Review: On Dublin Street

Title: On Dublin Street
Author: Samantha Young
Published: October 12th 2012 by Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Contemporary Romance with a whole lot of sexy! Definitely not for you younger folks.
Source: Bought

"All she wants is the present. But tomorrow is waiting…

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he's determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won't be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul."

First line: "I was bored."

Thoughts: Prior to reading ON DUBLIN STREET, I had yet to read anything by Samantha Young. After reading ON DUBLIN STREET, however, I'm pretty sure I'm going to read anything and everything by this extraordinary author. To simply put it, I could not stop reading this book. For days, I was obsessed with anything Scottish or Bradenish. I probably finished the book in a day but spent the next week rereading my favorite scenes and secretly planning a trip to Scotland. Being poor, ON DUBLIN STREET is probably the closest I'll ever get to Scotland, and I'm okay with that. Experiencing this journey through Jocelyn's eyes was just as vivid as the real thing.

First off, even though the cover suggests loads of sexy times (and yes, they're definitely in there), there's also this tragic yet beautiful depth to this novel. So many emotions, so little time. It's like the author constantly wanted to make me squeal with joy, switch it off, and then turn on the heartache. My heart constantly reached out for not only Jocelyn but also Braden and Ellie. At times, I couldn't help but think "Can't these people catch a break?". I love that this novel isn't just a basic romance with some romping around in the bed sheets. It's so much more than that. It's about friendship, creating lasting relationships, opening up to those you least expect, and redemption. See what I mean by so many emotions, so little time?

The only thing that somewhat bothered me in this book was Braden's controlling nature. He came from a good place, I'll give him that, but sometimes it was just too much. Luckily, Jocelyn isn't someone who likes being told what to do. Her rebellious nature worked well with Braden's authoritativeness. All in all, I liked them both together and enjoyed their interactions. Jocelyn's quips constantly kept me giggling as did Braden's reactions to them.

My favorite character in this book, though, has to be Ellie. I love her sweet nature and the fact that she's smarter than she appears. She's a hardworking girl with a lot of heart and constantly looked out for others before herself. Everyone should have a sister or friend like Ellie.

Overall, I recommend ON DUBLIN STREET for adult fans of contemporary novels. If you're the type of person that cringes when it comes to sex scenes, this probably isn't the book for you. It's not kinky or anything, but it is really, really steamy...The kind of steamy that will make you blush if you're caught reading it. Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to DOWN LONDON ROAD and hope I'll get to catch up with some of my favorite characters from this book.


Rating:


Favorite Quotes:

“Sometimes the clouds weren't weightless. Sometimes their bellies got dark and full. It was life. It happened. It didn't mean it wasn't scary, or that I wasn't still afraid, but now I knew that as long as I was standing under it with Braden beside me when those clouds broke, I'd be alright. We'd get rained on together. Knowing Braden he'd have a big ass umbrela to shelter us from the worst of it. That there was an uncertain future I could handle.”

“Sometimes words aren’t needed for you to know a change has come upon you.”

“'I was washing the dishes and the sneaky bastard crept up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. And kissed me. Right here.' I pointed angrily to my neck. 'Can I not have him committed or something?'

Dr. Pritchard snorted. 'For loving you?'

I drew back, shaking my head in disgust. 'Dr. Pritchard,' I admonished softly. 'Whose side are you on?'

'Braden’s.'”