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The Missing Piece
Order. Purpose. Predictability.
Dr. Renee Lawler organizes her life around those principles, and rarely does she stray from them. After all, they’ve brought her this far in life, where she enjoys her role as English department chair at a small but reputable New England university. Renee very much appreciates that her academic reputation instills sparks of fear in students’ hearts.
If there’s room in her heart for anything more than literature and controlling those around her—Renee hasn’t allowed herself the chance to discover that possibility. Her life is perfectly in order until one fall weekend, when her world collides with possibility and the past, setting off a tidal wave of changes she could have never predicted.
Dr. Renee Lawler organizes her life around those principles, and rarely does she stray from them. After all, they’ve brought her this far in life, where she enjoys her role as English department chair at a small but reputable New England university. Renee very much appreciates that her academic reputation instills sparks of fear in students’ hearts.
If there’s room in her heart for anything more than literature and controlling those around her—Renee hasn’t allowed herself the chance to discover that possibility. Her life is perfectly in order until one fall weekend, when her world collides with possibility and the past, setting off a tidal wave of changes she could have never predicted.
Audio CD
Published October 24, 2023
10 people are currently reading
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About the author
Kat Jackson
6 books77 followersKat is a thirty-something-year-old high school English teacher who has been buried in and under books for thirty-some years. Kat is a lifelong learner, and currently has two masters degrees: one in English Literature, and another in Clinical & Counseling Psychology. She puts far too much stock into words, so what better thing to do than become a writer? (Truth is, she’s been writing since she was twelve years old.)
Kat lives in Pennsylvania with her cliched three cats, a whole lot of books, and some houseplants that she tries very hard to keep alive…but honestly, they’re all dead except for one. Running preserves most of Kat’s sanity, and in her “spare time” she also works as a mental health therapist.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
Kat lives in Pennsylvania with her cliched three cats, a whole lot of books, and some houseplants that she tries very hard to keep alive…but honestly, they’re all dead except for one. Running preserves most of Kat’s sanity, and in her “spare time” she also works as a mental health therapist.
Librarian note: Multiple authors with the same name in the GR database; this author is entered with 2 spaces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 8, 2023
Dr. Renee Lawler lives her life being prepared. She is the English chair of her department and runs a very tight ship. Both students and staff fear her scorn yet her friends admire and respect her. Renee has kept herself single throughout her life and is quite content with her decision to keep her life orderly. Things start to change though when Renee meets Hunter at a conference. Hunter is an androgynous woman who makes Renee feel things. Feelings are somewhat foreign for Renee who believes her brilliant mind should control her life. Renee has only dated men in her past and that she feels attracted to Hunter just doesn’t make any logical sense.
This is my first read of a Jackson novel and I am adding her to my list of authors to explore. There is a maturity and confidence in her writing which is totally engaging. Jackson’s voice is very distinctive which elevates the story being told. Both main characters could have been left as caricatures of two distinctive types of women. In Jackson’s capable hands, Renee and Hunter are fleshed out and become complex individuals.
The Missing Piece is a late in life coming out story which is well written,entertaining and enlightening. Fans of romance should not let this novel pass them by.
I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first read of a Jackson novel and I am adding her to my list of authors to explore. There is a maturity and confidence in her writing which is totally engaging. Jackson’s voice is very distinctive which elevates the story being told. Both main characters could have been left as caricatures of two distinctive types of women. In Jackson’s capable hands, Renee and Hunter are fleshed out and become complex individuals.
The Missing Piece is a late in life coming out story which is well written,entertaining and enlightening. Fans of romance should not let this novel pass them by.
I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2023
Regrettably this book was not more me. I couldn’t get into either main character and the writing style was not enjoyable for me.
It seems like written in third person but past tense. I stopped at the 35% mark.
Other people did enjoy it. So read their reviews. I enjoyed Kat Jackson’s Golden Hour and I will read another book of her in the future.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review
It seems like written in third person but past tense. I stopped at the 35% mark.
Other people did enjoy it. So read their reviews. I enjoyed Kat Jackson’s Golden Hour and I will read another book of her in the future.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review
June 11, 2023
Another good read by Kat Jackson! She's becoming one of my favourite authors and I certainly look forward to future realises. I love her writing style, her enjoyable characters that always have that chemistry needed from the onset and her great storylines that capture you from the start.
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
May 14, 2023
Interesting start. This is the first book I’ve read with a main secondary character, coming out or announcing their non binary status. (They have otherwise tended to be just announced as non binary, or just suitable pronouns. They have not been “ main characters", in both senses of the words.)This book has a longer section with the correct pronouns being used, than I have read before.
I’m not sure how I feel about the complex, imperfect main. There are times I think she is selfish and times I just feel sorry for her.
This book is not a light read, I don’t mean it is heavy and needs to waded through, but it is a book that I want to savour some of the sentences. It is not frothy, but there is humour. Many of the lines and sentence structure has made me smile.
3.5, do I up to 4? Yes. Yes I think I do because this book made me think! A worth while read.
A one second anniversary? Should be mandatory!
I’m not sure how I feel about the complex, imperfect main. There are times I think she is selfish and times I just feel sorry for her.
This book is not a light read, I don’t mean it is heavy and needs to waded through, but it is a book that I want to savour some of the sentences. It is not frothy, but there is humour. Many of the lines and sentence structure has made me smile.
3.5, do I up to 4? Yes. Yes I think I do because this book made me think! A worth while read.
A one second anniversary? Should be mandatory!
Read
June 12, 2023This is a tough one for me to review. There are so many parts that I really liked, but for some reason I also found this hard to finish.
Dr Renee Lawler has spent her life focussed primarily on her career in Academia. She's had few relationships, romantic and platonic, however has an instant attraction to Hunter, a woman she meets at a conference. This starts the beginning of Renee's realisation of her sexuality, as well as coming to terms with feelings and how her behaviour comes across. Although I felt the chemistry between Renee and Hunter, I wasn't quite convinced of their partnership. I found Renee to be quite unlikeable at times, and although I got her from a characterisation point, I wasn't quite sure what Hunter saw in her other than her physical attractiveness. I also wished we were told more about Hunter in the novel. I think this stems where I found that the novel didn't quite win me over.
Kat Jackson can spin a tale though, and I really love the way she writes. Although this one has left me a little perplexed in my thoughts and feelings towards it, I'd recommend a read for yourself.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Dr Renee Lawler has spent her life focussed primarily on her career in Academia. She's had few relationships, romantic and platonic, however has an instant attraction to Hunter, a woman she meets at a conference. This starts the beginning of Renee's realisation of her sexuality, as well as coming to terms with feelings and how her behaviour comes across. Although I felt the chemistry between Renee and Hunter, I wasn't quite convinced of their partnership. I found Renee to be quite unlikeable at times, and although I got her from a characterisation point, I wasn't quite sure what Hunter saw in her other than her physical attractiveness. I also wished we were told more about Hunter in the novel. I think this stems where I found that the novel didn't quite win me over.
Kat Jackson can spin a tale though, and I really love the way she writes. Although this one has left me a little perplexed in my thoughts and feelings towards it, I'd recommend a read for yourself.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
This follow-up to The Roads Left Behind Us was at least as, if not more, entertaining than its predecessor.
Ice Queen for the Ages Professor/English Department Head Renee Lawler is dumbstruck when a gorgeous, androgynous IT specialist doing work at her university rouses feelings in her she's never experienced before. Her awakening is absolutely hysterical because she's so buttoned up that she almost can't cope with what's happening to her. So while she has these really harsh moments, her antics make you laugh out loud.
When I say she's an ice queen, I mean she belongs in the Ice Queen Hall of Fame, folks. Hard, hard. And - like all great ice queens, it takes that one unique person to start tearing down those walls. It was so much fun watching that unfold!
Since I liked the first book so much, I recommended it to friends. They are reading these now too and liked this one especially. Same narrator in Lila Winters and she's definitely growing on me. Yep - I'm definitely needing more Kat Jackson in my life. On to the next!
Ice Queen for the Ages Professor/English Department Head Renee Lawler is dumbstruck when a gorgeous, androgynous IT specialist doing work at her university rouses feelings in her she's never experienced before. Her awakening is absolutely hysterical because she's so buttoned up that she almost can't cope with what's happening to her. So while she has these really harsh moments, her antics make you laugh out loud.
When I say she's an ice queen, I mean she belongs in the Ice Queen Hall of Fame, folks. Hard, hard. And - like all great ice queens, it takes that one unique person to start tearing down those walls. It was so much fun watching that unfold!
Since I liked the first book so much, I recommended it to friends. They are reading these now too and liked this one especially. Same narrator in Lila Winters and she's definitely growing on me. Yep - I'm definitely needing more Kat Jackson in my life. On to the next!
April 17, 2024
Such a great Ice Queen/ slow burn/ love story ! Dr. Renee Lawler is the head of the English department. She reminds a tight ship, of both the department and her life. To the point where her friends don't know she has a 25 yr old daughter. Then Renee meets Hunter. This is a compelling story, that had me invested. 5 stars!
May 9, 2023
The most important thing to Dr. Renee Lawler is her career and she loves being department chair of English at a prominent New England university. She has been so career driven that her two closest colleagues didn’t know she has a 26 year old child who has just moved home to be with her. (A lot of the parenting was handled by Renee’s parents.) Renee is brilliant at her work and loves the control teaching gives her. But she is also very feelings repressed. So much so that she is surprised when she is distracted at a work conference by Hunter an androgynous woman. Renee is single and has never dated as it wasn’t important to her career. She is clearly confused that at the age of 47 she is experiencing attraction for the first time. Jess (her child) is wonderful at poking and prodding their mom to explore her feelings.
Either you’re going to like Renee’s prickly character or you’re not. While it seems odd she’s never talked about her family it fits her personality. I found her mind fascinating and her bumbling funny. I liked her two friends/colleagues but thought the crush storyline wasn’t necessary. Hunter is smooth but I wish there were a few more conversations like the one in the epilogue. I even like the cat as a comforting presence.
I enjoyed the smart writing style and it being a first romance for a mature character. Than you to Bella Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Either you’re going to like Renee’s prickly character or you’re not. While it seems odd she’s never talked about her family it fits her personality. I found her mind fascinating and her bumbling funny. I liked her two friends/colleagues but thought the crush storyline wasn’t necessary. Hunter is smooth but I wish there were a few more conversations like the one in the epilogue. I even like the cat as a comforting presence.
I enjoyed the smart writing style and it being a first romance for a mature character. Than you to Bella Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
July 3, 2024
The funniest, most neurotic and overthinking ice queen I have ever read about. It reminded me of the best Diane Keaton's performances.
I truly enjoyed it and read it in one go.
I lost it at "Go gays".
I adore all the characters in this academia world.
"Witty, smart women. What's not to like?"
I truly enjoyed it and read it in one go.
I lost it at "Go gays".
I adore all the characters in this academia world.
"Witty, smart women. What's not to like?"
January 18, 2025
Excellent book, slow start but became engaging as went on. Finding self at 47, illuminating with excellent supporting cast.
May 25, 2023
Really interesting book. This is a story about finding your true self later in life. Renee' is a English d.department administrator that also teaches on the side,. She meets Hunter an IT tech at a conference for published authors of English Literature and this is where the story begins for me. I liked the relationship between these two women, it was equal parts fun, funny, and kind of heartbreaking all at once. I felt that Renee' was too much in her head and sometimes missed big queues, especially ones where her romantic emotions were involved. Hunter I felt was
the more mature and level headed one in this relationship, because she seemed more secure in her emotionally. The addition of Renee's daughter was equal parts emotional, sad ,funny and heartwarming. The other characters were written well and helped to move the story without bogging it down with unnecessary scenes. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.
the more mature and level headed one in this relationship, because she seemed more secure in her emotionally. The addition of Renee's daughter was equal parts emotional, sad ,funny and heartwarming. The other characters were written well and helped to move the story without bogging it down with unnecessary scenes. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.
October 17, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this funny book
oh the innuendoes in this one are so funny and the situations, those laugh out loud moments.....
dr renee lawler is at the height of her career but she is about to be meet her match...
and it all started at a conference.... when she met hunter....
from that meeting onwards she couldnt forget
and her world is about to come crashing down around her when hunter appears at her college..
renees world that she has total control over is about to be dismantled and she cant stop it...its so funny in places and cringeworthy
its not a bad read though
oh the innuendoes in this one are so funny and the situations, those laugh out loud moments.....
dr renee lawler is at the height of her career but she is about to be meet her match...
and it all started at a conference.... when she met hunter....
from that meeting onwards she couldnt forget
and her world is about to come crashing down around her when hunter appears at her college..
renees world that she has total control over is about to be dismantled and she cant stop it...its so funny in places and cringeworthy
its not a bad read though
May 20, 2023
I love interesting and relateable characters and nobody is more so to me than someone who is very much intellectualising her feelings rather than feeling them. To not spoil things, I really enjoyed that this is a late in life coming out story about a woman who so intensely overthinks things that she has ended up in a position where she is not at all satisfied about her connections to others while her professional life flourishes.
Some very touching scenes, some very organic developments in relationships between characters, and some well developed characterization and growth.
Some very touching scenes, some very organic developments in relationships between characters, and some well developed characterization and growth.
April 29, 2023
A later-in-life self-discovery romance that resonates. The Missing Piece follows Dr. Renee Lawler as she learns that she isn't as unfeeling as she always thought or presented herself.
It all starts with a conference where Renee meets Hunter, a woman who throws Renee off balance entirely. When Hunter shows up to do work at the university Renee where Renee teaches, she can no longer deny the significant attraction to the other woman. That doesn't stop her from trying, though! Meanwhile, Renee is navigating her relationships with her friends and her adult child.
As someone who discovered part of my queerness later in life, I related with Renee's emotional journey. However, Renee constantly thinks of herself as a woman always prepared and in control yet one of the first scenes has her forgetting where she put a really important binder. And she's supposedly really cold with everyone but (other than to her secretary and to one student) she's actually really in her emotions.
I'd read another of this author's books, though.
It all starts with a conference where Renee meets Hunter, a woman who throws Renee off balance entirely. When Hunter shows up to do work at the university Renee where Renee teaches, she can no longer deny the significant attraction to the other woman. That doesn't stop her from trying, though! Meanwhile, Renee is navigating her relationships with her friends and her adult child.
As someone who discovered part of my queerness later in life, I related with Renee's emotional journey. However, Renee constantly thinks of herself as a woman always prepared and in control yet one of the first scenes has her forgetting where she put a really important binder. And she's supposedly really cold with everyone but (other than to her secretary and to one student) she's actually really in her emotions.
I'd read another of this author's books, though.
Read
May 3, 2023Renee is in her late forties and has no personal life to speak of. In fact, her closest colleagues are un-aware of the fact that Renee has a 25 year old daughter. Fully focused on her career, Renee does’t date and she’s taken by surprise when she is attracted to a woman. Surely, that can’t be right. The Missing piece is a slow burn romance that’s very well written. I like this author’s style and I enjoyed reading Renee’s self discovery story. Excellent secondary characters too, glad to ‘spend some time’ with Kate and Callie.
Free ARc via NetGalley.
Free ARc via NetGalley.
June 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story and loved Kats writing style. I enjoyed the story very much an found Renes character stoic yet intriguing. However, it suited her personality very well. Going on her journey as she discovers romance was wonderful and very funny at times. Well done, Kat!! I recommend. 4 stars
July 4, 2024
Another quick review-
This is the second in a series of standalone stories. It’s amazing and so funny.
Ice Queen professor✔️
Clueless Ice Queen✔️
Competence is sexy✔️✔️✔️
I laughed so much at the antics from Renee. She’s such a great character. I’ve loved all 3 books in this series.
This is the second in a series of standalone stories. It’s amazing and so funny.
Ice Queen professor✔️
Clueless Ice Queen✔️
Competence is sexy✔️✔️✔️
I laughed so much at the antics from Renee. She’s such a great character. I’ve loved all 3 books in this series.
April 30, 2024
A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Growth
4.5 out of 5 stars
From the very first chapter of The Missing Piece by Kat Jackson, I could tell I was in for a ride that was as endearing as it was unexpected. Initially, the story’s pace felt measured, almost too deliberate, which left me a tad restless. However, as the plot unfolded, revealing its layers with exquisite timing, I found myself deeply invested in the intricate emotional landscapes of the characters.
Renee is initially a puzzle. Her life is a tightly run ship, devoid of unplanned emotional detours (or really any feelings at all). But isn’t life all about the unexpected? Jackson masterfully portrays Renee’s gradual unraveling and eventual transformation in a believable, moving, and honestly rewarding way as a reader. Witnessing her initial rigidity transform into something softer, more malleable, was a pleasure. And I think my favorite part is that it wasn’t a “new” her, it was just a part of her she’d locked away and never accessed until the right person came along. It felt like a softening of edges more than a full “I’m a new person” feeling. In a world where hearts are often hidden away like precious, forgotten treasures, Renee’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the missing piece is not a place or a person, but a new perspective.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the subplot involving Renee’s child, Jess’s gender identity was handled with grace and sensitivity. It wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a transformative axis for Renee, sparking changes that rippled through her life and redefined their relationships. This narrative choice enriched the story and highlighted Jackson’s ability to tackle complex real-world issues with nuance and respect.
As for the romance, oh, it simmered! It took its sweet time building up, but the crescendo was worth every moment spent getting there. The chemistry between Renee and the mysterious figure from her past (no spoilers, remember!) evolved in a manner that was both tantalizing and satisfying, making every chapter a step closer to a fulfilling denouement.
Lila Winters’ narration was the cherry on top. Her ability to embody Renee, from her most uptight moments to her emotional breakthroughs, added a layer of authenticity that only a skilled narrator can bring. Winters managed to turn what could have been a mundane narration into a vivid, emotional experience.
Overall I thought that The Missing Piece is a testament to the beauty of growth, the pain of change, and the power of love to redefine lives. Kat Jackson has woven a narrative that catches you off guard and warms you from the inside out, and Lila Winters brings it to life with her dynamic and heartfelt narration. It’s a journey of finding the pieces of oneself that are lost, forgotten, or perhaps just undiscovered.
4.5 out of 5 stars
From the very first chapter of The Missing Piece by Kat Jackson, I could tell I was in for a ride that was as endearing as it was unexpected. Initially, the story’s pace felt measured, almost too deliberate, which left me a tad restless. However, as the plot unfolded, revealing its layers with exquisite timing, I found myself deeply invested in the intricate emotional landscapes of the characters.
Renee is initially a puzzle. Her life is a tightly run ship, devoid of unplanned emotional detours (or really any feelings at all). But isn’t life all about the unexpected? Jackson masterfully portrays Renee’s gradual unraveling and eventual transformation in a believable, moving, and honestly rewarding way as a reader. Witnessing her initial rigidity transform into something softer, more malleable, was a pleasure. And I think my favorite part is that it wasn’t a “new” her, it was just a part of her she’d locked away and never accessed until the right person came along. It felt like a softening of edges more than a full “I’m a new person” feeling. In a world where hearts are often hidden away like precious, forgotten treasures, Renee’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the missing piece is not a place or a person, but a new perspective.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the subplot involving Renee’s child, Jess’s gender identity was handled with grace and sensitivity. It wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a transformative axis for Renee, sparking changes that rippled through her life and redefined their relationships. This narrative choice enriched the story and highlighted Jackson’s ability to tackle complex real-world issues with nuance and respect.
As for the romance, oh, it simmered! It took its sweet time building up, but the crescendo was worth every moment spent getting there. The chemistry between Renee and the mysterious figure from her past (no spoilers, remember!) evolved in a manner that was both tantalizing and satisfying, making every chapter a step closer to a fulfilling denouement.
Lila Winters’ narration was the cherry on top. Her ability to embody Renee, from her most uptight moments to her emotional breakthroughs, added a layer of authenticity that only a skilled narrator can bring. Winters managed to turn what could have been a mundane narration into a vivid, emotional experience.
Overall I thought that The Missing Piece is a testament to the beauty of growth, the pain of change, and the power of love to redefine lives. Kat Jackson has woven a narrative that catches you off guard and warms you from the inside out, and Lila Winters brings it to life with her dynamic and heartfelt narration. It’s a journey of finding the pieces of oneself that are lost, forgotten, or perhaps just undiscovered.
April 11, 2024
✨nonbinary rep!!!
✨late in life coming out
✨MC with adult child
✨grandiose self-delusion
✨
After having met Renee Lawler in a previous book, The Roads Left Behind Us, I was excited to read Renee’s story, but skeptical I could enjoy it as much as the previous one. I liked this one even better! Renee is a pretty standard intellectualizer. She is brilliant and accomplished in all areas of life except relationships. This even extends to her relationship with herself. Renee has truly never taken the time to sit with her own feelings long enough to know what she likes and what she wants.
Hunter is hot! Her calm self-assuredness is alluring from go. Lila Waters did a great job with her voice in the audiobook. Hunter knows what she wants, can read Renee like a book, and has the patience to let Renee work through things in her own time. This book is Renee’s perspective, but I would still read an entire novel about Hunter. I would have loved to see more of her experience!
After a chance encounter at a bar, Renee cannot stop thinking about Hunter. When Hunter shows up at the university where Renee works and in Renee’s office with her internet tool, Renee can think of little else. This sloooooow burn romance follows Renee’s turbulent spiral into her emotions and subsequent uncovering her sexuality whilst having an adult child return home with their own news of self-discovery.
The storyline is solid, but there are some topics I would have liked addressed more to feel that depth of personal growth from Renee. Her drinking was a topic, but never really given the weight I think it deserved as the self-regulatory tool she was using. What did she replace it with? I also think the multi-generational mother-daughter/child relationship could have used a little more fleshing out. Families are complicated and so much of our identities are wrapped up in them.
This was a very good read and Kat Jackson did something I’ve seen so many writers shy away from. Listen, maybe it’s not your thing, but I have read far too many books where the MCs are interrupted in the office, one of them leaves suddenly, or they just choose to relocate! I kept expecting the seemingly inevitable interruption that never came. Renee did though ;)
✨late in life coming out
✨MC with adult child
✨grandiose self-delusion
✨
After having met Renee Lawler in a previous book, The Roads Left Behind Us, I was excited to read Renee’s story, but skeptical I could enjoy it as much as the previous one. I liked this one even better! Renee is a pretty standard intellectualizer. She is brilliant and accomplished in all areas of life except relationships. This even extends to her relationship with herself. Renee has truly never taken the time to sit with her own feelings long enough to know what she likes and what she wants.
Hunter is hot! Her calm self-assuredness is alluring from go. Lila Waters did a great job with her voice in the audiobook. Hunter knows what she wants, can read Renee like a book, and has the patience to let Renee work through things in her own time. This book is Renee’s perspective, but I would still read an entire novel about Hunter. I would have loved to see more of her experience!
After a chance encounter at a bar, Renee cannot stop thinking about Hunter. When Hunter shows up at the university where Renee works and in Renee’s office with her internet tool, Renee can think of little else. This sloooooow burn romance follows Renee’s turbulent spiral into her emotions and subsequent uncovering her sexuality whilst having an adult child return home with their own news of self-discovery.
The storyline is solid, but there are some topics I would have liked addressed more to feel that depth of personal growth from Renee. Her drinking was a topic, but never really given the weight I think it deserved as the self-regulatory tool she was using. What did she replace it with? I also think the multi-generational mother-daughter/child relationship could have used a little more fleshing out. Families are complicated and so much of our identities are wrapped up in them.
This was a very good read and Kat Jackson did something I’ve seen so many writers shy away from. Listen, maybe it’s not your thing, but I have read far too many books where the MCs are interrupted in the office, one of them leaves suddenly, or they just choose to relocate! I kept expecting the seemingly inevitable interruption that never came. Renee did though ;)
June 20, 2023
Renee Lawler returns in this second book set at Pennbrook College. I enjoyed the story of Callie and Kate in The Roads Left Behind Us and really loved Renee as a side character in that one. She was the all knowing department head with a quiet authority that stole scenes. In this Renee meets a mysterious stranger at the same time she is encountering some issues with her past. These all throw her for a loop and her normally calm and collected demeanor goes out the window.
Unfortunately this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I had a hard time getting through this and connecting with Renee as I did in the first book. This one was written in third person present tense and it felt off immediately but it also made Renee seem more self involved somehow. I felt disconnected from her character and wasn't able to get invested in her story. Though the newfound attraction to Hunter at a bar throws Renee into a quest to understand herself the romance is very much not at the forefront in this book. The method of introspection Renee takes is almost clinical and she seems so detached at times from her life and friends. I liked Hunter and her character but she seems almost a side character and doesn't actually have many scenes considering she's the other half of the couple in the book. I don't mind books that focus more on one character and their own journey but I need more depth than I felt we got in Renee's fairly vague background story. I have more questions than answers at the end and a romance that seems to have been just beginning on the last page. I did like Jess and her scenes but her relationship with Renee just paints Renee in a worse light. I felt we got an unlikable MC instead of the air of mystery we had to begin with.
As I said though, I did enjoy the previous book I read by Jackson and am hopeful the next one will work better for me than this one. I will also suggest reading other reviews as some of these points of contention may just be me.
Unfortunately this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. I had a hard time getting through this and connecting with Renee as I did in the first book. This one was written in third person present tense and it felt off immediately but it also made Renee seem more self involved somehow. I felt disconnected from her character and wasn't able to get invested in her story. Though the newfound attraction to Hunter at a bar throws Renee into a quest to understand herself the romance is very much not at the forefront in this book. The method of introspection Renee takes is almost clinical and she seems so detached at times from her life and friends. I liked Hunter and her character but she seems almost a side character and doesn't actually have many scenes considering she's the other half of the couple in the book. I don't mind books that focus more on one character and their own journey but I need more depth than I felt we got in Renee's fairly vague background story. I have more questions than answers at the end and a romance that seems to have been just beginning on the last page. I did like Jess and her scenes but her relationship with Renee just paints Renee in a worse light. I felt we got an unlikable MC instead of the air of mystery we had to begin with.
As I said though, I did enjoy the previous book I read by Jackson and am hopeful the next one will work better for me than this one. I will also suggest reading other reviews as some of these points of contention may just be me.
December 22, 2023
In "The Missing Piece," Kat Jackson continues to charm the reader with her wit and prose. I mentioned before that Jackson has a real gift with words, and I will say it here again. This book has funny moments, it has completely devastating moments, and it has tender poignant moments. The writing is perfect throughout.
The novel weaves a compelling narrative around the life of Dr. Renee Lawler, an English department chair at a university, whose world is disrupted by Hunter. Jackson's storytelling is characterized by maturity and confidence, engaging readers with a distinctive voice.
Jackson's strength lies in her ability to transform characters from mere stereotypes into complex individuals, with major flaws, but also many redeeming qualities. Both the main characters, Renee and Hunter, are brought to life with depth and nuance.
"The Missing Piece" stands out as a late-in-life coming-out story that is both well-written and enlightening. The novel manages to entertain while offering insights into self-discovery and the complexities of familial relationships. Slow burn fans.... this one is for you!
While I loved this book, and would still recommend everyone to read it... I definitely wanted to punch Renee throughout. But I like to rage read. I actually love it when I hate a character and want them to fail, only to see them redeem themselves in the end. I will still say that the biggest martyr in this romance is Jess. My heart ached for them. I wanted to hug them and tell them that everything would be fine, even if their mother is a robot from another planet. I also wished to understand a little more about Hunter. While a fascinating character in the book, I would have loved to hear her inner monologue.
Jackson's works are often celebrated for their well-developed characters, intricate storytelling, and the balance between depth and humor, and this book is no exception.
The novel weaves a compelling narrative around the life of Dr. Renee Lawler, an English department chair at a university, whose world is disrupted by Hunter. Jackson's storytelling is characterized by maturity and confidence, engaging readers with a distinctive voice.
Jackson's strength lies in her ability to transform characters from mere stereotypes into complex individuals, with major flaws, but also many redeeming qualities. Both the main characters, Renee and Hunter, are brought to life with depth and nuance.
"The Missing Piece" stands out as a late-in-life coming-out story that is both well-written and enlightening. The novel manages to entertain while offering insights into self-discovery and the complexities of familial relationships. Slow burn fans.... this one is for you!
While I loved this book, and would still recommend everyone to read it... I definitely wanted to punch Renee throughout. But I like to rage read. I actually love it when I hate a character and want them to fail, only to see them redeem themselves in the end. I will still say that the biggest martyr in this romance is Jess. My heart ached for them. I wanted to hug them and tell them that everything would be fine, even if their mother is a robot from another planet. I also wished to understand a little more about Hunter. While a fascinating character in the book, I would have loved to hear her inner monologue.
Jackson's works are often celebrated for their well-developed characters, intricate storytelling, and the balance between depth and humor, and this book is no exception.
May 15, 2023
Late, but never too late: the ice-queen finding love
Kat Jackson has really found her mature writers voice. I very much enjoyed how the life of Dr. Renee Lawler after 47 years of order. purpose. predictability slowly but inexorably crumbles. There is a sudden constant onslaught of the unpredictable: Hunter, Jess, an adorable cat, the former, oh so predictable collegues. Everything changes subtly and not so subtly to take down the high walls that Renee has erected around her and her personal life.
Renee who at the start comes across as a nearly asexual woman (nothing wrong with that) and totally focused on her career and only her career is startled by meeting the intriguing Hunter - an androgynous woman who ignites a sudden attraction that starts to consume the frozen desert of Renee‘s emotions.
I loved how Jackson captured perfectly the complex character of Renee (fun: dressing up as a high-femme). And a big bonus: I had some chuckles while enjoying her journey. I would have loved more insights into Hunter and what happens on her side.
It was fun to meet again some of the characters of previous books, but The Missing Piece can be read easily as a stand-alone.
PS.: I am sure future generations of literary archeologists will be able to date f/f literature by the ever-developing awareness and terminology of LQBTIAQ+ categories, wink.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Kat Jackson has really found her mature writers voice. I very much enjoyed how the life of Dr. Renee Lawler after 47 years of order. purpose. predictability slowly but inexorably crumbles. There is a sudden constant onslaught of the unpredictable: Hunter, Jess, an adorable cat, the former, oh so predictable collegues. Everything changes subtly and not so subtly to take down the high walls that Renee has erected around her and her personal life.
Renee who at the start comes across as a nearly asexual woman (nothing wrong with that) and totally focused on her career and only her career is startled by meeting the intriguing Hunter - an androgynous woman who ignites a sudden attraction that starts to consume the frozen desert of Renee‘s emotions.
I loved how Jackson captured perfectly the complex character of Renee (fun: dressing up as a high-femme). And a big bonus: I had some chuckles while enjoying her journey. I would have loved more insights into Hunter and what happens on her side.
It was fun to meet again some of the characters of previous books, but The Missing Piece can be read easily as a stand-alone.
PS.: I am sure future generations of literary archeologists will be able to date f/f literature by the ever-developing awareness and terminology of LQBTIAQ+ categories, wink.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
This wasn't for me.
I really wanted to enjoy this like i did with the first book but i just couldn't.
Renee's meeting with hunter was fine, they both were attracted to each other and all but the issue was the development of their romance. I felt like the romance between them was just not believable, it just didn't feel real to me. There was no chemistry involved. I was hoping this would have a good romance like in the first book but i guess not.
Now moving on to the characters.
Hunter was alright. Well i knew absolutely nothing about her, which is probably why i felt like she was barely in the book. She just had no depth and was plain boring. I also had a hard time understanding why she liked Renee even when she was such a bitch to her from the start.
Renee. I had some issues with her character. She gets angry, lashes out at people like audrey or her students and doesn't really make up for it. This continues to the end of the book which really frustrated me. I was actually enjoying this book until it got too much. I don't understand how she acts like this at the ripe age of 47. And also i was pretty shocked at her liking kate, i swear it was only mentioned once that there was a close bond that Renee felt towards Kate and i just sort of thought it was deep friendship.
I felt like the story and characters could be more fleshed out and more connected.
The side characters made this book exceptionally better.
The writing was okay.
2 stars.
I really wanted to enjoy this like i did with the first book but i just couldn't.
Renee's meeting with hunter was fine, they both were attracted to each other and all but the issue was the development of their romance. I felt like the romance between them was just not believable, it just didn't feel real to me. There was no chemistry involved. I was hoping this would have a good romance like in the first book but i guess not.
Now moving on to the characters.
Hunter was alright. Well i knew absolutely nothing about her, which is probably why i felt like she was barely in the book. She just had no depth and was plain boring. I also had a hard time understanding why she liked Renee even when she was such a bitch to her from the start.
Renee. I had some issues with her character. She gets angry, lashes out at people like audrey or her students and doesn't really make up for it. This continues to the end of the book which really frustrated me. I was actually enjoying this book until it got too much. I don't understand how she acts like this at the ripe age of 47. And also i was pretty shocked at her liking kate, i swear it was only mentioned once that there was a close bond that Renee felt towards Kate and i just sort of thought it was deep friendship.
I felt like the story and characters could be more fleshed out and more connected.
The side characters made this book exceptionally better.
The writing was okay.
2 stars.
June 2, 2024
For some reason when I met Renee‘s character in the previous book, I imagined her a lot older. She is 47 in this book which they make a statement that Kate and Callie got together two years ago, which would’ve made her 45 in book one and she just seemed like she was a mid late 50s type character in book one. So I was a little surprised to see that she was younger than Kate. I do really like the representation in this book. I really liked how Renee actively made an effort to respect and appreciate Jes’s pronouns. I’m not for sure how I felt about Hunter. if I’m doing the math correctly, I do believe Hunter might be older than Renee, however Once they finally got on the same page or maybe they didn’t even get on the same page maybe it was once they had their moment Hunter became extremely immature and made a very inappropriate comment and I can understand why Renee said and did what she did.
I do enjoy the relationship that Renee has with her other English professors, Kate and Courtney. I don’t feel like it should’ve been addressed how Renee felt about Kate. I feel like that time had passed and that probably should’ve been addressed way back and book one, but that’s just my personal opinion.
I would like to read more from this world and these characters I’d like to see what happens with Kate and Callie. Do they get married and have a family. Does Hunter and Renee stay together. I’d like to maybe have a book from Jess’s perspective.
I do enjoy the relationship that Renee has with her other English professors, Kate and Courtney. I don’t feel like it should’ve been addressed how Renee felt about Kate. I feel like that time had passed and that probably should’ve been addressed way back and book one, but that’s just my personal opinion.
I would like to read more from this world and these characters I’d like to see what happens with Kate and Callie. Do they get married and have a family. Does Hunter and Renee stay together. I’d like to maybe have a book from Jess’s perspective.
May 7, 2023
"Witty words and thinly veiled subtext are the way to a lexicon-lover's heart, after all."
You ain't jus whistlin' Dixie.
This book had me at lexicon and, yes, I've applauded the author's acumen for language in a previous review; however, I feel I may be continuing down this path for books to come. Mercurial... omniscient... leave me to get lost in their mellifluous words.
The banter, the wit, the conversations, the pet peeves, the brain over heart, the icky feelings, awakenings, robotic self-defense mechanisms caused an eerie sense of déjà vu. Maybe the author is highlighting the universality of life's little and big moments? Those quintessential happenings that shape you may, in fact, be shaping thousands of people just like you? Like when you read about your star sign and mutter "wow, that's so me", but in actuality, 98% of people could read your star sign and feel the exact same thing? That. That's how reading this book felt to me.
Maybe "Renee's" are pre-destined to be less touchy feely, more career driven, and pursue academia, but this book? I very much enjoyed the tangled web of feels and remain pondering how unique my life experiences ever were. Here is to many more self-revelations in the future.
You ain't jus whistlin' Dixie.
This book had me at lexicon and, yes, I've applauded the author's acumen for language in a previous review; however, I feel I may be continuing down this path for books to come. Mercurial... omniscient... leave me to get lost in their mellifluous words.
The banter, the wit, the conversations, the pet peeves, the brain over heart, the icky feelings, awakenings, robotic self-defense mechanisms caused an eerie sense of déjà vu. Maybe the author is highlighting the universality of life's little and big moments? Those quintessential happenings that shape you may, in fact, be shaping thousands of people just like you? Like when you read about your star sign and mutter "wow, that's so me", but in actuality, 98% of people could read your star sign and feel the exact same thing? That. That's how reading this book felt to me.
Maybe "Renee's" are pre-destined to be less touchy feely, more career driven, and pursue academia, but this book? I very much enjoyed the tangled web of feels and remain pondering how unique my life experiences ever were. Here is to many more self-revelations in the future.
May 14, 2023
Dr. Renee Lawler has always had one focus, her career. She never felt the need to prioritize human interaction or relationships. Her career has thrived and as the chair of the English Department at Pennbrook University, she inspires both fear and respect.
Renee's perfectly ordered existence is disturbed when she meets Hunter at a work conference. Hunter is an androgynous woman who is comfortable in her own skin and immediately drawn to the icy Dr. Lawler. Renee's journey is fascinating, and I enjoyed reading how she navigated the unchartered waters of not just her attraction to another woman, but her first real attraction to anyone in her over forty years of life.
What I enjoy most about Kat Jackson's writing is she doesn't feel the need to follow the formula. Her characters are just as unconventional as their creator. Her writing is intelligent, and her characters show tremendous growth as the novel progresses. Jackson is a unique voice is the sapphic community and one who seems to improve with every book.
An ARC was provided by Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Renee's perfectly ordered existence is disturbed when she meets Hunter at a work conference. Hunter is an androgynous woman who is comfortable in her own skin and immediately drawn to the icy Dr. Lawler. Renee's journey is fascinating, and I enjoyed reading how she navigated the unchartered waters of not just her attraction to another woman, but her first real attraction to anyone in her over forty years of life.
What I enjoy most about Kat Jackson's writing is she doesn't feel the need to follow the formula. Her characters are just as unconventional as their creator. Her writing is intelligent, and her characters show tremendous growth as the novel progresses. Jackson is a unique voice is the sapphic community and one who seems to improve with every book.
An ARC was provided by Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
July 12, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for the digital galley of this book.
Dr. Renee Lawler is the English department chair at a small but reputable New England university, and she lives an ordered and predictable life with no need for any romance. She’s never allowed herself the possibility, that is, until she meets Hunter at a conference and then runs into her again on campus. Hunter sparks something in Renee and though there is no room for those feelings in Renee’s life, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to Hunter. Will she be able to change after all this time in order to pursue these feelings?
I saw Kat Jackson’s name and instantly wanted to read this book. I didn’t immediately realize it was in the same world as The Roads Left Behind Us (which I also loved), but it was fun revisiting some of those characters while getting to learn Renee’s story as well. I loved the slow-burn between Renee and Hunter and was rooting for them. I’ll admit, I’m a little more like Renee than I’d like to admit, so it was interesting reading her story and seeing so much of myself in the pages. Definitely recommend.
Dr. Renee Lawler is the English department chair at a small but reputable New England university, and she lives an ordered and predictable life with no need for any romance. She’s never allowed herself the possibility, that is, until she meets Hunter at a conference and then runs into her again on campus. Hunter sparks something in Renee and though there is no room for those feelings in Renee’s life, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to Hunter. Will she be able to change after all this time in order to pursue these feelings?
I saw Kat Jackson’s name and instantly wanted to read this book. I didn’t immediately realize it was in the same world as The Roads Left Behind Us (which I also loved), but it was fun revisiting some of those characters while getting to learn Renee’s story as well. I loved the slow-burn between Renee and Hunter and was rooting for them. I’ll admit, I’m a little more like Renee than I’d like to admit, so it was interesting reading her story and seeing so much of myself in the pages. Definitely recommend.
May 30, 2023
Renee is the well respected English Department Chair of a small New England university and she’s managed to live her life, so far, without dealing with those nasty things like ‘feelings’. She has been driven from an early age, knowing where she wanted to go and taking the steps necessary to reach her goals.
She comes across as a very unlikeable character and unfortunately my opinion after reading this book hasn’t changed.
The introduction of a possible romance or the unexpected visit for her daughter. She didn’t want or need someone in her life. Her friends didn’t even know she had a child, the same friends she has worked with for years. Why they were her friend I’ll never know.
Might have been a pretty good read but I usually cheer on the star characters but it’s hard to do when you find the lead so unlikeable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
She comes across as a very unlikeable character and unfortunately my opinion after reading this book hasn’t changed.
The introduction of a possible romance or the unexpected visit for her daughter. She didn’t want or need someone in her life. Her friends didn’t even know she had a child, the same friends she has worked with for years. Why they were her friend I’ll never know.
Might have been a pretty good read but I usually cheer on the star characters but it’s hard to do when you find the lead so unlikeable.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
July 22, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. Renee is a fascinating character and I was eager to read her story. I loved the story of her realizing her sexuality so late in life. She’s tough and edgy and completely oblivious in a lot of ways. ❤️ her. And Hunter was mmhmm.
There were a few details I found hard to believe though. Mostly involving Jess (not going to spoil who Jess is!) and how Courtney had no clue about Jess’s existence. (There was another part involving Jess I had trouble with but I can’t say it without spoilers. Suffice it to say it involves Renee’s parents.) I can usually suspend disbelief, but with the Jess storyline I had trouble. Also, the ending was a bit rushed. Maybe it’s my personal taste getting in the way, but I prefer a bit more epilogue. I like the post-drama, settled couple feels of a romance and there wasn’t much of that.
There were a few details I found hard to believe though. Mostly involving Jess (not going to spoil who Jess is!) and how Courtney had no clue about Jess’s existence. (There was another part involving Jess I had trouble with but I can’t say it without spoilers. Suffice it to say it involves Renee’s parents.) I can usually suspend disbelief, but with the Jess storyline I had trouble. Also, the ending was a bit rushed. Maybe it’s my personal taste getting in the way, but I prefer a bit more epilogue. I like the post-drama, settled couple feels of a romance and there wasn’t much of that.
June 11, 2025
First of all, I really like this author's books.
But this one, it almost exposes all the author's logic about gender identity, full of loopholes and contradictions. These views can't even convince the author herself, how can readers understand? ? ?
The author's description of Dr. Renee makes me feel that she is a unique and brave woman, but once it comes to the gender appearance of another protagonist, the author's cautiousness and timidity are all reflected in Dr. Renee.
I don't know if I have expressed it clearly, this is a failure in the characterization.
AND
The author seems to avoid stereotyped descriptions, but at the same time keeps using gender terms to describe the characters, which is really confusing!!!
I hope all authors can understand that if you want to deconstruct gender, at least keep the logic consistent.
But this one, it almost exposes all the author's logic about gender identity, full of loopholes and contradictions. These views can't even convince the author herself, how can readers understand? ? ?
The author's description of Dr. Renee makes me feel that she is a unique and brave woman, but once it comes to the gender appearance of another protagonist, the author's cautiousness and timidity are all reflected in Dr. Renee.
I don't know if I have expressed it clearly, this is a failure in the characterization.
AND
The author seems to avoid stereotyped descriptions, but at the same time keeps using gender terms to describe the characters, which is really confusing!!!
I hope all authors can understand that if you want to deconstruct gender, at least keep the logic consistent.
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