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Taste of Love #2
Stirring Up Love
From the author of Digging Up Love comes a heartfelt story about two rivals whose passion for food and their communities brings them together in ways they never expected.
After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.
But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.
When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.
With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.
After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.
But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.
When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.
With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
About the author
Chandra Blumberg
4 books235 followersChandra Blumberg writes funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable. When it comes to her writing process, getting to that happily ever after is half the fun.
Born and raised in Michigan, Chandra moved to the Chicago area after majoring in English at Michigan State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys lifting heavy barbells at the gym, making a mess of the kitchen while baking alongside her four kids, and traveling with her family.
Born and raised in Michigan, Chandra moved to the Chicago area after majoring in English at Michigan State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys lifting heavy barbells at the gym, making a mess of the kitchen while baking alongside her four kids, and traveling with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 10, 2022
A road trip with your enemy AND there’s only one bed??? This was enemies to lovers perfection and I ate it up!!!
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
March 7, 2023
DNF @60% / 2 Stars / 1 Steam Fans
Sadly, this one didn't hit or keep my interest the way book one did. Also, the constant reminder that our characters didn't want to work together didn't move fast enough to not be annoying.
Video review available in Week 9: Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Sadly, this one didn't hit or keep my interest the way book one did. Also, the constant reminder that our characters didn't want to work together didn't move fast enough to not be annoying.
Video review available in Week 9: Feb 26 – Mar 4, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
June 1, 2022
In this enemies-to-lovers romance two people clash over a little turf war about barbecue sauces at a farmers market. Simone and Finn can’t find the will to burry the hatchet and things escalade when their arguments don’t just happen at the small town market but on the set of reality-show, broadcasted to the whole country. When they are forced to drive together cross country to get home, they find that this road trip brings them closer than expected.
This book had a great enemies dynamic between the two main characters and a funny, entertaining story to tell. I really enjoyed Simone as the main character, she had clear motivations and was generally a person I could identify with a lot. Her desire to prove herself, even to her own detriment, and her continuous drive to follow her dreams was admirable. She was a joy to follow and watch grow throughout the story.
Sadly I couldn’t really click with the other main character and love interest, Finn. He has a sympathetic backstory and I really thought I would root for him after his introduction but I just found myself annoyed with him for a lot of the book. He was weirdly judgemental and pretends he is unsupported when he truly is just too prideful to take the support he has access to.
What also got a little too much was how (nearly) every conflict in this book is based on miscommunication or bad communication between people who should know better. It cheapened some of the really interesting problems the characters were dealing with.
The heart of the book had two people struggling to find their place in the world, wanting to carve it out all by themselves and working out how to get there. The way both of them struggle with their own problems and how after a lot of bickering, fighting and misunderstandings they manage to find common ground and the will to help the other was a compelling and interesting plot all together.
I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book had a great enemies dynamic between the two main characters and a funny, entertaining story to tell. I really enjoyed Simone as the main character, she had clear motivations and was generally a person I could identify with a lot. Her desire to prove herself, even to her own detriment, and her continuous drive to follow her dreams was admirable. She was a joy to follow and watch grow throughout the story.
Sadly I couldn’t really click with the other main character and love interest, Finn. He has a sympathetic backstory and I really thought I would root for him after his introduction but I just found myself annoyed with him for a lot of the book. He was weirdly judgemental and pretends he is unsupported when he truly is just too prideful to take the support he has access to.
What also got a little too much was how (nearly) every conflict in this book is based on miscommunication or bad communication between people who should know better. It cheapened some of the really interesting problems the characters were dealing with.
The heart of the book had two people struggling to find their place in the world, wanting to carve it out all by themselves and working out how to get there. The way both of them struggle with their own problems and how after a lot of bickering, fighting and misunderstandings they manage to find common ground and the will to help the other was a compelling and interesting plot all together.
I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2022
Not quite the same magic as the first book in the series had for me. I still really did enjoy this reality tv show, road trip, enemies to lovers romance between two rival BBQ sauce makers fighting to win money to help fund their cooking dreams. The story had great banter and chemistry between the two main characters but this one is a closed-door romance so be warned if that's not your thing. Recommended for fans of stories like For butter or worse or The romance recipe. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2022
This revived my love for road trip romances! Following a fiery feud between two stubborn BBQ-loving entrepreneurs, it was a wonderful closed-door romance with lots of sizzle.
Simone strives to take her restaurant Honey and Hickory to new heights. Specializing in barbecue, Simone is less than thrilled when an out-of-towner appears at the local market with plans to sell his homemade BBQ sauce—Finn's Secret Sauce. Beginning a heated rivalry with hilarious sabotage and snarky banter, I loved the chemistry between Simone and Finn.
It was amusing the way these two continually crossed paths, eventually leading to a reluctant business deal and an epic road trip. And it's definitely a road trip to remember, with scenes featuring a haunted B&B, hypothermia, and a swoonworthy kiss in the icy rain. So many funny, sweet moments!
I loved seeing Simone and Finn slowly unravel the fears they both have, ultimately falling in love in the process. I had a lot of fun reading this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Simone strives to take her restaurant Honey and Hickory to new heights. Specializing in barbecue, Simone is less than thrilled when an out-of-towner appears at the local market with plans to sell his homemade BBQ sauce—Finn's Secret Sauce. Beginning a heated rivalry with hilarious sabotage and snarky banter, I loved the chemistry between Simone and Finn.
It was amusing the way these two continually crossed paths, eventually leading to a reluctant business deal and an epic road trip. And it's definitely a road trip to remember, with scenes featuring a haunted B&B, hypothermia, and a swoonworthy kiss in the icy rain. So many funny, sweet moments!
I loved seeing Simone and Finn slowly unravel the fears they both have, ultimately falling in love in the process. I had a lot of fun reading this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 27, 2022
i literally can't tell you anything that happened in this book, i was so bored 😭
February 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
this enemies to lovers, forced-proximity, road trip book was so cute and funny. i loved the banter between simone and finn. their chemistry felt so real. also, finn’s golden retriever energy >>
i will say it felt a little long, and i would’ve liked to see more development in their relationship; i feel like we weren’t shown much of their feelings changing over time. also something happens at the end which i HATE (telling you would be a spoiler but you’ll probably figure it out when you get to it)
but i did love simone and finn’s individual development and the incorporation of their dreams was so touching. will definitely be reading more books by this author
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc :)
this enemies to lovers, forced-proximity, road trip book was so cute and funny. i loved the banter between simone and finn. their chemistry felt so real. also, finn’s golden retriever energy >>
i will say it felt a little long, and i would’ve liked to see more development in their relationship; i feel like we weren’t shown much of their feelings changing over time. also something happens at the end which i HATE (telling you would be a spoiler but you’ll probably figure it out when you get to it)
but i did love simone and finn’s individual development and the incorporation of their dreams was so touching. will definitely be reading more books by this author
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc :)
July 22, 2022
I think this might be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t love this one. I started it like five times and kept putting it down and then I just made myself push through it because I had an early reader copy.
I usually love an enemies to lovers romance! They are totally my jam. But I guess I really need to like both characters for it to work for me and this one fell flat. Simone and Finn were interesting characters, but I just couldn’t connect with them. They both pushed away help at every opportunity and even their sympathetic back stories didn’t sway me.
And, my least favorite form of conflict is miscommunication and it abounds in this book.
I didn’t love this one, but it could totally be a “me” thing.
I usually love an enemies to lovers romance! They are totally my jam. But I guess I really need to like both characters for it to work for me and this one fell flat. Simone and Finn were interesting characters, but I just couldn’t connect with them. They both pushed away help at every opportunity and even their sympathetic back stories didn’t sway me.
And, my least favorite form of conflict is miscommunication and it abounds in this book.
I didn’t love this one, but it could totally be a “me” thing.
January 16, 2023
Fair warning, I started off hating this book. Which was frustrating because I love bbq sauce! Like, a lot. But the enmity between Simone and Finn was really vicious and made me really uncomfortable. However! I absolutely loved the last half of the book.ot was filled with growth and joy and understanding.
February 22, 2022
Oh my heart. I loved this book. Chandra Blumberg is a new-to-me author, and I’m hooked.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure for the first part of this book. The set up felt a little clunky, with two competing BBQ sauce rivals taking their competition on a Shark Tank type reality show where this “enemies to lovers” couple throws down like the they’re trying to survive the first day of a prison yard battle. These two were ruthless, and hateful, and cut deep in a way we don’t actually usually see with this trope. I thought we were being set up for a reality show throw down, and instead what follows is this beautiful, heartfelt journey of Simone and Finn showing their soft bellies to one another and falling in love in a way that hurts. Because falling in love means being vulnerable, and confronting past wounds, and trusting another person, and the fact that this book took me from capital E Enemies through to this vulnerable love story is just the best thing ever.
In the things I liked column: strong heroine that goes after what she wants, a hero that has put in work through therapy on his childhood trauma, a freaking *closed door* romance that still brings heat and tension to the page, rich side characters, and one of the best romance book epilogues I’ve read.
Things I didn’t like: I didn’t read the first book in this series and I think that’s to my detriment since I struggled to connect with Simone’s feelings for a good while. While the book does a good job telling me how she didn’t feel connected to her community, I feel like I missed the why since I didn’t read the first book. With reading the novel as a stand alone, that was frustrating.
So I’m off to read the first in the series now to rectify that, because this one is that good.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure for the first part of this book. The set up felt a little clunky, with two competing BBQ sauce rivals taking their competition on a Shark Tank type reality show where this “enemies to lovers” couple throws down like the they’re trying to survive the first day of a prison yard battle. These two were ruthless, and hateful, and cut deep in a way we don’t actually usually see with this trope. I thought we were being set up for a reality show throw down, and instead what follows is this beautiful, heartfelt journey of Simone and Finn showing their soft bellies to one another and falling in love in a way that hurts. Because falling in love means being vulnerable, and confronting past wounds, and trusting another person, and the fact that this book took me from capital E Enemies through to this vulnerable love story is just the best thing ever.
In the things I liked column: strong heroine that goes after what she wants, a hero that has put in work through therapy on his childhood trauma, a freaking *closed door* romance that still brings heat and tension to the page, rich side characters, and one of the best romance book epilogues I’ve read.
Things I didn’t like: I didn’t read the first book in this series and I think that’s to my detriment since I struggled to connect with Simone’s feelings for a good while. While the book does a good job telling me how she didn’t feel connected to her community, I feel like I missed the why since I didn’t read the first book. With reading the novel as a stand alone, that was frustrating.
So I’m off to read the first in the series now to rectify that, because this one is that good.
I received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2022
"Finn Rimes was the flip side to her coin. She hated that."
Stirring Up Love is a wonderful mix of some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, small town, and road trip.
Simone is back in her small town of Hawksburg after being away in the "big city" of Chicago for years. Her plan is to take her family's successful barbecue restaurant and turn it into a hub of local commerce, like a year-round farmer's market. Simone harbors a lot of insecurity about fitting in that she keeps to herself, which is one of many reasons why she applies to the reality show The Executives. to try to gain the capital she needs to make the expansion.
Finn is somewhat of a drifter, but certainly not by choice. After aging out of the foster care system, he's made his way as an adult by living out of his car and his best friend's house flips while he works as a chef at a fancy restaurant. On the side, he. decides to whip up some BBQ sauces to make some quick cash to help fund some much loftier goals. He, too, struggles with insecurity that makes him a bit hesitant to go on to The Executives when his best friend suggests it, but decides he might as well when he learns that Simone, his farmer’s market competition, will be there.
This book took some well-loved tropes and masterfully mixed them together. From their at-home farmer’s market feud to their on-screen showdown on The Executives to a funny and heat-packed road trip home, the reader quickly comes to love both Simone and Finn. This book was laugh out loud funny at parts and also pulled at the heart strings quite a bit. I’m not usually a reader of clean romance, but I didn’t feel that anything was missing from the storyline because the author did a great job building characters’ chemistry without it.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Based on this one, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another one of her books!
Stirring Up Love is a wonderful mix of some of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, small town, and road trip.
Simone is back in her small town of Hawksburg after being away in the "big city" of Chicago for years. Her plan is to take her family's successful barbecue restaurant and turn it into a hub of local commerce, like a year-round farmer's market. Simone harbors a lot of insecurity about fitting in that she keeps to herself, which is one of many reasons why she applies to the reality show The Executives. to try to gain the capital she needs to make the expansion.
Finn is somewhat of a drifter, but certainly not by choice. After aging out of the foster care system, he's made his way as an adult by living out of his car and his best friend's house flips while he works as a chef at a fancy restaurant. On the side, he. decides to whip up some BBQ sauces to make some quick cash to help fund some much loftier goals. He, too, struggles with insecurity that makes him a bit hesitant to go on to The Executives when his best friend suggests it, but decides he might as well when he learns that Simone, his farmer’s market competition, will be there.
This book took some well-loved tropes and masterfully mixed them together. From their at-home farmer’s market feud to their on-screen showdown on The Executives to a funny and heat-packed road trip home, the reader quickly comes to love both Simone and Finn. This book was laugh out loud funny at parts and also pulled at the heart strings quite a bit. I’m not usually a reader of clean romance, but I didn’t feel that anything was missing from the storyline because the author did a great job building characters’ chemistry without it.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Based on this one, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another one of her books!
July 26, 2022
3.75⭐️
“Chandra Blumberg writes funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable.”
Well... I read this before I read the first book of this series. This author was a complete discovery for me. (Thanks to NetGalley, who provided this ARC). I started reading this book knowing nothing about it, just because I got drawn to the cute cover. I was not disappointed.
Stirring Up Love was a very light read. I was unsure at first, but that only lasted for the first two chapters or so - just enough time for me to get a clear shot of the characters, and let me tell you, I loved them all. Let’s focus on the two main characters. Simone is a strong, independent women, who is only hard and cold on the outside. Her behavior was just a bit frustrating at times but entirely relatable - it is hard to trust people and to open your heart, girl, I feel you. It’s also maddening for your work to be disregarded or seen as illegitimate just because you’re young and a woman. (Insert The Man by Taylor Swift here).
But, to be honest, the real star of the show here was definitely Finn, Simone’s rival and love interest - a cinnamon roll who, deep down, wants nothing more than to belong and find his people. Entirely relatable as well. Men written by women are the best thing ever and I fully stand by that.
This book has everything I love. Rivals to lovers, dual POV, cute banter, tension and forced proximity, a convenient road trip during which Simone and Finn actually get to know each other and recognize their attraction to one another. Not that things are that simple… But that’s the entire point of the book and you should probably find out by yourselves.
When this book comes out, I’ll definitely get my own copy.
“Chandra Blumberg writes funny, heartwarming love stories about characters that feel real and relatable.”
Well... I read this before I read the first book of this series. This author was a complete discovery for me. (Thanks to NetGalley, who provided this ARC). I started reading this book knowing nothing about it, just because I got drawn to the cute cover. I was not disappointed.
Stirring Up Love was a very light read. I was unsure at first, but that only lasted for the first two chapters or so - just enough time for me to get a clear shot of the characters, and let me tell you, I loved them all. Let’s focus on the two main characters. Simone is a strong, independent women, who is only hard and cold on the outside. Her behavior was just a bit frustrating at times but entirely relatable - it is hard to trust people and to open your heart, girl, I feel you. It’s also maddening for your work to be disregarded or seen as illegitimate just because you’re young and a woman. (Insert The Man by Taylor Swift here).
But, to be honest, the real star of the show here was definitely Finn, Simone’s rival and love interest - a cinnamon roll who, deep down, wants nothing more than to belong and find his people. Entirely relatable as well. Men written by women are the best thing ever and I fully stand by that.
This book has everything I love. Rivals to lovers, dual POV, cute banter, tension and forced proximity, a convenient road trip during which Simone and Finn actually get to know each other and recognize their attraction to one another. Not that things are that simple… But that’s the entire point of the book and you should probably find out by yourselves.
When this book comes out, I’ll definitely get my own copy.
February 20, 2022
Rivals, Simone and Finn, want nothing to do with each other, but fate has other plans.
Simone takes over the family BBQ restaurant and wants to put her small town on the map by selling their signature sauce. Finn sells his homemade BBQ sauce hoping to kickstart his dream of opening a culinary school. Their feud begins when they meet at the local farmers market, but it all changes six months later when they compete on the same reality TV show. Will they be able to work together to achieve their culinary dreams?
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity rom-com book was such a fun read. The two main characters had fantastic chemistry, and I loved how Simone and Finn's relationship developed throughout the book and how the plot also focused on their goals and dreams. This book will be sure to put a smile on your face - Plus food and romance, what's not to love!
I look forward to other work by Chandra Blumberg. Thank you, Chandra Blumberg and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
Simone takes over the family BBQ restaurant and wants to put her small town on the map by selling their signature sauce. Finn sells his homemade BBQ sauce hoping to kickstart his dream of opening a culinary school. Their feud begins when they meet at the local farmers market, but it all changes six months later when they compete on the same reality TV show. Will they be able to work together to achieve their culinary dreams?
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity rom-com book was such a fun read. The two main characters had fantastic chemistry, and I loved how Simone and Finn's relationship developed throughout the book and how the plot also focused on their goals and dreams. This book will be sure to put a smile on your face - Plus food and romance, what's not to love!
I look forward to other work by Chandra Blumberg. Thank you, Chandra Blumberg and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.
December 19, 2022
Stirring Up Love was a DNF at 30% for me. Simone was just too immature. The whole rivalry made no sense to me because a normal adult wouldn’t have responded the way she did to Finn setting up a booth at the farmer’s market. Finn was a better character, but he wasn’t likeable enough for me to continue this book.
Thanks NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
Thanks NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
April 4, 2022
[ARC Provided by NetGalley.]
[Pub Date: 26 July 2022.]
This was actually the last book that I read in March, and my, my was it a great closing off of the month.
I didn't even know that this was the second book of a series, so I fell into some spoilers, but that's okay, I enjoyed every bit of this book INCLUDING the spoilers.
With characters as strong and loud and lovable as Simone and Finn, it wasn't a surprise when I found myself giggling and blushing at the slightest of interactions between the two. Their banter, bickering, whatever you want to call it, was out of this world. I especially loved how easy it was for both of them to speak to each other. Even though they want us to believe that they're "rivals" the conversations between them flowed so easily and I found that to be so refreshing.
Not only was I enamoured by these well thought out characters, the writing left me breathless.
Told in third person P.O.V, from both Simone and Finn's perspective, Chandra Blumberg wields her pen with such ferocity and love, you can feel her passion off the page. She has my heart in the palm of her hands. And my money. She can take all my money.
As quick of a read as this was, I still get butterflies at the mere thought of the happenings inside of the pages. That is not to say that there's any Hanky-Panky going on here, it's quite PG, with a load of dirty jokes. But that didn't stop the book from bringing THE HEAT.
100 out of 10 would recommend!
[Pub Date: 26 July 2022.]
This was actually the last book that I read in March, and my, my was it a great closing off of the month.
I didn't even know that this was the second book of a series, so I fell into some spoilers, but that's okay, I enjoyed every bit of this book INCLUDING the spoilers.
With characters as strong and loud and lovable as Simone and Finn, it wasn't a surprise when I found myself giggling and blushing at the slightest of interactions between the two. Their banter, bickering, whatever you want to call it, was out of this world. I especially loved how easy it was for both of them to speak to each other. Even though they want us to believe that they're "rivals" the conversations between them flowed so easily and I found that to be so refreshing.
Not only was I enamoured by these well thought out characters, the writing left me breathless.
Told in third person P.O.V, from both Simone and Finn's perspective, Chandra Blumberg wields her pen with such ferocity and love, you can feel her passion off the page. She has my heart in the palm of her hands. And my money. She can take all my money.
As quick of a read as this was, I still get butterflies at the mere thought of the happenings inside of the pages. That is not to say that there's any Hanky-Panky going on here, it's quite PG, with a load of dirty jokes. But that didn't stop the book from bringing THE HEAT.
100 out of 10 would recommend!
February 21, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! amazing characters and amazing romance!
Rating: 3.5/5
Synopsis:
After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.
But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.
When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.
With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
Rating: 3.5/5
Synopsis:
After doing her time in corporate Chicago, Simone Blake returns to small-town Illinois to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. The secret, as they say, is in the sauce. Simone’s plan is to sell Honey and Hickory’s signature sauce to put her hometown on the map.
But she’s not the only one with a recipe and a plan: chef Finn Rimes from nearby Springfield has a similar vision. To jump-start his dream of opening a culinary school, he shows up at the local farmers’ market with his own barbecue sauce.
When Simone’s plan to outsell Finn falls flat, she auditions for a reality show to pitch her brand. But she’s horrified to discover Finn’s had the same idea. As Simone and Finn wage barbecue war on television, their feud turns into an undeniable attraction.
With their livelihoods on the line, it may not be so much about making the best sauce—but finding their way to each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
April 5, 2022
Simone returns to her hometown to tackle a new venture: her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant. Her plan is to sell their signature sauce to put her hometown on the map. Chef Finn Rimes has a similar vision with his own barbecue sauce.
Both of them audition for a reality show to pitch their brand & their feud leads to chaos & undeniable attraction.
Simone & Finn were ruthless & hilarious at driving each other crazy & out of the picture. The whole enemies-to-lovers situation going on was entertaining af, especially the sauce licking/tasting in front of the public.
"The fact that he felt need to come to her rescue like some sort of knight in shining armor when he was more Night King than Job Snow."
Their banter was so fascinating. I loved the road trip part of the story with elements of swimming-hypothermia, haunted b&b, cabin stay, reverse-taking-care while-sick, cactus/cacti jokes & epic Bachelorette trip.
"Are you hugging me right now?"
"I'm saving your life."
"If you're trying to do the skin-to-skin thing, you forgot to unzip your coat."
I adored Simone's relationship with her sister & Finn's relationship with Darius. Finn & Simone were so alike each other that once they stopped bickering they understood how vulnerable the other & their backstory was.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Both of them audition for a reality show to pitch their brand & their feud leads to chaos & undeniable attraction.
Simone & Finn were ruthless & hilarious at driving each other crazy & out of the picture. The whole enemies-to-lovers situation going on was entertaining af, especially the sauce licking/tasting in front of the public.
"The fact that he felt need to come to her rescue like some sort of knight in shining armor when he was more Night King than Job Snow."
Their banter was so fascinating. I loved the road trip part of the story with elements of swimming-hypothermia, haunted b&b, cabin stay, reverse-taking-care while-sick, cactus/cacti jokes & epic Bachelorette trip.
"Are you hugging me right now?"
"I'm saving your life."
"If you're trying to do the skin-to-skin thing, you forgot to unzip your coat."
I adored Simone's relationship with her sister & Finn's relationship with Darius. Finn & Simone were so alike each other that once they stopped bickering they understood how vulnerable the other & their backstory was.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars
Perfectly done enemies/rivals to lovers with all the laughs & feels!
Highlights:
🌟I loved both Finn and Simone. They each had their struggles and insecurities, but together they made the perfect pair.
🌟I love a good road trip in a romance book and this one was perfect. So many times I was laughing out loud as Finn and Simone made their trek back home.
🌟The banter was perfect, Finn and Simone totally fed off each other in the best way and had some excellent chemistry.
🌟I really enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book, especially Alisha and Quentin.
🌟The “cacti” and the ending were so stinking adorable and perfect. Loved it!
Perfectly done enemies/rivals to lovers with all the laughs & feels!
Highlights:
🌟I loved both Finn and Simone. They each had their struggles and insecurities, but together they made the perfect pair.
🌟I love a good road trip in a romance book and this one was perfect. So many times I was laughing out loud as Finn and Simone made their trek back home.
🌟The banter was perfect, Finn and Simone totally fed off each other in the best way and had some excellent chemistry.
🌟I really enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book, especially Alisha and Quentin.
🌟The “cacti” and the ending were so stinking adorable and perfect. Loved it!
February 27, 2022
Whyyy did this man need to call his barbecue sauce Finn's Secret Sauce?? PLEASE
Anyway, I read Digging Up Love earlier this month, and while it was not a new favourite, I was still curious about the sequel, because Simone intrigued me as a character. I have to say I enjoyed this book slightly less, because I found the setting less interesting. It had its strong moments, but overall I didn't feel really engaged in the story. I did however like the ending!
Anyway, I read Digging Up Love earlier this month, and while it was not a new favourite, I was still curious about the sequel, because Simone intrigued me as a character. I have to say I enjoyed this book slightly less, because I found the setting less interesting. It had its strong moments, but overall I didn't feel really engaged in the story. I did however like the ending!
February 18, 2023
I really think that the author's writing style shines with this one. I enjoyed it a lot more than the first one in this series. I think the rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and Simone and Finn's relationship is a testament to that. Their banter was 10/10 throughout the story and I love that until the very end the author kept up with in (my favorites being the extensions on Finn's name and the conned into playing two truths and a lie). I love how the characters come together in the end and that Simone is the one to propose to Finn first. It's cute and not something that is really seen in a lot of stories (but we all know Finn was right there ready too).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
Thank you Chandra Blumberg for the advanced copy! I really enjoyed this one, it was so cute! I really liked the chemistry and the comedy of the book. It was so funny! There were so many exciting parts in this book and I enjoyed it the entire time. Such a great book for the summer! 💕
October 26, 2022
Delicious enemies to lovers. Gimme gimme gimme
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars ☆ An enemies to lovers, forced proximity, set in a small town rom-com is just want I need for a summer read.
I loved Simone and Finn's chemistry in this book. Their banter was amazing and I felt like it's also a reverse grumpy x sunshine since Finn has this golden retriever energy makes this book perfect. The only problem that I have was the miscommunication conflict but other than that, this was still a great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC !!
I loved Simone and Finn's chemistry in this book. Their banter was amazing and I felt like it's also a reverse grumpy x sunshine since Finn has this golden retriever energy makes this book perfect. The only problem that I have was the miscommunication conflict but other than that, this was still a great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC !!
February 22, 2023
Love the enemies to lovers trope. Especially when we get to see the two sides to this sweet n fiery story! Another feel good story that makes you wanna cozy up in bed in thee finest pajamas with a mug of hot cocoa <3
March 1, 2022
Stirring Up Love by Chandra Blumberg is absolutely delightful, from beginning to end, full of heart and moments that wrap around you like a warm blanket. I loved both characters but wanted to take Finn home with me. This book involves some of the people we met in Digging Up Love but can be read as a standalone and certainly stands on its own merits. Simone Blake has returned home to run her grandfather’s barbecue restaurant and feels that she is not anyone’s first choice. Her grandfather would prefer that her sister be in charge while she thinks the town’s people also find her lacking. She intends to prove her worth by making the restaurant’s barbecue sauce a household name. When Chef Finn, stumbles into the town and takes a booth at the local market with his SAUCE in tow, Simone is sure that he is there to sabotage, and she goes into attack mode. Finn is such an engaging character, where Simone is all prickles and snark, he wears his heart on his sleeve, constantly looking for his place at the table. This book has a bit of everything: humor, road trip, enemies to friends, social commentary, and a sweet love story. Locked in an unexpected alliance (or battle, depending on who you are asking), Finn and Simone find that they have more in common than they could ever imagine. I laughed even as I had tears in my eyes! I highly recommend this story.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for an honest opinion!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for an honest opinion!
June 21, 2022
I loved Chandra Blumberg's debut, Digging Up Love, so I was excited for it's follow up, this time focusing on Alisha's sister Simone.
Simone has just come back to her home town, after leaving it for 4 years to get away. She's taking over the family BBQ restaurant she's just inherited and feels she has a lot to prove to the town she left to let them know she means business. In addition to updating the restaurant, she wants to expand it into an entertainment venue. She also doesn't like accepting help because she wants to prove she can do it on her own.
Finn is a chef who wants to open a no-profit cooking school for those who are underprivileged or low income. He was an orphan who bounced around from home to home until someone finally gave him a chance and now he wants to do that for others. He starts by selling his homemade BBQ sauce.
Simone and Finn get off on the wrong foot and end up on the same reality show, similar to Shark tank, to try to get investors. Those investors see their heated chemistry and want them to work together. All or nothing. They have a week to decide, but end up getting stranded at the airport. Finn decides to rent a car and invite Simone to join him. He figures it'll give him a chance to prove that she should take a chance on him. What could go wrong?
I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Simone is sassy and Finn is sweet and I loved the banter between them. They balance each other out. They're both trying to prove their worth in the face of loss and abandonment. Simone wants to prove herself and needs to be able to trust. Finn needs to feel chosen. Being in forced proximity helps them see each other in a new light and helps them find acceptance in each other.
Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
Simone has just come back to her home town, after leaving it for 4 years to get away. She's taking over the family BBQ restaurant she's just inherited and feels she has a lot to prove to the town she left to let them know she means business. In addition to updating the restaurant, she wants to expand it into an entertainment venue. She also doesn't like accepting help because she wants to prove she can do it on her own.
Finn is a chef who wants to open a no-profit cooking school for those who are underprivileged or low income. He was an orphan who bounced around from home to home until someone finally gave him a chance and now he wants to do that for others. He starts by selling his homemade BBQ sauce.
Simone and Finn get off on the wrong foot and end up on the same reality show, similar to Shark tank, to try to get investors. Those investors see their heated chemistry and want them to work together. All or nothing. They have a week to decide, but end up getting stranded at the airport. Finn decides to rent a car and invite Simone to join him. He figures it'll give him a chance to prove that she should take a chance on him. What could go wrong?
I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Simone is sassy and Finn is sweet and I loved the banter between them. They balance each other out. They're both trying to prove their worth in the face of loss and abandonment. Simone wants to prove herself and needs to be able to trust. Finn needs to feel chosen. Being in forced proximity helps them see each other in a new light and helps them find acceptance in each other.
Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars
July 26, 2022
**UPDATED REVIEW**
Simone Blake wants nothing more than to see the family BBQ restaurant succeed now that she’s taken over for her grandfather. Finn Rimes sells his homemade BBQ sauce to fund his dream of teaching others to cook. Simone and Finn meet at the local farmer’s market and battle ensues. Six months later they find themselves needing to work together after they both compete for cash on a reality TV show.
This rivals to lovers romance is full of humor and great banter. Simone just wants to do right by her loved ones while proving herself. The author does a great job developing her character through her journey and her family members. Finn is willing to do anything to see his dream come true but has no problem stepping up when others need his help. I really loved how warm and welcoming Simone’s family was toward Finn even though he was her “enemy”.
While this is the second book in the Taste of Love series, it can be read as a stand alone. I did go back and read the 1st book, Digging Up Love, after reading book 2 and enjoyed it just as much. I look forward to seeing if the author expands this series into any more books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake!
Special Thanks to Chandra Blumberg for sending me a paperback ARC!
Simone Blake wants nothing more than to see the family BBQ restaurant succeed now that she’s taken over for her grandfather. Finn Rimes sells his homemade BBQ sauce to fund his dream of teaching others to cook. Simone and Finn meet at the local farmer’s market and battle ensues. Six months later they find themselves needing to work together after they both compete for cash on a reality TV show.
This rivals to lovers romance is full of humor and great banter. Simone just wants to do right by her loved ones while proving herself. The author does a great job developing her character through her journey and her family members. Finn is willing to do anything to see his dream come true but has no problem stepping up when others need his help. I really loved how warm and welcoming Simone’s family was toward Finn even though he was her “enemy”.
While this is the second book in the Taste of Love series, it can be read as a stand alone. I did go back and read the 1st book, Digging Up Love, after reading book 2 and enjoyed it just as much. I look forward to seeing if the author expands this series into any more books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake!
Special Thanks to Chandra Blumberg for sending me a paperback ARC!
February 24, 2022
Big barbecue sauce flavoured kiss to NetGalley /Chandra Blumberg / Montlake for this book <333
OKAY SOMEONE LET ME SCREAM !!!
First things first this is the cutest little enemies to lovers/reality tv / THERES (not) ONLY ONE BED (that one hurt a little bit Chandra Blumberg we may have to have words) / cooking/romance book ever! I may need to buy book 1 to get a little bit more joy in my life. I want to consume buckets of bbq sauce even though I don't even like bbq sauce.
The middle and ending of this book I loved ! I'm obsessed ! I squealed ! The friends and family of both characters were my friends and family ! I want to hunt them down and adopt them !!!! TOO CUTE !!!!
My only criticism is that at the start it was a little slow to get off the ground, the beginning part before the reality tv bit came in was a bit like molasses (bbq pun!) to get through. But after persevering I got fed well!
More food based romance 2022 I am starting this campaign now ! Its the perfect combination because you know food IS love
OKAY SOMEONE LET ME SCREAM !!!
First things first this is the cutest little enemies to lovers/reality tv / THERES (not) ONLY ONE BED (that one hurt a little bit Chandra Blumberg we may have to have words) / cooking/romance book ever! I may need to buy book 1 to get a little bit more joy in my life. I want to consume buckets of bbq sauce even though I don't even like bbq sauce.
The middle and ending of this book I loved ! I'm obsessed ! I squealed ! The friends and family of both characters were my friends and family ! I want to hunt them down and adopt them !!!! TOO CUTE !!!!
My only criticism is that at the start it was a little slow to get off the ground, the beginning part before the reality tv bit came in was a bit like molasses (bbq pun!) to get through. But after persevering I got fed well!
More food based romance 2022 I am starting this campaign now ! Its the perfect combination because you know food IS love
March 25, 2022
2/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This one is so boring, I feel like my energy was drained after reading the entirety of it. There's a lot of telling instead of showing, and tons of detailed descriptions that could've been written in a concise manner or just completely omitted. I did not enjoy my reading experience with this book as well as the romance. Our main characters doesn't have chemistry in my opinion, and I don't buy their affection and feelings for each other. I feel like I was not invested enough to care about them as individuals and as a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This one is so boring, I feel like my energy was drained after reading the entirety of it. There's a lot of telling instead of showing, and tons of detailed descriptions that could've been written in a concise manner or just completely omitted. I did not enjoy my reading experience with this book as well as the romance. Our main characters doesn't have chemistry in my opinion, and I don't buy their affection and feelings for each other. I feel like I was not invested enough to care about them as individuals and as a couple.
March 4, 2022
Not overwhelming, not underwhelming, just .... whelming. Some of the writing was too cliché at times ("she was a tide, a current, and he let himself be swept away" "he just hopes he could be enough for her") and stilted, and some scenes were scenes I've read in romance books before, and executed better. Though there are some cute scenes here and there, the main characters just didn't have enough spark, in my opinion.
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