Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Take It All provides an interesting combination of staple romance tropes and plot lines (forced proximity, second-chance love) with refreshing angles that make the characters more relatable (the main characters, for instance, have regular bodies and the sex isn't instant magic). There are times when this relatability sometimes works against the magic of the romance plot, though.

Prose: The prose is clear and moves the plot forward; the quotes from Gunsmoke are fun, though the podcasters feel, at times, unnecessary.

Originality: Overall, Take It All offers an interesting mix of tried-and-true and something decidedly more contemporary, though, in the end, Warner's "I'm not good enough" attitude feels a bit cliche.

Character/Execution: In theory, the imperfection of these characters is really refreshing. As mentioned above, though, there are instances when this relatability detracts from what many romance readers are looking for: awkward and cringy moments may make readers want to turn the page.

Date Submitted: August 29, 2023