I did not enjoy this book at all.

It's the classic story of boy meets girl and they hate each other at first, but for some reason they are both incredibly attracted to each other. Through pushing of friends and complete strangers, they end up making an agreement which makes them have to work and live together for two weeks. Within the first 5 days they are both saying they’re falling in love.

A lot of the dialogue and plot just made me roll my eyes. I couldn’t find any real connection between the main characters, and could finish the book. DNF

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!

Another beauty from Laura.

Laura’s books pull you in, grip on tight and don’t let you go. They take hold of your emotions ensuring you fully appreciate every emotion possible while you devour the words.

Playing to Win is the second book in the Brits in Manhattan series. I had not read book 1, but I didn’t feel that I missed information necessary to move this plot along.

Brooks Adams runs a successful gym and he is proud of moving up from humble beginnings. He has the clients and waiting list and he knows he’s running a top-notch business. However, he has difficulty remembering he doesn’t have anything left to prove. This leaves him acting broody and rough when challenged.

Izzy Coulthard has grown up with the proverbial silver spoon. She is trying to prove she can stand on her own 2 feet. She is in New York promoting her diet and fitness book. Izzy acts like a spoiled little rich kid, and I found I disliked her for a good portion of the book.

They challenge each other to determine which approach to diet and fitness is the better one. This means they need to spend time together for 2 weeks to assess the programs. I did enjoy the chemistry and witty banter between Izzy and Brooks later in the book. However, I felt it took too long for the 2 to grow up to find their HEA.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book and I am providing my honest review.

4.5 stars of highly entertaining bickering and sexual tension
Of the three books in the series, this elicited the most chuckle from yours truly. Brooks is Drew’s close friend since childhood. He is a fitness trainer and owns a high end gym with well off clientele whom he puts on the regular grind with their workouts. He has this small chip on his shoulder care of the little torch he still carries for his ex girlfriend, Alice. He got her pregnant when they were both 16 but never tied the knot not because of their age, but mainly because of the pressure Alice’s parents have put on their relationship. Now Brooks is a young 35 year old with an 18 year old daughter he brilliantly co-parented with Alice. He has worked hard to establish his business, proving himself good enough for Alice and holding out for the small hope that he, Alice and Cady will again be a family. Until Izzy Coulthard entered his world from London. Izzy is working hard to establish herself as a fitness and nutrition instructor with her Salsa Yourself Slim DVDs and Be Green. Be Clean book. She traveled to New York for her book signing and promotional work. Her initial encounter with Brooks did not go well, their dislike of each other and sexual tension so obvious, they found themselves being talked into undertaking a two week challenge. The challenge is for one to test the fitness and nutritional plan that the other advocates and see who folds first or prove which of the two works better. The bickering and bantering between Brooks and Izzy are so much fun to read, with all the underlying sexiness and tension, you know their sexy time will be hot once they give in to their attraction. And boy, were they hot! This two week challenge has not only tested their fitness and diet plans, but made them reflect on the type of people they are and what they wanted to be in the future. All three books are excellent but I think this is my favourite.

This was my first Laura Carter story, and it was enjoyable. The story was unique to me, and the writing was easy to follow.

Izzy and Brooks have a fun enemies to lovers story that was frustrating at times (aren’t they all) but turned out to be what kept the book interesting for me.

Solid writing and British wit makes this a great story to add to your shelf.

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

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.

The competition was fierce, fueled by more than just the desire to win a bet. This was fun to read. I want to read more in this series.

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.

in playing to win, brooks adams has a complicated past. his girlfriend's teenage pregnancy gifted him with the most incredible baby girl and the biggest heartbreak of his life. he's carried a torch for alice since then. even though time and life has changed him. has changed her. in the present, he's a successful fitness trainer who runs his own gym.

when he encounters izzy coulthard, the author of a book promoting a new fitness and health regime he's repelled by her attitude and attracted by her looks. mostly he's drawn to the fact that when he's around her, he feels something. he's been walking in a fog of heartbreak for 18 years, and so feeling challenged and angry and lustful is new. he can't get enough of it. even as she infuriates him at every turn.

they spend a lot of time behaving like children. and izzy especially needs to grow up and learn when to admit that she is wrong. because a lot of the time she was being completely unreasonable and it was hard to see that there was another side.

but both brooks and izzy do some growing up. they let go of some of the baggage they've carried around for far too long. and they find that being together feels right.

**playing to win will publish on february 20, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical caress) in exchange for my honest review.

Izzy is in New York to promote her new diet and fitness book when she crosses paths with gym owner Brooks Adams at his gym. They seem to have nothing in common, from their totally different approaches to fitness and health to their opposite end of the spectrum upbringings. Izzy’s snobby British background rubs Brooks solid middle class Manhattan personality the wrong way and sparks fly. When Izzy attacks him in her blog, they get a lot of press and decide to switch fitness regimes for two weeks to declare whose works the best. Living, eating and working out side by side for two weeks these adversaries start to enjoy the barbs they are throwing at each other and frustration turns to romance.

We got a hint of Brooks’s history in the first Brits in Manhattan novel, Balancing the Scales. Brooks, a single father who fought against the prejudice of his pregnant girlfriends parents as a teenager easily put that same stamp on Izzy’s socialite turned fitness expert. His trust was not easily gained and he was rather hard on Izzy. However, knowing his history made it easier for me to overlook his boorish behavior. Izzy was more two dimensional. She did come across as the Prada wearing fitness princess and even though in her late twenties acted pretty childish towards Brooks. I’ll admit, I got a little impatient with both of their shenanigans until they finally decided to act on their pent up frustrations. When they realized their feelings for each other I enjoyed their game playing a lot more.

Izzy’s insecurity held me back from feeling more empathy for her and I think that hurt how I felt about the two of them as a couple. I liked Brooks’s character and had been looking forward to reading his story. He was a guy that certainly deserved a happily ever after, but I didn’t have complete buy in that Izzy was that person for him. Laura Carter’s writing style is full of sweet charm and British wit which translated well in the writing of Izzy’s personality. Solid writing was a huge part of why I gave this book a three rating. I just wish that sweetness had hit the pages a little sooner so I could’ve loved Izzy a bit more.

"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.

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!

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.

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

3 to 3.5 stars

ARC copy of this title received via Netgalley

Brooks is a highly sought after personal trainer and successful gym owner after years of effort and hard work, but no matter how successful he becomes it cannot erase the sting of being deemed not good enough for the first love of his life and mother of his child by her wealthy elitist parents. After 18 years he still holds out hope that Alice may change her mind and allow them to be a real family but recent news has made it clear he needs to face reality and abandon that dream no matter how painful that realization is.

Izzy is a 28 year old aspiring fitness instructor who lives off Mummy and Daddy in London despite their disapproval of her career choices. They see her book deal and dance videos as a rebellious act meant to annoy them and a pause that she will eventually get over. She arrives in NY to meet with her bull-in-a-china-shop publicist and promptly manages to piss off Brooks by barging into his gym and demanding celebrity treatment. The sniping begins, and when their feud over whose lifestyle choices and health methods work better escalates publicly, they find themselves forced into 2 weeks of close proximity as part of a PR stunt.

Izzy brings out all those old feelings of inadequacy in him again with her spoiled little rich girl moments she doesn't want to acknowledge, and he turns into a growly beast in her presence. They certainly bring out the worst in each other, but they can't deny the underlying attraction is mutual either. It's a fine line between lust and hate that is crossed in due time, but love should have nothing to do with it... right? After all, she is going back to London in a few weeks and he can go back to his dull, peaceful existence so there is no need to spill his secrets to her.

I really wanted to love this book, but in the end both characters made me grind my teeth too much to make it a truly enjoyable read for me. Izzy acted like a spoiled teenager with the accompanying mood swings; hell, Brooks' 18 year old daughter Cady was more mature than she was! As for Brooks- well, he was a little too far down on the broody caveman "I'm just never going to be good enough" charts for me although I definitely liked him far more of the two main main characters.

That being said, the story itself was well written despite my lack of connection with the characters. The glimpse of the next book in the series provided at the end of the story looks intriguing too so I will likely check it out when it becomes available.

This is the second book in the Brits In Manhattan series and if you like enemies to lovers romance then boy, you’re in for a treat.
Laura Carter’s writing is extremely effortless and I find that I lose myself from the very first page.
Oh my did Brook’s and Izzy get off on the wrong foot! I’m the beginning their disgust of each other was so strong I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to play out and still be believable but it was. It was believable and wonderful!
My heart broke for Brook’s. I can’t imagine going through life feeling the way he does.
Izzy also has her own life struggles to work through and I loved the fact that they took some time on their own before giving in to the inevitable.
It was addictive, funny and flirtatious! It was everything!

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.

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!