Simmer Down

By: Sarah Smith

Narrated by: Donnabella Mortel

A PopSugar Must-Read for October!

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?

Critic reviews

Praise for Simmer Down

"Fantastic writing, great characters, and sizzling chemistry make this contemporary romance a MUST READ."—Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fight or Flight

“This food truck romance serves up an enemies-to-lovers story that is spicy, salty and sweet. Delicious!”—Mia Hopkins, author of Thirsty

"Sarah Smith delivers a story and characters to root for! Simmer Down is full of love and food (which is love), and you're sure to crave more with each page."—Tif Marcelo, author of Once Upon A Sunset

"While the enemies-to-lovers romance is irresistible, it’s the sincere, well-developed characters and heart-tugging family dynamics that make this fulfilling love story stand out. This is a winner."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Fun, flirty, finger-licking-good"—Woman's World

“A powerhouse romance with a perfect melange of spicy banter, lush scenery, and passion!”—Charish Reid, author of The Write Escape

"This book had everything: a heart-melting hero, laugh-out-loud moments, family drama, and delicious food all wrapped up in a lush, tropical setting. Fresh, fun and utterly addictive."—Sara Desai, author of The Marriage Game


Praise for Faker

"A fresh, sweet, and funny story about how the people we think we know can surprise us in the sexiest way. Full of swoony kisses and heartfelt honesty, Faker is like a warm, reassuring hug."—Lyssa Kay Adams, author of The Bromance Book Club

"I loved every page of Smith's wonderful debut! The romance was sweet and heartwarming, but it was Smith's ability to write a main character who embraces all of her power that had me cheering throughout this book."—Alexa Martin, author of Fumbled

"Written with insight and humor, Sarah Smith's Faker is a charming, feminist diverse romance that will have you hooked until the very last page."—Sonya Lalli, author of Grown-Up Pose

This is a good read

This book Brings out family values, genuine love And steamy Love as well...

Mabuhay Philippines....😍😍😍😇😇😇

Hallmark Channel'ish kinda enemies-to-lovers trope

I've also listened to Sarah Smith's Faker, and Simmer Down continues in her laid back writing style. It's a lighthearted, Hallmark Channel'ish enemies-to-lovers trope so you have to be in an easygoing kinda mood.

If you like Mariana Zapata's literary style, you'll enjoy this too. Both authors write exhaustively about insecure, indecisive heroines who win you over in the end.

The narrator was great and the British accent is passable, at least to this Midwestern girl.

Another hit from Sarah Smith!

Holy cow! This book was awesome. It was so steamy and so sweet. I could barely stand to put it down. The chemistry between Callum & Nikki was so real, and I was truly invested in their relationship. I also appreciate that they didn’t hate each other for too long. A lot of enemies to lovers romances spend too much time with the main characters being at odds with one another and not enough time with them falling for each other. And the forbidden part of their relationship was too fun. Lastly I adore Lemon & her kittens. I was a fan of Faker, but I’m a huge fan of Simmer Down. Can’t wait for Sarah’s next book!

Fun Cringe

If what you’re looking for is light hearted, predictable, face-palm romance and decision-making then this is the book for you. While I will always prefer a dual point of view book, I understand why this book doesn’t have it. The main lead is like having a sister who constantly knows she’s making bad decisions but does it anyway. And often the cringe is followed by more but self aware cringe. Roll your eyes and prepare to sigh but also occasionally relate to the mess of a romance. (It is NOT enemies to lovers but is very aware of how markable one would be).

Frustrating

The main character was a hot mess. Constantly push pull, her mind wants one thing and her words say another so much that it was frustrating to listen to. You just know she’s going to ruin it every time she has a good thing. I couldn’t get through the whole book. Constantly flying off the handle when good things come her way.