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Cat Café Romance #4
Book club au Cat Café
Le Chatpuccino rouvre ses portes pour un troisième roman !
Au sortir d’une relation éprouvante, la roue tourne enfin pour Brenna lorsqu’elle gagne le jackpot à la loterie. Elle exauce alors son souhait le plus cher : acheter un vieux manoir à la campagne et le peupler de chats noirs ! Elle entend y mener un quotidien paisible et discret, bercé par les ronronnements de ses adorables compagnons.
Et quand Matt, le charmant serveur du Chatpuccino, l’invite à se joindre au bookclub du café-chat, Brenna a l’impression de faire un rêve éveillé : discuter littérature en câlinant des boules de poils, c’est le paradis !
Mais c’était sans compter l’arrivée en ville d’une multinationale, qui menace d’installer un gigantesque entrepôt à la place du café-chat. Pour sauver le Chatpuccino, Brenna devra sortir les griffes, quitte à y laisser quelques poils !
Au sortir d’une relation éprouvante, la roue tourne enfin pour Brenna lorsqu’elle gagne le jackpot à la loterie. Elle exauce alors son souhait le plus cher : acheter un vieux manoir à la campagne et le peupler de chats noirs ! Elle entend y mener un quotidien paisible et discret, bercé par les ronronnements de ses adorables compagnons.
Et quand Matt, le charmant serveur du Chatpuccino, l’invite à se joindre au bookclub du café-chat, Brenna a l’impression de faire un rêve éveillé : discuter littérature en câlinant des boules de poils, c’est le paradis !
Mais c’était sans compter l’arrivée en ville d’une multinationale, qui menace d’installer un gigantesque entrepôt à la place du café-chat. Pour sauver le Chatpuccino, Brenna devra sortir les griffes, quitte à y laisser quelques poils !
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you @NetGalley for the arc of The Cat Café Book Club by Rachel Rowlands.🐈⬛️☕️ This was a cute cozy read. Perfect for Autmnn. It comes out 8/20 just at the end of Summer in time for a cozy romantic mystery to begin the fall season. The fmc Brenna won the lottery and purchased a house and lands in the quiet town of Oakside. She goes to The Cat Cafe and is invited by the mmc Matt to join their local book club which she does. At the same time she is scared of her horrible ex finding her. New land owners from a large corporate are trying to buy the land of the Café and someone begins harassing the cafe online and in person. The book club members try to figure out how to save the cafe. So grab a cup of coffee and a cozy chair and a cute cat and read this one to find out if they do!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cozy contemporary romance with found-family themes, set in a charming cat café and centered around healing, friendship, and second chances.
A huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of The Cat Café Book Club by Rachel Rowlands.
Sometimes, the most comforting stories aren't about grand adventures; they're about finding people who help you heal. The Cat Café Book Club is exactly that kind of novel: a warm, heartfelt, and uplifting romance wrapped in cozy cafés, lovable cats, books, and a close-knit community that feels like home. Rachel Rowlands delivers a charming story that reminds us that new beginnings often arrive when we least expect them.
From the very first chapter, I wanted to step inside Catpurrcino, order a hot latte, curl up with a good book, and spend the afternoon surrounded by cats. The setting alone is enough to capture your heart, but it's the characters and emotional journey that make this novel truly memorable.
The Story
The novel follows Brenna, a woman who leaves her old life behind and moves to the countryside hoping to find peace and a fresh start with her beloved black cats. Although she dreams of a quiet life, Brenna is carrying emotional baggage and a secret from her past that prevents her from fully trusting those around her.
Her path crosses with Matt, the cheerful and kind-hearted barista at Catpurrcino, who runs a monthly book club that brings together local residents, cat lovers, and passionate readers. Their first meeting is wonderfully simple; they both reach for the same book in the library, and from that moment, an authentic connection begins to grow. As Brenna slowly becomes part of the book club, she discovers more than just a welcoming community. She finds friendship, acceptance, and perhaps even the possibility of love.
But happiness never comes easily.
When a major property developer threatens not only the future of the cat café but also the character of the entire town, Brenna and Matt join forces with the local community to save the place that has brought so many people together. At the same time, Brenna must confront the secrets she's been running from before she can truly embrace the future waiting for her.
Characters
Brenna is an easy character to root for. She's quiet, guarded, and emotionally complex without ever becoming frustrating. Her journey isn't simply about finding romance; it's about learning to trust again, letting people into her life, and discovering that home isn't just a place; it's the people who accept you exactly as you are.
Matt is the kind of romantic lead that's impossible not to like. Warm, patient, thoughtful, and genuinely kind, he never tries to "fix" Brenna. Instead, he gives her the space and encouragement she needs to heal at her own pace. His love for books, his dedication to the café, and his commitment to the community make him an incredibly endearing character.
The Book Club & Community
One of the strongest parts of the novel is the supporting cast. The members of the book club bring humor, wisdom, and heart to every gathering. Rather than existing simply as background characters, they create the sense of a real community where everyone belongs. Combined with the adorable resident cats of Catpurrcino, they give the novel an irresistible cozy atmosphere.
Rachel Rowlands writes with warmth and sincerity. The pacing is gentle yet engaging, allowing readers to settle into the story while gradually becoming emotionally invested in the characters. The romance develops naturally instead of feeling rushed, making every interaction between Brenna and Matt believable and rewarding. There are emotional moments, lighthearted scenes, and plenty of cozy conversations that make this the perfect comfort read.
What I particularly loved was how seamlessly the novel combines several beloved themes:
Books and reading
Cats and animal companionship
Small-town charm
Found family
Healing after emotional pain
Slow-burn romance
These elements come together beautifully to create a story that feels comforting without becoming predictable.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is undoubtedly the novel's greatest strength.
Whether it's autumn leaves outside the café windows, the smell of fresh coffee, shelves filled with books, or sleepy cats curled up beside readers, every scene feels inviting. It captures that magical feeling of wanting to spend hours inside a cozy independent café while the world slows down around you.
Readers who enjoy wholesome, low-stress romances will feel completely at home here.
My Final Thoughts
The Cat Café Book Club isn't filled with shocking twists or high-stakes drama, and it doesn't need to be. Instead, it succeeds by offering something equally valuable: comfort. It's a story about second chances, finding your people, embracing vulnerability, and discovering that sometimes the smallest communities leave the biggest impact on our lives.
If you're looking for a novel that feels like a warm blanket on a rainy afternoon, this one is well worth picking up. By the final chapter, I didn't just want to visit Catpurrcino; I wanted to become a member of its book club.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
A huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of The Cat Café Book Club by Rachel Rowlands.
Sometimes, the most comforting stories aren't about grand adventures; they're about finding people who help you heal. The Cat Café Book Club is exactly that kind of novel: a warm, heartfelt, and uplifting romance wrapped in cozy cafés, lovable cats, books, and a close-knit community that feels like home. Rachel Rowlands delivers a charming story that reminds us that new beginnings often arrive when we least expect them.
From the very first chapter, I wanted to step inside Catpurrcino, order a hot latte, curl up with a good book, and spend the afternoon surrounded by cats. The setting alone is enough to capture your heart, but it's the characters and emotional journey that make this novel truly memorable.
The Story
The novel follows Brenna, a woman who leaves her old life behind and moves to the countryside hoping to find peace and a fresh start with her beloved black cats. Although she dreams of a quiet life, Brenna is carrying emotional baggage and a secret from her past that prevents her from fully trusting those around her.
Her path crosses with Matt, the cheerful and kind-hearted barista at Catpurrcino, who runs a monthly book club that brings together local residents, cat lovers, and passionate readers. Their first meeting is wonderfully simple; they both reach for the same book in the library, and from that moment, an authentic connection begins to grow. As Brenna slowly becomes part of the book club, she discovers more than just a welcoming community. She finds friendship, acceptance, and perhaps even the possibility of love.
But happiness never comes easily.
When a major property developer threatens not only the future of the cat café but also the character of the entire town, Brenna and Matt join forces with the local community to save the place that has brought so many people together. At the same time, Brenna must confront the secrets she's been running from before she can truly embrace the future waiting for her.
Characters
Brenna is an easy character to root for. She's quiet, guarded, and emotionally complex without ever becoming frustrating. Her journey isn't simply about finding romance; it's about learning to trust again, letting people into her life, and discovering that home isn't just a place; it's the people who accept you exactly as you are.
Matt is the kind of romantic lead that's impossible not to like. Warm, patient, thoughtful, and genuinely kind, he never tries to "fix" Brenna. Instead, he gives her the space and encouragement she needs to heal at her own pace. His love for books, his dedication to the café, and his commitment to the community make him an incredibly endearing character.
The Book Club & Community
One of the strongest parts of the novel is the supporting cast. The members of the book club bring humor, wisdom, and heart to every gathering. Rather than existing simply as background characters, they create the sense of a real community where everyone belongs. Combined with the adorable resident cats of Catpurrcino, they give the novel an irresistible cozy atmosphere.
Rachel Rowlands writes with warmth and sincerity. The pacing is gentle yet engaging, allowing readers to settle into the story while gradually becoming emotionally invested in the characters. The romance develops naturally instead of feeling rushed, making every interaction between Brenna and Matt believable and rewarding. There are emotional moments, lighthearted scenes, and plenty of cozy conversations that make this the perfect comfort read.
What I particularly loved was how seamlessly the novel combines several beloved themes:
Books and reading
Cats and animal companionship
Small-town charm
Found family
Healing after emotional pain
Slow-burn romance
These elements come together beautifully to create a story that feels comforting without becoming predictable.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is undoubtedly the novel's greatest strength.
Whether it's autumn leaves outside the café windows, the smell of fresh coffee, shelves filled with books, or sleepy cats curled up beside readers, every scene feels inviting. It captures that magical feeling of wanting to spend hours inside a cozy independent café while the world slows down around you.
Readers who enjoy wholesome, low-stress romances will feel completely at home here.
My Final Thoughts
The Cat Café Book Club isn't filled with shocking twists or high-stakes drama, and it doesn't need to be. Instead, it succeeds by offering something equally valuable: comfort. It's a story about second chances, finding your people, embracing vulnerability, and discovering that sometimes the smallest communities leave the biggest impact on our lives.
If you're looking for a novel that feels like a warm blanket on a rainy afternoon, this one is well worth picking up. By the final chapter, I didn't just want to visit Catpurrcino; I wanted to become a member of its book club.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Cat Café Book Club
by Rachel Rowlands
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: August 20, 2026
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodder Paperbacks for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Cat Café Book Club. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This book was basically a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a cat curled up beside you in book form. 🐈⬛☕️
Perfectly timed for the start of autumn, The Cat Café Book Club is a sweet, comforting read filled with books, cats, small-town charm, romance, and the kind of community that makes you want to move somewhere quiet and start over.
After winning the lottery, Brenna buys a house in the little town of Oakside, hoping to escape her past and build a new life with her cats. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself becoming part of the local cat café and book club, where she slowly begins to discover friendship, belonging, and maybe even something more.
I really loved Brenna’s journey throughout this story. She starts off understandably guarded and hesitant to let people in, but watching her learn to trust again and find happiness was such a lovely part of the book. Her love for the cats was one of my favourite things, and her connection with them added so much warmth to the story.
Matt was exactly the kind of gentle, supportive love interest this story needed. His kindness and enthusiasm for the café and book club made him such an easy character to root for, and I loved the slow, natural development between him and Brenna.
The café and book club were definitely the stars of the show for me. The friendships, the community spirit, and the adorable feline companions created such a comforting atmosphere. The added mystery surrounding the café being threatened gave the story a little extra momentum without taking away from the cozy feel.
Was everything completely realistic? Not always—but honestly, that is part of the charm. Sometimes you just need a little escapism, and this delivered exactly that.
A sweet, heartwarming read for anyone who loves cats, books, small towns, and stories about second chances.
Now excuse me while I go find a cozy chair and wish I lived near a cat café. 🐾
by Rachel Rowlands
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: August 20, 2026
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodder Paperbacks for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Cat Café Book Club. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This book was basically a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a cat curled up beside you in book form. 🐈⬛☕️
Perfectly timed for the start of autumn, The Cat Café Book Club is a sweet, comforting read filled with books, cats, small-town charm, romance, and the kind of community that makes you want to move somewhere quiet and start over.
After winning the lottery, Brenna buys a house in the little town of Oakside, hoping to escape her past and build a new life with her cats. What she doesn’t expect is to find herself becoming part of the local cat café and book club, where she slowly begins to discover friendship, belonging, and maybe even something more.
I really loved Brenna’s journey throughout this story. She starts off understandably guarded and hesitant to let people in, but watching her learn to trust again and find happiness was such a lovely part of the book. Her love for the cats was one of my favourite things, and her connection with them added so much warmth to the story.
Matt was exactly the kind of gentle, supportive love interest this story needed. His kindness and enthusiasm for the café and book club made him such an easy character to root for, and I loved the slow, natural development between him and Brenna.
The café and book club were definitely the stars of the show for me. The friendships, the community spirit, and the adorable feline companions created such a comforting atmosphere. The added mystery surrounding the café being threatened gave the story a little extra momentum without taking away from the cozy feel.
Was everything completely realistic? Not always—but honestly, that is part of the charm. Sometimes you just need a little escapism, and this delivered exactly that.
A sweet, heartwarming read for anyone who loves cats, books, small towns, and stories about second chances.
Now excuse me while I go find a cozy chair and wish I lived near a cat café. 🐾
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Rachel Rowlands and Hodder & Stoughton for an eARC of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Favourite tropes:
- Secret millionaire - and one who donates money to cat shelters!
- Small town - a community coming together to save the local cafe!
- So many cats!
This was a fun, cosy book. My favourite part of it was the abundance of cats - from Brenna’s horde of black cats, Matt’s ginger cat and of course, all the cat cafe cats, this book was packed with charming descriptions of felines.
I’ve not read the previous books in this series but it was accessible as a standalone, especially as we get Brenna’s perspective, someone new to the area. Brenna is a secret millionaire who is running from her past life, holed up in a vast mansion with her small army of black cats. She’s intensely private and struggles to let anyone in but has a close relationship with her nan, which was lovely, but I wanted more. Her nan was barely mentioned in the second half so the time spent building up their relationship felt a little wasted.
We also get Matt’s POV. He is (mostly) emotionally intelligent and generally very considerate of Brenna’s feelings. However, he clearly has a chip on his shoulder about money and becomes judgy about Brenna’s casual spending, which made for some uncomfortable scenes. While this was eventually resolved, I did find myself getting a little tired of his constant negative comments. However, for the most part he was very perceptive and considerate so I will forgive him!
This book largely focuses on the cafe’s book club and them fighting to save the cafe after it’s threatened by the development of a warehouse nearby. This meant there was much less focus on the romantic relationship and while I wouldn’t have minded that, I felt like Brenna and Matt got so little time to talk that the ending was unrealistic.
Despite the above, it was a very fun read and I adored reading about all the cats! If you love cats and small town vibes, with a hint of romance (no spice), this is the book for you!
Favourite tropes:
- Secret millionaire - and one who donates money to cat shelters!
- Small town - a community coming together to save the local cafe!
- So many cats!
This was a fun, cosy book. My favourite part of it was the abundance of cats - from Brenna’s horde of black cats, Matt’s ginger cat and of course, all the cat cafe cats, this book was packed with charming descriptions of felines.
I’ve not read the previous books in this series but it was accessible as a standalone, especially as we get Brenna’s perspective, someone new to the area. Brenna is a secret millionaire who is running from her past life, holed up in a vast mansion with her small army of black cats. She’s intensely private and struggles to let anyone in but has a close relationship with her nan, which was lovely, but I wanted more. Her nan was barely mentioned in the second half so the time spent building up their relationship felt a little wasted.
We also get Matt’s POV. He is (mostly) emotionally intelligent and generally very considerate of Brenna’s feelings. However, he clearly has a chip on his shoulder about money and becomes judgy about Brenna’s casual spending, which made for some uncomfortable scenes. While this was eventually resolved, I did find myself getting a little tired of his constant negative comments. However, for the most part he was very perceptive and considerate so I will forgive him!
This book largely focuses on the cafe’s book club and them fighting to save the cafe after it’s threatened by the development of a warehouse nearby. This meant there was much less focus on the romantic relationship and while I wouldn’t have minded that, I felt like Brenna and Matt got so little time to talk that the ending was unrealistic.
Despite the above, it was a very fun read and I adored reading about all the cats! If you love cats and small town vibes, with a hint of romance (no spice), this is the book for you!
September 15, 2026
📖 Book Club au cat café de Rachel Rowlands
⭐⭐⭐,5
Quand j'ai découvert que la série de livres du Cat Café continuait, j'étais tellement contente de pouvoir me replonger dans la petite ville d'Oakside et de retrouver le Cat Café et ses chats.
J'ai pris plaisir à lire ce livre et à découvrir de nouveaux personnages. Ce troisième tome, qui peut se lire indépendamment, était une jolie lecture cocooning qui sera parfaite pour la saison automnale qui arrive.
✒️ Ce que j'adore le plus dans cette série de livres, c'est le côté cosy de l'histoire. On découvre à chaque fois de nouveaux personnages attachants et profonds, et des nouveaux défis dont ils doivent faire face.
Pour ce troisième tome j'ai beaucoup apprécié partir à la rencontre de Brenna, qui déménage dans la petite ville d'Oakside après avoir fait face à la violence de son ex-copain, de Matt, serveur au Cat Café, qui galère financièrement et qui rêve d'écrire pour les journaux, du groupe du Bookclub qui amène un sentiment de bienveillance et de groupe soudé et bien sûr retrouver Sylvie et les chats qui vont devoir affronter un gros dilemmes s'ils veulent garder le Cat Café ouvert.
💌 J'avais hâte de retrouver le Cat Café, et même si j'ai bien apprécié cette lecture, il m'a manqué un petit quelque chose ou bien peut-être est-ce le fait que j'ai trouvé cette lecture un poil longue. Personnellement, j'aurais pu encore plus apprécier ce récit s'il faisait une cinquantaine de pages en moins.
C'est une histoire cosy, ils se passent beaucoup de choses et pourtant, il y avait à mon goût trop de longueur par moment. Mais bon, on ne peut pas toujours tout adorer.
📖 L'écriture est fluide et douce comme toujours, et j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec Brenna et Matt.
❤️ Cette lecture est digne d'un super téléfilm de Noël avec des chats en plus, alors je ne peux que vous la conseiller si vous avez besoin d'un peu de douceur et d'une jolie histoire.
⭐⭐⭐,5
Quand j'ai découvert que la série de livres du Cat Café continuait, j'étais tellement contente de pouvoir me replonger dans la petite ville d'Oakside et de retrouver le Cat Café et ses chats.
J'ai pris plaisir à lire ce livre et à découvrir de nouveaux personnages. Ce troisième tome, qui peut se lire indépendamment, était une jolie lecture cocooning qui sera parfaite pour la saison automnale qui arrive.
✒️ Ce que j'adore le plus dans cette série de livres, c'est le côté cosy de l'histoire. On découvre à chaque fois de nouveaux personnages attachants et profonds, et des nouveaux défis dont ils doivent faire face.
Pour ce troisième tome j'ai beaucoup apprécié partir à la rencontre de Brenna, qui déménage dans la petite ville d'Oakside après avoir fait face à la violence de son ex-copain, de Matt, serveur au Cat Café, qui galère financièrement et qui rêve d'écrire pour les journaux, du groupe du Bookclub qui amène un sentiment de bienveillance et de groupe soudé et bien sûr retrouver Sylvie et les chats qui vont devoir affronter un gros dilemmes s'ils veulent garder le Cat Café ouvert.
💌 J'avais hâte de retrouver le Cat Café, et même si j'ai bien apprécié cette lecture, il m'a manqué un petit quelque chose ou bien peut-être est-ce le fait que j'ai trouvé cette lecture un poil longue. Personnellement, j'aurais pu encore plus apprécier ce récit s'il faisait une cinquantaine de pages en moins.
C'est une histoire cosy, ils se passent beaucoup de choses et pourtant, il y avait à mon goût trop de longueur par moment. Mais bon, on ne peut pas toujours tout adorer.
📖 L'écriture est fluide et douce comme toujours, et j'ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec Brenna et Matt.
❤️ Cette lecture est digne d'un super téléfilm de Noël avec des chats en plus, alors je ne peux que vous la conseiller si vous avez besoin d'un peu de douceur et d'une jolie histoire.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.75 stars
The Cat Club Book Café was such a cozy, heartwarming read that perfectly combines books, cats, and a charming café setting.
If you're picking this up for the romance, though, I'd say the focus lies much more on saving the café than on the love story. Personally, I didn't mind that, as I really enjoyed following the characters' efforts to keep the café alive. The ending was satisfying, even if I saw it coming fairly early on.
Of course, the real stars of the book are the cats. They added so much charm to the story, and together with the hints of autumn they created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. That being said, I would've loved even stronger fall vibes, as well as a more pronounced small-town feeling. I'm not entirely sure whether the book was intended to have that kind of setting, but I found myself wishing for a little more of that close-knit community atmosphere.
One of my favorite parts was definitely the book club. Those scenes were such a fun addition and really highlighted the love of reading that runs throughout the story.
One detail I absolutely loved was Brenna's fascination with the stars. As someone who also loves looking at the night sky, I really enjoyed those little moments and felt they added a sweet, personal touch to her character.
Overall, The Cat Club Book Café is a sweet, comforting read with plenty of cats, books, and cozy moments. While I would've loved a stronger romance and even more autumnal and small-town charm, I still had a lovely time reading it.
The Cat Club Book Café was such a cozy, heartwarming read that perfectly combines books, cats, and a charming café setting.
If you're picking this up for the romance, though, I'd say the focus lies much more on saving the café than on the love story. Personally, I didn't mind that, as I really enjoyed following the characters' efforts to keep the café alive. The ending was satisfying, even if I saw it coming fairly early on.
Of course, the real stars of the book are the cats. They added so much charm to the story, and together with the hints of autumn they created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. That being said, I would've loved even stronger fall vibes, as well as a more pronounced small-town feeling. I'm not entirely sure whether the book was intended to have that kind of setting, but I found myself wishing for a little more of that close-knit community atmosphere.
One of my favorite parts was definitely the book club. Those scenes were such a fun addition and really highlighted the love of reading that runs throughout the story.
One detail I absolutely loved was Brenna's fascination with the stars. As someone who also loves looking at the night sky, I really enjoyed those little moments and felt they added a sweet, personal touch to her character.
Overall, The Cat Club Book Café is a sweet, comforting read with plenty of cats, books, and cozy moments. While I would've loved a stronger romance and even more autumnal and small-town charm, I still had a lovely time reading it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'll admit I was drawn right in by the adorable cover. I love reading romance and a cover such as this decked out in Fall was just too much to pass up.
If you love cats, cafes, books and coffee you'll want to snuggle up with your favorite cat(s), and a pumpkin spice iced coffee and spend the afternoon reading away.
When our main female character wins the lottery, she knows it's time to get out of a bad situation (her boyfriend) and make it out on her own. With a new mansion house far away from him and multiple black cats she's adopted she's in a new town, but no one can know who she is, so her boyfriend doesn't find out she's here.
Befriending the friendly barista, Matt at Catpurrcino she discovers he also runs the monthly book club.
They are both hiding secrets, and he feels he could never measure up to her standards if only he knew she understands him all too well.
Working together towards the betterment of the cat cafe and saving the animals seems to be a losing task especially after the get rocked with some shocking news.
Can they put their heads together and figure out who is trying to sabotage their well thought out plans?
The book had me holding my breath a few times, not only is it a sweet and lovely romance but a bit of intrigue mystery.
Really sweet, charming and I was thrilled to see how so many not only came together for the cat cafe but also the betterment of the cats.
Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
If you love cats, cafes, books and coffee you'll want to snuggle up with your favorite cat(s), and a pumpkin spice iced coffee and spend the afternoon reading away.
When our main female character wins the lottery, she knows it's time to get out of a bad situation (her boyfriend) and make it out on her own. With a new mansion house far away from him and multiple black cats she's adopted she's in a new town, but no one can know who she is, so her boyfriend doesn't find out she's here.
Befriending the friendly barista, Matt at Catpurrcino she discovers he also runs the monthly book club.
They are both hiding secrets, and he feels he could never measure up to her standards if only he knew she understands him all too well.
Working together towards the betterment of the cat cafe and saving the animals seems to be a losing task especially after the get rocked with some shocking news.
Can they put their heads together and figure out who is trying to sabotage their well thought out plans?
The book had me holding my breath a few times, not only is it a sweet and lovely romance but a bit of intrigue mystery.
Really sweet, charming and I was thrilled to see how so many not only came together for the cat cafe but also the betterment of the cats.
Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 2, 2026
3.5 stars
This book felt part Hallmark, part Lifetime movie. It has cozy small town found family vibes (Hallmark) but with a looming threat (Lifetime). Our FMC, Brenna, wins the lottery and escapes her controlling ex to a new life in small town Oakside where she meets the MMC Matt who works a cat cafe. The cat cafe is under threat as a big bad company Goliath is trying to buy it out to put in a warehouse.
The romance was a little lacking for me as I didn’t feel Brenna and Matt really spent enough time together. I love to see a couple really bond, spend time together, and grow together and I didn’t feel it like it had quite enough of that, especially given the trauma Brenna went through and the hangups Matt has. I would also say in true Hallmark / Liftetime fashion, the plot wrapped up a little easily and unrealistically in my opinion. Lastly, I didn’t realize this was the fourth book in an interconnected standalone and while it didn’t negatively affect my reading, I did feel like I was missing some context that I’m sure would have been more obvious if I had read the previous books.
I did enjoy the fast paced, easy read, and the cozy, feel good vibes of cat cafe, the many cats, and the bookclub characters. I also liked how for once the FMC was the secret rich millionaire instead of the MMC. I’m always a fan of subverted / reverse tropes.
Thank you to Rachel Rowlands and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodder Paperbacks for providing a copy. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This book felt part Hallmark, part Lifetime movie. It has cozy small town found family vibes (Hallmark) but with a looming threat (Lifetime). Our FMC, Brenna, wins the lottery and escapes her controlling ex to a new life in small town Oakside where she meets the MMC Matt who works a cat cafe. The cat cafe is under threat as a big bad company Goliath is trying to buy it out to put in a warehouse.
The romance was a little lacking for me as I didn’t feel Brenna and Matt really spent enough time together. I love to see a couple really bond, spend time together, and grow together and I didn’t feel it like it had quite enough of that, especially given the trauma Brenna went through and the hangups Matt has. I would also say in true Hallmark / Liftetime fashion, the plot wrapped up a little easily and unrealistically in my opinion. Lastly, I didn’t realize this was the fourth book in an interconnected standalone and while it didn’t negatively affect my reading, I did feel like I was missing some context that I’m sure would have been more obvious if I had read the previous books.
I did enjoy the fast paced, easy read, and the cozy, feel good vibes of cat cafe, the many cats, and the bookclub characters. I also liked how for once the FMC was the secret rich millionaire instead of the MMC. I’m always a fan of subverted / reverse tropes.
Thank you to Rachel Rowlands and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodder Paperbacks for providing a copy. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 6, 2026
The Cat Café Book Club is an irresistibly cosy autumn romance, full of gentle humour, small‑town charm, and of course, plenty of cats. Brenna’s retreat to the countryside, hoping for quiet with her beloved black cats, sets the perfect tone for a story about healing, community, and second chances. Her guardedness makes her instantly relatable, and watching her slowly open up is one of the book’s sweetest pleasures.
Matt, the ever‑cheerful barista behind Catpurrcino, brings a lovely warmth to the story. His book club—where locals and their feline companions gather—creates a delightful backdrop for Brenna’s tentative steps toward connection. Their meet‑cute at the library is simple but sparkling, and their growing friendship feels natural, tender, and quietly romantic.
The threat of a big developer swooping in adds just enough tension to keep the pages turning, giving Brenna and Matt a shared purpose that deepens their bond. The community spirit, the found‑family vibes, and the gentle unfolding of Brenna’s past all blend beautifully.
This is a feel‑good read through and through—perfect for anyone who loves cats, books, small towns, and stories that leave you warm from the inside out. A sweet, heart‑soothing delight.
With thanks to Rachel Rowlands, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Matt, the ever‑cheerful barista behind Catpurrcino, brings a lovely warmth to the story. His book club—where locals and their feline companions gather—creates a delightful backdrop for Brenna’s tentative steps toward connection. Their meet‑cute at the library is simple but sparkling, and their growing friendship feels natural, tender, and quietly romantic.
The threat of a big developer swooping in adds just enough tension to keep the pages turning, giving Brenna and Matt a shared purpose that deepens their bond. The community spirit, the found‑family vibes, and the gentle unfolding of Brenna’s past all blend beautifully.
This is a feel‑good read through and through—perfect for anyone who loves cats, books, small towns, and stories that leave you warm from the inside out. A sweet, heart‑soothing delight.
With thanks to Rachel Rowlands, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 ⭐
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC of The Cat Cafe Book Club.
I really loved the premise of this book, anything books and cat related and I'm sold. Unfortunately, I don't think this was the book for me. It did have the cosy elements I was looking for and the cat cafe truly sounded like a wonderful place to be, I would love one where I live! I just didn't connect with our MCs, Brenna and Matt, as much as I would have liked and there was a lot of telling and not showing in this book which I am not really a fan of.
I also had issues around Brenna's 'secret'. Without going into spoilers, I felt there were a lot of discrepancies around how she handled it and her attitude toward it. It felt disjointed at times and I found myself getting frustrated with her because of it. There's also a fair amount of miscommunication/assumption making in this, which is a trope I really am not a fan of so this also took me out of the story at times but I recognise that this is purely personal preference.
I was a big fan of the cats though and it is clear the author is a cat owner, she nailed their personalities and nuances! Overall, I think this has good potential but just was not the story for me. I may give the other books in the series a try to see if that works out for me!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC of The Cat Cafe Book Club.
I really loved the premise of this book, anything books and cat related and I'm sold. Unfortunately, I don't think this was the book for me. It did have the cosy elements I was looking for and the cat cafe truly sounded like a wonderful place to be, I would love one where I live! I just didn't connect with our MCs, Brenna and Matt, as much as I would have liked and there was a lot of telling and not showing in this book which I am not really a fan of.
I also had issues around Brenna's 'secret'. Without going into spoilers, I felt there were a lot of discrepancies around how she handled it and her attitude toward it. It felt disjointed at times and I found myself getting frustrated with her because of it. There's also a fair amount of miscommunication/assumption making in this, which is a trope I really am not a fan of so this also took me out of the story at times but I recognise that this is purely personal preference.
I was a big fan of the cats though and it is clear the author is a cat owner, she nailed their personalities and nuances! Overall, I think this has good potential but just was not the story for me. I may give the other books in the series a try to see if that works out for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brenna has just come out of an abusive relationship, and her suddenly having the financial means to start over has her moving to a small city. Initially, she keeps her distance from everyone, mainly staying home and giving her cats a loving home. As she slowly comes out of her shell, she meets some lovable characters, and one of them is a handsome man.
What I enjoyed was the evolution of Brenna. It comes across very well that the last few years haven't been easy, and her finally having some peace and quiet to focus on herself is the perfect way to start over. Her being financially stable never comes across as selfish. Instead, she wants to use it to help others, though not everyone sees it that way and some interpret it as a selfish gesture on her part.
Trust doesn't come easily, and I completely understood why she reacted the way she did in certain situations when her wishes were ignored or not respected. In the end, she came out stronger for it, and I loved that for her character.
Overall, it was a cute and interesting story that didn't offer anything particularly new. The number of cats, though, I absolutely adored, and the cover is absolutely stunning. That alone might be enough reason for you to pick it up yourself. :)
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I enjoyed was the evolution of Brenna. It comes across very well that the last few years haven't been easy, and her finally having some peace and quiet to focus on herself is the perfect way to start over. Her being financially stable never comes across as selfish. Instead, she wants to use it to help others, though not everyone sees it that way and some interpret it as a selfish gesture on her part.
Trust doesn't come easily, and I completely understood why she reacted the way she did in certain situations when her wishes were ignored or not respected. In the end, she came out stronger for it, and I loved that for her character.
Overall, it was a cute and interesting story that didn't offer anything particularly new. The number of cats, though, I absolutely adored, and the cover is absolutely stunning. That alone might be enough reason for you to pick it up yourself. :)
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2026
While I enjoyed the previous books in this series, The Cat Cafe Book Club by Rachel Rowlands sadly turned out to be a DNF for me at 50%.
I struggled to connect with both main characters. Brenna’s wariness, stemming from her previous relationship and the secret she is trying to keep, failed to resonate with me. Maybe that's because her past relationship isn't explored deeply enough. I couldn't truly feel her fear for her ex and it unfortunately came across as an irrational anxiety rather than realistic. This, combined with her secret, created a miscommunication trope, which is one of my least favorite elements in romance. On top of that, Matt and Brenna have such wildly opposite approaches to money that I simply couldn't look past it or find myself rooting for them as a couple.
For me, this book also lacked the cozy cat cafe details, which used to be my favorite part of the series. I really missed the presence of the cats, both Brenna's own cat and the cafe cats, with their own personalities. Instead, the quirky elements in this book unfortunately made me cringe a little, with things like Sherlock hats, characters impersonating cats during interviews, and full cat costumes, which started to feel a bit too unbelievable and made me put this book down.
Though this one didn't work for me, I still adore Catpurrcino and the warmth of the earlier books.
I struggled to connect with both main characters. Brenna’s wariness, stemming from her previous relationship and the secret she is trying to keep, failed to resonate with me. Maybe that's because her past relationship isn't explored deeply enough. I couldn't truly feel her fear for her ex and it unfortunately came across as an irrational anxiety rather than realistic. This, combined with her secret, created a miscommunication trope, which is one of my least favorite elements in romance. On top of that, Matt and Brenna have such wildly opposite approaches to money that I simply couldn't look past it or find myself rooting for them as a couple.
For me, this book also lacked the cozy cat cafe details, which used to be my favorite part of the series. I really missed the presence of the cats, both Brenna's own cat and the cafe cats, with their own personalities. Instead, the quirky elements in this book unfortunately made me cringe a little, with things like Sherlock hats, characters impersonating cats during interviews, and full cat costumes, which started to feel a bit too unbelievable and made me put this book down.
Though this one didn't work for me, I still adore Catpurrcino and the warmth of the earlier books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 ⭐️ for The Cat Cafe Book Club 😺
ARC copy provided by Net Galley 🫶
I think this was so cute! I didn't know what to expect going into it, but I'm so glad to have requested an ARC from Net Galley.
Brenna has recently come into a large sum of money and escaped life from her ex, moving into a manor house in a small town. She's nervous, hesitant to give too much of herself to people she doesn't know. She meets Matt and, though she seems to like him, keeps parts of herself hidden away. Matt doesn't have money and starts off hesitant about Brenna's true motives.
When Goliath companies start trying to build on the land around a place they both love, the cat cafe, Brenna decides she has no choice but to join in and open up about who she is and why she's there. Goliath plays dirty and she can't sit idly by and let it happen.
I really enjoyed how this book wasn't just a romance. The romance between Matt and Brenna was cute, but the book was more than that. It was a group of people working together to reach a common goal. It was about community, finding your place, and learning that one bad person doesn't mean everyone's like that. Brenna owns up when she makes a mistake and apologizes.
This is definitely a good read and gets a huge bonus from me and a fellow cat lover 🫶
ARC copy provided by Net Galley 🫶
I think this was so cute! I didn't know what to expect going into it, but I'm so glad to have requested an ARC from Net Galley.
Brenna has recently come into a large sum of money and escaped life from her ex, moving into a manor house in a small town. She's nervous, hesitant to give too much of herself to people she doesn't know. She meets Matt and, though she seems to like him, keeps parts of herself hidden away. Matt doesn't have money and starts off hesitant about Brenna's true motives.
When Goliath companies start trying to build on the land around a place they both love, the cat cafe, Brenna decides she has no choice but to join in and open up about who she is and why she's there. Goliath plays dirty and she can't sit idly by and let it happen.
I really enjoyed how this book wasn't just a romance. The romance between Matt and Brenna was cute, but the book was more than that. It was a group of people working together to reach a common goal. It was about community, finding your place, and learning that one bad person doesn't mean everyone's like that. Brenna owns up when she makes a mistake and apologizes.
This is definitely a good read and gets a huge bonus from me and a fellow cat lover 🫶
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Hodder & Staughton and NetGalley for the chance to review The Cat Cafe Book Club. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I think this is a book that needs expectations tempered. There was a lot less cat and a lot less book and a lot more standing up to corporate greed than I expected. Which, of course, is fine! Down with corporate greed! But, I would have liked a lot more inclusion of the cat aspect of the book. Perhaps they feature more prominently in the other standalones.
The romance in this is sweet but I swear I yelled "go to therapy, girl" so often my partner started laughing. As a survivor of DV myself, I can relate to many of Brenna's insecurities, however, the woman won the lottery? Why isn't she in therapy? Her insecurities and Matt's insecurities were pointed out so often in the book that I felt it was overdone. I had a hard time rooting for them because of how insecure they both were about the other one's circumstances. Honestly, this may be personal preference because I'm sure others find this sort of story heartwarming! It's just not for me.
The ending is a satisfying conclusion, and I am open to checking out the author's other works.
I think this is a book that needs expectations tempered. There was a lot less cat and a lot less book and a lot more standing up to corporate greed than I expected. Which, of course, is fine! Down with corporate greed! But, I would have liked a lot more inclusion of the cat aspect of the book. Perhaps they feature more prominently in the other standalones.
The romance in this is sweet but I swear I yelled "go to therapy, girl" so often my partner started laughing. As a survivor of DV myself, I can relate to many of Brenna's insecurities, however, the woman won the lottery? Why isn't she in therapy? Her insecurities and Matt's insecurities were pointed out so often in the book that I felt it was overdone. I had a hard time rooting for them because of how insecure they both were about the other one's circumstances. Honestly, this may be personal preference because I'm sure others find this sort of story heartwarming! It's just not for me.
The ending is a satisfying conclusion, and I am open to checking out the author's other works.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you so much to the author and publisher for letting me ARC read. This is an honest review and contains all my own thoughts*
4.5 ⭐
I really love the world of Rachel Rowland's Cat Café series and this one is no different. These books always have such a great balance of emotional depth and healing with plenty of light-hearted fun and small-town sweetness.
I adored our main character of Brenna, her difficult past mixed with her big secret leads to her being so awkward and uncomfortable with getting to know people in this town she's just moved to, but she is trying her best and slowly learns how to open up to her new friends, and I just found her so lovely and endearing.
I really enjoyed the storyline of small-town community vs a big giant company and the ending was very satisfying.
The romance between our couple was definitely a tumultuous one at times and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop. It was so lovely to see them learn to trust each other and heal from their issues together.
I really enjoy Rachel Rowland's writing and I'd definitely recommend this series to all the small-town romance lovers out there, especially those who are also cat people
4.5 ⭐
I really love the world of Rachel Rowland's Cat Café series and this one is no different. These books always have such a great balance of emotional depth and healing with plenty of light-hearted fun and small-town sweetness.
I adored our main character of Brenna, her difficult past mixed with her big secret leads to her being so awkward and uncomfortable with getting to know people in this town she's just moved to, but she is trying her best and slowly learns how to open up to her new friends, and I just found her so lovely and endearing.
I really enjoyed the storyline of small-town community vs a big giant company and the ending was very satisfying.
The romance between our couple was definitely a tumultuous one at times and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and develop. It was so lovely to see them learn to trust each other and heal from their issues together.
I really enjoy Rachel Rowland's writing and I'd definitely recommend this series to all the small-town romance lovers out there, especially those who are also cat people
September 1, 2026
I only found this series last year while browsing Audible however I have enjoyed every single book so far. This one was no exception. I especially liked this one because of the differences between Brenna and Matt him not having money and her coming from poor to rich by a lotary win.
I loved the fact that having money did not change Brenna and she still cared about others and did not try and flaunt it. It's how I hope I would be if I ever came into a lot of money.
I loved the way Matt, Brenna and the book club worked together and how the friendships were gradually formed. The romance between Brenna and Matt was gentle which is what I like in a romance. I don't like romance where the two characters start kissing etc straight away, I like it when the characters take the time to get to know each other through a project or similar.
While this book was predictable given the jonra it did not take away my enjoyment of the story. I would highly recommend this series if you love easy reads, romance and of course we can't forget the animals in this case cats. I hope there will be more by this author weather more in this series or something different.
I loved the fact that having money did not change Brenna and she still cared about others and did not try and flaunt it. It's how I hope I would be if I ever came into a lot of money.
I loved the way Matt, Brenna and the book club worked together and how the friendships were gradually formed. The romance between Brenna and Matt was gentle which is what I like in a romance. I don't like romance where the two characters start kissing etc straight away, I like it when the characters take the time to get to know each other through a project or similar.
While this book was predictable given the jonra it did not take away my enjoyment of the story. I would highly recommend this series if you love easy reads, romance and of course we can't forget the animals in this case cats. I hope there will be more by this author weather more in this series or something different.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would totally recommend what I thought was a lovely, cosy, Autumn, small town romance with a hint of mystery.
It was lovely to see the difference in characters involved in the book and the dual povs, which definitely added to the depth of the book. It was interesting to how the plot involved topics of escaping abusive relationship, finding yourself again in new circumstances, and how having larger sums of money can change people’s perception of situations.
I did feel that at times some topics or phrases were repeated over and over, but I understand that it could have been for the added effect of the plot. Overall, I think the suspense and slight mystery side to the plot really elevated it.
I wasn’t aware that the book is part of a larger series, so I think if anything, it shows how well the book was written in the sense of reintroducing the characters and giving the sense of community involved in the plot.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of the book for honest review.
It was lovely to see the difference in characters involved in the book and the dual povs, which definitely added to the depth of the book. It was interesting to how the plot involved topics of escaping abusive relationship, finding yourself again in new circumstances, and how having larger sums of money can change people’s perception of situations.
I did feel that at times some topics or phrases were repeated over and over, but I understand that it could have been for the added effect of the plot. Overall, I think the suspense and slight mystery side to the plot really elevated it.
I wasn’t aware that the book is part of a larger series, so I think if anything, it shows how well the book was written in the sense of reintroducing the characters and giving the sense of community involved in the plot.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of the book for honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Check out this review of The Cat Cafe Book Club on Fable. https://fable.co/review/59058da1-45c3...
3.75✨
🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈🐱😺😼😻😽😸
Brenna Belrose. Matt Callaghan. Nan. Cameron Lee. Irvine Hackett.
Soot. Cheshire. Niya. Jekyll. Hyde. Toulouse.
Thanks Netgalley for this ARC.
Took my time in finishing this as it's a bed weather for almost how many weeks now.
This got me from it's title.. and got me even more when I found out MC owned black cats too.. not just one but.. more than one 😸
Cute chic flick. Predictable in some ways. Good thing it didn't delve much into the ex issue as it will lean more into drama. Okay forna little bit of romance as it didn't overshadow the main issue.
I just feel like Brenna is a strong name and i love how she developed and became stronger in dealing with the past.
_______
It’s all about loneliness, finding belonging.
‘I want to make something of my life here, be useful, help people. I want to move forwards, not backwards.
The storm last night had cleared the skies– the dark grey and the clouds had been washed away to reveal a bright sky.
3.75✨
🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈🐱😺😼😻😽😸
Brenna Belrose. Matt Callaghan. Nan. Cameron Lee. Irvine Hackett.
Soot. Cheshire. Niya. Jekyll. Hyde. Toulouse.
Thanks Netgalley for this ARC.
Took my time in finishing this as it's a bed weather for almost how many weeks now.
This got me from it's title.. and got me even more when I found out MC owned black cats too.. not just one but.. more than one 😸
Cute chic flick. Predictable in some ways. Good thing it didn't delve much into the ex issue as it will lean more into drama. Okay forna little bit of romance as it didn't overshadow the main issue.
I just feel like Brenna is a strong name and i love how she developed and became stronger in dealing with the past.
_______
It’s all about loneliness, finding belonging.
‘I want to make something of my life here, be useful, help people. I want to move forwards, not backwards.
The storm last night had cleared the skies– the dark grey and the clouds had been washed away to reveal a bright sky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2026
I think this book was basically made for people who love cats, books and cozy little places. 😭🐈📚 I really enjoyed the whole cat café and book club setup, and honestly the cats were one of my favourite parts. Brenna was easy to connect with because she is carrying a lot from her past and doesn't immediately feel comfortable letting people in. I liked seeing her slowly find her place in the café and with the people around her. Matt was sweet too, and I liked their relationship because it had a nice slow and gentle feel to it.
The whole book gave me that warm, comforting feeling I was hoping for. I especially liked the friendships and the sense of community around the café, and the part about trying to save it gave the story a little more than just romance. I did feel like some parts were a bit slow and I wanted a little more from the romance, but it didn't really take away from my enjoyment. This was just a really cute, easy read for me, and I can definitely see myself picking up a book like this when I want something cozy, light and full of cats. 🐱☕📖
The whole book gave me that warm, comforting feeling I was hoping for. I especially liked the friendships and the sense of community around the café, and the part about trying to save it gave the story a little more than just romance. I did feel like some parts were a bit slow and I wanted a little more from the romance, but it didn't really take away from my enjoyment. This was just a really cute, easy read for me, and I can definitely see myself picking up a book like this when I want something cozy, light and full of cats. 🐱☕📖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
The Cat Café Book Club is the literary equivalent of a warm mug of chai on a drizzly afternoon that is not just comforting, but also familiar, and pleasantly unhurried.
If you're expecting a sweeping romance, temper your expectations. The novel is far more invested in preserving the café and the community it shelters than in the love story itself. While the plot unfolds with predictable beats, its earnestness is difficult to resist.
The true protagonists, however, are the cats, the books, and the quiet solace they offer. The book club scenes brim with charm, and Brenna's quiet fascination with the stars lends the narrative a gentle, introspective touch. That said, I found myself craving a richer autumnal ambience and a more immersive small-town presence, elements that could have elevated the coziness even further.
A tender, comforting read that doesn't reinvent the genre but knows exactly what it wants to be: soft, wholesome, and quietly heartwarming.
The Cat Café Book Club is the literary equivalent of a warm mug of chai on a drizzly afternoon that is not just comforting, but also familiar, and pleasantly unhurried.
If you're expecting a sweeping romance, temper your expectations. The novel is far more invested in preserving the café and the community it shelters than in the love story itself. While the plot unfolds with predictable beats, its earnestness is difficult to resist.
The true protagonists, however, are the cats, the books, and the quiet solace they offer. The book club scenes brim with charm, and Brenna's quiet fascination with the stars lends the narrative a gentle, introspective touch. That said, I found myself craving a richer autumnal ambience and a more immersive small-town presence, elements that could have elevated the coziness even further.
A tender, comforting read that doesn't reinvent the genre but knows exactly what it wants to be: soft, wholesome, and quietly heartwarming.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for access to this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
The Cat Cafe Book Club follows Brenna and Matt as they navigate some delicate phases in their lives.
the writing is very straightforward, but it’s too much telling as opposed to showing for my taste. there’s so many little details and events we are told about and it makes the story feel somewhat contrived.
this also makes it difficult to really connect with any of the characters, or root for their relationship. we get told a lot of things about them, and we do see some of the issues they struggle with, but because we don’t get to see much else, they feel one dimensional and flat. almost like a wooden actor.
for these reasons i chose to DNF at 50%. this may be more appealing to someone who enjoys hallmark movies.
The Cat Cafe Book Club follows Brenna and Matt as they navigate some delicate phases in their lives.
the writing is very straightforward, but it’s too much telling as opposed to showing for my taste. there’s so many little details and events we are told about and it makes the story feel somewhat contrived.
this also makes it difficult to really connect with any of the characters, or root for their relationship. we get told a lot of things about them, and we do see some of the issues they struggle with, but because we don’t get to see much else, they feel one dimensional and flat. almost like a wooden actor.
for these reasons i chose to DNF at 50%. this may be more appealing to someone who enjoys hallmark movies.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read Snowed In At The Cat Cafe previously and loved the cozy feel, the presence of cats and clean love story.
So when I saw this book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it.
However, it falls a bit flat for me.
Pros: The love story is another clean, slow burn, I love their relationship and respect for each other as human beings. Lots of cozy mentions of cats, warm drinks, autumnal sights and inviting decor.
Deals with themes of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Cons: the action moves at a snail's pace in the first half of the book and would have DNF'd if not for this ARC read. The characters' motivations are reiterated in almost every chapter. It's too repetitive for me.
The story picks up after the 50% mark and almost feels like a different writing style.
Ended up enjoyable though.
So when I saw this book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it.
However, it falls a bit flat for me.
Pros: The love story is another clean, slow burn, I love their relationship and respect for each other as human beings. Lots of cozy mentions of cats, warm drinks, autumnal sights and inviting decor.
Deals with themes of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Cons: the action moves at a snail's pace in the first half of the book and would have DNF'd if not for this ARC read. The characters' motivations are reiterated in almost every chapter. It's too repetitive for me.
The story picks up after the 50% mark and almost feels like a different writing style.
Ended up enjoyable though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brenna is starting a new life in Cumbria after leaving a toxic relationship. She is financially secure but emotionally bereft and longs to make new friends, but is afraid to open her heart to others. Matt has journalistic ambitions, but life is hard, and he works in the cat cafe to pay the bills and because he loves it. He is friendly and open, the complete opposite of Brenna, but they are drawn together. It's an emotional, cosy romance with a mystery to solve, a big developer threatening the cafe, and many secrets. I like the supportive community and the eclectic book club members. The cafe setting, with its cats, is easy to imagine and adds another layer of cosiness to the story. It's a perfect, heartwarming autumn read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Did Not Finish
June 20, 2026𓏲࣪◜dnf @40% ♡ᵎ
I thought this would be a cozy read with cats and books, two things i absolutely love. Unfortunately the book didn't quite hook me as I’d hoped i couldn't really warm up to the writing style, and the story itself didn't exactly blow me away either. The more i read, the more i realized that it wasn't really the kind of book i would normally pick up and that was precisely what gave me an extra reason to stick with it. But I simply have to admit that I wasn't the right person for this book.
So, if you enjoy slow and cozy romance where books and cats also play an important role in the story, then this book might be for you.
started: 20.06.26
stopped: 20.06.26
I thought this would be a cozy read with cats and books, two things i absolutely love. Unfortunately the book didn't quite hook me as I’d hoped i couldn't really warm up to the writing style, and the story itself didn't exactly blow me away either. The more i read, the more i realized that it wasn't really the kind of book i would normally pick up and that was precisely what gave me an extra reason to stick with it. But I simply have to admit that I wasn't the right person for this book.
So, if you enjoy slow and cozy romance where books and cats also play an important role in the story, then this book might be for you.
started: 20.06.26
stopped: 20.06.26
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded up.
The positives of this book are the small town cozy feeling and the cat characters. The romance is clean with no in-pages spicy scenes. For me, I found that the main character's hang-ups about her abusive ex were a little stressful/triggering. The male main character's hang-ups about the FMC being rich were also a little hard for me. I found a couple of the change-of-mind transitions to be a little sudden. The book is more about corporate greed than it is about romance. I would almost call the romance a sub-plot since you could have most of the storyline without the romance.
The positives of this book are the small town cozy feeling and the cat characters. The romance is clean with no in-pages spicy scenes. For me, I found that the main character's hang-ups about her abusive ex were a little stressful/triggering. The male main character's hang-ups about the FMC being rich were also a little hard for me. I found a couple of the change-of-mind transitions to be a little sudden. The book is more about corporate greed than it is about romance. I would almost call the romance a sub-plot since you could have most of the storyline without the romance.
June 30, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed the next book in the series. Being a massive cat lover and Northern lass I really feel I can connect with the storyline, places mentioned and characters. As with the previous titles they are slightly unbelievable in parts but everyone needs some escapism in their lives! Brenna genuinely seemed to be care so much for the cats and I was glad she found happiness too. I look forward to the next in the series now the future of the cat cafe is secure!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
July 5, 2026
This is the perfect book if you want something cozy, a little mysterious and mostly feeling like a warm hug. The Cat Cafe Book Club is super sweet and makes you just want to cozy up in your house with a blanket and a warm cup of tea. Absolutely perfect read for the autumn season! Brenna was a really interesting character to follow, with her being really anxious and trying to build a new life on the countryside. The cat cafe was a beautiful setting that made me crave visiting a cat cafe myself.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I haven't read the other books of the series and that was totally fine.
I don't think the romance was too developed, the relationship was not much explored, it was more about what each one thought about the other. Nonetheless, the last chapter and epilogue were cute.
I did enjoy the book as it was more focused on the community set around the bookclub and the cat cafe, very hopeful and heart warming.
Of course, there's a lot of cats, tge description of their attitude is absolutely delightful.
*Thank you NetGalley and Hachette for the ARC.
I don't think the romance was too developed, the relationship was not much explored, it was more about what each one thought about the other. Nonetheless, the last chapter and epilogue were cute.
I did enjoy the book as it was more focused on the community set around the bookclub and the cat cafe, very hopeful and heart warming.
Of course, there's a lot of cats, tge description of their attitude is absolutely delightful.
*Thank you NetGalley and Hachette for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall Vibes:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC. This was a cute cosy book. The FMC was okay, her actions and growth through the book were good. The MMC was fun loving, if a bit boring. Unfortunately, this book has a miscommunication trope in it, which I can't stand. Thankfully it was resolved fairly quickly, but it was still rough to get through. The plot was fine, the world building was okay. It was a cute story, however not enough in it to keep me interested to read the others in the series.
Plot:⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall Vibes:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC. This was a cute cosy book. The FMC was okay, her actions and growth through the book were good. The MMC was fun loving, if a bit boring. Unfortunately, this book has a miscommunication trope in it, which I can't stand. Thankfully it was resolved fairly quickly, but it was still rough to get through. The plot was fine, the world building was okay. It was a cute story, however not enough in it to keep me interested to read the others in the series.
August 29, 2026
When I first read it, I really liked the writing style of this novel. It’s simple, flows well, and is easy to understand. Basically, it fits the genre perfectly.
However, the downside is that this novel is very long-winded. It takes an incredibly long time—and pages and pages—just to say one thing. That’s what made me get bored quickly.
On top of that, the paragraph structure in the ebook is also tedious—it feels like I’m reading a paragraph that never ends. It’s such a shame, especially since the writing style is so good.
#netgalley
However, the downside is that this novel is very long-winded. It takes an incredibly long time—and pages and pages—just to say one thing. That’s what made me get bored quickly.
On top of that, the paragraph structure in the ebook is also tedious—it feels like I’m reading a paragraph that never ends. It’s such a shame, especially since the writing style is so good.
#netgalley
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