Book Review – Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella by Samantha Young

Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella by Samantha Young
Also by this author: Fall from India Place, HERO, Moonlight on Nightingale Way, One King's Way, The One Real Thing, Every Little Thing, Play On, Villain, On Hart's Boardwalk, Fight or Flight
Series: On Dublin Street #3.5
Also in this series: Fall from India Place, Moonlight on Nightingale Way
Published by InterMix on December 3, 2013
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
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Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.

After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again…

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~Sally’s Review~

This novella was short and sweet.

After all that Jocelyn and Braden have been through, their wedding day has arrived.  From before and after Braden put the ring on Joss’s finger, she hasn’t doubted their love.  The thing she did doubt however; was herself.  He fought so hard for her to believe in them and herself, and she still feels like she’s capable of messing it all up.

“I know how you feel about me.  I feel the same way.  You never have to worry that you don’t tell me enough okay?” ~ Braden

I loved the way he looked at me.  So full of…everything. ~ Joss

In addition to her feeling insecure about herself she was scared of having children.  Joss wanted to wait and Braden was supportive of her decision even though he would have liked them sooner than later.  At one point during their honeymoon there were children playing loudly and not every guest on the beach appreciated it.

“Well that’s a good sign.” ~ Braden

“What’s a good sign?” ~ Joss

“You.  Not minding the kids.” ~ Braden

She didn’t know if she wanted children, but obviously Braden did and she didn’t know how to hide her misgivings about it.  Braden noticed, but didn’t make a big deal out of it. Her fear didn’t stem from her not thinking she would be a good mother, it came from thinking that she couldn’t take having another person to love and lose.  Since the death of her family, she has never really dealt with the fear of losing everyone that meant something to her and the loss of a child would be unbearable.  Also, in her mind every happy moment in her life, is followed by tragedy.  Joss works through this with the help of her therapist and Braden.

No relationship is without it’s ups and downs and Joss and Braden’s is no different.  They love each other, realize they need to communicate better and not shut each other out when the unexpected happens.

“I love you, you love me, our family loves us and they’re right here beside us.  Nothing else matters.  So no fears for the future, no fear that you’ll fuck it up beyond repair.  Life isn’t perfect, we aren’t perfect, but I’m telling you now, Jocelyn, we’re indestructible.  Stop shaking, and just marry me.” ~ Braden

Obviously, Braden was the star of this book for me.  He was a jerk at times, but he was also so sweet and loving enough that I got over it pretty quickly.   I love these two characters and you will too.