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Take My Hand #4
Never Let Go
Librarian's note: Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00J5NB9P8.
In the final book of the Take My Hand Series, Emily and Dexter are finally on course to a happy future. Arriving back in the UK with Aunt Sarah in tow, everything seems to be slotting into place. For the first time in his life, Dexter has found his purpose. Surrounded by family, friends and the woman he adores, he has at long last made peace with his demons and is determined to fight for the life he now knows he deserves.
With best friend Rachel back by her side and a resolve to work things out with her parents once and for all, Emily’s life is also on the right track. Or so she thinks…
When a tragic revelation threatens to destroy Emily’s world, it sends her spiraling down a path leading to more secrets, lies and heartache – leaving her questioning her whole life and everyone in it. To top it off, Emily almost lost one of the most important men in her life once before, is it about to happen again?
“This is it, doll. Our future. I need you to hold on to it and never let go.”
(Not suitable for under 18’s due to adult language and sexual content)
In the final book of the Take My Hand Series, Emily and Dexter are finally on course to a happy future. Arriving back in the UK with Aunt Sarah in tow, everything seems to be slotting into place. For the first time in his life, Dexter has found his purpose. Surrounded by family, friends and the woman he adores, he has at long last made peace with his demons and is determined to fight for the life he now knows he deserves.
With best friend Rachel back by her side and a resolve to work things out with her parents once and for all, Emily’s life is also on the right track. Or so she thinks…
When a tragic revelation threatens to destroy Emily’s world, it sends her spiraling down a path leading to more secrets, lies and heartache – leaving her questioning her whole life and everyone in it. To top it off, Emily almost lost one of the most important men in her life once before, is it about to happen again?
“This is it, doll. Our future. I need you to hold on to it and never let go.”
(Not suitable for under 18’s due to adult language and sexual content)
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2014
3 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Haken
22 books1,297 followersRomance Author.
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 2, 2014
4.5 stars full review to follow
May 3, 2014
“Never Let Go”, the conclusion to the “Take My Hand” series is by far the most emotionally intense book in the series. I started reading it in the morning and had it finished by evening – crying all the way through. There were happy tears and sad ones, there were wrecked sobs and tears of pain and despair, but there were many joyful tears too. There were also many laughs and that fuzzy feeling as if my heart was wrapped in a nice warm blanket.
Throughout the story, there is always an underlying element of sadness and yet Nicola Haken manages to write it in a way you don’t feel destroyed. There is a balance between the heartache and the nice and light moments.
Emily and Dexter have already gone to hell and back so one might hope their future way is filled with happiness. But unfortunately, life delivers yet another blow. One that might be hard to recover from.
As Emily finds out that she’ll lose one of the few people she loves to cancer, she has a hard time coping. And this is where Dex has to be strong for her – despite him just recently overcoming addiction. It is his time now to be the rock in the stormy sea. And damn, does he step up to the plate. He is supportive – not just for Emily but also for Chris, who has to come to terms with his terminal illness.
Suddenly it is Dexter that helps the people around him to hold it together and to get through the hardships and challenges. While before he barely managed to get through his own life, he is now a reformed man. It is beautiful to see him be the one his loved ones can rely on – showing that although he will always fight his addiction, he can and did change. Showing that second chances are worth giving.
And Emily – just like in previous books – is the epitome of strength, love, loyalty and compassion. Even when being confronted with her brother’s impending death – a brother who has always been her best friend, her guide, her family – she doesn’t lose sight of the things and people that matter to her. She grieves the news, she breaks down, she cries and she despairs, but at the same time she is there for her brother, trying to make things as easy as possible on him, trying to make wonderful lasting memories.
She is one of the most amazing female leads ever written, if not the one. The great thing is that she is all those wonderful traits without being naive or a push-over. She reads like a real person.
And Chris – what shall I say about Chris?!?! I adored him from the first time he was mentioned in the series. So when I realized he will be sick in the upcoming books, I tried begging Nicola Haken, pleading with her, bribing and blackmailing her to not let him die – to no avail. But I must admit it fit the story and the way she wrote his illness & death was emotional, intense and sad, but also done in a classy way that didn’t try straining after effect. It felt realistic and that made it even more painful.
Chris is a big brother anyone would ever wish for and would also be a perfect book boyfriend. He puts Emily first, not worrying so much about himself as about her. He does everything possible to ensure she will be set in her future once he is gone. And he is willing to give Dex a chance, knowing that life is too short to be vindictive or unforgiving. And through all of it, him and Dex create a special bond – they become best friends, they become brothers. He doesn’t drown in self-pity despite the diagnosis. It doesn’t mean that he does not have moments in which he wrestles with his fate, but he realizes that it is up to him to make the most out of the time he has left.
When more secrets come to light that could break Emily and ruin her relationship with Chris, it is clear that the lessons that such an illness brings have been learned by everyone involved. Nicola Haken manages to not only let her characters learn those lessons, but the reader as well. Lessons of forgiveness and love, lessons of enjoying the moment as if it were your last, lessons of what is really important in life and lessons of letting go of things that can’t be changed while holding on to the things that make our lives worth living.
And as with her other books she opens our eyes and allows us to see things from a different perspective. Through that, she teaches us what someone suffering from a terminal illness and their family go through. She shows, that no matter how much pain and grief there is, there is also love and laughter. There is a tomorrow for the ones that stay behind.
An amazing conclusion to a superb series.
5+ heartbroken, grieving-for-Chris-but-loving-Em’s-and-Dex’s-future stars.
Throughout the story, there is always an underlying element of sadness and yet Nicola Haken manages to write it in a way you don’t feel destroyed. There is a balance between the heartache and the nice and light moments.
Emily and Dexter have already gone to hell and back so one might hope their future way is filled with happiness. But unfortunately, life delivers yet another blow. One that might be hard to recover from.
As Emily finds out that she’ll lose one of the few people she loves to cancer, she has a hard time coping. And this is where Dex has to be strong for her – despite him just recently overcoming addiction. It is his time now to be the rock in the stormy sea. And damn, does he step up to the plate. He is supportive – not just for Emily but also for Chris, who has to come to terms with his terminal illness.
Suddenly it is Dexter that helps the people around him to hold it together and to get through the hardships and challenges. While before he barely managed to get through his own life, he is now a reformed man. It is beautiful to see him be the one his loved ones can rely on – showing that although he will always fight his addiction, he can and did change. Showing that second chances are worth giving.
And Emily – just like in previous books – is the epitome of strength, love, loyalty and compassion. Even when being confronted with her brother’s impending death – a brother who has always been her best friend, her guide, her family – she doesn’t lose sight of the things and people that matter to her. She grieves the news, she breaks down, she cries and she despairs, but at the same time she is there for her brother, trying to make things as easy as possible on him, trying to make wonderful lasting memories.
She is one of the most amazing female leads ever written, if not the one. The great thing is that she is all those wonderful traits without being naive or a push-over. She reads like a real person.
And Chris – what shall I say about Chris?!?! I adored him from the first time he was mentioned in the series. So when I realized he will be sick in the upcoming books, I tried begging Nicola Haken, pleading with her, bribing and blackmailing her to not let him die – to no avail. But I must admit it fit the story and the way she wrote his illness & death was emotional, intense and sad, but also done in a classy way that didn’t try straining after effect. It felt realistic and that made it even more painful.
Chris is a big brother anyone would ever wish for and would also be a perfect book boyfriend. He puts Emily first, not worrying so much about himself as about her. He does everything possible to ensure she will be set in her future once he is gone. And he is willing to give Dex a chance, knowing that life is too short to be vindictive or unforgiving. And through all of it, him and Dex create a special bond – they become best friends, they become brothers. He doesn’t drown in self-pity despite the diagnosis. It doesn’t mean that he does not have moments in which he wrestles with his fate, but he realizes that it is up to him to make the most out of the time he has left.
When more secrets come to light that could break Emily and ruin her relationship with Chris, it is clear that the lessons that such an illness brings have been learned by everyone involved. Nicola Haken manages to not only let her characters learn those lessons, but the reader as well. Lessons of forgiveness and love, lessons of enjoying the moment as if it were your last, lessons of what is really important in life and lessons of letting go of things that can’t be changed while holding on to the things that make our lives worth living.
And as with her other books she opens our eyes and allows us to see things from a different perspective. Through that, she teaches us what someone suffering from a terminal illness and their family go through. She shows, that no matter how much pain and grief there is, there is also love and laughter. There is a tomorrow for the ones that stay behind.
An amazing conclusion to a superb series.
5+ heartbroken, grieving-for-Chris-but-loving-Em’s-and-Dex’s-future stars.
April 21, 2014
From the very first book I was hooked with the life of Dex and Emily. In this final book you will be amazed, sad, bawling, speechless and undeniably happy with how Nicola ends this series!
This book is told in 3 POV'S. You will see Dexter, Emily and also some of Chris's POV.
Emily is now doing well. She's back with her brother, Dexter is clean and sober and never been better. She is attending her therapy and working on trying to let go of the past and accept the thing that have happened in her life. But then a major shock occurs and hurts her deep to the bone and she doesn't know how she can cope. But no matter what she will always have Dex, he will always be there for her.. that's if she doesn't push him away due to all her pain.
Dexter is in pain. He hates lies, but he agrees to keep something a secret from Emily for one day as a promise to Chris. He is working every day to be the man Emily deserves. He will not ever do drugs again despite having the urge to use, but does attend meetings and that works wonderfully for him. Yet, with all the pain the urge is always there in the back of his mind. He loves Chris and Emily and will do anything to keep Emily happy and work on keeping her alive and well with whatever happens. He wants to prove he will always be there.
Chris- he loves his sister with all his heart. He learns of events that have happened to Emily that he never knew about. He's shocked and saddened for this. He reveals information to Emily and Dex in many ways and shocks them all, but wants things done a particular way and wants them done in that fashion because he loves them both so much! He knows Dex deserves a second chance and knows he is the right man for his sister!
Now... OMG! These characters! You will fall in love with them. Your heart will break for them, root for them, yell and scream with them and feel like you are in the pages with them. You will see Jared, Rachel, Sarah and a few others in this book. They will all play intricate parts in this book. Some reveal very shocking and surprising info that will shock more some than others leaving you with a heavy heart. Now about Heart....
Dexter, OMG! He's freaking amazing in this book. I loved him! He's truly in love with Emily and it's amazing to watch him grow from book one until now. He will do anything for Emily. He tries to tell her every single day how much he loves her and wants her. I just loved him so much!! I loved how he and Chris became the very best of friends and the support they both provided with one another. I loved watching it all. The growth, change, love and amazing man he has become is truly amazing to watch....
Emily, Holy Crappers!!! You will freaking feel for this woman! She's got so much going on and I loved the support she had. I loved the words, support, encouragement she recv'd from not only Chris, but Dex, her friends a few others, I won't say at the moment.. don't want to spoil it. She learns some truly shocking events and with everything she learns I would have been just as emotional as her, or maybe more! She's one tough cookie and an amazing friend, girlfriend and sister. She's truly amazing and I loved how no matter what she loved Dex and Chris and a few others too... despite it all and the true meaning of forgiveness- to let it all go.
Chris...oh man! Can I just say... TEARS?! This man is remarkable. Everything he did, he did it all for the love he had for Dex and Emily. That had me so emotional. He's an amazing man and just was so amazed by everything he did!!
You will be in tears, love, pain, sadness, anger, disbelief and true love with this last book in the series! You will be blown away with the ending! It is amazingly done and goes out truly with a bang!
If you loved the characters from the previous books, you must pick this book up! The book ties together every character together, pain, loss, redemption, love, family, friends to captivate your heart.
I love this last book in the series and the ending was amazing!! I will miss these characters but Nicola did an amazing job with this series and I know I will not forget this series anytime soon!
Nicola knows how to grip our hearts with pain, sadness and love that makes you feel like you are in the book with these characters and experience every emotion they feel.
5 "never forgotten" stars from me!!!
**Make sure you have a box of tissues handy tho while reading this book! You will most likely need them like I did.**
This book is told in 3 POV'S. You will see Dexter, Emily and also some of Chris's POV.
Emily is now doing well. She's back with her brother, Dexter is clean and sober and never been better. She is attending her therapy and working on trying to let go of the past and accept the thing that have happened in her life. But then a major shock occurs and hurts her deep to the bone and she doesn't know how she can cope. But no matter what she will always have Dex, he will always be there for her.. that's if she doesn't push him away due to all her pain.
Dexter is in pain. He hates lies, but he agrees to keep something a secret from Emily for one day as a promise to Chris. He is working every day to be the man Emily deserves. He will not ever do drugs again despite having the urge to use, but does attend meetings and that works wonderfully for him. Yet, with all the pain the urge is always there in the back of his mind. He loves Chris and Emily and will do anything to keep Emily happy and work on keeping her alive and well with whatever happens. He wants to prove he will always be there.
Chris- he loves his sister with all his heart. He learns of events that have happened to Emily that he never knew about. He's shocked and saddened for this. He reveals information to Emily and Dex in many ways and shocks them all, but wants things done a particular way and wants them done in that fashion because he loves them both so much! He knows Dex deserves a second chance and knows he is the right man for his sister!
Now... OMG! These characters! You will fall in love with them. Your heart will break for them, root for them, yell and scream with them and feel like you are in the pages with them. You will see Jared, Rachel, Sarah and a few others in this book. They will all play intricate parts in this book. Some reveal very shocking and surprising info that will shock more some than others leaving you with a heavy heart. Now about Heart....
Dexter, OMG! He's freaking amazing in this book. I loved him! He's truly in love with Emily and it's amazing to watch him grow from book one until now. He will do anything for Emily. He tries to tell her every single day how much he loves her and wants her. I just loved him so much!! I loved how he and Chris became the very best of friends and the support they both provided with one another. I loved watching it all. The growth, change, love and amazing man he has become is truly amazing to watch....
Emily, Holy Crappers!!! You will freaking feel for this woman! She's got so much going on and I loved the support she had. I loved the words, support, encouragement she recv'd from not only Chris, but Dex, her friends a few others, I won't say at the moment.. don't want to spoil it. She learns some truly shocking events and with everything she learns I would have been just as emotional as her, or maybe more! She's one tough cookie and an amazing friend, girlfriend and sister. She's truly amazing and I loved how no matter what she loved Dex and Chris and a few others too... despite it all and the true meaning of forgiveness- to let it all go.
Chris...oh man! Can I just say... TEARS?! This man is remarkable. Everything he did, he did it all for the love he had for Dex and Emily. That had me so emotional. He's an amazing man and just was so amazed by everything he did!!
You will be in tears, love, pain, sadness, anger, disbelief and true love with this last book in the series! You will be blown away with the ending! It is amazingly done and goes out truly with a bang!
If you loved the characters from the previous books, you must pick this book up! The book ties together every character together, pain, loss, redemption, love, family, friends to captivate your heart.
I love this last book in the series and the ending was amazing!! I will miss these characters but Nicola did an amazing job with this series and I know I will not forget this series anytime soon!
Nicola knows how to grip our hearts with pain, sadness and love that makes you feel like you are in the book with these characters and experience every emotion they feel.
5 "never forgotten" stars from me!!!
**Make sure you have a box of tissues handy tho while reading this book! You will most likely need them like I did.**
December 7, 2014
Yes there is usually sadness in my heart when I am getting ready to finish a series and while I will admit this series didn’t grip me mind body and soul like others have, this final book sealed the deal for me. I could have never dreamed that this author would have been able to take what I thought was a really good story and create a final book that would have me in tears and regretting that I didn’t see all of the value in these characters from book one. The only defense I have is the first books were so full of push and pull with everyone’s emotions, addiction, lies, betrayals and a ton of unanswered questions left behind, I found myself so exhausted that I don’t think I had the energy to fall in love.
Never Let Go is appropriately named because by the last 20% of the book I did not want to let go of this story. Emily has finally found the courage to confront her parents and the past that shattered her heart. That lingering question that had shaped who she became was finally going to be asked, why do you hate me mom. I know I wasn’t ready for the answer, it blew me away and I gasped loudly when I read it. What follows after the truth is exposed was emotional heartwarming and I don’t think I was able to really feel Emily’s heart break till she was allowed to heal. Her strength in this book surpasses her ability in the other books and she really becomes a hero in this story.
Dex, oh my, how I have grown to hate him, forgive him, love him and then wait to be disappointed again by him not only surprised me but made me feel a level of pride and love for him that I didn’t imagine was possible. It was finally time for him to step out of the self-pity and hatred and reach out to nurture and love someone else. What he found is when he gave his love and heart to his new family, he healed from within and earned that self-respect he had lost as a teenager. Having his past baggage taken care of, it opened him up for a future. More importantly it opened him up to accept love and acceptance from Emily and her family. I ended up adoring this man and how the story ended was exactly what he deserved now.
We have Jared and Rachel, back in this story. I know a lot of readers hated Rachael from the first book, I don’t know for some reason I connected with her and always counted on her sick sense of humor to carry me through when Emily’s world was falling apart. She didn’t let me down on this one either. Being pregnant with twins she is still that sarcastic smart butt that we have grown to either love or hate but what I admired the most was she brought Jared out of his shell and we really get to see his true personality in this last book. Those two are a riot and I actually found I looked forward to when they would enter the story again.
Now the hard part, Chris, Emily’s brother. He had always taken care of Emily since their dad just left them alone and their mom wasn’t exactly the most nurturing woman in the world, but he is now faced with some heavy stuff. Knowing that he has to solve some issues and do it soon we are able to see what it was he had been hiding from Emily. If you had read the book prior to this one, you remember at the end Dex found a letter that let us readers know Chris had cancer. Well this book took him on the journey of treatments and making sure Emily was going to be okay if he died. His acceptance of his fate and of turning over the responsibility of taking care of Emily to Dex had me in tears more than once. Chris had to learn what forgiveness was and about giving second chances that he probably would not be allowed to have himself. His story was gut wrenching and I found myself sobbing alone in the dark not wanting to read more because I didn’t want to risk saying goodbye to him.
I can’t recommend this series enough. This author not only knows how to write she creates a slow magic with her characters. There isn’t this instant need for you to fall in love with them just allow yourself to care and that feeling will grow with each book. Well done Ms. Haken, you have totally taken my heart with this group and I will have fond memories of them forever.
Never Let Go is appropriately named because by the last 20% of the book I did not want to let go of this story. Emily has finally found the courage to confront her parents and the past that shattered her heart. That lingering question that had shaped who she became was finally going to be asked, why do you hate me mom. I know I wasn’t ready for the answer, it blew me away and I gasped loudly when I read it. What follows after the truth is exposed was emotional heartwarming and I don’t think I was able to really feel Emily’s heart break till she was allowed to heal. Her strength in this book surpasses her ability in the other books and she really becomes a hero in this story.
Dex, oh my, how I have grown to hate him, forgive him, love him and then wait to be disappointed again by him not only surprised me but made me feel a level of pride and love for him that I didn’t imagine was possible. It was finally time for him to step out of the self-pity and hatred and reach out to nurture and love someone else. What he found is when he gave his love and heart to his new family, he healed from within and earned that self-respect he had lost as a teenager. Having his past baggage taken care of, it opened him up for a future. More importantly it opened him up to accept love and acceptance from Emily and her family. I ended up adoring this man and how the story ended was exactly what he deserved now.
We have Jared and Rachel, back in this story. I know a lot of readers hated Rachael from the first book, I don’t know for some reason I connected with her and always counted on her sick sense of humor to carry me through when Emily’s world was falling apart. She didn’t let me down on this one either. Being pregnant with twins she is still that sarcastic smart butt that we have grown to either love or hate but what I admired the most was she brought Jared out of his shell and we really get to see his true personality in this last book. Those two are a riot and I actually found I looked forward to when they would enter the story again.
Now the hard part, Chris, Emily’s brother. He had always taken care of Emily since their dad just left them alone and their mom wasn’t exactly the most nurturing woman in the world, but he is now faced with some heavy stuff. Knowing that he has to solve some issues and do it soon we are able to see what it was he had been hiding from Emily. If you had read the book prior to this one, you remember at the end Dex found a letter that let us readers know Chris had cancer. Well this book took him on the journey of treatments and making sure Emily was going to be okay if he died. His acceptance of his fate and of turning over the responsibility of taking care of Emily to Dex had me in tears more than once. Chris had to learn what forgiveness was and about giving second chances that he probably would not be allowed to have himself. His story was gut wrenching and I found myself sobbing alone in the dark not wanting to read more because I didn’t want to risk saying goodbye to him.
I can’t recommend this series enough. This author not only knows how to write she creates a slow magic with her characters. There isn’t this instant need for you to fall in love with them just allow yourself to care and that feeling will grow with each book. Well done Ms. Haken, you have totally taken my heart with this group and I will have fond memories of them forever.
April 16, 2014
I was provide a copy of the series Take My Hand by the author for an honest review.
Holy Smoke I just finish reading all four book of this series ( Take My Hand, Hold On Tight, Lean On Me, and Never Let Go ). And I love every single one of them, since I fisnih all four books I decide to write a little about each book in my review.
I felt in love with this series from the first page of the first book, to the very last page of the last book, and I love every single minute of it, their si so much going on in this series that is not even funny, this series got me on a roller coaster, it got me mad, crying, and laughing, and I enjoy all of it I love the characters and love how the series turn out to be, even though I finish it I want more.
Book 1 Take My Hand
Emily is ninteen years old, and she left her family to move in with her best friend Rachel to London in order to attend university, but she has being sheltered and protected all her life by her family, she never had expirence the real world, now that she's in London she want to expirience it, she starts making friend and meeting new people, even thoug she is shy and never show interest in no body, but all that change the moment that she see Dexter, Dexter is an American in London his running from his past, from the things that he has done and the people that he has hurt, Dexter spend his day working and going to school, he dont let no one get closed to him, but all that change the moment that he meets Emily.
I love the way this two act with each other, and love it how they tried to fight the attraction that they have for each other, love it how they both started fall in love.
Book 2 Hold On Tight
This book picks right up where the first one is left of.
Dexter is feeling lost and is getting out of control, using drugs trying to numb his guilt and pain, on the other end Emily is trying to hold on to him, when she finally notice that Dexter has relapsed and she cant take it any more, she decide to go back home, when Dexter see that Emily has left he spiral even deeper into his own personal hell on earth, than we meet Jeff and let me just say I love Jeff, with the help of aunt Sarah, Jeff and Emily they help Dexter through rehab, after that they decide to go back to London.
Now the question is what surprised would they have when they get their.
Book 3 Lean On Me
This is Rachel and Jared story I love this two from the first two book, and I am so happy that we get to read about this two.
Rachel is in a wheelchair she is afraid to let anyone get closed to her, she is loud and outgoing, she dont want anyone help bacuse she think they will pity her, than we have Jared he will do everything that he could into Rachel gives up and caves in, Jared dont care what people think of him, and as their dealing with Rachel insecurities and needing to understanding the srong guy, at the other end Jared is also dealing with some health issue that he is scare to face it, will they make it and pass their issues and be happy.
I love the way that this two are with each other, love the way how Jared is with Rachel, love it how he show her how much he care and love her.
Book 4 Never Let Go
This is the final book of the series, this book picks right up where Hold On Tight is left off. This was the perfect ending to this sereis, we get to find out alot of the answers that where left on the last book, we get to find out about what was going on with Chris, we get to see how the girls made up and they all became friends again, we get to see each characters more clear and how their characters grow up, and the way they all became a family, and the love that they have for each other.
I really love and enjoy this sereis and I am ready to Re-Read it again, thats how much I love this series and I am not gone stop saying that, their is alot of angry moment, sad moment and crying moment, but I love them all, Author Nicola Haken THANK YOU for introducing me to this amzaing wonderful characters and this awesome great books love it.
Holy Smoke I just finish reading all four book of this series ( Take My Hand, Hold On Tight, Lean On Me, and Never Let Go ). And I love every single one of them, since I fisnih all four books I decide to write a little about each book in my review.
I felt in love with this series from the first page of the first book, to the very last page of the last book, and I love every single minute of it, their si so much going on in this series that is not even funny, this series got me on a roller coaster, it got me mad, crying, and laughing, and I enjoy all of it I love the characters and love how the series turn out to be, even though I finish it I want more.
Book 1 Take My Hand
Emily is ninteen years old, and she left her family to move in with her best friend Rachel to London in order to attend university, but she has being sheltered and protected all her life by her family, she never had expirence the real world, now that she's in London she want to expirience it, she starts making friend and meeting new people, even thoug she is shy and never show interest in no body, but all that change the moment that she see Dexter, Dexter is an American in London his running from his past, from the things that he has done and the people that he has hurt, Dexter spend his day working and going to school, he dont let no one get closed to him, but all that change the moment that he meets Emily.
I love the way this two act with each other, and love it how they tried to fight the attraction that they have for each other, love it how they both started fall in love.
Book 2 Hold On Tight
This book picks right up where the first one is left of.
Dexter is feeling lost and is getting out of control, using drugs trying to numb his guilt and pain, on the other end Emily is trying to hold on to him, when she finally notice that Dexter has relapsed and she cant take it any more, she decide to go back home, when Dexter see that Emily has left he spiral even deeper into his own personal hell on earth, than we meet Jeff and let me just say I love Jeff, with the help of aunt Sarah, Jeff and Emily they help Dexter through rehab, after that they decide to go back to London.
Now the question is what surprised would they have when they get their.
Book 3 Lean On Me
This is Rachel and Jared story I love this two from the first two book, and I am so happy that we get to read about this two.
Rachel is in a wheelchair she is afraid to let anyone get closed to her, she is loud and outgoing, she dont want anyone help bacuse she think they will pity her, than we have Jared he will do everything that he could into Rachel gives up and caves in, Jared dont care what people think of him, and as their dealing with Rachel insecurities and needing to understanding the srong guy, at the other end Jared is also dealing with some health issue that he is scare to face it, will they make it and pass their issues and be happy.
I love the way that this two are with each other, love the way how Jared is with Rachel, love it how he show her how much he care and love her.
Book 4 Never Let Go
This is the final book of the series, this book picks right up where Hold On Tight is left off. This was the perfect ending to this sereis, we get to find out alot of the answers that where left on the last book, we get to find out about what was going on with Chris, we get to see how the girls made up and they all became friends again, we get to see each characters more clear and how their characters grow up, and the way they all became a family, and the love that they have for each other.
I really love and enjoy this sereis and I am ready to Re-Read it again, thats how much I love this series and I am not gone stop saying that, their is alot of angry moment, sad moment and crying moment, but I love them all, Author Nicola Haken THANK YOU for introducing me to this amzaing wonderful characters and this awesome great books love it.
July 26, 2016
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever picked up the last book in a series with trepidation because you just weren’t ready for it to end? That’s this book for me; it is a series I have come to love and I’m not ready to say goodbye.
Never Let Go picks up where both books two and three leave off (books two and three take place simultaneously, for the most part). Spoilers (If you have not read this series yet, STOP HERE! Immediately go and one-click book one, Take My Hand and catch up, trust me, it’s worth it!)
In this volume we really get back to what made the first book, Take My Hand, so good, the relationships. Emily and Dexter have managed to move on from the drama that had taken place in the States and their relationship is stronger than ever. Dexter has matured greatly, understanding that he will always be an addict, and is quickly able to recognize the triggers that made him use and work through them, rather than turning back to the drugs. Emily has matured greatly as well, especially when learning a huge family secret, which makes the relationship with her parents make a whole lot more sense.
We also watch Jared & Rachel’s relationship strengthen as they get closer and closer to becoming parents. They each have major physical obstacles to overcome, but they must learn to cope and conquer, knowing they will soon have two little lives depending on them. Even Aunt Sarah’s life is about to change in a major way, one which no one saw coming!
Never Let Go is a very proper send off for a group of individuals who ended up becoming more of a family than anyone could dream of. There were plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made Chris’s sendoff easier to digest, although you will still want to have the tissues handy. I have loved Ms. Haken’s use of humour throughout the series and there is no shortage of it in this book, despite the emotional heaviness of it. Snickers (Rachel) is back with a vengeance and her banter with just about everyone lightens the mood significantly, and the relationship that has developed between Chris and Dexter goes beyond friendship, right into brotherhood. This series has played upon nearly every emotion that we can experience and yet at the end we’re given such a sense of catharsis that these people, through all of the trials and tribulations over the last year of their lives, will finally get the HEA they so deserve.
While I’ll miss Emily, Dexter, Chris, Rachel, and Jared, I am thankful they were given the type of sendoff they deserve. The epilogue wraps up everything nicely and we’re given a sense that everyone is going to be just fine. Five shining stars to cap off an amazing series. Thank you Ms. Haken, I’m definitely looking forward to the next ride you take us on!
Have you ever picked up the last book in a series with trepidation because you just weren’t ready for it to end? That’s this book for me; it is a series I have come to love and I’m not ready to say goodbye.
Never Let Go picks up where both books two and three leave off (books two and three take place simultaneously, for the most part). Spoilers (If you have not read this series yet, STOP HERE! Immediately go and one-click book one, Take My Hand and catch up, trust me, it’s worth it!)
In this volume we really get back to what made the first book, Take My Hand, so good, the relationships. Emily and Dexter have managed to move on from the drama that had taken place in the States and their relationship is stronger than ever. Dexter has matured greatly, understanding that he will always be an addict, and is quickly able to recognize the triggers that made him use and work through them, rather than turning back to the drugs. Emily has matured greatly as well, especially when learning a huge family secret, which makes the relationship with her parents make a whole lot more sense.
We also watch Jared & Rachel’s relationship strengthen as they get closer and closer to becoming parents. They each have major physical obstacles to overcome, but they must learn to cope and conquer, knowing they will soon have two little lives depending on them. Even Aunt Sarah’s life is about to change in a major way, one which no one saw coming!
Never Let Go is a very proper send off for a group of individuals who ended up becoming more of a family than anyone could dream of. There were plot twists that I didn’t see coming that made Chris’s sendoff easier to digest, although you will still want to have the tissues handy. I have loved Ms. Haken’s use of humour throughout the series and there is no shortage of it in this book, despite the emotional heaviness of it. Snickers (Rachel) is back with a vengeance and her banter with just about everyone lightens the mood significantly, and the relationship that has developed between Chris and Dexter goes beyond friendship, right into brotherhood. This series has played upon nearly every emotion that we can experience and yet at the end we’re given such a sense of catharsis that these people, through all of the trials and tribulations over the last year of their lives, will finally get the HEA they so deserve.
While I’ll miss Emily, Dexter, Chris, Rachel, and Jared, I am thankful they were given the type of sendoff they deserve. The epilogue wraps up everything nicely and we’re given a sense that everyone is going to be just fine. Five shining stars to cap off an amazing series. Thank you Ms. Haken, I’m definitely looking forward to the next ride you take us on!
April 23, 2014
This is such a emotionally beautiful and sad story. I loved this whole series but this book especially. You will need kleenex for this amazingly beautiful sad heart wrenching emotionally magnificent book. The story is of acceptance and love. A love so beautiful and strong that it supports in times of need, grows in times of adversity and soothes in times of sadness. We find out that Chris, Emily’s brother, is dying and this book is about his coming to terms and helping Emily and Dex grow and become who they are meant to be. Chris is such a strong character. One that is beautiful, protective and kind. One you don’t want to see go. His strength and love for his sister is so beautiful it is sad to see him go. His and Dexter’s relationship grows as well into brotherhood. At the end when you see Dexter hold him and say goodbye you will not have a dry eye. It’s so ethereal in its beauty. the two come full circle and the mantle is passed on to Dexter as the one to love and protect Emily with a ferocity only a brother or soul mate can give and now Chris has passed this to Dexter. throughout the story you see the characters grow and become closer. Chris and Dexter to be brothers and accept each other and love one another. Emily and her family accept the past and forgive. Sarah and her kindness helps them all. Rachel and Jared give comic relief for those two are hysterical in their banter. I also love the end where one door is closed only to bring a miracle in and light at the same time. Apropos to celebrate the wonderful beautiful man Chris was. As they all cope with Chris’s illness the love and closeness is felt throughout. Dexter proves he is worthy of all love and becomes the man he is meant to be. Chris is accepting of his fate and is helping all cope and be who they should be. His life has meaning for everyone whether they realize or not he is their beacon and strength and it is this that is passed to Dexter. This is a emotionally charged and accurately beautiful book about love and acceptance, accepting fate and guiding others to accept it as well. To give peace to all around you as you show love and patience in your last moments. Chris is a perfect character of strength and weakness, love and protection. Dexter the character to grow and love more with each moment of support and kindness he shows. How he is with Chris is especially beautiful for he gives him the peace and strength Chris needs to be able to go on. He is chris’s confidante and protector. The one he leans on for strength, love and peace. He also does this for Emily. He holds on and never lets go of Chris and Emily. A book and series I can recommend enough for it is so beautiful in its portrayal of love and addiction, acceptance, friendship, survival and a story to test all your emotions. If you haven’t read this beautiful and amazing series please pick it up. You will not be disappointed just make sure to get kleenex to and take a day off for you will not want to put these books down once you begin.
April 4, 2014
Oh My Goodness.....where do I begin?
I started this series not knowing what to expect, but I ended up falling in love with Emily and Dexter. I struggled with them in the first book, I cried for Emily in the second book, then I learned to love Rachel and Jared in the third book. I have been counting the days til this last book was released because I was left hanging on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next. And as I have learned, Ms. Haken certainly did not disappoint. I catch myself wanting to be selfish and insist she write more installments because I am just not ready to let go of these characters!!
This book picks right up where the story left off with Dexter finding out about what was going on with Chris. I was terrified this would drive him off to mess up again, but I was hoping against hope that he would stay strong for both Emily and Chris. I was so glad that the girls made up and the fab foursome were reunited and became the fantastic five with Chris joining in the tight knit group of friends.
This book had my head reeling with the way things turned out. I was pretty sure how it was going to end so I was already upset over that, but then Ms. Haken used her amazing writing abilities to slap me upside the head for thinking I had it all figured out! There were two twists that absolutely left me with my jaw on the floor.
I have never shed so many tears over a book before in my life. Each time I read a book I think to myself that it's my favorite. This one hands down will be the one that always sticks with me with the way it dragged me into the story, not just with wanting to know how the story would go but completely emotionally invested in the characters.
It's hard to talk about what makes it such a great read without giving away details of how things unfold. So I will just simply say, read the series. You need to read the first three so you can fully comprehend the happenings in Never Let Go. The time you spend reading them all will definitely be worth your time.
I've heard people talk of book hangovers and I would say I was suffering from one of these so called hangovers....I was wrong. I finished this book three days ago and I have still been going over it in my mind to where I am just now able to think about what I might be interested in reading next.
Thank you for sharing Emily, Dexter, Rachel, Jared and Chris with us. I am sure glad you did!
I started this series not knowing what to expect, but I ended up falling in love with Emily and Dexter. I struggled with them in the first book, I cried for Emily in the second book, then I learned to love Rachel and Jared in the third book. I have been counting the days til this last book was released because I was left hanging on the edge of my seat to find out what happened next. And as I have learned, Ms. Haken certainly did not disappoint. I catch myself wanting to be selfish and insist she write more installments because I am just not ready to let go of these characters!!
This book picks right up where the story left off with Dexter finding out about what was going on with Chris. I was terrified this would drive him off to mess up again, but I was hoping against hope that he would stay strong for both Emily and Chris. I was so glad that the girls made up and the fab foursome were reunited and became the fantastic five with Chris joining in the tight knit group of friends.
This book had my head reeling with the way things turned out. I was pretty sure how it was going to end so I was already upset over that, but then Ms. Haken used her amazing writing abilities to slap me upside the head for thinking I had it all figured out! There were two twists that absolutely left me with my jaw on the floor.
I have never shed so many tears over a book before in my life. Each time I read a book I think to myself that it's my favorite. This one hands down will be the one that always sticks with me with the way it dragged me into the story, not just with wanting to know how the story would go but completely emotionally invested in the characters.
It's hard to talk about what makes it such a great read without giving away details of how things unfold. So I will just simply say, read the series. You need to read the first three so you can fully comprehend the happenings in Never Let Go. The time you spend reading them all will definitely be worth your time.
I've heard people talk of book hangovers and I would say I was suffering from one of these so called hangovers....I was wrong. I finished this book three days ago and I have still been going over it in my mind to where I am just now able to think about what I might be interested in reading next.
Thank you for sharing Emily, Dexter, Rachel, Jared and Chris with us. I am sure glad you did!
April 23, 2014
Review of Never Let Go by Nicola Haken
WARNING shares in Kleenex needed. And I’ve devoured at least two tubs of Ben and Jerrys whilst reading this amazing finale to the Take My Hand series.
What a climax it has been and the perfect ending to a series I have been divested in for a few good long months. Nicola has pulled it out of the bag in Never Let Go and all loose ends are tidied, put away and filed neatly leaving you with an full heart and empty eyes!
The romance between Emily and Dex has blossomed and is finally on the right track only to be blown apart by Chris’s announcement. Dex finally grows and develops into the man we all knew he could be and steps in to be the pillar that Emily needs. Life isn’t easy and although their story finally heads in the right direction you still feel every battle Dex has to stay clean and be the man Emily needs. It’s real and heart wrenching but it really endears him to me more for showing his vulnerabilities.
Rachel and Jared find their way in life and bring to the story the humour we have grown to love from the pair. Impending parenthood for the couple brings with it a whole bunch of Jared-isms that at times had me in utter stitches! I love Jared and Rachel!
This brings us to Chris, Emily’s brother and only close family member. Tragically he is ill and it is inevitable from the outset he won’t make it. This adds a huge dimension to the final installment of this series and brings with it some pretty huge secrets and revelations. You will have to read it to find out what Nicola throws at you but be aware there are a few twists to come!
And finally let’s not forget Aunt Sarah, bless her, Dex’s rock and the apple of his eye. She finally gets to see him grow up and also finds happiness herself. She has been such an important rock for him it really warmed me to think she was well looked after by Nicola too!
This was truly a great ending to a great series and even though Chris was never destined to make it, even his end was truly dignified. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried and I’ve finished feeling totally satisfied too! I miss these guys….
Well done Nicola and a massive 5 out of 5 AWESOME stars!
WARNING shares in Kleenex needed. And I’ve devoured at least two tubs of Ben and Jerrys whilst reading this amazing finale to the Take My Hand series.
What a climax it has been and the perfect ending to a series I have been divested in for a few good long months. Nicola has pulled it out of the bag in Never Let Go and all loose ends are tidied, put away and filed neatly leaving you with an full heart and empty eyes!
The romance between Emily and Dex has blossomed and is finally on the right track only to be blown apart by Chris’s announcement. Dex finally grows and develops into the man we all knew he could be and steps in to be the pillar that Emily needs. Life isn’t easy and although their story finally heads in the right direction you still feel every battle Dex has to stay clean and be the man Emily needs. It’s real and heart wrenching but it really endears him to me more for showing his vulnerabilities.
Rachel and Jared find their way in life and bring to the story the humour we have grown to love from the pair. Impending parenthood for the couple brings with it a whole bunch of Jared-isms that at times had me in utter stitches! I love Jared and Rachel!
This brings us to Chris, Emily’s brother and only close family member. Tragically he is ill and it is inevitable from the outset he won’t make it. This adds a huge dimension to the final installment of this series and brings with it some pretty huge secrets and revelations. You will have to read it to find out what Nicola throws at you but be aware there are a few twists to come!
And finally let’s not forget Aunt Sarah, bless her, Dex’s rock and the apple of his eye. She finally gets to see him grow up and also finds happiness herself. She has been such an important rock for him it really warmed me to think she was well looked after by Nicola too!
This was truly a great ending to a great series and even though Chris was never destined to make it, even his end was truly dignified. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried and I’ve finished feeling totally satisfied too! I miss these guys….
Well done Nicola and a massive 5 out of 5 AWESOME stars!
May 15, 2014
This is my 5 star review for Never Let Go by Nicola Haken for Eskimo Princess Book Reviews.
Never Let Go is the fourth book in the Take My Hand Series. Dexter and Emily are starting their new life together in the UK. Dex is doing so well, he has a fresh start and he isn’t going to let his past mistakes get him down. He is strong and determined to be there for Emily no matter what. Will he be able to keep it together when the unthinkable happens? Will stress and heartache lead him down a dark path again?
Emily is hopeful. She is trying her best to do everything she can to make sure her life with Dex is as stress free as possible. When she gets unsettling news she can’t help but wonder what it will mean for her future. Will her world come crashing down? Will she be able to handle losing someone she loves so much?
Never Let Go picks up where Hold on Tight leaves us wanting more. I don’t like to give anything away but I will say that it starts off with a bang. I can only remember a handful of books that have left me feeling like Never Let Go did. There were points in this book that I laughed until I couldn’t see straight but then there were times where I couldn’t read through my tears. Talking about an ugly cry, well this book sure did make me have a BIG ugly cry. Nicola does such a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and making you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. I read page after page late into the night because I didn’t want to put it down. Then my heart hurt to see the words, The End, written across the screen.
I must say that the Take My Hand series only got better and better with each book. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good romance that isn’t all butterflies and roses. This author tackles so many series issues in this series and to me she nailed them all. I have been come a true Nicola Haken Fan!
Never Let Go is the fourth book in the Take My Hand Series. Dexter and Emily are starting their new life together in the UK. Dex is doing so well, he has a fresh start and he isn’t going to let his past mistakes get him down. He is strong and determined to be there for Emily no matter what. Will he be able to keep it together when the unthinkable happens? Will stress and heartache lead him down a dark path again?
Emily is hopeful. She is trying her best to do everything she can to make sure her life with Dex is as stress free as possible. When she gets unsettling news she can’t help but wonder what it will mean for her future. Will her world come crashing down? Will she be able to handle losing someone she loves so much?
Never Let Go picks up where Hold on Tight leaves us wanting more. I don’t like to give anything away but I will say that it starts off with a bang. I can only remember a handful of books that have left me feeling like Never Let Go did. There were points in this book that I laughed until I couldn’t see straight but then there were times where I couldn’t read through my tears. Talking about an ugly cry, well this book sure did make me have a BIG ugly cry. Nicola does such a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and making you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. I read page after page late into the night because I didn’t want to put it down. Then my heart hurt to see the words, The End, written across the screen.
I must say that the Take My Hand series only got better and better with each book. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good romance that isn’t all butterflies and roses. This author tackles so many series issues in this series and to me she nailed them all. I have been come a true Nicola Haken Fan!
September 9, 2014
This is the final instalment of the Take My Hand series and what an ending. When I started the series if I had known what this final part of the story was about, I probably wouldn't have started it. This is not because I hated it or because it was badly written; I loved it and it is so beautifully written. It is because the subject is a little close to home and I wondered if I would be able to deal. I'm so glad I did. Even though I spent the entire book in tears and it brought back many memories, it reminded me of the strength, courage and dignity of my own mum in finding out that not only did she have cancer but that she didn't have long left with us. It was definitely a raw and emotive read for me but comforting at the same time.
Emily's strength of character that comes out so strongly in helping and supporting Dexter with his issues, with a huge amount of compassion and love, are severely put to the test when she discovers that her brother has terminal cancer. It is Emily's turn to confront her demons and Dexter to be her rock and, man oh man, he does step to the plate. This is Dexter as the man Emily always knew he could be. The raft of emotions that Emily goes through is something I can empathise with.
Chris showed an enormous amount of strength, courage and dignity in finding out that not only does he have cancer but that it is terminal. The emotional rollercoaster that he and Emily are on is a powerful one, with every emotion stripped bare and experienced by the reader. The inner strength he finds to make sure that those around him will be secure when he can't is immense.
Make sure you stock up with tissues before you start this one and while you will run the emotional gauntlet it is a must read. .
Emily's strength of character that comes out so strongly in helping and supporting Dexter with his issues, with a huge amount of compassion and love, are severely put to the test when she discovers that her brother has terminal cancer. It is Emily's turn to confront her demons and Dexter to be her rock and, man oh man, he does step to the plate. This is Dexter as the man Emily always knew he could be. The raft of emotions that Emily goes through is something I can empathise with.
Chris showed an enormous amount of strength, courage and dignity in finding out that not only does he have cancer but that it is terminal. The emotional rollercoaster that he and Emily are on is a powerful one, with every emotion stripped bare and experienced by the reader. The inner strength he finds to make sure that those around him will be secure when he can't is immense.
Make sure you stock up with tissues before you start this one and while you will run the emotional gauntlet it is a must read. .
July 5, 2015
What a fabulous end to this series!! Review to come with my tour date on 4/23.
**FULL REVIEW**
“I’m dying, Dexter…”
Seriously, I have been on this ride from the very beginning with Emily, Dexter, Rachel, Jared, & Chris. This book was by far the most gut-wrenching to read. I loved it. All of the unanswered questions I had leading up to this point have been answered, there have been quite a few twists I never would have expected…and yet, it was perfect.
“You look so normal. It’s hard to believe there’s something in there that’s going to steal you away from me.”
See, perfect. Perfectly heartbreaking. Perfectly soul-soothing. Just perfect. It hit every emotional cord within me as I read and I found that no matter how much I had to get “done” around the house…my mind, my heart never left this book. To me, that speaks volumes.
“I will never get tired of loving this girl. She is the reason I’m still breathing – still fighting. She taught me how to love, how to allow myself to be loved…she taught me how to feel. I owe my whole life to this beautiful woman and yet I would give it up in a heartbeat to save her.”
Nicola, I don’t care how “boring” your life is in reality…this story was amazing. Thank you for sharing a world of addiction, love, loss, forgiveness, triumphs, trials, laughter, friendship, family, second chances, heartbreak, healing, hope, life, and death. I will remember this series forever…it’s forever imprinted in my mind and my heart & I never plan on letting that go. Bravo.
**5 Meant to Be Held Forever Stars**
**FULL REVIEW**
“I’m dying, Dexter…”
Seriously, I have been on this ride from the very beginning with Emily, Dexter, Rachel, Jared, & Chris. This book was by far the most gut-wrenching to read. I loved it. All of the unanswered questions I had leading up to this point have been answered, there have been quite a few twists I never would have expected…and yet, it was perfect.
“You look so normal. It’s hard to believe there’s something in there that’s going to steal you away from me.”
See, perfect. Perfectly heartbreaking. Perfectly soul-soothing. Just perfect. It hit every emotional cord within me as I read and I found that no matter how much I had to get “done” around the house…my mind, my heart never left this book. To me, that speaks volumes.
“I will never get tired of loving this girl. She is the reason I’m still breathing – still fighting. She taught me how to love, how to allow myself to be loved…she taught me how to feel. I owe my whole life to this beautiful woman and yet I would give it up in a heartbeat to save her.”
Nicola, I don’t care how “boring” your life is in reality…this story was amazing. Thank you for sharing a world of addiction, love, loss, forgiveness, triumphs, trials, laughter, friendship, family, second chances, heartbreak, healing, hope, life, and death. I will remember this series forever…it’s forever imprinted in my mind and my heart & I never plan on letting that go. Bravo.
**5 Meant to Be Held Forever Stars**
May 5, 2014
Never Let Go
5 stars
This is such a heart wrenching beautiful written story. Book three to this series I thought was my favorite. Boy was I wrong!! Amazing ending to such fabulous series.
Arriving back in the UK with Aunt Sarah in tow, things really seem to be calming down for Dexter and Emily. For the first time In his life, Dexter has found his purpose. When tragic revelation threatens to destroy Emily's world, it sends her down a path leading to more secrets, lies and heartache. She almost lost one of the most important men in let life once before, is it about to happen again?
This book really grabs you and you forget you're reading a books because you become a character following along to such a beautiful story.
This book is so well written but throughout each and every book she brought something fresh and new. The way this book ended was series lay beautiful and made me ball my eyes out. That's not an easy task if you knew me. With each book these characters grew and always went on a new adventure. I'm so sad this is the end to this fabulous series. What an amazing ride Nicola. You are truly an amazing writer. I highly recommend these books to anyone who likes a great romance adventure with seriously amazing characters. Thank you for allowing me to beta read this amazing book Nicola. It was such an honor.
www.Bookwormbetties.com www.facebook.com/bookwormbetties
5 stars
This is such a heart wrenching beautiful written story. Book three to this series I thought was my favorite. Boy was I wrong!! Amazing ending to such fabulous series.
Arriving back in the UK with Aunt Sarah in tow, things really seem to be calming down for Dexter and Emily. For the first time In his life, Dexter has found his purpose. When tragic revelation threatens to destroy Emily's world, it sends her down a path leading to more secrets, lies and heartache. She almost lost one of the most important men in let life once before, is it about to happen again?
This book really grabs you and you forget you're reading a books because you become a character following along to such a beautiful story.
This book is so well written but throughout each and every book she brought something fresh and new. The way this book ended was series lay beautiful and made me ball my eyes out. That's not an easy task if you knew me. With each book these characters grew and always went on a new adventure. I'm so sad this is the end to this fabulous series. What an amazing ride Nicola. You are truly an amazing writer. I highly recommend these books to anyone who likes a great romance adventure with seriously amazing characters. Thank you for allowing me to beta read this amazing book Nicola. It was such an honor.
www.Bookwormbetties.com www.facebook.com/bookwormbetties
April 12, 2014
Wow what an end to a beautifully written series.
I am so glad i waited till all 4 books were out before i started to read them..
BUT PLEASE NICOLA ...PLEASE CAN WE HAVE MORE?? a few novella's along the way?
From the very 1st page of book 4 i knew i was going to put pulled so deep in that nothing was going to happen around the house till i saw the words THE END.. and how right i was!
out of all 4 books this is well just WOW.. you really will cry some ugly tears even more so when you fully understand what Emmie and her Brother Chris are going though reading it was like living in my own world, yes I've been there where Emmie is and omg Nicola's words were powerful but so beautifully written. If i knew how many tissues i'd be going though with book 4 i would of stocked up, instead of popping to the corner shop with red puffy eyes.
Nicola unless you have experienced this in your life trust me YOU couldn't of written any better, totally blow my mind but also helped me..yes i know it's only a book, but the wording is so correct at what you feel. Fantastically written with such a understanding on a subject that is close to many peoples hearts...WOW just pure WOW
FRIENDSHIP CAN GET THOUGH ANYTHING NO MATTER WHAT..
To me 5* for each of the books in the series is not enough i wish i could add more..
I am so glad i waited till all 4 books were out before i started to read them..
BUT PLEASE NICOLA ...PLEASE CAN WE HAVE MORE?? a few novella's along the way?
From the very 1st page of book 4 i knew i was going to put pulled so deep in that nothing was going to happen around the house till i saw the words THE END.. and how right i was!
out of all 4 books this is well just WOW.. you really will cry some ugly tears even more so when you fully understand what Emmie and her Brother Chris are going though reading it was like living in my own world, yes I've been there where Emmie is and omg Nicola's words were powerful but so beautifully written. If i knew how many tissues i'd be going though with book 4 i would of stocked up, instead of popping to the corner shop with red puffy eyes.
Nicola unless you have experienced this in your life trust me YOU couldn't of written any better, totally blow my mind but also helped me..yes i know it's only a book, but the wording is so correct at what you feel. Fantastically written with such a understanding on a subject that is close to many peoples hearts...WOW just pure WOW
FRIENDSHIP CAN GET THOUGH ANYTHING NO MATTER WHAT..
To me 5* for each of the books in the series is not enough i wish i could add more..
August 10, 2016
This was a bittersweet way to end the series. I really enjoyed these characters and did shed a tear once or twice. I can say that I was a little shocked with this one because a lot of things happened that I did not expect at all. Never Let Go continues on right after the third one left off. Emily and Rachel are finally going to see each other and talk which she will need because it will take the help of their new family and friends to pick up the pieces. Dexter is so close to his dream he can take it but the secret that will affect Emily will affect him just as much and test his new found sobriety. Rachel and Jared are finally realizing that soon they will be parents of their own babies and with the hope that Emily will be back in her life, she can finally feel complete. I can’t write too much about this book because so much happens that any little thing will ruin it so I will say just pack some tissue ; everyone finally does get their happily ever after’s though it is bittersweet. I really enjoyed this series and was happy that I had the chance read. Although the first book wasn’t my favorite, the rest of the books in the series made up for it and I do recommend it.
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Vanessa.
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Vanessa.
July 22, 2016
A huge homecoming! That's what this book felt like, and it was refreshing! All the characters were involved and we got snippets of each of their lives. And a book with "Snickers" is worth it! God I love that girl! She may have a handicap, but dang can she pack a punch!
Never Let Go sure does bring on the waterworks though. Emily is confronted with a major revelation that causes both heartache and peace. Even in sad times, Nicola does an awesome job of finding the humor in the bad!! Dexter sure does step up to being the better man in this book, still struggling with his past he manages to be the person everyone knew he could be. This book does a great job wrapping up the story and not leaving anything hanging. I have to admit I will miss this little gang, but I am glad everyone got their happy ending in some way, shape, or form.
Never Let Go sure does bring on the waterworks though. Emily is confronted with a major revelation that causes both heartache and peace. Even in sad times, Nicola does an awesome job of finding the humor in the bad!! Dexter sure does step up to being the better man in this book, still struggling with his past he manages to be the person everyone knew he could be. This book does a great job wrapping up the story and not leaving anything hanging. I have to admit I will miss this little gang, but I am glad everyone got their happy ending in some way, shape, or form.
December 1, 2014
How much can one person be put through and still be sane? Emily must be the strongest person on earth. After dealing with her being sent to live with Rachel to go to school which she really didn't want to do. She then falls madly in love with someone who tries to keep pushing her away. When he needs to go to America, she goes without any explanation only to learn she was lied to in more than one way. Then her boyfriend goes through rehab and shuts her out. After months of being miserable and alone she goes back to him and helps him when he needs her. Only to come home and finding her life is about to fall down her around her.
All I can say is that with this series, I have shed so many tears that I can tell you, you need to have tissues nearby and have nothing to do in the house. I was sad to see the end. But the HEA is worth it.
All I can say is that with this series, I have shed so many tears that I can tell you, you need to have tissues nearby and have nothing to do in the house. I was sad to see the end. But the HEA is worth it.
March 12, 2014
Great ending to a beautiful series! I fell in love with all of the characters in this series. From Rachel's witty mouth to Dexter's hardship with addiction. Nicola does an excellent job wrapping up this entire series that leaves you feeling like the characters are your best friends and they are all on their way to great things in life. Even though there are definitely hard points in this book dealing with Emily's brother Chris and her past with her parents, love prevails over all in the end! Humor infused and crushing emotional moments in classic Nicola fashion, keep you glued to the book until the very end.
I will definitely be adding all the paperbacks of this series to my collection and I am so excited to see what Nicola has in store for us in the future.
I will definitely be adding all the paperbacks of this series to my collection and I am so excited to see what Nicola has in store for us in the future.
April 27, 2014
Never Let Go had me from the beginning. It concluded Emily and Dexter´s journey so perfectly.
I could not imagine a better ending to their journey then this one. It was enthralling. This book also brings so many different emotions. Some of them tugged on my heart strings and that just made my pull to the story stronger. I felt like I was right there in the story watching everything unfold in front of my eyes.
Their journey had me crying, laughing, smiling. All the twists, turns and secrets kept me gripped and addicted. I didn’t want it to end!
Take My Hand series is such a lovely piece of work.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<
I could not imagine a better ending to their journey then this one. It was enthralling. This book also brings so many different emotions. Some of them tugged on my heart strings and that just made my pull to the story stronger. I felt like I was right there in the story watching everything unfold in front of my eyes.
Their journey had me crying, laughing, smiling. All the twists, turns and secrets kept me gripped and addicted. I didn’t want it to end!
Take My Hand series is such a lovely piece of work.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review<<<
April 6, 2014
Where do I even begin. Never Let Go is the best book in this series. It is by far one of my favorite books of 2014. I had to keep a box of Kleenex beside me to get through it.
This whole series has pulled at my heart strings but this installment just brought it home. Chris is the perfect brother and friend. You feel his pain through everything he goes through. Your heart breaks for Emily and Dexter as they go on this journey with Chris. The message of love i always present in this book whether it is family love, bromance, or just the love for ones self. As chris puts his past at rest while also establishing a future for Emily and Dexter their father shows up and makes them both look at life differently. I hope you really enjoy this book because I did. I highly recommend it to everyone.
This whole series has pulled at my heart strings but this installment just brought it home. Chris is the perfect brother and friend. You feel his pain through everything he goes through. Your heart breaks for Emily and Dexter as they go on this journey with Chris. The message of love i always present in this book whether it is family love, bromance, or just the love for ones self. As chris puts his past at rest while also establishing a future for Emily and Dexter their father shows up and makes them both look at life differently. I hope you really enjoy this book because I did. I highly recommend it to everyone.
April 27, 2014
I seriously loved this series! All books were so good! This book was the perfect book to end the series!
It had everything. I balled and I laughed so hard! It seriously was heart warming. So many parts just gutted my heart. I just can imagine the feelings that Emily went through watching her brother. I loved the relationship with the main characters!
Definitely a much read!
It had everything. I balled and I laughed so hard! It seriously was heart warming. So many parts just gutted my heart. I just can imagine the feelings that Emily went through watching her brother. I loved the relationship with the main characters!
Definitely a much read!
Read
March 5, 2014I beta read this and it was the perfect ending to such amazing characters!! If you loved the other books in this series, you will LOVE this one as well!! So honore Nicola allowed me to beta for her, she's the best!!
March 23, 2014
This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming in one. I couldn't put it down, it finished off the series brilliantly. It's going to take me a while to get over this, I'm off for a stiff drink!
April 3, 2018
I was saving my review for the end of the series. I’ve liked the whole thing and how she didn’t shy away from the ugliness of some of the things in their lives. And the way she handled Chris makes me believe that she had lived through that situation because it was almost exactly how things went with my mom, she just had more time. And t wasn’t the same day as the funeral, but my best friend had her first child on the first anniversary of my mom’s death. Needless to say the end of the book had me crying or on the verge of tears just because of the parallels for me. Very well done.
Oh and Jocelyn is a bitch. Lol
Oh and Jocelyn is a bitch. Lol
December 10, 2014
MY REVIEW
My god what an ending to a fantastic series! Never Let Go is perfect!
Emily and Dexter's story has been so beautiful to follow, there has been smiles, laughs, heart breaking hurt, pain, sorrow and joy. But the ride has been so very worth it, to have been on this journey with some amazing characters.
This story will give you all the emotions you would want from a book, from 50% on wards i was a blubbering mess, i couldnt read for the amount of tears (you will be needing copious amounts of tissues). This is such a emotionally beautiful and sad story, but then you move onto what can only be described as the best birthing scene in a book the tears are still flowing but your laughing too. Then your smacked with a awesome epilogue.
In the end the only thing that this book will leave you with is pure happiness.
Nicola Haken is a wonderful author she captivates you with every word,her words were powerful and so beautifully written, geez i would read her damn shopping list if she wrote it!
Another wonderful 5* read.
My god what an ending to a fantastic series! Never Let Go is perfect!
Emily and Dexter's story has been so beautiful to follow, there has been smiles, laughs, heart breaking hurt, pain, sorrow and joy. But the ride has been so very worth it, to have been on this journey with some amazing characters.
This story will give you all the emotions you would want from a book, from 50% on wards i was a blubbering mess, i couldnt read for the amount of tears (you will be needing copious amounts of tissues). This is such a emotionally beautiful and sad story, but then you move onto what can only be described as the best birthing scene in a book the tears are still flowing but your laughing too. Then your smacked with a awesome epilogue.
In the end the only thing that this book will leave you with is pure happiness.
Nicola Haken is a wonderful author she captivates you with every word,her words were powerful and so beautifully written, geez i would read her damn shopping list if she wrote it!
Another wonderful 5* read.
December 10, 2014
This was the last book in the Take My Hand series and it was amazing!! All four books were so well written with strong characters and a very good storyline. There was plenty of humour and laughter from Rachel and Jared along with plenty of emotion, particularly from Dex and Emily. This last book was a complete sob fest, I cried buckets to the extent I had to stop reading briefly as I couldn't breathe or see properly and needed to blow my nose and wipe my eyes on several occasions. The story just pulled me in from the start and I felt like I was living all the drama and emotions along with them. I can't believe that I had not already found this author but I'm really glad I did and I would highly recommend her work. I shall be trying another one of her books very soon.
December 9, 2014
This is the conclusion to Emily and Dexter's story and I loved it.
They are both now back in the UK and hopefully on the road to a long and happy life together. But things are never that easy and when a tragic revelation threatens Emily's world with secrets and lies it leaves her questioning everything she thought was real in her life will they both come through for each other and stay together. This is a fabulous series and would recommend it to everyone I did shed a few tears at times but it also made me smile and its beautifully written.
They are both now back in the UK and hopefully on the road to a long and happy life together. But things are never that easy and when a tragic revelation threatens Emily's world with secrets and lies it leaves her questioning everything she thought was real in her life will they both come through for each other and stay together. This is a fabulous series and would recommend it to everyone I did shed a few tears at times but it also made me smile and its beautifully written.
August 29, 2015
Well, this book was the best of the three. It was so tough watching Chris, and I actually felt worse for Dex than did for Emily. I did like Emily more in this story than in book two. Some of it was still annoying- like telling me how long it took for the cab to arrive... Overall, this was a good series, and if I had unlimited time, I probably would have enjoyed it more.
April 7, 2014
Fan-flippin-tastic!!!! Loved every second of this book!!! Review to come with blog tour :)
June 22, 2014
Wow....I cried like a baby nearly the whole way through this book! I haven't read a book that goes into detail about an illness before and this was so emotional.
Fab read....well done Nicola!
Fab read....well done Nicola!
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