely remember it, and I only finished it a couple of weeks ago. I remember feeling like the writing was lacking, and therefore I wasn't very invested in the story. I liked the idea of neurodivergent characters, but I felt like we didn't get enough of that. I also didn't feel the cozy coffee shop vibes. It just didn't do it for me.

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly fun paranormal romance novella. I really like how Rhea always represents disabilities in a realistic and respectful manner. Maeve and Taran are adorable together. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a shorter read with minimal angst.

[Coffeesandkindles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I needed this book to be longer, that’s how much I loved these characters. Maeve and Taran absolutely stole my heart with their quirky love story. This book felt like a warm hug and I couldn’t stop giggling with the top tier banter. Definitely worth a read! 💜

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

The chemistry between Maeve and Taran make this book so great.The unwavering support and love between them is a thing of beauty. I could not put it down and I definitely wish it was longer.. Buy this book!!!. Also the spice scenes were 🔥🔥