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Love and Lattes
Bonnie James has built her life around her passions—cats, coffee, and community. She rejected her family’s narrow visions of success and instead chose the non-lucrative, fur-filled life of a cat café owner. So what if her decision means she works way too much to have time for true love? She has plenty of friends and cats to keep her company.
Wedding planner Taryn Ritter has a knack for making impossible dreams come true. She might not understand the appeal of getting married in a cat café, but if that’s what her clients want, then she’ll make it happen. She’s not about to let the reluctant café owner stand in her way, so she makes Bonnie an offer she can’t refuse—give her the venue for one day and she’ll find a way to get more cats adopted into happy homes.
When Bonnie and Taryn join forces to help a bunch of shelter cats find their forever homes, they just might discover forever for themselves as well.
Wedding planner Taryn Ritter has a knack for making impossible dreams come true. She might not understand the appeal of getting married in a cat café, but if that’s what her clients want, then she’ll make it happen. She’s not about to let the reluctant café owner stand in her way, so she makes Bonnie an offer she can’t refuse—give her the venue for one day and she’ll find a way to get more cats adopted into happy homes.
When Bonnie and Taryn join forces to help a bunch of shelter cats find their forever homes, they just might discover forever for themselves as well.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
About the author
Karis Walsh
35 books157 followersKaris Walsh is a native of the Pacific Northwest and an adopted citizen of Texas. When she isn’t wrapped up in a book—either reading or writing one—she spends her time with her animals, playing music on her viola or violin, or hiking among the prickly pears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Low-angst romance without big drama, starring Taryn, a wedding planner, and Bonnie with her cat coffee. An entertaining story, with friends and sassy employees, teasing and joking, with lots of cute cats and a happy ending.
Being a cat person myself, I could easily imagine the atmosphere in Bonnie's coffee house, with all the different cat characters (some of them stole the show), the freshly baked treats, and brewed meowkaffes. After this book, I think I'll finally make it to the cat cafe near me.
Taryn and Bonnie are likable women with all their quirks, habits, and humor. The romance is sweet, although I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two, and everything was also a bit predictable. What I liked best was seeing how Taryn went from the strict stance: by no means owning a pet, to slowly falling in love with two of the four-legged protagonists, and no power in the world could have stopped that.
A nice and entertaining story, in my eyes, not the best book Karin Walsh has written, but an easy read, and those who are up for a feelgood romance will also get wrapped up by the feline gang and join them in accompanying Bonnie and Taryn to the HEA.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review
Low-angst romance without big drama, starring Taryn, a wedding planner, and Bonnie with her cat coffee. An entertaining story, with friends and sassy employees, teasing and joking, with lots of cute cats and a happy ending.
Being a cat person myself, I could easily imagine the atmosphere in Bonnie's coffee house, with all the different cat characters (some of them stole the show), the freshly baked treats, and brewed meowkaffes. After this book, I think I'll finally make it to the cat cafe near me.
Taryn and Bonnie are likable women with all their quirks, habits, and humor. The romance is sweet, although I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two, and everything was also a bit predictable. What I liked best was seeing how Taryn went from the strict stance: by no means owning a pet, to slowly falling in love with two of the four-legged protagonists, and no power in the world could have stopped that.
A nice and entertaining story, in my eyes, not the best book Karin Walsh has written, but an easy read, and those who are up for a feelgood romance will also get wrapped up by the feline gang and join them in accompanying Bonnie and Taryn to the HEA.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC for an honest review
February 5, 2023
This story was about a cat cafe with Bonnie the owner and Taryn a wedding planner. Bonnie and Taryn are both very reluctant to have an emotional relationship due to their upbringings by each of their own parents.
This was an Insta love story. Way too short for me with very few emotions or feelings mentioned.
The cats and the food in the cafe were the best part. And as business concept I’d give that 5 stars and be ready to loan out the money for the start up.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
This was an Insta love story. Way too short for me with very few emotions or feelings mentioned.
The cats and the food in the cafe were the best part. And as business concept I’d give that 5 stars and be ready to loan out the money for the start up.
ARC received from NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.
January 1, 2023
I’ve really enjoyed my previous reads by Karis Walsh, this one wasn’t as big a success.
The premise of the book sounds wonderful, two small business owners work together on a wedding and fall in love, and lots of cats.Who doesn’t love some feline additions to a romance?
While I liked both MCs their romance just doesn’t work for me, I was hoping I’d warm up to it, but I never did. Most of the book the characters are apart and thinking about the other while doing their job. The share a kiss, talk a little and the next time they see each other they “break up”? The timeline in this book is all off for me. They didn’t even really date but their heartbreak is like they’d been dating for years. How they got back together was too easy as well, immediately talking about love, no thank you.
I liked both main characters, liked the felines, I enjoy Walsh’s writing style but this story just didn’t work for me.
*ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The premise of the book sounds wonderful, two small business owners work together on a wedding and fall in love, and lots of cats.Who doesn’t love some feline additions to a romance?
While I liked both MCs their romance just doesn’t work for me, I was hoping I’d warm up to it, but I never did. Most of the book the characters are apart and thinking about the other while doing their job. The share a kiss, talk a little and the next time they see each other they “break up”? The timeline in this book is all off for me. They didn’t even really date but their heartbreak is like they’d been dating for years. How they got back together was too easy as well, immediately talking about love, no thank you.
I liked both main characters, liked the felines, I enjoy Walsh’s writing style but this story just didn’t work for me.
*ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 29, 2022
Bonnie is the owner of a cat cafe and is approached by Taryn to have a wedding in her cafe. After some back and forth they reach an agreement and also make plans to host a cat adoption event.
This was more of a traditional romance compared to the other Walsh book I read that included a bit of a murder mystery and I definitely preferred the previous one. This sounded cute and I like the premise but I felt the relationship fell flat. The two MCs spend more time alone thinking about their individual hang ups than with each other. There is one scene where they actually talk about taking steps towards a slow relationship before a breakup scene and the heartbreak just didn't feel believable. I liked both MCs but didn't really feel their chemistry together. There are a few side characters that are fun but just don't interact enough to make them memorable. Angie and Jonah I think could have helped but there just isn't enough there to really have them add anything to the story. Unfortunately I think this just didn't hit the right notes for me, hopefully Walsh's next one will.
This was more of a traditional romance compared to the other Walsh book I read that included a bit of a murder mystery and I definitely preferred the previous one. This sounded cute and I like the premise but I felt the relationship fell flat. The two MCs spend more time alone thinking about their individual hang ups than with each other. There is one scene where they actually talk about taking steps towards a slow relationship before a breakup scene and the heartbreak just didn't feel believable. I liked both MCs but didn't really feel their chemistry together. There are a few side characters that are fun but just don't interact enough to make them memorable. Angie and Jonah I think could have helped but there just isn't enough there to really have them add anything to the story. Unfortunately I think this just didn't hit the right notes for me, hopefully Walsh's next one will.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
Vaguely confused - thought I'd put something in the review box.
hmms. 16th work I've read by this author. There are three works I've rated higher (behind 'You Make Me Tremble', 'Sit. Stay. Love.'; 'Set the Stage').
Great book about a wedding planner & POV character Taryn Ritter & a cat cafe owner & POV character Bonnie James.
Taryn has a niche role in the wedding planner industry - she goes out of her way to create "unique" wedding events (like sky-diving weddings; weddings on donkeys; etc.). The 'unique' wedding she needs to plan for now? One involving a mayor of a small town wishing to marry in a cat cafe. Specifically the cat cafe in their small town, Bonnie's cat cafe.
Neither woman has time for romance, and, in addition, Taryn doesn't have time for pets (including cats), though she's neutral on the matter. Bonnie loves cats, has three of her own, in addition to the roughly 20 or so in the cat cafe itself.
Taryn stops by Bonnie's place expecting to make a quick visit, but, oddly enough, Bonnie's immediately response is no. As in, hell no. Bonnie, you see, used to work in the non-profit industry, and while her cat cafe still involves finding homes for homeless cats, she's no longer in that industry. Because . . . she allowed herself to be in something embarrassing. And doesn't want people to be reminded of her past. So, can't allow herself to host a wedding.
And, so, the two women circle each other, while two cats cricle Taryn.
Cute story.
Rating: 4.75
January 23 2023
hmms. 16th work I've read by this author. There are three works I've rated higher (behind 'You Make Me Tremble', 'Sit. Stay. Love.'; 'Set the Stage').
Great book about a wedding planner & POV character Taryn Ritter & a cat cafe owner & POV character Bonnie James.
Taryn has a niche role in the wedding planner industry - she goes out of her way to create "unique" wedding events (like sky-diving weddings; weddings on donkeys; etc.). The 'unique' wedding she needs to plan for now? One involving a mayor of a small town wishing to marry in a cat cafe. Specifically the cat cafe in their small town, Bonnie's cat cafe.
Neither woman has time for romance, and, in addition, Taryn doesn't have time for pets (including cats), though she's neutral on the matter. Bonnie loves cats, has three of her own, in addition to the roughly 20 or so in the cat cafe itself.
Taryn stops by Bonnie's place expecting to make a quick visit, but, oddly enough, Bonnie's immediately response is no. As in, hell no. Bonnie, you see, used to work in the non-profit industry, and while her cat cafe still involves finding homes for homeless cats, she's no longer in that industry. Because . . . she allowed herself to be in something embarrassing. And doesn't want people to be reminded of her past. So, can't allow herself to host a wedding.
And, so, the two women circle each other, while two cats cricle Taryn.
Cute story.
Rating: 4.75
January 23 2023
January 2, 2023
Cute cats, lattes and f/f low-angst romance
This was the perfect low-angst romance to start the new year: I met a lot of „good people“ in Love and Lattes and thoroughly enjoyed the neatly told story. Beware there are quite a few cats (the correct title would be: Cats, Love and Lattes). But although I am not a cat-person I very much enjoyed the positive vibe of Bonnie’s cat cafe, the foodie goodness on offer and the relaxing purrs and the pure cuteness of her feline friends. I had a good chuckle about Taryn, the strictly no pets and not cat person and her downfall: Oh how the mighty have fallen when cute cats start to curl in your lap. There were quite a few very relaxed and humorous scenes and banter and the story unfolds without big drama (although we get to know the main characters and what makes them tick quite well), naturally and with a lot of loving touches to it. The romance is believable, low key and cute.
If you look for a feel-good romance with good people, adorable cats and no drama, get a Latte (or whatever you fancy) and have a nice relaxing read.
Thanks to netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC. The review was left with pleasure und purrs.
This was the perfect low-angst romance to start the new year: I met a lot of „good people“ in Love and Lattes and thoroughly enjoyed the neatly told story. Beware there are quite a few cats (the correct title would be: Cats, Love and Lattes). But although I am not a cat-person I very much enjoyed the positive vibe of Bonnie’s cat cafe, the foodie goodness on offer and the relaxing purrs and the pure cuteness of her feline friends. I had a good chuckle about Taryn, the strictly no pets and not cat person and her downfall: Oh how the mighty have fallen when cute cats start to curl in your lap. There were quite a few very relaxed and humorous scenes and banter and the story unfolds without big drama (although we get to know the main characters and what makes them tick quite well), naturally and with a lot of loving touches to it. The romance is believable, low key and cute.
If you look for a feel-good romance with good people, adorable cats and no drama, get a Latte (or whatever you fancy) and have a nice relaxing read.
Thanks to netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC. The review was left with pleasure und purrs.
January 13, 2023
I wouldn't say I really enjoyed reading this book or hated it. Sounds like a cozy romance but, instead the book is about two women who make themselves emotionally unavailable. They go from talking, to sharing like two kisses and then being in love. An ok story about a cat cafe owner and wedding planner who stay away from relationships. I guess you could call it a slow burn, the cats were cute. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
This has been a story that, despite not being set at Christmas time, can be perfectly read on those dates, perhaps because of the cuteness of its non-human protagonists, there are enough for us to focus on just one or two, it is the whole of the atmosphere that is created in Bonnie's Cat Café that forms that setting.
Also the two protagonists have their cute part. Cute in the way they act, trying to pretend what they are not, to deceive themselves. Bonnie, the owner of the cafe, is hiding from something that is not explained to us until almost the end of the story, but that torments her and paralyzes her from any possible romantic relationship. Even the fact that her cafe could become a place where people can find their better half haunts and exasperates her. That's all she can do to distance herself from any romantic subject.
And on the other hand, Taryn is an unconventional wedding planner, as she flees from the typical and looks for something unique and different in every wedding she plans. In this case, the couple who come to request her services want to get married in Bonnie's cafe, where they met.
When Taryn first asks Bonnie for her willingness to do this, she is met with a resounding refusal. There is no romance at the Cat Cafe by any means. But that refusal may not be so blunt after all, just a few small stratagems on Taryn's part may soften Bonnie's predisposition to accept a boa at her place and learn more about the woman who has aroused her curiosity. .
I admit that at some point it seemed to me that the author has rambled too much on the doubts of the two protagonists and that this has slowed down the pace, already calm, of the story.
But ultimately the result seemed good to me, resulting in a soft and cute romance.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
Also the two protagonists have their cute part. Cute in the way they act, trying to pretend what they are not, to deceive themselves. Bonnie, the owner of the cafe, is hiding from something that is not explained to us until almost the end of the story, but that torments her and paralyzes her from any possible romantic relationship. Even the fact that her cafe could become a place where people can find their better half haunts and exasperates her. That's all she can do to distance herself from any romantic subject.
And on the other hand, Taryn is an unconventional wedding planner, as she flees from the typical and looks for something unique and different in every wedding she plans. In this case, the couple who come to request her services want to get married in Bonnie's cafe, where they met.
When Taryn first asks Bonnie for her willingness to do this, she is met with a resounding refusal. There is no romance at the Cat Cafe by any means. But that refusal may not be so blunt after all, just a few small stratagems on Taryn's part may soften Bonnie's predisposition to accept a boa at her place and learn more about the woman who has aroused her curiosity. .
I admit that at some point it seemed to me that the author has rambled too much on the doubts of the two protagonists and that this has slowed down the pace, already calm, of the story.
But ultimately the result seemed good to me, resulting in a soft and cute romance.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for an honest review
February 2, 2023
Nice concept but poor execution make this a mediocre read. It’s written like a debut that needs a firm edit. Lots of negative motivation, an overall lack of interaction between the characters, so many long passages of inner thoughts, and way too much telling not showing.
I enjoyed the descriptions of food and the antics of the cats, but the rest of the story dragged. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Bonnie and Taryn. Neither is particularly likeable, especially Taryn who is surly and withdrawn. Bonnie also comes across as passive-aggressive when she continually brings up mistakes Taryn made in unfunny banter. The kiss is weirdly dubious in consent and the love story doesn’t go anywhere for most (like 95%) of the book.
I kept wanting to DNF as the story dragged on with endless conversations with friends/employees who have NOTHING better to do than endlessly give love advice while Bonnie and Taryn avoid each other.
If you are interested in reading an extremely slow (no) burn romance with no angst (or sex) with a lot of whimsical cat/foody things happening then this is a good book for you. Unfortunately it’s not my cup of awkwardly-cat-theme-named tea so I have to give it…
My rating: 2.5 stars
ARC received via NetGallery courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the descriptions of food and the antics of the cats, but the rest of the story dragged. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Bonnie and Taryn. Neither is particularly likeable, especially Taryn who is surly and withdrawn. Bonnie also comes across as passive-aggressive when she continually brings up mistakes Taryn made in unfunny banter. The kiss is weirdly dubious in consent and the love story doesn’t go anywhere for most (like 95%) of the book.
I kept wanting to DNF as the story dragged on with endless conversations with friends/employees who have NOTHING better to do than endlessly give love advice while Bonnie and Taryn avoid each other.
If you are interested in reading an extremely slow (no) burn romance with no angst (or sex) with a lot of whimsical cat/foody things happening then this is a good book for you. Unfortunately it’s not my cup of awkwardly-cat-theme-named tea so I have to give it…
My rating: 2.5 stars
ARC received via NetGallery courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2023
Purrfect!
Bonnie’s cat café has become the only location desired for a local wedding, and when the wedding planner Taryn turns up, Bonnie is reluctant to let it happen. Taryn has other ideas, and when she works out she can offer to help Bonnie in a way she really can’t refuse they join forces to help shelter cats find the loving forever homes they deserve.
I was a total emotional wreck reading this. It’s animals, they always get me, but homeless animals that loving and caring people want to make sure those animals find the forever home and love they deserve just emotionally tugs at my heart, my head, everything. Bonnie was such a caring person and although Taryn tried not to admit it, I knew under the surface she was kind and caring and just wanted love to be for everyone, including the gorgeous cats at the café.
There was a little tension to begin with between Taryn and Bonnie but it was playful, a little flirty, and Taryn’s scheme really worked. I was in awe of her but knew it came from a special place in her heart, not a completely selfish move to get what she wanted, which is how she wanted it to seem. I loved Taryn’s character development the most though. Those cats each had their own little personality and I knew it was going to be more than Bonnie that won her heart and had her considering what room she had in her heart for love and the future.
A great story that I truly adored. There were great moments of comedy, real heart felt and emotional ones, and others that were just so sweet and lovely. If you’re not sold by the adorable kitten picture on the front of the book, which you should be, you’ll be hooked as soon as you finish that first chapter.
Bonnie’s cat café has become the only location desired for a local wedding, and when the wedding planner Taryn turns up, Bonnie is reluctant to let it happen. Taryn has other ideas, and when she works out she can offer to help Bonnie in a way she really can’t refuse they join forces to help shelter cats find the loving forever homes they deserve.
I was a total emotional wreck reading this. It’s animals, they always get me, but homeless animals that loving and caring people want to make sure those animals find the forever home and love they deserve just emotionally tugs at my heart, my head, everything. Bonnie was such a caring person and although Taryn tried not to admit it, I knew under the surface she was kind and caring and just wanted love to be for everyone, including the gorgeous cats at the café.
There was a little tension to begin with between Taryn and Bonnie but it was playful, a little flirty, and Taryn’s scheme really worked. I was in awe of her but knew it came from a special place in her heart, not a completely selfish move to get what she wanted, which is how she wanted it to seem. I loved Taryn’s character development the most though. Those cats each had their own little personality and I knew it was going to be more than Bonnie that won her heart and had her considering what room she had in her heart for love and the future.
A great story that I truly adored. There were great moments of comedy, real heart felt and emotional ones, and others that were just so sweet and lovely. If you’re not sold by the adorable kitten picture on the front of the book, which you should be, you’ll be hooked as soon as you finish that first chapter.
December 25, 2022
Karis Walsh delivers a wholesome, sweet romance full of felines with personalities. Bonnie James runs a cat cafe. A coffee shop where she sales locally sourced and made in house sandwiches and sweet treats. There are also currently 24 cats living at the cafe waiting to find their fur-ever home. Her life is full and she has purpose but no one special to share it with.
Wedding planner Taryn Ritter makes dream weddings come true. Things that are truly unique like on mountain tops or aquariums. The local mayor met his partner at the Bonnie’s Cat Cafe and that is where they want their wedding ceremony. Of course Taryn is going to make it happen. As part of convincing Bonnie she offers to help run a larger scale cat adoption event. Bonnie gets to show her marketing skills for the event too.
This is a slow burn romance with two wonderful main characters. They flirt a little and spend time together. I love that they take time to talk and really think about the other’s mindset. I was surprised at which of the characters took more of a lead in wanting more between them.
I’m not a cat person only because I’m allergic. But the cats are cute characters themselves. And if you’re a cat person this book will probably get an extra star from you. The book is clean, featuring only a few kisses. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t chemistry between Taryn and Bonnie. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wedding planner Taryn Ritter makes dream weddings come true. Things that are truly unique like on mountain tops or aquariums. The local mayor met his partner at the Bonnie’s Cat Cafe and that is where they want their wedding ceremony. Of course Taryn is going to make it happen. As part of convincing Bonnie she offers to help run a larger scale cat adoption event. Bonnie gets to show her marketing skills for the event too.
This is a slow burn romance with two wonderful main characters. They flirt a little and spend time together. I love that they take time to talk and really think about the other’s mindset. I was surprised at which of the characters took more of a lead in wanting more between them.
I’m not a cat person only because I’m allergic. But the cats are cute characters themselves. And if you’re a cat person this book will probably get an extra star from you. The book is clean, featuring only a few kisses. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t chemistry between Taryn and Bonnie. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2023
Such a cute, sweet story. Bonnie owns a cute cat cafe'. Taryn is a wedding planner, but not for traditional weddings. She makes dreams come true. She has to plan a wedding in the cat cafe', only problem is, she has to get the owner on board. What does Taryn suggest to get Bonnie to say yes? The side characters are funny, and the cats are adorable! A pleasant way to spend a few hours. 5 stars!
January 6, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Bonnie owns a cat cafe where she rescues and rehouse them. She content with her life even though it’s doesn’t give her time to find love. Taryn is a wedding planner and she goes beyond to give her clients best wedding ever when her client wants to marry at the cafe that’s Bonnie because that’s where they met Bonnie is not having it but Taryn won’t take no for an answer. Bonnie and Taryn feel something but refuse to knowledge it. I like that the author let them work through their problems apart and together but I do wish that we got to see more of their romance. Overall a good read I love cats they can be aloof sometimes but when they warm up to you you know you have a friend for life.
Bonnie owns a cat cafe where she rescues and rehouse them. She content with her life even though it’s doesn’t give her time to find love. Taryn is a wedding planner and she goes beyond to give her clients best wedding ever when her client wants to marry at the cafe that’s Bonnie because that’s where they met Bonnie is not having it but Taryn won’t take no for an answer. Bonnie and Taryn feel something but refuse to knowledge it. I like that the author let them work through their problems apart and together but I do wish that we got to see more of their romance. Overall a good read I love cats they can be aloof sometimes but when they warm up to you you know you have a friend for life.
January 10, 2023
Just a few pages and I’ve already been surprised and delighted as sentences have surprised me and amused me, sometimes both! 15% in and I’m still chuckling, liking both the mains and the cast of support characters. A plot hint that was mildly alluded to earlier, and a bit more strongly alluded to just now has me even more interested, and I was already “making lunch can wait till I’ve finished this bit” interested.
I loved this book. It was light and frothy and full of heart. It will be my last completed book of 2022 and what a great book to end on. 5 stars because sometimes, low angst, high humour and a feeling of happiness as you read it, and without exaggeration, a bit of unhappiness when I had to do things that prevented me continuing to read makes it a great read.
I loved this book. It was light and frothy and full of heart. It will be my last completed book of 2022 and what a great book to end on. 5 stars because sometimes, low angst, high humour and a feeling of happiness as you read it, and without exaggeration, a bit of unhappiness when I had to do things that prevented me continuing to read makes it a great read.
December 23, 2022
Love and Lattes by Karis Walsh is such a sweet, heartwarming romance. It's not set during the Christmas season, but it's the perfect book to curl up with under the covers with a hot cup of coffee - bonus points if there's a purring cat in your lap!
Bonnie runs Bonnie's Cat Cafe in Sumner, and has done since an embarrassing moment in her previous career went viral and cost her a job. Taryn is a wedding planner who works on non-traditional weddings - and her newest client (the Mayor of Sumner) wants to get married where he and his partner met - at Bonnie's cafe.
Although Bonnie is initially reluctant to agree, eventually Taryn wears her down, by offering to host a "speed dating" event meant to pair up rescue cats with new owners. During the course of their time together planning both the adoption event and the wedding, Bonnie and Taryn's friendship turns into something more.
This was a lovely read, and although it didn't necessarily break the mold, for fans of closed door sapphic romance, adorable cats, and pet-related puns, this book has all of that and more. I thought Bonnie and Taryn were both interesting and well-conceived characters, and I was rooting for them from page one. The supporting characters are also wonderful - just a great cast of folks all around.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
Bonnie runs Bonnie's Cat Cafe in Sumner, and has done since an embarrassing moment in her previous career went viral and cost her a job. Taryn is a wedding planner who works on non-traditional weddings - and her newest client (the Mayor of Sumner) wants to get married where he and his partner met - at Bonnie's cafe.
Although Bonnie is initially reluctant to agree, eventually Taryn wears her down, by offering to host a "speed dating" event meant to pair up rescue cats with new owners. During the course of their time together planning both the adoption event and the wedding, Bonnie and Taryn's friendship turns into something more.
This was a lovely read, and although it didn't necessarily break the mold, for fans of closed door sapphic romance, adorable cats, and pet-related puns, this book has all of that and more. I thought Bonnie and Taryn were both interesting and well-conceived characters, and I was rooting for them from page one. The supporting characters are also wonderful - just a great cast of folks all around.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
December 23, 2022
Bonnie James is obsessed with cats – all things cats – so she opens a café where adoptable cats roam freely amongst her customers getting pets and laps to nap on. Taryn Ritter is a non-traditional wedding planner intent on making the dreams of her customers come true – even for a gay couple who want to get married in Bonnie’s café where they met. Taryn’s first foray into the café is a nightmare for her – she is not a cat person and Bonnie doesn’t want the wedding held in her café. However, Taryn is determined.
Walsh has written a very good slow-burn romance with two strong characters, lots of cats, and humor. Walsh maintains the pacing of her book without getting overly bogged down in lots of angst or minutiae.
Walsh’s fans will love this book and readers new to her will quickly become fans.
My thanks to Bold Strokes books for an eARC.
Walsh has written a very good slow-burn romance with two strong characters, lots of cats, and humor. Walsh maintains the pacing of her book without getting overly bogged down in lots of angst or minutiae.
Walsh’s fans will love this book and readers new to her will quickly become fans.
My thanks to Bold Strokes books for an eARC.
January 11, 2023
I liked the cat parts more than the human parts. There seems to be a lot of intense emotions the characters have for not a ton of interactions with each other and some of their backstories fall flat. It was a light winter read, but lacked strong substance.
April 14, 2023
I just finished reading Love and Lattes, and it is one of those sweet romances that follows all the rules and leaves the reader feeling lovey dovey and satisfied. Even the likes of me. Full disclosure, I’m not a cat person, so the idea of being in a café full of cats really grosses me out. This means I didn’t get drawn into the story because of the cute little kittens or the cleverly named ninja cats. I just really liked the MCs.
Bonnie is happy, barely getting by running her cat café and finding forever homes for her rescue cats. Money isn’t high on her agenda, as long as she can shelter and feed her fury friends. Enter Taryn, who wants to host a wedding in Bonnie’s Cat Café and an almost instant attraction between both women. Bonnie says no, but Taryn has just begun her woo-ing. It isn’t long before they are planning two events together, spending hours getting to know each other and falling head over heels in love. Bonnie and Taryn both have their baggage and pasts that are playing heavily on their day-to-day decisions, but together, they find the courage to break free of their ingrained self-doubts.
Karis Walsh has written some really snappy dialogue full of humour and sarcasm. Her characters bounce terrifically off each other, and there is such an ease as the relationship is being built that the slow incline towards their happily ever after is delicious. Cats, coffee, and love. It’s all some people need, and even for those non cat lovers like me, it still works brilliantly.
Bonnie is happy, barely getting by running her cat café and finding forever homes for her rescue cats. Money isn’t high on her agenda, as long as she can shelter and feed her fury friends. Enter Taryn, who wants to host a wedding in Bonnie’s Cat Café and an almost instant attraction between both women. Bonnie says no, but Taryn has just begun her woo-ing. It isn’t long before they are planning two events together, spending hours getting to know each other and falling head over heels in love. Bonnie and Taryn both have their baggage and pasts that are playing heavily on their day-to-day decisions, but together, they find the courage to break free of their ingrained self-doubts.
Karis Walsh has written some really snappy dialogue full of humour and sarcasm. Her characters bounce terrifically off each other, and there is such an ease as the relationship is being built that the slow incline towards their happily ever after is delicious. Cats, coffee, and love. It’s all some people need, and even for those non cat lovers like me, it still works brilliantly.
January 7, 2023
A cute, enjoyable, easy read.
For me the cats stole the show!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook. 3.5 stars
For me the cats stole the show!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook. 3.5 stars
January 7, 2023
Cute story full of cats, Personally I could not imagine the caffe but that did not effect the story. the one thing thought I did not feel like there was any depth or growth throughout the book.
January 2, 2023
Cats are Bonnie's passion project, she rescues and rehomes them using the help of her cat cafe. On the other hand, for Taryn, it's planning quirky weddings for her clients. The two find instant connection, but both have to work together to make Taryn's clients happy, along with making sure Bonnie's cats are adopted.
Romance and cats!? Count me in! I loved this concept, the MCs made a purrfect pair with their stories and motivations for their career path. I'm glad the cats weren't sidelined but just as important in the story as the MCs. Its a shame I felt as if the story was rushed though, I wished the MCs spent more time together before jumping on the I have feelings and I love you bandwagon, the same goes for the 'break up' and then the getting back together again. Some books don't need problems or a dealbreaker, and in my opinion, this book would have been fine if it was just full of romance and no heartbreak.
Would I read from this author again? Sure, it's just a letdown when with just a few tweaks, this could have been a great book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Romance and cats!? Count me in! I loved this concept, the MCs made a purrfect pair with their stories and motivations for their career path. I'm glad the cats weren't sidelined but just as important in the story as the MCs. Its a shame I felt as if the story was rushed though, I wished the MCs spent more time together before jumping on the I have feelings and I love you bandwagon, the same goes for the 'break up' and then the getting back together again. Some books don't need problems or a dealbreaker, and in my opinion, this book would have been fine if it was just full of romance and no heartbreak.
Would I read from this author again? Sure, it's just a letdown when with just a few tweaks, this could have been a great book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
A big thank you to Karis Walsh, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love and Lattes comes out January 10, 2023.
After a less than graceful exit from her previous marketing job, Bonnie choose a life full of cats and coffee. While this decision means she gets to spend her time baking and playing with adorable kittens, it also means that she might work a little to much and not have time to find her true love. Wedding planner, Taryn has built her career around creating unique, out of the box weddings for couples who want something a little different on their big day. When approached about planning a wedding that takes place at Bonnie's cat café, Taryn thinks that securing the venue will be the least of her problems. That is until Bonnie makes it clear that the last thing she wants is increased publicity. Taryn doesn't quite though so she offers to throw a cat adoption event in exchange. Over the course of planning the adoption event, planning a wedding menu and cuddling with cats the two must decide if they do have time for true love.
This book was such a sweet and delightful read. As a cat lover I loved reading about all of the cats and them getting adopted. Bonnie and Taryn went through such beautiful character development. They were both sweet character, who worked through their pasts, including the pressure put on by family. The side characters were warm, loving and added a found family feeling to the book. Honestly this wasn't a holiday book but it felt like I one, it gave me the feeling of being wrapped in a big fluffy blanket. If you are looking for a romantic, warm and funny book, Love and Lattes is the book for you.
After a less than graceful exit from her previous marketing job, Bonnie choose a life full of cats and coffee. While this decision means she gets to spend her time baking and playing with adorable kittens, it also means that she might work a little to much and not have time to find her true love. Wedding planner, Taryn has built her career around creating unique, out of the box weddings for couples who want something a little different on their big day. When approached about planning a wedding that takes place at Bonnie's cat café, Taryn thinks that securing the venue will be the least of her problems. That is until Bonnie makes it clear that the last thing she wants is increased publicity. Taryn doesn't quite though so she offers to throw a cat adoption event in exchange. Over the course of planning the adoption event, planning a wedding menu and cuddling with cats the two must decide if they do have time for true love.
This book was such a sweet and delightful read. As a cat lover I loved reading about all of the cats and them getting adopted. Bonnie and Taryn went through such beautiful character development. They were both sweet character, who worked through their pasts, including the pressure put on by family. The side characters were warm, loving and added a found family feeling to the book. Honestly this wasn't a holiday book but it felt like I one, it gave me the feeling of being wrapped in a big fluffy blanket. If you are looking for a romantic, warm and funny book, Love and Lattes is the book for you.
December 31, 2022
Perfect light read for a rainy day about Bonnie, a woman who runs a cat cafe and Taryn, a woman who plans bespoke weddings and whose client wants to get married in the cafe. I like the gentle banter between the two main characters and the way they take time to get to know each other. I also enjoyed that they saw each other fully and were able to be with the parts that they each struggled with. Mostly though this is all about the cats, who are adorable.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC of this!
Cute, cozy, cat cafe queer romance between two women who are both scared of being seen. This was a pretty light, easy read, that stayed enjoyable throughout. I loved Bonnie and told my husband he has competition with this cat cafe owner who thinks spreadsheets are sexy 😂
Cute, cozy, cat cafe queer romance between two women who are both scared of being seen. This was a pretty light, easy read, that stayed enjoyable throughout. I loved Bonnie and told my husband he has competition with this cat cafe owner who thinks spreadsheets are sexy 😂
February 23, 2023
This was such a cute feel good story. I loved the concept of a cat cafe it sounded like such a fun place to hang out. And the themed wedding business was such a great concept as well. The relationship between Taryn and Bonnie was so entertaining. There were some great laugh out loud moments especially between Taryn and the cats. I liked both main characters and the supporting characters were hilarious as well. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author
February 3, 2023
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
To start this off, I am pretty sure my partner is very happy I am done reading this one. The number of times, I rolled over and woke them up to tell them ANOTHER cute thing that happened probably had them second guessing living together. I also sent them recaps while they were at work. I kept saying they should read the book, but at this point they pretty much have.
The book was just so damn cute. It was so wholesome and fluffy. It was exactly what I needed. The word play was fantastic. There was some complexity to the characters, but not so much that they felt broken beyond repair. Instead it was real enough to be fun, but not real enough to require worry. It was a lesbian Hallmark movie.
It is a slow burn. I really do have to warn you. There wasn’t a single kiss until 74% of the book. Normally that would drive me up the wall, but there was just so much wholesome and cute that I was surprised it was that late in the book when it happened. Outside of squealing (yes, I did this at work. My new coworker has laughed at me. Just wait until she catches me crying over a book!) and telling my partner everything, I didn’t want to stop reading the book. It was so incredibly good. It is the sort of book I have been craving.
This was just a wonderfully sweet book. I do wish the cover was Ninja cat glaring from a cat tree at two women at a bistro table though. It would feel more true to the book. The cover works, but it doesn’t stand out as being about this book in particular. That is my only complaint. I had to reach for that. This was a no thought 5 star rating for me. I need more.
I got an ARC of this book.
To start this off, I am pretty sure my partner is very happy I am done reading this one. The number of times, I rolled over and woke them up to tell them ANOTHER cute thing that happened probably had them second guessing living together. I also sent them recaps while they were at work. I kept saying they should read the book, but at this point they pretty much have.
The book was just so damn cute. It was so wholesome and fluffy. It was exactly what I needed. The word play was fantastic. There was some complexity to the characters, but not so much that they felt broken beyond repair. Instead it was real enough to be fun, but not real enough to require worry. It was a lesbian Hallmark movie.
It is a slow burn. I really do have to warn you. There wasn’t a single kiss until 74% of the book. Normally that would drive me up the wall, but there was just so much wholesome and cute that I was surprised it was that late in the book when it happened. Outside of squealing (yes, I did this at work. My new coworker has laughed at me. Just wait until she catches me crying over a book!) and telling my partner everything, I didn’t want to stop reading the book. It was so incredibly good. It is the sort of book I have been craving.
This was just a wonderfully sweet book. I do wish the cover was Ninja cat glaring from a cat tree at two women at a bistro table though. It would feel more true to the book. The cover works, but it doesn’t stand out as being about this book in particular. That is my only complaint. I had to reach for that. This was a no thought 5 star rating for me. I need more.
January 13, 2023
Taryn Ritter made her living putting together weddings, not your usual but the kind where the wedding is a dream thought up by the couple. All Taryn has to do is find the perfect location along with whatever the couple wants to be part of their wedding. Taryn has made dreams come true for many couples with a variety of themes. Now she has a wedding where the couple want to get married at the ‘Pet Café’ where you went if you really loved cats. Not only was the Café run as a restaurant where you are able to eat with cats all around you, jumping into your lap where you can eat a sandwich all the while petting a cat/kitten. No problem. Taryn can and will handle this job like any other. Right.
Bonnie James was the owner of the cat restaurant/ rescue venue. They do serve human food, not the cats themselves. Bonnie loves cats and she started using her restaurant to try to find forever homes for them. She would love to add more room to her café but that would have to wait until she can afford the funds to build her adds on. Now here comes Taryn wanting to turn her restaurant into a wedding venue. Bonnie doesn’t want her place used, period.
Needless to say Taryn has other plans.
A wonderful read. Great characters with a fun, fast paced story. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Bonnie James was the owner of the cat restaurant/ rescue venue. They do serve human food, not the cats themselves. Bonnie loves cats and she started using her restaurant to try to find forever homes for them. She would love to add more room to her café but that would have to wait until she can afford the funds to build her adds on. Now here comes Taryn wanting to turn her restaurant into a wedding venue. Bonnie doesn’t want her place used, period.
Needless to say Taryn has other plans.
A wonderful read. Great characters with a fun, fast paced story. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
January 8, 2023
The world of Love and Lattes definitely felt less about the lattes and more about the cats!
Officially converted to a cat person after reading this book. I've never owned a cat, so I definitely empathised with Taryn as she learnt about the world of cats for the upcoming wedding she was planning at the local cat cafe.
Bonnie, the cafe's owner, was happy just running her little cafe and hesitant at first to have the wedding at her store, preferring to stay out of the limelight.
It was fun to read as Taryn coaxed Bonnie into going ahead with everything after offering to do a one day super adoption event for all the cats at the local shelters in the area.
I enjoyed the wedding planning, learning about all the different cat antics at the cafe and the banter between Taryn and Bonnie.
While a little too insta-love and dramatic for me at times, it was still a nice and enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
Officially converted to a cat person after reading this book. I've never owned a cat, so I definitely empathised with Taryn as she learnt about the world of cats for the upcoming wedding she was planning at the local cat cafe.
Bonnie, the cafe's owner, was happy just running her little cafe and hesitant at first to have the wedding at her store, preferring to stay out of the limelight.
It was fun to read as Taryn coaxed Bonnie into going ahead with everything after offering to do a one day super adoption event for all the cats at the local shelters in the area.
I enjoyed the wedding planning, learning about all the different cat antics at the cafe and the banter between Taryn and Bonnie.
While a little too insta-love and dramatic for me at times, it was still a nice and enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
January 5, 2023
🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
This was my first Karis Walsh book and it certainly won't be my last! The story of Bonnie, a cat cafe owner, and Taryn, a unique wedding planner, was beautifully written and left me wanting to read more about them.
Bonnie owns a cat cafe where the Mayor met his partner and Taryn is the wedding planner who they've hired to make their day special at the place they met. Bonnie, always one who has gone against the grain in regards to what her family wanted for her is so against the idea of people finding love in cafe she pulls out all her tricks to get Taryn to move on. Taryn, not one to give up, pulls out all her tricks to convince Bonnie to do this.
Both Bonnie and Taryn are refusing to see love is in the air between and around them so they don't give it a chance. The author gives each character the space to figure out their own hangups on love and each other. It was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions for them and the reader...I couldn't put it down without wanting to know what happened next!
Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for the Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley!
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDGkskPt...
This was my first Karis Walsh book and it certainly won't be my last! The story of Bonnie, a cat cafe owner, and Taryn, a unique wedding planner, was beautifully written and left me wanting to read more about them.
Bonnie owns a cat cafe where the Mayor met his partner and Taryn is the wedding planner who they've hired to make their day special at the place they met. Bonnie, always one who has gone against the grain in regards to what her family wanted for her is so against the idea of people finding love in cafe she pulls out all her tricks to get Taryn to move on. Taryn, not one to give up, pulls out all her tricks to convince Bonnie to do this.
Both Bonnie and Taryn are refusing to see love is in the air between and around them so they don't give it a chance. The author gives each character the space to figure out their own hangups on love and each other. It was certainly a rollercoaster of emotions for them and the reader...I couldn't put it down without wanting to know what happened next!
Thank you Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for the Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley!
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnDGkskPt...
December 31, 2022
A romance book with lots of cats? I just had to read this!
Taryn is a wedding planner who specializes in out of the box weddings when one of her clients wants their marriage to happen in the local cat cafe. Great idea I thought although Taryn wasn't entirely convinced at first and neither was Bonnie.
It was nice seeing them come to an agreement about the wedding and see them get to know each other. There's more to Taryn than planning weddings and keeping her heart safe as there is more to Bonnie rescueing cats and basically living and breathing felines.
This one is for all the coffee loving romantic cat lovers out there.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
Taryn is a wedding planner who specializes in out of the box weddings when one of her clients wants their marriage to happen in the local cat cafe. Great idea I thought although Taryn wasn't entirely convinced at first and neither was Bonnie.
It was nice seeing them come to an agreement about the wedding and see them get to know each other. There's more to Taryn than planning weddings and keeping her heart safe as there is more to Bonnie rescueing cats and basically living and breathing felines.
This one is for all the coffee loving romantic cat lovers out there.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
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