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Adenashire #4
A Fellowship of Curses & Cats
The cat distribution system is about to get magical.
Woodland elf Theo Brylar should be basking in bliss. He and his human partner, Arleta, have a thriving bakery, a baby on the way, and a bright future in Adenashire. But beneath his calm exterior, Theo's anxiety simmers―stirred by old grief, complicated family, and emotions he doesn't always understand.
Hoping to steady his nerves, Theo turns to eccentric wizard Ibus Ironflame, who offers him a supposedly soothing potion. What Theo gets instead is a magical mix-up: stray cats begin appearing on his doorstep…then multiplying until the bakery becomes Adenashire's first cat café.
As the cats take over his life, Theo worries he's juggling more than he can handle, and that was before his mother complicated things with a surprise visit. But with guidance from his forest lynx companion, Faylin, and Arleta's steady love, Theo may come to realize that even the messiest moments can lead to something unexpectedly beautiful―especially when surrounded by cats.
Woodland elf Theo Brylar should be basking in bliss. He and his human partner, Arleta, have a thriving bakery, a baby on the way, and a bright future in Adenashire. But beneath his calm exterior, Theo's anxiety simmers―stirred by old grief, complicated family, and emotions he doesn't always understand.
Hoping to steady his nerves, Theo turns to eccentric wizard Ibus Ironflame, who offers him a supposedly soothing potion. What Theo gets instead is a magical mix-up: stray cats begin appearing on his doorstep…then multiplying until the bakery becomes Adenashire's first cat café.
As the cats take over his life, Theo worries he's juggling more than he can handle, and that was before his mother complicated things with a surprise visit. But with guidance from his forest lynx companion, Faylin, and Arleta's steady love, Theo may come to realize that even the messiest moments can lead to something unexpectedly beautiful―especially when surrounded by cats.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
236 people are currently reading
4415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 14, 2025
OH golly I just love love love this world -- I am totally captivated by it. I don't think I will ever rate a book in this series under 5 stars. The characters, Adenashire, the found family, the magic -- it just feels like such a warm hug.
These characters are so precious to me and J. Penner has done such a fantastic job making them feel like home.
These characters are so precious to me and J. Penner has done such a fantastic job making them feel like home.
July 16, 2025
I enjoyed this cosy fantasy book, set around the soon-to-be-parent-anxiety of Theo, very much.
The only reason it's not five stars: as much as I like Arleta and Theo, they are not my favourite characters in this series. The orcs Ervash and Verdreth, gargoyle Sarson, and fennex Jez are the characters close to my heart and, rather unfortunately, they all played a very minor side role in this book of the series.
Nonetheless, the story's been still a very cosy, [mostly] relaxing, and enjoyable one.
But now I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series, because ... those bookshop owning orc dads... 🥰🥰🥰
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Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
The only reason it's not five stars: as much as I like Arleta and Theo, they are not my favourite characters in this series. The orcs Ervash and Verdreth, gargoyle Sarson, and fennex Jez are the characters close to my heart and, rather unfortunately, they all played a very minor side role in this book of the series.
Nonetheless, the story's been still a very cosy, [mostly] relaxing, and enjoyable one.
But now I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series, because ... those bookshop owning orc dads... 🥰🥰🥰
---
Transparency info: Read via Kindle Unlimited.
April 25, 2026
This instalment was just as cute and cozy as all the others in this series! I love Theo and Arleta’s relationship. It feels so realistic and honest and true to reality—not everything is going to be great all the time, but you need to be each other’s safe space. Just perfect! Loved all the cats and the real look at complex familial relationships. I’m so glad that we’re getting more instalments in this series!
September 25, 2025
so cozy and makes me hungry
Another warm hug by J. penner. Her books are always so positive. This one was no different. Theo is struggling about becoming a dad, so he takes a potion to help with his nerves and panic attacks. Instead of helping it attracts dozens of cats. This theme in all of these books is to be yourself, problems and insecurities included. That those who love you the most will always be there to help you along the way. That everyone has “issues” that they deal with and it’s ok to ask for help! In this case Theo need to take time to himself and give himself time to calm down and think things through, talk with Arleta about what’s he’s thinking. I love this cozy little world and all the amazing characters in it. They’re all so different but fit together. I always love getting to see what each character is up to in each new book. It feels like visiting old friends.
Another warm hug by J. penner. Her books are always so positive. This one was no different. Theo is struggling about becoming a dad, so he takes a potion to help with his nerves and panic attacks. Instead of helping it attracts dozens of cats. This theme in all of these books is to be yourself, problems and insecurities included. That those who love you the most will always be there to help you along the way. That everyone has “issues” that they deal with and it’s ok to ask for help! In this case Theo need to take time to himself and give himself time to calm down and think things through, talk with Arleta about what’s he’s thinking. I love this cozy little world and all the amazing characters in it. They’re all so different but fit together. I always love getting to see what each character is up to in each new book. It feels like visiting old friends.
February 23, 2026
Not just a cozy fantasy, but a cozy fantasy about an overly anxious elf opening a cat café with the help of his found family? J. Penner, did you write this specifically for me?
This is, without question, my favorite installment in the Adenashire series so far, and that’s saying something, because every book has been a five star read. Theo has lingered in my mind since his earlier appearances, enigmatic and quietly compelling. I’ve been waiting for his back story, and this novel absolutely delivers.
Theo is vulnerable, flawed, and achingly real. His anxiety isn’t treated as a quirk or a punchline, it’s woven thoughtfully into his character arc. Watching him build something gentle and beautiful for himself, supported by the found family we’ve come to adore, felt both comforting and deeply moving. He’s no longer just a side character; he’s fully realized, complex, and unforgettable.
This book had me cackling one moment and tearing up the next. Penner has such a gift for balancing humor with emotional sincerity. Beneath the soft magic, baked goods, and feline charm lies a powerful message about community, healing, and allowing yourself to take up space in the world.
Thank you, J. Penner, for this tender, heartfelt installment in what has become one of the most comforting and life affirming cozy fantasy series I’ve ever read.
This is, without question, my favorite installment in the Adenashire series so far, and that’s saying something, because every book has been a five star read. Theo has lingered in my mind since his earlier appearances, enigmatic and quietly compelling. I’ve been waiting for his back story, and this novel absolutely delivers.
Theo is vulnerable, flawed, and achingly real. His anxiety isn’t treated as a quirk or a punchline, it’s woven thoughtfully into his character arc. Watching him build something gentle and beautiful for himself, supported by the found family we’ve come to adore, felt both comforting and deeply moving. He’s no longer just a side character; he’s fully realized, complex, and unforgettable.
This book had me cackling one moment and tearing up the next. Penner has such a gift for balancing humor with emotional sincerity. Beneath the soft magic, baked goods, and feline charm lies a powerful message about community, healing, and allowing yourself to take up space in the world.
Thank you, J. Penner, for this tender, heartfelt installment in what has become one of the most comforting and life affirming cozy fantasy series I’ve ever read.
April 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5 | 3.5 rounded down
Perect for quick and cozy palette cleanser
Perect for quick and cozy palette cleanser
September 12, 2025
the most boring character possible to focus on from the group. It was so very saccharine and repetitive
what a slog to get through. I think I am done with this series now
what a slog to get through. I think I am done with this series now
March 7, 2026
really cute. im enjoying this series
September 28, 2025
I truly just love this series so much. Penner does cozy fantasy so well, and every one of these books feels like a warm hug
October 19, 2025
Good to catch up with the characters. I'll read the next book
June 24, 2025
A very cute addition to the Adenashire series. Theo is an elf whose wife, Arleta, is expecting a child imminently. Between the baby and the opening of a new cafe, Theo starts to feel some anxiety. To help, he takes a potion from the local potion shop, and as a result, cats start following him around. Chaos ensues—very snuggly chaos.
The previous books in this series have all been romances, and this one is moving into straight cozy fantasy. We’re still keeping things single POV, and the story isn’t about our characters falling in love so much as them journeying through the world. The world is still very cozy, and the stakes remain very low, but the sweet love story that I’ve expected from the story is missing. The addition of the cats was very whimsical and cozy, and the setting of the teashop is a nice change to the story.
Theo experiences some character development, but all of the other characters feel rather one note, having experienced their own character development in their individual stories and plateaued.
The conflict between Theo and his estranged mother often came across as preachy in the second half of the book. Theo isn’t reflective about why he responds to his mother so aggressively and assumes the worst of her, and his aggression is justified at the end of the story.
Overall, another cute story, but with some missteps along the way.
The previous books in this series have all been romances, and this one is moving into straight cozy fantasy. We’re still keeping things single POV, and the story isn’t about our characters falling in love so much as them journeying through the world. The world is still very cozy, and the stakes remain very low, but the sweet love story that I’ve expected from the story is missing. The addition of the cats was very whimsical and cozy, and the setting of the teashop is a nice change to the story.
Theo experiences some character development, but all of the other characters feel rather one note, having experienced their own character development in their individual stories and plateaued.
The conflict between Theo and his estranged mother often came across as preachy in the second half of the book. Theo isn’t reflective about why he responds to his mother so aggressively and assumes the worst of her, and his aggression is justified at the end of the story.
Overall, another cute story, but with some missteps along the way.
November 17, 2025
We return to the village of Adenashire, where our cozy found family is preparing for some big things! They are opening a cafe attached to the bookshop, and Theo and Arleta are expecting! Things seem to be going great, but poor Theo's anxiety gets the best of him! He visits the potion shop, and the wizard offers himself something experimental, that should help. Next thing he knows, he is overrun with cats! At home, at the shop, all over town, what's an elf to do? And then his judgy mother Shalina shows up, oh no! Well, off to seek advice and assistance from the rest of the crew!
This might be my favorite installment. Everyone is settled into their relationships, meaning no romance drama, and we see little tidbits of day to day life for them. Faylin the lynx continues to be adorable, and acerbic, only offering his assistance when Theo is at his wits end. Theo is definitely a wife guy, and I am here for it. I love that Doli is still making clothes, and magicing tea for everyone. The cats are all distinctive and the featured ones are given unique personalities. I am very tickled by the fantasy cat cafe. The recipes in this one are not as attention grabbing as previous books, but that's ok, simple things are amazing too!
The only thing I truly dislike is the mother's behaviour, and the quokka guy who is a jerk in every book.
This might be my favorite installment. Everyone is settled into their relationships, meaning no romance drama, and we see little tidbits of day to day life for them. Faylin the lynx continues to be adorable, and acerbic, only offering his assistance when Theo is at his wits end. Theo is definitely a wife guy, and I am here for it. I love that Doli is still making clothes, and magicing tea for everyone. The cats are all distinctive and the featured ones are given unique personalities. I am very tickled by the fantasy cat cafe. The recipes in this one are not as attention grabbing as previous books, but that's ok, simple things are amazing too!
The only thing I truly dislike is the mother's behaviour, and the quokka guy who is a jerk in every book.
August 7, 2025
I spent a good bit of the first half of this book really disliking Theo. Like, yeah I know he has anxiety but he came across as just a coward. Once the cat cafe opened and he wasn’t trying to hide everything from everyone anymore, he became more bearable. I couldn’t quite bring myself to care too much about his relationship with his mother, which is too bad since that’s about half of the plot. The “cats are magically amazing” thing was aaaalmost too twee and whimsical for me, and that’s saying something. I will admit to being interested in the next book because it’s about Verdreth and Ervash, after this book teased that they were a bit enemies-to-lovers. In conclusion, Faylin is the best character in this book.
October 25, 2025
Puuuurfectly enjoyable
A Fellowship of Curses and Cats just became my new favorite in the Adenashire series, and the only one,besides A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic, to get 5 ⭐ from me. An abundance of cats, a new cafe, Theo finally coming to terms with his fears from the past, the love and support of Found Family plus those cozy Adenashire vibes made this an enjoyable read. The one caveat is the tiresome overuse of referring to Arleta as Fated. Yes, we get it. She and Theo are Fated Mates. But must she be referred to as "my Fated" over and over in every book when "she" "her" or Arleta would suffice?
A Fellowship of Curses and Cats just became my new favorite in the Adenashire series, and the only one,besides A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic, to get 5 ⭐ from me. An abundance of cats, a new cafe, Theo finally coming to terms with his fears from the past, the love and support of Found Family plus those cozy Adenashire vibes made this an enjoyable read. The one caveat is the tiresome overuse of referring to Arleta as Fated. Yes, we get it. She and Theo are Fated Mates. But must she be referred to as "my Fated" over and over in every book when "she" "her" or Arleta would suffice?
April 12, 2026
In the newest Adenashire book, Theo is very anxious. His partner Arleta is pregnant with twins and while he's ecstatic, he also extremely afraid that he's going to be a terrible father. A trip to the local apothecary gets him an experimental potion that should help. But Theo feels no different. He has, however, acquired a feline problem. They follow him around town and the more anxious he gets, the more cats arrive. But he's loathe to admit his feelings to anyone, even Arleta. But soon he'll have no choice. More low-stakes cozy fantasy with your favorite group of misfits abounds in A Fellowship of Cursed & Cats!
July 1, 2025
This book was so cute! If you love cozy fantasies and cats, then this is the perfect book. The book had a lot of sweet moments, and the characters are adorable. When I think of cozy fantasy books, this series is one of the first ones that come to mind. I've really enjoyed all the books in this series so far, and I think the author has one more left planned. I think when that one comes out, I'll reread all of them together before. These books are all really lighthearted, cute, and cozy. It's definitely perfect for when you are in the mood for a lighter read.
July 28, 2025
What can be more nerve wracking than becoming a new parent and starting a business? Becoming a new parent, starting a new business…with tons of cats! In this fourth book of the Adenashire series, the focus is shifted back onto Theo and Arleta, more so Theo. This book was much more in the cozy fantasy than romance as opposed to the other books but it was still entertaining and light. I kind of wished we delved more into the complicated relationship with Theo and Shalina as well as Theo’s anxiety but that would’ve probably made it a bit less cozy. Oh, and my favorite part, recipes!
March 19, 2026
I've been very happy with this series, a lovely way to escape real-world anxieties, and as this one returned to my favorite pair, Arleta and Theo, and was perfectly plotted, five stars it is. The author makes a wonderful world, and the primary points of conflict were both amusing--the ever burgeoning cat population--and convincingly stressful--Theo's mom. The book is full of constant details that only enhance the situation and the backdrop. Very well-written and recommended! And I still love the food, especially the bakery (but not every expectant mother craves yucky pickles!).
July 4, 2025
This is would be a 3.5 if Goodreads allowed it. I enjoyed this final (published) book in the series but not nearly as much as the other 3. From about halfway I got in to it but for first half I was finding myself getting frustrated by the decisions being made in the story. I liked where it ended up and I liked the character growth. I kept reading because I’ve enjoyed being in this universe but it definitely wasn’t my favourite.
January 9, 2026
Oof! Theo, sir, whatever charm you had went out the window. Wow! He was such a jerk in this one. I get parental issues, but dude! I would kill for an apology from my parents. Arleta I still absolutely adore. I also love the cat distribution system and Faylin! They are the reason I finished this book and am rating it as high as I am! Faylin had me laughing and the absolute chaos of the cats! I do like this series but Theo having his own book didn't work and it made me hate him.
July 1, 2025
it was very fun to spend time with the Adenashire found family again. Theo doesn't make for the most interesting protagonist and the author used the phrase 'his fated' any time Arleta was mentioned in his presence which felt ...weird. she is his fated mate but say, his love, his wife, Arleta ....anything but 'fated' all the time.
that issue aside it was a very cozy and fun read.
that issue aside it was a very cozy and fun read.
July 6, 2025
Enchanting
What I really like are the recipes at the end. Would be great if the series came out with a recipe book containing all the recipes of the series. I’d buy it.
Besides the fantastic recipes, the story itself was whimsical and flowed well with good key points on acceptance and forgiveness.
What I really like are the recipes at the end. Would be great if the series came out with a recipe book containing all the recipes of the series. I’d buy it.
Besides the fantastic recipes, the story itself was whimsical and flowed well with good key points on acceptance and forgiveness.
July 15, 2025
This was an adorable addition to the Fellowship series. I love cats and this made me want another one in my life. I love that this was Theos story and we got a little more of his back story. I can’t wait for the final book in the series. Also I now get to try the recipes in the back which is always fun!
July 21, 2025
Cats!
Another cute little book in this series, I love that they are easy to read!
This one is all about Theodmon(Theo) and it was nice to learn about him, though I wish there would have been a tad bit more about his past. That being said, what was revealed to us in this book made sense with what he was dealing with.
Another cute little book in this series, I love that they are easy to read!
This one is all about Theodmon(Theo) and it was nice to learn about him, though I wish there would have been a tad bit more about his past. That being said, what was revealed to us in this book made sense with what he was dealing with.
August 1, 2025
love
I love this series, each book seems to deal with a mental health aspect that most people can relate to. But the books are still cozy and heartwarming they are a great escape from our current world and possibly give us some help in overcoming some of our own difficulties. I definitely recommend this series.
I love this series, each book seems to deal with a mental health aspect that most people can relate to. But the books are still cozy and heartwarming they are a great escape from our current world and possibly give us some help in overcoming some of our own difficulties. I definitely recommend this series.
October 13, 2025
Easily my favorite book in the series. I get I’m a little biased. I work in animal welfare, love to bake, read, and get cozy. It felt like this book was made for me. Perfectly lovable with all the cats, purrs, tasty food, found family, and all the cozy feels. I hated finishing it because I simply didn’t want it to end. Now to wait for the next book in the series.
March 30, 2026
I loved that Theo gets his own story and his love for cats is so sweetly depicted. When the stress of impending fatherhood and opening a brand new business gets overwhelming, he seeks out a potion to help combat his anxiety. When he suddenly is inundated with cats showing up, it makes his life and business plan change quickly.
April 7, 2026
Real while still being Cutsey
FINALLY this book came with the real life stakes and tension that had been lacking in the past books. I loved this one seeing Theo’s inner anxiety after building him up as this perfect care free guy since book one was just - and his relationship with his mom? The haunting family history - ughhhh just French Kiss all around
FINALLY this book came with the real life stakes and tension that had been lacking in the past books. I loved this one seeing Theo’s inner anxiety after building him up as this perfect care free guy since book one was just - and his relationship with his mom? The haunting family history - ughhhh just French Kiss all around
August 4, 2025
Cats and cozy go together
As you might guess a book full od books, tea and cats makes the perfect read on a lazy day. We follow familiar characters through a perplexing time, being reminded that caring for oneself is the best way to be there for others.
As you might guess a book full od books, tea and cats makes the perfect read on a lazy day. We follow familiar characters through a perplexing time, being reminded that caring for oneself is the best way to be there for others.
September 10, 2025
Each book in this series has focused on a couple - but here we are really focused on a single character for the first time, but their story involves everyone in Adenashire. I continue to love the empathy between characters and how they grow and learn from each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews