~ SAMANTHA YOUNG ~
Hi Samantha! Welcome to UTC! We are so thrilled to have you today! For readers who are new to your work, can you please tell us who is Samantha Young? Tell us five interesting things about yourself that readers wouldnโt know about you!
Hello! Thank you for having me.
Five interesting thingsโฆ well I can tell you five things that readers wouldnโt know but I donโt know how interesting they are, lol.
1- I used to be a martial artist when I was very young and even though the most lethal weapon in my repertoire now is my words I still think Iโm a ninja. It might get me in trouble one day.
2 – I have a tattoo on my lower back that is the character for the word โSamuraiโ (I canโt make up my mind whether Iโm a ninja or a Samuraiโฆ). I had that tattooed on my back as a reminder that when life throws a battle or two my way I have to live it as a survivor and a warrior.
3 – The four films Iโve probably watched more than any others are Pride & Prejudice (Keira Knightly version), The Fifth Element, Good Will Hunting, and The Bourne Identity.
4 – My first car was called Charlie. He almost killed me. Several times actually. Ahโฆ good times.
5 – My number one destination is Boston in the U.S. One day Iโll get there! One dayโฆ
Your On Dublin Street series has made a lot of noise and is receiving a lot of praise! Congrats! Where did the idea of this series come from?
Thank you! Iโm so overwhelmed by the response to ON DUBLIN STREET and thrilled that so many readers are enjoying the story. In deciding to try my hand at adult contemporary romance I knew I wanted to reach readers on an emotional level which meant writing what I knew. I did this by not only setting the series in Edinburgh a city I know well but by creating the character of Joss – a heroine who is an amalgamation of me and my friends and family and all of our experiences. From Joss, came Bradenโhe was created to embody what she needed from a hero. Heโs also very much a typical blunt, cocky, straight-talking Scotsman. The story developed naturally from these three elements.
Braden Carmichael is every womanโs fantasy! What do you think it is about Braden that makes him so desirable to readers and Joss in particular?
Braden is desirable to Joss because heโs the first man to question her, to surprise her and the first man who hasnโt been cowed by her sometimes sharp tongue. She enjoys his confidence, and because sheโs a character who is so much in control of her emotions and actions, itโs actually a relief to her not to be in control around Braden. Itโs exhausting and he takes that away by refusing to allow her to make all the rules. She also secretly loves his dirty mouth. As for readers I think theyโre probably not only attracted to all those things tooโhis confidence, his wit, his charm, his dirty talkโbut also by how perceptive Braden is. Heโs a very perceptive hero, who puts the pieces of Jossโs past together and understands what drives her. When she pushes him away he understands why, and because he cares about her, it makes him even more persistent. A perceptive and persistent heroโฆ mmmโฆ yes please. Did I mention I have a whopping big crush on Braden myself?
In the sequel to ON DUBLIN STREET, called DOWN LONDON ROAD, you pair up Johanna Walker and Cameron McCabe. In your opinion, what makes them a perfect pair?
Jo and Cam are perfect for one another because they each give the other something no one else ever has before. For Jo, Cam is the first man in her life to believe in her and ask her to believe in herself. He pushes her to see that there is so much more to her than a pretty face. For Camโฆ well I donโt want to say too much without giving away plot points but letโs just say heโs a hero who has been waiting for a woman with a quiet strength and loyalty he didnโt think existed until nowโฆ
I have fallen in love with your heroes. What quality would you say every hero should have?
Every hero should be able to make his heroine laugh.
Your books are set in Edinburgh, Scotland. Could you share with us some pictures demonstrating why you decided to set your books in this place?
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities. Itโs a wonderful combination of modern meets medieval. The best part is Edinburgh Castle. It towers over New Town on volcanic rock and it really does look as if some wizard has travelled back in time and picked it up and brought it back to present day.
What has been the hardest scene to write in this series and why?
Thereโs a scene toward the end of DOWN LONDON ROAD with Jo and a character from her past that I found difficult to write because itโs a gritty scene. I wanted to make it as authentic as possible so readers would feel as if they were right there with Jo.
Would you say your heroines are a bit like yourself?
Iโd definitely say that Joss has elements of me in her but Jo is such a different character from any Iโve written before. When I started out writing her I was a little anxious about the challenge she presented, but by the end I adored Jo. Iโm really proud of her. Jo is immensely likeable and I think readers who met her in ON ย DUBLIN STREET will be pleasantly surprised by her.
You have some steamy scenes in DOWN LONDON ROAD *fans self*.ย ย For new readers, how would you describe your steam factor?
Iโd describe my steam factor as HOT.ย I do write detailed sex scenes but Iโm conscious of keeping them tasteful and itโs important that each one isnโt gratuitous and actually adds something to the development of the plot and the charactersโ relationships. I think what makes my steam factor HOT is how emotionally charged the sex scenes are.
What are you currently working on?
Iโm currently working on the third book in the ON DUBLIN STREET series. Itโs so much fun being back with the gang from Edinburgh!
Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But sheโs 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, sheโs been making decisions based on whatโs 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 mayโor may notโfly.
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 Joโs, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Joโs secrets ย even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.
May 7
Tsk, Tsk, What to Read? http://tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com/
About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young is a 27 year old book addict who graduated from the University of Edinburgh.ย She lives in Scotland.ย Visit her online at:
www.Facebook.com/OnDublinStreet
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4167378.Samantha_Young
Can’t wait to read this!
Edinburgh looks so beautiful!! I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland! Thank you for sharing the pictures and for the chance to win a copy of On Dublin Street! I’ve heard great things about this book!
I love the photos of Edinburgh!!! I love the first book in the series, so I can’t wait to read this one!
As much I’m intrigued by London, I’m so a Dublin girl. ๐ Crossing my fingers to win this book. ๐
Wow! I’ve been hearing a lot of hype about On Dublin Street so it’s at top of my TBR along with Down London Road. I’m very appreciative that I was able to read the interview and see some photos prior to reading the books. I think it will help me with my visual as I’m reading. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. ๐
Best Giveaway EVER!!
Great interview, it’s good to see I’m not the only one who names their cars. Hahahahaha. Also I LOVE The Borne Identity.
Thanks so much for the chance to win this freakin’ awesome book!
You are so accomplished for someone so young. I loved those picture of Edinburgh. I would love to go there someday.
Edinburgh Castle is the top of my must visit list!
Looks awesome! Thanks for sharing ๐
This sounds so good and I loved On Dublin Street so I can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for sharing and the giveaway!
Adding this to my wishlist! ๐
I loved On Dublin Street, Braden is hot and he is totally my Book Boyfriend. He has been for a 3 months now. This is a book that I definitely re-read often. I love Jo’s character. She seems like there is something that she is hiding, but what is it.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh my gosh! Best ever! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the pictures of Edinburgh!! Great interview! Down London Road is on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway!
Great interview! I loved the first book and am looking forward to reading this one.
Great interview! The pictures help to put the reader in the right place. Thank you for this fabulous giveaway!
I’ve read nothing but great things about this book. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the wonderful interview and giveaway.
My favorite vacation spot in Europe was Edinburgh! It was breath taking!
Ms. Young sounds like just a fun person!
I can’t wait to read this! Great interview
I find it interesting that you picked Boston as your number 1 destination in the US. I guess I think that most foreigners would want to visit our nation’s capitol.
I read On Dublin Street before it was published and have loved Samantha Young ever since. She is so humble too!!
I read most of Samantha Young’s books and i loved all of them!!! I can’t wait to read Down London Road!!! and thank you for the giveaway!!!
I loved Joss and Braden! I am very excited to read about Jo and Cam. Thank you Samantha Young for such an incredible series.
Miss Samantha, I enjoyed the interview and love the blurb you shared. I look forward to visiting your website.
Fantastic interview! I’m on board with you on Pride and Prejudice– I could watch it all day, every day and never get board! I think us ladies are just born with a natural crush on Mr. Darcy ๐
I am so looking forward to reading On Dublin Street! I seem to be the only person who hasn’t read it yet! Yikes!
Awesome Interview and I have read a few of Samantha’s books and Cant wait to read this one!!!!
I’ve heard excellent things about this series!
This looks awesome!
I’ve heard great things about this book!!
Thank you for the chance!!
Kassandra
[email protected]
Gorgeous pictures! I love being able to picture the settings.
Great interview and I love those pictures. I need to read this series.
Samantha’s tattoo choice is very interesting. The reminder the tattoo provides is great. Thanks for the post. lisagk(at)yahoo
I am so excited to read the new book!!!!
Ooh..this book looks and sounds so awesome. I can’t wait to get started on it. You’re a new author for me.
Thanks ๐
Great interview, thanks!!
Nice settings for the books
I’ve read Samantha Young’s young adult books, which are amazing! Can’t wait to read this! Great interview by the way ๐
sounds like an exciting read
The fact that you live in Scotland , which from your pics is so beautiful makes you such a lucky lady ๐ My dream is to one day get to Scotland, some day. ๐ I have both these books on my TRL now and can’t wait to read them. Thanks so much for this opportunity.
Carol L
Fabulous interview, I can’t wait to get my hands on DOWN LONDON ROAD!
My dream vacation is a trip to Scotland and your pictures just help to prove why ๐
Edinburgh is just breathtaking! Love all the pictures, and I am looking forward to reading Down London Road Samantha. Again, congrats on all your success!
Can’t wait to read it
Fab interview! I cannot wait to read this one! I loved ON DUBLIN STREET!
On Dublin Street is one of my all time favorites, so I cannot wait to read this!!! It’s gonna be awesome!
I have not read any books in this series but with all the recent buzz it looks like I need to check it out.
Oh no….I don’t have time for MORE BOOKS…but these sounds WAYYYYYYY too good to pass up!! On my way to Amazon!
I have read both of her books and have fell in love with all the characters. I feel like I personally know them and feel like I could be friends with them.
Great interview
new author for me but looking forward to trying her books
I can’t wait to read Down London Road!!!
Can’t wait to read the second installment of On Dublin Street. Sounds amazing! ๐
I just read On Dublin Street a few days ago. I absolutely loved it. It’s definitely in my top 10 favorite adult books.
I’m jealous. Edinburgh looks like a wonderful place to visit. So pretty.
I love the photographs Samantha posted of Scotland, absolutely breath taking.
Gah!!! I love Samantha Young!!!
I can’t wait to read this !
The pictures are amazing. That’s just beautiful scenery.
This one is definitely on my TBR list!
Great Interview! I love the cover!
Great interview! I loved ODS and can’t wait to start this one.
Great interview…love the sound of this series!
I loved this book! I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Seriously fabulous interview…if I didn’t want to read these books before, I certainly do now!! I’d love to take On Dublin Street off my TBR list and move it onto my Keepers shelf ; )
Great interview, I love reading about the writing process! I agree that humor is so important for a relationship, making each other laugh allows two people to be more comfortable together. Congratulations on your new release!
Thank your for this giveaway.
Thanks for the giveaway. This looks like a great read.
Thank you very much for the great giveaway can’t wait to read this one!
I love her books and am a huge fan! Love the interview! <3
I got a hoot from the bit about your car. My first car was a $300 Chevette. We called it the MacGyver special. One time we actually crazy glued and duct taped the distributor cap until I could get it replaced. Edinburgh is such a beautiful place it’s no wonder it inspires such wonderful romances. I’m am so fiending to start the On Dublin street series. All the rave reviews have me green with envy.
Great interview
Great interview!
I can’t wait to read this one!!
I am real excited to read the sequel to the 1st book. This is an amazing author and the 1st book was an excellent read for me. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
I can’t wait to read this. ๐
Gorgeous pics – your books have been on my TBR list for a while now – and I have to say I love seeing a heroine with the same name as me!
Great giveaway! I can’t wait to read this one! ๐
Great interview! I need this book so I can read about the steamy “hot” factor first hand:-). This series is on my TBR list and I can’t wait to start it.
I can’t wait to read this it’s in my Amazon cart ๐
cant wait to read!!
There is so much good buzz about this book. The cover always makes me stop and look. And then the reviews are always good. Makes me want it. ๐
I love the cover on this book, as well as the description! Have a great week!
I’ve heard so many great things about ON DUBLIN STREET. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Great interview. Love the pictures!
Keeping my fingers crossed. I have this on my TBR list…