On Dublin Street
On Dublin Street Series, #1
By Samantha Young
Publisher: NAL Trade (Oct. 2012)
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Erotica
Format: eBook (414 pages)
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
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.
At A Glance
Hehehehehe. I just want to giggle every time I think of this book. It’s hot, sexy, and hilarious. The perfect trio.
The Good
Here’s The Story…
Saying Jocelyn is messed up is putting it lightly. She has worked hard at burying her emotions and forgetting her traumatic past. Friendships and relationships are a no-no because they only cause more pain in the end. Determined to start over, Jocelyn moves to Scotland to become a writer. First mistake: having a roommate. Ellie is sweet, kind, and inviting. But Jocelyn tries to keep herself distant even though Ellie is slowly crawling into her heart. Then comes Ellie’s brother Braden. Second mistake: meeting Braden while naked. Yeah, no going back from that one. Braden is hot, charismatic, and charming. And he has his sights set on Jocelyn. But Jocelyn will not disrupt her perfect balance of solitary and aloofness for anybody. Then Braden proposes a ‘just sex, no relationship’ arrangement. Who can turn down a few nights with a sexy man with an accent? But Jocelyn doesn’t know that Braden wants more, and he always gets what he wants.
Switching It Up…
I have never read a book like this before. First off, its a romance but an unorthodox romance. In On Dublin Street, it’s Braden who chases Jocelyn. Jocelyn is the one with relationship and intimacy issues. Because of her past, she doesn’t trust getting close to people; she has become emotionally closed off. She continues to push Braden away while Braden tries to find new ways to win her over. I liked the somewhat role reversal, the idea of the woman not wanting a relationship. But don’t feel too bad for Braden because he is a serial monogamist. But what did you expect. He’s freakin gorgeous. Women throw themselves at him and he has every right to partake as long as he is single.
Jocelyn = Jennifer…
Another thing that sets this book a part for me is that Jocelyn reminds me of myself…in a small way. She is a fantasy writer and hides her emotions. That’s me in a nut shell. Sad, right? That’s okay, it’s still fun to pretend I am a real person. Maybe if I wish hard enough the blue fairy will come and make me a real girl. 🙂 All I need is Braden to walk into my life and bam! Call me Jocelyn. Okay, enough about me and my robot emotions.
Jocelyn…
I think Jocelyn is one of my favorite female characters of all time. I love strong, independent women who don’t always go goo goo over guys. Jocelyn doesn’t take Braden’s crap. She holds out being with him longer than any sane girl could have abstained. Her stunted emotions made her unique and fun to read about. Her past is pretty horrible and I totally got why she is all messed up. I felt for her even when she was letting down the people around her. You can’t always be there for other people when you yourself have issues to work out. It made her human and real because no one can handle every situation with grace. It was nice to see her grow and deal with her past, no matter how reluctant she was.
Braden…
Braden is all sorts of yummy and charming. But he also comes across as an all around good guy. His relationship with his family and sister is the sweetest ever. He is understanding when it comes to Jocelyn’s freak outs. He’s also successful, rich, and lickable. Okay, okay, I’ll stop. My brain is in the gutter today. Braden was one of the most perfect leading men ever. I literally can’t think of one bad thing to say about him. He is a gentlemen in public and a tiger in bed. He can chitty chitty bang bang me any day. OMG, someone stop me! What does that even mean???
I’m a Real Girl Now…
I felt all sorts of emotions in this book (yeah, yeah, earlier I said I was an emotional robot, but I didn’t say I was consistent). It went darker then I could have guessed. Young pretty much almost ripped my heart out a couple times (hey, it may be small and shriveled but it still beats, people). On Dublin Street will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow this couple as they weed through their past hurts and find love in each other’s arms. (Wow, that last sentence was so profound I want to quote myself somewhere). But this book also has loads of hilarious moments where you will cry from laughter. Braden and Jocelyn are a perfect combo to brighten anyone’s day.
The Bad
I was going to give this book 4 stars. But once I started writing this review, I realized I liked it a little more than 4 stars but still not quite 5 stars. What stopped me from giving it 5 stars is that it took me a little while to really get into it and the ending was too rushed for my taste.
The Snuggly
Ummmm, yeah. Expect some very steamy sex scenes. Though this book is not full-on erotic–which to me means a lot of sex with heavy sexual language–it toes the line for sure. It has crude language and detailed sex scenes but there is barely a handful of actual sex scenes. Still not for the faint of heart. But really, the awesome sex took this book to a whole other level. It added the perfect amount of spice.
Final Thoughts
I am so happy people suggested this book to me. On Dublin Street blew my mind. It was different and fun to read. You know I’m mainly a paranormal reader, but I can’t pass up the few contemporaries that know the meaning of a great story and characters. I will be looking into Young’s other books because she really surprised me with this one. Highly recommended.
Best Quote Ever right here but very naughty. You have been warned:
“A**hole.”
“Just for that, I expect you to wrap that dirty mouth of yours around my c**k tonight.” He narrowed his eyes on me.
I couldn’t believe he’d just said that to me in a fancy restaurant where anyone might overhear. “Are you kidding?”
“Babe,” he gave me a look that suggested I was missing the obvious, “I never kid about blowjobs.” Our waiter had descended on us just in time to hear those romantic words and his rosy cheeks betrayed his embarrassment. “Ready to order?” he croaked out.
“Yes,” Braden answered, obviously uncaring he’d been overhead. “I’ll have the steak, medium-rare.” He smiled softly at me. “What are you having?” He took a swig of water. He thought he was so cool and funny.
“Apparently sausage.” Braden choked on the water, coughing into his fists, his eyes bright with mirth as he put his glass back on the table.
“Are you okay, sir?” The waiter asked anxiously.
“I’m fine, I’m fine.”
*****
“You’re good with the words, I’ll give you that.”
“I’m good with my hands. Will you let me give you that?”
*****
“I would say it was nice to meet you, but I was naked so… it wasn’t.”
Heather Topham Wood
I loved this one more than I expected! Great review =)
Jennifer Bielman
So happy to hear that. Happy you loved it. 🙂
JenM
This book was a real surprise for me also. I’ve been burned quite a bit with self-pubbed books that everyone is raving about, but I took a chance on this one after a post at DA and I was so glad I did. Definitely one of my top romances of the year.
Jennifer Bielman
I agree. But I like the idea of books that are self-pub then get picked up my a publisher. So I had to see what the craze was about.
kimbacaffeinate
Despite the rushed ending, this book is hot on my wishlist, so glad you think it was a worthy read and almost a five for you is awesome!
Jennifer Bielman
So happy that you are going to read it. I think most people can enjoy this book easily.
Julie H.
I keep seeing a lot of people talk about this one. Glad to know it’s worth the read.
Jennifer Bielman
So worth the read!
Elisa
alright, you convinced me, I will get my hands on this one sooner or later – it sounds like too much fun to pass up! wonderful review.
Jennifer Bielman
Yaaaaay! That’s what I like to hear.
Aman
This was a surprise for me too. I didn’t expect it to love this much. I love the role reversal thing too, that what made it so different. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, without the role reversal, it wouldn’t have the same punch.
Sarah Elizabeth
Hot, sexy and hilarious! Sounds fantastic! Going to have to check this one out!
Jennifer Bielman
Hope you end up loving it.
Ashley
I love your review so freaking much and I’m so glad you liked this book!! But seriously, your review totally made me laugh. “He can chitty chitty bang bang me any day.” LOL! You’re so right though. This book is SO HOT and I loved the role reversal too. Jocelyn was such a great character, and of course Braden was delicious. Yum.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL. I was a little loppy from lack of sleep when I wrote this one. I get weird when I do that. LOL
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Wow. Great to hear! Wow. And new one to me. Glad you enjoyed it so.
Jennifer Bielman
🙂 Thanks.