Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella is the latest from adult contemporary romance and New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Samantha Young.
The novella follows the two main characters from Young’s On Dublin Street. Jocelyn Butler and Braden Carmichael haven’t always had a smooth relationship. From the very first encounters they shared there was thick tension and seductive curiosity. Now that they have cut through the jungle of turbulent emotions and painful pasts, Joss and Braden are finally a couple embarking on a new life together.
Joss and Braden are living together and getting closer to taking the next big step. Braden is completely smitten and so thrilled to have Joss in his life that he refuses to let her go. He has found his way to break through her stubborn iron clad wall that she puts up with everyone to protect herself from getting hurt. Now that he has found his way to have her open up, and express her emotions freely he knows that the love he has for her goes both ways.
Braden romantically proposes to Joss, with the help of his charismatic and adorable sister Ellie, in the exact spot that they first met. Joss, who is not a crier, has tears streaming down her face with the romantic and perfect extravaganza Braden had planned. From the proposal to the beautiful engagement ring seals and represents the relationship between Joss and Braden.
They have their fairy tale wedding and are on their way to their honeymoon. Braden and Joss escape to their tropical haven in Hawaii. The talk of children still sends chills down Joss spine because, even though she would want a child with Braden, she is not ready for the mother role yet. Joss’ writing career finally takes flight in the right direction but an expected surprise comes into her life.
Panic, anxiety and fear consume Joss as she tries to sort out the news she receives. Braden automatically assumes the worst because of her track record of shutting down when things get too emotional for her. Joss is surprised by Braden’s reaction and cold attitude that she feels like she is losing him in the mist of all the confusion and miscommunication. Their relationship is tested and she worries that she has finally pushed Braden too far.
I completely loved Young’s first novel On Dublin Street. Young’s writing is real, passionate and completely relatable. The only thing that I would have wanted to change was the length of the novella. I wish that it would have been longer because I couldn’t get enough of Braden and Joss’ love story. Despite being too short Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella was the perfect ending to their legendary story.