Thursday 22 March 2018

REVIEW: PLAYING TO WIN by LAURA CARTER


Playing to Win
Brits in Manhattan #2
By Laura Carter
Releasing February 20th, 2018
Lyrical Caress




A high-intensity personal trainer


The secret to Brooks’ success as a Manhattan gym owner? Being motivated to disprove everyone who doubted him long ago. 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 is fuel for some very unprofessional fantasies . . .


His beautiful British rival

Every time 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 incredible 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?

BUY LINK:  Amazon




In Playing to Win (Brits in Manhattan #2) by Laura Carter, 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.























































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