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I am hers, she is mine and he is who we created

Samuel Cooper didn’t believe in love not since he’d had his heart broken in the cruellest of ways which was why he’d been unable to give her what she wanted.
Maisie West was happy with her life until she saw him again and then it all started to unravel and the man who had abandoned them was thrust into their lives.
Samuel told himself it was not the life he wanted, but the walls around his heart quickly began to crumble.
Maisie tried to stay strong and continue to fight her feelings, but someone else’s heart was more important than her own.
Could they overcome their fears, or would the past be too hard to forget?

This is the story of a man and a woman
This is the story of a father and son.
This is the story of love.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2019

47 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Nikki Ashton

51 books401 followers
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

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5 stars
62 (49%)
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39 (30%)
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17 (13%)
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4 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Vintage.
2,720 reviews729 followers
November 8, 2019
Started reading this in hopes of a great epiphany and reformation of what sounds like a grade A creep.



That scarring incident sets up the rest of the story and his pathetic man-child response to the heroine’s declaration that the rabbit died aka she’s pregnant. He does not take it well. First cries off from anything but financial responsibility then is vicious and hateful to her after the birth.

It’s now eight years later and he sees his son at the pool where the H is teaching a swim class. How awesome that his son is as handsome as he is and as natural swimmer as the hero. His thoughts, not mine. Suddenly the hero wants to know his son and is full of regrets. Luckily for him the heroine’s current boyfriend goes into abusive stalker mode so the H can go Daddy Grizzly.

Yes, there is groveling and redemption in the hero’s thoughts and deeds, but the inner cynical moi thinks it awfully convenient that his son looks just like him, is as handsome, as talented, and likes the same music - Northern Soul which is the British version of Motown. I wonder if he would have been as eager to claim his wunderkind if he had been the little pudgy boy who flailed around in the pool.

Heroine is okay but somewhat vanilla; the son was cute. Story was good, but the kid deserved better even if the heroine is too clueless to catch on.

3 star romance
1 star hero
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews435 followers
July 22, 2019
So this is my first book by this author. I didn't realize that it would be beneficial to read the first book in the series first, but in saying that... I didn't really struggle to understand what was going on in book two, so it worked out well, but I do suggest reading book one first. I will be now to get a little more understanding of a few things.

This book is a second chance romance about a man named Samuel. Samuel hasn't had the best luck when it comes to love, having been hurt in the past, he has sworn off relationships altogether and chosen to focus on his career, and for the most part, he is fulfilled in life, but that tiny little part that isn't, is nagging at him, he knows something is missing. Samuel has knowledge that he has a son, but he's never made a move on meeting him or getting to know him, feeling as though he was never and will never be good enough for his. But when the mother of his child comes waltzing back into Sam's life, he is forced to come to terms with his past, and come faced to face with it. A son he never thought he'd meet, is now right in his reach and as the story progresses the more time he spends with him and the more time he spends with the mother of his son and he realizes what that missing part in his life was, but things are not that easy. He and the mother of his son Maisie have a past, and all of it comes into play, there is this distance between the two, and though the chemistry is there, there is something that is holding them back.. Will they be able to overcome it? Or is this distance what will ultimately destroy any hope for them to rekindle?

The push and pull between these two was intense and awesome. I am a sucker for it. It keeps me second-guessing what the author is about to add to the story. These three characters were a treat to read about. I love a good second chance romance... Sucks me in every time.

5 stars!
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,914 reviews42 followers
June 18, 2022
Gosh, this was emotional and heart wrenching at times. Sam was so young and full of hope and dreams as well as teenage hormones, I could empathise and understand his behaviour with the second lot of news. Was it right? No, but I could see where he was coming from and with things as they were at that time it was probably for the best. But I'm glad he did little things to check over the years. Maisie is fabulous, forgiving and supportive while also cautious and protective of hearts that could easily get damaged. This was all about family and second chances, a moving read with uplifting moments and a twist or two, it had a great flow and gripped me with interest and I was invested in the outcome. Characters were easy to love and boy, what a follow-up to Eli's book. Wonderful story.
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
February 23, 2020
Samuel by Nikki Ashton

Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Samuel was burnt by the first women he ever loved. He doesn’t believe in true love.

Maisie is the women who he never gave a chance. Now his son is doing the sport he loves. Faced with a younger smart mouthed version of himself, Samuel is struggling to look away. They need him but they don’t realise it. He needs them but first he’s got to open his heart.

A second can change a lifetime. A lifetime can change in the blink of an eye.

Samuel is another smash hit from the witty Nikki Ashton. 5 stars out of 5. I was hooked from the first page.

❤️Paperback read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
812 reviews9 followers
November 27, 2020
So good

This book is just as heart wrenching as book 1!!!!!!!! Poor Sam and what has happened in his young life to Maisie being an incredible strong women, who gets her alpha male in the end. I absolutely loved this duet
65 reviews
January 16, 2021
Might just be my favourite Nikki Ashton book

Woah this book has consumed my whole day, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

I really liked Sam’s character in the first of the Coopers Brothers books- Elijah, but this book just sealed the deal for me! I love him!

What makes these books so compelling is that you’re thrown into a big storyline and gradually you’re given the back story which enables you to understand why the characters do what they do and behave the way they do!

Yes Sam’s actions are questionable and it’s easy for readers to dislike/hate him but if you take a minute to think about his past and what situations he found himself in - you can understand why he built up the walls to protect himself and those around him. Maybe I’m biased because I’m a mum of all boys 🤷🏻‍♀️who knows but if you can take anything from this book, it’s that men go through horrific experiences and have emotions that they might not understand how to manage and don’t feel they can talk to people about these! Which in this day and age is a HUGE thing we should all take a second to think about!!

I’m a huge Nikki Ashton fan there’s no question about that but I’m also really honest and I genuinely LOVED this book! I loved that it showed a different side of a secret child/second chance love story! It was different from what I’ve read before and that made it so endearing! It’s not your usual surprise here’s a baby let’s live happily ever after!!!
I liked that Sam was aware of the situation but had his own battles and demons to get through which isn’t ideal but it’s also something that does happen regardless of what people believe is right or wrong!

This was jam packed with heart wrenching moments but also the perfect amount of outstanding Nikki Ashton humorous sparks to make it without a doubt a 10 star read!!!

I loved everything about it and know the book hangover is going to be a vicious one!!
Profile Image for Tara Bryant.
184 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2019
Samuel: The Cooper Brothers
By Nikki Ashton

“I was going to start living my life like every other teenager and I’d make sure I’d never fall in love ever again.”

Second chances don’t happen for everyone, so when life throws one your way, you need to put everything you have into making it succeed.

“She stared at me without saying a single word and I held my breath as I watched the slight tremble of her chin. I didn’t know what was happening, but in that moment, I knew we were sharing something.”

Sam went through a tragic situation at a vulnerable age, and he became tainted as to what love and a happy future could be. When Sam walked away from Maisie, he left her alone with a terrifying future she was going to have to navigate alone. When a second chance presents itself to both of them, Sam and Maisie must risk all they’ve known to allow fate to lead them in the right direction. Past demons, and new challenges make this journey a scary one, but with hope and determination, Sam and Maisie let everything ride on this second chance.

“No one heard or saw me. No one stopped to check if I needed anything. I had no one and I never would because my heart was black and hard.”

Samuel, Samuel, Sam! From young and stubborn, to mature and irresistible, Nikki created one hell of a main man. Mix in Maisie, strong willed, mature and independent, and Samuel is a true love story. Each word that Nikki wrote draws you in, making you wonder which direction the story will go. There are ups, downs, and so many emotions mixed into the characters struggles and journeys. Take some time and get acquainted with Sam and Maisie in Samuel.

“I would no longer be shrouded by the guilt and shame of what I’d done as a kid, because that’s all I’d been, a kid who had
been steered in the worst possible way.”


Tara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
July 25, 2019
Man, Samuel was definitely a hard book to read for much of it, as Samuel wasn't an easy hero or maybe he was more like the anti-hero for so long. See, he was burned when he was a teenager by a woman, and granted that woman was a total scandalous biotch, but she really messed with his head. It hardened his heart, so when it was time for him to man up, well, let's just say, he really didn't, and didn't even hide the fact that he was a douche. It didn't help either that his brother needed him at the time he met Maisie, so that was another bump in the road, and it turns out that Maisie needed him too, but unfortunately, she got the short end of the stick, but since she was a strong woman, she pulled her big girl panties on & raised their son on her own. Eight years later, she sees him again, as he's her son's swim coach, and the crap hits the fan. However, something is happening in Samuel, his heart was thawing, and he was beginning to see what he had missed out on by being so selfish. But is he a little too late? This story was emotional on many levels because like I said above, Sam was a hard man to even like, much less love to be honest. I don't do well with men who straight up deny their responsibilities like he did, and yeah, there was one way he didn't, but not out of the goodness of his heart. So I spent much of the story just calling him colorful metaphors, and it took me longer than Maisie to actually give him a chance. See, once he decided to pull his big girl panties up, he also decided that he wanted the whole family with Maisie & his son, but she wasn't really having it. So how did it all pan out?! You'll have to read it for yourselves, and trust me, it's worth it despite my anger for at least half the book! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Cee Cee Houston.
1,341 reviews27 followers
July 21, 2019
Although Samuel by Nikki Ashton is the second in the ‘Cooper Brothers’ series. I haven’t read the first yet, but, although it might help with some of the background of the story, it’s not enough to make reading this one impossible. There’s references to previous characters and what happened with them but again, not enough to spoil this story.
Samuel was betrayed but his first love. It made him a bit jaundiced towards love in general so he just had flings. Maise was one of those flings but their time was cut short, by mutual choice.
Samuel was a troubled guy, thanks to what had happened when he was a teenager. He thought he’d found the love of his life, but was proved wrong, in the worst way possible. It jaded his outlook on love and relationships from then on. He was just a bit of a man-whore and careless with others feelings.
Maise was one of those he hurt, and not just her. He left behind a life he’d once dreamed of having with someone else. Nine years later, Sam has his work-life sorted, he’s happy there, but his personal life is still a mess. When he comes face to face with the consequences of past actions, he’s unsure how to react. Should he back off or push for a resolution. Can he find his heart again and bring it back to life, will Maise help to resurrect it with him.
This was a gritty, sometimes harsh but realistic story. Life is all about taking chances, They have a second one to get things right. Will they spin the dice. Grab your copy and find out in this gripping, emotive story.

Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,179 reviews77 followers
July 25, 2019
I have recently discovered Nikki Ashton and have read a couple of her romcoms that I absolutely loved so was looking forward to reading this one. Its different from her Rom-Com's but I once I started I was addicted. I haven't read the first book in this series but I will be shortly.

I had a love/hate relationship with Samuel. I really wanted to punch him in the nuts on numerous occasions but in others he made me totally swoon. Maisie I loved and was totally #TeamMaisie. She had such amazing strength and has done an amazing job raising her son Frankie single handed.

Samuel has always know he has a son, he has provided financially for him but not wanted anything to do with him until a chance meeting puts his child in front of him and no he is curious, wanting to get to know him. He just has to prove to Maisie that its not a whim, that he won't let Frankie down again.

The chemistry between Maisie and Samuel is palpable, the connection instant despite the initial denial. Whilst I understood Samuel's initial reluctance regarding his son I still can't understand why he kept the same mind set for 8 years.

I can't wait to see what else Nikki brings us with her future books

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Bare Naked Words

https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
Profile Image for Angelina.
742 reviews
February 27, 2021
Having read book 1 of the Cooper Brothers, it was clear that Sam was hiding something and even possibly had regrets about whatever it was. We learn the first of his secrets at the beginning of this book and then more is revealed as the story progresses. Whilst some may not agree with the decisions Sam made, I feel that his past shows why he did what he did and that he wasn't yet ready to deal with the damage it caused. I also believe he made the sacrifices he felt were necessary to support his brother and best friend, Elijah, during a very difficult and painful time.

Sam and Maisie's journey isn't easy and Sam has a lot of making up to do. We see their journey from the past to the present with flashbacks of what happened between the couple and how both tried to move on with their lives but never really did. Nikki Ashton shows the emotions of both characters and you're there every step of the way as Sam and Maisie find a way to heal and move on whilst also ensuring Frankie is always their priority. You're pulled into their story and forget everything around you. This story takes hold and doesn't let go. It's another hit for me and I can't wait to jump into another of this author's books.
Profile Image for Kelly Kemmerly.
621 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2019
Sam recognized the walk, the cocky attitude, and slight smirk when he slipped the earbuds out of his ears...like looking in a mirror. My son was a mini me and I was the idiot who didn’t want to be part of his life. Maisie and I had an agreement, but now things are different, I’m a different man. Doesn’t that mean my son deserves to know who his father is? Am I ready to be a father to Frankie, now? And there’s Maisie, gorgeous, smart, amazingly strong and independent. I’ve never stopped wondering what we could’ve been had I not acted like a dick. The time is now to turn the tables and take responsibility for my life.
Samuel is fresh, full of emotional characters that sort through real life in a beautiful way. Their interactions are poignant, intelligent, while intense and gripping. I was brought to tears many times and put back together in a snort of laughter. Samuel was blissfully perfect!
Profile Image for Karen Wood.
751 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2021
After Samuel had his heartbroken at eighteen, he didn't believe in love and didn't want to fall in love ever again.

After agreeing to coach swimming lessons for the intermediate class so another teacher could teach the water babies he felt ill as he saw his son in the line, the son he had never spoken to or had anything to do with.

After being rejected by Samuel when she had the baby, Maisie had got on with her life with her son and new partner without the loser of a dad.

As the book goes on switching between past and present you can sense the attraction between them, and after Maisie has problems with now her ex-partner, Sam steps in to help, initially as a friend and they agreed to not tell Frankie who Sam was until he was ready and Maisie could trust Sam again.

I could go on and on about this amazing book but don't want to give any spoilers, I loved it as much as I did the first in the series, well done Nikki on another great story
Profile Image for Shannon Caswell.
75 reviews
July 24, 2019
I have got to say this is the first time I read Nikkii Ashton’s work and my first thought was where have I been. Samuel is the second book in this particular series but honestly can be read as a standalone. I loved the fact that Samuel is a second chance romance but it is unique from some I read because he finds out he is a father and leaves. He decides that staying away from his son is best because of his past. I read the synopsis and thought how in the world can someone stay away from their own son? Well this is where I fell in love with Nikki Ashton’s writing because she makes it work. It’s a second chance love story that pulled me in with the dynamics of the Samuel and Maisie. As a reader, my heart crumbled for Maisie and I wanted oh so much to dislike Samuel but I could not do it. It is really a well written story that had me involved the entire time. I am so happy to have Nikki Ashton added to my list of authors!
208 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2019
Book 2 in The Cooper Brothers Series and Samuel is a 2nd chance romance. Nikki is a fabulous Romcom writer so this series is a bit more serious for her. Samuel and Maisies' story is a page turner and I am a big Maisie fan. I have to say that on occasions I rolled my eyes and shouted at Samuel "would you ever grow a pair". Yes he himself was a victim and needs help but sees himself as having stepped up because he provides financially for his son, but never wanted to meet him. Circumstances beyond his control change all that and he lands firmly in Maisie and Frankie's life, and you can tell immediately that there is a connection between the two, that never really went away. We watch them overcome some really big hurdles, (Josh) and start to make family connections and all that comes with it. It's a heartwarming and emotional read and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Kat Mary.
473 reviews
July 24, 2019
So much emotion in this book. I have to admit to not understanding Samuel at all for a good portion of the book. He just didn’t make sense to me at all. I wanted to knock him upside the head and yell at him. He was missing out on so much. How could he turn his back on Maisie like that?! I adored Maisie right away. She seemed so real and a great girl. I felt terrible for what Samuel went through with Alison. As I kept reading slowly and so surely I began to come around to Samuel. How could I not? He was so sweet with Frankie and his niece Bella. He stepped in to help Maisie with the Josh situation. He was a great brother and son. He totally grew on me. Bravo to Nikki Ashton to write Samuel in a way that had me doing a 180 degree turn and loving him in the end. Well done! Great story.
Profile Image for EducatedBookFreak.
642 reviews
July 24, 2019
Samuel is a pretty great second chance romance by Nikki ash. This book had many moments when I wanted to smack Samuel. I think I would’ve felt better.

The author has made these raw, very real characters come to life in this book. They have their struggles and you can feel them. I loved Samuel’s character because he struggles. And the emotion in this story was off the charts.

Samuels life has been pretty tough. When you’ve been burned, it hard to commit again. When he sees what was a result of his past, my how things change. He realizes what he has to do and does them to make life how it should be. Maisie was an amazing woman who did she had to do, based on the circumstances.

I recommend this book - along with the first book.
Profile Image for Danielle.
8 reviews
August 10, 2019
Samuel by Nikki Ashton

Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Samuel was burnt by the first women he ever loved. He doesn’t believe in true love.

Maisie is the women who he never gave a chance. Now his son is doing the sport he loves. Faced with a younger smart-mouthed version of himself, Samuel is struggling to look away. They need him but they don’t realise it. He needs them but first, he’s got to open his heart.

A second can change a lifetime. A lifetime can change in the blink of an eye.

Samuel is another smash hit from the witty Nikki Ashton. 5 stars out of 5. I was hooked from the first page.

❤️Paperback read.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,949 reviews23 followers
July 18, 2019
I was a bit hesitant to read this story but am glad I gave it a chance. My first book by this author and even though it was second in series, I did not have to read in order. Samuel made some bad decisions and is now regretting them after coming face to face with his son and ex Maisie. Can he rectify his poor decisions or is it too late? A second chance romance that I really enjoyed as there is a realistic feel to this storyline and the characters are relatable. I will definitely read more by this author.
77 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2021
Book 2 is A fantastic read

Nikki Ashton's books never disappoint. By far one of the best authors you could ever read. And Samuel didn't either. Book 2 in the cooper brothers series and it's a great story, experiencing every emotion. it really is a page turner about second chance love, you really do feel what the characters are going through and will them along.
If you haven't read Elijah I would say read that first. And then devour of Nikki's books because she never writes a bad book and they are all fantastic!
180 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2019
Oh Samuel - where do I start? To have my feelings about Samuel go in so many directions in such a short time made reading this book, so enjoyable.
The start of the book starts with Sam as a young man dealing with a massive betrayal so early in his adult life, that certainly shapes the man he has become.
Samuel & Maisie reconnecting , clearly the attraction is still there, just needs a little reminder, as the spark is still there - buried but still there.
I’ve loved all of Nikki Ashton’s books and can guarantee that, she has a book to suit whatever you need
437 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2019
Sam and Masie are the new favourite couple.

I totaly loved Sam and Masies story.

I felt so sorry for Sam with what he went through but also despised him for what he did to Masie.

The story had me gripped from the get go and I was hooked until the end. How he became the man he was meant to be was brilliant. I loved their second chance romance and Frankie had my heart from the get go.

NIKKI, I LOVED IT.
29 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2020
Loved the book both books were fab great reads would recommend
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
July 16, 2019
I love second chance romance stories and this one is very heartbreaking and unique. Sam doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t think he deserves to be a father from a awful past that changed him. But meeting Frankie his son things start to change. Can Sam prove he could be a good father and not run away again? It’s a beautiful story with lots of love and forgiveness. 4/5 stars
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,857 reviews20 followers
July 31, 2019
I so thought Elijah would be my favourite Cooper brother but hey ho Sam has beat him to No 1 spot!
What a beautiful feel good second chance romance that just hooks you and you cant help but fall in love with Sam Maisie and Frankie!
Nikki Ashton definitely knows how to write a fab story!!
Great characters.. great story.. great everything!!
* Read as part of KU*
Profile Image for Tracey Owen.
10 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2019
Fantastic

Nikki's books never fail to disappoint
She has a way of making you feel you are part of the story and in the characters lives
Samuel is a book about second chances a book that reveals regrets fears and how true love will always give you a second chance
Definitely recommend this or any of Nikki's books
209 reviews
May 3, 2020
Love Samuel and Maisie

Great follow on from Elijah, although can be read as a stand-alone. Loved Samuel and Maisie’s story from start to finish. There was lots of different emotions throughout the book. Sadness, heartbreak, angst, love and so much more. Looking forward to more from this author.
54 reviews
July 29, 2019
Wow

Best second chance romance I have read to date. Absolutely loved the writing style and the characters. Really felt sorry for Maisie but Sam redeemed himself well. Brilliant book, definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 40 reviews

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