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Whitman Street Cat Cafe #3
Chasing Your Tail
Head to Brooklyn's Whitman Street Cat Café: the coffee is strong, the desserts are delicious, kitten cuddles are never out of stock—and finding love is guaranteed.
Pastry chef Brad Marks is the new hot thing at the Whitman Street Cat Café; he makes tasty treats for both the human and feline guests at the café. All the patrons love him, and freelance writer Lindsay Somers understands why; five years ago, she was smitten by his charms too—until Brad broke her heart. Lindsay is happy with her new gig at a trendy weekly magazine, but when her boss assigns her to do a story on the cat café, she's thrown back into Brad's orbit yet again...
Pastry chef Brad Marks is the new hot thing at the Whitman Street Cat Café; he makes tasty treats for both the human and feline guests at the café. All the patrons love him, and freelance writer Lindsay Somers understands why; five years ago, she was smitten by his charms too—until Brad broke her heart. Lindsay is happy with her new gig at a trendy weekly magazine, but when her boss assigns her to do a story on the cat café, she's thrown back into Brad's orbit yet again...
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
16 people are currently reading
2018 people want to read
About the author
Kate McMurray
52 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 141 reviews
September 12, 2022
I'm always up for a good second chance romance and decided to pick this up because the blurb sounded interesting. The story was engaging enough but Lindsay & Brad's arguments got very repititive. Lindsay's issues regarding her father's betrayal were just mentioned but not explained which is why it was difficult to understand her reasonings. Sometimes her stubborn nature irritated me and I just wanted her to make up her mind for once. Brad was a good character and always spoke upfront with Lindsay. I liked it how he understood her concerns and didn't hesitate to show her the mirror when she acted heedlessly. But sometimes his habit of being oblivious annoyed me too. Both of them weren't perfect which made them real in my eyes. Lindsay's friend group was also amazing which is another thing I liked about this book. However, there were a lot of unnecessary details in the book which made me feel detached at times. The writing was good but I wish there was a solid build up for Lindsay & Brad's relationship tbh.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
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September 10, 2022DNF at 50%
Unfortunately I did not end up loving it but it wasn’t because I hated it. I don’t have bad opinions or opinions in general except that for me it was a just overall lacking . I just found I had no interest in continuing with the book and following the characters’ story.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
Unfortunately I did not end up loving it but it wasn’t because I hated it. I don’t have bad opinions or opinions in general except that for me it was a just overall lacking . I just found I had no interest in continuing with the book and following the characters’ story.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!
December 5, 2022
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Return to the Whitman Street Cat Café, where the cats are cute and the new pastry chef even cuter in Chasing Your Tail . Brad Marks is tired of cooking what others want, so when the opportunity arises to have creative control of his own kitchen, he takes it. Cooking treats for both humans and felines may not be what Brad had in mind when he went to culinary school, but the café is a fun place to be. And then Brad runs into his ex. Lindsay Somers is none to happy when her friend hires Brad to be the café’s new pastry chef. Brad broke Lindsay’s heart and she has no interest in opening herself up to that kind of hurt again. But now that she can’t avoid him, it’s hard for Lindsay not to fall under Brad’s spell again. The question is, will she be able to trust him in a way she never could before?
I love a good second chance romance, but I had mixed feelings about Brad and Lindsay’s. I loved Brad. He’s a sweetheart with boatloads of charm and a talent for choux that will make you drool. I was incredibly invested in him, particularly in the question of whether he’d adopt the adorable cat who clearly adored him. Brad never got over Lindsay and she over him, but the romance was a bit frustrating, mostly because of Lindsay. Lindsay’s parents’ acrimonious divorce did a number on her and though she fell hard for Brad in culinary school, she was quick to accuse him of cheating and cut ties. To say Lindsay has a hard time trusting would be a massive understatement. Kate McMurray showed why Brad and Lindsay worked as a couple but the push-pull from Lindsay grew tiresome as the book went on. It went on for so long I really felt bad for Brad and can’t imagine why he didn’t cut his losses. The happily ever after did come and it was cute, but I wish more effort had been put into it on Lindsay’s part.
As always with the Whitman Street Cat Café books, the feline characters are sure to grab your heart. McMurray definitely made me wish I could visit the café for both the treats and the cats. I also really enjoyed the friendships between the various characters. These two things, more than the romance, are what kept me reading Chasing Your Tail . So even though I struggled with Lindsay’s character, I still liked quite a few things about this book and would enjoy another visit to the cutest fictional café in Brooklyn.
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.
Return to the Whitman Street Cat Café, where the cats are cute and the new pastry chef even cuter in Chasing Your Tail . Brad Marks is tired of cooking what others want, so when the opportunity arises to have creative control of his own kitchen, he takes it. Cooking treats for both humans and felines may not be what Brad had in mind when he went to culinary school, but the café is a fun place to be. And then Brad runs into his ex. Lindsay Somers is none to happy when her friend hires Brad to be the café’s new pastry chef. Brad broke Lindsay’s heart and she has no interest in opening herself up to that kind of hurt again. But now that she can’t avoid him, it’s hard for Lindsay not to fall under Brad’s spell again. The question is, will she be able to trust him in a way she never could before?
I love a good second chance romance, but I had mixed feelings about Brad and Lindsay’s. I loved Brad. He’s a sweetheart with boatloads of charm and a talent for choux that will make you drool. I was incredibly invested in him, particularly in the question of whether he’d adopt the adorable cat who clearly adored him. Brad never got over Lindsay and she over him, but the romance was a bit frustrating, mostly because of Lindsay. Lindsay’s parents’ acrimonious divorce did a number on her and though she fell hard for Brad in culinary school, she was quick to accuse him of cheating and cut ties. To say Lindsay has a hard time trusting would be a massive understatement. Kate McMurray showed why Brad and Lindsay worked as a couple but the push-pull from Lindsay grew tiresome as the book went on. It went on for so long I really felt bad for Brad and can’t imagine why he didn’t cut his losses. The happily ever after did come and it was cute, but I wish more effort had been put into it on Lindsay’s part.
As always with the Whitman Street Cat Café books, the feline characters are sure to grab your heart. McMurray definitely made me wish I could visit the café for both the treats and the cats. I also really enjoyed the friendships between the various characters. These two things, more than the romance, are what kept me reading Chasing Your Tail . So even though I struggled with Lindsay’s character, I still liked quite a few things about this book and would enjoy another visit to the cutest fictional café in Brooklyn.
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.
June 26, 2022
2.5 stars
The cover and title let me know immediately that Chasing Your Tail fit in the happy romcom genre. It started out with a fun premise, but the second half just never developed into anything memorable. In the end low angst rom com, that did not totally work for me, but I imagine other people would enjoy it.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The cover and title let me know immediately that Chasing Your Tail fit in the happy romcom genre. It started out with a fun premise, but the second half just never developed into anything memorable. In the end low angst rom com, that did not totally work for me, but I imagine other people would enjoy it.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2022
I have such mixed feelings about this third book in the Whitman Street Cat Cafe series. I've been really enjoying these books so far and I usually love a good second chance romance but former flames, Brad and Lindsay broke up over a terrible miscommunication and I really just wanted to shake them both.
It's been five years since Brad or Lindsay talked and now they're forced together again when food writer Lindsay gets assigned to interview Brad - the up and coming pastry who is creating buzz as the Cat Cafe's new pastry chef.
There was WAY too much back and forth, will they or won't they for my tastes! I thought Brad spent way too much time trying to get Lindsay to let him explain what happened and even when he does she has trouble learning how to trust him.
They do eventually work things out but it just wasn't a very fun journey for me. Good on audio narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young and recommended for fans of Stefanie London's Paws in the city series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: contains some spicy open door scenes
It's been five years since Brad or Lindsay talked and now they're forced together again when food writer Lindsay gets assigned to interview Brad - the up and coming pastry who is creating buzz as the Cat Cafe's new pastry chef.
There was WAY too much back and forth, will they or won't they for my tastes! I thought Brad spent way too much time trying to get Lindsay to let him explain what happened and even when he does she has trouble learning how to trust him.
They do eventually work things out but it just wasn't a very fun journey for me. Good on audio narrated by Suehyla El-Attar Young and recommended for fans of Stefanie London's Paws in the city series. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: contains some spicy open door scenes
September 11, 2023
This was cute. I always love the idea of the cat café (adopt, don’t shop) and the treats that Brad comes up with some tasty. I liked Brad but wasn’t really a fan of Lindsay. She was so wishy-washy and, at one point Brad even comments on the fact that he’s not sure why he’s still chasing her when he’s made it quite clear what he wants and if she’ll ever trust him. Other than that, the book was cute and I loved the opportunities that just seemed to fall into Lindsay’s lap (yes, I’m a little jealous things seem to come so easily for her). Overall, a quick and entertaining read.
November 27, 2022
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*This review will contain minor spoilers*
"Chasing Your Tail" is a story about two people who absolutely should not be in a relationship trying to be in a relationship with each other. As much as I wanted to love this book, it frequently made me incredibly angry.
The behaviour of both main characters was at times immature and at others deeply unforgiveable. Lindsay was unwilling to work on her relationship with Brad to the point of immaturity. Girl, if you can never trust him (or any other man by the sounds of it) you need a) therapy and b) some time alone to work on yourself. Lindsay is best summed up by this sentence from Brad's perspective, "He'd stepped in it and pissed her off. She was going to make him pay for it the entire meal." Lindsay is MEAN to Brad. Broken trust is one thing, but at heart her character is a mean girl. At one point Brad thinks, "He [is] tired of her scraps," and yet he keeps begging her to give him a chance while she punishes him for his mistakes! The scene where they go out for dinner to review a new restaurant and he makes the mistake of being friendly with the chef was a real turning point for how I viewed this book.
But that doesn't mean Brad is better. He's trying to win back this girl, who he claims is "The One", but openly tells her he is still going to flirt with other people but since he is coming home to her and choosing her she has to be okay with it. He isn't attempting to correct the behaviour that made her not trust him in the first place.
I also found the casual homophobia/transphobia from Brad's dad to be really jarring. The way it was written in made me uncomfortable and was not dealt with in a sensitive way. It actually almost felt like the author condoned that sort of thinking because it was so casually inserted and not in a way that ever really condemned it past saying "pastry chefs can be straight, cis men too!"
The overall book also needed some work. The pacing was off, it got super repetitive, and there were some continuity errors that left me confused. Namely, Lindsay sitting out a taping for a cooking show because she is 'violently allergic' to lobster, then reminiscing on her and Brad getting lobster rolls when they were students. In general, many of the plot choices left me confused (i.e. them 'banging it out' at 35%) and I didn't find it an enjoyable read.
*This review will contain minor spoilers*
"Chasing Your Tail" is a story about two people who absolutely should not be in a relationship trying to be in a relationship with each other. As much as I wanted to love this book, it frequently made me incredibly angry.
The behaviour of both main characters was at times immature and at others deeply unforgiveable. Lindsay was unwilling to work on her relationship with Brad to the point of immaturity. Girl, if you can never trust him (or any other man by the sounds of it) you need a) therapy and b) some time alone to work on yourself. Lindsay is best summed up by this sentence from Brad's perspective, "He'd stepped in it and pissed her off. She was going to make him pay for it the entire meal." Lindsay is MEAN to Brad. Broken trust is one thing, but at heart her character is a mean girl. At one point Brad thinks, "He [is] tired of her scraps," and yet he keeps begging her to give him a chance while she punishes him for his mistakes! The scene where they go out for dinner to review a new restaurant and he makes the mistake of being friendly with the chef was a real turning point for how I viewed this book.
But that doesn't mean Brad is better. He's trying to win back this girl, who he claims is "The One", but openly tells her he is still going to flirt with other people but since he is coming home to her and choosing her she has to be okay with it. He isn't attempting to correct the behaviour that made her not trust him in the first place.
I also found the casual homophobia/transphobia from Brad's dad to be really jarring. The way it was written in made me uncomfortable and was not dealt with in a sensitive way. It actually almost felt like the author condoned that sort of thinking because it was so casually inserted and not in a way that ever really condemned it past saying "pastry chefs can be straight, cis men too!"
The overall book also needed some work. The pacing was off, it got super repetitive, and there were some continuity errors that left me confused. Namely, Lindsay sitting out a taping for a cooking show because she is 'violently allergic' to lobster, then reminiscing on her and Brad getting lobster rolls when they were students. In general, many of the plot choices left me confused (i.e. them 'banging it out' at 35%) and I didn't find it an enjoyable read.
August 3, 2023
I read 75% and then skimmed the rest
I felt like there wasn't as much character development as I expected. The premise is super cute!
The execution just didn't feel like it delivered in the way I was hoping.
This book had a lot of things that called to me when I pick up a rom-com, second chances, forced proximity, quirky setting, and of course, food. Unfortunately, it fell flat. I felt like the characters were whiny and there wasn't enough character development to warrant a happy ending.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I felt like there wasn't as much character development as I expected. The premise is super cute!
The execution just didn't feel like it delivered in the way I was hoping.
This book had a lot of things that called to me when I pick up a rom-com, second chances, forced proximity, quirky setting, and of course, food. Unfortunately, it fell flat. I felt like the characters were whiny and there wasn't enough character development to warrant a happy ending.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2022
Point blank—an unsalvageable read and only the cover is worthwhile. Lindsay was absolutely insufferable and Brad’s lame excuses as to why the relationship failed were eye rolling. With the unlikable characters and constant miscommunication, there were moments I completely forgot I was reading a second chance romance about adults. With the way they acted and talked—I thought otherwise.
November 20, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca pub for this earc
Okay. I don’t know about you but I for the life of me didn’t just read a romance book. I read a book about two people who opened a business together. I’m not kidding.
This book started off so cute. And for the first 50% we had second chance romance, cats and all the cute things. But the second part of the book? The same conversation better Brad and Lindsey just kept repeating. And that’s before they didn’t actually spoke to each other for weeks while trying to get back together??? That part made zero sense to me. But when the part about how they should go into business together completely took over the story, this book completely lost me.
Brad and Lindsey kept talking how they’re still not together, how hard restaurant business is and how they should just go for it????? Again, doesn’t go together at all. The whole time, all I could thing about is Lindsey wants this new restaurant because in her head that’s the only setting where they can make this relationship work. And that’s just not a healthy way to look at any relationship
And how everything magically fell into place??? Another thought I had was “No Lindsey, you didn’t make this decision about the restaurant. You were about to lose your actual job and this was just a way out for you”. Not good, my friends. Not good
Overall, this story completely fell apart by the end.
Okay. I don’t know about you but I for the life of me didn’t just read a romance book. I read a book about two people who opened a business together. I’m not kidding.
This book started off so cute. And for the first 50% we had second chance romance, cats and all the cute things. But the second part of the book? The same conversation better Brad and Lindsey just kept repeating. And that’s before they didn’t actually spoke to each other for weeks while trying to get back together??? That part made zero sense to me. But when the part about how they should go into business together completely took over the story, this book completely lost me.
Brad and Lindsey kept talking how they’re still not together, how hard restaurant business is and how they should just go for it????? Again, doesn’t go together at all. The whole time, all I could thing about is Lindsey wants this new restaurant because in her head that’s the only setting where they can make this relationship work. And that’s just not a healthy way to look at any relationship
And how everything magically fell into place??? Another thought I had was “No Lindsey, you didn’t make this decision about the restaurant. You were about to lose your actual job and this was just a way out for you”. Not good, my friends. Not good
Overall, this story completely fell apart by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2022
Lynsay Sommer's, freelance writer of a weekly food magazine is given the assignment to interview the new pastry chef at the Whitman Street Cafe which serves humans and cats. Unfortunately the new hire is Lynsay's ex, Brad Marks. A misunderstanding from the pass has cause heartache for them both for 5 years. Brad wants to talk and explain what happen, because he wants Lynsay back.
What follows is learning to forgive and trust each other. Lindsay and Brad have trust issue. Lindsay's father infidelity made her mother bitter and scarred Lindsay to the point that she afraid to be vulnerable and open herself up to accept love. Brad's father thinks a man that bakes isn't masculine and this cause Brad to be a flirt, possibly to prove to his father and himself that he's an adult heterosexual man.
With help from their friends, Lindsay and Brad are learning to have a healthy relationship. But, will they be able to take that final step, become a couple again and find their HEA?
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What follows is learning to forgive and trust each other. Lindsay and Brad have trust issue. Lindsay's father infidelity made her mother bitter and scarred Lindsay to the point that she afraid to be vulnerable and open herself up to accept love. Brad's father thinks a man that bakes isn't masculine and this cause Brad to be a flirt, possibly to prove to his father and himself that he's an adult heterosexual man.
With help from their friends, Lindsay and Brad are learning to have a healthy relationship. But, will they be able to take that final step, become a couple again and find their HEA?
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 5, 2022
I'm so disappointed by this one. I'd read the first book in the series, and really enjoyed it, but this one lacked the charm. The plot was repetitive, and the romance had no draw. The best thing about it was the cats, and even they were barely there
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2022
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️
A cat cafe brings about a second chance at love.
🐈 Lindsay and Brad met and fell in love in culinary school. Their relationship didn’t end well at all but now, five years later Brad is the pastry chef at Lindsay’s best friend’s cat cafe.
🐈 This was a hard one for me!! I really enjoyed about 50% of this book. Lindsay was a great character who struggled with her feelings for Brad. He was also a great character who tried so hard to make things work with her. But after a while, the plot got repetitive and predictable. It left me wanting more.
However, if you are looking for a cute and quick romcom that has a few good 🔥🔥 scenes (even as early as 32%), then give it a try!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️
A cat cafe brings about a second chance at love.
🐈 Lindsay and Brad met and fell in love in culinary school. Their relationship didn’t end well at all but now, five years later Brad is the pastry chef at Lindsay’s best friend’s cat cafe.
🐈 This was a hard one for me!! I really enjoyed about 50% of this book. Lindsay was a great character who struggled with her feelings for Brad. He was also a great character who tried so hard to make things work with her. But after a while, the plot got repetitive and predictable. It left me wanting more.
However, if you are looking for a cute and quick romcom that has a few good 🔥🔥 scenes (even as early as 32%), then give it a try!
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2025
I think the author did good with the culinary elements. It seems to me that she did her research or knew a lot about food and desserts when making this book.
The characters were just okay to me. Most of the book was them going back and forth about whether they were going to be together again after they broke up five years ago. I feel like more content of their future and the actual relationship would’ve made this book better.
I have noticed that in some parts of the book Lauren’s name is used in place of Lindsay which makes the reading confusing. I believe this is a mistake? I’m not completely sure.
Overall this book was just okay. I don’t feel that the reasoning for conflict between Brad and Lindsay made sense. It was very jumbled and just placing the blame back and forth. Though, I would say it might be a nice read for anyone who enjoys cooking and the Food Network channel.
The characters were just okay to me. Most of the book was them going back and forth about whether they were going to be together again after they broke up five years ago. I feel like more content of their future and the actual relationship would’ve made this book better.
I have noticed that in some parts of the book Lauren’s name is used in place of Lindsay which makes the reading confusing. I believe this is a mistake? I’m not completely sure.
Overall this book was just okay. I don’t feel that the reasoning for conflict between Brad and Lindsay made sense. It was very jumbled and just placing the blame back and forth. Though, I would say it might be a nice read for anyone who enjoys cooking and the Food Network channel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2022
This was enjoyable enough but the fmc was really annoying. She was clearly in love with Brad the whole time but would never open up about it. He was putting in all the effort and she was not reciprocating at all.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
December 3, 2022
If you like food, cats, friends, and second chance romances, then crack open this book. Lindsay and Brad had a bad break up. Lindsay has a lot of issues and Brad wants to get back together. After five years they’re in close contact and it’s time for a major reassessment.
People like to play it safe. But sometimes one has to shake things up, both personally and professionally.
Chasing your Tail is also about chasing your dreams.
Thanks to Edelweiss, NetGalley, and Sourcebook Casablanca for the advance read.
People like to play it safe. But sometimes one has to shake things up, both personally and professionally.
Chasing your Tail is also about chasing your dreams.
Thanks to Edelweiss, NetGalley, and Sourcebook Casablanca for the advance read.
December 23, 2022
This is straight-up a 2000s rom-com. I cannot find a sappier romance these days. I am jealous of fictional people right now, lol.
January 16, 2023
Fun and sweet. Perfect amount of tension to keep me interested but not enough to make me anxious.
June 19, 2023
welp 🧍🏼♀️
May 13, 2023
I loved all the food and the cats again, but geez, Lindsay was such a whiner. She ruined the book for me.
September 30, 2023
boring
July 12, 2024
Super adorable romance that had me wanting cats, baked goods, and the 2 prequels. Very obvious what would happen but such a fun read anyways!
September 19, 2022
This is a difficult one to review! Because there's so much that I genuinely enjoyed and wanted more of:
♡ I loved the dialogue between friends, I love the whole community around the main characters, and the cat cafe was everything I wanted it to be!
♡ The pacing is really fun because all their friends already know they didn't get closure on their relationship and suggest that they meet, and actively make that happen, so it doesn't all have to be up to fate.
♡ Brad is charming and sweet and mature and wonderful —almost immediately one of my favourite book boyfriends. I wish I could have read more just because he's so lovely, and I wanted to much more for him.
As in... I wanted more for him than Lindsay. She is super frustrating and deeply annoying, even more so once you learn about why they broke up in college. ("You chose to believe the worst in me instead of letting me try to explain it myself," he tells her. And then she just KEEPS doing that. She held onto that nonsense for so long that it's who she is and she refuses to budge, even with this great man right in front of her, showing her the truth, and offering pure love. And it's wildly irritating because HE handles it so well. And her friends can see it, too. But she just won't. He's the one who shouldn't consider forgiving HER, and yet he's patient and open and willing to start again.
By the time I couldn't take it any more at 35% the whole second-chance why-did-they-break-up-can-it-be-fixed miscommunication is sorted out, And they've had sex. He's clarified twice and it's clear this was all on her. It's surprising (in terms of typical Romance novel pacing) that it's all happened by then —but it happens because he's mature and amazing. If she wasn't the worst, they could begin dating for real and it would feel magical, like a new wonderful relationship to spend time together and enjoy who they each became since college. But NO. Lindsay is somehow still stuck on this thing that he didn't even do???? It's soooo weird.
And here's the thing: I am so sure this is realistic representation. And I don't think this is gonna be a problem for everyone, because I'm sure a bunch of people will recognise in Lindsay their own friends (or they are the friends) who would still not forgive him for THEIR own mistake. But I simply could not be friends with her, or be around her at all for any longer. I wanted more for this lovely guy, and I genuinely would have wanted to spend more time with their friends and at the cat cafe but... no.
So if that kind of unnecessary angst (or a strange sense that the only reason she hasn't forgiven him is because it's too soon in the book to have Everything resolved) doesn't irritate you, or: If this is exactly the kind of narrative you need to feel seen by... go ahead. I do hope to come back to this sometime, because I liked him so much. I want to see if he brings the cat home! I want to see him put up art in his apartment! I want to know all about the new recipes he tries out! but... we'll have to see if I can push through the Lindsay of it all.
(Sidenotes: I also found it weird that she felt it would be "dramatic" to say tell her boss she used to date the chef he's assigned her to profile, instead of a necessary professional disclosure. She's a professional food critic??? And: This is probably an arc-formatting issue that will be resolved in the final copy, but it was difficult at times for me to follow when a flashback to college ended and when we were back in their present, because memories of their past conversations often happened in the middle of their present-tense conversations.)
Oh, here's a lovely moment to show how sweet and open-hearted he is: "See? This is what I miss. We used to just sit around for hours, talking about food and making each other laugh. And I knew you were the one when you laughed at my dumb jokes." Lindsay balked. The One? He shrugged, as if to say, you heard me."
Content warnings (which only cover the 35% I read) include: mention of terrible dad who bullies his baker son with rude, homophobic and transphobic comments about gender roles.
♡ I loved the dialogue between friends, I love the whole community around the main characters, and the cat cafe was everything I wanted it to be!
♡ The pacing is really fun because all their friends already know they didn't get closure on their relationship and suggest that they meet, and actively make that happen, so it doesn't all have to be up to fate.
♡ Brad is charming and sweet and mature and wonderful —almost immediately one of my favourite book boyfriends. I wish I could have read more just because he's so lovely, and I wanted to much more for him.
As in... I wanted more for him than Lindsay. She is super frustrating and deeply annoying, even more so once you learn about why they broke up in college. ("You chose to believe the worst in me instead of letting me try to explain it myself," he tells her. And then she just KEEPS doing that. She held onto that nonsense for so long that it's who she is and she refuses to budge, even with this great man right in front of her, showing her the truth, and offering pure love. And it's wildly irritating because HE handles it so well. And her friends can see it, too. But she just won't. He's the one who shouldn't consider forgiving HER, and yet he's patient and open and willing to start again.
By the time I couldn't take it any more at 35% the whole second-chance why-did-they-break-up-can-it-be-fixed miscommunication is sorted out, And they've had sex. He's clarified twice and it's clear this was all on her. It's surprising (in terms of typical Romance novel pacing) that it's all happened by then —but it happens because he's mature and amazing. If she wasn't the worst, they could begin dating for real and it would feel magical, like a new wonderful relationship to spend time together and enjoy who they each became since college. But NO. Lindsay is somehow still stuck on this thing that he didn't even do???? It's soooo weird.
And here's the thing: I am so sure this is realistic representation. And I don't think this is gonna be a problem for everyone, because I'm sure a bunch of people will recognise in Lindsay their own friends (or they are the friends) who would still not forgive him for THEIR own mistake. But I simply could not be friends with her, or be around her at all for any longer. I wanted more for this lovely guy, and I genuinely would have wanted to spend more time with their friends and at the cat cafe but... no.
So if that kind of unnecessary angst (or a strange sense that the only reason she hasn't forgiven him is because it's too soon in the book to have Everything resolved) doesn't irritate you, or: If this is exactly the kind of narrative you need to feel seen by... go ahead. I do hope to come back to this sometime, because I liked him so much. I want to see if he brings the cat home! I want to see him put up art in his apartment! I want to know all about the new recipes he tries out! but... we'll have to see if I can push through the Lindsay of it all.
(Sidenotes: I also found it weird that she felt it would be "dramatic" to say tell her boss she used to date the chef he's assigned her to profile, instead of a necessary professional disclosure. She's a professional food critic??? And: This is probably an arc-formatting issue that will be resolved in the final copy, but it was difficult at times for me to follow when a flashback to college ended and when we were back in their present, because memories of their past conversations often happened in the middle of their present-tense conversations.)
Oh, here's a lovely moment to show how sweet and open-hearted he is: "See? This is what I miss. We used to just sit around for hours, talking about food and making each other laugh. And I knew you were the one when you laughed at my dumb jokes." Lindsay balked. The One? He shrugged, as if to say, you heard me."
Content warnings (which only cover the 35% I read) include: mention of terrible dad who bullies his baker son with rude, homophobic and transphobic comments about gender roles.
August 16, 2024
"Chasing Your Tail" is book three in the "Whitman Street Cat Cafe" series by Kate McMurray. This series is such a fun and cute read. I love how Brad never gave up on Lindsay, and he keeps trying to get her talk to him. I also love the idea of a cat cafe. Lindsay and Brad used to date and broke up about 5 years ago. Lindsay thinks she caught Brad cheating on her and has felt a grudge towards him for years. She thought she would never see him again until her friend Lauren that runs the cafe hires him as her pastry chef. Then, she has no way of avoiding him when they keep showing up at the same events. Kate has a way of writing that keeps you reading and reading until you are finished and wanting more.
February 6, 2023
I just didn't vibe with this series. It was fine. Nothing really stood out for me as being above and beyond a normal, mediocre romcom. The characters didn't stand out. The romance didn't stand out. The spice didn't stand out. So this just gets 3 stars for being run-of-the-mill.
November 27, 2022
I downloaded an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for reading it and leaving an honest review. A copy of this review will also be left on NetGalley.
After reading the blurb over on NetGalley, I immediately, at first, put in a request to read this novel. At first glance at the blurb alone, it had the draw and appeal in what I like to read in a book. Mainly, romance and humour. Of course, there was the added bonus of second chance love with the main characters, Brad and Lindsay. All three elements promised a truly enjoyable read, but did those promises deliver?
The answer is yes and no.
From a personal perspective, I struggled to get in-tune with this novel. I wasn't gripped from the get-go like I usually am, and I had to plow on through to see if there would be a moment within that would redeem the slower than usual start. There was, but it was towards the latter end of the novel by which point I assume other readers would have DNF'd. Of course, each other writes the story they want to write, how they want to write it, and that is simply what has been done here. I greatly respect Kate's choice in doing her own thing the way she wanted to do it to tell the story, but it hasn't resonated with readers this time around, it seems.
One element that I would like to praise Kate on, which others seem to have done the opposite, is the character of Lindsay. Lindsay is a character full of insecurities, anxieties and most of all, trust issues. This was a hard no for a lot of readers, as after she on several occasions was posed with the truth and opportunities to clear the air, still had doubts and did not open herself to trust Brad. Usually within romance novels, at the first time of begging to be trusted or opportunity to clear the air, the woman has immediately forgiven the man, they'd kiss and usually end up in bed together. Lindsay and her issues represent some of us in society who have been through the wringer, several times, and openly show that they're nervous to trust again for various reasons. I loved this realistic representation of some of us women, rather than the romanticised version often portrayed in romance novels. The trick is with people and characters like Lindsay, is to not give up when things seem tough or 'too much'. We're worth pursuing and not giving up on, and I applaud Kate for not creating a character that would simply fall at a man's feet.
Speaking of our main man, Brad has the patience of a saint. Sure, he thinks about giving up on Lindsay when after several attempts, she's still hesitant to trust, but he deep down knew that she was worth it and all that the two of them went through over the course of this novel. Brad is an ideal book boyfriend, and deserves a medal for putting the past behind him, staying the course and staying true to himself.
Chasing Your Tail has promise to be a truly enjoyable read. If there was another version of this book down the line, I would recommend wrapping up Lindsay's decision maybe a bit earlier than what is currently available, and to perhaps include a bit more of a wrapped up--less rushed--ending before the epilogue. Other than that, this wasn't a bad read but could be improved.
3.5 stars.
After reading the blurb over on NetGalley, I immediately, at first, put in a request to read this novel. At first glance at the blurb alone, it had the draw and appeal in what I like to read in a book. Mainly, romance and humour. Of course, there was the added bonus of second chance love with the main characters, Brad and Lindsay. All three elements promised a truly enjoyable read, but did those promises deliver?
The answer is yes and no.
From a personal perspective, I struggled to get in-tune with this novel. I wasn't gripped from the get-go like I usually am, and I had to plow on through to see if there would be a moment within that would redeem the slower than usual start. There was, but it was towards the latter end of the novel by which point I assume other readers would have DNF'd. Of course, each other writes the story they want to write, how they want to write it, and that is simply what has been done here. I greatly respect Kate's choice in doing her own thing the way she wanted to do it to tell the story, but it hasn't resonated with readers this time around, it seems.
One element that I would like to praise Kate on, which others seem to have done the opposite, is the character of Lindsay. Lindsay is a character full of insecurities, anxieties and most of all, trust issues. This was a hard no for a lot of readers, as after she on several occasions was posed with the truth and opportunities to clear the air, still had doubts and did not open herself to trust Brad. Usually within romance novels, at the first time of begging to be trusted or opportunity to clear the air, the woman has immediately forgiven the man, they'd kiss and usually end up in bed together. Lindsay and her issues represent some of us in society who have been through the wringer, several times, and openly show that they're nervous to trust again for various reasons. I loved this realistic representation of some of us women, rather than the romanticised version often portrayed in romance novels. The trick is with people and characters like Lindsay, is to not give up when things seem tough or 'too much'. We're worth pursuing and not giving up on, and I applaud Kate for not creating a character that would simply fall at a man's feet.
Speaking of our main man, Brad has the patience of a saint. Sure, he thinks about giving up on Lindsay when after several attempts, she's still hesitant to trust, but he deep down knew that she was worth it and all that the two of them went through over the course of this novel. Brad is an ideal book boyfriend, and deserves a medal for putting the past behind him, staying the course and staying true to himself.
Chasing Your Tail has promise to be a truly enjoyable read. If there was another version of this book down the line, I would recommend wrapping up Lindsay's decision maybe a bit earlier than what is currently available, and to perhaps include a bit more of a wrapped up--less rushed--ending before the epilogue. Other than that, this wasn't a bad read but could be improved.
3.5 stars.
December 1, 2022
Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Contemporary Romance
Five years ago, Mark broke Lindsay’s heart. Fast forward to the future when he takes a job as a pastry chef at her best friend’s cat café, Mark reenters Lindsay’s orbit and the two are forced to face their unresolved conflict and feelings.
The following review contains spoilers but I can’t really avoid that in order to convey my thoughts.
Second chance romance isn’t exactly my favourite trope but it can work for me. In order to do so, there needs to be genuine moments where one (and the other depending if we get multiple POVs which is the case here) have a reason to change their feelings towards the other. From the first time Mark sees Lindsay again he wants to clear the air about what really happened the night they broke up. Yet, the two are meeting in a professional setting so when he keeps making remarks about how he wants it to get personal I started suffering from second hand embarrassment. I nearly died when he tried to end the conversation thinking that asking her back to his place was a great idea.
Then the two encounter each other again and agree that clearing the air would probably be good. What would have been good was clearing the air at a coffee shop A restaurant? A mall? Somewhere with witnesses. Not going back to his apartment where you inevitably had sex immediately following 5 years of pent up anger towards him. It is obvious in a romance that the characters will end up together so reading a romance isn’t really about the end result but the journey we take in getting there. The rekindling of their romance just didn’t feel like a natural progression of conflict and associated feelings and I as a reader wanted to hide from the plot itself.
Lindsay had experienced a lot of emotional trauma as a result of her father’s adultery and was projecting onto Mark which was incredibly frustrating. To the point that I wanted to sit Lindsay down on my couch and start asking “well how did that make you feel?” Aside from both of them sharing a passion for cooking I’m also not really sure what the attraction between the two was.
I DNF’d halfway because the pacing didn’t work for me and I cared more about the stray cats in the café then I did the characters.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Contemporary Romance
Five years ago, Mark broke Lindsay’s heart. Fast forward to the future when he takes a job as a pastry chef at her best friend’s cat café, Mark reenters Lindsay’s orbit and the two are forced to face their unresolved conflict and feelings.
The following review contains spoilers but I can’t really avoid that in order to convey my thoughts.
Second chance romance isn’t exactly my favourite trope but it can work for me. In order to do so, there needs to be genuine moments where one (and the other depending if we get multiple POVs which is the case here) have a reason to change their feelings towards the other. From the first time Mark sees Lindsay again he wants to clear the air about what really happened the night they broke up. Yet, the two are meeting in a professional setting so when he keeps making remarks about how he wants it to get personal I started suffering from second hand embarrassment. I nearly died when he tried to end the conversation thinking that asking her back to his place was a great idea.
Then the two encounter each other again and agree that clearing the air would probably be good. What would have been good was clearing the air at a coffee shop A restaurant? A mall? Somewhere with witnesses. Not going back to his apartment where you inevitably had sex immediately following 5 years of pent up anger towards him. It is obvious in a romance that the characters will end up together so reading a romance isn’t really about the end result but the journey we take in getting there. The rekindling of their romance just didn’t feel like a natural progression of conflict and associated feelings and I as a reader wanted to hide from the plot itself.
Lindsay had experienced a lot of emotional trauma as a result of her father’s adultery and was projecting onto Mark which was incredibly frustrating. To the point that I wanted to sit Lindsay down on my couch and start asking “well how did that make you feel?” Aside from both of them sharing a passion for cooking I’m also not really sure what the attraction between the two was.
I DNF’d halfway because the pacing didn’t work for me and I cared more about the stray cats in the café then I did the characters.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
Lindsey and Brad had a serious relationship while they were both in culinary school, but catching him in a lip lock with Phoebe, another student, made Lindsey drop him like a hot scone. Now, he’s working as the pastry chef at the cat cafe she frequents. Brad swears Phoebe initiated the kiss and his heart always belonged to Lindsey. While she still loves Brad, she’s not sure she can trust him again.
The cats and the cat cafe backdrop make this series a must read for me. Second Chance isn’t my favorite romance trope, but Brad is shown to have changed. He is more future-focused and is ready to commit to Lindsey again. Lindsey, however, was problematic to me because despite Brad bending over backwards to win her back, including getting her a cool opportunity at the Food Network, she keeps pushing him away even though she never again suspects him of cheating.
The thing keeping them apart is only Lindsey’s internal conflict, and the scars of her father’s infidelity. With the exception of one instance, Brad always seemed on board with a reunion with Lindsey. Lindsey lacked agency in the plot in that every opportunity came to her without her having to actively pursue them, which diffused tension.
Brad’s internal conflict revolved around his father’s outdated thoughts about gender, thinking becoming a pastry chef and owning a cat made his son less masculine. This conflict never seemed fully addressed.
Owen, my favorite of the friend group, totally deserved to be the hero of his own book rather than having his romantic arc be a small subplot.
I really liked the scenes which included Lindsey’s friend group. The singular reference to the television show FRIENDS in this book and the multitude of references in the previous installment makes me wonder if the show may have been part of the inspiration for the series. The scenes that revolved around the Food Network opportunity and at the cat cafe were among my favorites in the book. I’d love to see more books in this cat-centric world.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.
The cats and the cat cafe backdrop make this series a must read for me. Second Chance isn’t my favorite romance trope, but Brad is shown to have changed. He is more future-focused and is ready to commit to Lindsey again. Lindsey, however, was problematic to me because despite Brad bending over backwards to win her back, including getting her a cool opportunity at the Food Network, she keeps pushing him away even though she never again suspects him of cheating.
The thing keeping them apart is only Lindsey’s internal conflict, and the scars of her father’s infidelity. With the exception of one instance, Brad always seemed on board with a reunion with Lindsey. Lindsey lacked agency in the plot in that every opportunity came to her without her having to actively pursue them, which diffused tension.
Brad’s internal conflict revolved around his father’s outdated thoughts about gender, thinking becoming a pastry chef and owning a cat made his son less masculine. This conflict never seemed fully addressed.
Owen, my favorite of the friend group, totally deserved to be the hero of his own book rather than having his romantic arc be a small subplot.
I really liked the scenes which included Lindsey’s friend group. The singular reference to the television show FRIENDS in this book and the multitude of references in the previous installment makes me wonder if the show may have been part of the inspiration for the series. The scenes that revolved around the Food Network opportunity and at the cat cafe were among my favorites in the book. I’d love to see more books in this cat-centric world.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.
Read
September 18, 2022Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eAdvance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start off saying I wanted to enjoy this book. I was hoping for a fun, light, palette-cleanse.
The cover alone, I was ready for RomCom central. That was not the case. I struggled through this. I had a different expectation. Some parts felt clunky and just didn't know how to continue so they different POV would happen. It was also weird how one of the many reasons the FMC told the MMC why she didn't want to be with him and her frustrations of them being together in the past was that he wouldn't talk to her about their future etc and then by the end of the book, they sorta discussed their future but ended up with (before the epilogue and finally chapter) that they just wanted to be happy, whatever that meant to them. Out of a 24 chapter book, they're still being frustrating in Chapter 23 and saying "i thought we'd gotten past that....not answering questions...etc." The couple was frustrating to read from the beginning.
Spice wise, it wasn't consistent. The first hookup between the FMC and MMC (Lindsey and Brad) was fine spice wise (may 1 chili pepper, but I acknowledge everyone's spice levels are different) and the rest are pretty much fade to black. I don't mind. Not every book needs to have spice. But typically books work up to the sizzle, not down to fizzle.
The book read young and is written young. I did go back to check the genre, which is romance, so I guess age range could be any indicator. Maybe 13+. but what do I know, Fanfics exist out there so age doesn't mean anything anymore.
I didn't realize this book was part of a series until I opened the ARC. That being said, I don't feel like I needed to read the other books to read this one.
Despite my own personal opinions I will say this. If you like slow burn (and by that I mean, you aren't getting really anything until 94% through), love the foodie/culinary experience, cats, and enjoy second-chance romance, this book is for you.
There are conversations about pertaining to toxic masculinity and homophobia/transphobia based on Brad recounting his father, but then it doesn't really seemed addressed, but said in passing. Just that "that's how his dad was."
Let me start off saying I wanted to enjoy this book. I was hoping for a fun, light, palette-cleanse.
The cover alone, I was ready for RomCom central. That was not the case. I struggled through this. I had a different expectation. Some parts felt clunky and just didn't know how to continue so they different POV would happen. It was also weird how one of the many reasons the FMC told the MMC why she didn't want to be with him and her frustrations of them being together in the past was that he wouldn't talk to her about their future etc and then by the end of the book, they sorta discussed their future but ended up with (before the epilogue and finally chapter) that they just wanted to be happy, whatever that meant to them. Out of a 24 chapter book, they're still being frustrating in Chapter 23 and saying "i thought we'd gotten past that....not answering questions...etc." The couple was frustrating to read from the beginning.
Spice wise, it wasn't consistent. The first hookup between the FMC and MMC (Lindsey and Brad) was fine spice wise (may 1 chili pepper, but I acknowledge everyone's spice levels are different) and the rest are pretty much fade to black. I don't mind. Not every book needs to have spice. But typically books work up to the sizzle, not down to fizzle.
The book read young and is written young. I did go back to check the genre, which is romance, so I guess age range could be any indicator. Maybe 13+. but what do I know, Fanfics exist out there so age doesn't mean anything anymore.
I didn't realize this book was part of a series until I opened the ARC. That being said, I don't feel like I needed to read the other books to read this one.
Despite my own personal opinions I will say this. If you like slow burn (and by that I mean, you aren't getting really anything until 94% through), love the foodie/culinary experience, cats, and enjoy second-chance romance, this book is for you.
There are conversations about pertaining to toxic masculinity and homophobia/transphobia based on Brad recounting his father, but then it doesn't really seemed addressed, but said in passing. Just that "that's how his dad was."
October 10, 2022
I have read the other books in the series so far and enjoyed them and was intrigued by the premise for this one – I love the cover art, and the storyline was one that I found interesting and easy to read. With that being said, this was a hard one to pin my thoughts down on / write a review.
To start, I want to talk about what I enjoyed and was working for me in this read. As mentioned, this is the third book in a standalone series. I loved revisiting these characters (who now feel like old friends), seeing where they’re at now and seeing the next story play out. It was fun to revisit the Cat Café too – I love the adoptions that take place in each book 🐾💖, and I enjoy the friendships portrayed.
I’m a sucker for a foodie type romance read, so with the mains both being in the culinary world I was loving that bit. (Lindsey being a food writer / reviewer, and Brad being a pastry chef). I also love a chance to see a bit of the culinary reality tv world, so that bit was fun for me too. I liked how the second chance romance angle was coming about in the book as well and that the story overall seemed to flow pretty well and made for a fun, light, easy romcom read.
Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my one wish / nitpick with the read. In reading the story I thought it was valid that Brad and Lindsey as exes had baggage, and obviously would have some slightly repetitive discussions as they tried to move through things. However, Lindsey’s stubbornness without any real updates to thoughts / feelings / processing did get a bit monotonous at times. Honestly, Brad was way more patient than I would have been in that situation. All this to say, I wish there had been some more development in that area so it wouldn’t have felt so repetitive or some tweaks.
Overall however, I found this to be a fast and enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the story, it kept me interested and despite some slight frustrations along the way – I was very satisfied with the ending. I do hope we’ll get another story – perhaps Evan’s?? – and another opportunity to visit the Cat Café Crew and see where everyone is at.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casa for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
To start, I want to talk about what I enjoyed and was working for me in this read. As mentioned, this is the third book in a standalone series. I loved revisiting these characters (who now feel like old friends), seeing where they’re at now and seeing the next story play out. It was fun to revisit the Cat Café too – I love the adoptions that take place in each book 🐾💖, and I enjoy the friendships portrayed.
I’m a sucker for a foodie type romance read, so with the mains both being in the culinary world I was loving that bit. (Lindsey being a food writer / reviewer, and Brad being a pastry chef). I also love a chance to see a bit of the culinary reality tv world, so that bit was fun for me too. I liked how the second chance romance angle was coming about in the book as well and that the story overall seemed to flow pretty well and made for a fun, light, easy romcom read.
Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my one wish / nitpick with the read. In reading the story I thought it was valid that Brad and Lindsey as exes had baggage, and obviously would have some slightly repetitive discussions as they tried to move through things. However, Lindsey’s stubbornness without any real updates to thoughts / feelings / processing did get a bit monotonous at times. Honestly, Brad was way more patient than I would have been in that situation. All this to say, I wish there had been some more development in that area so it wouldn’t have felt so repetitive or some tweaks.
Overall however, I found this to be a fast and enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the story, it kept me interested and despite some slight frustrations along the way – I was very satisfied with the ending. I do hope we’ll get another story – perhaps Evan’s?? – and another opportunity to visit the Cat Café Crew and see where everyone is at.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casa for the opportunity to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.
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