This book takes you through all of the emotions. River's search for her mystery donor after her house burns down and takes her father's life with it is heartbreaking. Her co-worker may have a connection to her family that she never expected. This is a good one.

I wanted to like this but found the characters off putting and just did not root for the romantic leads to get together. The twist at the end was good!

This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph on April 11th, 2025. Links provided.

In All We Lost Was Everything, the story follows River Santos, a teenager whose life is upended when a fire takes not only her home but also her father. Just as she begins to rebuild her life, a mysterious windfall arrives - two million dollars donated anonymously - which only adds more questions to her grief. As River tries to navigate her new reality, suspicion begins to cloud every interaction, especially with her aloof coworker Logan, who keeps his own past tightly guarded. The novel threads together themes of grief, identity, and trust, as River uncovers buried truths about her family and the people closest to her. The setting - a tight-knit desert town simmering with secrets - adds tension to her search for answers.

Personally, (for the most part) I enjoyed the ride this book took me on, even though I didn’t fully connect with every piece of it. The pacing was great at first; I was completely pulled into River’s world and invested in figuring out who sent the money and why. But somewhere around the 30% point my interest dipped and didn’t pick up again until the last third of the book. That’s likely because the middle third of the book almost completely forgets that it is supposed to be focusing on the mystery of the River’s money, family, and the fire, and rather focuses on River’s “romantic” interests (i.e. sexual activities). FYI, this middle third of the book is not closed door writing. The copy of the book I received indicated that its target audience is 14+ years of age or 9th+ grade and, while it didn’t necessarily bother me, I definitely wouldn’t let my 9th grader read this book. I think it would be better tagged as New Adult instead of a Young Adult book. Also, there is a lot of adoption trauma in this book that could be triggering to some. Besides that, there were twists I didn’t see coming and, while I wouldn’t say it was my favorite in the genre, I did appreciate the tension and fast read.

Thank you to Penguin Group Young Readers, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to an ARC of All We Lost Was Everything in return for my honest review.

I got this book from NetGallery. This is my honest review.

Summary:
The house of the 18-year-old River burned down. She lost everything including her father. She receives an anonymous donation of two million dollars and wonders who gave it to her. 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.

According to the description, it would be a “sexy, dark romantic thriller”. Personally, it was more a romantic book at first. Later it becomes more of a mystery. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it. Subtle hints make you want to keep reading. It excites you and makes you curious. It is a YA book with all the (boys) drama that is appropriate for that age. I don’t belong in that target group, but I also enjoyed reading it at an older age. It did not bother me and the tone is mature.

In short, I thought it was a nice book to read. I was very curious where it would go, how it would end. There are a number of plot twists that I did not see coming. I can definitely recommend this book.

Thank you for letting me read this book.

I was super excited to get my hands on this ARC after reading and LOVING Sloan Harlow’s other book, Everything We Never Said.

And this one did not disappoint! It’s thrilling and sexy and full of twists and turns. There were many moments that had my jaw ON THE FLOOR 🤯 Ms Sloan Harlow can definitely write good plot twists 👏🏼

it’s a perfect mix of mystery and romance, my 2 favorite genres. Definitely recommend picking this one up when it releases May 6th!! 💗

"One day I'll sing you a song so good, I'll haunt your dreams." I kiss her instead of telling her the truth: She already does.

Her mom is gone. Her dad is dead. And she anonymously received two million dollars. Must read to see how the story plays out!

Ps. This reads more like a romance with a touch of mystery.

THINGS AND STUFF
-dual pov
-enemies? Or friends and coworkers
-gofundme
-letters
-secrets
-the aa community
-twists!
-forgiveness and healing
-#IsThisAKissingBook open door

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.