On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street, #1)

by Samantha Young

Passionate and romantic, On Dublin Street is a captivating and bittersweet story of the redemptive power of love. Perfect for fans of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy

'Scotland's answer to E. L. James' Sunday Post

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.

'This extraordinary debut combines a true gift for storytelling with a liberal dose of racy encounters. But what really sets it apart is exquisite characterisation' Daily Record

'Highly recommend this one' USA Today

• ISBN10: 1405912987
• ISBN13: 9781405912983
• Publish Date: 17 January 2013 (first published 1 October 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 432
• Language: English

Reviews

[mitabird]

2.5 stars

[EBookObsessed]

Jocelyn Butler’s world went spinning out of control when she lost her parents and her baby sister when they were killed in a car crash. Since then, she has made sure to keep people at a safe distance where she doesn’t have to get too attached or care too much. She never wants to feel that pain of loss ever again. In fact, she has moved from the United States to Scotland to get away from all the painful memories.

When her former college flatmate moves to London to pursue a career, Joss is left to find a new place to live. She goes to Dublin Street and meets Ellie Carmichael, a girl so unlike Joss, that they can’t help but get along. Where Jocelyn keeps her life and herself closed off from others, Ellie is vivacious and friendly.

After moving in, Jocelyn has a very revealing meet with Ellie’s brother Braden...after she steps out of her bathroom quite naked.

Although Braden usually has a leggy, blonde supermodel-type draped on his arm, he can’t stop thinking of the petite, curvy and quite prickly Jocelyn and he is quite determined to become more than just friends. Jocelyn has no interest of having a relationship with anyone who could possibly hurt her. So when Braden suggests that they quench the fire between them with just a sexual relationship, no strings attached, Jocelyn decides to go along with it since she can’t stop thinking about getting her hands on Braden. She’ll get a taste of Braden without the having the mess of emotions.

What Jocelyn doesn’t realize is the Braden wants so much more from Jocelyn but he is willing to worm his way slowly through her defenses because he can see that there is so much more to her than she sees in herself.

Everything is going so well until tragedy tries to work its way back into Jocelyn’s life and she once again tries to lock her heart away from the pain. But those who have come to love her will not let her go without a fight.

THOUGHTS:

This book was absolutely extraordinary. The characters were so well-written and enjoyable. I loved how Braden doesn’t let Jocelyn push him away. Although a man who is so pushy and domineering would probably annoy me in real life, I loved him in this story and how he brought Jocelyn back to life; as well as his sister Ellie, who even the antisocial Jocelyn couldn’t deny feeling a deep affection for her.

The storyline was so amazing and the characters were so enticing, I just didn’t want the story to end.

The draw between Braden and Jocelyn was so sexy, whether they were in or out of bed. And the bedroom scenes were quite erotic, but not to the point of being obscene.

I can’t recommend it enough that you try this story! I had a review copy of this book, but have already picked up my own copy to keep because I will definitely be enjoying this story over and over again.

Received an ARC from netgalley.com courtesy of the publisher. THANK YOU!!


See more at http://ebookobsessed.com

[Cocktails and Books]

This book was so worth the distraction. It's very emotional, from Joss' issues to Ellie's health issue, but so worth it.

[leelu92]

Well, it was a 4.5 for me... a LOVE IT. BRADEN BRADEN BRADEN. I need more Braden. I need more Joss too. Joss frustrated me as much as she frustrated Braden. But, I loved that he never gave up. I really enjoyed this story from Joss's point of view- she was funny and she totally knew that her issues made her hard to connect with. Great sense of humor, too.
I'd definitely like to read more from this author and I hope she does more contemporary romance- I just really like her voice.

[stacey_is_sassy]

A great trip back to Dublin Street

It's been yonky donks since I read On Dublin Street and I forgot how wonderful this story was. Sure, it makes me cry and even get a wee bit cranky but it also makes me wear a goofy grin and sigh with contentment too. Both Jocelyn and Braden have faced their own versions of heartbreak in the past and have put barriers in place to make sure they don't face that sort of pain again. But, like all good love stories, the heart wants what the heart desires so no barrier will stop them coming together.

Paula Costello, the narrator does an amazing job and was brilliantly cast for this narration. Her accents were spot on (I think) and she sounded the right age too, to match Jocelyn's character age.

I loved the characters, the storyline kept me enthralled, the romance, while it had its bumps, still seemed believable, and the narration was very easy to listen to. I highly recommend giving On Dublin Street a try.