Monday, June 17, 2013

Review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Title: On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street #1)
Author: Samantha Young
Published: August 31st 2012
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
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.
Yet another contemporary that has bloggers and readers all around the world raving about its greatness. I was intrigued to say the least. I had only read one book that took place in Scotland and I wasn’t impressed. I was reluctant to start this one because of it, but had high hopes for a much loved contemporary book and I can say that Samantha Young didn’t disappoint.

"Babe, nice lingerie is for seducing a man. I'm already fucking seduced."

The story. I’m not entirely sure what I expected before going into this, but I can tell you that it wasn’t that. I thought I was going to read about a sexy vacation in Scotland with a bar owner or something. Pardon me, I read the synopsis a long time ago. Color me surprised when I met an orphan escaping feelings and love and finding them in the most unexpected places. A snarky heroine, a wealthy and very sexy hero and a brilliant best friend – that’s what Ms. Young had in store for me.

My emotions. The best part of this story was the first half which was full of sarcasm, chemistry and laughter. That last one especially on my part. I was really, really blown away. I didn’t fancy the part where Joss went on and on about how she couldn’t be with Braden at the end of the story though. I don’t think it’s a spoiler since we all knew it was coming since the very beginning. Yup, that’s the reason I won’t give this book 5 stars.

Let’s talk about why I will give it 4 stars though. I loved, loved, loved the love interest Braden. I liked the MC Joss a lot through the first half as well. I also adored Braden’s family, best friend Adam and of course – Braden's sister Ellie! How could I not love that bright girl with so much life in her. Her relationship with Joss was very well written and I guess the characters were what made the story for me. The plot moved on well, if you don’t consider the last 30%. Oh, and I was glad it wasn’t dual POV. It suited for Joss’ POV only and would have been very tiring to read in both POVs.

I was thoroughly entertained by this novel and the chemistry between Braden and Joss was undeniable, the relationships were awesome and the plot was well-paced. (I would have given it 5 stars without hesitation if the ending wasn't a little tiring for me.) If you value these positive qualities listed above, then by any means, pick this up! PS. Read the quote above and you get why Braden is the newest addition to my book boyfriends list.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Meet the author

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

9 comments:

  1. Rachel absolutely loved this book, so I'm so glad that it left a really great impression with you too Siiri. I'm normally a little wary of picking up books which have a lot of hype surrounding them, but I'm glad that On Dublin Street gave you a lot more than you were expecting. I think I would really like Braden too! Lovely review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jasprit! I hope you'll pick it up and fingers crossed you'll like this one as well. It has a big hype surrounding it, but in this case, it was completely justified:)

      Delete
  2. The sarcasm and chemistry sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful review! I LOVED this story, Siiri! I see Jasprit told you this in the above comment,lol! I agree though, that Joss was a little tiring in the last portion of the story, but as you said we knew it was coming. I've added Braden to my list of book BFs as well, and man oh man, was he delicious! I loved the bathtub scene with Joss coming out with no clothes! Ellie was such a wonderful friend but she did sort of muck things up in the end. It wouldn't have been near as much drama had it not been for that.

    Btw, Ellie and Adam's novella is amazing, and it details their love story: Until Fountain Bridge. You should pick it up, Siiri!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yaaaaaay Siiri! I so loved this one too, though I will agree with you on Joss's behavior at the end. I understand why she felt the need to push Braden away, but I wanted to shake her for it, and I of course was so glad when Braden, being aware of some of her issues, wasn't deterred. I can't wait to read Down London Road, I need more Samantha Young!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I started reading this such a long time ago. I can't even remember if I finished it or not, but you totally make me want to pick it back up. The main characters sound amazing

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really liked On Dublin Street too! But like you, I did find the end a bit too drawn out. Braden Carmichael is a BEAST. And I can't believe I have read Until Fountain Bridge or Down London Road yet. Great review, Siiri!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This one was a WINNER for me as well. Braden made me SWOON. You're right, there was a lot of drama later on in the plot, but overall a great read. I want to read the next one now.

    ReplyDelete