Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #catlady #netgalley

Mia is married with a step son and overbearing ex wife that does nothing more than spend time with her husband. Mia appears to have it all the job, family and cat until you look deeper into her life and each thread begins to unravel. Do we really know Mia at all?

Having previously read “So Lucky” the literary marvel from this author I jumped at the opportunity to read this one as well.

This book covers some very emotional but modern topics which is essential to be spoken about. This book really turns traditions, old beliefs and values on their head to fit into modern society. Such as anticipatory grief, suicide, cancer, childhood abuse, sex, emotional abuse and STI’s as well as trying to keep up with the Jones amongst other things. All of these topics are written with power and gusto in a book that emotively captures the essence, heart and love that a modern female breaking free from the mold feels when they flourish. This authors boos should be circulated amongst the young adults and older teens to improve self esteem, challenge stereotypes and support mental wellbeing.

This author writes her characters in a way that throughout the book you feel that they are parallel to each other because they are so different but they always at the end entangle themselves together in a way that shows everyone is welcome.

However I do feel that Mia’s relationship with Lee was very rushed one minute they were friends, next together and then it was the epilogue. It would have been nice to explore this connection, their differences and how their relationship began to blossom.

I started this book awhile ago but I couldn’t really get into it. It’s about a women who loves her cat and has a difficult life with work and personal circumstances but finds friendship in other animal lovers. I found the writing and story to be slow, although it was funny in places too but I don’t like how “cat people” are portrayed as a little bit eccentric.

I've struggled to put my thoughts together for this book. Mia was a very odd character and I felt uncomfortable with her POV. On the outside she was very well put together and had very hard lines put in place for those around her. Such as her dislike of people making coffee at work. In her eyes you should eat and drink before getting to work. Also her personal quirks like having a separate room from her husband.

When things started to go wrong I thought maybe I'd warm up to her character. Perhaps she'd loosen up a little. But she started acting bizarrely and in quite a self sabotaging way. There weren't any 'you go girl' moments for me. Just more discomfort and concern.

I have 2 cats so that part of the story really connected with me. Although I'd like to think my relationship with them isn't quite as odd!

I also found when Mia's life started crumbling everything happened all at once a little too quickly! The first half of the book went into so much day to day detail. Then suddenly everything fell apart all at once. Not even little things. Big life changing events just cascaded out! I wish it was staggered a little more throughout.

That being said this book did make me sob. I don't usually get emotional with books but this was like a stab in the heart! I definitely enjoyed some of the healthier steps Mia took.

Overall unsure if I enjoyed reading it or I'm just relieved the emotional turmoil is over

**"Cat Lady" by Dawn O'Porter** is a vibrant, heartfelt, and often humorous novel that explores the complexities of love, loneliness, and the unconventional ways in which people find companionship. O'Porter, known for her sharp wit and keen observations of human relationships, offers a fresh and engaging story that will resonate with readers who appreciate both light-hearted moments and deeper emotional insights.

### Plot Overview:
*Cat Lady* centers around the life of **Joan**, a woman in her early thirties who lives alone with her beloved cats. After a series of failed relationships, Joan has come to terms with the idea that maybe being single and living with her feline companions is her ideal situation. She revels in the company of her cats, finding solace in their unconditional affection and low-maintenance existence. Joan has crafted a cozy, predictable life for herself, where her relationships with her pets provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

However, Joan’s world begins to shift when she unexpectedly meets **Ben**, a man who challenges her carefully constructed solitude. Joan's resistance to opening up to a new human connection is palpable, and the tension between her desire for independence and her growing attraction to Ben creates the central conflict of the novel. As Joan navigates her feelings of isolation, independence, and vulnerability, she also begins to explore what it means to embrace intimacy—both with people and with herself.

### Character Development:
O'Porter excels at creating a protagonist who feels real, relatable, and complex. Joan is witty, a bit cynical, and wonderfully self-aware, but she also carries a vulnerability that makes her journey all the more compelling. Her love for her cats, which at first seems eccentric, becomes a window into her deeper emotional needs—her desire for control, comfort, and safety after years of emotional setbacks. As Joan’s life begins to intersect with Ben’s, she is forced to reckon with the possibility of opening her heart again, and readers will find themselves rooting for her to take that leap.

Ben is an interesting counterpart to Joan, representing both a potential threat to her independence and an opportunity for emotional growth. Their dynamic is endearing and occasionally frustrating, as Joan’s reluctance to let anyone in contrasts sharply with Ben’s more open and earnest nature. The supporting characters, particularly Joan's friends and family, also add depth and nuance to the story, each offering their own perspectives on love, relationships, and self-acceptance.

### Writing Style:
Dawn O'Porter’s writing is sharp, engaging, and full of humor. She has a knack for capturing the quirky, often absurd aspects of modern life and relationships. The dialogue is snappy and witty, with many moments of dry humor that provide lightness to the book. At the same time, O'Porter balances this with poignant, introspective moments that give the story emotional weight. The pacing is steady, moving through Joan’s journey of self-discovery at a pace that feels both realistic and engaging. O'Porter also uses Joan’s relationship with her cats as a source of both humor and reflection, which serves to deepen the emotional resonance of the book.

### Themes and Symbolism:
One of the main themes of *Cat Lady* is **the tension between independence and intimacy**. Joan's cats represent her desire for a life that is free from the messiness of human connection, yet her interactions with Ben—and the potential for new relationships—force her to confront the possibility that true fulfillment might come from allowing herself to be vulnerable.

The book also touches on **self-acceptance** and **the fear of emotional intimacy**, exploring how personal growth often requires breaking out of one’s comfort zone and allowing others to see us as we are. Joan’s reluctance to change and let someone else in is a central challenge, and her journey toward embracing love—both romantic and platonic—is poignant and relatable.

Additionally, *Cat Lady* explores **loneliness** in a digital age, particularly the ways in which people fill emotional gaps with pets or virtual connections when real-life relationships seem too complicated or painful. The novel sheds light on the emotional depth that pets can provide, and how they can be both a comfort and a barrier to embracing a more traditional human connection.

### Emotional Impact:
*Cat Lady* strikes a balance between humor and emotional depth. It’s a novel that will make you laugh, but it also offers moments that will make you pause and reflect on your own relationships and desires. The emotional arcs—Joan's struggle with opening up to love, her growing understanding of herself, and her relationship with Ben—are handled with sensitivity and nuance. While the book explores the emotional terrain of romance and relationships, it also has a universal message about the importance of embracing vulnerability and the unexpected ways that love can manifest in our lives.

### Final Thoughts:
*Cat Lady* is a charming, witty, and ultimately heartwarming exploration of love, loneliness, and the complexity of human connection. Dawn O'Porter’s ability to blend humor with emotional depth makes this a highly engaging read, offering both levity and insight into the human experience. Whether you’re a cat lover, someone who’s ever struggled with opening up to others, or simply a fan of contemporary fiction that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, this book is a perfect choice.

If you’re looking for a novel that is both funny and deeply moving, with an unforgettable main character and a fresh take on romance and independence, *Cat Lady* is a highly recommended read. It’s a delightful and thought-provoking story that will leave you reflecting on the relationships you hold dear and the connections you might be ready to embrace.

Not for me unfortunately. I had very high hopes but it wasn’t to my taste.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

I loved this book so much and will be recommending it to everyone for years to come! Loved the characters and their development over the story. Was hard to read at times but all themes dealt with in a genuine way.

Such a funny read that's insightful and leaves you feeling uplifted. I will certainly be reading more of Dawn O'Porters work.

This was so fun. As a self proclaimed cat lady myself, I found this so relatable and enjoyable, if a little lacking in quality. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read, but it certainly is fun

I wanted to like this book as it sounded good but I couldn't get into it. I would have not reviewed but NetGalley insists on a review to keep your profile rating up even when you say you are declining to read it.

Funny, quirky & heart warming yet thoughtful story. written in Dawn’s unique & fun style. Highly recommend.

A great study of how cat ladies are perceived in this day and age. Some lovely touches with a weekly support group and finding old friends and making new ones.
Mia is a cat lady, and whilst the rest of her life is really quite depressing, the love of her cat is pure.
Sadly Mia is quite misunderstood both at home and at work, which was frustrating and annoying at times. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters, and although I read to the end, where there is some divine karma, it’s not a book that gives any hope or positivity.
I was hoping for more wit and insights and sadly left wanting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the read.

This book was amazing. I loved how the story builds and as the pace increased. As a cat lover, I love this element of the story. I loved the main character.

A really funny novel which comments on womanhood and looks at feminism from a fresh and exciting angle. I didn’t think the writing was going to be great but I found it easy to read and kept me wanting to read more. The story is unique and I thought the plot was structured really well.

Really enjoyed this - will definitely be recommending and looking forward to the next one by this author!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The blurb promised a book about a woman finding herself through her relationships with others. Clearly her most meaningful relationship was with her cat, and whilst I have a high regard for pets it was evident that people have a minor role in her life. I disliked Mia intensely, she barely tolerates her colleagues and I don't understand why her husband hasn't ended their non-marriage. The language was not to my taste, some scenes were extremely unpleasant, the book is set in England but was full of American spellings and Mothers Day (or Mothering Sunday, to give it it's proper name) is never on a school / work day. This book completely failed to capture my interest and I gave up at 35%.

Absolutely loved this and wish I had read it as soon as I received it. I've read Dawn's other books and she really does write well.
Highly recommended.

I wanted to read this book as most of my book friends are cat lovers and I am the sole dog lover. This was entertaining but more thoughtful than I was expecting - that is not a bad thing.

I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

Haha I loved this, not my usual so took a chance and glad I did. Made me laugh out loud and loved the main character,

I’d read other books by Dawn and was drawn to her funny yet warm style of writing and this one was just as good as her previous books

Having read Dawn O'Porter's other books, I was eager to get started on this one. If I am behind completely honest, I found this one a bit slow to get started and wasn't prepared for how sad I would find the story in places. About a third of the way in, this one really drew me in and I really enjoyed it overall. 3.5/5.