Book Review - Cake Off at the Cat Cafe by Rachel Rowlands

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Title: Cake Off at the Cat Café 

Author: Rachel Rowlands

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 27th March 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Whisks at the ready! This summer, two local cafes will go head-to-head in a baking competition where more is at stake than just the trophy... Will true love be the icing on the cake?

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...

Are you a cat or a dog person?

Who would win in an epic battle between cats and dogs?

Depending on those answer you are either Team Clem or Team Lucas. 

One works for Catpurrcino, and the other for Muddy Paws and both are entered into a bake off style competition for local small busineses, And both have excellent reasons for wanting to win.

Told from both perspectives, I loved getting to know our main characters, and their businesses and related animals. 

I loved seeing how Clem grows slowly in confidence, given where she starts the book, and I was touched by sensitivity that Lucas's father's illness was described with. 

I loved picturing the various bakes and wish I could have been there live to taste test them.

I have loved this second book in the cat cafe series and can't wait to read the next book. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.