Playing to Win by Laura Carter
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?
Caroline's Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"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.
Buy Links:
iBooks: https://goo.gl/6jGMCA
Amazon US: https://goo.gl/3j62s7
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/hvGy6a
Google: https://goo.gl/27zMZy
Kobo: https://goo.gl/eRvt9Z
Add on Goodreads: https://goo.gl/dodnZq
No comments:
Post a Comment