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Cat Café Romance #3
First Dates at the Cat Café
The cosy and heartfelt new novel from the author of reader favourite Snowed in at the Cat Cafe!
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2026
About the author
Rachel Rowlands
11 books70 followersRachel Rowlands lives in Manchester, England, with her husband and two cats. She grew up devouring any book she could get her hands on, and after earning her degree in English and Creative Writing, she built a career as a freelance editor while working on her own stories in her spare time. When she’s not writing or editing, she enjoys playing video games and crying over romance Kdramas. Follow Rachel on Instagram or join her newsletter for for book news, reading recommendations, and plenty of cat pictures!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 30, 2026
First Dates at the Cat Café by Rachel Rowlands follows Grace, a barista who dreams of becoming a matchmaker. During a dating festival at her cat café, she enters a fake relationship with musician Nathan. Their first neeting is disastrous, but the tension beteeen them is tangible. As they pretend to date, real feelings develop, leading to a heartwarming romance filled with cats, friendship, and second chances. The novel features popular romance tropes including:
Fake dating; Enemies-to-lovers; Slow-burn romance; Matchmaking; Small-town community and Found family. It's the third book in Rachel Rowlands' Cat Café Romance series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone without reading the earlier books.
Fake dating; Enemies-to-lovers; Slow-burn romance; Matchmaking; Small-town community and Found family. It's the third book in Rachel Rowlands' Cat Café Romance series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone without reading the earlier books.
August 16, 2026
3.5✨✨✨Such realistic depictions of anxiety that may slightly stress me out.. but its okay because there are cats everywhere
Read
May 24, 2026*First Dates at the Cat Café* was such a comforting and enjoyable read. From the moment I stepped into the world of the Catpurrcino café, I was drawn in by its cozy atmosphere, lovable cats, and the sense of community that runs through the story. The fake-dating romance between Grace and Nathan is sweet and entertaining, but what I loved most was how their relationship developed through genuine friendship, trust, and shared vulnerabilities rather than instant attraction.
Rachel Rowlands writes with a warmth that makes the story easy to settle into. Grace's determination to help others find love made her a relatable and endearing heroine, while Nathan brought a quiet charm that balanced her perfectly. The romance gave me plenty of smiles, and the emotional moments added just enough depth to keep me invested. I also appreciated how the cats and café weren't just background details—they truly felt like part of the heart of the story.
While the plot follows some familiar romance beats and didn't surprise me often, that didn't take away from my enjoyment. If anything, it felt like exactly the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I was in the mood for. Overall, this is a heartwarming read that left me happy, relaxed, and wishing I could spend an afternoon at the Catpurrcino café myself.
Rachel Rowlands writes with a warmth that makes the story easy to settle into. Grace's determination to help others find love made her a relatable and endearing heroine, while Nathan brought a quiet charm that balanced her perfectly. The romance gave me plenty of smiles, and the emotional moments added just enough depth to keep me invested. I also appreciated how the cats and café weren't just background details—they truly felt like part of the heart of the story.
While the plot follows some familiar romance beats and didn't surprise me often, that didn't take away from my enjoyment. If anything, it felt like exactly the kind of cozy, feel-good romance I was in the mood for. Overall, this is a heartwarming read that left me happy, relaxed, and wishing I could spend an afternoon at the Catpurrcino café myself.
July 1, 2026
4.5 rounded down
This one might be my favourite in the series so far! It was your classic rivals-to-lovers fake dating story!
I love that this series is set in the cat cafe but it also takes us out of the cafe with other settings! I've been to so many cat cafes and you can tell that the author has done her research.
Grace is adorable! I love her sense of style always having a different flower crown that represents how her day is going to pan out. You can also tell the author did research on flower theory as well. She's such a cutie patootie she's so gentle and loving and kind.
Nathan is just as cute! He's suffering from a broken heart and just wants to get his music going. When he was like "oh Grace is attractive and I feel a pull but I'm gonna ignore it" I was like sure Jan 😹. Watching him develop real feelings for Grace was such a good read he truly cares about her and her life.
Their relationship was everything! They had such banter and tension. And whilst there was a bit of miscommunication and a 3rd act break up it didn't take away from how good this book was and how good their relationship was.
I do wish some characters from the previous books would pop up more. They are mentioned but mostly in passing, just hope we get to see them again in the background.
Really looking forward to the next book in this series!
This one might be my favourite in the series so far! It was your classic rivals-to-lovers fake dating story!
I love that this series is set in the cat cafe but it also takes us out of the cafe with other settings! I've been to so many cat cafes and you can tell that the author has done her research.
Grace is adorable! I love her sense of style always having a different flower crown that represents how her day is going to pan out. You can also tell the author did research on flower theory as well. She's such a cutie patootie she's so gentle and loving and kind.
Nathan is just as cute! He's suffering from a broken heart and just wants to get his music going. When he was like "oh Grace is attractive and I feel a pull but I'm gonna ignore it" I was like sure Jan 😹. Watching him develop real feelings for Grace was such a good read he truly cares about her and her life.
Their relationship was everything! They had such banter and tension. And whilst there was a bit of miscommunication and a 3rd act break up it didn't take away from how good this book was and how good their relationship was.
I do wish some characters from the previous books would pop up more. They are mentioned but mostly in passing, just hope we get to see them again in the background.
Really looking forward to the next book in this series!
May 27, 2026
A purr-fectly cosy, warm, and utterly charming romance! Grace, barista and aspiring matchmaker, is paired with musician Nathan at her café’s dating festival—they clash instantly, but agree to fake-date to save face.
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers magic unfolds, full of sweet banter, soft moments, and plenty of adorable cats stealing every scene. It’s heartwarming, uplifting, and feels like a big hug—ideal for anyone who loves small-town warmth, gentle romance, and happy endings. Total joy from start to finish! 🐈☕💛
Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers magic unfolds, full of sweet banter, soft moments, and plenty of adorable cats stealing every scene. It’s heartwarming, uplifting, and feels like a big hug—ideal for anyone who loves small-town warmth, gentle romance, and happy endings. Total joy from start to finish! 🐈☕💛
August 21, 2026
Cute love story with lots of kitties, coffees, and sweets. The book was properly written in past tense, third person, with alternating POV chapters and no jumping timeline. (Why can’t more books be written this way?) Both main characters were very likable and more layered than average, focused on their careers rather than obsessed with romance, which was refreshing. My main issue was that the MC’s, especially Nathan, were reactive rather than taking action, and that became a bit tedious. Grace was too concerned with her parents’ opinions for a 27 year old. Overall, however, this was an enjoyable read.
May 29, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read First dates at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands. I thought this would be a cute and breezy summer read, not realizing it was book 3 of a series, but it was easy to follow, and can be read as a standalone. I like the main characters, Grace and Nathan, am a fan of the fake dating trope and the cats were adorable. Definitely a fluffy romance that will bring a smile to a cat lover.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love is in the air at Catpurrcino, and honestly? This book felt like being wrapped in a fluffy blanket while a cat naps beside you, and someone hands you a caramel latte.
First of all, thank you to Rachel Rowlands, the publisher Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC. First Dates at the Cat Café is exactly the kind of story that wraps itself around you like a purring cat on a slow afternoon, comforting, a little mischievous, and full of unexpected sweetness. As the third installment in the Cat Café series (which works perfectly as a standalone!), It’s the ultimate literary pick-me-up.
🐾 The Plot in a Nutshell
Grace is a barista at Catpurrcino with a secret ambition: she wants to trade latte art for love matches by opening her own matchmaking agency. When her town hosts the Sundown Dating Festival in August, it feels like the universe is handing her a golden ticket. There’s just one snag to be a credible matchmaker: she needs to look like she knows what she’s doing in her own love life.
Enter Nathan, a brooding musician stuck working in his father’s music shop. He’s only at the festival to get his music heard, not to find a "purr-fect" partner. When these two are matched, the sparks don't exactly fly, at least, not the good kind. To help Grace’s reputation and Nathan’s career, they strike a classic bargain: The Fake Date.
✨ Why It’s a Must-Read
The Characters: Grace is so easy to root for. She’s a dreamer hiding behind an apron, trying to help everyone else find happiness while ignoring her own heart. Nathan provides the perfect foil, quiet, talented, and harboring his own uncertainties.
The Tropes: This book hits all the right notes for romance fans:
Fake Dating: Watching them "perform" affection until the lines start to blur is pure joy.
Enemies to Lovers: That initial "no thanks" energy makes the eventual payoff so much sweeter.
Only One Bed: Because what is a fake-dating romance without a little forced proximity?
The Feline Co-Stars: The cats at Catpurrcino aren’t just background noise; they are the emotional support (and occasionally the judgmental supervisors) we all need.
💘 My Final Thoughts
What I loved most was how the book balances lightness with sincerity. The transition from staged glances and "perfect couple" performances to genuine stolen kisses under the stars feels organic and warm. It’s hopeful without being overly saccharine, grounded by the real-world pressures Grace and Nathan face regarding their careers and families.
If you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore or Sarah Morgan, or if you just need a story that leaves you smiling long after the final page, grab a tea and head to the cat café. This book is a warm hug in paper form.
Literally the definition of a comfort read.
This book is funny, soft, romantic, and genuinely uplifting. It’s the kind of story you read with a smile on your face the entire time. If you love cozy romances filled with slow-burn chemistry, summer festival vibes, stolen kisses under the stars, and cats silently judging everyone’s decisions, this one is 100% worth picking up.
A warm, charming romance full of heart, humour, and feline supervision, the purrfect escape for romance lovers.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purr-fectly charming!
First of all, thank you to Rachel Rowlands, the publisher Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for the ARC. First Dates at the Cat Café is exactly the kind of story that wraps itself around you like a purring cat on a slow afternoon, comforting, a little mischievous, and full of unexpected sweetness. As the third installment in the Cat Café series (which works perfectly as a standalone!), It’s the ultimate literary pick-me-up.
🐾 The Plot in a Nutshell
Grace is a barista at Catpurrcino with a secret ambition: she wants to trade latte art for love matches by opening her own matchmaking agency. When her town hosts the Sundown Dating Festival in August, it feels like the universe is handing her a golden ticket. There’s just one snag to be a credible matchmaker: she needs to look like she knows what she’s doing in her own love life.
Enter Nathan, a brooding musician stuck working in his father’s music shop. He’s only at the festival to get his music heard, not to find a "purr-fect" partner. When these two are matched, the sparks don't exactly fly, at least, not the good kind. To help Grace’s reputation and Nathan’s career, they strike a classic bargain: The Fake Date.
✨ Why It’s a Must-Read
The Characters: Grace is so easy to root for. She’s a dreamer hiding behind an apron, trying to help everyone else find happiness while ignoring her own heart. Nathan provides the perfect foil, quiet, talented, and harboring his own uncertainties.
The Tropes: This book hits all the right notes for romance fans:
Fake Dating: Watching them "perform" affection until the lines start to blur is pure joy.
Enemies to Lovers: That initial "no thanks" energy makes the eventual payoff so much sweeter.
Only One Bed: Because what is a fake-dating romance without a little forced proximity?
The Feline Co-Stars: The cats at Catpurrcino aren’t just background noise; they are the emotional support (and occasionally the judgmental supervisors) we all need.
💘 My Final Thoughts
What I loved most was how the book balances lightness with sincerity. The transition from staged glances and "perfect couple" performances to genuine stolen kisses under the stars feels organic and warm. It’s hopeful without being overly saccharine, grounded by the real-world pressures Grace and Nathan face regarding their careers and families.
If you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore or Sarah Morgan, or if you just need a story that leaves you smiling long after the final page, grab a tea and head to the cat café. This book is a warm hug in paper form.
Literally the definition of a comfort read.
This book is funny, soft, romantic, and genuinely uplifting. It’s the kind of story you read with a smile on your face the entire time. If you love cozy romances filled with slow-burn chemistry, summer festival vibes, stolen kisses under the stars, and cats silently judging everyone’s decisions, this one is 100% worth picking up.
A warm, charming romance full of heart, humour, and feline supervision, the purrfect escape for romance lovers.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Purr-fectly charming!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an early copy of this from Netgalley.
The plot: a barista at a cat cafe is trying to start her own matchmaking business catered to animal lovers when it is announced that a famous matchmaker is holding her annual singles festival in town. She decides to join the festival to try to talk to the director and as part of the documentary crew she is hoping to promote herself to start her business. During the festival she keeps getting paired with a local musician and they enter a fake dating situation to try to better their chances of looking good in the documentary to boost both of their careers.
This book fell flat to me. I thought that the premise was interesting and I love the fake dating trope but the follow through wasn't there. There was no depth to the characters and things were blown way out of proportion. For example, both characters had what they called nightmare parents but only one was really that bad. There was one point with the fmc talking to her cousin and one of them said "we hate the miscommunication trope" when that is what was actively happening in the story.
I read this after Project Hail Mary and that probably didn't give it a fair chance but this book was just not for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The way the expression lit up her face, showed her teeth, the canines pointier than most people’s, making her look like a magical creature from a fantasy book. And the flower crown? It added to the effect. She was like a fairy tale.
‘Ooh, colour me intrigued.’ ‘Please stay that colour.This particular shade of downin-the-dumps doesn’t suit you.’
Like sunshine falling across the wheat fields, your light brings out gold.
Even up close, he’d been beautiful. Dark lashes, pinpricks of stubble she’d never really noticed from afar decorating his jaw and chin. The way he’d smelt like summer bonfires and swapped secrets.
Grace’s hands ached as if they wanted to reach out and study every inch of him by touch.
well, I don’t think achieving things makes you more lovable. Love should come without conditions.That’s something we all deserve.’
He was soft and warm and breathless and he tasted like something sweet and sugary. Like a favourite dessert she wanted to repeat.
The plot: a barista at a cat cafe is trying to start her own matchmaking business catered to animal lovers when it is announced that a famous matchmaker is holding her annual singles festival in town. She decides to join the festival to try to talk to the director and as part of the documentary crew she is hoping to promote herself to start her business. During the festival she keeps getting paired with a local musician and they enter a fake dating situation to try to better their chances of looking good in the documentary to boost both of their careers.
This book fell flat to me. I thought that the premise was interesting and I love the fake dating trope but the follow through wasn't there. There was no depth to the characters and things were blown way out of proportion. For example, both characters had what they called nightmare parents but only one was really that bad. There was one point with the fmc talking to her cousin and one of them said "we hate the miscommunication trope" when that is what was actively happening in the story.
I read this after Project Hail Mary and that probably didn't give it a fair chance but this book was just not for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The way the expression lit up her face, showed her teeth, the canines pointier than most people’s, making her look like a magical creature from a fantasy book. And the flower crown? It added to the effect. She was like a fairy tale.
‘Ooh, colour me intrigued.’ ‘Please stay that colour.This particular shade of downin-the-dumps doesn’t suit you.’
Like sunshine falling across the wheat fields, your light brings out gold.
Even up close, he’d been beautiful. Dark lashes, pinpricks of stubble she’d never really noticed from afar decorating his jaw and chin. The way he’d smelt like summer bonfires and swapped secrets.
Grace’s hands ached as if they wanted to reach out and study every inch of him by touch.
well, I don’t think achieving things makes you more lovable. Love should come without conditions.That’s something we all deserve.’
He was soft and warm and breathless and he tasted like something sweet and sugary. Like a favourite dessert she wanted to repeat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First Dates at the Cat Café is exactly the kind of story that wraps itself around you like a purring cat on a slow afternoon—comforting, a little mischievous, and full of unexpected sweetness. Grace is such an easy character to root for: a barista with a dream bigger than her apron pockets, quietly matchmaking in her head while convincing herself she’s far too busy to think about her own love life.
The August dating festival at Catpurrcino feels like the perfect spark for her ambitions, and the setting is irresistible—frothy coffees, soft paws padding across the floor, and that gentle hum of possibility that comes when strangers sit down across from each other hoping for a spark. But the real charm begins when Grace is matched with Nathan, a musician who would clearly rather be performing than dating. Their first meeting has that wonderfully awkward energy that makes you smile because you know exactly where it could lead, even if they don’t.
Their decision to fake a romance for the sake of Grace’s credibility is playful and full of heart. Watching them lean into the act—shared glances, staged affection, stolen moments that start to feel a little too real—gives the story its soft, romantic glow. And the cats, of course, are always there to supervise, judge, or offer emotional support as needed.
What I loved most is how the book balances lightness with sincerity. Grace’s dreams, Nathan’s quiet uncertainties, the gentle unfolding of something genuine between them—it all feels warm and hopeful without ever tipping into saccharine. The summer nights, the star‑lit dates, the slow shift from pretending to feeling… it’s all handled with such charm.
A cozy, uplifting read filled with fake‑dating fun, feline sidekicks, and the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, First Dates at the Cat Café is perfect for anyone who wants a story that leaves them smiling long after the final page.
With thanks to rachel rowlands, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The August dating festival at Catpurrcino feels like the perfect spark for her ambitions, and the setting is irresistible—frothy coffees, soft paws padding across the floor, and that gentle hum of possibility that comes when strangers sit down across from each other hoping for a spark. But the real charm begins when Grace is matched with Nathan, a musician who would clearly rather be performing than dating. Their first meeting has that wonderfully awkward energy that makes you smile because you know exactly where it could lead, even if they don’t.
Their decision to fake a romance for the sake of Grace’s credibility is playful and full of heart. Watching them lean into the act—shared glances, staged affection, stolen moments that start to feel a little too real—gives the story its soft, romantic glow. And the cats, of course, are always there to supervise, judge, or offer emotional support as needed.
What I loved most is how the book balances lightness with sincerity. Grace’s dreams, Nathan’s quiet uncertainties, the gentle unfolding of something genuine between them—it all feels warm and hopeful without ever tipping into saccharine. The summer nights, the star‑lit dates, the slow shift from pretending to feeling… it’s all handled with such charm.
A cozy, uplifting read filled with fake‑dating fun, feline sidekicks, and the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, First Dates at the Cat Café is perfect for anyone who wants a story that leaves them smiling long after the final page.
With thanks to rachel rowlands, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had read the other books in the series - so what wasn’t to love about cats and a cafe called Catpurrcino? Add in matchmaking. Love and misunderstandings following an understanding and this made a great summer read.
My only issue? Well I don’t know if everyone is like me but I get mental pictures in my head of the characters from the descriptions. Unfortunately my image of the matchmaker, Shayla Riley, transposed into a contemporary version of Barbra Streisand in ‘Hello Dolly’ and I was earwormed by the song ‘Matchmaker Matchmaker’ constantly which I am absolutely sure was never the intention of the author.
Back to the review - who knew there may be such a thing as a matchmaking Festival lasting for the whole of August? But that was Catpurrcino sponsored so Grace - a barista and would be cat centred dating agency designer - was sent to work at. She was determined that she wouldn’t find love as she had such a disastrous dating history. Then we have Nathan - a musician who helped in his Dad music shop and Aubrey an ex of Nathan’s with a dubious history of the origins of her song writing. Of course Aubrey ended up at the festival as well.
Grace and Nathan had an understanding that they would pretend to couple up with predictable results.
That just about sums the book up, slightly predictable, it was obvious Nathan’s divorced parents would rekindle their relationship though how the father decided the self-centred mother might be for him again failed me. Aubrey went through partners like a dose of salts but her comeuppance came from a strange angle - a character that appeared in one line!
All in all an easy read. I felt that some of the characters that had appeared previously in the series just disappeared and I would’ve liked to known what happened to them but this is a minor errrk.
A great read for a beach holiday - more iced latte than hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles but nevertheless a satisfactory read.
My only issue? Well I don’t know if everyone is like me but I get mental pictures in my head of the characters from the descriptions. Unfortunately my image of the matchmaker, Shayla Riley, transposed into a contemporary version of Barbra Streisand in ‘Hello Dolly’ and I was earwormed by the song ‘Matchmaker Matchmaker’ constantly which I am absolutely sure was never the intention of the author.
Back to the review - who knew there may be such a thing as a matchmaking Festival lasting for the whole of August? But that was Catpurrcino sponsored so Grace - a barista and would be cat centred dating agency designer - was sent to work at. She was determined that she wouldn’t find love as she had such a disastrous dating history. Then we have Nathan - a musician who helped in his Dad music shop and Aubrey an ex of Nathan’s with a dubious history of the origins of her song writing. Of course Aubrey ended up at the festival as well.
Grace and Nathan had an understanding that they would pretend to couple up with predictable results.
That just about sums the book up, slightly predictable, it was obvious Nathan’s divorced parents would rekindle their relationship though how the father decided the self-centred mother might be for him again failed me. Aubrey went through partners like a dose of salts but her comeuppance came from a strange angle - a character that appeared in one line!
All in all an easy read. I felt that some of the characters that had appeared previously in the series just disappeared and I would’ve liked to known what happened to them but this is a minor errrk.
A great read for a beach holiday - more iced latte than hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles but nevertheless a satisfactory read.
May 31, 2026
3.5⭐️
“She was like a fairy tale.”
“But you are something I want to experience. I want you in my life. I want you. Not for a bit of fun, or any other stupid reason.”
✨✨✨
Thank you to Rachel Rowlands, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an ARC of this one.
This was exactly what you’d want it to be, a really easy and summery romance read that would interest you if you enjoy something short and sweet.
✨ fake dating
✨ slow burn
✨ only one bed
✨ dislike to lovers
✨ cat co-workers
The story follows Grace, a bubbly and hopeful girl, who works at Catpurrcino but wants to start her own pet-loving dating agency. Her parents don’t support or believe in her dream, or understand why she currently works at a cat café. When the café starts sponsoring a dating festival nearby, she joins in the hopes to meet legendary matchmaker Shayla, take part in a documentary and get some tips on the industry and eventual promotion for her work. Instead she meets Nathan, who is there to promote his music on the documentary after having songs stolen by his pop star ex girlfriend. He’s grumpy, and closed off and the two don’t hit it off right away - shocker - but keep finding their way back to one another in their fake dating plot to both get what they think they want from the festival.
There’s complex family drama from both sides, and Grace and Nathan struggle through a bit of miscommunication and almost ignorance in their feelings for one another. It’s a very sweet, and summery read though.
The cats at the café were adorable, featuring whenever scenes were shot there or Grace was working a shift. They stole the show in those parts for me because they all sound so different and unique.
This is the 3rd book in a series but could be read as a stand-alone, which is what I did.
Thank you again to Rachel Rowlands, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ⛔️
“She was like a fairy tale.”
“But you are something I want to experience. I want you in my life. I want you. Not for a bit of fun, or any other stupid reason.”
✨✨✨
Thank you to Rachel Rowlands, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an ARC of this one.
This was exactly what you’d want it to be, a really easy and summery romance read that would interest you if you enjoy something short and sweet.
✨ fake dating
✨ slow burn
✨ only one bed
✨ dislike to lovers
✨ cat co-workers
The story follows Grace, a bubbly and hopeful girl, who works at Catpurrcino but wants to start her own pet-loving dating agency. Her parents don’t support or believe in her dream, or understand why she currently works at a cat café. When the café starts sponsoring a dating festival nearby, she joins in the hopes to meet legendary matchmaker Shayla, take part in a documentary and get some tips on the industry and eventual promotion for her work. Instead she meets Nathan, who is there to promote his music on the documentary after having songs stolen by his pop star ex girlfriend. He’s grumpy, and closed off and the two don’t hit it off right away - shocker - but keep finding their way back to one another in their fake dating plot to both get what they think they want from the festival.
There’s complex family drama from both sides, and Grace and Nathan struggle through a bit of miscommunication and almost ignorance in their feelings for one another. It’s a very sweet, and summery read though.
The cats at the café were adorable, featuring whenever scenes were shot there or Grace was working a shift. They stole the show in those parts for me because they all sound so different and unique.
This is the 3rd book in a series but could be read as a stand-alone, which is what I did.
Thank you again to Rachel Rowlands, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ⛔️
June 27, 2026
I am really loving this Cat Cafe series, and it was good to catch up with some of our feline friends.
And of course the human ones too, this time the focus is on Grace, who dreams of opening up her own matchmaking agency for pet lovers, and Nathan who is a musician who has barely been creative since a bad break up.
Catpurrcino has the opportunity to sponsor a huge matchmaking festival run by Grace's idol, and she is encouraged to join it, and the documentary being made, in the hopes of raising her profile for her new business. Plus who trusts a matchmaker with an iffy love life.
Whereas Nathan is encouraged by his family to join the festival as a performer, entrant and also to be part of the documentary in order to raise the profile of his music.
Despite them rubbing each other up the wrong way at the start, it soon becomes apparent there is something between them, whether it's fake or not is another matter!
I really disliked Grace's parents, and also Nathan's ex girlfriend, who just happens to be at this festival too. But I enjoyed disliking these characters, while loving both Grace and Nathan themselves.
After they are matched, there are put on a series of interesting dates, including decorating biscuits and a spa evening, and it was fun seeing just what they would have to do next.
This was a highly enjoyable story of dating and trusting your instincts, with plenty of feline friends and delicious treats too. I ha a great time with this book and already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And of course the human ones too, this time the focus is on Grace, who dreams of opening up her own matchmaking agency for pet lovers, and Nathan who is a musician who has barely been creative since a bad break up.
Catpurrcino has the opportunity to sponsor a huge matchmaking festival run by Grace's idol, and she is encouraged to join it, and the documentary being made, in the hopes of raising her profile for her new business. Plus who trusts a matchmaker with an iffy love life.
Whereas Nathan is encouraged by his family to join the festival as a performer, entrant and also to be part of the documentary in order to raise the profile of his music.
Despite them rubbing each other up the wrong way at the start, it soon becomes apparent there is something between them, whether it's fake or not is another matter!
I really disliked Grace's parents, and also Nathan's ex girlfriend, who just happens to be at this festival too. But I enjoyed disliking these characters, while loving both Grace and Nathan themselves.
After they are matched, there are put on a series of interesting dates, including decorating biscuits and a spa evening, and it was fun seeing just what they would have to do next.
This was a highly enjoyable story of dating and trusting your instincts, with plenty of feline friends and delicious treats too. I ha a great time with this book and already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to Hodder and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 23, 2026
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Rachel Rowlands for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a cosy, feel-good romance filled with cats, coffee, and charming small-town vibes, First Dates at the Cat Café is a sweet escape.
Grace dreams of leaving her job as a barista at Catpurrcino Café to open her own matchmaking agency for fellow pet lovers. When the café partners with a month-long dating festival, it feels like the perfect opportunity to prove her skills. The only problem? Grace ends up fake dating musician Nathan after they’re disastrously matched together. What starts as a plan to save face soon becomes much more complicated as fake feelings begin to feel very real.
With fake dating, enemies-to-lovers tension, only one bed, matchmaking, and plenty of adorable feline companions, this story delivers all the cosy rom-com ingredients. The cat café setting was easily the highlight, creating a warm and comforting backdrop that cat lovers will absolutely adore.
While the romance was enjoyable and there were plenty of cute moments between Grace and Nathan, I found parts of the story a little predictable and wished for slightly more character development. The pacing occasionally dragged, and I didn’t feel quite as invested in the relationship as I had hoped.
Overall, this was a charming, light-hearted romance that’s perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon. It may not have been a new favourite, but the lovable cats, cosy atmosphere, and classic rom-com tropes made it an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Rachel Rowlands for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a cosy, feel-good romance filled with cats, coffee, and charming small-town vibes, First Dates at the Cat Café is a sweet escape.
Grace dreams of leaving her job as a barista at Catpurrcino Café to open her own matchmaking agency for fellow pet lovers. When the café partners with a month-long dating festival, it feels like the perfect opportunity to prove her skills. The only problem? Grace ends up fake dating musician Nathan after they’re disastrously matched together. What starts as a plan to save face soon becomes much more complicated as fake feelings begin to feel very real.
With fake dating, enemies-to-lovers tension, only one bed, matchmaking, and plenty of adorable feline companions, this story delivers all the cosy rom-com ingredients. The cat café setting was easily the highlight, creating a warm and comforting backdrop that cat lovers will absolutely adore.
While the romance was enjoyable and there were plenty of cute moments between Grace and Nathan, I found parts of the story a little predictable and wished for slightly more character development. The pacing occasionally dragged, and I didn’t feel quite as invested in the relationship as I had hoped.
Overall, this was a charming, light-hearted romance that’s perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon. It may not have been a new favourite, but the lovable cats, cosy atmosphere, and classic rom-com tropes made it an enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two years ago with Christmas, I fell in love with Catpurrcino while reading Snowed in at the Cat Café, so I was excitedd to return to this cozy world in First Dates at the Cat Café. In this story, we follow Grace, who is determined to set up a dating agency for animal lovers. To build her reputation, she enters a local matchmaking festival. Not to find love, but with a professional mission. I have to admit, I initially thought a month-long festival sounded a bit unrealistic, but I happily take those words back after learning it’s actually based on a real event!
I really enjoyed following Grace through the festival activities, though I felt she lost sight of her business goals at times. I'd have preferred to see her take more action instead of just undergoing the festival activities.
This was a sweet fake dating romance, and the chemistry between the leads was palpable, though I did struggle a bit with the lack of communication between them at one point. Fortunately, that didn't last too long.
One of my favorite details was Grace making flower crowns and choosing specific flowers based on their meanings to suit her mood. As someone who loves to romanticize life, this really resonated with me.
Overall, this was a lovely, heartwarming read. Catpurrcino is the kind of café I wish existed in my own town, and I would gladly read more books in this charming series.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
I really enjoyed following Grace through the festival activities, though I felt she lost sight of her business goals at times. I'd have preferred to see her take more action instead of just undergoing the festival activities.
This was a sweet fake dating romance, and the chemistry between the leads was palpable, though I did struggle a bit with the lack of communication between them at one point. Fortunately, that didn't last too long.
One of my favorite details was Grace making flower crowns and choosing specific flowers based on their meanings to suit her mood. As someone who loves to romanticize life, this really resonated with me.
Overall, this was a lovely, heartwarming read. Catpurrcino is the kind of café I wish existed in my own town, and I would gladly read more books in this charming series.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy!
August 24, 2026
I hadn’t realised when I requested this book that it was actually the third book in the series. I really enjoyed it, although I’m not sure whether I might have enjoyed it even more had I read the previous books first.
Grace adores her job as a barista at the Catpurrcino Café, but dreams of one day setting up her own matchmaking agency to help fellow pet lovers find true love. During a local festival, she is matched with Nathan, a musician. They have absolutely nothing in common and, on paper, it really shouldn’t work. But the pair decide to make it look to the outside world as though they are perfect for each other. However, Cupid has other plans, and they quickly realise that their pretend relationship might be turning into something very real.
This is such a lovely, cosy read. The characters are really likeable, and I quickly found myself rooting for them both to get their happy ending. And working in a café surrounded by cats? I mean, come on. Is that not the dream? 😂🐈☕
If you’re a fan of fake dating, slow-burn romance and that wonderful small-town vibe, then this book is definitely for you. Rachel’s writing draws you in and leaves you with that warm, satisfied, cosy feeling when you finish.
Such a cute read. 💕📚 thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would rate this book 3.5 ⭐️
Grace adores her job as a barista at the Catpurrcino Café, but dreams of one day setting up her own matchmaking agency to help fellow pet lovers find true love. During a local festival, she is matched with Nathan, a musician. They have absolutely nothing in common and, on paper, it really shouldn’t work. But the pair decide to make it look to the outside world as though they are perfect for each other. However, Cupid has other plans, and they quickly realise that their pretend relationship might be turning into something very real.
This is such a lovely, cosy read. The characters are really likeable, and I quickly found myself rooting for them both to get their happy ending. And working in a café surrounded by cats? I mean, come on. Is that not the dream? 😂🐈☕
If you’re a fan of fake dating, slow-burn romance and that wonderful small-town vibe, then this book is definitely for you. Rachel’s writing draws you in and leaves you with that warm, satisfied, cosy feeling when you finish.
Such a cute read. 💕📚 thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would rate this book 3.5 ⭐️
June 12, 2026
Grace and Nathan meet at a single festival. They have been chosen to be part of a documentary but both are not there for romance. Nathan wants to advance his musical career and Grace wants to pick up ideas for her prospective cat lover dating service. The cat cafe, where Grace works, is more background than a catalyst for romance. But in spite of their resistance, the two have similar issues. Grace’s parents are scathing in the efforts to mold her into their image. Nathan’s love him unconditionally but put him in the middle of their ongoing battles, even long after a divorce. There are a lot of other things going on not the least being her inability to see herself as someone of value and his inability to trust after a heartbreaking betrayal by a former girlfriend.
The books follows the trials and tribulations as they try their best to reject the strong connections they continue to make. This is a romance so you know it is going to end well and they will not be able to deny the inevitable. While I am not a big romance fan, I do love anything where kitties are involved. And the more of these I read, the more I appreciate the feel good emotions that the reader gets from this genre. It is a good antidote to the realities of the world. Thanks to books like this, I will continue to explore it more. Five purrs and two paws up.
The books follows the trials and tribulations as they try their best to reject the strong connections they continue to make. This is a romance so you know it is going to end well and they will not be able to deny the inevitable. While I am not a big romance fan, I do love anything where kitties are involved. And the more of these I read, the more I appreciate the feel good emotions that the reader gets from this genre. It is a good antidote to the realities of the world. Thanks to books like this, I will continue to explore it more. Five purrs and two paws up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Rachel Rowlands for providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This is an honest review and the thoughts and opinions below are my own.
I give this book 3.5 stars.
This book is a cosy, contemporary romance, with settings including a small town, a cat cafe and a matchmaking festival.
The characters are all endearing, albeit a little shallow in personality at times.
The matchmaking festival also runs a dating documentary series for some of the dating hopefuls, and the 'dates' organised by the matchmaker and team are occasionally cringe in an entertaining way. There was plenty of opportunity for drama, with a less than desirable nasty ex making an appearance.
One of the main characters experiences some big surges of anxiety, which are well written and enough to provoke empathy in the reader. Accurate representation of mental struggles in books is something I am finding really comforting in modern literature.
My only complaint about this book is that it needed more cats! I went into this one not knowing it was part of a series, but it stood on its own with no need to read the other books. Unless, like me, you find this book delightfully cosy and cute, which would most likely lead you to the others in the series eventually!
I give this book 3.5 stars.
This book is a cosy, contemporary romance, with settings including a small town, a cat cafe and a matchmaking festival.
The characters are all endearing, albeit a little shallow in personality at times.
The matchmaking festival also runs a dating documentary series for some of the dating hopefuls, and the 'dates' organised by the matchmaker and team are occasionally cringe in an entertaining way. There was plenty of opportunity for drama, with a less than desirable nasty ex making an appearance.
One of the main characters experiences some big surges of anxiety, which are well written and enough to provoke empathy in the reader. Accurate representation of mental struggles in books is something I am finding really comforting in modern literature.
My only complaint about this book is that it needed more cats! I went into this one not knowing it was part of a series, but it stood on its own with no need to read the other books. Unless, like me, you find this book delightfully cosy and cute, which would most likely lead you to the others in the series eventually!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I thought First Dates at the Cat Café was such a cute and fun read. It was adorable, heartwarming, and I can definitely see many readers falling in love with this story!
One of my favorite parts of the book was Nathan’s character development. Watching him grow throughout the story felt very natural and was written beautifully. I really enjoyed seeing his progression over time and how his experiences shaped him.
I did feel like Grace’s development was missing some of that same gradual growth. Her change felt a little more sudden, almost like a switch flipped. While that can absolutely happen in real life, I personally would have loved to see her growth unfold more subtly throughout the story, similar to Nathan’s arc.
I also felt the ending was slightly rushed. The transition from “this will never work” to “happily ever after” happened very quickly for me. That said, the story was wrapped up beautifully overall, and the epilogue was absolutely perfect.
Despite a few pacing issues for me personally, this was still a charming and enjoyable read that I think a lot of people will really love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
One of my favorite parts of the book was Nathan’s character development. Watching him grow throughout the story felt very natural and was written beautifully. I really enjoyed seeing his progression over time and how his experiences shaped him.
I did feel like Grace’s development was missing some of that same gradual growth. Her change felt a little more sudden, almost like a switch flipped. While that can absolutely happen in real life, I personally would have loved to see her growth unfold more subtly throughout the story, similar to Nathan’s arc.
I also felt the ending was slightly rushed. The transition from “this will never work” to “happily ever after” happened very quickly for me. That said, the story was wrapped up beautifully overall, and the epilogue was absolutely perfect.
Despite a few pacing issues for me personally, this was still a charming and enjoyable read that I think a lot of people will really love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 18, 2026
Was lured here by the title. This is an extreme slow burn, friends. They don't get to their first kiss till 75% of the book.
The concept was Grace is trying to set up a matchmaking business, but her parents kept telling her that she's wasting her time and potential, and their money for putting her thru school. They're just all around horrible parents. She met Nathan, a skeptical musician. They're both at the matchmaking festival, and thru the 'dates' they gotten to know each other. There's attractions there, but one thing or another... you know the drill.
First off, the pacing was too slow of me. For those who love a good slow burn, this is for you. Second, I get the events of festival playing out, but there were a lot of too deep descriptions that I got lost in. At any rate, this is my first time reading a one-bed, haters to lovers and no action took place. It was embarrassing to a point where Grace was the one making all the moves to Nathan, and he kept saying no. The reasoning behind it was weak. Guess weak is not the right word, but definitely lack conviction from his side. Anyway, yes, they finally got together at the end. It wasn't my jam, but they are lovely characters.
Thank you NetGalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
The concept was Grace is trying to set up a matchmaking business, but her parents kept telling her that she's wasting her time and potential, and their money for putting her thru school. They're just all around horrible parents. She met Nathan, a skeptical musician. They're both at the matchmaking festival, and thru the 'dates' they gotten to know each other. There's attractions there, but one thing or another... you know the drill.
First off, the pacing was too slow of me. For those who love a good slow burn, this is for you. Second, I get the events of festival playing out, but there were a lot of too deep descriptions that I got lost in. At any rate, this is my first time reading a one-bed, haters to lovers and no action took place. It was embarrassing to a point where Grace was the one making all the moves to Nathan, and he kept saying no. The reasoning behind it was weak. Guess weak is not the right word, but definitely lack conviction from his side. Anyway, yes, they finally got together at the end. It wasn't my jam, but they are lovely characters.
Thank you NetGalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
May 31, 2026
really good third book.
Really enjoyed the 3rd book in this series. I loved Nathan and Grace as characters and the journey they went on. It was also great to meet matt who's story we'll get in book 4 which I am really looking forward to.
This series is a lovely easy series to read and if your an animal lover and enjoy some romance then this series is for you. Only discovered this series I think it was late last year and read the first two books together. I was shocked to find this one coming out so quickly as I thought the book coming out in august was book 3. If you want a nice quick easy series this is for you.
Really enjoyed the 3rd book in this series. I loved Nathan and Grace as characters and the journey they went on. It was also great to meet matt who's story we'll get in book 4 which I am really looking forward to.
This series is a lovely easy series to read and if your an animal lover and enjoy some romance then this series is for you. Only discovered this series I think it was late last year and read the first two books together. I was shocked to find this one coming out so quickly as I thought the book coming out in august was book 3. If you want a nice quick easy series this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been wanting to read this book for a while! I remember seeing Nutmeg being the one chosen as a winner to be added to the book, so I loved reading and knowing that this was someone's baby and how ecstatic it must have made the owner when they read the book! Nutmeg sounds adorable 💖
I could live in this cat cafe! The food and drinks sound amazing. I went to one that had cat shaped avocado toast once and they used carrots for the whiskers.
This was such a cozy read and I had a blast reading it! Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
I could live in this cat cafe! The food and drinks sound amazing. I went to one that had cat shaped avocado toast once and they used carrots for the whiskers.
This was such a cozy read and I had a blast reading it! Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a cat lover this book attracted me to it's title! It was a quick and light hearted read. I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters and had hoped the cats would feature more as it felt like they were just in the background (having 3 I know how their characters are all different and how they can help in stressful times). There were twists and turns that I didn't see coming that kept the reader engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
June 8, 2026
3/5. Your standard cozy and quick little romance, but in a cat cafe. Wasn’t the best (I found myself bored because it felt slow at times, but that comes with the cozy territory I guess), but definitely not bad by any means. Both characters were okay, and the plot was okay too. The writing was rather simplistic. I spent so much of the book thinking about health code violations though lol.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, First Dates at the Cat Cafe, by Rachel Rowlands, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the Cat Cafe Romance series. Grace makes coffee at the cat cafe, but really wants to be a matchmaker. Grace wants to find love for other people, when she has no one special in her life. This was a sweet read. Grace is a lovely character, her mother not so much.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Even though it was a romance without any spice in it, I really like this book 🤭! It might look like it will be a 'Hallmark' predictable story, but it absolutely wasn't. It was very well written, sweet, cute and fun.. No insta love, but falling for each other despite the struggles they have. I adored the cats in the book and loved both main characters a lot 😍. It's a perfect romantic palette cleanser!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Being a cat lover this book attracted me to it's title! Grace makes coffee at the cat cafe, but really wants to be a matchmaker. Grace wants to find love for other people, I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters and had hoped the cats would feature more as it felt like they were just in the background. The story had potential but ultimately felt underwhelming, and I struggled to connect with the characters, who seemed to lack depth.
May 7, 2026
This was such a cozy, sweet, enjoyable read! I read Snowed In At The Cat Cafe last year and I really enjoyed it, so I was excited for the opportunity to check this out too. It was fun following along with the characters on their love journey and having a woven underlying theme of cats - who doesn't love cats! :) There's one more book in the series I haven't read yet; I'm looking forward to checking it out. If you like cozy romance then this is for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First Dates at the Cat Cafe had a cozy premise and some genuinely lovely details that stood out to me — especially Grace inspiring Nathan’s music and the meanings behind the flower crowns she created.
I just wished the emotional connection between them felt stronger. Grace’s shift in feelings towards Nathan seemed a little sudden, so I struggled to fully connect with the romance progression.
Overall, a soft and easy read with cozy café vibes, but emotionally it fell a little flat for me.
I just wished the emotional connection between them felt stronger. Grace’s shift in feelings towards Nathan seemed a little sudden, so I struggled to fully connect with the romance progression.
Overall, a soft and easy read with cozy café vibes, but emotionally it fell a little flat for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
What a delightful summer read! I truly enjoyed reading this book. The premise was so unique and loved being immersed in the middle of a British dating festival! The writing was great and kept me entertained throughout the book. I now want to spend every day at the Cat Cafe drinking iced lattes with Grace watching Nathan perform live! What a dream! If you are looking for a sweet summer romance read, this is for you!
What a delightful summer read! I truly enjoyed reading this book. The premise was so unique and loved being immersed in the middle of a British dating festival! The writing was great and kept me entertained throughout the book. I now want to spend every day at the Cat Cafe drinking iced lattes with Grace watching Nathan perform live! What a dream! If you are looking for a sweet summer romance read, this is for you!
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