A Love Catastrophe by Helena Hunting Narrator: Erin Mallon, Joe Arden
Published by Forever on June 12, 2023
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 8 hours, 33 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
Kitty Hart has become internet famous as the Kitty Whisperer for her expertise on all things feline, and as a result, her cat-sitting business is booming. But lately, she has a terrible feeling that maybe her life isnât quite going where itâs supposed toâespecially after falling face-first into her newest client. Not exactly the best first impression.
Fortunately, Miles Thorn is just as bad at first impressions. Strike one: he doesnât like cats, especially Prince Francis, the haughty and mischievous Sphynx his mom left in his care. Strike two: tackling Kitty to the floor in a misguided attempt to save the pet he continually calls âthe gremlin.â
I was looking up the release date for Helena Huntingâs latest hockey romance when I came across The Love Catastrophe. I was intrigued by the retro print cover; which did not feature a hockey player, but an illustrated womanâs face with cat-eye glasses, and decided it would be a perfect break from the epic fantasy series that was taking me forever to complete. A Love Catastrophe is a charming and emotional romantic comedy that successfully balances lighthearted, pet-centric humor with surprisingly deep themes of grief, family dynamics, and personal growth. This book is for anyone who enjoys the opposites-attract trope, quirky characters, and a significant dose of animal antics.
Kitty Hart, cat lover and the internet-famous ‘Kitty Whisperer’ (no, she didnât think about the name when she chose it) is hired by Miles Thorn, an NHL team data analyst and admitted cat hater, to care for his ailing motherâs enigmatic and ill-behaved Sphinx, Prince Francis. Their initial encounter is an awkward “meet disaster,â but fate and Prince Francisâs antics continually bring them together. As their relationship evolves from initial animosity to a deep connection, they help each other navigate personal insecurities and significant past traumas.
Helena Hunting books always make me laugh; usually with cringe-worthy situations and a lot of foul language and snark. I would have to say that the humor in A Love Catastrophe was sweeter and more lighthearted than I normally see from her. The cat-lover vs. dog-lover dynamic between Kitty and Miles provides a constant source of playful tension and humor. Be prepared for an abundance of cat puns and hilarious scenes featuring animals, particularly the scene-stealing Prince Francis. But do not worry that cats get all the glory in this book; Wilfred, Miles’s Great Dane, has some standout moments as well.
Beyond the rom-com exterior, the book delves into heavy issues like grief from the loss of a parent/sibling, Miles’s mother’s dementia diagnosis, and cyberbullying. Helena Hunting does a wonderful job addressing these topics with authenticity and sensitivity. Kitty and Miles are relatable characters that are well-developed and believable. It was a relief there was no typical third-act breakup. Instead, there was a steady, feel-good progression of their relationship built on mutual support and understanding. I enjoyed reading about Kittyâs personal journey towards independence; it called to mind how I felt when I had to start âadultingâ for real.
While it isnât a hockey romance, Miles does work for an NHL team, so Iâd have to call it âhockey adjacent.â (I hope to see a future series with some of the players from the team mentioned in the story.) But whether or not you are looking for a sports romance, Helena Hunting has managed to create a sweet and steamy love story that doesnât shy away from realistic life challenges. A Love Catastrophe is a purr-fectly charming (I just had toâŠ) read for fans of contemporary romance who want a story that delivers both laughs and genuine emotion.
Narration:
A Love Catastrophe is a dual perspective with two narrators alternating points-of-view (not performed in the duet style). Erin Mallon did an excellent job as a narrator. Her performance fit the quirky style of Kitty, and she managed to impart deep emotion without being overly dramatic. I actually enjoyed the way she performed Miles’s part in dialogue. I normally have mixed feelings about Joe Arden‘s narration, but I think his voice and style worked for Miles and the supporting male characters. I think this book could be enjoyed equally in audio or print. I listened at 1.2x, which seemed to suit the pace of the story.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Erin Mallon
Erin Mallon is an actor, writer and voice artist in NYC. Her naturally warm personality and youthful sound have proven excellent tools for the many young adult and romance titles she narrates. She has originated roles in the theater with Ensemble Studio Theaterâs Youngblood Company, The Drilling Company, Mabou Mines, Incubator Arts Project and many more. Erin is a devoted volunteer at The 52nd Street Project, the voice of many TV and radio commercials, and was one of BACKSTAGEâs âCareer Dispatchâ columnists for 2012.
About Helena Hunting
Helena Hunting is the author of The USA Today and NYT bestselling PUCKED Series. She lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes everything from romantic sports comedy to new adult angst.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
|
| Dialogue |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I've developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while 'reading.
My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb's books set in the Farseer world. Â Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.
Friend me at Goodreads.
- đ§ Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver @brynneweaver.bsky.social @ms-brentmoor.bsky.social #RobertHatchet #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - September 4, 2026
- đ§ Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman @mattdinniman.bsky.social #JeffHays @4saintjude #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited - August 7, 2026
- đ§ A Ghastly Catastrophe by Deanna Raybourn @deannaraybourn.bsky.social #AngeleMasters @recordedbooks.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude - July 3, 2026
Nice find, KC! đ
I enjoyed this one, it’s been a while since I read it.
I do love all of Hunting’s books, and this was a good one. Glad you enjoyed it! Great review!