Reviews

All The Things We Lost by Kayla Tirrell

sammah's review

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3.0

I'm really not quite sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, it had all the makings of being something I would really enjoy. On the other the pacing, and some of the characters, just didn't click for me very well. While I really liked Julian and his backstory, I didn't feel quite the same about Katie. Sometimes she came off as being someone you could relate, other times she felt a little out of reach. I think the thing that really detached me from her was how she became wealthy when her mother died. I'm not saying that's an impossibility, but I am saying that doesn't happen to most people in the world. She got to keep a house, buy a BMW, and all this other jazzy at just eighteen. It was a little unrealistic in that regard, at least to me, and it frustrated me a bit.

I would gladly read the other books in this series though, or at least the second one, just to see if I like them better. Kayla Tirrell certainly had a good idea here, the execution just didn't always pan out well for me.

This book as a lot of good reviews, so it's likely just me who wasn't into it.

swirlnswing's review

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3.0

I wanted more from this novel...

I like this set of characters, but I wanted more depth from their separate challenges. Katie’s mom’s death was talked around, it seems; Julian’s family issues weren’t dealt with in any way I felt was solid. And the whole big brother gangster/suddenly everyone hates the golden boy thing seemed arbitrary. But I read this in one sitting, and that’s gotta say something.

revalise's review

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3.0

This book somewhat reminds me of Morgan Matson's contemporaries (though far) for some reason, only that the plot is much more intriguing and interesting to read and not some summer romance. This book had a lot of things to share.

To start off, I was already impressed with the plot honestly. Only that at times, I felt like some scenes were abrupt but the story was pretty slow. Nevertheless, it was not an excuse to make me stop going further.

"One day he was here, the next day he was gone."
"It was strange to think how my life had changed in a short amount of time."

This line just had me thinking. I loved how the author made me realize a thing or two with just one line! It seemed to me that everything can change that fast. Truly, it was an eye opener.

The author captures what she wants to let the readers know. It gave me an impression that she knew what she wanted and would do everything to reach her readers, which by all means, was a success. This is an undeniably good book to begin with.

Spoiler Chapter 14 really got me like crazy! I loved everything about it and thought that Julian's words were just right in that moment. I loved how this scene was delivered!

laurinb83's review against another edition

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4.0

I'd have never guessed this was a first-time novel if I hadn't already known! It was great! Could have used a little more character development, though the length was perfect for this kind of book, so I'm a little torn about that note - but definitely looking forward to reading about Gwen and Mitch! Congrats, Señora Chica!

a_hutchinson19's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a beautiful story of love and loss that I found to be a really easy read. I did however find it a little cheesy and predictable at times which is why the rating is lowered slightly. Nevertheless I will still be continuing with this series

ashezbookz's review

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5.0

What an utterly adorable read. It has both heart, pain and sweetness that you just can't help but enjoy! Julien was a misunderstood guy who just wants more for himself, and Katie is just trying to find herself after a tragedy. It's a coming together book, and surprisingly no love triangle!!!!!!!!!!!! what a refreshing read. I can't help but want them to have a happy ever after, best friends, comforting eachother through a hard time... all of it was awesome I definitely recommend this book.

ambergray's review

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1.0

I couldn’t stand this. It was short, so I kept to it, but wow this was bad. I didn’t connect with any of the main characters, didn’t care about them one bit, and even though I finished the book literally two minutes ago I can hardly remember anything about them. It took me five days to read a 194 page book. It should’ve taken me a day. I understand why I got this for free on kindle.

kelsiestelting's review against another edition

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4.0

Love this book by Kayla Tirrell! I related to these characters so much - sometimes more than I would like! Can't wait to check out her other books. :)

popthebutterfly's review against another edition

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4.0

Rating: 4.5/5

Genre: YA Romance/Contemporary

Recommended Age: 16+ (some violence and slight sexual content)

Pages: 192

Author Website

Amazon Link

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: After her mother’s death, eighteen-year-old Katie finds herself in a town she never thought she'd see again. Lost in turmoil and sadness, hope surfaces when she comes face to face with Julian for the first time in years.
However, he isn’t the same boy she left behind. Reserved and covered in bruises, everyone in River Valley avoids him. Rumors of his activities run rampant.

Julian is barely keeping it together. He’s the sole provider for his family after his dad leaves. His dreams to go to college are ruined. Even his relationship with his older brother leaves its mark.

Can Katie and Julian find hope and love in each other, or will the struggle to survive their desperate situations prove too much?

All The Things We Lost is a young adult contemporary romance perfect for both teens and adults. It is the first in a series of books, each revolving around a different couple living in the same, small town.

After the slew of fantasy and sci-fi reads I have waded through this month I just HAD to stop and read this cute little teen romance story and I didn’t regret it. It was charming and delightful. The characters were very well developed, their struggles felt real, and I cried. Like ugly cried. The world building was decent for this type of book and the pacing is well done. I also thought for the most part that the plot was good and it did keep me interested in reading the rest of the book.

The only slightly off-putting thing about this book is that it’s sometimes cliché and some of the things that happen in the book are a bit predictable. However, that doesn’t detract from how well written and interesting the book is. It’s also great for a good cry.

Verdict: If you like teen romance books, this is your new favorite series!

pawsitivelybookish's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So so cute!!

I loved the connection between Katie and Julian 😍 This book had a ton of serious subject matter but still managed to be super sweet and swoony.