I really enjoyed parts of this book, but other parts just didn't work for me. I loved the backstory between Jack and Lucy. It's a fun premise to think of how they met: she posted an ad on Craigslist for a guitarist/backup singer to help with her audition for Canada's Got Talent. When Jack backs out at the last minute, both of their lives change. He signs with a manager and become as huge star of a popular boy band. Lucy leaves the audition and quits singing for good. Four years later, they meet again on a plane. They both find themselves studying at Oxford University. They meet a group of friends who shows them around the school. The friend group is awesome! They added so much to the story.

I liked the chemistry between Lucy and Jack, and I liked that it was a dual point of view story. I thought it was unbelievable that Jack could start studying astronomy at Oxford, despite the fact that he didn't have an undergraduate degree. I don't know how Lucy got into law school, if she hated law so much. I know that she wanted to do for it her family, but she could have chosen something else to study.

I was really confused by the end of the story. It felt so out of nowhere, and it seemed so random. I understand the point of it, but I really was turned off by that part of the book. After that happened, I really wasn't invested in what happened next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grape Books for an ARC of this book.

This was a cute, easily readable romance. I read the whole book on the plane recently and it kept me entertained. Oxford Star tells the story of Lucy and Jack-who originally met in high school-and had an unfortunate falling out. They've not seen each other since, but the fallout has followed them to this day. A chance meeting on a plane brings them together and then they find that they are both slated to be at Oxford during the same term.

It starts out as an enemies to fake dating to second chance romance with a rockstar scenario and the tropes mixed together actually work well for them both. The characters felt three dimensional and I appreciated the fact that Jack struggles with anxiety, panic attacks and stage fright, not to mention the stress of expectations from his parents and nefarious management. I loved, loved, loved the reason he was at Oxford and how the whole experience there made him feel.

Lucy also struggles with parental issues and stress and this was dealt with sensitively, as well as her own self sacrificing and caretaking behavior.

Overall an entertaining read.

My thanks to net galley and the publisher for this digital ARC. This is my honest review.

Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury was a cute read. It didn't hit the mark for me on what I was expecting with the romance. The chemistry between the two main characters felt forced and wrapped up too quickly. I love the premise of the story. I also found Lucy to be relatable. Overall, I think everyone should give it a go and make their own opinions. I'll definitely read other books from this author.

Im so glad i got to read this book! It was so good! once i started i couldnt put it down! I've never read anything by this author before this so i wasn't sure what to expect, but i honestly loved it! It was the perfect light and easy to read book for the pool on the weekend. i got frustrated with lucy and jack for a little bit but the ending and them coming together at the end was so worth it! i loved how they actually built the trust back after their past and their HEA was so cute i loved the whole story!

I both enjoyed this book more than expected, and not as much as I expected. Reading a story where a main character suffers from anything helps them to feel more real. When that main character also happens to be male, a rockstar, and suffering from debilitating anxiety, it serves to humanize the story and help you connect to them. I will forever be a fan of Jack for the growth he showed during this book, and how he never compromised his integrity.

It would be great if I could say that I felt the same way about the female main character, Lucy. I cannot imagine how devastating it would be to lose a parent at a young age, and then be forced to step up as both of your parents. I lost my dad about 5 years ago, and I'm still not over it. That being said, I don't think it gives you an excuse to stop living life for you. We see a couple times where Lucy's Mom appears to be stepping up and being more of an adult, but the mentions are brief, and left me wanting more of a resolution. At the end of the book, we also find out Lucy is singing - but who she signed with and how that came to be are things we simply don't know. I also found Lucy's excuse for why she was mad at Jack and/or why she didn't follow through with the audition to be ridiculous. Jack was meant to be your back-up singer...not your partner. You can't blame him for the fact that you chose not to audition.

The ending also left a lot to be desired: I could have told you early on that Cathy was unhinged, but to randomly come after Lucy with a gun? Really? Jack alluded to this when he mentioned that he would talk to his security team about protecting her, but again, that is something we never hear more about. I just would have liked to have had more of an ending, or one that didn't feel like it came out of left field. Same with the contracts that Lucy was having her professor review - we know Jack ended up getting royalties, but what about the rest of it?

With all this being said, I thought the book was super easy to read. Lucy's Cinderella moment was swoon worthy - and while the first kiss was anti-climatic (in the mess hall, really?), the kiss they shared outside the ball was *chef's kiss*. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you're looking for something a little heavier than some romance, but nothing super deep.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Laura Bradbury for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lucy is on her way to Oxford so she can get a law degree in less time and start sooner on a path that will help support her little sister and selfish mother. After all, she did promise her dad the she'd take care of them. Plus, when her crush--now world-famous rockstar Jack--ditched her last-minute four years when she needed him the most, she basically learned to give up on her dreams and live in the real world. But now, even this plan goes awry when she learns that Jack himself is her neighbor and fellow student at Oxford this term. Can they get over the past and help each other fulfill their dreams? Or will being this close only cause them each more heartache?

First off, I LOVED that the book started off with a trigger warning about anxiety/panic disorder as well as the past death of a parent. I wish more books shared that kind of stuff up front. And I'm ALL about a mental health rep! Unfortunately, the central tension of the book was the sexual tension between Jack and Lucy and how they hated/loved each other and weren't even especially nice to each other. I just couldn't get past that and really enjoy the book. But I do still say that the prose and dialogue were well written and the plot was otherwise entertaining. If that trope sounds up your alley, I definitely recommend!

Thanks to Grape Books and NetGalley for my electronic copy!

Title: Oxford Star
Author: Laura Bradbury
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

JACK
Rock stars shouldn't suffer from debilitating panic attacks, but I'm barely hanging on by my famous fingernails. That's why I leverage the name I despise to study my childhood love of astronomy. Just one term at Oxford? Problem solved.

Too bad my pre-stardom life reappears to haunt me in the form of Lucy Snow, the sharp-tongued, opulent-bodied woman I can't seem to forget. This would be the perfect opportunity to make amends for stealing her fantasy four years ago, except Lucy's love for me has turned to loathing.

When she refuses my financial help, I have a wonderful, dangerous idea…

LUCY
Jack Seary stole my dream of a singing career and made it his reality. When he trampled my heart, he also taught me a lesson: being selfless and hardworking makes me Cinderella without the goddamn glass slipper.

Now this infuriating thief of a man thinks I'll pretend to be his girlfriend to dispel tabloid rumors? Ha!

This was a quick, fun read. Lucy’s mother’s neediness absolutely infuriated me—as did Lucy’s being chained to her phone in case her mother couldn’t figure out how to breathe on her own. I loved the skulk—Lucy and Jack’s friend group---and thought they were the best. Lucy and Jack’s interactions were great, too, and I liked how they both changed over the course of the story. This would be a great weekend read.

Laura Bradbury has a law degree from Oxford, and now splits her time between France and Canada. Oxford Star is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Grape Books in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 4/6).

I found it entertaining even if I was a bit perplexed as there are rockstar who's got prestigious academic achievement like Tom Morello.
It's light, entertaining and it's a good read it you want to relax.
The romance part is well done and I rooted for the characters
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This was my first read by Laura Bradbury and I really enjoyed the storyline, it was unlike any that I had read before. I liked the character growth of the main characters and their back story, and loved the setting in Oxford Uni. I would say that the first 20% of a hard read to break into the book but then it flowed really well and I really enjoyed it. Will definitely read more from Bradbury in the future.

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!

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?)

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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."

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.