Oxford Star is a wonderful marriage of rock star romance and dealing with one’s personal insecurities. Jack seems to have it all ever 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 has to fend off crippling panic attacks just before stage performances. The strain of being in the public eye constantly doesn’t help his condition as well. With no help from his band members, his agent and 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 final on-stage performance on the show. Though she had 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 forge 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 with flaws and virtues of their own; through their love story, she has portrayed a mature and healthy relationship, where both of them try 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 particularly loved the way author Bradbury has made a usually unlikely story, very much believable; the story was also very 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.

This book gets 4 out of 5 stars.