Member Reviews
Do you like cats or books about cats? I got you:
Cat Sitter - Kitty is a cat sitter who has built a thriving business
Hockey Analyst - Miles is a Hockey Analyst, and a dog person
Crazy Feline - but his mom is in the hospital so he hires Kitty to take care of her crazy feline
Opposites Attract - but can Miles deal with a girl who wears kitty themed clothes and speaks in cat puns?
I received this book from Forever Pub to share with you! I do love some cat themed contemporary books lately. This one was cute. My favorite thing is that the conflict in the book really had nothing to do with the couple’s relationship and more how they dealt with an outside force. To me this was different from other will they/ won’t they books I have read recently. Come for the cute cats, stay for the hijinks.
A Love Catastrophe is a cat-filled grumpy/sunshine romance story. The “Kitty Whisperer,” also known as Kitty Hart. She is hired as a cat sitter by NHL data analyst, Miles Thorn, to take care of his mother’s menacing cat while she is in the hospital. The story leans heavily into the cat theme while integrating some deeper topics, too. The two characters initially interact due to the cat, Prince Francis, but they start to get to know each other more over time. Cats do take over parts of the book whether it’s the language, the events, or any other element. It can be a bit much as it is one cat thing after another, and I can see it being overwhelming to those who aren’t as into cats. While I love cats and even have some of my own, the volume of cat elements given at any given time was too kitschy at times.
Throughout the story, the main plot is two characters getting to know each other and dealing with their own struggles. Both Kitty and Miles have suffered their own losses and Miles is currently dealing with his own mother developing dementia. The two have great chemistry and develop a good connection with each other, however, I did not quite see a romantic spark between them. I do think the writing supports an amazing bond between them, but I am not sure about a fully romantic one. The romance is sometimes at the forefront and other times feels like it is on the backburner, so this could be one of the reasons that I did not fully bond with the romance. Overall, this story was over-the-top at times with an interesting cat-filled concept but was not quite there in the details for me.
**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Forever, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**
I wanted to love this book. SO. BADLY. I'm usually a fan of Helena Hunting, but this book absolutely did not do it for me.
To put it simply, the entire book was utterly cringey to me. The amount of feline puns felt SO forced, the romance was confusing, and the grief storyline felt disingenuine.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Kitty Hart, renowned as the Kitty Whisperer, is riding the wave of internet fame with her thriving cat-sitting business. However, she begins to doubt if her life is on the right track after an embarrassing encounter with her latest client. The situation worsens when Miles Thorn, who dislikes cats and struggles with first impressions, unintentionally tackles Kitty while trying to protect the cat he calls "the gremlin." Amidst their awkwardness, an unexpected attraction blossoms. Can these polar opposites overcome their differences and find a purr-fect happily-ever-after?
If you’re looking for a book to give you all the warm fuzzies with a bit of steam, this one is for you! Told in alternating first-person perspectives, both main characters are Sunshine and there are multiple animal characters (and hockey players) who play a prominent role.
With that said, it does have its heavy moments. Both characters deal with residual grief from the loss of close family members in their childhood, which has a massive impact on their lives. Miles is also caring for his mother. She has early-onset Alzheimer’s and her care is squarely on his shoulders.
If you like forced proximity and are a fan of cats and hockey, this one is for you!
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I think the name Kitty was a little too "much" for this story to be believable, especially with the sister having a not-unique name. I like that the characters were struggling with normal, heavy topics, but this wasn't enough to keep me interested. Perhaps because I don't like cats I wasn't the appropriate audience, but I had to use my imagination a lot with this, and I wasn't into it.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
I had a blast reading this story that revolves around Miles, the ultimate math nerd and NHL data analyst, and Kitty, the eccentric Kitty Whisperer. Their unlikely romance is a rollercoaster ride of hilarious moments, undeniable chemistry, and genuine emotions. I found myself cheering for them as they faced their individual losses and discovered solace in each other's arms. With a perfect blend of humor, adorable fur babies, and a sprinkle of hockey, this book captured my heart. If you're looking for a fun and heartwarming read, I highly recommend diving into this delightful love story!
A funny but deeply heartfelt romcom that sees a man looking after his mother's house falling for the cat sitter he hires to look after a troublesome sphinx cat.
"Kitty Whisperer," Kitty Hart still lives at home and would rather spend time with felines than other people. She's also got a lot of guilt and grief over the death of her father - something her newest client, Miles Thorn can relate to.
Miles' childhood trauma over his brother's accidental death is brought up anew as he has to move back into his childhood home and deal with his mother's worsening Alzheimer's. Together these two help each other heal from their grief and guilt and find love where it wasn't expected.
Perfect for people who love, forced proximity, dual POV romances that involve meddling pets and stories that have emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
3.5 stars
A Love Catastrophe had such a unique premise: the cat whisperer meets the cat hater. The book is filled with awkward encounters and banter that is, I think, classic Helena Hunting!
I feel that saying Kitty likes cats is way underselling her love of cats. But, with a name like Kitty, I also feel that she didn't have a whole lot of options. Both Kitty and Miles have some parent issues they are working through, and that allows them to bond, even though Miles is NOT a cat person. It might seem like an opposites attract thing, but honestly, outside from his dislike of cats, they really did have a lot in common. There isn't really any angst or drama throughout the story. Its fluffy (get it, cause of the cats) and sweet. If you are looking for a easy read, with some laughs, and romance, A Love Catastrophe is a good pick. For me, it was a little boring; but, I am a dog person.
Miles Thorn is in desperate need of someone to take care of his mother’s cat while she is in the hospital after being found late at night in the streets in her pajamas, not knowing where home was. Between his new job as an analyst for the NHL, which means he’s sometimes on the road with the team, and his mother’s cat hating him, Miles knows he’s over his head. After an online search, he finds Kitty Hart, also known as the Kitty Whisperer, who has a booming cat-sitting business.
Let’s just say that there was nothing cute about their first meet. Kitty trips and the contents of her purse get thrown around his mother’s driveway. Miles is a dog person, which makes Prince Francis, his mother’s hairless Sphynx, not his biggest fan. Plus, Miles calls Prince Fracis a gremlin. Not to mention, with his mother in the hospital, there’s no one home to give Prince Francis the attention he expects. And when Prince Francis is unhappy, he makes trouble. Which leads to Miles tackling Kitty to the ground as she pulls out a water gun to correct the cat’s bad behavior. Sure, he thought it was a real gun, even though it was light blue, and that’s when the bad first impression was made even worse.
Nevertheless, Kitty takes on Prince Francis as a client, while Miles sorts out whether his mother is going to be released back to her own home or will have to be relocated to somewhere with more care. While a routine is put in place, Miles’ mother’s house becomes the place that he and Kitty meet after work, not just to talk about the cat, but to talk about life. They are an unlikely twosome… she’s sunshine and he’s like a cloudy day. But they do say opposites attract.
This book has a lot of cat puns, but it also has real-life issues like early onset dementia, family losses when both main characters were younger, both trying to figure out their lives while caring about the parent they do still have. Plus, there are young hockey players that keep trying to horn in on what Miles wants for himself, which honestly gives him the kick in the pants to go for it. In the end, Miles and Kitty’s story made me smile and that was worth staying up past my bedtime to finish this book.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book
I don't know what to even say except that it was an okayyyy book. It felt cheesy with seemingly never ending cat content and puns. While I found it semi-enjoyable initially, it started to get a bit too much considering how it just kept going throughout the entire story. I truly believe that this story would have been great if it weren't for the fact that the characters were too eccentric, awkward, and at times cringey. There were also points in the story that I was a bit uncomfortable with and I found, with all things considered, that there was no emotional connection to any of the characters. Too much detail, puns, and a forced romance.
This was definitely not my favourite book from Helena Hunting, I just really didn't enjoy it and was a bit disappointed. However, while this one was just not my jam, I would still pick up Hunting's other works especially those hockey related (Pucked and Shacking Up series).
“You’re a sunrise in human form,” I tell her. “And I’m lucky I get to see you shine every single day.”
This fluffy, cheesy, romcom was such a fun read! Perfect for cat lovers, it’s sure to provide some laughs. If you love grumpy v sunshine, opposites attract romance then this is definitely one you will want to add to your TBR.
Kitty Hart is the “Kitty Whisperer” who trains and housesits cats. Miles Thorn is a dog lover who needs someone to watch his mother’s difficult cat, Prince Francis. When these two meet it’s not off to a good start, but as they get to know each other they realize they have more in common then they think.
I’m going to start this review by saying this book wasn’t for me, but I’ve seen some great reviews so don’t let my opinion sway you.
This is the perfect book for cat lovers because it is filled with cat-tastic puns. The problem is there were so many of these puns throughout the book that they got old. A couple here and there may have been cute, but I felt they took away from the actual romance in the story. Plus they made the book feel juvenile at times so when the author threw in a serious topic like early onset dementia, loss of a parent/sibling, and grief, it just didn’t work.
I wanted to love Kitty and Miles, but most of the time their moments together were so awkward. From their first time meeting to their first sexual experience, I felt like I was reading an uncomfortable YA book yet these characters were adults. The terminology the author used to describe sex (i.e. my vagina hugging his penis) were cringeworthy and immature.
On the paws-ative (see what I did there!) side, I loved Miles’ mother’s cat, Prince Francis and his dog Wilfred. Those two together were the best part of this book!
Read this is you like:
- Opposites attract
- Cats
- Cat puns
- Anything to do with cats
- More cat jokes
Thank you Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting
Kitty Hart owns a cat caring service. Her business is growing through her social accounts and her soft heart. She more comfortable with her charges than people.
Miles Thorn calls Kitty to take care of his mother’s cat while she’s in the hospital and he has to go out of town. Miles isn’t especially social himself preferring data and hockey. The two meet and it’s a match made in Kitty heaven. Now they just have to get past all the pesky details like the gnome trashing cat and the allergic reaction Miles has as they attempt to clean up.
This is a very funny rom-com but it is also sprinkled with some serious topics like losing a loved one and moving on with life as well as a parent having Alzheimer's. I really enjoyed both characters and the humor was over the top good. I am not a cat lover more a dog lover but still really loved this story.
If you like funny Rom-coms this book will be for you. I like the cats as well the cats were also a star in the book as well with the behaviors really all the cats Kitty took care of had their own behaviors.
I see a lot of not good reviews but really wanted to say if you need a little humor and take this book as a lighthearted read then you will really enjoy this book. Life is always serious especially when you are dealing with loss and Alzheimer's consuming a loved one but still able to find happiness in the craziness of real-life issues this is a win in my book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for a free copy of The Love Catastrophe for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Umm, I don't know. I just think whenever Helena publishes traditionally, I know not to put my hopes high. I get that she's trying to make it quirky, entertaining and witty. But it just comes off cheesy and no real development or substance in the story. I can't wait for Helene's usual fun-ness.
<3.5 stars>
Hello, it's me. I'm a cat person, it's me. And holy moly did this book have my name all over it. I'm a classic cat lady- and I own it. My cats have nicknames, I make up songs about them, they eat more expensive food then me and if they would tolerate it, they'd probably have nicer clothes than me. And truthfully, if I could be a professional cat lady and it paid my rent, I'd be all over that like cat fur all over my black clothes. So, I'm pretty much the target audience for this book- and if you are a cat person, you'll find this amusing. Not a cat fan? Well- a) what is wrong with you. CATS ARE THE COOLEST but also b) this is HEAVY on cat content, so be prepared to swallow that down like a big ole furball.
The blurb and premise behind this is pretty cute- a heroine named Kitty! A professional cat sitter- so she's basically living my weird cat lady dream. And a meet cute involving...well CATS!
Miles needs some help with his mom's cat while she's in the hospital- so Kitty Hart to the rescue! These two definitely do not start off on the right paw- and certainly don't hit it off right away, even though there is certainly some sizzling energy between them. But over time, these two become friendly and a romance starts. Cue lots of cat jokes and puns and some great banter, and we have a cat-centered romance on our hands.
I loved Kitty- though I can see how others may find her too quirky. Personally I found her amusing and charming- but I can't help that she gets all the cool cat-lady club points. Miles on the other hand took a while to grow on me, though eventually we got there. I loved how Kitty is there for Miles with his mom (who has dementia, in case that is an emotional trigger for anyone). But overall I found their chemistry and romance lukewarm- perhaps even platonic at times. There are definitely some sexy and funny moments, but some heavier elements too. And while I picked this up for the copious cat content, I'll admit at times it felt a little cheesy and over the top at times. And I can take A LOT of cat content, LOL.
It's a fast and quirky read. I really wanted to adore it because, well CATS, but it's not my favorite Helena overall, even though I still love the premise and found it solid overall.
Professionally Miles life is going exactly as he wanted but the same can’t be said when it comes to his personal life. Not only is he trying to deal with his mother’s dementia, but he now finds himself responsible for her cat. Not only doesn’t he like cats but the demands of his job makes it even more difficult so he hires the best cat sitter he can find, Kitty.
Kitty’s life is focused around cats from the way she speaks to the clothes she wears and her reputation with felines precedes her. When she and Miles first meet the sparks of antagonism fly but as they spend time together they realize that despite their differences they are really kindred spirits who are both going through difficult times with their family.
The interactions between them are entertaining and the situations they find themselves in are humorous however there is still an emotional aspect of the story as they find love where they least expect it.
A LOVE CATASTROPHE - HELENA HUNTING
4⭐
PLOT - Kitty Hart has a blossoming business as a cat sitter by the name of Kitty Whisperer. She gets a new cat to sit Prince Francis when Miles Thorn asks for her help but their first meeting is a disaster and on top of that Miles is a dog person allergic to cats. But as they keep interacting their growing friendship leads to attraction. Can these two opposites have their Furry - tale ending?
MY THOUGHTS -
This is a really sweet romance between two opposite people , but when after initial disdain they actually come to realise that they are essentially good person just going through some stuff and help each other out . I appreciated the fact that both Kitty and Miles helped each when they needed with while dealing with grief, trying to move on in life and fall out of social media. Some moments in the book were actually quite funny.
All cat lovers will definitely resonate and enjoy this book
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
“Before I consider my actions, I launch myself at Kitty and take her to the ground. It’s been a hell of a week already and it’s only Tuesday. The last thing I want to explain to my mother—whose mind seems to be failing her at a rate that’s difficult to fathom—is that her precious Prince Francis is no more because the cat lady I hired to babysit him shot him. For knocking a gnome off the fireplace mantel. “What’s wrong with you? You can’t shoot the fucking gremlin!” I shout.”
The Love Catastrophe is about Kitty Hart and Miles Thorn. Miles’ mother is hospitalized and he needs help taking care of his mother’s cat. He calls Kitty, the Kitty Whisperer, who owns a cat-sitting/training business with a thriving social media presence. Miles does not make a very good first or second impression on Kitty, but as she gets to know him she realizes that he is a good person who is going through a difficult time. In working with Prince Francis, the cat, they spend time together and sparks begin to fly. There are some truly comical situations that arise with two people who are a bit awkward around people they don’t know. In addition there is some focus on the risks of having a large social media following in a cancel culture. It was a sweet, sexy story about falling in love with pets as supporting characters and plenty of hilarious physical comedy the way only animals can do it. This was not Helena Hunting’s spiciest or funniest book, but it was a fun read and I recommend it to lovers of romcoms and contemporary romance. I am voluntarily submitting this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to Helena Hunting, Netgalley, and Forever Publishing.
This was a great book about a happy cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd who are complete opposites that have a disastrous meet-cute. I love Helena Hunting and her books and would never miss anything written by her. I really enjoyed this fun, cute read that is kind of different from Hunting’s other works. I have to say that there were some cringy parts to the book but I felt that it went with the whole vibe of the book. The storyline was great and at first, I did wonder how it was going to go as the FMC is a pet sitter but honestly, the story was great. The pacing was perfect and I was never bored with the conflicts that the author gave us. This book is written from both Kitty and Miles pov.
Kitty is a social media cat business star and I loved how bright and colorful she was. She had a great development in the story and I enjoyed following her story. Then there is Miles who is a grumpy data analyst for a hockey team and needs a cat sitter. I have to say that I was not really a huge fan of his character. His development was great though along with Kitty’s. There were good amounts of side characters and fun kitties for readers to enjoy. You will love Prince Francis who is my favorite side character. The romance in this book is opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine and slow burn with light mahout scenes. This book is not spicy but there is great chemistry and heartfelt moments between the MCs.
The ending was cute and I loved how the story ended. After finishing up this book, I realized how many puns there were which for me I didn’t mind but I know for some it would be annoying. I thought this was a cute book and I really enjoyed the story. Hunting writes great romance books with unique storylines and I would read anything she writes. This book was well written and I recommend checking it out.
*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
A Love Catastrophe is an adult rom-com that follows FMC Kitty and MMC Miles. Kitty is a cat sitter and Miles is a data analyst for the NHL. When Miles needs a cat sitter for his mother's cat he hires Kitty and their romance goes from there.
As someone who doesn't even like contemporary romances I enjoyed this book. I feel that it could be a 4/5 star read for a rom-com lover. It was quick, fast-paced and overall very upbeat. My favorite character is side character Parker who I hope to see gets his own book.
Though after 75% into the book things didn't really make sense. For example, Kitty would compare herself to NHL wives when she was dating Miles, which was kind of odd because Miles is not an NHL player. As well as the "climax" of the story where Kitty was getting hateful messages solely for being posted on an NHL player's social media. Which wouldn't ever really happen in real life.