Review ~ On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street

By Samantha Young

5 out of 5 STARS

Four years ago, Jocelyn Butler left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Edinburgh. Burying the grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without any real attachments has worked well for her so far but when Joss moves into a fantastic apartment on Dublin Street, her carefully guarded world is shaken to its core by her new roommate's sexy older brother.

Braden Carmichael is a man who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Jocelyn in his bed. Knowing how skittish Joss is concerning any kind of relationship, Braden proposes a sexual arrangement that should satisfy the intense attraction between them without it developing into anything 'more'. An intrigued Jocelyn agrees, completely unprepared for the Scotsman and his single-minded determination to strip the stubborn young woman bare... to the very soul.

Contains strong adult content. For readers ages 18+

Available now on Amazon

Wow.  This was a fantastic read and I finished it in no time!  The prologue starts with a very sad situation.  Joss's world is turned upside down so quickly, setting up the drama for the story to unfold.

Eight years later, Joss is in Scotland looking for a new place to live.  Rhian has moved to London, the only friend she has let herself get close to in a very long time.  Grudgingly sharing a cab on her way to Dublin street, she has an interesting encounter with a devastatingly handsome man she refers to as "The Suit."  This was a tension filled cab ride since The Suit is so blatantly flirting with Joss.  

Without another look or word to the Suit, I handed the driver some money and slid a hand along the door handle.
“Wait.”
I froze and shot the Suit a wary look over my shoulder. “What?”
“Do you have a name?”
I smiled, feeling relief now that I was getting away from him and the bizarre attraction between us. “Actually, I have two.”
I jumped out of the cab, ignoring the traitorous thrill of pleasure that cascaded over me at the sound of his answering chuckle.

Finally she gets to the prospective apartment to check it out.  She is greeted by  Ellie donning a monocle and fake mustache.  Instantly I liked Ellie.  She's a free spirit and gives Joss the space she needs to adjust.

I was captivated completely from the very beginning.  Joss is a strong woman.  She's very private.  She internalizing everything!  That's just the way she has dealt with the pain of her past.  She keeps everybody at a distance.  Enter "The Suit".  Lo and behold, he's Ellie's older brother Braden.  He's eight years older and quite the businessman having taken over Douglas Carmichael & Co when his father passed away.  Usually going for tall blondes, Joss is very different but he's immediately intrigued by her.  The electricity between these two is intense.

“After last night, there’s no denying the promise of what’s between us. I’m not backing off, so rather than coming up with a new defense – which I’m sure I’d find highly entertaining – just give in, babe. You know you’re going to eventually.”
“Have I mentioned how annoying and arrogant you are?”
“I can still smell and taste you, Jocelyn. And I’m still fucking hard.”

Realizing she's not your average girl, Braden comes up with an arrangement that is beneficial to both of them.  He won't take no for an answer.

“I take it you weren’t expecting me?” Braden asked as he settled himself on the couch.
Not wanting to appear intimidated, I slipped back into my seat on the armchair. “No. I managed to convince myself through wishful thinking that we were done with whatever that was that happened before…”
He shrugged out of his jacket. “You mean when I dry humped you against a wall?”
My jaw locked with irritation. If he’d been a character in a book, I would have hated his dirty mouth. As it was, my body loved his dirty mouth. No need to tell him that. “You know, Braden, I’ve watched you over  the last few months and you’re such a gentleman to everyone but me. What’s with that?”
“I want you in my bed. Gentlemen are boring in bed.” Good point.
“Gentlemen are gentlemen in bed. They make sure you’re having a good time.”
“I’ll make sure you’re having a good time, and that you’re okay with everything we’re doing. I just won’t be well-mannered about it.”

Whew!  Who could resist that?  Thus starts the crazy sexcapades of Joss and Braden.  One more teasing quote to whet your appetite.

“Babe,” he gave me a look that suggested I was missing the obvious, “I never kid about blowjobs.”
The sound of someone choking brought my head up. 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.”

But oh no, this book is so much more then hot sex.  Joss finds herself coming out of her shell.  She's not thrilled about it but working on it regardless.  She has kept her demons at bay for so long that it's time she learns to cope with them if she ever wants to have normal friendships/relationships in the future.  This book shows tremendous growth in character developments.  Not only in Joss, but Braden and Ellie as well.  Such care is taken to develop these wonderful characters.

Overall?  I LOVED this book.  An excellent plot that completely dragged me in,  great characters and fantastic sex scenes that had me panting for more!  Seriously, one of the best books I've read in a while.