Pippa Croft

The Second Time I Saw You, the second novel in Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue series, is a continuation of Lauren Cusack and Alexander Hunt's tumultuous but scorching hot romance. Beginning with Lauren's return to England following Christmas break, this installment follows this passionate couple through a few more ups and downs and ends with a dramatic cliffhanger.

Lauren returns to England for her second term at Wyckham College and she is firmly resolved to stay away from Alexander. But that vow is quickly set aside upon her arrival when Alexander is waiting for her with stunning news. Lauren finds herself swept back into the Hunt family drama as they cope with the aftereffects of an unexpected tragedy. Still unable to resist their smoldering desire, Lauren and Alexander resume their relationship but will their fragile bond survive when a secret comes to light?

Lauren considers herself strong and in control of her life, but her helpless response to Alexander brings this opinion into question time and again. She is compassionate and caring, so her willingness to support Alexander is not surprising nor is it unexpected that she complies with his request to be there for his sister, Emma. What is surprising is the lack of judgment Lauren displays when Emma confides in her and she agrees to keep the information from Alexander. Lauren has compelling reasons for keeping quiet, but it is just a matter of time before the information is revealed.

Alexander is still rather enigmatic and taciturn but in this outing, he is beginning to unravel as the weight of responsibility falls squarely on his shoulders. Torn between duty and his dreams, Alexander is juggling his studies, his career and unexpected family obligations. He is much more vulnerable during the course of the story as his life implodes, but Alexander remains firmly in control of his relationship with Lauren.

Lauren and Alexander's romance continues to be based on their mutual lust and their sex scenes are still incendiary. But the change in Alexander's circumstances makes him a little easier to relate to and he is more open with Lauren. They agree to be complete honest with one another and Lauren's omission is a betrayal of trust that he finds impossible to overlook. While at first unbending and unforgiving, Alexander makes an unexpected gesture that is quite romantic and makes the cliffhanger that much more shocking.

The Second Time I Saw You is an absolutely brilliant addition to the Oxford Blue series. Lauren and Alexander are vibrantly developed, three dimensional characters that are quite appealing. But it is Pippa Croft's fresh and innovative storyline that makes the novel such an outstanding read. She makes it impossible not to become fully invested in the final outcome of this beleaguered couple's relationship and I am very eager to read the conclusion to this fabulous series.
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The First Time We Met is the first romance in Pippa Croft's erotic New Adult Oxford Blues series. This first installment in the three book series introduces American college student Lauren Cusack and aristocrat Alexander Hunt and it is a very steamy beginning to their relationship.

Lauren is intrigued by Alexander at first sight and her interest is further piqued by the enigmatic man each time their paths cross. However, she is not interested in getting involved in a relationship, so she resists his rather ardent pursuit. But their passion is too irresistible to ignore for long and she and Alexander are soon engaged in a scorching hot romance. But Alexander's secrets and their class differences quickly come between them.

Lauren is a strong female lead and although she is in her early twenties, she is pretty mature. She can hold her own in social settings due to her background as a senator's daughter. She tries to be proper and polite, but she is no pushover. When the situation warrants it, Lauren is more than capable of defending herself and she is quite adept at verbal sparring.

Alexander is a very compelling hero and since he is a bit older than Lauren, he has more life experience. He can be a bit overbearing and arrogant, but considering he is British nobility, that is to be expected. While he adheres to some old traditions, he is not just sitting on the sidelines waiting to inherit his title. Much to his father's dismay, Alexander has as successful Army career in Special Forces. He has a bit of a tragic past and while he is not very forthcoming, Alexander does give up just enough information to satisfy Lauren (and the reader's) curiosity.

While the sex is definitely off the charts smokin' hot, their relationship is troubled. Alexander's secrets quickly come between them but there is plenty of conflict from outside sources as well. Alexander's slimy cousin Rupert baits Lauren at every turn and he tries to turn Alexander against her as well. Lauren is confronted with someone from Alexander's past and their encounters bring out a lot of Lauren's insecurities. But probably one of the biggest obstacles to any future for Alexander and Lauren are Alexander's father's expectations for his heir. His relationship with his father is tempestuous, but Alexander also respects the traditions that are part of his heritage and it will be fascinating watching how this part of the storyline plays out.

Phillipa Croft concludes The First Time We Met with a cliffhanger ending that will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book in the Oxford Blues series. It will be interesting to see what she has planned next for this extremely passionate couple!… (más)

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'The First Time We Met' is the first novel in The Oxford Blue Series. Lauren Cusack, an US Senator's daughter gets her first real taste of independence studying for her Master's degree in the academic excellence of Oxford. On her first night in Oxford she flees from an uncomfortable encounter with Rupert a vicious snob and lecher and runs headlong into a sexy, enigmatic Alexander. The spark of passion between them is unforgettable. Alexander ruthlessly pursues her. Drawn like a moth to a flame Lauren gives into her desires and they begin their wildly erotic love story.

Lauren struggles to understand and condone the values of this alien society but despite this she is hooked on Alexander and feeds her addiction at every opportunity. Alexander hides a seething mass of angst, guilt and hatred. Lauren jeopardises her career and happiness to save him.

'The First Time We Met' is easy, addictive reading. A serendipitous saga of passion, sensuality, prejudices and poignancy and I look forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.… (más)

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

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The traumatic climax of 'The Second Time I Saw You' continues in 'Third Time Lucky' with a dramatic, emotional beginning. Alexander's hold over Lauren continues even though they are estranged. Lauren's reactions and the way she stands by Alexander and Emma, his younger sister shows a level of maturity she didn't possess when she first came to Oxford. The addictive quality of Alexander and Lauren's erotic attraction is apparent in these early chapters. Later in the story, Lauren realises their time together may be finite as their real destinies are geographically and personally worlds apart. The question left unasked is do they love each other enough to compromise?

The physical side of their relationship deepens but the trust evident in the steamy love scenes does not seem to transfer to their wider lives. Secrets and subtle interference from Lauren's parents and the malicious Valentina continue to muddy the already cloudy waters of their relationship.

Life at Oxford as the finals approach mitigates the introspection and intensity of Alexander and Lauren. The attention to detail is great and allows you to experience the fun, idiosyncrasies and traditions of Oxford University.

Perfectly scripted final scenes show a newly independent Lauren who lives life on her own terms but does Alexander fit into her new life? There is definite scope for book number 4.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.… (más)