Smith, Sarah. Simmer Down. Berkley, 2020. ISBN 978-1984805447 336 pp. $16

****

I love a good foodie romance, though I’m less of a fan of the “enemies-to-lovers” trope. In this romance novel reminiscent of an episode of Food Truck Wars, the incumbent Filipino chef is pissed when her territory is encroached upon by two Brits pushing fish & chips and violating an unwritten rule that you don’t park in proximity to someone else’s claimed space. Sparks fly from the beginning with Nikki calling Callum out, a few pranks and arguments, a challenge to win the highest scores at the Food Truck Festival, a coincidental seating arrangement on an international flight, a super-hot clandestine FWB situation until a few misunderstandings unravel it all.

Mouthwatering dishes, sexy sex, and fleshed out supporting characters (Nikki’s mom Tiva, who their truck is named for, Callum’s brother Finn, and a social media influencer friend Penelope) give more depth to the story. Great, quick read.