Title: The Other Side of Disappearing
Author: Kate Clayborn
Genre: Romance
Expected On: March 26, 2024
Publisher: Kensington Books
Source: digital
Pages: 407
Synopsis:
From the acclaimed author of Georgie, All Along and Love Lettering, a pitch-perfect, radiantly transporting love story about an unexpected road trip, true crime obsessions, and hard won vulnerability…
Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade raising her younger half-sister, Tegan—and keeping a shocking secret. Ever since their reckless mother ran off with a boyfriend she’d known only a few months, Jess has been aware that he’s the same accomplished con man who was the subject of a wildly popular podcast, The Last Con of Lynton Baltimore.
Now thirty-one, Jess didn’t bargain on Tegan eventually piecing together the connection for herself. But Tegan plans to do exactly what Jess has always feared—leave their safe, stable home to search for their mother—and she’ll be accompanied by the prying podcast host and her watchful, handsome producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling to let the sister she’s spent so much of her life protecting go it alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.
Together, the four make their way across the country, unraveling the mystery of where the couple disappeared to and why. But soon Jess is discovering other things too. Like a renewed sense of vulnerability and curiosity, and a willingness to expand beyond the walls she’s so carefully built. And in Adam, she finds an unexpected connection she didn’t even know was missing, if only she can let go and let him in . . .
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
We meet Jess who has been raising her younger sister Tegan for the past ten years. Ever since their mother left town with her latest boyfriend and disappeared, only sending postcards occasionally from varying locations. Postcards that Jess has kept hidden from Tegan, along with the knowledge that said boyfriend is also a con-man made famous in a podcast that riveted the nation several years ago.
But Tegan has her own secrets from Jess—the fact that she has pieced together parts of this puzzle and plans to spend the summer before she leaves for college traveling with Salem, the host of the podcast, and Adam, Salem’s producer, as they search for the truth about their mother and this con-man using the postcards as clues. When Jess accidentally discovers Tegan’s plans, she insists on going along in an attempt to continue to shield Tegan as best as she can.
But Jess is rattled when sparks fly between her and Adam, and Clayborn gives us both of their alternating points of view, which only enhances the intensity of their growing attraction. At first I was afraid Adam’s feelings were too instant for me, but he won me over quickly with his selflessness and soft heart. He has his own demons to deal with, too. By the end of the book, Adam could do no wrong in my eyes.
Make me say your name a hundred times tonight, I’m thinking. I’ll introduce you to the stars.
Kate Clayborn; The Other Side of Disappearing
On the other hand, Jess is a character who is real and flawed, which always makes a story more powerful for me. Even if I didn’t agree with some of her actions, I understood them, wanting only happiness for her. And Tegan and Adam.
I didn’t want to set this one down, riveted by the romance, the mystery, and the emotional gravity of the circumstances Jess has found herself in. And bonus! It’s a road trip book, which is one of my favorite tropes. Clayborn is a must-read author for me. Be sure and pencil The Other Side of Disappearing in for your spring or summer TBRs!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Bookshop | Amazon
My review of Love at First by Kate Clayborn
My review of Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
About the Author
Kate Clayborn is the critically acclaimed author of six novels. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Bookpage, and more. By day she works in education, and by night (and sometimes, by very early morning) she writes contemporary romances about smart, strong, modern heroines who face the world alongside true friends and complicated families. She resides in Virginia with her husband and their dog.
A Song For A Book
I was happy to discover the publisher had created a playlist for The Other Side of Disappearing on Spotify, which I’ll share below. I’m choosing to highlight “Wide-Eyed” by Cold Weather Company!
People, lost in the haze
Defeat their own lives, it seems
Aimless, wandering wide-eyed
I was bound to love again
I will do you no harm
I won’t fly
I will do you no harm
I will try
Darling, hazel-eyed mountain song
My soul longs for you
Running, I wasn’t gone for long
I’ve grown all for you
I will do you no harm
I won’t fly
I will do you no harm
I will try
I could die in your arms
I could die
I could die in your arms
I could die
What if I lose all sight and ambition?
What if my heart weakens my vision?
What if all I need
Is right in front of me?…
Have you read The Other Side of Disappearing? Will you be adding it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
Great review! I loved this book.
Clayborn always knocks it out of the park!
Aaah I absolutely love the aesthetic post header! It’s so cute! How did you make it?
I listened to “Wide-Eyed” and it’s a really good, vibrant song. If this is the vibe of the book, I want to read it <3
Oh, thank you! My daughter made me the overlays to put on top of my pictures. I have no idea how she did it. 😃 I think the song does represent the vibe of the book! I hope you get to pick it up and enjoy it, too!
I have a few more chapters to go, but I do adore Adam. Like you said, he is such a tender-hearted guy. I liked his family so much, too. That was one of my favorite stops on this road trip.
I imagine this one was a hit for you, too! I think Clayborn did a great job branching out into mystery.