Contracts & Cats

by Toni Binns

Welcome to the Magical Emporium of Wares, a bookshop that appears only to those who need to find it.

When Sable answers a too-good-to-be-true job posting—cozy bookshop, perfect espresso machine, adorable black cat, and an apartment upstairs—she thought she'd finally caught a break from her crushing student loans.

But the ink on the deal is barely dry when Sable realizes that the contract is very literal. She cannot leave. Also, her new feline companion talks, the bookstore itself is a sentient enigma with an excellent espresso machine, and magic isn’t just for storybooks–it’s woven into her new reality.

Bound to the shop as the mystical Cat's voice and hands in the human world, the bookstore's true purpose begins to unfold, and Sable must choose. Will she embrace the impossible magic blooming around her, or cling to the mundane life she thought she wanted, risking the fate of the shop and its curious inhabitants?

If you love the heartwarming charm of found family, the gentle unraveling of an enchanting mystery, and the quiet wonder of magic woven into everyday life, then this is your next favorite read.

Discover the secrets of the bookstore and join Sable's extraordinary journey – pick up your copy of Meow: Magical Emporium of Wares today!

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Magic, Cozy Fantasy, Cats, Dragons, Contemporary

ebook

First published November 4, 2025

About the author

I'm an author who loves a good cozy fantasy. My stories are filled with warm vibes, found families, and just enough magic to make things interesting. I started writing to escape the real world, and I hope my books can be a warm hug for you, too.

Reviews

[Chapters & Chives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contracts and Cats - Book Review

5/5 ⭐️ stars!

I am absolutely in love with this new book Contracts and Cats by Toni Binns!! It is the perfect mix of fall cozy vibes, cottage core, coffee shop, grumpy cats, and the perfect splash of fantasy magic. Thank you so much to @netgalley and Bardhwood Press LLC for this #gifted #arc copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. 💜💜💜

From the publisher:
Welcome to the Magical Emporium of Wares, a bookshop that appears only to those who need to find it.

When Sable answers a too-good-to-be-true job posting—cozy bookshop, perfect espresso machine, adorable black cat, and an apartment upstairs—she thought she’d finally caught a break from her crushing student loans.

But the ink on the deal is barely dry when Sable realizes that the contract is very literal. She cannot leave. Also, her new feline companion talks, the bookstore itself is a sentient enigma with an excellent espresso machine, and magic isn’t just for storybooks–it’s woven into her new reality.

Bound to the shop as the mystical Cat’s voice and hands in the human world, the bookstore’s true purpose begins to unfold, and Sable must choose. Will she embrace the impossible magic blooming around her, or cling to the mundane life she thought she wanted, risking the fate of the shop and its curious inhabitants?

My opinion:
If you are a fan of the books Legends and Lattes, The Spellshop, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, then you will also love Contracts and Cats!

Publication Date: November 4, 2025 💜

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC for review.

Magical cat, magical bookstore with espresso machine, AND a little book dragon? Say less. This is a super cozy fantasy set in a magical store with all kinds of magical creatures. The writing does a great job of slowly bringing you into the world without being overwhelming. You learn what you need to know, as you need to know.

Sable, the shopkeeper, is instantly likable and relatable. Her loyalty to her new family (and her bio family) is so heartwarming. I enjoyed watching her grow as The Shopkeeper and I appreciate the lack of romantic distraction. The interactions with her parents and brothers are so loving.

I’m so glad this will be a series. Definitely going on my gold star shelf.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the ARC from NetGalley.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN TO BE CONTINUED??!!!

I absolutely LOVE this book! Trapped to work in a magical bookstore/cafe/emporium with a talking cat for a boss and I'm even introduced to a baby BOOK DRAGON?? While meeting countless of other magical creatures across various realms??

I laughed, gasped, and had countless eyebrow raises throughout the suspenseful plot. I rate a book based off my audible reactions, and was invested! The worry set in when I noticed I was 95% of the way done, yet I felt like there was too much of the plot to unravel. Sure enough, the dreaded "continue the series..." text almost left me in tears. This was one of my favorite fun reads in a while and I can't wait to read book 2!!

Literally. I can't wait. I'd appreciate a quick release or an instant ARC please, I need to know what happens next!

[abigail ⋆.˚☾.⭒˚]

DNF @ 14%
I’m sorry to DNF this, as I won it through a giveaway on StoryGraph (my first win on there, actually) but I just couldn’t make myself finish it. I’ve been trying to let myself DNF books if I don’t like them, and I just can’t get into this.
First of all: no contractions. I saw none. And, like, I respect that you’re trying to stay formal I guess, but it gets very clunky and hard to read when extremely commonly contracted words aren’t, well, contracted (I’m not sure thats the right verb there but we’ll go with it 😂).
Second, you mean to tell me that our main character saw a talking cat, magically appearing items, and like generally magical stuff and didn’t really react?? And then later she got weird about the magic, like she was having an extremely delayed reaction? It was weird, and while magic in itself is unrealistic, I don’t think her reaction to said magic was realistic either.
And finally, the plot just sort of bored me. Granted, I only got 14% through, but there really wasn’t a clear goal besides just getting through the one year, and I didn’t really have anything to root for.
All in all, I definitely didn’t get far enough to give this a fair rating (I only rate DNFd books if I get past 50%), but I wasn’t a fan of really any aspect of this book.
Thanks to StoryGraph and author Toni Binns for giving me the chance to read this book through a giveaway.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Contracts & Cats caught my eye when I saw it on Netgalley. I've been really in the mood for cozy fantasy books this year and this one sounded like the perfect fit for my reading mood. I requested it on Netgalley, then looked around on the author's social media and also requested it through a form she had there. I got approved for both and was excited to read this book.

I am so glad I gave this one a chance as I had a great time reading this one. The story follows Sable as she finds a too-good-to-be-true job offering to work at a coffee shop, she quickly finds out the shop is magical, there's a cat who is more than he seems and can talk with her telepathically and she can't leave the shop during her one year contract. Along the way she meets various supernatural creatures and slowly becomes more familiar with the magical worlds and creatures that are out there.

This book was just such a joy to read, it was cozy and comforting. It had that nice slice of life vibe, but there was still plenty going on as well. Some chapters just followed Sable's daily life at the bookstore and some chapters were obviously part of longer ongoing plot lines that continued later on. Often a few chapters dealt with the same day or topic before switching to the next. This made it easy to read in small sitting, which I loved. I liked slowly finding out more about the magical worlds and I kept guessing about what happened with the cat and my predictions were actually spot on. The ending felt a bit abrupt after a big reveal and I am just sad book 2 isn't available yet.

I liked Sable and seeing her grow accustomed to her new job, I liked how much she enjoyed running the shop and how much she grows to care for the Cat as well as Indigo who joins the shop later. She makes some new friendships and powerful allies. I liked reading about her tending to the shop, making coffee or making lunch or baking cookies. I liked seeing how she made a difference in the lives of those who visits the shop and it was awesome learning more about the world. I also liked the bits that were from the Cat's point of view as that added some additional information that sable didn't have as well as how he saw Sable.

To summarize: This was such a fun and cozy read, it had comforting slice of life vibes, but there was still enough going on as well. I really enjoyed reading about Sable, the Cat, Indigo and the magical bookstore. There are usually a few chapters about the same day of topics before switching to another one, despite this there are also overarching plot lines or topics/ characters that come back later in the story. I had such a great time reading this one and really enjoyed getting to know the characters and world more. I also liked the slight mystery surrounding the Cat and it was great to find out my predictions were pretty spot on when his past is revealed later on. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. This one fit my mood perfectly and I can definitely recommend it if you want a fun comforting slice of life cozy fantasy read.

[julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

- - -

The blurb promised everything I love in cozy fantasy — a magical bookshop that appears only to those who need it, a talking cat, gentle magic, and the warmth of found family. It sounded like the perfect comforting read.

Unfortunately, the story never quite delivers on that premise. The plot feels random, with events that start and end abruptly, problems that solve themselves almost instantly, and a main character who mostly reacts rather than acts. Conflicts fizzle out before they have any impact, and the cozy day-to-day routine quickly turns repetitive instead of comforting.

I also never felt truly connected to any of the subplots or character relationships — they all lacked depth and emotional weight. Even the supposed family storyline didn’t feel like a real source of tension or growth, more like a checkbox to fill. The major “plot twist” near the end was so predictable that I was mostly surprised by how long it took the protagonist to catch on. And for a story centered around a magical bookshop, it’s baffling that the main character never once thinks to use those books to actually learn more about the world she’s trapped in (not counting that one book about magical races — she has access to an entire library of arcane knowledge, history, and lore, yet shows zero curiosity about any of it).

The prose is very simple and the pacing slow, with little sense of direction or build-up. The world itself had potential — a sentient bookshop full of secrets should’ve been delightful — but it’s never explored in a meaningful way. There are a few soft, pleasant moments, and I did appreciate the lack of a romantic subplot. The concept is charming on paper — it just needed stronger structure, character agency, and emotional realism to truly come alive.

Contracts & Cats promises the heartwarming mystery and gentle wonder described in its blurb, but ends up feeling disjointed and underdeveloped. A lovely idea buried under flat storytelling — all vibe, no story. It just didn’t work for me, though readers seeking an ultra-light, low-stakes cozy fantasy might still find it soothing.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book on Netgalley, I just got curious. I requested a copy and I was really happy that the author granted me a review copy.

The beginning of this book was amazing. I loved entering the bookstore, getting to know the cat, the coffee machine and the house and ending up meeting a lot of magical characters. I was constantly curious about what was waiting for us in the next chapter, what new species we were gonna encounter, what new mission we were gonna complete.

However, at some point the novelty of that disappeared a little and the story lost me a little. There was not enough "other" to keep me hooked and although the bookshop is visiting all kinds of different fantasy worlds, we never see anything of it, because our characters are forced to stay in the bookstore. It became more of the same with not enough actual plot to keep it interesting.

Normally I absolutely love a character driven story, and this absolutely is one, but the characters weren't growing, learning or changing enough for that. I think for me personally the book was actually a little too cosy. The dragon was insanely cute, I loved the cat, I also really liked Sable, I also liked how sometimes small things had a big impact, but it felt like I eventually wanted something more.

I'm not entirely sure if I'll pick up the sequel, but if you're looking for an easy read with short chapters, cute characters, low stakes and a touch of magic, this is absolutely it.

[Sarah Mclennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun, cozy fantasy read with all the cottagecore, fall vibes I adore. A magical bookstore café, a grumpy talking cat for a boss, and a baby book dragon? I was hooked straight away.

Sable was such a likeable and relatable main character. She’s just trying to drink her coffee and pay off her student loans, but of course the Fates have other plans for her. I loved watching her grow into her role as the shopkeeper while meeting all kinds of magical creatures. Her relationships, especially with her family, were so sweet and genuine too.

The world-building was amazing. It felt magical and immersive without being confusing, and the story had the perfect mix of humor, heart, and mystery. I laughed, gasped, and definitely had a few eyebrow raises while reading.

But that ending? I wasn’t ready for the “to be continued.” I need book two now. This has to be one of my favorite cozy fantasy reads in a while, and I’ll be first in line for the sequel.

If you loved Legends and Lattes you’ll definitely love this one too.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy to read and review 🩷

[Baillie ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Contracts & Cats is a lovely, cozy fantasy novel where we follow Sable, who unknowingly signs a contract to be a Shopkeeper for an entire year without the ability to leave the shop. The shop is a cute coffee and book shop with a cat who holds a lot of power, in more ways than one.

The Good:
I loved the atmosphere of this book! The shop seemed like such a cute, cozy place where I would definitely want to spend my time. I also really enjoyed the addition of the cat's perspective throughout the book at the end of some of the chapters. It really enhanced the story and was not confusing at all in my opinion.

The Okay:
I thought the relationship between Sable and the Cat was alright. It seemed like they could have had some more heartwarming moments or just a deeper friendship in some capacity. I also didn't really understand why bacon was talked about so much? Like, it's good, but I feel like it would have been more fun if they would have had a bunch of different things for breakfast. It got kind of monotonous.

The Not-So-Good:
I think this book could have easily cut 150 pages. It was entirely too long for the plot that was offered. And I understand that it is a more character-driven story (which is actually my preference), but I felt like this book was just too much "vibes" and nothing of substance really. The entire plot can be summarized in a few sentences.

I also thought that Sable's relationships with her family could have been done better. It was just so random when her brothers visited her and when her mom called. There was not really any backstory or context for their relationships, so it felt a little clunky.

Overall:
I really did enjoy this book! The vibes that it offered were great, and I enjoyed reading it at night before bed. If you're in the mood for a cozy, slice-of-life book, I would give this one a try!

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a NetGalley eARC from Victory Editing
---
I have to confess I was skeptical at the beginning, perhaps due to the aflux of books about and within coffee shops nowadays. But I judged it hastily, and I now highly recommend it should you be on the lookout for a cozy read with enough magic to keep your imagination going and enough humanity to make you warm and fuzzy inside 😉

And then there is the Cat 🐈, who is secretly a Fae Lord, and there is also Indigo, who is a baby book dragon🐉 I think she just might be the first dragon I really adore after Toothless, she is all kinds of cuteness overload.

My biggest issue was the ending... because it basically leaves you simply NEEDING the next book, and one should not be allowed to write such final words in a volume 1 🤪

[Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee, Cats and Cozy

Sable’s unexpected adventure as a Shopkeeper is thrilling as it is cozy. The story is well paced and the characters are enjoyable and realistic. I also enjoy the many characters she interacts with as well as the story set up for later books. Sable has a lot of mystery around her while having powerful friends. She might just want to drink a good cup of coffee and pay of her student loans but the Fates might have other plans for her.

[Chichi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It’s a cosy, charming story with just the right touch of magic. The author does a good job of building an atmosphere. Between the setting in the magical bookstore, Sable, the interesting customers, and of course the Cat, it’s a fun fantasy that keeps you wanting to read just one more chapter.

Oh, and there are cookies and coffee, too. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted cookies as much as I did while reading this book!

I do think it could have been a bit shorter, though, but it really was an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series

*Thanks to the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I loved it! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

A cozy fantasy set in a magical bookshop with a talking cat, a baby book dragon, and different magical worlds. The people she meets along the way become family and Betty knows just how to help her.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. Looking forward to book 2

[Alec Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! It's super cozy and blends modern with magical. Rule number one is don't piss off the cat and I got to say he's my favorite character. If you like Legends and lattes by Travis Baldree this is the same vibe minus the romance subplot. Super cozy. Read and absolutely something I recommend everyone check out.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books of the year! I couldn't put it down! This was one of those books that just pulled me straight in and I can't wait for more! Mostly written from Sable's perspective as the new shopkeeper of Meow: Magical Emporium of Wares, with snippet from the Cat's POV, this is a magical story with an assortment of lovable characters. The variety of people Sable meets in her new role keeps the story fresh and interesting, leaving the reader wondering, much like Sable, what the next day will bring. All sorts of people come through the door, both good and bad and we see the ripple effect the shop has on all those who enter it.
I'm curious to learn more about Sable's family, specifically her brothers, as it seems that there is potential in all of them for magic, but how much do any of them truly know? Sable's family seem very overly involved in her life and I wonder how down the line she'll get around not being able to leave the shop for the duration of her contract.
I adored the addition of Indigo, the adorable Book Dragon, that I wish I could have as a pet. Her origin added more depth to the story and helped Sable build relationships with all sorts of beings from other realms. All of these individuals come together to celebrate Sable's birthday and we see past the Cat's initial coldness, to someone who has a deep respect for Sable. The Cat admires her kindness, her attention to detail, her ability to adapt so quickly to such an unusual situation.
Towards the end we learn more about the ever powerful Fates and how they are intertwined with the Cat and his origin. I love the way the story ended as it added that extra element of mystery that makes me highly anticipate Book #2 in the series, The Keeper and the Kindred.
This ARC was one I just couldn't put down and wanted more of! The world building was great, the characters lovable and the story engrossing. Who wouldn't want to spend their days making coffee and baked goods with a magical cat and a cute Book Dragon for company, going on all sorts of adventures while in the confines of a cottage-core bookshop!
This was a pleasure to read and I can't wait to find out what is in store for the Cat and Sable in the next instalment. Will we learn more about the magic potential within Sable's family? What interesting new characters and creatures will we meet next? I'm so excited to find out!

[Marianna N. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the book from the author through a Storygraph giveaway.
Contracts & Cats is a cozy fantasy story served with tons of coffee, waiting for someone to take a sip.
I started it on the bus on my way to work, and as soon as I arrived I treated myself to a double cappuccino instead of my usual black coffee.
The set is kind of dreamy for a book nerd. I mean a magical bookstore with a talking Cat and a baby dragon? Along with Sable, the main character, they go through day by day, with whatever the Fates have for them to face, each time the doorbell rings. My favourite character is the store itself, with all the changes it goes through, to please the other three, and the subtle warmth that emanates to show its affection.
However, the frequent mention of lattes and eggs & bacon began to feel repetitive to me. It seemed more like a rigid routine than a part that had something to give to the characters. While Sable's love for coffee is evident and cozy, the process of coffee-making while meeting so many new people, often seemed to make her a spectator of the scene rather than the main character. The routine began to drown her, and her personal goals ( such as the search of information to help the Cat) felt a bit set aside. This sometimes threw me off from feeling that she had truly found a new family in the shop.
Despite that, the series seems very promising and there is much to anticipate. I found myself forming questions along the way, such as: "Could Harold also have a dragon, as he was picking up books of different unrelated topics?" or "Did the demon want the book to teach all the stolen dragons, something evil, for their own benefit?" and "Will little Molly be able to talk to Indigo, if the latter starts speaking human?" along with the obvious, main questions left as a cliffhanger, for both the Cat's and Sable's future.
Ultimately, this is a book I would recommend to readers who are looking for a very gentle, low-stakes, and relaxing read. If you're in the mood for a comforting story steeped with coffee & charming magical elements, you will likely find a lot to love here.

[Andelevion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really more of a 2.5 stars for me but I definitely did really appreciate the utter self-indulgent level of fantasy this book was. The love for food, baked goods, and coffee was a highlight, and the cozy magical bookstore that is sentient and will literally take care of everything for you vibes were really cozy and I definitely was jealous as fuck. I also love cats.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a really a cat, or a plot, or at least not one that really made any difference to the story in any significant way? Any time the story tried to get serious, it seriously felt kind of caught up in its own drama but without any actual weight or feeling. I pretty much cringed through All of the cat POV scenes, cause bro really just constantly angsts about everything. Angsts about his cursed doomed destiny, Sable being weird, Sable being upset, Sable being happy, how he's trapped her here and he has to release her from this role...

Bro. You cannot convince me that Sable isn't living the dream right now. 1) literally a temporary one year contract. 2) Along with free room and board, and essentially anything she could want, she gets to see and do MAGIC, 3) her work days usually end in like 3 hours tops where she literally just repeats what u say and makes a few coffees and also 3 meals a day. 6/7 days a week is nothing!!! 4) She's getting her fuckign student loans paid, my guy!!!

The main dramatic reveal itself is pretty much totally predictable and ends up feeling like it's taking way too long to get to. Not sure why it's so emphasized but the entire last section is basically just a constant meandering hill up, without any actual resolution. We bring up the story and then reemphasize that actually the Cat needs to tell the full story (but that will happen in the next book) and it was kind of tedious to get through by the end.

Anyway, didn't want to put this with the 2 stars which are usually books I dislike but have some minor redeeming qualities and also I didn't abjectly hate, but it's a lower 3 stars than how I would rank my usual 3 stars (enjoyed but just generally). The cozy parts were really cozy and food descriptions made me hungry, so what can I say....

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a cozy book to snuggle down with? Then your first stop should be Contracts & Cats by Toni Binns.
This book is so cozy it will wrap you in a blanket and force-feed you hot chocolate with marshmallows.

It was an experience to read, one I'm looking forward to have again.
At the end of the day, if the mental image of a dragon taking a bath in a bowl with milk and cereal does not melt your heart, I'm not sure there's any hope for you.

Contracts & Cats follows Sable as she gets a job at a bookstore. What she does not know is that this shop is magical, and will change her life drastically. In this bookstore, Sable meets The Cat, who can speak to her in her mind, and tells her what to do. Throw in a baby bookdragon and this story very quickly moves in fantastical ways.

The pacing of this story was really great, and a change-up from the action-packed books I usually read. While the overarching story had mystery that kept me wondering, the structure of the chapters made it easy to put down and pick up whenever I had the time, without the stress of constantly having to read "one more chapter".

Toni has a way to describe the most normal situations in an intriguing way. I never thought I would enjoy reading about someone making breakfast or deciding on dinner. Turns out it’s very possible!

As a rather primitive coffee drinker myself, the various descriptions of the making of coffee did have me somewhat confused at times. But I’m sure that anyone with the tiniest bit of interest in caffeine beyond getting less tired will find enjoyment in it.

What I enjoyed the most (besides the obvious dragon star of the show) was how so many well-established fantasy concepts and themes were sprinkled throughout the story in fun or unexpected ways, giving me entirely new ways to think of them, even outside of this book.

For a nice, chill, heart-melting story, read Contracts & Cats

[Ohhheyimmandy📚🌿 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books, magic, and a talking cat. Some deals are too magical to refuse. 🐈‍⬛

Contracts and Cats- by Toni Binns

✨Blurb✨

Welcome to the Magical Emporium of Wares, a bookshop that appears only to those who need to find it. When Sable answers a too-good-to-be-true job posting-cozy bookshop, perfect espresso machine, adorable black cat, and an apartment upstairs-she thought she'd finally caught a break from her crushing student loans. But the ink on the deal is barely dry when Sable realizes that the contract is very literal. She cannot leave. Also, her new feline companion talks, the bookstore itself is a sentient enigma with an excellent espresso machine, and magic isn't just for storybooks-it's woven into her new reality. Bound to the shop as the mystical Cat's voice and hands in the human world, the bookstore's true purpose begins to unfold, and Sable must choose. Will she embrace the impossible magic blooming around her, or cling to the mundane life she thought she wanted, risking the fate of the shop and its curious inhabitants?

🪄 🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄🐈‍⬛🪄

Espresso, enchantments, and a contract you can’t escape..welcome to the Magical Emporium of Wares.

Sable, a recent graduate and looking for a job, stumbles across an almost too good to be true job posting…A Shopkeeper in a magical bookstore, with a rent-free apartment upstairs, and a talking black cat named Bean that is now hers. A dream come true… that is until she realizes that the fine print in the contract is literally binding.

Sable finds herself bound to the shop, and Bean.. in ways she never imagined possible.

Signed, sealed, and purrhaps enchanted forever. 🐾

Contracts and Cats is the perfect cozy read for Autumn. Books, Spells and Talking Cats. You’ll instantly be hooked.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the Author for allowing me to ARC read this adorable book for you.

[Laney · Rating 4 out of 5]

[eARC review -- thank you to the author!]

4 stars! This is a cute, cozy story about a woman realizing her new job at a bookstore/cafe comes with a lot more weirdness than she bargained for, but fully embracing the magical quirks of her dream job as long as her extreme caffeine addiction is satiated. Sable is an incredibly go-with-the-flow, sunny, and charismatic protagonist, and she brightens up the lives of everyone around her even as she is thrown into the deep end of galactic magical politics. Since this is told through Sable (and sometimes the Cat’s) 1st person POV and she is contractually bound to the shop for a year, we see everything happen through snippets within and just outside the shop.

Highlights of this book are of course the Cat, adorable grump and jaded feline of the shop with a mysterious past, and Indigo, the cutest baby dragon that acts more like a crazy cat than the Cat does. I think the author strikes a great balance between interesting plot, internal character growth, and cozy vibes, and there’s a lot left unresolved for future books in this series. It was also SO refreshing for Sable’s relationship problems to be familial and not romantic (there is no romance except between her and the espresso machine).

While I appreciated the POVs from the Cat and thought they were cute, it did feel a little strange to have both of them be in 1st person. It’s a great idea in theory but they were a little too blunt with the Cat’s character growth and didn’t add much to the plot/mystery, though there weren’t enough of them to really detract from my enjoyment. I also didn’t quite connect to the obsession about coffee (mentioned a LOT) and the reference to spicy books—it felt a little too on the nose for booktok—but if those are among your passions, then you will love this book! I would definitely read the sequel.

[Sanne Hazeveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the author and Netgalley for letting me read this ARC!

The story is set in Meow: Magical Emporium of Wares and I find the setting amazing. I’ve never read about a shop that’s this kind of magical. It’s interesting to see how far the author’s imagination went — it felt like the creativity never ended! The descriptions are clear, but sometimes a bit repetitive. This is one of the things that gives the story a somewhat slow feel.

The characters are 100% lovable and relatable — I love them. The cast is very diverse, and you get the chance to look a bit into Cat’s head here and there. I love the way you get crumbs of information, although the pacing could have been a little bit faster.

There was so much more to the plot than I expected: mystery, magical creatures, the store, the role of the cat and his past, Sable and the choices she has to make. Although at the end it felt a little bit like a letdown — the ending felt somewhat rushed. Everything came together, there was a big reveal and then boom — the book ended. I wanted to know, for example, why everything happened at that specific moment. There were also a lot of questions left unanswered. This book is absolutely part of something bigger.

There is a lot going on in the story, but due to the way everything is explained — and also the way the main character deals with it — it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The writer knows very well how to bring the story to the reader. To me, the story truly came to life.

A cosy fantasy that delivers. If you want to smell coffee from your pages, crave bacon throughout the book, and want to cuddle the amazing Cat, you’re in for a treat! And remember: don’t upset the Cat. Or else…

[kaitlynfaithm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the opportunity to read this ARC! 3.75 ⭐️

Contracts & Cats is a cozy fantasy that follows Sable, who recently got a job in a cozy bookstore with a cute cat (room and board included!), but soon learns things may be too good to be true. The bookshop is magical, the Cat can talk, and her contract says she can’t leave the premises for a full year. As time passes, she meets new people, travels through worlds, makes new connections, and learns things about herself that she may have never known otherwise.

This book was super cute and fun! The first third of the book was a little slow, and it took me longer than normal to get into (which is probably my own fault, as cozy fantasy is something I have to be in the mood for). I debated not finishing it, but I’m glad I did. Even when I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep reading, I had questions that were unanswered and I could feel that they WOULD be answered, so it compelled me to continue. I loved meeting the different characters throughout this book and learning about the cause and effect/butterfly effect that happened with the shop and its customers. The exploration of family, community, and connections (how ever small they may be) was my favorite part of this book. I wasn’t expecting a Cat POV but I thoroughly enjoyed it and wished there was more from him.

I’m excited for book two and I think I will definitely end up enjoying it more than the first. Now that I’ve read it, I’m eager to dive back into this world and figure out where we’re gonna go after that ending! If you like cozy fantasy books with talking animals, dragons, cozy bookstores and coffeeshops, found family, and overall good vibes, you should definitely check this book out!

[Liz Coats · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a slow and cozy read. It featured a magical bookstore, a talking cat, a cute baby dragon, and A LOT of coffee and bacon (maybe a little too much).

As I got into this read, it felt familiar. It reminded me of reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold since it's set in one location and you have different characters coming and going.

I was really excited to dig into this book given it's cozy magical elements, but 30% into the book, I started to feel stuck.

At the beginning of each chapter, Sable starts her day by making a cup or two of coffee for The Cat and herself along with making eggs and bacon... every single chapter. It didn't really feel that Sable was a main character in this story. We witness different characters coming and going from the shop who were unique and have different backgrounds, but we were stuck inside the shop (I understand this was the point of the contract) with these 5 minute windows of the others worlds.

This book felt really repetitive. Every day was the same and there was no adventure. Sure the setting was a magical bookshop but all it really did was clean dirty dishes and rearranged itself depending on what customers they were going to help for the day.

There was a cliffhanger at the end that made me curious how the story will continue in the next book.

I would recommend Contracts and Cats if you're looking for a slow, cozy, magical, and EASY read.

I received this eARC copy in a giveaway sponsored from StoryGraph. Thank you to StoryGraph, the author, and publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[☽ Mél · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Bardhwood Press LLC for the ARC.

Again, I see a cat, I read the book. In that case, Contracts & Cats is a fantasy, cozy slice of life book, so it was very up my alley as well.

Contracts & Cats is a very relaxing book. It's set entirely in one place, which makes everything in that place endearing: there's the store "manager", the Cat, the storekeeper, Sable, the store's own life force, Betty, the store's "cat", a dragonet, and a few recurring characters who visit the store regularly. They're all loveable and kind, and you never start a new chapter dreading what's going to happen next.
The writing style is straightforward and easy, the characters all diverse in their personality and role in the story, and the worldbuilding is lovely. There are enough descriptions to immerse you in the story, but not too much that all imagination of your own is refuted, which, for that kind of book, is perfect.

If you need a break from the world, or a good cheer-me-up, Contracts & Cats is a solid option!

However, I did find it a bit long, and the characters tend to be one-dimensional at times. Perhaps this is something that will change in the next installment of the Meow series, as this book is just the beginning of it.
I would say this is a really good book for teens & young adult audiences, and I will most likely read the second tome when it comes out.

[M.K. Smoragiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across “Contracts and Cats” by Toni Binns completely by accident, almost like it was meant to be, like Sable, one of the main characters, stumbling upon the hidden bookstore at the heart of this story. I stumbled into a world that felt made for me.

I adore cozy fantasy, and while The House Witch series has long been my favorite, that title has officially been passed to “Contracts and Cats.”

At 383 pages, some may consider this long for a cozy fantasy, but for me, it wasn’t long enough. Sable signs a magical contract to become a Shopkeeper, befriends the Cat, converses with the shop itself, and finds family among magical beings all while doing her best to help others through what the shop can provide. It’s enchanting, heartwarming, and vividly told. I could see every scene clearly in my mind’s eye, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

The cozy details truly shine from the shared cups of coffee to the lovingly described meals that make each scene feel welcoming and alive. While there were a few small moments where certain details were repeated or described a bit too much, they were mere drops in the bucket compared to how much I adored this book.

I would recommend this book primarily to people who love cozy fantasy, or who are looking for a lighthearted, low stakes escape from day to day life, but if I’m being honest I’ll be recommending this book to anyone and everyone who will listen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (and if I could give more, I would!)

[Julie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just graduated, Sable is desperate to find a job that will finally let her start paying back her student loans. So when she stumbles across a posting for a cozy bookstore position — complete with free boarding, unlimited coffee and books, and even her debts paid off — it sounds like a dream come true. A dream that quickly turns into something much more… magical.

Only after signing the contract does Sable realize that the offer is very literal — she’s now bound to a sentient bookstore and its grumpy but strangely endearing talking cat. What follows is a enchanting story about finding purpose, and a bit of magic in the everyday.

I absolutely loved the dedication: “To those who see magic in the small things.” It perfectly captures the spirit of this book. Sable embodies that sentiment — she finds joy in the quiet rituals of daily life: brewing the perfect cup of coffee, getting lost in a good story, baking something warm and sweet, and learning to see the extraordinary within the ordinary.

The first volume in the Magical Emporium of Wares is cozy and full of charm. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt a little lost after graduation, or who’s ever wished that the right bookstore might just open its doors to them when they need it most. I finished it with a smile and the urge to curl up with a cat, a blanket, and a mug of coffee — hoping, maybe, to catch a hint of magic in my own day.

[UnremARCable Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this cozy fantasy felt like giving my heart a warm hug. It starts off with a young female named Sable, looking for a job to pay off her student loans. She sees a dream job ad seeking a shopkeeper for a bookshop. When she gets the job, she doesn’t expect that this isn’t just any bookshop, but the Magical Emporium of Wares (MEOW) - a bookshop that spans across worlds, that serves as a support for a variety of creatures and beings. None of which, Sable has ever dreamed of interfacing with. The scope of this job includes taking care of a seemingly grumpy cat that just happens to also talk. 🐈‍⬛

The way Toni Binns personifies the bookshop really made me feel like I was Sable, herself, feeling the energy of the bookshop with every request and interaction, tasting freshly baked cookies 🍪, and even hearing the shop door unlock right before it opens.

Reading this brought me so much comfort, and really allowed me to decompress in a way I have yet to experience from a book. The lightness of this read was incredibly refreshing and naturally relaxing. For me, this made for an ideal book to read in between more suspenseful and emotional reads.

And the most precious part of all? None other than a little book dragon named Indigo. 💜 Reading about this little bundle of cuteness gave me so much joy and I sincerely hope that they are an integral part of the future books in this series.

[Literary Purrception · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am beyond honored to have received an ARC of Contracts & Cats by Toni Binns. Contracts & Cats is a cozy fantasy with a cat, young shopkeeper, dragons, and other magical creatures. There is a nice level of mystery to this book that keeps you wondering, and this theme continues as the book goes on.

This was my first cozy read, and I can say I enjoyed it. This is a genre that I plan to explore more thanks to Toni Binns. I do recommend reading this if you like cozy; this is a series, so you will still have unanswered questions by the end of book 1. I did enjoy how the author continued to shake things up. Once you think you have an idea of what is occurring, the next thing you know it is something else entirely, and you have more questions that you need answers to. I plan to continue to read this series as the author releases them.

The one thing I do wish was better was the transitions of the days and/or events that would take place. I can respect and see how making the transitions smoother to be a challenge in how the book is written and put together. However, some of the changes do feel a tad abrupt, and I think that could be improved upon. Otherwise, definitely a nice read.

Additional warnings: This book will make you crave lattes and hot chocolate.

[Shani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as an ARC and enjoyed it enough, even though at times it felt a bit off or rushed. it feels like the author tried to establish all the lore at once, but didn't really establish any of it in a satisfactory way. Sable doesn’t seem too bothered by being stuck in the shop for a year without seeing her (supposedly close) family. She believes her world has no magic, yet never questions hearing the cat or working in a magic bookshop—it’s treated as both normal and not normal at the same time. The story becomes repetitive, with each day starting the same way: Sable making breakfast and coffee. While she changes the coffee daily, breakfast never varies (and with all that bacon, hopefully the magic shop fixes cholesterol levels!). We meet many intriguing characters, but most appear only once, and their potentially fascinating stories go unexplored—even Molly leaves you wanting to know more, though Sable seems uninterested in the world around her. She doesn’t question the shop’s magic or explore its books. By the end, things feel hurried as the author reveals just enough about the cat’s mystery to push you toward the sequel. I loved the premise, but the execution left something to be desired.