First book of Brits in Manhattan. This could be standalone.
Drew is high power lawyer striving to make a partner in his firm. He has a routine before his court is to get a bagel and a coffee from a food truck and meets blonde name Becky. They both irritate each other and never thought they would see each other until he was celebrating his big win at his friends up scale restaurant. Their encounter was so memorable Drew had to know who she was. Ever since the first meeting, Becky was on his mind.
Becky pour her heart into all of her dessert and when Drew leaves a note. Now Drew decided to show Becky around as a "friend ".
Both tell each other that they are not ready for relationship. Drew doesn't do relationships until he makes partner in his firm and Becky is running away from her past. Will they be able to keep their attraction without crossing the line?
It was fun read. It was great read for this Summer. I really enjoyed reading about Becky's back story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Lyrical Publishing for ARC in exchange for honest review.

This is the first book in the series and it’s about Drew And Becky. Drew is a lawyer in a big money law firm and is trying his damndest to be voted as named partner. He cannot afford any distractions to said goal until one comes to him in the form of a patisserie chef from London called Becky. Becky started working at Drew’s good friend’s restaurant straight after running away from a relationship that almost broke her. The move to Manhattan is a fresh start and she intends to be happy and is nowhere near looking for a relationship other than friendship. Friends it is they became, as Drew helped her cross off some places in her New York bucket list. Along the way, Becky was introduced and warmly welcomed into the fold of Drew’s loving family and loyal friends. I’ve enjoyed the interactions of all these characters and I love the chemistry brewing between Drew and Becky as they navigate the thin line that separates their friendship from their mutual attraction. My heart bleeds for what Becky had been through while I applaud Drew’s determination to win her love towards the end. 4.5 stars

a fantastic read from this author who was new to me. The cover draws you in and keeps you intrigued. well written wait for more

What a brilliant start to a new series! A cracking storyline with some absolutely relatable, loveable characters make this book a big hit in my eyes. There is office politics, chemistry that leaps off the page & a whole rollercoaster of other emotions that kept me gripped from beginning to end.

Can't wait to read the next book

Highly enjoyable, fun and flirty romance. Very satisfying story. Looking forward to more.

This is the first book I have read by Laura and it won't be my last.This is Drew and Becky's books she is a pastry chef and he is a hotshot lawyer to begin with I did not really like Drew he was so up himself but as the book progressed he did grow on me, these two meet at a bagel cart and he is immediately drawn to her and shows up at her work trying to charm her, not wanting a relationship they agree to be friends, this was a great start to the series and I really enjoyed it.

OMG there just wasn't anything about Balancing the Scales that I didn't just love. That I didn't want to just eat up like a bagel & lox. I started this book and never once put it down… it reads like a light romantic comedy but really has deeper undertones to it. It is so well written and the comedy and banter is so well done that it just flows perfectly. I never wanted this story to end. I loved their chemistry. I loved the sweet and sexy tone of the book. And I can not wait to see what else is coming in the Brits in Manhatten series. This will be an automatic #1click for me. If you are looking for an absolutely entertaining read, look no further than this one!

Unfortunately I just couldn't get into this book at this time. I don’t think it was the story itself I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for it.

This is my first Laura Carter book and in the beginning I wasn't sure whether I am up for reading it as I wasn't in the mood for a romantic comedy. But a friend of mine raved about it so much that I decided to check it out. And I am so happy I did. And yes, this is a romantic comedy but it is also so much more than that. It is a story of strength, survival, determination and a beautiful romantic love that will capture your heart and will stay in it forever.

Drew and Becky are two great characters. The story is mainly told through Drew's POV (which in my opinion is great) which helps to get to know him better. But there are still enough glimpses of Becky that will help you understand the reasoning behind her actions and the nightmare she had to live through. For me, Becky is an incredibly strong character. She survived, practically being neglected by her mother, the abuse of a person she thought would be her saviour. Her inner strength and beauty, her smart and funny personality, practically make her irresistible. So it is not a big surprise that Drew falls for her head over hills :D

Drew is also a character that will catch your heart nearly from the start. He is a workaholic and to be honest kind of a manw*ore. And definitely a rude and insufferable a**hole. Or at least, that's the first impression he leaves. But once you get to know him, you discover that there is much more under his protective shell. Whereas, he hasn't suffered a trauma that made him shut down the world, his difficult childhood, made him lock his heart and completely focus on his work. Or at least that's true until he meets Becky. She finds the cracks in his protective walls and shows him how to open up and look at the world with brighter eyes. At the same time, Drew helps Becky heal her bruised heart and shows her that all her dreams can come true. And that there are people in this world that will stand beside you and fight together with you when you need it, simply because they love you.

As I already mentioned, for me this is a great story. It took me a while to really get into the story but once I did, I was a goner :) So be sure to pick your copy and meet Becky and Drew asap. I can guarantee you won't regret it. As for me, I can't wait for the next book in the series. I am sure it will be amazing <3

This review was originally posted at Living In Our Own Story Book Blog. I received an ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.

This was a great story! Laura Carter has written a fun, enjoyable contemporary romance with great dynamics between the main characters. Drew Harrington is the King of the Courtroom. He is every inch a lawyer, and lives and breathes his job. He is an arrogant and ambitious workaholic with a stellar career, as senior partner of one of the top law firms in New York. His work keeps him extremely busy with no time for a social life. He is very loyal to the people he cares about but he doesn’t do friendly outside of his inner circle, until a chance encounter with British Becky. In theory, they have nothing in common. Becky is a patisserie chef and he isn’t into dessert. But he can’t quit thinking about her. She is sweet, charming and quirky. She makes him feel lighter and happier.
Drew and Becky are both likable characters. At first, I had some reservations about Drew but he definitely grew on me. Their romance was well balanced and well written, they had undeniable chemistry. I adored Becky. She has gone through a lot of hardship, but she is strong, sassy and resilient. For her, Drew is willing to change, to rebalance his life.
I loved this book. Laura Carter’s writing style is so refreshing. I even loved the secondary characters: Sarah, Drew’s legal assistant, or Marty, Drew’s friend. If you’re a fan of sweet, smart and witty romances, then this book is a great choice. It is the first installment in a series and I can’t wait for more!

4.5 Stars!

​​​​​I love the corporate environment and the politicking involved when working one's way to the top of the partnership ladder. I also love desserts and how their goodness has the ability to bridge the communication gap between two opposites. After reading the book blurb and some of the reviews about this novel, I knew I had to experience Balancing the Scales for myself. This story was quite meaningful and passionate, while keeping me on the edge of my seat for most of the narrative. Laura Carter is a new author for me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

In the Manhattan law firm that gave him his start, Drew Harrington is on the cusp of achieving his goal of named partner, replete with his name on the door. He is good-looking, smart, and ruthless in the courtroom. He is also a workaholic and romantic relationships are not his thing. Meeting and touring the city with patisserie chef Becky Fletcher, changes his view about commitment, family and love.

Escaping to Manhattan from a small town outside of London is just what Becky needs. She loves her job in an upscale restaurant and her original creations are beyond yummy. Because of her past, she has no desire to find love. However, Drew's kindness and bedroom skills eventually win her over.

To begin with, a bagel truck is not one of the places most people meet their soulmate, but this gem of a book makes it work. Secondly, I loved how Ms. Carter evolved Becky and Drew's relationship, with discovery, companionship, and some scorching heat. Becky's ability to deal with her past was inspirational, as she embraced her future with gusto. Overall, this is a well-written romance with two main characters that were easy to get to know and truly admire.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Book 1 in the Brits in Manhattan series and Laura Carter does it again. An author that always delivers a fun and enjoyable read, full of the twists and turns, plus plenty of heat and love! A great mix and this story had it all.

Becky and Drew were a brilliant couple, and they were perfect for one another. From the moment they first met, to their subsequent meetings and developing friendship. Some fantastic witty banter, sexual chemistry and laughs galore.

The storyline flows perfectly and the writing is flawless. A definite page turner which I devoured and thoroughly enjoyed.

The secondary characters in the book are great and have definitely left me wanting more and looking forward to the rest of the series!

This was my first book from Laura Carter and I simply adored her style of writing and will be reading her books again.

If this is the start to a new Series Brits In Manhatten I am so looking forward to seeing what happens next with this series! phenomenal start!

If you love a book that's light, fun, sweet, sexy and has brilliant characters you fall in love with and swoon over then this is the book for you. What I liked most is that most chapters were written from Drew's POV with only a few from Becky's. I quite like reading from the males POV.

I loved Drew, he's a hot sexy attorney who has worked hard to become Senior Partner and he's almost made it. He wants to work hard to look after his parents after they scrimped and saved, making sacrifices for him. He doesn't do relationships just one night stands. When he meets Becky its not love at first sight, which I liked, but the attraction is there and sending off sparks. Becky is hot, sexy, sassy Brit and has a fire about her with her but deep down she is broken and damaged.

Neither are looking for a relationship but can they just be friends..........of course not lol

There are some great twists and turns in this story, you will be kept hooked from beginning to end

So, I went to bed at 10pm and thought I'd have a little read. Oh, what a mistake! I couldn't put this book down!

"God, she gets more attractive every time I see her. She's the devil. The actual, distraction-I-don't-need, godforsaken devil."

Drew is a brilliant lawyer and a prime contender for partner. He's solely focused on his career and doesn't have time for relationships, but has no shortage of partners for casual flings. He's aggressive, super confident, and has no time for fools or distractions.

"A girl can have roots and wings."

Becky is a brilliant patisserie chef and is solely focused on living her new life in New York. She's not interested in a relationship nor a casual fling. What she needs are friends and time to find her real self.

"The problem is, I'm starting to think the risk of losing her is worse than the possibility of being distracted by her."

When they first meet, there is a definite spark between them. Drew is a jerk and Becky is feisty. Drew knows he doesn't have time to nurture friendships, let alone a relationship, but he can't stop thinking about her and he can't keep away from her. And, she's not even his type. Becky tries to keep him at arm's length but the attraction between them is sizzling, tangible and undeniable.

This was a fabulous, gorgeous, sexy read! It had great flow, great dialogue and great characters.

"Am I panicking because Becky could leave? Or am I panicking because I realize that I don't ever want Becky to leave me life?"

I loved how Drew changes throughout the course of the story. From a tough, ruthless player in need of more humane traits, Becky has a profound effect on him and his outlook on life. She has him thinking about things that he believes he doesn't have time for. The story, although told in dual POV, is mainly from Drew's POV, so we get to know him really well.

Becky is tough but with a vulnerable core. I loved her sunny personality, her courage, and her joy in her new life.

The two of them together was beautiful, so sexy, and fun. Thoroughly recommend this addictive read!

The story line was contemporary and for the most part fun. The title doesn't do a lot for me and not sure how scales fits into this story, since both characters were good looking and "perfect", no one was having a body image issue.

the first book in the brits in manhattan series finds high-powered manhattan attorney, drew harrington crossing paths with british patisserie chef becky fletcher. in balancing the scales, the theme of work-life balance pervades the story. both drew and becky are dedicated to their careers, but they also find a way to make their romance work.

the real problem between them is that they both hold back a piece of themselves. drew isn't sure he should take time away from work when he has name partnership in his sights. it's the one goal he's spent his entire professional career working toward and becky is a huge distraction. though the truth is, if he just accepted that they were in a relationship, if he were able to be honest with her about what he wants, then he wouldn't spend so much time obsessing about her.

what becky holds back is actually pretty major. i'm not going to spoil it here. she has very valid reasons for making the choices she does, and holding back the things she does. but it does put an entirely different spin on their relationship, and it's probably a good thing that most of the time we see things from drew's perspective. it would be a lot harder to rationalize her choices if we had to witness her rationalizations.

i liked these characters even though they make questionable choices, so i was rooting for them to figure themselves out. the supporting cast is also solid, and i expect we'll see some of them again in future books.

**balancing the scales will publish on november 21, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/kensington books (lyrical caress) in exchange for my honest review.

You know the feeling you get when you go for a good meal and finish off with one of those utterly decadent and divine desserts that leave you smiling and blissfully happy??? That’s me right now.

From the first page of this book, time has stood still pulled in and fully immersed into the world of Drew and Becky, consumed by the words flowing from the pages greedily devouring them, wanting more with every page turned and my lord does Laura deliver.

The story line flows beautifully a flawless read, the characters grab you and don’t let go, the chemistry sparks and develops as you fall deeper into the book. The secondary characters leave you wanting to know more. I honestly can’t wait for the next in the series.

This is the kind of book that I want to be transfered to the movie screen.
The story was good, the characters well described - so well that they felt like friends. There were a lot of drama, mostly calm drama that goes well on the screen and a lot of laugh.
I’m looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Another fabulous read by Laura Carter, this is the first book in the Brits in Manhattan series, and after this one I can't wait for the rest!

This is a very different read from Laura's other books which were more dark and edgy, this is lighter and fun, sweet, sexy and emotionally charged - I loved it and I think she's done a stunning job with this! Written mostly from Drew's POV with the odd few chapters told from Becky's which tend to go back in time to give you insight into just what she's been through - this worked really well for me, loved how we got everything from Drew's perspective, and then just at the right moment in the story you get to learn more about Becky, but not everything, just a snippet, and it really injected life and drama into the story. I couldn't put it down, read it straight through in one sitting, wanting to know how it all turned out!!

Drew is a hot shot Attorney and has worked his butt off for years in order to make it as a Senior Partner, and he's nearly there. He comes from a loving family who struggled and scrimped in order to send him to college, he wants to make the most of his education and make his parents proud. But he is all about work, he doesn't do relationships but has plenty of one night stands - until his paths cross with Becky at the local bagel stand - she's hot, sexy, sassy, fiery and British and he's anything but a gentleman!! Its definitely not love at first sight, but the attraction is instantaneous. Neither are looking for a relationship, but can they just be friends?

I loved Drew!! He's arrogant, cocky, self assured but underneath he is a good guy, loving, protective, loyal, supportive and I love the slow transformation in him the more time he spends with Becky. She comes across as confident, sassy, fiery and knows what she wants, yet underneath she is the broken and damaged one, just itching to find herself, yet terrified of falling for Drew.

A great read, with a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming, I really enjoyed it from start to finish and can't wait to read more from this series. A highly recommended 5 star read.

Becky Fletcher is a patisserie chef in a hot Manhattan restaurant when she meets hotshot lawyer Drew Harrington at a bagel cart. He is immediately drawn to her looks and is attracted by that fresh British accent. Becky is a bit standoffish until Drew shows up at her work and starts to charm her with his cocky American humor. She is not interested in a relationship or hookup and despite their attraction and Drew’s busy schedule they agree to be “just friends”.

Of course, laws of attraction, and the rule romance books dictates that their just friends rule, will turn into a friends with benefits situation. As they get to know each other, they come to care for each other and that title of friend starts to not be enough. What Drew doesn’t know, and the reader finds out slowly, is that Becky left some baggage behind in England that she needs to clean up.

Drew and Becky at first glance don’t seem to be the right fit. He’s trying to make partner at his law firm and she works bakers hours. Yet somehow the two of them find a connection that works. I liked Becky’s sweet personality and once I learned her back story admired her for taking a stand and walking away from a bad relationship. Separately they each needed to grow, and together they gave each other the strength and support required to do it. A couple to root for and feel good about!

If you are a fan of Laura Carter’s you may miss the romantic suspense from her other novels, but you won’t be disappointed. This is a sweet love story with heart and a fun Saturday afternoon read.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!