Two To Tango

Brits in Manhattan #2

by Laura Carter

A high-intensity personal trainer The secret to Brooks’s success as a Manhattan gym owner? Being motivated to disprove everyone who ever doubted him. So he’s not about to let a perky newcomer like Izzy tarnish his reputation. Even if watching her lead a salsa class on his premises gets his own heartbeat raised… His beautiful British rival Every time influencer Izzy slams Brooks in her fitness blog, her book sales soar. But when their escalating media feud forces them to be up-close-and-personal for two weeks, she realizes there’s much more to Brooks than that lean and muscled body. And a competition that’s got their hearts racing… Soon Izzy and Brooks are finding all kinds of creative ways to work up a sweat. A passionate workout is easy, but can their rivalry give way to a lasting partnership?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Amazon 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.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Brits in Manhattan #2
Others in the series The Law of Attraction
Setting ~ NYC & London
Publication date ~ September 11, 2023
Page Count ~ 290 (40 chapters)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 50 minutes
Narrators ~ Jessica Preddy & Nathan Adams Stark
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ gym owner, fitness influencer, single dad, close proximity, opposites attract, rivals to lovers, enemies to lovers, no steamage

*Previously titled Playing to Win. I have no clue if any content has changed*

Brooks (35) & Izzy (28)
Did not love my first impression of Brooks, but I warmed up to him and even felt bad for him a couple of times. His daughter is 18, so this isn't a young kid/single dad trope, more of see my grown daughter when I can, but still love her to pieces trope. He still bugged me at times, like when he kept a big secret. And regarding that big secret I did not care for what Izzy did before she knew about it one bit. Even before that I wasn't feeling her too much. She's a socialite that is bankrolled by her parents in her late twenties. I am not familiar with that world, but she was quite unlikable and immature.

I do enjoy some good old competition but being set in the fitness world is not something I can relate to. Seems a lot of this one was not relatable for me. I did like the conclusion of their competition though.

A little too much with the 'enemies' at times, but I did like it overall.

Series notes:
Fine as a standalone as book 1 characters only made a few appearances.

I was able to listen to an audio copy as well.
Narration notes:
Okay this might sound odd, but I did not think Nathan's voice sounded like someone that owns a gym, or has a bunch of tattoos. I know I know that doesn't really make much sense. How can someones voice determine their career or appearance? No clue but that's my thoughts on the matter. He was fine to listen to and did do a British accent when he did Izzy's parts, so that was good. Jessica did fine as well.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Hannah Lovik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the cover and the blurb of this book; an enemies to lovers romcom with a fitness setting sounded like it would be right up my alley! However, this fell really flat for me. Brooks and Izzy did not have chemistry and I think both of them just need to go to therapy honestly (“I guess we both have a lot to figure out before we hurt each other.” YES! YOU DO!!). I didn’t find the romance believable or funny and I wasn’t rooting for the characters. There were pieces I thought were good, but overall I wasn’t crazy about the conflict or how they spoke about each other, and the humor was just grating. Drew’s character said it best: “I take it back. She’s not childish. You both are.”

Some of the other things that really bothered me in this book was how fitness and eating were portrayed. I would not recommend reading this if you are a woman who enjoys exercising, like myself, or someone who has struggled with their relationship with food, like myself. The fitness and dieting regiments were harmful and sexist: “But we aren’t going to lift heavy weight. You don’t want to bulk up; you want to be strong and toned but still feminine.” As someone who spends a lot of time in the gym weightlifting, I almost DNF’ed right there. Izzy’s dieting is purely detox shakes and she cringed at eating protein and carbs so she can stay 116 pounds. The other aspect made me very uncomfortable, and that was how characters spoke about Cady, Brooks’s 18 year old daughter. For example: “I’m thinking about locking her in her room and putting a chastity belt on her until she’s forty,” “imagine yourself at eighteen, then give it female parts and a pretty face.” There was no reason for grown men to be discussing his CHILD that way. Overall, I would not recommend this book to someone looking for a fitness-related romcom.

Read for Bookish Swifties Club September Free The Vault Read-a-thon: a book that starts with the letter ‘T’ (hits differenT)

[Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: Two To Tango by Laura Carter
Series: Brits In Manhattan | Book 2
2023 Publication Date: September 11

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pages: 290
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Enemies To Lovers Romance | Opposites Attract Romance | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: New York City
Publisher: Boldwood Books

PUBLISHER BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A high-intensity personal trainer...
The secret to Brooks’s success as a Manhattan gym owner? Being motivated to disprove everyone who ever doubted him. So he’s not about to let a perky newcomer like Izzy tarnish his reputation. Even if watching her lead a salsa class on his premises gets his own heartbeat raised…

His beautiful British rival...
Every time influencer Izzy slams Brooks in her fitness blog, her book sales soar. But when their escalating media feud forces them to be up-close-and-personal for two weeks, she realizes there’s much more to Brooks than that lean and muscled body.

And a competition that’s got their hearts racing…
Soon Izzy and Brooks are finding all kinds of creative ways to work up a sweat. A passionate workout is easy, but can their rivalry give way to a lasting partnership?

BOOK QUOTE:
"This time, I won't just accept it... Things are going to change..." — Two To Tango by Laura Carter

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

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[Kelly Schnorrbusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading author Laura Carter and likely will not be the last. I breezed through this story quickly as it was told from both main characters' point of view. This is book two in a series but can be read as a standalone.

NYC gym owner Brooks Adams (Silly name alert! Doesn't seem to suit a gym rat from the Tri-State area) is a single father in his mid thirties who managed to make a name for himself by making some smart decisions in hopes of winning back his high school sweetheart and baby-mama, Alice. His daughter Cady lives nearby with her mother, but we see early on that Brooks is still very much a part of his daughter's life. Since Cady is 18 , we see a nice relationship between the father and daughter where they balance that stage of life where she is about to embark out on her own but still needs her father. They have a generally light and friendly dynamic.

Londonite Izzy Coulthard is trying to make a name for herself in the fitness world with her "Salsa Yourself Slim" workout videos and a new book "Be Green Be Clean". In town to promote her new book, Izzy and her feisty publicist head over to Brooks's gym to workout for the day. Well, a random pop-in workout doesn't really fit in with his business model and he clearly tells the women so. To say this meeting starts off on the wrong foot is an understatement. Later, Izzy comes back looking to shoot a new video in his gym (it would be good for the both of them!) They have very different views about health & fitness and finally decide to a two week competition, keeping her in his orbit for 14 days!.

Ultimately, we see their relationship unfold from the instant hate but attracted phase, to competitors, to lovers. This was an enjoyable and quick read, even if a few of the details keeping them together were a bit contrived. Izzy is in town to promote her book. I get that she has an online presence, but did she really need to move a desk for herself into Brooks's office at the gym?

REALLY?! (I tried loading a Seth Meyers image here for effect but it isn't cooperating today. You've seen it. Use your imagination!)

Since I can't rate this 4.5 Stars here, the little things were more personal preferences and annoyances than writing or story issues, so I am bumping it up to 5.

*I won a copy of this e-book from Goodreads a few months ago and it got lost in the shuffle. These are my honest opinions about the story.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing to Win by Laura Carter a five-star read that will leave you with a winning feeling. This is the second book in the Brits in Manhattan series but I haven’t read the first and didn’t need to have to get this story, I will how ever be going back to read it before the next book in the series is released as I may have just found another fave author. Her writing is great, it shows a talent that you don’t often see. Brooks Adams isn’t your typical broodish bad boy filled with tattoos, he has spent the last 18 years of his life trying to be someone, prove to everyone he is worth believing in, his Gym is a major success but does he see that himself? Izzy Coulthard is seen as the ditzy spoilt rich girl but with her ‘Salsa Yourself Slim’ she has a plan, she just needs people to believe in her. When neither of them believe each other’s gym plans work a challenge is set. Cue some hilarious circumstances and some great enemies to lovers scenes including some that will warm your heart. Overall this is a great story and you won’t want to put it down once you pick it up.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Brits in Manhattan series is chock-full of fragile egos, childish acts, and extreme rivalry.

Brooks is a single dad and self-made fitness trainer who now owns a successful gym in New York City. He loves his beautiful daughter Cady, has loyal and caring friends, and for the last 18 years is still trying to prove himself to the only woman he has ever loved and her disapproving parents. However, a new devil woman is in town determined to make his life a living hell. What kind of spell has she put him under?

Izzy is a spoiled. entitled, socialite who is in New York City promoting her fitness book. Getting away from her domineering and controlling mother is a relief considering she thinks Izzy is wasting her life pursuing a pointless career, but she has exchanged that dynamic with her publicist Kerry who only adds to her angst about selling her book by any means possible. Even if that means pissing off a cocky, gorgeous tattooed gym owner fighting her at every turn.

Brooks is a great dad and he takes pride in his work. However, he's got a chip on his shoulder and Izzy aggravates it because she reminds him of his ex...rich and privileged. I found it a bit unbelievable that he has pined for his ex for 18 years considering she moved on with other men and never looked back. I'm not sure what he sees in Izzy considering her childish tantrums and total disregard for his privacy and livelihood. Izzy certainly needs to grow up and not live under her mummy's thumb and she does, but still, I don't see the appeal.

Their competition is funny and interesting as they challenge each other to try out their fitness and diet regimes. The love-hate relationship is normally my favorite trope and I love book 1 in this series, but this one fell short for me.

I was delighted to see Brooks' friends from The Law of Attraction. Again, Sarah, Drew's assistant and friend to Brooks and now Izzy, is loyal to her people and a steadfast advocate for love. I'm holding out for her story. Drew and Kit are close friends who don't sugarcoat their advice, but they do it out of allegiance.

I am not a fan of Brooks or Izzy, but Laura Carter's writing style is captivating and fun which kept me reading until the end.

Thank you to Ms. Carter for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/...

3.5 stars

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This is the second in the Brits in Manhattan series. I enjoyed the first one so much that I was eager to get my hands on this one. No worries if you didn't read the first, this can be enjoyed without. The characters in the first story are only present as a group of friends and in no way do this influence this story or is their backstory relevant to this story.

Normally I get frustrated pretty fast with the whole hate at first sight love story. This was not the case with this one. I actually found it hilarious. I think it was because the characters were actually declaring war on each other and it was fun watching it play out. Knowing how it would turn out added to the fun.

I found myself identifying with Brooks more than Izzy. This was really only because I agreed to his approach to health and fitness vs. Izzy. Her approach is actually dangerous, and honestly, I could never live without meat so I naturally sided with Brooks. Not to mention that as the reader we actually get to know more about Brooks than we do Izzy.

At the end if the day, this is a fun story that is part of a fun series. I am hoping there will be a third and I will be in line to read it!

[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series and I loved it more then the first. I completely fell in love with these characters. I devoured this on one Sunday afternoon, once you start you won't want to put it down.

Oh how I loved Brooks, he was so sweet, he hasn't had a relationship since he was 17, simply concentrating on his daughter and his gym. He never got over his lost first and only love. That is until he meets Izzy. She is everything Brooks despises, she's a privileged and pampered princess. She is used to getting what she wants.

I loved watching the sparring between Brooks and Izzy at the beginning, they are both opposites and trying to prove themselves. I loved how they challenged each other. It certainly made me laugh out loud and their chemistry was hot and intense.

Can they survive their obstacles, open up and let each other in?

Can't wait to see what Laura brings us next!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the Author

[Sarah Bernal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Laura Carter, Boldwood Books Ltd, and NetGalley for the e-arc of Two To Tango! This was my first book by Laura Carter, and it definitely was a fun read.

Brooks is a private gym owner in NYC. Almost everything that he's done in his adult life has been to impress the mother of his child, who got pregnant when they were still just in high school. But as Brooks continues to see Alice move on in many different ways, he's stuck at a crossroads of what to do. Enter Izzy: a fitness blog influencer and new health book author, who is in NYC from England to promote her new book. Right away, Izzy steps on Brooks' toes-- trying to demand usage of his gym so she can shoot promotional videos. Even though he finally concedes, all Brooks sees is another rich girl who thinks she's better than him just because she has money (comparing her to Alice when they were teenagers). When Izzy and Brooks get into an argument in the comments section of one of her blog posts, all of her fans (and her publicist) want the two of them to go head to head in a fitness challenge where they need to use each other's techniques. The next two weeks include them switching meal plans, Brooks trying to "Salsa himself Skinny", Izzy lifting weights and running sprints, and both of them quickly falling for each other while working through the obstacles that are trying to keep them apart.

Two to Tango is a dual POV, rivals-to-lovers, closed door/fade to black romance book. I'm usually not a fan of closed door, but this book was still a lot of fun to read! There was fun banter throughout, and the supporting characters also added a lot to the storyline. I would categorize this as an instalove romance, which I'm not really a fan of. I do think that both Izzy and Brooks had enough character growth to support the instalove, though, even if it sometimes seemed like all the two did was complain about each other when they weren't in private.

I'm rating this book 3.5/5 (rounded up for NetGalley) and a green bell pepper spice level (aka closed door).

[Layla Rathbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing To Win is the second book in the Brits In Manhattan Series by Laura.

WOW!!! After reading Balancing The Scales I knew I’d love Playing To Win, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d fall head over heels in love with this story!!!

Brooks is still sporting a broken heart over losing his first love 18 years ago. His life revolves around two things, his daughter and his gym. He hasn’t had a relationship since he was 17 years old, and never gives a woman more than one night of his time before he goes back to what he knows best.

Enter Izzy. Izzy is everything Brooks despises. Privileged, pampered and prissy. Used to getting what she wants whenever she wants it, Brooks isn’t interested in her fame hungry, salsa dancing, clean eating nonsense!!!

But, what he doesn’t see coming is that beneath all the bravado and trash talking is a vulnerable, lost and lonely soul, much like his own. What starts off as an off-hand bet between two people who can’t stand each other, turns into a hot, passionate and sexy connection that neither one of them can seem to control.

Now, although I knew I’d love this book, I really didn’t think I’d love it more than Balancing The Scales as that was one of my favourite books of 2017.
BUT........... I absolutely freakin LOVE this book even more!!!!! Just when you think Laura’s Books cant possibly get any better? She goes and blows you away with an even more outstanding story!!!

I truly believed in this story 100%.
I felt I could relate to both Brooks and Izzy on a personal level. Not necessarily the wealth or business side of things, but their thoughts and feelings. How lost and broken they both felt, how they had dreams but didn’t really believe in themselves to achieve them. The way Laura has written the feelings and emotions into this story is so powerful and real that you instantly connect and feel like you are part of the story too, as if you’re witnessing everything first hand!

There are also some real laugh out loud moments I this book which literally had me in hysterics as I pictured what was happening as I read them!

This book has a bit of everything, a complete all rounder and I have no doubt that Playing To Win will be another huge success for Laura!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 HUGE stars from me x

[Caroline F · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I can't decide whether this woman is the best or the worst thing that's happened to me in a long time."

Izzy Coulthard comes from a rich family. She is desperate for success, to prove herself to her parents, and to be independent of them. She's grown up under their thumb and has given up a lot of her dreams but, this time, she's determined to make it. At whatever cost.

"Fighting with her, laughing with her, even at her, is the most awake I've felt in eighteen years."

Brooks Adams comes from a humble background. He runs a successful gym, has many affluent clients, and a mile-long waiting list. He has nothing really left to prove but there are things in his life that keep him chained to the past.

It took me a few chapters to get into this novel but, once I did, it was amusing and really sexy, as well as heartwarming.

"It isn't just me who gets hot under the collar. This gorgeous, infuriating, sexy-as-hell woman wants me too."

At first, Brooks and Izzy don't gel. They get off to a bad start and....keep going from bad to worse. They rub each other up in completely the wrong way, in spite of the attraction between them. They really got under each other's skin in a good and a bad way! LOL

I really liked Brooks - he is hardworking, a great father, a good friend. He also has a kind heart. I felt sorry for him and how his personal life has panned out. It seemed like he'd been in limbo for such a long time, and Izzy's presence in his life sparked him back to life.

I had to warm up to Izzy. She came across as somewhat childish - younger than her years. However, I felt for her when we learn what her parents are like. Her keenness to succeed, as well as a having a pushy PR, leads her to making some mistakes, which go against the grain with her.

This was a pretty hot, somewhat angsty read and, once I really got into the heart of the story, I felt invested in the characters and really wanted them to fight hard for their HEA.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brooks and Izzy meet sparks fly, but that doesn't mean he likes her. However, when they strike a deal to see who has the better fitness regimen, they further lock horns, but their intense competition is also helping her book sales and increasing foot traffic into his gym. Yet, as things heat up between them, will they be able to make things work between them, or will their relationship crash and burn because they're too different?

This was such an enthralling and wonderful enemy to lovers trope encompassing story that had me hooked from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time because in Brooks's eyes Izzy thinks she's top stuff and should get whatever she wants. However, the hero isn't afraid to disappoint her and I liked how they both make things interesting when they agree to see who has the better fitness regimen. Will it be the hero or the heroine?

As for the dialogue, it had me laughing at times because the heroine isn't about to let the hero cheat the diet plan or the exercise plan and Brooks isn't about to let Izzy get away with cheating his fitness regimen either. Really, their contest is a highly entertaining battle of the sexes and had me reading quickly, determined to discover just which one of them would come out on top. Moreover, the heroine was resilient, feisty and I loved that she didn't back down in getting what she wanted. Really, she posed quite the challenge for Brooks, which is something he needed in his life. I also enjoyed the decisions the heroine makes throughout this story in order to take charge of her life instead of always relying on her parents for their money. Then again, fighting for Brooks is worth everything, so it's about time she shows her parents she doesn't need them and I liked the way she does that.

While Brooks, he was an absolutely fantastic hero that I loved right from the moment he was introduced. He's a good father, hard-working and I loved how he doesn't cater to the heroine's requests like everyone around her does. I also liked how the hero finally confronts his past because he needs to, if he's ever to have a chance with Izzy. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was his desire for change and the best way to do that was to take a chance on the future plans he had for his gym.

Overall, Ms. Carter has delivered a wonderful and fast-paced read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance hot; and the ending had me loving what the heroine does to prove she's ready for a life with Brooks. Furthermore, Ms. Carter has earned herself a new fan in this reader and I'm really looking forward to more of this series. I would recommend Playing to Win by Laura Carter, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the opposites attract trope, or books by authors Gail Chianese, Melinda Di Lorenzo, Vicki Tharp and Codi Gary.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first for me from this author and she did not disappoint!
I loved this both, I enjoy reading about enemy rivals to lovers. The banter is funny and refreshing.

Brooks is passionate about his gym and daughter cady. He had his daughter young with his ex Alice and always wanted to be a family and never got over her and how she let her family make her choose her lifestyle of being wealthy and keeping her parents happy than a family with him and their daughter.
Izzy is a fitness trainer in salsa dancing and recently wrote a book about it and clean eating and is on a book tour to promote. Her family disapproves and wants her to get over this phase. She comes from money and is struggling with doing what makes her happy and keeping her family happy and proud of her.

When Izzy and her publicist walk into Brooks gym they are shocked to find out he won’t bow down and accommodate them. He isn’t a fan of the privileged.

Brooks and Izzy’s first encounter is off to a rough start, they both get under each other’s skin because their opposites and are trying to prove themselves.
I loved when they challenged each other to try each other’s plan for two weeks. Can they survive? Who will give up first?
I was laughing and yelling throughout this book!
There chemistry is hot and intense and they just need to open up and let each other in!!

Can they survive their obstacles and figure out how to be happy and not care about what they think they should do.

A must read and can’t wait for more

[Jade Simcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I haven't read this authors books before so going in I didn't know what to expect, but the author didn't disappoint. The story was different to start with but came a bit predictable at the end. I could picture in my head what would happen next but that didn't make the story any less enjoyable.
Brooks has had 18 years of heart ache, striving to achieve something to his ex and her parents. So they would see him as good enjoy for her and their daughter. He's thrown himself into his work at the gym, it's one of the best gyms around and everyone wants to trained by Brooks Adams.
But then Izzy comes along and ruins Brooks' perfect little bubble he's been living in.
She's everything his ex was, rich, spoilt, only cares for herself. So it's understanding that they clash. Izzy reminds Brooks of everything he lost with his ex, and she isn't the kind of person he wants to spend time with.
But a challenge starts and feelings start to develop. Izzy isn't everything Brooks thought she was. They both start falling for each other. But Brooks is scared the past will repeat itself and Izzy worries about her parents opinion too much.
The author a great writing style, it made you want to read more of the story. The challenge was a interesting part of the story and it was interesting to read both sides to it.
I would be interested to read more of this authors work. I read this book before reading book 1 and I think it works well as a standalone.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flew through this book - this is the second in the Brits in Manhatten series and was a perfect, lighthearted rom-com.

'Ah Jesus. I can't decide whether this woman is the best or worst thing that's happened to me in a long time'.

𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀
Brooks is a successful gym owner, while Izzy is famous for her 'Salsa Yourself Slim' workout videos. To promote her new book and workouts, Izzy's publicist recommends Brooks' gym to use - but things turn into a rocky start when Izzy and Brooks don't see eye to eye.

As their dislike of one another grows, Izzy blasts Brooks on her blog, and then appearing on a radio show - it's decided that Brooks will follow Izzy's workout and eating routines, while Izzy will follow Brooks'.

For two weeks, they follow each others plans, but while things started out rocky - spending more time together sends sparks flying.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
A lighthearted, fun read - featuring enemies to lovers with some fierce chemistry between the two main characters.

You can definitely read this as a standalone, but if you have read the first book in this series, then their names pop up in this one, so you can see what they're up to!

Some places I laughed out loud, which is what I really enjoy in romantic comedies, both heartwarming and funny. Brooks and Izzy challenged each other, showing that opposites do attract.

Will definitely be reading more from Laura! Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources / NetGalley for this copy. This review is voluntary.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what a ride that was...

A brilliant addition to the Brits in Manhattan series. I love the writing style of Laura Carter, it’s so easy to follow and it flows really well.

Playing to Win follows the lives of Brooks, the gorgeous tattooed gym owner and Izzy, the English writer and personal trainer trying to escape her parents disapproval of career choice. As soon as these two meet the sparks fly, there’s instant chemistry and they don’t even realise it.

The introduction of Brooks’ daughter Cady was great, her free spirited personality brought out the best in Brooks and it gave me a better understanding of his character and why he sometimes behaved the way he did.

In the beginning, I didn’t really like Izzy. I thought she was going to be a little too high maintenance for my liking but as I got further into the story the real Izzy appeared and she became a great character to read.

Even though there was a little bit of drama and emotion in the story, it wasn’t over the top. It was very realistic, something that could be an issue for someone in real life. I thought it helped the story progress.

I laughed out loud so many time whilst reading this, it was hilarious which I thought really helped break up some of the emotion within the story.

Overall, a fantastic read. I loved every second of it and would highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bibliophile Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing to Win - the second book in the Brits in Manhattan series....

This is the first book I have read from Laura Carter, and color me impressed!

This is the story of Izzy (Isabella) and Brooks and what a chemistry they have!

Izzy was a bird in a gilded cage, but wanted so bad to be free, to break the chains of upper crust British family and be her own person, to do the things she loved.  I admired her tenacity and I wanted to shake her when she made such poor choices and bad mistakes! But in the end I loved her for breaking away and becoming happy doing what she wanted to do!

Oh Brooks, my heart broke for him. His history with Alice and the result in Cady was so sad.  It really did follow him and dictate his life and choices for the years following.  He's had his heart broken and it was going to take a strong person to get through to him.

Like I said earlier, Izzy and Brooks chemistry is off the charts! Their bickering and fighting was foreplay to them and it was fun to read! It wasn't all hearts and flowers which made it more real! There was some laughter from me while reading this, especially when Brooks is salsa dancing in the shadows and gets caught! 

I am so glad to have the opportunity to read this and can't wait to read what's next for Laura!  Thank you for your words and stories! Well done!

[Louise Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the 'Brits in Manhattan' series. I really enjoyed Balancing the Scales, so was excited to receive Playing to Win. And I absolutely loved the book and the storyline, devouring it pretty quickly.

Brooks Adams is a fitness instructor/trainer and owns and runs a successful gym business in New York. He has loads of clients, with a long waiting list, and his gym is the place to be working out.
Izzy Coulthard is from London and heading to the US to promote her new book and work out regime, along with her publicist.

As soon as Brooks and Izzy meet, they are thrown into a relationship filled with hate. They do not see eye to eye at all, about training, working out, how to eat the proper diet, and life in general Used to a pretty privileged life in London, supported by her parents, when she meets Brooks she comes across the spoilt rich girl, and Brooks cannot stand her for that.

The nature of their relationship and their mutual dislike for one another escalates fast, and before they know it they are in official competition with one another, fuelled by their PR, friends, supporters and Izzy's blog.

What we are left with is a brilliant back and forth, hate to lovers story, filled with a huge amount of sizzling chemistry and suspense. Can they see past each others ways, see that there's more to each of them than meets the eye, or come to any form of mutual understanding? Or will the war rage on?

There was some great humour in this story, but also an emotional side which gave a bit of a mixture of feelings. At times both characters annoyed me and I just wanted to them to be less set in their ways with their attitudes and beliefs, but they both improved with time! The secondary characters were brilliant, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Although part of the series, this book could definitely be read as a standalone.

4 Stars

Lou
4TLOReading

[Mrs F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession time... this was my first Laura Carter read, *hangs head in shame*... and I’ve got to admit, she's got herself a new fan!

Playing to Win is the second book in the Brits in Manhattan series, but can be read as a standalone. Whilst reading I didn't feel as if anything was missing or unexplained, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Brooks and Izzy. Ha! I loved them both! They rub each other up the wrong way constantly! They get a kick out of bickering with one another, and we all know what that means - opposites attract and all that!

They've both got problems they need to work through though. Brooks is finding it hard to get over the first love of his life and move on, whilst Izzy needs to get her act together, stand on her own two feet, and untie herself from her mother's apron strings! They realise all these factors are getting in the way of their happiness, and need to be dealt with.

Loved this book and couldn't devour it fast enough. I'll definitely be checking out Laura's other books, and the previous and next book in this series.

5 massive stars!

[Tracy W (Tracy&HelensRomanceBlog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word Laura Carter has nailed this book!!

I honestly hands down loved this book so much...Brook and Izzy’s story is without a doubt laugh out funny, I loved the banter and antics these 2 characters got up to...I loved how they had this love/hate relationship but you just knew that they had to be together.

Izzy is trying to prove that she can do it to her parents and goes to New York to promote her new book.....Brook is a fitness instructor with his own gym....from the very start these 2 don’t get off to a great start and from then on you just can’t help but laugh at them and the way they are with each other.

Playing to Win is the 2nd instalment in this series, I thought Balancing The Scales was good but this book is just brilliant and my favourite so far.

Definitely in my eyes deserves 5 🌟and I so can’t wait for the next book in the series. Laura Carter definitely has a very good writing style and I loved how her stories flow and you just get so lost in the story you don’t want it end. Absolute amazing story and one I would recommend to anyone.

[Heather Packer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the push pull in this book! I’m a big enemies to lovers fan anyway so this way probably always going to be a winner in my book but i genuinely really loved it!

I was really excited to read Brooks story and was expecting a little more filled in about his history but he was everything I hoped he would be; completely super alpha! That’s not to say that he can’t and doesnt concede when he’s in the wrong because he does, he’s awesome!

Izzy is a character that’s for sure. She gives as good as she gets and is clearly out of her depth on more than one occasion, not that it stops her ploughing through! Determined and driven she *will* conquer. But what does that look like once your heart takes over?

A great story with some very loveable characters. Looking forward to seeing what comes next 🙂

[Katy Kitchin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those reads that you happily ditch sleep just to ‘read one more chapter’. I started this thinking, I’ll just read a couple chapters before I go to sleep because I’m in an insomniac and reading helps me relax enough to sleep but then the next thing I knew it was 3:30 am and I was at 82%.

Sexy, immersive and addictive, Brooks and Izzy’s love story captivated me from the first page and didn’t let go. Through Laura’s books I’ve discovered a major love for Enemies to Lovers romances, but Brooks and Izzy? I’m shocked my kindle didn’t spontaneously combust from the serious HEAT they were giving off.

This is a steamy, swoon inducing romance between a sexy as all hell alpha with a gentle heart, and an ambitious, determined, spitfire of a heroine that has no trouble putting him in his place. I can’t even describe how excited I am for Jake’s book!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ok, I pretty much read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! I actually liked this book better than the first book in the trilogy. I completely fell in love with the characters in this book and I can't find a bad thing to say about Brooks or Izzy! This book has it all. Great characters, single dad, good humour and some steam as well. I truly loved the fact that Izzy was a fitness instructor, kind of like Zumba/Salsa and also the whole healthy eating theme was realistic and humorous as well. Brooks I hear you with eating meat and not rabbit food! I for one, will definetly be recommending this book to all my weightloss, zumba friends and gym buddies. This was a cracking read!

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to read this book. I loved the first book ’Balancing the Scale’ of the serie - ’Brits in Manhattan’.
Following Brooks in his gym and meeting Izzy. Meeting the other characters from the first book was also good.
At first Izzy looked like a spoiled brat that let her parents tell her what to do and live her life, despite that she is twentieight. A little bit like Brooks first girlfriend Alice, mother of his child Cady.
Both of them had things to work on - decide how they want to live their lives.
The banter between Brooks and Izzy was wonderful, as well as their ’get together’.
Just read it. You will laugh and feel sorry for them at the same time.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brits in Manhattan

This is the second book I've read by Laura and I've got to say for me I've seen some major progess in how the characters are conveyed. We follow Brooks and Izzy on both of thier fitness journeys . Each of these characters have thier own quirks. I adored the mix of romance, chemistry and friendsship. I enjoyed how the pair's relationship evolved from rivals to friends to lovers, and I couldn't wait to see how Lauren Carter closed the narrative because Izzy was only staying for two weeks! I think it's safe to say I was pleased with how the book finished!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast paced contemporary romance

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

Brooks owns a popular gym in New York. His stable life is overturned when Izzy arrives. Izzy is a fitness instructor from London to promote her new book about clean eating and exercise program Salsa Yourself Slim. The interactions of the beautiful Brit and the muscular New Yorker are entertaining as they grapple with their opposing views on fitness and diet. Enjoy the excitement without breaking a sweat.

[Kia Bunby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I loved Brooks and Izzys story. Their banter was brilliant and I could just picture them in my head. The storyline was really good and kept me wanting to turn the page.
I read the first book in the series Balancing the Scales and that was really good but I think I Loved this story more!!!! (I didn't think that was possible as I Loved the first one!) Laura Carter is a great author and I can't wait to read her next book!

[Jayne {aka cupcakesandbookshelves} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although part of the series this fun, fast paced contemporary romance could definitely be read as a standalone. Both funny and emotional, the slow burn was frustrating at times but well worth it to watch the story and characters unfolding. The constant battling between the characters was entertaining and I would definitely read more of the stories in this series. Recommended.

*ARC kindly given by author I exchange for an honest review, thankies so much*

[Rachel Humphries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooks is a successful gym owner with a formula that works.

Izzy is launching her first fitness book & has very definite ideas on nutrition.

When their two worlds collide it is hate at first sight! To promote Izzy's book a competition is born with both of them setting out to prove their fitness method is the best with some unexpected consequences.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series & this book was just as good

[Kerry Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite winner!

Laura is one of my favourite authors. In my opinion she is the Master of fun, flirty and emotion filled romances. Her second book in the Brits in Manhattan series will not disappoint! Brooks and Izzy's story will have you laughing one minute and hot under the collar the next. Another brilliant read from Laura, loved it.