All or Nothing by Claire Cross
Romance novels are often called fluff. You may have heard the term ‘trashy novel’ when someone was speaking of romance. Or maybe someone was in the mood for smut and asked you for a good romance rec, something fun, mindless and quick the reader could get lost in. One of the great things about romance genre is it can be all that and more. All or Nothing falls into the ‘more’ category and it is one of those ever rare animals – a contemporary romance.
Some people will do anything for true love — even if they have to fake it.
Jen Maitland had no use for handsome guys with easy charm — until she met Zach. He’s the perfect fake date to end her mother’s matchmaking scheme before it starts. Besides, he’d probably just use her and leave her like her ex-fiancé did. At least that’s what Jen tells herself. The only problem is that Zach isn’t as predictable as he appears…
Zach Coxwell hates commitment, but loves a challenge. Like the pretty bar waitress who turned him down flat for a date — only to invite him to her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Zach knows he can make Jen smile — and he’s betting that he can unravel her mysteries — even if he has to do it over candied yams.
A tofu turkey, a sister who threatens to have Zach’s love-child, the untimely appearance of a knitted avocado — and Zach’s discovery of her real motive — combine to turn Thanksgiving dinner into Jen’s worst nightmare. Zach, on the other hand, has the time of his life.
And when he makes Jen smile, he finally finds a commitment he’s willing to make…but persuading Jen to believe him will take everything he’s got.
This is a heavier read than what you find in 80% of romanceland. And sadly I think the cover screams Chick-Lit (as did all the books in this series) so it is possible many a romance reader missed this book. With contemporary romance in the drought it has been in, a great, emotional read such as All or Nothing shouldn’t be missed.
From the opening line “Are you gay?” served up to Jen from her mother to Jen’s illness, Clarie Cross will have you laughing through tears. From Zach’s love affair with Roxie to his Elvis moves, she has you grinning while you turn the pages just a touch faster to see what happens next. But most of all Jen and Zach tell a beautiful story that as long as you hold on to your dreams, you can never lose.
Grade: A
