Published 22nd May 2014 Penguin
It’s the beginning of a new term at Wyckham College, Oxford, and a fresh start for Lauren Cusack. Her fingers were badly burnt when a whirlwind romance with gorgeous English aristocrat, Alexander Hunt, became too hot to handle – and now she’s determined to keep her distance.
Her resolve is shaken when Alexander appears on her doorstep – he’s been completely torn apart by some devastating news. Lauren knows that she should stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and she soon finds herself back in Alexander’s arms.
Can Lauren handle the drama that comes with Alexander Hunt? Or will she have to sacrifice the most exhilarating passion she’s ever known . . .
(The Second Time I saw you is the 2nd book in the Oxford Blue Series.)
My Review:
Immediately after reading The Second Time I Saw You, I pre-ordered ‘Third Time Lucky’. What an absolutely superb, heart-thumping cliff-hanger. Well done Pippa Croft. Wow! (which also sums up the rest of the book). If you like a bit of erotica in your reading but have often been disappointed by the storyline, then this is the book for you, well written, snappy dialogue, believable characters and steamy sex (quite a bit actually) with a real touch of class. Leading on from The First Time We Met, The Second Time I Saw You: The Oxford Blue Series #2, brings us English aristocrat Alexander Hunt (hot, emotionally contained, fighting demons, in the Special Forces… Interested?) and Lauren Cusack, picking up their romance after an explosive break up in book one.
Returning from her Christmas holidays in Washington, Lauren has sworn off emotionally confusing and controlling Alexander, determined to concentrate on securing her Masters at Wyckham in Oxford, where Alexander also studies. The best laid plans, however… When Alexander turns up at her room, dishevelled and devastated, Lauren has to be there for him. Trust me, you would, too. Alexander’s family is torn apart by tragedy. His truculent younger sister is traumatised and Alexander is all she has. Thus we begin to see more of the man beneath the emotional armour. We soon realise that Emma is going to cause problems between the two, but I’d rather not give spoilers. There are many twists, sexual chemistry that just fizzles from the pages, satiating appetites and salving wounds. There is a scene around a certain video which I thought was a brilliant piece of plotting, and the line around the peanuts before commencing play five miles high had me chuckling. The secondary characters are extremely well drawn, Immy, the friend that any girl in a tumultuous relationship absolutely needs, slimy Professor Rafe, obnoxious cousin Rupert, and bitchy former fiancé, Valentina are the people we love to hate. Then there’s also hot Oxford rower, Scott. All round an extremely satisfying read I would definitely recommend.
The Second Time I Saw You can be enjoyed as a standalone story (although I would highly recommend the first in the series too) and you’ll be pleased to know the backstory is fed in seamlessly – no heavy stuff to wade through. Excellent stuff!
About the Author:
Pippa Croft is the pen name of an award-winning romantic novelist. After studying English at Oxford, she worked as a copywriter and journalist before writing her debut novel, which won the RNA’s New Writers’ award and was later made into a TV movie. She lives in a village in the heart of England with her husband and daughter.
Fantastic review. Thanks for taking part in the Promo Blitz. x
Pleasure! Loved this book! Can’t wait for the third! *Alexander hangover*. 🙂 xx