Title: Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2)
Author: Samantha Young
Release Date: May 7th 2013
Publisher: Penguin/NAL
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 384
Source: For review
Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....
It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.
But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.
Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.
The first book of this series, On Dublin Street, was by far my most favourite adult book EVER. I just absolutely fell in love with that book, and when I found out that there would be a sequel with different main characters, I stalked basically the author and early reviews for Down London Road. Early reviewers said one thing in common: Down London Road was even better than On Dublin Street. And you know what? They are 100% right.
Before we get on to our new main characters Johanna and Cameron, I would just like to say that the author was soooo awesome to give us a lot of Joss and Braden time even though they are not the main focus here anymore. Every time we get to see the old gang again - Joss, Braden, Ellie, Adam - I just couldn't help smiling. (And we do see them a lot since they're Johanna's close friends) :)
Okay, I admit when we first met Johanna from On Dublin Street, I really didn't like her. Like a lot of people, we all thought she was a cheap gold digger who'd do anything for money. So obviously I was a bit reluctant when I found out she's going to be the main character in this book but in the end, Jo just surprised me. We find out why she does what she does, and in my opinion, it justifies everything. Her life is really not easy and for such a young person, she carries a great deal of responsibility. But you know what I really admire about her? She doesn't give up. She loves her little brother Cole so much that it just breaks my heart; she would do anything for him. I hated their mother and if she was my mum, I would have kicked her out myself. Grrrr. But yeah, Jo is one of the bravest, compassionate and most realistic character I've ever read about. She totally won me over by the end. I actually think I love her so much than Joss (and that's saying a lot!)
EEEEEP. Now onto the love interest and the love of my life - Cameron McCabe. Cam is such a sweetheart. And yes, he did annoy me at first when he was so judgemental and such an asshole to Jo at first, but as they learn more about each other and hang out, he just blew my mind. Such a swoon-worthy character that I loved even more than Braden. Yes. That's how much I loved Cam. Like Jo, I think he's one of the most realistic male characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
The pace of their relationship was slow and right for this story. There was no insta-love! That's what I love about this series - both On Dublin Street and Down London Road features a love story that is so relatable that you wouldn't be surprised if there's one just like it in real life. Cam and Jo's relationship was healthy, and yes they had fights but whose relationship doesn't have ups and downs? I just loved their whole relationship and oh boy do they have chemistry!!!! The love scenes were even hotter in this book! Samantha Young can sure write an awesome (and not to mention hot) love scene. *Fans self*
Like in On Dublin Street, Samantha Young manages to make me fall in love with the old and new characters. We get to meet a lot of new characters in this one - and I adored each and everyone of them. Cole, her little brother was so protective and sweet! Olivia, Mick, Nate, Peetie, and even Ellie's younger sister was brilliant. And obviously, there are some characters that I hated. Jo and Cole's mum and her messed up dad, Blair, Malcolm and Becca.
The plot was even more intense and dark in this than I would have thought. There's a lot of stuff happening and I never found myself bored or wanting to stop. So yeah, I stayed up way later than I should have Thursday night and I read it in one sitting. Obviously, the epilogue was my favourite part. ;) This follow up to On Dublin Street was just so stunning and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I heard that there would be a third book in this series, so I can't wait to find out who will be in it. I do have a few guesses but since Samantha's not telling us until later, then I guess I'll just go re-read Down London Road. It's definitely going in my Favourite Books shelf. :D
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