The Baby Dragon Bookshop

The Baby Dragon #3

by Aamna Qureshi

Will romance be the plot twist?

Emmy has an enemy, and his name is Luke. The good news? She rarely sees him. The bad news? When she does, she (and her pet dragons) are reminded just how handsome he is.

Besides, Emmy is too busy focusing on her dragon-fuelled business to have time for love. But when both she and Luke approach the same local investor for funding, she's suddenly unable to avoid him. The kookie investor insists they must compete for the cash by working at the local failing baby dragon bookshop to prove their magical business knowledge.

Determined to win the funding, Emmy dives into the task. But making a very flammable bookshop fit for baby dragons is no small feat, and it seems these rivals may need to join forces. Could Luke and Emmy's fiery animosity spark something more between them?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Dragons, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Aamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She is an award-winning and USA Today, Amazon, and Times bestselling author who grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bed-time, writing stories in the backs of her notebooks, and being scolded by teachers for passing chapters under the tables. Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity.

When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.

Reviews

[zai · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAMNA HAS ALL MY STARS AND MY HEART, THIS MIGHT BE MY FAVORITE OUT OF THE THREEE OMGGG
rtc im gonna scream for now

[nihaarika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

i cannot believe this series has already come to an end 😭😭 i feel like i was just reading book 1 a few months ago, and now here we are on the series finale, the baby dragon bookshop. we've had hints of emmy and luke in the previous two books before, so i was very excited for their story. and it is so delightfully good. it's filled with the charm and the magic of the previous two books, but the enemies-to-lovers aspect of this one really elevated the book for me. for a large part of the book, emmy and luke actually despised each other. they were pranking each other and messing up the other's work. but as the story progresses, with incredibly perfect pacing, you see hints of their past together before it completely unravels.

i loved the banter emmy and luke had. it made me giggle so hard at so many points in the book. i also looved how you could tell that they were slowly falling for each other. no spoilers from me, but them getting together was just *chef's kiss*. their development, as individuals and as two people who slowly rediscover themselves and each other, was incredibly well written.

in writing this trilogy, aamna qureshi has created an absolutely stunning world and incredible characters, and the baby dragon bookshop was the perfect way to end it. and i cannot believe we're getting a spin off series!! i'm so unbelieveably excited for that!!!

thank you avon books uk for sending me an e-arc through netgalley!

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series as the characters are adorable, quaint and relatable. The small element of fantasy through the use of mythical animals like dragons and chimera add to the freshness of this series. In this book, I loved the bookshop setting and the troupes in it were so on point. Could their issues have been solved by a first half heart to heart? Of course, but who would want that? And life is always more complex when living it. Luke was one of my favourites in this one and jad such green flags all throughout, and Emmy well she is every people pleasers mirror image. I cant wait for more of this beautiful series and a copy of the locked library edition of this book. As a proud member of the baby dragon club, I am so thankful to Avon books and A T Qureshi for this ARC.

[Positive Vibes Only Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute baby dragons and a rivals to lovers small town bookshop romance❤️📚

The Baby Dragon Bookshop is the third novel in the Baby Dragon cosy, light fantasy romance series set in the small town of Starshine Valley.

A sweet, romantic, rivals to lovers story of the eldest daughter Emmy and Luke’s story that will warm your heart and make you smile. If you love bookshop romances and cute baby dragons with a sprinkle of magical whimsical small town romance stories then this is the perfect cosy romance series for you. Releasing in Feb 2026.

Tropes:

Rivals-to-lovers❤️

Bookshop romance 📚

Small town 🍂

Low spice ✨

Light fantasy✨

Thank you to the publisher Avon and NetGalley for sending me the ARC.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

thank you NetGalley for this egalley. All opinions are my own.



I purchased the first two books in the series so I could read them before reading The Baby Dragon Bookshop. I almost DNF'd this book. I DNF'd the second. My review for the first book is below. This book is about Emmy a dragon rider, and Luke, her enemy. He happens to ride a Chimera. The reason Luke is her enemy is because (SPOILER ALERT) he dated her sister for a week. Luke decided that he didn't like Emmy's sister and told her so. He didn't cheat on her, he didn't abuse her, he didn't lie to her. He simply didn't like her after one week of dating. Emmy finds out and gets Luke to like her. Sleeps with him. Then dumps him. I'm sorry, but YTA here, not Luke. For years, Emmy has been rude to Luke every time she sees him. Somehow Luke still likes her. Her sister is happily married and has moved on. Not Emmy because she's the oldest sister, and she takes care of everyone. Like what?

(SPOILER ALERT) Another thing that happened in the book that boggled my mind. There is a character named Flint who runs illegal dragon racing. Flint is known to have spiked a drink of a girl who is like Luke's younger sister. Emmy doesn't know Flint's history. Flint strikes up a conversation with Emmy and gives her a hot chocolate. Not spiked. Luke sees and comes in seething. Rightfully so. However, he's too mad to tell her why he doesn't want her speaking to Flint. They stay mad at each other. So. There's a predator, you know about him. You see him talking to a woman, and he's giving her a drink in an open container. WHY didn't he just TELL her that? "Yes Emmy, I am angry but you should know that Flint is a predator." Seems like the decent thing to do no? What's worse is that later on in the book Emmy finds her young 18-year-old cousin talking to Flint. Emmy doesn't tell her cousin. WHY!? Flint is a bad person. Other than "he deals with dragon racing," which is illegal. She doesn't tell her teen cousin. Her female teen cousin. I get that the dragons might smell something off with the drinks and protect their riders, but why was this glossed over. It seems ick. Things like this left a bad taste in my mouth.

Like the first story a lot of what happens is juvenile to me. If it weren't for the spice, which was awkwardly written. It could have been for teens.

Emmy is the oldest adult child in an Asian family. I get it. So am I. She does take care of everyone. She doesn't mind it. She does get too much on her plate. It is sweet that Luke sees that and wants to take care of her. They are supposed to be strong, smart business owners. The story idea is also a great idea. It just wasn't executed well. But that's just my opinion; many people love this series. I don't plan on reading any more by this author.

This book, along with the previous ones, has a system similar to a caste system. Those who ride dragons and are a part of the four main families. No one else can ride dragons. The people who have Chimera live on a different side of town. Dragons and Chimera don't get along.

Will romance be the plot twist?

Emmy has an enemy, and his name is Luke. The good news? She rarely sees him. The bad news? When she does, she (and her pet dragons) are reminded just how handsome he is.

Besides, Emmy is too busy focusing on her dragon-fuelled business to have time for love. But when both she and Luke approach the same local investor for funding, she’s suddenly unable to avoid him. The kookie investor insists they must compete for the cash by working at the local failing baby dragon bookshop to prove their magical business knowledge.

Determined to win the funding, Emmy dives into the task. But making a very flammable bookshop fit for baby dragons is no small feat, and it seems these rivals may need to join forces. Could Luke and Emmy’s fiery animosity spark something more between them?

Tropes:

Enemies-to-lovers 🌞

Bookshop

romance 📚Small town 🍂

Book 1 review

I read this so that I could read an e-galley of the third one.

I love cozy romantasy and this had so much potential. However, there were numerous plot holes. There were problems that the author set up to be hurdles in the story. Only for them to magically turned out to be non-issues. It felt like the author had an idea for a problem or hurdle in the relationship, but didn't know how to solve them, so they magically turned into non-issues. For instance, FMC mother died dragon racing. They are not a Drakkon family, so that was a no-no. MMC didn't want FMC to know this because his family of dragon riders are supporters of the races, even though they are illegal and bad? Later MMC tells FMC and that's it. Nothing. Oh okay. Mom made a mistake. MMC has been lamenting over the fact that he doesn't want to get attached to his dragon. MMC doesn't believe in dragon racing, even if it's important to his family. He finally tells his parents, and it was so important to their family that they disowned him. Just kidding, they didn't. All the parents said was "no big deal".

There is also a section where the two MC pretend to be married because there is this big secret ceremony that only dragon riders can go to, and FMC is not a dragon rider. They go, pretend to be married. The lady performing the ceremony is supposed to be an upholder of tradition and a hard ass about it. Of course, it turns out that it's a non-issue. The woman knows that the MMC and FMC are not married, but it's easily explained away.

It could have been a teen book were it not for the spice, which was poorly written. I don't normally read spicy books, but even I know this wasn't good.


I received this egalley from NetGalley and Avon Books UK | Avon. I was under no obligation to give a review. All opinions are my own.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this, I’m rating it 3.5 stars.

I do adore this wholesome romance mixed with little bits of fantasy in the form of mythical creature companions. This a rivalry to romance story which began due to a past hiccup that led to enemy status.

I will say I lowkey hate how they became enemies cause it feels abit iffy that the FMC would even go after that man considering his previous conquest, and I lowkey think it was harsh considering where things stand in the present day. That being said the romance is cute once we move past this detail, they are really there for each other and the epilogue is pure romance.

[Heather Bowes-Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Baby Dragon Bookshop has such a lovely concept — a cozy fantasy world centered around a magical bookshop, filled with warmth and charm. It’s easy to slip into, even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series. The story quickly establishes its main characters and their personalities, making it simple to connect with them right from the start.

That said, while the idea is delightful, the execution could use another round of editing. The writing suffers from heavy repetition throughout, which often makes sections feel stilted and overly drawn out. At times, the same events or emotions are rehashed just chapters apart, and this tendency to overexplain makes the book read more like a YA novel than an adult cozy fantasy. With tighter editing, the story could easily be 50–70 pages shorter without losing any substance.

There are also a few consistency issues — for example, the author repeatedly mixes up the names of the rival companies belonging to the main characters, which becomes confusing as the story goes on. Small continuity errors like these, along with the repetitive prose, give the sense that the book needed a more careful editorial pass.

Pacing is another issue. After over 300 pages of buildup, the resolution arrives in just about a single page, leaving the conclusion feeling rushed and unsatisfying. It’s a shame, because the story idea has so much potential, but the lack of balance between setup and payoff really affected my overall enjoyment.

In the end, The Baby Dragon Bookshop is a cozy, imaginative read with heart — but it feels like a story that needed one more edit to cut the filler, fix the inconsistencies, and bring a bit more maturity to the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baby Dragon Bookshop — Aamna Qureshi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)

This book is pure cozy fantasy magic — warm, whimsical, and wrapped in found family energy with a dragon-sized dose of charm.

Set inside a bookshop that doubles as a sanctuary for baby dragons, this story blends gentle fantasy with everyday struggles in a way that feels comforting and heartfelt. The FMC is doing her best to keep the shop afloat, care for creatures that are as chaotic as they are adorable, and figure out her own place in the world — all while magic (and feelings) complicate everything.

The vibes:
🐉 Baby dragons (yes, they are as cute as they sound)
📚 Cozy bookshop setting
✨ Low-stakes fantasy with emotional depth
🫶 Found family & healing
💛 Soft, comforting storytelling

What really worked for me was the atmosphere. The magic isn’t loud or flashy — it’s gentle and intentional. The dragons feel like living, breathing beings instead of gimmicks, and the emotional beats land quietly but effectively. This is the kind of book you read curled up with a blanket and a cup of something warm.

If you love cozy fantasy, magical realism, and stories that feel like a hug without sacrificing heart or meaning, The Baby Dragon Bookshop is an easy recommendation. I absolutely loved my time in this world and would happily go back.

[hols_reads ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not a book by Aamna that isn’t a 5* from me!

This story was an absolute joy to read and what a perfect ending to the Baby Dragon Cafe world (I am gutted it is over!!)

Luke and Em’s story is adorable, full of emotions and second chances and I truly loved it. I loved the storyline to this with fighting over a chance to have an investment and a coffee shop inside a bookshop (this is perfection!) and the ending was perfect.

I was truly satisfied at this ending and I found so much joy and comfort in not only, but the whole series 💖🫶🏻

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cosy rival to lover romance, with a business competition, and bringing up old feelings and heartache.
I liked the tension and competitiveness between Luke and Emmeline, and the forced proximity in the book shop as they work together. The series always has a fun atmosphere with the baby dragons causing chaos and interfering, and how the main characters are blind to their true feelings until things click.

[Heather McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I think this was my favourite book in the series. Such a beautiful, heartwarming and cosy story about second chances, letting go of perfectionism, and letting your guard down all in the name of love.

[Jasmine Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive loved the previous books in thr series, so I knew i would love this one too.
Luke and Emmy are rivals in the coffee industry, but they have to fight for a place in the Local book shop which wants to expans. It's firey, cute. I definitely recommend.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book in this charming cozy romfantasy tale makes me want to read the first two titles in the series, plus everything the author writes. Loved it!

[Millicent Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 ⭐️

I really didn’t enjoy The Baby Dragon Bookshop. The plot felt poorly written, and I didn’t feel drawn into the story at all.
Emmaline was just so hard to like. She spends the first half of the book being spiteful and holding a grudge against Luke for seven years. SEVEN YEARS!? mainly coz he broke her younger sister's heart when she was in uni. But hey, she breaks HIS heart in return, so aren't they both even? Nope. Even her sister has moved on and has a family, but Emmaline can’t let it go (Why? coz she's the older sister, apparently) Then suddenly she completely melts toward Luke, and it didn’t feel believable at all.

Also, in another scene, emmaline is seen talking with a guy named Flint and when Luke sees them, he gets super mad at emmaline for talking with him ( coz flint does some illegal trading ig n spiked a girls drink). But instead of telling all this to Emmaline, he gets really angry and doesn't speak with her at all. Then, towards the end of the book, Emmaline's cousin sister is seen talking with Flint, and even SHE acts the same way as Luke. Like why don't you explain why?!

Although Luke was really sweet, and the baby dragons were cute (they really were, I mean, which dragons are not?), but that wasn’t enough to make up for the issues with the story and characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Adria · Rating 2 out of 5]

its a cute book and idea, but poorly done. it started off confusing and then never really cleared up. the repetition and name mixups do not help. needs more editing and a clearer story

[Danielle D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had mixed feelings about this series since the first book. While the baby dragons are undeniably adorable, the storylines don't always resonate with me. In book three, the backstory explaining how the two main characters became enemies felt a bit far-fetched. Their ongoing feud—from college all the way into their thirties—came across as immature. Although the rest of the book had its charming moments, that particular backstory dampened my overall enjoyment. Book four sounds like it will have more action so I will be giving the series another chance when it comes out!

I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Keyla Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Baby Dragon Bookshop Arc Review:

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with this e-ARC.

The Baby Dragon Bookshop is the third book in the Baby Dragon series. This story follows Emmy and Luke as they compete against each other to win the funding from the same investor and to have their rival coffee shops join forces with the Tails and Tales bookshop that has been in need of something new as of late. This competition complicates things as Emmy makes it her life’s mission to avoid Luke. But Luke however loves to annoy Emmy as it guarantees a chance to talk to her.

The Characters:

Emmy is too busy for love. She runs her successful dragon roasted coffee business that she started right after college graduation. She really wants to do an expansion so a new investor could open a lot of doors for her. She is the oldest daughter and has to look after father and brothers when her mother is away. She also finds herself babysitting her younger brother's 6 month old dragon while he is finishing up school. It doesn't help that she needs to be around Luke constantly for 6 weeks, especially since she can’t help herself from being attractive to him.

Luke is currently trying to keep his chimera roasted coffee business from drowning. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, all his money is going towards business expenses and he’s breaking even until he’s not. He can’t afford to lose his income as he provides a lot to his family as the oldest son. He really is in need of the investment and his roadblock is the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since that night 7 years ago.

Writing, Pacing and Final Thoughts:

I felt that the story was very evenly paced and it was really easy to follow that this story took place over 6 weeks. You really get to see both sides of Emmy and Luke’s lives and how there is so much more than what they’ve allowed the other person to see. Emmy struggles with standing up for herself and greeting boundaries when it comes to her mother. While she loves her mother, her mother is very quick to offer Emmy’s help without consulting her before she does it. I feel like it is a trait that most oldest daughters are used to having to deal with as I have definitely gone through this. You also can see how this has bled into how Emmy deals with things with people in her life and she just takes over which has given her the reputation of always needing to be in control. You also get to see how Luke has orbited his life around his family. He lives with his parents so that his dad, brother and him can take shifts being there for his mom. You learn that his family is his motivation to get his company to be a success so that he can provide for them as his mom has been ill for sometime. Since he has provided for his mom for as long as he could remember, he knew just how to be there for Emmy even if she wouldn't ask for it herself. I thought that was probably that most romantic part of the book was when he ask her to wash her hair. He was explaining how if he asked her if she would like him to, she probably would’ve said no. But since he asked if he could do it, she was able to say yes without feeling bad about asking for something.

This book is definitely my favorite of the 3. I felt like I could relate to both Luke and Emmy when it came to their family dynamics. They both carry so much and were able to unpack themselves to each other in ways that they haven’t been able to do with anyone else. I absolutely loved this story and loved how Luke wouldn’t let Emmy sacrifice her own happiness for him no matter how much he needed it. Sometimes the perfect solutions are the ones that are right in front of you but taking it means letting your guard down.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 5 Stars

Genre: Cozy Fantasy Romance

Release Date: Feb 12, 2026

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

[Steff Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

But her and her pride—it should have been him who was angry with her.

I’m genuinely beginning to think that I should probably stop picking up “cozy fantasy.” I’ve only read a small handful so far, but every time I find myself feeling just so bored with the plot or what almost feels like a lack thereof. Aamna Qureshi’s The Baby Dragon Bookshop, overall, is fine. There’s little inherently wrong with the story or the characters—though I actually seriously hated Emmeline, our fmc, for her problematic behavior and abject refusal to see how she was in the wrong for 80% of the story—but the number of times I had to read through some of the most boring summaries of events was absolutely excessive.

Put simply, I just do not care to any degree about these stupid coffee businesses. I don’t care how the coffee is roasted, I don’t care about the bookkeeping, I don’t care about the project proposals led by the desire for a potential investment in each of the lead characters’ businesses that I also didn’t give a shit about. And so much of the story is centered around the rivalry with their businesses that these two characters have with their dragon vs. chimera roasted coffee that I literally wanted to rip my hair out for forcing myself to keep reading through this. Could there have been a less exciting plot point?

And with so much of this book summarizing the most boring aspects of business ownership with smatterings of dragon antics—honestly, even this wasn’t interesting enough to save the book for me—it just made all of the family dynamics feel even more dull than they probably were. I could barely bring myself to care about anything going on with these characters because their business-related scenes were boring as hell, Emmeline was an ass, and everything centered around her family—outside of, perhaps, her sister (who also had nothing going on aside from having kids, one of which was a new baby)—taking advantage of her at every turn which is supposed to make me feel bad for her but simply resulted in me feeling frustrated with everyone involved instead. Her brother sucked, his lack of responsibility in getting a baby dragon when he didn’t have the bandwidth to train him and then deciding to foist the creature off on his sister was so frustrating. Her mother was always insisting that she needed to be around her father and brothers to take care of them because apparently they were all so hopeless and lost without a woman making sure they ate home cooked food.

And what’s even worse? The dragons! My goodness, why were they so pointless? One dragon’s sole purpose was to be a coffee roaster and transportation—outside of a MINOR mishap with a plot-forced overprotectiveness to create an opportunity for an injury that forced Emmeline to spend dinner with Luke’s family—and the other’s sole reason for existence was to be a poorly trained menace so her family could take advantage of her and to show just how busy she was. Honestly, what even was the point of a fantasy setting??

All of this said, it’s very clear to me at this point that this new genre of “cozy fantasy/cozy romantasy”—after reading and straight abhoring two such books to the point of wanting to throw both into a volcano—is not for me. I’ve come to the conclusion that its only job is to blend fantasy elements with the contemporary “every day life” dullness and I don’t think I can take another second of it.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in "The Baby Dragon" series did not disappoint! It was just as charming, lighthearted, romantic, and full of baby dragons as the rest of the series.

I love this series because it is so cozy. The romance is so sweet and charming in every book, and I am always rooting for the main love interests to get together. In this 3rd installment, Emmeline and her long time business rival Luke are set in a competition to win a HUGE business investor. As they work to prepare their proposals on who will win the business of the new coffee shop set to open in the local bookstore, they just can't help but start to catch feelings for each other.

Just as enchanting as the last 2 books, this installment includes:
-lots of baby dragons(more than book 2!)
-enemies to lovers romance
-a glimpse of the romantic couples from the previous books
-light spice (think 1.5/5 spicy pepper - there's a 1 page open door scene, everything else is fade to black)
-a charming valley where we get to meet new dragons and even some chimera's

This is the perfect series to pick up as a light, charming, palette cleanser. Each book is so quick to read, and I always have a hard time putting them down! This particular book took approx. 5 hrs/3 days of reading. It's the perfect cozy read for winter as well as it takes place around December. I love how all the characters are so sweet and they really want the best for each other. The friendships are adorable, the relationships between owner and dragon are so cute, and the romance in this was fantastic!

The only thing that I feel could use more work is the writing. It's akin to how a high schooler/fan fic writer would write. A lot of sentences/sentiments are constantly repeated throughout a paragraph or throughout the book, and I'm like "you JUST said the same thing a little while back". While it does make the book easily readable, I think it could use a bit more editing. However I also think the author has improved a bit on this since book 1.

I'm excited to see where this series goes next....from the excerpt at the end of this book, it looks like there might be a spinoff series following Ginny!?!?!?!

Absolutely recommend for the adult audience who is looking for a light, cozy, charming romance! 4.5/5 stars

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Damsel in Delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every page of the previous two books and so this one was a no brainer for me instant ARC request and first on my reading list once it was approved. This was extraordinarily good as all of her books are and once again it proves that romance books can be five stars for me just as much as epic fantasy and historical fantasy because honestly it was like she had read my mind and written the perfect book. Let me dive into it.
To begin with Emmeline and Luke have this raw chemistry that is so present in every line and gesture towards each other. It means that even something as simple as handing her a thermos of tea has so much emotional charge and feeling behind it and the whole book was devoured by me in one sitting because I couldn’t go to sleep before I had inhaled every word of this gorgeous gorgeous book.
Their history and rivalry is offset against moments where they genuinely connect and we get this slow growth throughout the book towards each other which is so beautiful to see. Often with enemies to lovers or rivals to lovers which this is, they go from rivals to lovers, its instant and overnight and usually just because they find the other physically attractive. However the way this is crafted makes it a love story that will last not just a lust story that will fizzle out when the pages close like a lot of romance books I read and yes. Just read it. This book is everything that the romance genre should be and it swirls in some gorgeously humerous baby dragon moments too (and also a few references back to the last couples if you’ve read the first two books!)
The character of Emmeline is eldest daughter incarnate, and I love that it isnt hammered home that point but slowly shown and developed through her actions. I may have got a tear in my eye when Luke noticed her efforts and helped her – okay I definitely did – because everything about this book was emotionally perfect and romantic and yet somehow builds upon the world that was established in the first two books. I loved seeing the Chimeras side of the valley and I’ve just got all my fingers and toes crossed that we get another book because this is AMAZING!
Romantic Content: we get some steamy making out and a very slow fade to black/less than a page sex scene with euphemistic language.
Violence Rating: Level 1 – its romance.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I love this series - The Baby Dragon Café followed by The Baby Dragon Bakery - and now she's thrown in a bookshop; what could be better?

I'd read quite a few hard-hitting thrillers before this and I was desperate for something fun and light and magical, which is exactly what this is.

What I love about this series, this book included, is how real it all seems. Because she's got such a solid foundation in the setting and the characters, and they feel real, it means the fantasy elements just slot in so well, the magic is grounded in the reality of it all.

You can totally read this as a standalone, but characters and plot points from previous books do crop up and I think you'll get a bit more out of it if you have that background already.

We've met the protagonists before in previous books but this really is their moment. Emmeline and Luke were fabulous individually and together, and I was willing them on from the start. I mean, you do want to bang their heads together; if they'd just sat down and had an honest chat in the first half then everything would have been sorted and they could have lived happily ever after, but I'm aware there's no drama in a story like that.

It is a quintessential enemies-to-lovers story. It's cosy, warming, funny, light-hearted, whimsical - just thoroughly enjoyable.

It's a tough choice but I think this is my favourite of the three. All this time she has spent building this world and building the characters has paid off because they're so strong in this book, so well rounded and developed. She has definitely found her footing with this book.

It is quick and easy to read and just zooms by.

My one tiny little issue - and it's not an issue really, just an observation - is I found the reason behind Emmeline and Luke's frostiness is really trivial, and I wonder if it had enough meat on it to really justify their reactions? Like I say, not an issue to ruin the reading or enjoyment of it, but something I did keep thinking about.

I recently saw this is the final book in the series, and I'm in two minds about this. I mean, I'm not sure how long it could have gone on for because it's a small town with the same characters in all of them, so it might have got a bit tired if it went on too long, but on the other side, I want more!!

[Cozy Sabie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He smiled to himself. She was magic herself, and she didn't even know it."

GENRE: Cozy Romantasy
RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Arc Copy
Tropes: Business Rivals with a complicated past, Enemies to Lovers, Set in a Bookshop, desic FMC and MMC, Baby Dragons as sidekicks, Low Stakes, Small town, Low Spice

Overall Impression: Aamna's books are some of my favourite to read and this book is no exception to it! This is book 3 in a series and I'd recommend the entire series as it is so binge-able and so swoon worthy + cozy

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Review:
This is book 3 in the series and I think it followed the same type of story as book 1 & 2. It's a lovely cozy romantasy, with baby dragons and this time, it's set in a bookshop! I mean, what reader can resist the lure of a cozy romantasy book with a bookshop? (Not me for sure lol)

We meet our FMC, Emmeline, who is an eldest daughter that takes care of the whole family and never of herself. She owns her own business that sells dragon roasted coffee beans (so cool, can I have some?) and then our MMC is Luke, also the eldest son in a family where he carries a lot of responsibilities. The eldest x eldest rivals to lovers happening in here? I was so in for it! I really enjoyed having both POV and getting to know both the MCs, their families/friends and seeing older characters we met in the past 2 books as well.

I loved how the author takes us on a journey to get to know Emmeline and how we see her develop. This happens throughout the story and for various reasons as it's not sustainable to take care of the world but never of yourself. We learn this with Emmeline and as an elder sibling, I definitely related a lot to this.

I enjoyed exploring the dynamic of family members through both MCs POV as well and this very much reminded me of my own culture and society, of how we receive so much pressure from our own parents/siblings...etc. Sometimes, we know that they love us but their harsh ways hurt us, no matter the intention.

Also, the connection between the two MCs and a book that they both shared and the correlation to the MCs in those book had me swooning ahhh (not sharing to avoid spoilers but I loved the reference to other books in here)

While I'm sad that we have reached the ending of the series, we are going to be following Genevieve's journey in a new series, with book one coming out later this year (Rider of Dragons) and somehow I never made the connection that it's the same Genevieve in this series so I squealed when I read the early scene added in here

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy

[Talisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a huge thank you to HarperCollins360 and to Aamna Qureshi for the chance to read this Advance Reader Edition before its release in February 2026. As a longtime, obsessed fan of the Baby Dragon series, I feel beyond blessed to have experienced this story early and even more grateful that it ended up becoming one of my absolute favorites… maybe even my favorite of all three.

Baby Dragon Bookshop might be my favorite favorite book in the entire series. Quereshi brings back the iconic cuteness and chaotic charm of the baby dragons, and we get so much of it as Emely takes care of her brother’s baby dragon, Motu.

Motu is just as adorable and mischievous as Sparky from book one, all big shining eyes and that little “I know I’m cute so you can’t stay mad at me” attitude. It amazes me that a creature that doesn’t even exist in our world feels so real in my mind. Quereshi writes these dragons with such vivid detail that I could picture every wiggle, pout, and naughty moment.

Beyond the dragons (which honestly could’ve carried the whole book for me because I’m obsessed 😂), the story is filled with everything I love most: bookshops, cozy coffee vibes, soft romance, and emotional depth.

This one is both enemies-to-lovers and a second-chance romance, since Emely and Luke share a complicated past. They’re competing as coffee distributors for the same investment, which adds tension, sweetness, and so many beautifully written emotional moments.

I also loved how we get hints about Ginny’s storyline (Aiden’s sister from book one) and what the next books might bring! *wink wink* our ADULT romantasy which I'm excited for! While this romance isn’t very "spicy", it’s incredibly heartfelt and the kind of cozy read that makes you smile, ache a little, and feel wrapped in warmth. Even the sad moments were written with a beauty that made them feel tender rather than heavy.

Overall? I adored every page. Cozy romance, magical dragons, bookshop magic, and coffee love… this book had everything that makes my reader heart happy. 🐉☕📚💗

[Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

I requested this book before I finished the first one, and admittedly probably would not have if I finished it first, as I did not enjoy The Baby Dragon Café. I was hopeful that this one might be a bit better as the author has written more books since then and the world is more developed, but sadly that is not the case.

Despite the fact that it has only been a year since The Baby Dragon Café was published, the author has already forgotten major plot details from it. While it may not be a big detail in this book, it is large enough to be noticeable. I think this just goes to show how rushed publication was, as 3 books in the span of a little over a year really is a lot. This shows in the writing as well, as it often comes across as very flat with no actual emotion in it.

The author also really has not learned anything about writing men since her first book. I think she's trying to go for a misunderstood, almost morally gray vibe in the same vein as Rhysand in ACOTAR or Xaden in Fourth Wing, but she absolutely fails at this. While Luke does have good intentions, he does not read as a good person. He's horrible to other people, but it's fine because he meant well. He harasses Emmeline, but it's supposed to be romantic because actually she's into him, despite her telling him no. On a different side of it, Emmeline's brothers and dad completely get away with being incapable of looking after themselves. It gets treated as a joke instead of a genuine problem, and somehow it's her mom's fault alone for this, with no responsibility put on them.

The only good thing about this book is that it is cozy. It's low stakes and easy to read without worrying about what may happen to the characters. No matter what you know it's a happy ending and everything will work out.

If you want an easy book you don't have to think about much, you might enjoy this. Unfortunately, it leaves a lot to be desired for me.

[Librow0rm Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read any of the other Baby Dragon books by A.T. Qureshi but, I do have at least one on my shelf waiting for me and I’ve heard so many good things about this being a series that delivers cosy, closed door romances with the added delight of baby dragons! Of course as soon as someone says dragons I’m there and in my humble opinion, if you can say no to baby dragons you are the equivalent of someone who doesn’t like dogs – definitely not a good thing in my eyes!

Despite jumping in straight into book 3 in the series – The Baby Dragon Bookshop, I had zero problems in picking up the story, even if I may have uncovered spoilers from books 1 and 2 – I’m not terribly upset. I don’t think that it will mar any of my future enjoyment of them! Anyway, I’m still in my need for book hugs and The Baby Dragon Bookshop brings them Dragon and Chimera sized!

This book focuses on the enemies to lovers relationship between Emmeline and Luke, with its foundations in Emmeline’s revenge on Luke for dumping her sister in college…the two are now coffee bean rivals and both are vying for a substantial investment in their coffee bean businesses. Of course this brings to live a competitive edge between the two alongside a forced proximity trope, that didn’t disappoint. This is a totally easy, smooth, fun and enjoyable read that totally hits that warm spot – another read that would definitely make any Grinch’s heart grow 2 sizes!

I really enjoyed the banter, the recognition of like meets like and how both characters are there for their family and friends rather than out for themselves. A fun, cosy romance that leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to find your own baby dragon – especially if you want to knit said baby dragon a little jumper to wear!

Thank you so much Avon Books UK and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

[Karissa ₊˚⊹ ᰔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

🐉 “The Baby Dragon Bookshop” by Aamna Qureshi – 3⭐️ Review 📚

Tropes: enemies to lovers 💥 | small-town charm 🍂 | bookshop romance 📖 | forced proximity 🫶 | low spice ✨ | magical creatures 🐲

Okay, this book was adorable, cozy, and totally gave me autumn fantasy rom-com vibes 🍁💫. Emmy and Luke’s banter was cute in that ugh-I-hate-you-but-you’re-also-hot kind of way, and the concept of a bookshop for baby dragons?? Literally the cutest thing ever. 🥹🔥

Emmy is stubborn, chaotic, and super driven, the kind of heroine who’s just trying to make her dream work (even if her dragons keep accidentally setting things on fire 😅). Luke is her rival-slash-enemy-slash-potential-love-interest, and while he starts off a bit grumpy, you can tell from early on he’s so gone for her. Their dynamic felt very Hallmark meets How to Train Your Dragon, which… honestly, I didn’t know I needed until now 😂.

BUT I will say, the pacing dragged a little in the middle, and some of the emotional beats didn’t land as hard as I hoped. It’s cute, but not super deep or spicy, so if you’re expecting ACOTAR-level tension or angst, this isn’t that. Think more cozy blanket read than heart-stopping romance.

Still, the worldbuilding was whimsical, the dragons stole every scene, and the ending wrapped things up in that warm fuzzy way that makes you smile.

Final thoughts:
A fun, feel-good fantasy romance with dragons, banter, and just enough magic to keep you turning pages. Not life-changing, but definitely comforting 💕

Rating: 3⭐️ — cute, cozy, and fire-breathing fun 🐲📖✨

✨ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 💫

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚The Baby Dragon Bookshop
✍🏻A.T. Qureshi
Blurb:
Will romance be the plot twist?

Emmy has an enemy, and his name is Luke. The good news? She rarely sees him. The bad news? When she does, she (and her pet dragons) are reminded just how handsome he is.

Besides, Emmy is too busy focusing on her dragon-fuelled business to have time for love. But when both she and Luke approach the same local investor for funding, she's suddenly unable to avoid him. The kookie investor insists they must compete for the cash by working at the local failing baby dragon bookshop to prove their magical business knowledge.

Determined to win the funding, Emmy dives into the task. But making a very flammable bookshop fit for baby dragons is no small feat, and it seems these rivals may need to join forces. Could Luke and Emmy's fiery animosity spark something more between them?
My Thoughts:
This was a cozy rival to lover romance, with a business competition, and bringing up old feelings and heartache. To begin with Emmeline and Luke have this raw chemistry that is so present in every line and gesture towards each other. I loved the banter Emmy and L
Luke had. it made me giggle so hard at so many points in the book. They go from rivals to lovers, it's instant and overnight and usually just because they find the other physically attractive. The Baby Dragon Bookshop is quick to read and utterly charming.
Thanks NetGalley, Avon and Author A.T. Qureshi for the advanced copy of "The Baby Dragon Bookshop" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley,
#Avon
#A.T.Qureshi
#TheBabyDragonBookshop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Thio Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.S.A. — Bring snacks or read in a coffee shop, budgeting for more than you would usually require. The food descriptions made my mouth water.

When the title is The Baby Dragon Bookshop, you know what you’re getting into right off — there will be baby dragons, there will be books, possibly romance, and likely a small town/cozy aesthetic. A. T. Qureshi delivers on all four.

Big sister/control-freak Emmeline takes care of everyone else, even at the cost of her own well-being and happiness…until her fairy godmother arrives in the form of a possible investor in her business.

Starshine Valley gives off perma-festival vibes with its seasonal activities and treats. The incorporation of dragons into daily life, work, and recreation is as consistent as it is charming. I have a particular weakness for pudgy baby dragons. The dialogue occasionally had a slightly generic feel, and in one instance, the narration confused the timeline. However, the character development was rich and layered. Emmeline could be a bit bratty, which I normally find irritating…but it made sense here and added a layer of realism.

I really enjoyed this plot — immaturity leading to misunderstandings, competition, personal growth, and second chances. The story was strong, well-written, and well-paced, carrying its theme with panache.

If you’re looking for some cozy with a surprising amount of emotional weight and baby dragons, The Baby Dragon Bookshop is for you. It’s delightful!

Thank you to Harper 360/Avon for the opportunity to read The Baby Dragon Bookshop. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb -
Will romance be the plot twist?
Emmy has an enemy, and his name is Luke. The good news? She rarely sees him. The bad news? When she does, she (and her pet dragons) are reminded just how handsome he is.
Besides, Emmy is too busy focusing on her dragon-fuelled business to have time for love. But when both she and Luke approach the same local investor for funding, she's suddenly unable to avoid him. The kookie investor insists they must compete for the cash by working at the local failing baby dragon bookshop to prove their magical business knowledge.
Determined to win the funding, Emmy dives into the task. But making a very flammable bookshop fit for baby dragons is no small feat, and it seems these rivals may need to join forces. Could Luke and Emmy's fiery animosity spark something more between them?
💜 Review -
I have loved the other books in the baby dragon series and The Baby Dragon Bookshop certainly didn't disappoint. I loved the author's writing and the pacing was just right. It was such a cute and easy read and there was plenty of content to keep me interested and reading until the end. I loved the chemistry between Luke and Emmy and I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. Also the baby dragons sounded so cute. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[بنت ألطاف · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 / 5 ⭐️

I really didn’t enjoy The Baby Dragon Bookshop. The plot felt poorly written, and I didn’t feel drawn into the story at all.
Emmaline was just so hard to like. She spends the first half of the book being spiteful and holding a grudge against Luke for seven years. SEVEN YEARS!? mainly coz he broke her younger sister's heart when she was in uni. But hey, she breaks HIS heart in return, so aren't they both even? Nope. Even her sister has moved on and has a family, but Emmaline can’t let it go (Why? coz she's the older sister, apparently) Then suddenly she completely melts toward Luke, and it didn’t feel believable at all.

Also, in another scene, emmaline is seen talking with a guy named Flint and when Luke sees them, he gets super mad at emmaline for talking with him ( coz flint does some illegal trading ig n spiked a girls drink). But instead of telling all this to Emmaline, he gets really angry and doesn't speak with her at all. Then, towards the end of the book, Emmaline's cousin sister is seen talking with Flint, and even SHE acts the same way as Luke. Like why don't you explain why?!

Although Luke was really sweet, and the baby dragons were cute (they really were, I mean, which dragons are not?), but that wasn’t enough to make up for the issues with the story and characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.