Simmer Down by Sarah Smith 
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Setting: Maui, HI
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Also by this author: Faker
Goodreads
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?
Simmer Down will delight foodies and romance readers alike! I am definitely NOT a foodie, but I enjoyed seeing the passion Nikki had for her food (and Callum too)!
I loved the enemies to lovers/rivals type trope in Simmer Down. These two are so competitive, but in a good way. Also, Callum is GREAT. Admittedly, he did not make me love him right away, but he really is a sweet guy. I think romance needs more “sweet guys” and less toxic masculinity! But, that is a soapbox for another day.
Nikki has a positive relationship with her family and I loved that inclusion as well. Through her, I learned a lot about Filipino food and it was really interesting. Smith included a little bit of Filipino food talk in her previous book, but it takes center stage here. My only issue with the plot was the use of the miscommunication trope. I really dislike that because it always feels unnecessary and makes the characters seem immature. But, that distraction aside, Simmer Down is a great indulgence into food and romance!
- POV: dual 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: miscommunication, enemies to lovers
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: standalone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan, The Thing About Love by Julie James …then you will probably like Simmer Down!
Simmer Down
I wouldn’t say I was a fan of the miscommunication, but I did enjoy this book. The setting, the food, the Office watch dates all won my heart. I probably forgave the “conflict” because the ending was so strong for me.