Proceed with Caution:
This book contains death, grief, panic attacks, and sexual harassment.
The Basics:
On Dublin Street is a Contemporary New Adult Romance narrated by Joss, an American in Scotland. She's closed off, self reliant, and really going through some things. Or not going through them as it were. Her family and best friend died eight years ago, she moved to Scotland four years ago, and when we meet her, she's moving into a new apartment. The last thing she wants is a new best friend or a boyfriend.
My Thoughts:
On Dublin Street reminded me why I was so obsessed with New Adult Romance! I wish I had read this back when it was new! But now I get to binge the entire series, so I guess there's a reason for everything. If angsty Romance about twenty-somethings is not generally your thing, I'd still say give this one a try! The angst and drama are relatively low compared to others within the genre. That's not to say they're nonexistent, but the problems present here are very real and less eye-roll inducing.
Joss and Braden get off on the wrong foot which is always a good thing for a Romance novel. Soon the two realize that she's his new tenant, as she's rooming with his younger sister, Ellie. The tension is through the roof despite Joss being a professional at denying her own feelings. Luckily, Braden knows what he wants and makes her an offer she can't refuse: no-strings-attached sex! Wooo! And sex they have!
Of course, On Dublin Street would not be complete without the inevitable break-up, which is normally my least favorite part of these books. But sometimes they're done right, and this one was done right. Joss has some serious issues that she has been burying down deep for years, so they obviously have to interfere with her relationship. It didn't feel forced. I didn't want to throw the book across the room. I just wanted Joss to realize what she was doing and move forward.
On Dublin Street does show Joss going through therapy to deal with the deaths she's experienced. There is no healing by the power of love or magic of sex. She puts in the work with a medical professional. She starts opening up to friends. She makes a new friend in Ellie. She opens up to Braden and he opens up to her. Ellie and Braden welcome her into their family and friend group. She has a support system and she finally starts using it!
This book just made me very happy and I'm eager to get my hands on the rest of the series!