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The Coxwells #4
All or Nothing
Deciding to pretend to her interfering mother that charming customer Zach is actually her boyfriend, bar waitress Jen invites him to spend Thanksgiving with her family, unaware that the dinner will have unforeseen consequences, and that Zach is hoping to pursue a real relationship with her. Original. 30,000 first printing.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
794 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cross
24 books54 followersDeborah Cooke also writes under the names Claire Delacroix and Claire Cross.
Deborah makes her home in Canada with her husband. When she isn't writing, she can be found knitting, sewing or hunting for vintage patterns. Deborah Cooke has always been fascinated with dragons, although she has never understood why they have to be the bad guys. She has an honors degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels, and has written over thirty romance novels under the names Claire Cross and Claire Delacroix.
Deborah makes her home in Canada with her husband. When she isn't writing, she can be found knitting, sewing or hunting for vintage patterns. Deborah Cooke has always been fascinated with dragons, although she has never understood why they have to be the bad guys. She has an honors degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels, and has written over thirty romance novels under the names Claire Cross and Claire Delacroix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 26, 2017
This book was ok, but I don't think it will be one I'll reread.
The plot revolves around Jen who is starting to rejoin the world after barely surviving breast cancer. She has had a mastectomy and has been cancer free for a year. I thought this was a very interesting premise and a welcome change from the usual horrific backstory most characters are saddled with.
Jen's hippy mother is threatening to start fixing Jen up with some pretty unappealing men so Jen asks her sister, Cin, for help in getting their mother off Jen's back. Jen's upbringing isn't a million miles away from my own and I enjoyed the affectionate look at a family with a save the world attitude. My own family has members who fall all over the spectrum of these beliefs so I loved the family interactions and arguments that were so like my own family's even now.
Cin comes up with a lame plan consisting of Jen asking an uptight conservative to Thanksgiving dinner. Her mother will hate him so much that she'll never be asked to bring him to a family event again. Jen meets Zach at the bar where she works and asks him. Zach isn't what she expected he would be like and the rest is history.
I liked that the plan was thrown out the window pretty fast because it would have made for a dumb plot mechanism. Jen's family was also interesting and I enjoyed the subplot with her sister Cin. There was a brief flirtation with a possible sequel involving Jen's brother M.B., but since this book was written in 2007 and that sequel never materialized, I guess it's not going to happen.
Zach was annoying because I am not a fan of Peter Pan types. However, if you like man-boy types you'll probably find him charming. The prior three books in this series are about his siblings.
The reason this book only got three stars is that much of the romantic tension is caused by Zach simply not contacting Jen for weeks so she's not sure if they even have a relationship. Due to his immaturity it never occurs to him that she might need to know that he hasn't simply given up on their very new relationship. We've all had relationships that never make it to the 90 day guarantee mark so it's not unreasonable for her to think he's moved on. Zach isn't able to understand that she has a life or thoughts beyond the moment he saw her last so his disappearing for weeks becomes a plot mechanism several times in the course of this story. Jen is mostly more reactive than proactive so, although she considers it, she never calls him either.
Bottom line is that if you don't have a problem with Peter Pan types, you'll probably like this book.
The plot revolves around Jen who is starting to rejoin the world after barely surviving breast cancer. She has had a mastectomy and has been cancer free for a year. I thought this was a very interesting premise and a welcome change from the usual horrific backstory most characters are saddled with.
Jen's hippy mother is threatening to start fixing Jen up with some pretty unappealing men so Jen asks her sister, Cin, for help in getting their mother off Jen's back. Jen's upbringing isn't a million miles away from my own and I enjoyed the affectionate look at a family with a save the world attitude. My own family has members who fall all over the spectrum of these beliefs so I loved the family interactions and arguments that were so like my own family's even now.
Cin comes up with a lame plan consisting of Jen asking an uptight conservative to Thanksgiving dinner. Her mother will hate him so much that she'll never be asked to bring him to a family event again. Jen meets Zach at the bar where she works and asks him. Zach isn't what she expected he would be like and the rest is history.
I liked that the plan was thrown out the window pretty fast because it would have made for a dumb plot mechanism. Jen's family was also interesting and I enjoyed the subplot with her sister Cin. There was a brief flirtation with a possible sequel involving Jen's brother M.B., but since this book was written in 2007 and that sequel never materialized, I guess it's not going to happen.
Zach was annoying because I am not a fan of Peter Pan types. However, if you like man-boy types you'll probably find him charming. The prior three books in this series are about his siblings.
The reason this book only got three stars is that much of the romantic tension is caused by Zach simply not contacting Jen for weeks so she's not sure if they even have a relationship. Due to his immaturity it never occurs to him that she might need to know that he hasn't simply given up on their very new relationship. We've all had relationships that never make it to the 90 day guarantee mark so it's not unreasonable for her to think he's moved on. Zach isn't able to understand that she has a life or thoughts beyond the moment he saw her last so his disappearing for weeks becomes a plot mechanism several times in the course of this story. Jen is mostly more reactive than proactive so, although she considers it, she never calls him either.
Bottom line is that if you don't have a problem with Peter Pan types, you'll probably like this book.
January 11, 2013
My fave of the series! Jen is quite the woman. Her family is whimsical an loving. And they all love Zach. He becomes quite a man in this book, after being the black sheep of the family throughout the series. I wish there was more to this series...or a spinoff...I am going to miss the Coxwell's. I was hoping to read Beverly's story and after this book maybe more about Jen's family, co-workers or even Teresa.
January 11, 2013
This was my fave of the series. Loved Jen!! She is a strong woman with a heart of gold. Her family is whimsical but supportive and fun to read about. Zach is a man with a heart of gold deep down...his attitude towards life is contagious and pure. I love him and Jen together. I am sad to see this series end. I'd love to read about T, Jen's siblings, and even Beverly.
October 30, 2017
Jen Maitland doesn't want her family interfering and setting her up any longer, so in line with her sister's plan, the waitress invites trust-fund baby and ex-law school student, Zach Coxwell to attend her family's Thanksgiving dinner.
Her mother will hate him, as will all her other family members, and that's the general idea..
Zach Coxwell is a total sweetheart. Albeit, a tad loser-ish to begin with. His law school buddies have moved on, all married and now discuss their ironing habits and their distaste of their once-favourite hangout. His upbringing was harsh right into his adulthood, and has left him with very little family relationships.
There's real character growth for both our MC. Jen realises she needs to live again and Zach wakes up to discover the judgement is gone and he's free to pursue what he loves.
These two with their crazy families were fun, and an incredibly real and moving side story helped gel all this together. Really enjoyable freebie.
Edit to add: After enjoying this freebie, I had a quick look at the other books in this series. I won't be reading them.
I had no idea that Zach's brother James,Double Trouble was actually married to his now wife's twin sister and that the older sons are now calling their aunt.. 'step-mum'... and their younger siblings are also their cousins... hmm
Definitely recommend this one though.. two black sheep just trying to blend in.
Her mother will hate him, as will all her other family members, and that's the general idea..
Zach Coxwell is a total sweetheart. Albeit, a tad loser-ish to begin with. His law school buddies have moved on, all married and now discuss their ironing habits and their distaste of their once-favourite hangout. His upbringing was harsh right into his adulthood, and has left him with very little family relationships.
There's real character growth for both our MC. Jen realises she needs to live again and Zach wakes up to discover the judgement is gone and he's free to pursue what he loves.
These two with their crazy families were fun, and an incredibly real and moving side story helped gel all this together. Really enjoyable freebie.
Edit to add: After enjoying this freebie, I had a quick look at the other books in this series. I won't be reading them.
I had no idea that Zach's brother James,Double Trouble was actually married to his now wife's twin sister and that the older sons are now calling their aunt.. 'step-mum'... and their younger siblings are also their cousins... hmm
Definitely recommend this one though.. two black sheep just trying to blend in.
January 30, 2018
Opposites or are they?
3.5-4 stars
A very easy read with a heavy background theme. What you have is a black sheep who has turned his life around and a cancer survivor who hasn't really lived since beating the big C. So really they are both damaged. There is a lot of emotional things that has happened to both MC's. Its not the emotional things that happen as you read so yo get emotional like with a Sparks book. These things have already happened and are still effecting the main characters.
I felt that the characters could have used a bit more depth than this is our problems and this is our strenghts. There was also a few times that the time line seemed out a wack, the author would tell you how long time had past at some points while others left you wondering how long has it been again? It could have been just me...and missed a few thing though it did stick in my mind. After abit i just stopped paying attention to the time passing.
Overall i did enjoy the characters some were pretty kooky. The mc's come from completly different worlds. One is very earth consious i would even go so far as to call them hippish while the other is consevative but not so stuffy that they do not care about the earth. I will probably read more from this author.
I say if you enjoy reading a book with characters that have a pretty rough pasts that overcome odds to find themelves and happiness. Or a book that puts two characters together in an unconventional way then this book is for you.
3.5-4 stars
A very easy read with a heavy background theme. What you have is a black sheep who has turned his life around and a cancer survivor who hasn't really lived since beating the big C. So really they are both damaged. There is a lot of emotional things that has happened to both MC's. Its not the emotional things that happen as you read so yo get emotional like with a Sparks book. These things have already happened and are still effecting the main characters.
I felt that the characters could have used a bit more depth than this is our problems and this is our strenghts. There was also a few times that the time line seemed out a wack, the author would tell you how long time had past at some points while others left you wondering how long has it been again? It could have been just me...and missed a few thing though it did stick in my mind. After abit i just stopped paying attention to the time passing.
Overall i did enjoy the characters some were pretty kooky. The mc's come from completly different worlds. One is very earth consious i would even go so far as to call them hippish while the other is consevative but not so stuffy that they do not care about the earth. I will probably read more from this author.
I say if you enjoy reading a book with characters that have a pretty rough pasts that overcome odds to find themelves and happiness. Or a book that puts two characters together in an unconventional way then this book is for you.
March 30, 2025
This book is based in Boston where Jen, a waitress, serves a table of friends one of whom is Zach Coxwell. He is the black sheep of the family and his prominent family in recent years faced a scandal when his father, a judge committed suicide. Zach has had a lot of issues including jail time for being in possession of weed but since meeting Jen, he started turning over a new leaf as he wants to be a better man for her.
Jen, is a breast cancer survivor and is still battling with regaining her life and has a few emotional issues. She comes from an unusual family who gives Zach a hard time at Thanksgiving, when Jen takes Zach home as her fake boyfriend.
There is a lot of amusing dialogue but there is a very real emotional part to this book when dealing with Zach's "failures" and him being the cause of his dad's suicide and Jen's mistrust of men, after her ex dumped her when he found out she had cancer.
Zach was a really loveable and endearing person, persistent and he was always doing the unexpected, certainly not what Jen was expecting. Jen was a lovely lady but she was also super stubborn and scared of being hurt which is understandable. They finally have their HEA when they become full honest with each other.
This is a well written book and a good storyline. An enjoyable read. I rate this book 4.25*.
Jen, is a breast cancer survivor and is still battling with regaining her life and has a few emotional issues. She comes from an unusual family who gives Zach a hard time at Thanksgiving, when Jen takes Zach home as her fake boyfriend.
There is a lot of amusing dialogue but there is a very real emotional part to this book when dealing with Zach's "failures" and him being the cause of his dad's suicide and Jen's mistrust of men, after her ex dumped her when he found out she had cancer.
Zach was a really loveable and endearing person, persistent and he was always doing the unexpected, certainly not what Jen was expecting. Jen was a lovely lady but she was also super stubborn and scared of being hurt which is understandable. They finally have their HEA when they become full honest with each other.
This is a well written book and a good storyline. An enjoyable read. I rate this book 4.25*.
September 14, 2017
I enjoyed this story a lot. Jen is one year "cancer free" and is struggling to overcome the belief that she has no future and move on with her life. Zach, the black sheep of his family, has dropped out of law school and is struggling to figure out what he wants to be when he "grows up." Together, they spur each other on to overcome their issues and try to build the future they want. This is one of those rare stories where I enjoyed every scene and devoured every word. I usually get agitated by excessive scenes where the two main characters aren't interacting, but even the parts of the story where these two are separately engaging with their families are riveting. I did not read the prior books in this series, and I didn't come away feeling as though I needed to do so in order to enjoy this book. It can definitely be read as a standalone. This is one of the best character-driven stories I've read in a while.
December 24, 2019
This was a cute book - it's the first one I've read in the series, and although Zach's brothers were the subjects of the other books, I didn't feel lost reading out of order. Zach Coxwell is the black sheep of his family, who were ruled by their tyrant of a father. Until he committed suicide. Zach is struggling to find his way now that he doesn't have his father to annoy (plus, he blames himself for his dad's death.) Jen Maitland is a young woman who can't really live her life after surviving breast cancer - she's waiting for the other boob to fall! When her mom threatens to start setting her up dates, she finds her own fake boyfriend in Zach. The story was cute, but Zach's behavior was a bit immature and there were quite a few typos in the book. I did like the backdrop of Jen's knitting and her quirky family, though.
September 27, 2017
Really more of a 3 1/2 stars. I liked the storyline. I liked how the author showed that the craziest families have good points.
The health issue was handled wonderfully. I was sitting in the doctor's office, reading, and my eyes teared up. I was trying not to cry, trying to convince those around me that my allergies were acting up.
The thing that bothered me about this book was Jen. Her whole purpose in this book was to keep running away. I thought it showed a lack of respect for Zach, a lack of commitment, and it just generally ticked me off. It wouldn't have been so bad if she did it once or twice, but she did it repeatedly. I kept wondering what in the world Zach was going to have to do to finally prove that he loved her, and thinking that Zach was a glutton for punishment.
The health issue was handled wonderfully. I was sitting in the doctor's office, reading, and my eyes teared up. I was trying not to cry, trying to convince those around me that my allergies were acting up.
The thing that bothered me about this book was Jen. Her whole purpose in this book was to keep running away. I thought it showed a lack of respect for Zach, a lack of commitment, and it just generally ticked me off. It wouldn't have been so bad if she did it once or twice, but she did it repeatedly. I kept wondering what in the world Zach was going to have to do to finally prove that he loved her, and thinking that Zach was a glutton for punishment.
November 15, 2016
This was a fun, well-written book. Jen hasn't been dating for a while, but she needs to stop her mom from matchmaking for her. Zeke, a handsome man with easy charm, seems like just the guy to bring home to stop her mom's efforts. Zeke makes it his mission to find a way to make Jen smile, and she starts to suspect there is more to Zeke than his surface image. This book made me laugh and I enjoyed it very much. It can be read as a standalone book, though it is the fourth book in a series. I loved every book in this series. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had lots of problems to overcome; not the least of which were their crazy families. They grew as human beings as they worked through their struggles. It made them real and better people. And there was romance. You don't often find romance and characters with depth in books today. One of the best books I've read in quite a while. I highly recommend it.
August 3, 2019
Dysfunctional families abound in this charming romance
I loved that Jen and Zach pitch throw each other to the wolves by inviting them to holiday dinners. Both families are a bit dysfunctional, but oh so interesting! I love how Zach quietly gets things done and set things in motion without Jen’s knowledge. The story also deals very beautifully with the angst and fears cancer survivors face. A realistic, adorable romance!
I loved that Jen and Zach pitch throw each other to the wolves by inviting them to holiday dinners. Both families are a bit dysfunctional, but oh so interesting! I love how Zach quietly gets things done and set things in motion without Jen’s knowledge. The story also deals very beautifully with the angst and fears cancer survivors face. A realistic, adorable romance!
October 1, 2017
Fantastic book
This book has depth, is humorous, and features a great cast of characters. Roxie may or may not be my favorite character, but I'm not telling! I'm used to holiday novels having a certain cliched feel to them. This was not cliched at all. The author did a great job. Well worth the read.
This book has depth, is humorous, and features a great cast of characters. Roxie may or may not be my favorite character, but I'm not telling! I'm used to holiday novels having a certain cliched feel to them. This was not cliched at all. The author did a great job. Well worth the read.
October 22, 2017
Very good romance
The characters were real and the writing was good. The timeline was wonky I find it strange they didn't even talk between events. It would have been more impactful if all communication ceased after Christmas. And she just missed the sound of his voice on the phone.
The characters were real and the writing was good. The timeline was wonky I find it strange they didn't even talk between events. It would have been more impactful if all communication ceased after Christmas. And she just missed the sound of his voice on the phone.
November 10, 2017
Family love & respect
I like this book a lot. Family is amazing and we have the family that we get. Their strength, love, respect, and unity reminds me so much of my family. We might agree to everything but we support one another no matter what. I've read many of Deborah's books from the start. She is an inspiring writer.
I like this book a lot. Family is amazing and we have the family that we get. Their strength, love, respect, and unity reminds me so much of my family. We might agree to everything but we support one another no matter what. I've read many of Deborah's books from the start. She is an inspiring writer.
May 14, 2018
Wow! What a great book! It was honestly the best book I’ve read in a long time. I love her characters, people you’d love to learn more about and spend more time with. Such an inspiring story. My goal now is to buy more of Deborah’s novel, so I can continue reading her work. I think I’ll read more about the Coxwells first.
July 25, 2018
How can someone as scrumptious as Zach be the black sheep of the family’s?
But that is the way his father made all of his siblings feel, as if they were failures, when none of them were. Jen’s family is just the opposite. Accepting each other in a weird, wacky, loving unconventional way. It is a joke that brings these two together.
But that is the way his father made all of his siblings feel, as if they were failures, when none of them were. Jen’s family is just the opposite. Accepting each other in a weird, wacky, loving unconventional way. It is a joke that brings these two together.
January 20, 2022
Beyond any doubt…
Jen is a cancer survivor who is afraid to live. She waits tables and in the process meets Zach. They are total opposites and she doesn’t expect to see him again. Can two people who are so different find a common ground?
Lovely characters, humor, intricate plot, and family make this book an incredible story. I loved it!
Jen is a cancer survivor who is afraid to live. She waits tables and in the process meets Zach. They are total opposites and she doesn’t expect to see him again. Can two people who are so different find a common ground?
Lovely characters, humor, intricate plot, and family make this book an incredible story. I loved it!
November 11, 2016
This was the first book I read by this author, and I was impressed. The writing was well-paced, the characters were robust, and I thought she wrote about the character's experience with cancer very thoughtfully. I will look for other books by Deborah Cooke.
September 9, 2017
Cute romance
Enjoyable book by an author with a bewildering number of pen names that I shall never remember. Good treatment of a sensitive subject that would possibly encourage women who are similarly challenged.
Enjoyable book by an author with a bewildering number of pen names that I shall never remember. Good treatment of a sensitive subject that would possibly encourage women who are similarly challenged.
September 14, 2017
Trust
I normally refuse to give 5 full stars for stories with proofing flubs, but this story was so good that the flubs were less annoying. It's a warm tale of learning to trust, taking chances, and love's sneaky ways of winning out.
I normally refuse to give 5 full stars for stories with proofing flubs, but this story was so good that the flubs were less annoying. It's a warm tale of learning to trust, taking chances, and love's sneaky ways of winning out.
October 1, 2017
Maybe because I haven't been in the heroine's position so I couldn't relate. The bitter-Betty syndrome was way too hard to take. I couldn't get past 100-pages. Nothing likable about the heroine crept up in that time so I moved on.
December 4, 2018
Sweet and heartwarming!
Sweet and heartwarming read. Loved Jen’s eccentric family and her colleagues. Zach is endearing, funny and charming; Jen is cute and sassy. I really liked how they helped each other conquer their demons
Sweet and heartwarming read. Loved Jen’s eccentric family and her colleagues. Zach is endearing, funny and charming; Jen is cute and sassy. I really liked how they helped each other conquer their demons
May 20, 2023
Jen
Warrior women stand tall through adversity like no other can. The thought of cancer returning shook her beyond the possibility so leaning on Zach was easy. His love and support was essentially a boon.
Warrior women stand tall through adversity like no other can. The thought of cancer returning shook her beyond the possibility so leaning on Zach was easy. His love and support was essentially a boon.
September 12, 2017
Well written, well developed characters and descriptive family ties. The fact that the main character was a cancer survivor immediately pulled at my heart strings.
September 13, 2017
.Great book
This book was well written and the storyline great It gives you a glimpse into the life of someone living with cancer & how important family & friends are.
This book was well written and the storyline great It gives you a glimpse into the life of someone living with cancer & how important family & friends are.
September 13, 2017
Couldn't put it down.
Definitely enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Only wished had read the others first. Will do that later.
Definitely enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. Only wished had read the others first. Will do that later.
September 13, 2017
Enjoyed
Was a great read. Enjoyable, characters seemed real. Don't read a lot of romance but enjoyed light romance with story line.
Was a great read. Enjoyable, characters seemed real. Don't read a lot of romance but enjoyed light romance with story line.
September 13, 2017
So much fun!! Absolutely loved the imperfect characters and families. Author had me laughing out loud. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews