In the second installment of Samantha Young’s Return to Dublin Street series, readers are transported back to the cobblestoned streets of Edinburgh with A Royal Mile, a romance that weaves together the authenticity of university life with the intoxicating allure of forbidden royal romance. Following the success of On Loverose Lane (Book 1), Young delivers a story that feels both intimately personal and grandly cinematic, proving once again why she remains one of contemporary romance’s most compelling voices.
A Royal Mile introduces us to Lily Sawyer, a psychology student whose ordered world collides spectacularly with Sebastian Thorne, a member of the British royal family masquerading as an ordinary university student. What begins as academic deception evolves into a masterclass in enemies-to-friends-to-lovers storytelling that showcases Young’s remarkable ability to balance emotional depth with irresistible romantic tension.
Character Development: The Heart of Edinburgh’s Romance
Lily Sawyer: The Authentic Edinburgh Heroine
Young crafts Lily Sawyer with the kind of authenticity that makes readers immediately invest in her journey. As a psychology student running a successful dating advice podcast, Lily embodies the modern young woman navigating academic pressures while maintaining genuine connections with friends and family. Her Scottish sensibilities ground the story in Edinburgh’s cultural landscape, from her flat in Bruntsfield to her family dinners in Kirkliston.
Lily’s character arc represents one of Young’s strongest achievements in this novel. She begins as someone comfortable in her reserved nature but gradually discovers a bolder, more confident version of herself through her relationship with Sebastian. The transformation feels organic rather than forced, particularly when she finally stands up to her demanding sister January or when she learns to trust her instincts about love despite past disappointments.
Sebastian Thorne: Royalty with Real Vulnerability
Sebastian emerges as a romantic hero who transcends typical alpha male stereotypes. His royal lineage could have easily become a gimmicky plot device, but Young uses it to explore themes of identity, authenticity, and the weight of family expectations. As the grandson of Princess Mary and thirtieth in line to the throne, Sebastian’s struggle to maintain genuine relationships while hiding his true identity creates compelling internal conflict.
The revelation of Sebastian’s secret artistic identity adds layers to his character that distinguish him from other romance heroes. His time-lapse painting videos under a pseudonym represent his need for authentic self-expression outside royal constraints. These details demonstrate Young’s skill in creating multi-dimensional characters whose interests and passions extend beyond the central romance.
The Art of Romantic Tension: Enemies to Lovers Perfected
Young’s execution of the enemies-to-lovers trope feels refreshingly authentic. The initial conflict stems from genuine betrayal rather than manufactured misunderstandings. When Lily discovers Sebastian’s deception about his identity during their academic sessions, her anger feels justified and her reluctance to forgive him creates natural barriers to their relationship.
The psychological experiment that forces them into close quarters provides an ingenious catalyst for their reconciliation. Young uses this confined setting to strip away pretenses and allow honest communication between her protagonists. Sebastian’s sincere apology and willingness to be vulnerable about his family’s struggles create the foundation for their evolving friendship.
The transition from enemies to friends to lovers unfolds with careful pacing that allows readers to believe in each stage of their relationship. Their shared morning coffees, bike rides through Dean Village, and late-night conversations create intimacy that extends beyond physical attraction. When they finally acknowledge their romantic feelings, it feels like the natural culmination of a genuine emotional connection.
Edinburgh as Character: Setting That Breathes
Young’s portrayal of Edinburgh transcends mere backdrop to become an integral character in the story. Her descriptions of the Royal Mile during Hogmanay, the peaceful beauty of Dean Village, and the bustling atmosphere of university life create an immersive reading experience. The city’s historic charm provides the perfect setting for a romance between a psychology student and a secret royal.
The author’s intimate knowledge of Edinburgh shines through in details like Lily’s flat near the Meadows, the crowded streets during festival season, and the cozy corners of Teviot student union. These specific locations ground the story in authentic Scottish culture while creating romantic moments that feel distinctly Edinburgh.
Supporting Cast: A Rich Tapestry of Relationships
The Sawyer Family Dynamic
Young excels at creating believable family relationships that enhance rather than overshadow the central romance. Lily’s relationship with her outspoken sister January provides both comedic relief and genuine emotional stakes. January’s protective nature and bold personality create entertaining contrast with Lily’s more reserved temperament, while their underlying love and loyalty rings true.
The extended Sawyer family, including connections to characters from previous Dublin Street novels, creates continuity within Young’s literary universe without requiring extensive knowledge of earlier books. The family dinner scenes showcase Young’s talent for ensemble writing and demonstrate the supportive foundation that shapes Lily’s capacity for love and trust.
Royal Family Complexity
Sebastian’s family dynamics add gravitas to the romantic plot. His parents’ sudden separation creates emotional vulnerability that makes his relationship with Lily more meaningful. Princess Mary emerges as a formidable but ultimately sympathetic figure whose protective instincts toward her family create realistic obstacles for the couple.
The portrayal of royal family pressure feels authentic without becoming melodramatic. Young avoids caricature while acknowledging the real challenges faced by those born into public life and the impact on their personal relationships.
Intimate Moments: Passion with Purpose
Young’s approach to intimate scenes demonstrates her maturity as a romance writer. The physical relationship between Lily and Sebastian develops naturally from their emotional connection, with each encounter serving character development rather than existing merely for titillation. Their chemistry burns slowly before igniting into passionate encounters that feel both tender and intense.
The author handles Lily’s sexual awakening with sensitivity, showing how trust and emotional safety allow her to explore desires she’s never experienced before. Sebastian’s attentiveness and genuine care for Lily’s pleasure create intimacy that extends beyond the physical into emotional vulnerability and mutual discovery.
Narrative Structure and Pacing: A Well-Orchestrated Romance
Young employs dual perspective narration that allows readers to understand both Lily’s and Sebastian’s internal conflicts. This technique proves particularly effective during their estrangement, as readers witness the misery both characters experience while maintaining their stubborn pride.
The pacing builds steadily from their initial antagonism through gradual friendship to passionate romance. Young avoids rushing crucial emotional beats, allowing time for character growth and relationship development. The final third of the novel maintains tension through external pressures rather than manufactured drama, creating satisfying resolution that feels earned.
Literary Craftsmanship: Young’s Evolving Voice
A Royal Mile showcases Young’s continued evolution as a storyteller. Her prose balances accessibility with sophistication, creating dialogue that captures authentic Scottish speech patterns without becoming difficult for international readers. Character introspection feels genuine rather than overwrought, and descriptive passages enhance mood without slowing narrative momentum.
The integration of contemporary elements like social media, podcasting, and university culture feels natural rather than forced. Young demonstrates understanding of how modern technology affects relationships while maintaining timeless romantic appeal.
Series Integration: Honoring the Past While Forging Ahead
While A Royal Mile stands alone as a complete romantic story, it benefits from connections to Young’s previous work. References to the original Dublin Street series create nostalgic pleasure for longtime readers while introducing new audiences to Young’s expanded universe. The promise of Baird McMillan’s story in the upcoming Hart Street Lane creates anticipation for future installments.
The Return to Dublin Street series allows Young to explore new characters while maintaining the Scottish setting and family themes that made the original series beloved. This approach satisfies existing fans while attracting new readers who appreciate contemporary romance set in authentic cultural contexts.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Considerations
What Works Brilliantly
- Authentic Character Development: Both protagonists feel like real people with genuine flaws, interests, and growth arcs rather than romance novel stereotypes.
- Cultural Authenticity: Young’s portrayal of Scottish university life and family dynamics creates immersive reading that educates while entertaining.
- Emotional Intelligence: The novel explores themes of trust, forgiveness, and personal growth with sophistication that elevates it above typical romantic fare.
- Balanced Conflict: External pressures from royal family expectations create realistic obstacles without requiring characters to make inexplicably poor decisions.
Areas for Consideration
- Pacing in Middle Sections: Some readers might find the extended friendship phase between Lily and Sebastian occasionally slows romantic momentum, though others will appreciate the thorough relationship development.
- Royal Family Subplot Resolution: While Sebastian’s parents’ reconciliation provides satisfying closure, the resolution feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of other plot elements.
- Supporting Character Integration: Certain secondary characters, particularly some of Sebastian’s university friends, could benefit from more distinctive personalities and clearer motivations.
Comparative Context: Romance in the Contemporary Landscape
A Royal Mile joins a distinguished tradition of contemporary royal romances while carving out its own distinctive identity. Unlike some royal romance novels that focus primarily on wealth and privilege, Young emphasizes the emotional cost of public life and the challenge of maintaining authentic relationships under scrutiny.
The university setting distinguishes this novel from workplace or small-town romances that dominate contemporary romance markets. Young captures the unique intensity of relationships formed during formative adult years while acknowledging the temporary nature of university life that adds urgency to romantic decisions.
Recommended for Readers Who Enjoyed:
- Christina Lauren’s “The Unhoneymooners“ – For enemies-to-lovers romance with authentic character development
- Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” series – For historical romance readers seeking contemporary royal themes
- Tessa Bailey’s “It Happened One Summer“ – For character-driven romance with strong family elements
- Kennedy Ryan’s “Before I Let Go“ – For diverse contemporary romance with emotional depth
- Jasmine Guillory’s “By the Book“ – For contemporary romance featuring successful career women
- Emily Henry’s “Beach Read“ – For romance combining personal growth with authentic relationship development
Final Verdict: A Royal Treatment Worth Your Time
A Royal Mile succeeds as both standalone romance and series installment, offering readers the satisfaction of a complete love story while leaving them eager for future books in Young’s expanded universe. The novel demonstrates why Samantha Young remains a powerhouse in contemporary romance, combining emotional intelligence with irresistible romantic appeal.
Lily and Sebastian’s journey from antagonists to soulmates feels authentic and inevitable, supported by rich characterization and immersive Scottish setting. Young’s mature approach to both romance and family dynamics creates a reading experience that satisfies on multiple levels, delivering the emotional catharsis romance readers seek while respecting their intelligence.
For readers seeking contemporary romance that balances swoon-worthy moments with substantive character development, A Royal Mile offers royal treatment indeed. Young proves once again that the best romances aren’t just about finding love—they’re about discovering the courage to be authentically yourself with another person, royal bloodline or not.
- Recommended Rating: A compelling addition to Young’s bibliography that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers to her work. Perfect for readers who appreciate enemies-to-lovers romance grounded in authentic character development and cultural setting.
