REVIEW: Playing to Win by Laura Carter

In Playing to Win by Laura Carter, gym owner Brooks is convinced his way of helping people get in shape is the best. He personally tailors each person’s program according to their needs and goals. British fitness instructor Izzy has come to New York to promote her new book. When she and her publisher basically try to push Brooks into letting her use his gym, he refuses. Izzy soon begins bashing Brooks in her fitness blog at her PR team’s urging, creating more traffic to her blog. But when their feud escalates and ends up with a challenge–each having to follow each other’s program for two weeks–the pair is forced to spend time together and try to overcome their differences.

I had a heard time getting into the book at first. It started off somewhat slow, but once Izzy and Brooks meet each other and their feud intensifies, the book picks up momentum.

Brooks doesn’t want a relationship because he’s still hung up on Alice, the mother of his teenaged daughter. I thought that was a little long to be longing for someone, especially since Alice was married to someone else. He wouldn’t even pick up his daughter at the house, making her meet him at the corner because he didn’t want to see Alice, yet he claimed he still loved her. It was clear he needed to get some closure in order to move on with Izzy.

I wasn’t overly crazy about Izzy. In the beginning she comes off as stuck up and entitled. Then she comes across as a bit of a pushover, letting her PR woman convince her to slam Brooks in the blog to get attention. There was also a scene involving Brooks’ daughter that I felt she really overreacted on, and what she did afterwards wasn’t nice.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It’s a cute story of two people with different opinions coming together and learning to compromise. If you enjoy stories about instant dislike turning into love, you may enjoy this book.

Book Info:

Publication: February 20, 2018 | Lyrical Caress | Brits In Manhattan

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?