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The Other Half

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When a spoiled socialite is forced to live like the other half, will she also find her other half?

When I landed on the front page of the paper with a censored label over my lady bits, my grandpa gave me an ultimatum—prove I can live without my family name and riches or get cut off and relinquish my place in the family legacy.
To prove I was more than just a pretty face with a trust fund, I left my famous name behind and went where no socialite had gone before…

To get a job.

In Wisconsin.

Gulp.

With nothing but a hundred bucks and my little dog, Poppy, I moved to the tiny town on the Door Peninsula that would be my salvation… or more like my worst nightmare when I got a look at the dilapidated cabin I’d call home. The one surrounded by woodland creatures I was quite certain wanted to gobble me up.

But my rundown shack looked a lot more promising when I saw Jake, the stone-cold hottie living next door. The grumpy fisherman had a heart as ice-cold as his ice-blue eyes, but I couldn’t resist the powerful attraction pulling us together.
My plan to do my time and get back to life in the city gets a bit more complicated as Jake and I prove that opposites don’t just attract— sometimes they collide.

And hopefully our impact won’t leave us both blown to bits.

The Other Half is the first romantic comedy in the Door Peninsula Passions series. While each book can be read as a standalone, they will be most enjoyable read in order. Enjoy these light-hearted romances throughout the Door County Peninsula that are filled with laughter, romance, and passion!

Published January 1, 2024

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About the author

Katherine Hastings

24 books267 followers
USA Today bestselling author Katherine Hastings writes books that make readers laugh, swoon, and escape into unforgettable adventures. From hilarious women’s fiction to swoon-worthy romance and high-stakes suspense, she weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and a dash of chaos.

Her books have been AUDIE Award-nominated for Best Humor and have won the SOVAS Award for Best Humor, proving that laughter and storytelling go hand in hand.

When she’s not crafting page-turning tales, you’ll find her in Wisconsin, snuggling her husband, two Boston Terriers, and the world’s naughtiest cat. If she’s not writing indoors, she’s outside with her horses, ducks, and Sebastopol geese—because life is better with a little fur and feathers.

Her happy place? Floating in the lake with a book, a cold drink, and a plate of Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds.

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5 stars
215 (42%)
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172 (34%)
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97 (19%)
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16 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Brandy Roberts.
2,082 reviews62 followers
June 27, 2019
I thought The other half was a good story with interesting characters and plot that kept me hooked on the story . This would be the start of a new series the Door Peninsula Passions and I can't wait to read more by Katherine Hastings also this is the second book that I've read by the author . From reading the blurb didn't realize how much I was going to like Cassandra but quickly was taken with her . Oh my gosh Jake he tries so hard to stay away and have his shields up but Cassie breaks through with her personality and her little poppy . Can't wait to read the next one the is the series we get alittle sneak peak on whos story is next and I'm super excited .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
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hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters= 10
Chemistry=10 steam=6 romance=6
humor=4 darkness level=2 action=2 mystery= 2
enjoyment=10 angst=3 story line= 10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover= 10 Blurb =10 Stars =5
Is this part of a series =yes
Can it be read as a standalone = yes
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Profile Image for Naadira  Moodley (BookedMercy) .
369 reviews82 followers
June 28, 2019
Okay.... I don’t know what to write so let me just give you the gist of the book while I get my thoughts in order.

Cassandra Davenport has pulled a little too many stunts that have in hot water and things don’t seem to be improving. She is dragging down the Davenport and destroying herself on the process and her grandfather has finally had enough. He is cutting her off and their company, their legacy, will be sold leaving Cassandra with no company to run. Upon much pleading a deal is made, Cassandra has to live in a dilapidated cabin with just $100 to her name in a small town and prove that she is not a rich spoilt ungrateful child like what she portraying for the past 2 years. In this new town she is not allowed to tell anyone her true identity and she has to get a job to support herself or the deal is off and thus Cassie Sinclair is born. Getting a job is not hard in this town but having the skill sets for the job is another matter. This town was just meant to be a shot at redemption but she never intended to fall for a fisherman named Jake. Being in this town has been good for her. She is trying new things and has become a better person but her secret will unravel all that she has built and the new relationships she has forged.

The characters were likable but to an extent. Cassie was funny and sweet but I did get irritated with her I also felt like Jake wasn’t truly ready to be in a relationship because of his ex. Although it was on and off he was still with her for so many years. Another peeve of mine in books is that the hero will be in a relationship for so many years with someone but then when the heroine comes along, he realizes he never loved his ex in the first place.

Although it seems like I didn’t like this book, I did in fact find it a good book and recommend it to readers. (I’m just really fussy with books and it’s a problem at times.)
Profile Image for Jane McFarland.
35 reviews
June 24, 2019
The Other Half, Volume 1 of the Door Peninsula Passions series by Katherine Hastings, is a must-read for any rom-com fan!

Cassandra fills her time with partying, doing drugs and spending money while she waits for the reins of the family business to become hers. But when she’s cut off and given one last chance to prove she’s worthy of the legacy her grandfather built, her life isn’t the only one that takes a turn.

Jake’s life of peace and solitude is completely disrupted when Cassandra drops into Door County. He’s a hardworking, honest man who enjoys his solitary lifestyle. And while the interruption isn’t welcome, he can’t help but be intrigued by how vastly unprepared she is for this new life.

As part of the deal with her grandfather, Cassandra can’t rely upon her new neighbor – no matter how perfect he is - for too much help. She can’t even use her real name! She’s got to learn to survive on her own with a few bucks, a rusty box of a car, a tiny dog that can fit in her hand, and no job skills - the perfect recipe for disaster!

With Jake’s painful past, he’s happy to sit on the sidelines while Cassie’s new life unfolds. And that would be a lot easier to do if she wasn’t so easy on the eyes.

Cassie and Jake couldn’t be more opposite which makes the collision of their lives highly entertaining. But the one thing they have in common is the desire to break down the other’s barriers while keeping their own intact.

The Other Half will have you laughing out loud as Hastings rebuilds each of their lives, one awkward and unexpected encounter at a time.

I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
June 27, 2019
Cassie is the ultimate party girl with a trust fund, whose life is spiraling out of control, so her grandfather puts his foot down. He tells her that she has to prove that worthy of the legacy he built, and sends her off to live like normal people live with no help from family, and she lands in Door County with limited resources, a rusty car, her tiny dog, and no job skills. And most importantly, she has to rely on herself, not others to get by. So you already know that this isn't going to go well. Jake lives a life of peaceful solitude until his new neighbor drops into the middle of it. He's not really excited for the disruption, although there's something about her that intrigues him. The Other Half is a hilarious story that kept me laughing as the disasters that Cassie kept encountering were entertaining as all hell because she wasn't cut out for her new normal. It wasn't that she didn't deserve them, because her party life wasn't getting her anywhere, so the drama was big. And I've always loved these types of stories and/or movies. Added in was Jake's reaction to Cassie's disaster's as he needed the chaos that she brought as well in his quiet life. In order to know how it all panned out, you'll have to one click this entertaining rom-com for yourselves that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
June 24, 2019
I admit it....I did nothing but read this book today....I couldn't put it down once I started reading it this morning so the housekeeping and errands went to the wayside! lol I so enjoyed this story, it had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time!!!

Socialite Cassandra Davenport is a mess and has disappointed her grandpa once too many times so he has decided to send her off to a small village in which she will live in a dilapidated cottage and will have to get a job to earn a living. She must prove to him that she can be responsible in order to take over his multi million dollar company.

Local fisherman, Jake Alton, is still reeling from finding out his best friend slept with his fiancée and vows to never let love into his life again. Then he meets Cassie when she starts work as a bartender in his favourite bar and tries everything to resist temptation but that isn't happening!!

I loved Jake....he had me at "Eat the carbs, Cassie, eat the carbs"!! lol A man after my own heart:) I also loved the humor in this story, especially when Jake calls Cassie's dog Poppy...."Muskybait"! I was also curious about the song he plays on the Jukebox, "Let Me Down Easy", so I found it online and played it while reading the story...perfect!!

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,361 reviews22 followers
June 27, 2019
Katherine might just be one of my new top favorite authors! This is my second read from her and I couldn’t get enough and loved every second of it! Cassandra has spiraled out of control after the death of her parents, and when it’s gotten to be too much, her grandfather gives her an ultimatum of living like most people do along with many stipulations in order to gain her inheritance. Upon arriving at her destination, it’s a complete culture shock to her and through that shock meets her neighbor Jake. As Cassandra navigates life with how most people typically live, Jake becomes more than just her neighbor who saved her and she is torn with telling him who she really is. But when her identity becomes known regardless, will Jake forgive her even after his sordid dating past? There was so much about this book that I loved; from Cassandra’s internal struggle and character growth to the entire premise of the storyline. I can’t wait to see where Katherine takes Jo’s story next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
9,375 reviews140 followers
June 27, 2019
This is a well written book with a fun and entertaining story line. The author brings two opposites in spoiled rich party girl , Cassandra and hardworking ,solitary man , Jake , gives them an instant attraction and hot chemistry and sets them off on an hilarious journey that had me laughing out loud throughout. She does give them some ups and downs as well and will need to work through her "secret". I loved their story and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
June 26, 2019
This is the 1st in a new series form this author, and what an entertaining read this is! Cassie’s life is spiraling out of control, and her grandfather issues an ultimatum that she find out the hard way how the other half live. Jake is a fisherman who just want solitude, and he has that until his new neighbor arrives. This is a well written wonderful romantic comedy, which is fun, light-hearted, humorous, and an all round entertaining read. I look forward to reading more in this addictive series, and recommend for all readers.
Profile Image for Petra.
1,485 reviews
June 21, 2019
Spoiled little rich girl needs to prove that she’s worth it to inherit the family company, finding love as a bonus. The story of Cassie and Jake.
Wow! I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down. This book is such a great read, you’re in this Door Peninsula-world before you know it! I really loved this book: the characters, the many lol moments, the storyline.
My second book by this author and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Looking forward to the next one.

I received an arc of this book and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,065 reviews35 followers
June 27, 2019
I really loved this book. It was funny and engaging. Opposites attract when a spoiled rich girl is forced to live with very little and meets up with a hard- working man. Opposites really attracted and had great chemistry. I would love to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlyn.
31 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2019
The Other Half was a sweet, and fun rom-com. Cassandra is a rich girl that is trying to get back on her path and Jake is just trying to recover from previous heartbreak. Their relationship is one of laughs and instant chemistry but can has some ups and downs. I am looking forward to future books from this author set in this world.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
953 reviews
June 14, 2019
The Other Half was a wonderful, sweet, and fun rom-com. Cassandra is a strong character that is trying to get back on her path and Jake is just trying to recover from previous heartbreak. Their relationship is one of laughs and instant chemistry but can it withstand all of the outside influences. The setting for this book was picturesque and now I need to book my next vacation to Door County. I am looking forward to future books from this author set in this world.
Profile Image for She's a Lip Biter.
1,336 reviews30 followers
July 8, 2019
The Other Half is the first romantic comedy in the Door Peninsula Passions series and what a sweet romance it is too.

Cassandra Davenport is a twenty-eight-year-old socialite with a penchant for being very dramatic, though she has been cosseted all of her life so her new lifestyle is a huge shock. Jake Alton, also twenty-eight years old is the total opposite of his new neighbour, Cassandra. A commercial fisherman, he is an extremely quiet man who now prefers to be on his own. Well, they do say opposites attract, but do they?

Both lead characters are very easy to like and their dogs too! The other Door County secondary characters are all easygoing with a cool sense of humour and I look forward to reading more about them. When we first meet the lead characters it is with a sense of fun and you can’t help but chuckle, especially at Cassie’s antics. There definitely is a more serious element in the story as well, this is explored thoroughly yet smoothly too.

This is a fast-paced, easy to read book and extremely entertaining.

Reviewed by Robyn
Profile Image for Stacey.
434 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2019
Spiraling out of control after the death of her parents, Cassie’s grandfather has had enough. He gives her an ultimatum-live out in a secluded cabin without the family’s money and prove she can make it, or get cut off. When she gets there, she doesn’t expect the run the down cabin, or her new neighbor, local fisherman Jake Alton.

Both Cassie and Jake are dealing with the pain from their pasts and they need each other to learn how to forgive not only other people, but themselves.

I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. There are some serious moments, but there are also plenty of laughs to be had as well. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

Fans of romantic comedies won’t want to miss this one. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

**I voluntarily agreed to read an ARC and provide an honest review**
Profile Image for Lisa Lou.
247 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2019
A delightful story.

Cassandra uses alcohol, drugs and partying to deal with her grief, with no money worries her life has been easy and she's taken it for granted untill its taken away from her.
Jake has had his heart trampled on by his ex-girlfriend and is struggling to deal with it, he's broody, inconsolable and has sworn off women.

I love the chemistry between Cassie and Jake, they are so endearing.
Good strong secondary characters, i love Jo and cant wait to read more about her.

The story flows nicely, with a few funny moments that had me giggling.
A lovely light read that will pull you in to their sweet romance.

My 1st book by Katherine and wont be the last. Cant wait for the next book.
52 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
I loved this first book in the Door Peninsula Passions series! Maybe it’s because my husband and I visit Door County every year, and I could picture every detail — the cozy small-town charm, the lake shore views, the people who feel like old friends.

Cassie leaves behind her “Park Avenue Princess” life to grieve, heal, and rediscover herself in Door County — and it’s the perfect place for it. Jake, a local fisherman with a few scars of his own, is the exact opposite of her NYC boyfriend… and exactly what she needs.

I adored the side characters (Jo and Matt!) and the dogs — Hank and Poppy totally stole my heart.

This book made me laugh and cry — always the sign of a great read for me. I’m so excited to continue the series!
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
July 24, 2019
Unwanted attraction couldn't of come at the worst time. Cassandra needs to prove she is responsible and can live a normal life without all the shiny things her name and family status afforded her or lose her place in the family line, she'll come to learn that part of that learning is being taught and accepting help. Jake is just the person for the job if he would just open up to people. But even though thesr two clash romance blooms but what happens whrn the new life Cassandra has built for herself and her old life cross paths, will she buckle under the pressure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4,720 reviews40 followers
June 26, 2019
Living on a budget could be fun?
This witty tale also has a serious side and I enjoyed both. Cassie tries to block the pain she feels by using drugs, alcohol, and acting like a bad girl. Then the hammer drops and Cassie now has to face her problems and do a little growing up. Jake, the hottie next door well things have got interesting. The characters and where this story takes place is what made this so interesting to read. I really enjoyed every minute I spent reading. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
4,927 reviews31 followers
June 27, 2019
Cassie is known as a party girl spending her families money as fast as she gets her hands on it until her grandfather puts his foot down and tells her he is cutting her off and she has to learn to make it on her own as proof she can handle the family business. She moves into a rundown house next door to Jake who enjoys his life quiet and uncomplicated but the beautiful next door is hard to resist and maybe he doesn't.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,029 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2022
This is a rom-com that will take you through a range of emotions. I love it when an author makes me bust out laughing and that was the case at several points in this book. Cassandra is a very likeable character, even if her lifestyle meant she was prepared for to handle tasks that are everyday for most people. And Jake......Can I just say I wish I had a Jake of my own? He's been burned by lies in the past so he guards his heart. That is until Hurricane Cassie comes to town. And his nickname for her dog? Make me crack up every time I read it.
Profile Image for Nonna 2K.
1,331 reviews11 followers
November 14, 2022
Okay Story

This was a basic story, which is why I gave it three stars.
Did I finish it? Yes.
Did I skim through parts at times? Yes.
Jake and Cassie’s initial meeting was something to remember. Their follow up meeting was okay. I didn’t feel the chemistry between them throughout the book, though I did at some points. The initial meeting, the falling out of the truck…those were funny and memorable. As I said, it was an okay story (in my opinion), but I don’t plan n continuing the series.
Profile Image for Rissa.
2,254 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2024
3.5 but I rounded up because I really liked Cassie/Cassandra which is rare, lol.

Honestly, I am more inclined to side with the dude in similar situations but in this book, I was totally on Team Cassie. I would have been all, forget you all, LOLOL.

But I liked how it played out so now I am even more excited that this is a new author to me so I have a whole new backlist to explore!

I do hope to continue with the series because it looks like it's Matt's book and I feel like he deserves more than what he was given in this first book.
1,046 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2019
Nice story about a rich spoiled woman and a down to earth man deeply wounded by a woman. How will she find her way through life on a budget?? How will she concerns the handsom neighbour's heart??? Enjoyable easy to read story. Nicely placed in a picturesque small town. Interesting characters and good background.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
June 24, 2019
This was a good interesting read and was quite a fun read. Cassie is forced to live like the other half or her granddad will cut her off. I have to admit I thought i would really dislike her don't get me wrong she is a spoilt brat but she does grow on you. I really liked her and Jake they had good chemistry even though they tried to fight it this is a super read and I would definitely recommend it
Profile Image for Rebecca Brown.
56 reviews
June 28, 2019
Cassie and Jake are two peas in a pod in the garden of eden in the woods :) Cassie might screech at a pine snake, but she can hold her own when out of her high society element. Jake has been burned by love. Cassie has her own healing to do. Together they learn two are better than loneliness. I loved the setting, the characters and don't forget two of the most adorable dogs. Great book and love story.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2019
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.

The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Karen Galloway.
931 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2019
A Brilliant Read

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. I really enjoyed reading “The Other Half” from Katherine Hastings. I was hooked from the start. The characters are interesting and well written, I loved the chemistry and interaction between them. I found their story engaging, a real page turner. This is a really enjoyable, must read romance. It definitely pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down.
16.6k reviews154 followers
August 18, 2019
She is a rich spoiled rich girl but she has just got into too much trouble. her grandfather tells her to prove herself with her famous name and money. She goes to the family cabin where she has a neighbour who wants to keep to himself. Will she cope? Will they get to know each other? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,684 reviews68 followers
September 11, 2019
A spoiled heiress who doesn't know anything about living in the real world. So much depth of character, tough love, laughter, broken people, and healing. This is the perfect book to bring light, life, and laughter to a dreary day. I honestly don't know the last time I laughed this much and this hard when reading a book!
Profile Image for Erika Nelson.
Author 1 book12 followers
August 4, 2021
This was a delightful read! It is a light, fun book that kept me engaged throughout the entire read. Katherine’s description of setting was great! I felt like I was right there. Her use of first person narration for each of the main characters worked well. In the end, this book illustrates that things in life don’t always work out as we hope, but that can be a good thing.
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