Welcome to Norford, where everyone knows your business—especially if you're Will Newman, the hot single dad who owns The Jumping Frog pub. Between fending off advances from school-run mums and trying to keep his teenage daughter from growing up too fast, Will's got his hands full. Romance? Not likely.But when a girls' night out collides with a rowdy stag do, Will meets Maya—intelligent, beautiful, and completely off-limits given the distance between them. Meanwhile, his daughter Maddy is fighting her own battle with attraction as the new boy from London, Zak, turns her quiet life upside down with one smirk of his perfect mouth.
As father and daughter navigate their parallel journeys through love, loss, and learning to let go, they'll discover that sometimes the best things in life are worth the risk.
A witty, warm-hearted British romance that proves there's no age limit on butterflies in your stomach or stars in your eyes.
I live in Cheshire with my husband, two dogs and mum in law and write romantic humour and contemporary romance. My first two books, Guess Who I Pulled Last Night? and No Bra Required both stayed at number 1 on the Amazon Humour list for 3 & 4 weeks respectively. My ambitions of becoming a writer started at the age of 10 when I started writing poetry at school, and was given the honour of reading one out to the rest of my year group (an horrific experience that I will never forget). Thankfully I have a wide variety of strange and wonderful people in my life, otherwise I'd be stuck on what to write about! I am currently talking to family and friends, finding out their innermost secrets in readiness for my next book.
My books are romances that come with a little more than vanilla sexy times, sometimes a few tears, lots of hot men and feisty women, but ultimately they'll make you smile.
You can follow me on Twitter on @NikkerAsh or on Facebook at Nikki Ashton Books
If you are looking for a great romance or smut, you won’t find it in this beautiful story.
This journey was filled with amazing bonds of love, especially the one between a father and his daughter. It was so heartwarming seeing both of them finding the loves of their lives and navigating through the scenes.
I felt all the characters’ angst, insecurities, doubts and above all dreams and hopes.
What a fabulous book! Definitely one of the best I've read this year (alongside Nikki's rock star romances :) ) So unusual for the POV's to be father and daughter (with a smattering of texts and journals from Maya and Zak). It really worked and I enjoyed it immensely. Will and Maddy's parallel stories are tender but angsty in parts. Looking at familial and romantic love from the point of view of two generations was different and refreshing.
This book gives you everything. Will and Maddy, Dad and daughter, and what a wonderful relationship they have.
Then throw in Maya and Zak and watch their journeys. And what a journey it is. Maya and Will are such a relatable couple and gives you everything. Zak and Maddy are young but their love is so beautiful and solid.
Add into this a circle of friends and parents and you have the best book of the year. I cried, I felt fuzzy inside and happy, I laughed so so much I was crying and couldn't breathe and this book is so good I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
No one writes like Nikki Ashton and this book is up there with the best.
If you want a book you cannot put down and feel all the emotions, with a little bit of naughtiness and lots of laughter - this is the one.
This title is perfect for this story, absolutely perfect! In this book, Will is the single father of a seventeen-year-old daughter, who quite frankly is seventeen going on twenty-seven! Maddy is the seventeen-year-old daughter of a thirty-seven-year-old man; yes, he was only twenty when he became a father. Lots would say, “There’s nothing extraordinary in that situation.” And they’d be right—except his situation is very, very different.
I love the rapport between Will and Maddy. Their mutual respect and honesty are outstanding. But… Maddy is growing up and stretching her wings, so naturally, Will has a difficult adjustment period. Regardless, they are there for each other when either of them needs a shoulder to cry on, a person to vent to, or just someone to run an idea by. This wholesome atmosphere leaves you feeling so good.
There are naturally some serious elements, and they are handled very well. My heart dipped low with despair when reading some deeply traumatic moments in the story. Although many tears rolled down my face in a couple of these scenes, other incredible facets were simultaneously highlighted, demonstrating the true quality of this author’s writing. The humour interspersed throughout the book adds a fabulous sparkle. There are so many times when I literally laughed out loud because of the fun banter between the characters.
The story's theme is love—in all forms and how it affects our lives—no matter how old you are! It highlights the importance of noticing little things about each other and being there when needed, of the deep feelings in your heart and the butterflies in your stomach when you meet the right person. It is also a story of hope and reflection. I truly cannot recommend this book enough.
Once again, Nikki Ashton serves up a novel that will reinforce to readers just what an amazing author she is!
You will run a gamut of emotions alongside the amazing characters that she creates, making the whole reading experience feel 'real'.
The standout for me is the relationship between Will and Maddy, father and daughter who have centre stage as they each dip their toes in the 'love pool'.
I feel that this book, a book with two love stories running concurrently, shouldn't work. The fact that it does is testament to the author's ability to draw a reader's attention and to allow them to travel along with our two very different couples in their journeys towards an HEA.
Take My Hand made this 'auld orphan' miss my dad. Although I was brought up in a very different time to the present day setting of this amazing book, I always knew that my dad would be there to 'take my hand' to guide me through the hard stuff, much like Will and Maddy.
What a beautiful book about a father and daughter and their own journeys with finding love. We have Will and his 17 year old daughter Maddy.
Will was a young, single dad at 20, so had to grow up fast and that didn't really leave any time for him to find 'the one'. Fast forward to Maddy being 17, trying to find her place, who she is and what she wants to do when she leaves school, leaves Will with a bit more time and freedom. This is just what he needs and a night out could turn into something more......
Love comes for both of them when they aren't looking for it and this book takes you along on the beautiful journey to their HEA's. I loved the dual POV between Maddy and Will and I actually struggled to put this book down. It had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. A very well done book that I would highly recommend 💞
I came across this book on TikTok and it did not disappoint. What a rollercoaster of emotions you go through with this book. Seeing day to day life through the eyes of dad and daughter who both navigate through difficult times along with finding a piece of themselves. Will learning that the daughter he once knew nothing about is growing up and worried she won't need him anymore and Maddy finding love, experience loss and heartbreak have you feeling everything along the way with them. Both finding someone but not wanting to lose the father daughter bond along the way after being the two of them for so long. Now this book just grips you emotionally.
Take My Hand by Nikki Ashton is a fabulous book I enjoyed every second of it. This story follows Will and Maddy Father and Daughter and how they find their person and fall in love for the first time. This is a unique story and I haven't read anything like it before. It navigates the life of Will and Maddy it goes through ups and downs in their life and how they overcome challenges together. This book made me laugh, cry and shout at certain characters when you know you know . It makes you feel all the feels and you don't want it to end. Beautifully written. Nikki has out done herself and you won't be disappointed. Take my hand will capture your heart like it has mine ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Nikki for this amazing read ❤️
such a gorgeous book yet again from nikki, with an amazingly unique concept! this book will make you fall in love with maddy, will maya and zak to the point where you won’t want it to end, it has the usual brilliant humour nikki adds into her books with some really emotional moments. been waiting for this book for such a long time and 1000% recommend it!
I say this everytime I finish one of Nikki's books that it's her best but on this occasion it is the bestest of the best.
A different kind of book for Nikki but it had love, passion, sexy characters (Will sounds so hot), funny characters, happiness and sadness. I'm wondering whether there could be more books in this series to follow 🤞
Don’t make me choose….don’t make me decide which story I loved more. Both as beautiful as each other. Well written and well intertwined. Heartbreak and then healing an amazing therapy session in a book.
This book is the most beautiful love story I've ever read between a father and daughter,how they are both finding their own paths in life and love and how they all just genuinely nice people,was a privilege to read 💗
What a gem this was, the relationship between Will and Maddy is amazing. Some good secondary characters and storylines. I really would like to know what was happening with Ana, but it was a good read.
I loved the unexpected dual perspectives of Take My Hand. Having Will and Maddy's relationship be the base of the book was so interesting. I know that sounds dumb but when you read the book you'll understand. I adored Will and was really in to him and Maya. Maddy was easily likeable and her bond with Will was so sweet. I LOVED how the title fit in the story!
Will finds himself as an unexpected Dad of 5 month old Maddy. Will at the tender age of 20, has to learn to be a Dad very quickly…..17yrs down the line and he’s a doting Dad with a lovely daughter who equally adores her Dad.
Both happy in their duo / team and neither were looking to find their special one but, they have, how will this affect their bond / relationship? Is there room for 2 to become more?
A typically brilliantly written book by Nikki and I can only hope this will turn into a series? Please Nikki 🤞🏻
Take my hand follows the story of Will and Maddy Newman, a father and daughter duo. Will is try to navigate life as a bar owner and be a Dad to a a teenage girl who’s his whole world. Maddy is a 17 year old girl who knows where her future is going but doesn’t want to leave her Dad to go off to university.
A chance encounter introduces Will to Maya who he finds himself wanting to spend more time with, an unusual sensation for a man who usually enjoys a woman for one night. Maddy also finds herself centre of attention of Zak, the mysterious new boy from London.
This story follows the dynamics of relationships between a parent and child, lovers and friends.
This story is quite easily the best book I’ve read this year. The unique approach to two stories in one leaves you feeling like you’re following your favourite show and have to wait for the next instalment. Thankfully in this case, you only have to wait a chapter. Nikki Ashton’s approach to this book is new and exciting, I finished the book in 24 hour’s because I could not put it down.
Take my hand showcases Nikki Ashtons unbelievable writing skills of creating characters who are loveable and relatable. Another emotional rollercoaster and I cannot recommend this book enough.
So, its not my first Nikki Ashton read, and it certainly won't be my last. Take My Hand gave me the same vibes as Box of Hearts part of The Connor Ranch Trilogy. The story of Will a single father, thrown into that life when a former partner passes away and he discovers he's a father. We meet Will aged 37 with a 17 year old daughter, who have been each others whole world for 17 yrs. However, life has to change. Maddy is 17 yrs old, has fallen for the new guy in school, has a fab group of friends and is doing her A levels and thinking about Uni. She doesn't want to go away to Uni and leave her dad, she doesn't know what will happen with her boyfriend, because he is going away, and there's something really weird going on with her best friend. For a 17yr old, she has a lot going on, not least always worrying about her dad, Will, and wanting him to find his special someone. Will on the other hand has suddenly had to deal with his daughters new boyfriend, the fear of his daughter going to Uni, or not going away, he doesn't want her missing out on life. He has to step in to help her friends parents, he's met someone he sees a future with, and now someone from his past has shown up and thrown everything in a spiral. As this story progresses we laugh, we gasp and we cry, great big ugly tears, yes, you made me cry again Nikki. We deal with trauma and tragedy as well as joy and happiness, we see fierce friendships and the power of love. I usually speed read all Nikki 's books because i cant wait to see what happen next. This time I took my time, it needed to be read when I was alone and it was quiet so that i could digest it and get the full benefit of the story. Certainly a long way from Nikki's romcoms but a really lovely read.
This is a romance story that will pull on your heart at times. It's filled with love and strength and is a beautiful read.
Will never recorded his life to turn out the way it has and he never even knew he was a father at first. But when he found out about Madeline, his daughter his whole life changed completely from being a single man having ONS to becoming a father right down to his soul.
Will and Maddy have such a beautiful and strong dad and daughter relationship and are always there for each other no matter what. They have a routine that is set and Maddy is 17 and doesn't want to leave for uni and leave her dad on his own. But everything changes again for both of them when Maddy meets Zak and Will meets the beautiful Maya on a night out.
I did love these characters they we're so real and relatable and I loved the relationship between this father and daughter. The bond they have together is unbreakable. I also loved Maya and her diary entries and the love she brings to this duo It was so lovely to see and the two love stories running at the same time was a great idea. The storyline shows love in many ways, father and daughter, lovers, friendships and also shows devastating trauma, but also hope and forgiveness and life and it will pull at your emotions. The only thing I felt was that at times it was a bit slow like I was waiting for something to happen and I did skim some pages. But it was a beautiful love story and the way that this author writes is absolutely amazing and her characters are so real awesome like they really are alive it's great.
Where do I even begin to review this book? Nikki, you have truly outdone yourself with this one. It takes an exceptional book to bring me to tears, but the ending of this one did just that. The chemistry between the characters was absolutely off the charts.
I can honestly say that I have never read a book quite like this before. The relationship between a father and daughter is beautifully portrayed in this story. The love they share, the closeness they have, and the simple phrase "take my hand" truly demonstrate their special bond.
Following the love story of the father and daughter, along with their partners Maya and Zak, gives you such a warm feeling. And when you add in the circle of close friends and their parents, it truly completes the picture.
Although Nikki is primarily recognized for her romantic comedies, her serious books are also remarkable. This particular book is no exception. Once you delve into its pages, you will become fully absorbed, sharing in the characters' every emotion. With a perfect blend of naughtiness and laughter, it offers a complete package that you won't be able to put down.
Will grew up in the foster care system, so when he becomes a single father to Maddy at a young age, he quickly becomes the father he never had. The bond between Will and and Maddy is fantastic, they are both there for each other through good times and bad. They have the difficult conversations that come along with being a teenager/being a parent to a teenager. I have to admit this book was.close tk my heart dealing with the themes of letting your child grow up and experience that first love of their own, wanting them to stay a child forever, but knowing they are growing and will soon get to live their own adult life. While the 2 separate love stories are fantastic. I loved Will being a bit of a player but getting whacked with cupids arrow the moment he met Maya, and Maddy slowly falling for the new boy in town, it is really the father, daughter story that sets this book apart.
Don't no where to start with this story, I'm so full of emotion as I read the last few lines. I had to saviour this book so it took me a couple of days to read it as I didn't want to finish it. I've never read a book with more than one couple in it and it was extra special as it was Father and Daughter. Will and Maddy. For Will he looked after his daughter since she was a few months old so they had a special bond and you could feel that bond in the story. Then along comes the amazing Zak swoon worthy and perfect for Maddy just as Maya was perfect for Will. This story gave me all the feels and I loved it. Nikki I'm going to say for me this is your best book yet and then some. This book was so good an amazing read. I'm so pleased for you. 💖 Take my Hand 🫲 Beautiful
I’ve really struggled with my review for Take My Hand. But please Don’t turn away from My review. We all know Nikki is the Queen of the Rom Com, The Countess of Contemporary and we all love her for it. The all of a sudden Take My Hand hit my kindle & im not going to lie - one of the best books I’ve read this year.
It has everything we love about Nikki’s books - instantly caught from the very first chapter. Amazing characters and for me reading it, It opened a few memories from my past and made me wish I’d been lucky to of had a dad like Will and would of loved to of had the relationship he has with Maddy.
This is an absolute dream of a read , Perfect to loose yourself in their world 10,000 shiny stars from Me
Even though I usually say this ... I'm saying it again - this is one of of Nikki's best books yet.
I loved the characters, especially Will, and the story line was great. As usual I laughed and I cried and I just loved every page of this boom.
i don't like to give any of the plot away in my reviews and will just say this is a beautiful dad and daughter story with the usual Nikki fun, sexiness, tears and laughter in it.
well done Nikki - you've written another corker of a book.
It was such a roller-coaster of emotions and it had me hooked all the way. Such a great story of a relationship between a father and daughter, daughter and friends and father with a new love. Loved the maturity of the relationship and the connections the characters had with each other.
This was such a fabulous story from start to finish. I just loved every single page, each character and how they all fit into each other’s lives. Just perfect, and not the last I’ll read of this new to me author
This book takes you through the close Dad and daughter relationship of Will and Maddy,, and what a amazing relationship they have.
Then Maya and Zak join the close knit circle of Will and Maddy and we are lucky enough to follow the journey, and what a journey it is All characters in this book are relatable which makes the reader invested in all the characters. There are additional characters that join along the way and every one you will relate to, some with joy, some with anger, though this book, you will laugh and cry, it is truly hilarious in places,
This is another amazing read from Nikki Ashton. I highly recommend both the book and author
I could not put this book down and it was a joy to read