Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street #1) by Samantha Young

Published August 31st 2012 (first published July 2nd 2012)

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.

My Thoughts

Surprisingly addictive. Not what I expected at all!
I’ve had On Dublin Street on my TBR for quite some time and kept putting it off because for some reason I thought it would be more of an urban fantasy book. I’m not quite sure why but I was clearly wrong! This novel is filled with immediately likable characters that don't have super powers, great dialog and an interesting plot that kept me engaged.

Jocelyn Butler suffered a very tragic loss at a young age that had her finishing out her teenage years in foster homes. As soon as she was able, she packed her bags and left the U.S. and headed for her mother’s homeland of Scotland. There she finished her studies and made a concerted effort to never get too close to anyone for fear of suffering from a loss again - that all comes to a crashing halt when she meets the gorgeous and determined Braden Carmichael.

Braden always gets his way, but he doesn’t expect the challenge he faces with Jocelyn. As they enter into a steamy relationship, they each begin to form deeper feelings for each other. However, where Braden is open to seeing where this will all go, Jocelyn can’t seem to let her demons go and experience what it’s like to finally love someone.

There’s no denying that Jocelyn was a very volatile and moody character. However, I understood completely why she was the way she was and I sympathized with her struggles. I appreciated her efforts to face her demons and I wanted to hug her when she finally faced the fact that she was in pretty deep with Braden. What I loved most about her, was the evident character development she displayed from beginning to end. She showed true growth and I feel she deserved her ultimate ending.

Braden was a bit of a shock to my system. It’s been a while since I’ve read about an alpha-type male and I’ll be honest… they tend to be a hit or a miss for me. However, Braden was just awesome. I loved his persistent and honesty with Jocelyn, and I’m glad he didn’t give up when she tried to erect some walls to keep herself safe.

“I feel like I'm missing something really important when you're gone. So important I don't feel like myself. I've never felt like someone was mine before. But you're mine, Jocelyn. I've known that from the moment we met. And I'm yours. I don't want to be anyone else's, babe.” ~Braden

Overall, On Dublin Street was a pleasant surprise and considering it’s the first novel I’ve read by this author, it’s safe to say she’s earned a new fan. Can’t wait to pick up more books by Samantha Young.

4 Suns