Third Time Lucky

Oxford Blue #3

by Pippa Croft

For fans of Sylvia Day and E.L. James, the third and final part of this exciting romance series.

'It's Sister Dixon from the Royal Infirmary here. I'm sorry to tell you that Captain Hunt has been involved a serious incident.'

It's the start of the Easter holidays and Lauren Cusack should be heading back to Washington before her final term at Wyckham College, Oxford. But this call changes everything. Her relationship with impossibly handsome aristocrat Alexander Hunt has been turbulent, passionate and addictive. Lauren knows she needs to walk away, but as she now rushes to his side she knows she will be sucked back into his world.

And sure enough, Alexander - even a seriously injured Alexander - is an intoxicating cocktail Lauren cannot resist and despite everything that is sent to thwart them - and with Alexander there is drama at every turn - she finds herself happier than she's ever been.

But as her final term races by, and she is offered the perfect job back in Washington whilst Alexander is tied to his Estate, the impossibility of their romance hits home.

The love trials of Lauren and Alexander continue in the third book in Pippa Croft's brilliant new Oxford Blue romance series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, College, Ebooks, Chick Lit

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2014

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.

Reviews

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Words: Passion, lust, love, conflict, family.

I have read all of the books in this series and I'm glad I have. As much as each of these books can be read as a standalone, you really get a better feel of the situation if you read all three. And you can experience all of the drama, passion, attraction and plotting.

I couldn't get enough of Lauren and Alexander. They're like an addiction, but also a little like that pile up on the motorway that you can't help but sneak a peek at as you pass.

This series has one of my absolute favourite love-to-hate characters. Valentina is one evil twisted bitch. I actually get angry when I'm reading about her. And I love that. I love that this book makes me feel so I angry I start to shake, that one character can provoke that within me.

The scene has been set in The First Time We Met, the passion builds in The Second Time I Saw You and everything comes to a fantastic climax in Third Time Lucky.

This is a series I will certainly read again. I loved it. It was fun and flirty and filled with passion, but it still touches upon serious issues and makes you think. And it even has a gorgeous set of covers, I could stare at them all day.

There's a giveaway on my blog to go with the tour and review of this book: http://teapartyprincess.blogspot.co.u...

I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.

[Fran P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed through this A LOT! I honestly didn't like it, but I still wanted to find out what would happen between Lauren and Alexander, especially after that major cliffhanger in book two. Well, unfortunately, eveything just felt blah for me. I don't care to say anything more about it because it just didn't resonate enough with me. Also, that ending seemed unfinished, probably because there was no epilogue.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - ”You’re like a thorn in my flesh that I can’t remove.” Stars.

Third Time Lucky is the final installment in the Oxford Blue series, and the end of Alexander and Lauren's story. I have to give respect to Pippa Croft for the quality of her writing and the story line in general, because I think at some point whilst reading the three books I think I have experienced almost every type of emotion known to (wo)man!

"What kept you?"

At the end of the second book, I was a tad un-amused with the way events had developed, and I was interested to see where Pippa would take this final book, and how she would ultimately tie up all the ends of Alexander and Lauren's story as well as all of the secondary characters.

"Shut up and kiss me."



I have to say it is good too read a book based mainly in the UK once in a while, and Pippa definitely bought Oxford and it's surrounding areas too life. Third Time Lucky begins with the students off doing their own things for Easter break. Lauren having broken up with Alexander again is due too return too the US to spend time with her family, but before she can leave receives a call advising her that he has been seriously injured whilst out on a mission.

"Sometimes," ... "I wonder how I'm ever going to survive without you."

The final term at Wickham College, also sees the appearance of Lauren's parents, as well as the return of Rupert and Valentina who, finally get their just desserts. So all in all a pretty good round off too a year in the life of a US student, on UK soil...

Does the dashing Alexander get his girl? Well you will have too read the book to find that out.



ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[New Adult e dintorni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Potendo chiederei di riformulerei il titolo in: "La terza volta è quella imperfetta".
Penso di aver raggiungo il massimo grado di sbigottimento dopo aver terminato la lettura di questo libro.
Mi viene in mente una sola parola: Piatto!!
E no, non come i piatti che potendo, adesso, sfracellerei al muro, ma piatto nel senso di coma vegetativo irreversibile indotto per apatia.
Più continuavo la lettura e più vedevo la linea dell'encefalografo diventare piatta, stecchita, insomma: MORTA.
Quando ho iniziato questa serie avevo già premesso di non riuscire a raggiungere un'intesa col modo di scrivere di quest'autrice, non c'era molto phatos tra me e i protagonisti, le scene erano poco consistenti, non riscontravo elementi di forte impatto .
Insomma c'era sempre qualcosa che mi era ostico.

Dopo il primo, che non mi aveva convinta, pensavo di poterle dare un'altra possibilità grazie al secondo, che aveva iniziato a essere quasi, e sottolineo quasi, intrigante.
Qualcosa si stava muovendo nella direzione giusta: mistero, colpo di scena, il bello e dannato che riusciva a conservare quella sua aurea di mistero...
Quindi, giunta a conoscenza dell'uscita del terzo mi son detta: ma sì, questa è la volta buona...
Sì, sì... NO!!
Perché in questo libro non accade assolutamente nulla.
Per quasi 300 pagine, il nulla più totale.... qualche colpo di defibrillatore assestato in alcuni punti per cercare, forse, di salvare il salvabile... ma senza destare l'effetto sperato. Rianimazione inutile.
Il piatto resta piatto.

PER CONTINUARE A LEGGERE CLICCA QUI:http://newadultedintorni.blogspot.it/...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm withholding my review until I know there's a fourth book :-)

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Egh- relationship didn't develop by this last/final book like I was hoping it was going to. Way too much angst and though Alexander and Lauren were spending a lot of time together- I still didn't feel like they KNEW each other. Way way too much physical stuff and not enough emotional bonding. Alexander's go to behavior of being ultra secretive all the time got really old by the last book. I kept waiting for him to open up to Lauren but it never really happened. Sure she was around for a lot of family drama but he didn't confide in her all that often. It just didn't feel like a well rounded enough book and both characters were at times incredibly selfish.

**Spoiler**-

Don't ask me why but my biggest problem with this book is that even in the end Alexander NEVER tells Lauren that he loves her. He dances around the subject saying he wants a future with her but never actually expresses any DEEP feelings for her. After Lauren views that god awful video where Alexander yells "te amo!!" I figured- hey- that's a good sign... at least he's capable of saying that to someone but he never says it to her. WTH!

[Mari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Leggi e continui a leggere pensando o sperando che qualcosa accada ma... nulla, non accade proprio nulla di nulla! Un piattume che più piattume non si può! Due protagonisti irritanti al massimo e quasi privi di sentimenti. Signora Pippa il suo nome la dice lunga...

[Paula Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's coming up to Easter Break, and Lauren was looking forward to finally getting away from everything that has happened the past year and heading home to the States for a holiday which included mainly a break away from everything Alexander Hunt. That is until just as she is about to get ready to leave, she receives a phone call from the hospital saying that Alexander Hunt has been injured and rushed to surgery and she is listed as his next of kin. Lauren rushes and discovers he is broken and injured and will need lots of TLC. This causes Lauren to cancel her trip home as she stays at the Hunt's estate and care for Alexander. This causes Lauren to rush back headfirst into the over the dramatic world that is Alexander Hunt. A world of vindictive ex-girlfriends, cousins and those who just like to put their nose where it doesn't belong. Will this close call be the wake-up that the pair needs to try and be a third-time lucky relationship? In the Third time Lucky, we also get to meet Lauren's family properly as they arrive in London for a holiday and to meet Alexander after Valentina's interference. I have to admit; I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other two books. I think because overall this series is very much a back and forth romance between Alexander and Lauren and filled with too much drama. Their relationship is also right through the series a one step forward and two steps back. It got to the point in this book, where I wanted to scream at Lauren and Alexander and say "WAKE UP, MAKE A BLOODY DECISION ON WHERE YOU BOTH STAND ALREADY." If you are in the mood for an Intercontinental UK/American turbulent romance with a College/University setting, then check out the Oxford Blues series by Pippa Croft.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just caught myself wandering round my house delaying reading the last few pages! Such was my dismay at reaching the end of a fabulous trilogy. I ordered this particular book back in April and have been anticipating its arrival ever since. And I wasn't disappointed at all. The roller coaster of emotions continues unabated in this book and the interference from outside parties still threatens to destroy what Alexander and Lauren try to build (and knock down frequently without any help!)
I found the introduction of Lauren's parents really showed us the opposing loyalties Lauren was subjected to and it gave a new depth to her character.
I liked the end - no spoiler - suffice to say that Alexander did what I hoped and Lauren didn't! Very realistic and plenty of loose ends. Dare we hope for a fourth book??

[Valentina Abbr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Li avevamo lasciati così: la vita di Lauren stravolta da un'improvvisa chiamata dal reparto militare di un ospedale di Londra, Alexander gravemente ferito. E per quanto Lauren voglia ritornare a casa, dai suoi genitori, non può lasciarsi tutto alle spalle e abbandonarlo. Quello che c'è stato tra loro, tra una sessione vigorosa ed elettrizzante di sesso e l'altra, è stato troppo importante per poter essere spazzato via con un colpo di spugna.
Toccherà a Lauren correre al capezzale di Alexander e prendersi cura anche della sua sorellina Emma, ora che i genitori non ci sono più. La paura di cadere nuovamente nel circolo vizioso che li ha visti succubi, inermi, paralizzati dalla passione, è tanta, ma la ragazza non può forzare il suo cuore ad andare avanti quando continua a gridare, incessantemente, di restare.
Sarà semplice, fin troppo semplice, cadere ai piedi di Alexander, farsi conquistare di nuovo dal suo fascino e dai suoi modi di fare seducenti. Le prime pagine del terzo capitolo della Blue trilogy sono sature di ansia e preoccupazione per il destino del protagonista. Nonostante la situazione appaia grave, più grave del previsto, tutto si risolverà per il meglio in poco tempo. Alexander sarà dimesso con la promessa di fare riabilitazione e seguire un programma di rieducazione. Per un po' starà lontano dall'esercito e avrà modo di rimettere in sesto la sua vita amorosa e occuparsi di Falconbury ora che tutto è finito nelle sue mani.
Dopo i primi due volumi, ero in trepidante attesa del grande epilogo. Chi ha letto le mie recensioni sa che la storia di Alexander e Lauren mi ha tanto affascinata quanto lasciata perplessa. Nonostante il racconto della loro storia passionale abbia sempre sortito una certa magia su di me, non sono riuscita a chiudere gli occhi su ciò che non andava e non è riuscito a convincermi.
Nel primo libro, La prima volta che ti ho incontrato, non sono entrata in sintonia con Lauren, una ragazza troppo debole per i miei gusti. Non è venuta fuori per il suo carattere, non ha battuto ciglio quando doveva farlo, troppo succube del fascino che provava per il capitano Hunt. Anche in presenza della sua ex fidanzata storica, Valentina, Lauren non ha mosso dito. Le ha lasciato campo libero, le ha permesso di seminare veleno ovunque volesse e muoversi indisturbata.
Nel secondo libro, La seconda volta che ti ho visto, ho cominciato ad avere dubbi anche sul personaggio di Alexander. Non ho nulla contro le storie che cominciano - e procedono - con il sesso, ma dopo un po' mi aspetto anche altro. Dopo una serie infinita di capriole tra le lenzuola, mi aspetto di avere le prove concrete della nascita di un sentimento tra i personaggi, cosa che qui, a mio parere, non avviene. È chiaro che Alexander e Lauren non riescano a fare a meno l'uno dell'altra; nonostante tutto continuano a cercarsi e volersi, ma nessuno dei due si sbilancia o cerca altro oltre il sesso. Forse a sembrare più propensa ad approfondire il rapporto è Lauren, ma sono certa che sia dovuto al fatto di avere tra le mani solo il suo punto di vista. Per un personaggio così introverso e poco incline a esprimere le proprie emozioni come Alexander, c'era bisogno di aggiungere anche il suo pov.
Questo personaggio così ermetico e criptico ha fatto accrescere il mio interesse per la storia ma mi ha fatto anche dannare. Volevo di più!
Dopo così tanti dubbi e perplessità, credevo e speravo il terzo e ultimo capitolo riuscisse a risolvere tutto. Mi aspettavo il tanto atteso lieto fine, la tanto attesa dichiarazione d'amore da parte di entrambi. Il sesso, certo, me lo aspettavo, ma non mi aspettavo fosse, ancora una volta, il focus intorno a cui ruota tutto. È con il sesso che i due si riavvicinano dopo l'incidente di Alexander e sempre con il sesso riprendono la loro relazione da dove si era interrotta.
Valentina, antagonista insopportabile, viziata, prepotente e scaltra, darà filo da torcere a Lauren e in tante circostanze riuscirà a metterla ancora al tappeto. Mia cara Lauren, va bene essere razionali, va bene non agire d'impulso, ma ogni tanto reagisci!
Avrei voluto averle davanti, in carne e ossa, entrambe, per picchiare Valentina e dare una scrollata a Lauren. In certi casi restare impassibili non è umanamente possibile (a meno che non vi chiamate Lauren Cusack). L'autrice ha creato degli antagonisti eccezionali, Valentina e Rupert non molleranno l'osso fino alla fine. Saranno combattivi, furbi e avranno sempre una carta vincente da giocare.
Più andavo avanti con la lettura più mi aspettavo la grande svolta che portasse poi all'epilogo. Un'attesa che mi ha spinto a leggere con avidità e quanto più veloce possibile ma che non è mai arrivata. Bisogna arrivare alle ultimissime pagine per vedere finalmente un Alexander che apre il suo cuore - e fa proprio il minimo indispensabile! - e dichiara ciò che prova per Lauren.
Posso dire che l'intero libro gioca sui dubbi della protagonista riguardanti il futuro. Alla fine dell'esperienza di studio a Oxford, Lauren si chiederà più volte se restare lì per amore di Alexander o tornare a casa dove l'aspetta una grande opportunità lavorativa. Tra i suoi dubbi e le sessioni di sesso spudorate, eccitanti e coinvolgenti, non c'è altro.
Lo stile di Pippa Croft si conferma raffinato, elegante e scorrevole. Ho apprezzato particolarmente le descrizioni dell'ambiente aristocratico: in questa trilogia tutto urla raffinatezza, tutto è circondato da una patina d'oro che abbaglia e affascina il lettore.
Il finale è stata la parte più dura da mandare giù. Sono passati due giorni da quando ho finito di leggere La terza volta è quella perfetta, ma l'amarezza è ancora il sentimento predominante. Non c'è un epilogo, solo tante domande senza risposta. Tutto rimane sospeso, incerto. Un grande punto interrogativo che non può far altro che aumentare le mie perplessità.
Un vero peccato perchè in questo terzo volume avevo riposto molte speranze.

[Annatralepaginediunlibro · Rating 3 out of 5]

È il terzo libro della trilogia e ,se non sapessi con certezza che c'è un altro libro, sarei rimasta molto delusa dal finale inconcludente.
La storia come al solito appassiona, è molto erotica, ma il finale lascia con l'amaro in boc

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never get enough of Lauren and Alexander. Those two have a way of hurting each other while not being able to stay away from each other. You'd think there relationship was toxic, but the couple they are now is much stronger and healthier than they were in the beginning.

I will also say this, even though Lauren and Alexander are a much stronger couple, there is still a lot that has to be dealt with, beyond the obvious what will happen after the Term ends and Lauren is done with school. Neither Lauren nor I are anywhere closer to knowing where Alexander was when he was injured, or the cause for his PTSD related nightmares.

I also feel like we haven't seen the end of Rupert and Valentina as well as others who would like to have Lauren and Alexander to themselves.

Basically, I need more because there are so many questions and I still hold hope Lauren and Alexander will find a way to make their relationship work.

[Writer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As in the last scene of book 2, it ended where Lauren received a call about Alexander who was captured, seriously hurt and on his death bed. This begun at a hospital scene where Lauren was anxiously awaiting to be told if Alexander survived. From then on, it's really more of the same, I think all this could have ended in book two.

This book's entirety was just about Alexander and Lauren's day to day college life, their sex romp everywhere and anywhere which I admit, is sweltering hot and steamy. In an attempt to add some angst and intrigue, bringing back the wicked witch and perfect bitch ex, Valentina, seemed a bit forced. I loved book 1 and 2, it had real angst, intrigue galore and lots of hold your breath moments that I could hardly wait for book 3 to arrive. It's because of this that I find myself left hanging and disappointed, even the ending left me thinking it's incomplete and left unfinished. Perhaps the author intend to write a 4th book or some sort of companion book to books 1,2 and 3, like a lot of authors have been doing nowadays. But whatever it is, I know I'm going to read it, that's because I fell in love with the handsome, enigmatic Alexander Hunt and the beautiful, alluring Lauren Cusack, and their love story. I wish I could recommend this 3rd book as a must read, but for me, all I can say is, it's just an okay read. As a whole, the combined whole series, to me, it's definitely worthy of 5 star.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few weeks ago but haven't wanted to write a review, because once a review is written then the book--and the series--is truly finished. And I want this series to go on and on. Although British, Croft does a wonderful job of writing American characters. She never depends on stereotype, but rather has obviously done her research to make her American characters seem real. In fact, she has done such a good job of creating all these characters, that I want them to continue. I do not want to write spoilers, but the ending--while very satisfying and definitely not what I was expecting--gives me hope that maybe sometime we will find put more about Lauren, Alexander, Scott, Immy, and their transcontinental story.

[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, the angst!!!!

I really enjoyed reading this series! Pippa Croft did a wonderful job with it!!

I love Alexander in all his jerkness glory! I LOVE him!!!

Some of the things rhat were reveleaded I already knew too. There were, for my tastes, some lose ends when all was said and done and some characters endings I think should have been more explored.

It's rare for me, but in this case I also wanted an epilogue. Other than that I was completely hooked in this series and I couldn't stop reading!!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So upset on how the book ended:( To many things left to the imagination. And they never share the three little words I wanted them to say.

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eccoci qui al terzo capitolo della Blue Trilogy di Pippa Croft, “La terza volta è quella perfetta”, care readers!
In questo libro ritroveremo Alexander e Lauren sempre innamorati e appassionati, nonostante gli alti e bassi contraddistinguano il loro rapporto. Dopo ciò che è successo ad Alexander nel secondo libro, lo rivedremo ancora più duro e determinato a riportare Lauren nella sua vita.
Ha capito di volerla davvero, eppure Lauren ha delle riserve su quanto in effetti il loro rapporto così contrastato possa andare lontano. La vita universitaria sta

per finire ed è il momento di fare delle scelte per la propria vita. Ma come escludere l'uno dalla vita dell'altra? Come farlo diventare per sempre parte integrante?
Non mancheranno neanche in questo libro momenti di tranquillità e armonia alternati a quelli di screzi, così come non mancheranno le scene di intensa passione, il tutto descritto con lo stile al quale la Croft ci ha abituati.
Lauren dovrà far ritorno negli Stati Uniti e Alexander alla sua vita nell'esercito eppure, nonostante la distanza, le loro vite sono ormai legate. Nonostante i loro caratteri diversi c'è qualcosa che come un elastico li spinge l'uno verso l'altra.
La loro rimane comunque una storia impossibile... Oppure no?
Finalmente Alexander ha imparato ad esternare i suoi sentimenti a parole, per quanto una persona chiusa e riservata come lui può fare, ma questo basterà a Lauren per essere sicura che stavolta andrà bene?
Anche qui ritroveremo Alexander in un momento difficile per via della sua professione e Lauren viene chiamata in causa per stargli vicino, e certamente questo li aiuta a cementare la loro relazione.
Lei dovrà anche aiutarlo a gestire Emma, che non ha certo un facile caratterino. Il DNA non mente.
Come si barcamenerà Lauren tra i due fratelli Hunt senza andare fuori di testa? Questi aspetti, insieme a segreti che verranno fuori, movimentano un po' la narrazione ed è sicuramente un bene. Ma, onestamente, non sono rimasta particolarmente colpita da quanto viene narrato. Sostanzialmente la storia è sempre la stessa, tuttavia di positivo c'è che la conoscenza tra i due viene approfondita, ci sono piccole sfumature nei loro caratteri che dimostrano una evoluzione che ci fa ben sperare per il lieto fine.
Eppure, il finale rimane aperto...
Quando inizio una serie, che io la ami o meno, voglio sempre vedere come va a finire e tutto sommato questa è piacevole da leggere, anche se Alexander per certi versi può esasperarti e Lauren farti arrabbiare per la sua remissività, ma del resto, come si suol dire, gli opposti si attraggono.
Se volete quindi sapere come va a finire, venire a conoscenza di tanti aspetti della famiglia Hunt e di come un sentimento possa essere espresso senza dire le due fatidiche parole, allora dovete proprio leggerlo.
Alla prossima recensione!

[Camila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loooooord.
Will they just say the words?!
My heart is in agony.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't review an entire series at once, but The Oxford Blue Series, by Pippa Croft (pen name for Phillipa Ashley) has me making an exception. The following review encompasses all three books in the series.

The Oxford Blue Series is Pippa's debut into the New Adult scene, and it's a brilliant one at that. The series follows Lauren Cusack, daughter of a US Senator, while she endeavors to master the hallowed halls of Oxford University in search of a Masters in Art History. Told from Lauren's particular point of view as an American in an environment somewhat alien from her stateside collegiate experience, Pippa takes us along for a wild ride. From practically the moment Lauren arrives in Oxford, she's thrown into the exclusive world of
Alexander Hunt, son of a marquess and the object of everyone's curiosity at the college. Inexplicably attracted to the dangerous and handsome soldier/aristocrat, Lauren finds herself at the center of a relationship fraught with sexual attraction and deception. For every step forward in their relationship, Lauren and Alexander take two steps back, experiencing the heartache of family interference, betrayal, and class distinction.

As Lauren experiences her push and pull relationship with Alexander, we do the same. She has no idea whether to love him or despise him, trust him and feel sorry for him, or run from him as far and as fast as she can. We feel the same. While readers may want what's best for Lauren, she's young enough not to know what's best for herself. And the author does a wonderful job in conveying Lauren's confusion over the situation she has found herself in.

The first two books set the stage of their ongoing relationship and the second one, in particular, defines the parameters of Alexander's need for Lauren. It ends on a great cliffhanger. Luckily, the third in the series, Third Time Lucky, was released the same day I finished The Second Time I Saw You, so I didn't have to wait long to see what happens.

A warning to the retiring reader; the sex is HOT and PLENTIFUL. That's all I'm going to say on the subject. When I say Lauren and Alexander are attracted to each other, I'm being a little coy. Their relationship is smoking, and the author does not hold back in this regard. There, I've done my civic duty in letting you all know. At first it seems that this is the only glue that is holding these two together. But as the series moves on and we get to the final book, Alexander starts to open up a bit more, and we begin to see a side of him that up until this point has been well hidden. We begin to suspect that there is more to what he feels for Lauren then we've been privy to, and ultimately we come around to seeing in him what she sees. But not without quite a bit of angst and hand wringing first. And the question remains; is it too little too late?

Secondary characters add depth and conflict to Lauren's experience. They are just colorful and malicious enough to add all the necessary drama. I especially loved Lauren's involvement with Scott. Their relationship had me guessing to the very last page.

The Oxford Blue series is well-written and flows very quickly from page to page, and book to book. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I am mentioned in the acknowledgements for my slight and relatively small contribution to the author's hard work.

Well done, Ms. Croft. Highly recommend.

[Rosalba · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECENSIONE
Li abbiamo conosciuti nel primo romanzo, dal titolo 'La prima volta che ti ho incontrato', ad Oxford in virtù dei loro studi, ed è subito passione quella che nasce tra i due, una tormentata ed irrefrenabile passione, alla quale nessuno dei due può rinunciare. Non poche sono le ostilità e le difficoltà che devono superare, Alexander è un nobile inglese, primogenito di Lord Falconbury, mentre Lauren è figlia del senatore americano Cusack. Nel secondo capitolo entriamo nel mondo di Alexander, che si apre ai lettori. Scorgiamo in lui un animo ferito ma soprattutto un uomo forte, coraggioso, capace di amare, nonostante la corazza che sfoggia agli occhi degli altri. E' grazie al secondo libro se le lettrici si innamorano di Alexander, ma è con il terzo che le lettrici lo amano, perchè in quest'ultimo episodio la scrittrice ci racconta di un uomo diverso da quello tutto d'un pezzo che abbiamo conosciuto nei precedenti libri, riesce a rompere alcune barriere e a farsi largo irrimediabilmente nel cuore della bellissima Lauren. Anche Lauren non è da meno, Alexander non potrà fare a meno di lei, infatti lei sarà sempre un punto di riferimento, un pensiero che lo porterà alla vita, anche nei momenti più tristi e più difficili.
Ora entriamo più nel vivo del terzo romanzo, ci soffermiamo sulla storia che viene raccontata, per questo urge avvisare voi lettori che se non avete letto il secondo romanzo o quanto meno il primo, non potete assolutamente leggere questa recensione, perchè sarebbe impossibile pararvi di questo libro senza svelarvi retroscena che magari preferireste scoprire solo con la lettura. Se invece siete fanatici e volete subito conoscere cosa accade di seguito al secondo romanzo, eccovi il piatto pronto, leggetemi e vi dirò quello che volete sapere.
Ci troviamo in ospedale, Lauren viene chiamata dall'infermiera del capitano Hunt, che chiedeva insistentemente di vederla. Alexander è andato in missione per sostituire un suo collega ed ora è finito in ospedale in precarie condizioni. I medici, rassicurano Lauren, faranno tutto ciò che sarà possibile per dar lui le cure di cui necessita, ma Lauren è molto spaventata, teme di perderlo per sempre. Anche se la loro relazione era in bilico, una brutta discussione li aveva allontanati, Lauren non può fingere di provare dei sentimenti per Alexander, così resta al suo capezzale, fin tanto che lui non si risvegli.
Quando il peggio è passato, Alexander le chiede di tornare alla tenuta con lui, sua sorella Emma e i suoi collaboratori. Lauren vorrebbe rifiutare la sua richiesta ma sa che in quel momento Alexander ha bisogno di lei, ha bisogno di aiuto per affrontare la riabilitazione e soprattutto necessita di una spalla per tenere a bada sua sorella, che a quanto pare non è un agnellino, anzi, tutt'altro.

“Voglio godermi il momento, vivere il presente, è questa la cosa importante.” Lauren

CONTINUA LA LETTURA QUI: http://larapunzeldeilibri.blogspot.it...

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Time Lucky, The Oxford Blue Series 3, Pippa Croft
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I loved, loved, loved books one and two – perfect blend of romance and drama for me, with some steamy sensual scenes too so would book three live up to those? Short answer – yes it did and I loved it.
 
We left book two with Alexander and Lauren having had a huge row, bitter words were said in anger, things difficult to forget and it seemed there was no coming back this time...and then Alexander was badly injured. This book picks right up at the hospital, Alexander has asked for Lauren and she’s there. Once she sees him that's it once again, she can’t get past that electric connection they have for each other. Alexander had left her a beautiful letter knowing he might die on this mission, apologising and saying all the things he felt for her, and they talk again, seeing if they can move forward and forget the bitterness of the past. Of course the past always comes back and once again there are things coming up to block their way, and Rupert and Valentina doing their usual best to separate them and cause trouble. I do so love a good bitch and Valentina is perfect, just the right sort of attractive, sensual but grasping and manipulation amoral person that works in this role. Rupert too has a grip on the bad side of things, friend of Alexander and his family for a long time, but hates Lauren and determines she’s not going to stay with Alexander.
 
Emma plays a smaller role in this book, its very much centred around Lauren and Alexander, and once again their romance seems to take one step forward and two back with all the drama I love coming to the fore. Its tear jerking at points, and I felt they both learned and matured a lot in this story. Of course there’s the year end coming up fast and the big question – what happens then? Can they – will they – try a cross continent romance or just give it all up? How can they leave each other when feelings run so deep, but long distance romances aren’t easy and they’ve had so many problems when close connected so is there any hope it can work?
So many questions need to be answered here, what both Lauren and Alexander will do next career wise, whether they can continue their romance, what about Alexander's dual role of Military and running the Estate? Will Lauren end up back under her loving but over-protective parents control if she moves back to US, but if she doesn’t then what could she do in UK? There’s so much drama packed in once again that its a riveting read and one I loved. Its a trio that will go in my keepers file for certain. The end is perfect, sorts things out for now but leaves it open for more books. I thought this was a trilogy but I’m not sure now by the way it ended, it could easily go further.
Stars: Five, anther amazing dramatic romantic read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third Time Lucky, is the third and final novel in the romantic trilogy by Pippa Croft. It leaves off pretty much where the last book finishes - with Lauren receiving a call about Alexander and rushing to his aid.

The book then moves on to tell the story of the last term at Wyckham College and it's time for the two of them to consider what will happen to them both when term finishes.

As per the last two books, there isn't much studying being done and far too much sex - in fact I think this book has far more sex scenes than the last two put together! It's not classed as an 'adult' novel, but there are definitely enough hot sex scenes, it gives 50 Shades of Grey a good run for their money.

Aside from that, there are also the usual trials and tribulations in the world of Alexander and Lauren - the up's and the downs and the interferences. Also, Lauren's parents pay a surprise visit to Falconbury to check out the person who is taking their daughter away from them.

I have to be honest in this review and say that the only reason I continued reading was to find out the ending - was she going to stay with Alexander in England or go back to the US for good. And actually, I was quite disappointed with the outcome.

I hate doing plot spoilers but I feel like I have to here so if you don't want to know the end, look away now!

**PLOT SPOLIER**

I felt that the ending was an afterthought. It went on for too long and Alexander returning and Lauren turning down the job offer was meant to be a surprise, or a shock - which it really wasn't. By that point I'd actually given up caring what happened to them and felt that the ending was a bit of a cop out by the author. She obviously hadn't made up her mind what was going to happen, but as it is a trilogy, it has to have a definite answer. And the answer was that Lauren was going to go traveling as she wasn't ready to settle down, and would keep Alexander in mind for when she returned. The couple then left to have sex again!

I was very disappointed as I would have liked it to have been the fairy tale ending. I wanted something definite to happen that would make Lauren sure that she was going to stay with Alexander forever and that she would find a job in England and for the story to have the romantic ending I was hoping for. But sadly, no that wasn't the case.

And now the trilogy is over, I have to say that I don't think I would read it again. I enjoyed the books and they provided light reading, however I don't think they are either romantic novels or adult novels. I would recommend these books to those people who are looking for something light to read - perhaps summer holiday reading.

[Kirsty & Erin Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thanks to Penguin for approving me for a copy of this via NetGalley and to JB at Brook Cottage Brooks for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.

This is the third and final instalment in Pippa’s Oxford Blues series continuing the story of Lauren and Alexander.

I was eagerly anticipating this final instalment after falling for Alexander in the first and second books. You can check out my reviews for The First Time We Met and The Second Time I Saw You by clicking on the title.

What we know so far is that Lauren is a feisty, independent American student studying her masters at Oxford where she has met brooding, cocky, grumpy, controlling Alexander Hunt. At the end of the second book in the series we were left on a cliff hanger has another spanner was thrown in the works of Lauren and Alexander’s relationship. The story picks up in book three with Lauren going to the hospital to find Alexander.

Status quo quickly resumes for Lauren as she is back to bearing the brunt of Alexander’s mood swings and hot and cold attitude towards her. I felt like there was definitely a change in his character in this story as his accident seemed to make him realise his age and it almost seemed as though the burden of being head of the family, running the family estate and his career in the army had lightened a little. I really felt like I had warmed to Alexander’s character in the second book after his frosty and cold demeanour in the first novel meant that I couldn’t really feel a connection to him. In book three his character really comes out of his shell and as I’ve said appears younger and lighter.

Due to his accident Alexander is dependent on the help of others, particularly Lauren. I loved that he was at her mercy for the simplest of things and felt like this altered the balanced of their relationship so that Lauren could finally have some control over the situation. The story follows the pair back to college and through their final semester where although there seems to be more equality there is still uneven footing in their relationship. I was disappointed with the ending of the story – and therefor the ending of the series – because I really felt like it was time for Alexander to just man up, step up to the plate in his relationship with Lauren as he does in every other aspect of his life.

The ending was not the obvious outcome so I really think you will enjoy working out what might happen with the couple. I’m sad to see the end of this series but I’m already looking forward to what’s next for Pippa.

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Ultimo romanzo della serie Blue Trilogy di Pippa Croft. Abbiamo lasciato Alexander e Lauren in una situazione di stallo, lontani l'uno dall'altra, fino a quando una telefonata dei servizi segreti inglesi non comunica a Lauren che Alexander si trova in fin di vita a causa di un attacco nemico.

Il nuovo romanzo inizia da qui. Lauren si dirige subito in ospedale e dopo essersi salvato trova un Alexander diverso da quello che ha lasciato. Alexander è sempre il maschio alfa che abbiamo conosciuto nei libri precedenti ma consapevole di non voler vivere senza Lauren.


**L'unica cosa che mi fa stare meglio è sapere che ci sei, che esisti e che sei mia.
Sei come...una spina nel fianco**.

Lauren anche se è consapevole dei sentimenti per Alexander, si fa coinvolgere da questa strana alchimia che prova per il suo vecchio amico Scott. Ricordate il bel canottiere Scott? Proprio lui, continua a insinuarsi tra Alexander e Lauren. Per non parlare di Valentina, ex fidanzata del ragazzo, che escogita ogni cattiveria pur di tenere lontano i due innamorati. Ma in realtà quello che rischia di mandare tutto all'aria è la fine del master e il conseguente ritorno di Lauren in America.

Alexander cercherà con tutte le forze di tenerla legata a sé.

**Vederti anche solo per pochi istanti sarà comunque meglio di non vederti affatto. Dobbiamo
continuare a lottare.**


Un mio giudizio personale? Non saprei. Questo ultimo capitolo mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca. Come se si avesse avuto fretta di terminarlo e non siano stati curati alcuni aspetti della trama. Ad esempio Valentina. Meritava molto di più che una semplice lavata di testa. Io avrei optato per un calcio nel sedere, per esempio. Una scena epocale, non credete?
Sono rimasta un po' delusa, anche se nel complesso la trilogia mi è piaciuta un sacco, l'epilogo non è stato come l'avevo immaginato.

In ogni caso non fatevi scoraggiare dal mio giudizio, perché la Blue Trilogy merita di essere letta sotto l'ombrellone in questa estate che si prospetta torrida.

Buona lettura a tutte!

[Katey Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have followed the Oxford Blue series from the very beginning, but of course there is one problem with being the first on the scene when it comes to trilogies/serials...the waiting! I felt like I was waiting forever to get a copy of Third Time Lucky! But I can say it was well worth the wait.

Alexander and Lauren are a great fictional couple. A far cry from perfect, especially when they keep secrets from each other, but they have a spark. Although the Oxford Blue series is erotic and as such there are lots of sex scenes, their relationship is built on more than that. Lauren is the feisty American full of spirit and confidence and Alexander is the aristocratic Brit, sometimes moody and bullish but strong and determined.

Book 2 ended with a real cliffhanger (I don't want to give too much away here!) and now Lauren and Alexander face new challenges. I loved how the impact of this gave Lauren more power- it was sexy and exciting and proved that Alexander needed her just as much as she needed him, in every sense.

There were also some highly entertaining scenes involving scheming bitch-face Valentina getting her comeuppance (finally! Honestly one of my least favourite fictional characters-which proves she is well crafted) and the world's slimiest professor getting, shall we say, a cold shower of sorts. I do love it when the baddies get their just desserts.

I wasn't particularly keen on the ending, that was the one part which didn't quite ring true for me, but appreciate that if this was to be the final instalment there needed to be a level of 'closure'. However, I want more! Please Pippa?!

And I am desperate for someone to come along and make a TV series of this. It would go down a storm on E4. Beautiful Oxford, country retreats, a man in uniform, the American girl, the glamorous Italian cowbag and of course oodles of racy scenes...it has it all.

If you are a fan of the New Adult genre and you haven't yet read the Oxford Blue series, you really must. You'll be left clamouring for more.

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All three books in Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue series are out now.

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful conclusion to Lauren and Alexander's story, 5 stars and fell review to follow...

I am a self-confessed Alexander Hunt addict, so needless to say the cliffhanger at the end of ‘The Second Time I Saw You’ very nearly killed me. As soon as ‘Third Time Lucky’ appeared on my Kindle, it was immediately devoured, and I was once again swept along by Lauren and Alexander’s turbulent relationship.

Pippa Croft has an amazing ability at setting the scene in her books. It didn’t take any time at all for me to get used to being back in Lauren’s mind frame, and her fear, pain, heartbreak and hope all hit me straight away and had me feeling from the events of Book 2 and desperate to see whether her and Alexander can salvage their relationship.

What I’ve always liked about this series is the way that Pippa Croft portrays Alexander and Lauren’s relationship as fun and passionate but seeped with uncertainty and refusal to think about the future it could take. It is so wonderful to see a very truthful portrayal of how young people think about the future, and Lauren is the perfect example of a young girl who doesn’t want to be pulled back from making her own career and future,

The secondary characters were as well rounded and brilliantly portrayed as in the first two books, and the feelings that I had for some of these characters, particularly Scott and Valentina is part of what made me so invested in this series. They felt real to me, therefore their threat felt real. It’s not enough to just dislike them because of their intrusion into the main characters lives, but to feel worried by the threat that they pose to the main characters. This is something that I often feel is lacking in the development of secondary characters in contemporary stories.

This series is one that will stay with me for a long time. Between the beautiful descriptions of Oxford University, the heart-pounding romance between Lauren and Alexander, and the curse-the-witch-that-is-Valentina moments, this series is one not to be missed.

5 Stars!

*Review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Firstly thank you to JB for letting me take part in this blog tour. I've previously read the first and second book in this series and I loved them. The wait for this third book has been excruciating.

We pick this book up right after the second one ends. The second book ended on such a cliff-hanger that it almost killed me. I raced through the beginning of this book needing to know what would happen next.

Lauren was as useless as ever at staying away from Alexander and his drama. I feel this book while still written from Lauren's POV was more focused on the changes for Alexander than for Lauren.

Alexander really grew a lot in this book. With the struggles that he faces with his injury life Alexander has to learn to adapt. He has to learn that he can't always get his own way and that sometimes you need a bit of help. Of course being Alexander Hunt he fights this all the way.

I really enjoyed seeing more of Emma. I loved seeing the changes in her and Alexander's relationship. They really do only have each other left and after Alexander's accident Emma grows up quite a lot.

I loved Letty. She is a genuinely nice person and I don't know how Rupert can be related to her, let alone have been in her womb for 9 months.

Valentina, OMG that girl just doesn't give up. She is so manipulative. Every time I thought we'd seen the end of her, back she came to cause more problems.

I raced through the last few chapters of this book because I was worried I wasn't going to get the ending I wanted and even right up until the last page I wasn't sure how this book was going to end.

I have a feeling this is the last book in the series but I would love maybe a little novella on how these two are doing at some point in the future. I don't quite feel like their story is over. ( I will upgrade to 5 stars if I know there is another book haha)

[tyrianpurple · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pippa Croft - Third Time Lucky

Alexander Hunt. Captain in active service. Lord of Falconbury. Ice blue eyes. Blunt. Feisty. Wicked. Dirty talker.
Lauren Cusack. Grad student. Loves her lingerie.

Book #3 in The Oxford Blue series. 1st POV. London. Contemporary romance. Military situation. Erotic romance. English blue blood. Sex in public place.

I applied to R2R Third Time Lucky because i fell in lust at the first sight of its cover. Hereby, i overlooked the blurbs, just instantly one-clicked it. I didnt know that this is a part of continous serial. Now i need to read the excerpt to two previous book before reading this.

The uncorrected advanced copy that given to me uses this type of crisp and curl font on which made me uncomfortable reading it. I need to readapt everytime i turned a new page. Hopefully the final fix copy used different font.

Start off with a military related beating that brought Captain Hunt into momentary comma. Told in female perspective from whom i derived that there had been an on-off relationship between them 6 months backward. Now they were in state of break up, but Alex fought for them to be together again.

The storyline rather plain. I enjoy the banter between Alex-Lauren, the blunt nature of Alex, and reluctantly repressed Lauren. The plot runs quite slowly for my liking. There is a balance between naration and conversation. The british nature of the writing style fascinates me. Childlike Alexander gave the book something to be amused and smiled at. Then, dirty talker Alexander gave me wet spotted knickers during reading it. Unfortunately, the sex scenes do not live up to the high expectation created by all those dirty talks. Alex-Lauren are lack of chemistry, almost too polite to each other.

ARC is kindly provided by Author/Publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you for the chance to review the book.

full review to be posted on my GoodReads and TUMBLR blog.
http://madamtyrianpurple.tumblr.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2...

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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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.

Pippa Croft

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting in great anticipation for the final installment of Pippa Croft's Oxford Blue series and was not disappointed. After receiving the book on my kindle yesterday, I was barely able to put it down. We were left with an almighty cliffhanger in part 2 as to the fate of Alexander Hunt.

Lauren and Alexander are like moths to the flame, although they keep getting burned they can't keep away from each other. Their relationship doesn't get any easier in this final installment and neither does interference from outside parties.Although their story is never the easy option, you feel that there is a deep attachment to each other that goes beyond sex that never keeps them far from each other mentally, if not always physically.

It is almost the end of the year at Oxford and there is a lot to work out, decisions about the future to be made for both parties. Lauren doesn't want to read more into what they have and what the future holds with Alex although this is a form of self-denial to how much she really "cares" about him. That Alex is just as much emotionally invested in Lauren is apparent, even if they do not speak the words.

The trilogy of books has been fun and engaging to read. The sex has been pretty inventive and steamy, but I am glad to say there has been a story and intelligent dialogue between the characters too. Lauren is an independent girl and has managed to hold on to that without becoming an appendage to her man. Alex can sometimes be uncommunicative and withdrawn, but she has a way of drawing him out. In the end, he finally has to let those walls fall down and show his inner vulnerability to her and how much he needs her.

A satisfying end ​not with wild declarations of love and commitment, ( that they care for each other is obvious) but what most relationships need to succeed, hope.