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a_ab's review
2.0
This is one of those books in which every single character is a repulsive and unscrupulous manipulator, only some are, supposedly, doing it "out of love" and supporting charities, while the villains are all mustache twirling and pathologically malicious — with "evil intentions"(TM).
The oversimplification grated on me throughout the whole book and I ended up severely disliking every single human character in this book. The cats were the best part, as usual, and the only reason I finished this slog and am giving it more than 1*.
The oversimplification grated on me throughout the whole book and I ended up severely disliking every single human character in this book. The cats were the best part, as usual, and the only reason I finished this slog and am giving it more than 1*.
alicebme's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the cat parts. Sure there’s an HEA, but there is not enough fun along the way.
jerbil's review
3.0
This is definitely a book for cat lovers as every chapter stars with mini cat intros. I adored reading about the cats, especially Chaos and Matilda, and seeing them find their forever homes.
I found some of the dialogue cringey but the characters were still likable. It took a while for the story to get interesting but there were enough conflicts to liven up the plot. The second half was significantly better than the beginning as the starting storyline didn’t flow naturally and seemed rushed.
There is some diversity to the characters with the leading lady having ADHD and both main characters’ descriptions leaning towards plus-size. I absolutely loved that Kara’s nose was brought into her characterization since most romcoms’ women have little button noses. There’s also a lot of diverse secondary and background characters as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I found some of the dialogue cringey but the characters were still likable. It took a while for the story to get interesting but there were enough conflicts to liven up the plot. The second half was significantly better than the beginning as the starting storyline didn’t flow naturally and seemed rushed.
There is some diversity to the characters with the leading lady having ADHD and both main characters’ descriptions leaning towards plus-size. I absolutely loved that Kara’s nose was brought into her characterization since most romcoms’ women have little button noses. There’s also a lot of diverse secondary and background characters as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book made me fall in love with cats.
I've always been a dog person, though growing up we also took care of cats. Pets are a fun addition to home life and families.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic and the relationship between the characters, and even the cafe, with its customers felt really realistic and cozy. I wish there was more people involved in Kara's life, I'm not a big fan of main characters having no family or friends that are just theirs, like it's not a common friend they would have with the other main character.
Also, I didn't like the conflict in the book, it definitely threw me off a bit. I don't see how Kara's reaction to media and publicity was rational, it seemed exaggerated and selfish.
It's a sweet and cozy Christmas story. And I loved the little surprise at the end, so cute!
I've always been a dog person, though growing up we also took care of cats. Pets are a fun addition to home life and families.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic and the relationship between the characters, and even the cafe, with its customers felt really realistic and cozy. I wish there was more people involved in Kara's life, I'm not a big fan of main characters having no family or friends that are just theirs, like it's not a common friend they would have with the other main character.
Also, I didn't like the conflict in the book, it definitely threw me off a bit. I don't see how Kara's reaction to media and publicity was rational, it seemed exaggerated and selfish.
It's a sweet and cozy Christmas story. And I loved the little surprise at the end, so cute!
ruth24's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as I saw the title and cover, I wanted to read this book. Cat cafes AND Christmas?! It's like it was made for me. I used to go to the cat cafes in my city before they closed down. Reading this book let me live out the fantasy of owning a cat cafe and, as someone who works in marketing, it was also super fun to read all about Ben's social media and fundraising plans. 25 Days of Catmas!! Adorable.
While A Cat Cafe Christmas was not the best romance I've read this year, I think fellow cat lovers would find it enjoyable. It has the tropes we all know and love (enemies to lovers and a mission to save a small business) and the cats were the major standout. I loved the little descriptions/sales pitches for the cats at the start of each chapter and reading about them finding their furever homes warmed my heart. It was also nice to read about two people learning to trust again. And while the book is set around American Thanksgiving and Christmas, it doesn't need to be read during the holidays!
As soon as I saw the title and cover, I wanted to read this book. Cat cafes AND Christmas?! It's like it was made for me. I used to go to the cat cafes in my city before they closed down. Reading this book let me live out the fantasy of owning a cat cafe and, as someone who works in marketing, it was also super fun to read all about Ben's social media and fundraising plans. 25 Days of Catmas!! Adorable.
While A Cat Cafe Christmas was not the best romance I've read this year, I think fellow cat lovers would find it enjoyable. It has the tropes we all know and love (enemies to lovers and a mission to save a small business) and the cats were the major standout. I loved the little descriptions/sales pitches for the cats at the start of each chapter and reading about them finding their furever homes warmed my heart. It was also nice to read about two people learning to trust again. And while the book is set around American Thanksgiving and Christmas, it doesn't need to be read during the holidays!
silvanamontanola's review
3.0
I was so so excited for this book. For the first half or so, I was enthralled. However, for a cute rom-com, this book did not need to be this long. Instead of a slow-burn romance, Kara and Ben’s relationship trudged along painfully.
I definitely loved the little cat descriptions in every chapter, but this could have done with 100 or so pages less
I definitely loved the little cat descriptions in every chapter, but this could have done with 100 or so pages less
slicciardi's review
3.0
The 2 main characters' personal stories were very intriguing! cute holiday romcom
kathryn_reads_paiges's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Full RTC
amanderz58's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5