In It to Win It by Sharon C. Cooper promises an exciting mix of second-chance romance and competitive hijinks, but it struggles to deliver on its potential. The concept of two exes competing in a billionaire’s whimsical Iron Man-style games for a coveted property is unique, but the execution feels flat.

Morgan Redford’s desire to reinvent herself and do meaningful work is admirable, but her character comes across as inconsistent, making it hard to root for her. Drake Faulkner’s bitterness and pettiness are understandable to a degree, given their history, but his development feels shallow. Their chemistry flickers but never truly ignites, weighed down by repetitive arguments and a lack of emotional depth.

The over-the-top competition could have been a fun and engaging way to push the characters together, but it often feels contrived and disconnected from the story's emotional stakes. The pacing drags, and the resolution feels rushed, leaving little room for a satisfying payoff.

While the premise is intriguing, In It to Win It lacks the spark and character depth needed to make it memorable. It’s a quick read for fans of light, trope-heavy romances, but it may disappoint those looking for more substance or compelling character arcs.

"In It to Win It" by Sharon C. Cooper is an absolute blast! This book hooked me from the very first page with its sizzling romance and high-stakes drama. Who doesn't love a good love story mixed with a little bit of competition? Cooper does a fantastic job of weaving together the budding romance between the main characters while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with all the twists and turns. And let's talk about the chemistry between the protagonists – it's off the charts! From steamy moments to heartwarming interactions, every scene between them had me rooting for their happily ever after. The supporting characters add so much depth and humour to the story, making it a delightful read. If you're looking for a fun, feel-good romance with just the right amount of heat, "In It to Win It" is the perfect pick!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

It was just okay. A bit predictable/surface-level with the plot and characters. Finished it, but didn't love it.

This competition was fun and the chemistry between the main characters was even more fun! Of course we knew they would end up together, but it sure was fun seeing it all play out.

Competition really fuels the plot here, and love always gets in the way! Once they finally start communicating and working together, things heat up.

In It To Win It was not my cup of tea. Morgan was way too spoiled and I wasn't a fan of Drake either. It's odd, but for the first time in awhile I didn't like either of the characters.

This was beyond fantastic. It felt like a warm hug from your favorite aunt, or your favorite warm drink after being out in the cold all day. 10/10

This was such a fun concept to twist the I hate you but I want to rip your clothes off and love you forever. Definitely could have been spicier, but a good recommendation for fans of Rai and Guillory.

Funny second change romance! In It to Win It by Sharon C. Cooper is an enemies to romance featuring the funniest loveliest twins! They steal the show! Morgan and Drake both have insecurities and issues to overcome, but I like the plot changes as the novel progresses. The pacing is not consistent, sometimes it felt slow. Overall, a cute funny romance with characters that are relatable!

This book has some funny moments and great chemistry between the characters. However, the surprise pregnancy didn't work for me at all in this book. two people didn't want a child and the ended up having one> i want authors to be okay with people who don't want kids in romance books

She ran from him because she wasn't sure what she wanted her career to be. Years down the road, she found him again.
Berkley and Edelweiss let me read this book (thank you). It has been published and you can get a copy now.

She tried to explain what happened but he didn't want to listen. Eventually, he heard her tale and worked on forgiving her. They fell in love again...

He has two young ones that are his sister and brother. She finds herself loving them too.

They are competing over a building they both want. She practices to get ready but he still wins. That's when she finds out she's pregnant.

She's afraid to tell him.

It has a good ending, you'll enjoy it.

In It to Win It by Sharon C. Cooper is a second chance romance tale about Moran and Drake. They’re both vying for the same property and surprise! They were once quite involved with one another. This was a fun story and I enjoyed reading it. I will definitely look for more books by Sharon C. Cooper.

I was surprised at how much I loved the forced conflict of the ironman competition in this story of second chances.

A super fun romance featuring two focused and career-driven Black leads. There was an excellent balance between the rivalry but also the protagonists' chemistry. Super cute ending and excellent character growth.

✨ Review ✨

A big thank you to @berkleyromance @netgalley for this #gifted copy!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 In It to Win It by Sharon C. Cooper

Two entrepreneurs and former flames compete for a property, but as the competition heats up they are forced to face the past and feelings that are all too familiar.

What it has to offer:

💋 Romance
❤️‍🩹 Second Chance
🌶 Spicy
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Drama

Quick thoughts:

✨ Likable characters.
✨ Loved the teenage twins being in everyone business.
✨ Cute mishaps that bring the characters closer together.
✨ Pacing was a little slow.

A cute romcom about second chances and fighting for what you believe in.

⁉️ QOTD: Are you competitive?

Overall thoughts:

📝 I liked the writing style overall; however, the pacing felt slow in the beginning and the story was a bit repetitive at times.

💋 I loved the mix of enemies to lovers and former flames. It kept things interesting and increased the suspense of wondering where things might end up for them.

❤️‍🩹 Since the characters have shared history there’s this element of wondering what happened between them in the past that was slowly addressed throughout the story.

🌶 This romance was definitely not a fade to black. It’s a bit spicy!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family plays an important role in this one in many ways. It really holds everything together.

🏆 There was a bit of competition in this one as well which was entertaining. I actually would have liked the story to lean into this aspect a bit more than it did.

💜 My favorite thing was the humor laced throughout. There were a few parts that had me cackling.

📚 This is a companion novel to Business Not As Usual by Sharon C. Cooper so they’re set in the same world with overlapping characters but can be read independently.

If you’re looking for a second chance romance with a competitive edge to it then this would be a good pick for you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Goodreads: 3.73
Romance

I jump at every opportunity to read a romance book that features two black folks loving each other. However, this one did not hold my interest past the first few pages. With duo POV romances, I'm usually drawn to at least one character, if not both, but neither caught my eye. I will definitely try again with one f the author's other titles.

This is a charming enemies to lovers, second chance romance book.
Drake is a real estate developer in LA who is determined to buy a building that was the first one his father built.
There are other bidders, including Morgan, an independently wealthy woman who wants to use the building for her passion, providing shelter and aid to foster kids who have aged out of the system.
Drake and Morgan dated in college until Morgan left for Europe with no explanation, breaking Drake’s heart.
The owner of the building decides to have an iron-man style obstacle course contest. Drake offers to train Morgan, and as they spend time together all of their old attraction comes back. Can their relationship overcome their breakup and their desire for the same building?
I enjoyed this book, the premise was different and the characters were well described and interesting. 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

This one gave me warm fuzzies as I read it. A man stepping up and raising his younger siblings after his parents die. I love rom coms and love even more second chance stories. It was a sweet read. I obviously liked Drake but I also liked Morgan. She was tenacious and scrappy.

It was a fun read through most of it. I don’t really get the competition to buy a building, but then again I guess you can do what you want to when it is your building to sell. I love watching physical comedy on TV but I don’t think it translates as well into a book. I probably would have laughed out loud if this was a movie, but I only half smiled during these scenes.

If you love second chances and romance, you should give this one a chance.

I enjoyed In It To Win It. The characters were likable and the story interesting. While I passed a few hours pleasantly, I wasn't engrossed. The characters, while sympathetic and pleasant, never grabbed me. Cooper's writing was well done. The story was definitely unique and a little unrealistic. I've given the book 4 stars but it's actually more like 3.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC.