Synopsis

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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Review

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.

About the Author

Lara Martin writes books about imperfect people living messy lives, falling in love and getting their perfect happily-ever-after. She’s lived in South Africa and Australia and now calls a cozy village in England her home. She’s tried a variety of amazing and awful jobs: video game reviewer, graphic designer, insurance claims agent (she has no idea how she landed this one), proof reader, feature writer, and magazine editor. She lives with her husband (always the first reader of her novels), two slightly terrifying teenagers, and the requisite psychotic cat. When she’s not writing, she can be found haunting local coffee shops.

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