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No Bra Required
"I loved this book, could not put it down, great story, one of the best books I have read for a long time, would recommend." Amazon Reviewer "Brilliant book, I read it within 24 hours, couldn't put it down. Really well written, fab characters with so many unexpected twists. Definitely worth a read." - Amazon Reviewer "A totally engrossing read. Witty, sad, surprising and saucy too;-) Thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end!" - Amazon Reviewer Lucy Meadows is heartbroken, her husband has left her for his surgically enhanced colleague, and she's spent two weeks in bed wearing a bobble hat - both Lucy, and her life stink! Finally, she's persuaded to go and stay with her dad for a while, and things suddenly start to improve, with a lot of help from the gorgeous Dr Ed Bryce. There is an instant attraction, and Lucy has to make some crucial decisions. Is it too soon to embark on another relationship, or should she simply have sex with Ed and then move on? However, life and love actually aren't that simple. 'No Bra Required' is a humorous, romantic love story that will play at your heart strings, have you rooting for Lucy and wishing you had a man like Ed!
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2013
50 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Ashton
51 books401 followersI 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 7, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, a little obvious in places. Shocking in others. Definitely worth a look!
June 4, 2020
I loved Lucy.
I listened to No Bra Required in audio and what a fun listen it was. A British Rom-Com set in the North of England, just my kind of read.
A realistic plot with humour and enough drama to keep you interested.
An earlier book i Nikki Ashton's writing journey and although I don't normally read or listen to third person, I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how much Nikki has soared as an author from also reading her latest and current work.
A story of moving on, second chances of love and a hea to make you swoon.
I listened to No Bra Required in audio and what a fun listen it was. A British Rom-Com set in the North of England, just my kind of read.
A realistic plot with humour and enough drama to keep you interested.
An earlier book i Nikki Ashton's writing journey and although I don't normally read or listen to third person, I enjoyed it but I can definitely see how much Nikki has soared as an author from also reading her latest and current work.
A story of moving on, second chances of love and a hea to make you swoon.
December 1, 2020
I listened to the audio and the English narrator is fabulous as she made the story come to life. This is a well written, slow burn romance with some steamy but tasteful sex scenes, starring characters that could be your neighbours, they were so real. I thoroughly loved it and if you can listen to the audio, all the better. (I purchased the e-book first, then added the audio on Kindle). 💗
February 26, 2017
3.5 - 4 stars. I did enjoy this book, I did however leave it about half way through and come back to it. I really struggle with books written in the third person, and I think that this was what had me struggling. It's nothing the author did wrong, it's just a personal preference thing.
I am glad I went back and finished the book, it was a little predictable in places but overall an enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading more from Nikki.
I am glad I went back and finished the book, it was a little predictable in places but overall an enjoyable read.
I look forward to reading more from Nikki.
Read
October 22, 2014On 19 March 2013 Lancashire primary school teacher Lucy Meadows took her own life and sparked an international media campaign. On 4 April 2013 Nikki Ashton, an author in the neighbouring county of Cheshire, published her debut novel Guess Who I Pulled Last Night. In December 2013 Ashton published her follow-up novel Lucy Steps Out, whose main character is a primary school teacher in Cheshire called Lucy Meadows.
Maybe Ashton choose the name because Lucy Meadows popped into her head as a good name for a stressed-out primary school teacher on leave of absence, but it looks like a very unfortunate marketing stunt. It was also a spectacularly unsuccessful stunt as a Google search for Lucy Meadows does not have any mention of this book in its first 20 pages of hits. The book has since been renamed No Bra Required, possibly to market it better as the steamy romance that it is, but possibly also to distance it from the regrettable naming of the main character. There is nothing in the book to indicate that the character is based on the the real Lucy Meadows, but the name and profession of the main character does jar and was never changed.
The story is about a recently separated Lucy Meadows who has a complete breakdown after her husband leaves her for someone else. After initial scenes in Cheshire the story moves to County Durham, when Lucy goes to visit her father. Soon the character of Dr Ed Bryce is introduced and the book shifts into steamy romance mode. There are some twists to keep the story interesting in the second half, but the writing style prevents this from even approaching page-turner status. Some of the plot devices invite incredulity (such as Lucy's almost immediate employment without any relevant experience), but if a romance narrative is more important than how well it is written, then the novel is passable.
Ashton proclaims herself a new author on her Amazon author page and hopefully will develop her writing craft in time. Among the skills that she should learn is not naming characters after people who have been in the news, but there are some other aspects of writing that she needs to work on as well.
Maybe Ashton choose the name because Lucy Meadows popped into her head as a good name for a stressed-out primary school teacher on leave of absence, but it looks like a very unfortunate marketing stunt. It was also a spectacularly unsuccessful stunt as a Google search for Lucy Meadows does not have any mention of this book in its first 20 pages of hits. The book has since been renamed No Bra Required, possibly to market it better as the steamy romance that it is, but possibly also to distance it from the regrettable naming of the main character. There is nothing in the book to indicate that the character is based on the the real Lucy Meadows, but the name and profession of the main character does jar and was never changed.
The story is about a recently separated Lucy Meadows who has a complete breakdown after her husband leaves her for someone else. After initial scenes in Cheshire the story moves to County Durham, when Lucy goes to visit her father. Soon the character of Dr Ed Bryce is introduced and the book shifts into steamy romance mode. There are some twists to keep the story interesting in the second half, but the writing style prevents this from even approaching page-turner status. Some of the plot devices invite incredulity (such as Lucy's almost immediate employment without any relevant experience), but if a romance narrative is more important than how well it is written, then the novel is passable.
Ashton proclaims herself a new author on her Amazon author page and hopefully will develop her writing craft in time. Among the skills that she should learn is not naming characters after people who have been in the news, but there are some other aspects of writing that she needs to work on as well.
September 2, 2014
I made it 51% through this book before finally losing the will to live. Predictable, no character depth and whilst both Lucy and Ed are likeable enough people, I found once they'd finally slept together (which was such an obvious plot I was hoping I'd be mistaken and there would be a cunning trust!), I just lost the tiny bit of interest I had in their lives. This definitely wasn't for me and I have it a fair shot, getting halfway through it!
December 23, 2013
Loved it! Easy to read and loved the characters from the start and the fact the romance started early in the book and not right at the end like most books. Nikki I hope its not too long before you bring out another book!
January 15, 2014
This well written novel deals with love, sex, betrayal, childbirth and death from an undeniably female perspective. It's also about coming to terms with life. Lucy is a warm character with whom everyone reading the book will have no difficulty in identifying.
June 21, 2016
NO SPOILERS -
This was the 1st book I've read by Nikki Ashton and it won't be the last. I absolutely loved No Bra Required, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, although one I wanted to bitch slap so bad. I so didn't want the book to end. Can't wait to read more from Nikki.
This was the 1st book I've read by Nikki Ashton and it won't be the last. I absolutely loved No Bra Required, I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, although one I wanted to bitch slap so bad. I so didn't want the book to end. Can't wait to read more from Nikki.
June 8, 2018
4.5 stars
This is my first Nikki Ashton book, I've had it on my kindle for quite a while but I'm glad I read it as I've now got a fab new author to read. I can't wait to read her back catalogue and and future releases.
This is my first Nikki Ashton book, I've had it on my kindle for quite a while but I'm glad I read it as I've now got a fab new author to read. I can't wait to read her back catalogue and and future releases.
April 5, 2015
Absolutely brilliant. First time read for this author and wasn't disappointed. Hooked by end of chapter 1. There were moments when I had tears in my eyes. Definately recommend
November 4, 2017
3 stars - This was my first read of Ashton’s and she’s been on my TBR list for a while, so I had a few books of hers downloaded over the last two years when they were offered as freebies. No Bra Required follows the big life change of Lucy, who’d lost her young infant to sudden cot death, and found out that her husband had been cheating on her for over a year and got another woman pregnant. Her dad convinces her to take a time out and come and stay with him up in the north of England and sorts a part time job for her at the local doctors surgery, where instant attraction sparks with Dr. Edward Bryce. But as ever, the path to true love never runs smooth and a vengeful ex soon appears on the scene to put a number of dramatic spokes in the wheels of their romance. While I liked this read, I didn’t love it - I was hoping for a little more comedy and the romance, for me personally, felt rather rushed considering the book started with Lucy totally broken-hearted at the breakdown of her marriage. It was easy reading though that did raise a few smiles, and I certainly wouldn’t be put off trying more of Ashton’s work in the future.
March 2, 2021
When I started reading No Bra Required!, I told myself I would only read a couple of chapters before going to sleep, but I didn't put my Kindle down until I'd read the whole book. Out of all the books I've read by the author so far, this is the one I found myself able to relate to the most due to things that have happened in my personal life. Seeing Lucy deal with all the pain and heartbreak made my heart ache. I also felt anger towards Ed and desperately wanted Lucy to find someone else. However, everything sorts itself out once lies and scheming plots are revealed.
Nikki Ashton is an author who can take heartbreaking moments and add the perfect blend of humour to create a captivating story about survival, healing and love. She never fails to take the genres we've become familiar with and add her own special kind of magic. No Bra Required! is a story that seems predictable, but then throws in a surprise or two that has you unable to stop reading. This is one book I'll be reading again as I can't stop thinking about it.
Nikki Ashton is an author who can take heartbreaking moments and add the perfect blend of humour to create a captivating story about survival, healing and love. She never fails to take the genres we've become familiar with and add her own special kind of magic. No Bra Required! is a story that seems predictable, but then throws in a surprise or two that has you unable to stop reading. This is one book I'll be reading again as I can't stop thinking about it.
April 22, 2019
I read this book a while ago now, but am behind on leaving my reviews. This author has the talent of drawing you in from the start and keeping you hooked throughout. Lucy is a mess after breaking up with her husband, she doesn't want to get out of bed never mind move on with her life but with the encouragement of her best friend and the call for help from her Dad she gets up and goes to look after him whilst he's convalescing.
Lucy certainly didn't plan on liking dishy doctor Ed, or his ever so cute son - that was the last thing she wanted. The physical attraction is there from the start but can she resist him?
Nikki Ashton writes likeable, relatable characters and whips up a whole lot of humour which leaves you weak with laughter.
I won't hesitate to pick up more books by this author in the future.
Lucy certainly didn't plan on liking dishy doctor Ed, or his ever so cute son - that was the last thing she wanted. The physical attraction is there from the start but can she resist him?
Nikki Ashton writes likeable, relatable characters and whips up a whole lot of humour which leaves you weak with laughter.
I won't hesitate to pick up more books by this author in the future.
October 17, 2017
Question mark abuse in an otherwise entertaining read.
D'you know what? It was a really good story. Easy to read and entertaining. So good, I read it in one sitting. But, honestly, the punctuation! It's not going to bother everyone, granted, but I've never seen such abuse of question marks. I found it incredibly distracting. If it had been an actual paper book, I'd have been correcting it with a red pen. Such a shame. And one unfortunate wee bit of completely unnecessary fat-shaming which could have been totally removed without making any difference to the flow of the story. Spoiled what would otherwise have been a great feel-good read. A decent editor or proof reader could have solved both. Makes me reluctant to read any other books by Nikki Ashton :-\
D'you know what? It was a really good story. Easy to read and entertaining. So good, I read it in one sitting. But, honestly, the punctuation! It's not going to bother everyone, granted, but I've never seen such abuse of question marks. I found it incredibly distracting. If it had been an actual paper book, I'd have been correcting it with a red pen. Such a shame. And one unfortunate wee bit of completely unnecessary fat-shaming which could have been totally removed without making any difference to the flow of the story. Spoiled what would otherwise have been a great feel-good read. A decent editor or proof reader could have solved both. Makes me reluctant to read any other books by Nikki Ashton :-\
April 28, 2023
It's mam not mum
First of nikki Aston books I have read after hearing about her books so much off her best friends in her group
When I first started reading this book I took offence to some of the things I read about co Durham especially been from there but the more I read it the more I loved it even if Ed "supported Newcastle"
However, we will never call our mothers mum it will forever be mam
Was so pleased Lucy and Ed found each other how happy they were and nate got the mam he deserves and Katie and luke got her comeuppance
Sarah and Ben are class friends to have also
First of nikki Aston books I have read after hearing about her books so much off her best friends in her group
When I first started reading this book I took offence to some of the things I read about co Durham especially been from there but the more I read it the more I loved it even if Ed "supported Newcastle"
However, we will never call our mothers mum it will forever be mam
Was so pleased Lucy and Ed found each other how happy they were and nate got the mam he deserves and Katie and luke got her comeuppance
Sarah and Ben are class friends to have also
April 12, 2018
Easy to read story with alot of dramas throughout!
Who needs ex partners in their life... definitely not these guys haha
This is the story of Lucy who at the start of the book her husband leaves her for another woman... which leads her to go and visit her dad.
Lucy then goes on to work at the local gp surgery and all things change when she meets GP Ed.
Many many issues happen to this couple to keep them from being together.. families.. exs... money... drama.. divorces and kids!
A few twists and turns were predictable but still a good sweet story.
Who needs ex partners in their life... definitely not these guys haha
This is the story of Lucy who at the start of the book her husband leaves her for another woman... which leads her to go and visit her dad.
Lucy then goes on to work at the local gp surgery and all things change when she meets GP Ed.
Many many issues happen to this couple to keep them from being together.. families.. exs... money... drama.. divorces and kids!
A few twists and turns were predictable but still a good sweet story.
December 25, 2016
An amazing book!
I chose this seating because it is a very humorous book and also included with the romance genre too .
I chose this seating because it is a very humorous book and also included with the romance genre too .
September 24, 2017
.
Excellent romantic comedy I enjoyed reading all of it. Bit predictable but not so it spoiled the experience would recommend
Excellent romantic comedy I enjoyed reading all of it. Bit predictable but not so it spoiled the experience would recommend
November 4, 2017
Absolutely amazing book by a truly talented author.
September 7, 2018
Love it, love it, love it
What's not to love? Nikki Ashton has a true gift. Heartwarming and funny and sad... everything I need in a romance
What's not to love? Nikki Ashton has a true gift. Heartwarming and funny and sad... everything I need in a romance
May 17, 2020
Brilliant
I have read quite a few books by Nikki Ashton and I have to say that this one did not disappoint, it was full of laughs and love and generally a very good read
I have read quite a few books by Nikki Ashton and I have to say that this one did not disappoint, it was full of laughs and love and generally a very good read
March 11, 2022
Cheesy and predictable but just what I wanted and expected. Needed a nice easy read. I had no expectations so wasn’t disappointed
January 6, 2024
Liked it.
Felt the ending was a little rushed but enjoyed the plot and twists
Always enjoy Nikki Ashton books
Felt the ending was a little rushed but enjoyed the plot and twists
Always enjoy Nikki Ashton books
May 3, 2024
A fabulous read, a book that I have read several times over, cannot fault it and a book that you cannot put down.
October 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book
March 29, 2025
Predictable. A bit cheesy but still loved it. Worth a look if you’re looking for something light and easy to read
April 20, 2021
I’ve come to learn that Nikki’s stories always seep into your mind and stay forever. No Bra Required was a captivating tale that had me flying through the pages lost in Lucy and Ed’s world and experiencing all their highs and lows with them. It was such a pleasure to read and I completely fell head over heels for Dr Ed!
March 11, 2017
5 stars
Brilliant book couldn't put it down. Would defiantly recommend it to friends as a great chick romantic novel to read
Brilliant book couldn't put it down. Would defiantly recommend it to friends as a great chick romantic novel to read
February 14, 2017
Funny and fabulous.
A thoroughly enjoyable story with fabulous characters whom you won't forget in a hurry. Very well written, Nikki has made the characters come alive so it feels as if you're actually in the story with them.
Funny and heart warming and has the feel good factor!
A thoroughly enjoyable story with fabulous characters whom you won't forget in a hurry. Very well written, Nikki has made the characters come alive so it feels as if you're actually in the story with them.
Funny and heart warming and has the feel good factor!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews