Title: A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny
Author: Caroline Bonin
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: January 13, 2026
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Summary
Dani is used to working hard. Being on scholarship at her dream university should be a blessing, but she is constantly terrified someone will find out about her secret ability. And abuse it like her parents did. So when a professor figures it out and asks to talk, Dani is immediately terrified.
However, Professor Silva is just looking for someone to help investigate a new dreaming product that has terrible side effects. At first, Dani isn’t sure, but after learning it will help one of her friends, she decides to help. Even while a new regular at work starts to snag her attention. Will she be able to balance both and stay in school?
Review: A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny
Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of A Barista’s Guide to Love & Larceny by Caroline Bonin to review! I always look forward to new cozy fantasies, and I think this would be great entry into fantasy for someone who is new to the genre. The world building is accessible, interesting, and it has a great cast of characters.
Magical universities always sound so fun to me. Bonin does a good job of dropping you in this world, with enough information to figure out what’s going on. Dani is a wonderfully complex main character, with a variety of side characters that add to the story. I especially loved her friendship with Oliver and McKenna. And her evolving relationship with Kass; it was so sweet!
There’s a bit of a heist that happens in this book as well. In addition to the cozy vibes, they’re trying to stop a company from taking advantage of people. All of the elements work really well together, making an overall engaging book.
If you’re looking for something cozy to start your 2026 reading season, definitely check this book out in January!
4/5 stars