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A Barista's Guide to Love & Larceny
This cozy fantasy romance combines magic, college life, and first love into a sweetly brewed and delicious read about a girl roped into investigating a company's dangerous product!
Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to.
So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified. Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay her to use it to help investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Meanwhile, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, her endearingly cute new regular at work.
But then Silva’s plan evolves into stealing the formula. Can Dani help with this “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart?
Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to.
So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified. Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay her to use it to help investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Meanwhile, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, her endearingly cute new regular at work.
But then Silva’s plan evolves into stealing the formula. Can Dani help with this “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2026
26 people are currently reading
14584 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Bonin
1 book58 followersCaroline Bonin writes books about big, magical feelings and girls who glow in the dark. She studied the Irish harp and creative writing at Oberlin College, and received a master’s degree in digital marketing from Arizona State University. When not writing or reading, you can find her playing video games, hiking, sewing, or exploring local coffeeshops. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her partner and their three cats: Poptart, Nightingale, and Laura Bailey. A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 28, 2025
A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny was a fun and cozy read. I really enjoyed the mix of college life, cafe vibes, and unique magical elements, it felt creative and different. Dani was a likable main character, and I especially loved her friendship with McKenna and the sweet, healthy romance with Kass. The story had a nice balance of cozy moments and deeper themes about corporate greed, though the ending did feel a bit rushed. Overall, it was charming, well written, and I’d happily read more set in this world..especially if Gingerbread is there! Truly the best character in the book!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
oh my goodness this book was so good!! thank you to Girl's Life for the ARC! i started this book expecting a pretty decent book and ended it with one of my new favorite books! i fell in love with Dani the second she described her hair color (dying my hair purple has been a dream of mine) and talked about her working at a coffee shop (another dream of mine). Kass was a perfect book boyfriend. i was rooting for him and Dani all the way through. i loved the mission they were sent on and the plot twist at the end is WILD! props to the author for that twist because its one of those where all the clues were there.
pre-read
oh this looks really cute and OH MY GOSH THIS IS AN ARC (its my first ARC if you can't tell) i want to start it immediately
post-read
does this author have any more books? that i must read immediately? answer: no 😭
perfect for those who like
spy mission books
books with good plot twists
cute romances
fantasy stories (around star signs and astrology)
stories about college life
books with SO MUCH world building
in closing
i am definitely going to reread this book for years to come and enjoy it fully every time. thank you Caroline Bonin for this masterpiece of a story with SO MUCH world building that puts the reader in a world totally different from our own that also makes total and complete sense. the plot had a lot of things happen but it all tied up in a bow at the end and everything was resolved (much appreciated). GO READ THIS BOOK!
xoxo
emma
pre-read
oh this looks really cute and OH MY GOSH THIS IS AN ARC (its my first ARC if you can't tell) i want to start it immediately
post-read
does this author have any more books? that i must read immediately? answer: no 😭
perfect for those who like
spy mission books
books with good plot twists
cute romances
fantasy stories (around star signs and astrology)
stories about college life
books with SO MUCH world building
in closing
i am definitely going to reread this book for years to come and enjoy it fully every time. thank you Caroline Bonin for this masterpiece of a story with SO MUCH world building that puts the reader in a world totally different from our own that also makes total and complete sense. the plot had a lot of things happen but it all tied up in a bow at the end and everything was resolved (much appreciated). GO READ THIS BOOK!
xoxo
emma
dnf
November 10, 2025DNF @71%
There weren’t enough stakes to make me care. I liked the overall idea of the plot and the message of the book is good, but I just didn’t care much. In the beginning, I really cared about the mc, but her powers were so obviously being taken advantage of by her teacher, and I wanted better for her. If you’re looking for a cozy ya fantasy, I’d suggest Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe instead. Very similar vibe, but better characterization and plot imo.
There weren’t enough stakes to make me care. I liked the overall idea of the plot and the message of the book is good, but I just didn’t care much. In the beginning, I really cared about the mc, but her powers were so obviously being taken advantage of by her teacher, and I wanted better for her. If you’re looking for a cozy ya fantasy, I’d suggest Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe instead. Very similar vibe, but better characterization and plot imo.
December 20, 2025
This book was so magically cozy and charming! I adored Dani with all of my heart and was rooting for her every page. She was so relatable in many ways and I especially loved her friendship with McKenna who was also AMAZING (I wouldn’t mind a sequel focused on her!) I really enjoyed the magic system in this book and thought it was super cool. Even though Dani’s university was set in the magical world, I still felt like it explored the hardships and stress of working while trying to make it through school so well. Also, KASS. KASS was so dreamy and I loved how down bad he was for Dani. This was such a fun and adorable book and like I said before, I would not mind more stories in this world!
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the digital reader’s copy!
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends for the digital reader’s copy!
June 30, 2025
A favorite! I love the relationships between the characters so much and the plot is a delightful blend of genres.
Read
August 2, 2025rtc
January 5, 2026
I don’t know anything about coffee or witchcraft, but it was certainly unique RTC
November 10, 2025
Title: A Barista’s Guide To Love & Larceny
Author: Caroline Bonin
Synopsis: Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream magic university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to. So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified.
Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay Dani to use it to investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Plus, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, a mage and her endearingly cute new regular at work. . .even if she can't tell him about her ability or extracurricular activities. The fact that he seems just as interested in her is very uncharted territory for Dani since, thanks to her parents, she's never lived in one place long enough to have a real crush.
Can Dani help with the professor's “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart before the semester is over?
Review: I couldn’t get enough of this delightfully cozy book! For anyone wondering this is a standalone although I wouldn’t mind a sequel with the same characters I couldn’t get enough of them! Everyone in the book felt so real and genuine! I loved the found family aspect of this book as well! This book was a mix of genre’s and it works so well! There was so much warm and heart that was put into this book! I could tell the author put so much care into it! The romance was sweet and didn’t feel forced! The characters were genuinely sweet and I was rooting for them! I’m so happy I picked this up when I did! It made me feel so happy and warm!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publish for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
Author: Caroline Bonin
Synopsis: Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream magic university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to. So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified.
Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay Dani to use it to investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Plus, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, a mage and her endearingly cute new regular at work. . .even if she can't tell him about her ability or extracurricular activities. The fact that he seems just as interested in her is very uncharted territory for Dani since, thanks to her parents, she's never lived in one place long enough to have a real crush.
Can Dani help with the professor's “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart before the semester is over?
Review: I couldn’t get enough of this delightfully cozy book! For anyone wondering this is a standalone although I wouldn’t mind a sequel with the same characters I couldn’t get enough of them! Everyone in the book felt so real and genuine! I loved the found family aspect of this book as well! This book was a mix of genre’s and it works so well! There was so much warm and heart that was put into this book! I could tell the author put so much care into it! The romance was sweet and didn’t feel forced! The characters were genuinely sweet and I was rooting for them! I’m so happy I picked this up when I did! It made me feel so happy and warm!
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publish for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
June 28, 2025
In A Barista's Guide to Love & Larceny, Caroline Bonin has woven a captivating tale exploring the ways corporations exploit the working class, the ups and downs of romance, and the building of enduring friendships. There are so many wonderful things about the relationships portrayed in this story! I love Dani and McKenna's friendship, the romance with Kass, and the budding friendship with Oliver. McKenna and Oliver support Dani when the going gets tough, and she supports them right back! Even when it seems like the world is about to end (figuratively), the three stick together and stand together. Their friendship is the stuff of dreams, I swear. The relationship of Dani and Kass is also so well written, and so healthy! They help each other, they accept each other, flaws and all. They actually talk to each other, which is a really good foundation for a relationship. While Dani's relationships are the kind of magic a person can hope to find in the real world, the other magic is truly otherworldly.
The concepts of magic introduced are just so interesting, like talking to plants? Different woods having different magics? Dream magic? Can I move to this world? And the characters are so passionate about their areas of study, adding to the wonder of the magic. When someone who absolutely loves something talks about that thing, it inherently makes the thing more interesting (at least in my opinion). The passion leaks over, in such a wonderful way. This applies to Dani being a barista too. She clearly enjoys her craft, which not only develops her character a bit, it adds some fun to certain cafe scenes. The healthy relationships, magical disciplines, and passionate characters are the wonderful highlights of the story though the undertones about the corporate exploitation of the working class are also pretty interesting! Readers of good romance (actually healthy romance), well written characters, and interesting magic will enjoy A Barista's Guide to Love and Larceny.
Thank you to the author and to Netgalley for providing me an ARC for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own!
The concepts of magic introduced are just so interesting, like talking to plants? Different woods having different magics? Dream magic? Can I move to this world? And the characters are so passionate about their areas of study, adding to the wonder of the magic. When someone who absolutely loves something talks about that thing, it inherently makes the thing more interesting (at least in my opinion). The passion leaks over, in such a wonderful way. This applies to Dani being a barista too. She clearly enjoys her craft, which not only develops her character a bit, it adds some fun to certain cafe scenes. The healthy relationships, magical disciplines, and passionate characters are the wonderful highlights of the story though the undertones about the corporate exploitation of the working class are also pretty interesting! Readers of good romance (actually healthy romance), well written characters, and interesting magic will enjoy A Barista's Guide to Love and Larceny.
Thank you to the author and to Netgalley for providing me an ARC for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own!
January 13, 2026
A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny is one of these books you need to finish to truly understand the whys. That resulted in quite an ambivalent experience while reading this one, as it took me a long time to understand why some characters (one in particular) acted like they did —until the final twist.
I loved how the book is cozy and challenging all at once, and it felt like a beautiful summary of the college experience, especially for someone who isn’t privileged. Dani discovers a new life, has her first crush, has to deal with her job and all her classes… but she also has this adventure around the pharmaceutical lab.
And that questions a lot of things about the world we live in, especially about education. Which risks would you agree to take to hope for a different future when money is the thing lacking in the balance? How can you possibly deal with everything? Would you accept the risk of losing everything to help a friend?
All these themes were pretty well balanced here, as was the pacing (I never felt bored or anything) and I loved Dani’s trajectory, especially her decision at the very end. I just might have liked a bit more worldbuilding and magic, especially as some elements were introduced but never came back, feeling like a lost potential.
Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
3.5/5
I loved how the book is cozy and challenging all at once, and it felt like a beautiful summary of the college experience, especially for someone who isn’t privileged. Dani discovers a new life, has her first crush, has to deal with her job and all her classes… but she also has this adventure around the pharmaceutical lab.
And that questions a lot of things about the world we live in, especially about education. Which risks would you agree to take to hope for a different future when money is the thing lacking in the balance? How can you possibly deal with everything? Would you accept the risk of losing everything to help a friend?
All these themes were pretty well balanced here, as was the pacing (I never felt bored or anything) and I loved Dani’s trajectory, especially her decision at the very end. I just might have liked a bit more worldbuilding and magic, especially as some elements were introduced but never came back, feeling like a lost potential.
Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
3.5/5
January 17, 2026
Thank you so much to Fierce Reads and Toppling Stacks Tours for the gifted copy!
I love a good cozy romance, and this one was such a perfect mix of that and exciting heist! It’s such a cool setting. The book kind of tosses you in at the beginning, so it definitely took some focus to understand how the university worked and what kind of magic was used, but it didn’t take long to figure out. And now I would love to learn more!
I absolutely loved the relationships between characters in this one. Dani’s relationship with Kass was so sweet. Her relationship with McKenna was perfect and heartwarming, and I loved how Oliver fit into their friendship as well.
On a personal note, as a barista I loved Dani. I loved the various experiences and lingo the author put in there. Especially the part where someone asked for room for cream in their breve. Because I’ve had similar experiences and it just made me smile.
I love a good cozy romance, and this one was such a perfect mix of that and exciting heist! It’s such a cool setting. The book kind of tosses you in at the beginning, so it definitely took some focus to understand how the university worked and what kind of magic was used, but it didn’t take long to figure out. And now I would love to learn more!
I absolutely loved the relationships between characters in this one. Dani’s relationship with Kass was so sweet. Her relationship with McKenna was perfect and heartwarming, and I loved how Oliver fit into their friendship as well.
On a personal note, as a barista I loved Dani. I loved the various experiences and lingo the author put in there. Especially the part where someone asked for room for cream in their breve. Because I’ve had similar experiences and it just made me smile.
November 10, 2025
4.3 stars!
Thank you to Feiwel and Friends, Caroline Bonin and Netgalley for the ARC!!
This was so cute and cozy, I devoured this!
I think this was such a fun, low-stakes sort of romance novel, with a lot of coming to age elements and strong friendships! I loved how individualistic the side characters were, they all felt strong on their own and the bonds felt very real and solid
I enjoyed the romance too, I thought it was very sweet!
But I really enjoyed the feeling I had uncovering the plot, and going along for the ride :D I couldn't put it down!
It was interesting to see the writing style be a mix of juvenille but also transitioning into being an adult, so it wasn't feeling too much of either!
Overall it just felt like a fun, cozy time
Thank you to Feiwel and Friends, Caroline Bonin and Netgalley for the ARC!!
This was so cute and cozy, I devoured this!
I think this was such a fun, low-stakes sort of romance novel, with a lot of coming to age elements and strong friendships! I loved how individualistic the side characters were, they all felt strong on their own and the bonds felt very real and solid
I enjoyed the romance too, I thought it was very sweet!
But I really enjoyed the feeling I had uncovering the plot, and going along for the ride :D I couldn't put it down!
It was interesting to see the writing style be a mix of juvenille but also transitioning into being an adult, so it wasn't feeling too much of either!
Overall it just felt like a fun, cozy time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
Adorable, cozy and a great mysterious plot. I loved reading this book. It has this contemporary setting with a magical twist. Dani is in a magical college on scholarship, she works hard and studies in her free time. She has gone through a lot but worked super hard to be where she is. One night when working at the coffee shop, she meets Kass. And they are both just adorable. From their first meeting, to their dates and the ending this is a full sweet romance plot line. But at the same time, Dani hits a crossroads. Her scholarship is being reviewed and she now needs money if she were to lose it. So when a mysterious teacher offers her a job to Dani to use her mysterious secret power , she has to accept. Oneirolabs is a company that designs drugs that help with dreams and sleep and their new product seems problematic. Dani and her group of new teammates, must find out the formula of the new product, to not only save the subject of the clinical trials but to expose the company of wrongdoing. I loved reading about this plot while also getting Dani’s romance story. The end was so energetic I loved seeing it unravel and solved. Again, i loved the combination of heist with romance and Dani and Kass are so cute 🥰
January 6, 2026
I cannot in good conscience finish this book. I DNFed it at 7% purely because of the language used in the book. For a book that was labeled by the publisher for ages as low as 14, why was F**k needed to be used 52 times? Still have some stars because the story is interesting on its own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Barista's Guide to Love & Larceny is a fun, quick read filled with magic, romance, and secrets. The cherry on top and main reason I picked up this book was the heist. I was interested to see how not only the main character would pull it off but also how the author would pull off blending multiple genres.
This book is fast-paced and I loved the relationship Dani had with both Kass and McKenna. The merging of genres was done perfectly in my opinion, but my only complaint would be the predictability of the book overall. The twists that took place weren't as shocking as I would have liked for them to be, however, it did not ruin the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Caroline Bonin, and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
This book is fast-paced and I loved the relationship Dani had with both Kass and McKenna. The merging of genres was done perfectly in my opinion, but my only complaint would be the predictability of the book overall. The twists that took place weren't as shocking as I would have liked for them to be, however, it did not ruin the book for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Caroline Bonin, and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC!
A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny is a perfect blend of cozy fantasy, light mystery, and sweet romance. Dani is an earnest protagonist, balancing school, barista life, and a magical ability she tries to keep hidden. The café setting is warm and inviting, while and heist-style plot and magical elements add just the right amount of intrigue to keep the story moving. Kass is a swoony, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded love interest. Dani's relationship with him blossoms naturally, with chemistry and tender moments that never feel forced. I also adored Dani's friendship with McKenna and Oliver, their bonds are genuine and supportive.
This is exactly the kind of cozy fantasy that I love, and I look forward to reading more books by this author!
A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny is a perfect blend of cozy fantasy, light mystery, and sweet romance. Dani is an earnest protagonist, balancing school, barista life, and a magical ability she tries to keep hidden. The café setting is warm and inviting, while and heist-style plot and magical elements add just the right amount of intrigue to keep the story moving. Kass is a swoony, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded love interest. Dani's relationship with him blossoms naturally, with chemistry and tender moments that never feel forced. I also adored Dani's friendship with McKenna and Oliver, their bonds are genuine and supportive.
This is exactly the kind of cozy fantasy that I love, and I look forward to reading more books by this author!
October 12, 2025
I think this was a strong effort for a debut novel. I would have liked more world-building, especially for the magical side and Dani's abilities. I was a little worried it would be a rip-off of Lattes and Legends, but it was very different. The chemistry between Dani and Kass could have been a little stronger. I look forward to seeing what else the author writes in the future.
September 10, 2025
I DEVOURED this book in one day. What an amazing debut novel!
Dani is finally attending her dream magical university on a scholarship, but she’s still struggling to make ends meet. When a visiting professor discovers Dani’s secret ability, Dani is recruited to help expose a huge medical corporation for its mistreatment of its trial participants. It’s risky, dangerous, and could get her kicked out of school, but Dani also desperately wants to help her friend Oliver, who is one of the trial victims. And the money is much better than what she makes as a barista. But as she tries to juggle school, work, friends, this new secret “project,” and date the cute boy that becomes a regular at her coffee shop, one wrong move can lead to Dani losing everything.
I really loved the magic system in this story. Everyone’s personal magical abilities and the structure of the university system were really cool to learn about, and I want to learn even more! I also really enjoyed the beautiful friendships between Dani, her best friend/roommate McKenna and their new friend Oliver. I also loved the romance between Dani and Kass. They’re so cute together, and it made my heart so happy.
However, the protagonist sometimes irritated the hell out of me. Being tardy is one of my biggest pet peeves in real life, and Dani’s constant disregard for punctuality made me want to scream. Especially since being at this school is supposedly so important to her. And she can get kicked out if she’s late enough times. Why is she even risking it?! My anxiety could never.
What a thrilling blend of modern fantasy magic, academia, tech, cozy coffee shop, romance, and a heist! I’m thankful to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.
Dani is finally attending her dream magical university on a scholarship, but she’s still struggling to make ends meet. When a visiting professor discovers Dani’s secret ability, Dani is recruited to help expose a huge medical corporation for its mistreatment of its trial participants. It’s risky, dangerous, and could get her kicked out of school, but Dani also desperately wants to help her friend Oliver, who is one of the trial victims. And the money is much better than what she makes as a barista. But as she tries to juggle school, work, friends, this new secret “project,” and date the cute boy that becomes a regular at her coffee shop, one wrong move can lead to Dani losing everything.
I really loved the magic system in this story. Everyone’s personal magical abilities and the structure of the university system were really cool to learn about, and I want to learn even more! I also really enjoyed the beautiful friendships between Dani, her best friend/roommate McKenna and their new friend Oliver. I also loved the romance between Dani and Kass. They’re so cute together, and it made my heart so happy.
However, the protagonist sometimes irritated the hell out of me. Being tardy is one of my biggest pet peeves in real life, and Dani’s constant disregard for punctuality made me want to scream. Especially since being at this school is supposedly so important to her. And she can get kicked out if she’s late enough times. Why is she even risking it?! My anxiety could never.
What a thrilling blend of modern fantasy magic, academia, tech, cozy coffee shop, romance, and a heist! I’m thankful to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.
July 22, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5
This book was a great mix of cozy and suspense. The scenes in the coffee shop, relationship scenes between Dani and Kass, and the friendship moments between the core group were all satisfyingly cozy and comfortable. On the flip side, the heist and prep scenes were tense and nerve-wracking. For me, it managed to hit a good balance between the two.
In terms of the relationship, Dani and Kass are very cute together. I liked their interactions at the coffee shop, and the way they really felt like unsure teenagers when it comes to flirting. My only complaint is that I dislike miscommunication plot points where the couple breaks up because of a simple misunderstanding, but even then, it didn’t bother me as much in this one because it didn’t feel contrived. I could understand why Kass took it the way he did.
My fantasy nerd brain would’ve loved to have even more information about how magic works. Despite seeing Dani use her passive ability in action, we don’t really see her cast spells or do much beyond that. She writes essays about divining the future from scones, but that doesn’t go anywhere. I love when fantasy gets really detailed and the world feels so real. I loved what we got, but I would’ve liked a bit more.
Either way, this was an extremely enjoyable read that I’d recommend to any fans of Legends & Lattes and similar books.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5
This book was a great mix of cozy and suspense. The scenes in the coffee shop, relationship scenes between Dani and Kass, and the friendship moments between the core group were all satisfyingly cozy and comfortable. On the flip side, the heist and prep scenes were tense and nerve-wracking. For me, it managed to hit a good balance between the two.
In terms of the relationship, Dani and Kass are very cute together. I liked their interactions at the coffee shop, and the way they really felt like unsure teenagers when it comes to flirting. My only complaint is that I dislike miscommunication plot points where the couple breaks up because of a simple misunderstanding, but even then, it didn’t bother me as much in this one because it didn’t feel contrived. I could understand why Kass took it the way he did.
My fantasy nerd brain would’ve loved to have even more information about how magic works. Despite seeing Dani use her passive ability in action, we don’t really see her cast spells or do much beyond that. She writes essays about divining the future from scones, but that doesn’t go anywhere. I love when fantasy gets really detailed and the world feels so real. I loved what we got, but I would’ve liked a bit more.
Either way, this was an extremely enjoyable read that I’d recommend to any fans of Legends & Lattes and similar books.
July 24, 2025
4.5/5 (Rounded up to 5!)
Caroline Bonin wrote a charmingly adorable and delightfully whimsical entry to the Teen/YA space. A Barista's Guide to Love and Larceny is just cozy enough with a dash of magical realism and a smidgen of corporate espionage and heisting. This book pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee on a rainy day. The magical elements and world building were top teir! I had such a great time getting to know Dani, Kass, and the rest of Dani's heist crew. All the characters felt fleshed out and had a distinct purpose to serve. All in all, this is the type of book that I would be immediately searching to find out if it was a series in the making (McKenna's book or Wyatt's?)! I would love to spend more time in this universe! There is definitely longevity to the material if the author chose to expand the word. Even if she doesn't, this is such a delightful standalone first novel!
For fans of:
Magical College Setting
Quirky Familiars (Gingerbread the Crow is such a vibe)
Soft First Loves
Cozy Coffee Shop Feels on a Rainy Day
Heists and Hijinks
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!!
Caroline Bonin wrote a charmingly adorable and delightfully whimsical entry to the Teen/YA space. A Barista's Guide to Love and Larceny is just cozy enough with a dash of magical realism and a smidgen of corporate espionage and heisting. This book pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee on a rainy day. The magical elements and world building were top teir! I had such a great time getting to know Dani, Kass, and the rest of Dani's heist crew. All the characters felt fleshed out and had a distinct purpose to serve. All in all, this is the type of book that I would be immediately searching to find out if it was a series in the making (McKenna's book or Wyatt's?)! I would love to spend more time in this universe! There is definitely longevity to the material if the author chose to expand the word. Even if she doesn't, this is such a delightful standalone first novel!
For fans of:
Magical College Setting
Quirky Familiars (Gingerbread the Crow is such a vibe)
Soft First Loves
Cozy Coffee Shop Feels on a Rainy Day
Heists and Hijinks
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!!
September 4, 2025
ARC from Netgalley 🫶🏼
What a delightfully cozy book filled with mystery, coffee, and magic. This is such a fun read for the fall time, the entire book feels like a warm hug on a cool day.
Dani is a tired college student with a unique gift, recruited by a mysterious professor for a secret mission. Dani, who has spent her whole life fighting to be her own person, sees this as a chance to change her fate.
And then there’s Kass. Sweet, handsome Kass. Kass who looks at Dani and sees something special. Kass, who for some reason, can’t seem to stop saying embarrassing things in front of Dani.
This secret mission puts Dani’s relationship with Kass in jeopardy, leaving her to wonder if this is all worth it, if she can even go through with it.
Can she manage to save her spot at the university she’s dreamed of attending? Can she manage to keep her relationship safe? Can she manage to keep her friends safe?
There were so many good moments in this book, and I hope you enjoy it too :)
What a delightfully cozy book filled with mystery, coffee, and magic. This is such a fun read for the fall time, the entire book feels like a warm hug on a cool day.
Dani is a tired college student with a unique gift, recruited by a mysterious professor for a secret mission. Dani, who has spent her whole life fighting to be her own person, sees this as a chance to change her fate.
And then there’s Kass. Sweet, handsome Kass. Kass who looks at Dani and sees something special. Kass, who for some reason, can’t seem to stop saying embarrassing things in front of Dani.
This secret mission puts Dani’s relationship with Kass in jeopardy, leaving her to wonder if this is all worth it, if she can even go through with it.
Can she manage to save her spot at the university she’s dreamed of attending? Can she manage to keep her relationship safe? Can she manage to keep her friends safe?
There were so many good moments in this book, and I hope you enjoy it too :)
July 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up
This book was so fun! You have cozy romance, a heist, and misadventures galore! The university campus that this story takes place on sounds so interesting, besides the standard classes that you have, there are all of the mystical options. And the magic system that exists here is so unique and interesting - like talking to plants and the magic of wood (are they accepting universe transfers?)
I loved the relationships in this too, Dani and McKenna have such a good and realistic friendship and their friendship isn't a closed off one either, with Oliver slowly being added. Kass and Dani also have an awesome romance that is so sweet to read about.
I fell in love with these characters and with Caroline Bonin's writing style. This is a debut that you don't want to miss out on!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!
This book was so fun! You have cozy romance, a heist, and misadventures galore! The university campus that this story takes place on sounds so interesting, besides the standard classes that you have, there are all of the mystical options. And the magic system that exists here is so unique and interesting - like talking to plants and the magic of wood (are they accepting universe transfers?)
I loved the relationships in this too, Dani and McKenna have such a good and realistic friendship and their friendship isn't a closed off one either, with Oliver slowly being added. Kass and Dani also have an awesome romance that is so sweet to read about.
I fell in love with these characters and with Caroline Bonin's writing style. This is a debut that you don't want to miss out on!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!
October 12, 2025
The cover to this book is adorable and immediately caught my eye. FMC is attending a magic academy and lives with her best friend. I loved the friendship between Dani and McKenna. McKenna was always so supportive of Dani. The friendship aspect was something I really enjoyed, Dani continued to build friendships with people without her journey at the Academy with her 'special project'.
🔮Magic Academy
🔮Heist
🔮Secret Ability
🔮Romance
🔮Friendship
🔮Anxietyyy
One thing this story will show you, is that even if people make mistakes you can find ways to forgive and move forward together. This was an enjoyable story with a good wrapped up ending. It also made me want to have purple hair again.
🔮Magic Academy
🔮Heist
🔮Secret Ability
🔮Romance
🔮Friendship
🔮Anxietyyy
One thing this story will show you, is that even if people make mistakes you can find ways to forgive and move forward together. This was an enjoyable story with a good wrapped up ending. It also made me want to have purple hair again.
January 16, 2026
“You are worth a dream.”
Dani Lionet is living her dream at long last: attending Fox’s Leap University and staying far away from her opportunistic parents. Balancing school and work is challenging, and her financial situation leaves much to be desired, but she wouldn’t trade her freedom for the world. But her routine gets thrown upside down when a new professor starts looking too closely at Dani’s secret abilities and how they can help in her investigation of a new drug being developed by OneiroLabs. Upon seeing the effect it has on one of her regulars at the cafe Quarter Cast, she’s determined to help however she can. If that wasn’t enough, Dani meets Kass, a cute and charming boy, and for the first time in her life she must navigate the world of romance. She doesn’t expect the two worlds to collide—doesn’t want them to tangle together—but when they do, she’s left wondering if she can even trust herself.
I have conflicting feelings regarding A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny. On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their dynamics with one another. Oliver, Dani’s regular and a former participant in OneiroLabs’ clinical trials, was a pleasant surprise to the novel! They were a good example of a nonbinary character whose identity isn’t a big deal, and I thoroughly enjoyed their fast friendship with Dani. McKenna—Dani’s best friend and roommate—and Dani’s banter and unwavering support of each other was really refreshing, and I thought the romance between Dani and Kass was absolutely adorable. I also enjoyed the plot involving OneiroLabs, and the way Bonin wrote the side effects of their new product created a really horrifying image. I think it’s a great critique of large corporations and their willingness to throw ethics aside for a quick dollar. My biggest gripe with the book, though, and what sapped a lot of enjoyment out of it for me as a fantasy lover, was the world-building. I thought the magic that characters could learn was interesting, and I really liked how integrated magic was in this world. But I got pulled out of the whimsical reality multiple times by mentions of brands like Louboutin and Doc Martens. I was left wondering to what extent this world existed in our reality—if at all. By the end of the novel, I was left with no clearer picture on how the world actually worked. Maybe I just think too hard about world-building, but it completely broke the immersion for me. It’s a fun book if vibes-based world-building is more your style.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Fierce Reads and Feiwel & Friends for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Dani Lionet is living her dream at long last: attending Fox’s Leap University and staying far away from her opportunistic parents. Balancing school and work is challenging, and her financial situation leaves much to be desired, but she wouldn’t trade her freedom for the world. But her routine gets thrown upside down when a new professor starts looking too closely at Dani’s secret abilities and how they can help in her investigation of a new drug being developed by OneiroLabs. Upon seeing the effect it has on one of her regulars at the cafe Quarter Cast, she’s determined to help however she can. If that wasn’t enough, Dani meets Kass, a cute and charming boy, and for the first time in her life she must navigate the world of romance. She doesn’t expect the two worlds to collide—doesn’t want them to tangle together—but when they do, she’s left wondering if she can even trust herself.
I have conflicting feelings regarding A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny. On the one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their dynamics with one another. Oliver, Dani’s regular and a former participant in OneiroLabs’ clinical trials, was a pleasant surprise to the novel! They were a good example of a nonbinary character whose identity isn’t a big deal, and I thoroughly enjoyed their fast friendship with Dani. McKenna—Dani’s best friend and roommate—and Dani’s banter and unwavering support of each other was really refreshing, and I thought the romance between Dani and Kass was absolutely adorable. I also enjoyed the plot involving OneiroLabs, and the way Bonin wrote the side effects of their new product created a really horrifying image. I think it’s a great critique of large corporations and their willingness to throw ethics aside for a quick dollar. My biggest gripe with the book, though, and what sapped a lot of enjoyment out of it for me as a fantasy lover, was the world-building. I thought the magic that characters could learn was interesting, and I really liked how integrated magic was in this world. But I got pulled out of the whimsical reality multiple times by mentions of brands like Louboutin and Doc Martens. I was left wondering to what extent this world existed in our reality—if at all. By the end of the novel, I was left with no clearer picture on how the world actually worked. Maybe I just think too hard about world-building, but it completely broke the immersion for me. It’s a fun book if vibes-based world-building is more your style.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank Fierce Reads and Feiwel & Friends for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
September 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Caroline Bonin’s “A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny” is a charming, cozy, and heartfelt YA fantasy that explores the warmth of found family and slow-burn romance with a dash of magical realism and a daring heist. This debut is both a comfort read and an adventure, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee.
The story follows Dani, a first-year student at Fox’s Leap, a prestigious magical university. Between classes and scholarship pressures, she’s also working endless shifts as a barista to make ends meet. Dani’s life takes a sharp turn when she’s recruited by the mysterious Professor Silva for a secret mission: uncover corporate corruption tied to a dangerous drug trial that’s harming her fellow students. Alongside her best friend McKenna, new allies like Oliver, and Kass, the sweet, slightly awkward boy she’s falling for, Dani is thrust into a high-stakes heist that forces her to balance loyalty, love, and justice.
The relationships are the heart of this book. Dani and McKenna’s bond feels like chosen family, full of unconditional support. Her romance with Kass is refreshingly healthy as their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, honesty, and the kind of awkward flirting that makes it all the more endearing. Even side characters like Oliver and the rest of the heist crew shine, each with their own motivations and moments to add. The friendships, romances, and group dynamics are written with a sincerity that makes the world feel alive and emotionally resonant.
The worldbuilding is whimsical yet grounded. Magic is infused into everyday life, from dream-reading and plant-whispering to Dani’s own barista magic; yes, even coffee holds power. These elements never overwhelm the story, instead adding texture and delight to scenes in the café and beyond. Bonin also threads in deeper themes of corporate exploitation and working-class struggles, giving the novel surprising weight beneath its cozy surface.
If there’s a critique, it’s that I did wish for more detail about how the magic system works, and the ending, particularly the fallout from the final heist, can feel a little rushed. Still, these are small quibbles in an otherwise enchanting debut.
Warm, witty, and wonderfully magical, “A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny” is equal parts romance, friendship story, and caper. It’s a book about finding your people, fighting for what’s right, and maybe falling in love along the way. Fans of cozy fantasy with a streak of suspense will find this an irresistible read and will be left hoping Bonin returns to this world again.
Caroline Bonin’s “A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny” is a charming, cozy, and heartfelt YA fantasy that explores the warmth of found family and slow-burn romance with a dash of magical realism and a daring heist. This debut is both a comfort read and an adventure, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee.
The story follows Dani, a first-year student at Fox’s Leap, a prestigious magical university. Between classes and scholarship pressures, she’s also working endless shifts as a barista to make ends meet. Dani’s life takes a sharp turn when she’s recruited by the mysterious Professor Silva for a secret mission: uncover corporate corruption tied to a dangerous drug trial that’s harming her fellow students. Alongside her best friend McKenna, new allies like Oliver, and Kass, the sweet, slightly awkward boy she’s falling for, Dani is thrust into a high-stakes heist that forces her to balance loyalty, love, and justice.
The relationships are the heart of this book. Dani and McKenna’s bond feels like chosen family, full of unconditional support. Her romance with Kass is refreshingly healthy as their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, honesty, and the kind of awkward flirting that makes it all the more endearing. Even side characters like Oliver and the rest of the heist crew shine, each with their own motivations and moments to add. The friendships, romances, and group dynamics are written with a sincerity that makes the world feel alive and emotionally resonant.
The worldbuilding is whimsical yet grounded. Magic is infused into everyday life, from dream-reading and plant-whispering to Dani’s own barista magic; yes, even coffee holds power. These elements never overwhelm the story, instead adding texture and delight to scenes in the café and beyond. Bonin also threads in deeper themes of corporate exploitation and working-class struggles, giving the novel surprising weight beneath its cozy surface.
If there’s a critique, it’s that I did wish for more detail about how the magic system works, and the ending, particularly the fallout from the final heist, can feel a little rushed. Still, these are small quibbles in an otherwise enchanting debut.
Warm, witty, and wonderfully magical, “A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny” is equal parts romance, friendship story, and caper. It’s a book about finding your people, fighting for what’s right, and maybe falling in love along the way. Fans of cozy fantasy with a streak of suspense will find this an irresistible read and will be left hoping Bonin returns to this world again.
dnf
December 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an arc. All opinions are my own.
Rating: DNF @ 72%
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately it isn't working for me. Instead of finishing this just to give it a bad rating, I am choosing to dnf it.
What I liked: The main plot is interesting to me. I love a good heist. I love teenagers working together against a corrupt company. It's nothing earthshattering but it's a very solid foundation. I also found McKenna really funny. She's an absolute icon and she knows it. I kind of wish she had been either the protagonist or the love interest because I found her really compelling as a character. I also found Wyatt, Oliver, and Katya to be interesting and likable characters.
What I didn’t like: Oh my goodness the writing style was not for me. It felt like it was trying way too hard to be funny and self deprecating. There were also several cases where the author would use a decent metaphor, and then immediately over explain it. That's a HUGE pet peeve for me. I don't like being explicitly told how everyone feels about everything all the time. I would much prefer a single crumb of subtly. Additionally, the protagonist's power where people have no filter around her originally seemed like an interesting concept, but the execution felt like a lazy way to get out of showing us how characters feel. Also, I HATED Kass. Every line out of his mouth sounded like something my ex from middle school would have said. He's giving tiktok softboy. I'm sorry but if you're mega ultra rich, you don't ever get to call women milady even if you're joking. And referring to yourself as a "gentleman" and "feminist" unprompted will always feel performative to me.
Overall: This was definitely not for me, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who will love this book for all the reasons I hated it. I do think fans of cozy fantasy and a lot of booktok viral romantasies (ex. When The Moon Hatched which I have not read in it's entirety but I have read a lot of quotes from) might like this because that's what the writing style reminded me of. Of course, since I did dnf this book, this review should also be taken with a grain of salt.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or supporting characters are implicitly or explicity queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Rating: DNF @ 72%
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
I really wanted to like this, but unfortunately it isn't working for me. Instead of finishing this just to give it a bad rating, I am choosing to dnf it.
What I liked: The main plot is interesting to me. I love a good heist. I love teenagers working together against a corrupt company. It's nothing earthshattering but it's a very solid foundation. I also found McKenna really funny. She's an absolute icon and she knows it. I kind of wish she had been either the protagonist or the love interest because I found her really compelling as a character. I also found Wyatt, Oliver, and Katya to be interesting and likable characters.
What I didn’t like: Oh my goodness the writing style was not for me. It felt like it was trying way too hard to be funny and self deprecating. There were also several cases where the author would use a decent metaphor, and then immediately over explain it. That's a HUGE pet peeve for me. I don't like being explicitly told how everyone feels about everything all the time. I would much prefer a single crumb of subtly. Additionally, the protagonist's power where people have no filter around her originally seemed like an interesting concept, but the execution felt like a lazy way to get out of showing us how characters feel. Also, I HATED Kass. Every line out of his mouth sounded like something my ex from middle school would have said. He's giving tiktok softboy. I'm sorry but if you're mega ultra rich, you don't ever get to call women milady even if you're joking. And referring to yourself as a "gentleman" and "feminist" unprompted will always feel performative to me.
Overall: This was definitely not for me, but I'm sure there are plenty of people who will love this book for all the reasons I hated it. I do think fans of cozy fantasy and a lot of booktok viral romantasies (ex. When The Moon Hatched which I have not read in it's entirety but I have read a lot of quotes from) might like this because that's what the writing style reminded me of. Of course, since I did dnf this book, this review should also be taken with a grain of salt.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or supporting characters are implicitly or explicity queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny is a quick, entertaining read set between a café, a magical university, and the offices of a questionable magical-medicine corporation. The main character, Dani, has the ability to make people speak without a filter, and she’s recruited by a visiting professor to help uncover the formula for a new lucid-dreaming product that is causing dangerous side effects in its test subjects. Alongside this undercover mission, Dani is also navigating her first real crush on a mage who keeps her company during her late-night café shifts, and who is just. so. incredibly. cute.
The romance was easily my favourite part of the story. Dani and Kass were absolutely adorable together, and I loved watching their feelings slowly develop, as well as how they handled obstacles that appeared in the way of their budding relationship. The moments when Kass accidentally revealed little thoughts because of Dani’s magic were very sweet (“and girls with purple hair” was such a small detail, but so endearing), but I also loved the scenes where he chose to be open with her despite without her ability interfering.
The magical heist storyline didn’t quite capture me in the same way, though it still added momentum to the plot. Some elements felt a little too convenient, and I didn’t always find the execution fully convincing. A few character choices, particularly from the professor, occasionally pulled me out of the story, including when she spoke Italian to students who declaredly didn’t know the language and yet somehow still understood her. And the resolution came together very quickly after the climax/reveal, with a time jump that wrapped things up rather suddenly by telling us what had happened retrospectively rather than giving reader the chance to be shown more of it through the characters' eyes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for the romance, and I’d recommend it to readers who love fantasy romances with cozy vibes and student-centered magical missions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
The romance was easily my favourite part of the story. Dani and Kass were absolutely adorable together, and I loved watching their feelings slowly develop, as well as how they handled obstacles that appeared in the way of their budding relationship. The moments when Kass accidentally revealed little thoughts because of Dani’s magic were very sweet (“and girls with purple hair” was such a small detail, but so endearing), but I also loved the scenes where he chose to be open with her despite without her ability interfering.
The magical heist storyline didn’t quite capture me in the same way, though it still added momentum to the plot. Some elements felt a little too convenient, and I didn’t always find the execution fully convincing. A few character choices, particularly from the professor, occasionally pulled me out of the story, including when she spoke Italian to students who declaredly didn’t know the language and yet somehow still understood her. And the resolution came together very quickly after the climax/reveal, with a time jump that wrapped things up rather suddenly by telling us what had happened retrospectively rather than giving reader the chance to be shown more of it through the characters' eyes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for the romance, and I’d recommend it to readers who love fantasy romances with cozy vibes and student-centered magical missions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
January 3, 2026
ARC review -
3.75 stars, rounded up
* cozy YA fantasy
* academic setting
* found family
* nonbinary rep (not the FMC)
* heist
* corporate espionage
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Fierce Reads for the review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
This cozy YA academic fantasy was such a fun read! Dani and fellow students Katya, Wyatt, Oliver and McKenna are recruited by visiting Professor Silva to obtain the formula for a lucid dreaming enchantment with tragic side effects. It’s personal - Oliver was one of the test subjects and hasn’t recovered.
Dani struggles to manage her heist duties, growing attachment to rich boy Kass, classes and work obligations while maintaining the scholarship she needs to stay at Fox’s Leap.
I greatly enjoyed the magic system, cozy university setting and side characters. These are all done so well and are definitely the strongest elements of the book. McKenna in particular (Dani’s part fae roommate) is an absolute icon and a joy to read. The book setting and descriptions made me feel as if I was back in university, exhausted, rain soaked and burning the candle at all ends. There are a few particularly vibrant scenes - in particular the coffee flight with paired enchantments date with Kass is such a delightful concept that really helped build out the magical world.
I love a fun heist, but this one didn’t always work for me. The teammate roles and camaraderie could have been better developed and there are some betrayals and twists that were fairly easy to see coming.
3.75 stars, rounded up
* cozy YA fantasy
* academic setting
* found family
* nonbinary rep (not the FMC)
* heist
* corporate espionage
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Fierce Reads for the review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
This cozy YA academic fantasy was such a fun read! Dani and fellow students Katya, Wyatt, Oliver and McKenna are recruited by visiting Professor Silva to obtain the formula for a lucid dreaming enchantment with tragic side effects. It’s personal - Oliver was one of the test subjects and hasn’t recovered.
Dani struggles to manage her heist duties, growing attachment to rich boy Kass, classes and work obligations while maintaining the scholarship she needs to stay at Fox’s Leap.
I greatly enjoyed the magic system, cozy university setting and side characters. These are all done so well and are definitely the strongest elements of the book. McKenna in particular (Dani’s part fae roommate) is an absolute icon and a joy to read. The book setting and descriptions made me feel as if I was back in university, exhausted, rain soaked and burning the candle at all ends. There are a few particularly vibrant scenes - in particular the coffee flight with paired enchantments date with Kass is such a delightful concept that really helped build out the magical world.
I love a fun heist, but this one didn’t always work for me. The teammate roles and camaraderie could have been better developed and there are some betrayals and twists that were fairly easy to see coming.
January 9, 2026
Oh my gosh!!! What a very delightful read! I knew I would want to read this due to it being fantasy and also, who am I to deny it involving a cafe?
We follow Dani as she navigates her life in university, which I greatly appreciated to see the struggles of what everyday life is like and the struggles students endure in reality. Working as a barista to make ends meet while struggling to keep up her grades in order to not lose her scholarship...and still trying to figure out what she even wants to do as a majro in school. Completely relatable, been there myself. And then by chance, she meets Kass, who happens to walk into the cafe she works at. This chance meeting happens to change the trajectory in Dani's life and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, as well as seeing how they both grow as characters as the story unfolds.
I absolutely loved McKenna!! She is the friend you want in your life, who will give you the unwavering support you need, no matter the circumstances. I also loved Oliver and the quick friendship that they develop with McKenna and Dani. The side characters had their own personalities which stood out so much that I really enjoyed getting to know them all. I also loved seeing the dynamics of everyone together due to their vastly different personalities. I honestly would love to see more of them all and where they go in the rest of their university career (and beyond). Maybe we could see a spin off...?
Once the story picked up, it became very engaging and I found myself not wanting to put this down! I'm really looking to more works by Caroline!
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC!
We follow Dani as she navigates her life in university, which I greatly appreciated to see the struggles of what everyday life is like and the struggles students endure in reality. Working as a barista to make ends meet while struggling to keep up her grades in order to not lose her scholarship...and still trying to figure out what she even wants to do as a majro in school. Completely relatable, been there myself. And then by chance, she meets Kass, who happens to walk into the cafe she works at. This chance meeting happens to change the trajectory in Dani's life and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, as well as seeing how they both grow as characters as the story unfolds.
I absolutely loved McKenna!! She is the friend you want in your life, who will give you the unwavering support you need, no matter the circumstances. I also loved Oliver and the quick friendship that they develop with McKenna and Dani. The side characters had their own personalities which stood out so much that I really enjoyed getting to know them all. I also loved seeing the dynamics of everyone together due to their vastly different personalities. I honestly would love to see more of them all and where they go in the rest of their university career (and beyond). Maybe we could see a spin off...?
Once the story picked up, it became very engaging and I found myself not wanting to put this down! I'm really looking to more works by Caroline!
Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny is a charming, caffeinated caper that blends romance, mischief, and small‑town warmth into a story that goes down smooth. Caroline Bonin delivers a delightful mix of cozy mystery energy and rom‑com banter, creating a world that feels both comforting and just mischievous enough to keep the pages turning.
The real strength of the book lies in its characters, especially the barista protagonist, whose blend of wit, vulnerability, and stubborn determination makes her instantly likable. Her chemistry with the love interest is playful without feeling forced, and their dynamic adds a lovely emotional undercurrent to the more chaotic, crime‑tinged plot. The supporting cast is equally fun, giving the story a lived‑in, community vibe that makes the café setting feel like a place you’d happily linger.
The larceny element adds a clever twist, though at times the pacing around the mystery feels a touch uneven. A few reveals land a bit quickly, and some threads could have used a deeper steep. Still, the overall balance of humor, heart, and hijinks works beautifully, and the tone stays consistently engaging.
There is a bit of cursing or I'd say Young Adult.
This is the kind of book that leaves you smiling, warm, lightly suspenseful, and full of personality. A perfect pick for readers who love their romance with a dash of trouble and their mysteries with a generous pour of charm.
I received this ARC copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The real strength of the book lies in its characters, especially the barista protagonist, whose blend of wit, vulnerability, and stubborn determination makes her instantly likable. Her chemistry with the love interest is playful without feeling forced, and their dynamic adds a lovely emotional undercurrent to the more chaotic, crime‑tinged plot. The supporting cast is equally fun, giving the story a lived‑in, community vibe that makes the café setting feel like a place you’d happily linger.
The larceny element adds a clever twist, though at times the pacing around the mystery feels a touch uneven. A few reveals land a bit quickly, and some threads could have used a deeper steep. Still, the overall balance of humor, heart, and hijinks works beautifully, and the tone stays consistently engaging.
There is a bit of cursing or I'd say Young Adult.
This is the kind of book that leaves you smiling, warm, lightly suspenseful, and full of personality. A perfect pick for readers who love their romance with a dash of trouble and their mysteries with a generous pour of charm.
I received this ARC copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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