On Loverose Lane

Return to Dublin Street #1

by Samantha Young

The #1 International bestselling author of On Dublin Street is back with this witty, emotional and steamy fake-dating sports romance in which ambitious entrepreneur, Beth Carmichael, meets her match in the grumpy football captain who moves into the apartment above hers.

Imagine my surprise when my new neighbor turns out to be one of Scotland’s most famous (and hottest) professional footballers, Callan Keen. I’m even more shocked to discover that the brooding player is still holding a grudge for something that happened (or didn’t happen) between us years ago.

Too busy trying to take my social media management company to the next level, I don’t have time for this gorgeous blast from the past. Or at least I shouldn’t. Yet whenever I see him, I can’t help but engage in a battle of wits with the grump upstairs.

When a huge client opportunity arises, circumstances force me to enlist Callan’s help. I require a fake date and Callan needs me to facilitate a meeting with my dad to further his own business interests.

The deal between us should be simple. Except, of course, the blazing chemistry we’ve shared since the moment we met. We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to six weeks of no-strings-attached, mind-blowing, steamy shenanigans.

I told myself I was too smart to catch feelings. But when Callan finally finds out the truth about our past, he becomes the guy I used to know. And that man is way too easy to fall for.

The problem is that Callan has vowed to never let another person close enough to break his heart again.

It just might prove impossible to show my stubborn Scotsman I’m worth the risk, especially when old wounds are re-opened and threaten to wreck any chance of a future together…

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

424 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2025

About the author

Samantha 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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Reviews

[Catherine Cowles]

On Loverose Lane is Samantha Young at her absolute best! Addictive, enchanting, emotional, with punches of humor that had me laughing so hard I cried. This is going down as an ALL TIME FAVORITE book. Do not miss this incredibly special story!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

‘On Dublin Street’ was one of my favorite og romances and I was so happy to get back into that world. ‘On Lovelose Lane’ is a second gen series featuring Beth Carmichael (Braden and Joss’s daughter) and Callan Keen. These two were together for a short time in high school, but the majority of the book takes place almost a decade later.

I enjoy Samantha Young’s writing and I loved the characters. This one was a lot of fun, but had a good bit of emotion as well. I’m hoping we get more books from this world because I loved being back in it!

Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Shane East & Zara Hampton-Brown
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 11h 3m

[alana ☁️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Samantha Young is hands down one of my favorite authors. her On Dublin Street series is one I have reread multiple times to this day. even the books that I don't really enjoy are still top notch. unfortunately, this was one of those books that didn't do much for me. I don’t know exactly what it was that couldn’t hold my attention here, but it just felt like something was missing. I think part of it is how much I LOVED the original series, and I didn't find myself falling for the story and the main characters here in the same way.

even so, this book was very nostalgic for me and it was great to revisit some familiar faces (although the characters dumps might be a bit much for new readers). I hope the author writes a book for each cousin because I’d love to get reacquainted with everyone from the original series. also Baird is such a scene stealer and I’m looking forward to seeing him as the lead in future books!

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

pre-read:

on a dublin street SECOND GEN?! i'm seated.

[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice return to the Dublin street series! As one of my all time favorite escapist romance series, I was wary of a spinoff one with the kids. But this was a delight to read and I devoured it. A second chance romance between Beth and Callan who knew each other as teens and reunite in their 20s. Their differences in backgrounds and issues from their past come to haunt them as they reconnect.

Like I said I had a great time reading this and am hoping for more books asap. I do recommend reading the Dublin street series first as a lot of characters will not make sense in this book. My only real beef and why this is a 4 and not a 5: many reviews say these characters acted like teens... I disagree they were in their early twenties and behaved like people in their 30s which was jarring. I know they had to be this age to fit the ages of the OG characters but it was a bit much. Otherwise, I loved it.

[RLV · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 30% of this book is long and quite honestly, a little boring… a fact that’s made worse by all the explanations and background stories given about every single character you encounter (and there are MANY at the family dinners)… I don’t friggin need to know what your 3rd cousin twice removed does for a living or how he met his wife or how many kids she popped out. Seriously, I don’t know what was mentioned. I skipped those paragraphs because I feel they’re mostly fillers. Or ways to try to get you to like this book by bringing in “older” characters from other series that were popular. Like, “let me bring these characters back into this and remind the readers just how much they liked their love stories in that other series, in hopes it’ll make them feel all mushy and happy and positively change their view of this average-and-kind-of-boring book”. I guess that didn’t work well with me.

Oh well. I spent more time skimming than actually reading this book I think 😬

I don’t know if I’ve outgrown this author because I remember I loved her « on Dublin street » series. Maybe I got older. Maybe I get bored more easily after having read so many books from this genre. Maybe the MCs were too young (24/25 yos). Who knows.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile]

Note to self






Waiting for a non arc review 🙄 anyone got safety on this?


ETA safety deets provided in the comments but

h sees women leaving MMC building on 3 occasions
When they start fake dating no one else
He flirts with ow in front of her

In other words just another fuckboy because we can't have a contemporary romance without a dick that's a breeding ground for STDs 🤭
Idk when ran through dick became popular but nope.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL THE STARS!!!

I am truly kicking myself for waiting so long to read this author. I now 100% understand the hype surrounding her books. Do you ever start a book and immediately know it’s going to end up being an all time fave/new comfort read? That’s exactly what this was.

This book was so hot, so swoony, so just… everything!!
The audiobook was 10/10 amazing. I literally could not stop listening. These two were so addictive! Their banter & chemistry was off the charts. This was actually way spicier than I was expecting too.

Not only can I not wait for book two but I also can’t wait to go back and read more of this author’s backlist. I didn’t realize going in that this was the start of a second gen series so now I’m all the more excited to dive in!

Thank you times a million to Samantha & her team for the eARC & ALC. The narrators did such an incredible job bringing this story to life. I’m already ready for a reread 🤭

Sports Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Neighbors/Close Proximity
Fake Dating
Grumpy x Sunshine
Second Chance
Reformed Playboy
Mental Health Rep
Tortured Hero

3-3.5🌶️

[Fahmida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐
ARC provided by Valentine PR and Samantha Young!💘

This was one of books that completely sucked me in from the very beginning. I don't know what it was but the banter between the mcs in the beginning was so refreshing and fun to read, especially because I picked this up right after a fantasy book. I loved the dynamic of the characters and how they actually communicated about their issues instead of stewing on it.

I loved Beth's character especially because of how forthright she was and I kinda saw myself in her through her anxiety issues. Callan came from a hard home life with no one to look up to and it made me emotional how he finally got the family he deserves in the end.


Now onto the things that somewhat bothered me:

1. The Scottish slangs:
Tbh, it's more of a 'ME' problem. Since I'm used to normal english, the words 'wee brother', 'wee sister', 'aye', 'lads', 'lassies', 'gonna gee ye', 'ye', 'Whit were ye gonnae say tae ma sister?', 'doesnae' and so on felt a little weird to me. I've read Irish books before but the slangs weren't used to this extent. This is my first book by this author so I'm not sure if she herself is Scottish but the slangs seemed a tad bit overused. Maybe it'll take some time for me to get used to it.

2. The business between Callan and Beth's father:
The premise of the whole fake dating thing was built upon the fact that Callan and Beth both needed something from eachother. But once they started dating it was all about her part of the deal and his 'meeting' with her father wasn't even mentioned until the end of the book and everything wrapped up nicely. I just don't see why it was dragged out. The book could've been a few chapters shorter.

3. Spicy scenes:
Now I'm not the heaviest smut reader and I prefer plot over spice anytime of the day. The spice in this book wasn't bad by any means but it did feel a little dull and didn't give me the feels yk? The scenes weren't memorable and I couldn't feel the spark between them.

Apart from all that, this was a good read and I'll recommend it to you if you're looking for a fun, giggly time.

This is the first book in her spin-off series from 'On Dublin Street'. I've heard alot about that but haven't read it yet and would suggest you to read in order because I"m sure that'd be more enjoyable. Needless to say, I absolutely will be reading the next book in this series and already signed up for an ARC!😭💘 I have a feeling Lily's book is gonna be a fun time because the rival podcast thing going on in the background was so intriguing!

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

At this point, forced immature banter, juvenile dialogue, lazy drama, recycled plot, the hero with the charm of a persistent scammer, and disappointment are the only consistent things in this author’s writing.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! On Loverose Lane is the first book in the new Return to Dublin Street series! I loved the original series and have been so excited for this next gen, spinoff series. And I loved this read! It’s a contemporary, opposite sides of the track, sports (he’s a footballer ⚽️), fake dating romance!

Beth is the owner of a social media management company (and the daughter of the couple of On Dublin Street). Callan is Scotland’s most famous footballer and captain of a premier football team. The story kicks off with Callan moving in to the same building that Beth lives in and they’re both surprised to see one another since they have a bit of a history together from high school (and it didn’t end well). When she needs help out of a tricky situation with a potential client’s son, she ends up saying she’s dating Callan and they find themselves having to face their feelings while they spend time together.

We see in the flashbacks how these two met in high school. They both start to get flirty and fall for one another but right when their relationship could become real, she pushes him away (for reasons). It didn’t help that he also thought he wasn’t worthy of her and her family and lifestyle. So when she pushed him away, he assumes the worst because that was a fear of his already. Now it’s years later and they have to talk about what happened in the past plus face things together in their present lives. I really appreciated all the mental health rep in this one: he has grief from the loss of his mother and a complicated relationship with his biological father, while she has anxiety and we see panic attacks + anxiety meds convos in the story. The connection these two have and how well they fit (but try to fight it) was just so good to see play out. I love the found family with her extended family (and all the OG series characters). This story just felt real and hard and I loved the emotional journey of it for the characters and definitely connected to elements of this story.

I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[TRIZ]

JOSS x BRADEN 2.0? Yes, please 😭

"We can’t deny it, we can’t control it, and soon we’re agreeing to six weeks of no-strings-attached, mind-blowing, steamy shenanigans."

VS

"Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached."

Oh, lorde. The expectations I have for this book... 😳
~~~~~

THE WAY I SCREAMED WHEN I SAW WELCOME BACK TO DUBLIN STREET ON HER IG POST!!!

please don't eff this up

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to continue reading in Samantha Young's Scottish world. Though I have not read the Dublin Street series, I have read her Highlands series and this felt like I was right at home.

Callan is a successful Footballer and serial ladies man. His new neighbor just happens to be the one that got away from his time at school. He never understood why she broke it off with him and assumed it was because he thought she was too good for him. He can't help but hold a grudge because he wanted her so much.

Beth manages a social media company and has no time to be distracted by a blast from the past. She doesn't understand how he could still be so bitter, but she just tries to avoid him and all the women who traipse in and out of his flat.

When she is forced to recruit Callan to help with a potential client, he agrees, on the terms that Beth sets him up a meeting with her father. Which is awkward, because her dad is the reason she distanced herself from Callan when they were kids.

And what starts as a deal quickly heats up into more. Of course, they do. These two were electric and I loved watching them give into their feelings. They both want to be loved and though they aren't sure they can get that from each other.... it's beautiful to watch.

I was especially touched by how Beth's family truly welcomed him in and erased his fears. There was a specific conversation with Beth's mom that had me tearing up. This was overall a fun, warm, and sexy good time.

Narrated by the classy excellence that is Zara Hampton-Brown and Shane East! They are a dynamic pair that are a true pleasure to my ears.

4.5 stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Abusive parents, grief, death of a friend, GHB drugging (side character), panic attacks and mental health rep

*Thank you to VPR, Must Love Audio, and the author for an ARC & ALC of this title.*

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Beth Carmichael grew up in Scotland, and has a big close family that means everything to her. She loves her apartment in the heart of Edinburgh, and then her living situation gets interesting when a guy from her past moves into her building. She hasn’t seen Callan Keen in eight years, but he’s still just as gorgeous all grown up. The only difference is those eyes that used to look at her with tenderness appear hardened and guarded. He’s clearly still holding a grudge towards her. He’s now a well known Scottish Pro League football player for Caledonia United with the reputation of a player. She realized she doesn’t really know him anymore when shes continually met with hostility from her new neighbor.

Beth comes from a family of overachievers, and has worked hard to make her social media company a success. When an opportunity arises to take her business to the next level, she needs assistance. She strikes a bargain with Callan when she figures out they both need help with something. Everything should run smoothly, but soon their deal gets complicated when their overwhelming attraction can’t be denied. Beth wants a relationship that lasts, not something temporary. She’s still searching for Mr. Right, but suddenly finds herself breaking all her own rules, and agreeing to a no strings attached arrangement with Callan. When lines get blurred, and feelings turn real will she end up with a broken heart, or will she finally find true love?

On Loverose Lane (Return to Dublin Street #1) by Samantha Young is an all new next generation story about Joss and Braden’s eldest daughter Beth. It’s a fake dating, forbidden, grumpy/sunshine, close proximity, neighbors, frenemies to lovers, sports romance about first loves and undeniable connections. It’s super steamy, and full of emotion, humor, fabulous banter and sizzling chemistry. I really enjoyed returning to Dublin Street, and love this series so much! I can’t wait to see what’s next in this world. I would love a book for Baird! <333



***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYPZZZV3?...

[zayns wife · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did you have to add the part of him sleeping with ow (wasn’t shown) and then her (fmc Beth) seeing him walk them out? This happened three times mind you. The first two times she became besties with the girls to the point them exchanged numbers and the third time his ons didn’t like her. It was very sad. Mind you they weren’t ’together’ nor friends at this point. I’m only pointing it out because when Beth went on the date the author had to make her have a bad time because she saw the mmc. They still weren’t friends at this point. Why do you authors insist on keeping the fmcs celibate until the mmc and the mmc to be whoring around. It’s so ew.

Also, this guy was upset with something that happened in HIGH SCHOOL. These lot are over 20 and act like their teenagers. The humour and the jokes were not it. It wasn’t giving I’m a CEO and professional sport player, no it was giving I’m a try hard. Just write characters to act their age, please?

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was dizzying…
Falling this hard.”

5 stars!

Oh, what a gorgeous read! A sexy and emotional second chance, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, sports romance with epic chemistry and all the feels, and I loved this book so much!

On Dublin Street rocked my world when it came out, and it (and the whole series) remains one of my all-time fave reads. Now, Samantha Young has given us a gift by bringing us back to this world with the story of the second generation of On Dublin Street characters, starting with Joss and Braden’s smart, stubborn and big-hearted daughter, Beth.

Beth Carmichael is a powerhouse. A young entrepreneur with her own social media company, she is smart and confident with a huge heart. She adores her family and there is nothing she wouldn’t do for anybody, but her confident façade hides a secret vulnerability which she buries with work. And her controlled yet intense world is about to become even more complicated when her ex something, Scottish footballer, Callan Keen, moves in to the apartment upstairs.

Beth and Callan were in high school together. They shared an immediate connection and were sort-of together, until they weren’t. Though years have passed, neither of them have forgotten about their shared past, or the messy end to it, and neither of them are particularly happy to have the other back in their lives. The snark is instant, and the banter is hugely entertaining as they bicker back and forth. But when they realise that they can help each other by pretending to fake date, their fighting takes a back seat to the chemistry that flares between them, and OMG, the tension is sensational!

It was high school all over again: As soon as I realized Beth Carmichael existed, every other girl eased to exist for me.

God, I loved watching these two together! Whether they’re fighting or flirting, I could feel their connection, and I loved every moment of build-up between them. They both acknowledge the attraction, but while Callan is a known player who keeps his hook-ups emotionless, Beth longs for the kind of love that her parents have and she’s not willing to compromise for anything less. They’re open about everything, and I love how they don’t hide how they’re feeling about it all, and it doesn’t take too long before all of their mad chemistry explodes, and then it’s all freaking on.

“You just got me off at a launch party.”
Callan grinned, shooting me a wicked glance, before turning his attention back to the road. “I did.”
“You’re kind of filthy.”
“You kind of love it.”

Holy hotness, these two are on fire together! Their passion for each other is wild, and they explore it in all the ways. But while Beth is ready to go all in, Callan has a heartbreaking past and he’s isolated himself as a result of it, determined never to get involved with anybody. Readers of On Dublin Street will be familiar with this particular storyline, and Beth proves to be her father’s daughter as she holds nothing back in helping Callan deal with his trauma and prove that he’s worthy of love.

“You…you terrify me.” He finally opened his eyes. “You have me in the palms of your fucking hands.”
Relief bubbled up and over, my tears springing free. I swiped at them as I promised, “You have me in yours.”
“Do I?”
“You know you do.”

Along the way, Beth has her super supportive family taking her back, and I cannot express how much I loved seeing Joss and Braden again. One of my favourite romantic couples, they are the most amazing parents, and I downright swooned as Braden provided to be the loving, supportive and over-protective Dad that I always knew he would be.

“I wish I could find someone who loves me the way you love Mum.”
His eyes widened ever so slightly. He pushed off his desk and crossed the room to pull me into his embrace. I went happily, wrapping my arms around him as he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I won’t accept any man who comes into your life unless I think that’s exactly how he feels for you, Beth. It’s the kind of love you deserve.”

The rest of the On Dublin Street crew all make an appearance, and I loved seeing them all again – the protective uncles are a real treat. And Callan’s best friends and teammates are brilliant! Teasing and taunting him at every opportunity, there’s a lot of love between the boys and I love how they take his back, pushing him and Beth together at every opportunity. Baird is a real scene stealer and I’m hoping that we’ll see him find his HEA with one of Beth’s ‘cousins’ in a future book.

This is a beautiful love story. There are ups and downs, but there’s so much feeling between Beth and Callan. You know they are end game, and I loved watching them find their way to each other and hold on for the ride. They are fun, functional, sexy and swoony, and I couldn’t get enough. As happy as I was at their ending, I wasn’t ready to let go, and I hope we see more of them as the series continues.

“Worth the wait, but I knew you would be.”

“Yours then, yours now, yours always.”

Such a gorgeous read, I adored it.

5 stars!

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Steph ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obsessed.


🩷social media manager x premier league footballer
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 grumpy x sunshine
🩷 opposites attract
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 fake dating
🩷 second chance
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 anxiety rep
🩷 found family

This is my first Samantha Young book, and boy, was this something. I haven't read the Dublin Street series, and this series follows the kids (now adults) from that series.

I adored everything about this. The writing style, the characters, especially Beth and Callan, but also with this being my first intro to some past characters as well. The anxiety rep was incredibly well done, and I saw a lot of myself in Beth.

I just fell in love immediately. And about 50 pages in, knew for a fact I'd be going back to the Dublin Series to read through that before the next in this series comes out. I absolutely sobbed at the end of this book. What an incredible read. Five freaking stars ✨️

Thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me an eARC of this book. 🩷

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Young just stole my heart all over again with the first book in an all new series.
On Loverose Lane is the first book in the Return to Dublin Street series. If you're a long time Young reader, you'll recognize the Dublin Street name because now we are getting the second generation characters from that initial series and I am 100% here for it. But don't worry. If you haven't read that series yet, you'll be ok. Just be warned, you may fall in love with the parents and want to check out that whole world.

On Loverose Lane is Beth and Callan's story. Beth is the oldest daughter to Braden and Joss Carmichael (from the original On Dublin Street series). She's been brought up in a very privileged life, but knows the value of family and working to succeed. She is a busy and successful social media manager and places a lot of responsibility on her own shoulders, leaving not a lot of time for a love life that she so deeply desires. Then there is Callan. The surly, forever bachelor and captain of a professional football (aka soccer) club in Scotland. He's had to work for what he has, but at least has found a family in his team. When he moves into Beth's building, they both remember a brief past that they shared, leaving them in not the best place. But has time healed all wounds?

I absolutely loved both Beth and Callan. Their characters were so different, but I loved the way they were honest and messy and so darn relatable with who they were at the core. They balanced one another out, while still harboring past resentments toward one another, even if their past was brief. There was a magic there that neither one of them really gave up. I don't always like a second chance romance, but the fact that we got to experience their past and see how things played out, leading them to their present made me understand everything and fall for these two even more. Beth and Callan have an undeniable chemistry, but really so much more than that. In each other, they find family and understanding.

Samantha Young has a knack for creating amazing worlds with the best characters. We are the lucky ones that not only get to experience a whole new series, but we get to revisit some of our favorite characters from years past. This story is addictive, hits you in the feels and makes you fall in love with love while also giving us the heat. Because Princess and Captain know how to please each other inside and outside of the bedroom. Not only that, Young draws parallels with the current characters and past, bringing together a whole new family for us to fall in love with. From past characters, to current characters and all the new supporting ones, I am instantly in love with this new world and cannot wait for more. But as an OG indie reader, getting to see Joss and Braden as parents?! I'm over the moon excited!! Can't wait for more in this world.

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Loverose Lane does not disappoint at all. Miss Young gives her readers the drama and the tender sweet moment that are ex0ected from second generation.

It is good to see some of the original characters and catch up with them. Braden is certainly on of them. I miss the series. I msis the characters and I can not wait for thr next book.

4 stars

[Cami✯ (hiatus — school ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ) · Rating 2 out of 5]

what do you mean you'd “lick Nutella off your own hairy balls” 🧐

[gazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this being announced two days after i completed my edinburgh tour of every on dublin street title...........my mind is so powerful

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️]

Pre-read: A new series that looks like it's going to be so good!
A second chance sports romance? Say no more. I'm here for it.
💕 sports romance
💕 second chance
💕grumpy x sunshine
💕the good old fake dating trope

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and will definitely not be my last.

-fake dating
-dual POV
-neighbors
-enemies to lovers
-sports romance
-second chance

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headlines:
Second chance
Careers and families
Anxiety representation

I sunk neck-deep into this story that captured my heart and mind within pages of starting. This return to On Dublin Street characters and context was highly anticipated to me and I found a fresh feeling in this second generation and all the goodness of Braden and Joss in the background.

The main characters in Callan and Beth clashed from the off with Callan moving into Beth's apartment building. There was a slow reveal about why these two had complications from the past that was all a bit sad.

Beth was a sparky character and she made me laugh in the way she befriended Callan's mates and one night companions. I loved seeing Callan irritated by this. Callan took a little longer to get to know and there were things about his character I was unsure of but I was brought around by small behaviours that grew him into eventual good guy territory. The football game was strong in this sports romance and Beth's career got equal air time.

Talking of Beth and her career, she had anxiety and this felt really well represented. The writing of this conveyed the depth of impact and feelings in the acute moments. This was where Callan shone for me.

Joss and Braden were in this enough for me to be satisfied without overtaking the MCs. I loved reconnecting with these two, their dynamic, banter and seeing them of parents of adults. What a treat!

This was a 24 hour read for me, difficult to put down, easy to turn the pages and it left me wanting more (of Baird). I have a lot of needful thoughts about he's doing. I cannot wait to read more from this series that has started oh so well!

Thank you to the author for the review copy which has not affected my honest opinion.

Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth + Callan

On Dublin Street Second Generation!
Beth Carmichael is - you guessed it - Braden + Jocelyn's daughter.
She's out of college and has been running her own social media managing company for a couple of years now.
Enter Callan.
They used to be an almost thing eight years ago in school. But some things happened and we can't stand each other anymore. Right?
But he's now moving into the penthouse above her.
And that's only the very start of the story.
Let the fun times begin...

══════════════════




Eep!
Braden's mini-me is finally here!
I loved reading this.
I loved seeing all the people again - even if it got a tiny bit complifusing with all those pseudo uncles, aunts and cousins!
Beth and Callan are just perfect. They so belong together. They should've been together for years now. But things got in the way. And now we have to try again.
And we do that so adorably and funny and sparky and sweet and just...ugh. I loved this.
We have so many funny and cute moments. Football (soccer!) moments. Business moments. Some scary and sad moments. Just so many amazing moments. Beautiful story!

Can't wait to read Lily and Sebastian's book next!
And Baird!? (is that how we spell him? Probably not.) I need his story too!

ON LOVEROSE LANE was the perfect first book in this new On Dublin Street Second Generation Series! Sweet and funny and sparky and adorable and a bit sad and heartbreaking!
Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Callan - this one is MINE!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4.5 “Too different” “Princess” “Captain” “ugly sofa” “the one” “Mr. Right” Kisses

To say I was excited to return the Dublin Street world is probably one of the biggest understatements ever! On Dublin Street was one of the first books I read after 50 Shades, I’m pretty sure I read it when it was still indie and it was the beginning of a very beautiful obsession with Samantha Young's writing. Thirteen years(!!!!!) and dozens of books later, I am still in love with everything that comes out of Samantha’s brain but to bring it all back to Dublin Street with this new series gives me emotions that I struggle to put words to. Now…if I have completely confused you and you have no idea what I’m talking about with this Dublin Street business – we need to remedy that immediately. On Loverose Lane is 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) that can all be read as standalones but I highly recommend reading in order because each book builds off the other and the chemistry and connection that develops between all of the characters is absolutely brilliant. Plus, they’re amazing books that I adored – so you really can’t lose! But…that’s a hefty commitment – so at the very least…you really need to read On Dublin Street - this will really help set things up and give you a basis for most of the characters.

Beth Carmichael…I didn’t know what to expect from the eldest daughter of Brayden and Joss but OMG…she’s the perfect blend of two of my favorite characters. She’s a mini-Joss…with Brayden’s eyes and height (*smirk* #tallgirlsrule) but she has both of their personality traits in her and I adored every single one of them. Seeing Brayden’s drive come out in Beth with her own social media managing company or watching her banter and sass with just about everyone she came into contact with, just like her mom – I don’t want to play the comparison game but it��s hard not to given who her parents are. It was incredibly easy to fall in love with who Beth was…she’s strong and determined, seeing what she had made of her business was absolutely amazing.

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“Just in case, princess, we better give them something to watch.” Callan reached for my hand and laced his fingers through mine.
I jolted a wee bit at the touch, goose bumps prickling up my arm. His skin was slightly calloused and rough. I glanced quickly at our hands, an ache scoring across my chest. There was absolutely no reason for him to hold my hand other than that maybe … he wanted to. “Thanks.”
Callan shook his head, a wry smile almost curling the corner of his lips. “It’s not exactly a hardship to hold your hand.”

Callan Keen…”He’s slick, he’s class, he’s faster than the Flash, Callan Keen, Callan Keen!” - the man totally and completely earned that chant. I have a deep and unending appreciation for all things Callan for so many reasons that I don’t even know where to start. I mean, I’ll start with the most obvious – he’s a manwhore and I have always (and probably will always) have a soft spot for guys like him. I stopped questioning it ages ago but Cal has his reasons and…I got it. His past is…sad and upsetting, but it also helped motivate him and got him to Caley United, so I have many complicated feelings about it. The fact that he overcame everything and made a success of himself all on his own is just a testament to who he is as a person. Cal has basically had to do life on his own – he made a family with his soccer team and that’s been what has sustained him…but seeing the shift in him when he got with Beth is something truly awesome.

I’d lost control. He’d made me lose complete control.
And yet … it didn’t feel as scary as it had only a few days ago.
Because in those moments of sexual abandon … everything disappeared. My worries, my ambition, the constant noise in my head. It all went poof!
There was nothing but pleasure and the feel of Callan Keen in my arms.
So I threw out all my own rules. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Beth and Callan…the Captain and his princess – holy. Cannoli. Where do I even fucking begin?!?!? What did I love most about these two – let me count the ways:
#1: they have history – my KRYPTONITE! I am a sucker for a couple who have any type of history and while Beth and Callan didn’t necessarily grow up together, there was something! And it was something that shaped both of them deeply.
#2: the enemies to loves angle – good golly miss molly! These two were so juicy with their hate to love (even if it was more one-sided – not that it matters) but it only added to the already off-the-charts hot chemistry
#3: Mr. Grumpy vs. Miss. Sunshine – I couldn’t get enough of this if I tried and the fact that it only egg’d on Cal even more, just chef’s kiss perfection – it made me giggle and kick my feet with glee.
#4: The similarities between Joss and Brayden vs. Beth and Callan – the fact that both of them started as a “casual” thing with an expiration date (that they negotiated) was something I didn’t know I was going to love as much as I did. Once again, I’m not trying to compare the two – each couple is amazing and stands in their own right but seeing the similarities is something that warms my heart in a truly unique way.
There’s so much more about Beth and Callan, I could honesty go on for days – watching these two come together, overcome all they did and create something as beautiful as what they had was everything. It was more than I could have ever asked for them.

I kissed him again, a little longer, deeper. Then I broke it, but only to burrow deeper into his arms, my head resting on his shoulder.
“Thank you,” I whispered eventually.
Callan turned to press a kiss to my forehead, and we sat there a little longer, not saying anything, just holding each other.
And he was right.
For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel so alone.

Samantha Young blows me away each and every time I read one of her books…and it never gets old. There is so much I can say about what she has done with not only the original series but now taking it into a spin off and doing stories with the children…the thought and the detail and the effort that she has clearly put into it is just astounding. And I cannot even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it as a reader. I have always loved series books but reading Samantha’s truly gives me a different appreciation for this world and the characters she has created. Also, if you had told me over a decade ago I would be reading Joss and Brayden as parents and absolutely living for it, I would have never believed you – but it absolutely happened. Seeing all of the gang as parents was something I didn’t know I wanted but I 1000000% needed it. It’s a treat I didn’t know I would love as much as I do.

“You can hurt me as badly as I can hurt you,” I told him. “It’s mutually assured destruction, Captain. So why don’t we try our very best not to hurt each other?”
His fingers flexed around mine, relief lightening his expression. “Okay, princess.”

The ending was…different. I’ll be honest, I have recently picked up a very bad reading habit. I have like a spidey sense when I know things are going to get bad…and so I stop reading to avoid it. I stay in my happy little bubble with the couple I adore so much (and things were so good with Beth and Cal) and I just pretend that we don’t have to finish the book. I don’t know when or why it started and I’m doing all I can to break it but I do eventually put my big girl pants on and get through the hard stuff…and ugh – it was hard. I dunno if it’s just because I was very emotionally attached to these two but I did shed a couple of tears. It was all completely worth it and after everything that Beth and Cal had been through, I really loved what Samantha did with them and how it all came together. I do have to say, after The Adair Family Series and The Highlands Series (Samantha’s romantic suspense books) I was ready for something to grab me at the ending – and she definitely saved some surprises for the end, but they definitely weren’t of the same variety and as usual, they only added to enhance the characters. I am soooooooo excited for the rest of the books in this series – I’m not holding my breath for a book from every kid, I mean there’s eleventy-billion of them in this clan, but I’ll be insanely happy with whatever Samantha gives us. Up next is A Royal Mile which is alllll about Lily Sawyer, Nate and Olivia’s daughter from Before Jamaica Lane and the little glimpses we get of her in On Loverose Lane have me dying to know more!

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[Alba and Her Secrets..♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'Yours always' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.


If you know me, you know I am a massive fan of Samantha Young’s writing. Her On Dublin Street series stole my heart many years ago so you can imagine my excitement when Samantha announced she was writing a second-generation series, and she was starting with Braden and Joss’ daughter. I feel so lucky to be able to read this a little bit earlier and I have to say, Young has started her newest series with a bang!

It was high school all over again: As soon as I realized Beth Carmichael existed, every other girl ceased to exist for me.

On Loverose Lane tells the story of Beth Carmichael, a young woman fighting to take her PR company to the next level and her new grumpy neighbor / football player / high school crush, Callan Keen. This love story has some serious angst and emotional vibes all over it. Beth and Callan share a past, a past that neither has forgotten but both remember very differently. When they decide to get involved in a “fake” relationship, neither expect to reopen old wounds and feelings but the connection they felt years ago is still there and stronger than ever. While also dealing with anxiety and heartbreak, Beth and Callan can’t fight against their attraction and love grows fast between them.

“You… you terrify me.” He finally opened his eyes. “You have me in the palms of your fucking hands.”
Relief bubbled up and over, my tears springing free. I swiped at them as I promised, “You have me in yours.”

So yes, you can already notice I loved the heck out of this book, I loved getting back into this world, having interactions with the characters we all fell in love with many years ago and meeting new ones that I am sure will steal all our hearts as well. I am giving it a rating of 4.5 STARS. So, I hope now I have convinced you to read On Loverose Lane because it’s so worth it, especially if you are a fan of the series that started it all!

[Ramona Popescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received by the author in exchange for an honest review

Samantha Young is my unicorn author; all her books bring me joy and a sense of reading something that suits my heart. Since her Dublin Series, I love everything she writes, even if she likes to add drama to her stories or turn them into supernatural tales.

When I found out that she will be continuing the Dublin Series with the kids of the original couples, my heart made a happy dance, because what you read in that series is nothing I've ever experienced. The love, the family, and the way the characters help each other and protect one another, is nothing you need to feel for yourself. Not to say that the love between the main characters is intense and Sam's talent for delivering steamy scenes pops the thermometer to pieces.

Beth Carmichael is Braden and Joss's daughter, a very talented and hardworking young lady, who has her own social media company. She is very determined to succeed in this industry, considering she barres the name of Carmichael on her shoulders and she needs to be as successful as her parents or beyond. She meets Callan Kane at 16 and kind of falls in love with him instantly. But, there are things from Callan's past that would intervene with their relationship, making Beth choose between him and her family. The way Beth ended things with Callan left a mark and I was not ok with it, but further on, this will have an explanation.

Years after, Beth will be Callan's neighbor in the same building, resurfacing all the feelings and frustration that both of them shared. Callan is very resentful of Beth because of the way she ended things and his behavior was correct because that was not the way to handle it. He is now a very successful football player, with fame and money, but even so, he didn't fall in love again after Beth.

I don't want to give spoilers, but their story is a second chance, from my POV, but it kind of came at the right moment, because they seem more prepared for this kind of feelings to resurface. I was not expecting this emotional turmoil and all the drama behind the 2 characters. I identified a lot with Beth, with her struggles and emotions, because I feel like that many times and it's very hard to handle it on your own.

I also grew very fond of Callan, because his childhood was rubbish, and considering that, he managed to achieve his dream and play at a professional level the sport that he loved. They are both examples of ambition and dedication, even if their upbringing was different. It is clear that Beth was more privileged, but that doesn't mean everything was OK for her.

Samantha surprised me with the level of steaminess because the romantic scenes were frequent and very explicit. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy them, but I was not expecting that much. Their relationship was physical at the beginning, but it grew up to be very emotional, once all the sharing began and you understand where both characters stand. You understand their connection and love it.

A big emotional impact for me was seeing the characters from Dublin Street again, after all these years. It's like seeing your best friends again and it killed me. We got to see Braden and Joss and not only see them, got to see them argue, be protective, be funny, or even annoying. They were a very important part of the story and I was just delighted. Nevertheless, all the family comes together and it will take a while for you to understand exactly who is who and what is the exact family tree. But you will love every moment of it. As a request, maybe Sam can draft a family tree for us to follow.

To conclude, I loved being back in one of my favorite series of all time. I think the idea was great and all these feelings contributed a lot to the success of the spin-off. I think Samantha will absolutely nail it and our hearts will be full of contentment by reading about this beautiful family again.

For more reviews, please check out my blog >>> www.ramonismeramo.com

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars Rounded Up!

This was a good read but it was way too long for me. I liked that it was about the younger generation of the original Dublin Street books, but I just felt that it could have been a bit shorter. I also liked that it was a sports romance. However, there were way too many spicy scenes and I got so I was just scrolling past them. I don’t mind some of these scenes and actually expect them in romances, but not when a book gets to be this long. I’m sure others will not mind this as this is just my opinion. These are the reasons that it was not a true 4 star read for me. There were good characters and some who I’d like to see have their own books someday as well. I am sure I’ll be reading the next one when it’s released as I really enjoy this author’s stories.

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored the first book in the Dublin Street spinoff - Callan and Beth had me captivated from start to finish - second chance, enemies to lovers, fake dating - what’s not to love?! This book has me wanting to run back and revisit the OG Dublin Street series.

There are minor spoilers for On Dublin Street (FMC is the daughter of the FMC /MMC from ODS) - but this is absolutely a standalone.

I can’t wait for book 2 and truly hope it’s Baird’s book!

[K. King · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘On Dublin Street’ is one of my favorite books, but this one felt like it had been written by someone else.

There were so many characters that I eventually stopped trying to track who was who and the book was so overloaded with tropes that it made my head spin. I liked Callan’s character; he had a better storyline than Beth but still felt very surface-level. Beth seemed like a side character in the story, given that so much time was spent on her parents' backstory, the other characters from the original series, and all their children. Second-generation series can be a great way to revisit beloved characters, but the past characters shouldn’t overshadow the new story. I'd have reread the original series if I wanted to read about Braden, Joss, and the rest of the original On Dublin Street characters.