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Brits in Manhattan #1
The Law of Attraction
A Hotshot Manhattan Attorney.
Drew Harrington knows exactly who he is—a legal shark with a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude that works just fine in his cutthroat world. He’s on the cusp of being named a partner in his firm, but only if he can prove to his colleagues that he has a more human side.
A Sweetheart of a British Patisserie Chef.
Becky Fletcher is running from her past, so the last thing she’s looking for is love. What she does want is a friendly face in a cold city. Her sunny outlook is perfect opposite to Drew’s hard exterior, but can she afford to let down her guard?
One fateful meeting at a bagel cart.
They sound like a match made in heaven—or is it a car crash?
Drew Harrington knows exactly who he is—a legal shark with a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude that works just fine in his cutthroat world. He’s on the cusp of being named a partner in his firm, but only if he can prove to his colleagues that he has a more human side.
A Sweetheart of a British Patisserie Chef.
Becky Fletcher is running from her past, so the last thing she’s looking for is love. What she does want is a friendly face in a cold city. Her sunny outlook is perfect opposite to Drew’s hard exterior, but can she afford to let down her guard?
One fateful meeting at a bagel cart.
They sound like a match made in heaven—or is it a car crash?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2023
1559 people are currently reading
1963 people want to read
About the author
Laura Carter
22 books425 followersAmazon top 10 and internationally bestselling author of romcoms and sports romance, translated into multiple languages. Exploring relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is Laura’s passion. She takes inspiration from everything she loves from sports to law, from music and books to on screen romances, and from her own friends and family (shhhhhh, don't tell them!). Laura lives in Jersey, Channel Islands and loves nothing more than being active outdoors.
Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.
Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).
Learn more about Laura and her books here: www.lauracarterauthor.com.
Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.
Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).
Learn more about Laura and her books here: www.lauracarterauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
March 21, 2024
3.5⭐
Genre ~ rom com
Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #1
Setting ~ New York City, London
Publication date ~ August 21, 2023
Page Count ~ 260 (25 chapters)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 34 minutes
Narrators ~ Jessica Preddy, Nathan Adams Stark
POV ~ dual~ish 1st
Featuring ~ lawyer, pastry chef, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage, triggers I have in a spoiler down below
Drew & Becky's meet cute was cute. Shove that in your bagel and eat it!
He is a lawyer that is on the fast track to making partner and all he does is work work work, have one night stands and he doesn't do relationships.
She hightailed it outta London rather quickly and we don't learn why for quite a bit into the book. A sunshine character who is not looking for love but wants to see everything NYC has to offer, so Drew becomes her tour guide to all the popular sites. They develop a friendship and eventually feelings they can't deny.
The majority of the chapters are from Drew. We only get a few from Becky's past that slowly reveal why she had to run ~ . I really wish we had more of her present POV.
I was really mad at both him and her at one point. Although, her reasoning for keeping her secrets was fine to keep from most people, I did not like that she wasn't honest with Drew because he was really hurt by what he learned and I can totally see why.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. That 3rd act bumped me down to 3.5, but the rest of the book was fun, so that's why I rounded up.
Book notes:
Originally published in 2017 as Balancing the Scales. I am unsure if any changes were made.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ rom com
Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #1
Setting ~ New York City, London
Publication date ~ August 21, 2023
Page Count ~ 260 (25 chapters)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 34 minutes
Narrators ~ Jessica Preddy, Nathan Adams Stark
POV ~ dual~ish 1st
Featuring ~ lawyer, pastry chef, grump/sunshine, opposites attract, slow burn, friends to lovers, no steamage, triggers I have in a spoiler down below
Drew & Becky's meet cute was cute. Shove that in your bagel and eat it!
He is a lawyer that is on the fast track to making partner and all he does is work work work, have one night stands and he doesn't do relationships.
She hightailed it outta London rather quickly and we don't learn why for quite a bit into the book. A sunshine character who is not looking for love but wants to see everything NYC has to offer, so Drew becomes her tour guide to all the popular sites. They develop a friendship and eventually feelings they can't deny.
The majority of the chapters are from Drew. We only get a few from Becky's past that slowly reveal why she had to run ~ . I really wish we had more of her present POV.
I was really mad at both him and her at one point. Although, her reasoning for keeping her secrets was fine to keep from most people, I did not like that she wasn't honest with Drew because he was really hurt by what he learned and I can totally see why.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. That 3rd act bumped me down to 3.5, but the rest of the book was fun, so that's why I rounded up.
Book notes:
Originally published in 2017 as Balancing the Scales. I am unsure if any changes were made.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 9, 2023
I really wanted to like The Law of Attraction, it's a cute rom-com featuring opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, and friends to lovers; however, I couldn't really enjoy it due to some things.
The first of which is the fact that there are no TWs anywhere in the book; I went into this thinking it was going to be wholesome and sweet. However, there are multiple things that can be triggering and should have been prefaced including abuse, miscarriage, and grooming. I can only hope that because this is an ARC copy and not a finished one, a TW list will be added; but that still doesn't excuse the fact that the ARC readers were blindsided. The second reason I lowered the rating is that while this is dual POV, 90% of the book is told from the MC's POV. I will say that at the beginning of the book I hated him, and by the end he had grown on me some; but honestly, he gave the bare minimum. Another factor in the low rating is that I couldn't really connect with the FMC. There were a total of four chapters in her POV, three of which she was a child. While I liked the snippets we got of her, it wasn't nearly enough to understand her and how she fell in love with the MC. Overall, The Law of Attraction was very underwhelming and I can't say that I will try any more Laura Carter stories. I implore all authors to include a TW list if you think your book's material may be upsetting to some. Honestly, it's the bare minimum to do for your readers.
~I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
The first of which is the fact that there are no TWs anywhere in the book; I went into this thinking it was going to be wholesome and sweet. However, there are multiple things that can be triggering and should have been prefaced including abuse, miscarriage, and grooming. I can only hope that because this is an ARC copy and not a finished one, a TW list will be added; but that still doesn't excuse the fact that the ARC readers were blindsided. The second reason I lowered the rating is that while this is dual POV, 90% of the book is told from the MC's POV. I will say that at the beginning of the book I hated him, and by the end he had grown on me some; but honestly, he gave the bare minimum. Another factor in the low rating is that I couldn't really connect with the FMC. There were a total of four chapters in her POV, three of which she was a child. While I liked the snippets we got of her, it wasn't nearly enough to understand her and how she fell in love with the MC. Overall, The Law of Attraction was very underwhelming and I can't say that I will try any more Laura Carter stories. I implore all authors to include a TW list if you think your book's material may be upsetting to some. Honestly, it's the bare minimum to do for your readers.
~I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
This book needs to come with trigger warnings. Every other mention of a dessert is countered with a mention of having to work it off with a workout, or growing into the size of a house, or "a match made in obesity heaven". This is a really unhealthy depiction of how food is appreciated, and feels a lot like food shaming.
The MMC is also a giant douche. He thinks a lot of himself, that women constantly fall at his feet, and that if he ever finds the right woman, he would never cheat on her because he would have too much respect for her to do that, implying that he doesn't necessarily respect the many women he sleeps with. If you don't respect them, asshole, don't stick your dick into them.
Interactions between MMC and his secretary/assistant read as Suits (the tv show) fanfic.
To be frank, after that first douche-y attitude occurrence, I started reading to highlight all the ways the guy is a douche and for the numerous food-shaming. I was ready to read this book all the way, but this one scene and I'm not ok after reading this in what's supposed to be a laugh-out-loud romcom.
No. Just no.
So, two notes:
1. Trigger warnings
2. Sensitivity reading
Dnf at 42%.
The MMC is also a giant douche. He thinks a lot of himself, that women constantly fall at his feet, and that if he ever finds the right woman, he would never cheat on her because he would have too much respect for her to do that, implying that he doesn't necessarily respect the many women he sleeps with. If you don't respect them, asshole, don't stick your dick into them.
Interactions between MMC and his secretary/assistant read as Suits (the tv show) fanfic.
To be frank, after that first douche-y attitude occurrence, I started reading to highlight all the ways the guy is a douche and for the numerous food-shaming. I was ready to read this book all the way, but this one scene and I'm not ok after reading this in what's supposed to be a laugh-out-loud romcom.
No. Just no.
So, two notes:
1. Trigger warnings
2. Sensitivity reading
Dnf at 42%.
August 17, 2023
"Sweetness. A sour kick. If a cake can be quirky, this is quirky. This is… this is Blondie. Those sweet dimples. That perfect smile. Her Britishisms."
What happens when infamous Manhattan Lawyer, Drew Harrington, is interrupted by "blondie" when grabbing a bagel one busy morning. When he has to choose between the draw of attraction to her or maintaining his work ethic.
I thought this chick lit was really cute, the pull between Drew and Becky was instant and provoking from the beginning. The tension between them was intense in the best way possible.
The writing was simple, and the dialogue was sweet and efficient. The fast pace this novel went was captivating, and I was glued to my seat. "Shove that in your bagel and eat it."
I wish we saw more romance in the novel, it seemed like it was 90% build up and tension, and 10% romance. It almost seemed like it took on an opposites attract type of romance, but didn't truly play out until the end.
Overall this was a nice, charming read and I would definitely read more from this series! I would recommend if you're in the mood for a quick, sweet, tension-filled romance. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 21 August 2023
--- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
What happens when infamous Manhattan Lawyer, Drew Harrington, is interrupted by "blondie" when grabbing a bagel one busy morning. When he has to choose between the draw of attraction to her or maintaining his work ethic.
I thought this chick lit was really cute, the pull between Drew and Becky was instant and provoking from the beginning. The tension between them was intense in the best way possible.
The writing was simple, and the dialogue was sweet and efficient. The fast pace this novel went was captivating, and I was glued to my seat. "Shove that in your bagel and eat it."
I wish we saw more romance in the novel, it seemed like it was 90% build up and tension, and 10% romance. It almost seemed like it took on an opposites attract type of romance, but didn't truly play out until the end.
Overall this was a nice, charming read and I would definitely read more from this series! I would recommend if you're in the mood for a quick, sweet, tension-filled romance. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: 21 August 2023
--- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 4, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This book has the cover of a cute romcom, but conceals a pretty heavy novel that I feel should include several trigger warnings for the readers. (EX: fat phobia, miscarriage, abuse, lack of consent.) I also expected to see most (if not just…more) of the book from Becky’s perspective, but found 90% of it to be written from Drew’s, and, let’s face it, most of the time he’s a sucky human being.
I know that a redemption arc for Drew (being a good uncle, paying for his brother’s college etc…) is most of the plot of this book, but I feel like some things are too difficult to change in a person, or to at least un-see. If you treat women like objects, you’re probably going to still objectify women, even if you happen to find one that’s really pretty and bakes a good cake. Overall I didn’t feel like he was a likable character, and that in the bits and pieces we saw Becky she was only ever in the kitchen, or being seen as a sexual object. Even if he did “love her”. Personally, I don’t think I’d want to end up with the guy who was mad at me for not setting the alarm clock for him.
The two stars for Becky, and for all that she’s had to put up with at the hands of men.
This book has the cover of a cute romcom, but conceals a pretty heavy novel that I feel should include several trigger warnings for the readers. (EX: fat phobia, miscarriage, abuse, lack of consent.) I also expected to see most (if not just…more) of the book from Becky’s perspective, but found 90% of it to be written from Drew’s, and, let’s face it, most of the time he’s a sucky human being.
I know that a redemption arc for Drew (being a good uncle, paying for his brother’s college etc…) is most of the plot of this book, but I feel like some things are too difficult to change in a person, or to at least un-see. If you treat women like objects, you’re probably going to still objectify women, even if you happen to find one that’s really pretty and bakes a good cake. Overall I didn’t feel like he was a likable character, and that in the bits and pieces we saw Becky she was only ever in the kitchen, or being seen as a sexual object. Even if he did “love her”. Personally, I don’t think I’d want to end up with the guy who was mad at me for not setting the alarm clock for him.
The two stars for Becky, and for all that she’s had to put up with at the hands of men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
Actually kinda boring, thank god it was only 250 pages. I didn’t really enjoy how it was from the man’s pov, maybe because all he talked about was women’s arses and ‘racks’ which is awful and objectifying. Not a slay 👎
March 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this romantic tale: it is sweet, uncomplicated and the protagonist very much reminded me of Harvey from Suits! No bad thing, his ways are undeniably self-centred and thinking with his trousers, I liked how terrible and good Drew was all at once.
Not only does the character remind me of a television show, but I loved Carter’s reference to it. Even with the scotch consumption and Drew’s secretary, Sarah, all I could think of was the Suits links. Yet, when Drew meets Becky in a queue for a breakfast bagel, his behaviours start to change. No longer is he driven by bedding beautiful women and happily having just one-night stands, the connection he finds with Becky distracts him because it is like coming home. Becky offers security, warmth and a genuine relationship that Drew knows he has never felt before. But does she feel the same?
What was refreshing about this story is that readers do not get much of an insight into how Becky is feeling. There are only a handful of chapters from her perspective and these mostly provide the background to how “British Becky” ends up working in New York. As such, I was as perplexed as Drew and, despite his arrogance, even he cannot be completely certain that the obsessive feelings he has for this girl are even returned, particularly as Becky emphasised how much she was not looking for a long-term relationship.
I really enjoyed this element of the story, finding it unusual to know so much about the male character and so little about the love interest. Furthermore, I found Becky’s background to be surprising, especially towards the end. The relationship between the two characters is a sweet, slow-burner and I appreciated seeing them get to know each other better, rather than just the physical side of the relationship (although Drew is easily distracted by thoughts of this).
It is not a racy, graphic novel, but with enough suggestions to know what the characters are feeling. There were no characters I especially disliked and I delighted in mix of romance with being an upshot lawyer in New York. Drew is described in a way that will get most readers’ hearts racing and he definitely had character appeal! I hope the rest of the series is just as good as this one, giving me the escapism I really needed.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not only does the character remind me of a television show, but I loved Carter’s reference to it. Even with the scotch consumption and Drew’s secretary, Sarah, all I could think of was the Suits links. Yet, when Drew meets Becky in a queue for a breakfast bagel, his behaviours start to change. No longer is he driven by bedding beautiful women and happily having just one-night stands, the connection he finds with Becky distracts him because it is like coming home. Becky offers security, warmth and a genuine relationship that Drew knows he has never felt before. But does she feel the same?
What was refreshing about this story is that readers do not get much of an insight into how Becky is feeling. There are only a handful of chapters from her perspective and these mostly provide the background to how “British Becky” ends up working in New York. As such, I was as perplexed as Drew and, despite his arrogance, even he cannot be completely certain that the obsessive feelings he has for this girl are even returned, particularly as Becky emphasised how much she was not looking for a long-term relationship.
I really enjoyed this element of the story, finding it unusual to know so much about the male character and so little about the love interest. Furthermore, I found Becky’s background to be surprising, especially towards the end. The relationship between the two characters is a sweet, slow-burner and I appreciated seeing them get to know each other better, rather than just the physical side of the relationship (although Drew is easily distracted by thoughts of this).
It is not a racy, graphic novel, but with enough suggestions to know what the characters are feeling. There were no characters I especially disliked and I delighted in mix of romance with being an upshot lawyer in New York. Drew is described in a way that will get most readers’ hearts racing and he definitely had character appeal! I hope the rest of the series is just as good as this one, giving me the escapism I really needed.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2023
I’m sorry but I quit after a disturbing scene in the book.
The male character wasn’t realistic and the female had a dramatic childhood where she was neglected, so she ran away from home to be picked up by a random guy who kept her basically for sex. I found that quite disturbing and I didn’t expect this, and I couldn’t see a lawyer womanizer who used women suddenly changing because of Becky’s chippy mood, especially after what she went through.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
The male character wasn’t realistic and the female had a dramatic childhood where she was neglected, so she ran away from home to be picked up by a random guy who kept her basically for sex. I found that quite disturbing and I didn’t expect this, and I couldn’t see a lawyer womanizer who used women suddenly changing because of Becky’s chippy mood, especially after what she went through.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
��� 2.75⭐️
August 31, 2023
Quick Summary: A breaking free from the past women's fiction story
My Review: The Law of Attraction by Laura Carter is book one in the Brits in Manhattan series.
About the Book: Running away from a woeful past that was layered in regret, Becky Fletcher, Patisserie extraordinaire, makes her way to New York. While there, she works her bucket list with zeal and excitement. As luck would have it, she crosses paths with an uptight attorney on the fast track to making partner. The two strike up a friendship of sorts, until feelings begin to emerge. Will Becky and Drew ever have a chance to become true partners, or will a secret from the past prevent them from being together?
My Final Say: This book was so much more than I expected. Not only was it playful and entertaining, but it was also serious and sobering. I liked the character leads and appreciated their evident growth. The climactic confession scene and the resultant confrontation were so unexpected. I was totally in my feelings over that whole situation. I'm just glad that the showdown happened. It was fitting.
Readers who enjoy stories of triumph and female empowerment should like this novel.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 💬
Trigger Warning: +
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Boldwood Books), and to NetGalley, who made this book accessible for review in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own.
My Review: The Law of Attraction by Laura Carter is book one in the Brits in Manhattan series.
About the Book: Running away from a woeful past that was layered in regret, Becky Fletcher, Patisserie extraordinaire, makes her way to New York. While there, she works her bucket list with zeal and excitement. As luck would have it, she crosses paths with an uptight attorney on the fast track to making partner. The two strike up a friendship of sorts, until feelings begin to emerge. Will Becky and Drew ever have a chance to become true partners, or will a secret from the past prevent them from being together?
My Final Say: This book was so much more than I expected. Not only was it playful and entertaining, but it was also serious and sobering. I liked the character leads and appreciated their evident growth. The climactic confession scene and the resultant confrontation were so unexpected. I was totally in my feelings over that whole situation. I'm just glad that the showdown happened. It was fitting.
Readers who enjoy stories of triumph and female empowerment should like this novel.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Status/Level: 💬
Trigger Warning: +
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Boldwood Books), and to NetGalley, who made this book accessible for review in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own.
February 27, 2024
Straight vibes
May 12, 2024
This is such a cute cosy romance 🥰
Drew, lawyer, arrogant, rude and only cares about himself and his career. Drew meets Becky who is originally from the UK who moved to New York and bakes the finest cakes ever known. Drew and Becky start off not in the politest way they both bring out the worst in each other, before long, once enemies turn into lovers..
I loved this book, it’s an easy read, short and very fast paced!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Drew, lawyer, arrogant, rude and only cares about himself and his career. Drew meets Becky who is originally from the UK who moved to New York and bakes the finest cakes ever known. Drew and Becky start off not in the politest way they both bring out the worst in each other, before long, once enemies turn into lovers..
I loved this book, it’s an easy read, short and very fast paced!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 22, 2017
Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I started the book it was written from Drew's perspective and I thought it would go back and forth between Drew's point of view and Becky's. This was not the case. The majority of the story is told from Drew's perspective and the reader only gets snippets of Becky's story as the plot unfolds. I really enjoyed this strategy. As the reader only gradually learns about Becky's history, it gave the story an extra layer of depth. It also left you eager to find out what brought Becky to this point in her life.
The chemistry between "British" Becky and Drew was apparent from the very beginning. The quick wit and banter was well written and funny at times. For those who like their stories steamy, this book delivers in spades when the two finally succumb tot heir attraction. What I liked is that for the most part the story didn't just focus on the physical as there was an emotional current throughout the entire story.
This leads me back to what I mentioned earlier. I really liked how Becky's story was only given in small snapshots and the reader had to wait to really know what was going on in her life. This made me read the story faster as I was eager to find out what made her tick.
This appears to be the first in a series. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next installment as I truly enjoyed this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I started the book it was written from Drew's perspective and I thought it would go back and forth between Drew's point of view and Becky's. This was not the case. The majority of the story is told from Drew's perspective and the reader only gets snippets of Becky's story as the plot unfolds. I really enjoyed this strategy. As the reader only gradually learns about Becky's history, it gave the story an extra layer of depth. It also left you eager to find out what brought Becky to this point in her life.
The chemistry between "British" Becky and Drew was apparent from the very beginning. The quick wit and banter was well written and funny at times. For those who like their stories steamy, this book delivers in spades when the two finally succumb tot heir attraction. What I liked is that for the most part the story didn't just focus on the physical as there was an emotional current throughout the entire story.
This leads me back to what I mentioned earlier. I really liked how Becky's story was only given in small snapshots and the reader had to wait to really know what was going on in her life. This made me read the story faster as I was eager to find out what made her tick.
This appears to be the first in a series. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next installment as I truly enjoyed this story.
October 7, 2023
This book reminded me a lot of the “Wallbanger” series — except those books worked and this one totally didn’t.
Drew is a hotshot attorney looking to become name partner at his firm. Think less witty Harvey Specter.
The book is dual POV in name only because 95% of the book is told through his POV. Which would be a refreshing take for a rom com if he wasn’t an absolute douche canoe with the emotional intelligence of a peanut.
His POV reduces Becky to a two dimensional hottie with a good laugh — nothing about the development of their relationship seems based on anything genuine because we really don’t get anything at all about the FMC until we learn why she came to New York in the last 10% of the book. This reveal, by the way, contained no trigger warnings when it absolutely should have.
This plot has potential but the execution needed some work — I had a feeling from the beginning I wasn’t going to vibe with it and I should have listened to my gut.
P.S. Drew is described several times as having dark blonde hair but this cover shows a dark haired hottie — I mean these are the key details that I’m talking about people!
Drew is a hotshot attorney looking to become name partner at his firm. Think less witty Harvey Specter.
The book is dual POV in name only because 95% of the book is told through his POV. Which would be a refreshing take for a rom com if he wasn’t an absolute douche canoe with the emotional intelligence of a peanut.
His POV reduces Becky to a two dimensional hottie with a good laugh — nothing about the development of their relationship seems based on anything genuine because we really don’t get anything at all about the FMC until we learn why she came to New York in the last 10% of the book. This reveal, by the way, contained no trigger warnings when it absolutely should have.
This plot has potential but the execution needed some work — I had a feeling from the beginning I wasn’t going to vibe with it and I should have listened to my gut.
P.S. Drew is described several times as having dark blonde hair but this cover shows a dark haired hottie — I mean these are the key details that I’m talking about people!
November 22, 2017
WOW! What a way to kick off this series! Laura Carter has once again delivered a fantastic story with amazing characters. I loved this book.
Drew & Becky are loveable and infectious. From the very beginning there is an instant pull between these two charismatic characters. Tension sizzles and pops louder and stronger than rice krispies.
Drew made me swoon. He's so, so perfect. So DAMN sexy. And swoony AF! He was also surprising. His intensity and pure alpha male goodness rocked my world!
Becky is strong and sassy. And I love the way Laura aided her growth through out the book. Her back story was devastating.
Laura writes Balancing the Scales mainly from a male POV and it worked. I loved being in Drew's head for the most part. This book is an incredible friends to lovers romance, written flawlessly. I loved every second.
Drew & Becky are loveable and infectious. From the very beginning there is an instant pull between these two charismatic characters. Tension sizzles and pops louder and stronger than rice krispies.
Drew made me swoon. He's so, so perfect. So DAMN sexy. And swoony AF! He was also surprising. His intensity and pure alpha male goodness rocked my world!
Becky is strong and sassy. And I love the way Laura aided her growth through out the book. Her back story was devastating.
Laura writes Balancing the Scales mainly from a male POV and it worked. I loved being in Drew's head for the most part. This book is an incredible friends to lovers romance, written flawlessly. I loved every second.
October 26, 2023
DNF @ 65% - I didn’t like the characters and just couldn’t get into the book. I really tried but I just didn’t care how this ends.
February 24, 2024
1.5⭐️
It would be 1 but I did like Becky.
Drew was rude and insufferable and 90% of this book was in his POV.
Becky deserved better.
It would be 1 but I did like Becky.
Drew was rude and insufferable and 90% of this book was in his POV.
Becky deserved better.
November 26, 2017
5 pond crossing stars for BALANCING THE SCALES!
The infamous Manhattan lawyer Drew Harrington has it all: a killer career, his pick of gorgeous NYC women and a generally kick ass life. So he doesn't expect the sucker punch that a 5ft nothing British blonde packs when she takes him on with food and ‘tude. Drew can't stop thinking about the beautiful spitfire whose desserts have him dreaming of all the places he'd love to eat them off of her. Rebecca Fletcher just got out of a controlling relationship, and she's definitely not ready for another man in her life, even if this one is pretty much a unicorn. The two of them find it impossible to stay away from one another, and as much as it scares Drew, he's falling hard and fast. But when Becky left Britain behind, she left a lot of secrets and baggage. Is Drew the man to help her unpack it?
Ohhh mama! You've gotta pick up BALANCING THE SCALES ASAP! The first book in the upcoming Brits in Manhattan series by the talented Ms. Carter, you'll instantly fall for Drew and Becky and their futile fight to stay just friends. Their chemistry is seriously off the charts perfection, from humor to incredibly erotic sexy times, I wanted to just follow them around NYC to soak up their vibes!! I'm obsessed with kitchen romances for some weird reason, and BALANCING THE SCALES gave me that and another of my favorite themes, the young, hot and powerful lawyer. I was forked by their second meeting. Done. Fully in love. My only beef was that I wanted it to last longer! I needed more Drew and Becky!! If you dig sexy contemporary romance with excellent character development and killer chemistry, do not hesitate to grab a copy of BALANCING THE SCALES (and everything else Ms. Carter puts out, quite frankly).
Bottom Line: Ex OM situation; mixed condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
The infamous Manhattan lawyer Drew Harrington has it all: a killer career, his pick of gorgeous NYC women and a generally kick ass life. So he doesn't expect the sucker punch that a 5ft nothing British blonde packs when she takes him on with food and ‘tude. Drew can't stop thinking about the beautiful spitfire whose desserts have him dreaming of all the places he'd love to eat them off of her. Rebecca Fletcher just got out of a controlling relationship, and she's definitely not ready for another man in her life, even if this one is pretty much a unicorn. The two of them find it impossible to stay away from one another, and as much as it scares Drew, he's falling hard and fast. But when Becky left Britain behind, she left a lot of secrets and baggage. Is Drew the man to help her unpack it?
Ohhh mama! You've gotta pick up BALANCING THE SCALES ASAP! The first book in the upcoming Brits in Manhattan series by the talented Ms. Carter, you'll instantly fall for Drew and Becky and their futile fight to stay just friends. Their chemistry is seriously off the charts perfection, from humor to incredibly erotic sexy times, I wanted to just follow them around NYC to soak up their vibes!! I'm obsessed with kitchen romances for some weird reason, and BALANCING THE SCALES gave me that and another of my favorite themes, the young, hot and powerful lawyer. I was forked by their second meeting. Done. Fully in love. My only beef was that I wanted it to last longer! I needed more Drew and Becky!! If you dig sexy contemporary romance with excellent character development and killer chemistry, do not hesitate to grab a copy of BALANCING THE SCALES (and everything else Ms. Carter puts out, quite frankly).
Bottom Line: Ex OM situation; mixed condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
November 22, 2017
4.5 Stars!
I love the corporate environment and the politicking involved when working one's way to the top of the partnership ladder. I also love desserts and how their goodness has the ability to bridge the communication gap between two opposites. After reading the book blurb and some of the reviews about this novel, I knew I had to experience Balancing the Scales for myself. This story was quite meaningful and passionate, while keeping me on the edge of my seat for most of the narrative. Laura Carter is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
In the Manhattan law firm that gave him his start, Drew Harrington is on the cusp of achieving his goal of named partner, replete with his name on the door. He is good-looking, smart, and ruthless in the courtroom. He is also a workaholic and romantic relationships are not his thing. Meeting and touring the city with patisserie chef Becky Fletcher, changes his view about commitment, family and love.
Escaping to Manhattan from a small town outside of London is just what Becky needs. She loves her job in an upscale restaurant and her original creations are beyond yummy. Because of her past, she has no desire to find love. However, Drew's kindness and bedroom skills eventually win her over.
To begin with, a bagel truck is not one of the places most people meet their soulmate, but this gem of a book makes it work. Secondly, I loved how Ms. Carter evolved Becky and Drew's relationship, with discovery, companionship, and some scorching heat. Becky's ability to deal with her past was inspirational, as she embraced her future with gusto. Overall, this is a well-written romance with two main characters that were easy to get to know and truly admire.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I love the corporate environment and the politicking involved when working one's way to the top of the partnership ladder. I also love desserts and how their goodness has the ability to bridge the communication gap between two opposites. After reading the book blurb and some of the reviews about this novel, I knew I had to experience Balancing the Scales for myself. This story was quite meaningful and passionate, while keeping me on the edge of my seat for most of the narrative. Laura Carter is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
In the Manhattan law firm that gave him his start, Drew Harrington is on the cusp of achieving his goal of named partner, replete with his name on the door. He is good-looking, smart, and ruthless in the courtroom. He is also a workaholic and romantic relationships are not his thing. Meeting and touring the city with patisserie chef Becky Fletcher, changes his view about commitment, family and love.
Escaping to Manhattan from a small town outside of London is just what Becky needs. She loves her job in an upscale restaurant and her original creations are beyond yummy. Because of her past, she has no desire to find love. However, Drew's kindness and bedroom skills eventually win her over.
To begin with, a bagel truck is not one of the places most people meet their soulmate, but this gem of a book makes it work. Secondly, I loved how Ms. Carter evolved Becky and Drew's relationship, with discovery, companionship, and some scorching heat. Becky's ability to deal with her past was inspirational, as she embraced her future with gusto. Overall, this is a well-written romance with two main characters that were easy to get to know and truly admire.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 22, 2017
The first instalment of Laura Carter’s Brits in Manhattan series is every bit as fabulous as I hoped it would be.
Carter’s writing is nothing short of flawless, and the sweet, sexy, and easy reading nature of Drew & Becky’s story leaves you in eager anticipation for more.
This book has everything. The characters are both loveable and relatable, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Carter’s writing is nothing short of flawless, and the sweet, sexy, and easy reading nature of Drew & Becky’s story leaves you in eager anticipation for more.
This book has everything. The characters are both loveable and relatable, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
October 2, 2023
drew harrington marry me challenge
April 4, 2024
Read completely on one night I couldn't sleep, so this might be biased, but this was so cute 🥺🥺🥺
August 29, 2024
wait this was actually so cute im shocked. the writing was kinda off for me it felt like something was missing but the plot was actually good
December 10, 2023
Review I liked: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 16, 2024
3.5⭐️ easy to read and v cute🦋
October 27, 2017
***4.5 Stars!***
Review to follow..
Review to follow..
March 1, 2024
I did not finish this book but I had to stop reading because of how negatively it mentioned weight of characters so many times in 30%.
August 4, 2023
"The Law of Attraction" is a contemporary romance written by Laura Carter.
The story follows 35-year-old Drew Harrington, a Manhattan legal shark who has never lost a case, on the verge of being named a partner in the firm he works for. An appointment to which he aspires greatly, as the pinnacle of his brilliant career and the culmination of a lifetime of commitments. However, his own attitude may cost him the win. In fact, Drew is known for his arrogance, his sharp words, and his "love 'em then leave 'em" attitude. If he wants to win the vote of his colleagues, he will have to prove that he has a human side, not just achievements in the business field. It is in this situation that 27-year-old Becky Fletcher, a passionate and talented pastry chef, appears. A British woman on the run from a turbulent past, intent on rebuilding her life. Becky is not looking for relationships, just a friendly face in a new city. Drew is not made for stable relationships. She is a ray of sunshine. He is serious and grumpy. Essentially they are the exact opposite. Yet a casual meeting in front of a bagel cart, not off to the best start, pushes them into each other's orbit, leading to unforeseen developments.
I found it a sweet, fun and sparkling read, marked by the presence of more intense moments. It doesn't rank among my favorite romance of the year, some things didn't convince me, but still I enjoyed it and it entertained me a lot.
I found the writing cheerful, brisk and simple, with pleasant descriptions and bubbly and very efficient dialogue. The fast and captivating pace, combined with the presence of short chapters, in my opinion make it perfect as a light and relaxing read. However, I want to point out that the book also deals with serious and difficult topics, which might upset the sensibilities of some people. I admit that I did not expect this component, and yes, although it pleasantly surprised me, at first it left me unsettled precisely because it was not reported. I will leave the TWs at the bottom of the review, in case they might be helpful.
I really liked Drew and Becky, the two main characters with their respective first-person povs. Unlike the romance books I am used to, in this case the story is told mainly by Drew, with Becky having only four chapters in total, three of which are set in the past. On the one hand, this choice struck me as peculiar; on the other hand, unfortunately, it did not excite me for reasons I will tell later.
Drew is a 35-year-old successful lawyer who has never lost a case, residing in Manhattan. A legal shark, he is on the verge of being named a partner in the firm where he works, a position that would be the culmination of his career and his efforts. Drew is a character outwardly arrogant, cocky, know-it-all, and self-centered, focused solely on himself and with little regard for others. However, over the course of the book, this turns out to be only the outer facade he has constructed. In fact, underneath the armor, Drew hides a sensitive and caring soul, full of doubts and insecurities, charged with morality and a strong sense of loyalty. In my opinion this is a character with whom it might be difficult to connect, at least at first, given his smug attitude, but I admit to liking him from the start. I found him to be well-characterized, with excellent development.
The 27-year-old British Becky, on the other hand, is his opposite. On the run from a painful past and in search of a new beginning, she works as a patisserie chef in one of Manhattan's most renowned restaurants. Skilled, passionate, she has loved baking since she was just a child. Becky is a character I absolutely adored. Sweet, cheerful, carefree and sassy, she is a living ray of sunshine. However, beneath the outer radiance, she hides deep scars. Becky, in fact, is scarred by a turbulent past that has left her wary, full of fears and insecurities, deeply hurt and in pain. She has come to New York to try to start over, to build a new free and independent life, and to try to understand herself. She is a character that I really liked, with whom I bonded a lot. She has a really painful past, with some terrible experiences, which made me want to embrace her again and again. And that's where the problem I mentioned earlier comes in! The fact that we only have four chapters from her point of view, three of them in the past, in my opinion does not help to understand her thoughts or her evolution very well. Or rather, the past chapters are excellent, very intense and deep, but I felt the lack of those in the present. Mainly because Becky is marked by a harsh, difficult and heavy context, so I would have liked to see her deal with it directly, not through Drew. In the end, her journey still convinced me, though not as fully as it could have done.
I really enjoyed the romance between Drew and Becky. I found it very sweet, funny, and sizzling. They don't get off to the best start, with a fairly stormy encounter at a bagel cart, but they soon become friends and then something more. Perhaps the transition from what is in fact an insta-lust to romantic interest was a bit too quick, especially on Drew's part, however, it didn't bother me because I loved their development too much. Drew and Becky improve and support each other, with an understanding that I found wonderful.
All in all, I found it a cute, light and fun romance, not without its darker moments, which I recommend a lot!
TW:
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The story follows 35-year-old Drew Harrington, a Manhattan legal shark who has never lost a case, on the verge of being named a partner in the firm he works for. An appointment to which he aspires greatly, as the pinnacle of his brilliant career and the culmination of a lifetime of commitments. However, his own attitude may cost him the win. In fact, Drew is known for his arrogance, his sharp words, and his "love 'em then leave 'em" attitude. If he wants to win the vote of his colleagues, he will have to prove that he has a human side, not just achievements in the business field. It is in this situation that 27-year-old Becky Fletcher, a passionate and talented pastry chef, appears. A British woman on the run from a turbulent past, intent on rebuilding her life. Becky is not looking for relationships, just a friendly face in a new city. Drew is not made for stable relationships. She is a ray of sunshine. He is serious and grumpy. Essentially they are the exact opposite. Yet a casual meeting in front of a bagel cart, not off to the best start, pushes them into each other's orbit, leading to unforeseen developments.
I found it a sweet, fun and sparkling read, marked by the presence of more intense moments. It doesn't rank among my favorite romance of the year, some things didn't convince me, but still I enjoyed it and it entertained me a lot.
I found the writing cheerful, brisk and simple, with pleasant descriptions and bubbly and very efficient dialogue. The fast and captivating pace, combined with the presence of short chapters, in my opinion make it perfect as a light and relaxing read. However, I want to point out that the book also deals with serious and difficult topics, which might upset the sensibilities of some people. I admit that I did not expect this component, and yes, although it pleasantly surprised me, at first it left me unsettled precisely because it was not reported. I will leave the TWs at the bottom of the review, in case they might be helpful.
I really liked Drew and Becky, the two main characters with their respective first-person povs. Unlike the romance books I am used to, in this case the story is told mainly by Drew, with Becky having only four chapters in total, three of which are set in the past. On the one hand, this choice struck me as peculiar; on the other hand, unfortunately, it did not excite me for reasons I will tell later.
Drew is a 35-year-old successful lawyer who has never lost a case, residing in Manhattan. A legal shark, he is on the verge of being named a partner in the firm where he works, a position that would be the culmination of his career and his efforts. Drew is a character outwardly arrogant, cocky, know-it-all, and self-centered, focused solely on himself and with little regard for others. However, over the course of the book, this turns out to be only the outer facade he has constructed. In fact, underneath the armor, Drew hides a sensitive and caring soul, full of doubts and insecurities, charged with morality and a strong sense of loyalty. In my opinion this is a character with whom it might be difficult to connect, at least at first, given his smug attitude, but I admit to liking him from the start. I found him to be well-characterized, with excellent development.
The 27-year-old British Becky, on the other hand, is his opposite. On the run from a painful past and in search of a new beginning, she works as a patisserie chef in one of Manhattan's most renowned restaurants. Skilled, passionate, she has loved baking since she was just a child. Becky is a character I absolutely adored. Sweet, cheerful, carefree and sassy, she is a living ray of sunshine. However, beneath the outer radiance, she hides deep scars. Becky, in fact, is scarred by a turbulent past that has left her wary, full of fears and insecurities, deeply hurt and in pain. She has come to New York to try to start over, to build a new free and independent life, and to try to understand herself. She is a character that I really liked, with whom I bonded a lot. She has a really painful past, with some terrible experiences, which made me want to embrace her again and again. And that's where the problem I mentioned earlier comes in! The fact that we only have four chapters from her point of view, three of them in the past, in my opinion does not help to understand her thoughts or her evolution very well. Or rather, the past chapters are excellent, very intense and deep, but I felt the lack of those in the present. Mainly because Becky is marked by a harsh, difficult and heavy context, so I would have liked to see her deal with it directly, not through Drew. In the end, her journey still convinced me, though not as fully as it could have done.
I really enjoyed the romance between Drew and Becky. I found it very sweet, funny, and sizzling. They don't get off to the best start, with a fairly stormy encounter at a bagel cart, but they soon become friends and then something more. Perhaps the transition from what is in fact an insta-lust to romantic interest was a bit too quick, especially on Drew's part, however, it didn't bother me because I loved their development too much. Drew and Becky improve and support each other, with an understanding that I found wonderful.
All in all, I found it a cute, light and fun romance, not without its darker moments, which I recommend a lot!
TW:
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
August 29, 2023
Hotshot attorney Drew Harrington brings in more business than anyone else in his elite Manhattan law firm, so when one of the named partners announces his retirement, Drew is certain that he'll be the one selected to replace him. His friend and mentor, Marty, isn't so sure, however; Drew's cocky attitude has alienated some of their colleagues and may prevent them from voting for him. If Drew doesn't find a way to win them over, he could lose the promotion to his less qualified but more personable rival, Patrick.
Drew's attitude is on full display the morning he meets British pastry chef Becky Fletcher at his favorite bagel truck. Becky recently relocated to New York for a fresh start, and while she and Drew don't exactly hit it off, they manage to work through their differences and even become friends of a sort. When he learns of her plan to explore the city's tourist attractions, he impulsively offers to join her. Spending time with Becky brings out Drew's softer side, and against his will, he finds himself falling for her. But he can't afford to lose focus on what matters to him the most: the promotion. Can he find a way to balance work and a relationship?
At first, I wasn't sure if I would like Drew because he came across as such an arrogant, entitled jerk. The author did a good job of showing that there was hope for him to change, however; he generally recognized when he was being a jerk and felt bad about it afterwards. As a result, while I didn't always like his actions, I did like Drew as a character. As for Becky, it was a bit tougher to get to know her because so much of the story was narrated from Drew's perspective. There were only four chapters from Becky's POV, and three of them took place in the past. I certainly empathized with everything she'd been through, and she seemed to come a long way over the course of the story, but I wish we'd gotten more of her POV in the present to really understand and appreciate that journey.
Becky's past was quite traumatic, and the content of her chapters could be upsetting for some readers. I read an advance copy of the book and did not see any included content warnings, though they may have been added in the published version. Also, both Drew and Becky made comments that came across as fat phobia/food shaming to me, which I didn't appreciate. It was overall a good story, however, and I enjoyed it.
I'd recommend "The Law of Attraction" for all contemporary romance fans (though it's a good idea to check the content warnings first) and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions expressed are my own.
CW: Domestic Abuse; Miscarriage
Drew's attitude is on full display the morning he meets British pastry chef Becky Fletcher at his favorite bagel truck. Becky recently relocated to New York for a fresh start, and while she and Drew don't exactly hit it off, they manage to work through their differences and even become friends of a sort. When he learns of her plan to explore the city's tourist attractions, he impulsively offers to join her. Spending time with Becky brings out Drew's softer side, and against his will, he finds himself falling for her. But he can't afford to lose focus on what matters to him the most: the promotion. Can he find a way to balance work and a relationship?
At first, I wasn't sure if I would like Drew because he came across as such an arrogant, entitled jerk. The author did a good job of showing that there was hope for him to change, however; he generally recognized when he was being a jerk and felt bad about it afterwards. As a result, while I didn't always like his actions, I did like Drew as a character. As for Becky, it was a bit tougher to get to know her because so much of the story was narrated from Drew's perspective. There were only four chapters from Becky's POV, and three of them took place in the past. I certainly empathized with everything she'd been through, and she seemed to come a long way over the course of the story, but I wish we'd gotten more of her POV in the present to really understand and appreciate that journey.
Becky's past was quite traumatic, and the content of her chapters could be upsetting for some readers. I read an advance copy of the book and did not see any included content warnings, though they may have been added in the published version. Also, both Drew and Becky made comments that came across as fat phobia/food shaming to me, which I didn't appreciate. It was overall a good story, however, and I enjoyed it.
I'd recommend "The Law of Attraction" for all contemporary romance fans (though it's a good idea to check the content warnings first) and look forward to the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions expressed are my own.
CW: Domestic Abuse; Miscarriage
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