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Return to Dublin Street #2
A Royal Mile
A steamy enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young.
It’s hard to stay in the friend zone when the attraction is this hot…
Going into my senior year of university at war with a member of the British royal family wasn’t in my carefully laid plans. Sebastian Thorne might be the grandson of a princess, but it’ll take more than a royal pardon to get me to forgive him for pretending to be someone he’s not.
But Sebastian is determined to be my friend. Even if it means signing up to a psych experiment just to get me to talk to him. Who knew a sincere apology and him saying my name in that posh English accent would make me weak in the knees?
This year was supposed to be about my dissertation and graduate school. Only, Sebastian has thrown my ordered world off kilter. He makes me bolder, more confident. A braver version of me.
Yet every lingering glance and stolen touch has me realizing one thing…
I’m falling for my best friend.
There’s just one problem. Sebastian has demons, ones that make him determined to keep me in the friend zone no matter the cost.
And even when temptation sends his walls tumbling down, the beauty we’ve found might not survive against the will of powerful outside forces…
It’s hard to stay in the friend zone when the attraction is this hot…
Going into my senior year of university at war with a member of the British royal family wasn’t in my carefully laid plans. Sebastian Thorne might be the grandson of a princess, but it’ll take more than a royal pardon to get me to forgive him for pretending to be someone he’s not.
But Sebastian is determined to be my friend. Even if it means signing up to a psych experiment just to get me to talk to him. Who knew a sincere apology and him saying my name in that posh English accent would make me weak in the knees?
This year was supposed to be about my dissertation and graduate school. Only, Sebastian has thrown my ordered world off kilter. He makes me bolder, more confident. A braver version of me.
Yet every lingering glance and stolen touch has me realizing one thing…
I’m falling for my best friend.
There’s just one problem. Sebastian has demons, ones that make him determined to keep me in the friend zone no matter the cost.
And even when temptation sends his walls tumbling down, the beauty we’ve found might not survive against the will of powerful outside forces…
440 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2025
About the author
Samantha Young
125 books28.5k followersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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Find Sam online at www.authorsamanthayoung.com, and on IG, TikTok and FB @authorsamanthayoung
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
December 18, 2025
okayyy so well. It was fine; a bit too long for a romance book tho. that was the only problem- it was veryyyy lengthy lol
August 10, 2025
4 stars
I was beyond excited to dive into the first installment of the Return to Dublin Street series, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is how a second-generation series should be done! Familiar, fresh, and full of heart.
Lily and Sebastian were fantastic together. I loved that Lily didn’t make things easy for him; she challenged him in all the right ways. Watching Sebastian fall completely head over heels for her was oh so satisfying. Their romance felt authentic and heartfelt.
One of the standout aspects of this book was the family dynamic. It was such a joy to revisit beloved characters from the original On Dublin Street series. It felt like catching up with old friends. I’m already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book!
I was beyond excited to dive into the first installment of the Return to Dublin Street series, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. This is how a second-generation series should be done! Familiar, fresh, and full of heart.
Lily and Sebastian were fantastic together. I loved that Lily didn’t make things easy for him; she challenged him in all the right ways. Watching Sebastian fall completely head over heels for her was oh so satisfying. Their romance felt authentic and heartfelt.
One of the standout aspects of this book was the family dynamic. It was such a joy to revisit beloved characters from the original On Dublin Street series. It felt like catching up with old friends. I’m already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book!
July 15, 2025
3.5 stars
I had to really think about this one for my rating and unfortunately, I just couldn't bring it higher.
A Royal Mile is the friends to lovers story of college students Lily and Sebastian. The two of them become friends and while both want more, Sebastian refuses to be anything more with Lily than friends. As time goes by, their attraction grows and they both have to see if it's worth ruining their friendship.
Let me preface this with I love Samantha Young, I'll read anything she writes she's one of my favorite authors. But this book is a great example of why the friends to lovers trope doesn't work very well (imo). They were never really truly friends to begin with because both of them were attracted to the other, one just wouldn't act on it (for honestly like weakest dumbest reasons). And then we got like 200 pages of them constantly wanting to be more and then Sebastian just kept saying no (again for not strong reasons).
I think if Young had cleaned this up a bit editing wise, made it shorter and kind of got to the point it would have worked better. Her book Before Jamaica Lane is one of the best friends to lovers stories I've ever read so I know she can do it, but this one didn't have strong enough goals/challenges/reasons as to why they had to stay friends. I did really like Sebastian and Lily as characters and when they finally got together it was great.
2025 Ripped Bodice Summer Romance Bingo categories hit: Grand Gesture and Fall season or action
I had to really think about this one for my rating and unfortunately, I just couldn't bring it higher.
A Royal Mile is the friends to lovers story of college students Lily and Sebastian. The two of them become friends and while both want more, Sebastian refuses to be anything more with Lily than friends. As time goes by, their attraction grows and they both have to see if it's worth ruining their friendship.
Let me preface this with I love Samantha Young, I'll read anything she writes she's one of my favorite authors. But this book is a great example of why the friends to lovers trope doesn't work very well (imo). They were never really truly friends to begin with because both of them were attracted to the other, one just wouldn't act on it (for honestly like weakest dumbest reasons). And then we got like 200 pages of them constantly wanting to be more and then Sebastian just kept saying no (again for not strong reasons).
I think if Young had cleaned this up a bit editing wise, made it shorter and kind of got to the point it would have worked better. Her book Before Jamaica Lane is one of the best friends to lovers stories I've ever read so I know she can do it, but this one didn't have strong enough goals/challenges/reasons as to why they had to stay friends. I did really like Sebastian and Lily as characters and when they finally got together it was great.
2025 Ripped Bodice Summer Romance Bingo categories hit: Grand Gesture and Fall season or action
January 22, 2026
it’s no secret that On Dublin Street is one of my all-time favorite series, so getting the chance to revisit that world was such a treat.
this book follows the next generation — Lily (Nate and Liv’s daughter from Before Jamaica Lane) and Sebastian. they go to the same college and start off as rivals, mostly because of a podcast Lily hosts with her friends. but Sebastian wants to clear the air and suggests they be friends. Lily agrees, though part of her secretly hopes it might turn into something more. Sebastian, however, is holding back due to unresolved guilt and emotional baggage from his past.
as they spend more time together under the guise of friendship, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore. feelings grow, tension builds, and eventually, things come to a head. after crossing that line, the big question is—can they really just stay friends?
I really loved this story. watching Lily and Sebastian slowly fall for each other was so sweet. their friendship felt so real and genuine, and I loved how they supported each other through their personal struggles. the banter was witty, the one-liners were spot-on, and the spicy moments definitely delivered.
it was also a joy to catch up with beloved characters from the original ODS series and to meet the next generation. I cannot wait for Baird’s story next!!!
this book follows the next generation — Lily (Nate and Liv’s daughter from Before Jamaica Lane) and Sebastian. they go to the same college and start off as rivals, mostly because of a podcast Lily hosts with her friends. but Sebastian wants to clear the air and suggests they be friends. Lily agrees, though part of her secretly hopes it might turn into something more. Sebastian, however, is holding back due to unresolved guilt and emotional baggage from his past.
as they spend more time together under the guise of friendship, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore. feelings grow, tension builds, and eventually, things come to a head. after crossing that line, the big question is—can they really just stay friends?
I really loved this story. watching Lily and Sebastian slowly fall for each other was so sweet. their friendship felt so real and genuine, and I loved how they supported each other through their personal struggles. the banter was witty, the one-liners were spot-on, and the spicy moments definitely delivered.
it was also a joy to catch up with beloved characters from the original ODS series and to meet the next generation. I cannot wait for Baird’s story next!!!
Want to Read
April 10, 2025Edited:
Please oh pleeease do NOT let Sebastian be a manwhore like Callan was 😩🙏🏻🤞🏻
I need a man not majority of the women he encountered got to experience 🥺
——————————————————
Omg???
Lily Sawyer as in Nate Sawyer and Liv Sawyer’s daughter??
And a royal romance???
Someone bring me back to life.
Before Jamaica Lane has been and always will be my roman empire so it is a massive understatement when I say that I need this book released and I need it NOW 😭
Please oh pleeease do NOT let Sebastian be a manwhore like Callan was 😩🙏🏻🤞🏻
I need a man not majority of the women he encountered got to experience 🥺
——————————————————
Omg???
Lily Sawyer as in Nate Sawyer and Liv Sawyer’s daughter??
And a royal romance???
Someone bring me back to life.
Before Jamaica Lane has been and always will be my roman empire so it is a massive understatement when I say that I need this book released and I need it NOW 😭
June 22, 2025
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Lily Sawyer is a psychology student at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She's starting her senior year, and wants it to be fun and drama free, but then she crosses paths with the one guy she'd prefer to avoid. She tutored Sebastian Thorne for a short time before he misled her. Now he seems to be everywhere she turns on campus. He's still as beautiful as she remembered, but she can't trust him. He was now just a thorn in her side. When the gorgeous Englishman wants another chance to be her friend, will she forgive him?
Sebastian Thorne still feels a lot of expectations and pressure even though his family are lesser known members of the royal family. He wants to live life on his own terms, and that includes the people he surrounds himself with. He's decided he wants Lily Sawyer in his life. He finds her fascinating, and is extremely drawn to her. He's determined to win her over, and spend time with her. Once they are good friends, he's quickly invested, but friend zones her from the start. He doesn't want anything to ruin their friendship, and risk losing her. As their relationship continues to evolve, will they keep fighting their feelings, or finally give in to their undeniable connection?
A Royal Mile by Samantha Young is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street series. It's a next generation story about Nate and Liv's eldest daughter. It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers, college, royal romance full of angst, emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry, flirty banter and delicious tension. It's a fantastic story about friendship, second chances and self discovery. I really loved these characters and this world, and can't wait for more in this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJMBM7MQ?...
(ARC provided by author)
Lily Sawyer is a psychology student at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She's starting her senior year, and wants it to be fun and drama free, but then she crosses paths with the one guy she'd prefer to avoid. She tutored Sebastian Thorne for a short time before he misled her. Now he seems to be everywhere she turns on campus. He's still as beautiful as she remembered, but she can't trust him. He was now just a thorn in her side. When the gorgeous Englishman wants another chance to be her friend, will she forgive him?
Sebastian Thorne still feels a lot of expectations and pressure even though his family are lesser known members of the royal family. He wants to live life on his own terms, and that includes the people he surrounds himself with. He's decided he wants Lily Sawyer in his life. He finds her fascinating, and is extremely drawn to her. He's determined to win her over, and spend time with her. Once they are good friends, he's quickly invested, but friend zones her from the start. He doesn't want anything to ruin their friendship, and risk losing her. As their relationship continues to evolve, will they keep fighting their feelings, or finally give in to their undeniable connection?
A Royal Mile by Samantha Young is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street series. It's a next generation story about Nate and Liv's eldest daughter. It's a slow burn, enemies to lovers, college, royal romance full of angst, emotion, humor, sizzling chemistry, flirty banter and delicious tension. It's a fantastic story about friendship, second chances and self discovery. I really loved these characters and this world, and can't wait for more in this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJMBM7MQ?...
June 10, 2025
3.5 stars. A Royal Mile is book 2 in the Return to Dublin Street, which is a 2nd gen/spinoff series of the On Dublin Street series). This is a college, royals (he’s the grandson of a princess), enemies to friends to lovers romance.
I loved On Loverose Lane (the first book in this series) so much, the anxiety and mental health rep was so good and I really related to, and this book just wasn’t quite on the same level for me. Still a solid read, just wasn’t one I connected to as much. I will say romances with a royal plot line (even lighter like it was in this book aren’t always my fav, so take this review with that in mind). You’d think I would have put together it has a royal plot line considering it’s in the blurb (which I didn’t read) and the actual title, oops lol.
The story in this one kicks off with us already realizing something has happened between Lily and Sebastian, with him deceiving her, and then as the story unfolds we see what went down. I do wish we would have leaned more into enemies before jumping to the friends to lovers bit. Lily is the daughter of the couple of Before Jamaica Lane and it’s fun how much her book parallels her parents book. I did like how Sebastian was into her first. Like I mentioned the book was solid overall, just something about the characters I didn’t connect to as much and I think the book was a bit too long so I started to lose interest. Anyways, I’ve loved this author’s books for years, this one just wasn’t a favorite but I’m excited for future books in the series!
I received an ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
I loved On Loverose Lane (the first book in this series) so much, the anxiety and mental health rep was so good and I really related to, and this book just wasn’t quite on the same level for me. Still a solid read, just wasn’t one I connected to as much. I will say romances with a royal plot line (even lighter like it was in this book aren’t always my fav, so take this review with that in mind). You’d think I would have put together it has a royal plot line considering it’s in the blurb (which I didn’t read) and the actual title, oops lol.
The story in this one kicks off with us already realizing something has happened between Lily and Sebastian, with him deceiving her, and then as the story unfolds we see what went down. I do wish we would have leaned more into enemies before jumping to the friends to lovers bit. Lily is the daughter of the couple of Before Jamaica Lane and it’s fun how much her book parallels her parents book. I did like how Sebastian was into her first. Like I mentioned the book was solid overall, just something about the characters I didn’t connect to as much and I think the book was a bit too long so I started to lose interest. Anyways, I’ve loved this author’s books for years, this one just wasn’t a favorite but I’m excited for future books in the series!
I received an ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
July 20, 2025
I love a good friends to lovers romance, and this one was soooo cute. It definitely helps that the heroine's parent's book was my absolute favorite of the On Dublin Street series and I loved seeing them!! The tension between these two was everything and the final "F It" moment where they just literally could not keep their hands off of each other anymore was everything. I really enjoyed how the hero had a secret passion he was scared to pursue and how the heroine helped him see he was worthy of chasing his dreams too. And I loved how it was set in Edinburgh and they would explore the city together! Such a great book in this series and I'm excited for more!!
June 22, 2025
This book was quite the journey. Sebastian & Lily go through an enemy phase (mostly on her side), but soon after, we get to the present day and they become friends. They have such a genuine connection and as they grow closer, the attraction they have pushed aside becomes the unspoken phantom in the room.
But Sebastian doesn't do commitment, so they have to stay friends, or he'll fuck it up! Come on, Lily, don't you see?! Well, he was a bit frustrating in that regard, especially when everyone, including Lily, starts to wonder why they can't be more. She knows what loving your best friend can be like (I.e. her parent's love), so she can't quite grasp why Bas wants to withhold it from them.
While I did love their friendship, I think it drug it a bit too long. Though the way Sebastian jumps into loving her made up for a lot.
I can't wait for more in this series. I have been loving all these new releases from Samantha Young!
This was narrated by Shane East & Zara Hampton Brown in a dual style. They are a charming pairing, as always.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: mention of a previous stalker, gas-lighting (past), hazing (past), messy parental separation
*Thank you to VPR, Must Love Audio, and the author for an ALC of this title.*
But Sebastian doesn't do commitment, so they have to stay friends, or he'll fuck it up! Come on, Lily, don't you see?! Well, he was a bit frustrating in that regard, especially when everyone, including Lily, starts to wonder why they can't be more. She knows what loving your best friend can be like (I.e. her parent's love), so she can't quite grasp why Bas wants to withhold it from them.
While I did love their friendship, I think it drug it a bit too long. Though the way Sebastian jumps into loving her made up for a lot.
I can't wait for more in this series. I have been loving all these new releases from Samantha Young!
This was narrated by Shane East & Zara Hampton Brown in a dual style. They are a charming pairing, as always.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: mention of a previous stalker, gas-lighting (past), hazing (past), messy parental separation
*Thank you to VPR, Must Love Audio, and the author for an ALC of this title.*
June 21, 2025
This one frustrated me to no end and it was due to Sebastian. I hated how he friend zoned Lily, yet then went on and treated her like they were in a relationship without sex. It really screwed with Lily's head. Worse was the party at the end of the year when he kissed a girl in front of Lily, this after months of this weird relationship they had.
Sure things ended well for them, but it was brutal to get there with all the betrayals that came their way. Still don't know if it was worth it for Lily.
Sure things ended well for them, but it was brutal to get there with all the betrayals that came their way. Still don't know if it was worth it for Lily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
I knew that I would love Sebastian and Lily's story, and I was correct. Samantha Young did it again - she wrote a beautiful book with wonderful characters that found great love with each other.
I knew that something felt a bit off with Sebastian when we saw him in Beth's book. It was quite easy to predict what it was. Thankfully, this didn't stand in the way of him and Lily's love story developing. The most important thing for me in this story was: they actually had the time to become friends before they were lovers. Even though I could see the attraction Sebastian felt towards her. The thing is, he didn't understand that magnetic pull towards her. He said it himself: he doesn't have girlfriends, because he can't commit to a serious relationship. But when it came to Lily, everything was different. He tried to hide it, but I saw it in his every word, every touch and every look. He just couldn't resist her.
Lily is a wonderful young woman. From the first moment she sees Sebastian, she falls for him. She knew that he could only be her friend, and he would not allow anything to happen. I have to admit it to her - she is so brave and strong. Sacrificing her feelings in order for them to stay friends - it takes a lot of will. I wondered how long she would be able to do it. At one point, I knew her feelings would take over and she would snap. The best moment of the story - Sebastian accepting he is in love and does everything to win Lily over. From the moment they finally got together, it was obvious that it would be for forever. They share so much love and adoration and this only made me swoon more.
I will not miss mentioning their love scenes. All of that tension literally exploded in the bedroom. Everything happening was full of steam and passion. The spice was literally a chef's kiss. I knew they would be epic. The smut was so, so good 🥵.
I loved seeing the characters from the "On Dublin Street" series. It was like saying hello to an old friend. I can't wait to read the next story from "Return to Dublin Street" ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
I knew that something felt a bit off with Sebastian when we saw him in Beth's book. It was quite easy to predict what it was. Thankfully, this didn't stand in the way of him and Lily's love story developing. The most important thing for me in this story was: they actually had the time to become friends before they were lovers. Even though I could see the attraction Sebastian felt towards her. The thing is, he didn't understand that magnetic pull towards her. He said it himself: he doesn't have girlfriends, because he can't commit to a serious relationship. But when it came to Lily, everything was different. He tried to hide it, but I saw it in his every word, every touch and every look. He just couldn't resist her.
Lily is a wonderful young woman. From the first moment she sees Sebastian, she falls for him. She knew that he could only be her friend, and he would not allow anything to happen. I have to admit it to her - she is so brave and strong. Sacrificing her feelings in order for them to stay friends - it takes a lot of will. I wondered how long she would be able to do it. At one point, I knew her feelings would take over and she would snap. The best moment of the story - Sebastian accepting he is in love and does everything to win Lily over. From the moment they finally got together, it was obvious that it would be for forever. They share so much love and adoration and this only made me swoon more.
I will not miss mentioning their love scenes. All of that tension literally exploded in the bedroom. Everything happening was full of steam and passion. The spice was literally a chef's kiss. I knew they would be epic. The smut was so, so good 🥵.
I loved seeing the characters from the "On Dublin Street" series. It was like saying hello to an old friend. I can't wait to read the next story from "Return to Dublin Street" ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.
November 11, 2025
5⭐️
Lily and Sebastian were adorable, full stop just SO cute. I LOVE a friends to lovers story and this one was so well done! Because they actually felt like friends, even though they had feelings involved. I'm glad the whole podcast-catfishing plot got out of the way early because these two were great as friends and it seemed a little silly. We had some good scenes of them just hanging out, studying and having lunch, being super comfortable with each other in the way best friends are.
I loved how soft Sebastian was with Lily. Even when he was in full denial about his feelings, he was constantly keeping her close and protecting her. And Lily was so understanding and warm, but she also didn't let Sebastian get away with shit. She had a really great quiet strength to her, and always ended up advocating for herself and what she deserved.
"My soul knew before my brain did that you're the love of my life"THIS WAS SO GOOD! Seriously, I LOVED this one. Samantha Young has been one of my favourite authors for years but man did she really knock this one out of the park. SY really excels with a series, where she can really flesh out the side characters and build on the found family aspect and this is no exception. Here our MMC is Lily, psydo cousin of Beth, the MMC from book one in this series. But Lily is also the daughter of Olivia and Nate from On Jamaica Lane, so this is also a continuation of her second-generation.
Lily and Sebastian were adorable, full stop just SO cute. I LOVE a friends to lovers story and this one was so well done! Because they actually felt like friends, even though they had feelings involved. I'm glad the whole podcast-catfishing plot got out of the way early because these two were great as friends and it seemed a little silly. We had some good scenes of them just hanging out, studying and having lunch, being super comfortable with each other in the way best friends are.
I loved how soft Sebastian was with Lily. Even when he was in full denial about his feelings, he was constantly keeping her close and protecting her. And Lily was so understanding and warm, but she also didn't let Sebastian get away with shit. She had a really great quiet strength to her, and always ended up advocating for herself and what she deserved.
June 15, 2025
4.5/5
Samantha Young does it again, this one was emotional, swoony, and so worth the slow burn. Lily and Sebastian’s journey from enemies to friends to lovers had me hooked. The angst? Delicious. The chemistry? Off the freakin’ charts. 🔥 I loved how long it took them to truly open up and give in to their feelings, it made everything hit harder. SY is one of those authors I can always count on for heartfelt, emotional romance with characters who feel real. I devoured this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes include:
👑 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
💔 Angsty
💎 Royalty Romance
😈 Playboy Hero
Samantha Young does it again, this one was emotional, swoony, and so worth the slow burn. Lily and Sebastian’s journey from enemies to friends to lovers had me hooked. The angst? Delicious. The chemistry? Off the freakin’ charts. 🔥 I loved how long it took them to truly open up and give in to their feelings, it made everything hit harder. SY is one of those authors I can always count on for heartfelt, emotional romance with characters who feel real. I devoured this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes include:
👑 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🔥 Slow Burn
💔 Angsty
💎 Royalty Romance
😈 Playboy Hero
June 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
A Royal Mile is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street series, but it was my first book by Samantha Young. It seems like this was a second-generation series, so I would definitely be interested in reading the On Dublin Street series.
The book started out with enemies to lover's vibes when Lily hates Sebastian Thorne for deceiving her in the past. However, it quickly turns to friends to lovers when Sebastian makes amends and shows Lily how much he wants her as a friend. Sebastian is a royal, and he doesn’t do relationships, so he will not risk their friendship for something more. Lily is falling for him, and she wants more, but Sebastian feels like he doesn’t deserve her.
I loved the beautiful relationship that builds between these two and how they opened up to each other about their pasts. I truly felt their connection and the love between them. It was just brutal to see them pining after each other for so long. It brought the angst.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook was narrated by Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown. Shane East is one of my favorite narrators, and he was the perfect fit for the sexy royal. Zara delivered a heartfelt performance, and I loved her accent.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️.5
A Royal Mile is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street series, but it was my first book by Samantha Young. It seems like this was a second-generation series, so I would definitely be interested in reading the On Dublin Street series.
The book started out with enemies to lover's vibes when Lily hates Sebastian Thorne for deceiving her in the past. However, it quickly turns to friends to lovers when Sebastian makes amends and shows Lily how much he wants her as a friend. Sebastian is a royal, and he doesn’t do relationships, so he will not risk their friendship for something more. Lily is falling for him, and she wants more, but Sebastian feels like he doesn’t deserve her.
I loved the beautiful relationship that builds between these two and how they opened up to each other about their pasts. I truly felt their connection and the love between them. It was just brutal to see them pining after each other for so long. It brought the angst.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook was narrated by Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown. Shane East is one of my favorite narrators, and he was the perfect fit for the sexy royal. Zara delivered a heartfelt performance, and I loved her accent.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
June 30, 2025
This was the perfect follow up to On Loverose Lane! Samantha perfectly captured the feeling of falling in love in college and the push and pull that comes with a friendship turning into more. The dynamic between Lily and Sebastian was perfect. The eb and flow of her feelings for him was so beautifully and on the flip side, Sebastian's slow burn and eventual discovery of his feelings was amazing.
I have been loving the cadence of Samantha's stories lately and this was no exception. The timing was perfect while breaking out of the standard romance beats. I was gripped from the start and have already been counting down the moments until we return to Dublin Street.
I have been loving the cadence of Samantha's stories lately and this was no exception. The timing was perfect while breaking out of the standard romance beats. I was gripped from the start and have already been counting down the moments until we return to Dublin Street.
June 15, 2025
Enemies to lovers romances are some of my favorite storylines and while A Royal Mile starts out as a form of enemies because of a poor decision the MMC made, it quickly transfers to friends to lovers and we get to see an angsty relationship friend-zoned with all the pining for 'reasons'.
Oh how I loved sweet Lily and Sebastian's journey to happily ever after. I loved seeing the way they became friends, really truly got to know one another and became each other's best friends. Allowing each other to see deeper than the surface. Sometimes all you need is someone in your corner and to understand why you feel the way you do. Especially Sebastian. He's a Royal, but pretty far down the line to the crown, but his life still comes with expectations. Combine that with a past that has been weighing on him and parents that are going through something dramatic and we have a man that fears making commitment. But he wants Lily in his life because she is different. She has a magnetic pull on him and he can't fathom her NOT being in his life. So, he friend-zones her making sure he can't hurt her.
And then there's the sweet, smart, driven, and unknowingly beautiful Lily. She has some great friends, a successful podcast, and a supportive family, yet still feels some sort of way about being good enough. About feeling uncomfortable in her skin because of a past that still affects her to this day. These insecurities roll over into her attraction to the dashing Englishman, Sebastian. She's attracted to him but fights it every step of the way because she genuinely likes him as her friend and doesn't want to ruin that because of her supposed unrequited feelings.
While I enjoyed seeing Lily and Sebastian growing friendship that came with platonic sleepovers and flirty banter, it was difficult to witness Lily sacrificing what she truly wanted in order to keep Sebastian close. It was making me frustrated with Sebastian and I knew it would only be a matter of time until someone broke. And when they do, it is everything I could've hoped for. Their pining and connection transferred to the bedroom and it was ELECTRIC!! They already had that friendship connection and they both were 100% fighting what was right in front of them. Once they gave in, you knew it was going to be IT!
"It's better to get hurt trying than to ache with regret because you didn't."
With all that said, I enjoyed the road to happiness for Lily and Sebastian and all the past characters that joined in on their journey. From their parents, to the extended families, to all of their friends, they all played vital roles into who these two became as young adults. But I also have to mention that Ms Young gives us quite the little twist toward the end that'll make you shake your head and perhaps want to slap a character or two. Damn Granny! ;)
A great addition to an already amazing series that connects us to first generation characters that are beloved. A Royal Mile can be read as a standalone and is for readers that enjoy angsty, pining, tongue in cheek banter, friends to lovers with a side of royal romance.
Oh how I loved sweet Lily and Sebastian's journey to happily ever after. I loved seeing the way they became friends, really truly got to know one another and became each other's best friends. Allowing each other to see deeper than the surface. Sometimes all you need is someone in your corner and to understand why you feel the way you do. Especially Sebastian. He's a Royal, but pretty far down the line to the crown, but his life still comes with expectations. Combine that with a past that has been weighing on him and parents that are going through something dramatic and we have a man that fears making commitment. But he wants Lily in his life because she is different. She has a magnetic pull on him and he can't fathom her NOT being in his life. So, he friend-zones her making sure he can't hurt her.
And then there's the sweet, smart, driven, and unknowingly beautiful Lily. She has some great friends, a successful podcast, and a supportive family, yet still feels some sort of way about being good enough. About feeling uncomfortable in her skin because of a past that still affects her to this day. These insecurities roll over into her attraction to the dashing Englishman, Sebastian. She's attracted to him but fights it every step of the way because she genuinely likes him as her friend and doesn't want to ruin that because of her supposed unrequited feelings.
While I enjoyed seeing Lily and Sebastian growing friendship that came with platonic sleepovers and flirty banter, it was difficult to witness Lily sacrificing what she truly wanted in order to keep Sebastian close. It was making me frustrated with Sebastian and I knew it would only be a matter of time until someone broke. And when they do, it is everything I could've hoped for. Their pining and connection transferred to the bedroom and it was ELECTRIC!! They already had that friendship connection and they both were 100% fighting what was right in front of them. Once they gave in, you knew it was going to be IT!
"It's better to get hurt trying than to ache with regret because you didn't."
With all that said, I enjoyed the road to happiness for Lily and Sebastian and all the past characters that joined in on their journey. From their parents, to the extended families, to all of their friends, they all played vital roles into who these two became as young adults. But I also have to mention that Ms Young gives us quite the little twist toward the end that'll make you shake your head and perhaps want to slap a character or two. Damn Granny! ;)
A great addition to an already amazing series that connects us to first generation characters that are beloved. A Royal Mile can be read as a standalone and is for readers that enjoy angsty, pining, tongue in cheek banter, friends to lovers with a side of royal romance.
July 1, 2025
Headlines:
Royal connections
Frenemies
Commitment
Think friends, enemies, besties then more. These two main characters of Sebastian and Lily took the friendship element of romance and made it their centre and their complication. There was so much push and pull in this, get your angst-gloves ready. There was a lot to navigate on Sebastian's side as he kept himself apart from others to avoid connection.
The story was set at university age range but it felt mature (and boy did it get mature...). They were both studying different subjects but came together over psychology, then the podcast that has been a theme over this series. The Dublin Street crew were in the background and I especially enjoyed seeing Lily's mum and dad (especially her mum patrolling the library shenannigans).
If you know me, you'll know I'm no fan of the royal family so this story might have been a hard sell fo me, thankfully this fictitious royal element wasn't really in the foreground so I didn't find it tough and it did add a richness to the story. I really liked Seb's sister and her background story, their sibling connection and parent problems were interesting plotting.
I'm already patrolling the other characters for possible future stories and I'm very invested in the possibility of January. I continue to enjoy this series, world and second generation.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
Royal connections
Frenemies
Commitment
Think friends, enemies, besties then more. These two main characters of Sebastian and Lily took the friendship element of romance and made it their centre and their complication. There was so much push and pull in this, get your angst-gloves ready. There was a lot to navigate on Sebastian's side as he kept himself apart from others to avoid connection.
The story was set at university age range but it felt mature (and boy did it get mature...). They were both studying different subjects but came together over psychology, then the podcast that has been a theme over this series. The Dublin Street crew were in the background and I especially enjoyed seeing Lily's mum and dad (especially her mum patrolling the library shenannigans).
If you know me, you'll know I'm no fan of the royal family so this story might have been a hard sell fo me, thankfully this fictitious royal element wasn't really in the foreground so I didn't find it tough and it did add a richness to the story. I really liked Seb's sister and her background story, their sibling connection and parent problems were interesting plotting.
I'm already patrolling the other characters for possible future stories and I'm very invested in the possibility of January. I continue to enjoy this series, world and second generation.
Thank you to the author for the eARC.
June 19, 2025
Lily + Sebastian
The second book in the Dublin Street Second Generation series!
Lily is Nate and Olivia's daughter.
She in College to become a psychotherapist and she runs a very successfull dating advice pod cast at the University.
Sebastian is a lesser known Royal - grandson of the Queen's sister.
A friend of his started a rival pod cast and suddenly Lily and Sebastian are enemies.
Sebastian does not do girlfriends. But he can't forget Lily. So he tries for friendship and soon they're besties.
Lily could very easily fall for this beautiful guy but he only wants to be friends. So friends it is.
They spend so much time together that it gets harder and harder to keep this friendly. For both. Why can't/won't Sebastian be with her?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT
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That was so adorable.
Lily and Sebastian are so perfect together. Only they're not together together. But hopefully we'll get there by the end of this book. LOL.
Is it his royal background? Is he afraid his family won't accept Lily? Or did something happen to him in the past that prevents him from wanting something serious?
We'll fight for that happy end because he's so worth it! For Lily I mean. 😜
Sebastian is so adorable and sweet and flirty and fun with some sad things in his past and some family trouble in his present.
Lily is so completely his opposite ... shy and body conscious. She's also so very strong and smart but she thinks he can't be attracted to her and that's why he only wants to be friends.
She's so wrong.
I enjoyed reading this so much.
Great cast of people - loved all the friends and family!
And we obviously all need a Sebastian in our lives!
Can't wait for Bairds story next! Ooh and January too, right?! Gimme!
A ROYAL MILE was another amazing book in the new On Dublin Street Second Generation Series!
Sweet and flirty and funny and adorable and emotional and just beautiful!
Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Sebastian - this one is so mine!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
July 8, 2025
4 ⭐️'s
I really enjoyed Lily and Sebastian and the struggle from friends to lovers was a real one. It’s a bit drawn out as is the ending but I didn’t really mind.
The storyline was a bit predictable as was the drama but there was a curve ball thrown in. Of course, I loved all the drama.
What I’m really loving is all the “family” ties and everyone coming together. The new characters definitely add to that.
Baird’s book is up next (surprisingly). Now we can only wonder which “kid” he ends up with! 😉 Hart Street Lane, is coming out January 15, 2026.
I really enjoyed Lily and Sebastian and the struggle from friends to lovers was a real one. It’s a bit drawn out as is the ending but I didn’t really mind.
The storyline was a bit predictable as was the drama but there was a curve ball thrown in. Of course, I loved all the drama.
What I’m really loving is all the “family” ties and everyone coming together. The new characters definitely add to that.
Baird’s book is up next (surprisingly). Now we can only wonder which “kid” he ends up with! 😉 Hart Street Lane, is coming out January 15, 2026.
May 31, 2025
I received an arc of royal mile to read and I absolutely devoured it. I will start with saying Samantha young is my favourite author, I expect greatness in every book and I’m yet to be let down
Quite possibly one of my favourite so far…
Lily and Sebastian are both strong characters and the world Samantha has created from Dublin street in is so clear I can picture all the characters in my head clearly
Lily is like her mum, strong, opinionated and vulnerable and Sebastian is so different you don’t expect them to work together but they do..
Add in all the other characters and it’s a book I couldn’t put down, twists and turns and a final twist that I did not see coming blew me away.
Amazing as always! 5 stars easily
Quite possibly one of my favourite so far…
Lily and Sebastian are both strong characters and the world Samantha has created from Dublin street in is so clear I can picture all the characters in my head clearly
Lily is like her mum, strong, opinionated and vulnerable and Sebastian is so different you don’t expect them to work together but they do..
Add in all the other characters and it’s a book I couldn’t put down, twists and turns and a final twist that I did not see coming blew me away.
Amazing as always! 5 stars easily
July 27, 2025
Maybe I shouldn't have bothered the moment I knew it'd be a college romance. I really do not care about your dissertation, all these studies anyone is conducting or all the studying you have to do.
Anyway, there's nothing more annoying than an oblivious, insecure mc who apparently has the body of a goddess. Body crazy, curvy, wavy, big titties, lil' waist. I mean, she gets compared to Jessica Rabbit at one point.
All the men love her and women hate her, especially when in the presence of Sebastian.
Sebastian has got to be one of the worst mmc I've read in a long time, which tracks cause he's in his early 20s.
He's a trickster and a liar, but Lily forgives him immediately because he's cute and she likes him.
We're given this plot about podcast rivals, but it's forgotten right away and it's just them being friends while trying to hide their feelings for each other, and not doing a very good job at it. All because they didn't want to risk their friendship.
That ended the whole "enemies to lovers" trope the author advertised. Which wasn't really that at all.
Back to Sebastian, he friend-zoned Lily the moment she forgave him because he doesn't do relationships but immediately started acting like a jealous bf when men would interact with her in any way, All the while he was free to flirt and kiss other women.
No wonder Lily was confused.
The root of Sebastian's issues was so random. That's all I will say.
The author's constant need to explain social media advertising to me is annoying, as well as her need to plug in her favorite books. I feel like I'm reading a random ad in the middle of a book. Also, the Harry Potter references? Read the room.
On to Lily and her body image issues, trust me, I get it. Especially since she was with an abuser at such a formative age. That being said, I felt like all the constant talk about her body took so much from her actual character. All I know is she's in school, she likes this dude, and her body is amazing.
There was so much unnecessary information that made the book drag and made me lose interest. It all felt so repetitive.
I will read the next book in the series cause it's the one I've been looking forward to since Baird first appeared.
Anyway, there's nothing more annoying than an oblivious, insecure mc who apparently has the body of a goddess. Body crazy, curvy, wavy, big titties, lil' waist. I mean, she gets compared to Jessica Rabbit at one point.
All the men love her and women hate her, especially when in the presence of Sebastian.
Sebastian has got to be one of the worst mmc I've read in a long time, which tracks cause he's in his early 20s.
He's a trickster and a liar, but Lily forgives him immediately because he's cute and she likes him.
We're given this plot about podcast rivals, but it's forgotten right away and it's just them being friends while trying to hide their feelings for each other, and not doing a very good job at it. All because they didn't want to risk their friendship.
That ended the whole "enemies to lovers" trope the author advertised. Which wasn't really that at all.
Back to Sebastian, he friend-zoned Lily the moment she forgave him because he doesn't do relationships but immediately started acting like a jealous bf when men would interact with her in any way, All the while he was free to flirt and kiss other women.
No wonder Lily was confused.
The root of Sebastian's issues was so random. That's all I will say.
The author's constant need to explain social media advertising to me is annoying, as well as her need to plug in her favorite books. I feel like I'm reading a random ad in the middle of a book. Also, the Harry Potter references? Read the room.
On to Lily and her body image issues, trust me, I get it. Especially since she was with an abuser at such a formative age. That being said, I felt like all the constant talk about her body took so much from her actual character. All I know is she's in school, she likes this dude, and her body is amazing.
There was so much unnecessary information that made the book drag and made me lose interest. It all felt so repetitive.
I will read the next book in the series cause it's the one I've been looking forward to since Baird first appeared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
4 stars. Thanks so much to Sam and her team for the ARC! Sam is an autobuy author for me. I will read literally anything she writes. And I am so so so happy that she's decided to do a next generation On Dublin Street series. I went to a IG Live session with Sam for On Loverose Lane, and she said that after Jocelyn and Braden, Nate and Olivia were the second most popular couple from On Dublin Street. So it totally makes sense that in A Royal Mile, we get a romance featuring Lily, their daughter. And it looks like Sam is still playing homage to the original series... because just like the relationship in On Loverose Lane had parallels to On Dublin Street, A Royal Mile totally has parallels to Before Jamaica Lane. It is TOTALLY friends to lovers goodness. But also has a royal component that I wasn't expecting (which makes me dumb considering 1) it's in the blurb and 2) the book is called A Royal Mile). I feel like on the surface, friends to lovers feels like it would be a super sweet romance. And A Royal Mile is totally sweet. But, it was also very angsty in a totally delicious way. Waiting for Lily and Sebastien to figure it out was a bit of an emotional roller coaster. He was so into her, and so totally oblivious to his feelings. And I am 100% here for that angst. A Royal Mile can 100% be read as a standalone. So if the blurb and tropes call to you, feel free to start here!
Thanks so much to Sam and her team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks so much to Sam and her team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2025
4.5 🌟
Really enjoyed this one!! Perhaps I still hold a more special place for On Loverose Lane in my heart, I still adored Lily and Sebastian’s story 🥰!! I LOVE seeing a renowned playboy hero fall so HARD for the sweet, kind hearted heroine!! Overall, really enjoyed reading this story, but I can’t WAIT for Baird’s story (hopefully with Lily and Beth’s cousin Maia).
Really enjoyed this one!! Perhaps I still hold a more special place for On Loverose Lane in my heart, I still adored Lily and Sebastian’s story 🥰!! I LOVE seeing a renowned playboy hero fall so HARD for the sweet, kind hearted heroine!! Overall, really enjoyed reading this story, but I can’t WAIT for Baird’s story (hopefully with Lily and Beth’s cousin Maia).
June 20, 2025
Kind of seemed like a bit of a mess.
The MMC was unlikeable and there definitely wasn’t enough groveling.
A disappointment after I enjoyed the first one. Not sure if I’ll continue reading the series.
The MMC was unlikeable and there definitely wasn’t enough groveling.
A disappointment after I enjoyed the first one. Not sure if I’ll continue reading the series.
June 19, 2025
Love Samantha Young but didn’t like this story :(
April 12, 2026
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
4.5 “Seek and You Shall Find” “Sawyer” “dimples” “Would You Rather” “adorable” Kisses
*le sigh* Will this feeling ever get old?? I pray that it doesn’t because it’s truly blissful. I’ll never get tired of being over the moon after finishing a Samantha Young novel and with everything she is doing with the next-gen of On Dublin Street characters – be still my heart! It’s absolutely perfect and everything I didn’t know I wanted – I already can’t get enough and we’re only two books in *flails* That being said…if you have no idea what I’m babbling on about with all this On Dublin Street nonsense – we need to fix that pronto. A Royal Mile is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street Series – they first book, On Loverose Lane is ah-mazing and I highly recommend reading it but each book can be read as a standalone, so it’s not a deal breaker, but each book builds off the others so there might be some minor spoilers. So the Return to Dublin Street Series is a a spin off of the Dublin Street Series – a six book series (On Dublin Street, Down London Road, Before Jamaica Lane, Fall from India Place, Echoes of Scotland Street and Moonlight on Nightingale Way), again each book is a standalone but oh-em-gee, reading them in order is an experience I highly recommend. You don’t technically have to read them before starting the next-gen books, but I would absolutely recommend reading Before Jamaica Lane - that’s Lily’s parents book and sets up so much, plus I am obsessed with Liv and Nate.
Lily Sawyer… I absolutely adored this girl from the moment I met her. She reminds me so much of her mother it’s not even funny, which is not a bad thing at all (because I adored Liv to bits and pieces too!). She’s smart…so smart - and I loved that she wanted to be a psychotherapist, it was so fitting for her. She was so emotionally in-tune, compassionate and empathetic - even at times when she was upset or conflicted, I loved that she could step back and look at the situation logically and rationally, it was beyond refreshing. Lily is so authentic and genuine as a whole - she is an introvert and she has her own insecurities, both of which I could completely relate to. I loved that she let her introvert come down for the podcast and let herself be vulnerable and share - I think it’s so brave to put yourself out like that. She was funny and sweet, I loved her relationship with her parents and her little sister. I clearly am a huge Lily fan and luckily…I’m in exceptionally good company.
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Sebastian Thorne… oooooh my stars, where to begin with Bas. I feel like I kind of went on a journey with him. To be completely honest, part of what took me a minute to get into this book was Sebastian…I can’t even tell you what it was specifically but the first couple of chapters I wasn’t sure I was going to like him. I can’t even say it was something he said or did, maybe it was just the vibes but I wasn’t 100% convinced. And then between 15-20% it was like a light came on and his brilliance shone through and I was #TeamBas the rest of the book! When that man puts his mind to something there is no stopping him and from the minute he met Lily, his mind was on her - and I liiiiiived for it. While this book is obviously about both Lily and Sebastian, they each have their own journeys to go through outside of their relationship and seeing Bas go through his was just…wow. Not enough words to do it justice - I don’t want to spoil what it was, plus there is so much to it and it hit me like a ton of bricks when Lily figured it out, but I will say guilt can be extremely powerful. Lily was a huge factor in not only recognizing what was happing but also him overcoming everything but it was so necessary and I was so happy for him and to see him growing and getting better for himself (as well as Lily).
Lily and Sebastian are…friends to enemies to best friends to lovers and I am o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d!!! I really didn’t know what to think about these two to begin with – and like I said I wasn’t even sure I was going to like Sebastian to start off with but goodness gracious, it hit me like a sledgehammer when I was almost in tears over these two because of all the angst and I was like…woah! They got me!!! And it was a non-stop love affair from that moment forward. What hit me the deepest was their friendship – they truly were the best of friends, that’s what their relationship was based off of before anything romantic came into the picture and it created this amazing foundation for their love to continually build off of. I loooooved their conversations, ugh I could read them bantering for days on end, it was just so good. As much as I adored their friendship, I was on another planet when they finally got together – the angst and the tension that was built between these two was so tenuous and gahhhhh I couldn’t get enough once they finally got together. It. Was. EVERYTHING!!!
Samantha freaking Young…goodness gracious - I have never hid the fact that I’m a huge fan of Samantha’s novels - I mean I’m going on 13+ years of adoration for this woman’s work, I think we’ve established she writes books that I love. I can’t even necessarily put my finger on one thing that she does that works for me, it’s a combination of all the wonderful things that she does perfectly that make me fall in love with her books. Her characters are so real, so relatable, so authentic that I feel like they are real - I realize that makes me sound a wee bit wacky but we aren’t going to go there right now - in the moment, when I’m reading, it just makes the experience that much more…and I love it. Her style and the way she weaves her stories - it never…and I truly mean never gets old. Like what she’s doing with this next gen of characters and having stories of the kids mimic the story of their parents (which for the record - I. Am. OB-SESSED!!!!)…but with their own distinctive twist - it’s brilliance! It works so well and I know we are only two books in but goooooodness gracious, I can’t even tell you how excited I am for the rest of the series. I have always been a self professed lover of series and I think Samantha has solidified her place as one of my favorite authors who writes series (if not the #1) - especially with what she’s doing with this next generation - the thought and the detail that she has put into all of these books, at least IMHO is so perfect and I appreciate it beyond words.
As per usual…I knew to expect the unexpected when it came to the ending – and I was right to stay on my toes. I was on the right trail but there was a huge surprise that I never saw coming and I loved the twist and drama that it added (and the end result was exactly what I needed for Sebastian). I couldn’t have wanted better for Lily and Sebastian…their story took me by force and I loved falling in love with them. They actually reminded me of another Samantha Young couple that I adored equally as much, Sarah and Theo from Through the Glen - not only a fantastic book but another of Samantha’s amazing Series, The Highlands Series. To say that I am excited for the next book in the Return to Dublin Street series would be an understatement - Hart Street Lane is most likely going to destroy me and I am so ready for it. It involves Baird (Callan’s bestie from On Loverose Lane) and Maia (Logan’s daughter from Moonlight on Nightingale Way…I’ve been dying to read them since On Loverose Lane and I cannot wait to see what Samantha does with them!!
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4.5 “Seek and You Shall Find” “Sawyer” “dimples” “Would You Rather” “adorable” Kisses
*le sigh* Will this feeling ever get old?? I pray that it doesn’t because it’s truly blissful. I’ll never get tired of being over the moon after finishing a Samantha Young novel and with everything she is doing with the next-gen of On Dublin Street characters – be still my heart! It’s absolutely perfect and everything I didn’t know I wanted – I already can’t get enough and we’re only two books in *flails* That being said…if you have no idea what I’m babbling on about with all this On Dublin Street nonsense – we need to fix that pronto. A Royal Mile is the second book in the Return to Dublin Street Series – they first book, On Loverose Lane is ah-mazing and I highly recommend reading it but each book can be read as a standalone, so it’s not a deal breaker, but each book builds off the others so there might be some minor spoilers. So the Return to Dublin Street Series is a a spin off of the Dublin Street Series – a six book series (On Dublin Street, Down London Road, Before Jamaica Lane, Fall from India Place, Echoes of Scotland Street and Moonlight on Nightingale Way), again each book is a standalone but oh-em-gee, reading them in order is an experience I highly recommend. You don’t technically have to read them before starting the next-gen books, but I would absolutely recommend reading Before Jamaica Lane - that’s Lily’s parents book and sets up so much, plus I am obsessed with Liv and Nate.
Lily Sawyer… I absolutely adored this girl from the moment I met her. She reminds me so much of her mother it’s not even funny, which is not a bad thing at all (because I adored Liv to bits and pieces too!). She’s smart…so smart - and I loved that she wanted to be a psychotherapist, it was so fitting for her. She was so emotionally in-tune, compassionate and empathetic - even at times when she was upset or conflicted, I loved that she could step back and look at the situation logically and rationally, it was beyond refreshing. Lily is so authentic and genuine as a whole - she is an introvert and she has her own insecurities, both of which I could completely relate to. I loved that she let her introvert come down for the podcast and let herself be vulnerable and share - I think it’s so brave to put yourself out like that. She was funny and sweet, I loved her relationship with her parents and her little sister. I clearly am a huge Lily fan and luckily…I’m in exceptionally good company.
[image error]
“Why do you want to be my friend so badly?” I blurted out.
Sebastian shrugged. “Because I like you.” He suddenly looked away, his expression grim. “People can be so disappointing, Lily.” He turned back to me, seeming sincere. “It makes you want to hold on to the ones you feel you can really trust.”
“And you think you can trust me? We don’t really know each other.”
“But my gut instincts are usually never wrong. I want to know you. I want you to know me. And if you decide you don’t want to be friends, that’s fine. I’d just like the chance to try.”
Sebastian Thorne… oooooh my stars, where to begin with Bas. I feel like I kind of went on a journey with him. To be completely honest, part of what took me a minute to get into this book was Sebastian…I can’t even tell you what it was specifically but the first couple of chapters I wasn’t sure I was going to like him. I can’t even say it was something he said or did, maybe it was just the vibes but I wasn’t 100% convinced. And then between 15-20% it was like a light came on and his brilliance shone through and I was #TeamBas the rest of the book! When that man puts his mind to something there is no stopping him and from the minute he met Lily, his mind was on her - and I liiiiiived for it. While this book is obviously about both Lily and Sebastian, they each have their own journeys to go through outside of their relationship and seeing Bas go through his was just…wow. Not enough words to do it justice - I don’t want to spoil what it was, plus there is so much to it and it hit me like a ton of bricks when Lily figured it out, but I will say guilt can be extremely powerful. Lily was a huge factor in not only recognizing what was happing but also him overcoming everything but it was so necessary and I was so happy for him and to see him growing and getting better for himself (as well as Lily).
“Lily Sawyer, listen to me and listen good.” Sebastian gently eased me back so he could look deep in my eyes. “You are hilarious, thoughtful, so bloody smart, and absolutely knee-tremblingly gorgeous.”
My lips twitched. “Knee-tremblingly? Try saying that five times fast.”
Lily and Sebastian are…friends to enemies to best friends to lovers and I am o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d!!! I really didn’t know what to think about these two to begin with – and like I said I wasn’t even sure I was going to like Sebastian to start off with but goodness gracious, it hit me like a sledgehammer when I was almost in tears over these two because of all the angst and I was like…woah! They got me!!! And it was a non-stop love affair from that moment forward. What hit me the deepest was their friendship – they truly were the best of friends, that’s what their relationship was based off of before anything romantic came into the picture and it created this amazing foundation for their love to continually build off of. I loooooved their conversations, ugh I could read them bantering for days on end, it was just so good. As much as I adored their friendship, I was on another planet when they finally got together – the angst and the tension that was built between these two was so tenuous and gahhhhh I couldn’t get enough once they finally got together. It. Was. EVERYTHING!!!
Such overwhelming adoration flooded me, I momentarily couldn’t breathe with it. “Do you even know how much I love you?”
“I’m starting to get the impression it’s a lot.” Her dimples deepened.
Samantha freaking Young…goodness gracious - I have never hid the fact that I’m a huge fan of Samantha’s novels - I mean I’m going on 13+ years of adoration for this woman’s work, I think we’ve established she writes books that I love. I can’t even necessarily put my finger on one thing that she does that works for me, it’s a combination of all the wonderful things that she does perfectly that make me fall in love with her books. Her characters are so real, so relatable, so authentic that I feel like they are real - I realize that makes me sound a wee bit wacky but we aren’t going to go there right now - in the moment, when I’m reading, it just makes the experience that much more…and I love it. Her style and the way she weaves her stories - it never…and I truly mean never gets old. Like what she’s doing with this next gen of characters and having stories of the kids mimic the story of their parents (which for the record - I. Am. OB-SESSED!!!!)…but with their own distinctive twist - it’s brilliance! It works so well and I know we are only two books in but goooooodness gracious, I can’t even tell you how excited I am for the rest of the series. I have always been a self professed lover of series and I think Samantha has solidified her place as one of my favorite authors who writes series (if not the #1) - especially with what she’s doing with this next generation - the thought and the detail that she has put into all of these books, at least IMHO is so perfect and I appreciate it beyond words.
“No one knows what the future holds.”
“I do,” he snapped. “You’re never getting rid of me. Get used to that.”
My lips twitched. “That sounded like a threat.”
As per usual…I knew to expect the unexpected when it came to the ending – and I was right to stay on my toes. I was on the right trail but there was a huge surprise that I never saw coming and I loved the twist and drama that it added (and the end result was exactly what I needed for Sebastian). I couldn’t have wanted better for Lily and Sebastian…their story took me by force and I loved falling in love with them. They actually reminded me of another Samantha Young couple that I adored equally as much, Sarah and Theo from Through the Glen - not only a fantastic book but another of Samantha’s amazing Series, The Highlands Series. To say that I am excited for the next book in the Return to Dublin Street series would be an understatement - Hart Street Lane is most likely going to destroy me and I am so ready for it. It involves Baird (Callan’s bestie from On Loverose Lane) and Maia (Logan’s daughter from Moonlight on Nightingale Way…I’ve been dying to read them since On Loverose Lane and I cannot wait to see what Samantha does with them!!
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June 12, 2025
5 stars
The second book in the Return to Dublin Street, the, this is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story with epic chemistry and the most delicious slow burn. It’s sweet and fun with lots of emotion, and such a beautiful read. I loved it.
This is an On Dublin Street next generation series, and this is the story of Lily, daughter of Nate and Liv from Before Jamaica Lane, which is one of my all-time faves. It’s a real treat for On Dublin Street fans, or for those who read the first book in this series, On Loverose Lane, but this book can easily be read as a stand alone.
Lily and Sebastian are both students at Edinburgh University. They had an instant attraction when they met, but Sebastian was keeping secrets and the potential of what they could be fell apart pretty badly. Determined to fix things, he begs Lily for a second chance – just as friends, and his heartfelt sincerity and effort wins her over and she agrees. The attraction is still there, but it’s their final year of study which is a clear priority for both of them, plus, Sebastian is a bit of a player and Lily is a relationship girl, so friendship is definitely the safest choice - though their connection remains undeniably electric.
OMG, I love these two together so much! They are all-in on the friendship and instantly all up in each other’s lives. They talk about everything, they laugh and tease, they go out and have fun, they don’t hold back with each other, and they become each other’s ‘person’, the one they go to for everything and the best of friends. Supportive and encouraging, they help each other through rough times and they make each other better in every way. The only thing they don’t talk about is how they’re falling hard for each other.
Lily’s past relationships have left her vulnerable and self-conscious, but she’s overcome it to become strong, smart and sensible, and she is the most wonderfully relatable heroine! And Sebastian is so gorgeous – smart, funny, and dealing with a lot, but he wears his heart on his sleeve for his best friend and I just adored him as he struggles with his feelings, desperate to hold on to her.
It’s so obvious that these two are perfect for each other, and it’s quite the ride watching them get there. It’s emotional, sexy, and angsty in the best of ways, and I hurt for both of them as they try to balance their need for each other, their growing feelings, and the abject fear of ruining their friendship and losing each other for good. They have a lot to work through, and I loved watching them figure it all out, and it’s so worth the wait because the romance does come and OMG, a smitten Sebastian is the greatest thing ever!
There is a great bunch of supporting characters with the along the way. Lily and Sebastian’s friends and family all feature prominently, and in particular we see a fair bit of Lily’s family, which I absolutely loved. Nate is a gorgeously protective dad, Liv is a beautiful support to her girls, and Lily’s sister, January is a wild and filterless scene-stealer, and so freaking entertaining. I loved seeing the found family developed in On Dublin Street still so closely interwoven, and can’t wait to explore more with this group as the series continues.
This is a gorgeous read that brings all the feels, and I devoured this one.
5 stars.
The second book in the Return to Dublin Street, the, this is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story with epic chemistry and the most delicious slow burn. It’s sweet and fun with lots of emotion, and such a beautiful read. I loved it.
This is an On Dublin Street next generation series, and this is the story of Lily, daughter of Nate and Liv from Before Jamaica Lane, which is one of my all-time faves. It’s a real treat for On Dublin Street fans, or for those who read the first book in this series, On Loverose Lane, but this book can easily be read as a stand alone.
Lily and Sebastian are both students at Edinburgh University. They had an instant attraction when they met, but Sebastian was keeping secrets and the potential of what they could be fell apart pretty badly. Determined to fix things, he begs Lily for a second chance – just as friends, and his heartfelt sincerity and effort wins her over and she agrees. The attraction is still there, but it’s their final year of study which is a clear priority for both of them, plus, Sebastian is a bit of a player and Lily is a relationship girl, so friendship is definitely the safest choice - though their connection remains undeniably electric.
“Are you going to make everything sound dirty?”
Sebastian grinned like he was surprised by my response. “It only sounds dirty if you’re receptive to it sounding dirty.”
OMG, I love these two together so much! They are all-in on the friendship and instantly all up in each other’s lives. They talk about everything, they laugh and tease, they go out and have fun, they don’t hold back with each other, and they become each other’s ‘person’, the one they go to for everything and the best of friends. Supportive and encouraging, they help each other through rough times and they make each other better in every way. The only thing they don’t talk about is how they’re falling hard for each other.
I could cry at the absurdity of my current situation.
I’d met my unicorn.
The guy who made me feel comfortable I could talk to him about anything.
And yet whom I was so attracted to, I felt like every fiber of my being came alive in a way it never had until him.
A bloody unicorn.
Yet he didn’t feel the same way.
Lily’s past relationships have left her vulnerable and self-conscious, but she’s overcome it to become strong, smart and sensible, and she is the most wonderfully relatable heroine! And Sebastian is so gorgeous – smart, funny, and dealing with a lot, but he wears his heart on his sleeve for his best friend and I just adored him as he struggles with his feelings, desperate to hold on to her.
This is Lily, I reminded myself sharply. Lovely, kind, smart, funny Lily who was the only person I felt truly myself around.
Something as animal and basic as physical attraction was not going to drive a wedge between us.
I needed her too damn much.
No, I still didn’t understand why I’d attached myself to her like a fucking barnacle, but it was what it was, and I wouldn’t ruin our friendship.
It’s so obvious that these two are perfect for each other, and it’s quite the ride watching them get there. It’s emotional, sexy, and angsty in the best of ways, and I hurt for both of them as they try to balance their need for each other, their growing feelings, and the abject fear of ruining their friendship and losing each other for good. They have a lot to work through, and I loved watching them figure it all out, and it’s so worth the wait because the romance does come and OMG, a smitten Sebastian is the greatest thing ever!
“I’m so in love with you, I cannot imagine my life without you. I don’t want to.”
There is a great bunch of supporting characters with the along the way. Lily and Sebastian’s friends and family all feature prominently, and in particular we see a fair bit of Lily’s family, which I absolutely loved. Nate is a gorgeously protective dad, Liv is a beautiful support to her girls, and Lily’s sister, January is a wild and filterless scene-stealer, and so freaking entertaining. I loved seeing the found family developed in On Dublin Street still so closely interwoven, and can’t wait to explore more with this group as the series continues.
This is a gorgeous read that brings all the feels, and I devoured this one.
5 stars.
July 16, 2025
I considered giving this one two stars but there were moments I liked. Not all of it was bad.
However, Lily and Sebastian's friendship had some issues. Sebastian could be emotionally manipulative and it turned into a bit of a toxic relationship between the two. I dislike when characters have feelings for a friend, and in order to "protect" that friend, they make decisions for them and keep them in the friend zone. And I become even more angry when they try to move on with other people because that's not fair to anyone in the scenario.
When things were beginning to run smoothly, the conflicts were more aggravating than authentic. The ending was filled with drama that just angered me. I think I read the last 20% while scowling.
However, Lily and Sebastian's friendship had some issues. Sebastian could be emotionally manipulative and it turned into a bit of a toxic relationship between the two. I dislike when characters have feelings for a friend, and in order to "protect" that friend, they make decisions for them and keep them in the friend zone. And I become even more angry when they try to move on with other people because that's not fair to anyone in the scenario.
When things were beginning to run smoothly, the conflicts were more aggravating than authentic. The ending was filled with drama that just angered me. I think I read the last 20% while scowling.
July 17, 2025
I initially liked this book, but then Sebastian started to give me the ick and was giving toxic vibes. Then the whole storyline with Zac and just…no thanks. The time skips were also screaming lazy writing.
That being said, I am planning on reading the next book since I liked the first one so much and am interested in Baird’s story. But this one…wasn’t it.
That being said, I am planning on reading the next book since I liked the first one so much and am interested in Baird’s story. But this one…wasn’t it.
June 27, 2025
Okay so I started and finished this one in one sitting because I just could not put it down! I loved the first book in the series, On Loverose Lane, and was so excited to get to this second book! I absolutely adored Sebastian and Lily! They had such a sweet friendship and strong connection between them. Their relationship was complex and there was sooooo much emotion and angst between the two of them. The tensionnnnn between them had me hooked!🔥 The audiobook is narrated by Zara Hampton Brown and Shane East who were both perfect for the characters! Thank you so much Samantha Young, Must Love Audio, and Lyric Audiobooks for an ALC! Loved this one so much! 💛
What to expect:
💛 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🌼 Forced Proximity
💛 Opposites Attract
🌼 British Royal Family
💛 Slow Burn
🌼 Reformed Playboy
💛 Mutual Pining
🌼 Angsty
💛 Mental Health Rep
🌼 Dual POV
What to expect:
💛 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🌼 Forced Proximity
💛 Opposites Attract
🌼 British Royal Family
💛 Slow Burn
🌼 Reformed Playboy
💛 Mutual Pining
🌼 Angsty
💛 Mental Health Rep
🌼 Dual POV
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