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Just The Way You Are

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Set in 1988

Michael Leaderman just can’t seem to finish his medical studies and just finally become a doctor already, finding every excuse to prolong the journey, from heartbreak to finding himself.

Ann Cavendish is the very reason for Michael to get his act together. So close to the finish line, with just one last round of placement to complete and then her dream of becoming a nurse comes true. Nothing can stop her...almost nothing.

Neither of them were prepared for the intense inertia of falling head of heels in love or the pressure of keeping it all a secret whilst working at the most prestigious hospital in Oxford.

Is a bit of Shakespeare and a “bitchin” soundtrack enough for their love to persevere?

658 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2024

6 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Brittany Carson

8 books34 followers

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5 stars
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10 (52%)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for mags ♡⋆。˚❀.
168 reviews
Read
January 17, 2024
Brittany is my writing twin flame and I’m SO PROUD of her from taking her itty bitty grain of an idea (like seriously guys the origin story for this book is insane) and turning it into a fully fledged book!!! I have loved being on this journey with her and can’t wait to see what she does in the future. 💗
Profile Image for Lilith Jane.
143 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2024
It's 2am as of me writing this and I'm not okay, I've been giggling in the corner, crying some tears of joy and just being a regular happy mess because of this book. 

I truly loved it. Michael and Ann are perfect and goodness I fell in love with them. I love Age Gap and Workplace romances and I was meant to love this. I was unsure of the Sunshine × Sunshine because I really never read this trope but it worked so well and made me so happy. 

This romance is so cute and the side characters, especially the families of Michael, Ann and Anne made me feel so much love. Truly a book you can find your safe place in. 

𝗪𝗵𝘆 4.5 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀? ⭐
As you already gathered, I loved this book. It made me feel as if it was a home I never knew existed. It was a loving hug and I devoured the second half of the book. 

The only reason as to why I did not give this book 5 Stars was the fact I couldn't quite get into it. It took a long while to really grab my attention. When it did, I fell in love. 
I also missed a bit of angst concerning the supervisor × student, however that made it a great safe reading experience. 
All in all I can definitely safely recommend this book and I cannot wait for future books! 
Profile Image for Lou Nova.
Author 1 book21 followers
Read
September 16, 2025
This book is a huge 80s rom-com hug.
Every character shines in this book though, they all have distinct personalities, and the dialogue is so very real.
Do NOT be fooled by the sweet premise and cover though; this book is S P I C Y!
Profile Image for Emmy.
129 reviews67 followers
February 2, 2024
Arc Review!💗

Firstly, a huge thank you to Brittany Carson for giving me the privilege to read and arc of her upcoming book Just the Way you Are

Eeeeek! This was super good!!

Shoutout to Ann for both being 5’10 and her favorite color being pink (something I both relate to) Ann is a sweet and innocent fmc who is absolutely adorable and not in the cringy way I have seen in other books! She’s extremely smart (she literally works in the medical field so duh) she seemed to be very in touch with herself and what she was feeling and the emotions that came along with that. Which is just a very mature thing to have a character be! 💗

Michelle is a golden retriever sunshine boy who is absolutely in love with Ann! Truthfully it’s very sweet! He knows what he wants. He’s smart and he makes sure Ann is comfortable every step of the way. THE PHONE CALL??? HIS DIRTY TALK??? HELLO???🥵 Amazing. Beautiful. Brilliant.


Overall this was an extremely adorable rom-com! I think it could’ve benefited a bit more with some drama or some added stakes. The plot felt a little lacking in that department, but for a book like this, I don’t think it’s such a big deal or truly took away from the book. Just something I noted while reading!

I would definitely recommend this book for people who are wanting a sweet, sunshine, spicy romance book with enjoyable characters and hilarious moments! 💗💗💗
Profile Image for Brittany Carson.
Author 8 books34 followers
January 24, 2024
Here is my unbiased, no bullshit, review of my very own book Just The Way You Are 💕

🍌sunshine x sunshine
🍌supervisor x student
🍌fluffy cute romance
🍌forbidden romance
🍌spicy
🍌set in the 80’s

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Firstly I just want to thank everyone who has supported me and my writing journey, I never planned on things to blow up this big. I wrote this book as a little joke, and to feed the little gap in my romance reader heart that was lacking some tooth rotting swoon worthy romance.

Okay, in the words of Farrah Moan, let’s get this roast a-cooking.

This book follows Ann Cavendish who is only one placement away from completing her nursing degree and entering her dream career. What she didn’t account for was 6’4 sweetheart Michael Leaderman sweeping her off her feet. Michael Leaderman has ambitions of his own, undertaking a gruelly nurse supervisor position at the most reputable hospital in Oxford. Only his plans are interrupted as he falls immediately head over heels for one of his nurse students. The pair navigate a forbidden romance whilst working together at the hospital, whilst tackling personal dilemmas that add further complications to the relationship.

This book is jam packed with sweetness and romance. It is relatively low conflict, which gives the two MC’s romance a chance to truly shine. Amongst the cast are hilarious side characters, that add to plot are not just idol passive one liner machines. The MC’s have insane chemistry and there is a slow and realistic growth to their love. You can also expect realistic friendships between side characters.

Now my biggest gripes with this book. It’s not exceptionally written, I find it still reads very telly and not showy. There are sprinkles of well written gems throughout but I feel I’m still finding my way when it comes to taking the vivid images in my head and translating them on paper. I already feel a vast improvement in book 2 that I’m currently writing. Another gripe would of course have to be grammatical errors, I’ve been told it doesn’t take to much away from the reading experience but I honestly believe it did, maybe because I’m so acquainted with the story that it’s easier to focus on technicalities. I did edit this myself and clearly had no idea what I was doing, but I do have the intention of having the book professionally edited with the release of the second book 🫶

I would recommend this book if the wedding singer is your comfort movie, it very much has those swoony vibes to it and if you’re looking for a sweet, easy read. 🥰
Profile Image for Marianna Giannopoulou.
50 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2024
❀ 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ❀

This was so incredibly cute

Okay, first of all... Ann. Sweet, innocent, kind Ann who cries even when a butterfly appears (not really but you catch my drift😂). She is an absolute sweetheart! She is kind and innocent, but in no way stupid. She's clever and she's very aware of her thoughts and emotions and I love that! We need more Anns in this world 😫

And Michael... Oof, boy 🥵 That man made me weak in the knees! He is kind and caring and he is so incredibly attentive it's insane! And he has a surprisingly rough backstory which honestly brought me to tears (I feel you Ann) and I just want to protect that man at all costs. He's precious 💞 But then halfway in I was shooketh at how dirty he was hehe

The plot wasn't anything extravagant, but I don't think this book was missing anything! It was fun, cute and just all around a great rom com! I loved how the MCs weren't together (cause I hate it when MCs get together before the final chapters 🤢) and they still showered each other with love! The only thing that bothered me a tiny bit was the lack of drama... I mean, I loved this book as it was, and there was an attempt at drama but it wasn't much and I think I wanted some more. It felt a bit flat in that sense.

Other than that I absolutely LOVED this book 😍 Every second of it!!! Y'all we need to petition to get this turned into a cute movie!
Profile Image for Aleish Cuaresma.
226 reviews6 followers
Read
January 17, 2024
⭐️ ARC

yall, britt is a dear friend of mine and all i can say is i am so proud of her for writing such a silly, sweet, and spicy romcom. i had the honor to beta read this, and then when she reworked it, i had the honor to read it again in all of its new glory.

i adoreee her characters so much. michael & ann both have such a charm to them that makes you love them and root for them. they’re relatable and funny, which is everything romcom characters should be.

the plot is easy to follow & enjoyable, and don’t distract from anything at all, which i think is so important for a book in this specific genre. jtwya is quite literally the ✨perfect✨ recipe for a fast-paced romcom with funny banter, sweet & wholesome moments, and overall MELTY SWOONY ROMANCE!!

thanks again to britt for the arc! 💜🥹 she’s the bestest ever!!!
Profile Image for Olivia (to infinity & books).
205 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2024
✨before I get into this review I just want to make it clear that I have read the first render of this book, and I now believe there has been or is going to be a new re-release of the book that is better edited. With that out the way onwards to the review.✨

This was my first experience of Brittany, I follow her on Instagram and she’s a lovely lady. So I just want to congratulate her on her debut novel! Good job 👍🏻🥹.

I had this book on my radar for the last few months, it all sounded amazing to me as I love a cute cover, I was thrilled to see it wasn’t modern day and I love the fact that both our main leads were blonde 😆🥰.

I for the most part loved everything about this! It was cute, wholesome, steamy, sweet, romantic, adorable…I could go on 😅. I simple LOVED Michael and Ann and their journey. Ann as a character was so relatable for me, I really saw myself within her at times and that was very uplifting to read as it made me feel noticed and heard with how I would mostly likely be in any relationship 🥺👍🏻. As for Michael, well he was a diamond. He was so kind and caring and attentive towards our heroine. To the point where I was getting jealous of Ann 😂, she was truly a lucky lady that’s for sure. I wish that one day I too can find my own Michael Leaderman 🙏🏻💖.

There were some low points, hence why it’s not a 5 star rating. I did think the beginning chapters were an uphill struggle to get through. But that’s mainly due to what version I read (hence what I said above). I was slightly worried at a time that I would’ve not finished this, but after chapter 8-9 the story did finally pick up and I was happier. The changing between the characters POV was also a challenge at times, it wasn’t clear now and again to when we were in Ann’s head or Michael’s head 🫣.

Other than these two things I loved everything else. From our characters, the spice, the setting and the swoon worthy moments! 🥹🤌🏻💖. Oh and that Michael has become a new favourite book boyfriend of mine 🤭.

Overall I had a fun time with this, I’m glad to have checked it out and as for a debut novel I think Brittany did a great job! 😘🙏🏻🥰. I am intrigued by her next book which is about Ann’s bestie who’s also called Anne (but with an E) 😆. So I might give that a whirl when it arrrives.

4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-tropes/genres-
📼80s setting
🌤sunshine x sunshine
💛golden retriever mmc
💗anxious/shy fmc
✨age-gap (5 years)
🫂forbidden (student nurse x supervisor)
🏥workplace romance
📖dual 3rd person pov
💖spicy/angsty!
❣️virgin heroine
🙏🏻42 chapters
😊author’s debut!
🤌🏻HEA guarantee
Profile Image for Lisa .
51 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2024
Reading Just The Way You Are by Brittany Carson felt like stepping into a time machine straight to the vibrant 80s. Set in Oxford, 1988, this feel-good, easy read captures the essence of young
love, ambition, and the trials of balancing personal and professional lives.

Michael Leaderman, a medical student dragging his feet to finish his studies, is tangled in heartbreak and self-discovery. Enter Ann Cavendish, a nurse-in-training laser-focused on achieving her dream. They meet at a hospital in Oxford, and their whirlwind romance is unexpected and electrifying.

The chemistry between Michael and Ann is totally tubular, and their relationship unfolds with an intensity that kept me hooked. Brittany Carson does a stellar job of portraying the pressure and secrecy of their relationship as they navigate the challenges of working in a high-stakes medical environment. The 80’s setting adds nostalgic charm, and references to the era’s music and culture bring this story to life.

The narrative is enriched with humor and emotional depth, reflecting themes of self-worth and unconditional love.

Just The Way You Are is a beautifully written romance. The characters are well-developed, and their journey is both heartwarming and inspiring.

For fans of sunshine x sunshine romances, forbidden love, and spicy scenes, this book is a must-read. Brittany Carson crafts a story that is emotionally rich and delightfully engaging. If you're in the mood for a feel-good, easy read that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, Just The Way You Are is a perfect pick.
Profile Image for Ali.
27 reviews904 followers
March 8, 2024
Thank you for an ARC!

Rating :

4.25/5⭐️
2.5/3🌶

Review :

TW: This review contains the word « cute » way too many times. 😂🫶

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you’re after fluffy and comforting read, this is the one to go for.

I went into this book blind but ended up loving it! The characters are incredibly lovable and cute, showing deep obsession and love for each other. It’s adorably disgusting.

The main character, Ann, is portrayed as sensible, and I appreciated how the author wrote her. I loved that she allowed herself to feel all her emotions, including crying over small ‘silly’ little things. It was so adorable to see the love interest supporting her without judgment, it made my heart burst every time.

The story is straightforward, and while I hoped for a bit more, I still loved the story. Though more « show, don’t tell » would have been appreciated, this remains a great debut novel, and I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!

Overall, I adored the characters, and their chemistry was simply SO CUTE. I found myself kicking my feet and giggling throughout. If you’re looking for an exceedingly cute read with a little bit of spice, I really recommend this book!

P.-S. The FMC in this book is a virgin.. and the spice was so cute and innocent, but in a good way! I loved how the consent was written and.. I don’t wanna spoil anything.. but there’s a phone scene… and its 🔥
Profile Image for Torii Lankford.
44 reviews
July 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was super cute and I love the nervous angst tension both character had for each other. It was a nice refreshing read after heavy fantasy reads. Set in the 80s this was all the nostalgia that I wanted for a summer read.
Ann and Michael are so sweet and absolutely made for each other!

The reason for 4 stars: it took a minute for me to get into, the main character and her best friend are Ann and Anne and my brain really struggled with picturing them. Also, Joel was not my favorite character, he gave me the ick and I really struggled to her through his dialogue. Especially in the beginning 5 chapters.

Tropes: workplace romance, age gap, forbidden, slow burn, set in the 80s
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Sophie Hutchins.
247 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2024
“I loved you from the first conversation we had.”

This was just a sweet, floffy fluff story.

Ann and Michael are just the sweetest innocent pairing ever. The whole story is literally floof! So much floof.

Ann is a sweet and sensitive virgin and spends most of the book overcoming her fear of losing her virginity.

Micheal is patient and caring, and adores Ann’s sensitive side.

When they do get to the spicy stuff, it’s hot. I loved reading every one of there interactions.

I loved Anne, Ann’s best-friend, I’m really looking forward to seeing her get her book. I loved how she was always there for Ann and helped her open up and forced her out of her shell.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

“Her moans taste like sugar and Michael is craving a high.”
Profile Image for Jennifer Tack.
57 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
I really loved this one it took me a little while to get imto but that was definitely more me. I liked that she was a nurse as that was my dream job as a kid. I also loved how completely obsessed with Ann Micheal is he's just the sweetest! I loved the relationship between all the side characters between family and friends
Profile Image for Jamie aka TacoGoddess Michelle.
151 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2024
I loved this book,as a debut novel this is amazing l! Bravo to Brittany Carson🩷
Romcom set during the 80’s

Ann & Michael make me laugh,cry & blush throughout their story and let’s not forget Anne wow!

The chemistry, the connection, backstory!!!
I can’t wait to read book two!
Profile Image for Kate Louise.
Author 3 books23 followers
March 11, 2024
Just The Way You Are is a sweet reminder that books can still be written with wit and charm mixed with romance and a fun 80's vibe. This book brings back ACTUAL romance in a big way, the characters are authentic, kind, funny and it's a pleasure to be invited in their worlds.

The dialogue in this book is exceptional, witty, quick, flows well and is spot on in reflecting the characters perfectly.
Ann, Michael and Anne are a fantastic blend of people who are woven throughout the book with precise and intentional flair.

If you want to read a romance with spice, comedy and heart this IS the one for you.
Will forever keep recommending this book!

Congratulations Brittany on this amazing achievement.
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