Book Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street

By Samantha Young

Release Date: August 31, 2013

Source: Own Copy

Summary: 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.

Review: I have heard nothing but fantastic things about this book ever since it came out, so you could say that I was more than eager to get my hands on it. I loved that it was new adult and took place in Scotland (despite the fact that they're on Dublin Street...she actually lives in Edinburgh) and I could't wait to get into the juicy romance the summary hinted at. 

Joss is used to being on her own ever since her family died and she moved her life to Scotland four years later. When she moves into the apartment on Dublin Street, though, she's not expecting the hot, stubborn Scotsman named Braden to come with it. But he just so happens to be the brother of her new, bubbly roommate Ellie and Joss can't seem to escape him. So when Joss finally decides to play Braden's game, she finds herself forming relationships she's been scared to death of ever since she lost her family. When difficulties arise, can Joss be there for those who need her, or will she close them out like she's used to? 

Mmmm ever since Braden came into the book, I could not get him out of my head! He seemed gorgeous, caring, and knew how to make a girl feel special. And Joss definitely needed someone like that in her life. I loved how relationships, even simple friendships, were so hard for Joss to form, so she really had no idea how to act once she was actually in them. That made her relationship with Braden that much more intriguing because he knew how to play her to get exactly what he wanted out of the relationship, despite her fears and doubts. Not to mention their flirting was beyond adorable, especially when Braden pushed Joss's buttons to the point where he knew she wouldn't be able to resist him. 

As the book went on, though, I wasn't a huge fan of how Braden got more demanding. I was perfectly fine with how he was at the beginning instead of seeming almost overbearing at points when it was just him and Joss. And Joss's attitude about her body kind of got annoying. Okay, we get you're hot. Get over yourself. But other than that, I enjoyed the characters a lot. Ellie was such a sweetheart and the added side story of her and Adam was a great bonus to this story. 

In the end, I really liked reading this book. I think the constant emotional talk and the physical relationship were put on a little thick and the author could have toned those aspects down a little. But overall it was a great read for any new adult fan. Especially if you love books that take place in a different country! The Scottish vibe was awesome and I loved getting lost in Joss's world. I can't wait to pick up Down London Road to see what Samantha Young has in store for us next!