Disaster Stray

Heather MMRomanceReviewed

Sebastian is desperate to find love and a relationship, but seems to only find people interested in one-time-only hook ups. Luke is deep in the back of the closet, terrified to come out. When the two are thrown together unexpectedly, will Luke find the courage to be himself and be the partner Sebastian deserves? And will Sebastian be able to trust and support Luke as he takes time to find the courage to be brave?

I grabbed this book because of the interesting sounding blurb- and it's the first book in the series I've read so I can verify that it's completely fine to read as a standalone. I liked the premise of the book: two lonely souls finding each other in an unusual circumstance. The way they bonded over both being teachers was very cute. I wish there was more chemistry between Sebastian and Luke ... it felt like their romance progressed pretty quickly despite their respective issues. In some ways they seemed to end up with each other by default rather than for their own merits. Sebastian seemed like he jumped at the first man who wanted to spend time with him beyond one night. Overall I liked the book but wouldn't grab the next in the series personally. I didn't vibe with the characters and some of their decisions throughout the book.

Rating: 3.25 stars
Angst: 3/5
Steam: 2/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

1,743 reviews88 followers

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I love the depth and quality of F.A. Ray's characters backstories and how those weave into the story. I really like how their lives parallel in so many ways, including their love of teaching and also how much Sebastian supports Luke in his journey of acceptance.

I loved getting to see Luke and his brother reconnect and watch as Sebastian finds true satisfaction in his relationship and his life.

If you like a romance with instant connection and a dollop of angst, you'll enjoy Disaster Stray.

325 reviews31 followers

Arc Review

Sebastian is a beautiful soul who thinks he is unloveable. He works as a dancer in Leather (a club) at night. He also teaches a dance class to smaller children, as well as having a job at the Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe.

Luke works in the local high school as a maths teacher. While teaching in class he overhears some of his students bragging about defacing the cat cafe with homophobic writing. Luke goes to the cafe to explain, where he meets Sebastian.

Luke is so far in the closet, he doesn't know how to be his true self. He is worried everyone will reject the real him.

Sebastian and Luke were only meant to be a one time thing, but they keep gravitating back towards each other. With the help of Sebastian, Luke can start to break down the walls he has built around himself and enjoy the relationships he deserves, both with Sebastian and his brother James who has become estranged from, but still wants to be in his life.

This is the second book in F. A Ray’s Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe series. I enjoyed the first one and this, if anything is better. The character development is rich and warm. Sebastian and Luke are polar opposites but work so well together. I am hoping there is more from this series.

VicReads

1,565 reviews48 followers

I really don't know how I feel about this one.

It looked the characters and happy they found happiness but the whole storyline with Luke bothered me. Now I get the whole thing with being in the closet but the back and forth so much made me so safe for Sebastian. the way that Sebastian just forgave him so easy really irked me too.

Also it just ended, after the whole storyline was based around Luke being scared and in the closet, it ends with him attending a pride festival and that's it, not many more details about what happened after.

3.5⭐

Denise GremoryKohta

4,271 reviews7 followers

Oh man this one will hit you in the feels, all of them. When I saw this up for review I had to request it. Having read The Boyfriend Cafe series, though it looks like I missed one and will have to go back and read it, I needed to read this one. Since I didn’t realize it was the second book in the series I can tell you it can be read by itself. Personally I recommend reading The Boyfriend Cafe series first the this one but bd sure to start with Stray Awakening first. It’s not necessary but the more complex the world is the more enriching the read is.

Brenda Moser

9,376 reviews140 followers

September 6, 2024

This is a well written book with strong characters in Luke and Sebastian. The author does a great job developing the story and building their relationship. She deals with some deep issues and handles them perfectly and brings a ton of emotions along the way. The story moves fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and is a great addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

Lily

182 reviews10 followers

I thought this was a really nice story of Pride and coming to accept yourself and your sexuality. Sebastian was fun and sassy and the polar opposite to Luke's more stoic personality, and he certainly pushed Luke to explore himself further in a supportive way.

I do feel that we didn't get much opportunity to see true chemistry between Sebastian and Luke, and their feelings felt fairly superficial even by the end of the book. Sebastian's declaration of love really seemed to come out of the blue, particularly after complaining about Luke's treatment of him and even considering sleeping with a randomer literally pages before...

I also felt that Luke spent the majority of the book running away from his sexuality - which I can understand is a huge issue, as he doesn't necessarily have internalised homophobia, but definitely a LOT of fear, and this fear is a huge plot point in the book. So much so, that it ended up dominating most of the story, and we missed out on seeing more of a spark build between the two MCs before he's suddenly doing a 180, revealing to his boss that he's gay and attending a Pride event out and proud in Seattle. We don't get to find out how his fragile relationship with his brother has developed, and we never find out if Luke confronted his parents about his sexuality after being so scared of their reaction after how they previously treated his brother.

Did I enjoy the story? Yes - though I wish we could've dived in deeper. Would I pick up the next one? Maybe... I am interested in finding out a bit more about Cameron and his step-brother, Julian. Would I read this book again in future? Probably not.

Thurman

660 reviews8 followers

This book wasn't for me.
I wasn't invested in the couple at all.
I had no sympathy for Luke. People should be allowed to come out if they want to or not. They get to choose. I understand he had a problem in his past but either come out or not. Don't lead someone you care about along.
Sebastian was fine but he wasn't honest with himself or Luke.

I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
real angst 1/5
heat 3/5
story 2/5

Bill Bottomley

171 reviews1 follower

I received a free advance copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Sebastian is a dancer in a gay club, but he also works in a cat café and teaches dancing. He is convinced that all he is good for is a roll in the hay, not a long-term relationship. When he arrives at the café one morning, he finds a three-letter word painted on the window (it is never specified, but one can guess what it is). Luke is a high school math teacher who has been super deep in the closet, so deep that light never enters. While supervising his class, he overhears three boys talking about painting a queer café and planning to do it again after the clean-up has been done. This is where one sees how closeted Luke is because he fears that reprimanding them would risk drawing attention to and outing him. He therefore decides to investigate at the site and finds Sebastian out cleaning the window. Luke decides he should report the vandalism to his principal, but as usual he delays until the principal approaches him with a suggested field trip to the café to hear a lecture on the origins of Pride. Luke figures he should at least invite Sebastian for a drink (after the latter suggested it). They of course end up in bed with Luke rushing out of Sebastian’s apartment as soon as it is done, concerned that someone might know. For most of the book, both are tortured by their fears and concerns, but they both have a happy ending.

This is a great psychological character study of both MCs. Luke’s paralyzing fear of discovery might seem a bit overboard, but I know from experience that it is indeed real. Just as Sebastian’s complex is not difficult to imagine. When I read the blurb, I did not realize that the novel contained this degree of angst but after I started reading it, I did not find it difficult slogging to get through it. Each of the guys had consciences that left them feeling guilty about how they had treated the other. I found that I was sympathetic to the two main characters. There’s a relatively limited amount of steam that does not detract from the plot. There is a limited number of secondary characters, none of them nasty and all of them making major contributions to the storyline. The plot itself is quite linear with few twists to confuse the reader.

I have no hesitation in recommending the novel to all readers.

Mary

494 reviews10 followers

Second book from the Rainbow Cat Cafe, this time it features Sebastian, that aloof sparkling guy with the long hair, the other employee.

Both Sebastian and Luke, the other MC, have their own baggage, one is seemingly just about hooking up and closing himself off to avoid the hurt, while the other is deep, deep, in the closet due to past trauma.

Had I read the blurb closer, I would have realized that what kept Luke in the closet was how his family reacted when his brother came out, except I didn't do that, so I was kept in the dark about that pretty much the entire time, my bad. Only when Luke finally opened up to Sebastian, like more than 50 percent into the book, I was like oh! Ok, so that's why he's so firmly in the closet.

Although there are spicy scenes in the book, this book is very much about the development of Luke and his coming to terms with his gayness. I'm sensing a theme with this Rainbow cat cafe series, both have been one party coming to terms with their sexuality and coming out. I wonder if the third is like that too. Oh! And the partner must adopt a cat. LOL.

Spoilers....I wish there was disciplinary action for the graffiti boys, or even them admitting to it or like an assembly or something, but nothing was further said after the one stern comment on the bus.

Also I wanted Luke to just get his act together much faster than the flow of the book, like THAT was the third act climax story, him getting his thoughts in order and like visiting Sebastian at the club and coming out to his boss. I mean there was plenty of spice and like warm cuddly moments, but Luke was just so hot and cold that I felt so bad for Sebastian, having to be so patient through it all, and like he just took it because he felt like he didn't deserve someone decent who would put his needs before their own. Hopefully Luke makes it up to Sebastian after the epilogue or in a bonus scene.

S.B. Barnes

Author 4 books41 followers

September 4, 2024

Disaster Stray follows Sebastian, who works in a café and as a dancer in a nightclub, and Luke, a deeply closeted schoolteacher who falls for him.

What worked for me:
-Okay, the reason I format these reviews this way is because this stuff is highly subjective, and in this case, one aspect of this book was Just For Me. Namely, Luke's teaching. I loved it. I loved that he was occasionally okay with just letting his students use their phones, especially towards the summer Break (so real) and especially especially that he and everyone else were so understanding with the boys who committed the homophobic vandalism. I really, really appreciate that those kids weren't cast as villains but rather as kids who need teaching and understanding. Also just that little scene in the beginning of him helping a student by asking questions so she can get there herself instead of giving her the answers. Good teacher representation is what I am saying here.
-I also liked that Sebastian and Luke had teaching in common, and actually talked about it and other things. That sort of detail makes the relationship feel more real
-The importance of community, of attending pride events, and Luke's struggle with it were well-written
-Luke's backstory and his conversation with his brother were well done!

What worked less for me:
-The relationship/emotional stakes happened a bit fast for me
-Sebastian started out with a lot of angst about no one wanting a relationship with him, I could have done with a stronger resolution to that thread/more angst between the couple where Sebastian really addresses this with Luke. Here, I think the story would have benefited from being a little longer and more detailed.
-I wanted more cat related content :(

I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

Donna

1,695 reviews11 followers

The blurb for this book sets up the book very well. When Luke overhears his students laughing about “the little cat cafe”, he feels he needs to check it out before deciding whether to pursue anything further. Reaching the cafe, he finds Sebastian washing the graffiti from the window. The two get to talking and unexpectedly agree to meet for a drink. Luke is in awe of Sebastian, he is out and proud, so comfortable in his own skin and sexuality, something the antithesis of Luke, who has been deep in the closet for 15 years. He is drawn to Sebastian, but fears nothing could ever come of it, he is in too deep. When Sebastian makes a suggestion about something Luke might do to help, Luke finds that his life may begin to change.

Realistic characters facing a realistic problem handled in a realistic way. Each story and experience is unique, and allowing people to slowly feel their way toward a revelation that is life changing can help mitigate the stresses—somewhat. Sebastian was so supportive and understanding with Luke as he navigated his way through his fears and insecurities, helping him to his own conclusions and choices in his own time and way. The call to James had me tearing up, I was right there with Luke, feeling what he felt.

The other thing about this series that speaks to me is its location in a small rural Western Washington town near Seattle and Everett where I live. The setting was so familiar to me, easy to identify with the characters in those places.

An entertaining, low angst story of one man helped by another as he navigated his own acceptance of who he was.

Mikaela (risqué.romance)

428 reviews14 followers

September 24, 2025

Disaster Stray by F.A. Ray
4.25/5 ✨🌟

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦, 𝘚𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳.”

“𝘐 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘚𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 — 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵.”

Gah! Another great book by F.A. Ray. I don’t know why I’m surprised by how amazing this book was. The first book I read I was hooked and the same thing happened here.

I loved how the two met because of the graffiti that his students had done and the field trip. It was the perfect way for these to get so close to one another.

At first, I thought that Luke was just scared in coming out, but when we find out what happened to his older brother, James, it made perfect sense. And he thought that he was upset at him for years. I’m so glad that Sebastian gave him the courage to talk to his brother. I loved how he also came out to Virginia as well.

It was only supposed to be a one time thing between Luke and Sebastian but neither one of them could stop from interacting with other one another. It was perfect and cute. I do wish there was a bit more groveling to when Sebastian was hurt because hell, he deserved it.

I loved how Babe got adopted by Luke. I knew eventually it was going to happen. They were perfect for one another.

I seriously cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book with Cameron’s story!

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

Eileen Adams

74 reviews1 follower

September 5, 2024

4.25 stars

Luke has lived his adult life in hiding. When he was younger his older brother came out to his parents and they kicked him out. His brother was only 17 years old the time and was on his home. Luke had not spoken to him again. Because of his fear of also being kicked out he never told anyone he was also gay. He is a teacher and does not think he would be accepted if he came out. So he has designed rules to live by. He never sees someone twice and NO KISSING. He needs to stay safe in his mind. It works until he hears some of his students discussing something they did to an LBGTQ business and knows he needs to react.... somehow.

Sebastian loves people. He works himself to exhaustion by volunteering to teach kids to dance, he dances at a club and he works at the Cat Cafe. One day at the cafe this gorgeous man walks in and explains that he know who did the damage to the place and the principal has come up with a plan. They will bring the class of students there and the owner will give a talk about Pride events and history and then the kids can play with the cats. All sounds great, but the pull between Sebastian and Luke is too strong.

How fast will Luke give in to Sebastian? Will the kids realize there is something between their teacher and Sebastian? Will Luke break all his rules? Will Sebastian get hurt by falling for Luke? Does Sebastian help Luke with his family dynamics?

So happy Sebastian did not give up on Luke. He needed to have someone on his side to help him with his feelings. Can't wait for the next one...

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Amanda Winter

865 reviews22 followers

Sebastian is a dancer at a gay club, works at a cat café, and teaches dance, convinced he’s only good for casual flings, not long-term relationships. One morning, he discovers a slur painted on the café window. Meanwhile, Luke, a deeply closeted high school maths teacher, overhears students bragging about vandalising the café. Too afraid of being outed, Luke avoids confronting them and instead investigates the café, where he meets Sebastian cleaning up. This leads to Luke and Sebastian meeting up for drinks, which quickly escalates to a one-night stand. However, Luke’s fear of being discovered sends him running from Sebastian’s apartment.

Though Luke wants to report the incident, he hesitates until his principal proposes a field trip to the café for a Pride talk. Both men grapple with their insecurities and fears throughout the story, ultimately finding their way to a happy ending.

This novel delves deep into the psychological struggles of both characters. Luke’s intense fear of being outed and Sebastian’s self-worth issues feel very real and relatable. Despite the unexpected angst, the story remains engaging, and the limited steam doesn’t overshadow the plot. Secondary characters are supportive, enhancing the story line without unnecessary drama. The plot is straightforward, making it easy to follow.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a satisfying emotional journey.

Babara-Anne

1,748 reviews18 followers

A SWEET STEPPING OUT OF A 15 YEAR CLOSET LOVE STORY!💕

The second book of the Rainbow 🌈 Rescue Cat 🐈‍⬛ Cafe ☕️ was just so sweet and cuddly 🧸like the closeted character Luke Richardson- high school maths teacher with his sexy barista/ dancer Sebastian.

Sebastian was so touch starved and yearned for a real relationship instead of endless meaningless hookups and when he meets the “straight” teacher who crosses his path twice it was as if it was .…meant to be…

“No kissing, no repeats only hookups is Luke’s motto for 15 years until Sebastian changes his perspective..

Luke is a closeted 30 year old who needs guidance on how to live life as his true self as a result of a traumatic childhood homophobic experience by his older brother and who better to teach him than the extroverted exotic dance club dancer and barista for the Rainbow 🌈 Rescue Cat 🐈‍⬛ Cafe ☕️ - Sebastian - with all the patience in the world where Luke is concerned…

I loved their dynamic that started off as a hookup and became so much more!
Sebastian’s patience with Luke was astounding and sweet but a person can only take so much rejection until you can’t…

Their chemistry was off the charts and they were definitely made for each other if only Luke would just take that first step out of the closet… or lose Sebastian forever as a result!

At last Cameron from the Boyfriend Cafe will get his story… but with whom?…. I hope it’s who I think!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

Amy

90 reviews

September 21, 2024

4.5/5.0 Disaster Stray is the second book in F.A. Ray’s Rainbow Rescue Cat Cafe series. This installment follows barista and dancer Sebastian and schoolteacher Luke. Sebastian is a total sweetheart with low self-esteem who thinks he’s only good enough for one night stands and not worth having someone love him and stay with him for more than a night. Luke is deeply closeted after being traumatized when his parents completely erased his gay older brother from their lives when he was a kid. I liked these characters as individuals and how they were able to grow throughout the story. Sebastian realizes that it’s okay for him to want things from Luke and to set boundaries for what he wants and not always let Luke set the expectations for their relationship. Luke finally deals with some of the trauma regarding what happened with his brother and begins to really live his life and allow himself to live as a gay man publicly and without shame and fear. I loved the two of them together but it felt very quick and rushed in some ways. They fell into bed very quickly and both men changed their patterns and habits almost immediately without any real reason. The other thing that bothered me was the lack of resolution with the vandalism that kickstarted the whole plot. There were no consequences to the teens for committing a hate crime. They were actually rewarded with a field trip to the cat cafe! The plot point was picked up again quickly one time for a discussion but then forgotten about just as quickly and never spoken of again. This book sets up the next story in the series and I can’t wait to read more about Cameron and Julian.

Tara Bennett

Author 6 books23 followers

Sebastian dances to forget everything, to feel his body, to feel the music. He is used to being considered an object, something for the night, something to be stared at for pleasure. It doesn’t mean he likes it, but he has accepted that it is how it is. He would like to have a normal relationship where a man wants him not only for his body but also to love, cherish, and treat him kindly and lovingly. Everything changes when he sees Luke, who has denied who he is for thirty years. Sebastian saw something different in Luke, and he wanted that and hoped he could have it.

Luke had made a promise to himself that he would never let people know who he really was. It was painful and lonely. When he met Sebastian, everything started to shift; the secret he had kept was confusing, his desires wouldn't be held back, and the need to no longer have secrets started to shatter.

OPINION: I liked this story a lot. Sebastian and Luke are a charming couple who are both trying to figure out what normal looks like for them. They both cast themselves in a role they weren’t happy in but accepted. Watching them break down their walls and demand better for themselves was wonderful. Each man really considered the other; there are a lot of great little moments. I felt I knew the characters and liked their stories, enjoying the book overall. It’s a good second book in the series.

arc mm-romance

Janet

1,926 reviews7 followers

Coming out story

Sebastian appeared in Stray Awakening as he works at the Rainbow Rescue Cat Café part time, and has two other part time jobs as well. He is a sweet man, completely lovable but not relationship material, though not for the want of trying, and he's resigned himself to a lifetime of hookups.
Luke is so deep in the closet, he's halfway across Narnia. Traumatised when younger, it's going to be a monumental task for him to take down all his walls, and it's a sure bet he has no plans to ever do that. Enter Sebastian, the most beautiful, luminous man Luke has ever seen, and all bets are off.
I enjoyed their story, seeing Luke unable to resist the pull of Sebastian, and seeing Sebastian realise that he deserves love and respect and care as much as everyone else does.

The majority of Stray Awakening took place in the Cat Café but here, it was relegated to an afterthought and it was a shame as I loved the cats and I loved Henry.
I hope that we see more of both Henry and Sebastian in the next book, which appears to be stepbrothers(ish), growly scowly grumpy/sunshine, hate to love. Can't wait.

Jack Harkness

828 reviews9 followers

September 8, 2024

Babs, baking pan, the fountain superhero, God awful pants, heart emoji, Julian

The story takes place outside of Seattle in Tripp Lake, and is a spinoff off the "Boyfriend Café" which takes place on the east coast. In fact, Cameron makes an appearance. It's the second book in the "Rainbow Rescue Cat Café" series.

Luke is a high school math teacher. Sebastian is a go-go dancer, part-time barista, and volunteer dance teacher for elementary school students. Sebastian is very understanding and has the patience of a saint. Luke tries his darnedest to resist Sebastian's enchantments.

Gosh, the amount of internalized homophobia Luke harbors is frightening. I'm glad he met Sebastian who pushed Luke's boundaries and tested his walls. But I can understand his paralyzing fear, but living in fear for so long isn't healthy and is lonely.

Reading this book is highly enjoyable and delightful. All of the characters are wonderful and extremely likeable. The imagery is vivid and steamy. I recommend it.

Vicki

1,114 reviews8 followers

This is book two in the Rainbow Rescue Cat Café series, a kind of spinoff of the Boyfriend Cafe series and it was really good!

I could never decide which of the two MCs I felt the most for: Luke, who’d spent his whole life in the closet and couldn’t see a way out due to something that happened when he was a teenager, unable to date for being terrified everyone would know or Sebastian, who always felt so unwanted and unlovable after each hookup that he convinced himself that love wasn’t for him, that hookups were all he wanted...

They were both sweet but I think I just made up my mind; I felt the most for Sebastian. He liked Luke so much that, even though he felt unlovable every time Luke went from hot to cold, he just kept giving him chance after chance even after getting rejected afterwards. I also think it’s BECAUSE I felt for him so much that he was able to disappoint me as much as he did near the end…all I’m gonna add to that though is to say that you need to read the book to find out what happened.

Gavin Stephenson-Jackman

1,688 reviews

September 4, 2024

Luke is well and truly deep in the closet, scared of his own shadow. Overheating some of his students talking about an act of vandalism he decides to check it out before taking it to his principal. As he arrives at the Rainbow Rescue Cat Café he finds Sebastian cleaning the mess off the store window. Despite all his rules he uses to protect himself he shares a drink with Sebastian and a little more. Sebastian is sure that Luke sees him and their encounter as more than a one night stand, it's just getting to that destination. This is a great addition to this series as it deals with the internalized homophobia that grips so many and the release that happens when we embrace our true selves. Seeing Luke come into himself, deal with the trauma of his childhood, reunite with his brother, and begin to engage with the community, while finding connection to someone special of his own is glorious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Traci S

2,060 reviews14 followers

This was a little heartbreaking at first, the author does a great job filling Sebastian and Luke’s story with loads of emotion. Luke and all the rules and restrictions he’s put on his life, an understandable but sad result of his brother’s experience coming out. Sebastian has his own restrictions to protect his heart- thinking hook ups are all he’s worth. So, it was really easy to root for these two to help each other find a way forward together. It’s definitely baby steps for Luke to let himself be with Sebastian, which was crazy frustrating because Sebastian definitely deserves someone to step up and claim him. The author does a nice job showing how tenuous each step forward is for Luke, honestly, at times I was a bit infuriated on Sebastian’s behalf. These two are really lovely both individually and even better together. Loving this series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

L H

3,057 reviews21 followers

Each of these men had a limited sense of how he could live his life. Sebastian felt like he was basically an object. An attractive toy that others played with for a night and discarded so he didn't expect more. He thought himself only worthy of hook-ups. Luke is so far in the closet he can't imagine a way out so he limits himself to encounters, without kissing, too personal, for fear of being found out and at risk. He has a history that made him feel this was the safest way to go. But maybe not the best for him. They each have so much to overcome as their frequent encounters lead them toward one another despite Luke's reluctance. I gave Sebastian a lot of credit for his courage to hang in there and stay patient while Luke figured things out. Each started in such a sad place and it was good to see them move on to something better, together.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Yvonne

637 reviews10 followers

The 2nd in this series and we focus on Sebastian, when he is not working in the café, he is dancing whether it is in a club or volunteering with the little ones to put on a show. Luke is the high school Maths teacher and so in the closet he goes out of his way to appear straight.
I liked Sebastian straightaway. He loved to be busy whether it was working in the café or dancing, he had to be doing something. I have not read many characters that had so much patience as Sebastian had when it came to Luke but this showed just how caring and understanding Sebastian was and I did wander why he was still single. Luke was a brave person and even though he did not feel that, he still took time to investigate the graffiti and whilst he was in constant panic, he slowly became the person he had always wished to be.
I do enjoy reading dual POV as you get to know their whole story. I really enjoy this series and and looking forward to seeing who will be next in the Rainbow Cat Café. I have my fingers crossed to who I want it to be

Louisa Saunders

326 reviews5 followers

Another wonderful story from the Cat Cafe series, there's something so special about the cafe as well at the men who work there.

The characters are all heart, especially Sebastian who is constantly putting himself out there and being used temporarily but what he really wants is someone to really see him and give him love and a life he deserves.

Luke has hidden who he is for so long that when he meets Sebastian he thinks he's straight. Afraid to let anyone see who he really is until he has a conversation with Sebastian and the door to his closet has a crack in it.

A wonderful insight into the journey of feeling safe enough and secure with those in your life to let them know who you really are and what a journey of love from both sides.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Alix

1,239 reviews43 followers

3.5 And so we return to the Rainbow Cat Cafe to see Sebastian get his HEA. It was nice to return to a familiar environment.

I always love stories with strippers/camboys, etc, and so I was looking forward to this one, especially after reading the first book in this series. Sebastian and Luke both have a lot of trauma/issues to deal with and want to avoid being hurt, so neither one is really open to the idea of anything deeper than a hookup. However, circumstances force them into spending time together and they get to know each other. Love that they bond over being teachers! There are some cute moments, some angst, and some steam! Enjoyable read overall!

I look forward to hanging out at the Rainbow Cat Cafe again soon!

Thanks to GRR for this ARC - this is my honest review.

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C.B.

4,918 reviews18 followers

Delightful! Luke is a math teacher so deep in the closet, he may be in the other room. He has hookups, but not in his town and never with anyone he knows. He overhears his students talking about what may be a homophobic incident and reports it. Sebastian, is an exotic dancer who accepts his life is hookups and lonliness. He meets Luke, is intrigued but mystified by the mixed messages. They have an encounter, but Luke swears Seb to secrecy. Then they work on teaching Luke's students a lesson in tolerance. Good story about accepting oneselves, realizing you may deserve more and owning your truths. Story makes you use your brain while engaging your hearts. Both men are sweethearts even though Seb carries a big chip. They both drag heavy luggage. Good story, great supporting characters. Fantastic cover art! Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sara Sigler

2,720 reviews7 followers

September 16, 2024

Sebastian was a dancer plus worked at the cat cafe, one day there was a slur on the window he covered it up until he could clean the window. Luke overheard some of his students bragging about what they had done. He went down to apologize and clean the window but Sebastian was already doing it. Luke was interested in Sebastian but what happened to his brother when their parents heard that he was gay, he decided that he would just stay in the closet. They started getting together but only at Sebastian’s place so no one would see them then Sebastian asked Luke to come see him dance was a no show. Luke was at a bar the principal showed up and they talked awhile and she said to do what was needed to keep Sebastian.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Diane

3,567 reviews38 followers