When the Cat's Away

Sunnydale Vets #6

by Austin Bates

“He broke my heart...and I still haven’t gotten over it.”

The youngest in a large family, omega Andre always thought he’d be settled down and having children by now. It was going to be perfect - him and Jude and their brood, their own happy ever after. But Jude left… and Andre has never quite been able to move on from him. When Andre’s brother Sunny needs a manny to care for his son Haydon, Andre believes that being the best uncle in the world is the closest he’s going to come to his own child for a long time.

"I didn’t mean to hurt him. I was just scared - but now I’m ready for so much more."

Andre wasn’t the only one that Jude ran out on - the expectations that he would take over his parents’ bakery also weighed heavy on his shoulders, and faced with so much responsibility, Jude started to unravel. But he’s back now to reconnect with his parents… and with Andre. Because sometimes you have to lose what you really want in order to understand that it’s been there all along.

Welcome to Sunnydale Vets, where love is the best medicine, and all it takes to fix your problems is the willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work. This heartwarming book features mpreg, delicious baked goods, one insightful little boy, and a second chance for the triumph of true love. This book and every other book in the Sunnydale Vets Series can be ready in any order.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Omegaverse

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2019

Reviews

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude and Andre finally learn the most important aspect of relationships after years of struggles and separation. I love their story.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

veryg ood story.. this series is very interesting.. i really enjoyed reading about the baby of the family in this one. so much fun.. so interesting and sexy and i enjoyed it a lot.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the cats away by Austin Bates.
A good read with some great characters. I liked Andre Hayden. But wasnt sure about Jude. I liked the ending. 4*.

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ | · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the sixth book in the Sunnydale Vets series. This is a second chance romance between Andre and Jude. They were high school sweethearts and Andre thought they were going to get married and Jude was going to take over his parent's bakery. Jude was feeling forced to do things he wasn't ready to do, so he broke up with Andre and left town. Now two years later, Jude returns home and wants to apologize to both his parents and Andre. Jude starts to work at the bakery and wonders about how he can talk to Andre. Andre was living alone in a small apartment and when his brother Sunny and his husband Dale need a manny for their son, Andre agrees and moves into their home to care for Haydon. When Jude sees Andre with Haydon at the park with another man, he thinks Andre has moved on. Andre sees Jude and gets angry at him, but knows he has to talk to him to learn why he left the way he did so he can move on. Jude and Andre try to talk to each other and find peace. Andre must decide if he can move on or if he can forgive Jude and get back together with him. I love this series. I really felt for Andre and Jude. They were so young and Jude was under so much pressure. I think they needed time apart to mature. I think Andre never understood how Jude felt and Jude couldn't explain himself. I think they both really loved each other and wanted to be together, but Andre couldn't trust Jude's feelings. Another good one.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude was that unforgivable dude who made a public scene over nothing and walked out of his life forever. Andre was shattered.

Even before his return and talking things through with his dads, they got phone calls, still doing ok updates. But Andre got nothing.

And in a small town, he did get the stares, the gossip, the pity - but his still went to Hennessy Bakery because Jude was not there; his dads were, and it still felt like a welcoming place to Andre. Maybe even more so since Jude left.

When alpha Jude decides he wants to return to his hometown, he carries some serious guilt. Good. He should. But he has to work to let go of that after Andre assures him he has really been forgiven.

There is no fresh start without self love and forgiveness.

Really well written from an emotional well being standpoint.

Don’t get me wrong- the romance and breakup were steamy hot.

But the maturity was also awesome.

I read this book on Kindle Unlimited. I also received an advance copy from Booksprout.

I have bought several books from Kindle, or borrowed others from KU, from this and other series by this author.

Hope you enjoy them too.

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andre is the youngest in a large family. He had his life all planned out. Andre thought he’d be married with kids by now. But after Jude left he took that dream with him. His brother Sonny needs a manny to help with his son so Andre figures since he’ll never have a family of his own he’ll focus on being the best uncle.

Jude regrets leaving the way he did. He not only disappointed his parents by not wanting to fall in their footsteps and run the family bakery, but he broke the love of his life’s heart. At the time he couldn’t handle the pressure of everyone’s expectations. Now he’s back and a changed man. He’s determined to show everyone that he’s not the same person who left. Jude just hopes that it isn’t too late to make things right with Andre.

This book was so touching. I love stories that have past lovers reunite. I felt both their heartaches and it made me root for them.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Cat’s Away is a sweet story about second chances. Reaching his breaking point and not being mature enough to handle it, a young Jude leaves town after hurting those closest to him, including his boyfriend or six years. Andre was devastated when Jude broke up with him in as painful a way as possible. Jude comes home after two years to find his place again and to try to atone for the hurt he caused.

I continue to thoroughly enjoy this series, with characters that are fun to meet and root for, a little (but just a little) angst, and guaranteed HEAs. I highly recommend this book and will definitely re-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a continuation of the Sunnydale Vets series but can be read as a stand alone. It is a progressing story with some of the same characters floating around but leaving the main story up to 2 unique characters.

This story pertains to Jude who basically felt like he was drowning and ran away to find himself and came back 2 years later. He realizes the grass is not always greener without Andre and decides he wants his old life back. Andre was majorly hurt and felt betrayed when Jude left him high and dry. Forgiveness will not be easy and if Jude wants back into Andres good graces, he better get on his knees and pray for forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and emotional story with laughs, tears, hurt, and anger. It is about self discovery, forgiveness, and growth.
Andre and Jude were high school sweethearts until six years later, Jude suddenly left. Family expectations and the seriousness of his relationship scared Jude so much he bailed. Returning is difficult but while away he had learned what is important and what to value. Seeing Jude again brings out all the pain and anger Andre had been holding onto. A second chance is slow to come but the love and passion they feel has never left and soon it grows and their reconnection leads to a perfectly sweet HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet second chance romance. If you are looking for something smutty then this one wont be for you. This one has more story than it does steamy reads. There were some sad moments where your heart breaks for both charcaters but I love a good story that can break my heart and put it back together again and this one did just that. You start being angry at one of the characters and not liking him at first but then after realizing how sorry he was and that he seemed to have been going through a bit of depression, you start to feel bad for him and start to root for him in hopes he succeeds in getting the love of his life back. This was a super quick read and I enjoy the story over all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When everything is not as it seems. Andre and Jude were in a relationship, and then they weren't! Andre, the baby of his family thought he was on track to be married with children. Then his boyfriend, Jude suddenly left with no work, no hint there were problems. Then after a few years, Jude returns. Does he expect to just pick up where he left off? Will he go to Andre and apologize? Will Andre give Jude a chance to explain? The character are strong. You initially feel you need to take sides, then you don't. Good story. Excellent characters. You hope they can get it right. Excellent series! Great cover art! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude left town two years ago without saying goodbye but now he is back.
Andre has been in a bad place since since his boyfriend Jude up at him then left town without saying goodbye two years before. He is spending the summer acting as manny to his nephew and often visit the bakery owned by Jude's parents. Jude has spent two years in a big city with no friend and unable to settle down now he has decided to return home. Andre takes his nephew Haydon to the park and a while he is shocked to see Jude standing outside the park. A MM MPreg romance to relax and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude was tired of everyone telling him what he wanted and what he should do. Jude left town, left his family and his friends to find out what he really wanted. Jude decides what he really wanted was what he left behind. Jude returns home and his dads are excited to have him back.Jude returns to work at the family bakery. Andre was very upset when Jude broke up with him and left. Two years later Andre is still unable to move forward. When Andre sees Jude again Andre yells at Jude. Can Jude find his way back to the good side of Andre? Will Andre be able to forgive Jude?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Sasada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is the story of Andre and Jude. Really a sad story throughout most of the book dealing with Jude leaving the love of his life to figure out how his life is suppose be and the high expections of those he loves. Two years and he is back. Can Andre really forgive him for the pain he has caused, and the pain he still causes. Andre can not seem to get on with his life and now Jude is back. How can he forgive what Jude did to him. They both have things to get over and the driving force is the love they have for each other and the history they share to bring the back together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison Edmunds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book that I was able to read in one sitting. I think it works as a standalone, but I do like knowing something about Sunny (and Dale). I thought the author wrote the conflicted feelings of both main characters very well. I expected to feel sympathy for Andre, but was surprised to feel it for Jude too. This surprised me as I don't usually like hearing about one character hurting the other (emotionally) so much. Kudos to this author's writing skills. I also liked that, although this is short, there was enough time given to work through all the negative feelings to a satisfactory conclusion.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude felt trapped in his life and abandoned everything and everyone , including Andre. Now Jude is back after realizing what a mistake he made and wants his life back, especially Andre. I admire Jude's willingness to do whatever it takes to prove to Andre that he's here to stay. I also admire how loving and forgiving Andre is, he is incredibly understanding.. Jude and Andre are a beautiful couple and I loved taking this journey with them through the ups and downs and especially to their HEA! The narrator did a great portrayal of the characters and interpretation of the story. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.

[Solveig · Rating 3 out of 5]

First part of the book is just sad, both Andre and Jude is heartbroken because Jude left. Jude felt strangled with all the expectations his parents and Andre has. Instead of talking to his boyfriend and parents he just left. Andre was crushed when Jude just left with out saying anything. Andre has been hartbroken for 2 years and doesn’t know how to move on with his life when Jude comes back into his life. Theres is a lot of hurt and trust issues that thise two had to work trough. It is a lovely but a story with a lot of emotions in.

[Rebecca Zabik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude was tired of everybody deciding his life. Andre was looking forward to a life and family with Jude. Jude ran away from everyone including Andre. Two years later he came back. He made up with his fathers, but had a lot of work to get back Andre. Andre had his heart broken when Jude left so trusting him was hard. Afte4 a few dates and a lot of talking they both figured out what they needed and wanted. That was for them to become a family and live the life they wanted.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so damn good. In this one we meet Andre and Jude two high school sweethearts that get a second chance. You could see the love between these two men and my heart broke for Andre when Jude just walks away from him, but I think that is what they needed. Andre is a man who knows what he wants, he wants Jude and lots of kids. Jude doesn’t know what he wants, but he does know what he doesn’t want, to run his dads bakery. These two have a few little hiccups along the way but they get to their HEA.

[Mary Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

After the first chapter or two I was quite sure I'd have to DNF this book because I absolutely hated the way Jude treated Andre, the was he ended things was simply terrible.
I decided to give it a go through because Haydon was adorable and and other books in this series were good. It got better, I really liked Andre, his dreams, plans. He is great! It took me some time to understand Jude's behavior and I forgave him. Both MCs are perfect for each other, it took them time to work out their problems and grew up, but this is a very enjoyable read about second chances (and fate).

[Emilie]

I'm not actually "reading" this one. Mr. Bates gave me an audiobook version of the book for me to do a review, so I'm listening to it. I read the Sunnydale Vets bundle, and already had ideas about what the characters' voices would sound like. The audiobook voices are nothing like my preconceived ideas. I guess that happens when a reader/listener has already read the written text.

I need a very quiet atmosphere with no distractions to listen to an audiobook. I'll find times and places in the next few days to finish this book.

[Clyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude shattered Andre's heart the day he just walked away. After two years of questioning himself, Andre is again face- to- face with Jude. The explanations, the bitterness, the guilt are the driving for of this story. This one is a bit more angst-filled than the rest of the series but through good characterizations, the story was engaging and interesting. I received this book as an ARC through Booksprout.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Cat's Away is about an alpha and omega who were once in love. But Jude the omega was feeling the pressure of family to take over the family business and start a family. He had a break down and left broken heart along the way. Will his love ones give him a second chance or has he burned all his bridges? Purchase When The Cat's Away by Austin Bates.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JOAN Stout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book at 1.45
Author: Austin Bates
Plot. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars
Story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars & why.
Kind of believable except for the fact that there are that many gay vets working at the same small small town office. And it's a omega story line. Males giving birth.
Heat. 🔥🔥flames
Narrator.: Guilliaume Dubois
Betrayal of the story. 🥈 Silver.
why: Needs work on more voices. Some were real good and others sounded like he was drowning.
Over all 4 stars.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I don't know why this book is in this series. Every other book but this one has one main character who's a veterinarian. In this one, we have a veterinarian's brother and a baker. Why not have it just be part of a town of Devon spin-off instead? Whatever. It was a decent story except that like half of the second chance stories I've read, they got back together too quickly. There weren't nearly enough necessary conversations.

[Penny Ellgass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance, Jude and Andre were high school sweethearts then one day when they were 22 after 6 years together Andre left.
2 years later he comes home this is what follows.
A sweet easy to read story, about growing up and becoming who your supposed to be. About learning to communicare.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmen Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this second chance at love. But he was left a broken heart. Jude left and found that leaving everyone behind didn't do him any good. But will the Fates give them both what they most desire? Or will the Fates be cruel? Excellent read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sylvia Perez · Rating 1 out of 5]

How can somebody really do this

Wow what a really excuse for hurt somebody said it was that the pressure of.... most of the authors that write this kind of book said that they treat the relationship equally but when you read this kind of story is when you really can understand what they mean by equally, really bad story

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude tests the waters and finds out that the grass isn't greener on the other side. I liked that the guys were both finally ready for a second chance and worked on their relationship. Here's to better memories at the farmers market! Lol. The epilogue was so sweet. The narrator's voice (in the audible version) was perky and enthusiastic and fun.