All We Lost Was Everything
A sexy, dark romantic thriller—with a shocking twist—by the author of Everything We Never Said.
Perfect for fans of Binding 13!
When eighteen-year-old River Santos’s house burned down, she lost everything. Her clothes. Her guitar. Her songbook.
Most importantly, she lost her father.
But when someone anonymously donates two million dollars to her GoFundMe, it’s like she’s won the worst sort of lottery. She’s a millionaire, but at what cost?
With every person who comes into the diner where she works, she wonders, "Was it you?" The only person she’s sure didn’t donate the money is her extremely hot—and extremely standoffish—coworker, Logan Evans. Ever since he started at the diner, he’s acted like he hates her. Which is why she’s shocked when he helps her save face in front of her ex…
Their attraction can’t be denied, but when River discovers a long-hidden family secret, she suddenly finds herself questioning everyone in her life. Her dad, who wasn’t as perfect as he seemed. Her chaotic mother, who left without so much as a goodbye at the beginning of her senior year. The anonymous donor, whose intentions may not have been altruistic after all. And most especially Logan, who has dark secrets of his own.
After the fire, River thought she had hit rock bottom. But as it turns out, there’s always more to lose…
Perfect for fans of Binding 13!
When eighteen-year-old River Santos’s house burned down, she lost everything. Her clothes. Her guitar. Her songbook.
Most importantly, she lost her father.
But when someone anonymously donates two million dollars to her GoFundMe, it’s like she’s won the worst sort of lottery. She’s a millionaire, but at what cost?
With every person who comes into the diner where she works, she wonders, "Was it you?" The only person she’s sure didn’t donate the money is her extremely hot—and extremely standoffish—coworker, Logan Evans. Ever since he started at the diner, he’s acted like he hates her. Which is why she’s shocked when he helps her save face in front of her ex…
Their attraction can’t be denied, but when River discovers a long-hidden family secret, she suddenly finds herself questioning everyone in her life. Her dad, who wasn’t as perfect as he seemed. Her chaotic mother, who left without so much as a goodbye at the beginning of her senior year. The anonymous donor, whose intentions may not have been altruistic after all. And most especially Logan, who has dark secrets of his own.
After the fire, River thought she had hit rock bottom. But as it turns out, there’s always more to lose…
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Although it’s not my usual genre, All We Lost Was Everything kept me engaged from start to finish, and I have no regrets about reading it.
Storytelling
All We Lost Was Everything is a novel told from two different points of view. The main perspective follows River, who is somewhat of an orphan. Her father died in a fire, and her mother has been missing for over a year. River is just trying to get by each day.
Then her ex-boyfriend, Noah — referred to as “Golden Boy” — unexpectedly returns to town, complicating her life. His return isn’t abusive in nature; rather, it’s more of a “I regret breaking up with you” kind of situation. Before their breakup, they were best friends, and he ended things without providing any reasoning or closure. I appreciated that the author, Harlow, avoided cliché explanations like cheating or wanting to date someone else. Instead, the reason is tied to a deep-seated secret that involves their parents, which is crucial to the story’s depth.
Logan is also linked to another mystery connected to their families. The novel is filled with reveals, tension, and intrigue throughout, making it engaging. There are multiple mysteries that intertwine like pieces of a puzzle. Just when you think you’ve solved one mystery, another one emerges for the characters to tackle, keeping the reader on their toes.
Both Logan and River are dealing with grief, and I admire how Harlow addresses the various ways people cope with the loss of a parent. They each grieve differently and for different reasons, which adds emotional depth to the story and allows readers to invest in the characters.
My biggest issue with the novel is the romance between River and Logan. While I don’t mind that it gets steamy, I do feel that it progresses too quickly. This is clearly a case of “he falls first,” and although he’s charming and River has had a crush on him, she tries to avoid his aloof, stoic demeanor. Watching their relationship develop is intriguing, but I think it escalates too fast.
I understand the fast pace is intended to create high tension and keep readers engaged from start to finish. However, I personally prefer slow-burn romances, where you can truly see characters fall in love. Although there’s good communication between River and Logan, which helps make the relationship feel more authentic, I still wish their romance hadn’t progressed so quickly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, All We Lost Was Everything, while not normally my cup of tea, was surprisingly addictive. This is definitely a book you can read in one sitting because it moves so quickly and keeps you on your toes. There are multiple mysteries that all tie together for a climactic ending.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
A thrilling romantic suspense, All We Lost Was Everything keeps the reader on their toes while also keeping them engaged with a steamy romance.
Although it’s not my usual genre, All We Lost Was Everything kept me engaged from start to finish, and I have no regrets about reading it.
Storytelling
All We Lost Was Everything is a novel told from two different points of view. The main perspective follows River, who is somewhat of an orphan. Her father died in a fire, and her mother has been missing for over a year. River is just trying to get by each day.
Then her ex-boyfriend, Noah — referred to as “Golden Boy” — unexpectedly returns to town, complicating her life. His return isn’t abusive in nature; rather, it’s more of a “I regret breaking up with you” kind of situation. Before their breakup, they were best friends, and he ended things without providing any reasoning or closure. I appreciated that the author, Harlow, avoided cliché explanations like cheating or wanting to date someone else. Instead, the reason is tied to a deep-seated secret that involves their parents, which is crucial to the story’s depth.
Logan is also linked to another mystery connected to their families. The novel is filled with reveals, tension, and intrigue throughout, making it engaging. There are multiple mysteries that intertwine like pieces of a puzzle. Just when you think you’ve solved one mystery, another one emerges for the characters to tackle, keeping the reader on their toes.
Both Logan and River are dealing with grief, and I admire how Harlow addresses the various ways people cope with the loss of a parent. They each grieve differently and for different reasons, which adds emotional depth to the story and allows readers to invest in the characters.
My biggest issue with the novel is the romance between River and Logan. While I don’t mind that it gets steamy, I do feel that it progresses too quickly. This is clearly a case of “he falls first,” and although he’s charming and River has had a crush on him, she tries to avoid his aloof, stoic demeanor. Watching their relationship develop is intriguing, but I think it escalates too fast.
I understand the fast pace is intended to create high tension and keep readers engaged from start to finish. However, I personally prefer slow-burn romances, where you can truly see characters fall in love. Although there’s good communication between River and Logan, which helps make the relationship feel more authentic, I still wish their romance hadn’t progressed so quickly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, All We Lost Was Everything, while not normally my cup of tea, was surprisingly addictive. This is definitely a book you can read in one sitting because it moves so quickly and keeps you on your toes. There are multiple mysteries that all tie together for a climactic ending.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
Spice: 1/5, there are a couple of scenes, but they are very light on specific description and fade out.
Like the previous book I read from this author, the heavy emotional roller-coaster is a wild ride. I in no way predicted the ending, and kept hoping until the final twist chapters that there was going to be a rainbow for River. I guess in a way there is, just not in the way everyone is hoping for.
Tears were in my eyes from the first chapter. It's emotional, pure chaos, and confusion throughout the majority of this read. No one is a trust worthy voice, and it's soo much pain for an eighteen year old to deal with. Each character is crafted with the plot in mind. You want to find the good in every one of them. This person is going to be the one River can rely one. This person is the one to make the story right. There are good people in the book, but I'm not going to tell you who they are.
The relationships River has between the boys in her life are similar at times, but also so realistic. She's grown as a person between them, and the author does a great job at letting that love rush of young adults shine through.
All of the strands opened do have answers, everything is tied up in a horrifically sad bow by the end, and I am still reeling from how it all plays out. It was hard to put this book down last night, there are so many open questions throughout it, and somethings that don't seem mysterious end up being the biggest puzzle. It's a ride, and I can't wait to read more from this author. The twistest of twists.
You'll love this book if you enjoy mysteries with major twists, mix with young adult romance.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.