Review: Fall from India Place (On Dublin Street #4) by Samantha Young

Fall from India Place (On Dublin Street #4) by Samantha Young

Published June 3rd 2014 by NAL 

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Down London Road returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future…

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again...

My Thoughts
Fall from India Place is a great addition to the Dublin Street series! Amazing former secondary characters that get a moment in the spotlight and find a place in my heart.

In Fall from India Place, we get to know Hannah and Marco a bit more as they share their story. Up until know, I've only known Hannah as Ellie's younger sister that loved to read books and hung out in the periphery of several former story lines. In this installment, Hannah is all grown up and teaching at a local Edinburgh high school. She really has her life together, but there is one part of her past that seems to keep her from forming any sort of meaningful relationships. When Marco comes back into her life, we discover what exactly happened between these two that shaped who they became and how they decide to move forward.

I must have cracked some sort of subconscious literary code because as of late, I seem to predict outcomes and turn of events too soon in the story. I saw the twist coming a mile away, but that didn't stop me from enjoying Hannah and Marco's journey. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Hannah and Cole that proved they have a solid friendship between each other. What a great pair of friends. It was also nice to revisit old characters as their families grow and prosper.

Overall, Hannah and Marco had a lovely story to share. One that's filled with a painful past, a struggling present and a hopeful future. Samantha Young makes her characters work for their happy ending... As it should be.

4 Suns

Mini Review: Castle Hill (On Dublin Street #3.5) by Samantha Young

Castle Hill (On Dublin Street #3.5) by Samantha Young

Published December 3rd 2013 by NAL (Intermix)

A Joss and Braden Novella

Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again… 

My Thoughts

It was fun revisiting Joss and Braden who were the original couple of the series. In Castle Hill we journey with this chemistry fueled couple through their engagement, wedding, honeymoon and pregnancy.

A few parts had me tsking Braden for some of his reactions, but at the end of the day this passionate and slightly alpha male is hard not to love.

I enjoyed hearing Joss's voice again. She's real, sharp and brave. Very likable character!

Overall, great installment to this series!

4 Suns

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

Reviews & Giveaway: Waves 2012 Favorites

Wow! Can you believe how quickly 2012 is coming to a close?!? This year has been a fantastic reading adventure for us here at Waves of Fiction, so we wanted to take a moment to share some book highlights. 

Several of us on The Waves Team decided to get together to share our favorite book of 2012. But that’s not all!! One lucky winner will get the chance to win the bundle of books we’ve spotlight here, so take a look and be sure to enter!

On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Published June 7th 2012 by Penguin

Arlene's Thoughts:
On the Island is my favorite book choice for 2012. I love love love this book!!

I did not expect to feel this passionate about On the Island going into this read. I was planning to just breeze through a summer-y type book with mild interest. Well, that surely didn’t happen here! On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves was amazing! It’s one of those books that render you useless the entire time you’re lost in the pages. I wanted to give it all of my attention because it definitely captured all of my heart.

This was such a powerful story that was told in multiple perspectives between Anna and T.J. My heart went through a wide range of emotions for these two including hope, despair, happiness and oh so much angst. Beautiful book that I hear is now being optioned for a movie… I’ll be buying a ticket to that show and that’s for sure!

Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Published April 4th 2011 by Omnific Publishing 

Brandie's Thoughts:

Gabriel's Inferno far exceeded all of my expectations. I was not expecting to read such a powerful story about love and healing. The buildup of suspense made this book so hard to put down that I devoured it in a few days. It was so beautifully written and the characters so real. I adored Gabriel - flaws and all.

The parts about Dante and Beatrice, although I knew nothing about that story, didn't put me off in any way. It flowed with the story, and I even learned things that I never knew before.

Two broken people destined to save each other - it's the ultimate love story and I absolutely loved it. Fans of Fifty Shades and Bared to You will love this book!

 

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Published  August 14th 2012 Originally by Samantha Young Now NAL & Penguin

Rachel's Thoughts:

I wasn't surprised at all when this self-published gem was snatched up by a big publishing house!  I was blown away at how much I LOVED this story.  Plenty of spice but a weighty story, as well. Without a doubt, my favorite romance in 2012.

Jocelyn is an emotionally closed off young woman because of the tragic events in her life.  Along comes Braden (and his lovable sister Ellie) and her bounderies are shot to hell!

Braden understands and desires Jocelyn like no other, and he has the patience to wait her fears out.  He pushes his way into her life and gets under her skin. Let me tell you, this story will have you fanning yourself the entire read!

As an extra bonus here is a free short Christmas story featuring Jocelyn and Braden!  Thank you Samantha.

 

Strangers by Barbara Elsborg

Published November 2, 2009 by Ellora's Cave

Crystal's Thoughts

Strangers is that perfect blend between romance and drama.  What is between these pages is exactly what I wanted when I picked up this story.  A troubled actor, a lost soul, and a whole lot of lovin'! 

Charlie and Kate both have their troubles and we see that at their first meeting when they are both trying to commit suicide.  I expected some good drama and my oh my Elsborg delivers.  The steamy scenes are beyond hawt and the relationship that is built between these two lost souls is beautiful.  I can't imagine a better story between these two. 

This book is perfect if you are looking for a deep but fun romance.  Charlie is definitely one of my favorite male characters!

We hope you enjoyed our reviews for our 2012 Favorites!

Waves of Fiction is offering one lucky follower a chance to win the bundle of books we've spotlighted. This giveaway is open internationally to wherever The Book Depository, US Amazon, or US Barnes & Noble ships to. The winner has the option to either order the books from TBD, or choose the eBooks from US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble.

All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter and share with us your favorite book for 2012. Good luck!

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