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Brits in Manhattan #3
Friends With Benefits
A high-flying investor
New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.
His sexy British flatmate
Jess's deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.
And a vacation that will change everything...
What friends shouldn't do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When "no strings" is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?
New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.
His sexy British flatmate
Jess's deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.
And a vacation that will change everything...
What friends shouldn't do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When "no strings" is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
314 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
Laura Carter
27 books419 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 164 reviews
April 1, 2018
In short:
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 2/5 | Writing Style 2/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 2/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 2/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pace Steady | Action 0/5
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hero 3/5 | Heroine 3/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 2/5 | Writing Style 2/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 2/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 3/5 | Drama-Conflict 2/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 2/5 | Pace Steady | Action 0/5
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
*friends to lovers
*an ex that makes an appearance
* Cute clean love story
For those of you that like steamy books this is definitely more of a hallmark style read. While I did enjoy Friends With Benefits some stuff to know - I couldn’t get on the Jake train and didn’t realize this was a reprint/ book 3 of a series.
2.75
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for ran honest review.
*an ex that makes an appearance
* Cute clean love story
For those of you that like steamy books this is definitely more of a hallmark style read. While I did enjoy Friends With Benefits some stuff to know - I couldn’t get on the Jake train and didn’t realize this was a reprint/ book 3 of a series.
2.75
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for ran honest review.
April 4, 2018
I had a bad feeling about this in the opening pages, when I couldn't seem to get past the whole sleazy arrangement between Jess and Jake. First it confused me, then the smugness that was there in Jake's POV threw me off.
Needless to say, I stopped reading when everything rubbed me the wrong way. Not the book for me, sadly.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Needless to say, I stopped reading when everything rubbed me the wrong way. Not the book for me, sadly.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
October 16, 2023
Oof, Jake is not the one. I got the ick right from the get go and he never really redeemed himself in my eyes. I didn't get his humor, I didn't like his attitude, etc. Yuck. I actually had to double check that this book wasn't written by a man. I did finish this book but it was not for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Jake Harrington's time in London has been great, as has his no string attached relationship with roommate and friend, Jess. So when he has to go back to New York and asks if Jess will go with him, it's great for him that she agrees. He has to see his ex, and Jess being there as a buffer will definitely help. Jess's feelings for Jake are complicated. Sleeping with him when they are drunk is one thing, but pretending to be his girlfriend in New York is definitely something else.
I'm not sure what to rate this book. It's definitely somewhere between a 2 and 3 star read, so I'll err on the side of caution and go for 3 stars. Jake was a chauvinistic pig for the first part of the book, and I couldn't see what Jess saw in him, not ever as a friend. He thought of women as temporary, there for his pleasure and not much more. When he realised that his feelings for Jess were greater than anything he had ever felt for his ex, and understood that he loved her, he did change his ways a little, and because of that, this book wasn't a total disaster. Even so, I don't think I'll want to read this book again in the future, it made me too angry.
Jake Harrington's time in London has been great, as has his no string attached relationship with roommate and friend, Jess. So when he has to go back to New York and asks if Jess will go with him, it's great for him that she agrees. He has to see his ex, and Jess being there as a buffer will definitely help. Jess's feelings for Jake are complicated. Sleeping with him when they are drunk is one thing, but pretending to be his girlfriend in New York is definitely something else.
I'm not sure what to rate this book. It's definitely somewhere between a 2 and 3 star read, so I'll err on the side of caution and go for 3 stars. Jake was a chauvinistic pig for the first part of the book, and I couldn't see what Jess saw in him, not ever as a friend. He thought of women as temporary, there for his pleasure and not much more. When he realised that his feelings for Jess were greater than anything he had ever felt for his ex, and understood that he loved her, he did change his ways a little, and because of that, this book wasn't a total disaster. Even so, I don't think I'll want to read this book again in the future, it made me too angry.
October 10, 2023
Thank you Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Jake and Jess are two best friends with a lot of *emotional damage* (to read with your meme inner voice).
Jake is scarred by his childhood best friend and Jess by her lack of roots in her life!
They have amazing chemistry and good banter!
I didn’t know this was book n3 in a stand-alone serie and I would have love to have read the two before because I’m sure I would have loved the character even more (I liked them a lot in this book already).
I’ve actually enjoyed this book. The story was cute and well executed, it would have been 4 stars if not for the slight fat phobic vibe it was giving.
The beginning of the book, when we see Jake’s childhood, the bully is portrait as fat as a negative trait, like the fact that he was heavier implied that he was meaner/dumber. And for me this is a no go. You are a bully regardless of your body shape.
Furthermore all throughout the book we can find more comments about weight (one of the friend Kit was fat and apparently they put him into a regime to get skinnier)….
I don’t know, really I liked the book but as a heavier person myself I felt a little insulted by some conversations.
Jake and Jess are two best friends with a lot of *emotional damage* (to read with your meme inner voice).
Jake is scarred by his childhood best friend and Jess by her lack of roots in her life!
They have amazing chemistry and good banter!
I didn’t know this was book n3 in a stand-alone serie and I would have love to have read the two before because I’m sure I would have loved the character even more (I liked them a lot in this book already).
I’ve actually enjoyed this book. The story was cute and well executed, it would have been 4 stars if not for the slight fat phobic vibe it was giving.
The beginning of the book, when we see Jake’s childhood, the bully is portrait as fat as a negative trait, like the fact that he was heavier implied that he was meaner/dumber. And for me this is a no go. You are a bully regardless of your body shape.
Furthermore all throughout the book we can find more comments about weight (one of the friend Kit was fat and apparently they put him into a regime to get skinnier)….
I don’t know, really I liked the book but as a heavier person myself I felt a little insulted by some conversations.
September 18, 2023
What a ride was this book, and sadly, not in a good way.
The writing is not it for me, it felt immature, but not in a way where it is written for children. More in a way where the author can't just say what needs to be said, or the other way around: says things that are totally unnecessary. Example: 'Okay, my description of chick clothes aren't the best, but you can imagine the kind of things she makes'.
The way Jake views women in the first half of the book made me feel uncomfortable. It felt like he just sees them as lust objects, and cant connect with them on a mental level. It got better in the second half, but by then I couldn't let it go.
I also feel uncomfortable with how often Jake did not respect Jess' boundaries. He only thought of what he wanted. I feel like the author wrote this in a way that makes me as a reader feel like this should be a health relationship, which it isn't.
In the end I really think the story had great potential, but the execution wasn't even okay for me.
The writing is not it for me, it felt immature, but not in a way where it is written for children. More in a way where the author can't just say what needs to be said, or the other way around: says things that are totally unnecessary. Example: 'Okay, my description of chick clothes aren't the best, but you can imagine the kind of things she makes'.
The way Jake views women in the first half of the book made me feel uncomfortable. It felt like he just sees them as lust objects, and cant connect with them on a mental level. It got better in the second half, but by then I couldn't let it go.
I also feel uncomfortable with how often Jake did not respect Jess' boundaries. He only thought of what he wanted. I feel like the author wrote this in a way that makes me as a reader feel like this should be a health relationship, which it isn't.
In the end I really think the story had great potential, but the execution wasn't even okay for me.
June 23, 2018
Review also found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...
3.5 stars
I Had received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I am really behind and I am just getting this posted now.
I have been a fan of this series since the first book. I would not recommend reading it as a stand alone as the characters from the previous story are all present in this one and it could get confusing. Not a big deal, start at the beginning and read the whole series. I can see at least one more to follow this one.
This is a bit of a steamy read so those who like their stories hot should be pleased. In fact, I think that the steam factor may have been raised a notch or two vs. the previous ones in the series.
There are no surprises in this story however it is a fun journey for Jake and Jess. Fans of this genre will enjoy this story and the ones that came before it
3.5 stars
I Had received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately I am really behind and I am just getting this posted now.
I have been a fan of this series since the first book. I would not recommend reading it as a stand alone as the characters from the previous story are all present in this one and it could get confusing. Not a big deal, start at the beginning and read the whole series. I can see at least one more to follow this one.
This is a bit of a steamy read so those who like their stories hot should be pleased. In fact, I think that the steam factor may have been raised a notch or two vs. the previous ones in the series.
There are no surprises in this story however it is a fun journey for Jake and Jess. Fans of this genre will enjoy this story and the ones that came before it
October 15, 2023
DNF
The forced proximity romance in Friends With Benefits by Laura Carter centers on investor Jake Harrington and fashion designer Jessica Walters.
The book begins with Jake and Jess already sleeping together, but only when they are drunk. I had assumed that their friendship with benefits arrangement would be gradually developed.
I tried to get into this novel, but I ended up finding out that it had a love triangle. Basically, Jake was still in love with his ex, the same girl who had cheated on him. He therefore treated Jess and his ex-girlfriend as options throughout the first half that I read because he was knew of their shared feelings for him.
Though the writing and its tropes were good overall, the characters fell short.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and to the author, Laura Carter, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
The forced proximity romance in Friends With Benefits by Laura Carter centers on investor Jake Harrington and fashion designer Jessica Walters.
The book begins with Jake and Jess already sleeping together, but only when they are drunk. I had assumed that their friendship with benefits arrangement would be gradually developed.
I tried to get into this novel, but I ended up finding out that it had a love triangle. Basically, Jake was still in love with his ex, the same girl who had cheated on him. He therefore treated Jess and his ex-girlfriend as options throughout the first half that I read because he was knew of their shared feelings for him.
Though the writing and its tropes were good overall, the characters fell short.
*Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and to the author, Laura Carter, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
August 6, 2024
He was awful not worth having. She needs some self-esteem. The situation with the OW made my stomach turn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2018
Hedging His Bets, Laura Carter
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
My first Laura Carter read. I enjoyed her writing style, characters that felt real, that I could believe in but...I didn't Love this story. Liked it but there were a few things that just seemed weird to me. One time early in the book Jake and Jess are laughing about when Jake bought Emily a toilet roll as a present as – in her words - “there were a few times I sh it the bed” WTF? That's supposed to be funny? Maybe we Brits have a different sense of humour...Then later he's reminiscing “last time Emily kissed me like that I was making love to her. It was seven years ago” but they only split up three years ago, so does that mean for four years they didn't kiss deeply?
I kind of felt a bit ambivalent too about Jess reasons for not wanting commitment, didn't feel a really good reason, though I understood it was upsetting for her. Still, that could be just me.
I really wanted Emily to be a b itch, to try to cause problems, to provide some real angst, jealousy, that kind of thing but she's not, she actually a sweet girl. It all works out well for everyone with a little drama at the end but I would have loved Emily to have been other than she was – again, a personal preference. I love romances that have some really nasty characters, makes the good one and the success of them over the nasties so much sweeter.
There was lots I did enjoy, the banter between the characters, the descriptions of their BBQs and how they all spent time together. I liked Marty too, one of the nasties... :-) if only Emily was too....It was an easy read, with events flowing well into one another and the sex between Jake and Jess was seriously hot, balanced well with the story. Sometimes the sex overtakes the story in some reads and that never works for me. Here it was just perfect though.
Stars: Three and a half, a decent read but not one that kept me gripped to the page, not one I'd re-read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
My first Laura Carter read. I enjoyed her writing style, characters that felt real, that I could believe in but...I didn't Love this story. Liked it but there were a few things that just seemed weird to me. One time early in the book Jake and Jess are laughing about when Jake bought Emily a toilet roll as a present as – in her words - “there were a few times I sh it the bed” WTF? That's supposed to be funny? Maybe we Brits have a different sense of humour...Then later he's reminiscing “last time Emily kissed me like that I was making love to her. It was seven years ago” but they only split up three years ago, so does that mean for four years they didn't kiss deeply?
I kind of felt a bit ambivalent too about Jess reasons for not wanting commitment, didn't feel a really good reason, though I understood it was upsetting for her. Still, that could be just me.
I really wanted Emily to be a b itch, to try to cause problems, to provide some real angst, jealousy, that kind of thing but she's not, she actually a sweet girl. It all works out well for everyone with a little drama at the end but I would have loved Emily to have been other than she was – again, a personal preference. I love romances that have some really nasty characters, makes the good one and the success of them over the nasties so much sweeter.
There was lots I did enjoy, the banter between the characters, the descriptions of their BBQs and how they all spent time together. I liked Marty too, one of the nasties... :-) if only Emily was too....It was an easy read, with events flowing well into one another and the sex between Jake and Jess was seriously hot, balanced well with the story. Sometimes the sex overtakes the story in some reads and that never works for me. Here it was just perfect though.
Stars: Three and a half, a decent read but not one that kept me gripped to the page, not one I'd re-read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
May 31, 2018
5 Elvis shaped stars for HEDGING HIS BETS!
Jake Harrington loves his life in London. The New York accent and high paying job make him irresistible to the ladies, and his NSA arrangement with his roommate Jess is perfect. No commitments, no promises, no problem, right? When the two travel to New York though, that's where things get complicated, and their just-sex relationship morphs into something more. Jake thought he was irrevocably damaged by his past relationship with Emily, but now that he's reconnected and reconciled with her, he realizes it was a pale intimidation of what he feels for Jess. Jake may be able to man up and tell her how he feels, but Jess is even more skittish than he is, so he'll have to tread carefully if he doesn't want to send her running.
Wooo! I've been anxiously awaiting Jake's story, and I wasn't disappointed! HEDGING HIS BETS, book 3 in the Brits in Manhattan series, was one delicious read from beginning to end! I am obsessed with the chemistry between Jake and Jess and the connection between the entire group of friends. I adore books I feel like I could jump into and become BFF's with all the characters, and HEDGING HIS BETS is one of those. This whole series by Ms. Carter is just fabulous, the character development is brilliant, the storylines are excellent and the sex is spectacularly hot. As always, I'll be anxiously awaiting more from this talented author!
Bottom Line: OM/OW situation, no sharing; some condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
Jake Harrington loves his life in London. The New York accent and high paying job make him irresistible to the ladies, and his NSA arrangement with his roommate Jess is perfect. No commitments, no promises, no problem, right? When the two travel to New York though, that's where things get complicated, and their just-sex relationship morphs into something more. Jake thought he was irrevocably damaged by his past relationship with Emily, but now that he's reconnected and reconciled with her, he realizes it was a pale intimidation of what he feels for Jess. Jake may be able to man up and tell her how he feels, but Jess is even more skittish than he is, so he'll have to tread carefully if he doesn't want to send her running.
Wooo! I've been anxiously awaiting Jake's story, and I wasn't disappointed! HEDGING HIS BETS, book 3 in the Brits in Manhattan series, was one delicious read from beginning to end! I am obsessed with the chemistry between Jake and Jess and the connection between the entire group of friends. I adore books I feel like I could jump into and become BFF's with all the characters, and HEDGING HIS BETS is one of those. This whole series by Ms. Carter is just fabulous, the character development is brilliant, the storylines are excellent and the sex is spectacularly hot. As always, I'll be anxiously awaiting more from this talented author!
Bottom Line: OM/OW situation, no sharing; some condom use; no BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; no violence/murder.
April 6, 2018
Hedging his Bets by Laura Carter a five-star read that gives great odds. This is the third book in the Brits in Manhattan series, but each book is a stand-alone and really can be read on its own. This time it’s the turn of New Yorker living in London Jake Harrington and his sexy British flatmate Jess who he has an arrangement with as neither want commitment, in fact the opposite could be said of both as they are each running from a past neither want to face. One week in the Hamptons will change everything. I loved this book so much that when my friend met me for coffee it took me 5 minutes to realise she had even sat down, I was so engrossed as I was just finding out more about Jess and her story, as a character she is someone you will devour to find out more about, she will make tears come to your eyes and a smile on your face that will fill your dreams of countries far and wide. This was a great friends to lovers story, and it really does make you wonder would you risk it all? After losing everything once would you risk it again.
April 12, 2018
This was hands down my all time fave from the entire series! Don’t get me wrong, they’re all fantastic five star reads but there’s just something about Jake and Jess’s story that still, days after reading brings a huge a smile to my face.
Jess is scared to let herself love and as much as I screamed ‘why?’ at my kindle in a few places, it was somewhat refreshing to read a story where love didn’t immediately fix everything. She had to face it head on and this made it so much more real. Of course it has a lot to do with finding the right partner and as much as I hate to say it (because I want him!), Jake is perfect for her.
Jake too has his issues and is also made to confront them and I think the whole scenario with Emily was presented perfectly although (*whispers) secretly I wanted to hate her.
The very talented Laura Carter has written another fantastic, flawless, all consuming read that was executed with perfection and quite simply, I couldn’t recommend highly enough. I’m super excited to see what she comes up with next!
Jess is scared to let herself love and as much as I screamed ‘why?’ at my kindle in a few places, it was somewhat refreshing to read a story where love didn’t immediately fix everything. She had to face it head on and this made it so much more real. Of course it has a lot to do with finding the right partner and as much as I hate to say it (because I want him!), Jake is perfect for her.
Jake too has his issues and is also made to confront them and I think the whole scenario with Emily was presented perfectly although (*whispers) secretly I wanted to hate her.
The very talented Laura Carter has written another fantastic, flawless, all consuming read that was executed with perfection and quite simply, I couldn’t recommend highly enough. I’m super excited to see what she comes up with next!
May 20, 2018
This was an excellent read. While I found Jake and Jess's "arrangement" a bit bizarre - to each their own I guess. Roommates and sex buddies seems to work for them - until it doesn't. Things change when Jake convinces Jess to accompany him on a trip home where he will be forced to confront the past he went to England to get away from. This time together stirs up some unplanned feelings between the two. Feelings that could change their whole relationship.
I would recommend this one.
I would recommend this one.
May 1, 2018
This is the 3rd book in Laura's Brits in Manhattan series, and I must say this one I loved, the best of the series for me.
Jake is living in London after a suffering from a massive broken heart, a situation that wasn't closed and one he couldn't face and ended up running to London to get away from. Jess is his room mate, a wonderful free spirit having traveled the world as a child after suffering a huge loss in her life. She has never settled in any place for long, being in London with Jake is the longest she has stayed anywhere. Jake and Jess have the best of friendships, they are there for each other through thick and thin, but their relationship has developed into one with 'benefits', but there are sure and fast rules to this, both more than happy to go along with this as there are no strings and emotions involved for either, right?
Jake has been invited back to the Hamptons to spend a week with his brother, but this may well mean coming face to face with the situation he ran away from, so he invites his best friend Jess to come along, hoping she will be there for him and support him. Jess is happy to go along, but when they get there and are having to share a room and a bed together, emotions and feelings start creeping in and those friends with benefits rules start blurring.
This was a great read, highly emotional at times, making me laugh and smile at others. I loved the main characters, Jake and his determination and understanding of Jess, and Jess with her free spirit but how broken and frightened she was of loving underneath all that. On top of all that you get to reconnect with the characters from Laura's other two Brits in Manhattan books in this story who are also at the Hamptons for the week, so that just rounded off the story really well for me.
For me this was the best of the series, the story line, the background, the emotions, the characters - beautiful and well written, a truly captivating love story full of emotions from start to finish. A fabulous series.
Jake is living in London after a suffering from a massive broken heart, a situation that wasn't closed and one he couldn't face and ended up running to London to get away from. Jess is his room mate, a wonderful free spirit having traveled the world as a child after suffering a huge loss in her life. She has never settled in any place for long, being in London with Jake is the longest she has stayed anywhere. Jake and Jess have the best of friendships, they are there for each other through thick and thin, but their relationship has developed into one with 'benefits', but there are sure and fast rules to this, both more than happy to go along with this as there are no strings and emotions involved for either, right?
Jake has been invited back to the Hamptons to spend a week with his brother, but this may well mean coming face to face with the situation he ran away from, so he invites his best friend Jess to come along, hoping she will be there for him and support him. Jess is happy to go along, but when they get there and are having to share a room and a bed together, emotions and feelings start creeping in and those friends with benefits rules start blurring.
This was a great read, highly emotional at times, making me laugh and smile at others. I loved the main characters, Jake and his determination and understanding of Jess, and Jess with her free spirit but how broken and frightened she was of loving underneath all that. On top of all that you get to reconnect with the characters from Laura's other two Brits in Manhattan books in this story who are also at the Hamptons for the week, so that just rounded off the story really well for me.
For me this was the best of the series, the story line, the background, the emotions, the characters - beautiful and well written, a truly captivating love story full of emotions from start to finish. A fabulous series.
May 15, 2018
Totally loved this book!
"There's never a question of whether one of us wants more. She's emotionally scarred and I'm too sensible to be burned by a woman again."
Jake and Jess are flatmates, best mates, and friends-with-sexy-benefits. They understand the rules and, so far, it's a fantastic arrangement. They adore each other, have the most awesome chemistry, and are in no danger of losing their hearts to one another.
"Right now, I'm damn confused about where friendship stops and exclusive relationship begins."
When Jake has to go home and confront his past, he persuades Jess to come along for moral support. However, he wasn't prepared for his feelings to ambush him. His feelings about the past, the present, and the future.
"If I wasn't too afraid to accept it, Jake, I'd say you'd be the best man I could ever ask to spend my life with."
Jess has lead a nomadic life from a young age. She has high walls around her heart. She's afraid to love; afraid to put her heart on the line. Jake is the best friend she's ever had and he anchors her more than she would probably admit.
Jake and Jess were gorgeous together! I adored their friendship. I honestly don't know how they seriously kept the boundaries of friendship in place, in spite of their agreement. They obviously knew each so well and were so in sync with one another that they might as well have been a couple. Their chemistry and connection was hot and playful.
They were both vulnerable and scared to lose the beautiful friendship that they'd built, but once Jake made up his mind that Jess was his future, I loved that he knew her well enough to manage his approach to her. He was careful but determined.
It was also fun to see the rest of the gang! I love their dynamic and I loved Jake's relationship with his big brother, Drew. I'd love a story about Sarah - she's such a good friend to everyone, and so funny that I'd love to see her get her HEA.
"There's never a question of whether one of us wants more. She's emotionally scarred and I'm too sensible to be burned by a woman again."
Jake and Jess are flatmates, best mates, and friends-with-sexy-benefits. They understand the rules and, so far, it's a fantastic arrangement. They adore each other, have the most awesome chemistry, and are in no danger of losing their hearts to one another.
"Right now, I'm damn confused about where friendship stops and exclusive relationship begins."
When Jake has to go home and confront his past, he persuades Jess to come along for moral support. However, he wasn't prepared for his feelings to ambush him. His feelings about the past, the present, and the future.
"If I wasn't too afraid to accept it, Jake, I'd say you'd be the best man I could ever ask to spend my life with."
Jess has lead a nomadic life from a young age. She has high walls around her heart. She's afraid to love; afraid to put her heart on the line. Jake is the best friend she's ever had and he anchors her more than she would probably admit.
Jake and Jess were gorgeous together! I adored their friendship. I honestly don't know how they seriously kept the boundaries of friendship in place, in spite of their agreement. They obviously knew each so well and were so in sync with one another that they might as well have been a couple. Their chemistry and connection was hot and playful.
They were both vulnerable and scared to lose the beautiful friendship that they'd built, but once Jake made up his mind that Jess was his future, I loved that he knew her well enough to manage his approach to her. He was careful but determined.
It was also fun to see the rest of the gang! I love their dynamic and I loved Jake's relationship with his big brother, Drew. I'd love a story about Sarah - she's such a good friend to everyone, and so funny that I'd love to see her get her HEA.
October 25, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Friends With Benefits' by Laura Carter.
Read and reviewed for Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 16th October 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!! It is also the third book in her 'Brits In Manhattan' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 22 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Laura!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely beautiful page turner!! An absolute must read!!!
OMG!!! I to get stuck in to all of Laura's previous books!! They are just guaranteed to be stunning!! I absolutely adored the gorgeous storyline An absolutely stunning book that takes you from London to France to Manhattan and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This is a story filled with friendship, heartache, regret, romance, family and just everything you could want in a gorgeous page turner!!! I was completely invested in this book from the very first page and was hooked throughout. I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting!! Laura's stunning evocative writing skills really do bring the locations, emotions and the characters to life!! This is one of those books that is very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a beautiful and heart warming read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Laura's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of her books so I hope she is busy writing her one while I get stuck into her previous books!! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. I cannot wait to devour the rest of the books in this series and travel from the UK to the US over and over again. One moment I'm sitting on a sofa in rainy Wales and the next I'm strolling on a beach in the Hamptons!!! I just adored everything about this sexy friends with benefits page turner, especially the feel good ending!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Well done Laura on an absolutely beautiful book!!! This may be the first book I have read by her but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!
The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. They each had their own unique personalities with positive and negative behaviours. My heart went out to both Jake and Jess who both struggled with romance due to their pasts. They make a pact to stay as friends with benefits so neither can get hurt but when things start getting hot out of the bedroom can they stick to the pact and if they don't will they lose their friendship? I really adored all of these characters and felt the love with all of Jake's amazing family and friends. I adored the way they wrap Jess into their fold and made her feel part of the family. From heartbroken Jess to sexy Jake, brother Drew to b3113nd Marry these characters will stay with me for a long time!!! I loved meeting about them and learning about them as individuals as well as seeing their interactions with each other and seeing their friendships and relationships change and develop throughout. There were just so many amazing characters that I loved getting to know that I could write about them all day but I don't want to bore you so I'll start to wrap it up here. Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon! A stunning rom com and an amazing group of unforgettable characters!!!
Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner! This has got to be one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read 💜!!!
Congratulations Laura on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Laura's 'Two To Tango' which is the second book in this series and promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with romance, loss, friendship and so much more!! A gorgeous, romantic, funny and stunning read!!!!
234 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.32 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
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Review for 'Friends With Benefits' by Laura Carter.
Read and reviewed for Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, Book & Tonic, NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources Tours.
Publication date 16th October 2023.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!! It is also the third book in her 'Brits In Manhattan' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 22 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
Where the heck have you been hiding all my life Laura!!! Love, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely beautiful page turner!! An absolute must read!!!
OMG!!! I to get stuck in to all of Laura's previous books!! They are just guaranteed to be stunning!! I absolutely adored the gorgeous storyline An absolutely stunning book that takes you from London to France to Manhattan and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This is a story filled with friendship, heartache, regret, romance, family and just everything you could want in a gorgeous page turner!!! I was completely invested in this book from the very first page and was hooked throughout. I just could not put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting!! Laura's stunning evocative writing skills really do bring the locations, emotions and the characters to life!! This is one of those books that is very easy to read and perfect for any reading situations whether you are laying on a beach or curled up in front of a fire. It is an absolutely ideal read for anyone who is looking for a beautiful and heart warming read that will have you hooked from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVED the realism of this storyline which made it so easy to picture everything that was going on which had been helped by Laura's fantastic evocative writing skills. I cannot wait to get hooked into more of her books so I hope she is busy writing her one while I get stuck into her previous books!! This is definitely one of those books that will turn a frown upside down and make life seem a lot brighter. I cannot wait to devour the rest of the books in this series and travel from the UK to the US over and over again. One moment I'm sitting on a sofa in rainy Wales and the next I'm strolling on a beach in the Hamptons!!! I just adored everything about this sexy friends with benefits page turner, especially the feel good ending!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
Well done Laura on an absolutely beautiful book!!! This may be the first book I have read by her but I cannot wait to get hold of more books by this extremely talented author!!!
The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all. It also makes them more realistic, believable and made me feel even more for them than I normally would. They each had their own unique personalities with positive and negative behaviours. My heart went out to both Jake and Jess who both struggled with romance due to their pasts. They make a pact to stay as friends with benefits so neither can get hurt but when things start getting hot out of the bedroom can they stick to the pact and if they don't will they lose their friendship? I really adored all of these characters and felt the love with all of Jake's amazing family and friends. I adored the way they wrap Jess into their fold and made her feel part of the family. From heartbroken Jess to sexy Jake, brother Drew to b3113nd Marry these characters will stay with me for a long time!!! I loved meeting about them and learning about them as individuals as well as seeing their interactions with each other and seeing their friendships and relationships change and develop throughout. There were just so many amazing characters that I loved getting to know that I could write about them all day but I don't want to bore you so I'll start to wrap it up here. Each of the characters are memorable and unique in their own ways and they are a group that I wont be forgetting any time soon! A stunning rom com and an amazing group of unforgettable characters!!!
Pick up this book and get lost in this absolutely gorgeous page turner! This has got to be one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read 💜!!!
Congratulations Laura on an absolutely stunning read that I just could not put down!!! I am absolutely mind blown that I have never read any of your absolutely gorgeous books yet!! I am looking forward to reading more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! Welcome to my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Laura's 'Two To Tango' which is the second book in this series and promises to be just as gorgeous as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
Overall an unputdownable, gorgeous, STUNNING page turning book filled with romance, loss, friendship and so much more!! A gorgeous, romantic, funny and stunning read!!!!
234 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.32 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
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April 19, 2018
Oh my Jake. This is most definitely Carter’s best yet, a hot, heartfelt, hilarious, journey of love, hope and trust. The exploration of family, culture and leaps of faith weaves a beautiful, colourful tapestry from an expert storyteller, and it gripped me from start to finish.
Jess is just the absolute coolest! I want to be that cool when I grow up, she’s Staci Hart levels of cool, ultimate coolness that us mere mortals can only be in awe of. My heart broke for her so much, she’s such a beautiful, expressive, thoughtful soul and the pain from her past was written so emotively that I felt as if her suffering was mine. And seriously. Carter, I want the heels mentioned in the first chapter in my life. No. I NEED them in my life. Or actually all of Jess’ clothes. TRUST. Amazing. Why can’t they be real, man? I think Laura Carter needs to start designing clothes at this point. 😂
Jake is such a beautiful character, ultimate book boyfriend, sorry not sorry Brooks Adams, you’re out. He’s made to be a flawed hero, the best kind of characters have flaws after all because they’re human, but I’m also not remotely focused on the flaws because I just freaking adore him. He’s so kind, funny, and have I mentioned his unique level of hotness?
It seems with every book Carter writes, her craft improves more and more, and Hedging His Bets is no exception! This beautiful, captivating love story truly took my breath away and had me wishing it’d never end. A book to savour, a book to bring you out of the worst of Book hangovers, a book for a lazy Sunday, or a Friday night with your drink of choice in hand. Poetic, colourful and enchanting.
Jess is just the absolute coolest! I want to be that cool when I grow up, she’s Staci Hart levels of cool, ultimate coolness that us mere mortals can only be in awe of. My heart broke for her so much, she’s such a beautiful, expressive, thoughtful soul and the pain from her past was written so emotively that I felt as if her suffering was mine. And seriously. Carter, I want the heels mentioned in the first chapter in my life. No. I NEED them in my life. Or actually all of Jess’ clothes. TRUST. Amazing. Why can’t they be real, man? I think Laura Carter needs to start designing clothes at this point. 😂
Jake is such a beautiful character, ultimate book boyfriend, sorry not sorry Brooks Adams, you’re out. He’s made to be a flawed hero, the best kind of characters have flaws after all because they’re human, but I’m also not remotely focused on the flaws because I just freaking adore him. He’s so kind, funny, and have I mentioned his unique level of hotness?
It seems with every book Carter writes, her craft improves more and more, and Hedging His Bets is no exception! This beautiful, captivating love story truly took my breath away and had me wishing it’d never end. A book to savour, a book to bring you out of the worst of Book hangovers, a book for a lazy Sunday, or a Friday night with your drink of choice in hand. Poetic, colourful and enchanting.
May 22, 2018
Ah I have loved the Brits in Manhattan series from Laura Carter, and I have to say Jake and Jess' story in 'Hedging His Bets' was lovely!
When it started off I was a little unsure of Jess and Jakes arrangement and the whole 'friends with benefits' thing, as often the stories can be too predictable. But this story wasn't at all. Neither Jess nor Jake are in the right frame of mind for a relationship, so what they have works for them both.
Jess had a very emotional and complex upbringing, travelling with her aunt and uncle for a large part of it, and everything she carries around id having a huge impact on her life and the relationships she builds today. Within the story we see snippets and 'flashbacks' if you like of Jess' past and things that have happened.
With Jake he is still reeling over the loss of his childhood best friend. A girl he loved so much who he always believed he would end up with and be together forever. Yet when she betrays him he cannot get over that and a huge part of him cannot let her go.
When Jake is heading back to the Hamptons for a family holiday, and word is Emily will be there too, things are about to change.
A large part of this story is all based in the Hamptons, which I loved because we got to see all of the other characters from the other books all come together once again. I loved the friendship and family that the whole bunch create, and loved how Jess and Jake's story entwined with it all.
A lovely romantic story with a fair bit of angst and emotion. Definitely a book you can get lost in for a few hours! Really enjoyed it!
4-4.5 Stars
Lou
When it started off I was a little unsure of Jess and Jakes arrangement and the whole 'friends with benefits' thing, as often the stories can be too predictable. But this story wasn't at all. Neither Jess nor Jake are in the right frame of mind for a relationship, so what they have works for them both.
Jess had a very emotional and complex upbringing, travelling with her aunt and uncle for a large part of it, and everything she carries around id having a huge impact on her life and the relationships she builds today. Within the story we see snippets and 'flashbacks' if you like of Jess' past and things that have happened.
With Jake he is still reeling over the loss of his childhood best friend. A girl he loved so much who he always believed he would end up with and be together forever. Yet when she betrays him he cannot get over that and a huge part of him cannot let her go.
When Jake is heading back to the Hamptons for a family holiday, and word is Emily will be there too, things are about to change.
A large part of this story is all based in the Hamptons, which I loved because we got to see all of the other characters from the other books all come together once again. I loved the friendship and family that the whole bunch create, and loved how Jess and Jake's story entwined with it all.
A lovely romantic story with a fair bit of angst and emotion. Definitely a book you can get lost in for a few hours! Really enjoyed it!
4-4.5 Stars
Lou
May 24, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Hedging His Bets by Laura Carter grabs you right from the beginning and its meaningful plot never loses momentum. The two primary characters, eclectic fashion designer Jessica Walters, and hedge fund investor Jake Harrington, have undeniable chemistry, and their road to forever is replete with friendship, desire and love. This is the third and final book from Ms. Carter's Brits in Manhattan trilogy, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
When Jess decided to stay in London to build her business and lay down some roots, Jake and his roommate had a spare room available for rent. Jess moved in and an amazing friendship developed. Jess and Jake were the very best of friends, and overtime evolved their relationship to include sex, whenever they drank a little too much. Due to their respective pasts, they both did not believe in commitment. Jess accompanied Jake to the Hamptons to visit his brother, where Jess was warmly accepted into Jake's group of friends and family. For the first time ever Jess felt truly rooted, while Jake was able to make peace with his past.
This is a well-written, emotionally charged book with a wonderful compliment of characters. Ms. Carter passionately combines emotion, friendship, and sexy times into this romantic story. I immediately connected with both Jess and Jake, and there was never a moment that I did not want them to be together. Jess's sad and unusual childhood tugged at my heart. Overall, this is a terrific book with a happy ending that will leave a smile on your face.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Hedging His Bets by Laura Carter grabs you right from the beginning and its meaningful plot never loses momentum. The two primary characters, eclectic fashion designer Jessica Walters, and hedge fund investor Jake Harrington, have undeniable chemistry, and their road to forever is replete with friendship, desire and love. This is the third and final book from Ms. Carter's Brits in Manhattan trilogy, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
When Jess decided to stay in London to build her business and lay down some roots, Jake and his roommate had a spare room available for rent. Jess moved in and an amazing friendship developed. Jess and Jake were the very best of friends, and overtime evolved their relationship to include sex, whenever they drank a little too much. Due to their respective pasts, they both did not believe in commitment. Jess accompanied Jake to the Hamptons to visit his brother, where Jess was warmly accepted into Jake's group of friends and family. For the first time ever Jess felt truly rooted, while Jake was able to make peace with his past.
This is a well-written, emotionally charged book with a wonderful compliment of characters. Ms. Carter passionately combines emotion, friendship, and sexy times into this romantic story. I immediately connected with both Jess and Jake, and there was never a moment that I did not want them to be together. Jess's sad and unusual childhood tugged at my heart. Overall, this is a terrific book with a happy ending that will leave a smile on your face.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 9, 2018
Brits in Manhattan Series
This is the second novel I have read in this series, I am not sure if there is a particular order because each one can truly be read as a stand alone!
This is the story of Jake and Jess, roommates, best friends and eventually best friends with benefits. But there are rules to these benefits.
Jess has had an sad but interesting childhood, a true traveler in every sense of the word. She has grown into a beautiful soul, quirky but fun and trying to find her place in the world.
Jake ran from his home in America to get away from his childhood friend and love of his life, Emily. What happened between Jake and Emily was never resolved when he moved to England and he wants it to stay that way.
The chemistry between Jake and Jess is explosive, you can tell that there is much more to them than friendship, but it was enjoyable to read the way they come about realizing it. Their dialogue with each other is funny, it's hot and oh so romantical!
The secondary characters are fantastic! I enjoyed seeing characters from the other books in the series. It wasn't overwhelming and it was nice to see how they have progressed.
I so enjoyed this book! Thank you for your words Laura! I can't wait to see what comes out next!!
This is the second novel I have read in this series, I am not sure if there is a particular order because each one can truly be read as a stand alone!
This is the story of Jake and Jess, roommates, best friends and eventually best friends with benefits. But there are rules to these benefits.
Jess has had an sad but interesting childhood, a true traveler in every sense of the word. She has grown into a beautiful soul, quirky but fun and trying to find her place in the world.
Jake ran from his home in America to get away from his childhood friend and love of his life, Emily. What happened between Jake and Emily was never resolved when he moved to England and he wants it to stay that way.
The chemistry between Jake and Jess is explosive, you can tell that there is much more to them than friendship, but it was enjoyable to read the way they come about realizing it. Their dialogue with each other is funny, it's hot and oh so romantical!
The secondary characters are fantastic! I enjoyed seeing characters from the other books in the series. It wasn't overwhelming and it was nice to see how they have progressed.
I so enjoyed this book! Thank you for your words Laura! I can't wait to see what comes out next!!
May 15, 2018
I've only read book 2 in this series, each can be read as a standalone. I have to say I enjoyed this book so much more then book 2. Jake and Jess just jumped out to me from page 1 and I couldn't get enough of their story.
There were a few times that I wanted to bang their heads together, but only because they both couldn't see how perfect they were for each other.
The whole story was fun and easy to read. I did have tears in my eyes at a few points when Jess was talking about her parents. I can't imagine what she went through at such a young age, and it was understandable why she would build this giant wall around her heart.
Jake had had some heart ache in his past and was still struggling with it. So their arrangement of friends with drunk benefits works well for them both. But the problem is spending a lot of time with someone is that you can start to get feelings for the other person. Weather they are wanted or not.
I loved the banter between all the characters not just Jake and Jess. They were this big friends/family group of people that got on amazing. I would love to have a group of friends like those lot.
I think I need to go back and read Drew and Becky's story to see how they got together. I really enjoyed Drew's character!
There were a few times that I wanted to bang their heads together, but only because they both couldn't see how perfect they were for each other.
The whole story was fun and easy to read. I did have tears in my eyes at a few points when Jess was talking about her parents. I can't imagine what she went through at such a young age, and it was understandable why she would build this giant wall around her heart.
Jake had had some heart ache in his past and was still struggling with it. So their arrangement of friends with drunk benefits works well for them both. But the problem is spending a lot of time with someone is that you can start to get feelings for the other person. Weather they are wanted or not.
I loved the banter between all the characters not just Jake and Jess. They were this big friends/family group of people that got on amazing. I would love to have a group of friends like those lot.
I think I need to go back and read Drew and Becky's story to see how they got together. I really enjoyed Drew's character!
May 25, 2018
A beautiful and captivating friends to romance story
Hedging his bets is the third standalone in the Brits in Manhattan series. As much as I have loved every single one of them, this stole just a little more of my heart.
This is the story of Jess and Jake, two friends with completely different backgrounds. Both have histories that lead them to protecting their hearts and avoiding relationships. The characters have an instant connection and develop a strong friendship.
Beautifully written, Laura's talent at capturing your attention and pulling you into the story ensures you will not want to put this book down. Although this is a standalone, it's great to see the characters from the previous books return. The love, friendships, support and witty exchanges will make you wish that you could be a part of their group.
I loved every second of reading this book; a part of me wishing I could go back and read it again, discovering every word for the first time.
Absolutely a 5 star read.
Hedging his bets is the third standalone in the Brits in Manhattan series. As much as I have loved every single one of them, this stole just a little more of my heart.
This is the story of Jess and Jake, two friends with completely different backgrounds. Both have histories that lead them to protecting their hearts and avoiding relationships. The characters have an instant connection and develop a strong friendship.
Beautifully written, Laura's talent at capturing your attention and pulling you into the story ensures you will not want to put this book down. Although this is a standalone, it's great to see the characters from the previous books return. The love, friendships, support and witty exchanges will make you wish that you could be a part of their group.
I loved every second of reading this book; a part of me wishing I could go back and read it again, discovering every word for the first time.
Absolutely a 5 star read.
May 22, 2018
This book totally sucked me in – it'll do that to you too – trust me!!
Hedging His Bets is the third book of the Brits in Manhattan series. Each are standalones so it isn't necessary to read the others before you read this one. (Although the others are pretty spectacular, lol)!!
Jake and Jess are roommates. They're also best friends – oh, and friends with benefits when alcohol gets the better of them! Neither of them want anything more – well, that's what they think anyway!! But, lines get blurred and things get complicated – especially when Jake has to confront his past.
I'd love to say Hedging his Bets was my favourite in the series, but I honestly can't pick between them. Each book was such a brilliant read. Laura Carter can do no wrong!
5 shiny gold stars from me!
Hedging His Bets is the third book of the Brits in Manhattan series. Each are standalones so it isn't necessary to read the others before you read this one. (Although the others are pretty spectacular, lol)!!
Jake and Jess are roommates. They're also best friends – oh, and friends with benefits when alcohol gets the better of them! Neither of them want anything more – well, that's what they think anyway!! But, lines get blurred and things get complicated – especially when Jake has to confront his past.
I'd love to say Hedging his Bets was my favourite in the series, but I honestly can't pick between them. Each book was such a brilliant read. Laura Carter can do no wrong!
5 shiny gold stars from me!
February 9, 2024
i didn't enjoy this book as much as i was hoping to. the pacing was very slow to me. i wasn't able to connect with the characters and the writing. maybe it just wasn't for me.
thank you to NetGalley and Laura Carter for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review!
thank you to NetGalley and Laura Carter for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review!
January 8, 2024
2.5 🌟 rounded up
It was a weird read, and hard to follow.
It was a weird read, and hard to follow.
May 23, 2018
Jake - sixteen years ago- Jake is waiting for Emily/Ems after school is out as usual. Jake plays football. Jake is ten and Emily is eight. Jake walks home Emily every day after school to make sure she gets home safely. Tommy is a bully and wants to pick a fight with Jake as he is the popular kid at school. Emily was running and ran into Tommy and he pushed her down and Jake finally fights Tommy and he doesn’t bother either of them anymore. Jake at present time- Jake is at a bar in Cornwall having a pint of English brew. Jake has been in London for two years now since he took a job at hedge fund - Gold Rush Investments in London- right out of college at NYU. One of Jake’s roommates -Alex is also there. If Alex likes you -really likes you Alex will move heaven and earth for you or pay someone just to do that. Alex, Sean,Tim and Jake all have each others back. They make up four of the usual Saturday night six-some. Tim and Sean were the first guys Jake met when he moved to London. The other two of the six are Jess and Abby. Jake is roommates with Jess and Abby is Sean’s girlfriend. Jess and Jake are best friend and have an agreement that when they are drunk and want to they have sex with each other. Only when they are drunk and after sex they go to their own rooms. Jess is emotionally scarred and Jake will never allow himself to be burned by a woman again. Jake misses Staten Island and his friends and family but in London he's not reminded everyday of the girl he had loved and lost to his best friend who he had walked in on as they were having sex in his home. They had been sleeping together for several months and his good friend Brandon had known how Jake had felt about Ems and they had lied to Jake. Ems had been Jakes from grade school until college then she wasn’t. Drew is jake’s older brother and he called to warn Jake that Emily was in the Hamptons for her parents anniversary party. Drew wanted to know if Jake was still coming. Drew had bought a house in the Hamptons and Jale was to go there for a week to be with his brother and his friends, Jake knew he would run in too Emily one way or the other while being at the Hamptons as her parents lived next store to Drew’s new house. Jake asks Jess to go to N Y with him and she reluctantly agrees as she had always wanted to run around N Y. Jess’s father died when Jess was yung abd eighteen months later her mother had also passed away. Jess was thirteen and had to go live with her aunt and uncle who she barely knew. Jess’s parents had a deep strong love, they were truly soulmates and Jess was happy she was a part of it. But Jess now fears love , she fears it’s strength, things that have to happen for it to live on. She cherishes it and cowers from it for love is dangerous, It has the ability to consume you. It has the power to end you. Jakes and Jess’s arrangement works just fine Jess has a huge mushy heart and is the best person Jake knows. If she likes someone she’ll do anything and everything for them. Jake knows how how hard Jess’s life has been Jake was out for a run with the guys and Emily was out for a run also. She tripped when she seen Jake . Jake stayed back with Emily but she still wants their friendship . But Jake doesn’t know if he can be friends. But Jess is there waiting for Jake to make sure he was okay. Jake thought about his best friend Emily from his past and how he felt and feels and his best friend Jess in his present and future.and how he feels about her.
This was a very very good easy read , a little predictable but that didn’t take away from this book. I loved Jake and Jess together. I loved the relationship and interaction between Jake and his brother Drew and also his friends. All being there for each other. I loved how Jake’s friends and family accepted Jess so easily and completely. I liked that emily and jess actually got along. This dragged a very little bit for me at times. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend. I do wish I could rate this 4.5.
This was a very very good easy read , a little predictable but that didn’t take away from this book. I loved Jake and Jess together. I loved the relationship and interaction between Jake and his brother Drew and also his friends. All being there for each other. I loved how Jake’s friends and family accepted Jess so easily and completely. I liked that emily and jess actually got along. This dragged a very little bit for me at times. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend. I do wish I could rate this 4.5.
April 12, 2018
Hedging His Bets is the third and final instalment in the amazing Brits in Manhattan series by the fabulous Laura Carter and follows Jake and Jess on their journey to happiness.
WOW. Where do I begin? There’s so much love in this book!!! I fell completely in love with these two and have to say this is my favourite of the 3!
Hedging His Bets focuses on best friends and flat mates Jake and Jess. Both have suffered heartache, albeit for very different reasons, and have both vowed to never give themselves to anyone again. They have a very close friendship and pretty much know everything about each other, but are safe with each other because there’s no feelings involved, or are there?
When Jake goes back home, he knows he will have to face the one thing from his past that broke his heart all those years ago, so he turns to Jess to help him get through it. Is this a recipe for disaster? Will Jake be able to overcome his past to enable him to look to the future? Will he open his eyes to see what was right in front of him all along?
Jess has her own emotional baggage, she’s a runner, never staying in the same place for long enough to put down roots. Will she realise those roots were planted long ago and entwined with the one thing that means the most to her?
This book was EVERYTHING. I completely connected with the characters and felt their emotions through this story as though they were my own. My heart broke right along side them one minute, then had me sporting the goofiest smile the next. I loved how once Jake realised what it was he wanted, he fought tooth and nail to get it. The determination mixed in with the huge walls that were built up around Jess’s fragile heart had me shouting at my kindle “YES, COME ON!!!” at various points throughout!
Laura just has this way, this ability, this talent to connect with her readers, deliver what they need without ever having to ask. The relatable, realistic issues her characters face, the emotions they experience and how she writes their journeys make them mean so much more. These books aren’t your typical romance with a HEA, they are phenomenal stories involving real problems. I can’t express how much this series means to me, it has most definitely become one of my absolute favourites.
Hands down one of my favourite books this year, a HUGE 5 stars from me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW. Where do I begin? There’s so much love in this book!!! I fell completely in love with these two and have to say this is my favourite of the 3!
Hedging His Bets focuses on best friends and flat mates Jake and Jess. Both have suffered heartache, albeit for very different reasons, and have both vowed to never give themselves to anyone again. They have a very close friendship and pretty much know everything about each other, but are safe with each other because there’s no feelings involved, or are there?
When Jake goes back home, he knows he will have to face the one thing from his past that broke his heart all those years ago, so he turns to Jess to help him get through it. Is this a recipe for disaster? Will Jake be able to overcome his past to enable him to look to the future? Will he open his eyes to see what was right in front of him all along?
Jess has her own emotional baggage, she’s a runner, never staying in the same place for long enough to put down roots. Will she realise those roots were planted long ago and entwined with the one thing that means the most to her?
This book was EVERYTHING. I completely connected with the characters and felt their emotions through this story as though they were my own. My heart broke right along side them one minute, then had me sporting the goofiest smile the next. I loved how once Jake realised what it was he wanted, he fought tooth and nail to get it. The determination mixed in with the huge walls that were built up around Jess’s fragile heart had me shouting at my kindle “YES, COME ON!!!” at various points throughout!
Laura just has this way, this ability, this talent to connect with her readers, deliver what they need without ever having to ask. The relatable, realistic issues her characters face, the emotions they experience and how she writes their journeys make them mean so much more. These books aren’t your typical romance with a HEA, they are phenomenal stories involving real problems. I can’t express how much this series means to me, it has most definitely become one of my absolute favourites.
Hands down one of my favourite books this year, a HUGE 5 stars from me! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 26, 2018
Coming soon to infatuated. Now on GTR:
Read the full review, with interactive and adorable quotable quotes from the book, at GraveTells Romance: http://bit.ly/GT-HedgingHisBets_gr (live on May 28, 2018)
The start of this book kept surprising me, in the best ways. When it started out with a flashback scene between a young boy and girl, I thought surely this was the book's couple, their origin story. But then we flash ahead sixteen years and meet a very cocky and confident adult Jake, who sexes up his best friend and reveals the easy-going, no-strings nature of their friendship. Jess is an up-and-coming fashion designer, and she seems like a cool chick. Which had me wondering...wait, is this the heroine of the story? Then in Jess's perspective, the story takes a deeper turn, diving into her past—how it defines her—and dropping hints about how perfect she actually might be for Jake.
The banter between Jake and Jess is fun, and their dynamic so natural and easy. I love that Jake doesn't hold her to an impossible standard of beauty. And that they're not afraid to openly appreciate one another, even as friends.
This story is unexpectedly lovely. It explores the beauty in loneliness, the comfort in friendship. Through the polar-opposite voices of the two main characters, the author weaves a narrative of love, intimacy, friendship, loss, fear, hope... And growing up. It's a story you can sink into, get lost in.
And oh, OH the FEELS! The end of this story, although a little angsty, is just perfect, and it made me tear up. You know those moments that make your eyes wet and have you clutching your chest? This was one of those.
Do you love romance with heart, heat, and life-long friendships? One-click this one RIGHT NOW! Even though it's #3 in the series, it easily stands alone.
Read the full review, with interactive and adorable quotable quotes from the book, at GraveTells Romance: http://bit.ly/GT-HedgingHisBets_gr (live on May 28, 2018)
The start of this book kept surprising me, in the best ways. When it started out with a flashback scene between a young boy and girl, I thought surely this was the book's couple, their origin story. But then we flash ahead sixteen years and meet a very cocky and confident adult Jake, who sexes up his best friend and reveals the easy-going, no-strings nature of their friendship. Jess is an up-and-coming fashion designer, and she seems like a cool chick. Which had me wondering...wait, is this the heroine of the story? Then in Jess's perspective, the story takes a deeper turn, diving into her past—how it defines her—and dropping hints about how perfect she actually might be for Jake.
The banter between Jake and Jess is fun, and their dynamic so natural and easy. I love that Jake doesn't hold her to an impossible standard of beauty. And that they're not afraid to openly appreciate one another, even as friends.
This story is unexpectedly lovely. It explores the beauty in loneliness, the comfort in friendship. Through the polar-opposite voices of the two main characters, the author weaves a narrative of love, intimacy, friendship, loss, fear, hope... And growing up. It's a story you can sink into, get lost in.
And oh, OH the FEELS! The end of this story, although a little angsty, is just perfect, and it made me tear up. You know those moments that make your eyes wet and have you clutching your chest? This was one of those.
Do you love romance with heart, heat, and life-long friendships? One-click this one RIGHT NOW! Even though it's #3 in the series, it easily stands alone.
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