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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I’ve read three Stephanie Rose books in the past week: Think Twice, Rewrite and Simmer. I think Simmer was my favorite. The things you do for the ones you love… Sara is a wonderful character and I’m soooooo glad she found Drew. Both needed love, but Sara needed to feel she was worthy. They fulfilled so much in each other. Truly a wonderful read.
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
Well Stephanie Rose did it again!!! After more than 6 books and novellas, this author continues to knock her stories out of the park!!! She knows how to take you heart on an emotional roller coaster ride. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
She always gives us intriguing and emotional storylines and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Her Heroes will knock your socks off. I have loved all of the leading men she has introduced me to. I actually think Drew might be my favorite so far and it’s a tough competition 😉
I have to be honest, when I started Simmer I couldn’t place how I knew Sara and it took me a moment to figure out that we met her in Rewrite (Josh and Brianna’s Story) Now even though both of these books are standalone novels, I would recommend reading Rewrite before reading Simmer. You don’t have to but I think it will make things in Simmer more understandable. Plus you get all the background on Sara, Josh and Brianna in Rewrite.
Simmer is a single parent, older woman/younger man romance. It is a complete standalone and is told in Dual POV. Although we do get more of Sara’s POV then Drew’s, but that’s ok….the story worked well this way. I thought the flow and pace of the story was perfect. When you’re dealing with a single mother who has some serious abandonment issues, it’s smart to take things slow and not rush anything.
I absolutely LOVED Drew in this story, talk a swoon worthy man. He was so patient and loving towards Sara. Sometimes I forgot he was the younger of the two. I felt bad for Sara for all she had to endure when her parents kicked her out when she was pregnant. But I will say her stubbornness was starting to bother me in the end. I wanted to smack her and say wake up!!! I was glad to see that Drew was able to show her what unconditional love truly is.
I loved that we got to see more of Josh and Brianna in this story. I also loved Victoria, she is such a sweet young lady. I even loved that we get a cameo of a past character in the end of this book. I love when authors do that 😉
I would whole heartedly recommend this book to everyone!! I think this book has everything a reader looks for in a 5 star read. If you haven’t read anything by Stephanie Rose all I can say is…..what are you waiting for????
Well, I can’t say I liked Sara in Rewrite so I was a tad bit scared when I learned it was her book. She was a real witch in there. I still don’t like her much but at least I can tolerate her. But other than her character, I freakin’ loved this book! Drew is just so dreamy! He totally stole the show.
Stephanie Rose’s writing is pure perfection, I can’t wait to read her other stories!
Simmer by Stephanie Rose is a slow burn, single parent, contemporary romance told in dual POV. The main character, Sara, was introduced in the book Rewrite, and from what I understand other characters from that book reappear in this one as well. Simmer is a standalone, so it’s not necessary to have read Rewrite first. In fact, this is the first book I’ve read by the author, and in no way did I feel like I was missing any prior information.
The story follows 32-year-old, single mother, Sara as she returns to college to complete her Culinary Arts degree. This requires her to live on campus for a year while her 9-year-old daughter stays with her father, Josh. Sara has never been away from Victoria for so long, but she can’t pass up this opportunity that will open doors to a better life for them both. She has no room for distractions as she focuses on her goals. But Sara never expected to meet Drew.
When 25-year-old, IT graduate student, Drew meets Sara, he’s immediately drawn to her. Not only is she incredibly attractive, but she also seems to have substance, and unlike most women he encounters, she doesn’t throw herself at him and he really likes that about her. Sara has a lot of issues and hang-ups. So Drew forms a friendship with her and slowly begins to chip away at and break down her walls. Their friendship eventually turns into a romantic relationship. But what’s going to happen after graduation when it’s time for Sara to go back home?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought Sara and Drew were both likeable and relatable characters. I loved how Drew knew exactly what he wanted and how patient he was with Sara as he waited for her to open up and get on the same page. When I got this book I had no idea that there was another story that came before it. I’ll definitely be reading Rewrite for Josh and Brianna’s story because I want more of these characters. Drew and Sara’s love story is a delicious, simmering, slow-burning romance and the title fits it perfectly.
After reading Rewrite, I needed to know more about Sara.
Sara and Drew’s story is amazing. I loved getting to know Victoria’s mom and the man who showed her what great love is. I loved everything about this book and audio.
When I read a Stephanie Rose book, I expect a swoony, slightly alpha hero. It’s her special talent. She makes the guys in her book completely irresistible. What I wasn’t expecting was for her to make me fall completely in love with her heroine.
Yes, Sara has bristly. She has rough edges, she’s prickly sometimes. But she has her reasons. She’s been hurt a lot, she’s been unloved for so long, and she’s used to be hurt and left behind. But when you let her icy exterior thaw, she becomes thoughtful, caring, and downright lovable.
Drew describes her best. He calls her “my fire and ice.” That is totally Sara.
The journey that Sara takes through this book is one of hard choices, ones I’m not sure I could make. I love that she will do anything she possibly can to do what she can, to make her life better. I love the courage and the fortitude she has.
“No one needs to rescue me.” – Sara
And it’s true. She doesn’t need rescuing, she doesn’t need saving. She is her own hero. Luckily, Drew is able to see the side of Sara that she guards so fiercely.
I loved everything in this book. The slow burn, the sexiness, the heart aches, the happiness, the smiles. It was truly Stephanie Rose at her finest. She writes romances that stick with you, that make you want more. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
“There’s no me without you.” – Drew
This story is a standalone novel, interconnected with Rewrite. You can read it as a standalone, but you’ll much appreciate it, if you read Rewrite before. This story began where Rewrite ended. Sara wasn’t a good character in Rewrite and I was a little worried to read her story. In fact, we discover how strong, honest, protective and a truly great mom she is. Little Victoria is so cute. Drew is a wonderful character, so mature and protective with Sara and Victoria. I also loved to read more about Josh and Brianna’s story. This story is beautifully written. The narration was well done and easy to listen. Inés de Castillo’s voice fits perfectly the character. Joseph Discher’s voice is really beautiful. I have read/listen this story.
Great story about a second chance romance. He is dedicated to helping everyone and putting them first. She is pursuing the opportunity they both agreed on but takes her away from him. Great passionate story from a new to me author. I truly enjoyed the characters and the style of the author. It was a sweet and refreshing story, Once again communication or lack there of got in the way. When alls said and done it was great and I will definitely enjoy this author again.
Romantic read
Drew was an amazing character. Drew was so full of life and happiness. Victoria was a lucky little girl to have so many people to love her and care for her. Sara was a wonderful character, her priorities in life were mapped out. She wasn’t afraid to try to make a better life for her and victoria.
I think I’ve found a new book boyfriend in Drew Kostas. Seriously, this guy is super swoony. So romantic, sweet, tender, loving…….and seeing the patience and care he took with getting to know Sara…..how could you not fall for him?
I just enjoyed this story so much……and Sara & Drew were amazing together. She drove me nuts at times with her reluctance to letting Drew into her heart, but knowing about how she was raised, you can totally understand why she was that way. But, once she made that call to Drew on a snowy evening……all bets were off.
One of my favorite tropes is single parent books, I can’t help it, but those kids just give something extra to a story line. Imagine my pleasure getting Simmer between my hands, finding out it is about a single mother and the discovering a new and exciting plot, that I have never seen before… Good times, I tell ya.
Sara had to drop out of culinary school when she got pregnant from a one night stand. At thirty two, after nine years, she finally finds a way to go back to college to finish up her last year in pursuit of an easier life for herself and her daughter.
She is not planning to do anything but study and work, focused only on her end goal, getting a job and a better place for her tiny family.
Drew is a twenty five year old, happy go lucky guy finishing up his masters. Everything on the right track pointing towards a promising career in IT.
Sara and Drew meet and all plans are up in the air…
I enjoyed this book immensely. As I said, I have never seen this particular plot before. And in the world of self publishing, where a mass of books are released every week, this is quite exciting.
The story line was great, the characters compelling and the writing flawless.
Stephanie Rose is new to me, but I will definitely be browsing her back catalog.
5 Slow Burn Stars!!!
I absolutely LOVED this book so much…there were moments I cried like a baby mostly when Sara was talking about or being with Victoria as I can appreciate how she was feeling raising her daughter on her own as I’m an only child of a single parent. And her anger/jealousy over Josh and Brianna was very valid. Ms. Rose did a great job of showing their newly formed “family” and how it all works.
The slow burn between Sara and Drew was awesome and I loved how she made him work for it. I will say that I did get a little frustrated with her and how often she brought up their age difference or “saddling” him with a ready made family. He’s a grown ass man he knows what he wants!!
Sara’s parents were not my favorite people given how they treated Sara when she was pregnant with her beautiful and sweet Victoria. However, we get some history on their lives that sheds a new light…almost redeeming themselves in my eyes…but not entirely.
And oh my stars there’s a surprise at the end that made me absolutely GIDDY!! I’m not going to ruin it but all I have to say is EEEEPPPPPP!!!!
Make sure you pick this one up because it’s an absolute fabulous book and you’ll love every minute of this story!!!
if you’re looking for a slow burn romance, Simmer is exactly that. Stephanie Rose gives us Sara Caldwell, a hot 30 something mom who is devoted to raising her daughter. Wanting to offer Victoria a better life, she decides to return to school to make something more of her future. That’s when she meets Drew Kostas, Mr. YoungMcHottie who captures her heart. He is FINE!! Although she resists at first, Sara can’t seem to get him out of her mind. How could you?!!
Simmer is a great love story and the heat between Sara and Drew grows from a simmer to a full on boil!! Stephanie Rose gave us a sweet romance with a dash of angst!!
Simmer is a swoon worthy second chance at love and life story that completely captivated me. Awesome writing and great, relatable characters made this book a winner!!
What an amazing must read 5 star story this was. I was anxiously waiting for it and I was far from being disappointed. It was everything I thought it was going to be and so much more.
Sara is raising her daughter the best way she can, when an opportunity arises she makes the decision to go for it. It will ensure a better future for her daughter and her. What she didn’t expect is to find a great caring man like Drew who will accept her daughter and love her too.
I really enjoyed this amazingly written story about families that are reconstructed with the modern day. One that can make it actually work. This author really puts a positive spin on that, which I loved very much. Some of these characters were first introduced in Rewrite but rest assured, Simmer can safely be read as a standalone. It was an addicting story that consumed me from the first page read to the very last one.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. For better enjoyment read Rewrite first.
Sara gets pregnant on a one night stand and then her family kicks her out. She is all alone and pregnant. For 9 years she was on her own working tons of jobs struggling to pay bills and raise her daughter Victoria. Josh Victoria’s father finds them and wants to be involved in his daughters life. Sara has a hard time trusting he will stick around cause it’s always just been her. But his girlfriend and him offers her an opportunity she can’t pass up. To take Victoria for a year so she can go to culinary college for the internship she was accepted Into. Focusing on graduating so she can make a better life for her and Victoria she never expects to fall for anyone. But Drew manages to break down all her walls and win her friendship than her love. I love how Victoria’s dad wants and stays involved in her life and helps Sara out. Sara has a lot of troubles asking and accepting help because it’s always been her. But she learns she has others in her life that love her and want to take care of her. Drew is amazing. Taking his time and showing he won’t go any where and nothing with stop him from getting his girl.
Was given arc from author.
Simmer is the story of Sara and Drew. If you read Rewrite, you will remember that Sara was the mother to Josh’s daughter. Sara wasn’t very nice in Rewrite, so I didn’t really like her very much. We get a better idea of who she is in Simmer and now I understand her better. She had a crappy childhood and her family didn’t want anything to do with her when she ended up single and pregnant. She raised her daughter on her own for 8 years. Often working more than one job just to make ends meet. Needless to say, Sara struggled to do the best she could for her daughter. She gets the opportunity of a life time to finish school and have her daughters father keep her while she does. At school she meets a younger man, Drew. Drew was interested in Sara at first sight. It took a lot of effort on his part to get Sara to be his friend. Drew is a good guy and knows what he wants. He is a great friend to Sara, but can he get her to go past that friendship level? I really enjoyed this story and loved seeing Sara grow. She’s no longer that witchy, spiteful woman she was in Rewrite. The writing is wonderful. I will definitely be recommending this book to all my reading buddies.
Amazing story. It’s sweet, sexy and heartwarming. It will pull at your heartstrings from the beginning as it takes you through an emotional ride. I loved the characters. I loved the connection and chemistry between the characters is sizzling and steamy. I enjoyed reading about their journey.
4.5 Stars
Taste and Savor Love!
Simmer is a love story about redemption. It is about transforming your life and opening your heart to the possibility of love. Knowing and accepting your worthiness, even as self doubt tries to pull you under in its wake. Love is fluid. Continuously flowing and evolving. Especially, the love of self. Although, unconditional love is an exceptional and wondrous adventure all its own.
Sara is a loving mother. She is fierce and determined, yet unsure of herself. Her path is one of self discovery. That saying “no man is an island” rings true. Although she is used to doing everything on her own, her circumstances are changing. She yearns for connection, friendship, and acceptance.
Drew is smart, funny, charming, and kind. He is finishing graduate school and approaching a new chapter in his life. His plans for the future shift as his connection to Sara grows. His gentle yet persistent pursuit of Sara is sweet, swoony, and sexy!
Mrs. Rose forges a brilliant story between two captivating and compelling characters. Infused with determination, persistence, bravery, connection, friendship, kindness, empathy, and passion. Melded into the most tantilizing, delectable recipe for love! Intoxicating. Hearty and satisfying. This is definitely the first of many reads by this author that I plan to experience. Looking forward to many more.
Simmer was such a beautiful story of friendship, love and redemption. The chemistry between Sara and Drew was so raw and real. This was my first Stephanie Rose book, but I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of her work. Highly recommend!