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Simmer Down by Sarah Smith
Genre: Romance
My Review Rating: ♥♥♥♥
336 Pages | Published: October 13, 2020 by Berkley Romance
Simmer Down: Book Jacket Synopsis
In this finger-licking good rom-com, two is the perfect number of cooks in the kitchen.
Nikki DiMarco knew life wouldn’t be all sunshine and coconuts when she quit her dream job to help her mom serve up mouthwatering Filipino dishes to hungry beach goers, but she didn’t expect the Maui food truck scene to be so eat-or-be-eaten—or the competition to be so smoking hot.
But Tiva’s Filipina Kusina has faced bigger road bumps than the arrival of Callum James. Nikki doesn’t care how delectable the British food truck owner is—he rudely set up shop next to her coveted beach parking spot. He’s stealing her customers and fanning the flames of a public feud that makes her see sparks.
The solution? Let the upcoming Maui Food Festival decide their fate. Winner keeps the spot. Loser pounds sand. But the longer their rivalry simmers, the more Nikki starts to see a different side of Callum…a sweet, protective side. Is she brave enough to call a truce? Or will trusting Callum with her heart mean jumping from the frying pan into the fire?
Book Links: Amazon
Favorite Quotes
- “You think if you don’t let people get close – no friends, no relationships – you don’t have to face losing them someday,” she says. “That’s no way to live.”
Review & Thoughts
Themes, Elements & Review Notes:
Simmer Down is a medium to fast paced read. This book will make your mouth water – from the lovable characters to the delicious food! I loved the food truck aspect of the story and wished I could get in on the scrumptious sounding food; I’ve never had lumpia but I really want to try it now.
Themes include losing a loved one, avoiding love for fear of losing them, learning to open up and allowing yourself to love and be loved.
Overall this was an enjoyable lighthearted romance with just the right amount of steam; enough to add a simmering sizzle but not so much to make you blush too hard. I loved the chemistry between Nikki and Callum.
Personal fun fact: I got so excited when I read that the author lives in Bend, Oregon because it’s one of my favorite places to visit!
In a Nutshell: Great pick for foodies, cat lovers, and fans of the enemies to lovers trope!
Book Format & Source: Paperback copy received in The Book Drop’s monthly subscription
About Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and adorable cat Salem.
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