Samantha Young masterfully weaves magic through Edinburgh’s ancient streets in A Royal Mile, the second installment in her Return to Dublin Street series. Following the emotional groundwork laid in On Loverose Lane, Young delivers a story that pulses with the raw authenticity of Scottish charm while exploring the delicate dance between friendship and forbidden love.
The novel centers on Lily Sawyer, a psychology student whose carefully ordered world collides spectacularly with Sebastian Thorne—a member of the British royal family masquerading as an ordinary university student. What begins as a betrayal of trust slowly transforms into something far more complex and emotionally devastating.
Character Development That Cuts Deep
Lily Sawyer: The Heart of Authenticity
Lily emerges as a refreshingly grounded heroine whose vulnerability feels achingly real. Young crafts her with the perfect balance of academic brilliance and emotional intelligence, yet doesn’t shy away from her insecurities. Her internal monologue regarding Sebastian’s royal status—wondering if she’s “not thin enough, pretty enough” or “not posh enough”—reveals the kind of honest self-doubt that makes readers instantly connect with her struggles.
Her passion for psychology provides more than just career context; it becomes a lens through which she views relationships, often psychoanalyzing situations with clinical precision that both helps and hinders her emotional growth. The way she dissects Sebastian’s commitment issues, linking them to his guilt over his friend Lawrence’s accident, showcases Young’s skill at integrating character profession meaningfully into plot development.
Sebastian Thorne: Royal Complexity
Sebastian transcends the typical “tortured hero” archetype through layers of genuine internal conflict. His secret identity as both royal family member and talented artist creates compelling tension between duty and desire. Young expertly reveals his artistic passion through intimate scenes in his hidden studio, where paint-splattered canvases become windows into his soul.
His self-imposed emotional exile—punishing himself for a teenage accident that left his friend Lawrence paralyzed—drives the central conflict with devastating effectiveness. The psychological prison he’s built feels authentic rather than contrived, making his resistance to love both heartbreaking and infuriating.
Romance That Simmers and Burns
The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers progression unfolds with exquisite pacing. Young doesn’t rush the emotional beats, allowing friendship to genuinely develop before romantic tension reaches its breaking point. Their Christmas Eve encounter—where Sebastian gifts Lily a diamond lily necklace and they share their first intimate moment—crackles with unresolved longing.
The sexual tension builds gradually through meaningful glances, accidental touches, and the kind of emotional intimacy that makes physical attraction feel inevitable. When they finally cross that line, Young writes their physical relationship with both heat and emotional depth, particularly in scenes where Sebastian’s vulnerability shines through his dominant tendencies.
Supporting Cast Excellence
The supporting characters breathe life into Edinburgh’s university setting. January, Lily’s bold younger sister, provides both comic relief and emotional anchoring. Her fearless personality contrasts beautifully with Lily’s reserved nature, creating sibling dynamics that feel lived-in and real.
Harry and Zac, Sebastian’s flatmates, offer more than just convenient plot devices. Their loyalty to Sebastian, despite his deception, adds layers to the male friendship dynamics. Sierra and Madison round out Lily’s support system with distinct personalities that avoid the trap of interchangeable best friends.
Edinburgh as Character
Young’s love for Scotland permeates every page, transforming Edinburgh from mere setting into living, breathing character. The Royal Mile itself becomes symbolic—ancient stones witnessing modern hearts breaking and healing. From Dean Village’s cobblestoned charm to the hidden Vaults beneath Old Town, the city provides atmospheric depth that enhances rather than overshadows the romance.
The Hogmanay celebration sequence particularly showcases Young’s ability to capture Scottish culture authentically. The four-day festival becomes backdrop for emotional revelation and heartbreak, with Edinburgh’s winter streets reflecting the characters’ internal landscapes.
Writing Style and Pacing
Young’s prose flows with conversational ease while maintaining emotional sophistication. Her ability to shift between Lily’s academic precision and Sebastian’s artistic sensibility demonstrates remarkable range. The dual POV structure allows readers deep access to both characters’ motivations without feeling repetitive.
The pacing stumbles occasionally during the middle section where conflict resolution feels somewhat rushed. The revelation about the woman attempting to break up Sebastian’s parents could have been developed more thoroughly, feeling slightly convenient as a plot device.
Emotional Impact and Themes
The novel’s exploration of self-worth, forgiveness, and the courage to love despite past trauma resonates powerfully. Young doesn’t offer easy answers to complex emotional issues. Sebastian’s journey toward self-forgiveness feels earned rather than handed to him, though some readers might find his resistance to happiness occasionally frustrating.
The psychology experiment subplot provides clever framework for forced proximity while examining how authentic connection develops under artificial circumstances. Young uses this academic setting to explore genuine questions about human behavior and attraction.
Connection to the Series
While A Royal Mile stands alone admirably, readers familiar with On Loverose Lane will appreciate subtle connections and character references. Young hints at the upcoming Hart Street Lane, featuring Baird McMillan, creating anticipation for the series’ conclusion without detracting from Lily and Sebastian’s story.
The Return to Dublin Street series continues Young’s tradition of Scottish-set romance with contemporary edge, though these novels feel more grounded in reality compared to some of her previous work.
Areas for Improvement
The royal family subplot occasionally feels underdeveloped, particularly regarding the institutional pressures Sebastian faces. Princess Mary’s machinations could have been explored more deeply to justify the external conflict threatening their relationship.
Some secondary character motivations, particularly regarding the podcast revenge plot, feel slightly thin. The resolution comes together almost too neatly, though this doesn’t significantly detract from the central romance.
Comparison to Similar Works
Readers of The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan will appreciate the modern royal romance elements, while fans of Young’s earlier Dublin Street series will recognize her signature blend of emotional depth and sexual tension. The university setting and psychological elements echo works like The Deal by Elle Kennedy, though Young’s emotional sophistication sets her apart.
Final Verdict
A Royal Mile succeeds as both passionate romance and emotional journey of healing. Young’s commitment to character development over plot convenience creates a story that lingers long after the final page. While not without minor flaws, the novel delivers the kind of deeply satisfying romance that reminds readers why they fell in love with the genre.
The chemistry between Lily and Sebastian burns with authentic intensity, their friendship foundation making their romantic connection feel both inevitable and hard-won. Young’s Edinburgh comes alive as more than setting—it becomes the third character in this triangle of hearts, heritage, and hope.
Recommended Similar Reads
- The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- The Deal by Elle Kennedy
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
For readers seeking emotionally complex romance with authentic Scottish flavor and royal intrigue that doesn’t overshadow genuine character development, A Royal Mile delivers precisely what the genre promises at its best. Young proves once again why she remains a master of contemporary romance that speaks directly to the heart.