Cover Image: Oxford Star

Oxford Star

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Member Reviews

I love how the author has many genres in her library. Each one is a great escape in the pages. There book world needs more characters like Lucy. Thank you, Laura!

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Jack- a singer and musician with huge fame and success- also suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and escapes to Oxford for a while, only to find his ex-girlfriend Lucy studying there too. The same woman who can still mesmerize him, and whose heart he broke years ago. Clearly, she refuses to give him a second chance- no way she will trust him again. Despite this, their living arrangements force them to compromise- leading to quite a hullabaloo.

I jumped at this book, loving the premise & idea, and I loved it for most of the part. I loved the sizzling chemistry between the MCs, Their backstory was a strong motivation to keep going, and I was not disappointed in the end. I did feel that the story lacked in certain places, especially towards the end when it switches tones.

Speaking of trigger warnings, although the blurb gives enough caution, I don't think there is much to worry about. The incidents were way milder than what I was expecting (also hoping for because a little intensity would be great), so I don't think that should be a problem.

Grab this one if you are a fan of forced proximity, high school crush, and grudges (is that a trope?)

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If you're looking for a romance featuring incredible sexual tension, a girl who fell first but the man fell harder, and forced proximity then this is the novel for you!

Second chance romances are not often my go to when it comes to picking up a story - which is hilarious given that I am the sort of person who gives dozens of second chances in real life - but I think the reason I avoid them is because I hate seeing the red flags of a relationship so early in the beginning of the story. I usually really dislike major conflict occurring before I've gotten to know the characters and then having to figure out a way to justify them. Does that mean I'm a harsh judge? Absolutely. When it came to Oxford Star, I actually didn’t mind Jack and Lucy’s previous history. I didn’t find it to be one of those plot points that made me go "yeah… maybe you two shouldn’t be together." Bradbury made their past one of interest for me. So, maybe I do enjoy second chance romance now.

The depiction of anxiety and how crippling it can be was something that I was thoroughly impressed with in this novel and wasn't expecting when going into this novel. Many of the things Jack suffered through were things that I have suffered through as well in my life and it was really nice to see it as a part of a characters story arc. Especially in a romance novel. When it comes to finding a person who helps ease that pain and what that means for you and your safety, ugh we love to see it. I have had my Lucy’s, have been through so many circumstances like Jack, and it’s so important to remember how special those people are in your life. It made me enjoy the novel that much more.

After reading some really trashy romance novels these past few weeks (by choice, I promise), this was a nice little break. Its well written, the characters are well developed, and the romance was truly so sweet. I also enjoyed that it was a dual pov. It’s a recommend for me especially for those who are fans of Tessa Bailey or Olivia Dade. I’ll be telling my friends to look out for this one!

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This book was fine, fairly cute, but not as good as the other book in this universe.

Before Oxford Star, there was Oxford Wild. I read Oxford Star first, although it is the second book, but I thought that Oxford Wild was much better. That book is hilarious, with strong character development and a well thought out plot. This one just kind of let me down.

Jack and Lucy were decent main characters. I always love seeing representation for midsize to plus sized women in romance novels, but I found her need for accommodations due to her size to be slightly... inconsistent and unrealistic. (And I say this as someone who is her size.) I also love seeing representation of anxiety and mental health issues, and I actually found Jack's character to be very strong and compelling.

Something I really did enjoy about this book (that was one of my favorite parts of Oxford Wild) was the found family trope. Jack and Lucy found their group of friends and were able to rely on them and lean on each other throughout the book, and that type of friendship is something that I really enjoy when it's done well.

The relationship between Jack and Lucy was fine, but I felt like their individual character development and character development as a couple got in each other's way at some points. This is kind of just a personal preference issue though, I really prefer when the main characters are able to grow and develop both together and separately throughout the book in a consistent way.

Overall, I'd say that this book is pretty okay, but feels disjointed at times, and is not as good as the other book in this universe. So if you're intrigued by this one, go read Oxford Wild!

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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A fluffy academic romance novel featuring a plus sized FMC! When I got approved for this galley and realized it was a sequel, I immediately borrowed and tore through the first book. This second one wasn’t quite as good but still was solid in my opinion. I also really appreciate how this author has characters grow through harder topics than the usual romance novel stuff-severe anxiety and parental alienation both feature strongly in this one. While everything does end up in a HEA, they at least have to work for it.

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This is the type of book you can read while raining, it's a quick read, (although it took me almost 4 days to finish it, I had a lot of college papers to do), I read 40% of this book in under 3 hours. Their story is so cute and makes you want to have what they have.

It's all about giving other people second chances, and that sometimes the choices we make can eat us up, Jack is the perfect example of it, and Lucy had to go through some things to realize she wasn't making the right choice when it came to her professional life.

It has all of my favorites tropes:
- friend to lovers
- second chances
- fake dating

Jack's life shows how sometimes what you judged to be a smart choice, was actually the worst, and how parents can make you do things you never really wanted. I identify to that in some aspects. And Lucy's reasons was eating her up, from inside out, having to take such responsibility in such young age, parents should never do that to their own kids.

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I give this one 4 stars!

Okay, I really liked this one! It was a cute romance to read. I liked how the story goes. I can say that it was one of my favorite books this year. I liked how the characters were written, I also liked the writing style of the author. I can say that I want to read her next books as well.

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While I enjoyed this book, there were a few things that irked me while reading it. I liked the backstory between Lucy and Jack, but it was hammered into the reader over and over. I also loved their friends and really enjoyed the segments they were involved in. I liked learning more about Oxford and their particular college. The build up between Lucy and Jack was also enjoyable and progressed nicely.

I had issue with Lucy's mother and how negative she was portrayed and then in a flip of a switch she's being a great mother and actually taking responsibility. Jack's parents were not the greatest and it felt like they were added at Wembley just for the plot of the paperwork they signed. But the thing I disliked the most was at the end of the book with Jack's manager's assistant. It came out of left field and felt unnecessary.

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I loved the book. first, it talks about two themes that I love: music and astronomy. As an anxiety sufferer I think most books romanticize this subject but this book is very real in that regard so thanks to the author for being able to convey what it really is like to have anxiety. The chemistry between Jack and Lucy can easily be felt throughout the book, we're always waiting for one of them to give up trying to contain it. The description of Oxford is so real that it seems that we are in those corridors. The book is very well written and structured and the life lesson implied in it is for me one of the most important. Congratulations to the author for such a good book.

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“Get a grip. If she woke up and caught me staring at her breasts, she was completely capable of kicking me in the nuts with those pointy leather boots of hers. What was wrong with me that I found her fierceness sexy?”
This book was absolutely great !!!! I am so I’m love both with the plot and the characters !!!!! Jack and Lucy’s romance was so addictive and wonderfully sweet. From friends to enemies to lovers, it made me feel so many goosebumps !!!! After being bandmates, he left and became a rock star. But know between forced proximity and fake relationship, old attraction will start sparkling again and Jack will try his best to prove Lucy how well they fit with each other !!!! This story was about dreams, love, fear and mental health. I loved how the author made the romance blossoming (or rather bursting into flames) between the main characters with their past, their dreams and their feelings and all the terrible suffering and pain from their past. While trying to take care of their families, Jack and Lucy will learn how to take care of themselves too. It was such a beautiful story !!! And SPICY !!!!! I’m so thankful I had the chance to read this book and I can’t wait to read more from this author !!!
“Even after four years of not seeing each other and living completely different lives, I was still the moth to her flame.”
“We each longed for the thing the other had.”
"I'm going to die if I can't kiss you right this instant."

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I enjoyed this book so much! It’s such a delightful romance story. I will definitely be recommending to friends!

I loved how relatable Lucy was and the British setting just made things a little more magical. Lucy’s (and Jack’s) struggle to do what is right and expected versus what one’s heart desires is so real. Follow your dreams and do what makes you happy!

I didn’t realize this was book 2, so I’m going back to read Oxford Wild.

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Thank you for NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC for this book!

Wow! This second chance romance is exactly what I needed to read after such a heavy fantasy series. This book is the second book within a series but you do not need to read the first one to enjoy this book!

It’s sweet and witty book has such lovable characters that makes you feel apart of their world. Having a dual POV really puts you into the perspective of each character and we love a great “ he falls first “ type too.

The one thing I will say the random attempt murder within the third act just completely came out of no where and really was unnecessary. It gave me whiplash and not in a good way.

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I loved how the novel handled anxiety but I didn’t buy that the characters would connect with each other outside of friendship.

The relationship felt forced as both are great characters and well written but not written well as a couple.

I definitely see lots to love about the novel but it just missed the mark for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.

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This was cute and felt mostly lighthearted in spite of some pretty intense subject matter, until the end when it was like I was watching a slow-motion action film and truly could not figure out what would happen next.

I love love love the accurate and well-done portrayal of mental illness/anxiety/panic attacks in media. They are so much bigger than anyone who hasn’t had one could ever realize, but hopefully continued exposure to what others are going to will help create sympathy and understanding. Jack being someone who “has it all” and looks it, while comparatively tearing himself apart on the inside was a really great example of how senseless anxiety can be.

Loved to see past characters guest star in this, and to watch both Lucy and Jack figure out what was truly important to them. Also loved the back and forth of perspective, especially when Lucy was like “ugh this guy this is the worst day of my life” and Jack was like “this is actually the best day of mine” 😂

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A Harry Styles level Rockstar with millions of adoring fans... A midsize heroine who had her one shot at stardom taken from her.... years have past and now Jack and Lucy get a second chance at setting things right.

Lucy is a determined heroine who was doing her best to keep her mother and sister afloat. Jack is a massive Rockstar who secretly suffers from anxiety and crippling panic attacks (I loved Jack. When the world wants what you have... and you just don't). When they cross paths again, sparks fly and could it be that each of them holds the key to helping the other?

Set in a Oxford-like university setting with all the finery and prestige you'd expect. It was a super fun read that was full of slow burn romance and hero who was in it for the long haul. No miscommunication or flaking here.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read it early. All thoughts are my own.

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This book was escapism. A rock star and a beautiful plus size girl rekindle their flame at Oxford. It wasn’t a fluffy romance. They navigate serious issues along the way panic attacks and death of a parent leaving lasting trauma.

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This was a cute, albeit insanely unrealistic, story about two young adults finding their way. There were parts of this story I really enjoyed - such as the discussion of mental health issues - but I didn’t really feel the connection between the main characters. The author kept telling us they were drawn together, but nothing in their interactions made me feel they were ‘meant to be.’ Also, the spicy scenes were pretty cringey (think p goes into v and immediately both characters have simultaneous o’s) and if the author used the phrase “making love” one more time I was about to scream. Overall, a cute but not particularly memorable story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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We love a story either friends to enemies to Lovers that features a nerdy guitar boy. Overall I really enjoyed this story and how it handled panic attacks. I liked the group of friends and support from peers. All the parents and most of the adult figures were really awful and I sort of wish there had been more supportive ones. A decent twist and I like that both characters followed their dreams.

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GREAT CONCEPT, not so much on the execution. While I liked the characters individually, together they fell flat. There wasn’t chemistry there. I didn’t find myself rooting for them.

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This was a cute story about a girl that got hurt by a boy 4 years earlier and then they end up in the same place only this time he's living her dream as a pop star. It was a cute easy read, but the middle was a bit slow and the ending was too quick and could have been developed more to get that happy medium. Overall the characters interests and the location is well researched as the anxiety panic attacks are realistic, the star in the story is a real star, and the places in Oxford were also realistic. This is a cute beach read, but I wouldn't read it again due to the slow middle and too quick end.

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