Name: Ashley 's review of Down London Road by Samantha Young
Item: Down London Road
Rating: 5
Author: Ashley

Samantha Young

The unmissable, sensual sequel to On Dublin Street. Perfect for fans of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. 'Scotland's answer to E. L. James' Sunday Post Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done. But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head. And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps? IF YOU LOVED DOWN LONDON ROAD, DON'T MISS THE THRILLING THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES, BEFORE JAMAICA LANE

Down London Road

Ashley 

"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"--

prawnie

I liked this book but I loved On Dublin Street more. 
we love to see a story that has a found family trope and some growth in the characters.

Anna Ureta

I’m going to do something I’ve never done in a review before… I’m going to post a picture to describe how this book made me feel…
Are you ready?
Are you ready for it?
I’m not even ready for it…
Okay, here we go…

*MEME OF THROWING UP RAINBOWS IN FRONT OF A COMPUTER* ((picture available on my blog - because too lazy to html))

That. That was literally my reaction to Down London Road. This book hit me HARD, right in the feels, I was sure at one point I was going to start crying (and that would have been a first since I’ve never shed tears while reading…but I ALMOST DID). This book, and this series by Samantha Young is MORE than I could have possibly imagined. I can’t believe how much I love this book and this series and am sort of kicking myself that I didn’t pick it up sooner. The On Dublin Street series is HARDCORE ROMANCE that will leave you completely breathless.

Johanna Walker is the definition of an independent woman. She has two jobs, works hard, and is the primary caretaker of her kid brother, Cole. After her mother became a drunk and her father left them she decided she would do everything she could to give her brother the life he deserved. She had everything under control, everything was fine, at least until she met Cameron MacCabe. He’s pretentious, he’s rude, but he’s unbelievable sexy and not typically the type of guy Jo would go for. Even though she’s got a boyfriend, which she’s hoping to keep around, she can’t help but feel this undeniable attraction to him, and for once wants to be selfish and put her needs before her brother’s. What Jo doesn’t realize is that Cam is everything she wants and truly needs in a man. And he’s determined to stick around, even if it means uncovering all her secrets and bringing down the wall she’s built around herself.

Holy jeez mother of God….are these guys hot or what?
I’m going to be honest here… I did judge this book by its cover, and the same goes for On Dublin Street, but when I finally cracked them open….OMG MY EYES! I have been enlightened to the genius and brilliance that is Samantha Young.
Let me point this out to you right now, before I continue.
This book, and this series is…literally…gushy romance….pretty much chick lit if you think about it.
And you know that’s not a bad thing, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you want a HARDCORE ROMANCE NOVEL with a man MORE SWOON WORTHY THAN WORDS you need to pick up this novel…or any of her other novels in the series. Man, I thought Braden Carmichael was hot….damn.

But ladies, let me just say… Cameron MacCabe…oh..my..oh my oh my…
I don’t see how it can get any better, seriously. This man is perfect.
“But akii perfect doesn’t exist…”
SHHHH, LET ME FINISH!
This man is perfect because of all his imperfections; because he’s not perfect. He’s a guy, he’s rude, he makes assumptions, he says things he doesn’t mean, but he’s hella loyal, and he’s incredibly thoughtful. The things he does for Jo and Cole are like…unreal.

 “What I feel for you … It’s all-consuming,he breathed, leaning his forehead against mine again. ‘It’s almost debilitating. It’s too much. It’s … I can’t even describe it, but being with you is … there’s this intensity inside me all the time, this … constant pull, desperation … it’s like you’re branded on me or something. And it bloody well burns.”

Let’s move on to Jo.
I saw a lot of myself in Jo, not because our paths were similar, but because of the way we viewed ourselves. I don’t let people in or let them get too close, I do have a hard time trusting people with personal things (either because old friends have written it off as needing attention or something or other), and like Jo, I don’t like ‘handouts’. If I’m going to get somewhere in life it’s because I got there myself and not because someone helped me. But like Jo, someday I hope to fully acknowledge that it’s okay to need people, it’s okay to be selfish, and it’s okay to want someone who’s…outside your comfort zone.

 “I’ve never met anyone as quietly brave and strong as you. I’ve never met a woman so unassuming, so kind, and so selfless. You are a complex lady.” His mouth curled up at the corners. “And you are smart, and passionate, and funny, and exciting, and you blow me f****** away.”

Cameron MacCabe is ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND-MILLION PERCENT SWOON WORTHY! I can’t even imagine there being anyone more swoon worthy than him in this series…and this is only book two!
That’s it, I want my own Cameron MacCabe, or Braden Carmichael, I will seriously take any one of these guys, I’m not picky. (Please dear god let me meet someone just as wonderful as these two when I go to the UK…even Semi-wonderful. Seriously, if you haven’t read this series and you’re into Contemporary Romance, you’re missing out.

6/5 Hearts of Love

Check out the rest of my reviews at http://www.akiikomorireading.com

Lover of Romance 

Summary 
Johanna has always had the responsibility to take care of her family, her alcoholic mother and her teenage brother. She can’t turn to the government for help, because they may take her brother away. So she is working two jobs, and relies on a boyfriend with big money pockets, to help support her family life. She has yet to find a man that she could love and have a spark with until she meets Cameron MacCabe. Cameron has recently lost his job as a graphic designer, and is looking for a job, has a girlfriend but is drawn to Johanna. He can’t seem to figure her out and he is determined to discover her secrets. To Cameron she is a gold digger, and to Johanna Cameron is a self-absorbed judgmental ass. Yeah at first there are sparks…but not ones of passion, but when Cameron moves in the same apartment complex, she is in trouble. Cameron soon discovers who Johanna really is, and learns more of her than anyone, can Johanna trust him with everything…

The Hero 
Cameron MacCabe, was lucky, he grew up with loving parents, but in his teen years he went off the deep end when he learned that he was adopted. Cameron loves art and design, has a rebellious side, tattooed and sexy as sin. What I found most attractive about this character was seeing the different depths to him. Cameron doesn’t have a high opinion of Johanna, he makes assumptions with her, and what was most endearing about his character, was seeing how he admits when he is wrong and attempts to make it up to Johanna. His character is very carefree, engaging, and easy to like. He is a family man, adored his parents, and makes a strong attachment to Johanna’s brother (which was so sweet to see)

The Heroine 
Johanna is quite a spirited heroine at times, especially when it comes to Cameron. Johanna is dedication and loyal to her family, and she will do anything for them no matter the cost to herself. I really enjoyed her character from the very beginning of the story. I admired her strength and to deal with her past. What I liked most about her character, is seeing her relationships with her brother and her friends. What I found unique with Johanna is her strength and passion, she is a fighter most especially for her brother. And I had quite a bit of fun seeing her grow and stand for love too.

Plot and Story Line 
Down London Road is a story that is just as good as the first book!! I had so much fun with this one. It does have a angst romantic feel to it, but in all honesty, This is a mix of Contemporary and New Adult, but you don’t really see the difference, its a subtle change and the flow of the story is smooth enough that you don’t get confused. This is Johanna’s story, and in the frist book I remember admiring her character quite a bit, she adds a bit of zest and boy did she really make this story spectacular. Both of the main characters did, but we see more of Johanna’s life and day-to-day goings, and so we see what she has to struggle with on a daily basis. The author does a wonderful job of having the reader so enthralled by the story that you get involved in each of the characters, and the emotions conveyed are so vividly real at times. There is one issue that I had with this story, I am not big on cheating AT ALL!! Well both Johanna and Cameron upon meeting each other both have people they are in relationships with, but they don’t act on what they are feeling until they end the relationships they are in currently. So I was alright with this circumstance and the author spins the story in such a way that become endeared instantly to their situation. We do have a villain in the story, and it adds a twist to the complexities of their relationship, and we get a ex involved in the mix, as well as the matchmaking of Jocelyn and Braden. We see a level of falling in love that isn’t easy, and many stumbling blocks this pair have to get through before they reach their happy ending. But I promise it does happen. Down London Road is a romance that I had quite a fun time with, with the angsty bantering, the fun-loving side characters, and the sensual relationship that forms between Johanna and Cameron.

The Cover 
I just adore this cover, its so sweet and charming and has a romantic feel to it. I love the golden rich colors.

Overall View 
Down London Road is a wonderful addition to the series, it has a sense of charm, a tender love story, characters that overcome their weaknesses and transition them into strengths, a fun loving and sexy romance!! Samantha Young is a author to remember.

Allison Garrett

Down London Road the second book in the On Dublin Street series was a surprising find from my local used bookstore that I visited earlier this week. I had read On Dublin Street a few years ago and loved it, but I hadn’t realized that there were off shoots of that story. This book follows Johanna and Cam, and I loved their chemistry from the start. 
The Good: 
•	Johanna- I vaguely remembered her character from On Dublin Street, but I truly enjoyed Johanna’s inner monologue throughout the book. There were times when her insecurities seemed a bit much, but when you look at all of the things she has been through its pretty understandable.
•	Cole and Johanna- I loved Cole and Johanna’s relationship. It added a unique spin to the book that Johanna had so many responsibilities and therefore her choices hinged not just on what she wanted to do, but also what was best for her family. 
•	Ending- I loved the ending. With romances especially the happy ending is almost always guaranteed, but I loved the way this was wrapped up so nicely in the end. 
The Bad: 
•	The “Family”- As I haven’t read On Dublin Street in a while, the side characters were a little fuzzy for me. Although you didn’t need to know them to understand the book, they took up a lot of space for side characters presumably for readers who remember them from the previous book. 
•	Tears- Tears are never really a con for a book because it means it made me truly feel something, but I thought I’d leave this here as a warning. 

Favorite Quote: 
“Some people are born with family, and others have to make family.” 

I’m giving Down London Road a 4.5/5 stars because I read it in one sitting, it made me cry, and there were few things I found at fault with it. It was pretty clear who the next book in the series was set up for so I can’t wait to try and find that next.

This one is probably my favourite book of all time and my purest comfort book. I re-read it so many times

Andrea Ayala

I've got mixed feelings about this book. I debated between 2-4 stars. The first part of the book was boring, it was getting way to long, then it started to get good and I was like yes finally! but then it dragged for way too long. It got waay too boring again,I almost stopped reading it but then it finaly got a little action in there and then it was over. I'm happy with the ending but I think the book was too long, you could have cut out a lot of it and it would have been amazing. I liked Joss and Braden's interventions, I really like them so I'm excited for their novella, but I'll read it in a while, I need a break from Dublin Street. Regardless it wasn't fair to give it 2 stars nor 4 so I settled on 3.

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done. But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head. And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps? Praise for On Dublin Street 'Mysterious, all-consuming and pretty damn good.' Closer 'An exceptional new talent.' Daily Record

Siobhán

Holy Hell!! I loved "On Dublin Street" It was almost perfect but this...."Down London Road" Sweet lordy! It was FREAKING PERFECT!! I don't have one bad thing to say about it. I wholeheartedly, 100% loved, loved, loved it. 

Read My Review: http://totally-bookalicious.blogspot....

Find this review and more at 
  kimberlyfaye reads
.

I'm not really sure what I can say about this book that hasn't been said before, but it definitely doesn't feel right NOT to review it. If you read my review of On Dublin Street, you'll know that I a) was rather late to the party with these books and b) had quite a love-hate relationship with it while reading, but c) wound up really enjoying it in the end. I didn't have quite the same experience with Down London Road, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it took me some time to get into this one. 

The problem I had with this book was that I listened to it in audiobook format and I really struggled with the narrator at first. Her accent was too much for me. The way she voiced Cam was a total turnoff. I mean, I know he was a jerk in the beginning of the book, but the voice was so off-putting I wasn't sure I could ever come to like him. (Spoiler alert: I did. So much.) Somewhere around the 25% mark of the book, I finally got in a groove with it. I'm not sure if it was because I got used to the narrator or that she improved, but I was pretty good from there on out. 

Jo was not the most likable person in On Dublin Street. A minor character, she came off as a total gold digger and a bit ... loose. I wasn't all that thrilled that the second book in the series was her story, but I am completely eating my words now. There was SO MUCH more to Jo than what met the eye. The girl had a rough life and she was doing all she could to give a better life to her little brother. I might not agree with the lengths she went to, personally, but I can't say for sure I wouldn't have done the same thing if I were in her position. By the end of this book, I was a converted Jo fan.

I was a little more conflicted about Cam. Yes, he was hot and swoony, but he was also a complete jerk in the beginning. (And a couple times a little later on in the book.) I can't completely excuse his behavior, but I can say that I understand his insecurity where Jo was concerned. Underneath it all, he really was a good guy. He pushed Jo and helped her break down her walls. He made her realize she was better than she gave herself credit for. 

Jo and Cam brought out the best in each other. I loved their banter and the chemistry they shared. I loved how they helped each other grow through the course of this book. Not only were there some seriously steamy scenes, there were a ton of feels to go along with them. There were more than a couple moments that tugged at my heartstrings and made me a wee bit teary eyed. 

Like the first book in the series, Down London Road was about more than just love and hot sex. It was about family, friendship and personal growth. It shows how, no matter what circumstances you might have been raised in, you can pull yourself up and find great things in your life if you believe in yourself and if you're strong enough to fight. I'm not regretting binge-reading this series AT ALL. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Ashley &
Down London Road by Samantha Young

Reviews

Join the club

Ashley &Down London Road by Samantha Young

Reviews

Join the club

Ashley &
Down London Road by Samantha Young