Samantha Young’s return to her beloved On Dublin Street universe delivers exactly what fans have been craving—a sexy, emotionally charged romance featuring the next generation of characters related to those we fell in love with in her breakout series. On Loverose Lane marks the first installment in Young’s new Return to Dublin Street series, with the second book, A Royal Mile, set to release in June 2025.
As a longtime fan of Young’s work, I approached this novel with high expectations. The original On Dublin Street series was a landmark in contemporary romance, blending steamy encounters with genuine emotional depth. Does the new series recapture that magic? For the most part, yes—though not without a few fumbles along the way.
The Premise: Enemies-to-Lovers with a Twist
The story centers on Beth Carmichael, daughter of Joss and Braden from the original series, who finds her perfectly ordered life disrupted when professional footballer Callan Keen moves into the apartment above hers. Their first meeting reveals a shared past and lingering resentment, particularly on Callan’s side. The twist? They knew each other as teenagers, with Beth mysteriously cutting ties with Callan years ago for reasons she kept to herself.
When circumstances force them into a mutually beneficial fake-dating arrangement—Beth needs to impress a potential client while Callan requires a meeting with Beth’s influential father—the stage is set for classic romantic tension. Their agreement evolves into a no-strings-attached physical relationship that predictably becomes much more complicated as old wounds reopen and genuine feelings develop.
Strengths: Character Development and Emotional Resonance
Young excels at creating multidimensional characters with believable trauma and growth trajectories. Callan is particularly well-crafted—a professional athlete who lost his parents young and was raised by an emotionally abusive biological father. His reluctance to form attachments stems from genuine fear rather than the generic commitment-phobia that plagues many romance heroes.
Beth’s character development is equally compelling, dealing with anxiety and unresolved grief over her friend Amanda’s death. Her journey toward opening up about her mental health struggles—first with Callan and later with her parents—offers a realistic portrayal of how past trauma can affect present relationships.
The author doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, including:
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Parental abandonment
- Self-worth struggles
- Fear of vulnerability
What truly elevates the novel is the authentic emotional connection between Beth and Callan. Their shared history creates a foundation for their relationship that feels genuine, making their eventual love declaration feel earned rather than rushed.
The Heat Factor: Steamy Yet Meaningful
Young has always balanced emotional connection with physical chemistry, and On Loverose Lane continues this tradition with several steamy encounters that advance the relationship rather than just titillate readers. The intimate scenes reveal character—Callan’s possessiveness, Beth’s newfound freedom in expressing her desires—and create turning points in their developing bond.
Particularly notable is how the physical aspects of their relationship evolve from purely casual to emotionally significant, reflected in both the characters’ inner thoughts and the way their encounters are written. Young uses these scenes to expose vulnerabilities that the characters might otherwise keep hidden, creating deeper intimacy between them.
The Extended Cast: A Universe Reborn
For fans of the original series, the appearances by Joss, Braden, and other characters from the On Dublin Street universe will be particularly satisfying. Samantha Young skillfully balances nostalgia with forward momentum, using these established characters to enhance the current story rather than simply cashing in on reader goodwill.
New characters shine as well, particularly:
- Baird McMillan, Callan’s charismatic best friend and teammate
- Elle, Beth’s younger sister with her own distinctive personality
- Lily Sawyer, Beth’s cousin and the protagonist of the upcoming second book
The banter between these characters feels natural and often provides comic relief during tenser moments. The family dynamics of the extended Carmichael clan are especially well-rendered, creating a warm backdrop for the central romance.
Areas for Improvement: Pacing and Conflict Resolution
Despite its strengths, On Loverose Lane isn’t without flaws. The pacing suffers somewhat in the middle section, with the six-week timeline of their arrangement feeling artificially extended. Some readers might find the “will they, won’t they” dynamic stretched thin before the characters finally commit.
The resolution of conflicts occasionally relies too heavily on external catalysts rather than internal character growth. In particular, the storyline involving Callan’s biological father Gavin feels somewhat underdeveloped, with Braden Carmichael stepping in to solve the problem rather than Callan fully confronting this aspect of his past himself.
Additionally, the fake-dating premise, while effective in bringing the characters together, is relatively quickly abandoned in favor of the no-strings-attached arrangement, making this trope feel somewhat underutilized.
Thematic Richness: Family, Forgiveness, and Finding Home
Where the novel truly excels is in its exploration of deeper themes:
- Finding family beyond blood: Callan’s journey from isolation to being embraced by Beth’s extended family offers a touching portrayal of chosen family.
- Working through anxiety: Beth’s struggles with anxiety and her gradual openness about these challenges presents a realistic portrayal of mental health issues.
- The courage to be vulnerable: Both main characters must overcome their fear of being hurt to find lasting happiness.
- Forgiveness as liberation: The characters must forgive both others and themselves to move forward.
The novel’s title—On Loverose Lane—perfectly encapsulates the central theme: finding home not just in a physical place but in another person’s heart. The setting of Edinburgh provides a cozy, atmospheric backdrop that enhances this sense of belonging.
Looking Forward: A Royal Mile
The novel sets up the second book in the series, A Royal Mile, featuring Beth’s cousin Lily Sawyer and the aristocratic Sebastian Thorne in what promises to be an enemies-to-lovers romance. Young introduces these characters organically within the current story, creating anticipation without detracting from Beth and Callan’s journey.
Comparison to Young’s Other Works
Fans of Young’s writing will recognize her signature style—emotionally charged dialogue, steamy encounters, and characters with genuine depth. While On Loverose Lane doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of the original On Dublin Street or the fantastical appeal of her Play On series, it stands firmly on its own merits as a compelling contemporary romance.
The novel continues Young’s trend of creating heroines with career ambitions and heroes who support rather than diminish these goals. Beth’s social media management company and Callan’s post-football business plans demonstrate Young’s commitment to portraying partnerships of equals.
Final Verdict: A Welcome Return
On Loverose Lane is a good read for its:
- Strong character development
- Emotional authenticity
- Steamy yet meaningful romantic encounters
- Rich family dynamics
- Thoughtful handling of mental health issues
Despite minor issues with pacing and conflict resolution, the novel succeeds in its primary goal—delivering a satisfying romance that both introduces new readers to Young’s universe and rewards longtime fans for their loyalty.
If you enjoyed Young’s previous works or appreciate contemporary romances with genuine emotional depth, On Loverose Lane is a worthy addition to your reading list. The novel balances heat with heart, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
Young has proven that returning to the world of On Dublin Street was a risk worth taking, creating a foundation for what promises to be another beloved series. As we await A Royal Mile in 2025, On Loverose Lane offers a fulfilling romance that stands strong on its own while whetting our appetite for more stories from this richly developed world.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of the original On Dublin Street series
- Readers who enjoy sports romances with emotional depth
- Anyone who appreciates second-chance love stories
- Those looking for romance featuring mental health representation
- Readers who enjoy extensive family dynamics in their romance novels
Whether you’re revisiting Edinburgh’s familiar streets or discovering them for the first time, On Loverose Lane offers a journey worth taking—one filled with laughter, tears, and the kind of love that makes a house feel like home.