I read this whole story and spent most of it waiting for something big to happen. It was a bit of a slow read with tension and mystery filter throughout. I was curious to find out about her mom’s disappearance and her dad’s life/death which is why I kept with it. The big reveal came at the end and it was okay, but not as well done as I had hoped. Unfortunately, this one just fell a bit flat story-wise.

*Thank you NetGalley, Sloan Harlow, and Penguin Group for giving me the opportunity to read All We Lost Was Everything.*

The premise of this book sounds like a great mystery/psychological thriller. Unfortunately, I feel like the author could not decide what type of book she wanted to write. At various points in the book it felt like I was reading a coming of age story, a romance, a thriller and as a result it was difficult to follow. Not to say that you can't have all these elements in a novel, but it was so choppy that I felt like I was reading a different story each time. The romantic relationship in the story felt very rushed, underdeveloped and honestly unnecessary to the overall story. The author managed a decent twist at the end but instead of leaving the reader to imagine where the characters may find themselves in the future, she gives you multiple epilogues. I thought I had finished the book 3 separate times before it actually ended. Overall, this book was not for me but the premise does a good job of grabbing the reader.

In true Sloan Harlow fashion, the twists and turns leave you guessing through the whole story and even when you think you have it all figured out, you need to think again!

River cannot catch a break! She’s dumped by her long-time boyfriend on the same day as her home burns to the ground taking her father’s life and she barely makes it out alive. Her mom’s nomadic lifestyle has her disappearing from her life and River has only her Aunt and her best friend left. The grief of losing everything has even robbed her of her future plans and she is stuck in limbo hoping her mother will return.

As her world unravels bit by bit, we learn more and more about who and what her family secrets kept hidden.

Such a great story of heartbreak and tragedy as well as mystery and love - this one earns 4.5 stars!

What a wild ride. This book will flip you left and right and keep you guessing right up until the end. This book perfectly portrays a kid’s relationship with their parents and how sometimes they will find out things they never knew once the parent was gone. Parents have lived before and while they have kids, sometimes we get to learn more about that and sometimes the things we learn aren’t always good things. I think that readers will really enjoy this wild ride.
Thank you so much to Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

I enjoyed the previous book by this author pretty well and was excited to give this a try. Maybe I went into this thinking it was going to be more thriller and less YA romance drama but it definitely felt a bit young.. Which the target audience is YA so that's not the issue. It's more it felt like it didn't have much of a point but being a cutesy crush on a guy. It was very slow. I wanted the thriller plot to be the bigger part of the story with the romance secondary. Instead this had me rolling my eyes at how cliche it was feeling. I eventually had to skip ahead because I couldn't take the slowness and cheesiness. Maybe it's because I'm not the target audience but I just couldn't get into this. I wanted to so bad because I felt like the twists did surprise me a bit..

I thought it knew where this story was headed, but I was pleasantly surprised by a shocking twist that spun everything around and left me reeling. It's a romance shrouded in mystery and young adults having to grow up too fast. I love Sloan's writing style and the way her words pull me in and don't let go until the very last page. I went into this one blind and I'm so glad that I did. The audiobook is a fantastic way to enjoy this novel and I highly recommend it.

I had high hopes for this book, but sadly this just missed the mark. The mystery was good, with nice twists for a YA mystery, but was this really a YA book? As for the romance, I just didn't feel any connection between the characters. I was very taken aback from the amount of spice for the targeted audience. I was not expecting that much detail at all when I pick up a YA book. It could have been left out and been a perfectly fine mystery. You could definitely tell the tone of the characters voices that they were in the younger immature side, but that could also be with the type of writing style this book was written in too. How it just jumped from scene to scene like wanting to throw a party and picking out a dress to the next chapter the party already happening.

I very much appreciate the chance to read this book, however, it just wasn't for me and think it should be marketed differently. Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions are completely my own.

This was a good thriller! I really liked the characters and how the different relationship dynamics played into the story. The writing was good and done in a way that suits the book.

The ending was sooo good, and while I did see it coming, I felt like it was the most perfect way to conclude the book. Overall, I really recommend this to anyone looking for a thrilling read.

Finally, I do want to note that while this is marketed as a young adult thriller, I would personally categorize it more towards new adult as the characters are 18, and the explicit scenes in this are also more 18+ in their nature. It's definitely suitable for the older side of YA readers but not the younger ones, at least in my opinion.

I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, suspense and romance that this story offered, along with the layers of family drama. It reached a dynamic and unforgettable ending that I wasn’t quite expecting.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

3.5-Star Review: All We Lost Was Everything by Sloan Harlow

Slow burn with a secret-packed payoff.

Sloan Harlow’s All We Lost Was Everything is a story that slowly unfolds into something deeper and more compelling than it first appears. While the beginning was a bit of a slog for me—I didn’t really feel pulled in until around the 35-40% mark—the payoff at the end made the journey worth it.

The book definitely leans into its YA roots, with dialogue and character drama that felt more targeted to a younger audience. At times, the emotional intensity and decision-making of the characters felt a little over the top, but that’s often par for the course in the genre. That said, once the secrets started unraveling and the twist hit, things really clicked into place. The way everything tied together was satisfying and added a much-needed depth to the earlier parts of the story.

Overall, it’s a solid read with a strong finish. It didn’t quite have that explosive “wow” factor for me, but the ending definitely elevated it. A respectable 3.5 stars.

Another great one from Miss Sloan Harlow. River's character arc was great to see, and I liked the many twists (and was quite proud of guessing one of the main twists). The romance element was also a nice touch and added to the story.

I wasn't completely sold on this one cause I think it dragged in some places, and some aspects were somewhat hard to believe, but overall still pretty solid.

Release: May 6, 2025
Author: Sloan Harlow
Publisher: Penguin group

Rating: 3.75 ★ 

All We Lost Was Everything by Michelle Harlow is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that blends mystery, romance, and family drama seamlessly. The story follows River Santos, a young woman grappling with the death of her father and the mysterious disappearance of her mother. As River navigates the complex relationships in her life, she must also confront the unsettling question of where the money in her GoFundMe campaign came from, adding yet another layer of intrigue.
One of the standout features of this book is its well-developed characters. River is a strong, resilient protagonist who endures tremendous loss, and her journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her slow-burn romance with Logan is particularly captivating, with a mix of tension and deep emotional connection that feels both authentic and magnetic. Even secondary characters are given depth, with memorable details that enrich the story, making it all the more immersive.
The mystery itself is wonderfully twisted and full of unexpected turns. While some readers may anticipate certain plot twists, the story still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The way the narrative weaves together River’s personal struggles with the ever-unfolding mysteries of her past creates an engaging and unpredictable reading experience. What really happened to her mother? What caused the fire? Why is Logan so secretive? These questions, among many others, keep the pages turning, leading to a thrilling conclusion that leaves you wanting more.
However, the book does come with some content warnings. While the romance and emotional depth are powerful, the story contains explicit scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Additionally, some parts of the book feel a bit drawn-out, with the ending in particular feeling somewhat rushed or unnecessarily extended. A tighter conclusion might have made for a more satisfying wrap-up.
Despite these minor drawbacks, All We Lost Was Everything is a fantastic read that checks all the boxes for fans of romantic suspense. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists, complex relationships, and a compelling protagonist that will stick with you long after the final page. If you enjoy thrillers with rich character development and unpredictable plot twists, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Summary
All We Lost Was Everything follows 18-year-old River Santos, whose life is turned upside down after a devastating fire destroys her home and kills her father. Struggling with grief and loss, River’s world is further complicated when an anonymous donor contributes two million dollars to her GoFundMe. Although the money should bring relief, River can't shake the feeling that there's a dark motive behind the donation.
As she works at a local diner, River starts to suspect everyone around her, wondering if the mysterious donor is one of the regulars. Her tension with Logan Evans, a handsome but aloof coworker, intensifies, especially after he unexpectedly steps in to help her deal with her ex. Despite their growing attraction, River’s curiosity about the people in her life leads her to uncover disturbing truths. She begins to question everything—her father's past, her mother's sudden disappearance, the true intentions behind the donation, and Logan’s involvement in it all.
As River digs deeper, she realizes that there are even darker secrets lurking in her past, and she’s forced to confront the reality that things could get much worse. In a story filled with mystery, romance, and suspense, River learns that sometimes hitting rock bottom is only the beginning.

Favorite Quote:
"the heart doesn't forget, even when the mind tries to erase."

This is a great book! There was a lot of growth from the authors first book to this one and I'm really enjoying it. The things I liked best about this book was the mystery and the plot twists. I was left guessing and gasping at every twist and turn, constantly asking myself "is this it? is there more?" and there was always more. I was left realign from almost every turn. I will say though that the two things that dropped this from a five start rating was the romance and a couple cliche plot twists. Now this isn't to say they were bad, but they weren't my favorite. For one the chemistry was a bit lacking and sometimes the romance got a little more than PG-13 with this being a YA book and all that. Also, there were two plot twists that I either guessed a little earlier than I would've liked and also one where it was so cliche and obvious that I got a little frustrated. But overall this is a great book, but it's definitely for older teens rather than 14-15 year olds.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of *All We Lost Was Everything*. I picked this one up because the cover and the description immediately reminded me of *If He Had Been With Me*, which was a hit with my students. I had a feeling this book would resonate with them, and I’m happy to say it did. I think it’s going to be really popular on platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram—honestly, I was moved by the story myself.

The main character’s struggles with the death of her father and her missing mother are gripping and emotional, with just enough drama to hook older teens and young adults. Throw in a romance and the mystery surrounding the source of the money in her GoFundMe, and you’ve got the perfect formula for a page-turner. The plot twists in the second half are sure to keep readers on their toes, especially those who love a good “Wait, what?” moment.

As a school librarian, though, I do think there are a few themes that might raise concerns in certain communities. *All We Lost Was Everything* treads a fine line in terms of mature content. I’ll need to do a second read-through before deciding, but I know some of my colleagues won’t be able to stock this one for their students.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It’s exactly the kind of story my students are into, and I’m confident they’ll enjoy it too.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of All We Lost Was Everything. Based on the cover and the description, I wanted to read it because I thought it would appeal to my students who read and loved If He Had Been With Me. Reading it through that lens, I think this book will be very successful among the BookTok and Bookstagram crowd; I know I was moved and enjoyed the ride through the book.

The dual issues our protagonist faces -- the death of her father and her mother being missing -- are compelling and just dramatic enough to satisfy older teens and younger adults. Add in the romance aspect and the question about where the money in her GoFundMe came from, and you have the ingredients for a winner. The few turns in the back half of the story should also satisfy readers who are always looking for the next "Wait. What?" moment.

On the other hand, as a school librarian, there are some topics that I know might be a trigger for community concern. All We Lost Was Everything rides right on a line in terms of spicy content. I'll need to re-read before I make a decision, but I know other school librarians who won't be able to purchase this one.

Overall, I really liked the book. It's in the vein of books my students are reading, and I know those readers will enjoy it as well.

Not my favorite read cuurently. River is a great character and my heart goes out to her for everything she is dealing with... Noah is forgettable and likeable. A hard no to him.

I wanted to like this more than I did but I found myself getting bored reading this and the reveals were a bit predictable. I did like the cover!

Cannot recommend.

THanks to netgallet, Sloan Harlow and Penguin Group Young Reader's for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 5/6/25

🧇Review: What to Read Wednesday🎸

For Fans Of: Holly Jackson, Maureen Johnson, Karen McManus
Title: All We Lost Was Everything
Author: Sloan Harlow
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Genre: YA Mystery
Violence: 🪓🪓
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
TW: Loss of parent, fire, mental health issues

Synopsis: River’s mom disappears, her boyfriend dumps her, & her father dies in a house fire. After so much loss, a budding romance with Logan from work is a ray of hope. But even he has secrets

Thoughts: This book has everything. Mystery. Romance. Family drama. Friendship. Even delightful touches of Filipino culture. And it does them all so well. Sometimes character development is sacrificed in service to mystery, but Harlow’s characters are as richly developed as the mystery is serpentine. Even characters who exist only in past tense are brought to life with memorable details, whether it be a penchant for baking & struggles with depression. But River & Logan bring the real star power, & their slow-burn romance is *chef’s kiss*. Note the spice warning as the book does contain explicit scenes. This novel would have been equally satisfying, had it lacked a mystery, because the story of loss & family & young 💖 is deeply moving. But the mystery is so good! What happened to her mother? Why did Noah leave her? What caused the fire? What is Logan hiding? Though Harlow teases clues, the puzzle keeps twisting & intertwining in unexpected ways until the last gasp. See? Everything! If you’re looking for a page-turner that delivers on all fronts, you can’t go wrong with All We Lost Was Everything. I will definitely read Everything We Never Said & anxiously await Harlow’s next offering.

QOTD: What book checks all your boxes?

#newrelease #newreleases #newreleasebooks#whattoread #whattoreadnext #whattoreadnow #whattoreadwednesday #booksta #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookreviewers #bookishreview #bookrecs #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #yareads #yabooks #yabookstagrammer #yabookshelf #yathriller #allwelostwaseverything #netgalley

Thank you to #NetGalley , thge publisher and Slan Harlow for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!!!

Honestly, this was a good book. It wasn't something that will sit with me for a long time after, but I enjoyed my time with this book. It was a very fast paced read.

I think I honestly just read to many books with plot twists that I very rarely do not see them coming, so for me the big reveal was a little predictable - BUT STILL ENJOYABLE.

I definitely will be giving this authors other work a chance.

Wow! I loved this book… such emotional characters and so many secrets. I loved the vibrant Arizona setting and I loved the coming of age love story but the mystery of what happened to rivers mom was mind blowing. I didn’t see the big reveal coming. Some of the romance was a bit cheesy but that’s love sometimes. Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy.

So, as an educator, I often read YA books so that I am aware of new books for students. This was a fast read because there were definite sections I could skim through quickly. The plot twist is one I did not see coming. I really thought I had some ideas but boy was I wrong! Good, quick read.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.