Publication Date: January 7th 2014 by NAL
About the book:
One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…
Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure
around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach
guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new
start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides
it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.
Nate
Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close
friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with
her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting
and to help her become more sexually confident.
The friendly
education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But
then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia
is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest
mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before
to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may
lose her forever…
My Thoughts:
Before Jamaica Lane
is a best-friends-that-turn-into-something more type of romance, albeit, VERY
reluctantly and with some heartache along the way. This was such an addictive read I read it in
one day, but I can’t say I’m surprised with this story coming from one of my favorite
romance authors: Samantha Young.
Olivia has moved to Scotland with her father for a fresh
start and to be closer to her father’s sort of adopted daughter, Jo. Olivia is ready for the move after caring for
her mother through a bout with cancer and then ultimately losing her in the
battle. Because of putting her mother
first, Olivia basically skipped over those years fumbling through romances, so
even though she’s in her mid 20s, she has next to no experience with the opposite sex, and is extremely shy. Therefore, when
anyone seems to be interested, Olivia invariably mucks up her chances. This is
with the exception of Nate. He’s gorgeous,
and pretty much a man-whore, but for some reason she immediately clicked with
him upon arriving in Scotland, bonding over all things geek. That doesn’t mean she’s immune to Nate’s
charm and charisma. Olivia's pretty much a goner and harbors the crush of all
crushes for him, but because romance doesn’t seem possible, she’s comfortable with him
and they become best friends. She tries
to turn off the hurt and jealousy that comes whenever he snags a girl to take
home, which is OFTEN!
Nate has no problem with the opposite sex. He’s the king of
the one-night stand after having a very painful experience in love very early
on. When Olivia asks Nate to help her overcome her crippling shyness with men,
he agrees, but makes it clear he doesn’t want any confusion on his position:
“You trust me to do
this with you, but I’ve got to trust that you won’t try to make this into
anything more than a friend helping out another friend.”
And I want to smack Nate again after reading that quote!
Soon their “lessons” turn into so much more (big surprise)
and before they know it Olivia and Nate are in over their heads. Olivia figures
this out pretty early on, but can’t stop because her heart is too far
gone. Oh, Olivia! Nate on the other hand
is very stubborn and I wanted to slap him upside the head more than a few
times! And this is where the angst comes
in. Samantha Young has a talent for incorporating just enough drama and angst
to puncture your heart, and keep you hooked without drawing it out to the point
of frustrating you and turning you off the story. Don’t let me turn you off of Nate, though, he
had good reasons and he was a sweetheart helping Olivia see her value and
desirability:
Nate said quietly, “Liv’s
perfect. She deserves perfect. She won’t be settling for anything less.”
See, sweatheart.
Nate and Olivia were so very hot together! Ms. Young writes
some of the hottest scenes and this story is no exception. She builds things up, and up, and up, until the
sexual tension makes you ready to combust!
As if this lovely romance wasn’t enough, we get updates on
our favorite past couples: Joss and Braden, Jo and Camden, and Ellie and
Adam. Fans will recognize the events of
this story overlap with the events in
Castle
Hill, the Joss and Braden novella, and we get a little of what happened
through Olivia’s perspective. I must
mention that I love the whole “family” feeling you get with all the
characters. Olivia was accepted into
this big group almost like a surrogate sister. All the girls were in her corner
when she needed them the most. I adored
Olivia’s father Mick, as well. Every
girl needs a father like him.
Another bonus to this story is the inclusion of Ellie and
Adam’s novella
Until
Fountain Bridge. I LOVED their
story. So much packed into 111 pages!
Favorite Quote: (Spoilery so you need to highlight to see
the text.)
“I never meant to
fall in love with you. But I did. I felt it the first night I made love to you.
I tried to walk away then because I’ve never felt so lost and yet so fucking
found as I felt that night looking into your eyes as I moved inside you. I
thought I should walk away…but I couldn’t stay away from you.”
4.5 Suns
On Dublin Street Series:
(click on cover for Goodreads link)
About the Author: Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and
Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland.
She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and
Best Romance for her international bestselling novel ON DUBLIN STREET.
ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has
been sold in twenty five countries. For more info on Samantha's adult
fiction visit http://www.ondublinstreet.com
Connect with Samantha Young:
The publisher generously provided a print copy of
Before Jamaica Lane, which includes the novella Until Fountain Bridge for a
giveaway to one lucky Waves of Fiction reader! Awesome, right?! The giveaway is
open to US Residents only. Simply fill
out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.
