Enemy to Lover ✔️
Banter✔️
Hawaii✔️
Food✔️
Steam✔️
If I could transport to the location of any book it would be this one! Take me back to Hawaii 😭 (this book was based in Maui but I only have a Honolulu magnet🤷🏻‍♀️)
Anyways... this book was so fun what more could you ask for in a rom com then everything I listed above! This book also made me so hungry and I’m now on the hunt for amazing Filipino Food! Callum is everything you want in a hero brooding tall and sexy oooo and he has a sexy accent to top it off. Nikki was a take no shit heroine who I loved dearly! This book made me laugh and made me cry and the steam was hot hot hot!!

Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This was a cute story of a girl, Nikki, and her mom that run a food truck in Hawaii., When Callum and his brother Finn show up with their truck and park too close to them, Nikki hates Callum and is bent on making him pay.

As you can guess the enemies to lovers trope is alive and well in this story. At first I was a little bored with it but there were just enough side stories to keep things interesting. Overall a light, fun read.

One of the things I am coming to learn about myself is how much I adore books with a food element! Bonus points if they are a romcom. Food trucks, competition, Hawaii, personal tragedy,a swoonworthy British accent and enemies - to - lovers, this booked checked ALL THE BOXES for me. I absolutely loved their private date night tradition of champagne and The Office because it was cute, yes, but also because of how realistic it is. I definitely recommend this one to all my fellow rom-com lovers!

Thank you Berkley Pub and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of Simmer Down by Sarah Smith in exchange for an honest review.

Nikki quits her dream job to help her mom serve Filipino dishes from a food truck in Maui. She didn’t expect the arrival of a new food truck, with a smoking hot owner, to arrive next to her parking spot to steal her customers. They decide that the best solution is to enter the Maui Food Festival, winner keeps the spot, looser pounds sand. But the longer their rivarly simmers, the more Nikki starts to see a different side of Callum. Is she brave enough to call a truce? Or will trusting him with her heart mean jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

With a great setting and mouth-watering food descriptions, this enemies to lovers romance story was fun, sweet, sexy and easy to read.
This is my first book from this author and it won’t be my last.

http://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeepleasemx

I loved this book. I could not put it down. Even now I keep wishing there was a 2nd book or a movie based off of it because I want more!

Nikki made a decision to leave her life in Portland behind when her father became ill. Following his death, she was determined to achieve his food truck dream. Though it had not been easy, they were finally finding some success, but it was threatened when a new food truck defied proper truck etiquette by parking in their area. Lots of sparks flew between these rivals as they prepared to battle for the spot, but would they be able to ignore the growing attraction between them?

When people ask me why I read, I tell them the main reason is for escape, and Smith gave me that in the form of an island paradise. She took me from beach to beach, while also providing me with ample and delicious sounding culinary delights. Lots of great scenery and food to be had!

I obviously enjoyed the sights, sounds, and flavors of Maui, but Smith also made me feel things. I laughed and smiled and swooned, which I always expect as I read a romance, but there were some tears too. When I shed tears it shows how invested I am in the outcome for these characters. I really was rooting for everyone here.

Nikki lost a lot when her father passed away, and she never quite healed from that loss. She slowly began pushing away her friends, while avoiding forming any new relationships. She was essentially living inside a bubble with her mother as a way to protect herself. Maybe I didn't agree with her behaviors, but I understood them, and I cheered for her as she attempted to move forward.

Why? Because I really liked Nikki and Callum as a couple. Once the dust settled with the rivalry, I started seeing how sweet, considerate, and big hearted Callum was. I knew he was perfect for Nikki. When Nikki wasn't fighting it and simply allowed herself to "feel", there were some fun and beautiful moments shared between these two.

Checklist of things I loved:

☑ Fantastic setting 🌴
☑Mouthwatering food
☑Hijinks
☑CATS! 🐈
☑A stupendous mom
☑The Office dates 🍾
☑Cooking together
☑Beach trips 🏊‍♂️
☑A big hearted hero
☑An A+ ending

Overall, I had a wonderful time watching these two try to make their food truck dreams come true while also falling in love.

Simmer Down tells the story of Nikki DiMarco, a 29 year old who lives in Maui with her mom. Nikki moved to Maui after her dad was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Before he passed away, Nikki promised him she would help her mother with their retirement dream of running a food truck. Things haven't been the easiest for Nikki and her mom since starting the food truck business, but things are looking up now that they've found the best spot. Well until another food truck comes and parks right next to theirs, breaking the Maui food truck etiquette. Nikki tries to politely inform the owners of the rules and is appalled when she is rudely dismissed. Commence the food truck war.

Simmer Down gave me the best of my two favorite things: food & steamy romance! The chemistry between Nikki and Callum was so steamy and I loved every bit of it! I also loved Callum's soft side which he showed when helping to take care of Lemon & helping Nikki jump her car! This was a perfect enemies to lovers and I definitely enjoyed it! Four well deserved stars!

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of Simmer Down by Sarah Smith in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book, another one to add to my 5-star reads and automatic recommendations for a romance book. I mean wow did this book make me so hungry, I was drooling at all the delicious food descriptions.

First of all, I loved the name of this book and how it related to both the food and romance aspect of the book. But seriously though this book is hot.

Another enemy to lovers romance with a little forced proximity was SO good. I think enemies to lovers will always be my favorite so I am a little bit biased.

I loved the involvement of the food blogger and influenced culture in this book and how crazy social media can take a place in some romances!

The details in this book were so fantastic I could practically smell the food she was describing!
All of the relationships were so genuine in this book especially Nikki and her mom.

Ahh, Simmer Down... let’s just jump right into my thoughts here, shall we? A food truck war, a public fued, a competitive festival, and a budding romance? Bring it on, please! This book started off so strong for me but by about the halfway mark it unfortunately fizzled out. At the start this story was steamy (so so steamy), it was fun and humorous, the characters had me hooked, I couldn’t wait to see where things would progress to, and I couldn’t get enough of the Maui food truck scene. This book had 5 stars written all over it.

But then things changed. The story and angst between Nikki and Callum became so repetitive and the drama/misunderstandings annoying. It sort of felt like I just began reading fluff and my expectations for things to come together full circle just didn’t pan out as I’d have wished.

Overall the pacing and the writing of the characters here fell flat to me. This story had so much potential, and while I was still able to enjoy enough of my time with it, it didn’t become a recommendable book for me. Still, you may end up loving it and especially if you’re a lover of humorous enemies to lovers rom-coms, you should totally pick it up! It just wasn’t the right book for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Pub for the gifted copy.

So fun! Made me want to hop on a plane to Hawaii and open a food truck...or at least eat at a food truck in Hawaii and hope a hot Brit is nearby.

DNF- This author's voice didn't work for me which is a shame since I loved the idea of the book.
I won't be reviewing it anywhere so as to not negatively impact the book since this is more of a me issue than anything. Thank you for the chance to read the book, though!

2.8/5 ☆ = 3

<b>DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Penguin Random House Global for the e-galley in exchange for an honest review.<b>

In <i>Simmer Down</i> we follow Nikki, who works at her mother's food truck in order to support her family financially. One day, another food truck steals her food truck's spot, which commences a tension-filled feud between her and Callum (a supposedly hot British guy) which goes viral. The solution to their feud? The winner of the Maui Food Festival will keep the spot while the loser has to move. What Nikki never imagined was the growing feelings for her rival and nemesis, Callum.

I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, my expectations were too high. The book really lost me with the lack of chemistry between the main characters. They have to play a question game in order to get to know each other. The dialogue between them was quite forced and unrealistic. The enemies-to-lovers didn't really work with me, as their rivalry didn't make sense. They are supposed to be adults, yet their rivalry is so stupid heh.

Let's not forget about Callum and his British-ness. I felt like the author really tried to make us believe Callum was British by making him say stereotypical British slang like "petal" and "love" and more, but in a very forced way. Shortly said, he's written like what Americans probably thinks British people are like.

Moreover, it was incredibly cliché. The miscommunication trope? Nope it was not for me. And I know this was a rom-com, yet I did not get the rom-com vibes. This book just felt a little...empty. There was a lot of themes and messages that could have been highlighted and added to this book, which could fill that void.

To be honest, the plot was alright. I couldn't connect to any of the characters, but it was still funny reading about them. There were too many instances of telling-not-showing, which could have been prevented.

In conclusion, the book was alright. It was funny at times, but I would not re-read this book. I didn't really get the rom-com vibes in this book, which was unfortunate. I feel this book had a lot of potential to become a great book, yet it didn't take the leap. Oh well.

Over and out. -Nora<3

NetGalley ARC | Sarah Smith came for me with this Maui-based, foodie love story: there is swearing, cats, sexy abs, and pink champagne. Callum is the perfect book boyfriend, and I swooned for this multicultural romance that I finished in less than a weekend.

Of course, as a blogger and IGer, I appreciate the relevance and social media commentary. Nikki grows throughout the novel, and I adore the relationship that she has with her mother. You'll find yourself cheering for Nikki and Callum to work out, too.

See the full review here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/october-2020-book-releases/

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book. The cover is beautiful and this was a light, easy read with a happy ending. I really enjoyed the story.

A cute not-quite-enemies to lovers romance. More like instant rivals as two very different food trucks vie for the same bit of land catering to tourists on Maui.

The romance often felt a bit forced, but the food descriptions sounded delicious. The best relationship for me was actually between the heroine and her mother, though I enjoyed the romance.

THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE AND PERFECT OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!! I don't read all that many contemporary romances, but when I do, I want them to be like this. Solid chemistry and premise plus food writing, balanced plot, great sex, solid pacing-- this book has everything AND a bag of chips (and fish. Cuz food truck British food... Get it?).

Terrible puns aside I seriously don't think there's anything I *don't* like about SIMMER DOWN. It's excellently done and a fascinating read. This was marvelous.

This was a cute hate-to-love story about two folks who are battling it out for a spot in a Hawaiian food truck district.

I like how this book brought out Filipino food, which seems to be making a rise in the States right now. I really appreciated the sprinkling of culture in the book and can't wait to read what she comes up with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary arc in exchange for an honest review.

Simmer Down by Sarah Smith is a fun enemies to lovers romance. Niki DiMarco runs a food truck in Maui with her mom. One day she finds their favorite parking spot invaded by a new truck run by Callum James. And wooo, do the sparks ever fly.

I loved that this book is set in Maui and involves food trucks. Fun fact about me - my cousin actually owns a food truck on Maui! Needless to say this was a book I had to read. It was fun to get a behind the scenes look at the food truck business and touching on topics such as parking etiquette and how the food is prepped.

I also loved the characters in this book. Niki and Callum are both giant forces of nature. Niki is a Filipina who has moved to Maui to help her mom start up her food truck. (Let the craving for Filipino food begin!). Callum is English and helping his brother start his food truck focus on English pub food. The focus they both had on family really resonated with me. I also enjoyed their antics and the tricks they would play on each other. And boy do the sparks fly once these two connect!

If I have a criticism of the book it is that I feel like the conflict in the book was prolonged. I just wanted to see these two together and moving on with their lives already.

I highly recommend this book to foodies or people wanting a little dash of Hawaii in their lives. The book has some steam so I wouldn't recommend it to those who enjoy fade to black romances.

This book left me sooooo hungry! An enemy to lovers book with a foodie twist set on the backdrop of Maui, this book has all the qualities of a beachy read. Started super strong but a little boring and predictable at the end.

Simmer Down sounded delightful the moment I read the synopsis! Upon finishing however, I feel like I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would despite it being an entertaining ride. I was initially excited about Simmer Down because I found out that it’s an adult rom-com novel featuring Filipino cuisine and the rivals-to-lovers trope, which are two things that I would have loved to see in a book! But what I thought was going to be an exciting and ultimately romantic read, lacked a couple of factors that would have made this a spectacular read.

Simmer Down follows Nikki DiMarco as she confronts the owner of a food truck who absentmindedly parked on her and her mother’s regular spot. She tries to be nice, but Callum shows her that he’s nothing but an asshole. What happens next though is a cat-and-mouse rivalry that goes viral, a food truck war, unprecedented sexual tension, the start of a casual relationship, the influence of social media, and more.

The writing was light and funny, and I liked that it offered a personal touch to Nikki’s perspective, especially when it comes to a few somber and emotional scenes. On the other hand, there was some dialogue that I thought were awkward, plus the overuse or “growl” and “howl” also felt perplexing for me. As a result, instead of the scene feeling romantic or sexy, I was only left cringing.

The characterisation also felt a little insufficient for me, especially when it comes to the two main characters. It’s as if I couldn’t get a better sense of their personality. Because of this, I also found their chemistry and romance quite off, so I wasn’t really rooting for them. Yes, their whole ordeal was entertaining, but I didn’t feel for them and I didn’t get invested in them. For me, this was such a shame because I love tropes like this. Rivals who learn to tolerate each other and then fall in love? I’m in! However, with Nikki and Callum, it just fell flat and I didn’t find their relationship much interesting.

On the other hand, I love the food truck life and the overall food scene in this book. As I read the story, I was reminded of the movie Chef (2014), which was such a great movie that I loved! All the chaos and satisfaction of being a food truck owner/chef? It was great to see!

Of course, I also loved that I got to see some well-loved Filipino dishes featured in the pages of this book, which had me craving them! I wish there was more of it though, and there were some parts that baffled me, such as the part where Nikki served deconstructed lumpia. For reference, lumpia is a traditional Filipino-style spring roll that’s usually deep fried. It’s a finger food that’s loved by all Filipinos. But the idea of a “deconstructed” version? It’s a no for me.

When it comes to the plot, it felt a lot like classic romcoms with those melodramatic scenes and grand gestures of love. I feel like some parts were predictable though, and the miscommunication trope was overdone. I kept thinking the main characters could have resolved a number of their conflicts by talking to each other and clarifying things, but clearly that wasn’t going to happen in the book. So instead, there were some misguided angst and foolish mistakes as the story moved towards the finale.

Overall, I feel like this was a decent read. It’s not entirely mind blowing, yes, but I think this will be a great choice for those who are looking for a fun, amusing, and romantic read.