{"id":3509,"date":"2013-05-28T21:25:02","date_gmt":"2013-05-29T04:25:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=3509"},"modified":"2016-12-26T06:30:00","modified_gmt":"2016-12-26T11:30:00","slug":"review-down-london-road-on-dublin-street-2-by-samantha-young","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=3509","title":{"rendered":"Review: Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2) by Samantha Young"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buy: Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Paperback<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Review<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The long awaited follow up to\u00a0On Dublin Street\u00a0<\/a>– a book that totally rocked my world! This book seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews, and although I really liked it, I can see why people could struggle. So I\u2019m going to go into a bit of (non spoilery) detail about the story to give you an idea of what it\u2019s about, because I figure if you can get past the some of the early issues, you should be able to go on and enjoy the rest of the story.<\/p>\n

We met Jo in\u00a0On Dublin Street<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 she works at the bar with Joss. In that book she is portrayed as a gold digger, only dating wealthy men. And when she set her sights on Braden, I had instant hatred for her.\u00a0Down London Road<\/em>\u00a0is set 18 months after the end of\u00a0On Dublin Street<\/em>. Jo is still working at the bar, is now best friends with Joss, and she is still dating wealthy men, at the moment, a really nice guy called Malcolm. Although she cares for Malcolm, her feelings for him aren\u2019t strong, and she is going through the motions of a relationship with him, using her looks and trying to be the perfect girlfriend and hold on to him in order for the security he provides.<\/p>\n

Yeah, not cool. And honestly, she\u2019s a little bit hard to like at this point, but her reasons for her behaviour become clear when we learn her background, and the fear that she lives with. With an alcoholic mother who is completely useless, Jo is the sole support for her family, working two jobs to provide for the three of them, she not only cares for her bedridden mother, but is also raising her 14 year old brother, Cole, and constantly trying to protect him from their mother\u2019s outbursts. And with everything that she has been through (which is revealed throughout the story) I can understand why she believes that she has no other options.<\/p>\n

But then along comes Cam. As soon as the two of them lay eyes on each other, they have an instant, freakish attraction, which they both ignore, because she has her boyfriend, and he thinks she\u2019s a money-hungry bitch. Things become more complicated when they end up working together at the bar, and then Cam moves into the apartment downstairs from hers. The attraction is still there, but there is a simmering animosity between them as Cam misunderstands Jo over and over, and makes it clear to her what he thinks of the way she lives her life. But when Cam gets a chance to see what Jo\u2019s real life is, he suddenly gets it, and makes an effort to reach out to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I are starting over today. I\u2019m not some asshole who has judged you over and over again and got you wrong every single time. Trust me. Please.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And so they become friends. Cam is a fantastic support for Jo and her brother, and as Jo lets Cam in, he gets to know the real her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat girl you were out there is not Jo. I don\u2019t know who that is, but she\u2019s an arse who pisses me off. She\u2019s fake, she\u2019s simpering, and she\u2019s a fucking bimbo. She\u2019s not you.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

They still have that freakish attraction, but they don\u2019t act on it as they are both in relationships. But the closer they get, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t go on like this. I\u2019m not the guy who cheats on his girlfriend wishing all the time she was someone else.\u201d
\nElation and fear washed over me in equal measure. \u201cCam, I\u2026\u201d
\n\u201cYou want this. I know you do.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yep, he\u2019s right, and the woman is not a robot, how can she resist? So they\u00a0finally<\/u>\u00a0ditch their respective partners, and it\u2019s all on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to fuck you so hard, sink so deep inside of you, you\u2019ll never work me out from under your skin. Never.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I love Cam!! And he and Jo together are pure win! With a relationship based on friendship, they have fun, they laugh, they are insanely hot together (like, seriously hot! Damn Samantha Young can write a sensational love scene!), and slowly, Cam helps Jo through her issues, encouraging her to live her life for herself. And as she takes his advice to heart, I was really impressed with her growth, and the development of her character. She starts to stand up for herself, being with Cam because she wants him rather than what he can offer her, and even though she struggles to overcome the perception that people have of her, Cam stands by her, protecting her, and supporting her the whole time (he\u2019s kinda perfect like that).<\/p>\n

\u201cI’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.\u201d His mouth curled up at the corners. \u201cAnd you are smart, and passionate, and funny, and exciting, and you blow me fucking away.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And he isn\u2019t prepared to take any of her shit either, refusing to let her escape inside of her head, and retreat from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need space to think.\u201d
\nHe looked stunned, almost like I\u2019d hit him. \u201cSpace?\u201d
\nI nodded, chewing my lip to hell.
\nAnd then Cam\u2019s eyes darkened, his whole expression growing taut with coming anger. I began to gnaw my lip as he took a menacing step towards me. \u201cSpace from me?\u201d
\nI nodded.
\n\u201cFuck that shit,\u201d he growled.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But even with all of the happy, there are some big issues that they have to deal with – Jo\u2019s family, and her past and the impact it has on her, as well as the reappearance of somebody from Cam\u2019s past that causes some big problems. Their relationship is functional for the most part, but there is a bit of stupid towards the end which could have been resolved if they just talked to each other. But it is resolved, and even though the resolution had me rolling my eyes just a wee bit, I was happy to see them get their HEA.<\/p>\n

The external relationships are fantastic. Joss and Braden play a big part in the story, and I loved getting to see them again (Joss has also had quite a bit of character growth, and is a lot softer now than what she was – but I guess 18 months with Braden, the Fuckhot Scot, will do that for a girl *sigh*), and as Jo and Cole have been adopted into their circle, there is also time with Ellie and Adam, Hannah, and the extended family, and the Sunday lunch scenes were sensational as always.<\/p>\n

We are also introduced to Cam\u2019s friend Nate, who is great fun, and who (I believe) will be the focus of the next book, and Cam\u2019s relationship with Cole is absolutely gorgeous. He takes on a big brother role, and the two of them have a great dynamic as the whole crew effortlessly become a part of each other\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cFuck, man,\u201d Nate breathed, his attention suddenly on the shoes and my legs. \u201cDon\u2019t let her sell those.\u201d His heated eyes devoured me. \u201cThose are shit hot.\u201d
\n\u201cI will seriously hit you,\u201d Cam warned him darkly.
\nNate shrugged, threw me a cheeky grin, and turned back to the television screen.
\n\u201cNot my fault your girlfriend is so bloody fuckable.\u201d
\nCole slammed his shoulder into Nate before Cam could retaliate. \u201cDude, that\u2019s my sister.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I was up and down with this book. Jo is not instantly likeable, and it\u2019s a bit slow to get moving while her life is set up, but I adored Jo and Cam together, and was riding their high through most of the story. There are some twists which I didn\u2019t see coming, and I liked watching them play out, and there\u2019s a nice set up there for the next book in the series. And there’s even a gorgeously swoony epilogue!<\/p>\n

While, for me, it doesn\u2019t compare to the pure awesome of\u00a0On Dublin Street<\/em>, I\u2019m still really glad that I read it, and am looking forward to more from this sensational group of characters.<\/p>\n

4 stars.<\/p>\n

* * * * * * * * * * *<\/p>\n

Bonus scene:<\/p>\n

This is a delicious little peek into the mind of Cam. It takes place during\u00a0Down London Road\u00a0during the height of the angsty UST between him and Jo \u2013 at the moment where Cam realises he is falling for her and they share their first almost-kiss.<\/p>\n

It hurt to look at her. He couldn\u2019t remember wanting anything more in his life and the thought that he couldn\u2019t have her\u2026
\nCam couldn\u2019t live with that.<\/em><\/p>\n

They were living a lie, but this right here between them, right here in this moment in his kitchen\u2026 this was truth.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s short and sweet, but it still gave me shivers. Samantha Young certainly has a gift for romance. God, I love this series!<\/p>\n

4 stars.<\/p>\n

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The On Dublin Street series<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"On<\/a>\u00a0 \"Until<\/a>\u00a0 \"Down<\/a>\u00a0 \"Castle<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\"Before<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\"Fall<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Echoes<\/a>\u00a0 \"\"\u00a0 \"Moonlight<\/a>\u00a0 \"One<\/a>\u00a0 \"\"\u00a0 \"\"<\/p>\n

On Dublin Street (#1)<\/strong> (Braden & Joss)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Until Fountain Bridge (#1.5)<\/strong> (Adam & Ellie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Down London Road (#2)<\/strong> (Cam & Jo)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Castle Hill (#2.5)<\/strong>\u00a0(Braden & Joss)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0\u00a0Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Before Jamaica Lane (#3)<\/strong> (Nate & Olivia)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Fall from India Place (#4)<\/strong> (Hanna & Marco)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Echoes of Scotland Street (#5)<\/strong> (Cole & Shannon)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

Valentine (#5.5)<\/strong> (Excerpts with each couple)
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Moonlight on Nightingale Way (#6)<\/strong> (Logan & Grace)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n

One King’s Way (#6.5)<\/strong> (Craig & Rain)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

Stars Over Castle Hill (#6.6)\u00a0<\/strong>(Braden & Joss)
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

On Hart\u2019s Boardwalk (#6.7, Hart’s Boardwalk, #2.5)<\/strong> (Nate & Olivia)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>On Dublin Street: The Bonus Material\u00a0<\/strong>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

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Samantha Young also has a series of On Dublin Street bonus scenes on her website<\/a>.\u00a0 A must-read for fans!!!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Check out our Contemporary Romance Recommendations <\/a>page for more awesome reads.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Buy: Kindle Ebook\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Paperback Review The long awaited follow up to\u00a0On Dublin Street\u00a0– a book that totally rocked my world! This book seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews, and although I really […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3365,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":4,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"Product","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,9,29],"tags":[204,48,203],"class_list":["post-3509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feeeeeeels","category-romance","category-steamy","tag-on-dublin-street","tag-review","tag-samantha-young"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Down-London-Road.jpg?fit=150%2C221&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-UB","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3509"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3509\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}