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Whitman Street Cat Cafe #2
What the Cat Dragged In
When Paige Danvers isn't managing events for the Whitman Street Cat Café, she is busy navigating dating disasters as a single woman in Brooklyn. Urged by her boss and best friend Lauren to find a distraction from ineffectual dating apps, Paige volunteers with a cat rescue organization, where she actually meets a guy with some real relationship potential.
Recent law school grad Josh Harlow is putting in long hours at a Manhattan law firm as he gets over a messy breakup. When his boss requires him to do some volunteer work, Josh's sister sets him up to help capture feral cats. Partnered with Paige, Josh is insistently drawn to the dynamic event planner and sparks between them fly.
One after a steamy night together, Paige discovers Josh is Lauren's brother and dating him would be a spectacularly awful idea. Particularly considering Paige's track record. They're both in too deep to walk away—but if they let the cat out of the bag, it's going to wreak havoc with friends, family, and jobs alike.
Recent law school grad Josh Harlow is putting in long hours at a Manhattan law firm as he gets over a messy breakup. When his boss requires him to do some volunteer work, Josh's sister sets him up to help capture feral cats. Partnered with Paige, Josh is insistently drawn to the dynamic event planner and sparks between them fly.
One after a steamy night together, Paige discovers Josh is Lauren's brother and dating him would be a spectacularly awful idea. Particularly considering Paige's track record. They're both in too deep to walk away—but if they let the cat out of the bag, it's going to wreak havoc with friends, family, and jobs alike.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
26 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
63 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
January 10, 2025
2.75/3💫
Honestly it was cute for the cat vibes but the romance was horrible😃
Were the characters absolutely insufferable and immature? 1000% yes.
Did the characters personalities make any sense? Absolutely not.
This was so insta lovey and cringe but again, the cats were cute
Also idk what going on with this cover but it is very misleading because our main character is blonde and george, the cat, is an orange cat. maam whoever made your cover art obviously did not read the book. Matter of fact miss author did you read your own book? How could you forget your characters appearances!!!!
The only reason i would give this book a solid 3 stars is for the kitties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pre read!!!
picked this up and bought it solely because there is a cat on the cover and in the title😻 excuse me and my obsession with cats
i know this isnt going to be like a top notch romance book for me but if it involved cats… im sold
Honestly it was cute for the cat vibes but the romance was horrible😃
Were the characters absolutely insufferable and immature? 1000% yes.
Did the characters personalities make any sense? Absolutely not.
This was so insta lovey and cringe but again, the cats were cute
Also idk what going on with this cover but it is very misleading because our main character is blonde and george, the cat, is an orange cat. maam whoever made your cover art obviously did not read the book. Matter of fact miss author did you read your own book? How could you forget your characters appearances!!!!
The only reason i would give this book a solid 3 stars is for the kitties
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
pre read!!!
picked this up and bought it solely because there is a cat on the cover and in the title😻 excuse me and my obsession with cats
i know this isnt going to be like a top notch romance book for me but if it involved cats… im sold
February 16, 2023
Best friends' brother 'forbidden-ness' is either a hit or miss, yet this was a solid middle-zone book. Fun characters but a little forgettable. Those three stars are for the cats and the cats alone.
November 26, 2021
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
What the Cat Dragged In is a fast-paced, enjoyable romance with four-legged supporting cast members who threaten to steal the show. I adored the world of Kate McMurray’s Whitman Street Cat Café and though I threatened to be sidetracked by the too-cute-for-words felines in the book, the humans at the center of this story were just as endearing.
Paige loves her job as an events manager for the Whitman Street Cat Café. On the surface, she has it all together between her job, friends, and life. The only problem is her dating life is a disaster. Then when volunteering with a cat rescue organization she meets a guy who could be her perfect match. There’s just one problem: he’s her boss’s brother. Having gone through a bad breakup and now drowning in work as a first year associate in a big Manhattan law firm, Josh isn’t in the best place for a relationship. But Paige knocks him off his feet from the first. The two of them just fit and I absolutely adored their easy chemistry together.
Josh and Paige work as friends and lovers which makes it easy to be charmed by their romance. The conflict stems from the fact that Josh is Lauren’s brother and Lauren is Paige’s boss, friend, and the one who brought her into the friend group who is now her family. Lauren (heroine of the first Whitman Street Cat Café book, Like Cats and Dogs) didn’t come off as likeable or understanding for a lot of this story, which was a pity. But the blame for Paige and Josh’s drama can’t all be placed on her: both of them (Paige most of all) get in their own way sometimes. While I was a bit frustrated by the obstacles in the way of Paige and Josh’s happily ever after, they did make sense. The problems seem small from a reader’s perspective but they’re ones I can easily see people causing themselves in real life. Overall, I really enjoyed What the Cat Dragged In . I liked Paige and Josh, they had a fun, easy chemistry, and the cats in the book stole my heart. How is that not a recipe for a good time?
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
What the Cat Dragged In is a fast-paced, enjoyable romance with four-legged supporting cast members who threaten to steal the show. I adored the world of Kate McMurray’s Whitman Street Cat Café and though I threatened to be sidetracked by the too-cute-for-words felines in the book, the humans at the center of this story were just as endearing.
Paige loves her job as an events manager for the Whitman Street Cat Café. On the surface, she has it all together between her job, friends, and life. The only problem is her dating life is a disaster. Then when volunteering with a cat rescue organization she meets a guy who could be her perfect match. There’s just one problem: he’s her boss’s brother. Having gone through a bad breakup and now drowning in work as a first year associate in a big Manhattan law firm, Josh isn’t in the best place for a relationship. But Paige knocks him off his feet from the first. The two of them just fit and I absolutely adored their easy chemistry together.
Josh and Paige work as friends and lovers which makes it easy to be charmed by their romance. The conflict stems from the fact that Josh is Lauren’s brother and Lauren is Paige’s boss, friend, and the one who brought her into the friend group who is now her family. Lauren (heroine of the first Whitman Street Cat Café book, Like Cats and Dogs) didn’t come off as likeable or understanding for a lot of this story, which was a pity. But the blame for Paige and Josh’s drama can’t all be placed on her: both of them (Paige most of all) get in their own way sometimes. While I was a bit frustrated by the obstacles in the way of Paige and Josh’s happily ever after, they did make sense. The problems seem small from a reader’s perspective but they’re ones I can easily see people causing themselves in real life. Overall, I really enjoyed What the Cat Dragged In . I liked Paige and Josh, they had a fun, easy chemistry, and the cats in the book stole my heart. How is that not a recipe for a good time?
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 6, 2021
This was a cute romantic comedy and I was instantly sold once I saw it involved a cat cafe. The feline characters were by far the stars of the show. I liked the two main characters Josh - a first year attorney working crazy hours and Paige - event planner for the cat cafe, but I did feel that they both could have been developed a little more which would have improved their relationship. I didn’t love Lauren in this one (Josh’s sister and Paige’s boss/best friend). I know every romantic comedy has some type of drama but I didn’t love the direction it took in this one. The writing was good and the story definitely moved quickly. Overall I give this one 3.5 stars which I will round up for actual star selection.
November 16, 2021
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I was instantly drawn in by the backdrop of a cat cafe and charity, but this unfortunately didn’t work for me.
I couldn’t connect with the characters and they felt pretty one dimensional. The text kept telling me they liked each other without any showing. It felt shallow and the actual conversations and interactions that would build the chemistry and connection between them were skipped past. It’d been five minutes and this dude is thinking “this, all the time, forever”. What?! The sex scenes were also quite awkward and stale.
The main conflict wasn’t believable for me either and it really dragged on. Their reasons for not giving a relationship a shot just felt too contrived.
Why was everyone okay with Paige not telling her best friend that she slept with her brother? What kind of best friends they are that Paige thinks Lauren will pick a side if they break up? Josh is “too overworked for a relationship” yet keeps finding time anyways?
I also have to say, this was marketed like it would stand alone but too much of the first book was included for that. It added to me feeling disconnected and disinterested.
I was instantly drawn in by the backdrop of a cat cafe and charity, but this unfortunately didn’t work for me.
I couldn’t connect with the characters and they felt pretty one dimensional. The text kept telling me they liked each other without any showing. It felt shallow and the actual conversations and interactions that would build the chemistry and connection between them were skipped past. It’d been five minutes and this dude is thinking “this, all the time, forever”. What?! The sex scenes were also quite awkward and stale.
The main conflict wasn’t believable for me either and it really dragged on. Their reasons for not giving a relationship a shot just felt too contrived.
Why was everyone okay with Paige not telling her best friend that she slept with her brother? What kind of best friends they are that Paige thinks Lauren will pick a side if they break up? Josh is “too overworked for a relationship” yet keeps finding time anyways?
I also have to say, this was marketed like it would stand alone but too much of the first book was included for that. It added to me feeling disconnected and disinterested.
December 3, 2021
Light-hearted romance to delight and entertain you for hours with a sweet happily ever after! This one is perfect for the Hallmark movie romance crowd and I am happy to say that I enjoyed it very much. A varied cast of characters that you will delightfully become invested in. I am thrilled to realize that there was another book before this one and that it is a part of the series! I have downloaded book 1 to listen to and catch up with the characters backstory's so that I will be fully prepared for the next book to come out as I can't wait to hear how all the cast members stories go as well as keep up with the characters that played a starring role in this book! I do love a good series!!!
December 7, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What the Cat Dragged In is the second installment in the Whitman Street Cat Cafe series. In it, you will meet Paige and Josh. Unlike the previous book, I actually enjoyed getting to know these two. Their chemistry and romance bloomed into something sweet and delicate. Plus, any book with animals definitely makes the book a bit better in my eyes.
Besides adoring these two from start to finish, I'll admit that I was bit over the drama. It wasn't completely overplayed but I didn't really care for it either. Which, yes, is probably weird to say since this is a romcom kind of book. As for everything else? Well, it was very enjoyable and hard to put down.
In the end, I'm very happy that I gave this author a second chance. Things definitely got better in my eyes, and I hope she writes a third book for this series. Heck, I'd be okay with some movies too.
What the Cat Dragged In is the second installment in the Whitman Street Cat Cafe series. In it, you will meet Paige and Josh. Unlike the previous book, I actually enjoyed getting to know these two. Their chemistry and romance bloomed into something sweet and delicate. Plus, any book with animals definitely makes the book a bit better in my eyes.
Besides adoring these two from start to finish, I'll admit that I was bit over the drama. It wasn't completely overplayed but I didn't really care for it either. Which, yes, is probably weird to say since this is a romcom kind of book. As for everything else? Well, it was very enjoyable and hard to put down.
In the end, I'm very happy that I gave this author a second chance. Things definitely got better in my eyes, and I hope she writes a third book for this series. Heck, I'd be okay with some movies too.
April 19, 2022
What drew me to read it was cute cover, but just couldn't get into this book. Romance seemed forced for me but I liked pets.
December 1, 2021
A fun dual perspective romance between a young lawyer and a cat cafe event planner who try to find love amidst their busy Brooklyn lives. I loved returning to the Whiman Street Cat Cafe and the great cast of characters. This story features Lauren's brother Josh and her employee Paige. Contains some spicy open door scenes and lots of great touristy Brooklyn adventures. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!
December 12, 2021
Kate McMurray's What the Cat Dragged In is the second book in their Whitman Street Cat Cafe series. I listened to this one first, and had no trouble following along. You can definitely enjoy these as standalones, though, full disclosure, now I've got to get the details of Caleb and Lauren's story!
This is a pretty low-angst romance, filled with wonderful scenes of these 'late 20 somethings' finding their way in the borough of Brooklyn. It's been over twenty years since I lived there, but some things sure haven't changed a bit. Kate McMurry truly captures the essence of what makes this such a unique, charming, and often frustrating place to live... and date.
Poor Paige! The early scenes of dates with completely incompatible guys will crack you up! There's a good deal of lighthearted humor throughout the whole story, but there are serious moments too. Sibling drama, best friend spats, work and ethics debates - everything with which this socioeconomic group has to deal.
Very enjoyable, and nicely performed by Suehyla El-Attar Young, who does a great job with all the different characters' voices. Well done.
thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an audio copy of What the Cat Dragged In, all opinions are my own
This is a pretty low-angst romance, filled with wonderful scenes of these 'late 20 somethings' finding their way in the borough of Brooklyn. It's been over twenty years since I lived there, but some things sure haven't changed a bit. Kate McMurry truly captures the essence of what makes this such a unique, charming, and often frustrating place to live... and date.
Poor Paige! The early scenes of dates with completely incompatible guys will crack you up! There's a good deal of lighthearted humor throughout the whole story, but there are serious moments too. Sibling drama, best friend spats, work and ethics debates - everything with which this socioeconomic group has to deal.
Very enjoyable, and nicely performed by Suehyla El-Attar Young, who does a great job with all the different characters' voices. Well done.
thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an audio copy of What the Cat Dragged In, all opinions are my own
May 13, 2023
3 stars
I though this was a cute fast read, but I did find myself getting a little bored about halfway through.
I though this was a cute fast read, but I did find myself getting a little bored about halfway through.
November 24, 2021
Cute story about Josh, a super busy first-year attorney, and Paige, who works with Josh’s sister. I enjoyed getting to know both the characters. Their story was believable and I was rooting for them to work out. I loved the cat café concept and wish we had one near us. Josh’s sister, Lauren, however, I found was not believable and unnecessarily lengthened the story. Overall, I recommend as a quick beach read.
January 12, 2022
NetGalley Audio ARC.
Umm yeah. While I did like Paige and Josh's dynamic more than Lauren and Caleb's, these are still very flat characters. And what the hell is Ch 20 when Paige and Evan are at the singles cooking mixer and "Paige looks around and saw a lot of mixed up gender pairings, same and opposite sex, and a few non-binary couples, which made her smile." Oh ok. Didn't know you could just tell a non-binary person on sight. What do they look like exactly? 🙄 Oh but box checked, the author managed to get "non-binary" in her book! Yay diversity! That was just REALLY weird.
Evan should be who the third book is about but I have a feeling it will be about Lindsay, who was not even in the first book but all of a sudden is part of the crew and Lauren, Lindsay, and Evan have known each other forever...
Umm yeah. While I did like Paige and Josh's dynamic more than Lauren and Caleb's, these are still very flat characters. And what the hell is Ch 20 when Paige and Evan are at the singles cooking mixer and "Paige looks around and saw a lot of mixed up gender pairings, same and opposite sex, and a few non-binary couples, which made her smile." Oh ok. Didn't know you could just tell a non-binary person on sight. What do they look like exactly? 🙄 Oh but box checked, the author managed to get "non-binary" in her book! Yay diversity! That was just REALLY weird.
Evan should be who the third book is about but I have a feeling it will be about Lindsay, who was not even in the first book but all of a sudden is part of the crew and Lauren, Lindsay, and Evan have known each other forever...
October 23, 2021
I came for the cats, but didn't really stay for them, unfortunately. The (rather simplistic?) writing style just didn't suit my tastes and it was flat from the start, which didn't really improve from there.
*ARC by the publisher via netgalley.
*ARC by the publisher via netgalley.
January 13, 2022
What The Cat Dragged in is a light-hearted story. The Rom-.com revolved around Paige and Josh.,A typical meet-cute. My issue was how they rushed straight into bed.
I also didn't like that Paige wanted to hide her and Joshs relationship .com Joshs sister,Paiges best friend and co-worker and the way the sister reacted.
I especially liked the banter between Paige friends and co-workers in the cat cafe. I also loved how Josh made time to be with Paige because of his busy joy. The ending was enjoyable despite Paiges back and forth on them being together.
Thank you Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book this is a honest review.
I also didn't like that Paige wanted to hide her and Joshs relationship .com Joshs sister,Paiges best friend and co-worker and the way the sister reacted.
I especially liked the banter between Paige friends and co-workers in the cat cafe. I also loved how Josh made time to be with Paige because of his busy joy. The ending was enjoyable despite Paiges back and forth on them being together.
Thank you Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book this is a honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
Cute!
This is the second book in the Cat Café series by Kate McMurray and it's filled with cute cats!! And lots of romance too! This book was definitely cute, I loved the beginning and the pace it was going, the middle was just moving too slow and got a bit boring and Lauren from the first book was not my favourtie character (loved Caleb though, but the ending was sweet!
Also, isn't the cover the cutest?? Totally mesmerized me into reading this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCESBOOKS for the earc in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Cat Café series by Kate McMurray and it's filled with cute cats!! And lots of romance too! This book was definitely cute, I loved the beginning and the pace it was going, the middle was just moving too slow and got a bit boring and Lauren from the first book was not my favourtie character (loved Caleb though, but the ending was sweet!
Also, isn't the cover the cutest?? Totally mesmerized me into reading this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCESBOOKS for the earc in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2024
The entire plot of this book hinged on a very dumb assumption……. & then the ending was rushed. I only finished it so it would count towards my book challenge goal. The fact that it involved a cat cafe couldn’t save the plot sadly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2021
What the Cat Dragged In by Kate McMurray and is a great contemporary romance that is the second book in the Whitman Street Cat Cafe series. I liked this one.
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romcom involving an adorable cat cafe (cafe / cat adoption business), beyond adorable cats, and a couple - Paige and Josh - destined to be together.
I enjoyed the Brooklyn and NYC location backdrop. The sights, businesses, sounds, and way of life was a great addition.
I also loved the concept of the cafe basically disguised as a cat fostering/adoption agency. Lauren and Paige are childhood friends that work there while Josh is Lauren’s brother…however Paige and Josh do not realize this connection until after a crazy evening together after volunteering for a feral kitty program.
Both characters are at pivotal stages in their lives. Paige has already made the huge occupational jump, but longs for romance and marriage. Josh is up to his eyeballs in unhappiness at a corporate law firm working 70 hour weeks for dubious clients. Both are afraid of rejection and also upsetting Lauren. What ensues is a push/pull plot while both work out their feelings and desires out of life.
I enjoyed the character cast, the progression of both Paige and Josh, and I really enjoyed the ending. There was wit and humor and of course, precious felines.
The audiobook was also very enjoyable and the narrator did a great job with differentiating all of the characters through different tones and accents.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Dreamscape Media for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/7/21.
I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romcom involving an adorable cat cafe (cafe / cat adoption business), beyond adorable cats, and a couple - Paige and Josh - destined to be together.
I enjoyed the Brooklyn and NYC location backdrop. The sights, businesses, sounds, and way of life was a great addition.
I also loved the concept of the cafe basically disguised as a cat fostering/adoption agency. Lauren and Paige are childhood friends that work there while Josh is Lauren’s brother…however Paige and Josh do not realize this connection until after a crazy evening together after volunteering for a feral kitty program.
Both characters are at pivotal stages in their lives. Paige has already made the huge occupational jump, but longs for romance and marriage. Josh is up to his eyeballs in unhappiness at a corporate law firm working 70 hour weeks for dubious clients. Both are afraid of rejection and also upsetting Lauren. What ensues is a push/pull plot while both work out their feelings and desires out of life.
I enjoyed the character cast, the progression of both Paige and Josh, and I really enjoyed the ending. There was wit and humor and of course, precious felines.
The audiobook was also very enjoyable and the narrator did a great job with differentiating all of the characters through different tones and accents.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Dreamscape Media for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 12/7/21.
December 4, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a free arc of the audiobook
4/5 ⭐️
This was really cute! I’ve never read a book that involves a cat cafe but I was totally here for it! The characters were likeable and not to to insa-lovey. I also liked the fact that Paige didn’t know who Josh was at first so that caused a lot of back and forth between them.
4/5 ⭐️
This was really cute! I’ve never read a book that involves a cat cafe but I was totally here for it! The characters were likeable and not to to insa-lovey. I also liked the fact that Paige didn’t know who Josh was at first so that caused a lot of back and forth between them.
November 29, 2021
arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I listened to an audiobook version of this book and I really liked the narrator! I think they did a great job with the different characters and making the voices different enough that it was super easy to follow along. I’d recommend going with the audiobook for sure!
As for the actual story, I loved the beginning. With the two of them meeting over rescuing cats, it seemed like this would be the perfect book for me. I also enjoyed the forbidden romance aspect when they find out her one night stand was actually her best friend’s brother.
But after the discovery, things went downhill. The third act breakup seemed to happen really early on and just dragged. The characters went from tons of chemistry to seemingly having none so when they end up back together by the end, it was satisfying at all. I almost started seeing them with the other people they meet.
So overall, it was a sweet romance in the beginning but dragged on too long with the breakup for me to love the entire book. Though if you enjoy cats, forbidden romance, lots of lawyer talk and cat cafés, give this one a shot!
2/5 ⭐️
I listened to an audiobook version of this book and I really liked the narrator! I think they did a great job with the different characters and making the voices different enough that it was super easy to follow along. I’d recommend going with the audiobook for sure!
As for the actual story, I loved the beginning. With the two of them meeting over rescuing cats, it seemed like this would be the perfect book for me. I also enjoyed the forbidden romance aspect when they find out her one night stand was actually her best friend’s brother.
But after the discovery, things went downhill. The third act breakup seemed to happen really early on and just dragged. The characters went from tons of chemistry to seemingly having none so when they end up back together by the end, it was satisfying at all. I almost started seeing them with the other people they meet.
So overall, it was a sweet romance in the beginning but dragged on too long with the breakup for me to love the entire book. Though if you enjoy cats, forbidden romance, lots of lawyer talk and cat cafés, give this one a shot!
2/5 ⭐️
November 3, 2021
[Original review posted on Netgalley]
Let me just start by saying that if a romance book is written in the third person, it will take me much longer to get used to it and actually enjoy the book.
Having said that, I do not think I enjoyed this book very much even when I got used to the third person writing style. Oh, the writing style. Definitely not my type, especially the dialogues. Felt they were boring and not that interesting.
The story felt rushed and one of the main issues about the relationship couldn't even be considered an issue. Why did the sister have so much to say about the relationship? Sometimes I felt like the MC was just waiting for the best friend (nonetheless, the guy's sister) to tell her what to do with the relationship and she-would just follow her what she'd say. No thoughts, no opinions of her own.
I didn't feel the couple had any chemistry. I did not feel any connection to any characters, everyone was bland and underdeveloped.
So yeah, definitely not one of my favorite books of the year.
(Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the eARC to read in exchange of my honest review)
Let me just start by saying that if a romance book is written in the third person, it will take me much longer to get used to it and actually enjoy the book.
Having said that, I do not think I enjoyed this book very much even when I got used to the third person writing style. Oh, the writing style. Definitely not my type, especially the dialogues. Felt they were boring and not that interesting.
The story felt rushed and one of the main issues about the relationship couldn't even be considered an issue. Why did the sister have so much to say about the relationship? Sometimes I felt like the MC was just waiting for the best friend (nonetheless, the guy's sister) to tell her what to do with the relationship and she-would just follow her what she'd say. No thoughts, no opinions of her own.
I didn't feel the couple had any chemistry. I did not feel any connection to any characters, everyone was bland and underdeveloped.
So yeah, definitely not one of my favorite books of the year.
(Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the eARC to read in exchange of my honest review)
October 28, 2021
I feel absolutely awful writing this review. But I did not enjoy this book. Something about the execution was all wrong. The conflict didn’t really even feel like conflict. Paige and Josh were cute together but the chemistry was lacking…I really wanted to like this book. The cover is adorable, cats I love, romances I love, but the way the story unfolds was uninteresting and lacking that spark! I wanted to like this. I truly did. I think the author has potential because the story also has potential. I will try her books again!
Thank you netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2022
This was an okay story for me. I like the element of the cat café and the connection between the 2 characters. But it felt like the story line was kind of boring and was wrapped around this "conflict" of their relationship and went on for too long. I wished there was more drama or some other elements added to the story. It felt too stretched out.
December 3, 2021
What the Cat Dragged In
by Kate McMurray
Narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young
I received an audiobook arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So I was 100% enjoying and onboard with this book until about 78%. It’s a light romantic comedy filled with fun and irreverent humor and characters who are great at not taking themselves too seriously. And like all stories in this genre there was the necessary conflict/problem/tension that builds until you come to the make or break crisis moment. And while you could see it coming and I don’t think it’s a problem that everyone would necessarily see as that big of a problem I could go there with the plot so I’m along for the ride and then we get to the crisis and the communication especially from the heroine just breaks down to the point where I was very annoyed with her. I’m one of those people that as a friend will just tell you - just talk about it! Talk to each other! Put all the cards on the table!
Also - (***FYI spoilery stuff ahead***)
She tells him - I need some time to think this through. And being the good guy he is he says ok and gives her what she asks for. Then without coming back to talk to him again to let him know her decision etc she just kind of assumes they’re over and goes to a singles event 🤦♀️ not that anything happens really. There’s no cheating. But why would you even go to something like that - and give some guy your phone number - when our poor hero doesn’t even know where they stand ?!?
Then when she does realize that oh she really does want to be all in with the hero she feels she needs to make this big stand about it and make a big gesture…… but then the gesture is just going to an ice cream shop ….. 🤷♀️ I mean I can get behind a big gesture when it’s showing the other person that you are making room for them in your life to show how much they mean to you, like moving, or quitting a job, or learning something hard etc. but if something like that isn’t really needed to support the future of the relationship- just go talk to them as soon as possible 🙄 you made him wait long enough geeze.
Also there’s a reference to someone who was secretly pregnant rearranging their work schedule to deal with morning sickness. First trimester nausea doesn’t just click off at 10 am or something. I have 2 kids, every time I puked with them was at lunch after eating BBQ which apparently they were not fans of while in utero. Flying under the assumption that it only happens “in the morning” without at least commenting something like “while that’s not the case for everyone it was for this person” just makes the reference seem uninformed.
There is an HEA but I didn’t feel like they earned it. So 4/5. Would have gone 3.5 but a cat cafe with cats named after Jane Austen characters is just too fun. Also great job to the narrator differentiating between characters.
I wouldn’t say don’t read it but I would say - don’t try conducting your relationships like this at home kids - just be straight with people - it’s ok to not know sometimes and it’s ok to talk it out.
by Kate McMurray
Narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young
I received an audiobook arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So I was 100% enjoying and onboard with this book until about 78%. It’s a light romantic comedy filled with fun and irreverent humor and characters who are great at not taking themselves too seriously. And like all stories in this genre there was the necessary conflict/problem/tension that builds until you come to the make or break crisis moment. And while you could see it coming and I don’t think it’s a problem that everyone would necessarily see as that big of a problem I could go there with the plot so I’m along for the ride and then we get to the crisis and the communication especially from the heroine just breaks down to the point where I was very annoyed with her. I’m one of those people that as a friend will just tell you - just talk about it! Talk to each other! Put all the cards on the table!
Also - (***FYI spoilery stuff ahead***)
She tells him - I need some time to think this through. And being the good guy he is he says ok and gives her what she asks for. Then without coming back to talk to him again to let him know her decision etc she just kind of assumes they’re over and goes to a singles event 🤦♀️ not that anything happens really. There’s no cheating. But why would you even go to something like that - and give some guy your phone number - when our poor hero doesn’t even know where they stand ?!?
Then when she does realize that oh she really does want to be all in with the hero she feels she needs to make this big stand about it and make a big gesture…… but then the gesture is just going to an ice cream shop ….. 🤷♀️ I mean I can get behind a big gesture when it’s showing the other person that you are making room for them in your life to show how much they mean to you, like moving, or quitting a job, or learning something hard etc. but if something like that isn’t really needed to support the future of the relationship- just go talk to them as soon as possible 🙄 you made him wait long enough geeze.
Also there’s a reference to someone who was secretly pregnant rearranging their work schedule to deal with morning sickness. First trimester nausea doesn’t just click off at 10 am or something. I have 2 kids, every time I puked with them was at lunch after eating BBQ which apparently they were not fans of while in utero. Flying under the assumption that it only happens “in the morning” without at least commenting something like “while that’s not the case for everyone it was for this person” just makes the reference seem uninformed.
There is an HEA but I didn’t feel like they earned it. So 4/5. Would have gone 3.5 but a cat cafe with cats named after Jane Austen characters is just too fun. Also great job to the narrator differentiating between characters.
I wouldn’t say don’t read it but I would say - don’t try conducting your relationships like this at home kids - just be straight with people - it’s ok to not know sometimes and it’s ok to talk it out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
Read this if…you want a lighthearted romcom and are a friend to felines.
Paige is unlucky in love. She’s tried meeting someone using online dating apps but has yet to find a guy worth going on a second date with. At a volunteer event for the cat cafe where she works, Paige meets a handsome lawyer who turns out to have a lot more to offer than a steamy one-night stand. The only problem is that Josh works grueling hours and he happens to be the brother of her best friend and boss. Things quickly become complicated as Paige and Josh try to figure out if their relationship can survive the circumstances they’ve found themselves in.
As you probably already know, I’m a cat lover so when I saw this cute romcom, I knew I wanted to read it. While the story had a lot of the things I like in my romances-witty banter, strong females, and some spicy scenes-I found myself pretty frustrated most of the time. There was nothing major keeping the two lovers separate, but Paige had to invent issues and create unnecessary drama. I get that there needed to be conflict to keep it interesting, but the obstacles the couple needed to overcome were mole hills that Paige insisted on turning into mountains. I was actually hoping Josh would just find someone else after a point and that’s not how I like my romcoms. However, I did love the scenes at the cat cafe and the chemistry between Paige and Josh so I have mixed feelings about this one.
A big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Dreamscape Media for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3.5/5
Paige is unlucky in love. She’s tried meeting someone using online dating apps but has yet to find a guy worth going on a second date with. At a volunteer event for the cat cafe where she works, Paige meets a handsome lawyer who turns out to have a lot more to offer than a steamy one-night stand. The only problem is that Josh works grueling hours and he happens to be the brother of her best friend and boss. Things quickly become complicated as Paige and Josh try to figure out if their relationship can survive the circumstances they’ve found themselves in.
As you probably already know, I’m a cat lover so when I saw this cute romcom, I knew I wanted to read it. While the story had a lot of the things I like in my romances-witty banter, strong females, and some spicy scenes-I found myself pretty frustrated most of the time. There was nothing major keeping the two lovers separate, but Paige had to invent issues and create unnecessary drama. I get that there needed to be conflict to keep it interesting, but the obstacles the couple needed to overcome were mole hills that Paige insisted on turning into mountains. I was actually hoping Josh would just find someone else after a point and that’s not how I like my romcoms. However, I did love the scenes at the cat cafe and the chemistry between Paige and Josh so I have mixed feelings about this one.
A big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Dreamscape Media for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3.5/5
December 8, 2021
This romantic comedy was really adorable, and had me smiling and laughing frequently. The use of the best friend's brother trope was so well done, and I loved the forbidden aspect that came along with it from Paige and Josh trying to keep it away from Lauren.
Paige has hit the disaster zone in the dating world, and can't seem to catch a break. When her best friend and boss urges her to drop dating apps and find a distraction for a bit she volunteers for a cat rescue organization. She hadn't expected it but while there she actually meets a guy with real relationship potential.
Josh is a recent law school graduate who is putting in a ton long hours at a Manhattan law firm as he gets over a messy breakup. He finds himself at the same volunteer event as Paige when his boss requires him to do some volunteer work. It doesn't take long before sparks fly between them and they are drawn to each other.
The only problem in their relationship is after a steamy night together, Paige discovers Josh is Lauren’s brother and dating him would be a spectacularly awful idea especially with her track record in dating. But they both feel too much to just walk away from each other. They have to be careful or one small misstep could have chaos erupting amongst friends, family and their jobs.
I absolutely loved this story so much, also made me what to read Lauren and Caleb's book even more now too. It was a sweet and light rom com that had a good dose of drama amongst the sweet parts. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this novel.
Paige has hit the disaster zone in the dating world, and can't seem to catch a break. When her best friend and boss urges her to drop dating apps and find a distraction for a bit she volunteers for a cat rescue organization. She hadn't expected it but while there she actually meets a guy with real relationship potential.
Josh is a recent law school graduate who is putting in a ton long hours at a Manhattan law firm as he gets over a messy breakup. He finds himself at the same volunteer event as Paige when his boss requires him to do some volunteer work. It doesn't take long before sparks fly between them and they are drawn to each other.
The only problem in their relationship is after a steamy night together, Paige discovers Josh is Lauren’s brother and dating him would be a spectacularly awful idea especially with her track record in dating. But they both feel too much to just walk away from each other. They have to be careful or one small misstep could have chaos erupting amongst friends, family and their jobs.
I absolutely loved this story so much, also made me what to read Lauren and Caleb's book even more now too. It was a sweet and light rom com that had a good dose of drama amongst the sweet parts. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this novel.
November 23, 2021
The cartoon cover is adorable and I looked forward to a cute contemporary romance with cats. Sadly this really dragged for me. Paige Danvers is an event coordinator for a cat cafe (I don't know if that is a real job). She made a lot of money working for a large bank so really only works to be with friends and do a job she enjoys. While volunteering for a night with a cat rescue she meets a Josh Harlow, a dreamy lawyer in his first year at a big firm. The pay is great but he has little time for anything else. After they have romantic sparks Paige learns he is the brother of her boss and best friend.
The characters are fine but I felt like nothing really happens. They just keep having the same dilemma, can she date her bosses brother, does he have time to put into dating. He seems to manage to make time for a few dates and she does go so it makes the whole dilemma weak and repetitive. I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a good job with what she is given. I just wanted something more. Some language and intimacy behind closed doors. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review. (2.5 stars)
The characters are fine but I felt like nothing really happens. They just keep having the same dilemma, can she date her bosses brother, does he have time to put into dating. He seems to manage to make time for a few dates and she does go so it makes the whole dilemma weak and repetitive. I listened to the audio book and the narrator does a good job with what she is given. I just wanted something more. Some language and intimacy behind closed doors. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review. (2.5 stars)
November 23, 2021
This was super cute!
A huge thank you to Dreamscape Media, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for my gifted audiobook.
What I Loved-
*The Audio-Suehyla El-Attar Young was such a joy to listen to! This is my first audiobook narrated by her and I was so entertained. If the audio was being rated on it's own it would get all of the stars. Loved It!
*The Characters- I loved Paige and Josh!
*The Romance- I felt like Paige and Josh's romance was so fun and realistic. I was rooting for this couple throughout the book. What the Cat Dragged In falls into the category of best friend's brother romance.
*The Humor- I definitely laughed and smiled while listening to this audiobook. I needed that.
*The Conflict- Very well developed. I am so very glad the author wrote this couple the way she did. I so often read books where the characters don't communicate. Not the case with this book. At all. What a breath of fresh air.
Overall- Recommend. One of the best books I've read this month. I am excited to read more by this author in the future.
A huge thank you to Dreamscape Media, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for my gifted audiobook.
What I Loved-
*The Audio-Suehyla El-Attar Young was such a joy to listen to! This is my first audiobook narrated by her and I was so entertained. If the audio was being rated on it's own it would get all of the stars. Loved It!
*The Characters- I loved Paige and Josh!
*The Romance- I felt like Paige and Josh's romance was so fun and realistic. I was rooting for this couple throughout the book. What the Cat Dragged In falls into the category of best friend's brother romance.
*The Humor- I definitely laughed and smiled while listening to this audiobook. I needed that.
*The Conflict- Very well developed. I am so very glad the author wrote this couple the way she did. I so often read books where the characters don't communicate. Not the case with this book. At all. What a breath of fresh air.
Overall- Recommend. One of the best books I've read this month. I am excited to read more by this author in the future.
November 25, 2021
Super cute and fun read. I loved the chemistry between Josh and Paige although it was a little predictable. I really enjoyed the little peeks at Lauren and Caleb's relationship from the first book too. The animal rescue aspect of these books is totally heartwarming to me as an animal lover and put a smile on my face throughout the whole book. If your looking for a quick read that's sweet and a little steamy I recommend picking this one up. I listened to the audio and thoroughly enjoyed the narration.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 28, 2021
Oh my goodness! This one was pure joy. Paige works as an events planner for Whitman Street Cat Cafe and one of their pet projects is to help wrangle stray cats and while volunteering she meets Josh and they are paired up. He is there as a requirement for work to do volunteer work. After a night of wrangling strays they have amazing chemistry and hook up...until Paige finds out he is Josh, her boss's brother. Oh no, now she wants to keep their hook up quiet. This was just a fun and cute story with purrfect four-legged side characters. Just what I needed!
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
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