All the Terrible Things

by Lara Martin

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.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2025

About the author

Lara Martin writes books about imperfect people living messy lives, falling in love, and fighting for their happily-ever-after. She’s lived in South Africa and Australia, and now calls a cozy village in England her home. She's a mom to two kids, an animal lover, and her champion of a husband is always the first reader of her novels.

She likes her book heroes with humor, muscles, stubble, and a wild side. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops in search of the next story to make your heart race.

https://www.instagram.com/laramartina...

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X

[Erin (Bellah Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all of Lara Martin's books and this one was so different from her others and I absolutely loved it! Such a fabulous departure from her usual! From the first page, you get such an ominous feeling that lasts throughout and that plays a huge role in the story being told. This book is dark and mysterious and once I started I couldn't put it down. The characters were perfectly morally gray and there was really no other way to have them be. The character development was well done and the overall story was unlike anything I've read in a long time.

I certainly hope Lara Martin writes more in this vein.

Thank you to the author for the digital ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.

[Deanna (she_reads_truth_365) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indie author, Lara Martin writes the sweetest love stories. Her new novel, All the Terrible Things releases tomorrow! This novel is quite different from her previous books, a bit darker, but overall a beautiful love story. She tackles tough subjects with ease and writes about it in a gentle way. This story may not be for everyone and that’s ok. It definitely pulled at my heartstrings and reminded me how cruel the world can be. I also enjoyed the multiple points of view combined with short chapters. I loved the overall message of love and redemption for her characters.

I received an advanced electronic copy from author Lara Martin. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara is an auto read author for me. I love her style of writing, and her stories are always such a pleasure to read. She does an amazing job with fleshing out characters and bringing them to life, and her stories always pull me right in.

All The Terrible Things was another fantastic read, but very different from her previous books. It’s a darker, emotional read that deals with the topic of animal rights activism, and the morally gray characters who are willing to go to extremes to fight against it.

The author doesn’t shy away from the subject, or sugar coat it. Reading about some of the experiments that are done to animals was heartbreaking—even more so when you realize these things are really happening. It’s a hard topic, but one that needs to be addressed and brought to light.

There’s a unique and unconventional love story going on with the main characters. I liked that they got together, but had mixed feelings about how they got there. Regardless, Lara makes it work and it came off in a really positive way.

Lara did a brilliant job of letting you see why the characters were so passionate about stopping the experimentation, the lengths they were willing to go to, and yet the conflicting emotions they felt in making choices that might hurt people in the name of saving animals.

This is not light reading, but it is a gripping, thought provoking, and beautifully told story of hate, love, self growth, and ultimately redemption.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are we surprised that I loved another Lara Martin book? If we are, we shouldn’t be! This one was totally different than the author’s other books, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s probably my favourite of hers.

All the Terrible Things is perfect for those who want a beginner sort of dark romance. There are two romance storylines, and I was rooting for both of them, but of course my favourite was the romance between a kidnapper and the woman he held captive. Kane and Amy were so good together in the weirdest possible way.

The story revolves around animal rights activists, so please be aware that there are many stories told of animals being abused/killed. There are many sad animal moments throughout the book, but the author handled it well and didn’t go into gruesome detail.

If you’re in the mood for a romantic thriller, I would highly recommend you pick this one up.

Thank you to Lara Martin for my gifted copy!

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always excited for a new novel by Lara Martin so I couldn't wait to get stuck into All the Terrible Things. Following four main characters, we are treated to each of their POV's as the story plays out.

With animal rights being the main focus, Kane kidnaps Amy, in a bid to get her father to stop harmful experimenting in his lab. Heather and Justin are also working for Kane, with Heather working undercover within an animal testing facility. I really enjoyed hearing each POV and found myself liking each character by the end of the book as the huge character growth was evident in each of them. The romances (yes, plural!) were secondary to this book in my opinion as I felt more connected to the ethical storyline and was wondering how it would end. I appreciated the epilogues which tied the book up.

This was a different type of story by author Lara Martin but one that I found myself really enjoying!

[Madeline (bookswithmadi_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book was, in a word, ADDICTING.

You're taken on a journey, diving head first into the world of animal rights activists and it's a wild ride.

What I loved:
-All the POVs-- this can be a hit or miss for some stories but for this one, the 5 different POVs really did a great job at conveying the whole story
-TWO romances!! You can never have too many romance plots right??? Heather and Justin were my personal favs but both were great
-The suspense/action-- I was on the edge of my seat and just HAD to know what was going to happen! There are so many things going on and it was so fun just finding out how everything unfolded

What I didn't love:
-Abrupt ending-- the HEAs were so hard won, I wanted them a little more drawn out. The epilogues came on suddenly, when I was still craving those love confession/grand gesture type things and didn't leave me completely satisfied
-Kane-- I am not above a kidnapping romance in my books but I didn't feel like Kane did enough kind things for Amy to really fall as hard for him as she did. I wanted MORE from him! especially after some of the things he did to her

I struggle with what to rate this because, while I was totally hooked on reading it and loved the story, it missed the mark on a few things for me. I went with 4.5 stars because I was totally hooked on it and had a great time reading it!

Spice: make-outs only
CW: graphic animal abuse, kidnapping, morally grey characters, stalking

[Mackenzie RM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy is a pampered socialite who has been trying to outrun her haunting past, only to be thrust into a fresh nightmare when she’s kidnapped by Kane, an animal rights activist who is keen to expose her father’s dark secrets. While Amy is trapped with her kidnapper, she finds herself drawn to him, leading her to blur the line between enemies and lovers. Meanwhile, Heather is a new recruit to animal activism and is sent on an undercover mission at a notorious animal testing facility. She’s partnered with Justin who is an experienced activist that’s also reckless and charming with a taste for trouble. As sparks fly, the danger also increases, threatening to destroy everything they’re fighting for.

ALL THE TERRIBLE THINGS is an endeavor into different ventures for this author with a bit of a thriller twist and lighter romance. I would check the trigger warnings as there are some scenes and small details that can be difficult to read.

This novel is told in four separate POVs: Heather, Justin, Kane, and Amy. Each character is interesting with a unique voice and I was honestly rooting for each of them, eager to see what would come for them. The romances were light touches with some really sweet scenes, making for a lighthearted vibe amongst the tougher parts. The secondary characters to this novel were all well written and I loved meeting them, particularly Ross and Mel.

I thought the plot was very interesting, keeping me captivated from start to finish. The plot focuses on a topic that I truly didn’t know much about: animal testing in medical research. It broke my heart to read about some of the information contained within these pages; it feels well-researched and is written with care. The pacing is well done, amping up near the end. I loved the two epilogues – excellent touches!

I would like to thank the author, Lara Martin, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Laura Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was different from anything I have ever read before, and honestly I wasn’t sure what I was going to think, as I don’t read too many romantic suspense or darker stories, but I found this story addicting and captivating. It was so hard to put down!

All the Terrible Things follows four main characters; Kane, Amy, Justin, and Heather and centers around animal rights activism. They are four passionate, but somewhat morally grey people. Lara Martin did a great job of helping us understand each character's POV and motives for why they do what they do. The story was incredibly well researched and it was easy to follow each character and how their stories interweaved with each other. As an animal lover I did find some of the experiments very sad especially the ones done on dogs, but Lara handled the topic very well and with sensitivity. There were no graphic details and I never felt that it was too much for me to handle. I really enjoyed the two romances we got in this story as well, although I would say that the romances are not the main focus and the book builds up to them. Both seem to be unlikely couples at the start of the story but they come together naturally and believably. I loved how the epilogues wrapped everything up and we got a happy ending after this very emotional journey.

I give Lara Martin all the praise. She is an auto read author for me and proves to be well rounded and gifted at writing different genres and unique stories. I highly recommend that you pick this one up if you are looking for something different that will pull you right into the story and never let you go.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content Awareness - kidnapping. I consider this a clean read but it does revolve around a topic that could be sensitive for some.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara Martin books are a slightly different genre than I usually read and I love that about her books. This one was a bit different from her previous books, but it was just as well written.

This book revolves around 4 people drawn into the world of animal rights activism. It’s a little heavy at times, as the topic naturally is, so keep that in mind going into it. There’s a lot of action, a lot of morally gray or even quite dark characters. It’s not a clear battle between dark and light and that ambiguity creates a story that makes you think and consider things. Can you be right, but go about things in a way that is wrong? Is there a need or place for opposition?

I found this book especially thought provoking, because I have worked in research and still work on the intellectual property side of medical and science advancement. My experience working in a lab as well as studying ethics in college have made me question many common practices in the sciences. Can we justify the greater good? Is there a better way to do things? Do we not appreciate the advancement that comes because of animal studies? I remember (way back in the day), in college it was still a debate about using embryonic stem cells. There were loud voices for and against their use for ethical reasons. While I saw both sides of the argument, I can see clearly now the advancement in science and ethical science because there is push back. We now can create induced pluripotent cells from somatic cells, which creates a cell with great potential, comparable to an embryonic stem cell. Additionally, said cells can be mass produced, allowing for greater use, experimentation, and treatment. Would we have reached this advancement in science and medical treatment without push back from those concerned with the sanctity of embryonic stem cells?

A very thought provoking book. As far as content warning, there is a fair amount of violence and cruelty. It doesn’t go into too much detail, but may be too heavy if you are sensitive to that. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to me.

[Shanaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I'm incredibly thankful and privileged that I get to read @laramartinauthor's books in advance because I really enjoy her writing. This story is different from her usual, as it's darker in tone, but I think it's her best one yet! 

All The Terrible Things is full of difficult topics but wrought with such skill. At one point I wondered how it will all end at an acceptable note but let me tell you... just trust the author! 

The discussions about animal abuse and  ethical practices in research opened my eyes to the different facets of the fight for animal rights. The research and the thought (and emotions) behind the story gave authenticity to the struggles faced by our characters. 

There's also discourse on how far you'll be willing to go to fight for what you think is right (is breaking the law worth it?) and continuing to fight for causes we hold dear without compromising our character and values.

Then there's the romance - we get two in one book. All our characters undergo tremendous growth, and the love stories are full of emotion, hurt and redemption. I'm so here for it! No spoilers so just go read it 😁 NOW!

Read if you like:
🩶 Morally gray heroes
🤫 Secrets and lies
👥 Forced proximity
💗 Captive romance + Bad boy/Good girl 
🫨 Stories that make you reflect on your own values

Other details and mild spoilers:
Kissing only 
Multiple first person POV
CW: animal abuse, kidnapping, induced paralysis, phobias, suicide, weapon use, violence

[Emily Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara Martin has become an auto-read author for me over the past couple years. I’ve enjoyed every one of her books so far. All the Terrible Things is a bit of a step in a different direction from her last few books - a little darker with more thrilling and intense elements for sure, but still the emotional, character-driven story that I expect when I pick up one of her books.

I don’t want to spoil any plot points because the surprises were what really made the book for me, so here’s a little quote from the blurb : “In this heart-stopping story of love, hate, and redemption, four strangers are drawn together in the dangerous world of animal rights activism.”

Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down! I loved how we got all four major characters’ perspectives throughout. Each character was equally intriguing and I enjoyed how none of them were fully good or bad, no matter which side of the animal rights debate they were on. I feel like that made it feel more realistic, especially in this world of a more extreme kind of activism. The book had a nice mix of exciting, action-filled chapters and chapters that were more focused on relationship and character development. And it really made me want to do some research about the companies I support and their animal testing policies. 😬 I might need to make some changes!

If you enjoy a thrilling story with multiple POVs and high stakes romance, this is the book for you!

[Trish • Wewineaboutbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read and truly enjoyed all of Lara Martin’s books and this was no exception! All The Terrible Things was very different from her other stories, with added suspense, mystery and darkness that kept me engaged and interested throughout. The storyline was centered around a group of animal rights activists and although devastating conditions were explained, it really made me think of things in a new light and reflect on my own role as a consumer. The multiple POVs helped offer character thoughts, motivations, backstories and relationships. I was hoping for a little more storyline after the climax but everything was wrapped up nicely in the end and made me shed a few happy tears.

[lauryn | (laurynsbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly invoked so many emotions in me. It’s beautiful. It’s tragic. It’s heartbreaking and also heartwarming– and it also highlights a real problem that occurs each and every day. Completely different than any book I’ve read before – Lara really knocked it out of the park with this one!

The story follows multiple POVs and focused primarily on two connected but seperate storylines. The first storyline follows Amy – a socialite who is kidnapped in a plot against her father’s company, and Kane – an animal rights activist who (spoiler alert) is her KIDNAPPER. **cue Stockholm Syndrome by One Direction**. Although there is a little romantic plot going on with these two, I wish that there could’ve been a little more to their story. Like maybe Amy and Kane could’ve gone out a few times before the start of the book’s plot? To give them some history? Idk it was still really good and I loved seeing the impact that they had on each other’s lives; I just wish there could’ve been a little something more.

The second story line focuses on Heather – who is new to the animal rights cause and is starting her first undercover mission, and Justin – a troubled teen who is also fighting for a big change. These two are a POWER DUO!! Heather can ground Justin better than anyone else when he’s feeling reckless, while he gives “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you” to Heather. *chef’s kiss* I loved it. Their storyline has so many emotionally impactful moments, and I just need more of them (Lara pls this is me begging).

**BEFORE YOU READ: this book does mention and discuss animal testing, animal cruelty, and other dark subjects. Please be sure to read all warnings before! 🩷

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew this was a roller coaster of emotions type book. This book takes you on the dark journey of animal activism. You get to read from several point of views which really added to the depth of the story. I didn’t know anything about animal testing and this really hit me hard.

Lara Martin really has a gift of drawing you into the story. After I got about 20 % in I couldn’t put this down. I had to know what was gonna happen! I will say this book was completely different from my usual reads. I was definitely crying at the end of the book.

Obviously as a romance lover I enjoyed the two separate relationships. It was fun to see how they both grew together thru the hardships. I’m definitely team Justin and Heather but enjoyed Kane and Amy’s story as well.

If you’re looking for a action packed emotional story add this to your TBR. Just keep in mind this is not a light read.

[Brianne Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book! I have been privileged to read all of Lara’s works, and this one was so different from the previous three she has written. I am so impressed that she made the jump so well to this romantic thriller which is a completely different genre from her previous books. This book was so captivating from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. Lara wove a complex story of heartache and love, despair and hope, corruption and redemption. This book makes you think, what line are people willing to cross in order to uphold their convictions? I enjoyed the 4 stories being told and was engrossed in each one. I definitely had some mixed feelings about Kane and Amy, and I wondered how she could easily turn a blind eye to all he put her through, but in the end their story was a positive one. Heather and Justin were so sweet together. Just two young kids trying to make a difference in this cruel world. This book is emotional, thought-provoking, and a touch dark. Lara did a wonderful job balancing the dark with some light. Please check the trigger and content warnings before reading.

-kidnapper/captive
-animal rights
-morally grey hero’s
-enemies to lovers

TW: kidnapping, animal abuse

Thanks Lara for the ARC!

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, this book. So much of the people, places and situations in it are broken and desperately in need of healing. And while there is some redemption at the end, that doesn’t take away the pain, loss, and grief of the rest of the story. But I think that’s the point. Challenge forces us to stop for a moment and really consider what we might do in the same situation. This story challenges the way a reader might think and offer a different perspective on a terrible reality. Never does it condone the wrong decisions of the MCs but it does give readers a chance to understand what causes people to make such decisions. I definitely didn’t finish the story agreeing with most of what happened nor would I make those same decisions but it did give me the chance to experience another viewpoint and I appreciated that. It’s definitely not a story you read if you expect a perfect happy ending with rainbows and butterflies. But you just might find yourself considering the lives and beliefs of others in a new light. Not to embrace or support wrong choices but to offer compassion and forgiveness when it’s required. Definitely a book I recommend for those who love stories with depth and challenge with the pages.

I received a copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

[Summer Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I don’t think I’ll ever forget this book!

Lara did an amazing job of bringing awareness to the horrible business of animal cruelty in medical testing. And the character development! I loved reading the journey of each character and how they grew during the book. Bravo! Lara is one of my favorite authors because you can feel her dedication to storytelling shining through her books.

If you love a book with:
-forced proximity
-bad boy/good girl
-captive romance/kidnapping
-enemies to lovers
-morally gray heroes

This is a must read, romantic suspense book!

[Lisset · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Lara Martin’s books!!! This is her first dark romance. It’s an emotional roller coaster, touching the dark side of animal cruelty such as animal testing. Which was very informative!

I enjoy reading the subplot romances. Especially, Heather and Justin!! I also like how the story unfolded and ended with a good character development. It was gripping and beautifully written!!

[Tasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking, riveting, hopeful, and passionate all come to mind when I think of Lara's writing and her stories.

All the Terrible Things takes all those traits and adds a gripping dark twist, one that took grace and care to not cross the line, but to present the readers with an uncomfortable topic that is hard to stomach and for us to find love for characters that are seriously walking a tightrope of how far is to far before you can't take it back and you become no different.

This book is incredible! It will have you feeling every possible emotion you could ever feel while reading... you will begin to ask yourself, How far would I go? What red flags could I ignore? Can I find love in gray?

⚠️ This books theme is heavily set on Animal Cruely and Animal Rights Activists. Please ask me or Lara if you need any specific trigger warnings ⚠️

Please add all of @laramartinauthor books to your TBR!!! You won't regret it 🫶

[Kayla McNaughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Book.
I was lucky enough to read the ARC of this book and my goodness it was not was I was expecting, but I loved every bit of it. Normally I'm not worried about trigger warning, but I was glad I paid attention to these as one of them was animal abuse. I am a HUGE animal lover and have three dogs, two being beagles, which happen to be breed most discussed. When the animal abuse came into the story I was a little nervous, but there was no need. Lara did an AMAZING job of giving the reader enough information to drive the story, but not too much where I was uncomfortable at any point. She handled this sensitive topic in such a delicate way and I am thoroughly impressed.
Now, moving on to the rest of the story. These characters were so developed and had me wanting to see every second of every interaction. I'd love to learn more about Justin and Heather and I'm dying to see what happens to our MFC and MMC. I want to say so much more but I don't want to share any spoilers!
Bottom line is this book is very different from Lara's other works and leaves you hanging on to every word. You will want to read as fast as possible to see what happens, but you won't want to rush because you're afraid to miss a detail.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a rollercoaster of emotions...
The plot was truly interesting (activism is raw and challenging) and the pace keeps you engage. The characters were well rounded, and even if I had my moment of doubt about the romance of two of the main characters, I wanted them to work it out!
Not gonna lie, the cruelty against animals is described minimally, but still hurt like a b*tch... (Let me also be clear that is not gratuitously put there, it's necessary for the plot and done briefly to keep it from being overwhelming, so thanks to Lara for that!)
I would recommend this if you want a not so typical romance, with action and social criticism and a HEA.

This is the fourth book I've read and also enjoyed by Lara Martin, I'm looking forward to anything new she publishes!

[Brian Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

~*SPOILERS IN MY REVIEW*~

Overall, I enjoyed this book and the journey that it takes the reader on. It doesn’t reek of activism, not that animal rights isn’t a worthy cause; the topic works well as the main theme of the story without making the reader feel guilt about the topic. So if you are hesitant to read this book, don’t be; there is no agenda to force a viewpoint onto the reader.

That said, my reason for giving 4 stars rather than 5 lies with the love story part of the novel. There seemed to be a lack of depth when it came to Kane/Amy and Justin/Heather falling in love, more so with Kane and Amy. There didn’t seem to be really any specific events or deep dialogue that created love between the characters. It quickly went from “I kidnapped you/you kidnapped me” to “we want each other.” It was almost too cliche. Yes, there was description of physical attraction, but generally love takes some time to develop, especially given the circumstances both characters found themselves in.

Regardless, the story as a whole was pretty compelling, and while I didn’t have that need to continue reading it at every available moment, I did enjoy it while I was reading it. I just wish the relationships in the story didn’t exist as much on the surface as they did.

[Stacy (stacsofbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book! This one was totally different than Lara Martin's other books. I was totally not expecting it and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have had the pleasure of reading all her books so far and they are usually more on the romcom side. This one however, was like a suspenseful romance thriller where the suspects are animal activists. And full disclosure, there is animal cruelty in this book, so please tread lightly if that is a trigger for you!

I thought this storyline was so unique and not really talked about at all, so I loved that this was something new and fresh, but also very informative. It had a lot of great character development and in true suspense, had a twist I was not even close to guessing lol. I felt fully satisfied with the ending and cannot wait for this authors next book!

Thank you so much Lara Martin for allowing me to continue reading your books! 🩷

[Diane Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is different from Lara’s other books, but it still has the same intensity as her other books. The only downside is I finish them too fast and I’m left wanting them to continue.

[Sonam Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to thank @laramartinauthor for sending me an ARC of All the Terrible Things in exchange for an honest review.

Lara Martin has done it again, but this time, she takes us on a completely different journey—one that is dark, gripping, and deeply thought-provoking. This book is unlike anything she has written before, and I was absolutely hooked from page one.

Amy and Kane’s story is raw, intense, and filled with so much tension that you don’t know whether to root for them or run the other way. And then there’s Heather and Justin—chaotic, passionate, and just impossible not to love. Their relationship had me on edge in the best way possible. Two completely different storylines, both filled with high stakes, moral dilemmas, and moments that made my heart race.

The themes of animal rights activism and ethical conflict are central to this book, and Lara doesn’t shy away from showing the difficult truths. Some scenes hit hard, and I had to take a moment to process. But that’s what makes this book so powerful—it makes you feel everything.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter unraveling deeper layers of deception, redemption, and internal conflict. The ethical dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the narrative, making it not just a thriller, but a story that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page.

This is not an easy read. It’s not lighthearted or fluffy. It’s intense, emotional, and deeply impactful. But if you love morally gray characters, a fast-paced plot, and romance that makes you question everything, All the Terrible Things is a must-read.

Lara Martin proves once again that she can write anything. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

[Overbooked Three · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara Martin knows how to tug at our heartstrings and All The Terrible Things did just that. A departure from her usual books, this story was dark and involved animal rights activists, animal cruelty, a kidnapping, a spoiled socialite, and race-against-the-clock suspense. But it also had her signature heart and thoughtful writing that kept you turning the page to find out what happened next.

We quickly grew attached to all four main characters no matter where they landed on the morally grey scale. You could really see them change and evolve as the story went on.

We’re always here for the romance and even tho it wasn’t the main focus, it was a nice addition. Heather and Justin’s worked perfectly for us. They were opposites who complimented each other. Kane and Amy’s relationship was darker and we wish theirs didn’t happen so fast. But we loved how the epilogues tied it all together.

We think Lara took a difficult subject and showcased the characters passion for a cause beautifully. There had to be dark in order to have some change or hope and it made us think a little more about it all.

We’re already big fans and with her newest book, we’re excited to see where Lara takes us next!

Many thanks to @laramartinauthor for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review. All The Terrible Things comes out NEXT WEEK! February 5th, 2025

Read if you like:
▪️Multiple POVs
▪️Suspense
▪️Flawed yet likeable characters
▪️Character growth

**CW: animal cruelty & death, kidnapping

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an animal lover, this book will be hard to read. However, the story is compelling, and it makes me think about what companies do in the name of scientific advancement.

This is more than a book about an animal rights group's desire to shed light on those who harm animals in the name of science. It is also a love story for two couples. Amy is a spoiled socialite who has made it to 33 and has nothing to show for her life. Zane is a vet who seeks to keep animals from harm. Heather is a doe-eyed young woman taking up the cause but might be too soft-hearted to see it through to the end. Justin's life growing up wasn't loving, and this shaped who he is today. However, he discovers that deep down, he wants more from life, which might include Heather.

These characters are drawn to each other, but other forces are at play. I should not have been surprised at some revelations near the end, but it fit the story. Not everything can be sunshine and roses; there needs to be characters who cause tension and move the story forward.

This novel is very different from her other books. It is darker but brings to light a topic that isn't discussed enough: animal rights. However, the love stories help balance the novel so it isn't too dark or light. It has a delicate balance that works for this topic.

I enjoyed the novel and give it 4 paws up.

[Gianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS GREAT! IT HAS A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING!

Tropes:
*Forced proximity
*Enemies to lovers
*Morally gray heroes
*Captive romance
*Kidnapping
*Secrets and lies
*Slow burn

》WHAT I LIKED:

▪︎This book has a little bit of everything. Romance, action, morally gray characters, and more!

▪︎There are two love stories: Kane and Amy's, and Justin and Heather's. I really liked the one between Kane and Amy. The progressive and slow way in which they get to know each other and fall in love, despite the fact that she is kidnapped by him, was very well done and entertaining.

▪︎ I liked how Amy pushed Kane to the limit every time she could and how original her ideas were when doing so.

▪︎The way it is written and everything that happens makes you want to keep reading.

▪︎You don't know what to expect, but the ending of both love stories is quite satisfying.

▪︎I also liked how the characters want to stop the experiments they do on animals, and all the risks and sacrifices they take to prevent that from happening.

♡Overall, I  enjoyed it. If you like romantic thrillers, this is perfect for you!

[Courtney Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 REVIEW 🌟

ALL THE TERRIBLE THINGS by Lara Martin

4 / 5 ⭐️

🩷 DISCLAIMER:
Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

💭 THOUGHTS:

I always get excited when I see Lara Martin’s name pop up in my inbox! A shift in genre for Lara but she knocked it out of the park once again!

To begin and the most important part, the story centres around animal rights and animal activism in its various forms. While a heavy subject and one that is a topic of many debates worldwide, I found this novel to be educational about the treatment of animals in research and animal abuse in general. A lot of the animal stories that occurred were based on true events as stated in the acknowledgements, which breaks my heart. At no point did the novel feel preachy about the subject though as the facts presented slipped into the story seamlessly.

We have four main characters which alternate POV: Kane - leader of the Animal Freedom Defenders (AFD) and kidnapper, Amy - the hostage whose father runs medical research tests on animals, Justin and Heather - members of the AFD assigned to their own undercover mission at SolomiChem. We are graced with an occasional POV from Graham, Amy’s dad, which provides the other side of the coin as we see his drive for using animals in his research. (You’ll have to read to find out why. No spoilers!)
All the POVs were easy to follow. With two missions happening simultaneously, it never felt confusing. It actually is what kept me hooked because I needed to know what would happen next for both plotlines.

Heather and Justin are your classic bad boy and girl next door dynamic. Tried and true, I feel like it would be hard to go wrong there, so I love these two together. They balance each other out.

As for Kane and Amy. I was worried at first about their developing feelings as the dynamic of kidnapper and hostage is not one you come across often. This being the case, I appreciated that Lara slipped in some knowledge of Stockholm Syndrome and that this caution was initiated by Kane. I also appreciated that Amy really grappled with her feelings toward Kane because she knew it wasn’t logical due to the situation.

A different style of story for Lara, but handled well and still incredible work. She’s just proved that she can do it all! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to witness her journey and as always look forward to the next one.

✏️ If you’ve read this book, let me know what your thoughts were in the comments.