I did not have time to read and review this novel before its publish date, however now that I have I gave it 3 stars.

"The Other Side of Disappearing" by Kate Clayborn isn't your typical love story - it's all about healing and strong characters. Jess's mom ran off with a con-man when Jess was young, forcing her to give up her own dreams to look after her sister Teagan. Now, as Teagan is about to start college, she thinks she has a clue to find their missing mother. Teagan turns to true-crime podcaster Salem Durant and her assistant Adam for help, while Jess is left trying to shield her sister from potential heartbreak and the truth about their long-lost mom. Jess and Teagan's character development was so fulfilling, and I really enjoyed how their bond evolved and how they both changed throughout the story. The romance kicked off with a bit of instant attraction, but I was totally on board with it because the build-up between Jess and Adam turned into a beautifully slow-burn love story.

I loved Kate Claybourn’s “Georgie All Along” and was so excited when I won a copy from a Goodreads giveaway and also got an ebook ARC from NetGalley. “The Other Side of Disappearing” is honestly more women’s fiction than romance, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Thank you to Kate Clayborn, Kensington Books, NetGalley and Goodreads for the ebook ARC and Giveaway book. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5

Jess has been her half-sister Teagan's legal guardian for the past 10 years after their mom left and never returned. Teagan is about to leave for college but reaches out to a true crime podcaster about her thoughts on their Mom's possible disappearance with a fairly well-known con man. Jess refuses to let her younger sister find things out alone and decides to search with Teagan and the podcast team, Salem and the newer journalist Adam. Salem had followed the con man 10 years ago and is excited to find answers to long outstanding questions. Adam is coming along in exchange for Salem's help on his own podcast in the future around mental health in sports. Adam and Jess are immediately attracted to each other but the podcast search throws up some blockers for them. As things heat up, can Adam and Jess figure out a way to be together with some of Jess's relationship struggles? Will they figure out what happened to Jess and Teagan's mom?

I really enjoyed the plot to this and its not something I think I've seen done in romance very often. Focusing on a con man allows for some commentary on true crime coverage in general without being hypocritical in the long run. I've only read Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn so I can't comment on the style of writing as much but I think the inner monologuing fit our characters well. Jess has a lot of things she needs to focus on and her inner thoughts were really appreciated. I also thought that Adam's POV was really necessary. Without his POV, we would have missed out on a lot of the nuance regarding the romance and Adam's struggles between his job and his growing feelings.

This book teeters on the lines of romance, mystery, and women's fiction. It encapsulates the best parts of those genres and stuffs them all into this wonderful book, of which I was completely enamored. This story follows the dual POVs of two people who have both experienced trauma at a young age, and you see the effects that it has on them as adults as they navigate their relationship together, and with others.

I absolutely loved following along with Jess and Adam, as well as Tegan, on the search for the girls' mom and why she disappeared from their lives.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Came for the romance - stayed for the sisters. The Other Side of Disappearing warmed my heart.

“Jessie. What I mean is— what I mean is, when Mom left, you . . . you became what I needed. Everything I needed, that became all you needed, too. Your whole life, you gave over to me. And you kind of disappeared, you know?”

Jess has taken care of her sister Tegan for the past decade after their mother ran off with her new boyfriend. So, when Tegan invites a true crime podcast to look into the disappearance of their mother, Jess has no other option but to join her sister and the podcast crew as they follow clues across the United States.

The Other Side of Disappearing is part women’s fiction, part mystery, part romance and really keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end of the story. The book does hit on some harder topics such as family trauma and the hard realization that it is sometimes better being estranged from your family.

I loved Kate Clayborn’s last novel “Georgie All Along” and was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went in thinking that it would be romance driven, but found myself more invested by the mystery surrounding their mother. The romance in the story is cute, and I really enjoyed that it was a dual POV. I love when you can get into the heads of both of the lead characters. The relationship between the two sisters was also very important to the plot and I enjoyed how it was written. Jess and Tegan’s relationship was very genuine and believable. While I did find Tegan’s motivations at the beginning a bit selfish, she truly does grow as the plot develops. I also enjoyed that we saw Jess’s journey as she healed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Oof. Kate Clayborn is (and still will be after this) an auto-buy author for me. But this one didn’t hit right for me. I found the language too clunky and stilted, and there was way too much telling instead of showing, which is a writing style that doesn’t work well for me. Additionally, I didn’t buy the insta-love between the two main characters.

Overall, not a win for me! But I will continue to try Kate Clayborn’s other works!

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn is a wonderful novel. I think this book is equal parts women’s fiction and mystery. The characters are really hurting and dealing with past trauma. Add in podcasters who try to help find their missing mother, and the story really takes off from there. I love the theme of sisterly love in this book. I also really appreciate the author’s authentic look at how hard it is to build a relationship after trauma. Overall, it was a great book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Not your typical romance. It starts off a little confusing getting caught up on what’s happening. The pacing of this book was perfect. It’s quick and jarring when it needs to be, and slow and poignant in the right places. I really loved Georgie All Along and this book was even better.

I liked the pacing and the writing both were done really well, I was exited in knowing where the story was going and how the mystery would be solved. The characters complemented each other well the story flowed naturally with believable reactions for the characters making the story feel real, and with characters developed so well it makes the heartbreaking scenes that much more heartbreaking.

I love that its two points of view the FMC and the MMC you get the chance to see what the other can’t quite say what they want weather out of fear or waiting for the right moment it’s the slow build from strangers to friends to lovers that make the moment when they crash together much more rewarding.

This is one of those stories you have to know as little as possible so your right with the characters learning the truth as you read.

Solid 4 stars



Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I received this arc through Netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me access to this e-book.

The Other Side of Disappearing is the story of two sisters, their absent mother, a true crime podcast, and a romance. Jess is in her early 30s, and has always picked up the pieces after her mother. So much so that she's been raising her younger sister alone for over a decade. Jess is fiercely protective of her younger sister, Tegan, and is shocked and hurt when she finds out that Tegan has contacted a true crime podcast to help locate their mother. Reluctantly, Jess agrees to a month-long road trip with Tegan and the podcast crew. This road trip is one that will forever change all of their lives.

As the eldest daughter, I could truly empathize with Jess. I've never had to raise my siblings, but just some of those emotions that she had and that role she felt that she had to take on. I enjoyed the relationship between Jess and Tegan. I think that was probably my favorite thing in the whole book. This road trip for Jess was eye opening and life changing. She discovered more about herself and found love. I appreciated that. Adam was an adorable golden retriever and I have no real complaints about him.

I disliked the insta-love feel of this. Jess and Adam fell hard and fast and while I did enjoy them together, I wish that it had played out a little more after the road trip. I appreciated that she took time for herself afterwards, but that felt like almost an afterthought. I also felt like the ending with mom felt like more of an afterthought and seemed like it deserved a little more wrap up than it got.

Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade raising her younger half sister, Tegan, after their mother ran away with a boyfriend she’d only known a few months. Jess has also been keeping a huge secret - the boyfriend her mother ran off with, was an accomplished con man who was also the subject of a wildly popular podcast, The Last Con of Lynton Baltimore.

Right before Tegan hits her eighteenth birthday, Jess figures out her sister’s plan to do what she’s always feared - go on the search for their mother. But she’s not doing it alone, instead she’s accompanied by the host of the podcast and her producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling for her sister to go alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.

Together, the four make their way across the country, uncovering pieces of the mystery as to where her mother and her boyfriend disappeared to and why.

So first off, I don’t know how I missed this being a romance, because it’s not like it's not marketed as romance. I think I was more focused on the true crime podcast aspect of it over everything else. And, to be honest, I don’t think the novel needed the spicier scenes to it. I totally understood and felt Jess and Adam’s connection, no need for the horniess. But, maybe that’s just me being a reader who doesn’t read much romance above a two spice level, so don’t take my opinion on this bit too personally.

I loved the mystery of this novel and the adventure the group went on - but I still didn’t care for the romance of it. I also had a bit of a hard time connecting with anyone. Everyone had a lot of feelings that were deeply explored, but I didn’t feel as much connection as I do with others.

Overall, I can see people still enjoying this. Just because I didn’t care for the romance bit of it, doesn’t mean the story itself wasn’t still good!

*Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Kate Clayborn’s “The Other Side of Disappearing” is a radiant triumph of contemporary romance that is not just a love story; it's a profound exploration of the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters, the pain of broken bonds, and the delicate dance of vulnerability and trust.

At the heart of the novel is Jess Greene, a hairstylist who has spent a decade raising her younger half-sister and shielding her from the painful secrets of their past. Jess is complicated and initially prickly, but underneath her tough exterior lies a woman of immense strength and kindness.

Adam Hawkins may find Jess a quandary at the start, but his own heart and moral integrity shine through in every tough decision he faces. Adam’s genuine desire to do the right thing, even when it means making sacrifices, makes him the only partner which we can see with Jess on her journey. His evolving relationship with Jess, and by extension her sister, is beautifully portrayed. Their relationship is filled with tender moments and undeniable chemistry that pulls at your heartstrings and often the sets off the steamy settings too. But he does not save her. These two people are on parallel paths together, which makes their story all the more moving as it grows.

The narrative is enriched by its exploration of the often tumultuous relationships between mothers and daughters. Clayborn delves into the pain of broken and toxic familial bonds with a sensitivity that is both poignant and realistic. The novel also addresses the challenging journey of forgiving those who have hurt us, without forgetting the pain they caused. This theme is handled with a delicate balance, allowing for a nuanced understanding of human relationships and the process of healing.

"The Other Side of Disappearing" includes a secondary true crime element, which adds an intriguing layer of mystery and suspense. The road trip that Jess, Tegan, Adam, and the podcast host embark on is not only a journey across the country but also a journey towards uncovering long-buried truths and rediscovering themselves.

As a fan of Kate Clayborn’s previous works, I can confidently say that this might be her best book yet. The emotional resonance, the beautifully flawed characters, and the seamless blending of romance with deeper themes make “The Other Side of Disappearing” a must-read. This book is a testament to Clayborn’s skill as a storyteller and her ability to touch the hearts of her readers.

Ten years ago, Jess Greene's mother ran off with the subject of an incredibly popular true crime podcast and left Jess to raise her little sister. Now, the host of the podcast, and her intern Adam have come into their lives to try to find Jess's mother and wrap up the story that began a decade ago.

I really enjoyed the true crime aspect of the book, as well as Jess's journey to better understanding herself as she reluctantly goes to find her mother.

Thank you for the opportunity to review - this was another great Clayborn offering and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Loved reading it!

In The Other Side of Disappearing, sisters Jess and Teagan embark on a road trip in search of their mother, who ran off years ago with a boyfriend who turned out to be a notorious con-man. Jess has known about the true identity of her mother's boyfriend for years, but tried to shield Tegan from the truth in an effort to protect her. But one day Jess opens her door to find famous podcaster Salem Durant and her assistant Adam. Tegan has not only discovered the truth about her mother and the man she left with, but she has made arrangements with Salem to document her attempt to track her mother down and find out what happened to her.

I love Kate Clayborn and the premise of this novel sounded intriguing, but unfortunately this one was a miss for me. I just couldn't connect with the characters and I felt as though the mystery of what happened to their mom was not plotted in a way that kept the pages turning.

Jess's mom took off with a con artist years ago, but now her little sister wants to find her. Jess and her sister set out with two podcasters to try to find their mom. There's mystery, family drama, romance - I enjoyed Kate Clayborn's new book and would recommend it. Thanks for the ARC.

Kate Clayborn's new story dives into family bonds, sisterhood, and healing. Hairstylist Jess Greene guards her emotions due to her mother's past actions. When her sister Tegan goes off with a podcaster to investigate a conman, Jess joins to protect her.

The journey brings emotional growth and healing, with Jess opening up to Adam, the podcaster's friend. Their budding romance adds warmth to the story. This book is about self-discovery, sisterly love, and finding happiness. I recommend it for a heartwarming and inspiring read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!

This is more than just a romance -- it's a story of self-discovery, and also really heavy at times. But as with many good romances, it's also a love story that outlines all types of love -- romantic, familial, etc. I enjoy Kate Clayborn's writing!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this arc.

This book is an emotional road trip and a literal road trip. It starts out very slow with a lot of character development. This really pays off in the second half of the book and was worth the tenuous beginning.

I’ve been reading a string of books with evil mothers which is really leaning into my Disney mindset. This book has two daughters who have a mother who has abandoned them for a man. This man is an infamous con man and the mom hasn’t been heard from in ten years. A famous podcaster is hunting him down with her assistant and the girls end up on this cross country journey.

This is a dual narration book between two fascinating characters. Of course my interest perked up when the romance starts.

I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it.