Discovering Nicola (Oxford Romance #3) by Clare Ashton Book Review: A Sapphic Enemies-to-Lovers Romance That Ignites the Heart
- Joao Nsita
- May 7
- 8 min read
Introduction: Can Rivals Rewrite Their Story Into Romance?
What if the person you’ve spent years despising is the one who unlocks your heart? In Discovering Nicola (Oxford Romance #3), Clare Ashton delivers a sapphic romance that’s as fiery as it is tender, set against the dreaming spires of Oxford. Released in Spring 2025, this enemies-to-lovers tale follows Nicola Albright, the icy barrister from Ashton’s beloved series, as she clashes with Geeta, a vibrant newcomer with a knack for unraveling her defenses. Ashton, a maestro of queer romance, crafts a story that’s equal parts witty, emotional, and unputdownable. If you’re craving a slow-burn love story with complex characters and a lush setting, this book is your next obsession. For more heart-stirring reads, explore That Love Podcast’s romance recommendations.
Book Summary: A Battle of Wits and Hearts
Discovering Nicola picks up where Tempting Olivia left fans buzzing, focusing on Nicola Albright, the formidable King’s Counsel whose sharp tongue hides a wounded past. Enter Geeta, a warm, optimistic lawyer whose arrival in Oxford shakes Nicola’s carefully controlled world. Their rivalry sparks over a high-stakes case, but as they’re forced to collaborate, banter turns to longing. The central conflict lies in Nicola’s struggle to trust and Geeta’s determination to break through her walls, all while navigating family ties and Oxford’s legal elite. Ashton’s unique selling point is her ensemble cast—Charlotte, Millie, and Olivia from earlier books add humor and heart—making this lesbian romance a vibrant tapestry of rivalry, redemption, and love.
Author’s Style and Craft: A Masterclass in Sapphic Storytelling
Clare Ashton’s prose is a love letter to the senses—elegant, evocative, and brimming with wit. Her dual-POV narrative immerses you in Nicola’s guarded intensity and Geeta’s radiant warmth, creating a slow-burn romance that crackles with tension. The pacing is deliberate, building anticipation like a courtroom drama, yet it never drags. Dialogue sparkles, as when Geeta teases, “You’re not as terrifying as you think, Nicola—just terribly captivating,” revealing their shifting dynamic. Ashton’s character development is exquisite—Nicola’s icy facade melts with heartbreaking nuance, while Geeta’s optimism gains depth. With lush Oxford descriptions, Ashton crafts a sapphic romance novel that’s both a cozy escape and a gripping emotional journey.
Themes and Deeper Meaning: Love as a Verdict of Vulnerability
Discovering Nicola explores trust, vulnerability, and the courage to rewrite one’s story. Nicola’s icy exterior symbolizes self-protection, a shield against past betrayals, while Geeta’s openness reflects the risk of embracing connection. Their enemies-to-lovers arc mirrors societal tensions—class divides, professional rivalry, and queer identity in elite spaces. Ashton ties these to universal experiences: the fear of being seen and the liberation of being loved. The Oxford setting, with its historic weight, becomes a metaphor for breaking from tradition. This WLW romance resonates with anyone who’s ever had to choose between safety and a leap into love’s unknown.
Strengths: A Winning Case for Romance
This book is a triumph of emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. Nicola and Geeta’s chemistry is electric—think heated debates melting into stolen glances. A standout moment is their late-night case prep, where Nicola’s rare smile feels like a victory. Ashton’s ensemble cast shines, with Charlotte’s neurodiverse quirks adding humor and heart. The slow-burn romance is perfectly paced, delivering steamy, tasteful spice that honors the characters’ emotional arcs. Representation—lesbian leads, South Asian heritage, ADHD—feels authentic, not forced. These strengths make Discovering Nicola a sapphic romance novel that’s immersive, inclusive, and impossible to put down.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Objections in Court
Even a stellar case has its flaws. The secondary plot involving Nicola’s family feels rushed, leaving some emotional threads dangling. Readers new to the series might find the ensemble cast overwhelming without Meeting Millie or Tempting Olivia context. The pacing, while effective, slows slightly in the middle, which could test those craving faster resolutions. Expanding family dynamics or including a brief series recap could enhance accessibility. These are minor quibbles—Ashton’s core romance remains a knockout, but a touch more polish could elevate it further.
Comparative Analysis: A Star in Sapphic Romance
Discovering Nicola stands tall beside Ashton’s Meeting Millie (Amazon link), swapping friends-to-lovers for enemies-to-lovers with equal heart. Compared to Meryl Wilsner’s Something to Talk About (Amazon link), it shares workplace tension but adds Oxford’s unique charm. Unlike Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith (Amazon link), it’s lighter yet equally poignant. Ashton challenges genre norms with neurodiverse and multicultural leads, cementing her as a sapphic romance trailblazer.
Target Audience: Who’s Falling for This Love Story?
This book is a must for sapphic romance fans, especially women aged 20-45 who love slow-burn love stories, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and queer representation. Readers of Meeting Millie or Tempting Olivia will adore revisiting Oxford’s cast, while newcomers will swoon over Nicola and Geeta. It’s perfect for book clubs craving emotional depth and wit. Content warnings: mild spice, family conflict, and past trauma mentions. If you’re hooked on lesbian romance novels with heart and humor, this is your next read.
Personal Impact: A Verdict That Lingers
Discovering Nicola struck me like a gavel to the heart. Nicola’s guarded vulnerability mirrored my own fears, while Geeta’s warmth sparked hope. I laughed, teared up, and cheered, finishing with a glow that hasn’t faded. It’s a reminder that love can thaw even the coldest walls. You need this book for its tender, transformative magic.
Conclusion: A Romance That Rules the Court
Discovering Nicola is a sapphic masterpiece—witty, heartfelt, and brimming with slow-burn chemistry. Clare Ashton delivers a queer romance novel that’s both a cozy Oxford escape and a profound exploration of trust.
Grab it on Amazon and let Nicola and Geeta redefine love for you.
In a world of fleeting sparks, this book is a flame that endures.Explore more sapphic romance at That Love Podcast.
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About the Author: Clare Ashton
Clare Ashton is a UK-based, award-winning author celebrated for her sapphic romances and mysteries. Best known for Poppy Jenkins and The Goodmans, she captivates with lush settings like Wales and Oxford. Her Oxford Romance series, starting with Meeting Millie, blends humor, heart, and queer joy. A champion of neurodiverse and diverse characters, Ashton lives with her wife and kids, often found on social media. Visit her website, Goodreads, and Linktree.
FAQ Section: Your Questions Answered
What’s Discovering Nicola about?
A sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between barrister Nicola and lawyer Geeta in Oxford.
Is it a standalone?
It works alone but shines brighter after Meeting Millie and Tempting Olivia.
How spicy is it?
Mild, tasteful spice with emotional intimacy at its core.
Who’s the target audience?
Sapphic romance fans who love slow-burn and queer stories.
Any content warnings?
Mild spice, family conflict, and past trauma references.
How’s the pacing?
Slow-burn perfection, though it dips slightly mid-story.
What’s Clare Ashton’s style like?
Witty, evocative, and character-driven with lush settings.
Does it continue the series’ themes?
Yes, it deepens trust and identity with new perspectives.
How does it compare to other series books?
More intense than Meeting Millie, softer than Tempting Olivia.
Why read it in 2025?
It’s a fresh, inclusive romance hitting sapphic trends.
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