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Romancing Oxford #1
Oxford Wild
I came to Oxford eager to learn, but it’s my haughty professor who needs a lesson.
CEDAR My name is Cedar Wild—wild by name, wild by nature. I arrived at Oxford straight from my family’s off-grid log cabin deep in the Canadian forest. Intimidating? Absolutely. But if I can run a trapline and butcher a moose, I can adapt to student life at the world’s most illustrious university. Right?I hadn’t bargained on my barely-older-than-me advisor, Alfred, Lord Invernay. On my first night in Oxford, I help him out of a mortifying situation. By all accounts, this brilliant, rugby-playing academic should make a much-needed friend. Instead, he treats me like a pebble in his brogues. Sure, the air snaps with electricity every time we’re in a room together, but he’s obsessed with rules—especially the proper respect due to him as a newly minted Oxford faculty member. Let’s just say reverence is not exactly what he gets from me.
ALFIE It's obvious Cedar has never encountered a rule in her life, much less followed one. She needs taming if she's going to put her right foot forward at Oxford. Thanks to College orders that unenviable task is mine. Good grief, this should be interesting.Oxford Wild is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance. Fasten your seatbelts for the culture clash to end all culture clashes within the dreaming spires of Oxford University. New World vs. Old World. Who will prevail?
CEDAR My name is Cedar Wild—wild by name, wild by nature. I arrived at Oxford straight from my family’s off-grid log cabin deep in the Canadian forest. Intimidating? Absolutely. But if I can run a trapline and butcher a moose, I can adapt to student life at the world’s most illustrious university. Right?I hadn’t bargained on my barely-older-than-me advisor, Alfred, Lord Invernay. On my first night in Oxford, I help him out of a mortifying situation. By all accounts, this brilliant, rugby-playing academic should make a much-needed friend. Instead, he treats me like a pebble in his brogues. Sure, the air snaps with electricity every time we’re in a room together, but he’s obsessed with rules—especially the proper respect due to him as a newly minted Oxford faculty member. Let’s just say reverence is not exactly what he gets from me.
ALFIE It's obvious Cedar has never encountered a rule in her life, much less followed one. She needs taming if she's going to put her right foot forward at Oxford. Thanks to College orders that unenviable task is mine. Good grief, this should be interesting.Oxford Wild is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance. Fasten your seatbelts for the culture clash to end all culture clashes within the dreaming spires of Oxford University. New World vs. Old World. Who will prevail?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2021
149 people are currently reading
2766 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradbury
22 books343 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 131 reviews
January 16, 2022
I picked this up on a whim after seeing the pretty cover. And I'm glad I did! Following Cedar and Alfie, it's an opposites attract, slightly forbidden romance set at Oxford University. Filled with medieval literature studies and royal scandals, this story was so nerdy, fun, and unique.
Raised off-grid in Canada, Cedar has lived an isolated life with her bear researcher parents. Fumbling through rules and regulations at Oxford, I loved her bold, resilient energy. The pairing with Alfie, Lord Invernay and Junior Thesis Advisor, was so sweet. And funny!
Desperate for a life of predictability, one without the constant shadow of family scandals, Alfie was a stickler with a precious soft side. With Cedar raised in such a detached, unloving manner, it was super heartwarming to see her experience the idea of someone truly caring for her. I absolutely adored these two together.
Raised off-grid in Canada, Cedar has lived an isolated life with her bear researcher parents. Fumbling through rules and regulations at Oxford, I loved her bold, resilient energy. The pairing with Alfie, Lord Invernay and Junior Thesis Advisor, was so sweet. And funny!
Desperate for a life of predictability, one without the constant shadow of family scandals, Alfie was a stickler with a precious soft side. With Cedar raised in such a detached, unloving manner, it was super heartwarming to see her experience the idea of someone truly caring for her. I absolutely adored these two together.
May 18, 2022
Picked this up because it’s set in Oxford, so manifesting or whatever, but I retract that. I do not want to manifest this story whatsoever. Genuinely struggled to read this.
At the top: I HATE POWER IMBALANCE STORIES. I don’t care that he’s only two years older. He’s her TUTOR. That’s a position of power wherein he can influence her academic career most directly. A relationship in this context is wildly inappropriate, and the power dynamic is incredibly problematic. This is not some insignificant power hierarchy—it’s OXFORD and her entire graduate program. I don’t care that he’s her junior advisor rather than a professor—he directly supervises her thesis and has tutorials wherein he instructs her. Instead of actually discussing the power dynamic, they flippantly brush off everyone else’s concern as antiquated. No, it’s not just tradition and misogyny… it’s a problematic power inequality? Knocked a star off an otherwise 2-star read.
Again, this feels like someone who’s never been to Oxford trying to create the atmosphere of Oxford. I know that the author actually took law tutorials at Oxford, but less than capturing the setting, the book took every opportunity to shove in your face--oxFoRD look at this oXfORd tradition!
The writing made me seriously cringe every few pages. I had to force myself to finish.
Completely brushing over the fact that Cedar’s parents were entirely NEGLECTFUL. Like, could be legally prosecuted, NEGLECTFUL. Never adequately addressed.
I don’t think we actually ever saw their relationship develop, rather we were told that the two were just drawn to each other inexplicably. Cool, they’re two attractive people. Great. Anything else? We do not see why they actually like each other, and we’re told they have chemistry instead of being shown that.
Cedar’s a pick-me. From her name to her peculiar background to her judgment of other women, she is a pick-me. The first two are bearable, but in combination with the third, absolutely not. It felt like the author was finding every outlet possible to emphasize that Cedar’s “not like the other girls."
At the top: I HATE POWER IMBALANCE STORIES. I don’t care that he’s only two years older. He’s her TUTOR. That’s a position of power wherein he can influence her academic career most directly. A relationship in this context is wildly inappropriate, and the power dynamic is incredibly problematic. This is not some insignificant power hierarchy—it’s OXFORD and her entire graduate program. I don’t care that he’s her junior advisor rather than a professor—he directly supervises her thesis and has tutorials wherein he instructs her. Instead of actually discussing the power dynamic, they flippantly brush off everyone else’s concern as antiquated. No, it’s not just tradition and misogyny… it’s a problematic power inequality? Knocked a star off an otherwise 2-star read.
Again, this feels like someone who’s never been to Oxford trying to create the atmosphere of Oxford. I know that the author actually took law tutorials at Oxford, but less than capturing the setting, the book took every opportunity to shove in your face--oxFoRD look at this oXfORd tradition!
The writing made me seriously cringe every few pages. I had to force myself to finish.
Completely brushing over the fact that Cedar’s parents were entirely NEGLECTFUL. Like, could be legally prosecuted, NEGLECTFUL. Never adequately addressed.
I don’t think we actually ever saw their relationship develop, rather we were told that the two were just drawn to each other inexplicably. Cool, they’re two attractive people. Great. Anything else? We do not see why they actually like each other, and we’re told they have chemistry instead of being shown that.
Cedar’s a pick-me. From her name to her peculiar background to her judgment of other women, she is a pick-me. The first two are bearable, but in combination with the third, absolutely not. It felt like the author was finding every outlet possible to emphasize that Cedar’s “not like the other girls."
December 10, 2021
This book was a beautiful escape to the life of quirky college students at Oxford University. Laura Bradbury encapsulated the point of views of two incredibly different people and twisted them up into a lovely story. There were surprises and twists all throughout the novel keeping the reader on their toes. I especially loved reading from the point of view of Cedar, a young woman who grew up in a unique place and has such beautiful ideals about life and how to live it. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a glimpse of life at an old, high level university while keeping up with the drama that comes with an opposites attract kind of romance and a hilarious group of sideline characters.
July 29, 2022
Don't read this. Please.
January 18, 2023
I really did not enjoy this book. Felt like I was reading a YA book the entire time, and I could not get hooked—I really had to power through it so I could just finish it.😭
February 4, 2022
*huge thanks to laura bradbury for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review!*
~
tropes: ~slight~ forbidden romance, grumpy x sunshine, academic vibes
~
first of all, i'm glad that i was able to read this book because it's like a hidden gem. cedar arrived in oxford without any knowledge of how the world works because of her isolated life and her parents weren't really involved in her life because they preferred the bears over her. regardless, her personality was bold and fun. she met and saved alfie from the paparazzi on her first day. she was the only person who was brave enough to do such thing. their backstories were just amazingly written.
~
overall, i really enjoyed reading this. it's like a breath of fresh air. i knew that it's a great book because i couldn't stop reading it. i just want more alfie and cedar! i highly recommend this if you're looking for a light and quick read! :)
~
tropes: ~slight~ forbidden romance, grumpy x sunshine, academic vibes
~
first of all, i'm glad that i was able to read this book because it's like a hidden gem. cedar arrived in oxford without any knowledge of how the world works because of her isolated life and her parents weren't really involved in her life because they preferred the bears over her. regardless, her personality was bold and fun. she met and saved alfie from the paparazzi on her first day. she was the only person who was brave enough to do such thing. their backstories were just amazingly written.
~
overall, i really enjoyed reading this. it's like a breath of fresh air. i knew that it's a great book because i couldn't stop reading it. i just want more alfie and cedar! i highly recommend this if you're looking for a light and quick read! :)
January 12, 2022
I love reading such undiscovered gems. It was funny, fluffy and fascinating.
Cedar arrives at Oxford straight from her isolated cabin-in-the-woods life to study literature. On her first day itself she meets & saves a man, Alfie-who happens to be a Duke & her not so old advisor- from paparazzi. It's an instant connection at first sight but Alfie's mood swings around her leaves more confused that ever.
The characteristics of the duo & their pairing couldn't be more perfect. And to call it an opposites attract romance would be an understatement. They were as opposites as fire & ice yet as alike as heartbeats.
This also had a touch of grumpy/sunshine trope to it.
I loved both Cedae & Alfie's backstories; of what they are today. Their relationship made sense & did their fears, dreams & hopes. Both lonely before they met each other found someone to share all their emotions & experiences with.
A swoony, hot, sweet & eccentric romance that made my heart melt.
Cedar arrives at Oxford straight from her isolated cabin-in-the-woods life to study literature. On her first day itself she meets & saves a man, Alfie-who happens to be a Duke & her not so old advisor- from paparazzi. It's an instant connection at first sight but Alfie's mood swings around her leaves more confused that ever.
The characteristics of the duo & their pairing couldn't be more perfect. And to call it an opposites attract romance would be an understatement. They were as opposites as fire & ice yet as alike as heartbeats.
This also had a touch of grumpy/sunshine trope to it.
I loved both Cedae & Alfie's backstories; of what they are today. Their relationship made sense & did their fears, dreams & hopes. Both lonely before they met each other found someone to share all their emotions & experiences with.
A swoony, hot, sweet & eccentric romance that made my heart melt.
July 25, 2022
4.5⭐
I don't have many words to describe how much I enjoyed this book.
Alfie is >>>>>. I get stressed by him a couple of times because he was so blind about Professor Harris, but the rest of the book, I loved him.
I like Cedar's personality and how she was growing with the pass of the book. Her inocent and her courage in the different situations Alfie and her have passed through, was admirable in all the words.
I definitely will read again this book again. Why? Was adorable and make me feel fine about what love is.
Hope one day find someone like Alfie. Too imperfect that is perfect.
I don't have many words to describe how much I enjoyed this book.
Alfie is >>>>>. I get stressed by him a couple of times because he was so blind about Professor Harris, but the rest of the book, I loved him.
I like Cedar's personality and how she was growing with the pass of the book. Her inocent and her courage in the different situations Alfie and her have passed through, was admirable in all the words.
I definitely will read again this book again. Why? Was adorable and make me feel fine about what love is.
Hope one day find someone like Alfie. Too imperfect that is perfect.
December 12, 2021
I love this book. In fact, I loved it so much I know I will read it a again. The first time I just couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The second time, I intend to savor it. Yes! It is that good a book.
Now, if you are looking for a play by play detail of the plot of this novel, you should probably move on to the next review because I don’t do that. Instead, I talk about how books make me FEEL and this one did not disappoint. While reading Oxford Wild I laughed, I was surprised, I was entertained (enormously) I was incredulous (is Oxford really like that?) and I was completely and utterly charmed - by the story, the characters, and the imagery. There were some paragraphs I read over and over because they were just that beautifully evocative. And the real test, when I had to put the book down to some something else, I couldn’t WAIT to get back to it. That is my ultimate test of a great book.
Do yourself a favor, buy this book and devote a few hours to completely enjoying a fascinating story and fine piece of writing.
Now, if you are looking for a play by play detail of the plot of this novel, you should probably move on to the next review because I don’t do that. Instead, I talk about how books make me FEEL and this one did not disappoint. While reading Oxford Wild I laughed, I was surprised, I was entertained (enormously) I was incredulous (is Oxford really like that?) and I was completely and utterly charmed - by the story, the characters, and the imagery. There were some paragraphs I read over and over because they were just that beautifully evocative. And the real test, when I had to put the book down to some something else, I couldn’t WAIT to get back to it. That is my ultimate test of a great book.
Do yourself a favor, buy this book and devote a few hours to completely enjoying a fascinating story and fine piece of writing.
October 11, 2022
5 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
I really liked this story. Maybe it's not the best one but for me it was extremely enjoyable.
I loved the contrast between Cedar's sunshine personality and Alfie's grumpy one. His personality starts changing when he gets to know Cedar and his affection for her develops. Their interactions were enjoyable and I loved the tension between them hahahaha. Also it was very lovely when they started sharing their own childhood bad experiences and they began to understand each other more and more.
Finally, I just want to say: the library scene 😳🔥 was unexpected but sooo goood.
I really liked this story. Maybe it's not the best one but for me it was extremely enjoyable.
I loved the contrast between Cedar's sunshine personality and Alfie's grumpy one. His personality starts changing when he gets to know Cedar and his affection for her develops. Their interactions were enjoyable and I loved the tension between them hahahaha. Also it was very lovely when they started sharing their own childhood bad experiences and they began to understand each other more and more.
Finally, I just want to say: the library scene 😳🔥 was unexpected but sooo goood.
January 6, 2022
I loved every single book in Laura Bradbury’s Grape series…
I am disappointed in this one. It was a real life fairytale scenario but the dialog felt contrived & did not fit the intellect of the characters. And the attempt to wrap it all up with “moral of the story/lessons learned” fell short for me.
I am disappointed in this one. It was a real life fairytale scenario but the dialog felt contrived & did not fit the intellect of the characters. And the attempt to wrap it all up with “moral of the story/lessons learned” fell short for me.
June 13, 2022
The plot was so intriguing but sadly the execution could not satisfy me. There was no chemistry between characters and it felt like everyone was in their own bubbles. Would have enjoyed reading about Cedar adjusting to Oxford more instead of Alfie's useless thoughts.
March 21, 2022
If this isn't a case of polar opposites, I don't know what is. The only thing Cedar and Alfie have in common is an overwhelming sense of aloneness. There are very few people in either's corner. Both are extremely interesting characters and their immediate chemistry is somewhat overwhelming.
I found Alfie to be an easier character to understand. His aloofness, desire for perfection, fear of rejection or slander made sense. Cedar, on the other hand, should have been far more interesting. She's essentially raised on her own in the middle of nowhere Canada with bears and trees for friends. Her worldliness was odd. I would have expected her to be far more naïve and bookish. Instead, she seems to know how to deal with all people in any given situation. Her character growth could have been enormous but it happened in the blink of an eye without much rhyme or reason.
Thank you to the author for the e-copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I found Alfie to be an easier character to understand. His aloofness, desire for perfection, fear of rejection or slander made sense. Cedar, on the other hand, should have been far more interesting. She's essentially raised on her own in the middle of nowhere Canada with bears and trees for friends. Her worldliness was odd. I would have expected her to be far more naïve and bookish. Instead, she seems to know how to deal with all people in any given situation. Her character growth could have been enormous but it happened in the blink of an eye without much rhyme or reason.
Thank you to the author for the e-copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
September 19, 2022
It’s a enemy’s to lovers story at least at the beginning because Alfie and Cedar are so different from each other that they don’t know how to act so their relationship starts with wrong firsts impressions but quickly evolves to being attracted to one another.
I like this author, I think she writes different stories and characters, and this book is very different from what I’ve read, I just wish she could give more romance and steamy scenes because sometimes it feels like it’s missing a chapter. I get it’s a slow burn but when they get together, it’s very brief. But overall it’s a good romance, to relax, laugh a little and be like “awnnnn so sweet this too” for a moment.
P.S: because the hero is a Lord who grew up in Scotland, the language is a bit difficult to understand (at least for me since English is not my native language) but not impossible.
I like this author, I think she writes different stories and characters, and this book is very different from what I’ve read, I just wish she could give more romance and steamy scenes because sometimes it feels like it’s missing a chapter. I get it’s a slow burn but when they get together, it’s very brief. But overall it’s a good romance, to relax, laugh a little and be like “awnnnn so sweet this too” for a moment.
P.S: because the hero is a Lord who grew up in Scotland, the language is a bit difficult to understand (at least for me since English is not my native language) but not impossible.
June 26, 2023
i finally finished this thing... and i have /thoughts/. firstly, i wish i had read this before i lived in oxford because i would not have the reality of what going to oxford was really like. i get that the author was most likely trying to make it a bit more romanticized which would've been effective prior to me moving there, but on the other side, i found it incredibly cheesy to the point where it became a bit cringy. like seriously, it was so stereotypical that it gave me chest pains ffs - "cedar wild" a canadian gal whose parents are BEAR RESEARCHERS and alfie who is a LORD? who is just so stereotypically BRITISH? that being said, i miss oxford so much that it hurts. this book was cute and did help ease some of the homesickness i feel. it wasn't bad by any means it was just incredibly stereotypical that i wanted to pull my teeth out.
December 21, 2021
Our household is a fan of Laura and her writing. Oxford Wild is our first experience of reading outside her My Grape series and what a joy!
Yes, the book is as advertised: “Oxford Wild is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance.”
And so much more!
There is mystery, surprise, plot twists and turns, all adding texture to an already wonderful reading experience.
Something my beloved and I really like is Cedar as a true-north character. Her integrity, intelligence, strength, courage, authenticity, and wisdom are striking and inspiring. Cedar is refreshing. What a light she shines on contemporary culture, its values, norms, etc.
We are struck by the character development in Oxford Wild. As the story unfolds, layer upon layer of each character is revealed. This is so noticeable in Alfie and Cedar who as they learn how to be understanding and forgiving of the other, grow in understanding of themselves, grow in their love, and grow their bond.
There are so many things to share about each of the characters and the interesting ways we get to know them. Since that would take a long time, we pick one even though she appears infrequently in the novel–the Warden of Beaufort College.
To complete this thought: it is interesting to note what readers bring from their life experience to an author’s work. For example, I have and continue to work with academic leaders around the country. While the Warden in Oxford Wild does not take up a lot of space, I was struck by how just a few of Laura’s sentences can reveal important qualities in leadership that capture an academic role model for contemporary times.
Having lived in Oxford for a while, Laura's descriptions of the city and the college environment vividly take me back. Her descriptions were so engaging it prompted us to look up online the pubs, streets, shops, and other locations frequented in Oxford Wild.
Typically, we much enjoy reading Laura’s books out loud.
What a great way for us to enjoy Oxford Wild … and we recommend it!
We laughed, we worried, we hoped for Alfie and Cedar, and we reflected on our love as their love and romance grew. We couldn’t stop reading.
Laura’s body of work reveals insight and wisdom about living a life well, while at the same time being fun, engaging, surprising, and simply a delight.
If you want a fun read that is also suspenseful, surprising, and meaningful, Oxford Wild is a great choice this holiday season and any time of year!
Yes, the book is as advertised: “Oxford Wild is an enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, SLOW-BURN (but steamy!) romance.”
And so much more!
There is mystery, surprise, plot twists and turns, all adding texture to an already wonderful reading experience.
Something my beloved and I really like is Cedar as a true-north character. Her integrity, intelligence, strength, courage, authenticity, and wisdom are striking and inspiring. Cedar is refreshing. What a light she shines on contemporary culture, its values, norms, etc.
We are struck by the character development in Oxford Wild. As the story unfolds, layer upon layer of each character is revealed. This is so noticeable in Alfie and Cedar who as they learn how to be understanding and forgiving of the other, grow in understanding of themselves, grow in their love, and grow their bond.
There are so many things to share about each of the characters and the interesting ways we get to know them. Since that would take a long time, we pick one even though she appears infrequently in the novel–the Warden of Beaufort College.
To complete this thought: it is interesting to note what readers bring from their life experience to an author’s work. For example, I have and continue to work with academic leaders around the country. While the Warden in Oxford Wild does not take up a lot of space, I was struck by how just a few of Laura’s sentences can reveal important qualities in leadership that capture an academic role model for contemporary times.
Having lived in Oxford for a while, Laura's descriptions of the city and the college environment vividly take me back. Her descriptions were so engaging it prompted us to look up online the pubs, streets, shops, and other locations frequented in Oxford Wild.
Typically, we much enjoy reading Laura’s books out loud.
What a great way for us to enjoy Oxford Wild … and we recommend it!
We laughed, we worried, we hoped for Alfie and Cedar, and we reflected on our love as their love and romance grew. We couldn’t stop reading.
Laura’s body of work reveals insight and wisdom about living a life well, while at the same time being fun, engaging, surprising, and simply a delight.
If you want a fun read that is also suspenseful, surprising, and meaningful, Oxford Wild is a great choice this holiday season and any time of year!
January 21, 2022
This book was an unexpected treat to say the least.I picked it up on a whim because I adored the cover, but soon realised it's much more than just that.
I love Cider and her view of the world. She had an opinion for everything and wasn't scared to put it forth. The chemistry between Alfie and Cider was infatuating.
I was fascinated by all the oxford talk and enjoyed the academic setting of the book.
You will definitely enjoy this one if you like :
Grumpy/ sunshine
Opposites attract
Forbidden love interest
Academic vibes
I love Cider and her view of the world. She had an opinion for everything and wasn't scared to put it forth. The chemistry between Alfie and Cider was infatuating.
I was fascinated by all the oxford talk and enjoyed the academic setting of the book.
You will definitely enjoy this one if you like :
Grumpy/ sunshine
Opposites attract
Forbidden love interest
Academic vibes
February 6, 2022
QOTD: Have you ever seen a bear in real life?
My A: Nope, never!
.
I snagged this one after scrolling @kerosene.lit's page looking for something to read. Sarah is my go-to for fun books I can binge and cleanse my palate with. The cover for Oxford Wild caught my eye and after reading the blurb, I was in!
.
This is a light read that is perfect for those days you cant seem to get into the reading groove. The characters are likeable, the plot flows and you'll definitely swoon. The FMC, Cedar, was so fun and loveable that you couldn't help but root for her. Alfie was a total Oreo, tough on the outside, but a sweetheart once he let his walls down. I loved their opposite personalities and their undeniable connection!
.
BLURB:
CEDAR
My name is Cedar Wild-wild by name, wild by nature. I arrived at Oxford straight from my family's off-grid log cabin deep in the Canadian forest. Intimidating? Absolutely. But if I can run a trapline and butcher a moose, I can adapt to student life at the world's most illustrious university. Right?
I hadn't bargained on my barely-older-than-me advisor, Alfred, Lord Invernay. On my first night in Oxford, I help him out of a mortifying situation. By all accounts, this brilliant, rugby-playing academic should make a much-needed friend. Instead, he treats me like a pebble in his brogues.
Sure, the air snaps with electricity every time we're in a room together, but he's obsessed with rules-especially the proper respect due to him as a newly minted Oxford faculty member. Let's just say reverence is not exactly what he gets from me.
ALFIE
It's obvious Cedar has never encountered a rule in her life, much less followed one. She needs taming if she's going to put her right foot forward at Oxford. Thanks to College orders that unenviable task is mine. Good grief, this should be interesting.
My A: Nope, never!
.
I snagged this one after scrolling @kerosene.lit's page looking for something to read. Sarah is my go-to for fun books I can binge and cleanse my palate with. The cover for Oxford Wild caught my eye and after reading the blurb, I was in!
.
This is a light read that is perfect for those days you cant seem to get into the reading groove. The characters are likeable, the plot flows and you'll definitely swoon. The FMC, Cedar, was so fun and loveable that you couldn't help but root for her. Alfie was a total Oreo, tough on the outside, but a sweetheart once he let his walls down. I loved their opposite personalities and their undeniable connection!
.
BLURB:
CEDAR
My name is Cedar Wild-wild by name, wild by nature. I arrived at Oxford straight from my family's off-grid log cabin deep in the Canadian forest. Intimidating? Absolutely. But if I can run a trapline and butcher a moose, I can adapt to student life at the world's most illustrious university. Right?
I hadn't bargained on my barely-older-than-me advisor, Alfred, Lord Invernay. On my first night in Oxford, I help him out of a mortifying situation. By all accounts, this brilliant, rugby-playing academic should make a much-needed friend. Instead, he treats me like a pebble in his brogues.
Sure, the air snaps with electricity every time we're in a room together, but he's obsessed with rules-especially the proper respect due to him as a newly minted Oxford faculty member. Let's just say reverence is not exactly what he gets from me.
ALFIE
It's obvious Cedar has never encountered a rule in her life, much less followed one. She needs taming if she's going to put her right foot forward at Oxford. Thanks to College orders that unenviable task is mine. Good grief, this should be interesting.
April 5, 2022
Oxford is my favorite place in the world so I was excited to see a romance set there.
The setting didn’t disappoint and I also enjoyed all the characters. From repressed Englishman, Alfie, woodsy Canadian, Cedar, to the rest of Cedar’s new Oxford friends.
An enjoyable read.
The setting didn’t disappoint and I also enjoyed all the characters. From repressed Englishman, Alfie, woodsy Canadian, Cedar, to the rest of Cedar’s new Oxford friends.
An enjoyable read.
April 8, 2022
2.5 stars
August 21, 2022
This was so disappointing. The plot has what it takes, but the development didn’t work. The chemistry wasn’t there for the characters and I found myself finishing this by the skin of my teeth.
June 4, 2024
Painful and cringe, so OTT.
February 6, 2022
3.5. A good female character and a setting.
July 29, 2022
i picked up this book after reading a short review on instagram. i was intrigued by the tag "forbidden relationship", but i couldn't have been more wrong, because this book is pure crap, it was just a waste of time.
to begin with, the entire plot doesn't make any sense at all and the relationship between the two characters doesn't have a real beginning.
the two characters have no personality lmao. cedar (and what the fuck is up with these names????) is supposed to be this "wild savage" that knows nothing about life and goes against the rules. however, she seems to know everything about sex, which is surprising for someone who lived isolated in the woods. and at the end of the book she eventually becomes "normal", which doesn't make any sense at all.
alfred (or should we call him "alfie".... what a disgusting nickname) has two personality traits: being stiff and, at the same time, a wild animal unable to control his instincts around cedar. i had to skip every kiss/sex scene to avoid barfing.
the story seems to be written by a 13 year old who just downloaded wattpad. yes, that's the level.
should we talk about the poor attempt to bring some thrilling action in the story? it was miserable and predictable and added nothing to the plot.
do yourself a favor... don't read this book. maybe read it if you're constipated, it could help.
to begin with, the entire plot doesn't make any sense at all and the relationship between the two characters doesn't have a real beginning.
the two characters have no personality lmao. cedar (and what the fuck is up with these names????) is supposed to be this "wild savage" that knows nothing about life and goes against the rules. however, she seems to know everything about sex, which is surprising for someone who lived isolated in the woods. and at the end of the book she eventually becomes "normal", which doesn't make any sense at all.
alfred (or should we call him "alfie".... what a disgusting nickname) has two personality traits: being stiff and, at the same time, a wild animal unable to control his instincts around cedar. i had to skip every kiss/sex scene to avoid barfing.
the story seems to be written by a 13 year old who just downloaded wattpad. yes, that's the level.
should we talk about the poor attempt to bring some thrilling action in the story? it was miserable and predictable and added nothing to the plot.
do yourself a favor... don't read this book. maybe read it if you're constipated, it could help.
February 13, 2022
This was a very fun read!
I loved the pacing of the book. The premise of the story was great!
I loved reading about Ceeder. Her personality made her be my favorite character! I liked how free she is.
Alfie is hilarious. I really liked how he could go from free spirited to a button up guy. It was nice reading though how he tries to make Ceeder feel more at home at Oxford.
I loved Ceeder’s and Alfie’s friends! All their scenes were super fun to read and they are all interesting characters.
Of course you’re not supposed to like the asshole professor but man did he get on my nerves! I wanted to shout at Alfie to punch him in the face!
This book features British terms and sayings. I enjoyed seeing that in the book as it adds to the characters who are British. The only downside is that I am not and they were a few words I had no idea what they meant.
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Forbidden romance
Grump/sunshine romance
University romance
Steamy scenes
I loved the pacing of the book. The premise of the story was great!
I loved reading about Ceeder. Her personality made her be my favorite character! I liked how free she is.
Alfie is hilarious. I really liked how he could go from free spirited to a button up guy. It was nice reading though how he tries to make Ceeder feel more at home at Oxford.
I loved Ceeder’s and Alfie’s friends! All their scenes were super fun to read and they are all interesting characters.
Of course you’re not supposed to like the asshole professor but man did he get on my nerves! I wanted to shout at Alfie to punch him in the face!
This book features British terms and sayings. I enjoyed seeing that in the book as it adds to the characters who are British. The only downside is that I am not and they were a few words I had no idea what they meant.
Read if you like:
3rd person dual POVs
Forbidden romance
Grump/sunshine romance
University romance
Steamy scenes
January 30, 2022
I picked this book up because it kept getting mentioned on bookstagram, and I figured I would give it a shot- kindle unlimited made it a safe way to try it. The antics in this were SO over the top. Seriously, I don’t know why on earth this gets so much attention. I got through 29% and I had to stop. There’s no possible way you can convince me that this main character was smart enough to get into Oxford. Just no. It’s not funny- it’s a train wreck.
May 21, 2022
no, just no.
May 6, 2023
4.5 loved the taylor swift reference
May 2, 2022
Tropes: Blackmail, Celebrity (or maybe more Royalty? H's dad is a duke who is always in the tabloids, H also ends up in papers, but tries to avoid fame), Fish Out of Water, (somewhat) Forbidden Romance (H is h's "junior mentor" kind of like a graduate advisor of sorts), Opposites Attract
Genres, settings, categories, themes: contemporary romance (M/F), new adult, college campus (Oxford), found family, paparazzi/media, academia (medieval literature)
POV: first person, dual POV
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Overall ratings
Heat level: sweet-sensual (from Susanna Carr's categorizations – wholesome/clean, sweet, sensual, sexy, erotic)
Heroine (Cedar) 3/5 my biggest issue with Cedar was her kind of clueless naivety, otherwise I liked her character's background & feistiness for the most part
Hero (Alfie) 2/5 oh Alfie, sometimes a cutie, but way too concerned with what people think, sorry don't care that his dad is scandalous, be less of a jellyfish plz
Side characters 5/5
Pacing 3/5
Plot 3/5
Romantic connection 4/5
Writing & grammar 5/5
Reading enjoyability & fun 3-4/5
Depth & meaningfulness (light & fun --> more serious, addresses heavier topics?) 2/5 there are some deeper topics semi-addressed, like parental neglect and the MCs coming into their own, but overall, it still reads pretty fluffy
Diversity & representation: different classes (backgrounds) at a prestigious (snobby) school; in the main friend group - potential M/M side romance brewing, black character, previously bullied character coming into his own
Angst level: 2.5/5
Sadness level: low
CW/Triggers: death (by sudden sports injury), parental neglect
Review/Notes
First 1/2-2/3 was better than the last 1/3-1/2. I was enjoying it at first, and there was some good build but near the end it started to feel campy and the *mysterious blackmailer* was instantly obvious to me. Also felt like drama was injected into the relationship for the sake of angst in the book, which is always kind of annoying tbh. I did like that the characters were getting their masters in such an odd field (to me, at least) - medieval literature, and their resultant friend group was great. Maybe I was thrown by some of the immaturity of the MCs, which sometimes made it feel more YA than characters in their 20s getting graduate degrees - not sure. Overall, an okay enough book. Can see other readers liking it.
Genres, settings, categories, themes: contemporary romance (M/F), new adult, college campus (Oxford), found family, paparazzi/media, academia (medieval literature)
POV: first person, dual POV
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger
Overall ratings
Heat level: sweet-sensual (from Susanna Carr's categorizations – wholesome/clean, sweet, sensual, sexy, erotic)
Heroine (Cedar) 3/5 my biggest issue with Cedar was her kind of clueless naivety, otherwise I liked her character's background & feistiness for the most part
Hero (Alfie) 2/5 oh Alfie, sometimes a cutie, but way too concerned with what people think, sorry don't care that his dad is scandalous, be less of a jellyfish plz
Side characters 5/5
Pacing 3/5
Plot 3/5
Romantic connection 4/5
Writing & grammar 5/5
Reading enjoyability & fun 3-4/5
Depth & meaningfulness (light & fun --> more serious, addresses heavier topics?) 2/5 there are some deeper topics semi-addressed, like parental neglect and the MCs coming into their own, but overall, it still reads pretty fluffy
Diversity & representation: different classes (backgrounds) at a prestigious (snobby) school; in the main friend group - potential M/M side romance brewing, black character, previously bullied character coming into his own
Angst level: 2.5/5
Sadness level: low
CW/Triggers: death (by sudden sports injury), parental neglect
Review/Notes
First 1/2-2/3 was better than the last 1/3-1/2. I was enjoying it at first, and there was some good build but near the end it started to feel campy and the *mysterious blackmailer* was instantly obvious to me. Also felt like drama was injected into the relationship for the sake of angst in the book, which is always kind of annoying tbh. I did like that the characters were getting their masters in such an odd field (to me, at least) - medieval literature, and their resultant friend group was great. Maybe I was thrown by some of the immaturity of the MCs, which sometimes made it feel more YA than characters in their 20s getting graduate degrees - not sure. Overall, an okay enough book. Can see other readers liking it.
September 6, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Rating
🌶🌶🌶🌶Steam factor
🐠 Fish out of water
🧲 Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn
👨🏻💻👩🏻🎓Teacher/Student
(he’s 24, she’s 22)
📖✏️ Pub Date: 12/6/21
Cedar Wild, is a fish out of water. After years of isolation in her parents off-the-grid Rural Canadian cabin she finds herself on the steps of the prestigious Oxford Academy. Tired and lonely of the isolation she’s endured her whole life, she’s wanting to face her fears in society.
Lord Alfred Invernay, Alfie, also an Oxford student. After seeing the embarrassing news all over the tabloids about his fathers latest sorid adventures with a married Princess, in a moment of weakness he decides to drown his sorrows at the local pub, and ends up in the tabloids himself. He fears all the hard work he’s put in to become a student advisor is going to come crashing down. He’s doing whatever he can to stay on the straight and narrow and lead the ‘perfect’ life. Always hiding from the paparazzi, wishing he had a normal life and a normal father.
Cedar and Alfies paths are going to cross and when that happens it’s going to be ELECTRIC! Her unskilled ways and his prim and proper behavior are on a head on collision course. I’m so here for this Opposites Attract Cinderella story!!!!!
I loved Cedar. She is head strong, brave and always wanting to help anyone in destress. She never backs away from a challenge and always tackles obstacles head on. I really loved her no nonsense attitude. She asks all the hard questions demanding open communication 👏🏻I can get behind a heroine like that 100% - She was a true gem.
Alfie was a sweetheart. I melted with his romantic inner thoughts and words. He made me swoon …
”she’d cracked my soul open, and I didn’t think it would ever be whole again without her”…
Throw in a bunch of lovable misfit friends, a mystery to be solved and this book is a winner. There were Lots of funny moments and an absolutely knock your socks off Romance. I really enjoyed this book so much. This is currently available on kindle unlimited and I highly suggest you run and grab it as soon as you can.
🌶🌶🌶🌶Steam factor
🐠 Fish out of water
🧲 Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow Burn
👨🏻💻👩🏻🎓Teacher/Student
(he’s 24, she’s 22)
📖✏️ Pub Date: 12/6/21
Cedar Wild, is a fish out of water. After years of isolation in her parents off-the-grid Rural Canadian cabin she finds herself on the steps of the prestigious Oxford Academy. Tired and lonely of the isolation she’s endured her whole life, she’s wanting to face her fears in society.
Lord Alfred Invernay, Alfie, also an Oxford student. After seeing the embarrassing news all over the tabloids about his fathers latest sorid adventures with a married Princess, in a moment of weakness he decides to drown his sorrows at the local pub, and ends up in the tabloids himself. He fears all the hard work he’s put in to become a student advisor is going to come crashing down. He’s doing whatever he can to stay on the straight and narrow and lead the ‘perfect’ life. Always hiding from the paparazzi, wishing he had a normal life and a normal father.
Cedar and Alfies paths are going to cross and when that happens it’s going to be ELECTRIC! Her unskilled ways and his prim and proper behavior are on a head on collision course. I’m so here for this Opposites Attract Cinderella story!!!!!
I loved Cedar. She is head strong, brave and always wanting to help anyone in destress. She never backs away from a challenge and always tackles obstacles head on. I really loved her no nonsense attitude. She asks all the hard questions demanding open communication 👏🏻I can get behind a heroine like that 100% - She was a true gem.
Alfie was a sweetheart. I melted with his romantic inner thoughts and words. He made me swoon …
”she’d cracked my soul open, and I didn’t think it would ever be whole again without her”…
Throw in a bunch of lovable misfit friends, a mystery to be solved and this book is a winner. There were Lots of funny moments and an absolutely knock your socks off Romance. I really enjoyed this book so much. This is currently available on kindle unlimited and I highly suggest you run and grab it as soon as you can.
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