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Romancing Oxford #2
Oxford Star
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.
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 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!
Oxford Star is an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, second chance, celebrity / rock star romance with a plus sized heroine and panic / anxiety rep. Brace yourself for a SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance that explores the complexity of love, dreams, and redemption under the dreaming spires of Oxford University.
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 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!
Oxford Star is an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, second chance, celebrity / rock star romance with a plus sized heroine and panic / anxiety rep. Brace yourself for a SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance that explores the complexity of love, dreams, and redemption under the dreaming spires of Oxford University.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2023
About the author
Laura Bradbury
25 books336 followersLaura Bradbury is the author of the bestselling Grape Series, an award-winning cookbook Bisous and Brioche, the Winemakers Series, and "huggable" rom coms such as Oxford Wild.
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
November 22, 2023
— oxford star ! ୨୧˚⟡.
⤿ 3.25 stars ⭐
potential spoiler warning: proceed with caution ! ⚠️
꒰ ₊˚✧ 🎧 a different kind of beautiful by alec benjamin ✧₊˚ ꒱
“she generated her own light— gorgeous and pink-cheeked from the cold— even as she frowned at me. her blonde waves framed her exquisite face, again like a botticelli painting come to life, lucy was my kryptonite.”
➸ firstly, thank you grape books + netgalley for providing me with my very first arc !
➸ this was a solid 3.25 stars for me. it certainly wasn't anything life-changing by any means but it was a charming read nonetheless. jack and lucy were rather well-developed with personalities, interests, and goals in life that didn't simply revolve around one another or their relationship.
➸ in most cases, i feel the fake-dating plot can be overused and the ‘will they, won't they?’ aspect can be tiring if not done correctly. for oxford star, however, i felt the trope was used pleasantly to re-spark the missing flame between our main leads. it really forced jack and lucy to sort out their differences and make up with one another when it was desperately needed.
➸ the relationship between lucy and jack was really sweet. as this is a second-chance romance, their beginnings were a little rocky and lucy was a bit hostile towards jack. however, as the story went on they fell back in love with each other (or more accurately, jack and lucy realized they were still in love with each other). it was pure, it was tender, it genuinely felt like the young love they'd shared in the past. they whole-heartedly adored, cherished, and genuinely loved each other— it was so precious.
➸ i adored the plus-size, mental health (anxiety), and lgbtq+ representation. having lucy accept herself + her body while also not feeding into the harmful, harsh beauty standards was extremely well done. lucy (and jack!) recognized her beauty and she wasn't going to let a dress-size determine that.
➸ jack's struggles with his anxiety as well as his tendencies to have debilitating panic attacks were very real and very raw. i really appreciate how open and unashamed jack was with opening up about his mental health, he knew that his anxiety didn't make him any less capable of doing great things with his life and he was vocal about it.
➸ lucy's journey with grief was another aspect i felt was tastefully done. i found the book shone a little light on different ways of grieving + different ways to cope with said grief. it didn't bash or criticize any type of method, it simply pointed them out and moved on.
➸ although i did technically enjoy a lot of aspects of oxford star, the ending did feel a little abrupt and outlandish. the felt a little too much like a botched attempt at a lucy score ending.
➸ another thing that dropped down my rating was the absurdity of lucy's family and jack's family, their family members (besides lucy's younger sister) were dreadful people. it was clear they were not very present in the lives of their children and in the case of jack's parents, they were manipulative, judgemental, and only present when it suited them.
➸ i do still recommend this book if you need a little palette cleanser or a quick little romance book to bump up your reading goal in the tail-end of the year. it's sweet, the romance is pretty solid, and the college-found family is charming. an overall three (almost four) star read !!
➸ trigger warnings: depictions of anxiety attacks, the death of a family member [not depicted], violence, crime, and coercion of a minor by parents and manager
★ 📼 oxford star: jack & lucy
— hate myself by dodie
— you're on your own, kid by taylor swift
— a feeling so strong by prince of eden
— shadow of mine by alec benjamin
— be myself by why don't we
— this is me trying by taylor swift
⤿ 3.25 stars ⭐
potential spoiler warning: proceed with caution ! ⚠️
꒰ ₊˚✧ 🎧 a different kind of beautiful by alec benjamin ✧₊˚ ꒱
“she generated her own light— gorgeous and pink-cheeked from the cold— even as she frowned at me. her blonde waves framed her exquisite face, again like a botticelli painting come to life, lucy was my kryptonite.”
➸ firstly, thank you grape books + netgalley for providing me with my very first arc !
➸ this was a solid 3.25 stars for me. it certainly wasn't anything life-changing by any means but it was a charming read nonetheless. jack and lucy were rather well-developed with personalities, interests, and goals in life that didn't simply revolve around one another or their relationship.
➸ in most cases, i feel the fake-dating plot can be overused and the ‘will they, won't they?’ aspect can be tiring if not done correctly. for oxford star, however, i felt the trope was used pleasantly to re-spark the missing flame between our main leads. it really forced jack and lucy to sort out their differences and make up with one another when it was desperately needed.
➸ the relationship between lucy and jack was really sweet. as this is a second-chance romance, their beginnings were a little rocky and lucy was a bit hostile towards jack. however, as the story went on they fell back in love with each other (or more accurately, jack and lucy realized they were still in love with each other). it was pure, it was tender, it genuinely felt like the young love they'd shared in the past. they whole-heartedly adored, cherished, and genuinely loved each other— it was so precious.
➸ i adored the plus-size, mental health (anxiety), and lgbtq+ representation. having lucy accept herself + her body while also not feeding into the harmful, harsh beauty standards was extremely well done. lucy (and jack!) recognized her beauty and she wasn't going to let a dress-size determine that.
➸ jack's struggles with his anxiety as well as his tendencies to have debilitating panic attacks were very real and very raw. i really appreciate how open and unashamed jack was with opening up about his mental health, he knew that his anxiety didn't make him any less capable of doing great things with his life and he was vocal about it.
➸ lucy's journey with grief was another aspect i felt was tastefully done. i found the book shone a little light on different ways of grieving + different ways to cope with said grief. it didn't bash or criticize any type of method, it simply pointed them out and moved on.
➸ although i did technically enjoy a lot of aspects of oxford star, the ending did feel a little abrupt and outlandish. the felt a little too much like a botched attempt at a lucy score ending.
➸ another thing that dropped down my rating was the absurdity of lucy's family and jack's family, their family members (besides lucy's younger sister) were dreadful people. it was clear they were not very present in the lives of their children and in the case of jack's parents, they were manipulative, judgemental, and only present when it suited them.
➸ i do still recommend this book if you need a little palette cleanser or a quick little romance book to bump up your reading goal in the tail-end of the year. it's sweet, the romance is pretty solid, and the college-found family is charming. an overall three (almost four) star read !!
➸ trigger warnings: depictions of anxiety attacks, the death of a family member [not depicted], violence, crime, and coercion of a minor by parents and manager
★ 📼 oxford star: jack & lucy
— hate myself by dodie
— you're on your own, kid by taylor swift
— a feeling so strong by prince of eden
— shadow of mine by alec benjamin
— be myself by why don't we
— this is me trying by taylor swift
March 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐️!
Wow, what a wonderful and cute romance was it with some healthy dose of emotions and depth.
A world famous Rockstar with millions of adoring fans but secretly struggling with crippling anxiety + a curvy, bold and intelligent heroine who gives as good as she gets and can sing like an angel? I loved this pairing.
Jack and Lucy was so in sync with each other and had a strong connection. I loved how their story progressed and all that romantic gestures of Jack.
And that dreamy friends group they got… sigh! Loved the name for their group-SKULK (a group of fox).
There is something about a story that set in Britain that push all my buttons. I loved the charming way all the British slang, people, geography and alleys were portrayed.
Oh, and I hated Gary!
I didn’t give it full stars because Jack didn’t check on Lucy even once after he got famous, even though they were very good friends and secretly loved each other. Their meeting again was pure coincidence.
Overall a very well written romance with charming backdrop, deep characters, angst, self discovery, friendship and finding love again and fighting for it.
Recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what a wonderful and cute romance was it with some healthy dose of emotions and depth.
A world famous Rockstar with millions of adoring fans but secretly struggling with crippling anxiety + a curvy, bold and intelligent heroine who gives as good as she gets and can sing like an angel? I loved this pairing.
Jack and Lucy was so in sync with each other and had a strong connection. I loved how their story progressed and all that romantic gestures of Jack.
And that dreamy friends group they got… sigh! Loved the name for their group-SKULK (a group of fox).
There is something about a story that set in Britain that push all my buttons. I loved the charming way all the British slang, people, geography and alleys were portrayed.
Oh, and I hated Gary!
I didn’t give it full stars because Jack didn’t check on Lucy even once after he got famous, even though they were very good friends and secretly loved each other. Their meeting again was pure coincidence.
Overall a very well written romance with charming backdrop, deep characters, angst, self discovery, friendship and finding love again and fighting for it.
Recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2023
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?)
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?)
March 23, 2023
ROCK, ROMANCE & ANXIETY, OH MY!
🎸OXFORD STAR 🎸
by Laura Bradbury, Grape Books, out now.
I absolutely adored Laura Bradbury's OXFORD STAR. This is a delightful contemporary romance featuring Jack, an anxiety-ridden rock star, and Lucy, whom he "betrayed" four years ago. She never got over it. He's never forgotten her. When they unexpectedly meet again at Oxford University, sparks fly.
🎸Not good ones, alas, as Lucy wants never to see him again. Yet Jack, barely surviving constant panic attacks, sees her as someone he can trust and really love. They've both made decisions to support their families in unhealthy ways. Now they have a chance to change.
🎸I loved their slow burn romance, the beautifully described Oxford setting where she's studying law and he astrophysics, their vibrant skulk (classmates who become their tribe), the authentic way in which the author handles mental health issues (she herself suffers from anxiety). The idiosyncratic characters. The wit. The poignance. Really, EVERYTHING!
🎸OXFORD STAR is highly recommended for anyone seeking a fun romantic escape. Brava, Laura! You are an auto-read author for me now.
Thanks to the author Laura Bradbury, Grape Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#oxfordstar #LauraBradbury #GrapeBooks #rockstarromance #oxforduniversityfiction #slowburnromance #panicattackstory #anxietywarriorfiction #bookstagramcommunity
🎸OXFORD STAR 🎸
by Laura Bradbury, Grape Books, out now.
I absolutely adored Laura Bradbury's OXFORD STAR. This is a delightful contemporary romance featuring Jack, an anxiety-ridden rock star, and Lucy, whom he "betrayed" four years ago. She never got over it. He's never forgotten her. When they unexpectedly meet again at Oxford University, sparks fly.
🎸Not good ones, alas, as Lucy wants never to see him again. Yet Jack, barely surviving constant panic attacks, sees her as someone he can trust and really love. They've both made decisions to support their families in unhealthy ways. Now they have a chance to change.
🎸I loved their slow burn romance, the beautifully described Oxford setting where she's studying law and he astrophysics, their vibrant skulk (classmates who become their tribe), the authentic way in which the author handles mental health issues (she herself suffers from anxiety). The idiosyncratic characters. The wit. The poignance. Really, EVERYTHING!
🎸OXFORD STAR is highly recommended for anyone seeking a fun romantic escape. Brava, Laura! You are an auto-read author for me now.
Thanks to the author Laura Bradbury, Grape Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#oxfordstar #LauraBradbury #GrapeBooks #rockstarromance #oxforduniversityfiction #slowburnromance #panicattackstory #anxietywarriorfiction #bookstagramcommunity
March 12, 2023
Oxford Star was a good contemporary romance book that included a few tropes that I like for an example fake dating and a hint of enemies to lovers.
Apparently this is book number two in Bradburys new series called Oxford and I don't know how I have missed the first book that goes by the name Oxford Wild.
In Oxford Star we get to meet the main characters Lucy and Jack.
Lucy was really easy to like from the beginning since I felt like she was a strong young woman with a sharp tongue. When it comes to Jack it took a few pages in before I really liked him. He is a rock star who is a space nerd and struggles with his mental health.
The writing and story was really good and I finished reading it in just a couple of hours because I didn't wanted to put it down.
Now I will try to get my hands on Oxford Wild to get to know Alfie and Cedar that also appears in this one.
I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.
Thank you so much to the author herself for allowing me read this one through NetGalley.
Apparently this is book number two in Bradburys new series called Oxford and I don't know how I have missed the first book that goes by the name Oxford Wild.
In Oxford Star we get to meet the main characters Lucy and Jack.
Lucy was really easy to like from the beginning since I felt like she was a strong young woman with a sharp tongue. When it comes to Jack it took a few pages in before I really liked him. He is a rock star who is a space nerd and struggles with his mental health.
The writing and story was really good and I finished reading it in just a couple of hours because I didn't wanted to put it down.
Now I will try to get my hands on Oxford Wild to get to know Alfie and Cedar that also appears in this one.
I give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.
Thank you so much to the author herself for allowing me read this one through NetGalley.
March 17, 2023
“She was home. She was an irresistible dare. She was a crackling bonfire. We just fit. ‘My shooting star,’ I murmured,“
I was approved for an ARC for this just days before it came out so I wasn’t sure if I’d get to it, but having just finished it I am so glad I did - what a wonderful and delightful book.
Friends to betrayed and reluctant enemies to confidants to friends to fake dating partners to lovers? Add some lovely friends and wild twists? Sign me up.
This was such a sweet and delightful contemporary romance. It’s definitely one I will be recommending to anyone who is willing to listen, because I had such a good time reading it.
Please note - this is a sequel to Oxford Wild though it is not marked as one in a series. I wish I had known that because I did find myself confused wondering why it seemed like I was missing something with Cedar and Alfie, but I look forward to learning their story too.
Despite this, I loved this story. I recommend giving it a chance. Jack and Lucy have a lovely little spot in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I was approved for an ARC for this just days before it came out so I wasn’t sure if I’d get to it, but having just finished it I am so glad I did - what a wonderful and delightful book.
Friends to betrayed and reluctant enemies to confidants to friends to fake dating partners to lovers? Add some lovely friends and wild twists? Sign me up.
This was such a sweet and delightful contemporary romance. It’s definitely one I will be recommending to anyone who is willing to listen, because I had such a good time reading it.
Please note - this is a sequel to Oxford Wild though it is not marked as one in a series. I wish I had known that because I did find myself confused wondering why it seemed like I was missing something with Cedar and Alfie, but I look forward to learning their story too.
Despite this, I loved this story. I recommend giving it a chance. Jack and Lucy have a lovely little spot in my heart.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
October 2, 2024
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!
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!
April 13, 2023
I love Laura Bradbury’s writing, so when I saw this on NetGalley, I requested it as fast as humanly possible. Rockstar romances are always a bit of fun, and this is one with a twist. Enemies to lovers, fake dating, celebrity tropes are just a smattering of what you can expect. And add in a bit of a thrilling twist at the end? I couldn’t put it down!
Jack is a rockstar. Too bad his anxiety can’t get with the program. His panic attacks have gotten bad enough his band had to cancel a couple of shows, and now he is taking a break to try and get them under control. Lucy stepped into the role of caregiver when she was young, and she was accepted into Oxford’s accelerated law program. She figured this was the quickest path to financial stability for her family after her dad passed. Unfortunately nothing seems to be going right for her, including sitting next to the man who betrayed her 4 years ago for the the flight to England. Things have to get better from here, right?
Jack is a rockstar. Too bad his anxiety can’t get with the program. His panic attacks have gotten bad enough his band had to cancel a couple of shows, and now he is taking a break to try and get them under control. Lucy stepped into the role of caregiver when she was young, and she was accepted into Oxford’s accelerated law program. She figured this was the quickest path to financial stability for her family after her dad passed. Unfortunately nothing seems to be going right for her, including sitting next to the man who betrayed her 4 years ago for the the flight to England. Things have to get better from here, right?
June 30, 2023
Thanks @netgalley for this book!
Lucy ends up sitting next to her ex-boyfriend Jack(who is a rockstar) at the airplane. That’s so strange! Of all people…
Then the busses to Oxford don’t ride. And Jack gives her a ride with his limo.
Jack is taking some time off because of his anxiety. And will go the same school as Lucy.
This book is a Harry Styles fanfiction sort of book. I don’t care about Harry Styles at all, but I liked the idea of the Popstars thing.
And we also have a fake dating part 😁
The book was funny, a bit ridiculous sometimes and sweet.
It really surprised me.
The chemistry between the characters felt real to me.
It was lovely and I would absolutely recommend!
I give this book:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lucy ends up sitting next to her ex-boyfriend Jack(who is a rockstar) at the airplane. That’s so strange! Of all people…
Then the busses to Oxford don’t ride. And Jack gives her a ride with his limo.
Jack is taking some time off because of his anxiety. And will go the same school as Lucy.
This book is a Harry Styles fanfiction sort of book. I don’t care about Harry Styles at all, but I liked the idea of the Popstars thing.
And we also have a fake dating part 😁
The book was funny, a bit ridiculous sometimes and sweet.
It really surprised me.
The chemistry between the characters felt real to me.
It was lovely and I would absolutely recommend!
I give this book:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this delightful book!
Oxford star follows the story of Lucy and Jack over an 8 week period. Both come from very different areas of life, Jack being a rockstar and Lucy being a normal girl from Canada.
I love this story! There were so many things I really enjoyed such as the real and raw representation of someone with anxiety and panic disorder and having a FMC who is plus-sized. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and felt the set up/character building was written well.
This was a really easy read, there was no questions that needed to be answered at the end and the characters were really likeable.
I look forward to reading more from this Author
Oxford star follows the story of Lucy and Jack over an 8 week period. Both come from very different areas of life, Jack being a rockstar and Lucy being a normal girl from Canada.
I love this story! There were so many things I really enjoyed such as the real and raw representation of someone with anxiety and panic disorder and having a FMC who is plus-sized. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and felt the set up/character building was written well.
This was a really easy read, there was no questions that needed to be answered at the end and the characters were really likeable.
I look forward to reading more from this Author
March 19, 2023
Thank you Netgalley, Laura Bradbury, and publishers for gifting me a copy of Oxford Star in return for my honest review.
3.5/5
TW- Panic Attacks, Anxiety
This book reminded me of a soap opera. Which to me wasn't a bad thing, who doesn't like to just sit back and enjoy some drama? There was so much going on with this book and you honestly did know where it was going to take you next! Again not a bad thing in my eyes. It was a very easy, bingable read that I enjoyed from start to end.
Lusy has decided that the best way to support her family is to take a scholarship and get a law degree from Oxford. On the plane ride over who is sitting next to her but the boy who broke her heart, and her confidence, when he ditched her half an hour before her big audition. Lucy is understandably mad and what she doesn't know is that it is Jack's biggest regret. Lucy is even madder when she finds out that not only is Jack going to be joining her at Oxford he got in due to him being friends with one of the big wigs at the college. Will Lucy get her confidence and start pursuing her dreams of singing? Will Jack overcome his panic attacks and finally start living the life he wants?
The characters were well-written and I could feel how much they each cared for the other. I wasn't sold on the reason why Lucy wasn't following her dreams. I got it but to a point, I just wished she had grown a backbone. Jack was the same, I could feel his pain through Laura's writing and it made me fall in love with him.
I also loved the body positivity in this book and they they didn't make her weight an additional character like they have in many other books. Its brought up that she is on the bigger side, size 16, while she is on the plane. The only other time that you really notice it is when Jack is appreciating her body... if you know what I mean!
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters and I can't wait to go back and read the first book in this series! This did read like a standalone, but I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the background characters that I loved having their own book.
3.5/5
TW- Panic Attacks, Anxiety
This book reminded me of a soap opera. Which to me wasn't a bad thing, who doesn't like to just sit back and enjoy some drama? There was so much going on with this book and you honestly did know where it was going to take you next! Again not a bad thing in my eyes. It was a very easy, bingable read that I enjoyed from start to end.
Lusy has decided that the best way to support her family is to take a scholarship and get a law degree from Oxford. On the plane ride over who is sitting next to her but the boy who broke her heart, and her confidence, when he ditched her half an hour before her big audition. Lucy is understandably mad and what she doesn't know is that it is Jack's biggest regret. Lucy is even madder when she finds out that not only is Jack going to be joining her at Oxford he got in due to him being friends with one of the big wigs at the college. Will Lucy get her confidence and start pursuing her dreams of singing? Will Jack overcome his panic attacks and finally start living the life he wants?
The characters were well-written and I could feel how much they each cared for the other. I wasn't sold on the reason why Lucy wasn't following her dreams. I got it but to a point, I just wished she had grown a backbone. Jack was the same, I could feel his pain through Laura's writing and it made me fall in love with him.
I also loved the body positivity in this book and they they didn't make her weight an additional character like they have in many other books. Its brought up that she is on the bigger side, size 16, while she is on the plane. The only other time that you really notice it is when Jack is appreciating her body... if you know what I mean!
I also really enjoyed the secondary characters and I can't wait to go back and read the first book in this series! This did read like a standalone, but I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the background characters that I loved having their own book.
May 12, 2023
3.5/5
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Thank you, Net Galley, for giving me this book to review. Oxford Star is the second book in the Oxford series, I did not know there is a first book that goes by “Oxford Wild”
Oxford Star 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 broke his promise and 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? She believes Jack stole her dream of a singing career and hates him for breaking her heart. But what she does not know is, jack never wanted all this fame and all he wanted was to pursue his childhood dream of astronomy. 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 this book has convinced me to try more of her books. I loved the book. 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.
.
Thank you, Net Galley, for giving me this book to review. Oxford Star is the second book in the Oxford series, I did not know there is a first book that goes by “Oxford Wild”
Oxford Star 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 broke his promise and 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? She believes Jack stole her dream of a singing career and hates him for breaking her heart. But what she does not know is, jack never wanted all this fame and all he wanted was to pursue his childhood dream of astronomy. 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 this book has convinced me to try more of her books. I loved the book. 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.
April 7, 2023
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.
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.
December 11, 2023
This book was everything I hoped it would be -- a great romance with complex characters, amazing tropes and with many, many important topics discussed!
The romance between Lucy and Jack was a delight to read about and, while the author used a lot of tropes here, it didn't feel convoluted at all. It's a mixture of enemies to lovers (kind of second chance as well), rockstar/one-of-us-is-famous, forced proximity and fake dating. That's a lot and I was scared it would quickly become too much and an example of a book written around tropes, not with them. But the author has written them so well that all of them felt natural to the storyline and kept me wanting more. I loved both main characters a lot -- Lucy, a plus sized, incredibly strong meant-to-be singer, and Jack, an adorable nerd with eyes only for his star.
Jack deals with anxiety and panic attacks, and Lucy deals with grief. These topics were handled with utmost care, making the reader feel what the characters do. On top of all of that, both of the main characters are trudging through life while complicated familial relationships hold them back. The romance is sweet, spicy and made me giggle, but these topics are what made it a definitive five star read for me! Add in an academic setting and it's truly a whole package. I cannot recommend it enough!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Grape Books and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
The romance between Lucy and Jack was a delight to read about and, while the author used a lot of tropes here, it didn't feel convoluted at all. It's a mixture of enemies to lovers (kind of second chance as well), rockstar/one-of-us-is-famous, forced proximity and fake dating. That's a lot and I was scared it would quickly become too much and an example of a book written around tropes, not with them. But the author has written them so well that all of them felt natural to the storyline and kept me wanting more. I loved both main characters a lot -- Lucy, a plus sized, incredibly strong meant-to-be singer, and Jack, an adorable nerd with eyes only for his star.
Jack deals with anxiety and panic attacks, and Lucy deals with grief. These topics were handled with utmost care, making the reader feel what the characters do. On top of all of that, both of the main characters are trudging through life while complicated familial relationships hold them back. The romance is sweet, spicy and made me giggle, but these topics are what made it a definitive five star read for me! Add in an academic setting and it's truly a whole package. I cannot recommend it enough!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Grape Books and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
April 6, 2023
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!
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!
March 22, 2023
I was very excited to read Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury. She is a new-to-me author and I looked forward to getting to know her. Oxford Star was pretty good. It was very light and an easy read; definitely the kind of book you bring to the pool or beach. I kind of thought some of the dialogue was overdone and the book was a little bit overwritten. It dragged a little in the middle and because the main characters spent so much time in their own heads, it just didn’t seem like a lot of character chemistry. I visited the authors website and there are a few other books I’m to check out and I look forward to doing so! Overall the book was decent and I look forward to her others.
Special thanks to Net Galley and Grape books for this advanced reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
June 27, 2023
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!
It was a fun and fluffy read with a twist!!
Thank you Laura Bradbury, NetGalley and Grape Books for providing me with this ARC 🙏🏻
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!
It was a fun and fluffy read with a twist!!
Thank you Laura Bradbury, NetGalley and Grape Books for providing me with this ARC 🙏🏻
April 25, 2023
This was such a cute book! I am here for reluctant rock star becoming a new trope in romance books! My only complaint is that we lost the rivals to lovers element pretty early in and it didn’t really feel like there was much of an adversary in the plot. The end storyline with Cathy felt like it came out of nowhere and was there to add drama because things had been too good for our characters.
March 2, 2023
4.25 stars
What a charming contemporary romance. A unique twist on a Rockstar romance and famous guy, regular girl trope (my favorite!) With some British scenery to make things feel just a bit more magical.
Also, no spoilers, but there's one "date" in here that it would be amazing if someone could pull off for me.
What a charming contemporary romance. A unique twist on a Rockstar romance and famous guy, regular girl trope (my favorite!) With some British scenery to make things feel just a bit more magical.
Also, no spoilers, but there's one "date" in here that it would be amazing if someone could pull off for me.
March 5, 2023
*4.5
I really enjoyed this. I liked how they built trust back up after he basically left her. He was such a sucker for her and it was a lot of fun to read. I want a bonus epilogue of him proposing, I just know it has to be a good proposal.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I really enjoyed this. I liked how they built trust back up after he basically left her. He was such a sucker for her and it was a lot of fun to read. I want a bonus epilogue of him proposing, I just know it has to be a good proposal.
I received an arc through netgalley.
July 6, 2023
As you all know...it's the setting for me. Give me a setting at Oxford anytime: I loved it!
This was such a fun rom-com with some deeper challenges to ponder, particularly family trauma, panic and mental health disorders (and their coping mechanisms), and the ramifications of fame.
This was such a fun rom-com with some deeper challenges to ponder, particularly family trauma, panic and mental health disorders (and their coping mechanisms), and the ramifications of fame.
March 15, 2023
This was a cute celebrity romance / enemies to lovers read! It was cute and short, very nicely paced. All of the characters were likable. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely encouraged me to buy her first book so I can get more of the whole skulk (the amazing group of friends). I demolished this book in two sittings (thankfully I had time to read on a plane because I did not want to put this down!). I also loved how there was plus size representation without it being a plot point. I love seeing women like me in books just confidently living their lives. I also loved that this book took place at Oxford, it gave me wanderlust which I love! Thank you to NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2023
I absolutely love this book! So much that I'm going to buy the authors backlist!!
This is a wonderful rock star romance, where both main characters are going to Oxford.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful rock star romance, where both main characters are going to Oxford.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Laura Bradbury for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! As someone with anxiety/panic disorder I was really intrigued by the description. The story was enjoyable the whole way through and there were lots of unexpected twists.
I loved this book! As someone with anxiety/panic disorder I was really intrigued by the description. The story was enjoyable the whole way through and there were lots of unexpected twists.
April 17, 2023
4⭐️ You can never go wrong with a fake-dating/celebrity romance! I thought this book was very cute and I absolutely loved the ending. I was able to predict some of the story but I did enjoy my time reading about Jack and Lucy and how they found their way back to each other. The anxiety/mental health representation made this book even better than expected.
April 1, 2023
I just finished reading Oxford star by Laura Bradbury and here are my thoughts.
When Jack starts to feel the anxiety and burn out from being a rock God, he takes refugee at Oxford for 8 weeks to study. He didn't expect to be sitting next to Lucy on the flight there. The girl he fell in love with and left before the biggest audition of her life.
Lucy gave up on music when Jack abandoned her right before they were both supposed to go on stage and took to studying law. She is at Oxford for the same 8 weeks as luck would have it and her and Jack… across the hall from each other.
It's like fate. He needs to have a fake girlfriend so the paparazzi stops thinking he is in rehab and she needs financial support for her mother and sister. It's a win win right? What could possibly go wrong?
Ok I'm all for cute romance stories but this one might have been too cute for words.
I connected with Lucy right from the get go! She takes the weight of the world on and the brunt of the responsibility for her family.
I am still a little upset with Jack for abandoning her. His excuse for not going was flimsy and I get he was young but…. I'm a grudge holder. I did find the banter between the two of them was quite adorable and the storyline throughout was well thought out and I really did feel engaged all the way through.
What didn't I like? I found the ending a little u realistic but other than that… I thoroughly enjoyed this cute little romance read.
4 stars. Would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to @netgalley and grape books for my review copy. Out now!!!
When Jack starts to feel the anxiety and burn out from being a rock God, he takes refugee at Oxford for 8 weeks to study. He didn't expect to be sitting next to Lucy on the flight there. The girl he fell in love with and left before the biggest audition of her life.
Lucy gave up on music when Jack abandoned her right before they were both supposed to go on stage and took to studying law. She is at Oxford for the same 8 weeks as luck would have it and her and Jack… across the hall from each other.
It's like fate. He needs to have a fake girlfriend so the paparazzi stops thinking he is in rehab and she needs financial support for her mother and sister. It's a win win right? What could possibly go wrong?
Ok I'm all for cute romance stories but this one might have been too cute for words.
I connected with Lucy right from the get go! She takes the weight of the world on and the brunt of the responsibility for her family.
I am still a little upset with Jack for abandoning her. His excuse for not going was flimsy and I get he was young but…. I'm a grudge holder. I did find the banter between the two of them was quite adorable and the storyline throughout was well thought out and I really did feel engaged all the way through.
What didn't I like? I found the ending a little u realistic but other than that… I thoroughly enjoyed this cute little romance read.
4 stars. Would definitely read more from this author!
Thank you to @netgalley and grape books for my review copy. Out now!!!
March 8, 2023
If you’re looking for a charming, cozy, modern romance book than look no further. I read the authors note and it confirmed what I suspected while reading, that she knows what it’s like to navigate the world as a size 16 and with panic. It’s the first time in awhile I haven’t cringed at a romance describing mental health and bigger bodies like they are just trends to be talked about.
I really enjoyed the characters, the ode to the east coast of Canada, and the warmth of the characters. The concept of stardom was wholesome and corny in the best way.
Thank you to NetGallery & Laura Bradbury and the publisher for the ARC of this charming story.
I really enjoyed the characters, the ode to the east coast of Canada, and the warmth of the characters. The concept of stardom was wholesome and corny in the best way.
Thank you to NetGallery & Laura Bradbury and the publisher for the ARC of this charming story.
March 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Grape Books Books for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
This book follows Lucy and Jake (double pov YEAHHHH) who reconnect after not seeing each other for four years due to going to college at the same school. I absolutely loved this story. I felt the chemistry between them and Jake made me blush so much.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a cute romantic book that is also about anxiety and panic attacks, not being yourself because you put other people before yourself and putting yourself under too much pressure because of others
This book follows Lucy and Jake (double pov YEAHHHH) who reconnect after not seeing each other for four years due to going to college at the same school. I absolutely loved this story. I felt the chemistry between them and Jake made me blush so much.
I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a cute romantic book that is also about anxiety and panic attacks, not being yourself because you put other people before yourself and putting yourself under too much pressure because of others
April 4, 2023
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.
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.
May 3, 2023
Oxford Star was a book I randomly found scrolling through Netgalley and the COver and the Despription for sure made me curious. When I read the book I really liked it. I liked the main characters and the clique gathered around them. Positive was as well the queer representation included within the group. The main story of the book was interesting and easy to follow. The english was nice and fluently to read even for me as a non-native speaker. Therefore no problems with language in here. The only thing that I didn't quite get was what the problem between our characters was. I mean yes I understood it in terms of language but why making such a big deal out of past decision lol haha. But anyway I really liked the book. I enjoyed reading it and for sure would recommend for everyone who likes a easy cute romance.
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