A Review for Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2) by Samantha Young

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 9th, 2013
Finished Date: June 4th, 2013

Publishers: Penguin UK
Source: For Review 

Format: Paperback 
Pages: 464

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Johanna Walker knows what she wants. And that's a strong, steady, financially secure man who will treat her well and look after her and her little brother, Cole - something her parents have never done.

But when she meets the gorgeous Cameron MacCabe, a new bartender at work, Jo can't deny the instant and undeniable attraction she feels. Cam doesn't fit into her strict specifications of her perfect partner at all - but for once she is tempted to let her heart rule her head.

And as their intense connection grows, Jo has to stop hiding the truth about herself and her family. Is Cam prepared to accept Jo for who she really is? And is Jo willing to let someone into her life for keeps?

The Review: “What I feel for you … It’s all-consuming", he breathed, leaning his forehead against mine again. "It’s almost debilitating. It’s too much. It’s … I can’t even describe it, but being with you is … there’s this intensity inside me all the time, this … constant pull, desperation … it’s like you’re branded on me or something. And it bloody well burns.” 

I loved On Dublin Street when I read it last year, so I was even more excited to read Down London Road and I have to say, Samantha Young has wrote a cracking follow up. 

This time around we visit Jo Walker, the crazy-man-loving girl who works at the same bar as Jocelyn. Jo tries to do her best by bringing in a steady income and dating guys that can bring her a good future, and she does all this for her younger brother. Their mother is an alcoholic and Jo has to look after them all. But who looks after Jo? When Cameron MacCabe comes into her life, he judges her by what he sees - a girl dating men who have only have big wallets, however once he gets to know Jo, he realises she's not what she seems. They fast became friends and soon their attraction is undeniable. But can Jo really take a chance on love or will she always settle for what she thinks is best? 

I really really enjoyed this. Samantha Young never fails to leave an impression with her works and it makes me want to read some of her self published titles (if I ever get the time).

Like Cam, I have to admit that I judged Jo pretty quickly too. In On Dublin Street she did come across as a money-grabbing-women, however that's not the case in Down London Road. Jo has to keep her family afloat and if she can take interest in men that really care for her, then she's not doing anything wrong. The only person she's not being true to is herself. She's giving up her happiness for her family. I was glad when Cam came into the picture, he really opens Jo up and shows her how truly great her life could be with the right love, and more importantly, asking for help when she needs it. Their relationship is raw and so very intense, it was so enjoyable to read about. 

And for all you Braden and Jocelyn fans, we get a lot of these two too - more than I was expecting actually, so that was a plus. I loved seeing how protective Braden was over Jo - it shows how much of a good friendship they all have. 

In all, Down London Road is a steamy, passionate and all-consuming read and, once I started reading I didn't want to stop, and no it wasn't just about Cam but because of how beautifully Samantha writes. So if you haven't read any of her work yet, I urge you to do so.