Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Third Time Lucky
AUTHOR: Alexandra Caluen
PUBLISHER: JMS Books
LENGTH: 125 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 23, 2024
BLURB:
Neither Troy Nakamura nor Laszlo Jovanovic expect anything after their one-night stand. Troy is bound for college and Laszlo is heading to graduate school on the other side of the continent.
They don’t see each other again for five years, when Troy’s former competition dance partner invites him to her wedding, where he can’t resist another encounter with Laszlo. Then he says more than he should. While Laszlo lets him down easy, the fact is Troy’s still in law school and the other man’s work is taking him to Europe. Their first parting wasn’t easy, but this one really hurts.
As Laszlo winds up his final European contract seven years later, a traumatic incident disrupts his intention to stay with his parents for a while. Troy, now living near their families again, offers a place to live while Laszlo sorts himself out.
Both of them had always thought what if. With privacy, peace, and the opportunity to learn just how they’ve both changed since that first momentous night, is the time finally right for love?
REVIEW:
This is a really great story!
Troy and Lazlo are in each other’s lives for two really special nights separated by several years. They are so compatible, but the timing is just bad. They have great sex and also don’t run out of things to talk about. But the first time, Troy is only 18 and just graduating from HS. Laz is headed to Europe and then to the other side of the country for Grad school. The second time they meet up at Laz’s sister’s wedding. He’s headed off to Europe and Troy is in law school. They are focused on their careers and getting their lives started. They both realize this is something really special but the timing isn’t right and Laz in particular isn’t interested in trying for long distance. It is a painful parting.
In the intervening years, both are building their careers. Troy goes from San Francisco to Seattle back to Orange County. Then the pandemic strikes. He’s Ok working from home after a while. He’s also dealt with a stalker ex and he’s happy to not have to go to the office. Lax meanwhile has added a bunch of languages to his skillset. He’s done a lot of work he’s happy with and he’s winding up and heading back to the states. After leaving government, he’s on Social Media, so he and Troy keep in loose touching “liking” each other’s posts and pictures.
Laz is headed home when tragedy strikes. He’s not keen to be hovered over by his family. Natalia, Troy’s former dance partner, friend and Laz’s sister calls in a favor asking Troy to pick Laz up and help him out. Troy is happy to so do. He lands at Troy’s house and they fall into an easy and comfortable co-habitation. Troy lets Laz settle at his own pace. They both are at the point in their lives that they are finally ready for something that is not casual. The timing is now right.
Truly a well-written story. Loved the dual POV – we get to see what Troy and Laz are thinking. No guessing. Loved that they communicated as adults all along. Troy is quite mature for his age and they are so compatible in so many ways. I love that Natalia and both families are there for them. There are hint of how ballroom dancing is a catalyst for this relationship and it’s very cool too 🙂 A true happily ever after that puts these two guys together where they should be after a dozen years. Loved it and highly recommend.
RATING: 
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