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Ponto Beach Reunion #3
Ex Appeal
A hacker and a fixer—who just happen to be high school exes—reunite to help each other out in this witty second-chance romance from the author of Love, Comment, Subscribe.
Vinh Doan has a problem. Ten million of them, in fact. He’s a high-level fixer for global conglomerates, which means big money…and big troubles. When ten million dollars go missing from one of his accounts, he needs a top-notch hacker to find it. His first thought? Emily MacDonald, his high school ex.
While Vinh has been taking the financial world by storm, Emily has been struggling. After her dad died, she dropped out of college and put her dreams aside. Her job in tech support has seriously tested her sunny disposition and her finances. Now, there’s an unexpected solution: Vinh, the guy who dumped her when she needed him most.
When Emily finally lets herself listen to Vinh’s request, she realizes that this is a desperately needed chance to get paid…and get payback. But the more time they spend together, the more they recognize that even though they’re not the same people they were a decade ago, their off the charts attraction is just as strong as ever. As they give in to their simmering chemistry, can Emily and Vinh let go of their past, figure out their futures—and hack a second chance at love?
Vinh Doan has a problem. Ten million of them, in fact. He’s a high-level fixer for global conglomerates, which means big money…and big troubles. When ten million dollars go missing from one of his accounts, he needs a top-notch hacker to find it. His first thought? Emily MacDonald, his high school ex.
While Vinh has been taking the financial world by storm, Emily has been struggling. After her dad died, she dropped out of college and put her dreams aside. Her job in tech support has seriously tested her sunny disposition and her finances. Now, there’s an unexpected solution: Vinh, the guy who dumped her when she needed him most.
When Emily finally lets herself listen to Vinh’s request, she realizes that this is a desperately needed chance to get paid…and get payback. But the more time they spend together, the more they recognize that even though they’re not the same people they were a decade ago, their off the charts attraction is just as strong as ever. As they give in to their simmering chemistry, can Emily and Vinh let go of their past, figure out their futures—and hack a second chance at love?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
About the author
Cathy Yardley
73 books1,267 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 261 reviews
November 2, 2022
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS. HONDA CIVVY RELIABLE ROMCOM 💖
Tysm Montlake Romance for my beautiful gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
One sentence review: HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE ROMCOM.
SYNOPSIS
10 years ago, Vinh Doan broke Emily MacDonald's heart and she's yet to forgive him for it. But when Vinh is hacked at work, putting his job on the line, he needs Emily's help to find out who set them up. Will working together lead to more? FIND OUT.
MY OPINION
Ok so ya'll know if I get passed the first 5% in a romance, I'm more likely than not going to vibe. I've only given one romance book less than three stars because it was so particularly gross and uncomfy. I would describe this as a Honda Civic Reliable Romcom. Be warned, there is SPICE. EXPLICIT SPICE. And yes, I did clutch my pearls and flip the pages as quickly as possible. Call me a prude but I don't need to read about someone "enjoying the taste" of his "silk over steel" member. But no shade to those who love their books extra spicy. Different stroke for different folks. I like my books stroke-free though tysm.
Anyways, there were some actual LOL moments, including: Dear diary, today a bitch really tried it But this was definitely more rom than com after the first 25%. I'm also not the biggest fan of "my high school bf is my soulmate and I refuse to move on even though my brain was the equivalent to a wilted dandelion when I met him and therefore I cannot trust my judgement of others" (again no shade to the HS sweethearts out there, but these two have been apart for TEN years.) However, I'm not going to dock point for this because I knew what I was getting into when I picked it up.
This is most certainly an easy, breezy read. The characters are clearly defined, bordering on caricatures at times. The backstories are well laid out as well. The conflict is clear. I don't really have any complaints, I think this book did what it came to do: make you laugh and go awww and wanna strangle Emily's mom.
If you're looking for a nice vacay/travel read or something for the park while your kid almost gets his ass handed to him by a goose protecting her babies, then pick this bad boy up.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: easy to read, simple and straightforward story, some LOLz
Cons: nothing major tbh... it's just missing that je ne sais quoi
Tysm Montlake Romance for my beautiful gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
One sentence review: HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE ROMCOM.
SYNOPSIS
10 years ago, Vinh Doan broke Emily MacDonald's heart and she's yet to forgive him for it. But when Vinh is hacked at work, putting his job on the line, he needs Emily's help to find out who set them up. Will working together lead to more? FIND OUT.
MY OPINION
Ok so ya'll know if I get passed the first 5% in a romance, I'm more likely than not going to vibe. I've only given one romance book less than three stars because it was so particularly gross and uncomfy. I would describe this as a Honda Civic Reliable Romcom. Be warned, there is SPICE. EXPLICIT SPICE. And yes, I did clutch my pearls and flip the pages as quickly as possible. Call me a prude but I don't need to read about someone "enjoying the taste" of his "silk over steel" member. But no shade to those who love their books extra spicy. Different stroke for different folks. I like my books stroke-free though tysm.
Anyways, there were some actual LOL moments, including: Dear diary, today a bitch really tried it But this was definitely more rom than com after the first 25%. I'm also not the biggest fan of "my high school bf is my soulmate and I refuse to move on even though my brain was the equivalent to a wilted dandelion when I met him and therefore I cannot trust my judgement of others" (again no shade to the HS sweethearts out there, but these two have been apart for TEN years.) However, I'm not going to dock point for this because I knew what I was getting into when I picked it up.
This is most certainly an easy, breezy read. The characters are clearly defined, bordering on caricatures at times. The backstories are well laid out as well. The conflict is clear. I don't really have any complaints, I think this book did what it came to do: make you laugh and go awww and wanna strangle Emily's mom.
If you're looking for a nice vacay/travel read or something for the park while your kid almost gets his ass handed to him by a goose protecting her babies, then pick this bad boy up.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: easy to read, simple and straightforward story, some LOLz
Cons: nothing major tbh... it's just missing that je ne sais quoi
November 9, 2022
✿ಇ A SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE BETWEEN EXES!!!!
when he said "i've loved you for 15 years and i never stopped" BUT THEN THIS BANGER "i knew you were it for me" stoppp vinh was really that man. i loved him so much and he loves emily so very much. they were high school sweethearts but broke up in college because of thiiiings. emily has hated vinh from that point and when she reunites with him, she can't really look at his face without arguing with him. but he needs her help, her hacker help!
he's a fixer who gets paid a stupid amount of money to fix stuff companies do. and emily is a hacker who loves figuring out how to hack computers and maybe even save the day. vinh just got 10 million dollars stolen from a client's account and he needs emily's help to figure out where it is. emily isn't that keen of helping him but she believes in him still and doesn't want to see him sad or worried. plus he's paying him LOTSSSSS for the job.
also for the ones who loves heroes who love to pamper and spoil their love interests, vinh is your guy. HE LOOOOVES BUYING STUFF FOR EMILY he wants to treat her like the queen she is and he's going to do it you bet!!!
im so sad to see this trilogy end. i think this is the last book? THIS WAS SUCH AN AMAZING, CUTE, FUNNY ROMCOM SERIES. you should all read the three books they all have to do something with social media, the internet, and influencers. if you love anything to do with that, you will adore cathy yardley's series.
when he said "i've loved you for 15 years and i never stopped" BUT THEN THIS BANGER "i knew you were it for me" stoppp vinh was really that man. i loved him so much and he loves emily so very much. they were high school sweethearts but broke up in college because of thiiiings. emily has hated vinh from that point and when she reunites with him, she can't really look at his face without arguing with him. but he needs her help, her hacker help!
he's a fixer who gets paid a stupid amount of money to fix stuff companies do. and emily is a hacker who loves figuring out how to hack computers and maybe even save the day. vinh just got 10 million dollars stolen from a client's account and he needs emily's help to figure out where it is. emily isn't that keen of helping him but she believes in him still and doesn't want to see him sad or worried. plus he's paying him LOTSSSSS for the job.
also for the ones who loves heroes who love to pamper and spoil their love interests, vinh is your guy. HE LOOOOVES BUYING STUFF FOR EMILY he wants to treat her like the queen she is and he's going to do it you bet!!!
im so sad to see this trilogy end. i think this is the last book? THIS WAS SUCH AN AMAZING, CUTE, FUNNY ROMCOM SERIES. you should all read the three books they all have to do something with social media, the internet, and influencers. if you love anything to do with that, you will adore cathy yardley's series.
July 2, 2022
This book has: a second chance romance, forced proximity, and dual povs!
I love a good second chance romance so when I saw a book about estranged exes, I had to request it! Emily and Vinh are former high school sweethearts who had a bitter breakup in college that resulted in both of them avoiding one another for a decade, despite being part of the same friend group. When Vinh is framed for potentially stealing millions at his high profile fixer job, he needs a hacker to help clear his name. Unfortunately for Vinh, the only hacker he knows is Emily, who wants nothing to do with him.
The chemistry between Emily and Vinh was amazing. They had the whole enemies to lovers vibe going on because of their bad breakup and I ate it up!!! Despite the decade spent apart, it was clear that they never stopped loving each other and just needed a push to get back together. Both Emily and Vinh had to grow separately before they could come back together and it was nice to see them put the work in to discover what they really wanted from their careers and family.
This book was soft, sweet, and had the perfect amount of tension and pining. If you’re looking for a light read with tons of character growth and amazing side characters, this is the book for you!
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
I love a good second chance romance so when I saw a book about estranged exes, I had to request it! Emily and Vinh are former high school sweethearts who had a bitter breakup in college that resulted in both of them avoiding one another for a decade, despite being part of the same friend group. When Vinh is framed for potentially stealing millions at his high profile fixer job, he needs a hacker to help clear his name. Unfortunately for Vinh, the only hacker he knows is Emily, who wants nothing to do with him.
The chemistry between Emily and Vinh was amazing. They had the whole enemies to lovers vibe going on because of their bad breakup and I ate it up!!! Despite the decade spent apart, it was clear that they never stopped loving each other and just needed a push to get back together. Both Emily and Vinh had to grow separately before they could come back together and it was nice to see them put the work in to discover what they really wanted from their careers and family.
This book was soft, sweet, and had the perfect amount of tension and pining. If you’re looking for a light read with tons of character growth and amazing side characters, this is the book for you!
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
May 27, 2022
This was a really adorable and engaging second chance romance. The story follows Vinh who's kind of a fixer but something goes terribly wrong with the finances of his company and he's being framed for the things he didn't do. Now he needs the help of a hacker to figure out who could've set him up. Unluckily for him, the only hacker whom he knows he can trust turns out to be his highschool ex Emily, whom he left when she was going through difficult situations in her life. I really enjoyed how the dynamics between Emily & Vinh gradually changed. I loved their chemistry and the plot was super soft, light-hearted and somehow managed to include some serious topics too. The side characters were amazing I liked that they nicknamed themselves as the "Nerd Heard", it was just so cute! Since I had no idea that this book is a part of a series and Cathy Yardley is a new author to me, I'm excited to check out the previous and upcoming books in the series to see which side characters will be getting their own story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed the ARC of the book provided by Netgalley & Montlake
I voluntarily read and reviewed the ARC of the book provided by Netgalley & Montlake
November 19, 2022
Childhood sweethearts AND second chance romance?? With a side of mystery??? My cup runneth over!
I can't say enough great things about this series! The Asian rep, the close friendships, the excellent tropes!! (This one is second chance pairing, the others are enemies to lovers and friends to lovers) and the smut 💕🔥🔥
I am a fan of Cathy Yardley's work and can't wait to read her next book!!! (In April 💀😭 but anyway)
Content warning: toxic relationship (not main pairing), racism, death of a parent (mentioned), explicit sex scenes
I can't say enough great things about this series! The Asian rep, the close friendships, the excellent tropes!! (This one is second chance pairing, the others are enemies to lovers and friends to lovers) and the smut 💕🔥🔥
I am a fan of Cathy Yardley's work and can't wait to read her next book!!! (In April 💀😭 but anyway)
Content warning: toxic relationship (not main pairing), racism, death of a parent (mentioned), explicit sex scenes
June 5, 2022
Cathy Yardley’s Ex Appeal is the third book in the Ponto Beach Reunion series, but it can stand alone on its own. This book is not only a story of a second-chance romance, but also a story of family, friendship, “adulting”, and life in general.
Ex Appeal follows the story of two former lovers, Vinh and Emily. We’re shown that they didn’t end up on good terms. However, due to Vinh’s work situation, he needed to seek the help of Emily, the only hacker he knows that he can trust.
This book is my first try at reading a second chance romance. I’m not usually a big fan of the trope, but this book just changed my whole perspective of it. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between the two. But most of all, I love how real and honest they were with each other. What I hate about some romance books is that they're too scared to communicate that it spurs so many problems, but you don't see that here. Here, you know that the characters progressed throughout the book. They all became better versions of themselves, albeit some struggled.
Everything in this book made sense. Everyone’s motivations made sense. This is like reading real life. I find myself almost crying at some parts despite the fact that this really is just a light read. It just hits home, you know? It’s raw, and I love that about this book.
Going back to what I said, this isn’t just a romance book! What really hooked me is how beautiful the friendships are. How hard the family dynamics were. How realistic the kick of life and responsibilities are. This was so well-written, really, that you will find yourself relating to at least one part of the book. I don’t think I’ve quite read a book of this kind that elicited so many emotions from me in a long time.
I rate this book 4 stars out of 5, only because the first few pages weren’t so easy to get into for me personally. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys light romance reads, but enjoys a slice of life story, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Ex Appeal follows the story of two former lovers, Vinh and Emily. We’re shown that they didn’t end up on good terms. However, due to Vinh’s work situation, he needed to seek the help of Emily, the only hacker he knows that he can trust.
This book is my first try at reading a second chance romance. I’m not usually a big fan of the trope, but this book just changed my whole perspective of it. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between the two. But most of all, I love how real and honest they were with each other. What I hate about some romance books is that they're too scared to communicate that it spurs so many problems, but you don't see that here. Here, you know that the characters progressed throughout the book. They all became better versions of themselves, albeit some struggled.
Everything in this book made sense. Everyone’s motivations made sense. This is like reading real life. I find myself almost crying at some parts despite the fact that this really is just a light read. It just hits home, you know? It’s raw, and I love that about this book.
Going back to what I said, this isn’t just a romance book! What really hooked me is how beautiful the friendships are. How hard the family dynamics were. How realistic the kick of life and responsibilities are. This was so well-written, really, that you will find yourself relating to at least one part of the book. I don’t think I’ve quite read a book of this kind that elicited so many emotions from me in a long time.
I rate this book 4 stars out of 5, only because the first few pages weren’t so easy to get into for me personally. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys light romance reads, but enjoys a slice of life story, too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2022
It was a fine, cute, quick read but nothing special...
November 15, 2022
how do you write a second chance romance with zero angst like???
2.75 stars i expected more but it’s still a pretty cute read.
2.75 stars i expected more but it’s still a pretty cute read.
November 8, 2022
I didn't particularly enjoy it but I also didn't hate it.
Plot-wise, this was very interesting. I was bored out of my mind at the first part but the whole hacking situation thing was actually engaging in the later parts. It also set up a good common ground between the two main characters to interact and supposedly fire up their romance again.
Romance-wise, it was alright. I usually love second chance romances but I think Vinh and Emily fell back into love wayyy too quickly for two people who haven't been in contact for a DECADE. I mean, sure, the feelings could still be there but they buried themselves so much into their work/life problems PLUS they've been seeing other people during those years of distance (not much though and no one was significant enough) PLUS there was so much unresolved shit between them that it was hard to believe they found it that easy to just... fall back together.
The family aspect in the story was also horrible, on both sides. Heck, even Herman the frickin boa constrictor was a better person than their family members were. Also, maybe I should've read the first two books? I simply didn't buy into the whole Nerd Herd friendship thing, like, there wasn't really enough information for me to conclude that they have this presumed eternal family bond. Eh.
However, I did appreciate the fact that the book tackled Very Real Problems in relationships (I won't disclose them since they're obviously an essential part of the story).
Overall, an okay read. I would probably read the other books just to satiate my curiosity. Giving this 2.75ish stars.
Plot-wise, this was very interesting. I was bored out of my mind at the first part but the whole hacking situation thing was actually engaging in the later parts. It also set up a good common ground between the two main characters to interact and supposedly fire up their romance again.
Romance-wise, it was alright. I usually love second chance romances but I think Vinh and Emily fell back into love wayyy too quickly for two people who haven't been in contact for a DECADE. I mean, sure, the feelings could still be there but they buried themselves so much into their work/life problems PLUS they've been seeing other people during those years of distance (not much though and no one was significant enough) PLUS there was so much unresolved shit between them that it was hard to believe they found it that easy to just... fall back together.
The family aspect in the story was also horrible, on both sides. Heck, even Herman the frickin boa constrictor was a better person than their family members were. Also, maybe I should've read the first two books? I simply didn't buy into the whole Nerd Herd friendship thing, like, there wasn't really enough information for me to conclude that they have this presumed eternal family bond. Eh.
However, I did appreciate the fact that the book tackled Very Real Problems in relationships (I won't disclose them since they're obviously an essential part of the story).
Overall, an okay read. I would probably read the other books just to satiate my curiosity. Giving this 2.75ish stars.
November 12, 2022
This was a second chance, small town, friends to lovers romance that features a woman in stem computer hacker who finds herself financially down on her luck for the first time after her father died and left her family with a lot of debt. Meanwhile her highschool sweetheart finds himself accused of fraud and turns to her for help. I really enjoyed this third book in the Ponto Beach Reunion series! Good on audio with some steamy scenes and lots of heartfelt, family drama (plus some wild animal sidekicks). Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 28, 2022
I have a tendency to request arcs on Netgalley which have cute covers. But that has led to mostly disappointing reads. Not with Ex Appeal though. I was left pleasantly surprised when I read this. I liked it from the premise itself. Another thing that added to my enjoyment was the fact that it was dual POV. I'm a sucker for romance novels that give us dual perspectives because that gives us a chance to see things from both sides. Vinh and Emily made for an adorable couple and the fact that it was a second-chance romance made me adore them even more. You could clearly see that they had feelings for each other. Their chemistry was intense and their spicy scenes were written so well.
All in all, I really enjoyed Ex Appeal and I'm definitely gonna be checking out Yardley's other works!
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for my e-ARC!
All in all, I really enjoyed Ex Appeal and I'm definitely gonna be checking out Yardley's other works!
Thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for my e-ARC!
November 22, 2022
3.5 Needing Help Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Life deals us interesting situations between people who have had history. It never fails for those who may have had an ugly parting or disappointing experience seem to always get thrown together in a mutual need.
In the third entry to the Ponto Beach Reunion series, Ex Appeal by Cathy Yardley, we have two people who have this type of history.
When one really needed the other to support them during hard times, it did not happen. The lives they led after that were very different, one extremely successful in the finance world, the other's career nipped in the bud, and after the father's death, working 3 jobs to cover the man's past debts.
Fast forward to the need, our financial fellow has been framed, major money is missing and the only person he trusts to figure out this situation is his ex, hacker extraordinaire. She wants to say no but financially she really can't.
It takes the two of them working together, bridging the years gone by, the changes, and the maturity they both have acquired...maybe that will make the difference.
Ex Appeal (Ponto Beach Reunion, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake via NetGalley for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Life deals us interesting situations between people who have had history. It never fails for those who may have had an ugly parting or disappointing experience seem to always get thrown together in a mutual need.
In the third entry to the Ponto Beach Reunion series, Ex Appeal by Cathy Yardley, we have two people who have this type of history.
When one really needed the other to support them during hard times, it did not happen. The lives they led after that were very different, one extremely successful in the finance world, the other's career nipped in the bud, and after the father's death, working 3 jobs to cover the man's past debts.
Fast forward to the need, our financial fellow has been framed, major money is missing and the only person he trusts to figure out this situation is his ex, hacker extraordinaire. She wants to say no but financially she really can't.
It takes the two of them working together, bridging the years gone by, the changes, and the maturity they both have acquired...maybe that will make the difference.
Ex Appeal (Ponto Beach Reunion, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake via NetGalley for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 15, 2024
Plot: .5
Writing: 1
World building: 1
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Audiobook: 3/5
What you can expect:
- Dual narration
- Second chance romance
- Asian (Viet) Rep
- FMC Hacker
This one was a quick read. The spice was semi descriptive but it wasn't super spicy...or maybe it was the narration. I typically always enjoy a duel narration but I didn't love this one for whatever reason.
It was ok. The romance was ok. The side characters were ok. The plot was ok...so many holes. I was honestly more interested in Oz the hacker.
Who would enjoy this? If you like contemporary romances that have mild spice (not closed door), you might like this. It's also got some hacker stuff that you might find interesting. Think a lighter version of Garcia from criminal minds, if she was an ethical hacker.
Writing: 1
World building: 1
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Audiobook: 3/5
What you can expect:
- Dual narration
- Second chance romance
- Asian (Viet) Rep
- FMC Hacker
This one was a quick read. The spice was semi descriptive but it wasn't super spicy...or maybe it was the narration. I typically always enjoy a duel narration but I didn't love this one for whatever reason.
It was ok. The romance was ok. The side characters were ok. The plot was ok...so many holes. I was honestly more interested in Oz the hacker.
Who would enjoy this? If you like contemporary romances that have mild spice (not closed door), you might like this. It's also got some hacker stuff that you might find interesting. Think a lighter version of Garcia from criminal minds, if she was an ethical hacker.
July 23, 2022
Initially I didn't really vibe with this book, the characters felt quite unlikeable and I wasn't quite hooked by the grudge. I'm not really the type to hold a grudge.
That being said, the characters grew on me, Vinh wasn't as cold as he initially was and proved to have a conscience and Emily was very hurt by the history there.
I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers, apparently even if that's lovers to enemies to lovers. The added history of the two was an appeal. This was a kinda sweet second chance romance.
I would really recommend this book particularly if you're a sucker for those tropes like I am.
That being said, the characters grew on me, Vinh wasn't as cold as he initially was and proved to have a conscience and Emily was very hurt by the history there.
I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers, apparently even if that's lovers to enemies to lovers. The added history of the two was an appeal. This was a kinda sweet second chance romance.
I would really recommend this book particularly if you're a sucker for those tropes like I am.
June 21, 2023
Vinh & Emily and their second chance romance. Loved this read, super cute and fun!!
Shelved as 'life-is-too-short'
March 3, 202440% - just not holding my interest.
April 7, 2024
DIdn't live up to Role Playing, but this had some complex conversations about difficult familial relationships, and a second chance romance I didn't hate.
Read
November 25, 2022i really loved the first book in this series so much but the others just aren’t doing it for me and i’m sad about it. i had high hopes for this one bc i’m a sucker for second chance romance but it just didn’t hit the way i wanted it to 😢
September 4, 2022
It took me a while to finish this book, not only because I barely had time to read but also because I just wasn‘t as into the story. It‘s a cute little romance but nothing special. It‘s the kind of book that I read and I know in a months time I probably don‘t remember what‘s it really about other than that it‘s a second chance romance. I personally didn‘t really care for either of the main characters.
February 18, 2023
Vinh and Emily in this book 🥺 I love the connection and bond you got to see strengthen over the course of this book. This book went above my expectations and I loved seeing how their second chance romance played out!!
November 12, 2022
Vinh, te amo mucho.
I adore this book! He never stopped loving her, he loved her for 15 YEARS! 😭💘
I adore this book! He never stopped loving her, he loved her for 15 YEARS! 😭💘
November 15, 2022
I LOVE A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE!!! 🥰🫶🏾
June 21, 2022
A free copy of this ebook was provided to me by netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was a cute, geeky second chance romance that, while not world-shattering, was definitely entertaining. The two main characters, Emily and Vinh, were well written (although not always likeable) and engaging. I found out when I went to review this book on Goodreads that this was the third book in a series. I did not feel like I was missing out on any previous information that I needed to have in order to enjoy this book, but I am curious on how it ties into the last two. All in all, I thought this was a fun read that is perfect for a long car ride, a beach or an airplane. It isn't overly dense and the romance is well written and adorable.
This book was a cute, geeky second chance romance that, while not world-shattering, was definitely entertaining. The two main characters, Emily and Vinh, were well written (although not always likeable) and engaging. I found out when I went to review this book on Goodreads that this was the third book in a series. I did not feel like I was missing out on any previous information that I needed to have in order to enjoy this book, but I am curious on how it ties into the last two. All in all, I thought this was a fun read that is perfect for a long car ride, a beach or an airplane. It isn't overly dense and the romance is well written and adorable.
November 28, 2022
When I reviewed the previous book in Cathy Yardley’s Ponto Beach Reunion series (Gouda Friends), I pointed out that a rom com has to do a lot to level up right now to even hope to meet the same level as authors like Tessa Bailey, Christina Lauren, Lucy Score, and Meghan Quinn right now. That same statement is even more true today.
Sadly, this book isn’t nearly as good as “Gouda Friends”. That book was friends-to-lovers and all about living your best life. This book wants to be enemies to lovers, but is more “you broke my heart when we were younger and I pined like a Christmas tree for years about it so I’m really bitter and want to avoid you at all costs because I can’t let it go like a mature human being” on the FMC’s part and “I have a really high profile job and I love the money I make from it and I love routine and I’m not close to anyone but my sister but I live across the country from her and I’ve done some really shady stuff during my work while looking the other way but now I need help from the girl who I ignored and hurt years ago so I’m going to go and recruit her to help me do shady and illegal things to help get my job back”.
That’s not enemies to lovers, folks. That’s two characters I couldn’t stand from page one and I never grew to like them.
Cathay Yardley has the tools to write a great rom com on the comedy side of things. She’s great with the one liners, with the great supporting characters that make you crack up, and with some really humorous situations sprinkled throughout the book that lighten the mood in between the deeper parts of the plot. She also tends to excel with banter, when the characters have chemistry and are suited to one another. What Yardley doesn’t do well is the romance section. This series has no real emotional depth to it. It’s shallow and this book in particular just didn’t hit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for granting me access to this title. As per personal policy this review will not appear on any social media or bookseller website due to the 3 star or lower rating.
Sadly, this book isn’t nearly as good as “Gouda Friends”. That book was friends-to-lovers and all about living your best life. This book wants to be enemies to lovers, but is more “you broke my heart when we were younger and I pined like a Christmas tree for years about it so I’m really bitter and want to avoid you at all costs because I can’t let it go like a mature human being” on the FMC’s part and “I have a really high profile job and I love the money I make from it and I love routine and I’m not close to anyone but my sister but I live across the country from her and I’ve done some really shady stuff during my work while looking the other way but now I need help from the girl who I ignored and hurt years ago so I’m going to go and recruit her to help me do shady and illegal things to help get my job back”.
That’s not enemies to lovers, folks. That’s two characters I couldn’t stand from page one and I never grew to like them.
Cathay Yardley has the tools to write a great rom com on the comedy side of things. She’s great with the one liners, with the great supporting characters that make you crack up, and with some really humorous situations sprinkled throughout the book that lighten the mood in between the deeper parts of the plot. She also tends to excel with banter, when the characters have chemistry and are suited to one another. What Yardley doesn’t do well is the romance section. This series has no real emotional depth to it. It’s shallow and this book in particular just didn’t hit for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for granting me access to this title. As per personal policy this review will not appear on any social media or bookseller website due to the 3 star or lower rating.
June 2, 2022
This was a really delightful read— I easily fell into the story from the very beginning. I found both Emily and Vinh to be excellent, dynamic leads with a terrific chemistry.
Their second chance romance made me a believer of that trope I tend to stay away from. I rooted for them from start to finish.
I will say, as much as I cheered the romance on, it didn’t always strike an emotional chord in me. It felt rather surface level, and I wish it had taken a bit more time before the rekindling occurred. Nonetheless, I am so glad I received the arc for this because it introduced me to a terrific author whose works I’m eager to get to know.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Their second chance romance made me a believer of that trope I tend to stay away from. I rooted for them from start to finish.
I will say, as much as I cheered the romance on, it didn’t always strike an emotional chord in me. It felt rather surface level, and I wish it had taken a bit more time before the rekindling occurred. Nonetheless, I am so glad I received the arc for this because it introduced me to a terrific author whose works I’m eager to get to know.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2023
Vinh was much cuter than I expected! I expected him to be a dud but watching him open up was super sweet.
The highlight of this book is the friend group, I need my very own Nerd Herd!
The highlight of this book is the friend group, I need my very own Nerd Herd!
February 18, 2023
In Cathy Yardley’s Ex Appeal (Ponto Beach Reunion #3), high-level global conglomerates’ fixer Vinh Doan needs a top-notch hacker to locate ten million dollars that go missing from one of his accounts and discover who’s responsible for their theft. Unfortunately, the only person he knows and trusts with the skills to accomplish the task for him is Emily MacDonald, his high school ex, who probably still hates him.
Emily has been struggling while Vinh’s taken the financial world by storm. After her dad died, Emily dropped out of college and put her dreams aside. Unfortunately, her tech support job has made it even more difficult for her to achieve her dreams—long hours of work with little time off while barely meeting her financial needs —and it has made her less hopeful about the future. Suddenly, Vinh appears to help solve her problems, which is ironic since he broke up with her when she needed him the most. Can she take advantage of this opportunity to finally pay him back for letting her down and breaking her heart and resolve her financial woes at the same time too?
Vinh and Emily may have matured and changed from those teenagers in love years ago, but their attraction and connection are even more intense. As they spend time together resolving Vinh’s dilemma, Emily and Vinh give in to their simmering chemistry. Can Emily and Vinh let go of their past and work things out for a second chance at love?
I love how Ex Appeal is as much a journey of growth and self-discovery as it is a second-chance romance. Emily and Vinh become two sides of a coin and walk in one another’s shoes at different life stages. Yardley marvelously develops and evolves Vinh and Emily by taking them on this journey where—together—they discover what’s most important, what will truly make them happy. She’s exceptionally talented at writing intensely emotional and sensual love scenes where her characters genuinely connect during sex. Vinh and Emily can express their feelings for each other more clearly during their steamy, sexy, and beautifully moving love scenes than at any other time. Yardley wonderfully captures these moments. I love the heist scenes, which are an exciting, fun change of pace from the angst and intense emotional conflict.
Yardley’s descriptive and expressive writing draws you deep into the story and the lives of her characters. While I enjoyed the expiration of Vinh and Emily’s journey back to each other and self-discovery to become their better, happier selves doing what makes them happy, I didn’t quite connect with their romance until later in the novel. But when I did, I was captivated. It’s possible the storyline about Vinh and Emily taking care of their parents and family and dealing with so much stress and responsibility—grieving for parents and caring for an elderly parent—that what they want from life and living their lives get lost. This may have hit too close to home for me and affected my enjoyment for personal reasons. However, the descriptions and emotions feel so authentic and ring true, capturing the overwhelming impact that this can have on your life.
I love the nerd herd’s friendships and how they support and protect each other and always have each other’s backs. It’s incredible how they live with a next-man-up attitude and shift their energy to whoever is most in need at the drop of a hat. Who doesn’t need friends like these in their lives?
Ex Appeal is a humorous, steamy, emotional, sexy, and angsty, wonderfully written second-chance romance with a touch of suspense. Yardley explores themes of first love, following your dreams, second chances, caring for elderly parents, childhood/family baggage, and controlling/interfering parents.
Advanced review copy provided by Montlake via Netgalley for review.
Emily has been struggling while Vinh’s taken the financial world by storm. After her dad died, Emily dropped out of college and put her dreams aside. Unfortunately, her tech support job has made it even more difficult for her to achieve her dreams—long hours of work with little time off while barely meeting her financial needs —and it has made her less hopeful about the future. Suddenly, Vinh appears to help solve her problems, which is ironic since he broke up with her when she needed him the most. Can she take advantage of this opportunity to finally pay him back for letting her down and breaking her heart and resolve her financial woes at the same time too?
Vinh and Emily may have matured and changed from those teenagers in love years ago, but their attraction and connection are even more intense. As they spend time together resolving Vinh’s dilemma, Emily and Vinh give in to their simmering chemistry. Can Emily and Vinh let go of their past and work things out for a second chance at love?
I love how Ex Appeal is as much a journey of growth and self-discovery as it is a second-chance romance. Emily and Vinh become two sides of a coin and walk in one another’s shoes at different life stages. Yardley marvelously develops and evolves Vinh and Emily by taking them on this journey where—together—they discover what’s most important, what will truly make them happy. She’s exceptionally talented at writing intensely emotional and sensual love scenes where her characters genuinely connect during sex. Vinh and Emily can express their feelings for each other more clearly during their steamy, sexy, and beautifully moving love scenes than at any other time. Yardley wonderfully captures these moments. I love the heist scenes, which are an exciting, fun change of pace from the angst and intense emotional conflict.
Yardley’s descriptive and expressive writing draws you deep into the story and the lives of her characters. While I enjoyed the expiration of Vinh and Emily’s journey back to each other and self-discovery to become their better, happier selves doing what makes them happy, I didn’t quite connect with their romance until later in the novel. But when I did, I was captivated. It’s possible the storyline about Vinh and Emily taking care of their parents and family and dealing with so much stress and responsibility—grieving for parents and caring for an elderly parent—that what they want from life and living their lives get lost. This may have hit too close to home for me and affected my enjoyment for personal reasons. However, the descriptions and emotions feel so authentic and ring true, capturing the overwhelming impact that this can have on your life.
I love the nerd herd’s friendships and how they support and protect each other and always have each other’s backs. It’s incredible how they live with a next-man-up attitude and shift their energy to whoever is most in need at the drop of a hat. Who doesn’t need friends like these in their lives?
Ex Appeal is a humorous, steamy, emotional, sexy, and angsty, wonderfully written second-chance romance with a touch of suspense. Yardley explores themes of first love, following your dreams, second chances, caring for elderly parents, childhood/family baggage, and controlling/interfering parents.
Advanced review copy provided by Montlake via Netgalley for review.
October 29, 2022
Ex Appeal is the much anticipated (by me) third instalment of the Ponto Beach Reunion series. In the first two books, Love, Comment, Subscribe and Gouda Friends, we’ve seen Vinh Doan and Emily MacDonald in the background. They were high school sweethearts who went off to college together and then Vinh broke up with Emily when she needed him most. If you are a longtime romance reader, you know they are definitely getting back together. It’s a classic set-up.
In the years since their break-up, Emily has returned to Ponto Beach after dropping out of college and is barely keeping it together financially. Vinh is making huge amounts of money as a fixer for a large, shady consulting firm, but he lives the job and has little contact with friends or family. When he realizes 10 million dollars has been stolen from a client’s illegal slush fund that only he can access, he asks Emily for help. In exchange, he offers a lot of money and the opportunity for her to make him miserable.
Cathy Yardly has written a surprisingly quiet romance for a book that has hacking, corporate spying, and epic lovers getting back together. Typically, in a lovers to enemies to lovers story, there’s going to be a big grovel. There are apologies and an offer of a grovel, but no big grovel and I liked it. I liked the way that Emily and Vinh rethought their pasts and their current lives. I’m not a Wayne Dyer fan, but I like his quote, “if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Vinh balances regret for hurting Emily with acceptance that his choices were limited. As they work through the damage of their break-up, they both start to see their present and future differently.
So many of the books I’ve read recently deal with grief. In Ex Appeal, grief has frozen Emily and her family in time. Grief has numbed Vinh.
CW: death of parent in the past, toxic parents, betrayal, money worries, threat of prosecution, corporate espionage, snakes and reptiles.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Montlake and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, honestly and freely given.
In the years since their break-up, Emily has returned to Ponto Beach after dropping out of college and is barely keeping it together financially. Vinh is making huge amounts of money as a fixer for a large, shady consulting firm, but he lives the job and has little contact with friends or family. When he realizes 10 million dollars has been stolen from a client’s illegal slush fund that only he can access, he asks Emily for help. In exchange, he offers a lot of money and the opportunity for her to make him miserable.
Cathy Yardly has written a surprisingly quiet romance for a book that has hacking, corporate spying, and epic lovers getting back together. Typically, in a lovers to enemies to lovers story, there’s going to be a big grovel. There are apologies and an offer of a grovel, but no big grovel and I liked it. I liked the way that Emily and Vinh rethought their pasts and their current lives. I’m not a Wayne Dyer fan, but I like his quote, “if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Vinh balances regret for hurting Emily with acceptance that his choices were limited. As they work through the damage of their break-up, they both start to see their present and future differently.
So many of the books I’ve read recently deal with grief. In Ex Appeal, grief has frozen Emily and her family in time. Grief has numbed Vinh.
CW: death of parent in the past, toxic parents, betrayal, money worries, threat of prosecution, corporate espionage, snakes and reptiles.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Montlake and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, honestly and freely given.
May 26, 2022
Ex Appeal begins with a ten year reunion of close friends, and we immediately learn that Vinh and Emily used to date. Whilst Vinh desperately tries to talk to her, Emily tells him, in no uncertain terms, to get lost. A year later and Vinh is working non-stop at a consultant firm as their ‘fixer.’ But when $10 million worth of crypto goes missing, he is blamed by the senior partners. With his reputation on the line, he has to seek out a hacker to help him prove his innocence. Emily is working ridiculous hours in a job she hates, whilst dreaming about getting back to ethical hacking, which is her passion. So when Vinh asks for her help, she can’t resist saying no, especially when he offers to do anything she asks in exchange.
I loved this second chance romance and I read it all in one day because I was so absorbed by the plot. Emily and Vinh certainly had their differences, and it was clear why they had broken up during college, but the tension was palpable and it was evident that they both still cared deeply about each other.
The fact that Vinh was forced to care for Emily’s brother’s pets in his apartment was great and this meant they spent more time together, getting to know each other after the decade spent apart, it added extra layers to their chemistry and showed a different side of Vinh as he cared for some of Greg’s exotic creatures.
The NerdHerd were a great addition to the story and were involved enough to feel like a well thought out group of friends. The strained relationships that Vinh and Emily both had with their families also helped to make the book more realistic and developed the characters.
I also felt that by talking about crypto, the book had a very modern edge to it which added to my enjoyment, it’s certainly unique in this regard, especially as for a change, a man needed the help of a woman and not the other way round!
Overall I would rate this 4.5 stars and I would recommend it to any lovers of romance books!
Thank you you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.
I loved this second chance romance and I read it all in one day because I was so absorbed by the plot. Emily and Vinh certainly had their differences, and it was clear why they had broken up during college, but the tension was palpable and it was evident that they both still cared deeply about each other.
The fact that Vinh was forced to care for Emily’s brother’s pets in his apartment was great and this meant they spent more time together, getting to know each other after the decade spent apart, it added extra layers to their chemistry and showed a different side of Vinh as he cared for some of Greg’s exotic creatures.
The NerdHerd were a great addition to the story and were involved enough to feel like a well thought out group of friends. The strained relationships that Vinh and Emily both had with their families also helped to make the book more realistic and developed the characters.
I also felt that by talking about crypto, the book had a very modern edge to it which added to my enjoyment, it’s certainly unique in this regard, especially as for a change, a man needed the help of a woman and not the other way round!
Overall I would rate this 4.5 stars and I would recommend it to any lovers of romance books!
Thank you you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.
June 19, 2022
Ex Appeal by Cathy Yardley is part of the Ponto Beach Reunion Series and can also be read as a stand-alone. This is Emily and Vinh‘s story.
Emily and Vinh were together in the past until Vinh ended the relationship. Afterwards they both moved on with their lives even though their feelings for each other never vanished.
Emily works in IT and she tries to make ends meet as she has no degree. Some of the money she earns goes towards helping pay the family debt and that was so not okay and she was taken advantage of by her work but also by her family and it took way too long for her to realize that. Animals as you can see on the cover also play a role in the book and I usually like when animals are incorporated, but here it was in a rather ridiculous way.
Vinh lives a different life and he is super successful at his job. His job however is morally questionable and I didn’t like that that was not an issue for him. One day some money goes missing from one of his accounts and he wants to investigate what happened and therefore gets in contact with Emily again for her to help him.
You could totally feel that there was still something between them, but at the same time I felt that they weren’t on the same page. Also for example the reason why Vinh broke up with Emily was not satisfying for me.
Overall, this is a solid story, but there were some aspects I didn’t like. 3 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
Emily and Vinh were together in the past until Vinh ended the relationship. Afterwards they both moved on with their lives even though their feelings for each other never vanished.
Emily works in IT and she tries to make ends meet as she has no degree. Some of the money she earns goes towards helping pay the family debt and that was so not okay and she was taken advantage of by her work but also by her family and it took way too long for her to realize that. Animals as you can see on the cover also play a role in the book and I usually like when animals are incorporated, but here it was in a rather ridiculous way.
Vinh lives a different life and he is super successful at his job. His job however is morally questionable and I didn’t like that that was not an issue for him. One day some money goes missing from one of his accounts and he wants to investigate what happened and therefore gets in contact with Emily again for her to help him.
You could totally feel that there was still something between them, but at the same time I felt that they weren’t on the same page. Also for example the reason why Vinh broke up with Emily was not satisfying for me.
Overall, this is a solid story, but there were some aspects I didn’t like. 3 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
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