Sam's Book Basket: samantha young

Showing posts with label samantha young. Show all posts

Monday, June 9, 2014

REVIEW: Fall from India Place (On Dublin Street #4) – Samantha Young

Released: June 3rd, 2014

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Down London Road returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future…

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again….

"I don't want you to be sore about our past anymore. It's done. We can't take it back. But we have now. And now is good."

Samantha Young is back! I fell in love over and over again with the witty dialogue, super romantic moments and, of course, all the heart-breaking scenes that are always there in Young's books. Marco and Hannah's stories had plenty of twists and turns, not only because of their turbulent pat, but also because each of them had their own individual demons. However, Samantha Young has created a beautiful and wonderfully written story about reconnection and reconciliation between two lovers.

Wow, this book was just wow. It blew me away. After her previous two books that I was slightly disappointed with, I was starting to think that maybe I won't be as big of a fan of Samantha Young anymore. But, with this book, my hope is restored.

Hannah is one of my favorite characters starting from book one and that's why I was ecstatic to see that she finally gets her own book! This story takes place a couple of years probably after Liv and Nate's because in this book *drum rolls* they have babies!!! God, so fucking cute!

Ugh, especially Beth, Joss and Braden's kid. Sweet Jesus, this kid can tear me to bits.

But anyway, back to Hannah. She's still the snarky, intelligent student she was back then. A bit more reserved apparently but then to me, Hannah's always been a quiet one. But God, in this book she was so hilarious.

Hannah: “Are we in a pissy mood because you had to surgically remove your hip from Penny’s? Tell me, Dec, how does it feel to be whipped at eighteen?”

Declan: “She’s at her nana’s today.”

Hannah: “With her whip?”

Declan: “Ha ha, you’re so funny.

Hannah: “And whiplash-free.”

And Hannah's and Cole's relationship is also best. I love how he's so protective of her even though he's younger. He's always so thoughtful and ugh, I just love that kid so much. And they're so close without any awkwardness it's fucking amazing.

Hannah's personality I love too. She's honest even though sometimes she holds things back. She admits it when she's scared and honestly, she's such a strong heroine. Definitely one of my favorites.

Then there's Marco.

This man can make me cry and cry and cry. And that was what happened. I bawled like a baby throughout this book.

I woke up to find him asleep on my couch and when I asked him why he had stayed instead of going home to his bed, he said he slept easier knowing I was safe.

Fuck, I'm so whipped with this man. He can really take Braden on as my favorite Young hero. Well, no, Braden is still my favorite caveman but Marco is my second favorite.

Marco: "I stood outside the school gates to make sure you were okay because after I walked you home that one time I thought you deserved someone looking out for you. You were a funny, smart, kind girl and you looked at me in a way no one had before. Like i had something interesting to say and you wanted to hear all about it."

Fuckkkk. I AM IN LOVE!!!

Their connection was so palpable. I felt whatever Hannah was feeling, it was as if I was really living in her world. That was how strong the connection between the character and the reader was. I was addicted to her world that when I finished, I just felt so empty. Sigh. All good books make me feel that way.

But Hannah and Marco had such a wonderful relationship. Their chemistry was off-the-charts and I love how determined he was to get her back.

So yeah, definitely one of my favorites.

MY RATING:

5 GOD-I-LOVE-THEM-SO-MUCH APPLES!!!!!

✭ BOOK LINKS ✭

(Click book cover for Goodreads link)

♕ On Dublin Street (On Dublin Street #1) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

♕ Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | My Review

♕ Before Jamaica Lane (On Dublin Street #3) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | My Review

♕ Fall From India Place (On Dublin Street #4) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble

EXTRA STORIES:

♕ An On Dublin Street Christmas (On Dublin Street #1.1) // free ♕

Goodreads | Read here

♕ Until Fountain Bridge (On Dublin Street #1.5) ♕

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

♕ Castle Hill (On Dublin Street #2.5) ♕

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has sold in twenty-five countries.

Check her out in these sites:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

WoW: Fall from India Place (On Dublin Street #4) – Samantha Young

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine to spotlight releases that we're looking forward to! Here is my choice this week...

Fall from India Place

Title: Fall from India Place

Author: Samantha Young

Is it a sequel? Book #4 of the On Dublin Street Series

Release Date: June 3rd, 2014

The New York Times bestselling author of On Dublin Street and Down London Road returns with a story about letting go of the past and learning to trust in the future…

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again…

My Comments:

YEEES THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR MY WHOLE LIFE. Samantha Young rarely disappoints me with her work. Although BJL wasn't as good as the previous two, it was still pretty good. I'm hoping this one will be better!

What are YOUR choices this week? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday, April 25, 2014

REVIEW: Out of the Shallows (Into the Deep #2) – Samantha Young

Released: April 10th, 2014

From the New York Times bestselling author of Into the Deep

LIVE YOUNG. LIVE HARD. LOVE DEEP.
Charley and Jake’s story concludes in Out of the Shallows…

Somehow, after everything they’ve been through, Jake Caplin and Charley Redford made their way back to one another. But finding each other and staying together are two completely different things.

When Charley’s world is flipped upside down, she begins to question the choices and decisions she’s made since her arrival in Edinburgh, and in an effort to grip onto what she holds most dear she believes she must sacrifice her love for Jake.

Returning to the States for her senior year, Charley struggles to find peace and happiness. While everyone else seems to be finding themselves in college, Charley is terrified that, along with almost everything else that’s important to her, she’s lost herself.

While friends and family deal with their own tumultuous lives, there is one person resolved to uncover the reason behind Charley’s sudden defection and unhappiness. Refusing to give up without a fight, Jake believes he is the only one who can truly understand what Charley is going through, and this time he’s determined to prove he’s there for her no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way.

However, as Charley strives to make it through the biggest personal journey of her life thus far, there is no guarantee that the woman she is becoming will still need Jake as much as the girl she once was did..

"The people are one of our dreams too. Sometimes you just can't chase them all. So you've got to choose."

Just like Samantha Young's other books, this novel was absolutely moving and fueled with emotion and heartache. In this book, it's Charley's turn to deal with demons from her past and present, and along the way we see the development of more of the characters as well as a look into their pasts. Out of the Shallows took me on a journey that I'll never forget, a journey that twisted my stomach but tugged on my heart.

Although I must honestly admit that this book came off as a disappointment compared to the previous one, it was still one of the best books I've read this year. Samantha Young is one of those authors who, even though it's her worst work, it's still one of the best. She's still going to be one of my favorites of all time because I've followed her from On Dublin Street and I've never been disappointed once.

We met Charley in Into the Deep and we see her as this strong, sarcastic and hilarious character. I loved Charley in that novel so deeply because she was so vulnerable and fragile but at the same time, strong and sassy. I love those kinds of heroines who can pick themselves up after a horrible tragedy and push themselves forward.

However in this book, Charley is faced with an even harder decision. She has to decide whether to follow her heart or her mind. As Charley explores her options, she ends up hurting those around her unconsciously. Even after she realizes, she seems to want to stick to her "honorable" side and cave to her parents' wishes and her promise.

But, Charley is extremely stubborn in this book. I can't put myself in her shoes, especially after what she's been through, but I understand where she's coming from. But, I felt like this issue was too prolonged in the novel.

And then there's Jake Caplin.

He's turned into this wonderful, wonderful character. God, I love how he actually chases after her and he knows exactly what she needs to push her through. He knows how to pull on her strings and how to manipulate her, as sinister as that sounds. But Jake understands her and he knows when he's pushed her too hard.

Jake is extremely patient in this book that I was so surprised. He's always been the jealous type – hell, he still is – but waiting for Charley to come around? For her to deal with her demons? It takes some serious guts and patience… and love, to deal with all that.

But he knows it'll be worth it. He knows she's worth it.

"I'd never met a girl like you and i'd never met anyone who I connected with so quickly. At the end of that party, I knew that everything had changed. I couldn't give a shit about any other girl. I wanted to get to know you better. I wanted to deserve to get to know you."

And their relationship reminds me of Caleb and Olivia's in the Love Me with Lies series by Tarryn Fisher, albeit less extreme and destructive. But, that was it, they knew that they were each other's perfect pair (don't believe in the soulmates idea, complete bullshit). No matter what obstacles life threw their way, they were always going to find their way back to each other.

Charley: “Can’t you just be angry with me, resent me, hate me, and then leave it at that?”

Jake: “Oh, I’m angry, But I also love you, so the answer to that question is no.”

But the structure of the story was undeniably frustrating but brilliant. You could draw so many parallels and contrasts from the past and the present. It helps compare where they were then and why it was that they were in that situation at that present time. It gave us an insight to the past. This novel is what you – and Charley and Jake – can describe as "delayed gratification". Frustrating but worth it.

MY RATING:

4 – 4.5 APPLES!!!!!

✭ BOOK LINKS ✭

(Click book cover for Goodreads link)

♕ Into the Deep (Into the Deep #1) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | My Review

♕ Out of the Shallows (Into the Deep #2) ♕

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

Check her out in these sites:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

✻ ✻ ✻

Monday, February 17, 2014

REVIEW: Before Jamaica Lane (On Dublin Street #3) – Samantha Young

Released: January 7th, 2014

One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…

Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.

Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever…

"Lines were being blurred, and other lines were actually being crossed. There were a lot of lines and none of them were of a solid consistency."

A beautiful love story about two friends and about overcoming their insecurities and past in order to move on into the future. An emotional roller coaster that had me hooked and I loved it! It was simple and a pretty typical love story, yet Samantha Young writes it in such a way that you have to keep reading.

Although I must confess that this book comes off as a disappointment compared to her previous published books, I have to also blame my sister. I'm easily influenced and, while she read, she kept giving the book comments. So, yes, I viewed it through her eyes after that and it pissed me off. Note to self: READ THE BOOK BEFORE MY SISTER DOES.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, I wished my sister would shut up while she was reading so I could enjoy the book better. Truthfully, I really liked it. The previous two books in the series were beautifully intense but this one had a simpler and sweeter aura to it that just made me giggle all the way through.

Olivia is a girl that most girls could relate to. We can feel what she feels because we've all probably been through all her insecurities and fears. We know the pressure of society these days on their perspective of beauty. So, yes, I can definitely empathize with Olivia.

But I loved how strong her character was. Even though my sister thought that she was too self-pitying, I thought that the amount of insecurity she had was just right. She knew what she hated and she knew that sometimes she even got pissed at herself.

"I don't want to be the person who looks in the mirror and hates what she sees, or be the person that moans about how she can't interact with a guy long enough to secure a date. That's not a good person to be, Nate."

This is why I like Olivia's character. I definitely agree with her here. I don't like people who moan on and on about how they can't get a guy but they can't be bothered to get off their asses to even try. YOU CAN'T DEPEND ON FATE, GUYS! Soulmates is such a bullshit idea if you don't even break your back trying to find them.

This next quote contains slight spoilers:

"But he won't ever allow himself to love me the way he loved Alana. She was his big love. I want to be someone's big love, Dad. I think I deserve to have the man I love love me back just as much."

I wanted to high five her right then!

I LOVE HOW SHE ADMITS THIS! I LOVE IT!!! She's grown up now as this is towards the end of the book. Liv's grown up and realized that everyone should get the best when they actually deserve it.

One of the best thing about Liv's character is the way she develops from a seemingly teenage girl who has all these negative thoughts about her body to a confident woman who is wise and mature. She knows how to handle herself.

Nate's character is also a favorite of mine because he was sort of complex, not as complex as Braden, but more complex than Cam I think. He has his issues and I love how he talks to Olivia about his problems and they're just best friends. That's the best kind of relationship to have.

And he can also be sweet too at times.