Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
“They say nice guys always finish last. I say the only place that should apply is in the bedroom—it’s just good manners, after all.” – Brett MacKinnon, nice guy and frequent resident of the friend zone

LIV: There are really only three things I need in life: sex, baseball, and winning. My hot boyfriend and season tickets take care of the first two, while I always do my best to cover the last. So developing an unexpected crush on a new friend is more than a little inconvenient. I don’t have anything but friendship to offer Brett, but with the way he looks at me, he has me wishing I did.

BRETT: I’ve been put in the friend zone so often, they’ve got a sandwich named after me. You’d think I’d be used to it by now. But when it comes to the delectable Liv, I’m determined to ditch the friend zone and show her I’m boyfriend material. Too bad the position’s already been filled by a ball-playing caveman who could flatten me with his pinky.

What will it take to show Liv that nice guys can be more than just friends, and that love is the one game truly worth winning?

ebook

First published December 12, 2018

657 people are currently reading
695 people want to read

About the author

Sylvie Stewart

54 books1,465 followers
USA Today bestselling author Sylvie Stewart loves bad jokes, dirty rom-coms, country music, and baby skunks—preferably all at the same time. Most of her steamy contemporary and romantic comedy novels take place across her favorite state of North Carolina, and her characters never run out of snarky banter or snacks. When her laptop closes, Sylvie is a sucker for hugs from her twin boys and a good laugh with her hot-nerd hubby. If you love smart Southern gals, hot blue-collar guys, and snort-laughing with characters who feel like your best friends, Sylvie's your gal.

Stay up to date on all things Sylvie! https://sylviestewartauthor.com

Amazon: http://bit.ly/sylviestewartamazon
Facebook: http://bit.ly/sstewartfb
Instagram: http://bit.ly/sstewartig
Twitter: http://bit.ly/sstewarttw
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/sstewartpi
BookBub: http://bit.ly/sstewartbb
Book+Main: http://bit.ly/sstewartbm
Newsletter: bit.ly/SylvieStuff

LIST OF BOOKS: (Unless otherwise noted, all books can be read as standalones.)

Carolina Connections Series:


Kings of Carolina Duet (need to be read together):


Carolina Kisses Series:


Standalones:

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
403 (42%)
4 stars
368 (38%)
3 stars
154 (16%)
2 stars
22 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
Profile Image for Romance Rehab.
350 reviews80 followers
February 27, 2019
There’s a lot of great things about this book, but the best by far is the hero, Brett. I would recommend this book to lovers of sweet, sexy rom com and contemporary romance solely because of him. He’s a nice guy hero (which I love) who isn’t a wimp, is comfortable in his own skin even though he’s not a six-foot-two, chiselled underwear model, and has a nice normal job as a marketing rep—not a Navy Seal/wolf shifter/rockstar/billionaire. Brett is the kind of guy you might actually meet in real life, but he’s also all kinds of fabulous. He’s smart, funny, confident, sexy, and just an all-around great guy. ​

In case you didn’t notice, Brett will definitely be making an appearance on my all-time favorite book boyfriends list. He’s far from the stereotypical romance novel hero, and I DIG THAT ABOUT HIM!

Liv is a pretty decent heroine, too. She pales a little in comparison to the awesomeness that is Brett, but that’s OK, because who wouldn’t, right? She’s smart and funny and doesn’t take shit from anyone, which I admire.

For all of you who share my trope kryptonite, it’s important to mention that this is a:

1. Friends-to-lovers romance
2. Romance that isn’t between 2 white people (Liv is Asian)
3. Slow-burn romance
4. Romance where the hero is younger than the heroine (only by a year, but still)

As for the plot, I will mention that this is NOT a love triangle. (I despise love triangles) It becomes pretty clear early on that Liv’s muscle-for-brains boyfriend is not long for the story, so it didn’t bother me at all that Liv was involved with someone else while she was befriending Brett. It’s also important to mention that there’s no cheating in the story. (I despise cheating) Liv never cheats—not even emotionally—on her scummy boyfriend, and Brett has enough respect for her (and himself) that he doesn’t encourage her to.

Now, are there some stupid misunderstandings that get the way of Brett and Liv’s relationship? Sure. Do I normally hate stupid misunderstandings? Yes. But in this story, the stupid misunderstandings didn’t bother me because the characters were so awesome.

So, long-story-short, this is my 3rd Sylvie Stewart read, and it’s the 3rd one that’s found its way onto my keeper shelf. And y’all know that I don’t award 5 stars that often. You can 1-click this one with confidence. Happy reading!

And feel free to follow us on the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, book lists and fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
Profile Image for Veronica Ticker.
901 reviews60 followers
November 10, 2021
(audiobook+ebook) Starting this book, I knew what was waiting for me–quirky characters, funny situations, some light drama. What I wasn’t expecting was falling so hard for Brett. But that was a nice bonus!

This time, the hero is Gavin’s roommate, Brett. With a unique style that makes him stand out, and not always in a good way, he’s a nice guy through and through who doesn’t go crazy when he’s put in the friendzone by the woman of his dreams. He values friendship as much as love, and is willing to put his feelings aside if that means keeping Liv around.

As for Liv, though she doesn’t always make good decisions, she’s also quite carefree and wants to enjoy her life. If that means dating a guy she doesn’t have real feelings for, but with whom she has a good time, so be it. Even though that also means rejecting the friend she’s crushing on.

It was a perfect friends to lovers romance, in a unique way. Usually, the characters have been friends forever, maybe with some unrequited feelings. Here, they meet, feel a great connection, and become friends, with maybe a little more feelings behind their relationship. We see Liv and Brett falling in like before falling in love. Or maybe the latter is an extension of the former. I loved their easy connection. They were cute together.

The conflict that threatens their budding relationship was also interesting. Though Brett realizes quickly that he has deeper feelings for his friends, for a long time, Olivia isn’t sure of hers. She’s struggling with them, afraid of mistaking friendship for love. In a way, there’s so much care and affection between them that they don’t want to ruin that with dating.

Narration was good, on par with the rest of the series. Maybe the delivery from both narrators lacked a bit of energy for the funny punchlines. A delicious romcom with a lovely hero anyway, that adds another good book to this good series.

Quickie

- Series: Carolina connections #5 (but they can be read as standalone)
- Hashtags: #rom com #friends to lovers #nice guy #friendzone #multicultural relationship
- Triggers: mention of cheating and substance abuse
- Main couple: Olivia Sun & Brett MacKinnon
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + no matter how much a nice guy you are, you can’t control your body, AH!
- – Troy was a bit too caricatural
Profile Image for J.J. Grice.
Author 20 books477 followers
November 29, 2018
YES!!! This entire is series is absolutely amazing! So fun and witty! There is just something about Brett though! Anyone who doesn't fall completely head over heels for him is nuts! He's so funny and easy to relate to! Especially for anyone who has ever been friend-zoned or just simply hurt in the past. It's a slow burn romance, that is just so realistic, it's pretty much impossible not to fall in love with all of the characters! I read the entire book in one night because i just couldn't put it down! No regrets!
Profile Image for Energy Rae.
1,734 reviews54 followers
December 12, 2018
I really love this series so it was exciting to see that there is a 5th book that's been added (which can totally be read as a standalone, one of my favorite parts of true series). Another favorite? When authors make strong women as their main characters, so Sylvie has hitten a home run (pun intended) on those two aspects alone. Now let's get to the meat of the book.

Brett seems to have the worst luck with women and while he isn't opposed to having a relationship, he isn't meeting the right one, so he'd rather stay single and enjoy his love of baseball.
Liv is a diehard baseball fan, and it just so happens that her cousin and her boyfriend play for the same local team. So when she is cheering (and heckling), it draws attention, specifically the attention of Brett. He loves her quick thinking of comebacks and jeers to throw at the umpire (if only the players liked it as much as he did, she wouldn't risk getting booted out of the games). But it's because of this he introduces himself, and a friendship is born.

Brett is totally smitten with Liv, but she's got a boyfriend, so he has to be okay with being just friends. Even when he spies Liv's boyfriend cheating on her, he knows it can't be him that tells her. So he waits in the wings hoping that maybe one day, there can be something more for them. Slowly, over time, Liv is seeing Brett in a different light. He's a great friend, but it seems that he too, only wants friendship, heck he's even asking her for dating advice.

The Way You Are is a delicious slow burn, there's tension that they are both circling and denying. Liv and Brett are great together and the reader is drawn into both of their amazing personalities, they are a really fun duo. Not only are they crazy fun, but their friends are too, friends that we've met in previous books, and it's nice seeing them again. Not only are they a fun duo but their chemistry is crazy hot. This is such a great addition to the Carolina Connections series. Stewart continues to give her readers fun characters with laugh out loud and swoon-worthy moments, a truly great read.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
December 12, 2018
A day at a Baseball game with friends is a great day in Brett's books,until his friends decide to leave.Brett stays to take in the second game,the crowds have thinned out and that's when he hears her.What he can see is a tiny little girl with the booming voice .

Olivia is cheering for her team and jeering at the other team and the ump.Her cousin Joey and her boyfriend Troy are on the Guardians her team of choice. Olivia is into the game and has no idea that a young man has snuck up back a few rows to watch her.

Brett can't stop himself something about her has pulled him over to watch her,when he see the security guards on their way over to eject her from the game.Brett jumps in to rescue her and hope she plays along with his plan.

Now with the damsel saved and the quick banter that ensues Brett finds her interesting and attractive,until she drops the boyfriend bomb and he knows he's back in the friendship zone.

Olivia and Brett's friendship develop's both are finding they have an attraction to each other.

Brett is out with friends and happens to see Olivia's boyfriend at the bar,and what he sees makes him ugly.Troy with a woman and its not Olivia,he can't believe Troy would do that to Olivia.Not sure what to do with this information Brett enlists Joey her cousin to give Olivia the news.Now that Troy is out of the picture who will make the first move.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,741 reviews242 followers
December 12, 2018
4,5 stars for this new to me author but I loved this book so much that I will have to make time to read the first in the series as well because I loved some of the side characters so much and I am sure I can find their stories in previous books.
''Friend zone''- nobody wants to be on the friend zone when their feelings change from just friends to something more.Brett is hot,sweet and patient, what more would a girl want from a friend like him? He is putting up with all her craziness and hilarious moments, their banter is so gritty and entertaining, the attraction is so palpable throughout the pages that is so well done by the author and feels like you are there next to them and watch everything live.

All the secondary characters are wonderful pictured and very supportive of Brett and Liv and I think I have to make time to read the previous books as after this one I really want to know more about everyone.

The writing is great,hilarious scenes especially when they watch a baseball match ,a story that is slowly progressing from the beginning to the happily ever after very smooth and a great romcom book.
Profile Image for Tracy Wilkin.
1,201 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2019
The Way You Are is book 5 in the Carolina Connections series by Sylvie Stewart. My first read by this author, and what a merry dance I was led on. A refreshing change from the dark and twisted stories I love so much.


Brett MacKinnon always comes in second best, which delegates him to the friend zone. He has this charismatic personality that just makes him too sweet and the ladies just don't take him seriously. To go after his lady love, he needs to toughen up, take charge, or risk getting left behind.


Liv is a feisty little lover of sport. A very strong personality does she possess, and she is not afraid to go after what she wants, that is of she really knows what she wants. She was hilarious and a true pleasure to get to know.


The Way You Are was brilliantly written, engaging, arresting, riveting. A storyline that draws you in immediately, and the ending comes far too quickly. A charismatic cast that will undoubtedly entertain anyone who picks it up and reads it. A fantastic 5 star story.

Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,410 reviews23 followers
December 12, 2018
I have read the other books in this series, so I was EXTREMELY excited to read this book! I absolutely loved it and it definitely did not disappoint!

Jason, the poor guy, definitely has not chosen the best ladies in his life. Anytime he would meet someone that was not crazy or a harpy, he would automatically be placed in the friend zone.

Liv is definitely an interesting one. Being that I love sports as well, I totally get getting into the games and haggling is definitely a fun part of the game as well! 🙂

She also is NOT a good judge of character either, but is extremely smart and loyal.

This was a light and fun book to read that is absolutely hilarious. What happens when you are dating one guy, but then completely fall for the guy for the guy that is your best friend?

I highly recommend reading and finding out what happens!

PS: I received this book free in return of my honest opinion.
1,978 reviews14 followers
December 10, 2018
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog.
Well I am a little late to the party in regards to the Carolina Connections series, but even though this is the fifth book, it definitely reads as a standalone.
I loved how Brett was written in this book. In a perfect world, he would be the type of man every woman would be able to call their own. He is such a gentleman, with a tremendous heart. I liked how he put Olivia's feelings above his own, even though you could tell he wanted to go in all guns blazing.
Olivia had me laughing constantly. She certainly isn't shy, but the best parts were when she was watching baseball. The things she would say - hilarious!!
This book also has a great cast of supporting characters, which I believe most of them already have had their own stories. I will definitely be reading them in the future.
2,343 reviews56 followers
December 11, 2018
If you love a story where the friend-zoned guy gets the girl, then The Way You Are is definitely a book you'll want to check out! I loved how sweet and kind Brett is. And Liv is hysterical! She's the kind of girl you want to be friends with.

Their banter is witty, the connection between the characters was genuine, and Brett and Liv's friends do their part to support the couple without taking over the show. This book had all the right pieces to make it a romcom that I could not put down! They both found someone who loves them just the way you are!

The Way You Are is the first book I've read in the Carolina Connections series, and I can say that it does read as a standalone. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Debra Richardson.
996 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2018
This is a solid fun read – fast pace and consistent. It is an engaging page turner with fantastic dialogue and a well-developed and consistent plot. The writing is fluid and flows smoothly. The humour, intrigue, the LOL moments, and witty banter make this book a compelling enjoyable read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, flipping the pages of your kindle wanting to find out what happens next. The chemistry between Liv and Brett is so HOT and the author did a great job in keeping the anticipation of them coming together ever present – (will they, wont they, when?); and this made the book even more interesting. This book comes highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meg.
87 reviews
December 14, 2018
Trust me, it was not easy squirming in my chair from anticipatory heat, while I was holding my sides from laughing so much. But that was my predicament while reading this book. It was so much fun, and oh so hot. I LOVED it. Brett was adorable and Liv was uniquely special. They were in the friend zone and getting out of it was hilarious and delicious. No one does witty quips, or sets a sexy scene like Sylvie.
I volunteered to review an arc of this book, and saying that I enjoyed it would be a definite understatement. I had to buy a permanent copy. No one who enjoys romance novels should miss it.
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
744 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2018
Baseball, heckling and some good old fashioned match made in the bleachers fun made me giggle most of the way through this story. Number five in the series, but fully standalone (this was my first romp through this world and I understood everything going on perfectly) I recommend this if you like genuine nice guys, strong female leads, big dogs and sports related romance in general.

Great cast of characters, some hilarious banter and the feel that these are the people you'd love to hang out with if you could. Brett and Liv are a great match, fun to follow and interesting characters with some really great real-life attributes. Give this one a read!
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,187 reviews50 followers
December 13, 2018
I really liked the characters in this one especially Brett. Brett had me right from the start. Brains with a little edge to him plus he loves baseball what more could I ask for. That was the biggest draw for me the baseball element. Being a huge baseball fan myself and going to minor leagues I enjoyed that aspect of the book a lot. Liv's heckling reminds me of my grandma at the games. I felt bad for Brett being friend zoned. There is one character in this book I didn't care for right off the bat, but karma worked her magic. Over all this book was very enjoyable and it did have me laughing quit we often. That was another of my favorite parts of the book the humor.
Profile Image for Yvette  Grimes.
247 reviews
December 12, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Carolina Connections series. I've not read the previous stories. I believe this can be read as a stand alone. There did seem to be interactions between some of the characters that had me curious, but nothing that diminished my enjoyment of Liv and Brett's story. It's nice to see a good guy in a story. This was a fun read!

Yvette,
Book Haven Book Blog
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
December 12, 2018
This was another great read from Sylvie and a super addition to the series. I really liked both Liv and Brett they were perfect for each other and so great together and I enjoyed reading their story and getting to catch up with some of the previous characters. If like me you have enjoyed the rest of the series you won't want to miss this one.
Profile Image for Jkcrimm.
63 reviews1 follower
Read
December 12, 2018
The saying goes nice guys finish last. In this book the nice guy gets the girl! Brett is used to being friend zoned but with Liv the chemistry is there and they can’t get around it. Liv is fun and loves baseball she is definitely Brett’s perfect girl. This is a great story and the karma at the end is on point.
Profile Image for Angie.
400 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2018
I loved this story about Olivia and Brett.... This story was sweet with some drama and misunderstanding thrown in. But you won’t go wrong with this book. What started out in the friend zone ended with happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews213 followers
October 26, 2019
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews213 followers
October 26, 2019
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews213 followers
October 26, 2019
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline was very descriptive and amazing...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
22 reviews
November 28, 2018
Loved this book! It’s always fun to catch up with characters from previous stories, and they were woven into this story perfectly.
I absolutely LOVED Liv and Brett’s story. And I think Tambo just became my favorite book dog. Another homerun for Sylvie!
249 reviews5 followers
December 12, 2018
Liv and Brett's story is full of laugh out loud moments, some self discovery, and ultimately a wonderfully developed love story. This is a great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.6k reviews123 followers
December 13, 2018
This is the 1st book I’ve read written by Sylvie Stewart; she has done a good job at writing a good book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christy B.
288 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2018
I've loved Brett from the first book in the series and was super excited he was getting his own book. He is such a great friend and all around good guy. Live was a crack-up and a great pairing for him. Loved this couple!
Profile Image for Jo.
1,488 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2018
I love both of these characters for different reasons.  Liv, because she is unapologetically nothing but herself and Brett because he's just steady and supportive.  Now, that might not seem like high praise, but trust me when I say that these two work together really beautifully in the context of the story.  

Romantic, fun and ultimately satisfying.  This was a one sitting read for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Oloughlin.
878 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2018
I loved The Way You Are. Brett was such a sweetheart, it’s easy to see him getting the friend zone. It was cute and heart clenching to see him try to just spend time with Liv.

*I read an Arc.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.8k reviews8 followers
December 13, 2018
Brett was a good guy who always was a friend and never a boyfriend until he meets Liz, I liked reading how these two come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
251 reviews
December 13, 2018
An entertaining book from beginning to end, the characters are well written and the romance and comedy of the story will have you glued to your Kindle until the end.
Profile Image for Heather Bass.
631 reviews8 followers
January 15, 2019
This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she blew my mind. I absolutely love a good friend to lovers story but this author exceeded all my expectations. This is the fifth book of the Carolina Connection series. You can read this book as a stand alone just like I did but there are other characters in this story as well. I was hooked on this storyline right from the beginning. It only took me a little over a few hours to devour this incredible book.

Olivia loves her life a hot boyfriend, really good friends, and exceeding in school. She goes to a baseball game and she runs into a very handsome guy. Olivia feels a connection to him but she is seeing someone. She wants this guy in her life so she offers him to be friends. Olivia gets to know the real Brett and she realizes that she has crush on this guy. She can’t get Brett out of her mind but she has a boyfriend. Olivia can tell that Brett wants to be more than friends. Will Olivia and Brett stay friends or can they be more?

I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all hot romance, humor, and baseball. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Olivia is a sweetheart that knows what she wants. She can be a little fiery when she needs to be. Brett is a nice guy that always gets put into the friend zone. He is very sweet and handsome. The way he treats Olivia will make your heart melt. These characters have some steamy scenes that will make your temperature rise. This talented author will keep you on your toes until the end. After rewatch this book I now want to know more about these other characters. I will be starting this series from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.