SIMMER DOWN

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿: 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘆
𝗣𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝟑𝟑𝟔
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱: 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓











Nikki DiMarco has seen better days. After her father's death, she and her mother have been doing their best to keep their beloved food truck afloat in Maui. Specializing in flavorful Filipino dishes, Nikki pours her heart into every meal, all while her mother works tirelessly by her side. Their truck may be weathered and their finances tight, but they've built a loyal customer base at their regular beachside location—a small but steady source of comfort in an otherwise turbulent time.
Comfort is disturbed when a new food truck suddenly claims its coveted spot. Determined to resolve the matter courteously, Nikki approached the newcomers to remind them of the unspoken food truck etiquette: first come, first served. But she’s met with Callum James—brash, headstrong, and, much to her annoyance, incredibly attractive. Alongside his brother, Callum has decided the scenic beach location is the perfect place to introduce locals and tourists to traditional British fare—and he has no intention of backing down.
What follows is a spirited rivalry marked by snarky exchanges, harmless pranks, and a competitive fire neither of them can resist. With tensions simmering, both trucks enter the upcoming Maui Food Festival, where it’s agreed that the winner will earn the rights to the prime location once and for all. But as the competition unfolds, so do unexpected feelings. Beneath the sharp wit and stubborn pride, Nikki and Callum begin to uncover common ground—and perhaps, something even more profound.
Will their rivalry remain strictly professional, or will this culinary clash lead to a recipe for something neither of them saw coming?

This book starts with a very engaging premise. Nikki and Callum, rival food truck owners, are vying for a highly sought-after beachside spot known for its steady stream of customers. When a popular food blogger suggests they settle their rivalry through a cook-off at the Maui Food Festival—the winning truck earns exclusive rights to the location, they agree. However, complicating matters is the undeniable attraction simmering between them. Acting on those feelings could risk disqualification, as any romantic entanglement during the competition is strictly off-limits.
It sounds like the perfect setup for a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, and the story begins with all the promise of a 4-to-5-star read. The early chapters are fun and full of banter and set the stage for an entertaining showdown. After 200 pages, the pacing begins to slow down, and the momentum starts to wane.

While Callum remains a likeable, mature, and grounded character throughout, Nikki occasionally comes across as a bit inconsistent. As a woman in her late twenties, her reactions sometimes seem immature, and the frequent misunderstandings and lack of communication between the leads dampen the emotional pull. The chemistry, which should have been the heart of their dynamic, doesn't quite reach its full potential.
One noticeable gap in the narrative is the absence of Nikki’s family backstory. Since she operates a food truck specializing in Filipino cuisine, some context or insight into her cultural and familial roots would have added authenticity and depth to her character. It’s a missed opportunity that could have enriched the overall storytelling.

Nevertheless, the writing is straightforward and easily understood, providing an enjoyable experience. Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes with a touch of spice might still find it appealing. While it may not fully deliver on all fronts, there are enjoyable moments.

My Rating:

3.5/5

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