Clem is the baker at the Catpurrcino cat cafe - she suffers with crippling anxiety about whether she is good enough. Lucas is the co-owner of the Muddy Paws Cafe, a dog friendly cafe - he is going through some serious family problems. Both of them are entered into the Whisked Away baking competition, and both want to win the large prize money to help with the issues they are facing. Can they put their attraction aside, and each concentrate on the tasks ahead?

This was an enjoyable story, with compelling characters. I really felt for Clem and her nasty bouts of anxiety. I loved Lucas, he was very caring and considerate, putting everyone else first. A sweet story, easy to read, and nicely written.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Cat Café series, I was excited to dive into this second instalment.

Rachel Rowlands does not disappoint, delivering another delightful tale filled with charm, humour, and heart.

It was great to catch up with Emma, Jared, and Sylvie, who we were introduced to in the first book.

This time, the focus shifts to Clem, the baker at the café, and Lucas, who co-owns Muddy Paws, a dog-themed café also set in the picturesque Lake District.

Watching Clem come into her own as she navigates her anxiety, shyness, and past experiences of bullying was particularly moving.

Her journey feels relatable and inspiring, as she works to find her confidence and embrace her talents.

The baking competition theme adds a layer of fun and excitement, and fans of The Great British Bake Off will be hooked.

As the competition hots up, so does the chemistry between Clem and Lucas - will the sparks between them fizzle or pop?

Their budding romance adds an extra layer of warmth and tension to an already engaging story.

The lovable characters, both human and feline, make the story even more enjoyable, and the Cat Café itself continues to be a warm and inviting setting.

Rowlands’ storytelling is engaging and light-hearted, with moments of poignancy that deepen the narrative.

It’s the perfect read for curling up with a cup of tea and some cake, especially if you're a fan of cosy stories and cats.

This book is a heartwarming treat, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Cat Café!

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Introvert Clem enters a national baking competition representing the Cat café where she works, Lucas enters for his Dog café . Cats v. dogs, but who will win? The tv cameras and audience make much of a romance between them but can competitors fall in love? Perfect winter/ holiday reading.

Weirdly, I started reading this book without knowing what it was about. Good thing I didn't as I don't like stories that are about reality TV and competitive shows. However, I am so glad to have read this book (it was the cat theme that lured me into this) as it had all sorts of characters and I do love it when fiction is about all flavors of the human kind. In this case someone with social anxiety, chronic pain, financial troubles, men that dare to be more than their testosterone.

And now I am hoping for a next in this series, perhaps we can see what Dwayne is up to, I would love to know =^.^=

Clem suffers badly from anxiety . She works as a baker at Catpurrchino café making cat shaped bakes. Her boss Sylvie enrols her in a competition by Whisked Away a tv show. One of her opposition is Lucas who Bakes dog shaped treats for Muddy Paws cafe. It starts to get awkward when they get attracted to each other