Simmer (verb): to stew gently below or just at the boiling point; to be in a state of incipient developmentMy life was always at a simmer… only stewing, never going anywhere. I was left to fend for myself when it came to affection or love, so I learned to go without.I refused to let them see how broken and lonely I was; it was much easier to hide behind a false reality. I didn’t want anyone’s … didn’t want anyone’s pity. I didn’t need it. Pity wouldn’t put food on the table or keep a roof over our heads. That was all me.
Now, I have a second chance at a dream long forgotten. It demands hard work and sacrifice—with absolutely no distractions. A recipe I already know all too well, raising a daughter on my own.
Drew Kostas is everything I’ve ever wanted but couldn’t let myself have. He’s younger, gorgeous, charming—and relentless. He sees beyond the hardened shell I’ve built to protect myself, coaxing out a softer me I don’t recognize.
It doesn’t matter how I melt in his presence when the heat between us threatens to boil over.
That’s the thing about heat. When it rises, everyone gets burned.
Especially when they’re foolish enough to fall in love.
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We first met Sara in Rewrite and to be honest I disliked her in that story. She made life difficult for her daughter Victoria, Josh (Victorie’s dad) and Brianna (Josh’s wife) so I wasn’t sure where this story would start and how she would be portrayed. I was pleasantly surprised that I come to understand and love Sara in this story. She was honest and owned up to her mistakes and just wants to make a better life for herself and Victoria.
The story starts with Sara making the hard decision to leave Victoria with Josh and Brianna so that she could go to college to finish up her culinary degree, which she could complete in one year and also got a paid internship through the college. When Sara runs into Drew for the first time, she was very standoffish since she never had time to socialized for the last 10 years (she was busy working herself to death trying to provide for herself and her daughter). The next few times that Sara and Drew ran into each other, they would check each other out but Sara is adamant that she won’t act on the attraction since she is there to get her degree and find a better job as a assistant chef for a restaurant that would be close to where Josh and Brianna lives so that Victoria would be close to both parents.
I love how Drew is so patient with Sara and doesn’t push her for anything more than friendship to start with. Sara realizes what she has missed out on in the past because she felt she had to be in control of everything and to make sure that Victoria is taken care of. Sara starts to relax in her new environment and enjoy life a little bit. Sara’s relationship with Josh and Brianna also takes a turn for the better where they start to work together for the sake of Victoria. But Sara’s past with her family causes her more pain and Drew is there to help her and support her through it.
This is such a sweet romance between 2 people who started out developing a friendship and then move on to more, which they both wanted even though Sara fought it. As we got to know Sara more, she was definitely more likeable and lovable and she finally got the life she deserved. Thanks for another great story Stephanie Rose!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is such a great love story. Sara and Drew just fit perfectly together. This is a MUST read and ONE-CLICK.
When I was introduced to Sara in Rewrite I wasn’t her biggest fan so I was prepared not to be won over when I started Simmer. Lo and behold I was converted in a matter of no time. Sara, her strength, character and her unconditional love for her daughter Victoria was something I couldn’t help falling in love with. Her doubts and wanting to do right by Victoria and her daughter’s father Josh was relatable and I could easily imagine her struggles cause Stephanie Rose captured and depicted them so beautifully. My heart broke for Sara and the love she never received from her parents because of a choice she made. Never having experienced love besides her daughter is something that affects her profoundly so when this amazing guy, Drew enters her world he shows her a life she never could’ve imagined and that it’s now possible and in her reach.
Drew is pretty dreamy let me tell you. He’s seven years younger so that’s something that makes Sara think twice but Drew expects nothing but friendship and their connection is incredible. I enjoyed them getting to know one another and how they both struggled to stay in the friend zone. He’s such a fantastic guy who just wants to shower Sara with love cause she deserves it. He handles everything with ease and his blooming friendship with Sara’ daughter Victoria was totally swoon worthy. As dreamy as he can be he also possesses a protective and alpha side which was hot as hell.
I enjoyed every aspect of Simmer. Sara and Drew’s friendship evolving into love and Sara’s friendship with her daughter’s father Josh and his wife Brianna. Don’t get me started on that epilogue which has a surprise appearance from a couple characters from the author’s previous books. Simmer has everything that I love in a romance and once again Stephanie Rose delivers.
5 BadAssDirtyFireAndIceStars
What an amazingly heartfelt and delicious slow burn romance! Simmer could not have been a more appropriate title! I will admit though, that I could not wait for the boil over! 😉 The heroine, Sara, was introduced in the book Rewrite, and some previous characters do appear, but Simmer can be read as a standalone.
I didn’t think my opinion of Sara would change much after meeting her in Rewrite, but I was happily proven wrong. It was so insightful to be inside her head and to finally understand the motivations behind many of her actions. I absolutely loved seeing Drew slowly chip away at her walls and then finally take the whole damn building down! Stephanie Rose knows how to write a hero! Swoon! Swoon! Swoon! Drew was everything you hope a book boyfriend will be and could not have been more incredible. He was supportive, considerate, sexy, patient, loving, and just the right amount of alpha. The build up between Drew and Sara was so perfect thanks to their amazing chemistry.
I loved that the story was as much a romance as it was about Sara’s healing and moving on from her past. Her fears and insecurities were so relatable, and though I may not have agreed with some of her decisions, I understood how she was feeling. The epilogue couldn’t have been any sweeter and I may have squealed when Lucas and Joey made a little cameo. 😉 Truly a wonderful book that shows that it really is never too late to listen to your heart and change your story.
Rating – All the stars!
If there is anyone who should dislike this book, it’s me. We first met Sara in Rewrite, which is one of my favorites, and she made the lives of characters I love quite the challenge. However, Ms. Rose’s talent knows no end, because she quickly won me over and made me fall in love with Sara. Sara’s motivations become clear early on in Simmer, and we see that there is so much more to her hidden below the surface. This book easily became one of my favorites!
“Fire and Ice”
Sara is a difficult character. She has had a tough life, but she is determined to do better for her daughter. When the opportunity to build a better life arises, she takes it, but what happens when she crashes into Drew? Could he be part of the life she is building, or does he come with an expiration date? Drew is amazing. He sees below the surface to who Sara really is and accepts her. He is loyal and loving, kind and forgiving, determined and oh so hot! Even when Sara tries to push him away, he is right there showing her she is worth it. Drew is the definition of swoon worthy.
“Standing in the street in the middle of a snowstorm I gave in with a kiss – and I didn’t want to stop.”
The first half of this book truly does Simmer. As Drew pursues Sara, I was dying for their attraction to boil over, and when it did…sigh. Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved that they built such a strong friendship first. They knew exactly what the other needed and didn’t rush. The foundation they built made everything else that much more delicious. I was rooting for this couple from beginning to end. While they had many obstacles to overcome, their relationship was worth it.
This book is an absolute must read! Rose’s amazing talent for storytelling and character development shine throughout this book. You don’t need to read Rewrite first, but since it is one of my favorites, I think you should read it anyway. Since we see Josh and Bri in this book as well, you will want their story even if you wait and read it second. The only thing I am left wondering is when will we get books for Lisa, Brian, and Carlos??
This story is not only relatable, it’s relevant. Strong women are few and far between in romance these days. In a world where alpha males rule, Stephanie takes her leading lady and creates, not only a true and raw world, she gives her redemption without stripping away the strength that makes her unique. Sara saves herself like always, but in the end, her growth as a character is forged together with Drew, not because she needs him, but because she wants him.
This book shouts to my inner feminist. Stephanie has out done herself. Every word, every detail has heart, and needs to be read.
This book was fantastic! I loved every bit of it. I loved the story line and how all the characters mingled together to create the perfect life for Sara. Oh and lets not forget about swoony Drew! Drew was fantastic and perfect for Sara. Couldn’t picture a better couple together. Great job Stephanie! ~ Tisha
I adored this book! Stephanie Rose is a talented story-teller, and her character development is exceptional. A must-read!
Stephanie Rose’s writing just keeps getting better and better!
While reading Rewrite, I couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for Sara Caldwell. I mean, here she is- a single mother working two to three jobs to support herself and her child, with no support of any kind, whether financially or emotionally. Sara’s daughter is all she has and she is willing to sacrifice everything in order to keep Victoria happy and healthy. Once Victoria was introduced to her father Josh, and his girlfriend Brianna, I understood Sara feeling hateful toward them and all that they can do and provide for Victoria, and the fear of that Victoria is not only Sara’s anymore.
In Simmer, Josh and Brianna offer to take care of Victoria so that Sara can finish pursuing her culinary schooling so that she will be better equipped to financially and emotionally support Victoria and herself. It was a hard decision, but Sara knows that in the long run, being away from Victoria for a year will allow them much more freedom. Once she gets upstate to school, she runs into Drew. He is working to earn his master’s degree in IT. They form a friendship, although it is obvious that there’s more for both of them. But as Sara hasn’t had the time, nor inclination, for a relationship, she has hardened herself to the point where she doesn’t really know how friendships even work. Drew works hard to break through the wall, and holy cow- Drew is everything! His hotness, his kindness, his ability to say the right things at the right time, his alpha-ness, his love for Sara, his love for Victoria- he has it, and it eventually brings him and Sara together!
Stephanie Rose does a wonderful job of making you care about her characters. Sara wasn’t really a character that many liked (although many understood) in Rewrite, but the author did a phenomenal job of building her to the point that you can’t help but love her. And Drew, although seven years younger than Sara, has a maturity that is rare for many twenty-seven year olds.
And I loved the little cameo of Lucas and Joey… that so brought a smile to my face!!
Simmer is a book that I will read over and over! I highly recommend it!
I loved this beautiful and poignant story about redemption, sacrifice, and unconditional love. We met Sara in Rewrite and now we learn her moving story. I didn’t know if I could like her but Ms. Rose showed us that we all have a little bit of Sara in us and that we are all worthy of love. Sara has had a hard life and now is a single mom raising her daughter on her own with no support system. She works hard, is stubborn, and may not always like her reactions to stressful situations. But now with unexpected support she is able to fulfill her dream to make her life better. When she goes back to school she meets good friends who help her learn how to be the woman she was always meant to be. The meet cute with sexy fellow student, Drew Kostas, was so adorable. Drew may be younger but he shows her that love is timeless and no sacrifice is too big. Sara lived with her fear, guilt and wounded pride for so long it was hard to let Drew in. But Drew is determined to show her that he loves her unconditionally, despite her flaws, and mistakes, seeing past the cold exterior to the fun loving woman beneath. Their slow burn romance was sweet, and captivating. Ms. Rose expertly and exquisitely portrayed life with all it’s complications, joy, heartbreak, and pleasure. I loved all the authentic emotions she made me feel including empathy. Oh and the epilogue was so perfect, I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this beautiful, poignant and sexy romance!
This book was wonderful! Poor Sara… I wanted to hug her and let her know what a good mother she was and that she was worth loving. I could understand how scared she was of losing her daughter and letting someone in. Drew, what a patient and loving person he was. The relationship between them was slow and steady. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Excellent job!
There is something so special about the way Stephanie Rose tells a story. Every time she tells a story I have a new favorite leading man and this story is no different. I completely fell in love with Sara and Drew’s story.
We met Sara in Rewrite and I will say she was not a loveable character, but oh man what a story to redeem a character! You do not have to read Rewrite first, this story is a complete standalone, but I loved catching up with the Rewrite characters and seeing Sara fall in love and learn to trust someone else. She has been on her own for so long that to let someone in was a huge thing for her.
Drew is a complete dream boat. He is younger than Sara which of course give Sara another reason not to give him a chance, but he proves time and time again that she is all that matters to him.
This was such a wonderful story about soulmates and moving on with life. Leaving baggage behind and looking ahead to a bright future. Sara and Drew’s story completely stole my heart.
What a delightful read. Simmer by Stephanie Rose was so swoon-worthy and romantic, I absolutely loved everything about this story.
Firstly the name was such a perfect title for the book. It really was a Simmer in more ways than one. This slow burn will grab your attention from the start and have you hooked until the end. You will be taken on an emotional roller coaster ride and experience all the feels.
Secondly the characters were complex and well developed. Drew was just so perfect. His patience and persistence totally paid off and was so endearing. We learned so much about Sara in this book. This strong brave single mom really went all out to make a better life for her daughter. I have to admit I loved these two together.
The secondary characters were all perfect for the story. I loved the cameo appearances by Josh and Brianna and Victoria was just so sweet and refreshing.
Simmer was riveting and engrossing. Stephanie Rose gave us the perfect story about a woman who deserved to be loved and cherished and the man willing to give it to her.
This page turner was a phenomenal read and you will not want to put it down. Definitely worthy of more than 5 stars I absolutely recommend this novel.
Oh what a beautiful story this was. Sara is a single mom who is just trying to make a better life for and her kid, then in walks Drew. This man can’t take no for an answer lol… He accepted Sara just the way she was and that was amazing. You’re going to need tissues for this one in a couple of places but it was such a wonderful book. You don’t wanna miss this one.
I love being able to start a story that jumps right to the emotions. We first meet Sara Caldwell and her daughter, Victoria, in Rewrite. She’s not exactly a likable person but she’s had a tough life as a single mom and you feel that in the first pages of Simmer. She’s a little rough around the edges but her single focus has always been the well-being of her daughter. She’s getting the opportunity to finish her dream and make a better life for them but it’s going to take some adjustments. It’s refreshing that she’s aware of her flaws and shortcomings. She has insecurities and low self-esteem. Drew Kostas is sexy, swoony and confident. I love his easy going personality, persistence and maturity. He wants to be a part of her life no matter the obstacles. Their story is simply real with all life’s ups and downs. Simmer is just a really good love story that makes your heart happy.
4.5 Sweet Slow-Burning Stars!!!
I want to start off by saying although I didn’t particularly like some of the things Sara did in Rewrite I totally understood where she was coming from and I could relate to her. That being said – you DO NOT have to read Rewrite prior to reading this one ~ but I highly suggest reading it anyway 🙂 I was looking forward to Sara’s story and was not let down.
Sara’s life has not been easy. She is doing the best she can to keep her head above water and give Victoria the life she deserves. She really is a good mom. Does she make mistakes? Of course, she wouldn’t be human if she didn’t but she learns from them and moves forward. Does she make sacrifices? Absolutely, but the end goal is admirable and her journey is full of growth. Enter Drew, he is a game changer – he makes Sara open up, challenges her, loves her and is persistent as heck! The chemistry between them is off the charts, not just in a “sexy” way, but a deep in your soul kind of way that you just feel seeping off the pages.
The thing I LOVED about this book was how REAL it felt, how effortless it was to read and how hard it was to put down.
I simply cannot recommend this one enough ~ it truly is one of the BEST books I have read this year.
What a beautiful book, I was left speechless.. I wasn’t sure about the heroine because of how she behaved in the previous book even if she had her reasons.. I love andrew from the start I was rooting for him and Sara! To me age is just a number, but I understand where Sara was coming from.. Victoria was just adorable, I really hope she becomes Wonder Woman when she grows up another success from this Author!
I am so happy that the author gave us Sara’s story and that she got her HEA. I agree with Julia and Jodi that we needed her redemption after some of her mistakes in rewrite. She has had a tough life and has struggled to survive. She is a warrior who has made mistakes. She takes a chance to better the life of her and her daughter and in the process finds a man and love she never thought she would have. I love the relationship she is able to build with Bri and Josh and the forgiveness they forge between them.
I adored Drew. I love that he fell so hard and fast for Sara and for Victoria and never looked back. I loved how certain he was of his feelings and what he wanted. I appreciated Sara’s reservations and understood why she held back to begin with. I love that they form a solid friendship first and that they really get to know each other before becoming more. They must build trust and learn to lean on each other to get their super sweet happily ever after.
There is lots of steamy moments, romantic times, and heart melting scenes included in their story.Their story is written in forst person from a dual POV.
Simmer was everything I hoped it would be and so much more!
I fell in love with Josh, Brianna, and Victoria in Rewrite. I did not fall in love with Sara. At all.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read Simmer but I love Stephanie Rose’s books so I gave it a try. I expected it to be well written, emotional and steamy. I expected Josh, Brianna and Victoria would be part of the story. I did not expect that Sara would win me over right from the beginning!
This story gave me all the romance, emotion and steam I was hoping for plus a brand new character to love!
Drew and Sara’s story hit home for me because my step-father was 9 years younger than my mom. He also stepped in and stepped up and took on a ready made family at a young age. It really made me appreciate, again, all that they went through to be together.
Another winner from Stephanie Rose!
Just happened into this book and couldn’t stop reading. Surprised me it was a few years old and I read it out of order. But a good book will just grab you.
Sarah is 32 with an 8 yr old daughter she has been raising on her own. She doesn’t trust people and is quite stubborn but going back to finish school to become a chef is a dream realized for her. Drew comes into her life, he is younger and not something she planned for. Drew is swoon-worthy. Great read