If you're a fan of MM romance with a dash of fantasy, Nine-Tenths by J. M. Frey offers a delightful and heartwarming story that mixes the charm of a cozy coffee shop with the intrigue of dragons. This book strikes the perfect balance between fantasy world-building and heartfelt romance, leaving readers both swooning and enchanted.
From the blurb:
So it figures that the day Colin gets up the courage to do something about the sexual tension simmering between them, he also learns that Dav has an embarrassing habit of hiccupping fire when he's nervous. Which, in this case, destroys the fancy custom-made bean roaster. When Dav volunteers to take over the coffee roasting with his fire-breath, being squished together in the hot, cramped kitchen leads to even hotter kisses.
Everything's finally happening for Colin—until people start claiming the dragon-roasted coffee has cured their genetic ailments. As their budding relationship struggles under the scrutiny of scientists and media, the hype around the coffee leads the lovers to be inducted into a centuries-old conspiracy: dragon-roasted food has always healed humans. And the most powerful draconic nobles have been withholding this symbiotic advantage to keep themselves on top. Colin and Dav are determined to expose the truth, but if they're not careful, their objections could goad power-mad monarchs into destroying everything they hold dear.
Including each other.
Zakiyya's review:
At the heart of the story is Collin, a warm, slightly world-weary barista with a sharp wit even though he’s struggling to find his place in the world. Little does he know, his attractive customer, Dav has been visiting the shop regularly for years, enjoying his perfectly brewed cups of coffee in near silence, just to be close to Collin.
The book is low on the spice level but the chemistry between Dave and Collin is undeniable, but so are the secrets, and when danger follows Dav into town, Collin is pulled into a world of fire, flight, and ancient rivalries. But there's more than just love in the air. Dav’s dragon lineage comes with ancient secrets, dangers, and enemies. As the bond between the two men grows, they must learn to navigate the complexities of their worlds—one human and the other very much otherworldly. Before long, Dav’s world becomes too much for Collin, and he isn’t sure he could ever belong. NGL, there were times when Collin came across as childish …
And even though this is a long read, it’s chock full of intelligent humour, witty banter, smart dialogues, and a captivating storyline.
What makes Nine Tenths stand out isn’t just the romance (though it’s beautifully written and full of longing), but the world around it. The coffee shop setting gives the story an intimate, comforting feel, while the magical elements add tension and danger in all the right places. The supporting cast—Collins’s sarcastic boss, a loyal friend, Hadi and other surprisingly insightful friends—make the world feel lived in and emotionally rich.
The villain is more than a cardboard cutout; Simcoe’s motivations are complex and threatening enough to raise real stakes for the couple. And through it all, the book weaves themes of trust, identity, and the fear of being truly seen. The climax delivers action, emotion, and consequences—proving this story is about more than just falling in love. It’s about self-acceptance, chosen family, and the risks we take when we open ourselves to others.
Perfect for fans of cozy urban fantasy with heartfelt romance, Nine Tenths is a comforting escape with just enough fire to keep the pages turning.
Nine-Tenths is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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