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Cats and Other Kindred Spirits
Not yet published
Expected 16 Mar 27An adorable opposites-attract contemporary romance with a sprinkle of purr-anormal magic from award-winning author Lauren Connolly.
Welcome to Cromwell Manor, where the soul of every house cat who has ever resided there continues to do so.
Housekeeping can be odd. Demanding homeowners, mysterious stains, plants with a more rigorous care plan than a toddler. But by far the strangest of Vivian Owens’s tasks has to do with the ghost cats of Cromwell Manor. After years of cleaning the stately-yet-crumbling mansion, Vivian has grown familiar with the introverted and stubborn Judith Cromwell and her phantom felines, each with their unique peculiarities.
When Judith unexpectedly dies, Vivian is shocked to coinherit the property. The self-reliant housekeeper is uncomfortable with the too generous gesture and decides to offer full ownership to Judith’s distant nephew, Boyd Cromwell.
But when the cheery repairman arrives with a gorgeous grin, a goofy black labrador, and extravagant plans to renovate the dilapidated building and convert it into a cozy bed and breakfast, Vivian refuses to hand over her keys until she’s sure he’ll respect and tend to Judith’s clowder of ghost cats—a collection of high maintenance critters who would not appreciate strangers in their home.
Despite a stiff learning curve, a few maintenance mishaps, and plenty of cat chaos, Boyd’s sunny, bright personality brings new light into the haunted household…even shining through the cracks in Vivian’s protective walls.
Welcome to Cromwell Manor, where the soul of every house cat who has ever resided there continues to do so.
Housekeeping can be odd. Demanding homeowners, mysterious stains, plants with a more rigorous care plan than a toddler. But by far the strangest of Vivian Owens’s tasks has to do with the ghost cats of Cromwell Manor. After years of cleaning the stately-yet-crumbling mansion, Vivian has grown familiar with the introverted and stubborn Judith Cromwell and her phantom felines, each with their unique peculiarities.
When Judith unexpectedly dies, Vivian is shocked to coinherit the property. The self-reliant housekeeper is uncomfortable with the too generous gesture and decides to offer full ownership to Judith’s distant nephew, Boyd Cromwell.
But when the cheery repairman arrives with a gorgeous grin, a goofy black labrador, and extravagant plans to renovate the dilapidated building and convert it into a cozy bed and breakfast, Vivian refuses to hand over her keys until she’s sure he’ll respect and tend to Judith’s clowder of ghost cats—a collection of high maintenance critters who would not appreciate strangers in their home.
Despite a stiff learning curve, a few maintenance mishaps, and plenty of cat chaos, Boyd’s sunny, bright personality brings new light into the haunted household…even shining through the cracks in Vivian’s protective walls.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 16, 2027
About the author
Lauren Connolly
46 books1,479 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the most depressing FMC ever. Abusive ex-boyfriend, zero friends, and a crippling fear of living her life. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of characters like this because they’re very frustrating.
I get that I’m supposed to root for her and feel empathy, but I couldn’t. She’s traumatized from her past relationship, and every single thing triggers her. A guy is too tall, a guy stands too close, a friendly firefighter (who’s also her brother’s coworker) offers to help her find an apartment after hers floods… Everyone around her was being completely normal and she’d just shut down. It got to a point where reading these interactions was infuriating.
“My loneliness has never felt more like my fault,” she says while pushing everyone away, and refusing to make friends because she might get hurt. Girl, are you serious right now?! 😭
I also saw a few reviews saying the MMC felt like a literal dog, which confused me at first, but after a few chapters all I can say is I get it 😬 His golden retriever energy was a bit much. Still, Boyd grew on me by the end, whereas Viv did not.
This was clearly not for me. I don’t like reading books that dwell on sadness and trauma. I swear this girl spent half the book crying. I feel mean saying all this, but I don’t have the patience for it. If I’d known it was going to be like this, I wouldn’t have requested it in the first place.
✎ᝰ. pre-read: first halloween read! 🐈🐈⬛👻
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!
I get that I’m supposed to root for her and feel empathy, but I couldn’t. She’s traumatized from her past relationship, and every single thing triggers her. A guy is too tall, a guy stands too close, a friendly firefighter (who’s also her brother’s coworker) offers to help her find an apartment after hers floods… Everyone around her was being completely normal and she’d just shut down. It got to a point where reading these interactions was infuriating.
“My loneliness has never felt more like my fault,” she says while pushing everyone away, and refusing to make friends because she might get hurt. Girl, are you serious right now?! 😭
I also saw a few reviews saying the MMC felt like a literal dog, which confused me at first, but after a few chapters all I can say is I get it 😬 His golden retriever energy was a bit much. Still, Boyd grew on me by the end, whereas Viv did not.
This was clearly not for me. I don’t like reading books that dwell on sadness and trauma. I swear this girl spent half the book crying. I feel mean saying all this, but I don’t have the patience for it. If I’d known it was going to be like this, I wouldn’t have requested it in the first place.
✎ᝰ. pre-read: first halloween read! 🐈🐈⬛👻
💌 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and the author for an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full RTC closer to publication
Lauren Connolly can write cozy romance that makes you want to cuddle up in a blanket and grin at your kindle. Cats and Other Kindred Spirits had that feeling, made especially nice by how easy it was to sink into and fly through its pages. Plus, Elizabeth got an ARC too and we had a nice buddy read by an author we both enjoy of a book that was a win for each of us.
I do want to note that grief is a major theme and plot point of the story. Normally I’m a sobbing mess through these kinds of books and I did get teary-eyed, but I felt that the other story elements kept it from being too sad or overwhelmingly driven by loss. Yes there was loss, but there were also ghost cats and a precious dog and two flawed but lovely humans.
Written in first person, single POV of the h with adorable insights into the H’s thoughts at the start of each chapter. A blip of ow drama because of a toxic ex that the H is done with. A blip of om drama with the h’s brother’s friend indicating interest that the h doesn’t return. Both are experienced.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Contemporary romance with limited paranormal elements
☆ Golden retriever MMC
☆ More reserved FMC
☆ Chronic pain/disability rep
☆ When he knows, he knows
☆ FMC takes time to feel attraction
☆ Caretaking and comfort
☆ Lots of cute animal antics
☆ Aftermath of the death of a loved one and recollections of other losses
☆ Toxic and abusive past relationships
☆ Found family
☆ Home renovations
☆ Inheritances
☆ Supportive side characters
☆ Healing
☆ Slow burn
☆ Lower on the angst
Full RTC closer to publication
Lauren Connolly can write cozy romance that makes you want to cuddle up in a blanket and grin at your kindle. Cats and Other Kindred Spirits had that feeling, made especially nice by how easy it was to sink into and fly through its pages. Plus, Elizabeth got an ARC too and we had a nice buddy read by an author we both enjoy of a book that was a win for each of us.
I do want to note that grief is a major theme and plot point of the story. Normally I’m a sobbing mess through these kinds of books and I did get teary-eyed, but I felt that the other story elements kept it from being too sad or overwhelmingly driven by loss. Yes there was loss, but there were also ghost cats and a precious dog and two flawed but lovely humans.
Written in first person, single POV of the h with adorable insights into the H’s thoughts at the start of each chapter. A blip of ow drama because of a toxic ex that the H is done with. A blip of om drama with the h’s brother’s friend indicating interest that the h doesn’t return. Both are experienced.
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Contemporary romance with limited paranormal elements
☆ Golden retriever MMC
☆ More reserved FMC
☆ Chronic pain/disability rep
☆ When he knows, he knows
☆ FMC takes time to feel attraction
☆ Caretaking and comfort
☆ Lots of cute animal antics
☆ Aftermath of the death of a loved one and recollections of other losses
☆ Toxic and abusive past relationships
☆ Found family
☆ Home renovations
☆ Inheritances
☆ Supportive side characters
☆ Healing
☆ Slow burn
☆ Lower on the angst
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🔮🐈⬛ 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 🐈⬛🔮
𝟲 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!! 𝗔 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘!! 🥹💖
Cats and Other Kindred Spirits by Lauren Connolly is officially my favorite read of the entire year, and honestly? It might just be one of my favorite books of all time. I NEED MORE THAN FIVE STARS FOR THIS ONE!! 😭✨
Boyd was such a CUTIE. 🥹💗 A big, goofy, lovable man whose kindness was such an essential part of who he was. The way he cared for Vivi, all the little gestures, the thoughtfulness, the tenderness, the way he showed his love through the simplest things... MY HEART. 😭 I absolutely adored him. There is something so incredibly special about a character whose strength lies not in how much he can endure alone, but in how much love he is willing to give. Boyd, you have my whole hear 🫠💖
And Vivian "Vivi"??? OH, MY GIRL 🥹💕 She was so adorable, so relatable, and so painfully human. I connected with her on a level that honestly caught me off guard. Her mental state, her emotions, the grief she constantly carried, and the exhaustion of trying to navigate life while feeling like she had to hold everything together... it was heartbreaking in the most meaningful way. I loved how Lauren gave voice to the truths and fears of those of us who believe we have to carry everything alone. The ones who struggle to ask for help, who convince themselves they have to be strong all the time, who forget that they deserve to be taken care of, too. Vivi's journey felt like someone gently reaching into my heart and reminding me of things I desperately needed to hear. And THAT is the kind of storytelling that stays with you 😭🫂
AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP. PLEASE 🫠❤️🔥 It was so much more than romance. They became friends, they became each other's comfort, they became the people who instinctively looked for one another in a room full of strangers. The longing to spend time together, the quiet intimacy, the way their connection grew through all those little moments... I WAS LOSING MY MIND. It felt so intimate and intense that sometimes I genuinely forgot how to breathe 😭 The kind of love that makes you feel seen, understood, and safe enough to let your guard down. The kind of love that doesn't demand you become a different person, but gives you the space to be who you are. I could have stayed in their little world forever 🥹💗
But OBVIOUSLY, we need to talk about the MAGIC ✨ And no, I'm not just talking about the literal magical elements of this story. I'm talking about the way Lauren connected magic to grief, loss, healing, and the parts of ourselves we think we've lost along the way. I found that connection exceptionally powerful. Grief can make us feel as though losing someone means losing a piece of ourselves, too. It can leave us questioning who we are, how we're supposed to keep going, and whether we'll ever feel whole again. But this book felt like a beautiful reminder that even when grief changes us, there is still room for possibility. That the dreams we bury, the parts of ourselves we silence, and the lives we thought we could no longer have might still find a way to break through. That sometimes, the things we believe are impossible are simply the things we haven't yet learned how to imagine 🥹✨
And maybe that's what made this story feel so personal to me. Beneath the romance, the magic, and the beautiful characters, there was this incredibly tender reminder that we don't have to carry everything alone. That accepting love doesn't make us weak. That grief and hope can coexist. That healing doesn't mean forgetting, and moving forward doesn't mean leaving the people we've lost behind. Sometimes, it means learning how to live with their absence while allowing ourselves to embrace everything that is still here.
This book found me in a way I can't fully explain. It made me feel understood, comforted, and a little less alone in the things I struggle to put into words. And I think that's why it means so much to me.
Cats and Other Kindred Spirits is absolutely going to follow me into oblivion as I continue trying to put my life together for another day. 😭💖 It's more than just a story to me. It's a reminder, a comfort, a little bit of magic to hold on to when life feels impossibly heavy. And while Vivi and Boyd's story might be theirs, the feelings it brought to the surface belong to so many of us.
Lauren Connolly, I genuinely don't know what to do with all the feelings this book left me with. I just know that it has found a permanent home in my heart. Six stars, an infinite number of feelings, and a place among my all-time favorites 🥹✨💗
𝟲 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦!! 𝗔 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘!! 🥹💖
Cats and Other Kindred Spirits by Lauren Connolly is officially my favorite read of the entire year, and honestly? It might just be one of my favorite books of all time. I NEED MORE THAN FIVE STARS FOR THIS ONE!! 😭✨
Boyd was such a CUTIE. 🥹💗 A big, goofy, lovable man whose kindness was such an essential part of who he was. The way he cared for Vivi, all the little gestures, the thoughtfulness, the tenderness, the way he showed his love through the simplest things... MY HEART. 😭 I absolutely adored him. There is something so incredibly special about a character whose strength lies not in how much he can endure alone, but in how much love he is willing to give. Boyd, you have my whole hear 🫠💖
And Vivian "Vivi"??? OH, MY GIRL 🥹💕 She was so adorable, so relatable, and so painfully human. I connected with her on a level that honestly caught me off guard. Her mental state, her emotions, the grief she constantly carried, and the exhaustion of trying to navigate life while feeling like she had to hold everything together... it was heartbreaking in the most meaningful way. I loved how Lauren gave voice to the truths and fears of those of us who believe we have to carry everything alone. The ones who struggle to ask for help, who convince themselves they have to be strong all the time, who forget that they deserve to be taken care of, too. Vivi's journey felt like someone gently reaching into my heart and reminding me of things I desperately needed to hear. And THAT is the kind of storytelling that stays with you 😭🫂
AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP. PLEASE 🫠❤️🔥 It was so much more than romance. They became friends, they became each other's comfort, they became the people who instinctively looked for one another in a room full of strangers. The longing to spend time together, the quiet intimacy, the way their connection grew through all those little moments... I WAS LOSING MY MIND. It felt so intimate and intense that sometimes I genuinely forgot how to breathe 😭 The kind of love that makes you feel seen, understood, and safe enough to let your guard down. The kind of love that doesn't demand you become a different person, but gives you the space to be who you are. I could have stayed in their little world forever 🥹💗
But OBVIOUSLY, we need to talk about the MAGIC ✨ And no, I'm not just talking about the literal magical elements of this story. I'm talking about the way Lauren connected magic to grief, loss, healing, and the parts of ourselves we think we've lost along the way. I found that connection exceptionally powerful. Grief can make us feel as though losing someone means losing a piece of ourselves, too. It can leave us questioning who we are, how we're supposed to keep going, and whether we'll ever feel whole again. But this book felt like a beautiful reminder that even when grief changes us, there is still room for possibility. That the dreams we bury, the parts of ourselves we silence, and the lives we thought we could no longer have might still find a way to break through. That sometimes, the things we believe are impossible are simply the things we haven't yet learned how to imagine 🥹✨
And maybe that's what made this story feel so personal to me. Beneath the romance, the magic, and the beautiful characters, there was this incredibly tender reminder that we don't have to carry everything alone. That accepting love doesn't make us weak. That grief and hope can coexist. That healing doesn't mean forgetting, and moving forward doesn't mean leaving the people we've lost behind. Sometimes, it means learning how to live with their absence while allowing ourselves to embrace everything that is still here.
This book found me in a way I can't fully explain. It made me feel understood, comforted, and a little less alone in the things I struggle to put into words. And I think that's why it means so much to me.
Cats and Other Kindred Spirits is absolutely going to follow me into oblivion as I continue trying to put my life together for another day. 😭💖 It's more than just a story to me. It's a reminder, a comfort, a little bit of magic to hold on to when life feels impossibly heavy. And while Vivi and Boyd's story might be theirs, the feelings it brought to the surface belong to so many of us.
Lauren Connolly, I genuinely don't know what to do with all the feelings this book left me with. I just know that it has found a permanent home in my heart. Six stars, an infinite number of feelings, and a place among my all-time favorites 🥹✨💗
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for early access to this beautiful book. I loved it!
I received an advanced reader copy and I’m sorry I can’t recommend it for spooky season cause it would be a great Halloween read.
Both RL and I got the ARC so we got to do a buddy read… and it was the best in a LOOOONG time!
Viv is a housecleaner who made friends with one of the owners, Judith. When Viv is cat-sitting for her friend she gets a call from her friend’s nephew (Boyd) that her friend has died. And that she wasn’t on vacation; she was getting heart surgery. (Let’s come back to that later in my review). Let’s just start by saying, it was so warm and cozy and lovely… and I also cried because grief and loneliness are part of the core of this book.
Viv and Boyd were so sweet together. They both have trauma in their pasts and are dealing with it in vastly different ways. Boyd reaches out over and over again. He’s trying to battle his loneliness through friendships and relationships. Viv is trying to battle her loneliness through choosing to be alone.
They are thrown into proximity by inheriting Judith’s house together (and some other events).
This was slow burn in a beautiful way. Viv doesn’t want a friend and Boyd DESPERATELY does. But… he’s super respectful and that shines through. He lets Viv have her boundaries. He is always welcoming, always giving, always ready to be there for her.
In a lot of ways, it’s the golden retriever/black cat trope. Dogs are people-people and cats are not… but they will like you if and when they choose. Boyd is quintessential dog and Viv is cat. She needs peace and welcome. She wants love, but she doesn’t want to feel pressured.
I love the various side characters. First of all, the animals. There are 5 ghost cats, one dog, and a live cat. The ghost cats are hilarious and have so many opinions. It was such a fun idea that they get to exist at the mansion every night… and the interactions are gold. Could I get a ghost cat? I’m allergic to cats, but I could totally handle a ghost cat!
The family and friends are great, too. And the author did a great job with representation. It didn’t feel forced, but it was really cool to see a trans character and a disabled character using a wheelchair treated like totally normal people.
Viv has an old injury that causes some issues, social anxiety, and could be neuro-spicy… or just anxious (is that also in the spicy family?). I loved how she opens up to her family and Boyd (and some friends) along the way. BUT… this is one of the reasons this book doesn’t get 5 starts. I wish she had started working through her issues earlier in the book and maybe sought out help (therapy would be one good choice). She is determined to be self-reliant while also having a loving family. Partly, they messed up… but partly, she withdrew.
There is some HEAVY backstory in her past and I won’t include spoilers… but it’s a huge bummer. It contributed to her being aloof and staying away from people.
Boyd also has trauma. With his aunt dying, he has lost all relatives. So, he’s surrounded himself with as many friendships as possible. I loved him. I don’t want to spoil anything, but not all his relationships were positive and I felt like the author really amped up some drama towards the end with an ex.
Safety deets
- Viv hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. I don’t think Boyd has been with anyone since he broke up with his last ex. They don’t talk about it.
- They use protection. It’s actually funny because Viv’s mom finds out she’s living with a man and buys her a Costco-sized pack of condoms “because they were on sale”.
- Viv doesn’t want to have children and the book respects that. She doesn’t change her mind and Boyd accepts her. There’s no epilogue where they have kids.
- Let’s talk about the trauma the author put Viv through by having Judith LIE TO HER ABOUT GOING ON VACATION. Seriously!? Why did the author have to do that. It was already traumatic enough that Viv would lose her one friend. Why did she also have to make it a betrayal!?
- Attn… spoilers about Boyd’s past relationships:
- This ends with a beautiful epilogue 10 years in the future… and an author’s note that is so sweet, too.
I received an advanced reader copy and I’m sorry I can’t recommend it for spooky season cause it would be a great Halloween read.
Both RL and I got the ARC so we got to do a buddy read… and it was the best in a LOOOONG time!
Viv is a housecleaner who made friends with one of the owners, Judith. When Viv is cat-sitting for her friend she gets a call from her friend’s nephew (Boyd) that her friend has died. And that she wasn’t on vacation; she was getting heart surgery. (Let’s come back to that later in my review). Let’s just start by saying, it was so warm and cozy and lovely… and I also cried because grief and loneliness are part of the core of this book.
Viv and Boyd were so sweet together. They both have trauma in their pasts and are dealing with it in vastly different ways. Boyd reaches out over and over again. He’s trying to battle his loneliness through friendships and relationships. Viv is trying to battle her loneliness through choosing to be alone.
They are thrown into proximity by inheriting Judith’s house together (and some other events).
This was slow burn in a beautiful way. Viv doesn’t want a friend and Boyd DESPERATELY does. But… he’s super respectful and that shines through. He lets Viv have her boundaries. He is always welcoming, always giving, always ready to be there for her.
In a lot of ways, it’s the golden retriever/black cat trope. Dogs are people-people and cats are not… but they will like you if and when they choose. Boyd is quintessential dog and Viv is cat. She needs peace and welcome. She wants love, but she doesn’t want to feel pressured.
I love the various side characters. First of all, the animals. There are 5 ghost cats, one dog, and a live cat. The ghost cats are hilarious and have so many opinions. It was such a fun idea that they get to exist at the mansion every night… and the interactions are gold. Could I get a ghost cat? I’m allergic to cats, but I could totally handle a ghost cat!
The family and friends are great, too. And the author did a great job with representation. It didn’t feel forced, but it was really cool to see a trans character and a disabled character using a wheelchair treated like totally normal people.
Viv has an old injury that causes some issues, social anxiety, and could be neuro-spicy… or just anxious (is that also in the spicy family?). I loved how she opens up to her family and Boyd (and some friends) along the way. BUT… this is one of the reasons this book doesn’t get 5 starts. I wish she had started working through her issues earlier in the book and maybe sought out help (therapy would be one good choice). She is determined to be self-reliant while also having a loving family. Partly, they messed up… but partly, she withdrew.
There is some HEAVY backstory in her past and I won’t include spoilers… but it’s a huge bummer. It contributed to her being aloof and staying away from people.
Boyd also has trauma. With his aunt dying, he has lost all relatives. So, he’s surrounded himself with as many friendships as possible. I loved him. I don’t want to spoil anything, but not all his relationships were positive and I felt like the author really amped up some drama towards the end with an ex.
Safety deets
- Viv hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. I don’t think Boyd has been with anyone since he broke up with his last ex. They don’t talk about it.
- They use protection. It’s actually funny because Viv’s mom finds out she’s living with a man and buys her a Costco-sized pack of condoms “because they were on sale”.
- Viv doesn’t want to have children and the book respects that. She doesn’t change her mind and Boyd accepts her. There’s no epilogue where they have kids.
- Let’s talk about the trauma the author put Viv through by having Judith LIE TO HER ABOUT GOING ON VACATION. Seriously!? Why did the author have to do that. It was already traumatic enough that Viv would lose her one friend. Why did she also have to make it a betrayal!?
- Attn… spoilers about Boyd’s past relationships:
- This ends with a beautiful epilogue 10 years in the future… and an author’s note that is so sweet, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: General Fiction/Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: March 16, 2027
“When you don’t try to hold on to anything, there’s no sense of loss when it slips through your fingers.”
OVERALL IMPRESSION: A deeply emotional, heartfelt contemporary romance that handles some difficult subjects with sensitivity, humor and a clowder of cuddly ghost cats! An unforgettable story that will capture your heart.
🥳 What I loved
📖 Narrative style: Connolly’s writing is unpretentious, effortless and so immersive, you feel like you’re part of the story rather than reading about it.
📖 Emotional Impact : Some very difficult topics are woven into the story with a beautiful balance of sensitivity and witty humor. I laughed and cried in equal measure. I fully appreciated the author’s note at the beginning of the book outlining all the topics that might be triggering for some readers.
📖 Characters: Viv and Boyd captured my heart. As they each navigate through their shared grief and past traumas, they learn to lean on, trust and love one another. I loved their banter and chemistry and how much they loved their furry companions. As a mom to two feline fur babies, the animal cast was the clincher for me!
🤔 Things to consider
⚠ CW: grief/loss, abusive relationships, stalking
FINAL VERDICT: A heartwarming and emotional romance highly recommended for fans of Josie Silver or Cara Bastone, and especially to parents of the furry children! Don’t miss this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Lauren Connolly for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are entirely my own.
GENRE: General Fiction/Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: March 16, 2027
“When you don’t try to hold on to anything, there’s no sense of loss when it slips through your fingers.”
OVERALL IMPRESSION: A deeply emotional, heartfelt contemporary romance that handles some difficult subjects with sensitivity, humor and a clowder of cuddly ghost cats! An unforgettable story that will capture your heart.
🥳 What I loved
📖 Narrative style: Connolly’s writing is unpretentious, effortless and so immersive, you feel like you’re part of the story rather than reading about it.
📖 Emotional Impact : Some very difficult topics are woven into the story with a beautiful balance of sensitivity and witty humor. I laughed and cried in equal measure. I fully appreciated the author’s note at the beginning of the book outlining all the topics that might be triggering for some readers.
📖 Characters: Viv and Boyd captured my heart. As they each navigate through their shared grief and past traumas, they learn to lean on, trust and love one another. I loved their banter and chemistry and how much they loved their furry companions. As a mom to two feline fur babies, the animal cast was the clincher for me!
🤔 Things to consider
⚠ CW: grief/loss, abusive relationships, stalking
FINAL VERDICT: A heartwarming and emotional romance highly recommended for fans of Josie Silver or Cara Bastone, and especially to parents of the furry children! Don’t miss this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Lauren Connolly for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are entirely my own.
October 13, 2026
I think this might’ve been the slowest burn ever. Not a single kiss until *75% in.* I was going mad lol. But honestly? It was worth the wait. 😂
This story struck such a lovely balance between fun Halloween whimsy and emotional depth. I really enjoyed how the lighthearted, magical elements complemented the more emotional moments without either one overpowering the other.
The romance was so sweet, slow, and wholesome. And it was DEFINITELY giving black cat x golden retriever, which is my favorite trope. Probably because I’m a black cat myself. Hehe. A black cat girlie with two black cats. 🖤🐈⬛
But one of my favorite parts was the beautiful story of reconnecting with family later in life. I think many of us didn’t necessarily have the safest or closest relationships with our parents growing up. And sometimes, it isn’t entirely anyone’s fault. Life happens, trauma creates distance, and being a teenager doesn’t exactly make navigating those relationships easier. So seeing Vivy reconnect with her family as an adult was really sweet. I connected with that part of her story because I don’t think I truly felt close to my own mom until I got older, either.
Anyways, if you’re looking for a sweet romance with plenty of spooky-season whimsy and a little emotional depth, this one is for you! 🎃
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story struck such a lovely balance between fun Halloween whimsy and emotional depth. I really enjoyed how the lighthearted, magical elements complemented the more emotional moments without either one overpowering the other.
The romance was so sweet, slow, and wholesome. And it was DEFINITELY giving black cat x golden retriever, which is my favorite trope. Probably because I’m a black cat myself. Hehe. A black cat girlie with two black cats. 🖤🐈⬛
But one of my favorite parts was the beautiful story of reconnecting with family later in life. I think many of us didn’t necessarily have the safest or closest relationships with our parents growing up. And sometimes, it isn’t entirely anyone’s fault. Life happens, trauma creates distance, and being a teenager doesn’t exactly make navigating those relationships easier. So seeing Vivy reconnect with her family as an adult was really sweet. I connected with that part of her story because I don’t think I truly felt close to my own mom until I got older, either.
Anyways, if you’re looking for a sweet romance with plenty of spooky-season whimsy and a little emotional depth, this one is for you! 🎃
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maybe it is my fault for kind of judging this book by the cover but it just did not hit the mark for me. What I thought would be a cute, cozy Halloween season read ended up being more about trauma and grief. That could have been okay, but the main character (Vivian, Viv, Vivy) was so insufferable I actually rolled my eyes at multiple points throughout this book. I started out being curious and sympathetic towards her seemingly constant triggers and near panic attacks with the most basic, mundane situations. But at about 30% through this story I was completely exasperated with her and found myself asking if she could do anything at all without having a breakdown. I kept wishing that at some point this would turn into a dual POV with Boyd because being inside her head was so exhausting. I got that something BAD and TRAUMATIZING had happened to her- it was brought to the reader's attention constantly. But it took forever to find out what it actually was and by then I was kind of tired of hearing about it. Main character's mental state aside, the rest of the story was pretty cute. I liked the description of the ghost cats and the overall setting was nice and cozy. Boyd was a pretty good romantic interest and he was definitely into Vivian right away (much more patient than I am I guess). I also did like that their relationship took time to develop and by the time they got together it made sense. I really liked PS I Hate You by this author, so maybe it was just my expectation of a different kind of story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing group in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a few other books by Lauren Connolly and I really enjoyed them, so when I saw she was working on something “spooky” I was so excited. Unfortunately, this book really missed the mark for me. With the other books I’ve read by the author I am emotionally invested in the characters and curious about the plot. With this book, I kept feeling the urge to skim read or skip with a debated DNF. I understand that the author wanted to include some deeper themes such as loss, trauma, etc but I think it just wasn’t executed well. I found the FMC to be annoying and the MMC was such a”golden retriever” behavior he honestly came across like a dog in many ways (none of which good when you’re a human). I also didn’t really understand why there was such an emphasis on the female period in this, when it did nothing to drive the plot or have any significance other than weird talking points for the characters.
I don’t want this to be an overly negative review, so I will say some positive things as well because this wasn’t a horrible book, just really not the authors best work and not for me. I loved the cats and their quirkiness. I also loved the bits we got from Judith and think we needed to have more of her story to really feel the impact for the plot. I also loved the setting as I am a big fan of homes with history
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing group in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a few other books by Lauren Connolly and I really enjoyed them, so when I saw she was working on something “spooky” I was so excited. Unfortunately, this book really missed the mark for me. With the other books I’ve read by the author I am emotionally invested in the characters and curious about the plot. With this book, I kept feeling the urge to skim read or skip with a debated DNF. I understand that the author wanted to include some deeper themes such as loss, trauma, etc but I think it just wasn’t executed well. I found the FMC to be annoying and the MMC was such a”golden retriever” behavior he honestly came across like a dog in many ways (none of which good when you’re a human). I also didn’t really understand why there was such an emphasis on the female period in this, when it did nothing to drive the plot or have any significance other than weird talking points for the characters.
I don’t want this to be an overly negative review, so I will say some positive things as well because this wasn’t a horrible book, just really not the authors best work and not for me. I loved the cats and their quirkiness. I also loved the bits we got from Judith and think we needed to have more of her story to really feel the impact for the plot. I also loved the setting as I am a big fan of homes with history
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story has touches of ghostly energy but is primarily a romance with engaging character development. Vivian is very introverted. She’s had a complicated life that includes family angst, an abusive ex, injuries and endometriosis. Despite everything, Vivian has some inner strengths. She started a housekeeping business, and had been hired to clean the deteriorating Cromwell mansion. Over time, that mansion’s elderly owner became Vivian’s closest friend. When the owner dies, she leaves the mansion and the secret of its ghostly cats to both Vivian and her nephew. Boyd Cromwell's life also had challenges, but he brings cinnamon roll energy into the mansion (along with his big, friendly dog). Vivian and Boyd slowly begin to build trust and a friendship. They work to restore the mansion, protect its ghostly feline residents, and Vivian starts to heal. Multiple trigger subjects are handled with sensitivity. Eventually there is a little adult spice as the relationship develops and the story moves towards its satisfying HEA. (I appreciated the bonus epilogue and the author’s inclusion of some possible questions for book club discussions – this story might be great for book clubs!). I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved it. I think Vivian was an interesting character. Very flawed, yes, but she knows she is, and she tries to be better, but until she befriended Judith she didn’t really have the motivation to do so. I understood her hesitation with her family, because she doesn’t know how to talk to them. She realizes that her life is lonely, though, especially because when her friend died she had nobody to talk to, and takes some steps to get closer to her family. Boyd has Golden retriever energy, and his sunny personality helps Viv to see how she doesn’t want her life to continue the way it is. Their relationship takes time to develop, and it was nice. There’s no instalust, or instalove, and that’s something I appreciated. The cats were funny, and Garth was lovely. I guess my only complaint would be that Boyd never takes off his cap, which I find kind of gross. I kinda ignored the fact that he had it most of the time, though it’s mentioned constantly that he has his cap on, sometimes backwards. I swear this man wears it even in bed.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley.
October 17, 2026
I’m so excited I got to read this one early because this was SO cute! 🐈⬛👻 Highly recommend for my cat lovers especially. This is the perfect cozy spooky season romance and I need this to be made into a Hallmarkish movie because it would be absolutely adorable! Vivian a housekeeper who has spent years caring for the crumbling Cromwell Manor and its very unusual residents the ghost cats of the house. When the owner unexpectedly dies, Vivian finds herself co inheriting the manor with Judith’s nephew, Boyd. Boyd is a cheerful repairman with a goofy black lab and big plans to turn the old mansion into a cozy bed and breakfast. Vivian isn’t exactly ready to hand over the keys, especially when she’s determined to make sure Boyd understands that the ghost cats are staying too.What follows is a super cute opposites attract romance filled with cat chaos, a haunted manor, and two people slowly letting each other into their lives. I loved the coziness and the paranormal twist, and the ghost cats were definitely one of my favorite parts. 🐈⬛If you’re looking for something cute, cozy, a little spooky, and romantic for your spooky season TBR, you definitely need to add this one to your list! And seriously, someone get Hallmark on the phone because I would 100% watch this movie. 😂
October 2, 2026
Cats And Other Kindred Spirits was such a cute, quirky little read!
Vivi has been the housekeeper at Cromwell Manor for years, where she lives alongside the reclusive owner, Judith, and her collection of ghost cats. When Judith unexpectedly passes away and leaves the manor to Vivi, she ends up sharing ownership with Judith’s nephew Boyd, who arrives with plans to turn the place into a bed and breakfast.
And Boyd was SUCH A CUTIE! He’s this big, goofy, sunshiney repairman with a black lab and I loved the energy he brought into the story. Especially paired with Vivi, who is much more guarded and independent. Their personalities played off each other so well!
I also really liked watching their relationship slowly develop while they figured out what the heck they were going to do with this giant falling-apart house and its herd of high-maintenance paranormal felines 😂
And honestly, the ghost cats were probably my favorite part. Each one had their own personality and little quirks, and the entire concept was just so dang fun. A haunted manor where the ghosts are CATS?! Come on!!
There are definitely some heavier themes woven throughout, especially grief and learning how to move forward after loss, but overall this was just a really sweet, cozy read with a little bit of romance, a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of cats.
Cute. Cozy. A little weird. FULL OF GHOST KITTIES. 🐈⬛
I mean, What more could you ask for?!
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Lauren Connolly for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Vivi has been the housekeeper at Cromwell Manor for years, where she lives alongside the reclusive owner, Judith, and her collection of ghost cats. When Judith unexpectedly passes away and leaves the manor to Vivi, she ends up sharing ownership with Judith’s nephew Boyd, who arrives with plans to turn the place into a bed and breakfast.
And Boyd was SUCH A CUTIE! He’s this big, goofy, sunshiney repairman with a black lab and I loved the energy he brought into the story. Especially paired with Vivi, who is much more guarded and independent. Their personalities played off each other so well!
I also really liked watching their relationship slowly develop while they figured out what the heck they were going to do with this giant falling-apart house and its herd of high-maintenance paranormal felines 😂
And honestly, the ghost cats were probably my favorite part. Each one had their own personality and little quirks, and the entire concept was just so dang fun. A haunted manor where the ghosts are CATS?! Come on!!
There are definitely some heavier themes woven throughout, especially grief and learning how to move forward after loss, but overall this was just a really sweet, cozy read with a little bit of romance, a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of cats.
Cute. Cozy. A little weird. FULL OF GHOST KITTIES. 🐈⬛
I mean, What more could you ask for?!
Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Lauren Connolly for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2026
This was a super cute, fun paranormal romance. The characters were very likable and both sweet, which was nice. Each character has their own angst but the heaviness was balanced by the humor and lightness of the other scenes. I especially enjoyed the hijinx with the ghost cats! It was a super slow burn but the story moved fast enough and was entertaining enough so that it didn't feel like a long wait. I enjoyed this book very much!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
October 19, 2026
I immediately wanted to read this book based on the title alone, and the adorable cover pulled me in even more! I absolutely loved the premise of this story. I’ve never read anything quite like it! Such a unique, fun, and charming read. Definitely a refreshing change from my usual books!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this ebook to read and provide my honest review.
October 9, 2026
~NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW~
sorry but golden retriever energy is find as long as i dont continuously have to question if the mmc is actually a human or if i misread and hes an actual dog...this was a rough read for me
sorry but golden retriever energy is find as long as i dont continuously have to question if the mmc is actually a human or if i misread and hes an actual dog...this was a rough read for me
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