No Gouda Without You: steamy, small town, grumpy sunshine

Marley Creek Romance #1

by Victoria Hamel

She survived cancer. Can she survive risking her heart?Having survived cancer, Nicole Garrett is determined to take care of herself by eating well, exercising, and avoiding stress. She’s got a stable job, good friends, and her own house, and that’s enough for her. Most importantly, Nicole isn’t going to take any risks that could leave her heartbroken again. But when she meets a handsome chef with the cutest dimples she’s ever seen, she begins to question if playing it safe is still working for her.Sean Harper is the optimistic chef and owner of Jesse’s Pub. After two years of constant devotion, his restaurant is hitting its stride. He’s put every dollar and every hour he’s had into making it a success. Beyond the now positive balance sheet, it’s a way for him to distance himself from his own broken family, who’ve never seen his worth. Then one Sunday, he meets the attractive woman who dismisses his omelet culinary masterpiece, and he can't get her out of his mind, so much so that he starts questioning if he can make room for her in his kitchen.She’s got plenty of reasons to be grumpy, and, frankly, relationships with men never end well for her, especially given the wounds she’s still healing from. Even though sparks fly between Nicole and Sean, he only has time for his farm-to-table restaurant. If he’s willing to change his view of marriage, can he convince her to open her heart and trust him in return?No Gouda Without You is a small-town, life after cancer, grumpy-sunshine, steamy romance, featuring a chef who loves a good food pun and a school secretary who’s just trying to survive. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story includes adventures at a local brewery, Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

245 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2024

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to find this book on KU! I enjoyed Nicole and Sean's romance. This book had the perfect balance of steam, humor, and serious. I recommend this book for those that like a spice level 3, have no issues with some cursing here and there, and enjoy food and coffee. This book felt like a cozy read even though, due to the spice and language, it really isn't one. This is Hamel's debut novel and I'll be on the lookout for her next book!

[Torey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever want to reach in a book and smack a bichhhh? Nicole, go to therapy girl and stop pushing this man away. Geeeeze

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean and Nicole

I loved watching Nicole and Sean's romance unfold - it was the ideal mix of passion, laughs, and real-life struggles. The story tackles serious topics like cancer and treatment, but the humor and heart balance everything out. The heroine's fears about getting close to someone after going through so much are relatable, and Sean is easy to swoon over. Misunderstandings happen, but they work through their issues and get their happy ending, which is perfect. This was the first book I've read by Victoria Hamel but not the last!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was Hallmark with many spicy moments. If you like small-town romances, this is definitely a book worth reading. The characters were well developed and there are some heart wrenching moments. The authors really makes you want to root for this couple to work through their own personal dilemmas to get to their happy ending. I am excited that this is the start of a small-town series. I can't wait to see who she writes about next and how it will unfold.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole is still struggling with fear post breast cancer. She nervously begins a relationship with Sean, a local chef, but avoids telling him about her past. He has some past family drama as well and doesn't bring it up. The relationship is off to a shaky start with some very poor communication. There was plenty of small-town cuteness and we met some quirky characters that will be revisited in later books of the series.

[Megan Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spicy meet cute!

As a breast cancer survivor I can appreciate this story and the struggle that Nicole went through to find her self-confidence.
I believe the book could probably do for another round of editing there were a few types but it was still a great story all over.
I left levels of spice It wasn't over the top or in your face. I look forward to more from Victoria Hamel.

[Diana Kay Graham Hostettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read with very real emotions. It covers the emotions of a woman who has been through cancer, chemo, radiation, and surgery who falls in love with a hunk of a man but is afraid to let herself get involved. Of course (spoiler alert) as with most romance stories, they do eventually find their way through misunderstandings and there is a happily-ever-after ending. Great story!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story. I adored Sean -- such a great guy! Watching Nicole struggle with her post-cancer fears and Sean's confusion when she wouldn't tell him why was very real and easy to follow. Think Hallmark with some spice. Well developed characters and plot.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

The characters are so endearing! I really enjoyed the friendship circle and this is the first story I’ve ever read or found about a post breast cancer main character. That was written so thoughtfully. Loved it!

[Brenda Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! I enjoyed character building and personalities. Victoria Hamel is such a kind person. Meeting her and having her advice on writing help me so much. I'm excited to read her second book.

[Maureen Whittier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Loved the storyline and I could completely relate to all of the characters like I knew them for many years.

[Dee Karnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Gouda

Excellent read. Took me through the ups and downs of life. Nice little romance read. Can't wait for the second one!

[Gail Bengston · Rating 3 out of 5]

cheesy puns

Falling in love with a chef means lots of fun food puns. Love the story and some great characters/dfriends and second chances

[Jennifer Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute, big fan of the realistic nature of the story. Fast paced and steamy! Also loved it!