Mar 19, 2014

Mini Reviews: On Dublin Street Novellas by Samantha Young

Title: Until Fountain Bridge
Author: Samantha Young
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 6.13.2013
Pages: 111
Genre: New Adult, Novella, Contemporary
Series: On Dublin Street #1.5
Source: Purchased eBook

Rating: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):
Ellie Carmichael had a crush on Adam Sutherland, her brother, Braden’s, best friend, for years, and although Adam treated her with proprietary concern he made it clear he thought of her only as a little sister. 

Over the years, as Ellie’s crush develops into love, her romantic idealism makes it difficult for her to move on. To make matters worse, as she’s gotten older, Adam’s attitude has changed toward her. His affection for her is now joined by attraction, but his loyalty to Braden, and his fear of losing the only family he has, stops him from claiming Ellie the way she wishes he would. 

But one night his attraction is put to the test, and as much as Adam would like things to remain the same everything changes between them in a simple brush of the lips. 

Soon lust, love, jealousy and heartbreak combine to force change upon their relationship… and Adam discovers the hard way that life is too damn short to spend it on regret.
                                                                                                                                                                      
Review:
Ever since I read ON DUBLIN STREET, I have been wanting the full story of Ellie and Adam’s relationship. The way Samantha Young wrote them made me crave to know their story. In ON FOUNTAIN BRIDGE we get just that.

Told through a series of flashbacks via a journal, I felt a little disconnected from the story. I almost wish this would have been a full-length novel so that Young had more time to spend on details. Regardless, as a fan of the series and this couple, I was so happy to learn anything about their history.

Watching Ellie and Adam the Couple learn about each other from years earlier was fun, but frustrating, because you knew they would always be hitting road blocks in this novella. (They don’t get together until ON DUBLIN STREET.) But still, I loved the glimpse into their pasts.

Buy: Amazon

Title: Castle Hill
Author: Samantha Young
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: 12.3.2013
Pages: 97
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Novella
Series: On Dublin Street #2.5
Source: eARC from publisher

Rating: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):
A Joss and Braden Novella

Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again…

Review:
It was so nice coming back to Joss and Braden, the couple that kickstarted my love of Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street series. That book has always been my favorite, and this quick glimpse into the world—and ongoing saga of Joss & Braden—was a welcome treat.

I love Joss’s spirit. I’ve loved her since I read ON DUBLIN STREET years ago. And that hasn’t changed. But she’s also a little broken and needs someone who gets her, which is where Braden comes in. Braden never tries to “fix” Joss. He just supports her the best he can, and yes, they both mistakes along the way.

At 97 pages, this is a very fast read. There is some drama, but some seriously swoony times with my favorite couple. All in all, this was a great way for Young to let readers stay connected with the duo that started it all.

Buy: Amazon

4 comments:

  1. I would have loved a full length book for Adam and Ellie as well, I just loved them (except when I wanted to throttle Adam for hurting Ellie). Their story was so good though:) And I need to read the Joss/Braden novella! I can't believe I haven't yet and still call myself a fan of the series. Fail:)

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  2. I haven't read this series yet, but I always hear that it's wonderful. I;m glad you enjoy them though :)

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  3. Yeah, flashbacks via a journal are a hard way to read a story and fully connect with it. I haven't read On Dublin Street, though I've heard lots of great things about it. Need to read!

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  4. I seriously love this series by Samantha Young. I haven't read the novellas yet, but you totally make me want to. 97 pages just doesn't seem long enough for Joss and Braden.

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