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University of Florevale #1
First Bloom
A magical city, a secret identity, a cafe where everything changes.
After a lifetime of failing to control her wild magic, Princess Aurelia of Serremont is determined to flourish in Florevale. Seizing her only chance at life on her own, she disguises herself as Lia, a first-year student at the University, and ventures into the city’s café-lined streets, corner boulangeries, and blooming gardens.
Between magical classes and training with her faerie tutors, she takes a job at the school’s beloved Apple Blossom Café. There, among seasonal lattes and climbing roses, she discovers unexpected companions in her tour-guide-turned-best-friend, Elle, and her fellow barista, Adrian. Thoughtful, charming Adrian, who's utterly unaware of the secrets she carries despite the sparks igniting between them.
But even as her new life blossoms with laughter-filled lunches and candlelit evenings on her balcony, Aurelia’s magic threatens to upend everything. To hold onto the world she’s building, she’ll have to learn to trust herself, lean on others, and take a few daring chances along the way.
Book one of the University of Florevale series, First Bloom is a cozy invitation to walk among magical gardens, slow down with a mug of coffee, and join Aurelia as she discovers the wonders of taking a chance on hope.
After a lifetime of failing to control her wild magic, Princess Aurelia of Serremont is determined to flourish in Florevale. Seizing her only chance at life on her own, she disguises herself as Lia, a first-year student at the University, and ventures into the city’s café-lined streets, corner boulangeries, and blooming gardens.
Between magical classes and training with her faerie tutors, she takes a job at the school’s beloved Apple Blossom Café. There, among seasonal lattes and climbing roses, she discovers unexpected companions in her tour-guide-turned-best-friend, Elle, and her fellow barista, Adrian. Thoughtful, charming Adrian, who's utterly unaware of the secrets she carries despite the sparks igniting between them.
But even as her new life blossoms with laughter-filled lunches and candlelit evenings on her balcony, Aurelia’s magic threatens to upend everything. To hold onto the world she’s building, she’ll have to learn to trust herself, lean on others, and take a few daring chances along the way.
Book one of the University of Florevale series, First Bloom is a cozy invitation to walk among magical gardens, slow down with a mug of coffee, and join Aurelia as she discovers the wonders of taking a chance on hope.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
6 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 27, 2025
I was the first person to read this book so now I get to write the first review of it! I might have a slightly biased opinion considering it’s my wife’s novel, but it really is good so I’m going to give it as helpful a review as I can!
I’ve read a number of fantasy books set in a modern world, and I enjoyed the take on it here. It blends technology and magic in a way that feels completely different from our world but consistent and believable. This mix of familiar and unfamiliar makes the slower cozy pace and the organic elements of the worldbuilding feel natural rather than forced, and the city is one that I would really enjoy visiting, making it easy to get lost in the world.
I found there to be a good balance of focus on both friendships and romance. Many books will prioritize one and include the other as an afterthought, but both romantic and platonic relationships are significant and important for the sheltered main character’s development. It will be exciting to watch both evolve in future books and get to know more of what’s going on in the other characters heads.
I won’t give any spoilers here but Katie didn’t give me clues before I read the ending and it managed to surprise me and made me want more!
Overall, it’s a fun retreat from both the craziness of the real world and the world-is-ending-everyone-is-about-to-die style of fantasy books I usually read. The characters and setting just make you feel good, there’s some pleasant nostalgia for the quick forming but deep friendships of college, and it gives a glimpse of a better way to do life.
5/5!
I’ve read a number of fantasy books set in a modern world, and I enjoyed the take on it here. It blends technology and magic in a way that feels completely different from our world but consistent and believable. This mix of familiar and unfamiliar makes the slower cozy pace and the organic elements of the worldbuilding feel natural rather than forced, and the city is one that I would really enjoy visiting, making it easy to get lost in the world.
I found there to be a good balance of focus on both friendships and romance. Many books will prioritize one and include the other as an afterthought, but both romantic and platonic relationships are significant and important for the sheltered main character’s development. It will be exciting to watch both evolve in future books and get to know more of what’s going on in the other characters heads.
I won’t give any spoilers here but Katie didn’t give me clues before I read the ending and it managed to surprise me and made me want more!
Overall, it’s a fun retreat from both the craziness of the real world and the world-is-ending-everyone-is-about-to-die style of fantasy books I usually read. The characters and setting just make you feel good, there’s some pleasant nostalgia for the quick forming but deep friendships of college, and it gives a glimpse of a better way to do life.
5/5!
October 30, 2025
4 1/2 stars, really!
I was honored to receive an ARC of First Bloom! This cozy, gentle story is everything you could want. Girlfriends who are supportive and loving, a FMC who is strong yet excited to expand her horizons, and a dreamy MMC who I’m definitely looking forward to learning more about! First Bloom captured the romantic vibes of Paris while still transporting me to a whole new world.
This story is gentle, magical and enchanting, perfect for cozying up with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Can’t wait for the next one!
I was honored to receive an ARC of First Bloom! This cozy, gentle story is everything you could want. Girlfriends who are supportive and loving, a FMC who is strong yet excited to expand her horizons, and a dreamy MMC who I’m definitely looking forward to learning more about! First Bloom captured the romantic vibes of Paris while still transporting me to a whole new world.
This story is gentle, magical and enchanting, perfect for cozying up with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of First Bloom, and I absolutely loved it. This cozy, plant-filled romantic fantasy feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket of greenery and gentle magic.
The world-building was beautifully descriptive. It’s one of those books where you can almost smell the earth and flowers while you read.
I especially appreciated how real Aurelia’s emotions felt. Her anxiety, her moments of doubt, and the deep sense of relief she experiences throughout the story really resonated with me. It’s not often that I find myself physically feeling what a character feels, but Trauffer captured that perfectly.
The characters were all very likable, though at times they felt a little bit too polished or “storybook perfect”.
If you love cozy fantasy, romance, and stories that celebrate plants, healing, and quiet growth, this book is such a lovely escape.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
The world-building was beautifully descriptive. It’s one of those books where you can almost smell the earth and flowers while you read.
I especially appreciated how real Aurelia’s emotions felt. Her anxiety, her moments of doubt, and the deep sense of relief she experiences throughout the story really resonated with me. It’s not often that I find myself physically feeling what a character feels, but Trauffer captured that perfectly.
The characters were all very likable, though at times they felt a little bit too polished or “storybook perfect”.
If you love cozy fantasy, romance, and stories that celebrate plants, healing, and quiet growth, this book is such a lovely escape.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)
November 9, 2025
A warm cup of tea in book form. Perfect read for someone looking for a sweet and cozy romance. Like a hallmark movie in book form with a hint of magic. This book is perfect for fantasy and romance readers alike. It is so comforting and has been one of my favourite books to read before bed. I absolutely loved the characters, the friendship building and the sweet romance arc. Best of all was how Katie Trauffer set the scene for Aurelia’s world. It’s a world I would love to live in - I felt truly transported. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next!
November 14, 2025
I was so giddy to get an ARC of First Bloom for an honest review, and so here it is!
First Bloom by Katie Trauffer is the coziest, most comforting fantasy I’ve read in a long time. From the very first chapter, the blend of modern society and a magical, whimsical world felt effortless, like slipping through a doorway into somewhere familiar and enchanted all at once.
Lia herself is such a beautifully layered protagonist. Her insecurities, trauma, and trust issues that come with her past and identity made her feel deeply human. Watching her start to find her footing, open up to new friendships, and explore what her magic could be (instead of just what it’s cost her) was so satisfying.
I lovvveeeddd the balance between Lia’s connection with her two new best friends and the soft, sweet romance with Adrian is just right. Nothing overshadows anything else; it all weaves together into this tender, comforting rhythm that made me smile constantly.
The setting descriptions are so vivid and inviting that I genuinely felt like I’d been there before. Like, if I came upon Apple Blossom IRL, I swear I’d walk in and feel like a regular 😅.
Also, Poppy is an absolute star and has claimed a permanent spot in my heart. The magical touches in this book are whimsical without ever being over-the-top, they’re cozy magic, and I loved every second of it.
While this is a true 5-star read for me, I will say the ending felt a bit sudden. I don’t mind a cliffhanger, but a few threads especially regarding Fiora and Clem, and a bit with Lia and Adrian felt like they needed just a touch more time to breathe. Still, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and it absolutely didn’t dull my excitement for book two. If anything, I’m more impatient to return.
Overall, First Bloom is warm, atmospheric, heart-forward fantasy at its best. It has friendship, found family, soft romance, cozy magic, and a world I can’t wait to step back into. Florevale already feels like home, and I’m so excited to visit again.
First Bloom by Katie Trauffer is the coziest, most comforting fantasy I’ve read in a long time. From the very first chapter, the blend of modern society and a magical, whimsical world felt effortless, like slipping through a doorway into somewhere familiar and enchanted all at once.
Lia herself is such a beautifully layered protagonist. Her insecurities, trauma, and trust issues that come with her past and identity made her feel deeply human. Watching her start to find her footing, open up to new friendships, and explore what her magic could be (instead of just what it’s cost her) was so satisfying.
I lovvveeeddd the balance between Lia’s connection with her two new best friends and the soft, sweet romance with Adrian is just right. Nothing overshadows anything else; it all weaves together into this tender, comforting rhythm that made me smile constantly.
The setting descriptions are so vivid and inviting that I genuinely felt like I’d been there before. Like, if I came upon Apple Blossom IRL, I swear I’d walk in and feel like a regular 😅.
Also, Poppy is an absolute star and has claimed a permanent spot in my heart. The magical touches in this book are whimsical without ever being over-the-top, they’re cozy magic, and I loved every second of it.
While this is a true 5-star read for me, I will say the ending felt a bit sudden. I don’t mind a cliffhanger, but a few threads especially regarding Fiora and Clem, and a bit with Lia and Adrian felt like they needed just a touch more time to breathe. Still, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment, and it absolutely didn’t dull my excitement for book two. If anything, I’m more impatient to return.
Overall, First Bloom is warm, atmospheric, heart-forward fantasy at its best. It has friendship, found family, soft romance, cozy magic, and a world I can’t wait to step back into. Florevale already feels like home, and I’m so excited to visit again.
November 30, 2025
This book is the kind of soft, magical escape that sneaks up on you and wraps you in warm light. It follows Aurelia, known as “Lia” to the friends she makes while studying incognito; a crown princess whose magic is so powerful and volatile that even the strongest bindings can barely contain it. With the blessing (and faint desperation) of her parents, she heads to Florevale, (a Paris-inspired city) to attend a specialized college in hopes of finally learning control.
What she finds instead is a life she’s never had the chance to live.
The vibes are absolutely lovely: morning cafés, yoga classes, little local festivals, gentle friendships, and the flutter of first love. Their slow-burn romance feels sweet, earnest, and quietly intense, like something building between two people trying their best to meet each other in the middle of their own fears.
But beneath all the coziness is a simmer of tension. Lia’s magic is changing, her double life is stretching thin, and not everyone she meets has kind intentions. One particular character—charming at first glance, rotten underneath—makes a return in a way that had me gasping. The story ends on a cliffhanger that promises upheaval, exposure, and some serious consequences for Lia’s secret.
If you love:
✨ cozy yet magical worlds
✨ slow-burn romance with genuine warmth
✨ found family vibes
✨ heroines discovering their worth and their power
✨ a last-page twist that leaves you yelling at your Kindle
…this book absolutely delivers.
A beautiful blend of comfort, tension, magic, and heart. I’m already itching for book two.
What she finds instead is a life she’s never had the chance to live.
The vibes are absolutely lovely: morning cafés, yoga classes, little local festivals, gentle friendships, and the flutter of first love. Their slow-burn romance feels sweet, earnest, and quietly intense, like something building between two people trying their best to meet each other in the middle of their own fears.
But beneath all the coziness is a simmer of tension. Lia’s magic is changing, her double life is stretching thin, and not everyone she meets has kind intentions. One particular character—charming at first glance, rotten underneath—makes a return in a way that had me gasping. The story ends on a cliffhanger that promises upheaval, exposure, and some serious consequences for Lia’s secret.
If you love:
✨ cozy yet magical worlds
✨ slow-burn romance with genuine warmth
✨ found family vibes
✨ heroines discovering their worth and their power
✨ a last-page twist that leaves you yelling at your Kindle
…this book absolutely delivers.
A beautiful blend of comfort, tension, magic, and heart. I’m already itching for book two.
December 3, 2025
I really enjoyed First Bloom. I found myself fighting sleep just to squeeze in one more chapter and then another. The writing pulled me in right away, and I loved the playful back and forth between the love interests.
I also really loved the setting and atmosphere of the story. The detailed descriptions of the furniture, smells, food, and everything else made it so easy to place myself right there with the characters. It created such a warm and immersive world.
Another cute touch was the handwritten style notes between characters. Little things like that make the story feel more personal and charming.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read that I would happily pick up again. I am already looking forward to more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
I also really loved the setting and atmosphere of the story. The detailed descriptions of the furniture, smells, food, and everything else made it so easy to place myself right there with the characters. It created such a warm and immersive world.
Another cute touch was the handwritten style notes between characters. Little things like that make the story feel more personal and charming.
Overall, this was a fun and engaging read that I would happily pick up again. I am already looking forward to more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
December 17, 2025
It took me longer to read because I got sick in the middle but I was excited to revive this book as an ARC and I really enjoyed reading it!
I’m a big fan of fantasy and I think the author did a great job of helping you imagine and understand the world. It was a different take on fantasy, being so plant centric and I appreciated that unique perspective. It made for a beautiful read when imaging this world. I’m also a sucker for covers and this one looks absolutely beautiful!
I like that the story felt more balanced than some fantasy books that focus heavily on the romance. This had romance but it also had best friend love that was a joy and comfort to read.
I’m anxiously anticipating reading more from this world!!! Definitely recommend :)
I’m a big fan of fantasy and I think the author did a great job of helping you imagine and understand the world. It was a different take on fantasy, being so plant centric and I appreciated that unique perspective. It made for a beautiful read when imaging this world. I’m also a sucker for covers and this one looks absolutely beautiful!
I like that the story felt more balanced than some fantasy books that focus heavily on the romance. This had romance but it also had best friend love that was a joy and comfort to read.
I’m anxiously anticipating reading more from this world!!! Definitely recommend :)
December 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was such a fun, heartwarming read! I loved being immersed in Florevale and being taken on Aurelia’s journey as she explored the university/town and trying to get her magic under control. I also loved all the sweet, tender moments between Adrian and Lia 😉
But the ending! I can’t wait to read book 2.
“They may not have all the time Adrian had claimed they’d have, but they had right now, and she was jumping through the fire because these moments were worth any burn.”
“Experiencing love is worth the possibility of losing it.”
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This was such a fun, heartwarming read! I loved being immersed in Florevale and being taken on Aurelia’s journey as she explored the university/town and trying to get her magic under control. I also loved all the sweet, tender moments between Adrian and Lia 😉
But the ending! I can’t wait to read book 2.
“They may not have all the time Adrian had claimed they’d have, but they had right now, and she was jumping through the fire because these moments were worth any burn.”
“Experiencing love is worth the possibility of losing it.”
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
I was honored to receive an ARC copy of First Bloom & honestly couldn’t put it down. This book truly transported me to another world very reminiscent of Paris & I absolutely adorable getting to experience this magical place through the characters. Lia reminds me a lot of my younger self, dreaming up magical places & creatures. If you are a lover of magic & deep rooted love stories, this book is for you! 🩷
I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this new series!
I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this new series!
November 22, 2025
So thankful to have received my very first ARC! Being a debut novel, I was so pleasantly surprised!! This book is absolutely precious.
The book is set at a Parisian version of Shiz University. The main character, Lia, is a mix of Elsa from Frozen/ Isabella from Encanto/Elphaba.
The book is so beautifully descriptive and I really loved the writing style. The friendships in the story are #goals. If you’re into fantasy but want something light and cozy - I highly recommend this book!!
The book is set at a Parisian version of Shiz University. The main character, Lia, is a mix of Elsa from Frozen/ Isabella from Encanto/Elphaba.
The book is so beautifully descriptive and I really loved the writing style. The friendships in the story are #goals. If you’re into fantasy but want something light and cozy - I highly recommend this book!!
December 2, 2025
4 1/2 stars! I was honored to get this book as an arc read, all of the opinions are my own! No Spoilers!
I loved the fmc and the entire story line! LOVED THE MMC! It was a cozy cute fantasy book. The world building was beautiful and extremely descriptive. I felt like I stepped into the book during reading. The characters are so amazing and it just overall was a very cozy read! Loved the ending and anxiously awaiting the second book!
I loved the fmc and the entire story line! LOVED THE MMC! It was a cozy cute fantasy book. The world building was beautiful and extremely descriptive. I felt like I stepped into the book during reading. The characters are so amazing and it just overall was a very cozy read! Loved the ending and anxiously awaiting the second book!
December 2, 2025
First Bloom is such a cute and charming start to the series. The magical college setting is so much fun, and the descriptive writing makes every part of the world feel vivid and alive. The characters are easy to root for, and the “secret princess” trope—one I hadn’t really explored before—adds a layer of mystery that I really enjoyed.
I’m definitely rooting for the cinnamon-bun MMC, Adrian. And that ending! Quite the cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for book two!
I’m definitely rooting for the cinnamon-bun MMC, Adrian. And that ending! Quite the cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for book two!
December 3, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this delicious, cozy, romantic novel! If you love magic, flowers, coffee, and/or food this is the book for you. Trauffer’s sets a beautiful scene in Florevale that will have you reminiscing on your own university days. She perfectly encapsulates the hope and anxiety that comes with starting someplace new all on your own. My only complaint is that the second book isn’t out yet!
November 12, 2025
I was delighted to receive an ARC of First Bloom in exchange for my honest review. Though there is a bit of (PG) romance, I would say this first book is more about sweet friendship and finding yourself in going off to school and starting anew! The lush descriptions of the scenery and food in this book transport you to a different world. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
December 2, 2025
I received an ARC of First Bloom and it was the cutest book I’ve read all year. I wish I could live in a world with sentient plants that served me coffee. The characters were all unique and I want to be best friends with them all. First Bloom really was a cozy adventure that I didn’t want to put down!
December 17, 2025
I was given this book as a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a cute little book 🤍 Very whimsical and detailed in the food and flora. The love story was very slow to start, but got there eventually. The friendships were fun and it had good humor. There were a lot of different moving parts in the book, which made them lack depth, for me. Overall, it was a light, cozy, fun read 🌸
December 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC- I really loved story!! I was a sweet, cozy romance that was a nice read for the end of the year. I truly enjoyed the story line and the characters are so loveable! The only thing I found were some errors but other than that I loved it! Can’t wait to see what’s next for Lia!
December 30, 2025
Loved how the plot sneaks up on you, instead of in other fantasy novels when you read the last third of the book with gritted teeth and tense shoulders wondering if the whole world is going to end. Heartwarming friendships, deliciously vivid descriptions, and beautiful imagery all contribute to a wonderfully cozy read. It's giving Pixie Hollow :) in the best way.
December 5, 2025
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is an easy to read, comforting story of magic, friendship, with royal secrets hanging in the balance of it all.
December 11, 2025
Such a cute story with vivid imagery and entertaining characters. It’s the perfect cozy read to sit down with alongside a cup of tea ❤️ can’t wait for book 2!
October 29, 2025
I was lucky to be given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy without the high-stakes stress of most fantastical stories, this is for you. The whole story felt sweet & cozy like a warm hug or that first sip of coffee that warms you from the inside.
The flirty feels of first love, the yearning, it reads like a YA novel in the best way. There is no spice so it feels like a safe story for a younger reader too.
I loved the descriptive world-building, this enchanted land & the upbeat characters felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. The plant girlies & gardeners will love all the enchanted plants, I enjoyed how the flowers almost felt like sentient characters in the tale. & the food details were so delicious, reading about all their artisanal coffees & pastries has me craving them now!
I am already eagerly awaiting the next book in this series, I can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters next!
The flirty feels of first love, the yearning, it reads like a YA novel in the best way. There is no spice so it feels like a safe story for a younger reader too.
I loved the descriptive world-building, this enchanted land & the upbeat characters felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. The plant girlies & gardeners will love all the enchanted plants, I enjoyed how the flowers almost felt like sentient characters in the tale. & the food details were so delicious, reading about all their artisanal coffees & pastries has me craving them now!
I am already eagerly awaiting the next book in this series, I can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters next!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews