The Game

Carolina Connections #4

by Sylvie Stewart

They say opposites attract. Someone needs to tell that to Emerson Scott.

Gavin:
All I ever wanted was to play ball. When an act of sheer stupidity took that dream away, I thought I’d never bounce back. But now I have the opportunity to coach an up-and-coming phenom, and I'm giving it all I've got. The fact that I've been lusting after his smoking-hot sister only sweetens the deal. Emerson may be buttoned up like a school librarian, but I play my best when I’m under pressure … and I always bring the heat.

Emerson:
Never lose focus. Never lose control. Those are the first two rules in my carefully calculated plan for success. Finding myself thrown into the role of guardian for my little brother was not part of that plan. But I can adjust for Jay’s sake; I’m not about to let one change make me lose sight of my goals. Too bad Jay’s hot young baseball coach doesn’t seem to give a fig about my plans. He has one of his own—and it includes me. Gavin Monroe may play like a pro, but that boy will never win this game.

If you like the quirkiness of Penny Reid and the witty sex appeal of Penny Wylder, you'll love The Game!

Get The Game and meet your next book boyfriend tonight!

This product is a republication of the 2017 version of THE GAME. It contains special content and bonus scenes for an enhanced reader experience.

**Warning: This book contains laugh-out-loud scenes that may put you in embarrassing situations when read in a public place. It also contains hot sex and naughty language, so you may not want to let your grandma read it--unless she's cool like that. Go, Grandma!

Genres: Romance, Sports, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Contemporary Romance

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2017

About the author

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

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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:

Reviews

[Lisa Mcintire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series. Quick fun reads. Looking forward to Ari and Jak

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Game (Carolina Connections) by Sylvie Stewart is the fourth book in her Carolina Connections series. This story can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you going back to read the previous books in this series, they are just as funny and enjoyable. Once again, this author has created a funny romance that will keep you engaged until the last word. Her characters are lovable, connectable and true to life. This story has just a little bit of everything in it and will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that you won't want to miss. This is the story of Emerson and Gavin. Emerson has suddenly found herself taking in her brother who is a baseball star. This is where she meets the hot, sexy Gavin. Gavin lost his future of being a baseball player in a stupid accident and now finds himself trying to fit in with his life. When he meets Emerson he is totally lost, his problem becomes trying to convince her of that. When he takes a new coaching job what will happen? I love Emerson's character. She is so kept together and knows what she wants and always seems to have a plan. Gavin has a determination that will just break your heart if he fails at what he wants. These two just bring the laughter to this story and you will fall in love with them. They complement each other and are supportive. They both have big hearts and are selfless. The question remains will she let her hair down and give in to her feelings? Will Gavin convince her to give him a shot despite their age difference? I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see if Emerson and Gavin find their HEA!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio Review: The Game (The Carolina Connections #4) by Sylvie Stewart (Author), Kelsey Navarro (Narrator)

When life throws a curveball, count on love to make a way through. Stewart is good at cracking the heart open and finding the smile hiding inside. The Game is a life lesson wrapped up in a romantic comedy. Gavin and Emerson turn tears into laughter with sassy dialogue, steamy attraction and a bit of common sense. Navarro gives her brand to an already sweet bundle of emotion. Through her delivery, she gives hearts something to relate to and fall in love with all over again.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/29/2019)! 🎁

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Game is the fourth book in the Carolina Connections series by Sylvie Stewart. It is a fun, light-hearted and fabulous contemporary romance/ romantic comedy. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Stewart. It is the fourth in a series, but can be read as a standalone. After reading this book, I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
Gavin was the golden boy, star pitcher who made a stupid mistake that cost him a career in baseball. He has learned to make the best of his situation, working a construction job, as well as a position at the Baseball Academy coaching up and coming elite players. The latest recruit has only just moved to town to live with his sister while he completes his schooling. When Gavin meets the sister for the first time, he is hooked. Now all he has to do is get her to see him as more than her kid brother’s coach- and to see him as the man for her.
Emerson is a lawyer who has worked incredibly hard to get where she is. She is disciplined, dedicated and focused- she has everything planned out for her life- her career is her priority and she has no time for a relationship. Having her brother come to live with her is going to take some adjustment, but she’s determined to make it work. She’s certainly not going to let her brothers hunky coach distract her from her plans and goals- no matter how persuasive he can be.
This is a sweet, steamy, funny and very entertaining story. It has a great pace and a smooth flow. I read it in an afternoon. A really fun read!

Thank you, Ms. Stewart!

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Torn stars...

I'm really torn. While I really enjoyed this author's writing, and I completely loved Gavin, I wasn't a big fan of Emmy. Gavin was amazing. He was sweet, funny, persistent and charming. He liked Emmy from the start and didn't play any games letting her know. Emmy was just ok. She's very controlled and a workaholic and doesn't have time for a personal life. Aka... a lawyer lol. I understood this though. Most of the books I've read where the mc is a lawyer, this is usually how it goes. It's a very time demanding profession. However, Emmy never really relaxed and I wasn't fond of how she pushed him away when hey job stuff happened. Gavin was nothing but understanding of her jobs demands and supportive of her goals. I don't know... Maybe I wasn't in the right mind frame for her. I did enjoy the book. I'm definitely curious about Gavin's friends that I assume were featured in the previous books, since I didn't realize this was book 4 until it's already gotten immersed lol. So I'll be checking those out now!

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

(audiobook+ebook) I love this series, and I doubt the author can disappoint me. In fact, this time, she tackles one of my favorite tropes, age gap with an older woman. Don’t be afraid, it’s a small age gap–though it could be a large life gap.

This book follows Gavin Monroe–Laney’s brother and ex-baseball star–and his pursuit of Emerson Scott, a lawyer we met in the previous book. When we first met Gavin, he was almost a bum: recently moved from his parents’ house to live with his older sister, no job, lazy. What a change he made since then! And he’s still changing during the story. He’s become quite a compelling character. Charming, loyal, driven, passionate–the total opposite of when we first saw him.

Emerson, though as driven as Gavin, is almost too serious–pleasure isn’t in her vocabulary. Until she meets Gavin. I loved the instant spark, and how eager Gavin was to try and seduce her, while she tried to avoid him because dating a younger guy wasn’t the image she wanted to project of herself. The contant push-pull was endearing.

All the ingredients I love in this series were there: humor, banter, crazy situations, sexy times. Even some life lessons that were written perfectly–for instance, don’t judge! A delightful romcom, perfectly narrated on top of that.

Quickie

- Series: Carolina connections #4 (but they can be read as standalone)
- Hashtags: #rom com #opposites attract #age gap #older woman younger man
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Emerson Scott & Gavin Monroe
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + little Gavin has grown so much!
- – a bit too many characters–though I loved all of them

[K-Lanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so enjoying this series, no time to do a proper review, just consider them recommended. I'm off to read the next

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series but is my first read. I believe this could be read as a standalone. I had a lot of information and wasn't lost while reading this. It was simply well done.

Writing was surpurb and had me glued to the pages. This is my first book and planning on reading more for sure. I really enjoyed reading about Gavin and Emerson. I could definitely feel there emotions through there story. There journey to love is relaetable and I couldn't put the book down.

Garvin a hunky guy that I absolutely fell in love with he always wanted to be a ball player but something happens and he is offered to couch. He is totally thrilled and going to give it is all. He is in love with his best friends sister but he needs to show him that he's the man for her and how is he going to be able to do just that?

Emerson goes to a well thought out plan and usually tries to stick to it. She never imagined she was going to get her younger brother Jay and being a gardiuan to him. Once he starts playing ball things get a little tough with the couch. Will she fall in love with him and go off track on her plan?

Get this book to find out what happens. Recommend to romance readers.

All reviews are 100% my own.

[Gata Leitora / Cat reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Gavin has lost his chance to achieve his dreams, he accommodates himself in his part-time job and he is content to be a local talent scout. Upon seeing Jay, Emmy's brother, he realizes the full potential of the boy and leaves to encourage the team to invest in the boy.
The only problem is Jay's older sister, a successful lawyer focused on her job and to complicate everything a little bit older than Gavin. He does not intimidate himself and plot several situations to get closer to Emerson. She does not make his life any easier, especially since she finds him a bit young and immature to her.
With a light and funny writing and a plot full of romance and competitions, Sylvie Stewart shows how people should not be judged by the looks and how when one really loves one one must fight for this person. Gavin stole my heart with his attitudes even with the excess of (Shit) he said .... hehehehe….. It was also interesting to follow his maturity and to see how the right woman was enough for him to face new challenges for his future. And that the right man was enough for her to see things clearly.

4/5 stars.
Kisses, Myl

[Mona Livsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly sweet romance. A hard working straightlaced young lady working her way towards a position in a prestigious law firm meets a local one time all star. Never have you seen such opposites, but they click almost from the word go!
Emerson the "older" woman falls for the hot baseball coach of the academy her younger brother is attending. Gavin, the coach, is intrigued with "Emmy" after meeting her at one of her brothers games. Passion erupts every time these two are in the same area, but Emmy trys to fight it, as it isn't part and parcel of her career path. But everything isn't as they plan and emotions push them into each others arms as the world around them spins slowly out of control.
One thing leads to another, and the lies and mideeds of a coworker end up with Emmy being fired. What will happen to Emmy, or her relationship with Gavin or with her father for that matter.
Absolute joy to read, incredible characters and a wonderful plot line that will keep immersed from beginning to end. Well written, I recommend this to all lovers of romance and a HEA!
Well Done🌺

[Lynn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game
by: Sylvie Stewart
5 Stars
This is the fourth book in this series and so far this one is my favorite. The characters are hilarious and the story was great. The author makes you feel connected with the characters and the story. Emerson and Gavin Both have had to navigate life with the obstacles that were thrown at them. Emerson is single minded focused on her career and making a name for herself. Throw is the mix of raising her brother has brought her challenges.
Gavin has not had it easy doing something stupid to loose his baseball scholarship, his dream. Now he has to find a new career and when he meets Emerson he has to figure out how to get a date with her. She immediately blows his off because she is hung up on the age difference between them.
Will two people with different outlooks on life be able to make a go of it. I urge you to read the series.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I find myself greedily devouring another book from this talented author.

I really think that each book I have read has been stronger than the last.  And, although the cast of side characters and their intertwining relationships may have your head spinning a little, Gavin and Emerson work really well as a couple.

And yet, in some ways, it's the interactions with Jay that really adds the extra depth to the story.  Throw in the completely opposite parents and it just all works really well.

A one sitting read, and so very nearly 5*.  

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

RomCom is not my typical genre, but hot damn did The Game score a home run!!!! I read this book in about a day and couldn't put it down. I love Sylvie's writing style and the back-n-forth of different character narrations. I highly recommend this author and The Game. You won't be disappointed!

[Thia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older woman/younger man romances are a soft spot for me since I am six years senior to my handsome husband. Finding a story that doesn't shove that trope down my throat every other page is tricky. Thank you, Sylvie Stewart, using it as a hook into the bigger love story of the ultra-hardworking, lithe, 29 year-old Emerson and the 24 year-old, bold flirt Gavin.

It's not age difference that limits Emerson's own personal joy and love life. It's her own ambition to be a managing partner where she works. She chooses to accept the confines of the old boy's network. Dating outside her peer set is just one item on her don'ts to being a consummate professional and soon-to-be managing partner. Since choosing tennis and golf lessons over ballet when she was a girl, she's been driving to obtain this life goal. The fourth-year law associate does her best to shore-up any reasons for partners in the law firm to criticize. Or rival colleagues to sabotage. Besides if she's not supporting and taking total responsibility for her corporate clients at all hours, she is busy being guardian to her teenage half-brother Jay. He's an up-and-coming baseball dynamo and she has be sure he transitions into his new life with her until her hippie mother and stepdad return from their year on the road working the craft fair circuit.

In steps Gavin. He knows she is out of his league, yet swiftly parlays his recruitment of Jay for his Baseball Academy into a first date with "Emmy" as Jay calls her. Gavin's playfulness and sexy compliments, not to mention a firm derrière, has Emmy reconsidering the rules of decorum. Her beautiful smiles wants has Gavin pushing her to loosen up and bring her "joy" in his own way. The chemistry between the two even has Gavin, the once-MLB-bound ball player, stepping up from his broken, angry past into a responsible, emotionally supportive partner. And his respect for Emmy's professionalism raises his own sites as to what he can achieve if continues to complete his Sports Science degree while working two jobs.

Of course, there is some "work-colleague-does-the-heroine-wrong" drama, but it's Stewart's portrayal of Emerson as a smart woman with unresolved, untypical daddy issues that stirs up most conflict. The underlying need for Emerson's father's approval drives her behavior in the best and worst ways. She is trusted and well-admired in her field. And can be very close-minded thanks to her guidance from her father. He is her mentor and the epitome of professionalism, and challenges her decisions should they not align with his. His does so in such a logical manner, I was struggling with her - maybe she should dump Gavin? But how does she affirm him and yet, keep to her true self.

I commend Stewart for sticking to Emerson's "cautious" personality throughout the story. It's a slow-burn, slow-learn. [Possible spoiler] She could have pushed Emerson off the deep end of the proverbial pool, having her run from the corporate world into representing pro-bono, or PETA. Instead the author keeps within the context of Emerson's world. Emerson's deep end is her taking a chance on herself, and therefore, Gavin. Stewart doesn't have Emerson scheme to shame her father or set him up for self-revelation. He is just the consummate professional, and he is also a four-time divorcee, Emerson realizes. In fact, the story line is constantly looking to find balance between parental extremes. When Emerson appreciates her mother's self-actualized advice for herself, she learns that life reaches beyond professional goals or appearances, it includes the love for her family, friends and especially taking a chance on loving and trusting your partner.

Lastly, I read The Fix first, then this book, which is #4. I am going back to #2 and #3. And I am really hoping that Stewart adds Aria's story with Jax next. Throughout the The Game, I became more interested in the gregarious, talented friend of Emerson's. In fact, I could see that as a superb audiobook, took.

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my trope but still enjoyable
3 stars

Older woman / younger man is not a trope I’m particularly fond of so I was already going into this story with some trepidation. But I’ve been reading/listening through this great series (California Connections) about a group of interrelated family and friends, so I *had* to read Gavin’s story. With that said, this book stands completely alone so if you haven’t read any of the previous stories in the series, you will still understand this one - and it comes complete with its own HEA.

I normally get over my dislike of a trope once I’m into the story - but the main conflict in this story was the difference in the ages of Emerson and Gavin, so there was no way I could forget about it as it was brought up relentlessly! While the age gap isn’t huge - Emerson is 29 and Gavin is 24 - at that age, it’s a bit more evident. And I did feel that Gavin came across as more juvenile on occasion.

Emerson is a lawyer who has just taken over custody of her teenage brother - not for any bad reasons. She comes across as stable, responsible and I liked her a lot. Her worries over starting something with Gavin mirrored my own thoughts so I felt an immediate kinship with her (which also didn’t help my feelings towards the trope!)

Gavin was a bit of an enigma in the earlier books - as something of the errant, annoying younger brother character. He was still treated as that by his friends which, you guessed it, didn’t help with my feelings of dislike towards the trope, either. But he was a nice enough guy. Determined, a bit cocky and sweet. He clearly liked Emerson but often acted before he thought things through which got him into bother.

Gavin and Emerson were a sweet couple and I did feel a connection between them. Due to Emerson’s reluctance to make something more of their relationship, it’s something of a slow burn - but it works for them and for the story. It still sizzles, more towards the end.

As I’ve come to expect from Ms Stewart, there are plenty of laughs throughout the book. I hooted at the names Emerson assigned Gavin on her phone which made the text exchanges truly chuckle worthy. Fiona and Mark (from The Spark) also appear in the book and Fiona always steals every scene she’s in and makes me laugh every time.

I listened to this book in audio and it was performed in its entirety by Kelsey Navarro. It’s written in dual viewpoint so the narrator reads from both Emerson and Gavin’s points of view. It works just fine, and I never found myself confused, but I do tend to prefer two different performers for the main couple. Kelsey Navarro has a nice voice that’s easy to listen to and she told the story well.

This book was always going to struggle with me due to the trope and my ultimate dislike of it. With that said, once our pair got into a relationship and the focus was on something other than the age gap between them and whether Emerson could get over it, the book really picked up for me. To such an extent that I was really torn between 3 and 4 stars when I finished it. I went with 3 stars in the end but I ultimately enjoyed my time spent with this story. The trope wasn’t my favourite (did I mention that already?) but if it doesn’t bother you, give this book a go, especially if you’re reading through the excellent California Connections series.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful RomCom & Audible Listen🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!

The Game
A Sports Romantic Comedy, Carolina Connections, Book 4
By: Sylvie Stewart
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro

Sylvie Stewart pens another amazing and enjoyable read. I am loving her “Carolina Connections” series, the characters and their stories are awesome. This book is Gavin and Emerson’s story. Gavin, who was first introduced in the 1st book “The Fix” he lived with his sister, Laney for a few years before getting his act together. He works part-time in Nathan’s construction company and works as a coach in an elite baseball academy for gifted kids. Emerson, a corporate lawyer, her goal is to make partner so she is all about work. She has her brother, Jay, living with her, Jay is a talented baseball player and caught the eye of Gavin and his boss. He calls his mother to get permission for him to join the academy and she agrees. He soon finds out he has to talk to her daughter, who is Jay’s legal guardian. Emerson is more than happy to have Jay attend the academy. Gavin finally meets her and when he does he is intrigued, she has no time for dating but Gavin works his charm on her, first with texting and then in person, persistence pays off and they start to date. I loved how everything plays out in this great opposites attract story, it is all plotted out nicely with plenty of drama, a bit of angst, some great humor, lots of emotions and heartfelt moments as well as hot and romantic ones. Great seeing some of the gang again, especially Fiona, who always comes to the rescue. Emmy’s mother is a hoot as is her friend Ari who is full of personality. My heart went out to Emmy who was always trying to live up to her fathers standards, it was great that she finally realized it and her standards are the only ones she needs to live up to. Sylvie Stewart, thank you for another fantastic book, I am looking forward to what comes next in this wonderful series.

I listened to the Audible edition, Kelsey Navarro is a terrific narrator and voice artist. She performs the voices for all the characters, giving each their own unique sound and personality. She brings them life and their story to life captures their emotions and passion which is projected into her performance. She sets the perfect tone for the story, adds the perfect dramatic touch and lands the humor with ease. Kelsey Navarro is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen🎧

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game (Carolina Connections)
By: Sylvie Stewart
5 out of 5 stars

The story The Game (Carolina Connections) by Sylvie Steward is a sports/romantic comedy. This is the awesome fourth book in the Carolina Connections series. I am always ready to read the next story in the series as they are fun to read and always guaranteed to bring a smile to my face. I started from the first book and have now read all four. They can be read as standalones, however, I suggest reading them all in order. I found that it is a smoother experience and also the characters overlap from one book to the next. This book is all about Gavin and Emerson. Gavin is a man who has done a lot of growing over time. He is getting his life together and moving forward. His life may not be on the same path as before however he is determined to grab onto the opportunities that have been put before him and move on with his life. Part of this determination is spent on pursuing Emerson. Emerson is a woman who plans to go far in life. Those plans don’t include going out with Gavin. When he asks her out on a date she declines. He keeps asking. What does she do now? I loved the bantering back and forth between Gavin and Emerson. There was flirting and humor which made me laugh out loud. Emerson is a person who worries more than she should. She is attracted to Gavin, however, she is focused on her reputation in the law firm she works for and that Gavin is younger than her. I was of the opinion that she needed to start having more fun in her life and Gavin was just the person to have that fun with. The secondary characters who are friends and family of both Gavin and Emerson are also amazing. They are the kind of friends that would do anything for one another and if one needs help they do not hesitate to act. This author has created stories that you can get lost in with characters that are not easily forgotten. I can’t wait to read the next book! This story does include mature language and sexual content. This would make it a book for those 18 years of age or older.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fabulous read coming from Sylvie Stewart and The Game is no exception.
Now this is part of a series but can be happily be read as a standalone....I know this from experience because yes stupid me I have started this series in the WRONG order..lol...But it was fine although my OCD Doesn't think it is fine.This is an older woman and younger man trope.
I Loved Gavin and Emerson,they are opposites and they sure do attract.
Gavin is an Ex Baseball player who could have made it big but an accident and injury took away that dream for him.So now he worked in construction and coached at a Baseball academy.
Emerson is a Lawyer who is the guardian to her younger teenage brother Jay who happens to be a Baseball prodigy,who catches Gavin's eye he wants him to join the academy were he works.
So he makes arrangements to meet him and his guardian and when he meet Emerson Sparks fly between them both.
Although Emerson can't afford to have an interest in men especially sexy younger ones,she was focused on her career and taking care of her brother.
But Gavin has other ideas and weaves himself into Emerson's life and heart,although she does everything she can to resist his charms it is only a matter of time before she lets down her guard and gives in.
This is such a great book and I was captivated from the start,I enjoyed the change in Emerson as she got to know Gavin.She had always done things for her father's apporoval and stuck to his rules and what he thought was exceptable.Gavin brought out her fun relaxed side and I think made her realise that you can have a career and a boyfriend that is your choice not someone elses.
Love Always Wins.
Sylvie's writing is so detailed and it was so easy to get lost into the story,I am really looking forward to discovering the rest of these books,and getting to know the other characters.
A delightful read,that I highly recommend it.
5 Stars.

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Game, book four in the Carolina Connections series.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Gavin’s story. He was not a character I particularly liked. But I ended up loving him.
He really grew up a lot through this series.
After an injury ends his hope at playing baseball, he fell into a two year self loathing period. Deciding finally to embrace this “adult thing”, and move forward instead of dwelling in the past. He was always a great uncle, most of the time a good brother, but he became a great man.
Emmy (Emerson) I struggled a bit with. From the first moment she spotted Gavin, she obviously was interested in him. But her one and only thought was he was too young for her (she’s five years older). She’s trying really hard to be the responsible daughter, older sister and future partner in her law firm. She was so focused on work and goals she she forgot to live for herself, do what made her happy.
Gavin tries hard to show her what she’s missing, to bring a little fun into her life. But she’s constantly reminding him he’s too young. It’s a good thing he was persistent.
Gavin was funny, hard working and was willing to do anything to have Emmy in his life. Emmy was so focused on living up to her father and not becoming her mother she forgot to be herself.
They have a few bumps along the way but do finally end up together.
Like the earlier books, this was was an easy, light read. Characters you wouldn’t mind hanging out with on a Friday night.
I loved catching up with the past couples and look forward to whoever’s story is next.

[kgagnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun listening to this sweet, engaging, and steamy romance. Gavin is the famous hometown boy who was on the fast track to playing ball in the big leagues. His future was turned upside down after a tragic accident. Now he is finding a new path and is working hard to reach his goals. One of those goals is to convince a smart sexy Emerson to go out with him. Emerson is focused on making partner at the law firm where she works and being available for her teen brother who lives with her. He is a talented pitcher who Gavin would like to help train. Emerson has never met anyone who could make her feel the way Gavin does. They are from different worlds and she is torn between the charming, fun, sexy man and the image she is pressured to uphold. Gavin was so loveable, and swoony as he continued to prove that he was more than his mistakes. It was a joy to watch the sweet and caring Emerson realize that she could be happy and successful. Gavin and Emerson were so cute together, I really cared for them and cheered for their HEA. I loved all their friends and family who added so much hilarity, encouragement, and support. This is my first listen to Kelsey Navarro, and I really enjoyed her performance. She was so perfect as Emerson, but her other voices were distinct and dynamic as well. She was very easy to listen to, making this funny, quirky, heartfelt romance even more fun and exciting.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson finds herself taking care of her brother. She is very responsible and knows what she wants. She has no room for romance with all of her aspirations. Gavin finds an opportunity to coach up and coming players. Gavin sets his sights on Jay and he will need permission from his guardian to coach him. When Gavin meets Emerson, things start to heat up. Gavin sets his sights on Emerson and nothing will stop him. The push and pull between these two kicks up the laughter. This was such a fun story. I loved the family vibe it had, and how responsible Emerson is. It really touched my heart how at such a young age she could stand up and are so much for her sibling. This has to be my favorite book of Sylvie Stewart. I love her writing, but this one really captured my heart.

Kelsey Navarro is amazing in her performance. Emerson is such a strong character and Kelsey brings her to life. Kelsey
narrates Gavin exactly as I imagined him. I love how she narrated the banter between Gavin and Emerson and had me in stitches. Kelsey has an easy to listen to voice, and is easy to follow. Her narration enhanced the overall experience of this story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvie Stewart hit it out of the park with “The Game” audiobook. I know that’s a bit cheesy to say about a book centered around baseball but it is so true. This is the story of Gavin, a former Major League Baseball prospect turned coach, and Emerson, a corporate lawyer acting as her brother, J’s, legal guardian. Besides having overwhelming physical attraction for each other, at first glance, they aren’t what anyone would call a perfect match. Almost from the beginning though, Gavin was fully focused on pursuing a relationship with “Emmy” and I was fully invested in his pursuit and her reactions to him. Even though I really enjoyed meeting Gavin in “The Fix” audiobook, nothing prepared me for what a great guy he turned out to be in this one. I was once again enjoying my commute to work and sitting in my driveway waiting for a “good” stopping point. I can’t wait to start another one!

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining heartfelt well written funny opposites attract story that was wonderfully narrated.  This amazing standalone is part of a series where the characters totally compliment each other to a become a great couple. It is filled with lots of emotions including angst, humor, heartache, love and joined with plenty of drama, twists and turns. It is nicely plotted while having me laugh out loud numerous times. The characters are strong, interesting, with lots of flirting, hiliarious banter and joined with other old and new characters from the series. The narration was perfectly done, with each character having a unique sound that made it easy to follow as their personalities and emotions are projected making it easy to follow as it's written from dual POV. Can't wait for more in the series as we are reunited with past characters and given some new.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Game
Carolina Connections, Book 4
By: Sylvie Stewart
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro

Do opposites really attract? Give this book a listen and you will see they do! Gavin was an up and coming baseball star when things went awry. Now with the ability to coach the most talented young players, he is scouting and sees Jay. He needs the permission of his guardian, and when he meets Emerson, the attraction is palpable. But "Emmy" is very career driven and does not have time to date. Can Gavin change her mind? Talk about a fun listen. Stewart continues her Carolina Connections series with a witty, romantic story. I love how these two play off of each other, be it in texting or in person. They are on fire with the slow burn and the constant bantering. The foreplay is evident in their banter and it leads to explosive chemistry. I also love the secondary plot of Emmy and her father. It's very realistic giving us a true look at the pressure she puts herself under. This is a fantastic listen, and I highly recommend it.

Kelsey Navarro gives an amazing performance of this story. Her abilities only continue to grow, and I love her. She has incredible comedic timing and the books she chooses show the real connection she finds with her characters. Another wonderful performance!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous romance with Emerson Scott a very serious lawyer working toward partnership. She inherits her 15 yr old brother (as mom and step dad are travelling hippies). Her brother just wants to play baseball so he needs a stable home so he can be on high school team, he is SUPER good, but won't get any college offers without a high school record.

Emerson signs him up for baseball training academy where she meets his hot coach Gavin (who has been in the other books in the series). Gavin wants her but he is 24 and she is 29 and she feels doing anything with him is robbing the cradle AND will make her a joke in the law firm. Yes, even her father an attorney, has been married several times to younger women but that is totally accepted.

There is lots of slow burn romance, some angst and drama but a nice HEA.

[Sharon A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are outstanding!

I'm new to this author, but I read the previous books in her series and loved them!

Although most people at work call him Junior , Gavin is actually an amazing man! He's coaching an outstanding pitcher who happens to have an older sister as his guardian. Emerson loves her brother but she's struggling to balance work and giving her brother the time he deserves. When Emerson meets Gavin, she's not happy with the "wild monkeys" who take up residence in her stomach. She doesn't have time for romance and dating, much less a younger man!

The dilemmas posed in the book are common in today's world. The author did a fantastic job in showing ways out of the dilemma without destroying the love of her characters!

[Lisa Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story of falling in love with a younger man. I enjoyed this story of Emerson and Gavin. He may be 24 but doesn't act like it. It is like he has an old soul. He spots Emerson at a restaurant. He knows she is the one. Emerson is a lawyer and 5 years older. she is so busy trying to move up the corporate business ladder. she doesnt see that love is right there in front of her. Things happen to her and she soon realizes where her priorities land.
great characters, story line and just some funny moments.

Kelsey is an amazing narrator. she nails the characters and emotions..

highly recommend .. this Author is new to me and I'm going to read the other books in this series.
🎧audiobook obsession reviewer

[Christi Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Game
Author: Sylvia Stewart
Format: Audio
Narrator: Kelsey Navarro
Genre: Romance Sports (Baseball), Comedy
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 4 of The Carolina Connections
POV: Emerson and Gavin
Steam Level: Slow Burn to toasty
5/5

What a cute romcom!! I loved the characters and I want to go back and read the first three books in this series. The Game was an absolute blast with memorable characters, a ton of giggles and was a joy to read. I'll definitely be reading more Sylvie Stewart in the future.

I received this audiobook for free. This is my honest and voluntary review.