Book 2 of the Brits in Manhattan series is chock-full of fragile egos, childish acts, and extreme rivalry.

Brooks is a single dad and self-made fitness trainer who now owns a successful gym in New York City. He loves his beautiful daughter Cady, has loyal and caring friends, and for the last 18 years is still trying to prove himself to the only woman he has ever loved and her disapproving parents. However, a new devil woman is in town determined to make his life a living hell. What kind of spell has she put him under?

Izzy is a spoiled. entitled, socialite who is in New York City promoting her fitness book. Getting away from her domineering and controlling mother is a relief considering she thinks Izzy is wasting her life pursuing a pointless career, but she has exchanged that dynamic with her publicist Kerry who only adds to her angst about selling her book by any means possible. Even if that means pissing off a cocky, gorgeous tattooed gym owner fighting her at every turn.

Brooks is a great dad and he takes pride in his work. However, he’s got a chip on his shoulder and Izzy aggravates it because she reminds him of his ex…rich and privileged. I found it a bit unbelievable that he has pined for his ex for 18 years considering she moved on with other men and never looked back. I’m not sure what he sees in Izzy considering her childish tantrums and total disregard for his privacy and livelihood. Izzy certainly needs to grow up and not live under her mummy’s thumb and she does, but still, I don’t see the appeal.

Their competition is funny and interesting as they challenge each other to try out their fitness and diet regimes. The love-hate relationship is normally my favorite trope and I love book 1 in this series, but this one fell short for me.

I was delighted to see Brooks’ friends from The Law of Attraction. Again, Sarah, Drew’s assistant and friend to Brooks and now Izzy, is loyal to her people and a steadfast advocate for love. I’m holding out for her story. Drew and Kit are close friends who don’t sugarcoat their advice, but they do it out of allegiance.

I am not a fan of Brooks or Izzy, but Laura Carter’s writing style is captivating and fun which kept me reading until the end.

Thank you to Ms. Carter for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Personal trainer Brooks Adams owns the hottest gym in New York City, and it seems everyone wants to be seen there. That includes British fitness and nutrition influencer Izzy Coulthard, who's in town to promote her new book. When Izzy's publicist, Kerry, tries to bully her way in so that Izzy can shoot a new workout video there, Brooks turns them away. He doesn't extend special treatment to anyone, and besides, he doesn't appreciate the way Kerry and Izzy treated his staff. He eventually relents, but when pre-sales of Izzy's book remain down, her publicist tells her extreme measures are necessary - in the form of an incendiary blog post calling out Brooks. The resulting comment war goes viral and ends with them agreeing to follow each other's fitness and nutrition plans for two weeks to find out which one actually works. To make sure neither of them cheats, Izzy temporarily moves in down the hall from Brooks. Their squabbling only escalates as they're forced to live in such close proximity, but could it actually be a mask for another type of tension?

Despite the differences in their workout philosophies, Brooks and Izzy were well matched, and I actually liked them together. The problem was that Izzy herself was sometimes really hard to like. Brooks certainly wasn't perfect, but IMO he did come across more sympathetically in a lot of their dealings. I couldn't believe how rude and immature some of Izzy's actions were, though to be fair, some of what happened was more her publicist's fault than hers. She grew a lot at the end of the story, however (as did Brooks), and I was really happy with where she ended up.

I'd recommend "Two to Tango" for all contemporary romance and rom-com fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions expressed are my own.

The book promises an exhilarating and sizzling romance that unfolds against the backdrop of Manhattan's fitness scene. This contemporary romance explores themes and tropes of rivalry, personal growth, and the unexpected ways in which love can ignite even in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

The characters of Brooks and Izzy are dynamic and well-developed, each with their own motivations and vulnerabilities. Brooks's determination to prove himself and protect his business is balanced by Izzy's confident and influential personality. Their interactions, fueled by their competitive spirits, create a palpable tension that keeps readers engaged.

The book's premise, centred around the clash between traditional gym ownership and the influence of social media influencers, adds a contemporary and relatable dimension to the story. The idea of how online personas can impact real-world businesses and relationships is explored with depth and relevance.

The transformation of the protagonists from rivals to partners is a highlight of the novel. Laura Carter skillfully builds their relationship, allowing readers to witness the gradual shift from animosity to attraction. The chemistry between Brooks and Izzy is undeniable, and their passionate interactions are both steamy and heartfelt.

It also delves into the idea that first impressions can be deceiving. Both protagonists are forced to confront their preconceived notions about each other, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. The story serves as a reminder that there's more to people than meets the eye. Laura Carter's writing style is engaging, with well-crafted dialogues and a balanced pacing that keeps the story moving at an enjoyable tempo. The humour and wit infused into the interactions between Brooks and Izzy add a lighthearted element to the romance.

For fans of contemporary romance novels that combine sizzling chemistry with themes of personal growth and professional rivalry, this book is a must-read. It's a passionate and entertaining story that explores the unexpected ways in which love can challenge and transform even the most competitive spirits.

The opening didn’t start with a bang for me but it redeemed itself subsequently.

Two to Tango is about two fitness enthusiasts who clash over their methods of training. They agree to swap regimes and the fireworks start between them.

This reminds me of Strictly Come Dancing but with only one participant. I love the easy candor between Brook and his friends.

The tension and the angst between these two is something else but both characters are immature in need of more brain cells, especially Izzy. Just because you have an advantage over another doesn’t mean you use it.

Izzy did grow into herself. I love her character development and how she stood up for herself and is finding her feet. I love Brooks’ character development too -how he let go of the baggage from his past.

I love the comparison of both Brooks’ and Izzy’s idea of fitness and that there is no way one size fits all method to exercise and getting fit.

It was good and I hope to read more works from the author.

I received a copy of this book and the review is mine and voluntary.

Brooks Adams owns a very successful gym in New York City, and is an extremely successful personal trainer. Having come up from nothing, he's motivated in part by the need to prove his real worth to those who doubted him--most importantly, to Alice, the high school girlfriend with whom he had a child while they were still in high school. They never married, and their daughter is starting college now, and Brooks still thinks his life will be fixed if he can prove to Alice that he's really good enough.

Izzy is British, a daughter of a mother whose main focus is social success, and a fitness guru with a very different approach than Brooks's. She's just published her first book, and she's in NYC for her first book tour. Sales aren't off to a good start, but egged on by her publicity manager, she slams Brooks and his gym, and every time she does, her book sales jump.

Soon this leads to a challenge that has them working together, each working out, and eating, according to the other's program.

Izzy even gets moved into an empty apartment in Brooks's building. Whether they can survive the two weeks of the challenge with nearly 24/7 exposure to each other seems like a real question.

They're both determined to be uncooperative, and concede nothing.

The sparks fly, but they each start to feel some benefits from the other's training style. They also start to, grudgingly, sometimes enjoy each other's company.

Further misunderstandings lie in wait for them, though. They include Brooks answering a distress call from his daughter, and picking her up, drunk, from a misspent evening with a guy who had different intentions that she did. Izzy gets a glimpse of him carrying into the building a sexily dressed girl clearly far to young for him, and gets the very worst impression.

Brooks also gets a wrong impression when Izzy shows up someplace he didn't expect her.

Can they clear the air, overcome their rivalry and mutual distrust, and build something good?

Do they even want to, given that Izzy has commitments that mean she'll have to go back to the UK when the two weeks are up?

Enemies to lovers isn't my favorite flavor of romance. However, these are good, interesting characters, who are really trying to build good lives for themselves, each of them against very different challenges.

It's a good read.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher, via Rachel's Random Resources.

Oh boy, what a book! I was pulled into the story from the start and I absolutely loved every single moment of it.
I didn’t like Izzy much and without Brooks I might have even stopped reading. But Brooks makes the story, and I love him. He’s the tough guy personified but truly he’s just a guy who loves his daughter and who has a broken heart. I truly felt for him. Izzy does win some points in the end and I’m quite happy how the story turns out.
It’s been a while that I’ve staid up way past my bedtime but I did so to finish this book because I could not put it down. All in all, this is a brilliant and touching love story and I’m so happy Brooks got his happy ending.

Brits in Manhattan

This is the second book I've read by Laura and I've got to say for me I've seen some major progess in how the characters are conveyed. We follow Brooks and Izzy on both of thier fitness journeys . Each of these characters have thier own quirks. I adored the mix of romance, chemistry and friendsship. I enjoyed how the pair's relationship evolved from rivals to friends to lovers, and I couldn't wait to see how Lauren Carter closed the narrative because Izzy was only staying for two weeks! I think it's safe to say I was pleased with how the book finished! I can't wait to read more from this author.

#eniemestolovers #romcom #twototango #britsinmanhattanseries

This book is an emotional rollercoaster that left me deeply connected to the main character's journey. As he navigates life after a past relationship, I was engrossed in his struggles and triumphs.

The introduction of the intriguing new characters, coupled with the constant reference to his ex and the growing presence of his daughter, added layers of depth to the story. I found myself immersed in their world, longing to offer advice and support.

The forbidden love element and the evolution from friends to lovers kept me captivated throughout. It's a beautifully woven tale that explores the complexities of love and relationships, and I couldn't put it down. A must-read for anyone who craves a heartfelt, multifaceted story

A wonderful and fast-paced read where the chemistry between the 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.

After reading Law Of Attraction the first book in the Manhattan series I was eagerly awaiting this sequel. I love the enemies to lovers storyline, with multiple POVs and the storyline has a depth that make the characters easy to relate to. I love the mix of romance, chemistry and friendsship. I think the story lines from both books work together seamlessly and let us know the characters on a deeper level and I can't wait for book 3.

I unfortunately did not complete this book. I found it's subject matter wasn't for me and I didn't feel thrilled about the plot. The cover is cute and the title is nice as well. Thank you for the opportunity to receive this novel through early release.

A truly stunning book from Laura and good to have a different subject written about. Laura's books get better and better. It is beautifully written with a lovely narrative.

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and lighthearted. The characters are likeable and offered moments that were laugh out loud as well as heart wrenching. An added bonus is that it made me want to work out again!

When a gym owner and fitness influencer are thrust together, they show how opposites can attract.

This novel is written from a dual point of view of the two main characters.
I did struggle with the female main character as I didn't feel I could connect with her and felt some of the things she was saying were a little daft. But I did also find some of the language used while reading triggering; as someone who works within the fitness industry, it’s tough anyway without a book making misleading comments.

This has not put me off of this author as I do really like their writing style and previous novel.

I even liked some parts of the book., but I had serious problems with how the relationship with food is portrayed. I'm a nutrition student. And I think that the way it was portrayed can create triggers for those who have problems having a good relationship with food.

This was such a fun read, initially I struggled to get into it but once I had I just had to know what happened!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two to Tango focuses on two main characters throughout the book. Brooks; a high intensity personal trainer who owns his own gym and is on the verge of franchising and Izzy; author of Salsa yourself slim and social media fitness newcomer.

When Izzy slams Brooks’s fitness methods on her blog, the two develop a feud like no other. Deciding to follow each others fitness plans to see whose method is best, the pair begin to realise they may not hate each other as much as they initially thought. Or not at all.

I loved the relationship development between the pair from enemies to friends to lovers and I couldn’t wait to see how Lauren Carter ended the story as Izzy was only visiting for two weeks! It’s safe to say I was happy with how the book ended!

Thank you Lauren Carter, Netgalley and Boldwood books for this advanced reader copy of Two to Tango in exchange for an honest review.

First thought: A fresh, witty, laughter filled read that will keep you turning the pages in this fun whirlwind romance.

Brooks is a single dad that has only wanted one thing in life to prove himself worthy to be in his daughter’s life. He came from nothing and worked his way to being the owner of one of the most sought after gyms in NYC. But even with his success he still hasn’t let go of the past and that may prevent him from having a future.

Izzy comes from a high society family in England, her parents want her to conform and be their cookie cutter daughter. She is setting off to prove them wrong, she is in NYC promoting her new Salsa Dancing fitness book and program. No matter how far she goes, how successful she is her parents don’t approve of her life. If she wants their financial support she’ll have to decide what life she wants to live, hers of theirs.

Brooks and Izzy couldn’t be any more different, they come from different worlds and have different goals. However they are forced to team up and train using each other methods for the next 2 weeks. This book is a fun read told on dual perspective so you can follow along on both sides as they drive each other mad trying to prove their fitness program is better. Somewhere along the way hate turns into want and these two have a whole lot of baggage to navigate through if they want a chance at more.

Tropes you’ll find:

* Single Dad
* Enemies to Lovers
* Opposites Attract
* Forced Proximity
* Witty Banter
* Closed Door

This just did not work. They were both annoying and childish and not in a fun way. She was so mean right away and did not have good character growth. This needed so much more work. They seemed to hate each other and then like each other the next.

I received an arc through netgalley.

“Things are going to change.”

They say opposites attract and when a meat eating weightlifter faces off with a green salsa dancing social media influencer it’s immediately combustible. And while Brooks comes across as a pretty likeable lead, Izzy is hard to get behind unfortunately. Still, overall it was an entertaining story that guarantees I’ll stick around for book 3.

Brooks was a very young dad and has worked very hard since then to prove himself. He finished school and built one of the most successful gyms in Manhattan. There is no way he is changing his rules for a flashy newcomer.

Izzy is a fitness influencer, in New York to promote her new book. And he is one of her stops. Only he doesn't like her from the very start.

It starts as hate but slowly sparks fly and it grows into something more.

I liked the story and wanted to love the story, but I found the FMC very unlikeable. I couldn't get into the book or find something to really pull me in.