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, free of any attachments. But all that is about to change when when she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street, and meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core. Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Jocelyn. Knowing she's not looking for a relationship, he proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction with no strings attached. Jocelyn soon realises 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

On Dublin Street

Ashley shackelford

Zaira A 

I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the beginning and it had a good ending. However, I just didn't connect with the main character. I felt like some of the secondary characters were more enjoyable. Some of the sex scenes seem incredibly repetitive, to the point I had to skip through some of them. Oh let's also talk about her mini Tourette like episode of fuck fuckity fuck. I found them incredibly funny but almost unnecessary. Overall It was a quick read, very entertaining.

A friend recommended because it’s “very entertaining trash.” I really enjoyed the ride. 

Megan BV

When Jocelyn leaves her tragic past behind and moves to Scotland, she meets Braden Carmichael, who is determined to get Jocelyn into his bed, despite Jocelyn's hesitancy to get into a relationship.

Anna Ureta

Oh man….Oh man, Oh man, Oh man….
Whatttttttt did I just readdddd???
Seriously, what did I just read?!
I am so filled with emotion right now, I DON’T KNOW IF I WANT TO SMILE OR CRY! How crazy is that!?
On Dublin Street was AMAZING, it was so much more amazing than I gave it credit for. Seriously, thank you Liis from Liis’ Bookself, for recommending me this book before my big trip to the UK. Now my standards have just shot up to exponentially high. You know there should be a club for single/forever alone ladies, because there is no way anyone can beat Braden Carmichael.

After a tragedy struck and ruined all the happiness in her life, Jocelyn Butler decided to move back to her mother’s homeland and start over – in Scotland. The farther away from the States she was, the easier it was to keep the memories and grief at bay. Now, trying to move on with her life, Jocelyn has one mission: to find a new flatmate and start writing her book. Finding this amazing apartment and roommate on Dublin Street everything seems to be turning out…at least until she meets her flatmate’s brother, Braden Carmichael.
Even after the slew of women he’s been through, no one has shaken him up as much as Jocelyn as. And as a man who’s used to getting what he wants he’ll stop at nothing to make Jocelyn his. What he doesn’t know is that she’s hiding more than just a chip on her shoulder and isn’t in any rush to jump into a relationship, or to get close to another human being. But after the chemistry between the two of them becomes undeniable, Jocelyn realizes no matter what Braden isn’t going to give up.

I am literally so messed up right now…like I literally can’t even.
That book….WAS BEAUTIFUL! It was so painful, and so heartbreaking, so tragic but at the same time it was just….so amazing, like there isn’t another word to describe this book.
It really was a story about pain, loss, recovery and healing. Here’s someone, who’s built walls miles high and after years of denial, has kept everyone away from her heart. After a tragic loss like the one Jocelyn Butler had to go through yeah, I think you’d be pretty messed up too. I can relate in a sense to the sort of pain she’s going through, not trusting anyone, not letting anyone in for fear of getting hurt like that again. It’s rational.

Jocelyn is an EXTREMELY STRONG female character. She’s the dictionary definition of what a strong independent woman should be. And it probably doesn’t help that she’s extremely attractive; it’s no wonder she’s practically every man’s wet dream. But along comes someone amazing like Braden Carmichael and I swear the cement walls have now become titanium. If I was her I would have run from the hills cause someone like that is definitely not healthy.

Braden Carmichael is….he’s like A GOD. He’s attractive, he’s successful, he’s protective, compassionate, funny, and did I say witty? Witty/confident guys are EXTREMELY ATTRACTIVE! Just like Jocelyn, every time Braden’s name would appear on the page I got nervous, I’d get all sweaty and get goosebumps thinking, “This man would wreck me.” But despite his intimidating outward appearance, Braden is…kind, and caring, even though he’s extremely overbearing and bossy at times, he does what he does because he cares. He’s stubborn and wants his way because he cares… He cares so much that it literally hurts!

 “Are we…spooning?” I asked loudly, trying to insert bite into my tone and failing.
 I felt the huff of his breath on my neck. “Go to sleep, babe.”
 Uh….no!
 As if sensing my imminent escape, Braden pulled me even tighter against him, pushing his leg between mine, hooking it around one of them. “Go. To. Sleep.”

Seriously, I would do…almost anything to have a guy like Braden Carmichael in my life. (And I mean almost because I wouldn’t murder someone, or kidnap the president or just something wickedly awful…but ALMOST ANYTHING). Here’s a man who won’t give up on you, who will surely love you forever and reassure you everyday that you mean absolutely everything to him. And well, this isn’t a spoiler per say, but what he says to Jocelyn is beautiful. This is the kind of things a man needs to say to a woman. (This is why there are more female romance writers than men :P).

 “Because” – he sigh – “you make me laugh, you challenge me, and you turn me on like no one else can. I feel like I’m missing something really important when you’re gone. So important I don’t fee like myself. I’ve never felt like someone was mine before. But you’re mine, Jocelyn. I’ve known that from the moment we met. And I’m yours. I don’t want to be anybody else’s, babe.” < – LIKE SERIOUSLY GUSH! GUSH RIGHT NOW!

Reading this book right before I go to the UK was just…just not a good idea.
I know this is insane, but if I don’t get at least one guy’s number I’m going to be seriously mad at myself hahaha!
If I could meet a guy like Braden Carmichael…oh man…
On Dublin Street is definitely, definitely, one of my favourite reads! Seriously, you should give it a chance if you want to read about a man who will absolutely sweep you off your feet.

5/5 Hearts of Love

Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the United States to start over in Scotland. Burying the grief and ignoring her demons has worked well until Jocelyn's world is shaken to its core by her new roommate's sexy older brother. Braden Carmichael is a man who gets what he wants and he wants Jocelyn so he proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without developing into anything more. Jocelyn agrees but is completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare to her very soul.

Beatriz Aguiar

Lover of Romance 

Originally Posted at Addicted To Romance

Jocelyn Butler, has been living in Edinburgh for quite some time, and in search for a new place to live, she shares a cab with the most compelling man she has ever met, with eyes that sears her under her clothing and makes her feel sensations she has never felt before. Then they part, and she knows she likely will never see him again. She finds a new apartment with a sweet roommate, and as she starts to settle in, she bumps into her mysterious man again, only to learn that he is her roommates brother. Which means Jocelyn is in big trouble, because deep down she knows she is not ready for what he wants. At first attraction is fierce and hot, and they can barely keep hands off each other, and eventually Jocelyn gives in to Braden, and agrees to a temporary sexual relationship, but then Braden worms his way slowly into her heart, and despite her fears and her struggles with her past, Braden could be the one man who could make her dreams come true.

I have to say I had my doubts about this book, and for quite some time I have debated whether or not to read this, so after reading a friend blogger's review of this story, I knew I had to take a chance on this one, and WHEW I can hardly believe I waited so long to read this story!!! SENSATIONAL!!! I loved every moment, and I could barely contain my excitement as I started to fall in love with Jocelyn and Braden with each page. I wanted to yell to the whole world how great this book is!! This isn't any normal contemporary, it has so many qualities to the story that will make you get up and cheer for this couple and each road block that stands in their way.

 On Dublin Street is the first book in the series, and it takes place in one of the most romantic places in the world...Edinburgh, Scotland. I have been to this city, and its beautiful and majestic and the people are way too friendly to be real. As we begin we get a small insight into Jocelyn. Oh lovely Jocelyn, she needs love more than most heroines you read about. Jocelyn lost her family in a accident, and for years has separated herself from forming any bonds. Even her best friend, doesn't know certain things about her. Braden is one of those heroes guaranteed to make you swoon!! I know I Know that is so a understatement, he is a super ALPHA male and I adored him from the first chapter. Braden has his own scars, and he is used to being in control until Jocelyn. From their first cab together we see fireworks and they haven't even kissed yet. Both of these characters have plenty to work out, and their relationship has plenty of hills and mountains and it gets pretty rocky at times, but by the time I reached the ending, I had a feeling of WOW, and how that was one of the most satisfying reads I have ever had the opportunity to read. Normally I rarely get that from contemporary romance....but this book changed my whole view on contemporaries.

Guaranteed to keep you captivated all the way through. A story of tears and laughs, of fierce passion, enduring characters, and such emotional connections that it will pierce you from the intensity of it. A TRUE GEM!!

Elizabeth Clement

3.5 stars. Very good. Very readable. Way too much silly melodrama, I'd say 40% of the book's subplots were unnecessary. But never boring, an excellent read for the contemporary romance fan.

Zara deeb

It’s the perfect mix of every alpha male asshole and perfectly flawless girl with a sad backstory book I’ve ever read
And it’s still boring.
 
First off they kept having the same fucking conversations over and over and over 
Joss: “Don’t you ever knock”
Braden: *smirks*
Joss: “Ugh”
Braden: “I want to fuck”
Joss: *nervous sweats* “now?”
Braden: “yes I fuck now”
*throws her onto bed*
Joss: “okay fine”
And that’s it.

Honestly I understand her being closed off with her emotions because of her past. I don’t understand why she has to be a complete bitch and bore to everyone around her. It’s not even quirky it’s literally just annoying, she argues and makes a big deal out of everything just for the sake of it. 

I don’t have too much to say about Braden except I’ve read him in literally every other story which features an alpha male douche except for the insanely boring sex Braden gives. Like if you’re gonna be an ass at least have that to back it up.

My main issue was Ellie. Holy shit she was irritating. She’s the stereotypical best friend who’s quirky and outgoing that complete opposite of the heroine. But HONESTLY did she have to be in every fucking scene with joss and Braden?? 
SHES ALWAYS THERE.
Like I get it her and Braden are close.
But goddamn why are you always together?
Which adult siblings really spends this much time hanging out? 

Also the elitism in this story is so annoying. Like why was joss arguing about paying for reusable bags in the book store when you just spent hundreds on books? You had the money. Pay the damn price. You’re not special harassing workers who don’t control the prices, so why are you being stingy with money you never fucking worked for.

I’ve read so many better books with this type of trope and I genuinely don’t understand why this one has the high rating that it does?
There’s no likeable characters, even Ellie who was meant to be likeable just felt like a leech whenever I wanted to see joss and Braden interact on their own. 
It’s a slow and tiring read that was full of unnecessary fillers and scenes. 
don’t even get me started on the dumb “therapy” sessions, who’s only purpose was to give advice that literally any normal person would give.

Technically I didn’t read it, I listened to it. However glad I did because I would have dnf’d it. Witting was okay. But I felt like more than half of book it was the love interests just fighting and arguing.  Also the amount of times the male love interest  said “ babe., rather annoying and cringy. He needed other endearments for her. 

Cynthia 

Barbara Kovács

I don't know, this guy was absolutely not my type. Crazy.
Story:
Boring sometimes.
Pesky. 
But I finished it, so it wasn't that bad.

Annabella

Well--there goes the dictionary definition of underwhelming. I feel like the story took its time to start but that happened too late in the book and bam it ended so really a 2.5

Amina Madadi (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ)

would've been three stars if I didn't skip a lot of pages because of too many details about their intimacy that make you ill at ease, nevertheless, the stroy was touching

Jennifer Eggleston 

Everyone is chatting about this book ... it must be good, right? I thought it was indeed enjoyable. The hero, Braden, is hot and alpha with an accent. Delish! Joss is a woman who has built these walls around her and she's ok with not letting anyone in until her newest roommate and her sexy ass brother, Braden, enter her life. Through finding love and "family" she learns to deal with the tragedies life has dealt her. It's not an easy path but who says love is ever easy? 

I laughed, I cried, I commiserated. I was truly sad when it ended but I was glad Joss finally accepted that she deserved love. Yuppers, I'm a sap.

Gisela Ayala 

Okay, so I know my fellow book club ladies will probably hate me, but I finished it because halfway into the book I could not put it down. *silently pleads for mercy* First couple of chapters, I will admit I was not feeling it, but the reason I gave it four stars is mostly because after the first initial chapters, there were a lot of surprises that I was not expecting. I kept saying to myself, "Did not see that coming." I don't want to give too many spoilers, mostly because many of my fellow book club ladies are still reading it, but I can say that I was satisfied with the ending. Definitely found myself swooning at many parts in the book. I'm not going to lie, this book makes me want to pack my backs and go to Scotland and find myself a man in a suit. See ya in Scotland!

Allison Garrett

JoLee

On Dublin Street starts off very slow and too descriptive of everything Joss is doing and seeing. I could of done without her room mate giving her a full tour of the apartment right at the beginning. I was not big on Joss going to and from places with every street name she was on. Was about to give up like 40 percent into the novel when she was going on break from work with every detail on what was in the break room but stuck it out and that is when it started to get a little better. That is when finally Joss and Braden actually started something. 
 
Joss has serious commitment issues. Does not allow any body in. While all along her new friends are trying to get close with her. She has tons of panic attacks that seem to be caused because she never really dealt with her parents, sister and best friend death from the past. Never once felt her pain from the loss of her family. At one point Braden needs her more than ever and she closes up on him. That broke my heart and dislike her more.
 
Braden did not feel his character in the beginning. All I knew of him was from what Joss thinks of him and that is cocky, arrogant and hot. Supposedly he is obsessed and wants Joss but never got that feeling. There was no sexual tension or any build up between the two. Out of the blue we finally get to see what Braden is like when he gets ticked off because she has some guy kissing her in the bar she works at while he was there. She goes on break and whoa he is all of sudden possessive, jealous with an alpha male attitude. He knows she does not want a relationship so he settles for sex with no strings attach and a few nights accompany him on work dinner dates. Once they were together at times sparks did fly. Loved how he was able to get her to open up about her family and they had some playful times. Loved how he was dominate in the bedroom, sex scenes were hot and he is a yummy dirty talker in and out of the bedroom. When they were finally together I did love the Ups and Downs with there relationship, at times felt there pain and happiness. 
 
For me I could not connect with the characters at the beginning, the writing was a bit flat, never felt what the characters were feeling and was very easy to put down. Almost the first half of the book is Joss interacting with her new room mate, therapist, her friend from back home. Not a lot interaction with Braden. But after about 40 percent it does get better and was hard to put my kindle down. The writing was more alive and was able at times to feel the characters pain and happiness. It starts off as a 2 star Ok novel but ending up Liking it 3 stars.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Orginally postet at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog

Nicki

Second read in March 2021 
So.... here's the thing ...... I am always nervous when I re-read books especially ones that I loved and going into this re-read I thought it was going to be rough. However, as soon as I got to chapter five I was enjoying myself. I know why younger me liked this so much and I have no excuse as to why older me still likes this. Hahaha. Is this book very much an AO3/Wattpad fic? Absolutely. Objectively does it deserve five stars? Not at all. Will I give this book any less than five stars? Absolutely not. There are things that I liked and didn't like this time around and a lot of the flaws seemed more glaring to me. I would say this would be a 3.5/4 star read now, but my nostalgia won't let me rate it any lower than 5 stars. Ooops.

Braden, call me.  Fuck feminism 

 Originally read in Nov 2012 
"You make me laugh, you challenge me, you turn me on like no one else can. I feel like i'm missing something really important when you're gone. So important I don't feel like myself. I've never felt like someone was mine before. But you're mine Jocelyn. I've known that from the moment we met. An I'm yours. I don't want to be anyone else's babe." - Braden Carmicheal

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I am Jocelyn Butler and I need me a Braden. I've read a lot of adult fiction novels and some are too corny for words but this book is just so unbelievable. I can relate to it so much. I push people away and it is hell for my friends. It was sexy, hot and even though the sex wasn't explicit it managed to turn me on like no other. The humor is amazing as well because I am a sarcastic little fucker. How fucking amazing was the line SHOT THROUGH THE HEART AND YOU'RE TO BLAME! DARLING YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME" 

I recommend this book! five stars for Samantha Young! :))

Julie D.

Jocelyne Lessard

I don't remember why I decided to read this book, I saw it on tik tok and was intrigued by a line (Which i really can't remember right now.) It wasn't the best book i've ever read but it was entertaining, but as someone who really enjoys angst I really didn't like they way it was written.

Camila 

Ñe. No hay mucho que decir, era predecible, cliché y el personaje principal era extremadamente machista y controlador. Ellie era lo único interesante del libro, debió haber aparecido más. 
Eso. 
No me quitó el reading-slump :|

Kerstin 

Well what should I say.. 
First of all, it's a SY book that's a statement in itself 🤭

But well the whole series has a big part of my heart ❤ 

This book was the perfect start for the series. I loved all the characters that appeared.. well the main ones who also play a role in the next books 😌

Well for this book: strong female lead who is scared to form an emotional bond with someone and so on but she only needed the right person who made her want to live her life.

I really appreciate that later on she did not lose her fears completely when something big happened for the first time because that would have been pretty unrealistic. 

A book worth rereading endlessly 💛 

Clara hash

DAMN. Thank you Samantha Young! It's been a while since I haven't read a book like this one! 
I found myself in it, in Joss' charater. I felt like I can understand what she's going through, and it's what I love when I'm reading.
THANK YOU AGAIN. 
5 ENORMOUS STARS.

Siobhán

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

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young is the hottest new romance bestseller.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.Incredibly passionate and downright romantic, On Dublin Street is a captivating and bittersweet story of the redemptive power of love.'Scotland's answer to E.L. James' Sunday Post'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, so vivid that the cast seeps into the reader's psyche' Daily Record'Highly recommend this one' USA TodaySamantha Young is a 27-year-old Scottish book addict who graduated from the University of Edinburgh. She currently lives in Scotland. Discover more about Samantha online: ondublinstreet.com; samanthayoungbooks.com; twitter.com/SYoungSFAuthor; facebook.com/OnDublinStreet.

b.andherbooks

Typical "New Adult" novel with a tortured soul of a young woman repressing a troubled past and a hot, domineering jerky rich guy, but this time set in Scotland! Same story, different setting, and the Scottish setting really had no impact on the story whatsoever. However, in defense of this story, I did have an iota more of respect for Joss then I normally do for most of the female leads in these novels. She had some good quips, but alas her love interest was basically a controlling asshole.

Read for the "guilty pleasure" square of the Book Riot 2015 Read Harder Challenge.

On Dublin Street

Reviews