Down London Road

By: Samantha Young

Narrated by: Elle Newlands

Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may - or may not - fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets...even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.

©2013 Samantha Young (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“This is a really sexy book and I loved the heroine’s journey to find herself and grow strong. Highly recommend this one.” (USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog)

Such a great story!!

This was a great follow up to Dublin Street. I didn't pay that much attention to Jo in the first book, but what a great love story she has! The intensity of her family situation was really sad, but thankfully things ultimately worked out in her favor. I am hoping that there is a third book since there are some new characters introduced. I definitely enjoy how Samantha Young writes, the humor and sarcasm, and of course, the hot love scenes...delicious! I must admit I was not totally thrilled with the narration. All the voices were sounding far too similar, and Cam's "whisper voice" made me want to clear my throat and get a drink of water! All that said, I got over the narration and just enjoyed the story as it unfolded. Definitely a winner of a book, you will not be disappointed.

Absolutely loved this book! Heart warming story!

Would you listen to Down London Road again? Why?

Absolutely. The characters were positioned perfectly against each other, Joe's story was unfolded in such a beautiful manner, that her attraction to Cameron made so much sense. The book successfully showcased the effects of the character's history in their behaviors and reactions to the development of their romance.

What other book might you compare Down London Road to and why?

I thought the author could never top the amazing "Dublin Street" but apparently she could! This has become my favorite of all her books.

What does Elle Newlands bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Beautiful narration, great job conveying all the emotions without making them cheesy! Keep it up!

Great read

I wasn't sure at first whether or not I liked Johanna, but as the book went on, I grew to really like the character. She and Cam are a great couple and Elle Newlands does a wonderful Scottish accent.

Not as good as book 1

I LOVED book 1.... That being said, this one falls a bit flat. The two main characters just seemed a bit shallow.
The narration on this one was a little painful to listen to at first. I gradually got used to it but it still grated on my nerves. Overall it's a good story and decent listen. Not sure if it's worth the price tag tho

Be Caledonia!

Would you listen to Down London Road again? Why?

Most Definitely! I truly enjoyed listening to this story. Jo's struggles leading to happiness was touching.

What other book might you compare Down London Road to and why?

"On Dublin Street"; although, I enjoyed this storyline so much more. Even though Jo had doubts, she definitely refused to play the Martyr.

Which scene was your favorite?

Jo and Cam's arguments were good scenes, but really, the whole book was excellent.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Be Caledonia"

Any additional comments?

I look forward to listening more of this series.

So good!

Samantha Young is becoming a fave of mine. I have loved all her books. When I finished On Dublin Street I didn't move onto this one right away because I didn't think I cared enough about Joss and Brayden's supporting cast to keep listening, but I'm glad I came back and finished the series. Jo and Cam I think are my favorite in the series...I loved how they got a rough start and were friends before it went further. I loved how honest Cam was from the start and wasn't afraid to tell Jo how he cared for her. Their chemistry and sexual tension is so good! I quickly became engrossed with this series and I love all of the characters and getting updates on Joss and Brayden and Ellie and Adam is a plus too.

Excellent story

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very beginning. Each character was pertinent to the story and very realistic. There were enough surprises and drama that the story wasn't annoying. The narrator did a fantastic job as well. This is one of those story I will read again.

PERFECT IN ALMOST EVERY WAY!

This book is about the butterflies you feel in your stomach, about intense body language and how two forces colliding cannot be stopped when love arrives and changes everything. What a fabulous 2nd book of the series!!! With the superb writing of Samantha Young and the wonderful talent of Elle Newlands, this book just blew me away….it's perfect in almost every way!

This book is told through the POV of Johanna ("Jo") Walker and immediately it becomes such an interesting journey as the reader is navigated through her world as she works so hard to create a good life for her younger brother Cole. Jo shields Cole from the cycle of violence that overshadows from an absent father, and deals with the daily struggles of an alcoholic mother. I can't remember being so susceptible to tears during the scenes between Joe and her brother Cole. What a touching relationship!!!

Jo is seriously misunderstood. Jo is pegged as a "gold-digger" with her incredible, drop-dead gorgeous looks that she uses to her advantage in forming relationships with rich, older men who provide some financial cushion in her life. Hence, comes in our hero, who was quick to read in to this assumption, but who found that you should never judge a book by it's cover or be too hasty in dismissing someone at first glance. Cameron McCabe is a rather flawed hero, but an effective one nonetheless….he is edgy with the dragon tattoo on his arm. He has a lean, muscular body, and emanates this masculine, sexual energy that Jo finds so alluring.

When Jo and Cameron first lock gazes…it's like electricity. It was synergetic…like observing two forces collide and understanding it's potency because of the visceral response both Joe and Cameron feel even before speaking with one another.

Cameron was a complete jerk to Jo at first, but he comes around apologetically when he realizes how wrong he was. Part of his response to her was resentfulness because when Cameron and Jo meet both are in relationships with other people. It's obvious the man wanted her from the beginning.

The love story between Cameron and Joe starts off rough, but, oh my goodness, when the misunderstandings fizzle away, their relationship is sweet, beautiful and comforting. Of course, the sex is off the charts in this book, but it's more than that. It's about how love can melt insecurities and awaken a deep longing that makes life so vivid and fulfilling. I loved the relationship Cameron fostered with Cole and was such a support to Joe in every way. Both leads grow a lot in this book. At the end of the book their lives have improved substantially.

This book delivers an emotional journey that is so real and touching! OMG!! Without revealing too much, during the challenging part of Jo & Cameron's relationship I was so hurt for Jo!!! I was angry and I thought I was going to have to chalk Cameron down as a hero who fell from grace & whose likeability was revoked, but wow---I can't believe how incredibly Young sews up the loose ends in this book. I didn't think it could be done, but she did it! I'm so impressed and glad I came across this beautiful, messy series with so many redemptive qualities. I don't think it's possible to listen to this book, just one time…you have to listen over again to relive each moment and understand both characters even better.

Lastly, it was great to see the involvement of all of the gang--Braden and Joss, Adam & Ellie, her family and new additions (Uncle Mic and Olivia) to this growing & loving group of wonderful people!

Loved it but it drags a bit

Love this work and the "sister" novel, "On Dublin Street." This book takes a bit too long for my tastes to get Jo and Cam together, as well as to get some of the misunderstandings out of the way. *****SPOILER ALERT: If Cam were my man and had done all of the things he did (or didn't do) with his ex in the novel, he'd have been left in the dust. That part kind of irritated me.*****

The narrator is perfection! I love this series and look forward to the other books in store!

Loving this series ....

These books hold my attention from beginning to end and the narration is spot on! Well worth the credit!