If you need a quick, easy read this is a good one to go to. While I really enjoyed Bradbury's Unlikely Match, this one fell flat in comparison for me. It felt a little chaotic and as though the relationships were already developed, and yet not developed enough on the page.

I did like the characters, as I thought they were sweet, and the group dynamics were a fun addition.

Rounded up from 2.5 stars.

Thank you to Grape Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Huge thanks to Grape Books and Netgalley for allowing me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My first experience with Laura Bradbury was the book "Unlikely Match" and she quickly became an author that stayed on my radar. When this book became available I immediately requested it.

This story follows dual POVs Lucy and Jack as they navigate meeting each other again after a complicated past. Lucy is now attending Oxford to regain her independence after being heavily relied on by her family. While dealing with complicated family matters and reluctant admission staff, she runs into her past band mate turned nemesis, Jack. Jack its currently undercover hiding from fame and crazed fans while recovering from an unknown and unconfirmed past event which ultimately almost ended his career. The two are forced into close proximity where they are forced to deal with each other and address the events that led to them separating.

I liked this story. It's an easy read with just enough emotional push and pull to keep me interested and engaged. The characters were likable and I was able to connect with them. The plot moved well and was easy to follow. This was a good book to give a break from the world and other heavy books I was reading at the time. This author does a good job of giving substance while giving everything the reader wants. Overall, this was a solid read.

I gave this book 4.5 stars. I knocked off half a star because this isn't a book that really sat in my feels and it's not something that I connected with enough to read again. However, I would recommend this if you needed an easy read or palate cleanser.

Second chance romance/ fake dating trope? Sign me up! We have Lucy who is going to Oxford to become a lawyer and she bumps into her ex friend who is a famous singer Jack. These two have history, and when they both find out that they will always be attending school together, I knew this one was going to be a fun romance.

I DNF this book. I just wasn't invested in this book. I gave it a good shoot, but no, not for me...
Thanks to Netgally

"Oxford Star" is a delightful and emotionally rich romance featuring a world-famous rockstar, Jack, and the bold and intelligent Lucy. Their strong connection, romantic gestures, and the endearing friend group, SKULK, create a captivating narrative. Set in Britain, the novel skillfully weaves cultural elements into the story, enhancing its charm. The exploration of anxiety adds depth, while the mention of the antagonist, Gary, introduces a compelling tension. Overall, it's a must-read for those who enjoy heartfelt romance with a touch of cultural flair and emotional depth.

t's the second book in the Oxford series, I did not know there is a first book that goes by “Oxford Wild”.

It revolves around Jack Seary, a rockstar with huge fame but silently suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, and his ex-best friend Lucy Snow, whose dream was becoming a singer but four years ago, when Jack abandon her just before they were going to perform on stage, her dream shattered. Now they crossed path again when they both enrolled in Oxford University.

But she wants to just keep herself far away from Jack as possible. But is it really possible? He has never forgotten her; she has not forgiven him.

Jack is still in love with Lucy but Lucy? She hates him for breaking her heart. Do you think she will give him a second chance? Will she be his fake girlfriend when Jack needs her help?

This is the first book I have read by Laura Bradbury but has convinced me to try more of her books. I loved the characters, even the side characters were lovable. I enjoy how Jack and Lucy found their way back to each other. I did not like her mother who was totally dependent on Lucy but I loved her mother’s character growth.

I am not going to lie, at the start of the book, I felt it was boring, maybe because second-chance romance is not my thing, but it got interesting. At some point, I felt the book was a little dragged. The ending was hasty. I needed more explanation about both main characters’ family issues.
The thing I loved the most about this book is how the author mentioned mental health problems and body positivity. We do not usually get to read fmc with plus size body, so it was interesting for me, how the author writes about body positivity. Also, I love how the author writes in the end that anxiety is still there but it’s not as problematic as before, because yes mental health problems don’t just disappear easily.

It was amazing to see when the characters finally pursue their real dreams.
I think this book is worth a shot.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Lucy and Jack. A couple of years back Lucy was going on a singing show and needed a guitarist and backup singer. Jack saw her post and answered it. When the singing show competition started Jack was a no show. He had signed a contract with an agent to be in a band. Several years later Lucy went to Oxford to get a law degree. Guess who is going to Oxford to get an astronomic degree Jack. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

To be honest I wasn't overly impressed with the book. The plot was quite romantic but I felt like both characters were too complient with each other. The female character, she quite disappointed me. She's our modern day woman, moving across oceans to study something she really isn't all that interested in but doing it because she has too. Now that shows guts and determination but then as soon as she meets the guy she wilts like a flower. All that independence in the toilet. I hate it when a good female protagonists has so much potential and has her story arc cut in two.
As far plotlines go , it's endearing hallmark but unfortunately its just not something I could quite get behind
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

Such a great story and an incredible representation of anxiety and panic attacks. Story was gripping and I devoured it in one day. The second chance storyline is not always my favourite, but it was well done in this book, and the characters were well developed and progressed well throughout the entire story.
Would recommend this to anyone who asks, especially if they are a fan of these tropes.

"Oxford Star" by Laura Bradbury is a captivating and emotionally charged contemporary romance that deserves four stars. This novel combines elements of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, second chances, and celebrity romance, making it a multifaceted and engaging read.

The story centers around Jack Seary, a Harry Styles-famous rock star who seeks refuge from debilitating panic attacks at Oxford University. This unique premise immediately drew me in, as it explores the vulnerability and humanity of a character often seen as larger-than-life. Jack's struggle with anxiety is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, adding depth to his character.

The second protagonist, Lucy Snow, is a strong and relatable heroine who had her dreams crushed by Jack's rise to fame. Her sharp wit and determination make her a character readers will root for. The tension and animosity between Jack and Lucy are palpable, and their journey from enemies to lovers is beautifully developed throughout the story.

One of the standout features of this book is its exploration of complex emotions and the theme of redemption. Both Jack and Lucy have their flaws and past mistakes to reckon with, and the slow-burn romance between them allows for a deep exploration of their growth and transformation as individuals.

The setting of Oxford University adds a unique and atmospheric backdrop to the story, and the author's vivid descriptions make you feel like you're right there with the characters, wandering the historic halls and dreaming spires.

Moreover, "Oxford Star" is commendable for featuring a plus-sized heroine, breaking away from the stereotypical norms of beauty in romance novels. This inclusion promotes body positivity and representation, which is a refreshing and welcome change.

The writing style is engaging and flows well, making it easy to become immersed in the story. Laura Bradbury's skillful storytelling keeps the reader invested in the characters' journeys, and the chemistry between Jack and Lucy is palpable.

While the romance is indeed slow-burning, it is also steamy and satisfying. The anticipation and build-up only enhance the emotional impact of their eventual union.

In conclusion, "Oxford Star" is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy well-developed characters, intricate relationships, and themes of redemption. Laura Bradbury has crafted a compelling and emotionally resonant story that will leave readers eager to explore more of her work.

Jack Seary is a rock star who suffers from panic attacks, he attends Oxford to study his love of astronomy, the only problem is Lucy Snow, the girl he crushed her dream of being a singer. When she refuses his financial help he comes up with the plan for her to be a fake girlfriend in order to squash rumors in the tabloids.

This is a really fun premise, very intriguing characters with a deep background, however I was unfortunately unable to finish this book. With the right reader though, this book is extremely enjoyable.

Oxford Star is a wonderful marriage of rock star romance and dealing with one's personal insecurities. Jack seems to have it all since his big break of signing with a musical king maker/agent to be part of a band he was forming. However, instead of feeling like the king of the world, he had to fend off crippling panic attacks whenever he has to perform on stage; the strain being in the public eye consistently doesn't help his condition as well. With no help from him band members, his agent, even his parents, he negotiates with his agent for a eight week reprieve, to go to Oxford College for a term of astronomical research.

What he doesn't anticipate is that he will meet up with Lucy, whom he had met in his high school days, when they had participated in a reality singing show. Lucy has also joined Oxford on a fast track course to become a lawyer, which will in turn help her support her family comfortably. But Lucy hasn't been feeling kindly towards Jack ever since he left her on the lurch, to sign with the new band, just before her on-stage final performance on the show. Though she has always wanted to sing for a living, her complex regarding her plus size figure and her overly dependent family have created a mental block against her going after her dreams.

Will these two unlikely people able to understand each other and create a second chance for their still dormant feelings? Would they be able to overcome their personal hang-ups and embrace themselves for who they actually are?

Laura Bradbury has written a good story which incorporates the various facets of human failings and complexes. Through Jack and Lucy, she shows us real human beings who have flaws and virtues of their own; with their love story she has portrayed a mature and healthy relationship, with both of them trying to understand each other's problems from the other's place. I particularly loved the way they both support each other through every obstacle without being dramatic about it.

I participated loved the way author Bradbury has written an usually unlikely plot; she has made the story believable and it was touching in most places. A special mention to her sensitive depiction of a debilitating condition like panic attack. The only problem I had with the story was that it was long and extended in certain places; certain sections of story could have been cut short. If you are into rock- star romance or empowering stories, this book is definitely for you.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

3,5*

This was the first book I read from Laura Bradbury, and also in the Oxford series. Even though this was part 2 of the series, I didn’t feel like I missed background info.

I loved the minority rep in this book: plus size female love interest, rockstar with extreme anxiety: it was very well represented and realistically illustrated. However, Jack (the rock star) not having a degree and then mastering astrophysics AND coming up with his own theory + supporting maths behind a star he’s been obsessed with was a bit too much. I did love the “he’s not what everyone thinks he is” vibe of it, reminded me a bit of Brian May, but this went a little bit too far. The pace of the book seemed to change, sometimes going slower than other times, however, that may have been my reading pace changes. The end felt too rushed. A lot happens in the last few chapters and the jump to the future seems a little too big. I would’ve loved to read how Lucy managed to get to where she got, rather than the big jump.

All in all was this a nice and light read that I enjoyed, and sometimes chuckled at. Thanks NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to read before publishing, sorry I was a bit late!

This was the first book of Laura Bradbury I read. And I wanted to love it. I really did. But it just wasn't for me. I liked the college setting and the friendship group. But the writingstyle wasn't for me.

The anxiety rep was good! But I would have liked to see more of how Jack's life as a rockstar contributed to his anxiety. Apart from the pressure. I would have liked to see more of a dive into the toxicity of Hollywood/showbizz. But that was not the route this book was taking. Instead it focussed on how Lucy did want to be a star and her journey toward it. Her grief and emotional baggage. Things she had to unpack to be able to shine.

The enemies to lovers trope didn't work for me this time, because it was pretty fast they weren't enemies anymore. And that made me sad because it had so much potential!

I think I was expecting a totally different story and that's why I couldn't really get into it. But if you love a college setting, quirky friendgroup, second chance romance, mental health rep and popstar to normy and the 'I have a dream' storyline; this is the book for you!

I went to Oxford this summer so I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it fell flat for me.

The concept is really fun and in some way really works. Adding in themes like anxiety and a plus size FMC can only be applauded, I think this part was done really well in the book, especially with the two different POV’s.

But something just felt off to me - it felt like Jack & Lucy didn’t really connect (only at surface level, we’re continuously reminded by how much Jack is turned on by Lucy). Some parts were also a bit unbelievable to me, like Jack having no previous degree & starting to do astrophysical research (this irked me because I’m getting my masters in Physics and that is NOT how it works) & coming up with his own theory, a bit too far fetched for me.

Then the ending felt like an absolute rollercoaster. I get the point of it, but it came out of nowhere and made the ending feel somewhat rushed.

So all in all, I would not dive back into this world. Having said that though: if you want to read about a celebrity, dual POV romance set in Oxford, you may just enjoy this!

Such a good book! Second chance romance is a trope I don't usually like, but I loved it here. I really enjoy how they work on their relationship. They didn't just pick it up where they left it, they make something new. I think because of these both of them are able to fight against their fears... and that makes this book so great.

I absolutely loved the first book in the serie, so I was more than ready for book 2! The general vibes of the oxford academia are still there (which is definitely the strongest point, gives it the nice atmosphere for an autumn read), and the 2nd chance storyline is one of my favourite tropes.
Unfortunately something is off - could be maybe that a bit more of a background on their history would make it more clear, or maybe more focus on the regular days at the University, without too much of the rockstar bits that I found a bit cheesy.

I finished the book, but it took me a while to do it.

The cover of Oxford Star is deceiving—it’s an incredibly deep and thoughtful story about a rock star with debilitating anxiety and a small town girl doing everything to support her family, even when it’s the exact opposite of what she wants. Jack and Lucy are both beholden to forces outside themselves and are working to figure out how to live with choices being forced upon them, and it’s not easy. Their love story unfolds quickly, but their individual struggles plague them for longer. I love that Bradbury has her male main character coping with panic attacks, which are often prescribed to female characters. The end was my only frustration, where it felt like Jack’s anxiety was suddenly magically cured as he decided to push it down inside. That’s not really how anxiety works, and I would have loved to see him pursuing therapy or other supports for himself.