Lighthearted, easy reading. What more is there to like baking and cats, a purrfect combination! Recommended.

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

baking contests are always a treat. (get it??) i live myself a cooking competition and the drama that is always guaranteed to come with it. am i disappointed that there wasn't too much drama with the competition itself? maybe. (definitely) but i like the anxiety rep in this book with Clem, and although i don't have it that bad i do get how she feels, especially about being in the spotlight.

the romance is pretty cute, and i like the attempt to dramatise it more with Lucas' family and his father having health issues, though somehow it wasn't a standout for me. i wanted more to do with the cat cafe (since it is still in the title!!) but alas. it is a good follow up for the first book.

Sylvie book next??

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, clean romance that will give you those ‘feel good’ vibes, this book is the one for you!

The story is ‘Great British Bake Off’ inspired, and I loved the underlying theme of building confidence, and overcoming mental health issues.

This is marketed as being an ‘enemies to lovers’ romance, but I didn’t feel that these two were enemies at all, there was no animosity, and it felt more like they would be ‘acquaintances.’
I loved the characters, I did find they had no chemistry at all for the first 50%, but everything seemed to ‘gel’ after this point as the story progressed. I’d have liked more cat-content on top of this as well, seeing as the cat cafe is mentioned in the title (but I’m nit-picking).

I felt so cozy reading this low-stakes love story, and I loved the happily ever after ending.

This is my first Rowlands read, and I absolutely loved it from start to finish. I'll be going back to read the first book because I actually didn't realise this was the second in the series! (you literally could not tell)

One thing that struck me with this book was the mental health representation AND the carers representation of what it's like to have a disabled parent and feel like you aren't doing enough for them because of how rigged the system is. Having a well rounded POV from both Clem and Lucas and both their stories were really central to WHY they were doing the competition which I absolutely loved.

After the traumatic event at uni, Clem struggles with an overwhelming sense of anxiety which has a big impact on her mental health. Her job at Catpurrcino as the star baker seems to be the only thing keeping her afloat. We also meet Lucas, who bakes for the local dog cafe, Muddy Paws, working in partnership with his best friend. When a TV baking competition announcement goes up in their local town, both Lucas and Clem enter to try their luck at winning the cash prize which will help their businesses and personal lives flourish. When they meet at the competition, sparks begin to fly immediately. They are magnetically drawn to each other, and this wasn't insta-lovey at all. It was a slow burn that developed into this meaningful relationship between the two of them and I enjoyed that they had their own hurdles to face individually, and together. They developed as characters along the way and the story, plot twists, and the cats had me falling in love!

This was a wonderful little slice-of-life romance for me, and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a cozy romance (with cats, AND dogs!)

A big thank you to Netgalley for access to this arc, looking forward to future reads by this author!

I absolutely adored Rachel Rowlands’ debut (Snowed In at the Cat Café), so feel extremely lucky to have been able to read this second instalment early!

Clem is a wonderful baker creating delicious cat-themed treats for the Catpurrcino cat café. But outside of the café she struggles with feelings of anxiety and where she fits in. When the popular online baking show, Whisked Away, is announced as coming to the Lake District, Catpurrcino’s owner Sylvie believes this would be the perfect opportunity for Clem to shine and find her inner confidence. Also seeking to enter the competition is Lucas, co-owner of Muddy Paws café. Could the stage be set for a cake-off between cats and dogs?

From the moment I started reading, just like with Rachel’s debut, I felt such a deep sense of happiness, warmth and comfort and that feeling never stopped! I already loved the setting of Catpurrcino (what an amazing name) so it was wonderful being back in this world again, but this time with a focus on a different member of the Catpurrcino team. I still wish that I could go and visit to try some of Clem’s super cute cat-themed bakes and to meet all of the cats!

Clem was such a wonderful character and my heart went out to her on so many occasions. I really enjoyed getting to see Clem grow and develop over the course of the story and it was lovely being able to learn about fellow café owner Lucas and his family as the story developed too. I particularly love how Rachel manages to sensitively deal with different topics in her stories and I think it makes me feel even more connected to the characters and their experiences! The beautiful descriptions made both cafés come to life too and I could so easily picture all of the tasty treats that were made during the Whisked Away competition. There was a great twist that I didn’t see coming and lots of drama as well!

I honestly cannot recommend this beautiful book enough. It’s the perfect cosy read for any time of the year!

Heartwarming, light, and adorable! This book feels the way a hallmark movie does!
From the get-go the duo are wildly different, yet match each other in ways they need the most. They both bake, but Clem is a cat lover, baker, and works at Catpurrcino Cafe. Lucas co-owns Muddy Paws cafe, and the two enter into a baking competition,
Clem details with anxiety, being shy, and I loved reading her journey into coming out of her shell.
For those in the mood for a hallmarkesque, cozy romance!

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in a night! It’s such a wholesome, cosy book. Despite this, it tackles how debilitating anxiety disorders can be and portrayed it remarkably well as I saw myself reflected in the protagonist’s thoughts.

The plot was well-paced and I enjoyed it thoroughly! Some parts were easy to guess, but I didn’t really care. I realised that this was a sequel but there were lots of context clues and explanation, so it didn’t really matter. It was a nice, captivating read and I had a lovely time reading it and I will definitely buy and read the first book!

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done a fantastic job of creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. The language is clear, concise, and evocative, with descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. Dialogue is natural and authentic, and the pacing is well-balanced, with enough tension and release to keep the reader engaged.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed, and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if it were in a bookshop.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

You know what, this is exactly what I want and expect from a book called Cake Off at the Cat Cafe! Much like the food in it, it's light and sweet and fluffy and looks very cute.

After a traumatic event in uni, Clem struggles with her mental health while working as a baker in Catpurrcino. Lucas, on the other hand, is baking for the local dog cafe, Muddy Paws. When a televised baking competition comes to town, they end up meeting and competing, and sparks fly (iykyk). It's adorable (if wildly unrealistic) and exactly the relaxing read I needed today. My strongest criticism is I wanted to see more of the cats.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an eARC of this one - all opinions are of course my own.

Such a cute happy story - loved the romance element although it was a little easy to guess. Loved the cat cafe plot line 🙂 looking forward to reading other books in the series 😃

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cake off at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands

I came across this novel totally by chance on NetGalley while looking to fill a prompt for a book with a cat on the cover and this fit the bill perfectly.

The two protagonists of this romantic tale are Clem who produces amazing cat-inspired cakes at the Catpurrcino Cafe and Lucas who is a baker and part owner of Muddy Paws Cafe.

The pair couldn’t be more different if they tried. Clem is a shy cat lover whose anxiety is through the roof and self-confidence on the floor. She recently broke up with her ex-boyfriend and now is back living with her mum.

Lucas is the owner of Reina, a sprightly golden Retriever and is a fairly friendly, sociable guy. He tries to put on a happy face but underneath he is struggling. His dad is sick and trying to find out why is costing a fortune. His parents are struggling to pay their bills and although Lucas is helping out a bit it’s still not enough. He is devastated he can’t help more and it kills him to see his dad in pain.

When it is announced that a bake-off competition is coming to town where the prize money is £100,000 Lucas & Clem know this could be the answer to their prayers.

As the bake takes off the chemistry between these two is hotting up. As a friendship develops they both wonder how they became have a relationship whilst competing against each other for something they want so desperately.

This was a beautiful story about the positive effect some people have on each other. Clem was a scared, timid frightened little thing but when she was around Clem, his smile and kind heart brought out her wonderful nature and lit it her from deep within.

Lucas’s father suffered greatly and he was miserable that a diagnosis could not be found. It was heartbreaking to see Lucas feeling so helpless and remembering the man his father used to be.

Not my favourite genre usually but I thoroughly enjoyed this easy, romantic read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This book will be published on 27th March 2025

Clem loves her job at Catpurrcino Cat Cafe. Working behind the scenes creating her delicious, sweet treats is perfect for her. When she discovers that online cookery competition Whisked Away is looking for competitors in the Lake District she is tempted to apply, there is so much she and Catpurrcino could do with the prize money, but for someone who prefers to stay out of the limelight being on camera is the stuff of nightmares.
Lucas runs Muddy Paws cafe with his best friend Dwayne. When he sees the advertisement for Whisked Away he knows what the prize money could do for the business and for his parents.
When Clem and Luke meet at the first audition, there is instant chemistry.
As things heat up in more ways than one, will their friendship become more or is there too much standing in the way.
Escape into a world of cats, dogs, delicious treats and romance with this warm, cozy, book. It’s got characters you will take to your heart both human and animal, all set in the beautiful Lake District.

This book is like the perfect pastry; warm, sweet, and filled with layers of charm and slow-burning romance. The writing has that soft, cozy glow, wrapping you up in the world of whisk-clinking competition and stolen glances across the baking station. Clem and Lucas’s chemistry simmers like batter in the oven, building with every gentle nudge and shared moment until it’s something undeniable. The cat café setting is pure comfort, the baking competition adds just the right amount of stakes, and the romance? The sweetest thing of all. A warm hug of a book, best enjoyed with tea, cake, and a cat curled up by your side.

“Sometimes, dreams take a path you don’t expect.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Clem is the baker in charge of creating delicious cat-themed treats for the loyal customers of the Catpurrcino cat café. From iced kitten doughnuts to macarons with ears and whiskers, Clem's creations always bring a smile to the face of anyone lucky enough to taste them. But outside of the café's kitchen, Clem struggles with feelings of anxiety and where she fits in. Until Sylvie, the owner of the café, decides to push her out of her comfort zone. The Whisked Away baking competition is a chance for Clem to shine and find her inner confidence. Also competing this year is Lucas, the owner of Muddy Paws café, accompanied by his faithful Golden Retriever Reina. The stage is set for an epic cake-off between cats and dogs. But as Clem stumbles in the first challenge, Lucas always seems to be there with an encouraging word and a smile. The chemistry between them is soon undeniable. Is this just the heat in the kitchen? Or something real? And can their feelings survive a showdown in the final round...

Clem adores baking, and she adores cats. So being the resident baker for a cat cafe is a perfect job for her. She has an undercurrent of anxiety that forces her to overthink and worry - but it only made me like her more. Plus she has a very good reason for feeling that way. She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful, considerate of how others are feeling and wanting to look after them. I honestly adore Clem. If I had the opportunity to be her friend, I would jump at the chance. Who wouldn’t want a talented baker to feed you treats AND they’re obsessed with cats? She’s my match made in heaven.
Lucas is quite the sweetheart. He cares for his family and is incredibly passionate about his business - and his rather energetic pup! I liked that we got to see his way of thinking in this dual POV story. Though at times he did frustrate me, I could see his compassion for the plight of others and his desire to ensure people’s happiness. I definitely enjoyed his interactions with Clem as well - especially his ability to take in the situation and calm Clem down when needed so she feels more comfortable. I wouldn’t mind having someone like that by my side when things feel too much.

Despite not having read the first book, the moment I saw this available to request I JUMPED on it. I’m a massive cat lover (I have 5!) and the thought of a book set in a cat cafe mixed with baking in the style of the Great British Bake Off? Hell yes, sign me up! The plot from start to finish was just utter perfection for me. I cannot fault the flow or the contents. I wanted more, more, more and I got it! I was absolutely hooked and could scarcely put the book down! Something I really appreciated was the fact that Rowlands did not shy away from the inclusion of anxiety - namely Clem’s. The fact she showed how vulnerable Clem feels in those down moments but also the coping mechanisms she has gained? Absolutely brilliant. As someone who suffers from anxiety myself, and the fact it can have sudden onset in overwhelming circumstances, I absolutely loved this unapologetic inclusion. More authors need to follow this example! The characters were great and helped enhance the overall story. There were one or two I wish we got a bit more background on but generally, they all made a great impression and helped move the story along. Romance wise, there was a lot going on. There was a hit of insta-love (which I’m not the biggest fan of) but the fact this blossomed into a lovely friendship between our two main characters, I was all for it. It certainly wasn’t smooth sailing which I love - I’m a big fan of some drama! But the romance was sweet and very heart warming. The ending was a wonderful ending to this absolutely delightful story! I am in desperate need for more books in this series - giving me more fluff and more cats!

Overall, Cake Off at the Cat Cafe is a stunning book that I absolutely adored.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on 24th March and is available immediately on Goodreads.

A lovely cosy read! I would love to go to the cat cafe and spend time with Clem and her cakes. Clem is so relatable and I really enjoyed her journey throughout this book. It was very thought provoking and inspiring. Lucas is a dream too!

This was the perfect cozy read!

I had a fun time reading about Clem, who is a baker at a Cat Cafe. She hates to be perceived and gets really anxious in most situations. She’s entered into a baking competition, where she meets another competitor, a dog cafe owner Lucas who is also going through a lot in his own life.

These two were adorable together. I liked that even though the attraction was there from the beginning, it didn’t feel like insta love, it was slower to develop and meaningful. Both of their issues had them going back and forth and seeing their development through the story was everything!

The characters were great, the writing was descriptive surrounding the cats and baking which was nice and overall this was a good read!

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for providing this ARC via NetGalley.

Another great read in this series. I loved the cooking contest and all the details of what they cooked. I love cats so reading this was a real pleasure. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was a nice cozy read , possibly a tad too cozy for my reading preferences, but that of course is a personal thing . On the plus side it was a good storyline, and it was very well written with interesting characters .

A beautiful story. I didn’t realise it was the second in the series till I was reading it. Reads perfect as a stand alone though . You follow a baking competition , a slow burn love story and someone gaining their life back. Magical and moving. The cat cafe is lovely. Good ending. Can’t wait for the next one

This is the second book of the series and is equally delightful. Wholly predictable but that takes nothing away from my enjoyment of this novel.

This book centres around Clem - the baker - and gives her an opportunity to shine in the Whisked Away contest for local bakers and their businesses. It brings her into contact with Lucas from a local doggy cafe.

Clem lacks confidence after a betrayal at university and has to face her fears of rejection and ridicule to take part. As the rounds progress she also has to deal with her attraction to Lucas and examine his motives. Can she trust him?

A delightful tale of facing your fears and finding hope for the future.

A heartwarming treat.