Friday 7 December 2012

Book Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young.


Product details:
Publisher: Originally Self-Published. Now published by Penguin.
eBook, 414 pages.
Release date: August 31st 2012.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Ages: Adult
Source: Purchased.

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.



Totally addictive and all-consuming, On Dublin Street by Samantha Young is hands down the hottest book I’ve read all year.  As touching and heartfelt as it is totally sexy, I can pretty much guarantee that once you start reading this book you won’t put it down again until you are done!

Everybody has a past. Secrets they want to keep hidden, stories they’ll never share. But for Jocelyn Butler, the secrets of her past dictate her life to the point that she’s no longer really living at all.  Joss exists in world that is devoid of true connections.  Hers is a solitary existence, and that’s fine by Joss, because if she never lets anyone in, then at least she can never get hurt.

Joss doesn’t expect her life will change a whole lot when she moves into a fabulous new apartment on Dublin Street.  Her flat mate, Ellie, seems to instinctively know to keep her distance and not ask too many questions, but Ellie’s brother Braden is a whole different story.  A sexy Scot, Braden is a very successful business man, and as such, he’s used to getting what he wants.  And what he wants is Joss.  The chemistry between Braden and Joss is almost palpable, and it’s only a matter of time before Joss gives into temptation, but as Braden and Joss start to grow closer, and her walls start tumbling down, Joss knows she must retreat into herself again before Braden gets to close.  The only problem is that Braden has no intention of letting her go when he knows that deep down she feels the same for him as he does for her.

In running from her past and denying who she is Joss jeopardizes everything in her life, from friendships and relationships to any future happiness she might have. Braden is patient, Ellie understanding, but when darkness enters her new friends’ lives, Joss has a decision to make. Can she be there for her friends and allow herself to care, or will she stay stuck in the past as she has always done, shutting off her emotions and denying herself the life she truly deserves?

On Dublin Street took me right out of my reading comfort zone, and I couldn’t get enough! I had no great expectations going into this book as I rarely, if ever, read Contemporary Adult Romance* but I picked this one up because of all the buzz surrounding it when it first released a few months back. Samantha Young originally self-published On Dublin Street, but it’s no surprise to me that since then traditional publishers have snapped it up.  

 Beautifully written in Young’s engaging style, On Dublin Street is a book with heart, and is clearly written from the heart too.  Young deals with some pretty heavy topics in this book with care, sensitivity and an authenticity that makes the book a joy to read.  One of my favourite books of the year, I’m so glad I read On Dublin Street, and I can’t wait to read more from Samantha Young!



*Note: On Dublin Street is most definitely Adult 18+ romance – it’s not New Adult/Mature YA.)



On Dublin Street has been given a cover makeover for its UK release. Check it out below. What do you think of the new look?




17 comments :

  1. Becky @ Stories & Sweeties7 December 2012 at 00:19

    This sounds so good! I might have to stray from YA and delve into this genre sometime soon!  I've heard good things about Samantha Young's writing so I'm not surprised to hear she's being picked up by traditional pubs! I love the UK cover, very sultry and pretty!

    Great review, Leanna!

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  2. Heather@The Flyleaf Review7 December 2012 at 10:36

    I am SO buying this book, Leanna! I've heard of it, even looked it over on Goodreads, but your review has convinced me. Must read Joss and Braden for myself:)

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  3. I loved this book!!!! so much! It was romantic, angsty and funny and basically had everything to wish for! I also normally do not read Adult Contemporary but this one is a must read :) 

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  4. And and the cover? I don't know but I actually like them both. I prefer more the vivid colors of the US cover ...

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  5. Everyone has been talking non-stop about how great this book is so I must read it soon! Great review!

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  6.  Oh, I think you'd love this one, Heather!

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  7.  It's a total must read! I can't wait to read the next book!

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  8.  It's so good! I read it in one sitting - couldn't put it down! :)

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  9. Yay terrific review - I loved this book. Braden <3 

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  10. Jenny @ Supernatural Snark7 December 2012 at 15:53

    YEAH LEANNA!!!! I loved this book so much as well, it was just an amazing read. I really hope Samantha Young is going to write more adult contemporary romances, I couldn't have loved Braden and Joss any more if I'd tried. So glad you decided to step out of your comfort zone and give this one a try:):)

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  11. Keertana Anandraj8 December 2012 at 00:00

    Yay! I'm SO glad you enjoyed this one! It took me completely by surprise and I just loved it! I think the UK Cover is one that more people might pick up since they won't jump to conclusions that it is solely erotica since it focuses on a lot more than just that. Not to mention they won't be embarrassed to be seen with that cover! ;) 

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  12. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this story. Oh my heart Braden!! Jocelyn's story broke my heart so I could totally understand her actions. I actually like the new cover better, and you're right, it's no wonder a publisher snapped this up. Great review. :)

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  13. ChristinaBookAddict8 December 2012 at 22:08

    Wow! This sounds awesome and if you gave it five stars, I'm sure I'll like it. I love that you are reviewing all of these originally self-published books!  Great review, Leanna!

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  14.  She is working on another ODS book at the moment - a companion novel, although I'm not sure what characters she's focusing on. My guess is Ellie, but I don't know that for sure!

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  15.  Haha! Yeah, I would be more likely to bring the new cover onto the bus with me! As it was I read this one on my ereader! ;)

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  16.  Thanks, Rachel! It's definitely one of the best books I read this year!

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  17.  You should totally check this one out - it's a great read!

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