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Ponto Beach Reunion #2
Gouda Friends
Two high school BFFs reunite and endeavor to fix each other’s lives in this geeky romance from the author of Love, Comment, Subscribe.
Tam Doan dumped her boyfriend after he threw away her gourmet cheese. Sure, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the point is, he had it coming. Newly single and unemployed, Tam calls up her best friend from high school and utters the emergency code word—goldfish. Next thing she knows, she’s on a plane back home.
Josh O’Malley was a troubled, unconfident teenager. Now he’s the successful owner of a multimillion-dollar ghost kitchen. Tam, his high school BFF and fellow member of the Nerd Herd friend group, was instrumental in building his self-esteem. When she calls him out of the blue, he jumps at the chance to return the favor.
Josh and Tam immediately get to work fixing her life—but again, it’s complicated. Their close friendship was always a lifeline between them; a blooming romance might confuse things. Still, at least one thing is for certain: their chemistry is un-brie-lievable.
Tam Doan dumped her boyfriend after he threw away her gourmet cheese. Sure, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the point is, he had it coming. Newly single and unemployed, Tam calls up her best friend from high school and utters the emergency code word—goldfish. Next thing she knows, she’s on a plane back home.
Josh O’Malley was a troubled, unconfident teenager. Now he’s the successful owner of a multimillion-dollar ghost kitchen. Tam, his high school BFF and fellow member of the Nerd Herd friend group, was instrumental in building his self-esteem. When she calls him out of the blue, he jumps at the chance to return the favor.
Josh and Tam immediately get to work fixing her life—but again, it’s complicated. Their close friendship was always a lifeline between them; a blooming romance might confuse things. Still, at least one thing is for certain: their chemistry is un-brie-lievable.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
312 people are currently reading
4899 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Yardley
78 books1,413 followersCathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy, who has sold over 1.2 million copies of books for publishers like St. Martin's, Avon, and Harlequin. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
September 4, 2022
Check this out for the food, the humour and the fun characters!
This is fun, fluffy read just as the cover and the blurb depict.
Before picking up the book, I thought it would be a somewhat emotional read (I don't know why but the book gives me the vibe) and how wrong I was. Yes, there are moments you want to hug and comfort the characters so much but they are fine as the other characters are a comforting lot.
The book seems long but it's a fun, easy breezy read for me. I read it this weekend. And it's just the perfect weekend read.
The characters are so relatable. They are social media savvy and you will find them quite relatable.
The representation of the characters is appreciable and the connection between them is just adorable.
While reading this book, you will come to know where your priorities lie and who you turn to when you are in a difficult situation. The story made me realise so many things I have been neglecting when it comes to family and my dear ones.
Just go for this book. Hello, cozy weekend 💌
Thank you, Montake, for the advance reading copy.
This is fun, fluffy read just as the cover and the blurb depict.
Before picking up the book, I thought it would be a somewhat emotional read (I don't know why but the book gives me the vibe) and how wrong I was. Yes, there are moments you want to hug and comfort the characters so much but they are fine as the other characters are a comforting lot.
The book seems long but it's a fun, easy breezy read for me. I read it this weekend. And it's just the perfect weekend read.
The characters are so relatable. They are social media savvy and you will find them quite relatable.
The representation of the characters is appreciable and the connection between them is just adorable.
While reading this book, you will come to know where your priorities lie and who you turn to when you are in a difficult situation. The story made me realise so many things I have been neglecting when it comes to family and my dear ones.
Just go for this book. Hello, cozy weekend 💌
Thank you, Montake, for the advance reading copy.
June 15, 2022
This is second in a series and some storylines appear to be building over time. Not this one, though. You're fine if you want to start here.
I love friends to lovers in concept, but I've found that in romances I'm often unimpressed with the trope. The thing is, I can't imagine anything better than being married to my best friend. So there's nothing so natural to me as that particular relationship progression. So the problem with most of the friends-to-lovers romances is whatever it is that has prevented them from taking that step before the story starts. Too often, it's something stupid or unimportant or weak.
This story at least doesn't have that problem. Tam and Josh are best friends and the essential support network for each other, and always have been. Years ago, Josh hit a rough spot and Tam helped him sort things out. This time, it's Tam in a tough spot and Josh stepping up. The thing in their way in the past has been their various damage regarding relationships, so it has honestly not been on their minds. This worked and held together. They have had some fantastically bad templates for relationships and you can see that they've worked hard to overcome them to get to something healthier.
Only, now that they're more-or-less emotionally stable, they start recognizing (and admiring) the strengths in each other. This part was fantastic and worked very well. I loved seeing their appreciation grow from needed support to honest appreciation and, I think, a healthy intimacy. Josh helping Tam without overwhelming her was outstanding. And Tam's recognition of his excellence felt present and deep.
Unfortunately, there's a late-story stall that smashed a lot of my enjoyment. They finally recognize their attraction and move onto physical intimacy to match their already-solid emotional intimacy. Only, they're also both hung up on their past and the expectation that they will inevitably break up and that might end their friendship. The thing is, this concern doesn't track. They're both obviously deeply invested in each other and have a framework for working out differences and compromises. In short, they have everything a healthy relationship needs to take off for all the good places. So their fears are ungrounded and, frankly, silly.
This meant that a good quarter of the story felt nonsensical to me as the only bar to their happiness was hard to take seriously. I hate that. The thing is, the eventual resolution was absolutely fabulous and worked well with compromises in their professional interests in all the right ways. Which is to say that something was needed for them to delay their relationship status for that payoff to resonate as well as it did. So it's really too bad that it was such a weak something getting in their way. I have no idea how this could have been improved and that always makes me squirm.
Anyway, I'm going to go with four stars, despite the painful third quarter. I'm giving some bonus points for how well the business aspects of this held together (in addition to the quality resolution). The businessy things were an important part of their needed compromises and that this felt real made it easier to buy into their quandary; and the payoff when it hit was the stronger for it.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes, putting this in the high end of the middle of my steam tolerance. The latter few were on the short side and Yardley did a good job making them relevant to the emotional and relationship arc of the characters, so I don't consider them gratuitous.
I love friends to lovers in concept, but I've found that in romances I'm often unimpressed with the trope. The thing is, I can't imagine anything better than being married to my best friend. So there's nothing so natural to me as that particular relationship progression. So the problem with most of the friends-to-lovers romances is whatever it is that has prevented them from taking that step before the story starts. Too often, it's something stupid or unimportant or weak.
This story at least doesn't have that problem. Tam and Josh are best friends and the essential support network for each other, and always have been. Years ago, Josh hit a rough spot and Tam helped him sort things out. This time, it's Tam in a tough spot and Josh stepping up. The thing in their way in the past has been their various damage regarding relationships, so it has honestly not been on their minds. This worked and held together. They have had some fantastically bad templates for relationships and you can see that they've worked hard to overcome them to get to something healthier.
Only, now that they're more-or-less emotionally stable, they start recognizing (and admiring) the strengths in each other. This part was fantastic and worked very well. I loved seeing their appreciation grow from needed support to honest appreciation and, I think, a healthy intimacy. Josh helping Tam without overwhelming her was outstanding. And Tam's recognition of his excellence felt present and deep.
Unfortunately, there's a late-story stall that smashed a lot of my enjoyment. They finally recognize their attraction and move onto physical intimacy to match their already-solid emotional intimacy. Only, they're also both hung up on their past and the expectation that they will inevitably break up and that might end their friendship. The thing is, this concern doesn't track. They're both obviously deeply invested in each other and have a framework for working out differences and compromises. In short, they have everything a healthy relationship needs to take off for all the good places. So their fears are ungrounded and, frankly, silly.
This meant that a good quarter of the story felt nonsensical to me as the only bar to their happiness was hard to take seriously. I hate that. The thing is, the eventual resolution was absolutely fabulous and worked well with compromises in their professional interests in all the right ways. Which is to say that something was needed for them to delay their relationship status for that payoff to resonate as well as it did. So it's really too bad that it was such a weak something getting in their way. I have no idea how this could have been improved and that always makes me squirm.
Anyway, I'm going to go with four stars, despite the painful third quarter. I'm giving some bonus points for how well the business aspects of this held together (in addition to the quality resolution). The businessy things were an important part of their needed compromises and that this felt real made it easier to buy into their quandary; and the payoff when it hit was the stronger for it.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes, putting this in the high end of the middle of my steam tolerance. The latter few were on the short side and Yardley did a good job making them relevant to the emotional and relationship arc of the characters, so I don't consider them gratuitous.
March 30, 2022
I adored Gouda Friends so very much. It's such a cute, steamy novel about estranged best friends who find themselves back to each other. Ponto Beach Reunion series is fabulous and I cannot wait for the next one in the series. This series is all about social media, likes, growth, and finding yourself when you don't think it's possible.
After Tam has the worst weekend ever (her job sucks, her boyfriend cheated on her, AND threw out her favorite cheese), she calls her estranged best friend, Josh. She gives him the key work "Goldfish" which for them means they are in trouble and need help. Josh instantly becomes worries and tells her to come down to Ponto Beach from New York, and Tam does it. Even though they havent seen each other in 5 years basically, Tam and Josh retake their friendship in the same way they were before.
Their friendship is literally the best. They are definitely each other's favorite person. They would do anything for each other, even hiding a body I bet. Tam and Josh are a package deal and if one goes, the other one soon follows. Now that they are together again and Tam is rooming with Josh at his place, lines are getting crossed. Especially because they haven't had sex in a long time, so that must be it why they are so horny for each other... SURE. They decide to have a one-night stand, or really, a one-time thing in New York where they won't ever talk about it and never do it again, but things don't happen the way they want to. Soon, these two would not be able to deny their growing attraction and love for each other.
Sometimes best friends to lovers romance really hits hard.
After Tam has the worst weekend ever (her job sucks, her boyfriend cheated on her, AND threw out her favorite cheese), she calls her estranged best friend, Josh. She gives him the key work "Goldfish" which for them means they are in trouble and need help. Josh instantly becomes worries and tells her to come down to Ponto Beach from New York, and Tam does it. Even though they havent seen each other in 5 years basically, Tam and Josh retake their friendship in the same way they were before.
Their friendship is literally the best. They are definitely each other's favorite person. They would do anything for each other, even hiding a body I bet. Tam and Josh are a package deal and if one goes, the other one soon follows. Now that they are together again and Tam is rooming with Josh at his place, lines are getting crossed. Especially because they haven't had sex in a long time, so that must be it why they are so horny for each other... SURE. They decide to have a one-night stand, or really, a one-time thing in New York where they won't ever talk about it and never do it again, but things don't happen the way they want to. Soon, these two would not be able to deny their growing attraction and love for each other.
Sometimes best friends to lovers romance really hits hard.
May 16, 2022
I like Gouda Friends very much. Miss Yardley becoming my favorite romance author. The friend to lover trophe is not usually my favorite, but the author made it work.
The banter is cute. Josh is just the sweetest hero. He is patience and loyal. I have weakness for patience hero. I love how the characters developed their story and their chemistry.
What a wonderful read.
4 stars
The banter is cute. Josh is just the sweetest hero. He is patience and loyal. I have weakness for patience hero. I love how the characters developed their story and their chemistry.
What a wonderful read.
4 stars
March 30, 2022
Irony is me tweeting that I don't love friends-to-lovers as a trope and then enjoying the heck out of Gouda Friends, one week later. But hey, I don't mind being proven wrong with good books! 😉
I've read both of the books in the Ponto Beach Reunion series and I need to understand why I haven't read the goodness that is Cathy Yardley's writing before now??? Clearly, I need to rectify that mistake and dive into her backlist.
Gouda Friends delivers on not only an excellent estranged-friends to lovers romance, but there's plenty of cheese puns that will have you kicking your feet in amusement. I know, I know. Am I really comparing the cheese puns to the romance? Umm, yes? Have you never had cheese? 🧀 But really what I'm trying to say is that this book is *fun*, swoony, and very entertaining.
Tam and Josh have a great dynamic together and you see why they are comfortable around each other. Despite not having talked to each other in a long while (thanks to Tam's despicable ex), he immediately jumps at the opportunity to help her out when she needs it. Josh is a complete sweetheart and it's very easy to fall for him. Tam is also pretty great and here, we see her trying to figure out what exactly she wants of her career. Finding her boyfriend cheating on her is exactly the push she needs to get away from the toxic environment she's been surviving in for so long.
Being back around each other reminds Tam and Josh how valuable their friendship is to them. While they do grow an attraction to each other, they are also concerned of ruining this friendship, which is very a legitimate concern. They decide to give in to all that steam and intensity between them one night, and can't seem to stop. It's great and Cathy Yardley writes A+ smut. I also liked how the 3rd act separation wasn't something that arose due to miscommunication or misunderstandings. It felt very realistic and natural.
Anyways, I can't wait to read more from this author and I hope we'll see more books in this series!
April 9, 2022
BFFL to lovers with "it was only one time" trope 💯💯💯
And I see that we're getting Emily and Vinh's book later this year YESSSSS
Content warning: gaslighting, emotional/verbal abuse (not main pairing), infidelity (side character), explicit sex scenes
And I see that we're getting Emily and Vinh's book later this year YESSSSS
Content warning: gaslighting, emotional/verbal abuse (not main pairing), infidelity (side character), explicit sex scenes
March 22, 2022
Imagine having the absolute worst day at work then come home to find your boyfriend of six years in bed with someone else, that's pretty bad right. Well, it only got worse for Tam when this cheese lover finds that her now ex-boyfriend threw away her emergency gourmet cheese. Now what's a girl to do? Call her BFF of course.
Josh and Tam have been friends forever but over the last five years they have lost touch but that doesn't mean anything when she calls him and gives her their secret code letting him know that she really needs his help. I LOVED this part because we all know that our besties are there for us but sometimes life gets in the way this code word lets them know it was an emergency and help was needed right now.
This book reads very different from the first book in the series, we do have all the same players..."The Nerd Herd" and of course this focuses on a different couple, but this story was more heavier tone then the other. We have so many Cheese jokes and puns to lighten things up but we learn that Josh had a troubled childhood and Tam's ex was emotionally abusive. Some may not see it that way but I certainly do, any person that talks down to you and tells you that you need to cut things out of your diet because you need to loose weight when you're not heavy is emotionally abusing you. He also separated her from her friends and was manipulative....consider these your trigger and content warnings in addition to the cheating.
Josh is determined to help Tam figure out the next steps in her life but he wouldn't mind if they finally figured out what could happen if they gave them a shot.
I am really enjoying getting to know each member of the Nerd Herd and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're a fan of Steamy New Adult Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or Childhood Friends to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Josh and Tam have been friends forever but over the last five years they have lost touch but that doesn't mean anything when she calls him and gives her their secret code letting him know that she really needs his help. I LOVED this part because we all know that our besties are there for us but sometimes life gets in the way this code word lets them know it was an emergency and help was needed right now.
This book reads very different from the first book in the series, we do have all the same players..."The Nerd Herd" and of course this focuses on a different couple, but this story was more heavier tone then the other. We have so many Cheese jokes and puns to lighten things up but we learn that Josh had a troubled childhood and Tam's ex was emotionally abusive. Some may not see it that way but I certainly do, any person that talks down to you and tells you that you need to cut things out of your diet because you need to loose weight when you're not heavy is emotionally abusing you. He also separated her from her friends and was manipulative....consider these your trigger and content warnings in addition to the cheating.
Josh is determined to help Tam figure out the next steps in her life but he wouldn't mind if they finally figured out what could happen if they gave them a shot.
I am really enjoying getting to know each member of the Nerd Herd and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're a fan of Steamy New Adult Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or Childhood Friends to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
March 17, 2022
When Tam finds her boyfriend tupping his ex in their bed, she's just going to walk out after she grabs the very expensive cheese she recently broke her budget to buy...but he threw it in the trash. Ans Tam explodes and calls her best friend Josh O'Malley and ends up back home in California and staying in Josh's house....and quitting her job that she's given too much to.
Friends since childhood, both Tam and Josh have supported each other through their toxic family issues and Josh's career and relationship problems, but now it is time for Josh to help Tam. But, as they try to figure out what Tam's dream career might be, sparks fly and they finally hook up. And just one night turns into friends with benefits, turns into maybe more as these two try to figure out how they could possibly make a relationship work without ruining their friendship.
This was cute; friends to lovers isn't my favorite but this mostly worked for me. I liked the cheese jokes and puns, but there was a lot of "trying out job" sections, and some of the toxic talk between Josh and the hotsy totsy caricature of a woman who owns a business next to his was meh, and Tam's ex was also grrr. There were multiple open door sex scenes, but sometimes they felt a bit awkward, and Josh never ate Tam.
I'll definitely be reading more from the author, the writing was fun.
Character notes: Tam is a Vietnamese-American former executive assistant with a recovering honors student complex. Josh is a white chef/restauranteur workaholic. CW for fatphobic language (from Tam's ex, countered on page), toxic family (off-page, in the past), second hand embarrassment.
Thank you to the author for the complementary review copy!
Friends since childhood, both Tam and Josh have supported each other through their toxic family issues and Josh's career and relationship problems, but now it is time for Josh to help Tam. But, as they try to figure out what Tam's dream career might be, sparks fly and they finally hook up. And just one night turns into friends with benefits, turns into maybe more as these two try to figure out how they could possibly make a relationship work without ruining their friendship.
This was cute; friends to lovers isn't my favorite but this mostly worked for me. I liked the cheese jokes and puns, but there was a lot of "trying out job" sections, and some of the toxic talk between Josh and the hotsy totsy caricature of a woman who owns a business next to his was meh, and Tam's ex was also grrr. There were multiple open door sex scenes, but sometimes they felt a bit awkward, and Josh never ate Tam.
I'll definitely be reading more from the author, the writing was fun.
Character notes: Tam is a Vietnamese-American former executive assistant with a recovering honors student complex. Josh is a white chef/restauranteur workaholic. CW for fatphobic language (from Tam's ex, countered on page), toxic family (off-page, in the past), second hand embarrassment.
Thank you to the author for the complementary review copy!
March 22, 2022
Imagine having the absolute worst day at work then come home to find your boyfriend of six years in bed with someone else, that's pretty bad right. Well, it only got worse for Tam when this cheese lover finds that her now ex-boyfriend threw away her emergency gourmet cheese. Now what's a girl to do? Call her BFF of course.
Josh and Tam have been friends forever but over the last five years they have lost touch but that doesn't mean anything when she calls him and gives her their secret code letting him know that she really needs his help. I LOVED this part because we all know that our besties are there for us but sometimes life gets in the way this code word lets them know it was an emergency and help was needed right now.
This book reads very different from the first book in the series, we do have all the same players..."The Nerd Herd" and of course this focuses on a different couple, but this story was more heavier tone then the other. We have so many Cheese jokes and puns to lighten things up but we learn that Josh had a troubled childhood and Tam's ex was emotionally abusive. Some may not see it that way but I certainly do, any person that talks down to you and tells you that you need to cut things out of your diet because you need to loose weight when you're not heavy is emotionally abusing you. He also separated her from her friends and was manipulative....consider these your trigger and content warnings in addition to the cheating.
Josh is determined to help Tam figure out the next steps in her life but he wouldn't mind if they finally figured out what could happen if they gave them a shot.
I am really enjoying getting to know each member of the Nerd Herd and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're a fan of Steamy New Adult Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or Childhood Friends to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewGF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Josh and Tam have been friends forever but over the last five years they have lost touch but that doesn't mean anything when she calls him and gives her their secret code letting him know that she really needs his help. I LOVED this part because we all know that our besties are there for us but sometimes life gets in the way this code word lets them know it was an emergency and help was needed right now.
This book reads very different from the first book in the series, we do have all the same players..."The Nerd Herd" and of course this focuses on a different couple, but this story was more heavier tone then the other. We have so many Cheese jokes and puns to lighten things up but we learn that Josh had a troubled childhood and Tam's ex was emotionally abusive. Some may not see it that way but I certainly do, any person that talks down to you and tells you that you need to cut things out of your diet because you need to loose weight when you're not heavy is emotionally abusing you. He also separated her from her friends and was manipulative....consider these your trigger and content warnings in addition to the cheating.
Josh is determined to help Tam figure out the next steps in her life but he wouldn't mind if they finally figured out what could happen if they gave them a shot.
I am really enjoying getting to know each member of the Nerd Herd and I cannot wait for the next book.
If you're a fan of Steamy New Adult Romances, Friends to Lovers Romances, or Childhood Friends to Lovers Romances I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewGF
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
March 30, 2022
Tam Doan's boyfriend disappointed her in the worst way possible. One of the things he did was to discard her gourmet cheese. Of course, it was more than that and she needed her best friend from high school, Josh O'Malley. The long time friends had a code word, goldfish. When Josh needed Tam when he was at his lowest, she was there for him. Now she calls him, and of course he will do anything to help her.
Temporarily staying in Josh's guest room should give Tam some time to regroup. Going back home might be a problem, because she shared that apartment with her ex. However, she only plans on staying with Josh for a couple of weeks and she hopes to figure out her future. Never fear, Josh will help Tam any way he can.
Closer than close, that is all that was between them. Right? How about the fact that each of them start recognizing deeper feelings beginning to bloom? Would investigating said feelings push the bounds of friendship, especially if things didn't work out?
This endearing story, which could be a rom-com, has a lot of levity and emotion. I love how Tam had the time to work through her issues, all while slowly exploring growing feelings between her and Josh. I also appreciated Tam coming into her own after her bad experience with her ex. In fact, as the story progressed, the serious challenges between Tam and her ex were definitely concerning.
The Nerd Herd (also see the first book in the series, Love, Comment, Subscribe) are great and I am more than eager to read the next book in ths series.
For a bit more, feel free to watch the attached YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/EFGyrstXfls
Temporarily staying in Josh's guest room should give Tam some time to regroup. Going back home might be a problem, because she shared that apartment with her ex. However, she only plans on staying with Josh for a couple of weeks and she hopes to figure out her future. Never fear, Josh will help Tam any way he can.
Closer than close, that is all that was between them. Right? How about the fact that each of them start recognizing deeper feelings beginning to bloom? Would investigating said feelings push the bounds of friendship, especially if things didn't work out?
This endearing story, which could be a rom-com, has a lot of levity and emotion. I love how Tam had the time to work through her issues, all while slowly exploring growing feelings between her and Josh. I also appreciated Tam coming into her own after her bad experience with her ex. In fact, as the story progressed, the serious challenges between Tam and her ex were definitely concerning.
The Nerd Herd (also see the first book in the series, Love, Comment, Subscribe) are great and I am more than eager to read the next book in ths series.
For a bit more, feel free to watch the attached YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/EFGyrstXfls
May 29, 2024
This is the most supportive man I’ve ever read 🥺
March 22, 2022
This was a fun friends to lovers, small town dual perspective romance full of cheesey puns and I was HERE FOR THEM!!
When Tam walks in on her boyfriend in bed with his married ex the fact that he threw out the fancy cheese she'd been saving was the last straw! Storming out and calling on her best friend Josh for help, Tam returns to her hometown of Ponto Beach where she tries to discover what she really wants to do with her life while also exploring new possibilities with Josh.
Steamy, full of heart and with great Asian American representation, this was a fast read that was great on audio narrated by David Lee Huynh and Jenapher Zheng. I really enjoyed these characters and look forward to more stories featuring the “Nerd Herd” friends. Perfect for fans of Helena Hunting's When sparks fly or Suzanne Park's So we meet again.
When Tam walks in on her boyfriend in bed with his married ex the fact that he threw out the fancy cheese she'd been saving was the last straw! Storming out and calling on her best friend Josh for help, Tam returns to her hometown of Ponto Beach where she tries to discover what she really wants to do with her life while also exploring new possibilities with Josh.
Steamy, full of heart and with great Asian American representation, this was a fast read that was great on audio narrated by David Lee Huynh and Jenapher Zheng. I really enjoyed these characters and look forward to more stories featuring the “Nerd Herd” friends. Perfect for fans of Helena Hunting's When sparks fly or Suzanne Park's So we meet again.
April 17, 2022
Really great romance with a very slow burn. It took a long time for these two to finally make the connections. Friends to lovers <3
February 16, 2022
I simply love that “the problem“ is a hot topic in Gouda friends. How they are pointing out that what you’re qualified for based on your work experience and all these other cliché things no longer exist in obtaining the life that you want. I like that people, especially younger people, are going for the job, life, and career that they want versus doing the stereotypical thing. It’s enlightening, fresh, and honestly needed in today's society.
You know I can put up with a lot of things but throwing out my good cheese ain’t one of them. Funny enough the same holds true for Tam. We can all figure out how to be an adult about breakups. Throwing out someone’s cheese? Well, that’s just criminal.
I really enjoyed this book and the collective of characters. This group of 20 something nerd herd friends are an absolute delight. The way they root for each other, support each other and are just there. I need the previous book in the series. I think there’s just one prior to this one which I will be purchasing ASAP. It’s like friends but in sunny California. I absolutely love it! I hope we get to see everybody’s happily ever after.
Now if you’ll excuse me I am off to find some cheese for my weekend!
~Tanja
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You know I can put up with a lot of things but throwing out my good cheese ain’t one of them. Funny enough the same holds true for Tam. We can all figure out how to be an adult about breakups. Throwing out someone’s cheese? Well, that’s just criminal.
I really enjoyed this book and the collective of characters. This group of 20 something nerd herd friends are an absolute delight. The way they root for each other, support each other and are just there. I need the previous book in the series. I think there’s just one prior to this one which I will be purchasing ASAP. It’s like friends but in sunny California. I absolutely love it! I hope we get to see everybody’s happily ever after.
Now if you’ll excuse me I am off to find some cheese for my weekend!
~Tanja
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
April 27, 2022
I expected some serious cheesy romance and I didn't get it. This is definitely a case of expectations unfulfilled giving me the doldrums. I didn't like the MC all that much, which always makes me struggle to enjoy a novel without something else to hope for. The premise and beginning of the novel with all of the cheese puns were the highlight. I was really hoping to love it as much as I love cheese.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
June 26, 2025
Sometimes, I bought books on sale on a whim, and then just put them out of sight and forgot about them. I know, I have too many books, one similar thing that WE READERS always seem to have ☺️. This book is one of them. I bought them many moons ago. Only this week I decided to pick it up and started my first Yardley's book.
And I really enjoyed it! It's the second book in Ponto Beach Reunion series, but it is well-written enough to be a stand-alone. I don't feel like I missed a lot of information having never read the first book (yet!). I loved the Nerd Herd friendship and this was wonderful friends-to-lovers story.
You know that usually the MAIN ISSUE of friends-to-lovers story is that the main characters are afraid of messing up their friendship? It was still here, that issue, but it had never gone to that place of angst and stupidity. Josh and Tam still solidly best friends and I guess that had good support system too in their Nerd Herd friends.
I thought the whole "what happened in New York stay in New York" thing, when Josh and Tam finally decided to have sex with one another, to be really CUTE... because clearly that didn't work 😂.
My only slight issue was all the resolution in Tam's work, though. I still thought that Tam didn't get firm conclusion about what she was good doing. I still thought that she had that problem of seeing what she did wasn't enough. The resolution of working her dream job felt a little too easy and too perfect.
I mean, Tam was SO GOOD in social media marketing!! She made that Instagram post of Freddie's catering, and I was disappointed that NOBODY pointed her on that. I mean, it could be that she ended up managing social media marketing for her friends and I thought that could be better for her to see what she was worth!
But then again, yeah, Tam ending up working with cheese, which was her first love (before Josh), so yay for her, I guess
And I really enjoyed it! It's the second book in Ponto Beach Reunion series, but it is well-written enough to be a stand-alone. I don't feel like I missed a lot of information having never read the first book (yet!). I loved the Nerd Herd friendship and this was wonderful friends-to-lovers story.
You know that usually the MAIN ISSUE of friends-to-lovers story is that the main characters are afraid of messing up their friendship? It was still here, that issue, but it had never gone to that place of angst and stupidity. Josh and Tam still solidly best friends and I guess that had good support system too in their Nerd Herd friends.
I thought the whole "what happened in New York stay in New York" thing, when Josh and Tam finally decided to have sex with one another, to be really CUTE... because clearly that didn't work 😂.
My only slight issue was all the resolution in Tam's work, though. I still thought that Tam didn't get firm conclusion about what she was good doing. I still thought that she had that problem of seeing what she did wasn't enough. The resolution of working her dream job felt a little too easy and too perfect.
I mean, Tam was SO GOOD in social media marketing!! She made that Instagram post of Freddie's catering, and I was disappointed that NOBODY pointed her on that. I mean, it could be that she ended up managing social media marketing for her friends and I thought that could be better for her to see what she was worth!
But then again, yeah, Tam ending up working with cheese, which was her first love (before Josh), so yay for her, I guess
March 20, 2022
Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
A contemporary rom com novel has to do a whole lot to level up in the publishing world right now. Pop culture, in general, is falling back in love with romance, comedy, and all things formulaic and trope-tastic. And that’s okay! That’s perfectly fine. Society, over time, goes through cycles of loving different genres. Right now, that’s going on with romance novels in general and especially in a publishing market rife with romantic comedies.
This friends-to-lovers, living-your-best-life, hashtag WINNING rom com novel was okay, but it wasn’t as good as so many rom com novels are right now. (I seriously want to make cheese puns in this review but I’m holding back–you should all be proud).
The great thing about friends-to-lovers is the lack of meet-cute. Tam and Josh, our protagonists, have been best friends since grade school and have continued to be each other’s anchor well into adulthood. When Tam’s living situation in New York changes and she needs a port in a storm, she flies out to Ponto Beach to reunite with him and their large group of friends they’ve known forever (including Tobin and Lily, the couple from the previous book in this series). What starts as a chance for Tam to regroup and finally figure out what will make her happy in life turns into… well, trope trope trope.
The bad thing about friends-to-lovers? The 80% mark. It’s there and it’s incredibly uneventful and completely unsurprising. Really, it was more of a molehill both characters could’ve seen from miles away and come up with the answers way before the 80% mark. It made me roll my eyes a little.
Don’t get me wrong: It’s a cute book. But does it stand out from the hundreds of other cute books out right now? Not really. I’ll tell you one thing, though: I sure did get hungry while reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for early access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A contemporary rom com novel has to do a whole lot to level up in the publishing world right now. Pop culture, in general, is falling back in love with romance, comedy, and all things formulaic and trope-tastic. And that’s okay! That’s perfectly fine. Society, over time, goes through cycles of loving different genres. Right now, that’s going on with romance novels in general and especially in a publishing market rife with romantic comedies.
This friends-to-lovers, living-your-best-life, hashtag WINNING rom com novel was okay, but it wasn’t as good as so many rom com novels are right now. (I seriously want to make cheese puns in this review but I’m holding back–you should all be proud).
The great thing about friends-to-lovers is the lack of meet-cute. Tam and Josh, our protagonists, have been best friends since grade school and have continued to be each other’s anchor well into adulthood. When Tam’s living situation in New York changes and she needs a port in a storm, she flies out to Ponto Beach to reunite with him and their large group of friends they’ve known forever (including Tobin and Lily, the couple from the previous book in this series). What starts as a chance for Tam to regroup and finally figure out what will make her happy in life turns into… well, trope trope trope.
The bad thing about friends-to-lovers? The 80% mark. It’s there and it’s incredibly uneventful and completely unsurprising. Really, it was more of a molehill both characters could’ve seen from miles away and come up with the answers way before the 80% mark. It made me roll my eyes a little.
Don’t get me wrong: It’s a cute book. But does it stand out from the hundreds of other cute books out right now? Not really. I’ll tell you one thing, though: I sure did get hungry while reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for early access to this title in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 7, 2024
Best friends to lovers is so hard to pull off, but this worked for me from start to finish. I have a weird soft spot for romances that start when one character, usually the heroine, blows up her life. Finds her partners cheating, quits/loses her job, moves out and just burns everything down. There is such a wonderful sense of possibility and a chance to reevaluate a life that has become stagnant and unquestioning. And that's where Gouda Friends starts. Plus, there's so much cheese content. Top tier, truly.
Tam and Josh are the kind of effortless best friends that weathers distance, time, and distraction without missing a beat, which means that even though they've been living far apart for years and don't talk much, their chemistry sparks immediately. And sure, they've never been romantic before, but only because their friendship was too important to them when they were in high school to risk. And now that things are different, they might be able to balance friendship with the new sexual chemistry that keeps distracting them. It's a delicious friends-with-benefits arrangement that is heavy on the friends. And the cheese.
I was kicking my feet and squealing internally for so much of this book. Josh is such a cinnamon roll, and Tam is a wonderful heroine who is restructuring her life into something that might make her happy. There is some fun social media stuff, very interesting content about ghost kitchen (which I knew nothing about before this) and a super fun friend group. I am so happy I read this series, it was the reinvigoration I needed to remember why I love romance so much, and the important work it does in the world. Highly recommend!
Tam and Josh are the kind of effortless best friends that weathers distance, time, and distraction without missing a beat, which means that even though they've been living far apart for years and don't talk much, their chemistry sparks immediately. And sure, they've never been romantic before, but only because their friendship was too important to them when they were in high school to risk. And now that things are different, they might be able to balance friendship with the new sexual chemistry that keeps distracting them. It's a delicious friends-with-benefits arrangement that is heavy on the friends. And the cheese.
I was kicking my feet and squealing internally for so much of this book. Josh is such a cinnamon roll, and Tam is a wonderful heroine who is restructuring her life into something that might make her happy. There is some fun social media stuff, very interesting content about ghost kitchen (which I knew nothing about before this) and a super fun friend group. I am so happy I read this series, it was the reinvigoration I needed to remember why I love romance so much, and the important work it does in the world. Highly recommend!
March 22, 2022
Oh my gosh, I adored this book! And it’s not just because I, like the main character Tam, love anything to do with cheese. At least it’s mostly not because of that. I love how she got so mad at her then boyfriend who had thrown out her good cheese. In a way I immediately thought of that book, Who Moved My Cheese?. But then of course I just knew how mad I would be if someone threw away my own perfectly good cheese. Although in my case it would be block of colby jack from Osceola cheese in my home state of Missouri.
This book kept me turning pages as I needed to know how the story would all fall out. While I didn’t finish the first book in this series of standalones, I kind of wish I had. I remember when I was reading that one that we got a lot of flashbacks for those characters that I’m sure included the couple from this book in some scenes I’m sure. I wish I had all those to remember for this book. Not that I was left wondering or anything, because this story took us down the path with the characters in just the right way.
The story had a lot of depth, and in a way kind of hit me where I am at in my own career at the moment. I’ve gone from a job I loved, to a job that I hoped I’d love, had things like a better salary and “closer” to my home to make it better, but now I don’t love it anymore. And it makes me wish I was younger and could do exactly what Tam did in this book, as well as what she had convinced Josh to do when she had helped him before the story began, to find what she loved to do and make that her career.
As Tam tried out each of the different areas they’d come up with, I was right there with her, not quite sure what she was going to end up falling in love with. So I love the way the author kept us right in the story. We got some glimpses into the things that she did really well at, but none of those quite led to her final path. And when the perfect job came along, I also love how it didn’t mean that everything else, her relationship, where she lived, etc., fell right into the perfect place right away as well. Again, really made me think about the move I made in my career this past year, and how I may have let the good job go.
The story had so much heart, but not only that, it had tons of laughs! One line, “And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for his meddling toothbrush!” had my Scooby Doo loving heart giggling. And like Tam, I really would like to find my own “Cheese Daddy”. I also want her cheese t-shirts!
Such a great story. I can’t wait to order my own physical copy to put on my bookshelf, and then hopefully get signed this summer at Book Bonanza when I, fingers crossed, get to meet the author!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
This book kept me turning pages as I needed to know how the story would all fall out. While I didn’t finish the first book in this series of standalones, I kind of wish I had. I remember when I was reading that one that we got a lot of flashbacks for those characters that I’m sure included the couple from this book in some scenes I’m sure. I wish I had all those to remember for this book. Not that I was left wondering or anything, because this story took us down the path with the characters in just the right way.
The story had a lot of depth, and in a way kind of hit me where I am at in my own career at the moment. I’ve gone from a job I loved, to a job that I hoped I’d love, had things like a better salary and “closer” to my home to make it better, but now I don’t love it anymore. And it makes me wish I was younger and could do exactly what Tam did in this book, as well as what she had convinced Josh to do when she had helped him before the story began, to find what she loved to do and make that her career.
As Tam tried out each of the different areas they’d come up with, I was right there with her, not quite sure what she was going to end up falling in love with. So I love the way the author kept us right in the story. We got some glimpses into the things that she did really well at, but none of those quite led to her final path. And when the perfect job came along, I also love how it didn’t mean that everything else, her relationship, where she lived, etc., fell right into the perfect place right away as well. Again, really made me think about the move I made in my career this past year, and how I may have let the good job go.
The story had so much heart, but not only that, it had tons of laughs! One line, “And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for his meddling toothbrush!” had my Scooby Doo loving heart giggling. And like Tam, I really would like to find my own “Cheese Daddy”. I also want her cheese t-shirts!
Such a great story. I can’t wait to order my own physical copy to put on my bookshelf, and then hopefully get signed this summer at Book Bonanza when I, fingers crossed, get to meet the author!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 8, 2022
Gouda Friends
By Cathy Yardley
A romance based on the love of cheese! Well this book certainly had my heart coz if there is anything I love more than anything is cheese. But more than that, this was such an endearing story with an amazing cast of characters, in a slow burn romance that I really enjoyed reading. I love the story of friendship when things can't get any worse, and having that friend to be able to rely on was so heartwarming for me. After reading this book, I need to have my very own nerd herd posse. Great writing, fresh topics, and really overall fun read.
By Cathy Yardley
A romance based on the love of cheese! Well this book certainly had my heart coz if there is anything I love more than anything is cheese. But more than that, this was such an endearing story with an amazing cast of characters, in a slow burn romance that I really enjoyed reading. I love the story of friendship when things can't get any worse, and having that friend to be able to rely on was so heartwarming for me. After reading this book, I need to have my very own nerd herd posse. Great writing, fresh topics, and really overall fun read.
August 12, 2024
Cheese factor: 🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀/5
Ich habe so viel Spaß mit den RomComs von Cathy Yardley. Sind sie immer perfekt? Nein. Aber immer unterhaltsam, einnehmend, geeky, fluffy, steamy und sooo cheesy romantisch, dass ich beim Lesen fast eine Lactase-Tablette brauchte. Der Banter zwischen den Figuren ist iconic und ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass ich so viele Käsewitze in einem Buch vorfinden würde. Erstaunlich!
Da ich es bei Romances eigentlich ganz praktisch finde, hier ein paar random Tags:
Vietnamese-American Rep, Cheese, toxische Beziehung/misbräuchliche Beziehung (in der Vergangenheit), BFF to lovers, Golden Retriever BF, toxische Familie (off-page), Cheese, Friendships & Support Network, und viel mehr, was mir gerade nicht einfällt. 🧀
Ich habe so viel Spaß mit den RomComs von Cathy Yardley. Sind sie immer perfekt? Nein. Aber immer unterhaltsam, einnehmend, geeky, fluffy, steamy und sooo cheesy romantisch, dass ich beim Lesen fast eine Lactase-Tablette brauchte. Der Banter zwischen den Figuren ist iconic und ich hätte nicht gedacht, dass ich so viele Käsewitze in einem Buch vorfinden würde. Erstaunlich!
Da ich es bei Romances eigentlich ganz praktisch finde, hier ein paar random Tags:
Vietnamese-American Rep, Cheese, toxische Beziehung/misbräuchliche Beziehung (in der Vergangenheit), BFF to lovers, Golden Retriever BF, toxische Familie (off-page), Cheese, Friendships & Support Network, und viel mehr, was mir gerade nicht einfällt. 🧀
December 23, 2025
Big fan of cheese 😋
August 31, 2022
yeah the main characters got together at the end but the girl got a job at a cheese company which feels like the bigger win
September 7, 2022
Light and quick read.
August 22, 2022
This was an excellent read. Nobody was too stubborn or stupid, the attraction was genuine, the supporting characters were interesting, and the food parts were satisfying. Well-rounded friends to lovers romance.
April 22, 2025
I listened to the end... but this book and story drove me NUTS.
1. These two have been in love with each other for years. But, did they ever try dating? No, because they both were too afraid of losing the friendship. But did it help their friendship to date other people instead? Not really. So, a bunch of wasted time and energy. Blah. The amount of time this book spends on them going "oh, we can't date cause that might ruin our friendship" was EXHAUSTING.
2. I appreciated the heroine's struggle to find something she loves to do... but social media for a cheese maker? Felt too on the nose and shallow. I was waiting for everyone to notice that she is really good at helping people figure out what they want to do, focus their careers, come up with creative ideas. I felt like there was something better than social media person. But... she's happy with it, so I guess I shouldn't care. It just was a stupid ending to her job hunt.
3. The amount of times they didn't tell each other they wanted the other person or said "sex with you will mean nothing so we can do that and not wreck our friendship". Ugh. I can't even express my annoyance with this. And with the "intervention" with Josh so he would get his head out of his ass and talk to Tam. The ending was shaping up to be a "gift of the magi" moment because they were just deciding and not talking to each other. CRAZY making.
4. The whole "my boyfriend never put my name on the lease" crap vs "Josh put my name on the title" was so dumb. As a landlord, I would NOT be okay if you had your girlfriend living with you and her name wasn't on the lease. Also, to put someone's name on a house title is a BIG deal and I wouldn't recommend it without a legal agreement like a marriage. I know, this doesn't sound very romantic... but it was kind of appalling to read.
5. The narration was SO BAD! The female narrator was so monotone. It's not like she wasn't capable. When she was voicing a character, they sounded distinct and the voices were done well. But when she was straight up doing the narration of the story... it was AWFUL.
6. The whole discussion of remote work was so pre-COVID... and maybe it WAS written before remote work was standard? But that has not aged well. I was reallyexpecting that Tam would suggest remote work right away... but the author couldn't be bothered with having her MCs actually talk to each other and try to strategize. Nope... had to move them apart for months and they didn't even discuss that they wouldn't be okay with the other person dating. Sigh. ANNOYING.
7. I'm tired of romances that start off with the female main character getting belittled by her boyfriend for being too fat or gaining weight... and banging some other chick behind her back.
For whatever reasons, this book irritated the CRAP out of me.
1. These two have been in love with each other for years. But, did they ever try dating? No, because they both were too afraid of losing the friendship. But did it help their friendship to date other people instead? Not really. So, a bunch of wasted time and energy. Blah. The amount of time this book spends on them going "oh, we can't date cause that might ruin our friendship" was EXHAUSTING.
2. I appreciated the heroine's struggle to find something she loves to do... but social media for a cheese maker? Felt too on the nose and shallow. I was waiting for everyone to notice that she is really good at helping people figure out what they want to do, focus their careers, come up with creative ideas. I felt like there was something better than social media person. But... she's happy with it, so I guess I shouldn't care. It just was a stupid ending to her job hunt.
3. The amount of times they didn't tell each other they wanted the other person or said "sex with you will mean nothing so we can do that and not wreck our friendship". Ugh. I can't even express my annoyance with this. And with the "intervention" with Josh so he would get his head out of his ass and talk to Tam. The ending was shaping up to be a "gift of the magi" moment because they were just deciding and not talking to each other. CRAZY making.
4. The whole "my boyfriend never put my name on the lease" crap vs "Josh put my name on the title" was so dumb. As a landlord, I would NOT be okay if you had your girlfriend living with you and her name wasn't on the lease. Also, to put someone's name on a house title is a BIG deal and I wouldn't recommend it without a legal agreement like a marriage. I know, this doesn't sound very romantic... but it was kind of appalling to read.
5. The narration was SO BAD! The female narrator was so monotone. It's not like she wasn't capable. When she was voicing a character, they sounded distinct and the voices were done well. But when she was straight up doing the narration of the story... it was AWFUL.
6. The whole discussion of remote work was so pre-COVID... and maybe it WAS written before remote work was standard? But that has not aged well. I was reallyexpecting that Tam would suggest remote work right away... but the author couldn't be bothered with having her MCs actually talk to each other and try to strategize. Nope... had to move them apart for months and they didn't even discuss that they wouldn't be okay with the other person dating. Sigh. ANNOYING.
7. I'm tired of romances that start off with the female main character getting belittled by her boyfriend for being too fat or gaining weight... and banging some other chick behind her back.
For whatever reasons, this book irritated the CRAP out of me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
I hate to start a review with the old, “I liked this author’s other book better.” So, I’m going to try and judge this book on its merit, but also say that I recommend Yardley’s Role Playing.
Gouda is a friends to lovers trope which I’ve read both good and bad, but mostly good and this book falls on that side of the scale. The setup in this trope can be tricky. Why are they still only friends and not already lovers? What’s gotten in the way? Here is where the crux of the trope stands or falls. Fortunately for Gouda, the backstory is solidly plausible and the turnaround is very well paced.
Both MCs are great, though Tam is a bit of a doormat at the start, apparently stemming from a rocky childhood home life. Josh has always had Tam’s back and he is a rockstar throughout. Eventually everything turns on Josh’s choice to support Tam unconditionally, even to the detriment of his own happiness. Very unselfish, but I especially loved when Josh’s friends reminded him that he should give Tam the choice for herself.
The resolution to the romance was a little weak, stemming from a forced separation. Through that whole final third, I was thinking this problem has a simple solution, and lo and behold, the love interests come to the same conclusion.
Overall, this book was enjoyable if a little unexceptional. I recommend, but I like Yardley’s other book better.
Gouda is a friends to lovers trope which I’ve read both good and bad, but mostly good and this book falls on that side of the scale. The setup in this trope can be tricky. Why are they still only friends and not already lovers? What’s gotten in the way? Here is where the crux of the trope stands or falls. Fortunately for Gouda, the backstory is solidly plausible and the turnaround is very well paced.
Both MCs are great, though Tam is a bit of a doormat at the start, apparently stemming from a rocky childhood home life. Josh has always had Tam’s back and he is a rockstar throughout. Eventually everything turns on Josh’s choice to support Tam unconditionally, even to the detriment of his own happiness. Very unselfish, but I especially loved when Josh’s friends reminded him that he should give Tam the choice for herself.
The resolution to the romance was a little weak, stemming from a forced separation. Through that whole final third, I was thinking this problem has a simple solution, and lo and behold, the love interests come to the same conclusion.
Overall, this book was enjoyable if a little unexceptional. I recommend, but I like Yardley’s other book better.
July 27, 2025
В принципі, мені книга сподобалась.
Нічого сильно особливого я для себе не побачила, але все ж був момент, який хотілось би підкреслити.
І це навіть не романтичні стосунки між двома героями (хоча тут є троп “від друзів до коханців”, а я таке люблю 😏)
Мені дуже відгукнулась історія пошуку себе: свого призначення, роботи, хобі і взагалі свого кар’єрного шляху у житті. Це було головним акцентом для мене.
Тут герої доволі дорослі - їм під 30, і це класна тема, яка, на мою думку, зараз у багатьох викликає резонанс. І в моїй голові також.
Тому хоч роман і легкий, але деякі думки залишились зі мною ✨
Читала англійською, підійде для рівня Pre-intermediate/Intermediate, специфічної лексики не було.
———————
Overall, I liked the book.
Nothing too special for me personally, but there was one moment I really wanted to highlight.
And it’s not even the romantic storyline between the two main characters (though it does have the friends-to-lovers trope, and I’m a fan of that 😏)
What truly resonated with me was the theme of finding yourself: your purpose, job, hobbies, and overall career path in life. That part stood out the most for me.
The characters are quite grown-up — almost 30 — and I think this topic really hits home for many people at this stage. It definitely does for me.
So even though it’s a light romance, some of the thoughts stayed with me ✨
Нічого сильно особливого я для себе не побачила, але все ж був момент, який хотілось би підкреслити.
І це навіть не романтичні стосунки між двома героями (хоча тут є троп “від друзів до коханців”, а я таке люблю 😏)
Мені дуже відгукнулась історія пошуку себе: свого призначення, роботи, хобі і взагалі свого кар’єрного шляху у житті. Це було головним акцентом для мене.
Тут герої доволі дорослі - їм під 30, і це класна тема, яка, на мою думку, зараз у багатьох викликає резонанс. І в моїй голові також.
Тому хоч роман і легкий, але деякі думки залишились зі мною ✨
Читала англійською, підійде для рівня Pre-intermediate/Intermediate, специфічної лексики не було.
———————
Overall, I liked the book.
Nothing too special for me personally, but there was one moment I really wanted to highlight.
And it’s not even the romantic storyline between the two main characters (though it does have the friends-to-lovers trope, and I’m a fan of that 😏)
What truly resonated with me was the theme of finding yourself: your purpose, job, hobbies, and overall career path in life. That part stood out the most for me.
The characters are quite grown-up — almost 30 — and I think this topic really hits home for many people at this stage. It definitely does for me.
So even though it’s a light romance, some of the thoughts stayed with me ✨
February 16, 2022
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Here is another sweet and swoon-y romance in the Ponto Beach Reunion series by Cathy Yardley. In this second installment, the story focuses on another two members of the Nerd Herd, Tam and Josh. Yup, this friends to lovers story just screamed "ADORABLE!" Just like the first book, Love, Comment, Subscribe , Tam and Josh's story is filled with humor, friendly antics, and a little bit of stirring romance.
From the start to end, Gouda Friends is an enjoyable and fun read with moments of sensual moments. Their emotional growth throughout their story was an endearing story of love that develops between friends. Cathy Yardley wrote, just like the first book in the series, a captivating and poignant love story...AGAIN! I love that several members of the Nerd Herd are in the book which emphasizes the importance of their friendships with each other and their stories.
I just adore the friendship and love dynamics with this group of friends that Cathy has created... and continues to write. I look forward to the next Ponto Beach Reunion series story Cathy will tell. Although the books, so far, read as standalone, I recommend reading Love, Comment, Subscribe first to get introduced to the Nerd Herd.
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a review copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion.
Here is another sweet and swoon-y romance in the Ponto Beach Reunion series by Cathy Yardley. In this second installment, the story focuses on another two members of the Nerd Herd, Tam and Josh. Yup, this friends to lovers story just screamed "ADORABLE!" Just like the first book, Love, Comment, Subscribe , Tam and Josh's story is filled with humor, friendly antics, and a little bit of stirring romance.
From the start to end, Gouda Friends is an enjoyable and fun read with moments of sensual moments. Their emotional growth throughout their story was an endearing story of love that develops between friends. Cathy Yardley wrote, just like the first book in the series, a captivating and poignant love story...AGAIN! I love that several members of the Nerd Herd are in the book which emphasizes the importance of their friendships with each other and their stories.
I just adore the friendship and love dynamics with this group of friends that Cathy has created... and continues to write. I look forward to the next Ponto Beach Reunion series story Cathy will tell. Although the books, so far, read as standalone, I recommend reading Love, Comment, Subscribe first to get introduced to the Nerd Herd.
Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a review copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion.
September 23, 2023
I have been meaning to try this author for years and when the book about cheese went on sale, I could not resist snagging it. And I found this really charming! The friend group was great and I very much enjoyed the supportive dynamic between the hero and heroine. I also liked the resolution of place between them--I confess I thought this was heading in the direction of her being a freelancer who does a little bit of problem solving for everyone because THAT seemed to be what she really thrived on, but who says no to a job in cheese??
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