Lara doesn’t have a back-up plan. So when her safe-bet boyfriend Lucien dumps her for her best friend, Lara’s world implodes. Life after the break up stretches bleakly ahead, lonely evenings on the sofa with only a bottle of wine and her grey cat Fluffy for company…
Down the road, Theo loves his job as a jazz musician, giving other people great nights out before coming home in the early hours and unwinding with his loyal cat Satchmo.
What they don’t know is that it’s the same cat.
And when they find out, standing in the streets in their pyjamas, both on the hunt for their lost pet, sparks of the wrong sort fly.
Lara can’t deny that Theo is one of the most gorgeous men she’s ever met, but she can see exactly why he’s still single. They do say opposites attract… but is she ready to move on? And when Lucien comes back into the picture, will she be tempted back to her life before the break up, or risk everything on the chance of something new?
A wonderfully warm will-they-won’t-they romantic read that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. If you’re a fan of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, The Break Up is the love story you’ve been waiting for. Previously titled: A Cat Called Cupid
Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
What a charming romance story. In these difficult times a light read was called upon and this really filled that void. Lara having her heartbroken by arrogant Lucien by dating her best friend Siobhan behind her back so in one evening she looses her boyfriend and best friend. Lara opens her own business has a wedding planner a success. Then a cat comes in to her life during a hard period but this cat roams the neighbourhood he also goes to Theo’s house. Fluffy the cat in the end brings Lara and Theo together. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Tilly Tennant for this advance arc in exchange of an honest review.
4 Just Right Stars * * * * Spoiler Free A Quick Review This had EVERYTHING. If you loved pets, then this cat was yours. If you want romance, this is yours. If you want to be captured, taken away from the day to day stuff...Then This Is Yours!
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
I loved this book, it is such an enchanting read that I could have happily devoured in one sitting. Following a disastrous relationship with egomaniac Lucien, Lara Nightingale just bounces back. Again and again. Lara was a really likeable character; seemingly hard on the outside but with a soft centre, which really shone through in her relationships; particularly with her Mum, Fay; and Betsy. And also with Siobhan (who I didn't really take to), who Lara has known and been great friends with since high school. I don't think that I would have been quite as honourable as Lara. Theo is just charming, another likeable and believable character, but I think that he needs to take a good look around him, at what is going on - before it's too late! I loved Fluffy, the blue-grey Tabby, who brought so much joy and comfort to Lara, at a time when she so desperately needed it. The scenes are set in Chester, a wonderful City not far from where I live. I was happy that Nantwich was mentioned; a small Cheshire town where I lived, from birth until I was twenty; and at a part (one of many), that really had me laughing out loud! The author is very talented and the descriptive scenes really jumped out at me. My favourite character has to be Lara's Mum, Fay. She has a big heart but the unfortunate habit of speaking before thinking. I loved her and think that she brought even more humour to the story. I think that the book is very well balanced; it has just the right amount of romance and humour and is much more than a boy-meets-girl kind of book. It covers: betrayal, loss, deceit, friendship, hope, love and new beginnings. It is a lovely story where we learn not to give up on our dreams no matter how much negativity life throws our way. Lara encounters some not-so-nice characters, and not just through her work. Who can she trust? And will Lara really find her happy ever after? I really enjoyed following Lara through her, often, turbulent journey, before arriving at the grand conclusion. I look forward to reading more by this author and I highly recommend this book! Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for this lovely read.
This was a book that I was extremely eager to pick up! I love books that their main focus is on the romance. They make for nice, fluffy, stress-free reads.
Tilly Tennant wrote a super-sweet story featuring an enemies-to-lovers couple who just needed a little push to realize they were right for each other. The writing was just what I was hoping; the pacing was solid, and the story was engaging.
My only complaint was that I just didn’t love the characters. And, I think that’s just because they felt a little flat to me. Like I couldn’t quite connect with them.
I do love a story where the girl with the broken heart gets the (right)guy in the end. I will definitely be reading more from Tilly Tennant!
This author managed to hook me in an extraordinarily fast way to this story, with a very fluid, light and comic prose gives us hours of fun and sighs from beginning to end.
An extroverted, original and charismatic reading that can attract the reader with its great characters so well created that they manage to sympathize with the reader from the beginning.
I had to read this one because a) Tilly Tennant is one of my fav romance authors and b) even though I'm more of a dog person (sorry Fluffy!) I love books where animals have an important role in the story.
Although it was a cute read it took me longer than usual to warm up to most of the characters and the story took some time to took off. Lara was a nice character, and anyone who has a pet can identify with her and her feelings towards her cat. There were some pretty horrible characters and I'm not sure I would have been as understanding as Lara was with Siobhan at the end.
The cover was so cute, the title change not so much. I don't understand why they changed a title so meaningful to the story like "A cat called Cupid" for the more generic "The break up" :(
Recommended to all those who love light romance stories and cat lovers.
3,5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars -> 4 stars. Surprised with my choice of read? I think I surprised myself a little bit too but it all makes perfect sense. I love cats (and dogs too), I love romances where two lost souls find each other when they least expect it, so my interest was raised right away and the cat playing such a big role in the story as a catalyst bringing people together was the big fat bonus that really sold it for me. So while I don’t read romance novels very often I simply couldn’t resist A Cat Called Cupid when I saw it. I can’t believe this is my first novel by this author, even though she has written 30ish books now, but yes… the cat did it!
This novel was very engaging and easy to read. The friendship between Lara and her employee Betsy is warm and sweet enough to make you jealous as well as making you want to work for Lara yourself. I’m not sure I’d have the patience and professionalism Lara has when problems occur on a couple’s wedding day. A big part of the story shows Lara organising weddings (some couples book her only for the day, others ask her to organise everything herself from start to finish) and I quite enjoyed reading about her work.
Time and time again her path crosses with Theo, the man who tries to snatch her cat Fluffy away from her, claiming it’s his cat and calling him Satchmo. I could easily identify with Lara’s feelings towards her pet and what Fluffy meant to her. She would do anything for that cat and I could only cheer her on to fight for him. Can she win this fight though? The little naughty furrball has a cattitude and likes to play both fields. It is a game of push and pull that ensues between both cat owners but it is the cat himself who ultimately brings a truths between them, even though it wasn’t his intention. Can it hold, who will get sole ownership, and will these enemies turn into lovers, because you’ll wish for it right away when you meet them and they meet each other. You’ll have to read and see :-).
A Cat Called Cupid is a a warm read and perfect escapism. If you’re a cat lover you’ll want to read this purrrrfect novel!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for providing this advance reading copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
The Break Up by Tilly Tennant is a dreamy contemporary romance set in the UK that channels strong The Wedding Planner vibes. Hallmark Channel fans and those new to the romance genre will enjoy this book.
Quick Summary: A year after Laura’s boyfriend left dumped her for her best friend, Lara’s life is finally better: she has a handsome cat named Fluffy and started her dream business as a wedding coordinator. But, one night when Fluffy goes missing Lara encounters Theo and learns where Fluffy has been spending all his time because Theo thinks Fluffy HIS cat. After this choice encounter, Theo is suddenly everywhere and Lara struggles to keep her emotions in check.
What I didn’t like: The Break Up has a wild and chaotic beginning. I wish the author took the story immediately from there and introduced us to Fluffy/Theo. However, the beginning is misleading – the story doesn’t begin until about a quarter into the book. Because of the pacing, I really struggled to continue reading. The dialogue was also not natural. The Break Up reminds me of a daydream that was put to paper. It’s cute but incorporates too many unrealistic elements to make it feel real (or as real as a romance can be…). I think this book would also benefit by adding notes before the start of the chapter to announce that we’re now “one month later” or “two years later” and so on. It was difficult at times to get an idea of where we were in Lara’s life/how the book progressed on a timeline. Also, personal preference, but I would have enjoyed more intimate moments. 😉
What I liked: I requested this book first based on the title at the time (The Break Up was originally titled A Cat Called Cupid) and also by its stylized cover. Love book covers like this.
The bare bones of this story are adorable. I also enjoyed reading a romance book that wasn’t set in the USA and incorporated a lot of British slang (had to Google a few words here or there, but it was extremely entertaining). I think Tilley writes her female relationships very well and loved that she found a way to incorporate important discussions into a romance book: manipulative and abusive relationships; pregnancy at a young age; feminism; and female empowerment.
Last Thoughts: Ultimately The Break Up wasn’t what I was looking for in a romance and because of the pacing I struggled with this book. However, there are some kernels of gold in here that others can definitely enjoy 😊
This book is about a cat, but not just about a cat. It’s more what the cat does and the consequences that are the start of this great story.
When you went through something devastating, an animal can often give you the comfort that you need. At that moment it feels like he is the only one you can trust and the only one that stands by you. In return you would go through tick and thin for him.
After a period of grieve, it’s time to turn things around. Everything works out, but Prince Charming is still missing. Sometimes you need a little help from your friends. This time it’s a furry friend that makes wishes come true.
This is a lovely book about love lost and found, betrayal, friends lost and found, lies and trust written in a nice and fluent style.
I love weddings and I was in for a treat here. There were parts that broke my heart and parts that made me smile.
Every cloud has a silver lining and even if those clouds sometimes are very grey and filled with a lot of rain the sun will always break through to warm your heart and fill it with love. 5 stars
The Break Up was heartwarming chick lit, cozy romance and women’s fiction that revolved around Lara and life after heart break. It was about betrayal, working on your dream, coming out of heart break and finding closure of hurtful chapter in life, friendship, love, and pet love.
Writing was cozy, lovely and uplifting. Book was written in third person narrative from Lara perspective. It started with the Break Up (so this new title make sense), but it was not just that. After ego-centric, narcissist, Lucien dumped Lara, she found out he left her for her best friend which left Lara heart broken and alone.
Good thing, she didn’t wallow in misery because she found love and companion once again. Not in man, in cat called Fluffy that arrived to her on the very same fateful day to lift her spirit. She started her own business and year had been great with no time to think about heartbreak and man-less life.
But cats are like men. They love to roam around especially at night and go where they get food and cuddle. Fluffy was no different. When Lara was out in her Pajama to find Fluffy, she came across Theo looking for his cat, Satchmo. Turned out both were looking for same cat and that followed by arguments, disagreements, and finding middle solution to work together. Lara found him handsome and attraction was undeniable. But was she really over her heartbreak, ready for another relationship? Can she trust Theo not breaking her heart? As soon as life was going on right track for Lara, Lucien came back in her path to destroy her life and confidence.
It was interesting to find out who will keep the cat in question, if second chance at love would be lucky and what she will do about Lucien.
Lara was, without a second thought, my favorite character. She was sensible, developed, kind, compassionate, and lovely person. The way she treated her cat, her mother, her one and only employee- Betsy, and clients spoke the volume. She loved with full heart and that’s why it was just so sad to read her heartbreak and I could see why it was so hard for her to come out of it. She needed closer, to come out of it fully and when that moment came I admired her even more.
Her friendship with Betsy was wonderful. I so wish I could work under such employer. Working hours, amiable tone and treatment, crying shoulder and helping person when in need… Who gets such employer! Honestly, I’m jealous even though I don’t have job.
I even loved her love for her cat. My mom’s cat (partially mine, whenever I’m there) is so like Fluffy. Only thing different is he doesn’t sleep at anybody’s house. But like Fluffy he loves to roam, his freedom, treats and yes he loves variety in his food. I could understand Lara’s worry, what it’s like when cat is lost more than a day, how it feels when it gets hurt.
When it comes to Theo. I liked him but I guess he was bit idiot too! How can he believe in rumors and then question Lara even when she needed understanding and support. I sided with Lara when she gave him hard time. He deserved what he got. His cocky and arrogant exterior made it hard for Lara and me to warm to him, initially. But I’m also glad he wasn’t like Lucien or any men. He was caring, kind and decent guy. At the end he made it hard not to like him.
I enjoyed reading Lara’s dedication towards her business, Places she visited for her wedding services, all sort of clients she dealt with and moreover perks of working from home office set in her own garden. I so wish I could carry my laptop and kindle over there while reading this book. It is different thing blogging is not job but girl can dream, right?
Lara and Theo’s hate-to-Love relationship was entertaining. They both disliked and somewhat hated each other. Every time they met there was arguments and disagreements over the cat, each wanting to take their cat back for good. Attraction was there from the beginning, but both were too pride to admit it until one had to swallow it and other had to be good and kind. I liked how it progressed. It was not usual, like they went on date or something but chemistry was there until that douchebag Lucien stuck his nose in. My goodness, he was do obnoxious. I just couldn’t fathom how Lara could have dated him in the first place!
Climax was sad. It broke my heart seeing Lara heartbroken once again and felt new found admiration for all she did for Betsy and the way move ahead in life. I thought she would lose everything but that wasn’t the case. I’m still shocked and thinking how can her ex-best friend could be so blind and naïve.
The tension near end was palpable and I feared the worst but happy ending was inevitable like all chick lits. I loved how things turned out and I could see why it was title ‘Cat Called Cupid’ first. I still think that title was better.
Overall it was lovely, refreshing and cozy chick lit, part romance and women’s fiction. I highly recommend this book to cat lovers and fans of this genre and those who loves pretty covers. Isn’t it absolutely eye-catching?
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to publisher and NetGalley. ***
Hmmm, I struggled with this book a bit. I am a mad cat lady, so the original title, A Cat Called Cupid, plus the cute cover, really appealed to me. Personally, I think the original title fitted the story better, but that is probably just me.
Lara's boyfriend dumps her for her best friend. He is one self-absorbed, nasty piece of work anyway, so I am not quite seeing why she was with him in the first place. Anyway...a cat called Fluffy comes into her life. He is skinny and in need of a home and she is happy to give him one. Then she discovers that a guy, Theo, claims the cat as his. There is a bit of to-and-fro with this, which was interesting and funny. I also liked the character of Betsy.
I have to say that I found Theo thoroughly unlikeable for most of the book; even when he reveals a bit of the nicer side of his character, I found myself not forgiving him for the way he treated Lara before. I wish I could put that aside and just go with the story, but I just couldn't.
I loved reading about Lara's business as a wedding planner and I enjoyed her interactions with the various bridal couples. It would be a hard job to have, I think!
All in all, this book was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
Easily one of my favourite books from Tilly Tennant. This had so much that I enjoy in a book...
...cats ...weddings ....enemies to lovers style romance ... and incredibly fast to read!
Ok well maybe it was only one cat but it definitely had at least two families, and multiple names, plus he was instrumental in Lara and Theo even meeting.
Oh and Lara's ex-boyfriend Lucien is an utter nightmare, I really enjoyed disliking him!
And I loved the various weddings that Lara was working on, plus the various bride-zillas she comes across.
This is light hearted, feel good fun and worked really well for me a poolside read on holiday! It's always a pleasure to read a Tilly Tennant book, my only regret was leaving it so long on my kindle before I finally started reading it.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The real MC in A Cat Called Cupid (now published as #TheBreakUp) is a cat, a blue-gray tabby, who is clever enough to "own" two humans. Named Fluffy by Lara and Satchmo by Theo, the two single people have no idea that the cat who turns up on their separate doorsteps and who they feed is really just using them for meals. And, cuddles. But, mostly, food.
So I loved the idea of this book in which the cat is responsible for the romance of said couple, though their first meeting doesn't go so smoothly and they initially hate each other in a "you're kinda cute, but obnoxious" kind of way. Plus, "why are you claiming my cat is yours?" and all that.
As fate would have it, Lara is in the wedding planning business while Theo is in a band that plays at weddings, so irregardless of Fluffy/Satchmo, the two may eventually have met. And, if that weren't enough, Theo knows Lucien, Lara's ex who she found was having an affair with her best friend. Oh, what a tangled web.
I liked the story mostly when the cat was involved in the scene, and I seriously wished the author could let us read his thoughts. Lara is a bit too whiny for my liking, and she's quick to jump to conclusions. Theo seems nice enough. The other support characters, while adding tension to the storyline, are bothersome and unlikeable especially Lara's supposed best friend. And, maybe that was the point.
Still, I did struggle to read through the end, and in the midst of reading, the title of the book changed to #TheBreakUp, So while I loved the initial title, A Cat Called Cupid, a decision was made to focus on Lara and Lucien's big breakup and some of the consequences for Lara and Theo. I hope the cat gets a bigger picture on the cover!
Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the ARC of #TheBreakUp.
I am always very very excited about a book by Tilly Tennant as she is one of my top favorite author! "the break up" is a wonderful book that I read in no time! It's very well written, it's very entertaining, I absolutely loved how the story starts and how it ends and i also love everything in between! And the "cat" factor in this book is very important in the story and definitely a big plus!!!! Very well done Tilly! Can't wait to read your next book! I am sure it will be brilliant!
The Break Up Tilly Tennant (Written 14th April 2020)
Tilly Tennant has done it again! I absolutely adore Tilly’s writing and I have adored The Break Up. Lara a single lady with her own wedding planning business which she runs from a summer house in her back garden. I LOVED this! If only I was brave enough to start my own business from my back garden. She is quite the inspiration. Employing just one assistant, Betsy (who is adorable), she has built up a successful business. Some of their clients are hilarious, others just genuinely lovely. Lara is a likeable character, although she did frustrate me at times. In a good way though, as she is very real. She often overthinks things which I think is quite typical of anyone who has been through a break up such as hers. Her ex, Lucian, left her for her best friend. I’m pretty sure this would mess with my head also and leave me struggling to trust anyone again. Lucian is a slimy character. I’m not sure what she ever saw in him really and I reckon he did her a favour in the long run. She still has the one true love of her life anyway, her cat, Fluffy! Fluffy’s wandering ways lead her to meet Theo, who turns out to be a VERY likeable character. Their relationship goes from icy cold to hot and heavy and back again. A real rollercoaster romance which makes this book a highly entertaining read. The two of them have a quick temper, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. I did want to bang their heads together at times, but only because they are obviously made for each other. I was routing for them the whole time. If you love a romance with plenty of drama, and amusing moments, you will love this book. I love it when a book leaves me with big smile on my face and this one most certainly did that. I highly recommend!
I can't pass a book by that is either about a cat or has a cat on the cover. I'm a sucker every time. Plus I happen to have a long haired gray and white kitty named Fluffy ( I know we were very creative when naming him.) So how could I pass up a book where the main kitty was also named Fluffy, plus a lot of other names which were ridiculous. Fluffy was a perfect name, Cupid not so much.
I definitely enjoyed the book. It was a cute story. If Lara didn't want her cat running around at night, why didn't she make him a house cat? Siobhan and Lucien deserve each other. He was a horrible person and his parents would most likely be the worst people to have as in-laws. I would have loved to know how everything turned out for him. A year after their break-up, I wasn't sure why Lara allowed Lucien to get under her skin. She knew what type of man he was, so why bother getting upset. The last chapter of the book confused me at first, because I didn't realized it fast-forwarded a year.
Definitely recommend the book, especially if you enjoyed the author's previous books or if you love cats. I LOVED the cover. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I have read a few of Tilly's books and I have really enjoyed reading them. I read the synopsis for 'The Break Up' and it certainly sounded like just my kind of read. ('The Break Up' was previously called 'A Cat Called Cupid', which to me suits the story better). I started reading 'The Break Up' when I was in need of a distraction and distract me it did. I really enjoyed reading 'The Break Up' but more about that in a bit. I couldn't help but warm to Lara from the first moment I met her and by the time I got to the end of the first chapter I felt as though she had become a friend of mine. Lara is your typical girl next door, who thinks that she is in a loving relationship with her boyfriend Lucien. How little does she know. Lara soon finds out the truth and she sets about making a new life for herself. Her heartbreak gives her the push she needs to follow her dream and set up a wedding planning company. Lara isn't in a relationship but she devotes her time to her business and to the cat that wandered into her life. This cat is the feline equivalent of a tart as he likes to share himself around a lot and he is anybody's for a tummy tickle and some cat food. What happens next is could change Lara's life for ever. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out. I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into this story but once I got into it, that was it and I was away. To say that reading 'The Break Up' is addictive seems a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters and to fill in the odd half hour, but I would become so absorbed in the story that I would still be sat there over an hour later. I just had to keep reading to see how Lara got on and whether or not she got the happy ever after ending that she so deserves. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I charged my way through the story and then all of a sudden I reached the end of the book. 'The Break Up' certainly made me chuckle in places. I found the parts about the cat being the feline equivalent of a tart to be rather amusing and I found that I was comparing the cat's behaviour to the behaviour of my two gorgeous but loopy Labradors, who are also tarts. My eldest Labrador is anybody's for a tummy tickle and a fuss and the youngest Labrador is anybody's for whatever food they happen to be eating at the time. This sounds silly but I had to read 'The Break Up' after my youngest Labrador went to bed as she has a love/ hate relationship with cats and even the mention of the word sets her off. Had I read it whilst she was sat next to me, it would have felt like a betrayal!! I would definitely say that my Labradors have me wrapped round their paws just as Lara's cat has her wrapped around her paw. 'The Break Up' is well written. As I indicate above, for me the title called 'A Cat Called Cupid' suits the story better but that's just my opinion and others might think differently. Tilly certainly knows how to draw you into the story from the start. In Lara, Tilly has created a lovely character, who is impossible to dislike and you can't help but care about what happens to her. Tilly uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. Tilly has written a fun, light hearted, romantic comedy types of books which will definitely make you smile. In short, I really enjoyed reading 'The Break Up' and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Tilly's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
Surprised and delighted to find this book is set in my old home town of Chester, I settled down for a comfortable read of this sweet romance (yes, the main couple have sex, but it’s a behind-closed-doors scene). Lara’s cat Fluffy comes to her on the worst night of her life, when her boyfriend dumps her for her best friend, thereby costing her both the most important people in her life at once. A year later, she’s made some changes in her life, most notably starting her own wedding planning business, and finally feels like she’s getting her life together. And then she discovers that maybe her cat isn’t actually her cat after all… when she finds out he’s two-timing her with jazz musician Theo, who thinks Fluffy is his cat Satchmo.
This is the second cat-themed romance I’ve read recently set in the UK and I’m beginning to think the English are a nation of horribly irresponsible cat owners, because all the conflict here would be negated by just microchipping the darned cat and not letting it wander around at night. You think this is your cat, sir? Why, let’s just pop down the vet and get them to scan the microchip, shall we, find out who the cat is registered to? Lara’s attitude drove me insane. Why yes, you CAN do something about your problem… by keeping your cat inside, lady!
Honestly, I couldn’t figure out what she saw in Theo, either. I was waiting throughout the entire book to find out what he did for an actual job, because playing weddings in a jazz band every Saturday night doth not a steady income make, and Lara is a professional woman with her own business who, frankly, deserves a guy who has his life at least somewhat together. There were plenty of work-from-home jobs Theo could do to pay the bills - graphic designer, bookkeeper, heck, even author! - and it would have been so easy to casually reference one of them and make him seem a lot less of a deadbeat.
I wanted to like this, a lot. Quite apart from being just about the only book I’ve ever read set in Chester (and making me quite homesick) there was a lot to like; Lara was easy to root for and I loved her relationship with her assistant Betsy. But I didn’t think Theo was worthy of her and the irresponsible cat ownership thing drove me mad, so… in the end, I’m going to give this three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
It was a horrible day: from finding out that her boyfriend had dumped her in some ‘hipster jazz bar’ to walking to her best friend’s house and discovering just WHO she had been thrown over for, to getting sopping wet in the rainstorm that hid her tears of frustration, anger and hurt – it just wasn’t great. And then, half-dressed and fully in a state she meets a bedraggled cat who seems to have settled right in. She’s shattered by the breakup, but Fluffy and her pushing the Go Button on her wedding planning business have her busy and focused.
But Fluffy is a wanderer – often you’d find Lara out looking for him late at night, dressed in pajamas and a jacket, whisper-calling his name. Until she flips Theo on his back – also out looking for his cat, Sachmo, and the sparks start flying from there. These two are chalk and cheese, with an underlying current of attraction that is hard to ignore, despite them both giving it their best shot. Even worse, at a wedding that she’s coordinating, it turns out Theo plays a saxophone with the band, and the ‘leader’ is also a friend of her ex.
And the fur flies on this one: from her dealing with Bridezillas, to her ex trying to manipulate the situations and perceptions around him to the problems of communication and cat-sharing between Lara and Theo. But time and hard work, a bit of scare and plenty of good intentions, for Lara is simply one who is a bit of a control freak but truly wishes the best for others, the story reads quickly with plenty of moments to laugh and want to shake everyone in the room. Tilly Tennant manages to build characters and tell stories about people who you want in your corner or on your speed dial….complete, flawed, vulnerable and human: just the sort of people we all are, and that makes this a purrfectly delightful story. . And when you find everything works out for the best possible options for everyone in the end, you can’t help but smile after reading in an afternoon hideaway with a cup (or three) of tea, some biscuits and a kitty curled up as only they can.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Originally titled A Cat Called Cupid, this is the story of Lara and Theo who both think that a grey tabby – known as both Fluffy and Satchmo – is their cat. As cats will do exactly as they please, they must share him, but therein lies the problem. Fluffy appeared at Lara’s door when she really needed a friend, and has helped her cope with the betrayal of her boyfriend getting together with her best friend. After this double whammy it is no wonder that Lara is not in the mood for romance, but concentrates instead on setting up her new business, Songbird Wedding Services. Theo plays saxophone in a jazz band, and the rancour between him and Lara gets much worse when the band turn up to play at a wedding, but no one has told Lara. It’s a well-known trope in romantic fiction to have the two main characters at each other’s throats to begin with, but here I felt there was so much bad feeling they might never get past it. I chose to read and review this book because of the cat; and I preferred the original title. I enjoyed the descriptions of Chester (a city I used to know quite well as I lived just over the border in North Wales). Being a wedding planner is also a common theme, but having the office in a summer house in her garden gave it a modern feel and she had such an easy commute. The characters (some more likeable than others) are believable, and there is a lot of humour in the descriptions of the weddings and her conversations with her mother. I’ve not read anything by Tilly Tennant before, but I thoroughly enjoyed The Break Up and would definitely recommend it. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love this author’s book and was so delighted to see that she had a new release out, this one, The Break Up - I love the cover and couldn’t wait to get started when it landed on my Kindle!!
I thought that the plot was great, I loved meeting Lara and Fluffy the cat! Betsy was a great addition too and her comments really made me giggle as it did sounds a little like me at work at times!
The book is well written and the author for me has a fantastic way with words that bring her stories and characters to life and this one was no different. The pace was spot on and it was a lovely read all round.
I loved everything about the book and it all worked really well for me, it was a great book to read with the present news and certainly a great way to escape! It is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and definitely a feel good read!!
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
When Lara splits up with her boyfriend after finding out he has been seeing her best friend behind her back she gets home to find a cat on her doorstep. She tries to find out who the cat belongs to with no joy and decides to keep him. When the cat goes missing she tries to find him, she bumps into Theo who is also looking for his cat. What they don’t know it both their cats are in fact the same cat. What will happen between Theo and Lara when they realise this.
I loved this book. Very cute and engaging story and I absolutely loved the audiobook. The narrator added that extra “oomph” to the story, making it even more enjoyable🥰
Theo and Lara were great characters, although a bit rough around the edges, I enjoyed seeing them interact. Fluffy/Satchmo was hands down my favorite character though. He was such an amazing cat with so much sass I couldn’t help but fall in love with him.
A really enjoyable read throughout. Plenty of likeable (and not so likeable characters), funny moments and emotion. Lara is easy to identity with and I found myself rooting for her throughout the story. This book was quite difficult to put down. Cupid however is the star of the show!
The cat's name is Fluffy. Or is it Satcho? He answers both to two different owners. The true fact is that he owns two humans. Fluffy/Satchmo has it all. A place to hang out during the day, and a place to hang out at night. And, a very full belly to boot.
One day the cat doesn't turn up at neither residences. Lara and Theo are about to meet as they scour the neighborhood for their missing cat. Roaming about in the neighborhood they keep calling out. While Lara is calling for Fluffy, she is approached by a man, and she reacts quickly and effectively, flipping him on the ground. That is how they meet.
When it becomes clear that the cat they are both seeking, any chance on kindness quickly dissipates and they become instant enemies. They find the cat are both grabbing at the him, who, in rather quick fashion, takes off again. Things are not going well for either of them. The cat, on the other hand, certainly has no worries.
Lara is especially affected. Hurt by a man who cheated on her, she decided to start over again as a wedding planner. She may never find happiness, but she will go to whatever means to start happy couples on their journeys in life. Finding Fluffy gave her something to love at a difficult time in her life. Since Fluffy always came back, she never worried he would actually disappear, so she is heartbroken. And now that she almost had him back, a sexy stranger is declaring that the cat is his. Lara cannot help but wonder why she is drawn to the man, despite the fact that she hates the fact that he is claiming Fluffy to be his, and has even given him a name of his own.
Theo has his own feelings about Satchmo. As a busy jazz musician, he enjoys being able to relax with his new fur buddy. As far as he is concerned, Satchmo belongs to him, and the beautiful Lara can go find another cat. Lara and Theo continue to cross paths. Despite their rocky beginning - and the fact that at least one of them might end up giving up their beloved cat - sparks fly.
I have to admit that I am a sucker to romances with pets, and A Cat Called Cupid is just the perfect book with a beautiful, wise, rather matchmaking cat. The book cover works too, showing a house on the left and one on the right with the cat in the middle. How could I not read this for review?
This delightful tale (pun intended) by Tilly Tennant is a very sweet read - all of her books are. I was drawn into the story from the very first page and happily sat and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. I truly enjoyed the fact that Lara got another chance at love and her own happy future. The story progressed on several levels as Lara and Theo found love, with a lovely tabby along for the ride.
Many thanks to Bookoture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Perfect COVID-19 escapism reading! The worst thing that happens is that a cat gets hit by a car, but survives. TW for those who have had a large bill at the veterinarian's office.
The descriptions of Chester made me add it to my UK travel wishlist.
I received this book with the title "A Cat Called Cupid," which wasn't wholly accurate, as the cat has several other names for most of the book. But I'm not sure how accurate "The Break Up" is either--which breakup is it referring to--the narrator's with her jerky ex-boyfriend or the on-again, off-again nature of the current relationship?
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The previous title, A Cat Called Cupid, and the description of two people who are brought together by a cat really got my attention. I almost DNF the book, but wanted to give it a chance. I disliked Lara, the main character, and Theo. There was no chemistry, and I didn't find the story compelling. Sorry, not a fan of the book at all.