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All It Takes
All It Takes is one night to change the rest of their lives.
Graduating Uni, travelling Europe and buying her own place – these are on Megan Green’s to-do list.
At just twenty-two, becoming a mother isn’t.
Fast cars, expensive clothes and bedding a different woman every night – this is how Kian Murphy spends his time when not in the MMA ring.
Pre-natal scans and birthing classes are not on his agenda.
After a chance meeting and passionate encounter, Megan finds herself pregnant with Kian’s child. But with a womanizing reputation, and a temper that often leads him into trouble, Kian is hardly boyfriend material, let alone father material.
Now Megan and Kian must work out if they have all it takes to turn their one-night-stand into a relationship that will connect them for a life-time.
All It Takes is a dual-POV, contemporary romance about responsibility, love and discovering who you are in life.
Graduating Uni, travelling Europe and buying her own place – these are on Megan Green’s to-do list.
At just twenty-two, becoming a mother isn’t.
Fast cars, expensive clothes and bedding a different woman every night – this is how Kian Murphy spends his time when not in the MMA ring.
Pre-natal scans and birthing classes are not on his agenda.
After a chance meeting and passionate encounter, Megan finds herself pregnant with Kian’s child. But with a womanizing reputation, and a temper that often leads him into trouble, Kian is hardly boyfriend material, let alone father material.
Now Megan and Kian must work out if they have all it takes to turn their one-night-stand into a relationship that will connect them for a life-time.
All It Takes is a dual-POV, contemporary romance about responsibility, love and discovering who you are in life.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
13 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Clare Dugmore
10 books47 followersFor Clare, storytelling has always been a sacred space — a place of wonder, connection, and escape. Now, as an author, they strive to offer readers that same refuge through stories infused with magic, romance, and quiet resistance.
A queer, neurodivergent creative, Clare writes with an open heart and a justice-driven lens, often centering marginalized voices and themes of chosen family, healing, and hope. Their work is rooted in a gentle faith — one that finds God in softness, starlight, and the radical act of compassion.
Clare lives in the West Midlands, UK, with their spouse and two children. When not building fantastical worlds or devouring books, they can be found gaming, binge-watching cozy series, or crafting handmade magic.
Looking ahead, Clare is focused on cultivating a vibrant, values-led creative community. Through their stories and the Kindred Book Club (https://claredugmore.com/kindred-book...) — a platform to uplift indie authors and support meaningful causes — they aim to spark joy, amplify diverse voices, and remind readers that they're never alone.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to my newsletter (https://claredugmore.com/letters-from...) for heartfelt updates, writing news, and bookish magic.
A queer, neurodivergent creative, Clare writes with an open heart and a justice-driven lens, often centering marginalized voices and themes of chosen family, healing, and hope. Their work is rooted in a gentle faith — one that finds God in softness, starlight, and the radical act of compassion.
Clare lives in the West Midlands, UK, with their spouse and two children. When not building fantastical worlds or devouring books, they can be found gaming, binge-watching cozy series, or crafting handmade magic.
Looking ahead, Clare is focused on cultivating a vibrant, values-led creative community. Through their stories and the Kindred Book Club (https://claredugmore.com/kindred-book...) — a platform to uplift indie authors and support meaningful causes — they aim to spark joy, amplify diverse voices, and remind readers that they're never alone.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to my newsletter (https://claredugmore.com/letters-from...) for heartfelt updates, writing news, and bookish magic.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
cant-finish-try-later-maybe
January 21, 2023"He's just Not That Into You" vibe.
this poor girl is so enamored with the H
he'd already forgotten her when she finds him to inform him about her pregnancy
we get his pov so the reader knows exactly how vanilla his feelings are for her
he has so much else going on that he hardly thinks of her
when he does it's in conjunction with their pregnancy or how she's sweet and hot and the only one who thinks he's a decent person
he does feel bad about not returning her feelings, though..
its irritating that he apologies for being with ow when the Hxh have absolutely no commitment to each other but he's kind of a nice guy under all his issues
DNF @ 53%
this poor girl is so enamored with the H
he'd already forgotten her when she finds him to inform him about her pregnancy
we get his pov so the reader knows exactly how vanilla his feelings are for her
he has so much else going on that he hardly thinks of her
when he does it's in conjunction with their pregnancy or how she's sweet and hot and the only one who thinks he's a decent person
he does feel bad about not returning her feelings, though..
its irritating that he apologies for being with ow when the Hxh have absolutely no commitment to each other but he's kind of a nice guy under all his issues
DNF @ 53%
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November 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/9/2019)! 🎁
July 7, 2016
LOVED this story. Disclaimer, I work with this author and she asked me to beta it before it becomes fully pubbed. I will admit there were aspects that I predicted (which happens to me with most books), and a small section in the middle was a little bit slow, but by the time I was 40% in I couldn't put it down and read the rest of it in one sitting!
February 7, 2017
Megan Green never expected to get pregnant before she was finished university. Nor did she expect the father to be MMA champ, Kian Murphy. After a one-night-stand, Megan has to break the news to Kian who has a womanizing reputation and try to manage having a baby while completing her education and finding a job. Because of his temper, Kian's career is going downhill. He must find out what he wants outside of the cage, and that something might be Megan and their baby.
A fantastic NA contemporary romance that nabbed me with its heart-wrenching plot and awesome cast of characters. I love it when an author can take a very real every day drama and make it so compelling that I can't put the e-reader down. This realism helped me to relate and sympathize with Megan. She's smart and sweet, but also an incredibly strong young woman. The thought of having a baby and raising it on your own is terrifying, and her whole range of emotions were caught wonderfully in the story. Kian is a good man under that tough guy exterior and struggles with his own demons. Megan is just what he needs in his life. The romance is sweet, but there is a little spice in there!
A fantastic NA contemporary romance that nabbed me with its heart-wrenching plot and awesome cast of characters. I love it when an author can take a very real every day drama and make it so compelling that I can't put the e-reader down. This realism helped me to relate and sympathize with Megan. She's smart and sweet, but also an incredibly strong young woman. The thought of having a baby and raising it on your own is terrifying, and her whole range of emotions were caught wonderfully in the story. Kian is a good man under that tough guy exterior and struggles with his own demons. Megan is just what he needs in his life. The romance is sweet, but there is a little spice in there!
June 22, 2018
I made the mistake of liking the premise of this book and then reading it, and it's one mistake I definitely regret.
The male protag has severe anger and alcohol problems, he's a douchebag 75% of the book, has commitment issues and lacks absolute maturity for dealing with life in general. He's a big man baby who throws a violent tantrum every time things don't go his way.
The female protag annoyed me as well, she kept begging the male protag to be in a relationship with him and kept worrying about him, girl you have bigger problems than him! She spent the entire book being at his service and that grated on my nerves.
Ugh this book sucked so much!
The male protag has severe anger and alcohol problems, he's a douchebag 75% of the book, has commitment issues and lacks absolute maturity for dealing with life in general. He's a big man baby who throws a violent tantrum every time things don't go his way.
The female protag annoyed me as well, she kept begging the male protag to be in a relationship with him and kept worrying about him, girl you have bigger problems than him! She spent the entire book being at his service and that grated on my nerves.
Ugh this book sucked so much!
February 20, 2017
I understand that this a debut novel by Clare Dugmore and I agreed to read this book to give it an honest review. I was pleasantly by surprise at how much thought has gone into the story and that how well it was written for an author just starting out. The story is set in an area that is close to where I live and I loved the reference to the name of the local chippy take away of Tasty Plaice as there used to actually be one up the road from me called that so it made me giggle when I read it unless it's just a total coincidence? either way this is the very enjoyable story of Kian Murphy an MMA cage fighter who meets Megan Green Uni student while on a drunken night out, they both get carried away in the heat of the moment that they then both have to learn to live with the consequences of their actions a few weeks later when Meg finds out she is pregnant.
Its a story that is so emotionally charged that they have to go on a journey of learning to understand and trust in each other by letting their hearts be opened up to thinking that they are capable of being together no matter what others may think or who may try to get in the way, as the fame that comes with both Kian's job and lifestyle throws obstacles in their pathway to happiness. They are both stubborn to a fault but they both show they have loyalty and honesty in their favour and that makes their characters so easy to connect with.
A great read that I couldn't put down and a brilliant 5 Stars!
Its a story that is so emotionally charged that they have to go on a journey of learning to understand and trust in each other by letting their hearts be opened up to thinking that they are capable of being together no matter what others may think or who may try to get in the way, as the fame that comes with both Kian's job and lifestyle throws obstacles in their pathway to happiness. They are both stubborn to a fault but they both show they have loyalty and honesty in their favour and that makes their characters so easy to connect with.
A great read that I couldn't put down and a brilliant 5 Stars!
February 7, 2017
All It Takes has a simply stunning cover, and I admit I can be a cover snob so I had high hopes! But this book was sweet, easy to read and one of those stories you can just fall into? Some times we all need some lighter reading (heck I know I do!) and for me, All It Takes was just that.
Excerpt:
Since the second I’d found out I was pregnant, there’d only been one choice. It didn’t matter that I was only twenty-two, hadn’t finished uni, and that Kian and I weren’t even together. I knew I couldn’t carry a child for nine months, and then just give it up without knowing if I’d ever see it again....I’d accepted the fact I was going to be a mother.
Meet Megan. Nearing the end of her degree, a one night stand leaves them both in a position they never expected. This character was the level headed one of the thrown-together pair, and despite the painful moments, she and her friends saw her through to common sense and beyond.
Excerpt:
For once I was trying to be an adult about a situation I'd gotten myself into, and take responsibility for my actions. It wasn't every day I owned up to my mistakes, and I just prayed they'd take that into account.
Meet Kian. Bless this poor guy. I kinda wanted to mother him. Well until I learned he was a cage fighter. But he's so likeable it's unreal. He has some real issues controlling his emotions, and this would often see him in bother. But heck, I still loved him. For someone who was so physically tough, emotionally he as just so young and confused. He was endearing.
Excerpt:
“Everyone is right about me. I’m nothing but a f*%k up. I do have anger issues, anger issues I’m not dealing with. I haven’t hurt you or the baby yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Anything good I have, I ruin. You were right, Meg, you and the baby are better off without me.”
So, for the most, this easy, fall into book was just my cup of tea. Some bits a little predictable, but heck it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story. The whole "will they/won't they" in terms of their relationship kind of bore me by the end. But I'm the grand scheme of things, the rest of the story seemed to carry me along, it didn't impact too heavily.
It really was a sweet, funny, adorable story that many people will relate to and enjoy. I can't wait to read more from this author in the near future.
Final excerpt:
Nine months ago, when Megan had first told me she was pregnant, my life began spinning out of control. Reeling from the shock, I bounced from one disaster to the next, until I almost lost everything. But somehow, along the way, I’d gained so much more. I’d gained all the things my life had been missing, but I’d just never realised.
Excerpt:
Since the second I’d found out I was pregnant, there’d only been one choice. It didn’t matter that I was only twenty-two, hadn’t finished uni, and that Kian and I weren’t even together. I knew I couldn’t carry a child for nine months, and then just give it up without knowing if I’d ever see it again....I’d accepted the fact I was going to be a mother.
Meet Megan. Nearing the end of her degree, a one night stand leaves them both in a position they never expected. This character was the level headed one of the thrown-together pair, and despite the painful moments, she and her friends saw her through to common sense and beyond.
Excerpt:
For once I was trying to be an adult about a situation I'd gotten myself into, and take responsibility for my actions. It wasn't every day I owned up to my mistakes, and I just prayed they'd take that into account.
Meet Kian. Bless this poor guy. I kinda wanted to mother him. Well until I learned he was a cage fighter. But he's so likeable it's unreal. He has some real issues controlling his emotions, and this would often see him in bother. But heck, I still loved him. For someone who was so physically tough, emotionally he as just so young and confused. He was endearing.
Excerpt:
“Everyone is right about me. I’m nothing but a f*%k up. I do have anger issues, anger issues I’m not dealing with. I haven’t hurt you or the baby yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Anything good I have, I ruin. You were right, Meg, you and the baby are better off without me.”
So, for the most, this easy, fall into book was just my cup of tea. Some bits a little predictable, but heck it didn't take away from the enjoyment of the story. The whole "will they/won't they" in terms of their relationship kind of bore me by the end. But I'm the grand scheme of things, the rest of the story seemed to carry me along, it didn't impact too heavily.
It really was a sweet, funny, adorable story that many people will relate to and enjoy. I can't wait to read more from this author in the near future.
Final excerpt:
Nine months ago, when Megan had first told me she was pregnant, my life began spinning out of control. Reeling from the shock, I bounced from one disaster to the next, until I almost lost everything. But somehow, along the way, I’d gained so much more. I’d gained all the things my life had been missing, but I’d just never realised.
February 15, 2017
Good debut novel!
As always, from a first tie author you never really know what you're going to get. However, from reading the blurb, to seeing the cover, it all drew me in instantly.
This is a refreshing story. I like the easy style of writing which makes it was to read and absorb.
I instantly fell in love with Meg and Kian. Even though Kian had this bad boy persona you could see that he had a kind, caring side just waiting to shine through. He just never had the motivation and support before Meg come along and rocked his world.
From start to finish you feel every emotion from Meg and Kian. I felt Some bits were repetitive and they had this cat and mouse chase going on, but in the end it all built up to a good story.
I won't give the plot away, but I will tell you to download and give a new author a chance. I will reads more by this author.
As always, from a first tie author you never really know what you're going to get. However, from reading the blurb, to seeing the cover, it all drew me in instantly.
This is a refreshing story. I like the easy style of writing which makes it was to read and absorb.
I instantly fell in love with Meg and Kian. Even though Kian had this bad boy persona you could see that he had a kind, caring side just waiting to shine through. He just never had the motivation and support before Meg come along and rocked his world.
From start to finish you feel every emotion from Meg and Kian. I felt Some bits were repetitive and they had this cat and mouse chase going on, but in the end it all built up to a good story.
I won't give the plot away, but I will tell you to download and give a new author a chance. I will reads more by this author.
January 9, 2017
I read this book first on my go to place for reading, wattpad, this was one of the best and first books I've archived on my account. It is one of the best written and relatable books I've found out of the probably tens of books I've read and couldn't wait to message the author as soon as I finished reading, I even mentioned publishing this book which she is already doing, which just shows how good the book is and how proud she is of her work and she should be; everything is well thought out, brilliantly written and something she definitely should be proud of. I would recommend this book to anyone and have on multiple occasions, I with her good luck for the future.
February 7, 2017
Oh gosh, I loved this book. I first read it on wattpad and had a chance to read it again and own it myself. There was no point in the book where I was annoyed with the characters. I loved how realistic it was with life. For example, it showed how difficult it is to get a job towards the end of college while pregnant. She didn't have it easy, and it was relatable how Kian and Megan didn't have the perfect life, they struggled, I LOVED that. And it was just truly amazing!!
April 30, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this serial. There was a lot of suspense, however, it kept me continuing to wonder what was going to happen next. I especially liked the character Kian. His character came over very convincing as well as the character Megan.
To be quite honest, I finished the read thinking, will they get married? I hope so.
Shalom,
Patricia
To be quite honest, I finished the read thinking, will they get married? I hope so.
Shalom,
Patricia
January 10, 2017
Absolutely loved this book from the beginning! Started reading it in another website and can't wait to reread it because it's that amazing.
February 17, 2018
As this book started out, things went relatively smoothly but I started to feel unsure as it went on whether I liked Kian or not. At various points earlier on in the novel I really didn't think I did like him! I also got frustrated sometimes as a dialogue conversation was interrupted for paragraphs and paragraphs of introspection by one or the other character. I think those bits could have been condensed. There were also quite a few typos, I think more so in the earlier parts of the book.
Thankfully as the book went on I started to like Kian a lot more, but it was only quite far along in the book when I started to feel the 'spark' between the two characters. It had always been there on Megan's part I guess, but when I started to get Kian's POV of finding her attractive etc that was when I really gained interest, as I knew it was two-sided.
For me, the first part of the book really dragged, but the second part picked up and held my interest, and I'm glad I kept reading. Kian definitely developed a lot as a character and basically, grew up. He was quite the brat in the beginning, which for a grown man was pretty sad. :P Thankfully he improved and grew on me a lot!
One other thing - although we got Kian's description physically at the start, I could never quite easily picture him in my mind except to know that he has muscles. Thinking back, I wasn't entirely sure of Megan's look either but I had a certain person in mind as I was reading her (an actress) so that probably helped.
Thankfully as the book went on I started to like Kian a lot more, but it was only quite far along in the book when I started to feel the 'spark' between the two characters. It had always been there on Megan's part I guess, but when I started to get Kian's POV of finding her attractive etc that was when I really gained interest, as I knew it was two-sided.
For me, the first part of the book really dragged, but the second part picked up and held my interest, and I'm glad I kept reading. Kian definitely developed a lot as a character and basically, grew up. He was quite the brat in the beginning, which for a grown man was pretty sad. :P Thankfully he improved and grew on me a lot!
One other thing - although we got Kian's description physically at the start, I could never quite easily picture him in my mind except to know that he has muscles. Thinking back, I wasn't entirely sure of Megan's look either but I had a certain person in mind as I was reading her (an actress) so that probably helped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I signed up to read Clare's book after seeing the query and story start last year. The hook was great and led me to want more. ALL IT TAKES chronicles the chance relationship that develops between Kian a MMA fighter and Megan a University student in her senior year. I enjoyed the story and thought Dugmore developed strong characters whose lives were filled with both opportunity and misfortune - navigation is never straightforward and it's ultimately up to one's choices. The close perspective allowed the heartfelt emotions to resonate with the reader as the relationship between Kian and Megan struggles to solidify. Dugmore's deft handling the details of preeclampsia (pregnancy issue) and MMA fighting gave the storyline authenticity.
February 20, 2018
I received this book for free through Goodreads.
All It Takes was a lighthearted read, that I could not put down. The characters were strong and the storyline flowed very well. It was an effortless read, that kept me wanting to read on.
For the past few months I had really got out of the habit of reading and just could not get back into it, despite my best efforts. This book has really put an end to that and I cannot wait to read more from Clare Dugmore.
All It Takes was a lighthearted read, that I could not put down. The characters were strong and the storyline flowed very well. It was an effortless read, that kept me wanting to read on.
For the past few months I had really got out of the habit of reading and just could not get back into it, despite my best efforts. This book has really put an end to that and I cannot wait to read more from Clare Dugmore.
October 6, 2019
LOVED this story. Megan is a girl who knows what she wants - until she stumbles across Kian one night, and a one night stand changes both of their futures forever.
Megan and Kian are both awesome characters. The fact that Megan didn't meet him in fangirl mode meant that she saw him a lot differently than everyone else, and managed to see through his bad boy persona to the real him. The story unfolds beautifully, and this is a fantastic debut novel from Clare Dugmore.
Megan and Kian are both awesome characters. The fact that Megan didn't meet him in fangirl mode meant that she saw him a lot differently than everyone else, and managed to see through his bad boy persona to the real him. The story unfolds beautifully, and this is a fantastic debut novel from Clare Dugmore.
March 8, 2017
Worth more then 5 stars
Really loved this book. The story just flows and it's so realistic and it's a relationship at a normal speed. It's not instant love it's a love that builds over time a love that needs work and effort. Clare Dugmore really did an amazing job with this book and really can't wait to read more of her work. One of my top reads so far in 2017.
Really loved this book. The story just flows and it's so realistic and it's a relationship at a normal speed. It's not instant love it's a love that builds over time a love that needs work and effort. Clare Dugmore really did an amazing job with this book and really can't wait to read more of her work. One of my top reads so far in 2017.
April 19, 2018
3.5 stars
Pretty good.
Pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews