Simmer Down by Sarah Smith – A Foodie Romance That Will Make You Hungry and Swoon!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to Serene Reads & Dramatic Escapes by Moushmi.

Today, I’m super excited to talk about Simmer Down by Sarah Smith, a book that literally made me want to grab a fork while reading.🍴😄

If you love foodie romances, tropical vibes💛, and swoony tension, this one’s going to be right up your alley! Honestly, this book is a perfect mix of fun, food, and romance, and I couldn’t put it down.                 

Summary of the Book:

So here’s the gist: the story follows Nikki DiMarco, who runs her Filipino food truck, Tiva’s Filipina Kusina, in the sunny, tropical paradise of Maui. Sounds dreamy, right?🌴

Then comes Callum James, another food truck owner (with British roots), and well… sparks fly. There’s rivalry, some miscommunication, tension, and, of course, a slow-burning romance.

The food truck festival is a big part of the story. Imagine colorful trucks, amazing dishes, and that Maui energy everywhere. It’s a fun and vibrant backdrop where the characters’ interactions feel real and engaging.

Food & Maui Vibes:

Okay, let’s talk FOOD, because honestly, this book had me drooling nonstop. 😍

Some of the dishes that made me go “YUM” while reading:

• Chicken Adobo – tender, savory, tangy perfection. I could almost smell it cooking in Nikki’s food truck.

• Lumpia – crispy Filipino spring rolls, the perfect snack with a crunchy bite.

• Pancit – the noodles that symbolize celebrations and good vibes; I wanted some immediately!

• Fusion dishes at the food truck festival include tacos, sandwiches, and a few secret recipes that the book teases.

The food truck festival scenes are so vibrant and lively. I could imagine the crowd, the aroma of all the different cuisines, and the competitive, yet playful, energy between Nikki and Callum.

And then there’s the Maui setting: beaches, sun, local markets, and the laid-back island life. The author paints it so vividly that I felt like I was right there alongside Nikki and Callum, tasting every dish and enjoying the scenery. 🌊☀️

Characters & Romance:

Nikki and Callum are both charming, funny, and flawed, which makes them feel real. Their banter and tension kept me hooked from the first few chapters.

• Funny moments? Definitely ✔️

• Swoon-worthy romance? Absolutely ✔️

• Emotional beats? You bet ✔️

Yes, there’s a little miscommunication here and there, and it got slightly repetitive at times, but honestly, it just added some tension and made the romance feel more authentic and engaging.

I loved seeing how they navigate their differences, especially with food as their shared passion. It’s sweet, playful, and full of moments that make you smile and swoon.💛

What I Loved:

Here’s why I absolutely recommend this book:

• Foodie scenes that make you hungry – Every dish is described in detail; I could literally taste it! 🍜

• Humor & emotional moments – The story balances laughs and heartfelt moments beautifully.

• Maui vibes – The tropical setting makes it immersive and adds a dreamy backdrop to the romance.

• Rivalry + romance – The push-and-pull between Nikki and Callum is so engaging; I couldn’t wait to see how it resolves.

Minor Gripes:

Of course, nothing’s perfect:

• The miscommunication between the characters repeats a few times.

• Some pacing moments felt a little slow.

But honestly, these are minor issues compared to how much I enjoyed the story overall. The book’s charm, humor, and foodie vibes completely won me over.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation:

If you love:

• Foodie-inspired romances 🍴

• Tropical, beachy settings 🌴

• Characters with charm, tension, and humor 💛

…then Simmer Down is definitely a book you should add to your TBR. It’s fun, immersive, and absolutely mouthwatering. I promise, you’ll finish it and immediately crave some Filipino food! 😋

Want to Read More?

Check out my full review on Goodreads and explore my carousel post on Instagram for some foodie inspiration straight from the book.

🍴💌 Save this if you love foodie romances!
💬Would you try this book? Comment below!

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Disclaimer:

The content on Serene Reads & Dramatic Escapes reflects my personal opinions and experiences. All reviews and insights are based on my own observations and preferences.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration. If you enjoyed this review, stay tuned for more insights and discussions on books and dramas that inspire and captivate.

                                   

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Happy reading! Thank you for joining me!
Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on books and dramas that inspire and captivate.

Warm Regards, 

Seasoned with love,

Moushmi.