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The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady

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Not every Christmas is merry. But it might still be miraculous.

Miranda didn’t expect to spend her forties broke, single, and starting over in a tiny granny flat with her eight-year-old son, two escape-artist kittens, and a marriage in shambles thanks to a highly educational scene involving a tartan skirt and someone calling her husband “Daddy.”

Merry bloody Christmas.

Still, Little Hadlow offers something London can’t: a chance to start over, a community full of mildly nosy charm, and the kind of fiercely loyal friends who show up with wine and snacks before you even ask. With a job hunt underway and her dignity mostly intact (porn incident aside), Miranda’s determined to rebuild—especially now her ex is having second thoughts and her irritatingly attractive new landlord, Jasper, has made her an offer she absolutely can’t refuse. Purely platonic, of course. Entirely for her relaxation. Allegedly.

Caught between the man who broke her heart and the one quietly sneaking into it, Miranda must navigate the festive season with her wits, her waterproof mascara, and a firm grip on the kitten carrier.

The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady is a warm, witty, and wickedly relatable romantic comedy about reclaiming your life, rethinking your dreams, and realising that sometimes love doesn’t arrive on schedule. It shows up after a highly inconvenient plot twist..

Contains adult content and is written in British English, so don’t come after me if it’s “favourite bauble” not “favorite bauble”, and Santa goes by Father Christmas around here.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2025

40 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Dani Elias

46 books223 followers
Dani Elias writes swoony, steamy British romance about women in their forties who are very good at some parts of life and quietly unravelling in others. Her FMCs are relatable, flawed, funny, and fully human. Some are plus size, some are not, but all of them are centred, desired, and allowed to take up space in their own love stories.

Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.

Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for Julie WB.
221 reviews
December 4, 2025
This was a cute, cozy read. I really enjoy this author. Her characters are funny and charming and so English. I always appreciate MCs in their 40s and a single mom starting over. I haven’t read the first two books in the series and I wish I had read them in order bc there were a few times I felt a little out of the loop. Also I wish we got to know Jasper a bit more. We didn’t get too deep on him other than knowing he fell quickly and hard. Overall it was sweet and enjoyable and I’ll keep reading the series.
Profile Image for The Sewist's Bookshelf .
521 reviews90 followers
October 29, 2025
⭐ 4
🌶️ 2.5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 34
📚 Tropes/Themes: Single mom, forced proximity, Love triangle, 40s, found family, starting over, she has to choose, he falls first
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: cheating (not between MCs)
🛍️ Available: 11/7

💬 This was such a cute, enjoyable story. I loved the cosy Christmas vibes. Actually I really like everything I've read by Elias. And it was pretty funny too- the vibrator scene had me laughing so hard 😂 Really there were several little funny moments, and lots of heartwarming, chaotic vibes.

Although if I'm honest, I think Thor and Twinklesocks stole the show 🐈 It's also nice to have a book that predominantly features a pet that isn't a dog. Personally I'm not much of a dog person, but it seems most books heavily feature them so this was a refreshing change.

The romance between Miranda and Jasper was so sweet, and I'm always here for books with MCs over 40.

I wish there'd been a little more buildup, though. This is the third book in the cat ladies series and I feel like the previous two had a little more meat on their bones.

Also, as an aside, even though these are interconnected standalones, I wish that there would was little brief summary of the previous two books, just because it's been so long since I read the first two.

Either way, this was still a fun, engaging read.
Profile Image for Carrie Behm.
232 reviews15 followers
November 17, 2025
thank you Happy Booked and Dani for this arc!! This is the first of the series I read, and I’m in love. SJ is the funniest kid and I love he how loves and cares so deeply at just 8 years old. He pays attention to things no one else realizes and he took to caring for his cats so well. I love how he was mature enough to tell his mom his true feelings and how she was open to listening.

Miranda was a great momma. She stood her boundaries and did what made her happy. She go confused at the end but SJ really helped her see the light. Her friends are amazing and so funny. I giggled so much reading this book and her shenanigans. 😂

Jasper was perfect. I love him so much. He’s sweet, perceptive and mature. He reads her like a book and knows exactly what needs.

Loved this one for a cute Christmas romcom!
Profile Image for Books With  Demi.
49 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2025
Absolutely chaotic in the best way! The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady had me laughing, cringing, and rooting for Jasper and all the cats. Hilarious, messy, and oddly heartwarming—perfect for anyone who loves a little holiday madness with feline friends.
Profile Image for Ashlyn Paige.
39 reviews29 followers
December 6, 2025
ARC Review: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice Level: 2🌶️🌶️
As someone who is not a fan of the love triangle trope, this was still a wonderful read. I loved how chaotic the FMC is, yet also the growth she shows throughout the novel. There were so many hilarious yet awkward moments that made this novel an enjoyable one. The MMC was one I was looking forward to ever since he was introduced earlier this year in a previous novel. It’s bittersweet that this is the last novel in this series but, it did not disappoint. Highly recommended mend this series!
Thanks again for the ARC.
Profile Image for Gosia.
278 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2025
That’s it, I’m Dani’s superfan. This was my third book by Dani and a third 5 star one!

Loved every damn page of this book. I smiled so many times. The humor in this book!!! It’s LOL funny but just so many moments that you smile quietly under your nose.

Overall it was an easy and lighthearted read but there were also couple scenes that were a bit more emotional.
I’m just a sucker for a FMC finding her foot after shitty marriage (Miranda’s one was not shitty-shitty but just not the best one), what can I say, I always feel for such a character, especially when she then finds a man who knows how to treat her right.

I wasn’t familiar with all of the characters, I assume all (or at least most) of them were introduced in some other books by Dani, but I highly enjoyed every interaction with Stella, Callum or Jasper’s brothers (these characters I knew!)
Both the Miranda’s friend group and the Corbin brothers are such a well written groups of friends (or actual family, lol)

I wouldn’t exactly call it a Christmas book, more like a novel taking place in December with some scenes happening on Christmas, but that’s it, Christmas is not the main focus of the story, just a background.

I loved the Britishness of it and the age of the characters (in their 40s!). Both main characters are highly likable, same goes for their friends. The cats being cute little menaces - love, love, love!

Tropes:
😺Divorced FMC
🎄Single Mum
😺British Romcom
🎄Forced Proximity (kind of)
😺She-must-choose Love Triangle
🎄MCs in their 40s
😺Found Family
🎄Christmas
😺Steamy
🎄Dual POV
Profile Image for The Bookish Chimera - Pauline.
473 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2025
“I’m not chasing someone who needs space. That’s not love. That’s presure.”

The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady might be my favorite in that series. I’ve rarely laughed so hard (and much) while reading a romance. Starting page 1 (or so), be ready to h*te a character (SimSim, sorry, but not sorry), but also to swoon about kitten (and Jasper), to doubt Miranda's state of mind, sometimes. Like most of Dani’s books, I couldn’t savor this one, as I devoured it with almost no break.
I usually don’t like the billionaire trope, but Jasper is an exception as he doesn’t act like most of these characters (I won’t get into details to avoid spoilers, but just know he’s 100% green flag). The romance feels natural, hot and cute, just like I love them.
I also adored that in this book a lot of Dani’s characters —and not just from the Cat Ladies series— were there, and that they’re almost all here to meddle in the romance. In the end, the only one who isn’t aware of what is happening is Miranda —she has so much to deal with— and it felt pretty accurate.
If you want a (very) funny romance, with endearing characters, and a whole group of friends coming for Christmas (or a hungover), then consider this one —and the whole series.

4.5/5
Profile Image for Jen.
1,092 reviews10 followers
October 27, 2025
The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady is the third romance in the Cat Ladies Rule the World Series. Recently divorced with an eight year old son, Miranda is looking to get back on her feet. She finds herself moving to Little Harlow to be closer to her friends and enjoys the clean start. She especially enjoyed her hot landlord who keeps catching her in embarrassing situations. Jasper has a way of working his way into Miranda’s heart and she’s doing the same to him. Will this budding relationship end up blossoming or will Miranda end up choosing the ex for her son’s sake?

This is a funny romance series full of banter and comedic relief. I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series and loved this one too. The main characters are likable and the chemistry is off the charts. I loved their banter and awkward situations and the way their romance unfolded. Jasper is the calm to Miranda’s chaos and they work so well together. I was rooting for them from the moment they met. This holiday romance was super easy to get into and get through. If you are looking for a light hearted holiday romance full of laughs this is a good one to choose!
Profile Image for VickydpBooks.
648 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2025
Omg I love this book it’s funny and fabulous book.

Blurb


Not every Christmas is merry. But it might still be miraculous.

Miranda didn’t expect to spend her forties broke, single, and starting over in a tiny granny flat with her eight-year-old son, two escape-artist kittens, and a marriage in shambles thanks to a highly educational scene involving a tartan skirt and someone calling her husband “Daddy.”

Merry bloody Christmas.

Still, Little Hadlow offers something London can’t: a chance to start over, a community full of mildly nosy charm, and the kind of fiercely loyal friends who show up with wine and snacks before you even ask. With a job hunt underway and her dignity mostly intact (porn incident aside), Miranda’s determined to rebuild—especially now her ex is having second thoughts and her irritatingly attractive new landlord, Jasper, has made her an offer she absolutely can’t refuse. Purely platonic, of course. Entirely for her relaxation. Allegedly.

Caught between the man who broke her heart and the one quietly sneaking into it, Miranda must navigate the festive season with her wits, her waterproof mascara, and a firm grip on the kitten carrier.

The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady is a warm, witty, and wickedly relatable romantic comedy about reclaiming your life, rethinking your dreams, and realising that sometimes love doesn’t arrive on schedule. It shows up after a highly inconvenient plot twist.
Profile Image for Nichole Johnson .
352 reviews14 followers
November 11, 2025
Once again, Dani has knocked it out of the park. Not shocking, since I absolutely love everything she writes. You have a single, hot, cinnamon-roll of a man named Jasper, who has an apartment attached to his home that is empty. Then you have newly divorced, single mom Miranda, who is looking to start new, and needs a place to live. Jasper's life is kinda boring and routine, and Miranda is chaotic and quirky...not to mention her 2 wild kittens. They are literally the perfect match. Its a perfect holiday story. Think everything Hallmark, but with the most perfect spice. You dont just fall in love with the MCs, you also fall in love with all the side characters. Most you will recognize from previous books, which is a nice touch. A wonderful read that I know everyone will love!
Profile Image for Alyse P.
65 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2025
One of my favorite authors Dani Elias have done it again! Miranda didn’t have the birthday she expected but would Christmas be turned around?! Such a sweet story with Jasper being such a patient gentleman!
Profile Image for  Whatkatie.reads .
153 reviews
December 6, 2025
What a perfect end to the series 😍😍
Jasper is so swoon worthy!
This book shows you that no matter how chaotic you or life might be, you deserve to be loved in the best possible way ❤️
Profile Image for Victoria.
354 reviews23 followers
November 8, 2025
This was a fun, holiday season romcom. 2 fluffy little felines, some forced proximity, a single mom starting over, a deliciously hot landlord in a British holiday romance- sign me up! This was a cute read that had laugh out loud bits one moment and heartwarming bits at another. Newly divorced Miranda and swoony worthy Jasper are a great couple for this story. ❤️
Profile Image for Bevany.
684 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2025
a cute Christmas romance. part of series but can be read as a standalone. a little smut but not over done. I really liked the characters in this book and the romance was great. I love the older characters with some life on them.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,052 reviews34 followers
October 31, 2025
The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady by Dani Elias
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

I knew I was in for a good time with a title like The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady—but Dani Elias did not write a “good time.” She wrote a full-blown, laugh-snort, heart-clench, vibrator-shopping, kitten-wrangling therapy session wrapped in tinsel and dry British wit. This is the kind of book that makes you grateful your ex is an ex, your friends are wine-enabled emotional support animals, and your landlord isn’t hot (because that’s just one complication away from legal liability).

The story centers on Miranda, recently divorced and deeply over it. Her husband, lovingly referred to as Sim-Sim (insert gag noise), decided to celebrate her birthday by auditioning for a low-budget adult film with someone who says “Daddy” unironically. Fast forward to Miranda restarting her life in the village of Little Hadlow with her son SJ, two escaped-anarchy kittens, a mountain of emotional baggage, and just enough optimism to get herself in trouble. Enter Jasper—her grumpy, gorgeous landlord with a heart of gold and arms made for carrying groceries, assembling IKEA furniture, and possibly Miranda herself.

Miranda’s life is what happens when a woman hits rock bottom but decides to unpack and make it charming. She’s messy, self-aware, and refreshingly honest. She’s also surrounded by an ensemble cast of chaotic legends—Stella, Callum, Theo, and the rest of the Cat Lady Universe—who show up with snacks, jokes, and questionable advice at the exact moment she needs them. It’s like Sex and the City but if Carrie had a litter box and better boundaries.

Let’s talk tone. Dani Elias writes like she’s both your funniest friend and your wisest aunt who’s had just enough gin to tell you the truth. The chapter titles alone are a comedic masterclass (“Oh Come All Ye Unstable” is a personal favorite), and the banter is so sharp it could slice through a snow globe. There’s a vibrator scene that made me laugh so hard I had to put the book down and breathe. And yet, the humor never undermines the emotional beats. When Miranda grapples with guilt, exhaustion, loneliness, and that gnawing fear that she’s ruined everything, it hits hard. Because who among us hasn’t stood in the middle of a cluttered flat, holding a kitten, and wondering what the hell comes next?

The romance with Jasper is slow-burn perfection. The chemistry is undeniable, but so is the hesitation. He’s not just there to rescue her—he sees her, really sees her, in the way she’s forgotten to see herself. And he doesn’t rush her. He shows up. Repeatedly. With baked goods. I don’t care how fictional he is; Jasper has ruined me for real-life men.

One of my favorite lines?
“Point me to whatever things need assembling and I shall build you a new life one Allen key at a time.”
If IKEA sold hope in a flat pack, Jasper would be in the instruction manual.

This is the third book in the Cat Ladies Rule the World series, and while it works as a standalone, longtime readers will get a bonus emotional payoff seeing familiar faces reappear. Miranda’s journey from “accidental pectoral fondling” to self-acceptance and love is an absolute joy to witness.

If you want a book that feels like being wrapped in a slightly wine-stained Christmas jumper—comforting, familiar, slightly chaotic, and full of love—The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady delivers. It’s hilarious, honest, a little spicy (okay, a lot spicy in chapters 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, and 34), and it never once talks down to its reader. Instead, it gives you permission to fall apart and laugh while you glue yourself back together.

Final rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
#TheUnhingedChristmasOfACatLady #DaniElias #BookReview #RomComReads #HolidayRomance #BritishHumor #SingleMomRomance #HotLandlordEnergy #CatLadyLife #FoundFamily #ChristmasRomcom #NetGalleyARC #SpicyReads #ForcedProximity #WomenOver40 #CozyBooks #BooksWithHeart #RomanceWithHumor #KittensAndKisses #ReadThisNow

A must-read if you’re emotionally fragile, chronically sarcastic, or simply in need of a hot cup of British chaos.
180 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2025
I am always, always, always a sucker for cats and knowing for a fact that two kittens join Miranda and SJ’s household warms my heart so freaking much! Now those two personally stole the show for me 🤭 even though Miranda and Jasper’s love story is such a heartfelt one ☺️This is my first time reading a book by Dani Elias and she truly knocked it out of the park for me! I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader and finding out that this book is part of an interconnected series was even better for me!

This is the story of Miranda, who had been married to an obnoxious, absentee husband, but has an amazing son named SJ (which makes no sense how SJ is so amazingly sweet, funny, and thoughtful and his father is just plain horrible). It’s Miranda’s birthday and she got a gift basket from her absentee husband and lets her know in the card that he wishes they were celebrating together. Miranda chooses to take a five hour train ride to their apartment to surprise her husband and celebrate her birthday the whole weekend. What she didn’t expect to find was her husband and a young twenty-something year old woman on her knees, in their bedroom. Miranda knew, at that moment, that her marriage was over and simply asked him for a divorce.

Months later, thanks to her friends who know somebody who has a house that has an attached flat with all the necessary furnishing, she and SJ have been able to move to the outskirts of London. However, what she didn’t know was that her landlord was a man that blew her brain away. A man, according to Miranda, has “dark hair with golden streaks…. A jawline with actual stubble….and eyes…. Deep brown, bordering on black. Eyes that make you forget your name, postcode, and possibly your own child’s birthday” She was so flabbergasted that she even patted his shirtless chest and quickly ran off with her missing kitten 🤭

Jasper is living life, one day at a time, and hasn’t had the time to settle down and only has hook ups and one night stands. Not once did he imagine that his new “neighbor” was going to be a woman that he could not take his eyes off. When the ginger kitten wanders into his kitchen and starts to lick his legs, he hears the voice of a woman looking for the kitten. The moment they lock eyes, they have a moment, a moment that is always talked about in books and movies where the characters realize that they have met the love of their life! And that’s exactly what happens between Jasper and Miranda, while Jasper is holding her kitten. These two lock eyes and everything shifts, making them just see each other 😍

I truly enjoyed reading this book and seeing how Miranda was able to build back the life she should have had instead of the one she got because of her absentee husband. Miranda is proof that you can still find the love of your life in your 40s, and that it is okay to break down and mourn the loss of a relationship. But, to also move on and realize that not everything is on you and that there is always someone out there for you ❤️I truly loved reading the relationship that Miranda and Jasper built together and how Jasper interacts with SJ ❤️😍 Both SJ and Miranda deserve the world and that’s exactly what Jasper gives them! Also can we talk about the titles for each chapter in this book?!?! I absolutely love them to death and how creative Dani is with each one!🙂‍↕️

Rating: 5/5
Steamy scenes: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Aida Rivero.
123 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2025
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
Release Day NOVEMBER 7
@Dani Elias (Author) is an expert writer. I am not saying this just because, I really mean this from the bottom of my fluffy cat loving heart. The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady was the first book that I’ve read of this author. And I know that I will read more of her books in the very near future.

From the get go I was captivated by her unique writing style and story telling. In this book we get to know all characters in her timely introduction of them and immediately can’t help yourself feeling connections with each one. Even the ones that we hate to like just a little bit or can’t help feeling sorry for. Like I hatted Sim-Sim from the start for what he did to Miranda on the day of her birthday. But, at the same time felt so sorry for him.

It’s not easy starting over after a divorce. But Miranda was surrounded by four of her good friends who support her, as true friends should, and whom BTW are all equally paired of with morally supportive partners. One such friend presents her with a special housewarming gift in the form of fluff and whiskers. Miranda has no choice but to accept defeat that she was emotionally manipulated into cat ownership and is now part of the cat lady club. We welcomed Thor and twinklesocks into the new flat let as Miranda and her son SJ, have yet begun to unpack and settle in.

My favorite part is when Miranda realizes that she may need help releasing some pent up “tension” as she realizes she can’t get any sleep as these images of her landlord wrapped in a towel keep popping up in her head. It’s been years since she’s felt anything close to this excitement. Unable to release herself she then goes online shopping for a vibrator and questions whether to get a cheap one or splurge and get herself one with a flicky bit. She leans towards her friends for some moral support and her friends join together and collectively get Miranda a gift voucher to a blissful website, as an early birthday present, and practically tell her to splurge and get herself the flicky bit one and some extra goodies. I mean if that’s not true friendship, I don’t know what is 😂

This entire book is filled with exciting and awww mementos from Miranda’s and Jasper’s POV. You get so emotionally involved in reading one chapter after another just to get to that happy ending you’re hoping and rooting for. Realization sets in that it’s already dawn and you haven’t slept a wink.

10/10 I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. Deserving of my 5 ⭐️ review. It’s the kind of book you can go back to re-reading during the holidays. Kinda like that Christmas movie you go back to rewatch year after year because it’s your favorite. I mean it’s got the whole making of hallmark movie written all over it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sherley's Reading Corner.
310 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2025
I was so excited and could not wait to read Jasper’s story. I’m so happy I did because I really enjoyed 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐲.

Miranda and Jasper were such a treat. They had the best chemistry and the sweetest love. After years in an unhappy marriage, it was heartwarming to see someone bring so much joy and peace to Miranda’s life. As her son pointed out, she smiled more, was more relaxed, and just radiated happiness with Jasper in her life.

Jasper was the perfect MMC. He was so kind and thoughtful, and I just loved how he truly listened to Miranda, accepted her for who she was and, for the first time in a long time, she felt seen when she was with him. The way he paid attention to the little things melted my heart. Like, when he gave her unicorn slippers, I literally swooned because my goodness, the man heard that she left her old pair that she loved so much somewhere while she was on vacation, and he made sure to get her a new pair. He was so attentive to her needs and just the sweetest man!

Beyond the romance, we had some very funny moments; this book had me laughing so much! If it wasn’t the crazy antics of Miranda’s two cats Twinklesocks and Thor, it was Jasper, Theo, and Geoff who were always a hoot and had me bursting out in laughter. I loved all the scenes they were in. It was good to see the Corbin brothers, the ladies, Callum, and the rest of the crew from some of Dani’s other books, make an appearance in this book. It felt like catching up with old friends.

Overall, this was the perfect cozy Christmas read. I laughed, I swooned, and I blushed more than a few times thanks to Jasper and Miranda’s “bedroom activities.” Yes guys, this was a steamy one!

If you are looking for an easy to read, unputdownable, hilariously funny holiday romance with a bit of spice, this is the one for you.

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅴🆇🅿🅴🅲🆃
🎄 Billionaire MMC
💚 MCs in their 40s
❤️She Must Choose Love Triangle
🎄 Found Family
💚 British Rom Com
❤️Single Mom
🎄 Forced Proximity (Kind of)
💚 Christmas Romance

🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴🆂
💚 “But even strong people forget what the cage looked like once the door’s been open a while”
❤️ “She’s beautiful, not in the way magazines or movies define it, but in a way that feels real, tangible, alive.”
🎄 “We’re not just two bodies seeking pleasure, we’re two souls seeking connection, a fleeting moment of escape from the chaos of the world outside.”
💚 “With you…I’ve been nothing but chaos. I’ve been myself, Jasper. Fully myself. And you never flinched. You never tried to change it or neaten it or hide it. You gave me the best present I’ve ever been given, because you saw me. And you wanted me to have something that made me feel like me.”
❤️ “I don’t like you…I think I love you.”
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,169 reviews22 followers
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What a wonderful, sweet, and spicy holiday romance that Dani Elias provides readers in The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat’s Lady. The entire series Cat Ladies Rule the World, as a whole, is fantastic. Dani brings her charming writing style and British wit and mixes it with Christmas nostalgia. I love stories where the MCs are later in life also. Yes, remind people that love and sex don’t stop as you grow older. Dani never fails to make me laugh while reading her novels, but I also get real, raw emotion and fun, spicy moments.

Miranda is a wonderful mom. Although she’s been unhappy in her marriage for years, she takes her vows seriously. At least she did, until she discovered her husband’s infidelity. She takes her son and moves into a small flat and is determined to make the holiday season bright for her son. She had stopped putting herself first so long ago, that when she was able to she struggled. As we got to know Miranda more, I loved seeing her put herself first and living life in ways that make her happy.

One of the ways she made herself happier? Enter Jasper, her landlord and someone who sees her differently than anyone has in years. Jasper immediately meets Miranda where she is, accepting her as she is, and not expecting anything more than what she is willing to give. I loved how he showed Miranda how beautiful she is, inside and out, and that she was, in fact, worthy of great love still. Swoon city, this man!

Dani wrote two unforgettable MCs that were wonderful on their own, but together they are magical. I always enjoy seeing past characters from Dani’s books make cameos in her new releases. They bring familiarity to her stories, while layering the story with great dynamics that adds to the already amazing storyline. And yes, even though a love triangle takes place thanks to Miranda’s new and past loves, Dani never fails to end her stories with the two who should be.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🎄British Cozy RomCom
🐈Single Mom FMC
🎄Forced Proximity
🐈Love Triangle
🎄Found Family
🐈Starting Over
🎄Love in Your 40s
🐈Later in Life MCs
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
746 reviews10 followers
November 7, 2025
The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady is the third book in Elias' Cat Ladies Rule The World series. This was the first one I read and can therefore attest that it can be, and was, appreciated as a standalone. This holiday, contemporary romance features Miranda and Jasper.

When Miranda receives a lovely birthday bouquet from her husband, she heads back to the city to surprise him. Unfortunately she was the one who was surprised, finding him with his pants down by his ankles, being pleasured by someone who definitely was not her. This led to the two getting divorced, and Miranda needing a place to live. Fortunately, due to her wonderful friends, they connected her with Jasper Corbin. He had recently purchased a home in Little Hadlow with an unrented annex, which he made available to her and her 8-year old son, SJ... and two absolutely adorable and charming kittens: Thor and Twinklesocks.

Jasper wasn't planning on becoming a landlord, but he also wasn't planning on becoming captivated by his tenant. The two ended up spending a lot of time together, which of course led to more. Torn between doing what was best for SJ versus what was best for herself, Miranda had to decide whether to try to mend fences with her ex, or pursue a new relationship with a man who saw her, and appreciated her, for who she was... chaos personified.

The more I read by Elias, the more I love her. Her writing is emotional and funny, spicy and endearing. Her books have a way of nourishing my soul. The characters are relatable, have great chemistry and share some witty banter, plus I love reading books where the main characters are in their 40s (or older!) As I noted earlier, I haven't read the previous books in this series, but I'm definitely keen to do so; Miranda's group of friend seem wonderful and real. I laughed so much at their interactions.

I highly recommend checking out her work. This is a lighthearted and easy read, and you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Rianne Van Der Heiden.
11 reviews
October 28, 2025
Not every Christmas is merry. But it might still be miraculous.
Miranda didn’t expect to spend her forties broke, single, and starting over in a tiny granny flat with her eight-year-old son, two escape-artist kittens, and a marriage in shambles thanks to a highly educational scene involving a tartan skirt and someone calling her husband “Daddy.”
Merry bloody Christmas.
Still, Little Hadlow offers something London can’t: a chance to start over, a community full of mildly nosy charm, and the kind of fiercely loyal friends who show up with wine and snacks before you even ask. With a job hunt underway and her dignity mostly intact (porn incident aside), Miranda’s determined to rebuild—especially now her ex is having second thoughts and her irritatingly attractive new landlord, Jasper, has made her an offer she absolutely can’t refuse. Purely platonic, of course. Entirely for her relaxation. Allegedly.
Caught between the man who broke her heart and the one quietly sneaking into it, Miranda must navigate the festive season with her wits, her waterproof mascara, and a firm grip on the kitten carrier.
The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady is a warm, witty, and wickedly relatable romantic comedy about reclaiming your life, rethinking your dreams, and realising that sometimes love doesn’t arrive on schedule. It shows up after a highly inconvenient plot twist.
What to expect:
🎄Single Mum
😺British Romcom
🎄Forced Proximity (kind of)
😺She-must-choose Love Triangle
🎄MCs in their 40s
😺Found Family
🎄Christmas
😺Steamy
🎄Dual POV

Really loved reading this book, when I started I didn’t know it was part 3 in the series. So I missed a bit of context about the other couples and inside information. Didn’t bothered much, great easy read full with British humour! Definitely gonna read the other 2 books of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rombookfanlove.
340 reviews16 followers
November 22, 2025
This was theeee perfect winter, cozy, Christmas book. I felt like I was watching one of those fun Christmas British romcoms the whole time.

I very much enjoyed the banter, there’s just great humour throughout - very quippy and fun dialogue that had me grinning.

This book features Miranda and Jasper as the MCs and they are lovely but there’s also a really good, cheeky group of girlfriends and a smattering of good-dude, good-humored boyfriends and brothers who really just add a lot to the feel of the book.

I was reading this book in various places and found myself laughing out at dinner by myself, probably looking a bit nuts. At one point a really funny scene happened where I was internally scream-laughing at the scenario but I was at the laundromat so ended up just having my hand to my forehead, grinning wide at my Kindle. It is just that funny of a book, you can’t hold back.

The romance within the book is so lovely and warm, they get together through some funny mishaps but the sureness of Jasper and his love for Miranda and all of who she is, while she navigates a new life, is just a great combo. There’s also a few open-door scenes with the focus on their growing relationship so they flow in the story very well.

This is a story of moving on after divorce and there is a child involved so there’s some decisions Miranda has to make about her ex vs Jasper. The romance isn’t all cut and dried all the time but shows, I think, a realistic process. This isn’t an angsty book by any means though and still remains quite cozy overall.

Definite recommend if you like British romcom style/tone and want a warm Christmas romance read!

I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review
Profile Image for April.
496 reviews28 followers
November 7, 2025
⚠️Warning - Snorting with laughter while drinking coffee WILL resort in coffee out your nose while you almost choke (literally!) with laughter ⚠️

This book is freaking hilarious!

This is Book 3 in Dani's amazing Cat Ladies Rule the World Series and oh my goodness, I think Dani left the best for last!

The story follows Miranda and Jasper (who those obsessed with The Dating Ban, will remember seeing Jasper...)

Miranda finds her husband in an err... 'compromising position' and calls her relationship quits and after 'Sim Sim' (the jerk ex-husband) screws her over during the divorce, she finds herself starting all over again.

Luckily she has amazing friends and finds herself in Little Hadlow with the Cat Lady Crew, renting from non-other than Jasper himself!

Jasper... I loved him in The Dating Ban and I love him even more now! He is kind, considerate and utterly besotted with Miranda!

As is the Dani way, there are so many hilarious moments and I was constantly snorting and laughing to myself. I think this book surpasses even Bernard levels of hilarity 🤣 (IYKYK!)

Also we have a NEW kitty star of the show... but I will let you discover that on on your own 😉.

It shows the pure strength of a woman starting from scratch and pulling apart the fake her persona and finding her true self again - powerful and uplifting!

If this book was a song, it would be a power ballad for every woman, mum and of course, Cat Lady who are happily married, happily divorced or happily single.

I highly recommend this incredible book and demand you go try it out! (...seriously though, you won't regret it!)

🇬🇧 Written in Brit English! 🇬🇧
Profile Image for Mrs. K. Book Reviews.
297 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2025
This one's for you- the divorced, single moms, over 40, curvy with cellulite, a cheating ex-husband in complete denial, the most adorable and surprisingly mature 8-year-old son, an actually supportive BFF friend group, quite a bit of mulled wine 🍷, and a bunch of cats that might be more chaotic than yourself. 🐈

Congratulations 🎉 You've found the appropriate book therapy. 📚

Enter Jasper- tall, dark, handsome, wealthy, single, actually knows how to use a massage table , mature enough to cook for himself, has the ability to observe a woman's needs, and conveniently your new landlord.

Ugh! The realism is FIERCE with this one! 😩 I can relate so hard to Miranda, SOOOOOOOO much that it might be laughable...or pitiful. I don't really know at this point. What I do know is that this book is for every mom out there who isn't seen, heard, or thought of in her marriage, the ones that carry the entire load unseen, waiting for her husband to notice that she's drowning and dismal.

How many of us are just stuck because we make the responsible decisions? We choose the kids over our own happiness. Always. It's like a mom's instinctive nature.

May this book serve as a reminder to moms that you are human too, and you deserve that happiness as much as Miranda. 💕

May you laugh and cry and carry on with ridiculous unicorn 🦄 slippers, escaping kittens, and chapter titles that rip off all the classic Christmas carols with effortless comedy. 🎄
Profile Image for Shero she.reads.books.44.
62 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2025
“𝙺𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚜, 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚖𝚊𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍!”

This delightful holiday romance follows a recently divorced woman who moves to a new town with her young son, hoping for a fresh start. She rents a charming house owned by a handsome, single landlord and their first meeting is nothing short of adorable, thanks to one mischievous kitten who decides to explore next door.

From the moment they meet, sparks fly. Their connection grows stronger as they spend more time together, helped along by a few funny and awkward moments, like when he shows up to fix something at her house and walks in at 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 the wrong (or right!) time. The chemistry between them is natural, tender, and full of genuine affection.

Set against a cozy Christmas backdrop, the story beautifully balances humor, warmth, and emotional depth. When her ex-husband, who once broke her heart, tries to win her back, she faces a tough decision. But with her son’s happiness and her own newfound feelings at stake, she embarks on a journey of self discovery, love, and healing.

The male lead is the definition of a true gentleman, patient, kind, and deeply understanding, while the heroine is sweet, strong, and full of heart. Their relationship feels authentic and heart-meltingly romantic.

If you love 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘁𝗵, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆, this book is definitely worth the read. It’s a beautiful, feel-good story that leaves you smiling long after you turn the last page.
Profile Image for Elly Christmas.
154 reviews
October 31, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from Happily Booked. Thank you so much for sending this book. Below are my opinions that are solely mine.

I love this book; it was hilarious, honestly. It was a sweet healing book about the aftereffects of Miranda's divorce after she walked in on her husband cheating on her birthday. That was an amazing part she handled with grace. Didn't break down or take him back, she did what any woman should do. Divorce the man who had neglected and did not appreciate everything she did for him while he worked. She was able to move out into the countryside, and she found herself a much happier person. Her son even noticed how much she had changed for the better, which was a great sign of growth. Miranda did not need to cater to someone else's feelings. She found who she was and got her feet under her. Jasper didn't see Miranda coming. She was the bit of crazy he needed. He fell for her and wanted to help her. I love the support he gave her. He didn't run from her when she ... was a bit more raw and honest with him. Especially when he walked in on her trying to relax, he didn't judge; he listened, which is huge because most men would have belittled or run. He was great at letting her figure out herself and where she was with her ex. Since his popping up messed with her feelings. I love how Jasper didn't end it all and get made. He was great. I couldn't put down the book. It was chaos and hilarious moments throughout the book. Easy read and a great book. Characters had great chemistry.

I recommend 100%
471 reviews12 followers
November 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. As someone who adores cats, this story was everything I hoped for. The kittens were chaotic, adorable, I couldn’t get enough of them. I’ve been a fan of Dani Elias for a while now, and this series is one of my favourites. This was my most anticipated ARC of 2025. I also really enjoyed her Aftermath series and recently read The Dating Ban which was fantastic.

Miranda’s journey was messy, honest, and hilarious. After her divorce (which she handled like a queen), she moves to Little Hadlow with her son and two mischievous kittens. Watching her rebuild her life was both funny and emotional. She’s raw, real, and completely relatable. I loved how she didn’t try to be perfect she just tried to be herself, even when things got awkward or overwhelming.

Jasper, her landlord, was such a surprise. He’s quiet, kind, and the kind of man who shows up with baked goods and listens without judgment. I loved how he saw Miranda for who she really was and didn’t try to fix her, he just stood beside her while she figured things out.

The humour in this book had me laughing out loud, that's the case with Dani she always nails it. The friendships, the banter, the kittens climbing everything it was all so well done.

This book felt like a warm hug with a side of chaos, and I didn’t want it to end. Dani Elias has a way of writing that makes you feel seen and entertained at the same time.
Profile Image for Jocelyn Delarosa.
255 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2025
Book Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2.5/5

The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady was exactly what I needed, a festive, funny, and heartwarming rom-com that made me laugh, swoon, and get a little teary-eyed all in one go. Dani Elias perfectly blends chaos and coziness, and this story is such a warm hug of a book.

Miranda completely stole my heart. Watching her rebuild her life after a messy divorce while trying to find herself again was both relatable and inspiring. She’s chaotic, caring, and beautifully human. And then there’s Jasper...sweet, patient, quietly charming Jasper. The man gives her unicorn slippers because he listened, and honestly, that might be one of the most romantic gestures I’ve ever read. Their connection was soft and steady, the kind that makes you smile at your Kindle like an idiot.

I loved the humor and the wild moments (the cats, Thor, and Twinklesocks, are the ONES giving life), but what really got me was how much heart this story has. It’s about second chances, being truly seen, and remembering that it’s never too late to choose joy. The Christmas setting adds the perfect touch of sparkle, and the found family vibes made everything even better.

It’s cozy, funny, and just the right amount of spicy, a perfect read for curling up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and maybe a cat or two. Dani Elias has officially made me a cat lady convert.
Profile Image for Eirawyn84.
58 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2025
If you’re looking for a cozy Rom-Com Christmas read, I highly recommend The Unhinged Christmas of a Cat Lady!

Here’s what to expect:

🎄Single Mum
😺British Romcom
🎄Forced Proximity (kind of)
😺She-must-choose Love Triangle
🎄MCs in their 40s
😺Found Family
🎄Christmas 
😺Steamy
🎄Dual POV

If you’re a fan of The Christmas Tree Farm, but make it British… please check out this amazing book.

This is a multi POV book following Miranda post divorce trying to figure out being a single mum to her 8 year old son. We also follow Jasper, handsome, rich but lonely.

When Miranda finalises her divorce, she leaves London to spend time with friends. They convince her to stay with them and not return to London and they just happen to have a Friend who has an annex she could rent. Enter Jasper!!

Jasper is younger brother to Theo, who we met in Dani’s other book Dating Ban and Best Friends with Callum from Surprise me Tonight. I really love how these books interlinked and bring in some characters I’d already met.

Dani has a way of making her spice scenes flow really well, she is one of the few authors I’ve read whose spice scenes don’t make me cringe.

An all round fun, cozy funny read. I’ll definitely be checking out all the other Cat Lady books 😻
Profile Image for Jordan Fiest.
2,186 reviews33 followers
November 5, 2025
The Unhinged Christmas Of A Cat Lady is book three of the Cat Ladies Rules The World Series.

There is no way by the end of this story, that you do not love Jasper. He is the sweetest person. Miranda goes through a major character transformation. She comes home to find her husband cheating on her. After the divorce she moves to a small town where she meets Jasper. She becomes a different person when she is here. She isn't being pushed aside or made to feel unworthy. Jasper has a part in this as he makes her feel positive about herself. But her ex keeps sniffing around, and starts to show how he used to be at the start of their relationship. You see Miranda go through a crisis where she has to decide what is best for her. There was never a moment I wasn't rooting for Jasper. He was utter perfection for her.

There were quite a few humorous parts through this story. Two kittens who get into constant trouble. Miranda is super awkward and total chaos. But she is true to who she is and while some of the things she did were embarrassing, we see how great of a community she has put around herself in this small town. They embrace her and make her feel loved. I enjoyed the transformation we see in her, accepting who she is an embracing it.
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