This is a charming and heartfelt story and the writing is vivid and engaging, bringing the setting and characters to life. The romance is sweet and slow-burning, with just enough tension to keep the pages turning. While a few moments felt a bit predictable, the emotional depth made up for it. Overall, it’s a delightful read full of warmth, nostalgia, and self-discovery.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

I really wanted to, but I could not get past the first chapters.

Although the premise sounds like something I might enjoy (romance, funny, lighthearted, and with one of the main characters being famous), I immediately noticed that the writing doesn't work for me. I know it's a matter of preference, but it sounded almost childish.

I would recommend this to someone who likes the trope of famous people as main characters, but check the writing style first.

"A Harry-Styles-famous rock star takes refuge from crippling panic attacks at Oxford University, only to find himself face to face with the crush whose life he ruined." Okay that description sold this for me. Loved the plot of this one!

Thank you net galley and the publisher for an advanced copy of "Oxford Star" by Laura Bradbury.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Smart, Emotional, Slow-Burn Romance with Rockstar Glamour and Oxford Charm**

*Oxford Star* by Laura Bradbury blends the glamor of celebrity with the poignancy of second chances in this heartfelt and sharply written enemies-to-lovers romance. Set against the iconic and intellectually rich backdrop of Oxford University, the story follows Jack Seary, a wildly famous (and wildly anxious) rock star, and Lucy Snow, the curvy, fiercely independent woman whose dreams he once accidentally crushed.

Bradbury takes her time building the emotional stakes, leaning into a *slow-burn* dynamic that pays off with crackling tension and earned vulnerability. Jack’s struggle with panic attacks adds a layer of depth that feels authentic, while Lucy’s inner strength, wit, and realism make her a heroine to root for. Their history is messy, their chemistry is undeniable, and their fake dating arrangement? Deliciously complicated.

**Why it works:**

* 🎓 *Academic escapism meets celebrity drama* – The Oxford setting is vivid, grounding the story with a sense of tradition that contrasts beautifully with Jack’s star power.
* 💔 *Emotional growth* – Jack’s anxiety and Lucy’s guarded heart are handled with sensitivity and nuance.
* ❤️ *Plus-size heroine FTW* – Lucy’s confidence and complexity bring refreshing representation to the genre.
* 🔥 *Enemies-to-lovers & fake dating tropes* – Familiar beats done right, with enough tension and steam to keep the pages turning.

The only reason this isn’t a full five stars? The pacing can feel a little slow in parts, and some emotional turns might linger longer than necessary—but for readers who love richly drawn characters, realistic emotional arcs, and a satisfying blend of angst and heat, *Oxford Star* shines brightly.

This book was surprisingly nice, it warmed my heart. Is not the type of book I usually read but something about the character personality and their flaws and aspirations made it a good read. Definitely going to read more about the author. Just be ready cause you are going to fall in love with this writing and the setting. If you are a 2000’s baby feels like you are in Hannah Montana

I teared up and smiled my way through Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury. Seeing Jack Seary—a world-famous rocker whose panic attacks derail his career—decide to take a term at Oxford to study astronomy felt like watching someone I care about learning to breathe again . When he lands next to Lucy Snow—the plus-sized, powerhouse woman whose dreams he stole in high school—on his flight to Oxford, that tension hit me right in the chest .

Jack’s journey of vulnerability resonated deeply. He’s used to living under spotlights, but at Oxford, he has to confront crippling anxiety without his bandmates or agents to shield him . Lucy, fierce and focused on her law degree, is done with letting anyone derail her dreams—including Jack. When he suggests they fake-date to quiet the tabloids, I felt both excited and skeptical—classic fake-romance vibes under those dreaming spires .

Their slow-burn chemistry simmered just right. Every interaction crackled with guilt, attraction, and everything they left unsaid. Watching them navigate panic, heartbreak, and unspoken longing had my heart racing—and yep, I stayed up late turning pages . Plus, the Oxford setting? It’s a character in its own right—so atmospheric I almost felt the stones of the colleges and heard the hum of tutorial rooms .

If I had one quibble, it’s that the middle slowed a bit. A few scenes lingered longer than needed, but overall, the emotional payoff made it worth the wait . And that representation—Lucy confident in her body and Jack honest about his mental health—made their connection feel all the more real and uplifting .

There’s something magical about two people finding their way back to each other through courage, words left unsaid, and seeing each other when it mattered most. Oxford Star gives that in spades—romance, redemption, and a little Oxford charm rolled into one swoony escape.

Great escapism book set in Oxford. Romantic plot with nice complimenting characters, a super wholesome read.

I did not read book 1 of this series. However, this felt like every other second chance romance book. Yes it depicted anxiety issues and a plus size FMC but it was the same thing as every other lifetime movie romance. It felt like it was trying to hard to be a Colleen Hoover or a Lucy Score or an Elle Kennedy for me. It was just ok.

*Oxford Star* by Laura Bradbury is a lighthearted, charming romance set against the backdrop of the prestigious Oxford University. The story follows a young woman navigating her way through school, love, and self-discovery, making for a fun and easy read. Bradbury’s writing is engaging and brings the setting to life, and the romantic tension between the leads keeps the story moving forward.

The characters are likable, and I appreciated the protagonist's personal growth as she finds her footing in a new environment. The romance is sweet, though a bit predictable, and while the book has its moments of heart, it didn’t quite evoke the emotional depth I was expecting. There are moments where the pacing feels uneven, and the secondary plotlines sometimes distract from the central narrative.

Overall, *Oxford Star* is a pleasant read for fans of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy university settings. While it was enjoyable, it didn’t leave a lasting impression and felt a bit formulaic at times. It’s a solid, cozy romance but could have benefited from more depth and complexity.

This was a solid read for me. It wasn't life changing, and I don't know if I would seek it out in the future to reread, but I enjoyed reading it

Laura Bradbury’s *Oxford Star* is a richly layered and emotionally charged romance that blends the glamour of rock-star fame with the intellectual allure of Oxford University. With its slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a deeply relatable exploration of anxiety and redemption, this novel offers an engaging and heartfelt story.

**Jack Seary**, a Harry-Styles-famous rock star, is a compelling protagonist grappling with the pressures of fame and debilitating panic attacks. His decision to retreat to Oxford to rekindle his passion for astronomy feels both authentic and poignant, adding depth to his character. Jack’s journey is not just about rediscovering himself but also about making amends for the mistakes of his past, particularly with Lucy. His struggles with mental health are portrayed with sensitivity, making him a sympathetic and multidimensional character.

**Lucy Snow**, the sharp and resilient heroine, is equally captivating. As a plus-sized woman navigating a world that often overlooks her worth, Lucy’s strength and vulnerability shine through. Her anger toward Jack for stealing her dreams—and her heart—is palpable, yet her eventual willingness to engage with him adds emotional complexity. Lucy’s character is a refreshing blend of ambition, self-doubt, and unyielding determination, making her a relatable and inspiring lead.

The dynamic between Jack and Lucy crackles with tension and chemistry. Their history, marked by heartbreak and betrayal, sets the stage for a beautifully slow-burn romance filled with witty banter, lingering glances, and moments of vulnerability. The fake dating trope adds an extra layer of tension, forcing them into close proximity and leading to some wonderfully awkward and tender moments.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Oxford University, the story exudes a sense of intellectual and emotional richness. The university’s dreaming spires and hallowed halls serve as the perfect setting for a romance that’s as much about personal growth as it is about love.

While the novel excels in its character development and emotional depth, the pacing in the middle can feel a bit slow, with some scenes bordering on repetitive. However, the emotional payoff in the latter half more than compensates, delivering a steamy yet heartfelt conclusion.

*Oxford Star* is a standout romance that deftly balances themes of love, redemption, and self-discovery. With its nuanced characters, slow-burn romance, and thoughtful representation of mental health, it’s a must-read for fans of second-chance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. Perfect for readers who enjoy books by Ali Hazelwood or Christina Lauren, this novel is as dazzling and poignant as a clear, starlit sky.

This book has been on my Netgalley for a bit and I haven’t picked it up. I haven’t been into romance in a minute, so I’m not the right person to review it anymore.

With body positivity and mental health representation, I had suuuuch high hopes. But this one just wasn’t my favorite. Laura Bradbury has a unique writing style when it comes to plot building, which she does pretty well. But what doesn’t happen is world building - while reading, you’re thrown all these curveballs about different family issues, but then nothing is ever really said about what they are and what they actually harm in the relationships. This was a big meh to me, as I want the whole picture and not just a slight bit of information about a large event that impacts the characters in many ways. Thanks for the opportunity to read!

The story follows Jack, a rockstar with a complex past, and Lucy, a woman chasing her dream of becoming a singer. While the setup is promising, the book tries to juggle too many tropes—fake dating, second chance romance, and enemies-to-lovers, among others—which makes it feel a bit rushed and lacking in emotional depth.

The characters spend a lot of time in their own heads, which made the chemistry between Jack and Lucy feel a bit underdeveloped. However, I appreciated the way the book touched on mental health and Jack’s struggles with fame. The beginning had some fun moments, but the pacing dragged in the middle, and the ending felt a little rushed.

Overall, Oxford Star is an enjoyable, low-stakes read for fans of lighthearted romance, but it may not stand out among similar books.

A cute, fun romance. I liked how the fake-dating trope was handled and how it added to the second-chance romance. It forced our leads to finally confront their differences. I also really enjoyed the body positivity and mental health rep. All in all a good read!

I really loved this book and read it super quickly, kicking myself for not picking it up sooner! I love a second chance romance and throw in enemies to lovers and we have ourselves a real winner! I really enjoyed the academic setting mixed with rockstar romance, it added such a fiery element to the story. The characters were perfect and I loved their chemistry and banter.

I went in blind to this book and I'm kinda glad i did. I really enjoyed it, the law student x space nerd/rockstar was a really nice touch!
I quite liked the second chance aura in it and the enemies to lovers!

I'm so glad of how carefully the anxiety of the characters was written!

cute and cozy book to read after a heavy reading it was cute and you can remmeber it of the plot piece by piece

I could not finish this book in the end sadly. I adore Laura Bradbury's other books, but I found these characters to be whiney in a way. I normally don't get annoyed with characters, but these two rubbed me the wrong way.

Second chance romance is a great trope and this one didn't disappoint. I think I will definitely be reading more from Bradbury in the future.