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sacrill's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment and Mental illness
Minor: Cancer
amateur_bookworm's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My summary: Jess has spent the last ten years raising her sister, Tegan, and keeping a low profile after their mother ran away with an infamous con man, Lynton Baltimore. Freshly turned 18, Tegan has brought Jess’s worst nightmare to their doorstep—Salem Durant, a popular true crime podcaster, and her colleague, Adam Hawkins. Salem first made a name for herself after covering Lynton Baltimore’s story before he disappeared, apparently with Jess’s mother in tow, and now Salem is determined to finish the story. The connection between Jess and Adam sparks in the first moment they lay eyes on each other on Jess’s doorstep. Beyond needing to find Jess’s mother, Jess and Adam’s relationship is further complicated by Jess’s desire to do anything to keep her story to herself—but Salem has made Adam a deal he can’t refuse if he can manage to get Jess to talk about her mom.
My thoughts: Sometimes you don’t realize how average the books you’ve been reading are until one comes along to remind you of just how fantastic a book can truly be. This is one of those fantastic books. A contemporary romance with a sizable side of mystery and intrigue, it pulls you immediately into the mystery of Lynton Baltimore and Jess’s runaway mom. The style of writing is just so enjoyable. The metaphors are everything—both delightful and insightful. And—holy heartstrings. The tragicness of Jess and Tegan’s lives up until now, plus Adam’s loss of his friend and the guilt he carries over his death.
The way Kate Clayborn weaves everything together in this book is just so satisfying. This is my second book by this author and both have been five star reads for me.
Also, I was today years old when I found out con man is short for confidence man. I also thought it was, idk, convict or something.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Mental illness
blakeandbooks's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Clayborn’s writing when I read Georgie, All Along last year. Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Other Side of Disappearing! It did not disappoint. I love how she depicts emotions and scenarios that make you truly feel like you are there, in the present, with these characters.
I really loved this book. Jess is the primary guardian for her sister after their mother abandoned them 10 years ago. I appreciate sister/sibling relationships when they are written well, and I love how Jess and Teagan’s relationship was displayed. As an eldest sister like Jess, it felt SO real with how she responded and moved through her life. I was so invested in their story and how/if they would find their mom.
Jess and Adam were great MCs, and I truly enjoyed their POVs so much. I love how well they see one another. They’re both so observant and truly understand how to interact with each other where the other feels comfortable. Watching their relationship grow during the book, especially on the farm, was so sweet. And the epilogue! So so sweet.
I fell in love with Clayborn’s writing when I read Georgie, All Along last year. Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of The Other Side of Disappearing! It did not disappoint. I love how she depicts emotions and scenarios that make you truly feel like you are there, in the present, with these characters.
I really loved this book. Jess is the primary guardian for her sister after their mother abandoned them 10 years ago. I appreciate sister/sibling relationships when they are written well, and I love how Jess and Teagan’s relationship was displayed. As an eldest sister like Jess, it felt SO real with how she responded and moved through her life. I was so invested in their story and how/if they would find their mom.
Jess and Adam were great MCs, and I truly enjoyed their POVs so much. I love how well they see one another. They’re both so observant and truly understand how to interact with each other where the other feels comfortable. Watching their relationship grow during the book, especially on the farm, was so sweet. And the epilogue! So so sweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, and Suicide
downtown_kb's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
"I wonder if anyone’s ever stood up in the middle of a restaurant to ask if there’s a therapist in the room."
Jess has been caring for her half-sister Tegan since the day 10 years ago when their mom walked out on them. Jess has successfully lived in her bubble protecting herself and doing everything she can to protect Tegan from any further hurt ever since. However, everything changes when a podcaster shows up on their doorstep to finish a story she started about a famous con-man. The man her mother ran off with all those years ago.
I have seen a lot of reviews that say this is a “departure from Kate Clayborn’s normal work” and I have to disagree. We have swoon worthy romance, well developed characters struggling to overcome issues from their past and a lot of big emotions. This is a romance and it has great pacing and lovely found family. Kate can write a broken character who grows and changes and comes into their own so well. I love how she can drip emotions onto the page with her words.
I had some difficulty connecting with the characters in this story, and I know it is related to a book pet peeve of mine. The main character puts a ton of weight on the actions of her mother, of course. But I just can’t stand my characters wrecking themselves for shitty parents. Jess’ inability to open herself up to trust others however, I can relate to. And again, Kate gives you a satisfying character arc as Jess grows throughout the story. Be patient with her.
"I don’t want to know you for the story. I want to know you for myself.”
Adam is of course wonderful, and has past pain of his own. I found him to be so very kind hearted and patient. He is devoted from the jump. One thing is for sure, Kate Clayborn writes a great book boyfriend.
The mystery and side plot are an interesting addition to this story. I think fans of true crime will appreciate this aspect a lot. No murder involved.
This won’t be my favorite by hers, because ugh, Georgie! But I enjoyed it and I think others will fall in love with this book.
“I’m always going to have your heart, Jessie. Because you gave it to me so completely, and yours taught me how to make my own."
"I wonder if anyone’s ever stood up in the middle of a restaurant to ask if there’s a therapist in the room."
Jess has been caring for her half-sister Tegan since the day 10 years ago when their mom walked out on them. Jess has successfully lived in her bubble protecting herself and doing everything she can to protect Tegan from any further hurt ever since. However, everything changes when a podcaster shows up on their doorstep to finish a story she started about a famous con-man. The man her mother ran off with all those years ago.
I have seen a lot of reviews that say this is a “departure from Kate Clayborn’s normal work” and I have to disagree. We have swoon worthy romance, well developed characters struggling to overcome issues from their past and a lot of big emotions. This is a romance and it has great pacing and lovely found family. Kate can write a broken character who grows and changes and comes into their own so well. I love how she can drip emotions onto the page with her words.
I had some difficulty connecting with the characters in this story, and I know it is related to a book pet peeve of mine. The main character puts a ton of weight on the actions of her mother, of course. But I just can’t stand my characters wrecking themselves for shitty parents. Jess’ inability to open herself up to trust others however, I can relate to. And again, Kate gives you a satisfying character arc as Jess grows throughout the story. Be patient with her.
"I don’t want to know you for the story. I want to know you for myself.”
Adam is of course wonderful, and has past pain of his own. I found him to be so very kind hearted and patient. He is devoted from the jump. One thing is for sure, Kate Clayborn writes a great book boyfriend.
The mystery and side plot are an interesting addition to this story. I think fans of true crime will appreciate this aspect a lot. No murder involved.
This won’t be my favorite by hers, because ugh, Georgie! But I enjoyed it and I think others will fall in love with this book.
“I’m always going to have your heart, Jessie. Because you gave it to me so completely, and yours taught me how to make my own."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment
Moderate: Suicide, Mental illness, and Terminal illness
literaryintersections's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can’t do a full review right now bbut cause I’m crying so hard omg this book.
I wasn’t super sold on the “lust at first sites” vibes but what I think it is is more about two people who are so hard shelled, grieving, lonely, finding an immediate understanding. Seeing each other. And that really becomes clear as the story goes on.
And this is a romance but it is also a story about sisters. And utterly broken and lonely people.
“I’m always going to have your heart, Jessie. Because you gave it to me so completely, and yours taught me how to make my own. But I think—I think I need to give yours back to you now. I think you need it, because I think it’s high time you get to share it with someone else.”
GOOD FUCKING LORD.
I wasn’t super sold on the “lust at first sites” vibes but what I think it is is more about two people who are so hard shelled, grieving, lonely, finding an immediate understanding. Seeing each other. And that really becomes clear as the story goes on.
And this is a romance but it is also a story about sisters. And utterly broken and lonely people.
“I’m always going to have your heart, Jessie. Because you gave it to me so completely, and yours taught me how to make my own. But I think—I think I need to give yours back to you now. I think you need it, because I think it’s high time you get to share it with someone else.”
GOOD FUCKING LORD.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Suicide, and Mental illness
thelibbyshow's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness
anapsc's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Sexual content
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Suicide
balletbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Once again, Kate Clayborn has excavated my heart and then tenderly put it back together.
SO good. A prickly (but with reasons, oh Jess, honey) FMC plus Gentle Giant MMC (to you like Zaf from Dani Brown? You'll like Adam). Plus ROADTRIP. Definitely a little sexier (imo) than previous KCs (I'll just say: field of flowers, hehe).
Out in March.
SO good. A prickly (but with reasons, oh Jess, honey) FMC plus Gentle Giant MMC (to you like Zaf from Dani Brown? You'll like Adam). Plus ROADTRIP. Definitely a little sexier (imo) than previous KCs (I'll just say: field of flowers, hehe).
Out in March.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness
The FMC and her sister were abandoned by their mom who ran off with a con man, leaving a 21 yo to care for an 8 yo. This is a major source of trauma for them and also the driver for this roadtrip. The MMC has a former teammate who struggled with having bipolar disorder while also being a high-profile football player, who since lost his life in an accident. (this is not a spoiler) The MMC does detail briefly how people treated his friend and denigrated his mental illness.aimee_not_amy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really loved this book. This is my first Kate Clayborn book, but I went to my libby app and borrowed her other books before I even finished this one. For some reason, I've been reading a lot of romance novels that are slightly tinged with grief and The Other Side of Disappearing definitely has a tinge of grief. Jess is our FMC and has stepped up to raise her half-sister after their mother left them to run off with a con man. That con man was the subject of a Serial type podcast hosted by Salem Durant. Now, 10 years later, Jess reluctantly goes along with her sister, Salem, and Salem's producer Adam to go on a road trip to find her mom.
I took my time reading this book because I knew I was going to want to let it soak in. I enjoyed being alongside Jess and Tegan as we learned new snippets about their mom. I celebrated every time Jess trusted Adam enough to let him just a little more. I was even glad when (spoiler):Salem opened up about the true nature of her relationship with the con man, Lynton Baltimore. Adam was a real sweetheart and his story was just heartbreaking, as well. I can totally understand why he went scorched earth on social media prior to the events of the book.
I can't wait for everyone to read this book and Kate Clayborn has a new fan in me!
I took my time reading this book because I knew I was going to want to let it soak in. I enjoyed being alongside Jess and Tegan as we learned new snippets about their mom. I celebrated every time Jess trusted Adam enough to let him just a little more. I was even glad when (spoiler):
I can't wait for everyone to read this book and Kate Clayborn has a new fan in me!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Suicide and Mental illness
This book deals a lot with child abandonment and coming to terms with it.
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