Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Review: Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young


Publication Date: October 7th 2014 by NAL
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street comes a seductive story of forgiving the past and making up for lost time.…

Shannon MacLeod has always gone for the wrong type of man. After she drifted from one toxic relationship to the next, her last boyfriend gave her a wake-up call in the worst possible way. With her world shattered, she’s sworn off men—especially those of the bad-boy variety.

Cole Walker is exactly the sort that Shannon wants to avoid—gorgeous, tattooed, charming, and cocky. But his rough exterior hides a good man who’s ready to find “the one.” He’s determined to pull Shannon from her self-imposed solitude to win her heart.

As Shannon opens up in the face of Cole’s steady devotion, the passion between them ignites to blazing levels. But when Shannon’s past comes back to haunt her, her fears may destroy the trust Cole has built between them—and tear them apart for good.…

My Thoughts:
I’ve been a huge fan of Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street series and once again she amazes me with Echoes of Scotland Street, the fifth installment in this series. She captivates with multi-layered characters, sexual tension galore, and a satisfaction guaranteed romance!

Shannon has moved to Edinburgh to get away from a very bad breakup. One of a long list of shady boyfriends, but this last one takes the cake, abusive and then some! This boyfriend not only shatters her self-confidence, but he made Shannon question her judgment, because every man she’s picked has disappointed her or worse.  She doesn’t trust herself to pick a good one anymore, and Shannon now shuns anyone who even looks like a bad boy. She does not want to repeat her past mistakes.  Unfortunately, Cole Walker, her new boss, seems to fit that description to a tee.

If you’re familiar with the On Dublin Street series, you’ll remember Cole to be the young teenage brother of Jo, the one who suffered abuse by his own mother.  Well, this is nine years into future and with the help of Jo, her husband Cam, and the tribe of friends they have, he’s grown into a confident, smoking HOT man.  He may look like a bad boy, complete with tattoos, oodles of confidence and that sexy enough to capture a nun’s attention, but he’s a complete good guy underneath that, through and through.  Cole doesn’t do casual, he’s only into long term with the hopes of attaining what his sister and friends have: true love with respect and support.  He thinks Shannon is the girl for him.

Both Shannon and Cole have issues to work through but their chemistry and past make it so you hope they’ll find happiness together. They get off to a really bad start when Shannon is judgmental and completely cruel with her words.  I was at my limit of patience with her, but thankfully she wakes up and realizes Cole didn’t deserve her severe words.  There after their relationship took off.  Cole was just super sweet and patient, because he completely understands Shannon’s insecurities.  He knows what it’s like to be cut down constantly and made to feel like nothing, so he sets about to make Shannon feel safe and secure.  

Of course this wouldn’t be a Samantha Young romance if there wasn’t push and pull and some emotional punches, but that just makes the end result so much sweeter.  Echoes of Scotland Street was actually one of the least angsty stories of the series, IMO.  Ms. Young is also known for her deliciously spicy scenes and she does not disappoint here!

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” My pulse raced with that feeling of anticipation I’d had earlier. “Yes. But not like you think.”
I heard his sharp intake of breath and braced myself.
His lips were at my ear again. “Do you want me, Shannon?”
My legs began to tremble. “Yes.”

Catching up with the other couples so many years in the future was a complete treat.  It’s one riotous family, bonded by love regardless if related by blood.  Both Shannon and Cole needed that emotional support and I was so happy they drew on the strength provided by the brood.

This was an addictive read-in-one-sitting type of romance, and I can’t wait for the next one! Shannon’s brother is up next and he really deserves some love after all he went through for his sister.  

4.5 Suns


Connect with Samantha Young:



No comments:

Post a Comment