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Oxford Romance #3
Discovering Nicola
Sparks fly between Nicola Albright KC and Geeta Sachdeva, but not the good kind. They're the sort that leave small fires, devastation, and everyone peeping between their fingers at arrogant lawyer, Nicola, on one side, and everyone's favorite mum, Geeta, on the other.
Yet when both are divorced and at a new stage in life, they find themselves living within glowering distance of each other, in beautiful Iffley Village, Oxford. Reluctantly, they call a truce and try to make friends. It's tricky though, when there's more than one reason they've circled and snapped for years.
For a start, Geeta's lawyer daughter, Olivia, idolizes the eminent King's Counsel barrister, to eye rolls from Geeta. And to Nicola's annoyance, her own daughter, Charlotte, has always turned to perfect mama Geeta for comfort and understanding. Animosity between the two is a given.
Until they force themselves to be nice to each other, that is, and then they're compelled to question everything....
Yet when both are divorced and at a new stage in life, they find themselves living within glowering distance of each other, in beautiful Iffley Village, Oxford. Reluctantly, they call a truce and try to make friends. It's tricky though, when there's more than one reason they've circled and snapped for years.
For a start, Geeta's lawyer daughter, Olivia, idolizes the eminent King's Counsel barrister, to eye rolls from Geeta. And to Nicola's annoyance, her own daughter, Charlotte, has always turned to perfect mama Geeta for comfort and understanding. Animosity between the two is a given.
Until they force themselves to be nice to each other, that is, and then they're compelled to question everything....
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First published May 1, 2025
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About the author
Clare Ashton
16 books1,623 followersClare Ashton loves writing sapphic stories. Whether it’s a romcom or mystery, there’s always a queer woman about. With gorgeous settings, from the hills of Wales to college halls of Oxford, every book is a travel destination from the comfort of an armchair. Best known for her award-winning, sunny romance, Poppy Jenkins, and rollercoaster family drama, The Goodmans, Clare has a new series that captures the best of both and more, with Meeting Millie kicking off The Oxford Romance series.
Clare lives in the UK with her wife and kids and can be found spending too much time on social media – https://linktr.ee/clareashton
Clare lives in the UK with her wife and kids and can be found spending too much time on social media – https://linktr.ee/clareashton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
October 13, 2025
4.5 stars!
I loved it!! Such a charming conclusion to this 'Oxford Romance' chronicle.
Highly recommended book and series!
I loved it!! Such a charming conclusion to this 'Oxford Romance' chronicle.
Highly recommended book and series!
May 8, 2025
So it did get better after a rocky beginning. But it took a good long while to get there for me. I think the biggest issue was my expectations regarding Nicola from the previous books.
I went in this expecting one thing and it was something completely different. It’s marketed as enemies to lovers but Nicola and Geeta are obsessed with one another from page one. It was also marketed as ice queen. I didn’t feel like that was correct either.
I went in this expecting one thing and it was something completely different. It’s marketed as enemies to lovers but Nicola and Geeta are obsessed with one another from page one. It was also marketed as ice queen. I didn’t feel like that was correct either.
May 1, 2025
5 Stars
Discovering Nicola. Actually, the entire Oxford Romance series is just…. on a different plane of existence when it comes to connection with readers. If you’ve followed the series since Meeting Millie then you’re aware of the complexities of the characters’ relationship with each other. Which is why tackling the mums of the group, individually and as a couple was just so delightfully unexpected and so soul-sating to read.
The author highlighted a different angle of sapphic love this time because it was between mature women. The author touched on a variety of aspects that midlife women experience - the good and the not so appealing ones. It was illuminating and refreshing to read about, as a woman myself, to have a deeper scrutinisation of not just the physical but a holistic overview of what mature women face. The story was so layered and complex (navigating emotions, family, preconceived notions of self and worth) but the author laid it out in a way that was interesting. The best part is having glimpses of the characters’ most intimate selves and emotions and it written lyrically which just heightens reading pleasure.
I cannot recommend the Oxford Romance series enough because it is one of the CONSISTENTLY (as in all three) best contemporary romance series in my opinion. I can’t even decide which one is best among the three books because each one brings something special in its own right.
P.S - I LOVE that the POV at the end bit changed between previous characters. I’ve missed. I also want that group photo in the end. I don’t care if they’re fictional characters. I’d have it framed ang hung in my living room too.
Discovering Nicola. Actually, the entire Oxford Romance series is just…. on a different plane of existence when it comes to connection with readers. If you’ve followed the series since Meeting Millie then you’re aware of the complexities of the characters’ relationship with each other. Which is why tackling the mums of the group, individually and as a couple was just so delightfully unexpected and so soul-sating to read.
The author highlighted a different angle of sapphic love this time because it was between mature women. The author touched on a variety of aspects that midlife women experience - the good and the not so appealing ones. It was illuminating and refreshing to read about, as a woman myself, to have a deeper scrutinisation of not just the physical but a holistic overview of what mature women face. The story was so layered and complex (navigating emotions, family, preconceived notions of self and worth) but the author laid it out in a way that was interesting. The best part is having glimpses of the characters’ most intimate selves and emotions and it written lyrically which just heightens reading pleasure.
I cannot recommend the Oxford Romance series enough because it is one of the CONSISTENTLY (as in all three) best contemporary romance series in my opinion. I can’t even decide which one is best among the three books because each one brings something special in its own right.
P.S - I LOVE that the POV at the end bit changed between previous characters. I’ve missed. I also want that group photo in the end. I don’t care if they’re fictional characters. I’d have it framed ang hung in my living room too.
June 20, 2025
491 pages. And each page counts. Ashton really took the time to develop the relationship between the two main characters, taking into account all their complexities as individuals, but also as ex-wives, mothers, and active women. Ashton made sure every storyline started in previous books, such as their complicated relationship with their daughters, had a conclusion. Everything was there when I needed it. The sapphic awakening was written in a way that it didn't come out of the blue. The development of their relationship was clever and not overly dramatic, but it kept me hooked with self-questioning and really healthy communication. The sex scenes were sexy and felt real. I love books with mature women more and more, and Ashton does it cleverly and realistically, even tackling the menopause topic.Ashton shows that self discovery and growth are perpetual in every stage of life. I just loved Nicola's character : she is so complex and imperfect, and in the end, really human. Geeta's character was less mysterious than Nicola's, but her struggle to discover herself outside of the mother or wife persona was so touching. At the image of the serie, Discovering Nicola is a book that feels so alive, in terms of vivid descriptions and lively characters that feel almost like family now. Every character from the previous books appeared, and Ashton made sure to give them the sweetest conclusion (the epilogue was just perfect). When I finished the book, my heart felt so fulfilled and yet so empty because it was over, and I was going to miss them. This was the perfect finale and my favorite book of the Oxford romance series.
May 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed this book. It was great to read about women in their 50s, I could totally relate to their life stories. Ashton did a great job of bringing Nicola and Geeta to life. I liked how we got to read both of their points of view. I liked their bantering and that both held their ground during arguments. It was great to see Millie and Charlotte again, they are two of my favorite characters. Ashton is a top five author for me and can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.
May 18, 2025
A definite favourite! Without a doubt, our two protagonists, Nicola and Geeta, who are in their 50s, bring a delightful charm to the story. There were moments in the book that were filled with laugh-out-loud moments that had me chuckling at every turn, especially when Nicola and Geeta were caught in the act or planning escapades to avoid being caught red-handed! Reading "Discovering Nicola" was such a joy, and I might even say it’s my favorite in the series!
Solid 5 ⭐️
Solid 5 ⭐️
May 12, 2025
Holyyyyyy CRAP Clare Ashton, you’ve completely outdone yourself!! This was absolute perfection, and I’d give it six stars if I could. 😍😍😍😍 I’m sooo happy rn!!! (More detailed review to come, maybe)
May 3, 2025
4.75 stars
October 23, 2025
Incredible — 10/10; 5-stars; no notes.
These Oxford Romance books really should not be marketed as stand-alones though, these NEED to be read in order: if you do that, this one will blow your socks off. Read ‘em.
Ok, I lied, I have notes: it was so, sooo good - for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to:
- incredible flirting: their dynamic, bickering and banter was scintillating
- the mess & generational pain (effects of 'shoulds' and expectations, intersection with neurodivergence);
- the growth of Nicola (didn't shy away from nor excuse her [past]behaviour, nor effects on those around her, but puts you in her head)
- questions of motherhood/parental responsibility - impact on Geeta [the toll putting others first had; how similar yet so different her experiences were to those of Nicola], and her growth, self-understanding & self-actualisation
- questions of deeper understanding and personal change (and/or - seeing that which was always there, but you never saw);
- second chances and finding what's really meaningful/fulfilling (all-consuming love)
- it tied off the trilogy wonderfully - nailed the remaining plot threads/open questions from the prior books
These Oxford Romance books really should not be marketed as stand-alones though, these NEED to be read in order: if you do that, this one will blow your socks off. Read ‘em.
Ok, I lied, I have notes: it was so, sooo good - for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to:
- incredible flirting: their dynamic, bickering and banter was scintillating
- the mess & generational pain (effects of 'shoulds' and expectations, intersection with neurodivergence);
- the growth of Nicola (didn't shy away from nor excuse her [past]behaviour, nor effects on those around her, but puts you in her head)
- questions of motherhood/parental responsibility - impact on Geeta [the toll putting others first had; how similar yet so different her experiences were to those of Nicola], and her growth, self-understanding & self-actualisation
- questions of deeper understanding and personal change (and/or - seeing that which was always there, but you never saw);
- second chances and finding what's really meaningful/fulfilling (all-consuming love)
- it tied off the trilogy wonderfully - nailed the remaining plot threads/open questions from the prior books
October 6, 2025
No you don't understand, i absolutely ADORED this. Already had a soft spot for Geeta since tempting Olivia, but now Nicola has my heart. She was down BAD! 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
************
Re-read, still hits
May 10, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)
I knew I would enjoy this. From the time I finished the second instalment in this book, I KNEW we were being set up with a little hook to Geeta's story with Nichola, and I did indeed love it.
I feel that Clare Ashton is one of the few authors I would explicitly trust with a story about older women that factors in the kind of authentically complex family dynamics that come with this kind of story. It's much less complex to simply write about older women who never had kids (it me!) or whose kids have grown up and moved away and are simply less involved in their lives now. However, as evidences by another favorite of mine, The Goodmans, Clare Ashton always does a remarkable job of writing older women falling in love BUT including all the complexity of coming out late in life to their kids or how it would impact their still tightly-knit families because Clare Ashton's mother characters never stop mothering (something else that I find deeply endearing).
If I could change one thing about this book, it might be that Nichola and Geeta are smitten with each other right at the start. Given the end, I get why this is the case, and there is a certain romance to having quietly known and pined for a person for a long time, knowing that they are an emotional minefield for you, while keeping them at a distance. For the purpose of this book, however, it does feel a bit like we're barely in enemies-to-lovers territory at the beginning of the book before we leap into mutual attraction, friendship and subsequently love. That said, I also can't be mad at it because I do love a person who is viewed as somewhat cold and standoffish to everyone except their person in a romance.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, as I expected. I loved the fact that we have each of the main characters' bond with the other's daughter, and how they try to change their relationship with their own daughters as a result of this relationship. The end is also a satisfying conclusion to all three love stories in this series, so I'm highly satisfied with this and walked away crying a little and smiling a lot. Can't really ask for any more than that from a romance!
I knew I would enjoy this. From the time I finished the second instalment in this book, I KNEW we were being set up with a little hook to Geeta's story with Nichola, and I did indeed love it.
I feel that Clare Ashton is one of the few authors I would explicitly trust with a story about older women that factors in the kind of authentically complex family dynamics that come with this kind of story. It's much less complex to simply write about older women who never had kids (it me!) or whose kids have grown up and moved away and are simply less involved in their lives now. However, as evidences by another favorite of mine, The Goodmans, Clare Ashton always does a remarkable job of writing older women falling in love BUT including all the complexity of coming out late in life to their kids or how it would impact their still tightly-knit families because Clare Ashton's mother characters never stop mothering (something else that I find deeply endearing).
If I could change one thing about this book, it might be that Nichola and Geeta are smitten with each other right at the start. Given the end, I get why this is the case, and there is a certain romance to having quietly known and pined for a person for a long time, knowing that they are an emotional minefield for you, while keeping them at a distance. For the purpose of this book, however, it does feel a bit like we're barely in enemies-to-lovers territory at the beginning of the book before we leap into mutual attraction, friendship and subsequently love. That said, I also can't be mad at it because I do love a person who is viewed as somewhat cold and standoffish to everyone except their person in a romance.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, as I expected. I loved the fact that we have each of the main characters' bond with the other's daughter, and how they try to change their relationship with their own daughters as a result of this relationship. The end is also a satisfying conclusion to all three love stories in this series, so I'm highly satisfied with this and walked away crying a little and smiling a lot. Can't really ask for any more than that from a romance!
November 27, 2025
How much do I love this book!?! This series!?! It’s one of my all-time favorites. What a wonderful way to wrap it all up!
Nicola certainly surprised me in this volume. Ashton explored the good, the frustrating and the sexy. (Who knew?!) Geeta was the ultimate, patient melter to this delicious ice queen.
The continuation of Charlotte and Millie’s story - which started it all - was oh-so-satisfying as was the exploration of the relationship between Nicola and Charlotte. Very fun update on Olivia and Kate as well.
Beautifully, beautifully done. Loved every minute. And I need every book in paperback because the covers are sublime!
If you haven’t read these yet, move them WAY up your reading list. You’ll be so glad you did!
Update after audiobook listen:
Sublime. Truly. I think I may have loved the audiobook even more than the read. Narrator Shiloh Grey did a beautiful job with Nicola and Geeta's characters and I especially felt Nicola's longing in a big way. While Nicola is such a challenging character, Ashton and Grey managed to humanize her in a way that while you didn't always like what she did, you ultimately understood why she did it. It was very fun, very sexy and completely obvious that Ashton enjoyed the heck out of writing it.
I can't wait for what's next by this terrific writer!
Nicola certainly surprised me in this volume. Ashton explored the good, the frustrating and the sexy. (Who knew?!) Geeta was the ultimate, patient melter to this delicious ice queen.
The continuation of Charlotte and Millie’s story - which started it all - was oh-so-satisfying as was the exploration of the relationship between Nicola and Charlotte. Very fun update on Olivia and Kate as well.
Beautifully, beautifully done. Loved every minute. And I need every book in paperback because the covers are sublime!
If you haven’t read these yet, move them WAY up your reading list. You’ll be so glad you did!
Update after audiobook listen:
Sublime. Truly. I think I may have loved the audiobook even more than the read. Narrator Shiloh Grey did a beautiful job with Nicola and Geeta's characters and I especially felt Nicola's longing in a big way. While Nicola is such a challenging character, Ashton and Grey managed to humanize her in a way that while you didn't always like what she did, you ultimately understood why she did it. It was very fun, very sexy and completely obvious that Ashton enjoyed the heck out of writing it.
I can't wait for what's next by this terrific writer!
November 23, 2025
After her divorce, Nicola Albright, KC moves back to Oxford because it’s always been one of her favorite places. She’s been a high powered barrister in London, had a husband, and two daughters. Now, in her 50’s, she wants to see what life has in store for her now. Geeta Sachdeva has also recently divorced her own husband. Unlike Nicola, she spent most of her adult life staying at home to focus on her family and did not pursue an outside career even though she studied Biology at university.
I’m a big fan of this author and have read a few of her books. I tend to separate them as bangers like Meeting Millie and Poppy Jenkins with all the feels and squeals vs the more deep reads like The Tell Tale. To me, Discovering Nicola falls into the more thoughtful reads. Both Nicola and Geeta are at a stage in life where they have self knowledge and control of their lives. It’s a matter of choice now. The author writes a beautiful book about two older women who possess truth and an open road. I appreciate that the characters are drawn carefully so the romance that happens between Geeta and Nicola develops naturally. But what’s most powerful is seeing each character reexamine her life’s paths, finding regrets, pride, and acceptance. It’s a heady, introspective journey for both Geeta and Nicola. I do want to add that the romance is sweet and spicy. Plenty of good banter and humor as well. Charlotte, Nicola’s daughter, and Millie from Book 1 make strong appearances and play an important role in this book. Finally, the epilogue is chef’s kiss and ties together all three of the books. Shiloh Grey does a great job with the narration.
I’m a big fan of this author and have read a few of her books. I tend to separate them as bangers like Meeting Millie and Poppy Jenkins with all the feels and squeals vs the more deep reads like The Tell Tale. To me, Discovering Nicola falls into the more thoughtful reads. Both Nicola and Geeta are at a stage in life where they have self knowledge and control of their lives. It’s a matter of choice now. The author writes a beautiful book about two older women who possess truth and an open road. I appreciate that the characters are drawn carefully so the romance that happens between Geeta and Nicola develops naturally. But what’s most powerful is seeing each character reexamine her life’s paths, finding regrets, pride, and acceptance. It’s a heady, introspective journey for both Geeta and Nicola. I do want to add that the romance is sweet and spicy. Plenty of good banter and humor as well. Charlotte, Nicola’s daughter, and Millie from Book 1 make strong appearances and play an important role in this book. Finally, the epilogue is chef’s kiss and ties together all three of the books. Shiloh Grey does a great job with the narration.
October 27, 2025
I was not expecting this book and this pairing to be my favourites in the Oxford Romance trilogy but I should have realized that a mature couple like Nicola and Geeta would be in safe hands with a writer as talented as Clare Ashton. So many smiles, so much longing for something more, so much happiness.
A pleasure to read
A pleasure to read
August 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicola and Geeta are so cute!! Their chemistry had me hooked from the start, the enemies-to-lovers tension mixed with all the sweetness of two people slowly but surely falling for each other...gosh it was amazing!
Honestly, I’m fully crushing on Nicola myself, the tension she brings gives such strong milf vibes (and I am 100% here for it), and her ice queen behavior just added to the vibe. Meanwhile, Geeta is the gorgeous, kind, kinda girl-next-door type and I adored the balance between their energies. Watching both of them clearly crushing on the other while they didn’t speak of it at first and kinda pretended otherwise.
The writing is fantastic honestly, smooth, witty, and so relatable. The characters felt real: human, flawed, frustrating at times but in ways that made them feel alive, and I loved getting to know their stories. Also, it was such a treat to see characters from earlier books reappear and play important roles! I have to admit I haven’t read the previous books yet, so I did miss some of the background info, but this only made me more excited to go back and pick them up.
Overall, this was a super engaging and enjoyable read. Definitely recommended ♡
Nicola and Geeta are so cute!! Their chemistry had me hooked from the start, the enemies-to-lovers tension mixed with all the sweetness of two people slowly but surely falling for each other...gosh it was amazing!
Honestly, I’m fully crushing on Nicola myself, the tension she brings gives such strong milf vibes (and I am 100% here for it), and her ice queen behavior just added to the vibe. Meanwhile, Geeta is the gorgeous, kind, kinda girl-next-door type and I adored the balance between their energies. Watching both of them clearly crushing on the other while they didn’t speak of it at first and kinda pretended otherwise.
The writing is fantastic honestly, smooth, witty, and so relatable. The characters felt real: human, flawed, frustrating at times but in ways that made them feel alive, and I loved getting to know their stories. Also, it was such a treat to see characters from earlier books reappear and play important roles! I have to admit I haven’t read the previous books yet, so I did miss some of the background info, but this only made me more excited to go back and pick them up.
Overall, this was a super engaging and enjoyable read. Definitely recommended ♡
January 3, 2026
I waited too many months to read this, hoping to savour this series a little bit longer. I've loved this world, which for me is personal because of how Oxford this is (including a reference to the tiny, out-of-the-way street I lived on!). But to be honest, I wasn't sure how Clare Ashton was going to make this one work: a love story between two "straight" divorced women of a certain age whose kids are colleagues and best friends and who admire/cherish the other's mother. But it does! And Ashton's narrative answers a lot of the questions I had and then some. Plus, there's some nice spice to this, too, which was nice to see given the ages of the protagonists.
The love story is worth on its own, of course, but I Millie Banks will always be where my heart lies in this series, and there are so many great Millie moments that I was sated! I loved all the moments with Charlotte and Millie and Olivia and Kate. Ashton really gives us a lot here.
4.5 stars only because I spent a lot of time waiting to get Millie back in the narrative.
The love story is worth on its own, of course, but I Millie Banks will always be where my heart lies in this series, and there are so many great Millie moments that I was sated! I loved all the moments with Charlotte and Millie and Olivia and Kate. Ashton really gives us a lot here.
4.5 stars only because I spent a lot of time waiting to get Millie back in the narrative.
June 2, 2025
Read all three books in this series on a short holiday. Loved them. Fabulous characters and lovely stories. They left me with a warm and positive feeling. Though none of the characters are perfect and some even have pretty big flaws, they are described with such respect. Also their good sides are highlighted in a way that makes you root for them and like them all. Really great writing made me connect with these people and their lives and regret that this series seems to be finished and I won’t know how they’ll fare from now on.
Recommend
Recommend
May 27, 2025
I love it, I think it's the best in the series. Their witty banter and sizzling charisma not withstanding, what I love most is the strong families dynamic, biological or otherwise. Not to mention a chance to get a glimpse of previous couples' stories. Simply the best.
November 20, 2025
This is another enchanting story in Ashton's Oxford Romance series. Well written dialog and rambling (in the best way) descriptions of Nicola and Geeta's evolving relationship will leave you smiling. I find everything Ashton writes leaves me with a smile. Nicola and Geeta are not friendly. Arrogant Nicola and motherly Geeta are at crossroads in their middle-aged life and slowly come to a friendly truce. Along the way they find out love can happen at any age. I love the life that happens, mistakes made and families grow. I recommend everything Ashton writes. She is witty and oh so very English. 5 stars from my heart for this one.
May 8, 2025
I wanted to read a book about Nicola since reading the very first novel of the series. While I hoped for more of the "enemies to lovers" trope, Discovering Nicola didn't disappoint.
It's a cute and not too complicated story about two mature women who discover their mutual attraction. It's an explorative journey into what loving another woman means when you already lived half of your life as a mother, a career driven woman and a divorced woman looking to find true happiness for the first time and the love you always aspired to have.
Discovering Nicola is not only a romance about two polar opposite women, but it's also a novel about how parents and children navigate their relationship. It gives closure to the whole series with resolutions and coming to terms with a lot of acceptance and final understanding between all the main characters.
It's a 4.5 stars for me.
It's a cute and not too complicated story about two mature women who discover their mutual attraction. It's an explorative journey into what loving another woman means when you already lived half of your life as a mother, a career driven woman and a divorced woman looking to find true happiness for the first time and the love you always aspired to have.
Discovering Nicola is not only a romance about two polar opposite women, but it's also a novel about how parents and children navigate their relationship. It gives closure to the whole series with resolutions and coming to terms with a lot of acceptance and final understanding between all the main characters.
It's a 4.5 stars for me.
November 16, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a solid read.
Let’s start with Nicola. She’s a tough character to warm up to. Though she is successful, sharp, brilliant but at the same time she is emotionally closed off, especially when it comes to her daughter, Charlotte. It’s frustrating to watch her intellectualize everything while completely missing the emotional needs of the people around her, except perhaps Geeta. But the brilliance of Clare Ashton’s writing is that she never asks us to excuse Nicola. The internalized homophobia, the shame, the deep-rooted fear are all rooted in Nicola’s past and the times and surroundings she grew up in.
Somewhere in the book, you start to understand why Nicola is the way she is, even if you don’t always agree with her. That understanding builds slowly, and by the end, you find yourself hoping she figures things out. Not because she’s perfect, but because she’s trying.
Geeta, on the other hand, is pure heart. She’s warm, grounded, and the emotional glue of the story. Her capacity to care, her connection to food and family, and her resilience after divorce make her immediately likeable. She is there not only for her family but also for her daughter's friends who she has befriended. What stood out to me was how her softness is never treated as weakness. Geeta knows who she is, even when life throws uncertainty her way.
Their romance is kinda a slow burn. Tbh, I was skeptical at first. They’re such opposites, it was hard to imagine them ever making sense together. But Ashton lets their dynamic simmer with baggage, tension, and good amount of spice. And when it finally clicks, it really clicks. It feels believable, not because they magically fix each other, but because they learn to meet halfway.
Another element that really stood out was the way the book handles mother-daughter relationships. Nicola and Charlotte’s bond is complicated and often painful. Years of distance and misunderstanding have left scars that don’t heal easily. Charlotte has clearly internalized the feeling of being othered and unaccepted, and it’s heartbreaking. That slow, stumbling rebuild of trust was one of the most rewarding arcs in the book, even if Nicola’s growth sometimes felt a little sudden.
Then there’s Geeta and Olivia. Their relationship feels closer on the surface in this book as compared to the 2nd book, but there’s an ache beneath despite the closeness. The kind that comes with growing up and diverging paths. Olivia, in some ways, mirrors Nicola. She is strong-willed, independent, and not always easy to read. Those hugs between her and Geeta said more than words ever could. About pride, love, and the bittersweetness of watching your child become someone you don’t always fully understand.
We get little glimpses of familiar faces from the previous books, which is a lovely reward for longtime readers of the series. What really elevated the ending for me was how Ashton tied everything together. The final chapters offer glimpses from everyone’s perspectives. Charlotte and Millie, Olivia and Kate. It brought the entire series full circle in a way that felt warm and complete. If you’ve read the earlier books, this closing arc feels like coming home.
Yes, Nicola’s turnaround might feel a little too sudden and rushed. But Ashton doesn’t erase the mess. She simply shows what happens when people choose to face it and grow from it rather than be defined by it. And that’s what makes the ending feel earned, not forced.
Discovering Nicola isn’t exactly a sweeping romance. It’s a story about showing up better, about parenting and queerness and the ways adults fail and try again. Basically, a satisfying close to a trilogy.
This was a solid read.
Let’s start with Nicola. She’s a tough character to warm up to. Though she is successful, sharp, brilliant but at the same time she is emotionally closed off, especially when it comes to her daughter, Charlotte. It’s frustrating to watch her intellectualize everything while completely missing the emotional needs of the people around her, except perhaps Geeta. But the brilliance of Clare Ashton’s writing is that she never asks us to excuse Nicola. The internalized homophobia, the shame, the deep-rooted fear are all rooted in Nicola’s past and the times and surroundings she grew up in.
Somewhere in the book, you start to understand why Nicola is the way she is, even if you don’t always agree with her. That understanding builds slowly, and by the end, you find yourself hoping she figures things out. Not because she’s perfect, but because she’s trying.
Geeta, on the other hand, is pure heart. She’s warm, grounded, and the emotional glue of the story. Her capacity to care, her connection to food and family, and her resilience after divorce make her immediately likeable. She is there not only for her family but also for her daughter's friends who she has befriended. What stood out to me was how her softness is never treated as weakness. Geeta knows who she is, even when life throws uncertainty her way.
Their romance is kinda a slow burn. Tbh, I was skeptical at first. They’re such opposites, it was hard to imagine them ever making sense together. But Ashton lets their dynamic simmer with baggage, tension, and good amount of spice. And when it finally clicks, it really clicks. It feels believable, not because they magically fix each other, but because they learn to meet halfway.
Another element that really stood out was the way the book handles mother-daughter relationships. Nicola and Charlotte’s bond is complicated and often painful. Years of distance and misunderstanding have left scars that don’t heal easily. Charlotte has clearly internalized the feeling of being othered and unaccepted, and it’s heartbreaking. That slow, stumbling rebuild of trust was one of the most rewarding arcs in the book, even if Nicola’s growth sometimes felt a little sudden.
Then there’s Geeta and Olivia. Their relationship feels closer on the surface in this book as compared to the 2nd book, but there’s an ache beneath despite the closeness. The kind that comes with growing up and diverging paths. Olivia, in some ways, mirrors Nicola. She is strong-willed, independent, and not always easy to read. Those hugs between her and Geeta said more than words ever could. About pride, love, and the bittersweetness of watching your child become someone you don’t always fully understand.
We get little glimpses of familiar faces from the previous books, which is a lovely reward for longtime readers of the series. What really elevated the ending for me was how Ashton tied everything together. The final chapters offer glimpses from everyone’s perspectives. Charlotte and Millie, Olivia and Kate. It brought the entire series full circle in a way that felt warm and complete. If you’ve read the earlier books, this closing arc feels like coming home.
Yes, Nicola’s turnaround might feel a little too sudden and rushed. But Ashton doesn’t erase the mess. She simply shows what happens when people choose to face it and grow from it rather than be defined by it. And that’s what makes the ending feel earned, not forced.
Discovering Nicola isn’t exactly a sweeping romance. It’s a story about showing up better, about parenting and queerness and the ways adults fail and try again. Basically, a satisfying close to a trilogy.
May 22, 2025
⚡It's @rclareashton at her best!!
It's definitely 6 stars for me 💫
This book💋
I constantly went from "I can't put it down, just one more chapter" to "I don't want it to end!! Slow it down!!"
There really is something about being back in the world of Oxford and the fabulous ladies Clare has created.
The writing as usual is clever, witty & beautifully crafted.
The tension that builds between Geeta & Nicola jumps off the pages....
Feisty Geeta, with her deep brown eyes blazing, often at Nicola 😂 and the sultry purring come backs from Nicola trying to get a rise out of her 😂 are so descriptive you can see every smirk crossing her face....
You can literally feel your own breath catch at times with the way their chemistry comes across the pages, the way they look at each other or the tones used, the love , the tenderness & the spice ❤️🔥.
I love the fact that neither of them are shy about their bodies or lack of confidence in the bedroom ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
And it's fabulous to see the real side of Nicola!... The things she's had to sacrifice to keep her family afloat, her want to understand her youngest daughter better and wanting only good things for her.
We get to see a sexy sultry side of her, and a deeply softer side ....We all know when she wants something she gets it and is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.... But can she get Geeta? 😏
I genuinely wish this book could have gone on and on...
Maybe??? Maybe we can beg Clare to do a follow up for all the fabulous Oxford Ladies in the future 😜
⚡“Are you two trying to fight...” Annie’s frown deepened, “...with compliments?”
💫💫💫💫💫💫
It's definitely 6 stars for me 💫
This book💋
I constantly went from "I can't put it down, just one more chapter" to "I don't want it to end!! Slow it down!!"
There really is something about being back in the world of Oxford and the fabulous ladies Clare has created.
The writing as usual is clever, witty & beautifully crafted.
The tension that builds between Geeta & Nicola jumps off the pages....
Feisty Geeta, with her deep brown eyes blazing, often at Nicola 😂 and the sultry purring come backs from Nicola trying to get a rise out of her 😂 are so descriptive you can see every smirk crossing her face....
You can literally feel your own breath catch at times with the way their chemistry comes across the pages, the way they look at each other or the tones used, the love , the tenderness & the spice ❤️🔥.
I love the fact that neither of them are shy about their bodies or lack of confidence in the bedroom ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
And it's fabulous to see the real side of Nicola!... The things she's had to sacrifice to keep her family afloat, her want to understand her youngest daughter better and wanting only good things for her.
We get to see a sexy sultry side of her, and a deeply softer side ....We all know when she wants something she gets it and is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.... But can she get Geeta? 😏
I genuinely wish this book could have gone on and on...
Maybe??? Maybe we can beg Clare to do a follow up for all the fabulous Oxford Ladies in the future 😜
⚡“Are you two trying to fight...” Annie’s frown deepened, “...with compliments?”
💫💫💫💫💫💫
May 12, 2025
I so adored this. Best one of the series.
Wow, I was so excited to read this one but did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was lovely reading a romance about women in their 50s who are more understanding of their desires and needs.
I know so many women who've done what they were raised to do because that's just what you did back then: got married to a man, had kids, and went on with life, but when they got older, learned that they were allowed to be happy too, and then went after that happiness and truth and are now with women they love and will spend the remainder of their lives with. It was so refreshing to read something that portrayed that very real experience.
It was fantastic getting to know Nicola and Geeta more deeply and to learn who they really are outside of the glimpses from the other books. Clare Ashton really outdid herself with this one, it's so fun, witty, sweet and sexy. Again, adored it. This is a book I will be coming back to from time to time.
Wow, I was so excited to read this one but did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was lovely reading a romance about women in their 50s who are more understanding of their desires and needs.
I know so many women who've done what they were raised to do because that's just what you did back then: got married to a man, had kids, and went on with life, but when they got older, learned that they were allowed to be happy too, and then went after that happiness and truth and are now with women they love and will spend the remainder of their lives with. It was so refreshing to read something that portrayed that very real experience.
It was fantastic getting to know Nicola and Geeta more deeply and to learn who they really are outside of the glimpses from the other books. Clare Ashton really outdid herself with this one, it's so fun, witty, sweet and sexy. Again, adored it. This is a book I will be coming back to from time to time.
May 8, 2025
Editing to add a thought at the bottom that’s been annoying me since I finished book…
ORIGINAL REVIEW…
Wow. So many emotions. What an end to the series!
I was intrigued by Nicola since book 1 and absolutely loved this thorough journey of discovery. Nicola discovering herself whilst also allowing others to see her more vulnerable… Nicola Albright KC is a true lover girl.
And Geeta- has there ever been a warmer character written? Her positivity and zest for life always pulled me to her. Their chemistry was tangible and truly jumped off the page. Their maturity allowed for such open and honest communication. They were able to show up to each other completely raw and unfiltered. The sparring and sexual tension added so much lightness and fun.
I found this book to be such a celebration of womanhood. Painting complex characters, touched by trauma, expectations, societal pressures and all of life’s experiences. I’m so aware that I keep wanting to dive into lists but Ashton manages to capture so many key themes and events. It’s incredibly captivating and relatable. And wow, the depiction of motherhood that runs through the whole series. Imperfect women trying their best to love and support daughters who are so different to them. The responsibility mothers feel to keep the family and home together, losing their own identity to that of ‘mum’. How beautiful it was to see three different generations of mothers. A lifetime of love and worry. I feel such a lust for life and appreciation for family after reading.
My rating is definitely heightened by the fact that this rounded out a very good series. Highly recommend reading the books in order so when you get to this one you are attached to all character and can laugh and cry along. There were a couple of small errors and a few repeated phrases which niggled at me but overall, Ashton’s writing excels at pulling you in and is filled with detail.
Discovering Nicola is full of love, fear, regret and, most importantly, hope. It’s never too late to start again and it’s never too late to find your happy ending. The differing POVs from all previous main characters at the end was such a beautiful way to sign off this Oxford Romance series.
In the days since finishing this book it’s been grating me that I really didn’t enjoy the depiction and handling of ADHD in this. I understand that Nicola was actually acting from worry - and that this is just some people’s attitude/ ignorance regarding ADHD anyway - but I just couldn’t believe the way she would talk about and to her daughter. Especially after multiple epiphanies and heartfelt conversations. The way Charlotte spoke about herself broke my heart too. Far too much emphasis on her being a mess or incapable. It’s like it was annoying and exasperating to make the effort and considerations for Charlotte but not so much for any other character- for example, around Olivia’s neurodiversity. Everything with Charlotte was still said and done with an eye roll. I was happy to see that Charlotte stood up for herself and has lots of healthy coping mechanisms but the dialogue surrounding it all was just uncomfortable. Maybe needed to show that some people with ADHD struggle and are not met with support and understanding but it just frustrated me throughout the book.
ORIGINAL REVIEW…
Wow. So many emotions. What an end to the series!
I was intrigued by Nicola since book 1 and absolutely loved this thorough journey of discovery. Nicola discovering herself whilst also allowing others to see her more vulnerable… Nicola Albright KC is a true lover girl.
And Geeta- has there ever been a warmer character written? Her positivity and zest for life always pulled me to her. Their chemistry was tangible and truly jumped off the page. Their maturity allowed for such open and honest communication. They were able to show up to each other completely raw and unfiltered. The sparring and sexual tension added so much lightness and fun.
I found this book to be such a celebration of womanhood. Painting complex characters, touched by trauma, expectations, societal pressures and all of life’s experiences. I’m so aware that I keep wanting to dive into lists but Ashton manages to capture so many key themes and events. It’s incredibly captivating and relatable. And wow, the depiction of motherhood that runs through the whole series. Imperfect women trying their best to love and support daughters who are so different to them. The responsibility mothers feel to keep the family and home together, losing their own identity to that of ‘mum’. How beautiful it was to see three different generations of mothers. A lifetime of love and worry. I feel such a lust for life and appreciation for family after reading.
My rating is definitely heightened by the fact that this rounded out a very good series. Highly recommend reading the books in order so when you get to this one you are attached to all character and can laugh and cry along. There were a couple of small errors and a few repeated phrases which niggled at me but overall, Ashton’s writing excels at pulling you in and is filled with detail.
Discovering Nicola is full of love, fear, regret and, most importantly, hope. It’s never too late to start again and it’s never too late to find your happy ending. The differing POVs from all previous main characters at the end was such a beautiful way to sign off this Oxford Romance series.
In the days since finishing this book it’s been grating me that I really didn’t enjoy the depiction and handling of ADHD in this. I understand that Nicola was actually acting from worry - and that this is just some people’s attitude/ ignorance regarding ADHD anyway - but I just couldn’t believe the way she would talk about and to her daughter. Especially after multiple epiphanies and heartfelt conversations. The way Charlotte spoke about herself broke my heart too. Far too much emphasis on her being a mess or incapable. It’s like it was annoying and exasperating to make the effort and considerations for Charlotte but not so much for any other character- for example, around Olivia’s neurodiversity. Everything with Charlotte was still said and done with an eye roll. I was happy to see that Charlotte stood up for herself and has lots of healthy coping mechanisms but the dialogue surrounding it all was just uncomfortable. Maybe needed to show that some people with ADHD struggle and are not met with support and understanding but it just frustrated me throughout the book.
May 9, 2025
This third book in the Oxford series follows Geeta and Nicola, the fifty-somethings and mothers of two of the MCs from the previous two books. Geeta and Nicola have known each other since their daughters became friends at college some 15 years ago. They don't like each other. But things aren't always what they seem.
This is a romance about growing and glowing. About powerfull, strong, yet vulnarable women. About change, acceptance, being content, happy and seen. About family and so much love. All organically tangled up in a beautiful story. A finale to the previous two books in this series.
You can perfectly read this as a stand alone. But I would really read all three books if I were you, because they're all sooo great.
Beautiful! 5+⭐️
This is a romance about growing and glowing. About powerfull, strong, yet vulnarable women. About change, acceptance, being content, happy and seen. About family and so much love. All organically tangled up in a beautiful story. A finale to the previous two books in this series.
You can perfectly read this as a stand alone. But I would really read all three books if I were you, because they're all sooo great.
Beautiful! 5+⭐️
May 9, 2025
Read on a 4 hour train journey which should have taken 1, so might have unfairly blamed CA! Bringing strands and family together & would certainly recommend reading books 1 & 2 first.
May 6, 2025
That’s what I thought, as great as I expected!
We need more stories like this!
We need more stories like this!
May 5, 2025
thawing the ultimate ice queen
I think of the series, this one is my favorite, though I enjoyed them all. And it was nice to see Geata happy.
I think of the series, this one is my favorite, though I enjoyed them all. And it was nice to see Geata happy.
May 14, 2025
4.5*
July 7, 2025
AAAAAAHHHHH I predicted it, and I'm soooo glad it's here.
Honestly I loved everything about it, but especially the last chapter!
This book is technically a standalone, but I would advise you to read 'Meeting Millie' and 'Tempting Olivia' first. Since the story builds on event that happened in these books. And also because they are amazing and I would love to read more about these characters.
There are so many side characters, that I'd like to see in love or at least see their story, while staying in this world a bit longer. (Bryony, maybe? Liz?)
Honestly I loved everything about it, but especially the last chapter!
This book is technically a standalone, but I would advise you to read 'Meeting Millie' and 'Tempting Olivia' first. Since the story builds on event that happened in these books. And also because they are amazing and I would love to read more about these characters.
There are so many side characters, that I'd like to see in love or at least see their story, while staying in this world a bit longer. (Bryony, maybe? Liz?)
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