I loved this book so much. It is an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, second chance, rock star romance with plus sized representations and a story that is entwined with a character who suffers from panic/anxiety episodes. I felt for Jake and his struggles and Lucy, her character developed so much through this book as she went from taking care of others too chasing her dreams, all whilst falling in love.

This book was a lovely and on easy read that I could not put down with just the right amount of spice, nothing was overdone here.

Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Bradbury and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a cute enemies to lovers read. Wholesome, lighthearted and everything you want from a romance. I loved that the book had no major dramas, it was nice to read something that was sweet and lovely. I liked the representation of plus size and anxiety.

I didn’t realise this was part of a series so I will be going back to read the first!

Thank you to Laura Bradbury and Netgalley for providing me with the ARC copy of this book.

What an absolute gem of a book. If you are looking for something fun and simple oozing with fun banter and romance, look no further. I had no idea this was the second book in the Romancing Oxford series and now have put the first book on my TBR. You don't have to read them in order but the couple in the first series is in this second book so it's a bit of a spoiler (although with most romances, you know they get together in the end).

I truly enjoyed reading this book and devoured it in less than 24 hours. It was an easy read but by no means was the writing juvenile. You'll love this book if you like:
- witty banter
- fake relationship
- enemies(ish) to lovers
- grumpy female/sunshine male
- body positivity
- anxiety/mental health representation
- guy falls first

I loved how the relationship between Lucy and Jack developed. Unlike a lot of romance novels, the love didn't feel forced or sped up. Lucy's need to "be the parent" in her family got a tad annoying sometimes but I understood where it was coming from. Jack's whole character arc was wonderful to watch unfold though. Some of my favorite lines were from him:

"Waking up with an opulent five=foot-three inches of blue eyes, blunt words, and layers of defenses felt like the best ever dream."

"Gary said, 'She's besotted with you." 'It's mutual," I said, smug."

It was just all warm fuzzies and exactly what I needed to escape for a little while.

Was a good, cute read. Felt like there was good representation in this and definietly touched on topics i didnt expect when going into this book.

Lucy and Jack had some really nice and sweet moments in this book.

Fake dating, rock star romance with and MMC that suffers from anxiety and and FMC whos plus sized.

Famous rock star Jack Seary takes refuge from crippling panic attacks at Oxford University, only to come face to face with Lucy Snow, the crush whose life he ruined. When she refuses his financial help, he comes up with the idea of a fake relationship to dispel tabloid rumours about him and help Lucy in return.

Lucy had chosen to go for the sensible path leading to a stable income for a family, all while smothering the gifted singer in her. Jack was bound by a contract to a singing career that got him fame and fortune when all he wanted was to study stars. I loved seeing them finally take matters into their own hands and let go of their fear of failure.

The fake dating between them didn't drag. They were both open about their feelings and reconciled their differences to get to a place of loving each other abundantly no matter the limited time they had. Jack suffered from panic attacks but Lucy became his safe space and they allowed each other to be vulnerable. I loved seeing that.

I loved the skulk as the gang was affectionately named by Shaun the fairy godfather 😂 Cedar and Alfie's story sounds wild 🤭😂 I enjoyed this!🥰

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC.

This book centers around Lucy Snow and Jack Seary. They were supposed to audition for a singing show together when Jack bailed on her to sign a contract for a band. Cue four years later after not speaking, they end up sitting on a plan together on their way to Oxford where they will be students for 8 weeks. The rest is history as they say. I really enjoyed the development between them from friends and then more. I loved how the author highlighted the anxiety that they both have, Jack with his panic attacks and Lucy with feeling responsible for supporting her sister. I also enjoyed that Lucy is not a rail thin model and how good Jack makes her feel about that, This books shows vulnerability on both sides and how amazing it is when one person decides to take the first step. The only reason I am giving this book 3 instead of 4 stars is the end. A situation happens that came out of left field that I felt while getting Lucy to make a major decision could have happened in another way. Overall this was a very enjoyable read! I have added book 1 in the series to my TBR. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book I read by Laura Bradbury but it won’t be the last. Oxford Star (second book of this series) follows Lucy and Jack as they reconnect. Four years prior, Jack broke a promise to Lucy as she was trying to get her start as a singer. Now Jack is a member of a world famous band and Lucy is struggling to support her family.

The characters are definitely the highlight of Oxford Star. Jack and Lucy are relatable and compelling and the supporting characters are entertaining and exactly what a group of friends should be. I did find the antagonists to be a little one dimensional and over the top.

While I did enjoy the story there were some plot holes and storylines that I thought could have been more well developed. Overall I give this a solid 3.5 stars.

Laura Bradbury’s Oxford Star is a blast to read. I loved the whole cast of characters— especially Lucy and Jack.

Lucy and Jack are from Newfoundland and knew each other there. Jack was supposed to play guitar and be a backup singer for Lucy as she auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent. However, he signs a contract to be in a boy band 30 minutes before that audition and totally bails on Lucy.

Lucy holds a grudge as Jack rockets to fame. Four years later, she decides to study law at Oxford and bumps into Jack on the plane. Will she forgive him?

Jack suffers anxiety and panic attacks and decides to study at Oxford for a term to escape the limelight, in the hopes that stepping back will alleviate his anxiety.

The book had me laughing and crying… Trigger warning for death of a parent.

Having visited Oxford, the descriptions of the town and colleges made me feel like I was back there. A fun escape!

Thank you to the author, Grape Books, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my opinion.

A romance story that accurately describes anxiety and what it feels like. The familiar trope of celebrity/non celebrity love stories with quite a few plot twists in between. A light read that made me smile from cover to cover. I love seeing Jack and Lucy’s relationship bloom throughout the book into something worth fighting for, not against. It was also nice to see pieces of myself in a book, which doesn’t happen very often.

This book is so fun and sweet full of wholesome and endearing characters. I loved both the main and supporting characters. There is LGBTQIA+ representation and mental health issue depicted. Loved the pacing and how the story ended. Overall, I would recommend this to those who love celebrity or music romance genre. Thank you NetGalley.

This book fell flat for me.

A lot about the characters didnt quite do it for me, it was like the author was so close to something but it just never quite latched.

I loved the overall concept - second chance romance with a rockstar and a girl he betrayed in the past when they unexpectedly meet again at one of his shows. The burn was slow, as to be expected with a complete betrayal, but there was just something missing and I wanted it to be there 😭

Famous rockstar Jack Seary wants nothing more than to trade his fame for a quiet life in academia. Lucy Snow is working towards her law degree to support her mother and younger sister believing her dreams of stardom are out of her reach despite her compelling voice. When these two bump into each other after four years apart things are complicated to say the least. All the could have beens loom between them as they carve their paths forward. Second chance romance, forced proximity, a Cinderella moment, curvy girl rep, and some spice, this book delivers on every level.

Quick Summary: A second first chance romance

My Review: Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury was a sweet, slow-burn love story between friends who became enemies until there was more.

This story was the type that shows forth inevitability. It was inevitable that Jack and Lucy would cross paths again. It was inevitable that they would reconcile and come to a place of better understanding. It was inevitable that they would both have to face themselves and their specific issues. It was inevitable that each protagonist would come to a place of self-actualization.

Many components in this story were not expected. Of course, I won't say what those matters were, in an effort not to reveal anything to other readers. All in all, there was definitely some depth and range presented in this very charming book.

My Final Say: Readers who enjoy stories containing a friends to lovers theme or stories with a make up from a break up concept will enjoy this book.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA to A
Status/Level: 🍬
Warning: MI/MH issues

A digital ARC was provided by the author and publisher via the NetGalley program in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Aww!! This was so adorable and heartwarming. I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Laura Bradbury is definitely now on my radar as someone to watch! You will love accompanying these characters as they fall in love and face fame together!

The last thing Lucy expects on her trip around the world to her new college in Oxford is to be seated next to her ex - situation-ship Jack on the plane. After years of no contact following Jack standing her up on the biggest night of her life, Lucy is set on not being swayed by Jack and his rock star fame. But will she be able to keep her walls up, or will they come tumbling down for this boy she once loved?
I really enjoyed this book, along with great representation and showing everyone deserves love, this book also highlights the struggle of fame.

Oxford Star: when an A list rockstar goes on hiatus to Oxford, he doesn’t expect to reconnect with his first love - the woman he last saw on the night his life changed forever. Told from dual POVs this is a must-read if you love the celeb-normie plotline. This book is a delightful surprise!!
CW: panic attacks, anxiety, death of parent off-page

Such a fun and romantic book that follows world famous rockstar, Jack, who is suffering with anxiety and a curvy blonde, Lucy, from Jack’s pre-fame life that he just can’t stop thinking about!

I absolutely loved the concept of a rockstar suffering with panic attacks and the representation of body positivity! Laura Bradbury just knows how to write a swoon worthy romance while also representing mental health in such an amazing way!

Keep in mind this is a somewhat slow burn romance but it does have some great tropes such as fake dating and delicious forced proximity!

The British setting made me want to back up all my belongings and move to the UK!

The characters had some amazing witty banter and the tension and spicy moments between Jack and Lucy had me fanning my face on multiple occasions!

I highly recommend you give this book a go!

*thank you to Laura Bradbury, NetGalley and Grape Books!

Oxford Star is the perfect book for when you need a fun little lighthearted romance. Our main girl Lucy’s ideal dream is to be trapped overnight in a bookstore - she’s a girl after my own heart. And then there’s Jack - the rockstar battling anxiety and fame, and wishing he had taken a different path in life. I didn’t feel like there was anything outstandingly notable that set this story apart from other romance books but it is sweet and enjoyable with a bit of spice and characters you want to root for.

Who doesn't love second chance love!

Lucy needs to get away from home to go to school a provide for her family. She has not seen Jack in years after his betrayal and now, out of nowhere this now rock star is back in her life.

Jack knows he made a mistake all those years ago but now he has no idea what to do! he needs a break of the rock star life and decides to go to School. And as luck will have it. The one that got away is right there with him.

I loved to read how their feelings came back to life, how they choose to do better this time. Really good read!

Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury had be cheesing from the first chapter. I love the second chance trope. Especially when the MMC has to grovel a little to get the FMC to give him a chance. This was a cute and easy read to get through quick.

The chemistry these two characters hold was amazing. They both had independent struggles they had to work through together. This book did an amazing job of showing how hard mental illnesses can be and the struggle behind them.

With all the positives, there were some negatives. I disliked all of the ‘adults’. Gary, Cathy, Lucy’s mom… I also felt like the ending was wrapped up way too quickly for me. I would’ve liked a few more chapters seeing Lucy and Jack happy together.

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this arc in return for a review*