The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Claiborne is a rich and complex story that I so enjoyed! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an ARC.

Jess, the main character, is a complex, admirable character - even if not the most likable, especially at first. Left twice by her mother, and forced to step in to raise her younger sister, resulted in Jess becoming very closed off from everyone else. Through a whole interesting set of circumstances, the two sisters embark on a road trip together to try to find their mother.

As this story progressed, we get to see Jess’ barriers start to come down as she learns to find herself again and to start letting others in. It is also a story of how her relationship with her sister, Tegan, evolves to something richer and closer - beginning to move from a mother/daughter type bond more towards true sisters and friends. And last, but certainly not least, we get to see her romance with Adam - a journalist and former football player with his own complex past - evolve as two multifaceted people try to build trust and find love.

Kudos to Kate Claiborne for another, rich, layered, and unique story- with many interesting and complex characters! I will gladly read any future works by this amazing author.

Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy 😍 I really liked this one! Think forced proximity, enemy to lovers (kinda? Very light enemy vibes) and so much secret pining 🥹 A love story in many different ways! This was a read that once I was sucked in, I couldn’t put it down!

3.5 ⭐️

I had no idea what I was getting into with this one and I'm so glad I read it. I loved the focus on the non-traditional sibling relationship with the FMC and her sister. Sometimes, out of love, we unwillingly harm people important to us, and thought that this theme was so well delivered.
Not to take away from the romance aspect, I thought that the depiction of that relationship, the trauma from their situation, and their growth as sisters became the shining star in the plot. The romance was just a bonus, but equally well-written.

This book was amazing!! I love Kate Clayborn and had high hopes - my expectations were exceeded. Sometimes romance books end up feeling cheesy or unrealistic, but the author writes her characters to be deep and complex, and they seem to live in the real world where things don’t always go perfectly. I fell in love with the main character and was rooting so hard for her!! Loved this.

Kate Clayborn is a lovely writer, her words just flow so beautifully on page. While The Other Side of Disappearing may not be my favorite book by her, it holds true to her talent.

"You don't blend in. Not to me, you don't"

Did I love this book or what.
The love story running alongside a mystery/ podcast research may make some feel like the story isn't a straight romance, but for it adds to the depth and emotion around the entire story. I was drawn into what happened to their missing mother and the con man, but understood that the journey, not the destination, was what made this book beautiful.

A bit of a departure from her other books I've read, but the emotions, grief, hope, and love made this a memorable read.

Four big beautiful stars, would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

What a beautiful story of finding yourself, sharing your heart, and loving those around you well. The cross country road trip keeps the story moving quickly and the characters are well rounded and full of their own secrets and surprises. I found myself riding an emotional rollercoaster with Jess and Tegan and Adam and Salem, hoping for the best, and I was not disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a sweet, if a bit imbalanced, romance. The combination of the romance with the overall plot of the podcast journey was an interesting combination. I felt a little bit of whiplash at time bopping back and forth from the emotions of the romance to the emotions of the relationship between Jess and Tegan to the emotions of the search for Jess and Tegan's mom. It was maybe a little overstuffed.

I liked the dynamic between Jess and Adam, other than the "love (or at least infatuation) at first sight" on Adam's side, but that's more of a personal preference.

With all of the different plot elements, there wasn't a ton of time to focus on/develop the side characters, but I sure did like Salem and wish I had gotten to read more about her.

Overall, a little much, but still sweet. 3/5.

Thank you to Kensington for providing me an early copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year!

This book only strengthened my belief that Kate Clayborn is in a league of her own in terms of writing. Even though I wasn’t sure about the story at first, Kate has a way with words that would hook me in and never let me go until I’m done no matter what the plot is. She is so incredibly talented, and the way she made me fall for Jess and Adam is a crime!!!! I need to reread this book another ten times now!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up. I struggled with the rating here, as I completely adored the characters and the writing was gorgeous as always, but the plot didn’t quite click for me.

The heroine Jess is a 30 year old hairstylist who has been raising her younger sister Tegan since their mom left 10 years ago. Jess was a prickly and careful delight - as a reader, I admired her but also understood why she wouldn’t quite let me in. Tegan has graduated high school and is about to leave for college, which has Jess at a crossroads and not quite knowing what to do with herself.

Kate Clayborn is the master of tender, caretaking heroes and she outdid herself in this book. Adam is an ex-football player turned journalist, and is acting as the assistant to a well-known true crime podcaster, Salem. Their paths intersect when Salem arrives to do a story about Jess and Tegan’s mother, who (as it turns out) ran off with a well-known conman. Since Tegan really wants to find their mother, Jess feels obligated to embark on a road trip with Adam and Salem to try to track her down.

This is where the story went a little off, for me - the road trip felt a bit manufactured. However I loved how the forced proximity made them see and appreciate each other, especially how Adam fell so hard so fast and remained so tuned in to what Jess needed. Her journey to take a risk and trust him was so heartwarming, I loved it.

Not my favorite of this author but still enjoyed.
Meaningful character insights & reflections as is the author's trademark.
Multi-layered relationships--both familial & romantic.

The "steamy scenes" seemed unnecessary, and to me detracted from the story.

With thanks to NetGalley & Kensington for this e-ARC!

I enjoyed this because it is Kate Clayborn, but it is not my favorite by her. I liked the mystery aspect, but felt it overshadowed the romance, which I wanted more of. Her writing is lovely, as always, and I will of course read everything she writes.

Oh this book. I absolutely fell in love with Jess, Tegan and Adam. The adventure they go on in the quest to find their mom is beautiful and heartbreaking. The growth every character goes through is inspiring. Highly recommend this book! Thanks NetGalley for the copy, it was magnificent!

“He kisses like the most impossible dream, a study in perfect contradiction. Soft and firm. Searching and assured. Eager and patient.”

I don’t know how to adequately put into words how much I loved this book. It was deeply romantic and so unique from any other romance novel I’ve ever read. The love story intertwined with the mystery and the family drama was utterly delicious. The end of each chapter kept me wanting to read more. Jess’s relationship with her younger half-sister, Tegan, was so moving. Despite their differences, Jess was fiercely protective of Tegan, and vice versa. I am OBSESSED with Adam. The way he loved Jess in such a quiet, adoring way SENT ME. The scene in the flower field?! So freaking perfect! Not to mention, Adam was just an all-round GOOD human. And Jess’s growth throughout the story - her vulnerability and willingness to trust again despite all the times she’s been let down - was truly admirable. I truly didn’t think the book could be any more flawless, but then I read the epilogue. Incredible! Another 5-star romance from Kate Clayborn!

“Jess’s laugh. I’ve never heard it before, her full, loud laugh. I’ve never heard it, and yet I’d know it anywhere.”

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn
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Jess has been raising her little sister on her own for the past ten years, since their mother took off. One day Jess comes home to find a famous podcaster on her doorstep ready to hunt down her mom.
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What I liked:
-So many things!!! 💜💜 First off I loved Jess and how dependable yet fragile she is. We really got a great insight into how Jess thinks and feels about things, and I just wanted to give her a huge hug.
-Although the relationship between Jess and Tegan is a touch strained at the beginning of the story, they are such sweet sisters. I wept in the last section of the book to see how they coped with all they were going through.
-Jess and Adam. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Their love story was so special.
-Adam’s entire family. 💜💜 I wish a had an awesome family farm to go home to. 🥺
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5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I initially gave this 4.5 stars but I loved it so much I bumped it up 5, although Georgie is still my favorite Kate Clayborn book. Sweet and emotional, this story about family really hit me in the feels.

Kate Clayborn has such a talent at writing books with such emotional complexities in a very quiet and gentle way. This book is different than anything I’ve read from her before in its plot, but those signature feelings are present from start to finish. There is family drama woven into a mystery that needs unraveled while also handling the feelings that come along with the journey.

Jess has been raising her younger sister, Tegan, for the past decade since their mom took off with a man. She’s kept the fact that he was a notorious con man who’d been the subject of a successful podcast around that time a secret. When Tegan finds out on her own, she takes matters into her own hand and lands podcaster, Salem, and her partner Adam on their doorstep with the goal of tracking down their mother. For Jess who has closed herself off from connection for years, Adam adds an unexpected layer to the challenge of keeping her walls up and her heart guarded.

There were so many different relationship dynamics at play throughout this book. Before I add my thoughts on the romantic relationship, I have to highlight the one between Jess and Tegan. The love between the two of them is so genuine and honestly moved me to tears toward the end. They had the complexity of being sisters while also navigating Jess’s assumed parental role and finding a balance. Jess has basically made it her life’s mission for the past decade to protect and shield Tegan as best she can from any kind of hurt tied to their mother, and the podcast makes that impossible. It ends up being so important to their relationship evolution. The journey between them is beautiful.

As far as the romance element, I would protect Adam with my life. I adored the man he was and had such a soft spot in my heart for him almost immediately. I don’t always love the idea of an instant connection between characters, but it jumps off the page here. I could feel the energy between Adam and Jess regardless of whose POV the chapter was in. Everything between them was so tender and at times very raw. It was palpable and authentic. Jess showed so much bravery as she took steps to let her guard down. Adam was so gentle and really saw to the heart of her.

Salem was probably the character who surprised me most. She went from being someone who seemed like she was going to be fairly one dimensional to having a broad range of traits and responses to events. I was please with how integral her role ended up being as so much more than a podcast host.

‘Georgie, All Along’ is one of my all-time favorite romance novels, so I was highly anticipating what Kate Clayborn came up with next. On the surface, this book was entirely different, but at its heart it had everything I love about her work. Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Clayborn and Kensington Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This complex contemporary romance featuring a journalist and a woman enmeshed in a podcast he's producing feels original and current. It's also darker than I was expecting based on other Kate Clayborn novels, but I didn't mind too much as it made the story feel truer.

Jess has been white-knuckling it for the past decade. After her mother abandons her when she's 21--for the second time--she decides to step up and care for her eight-year-old half-sister, Teagan, who has no other family. Teagan is about to head off for college but has a surprise up her sleeve before she goes. Posing as Jess, she has contacted a journalist who hosted a famous true crime podcast years ago to let her know that Teagan believes her mother ran off with the con-man who was the subject of that podcast. Without telling Jess, she plans to take a road trip with the podcaster, Salem, and her producer, Adam, to find their mom. Once Jess hears of this, she decides she has to accompany them to protect her sister from the infamy the podcast will surely bring and the heartbreak Teagan will surely experience. Along the way, Jess begins to the fall in love with the sensitive Adam.

Kate Clayborn did an amazing job in building out Jess and Adam. Chapters alternate between their POVs, which goes a long way to helping readers understand their perspectives. That said, you can't help but have sympathy for either of them--two flawed but caring people doing their best to love and support the other. At one point in the story, Jess is reflecting on the that groove you hit in the early moments of a physical relationship that happens once partners sync up after some early fumbling. In many ways, the whole romance felt that way, with Jess and Adam trying to strike a balance that will allow them to move forward together. When it does, the payoff feels rewarding.

This was angstier than I'd been expecting. Maybe I thought "road trip" and assumed it would be more of a caper. But there are a lot of dark moments here, everything from processing a friend's suicide to parental abandonment, and I think I needed to be more in the mood for weightiness than I was while I was reading this.

That said, if you are in the mood for a little emotional turmoil--if you want to feel all the things, from love to grief--then this is a perfect romance for you. It's well-written with complex characters you will come to love.

4.5 stars

Transformative. Haunting. Achingly beautiful. These are some adjectives or adjectival phrases I used to see bandied around on back cover copy of books I worked on in my publishing days. It was very rare that I read a contemporary lit book that really lived up to these descriptors. This book is one of them.

I have a long story to share that I hope does a little justice to describing this novel. Bear with me.

When I was a junior in high school, I was taking an AP 2D art course that required us to submit a portfolio at the end of the semester. Our whole grade was based on that body of work we produced. The portfolio itself, the carrier that held my art projects, was made of thick brown paper and it had flimsy black handles. When I accidentally left it at the picnic tables after class, I guess it seemed like something discarded to our janitor. Something that needed to be disposed of. So he threw it out in the school dumpsters, which were serendipitously emptied by the county that night.

My art teacher, who had already seen my work and thought it was metaphorical trash, didn’t take pity on me and wouldn’t judge my work on sight-previously-seen. She made me redo every art project I had done up to that point, and I had two weeks to do it.

So that’s how I found myself, late one night, sitting on the floor in the living room of the second saddest place my father ever lived, frantically working against the clock to recreate a study in light and shadow in the near pitch dark. There were no chairs, no sofa, not even a lamp in the room. The only thing in the room was a tv, so I was using that as my light source. I had some news program on, but I’d put the show on mute. It was the early days of the first Gulf War, and when the program started playing footage of the American bombing campaign, the silent flickering light of bombs going off distracted me from my drawing and I looked up at the tv. I can’t go into all the emotions I was feeling at that moment, but one of them I distinctly remember and still find unsettling. How could something be so powerful, so bright, so shocking, even when it was so, so quiet.

And that memory came flooding back when I was reading this book. How can something be so powerful, so bright, so shocking, even when it is so, so quiet.? The Other Side of Disappearing somehow is.

I am a huge fan of Kaye Clayborn's books, so I went into this with high expectations. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it as much as her earlier novels.

Jess and her sister, Tegan go on a road trip looking for their mother. They are accompanied by Adam and Salem, two journalists doing a podcast on the grifter she ran off with.

Jess and Adam are the protagonists, and they are both great characters. The actual romance storyline is just as solid as any of Clayborn's other novels.

The B story was what lost me. I did not find it believable that this grifter was compelling enough to be the focal point of a popular podcast. The plot surrounding that storyline was sparse and not that interesting.

This book is still well worth reading! Clayborn is such a good writer, she can make you get lost in the feelings and inner monologs of her characters. I loved Jess and Adam and loved rooting for them.

Right from the beginning Jess is chaotic and overly anxious because her sister isn’t home. She gets a call that her client is at her salon and Jess tells the receptionist to cancel her appointment. Yet when she decides to embark on a spur of the moment 3 week trip she says she won’t have a hard time with the salon because she’s never taken a sick day and I’m like ummm yeah you literally canceled on your client yesterday while she was at the salon. So it immediately made me distrust Jess as a narrator because she contradicted herself and view her in a negative light because of how unprofessional she is. I also could not figure out ages at one moment it seemed like Jess was 28 but then in one part she said something about being 32 and it was just like either tell me her age or don’t, same with Adam it’s like I’m supposed be calculating 5 year since his friend died but he was in college and she’s thrown in that he did a masters program after he died and then was an intern and it just seemed like she was intentionally making us wonder what age they are but then also being vague and it just seemed like a lot of afterthought ideas.

Confusing start there are lots of characters and names all at once and not just first names, because of the transcriptions we are also expected to remember last names right off the bat! There are issues with pacing and nothing exciting happens until 30%. All the characters are flat. The Dual POV is unnecessary and doesn’t work because both characters inner monologue sounds the same so I catch myself getting confused as to who I’m reading from. Also the dialogue is poorly written where a character will say something and the POV will be narrating for an entire page before replying and at the point I’ve already forgotten what was going on in the conversation.
I really loved Georgie All Along but didn’t love the authors other books so I’m thinking Georgie All Along was just an anomaly.