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If We Disappear Here
They are marionettes under a concrete sky.
Pain shoots through Maeve Campbell’s body when she wakes cold and disoriented, locked in a neglected cement room.
Her drowsy eyes sweep the cell and land on a masculine, limp body across the room. Gripping his shoulder, she rolls him to his back, face angling toward her. Only it’s not who she thinks.
It’s not her husband.
And they aren’t alone. A stranger taunts them from within an old rusted speaker. A stranger who wants them to suffer.
With each passing day, and only each other to lean on, their determination becomes a fight not only for survival but for each other.
*If We Disappear Here features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised.*
Pain shoots through Maeve Campbell’s body when she wakes cold and disoriented, locked in a neglected cement room.
Her drowsy eyes sweep the cell and land on a masculine, limp body across the room. Gripping his shoulder, she rolls him to his back, face angling toward her. Only it’s not who she thinks.
It’s not her husband.
And they aren’t alone. A stranger taunts them from within an old rusted speaker. A stranger who wants them to suffer.
With each passing day, and only each other to lean on, their determination becomes a fight not only for survival but for each other.
*If We Disappear Here features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised.*
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2022
494 people are currently reading
8136 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Hayes
31 books385 followersMindy is the youngest of six children and grew up in San Diego, California. After graduating from Brigham Young University-Idaho, she discovered her passion for reading and writing. Mindy lives in Summerville, South Carolina with her husband and daughter.
She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
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https://www.instagram.com/authorhaymind
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She is the author of the Faylinn novels and the Willowhaven series; as well as the standalones, Stain and The Day That Saved Us. Mindy is also the co-author of the Paper Planes series and the Backroads Duet, which was co-written with Michele G. Miller as Mindy Michele.
www.mindyhayes.com
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/authorhaymind
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON:
https://www.amazon.com/Mindy-Hayes/e/...
FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/hayes.mindy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 682 reviews
April 9, 2025
I had to search for spoilers in order to put this book to rest. I was so bored but wanted to know who the puppeteer was. I was kinda right.
Alright, so this starts so very Saw like. Do you wanna play a game? Only not even remotely as tense or scary. This was just so slow and drawn out for me, I found myself getting so irritated every time I picked up this book past 20%.
There’s a lot of similarities to Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann as well.
Unlike Still Beating, here we have two strangers who were drugged, abducted and placed into a bunker of sorts. The “puppeteer” tortures them and this is the part that just really dragged for me, rinse and repeat.
Also unlike Still Beating this book was not very good.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Alright, so this starts so very Saw like. Do you wanna play a game? Only not even remotely as tense or scary. This was just so slow and drawn out for me, I found myself getting so irritated every time I picked up this book past 20%.
There’s a lot of similarities to Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann as well.
Unlike Still Beating, here we have two strangers who were drugged, abducted and placed into a bunker of sorts. The “puppeteer” tortures them and this is the part that just really dragged for me, rinse and repeat.
Also unlike Still Beating this book was not very good.
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
May 5, 2022
Beautiful Story
I’m gonna say what no one else has previously said in their reviews, which I scoured when trying to decide if I wanted to read this. There IS an HEA between the 2 main characters. I’d have thrown my kindle if there hadn’t been. There is also ZERO spice. It is 100% a clean but dark romance (like, not even fade-to-black scenes), so don’t go into this thinking it’s a spicy romance if this gets recommended to those who loved Heartbreak Warfare and/or Still Beating. Still a raw and beautiful story and 100% worth reading if you want to get your heart ripped out.
I’m gonna say what no one else has previously said in their reviews, which I scoured when trying to decide if I wanted to read this. There IS an HEA between the 2 main characters. I’d have thrown my kindle if there hadn’t been. There is also ZERO spice. It is 100% a clean but dark romance (like, not even fade-to-black scenes), so don’t go into this thinking it’s a spicy romance if this gets recommended to those who loved Heartbreak Warfare and/or Still Beating. Still a raw and beautiful story and 100% worth reading if you want to get your heart ripped out.
February 10, 2024
♾️⭐️!!!
Our story was twisted and horrific, but we have a silver-lining. These horrors gave me Ledger.
This book BROKE. ME. This book tore my heart out, threw it on the ground, ran it over with a truck, and burned it. I AM SHATTERED. I will never be the same again after reading this book.
THE PLOT
Maeve wakes up confined to a ten by ten concrete room with another man; a man that is not her husband. Ledger and Maeve have no idea why they've been kidnapped, but they are forced to endure mental and physical torture beyond belief. It is only up to them to help each other survive and keep their will to live alive. They are forced to go through unspeakable things just to live, and at this point, they are not only living for themselves...but for each other as well.
MY THOUGHTS
The Characters: I fell in love with both Ledger and Maeve. Maeve was a bit annoying at first, but I think that's to be expected when you're kidnapped and have no idea what's going on. 😭 Throughout this book, I really grew to love Ledger and his personality. He really has that rough exterior but the fact he's always had a soft spot for Maeve just UGH made my heart melt. The fact that Ledger did everything in his power to protect her and care for her when he didn't have to...god the amount of times I cried for their characters is unreal. It became so clear early on that it was more than just a trauma bond. Their love was unmatched. My babies I love them so much. I developed just a deep love in my soul for these two; my heart breaks knows this book is over and I'll never hear from them again. Becca...KISS MY ASS DUDE. KISS IT. Ashton too. Both of ya'll are on my shit list. MAEVE AND LEDGER ALWAYS. 🤺
Her touch is an antidote to every lingering dear and doubt.
The Plot: I'll be honest...this book was really hard to get through. It was so vivid and the detail was so graphic is made my stomach churn at times. This book was really bad to read for my heart condition...NEVER BACK DOWN NEVER WHAT?? The mental and physical torture Maeve and Ledger had to go through was so tough. PLEASE CHECK ALL TW BEFORE READING THIS BOOK!!! The amount of times I cried over this book should be illegal. Just the mental fact that this actually happens and the way it was written to us in this book...god. This whole book broke me. I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time! Not a moment went by where my attention was not on this book. The ending had me on the damn FLOOR. Baffled. Unreal. Jaw-dropping. I couldn't help but scream and cry when I finished this book. MISS HAYES, I EXPECT YOU TO PAY FOR THE THERAPY I SO DESPERATELY NEED AFTER READING THIS. 🤚🏼
Overall, this book was perfect. It was skin-crawling, it was engaging, it was heartbreaking, it was soul-crushing. My brain chemistry is permanently altered because of this book. I recommend EVERYONE to read this if you can handle the TW!! This is NOT a light read and it will make you feel warm and empty at the same time. Keeping this in my kindle library so I can reread it later when I want to cry. 😌🩷
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
"You must not be a big reader."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because an avid-reader can't pick just one favorite."
Her light was the only thing keeping the dark from swallowing me whole.
"C'mon, Goldie. Shine for me again."
"For me. If not for you, do it for me. I mean...I'm not ready to give up, but I will without you."
With one deep exhale, I realize his physical touch helps me breathe easier. I'm not alone. He's here. I have Ledger.
"I'm not going to make it out of this sane. You are because I'm here. I'm here. You have my voice. My touch. My heartbeat. You feel that? I'm alive. You're alive. We haven't disappeared yet. Not even the darkness can take us."
"Oh, Ledger Abbott. If I had to be kidnapped and tortured with a stranger, I'm glad it's you."
Every day without Becca, my heart struggles for beats. But somehow, when I wake up and remember she's gone, the sight of Maeve keep blood pumping through my veins. Maeve is my life support. And when she bleeds, so do I.
"When I had to touch you in the dark, when he took away our light, I thought I was going to lose my mind. My wife's body barely cold, and I was imagining all of the things I wanted to do with you."
My second set of lungs, my second heart. My life support. Taking her waist into my arms, I hoist her up with every ounce of strength I have left. I've never hugged a human being so tight, but she's still not close enough. Burying my face in the crook of her neck, I breathe her in. Cheap soap and Maeve. With that one inhale, my chest swells with fresh oxygen.
"Don't disappear on me now, Goldie. I need you."
"I'm here. I'm still here."
"How do you do it? How do you find the will to live after everything?"
"I live for them, Maeve. Because they can't. I live for them."
With his hands molded to my jawline, his lips press to my forehead for the span of two breathes. One breath, I love you. Two, and goodbye.
"Needing freedom doesn't require being trapped. Your wings just need more room to breathe, and you can't do that if they're clipped. I clipped them."
"I don't feel remorse confessing...I said your name that day because I couldn't imagine living without you. I still can't. I've stayed away for your sake, to respect Ashton, but there hasn't been a day where I haven't wanted to storm your house and steal you for myself."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was scouring the kindle store for dark books and this one was just calling my name...I'm ready to be disturbed 😌
Our story was twisted and horrific, but we have a silver-lining. These horrors gave me Ledger.
This book BROKE. ME. This book tore my heart out, threw it on the ground, ran it over with a truck, and burned it. I AM SHATTERED. I will never be the same again after reading this book.
THE PLOT
Maeve wakes up confined to a ten by ten concrete room with another man; a man that is not her husband. Ledger and Maeve have no idea why they've been kidnapped, but they are forced to endure mental and physical torture beyond belief. It is only up to them to help each other survive and keep their will to live alive. They are forced to go through unspeakable things just to live, and at this point, they are not only living for themselves...but for each other as well.
MY THOUGHTS
The Characters: I fell in love with both Ledger and Maeve. Maeve was a bit annoying at first, but I think that's to be expected when you're kidnapped and have no idea what's going on. 😭 Throughout this book, I really grew to love Ledger and his personality. He really has that rough exterior but the fact he's always had a soft spot for Maeve just UGH made my heart melt. The fact that Ledger did everything in his power to protect her and care for her when he didn't have to...god the amount of times I cried for their characters is unreal. It became so clear early on that it was more than just a trauma bond. Their love was unmatched. My babies I love them so much. I developed just a deep love in my soul for these two; my heart breaks knows this book is over and I'll never hear from them again. Becca...KISS MY ASS DUDE. KISS IT. Ashton too. Both of ya'll are on my shit list. MAEVE AND LEDGER ALWAYS. 🤺
Her touch is an antidote to every lingering dear and doubt.
The Plot: I'll be honest...this book was really hard to get through. It was so vivid and the detail was so graphic is made my stomach churn at times. This book was really bad to read for my heart condition...NEVER BACK DOWN NEVER WHAT?? The mental and physical torture Maeve and Ledger had to go through was so tough. PLEASE CHECK ALL TW BEFORE READING THIS BOOK!!! The amount of times I cried over this book should be illegal. Just the mental fact that this actually happens and the way it was written to us in this book...god. This whole book broke me. I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time! Not a moment went by where my attention was not on this book. The ending had me on the damn FLOOR. Baffled. Unreal. Jaw-dropping. I couldn't help but scream and cry when I finished this book. MISS HAYES, I EXPECT YOU TO PAY FOR THE THERAPY I SO DESPERATELY NEED AFTER READING THIS. 🤚🏼
Overall, this book was perfect. It was skin-crawling, it was engaging, it was heartbreaking, it was soul-crushing. My brain chemistry is permanently altered because of this book. I recommend EVERYONE to read this if you can handle the TW!! This is NOT a light read and it will make you feel warm and empty at the same time. Keeping this in my kindle library so I can reread it later when I want to cry. 😌🩷
FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
"You must not be a big reader."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because an avid-reader can't pick just one favorite."
Her light was the only thing keeping the dark from swallowing me whole.
"C'mon, Goldie. Shine for me again."
"For me. If not for you, do it for me. I mean...I'm not ready to give up, but I will without you."
With one deep exhale, I realize his physical touch helps me breathe easier. I'm not alone. He's here. I have Ledger.
"I'm not going to make it out of this sane. You are because I'm here. I'm here. You have my voice. My touch. My heartbeat. You feel that? I'm alive. You're alive. We haven't disappeared yet. Not even the darkness can take us."
"Oh, Ledger Abbott. If I had to be kidnapped and tortured with a stranger, I'm glad it's you."
Every day without Becca, my heart struggles for beats. But somehow, when I wake up and remember she's gone, the sight of Maeve keep blood pumping through my veins. Maeve is my life support. And when she bleeds, so do I.
"When I had to touch you in the dark, when he took away our light, I thought I was going to lose my mind. My wife's body barely cold, and I was imagining all of the things I wanted to do with you."
My second set of lungs, my second heart. My life support. Taking her waist into my arms, I hoist her up with every ounce of strength I have left. I've never hugged a human being so tight, but she's still not close enough. Burying my face in the crook of her neck, I breathe her in. Cheap soap and Maeve. With that one inhale, my chest swells with fresh oxygen.
"Don't disappear on me now, Goldie. I need you."
"I'm here. I'm still here."
"How do you do it? How do you find the will to live after everything?"
"I live for them, Maeve. Because they can't. I live for them."
With his hands molded to my jawline, his lips press to my forehead for the span of two breathes. One breath, I love you. Two, and goodbye.
"Needing freedom doesn't require being trapped. Your wings just need more room to breathe, and you can't do that if they're clipped. I clipped them."
"I don't feel remorse confessing...I said your name that day because I couldn't imagine living without you. I still can't. I've stayed away for your sake, to respect Ashton, but there hasn't been a day where I haven't wanted to storm your house and steal you for myself."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was scouring the kindle store for dark books and this one was just calling my name...I'm ready to be disturbed 😌
August 3, 2023
the story had so much potential 😭😭😭 but the same thing was happening for 90% of the book. and the pacing was just so off.
the twists were outrageous in my opinion. but the couple slayed.
i went into this because still beating is one of my favorite books, so maybe my expectations were too high?
no spice, not even fade to black vibes. the romance is VERRRRY slow. the mystery is good but repetitive. the plot was beautiful, it was just missing a lot for me.
the twists were outrageous in my opinion. but the couple slayed.
i went into this because still beating is one of my favorite books, so maybe my expectations were too high?
no spice, not even fade to black vibes. the romance is VERRRRY slow. the mystery is good but repetitive. the plot was beautiful, it was just missing a lot for me.
May 15, 2023
🐾 🅸🅵 🆆🅴 🅳🅸🆂🅰🅿🅿🅴🅰🆁 🅷🅴🆁🅴 🐾 Is a full length suspenseful read by new to me author 'Mindy Hayes.' HERO: Ledger HEROINE: MaeveFrom the cover to the blurb I was intrigued. I'm so glad I stumbled across this and gave it a shot, this was so easy to get into and even harder to put down, I was invested and couldn't wait to get to the part where all was revealed and what a twisty turn of events that turned out to be. Every now and then it pays to give a new author a go..
For ones who love dark/pitch dark books this is one I wouldn't even tag as semi dark for ones like myself who prefer books on the darker side of things . I found where the author could've gone darker it was glossed over instead of it being the main focus, but for one's starting out in this genre it would definitely get their hearts racing. There's also no romance, though there is a strong connection between the two kidnapped characters which comes later on in the story. They also have a choice to make. Stay with their significant others or choose the one they were kidnapped with.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading 'Rain Kennedy's' story, we got a little glimpse into her in this book and to say I'm intrigued is an understatement.
Waking up and your stuck in a small dank, no windowed cell with a stranger across from you and neither having any recollection of what occured the night before, and later trying to piece if there's any connection between them makes for a suspenseful read.
November 1, 2022
BOY WAS THAT AN EMOTIONAL ADVENTURE
"Free. Such a subjective word."
This was such a great read y'all. I can't say "enjoyable" because my poor emotions went through the five stages of grief, as Evelynn (who rec'd me this book- thank you so much for wrecking me 💔) so accurately put it. I was hooked from the first word until the very last.
I was nervous going in. I was expecting this to be extremely dark, and the material was, but for me this was more gray because of how it was portrayed- this is how I ultimately decided on 4 instead of 5 stars. This book is very much a psychological thriller, but many of the heavy, dark scenes, of them in the cell, were being told and not shown to me. I cannot tell if that was the author's intention in order to make this book not so eerie or pitch-black, but it disconnected from the abuse that was happening. I'm happy about that in a way since it was easier to get through, but in another, I wanted that heart-racing, clutching the book tightly, wondering what's gonna happen next oh my god feeling of suspense.
The character arcs and the development with Maeve and Ledger was WOW. It was so well-done! I was impressed- not even halfway through and I wanted to praise the author. Their will to live, not just survive, was inspirational and courageous. Their trust and respect for each other, for complete strangers, gave this book so much depth and them as well! I really got to know who they were. By the end, you were feeling everything they were feeling. I loved them.
Definitely one of my favorite reads this year, unique, thoughtful, and emotional.
This is such a hard review to write without spoilers. Read below this only if you want spoilers or if you've read it already. Everyone else, I recommend minding the TW's and taking a chance on this book without going further!
The random chapters:
Their spouses:
The kidnapper/puppeteer:
"Free. Such a subjective word."
This was such a great read y'all. I can't say "enjoyable" because my poor emotions went through the five stages of grief, as Evelynn (who rec'd me this book- thank you so much for wrecking me 💔) so accurately put it. I was hooked from the first word until the very last.
I was nervous going in. I was expecting this to be extremely dark, and the material was, but for me this was more gray because of how it was portrayed- this is how I ultimately decided on 4 instead of 5 stars. This book is very much a psychological thriller, but many of the heavy, dark scenes, of them in the cell, were being told and not shown to me. I cannot tell if that was the author's intention in order to make this book not so eerie or pitch-black, but it disconnected from the abuse that was happening. I'm happy about that in a way since it was easier to get through, but in another, I wanted that heart-racing, clutching the book tightly, wondering what's gonna happen next oh my god feeling of suspense.
The character arcs and the development with Maeve and Ledger was WOW. It was so well-done! I was impressed- not even halfway through and I wanted to praise the author. Their will to live, not just survive, was inspirational and courageous. Their trust and respect for each other, for complete strangers, gave this book so much depth and them as well! I really got to know who they were. By the end, you were feeling everything they were feeling. I loved them.
Definitely one of my favorite reads this year, unique, thoughtful, and emotional.
This is such a hard review to write without spoilers. Read below this only if you want spoilers or if you've read it already. Everyone else, I recommend minding the TW's and taking a chance on this book without going further!
The random chapters:
Their spouses:
The kidnapper/puppeteer:
July 10, 2022
This book was a lot better when it was called ' Still beating ' by Jennifer hartmann.
How has no one called this out yet ?
This is more than just inspired by , this is a copycat - from the overall kidnapping premise, to forced intimacy, to reworded passages with the same context, to actual same passages (drip , drip, drip) to the characters having the same appearance , to him singing to her (shocked it wasn't hey jude !!) , to his hand over her heart listening to her heartbeat & telling her it would be okay.
Still beating is one of my favorite books of all time and the author is the absolute sweetest. This is an injustice to her beautiful work !!
How has no one called this out yet ?
This is more than just inspired by , this is a copycat - from the overall kidnapping premise, to forced intimacy, to reworded passages with the same context, to actual same passages (drip , drip, drip) to the characters having the same appearance , to him singing to her (shocked it wasn't hey jude !!) , to his hand over her heart listening to her heartbeat & telling her it would be okay.
Still beating is one of my favorite books of all time and the author is the absolute sweetest. This is an injustice to her beautiful work !!
March 5, 2023
I am in tears. This book was so amazing, raw, and beautiful. I definitely recommend this book and you will not be disappointed with the story of Maeve and Ledger who are the definition of soulmates.
October 27, 2024
currently re-editing this review! expected to be up over this week!
May 16, 2023
4,75 ⭐️
des vibes de still beating, deux personnages supers attachants, des plots de fou, c’était trop trop
bien
ça brise le cœur et le reconstruit en même temps
des vibes de still beating, deux personnages supers attachants, des plots de fou, c’était trop trop
bien
ça brise le cœur et le reconstruit en même temps
November 20, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The end. Not nearly enough closure!
The Bad: The drama with the spouses. I don't know why the author didn't just let it be messy by their abduction in its own.
Overall: This was alright. The psychological thriller part of it was interesting and engaging, however I felt like the romance was lacking. This is compared to Still Beating, and I honestly don't think it's a good comparison. I mean, yes, they go through a similar ordeal -- but it wasn't nearly as good or angsty. It was just okay for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Maeve and Ledger's story. The strangers wake up after being drugged and abducted in a cold basement by a madman. They have to endure psychological warfare type things and they only have each other to rely on to survive. There are some secrets revealed, some suspenseful moments, and big life changes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Maeve and Ledger's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Ledger. I liked him. I appreciated his protectiveness and how loyal he was.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Maeve. I liked her. I appreciated her strength.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Low. They have some mild tension and two kissing scenes scenes.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Kind of, but not descriptive
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No, I don't consider them "together" to consider it a separation.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but nowhere near enough closure for me to call it a HEA ending. I would call it HFN and I had a lot of unanswered questions.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The end. Not nearly enough closure!
The Bad: The drama with the spouses. I don't know why the author didn't just let it be messy by their abduction in its own.
Overall: This was alright. The psychological thriller part of it was interesting and engaging, however I felt like the romance was lacking. This is compared to Still Beating, and I honestly don't think it's a good comparison. I mean, yes, they go through a similar ordeal -- but it wasn't nearly as good or angsty. It was just okay for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Maeve and Ledger's story. The strangers wake up after being drugged and abducted in a cold basement by a madman. They have to endure psychological warfare type things and they only have each other to rely on to survive. There are some secrets revealed, some suspenseful moments, and big life changes...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Maeve and Ledger's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Ledger. I liked him. I appreciated his protectiveness and how loyal he was.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Maeve. I liked her. I appreciated her strength.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Low. They have some mild tension and two kissing scenes scenes.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Kind of, but not descriptive
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No, I don't consider them "together" to consider it a separation.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but nowhere near enough closure for me to call it a HEA ending. I would call it HFN and I had a lot of unanswered questions.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
November 1, 2022
Oh my god I am NOT okay. This book tore me apart again and again. (if you want to feel pain, check out my highlights; you'll have a good cry - but also don't read them if you don't like spoilers and this is a mystery so reader beware) - if you want some spoilers on the ending to see if this is the type of book you'd enjoy, I'll put a spoiler tag at the end!
The physical and psychological torture that Maeve and Ledger endured was graphic and gruesome and horrible. In the very beginning of their capture, they maintain their modesty and decorum but as time goes on, they fall deeply into primitive survival tactics. Towards the end of their capture when everything felt so bleak, my heart was breaking for these two souls who were thrown together so viciously just to be ripped apart. They forged a connection so deep that neither time nor distance could lesson the grief they felt when they were rescued and subsequently separated.
I'm not going to lie, a couple of the twists I saw coming but I think that's because I came into this super analytical and watching for clues as to who kidnapped them and why. But the story along the way was heartbreaking. However, by setting Maeve free at the end (not the kidnapper but IYKYK) and allowing her to be with Ledger, they finally accepted their need to be together. The end almost made the journey worth it.
Such a devastatingly, challenging, fascinating story. Definitely check TW but this was an amazing journey.
Some spoilers below:
The physical and psychological torture that Maeve and Ledger endured was graphic and gruesome and horrible. In the very beginning of their capture, they maintain their modesty and decorum but as time goes on, they fall deeply into primitive survival tactics. Towards the end of their capture when everything felt so bleak, my heart was breaking for these two souls who were thrown together so viciously just to be ripped apart. They forged a connection so deep that neither time nor distance could lesson the grief they felt when they were rescued and subsequently separated.
I'm not going to lie, a couple of the twists I saw coming but I think that's because I came into this super analytical and watching for clues as to who kidnapped them and why. But the story along the way was heartbreaking. However, by setting Maeve free at the end (not the kidnapper but IYKYK) and allowing her to be with Ledger, they finally accepted their need to be together. The end almost made the journey worth it.
Such a devastatingly, challenging, fascinating story. Definitely check TW but this was an amazing journey.
Some spoilers below:
June 12, 2022
I had no expectations going into this book, a friend I trust recommended it to me so I dove right in.
Let me tell y’all this book was more than I could’ve ever expected. It’s dark and horrifying yet remarkable and real. The stakes were at an all time high and I couldn’t help but feel and fall for the characters. Their circumstances were terrifying and they found solace within each other. They continued to find their way back to each other after everything and they deserve the home they found within one another.
If you need something different, pick up this book. It’s a darker romance maybe more thriller romance but without spice, I personally think any spice would have ruined it and was thankful there wasn’t any. And it’s a story I definitely recommend.
Let me tell y’all this book was more than I could’ve ever expected. It’s dark and horrifying yet remarkable and real. The stakes were at an all time high and I couldn’t help but feel and fall for the characters. Their circumstances were terrifying and they found solace within each other. They continued to find their way back to each other after everything and they deserve the home they found within one another.
If you need something different, pick up this book. It’s a darker romance maybe more thriller romance but without spice, I personally think any spice would have ruined it and was thankful there wasn’t any. And it’s a story I definitely recommend.
September 22, 2022
FINALLY. A book that sucks me in. This had me in a chokehold!
RTC. BUT 5 BEAUTIFUL STARS
RTC. BUT 5 BEAUTIFUL STARS
July 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ohmygod I’m sobbing and drowning with my own tears. This was everything, pure perfection, a fucking masterpiece and I’m completely shattered by Maeve and Ledger’s story. They deserve the world and I want to give them a big hug for all they went through, both of them are so strong💔😖.
“A man and a woman forced together by evil, but bound together by mutual determination and love. Two people who found one good reason to survive in this sea of torment”
Ohmygod I’m sobbing and drowning with my own tears. This was everything, pure perfection, a fucking masterpiece and I’m completely shattered by Maeve and Ledger’s story. They deserve the world and I want to give them a big hug for all they went through, both of them are so strong💔😖.
“A man and a woman forced together by evil, but bound together by mutual determination and love. Two people who found one good reason to survive in this sea of torment”
August 18, 2022
Maeve and legder my Gawdddd true definition of soulmates and what they endured together was just so so heart wrenching....And i was just waiting so eagerly for them to be finally
happy and ......Yeah atlast they did end up Happily....
And 5 whole stars to this book because of these both characters and i lovedddd them with my whole heart.
happy and ......Yeah atlast they did end up Happily....
And 5 whole stars to this book because of these both characters and i lovedddd them with my whole heart.
June 9, 2022
Overhyped to the max, it was okay, definitely enjoyed it.
July 3, 2022
Wow! That was absolutely fantastic! Definitely difficult to read at times and there were plenty of times I held my breath! I loved these characters and I did NOT see the ending twist coming. Highly recommend for those that love mystery/thrillers!
July 11, 2022
Do Not Read - copycat warning!
How has no one mentioned this yet?
This book is a copycat of USA Today best selling author Jennifer Hartmann's book "Still Beating," which was published over a year ago. "Still Beating" captured the nation's attention, and I find it quite troubling that another author would replicate Jennifer Hartmann's work so closely. This is a clear case of plagiarism. I can't believe this was published, and worse, that Amazon is allowing this to be on KU. So, if you haven't read Jennifer's book - go do it. It's the original and its genius.
This reminds me of when Jojo Moyos's book "The Giver of Stars" plagiarized "The Women of Troublesome Creek".
How has no one mentioned this yet?
This book is a copycat of USA Today best selling author Jennifer Hartmann's book "Still Beating," which was published over a year ago. "Still Beating" captured the nation's attention, and I find it quite troubling that another author would replicate Jennifer Hartmann's work so closely. This is a clear case of plagiarism. I can't believe this was published, and worse, that Amazon is allowing this to be on KU. So, if you haven't read Jennifer's book - go do it. It's the original and its genius.
This reminds me of when Jojo Moyos's book "The Giver of Stars" plagiarized "The Women of Troublesome Creek".
June 27, 2022
kinddd of expected that plot twist😭😭 but this was still so good. meave and ledger :( they deserve the world really and tbh im just so happy the book ended the way it did otherwise i would’ve been so sad
June 9, 2022
WOW just wow read this book. It’s soul crushing and beautiful and just read it you won’t regret it
April 7, 2022
HOLY WOW!!! I started out reading love stories when I was young. Then I found Nora Roberts and really fell for the psychological thriller that had a love story that went along with it. This book absolutely captures that genre. I have read everything that Mindy has written, which takes you across so many types of fiction, so I wasn't sure what I was getting in to. I was captivated before I finished the first page. I finished about 40% of the book the first day I started reading it and lay awake in bed that night trying to figure it out. Though I had to work the following day, I stole moments to read it as I just could not get enough. I'm not sure if I devoured the book or it devoured me. I jumped in that night and couldn't put it down until I finished it. And I was left absolutely stunned. I never saw it coming. I hope you're as captivated (I know I've used that word already but it's what FITS) by this incredible story as I.
December 24, 2022
DNF 44%. Which is unusual for me, I’m normally sacking it off 10-20% in lols.
This was recommended to me bc I LOVED Still Beating. So I expected some similarities. But this was too similar. I didn’t finish it but I knew exactly what was going to happen. The format is identical.
It’s also incredibly boring. 44% in and they’re STILL kidnapped, and not enough is happening whilst they’re kidnapped. The same shit is happening.
The kidnapper demands they do something.
Both refuse.
Kidnapper beats one of them.
They comfort each other.
They eat the same meal.
They bathe each other.
They play 2 truths a lie.
Repeat.
YAWN.
This was recommended to me bc I LOVED Still Beating. So I expected some similarities. But this was too similar. I didn’t finish it but I knew exactly what was going to happen. The format is identical.
It’s also incredibly boring. 44% in and they’re STILL kidnapped, and not enough is happening whilst they’re kidnapped. The same shit is happening.
The kidnapper demands they do something.
Both refuse.
Kidnapper beats one of them.
They comfort each other.
They eat the same meal.
They bathe each other.
They play 2 truths a lie.
Repeat.
YAWN.
September 16, 2023
Giving 5 stars isn’t enough, I need to send the author flowers for writing this masterpiece
April 5, 2022
WOW!!!!!!! I loved this book!!! This was an emotional roller coaster for sure but worth the ride! Maeve and Ledger find themselves in a terrible predicament and face choices that no one understands. The horrible experience leaves them forever changed. Now I'm not a fan of incredibly sad stories but I was excited to read this because I will read ANYTHING by this author and I was NOT disappointed. I finished this in a 24 hour period and I'm not sorry. Read this to the end and the you will get the joy and swoon you deserve.
June 9, 2022
A mind blowing 5 ⭐️ read. Wow. This was so dark, and fucked up to the point it scared me at some points… but I couldn’t stop reading and I loved every second of it. This was so so good. It really reminded me of still beating and is close to being the same perfection that was (I just wish we got a moment of seeing Maeve and Ledger together! But I should just be grateful we even got a HEA for this book as I was scared for a hot sec we wouldn’t.) I love Maeve and Ledger so much and I’m truly amazed how they survived all that together. This was truly a psychological journey from start to finish.
April 5, 2022
If We Disappear Here is the kind of book you get sucked into and don’t want to put down, but you also don’t want it to end. I found myself feeling like I was right there with Maeve and Ledger, emotionally connected and so invested. In my opinion this book would make a really good movie! Mindy Hayes’ diversity in writing styles and genres is why she is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to more!
June 17, 2022
A M A Z I N G
January 16, 2023
I really liked it but it was also pretty boring. The same stuff was happening for more than half the book.
July 1, 2022
Wow! I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it was not the twisty, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat ride that I got! I’m used to Mindy’s sweet, feel-good romances, so this dark, gritty story really threw me for a loop. In the best way possible, of course.
The story starts right in the thick of it. Maeve and Ledger, two strangers, wake up in a cold, unfamiliar box of a room after having been kidnapped by an unfamiliar and violent man whom they call “The Puppeteer.” They have no connection to each other and can’t figure out why they were targeted. Day in and day out they are mentally and emotionally, and sometimes even physically, tortured. Maeve and Ledger form a sort of alliance to help keep the other alive and sane. I thought I had an idea of who was behind it all—until I didn’t. I was sort of right, but not in the way I thought. I was still knocked off my feet at the revelation of who was behind it and why.
The relationship between Maeve and Ledger began very tentatively and reluctantly. Over the course of the book it became obvious that the only reason they survived was because of each other. Their shared trauma forged a bond and connection that, although really unhealthy, was really necessary. I kept thinking throughout the book, “How in the world is there going to be any sort of romance in here? This is too twisted!” But I shouldn’t have worried. Mindy knows how to weave a tale that exceeds expectations and surprises you to the core.
My only critical review of this book is that there are a few flash-forward chapters sprinkled in that come without explanation and, quite honestly, took me out of the story. It took me partway into each chapter to realize that we were looking forward, past Maeve’s and Ledger’s forced incarceration. A little warning that we were switching timelines would have been helpful in keeping the continuity. Other than that, I have no complaints. The story was well thought out and well written. I could really get inside the characters’ heads and see what they were going through.
Mindy is a fabulous author with great, albeit sometimes surprisingly dark, depth. I have enjoyed all of her releases thus far and look forward to reading more from her. I give this book a strong 4.5 stars. Don’t be scared off of this book if you are used to Mindy’s lighter romances. Mindy has grown into a competent author of multiple genres. Give it a try! (And check out “Stain,” too, while you’re at it.)
The story starts right in the thick of it. Maeve and Ledger, two strangers, wake up in a cold, unfamiliar box of a room after having been kidnapped by an unfamiliar and violent man whom they call “The Puppeteer.” They have no connection to each other and can’t figure out why they were targeted. Day in and day out they are mentally and emotionally, and sometimes even physically, tortured. Maeve and Ledger form a sort of alliance to help keep the other alive and sane. I thought I had an idea of who was behind it all—until I didn’t. I was sort of right, but not in the way I thought. I was still knocked off my feet at the revelation of who was behind it and why.
The relationship between Maeve and Ledger began very tentatively and reluctantly. Over the course of the book it became obvious that the only reason they survived was because of each other. Their shared trauma forged a bond and connection that, although really unhealthy, was really necessary. I kept thinking throughout the book, “How in the world is there going to be any sort of romance in here? This is too twisted!” But I shouldn’t have worried. Mindy knows how to weave a tale that exceeds expectations and surprises you to the core.
My only critical review of this book is that there are a few flash-forward chapters sprinkled in that come without explanation and, quite honestly, took me out of the story. It took me partway into each chapter to realize that we were looking forward, past Maeve’s and Ledger’s forced incarceration. A little warning that we were switching timelines would have been helpful in keeping the continuity. Other than that, I have no complaints. The story was well thought out and well written. I could really get inside the characters’ heads and see what they were going through.
Mindy is a fabulous author with great, albeit sometimes surprisingly dark, depth. I have enjoyed all of her releases thus far and look forward to reading more from her. I give this book a strong 4.5 stars. Don’t be scared off of this book if you are used to Mindy’s lighter romances. Mindy has grown into a competent author of multiple genres. Give it a try! (And check out “Stain,” too, while you’re at it.)
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