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Maya's Blog #1
Espresso Yourself
One human barista. One supernatural fortress.
When Maya Rivers takes a job at Pulse, a coffee shop in the heart of the Umbrafore Complex, she expects busy shifts and maybe the occasional grumpy vampire.
What she doesn’t expect is going viral and accidentally stumbling into supernatural fame while being targeted by a serial killer with a flair for theatrics.
It’s hard to keep a low profile when you work alongside supernatural warriors who protect humanity from magical threats.
Join Maya as she blogs her way through the ups and downs of a human in a supernatural world.
When Maya Rivers takes a job at Pulse, a coffee shop in the heart of the Umbrafore Complex, she expects busy shifts and maybe the occasional grumpy vampire.
What she doesn’t expect is going viral and accidentally stumbling into supernatural fame while being targeted by a serial killer with a flair for theatrics.
It’s hard to keep a low profile when you work alongside supernatural warriors who protect humanity from magical threats.
Join Maya as she blogs her way through the ups and downs of a human in a supernatural world.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
861 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Lara McKenzie
7 books46 followersLara McKenzie writes quirky, heartfelt stories brewed with humour, magic, and a splash of rebellion.
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
With a love for sharp wit, morally grey characters, and slow-burn tension, Lara blends the cosy and the chaotic into stories that linger like your favourite cup of coffee.
When she's not writing, you’ll find her researching weird folklore, chasing plot bunnies, or perfecting her latte art (with mixed success).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
September 7, 2025
Maya is the new human Barista at Pulse, a coffee shop in the Umbrafore Complex, a sort of paranormal defense agency staffed by immortal warriors and frequented by all manners of paranormal creatures and entities. The world knows about the paranormal, but most humans don't get the heavy immediate exposure to the very weird that Maya gets.
The book is presented as a series of blog posts, complete with steadily growing follower counts and selections of comments. It's cozy, funny and heart-warming. Maya is just very ordinary, and deals with very ordinary problems in her home life, but she is so genuine while dealing with the bizarreness of her work life that it becomes very obvious why her fans love her.
For all fans of cozy fantasy, this is the good stuff.
The book is presented as a series of blog posts, complete with steadily growing follower counts and selections of comments. It's cozy, funny and heart-warming. Maya is just very ordinary, and deals with very ordinary problems in her home life, but she is so genuine while dealing with the bizarreness of her work life that it becomes very obvious why her fans love her.
For all fans of cozy fantasy, this is the good stuff.
June 28, 2025
maya The Blogger
I wasn’t sure I would like this since it was written in blog style, however, I ended up really enjoying it. Maya is a hot, delightful mess but she’s honest and that is what endears her to get fans/readers. The stalker part of the story was well written into the plot and I like that the love interest wasn’t instalove but a work in progress. Looking forward to book 2
I wasn’t sure I would like this since it was written in blog style, however, I ended up really enjoying it. Maya is a hot, delightful mess but she’s honest and that is what endears her to get fans/readers. The stalker part of the story was well written into the plot and I like that the love interest wasn’t instalove but a work in progress. Looking forward to book 2
November 3, 2025
Serendipity placed this book in my path for me to trip over. I'll admit, I was skeptical. This isn't my usual fare. Blogs aren't really my thing, unless they're a crochet instuctional for a specific project I want to try.
However, the sample pages sucked me in. The author captures the essence of neurodivergent thought process, family trauma, and finding one's place in a world that fits like rayon pajamas with elastic cuffs at wrists and ankles -- itchy, scratchy, and pinchy in all the wrong places.
It's subtle advice and affirmations wrapped in a package of urban fantasy, friendship, and the occasional panic attack. The characters have depth. The author did a fabulous job of presenting all this without standing on a soapbox. It was refreshing. It was funny. It made me want more of Maya's story immediately.
I rarely hand out 5-star ratings, but this book deserves it. 10/10 buying copies for gift giving.
However, the sample pages sucked me in. The author captures the essence of neurodivergent thought process, family trauma, and finding one's place in a world that fits like rayon pajamas with elastic cuffs at wrists and ankles -- itchy, scratchy, and pinchy in all the wrong places.
It's subtle advice and affirmations wrapped in a package of urban fantasy, friendship, and the occasional panic attack. The characters have depth. The author did a fabulous job of presenting all this without standing on a soapbox. It was refreshing. It was funny. It made me want more of Maya's story immediately.
I rarely hand out 5-star ratings, but this book deserves it. 10/10 buying copies for gift giving.
November 14, 2025
This book doesn’t have an actual plot. It chugs along solely by “creating a vibe.” The vibe may be amusing and good for a few chuckles, but the blog posts that comprise the book become repetitive very quickly. By repetitive, I don’t mean that blog posts all seem similar, although that is true. I mean the author quite literally repeats the same information. Worse, later in the book there are some errors that do NOT appear to be human in origin. Another reviewer claimed they believe this book was AI generated, and those errors make me believe they may be right.
I previously read a book, The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero, that incorporated emails, newspaper clips, pictures, texts, letters, maps, and diary entries to help tell a story, but that book had a terrific plot to hang all that onto. It was artistic. It was proof the use of mixed media can be used successfully in a novel. By comparison, this novel really isn’t a novel at all.
I previously read a book, The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero, that incorporated emails, newspaper clips, pictures, texts, letters, maps, and diary entries to help tell a story, but that book had a terrific plot to hang all that onto. It was artistic. It was proof the use of mixed media can be used successfully in a novel. By comparison, this novel really isn’t a novel at all.
July 5, 2025
epic, I laughed, I cried and now I need a stuffed bat.
A. Where can I get a Beanford bat plushie.
B. This is book goals. I love everything about it, though I wish I had even more between the blog posts, posts.
C. I want all the coffee, fairy lights and blanket forts right now!
Seriously I adored this book so much. I feel seen that it was even written.
A. Where can I get a Beanford bat plushie.
B. This is book goals. I love everything about it, though I wish I had even more between the blog posts, posts.
C. I want all the coffee, fairy lights and blanket forts right now!
Seriously I adored this book so much. I feel seen that it was even written.
June 28, 2025
Captivating Read!
This is my new favorite series! So readable and relatable! This author is magic! The job, the family, the crush!! All just so much fun to read!! What a fun world! Can’t wait to read the next one!! Loved it!!
This is my new favorite series! So readable and relatable! This author is magic! The job, the family, the crush!! All just so much fun to read!! What a fun world! Can’t wait to read the next one!! Loved it!!
June 29, 2025
Emotional, caffeine fueled ride
This was funny, quirky, scary and tense. I loved every second of reading it and stayed up WAY to early in the morning to finish it. I'm 100% invested in the development of this character and hope that the caffeine chaos continues for many books.
This was funny, quirky, scary and tense. I loved every second of reading it and stayed up WAY to early in the morning to finish it. I'm 100% invested in the development of this character and hope that the caffeine chaos continues for many books.
July 2, 2025
Love, love, love. I mostly read digital books but I'm going to have to order the physical copy of this so that I can curl up with it after a bad day. I also am going to petition the book gods for a special edition where all of the latte art is illustrated.
May 21, 2025
This book had me from the sentence -possessed coffee machine-
This had me laughing out loud, kicking my feet, squealing and gasping.
Let me start off by stating this book is set out in a different style, it is written as a blog.
However, I for one, am absolutely here for it! It was a refreshing way to read and I enjoyed the blog comments at the end of each post and working out who might have been commenting.
This blog follows Maya, she is a human who has just started working at a coffee shop in a supernatural fort.
The coffee machine? - Possessed
The owner? - Pin up goddess
The customers (particularly the guards) - swoon worthy
The humour? - spot on
Some of my favourite lines that had me snorting into my latte;
- hold on to you mugs
- like some kind of pastry ninja
- this is a coffee shop, not Valhalla
Honestly I recommend this book so much! Absolute 10/10 for me.
This had me laughing out loud, kicking my feet, squealing and gasping.
Let me start off by stating this book is set out in a different style, it is written as a blog.
However, I for one, am absolutely here for it! It was a refreshing way to read and I enjoyed the blog comments at the end of each post and working out who might have been commenting.
This blog follows Maya, she is a human who has just started working at a coffee shop in a supernatural fort.
The coffee machine? - Possessed
The owner? - Pin up goddess
The customers (particularly the guards) - swoon worthy
The humour? - spot on
Some of my favourite lines that had me snorting into my latte;
- hold on to you mugs
- like some kind of pastry ninja
- this is a coffee shop, not Valhalla
Honestly I recommend this book so much! Absolute 10/10 for me.
July 1, 2025
So different and I LOVE it!
I did wonder what I'd let myself in for reading a book, that's a blog :o
But by the second flix of my kindle page, I was HOOKED!
Maya, human, barista, pulled down by life and her nasty family.
She starts a job at Pulse, where she can serve anyone and any supernatural, that has a hankering for COFFEE!!!!!
She starts the blog, really just to vent her life and the weirdness she's delt with.
This picks up and so does her life.
Her weirdness is seen and approved by those who meet her.
Characters are fab, Mrs F, oh my, adore!!!
Snarky with a come back that can make folks laugh or walk of stunned.
Onto book 2, YAY!
Highly recommend :D
I did wonder what I'd let myself in for reading a book, that's a blog :o
But by the second flix of my kindle page, I was HOOKED!
Maya, human, barista, pulled down by life and her nasty family.
She starts a job at Pulse, where she can serve anyone and any supernatural, that has a hankering for COFFEE!!!!!
She starts the blog, really just to vent her life and the weirdness she's delt with.
This picks up and so does her life.
Her weirdness is seen and approved by those who meet her.
Characters are fab, Mrs F, oh my, adore!!!
Snarky with a come back that can make folks laugh or walk of stunned.
Onto book 2, YAY!
Highly recommend :D
November 18, 2025
omg original and amazing?!
Ms McKenzie’s writing style is a breath of fresh air. I loved the blog style writing because it made it so interesting wondering what was happening in between, who the characters actually were, and this style even enriched the relationships the characters made with each other. This is def a slice of cozy and I’m absolutely here for the next book!!!
Ms McKenzie’s writing style is a breath of fresh air. I loved the blog style writing because it made it so interesting wondering what was happening in between, who the characters actually were, and this style even enriched the relationships the characters made with each other. This is def a slice of cozy and I’m absolutely here for the next book!!!
November 28, 2025
Dnf. Took me to chapter six to figure out it’s AI. Disappointed because it is a cute premise. I just wish they allowed an actual human to write it.
September 9, 2025
love so much, Another book to buy for my bookshelf and to give as gifts.
Rating: 5⭐️+
“Follow Maya Rivers, an anxious human barista with a gift for latte art and a blog full of chaos, as she navigates life in the Umbrafore Complex: part supernatural stronghold, part magical mayhem zone.”
That’s the hook, along with a great cover, that pulled me into this brilliantly written series by Lara McKenzie. A supernatural/paranormal universe that incorporates both human and otherworldly elements and characters, author McKenzie writes it from the standpoint of a very human Maya Rose Rivers, a barista in a new job who has decided to blog about her life and work adventures.
As McKenzie puts it “ADHD in my family, which often comes with concentration struggles. I wanted to create something for people who still love to read and want to disappear into a world, but need shorter bursts and the freedom to jump in and out without losing the thread. Whether you’re neurodivergent, suffer from brain fog, or prefer things served with fewer info dumps, this one is for you.”
So each chapter is a blog post. You can read it and watch as Maya struggles through her journey, with laughter, tears and coffee foam art. Gaining followers, friends of every species, and growing into new strengths and abilities.
I was really not prepared for the depths of the topics and challenges Maya faces. And how the author weaves these issues into her story. They are hardly noticeable at first, but as Maya grows and explores her own personal struggles through her blog, the revelations are both heartbreaking and then become a beacon of hope for many.
When I say you can laugh/cry here, yes, you can do exactly that. And write down sentences to savor.
Another book to buy for my bookshelf and to give as gifts.
Yes, highly recommended. If I had more stars in the rating, they’d be there.
Love this so much!
Why have I just found this author?
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
Rating: 5⭐️+
“Follow Maya Rivers, an anxious human barista with a gift for latte art and a blog full of chaos, as she navigates life in the Umbrafore Complex: part supernatural stronghold, part magical mayhem zone.”
That’s the hook, along with a great cover, that pulled me into this brilliantly written series by Lara McKenzie. A supernatural/paranormal universe that incorporates both human and otherworldly elements and characters, author McKenzie writes it from the standpoint of a very human Maya Rose Rivers, a barista in a new job who has decided to blog about her life and work adventures.
As McKenzie puts it “ADHD in my family, which often comes with concentration struggles. I wanted to create something for people who still love to read and want to disappear into a world, but need shorter bursts and the freedom to jump in and out without losing the thread. Whether you’re neurodivergent, suffer from brain fog, or prefer things served with fewer info dumps, this one is for you.”
So each chapter is a blog post. You can read it and watch as Maya struggles through her journey, with laughter, tears and coffee foam art. Gaining followers, friends of every species, and growing into new strengths and abilities.
I was really not prepared for the depths of the topics and challenges Maya faces. And how the author weaves these issues into her story. They are hardly noticeable at first, but as Maya grows and explores her own personal struggles through her blog, the revelations are both heartbreaking and then become a beacon of hope for many.
When I say you can laugh/cry here, yes, you can do exactly that. And write down sentences to savor.
Another book to buy for my bookshelf and to give as gifts.
Yes, highly recommended. If I had more stars in the rating, they’d be there.
Love this so much!
Why have I just found this author?
Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.
MAYA’S BLOGS:
Espresso Yourself #1
Brew Diligence #2
Uncharted Grounds #3
Flat White Flag #4
Little Bean #5 (coming soon)
September 28, 2025
Stick with it
This was almost a dnf for me or should I say a non starter, the format really messed with my flow trying to read the traditional way and I was so close to giving up. The thing is I’m in a major book slump so I tried again and this time I ignored all of the mini paragraphs and it did take a while but I eventually found a rhythm. I loved the inner dialogue and blog style of writing that let us get to know the fmc so well and even though we only saw the other characters through their comments you got a real sense of who they were. Brilliant writing, well paced and very different.
This was almost a dnf for me or should I say a non starter, the format really messed with my flow trying to read the traditional way and I was so close to giving up. The thing is I’m in a major book slump so I tried again and this time I ignored all of the mini paragraphs and it did take a while but I eventually found a rhythm. I loved the inner dialogue and blog style of writing that let us get to know the fmc so well and even though we only saw the other characters through their comments you got a real sense of who they were. Brilliant writing, well paced and very different.
February 12, 2026
This is NOT a fun read… It’s GLORIOUS!
Well, I think that about sums it up quite nicely… I was over the hills in laughter throughout my reading.
This is a true tale of strength through adversity and growth through trial. All in all it’s a monument to individual strength masquerading as cute fiction. I sincerely hope it’s an (accurate) allegory for the author’s own life, and if not, that it becomes just that for some woman in need.
Moreover, I want some of that merchandise ! There are far too many wonderful one-liners in this book for the mercy not be real…. Hint hint… get to producing… they will sell!
Well, I think that about sums it up quite nicely… I was over the hills in laughter throughout my reading.
This is a true tale of strength through adversity and growth through trial. All in all it’s a monument to individual strength masquerading as cute fiction. I sincerely hope it’s an (accurate) allegory for the author’s own life, and if not, that it becomes just that for some woman in need.
Moreover, I want some of that merchandise ! There are far too many wonderful one-liners in this book for the mercy not be real…. Hint hint… get to producing… they will sell!
October 2, 2025
Masterpiece of chaos, caffeine and emotional swoops
I don't think I've read a book this endearing, intriguing and engrossing this year. It deserves more than 5 stars with how perfect it is. This is not your typical story. It's entirely written in blog form and works so perfectly for it. Maya is the perfect FMC. The storyline is perfect. The antagonist plotline is amazing. The chaos and community and vibes work so so well. And we get a genuine shadow demon daddy. Cannot ask for more.
This is fast paced, hard to put down, and left me wanting more of this universe. It's exemplary indie/self published work.
I don't think I've read a book this endearing, intriguing and engrossing this year. It deserves more than 5 stars with how perfect it is. This is not your typical story. It's entirely written in blog form and works so perfectly for it. Maya is the perfect FMC. The storyline is perfect. The antagonist plotline is amazing. The chaos and community and vibes work so so well. And we get a genuine shadow demon daddy. Cannot ask for more.
This is fast paced, hard to put down, and left me wanting more of this universe. It's exemplary indie/self published work.
September 26, 2025
unique
This was very unusual and I absolutely loved it. Maya was a very unique character in the way she described her job and the way she lived her life. In a way she laid it out as an adventure that many creatures great and small would like to live. I think that is why it was so popular. It was definitely magnificent in the way this was written and I hope this author has many other books that are as unique as this one was.
This was very unusual and I absolutely loved it. Maya was a very unique character in the way she described her job and the way she lived her life. In a way she laid it out as an adventure that many creatures great and small would like to live. I think that is why it was so popular. It was definitely magnificent in the way this was written and I hope this author has many other books that are as unique as this one was.
September 30, 2025
I started this book after being emotionally ruined by the last book I read (King of the Cage) and needing something light as a palette cleaner. I also thought that a book written in blog post style might be an easier ride for my AuDHD brain.
I was right about it being easier on my ND brain. Small chunk story segments were perfect, plus knowing that the FMC had “written” the post soothed my anxiety that Bad Things had happened to her (my book addiction plays havoc with my anxiety disorder so this was a nice change of pace) and I adored the story. I thought it might be dull but nooooo. It was amazing. I am the newest and loudest member of the Mrs Finkle Fan Club and I’m more than a little in love with Bunny Cup Guy [TM]
Bring on book two. I need to make sure that Gary The Reaper is okay, after he saved Maya’s life in book one and disappeared afterward.
I was right about it being easier on my ND brain. Small chunk story segments were perfect, plus knowing that the FMC had “written” the post soothed my anxiety that Bad Things had happened to her (my book addiction plays havoc with my anxiety disorder so this was a nice change of pace) and I adored the story. I thought it might be dull but nooooo. It was amazing. I am the newest and loudest member of the Mrs Finkle Fan Club and I’m more than a little in love with Bunny Cup Guy [TM]
Bring on book two. I need to make sure that Gary The Reaper is okay, after he saved Maya’s life in book one and disappeared afterward.
January 25, 2026
It took me a while to get into this book simply due to the writing style, however I'm glad I stuck with it as it's actually a really funny and uplifting cosy little book and I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series.
A few of my favourite quotes;
"It was shadow and sin, all sharp grace and controlled power..."
"It was violence. It was poetry. It was the kind of fluid grace that made my cooch file a formal complaint for neglect."
"I am a person, not a fucking side quest."
A few of my favourite quotes;
"It was shadow and sin, all sharp grace and controlled power..."
"It was violence. It was poetry. It was the kind of fluid grace that made my cooch file a formal complaint for neglect."
"I am a person, not a fucking side quest."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2026
Whimsical and cosy
This book is perfect light reading with all the right feels. Cosy chaos, finding her feet, and found family in spades, as well as worthy causes, feminine empowerment, and a sinister mystery lurking in the background to keep you turning the pages. This book is also a blessing for anyone who loves short, snappy chapters that keep you motivated and engaged throughout. I look forward to starting the next book.
This book is perfect light reading with all the right feels. Cosy chaos, finding her feet, and found family in spades, as well as worthy causes, feminine empowerment, and a sinister mystery lurking in the background to keep you turning the pages. This book is also a blessing for anyone who loves short, snappy chapters that keep you motivated and engaged throughout. I look forward to starting the next book.
October 2, 2025
Cute and easy to read. I like how the author intentionally designed this to be an easy read for those with short attention spans or the like. Short chapters, short paragraphs. Written as a series of blog entries, which appeals to my love of the epistolary story format.
fun, light, full of sarcasm and humor. Cozy fantasy.
a human barista working in a supernatural coffee shop of sorts.
A small amount of romance, that works well with the format and the story, but I don't think the book would actually be categorized as a romance.
fun, light, full of sarcasm and humor. Cozy fantasy.
a human barista working in a supernatural coffee shop of sorts.
A small amount of romance, that works well with the format and the story, but I don't think the book would actually be categorized as a romance.
July 2, 2025
Just Damn !!!!!
Ok this was just a damn fun read !!!!!
And honestly I needed it.
So no don't take a chance on this one. Just get the damn book already ! You won't regret it !
jrwii
Ok this was just a damn fun read !!!!!
And honestly I needed it.
So no don't take a chance on this one. Just get the damn book already ! You won't regret it !
jrwii
July 8, 2025
Loved it.
I laughed out loud, cried, and cheered. It was such a great warming journey, and now I have a new book boyfriend to root for. Read this on a recommendation of a friend, and it truly is a great read. Highly recommend reading this book.
I laughed out loud, cried, and cheered. It was such a great warming journey, and now I have a new book boyfriend to root for. Read this on a recommendation of a friend, and it truly is a great read. Highly recommend reading this book.
July 23, 2025
Cosy and fun! Loved reading this ☕️
as an added bonus : the author notes at the beginning that this was written to be suitable for an ADHD brain - I found this so easy to read with the short paragraphs and small paragraphs.
as an added bonus : the author notes at the beginning that this was written to be suitable for an ADHD brain - I found this so easy to read with the short paragraphs and small paragraphs.
September 1, 2025
Feel good & funny
Love the note from the author explaining it’s written as blog posts to be ADHD friendly. Respect for that!
Main character is funny and fierce. Many wonderful characters and a happy ending.
Love the note from the author explaining it’s written as blog posts to be ADHD friendly. Respect for that!
Main character is funny and fierce. Many wonderful characters and a happy ending.
September 19, 2025
love it!!!
I actually like the blog style of writing!! It was easy to follow and I didn’t have to go back to re-read the sentences I skipped because I wanted to get to the end! I loved it!!!
I actually like the blog style of writing!! It was easy to follow and I didn’t have to go back to re-read the sentences I skipped because I wanted to get to the end! I loved it!!!
January 4, 2026
Pleasantly Surprised!
This initially looked so cute but became more as we tagged along with Maya. I really enjoyed all the side characters as well as seeing Maya overcome her trials. I don't know if I'm more looking forward to the next book or reading this one again.
This initially looked so cute but became more as we tagged along with Maya. I really enjoyed all the side characters as well as seeing Maya overcome her trials. I don't know if I'm more looking forward to the next book or reading this one again.
January 9, 2026
4/5⭐️
Who would've guessed that I, a person who reads spicy romance like it's a competitive sport, thoroughly enjoyed a chaotic blog-styled written book?
Maya is my new favorite spirit animal 😂
Who would've guessed that I, a person who reads spicy romance like it's a competitive sport, thoroughly enjoyed a chaotic blog-styled written book?
Maya is my new favorite spirit animal 😂
June 14, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! The humour is so good and I love the fact the book is in blog post format it really works! Will certainly be reading the next one. Great stuff 5 stars
June 26, 2025
Craving coffee
Reading this has made me feel like I was actually sitting in a corner booth of the Cafe.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Reading this has made me feel like I was actually sitting in a corner booth of the Cafe.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews