Book Review: All the Terrible Things by Lara Martin

4⭐
Genre ~ fiction
Setting ~ unknown, but possibly in the UK
Publication date ~ February 5, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 374 (69 chapters +2 e’s)
POV ~ multiple 3rd, present tense
Featuring ~ animal activists, animal cruelty, references to suicide, no steamage

My review:

I’ve read everything Lara has written and she gives us something a bit different this time.

We first meet Kane and Nolene as they are planning and executing the abduction of Amy in order to get the attention of her father, Graham. Justin & Heather, both 19, work another angle, but all of the animal activist characters have a common goal ~ to end unnecessary animal testing.

Tough to read at times, but well researched as it dives into what goes on in the animal testing laboratories while still giving us sub romance plots. Nolene is a bit OTT at times, but that just shows her passion for the cause. In fact, all characters are passionate in their own way. I, especially, liked Ross & Mel and what they do to help the animals. The father’s reasoning for doing what he does yanks at the heartstrings.

Overall, an emotional, thought provoking journey. Where the story takes us is not overly surprising, but thankfully the hard parts were written with care, as I knew they would be. I appreciated the author’s note stating her reasoning behind choosing to add a gene mutation to the plot, which is something I am quite familiar with.

Side note ~ the top right square is a good representation of what I pictured Justin to look like.

Get your copy on ~ Amazon

Add to your never ending TBR  ~ goodreads

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it.

Book blurb:

In this heart-stopping story of love, hate, and redemption, four strangers are drawn together in the dangerous world of animal rights activism. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cowles, All the Terrible Things is a race-against-the-clock romantic thriller that will keep you hooked until the final page.

Pampered socialite Amy Hutchinson has spent years trying to outrun a haunting past, only to be thrust into a fresh nightmare when she’s kidnapped by Kane, a brooding animal rights activist determined to expose her father’s dark secret. Trapped in a chilling battle of wills with her kidnapper, Amy finds herself unwillingly drawn to the man who has sworn to destroy her father. As the line between enemies and lovers blurs, can they stop the truth from tearing them apart?

Meanwhile, new recruit Heather is on her first undercover mission at a notorious animal-testing facility. All her life Heather has lived by the rules. Now she’s partnered with the reckless and charming Justin, an experienced activist with a taste for trouble. As their chemistry heats up, so does the danger that threatens to destroy everything they’re fighting for.

Bound by secrets, betrayal, and a flawed love that might either destroy or save them, all four will have to face the truth about themselves—and each other—before it’s too late.

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